Destinations to explore
Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Bali or Myanmar: how to choose the right tour in Southeast Asia when each destination seems perfect? An honest comparison.
Updated on September 8, 2026
Southeast Asia is the most chosen region for a first major organized trip outside Europe. The reasons: the maximum change of scenery, the affordable prices, the quality accommodations, a well-established tourist infrastructure, and cuisines that change the way we see food forever.
But "Southeast Asia" covers 11 countries and radically different experiences. Here's how to choose according to your profile.
For whom : those who want the maximum change of scenery with the least logistical friction. First big trip outside Europe, family trip, couples looking for the beach and culture without choosing.
:*Thailand is the best tourist-equipped destination in Southeast Asia. The hotels are excellent, the transportation works, English is spoken in all tourist areas, the food is accessible (and delicious).
The classic 10-12 day itinerary: Bangkok (2-3 nights) → Chiang Mai (2-3 nights) → Southern Islands (Koh Samui, Koh Tao or Krabi, 3-4 nights).
What you find there : the golden temples of Bangkok, the elephants in the ethical sanctuaries of Chiang Mai, diving among the corals of the Gulf of Thailand, the floating markets, the muay thai.
What you don't find here :** the intact authenticity of a less touristy country. Thailand is very busy — that's its advantage and its only disadvantage.
For whom :** travelers who are looking for a denser, more contrasted experience. Those who want to understand a country and not just travel through it.
:*Vietnam is long (1,650 km) and every part is different. Hanoi is noisy and fascinating, Hoi An is a preserved colonial jewel, Ho Chi Minh City is pure energy. And Halong Bay remains one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world.
The classic 15-day itinerary: Hanoi (2 nights) → Halong Bay (2 nights, cruise) → Hoi An (3 nights) → Ho Chi Minh City (2 nights) → Mekong (2 nights).
What you find there : the history of the twentieth century still visible, the rice terraces of Sapa, the street food, the Cham temples, the life on the Mekong.
What you don't find there : the quality beach on the North-South circuit (Phu Quoc is superb but it's a detour). Plan an extension if the sea has priority.
For whom : archaeology and history enthusiasts. Travelers who want a destination less crowded than Thailand or Vietnam.
:*Angkor Wat is the largest religious complex in the world. The 200 square kilometers of Khmer temples in the jungle, the stone faces of Bayon, the roots of the strangler fig tree invading the walls of Ta Prohm — nothing in Asia is quite like that.
The classic 7-10 day itinerary: Phnom Penh (2 nights) → Siem Reap and Angkor (3-4 nights) → Kampot/Kep (2 nights).
What you find there : the temples of Angkor outside the crowds (sunrise, secondary sites little visited), the memory of the Khmer genocide at the Tuol Sleng Museum and the killing fields of Choeung Ek, the quiet beaches of the Cambodian coast.
What you don't find here :** the hotel sophistication of Thailand or the urban vibrancy of Vietnam. Cambodia remains a country in the process of reconstruction — that's also what gives it its character.
! [Temples of Angkor Wat reflected in the water at sunrise, Cambodia] (https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1508009603885-50cf7c579365?w=1200&h=600&fit=crop&auto=format)
For who :** honeymooners, couples looking for a romantic or spiritual trip, those who want to alternate culture and relaxation without the density of a complete tour.
Why : Bali is the most balanced island in Southeast Asia for a 10-14 day stay. Balinese Hindu culture (unique in the Muslim-majority region), the rice paddies of Ubud, the beaches of Seminyak, Nusa Penida.
The classic 10-day itinerary: Ubud (3-4 nights) → Nusa Penida (2 days excursion) → Seminyak/Canggu (3-4 nights) → Jimbaran (1 night).
What you can find :** infinity pool villas on rice paddies, Hindu temples, Seminyak's food scene, Nusa Penida's manta rays, cooking and yoga classes.
What you don't find there :** the cultural depth of Vietnam or Cambodia. Bali is more of an island to live in than a country to understand.
Who :** experienced travelers to Asia who are looking for what the region was like before mass tourism. Those who accept less comfort in exchange for intact authenticity.
Important note: Myanmar has been in a volatile political situation since the 2021 coup. Check the recommendations of Foreign Affairs (diplomatie.gouv.fr) before scheduling this trip.
Why (when conditions allow) :** the plains of Bagan and its 2,200 Buddhist temples, life on Inle Lake and its floating gardens, Mandalay and monastic life. Landscapes comparable to Angkor with ten times fewer visitors.
| | Thailand | Vietnam | Cambodia | Bali | Myanmar | |--|--|--|--|--|--| | First Trip | ✅ Ideal | ✅ Very Good | Good | ✅ Ideal | Advanced | | Family | ✅ | ✅ | Good | ✅ | Not recommended | | Honeymoon | ✅ | Good | Good | ✅ | No | | Budget | Medium | Low | Very Low | Medium | Low | | Min. duration | 10d | 12d | 7d | 8d | 10d | | Difficulty | Easy | Easy | Easy | Very Easy | Intermediate |
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