Buzz
Southeast Asia is increasingly becoming a favorite tourist destination. Based on factors like cuisine, attractions, tourist activities, friendliness, and prices, Southeast Asian countries are ranked as follows:
Brunei
There isn't much to do in Brunei besides visiting a few mosques, taking a stroll around the capital (which takes a few hours), and of course, visiting the '1 Billion Barrel' monument erected to mark Brunei's milestone of exporting its one billionth barrel of oil. Ambuyat, one of Brunei's traditional dishes made from the trunk of the sago palm tree, is also worth trying.
Myanmar
Myanmar presents a pricey affair for solo travelers, with single room rates hitting exorbitant levels. Presently, Myanmar struggles to keep up with the tourism surge in neighboring countries. Moreover, occasional mysterious disappearances of personal belongings add to the challenge. The ancient city of Bagan, recognized as a remarkable cultural heritage site alongside Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Machu Picchu in Peru, is a must-visit when in Myanmar. Additionally, trying hot air ballooning here is a thrilling experience.
Malaysia
Most Exciting Tourist Activity: Scuba Diving. Malaysia boasts stunning scenery and incredibly friendly locals. Additionally, the food is delicious. However, the country lacks its own prominent beer brands, while Carlsberg is priced too high. You can explore Borneo, the third-largest island in the world, and joining a scuba diving tour is a great suggestion as Malaysia's underwater world is one of the best in Southeast Asia.
Singapore
Most Exciting Tourist Activity: Exploring Singapore is fascinating with its delicious food, lively atmosphere, safe and modern environment. Many tourists also enjoy watching the light show at the Artificial Garden with 18 super trees. This is certainly a great tourist spot if you have a lot of money to shop and entertain. If not, you can dine at outdoor food centers and order a $20 martini at Marina Bay Sands to admire the city. Don't be surprised if the carrot cake, a Singaporean specialty, doesn't contain a single piece of carrot inside.
Timor-Leste
East Timor, or Timor-Leste, has only recently been discovered as a tourist destination. It means you can wander from village to village like a celebrity because the locals have little interaction with tourists. Those who love diving should head to the capital Dili to satisfy their passion. This country offers some of the best diving spots in the world. Fried fish or shrimp with flavors ranging from Piri Piri to curry are also delicious.
Philippines
The Philippines offers a splendid blend of cultures from neighboring countries. Additionally, you'll sense hints of Europe, Spain, and American pop culture here. Palawan province is a must-visit. It's like a green dream with lakes and caves. Philippine cuisine is creatively crafted from European dishes, but the best is undoubtedly pork adobo. It's a blend of garlic, vinegar, soy sauce, and meat.
Vietnam
Vietnam is a fantastic travel destination, not only because it offers the world's best pho and bun cha but also because its landscape and culture vary along the slender S-shaped land. It's a paradise for street food lovers, fashionistas picking up tailor-made outfits in Hoi An, and history buffs. Riding a motorbike across the country and then selling it off whenever on the journey is a common practice for many travelers in Vietnam. And Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng, where friendly farmers wave as tourists ride through their lush green rice fields, is an unmissable destination in this country.
Laos
Laos is a strong contender in the Southeast Asian tourism rankings. Despite the curfew at 11 PM, tourists still have hundreds of things to enjoy in the alleys of Luang Prabang or strumming guitars on bamboo bridges surrounded by the world's most beautiful mountains. People here are overflowing with creativity for fun, bringing wonder to this country. Don't miss out on Don Det, one of the 4000 islands of the country, or riding a motorbike on the Bolaven Plateau where every turn is a stunning waterfall.
Indonesia
The vast Indonesian archipelago has hundreds of attractions for tourists. Whether you like orangutans, manta rays, hiking, temple visits, or hot Australian babes, you can find it all here. What makes it even more enticing is that everything is super cheap. Don't forget to try climbing a volcano and Tempeh, a fermented soybean cake similar to Japanese Tofu.
Thailand
Thailand is the perfect place to get a tattoo that you'll be happy with until old age and stunning beaches. Moreover, it's a paradise of spicy, hot foods priced under $1 that you should try them all. The town of Pai is a must-visit, it's a hippie haven with waterfalls cascading into the emerald green waters of the lake.
Cambodia
Cambodia is famous for the ancient civilization of Angkor Wat, where you can witness breathtaking scenes like in the movie “Indiana Jones and the Legend of the Lost Ark”. It's also the land of $0.5 beers, of turquoise and pristine waters as if you could see through them and friendly faces as you stroll down the streets. Don't overlook the chance to visit Bayon Temple and try Cambodia's luk lak beef dish.
