While planning our 6 month trip to Southeast Asia in 2015 we did some homework to help us decide which countries to visit. Southeast Asia is a diverse region consisting of 11 countries. Each country in Southeast Asia offers its own blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making the region a fascinating destination to explore.
Below is a brief outline of the countries and in further blogs we’ll share details of the ones we visited.
- Brunei: A small but wealthy country known for its oil resources and Islamic heritage.
- Cambodia: Home to the famous Angkor Wat temple complex, Cambodia has a rich history and is recovering from the Khmer Rouge era.
- East Timor (Timor-Leste): The newest country in Southeast Asia, known for its struggles for independence and natural beauty.
- Indonesia: The largest country in Southeast Asia famous for its thousands of islands, diverse culture, and natural wonders like Bali and Komodo Island.
- Laos: A landlocked country known for its mountainous terrain, Buddhist monasteries, and French colonial architecture.
- Malaysia: A multicultural country with Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous influences, known for its beautiful beaches, and rainforests.
- Myanmar (Burma): Rich in culture and history, Myanmar is famous for attractions like Bagan’s ancient temples however the country continues to be embroiled in civil unrest.
- Philippines: An archipelago of over 7,000 islands, known for its stunning beaches, lively cities, and rich biodiversity.
- Singapore: A modern, prosperous city-state known for its efficient infrastructure, multicultural society, and booming economy.
- Thailand: Famous for its bustling cities, ancient temples, delicious cuisine, and picturesque beaches, Thailand is a very popular tourist destination.
- Vietnam: Known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, delicious cuisine, and vibrant cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
