Exotic, intriguing, and surprises at every corner. That is how I would describe the lands of Southeast Asia. With many doubts and much reluctance in my mind, I embarked on my sojourn to Southeast Asia. I let my heart take over my mind and the curious travel enthusiast over the informed Tourister.
The result; an absolutely fantastic trip with beautiful memories that will last forever. This post is a recollection of all the amazing experiences I had in those charming lands and why every female traveler should go there at least once.
Extremely Budget Friendly
Exploring a world beyond the Europe and Americas made me realize that even luxurious travel could be achieved for less. While visiting the capital of Thailand, Bangkok, I realized that this place hosted a number of exotic hotels that provided great schemes. Not only would you have a brilliant stay without burning a hole in your pocket but the hotels also open up a wide variety of customized services for you like helping you with a tour guide, booking the best tours for you at the best prices or setting up unique, spa sessions just to fit your requirement.
What more? Food is incredibly tasty and unbelievably priced on the streets of Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, and more. You can have a 6-course sumptuous meal on the streets of Bangkok and Phuket in about less than $10. A bag of fish cakes or a tray of Chicken Satay will set you back by less than $1 that is around 20 baht.
Penang in Malaysia is another foodie city that will give you meals from breakfast to dinner at amazing prices. I absolutely fell in love with the local soup of the city called Penang Laksa.
Besides food and travel, you can also enjoy the local attractions at very reasonable prices. Night busses can pretty much ferry you around from one place to another at next to nothing and local transport like tuk-tuks can take you all over the city in very little money. And girls, contrary to the stories told these are quite safe.
Friendly and Warm Locals
One of the reasons I love going back to these lands is the amiable and affectionate locals. They are definitely some of the sweetest people I have ever met in my life. You will be showered upon with compliments and gifts, and they will assist you in everything really. And you know what the best part is? You don’t really have to try too hard to befriend them. And I mean both boys and girls.
They will take you to the most amazing local eateries and markets. You will be among the lucky few to visit those amazing local treasures that tourists often miss out on and relish the real flavors of the country. Some of them are actually really caring. They will take you to their homes, arrange vehicles for your travel in the city or even offer to come along themselves, take you to the best places to shop and party and get you what you want at the best prices.
However staying careful and alert is always important, no matter how friendly you get.
The Versatility and Variety
No matter how much you explore Southeast Asia and how many times you visit these countries; there will always be something new awaiting you. Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia is a treasure house of natural beauty and endowments.
The most exotic beaches (the black sand beaches in Bali), some of the best party locations, jungle tours, monasteries, temples, crazy street markets and swanky malls, islands you would not want to leave, mountains that will mesmerize you and heat that will make you sweat like probably you never have. Ha! And this is just a few of the things. The list of to-dos and to-sees in this part of the world is infinite honestly.
Shop till you Drop
Close on the heels of my earlier point and definitely not because I am a female, does the awesome shopping of these regions deserve a mention. The shopping opportunities here are literally timeless and if you somehow have acquired the art of bargaining there is nowhere else in the world you would rather be than here.
Designer knock-offs, exquisite textile s and handicrafts, and mind-boggling collection of regionally manufactured and international accessories are available in Southeast Asia. Do your research well, talk to the locals, and find out which are the best streets to get the best bargains in. If you are more of a brand-girl, there is no dearth of malls and stores in these countries that cater to your brand fetish.
If you are lucky enough to go at a time, when the sales are on, fill up your bags with Pradas and Yves Saint Laurents that you can flaunt.
However, make sure that you don’t get so overwhelmed with all the options available that you spend all your cash on shopping. Also, dress comfortably while shopping as you will be spending long hours doing that. Loose linen clothes, not too much cleavage, and a pretty pair of sandals are your go-to options. Also, keep at bay the overly pushy hawkers or salesmen.
To Conclude
Now which girl would not feel spoilt and pampered with all this abundance of luxury, adventure, shopping, and beauty? So book your tickets, pack your bag, and set sail to these beautiful and bountiful lands. Think I am getting all poetic? Visit Southeast Asia and know exactly why.
