Southeast Asia
Great touristic infrastructure, exceptional culture and biodiversity
Southeast Asia consists of 11 countries, each characterized by a significant diversity in religion, culture, and historical narratives: Brunei, Myanmar (Burma), Cambodia, Timor-Leste, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Recognized for its remarkable cultural diversity, Southeast Asia is home to a wide array of languages and ethnicities. Of the world’s 6,000 languages, approximately one thousand are spoken within this South Asian region.
I explored much of the region during my Asian Big Tour between 1999 and 2000, and subsequently visited Singapore and Malaysia individually in 2016. My Southeast Asia travel is characterized by remarkable convenience. The region’s strong infrastructure, friendly people, safety, affordability, and global accessibility made my trips easy and enjoyable.
The negative impact of massive tourism
Tourist numbers in Southeast Asia have grown significantly over the years. Some areas became overcrowded, losing much of their original charm and cultural heritage.
The region boasts several remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the ancient temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, the historic town of Luang Prabang in Laos, and the stunning Banaue rice terraces of the Philippines. I have yet to fully explore its world-class snorkeling and diving, despite enjoying some in Indonesia and the Philippines already.
I arrived too late to experience the unspoiled beauty of Vietnam at the turn of the century. However, I was privileged to be among the first international visitors to explore Laos and Cambodia. At the turn of the century, these countries began welcoming tourists to their incredible sites and unique activities.
Only two small nations remain on my Southeast Asia travel adventures list: oil-rich Brunei and Timor-Leste. Timor-Leste gained independence in 2002, becoming the first new sovereign state of the 21st century.
