Best of Southeast Asia: Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines

Buzzing, humid and energetic, Bangkok is the city where magnificent temples, historic markets, skyscrapers and rooftop bars create an intoxicating vibe that's hard to resist. The city is a mesmerizing blend of old and new, East and West, and dizzying contradictions. Historical sites next to vibrant nightlife areas, bustling markets near modern shopping malls, and street food vendors close to world-class restaurants. Hence, the city is still fascinating for its traditional culture. Saffron-robed monks weave among the morning rush hour to collect alms; communities dwell in stilt houses by the Chao Phraya River, eking out a living using centuries-old skills. A city tour in Bangkok often begins in Rattanakosin, drawn by the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. It's here the Chao Phraya River separates the city proper from its old capital Thonburi, a spot where quitet, narrow canals and floating markets illustrate why Bangkok was once called 'Venice of the East'. East of the canals is modern Bangkok, a hive of activity with countless businesses, markets and shopping malls handily connect by the BTS Skytrain. As a city that feels alive day and night, Bangkok is the destination for all, from foodies, shopaholics, culture seekers, history lovers, urban explorers, even party animals. That makes the well-known Southeast Asian gateway one of the world's most visited cities.

Chiang Rai is a mountainous region in northern Thailand, bordering Laos and Myanmar. It is also a part of the Golden Triangle where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet at the Mekong River and serves as an excellent base to explore the region. Like any famous Thai city, Chiang Rai abounds with temples which are part of the day to day life of its inhabitants. Most well-known among them are White and Blue Temples. The former is the most popular landmark in Chiang Rai for its uniquely designed structure representing life, death, and rebirth — important parts of the Buddhist cycle of life. The latter painted entirely in blue color symbolizing serenity and wisdom, something you don't see every day in a temple, is home to Buddhist-style patterns and illustrations of Buddha's life cycle, depicting hell and heaven. Surrounded by stunning mountain ranges and thick rainforest, Chiang Rai is a great base for visiting hill tribes and scenic mountain trekking. There’s a range of diverse options from short treks, visits to a waterfall or a viewpoint, as well as a visit to a traditional hill tribe community still living among the jungle-covered mountains to gain an insight into their way of life.

Fame as 'the rose of the North', Chiang Mai is an alluring city brimming with glittering temples, lush jungle, delicious streetfood and the bustle of lively markets. As the gateway to the mountains in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai has grown far beyond the medieval city walls that once marked it as the ancient capital of Lanna Kingdom. Nevertheless, its temple-lined backstreets still conjure up the glory of the old empire and it is still possible to get a feel for Chiang Mai's Thai culture and traditions. Ancient shrines and traditional wooden houses jostle for space with boutique hotels, stylish restaurants and trendy bars of this northern town as well as its welcoming customs and laidback pace of life leads to a rising footfall of enthusiastic tourists with each year. Home to a vast number of national parks, lush tropical jungles, hidden waterfalls, stunning rivers, and animal sanctuaries, Chiang Mai is an unmissable stop-off point for many outdoor adventure-seeking travellers. From trekking to the villages of Thailand's hill tribes to other adrenaline activities including mountain biking, white-water rafting, rock climbing expeditions and zip-lining through the rainforest canopy that makes Chiang Mai a perfect getaway.

Perched on the banks of the Red River, Hanoi is Vietnam's capital and one of the world's most ancient cities. Its beauty lies in its liveliness of bustling streets where workshops and cafes spill out onto the streets and roadsides. As the intersection point where east meets west, Hanoi is a fascinating mix of old and new, Asian and European. With Chinese and French influences, an ancient culture, colonial architecture, broad tree-lined boulevards and beautiful lakes, the iconic architectural appearance of the Old Quarter and the elegance of the French Quarter, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and the Temple of Literature, etc... gives Vietnam’s capital city a unique charm of the ancient and modern. Hanoi is also home to one of Asia’s strong indigenous culinary traditions, with bustling wet markets and a rowdy street-food culture, as well as some five star international dining options. It is also very affordable by urban Asian standards, with the majority of hotels and restaurants offering plenty of value.

Ninh Binh is a wonderful region in northern Vietnam in the Red River Delta. Breathtaking scenery, vivid green fields, flowing rivers beneath limestone mountains and caves, and a laid back atmosphere that contrasts with the bustle of Hanoi. Approximately 1.5 hours to 2 hours from Hanoi by road, Ninh Binh was once the ancient capital in the 10th to 11th centuries, and now a heaven for nature lovers. Spend time exploring the paddy fields, age old temples and pagodas on foot, cycling or taking a gentle boat ride through a network of waterways opening out on to lakes with limestone mountains towering above. While a day trip to Ninh Binh from Hanoi is easy, staying a few days means you will get more out of exploring this intriguing and charming area.

Halong Bay, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, is located 170km east of Hanoi. It is made up of three neighboring bays: Halong, Lan Ha and Bai Tu Long bays, although Halong Bay is undeniably the most famous and most well-known of the three. Widely considered a natural wonder of the world, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is breathtaking with thousands of majestic limestone, peaks and islets rising dramatically out of the sparkling emerald waters of the bay. The most common way to explore is by taking an overnight night cruise or day-trip which cruises among the limestone pillars and islets. Many also include an island drop off and cave explorations. Visiting floating villages in the area gives a chance to interact with the local community whose livelihoods depend on the waters. Another way to immerse oneself close up in the bay is by kayaking near and around the limestone pillars and some of the caves that are possible to enter by kayak.

Manila is the Philippines' bustling capital city located on the island of Luzon. It is the starting point for all visitors before jumping off to other areas of the country by air or by boat. As a melting pot of cultures with multiple Spanish and Chinese influences, Manila is full of things to see and do, making it a lively destination to explore. Take a step back into the rich history of the Philippines with a walking tour of Intramuros, the walled city of Manila, including visits to Fort Santiago, a citadel used as a defensive fortress built by Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi, and the Baroque-style San Agustin Church, the oldest stone church in the country. Stop by Rizal Park, one of the most significant landmarks in the Philippines. The park is named after Dr. Jose Rizal, the country's national hero who was executed in the park grounds, resulting in the flames of the 1896 Philippine Revolution against the Spanish Empire. Home to the oldest Chinatown in the world, it is well worth spending a day immersing yourself in the Chinese culture and history of the Binondo District. This is a hub for authentic Chinese restaurants, trinkets, and the ultimate place to shop for bargains. Reowning a big contemporary art, there are many galleries, art spaces, design shops, and museums throughout Manila. Graffiti and murals can be seen almost everywhere you look, from building facades to walkways, underpasses, demolished walls, and pavements... This is the way people showcase their perspectives about the country’s culture, history, and even political issues.

El Nido covers an area of about 400 sq km at the northern tip of Palawan Island, featuring striking limestone cliffs, mesmerizing lagoons, and endless beaches in between azure waters. It is the launch pad for the daytime excursions to the surrounding limestone islands of the stunning Bacuit Bay archipelago, such as Simizu, Cadlao, Dilumacad, and Matinloc... Sea kayaking is an eco-friendly way of exploring each island. Snorkeling and scuba diving are the top activities on the bucket list of many travelers, thanks to the abundant marine life and coral reefs around most of the islands. On land, exploring the rainforest in search of waterfalls and exotic flora and fauna species will be rewarding travel experiences. Despite its remote location, El Nido hosts a decent choice of pleasant night spots for you to party or relax in after dark. Whether you spend the night in town or at one of the beaches nearby, you will always find a suitable spot to have a drink and socialize at night. Consider Pukka Bar in town or Republica Sunset Bar on Corong Corong Beach for your chilling time there.

Cebu is a tropical urban center located in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines, which offers a blend of natural beauty, historical richness, and vibrant urban life. As the oldest city in the country, it boasts a rich history dating back to the Spanish colonial period, evident in landmarks such as the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, the oldest Roman Catholic church in the Philippines, and the Fort San Pedro, a historic fortification offering a glimpse into Cebu's colonial past. The city is a gateway to more than 150 islands, including the famous Mactan Island known for its pristine beaches and world-class diving locations; the unspoiled Camotes Islands where you can visit caves, beaches, and natural pools; the Nalusuan Island, a marine sanctuary ideal for snorkeling; the Malapascua Island with its thresher shark sightings; and the Oslob village in the south that offers the unique experience of swimming with whale sharks. Designated as a Creative City by UNESCO in 2019, Cebu is also well known as a hub for craftsmanship, creativity, and gastronomy. The city is a host of a variety of colorful and lively festivals throughout the year; nevertheless, nothing beats the beauty and bustling crowd of the Sinulog Festival featuring colorful parades and traditional dance rituals. Considered as an attractive destination for both leisure and business travelers, Cebu offers a perfect balance of urban comforts and natural attractions, from bustling markets and shopping malls to nearby waterfalls and mountains. The local cuisine, highlighted by the Cebuano lechon (roasted pig), is a must-try.

Bohol, the roughly circular and mid-sized island in the Central Philippines, is a destination that seamlessly blends natural beauty, rich history, and captivating culture. It is home to one of the country's most iconic landmarks: the Chocolate Hills. This geological site is composed of more than a thousand perfectly cone-shaped hills that turn brown during the dry season, resembling a giant box of chocolates. Climb up to the viewing platform for panoramic views that will leave you in awe. The best vantage points are at the Chocolate Hills Complex or Sagbayan Peak, where you can truly appreciate the vastness of the unique landscape. Close to the hills, catch a glimpse of one of nature’s most adorable creatures, the tiny Philippine tarsier. Weighing only up to five ounces, tarsiers are nocturnal primates with huge eyes and a shy demeanor. Rarely seen in the wild, these smallest and cutest creatures can be spotted up close at the Tarsier Conservation Area. Lush greenery and serene waters await you in the Loboc River. Cruise along the calm and meandering river to experience Bohol’s natural beauty. Some cruises even offer cultural performances, giving you a glimpse into the island’s rich traditions. For underwater enthusiasts, Bohol offers incredible marine life with white-sand beaches and vibrant coral reefs beckoning on Panglao Island. This island is also the departure point for water adventures like dolphin and whale-watching tours and dive trips in Balicasag Island Marine Sanctuary. Go into the deep to swim among the sanctuary’s sea turtles, explore colorful coral gardens, and steep submarine cliffs.