My Top 3 Must-Visit Destinations in Southeast Asia
- elomoutier
- Sep 25
- 3 min read
Living in Asia had always been my dream.
After a year living in Bali and exploring Southeast Asia, I came back to Europe.. for now.
Asia is vast, with every kind of climate, landscape, and culture. In this piece, I’m focusing on Southeast Asia—the region I know best. I’ve carefully chosen my top three destinations here to share with you 💙
So grab your suitcase, and let’s travel together!
Bali
Bali will always hold a special place in my heart. While the island is often criticized for mass tourism, it remains a truly magical destination.
Step away from the busiest areas—Canggu, Uluwatu, Ubud, and Kuta—and you’ll discover Bali’s timeless charm: rice terraces framed by volcano views, turquoise waters, and villages where many people still live as farmers or fishermen. Life here is slow and peaceful.
Known as the “Island of the Gods,” Bali stands out as one of the few Hindu-majority islands in Indonesia. Spiritual ceremonies and offerings shape everyday life, creating a unique cultural rhythm.
Whether you’re surfing in Uluwatu, diving in Amed, practicing yoga in Ubud, or wandering the rice terraces of Jatiluwih, Bali is simply unforgettable.
Vietnam
Stretching like a ribbon along the South China Sea, Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s absolute must-visits.
Its history and culture reflect a blend of influences—French, Chinese, Japanese, and American—but its true treasure is the spectacular nature.
Start with Hanoi, the capital. This bustling metropolis still kept some of its old charm, whether you like strolling along the narrow streets filled with life or prefer discovering the large avenues in French colonial style. If you go to Hanoi, don’t miss out on the egg coffee! ☕
Beyond the cities, Vietnam’s landscapes are breathtaking: between lush tropical vegetation, rice fields, mountainous views and some of the largest rivers of the world, Vietnam is a true gem.
The musts include Sapa and its surrounding villages, Ninh Binh (where some scenes of King Kong were filmed) and the Mekong Delta.
For culture aficionados, you can add the cities of Hoa Lu and Ho Chi Minh to your itinerary.
Malaysia
Often less visited than its neighbors, Malaysia deserves a spot on your Southeast Asia itinerary. Its capital, Kuala Lumpur, is a fascinating mix of modernity and tradition.
In KLCC (Kuala Lumpur City Center), skyscrapers and luxury hotels rise alongside lush green spaces. The iconic Petronas Towers dominate the skyline, while the nearby Batu Caves—home to one of the tallest golden statues in the world—offer a glimpse of the country’s Hindu heritage.
Nature lovers will also find plenty to explore: Malaysia is home to Taman Negara, one of the world’s oldest rainforests, and idyllic island archipelagos.
Whether you’re drawn to the buzz of a big city or the adventure of trekking through the jungle, Malaysia is a destination on the rise.
This concludes our tour of my top 3 destinations in Southeast Asia. I hope this inspired some of you or gave you the little nudge you needed to book your tickets and go on an adventure!
Whichever destination you choose, you’ll be in for something truly special.
As always have fun, safe travels, and I will be back in two weeks with a new piece on travel, wellness and slow living 🌿
