You’ve seen the reels and travel videos of the crystal clear waters in the Philippines islands, stunning volcanic hikes in Indonesia and endless foods to try in Thailand, and you’re inspired. If there is one place that has to make your travel bucket list, it is Southeast Asia. Whether you’re a city slicker looking to spend some time in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or Bangkok, or a nature lover hoping to explore the outdoors, Southeast Asia is a great place to start. Here are seven reasons why.
1. The people are friendly
When travelling to a new place, safety and ease of communication are key factors, especially if you are a novice traveller. Southeast Asian people are known for their hospitality and generally sunny disposition. In fact, Thailand and Vietnam are often referred to as ‘The Land of Smiles’ because of the people’s friendly nature. Being a foreigner in a new country can feel intimidating and a little disorientating at first, and a kind face can go a long way in making your trip. Though running into unpleasant characters may be unavoidable, especially if you travel solo, it is good to know that the chances of such encounters are slim.
2. It is cost-effective
For a newbie traveller, making the most of your travel might mean seeing places and having experiences at a fraction of the cost. Travelling in this part of the world is incredibly cost-friendly, regardless of where you come from. Depending on where you are going and where you plan on staying, the food, accommodation, and public transportation are significantly less than if you were to travel to the West. This makes it an ideal destination for students, backpackers, and solo travellers.
3. There is a variety of food to try
There are some places you travel to where food varieties can feel a little limited. It is great to try and venture into new types of dishes—after all, that is part of the joys of travel. However, when you are away from home for a long time, it is nice to have some home comforts every now and then.
Malaysia and Singapore are incredible countries for foodies. As multicultural nations, their food scene is highly influenced by cultures within and outside of the country. You’ll find almost anything from Japanese to Italian, Korean, Mexican, Mediterranean cuisine, and more. Many restaurants are also well adapted to foreign travellers with a more discerning palate.
4. Good weather all year round
Southeast Asia has mostly great weather all year round. For some, the winter and monsoon seasons may seem like an unsuitable time to travel here, but for others, it simply marks the beginning of surf season. So, if you’re up for a little ‘Hawaiian Rollercoaster Ride’ in this part of the globe, Bali, Philippines, and Malaysia are excellent contenders to catch a wave.
5. A chance to meet other solo travellers
Apart from being an incredible destination for tourists, Southeast Asia is known for drawing solo travellers from all over the globe, all year round. This makes it a great place to meet and get to know fellow travellers. Many who come here are often on a gap year, doing volunteer work, remote working, or gaining their diving licenses. It is not uncommon to run into a fellow globetrotter with whom you may share interests and stories.
If you are really adventurous, you can book a stay at a backpacker hostel or join a travel group so you can travel alongside others. (It is important always to spend time researching hostels and travel groups to ensure they are safe and legitimate.)
6. There are new places to discover
The endless landscapes and diverse communities make up Southeast Asia’s vibrant culture. Islands, rainforests, mountains, cities, towns, and more are constantly making their way on people’s bucket lists. With more places opening up to tourism in recent years, you might just find a beach town or city that you have never been to before.
Unlike many other places in the world, many parts of SEA still feel new and are constantly changing and progressing, creating plenty of room for discovery and rediscovery if you’ve visited some of these places before.
7. A great way to expand your horizons
If you want to learn about the world, read. If you want to learn about yourself, travel. There is so much history that makes SEA fascinating. Even big cities are often connected to the influences of the past through food, art, fashion, and more. The easiest way to gain perspective on people who are different from you is to go to that place. It helps you keep an open mind, extend compassion, and understand the world better each time you go somewhere new.
