Top 9 Southeast Asian Escapes for Your Ultimate Year-End Getaway in 2016

St. Augustine once said, “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” So, don't hesitate to embark on adventures, pack your bags, and make 2016 a year to remember!

Top 9 Southeast Asian Escapes for Your Ultimate Year-End Getaway in 2016

Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem Islands, Cambodia

If you've ever dreamed of a destination with pristine beaches, wooden walkways stretching into the sea, quaint houses nestled among trees, hidden behind foliage, or swings overlooking the ocean, then head straight to Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem Islands in Cambodia.

Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem are two islands located in the Gulf of Thailand, just over 20 km from the coastal city of Sihanoukville. Known for their enchanting and tranquil beauty, these islands are the perfect getaway to enjoy the fresh air and serenity after the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Penang, Malaysia

If you're someone who cherishes tranquility, enjoys strolling through ancient streets, then the city of Penang in Malaysia is a destination for you. Nestled along the Malacca Strait, Penang offers not only stunning coastal scenery and mesmerizing islands but also a captivating cultural heritage.

In the gentle, unhurried atmosphere of this city, you can wander through the historic streets of Georgetown adorned with creative street art, traditional shops, unique temples, or sample the distinctive street food stalls. Penang has everything you need for a leisurely, relaxing exploration.

Vang Vieng, Laos

Located approximately 150km from the capital Vientiane of Laos, the quaint town of Vang Vieng sits nestled amidst lush green mountains. Known for its tranquil countryside with refreshing, cool climate, it's also a popular tourist destination in the beautiful country of Laos. Despite lacking magnificent architectural wonders, modern resorts, or expansive stone-paved roads, Vang Vieng attracts a huge number of tourists annually, far exceeding the local population of 50,000.

With its ideal geographical setting – backed by mountains and facing the Nam Song River, the town of Vang Vieng is known as a peaceful countryside alongside the Nam Song River. This small town combines rugged simplicity with extreme tranquility.

Bali, Indonesia

With its stunning natural landscapes, coastal climate, and distinctive culture, Bali has long been dubbed the “tropical paradise” and is a must-visit destination for every travel enthusiast. The allure of Bali comes from its beautiful beaches, terraced rice fields, or lush tropical forests that create unparalleled scenery on the island.

Furthermore, with the title of the land of temples, Bali boasts about 20,000 temples large and small. When visiting, don't miss out on Uluwatu Temple and Tanah Lot Temple – these are considered the most beautiful temples in Bali, both perched on cliffs overlooking the sea, favored by tourists for their unique geographical locations.

Mandalay, Myanmar

Not far from Bagan and just a 30-minute flight away is Mandalay. It's a chaotic city, filled with dust and bustle everywhere, yet when you leave the bustling city center to visit other magnificent architectural landmarks, you will truly understand the beauty of a land that was once the ancient capital of the golden land. The most notable is the Ubein Bridge, resembling a painting in the ancient village of Amarapura (considered the longest teakwood bridge in the world), a place with the most spectacular sunset scenery in the world.

Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

Contrary to what one might imagine about a bustling Malaysia, Cameron Highlands presents an entirely different image of Malaysia, one of tranquility, nature, and grandeur.

Cameron is the largest resort area in Malaysia, home to tea plantations, strawberries, and rolling hills blanketed in lush green grass. Cameron Highlands enjoys a cool climate, with refreshing morning mist and golden sunlight in the evenings. Here, you can not only escape the hustle and bustle of busy life and breathe the highland air but also feast your eyes on the captivating tea hills, verdant landscapes, resembling a beautiful painting with varying shades.

Singapore

Singapore is a beautiful island nation with modern architecture blending vibrant Eastern and Western cultures, where you can comfortably wander alone yet always feel safe.

Tourists visiting Singapore not only come for shopping but also explore many other interesting landmarks. The most prominent destinations in Singapore include: Little India, Orchard Road, Sentosa Island, Chinatown, the Flyer Ferris Wheel, Marina Bay Sands, Jurong Bird Park… Additionally, Singapore offers many special discounts, especially during the year-end, on fashion and technology items.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Known as the “Rose of the North” in Thailand, Chiang Mai is an unmissable destination for those who love exploring natural beauty, want to learn about the traditional culture of hill tribes, as well as an ideal destination for solo travelers. There are plenty of interesting things you can do when traveling to Chiang Mai, from visiting unique temples, participating in impressive festivals, to enjoying delicious dishes with special flavors...

Boracay Island, Philippines

Despite being one of the smallest islands in the Philippines, Boracay is the most beautiful and alluring island with soft, powdery white sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters lapping against the shore. It's a must-visit destination in Southeast Asia in travel guides and on travel websites. With its radiant beauty, Boracay is likened to a gem in the sea. Boracay has everything you could expect from: world-class international cuisine, 5-star hotels, and vibrant nightlife activities.

Lam Island

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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide