🎣 Opening
Hello, and welcome to The Southeast Asia Desk Weekly Dispatch Podcast.
This is where we slow down the headlines and make sense of the stories shaping our region.
Now, let me ask you something.
Have you planned your Eid Al Fitr holiday yet?
Because after a full month of Ramadan, many families across Southeast Asia are getting ready for something just as exciting: Travel.
Whether it’s a quick regional escape, a food trip, or simply a break from the city, the Eid Al Fitr holiday season is one of the busiest travel periods of the year in the region, which will happen from March 20 to 22, next week.
So if you’re still looking for inspiration, here’s some good news.
According to the 2026 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards, Southeast Asia is dominating global tourism rankings — with three of the world’s top seven destinations right here in the region.
And yes…
one of them just took the number one spot in the world.
So if you’re planning a trip, here are some destinations worth putting on your radar.
🌏 The Big Picture
First, the headline.
Leading the pack is Indonesia’s Bali, which secured the number one destination globally.
Joining it in the top tier are Hanoi in Vietnam, ranked fourth in the world, and Bangkok in Thailand, which came in seventh.
Together, these cities highlight something bigger happening in global tourism.
Travelers are no longer just chasing famous landmarks.
They’re looking for experiences — food, culture, nature, and authenticity.
And Southeast Asia offers all of that in one region.
📍 The Top Destinations
Let’s talk more about them and start with the global number one.
Bali, Indonesia — #1 in the World
Bali continues to dominate global travel rankings, especially for honeymooners and wellness travelers.
What makes Bali special is its dual personality.
On one side, you have Ubud, known for its temples, rice terraces, and spiritual retreats.
On the other, there’s the coastline — luxury resorts, beach clubs, and sunset views that attract visitors from all over the world.
For many travelers, Bali offers the perfect balance between serenity and luxury.
Hanoi, Vietnam — #4 in the World
Next is Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital.
Hanoi is often described as a masterclass in sensory travel.
Think French colonial architecture, buzzing street markets, and one of the most celebrated food scenes in Asia.
From bowls of pho served on plastic stools to historic landmarks like the Hanoi Opera House, the city blends history, culture, and culinary exploration in one unforgettable experience.
And for travelers on a budget, Vietnam remains one of the best-value destinations in the region.
Bangkok, Thailand — #7 in the World
Then there’s Bangkok, Southeast Asia’s ultimate urban playground.
The city is famous for its ability to combine ancient tradition with modern chaos.
Ornate temples sit just minutes away from rooftop bars, luxury malls, and one of the most vibrant nightlife scenes in the world.
For travelers who want energy, food, shopping, and culture all in one place, Bangkok remains hard to beat.
🗺️ Hidden Gems Worth Discovering
But here’s the thing.
Not every traveler wants to follow the crowds.
And the 2026 tourism data also highlights a growing interest in hidden destinations — places that offer incredible scenery without the heavy crowds.
Here are three worth considering.
Tumpak Sewu, Indonesia
Located in East Java, Tumpak Sewu Waterfall is often called one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Southeast Asia.
Imagine a curtain of water cascading down a volcanic valley, surrounded by jungle.
It’s rugged, dramatic, and still relatively untouched compared to Bali’s more commercial waterfalls.
Lan Ha Bay, Vietnam
If you’ve heard of Ha Long Bay, this is its quieter cousin.
Lan Ha Bay, located near Hai Phong, offers the same emerald waters and towering limestone islands — but with far fewer tourist boats.
Many travelers come here for kayaking through caves, floating villages, and peaceful overnight cruises.
Bua Thong Waterfalls, Thailand
And then there’s Bua Thong Waterfalls, near Chiang Mai.
These are also known as Thailand’s “Sticky Waterfalls.”
Thanks to the limestone surface, visitors can actually walk up the waterfall while water rushes beneath their feet.
It’s a fun, unusual experience — and often completely free to visit.
🌱 A New Travel Trend
Another shift in 2026 is something called regenerative tourism.
Travelers are no longer satisfied with simply being “eco-friendly.”
Instead, they’re looking for ways to actively help nature while traveling.
In Bali, for example, visitors can now join coral reef restoration projects, helping rebuild damaged marine ecosystems.
Meanwhile, many street food markets in Thailand and Vietnam are moving toward plastic-free dining, encouraging travelers to bring reusable utensils and containers.
💰 What It Costs
Of course, travel also comes down to budget.
Here’s a rough idea of daily costs across the region.
For backpackers, around 30 to 50 dollars per day can cover hostel stays, street food, and local transport.
For mid-range travelers, about 80 to 130 dollars per day offers boutique hotels, cafes, and private transport options.
And for those seeking luxury, high-end resorts and private tours can easily reach 250 dollars or more per day.
One helpful tip:
Vietnam remains the most budget-friendly destination, while Bali’s luxury resorts and beach clubs can push budgets higher.
🎙️ The Wrap
So if you’re still planning your Eid Al Fitr getaway, Southeast Asia offers an incredible range of options.
From the world’s number one destination in Bali,
to food adventures in Hanoi,
to the nonstop energy of Bangkok.
And if you prefer something quieter, hidden gems like Tumpak Sewu, Lan Ha Bay, and Bua Thong Waterfalls offer stunning experiences away from the crowds.
The takeaway?
You don’t need to fly halfway across the world for a great holiday.
Some of the best destinations on the planet are right here in Southeast Asia.
I’m Rheza Ardiansyah, and this has been The Southeast Asia Desk Weekly Dispatch Podcast, where we slow down the noise and follow the region’s compass.
If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to our newsletter at thesoutheastasiadesk.com,
and join us again for stories to linger over—one weekend at a time.
