Tropical landscapes, easy travel, cultural diversity
South East Asia is one of the easiest and most popular regions for country catchers. Known for tropical islands, vibrant cities, temples, and incredible food, it’s ideal for combining multiple countries in one trip.
Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam are easy and rewarding catches. Cambodia and Laos offer more laid-back experiences, while Indonesia and the Philippines provide endless island adventures. Myanmar and Timor-Leste can be more challenging.
🇰🇭 Cambodia – Best known for Angkor Wat, with a strong cultural identity and developing tourism scene. 
Angkor Wat is a must but lesser temples are very interesting too. Food is wonderful and try local specialities such as amok (coconut fish curry.) Tough recent past so try to visit the Tuol Sleng genocide museum about the Khmer Rouge in Phnom Penh. USD widely accepted.
🇮🇩 Indonesia – A huge island nation offering beaches, volcanoes, jungles, and cities, with Bali as its main tourist hub. Bali can be caught by the luxury set or backpackers alike. As well as the stunning beaches, go beyond to discover the stunning temples such as Uluwatu and Tanah Lot. The Komodo national park is truly unique to see the unique dragons. Not easy access via internal flight and boat but worth it if you can. Many interesting temples and mosques dominate the cities. Jakarta is really buzzing but beware of the speedy motorbikes. It can get very hot so prepare accordingly. It remains a conservative country so be respectful and never do drugs. See more on Indonesia here. If you’re travelling to Gili Air (a beautiful island near Bali which I highly recommend) one half of the island is the more “party side” and other is a bit more chill. It’s all walking distance but I preferred the slightly more chill side. For light sleepers: the closer you are to the sea the less likely you are to hear the call the prayer very early in the morning, which may wake you up. But of course, some people may love it to wake up early and get to a yoga class!(Vanessa)
🇱🇦 Laos – Quiet and slow paced, focused on rivers, temples, and rural landscapes. Visa-free or easy e-visa for many nationalities. The local currency, Laotian Kip, is best to spend all in Laos as you will find it difficult to exchange it elsewhere. USD is also used. Cash is also highly recommended, as cards aren’t widely accepted. The roads are filled with a lot of pot holes, so bus travelling can be rough. The local Beerlao is considered one of the best beers in South East Asia, and recommended tourist destinations include Vang Vieng, Mekong river, Luang Probang, and the capital, Vientiane.
🇲🇾 Malaysia – Modern and multicultural, with rainforests, islands, and efficient infrastructure. Borneo is also a real gem if you have the time to visit! Good direct flights from around the world. Contactless is more accessible but cash needed for stree purchases. Kuala Lumpur is the hearbeat of the nation and the Petronas Twin Towers are an icon around the world. Other amazing places to visit include Penang and the beaches in Langkawi. If you have time to catch Borneo, then prepare for a wildlife feast to include seeing some incredible species such as the orangutan. Food markets at night are delicious and just ensure the food is hot when served!
🇲🇲 Myanmar – Culturally rich with ancient temples, but currently affected by political instability. Difficult recent past so check the situation before travelling there. Ancient temples are well worth catching. Trains can be taken but are slow. Inle Lake is good to visit. Relatively affordable. Don’t forget the mosquito protection.
🇵🇭 Philippines – An archipelago known for beaches, diving, and friendly local culture. Island hopping and beaches dominate, Try to catch Coron for diving and a more chilled experience. Domestic flights are cheap if booked in advance. Remember vaccinations before you go. Visa free travel often possible but you still need to complete entry details on their etravel app here.
🇸🇬 Singapore – A highly developed city state, famous for food, architecture, and efficiency. Compact city, which is ultra clean. Many activities to do and try out the zoo, especially at night. Great contactless public transport. Check out one of the islands for a relaxation away from the city.
🇹🇭 Thailand – One of the worlds top travel destinations, offering beaches, cities, temples, and easy travel. The land of smiles has one of the best service cultures anywhere in the world. Bangkok is a thriving metropolis. Look out for Jim Thompson house which is like an oasis in the city. Public transport is fine but packed. Try to catch a boat for a fun and different way to see the city. The islands are legendary with Koh Samui retaining their attraction. Choose accommodation carefully as can get very noisy in places. Also be very wary about hiring motorbikes as many accidents reported. The north is less well known but very interesting with wonderful food. Try the durian fruit if you dare. Visas – be wary that now only 30 days are given for tourist visas so don’t get caught out! See more on Thailand here
🇹🇱 Timor Leste – A young and little visited country with beautiful beaches, strong local culture, and a developing tourism scene. Access can be by plane or overland from Indonesia. Visas may be required but many countries are now visa free. Beaches are stunning as well as interior exploration. They are very proud of their coffee so try it!
🇻🇳 Vietnam – A fast developing country with strong food culture, history, and diverse landscapes. Travel has increased rapidly in the last few years. Their cuisine is legendary and enjoy it from the local street vendors. E visas are generally possible. Hanoi has a fascinating old town and a cruise around Halong Bay is highly recommended. The world famous tunnels are located around 60km from Ho Chi Minh City. Internal flight access is very good. People are very friendly. See more on Vietnam here.
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