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Bangkok, Thailand
Start with the Grand Palace and Wat Pho before diving into street food along Yaowarat Road in Chinatown. The Khao San Road area is great for connecting with other travellers. Don't miss a boat ride along the Chao Phraya river.
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Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai is Thailand's cultural heartland with over 300 temples including the stunning Doi Suthep on the mountain above the city. The Night Bazaar and Sunday Walking Street are perfect for local crafts and food. Consider a day trek into the surrounding hills.
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Luang Prabang, Laos
This UNESCO World Heritage town sits at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers and is incredibly serene. Wake up early to witness the alms-giving ceremony with saffron-robed monks at dawn. Don't miss Kuang Si waterfall and the night market on the main street.
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Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi's Old Quarter is a maze of ancient streets each named after the goods once sold there. Eat bun cha and banh mi from street vendors and sip egg coffee at a traditional cafe. Hoan Kiem Lake and the Temple of Literature are must-see landmarks.
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Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Ha Long Bay's 1,600 limestone karst islands rising from emerald waters is one of Southeast Asia's most iconic landscapes. Book a 2-night overnight cruise for the best experience including kayaking through caves and floating villages. Opt for a boat heading to the less-crowded Lan Ha Bay section.
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Hoi An, Vietnam
Hoi An's lantern-lit Ancient Town is a beautifully preserved trading port and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The food scene is exceptional — try cao lau and white rose dumplings unique to this region. Rent a bicycle to explore the surrounding rice paddies and nearby beaches at An Bang.
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Kampot, Cambodia
Kampot is a sleepy riverside town famous for its world-renowned Kampot pepper and French colonial architecture. Take a sunset boat cruise on the Kampot River or hike up Bokor Hill Station for sweeping views. It makes a great base for visiting Kep and its famous crab market.
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Siem Reap, Cambodia
Siem Reap is the gateway to the magnificent Angkor Wat temple complex, the largest religious monument in the world. Spend at least two days exploring Angkor Wat, Bayon, and the jungle-consumed Ta Prohm. The buzzing Pub Street area and old market are great for evenings.
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Medan, Indonesia
Medan is the main gateway to the jungles of North Sumatra and a melting pot of Batak, Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures. Try the famous Medan-style noodles and Indian-influenced murtabak in the Little India district. Use Medan as your base to organise your Sumatran jungle trek logistics.
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Bukit Lawang, Indonesia
Bukit Lawang sits on the edge of Gunung Leuser National Park, one of the last places on Earth where orangutans live in the wild. Multi-day jungle treks can be arranged here with local guides — a 3-night trek deep into the rainforest is an unforgettable experience. Sleep in riverside jungle camps and spot Thomas leaf monkeys, hornbills, and gibbons along the way.
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Lake Toba, Indonesia
Lake Toba is the world's largest volcanic lake and one of Indonesia's most breathtaking landscapes, formed by a supervolcanic eruption 74,000 years ago. Stay on Samosir Island in the middle of the lake to experience traditional Batak culture, wood carvings, and village ceremonies. The cool highland air is a welcome relief after the jungle heat.
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Bali, Indonesia
Bali is a perfect transit stop between Sumatra and Lombok, with world-class surf at Uluwatu, terraced rice fields in Ubud, and vibrant Hindu temple culture. Spend a couple of days in Ubud for cooking classes, yoga, and the Sacred Monkey Forest, and a couple more in Seminyak for beach clubs and sunset cocktails. Fly or take the fast boat from Bali across to Lombok.
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Lombok, Indonesia
Lombok is dominated by the majestic Mount Rinjani, Indonesia's second-highest volcano at 3,726m, with a stunning crater lake inside the caldera. The classic Rinjani trek takes 3-4 days via Senaru or Sembalun — book a licensed guide and porter in advance as the trail is demanding. After the trek, recover on the beautiful white-sand beaches of the Gili Islands or Kuta Lombok's surf breaks.