Known in the 19th century as the East Indies, Southeast Asia is recognized for its sprawling mix of ethnicities, cultures, languages, religions, and tropical landscapes
Southeast Asia is defined by two zones: its mainland countries, made up of Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and West Malaysia) and its maritime islands, which include East Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Brunei, and East Timor.
As a tropical region, Southeast Asia is famous for its golden beaches, dense jungles, and spewing volcanoes. Bordered by the Pacific and Indian Oceans, it has historically been a site for commerce, drawing traders from near and far. As you travel, you’ll feel a jolt from the bustling, chaotic energy that comes from the hugely diverse range of people that live there.