The 7 Most Beautiful Towns in Southeast Asia
These beautiful towns in Southeast Asia will surely take your breath away.
We’ve all heard of Bangkok, Singapore, Jakarta, and other large cities in Southeast Asia. Perhaps you’ve even checked them off your bucket list. While these cities are worth a visit and among the best cities in Southeast Asia, many small towns and villages in this region are not only off the beaten path but also incredibly gorgeous.
These destinations are the top 7 most beautiful places in South Asia. In these towns, you’ll find ancient temples, stunning beaches, exquisite architecture, and so much more. Join us as we take a look at the most beautiful towns in Southeast Asia.
1. Koh Yao Yai, Thailand
In perhaps the most visited country in Southeast Asia, between Phuket and Krabi, you’ll find the small island of Koh Yao Yai. While not technically one town, this whole island feels like a small town.
Koh Yao Yai has beautiful beaches and brilliant turquoise water, and lush greenery engulfs the island.
This wonderful island is far less crowded than the likes of Phuket, meaning it is well-preserved and hassle-free. While it is a quieter destination, you’ll still find luxury accommodations, delicious food, and plenty of fun activities including kayaking, hiking, snorkelling, and swimming.
On the north side of Koh Yao Yai is the island of Koh Yao Noi. Legend says these two islands were once connected, but they were split apart by battling sea serpents.
A ferry or longtail boat from Phuket is the best way to get to the island. If you leave from Bang Rong Pier (which is about 25 minutes from Phuket International Airport by taxi), it will take about an hour to get to the island.
2. George Town, Malaysia
One of the bigger cities on this list, George Town is a colourful multicultural place. Its mixture of British colonial buildings, Chinese shophouses, mosques, and more makes it a truly unique place. The city is filled with spectacular street art, tasty food, and endless architecture to explore.
In 1786, the British East India Company sought control of the island of Penang as a Royal Navy base and trading post. In exchange, they offered British military protection. They landed on the island and named the new settlement George Town.
Over time, trading made the settlement grow, and the city became a leading financial centre. Eventually, Penang and the city of George Town became part of Malaysia. In 2008, George Town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You can travel to George Town with ease in many ways: car, plane, train, boat, or bus. As one of Malaysia’s most populous cities, George Town is effortlessly accessible. Penang International Airport, the closest airport to George Town, is just 20 minutes away by car.
I am raw html block.
Click edit button to change this html
3. Bai Xep, Vietnam
One of the most beautiful places in Asia is a little fishing town with a peaceful beach called Bai Xep. It’s about 10 km outside Quy Nhon.
If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of bigger cities—a home away from home—this is the perfect place for it. The village is remote and car-free, offering visitors a break from the noise of everyday life in more populated areas.
The beach is small, but it’s gorgeous with crystal clear water. Here you can relax on the sand, take a boat to Ngang Island, go diving, or even take a cooking class.
To get to Bai Xep you can take a bus from Quy Nhon. The ride takes about 20 minutes. The first bus of the day leaves at 5:30 am, and the last bus leaves at 5:15 pm. Outside of those hours, you’ll have to take a taxi. The closest airport is Phu Cat Airport, which is about an hour’s drive to Bai Xep and 40 minutes to Quy Nhon.
4. Vigan, the Philippines
The city of Vigan resides in one of the most beautiful countries in Asia, the Philippines. Known for its Spanish colonial architecture and Asian architecture, Vigan has dazzling buildings and streets. One such road is the Calle Crisologo, which has a cobblestone street, horse-drawn carriages, and rustic mansions.
Vigan is a historic city that was once a coastal trading post before the arrival of the Spaniards. In the 16th century, the Spanish named it “Villa Fernandina de Vigan” in honour of Prince Ferdinand. The city is one of the few well-preserved Spanish colonial towns left.
The nearest airport is the Laoag International Airport, located approximately 80 km away, an hour and a half drive. From the airport, you will need to travel by bus or car.
5. Champasak, Laos
On the Mekong River in one of the most beautiful countries in Southeast Asia lies the town of Champasak. Near the town is Wat Phu, a Khmer temple built in the 11th century. The temple has intricate sandstone carvings and a sacred spring that you don’t want to miss.
Once the seat of the Kingdom of Champasak—an independent Lao state—the town and kingdom of Champasak were abolished by the French in 1945 when they created the Kingdom of Laos.
You can fly into Pakse International Airport and travel to Champasak either by car or boat on the Mekong River. It takes about one hour to travel by car.
6. Kota Gede, Indonesia
Kota Gede is a historic neighbourhood in Yogyakarta. It holds the remnants of the first capital of the Sultanate of Mataram founded in 1582.
Here you can explore the fascinating and beautiful remains of the old Kota Gede, which include the palace, royal cemetery, royal mosque, and defensive walls and moats. These magnificent buildings will have you engrossed.
You can easily get to Kota Gede from the Adisucipto International Airport in Yogyakarta. From there you can take a taxi or bus just 15 minutes to Kota Gede.
7. Old Bagan, Myanmar
The ancient city of Bagan resides in one of the most beautiful countries in South Asia, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When you travel here, you’ll see the world’s biggest collection of Buddhist structures, including temples, statues, pagodas, and monasteries—over 10,000 of them!
Bagan was the capital of the Bagan Kingdom from the 9th to the 13th centuries. The Bagan Kingdom was the first to unify the regions that would later constitute Myanmar.
To get to this spectacular historic city, you can go through Nyaung-U Airport, which is just 20 minutes away by car. It is also accessible by bus, train, or boat.
MetroResidences Singapore Serviced Apartments—Your Home Base for Travels Beyond
We’ve all heard of Bangkok, Singapore, Jakarta, and other large cities in Southeast Asia. Perhaps you’ve even checked them off your bucket list. While these cities are worth a visit and among the best cities in Southeast Asia, many small towns and villages in this region are not only off the beaten path but also incredibly gorgeous.
These destinations are the top 7 most beautiful places in South Asia. In these towns, you’ll find ancient temples, stunning beaches, exquisite architecture, and so much more. Join us as we take a look at the most beautiful towns in Southeast Asia.
