Countries like Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam report record visitor numbers year after year. Just after tallying the first quarter of 2017 statistics, these countries, again, are on track to break last year’s records. But what makes this region such a special place for travelers?
Cuisine 
Food is where SE-Asia mostly always leaves a lasting impression. Hardly any visitor will stick to three standard meals a day while traveling here. The varieties of fruits, starches, styles of cooked protein, and the myriad of combinations that play with different textures, heat, flavors, etc. leaves a traveler’s pallet longing for more – constantly.
It’s the freshness of the seafood, the myriad of never seen colorful fruits and vegetables and the way they are cooked and consumed that provide travelers with an experience they just couldn’t find anywhere else.
The beauty of it all is that there are subtle and more apparent differences in food-culture between different countries. For example, travelers visiting Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam will have several uniquely different food experiences to remember and write home about. Beyond that, the regional differences of a single dish, such as Vietnam’s Pho, can be an extensive food exploration in itself.
People 
Some may argue that the real beauty of Southeast Asia is in its people and hardly anyone could reasonably disagree. The waves of smiles, openness, and hospitality can be overwhelming at times, but never cease to amaze.
Observing, experiencing, and interacting with people can have a soothing effect and overall may contribute to the internal relaxation many travelers aim to experience during a vacation.
There is so much this region’s people and their cultures can teach us about the value of a smile, friendship, community and most importantly, finding happiness in the more simple and subtle things in life.
History History buffs as well as those who usually take a lesser interest in history will absorb a substantial amount of history while traveling here. Much of the historical education does not necessarily need to be transmitted through a tour guide but can be the result of interest in and interacting with country and people.
Many Southeast Asian countries have unique histories as they pertain to foreign occupations/colonization, trade, war, religion, etc. It is often that these unique historical moments helped form different styles or architecture, mentalities, customs and of course landmarks/sights. Just scratching a bit below the surface of a country’s history reveals rich and interesting facts about the past that help explain much of a traveler’s daily experiences, sights, and impressions.
Landscapes 
Through the sheer variety of picturesque landscapes this region offers, a visit to Southeast Asia comes with no shortage of photo-ops. Whether it is the limestone karst formations that line many of Thailand’s beaches, famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Laos’ Luang Prabang, Vietnam’s Hoi An or Cambodia’s Angkor Wat, each country offers different and amazing rural and urban landscapes. Each country has unique topographical features, flora and fauna.
Given the region’s richness of experiences and beauty, it is advisable to book a trip to Southeast Asia through an experienced travel operator with a strong regional relationship. Ansova Travel has years of experience offering handcrafted South East Asian journeys of discovery through Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, while weaving the regional diversity into a tailored journey of exploration.
