Features

Why has South East Asia Become so Popular?

Friday, 28 January 2011

South East Asia is an intriguing region that offers a wealth of experiences to travellers, whatever their itinerary. Whether you dream of taking a Vietnam tour or getting up close to endangered orang-utans in Borneo, you can make your dreams come true with a trip to South East Asia.

Recent findings by the UN World Tourism Organisation revealed that the popularity of South East Asia as an overseas tourism destination is continuing to grow. The findings, reported at TravelDailyNews.com, paint a picture of continuous growth throughout 2009 and 2010 for this diverse and exotic region.

It's not difficult to see the appeal. With flights from major UK cities, including Belfast, South East Asia is accessible yet feels like another world upon arrival and exploration. With good connections between countries, and further improvements planned, it is easy to get around South East Asia and explore all that this intriguing part of the world has to offer.

If you are making the important decision of where to go on your very first adventure as husband and wife, then a honeymoon in Borneo is definitely worth considering. A beautiful eco-tourism hotspot, Borneo has got the difficult balance of providing an unspoilt experience, yet still having luxurious accommodation options for travellers to choose from, just right. Nature lovers will be in paradise among the spectacular wildlife that roams free in Borneo, with lush rainforests, rivers and caves waiting to be explored. For those who would like to start married life with some relaxation after the stress of organising a wedding, then the brilliant white sand beaches of Borneo will provide the perfect place to relax and recharge ready for your South East Asia adventure.

Those who are serious about beaches will want to include magical Malaysia in their itinerary. One of South East Asia's most established honeymoon destinations, a holiday in Malaysia is nothing short of the nicest dream come true. Home to some of the world's finest stretches of sand and crystal clear azure waters, Malaysia is a beach lover's paradise. Depending on your island of choice you can experience year round sunshine making Malaysia a truly unique South East Asian destination in this respect.

You may like to combine a beach holiday with a taste of adventure, and in this case, South East Asia offers the perfect mix of relaxation and excitement. Get off the beach and explore the exhilarating metropolis of Kuala Lumpur or trek through lush countryside in the Cameron Highlands. Although the beach resorts of Malaysia are simply stunning, there is much more to this sparkling jewel of a country than those alone.

For even more variety, Vietnam is a diverse country offering something for everyone. The country forms an S shape which lends itself perfectly to being travelled through, something that definitely warrants car rental. Over 3000 km of coastline runs from one end the country to the other, so take advantage and explore the stunning beaches, from large stretches of white sand to secret coves that you have all to yourselves. If you find yourself craving a culture fix then the city of Hanoi, with its intriguing old quarter, can offer a welcome change from beach exploration, as can the UNESCO-protected cultural hotspot, Hoi An.

You'll find world-class hotels throughout Vietnam, be they in beautiful beachside resorts or in the heart of the cultured cities and towns. To end (or begin) your holiday with a big dose of relaxation, head to the up-and-coming island of Phu Quoc, or one of the more established resorts such as Nha Trang. These tiny slices of pure paradise are just what the doctor ordered if you want to unwind and spend time 'just being' in amazing and peaceful surroundings.

Whatever your holiday requirements, South East Asia offers it all, with a quiet grace and beauty all of its own. It doesn't shout about itself, yet travellers who choose to visit South East Asia will be rewarded with submersion into a vibrant and diverse environment. Rich is probably one of the best words to describe South East Asia. Its countries are rich with lush countryside and thick, dense jungle. Rich with exotic wildlife and birdlife. Rich with culture and intriguing wonders, and rich with sandy beaches that stretch on for miles beside warm azure waters. Offering a truly intoxicating and memorable experience for travellers with a sense of romance and adventure, South East Asia is a destination that deserves to be considered by anyone looking for their next special overseas holiday.

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