Southeast Asia Tops in Trip Advisor 2024 Travel List

25 Jan 2024 Umesh Paneru

Southeast Asia is a rich region abundant with natural and cultural destinations that attract numerous travelers every year. There are plenty of places to explore for travelers in 11 diverse nations of Southeast Asia (Brunei, Cambodia, Timor-Leste, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam).

The most popular and leading online travel site Trip Advisor has declared ‘Trip Advisor’s Traveler’s Choice Awards-2024’ under 7 different categories. Top destinations, Natural destinations, Trending destinations, Cultural destinations, Food destinations, Honeymoon destinations, and Sustainable destinations are Trip Advisor’s prominent categories. Among all seven continents, Asia’s Southeast Asia tops in Trip Advisor 2024 travel list and falls under the maximum categories listed by Trip Advisor.

Vietnam

Vietnam is the number one Southeast Asian destination that is listed under multiple categories (Top, Trending, Nature, Food, Culture, and Honeymoon) by Trip Advisor.

Sa Pa (Trending Destinations)

A colorful and charming town in Northern Vietnam
A perfect destination for a mountain trek or rice-paddy tour
Gothic Stone Church (influence of French Missionary)
Flavorful cuisines (Vietnamese or European-inspired)
Not to miss Saturday night’s ‘Love Market’

Best for: Hiking, Running tours, Climbing, Art, and History

Ha Long Bay (Trending Destinations, Nature Destinations)

UNESCO World Heritage Site
Amazing limestone Islands, rock formations, and caves
Take an amazing tour (Rent a kayak or a junk boat)
Floating fishing village and numerous lakes

Best for: Nature and Wildlife Tours, Stand up Paddleboarding, Spas, Kayaking Tours

Hanoi, Vietnam (Top Destinations, Food Destinations)

Well-preservation of ancient colonial architecture alongside modern developments
Prime attractions are Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, and Hoa Lo Prison
More than 600 temples and pagodas
Lakes, parks, and shady boulevards add charm to this city

Best for: After-dark tours, Multi-day Tours, Multi-day Cruises, Kayaking Tours

Hoi An (Top Destinations, Honeymoon Destinations)

Well-preserved Southeast Asian trading port (15^th to 19^th centuries)
Witness traditional colored lanterns (on the 14^th day of each lunar month)
The prime attraction is the Japanese Covered Bridge and the Quan Cong Temple
Take customized clothing as a souvenir embroidered by the town’s expert tailors

Best for Shopaholics, Half-day Tours, Safaris, Cultural Tours

Hue (Culture Destinations)

UNESCO World Heritage-designated historic sites
Sightsee around the Ornate Imperial Citadel, the colorful Thanh Toan Bridge
Visit Hue Jungle Crevice
Major attractions are the Royal Tombs and the Forbidden Purple City

Best for: Historical Tours, Motorcycle Tours, Cultural Tours

Thailand

Thailand destinations are the second most popular in Southeast Asia and are categorized under multiple destinations (Top, Trending, Food, Honeymoon, and Sustainable) by Trip Advisor.

Bangkok (Top Destinations, Sustainable Destinations)

Golden palaces, floating markets, majestic porcelain-laid spires
Cultural temples (Wat Arun, Wat Pho)
Visit Pratunam or Siam Square for premium shopping
Relax at the European-style gardens of Dusit
Try tasty mango sticky rice food at food stalls

Best for: City Tours, Historical Tours, The great outdoors, Bars tours

Pattaya (Trending Destinations)

The Gulf of Thailand and stunning beaches
Main attractions are the Giant Buddha of Wat Khao Phra Bat, Wooden Wang Boran Sanctuary
Impressive Buddhist and Hindu art and architecture
Jomtien Beach (a hot spot for watersports and seaside massages)
Nightlife (bars and clubs)

Best for: Resorts, The great outdoors, Cabaret, Cultural Tours

Phuket (Top Destinations, Food Destinations)

Thailand’s largest island
International attraction for beach lovers and divers
Main attractions are blue lagoons, sunset views, and Buddhist temples
Explore around island’s aquariums, and gardens
Take part in popular watersports

Best for: Nature and Wildlife Tours, Resorts, Jet Boat Rentals, Snorkeling

Chiang Mai (Food Destinations)

Popular for Night Bazaar and food variety at food stalls
Prime attractions are the National Museum, Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, and the Botanic Garden
Numerous temples in the city’s center

Best for: Historical Tours, The great outdoors, Spas, Cultural Tours

Khao Lake (Honeymoon Destinations)

Exquisite beaches, jungles, and waterfalls
Family-oriented activities
Tranquil nights (full moon parties)
Scuba diving in the Similan Islands

Best for: Resorts, Jet Boat Rentals, Safaris, Kayaking Tours

Cambodia

Trip Advisor listed two destinations in Cambodia as Trending and Top destinations to explore.

Phnom Penh (Trending Destinations)

Prime attractions are temples, palaces, and the remnants of its French colonial history
Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda
Apsaras Dance and Dinner shows
The Killing Fields (Choeung Ek) outside the city
Reasonably priced hotel rooms

Best for: Historical Tours, Bars, Spas, Cultural Tours

Siem Reap (Top Destinations)

Ancient structures in the vicinity of one of the largest religious complexes
Old market- Psar Chas
A major attraction is the 12th-century Angkor Thom royal city
National history lesson at the Cambodian Cultural Village
Angkor Night Market (shopping stalls, food vendors, and bars)

Best for: Historical Tours, Art & History, Archaeology Tours, Spas

The Philippines

Palawan Island of the Philippines is listed as a Trending destination by Trip Advisor.

Palawan Island (Trending Destinations)

A sliver of an island abundant with exotic wildlife, and quaint fishing villages
Sightseeing around multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Explore endangered animals at the Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary
Best dive sites- Japanese shipwrecks of Coron Island
Impressive guided boat tour of the Puerto Princesa Underground River

Best for: Multi-day & Extended Tours, Resorts, Snorkeling, Relax

Malaysia

Trip Advisor listed Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia as a trending destination.

Kuala Lumpur (Trending Destinations)

The cultural hub Kuala Lumpur and its iconic Petronas Twin Towers
Sri Mahamariamman –the oldest Hindu temple in Malaysia
Shopping at the Central Market (handicrafts)

Best for: Bars, Cultural Tours, Photography Tours, High-octane

Indonesia

The cities of Indonesia are listed under trending, top, nature, and honeymoon destinations by Trip Advisor.

Bandung (Trending Destinations)

A large collection of Dutch Colonial architecture
Attractive botanic garden, a zoo, and golf courses
A wide variety of culinary offerings
Cool-weather suitable for tours

Best for: Tours & Sightseeing, Spas, Local eats

Bali (Top Destinations, Honeymoon Destinations)

An Indonesian paradise Bali
Dive along coral ridges or the colorful wreck of a WWII warship
The lush jungle shelters stone temples and mischievous monkeys on shore
A cultural dance performance at the Artistic capital Ubud
Participate in a batik or silver-smith workshop
Revitalize your mind and body in a yoga class

Best for: Ports of Call Tours, Rafting, Spas, Cultural Tours

Lombok (Nature Destinations)

Impressive Indonesian island with an active volcano Mount Rinjani
Perfect to witness sunrise over the sea
Secluded bays, and limitless series of cream-colored beaches
Waterfalls booming through its lush greenery
Spot wild macaques in the trees of Baun Pusak
Float with the green and hawksbill turtles around Gili Meno

Best for: Nature and Wildlife Tours, Hiking Tours, Climbing, Surfing Lessons

Singapore

Singapore city is listed as a cultural destination as well as a sustainable destination by Trip Advisor.

Singapore City (Culture Destinations, Sustainable Destinations)

Singapore cityscape, the observation deck of the Sands Sky Park
Numerous street food choices
A cultural cooking class for those interested
Horticultural heaven experience at the Botanic Gardens and the Gardens By the Bay
Local activities on the banks and walkways along the Singapore River

Best for: After-dark tours, Historical Tours, Bars, Cultural Tours