Traveling in South East Asia? Easy peasy -

I love living in South East Asia. Period.

The cultures, the sights, the weather (well, not really for some but hey, I'm a tropical girl) --
In addition to that, it's cheap. And relatively easy to navigate.

No matter what your budget, style and interests are -- I assure you, there's always something for everyone in this part of the world.

I have some personal favourites too. By personal favourites, I meant countries I keep returning to -- without fail. So I thought I'd share with you beautiful people the countries in my Top 3 so you have a rough idea when planning your South East Asia trip.

Cambodia -
I love this country; and it is also one of my favourite place in SEA.
It's cheap. Well, INSANELY cheap to be exact. Not only that, it is so easy to get around in Cambodia -- Siem Reap, especially. There are a lot of things to do depending on your likes / dislikes.

Most people know Cambodia for the famous Angkor Wat. Sure you can go all Tomb Raider there and the other temples; but there are many, many other things to do besides exploring just the temples.

One can explore the other, darker side of Cambodia (the Killing Fields near Phnom Penh) -- it is horrifying, for sure, but at the same time fascinating. Located about 14kms outside Phnom Penh, this Killing Fields has now become a tourist attraction and one of the "must-visit" for those traveling in Cambodia.
For you beach-goers, don't 'fret. The beaches in Cambodia are such hidden gems. Slightly less popular than the neighbouring Thailand -- but still will take your breath away.

Otters Beach, Sihanoukville

Long Set Beach, Koh Rong

Serendipity Beach, Sihanoukville

See. Gorgeous, right? Something I'd definitely enjoy waking up to each morning, for sure.

Visa Requirement: Visa is required and can be obtained upon arrival (both airports and land borders) for USD$30 (single entry). This visa is valid for one month and you're required to present a passport (valid for at least 6-months from date of expiry) and a recent passport-size photo. You can also now apply for this visa online with additional USD$7 processing fee. Nationals from the following countries (Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam) do not require a visa and may stay for 21 or 30 days respectively.


Indonesia -
Well, I do visit Indonesia often. Bali (though a little over-rated) is one of my favourite island. Not the usual tourists dig like Kuta, for example. I'm more of Ubud kinda girl. Very peaceful area with lots of greens, various good restaurants and yoga studios.

Yes -- the Eat, Pray, Love filming location. If that rings a bell to you.

Surfing, I can say, is one of the main attraction in Indonesia. If all you've ever wanted is to learn how to ride the waves or already love the waves, this is definitely a place for you. Though you can also explore something more low key like Gili Islands -- besides Ubud (yes, yes, I love Ubud far too much to not mention it again and again), that's for sure.

Rice-terrace in Ubud

Another view I don't mind waking up to every morning ;)

Visa Requirement: Visa exemption for over 90 countries -- you can check your country here.


Thailand -
Famous for its nickname -- Land of the Thousand Smiles; Thailand is one of the most popular countries to travel to in South East Asia. Bangkok, being a huge international hub, is one of the easiest to fly into from, literally, everywhere.

There's plenty to do in this country. Just name it.
Scuba diving in Koh Tao. Island hopping in Koh Phi Phi. Braving the tourists crowd at Khao San Rd in Bangkok. Chilling out in serene city like Chiangmai. And food -- yes, various awesome food to try.

Just between us: some of the best restaurants I've tried are located in Bangkok. You can check out Eatigo -- great app that gives you 50% off selected restaurants ;)

Koh Phi Phi

Bangkok

Visa Requirement: Nationals of most countries are eligible for 30-days visa exemption. Check your eligibility here. If you happen to exceed the 30-days period, expect to pay a fine of THB500 /day at your point of departure (been there, done that!).


So, what do you think? Did I trigger your interest to visit South East Asia yet? :)