Best holiday destinations in South East Asia

Are you dreaming of a South East Asian holiday? Do the pristine beaches of Phuket or Bali call your name? Does the hustle and bustle of Shinjuku excite you? Perhaps the sights, smells, and tastes of Hanoi or Vientiane strike your fancy? Or perhaps a walk into history in the Phillipines, or experiencing the “Switzerland of Asia,” Singapore for its glamourous shopping and dining experiences? No matter your tastes and sense of adventure, there’s something for everyone in South East Asia. Let’s look at some of the most trending destinations, what you need to know, and how to get there – even if you’re on a budget.

The most watched destinations
According to global fashion brand Superdry, South East Asian countries are some of the most viewed destinations in the #travel hashtag on TikTok. Japan tops the list with a staggering 461.2 million views, followed by China on 110.1 million, Vietnam on 107 million, and Thailand on 95.1 million. Indonesia also attracted a respectable 45.5 million views, as did the Philippines with 36.5 million and Malaysia with 27.6 million. Seoul, South Korea was the most watched South East Asian city on TikTok with 106.5 million views; Jakarta also garnered 37.1 million views. Tokyo gained 13.1 million; Singapore 8.6 million.

The variations in South East Asia
There are many different experiences in South East Asia; from the jungles and steamy summers of Vietnam or Thailand to the decidedly western style accommodations found in Singapore, Japan, and Malaysia – there’s plenty of different cultures, cuisines, and environments to check out and enjoy. Beaches, hikes, “extreme” adventures, and just relaxing resorts are all available in this wonderful part of the world. Bali could fit the bill for a bit of everything – and the millions who go there each year are testament to it!

How to pay for your holiday
Though it may be tempting to save for a holiday, getting enough together could take years – or decades. Spending up big on the credit card can also mean high interest rates and lengthy repayments. One popular and relatively economical way to get there is taking out a holiday loan. You can apply for holiday loans online and get approved quickly, which means you can seize upon bargains faster. Using price comparison websites, being flexible with travel dates, and booking directly with hotels or villas can also help you save money and leave more for the trip!

Travel tips for South East Asia
Much of South East Asia is developing and potentially dangerous, so always look at travel advisories before venturing off the beaten path. Read as many reviews as you can before booking a hotel – and always leave time for transfers and transportation as this can be patchy or late. As soon as you land, get a SIM card or eSIM so you can access the web as soon as possible. Remember to download offline maps, copies of travel documents, and keep cash on hand for on the spot purchases. Keep apprised of scams, don’t follow strangers and always dress appropriately – just do your homework first!

The article Best holiday destinations in South East Asia first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.