When it comes to overseas holidays, Southeast Asia is known as one of the most popular regions on the planet. Travellers clamor to these tropical latitudes to soak up the sun (and maybe more than a few tropical cocktails) – but without exception, it’s the people and the culture that we all remember as really making our trip.
Here, we invite you to dive deeper into the culture and history that makes this stunning region so very special. Join us for a tour of some of the most important cultural heritage sites in Southeast Asia.
Indonesia: Borobudur Temple Compounds
The majestic Borobudur Temple Compounds are among the greatest Buddhist monuments in the world. This is a testament to the rich diversity which underlines Indonesian culture; Indonesia is, of course, home to the largest Muslim population in the world. The Borobudur temple dates back to the 8th and 9th centuries AD and covers an impressive area of 2,520 square metres. The tiered main temple, with 72 stupas each containing a statue of the Buddha. The structure perfectly mirrors the conception of the Universe in Buddhist cosmology.
Thailand: Historic City of Ayutthaya
The Historic City of Ayutthaya was the second capital of the Siamese Kingdom, founded in 1350. During the following centuries, Ayutthaya grew to be one of the most thriving cosmopolitan urban areas in the world, holding significant importance as a global hub of diplomacy and commerce. The city was destroyed by the Burmese in the 18th century and todays stands as an important archaeological ruin, located about an hour’s drive from Bangkok.
Cambodia: Angkor
The Angkor Archaeological Park in Cambodia is recognised as one of the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia and arguably, in the world. Covering an immense 400 square kilometres of lush jungle, the Angkor grounds house the majestic remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire spanning several centuries. The most famous landmark here is Angkor Wat temple and Angkor Thom with its iconic faces sculpted into the rock walls.
Vietnam: Complex of Hué Monuments
The Complex of Hue Monuments is located in and around the city of Hue in central Vietnam. Hue was established as the capital of Vietnam in 1802 and served as the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty, the last of the Vietnamese royal dynasties. The Complex survived three wars and maintains the statue and grandeur of what was once the imperial capital of Vietnam.
Laos: Town of Luang Prabang
The country of Laos offers a rare gem: a living, breathing town enjoying status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the northern parts of this Southeast Asian nation, Luang Prabang offers a rare and stunning fusion of authentic local architecture paired with European colonial influences introduced during the 19th and 20th centuries. This picturesque town is one of the best places to witness the marriage between European and Asian influences in such a well-preserved manner.
Philippines: Baroque Churches of the Philippines
The only dominantly Christian nation in Southeast Asia, it stands to reason that the Philippines stand out with this collection of four beautiful churches. Scattered across the archipelago, the four churches were built by the Spanish in the late 16th century. The churches’ idiosyncratic architecture is a unique reinterpretation of European baroque design, reimagined and created by local Chinese and Filipino craftsmen
Malaysia: Historic Cities of Melaka and George Town
The historic cities of Melaka and George Town sit on the stairs of Malacca, offering a stunning example of the rich history and heritage of the region. The coastal towns feature a unique fusion of influences from the East and West, giving them both a one-of-a-king multicultural heritage built over the past 500 years. Melaka builds upon the 15th-century Malay sultanate and the Portuguese and Dutch periods that followed, while Georgetown harks back to the country’s British era dating back to the late 1700s.
Burma: Pyu Ancient Cities
The Pyu Ancient Cities is a trio of three partly excavated ancient cities found in Burma. The cities are named after the Pyu Kingdoms which ruled in the region for over a millennium. The excavated cities include palace ruins, Buddhist stupas, burial sites and well-preserved examples of local agriculture. The Puy cities are considered the oldest testimony Buddhism’s introduction into Southeast Asia, dating back near 2000 years.
