Always a cacophony of noise, a flurry of activity, and a parade of fragrances, you can count on Southeast Asia travel to evoke the senses. The “why” behind Southeast Asia travel—ornate temples, the best street food on the planet, sublime beaches, jaw-dropping peaks, ancient ruins, fascinating culture, and warm hospitality—is obvious. The more challenging task? Whiling down “the where.” 

It is both a blessing and a curse that Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, and Indonesia brim with iconic ruins, religious architecture, and natural wonders.  In this Southeast Asia Travel Guide, we break it all down by country while offering advice on where to go, the best hotels, combinable destinations, and easy extensions.  

Must-Visit Southeast Asia Travel Destinations

Thailand

Phang Nga Bay

Famous for sun-bathed beaches, a mountainous jungle north, and a cosmopolitan capital, Thailand is Southeast Asia’s most-visited country. Travelers will set their tastebuds ablaze with sizzling street food, experience contemplative moments in extraordinary Buddhist temples, and enjoy the warmth of smiley Thai hospitality. An easygoing destination with good travel infrastructure and dreamy luxury accommodations, Thailand is a crowd-pleaser that will appeal to Asia first timers, the adventure-set, and those who just want to unwind with a massage on a sugar-fine sand beach.  

Where to Go in Thailand 

A common way to travel Thailand is to arrive via Bangkok, travel north to Chiang Mai, and end on its southern Andaman beaches. However, if you have the time and curiosity, there are some true gems that offer a more secluded, off-the-beaten path experience.  

Phuket and Krabi are Thailand’s most famous beach destinations, but Koh Yao Noi and Koh Lanta offer opportunities for less crowded, barefoot luxury. Khao Sok National Park is one of the best things to do in Thailand for those who want to immerse themselves in jungle hiking and canoeing.  

In the Gulf of Thailand, the north end of Koh Samui island serves as a luxury base camp for a private day trip to the pristine, uninhabited islands of Ang Thong National Marine Park

While some travelers consider Central Thailand a fly-over, we invite you to walk back in time at Sukhothai where crumbling stone ruins nod to the area’s tenure as Thailand’s first capital. Central Thailand is also home to some very memorable lodgings. When calling on The Bridge over River Kwai, FloatHouse River Kwai will have you slumbering at the river’s edge, and the modern MUTHY MAYA Forest Pool Villa Resort ensconces you in the Thai woodland on the doorstep of Khao Yai National Park.  

Chiang Mai is a perennial Thailand travel darling, but if you venture north to The Golden Triangle you’ll shirk the crowds. Visit Chiang Rai to tour Wat Rong Khun, the White Temple, a surrealist temple created by Buddhist artist Chalermchai Kositpipat that is simply unlike any other in Thailand. You might also enrich your trip with an ethical elephant encounter. Spend a memorable night in a Jungle Bubble suite for an armchair elephant watching.  

Thailand Travel Highlights 

  • Discover a blend of tradition and modernity in Thailand’s capital city of Bangkok, exploring a maze of buzzing streets, colorful markets, and serene temples.
  • Head north to Chiang Mai’s rolling green hills for hiking, cycling, and ethical elephant encounters.
  • Stay at a stunning tented camp in the northern Golden Triangle region, where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet.
  • Learn about Thailand’s WWII history from a local guide in Kanchanaburi, visiting the infamous Bridge over the River Kwai.
  • Cycle through the ruins of Sukhothai, the country’s ancient capital city and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Get off the beaten track in Khao Yai National Park and keep your eyes peeled for wild elephants.
  • Immerse yourself in the ancient rainforest of Khao Sok National Park, trekking along lush jungle trails to hidden waterfalls.
  • Dine in the treetops in an elevated bamboo pod on the island of Koh Kood where dinner is delivered via zipline.
  • Decompress on the Andaman Coast with languid days on palm-strewn beaches.
  • Check into a secluded villa on Koh Samui, where you can snorkel, kayak, and island-hop.

When to Go to Thailand 

Although it’s a year-round travel destination, the best time to travel Thailand is from November to April during the dry season. You’ll enjoy less rainfall and sunnier days, allowing you to make the most of Thailand’s superb outdoor activities. May to October brings heavy rains and higher humidity to Thailand, sometimes making travel more challenging, but with a payoff of lush landscapes and fewer crowds. 

Our Favorite Thailand Luxury Hotels

Six Senses Yao Noi | Kiattipong Panchee
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Six Senses Yao Noi

Andaman Coast | Thailand

web_header_thailand_TheSiam_MainPool_L
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The Siam

Bangkok | Thailand

Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
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Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Andaman Coast | Thailand

Soneva Kiri Aerial
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Soneva Kiri

Gulf of Thailand | Thailand

Easy Extensions 

Bangkok is an international gateway for Southeast Asia and Asia more broadly. Daily flights connect the Thai capital to almost every large and mid-size city in the region.  

Easy extensions include Hanoi, Da Nang (central Vietnam), Ho Chi Minh City, Siem Reap,  Phnom Penh, Luang Prabang (northern Laos), and Pakse (southern Laos). For a Himalayan sojourn, there are direct connections to India, Bhutan, and Nepal.  

Cambodia

Image Credit: Amansara | Angkor Wat at sunset

Thailand’s neighbor to the east, Cambodia, is a treasure trove of ancient ruins, culture, history, and gracious hospitality, making it one of the top destinations in Southeast Asia. Beloved for Khmer history, jungle-wrapped crumbling Angkor ruins, talented artisans, tantalizing flavors, and a gripping modern history, Cambodia has a way of taking hold of your heart. Cambodia travel will appeal to adventurers, history-lovers, foodies, and those who want their travel dollars to be used as a force for good.  

Where to Go in Cambodia 

Cambodia travel is anchored by the town of Siem Reap, the charming gateway to Angkor Wat, and more broadly, the 70-plus temples that comprise Angkor Archeological Park.  

If you’re traveling during the hot, dry season we recommend spending some time adventuring in the wild throes of the Cardamom Mountains (staying at a luxury tented wilderness camp) and at the coast. Evoking the feeling of southern Thailand before it was globally popularized, Cambodia’s Koh Rong Archipelago offers a barefoot luxe beach experience. Our favorite property is tucked away on a private island within a protected marine reserve and features swoon-worthy overwater bungalows.  

While you won’t likely write poetry about Phnom Penh, visiting the Cambodian capital will contextualize the country’s troubled past. Tours of Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek are somber, but you’ll better understand the complexities of modern Cambodian society. You’ll also get to appreciate Indochine elegance, admiring architecture that harkens from an era when Cambodia was the “Pearl of the Mekong.”  

Cambodia Travel Highlights 

  • Visit the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor alongside an archeologist guide. You’ll also visit a secretive temple, far from the Angkor crowds, for a more contemplative ruins experience.
  • Board a wooden boat and cruise around Tonle Sap Lake, visiting traditional stilt villages and gleaning a glimpse of everyday life along the water.
  • Watch the tangerine sun set over green rice paddies from the terrace of your private stilted villa at Phum Baitang, a world unto itself just outside Siem Reap
  • Visit Tuol Sleng prison in Phnom Penh to learn about the Khmer Rouge and how the genocide tragically imprinted on Cambodian society and psyche.
  • Ride a zipline through the treetops to reach the magical tented property of Shinta Mani Wild in the remote rainforest.
  • Retreat to an overwater bungalow off the Cambodian coast and revel in sun-drenched beach days.   

When to Go to Cambodia 

While it’s considered a year-round travel destination, the best time to travel to Cambodia is from November to April, during the dry season. November through February is slightly cooler, so heat-averse travelers will find touring during these months more comfortable. March and April are hot, ideal for a visit to the Cambodian coast. If you plan to travel to the Cardamom Mountains, the wet season months will limit access to trails and roads; we advise visiting during the dry season for the best experience.  

Our Favorite Cambodia Hotels & Lodges  

Shinta Mani Wild courtesy of Shinta Mani Wild
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Shinta Mani Wild

Cardamom Mountains | Cambodia

Song Saa Private Island
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Song Saa Private Island Resort

Koh Rong Archipelago | Cambodia

Zannier Hotels Phum Baitang - Spa 2 - © Zannier Hotels
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Zannier Phum Baitang

Siem Reap | Cambodia

Raffles Hotel Le Royal
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Raffles Hotel Le Royal

Phnom Penh | Cambodia

Easy Extensions 

Although Cambodia handily stands as an itinerary unto itself, many travelers combine it with other top destinations in Southeast Asia. The Siem Reap international airport makes for easy connections to Bangkok and Phuket (Thailand); Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam); and Luang Prabang (Laos). You can also board the Aqua Mekong in Phnom Penh for a gentle cruise along the Mekong that brings you into Vietnam’s Mekong Delta. (The best way to experience the region in luxury, if you’re asking us!) 

Vietnam

Topas EcoLodge | Hoang Lien National Park

Jewel-tone lanterns, emerald rice paddies, crowds gathered round street food vendors, and junks sailing amid a sea of limestone, Vietnam has no shortage of iconic portraits. But it’s not just surface-level beauty. This 1,000-mile-long country is a layer cake of complexities, both ancient and modern with a stronger Sino influence than its neighbors. Travel in Vietnam can also be perspective-bending, from lessons in economic reform (Đổi Mới) and narratives about the American War shared by those who lived through it. A pick-your-own-adventure destination, start in one of Vietnam’s frenzied megacities, then dive into an active adventure, cruise the storied waterway of the Mekong Delta, or sample some the country’s dazzling beaches.  

Where to Go in Vietnam 

Many travelers, especially Vietnam first-timers, will travel the length of the country, from one end to the other. We prefer arriving in the south and traveling north, for a crescendo of experiences.  

Ho Chi Minh City—or, Saigon as it’s still commonly called—anchors the south. Not a classically “pretty” city, per se, it’s a great place to dig into modern Vietnam. Spend time in a bird cafe, visit a secret bunker, and sip iced coffee.  

An alternate starting point to a luxury Vietnam trip is the capital city of Hanoi, located in the far north. Home to a historic Old Quarter, Hanoi is the country’s cultural epicenter.  

UNESCO-designated Ha Long Bay inspires wanderlust among many Southeast Asia travelers. Located in northern Vietnam, limestone islands rise from an aquamarine sea. The area can become quite congested with large ships, so Extraordinary Journeys situates travelers on a superyacht or a traditional Chinese junk, in less-visited pockets for a more serene experience. If you are bold enough to accept a suggestion, a lovely alternative is Ninh Binh. Described as “Ha Long Bay on land,” this mystical riverine landscape is flanked by sheer limestone cliffs and rice paddies. 

Active travelers might consider pointing their compass to Sapa or Mai Chau, both located in northern Vietnam. Sapa is famous for emerald stepped rice paddies that invite trekkers to its hilly trails. Visit Red Dao and Black Hmong communities who have called these mountains home for centuries to learn about their way of life. Mai Chau is a less-traveled, more accessible alternative to Sapa. Enjoy walking, hiking, and cycling through bucolic fields and bamboo forests.  

Outdoorsy travelers might consider Phong Nha where a labyrinth cave system invites exploration—including the world’s largest: Son Doong. Day hikes and multi-night treks lead you to awe-inspiring caverns, evoking a sense of exploration and childlike wonder.  

Travelers who crave slow, immersive travel might cruise into the Mekong Delta. Visit riverside villages, pedal bucolic country roads, and sample produce both familiar and foreign at its morning markets—all from the comfort of the elegant Aqua Mekong small ship. However, cruising isn’t a prerequisite. Legacy Mekong Can Tho is a lovely, land-based lodge option.  

Hue, the seat of Vietnam’s imperial past, is often omitted from Vietnam travel itineraries, but we think that’s a mistake. Spend your days here on expert-guided tours of the city’s palaces, pagodas, and theaters, with a special private dining experience with a princess from the House of Nguyen—one of the best things to do in Vietnam

Thailand might be Southeast Asia’s beachy crown jewel, but Vietnam has some true pearls strung along its thousand-mile-long coast. Darling Hoi An marries lantern-lit charm with a nearby beach retreat. Zannier Bãi San Hô and Amanoi (south-central coast) are dream-worthy retreats. And while it requires a short flight to reach, Six Senses Con Dao is a heavenly escape on a small island adrift off the coast.  

Vietnam Travel Highlights 

  • Lose yourself on the French colonial streets of Hanoi, enjoying a cup of rich, sweet Vietnamese coffee, savoring bún chả at a hidden local spot, and touring the city’s heritage highlights with an art historian.
  • Cruise the waters of iconic Ha Long Bay on board a traditional, romantic private charter junk. 
  • Trek through the lush, mountainous Sapa or Mai Chau regions, visiting remote hill-tribe villages, winding your way through wildflower meadows and along rice terraces and red dirt roads, imbibing the peaceful rhythms of rural life. 
  • Learn the art of lantern making alongside a local family in Hoi An, then wander the enchanting streets of the Old Town. 
  • Weave through the waterways of the Mekong Delta’s technicolor floating markets in a traditional sampan boat. 
  • Zip through the frenetic streets of Ho Chi Minh City on the back of a scooter, stopping at art galleries and live music venues. 
  • Embark on an awe-inspiring caving expedition in Phong Nha
  • Slow down along the Vietnam Coast, whiling away the day on the pristine, sun-drenched beaches of Quy Nhon or Con Dao. 

When to Go to Vietnam 

While it’s a bona fide year-round destination, the best time to travel to Vietnam is from November to April in the northern and southern regions, while Central Vietnam is ideal from January to May. During these periods, you’ll enjoy drier weather and mild temperatures. 

Our Favorite Vietnam Hotels & Lodges

Zannier Hotels Phum Baitang - Spa 2 - © Zannier Hotels
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Zannier Phum Baitang

Siem Reap | Cambodia

Ben Richards
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Amanoi

The Vietnam Coast | Vietnam

Capella Hanoi
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Capella Hanoi

Hanoi | Vietnam

Eyes On Asia | © Six Senses
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Six Senses Con Dao Island

The Vietnam Coast | Vietnam

Easy Extensions 

Vietnam can be traveled on a standalone itinerary (south-to-north, northern Vietnam in-depth, with a Mekong Delta focus, or as an active adventure) or handily combined with extensions to other top destinations in Southeast Asia such as Luang Prabang and Siem Reap.  

Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are well connected to most notably sized cities in Southeast Asia. In central Vietnam, Da Nang Airport offers daily connections to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho (Mekong Delta), Siem Reap (Cambodia) and Bangkok (Thailand). 

Laos

Luang Prabang

Laos may be less frequently traveled than its neighbors, but its charms, laid-back ease, and spirituality count it among the must-visit Southeast Asian countries. What’s more, its reputation as an up-and-coming adventure destination—in combination with potholed roads that have been smoothed over by new highways and the arrival of a fast train—have prompted The New York Times to ask, “Is this the year Laos breaks through?”  

Laos attracts travelers who want to veer off the beaten path, into a dramatic karst landscapes, for whom “luxury” is not defined by marble and air conditioning. It’s a great option for Southeast Asia repeat travelers.  

Where to Go in Laos 

Landlocked Laos’s most-visited destination is remote Luang Prabang. Situated on a river peninsula within the Mekong, this UNESCO-designated town oozes with Indochine charm. It’s also the spiritual heart of Laos which travelers can experience when they admire its many winged wats (temples), by traveling upriver to the shrine-filled Pak Ou Caves, and while bearing witness to almsgiving at dawn. Enveloped by subtropical forest, the area is ideal for hiking to postcard-pretty waterfalls and through pastoral farmland.  

South of Luang Prabang is Vang Vieng, a hub for outdoor adventurers. Snug within a river valley framed by limestone cliffs, this small outpost is experiencing a quiet renaissance. Once a backpacker haunt overrun by its reputation for river tubing, it now beckons with gin-clear swimmable lagoons, hidden caves, cycling trails, and heartening village visits.  

Unlike Southeast Asia’s other frenzied capitals, Vientiane is laid-back—quiet, even. Frankly, it’s more of a logistical stopover, but there are enough landmarks and quirky attractions to occupy your attention for a day.   

To fade from the crowds entirely, look to Laos’ southwestern Champasak province. Carpeted by forested, undulating hills, the Mekong forms its eastern border. Cradled within this scenic stretch of river is 4,000 Islands. Home to waterfalls (“The Niagara of the Mekong”), sandy “beaches,” and historic vestiges that nod to the Indochine era, fall into the easygoing rhythm of the region. Nearby, the Bolaven Plateau’s fertile soils produce excellent coffee while harboring a jaw-dropping 650-foot twin waterfall and Khmer ruins that pre-date Angkor Wat.  

Laos Travel Highlights 

  • Visit a hidden temple in the UNESCO-designated city of Luang Prabang for a rare encounter with the resident monks, where you’ll learn the fundamentals of meditation.
  • Kayak down the Nam Song, or Song River, taking in the lush landscape of Vang Vieng and arriving at Tham None, one of the largest caves in the region.
  • Wander through the Xieng Khouan Buddha Park, a sculpture garden near Vientiane featuring work by an artist and mystic that highlights Hindu and Buddhist iconography.
  • Embark on an off-roading adventure across southern Laos’ rugged Bolaven Plateau, where you’ll take in the dramatic mountain scenery formed from an ancient super volcano, and visit a secluded waterfall.
  • Slow down with a visit to 4000 Islands, a constellation of islets that dot the Mekong River in the dry season. Go swimming, cycle past rice paddies and small villages, and take in the tumbling Liphi Waterfalls.
  • Sip on a cold local beer as you cruise the Mekong River on board the privately chartered Gypsy boat, winding through rural northern Laos. 

When to Go to Laos 

Like the other must-visit Southeast Asian countries in the region, the best time to travel to Laos is during the dry season which runs from November to April. Beyond these months, most of Laos becomes less accessible due to poor roads. However, it’s perfectly doable to visit Luang Prabang where forests are lush and crowds have thinned.  

Our Favorite Laos Luxury Hotels 

Sofitel Luang Prabang
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Rosewood Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang | Laos

Sofitel Luang Prabang
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Sofitel Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang | Laos

Riverside Boutique Resort Vang Vieng
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Riverside Boutique Resort

Vang Vieng | Laos

Sabaidee Valley Resort 2
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Sabaidee Valley Resort

4000 Islands & Bolaven Plateau | Laos

Easy Extensions 

Luang Prabang is well connected to most other hub cities in Southeast Asia. Direct flights to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Siem Reap, and Hanoi make Luang Prabang an easy stopover on a broader Southeast Asia travel itinerary. There is also a domestic connection to Pakse (southern Laos.)  

Another exciting combination sees travelers slow cruise into northern Thailand on the exclusive-use Gypsy river boat. It’s a multi-night journey through the snaking Mekong River that will thread you through some of the most remote and pristine terrain.   

Indonesia

Padar Island | Unsplash

Cradled by two oceans, Indonesia is a tapestry of islands, each with their own identity and tradition. A mosaic of flavors, terrains, religions, and wildlife, no two islands in the archipelago are alike (and there are some 17,000 of them!), representing the possibility of a lifetime of travel. Bali might be the substance of many Indo day dreams, but there a myriad of destinations and transformative experiences to draw your focus across this 3,200-mile-wide archipelago. Orangutans, Komodo dragons, and Borobudur’s archeological monuments are sure to coax you to stay a while. Indonesia will appeal to travelers who crave active adventures, ocean vistas, and secluded beaches underwritten by a medley of cultures.  

Where to Go in Indonesia 

Jakarta, on the main island of Java, will likely be your first introduction to Indonesia and if your itinerary has you island-hopping, you’ll become well acquainted with its airport. Tricky logistics tie Indonesia’s most popular islands together in a sort of hub-and-spoke model rather than a well-connected, circuitous network. Broadly speaking, our travelers don’t spend much time in the congested capital.  

Although Indonesia is predominantly Muslim, the world’s largest Buddhist monument is actually located in central Java. Yogyakarta is the gateway for visiting Borobudur, an archeological marvel that rivals the temples of Cambodia’s Angkor Wat and Bagan, Myanmar. 

Wildlife lovers will experience the singular joy of spying orangutans on wild Kalimantan, the Indonesia portion of Borneo. We elevate the experience by basing travelers on charter klotok river boats for the most comfortable experience (air conditioning and exclusivity) in this fragile environment. Across the archipelago, observe swaggering, fork-tongued Komodo dragons on Komodo Island. In addition to neighboring Rinca Island, they’re the only places where wild giant monitor lizards are found in the world.  

For many Indonesia travelers, the island of Bali is the siren’s call that inspires their trip. It’s a magical place where Hinduism mingles with saltwater boho vibes, wellness, emerald rice terraces, ornate, tiered temples, a deep-rooted surf scene, and thriving nightlife. To make the most of your time and to experience an authentic distillation of the island’s ethos, we skip the overrated and over touristed spots. We’ll still take you to Ubud, but we love the visit-worthy but less-crowded gems of Munduk, Sidemen, and Menjangan, too.  

Lombok is Bali’s immediate neighbor to the east—making the duo an easy and splendid trip combination. Smaller, less developed and suffering less traffic than Bali, Lombok offers nature in spades in a more laid-back setting. With beaches that are far more swimmable, enjoy more time in the water and better snorkeling. Day trips to the nearby Gili Islands—a trio of sand-skirted coral cays—beckons scuba divers and snorkelers. On Lombok, you’ll also get a taste of Islamic Indonesia. Listen for daily calls to prayer. 

Divers should also consider visiting Sulawesi where conservation and no-fishing zones have conserved Wakatobi National Park’s coral kingdom. Expect vibrant corals (including fan-like gorgonians), sea grasses, dense schools of tropical fish, turtles, rays, sharks, and pygmy sea horses in this biodiverse hot spot.  

Carrying less name recognition than Bali yet measuring the size of Jamaica, Sumba is a unique island that hides in plain sight. Rather than Islam or Hinduism, islanders practice Marapu, a religion that focuses on ancestral worship. Rural villages are comprised of signature, peaked-roof homes that stretch skyward. Uniquely, horses roam unfenced on Sumba and the terrain shifts from beach to jungle to savannah. On Sumba, we base travelers at Nihi Sumba, one of the world’s best hotels. 

Indonesia Travel Highlights 

  • Lock eyes with an orangutan on Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo. 
  • On an exclusive-use riverboat cruise through Borneo’s backwaters, observe fireflies flickering among the nipa palms. 
  • Observe Komodo dragons  swagger along the shores of Komodo Island National Park
  • Imbibe the grandeur of Borobudur, Southeast Asia’s largest Buddhist monument. 
  • Tour the foot of Mount Merapi on an exciting jeep adventure, viewing ancient and recent lava flows.
  • Savor a foodie tour of Yogyakarta, on foot or by pedicab.
  • Savor Balinese food prepared by a two-starred Michelin chef on a menu that celebrates heritage and island-grown ingredients. 
  • Meet Ubud’s artist community on a behind-the-scenes tour that introduces you to the island’s creators.
  • Watch the sun rise over Mount Batur before enjoying a soak in a hot spring.
  • Admire Pura Ulun Danu, a large water temple located on Beratan Lake.
  • Explore Lombok’s waterfalls and a water cave.
  • On Sumba, meet the islanders who live in traditional peaked homes and practice animism.  
  • Jump, slide, and rappel through volcanic rock gorges while canyoning on Bali. 
  • Play castaway for the day, touring the Gili Islands (off Lombok) on a private boat with picnic and snorkel stops. 
  • Surf—or learn to surf—on Bali’s tranquil northwest coast.
  • Visit a sacred Balinese temple in Ubud for a purification and blessing ceremony.
  • On Bali, uncork a bottle of wine at a secluded waterfall before taking a dip.
  • Hike to a scenic viewpoint on postcard-pretty Padar Island, then swim one of its pink sand beaches.
  • Admire kaleidoscopic corals teeming with marine life off Wakatobi National Park, located off Sulawesi.
  • Enjoy a Spa Safari Experience in a private, forested bale at one of the world’s best resorts.  

The Best Time to Travel to Indonesia 

Indonesia has a short travel window. The best time to visit is April through October, with the best surf swells in June, July, and August. (Even if you’re not an avid surfer, it’s a fun spectator sport.) During the rest of the year, Indonesia is hot, humid, and wet.  

Easy Extensions 

Without a direct flight from the United States, the journey to Indonesia typically includes a layover in Taiwan or Singapore. With so many islands to explore and complicated domestic flights, most travelers visit the country on a standalone Indonesia travel itinerary.  

For a highlight-hitting grand tour we suggest arriving via Jakarta then combining Borneo’s Tanjung Puting National Park, Borobudur (central Java), Ubud (Bali), visiting Komodo National Park via boat, and wrapping up on the beaches of Jimbaran (Bali).  

Otherwise, we design bespoke trips tailored to meet your interests, budget, and window of travel, all while making logistical suggestions that maximize your time in-destination. (Don’t want to step foot in a temple? No problem.) Through our local contacts, we imbue each journey with extraordinary experiences that connect you to each destination. You’ll enjoy heartening interactions with islanders in a way that makes you feel less like an interloper and more like an invited guest.  

Southeast Asia Travel Itineraries

Scott A Woodard
  • Itinerary

Intrepid Southeast Asia

A 10-day private tour to two remote outposts in Southeast Asia. Experience a spiritual town in…

10 Days | $12,600 per person
Aqua Mekong
  • Itinerary

Legends of the Mekong: Cambodia to Vietnam

An unhurried journey through the storied Mekong Delta for history lovers

11 Days | $10,100 per person
web_header_thailand_bangkok_AdobeStock_330904433
  • Itinerary

Ultimate Indochine Luxury Explorer 

The crown jewels of Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand in the most swoon-worthy lodgings 

21 Days | $20,600 per person
web_header_aos_AdobeStock_276232732
  • Itinerary

Laos & Thailand Overland Adventure

A slow boat odyssey, rescued elephants, Buddhism in Bangkok, beaches, and island-hopping on this…

16 Days | $24,000 per person

Where to Go in Southeast Asia

Bangkok

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Central Thailand

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Andaman Coast

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Gulf of Thailand

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Chiang Mai

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Chiang Rai & The Golden Triangle

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Mai Chau

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Ninh Binh

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Hoi An

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Phong Nha

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Ho Chi Minh City

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Mekong Delta

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The Vietnam Coast

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Phnom Penh

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Siem Reap

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Cardamom Mountains

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Koh Rong Archipelago

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Luang Prabang

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Vientiane

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Vang Vieng

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4000 Islands & Bolaven Plateau

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