When you live a nomadic lifestyle, the world is yours. You simply need to get to the location of your choice, find a place to stay, and figure out how to make a little money. When you are ready to move on, you simply pick the next destination and repeat the process.
Nomads know that they shouldn’t pick destinations that are too far away from each other. It can become expensive to travel long distances. So, when you are ready to experience life in Southeast Asia, you should have a rough plan of places to visit. Whether you are visiting for a relaxing, cultural vacation or you do want to test the waters as a nomad, these are the five top cities in Southeast Asia that you should not miss.
1.Hue, Vietnam
This ancient Vietnamese city is along the central coast. At one point, it was the capital city. If you are looking for culture, this is the place, as it includes sacred pagodas, royal tombs, and delicious food and beer. The ancient religious sites in the gated Imperial City are often compared to the ones in China’s Forbidden City, but without the crowds. The Perfume River runs through the city, too.
2. Luang Prabang, Laos
This city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s caught between two rivers and loaded with culture. The monks still collect alms from the villagers. But, there are some modern attractions like a 1000-meter zipline through the Tad Sae Waterfalls. The architecture will blow your mind.
3. Chaing Mai, Thailand
The beaches are in Phuket, the shopping is in Bangkok, and the culture is in Chiang Mai. If you can visit one place in Thailand, Chiang Mai should be it. The city is smaller than Bangkok but has all of the things that make it truly Thai: temples, markets, and tasty food. Within Chiang Mai is the walled historical center that contains ancient temples from the 1200s. There is also plenty of nature to see, including an elephant park and waterfalls. Schedule your visit during one of the festivals and you won’t be disappointed.
4. Malacca, Malaysia
If you love to eat, go to Malacca. Visitors from all over the world come here to enjoy the mixture of flavors from the cultures that have found a home in this port. Malacca has been home to people from the Middle East, Europe, and China. If you are craving a metropolis, visit Kuala Lumpur, but if you want culture and friendly people, visit Malacca. The city has a mysterious history filled with myths and legends that makes it a fascinating place to visit and live.
5. Coron, Philippines
After your time on the continent, this final spot brings you to a small island in the Philippines. Coron is a hop, skip, and jump from Palawan Island, a popular tourist destination. But, Coron is quiet, pristine, and more affordable for nomads looking to make their budget go far. The water around the island houses several shipwrecks from WWII, making it a fascinating place for scuba and snorkel expeditions.
