11 Local Experiences You Can't Miss in Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations—and for good reason! But if you’re looking to avoid the crowds and see beyond the tourist traps, take a look at our guide to the 11 best local experiences in the region.
A homestay in a Thai Village
There’s more to Thailand than you could ever imagine. This popular rite-of-passage destination offers you Theravada wats, palaces-turned-museums, orgasmic food, islands that look photoshopped, and joyful, welcoming people.
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1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great priceAfrica
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.So, what better way to experience it all than staying with locals in a rural Thai village?
Meeting orangutans in Borneo
Indigenous to the rainforests of Borneo, orangutans (derived from the Malay phrase, orang utan, literally “person of the forest”) are beautiful creatures, and are a wonder to watch at play.
Climbing active volcanoes in the Tengger Caldera, Indonesia
Whether you’re here for the view, the hike, or the spiritual experience, the Tengger massif will give you an adventure like no other.
The most well-known of the Tengger Caldera volcanoes is Mount Bromo, an active volcano that often sizzles and seethes. Depending on volcanic activity, you may or may not be able to climb up the mountain, but there are nearby hills from which to perch and drink in the view.
A colorful floating market in Kanchanaburi
Kanchanaburi is Asia’s answer to Venice’s popular floating market. Colorful, noisy, and brimming with fruits, vegetables and home wares, this is the place to hit if you want a raw turnip, some khanom krok (rice pudding), or simply to watch how the locals barter.
The Tha Kha Floating Market is about as local as it gets (being small and not too touristy), and is close to the novel and mind-boggling Maeklong Railway Market (a market that literally operates on railway tracks).
Trekking through local villages to get to Inle Lake, Myanmar
Named after the Intha people, the Inle Lake covers 44.9 square miles (116 square kilometers), which is about the size of the Kaho’olawe island in Hawaii.
Begin your trek from Kalaw (an old hill station) and move through extensive rice fields, vegetable plantations and local homes built with wood and bamboo. After the long walk, you’ll be rewarded with the stunning Inle Lake, where houses are built on stilts above the water and fishermen row with their legs, catching prey in their conical nets.
Laughter yoga in Vietnam
Laughter yoga has become such a trend in Hanoi that you’ll find crowds of hundreds gathered together to guffaw their morning away. Participants can be found waving, clapping, marching, making silly faces, and having a swell time.
Scaling the tallest mountain in Southeast Asia
Mount Kinabalu has carnivorous pitcher plants, oriental small-clawed otters and the world’s largest flower (the Rafflesia)—and we haven’t even started on the view.
At 13,435 feet (4,095 metres) above sea level, Mount Kinabalu is the summit of the Borneo Crocker Range. Not for the weak-willed or the unfit, climbing Mount Kinabalu is a revelatory experience—it’ll make you a different person.
Hunting for dragons on Komodo Island, Indonesia
First documented by the Dutch, the Komodo dragon is the largest living lizard species today, typically weighing in at around 154 pounds (70 kg). These creatures can be found in the Indonesian archipelago, especially on Komodo Island.
When you’re done locating your dragon, the island also offers snorkeling opportunities, a pink beach, and a national park.
Taking a slow-boat trip down the Mekong River
The Mekong River runs through China, Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, and Cambodia, and offers financial and practical sustenance to all.
Framed on either side by lofty limestone karsts and natural caves, the Vang Vieng in Laos offers an impressive view of the Mekong River, as well as the mulberry farms just outside of town.
Learning about Cambodia’s tragic past in Phnom Penh
During Pol Pot’s reign, the Tuol Svay Prey High School was converted into a security prison, where thousands were tortured, killed, or worked to death.
By death toll, the Cambodian genocide remains one of the largest in history, and the country lost approximately 1.5 to 3 million people at the hands of the Khmer Rouge.
Visiting Tuol Sleng (the prison-turned-museum) and the killing fields of Choeung Ek is a sobering experience, but an important one—especially if you want to learn more about Cambodia’s history.
Visiting the hanging coffins of the Philippines
For two millennia, the Igorot people of Echo Valley, Sagada, have practiced the ancient tradition of wrapping the corpses of their deceased loves one, smoking them (to prevent fast decomposition) and placing them in coffins nailed to the sides of cliffs. It is believed that this will bring them closer to their ancestral spirits.
If you are looking to have a responsible and adventurous time in Southeast Asia, check out Intrepid Travel.
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