Posted in South East Asia on January 11, 2012

If you’re planning a trip to Southeast Asia you’re in for a real treat. The region is jam-packed with beautiful scenery, breathtaking culture and friendly people, not to mention so many things to do and see that you’ll make yourself dizzy just thinking about it! No doubt you’re in the midst of booking Malaysian hotels and Thai jungle tours, so we’ve made it easy for you and created a list of five must-have experiences in Southeast Asia. We’ve made sure the list features activities that take in culture, nature and good old relaxation, so you’ll be able to make the most of beautiful Southeast Asia.

Ha-Long Bay Vietnam

If you’re looking for a beach to relax on, they don’t come any more breathtakingly beautiful than Ha Long Bay, in Vietnam. The name means ‘descending dragon’, and it’s easy enough to picture that very situation in this fantasy-esque location. Looking like something out of a J.R.R Tolkein novel and attracting millions of tourists each year, Ha Long Bay is nature at its very best. Just seeing the majesty of the rock formations rising up from the impossibly blue water will leave you speechless, but a boat tour around the islands? – perfection.

Night Bazaar in Chiang Mai

If you’re looking for an authentic Southeast Asian experience, hitting up a market and haggling over goods is one way to immerse yourself in the more modern side of the culture. As far as markets go, the Night Bazaar in Chiang Mai is one of the best, with many of the handicrafts being made in the region, meaning you’ll get the best quality and the best value. The feel of the markets; the way they smell, sound and look—all of this is an essential experience and one not to be missed.

Northern Thai Jungle Region

Southeast Asia has its fair share of jungles, and these areas are some of the most exotic and interesting parts of the landscape. If you’re going to try and get out in the jungle during your trip, we can’t think of a better way to do it than on the back of your very own elephant! Take a trip through the Northern Thai jungle on elephant-back, and horseback will never sound exciting or romantic to you again!

The Perfume Pagoda in Vietnam

When it comes to Southeast Asian culture, the temple is an important and pervasive symbol. The region is littered with temples from many different faiths and belief systems, but one of the most impressive (and most spiritual) is the Perfume Pagoda, located far out in the wilderness and requiring quite a trek to get to.

It’s worth it once you are there in this ancient structure, however, and whatever you believe, you’ll feel pretty darn sacred by the time you leave. Getting to and from the Perfume Pagoda is usually best on a tour, which can easily be organised through your Vietnam hotel.

Full Moon Party at Ko Phangan

Southeast Asia has diversified its tourist offering in the last few decades, realising the value of catering to young backpackers. As such, many Southeast Asian countries throw wild parties all year-round, but the most famous of these has to be the Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan. Started by hippies in the 70’s the Full Moon Party now has legendary status all over the world as one of the best parties you’ll never remember.