Why Southeast Asia?

Exotic, yet accessible - Southeast Asia is one of the world's fastest-growing travel destinations, home to veteran tourism sites like Thailand and newcomers like East Timor. Visitors can sprawl on idyllic beaches or set out on adventure treks in the mountains.

Beautiful gilded temples, world-class white sand beaches, stunning-ancient ruins and fantastic adventure oportunities are just some of what Southeast Asia has to offer. One day you can be lounging at a 5-star resort, and the next you can be trekking through the jungle to a hilltribe village.

There are as many unbelievably affordable lodging, dining and shopping options as there are upscale resorts and ultra-chic boutiques.

Above all, Southeast Asia welcomes tourists with generous and hospitable locals. Here are some of our favorite things about Southeast Asia:

Luxurious beach resorts
Perhaps the greatest asset in Southeast Asia is its sandy beaches and resort communities. Surfers flock to Indonesia and the Philippines for the breakers while swimmers and sunbathers are better served by the sheltered waters of Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. You'll find bustling beaches with ample facilities along with remote stretches of sand where you have the view to yourself.
Mekong River
This powerful body of water is a key player in Southeast Asia, touching several countries before it empties into the sea. It's an artery of trade and culture that has served the region for centuries. You can book Mekong River cruises that start in Thailand and disembark in Laos or even China. Along the way, you'll catch a candid glimpse of provincial life carrying on as it has for centuries.
Jungle Trekking
Trekking is a well-catered adventure sport in the region. Avid hikers will find the most intriguing packages in Indonesia, Malaysia and Northern Thailand. Most of these excursions last from one to four days and take in a mixture of natural scenery and indigenous cultures. Hiking is often coupled with other activities like elephant riding, horseback riding or river rafting.
Colonial Architecture
Beginning in the 16th century, the entire Southeast Asian region was critical to the worldwide spice and silk trade. The Portuguese showed up first and developed port cities at Manila, Macau and throughout East Timor. The Dutch developed Malacca, the English focused on Singapore and the French invested in Laos and Vietnam. The colonial architecture in these destinations is a highlight of the regional tourism industry.
Viewing Exotic Wildlife
While deforestation has plagued portions of Southeast Asia, a few pristine tracts of jungle remain where wildlife can still be viewed. Orangutans are endangered but wildly popular, with several rehabilitation centers across the region. Rhinoceroses, komodo dragons, barking deer and jungle cats from panthers to house-cat sized wildcats can all be seen on guided safaris.
Hospitable Locals
In many cases, tourism is the major economic driver for countries in this region. Family and hospitality are integral to many native cultures throughout this part of the world, and visitors are sure to be well taken care of wherever they venture. In villages where the hotel infrastructure is less developed, locals may open their houses with homestay arrangements that give visitors the chance to get an inside look of local customs.
Incredible Nightlife
In contrast to the dense, jungle landscape and volcanic ranges that characterize the Southeast Asian backcountry, there are several cosmopolitan cities where visitors can take a break from adventure sports and indulge in late-night revelry. The best places to join the party are Manila, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Hong Kong and Macau. The latter destination boasts more than a dozen casinos where you can make or break your fortune.
Tantalizing Cuisine
Southeast Asian cuisine is a major draw card for visitors, and those who don't come with a few dishes in mind will certainly leave with several new favorites. Thailand and China serve some of the best-known cuisine, but there's much more beyond this. Spicy curries, delicious seafood and a range of dishes influenced by European recipes that worked into the mix during the colonial period are all available.