Famous for providing off-the-beaten-track destinations for travellers hungry for adventure, South East Asia also offers a wide range of options for those looking for a luxurious holiday spent roasting on the beach, enjoying a book by the resort pool, or relaxing as a luxury cruise carries you along mighty rivers.
In Vietnam, the endless coastline has facilitated numerous beach towns focused on providing luxury experiences to discerning visitors. The beach towns of Da Nang and Nha Trang in Central Vietnam are great options for enjoying resort-life or playing a few rounds of golf at award-winning golf courses. These towns are now well established in luxury travel itineraries, and should you desire a more private and less crowded experience, the rarely visited towns of Cam Ranh or Bai Tram will offer this, as well as the island of Con Son, a hidden gem that sees mostly Vietnamese visitors.
Over in Laos, sophisticated Luang Prabang offers a range of luxury resorts, often located on the riverside. The city also has arguably the best food and shopping options in the country, only rivaled by the capital Vientiane. From Luang Prabang, or indeed pretty much anywhere along the Mekong, you can hop on a luxury cruise, enjoying the views in comfort as you’re carried along the mother of rivers.
Following the Mekong down to Cambodia, here the premier luxury destination is without a doubt the private island of Song Saa. A gorgeously picturesque island, here you can stay in exquisite villas located right on the water, serenaded by the relaxing sound of the waves.
With the most developed luxury scene out of the four countries, the options for luxury travel in Thailand are countless. Popular spots include resorts in Hua Hin, Phuket or Ko Samui, with the resorts located north of Phuket especially amazing. Here you can even have dinner served beneath jungle waterfalls, or right on the beach.
Luxury is easy to come by in South East Asia, and easily competes with traditional luxury spots in Europe or the Caribbean, while also presenting you with rich and fascinating cultures and scenery.