Southeast Asia Vacations

Most countries in Southeast Asia have two main seasons: wet and dry, but the weather and seasons vary from country to country or even between the country’s regions. So, the best time to visit Southeast Asia really depends on narrowing down on the destinations you want to visit.

You could either pick a destination first and then establish the best time to go, or alternatively you could pick your destinations based on those with the best weather during the time you want to visit.

In general, the weather is warm and more humid than in most states in the US or any European countries. If you have respiratory problems you may want to avoid burning season, when many Southeast Asian regions burn old crops to prepare for new planting which has an adverse affect on air quality.

While it may be tempting to visit as many countries as possible on a single trip to Southeast Asia, we advise to choose combinations that are easily accessible by a short flight – or river cruise (like Vietnam and Cambodia or Laos and Thailand) – rather than exhausting yourself by traveling extensive distances.

To help decide which countries to visit in Southeast Asia, you should ask yourself whether you want to explore cities, relax on beaches, embrace culture or nature, cuisine and history.

For first-time visitors to the region, Thailand and Indonesia’s Bali have great tourist infrastructures with plenty of amenities and friendly English-speaking locals. More adventurous travelers may like to consider Cambodia, Laos, other parts of Indonesia, and Myanmar.

Generally Southeast Asia is incredibly safe, but keep your wits about you to avoid opportunistic theft, scams and scooter traffic accidents which are the most serious risk to travelers. Comprehensive travel insurance is always advised.

Most Southeast Asian countries require you to have at least six months’ validity left and a one or two empty pages on your passport. Some countries don’t require you to have a visa, but requirements are constantly changing. Check with the relevant embassy or consulate for the latest requirements.

Please check the vaccine requirements and recommendations for each Southeast Asian country you plan to visit before travel. Tetanus and typhoid shots are always advisable. Strong mosquito repellent is also recommended for most locations to help protect you from dengue fever and malaria.