6 of Southeast Asia’s Most Breathtaking Destinations That You Need to See Before You Die

Home to nine spectacular temples both ancient and fairly new, Bali's incredible spiritual retreats, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality will make you want to keep extending your stay.

Among the temples, Tanah Lot is one of the oldest sites for worship perched on the shores of the Indian Ocean and looks just like a floating castle straight out of a fairy tale. Uluwatu Temple is also one of Bali's most spectacular Hindu worship sites, overlooking the shores that make up some of the finest beaches in Bali. A more recent though equally magnificent site, Tirta Gangga Royal Water Palace is made up of stone statues on the holy Agnes waters that are surrounded by the breathtaking rural terrain of eastern Bali.

Uva is the second-least populated province on the island of Sri Lanka and an incredible scenic escape and eco-conscious atmosphere for anyone looking to live more green. The province is particularly known for its waterfalls, elevated plantations, and unique climate conditions that accommodate the production of its high-quality and one-of-a-kind flavoured teas.

Among its gorgeous rural sites, Ella Rock is central to the province's famous tea production and overlooks some of the most beautiful green plantations in the village of Ella. Interwoven in its terrain is also the Nine Arch Bridge, a stone train track from the British Colonial Period and a gorgeous romantic stop for unmatched views of Ella's surrounding jungle. For bluer scenery, the Bambarakanda Falls is Sri Lanka's tallest waterfall with a pool base clean enough to bathe in. Surrounded by the scenic hill town of Kalupahana, the waterfall is a secluded, peaceful spot for picnicking and relaxing.

Palawan, the largest island province in the Philippines, is perhaps one of the most underrated tropical destinations, given its incredible subterranean waters, rock formations, and rare wildlife from both sea and land. While its main island Palawan was deemed "The Best Island In The World" by Travel + Leisure magazine, its neighbouring islands are also dreamlike and suitable for hiking, diving, and horseback touring, among other recreational activities.

Among these islands, the fine white sand and bright blue water of El Nido is an unmatched tropical paradise and the primary gateway to the sublime Bacuit Archipelago with 45 stunning limestone cliffs. In addition, Coron Island is particularly famous for the Japanese World War II shipwrecks that have permanently anchored underneath its shores — though its views also make the site one of the most photographed in all of the Philippines.

Vientiane is the capital and most-populated province of Laos. Rather than bucket-listing and specific sightseeing, this province is best for taking in as a whole for its languid and laid-back culture and atmophere. Among its charming villages, Vang Vieng is a scenic rural town along the Nam Song River and surrounded by strikingly gorgeous mountains and caves. Once an agricultural landmark, this scenic village evolved to accommodate visitors in an array of adventurous activities, like tubing and water-sliding along the river, caving, and hot air-ballooning for a gorgeous, aerial view of the village.