A Destination for Every Dream! Six ASEAN Destinations Awarded Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice 2023

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Hoi An, Viet Nam, is a historic city that was once a popular trading port from the 15th to 19th centuries.

Located in Viet Nam’s Quang An province, Hoi An today is a bustling town with a population of approximately 120,000 and is a popular tourist destination for backpackers and adventurers looking to explore the city and nearby attractions.

There are many man-made marvels in Hoi An. For example, every 14th of the month, the city turns off its electric lights and illuminates the night with lit paper lanterns.

Another popular site for visitors is the Japanese bridge which was built by Japanese merchants in 1595 to connect two parts of the city across a canal. A temple was added on it in 1653 to appease a monster called Namazu who was said to cause earthquakes. The covered bridge and the temple still stand today.

Hoi An is also known for its four popular history museums as well as for its local cuisine. Among its specialty is a meal known as Cao Lau, a dish of rice noodles, meat, herbs, and vegetables in broth. It is famously made with water from the Ba Le well, a historic well believed to have been built in the 10th century. Hoi An is also known as the banh mi capital of Viet Nam.

With so many things to do and try in Hoi An, it is no wonder that this quaint seaside town earned the number two spot on the TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Best of the Best 2023!

Siem Reap is the second largest city in Cambodia famously known for the Angkor Wat and other ancient temples. The city also has its famous Old Market and Old French Quarter that is adorned with Chinese-style architecture.

Visitors to Siem Reap can delight in everything from a bird sanctuary to temples, Apsara dance performances, rice paddies, museums, markets, and silk farms. In fact, in 2021 and in 2022, the culturally-rich Siem Reap was named the ASEAN City of Culture. The city also hosted the ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Culture and Arts (AMCA) 9th Annual Meeting in October 2020.

For foodies, Siem Reap is quickly becoming known as a hotspot for Khmer cuisine. Prahok, a fermented and salted fish paste used as a condiment in the country and the Sombai-infused rice wine are among its famous offerings.

The largest city in Northern Thailand (and the second largest city in all of Thailand), Chiang Mai is both a bustling city and a trip through history in one. With temples, marketplaces of handmade souvenirs and wares, and a world-renowned elephant sanctuary, Chiang Mai is a spectacular destination for families, couples, and thrill-seeking singletons.

The city is also home to hiking trails, breathtaking waterfalls, and once-in-a-lifetime camping experiences for those who seek natural respite.

Finally, a visit to Chiang Mai would only be complete with a bowl of hot khao soi, a noodle dish that contains meat, chili paste, pickled cabbage, shallots, and lime.

Located in southeast Viet Nam along the Saigon River, Ho Chi Minh City is well known for its French colonial architecture. The city is also famous for its many attractions including the Jade Emperor Pagoda, the Notre Dame Cathedral, Binh Tay Market, and the Mariamman Hindu Temple.

While it is the largest city in Viet Nam, the place offers more than urban attractions. In fact, many excursions in and around the city make it such a popular destination. The breathtaking coast of Con Dao and the dreamy island of Phu Quoc are only a couple nearby places to visit.

Panay Island of the Philippines is the sixth largest island in the country. It is home to White Beach, a world-famous beach known for its pure white sand and stunning turquoise waters. In fact, White Beach has been dubbed as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

More than the beach, Panay Island also offers plenty to do and see. Hikers and spelunkers will surely enjoy the forest and the caves at the Bulabog Putian National Park. Finally, culture seekers can satisfy their curiosity at the Molo Church, a neogothic church built in 1831 that only features paintings of female saints, earning it the nickname “the feminist church.”

Other places to visit on Panay Island include garden sanctuaries, waterfalls, and cold springs, all of which highlight the island’s inherent beauty.

Lombok, Indonesia is quieter and less crowded than its next-door island, Bali. That makes Lombok perfect for vacationers who are looking for a low-key fun for their holiday.

Visitors can enjoy the island’s many spotless beaches such as Tanjung Aan and Batu Payung. Better yet, hiking enthusiasts can enjoy a trek to Rinjani, the second highest volcano in Indonesia. Once revelers reach the top, they will be greeted with the view of the unspoiled natural beauty of Segara Anak Lake.