What Are The Best Countries For A Vacation In Southeast Asia: My Ranking
- Konrad Tillman
- 7 days ago
- 6 min read
Intro
Over the course of my recent extensive travels, I have had the opportunity to visit almost every country in Southeast Asia (minus Brunei), and figured that I would rank them to help people decide on where ones next vacation spot could be.
In all honesty, this is one of the hardest lists I have ever had to make due to my love for every country in the region. However, please understand that this is just my list, and everyone's list may differ. So, without further ado, here is my list:
Number 1: Myanmar 🇲🇲
Located in the northwestern part of Southeast Asia lies the beautiful country of Myanmar, which has been all over the news for the past 4 years due to the ongoing civil war. While this country is represented as one filled with constant violence, it is also one of the most beautiful countries I have ever visited, with architecture like none other.
What I Liked: the people, the natural beauty, the current lack of tourists
What I Didn't Like: the overall corruption in the country, problems with the Junta
Number 2: Philippines 🇵🇭
At number 2 is a country that is very dear to my heart, and one with much diversity. Whether you are looking for the hustle and bustle in Metro Manila or perhaps exploring some of the islands, this is a country that offers everything you need. Combine that with hilarious people and cheap prices for almost anything you may need, I treasure my memories here.
What I Liked: cheap prices, good rum, friendly people, and a relaxing vibe
What I Didn't Like: Lack of transportation between islands, and the influx of tourists in the past few years on the islands
Number 3: Indonesia 🇮🇩
To most people who don't travel a lot, Indonesia is mainly represented by the island of Bali, but it is so much more. With a total of 17,508 islands that are part of the country, the diversity that this country offers is parallel to none. Whether you are looking to ride around on a motorbike in Jakarta, explore the surf in Berawa, or perhaps sail around on a boat in the Komodo, there is plenty to do.
What I Liked: cheap prices, good food, pure diversity, and generally* good people
What I Didn't Like: while Indonesia might have many islands, getting between some of them can be a challenge. In addition, in touristy areas, you have to be careful with some of the people...
Number 4: Thailand 🇹🇭
Thailand has been on a rising trend in terms of tourism since the reopening of the country after COVID, and rightfully so, as this country is beautiful. With everything you could need to live a nomadic life, this is the perfect place for someone looking to party, relax, or even rest, depending on the location.
What I Liked: the fact that almost anything flies, the efficiency of the country, how modern it is, and the food
What I Didn't Like: the corruption in certain areas, the tourists that give the country a bad rep, and the prices in certain* areas. It's definitely a lot more expensive than it used to be
Number 5: Cambodia 🇰🇭
At number 5 is a country that used to make my top 10 countries in the world, but that was before seeing more of Southeast Asia. Cambodia is a relatively small country that borders Vietnam, Thailand, and Laos, and is truly a drop-dead gorgeous country, filled with surreal architecture, Angkor Wat, and a very laid-back lifestyle.
What I Liked: the overall relaxing feel of the country, the remorques, the coffee (weird, I know), Phnom Penh, and the good prices
What I Didn't Like: the influx of tourists, especially in the likes of Siem Reap, and the fact that there seems to be a healing energy still present after the wat (rightfully so, it was just striking to see as someone spoke to me about it).
Number 6: Vietnam 🇻🇳
Vietnam easily could have made my top 3, if it was what it was like 20 years. While the country is absolutely stunning, I have three main problems with it. Firstly, the number of American tourists in Vietnam is obscene. Secondly, the government seems to be quite stringent on certain avenues and was very disrespectful to me when playing football. Lastly, everybody drinks, and for some, that might be a good thing, but for others, perhaps not. However, don't disregard just how magical this place is with nice people, good food, and beautiful landscapes.
What I Liked: the people were very friendly, the prices are some of the cheapest in Asia, and the activities are plentiful all over the country.
What I Didn't Like: the amount of tourists (especially Americans), the government being stringent in certain areas (I am not getting into politics), and the drinking culture
Number 7: Timor-Leste 🇹🇱
Only joining ASEAN recently, and being the second newest country in the world, Timor-Leste is a small country located to the East of Indonesia. Now, I am actually a really big fan of this country and would rank it higher if there was just more to do and the prices were cheaper. The people are the nicest I have come across in Southeast Asia, the beauty is unmatched, and the way of life is very laidback.
What I Liked: the beauty of the country, the kindness of the people, the lack of tourism (which needs to change to boost the economy), and the willingness to fight through a difficult financial situation
What I Didn't Like: the lack of infrastructure and the prices
Number 8: Malaysia 🇲🇾
Most of my time spent in Malaysia was when I was a lot younger, so perhaps this list will evolve when I head back there soon. However, what I have found about Malaysia is that while the food is good, the real beauty comes from some of the islands surrounding the mainland. As an example, some of the best sailfish fishing in the world is actually off a small island that belongs to Malaysia...
What I Liked: the food, the natural beauty, and the diversity
What I Didn't Like: the prices compared to countries in the region, and to me, it always felt quite sterile, similar to Singapore
Number 9: Laos 🇱🇦
Laos is another country that I hate to put so far down on the list, as it's a country filled with gorgeous landscapes and a relaxed atmosphere. However, it is also a country that is plagued with backpackers, with cities filled up to the brim with tourists like no tomorrow. While the backcountry and Luang Prabang are some of my favorite spots, Vang Vieng and Vientiane were somewhat of a disappointment.
What I Liked: good food, cheap prices, the train, and a relaxed vibe
What I Didn't Like: outside of LP, not much sophistication, and many tourists
Number 10: Singapore 🇸🇬
Shoot me in the foot for this one, but Singapore is my least favorite country in Southeast Asia for a vacation. While it might be a nice spot to live in when working in the financial world, you could practically put Singapore in another place, and it could fit in. It's modern, it's nice, and has everything you can need, but to me, that's where it loses its place in Southeast Asia as it lacks culture and diversity compared to the other countries. This is just my opinion...
What I Liked: modern vibes, good food, and kind people
What I Didn't Like: a lot of the city feels financial, and lacks the same laidback feel to most SE Asian countries
Not Ranked Yet*: Brunei 🇧🇳
Final Thoughts
While everyone will have their own list, I wanted to share how I rank 10 out of the 11 countries in Southeast Asia. Myanmar is at the top of my list and for good reason: this is truly one of the most beautiful countries in the world with some of the kindest souls on the planet. However, if you aren’t feeling up for visiting a country in the middle of a Civil War, check out some of the other options as well!
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