8 Best Countries Highly Recommended to Visit in Southeast Asia in 2025

Southeast Asia is one of the best places to visit in the world, with its high cost-effectiveness, rich and diverse tourism resources, and each country's unique traditions, festivals, and cuisine.

The 8 countries in Southeast Asia that we most recommend visiting are Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia. These countries not only have beautiful natural scenery, but also are affordable for travel.

Keep reading! We’ll take you through the unique features of these 8 countries, so you can figure out which ones to add to your travel bucket list, and plan your trip in advance for a more complete travel experience.

Why is Southeast Asia a Must Visit Region? Map of Major Countries

There are several reasons why Southeast Asia is a must-visit destination. First, the travel price is affordable and the cost-effectiveness is relatively high; second, Southeast Asia has rich and diverse tourism resources, including beaches, jungles, mountains, and even ancient ruins and rich cultural heritage. Each country has its own unique traditions, festivals, and cuisine.

The best tourist countries in Southeast Asia are geographically close, from south to north, they are Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar. You can plan the Southeast Asia tour reasonably, and if there is enough time, choosing to travel to multiple countries at one time is easy and convenient.

Here is the map information about the main countries in Southeast Asia, you can learn about it in advance.

The location map of 8 countries in Southeast Asia that we recommend most

Top 1: Thailand - Culture, Beaches, and Adventure

When it comes to the most worthwhile countries to visit in Southeast Asia, Thailand often tops the list, combining culture, adventure and leisure. Thailand has an ancient temple culture, beautiful beach scenery, and can also experience various adventurous activities.

Thailand has many cultural heritage resources. The Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha here are very famous. Here you can learn about the history of the Thai royal family as well as religious and cultural information. Thai dance and music performances are also a way to introduce Thai culture, also, you can experience Thailand's vibrant nightlife in Bangkok.

Thailand has become one of the best tourist countries in Southeast Asia, which has a lot to do with the beach scenery here. Phuket in Thailand is a world-renowned tourist destination, Koh Samui also attracts tourists from all over the world, and Pattaya in Thailand is also a favorite travel destination, all of which show the beauty of Thailand's beaches.

Thailand also has many adventure activities waiting for you to participate. Koh Samet has pink sand beaches waiting to be explored, and Koh Lanta is a favorite place for diving enthusiasts. There are many other natural landscapes in Thailand, which attract many of our tourists to explore and visit, it is a country suitable for adventure travel.

Lively and interesting nightlife in Pattaya City.

Top 2: Vietnam - History, Nature, and Cuisine

Vietnam is one of the most worth visiting countries in Southeast Asia, with its history, nature and cuisine.

Vietnam is a country with a long history, and in many cities in Vietnam, you can learn about the culture through the ancient buildings on the streets. For example, the ancient streets and lantern festival in Hoi An Ancient Town, the imperial city and temples in Hue, or Ho Chi Minh City, where you can learn about Vietnam's turbulent past.

Vietnam also has a large number of natural landscapes. There are Halong Bay and its limestone islands, Sapa terraces in the north of Vietnam; Ba Na Hills and Marble Mountains in central Vietnam, and the Mekong Delta and floating villages in the south, allowing you to enjoy these beautiful scenery.

In addition, Vietnamese street food stalls offer delicious and affordable food, such as rice noodles, Vietnamese sandwiches, spring rolls and rice noodles, which also attract many food lovers to check-in.

14 Days Highlights of Vietnam from North to South

Hanoi – Sapa - Halong Bay – Hue – Hoi An – Saigon – Can Tho – Phu Quoc

Top 3: Cambodia - Ancient Ruins and Unique Culture

What are the best countries to visit in Southeast Asia? Cambodia must be one of them. Cambodia has multiple ancient sites, that is, historical sites and natural landscapes, showing Cambodia's unique cultural information.

Among them, the legendary Angkor Wat in Cambodia is a must-visit place - this ancient temple complex is the largest religious monument in the world and one of the most iconic sites in Southeast Asia. If you are a history lover, Cambodia is definitely one of the most worthwhile countries to visit in Southeast Asia.

And Cambodia Siem Reap is a must-go place when going to Angkor Wat, with many other temples such as Bayon Temple and Ta Prohm Temple - the huge tree roots covering the buildings are very famous.

In addition to these, you can also experience traditional Cambodian dance performances, visit local markets, and feel the unique culture of Cambodia.

Angkor Wat in Cambodia is surrounded by lush mountains.

Top 4: Laos - A Quiet Paradise for Nature Lovers

For nature lovers seeking tranquility, Laos is one of the best countries to visit in Southeast Asia. It is a mysterious country with many natural beauties to see, such as the Kuang Si Waterfall or the limestone caves of Vang Vieng, which are suitable for tourists who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Luang Prabang is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful cities in Laos. The town is surrounded by mountains, and you can visit the famous Wat Xieng Thong or take a boat trip on the Mekong River. It is also a good cultural experience to participate in the traditional alms ceremony in a Laos Luang Prabang tour.

Once you enter Laos, you can feel the beauty and tranquility of nature here. The pristine natural scenery of Laos attracts tourists from all over the world. Here you can experience a slower pace of life and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty.

The bustling Luang Prabang Night Market is crowded with people.

Top 5: Myanmar - Ancient Temples and Untouched Landscapes

Myanmar attracts tourists to travel for its many ancient temples and beautiful original landscapes.

Among the ancient temples in Myanmar, there are the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon - the most sacred pagoda in Myanmar, the Mandalay Palace - famous for the world's longest teak bridge U Bein Bridge, the ancient city of Bagan - with thousands of temples and pagodas, etc. These ancient temples are also a way to show Myanmar's history and culture.

And Myanmar's original landscape is also very beautiful, and our tourists who have visited are full of praise, such as the water gardens and traditional stilt houses on Inle Lake in Myanmar, or visiting the mountains in Shan State.

Less developed than its neighbors, Myanmar can provide an authentic and original tour experience. At the same time, it is less commercialized and has a deep cultural foundation, making it an ideal destination for adventurers and history lovers.

The surface of Inle Lake in Myanmar reflects the local characteristic stilt buildings.

Top 6: Indonesia - Island Paradise for Nature Lovers

Another best tourist country in Southeast Asia is Indonesia, which is the world's largest archipelago country, consisting of more than 17,000 islands and rich in island resources.

Indonesia can be said to be a tourist destination for island lovers. The islands of Bali, Komodo Island and Java Island attract a large number of tourists every year.

Among them, Bali in Indonesia is the most famous destination, with charming beaches and terraces. Java Island has the bustling city of Jakarta, as well as cultural heritage such as Borobudur and Prambanan Temple. The Komodo Islands have the famous Komodo dragons and are another must-go destination for nature lovers.

At the same time, places such as Raja Ampat in Indonesia are generally considered one of the best diving sites in the world, where you can dive or snorkel.

The Indonesian island of Bali has beautiful scenery and unique architecture.

Top 7: Singapore - Stylish modern city

Singapore is a small island country with a huge impact. It is one of the most modern cities in Southeast Asia and a fashionable country.

Singapore also has many tourist attractions worth visiting, such as Sentosa Island, Universal Studios Singapore, Gardens by the Bay and the iconic Merlion statue, which are also popular check-in places for tourists. You can also experience Singapore's multiculturalism and visit Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam.

The experience of traveling in Singapore is very comfortable, you can choose a favorite living environment and taste authentic Singaporean food such as chicken rice, laksa and chili crab.

The famous landmark of Universal Studios Singapore.

Top 8: Malaysia - Modernity, Nature, and Diverse Culture

Another best tourist country in Southeast Asia is Malaysia, which is a country with a diverse integration of modernity and nature. Come here to enjoy modern life and experience the tranquility and beauty of nature.

Malaysia has many natural attractions such as the tropical rainforests of Borneo and the beautiful beaches of Langkawi Island. In addition to many beautiful natural landscapes, it is also a modern country. The capital Kuala Lumpur is a bustling metropolis with towering skyscrapers such as the iconic Petronas Twin Towers and bustling markets. Click here to learn more about attractions in Southeast Asian countries.

Borneo tropical rainforest, a very unique landscape.

More Tourist Destinations of Southeast Asia

In addition to the 8 Southeast Asian countries introduced above, you can also travel to the Philippines and Brunei in Southeast Asia, which are also popular tourist destinations.

The Philippines has beautiful beaches such as Boracay, while Brunei is a small and wealthy country with royal palaces and pristine rainforests.

Choosing to travel to Southeast Asia is very cost-effective, and each country has its own characteristics and culture, allowing you to satisfy various interests on the road of travel. Read more to find out more about planning a trip to Southeast Asia.

Here we offer a trusted local travel service in Southeast Asia, dedicated to providing private tour services, tailored to your budget and preferences at the best local prices.

32 Days Cambodia Laos Vietnam Myanmar and Thailand Tour with Beach Relaxing

Siem Reap – Battambang – Phnom Penh – Vientiane – Luang Prabang – Hanoi – Sapa – Halong Bay – Hanoi – Yangon – Mandalay – Bagan – Mandalay – Bangkok – Khao Sok – Koh Phangan – Koh Samui – Phuket – Phi Phi Island - Phuket

Conclusion

After learning about the 8 best tourist countries in Southeast Asia, you can choose according to the preferences. If you like a country, you need to go into it to better understand the history and culture of the country.

Before traveling, you should make the own travel strategy to make the travel experience better. So pack your luggage and start planning your trip to Southeast Asia!