Vibrant high streets, cities canopied with skyscrapers, entertainment hubs, boat cruises to far flung islands, dreamy white & blue beaches, rain-forest boat rides – stylish rooftop bars, buzzing casinos, street food, night markets, wildlife encounters – South East Asia offers everything under the sun for a complete, fun family holiday.
And, the reasons why this region is a much sought-after holiday destination are more than just one. It caters to the budget- friendly, value for money seeking customer and the ones who want to bask under the sun at luxury resorts, alike. The ease of connectivity, direct flights from almost anywhere in the world and within South East Asia makes it amongst the top holiday and wedding or event destinations in the world.
An ideal holiday to South East Asia will be a blend of buzzing cities loaded with activities, amusement and water parks, wildlife adventures and sun kissed beaches. If you are reading this blog between November- April, now is the time to get packing for South East Asia!
Singapore, Thailand & Malaysia: South East Asia’s top spots
You may begin your trip in Singapore or Kuala Lampur as both cities have good flight connections to and from. Within each city, group or personalised tours are an excellent way to visit key highlights. If you are particularly choosy about where to stay, South East Asia will have you spoilt for choice – from beachside resorts and jungle lodges to luxurious hotels offering stunning city and sea views – I highly recommend that you get your trusted travel partner to customise the experience for you.
Spend a full to two days at each of these countries’ better halves – Sentosa (a short drive/ cable car ride from Singapore), Genting (an adventurous cable car ride to this island resort Malaysia) and island hopping in Thailand (Pattaya, Phuket, Krabi, Samui, Phi Phi, and the list goes on).
Spot the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur and spend a day at Sunway Lagoon before heading to Genting - Malaysia’s only casino resort which lies amidst the freshness of cool, crisp mountain air about 6,000 feet above sea level. With the sky above you and a tropical rain forest below, ride up to the hilltop on the longest and fastest cable car in Southeast Asia. In the lap of one of the oldest tropical jungles in the world, you can try your luck at a host of casino games. And if you are with kids, then take time off to enjoy the numerous recreational facilities at the indoor theme park.
The fun doesn’t end at Singapore! This one is my personal favourite – no matter where you are in Singapore, the city offers views, entertainment, shopping, eating and the best of manmade marvels. Go up the Singapore flyer, take a photo stop at the Singapore Merlion before heading to the spectacular display of lights at Gardens by the Bay. Spend a day at the Singapore Zoo – get on to the river cruise and ride into the amazon rainforest display – the layout is impressive. The best way to make the most of your time in Sentosa is to stay there for at least two days – have the time of your life going up and down roller coasters at the Universal Studios and spend another day at the gigantic sea aquarium and the adventurous skyline luge ride – end your Sentosa stay with a Wings of Time show.
Thailand is a dream shopping destination and a beach lover’s paradise. When it comes to night markets, street food, wild energetic night life, nothing beats Bangkok! Spend a few days in Bangkok and make a trip to Chiang Mai (famous for its glorious temples and green mountains). View the historical landmarks on a river cruise along the Chao Phraya River and experience the beautiful night sceneries with a romantic atmosphere on a dinner cruise in the middle of Bangkok. For short trips, combine Bangkok with Pattaya – stay at the Hilton or similar for gorgeous views of the sea and take in Pattaya’s super charged atmosphere. Then take off to explore some of the finest beaches and islands in the world - Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi -Thailand’s locally entrenched culture, modern vibes and island tours make it a nature lover’s retreat.
I am going to stop writing this one here and leave it at what the headline says - one trip, many countries, a lot many experiences!