Top 20 Southeast Asia Destinations, Perfect for Long Weekends!

Discover the Best Weekend Getaways for Malaysian Travelers
Traveloka Accomodation
10 Jul 2023 - 9 min read

Southeast Asia - Long weekend holidays are always awaited to be able to go somewhere longer. For you Malaysians, going on vacation to countries in Southeast Asia is the way to enjoy the perfect weekend getaway.

Starting from the quiet natural beauty such as a row of beaches with delicious fresh seafood. Or the life of a metropolis with its sparkling lights and providing everything you might need. Take a look at this list of the top 20 destinations for weekend getaways in Southeast Asia.

Top 20 Picks for the Best Southeast Asia Destinations Perfect for Long Weekends

1. Nusa Penida, Indonesia

Nusa Penida - Southeast Asia

Indonesia is famous for its natural beauty, so don't take advantage of the best time to be one with nature. On Nusa Penida, you can walk along Kelingking Beach, hike to Angel's Billabong and Broken Beach.

Apart from the stunning panoramas, you also have to try their signature culinary delights that are no less delicious. Like satay lilit (grilled skewers), mashed and seasoned fish meat is then attached to a lemongrass stalk.

2. Luang Prabang, Laos

Kuang Si Waterfall, Luang Prabas - Southeast Asia

Luang Prabang, Laos has the Kuang Si Waterfall to feel the freshness of the water amidst a stunning view. You can find no less beautiful panoramas by climbing Mount Phousi to see the sunset over the city or visit the Royal Palace Museum with interesting architecture. Remember to try Laap (minced meat salad), khao soi (noodle soup), and tam mak hoong (spicy papaya salad).

3. Phuket, Thailand

Phuket, Thailand - Southeast Asia

This White Elephant Country does have its own charm because it is rich in historic buildings and religious sites. You can enjoy the life of the past by exploring the Old Town of Phuket and visit the Big Buddha. The best way to end the day is to relax on beaches like Patong and Karon to enjoy the warm sunsets.

For its culinary specialties, Thailand has a very distinctive variety of Tom yum goong (spicy and sour soup with prawns). You can also try pad Thai (stir-fried vermicelli) or mango sticky rice which is unique and will make you addicted.

4. Corona, Philippines

Coron Bay - Southeast Asia

Snorkeling is the best way to enjoy the beauty of Coron Bay, after that you can enjoy delicious seafood. Such as Kinilaw (raw fish salad), adobo (meat soup), and halo-halo (mixed dessert). You can also explore the island as well as visit Kayangan Lake, the clearest green lake in Southeast Asia.

5. Langkawi, Malaysia

Cenang Beach, Langkawi - Southeast Asia

Cenang Beach is much visited for its nightlife, with quite several bars and lounges along the coast. Meanwhile, Tanjung Rhu Beach is more suitable for snorkeling activities to see the beauty of coral reefs and swimming with colorful fish. You can try Nasi lemak (a coconut rice dish), laksa (spicy noodle soup), and satay (grilled skewers) to fuel up your vacation.

6. Hanoi, Vietnam

Old Quarter, Hanoi - Southeast Asia

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter located nearby and present the beauty of colonial-style Vietnamese architecture. On the Hoan Kiem lake, a red bridge connects to the Ngoc Son temple.

Try the bun cha (roast pork) and banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich) which are local adaptations of the French sandwich. If you want halal food, you can try Pho, made with beef filling, meatballs, and chewy white noodles.

7. Koh Samui, Thailand

Koh Samui - Southeast Asia

Relax on beaches such as Chaweng and Lamai for a relaxing holiday or take a snorkeling tour for a more adventurous experience. There is also the Big Buddha Temple which you must visit to indicate that you have visited Thailand. Don't miss the Tom kha gai (coconut milk soup with chicken), the green curry and the very signature mango sticky rice.

8. Siem Reap, Cambodia

Siem Reap - Southeast Asia

Cambodia has the world's largest Hindu temple complex, located at Angkor Wat. For a more memorable experience, you can take a tour using a traditional vehicle called a tuk-tuk. Don't miss exploring the night market to try Amok (fish curry), lok lak (stir-fried beef) and num banh chok (vermicelli soup).

9. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City - Southeast Asia

This city is very popular as a tourist destination in Vietnam, and it's no wonder many provide culinary tours by scooter. For example, by trying the typical food Banh xeo (Vietnamese crepe), com tam (broken rice), and banh mi thit (Vietnamese sandwich). Visit historical sites to learn about past events at the War Remnants Museum and Cu Chi Tunnels.

10. Bagan, Myanmar

Bagan, Myanmar - Southeast Asia

Myanmar has many religious sites that offer serenity with a wide selection of ancient temples and pagodas. It's no wonder Myanmar is called the country of a thousand pagodas. Try new sensations with a hot air balloon ride through the city or take a horse-drawn carriage tour. You can also try delectable dishes like the Mohinga (fish noodle soup with a Chinese look and Indian flavor) or the tea leaf salad.

11. Ubud, Indonesia

Ubud - Southeast Asia

Ubud has a unique farming system, and you should explore the rice fields or take a yoga class while enjoying the view. Visit the Monkey Forest Sanctuary which many monkeys and visitors inhabit and can interact directly. Many local dishes here, such as Babi Guling (grilled pork), Nasi Campur (mixed rice dish), and Sate (grilled skewered meat).

12. Krabi, Thailand

Krabi - Southeast Asia

In this city you can visit the exotic Railay Beach with its big stones and white sand or explore the Tiger Cave Temple where beautiful views surround it. Don't miss the culinary delights of Tom kha gai (coconut soup with chicken), pad see ew (fried noodles), and mango sticky rice.

13. Boracay, Philippines

Seclusion on the beach is the right way to get rid of fatigue after spending time working. Enjoy the beauty of white sand with a stretch of blue sea at White Beach Boracay and Puka Shell Beach. Enjoy stomach-filling meat preparations such as Adobo (meat soup), sisig (a sizzling pork dish) and lechon (roast pork).

14. Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Phnom Penh - Southeast Asia

Visit the Royal Palace, built since 1866 and the Silver Pagoda which contains gold and jade Buddha statues. You can also take a sunset cruise on the Mekong River and end the day by eating local food. Such as Fish amok (fish curry steamed in banana leaves), kuy teav (noodle soup), and num pang (Cambodian sandwich).

15. Vientiane, Laos

Vientiane, Laos - Southeast Asia

Don't miss visiting the Pha That Luang temple and the Buddha Park while in the capital of Laos. You Can end the day on a sweet note at dusk by taking a sunset cruise on the Mekong River. Vientiane also has delicacies such as Laap (minced meat salad), tam mak hoong (spicy papaya salad), and khao piak sen (vermicelli soup).

16. Nha Trang, Vietnam

Nha Trang - Southeast Asia

Take a leisurely walk along the coastline to the Lotus Tower, Nha Trang's landmark that resembles a lotus flower. Visit Po Nagar Cham Tower, a temple left from the Champa Kingdom with the Chai River on its left side.

Its location on the coast makes Nha Trang have delicious and of course, very fresh seafood. Such as Banh canh (vermicelli soup with seafood), bun cha ca (fish noodle soup), and goi cuon (fresh spring rolls).

17. Penang, Malaysia

Penang - Southeast Asia

Georgetown which is located on Penang hill, filled with murals. Make a brief stop at Kek Lok Si temple to place a wishing ribbon attached to a stick. Take a culinary tour at night to taste the local dishes that are offered along the way.

18. Hue, Vietnam

Hue is a historic city that has the Imperial Citadel which houses the tomb of Emperor Nguyen nearby. Apart from historical tours, you can also take a boat tour on the Perfume River. Take the time to try local dishes such as Bun bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup), banh khoai (Vietnamese pancake) and banh beo (steamed rice cake).

19. Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai - Southeast Asia

Besides being able to visit historical sites such as the Doi Suthep temple and Wat Phra That Doi Kham. You can also do other interesting activities such as taking a cooking class to make local dishes. At night, head to the night market for local delicacies such as Khao soi (spicy noodle soup) and sai ua (northern Thai sausage).

20. LangCo, Vietnam

Lang Co - Southeast Asia

To go to Lang Co, you have to pass the Hai Van Pass, famous for its winding roads and beautiful views. When you arrive you can take a tour of the fishing village of Lang Co with its peaceful life. This coastal village has fresh seafood such as Banh canh (vermicelli soup seafood) and com hen (rice with mussels).

Not only Articles about Southeast Asia that Traveloka provides, but we also have a lot of best-recommended articles for you guys to read! Here is the list of the best Articles recommendation special for you:

Southeast Asia is indeed endless to visit because many interesting places provide unforgettable experiences. Immediately plan your vacation by ordering flight tickets or booking a hotel on Traveloka and get the best prices.

In This Article

• Top 20 Picks for the Best Southeast Asia Destinations Perfect for Long Weekends
• 1. Nusa Penida, Indonesia
• 2. Luang Prabang, Laos
• 3. Phuket, Thailand
• 4. Corona, Philippines
• 5. Langkawi, Malaysia
• 6. Hanoi, Vietnam
• 7. Koh Samui, Thailand
• 8. Siem Reap, Cambodia
• 9. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
• 10. Bagan, Myanmar
• 11. Ubud, Indonesia
• 12. Krabi, Thailand
• 13. Boracay, Philippines
• 14. Phnom Penh, Cambodia
• 15. Vientiane, Laos
• 16. Nha Trang, Vietnam
• 17. Penang, Malaysia
• 18. Hue, Vietnam
• 19. Chiang Mai, Thailand
• 20. LangCo, Vietnam
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