Senja, Norway

El Nido, Palawan, Philippines

Where to Island-Hop in Southeast Asia

Travelers with a taste for exotic beaches, cultural immersion, and value-driven vacations are looking to Southeast Asia this year. Consider countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines as long-haul alternatives to Europe, destinations where your dollar goes farther, and service levels are often unparalleled. Pack your water shoes and book an extra day to get over the jet lag. You won’t regret waking up on this side of the world.

Indonesia

Top: Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape, Bali

Bottom Left: Nusa Penida | Bottom Right: Fish and Coral Reef

Indonesia’s dry season runs from April through October, making the North American summer a perfect time to explore the region. Luxury retreats are easy to find in Bali, famous for its Eat, Pray, Love cameo and the cultural heart of Ubud. Head to the island of Nusa Lembongan for quieter five-star stays in the jungle or on the beach; the Gili islands offer motorbike-free, laid-back escapes; and Nusa Penida, now famous for its T. rex-shaped cliffs and stunning beaches, rewards visitors who stay for a few days rather than passing through on a day trip.

Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat, Indonesia

For divers, a trip to Raja Ampat belongs on every bucket list. This archipelago of over 1,500 small islands, cays, and shoals sits just off the tip of Papua, a province within Indonesia (the country itself is made up of 17,000 islands). Raja Ampat is a pristine paradise above and below the water, likely because it takes a while to reach. Raja Ampat pairs beautifully with a wider exploration of Indonesia, a country that rewards every kind of traveler.

Thailand

Top: Railay Beach, Krabi, Thailand

Bottom Left: Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas | Bottom Right: Anantara Layan Phuket Resort

Thailand is the perfect place to begin or end your trip on the mainland, where world-class wellness resorts set the tone for the journey ahead. From there, sail into the islands on Thailand's Gulf side. Koh Samui offers luxurious retreats, Koh Phangan delivers beach days and full moon party nights, and Koh Tao is a diver's dream.

Thai Boat

Thai Long-Tail Taxi Boat

Venture over to the Andaman Sea to explore the Phi Phi islands, with their stunning limestone cliffs and gin-clear waters. Along this coast, stop at Koh Lanta for laid-back living, Koh Yao Noi for hidden-gem tranquility, and the Similan island archipelago for world-class diving. Explore it all on a private longtail boat for a classic Thai experience.

Philippines

Top: Amanpulo, Palawan, Philippines

Bottom Left: Whale Sharks | Bottom Right: Twin Lagoon, Coron Island

Famous for its screensaver-worthy beaches, the Philippines also delivers exceptional luxury accommodation at every price point, from private island resorts to more modest but equally beautiful high-end stays throughout the archipelago. When adventure calls, book a boat charter in Palawan for kayaking and snorkeling, or explore the islands of Cebu, where you can swim with whale sharks, and Bohol, home to the endlessly charming tarsiers.

Ready to trade your routine for turquoise water and island sunsets?

 Laure Poffenberger

Happy Travels!

 Laure Poffenberger
Travel Luxury Vacations, LLC

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