Culture
South East Asia
offers wonderfully diverse cultures. The origins are mainly Indian and Chinese
with Arab, Portuguese, Spanish and Malay influences depending on where you go.
One great way to absorb local culture is through talking with people or experiencing
local storytelling. The Barong dance in Bali is an easily accessible example.
 |
| Barong dance, Bali, Indonesia |
Temples
With a large
proportion of people in South East Asia practicing Buddhism, the area is dotted
with beautiful temples. These range from enormous and historic Angkor Wat in
Cambodia to the immense golden Buddha at Wat Pho in Thailand and everything
inbetween.
 |
| Temple of the White Buddha, Bangkok, Thailand |
Beaches
South East Asia
is home to some of the dreamiest beach scenes in the world. Boasting several
island nations including Indonesia, the Philippines and Singapore, there is no shortage of spectacular beaches. Thailand has
fantastic beaches to lounge on and Halong Bay in Vietnam offers incredible
scenery.
 |
| Halong Bay, Vietnam |
Learn to scuba
dive
With some of the
most remote and unspoilt dive destinations in the world South East Asia’s reefs
are thriving and cannot fail to impress. It is also one of the least expensive
places to learn to dive.
Wildlife
South East Asia
is the tropical home of an array of unique wildlife. Head to Borneo or Sumatra
to meet orangutans and Malaysia or Thailand for tigers. Other interesting locals
include Asian Elephants and Komodo Dragons. In the seas off the Philippines and
Thailand Whale Sharks can be seen too.
Markets
Experience some
of the worlds most vibrant and exciting market scenes such as the floating markets
at Damnoen Saduak in Thailand. Cruise along waterways lined with narrow boats laden
with everything from exotic fruit and souvenirs to designer label knock-offs. Or
get your retail fix at the river markets on Vietnam’s Mekong Delta.
 |
| Damnoen Saduak floating market, Thailand |
Sensational
cities
Singapore and
Kuala Lumpur are just two of the fascinating cities in the South East Asia
region where you can shop all day and party all night. Enjoy a little bit of
luxury in one of the old hotels or watch the sun sink over the city with a delicious
cocktail.
Eat
Some of the most
incredible (or should that be inedible?) culinary experiences originate in
South East Asia. Each country has specialties and within those countries the
regions often have different takes on key dishes. Of course, various unusual
things make it onto the menu too. Fried cockroach anyone?
 |
| Fried insects, Thailand |
Learn a cuisine
Thai, Balinese
and Malaysian cooking classes, amongst others, have increased in popularity
recently and it is relatively easy to find lessons in perfecting the local
cuisine around South East Asia.
 |
| Mie Goreng, Bali, Indonesia |
Shop ‘til you
drop
With prices being
so much lower in South East Asia it is a fantastic shopping destination,
whether you are looking for a bespoke suit or the perfect carved Buddha, you
are bound to be spoilt for choice.
 |
| Market trader, Indonesia |
Have you been to South East Asia? What were your highlights?
