While Southeast Asia can be a laidback adventurer's paradise, it's also home to some pretty chaotic cities (Bangkok, Saigon, Kuala Lumpur). Escape the crazy and be sure to add these six charming towns to your next SE Asia itinerary for a little calm and a whole lotta charm.
Imagine how much better the riverside view in Hoi An looks once there's a frosty drink in your hand
Hoi An, Vietnam
You won't be the first tourist in Hoi An, and you won't be the last. But you'll love the darling cafés and abundance of beautiful Vietnamese things for sale (fans, paper lanterns) and the romantic charm that comes from a town with a little river pleasantly running right through it. Have a cocktail at one of the bars looking out at the river, check out the numerous historic sites associated with this UNESCO World Heritage Site and bike out through the rice paddies for a day at the gorgeous beach nearby.
Pro tip: Eat one of the best banh mi sandwiches in the world at Ms Phuongs, then beat the heat with 2-for-1 happy hour at Mango Rooms.
The light-filled inner courtyard at Kaya-Kaya, Malacca is calling your name...
Malacca, Malaysia
Malacca might not be on everyone's Malaysia must-see list, but it should be. After all, it's no Penang — but that might be a good thing. Malacca is relatively small but packed with interesting historic sites and museums that reveal its intriguing past (it was an important trade route in pre-colonial times, and later colonized by the Portuguese, Dutch and British). Add to that dozens of European-inspired cafés, and a vibrant night market, and you have the setting for a few very relaxing days away from the hustle and bustle of Kuala Lumpur.
Pro tip: Laksa lovers should head to Jonker88 for out-of-this-world-delicious bowls of the famous soup, while café enthusiasts should cozy into Kaya-Kaya for a leisurely coffee or brunch.
Just a little of the pretty colonial architecture in Kampot, Cambodia
Kampot, Cambodia
The typical tourist route to Cambodia is often nothing more than a quick dash to Siem Reap and the capitol of Phnom Penh with perhaps a jaunt to Sihanoukville on the site. Make a break for the much cooler Otres Beach, then spend a few days in Kampot before heading on your travels. Discovering Kampot's colonial charms may be slowly on more traveller's itineraries, but this place is hardly overrun with packs of tourists. Instead, it's filled with a nice mix of mellow travellers, expats and locals, all happily co-existing side by side in a little town that runs right alongside a river. Do a daytrip to nearby Bokor National Park, take a sunset river cruise, take a day trip to nearby oceanside Kep for world-famous crab, and soak in the town's relaxed, comfortable vibe.
Pro tip: dine at one of Kampot's cheap Cambodian open air restaurants or grab tapas and cava at cute Spanish-guesthouse-and-café baraca.
It's no secret: Edible Jazz might be Southeast Asia's best act
Pai, Thailand
One minute in chilled-out Pai and you'll see why its reputation as a hippie haven is earned. Nestled in the mountains of northern Thailand, Pai is filled with Western cafés galore, serving up everything from European-style coffees and elegant breakfasts to down-home Americana cookin'. Rent a motorbike to explore the waterfalls and nearby Pai Canyon, trek with a local guide through fields and jungle, and block off plenty of time to unwind at one of Pai's chilled out cafés.
Pro tip: stop by Edible Jazz for open mic nights and beers served in a funky open air setting surrounded by twinkling lights.
Pull up a chair at one of Luang Prabang's many street side cafés and watch life tuktuk by
Luang Prabang, Laos
Duh. Who wouldn't to visit Luang Prabang, one of the prettiest little cities in Southeast Asia, if not the world? Luang Prabang's French colonial past has been well kept and is fun to explore, from the wine bars running along the town's main thoroughfare to old buildings now maintained as upscale boutique hotels facing the river. There's no shortage of activities to keep you busy, from cooking classes to a visit to the old palace to wandering the night market where loads of gorgeous local handicrafts are sold. Be sure to hire a tuk tuk for a visit nearby Kuang Si falls, famous for their numerous pools of aquamarine water where you can take a refreshing dip — bring decent shoes for a challenging uphill hike to the very top of the falls.
Pro tip: Make your way to Utopia to chill out near the river, or sign up for cooking classes at world famous Tamarind.
Brush your hair and get your fancy on at the Amangalla Hotel in Galle
Galle, Sri Lanka
Like Luang Prabang, Galle knows its audience, and it aims to entice the chic, upscale traveller with money to spend rather than budget-conscious backpackers. Still, with tons of history to explore within the Old Dutch Fort — not to mention loads of good eats — it's worth adding to any adventurer's lists. There are dozens of historic sites scattered through the Old Dutch Fort, from old churches to small museums to the clock tower whose British-made clock still keeps perfect time, so wandering around the cobblestone street soaking in the history is an enjoyable way to pass a day or two. If a massage at swanky Spa Ceylon is too much for you budget, relax with a gelato from Pedlar's while soaking in the sunset from atop the old stone walls that protect the historic fort.
Pro tip: enjoy the delicious lunch special at Mama's Galle Fort Guest House, then soak in the ambiance at the Amangalla Hotel on a (pricey) glass of wine or two.
All my Southeast Asia travel tips, now all in one easy post. The following contain where I went, how I got there, and where I stayed, plus some other helpful, relevant information. Enjoy!