Best Adventures in Southeast Asia that Will Give You a Thrill
Southeast Asia is a destination for all kinds of travelers. Besides the romantic, cultural or historical part of this region, adventure boasts exciting journeys for those who crave a thrill. Here are our top 7 adventure activities in Southeast Asia that will make your trip once-in-a-lifetime.
Southeast Asia offers many charms to travelers: astonishing cultural heritages, delicious cuisine, relaxing beaches, and more. But for those who thrive on the spirit of adventure, few other parts of the world can compare.
Whether you will be journeying to Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia, Thailand, or Cambodia, the thrills of a lifetime await you. Let’s plan the best adventure in Southeast Asia by putting together an itinerary of unforgettable excitement. The activities on our list will take you to deep caves, high mountain peaks, and everywhere in between.
1. Embark on a Son Doong expedition in Vietnam
Sunbathing on Southeast Asian beaches can be an amazing experience, but sometimes there is such a thing as too much sun. If you’re looking for an adventure that will give you a break from the heat and brightness, head underground on an expedition into the world-famous Son Doong cave. This cave is believed to be the country’s largest and even the largest natural cave on Earth.
Son Doong was discovered in 1990 and surveyed in 2009. Son Doong’s volume is estimated to be 38.5 million cubic meters, and its length is an astounding 9 kilometers. While those numbers are impressive, it may still be a challenge to picture what they mean. For perspective, the famous Hope and Vision Passage is so massive that you could place a 40-floor building inside.
While this mental image captures the scale of the cave, words alone cannot convey its immense beauty. As you explore this vast chamber, you will feel you have discovered a secret, hidden world. Joining a tour inside this giant cave is not something everyone can do. You must have the ability to cope with severe topography, a qualified health certificate, and a lot of braveness to apply for the tour. So far, there is only one company that is qualified to generate a Son Doong expedition, which is Oxalis Adventure, with the price per person being ~US$3000 for 6 days and 5 nights. The number of participants is limited to a maximum of 10 travelers per tour and does not exceed 1000 travelers per year. This regulation is set in an attempt to protect the natural environment of Son Doong.
2. Reach Fansipan - The Roof of Indochina, Vietnam
Tourists who prefer to go way up in the air rather than underground should venture to the summit of Mount Fanispan, Vietnam’s highest mountain, known as the “Roof of Indochina.”
There are two ways you can reach the peak of Fanispan. Experienced climbers can attempt to summit the mountain themselves. It is wise to hire a guide if you do this, as the climb can be challenging and taxing. It may take you about 2 days to complete a return trip to the top.
How about those who are not confident enough to climb by themselves to admire the heavenly beauty of Fansipan? Don't worry, there is now a much faster and easier way for adventurers to reach the Roof of Indochina, and that is to ride up to the top in a Sun World Fanispan cable car. Watching the rice terraces fall away beneath you as the cable car takes you up into the clouds and beyond will take your breath away.
Along the route, the cable car stops off at a rest area featuring pagodas surrounded by gardens. At the top of Mt. Fanispan, marvel at views from 3,147.3 m (10,326 ft).
Even though reaching the Roof of Indochina is an adventure, the journey has a peaceful, meditative quality. The next time you feel overwhelmed in life after your trip is over, you can close your eyes and transport yourself back to when you were literally on top of the world. The awe and perspective your adventure gave you will be with you for the rest of your life.
3. Zipline Through the Jungle in Huay Xai, Laos
(Photo: Gibbon Experience)
At Nam Kan National Park near Huay Xai in Laos, participate in the Gibbon Experience. At this attraction, you get to stay in one of the tallest tree houses in the world and zipline around the forest at the level of the canopy. Basically, it is a childhood dream come true.
That would be enough on its own to make it worth the visit, but there is another reason to stay in this conservation zone, and that is to see the gibbons! While watching these lovable animals in their natural habitat, you’ll also be supporting their safety and well-being since the Gibbon Experience works to protect them and their ecosystem.
4. See the Real Komodo Dragon, Indonesia
We have all seen pictures of old maps that say at the edges, “Here, there be dragons.” Well, that can actually be said for real regarding four special islands in Indonesia: Komodo, Rinca, Gili Motang, and Flores. These islands are home to the majestic Komodo dragon monitor lizard.
These huge lizards can reach up to 9.8 feet long and weigh as much as 150 pounds. A trip to Komodo National Park is your chance to see them up close and learn more about their lives and habits from friendly and knowledgeable park rangers. Whether you take a local tour or charter a boat to explore the islands on your own, seeing Komodo dragons in person is a rare opportunity that every wildlife lover visiting Indonesia should take advantage of.
5. Climb a Volcano, Indonesia
Komodo dragons are not the only excitement to encounter in Indonesia; the very ground beneath your feet in many parts of Indonesia may be geologically active. In fact, there are 45 active volcanoes on Java alone, plus additional active volcanoes in Sumatra. Along with these active volcanoes, there are also plenty more dormant ones.
For travelers who want to climb a volcano in Indonesia, some top destinations include Mount Agung, Mount Batur, Mount Bromo, Mount Ijen (home to a gorgeous turquoise lake at the summit), and Mount Kerinci.
Some climbs are easy, while others are challenging. Keep in mind that your physical capabilities and skill level can also impact how easy or hard a particular route is for you. Research ahead of time to choose a volcano trail that is suited to your skill level, and consider going with a guide who can keep you safe and teach you more about the geology and ecology of the volcano. Read a firsthand account of what it is like to climb Mount Batur.
6. Skydiving with an Ocean View, Thailand
Few activities can match the thrill of jumping out of a plane 13,000 feet above the ground—except maybe doing it with a view of the great blue expanse of the ocean below.
Head to Pattaya in Thailand, where you can sign up to do a tandem skydive. The first minute is spent in freefall, and the last 5 minutes will have you floating down with an open parachute. There is literally no better way to get a dramatic view of the blue-green waters and Rayong’s sandy beaches.
Your time falling through the air may only last 6 minutes total, but it won’t feel that way afterward. The jaw-dropping sights, the rush of adrenaline, and the sensations of skydiving will stick with you for a lifetime. You can also snap photos and even shoot video footage on your way down. Watching it later will bring you right back to the moment and all of its intensity.
7. Ride a Hot Air Balloon in Angkor Wat, Cambodia
(Photo: iVIVU)
When most people picture visiting Angkor Wat, they imagine exploring the temple complex from the ground. That is an experience you definitely will want to partake in—but you can get a whole different perspective on Angkor Wat when you view it from above.
Hot air balloon tours of Angkor Wat have become incredibly popular. As you float above the temple complex, you will get an excellent view of its layout and architecture. In fact, it is a great idea to take the hot air balloon ride before you visit Angkor Wat; that way, you will know your way around.
High up in the air, you also can see the surrounding trees, rice fields, and communities—including nearby Siem Reap. To make your balloon ride extra special, consider booking a tour that takes place at sunset. As the shadows lengthen and warm colors spill across the landscape, it takes on a different character.
How long do hot air balloon rides above Angkor Wat last? Some tours are as brief as 10 minutes. Other balloon flights can last for up to half an hour. A shorter flight or a private booking can be perfect if you find the basket uncomfortable (it is a tight fit with the other tourists, and the heat can also get to be stifling at times).
Plan Your Southeast Asia Adventure
No matter what country you visit in Southeast Asia, opportunities for adventure and excitement abound. Whether scaling a volcano in Indonesia, skydiving in Thailand above the ocean, taking a hot air balloon ride above Angkor Wat, or doing any other activity on this list, your trip to Southeast Asia will make your travel dreams come true.
