How else are you supposed to keep track of all the things you have to do before you die?
Southeast Asia is one of the best places to go for cheap food, friendly people, great hotels and stunning scenery.
Asia has been closed off to visitors for the last two years, but that is starting to change. Both Malaysia and Vietnam have recently announced reopening plans. More are on the way.
With countries reopening and food always on the mind, here are five great city options in Southeast Asia which are pretty much perfect.
Most people go to Laos during the dry season from October to April. If you don't mind a little rain, it's actually beautiful with lush vegetation and less crowded in July.
It's not nearly as scary to visit Laos as you think. Everything you need to know before you leave.
Direct flights from many Southeast Asian gateways, like Singapore and Bangkok, are so much to love. The visa process is very simple and even if you make a mistake, you just pay a small fee to have them fix it for you. The visa page in your passport is a prize in itself.
The Lao people have a lot of pride in both crafts and cuisine. The coffee is great, the beer is cheap, and the street food vendor is going to serve you an amazing meal for a couple bucks.
A sunset river cruise along this beautiful stretch of land may be one of the most memorable things you do in your future travels, so don't miss out. It is time to visit Laos. Hotels are very affordable. There is a 48 hour guide with great suggestions on food, hotels and activities.
If you're looking for a buzzing city, January, February and March are popular. August and September can be really beautiful if you don't mind a bit of heat.
Ho Chi Minch City is not just a trip, it is a walk through some of the most powerful history in the world, and that is not just speaking of the Vietnam War. The city is a fascinating exploration of French and Asian fusion from the mouth watering crepes known as Banh Xeo to the colonial buildings.
As airlines focus on point to point travel, there are more direct flights to Ho Chi Minh (SGN) Airport, including destinations as far away as Europe and the Middle East.
Don't let connections stand in your way before then.
Side trips are endless if you are looking for nature. There are beaches within an hours drive of the Cai Be floating markets. It is a great place to start a trip or end one.
The best time to visit Chang Mai is in April or October as crowds draw out but the weather is still pleasant. If you want to avoid as much humidity as possible, November and February are great.
One of the most crowded cities in Asia, Bangkok can be great for a few days, but it's not as popular as it could be. One of the most pristine settings you'll find anywhere is the one in Chiang Mai, and it offers a totally unique twist on Thailand.
Airlines are taking note of the other cities on this list. Direct seasonal flights from Doha to this lovely, Northern Thai paradise are expected to resume from December through May each year.
Cash or points are great options for hotels at all budgets. Think of nature, luxurious nature, and also backpacker places.
The rest of the world found out about this gem because the silly Hippies were sharing too many pictures. Doi Inthanon is more beautiful in real life than in pictures, so if you love hiking, love cheap delicious eats and are looking for a redemption trip, get to Chiang Mai.
Penang can be visited from February to April, which allows you to avoid the crowds while still enjoying great weather. It rains almost everywhere. If you want to get a bit more vibe from your fellow travellers, the cool temperatures of November, December and January are ideal.
What if you could have all the best Asian food delivered to your door? That would be the name of the service.
Penang is the place to go if you want to get the real stuff. Penang has been called the eating capitol of Southeast Asia because of its rich Chinese, Malay and Southeast Asian heritage.
The Eastern and Oriental hotels are an amazing nod to the days of explorers past, while more mainstream options offer slightly more accessible rates.
This is a city that can be done in a couple days, but is worth the trip to the area. It is the perfect place to combine culture and relaxation for a few days with total beach bliss.
Both regional and major airlines have daily flights, so you can connect to Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and more.
It's picking up in popularity, but it's just under the bustling tourism of many other destinations, which is why now is the time.
If you're after cool, cool and more cool winter months like January, February and March, you should go. Depending on the weather, you can catch the cherry blossom in late March or early April. Think anytime in spring or early fall. It's a bit humid in the summer.
Chiayi is making headlines for the right reasons. This is the year to book trips to Taiwan for the reopening of the country after the spotlight was shone on this gem by the series Street Food.
The city isn't the only thing that matters here. The most beautiful mountains in the region are located at Chiayi. It's a great place to travel because of the dense forest and jaw dropping views.
How about getting there? Chiayi is an ideal place to spend a few days exploring a part of town which hasn't bent its traditions to serve up touristy dishes, or vibes, and is an hour and a half away from Taipei or Kaohsiung via high speed train. China Airlines and EVA Air are safe bets. There is a guide on how to get to Alishan.
Chiayi is cool because it's an excuse to explore so much of Taiwan, from your likely port of entry in Taipei to the gorgeous forests of Alishan, while enjoying an eating experience you just won't get in more touristy cities.
The Chiayi and Alishan link was made during the Japanese occupation of the area. This is a fascinating city to visit before you head back to bustling Taipei.
Before it gets flooded with non stop daily flights, before the biggest chains move in, and before its on the cover of the world's biggest magazines, you need to experience Luang Prabang, Laos. Long known to the savviest travelers, Luang Prabang offers a powerful and unique Southeast Asian experience.
In travel advice.
We go to Singapore every time, because of the choice of connecting airports or short breaks in Southeast Asia. When visiting Asia, the city you first land in is rarely the main event, but choosing the perfect gateway can turn an exciting trip into something more.
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What is travel inspiration worth? As you walk through the most remote parts of the world, you can see that mobile phones are ubiquitous. Over 7.2 billion people use mobile phones, which puts nearly everyone on earth.
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