Southeast Asia at a Glance
Single Country vs Multi-Country
Best Time to Visit
Travel Considerations
Safety & Accessibility of Resources
Travel with Zicasso
What Countries Are Included in Southeast Asia?
Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar (Burma ), Republic of the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam
What Countries in Southeast Asia does Zicasso Travel to?
Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Vietnam
Zicasso’s Top Recommended Countries to Visit
Thailand
Thailand is a country with over a millennia of history and culture. The landscape is comprised of tropical beaches, glittering temples, mountain villages, and culinary traditions. From fields to forests, Thailand celebrates the divide between sacred spaces, rural charm, and cosmopolitan grandeur.
Vietnam
Vietnam possesses an astonishing mixture of mountain peaks and paddy fields that contrast the metropolitan cities. The complex layers of culture and history radiate from the cuisine and the distinctive karsts that soar above the sea to embody Vietnam’s splendor.
Cambodia
Cambodia maintains its luster in the hidden details of jungle waterfalls and fascinating urban temples. With elusive wildlife, its treasured spirit, and preserved fishing villages, Cambodia reveals much more than just the stupas of Angkor Wat.
Indonesia/Bali
Bali evokes an intoxicating exoticism with its celebrated beaches, lush jungle, preserved traditions, and volcanic peaks. The culture emerges from customary performances, and perfect swells attract surfers from around the world. This island deftly blends beauty and spirituality.
Laos
Laos is a conglomeration of culture and natural wonders. The country is home to pristine jungle, meandering riverbanks, strolling elephants, and magnificent karsts. Laos feels like an adventure of regal architecture, endless waterfalls, and monk processions.
Myanmar (Burma)
Myanmar represents untouched Southeast Asia, where traditional practices remain standard in a land of faith and custom. Myanmar highlights the past as it slides into the future, revealing quiet rivers, traditional villages, and luxurious cities.
Single Country vs Multi-Country Trip: Pro & Cons
Visiting a single country allows you to immerse yourself in the culture and heritage of the specific country. This offers more time to view highlights and experience more intimate settings. A multi-country tour showcases iconic sites while and offers different experiences based on the unique cultures, cuisine, and history of each nation. You can see a wider variety of sites in a shorter number of days.
Single Country
Pros:
- You will have more time to explore specific interests and preferences on your schedule.
- You can spend more time in a specific place to experience the culture, lounge on the beach, or partake in a multi-day excursion.
- You can maximize the benefits of both activity and leisure time for an exciting and relaxing vacation.
- You can better absorb the atmosphere and flavors of a country.
- You will not need to exchange currency.
Con:
- You will only have the cultural and historical perspective of one country.
- You cannot diversify your experience with the regional highlights of surrounding countries.
- You miss the ease of traveling to nearby countries during a single trip instead of needing to return to the region.
Multi-Country
Pros:
- You will see more places, such as country highlights and known cities.
- It is more cost-effective to visit multiple countries during your trip than to return during a later vacation.
- You will experience constant activities and excursions with little downtime between tours.
- You will experience the unique differences between the countries’ cultures, heritage, and scenery.
Cons:
- You will only scratch the surface of culture, highlights, and histories in each country before moving to the next destination.
- You will have little downtime between activities and excursions.
- You will need to exchange currency between countries.
Best Time to Visit Southeast Asia
Updated: January 28, 2020
The best time to visit Southeast Asia will vary depending on your personal travel preferences. The months of November through February are extremely popular because these countries experience significantly drier and cooler weather. Planning your vacation between these months will help you avoid the scorching heat that can stifle experiences. It will also mean that you visit during Southeast Asia’s peak season, which is when the crowds are much larger and the rates are considerably higher. If you are searching for a more secluded escape to Southeast Asia, then you may prefer to visit between September and October, which is when flights are more affordable, countries are not as crowded, and monsoon season is drawing to an end. Whether you travel to Southeast Asia in peak or off season, each country hosts iconic cultural events throughout the year, and your Zicasso specialist will help you plan your vacation to align with one of these memorable experiences.
Iconic Experiences
Sailing across the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, gazing at viridian vistas on top of Mt. Bromo, immersing yourselves in Chiang Mai’s hill tribe culture, and meandering the colossal stone-carved walkways of Angkor Wat are experiences that represent the epitome of Southeast Asia’s allure.
Glide across Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, is a breathtaking garden of karst limestone islands. You can explore these islands as you cruise across the sea in a 5-star luxury liner for a few incredible nights.
Sunrise atop Mount Bromo
Active travelers will be treated to a mesmerizing sunrise from the towering viewpoints of the summit of Mt. Bromo, Indonesia. Whoever you share these sweeping spectacles with, you will experience unforgettable memories.
Discover Chiang Mai’s Ethnic Culture
The buzzing tourist city of Chiang Mai, Thailand, is flanked by rolling green hills that house ancient tribal communities. You can explore these ethnic tribes to your heart's content to learn about their traditional customs to their delectable cuisine.
Explore Angkor Wat
The colossal complex of Angkor Wat in Cambodia is an incredible feat of ancient craftsmanship. Here, you can appreciate its intricate design and learn about the country’s sacred roots.
Travel Considerations for Southeast Asia
What is Southeast Asia Known for
Southeast Asia is globally recognized for its rich culture and heritage. It is also known for its idyllic stretches of white-sand beach, palate pleasing gastronomic scene, gold-adorned complexes, and castaway islands. Thailand’s most notable highlights are its island’s sprawling shorelines and coral reefs. Vietnam’s most notable highlight is its mountainous regions. For insight into ancient civilizations, such as the Angkorian era, a trip to Cambodia should not be missed. If looking for an immersion into the cuisine of southeast Asia, the colonial fusion of Southeast Asia and France is most apparent in Laos.
Weather
The weather in Southeast Asia can be extremely temperamental from day to day. The climate is tropical and balmy most of the year. Although the weather can differ from country to country, there are two primary seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. The dry season is popular for its cool climate and infrequent rain showers. Therefore, the months to travel through Southeast Asia typically falls between December and January. The rainy monsoon season is extensive and occurs from June to September. Due to the monsoon season, you should only consider these months if you wish to visit when there are significantly fewer crowds. Each season presents its challenges, such as enormous crowds and dangerous downpours, so it is best to consult your Zicasso specialist to ensure the weather meets your travel expectations.
Transportation
Southeast Asia offers an array of accessible transportation modes that cater to travelers, such as airplanes, helicopters, trains, busses, vans, limousines, ships, yachts, and speedboats. Zicasso will ensure that you are treated to the highest class of travel when transferring in and between countries. We will also book knowledgeable guides who will make your journey hassle-free and informative. Although rural areas offer less variety, you will almost always travel in luxurious vehicles, unless you have purposefully chosen a specific activity where a traditional mode of transport is part of the experience.
Cultural Considerations
Southeast Asia boasts a diverse blend of cultures and heritages across its many countries. There are certain considerations to take note of when visiting the region, such as saving face, local lifestyle, and honored customs. Southeast Asian locals are generally cautious about presenting excessive emotion, and this is what is meant by saving face. For this reason, residents rarely have public disputes, and everyone seems to operate in peace with one another. Moreover, many cities, with the exception of major metropoles, work at a very slow and easy-going pace. Spiritual culture has a major impact on the lifestyle, and certain customs dictate much of the locals’ daily life. For example, monks are revered and treated with great respect, temples promote strict dress codes, and alcohol is not sold during prayer hours.
Packing
Several factors will influence how you pack your bags in preparation for your vacation across Southeast Asia. These include cultural, weather, electrical, and pharmaceutical considerations.
Cultural Considerations
Islam and Buddhism are two of the most prominent religions that are practiced in Southeast Asia. When visiting sacred temples, you will need to dress appropriately by wearing clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
Weather Considerations
The weather in Southeast Asia is mostly humid with occasional downpours that occur across the region. This means that you should pack light clothing and a few waterproof windbreakers to cope with the temperamental climate. Sunblock is essential and readily available in all tourist cities. Regardless, it would be wise to purchase it before you depart because the cost of sunblock is high.
Electrical Considerations
Plug types vary from country to country in Southeast Asia. Therefore, you should purchase a universal adapter for your electrical appliances before you leave.
Pharmaceutical Considerations
Your pharmaceutical needs will be covered during your Southeast Asian vacation because the countries have many pharmacies throughout tourist cities. These pharmacies provide access to quality medication, supplements, and first aid equipment. It is a safe practice to take your essential medication as instructed by your health practitioner with you.
Travel Insurance
You’ve booked your dream vacation, now protect it with travel insurance. A wide range of factors can leave your vacation in limbo. Medical emergencies, inclement weather, and unexpected cancellations can cause turmoil for your trip, so in the unlikely event of a disaster, get the travel insurance coverage that provides peace of mind. To get a quote, visit our travel insurance page.
Flights Via Zicasso
Zicasso Air Desk is an international air ticketing service that eliminates the stress of finding and booking the right flights for your upcoming vacation by employing the same personalized service you can expect from planning a trip with Zicasso. Our competitive flight pricing, 24X7 Service & Support, and Complimentary Consultation of Routing vs. Pricing with an Expert Flight Specialist make finding the perfect flight for your trip effortless.
Travel Documents
You will be required to carry several important travel documents to ensure a smooth, seamless, and hassle-free vacation in Southeast Asia. Below, we have provided a list of the most essential pieces of paperwork:
- Personal medical information (either on paper or on a smartphone app)
- If you have a specific medical issue, you should carry pertinent information regarding your condition from your doctor, especially including any medication that you are currently taking
- Emergency contact information
- Passport
- Visa, if necessary
- Proof of airline tickets and reservations
- Customs forms and documents
- Hotel or accommodation reservations
- Travel and medical insurance (see above section regarding this)
You may need copies of additional documents depending on which country in Southeast Asia that you visit. Your Zicasso travel specialist will do their best to ensure that you are prepared with all the correct paperwork. Travel requirements can and do change often with little to no notice. Therefore, it is wise to stay updated as your trip nears.
Finances & Tipping
Southeast Asia is an incredibly sought-after tourism destination. Subsequently, it has many ATMS scattered throughout its countries. This is great news for travelers who wish to immerse themselves in the local food culture because markets and vendors typically require cash payment. Credit cards are accepted at nearly all accommodations, restaurants, and many retailers throughout the region. This means that all of your financial requirements will be met during your trip. Bargaining is common practice in Southeast Asian markets, so you can bargain for a discounted price. When doing so, you should be mindful of body language and the vendors’ verbal approach to ensure that you do not disrespect any merchants. Tips are not expected for services in Southeast Asia but are accepted graciously by locals. Your Zicasso travel specialist will be on hand to offer any recommendations or specific guidelines regarding the information outlined above should you be unsure of anything prior to your trip.
Safety & Accessibility of Resources for Southeast Asia
With low crime statistics, easy access to medical supplies, and excellent healthcare in most tourist destinations, Southeast Asia is an incredibly safe region.
Crime Rate
Crime is a global safety risk, and it would be naive to assume that any destination is free from crime. Southeast Asia has statistically low crime rates in comparison to other regions across the globe.
Things to look out for
While major crimes are not as prevalent across Southeast Asia as they are in the US, petty crimes have been known to occur. Therefore, you should keep on the lookout for bag snatchers and scammers. Keep your personal belongings on hand and in sight at all times, preferably secured to your persons, and do not trust guides that have not been organized by your Zicasso travel specialist.
Medical & First Aid
Medicine and first aid supplies are readily available across Southeast Asia because pharmacies are located on most street corners. In the event of a sudden illness or urgent medical care is required, excellent hospitals are situated in major cities with professional specialists. Your Zicasso specialist will ensure that you are provided with all the necessary contact details should you need immediate help or an ambulance. We highly recommend consulting your healthcare physician before you leave. The previous information should not be held as a substitute for specific medical guidelines that have been outlined by your specialist.
Water & Food Safety
Unfortunately, tap water is not safe to drink in Southeast Asia. Countries cater to this impeccably by providing accessible and affordable bottled water across the region. An additional safety tip is to confirm with all restaurant and hotel staff whether or not they are serving safe-to-drink ice with beverages. The culinary culture in Southeast Asia is booming, and food is generally very healthy and safe from disease. Overall, you should use your best judgment when eating at street food stalls in addition to keeping an eye out for flies and smells that may indicate meat is rotten.
Travel with Zicasso
When planning a luxury vacation, every detail matters, which is why our approach is different. We match you with leading travel specialists who are the most qualified to make your dream trip happen. These specialists know their country better than anyone, and each one in Zicasso’s network is among the finest travel agents and tour operators in industry. Experience the wonder of an exceptional itinerary crafted just for you.
