8 Southeast Asian destinations for different types of travellers
We all travel for different reasons, and in varied ways. Do you go straight for the tourist attractions, or do you prefer to live like the locals do? Alone or in groups? Sophisticated city sights, or unexpected nature’s wonders? For the different travellers among you, here are some suggestions on where to go.
1. The Adventurer
This one’s straightforward – anything that gives you an adrenaline rush or presents the opportunity to experience something new will pique your interest. Exploring the road less travelled or having no itinerary appeals to you. In that case, how about a trip to Nha Trang, Vietnam? Compared to its popular counterparts Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, it’s probably less visited by tourists. Yet its pristine sandy beaches, rich marine life and untouched islets with beautiful coastal views will grant you a fresh and worthwhile experience. Venture further and check out the exotic springs, streams and structures. Book a scuba diving trip. Enjoy the ride of a lifetime and get on a motorbike tour. You’ve got an adventure right there.
Photo: @cyannguyen
Stay at: Citadines Bayfront Nha Trang, situated in the heart of the prime Tran Phu street, right along Nha Trang beach.
2. The Pilgrim
You may not be a particularly religious person, but your personal inner journey matters. Travel is probably a sacred experience and your goal is to come back refreshed from within; feeling richer than all the money in the world can make you.
Take the time to reflect and recalibrate. If shrines, architecture and trails can help you along your journey, go on – walk down that path.
In Vientiane, the capital of Laos, you’ll find a delightful mix of French colonial architecture and traditional Buddhist artefacts. The nature parks all around this charming city will also give you the physical space (and head space) you need to look within, set some intentions, and temporarily escape from the hustle and bustle of busy urban life to indulge in some serious self-care.
Photo: @glenlord8
Stay at: Somerset Vientiane, minutes from the iconic statue of King Fa Ngum, an important landmark in the city.
3. The Yogi
If ‘knots’ and ‘tension’ sound more like a physical condition to you rather than the state of a rope, and ‘retreat’ reminds you of relaxation instead of defeat – chances are you’re familiar with yoga and the benefits it brings to the mind, body and soul. If completing that 200 hours of yoga is in your bucket list, or even if you’re slightly newer at the practice, Bali is generally heralded as one of the best places to stretch out those body parts, and feel the knots and tensions melt away.
We recommend Kuta where a lot of the action is, so you can be a yogi by day and party goer by night. From there, take a short taxi ride to Seminyak for its hip café culture, Jimbaran for fresh seafood off the boat, and Ubud for its cultural scene and serenity – great for more yoga if you wish. OM.
Stay at: Citadines Kuta Beach Bali, located on the vast and sandy Kuta Beach.
Ascott Online Members get 10% off best flexible rates along with exclusive benefits.
Photo: @harimaolee
4. The Check Lister
The point of exploring a foreign land is to see, hear and experience what you won’t in your home country – if this resonates, you’re the kind of traveller who covers all tourist attractions in your itinerary, along with opening hours and admission rates. For the check listers, try Bangkok. This fascinating capital of Thailand never sleeps, and many will vouch for the city’s fantastic street grub, countless shopping malls and markets, and invigorating Thai massages. But there’s more. Visit Wat Pho to see the Reclining Buddha in its golden glory. Enter the Grand Palace and spend hours in awe of its grandeur. Ride a boat along the Chao Phraya River. Sit in a water taxi a.k.a. tuk-tuk. And if you’re there in April, how can you miss Songkran! It’s a wild, wet party as the nation celebrates newness and good luck.
Photos: @harimaolee
Stay at Citadines Sukhumvit 11 Bangkok, Citadines Sukhumvit 16 Bangkok or Citadines Sukhumvit 23 Bangkok – all in the heart of Bangkok’s bustling Sukhumvit business, shopping and entertainment district.
Book at least 30 days ahead of your getaway to enjoy special discounts.
5. The Hoarder
Do you start your holiday with a half-filled luggage because you know you’ll need the additional space on your trip back? And no, we’re not referring to just the regular shopping steals (clothes, food etc). Souvenirs immortalise travel memories like photographs do and make great stories to tell. And these trinkets will only make sense if they come from a culturally rich destination.
Consider the underrated, often overlooked Yangon in Myanmar – one of Southeast Asia’s cultural gems. Pagodas, temples, cathedrals and shrines – you name it. Catch the locals in their element at the wet markets and the Bogyoke market, which is known for their souvenirs. Since there’s so much to take in, make sure you hoard them all.
Stay at: Somerset Kabar Aye Yangon, a short drive from downtown Yangon. It hasn’t opened its doors to guests, but we’re expecting early 2019, so keep your eyes peeled.
Photo: @glenlord8
6. The Photographer
This one’s self-explanatory too – travel and snap a gazillion photos to remember the experience for years to come, whether with a pro cam and tripod, or through the more fuss free #shotoniphone method. Capture pictures of beautiful landscapes, collect some wefies and selfies… because if you didn’t take a photo there, did you really travel there?
Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, will give you tons of picturesque backdrops of historic monuments and beautiful memorials. Cruise down the Mekong River and capture captivating sunset views. Visit Royal Palace and Wat Phnom to admire the city views and intricate architecture. The nightlife is equally charming, and a Vespa tour will bring you to where unforgettable nightlife sights and sounds await.
Want to cool off from the heat? Head to the Phnom Kulen National Park and experience the waterfall for yourself. It’s definitely photo-worthy.
Photo: @glenlord8
Stay at: CASA Meridian Residence, located in the heart of capital Phnom Penh.
7. The Family-Oriented
What good is travel if not with the people you love? If that’s your travel mindset, you’re probably don’t see the appeal in going solo. In this case, pack your family on a quick road trip!
Hit up Puteri Harbour in Nusajaya, Malaysia and you’ll be surprised at the bevy of family-friendly activities available. You’re just a stone’s throw from Legoland Malaysia and Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park – which are great for the kids. Shop for the whole fam at Medini Lifestyle Mall, the largest in South Malaysia.
Stroll along the harbour if you’re there with your other half and pick from the wide variety of classy restaurants. This lesser known part of Malaysia is a breath of fresh air indeed.
Photo: @sengkit_liau
Stay at: Somerset Puteri Harbour Iskandar Puteri, part of the luxurious waterfront development of Puteri Harbour and within walking distance to Kota Iskandar, the Johor State’s new administrative centre.
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8. The Weekender
Sometimes, the getaways we need most are the ones that are short and sweet, and don’t take much effort to make happen. All the more shiok if decided on super last minute! Don’t forget the charms of sunny Singapore, where there’s glorious food at every corner, much to see and do, and the convenience of getting around easily.
Stay at: Ascott Orchard Singapore, a few minutes’ walk from the Orchard Road shopping belt; and live in the lap of luxury from now till 31 December 2018.
OR at: Citadines Fusionopolis Singapore, a short distance from Holland Village and local places of interest. Stay this year to enjoy discounts off Best Flexible Rates.