Southeast Asia is blessed with hundreds of waterfalls big and small. While all of the nations of the region have some crowd-favorite falls, Thailand and the Philippines are especially known for their dramatic, playful cascades that are popular attractions for domestic and local tourists. At many of the waterfalls in the region, you can swim at the base of the falls or in natural pools on mid-level tiers of the cascades. We looked through travel review sites to find six noteworthy waterfalls in Southeast Asia. Which one is your favorite?

1) Erawan Falls, Kanchanaburi, Thailand

One of the most popular waterfalls in Thailand, Erawan Falls has a seven-tiered cascade and is located in a national park in the Tenasserim Hills. Visitors to this waterfall have the unique opportunity to swim not only in the pools at the base of the cascade but also in pools higher up that were created by the water flowing downhill.

Because of its popularity, Erawan Falls can become crowded during the middle of the day, so visitors who want to spend more time swimming or exploring the path to the top of waterfall should come earlier in the day or stay overnight in one of Erawan National Park’s bungalows.

Fun fact: the waterfall takes its name from the three-headed elephant which Buddha rode in ancient legend.

2) Khone Phapheng, Champaska, Laos

Where the mighty Mekong river fans out there’s a backpacker paradise, a bit like the US’ Florida Keys, full of islands cut out of the river’s path. Near the southern border of this “4,000 Islands” region is this waterfall, an impressive cascade of river water that is the main reason obstacle engineers faced when trying to design a way for boats to travel up the Mekong into China from the sea.

Southeast Asia’s largest cascade by water volume is really two falls: Khone and Pha Pheng cascades. Located in southern Laos, where the mighty Mekong river begins to broaden its flow into a watery plateau studded with small islands, this waterfall is sometimes called the Niagara of the East, an apt nickname not only for the shape and size of the water flow but also for its popularity with domestic tourists.

3) Pagsanjan Waterfall, Laguna, Philippines

If you’re after excitement as well as beautiful scenery, the Pagsanjan Waterfall, on the other side of Laguna Bay from the Philippine capital, is a good one to seek out. This 120-foot cascade has three drops, and can be approached either by canoe from downstream or by hiking in from neighboring Cavinti. If you hike in, be ready for good exercise, and if you canoe in, you’ll “shoot the rapids” out.

While at the waterfall, visitors can take rafts behind the veil of water and feel the “massage” of thousands of liters of water raining down.

Fun fact: This might be one of the area’s oldest tourist attractions—Spanish colonists wrote about visiting Pagsanjan Waterfall in the 1890s.

4) Detian-Banyue Falls, China/Ban Gioc Falls, Vietnam

For a look at a tourist attraction that spans a national border, make your way to the picturesque waterfall on the China/Vietnam border. Proof that there’s more than one way to view something, the two countries count the falls differently–in Vietnam, they’re one waterfall, called Ban Gioc. In China, meanwhile, the three streams of water (which sometimes blend together in one stream) are regarded as two separate falls, Detian and Banyue.

From Vietnam, take in Ban Gioc as part of a larger trip to the minority villages in the northern hills. From China, Detian and Banyue can be a daytrip from Nanning or part of the journey from China south into Vietnam.

Fun fact: In the 1920s, French colonists would come to the Vietnamese side to relax by the lake and fish.

5) Umphang Thee Lor Sue Waterfall, Tak, Thailand

Aim for the heavens (with your camera) at Umphang Thee Lor Sue waterall in northwestern Thailand. This waterfall near the border with Myanmar, is 250 meters tall, the highest in Thailand. It also boasts impressive width, being almost twice as wide as it is tall. A multi-stream cascade that bursts out of lush jungle and trips gradually down to the bottom of the hill, this waterfall is popular with animal lovers because it’s located in the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary. Combine a visit to the sanctuary with a swim in one of the pools at the base of the falls or in one of the tiers higher up.

You can hike around the falls, and rafting trips on the Mae Klong River can sometimes be arranged from Mae Sot, in the village of Umphang, and in the park itself. If you do this, talk to the guides about also visiting Karen tribal villages, natural springs and caves in the region.

6) Mae Ya Waterfall, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Another great destination in Thailand, Mae Ya Waterfall is located in Doi Inthanon National Park, about 90 minutes from Chiang Mai city.

Featuring a sloping cascade that pops out of the jungle at the top of the hill and weaves between trees and bushes growing on the slope and between boulders, Mae Ya waterfall is popular with local and foreign tourists alike.

Fun fact: From here you can see Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest mountain.

Photos by Ian Armstrong, Nick Hubbard, Stefan Krasowsk, Ken Marshall, Amir Yalon and FMJRey

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Here are some of the tallest buildings in the region:

Singapore

Asia’s lovely city-state has more than 4,000 high-rise buildings in its skyline, with more than 50 of them topping 140 meters. The three tallest buildings tower to 280 meters above the city streets. They are: UOB Plaza One, Republic Plaza, and OUB Centre (also known as One Raffles Place). Other than 1-Altitude, a bar 282 meters on One Raffles Place with stunning views, these buildings house offices, offices and more offices, but few good venues for curious tourists to find a viewpoint. However, the monoliths themselves make a good photo subject, for example from the Skybar on top of the Marina Bay Sands.

Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur has two of the most distinctive tall buildings in Asia—the tapered Petronas Towers. Built in 1998 to a height of 482 meters, these towers have both a Skybridge and an observation deck from which tourists can soak in the city views. The Skybridge is 41 stories above street level, while riding the elevator to the observation deck will shoot you 86 stories in the air. If you’re planning to visit the Petronas Towers, schedule your visit from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. any day of the week except Tuesdays, when the observation areas are closed to the public. The ticket office opens at 8:30 a.m.

Thailand

If you’re in Bangkok and looking for some breeze above the city’s sois and khlongs, you can choose between visits to several of the city’s skyscrapers, but the one that is most popularly visited by tourists wanting a view is Baiyoke Tower II on Ratchaprarop Road. At street level, you’ll find plenty of shopping in malls and stalls on the street, but stores a hotel inside, the Baiyoke Sky Hotel offers rooms with a fantastic view 88 stories off the ground. You don’t have to stay at the hotel to enjoy the view, however. The 304-meter-tall building also boasts an observation deck on the 77th floor, a bar and music lounge on the 83rd floor, and a revolving roof deck on the 84th floor.

Indonesia

One of Jakarta’s most iconic tall buildings is the 250-meter-tall Wisma 46, known to many as “The Fountain Pen Building” because of its gracefully sloped spire. It’s located on Jalan Jend Sudirman. However, for mealtime views over the rest of Jakarta, many travelers prefer dining at Italian restaurant Gaia on the 46th floor of nearby The Plaza, on Jalan M.H. Thamrin.

Laos

One of the smaller nations in Southeast Asia, Laos is known more for its villages and landscapes than its skyscrapers. Which means that even the relatively short 277-meter-tall Wiengchan Lao National Radio transmitter in capital Vientiane is the tallest structure in the whole country. You can’t go up the transmitter, but you can get a bit of a view over the tree lined streets from the observation deck at the Patuxai, an arch-shaped victory monument in the center of Vientiane.

Photos by William Cho, Miusam CK, Prachanart Viriyaraks, yohanes budiyanto and yeowatzup

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Even if you’re not a “backpacker,” using a backpack as luggage while traveling in Southeast Asia makes sense. For one thing, sidewalks and roads are not always even, so the wheels on rolling suitcases take a beating. In fact, in Thailand, Malaysia or the Philippines, you might find yourself having to haul your belongings from a bus, to a wooden planked dock, to a boat and then onto a beach. None of that is wheel-friendly, especially beach sand.

The other reason that backpacks are a good idea for travel in Southeast Asia is that they’ll limit the amount you bring with you. Not only will this help you save money on your flights around the region–most budget airlines charge you more for heavier luggage–but you’ll have a simpler trip. However, if you’re someone who loves to shop, then you’d best bring an empty suitcase or duffel bag with you, so you can fill it up before you leave.

Generally, though, when packing, you need to first consider what time of year you’ll be going. Will it be monsoon season? Or dry season? The monsoon (also referred to as the “wet” season) is generally from May to October, though each region has its own patterns depending on topography.

Packing light is the way to go. (Photo by Jesús Gorriti)

If You’re Going in the Monsoon Season, Pack:

• Shoes that are comfortable when wet and when dry. For example, sports sandals like those made by the Teva or Keen brands. Fully waterproof shoes are often too hot for the climate.
• Light-weight rain jacket with a hood.
• Long-sleeved shirt or hoodie to put on when you enter an air-conditioned building after walking in the rain.
• Hat with a brim if you wear eyeglasses, to protect from sprinkles.
• Waterproof cover for your backpack or daypack.
• Silica gel packets to help absorb extra moisture from your camera case or laptop case. You can order these online, or save them from boxes of things you purchase in the weeks before you go on vacation.
• Umbrella (optional).You may want an umbrella while you’re on vacation, but I’d advise buying a cheap one at your destination and saving yourself the hassle of packing it.

If You’re Going in the Dry Season, Pack:

• Loose clothing made out of cotton or another breathable fabric.

Any time of year, Pack:

• Sunscreen. In the wet season it doesn’t rain all the time. You can still get burned.
• Antacid tablets, of your favorite brand. If you try exotic foods and drink plenty of cocktails on vacation, you might be happy to have some antacid tablets in your bag.
• Scarf, sarong or thin towel. From using as a pillow on the bus to a cleaning cloth for your camera at the beach, a length of fabric is handy. Note: these are widely available in Southeast Asia, so you might wait to buy one there.
• Flipflops for wearing inside the hotel room or at the beach.
• Mosquito repellent with a high DEET concentration. Locally sold mosquito repellent may not have much or any DEET. This is probably better for you and the environment, but doesn’t seem to be as effective for keeping the biters away.
• A light, long-sleeved shirt and long-legged pants for keeping mosquitoes at bay in the evenings.
• Extra memory cards for your camera. Store these in a place separate from your camera. I’m still mourning the loss of several cards full of photos that were accidentally left behind when we forgot the camera case in a café some years ago.
• Cash. If you’re like most travelers, you’ll probably use your card a lot while you’re on vacation. However, it’s handy to have a supply of cash, U.S. dollars being the most easily converted, for emergencies.

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Negotiating for prices in Southeast Asia is a great social leveler–whether you’re staying poolside in a five-star resort or bunking up in a hostel dormitory, you’ll face the same advantages and disadvantages when haggling for the best price. First time travelers to Southeast Asia—no matter their budget—often feel intimidated by the bargaining process when they go to buy things. They’re concerned they won’t get a “fair” price, or feel foolish or rude when asking for discounts.

To take some of the stress out of the shopping experience, here are some tips to help you bargain for souvenirs and tours with grace and confidence. Happy shopping!

1. Smile

For many foreigners, money is no joking matter. Westerners, in particular, often believe that prices should be “fair,” and that everyone should pay the same amount for the same goods or services. As when any dearly held belief is turned on its head, this can result in hurt feelings and a desire to argue. However, getting angry over a few dollars spent on a souvenir is no way to spend your holiday. Relax, smile, and try to be friendly with the seller. If you don’t agree with the price, you don’t have to buy it—but you don’t have to be angry about it, either. It may help to think of haggling as a game, or as a cultural dance of etiquette, rather than just a transaction.

2. Know when you can’t bargain

You’ve got a lot of shopping to do in S.E. Asia (Photo by ePi.Longo)

While negotiating for goods and services is ubiquitous in Asia, there are certain places and times when you should not bargain a better price. I once saw someone trying to haggle the price of a beer at a 7-11 in Bali. That won’t fly. Most restaurants, and even food stalls, have fixed prices. If you’ve used a metered taxi, you’ll need to pay what the meter says, unless you’ve set the price before you take the trip. Once the car stops, and you’ve arrived at your destination, you’re on the hook for the total amount shown in those little red numbers. However, it never hurts to ask for a discount or a package deal, even in a glitzy, air-conditioned shopping mall. If you smile (see No. 1), staff may help you out with a “free gift” or VIP price.

3. Know what you want to pay

Many times, I’ve seen people bargaining for items with no idea of what the end price should be. Should that T-shirt you’re fond of cost the equivalent of $3 USD or $30 USD? It doesn’t really matter how much you pay for it, as long as you pay the price you’re comfortable paying. But if you start the bargaining at $30 and then a few seconds later tell the seller you actually want to pay $3, they’re going to think you’re toying with them. Do some research by asking fellow tourists or by browsing in a few shops, to see what other people are paying for similar items. If you can, ask a local who’s unaffiliated with any sellers to let you know what the “local price” is. Foreigners may not be able to bargain down to the “local price” without local language skills, but at least it will give you an idea of where you should begin and end your bargaining.

4. Be ready to give up

Salespeople the world over are shrewd judges of human nature. If they know that you are dying to purchase that pair of flip-flops, they’re much less likely to lower the price for you than if you pretend you don’t care if you get them or not. Unless it’s a dire emergency (your other flip-flops just broke and you’re wandering the streets of Siem Reap barefoot) act like you could walk away without the item in question. Note: if you are shopping for shoes while barefoot, perhaps you should just pay the asking price and be done with it. Cut feet aren’t fun to travel on.

5. Don’t rush

As in No. 4, if you rush through a transaction, the seller will figure that you’ll finally get frustrated and pay a higher price than you would if you had more time. Try not to go shopping with a narrow time frame, unless, of course, it’s an emergency.

6. Think quantity

Purchasing multiple items is almost guaranteed to get you a lower purchasing price than if you buy a single thing. Recently, in Bangkok’s Chatuchak market, I got a great deal on hand-woven silk scarves, plus two free gifts, plus a free bottle of water, because I bought 10 at a time. My Christmas shopping is done, and I had a satisfying shopping experience that both the seller and I enjoyed.

7. Learn the language, or bring a pen and paper

While many sellers of tourist stuff in Southeast Asia speak clear, easily-understood English (and several other languages, to boot), you may be able to get better prices at shops frequented by locals, and on transport deals, if you can speak the local language. Even memorizing the numbers from 1 to 20 may help you out. If this is beyond your skillset, bringing along a paper and pen (and your smile, of course) to keep track of the back-and-forth discussion will help you get the best price—and keep it.

Do you have any other tips? Let us know in the comments!

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But, when it comes time to quench your thirst in Southeast Asia, what beer brands are the best?

The region has a multitude of fine beers, mostly lagers, with many brands founded in the late 1800s-early 1900s by European colonists trying to acclimate to SE Asia’s tropical climate.

Then, as now, the best way to rehydrate after a hot day working (ahem, sightseeing) in the sun is probably the water of a green coconut. However, popping the top off a beer is much more fun. Here’s a few popular beers to try on your next trip through the region:

1) San Miguel Pale Pilsen (Philippines)

The best-known, best-selling Southeast Asian beer outside of Asia must be the Philippines’ own San Miguel. Brewed in the country since 1890, it’s also one of the region’s oldest and most respected beers. It’s mild and goes down easy.

2) Tiger (Singapore)

Tiger Beer (Photo by rob_rob2001)

Beer and alcohol on sale in Singapore is some of the most expensive in the region, but luckily Tiger is worth your extra SGD. The lager has a clean, crisp taste that goes well with chili crab. It’s also owned by Heineken, and comes in a light version for travelers counting calories.

3) Bintang (Indonesia)

The signature star of the Bintang label may be recognizable to travelers who have never even cleared customs into Indonesia. A popular design for souvenir T-shirts and tank tops, Bintang beer may have the best word-of-mouth marketing around. The brew itself is worth advertising, as well. This pilsner is made by Heineken, and has a similar light refreshing flavor to that beer.

4) Beerlao (Laos)

Darker in color and more robust in flavor than some of the other pale brews in the region,despite being made from rice, Beerlao has a dedicated following among expat beerdrinkers. It’s been bottled in Laos since the 1970s. If you’re craving more body in your beer, they also have a dark version that is still surprisingly refreshing.

5) Singha and Chang (Thailand)

Curb a spicy Thai curry with a bottle of lion-labeled Singha. It’s a bit sweet and slightly bitter. The other Thai favorite for most SEAsian travelers is inexpensive, strong Chang Beer, the one with elephants on the label. Just beware of the “Chang-over” the next day.

6) Angkor Premium Beer (Cambodia)

Named after Cambodia’s amazing Angkor Wat ruins, Angkor beer aims for the quality of European brews, and many travelers say this light-tasting lager approaches that. It’s brewed by Carlsberg.

7) Beer Saigon (Vietnam)

Vietnam has a huge selection of beers to choose from, more than most of the other countries mentioned here. Most of the beers on offer are pale lagers, and one of the best is Beer Saigon. La Rue and 333 are two other popular light beers to try.

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1) Changi Airport, Singapore

Airport code: SNG, Passengers: Accommodated 46.5 million passengers in 2011

Changi Airport, Singapore (Photo by Craig Stanfill)

If there’s ever an airport to want to spend more time in, it’s Singapore’s Changi airport. Boasting three spacious terminals, Changi not only has free wifi and free lounge areas (called, fittingly “oases”) with comfy, cushioned reclined seats, but it also has restaurants to fit a myriad of budgets and palates. Have a long layover? Don’t just sit at the gate—there’s a free movie theater, a free butterfly garden, and a recreation area where you can play provided computer games. Artwork, orchid gardens and koi ponds make this one of the world’s most relaxing places to rest between flights. If you feel like paying for your entertainment, you can also have massages, toss your kids down a long slide, visit a bar for a quick drink, or take a dip in the rooftop swimming pool.

When you do finally have to leave Changi, gates and terminals are easy to navigate to your next flight. Or, going into the city? The mass rapid transit system will take you right downtown.

2) Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thailand

Airport Code: BKK, Passengers: About 53 million passengers each year

Bangkok’s main airport (Dong Mueang is now the budget option) is a beautiful, modern glass-and-steel structure that’s easy to navigate. Before security, ride the unique moving walkways between levels to access restaurants, cafes, and fruit vendors. After the security gates, hungry travelers who need some sustenance before they fly can also find a few restaurants and cafes in the mid- to upper-price range and a selection of fast-food joints.

To pass the time at Suvarnabhumi, passengers can ogle items on display for duty free shopping (though some of it seems just as expensive as the taxed goods you’d get in a mall in Bangkok), or try out the free wifi available past the security checkpoints.

To get into Bangkok or out to another city in Thailand, tourists have the option of taking the normal or express Skyrail train to the downtown, or hopping in a minivan or bus to destinations further afield. There are also a huge range of budget hotels near the airport which offer shuttle pickup as well, so check with your accommodation if they can get you after a long flight.

3) Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong

Airport Code: HKG, Passengers: About 53 million passengers in 2011

Flying in to Hong Kong International Airport, which is located on Lantau Island, offers dramatic views, so if you’re lucky enough to be headed to Hong Kong try to book a window seat.

Hong Kong’s airport is extremely busy for its size, and it runs efficiently despite the chaos of many arriving flights. For passengers killing time, there’s free Wi-Fi once past security, and a few paid options for it outside, for example at Pacific Coffee.

It’s a good airport for sprucing up in the middle of a long-haul journey: If you need a shower, there are a few traveler’s lounges that offer a reclined seat and amenities for a few hours, but they’re not the cheapest. There’s also a simpler showering option in the passage between terminals 1 and 2.

For long layovers or strange flight timings, you might be able to work in a movie or other entertainment while you wait. In Terminal 2, there’s an IMAX movie theatre, an arcade, and of course, some last-minute shopping opportunities.

To get into town with public transportation, take the express monorail or the bus. If you’re heading over the border to mainland China, from arrivals head toward the trains, then take the underground passage to Terminal 2.

4) Kuala Lumpur International Airport

Airport code: KUL, Passengers: About 37.5 million passengers in 2011

The airport is about an hour outside of Kuala Lumpur proper, so, when departing, make sure you have given yourself enough time to get there. There’s a high-speed train from town, but most people catch cabs. Be sure to check your tickets before you tell the driver where you’re going–most budget flights depart from the Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT), which is about 20 kilometers from the premium carrier terminal.

Although the premium and Low Cost terminals are technically part of the same airport, they look and feel very different. The premium terminal has a shiny, shopping-mall feel and has more eateries and fast Internet available for travelers, while the LCCT is more focused on function than form, but is still clean and adequate for visitors passing through the region on budget airlines. For meals at the LCCT, try the food hall removed from the main building, past the buses going to town. If you have to switch terminals, there is also an inexpensive shuttle bus that goes between the premium terminal and the LCCT.

Check out where to stay in Southeast Asia.

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1) Hit the Beach at Batu Ferringhi

Eat, shop and relax along the beach at Batu Ferringhi. In daylight hours, play in the water or rise above it on a parasail. At night, check into a resort along the waterfront and browse the night markets and food stalls. Batu Ferringhi is on the north tip of the island and can be accessed by public bus from Georgetown.

2) Devour Street Food—And Don’t Forget the Chendul

In Penang, your best options for dinner might be right on the pavement in front of your hotel. Malaysian street food is good all over the country, but Penang’s offerings of Malay, Chinese and Indian cuisine from roadside stalls are some of the best in the nation. Though there are countless dishes to tempt the palate, don’t forget to have a big bowl of sweet, icy chendul (also spelled cendol) on a hot afternoon. Made with cane sugar, pandan noodles and other ingredients, it’s one of the oddest looking, best-tasting foods in the province.

3) Flutter with the Butterflies

Penang has one of the best-reviewed butterfly farms in Southeast Asia. Located in Teluk Bahang, the Penang Butterfly Farm is a butterfly and insect sanctuary that seems part museum, part zoo, and part research facility. Visitors are allowed to wander among the free-flying butterflies or stop by closed terrariums of insects and lizards and marvel at the diversity within nature.

4) Take a Trishaw Tour

Uncle Trishaw (Photo by SioW )

There’s a lot to absorb in Georgetown. In the old colonial district, and by the wharf, most of the buildings have colonnades protecting narrow sidewalks. Pedestrians may have a hard time catching the great facades of these beautiful, pastel-painted buildings while on foot. Taking a trishaw tour of the downtown not only covers most of the highlights of the UNESCO-rated architecture downtown but will also give your feet a rest and your eyes a treat.

5) Get Above It All on Penang Hill

If you’re not used to the Malaysian heat, you might want to head up to Penang Hill for some refreshing breezes and great panoramas. About 800 meters above sea level, this park is a cool, popular attraction for visitors and locals. On top of the hill, have a meal in the restaurant and visit the three houses of worship: a church, a mosque and a Hindu temple. You can get to Penang Hill (Bukit Bendera is the Malaysian name) by taking the funicular from Air Itam or, if you love flowers and don’t mind walking in the heat, you can walk up the hill through the botanical gardens.

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1) Ride an Elephant through the Jungle

Swaying through the sun-dappled forest on the back of an elephant is a near-magical Southeast Asian experience some visitors remember as one of the highlights of their trip. While elephants are native to several countries in the region, Thailand probably has the most opportunities for tourists to see an elephant in real life.

Visitors report that the best, most responsible elephant encounters can be had at the Thai Elephant Conservation Center in Lampang and the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai. Both centers rehabilitate injured elephants. If you’re really lucky, you might be able to glimpse a wild elephant at Thailand’s Khao Yai National Park.

2) Swim with Sharks

Catch your breath at the grace of a 12-meter-long whale shark gliding beside you when you swim with the buntanding, whale sharks, in Oslob or Donsol, Philippines. Despite the name, these fish are not whales, but filter-feeding sharks that feed on plankton and are harmless to humans. Whale sharks also make periodic appearances off the coasts of Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. Check with local dive guides to see when you’ve got the best chance to see one.

If you do get the chance to swim with a whale shark or other wild sea creature, don’t try to touch it while it swims. This kind of harassment can harm the animal and will probably scare it away.

And, if you prefer to swim with meat-eaters, you might try your luck at swimming with whale sharks’ toothier cousins in an aquarium. Hong Kong’s Ocean Park, Singapore’s Underwater World, Bangkok’s Siam Ocean World and other local aquariums offer the chance to snorkel or scuba dive in the shark tanks.

3) Search for an Orangutan

Be persistent, and your search for a glimpse of orange fur in the jungle canopy will be rewarded. Orangutans, Asian great apes, are native to the islands of Borneo and Sumatra. Sabah, Malaysia, and East Kalimantan, Indonesia are two of the best regions on Borneo to find the apes in the wild.

Orangutans can also be seen at rehabilitation centers, but sometimes these feel more like zoos than facilities to help the apes. If you can, try to visit one of the wildlife sanctuaries and reserves instead. The Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary in Sabah is a popular choice.

4) Pose with a Tiger

Dare to pet a fearsome beast at the “Tiger Temple” in eastern Thailand. This temple — which has raised controversy over treatment of the tigers — is raising some 100 tigers and a large number of other animals. Visitors to the temple in Kanchanaburi can line up for photos with the tigers (and even pet them!), see tiger cubs becoming acclimated to people, and explore the grounds on the lookout for peacocks, water buffalo and pigs.

Critics of the tiger temple say the animals there are drugged to be docile while they are in contact with visitors. Temple volunteers deny this, however. Supporters of the temple claim that the tigers there have better chances than the ones in the ever-diminishing wild habitat.

5) Honor the Monkeys

Macaque monkeys enjoy a tailor-made party in their honor every November at the Monkey Festival in Lopburi, Thailand. The monkeys are served a buffet feast donated by locals, who believe that giving food to the macaques will bring good luck. Even if you can’t make it to Lopburi in November, you can always visit the monkeys living at the local temples. They’re quite friendly and willing to approach humans, so be careful if you bring food or drink with you–they might think you meant them to take it as a gift.

Monkeys are generally considered good luck in the region. However, when traveling in Southeast Asia, travelers sometimes see gibbons and other primates that have been sold into captivity from the wild. In bars sometimes, mistreated monkeys are made to smoke cigarettes or do other unhealthy things.

What is your favorite animal encounter in Southeast Asia? Share it with us in the comments below.

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Golden Shower Tree

Golden Shower Tree (Photo by challiyan)

In Thailand, for example, the cassia fistula is an important ornamental plant. Also called the ratchaphurek, or golden shower tree, it has abundant sprays of hanging yellow blossoms. It’s the national flower of Thailand because the golden flowers symbolize Thai royalty. Yellow is a special color in Thailand, and is the personal color of the King because he was born on a Monday. The flowers from this tree are used in Ayurvedic medicine to help stop diseases.

Vanda Miss Joaquim

Meanwhile, Singapore’s national bloom has a name that sounds like it could belong to a beauty pageant winner. Really though, this bright purple, distinctively shaped orchid was named after its breeder, Agnes Joaquim. Joaquim was the daughter of an influential Armenian family living in Singapore in the mid 1800s. She loved gardening and specialized in orchids, and won many prizes for her hybrids. This blossom won first prize at the 1899 show, but Joaquim didn’t witness the flower’s real rise to stardom. A great representative of something truly Singaporean, it was made the national flower in 1981. In ancient Chinese culture, orchids represented friendship, perfection, femininity and elegance. Orchids are sometimes incorporated into herbal remedies in Chinese medicine.

Sampaguita Jasmine

This islands of the archipelago that makes up the Philippines have long been a hub of international trade. The country’s national flower is a result of that–the Sampaguita Jasmine was brought to the Philippines in 1700s.

The simple, sweet-smelling flower represents purity and strength. Garlands of Sampaguita are often used to decorate religious shrines and are given gifts for special guests. Homeowners often plant jasmine because it blooms all year and perfumes the air when the blossoms open at night. Extract from the flower is also used for making perfume and fragrant tea.

Rafflesia Arnoldii

Rafflesia Arnoldii is one of the world’s most striking flowers. It produces the largest flowers on earth, but it doesn’t have a correspondingly beautiful aroma. In fact, it’s sometimes known as the “corpse flower” because the one-meter diameter blossoms smell like decay. Despite their gigantic flowers, Rafflesia Arnoldii are hard to find in the wild; they are very rare. Rafflesia don’t have any leaves or roots, and instead grow like mushrooms on the forest floor of Sumatra and Borneo. It is one of Indonesia’s three national flowers, and, in local traditional medicine, the petals are used to help women recover after childbirth.

Lotus

In Vietnam, two flowers in particular are important in art and culture: the lotus and the chrysanthemum. Of these, the lotus has a prominent place in temples around Southeast Asia due to its ties to Buddhist tradition. Because the lotus roots in the mud at the bottom of ponds and rivers, yet holds its pure blossoms above the water, it is said to represent enlightenment, purification, and even rebirth. Lotus roots and seeds can be eaten, and many parts of the plant are used in traditional medicines around Asia.

Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemums, on the other hand, are so widely used in the world that they may not seem like an exotic flower to many travelers. However, they were first cultivated in China, and it’s possible that the significance of chrysanthemums in Vietnam and elsewhere in Southeast Asia is due to Chinese influence. Dried chrysanthemums are drunk in a cooling tea, and incorporated into soups and other dishes.

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Thailand is one of the countries where I most enjoy seeing the day-to-day rituals of religious life. From nationally revered sites like Wat Pho in Bangkok to the ancient, ruined chedis of Sukhothai to the umpteen spirit houses present in every back yard, there are many fascinating traditions on display.

Here are five basic points of etiquette to observe when you visit a Buddhist temple in Thailand. Can you think of any more good tips? Please let us know in the comments section below.

1) Cover bare skin from shoulders to knees

Thailand has such glorious beach-worthy weather most of the year that sun-worshipping tourists forget going to the temple in a tank top and shorts is not very respectful. If you haven’t got any sleeved shirts or long-legged pants available and you still want to visit a temple, sarongs or scarves are an accepted way to cover you up for a short time.

2) Watch your feet

No, don’t watch your feet literally; you’ll be too busy looking at the beautiful temple to do that. But in Thai culture feet are the least holy part of your body, and shoes are considered downright disgusting. You should take off your shoes before entering a temple (and before going into homes, and even shops in some parts of the country) and be careful to never point your feet at statues of the Buddha if you kneel or sit in front of the altar. Pointing your finger at someone is rude in many cultures; it is here too.

3) Don’t touch the religious statues

A lot of the older temples in Thailand, including the historic sites at Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, have amazing, huge statues of the Buddha. Some of them look like they’d be a lot of fun to climb on, but putting your sweaty hands and dirty feet all over a sacred image is definitely not a respectful thing to do. A good rule of thumb to follow is that your head should always be below a sacred statue’s head, to show respect.

4) Respect monks

The image of a saffron-robed monk is a compelling photo to want to take back home with you. But, before you start snapping away, does the monk want you to take his picture? If possible, ask first. However, when asking, be respectful, and don’t get his attention by touching him. Women, especially, should not touch a monk or hand him anything directly. Local people around you will give monks a high wai–a sign of respect made by putting palms together and raising the peaked hands to the face. The different respect-levels of wai are notoriously difficult for foreigners to do right–but I’ve noticed that everyone appreciates it when I try.

5) Don’t get in the way of the people praying

There’s so much to look at in Thai temples–they’re full of gilt statues, elaborate murals and flower garlands, and are often set within peaceful, garden-like courtyards–that it might be easy to forget people don’t just come there to gaze around. Thai temples are functional houses of worship, and locals file in at all hours of the day to pray. Be aware of areas within the temple where a lot of people are making offerings and try not to disrupt them.

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1) Petronas Towers

You can’t visit Kuala Lumpur without getting your picture taken in front of the iconic Petronas Towers. These massive, tapering towers of glass and steel are connected by the Skybridge at levels 41 and 42. Visitors to the towers can take in the city’s skyline from the bridge or at the observation deck 360 meters up; or simply visit the modern mall in the lower six stories of the building.

2) Be a Star Shopper along Bukit Bintang

Kuala Lumpur’s shopaholics congregate along Bukit Bintang, an avenue of shopping malls and boutiques in the center of the city. Budget hunters will love Sungei Wang Plaza, while Pavilion mall will suit those looking for luxury.

There’s also plenty of entertainment venues and places to eat and drink along this avenue, so it’s OK to shop hungry.

3) Get a Thrill on an Indoor Rollercoaster

Not sure what to do on a rainy day? Families traveling to the Malaysian capital can combine a shopping trip for the adults with an amusement park adventure for the kids at the Berjaya Times Square Mall. This complex featuring an indoor amusement park is just a short walk from Bukit Bintang.

And, if you don’t want to take a ride yourself, it’s always fun to watch other visitors whiz above you on the twisting roller coaster.

4) Visit the National Museum

Malaysia’s National Museum offers an accessible yet comprehensive view of the country’s diverse cultural history. The galleries’ permanent exhibits feature weapons, homewares and cultural artifacts from the Malay culture and that of other ethnic groups represented in the history of Malaysia.

This is near the Lake Gardens, and so a visit here could be easily combined with a trip to the Bird Park or Orchid Garden.

5) Stroll through the Orchid Gardens

Home to 800 species of orchids from Malaysia, this one-hectare section in Kuala Lumpur’s Lake Gardens complex offers a chance to marvel at nature’s unerring designs. After enjoying the orchids, the adjoining hibiscus garden next door is also worth a visit. Budget travelers take note: entrance to the garden is free on weekdays and only 1 RM on weekends.

Check out where to stay in KL here.

6) Pay Your Respects at Batu Caves

One of Kuala Lumpur’s star attractions is located out of the city proper, but shouldn’t be missed just on account of the commute. Batu Caves is a Hindu temple housed in natural limestone cave formations about 13 kilometers north of the capital. The caves were converted into the present impressive place of worship in the 1890s.

If you’re in Malaysia in January, the colorful festival of Thaipusam is held at Batu Caves and is a must-see.

7) Enjoy Food from the Subcontinent in Little India

Malaysia’s unique location near the Spice Islands and on the peninsula between the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea has made it a natural point of congress between many different cultures. During the period of British Colonialism, many people from present-day India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka immigrated to what is now Malaysia to work with the British Army or on British tea and rubber plantations.

In the present day, visit K.L’s Little India district in Brickfields, near the main railway station, to immerse yourself in the cultural heart of Malaysia’s thriving Indian population. Offering some of the best tastes of the Subcontinent, from thalis to dishes hot from the tandoor, it’s also a great place to find silks, jewelry and other imports.

8) Shop and People-Watch in Chinatown

Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown, based in the streets and alleys around Petaling Street, features a pedestrianized shopping zone for all your souvenir needs, well-preserved colonial architecture, and an array of tantalizing restaurants. Malaysia’s population of Chinese ancestry has brought a myriad of tastes together from Asia’s largest country and—daring travelers whisper—perfected them here. Try local favorites by sampling the dim sum options, claypot rice, and Penang curry.

9) Make a Royal Stop at the Old Palace

Much is said about the Chinese and Indian influences on Kuala Lumpur’s districts, but don’t forget to pay homage to Malay culture as well. Malaysia is a monarchy, and a few rooms in one of the royal family’s palaces can be toured. Visit the Istana Negara at noon to see guards wearing traditional Malay ceremonial uniforms change their posts.

10) Flock to the Bird Park

Enjoy a quiet morning or afternoon with Malaysia’s feathered residents, at the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park, situated in the Lake Gardens. This family-friendly attraction is a huge aviary where 200 species of birds fly around freely and visitors can get up close to their favorite winged animals.

What are your favorite places to visit in Kuala Lumpur? Feel free to share them in the comments.

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1) Ayutthaya

Imagine the bygone splendor of Ayutthaya visiting temple ruins (Photo by Vyacheslav Argenberg)

Once the glittery capital of Thailand, the city of Ayutthaya was devastated by fires during conflict with the Burmese in 1769. One of my favorite daytrips from Bangkok is visiting the mid-sized modern city that’s grown around the ruins of the ancient palaces, monasteries and temples.

The city sits at the confluence of three rivers, and most of the historical sites can be found on the compact riverine island that sits in the middle of the city. While I simply enjoy exploring without any set itinerary, the main attraction in Ayutthaya is the array of charmingly old-and-new temples. On arrival from Bangkok, you can take taxis or tuk tuks around the city to find the sites, but most independent travelers opt to rent bicycles or scooters from one of the local guesthouses and explore that way.

For a different take on the city, and if you’re a water baby at heart, the Thai Boat Museum hosts an interesting collection of Thai traditional watercraft. And, for extra time on the water on your daytrip, there are a few cruise lines that run trips from Bangkok to Ayutthaya (and vice versa). These cruises are not budget options, as they usually include a sightseeing tour while you’re in Ayutthaya and a meal while you’re on the boat. Most of these require you to take a bus back to Bangkok.

If you prefer to do your traveling on land, it takes about an hour and a half to get to Ayutthaya from Bangkok, if you take a bus or train, and so it’s a perfect distance for a day jaunt if you’re based in Bangkok.

2) Amphawa Floating Market

There’s something mysterious and must-see about the habit of selling goods from a floating shop. Many visitors to Bangkok will sign up for tours to Damnoen Saduak, the “floating market” that caters to tourists. That one is fun too, no doubt about it, but for authenticity, head over to the village of Amphawa on a weekend afternoon.

Here, farmers and other vendors sell their products as they have for centuries. Fruit and other foods, flowers and pretty much anything else needed or wanted for daily living, all from riverfront stalls and boat-riding vendors. You can also buy snacks and on-the-go meals here, prepared on the slim canal boats and handed over for a few baht. Seafood is popular.

Amphawa Floating Market will take about an hour and half to reach by car from Bangkok. Taking a taxi there and back is convenient, but it’s cheaper to catch the minibus from Victory Monument.

3) The River Kwai

Can you whistle the tune? While most Westerners have heard of the Kwai River from the movie and book of the same name, or from history texts outlining the plight of prisoners during World War II, there are more reasons to visit Kanchanaburi. For one, it’s beautiful. There are actually two Kwai rivers: Kwai Noi and Kwai Yai. The banks of both are lined with thickets of bamboo and perfect for taking a leisurely rafting trip, or buzzing past on a long-tail.

The war-related sites, if you do want to visit them, are poignant and easy to find. The famous iron bridge made as part of the Death Railway to Burma is three kilometers north of town. More than 100,000 people died during the construction of the railway, including about 16,000 POWs. In addition, the War Cemetery and the Thailand-Burma Railway Museum both remind us of the sacrifices made during World War II.

When planning your trip to Kanchanaburi from Bangkok, consider signing up for one of the day excursions offered by hotels, hostels and travel agencies all over the city. These operations manage to fit a lot into a short amount of time, and have the tourist wheel pretty well greased. But, if climbing into a van with a lot of other farang isn’t how you like to roll, you can hop a public bus at the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok or a train from the Thonburi Station. If you know you don’t want to book a package tour, you might consider making your Konchanaburi excursion a two-day trip to make sure that you catch everything you want to without having to rush back to the bus or train station.

4) Khao Yai National Park

For a complete escape from urban Asia, check out Khao Yai National Park, which is a habitat of tigers, Asian black bears and other wildlife.

The park is large by any country’s standards, at more than 2,000 square kilometers, but an enjoyable day can be spent doing short trail walks and visiting one of the waterfalls. If the Haew Suwat waterfall looks familiar, it could be because you saw it in the film The Beach, with Leonardo DiCaprio.

Day visitors should consider getting an official guide from the park to take them on a walk. While guides are not required for exploring, they’re helpful for finding the best trails and for potential sightings of animals, including gibbons, monkeys, lizards, and snakes.

Khao Yai also offers a chance to take an elephant ride through the jungle—if you haven’t experienced this yet, now’s the time. In addition to the domesticated elephants you can ride, the park has a population of wild elephants too, but they’re not as easy to spot as some of the other creatures living in the park.

If you have access to a car, you will be able to cover more ground within the park, of course. You could drive up from Bangkok, or rent a car or a taxi (with a driver) in Pak Chong, the closest town to the main entrance of Khao Yai. Pak Chong is also the destination you should ask for when arranging for a bus or train ticket from Bangkok. It’s about 200 kilometers from the capital, and travel time is usually about two hours. From Pak Chong to the park, catch a songthaew or hire a taxi or motorbike.

5) The Beach

A sunny beachfront city popular with Russian tourists, Pattaya is only two hours by bus from Bangkok, and is be a good destination for people who want to get in as much waterfront sunbathing as possible before flying home from the Thai capital.

The busy beach at Pattaya and the boulevard that runs along it are great for walking, people-watching, and, of course, sunbathing. As with many urban beaches, the water is not as clear and clean as elsewhere in Thailand, but if you’re not a beach purist, you’ll have an enjoyable day.

And, if swimming is your top reason for seeking out a beach, consider taking a quick ferry ride over to the Coral Island (Koh Larn) or asking a taxi to take you to one of the beaches that is less busy, for example the beach to the south of Buddha Hill.

The main beach is lined with clusters of umbrellas shading loungers and other chairs, which you’ll have to pay an hourly rate for. The vendors who rent the chairs will be able to sell you cold drinks, or direct you to a nearby 7-11. On my trips to Pattaya, I enjoy watching the parasailers and jetskiiers who go by, and haggling with the hawkers patrolling the strip.

If your itinerary could extend to an overnight stay, Pattaya’s nightlife is also a draw for the go-go bar and ladyboy show crowd.

Pattaya’s easy to get to, with plenty of buses leaving from Bangkok throughout the day. For a trip on a full-sized bus try the Ekkamai bus station; minibuses depart regularly from Victoria Monument, and there’s also bus transport with the option of hotel drop-off from the Suvarnabhumi airport.

What’s your favorite day trip from Bangkok? Share in the comments!

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