An adventure travel to Southeast Asia is not only about eating amazing food and resting on the sand. There are many ways of keeping busy in this tropical region and get your heart pumping. There is a wide range of adventure travel ideas in Southeast Asia to get your adrenaline pumping from scuba diving with sharks in the ocean to base jumping. In this article we will fuel your wanderlust with few top adventure travel activities in Southeast Asia and the best destinations to find them in!
Kayaking – Adventure Travel
Why hire a boat to explore the oceans, lakes, and rivers of Southeast Asia with just a kayak and a paddle? Southeast Asia is renowned for its impressive waterways, and at the same time you can see them all while staying fit. Kayak across Vietnam’s caves, down rivers in Laos or on Cambodia’s sparkling lakes!
Tonle Sap Lake
Angkor Wat in Siem Reap is not the only thing to see! Travel to Tonle Sap Lake, just a short drive away after a day exploring the ancient temples of Angkor. Among beginners, Kayaking Tonle Sap is great. Spend a lovely afternoon kayaking through floating islands, hiking local fishermen. To see the sunset over the stunning, serene lake, be sure to do a full-day kayaking trip.
Nam Khan River
Although tubing is one of Luang Prabang’s most popular backpacker activities, alternatives are available to explore the Nam Khan River. Instead, rent a kayak and paddle down the Mekong River. Go for a more intense adventure with bigger rapids during the rainy season in Laos, or come for a more relaxed trip in the dry season. Green Discovery Laos is one of Laos ‘ largest providers of adventure tourism.
Inle Lake
Any ride to Myanmar is a highlight of Inle Lake. Travelers usually take a speedboat to explore the lake or travel in a van around the periphery. Rent a kayak and explore at your own speed, though, if you want to get adventurous. Take a waterproof camera and film the majestic lake surrounded by mountains, paddle through stilt house villages and, see the fishermen with one leg holding their traps in the mud! Exotic Voyages is one of the companies that you can take on tours.
River Rafting – Adventure Travel
Consider river rafting in one of the raging rivers in Southeast Asia if you’re looking for your adrenaline pumping. Although Indonesia boasts the most whitewater rafting, in Thailand you can also try this adventure!
Ayung River
13 km of rapids can be found running through the countryside of Bali, surrounded by villages and rice paddies. The Ayung River flows through a canyon that you will have to climb up at the end of your trip, adding to your rafting operation a little extra workout. The rapids are great all year round for beginners.
Ranoyapo and Nimanga Rivers
Attempt the Ranoyapo river on Suwalesi Island for those with a little more experience. Ranoyapo has 60 demanding Class 3 to 5 + rapids, which experienced groups will cover in two days. You should go on a half-day rafting trip down a easier part of the river for those with a little less experience. Try Nimanga River for beginner rafters, which provides 25 speeds along the banks where you can also see lizards, chickens, and wild pigs.
Rock Climbing – Adventure Travel
Of course, you’ve been climbing indoor rock before. If not, as a kid you’ve built an outdoor wall, but nothing beats climbing rock on a real mountain. While the Ton Sai and Railay beach in Thailand may be the most famous rock climbing location in Southeast Asia, there are many places you can explore for your next trip!
Railay and Ton Sai
Ton Sai and Railay are situated in Krabi Thailand, world-famous for breathtaking outdoor climbing. Its white sandy beaches, turquoise waters and spectacular calcareous cliffs, who would not want to climb here? Railay and Ton Sai won’t be disappointed with plenty of routes for beginners and experienced climbers! You may also try your hand on deep water soloing, which means that without a harness you can jump over the surface! Ko Yao Noi is yet another smaller, less crowded option, just a boat ride away from Krabi, to check out if you run out of Railay’s roads.
Chiang Mai
Although not as popular as Krabi, there is also some amazing rock climbing in Northern Thailand, with Crazy Horse about an hour drive from Chiang Mai. In reality, Crazy Horse boasts the safest climbing rock in Asia. The region has trained guides who can help the beginners, as well as more experienced climbers ‘ routes. Northern Thailand is also far less crowded than Krabi, makes it a great location for those who want to avoid crowds of high season.
Scuba Diving – Adventure Travel
Southeast Asia has some of world’s best scuba diving! While in any coastal country in Southeast Asia you can go diving, here are some of the best places to jump in.
Moalboal and Apo Reef
Take a visit to Cebu to visit Moalboal, home to a tremendous amount of unusual sea life, including frog fish and electric clams! Moalboal is also known for its “sardine ride” where you can see sardine clouds swimming close to the surface. Go to nearby Dumaguete after Moalboal as your base for Apo Reef, some of the world’s best diving. Swim with sea turtles and touch some of the existence’s most colorful corals!
Gili Islands
The Gili Islands are the world’s sea turtle capital, another perfect place to obtain your certification! Swim with reef sharks, lion fish, manta rays, and more! A drift dive full of reef sharks and sea turtles is sure to visit the shark point. There are far too many fantastic diving spots to mention here, to be honest.
Hiking – Adventure Travel
There are multiple options for quick, simple day hikes and multi-day treks in Southeast Asia. Move through tropical rainforests, through amazing views of rice fields, or even an active volcano as you move in Southeast Asia.
Volcano Trekking
You will conquer steaming volcanoes in Indonesia, covered by clouds of massive craters and smoke puffs. Popular climbs are in East Java start at Yogykarta and head to Mount Semeru or Mount Bromo summit. Try Bali’s Gunung Batur and Gunung Agung to be tackled in a day for an easier climb, while Gunung Rinjani on Lombok Island will take you three days to climb!
Luang Prabang
Why not add another outdoor activity to Laos with river tubing, rock climbing, and kayaking on the list? Travel to and use Luang Prabang as a base for exploring the environment and gaining insight into the lives of the Khmu hill tribe. Check out the Kouang Si Waterfalls with their beautiful turquoise waters and nibbling fish paws.
Conclusion
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