South East Asia — Tour Highlights and Travel Tips
On a tour to South East Asia, its sights and sounds are sure to leave you spellbound. From the gentle lapping of waves on tropical beaches to the towering megacities — spectacular sights and joyful locals will make any holiday to South East Asia one you’ll remember for years to come.
Tour Highlights
- Float silently above the temples of the UNESCO-listed Angkor Wat complex in a hot air balloon as dawn breaks in a riot of colors. Cambodia’s foremost attraction, the temples are a dazzling demonstration of artistic and religious devotion.
- Grab a guide and follow the trail to the summit of Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia’s highest peak at 4,100 m as it rises majestically out of the jungles of Sabah in northeastern Borneo.
- Explore the vibrant urban life and ornate street shrines of Bangkok as you take in the magnificent sights of the Grand Palace, former residence of the kings of Thailand, and the riverside temple of Wat Arun Ratchavararum.
- Seek out the neighborhood hawker centers of Singapore, where you can enjoy some of the freshest and tastiest cuisine the region has to offer — from spicy crab to the curries of Little India.
- Drift among the thousand islands of Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay, where the bare rock of the many grottoes and coves contrasts perfectly with the tree-topped isles, gentle waters, and traditional fishing villages
- Uncover the natural wonders of Indonesia’s Komodo and Flores Islands, where beneath the waves you’ll find a thriving world of colorful fish and above them you’ll find the famed Komodo dragons, the largest lizard in the world.
Travel Tips
- The best time to visit the bulk of South East Asia is between November and February, with December and January offering the driest days and coolest temperatures. March to May sees temperatures begin to rise, while from June to October the region is hit by tropical rains
- Make sure to agree the cost of a taxi before you settle down in the back seats, otherwise you could end up facing a long argument with the driver at your destination, alongside a hefty and unfair charge
- Pack a shawl or sarong to help cover up when entering religious buildings like temples or mosques, they can be wrapped around the shoulders, head, or legs for modesty, and are also useful during cooler evenings
- While freshly prepared and piping hot street food is perfectly safe to eat, avoiding drinking anything but bottled water where you can see the seal is unbroken, or invest in a reusable bottle with an inbuilt filter.
- Try and match your travel dates with local festivals. South East Asia boasts many incredible celebrations throughout the calendar, from Chinese New Year to Diwali that show these countries at their laid-back best.