7 Great Reasons to Travel to Southeast Asia

Are you looking for an excuse to book your next trip? Then look no further! We have seven great reasons why traveling to this gorgeous corner of the globe should be at the very top of your wanderlust wish list… So find out why you need to travel to Southeast Asia!

Great Reason #1: Because You Feel the Need for Speed

Singapore is no sleepy outpost. In fact, if you’re looking for speeding supercars, rapid-fire games of tennis, or the world’s greatest rugby giants screaming for their lives, Singapore is for you. You can get your adrenaline kicks during the thrills and spills of Formula 1, the WTA Finals, or the HSBC World Rugby Sevens—because they’re all held in Singapore.

Great Reason #2: Because You Like Your Soup Served Sweet

Sweet soup? Sounds a little crazy, right? But in Vietnam, sweet soup is one of the most delicious ways to stay cool and refreshed in the summertime. Take your taste buds on a truly amazing culinary adventure and tuck into a cup of sweet che dua non thach la dua (young coconut and pandan jelly sweet soup) or che knuc bach (a sweet pudding soup made with fresh fruit). Plain old tomato soup or chicken noodles will never be the same again.

Great Reason #3: Because You Love Spain

Spain? Hold on a second, I thought we were talking about Asia. Well, we are… The Philippines is Asia’s only former Spanish colony and as a result, the gorgeous Manila neighborhood of Intramuros is simply overflowing with Spanish charm. With its leafy streets and colonial architecture, this part of the city seems to slumber peacefully in the past. While you’re there, take the opportunity to soak up the architectural grandeur of Fort Santiago and San Agustin Church.

Great Reason #4: Because You Like to Bag Some Bargain Bling

Thailand is known across the globe for the quality and competitive prices of its precious and semi-precious colored stones, so it’s a great place to bag some bargain upmarket bling. Fine-tune your negotiation skills (negotiation is expected in Thailand) and make your way to the Jewelry Trade Center in Bangkok’s Silom district or The Gems Gallery in Phuket Town. And if you’d like a custom-made piece, pay a visit early on in your trip and pick it up towards the end of your journey.

Great Reason #5: Because You Want Your Spine to Tingle

There’s no other way of saying it: Angkor Wat is the heart and soul of Cambodia—and your spine will not fail to tingle the moment you set eyes on it. Built in the first half of the 12th century by King Suryavarman II, this sprawling architectural wonder is overflowing with symbolism. It was designed to resemble a miniature replica of the universe in stone, so there’s understandably a lot to see. Make sure you don’t miss the ‘Heaven and Hell’ bas-relief in the south gallery, which displays the punishments and rewards of the 37 heavens and 32 hells; or the ‘Battle of the Gods and the Demons’ bas-relief in the north gallery, which shows Shiva riding a sacred goose.

Great Reason #6: Because You Like to Party the Night Away

Enjoying a cool drink in a beach bar as the sun melts into the sea is a no-brainer, but if you want to sample Bali nightlife at its best, head out after midnight. The island has been a hot spot for hippies and surfers from across the globe for decades now, so to say it knows how to put on a party is something of an understatement! There are endless options, depending on your own personal party style. Head to Seminyak to check out international DJs in the coolest clubs or to Kuta to hear dance music and meet the island’s wildest party animals. And the really great news? The island doesn’t have any enforced closing times, so you’ll probably see a glorious sunrise too.

Great Reason #7: Because You Like to Make New Friends

When it comes to travel, the friendliness of the locals can make or break a trip. When you travel to Southeast Asia, you will realize the region is famous for its friendly locals. Thailand is known as the ‘Land of Smiles’ and a recent poll by Forbes named Singapore the 14th friendliest country in the world, Malaysia the 10th, and the Philippines the seventh. An international poll of ex-pats from 188 countries across the globe named Vietnam the ninth friendliest country in the world and Cambodia the fourth. So what on earth are you waiting for? Southeast Asia—and your newest group of friends—are waiting for you!

SOUTHEAST ASIA WITH INDUS TRAVELS

Do you dream of gazing at the breathtaking beauty of Angkor Wat at sunrise? Walking barefoot along a tranquil Thai beach? Coming face-to-face with the friendly tribes of Borneo? Sampling some incredible cuisine in Manilla? Or soaking up a stunning sunset from a Bali beach? Yes? Then come with us and travel to Southeast Asia! Not only will you have the experience of a lifetime, but you can save up to $700 off one of our incredible tours in the process.

To find out more about our Southeast Asia tours, please feel free to contact us at any time with your questions.

About the Writer: Vickie Sam Paget

Vickie is a freelance writer and editor based in Vancouver, BC. When she’s not creating dynamic travel or tech content, globetrotting or gazing at the North Shore Mountains, you can usually find her curled up with a good book or sipping a pint of the good stuff in her local Irish bar.