4 Ways to Visit Southeast Asia on Foot

Southeast Asia is a wonderland that is mysterious and enchanting. Fascinating beaches, tropical rainforests, peaceful villages, modern cities, hospitable residents and delicious street snacks ... a tour to Southeast Asia will never let you down. Now, follow this article to set foot on the road to visit this wonderland by strolling, walking, hiking and trekking.

1. Strolling

Hoi An (Vietnam)

Hoi An is not only a place with a colorful ancient culture, but also full of ethnic flavor. As an ancient commercial port, Hoi An has been included on UNESCO's World Heritage List since as early as 1999. Several hundred years, various foreign merchants started to trade a great deal with each other at this coastal town, which is the reason why here today, travelers can experience different cultures here, such as Chinese and Japanese, even European. A tour to Hoi An is like enjoying a leisurely life: strolling through an old street, and then crossing a Japanese bridge to visit a Chinese temple, finally sipping a cup of coffee at a French café. Strolling in Hoi An will help you to forget about everything and live into the slow, relaxed life of Hoi An.

A Chinese temple in Hoi An

Bagan (Myanmar)

Beside the Irrawaddy River there lies a quiet girl – Bagan. A well-known Buddhist pilgrimage spot, history records that over ten thousand pagodas and temples had been built on this mysterious land. A thousand years later, most of them have been lost to time. However, there are still nearly two thousand pagodas and temples still waiting for those travelers who would like to listen to their stories.

As a historical and peaceful town, visiting Bagan by strolling is the best choice, because life in Bagan needs to be enjoyed and known gradually. After all, a tour to Bagan is not only to experience the exotic culture, but also is the best way to cast your burden on the Buddha.

The path surrounded by various pagodas

2. Walking

Chiang Mai (Thailand)

Thailand means "land of the free" in Thai. Thailand can be likened to a young man with youthful vigor, so you need to pick up your pace by walking. Chiang Mai as the destination in Thailand is not only a beautiful city with a cool climate and tree-lined streets, but also very human. Elephant Nature Park,  a rehabilitation center for elephants, takes in many mistreated or injured elephants and other animals.

Not only can travelers meet with elephants, the largest living animal, but can also participate in walking and playing with them and even feeding and bathing them under supervision. This will be an unforgettable experience.

Singapore (Singapore)

Singapore is a modern city with high economic growth, but is also a city with tree-lined streets and more than 400 gardens and parks. Singapore is a metropolis with over 5.5 million population, but you will never feel crowded because of convenient public transportation and good urban planning. Various modern styles of architectures have become the symbol of Singapore; however, colonial architecture can still be found in the shadow of skyscrapers.

To enjoy the daily life of Singapore, the best way is to walk on the streets of Marina Bay, sit back on a bench, watch the sun set on the Singapore Flyer or take a walk in the National Orchid Garden, and finally remember to satisfy yourself with the delicious seafood at Lau Pa Sat.

Tree-lined street can be found everywhere in this modern city

3. Hiking

Xieng Khouang (Laos)

One of the most mysterious archaeologically fascinating landscapes in the world is located in one of the most undeveloped countries of the world. To this day, nobody really knows the provenance or function of the giant jars on the Plain of Jars, but one thing is certain, they have lain on this ground since near 2000 years ago.

However, a hiking trip on the Plain of Jars is not just for watching these definitely unique jars, but also for enjoying the amazing natural landscape and beautiful countryside. In addition, you will gain a deeper understanding of Laotian culture and history in this journey.

Important note: Only hike on the officially open, numbered sites. These have been cleared of the thousands of unexploded mines and bombs dropped by the USA during the Vietnam wars. Other sites have not been cleared and are very dangerous.

Plenty of giant jars located on the Plain of Jars

Bali (Indonesia)

Bali, the island of the Gods, is the world-famous resort. Blazing sun, wonderful bathing beaches with fresh salty air, turquoise sea and distinctive folk customs; all of them are synonymous with Bali. However, Campuhan Ridge Walk, which is located in Ubud, a town that is famous for painting and sculpture, is the emphasis today. Campuhan Ridge Walk is a well-known hiking trail that has been highly recommended by Lonely Planet.

Although the total length of the Campuhan Ridge Walk does not exceed 10 km / 6.2 miles, travelers will still be intoxicated by antique buildings, picturesque rice terrace and the tranquil river valley on either side of the path. In short, this is paradise for every passerby.

4. Trekking

Kalaw - Inle Lake (Myanmar)

Inle Lake, perhaps the most famous tourist destination, is the second largest lake in Myanmar and near Kalaw, a mountain town that is 40 kilometers / 25 miles away. To enjoy the picturesque scenery and beautiful village, a trek from Kalaw to Inle Lake is the optimal choice. There are more than 100 villages with their own characteristics located on the path between Kalaw and Inle Lake. Some good ways to experience the characteristic culture are to have simple communication with villagers, taste local delicacies, or even spend a night at a monastery or with a local family.

Are you planning to travel in Southeast Asia? Click on the links in the article or contact us to tailor-make a tour that suites your need.