The Best Travel Destinations in Southeast Asia — Part 1

It’s that time of the year — for us Indonesians — when a 4-day long weekend is around the corner and school vacation in June is also getting closer, so it’s time to plan for a family trip.

The question is, where will you go?

Would you stick to the “saya cinta produk Indonesia” motto and travel within Indonesia? Or maybe you are curious about what our neighboring countries have to offer? I’ve personally traveled to these 10 destinations in Southeast Asia and I’d like to share the best of each with you. Here’s the first part. I can’t guarantee that you won’t follow my footsteps after reading this.

10. Pattaya, Thailand

Located roughly 2 hours south from Bangkok by bus, what used to be a quiet fishing village has turned into one of the most popular coastal cities in Thailand. Pattaya is lively with sun loungers and water sport lovers taking the beach from sunrise to sunset.

There’s a ton of accommodations and restaurants that suit all kinds of travelers, from budget to five-stars. While you’re there, don’t miss the Pattaya viewpoint where you can see the entire view of the postcard-worthy bay area, and be sure to walk the street at night where the party’s at.

9. Kuching, Malaysia

It’s been called “Borneo’s most sophisticated city”. While the Indonesian side of Borneo is untamed and wild, Kuching serves as a subtle getaway to introduce one to Borneo’s wilderness. The charming streets, a mix of modern and colonial vibe, are filled with shops, Chinese temples, mosques and food stalls.

A basecamp for travelers who want to see the Dayak tribe’s longhouse and the orangutans at the national parks, Kuching is a must-visit city in Eastern Malaysia.

8. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

It’s a bustling and aggressive city in many ways. I have a bad memory of Ho Chi Minh City, where my friend’s camera got snatched from her neck by someone who was riding a motorcycle.

But other than that, the mouthwatering street food, the wonders of the underground Củ Chi tunnels and its vibrant nightlife made up for it, especially the food. Try some authentic Pho, colorful sticky rice, and Bánh mì before leaving the city.

7. Malacca, Malaysia

If you’re looking for one of the most cultural cities of Malaysia, this is it. Founded in 1396 by Sumatran prince Parameswara during the fall of the Srivijaya kingdom to Majapahit, it’s one of the oldest cities in Malaysia. Malacca is beaming with its charming heritage and arts.

Chinatown is the heart and soul in Melaka, with the restored Peranakan townhouse, the chaos of Jonker Walk Night Market and myriads of art galleries. For food, never miss the local favorite Hoe Kee Chicken Rice Ball or kuih Nyonya, which are Peranakan rice sweets in various rainbow colors that glisten with coconut milk.

Simply wander around the Porta de Santiago, the Dutch Square and Christ Church to feel the historical atmosphere of this alluring city.

6. Bangkok, Thailand

It’s a city living on the edge. There are so many descriptions for the Thai capital: bustling, hot, exotic, historical, polluted, unstable, amazing — it’s a mix of all of them. The city offers everything from gold-spired Buddhist temples, leafy lanes of shop houses and the buzzing wet markets of Banglamphu, the insatiable flavors of pàd thai, and friendly monks in the tiny lanes of Chinatown. It’s a haven for backpackers and the city truly represents a Southeast Asian charm that draws many travelers to this region.