Thailand, Bali, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos — extraordinary value, world-class food, ancient temples and some of the most beautiful beaches on Earth.
Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia and Singapore — extraordinary value, world-class food, and some of the most beautiful beaches and temples on Earth.
This is the region that turns first-time travellers into lifelong ones. It's close to home, gentle on the budget, and impossibly varied — turquoise islands and limestone karsts, lantern-lit old towns, jungle temples lost to the vines, and street-food capitals where the best meal of your life costs a few dollars.
You can go barefoot in Bali, temple-hop through Cambodia, ride the length of Vietnam, or slow right down on the Mekong in Laos. Family-run since 1974, Cooee has been sending Australians into Southeast Asia for decades — and we know how to blend the icons with the quiet corners.
Combine two or three on one trip — the overland and short-hop connections are easy.
Bangkok · Chiang Mai · the Islands
Temples, street food, jungle and some of Asia's finest beaches — the perfect all-rounder.
Ubud · Uluwatu · Seminyak
Hanoi · Hoi An · Halong Bay
Siem Reap · Angkor Wat
Luang Prabang · the Mekong
The moments that define the region.
The world's largest religious monument, mirrored in the moat at dawn.
Nov – AprKoh Lipe, Koh Lanta and Krabi — karst scenery, clear water and superb diving.
Nov – AprSilk lanterns, riverside markets and Vietnam's finest food.
Feb – AugUbud's rice terraces, clifftop Uluwatu and temple purification rituals.
May – SepMost of the region is easy. Thailand is visa-free for 60 days (complete the online TDAC), Indonesia/Bali is visa-on-arrival (~$50 AUD), Singapore is visa-free 90 days, and Vietnam (~$25 USD, 90 days), Cambodia (~$36 USD) and Laos use quick e-Visas or visa-on-arrival. Confirm current rules before travel. See our getting there & visas guide.
The mainland (Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos) is best in the cool, dry season November–April. Bali runs on a slightly different pattern, with its dry season May–September — perfect for the Australian winter holidays. Both avoid the heaviest monsoon rains. See our best time to visit guide.
It's close, affordable and endlessly varied — a first trip here is almost a rite of passage. You get extraordinary value, some of Earth's best beaches and food, ancient temples, warm people, and short flights from the east coast. It suits every style, from backpacker to five-star. See our first-time in Asia guide.
Wonderfully. Bali, Thailand and Singapore are firm family favourites — safe, friendly, great value, and full of beaches, elephants, water parks and easy food. Many resorts cater superbly to kids. See our family holidays guide.
It's the best-value region in Asia. Budget travellers manage on $60–$100 AUD/day; a comfortable mid-range trip with boutique hotels and private tours runs $150–$300 AUD/day. Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos are especially cheap. See our itineraries guide.