Back on my first Southeast Asia backpacking trip, I blindly flew into Bangkok with really no idea what I was getting myself into. I spent three months bouncing around Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and the Philippines. I initially wrote this post as a top ten highlights reel from that trip, but little did I know that I had barely scratched the surface. The next year, I visited Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Then Thailand again. And again. That one trip turned into almost a decade of coming back to Southeast Asia nearly every year.

Since then, I’ve chased waterfalls in East Java, swum with whale sharks in Southern Leyte, wandered the rice terraces of Ifugao, temple-hopped in Yogyakarta, and finally made it to Bali, Malaysia, and Singapore. So nearly a decade later, we are long overdue for an update. Some of my favorites from 2017 held up. Others got absolutely bodied by the places I’ve discovered since. (Sorry, Pai.)

These are my 25 favorite places in Southeast Asia, ranked. Every single one is somewhere I’ve actually been, sweated through, and probably gotten lost in.

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25. Pai, Thailand

In 2017, Pai was my #5. Now it’s bringing up the rear. In the decade since, Pai has changed about as much as I have. Perhaps I’m not as enamored with the backpacker hotspots as I used to be, or perhaps its become overrun with Israelis cosplaying as prophets of peace and love. Either way, my former fondness of Pai can only do so much to barely keep it on this list.

Thailand’s quirky little hippie community is still a must for backpackers, although I’d argue that its once-mythical reputation does a lot of heavy lifting. Life just feels slower and better while you’re there. Rent a scooter to explore the waterfalls and canyons in the surrounding mountains. Joyriding along the rice paddies never gets old. Once the day is done, spend your nights hopping between the night market and the bars in the tiny downtown.

Where To Stay: The Famous Pai Circus Hostel

24. Coron, Philippines

Moving on to my home country, we start its representation off strong. Coron is home to some of the most dramatic scenery in the Philippines: towering limestone cliffs, glassy lagoons like Kayangan Lake, and some of the best wreck diving in the world, thanks to the Japanese ships sunk in its bay during World War II. Island hopping here is unreal. It only lands this low because the town itself doesn’t have much going on. I brought my first group trip to the Philippines here, and we closed out our 10 days across the country by inking matching turtle tattoos in a shabby parlor positioned within the main bar in town. As much as I loved Coron’s laid-back vibes, El Nido, its neighbor in Palawan, does the island thing even better.

Regardless, the difficulty of getting here is worth the hassle. Whether you’re doing the island-hopping thing from El Nido, or finding a rare good flight deal to Busuanga, you won’t regret a visit to Coron. It might rank higher if I was an avid diver, but I know exactly where I’m going once I finally do decide to pick up my PADI.

Where To Stay: Outpost Hostel

23. Singapore

Singapore is the cleanest, safest, most efficient city in Southeast Asia, which is exactly why it’s fairly low on a list written by me. The Gardens by the Bay light show, the hawker centers, and the futuristic skyline are all incredible, and the food alone is worth the trip. But it’s also the most expensive stop in the region by a mile, and it’s missing the beautiful chaos that makes the rest of Southeast Asia so fun.

It might be the cheapest entry point into the continent, though, so a backpacker on a budget still has something to gain with a stop in Singapore. It might also be the much-needed post-barefoot beach bum adventures, serving as a reminder that an efficient metro system and air-conditioned malls do have some appeal.

Where To Stay: I was able to avoid $40 hostel dorms by staying at my aunt and uncle’s apartment, thankfully, but I’ve heard good things about The Bohemian.

22. Langkawi, Malaysia

Langkawi is Malaysia’s laid-back island escape, with quiet beaches, and lush, jungle-covered mountains. Ride the cable car up to the famous Sky Bridge for jaw-dropping views, take a mangrove boat tour, and spend your evenings watching the sunset from a beach bar on Pantai Cenang. It’s a great place to recharge, though it’s a lot sleepier than the islands up north in Thailand. Hard to complain about that, though. A few hostel friends and I rented scooters and took to the island on two wheels. The main hub where most tourists stay is quite crowded and far from a favorite, but the rest of the island carries Langkawi onto this list.

Where To Stay: Bed Attitude Hostel

21. Chiangmai, Thailand

Northern Thailand’s laid-back capital is the perfect antidote to Bangkok’s chaos. The old city is packed with more than 300 temples, and the hike (or ride) up to Doi Suthep rewards you with a golden temple and killer views over the whole city. By day, hop between the trendy cafés of Nimman. By night, hit the Sunday Walking Street and the night bazaar for cheap eats, and don’t leave without a bowl of khao soi, the curry noodle soup Chiang Mai does better than anywhere else. It’s also home to some of Thailand’s best and ethical elephant sanctuaries. And when you’re ready for the mountains, Pai is just a few hours (and a few hundred hairpin turns) up the road.

20. Vang Vieng, Laos

The backpacker town of Vang Vieng is undeniably Laos’ most touristy spot, but there’s a good reason for that. Although it gets a bad reputation for its infamous activity of drunkenly tubing down a river — my GoPro is still floating in that river somewhere, RIP — it has a lot more than just that in its repertoire. From rock climbing and spelunking to bicycling past karst mountains and rice paddies, it has everything the adventurous traveler could desire, plus a fun nightlife scene to wind down.

It seems to have become a bit more refined since my visit nearly a decade ago, for better or for worse. Seemingly, for the better. Hot air balloon rides? Cushy bamboo villas? I can only imagine what other changes the future will bring. Check out my take on whether you should visit Laos.

Where To Stay: Rock Backpackers Rooftop Hostel

19. Koh Phi Phi, Thailand

The laid-back vibe of Koh Phi Phi made it one of the hardest places for me to leave on my first visit to Thailand. It’s smaller and has fewer things to do than Thailand’s other islands, but it packs a lot of fun into its small space. Everything is within walking distance, and I had no qualms about lazing my days away on the beach and partying at one of the many beachside dance floors at night. It’s undeniably set up for tourists, but it’s everything you could dream of for an island getaway.

Where To Stay: By The Beach Hostel

18. Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Dubbed one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, Ha Long Bay is beyond gorgeous. Thousands of limestone islands rise out of emerald water, and cruising through them is nothing short of mind-blowing. Kayaking my way through the islands back in 2017 was one of my favorite activities of that trip. It’s otherworldly. Aside from the islands, there isn’t much else to do, otherwise it might hold a candle to El Nido or Krabi, with comparable landscapes plus other actual activities. Base yourself on Cat Ba Island and explore the quieter Lan Ha Bay to dodge the crowds.

Where To Stay: Secret Garden (Cat Ba Island)

17. Siquijor, Philippines

Us Filipinos grow up hearing that Siquijor is the island of witches and healers, so naturally I had to go see for myself. Spoiler: the only spell I fell under was island time. Siquijor is small enough to loop on a scooter in a day or two, stopping at turquoise waterfalls like Cambugahay Falls (with rope swings), a 400-year-old balete tree with a fish spa at its roots, and quiet beaches where you might be the only one there.

The tourism scene is catching up faster than Siquijor’s infrastructure can keep up with, so have a little patience when visiting here. The power goes out frequently, restaurants and cafes are missing half their menus, and don’t get me started on the ferries. The same can be said for a lot of the Philippines, though, and Siquijor is one of those places where it’s worth putting up with.

Where To Stay: Mad Monkey Hostel

16. Penang, Malaysia

If you travel for food, the island of Penang should be at the top of your list. George Town, its UNESCO-listed capital, is a delicious mash-up of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and colonial influences, and its hawker stalls serve up some of the best street food in Asia: char kway teow, assam laksa, nasi kandar, the list goes on. For a fairly small destination, Penang is packed with Michelin meals, from upscale restaurants to numerous Bib Gourmand food stalls. Now, I’m not a food snob, but it does feel like a treat when you pick up some banana-leaf-wrapped Michelin goodness for a $1 at the local market.

Between meals, hunt down the famous street art murals, wander the old clan houses and temples, visit the stunning Kek Lok Si Temple and hike up Penang Hill for sunset.

Where To Stay: Gooooood morning, Cocoa Mews!!!!! I haven’t been able to say good morning without emulating their high-energy staff’s daily breakfast announcement. Say hello to all the cats for me!

15. Hanoi, Vietnam

Hanoi would have been near the bottom of my list after my first Southeast Asia backpacking trip. Now, I’m updating this list after having spent three weeks in a cramped Old Quarter apartment — requiring 128 stairs to reach, might I add — and loving every moment of it.

Hanoi is chaos in the best possible way. Scooters swarm every street of the Old Quarter, street food stalls spill out onto the sidewalks, and the whole city runs on egg coffee and bia hoi. the energy is electric. Not to mention that the city is filled with beautiful temples, fascinating historical sites, and unique activities. On my first visit, I couldn’t have gotten out of Hanoi fast enough. Now, it’s among my favorite cities in the world.

Where To Stay: Hanoi Central Backpackers

14. Krabi and Railay Beach, Thailand

Krabi might be my favorite place in all of southern Thailand. It has it all: hiking, nightlife, and of course, beaches. None of those beaches are as famous as Railay, a peninsula cut off from the mainland by towering limestone cliffs, so the only way in is by longtail boat. Its pristine sands and climbing walls make it one of the most stunning beach spots on Earth. Base yourself in Ao Nang for the nightlife and day-trip over to Railay (or fall victim to the beach bum life and stay a while).

Where To Stay: Slumber Party (Ao Nang), Blanco Hideout (Railay)

13. Pintuyan, Philippines

Swimming with whale sharks is one of those bucket-list experiences everyone should have, and Pintuyan in Southern Leyte is one of the most ethical places to do it. Unlike in Oslob, the whale sharks here aren’t fed to keep them around. After speaking with the municipal tourism board of Pintuyan, we were even more convinced that we had made the right choice to travel nearly 12 hours to get here. The number of boats are limited and there is absolutely no feeding or touching of the whale sharks allowed. Should anyone be caught violating these rules, that company is banned from ever sailing into Pintuyan’s waters ever again. For a small village that could easily see the whale sharks as a lucrative business to bring wealth to their community, it’s a refreshing splash of ethics. Pintuyan even has a Tiki-tiki (the local name for whale sharks) festival every year to celebrate them.

The experience cost us about $20 for the several hours we were out in the water. That was with a guide and two spotters, with a maximum of three people per boat. We were the only ones out on the water, almost an eerie feeling. Especially when your guide beckons you to jump into the water and you are immediately met with one of the world’s largest creatures. I’ll admit, that first encounter terrified me. But we saw another, and another, and another, and gradually, these gentle giants graceful movements and star-like patterns proved to be more comforting than scary.

Those jellyfish, though. We spent the next several days nursing hundreds — not exaggerating, we counted — of stings, some swelling up so bad that it hurt to walk. Before you head out, be sure you’re covered from head to toe, for both the sun and the sea.

Where To Stay: D&G Transient House

12. Hoi An, Vietnam

After rampaging through northern Vietnam in 2017, kicking back in Hoi An was the change of pace I needed. I came back again this year, and it still holds up as one of the best destinations in Vietnam. Honestly, it might have been even better than I remembered. The Old Town is draped in mustard-yellow walls and strings of glowing silk lanterns, and when they light up at night, you’ll feel their magic even through the crowds. Take a food tour, try a lantern-making class, and finish the night on the bar strip across the river. Tiger Tiger Bar still hit, even a decade apart.

Where To Stay: Bed Station Hostel

11. Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Often called “Ha Long Bay on land,” Ninh Binh arguably beats out its more famous cousin. There’s just simply more to keep you busy in Ninh Binh, and across a wide range of interests, as well. Limestone karsts tower over emerald rice paddies, and the best way to see them is from a little rowboat gliding through the caves of Trang An or Tam Coc. Cycle through the countryside, visit the many ancient temples, climb the steps up Hang Mua for one of the best views in Vietnam, and soak in a slice of rural life that still feels relatively untouched.

Where To Stay: Ninh Binh Buffalo Hostel

10. Koh Phangan, Thailand

Mark Koh Phangan down as one of those places that will unexpectedly steal your heart. Known mostly for its epic Full Moon Party, it lives up to its reputation as an epic party island, but it offers far more than the renowned debauchery most backpackers go there for. Maybe it was the amazing group of people I met there back in 2017, but I’ve rarely had as much fun anywhere. If chilling is more your thing, there’s no shortage of beaches, waterfalls, and hidden coves. When nighttime rolls around, the parties are unlike any other. Check out my backpacker’s guide to Koh Phangan.

Where To Stay: Unfortunately, my beloved Dancing Elephant hostel has come and gone. There are no shortage of hostels to choose from on the island so pick a beach and browse the area. Haad Rin is where the parties are at, but there are dozens of neighborhoods to choose from across the island.

9. Siargao, Philippines

Siargao is the Philippines’ surf capital, and it might just be the coolest island in the country. Palm-tree jungles stretch as far as the eye can see, the island-hopping is world-class, and the town of General Luna has the perfect mix of surf-town chill and backpacker nightlife. Catch a wave at Cloud 9, swim in the Magpupungko rock pools at low tide, and spend your nights partying with the friends you made at the hostel that morning. Don’t forget to make the day trip over to Sugba Lagoon for this side of the country’s answer to Palawan’s limestone karsts. Read my backpacker’s guide to Siargao.

Where To Stay: Mad Monkey Siargao

8. Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok remains one of my favorite places in the entire world. The intensity and chaos of the city might be off-putting for some, but there’s no shortage of things to do, and a year wouldn’t be enough to experience everything Bangkok has to offer. From the temples to the street food to the nightlife to the quirky things you can literally only find in Bangkok, the city is unlike any other. It’s a shame most tourists treat it as a quick stopover.

I’ve been back half a dozen times since my first visit, and have never run out of things to do. Well, that might be because I consider eating an activity, but I digress. Beyond the temples and historical sites, be sure to wander along Song Wat Road and then hop on the local ferry to watch the city go by from a unique perspective.

Where To Stay: Khao San Road has countless hostels to choose from, with dang near every Southeast Asian hostel chain throwing their hat in the ring. The Mad Monkeys, Bed Stations, Lub D, etc. are all there. If it’s your first time, just pick a Khao San hostel out of a hat. After many visits to the city, I much prefer the Chinatown and Song Wat area. Luk Hostel is where you’ll want to be in that case.

7. Bali, Indonesia

Yes, Bali is touristy. Yes, the traffic in Canggu is a nightmare. And yes, it still deserves to be this high. I begrudgingly dragged myself away from East Java due to cheaper flights out of Denpasar, fully expecting to hate the monster that Bali has become. Hell, the sparkle wore off on my second visit back in 2018. I could only imagine how much worse it’s become. To my surprise, Bali still held up.

There’s simply nowhere else in the world like it. In a single trip, you can surf in Uluwatu, party in Canggu, chase waterfalls and rice terraces around Ubud, hike Mount Batur for sunrise, and hop over to the Nusa Islands to swim with manta rays. The Balinese Hindu culture woven into everyday life, with offerings on every doorstep and temples around every corner, gives the island a soul the crowds can’t dull.

6. Sa Pa, Vietnam

Everywhere you look, Sa Pa is stunning. The lush rolling hills, valleys, and rice terraces are among the greenest scenery I have ever seen in my life. I could have handed my phone to a baby to take pictures and everything would still have been Instagram-worthy. Trekking through the rice terraces with local guides and fighting water buffalo for space on the path was an experience of a lifetime. Sleeping in a Vietnamese family’s barn was also quite the unique sleeping situation. Despite having seen my fair share of rice terraces since my time in Sa Pa, this pocket of Northern Vietnam still stays with me all these years later.

Where To Stay: Personally, I ended up booking a 3-day all-included package from my hostel in Hanoi, so I didn’t really have a say on where to stay. They organized the bus, our guide met us at the station, and everything was in her hands until I got on the bus back to Hanoi. But there are lots of accommodation options if you want to stay a few days in Sa Pa and sort everything out independently.

5. Ifugao Rice Terraces, Philippines

I thought Sa Pa had the most jaw-dropping rice terraces I’d ever see. Then I went to Ifugao. Carved into the mountains of the Cordilleras by hand more than 2,000 years ago, the rice terraces of Banaue and Batad are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the greatest feats of ancient engineering on the planet. Hike down into the amphitheater-shaped terraces of Batad, cool off under Tappiya Falls, and spend the night in a homestay looking out over the whole thing. As a Filipino, seeing this part of my own country blew me away.

Where To Stay: Batad Countryside Inn

4. Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Yogyakarta, or Jogja as the locals call it, is the cultural heart of Java and one of the most underrated cities in Southeast Asia. It’s a creative, artsy city of batik workshops, street art, and royal palaces. It’s also the base for exploring two of the most incredible temples in the world: Borobudur, the largest Buddhist temple on the planet, and Prambanan, a towering Hindu complex just outside the city. Watching the sun rise over Borobudur’s stupas is one of those moments that stays with you.

Where To Stay: Wonderloft Hostel (Yogyakarta), Social Ducks Hostel (Borobodur)

3. El Nido, Philippines

Despite a bumpy ride through a rainstorm on my first visit, seeing the limestone mountains of El Nido pop out of the ocean lifted my spirits immediately. El Nido and its surrounding islands are an unbelievable paradise that rivals Ha Long Bay and anything in Thailand. Island hopping through Bacuit Bay’s hidden lagoons, secret beaches, and turquoise water is one of the best days you can have in Southeast Asia, and the little town is the perfect base for balancing exploring, relaxing, and partying.

I’ve visited twice since my first visit. Every time I’ve had foreign friends visiting me in the Philippines, I knew I couldn’t let them leave without seeing El Nido. It’s way busier than it was in 2017, but it’s still one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Check out my complete guide to El Nido.

Where To Stay: Frendz Hostel

2. East Java, Indonesia

East Java is the most epic adventure I’ve had in Southeast Asia, period. In just a few days, you can watch the sun rise over the smoking crater of Mount Bromo from a lookout high above a sea of sand and clouds, hike into Mount Ijen in the dead of night to see its eerie electric-blue fire before the turquoise acid lake appears at dawn, and stand at the bottom of Tumpak Sewu, a curtain of waterfalls so massive it looks fake. It’s exhausting. I was constantly sleep-deprived for a week and it was worth every second.

Where To Stay: I based myself in the town of Malang (Aruna Hostel) for Mount Bromo and Tumpak Sewu, and in Banyuwangi (ZZZ Ijen Hostel) for Mount Ijen and the ferry to Bali

1. Angkor Wat, Cambodia

After all these years and all these places, nothing has topped Angkor. The temples of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, and Preah Khan aren’t just the most impressive ruins in Southeast Asia. They’re some of the most impressive anywhere in the world. Watching the sun rise over Angkor Wat’s towers, getting lost among the giant stone faces of the Bayon, and clambering past the tree roots strangling Ta Prohm made me feel like a real-life Indiana Jones. You can’t find anything like this anywhere else, so take it all in while you’re here.

Siem Reap is a pretty cool town on its own, too. With a poppin’ nightlife scene and a number of good restaurants and markets, it’s a fun place to relax or party after exploring temples all day.

Agree with my rankings? Think I’m criminally underrating somewhere? Let me know in the comments.

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Still On My List…

A decade in, and Southeast Asia still has a long list of places I haven’t made it to yet. These are the ones at the top of my list, so expect them to crash this ranking someday:

• Labuan Bajo, Komodo & Flores, Indonesia: real-life dragons, pink beaches, and some of the best diving in the world.
• Lombok, Indonesia: Bali’s quieter neighbor, with Mount Rinjani and the Gili Islands right next door.
• The orangutans of Sumatra, Indonesia: trekking through the jungles of Bukit Lawang to spot wild orangutans.
• The Ha Giang Loop, Vietnam: the legendary northern motorbike loop that everyone who’s done it won’t shut up about.

Have you been to any of these? Let me know in the comments which one I should hit first.

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