Travel for Food Hub The Food Blog for Travel Lovers
Last Updated on February 7, 2023
Southeast Asia is emerging as a massively popular tourist destination. There’s only so many times you can go on a camping trip or to a local historical site. If you are craving some adventure and a truly unique once-in-a-lifetime experience, then Southeast Asia can be your dream location. This region really has everything to offer. Amazing cuisine that you can’t find anywhere else, friendly locals that are excited to share their culture, and gorgeous nature that has been the inspiration for many blockbuster films. Here are the best 3 Southeast Asia destinations for food and adventure lovers:
1. Sihanoukville, Cambodia
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While all of Cambodia has a wondrous charm, Sihanoukville stands out as a must-visit destination. Located at the very southern tip of the country, this area has been a backpacker favorite for decades. You can look out to the ocean and it’s an ideal spot to relax for a few days before you continue on to another destination.
Staying in Sihanoukville is perfect if you are interested in exploring the nearby islands like Koh Rong. For travelers that need to try all the local cuisine, you’ll find Cambodia has some very unique and flavorful dishes. One of these is fish amok, a type of curry fish that completely embodies the different flavors the country is known for. It’s made with mashed fish, coconut milk, and a curry paste called kroeung. You can find this all over Cambodia, but here in Sihanoukville they make it with special bitter herbs that give the dish a unique flavor and texture.
Of course, if you find yourself missing western food, there are many upscale restaurants around to enjoy. Sihanoukville is not the sleepy beach town it once was. There are many modern amenities that make this destination a full fledged tourist draw. In fact, there are a lot of exciting things happening here. In recent years, many casinos have been built here and are really taking off. Though the online casino games industry has become a major pastime for people who would rather play in the comfort of their own homes, Sihanoukville has a lot of entertaining casinos that also cater to players from abroad.
If you find yourself planning a trip through SEA, Sihanoukville cannot be missed.
2. Koh Chang, Thailand
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When most people think of Thailand, they immediately imagine tropical beaches, exotic wildlife, and the many famous dishes like pad Thai noodles. Of course, this is the impression that Thailand gives to the world and these aspects really make up the ideal Thai vacation. If this is what you are after, there are numerous destinations around the country that can give you the perfect vacation to show off on Instagram. Phuket and Krabi are both popular choices, but Koh Chang is one of the best Southeast Asia destinations for food and it is still a well kept secret and gorgeous island.
Koh Chang translates to “elephant island” which is precisely what you can expect. On this small island only accessible by boat, you’ll find wild elephants trampling through the jungle. There are also many brilliantly colored birds and wild monkeys all around. This quickly lets you know that you are somewhere special.
Activities wise, there are countless ways to spend your vacation here. Snorkeling is one of the main attractions that you can’t pass up. Regular boat tours will take you around the island to several spots that have mesmerizing colorful coral reefs. As you peep under the water, you’ll see massive schools of equally colorful fish swimming by. This is an amazing destination, even among a country like Thailand that has many to offer.
3. Central Vietnam
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The three main cities that make up central Vietnam are the trifecta of Hue, Da Nang, and Hoi An. Just a short drive connects them and allows you to experience everything they have to offer. Vietnam is a very long country that extends very far from north to south, with a massive coastline that looks out to the South China Sea. Just in this region alone, you can find some of the most incredible dishes in the entire country.
Hue is known for its Bun Bo Hue, a spicy beef noodle soup. Da Nang is one of the best Southeast Asia destinations for food as it has incredible seafood like fresh crab, lobster and many different types of fish. Hoi An has its Mi Quang, a complex soup with peanuts, eggs, shrimp, chicken and herbs. These are just a few of the many recipes that you can find here. Vietnam is known as a paradise for foodies with many elegant and flavorful dishes to try. There is so much to offer visitors, you’ll have to come here and experience it for yourself.
