Things to Do in Southeast Asia

About Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia moves at its own speed, and you'll feel it the moment you arrive. Ancient temples push through jungle canopy while floating markets start their trade at dawn—quiet, efficient, constant. Monks in saffron robes walk the streets collecting alms. Tuk-tuks squeeze through alleyways. The smell of lemongrass and incense follows you everywhere. Rice terraces step down mountainsides in green rows that stretch for miles. The beaches are clean. The water is warm and clear. You won't find crowds at every turn, but you'll find plenty of places worth your time. Eat with a local family in their wooden home above the ground. Trek to waterfalls most tourists don't reach. Watch the markets work before sunrise when the light is still gray and the vendors are setting up their first stacks of fruit and fish. This region works on you slowly. You'll walk slower after a week. You'll talk to more strangers. The pace here forces you to adjust—and most people don't mind the change.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Download Grab app for reliable ride-hailing across major cities. Book overnight buses through reputable companies like Sinh Tourist or The Sinh Cafe. For island hopping, use 12Go.asia to compare ferry times and prices. Always keep your passport for domestic flights.

Money: Withdraw cash from ATMs affiliated with major banks (avoid standalone machines). Notify your bank of travel dates. Keep small denominations for street food and temples. Budget $30-50/day for mid-range travel, excluding flights and accommodation.

Cultural Respect: Remove shoes before entering temples and homes. Dress modestly covering shoulders and knees at religious sites. Never point feet toward Buddha statues or people. Learn basic greetings in local languages and always smile when greeting elders.

Food Safety: Eat where locals eat and choose busy stalls with high turnover. Avoid tap water, ice in rural areas, and pre-cut fruits from street vendors. Stick to hot, freshly cooked meals. Carry probiotics and rehydration salts for stomach adjustments.

When to Visit

Southeast Asia's tropical climate varies significantly by region and season. November through March offers the most favorable conditions region-wide, with temperatures ranging 75-85°F (24-29°C) and minimal rainfall (1-3 inches monthly). This peak season sees accommodation prices increase 40-60%, but delivers sunny skies perfect for beach activities and temple exploration. April and May bring intense heat (85-95°F/29-35°C) with high humidity, making it ideal for mountain destinations like northern Thailand or Vietnam's Sapa region. The monsoon season (June-October) divides into wet and dry zones: while Thailand's west coast receives heavy rainfall (8-12 inches monthly), the east coast and Cambodia remain relatively dry. Budget travelers benefit from 30-50% lower prices during shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October). Key festivals include Thailand's Songkran (April 13-15), Vietnam's Tet (late January-February), and Indonesia's Nyepi (March). December-January suits families and first-time visitors seeking predictable weather, while experienced travelers might prefer June-August for fewer crowds and authentic cultural experiences. Beach lovers should target November-March for the Andaman Sea, but May-September for Vietnam's central coast.