Culture

There are few words with a wider range of meanings than “Culture”, ranging from historical ruins and temples, to museums and arts, both traditional and contemporary. However, regardless of the specific meaning you take from the term, there will be something that qualifies nearly everywhere you look in South East Asia.
Perhaps the most famous is the gargantuan temple complex of Angkor Wat, near Siem Reap in Cambodia. Here the millennia old Khmer architecture stands defiant in the face of the slow reconquest of nature.
In Vietnam, the ancient cities of Hoi An and Hue offer an informative look at the country’s past, while also being stunningly beautiful to walk around. Meanwhile, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh have thriving art scenes, with seemingly a gallery located on every block. Great museums, both historical and artistic, can also be found in abundance here.
Moving west to Northern Laos, Luang Prabang, besides having a staggering amount of Buddhist temples, is also home to perhaps the most unique and memorable cultural performance you will experience anywhere. At Garavek Storytelling, tales of the city is told through traditional Laotian storytelling techniques, accompanied by a live score played on traditional instruments.
For a look into the ancient past, there are a few standout locations. As mentioned earlier, first among these is enormous Angkor Wat in Cambodia, the crown jewel of Khmer architecture. Second is Champasak in Southern Laos, which while smaller than its bigger brother in Cambodia, is surrounded by more impressive scenery, complementing the ancient grace of the Khmer site. For Thai history, the historical sites at Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, remnants of the two earliest united Thai kingdoms stands in defiant memory of the nation’s early history.
Finally, for authentic and bucolic cultural experiences, consider heading out into one of the many remote villages spread across all four countries. These villages are often inhabited by ethnic minorities still living their centuries-old traditional lifestyles. Great places these villages include the northern hills of Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam and the floating villages of the Mekong Delta in Vietnam and Tonle Sap lake in Cambodia.
South East Asia is brimming with cultural experiences of all kinds, and a look into its deep history, rich culture and traditional lifestyles are treats to any traveller hungry to make unforgettable memories.

Traditional Arts & Performances

With a rich and diverse cultural heritage, there is no shortage of unique traditional performances to be enjoyed in Southeast Asia, no matter which specific country you plan to focus on. Starting in Vietnam, the capital of Hanoi has always served as the beating heart of the country’s culture and arts scene

Best Ruins & Temples in Southeast Asia

As a land rich in history and culture, it should come as no surprise that Southeast Asia has a myriad of temples, ruins and historical sites to discover and explore. In Thailand, the grand complexes of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai stand as potent reminders of golden ages long past, when the cities ruled much of what is now Thailand, before being eclipsed by the modern capital of Bangkok

Best Cultural Experiences in the Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta represents quintessential Southern Vietnamese culture. While the nature sights of the region have been in steady decline for decades, the same can not be said about the culture, which is as vibrant, lively and authentic as ever.
Perhaps most famous are the floating markets of the delta, and chief amongst them are the ones in the towns of My Tho and Cai Rang

Central Vietnam’s Cultural Highlights: Hue & Hoi An

While the central coast of Vietnam certainly has its share of beautiful beaches and luxurious resorts, it is also a haven of magnificent cultural experiences centred on the ancient cities of Hue and Hoi An. Before falling into the shadow of Hanoi, Hue, as home to the Emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty, had been the capital of Vietnam for nearly 150 years, before being dislodged from its pre-eminent position by French Colonial ambitions.

Best Cultural Experiences in Hanoi

Hanoi, sometimes known as “The Paris of the East” is at the core of Northern Vietnamese culture. The layout and architecture is a stunning mix of well preserved ancient streets in Old Quarter, where narrow alleys snake around an eclectic mix of buildings bursting with life, and grand French Colonial Architecture along avenues lined with trees.

The Most Fascinating Cultural Experiences With Ethnic Minorities in Southeast Asia

With its long history of ethnic migrations and invasions, it should come as no surprise that Southeast Asia is an incredibly diverse region, home to a countless number of distinct ethnic groups and tribes. The sheer number of tribes is staggering, and each approaches life in Indochina in their own unique way.

Vietnam

Laos

Cambodia

Thailand

Indonesia

Myanmar