One of my friends recently asked on her IG story “What kind of traveler are you?” My answer: “Eat. Drink. Sleep.” And that’s an honest answer. Food is my main agenda when I travel anywhere. But I also love visiting museums and historical locations. Learning about arts and culture excited me as much as food. Admittedly, I have not been out of the country a lot so there are a million things I want to try and even more than a million dishes I want to taste. Sharing with you here my Southeast Asia Bucket List.
I am not really one to do bucket lists. Here’s the thing, once I write down (or type) something and publish it. I’m committed. And I am not really into commitments. More on that in my other blog.
A few weeks ago, I was asked “If there is any place you would like to go back to in Asia, where would it be?” And I drew a blank. Sure, another trip to Kota Kinabalu or Hong Kong would be great. I realised I have not been around Asia much and Asia has so much to offer. So I asked my friends and I researched a bit. And here is my first ever bucket list.
Bangkok, Thailand
While I do not like outdoor adventures, visiting spots of historical and cultural importance interest me. Number one on my list is visiting Ayutthaya, north of Bangkok.
Ayutthaya. Photo by Cham T. 
Wat Pho. Photo by Roxanne L.
It used to be the capital of Thailand but was destroyed by the Burmese in the 18th century. Ayutthaya was founded in 1350 and until now many of its temples and other structures remain. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Within Bangkok, there are many other religious, cultural, and historic sites to visit. One of which is Wat Pho, a Buddhist temple more known as the home of the Reclining Buddha.
Aside from their historical sites, Bangkok is known for their super cheap shopping markets and of course, their delicious cuisine.
Shopping is not usually on the top of my agenda when I travel but bargain shopping is my thing. This is where I buy cute stuff which I will probably never use, souvenirs to remind me of my trip, and unique pasalubong items for friends and family. Roxanne lists the Pratunam Night Market as one of her must visit places in Bangkok for affordable clothes, accessories, and food.
Speaking of food, the thought of eating Thai food gets me giddy, every time. I have eaten many plates of Pad Thai, but nothing will ever compare to authentic Pad Thai prepared and served with fresh, local ingredients. I am sure of it even if I have never tried it. Authentic is best, after all.
For more about Bangkok, check out Cham’s Bangkok / Ayutthata Vlog.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
I have been to Malaysia, yey! But I have only been to Kota Kinabalu in Sabah at the tip of Malaysia. Next time, I would love to visit the capital city of Kuala Lumpur.
First on my to-do list: EAT NASI LEMAK!
The first time I tasted Nasi Lemak during my KK Trip in 2015, I immediately fell in love with it. So when I arrive in Kuala Lumpur, or anywhere I can find it to be honest, I will order a hearty serving of authentic Nasi Lemak. Only one of the many Malaysian cuisine dishes I am aching to try.
When my cousins vacationed in Kuala Lumpur a few years ago, I bugged them to go to Malacca. And well, they did not enjoy it at all. We’re mall people, really. But I still want to go.
Malacca is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. It used to be the center of trade between the East and the West, which gives it a unique architecture that combines Asian and European influences. Malacca is more than 140 km away from Kuala Lumpur but I would be willing to take that land trip just to visit Malacca.
For more about what to do in Kuala Lumpur, check our Renz’s Kuala Lumpur in 24 Hours Vlog.
Vietnam
Another fascinating site I’d like to visit are the Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. It is part of the vast network of tunnels that the Viet Congs used during the Vietnam War. Might be a struggle for me to go through the tunnel but I am looking forward to the challenge.
But before anything else, Pho first. As Clea said.
Clea shares in her blog, Viet food is “low calorie, healthy, and delicious.” Pho, of course, is on the top of my list to eat there.
Another thing that I look forward to trying in Vietnam is authentic Vietnamese Coffee. Strong and bold, it has a distinct taste that is sure to make my coffee-loving self super happy.
Singapore
Our neighbor Singapore offers a lot of tourist spots and sights to see. It’s cityscape alone is a sight to behold.
It is also known for its vibrant food scene. That’s what interests me more. Of course. Number one on my list is Chili Crabs and other seafood dishes. I have had various versions of Chili Crabs. But again, nothing can ever beat authentic dishes prepared and served from where it is originally from.
An addition to my list is Singapore Sling, a cocktail crafted and named for the city state of Singapore. Like Chili Crabs, this can be ordered and tasted in many other parts of the world. But there is nothing like sipping a Singapore Sling while chilling at a bar in Singapore, right?
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Phnom Penh is another picturesque city I would love to visit. The city is home to many temples and site with religious and cultural significance. And the Golden Temple is just one of the many that I would love to visit.
As I was compiling my Southeast Asia Bucket List, I realised I practically know nothing about Khmer Cuisine. I have probably never tried it and I could not think of any Khmer dish that I have tasted. So I would definitely love to get acquainted with it. And fall in love with it, as much as I love all other Asian cuisines.
Checking Off My Southeast Asia Bucket List
The above mentioned sites, sights, scenes, and dishes are just some of what I would love to see, experience, and taste around Southeast Asia. And I look forward to checking off each one.
Those already on my list is just half of Southeast Asia. There’s still Burma, Brunei, Indonesia, Laos, and the Philippines. And yes, there’s also more of Asia and the rest of the world to explore. Meantime, I’ll take it step by step. One item at a time.
Some of my friends and I are already planning to visit some of these places as soon as 2020 and I really hope our plans push through. I have my tickets booked! Where do you think we are going?
I would love to hear your suggestions. Have you been to these places? Anything I have to add to my list? Or do you have your own travel bucket list?
If you want to achieve your own travel goals, book now! The Philippine Airlines Independence Day Sale is still ongoing. PAL flies to Bangkok, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and to Phnom Penh regularly. And there are still thousands of seats to these destinations up for grabs for low prices.
Check out these seat sale prices to my Southeast Asia Bucket List destinations from Manila
- Bangkok for as low as $109 with over 20,000 seats available for August to October;
- Hanoi for as low as $99 with 1,000 seats for July to September;
- Ho Chi Minh for as low as $109 with over 4,000 seats available for September to November;
- Kuala Lumpur for as low as $99 with over 3,000 seats available for July to October;
- Singapore for as low as $109 with over 17,000 seats available for September to November; and
- Phnom Penh for as low as $89 with over 3,000 seats available for August to September.
More seats for international travel from June to November 2019 are also on sale. The Independence Day Sale ends in 24 hours. Book now and save yourself from regret.
Visit philippineairlines.com and subscribe to their newsletter to be informed about their seat sales and promos. Follow Philippine Airlines on social media for updates: Facebook Page at fb.com/flyPAL, Instagram @flyPAL, and Twitter @flyPAL. Subscribe to the PAL Youtube Channel for more updates at youtube.com/user/flyPALTV.
Do not forget to subscribe to my Youtube Channel Diyosa Life TV for more interesting features and adventures. Follow me on social media for my favorites and more recommendations: Facebook Page at fb.com/DiyosaLife and Instagram @diyosalife.
Credits
Photo contributions from:
- Cham Tanteras, Cham Tanteras Blog
- Roxanne Lacap, SweetRoxieee
- Clea Banal, Clea B. Blog
- Renz Bulseco, The Traveling Nomad