10 Epic Things to Do Across Southeast Asia

Celebrating ASEAN Day? This is the perfect time to plan a meaningful adventure! From ancient temples to underwater shipwrecks, every ASEAN country offers one unforgettable experience.

Whether you’re backpacking, travelling solo, or planning a barkada trip, here are 10 iconic things to do in Southeast Asia, one from each country in the region!

Image credit: Scubaverse Website

This one’s straight out of a history-meets-nature documentary. Coron’s wreck diving scene is unreal, with actual sunken Japanese warships from World War II now turned into coral gardens. You don’t even have to scuba; snorkelling gets you up close too. It’s eerie, magical, and completely unique to the Philippines.

Also read: Philippines’ Best Diving Spot and Other Must-Visit Underwater Destinations

https://www.tripzilla.ph/scuba-diving-destination/21621

Image credit: @sammclendon | Instagram

Borobudur is the world’s largest Buddhist temple, and yes, it’s massive. But the real magic is sunrise. Imagine golden light creeping over volcanic peaks while you’re sitting among ancient stone stupas. It’s quiet, spiritual, and gives you serious main character energy.

Image credit: @rituparnadey | Instagram

Cable car but make it extreme. Langkawi’s SkyCab is one of the steepest in the world, giving you a bird’s-eye view of rainforests and cliffs. At the top, there is the Sky Bridge, a curved suspension walkway that’s basically made for brave hearts and panoramic selfies.

Image credit: @mich.miich | Instagram

Gardens by the Bay isn’t just for tourists. It’s an eco-futuristic wonderland. The Supertrees glow at night with a light and sound show that feels like something out of a sci-fi movie. It’s nature, tech, and design blended together. Singapore nailed the aesthetic.

Also read: Gardens by the Bay Photo Tips: How to Capture the Blooming Magic of The Gardens

https://www.tripzilla.ph/gardens-by-the-bay-photo-tips/20931

Image credit: @carolyn_enting | Instagram

Sure, Thailand has beaches. But if you want something quieter, head to Erawan Falls in Kanchanaburi. It’s got seven tiers of clear, jade-coloured water flowing through limestone pools. Less crowd, more forest, all vibes.

Image credit: @divyasree.ms | Instagram

Hoi An is postcard-perfect any day, but during its monthly lantern festival, it levels up. Locals and travellers float paper lanterns down the river while the Old Town glows. It’s not just pretty. It’s cultural, emotional, and totally worth it.

Also read: Best Time to Travel to Vietnam from the Philippines: A Complete Guide

Image credit: @stoberfoundation | Instagram

Image credit: @stoberfoundation | Instagram

Forget tourist traps. Tonle Sap’s floating villages show you how people actually live on water. We’re talking stilt houses, floating schools, even mobile markets. A boat tour here gives you real insight into Cambodian life.

Image credit: @lennyseptn | Instagram

If waterfalls had influencers, Kuang Si would be the blueprint. Just outside Luang Prabang, this spot has turquoise pools and a forest trail leading to an epic cascade. There’s even a bear rescue nearby. Chill, swim, repeat.

Image credit: @olga.job | Instagram

Image credit: @olga.job | Instagram

Balance goals, but make it sacred. The Golden Rock looks like it’s defying gravity, perched on the edge of a cliff and covered entirely in gold leaf. It’s one of the most iconic Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Myanmar. Getting there means a scenic mountain drive, a steep uphill trek, and views that will stay with you.

Image credit: @elizaveta_maltseva | Instagram

Image credit: @elizaveta_maltseva | Instagram

Looking for something uniquely Bruneian? Hop on a boat through the mangroves near Bandar Seri Begawan and try to spot wild proboscis monkeys. These rare, big-nosed primates are only found in Borneo, and Brunei’s riverbanks are one of the best places to see them. If you’re lucky, you might even catch them leaping from tree to tree at sunset.

Also read: 6 Safest Cities In Southeast Asia: What You Need to Know

Southeast Asia isn’t just a region. It’s a vibe! It’s your grandmother’s cooking, your uncle’s stories, your travel dreams all rolled into one. On ASEAN Day, remember this. We’ve got temples, jungles, oceans, floating worlds, and stories to tell. No passport stamp hits quite like a Southeast Asian one. Let’s keep exploring our backyard like it’s the most exciting place on Earth. Because it is!