Oldest Cities of Southeast Asia

Oldest Cities of Southeast Asia

If you are looking for things to do in the older cities of Southeast Asia, which include popular cities like Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore – follow this list of ideas that to take you back to times in the past. Many of these places date back to centuries and speak volumes of the history of these areas.

#History#Culture#Food

The Oldest Art Market in Jakarta

 Jakarta, Indonesia
#Culture#History#Art#Walking

The Historic Laotian Liquors

 Luang Prabang, Lao People's Democratic Republic
#Local#Drinks

The Royal Ashes of Wat Mahathat

 Luang Prabang, Lao People's Democratic Republic
#Architecture#History

Traditional Laotian Houses along river Mekong

 Luang Prabang, Lao People's Democratic Republic
#Architecture#History

A Weekend Trip to the Plain of Jars

 Xiangkhouang, Lao People's Democratic Republic
#Landscape#History

The National Museum

 Luang Prabang, Lao People's Democratic Republic
#History#Culture

Pak Ou: The Sixteenth Century Cave Monastery

 Luang Prabang, Lao People's Democratic Republic
#Spelunking#Culture#History

A stroll or ride through the Old Quarter

 Luang Prabang, Lao People's Democratic Republic
#Walking#Bikeride#Architecture#Culture
 

You cannot miss the Diosdado Macapagal Suspension Bridge!

 Butuan City, Philippines

Being the fastest way into the Butuan City itself and to the other municipalities overlooking the Agusan River, the picturesque hanging bridge is a must stop, especially if you’re biking around Butuan...

#Walking#Biking#Nature
 

Make Wine the Traditional Way at Nipa Wine Distillery

 Butuan, Philippines

Experience the traditional wine (Laksoy) making technique, dating back to 200 years and more, in one of the family run distilleries, north-west of Butuan where Nipa (the intoxicating fruit) actually grows...

#Wine#Culture#Local

Take a cruise to the Past: Agusan River

 Butuan City, Philippines
#Nature#Rivercruising#Culture
 

A hint of old world Butuan and it’s views at Bud Promontory Eco-Park

 Butuan City, Philippines

Looking for a patch of green with a hint of historic relevance? Located at the bend of El Rio de Butuan and Masao River is the Bud Promontory Eco-Park which is claimed to be the spot where the first Catholic Mass was held, welcoming you with a huge cross at the entrance...

#Walking#History#Nature
 

Explore the Banza Church Ruins at Lilo, Butuan City

 Butuan City, Philippines

From the terminal near Langihan Bus Terminal, take a tricycle that takes you to the Banza Church Ruins, dating back to 1625, built by the Recollect Missionaries...

#History
 

Walk through the galleries in Butuan National Museum

 Butuan City, Philippines

Want to know more about Butuan’s cultural heritage and prehistoric existence? Arrive at Butuan National Museum (located in Butuan City, Agusan Del Norte), Monday to Friday, anytime between 9 am to 4 pm...

#Museums#History#Culture
 

Know the Balangay history of Butuan at Balangay Shrine Museum

 Butuan, Philippines

Visit the home to the remains of the The Balanghai (Butuan Boat) from Monday-Saturday between 8:30 am to 4:30 pm; located 5 km east to the city, a tricycle can take you to the site...

#Museums#History
 

Visit Magellan’s Anchorage

 Butuan City, Philippines

If you’re a history buff, a 30 minutes bicycle ride from the Butuan City will take you to the landing site (monument) in Masao Butuan City, Agusan Del Norte...

#History
 

Meditate at the serene Bukit Lama hill

 Palembang, Indonesia

If you are in the mood to achieve a zen state of mind through some meditation, Bukit Siguntang Hill is your spot to go-to...

#Nature
 

Take a leisurely stroll through Punti Kayu Forest park

 Palembang, Indonesia

Established in 1938 and currently a government-protected area, the Punti Kayu Forest Park is one of the last remaining pine forest parks in the Indonesian island of Sumatra...

#Nature#Walking
 

Behold the beauty of Lematang Indah Falls

A gruelling six-hour bus journey from Palembang City Center will take you to the waterfalls at Pagar Alam...

#Waterfalls#Scenic

Witness the iconic Bidar Boat Race at Palembang

#Boating#Heritage

Delve deep into Palembang's colonial history at Masjid Agung

#History#Architecture
 

Learn about Buddhist tradition at Kemaro Island

Located on a small delta of the Musi River, about 6 km downstream of Ampera Bridge, Kemaro island...

#Islandhopping#Culture
 

Go on a Musi river cruise, catch the sunset!

The Musi River cuts through Palembang, making it an important medium of transportation from one side to the other...

#Cruising#Culture#Sunsetpoint

Marvel at the Ampera bridge's night lights

#History#Architecture

Take the songket textile back home!

#Culture#History#Shop
 

Catch a glimpse of history at Sriwijaya Park, Indonesia

Catch a glimpse of history at the Sriwijaya Kingdom Archaeological Park at Jalan Syakhyakirti in Palembang, Indonesia...

#History

A stroll inside the Cambodian Culture Village

#History#Culture
 

Kao Piak Sen: Slurp a mouthfull of Tradition

When the Tai people migrated to Laos in large batches from mainland China between the 7th and the 13th century, they brought with them their food habits, and perhaps Khao Piak Sen is the best representative of that history...

#Food#Local

Revisit the mass killing history of Wat Thmey!

#History#Temple
 

Be a part of Laos’ Culture of Peace: Alms giving ceremony

A tradition that spans over 1000 years, the alms giving ceremony is an integral part of the daily lives of the people of Luang Prabang...

#Culture#History

War Museum: An insight into the Cambodian War Years

#Museums#History

The Jewel called Wat Xieng Thong

#Architecture#Art

Phnom Bok: Trek to one of the architectural triad

#Trekking#History#Architecture
 

Taste a bit of Cambodian History in the Landmine Museum

Visit the museum on any day between 7:30 am to 5:30 pm with an entry fee of USD5 for adults; get an insight into the importance of clearing landmines in Cambodia which have had massive impacts on the culture and history of the society...

#Museums#History
 

Witness the Natural Lightworks at Sulamani Temple

One of the most beautiful temples to look at, Sulamani has frescoes and murals in very good condition that help a visitor understand the stories of Buddha in much detail...

#Architecture#Art

Enjoy sunset by the Tonle Sap Lake

#Nature#History#Culture

Be spooked at the Dhammayangyi Temple

#Architecture#History
 

The Grand Festival of Shwezigon Pagoda

Mark it in your calendar: 8th November is the official date for the commencement of the Shwezigon pagoda festival, 2019; an age-old tradition which probably has been in continuation since the completion of its construction in the 12th century...

#Festival

The Temple of Meditation: Gawdawpalin

#Architecture#History

Pleasure your tastebuds with the traditional Indonesian Soto

#Food#Street Food#History
 

Witness the old world charm of Braga with a leisurely stroll

 Bandung, Indonesia

Your Bandung travel itinerary is incomplete without a walk through Braga Street...

#Culture#History#City#Walking#Architecture#Photography#Art
 

Marvel at the Architecture of the biggest mosque of South East Asia

Get amazed by the grand architecture of the biggest mosque of South East Asia, the Istiqlal Mosque...

#History#Culture#Architecture

Visit the magnificent Neo-gothic architecture of the Jakarta Cathedral

#Architecture#History#Spirituality
 

A Night-Walk down the Colonial Past in the Old Town of Jakarta

A comforting night-walk through the roads of the Old Town will give you a feel of Europe in Indonesia...

#Food#City#Architecture#History
 

The Fatahillah Museum: Hidden stories of history

The history-laden streets of the Old Town will take you to its epitome, the Fatahillah Museum that details the rich history of Dutch colonization which is, in essence, the history of Old Town...

#History#Heritage#Culture#Museums

Photograph the Oldest Port of Indonesia to your heart's content

#Photography#Boating#Culture
 

Sunset/Sunrise from atop North Guni Temple

Among the 2000 temples that crisscross the vast plains of Bagan, there are some that are mostly visited in virtue of their vantage point; the North Guni temple being one of them...

#Landscape#Photography

The Museum of Puppets in the Old Town

#History#Museums#City#Art

Visit Angkor National Museum

#History
 

Bagan in One Sweeping View: Hot Air Balloon

Balloons over Bagan is officially the premium organization to provide you a topographical orientation of the other-worldly landscape of Bagan...

#Adventure#Landscape

Discover the jungle ruin: Beng Mealea

#History#Walking#Tour
 

Cycling around the Temples of Bagan

Bagan remains hot, dry and dusty almost throughout the year, and therefore cycling is a good way to tick off the tour faster...

#Biketour#History#Architecture

Head to the ancient complex of Koh Kher!

#History#Architecture#Panoramicview

Motorbike the Ancient Trails of Siem Reap!

#Biketour#History#Village#Temple
 

Sang Nila Utama’s Statue at Raffles’ Landing Site

Raffles’ Landing is a highlighting feature of downtown Singapore and one cannot miss some amazing photography opportunities here with four flawlessly white statues of eminent personalities against the backdrop of the skyscrapers...

#Art#History#City
 

International Fellowship at Nalanda Sriwijaya Centre

A fellowship at this premier institute could prove to be a dream come true for students of history/archaeology with a penchant for traveling...

#History#Art#Culture

A Multihued Antique House in Katong

#Culture#History
 

Gather some History Lessons at National Museum of Singapore

Visit the History Gallery at the National Museum to gain information about Singapore’s linkage to Java, and the religious/cultural influence that India had on these maritime nations during the 12th century...

#History#Museums

Archaeological Adventure at Fort Canning Park

#History#Heritagesite

A journey through the folklore of Vietnam: The Water Puppetry

#Culture#Festival#History#City

Delve in the ever-developing Hanoi Old Quarters and its fascinating history

#History#Culture#Architecture#City#Tour#Educationaltour
 

The Quaint, old village of Mai Chau and its communal living

A 4-hour drive from Hanoi would take you to the quiet, old village of Mai Chau that is laden with history, rich cultural exchanges and traditions...

#Biketour#Exotic#Culture#Photography#History#Local
 

The Imperial Bún bò Huế soup

Bún bò Huế, which literally means beef noodle soup from the Huế province, is one of the oldest dishes of Vietnam that still continue to please the taste buds of all those who have been here...

#Food#Culture#History#Tour#Breakfast
 

The sacred Pa Thom Cave in Dien Bien Phu

Just grazing the Vietnam-Laos border lies the ancient, beautiful cave of Pa Thom in Dien Bien Phu, a holy place of the Dien Bien people...

#Naturalwonders#History#Culture#Caves#Architecture#Hiking

Cycle the Historic Ho Chi Minh trail

#Adventure#Heritagesite#History#Culture

Enter the world of magic in the Phong Nha cave

#Heritagesite#Culture#History#Caves#Adventure

All that you wanted to know about the Vietnam War!

#History#Culture#Tour#City#Museums
 

The Marvellous Ho Chi MInh Mausoleum

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a must-visit for inspiration and knowing some unknown tales about one of the greatest leaders of all time, Ho Chi Minh...

#History#Culture#City#Tour#Museums
 

Make the daring walk through the symbol of Courage!

The Long Bien Bridge in Hanoi is a symbol of courage, resilience and power and is a must visit for those with an inclination towards a nation’s history and culture...

#History#Culture#Walking#City
 

Go On A Heritage Trail In Tiong Bahru

Tiong Bahru is one of the oldest districts of Singapore where the past and the present have merged seamlessly...

#Heritage#Historical
 

Explore The Reflections At Bukit Chandu

The heritage centre is a restored colonial bungalow which now serves as a second world war interpretive centre...

#History#Museums

Singapore's Kali Temple, the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple

#Templehopping#History#Architecture

Visit The Oldest Hindu Temple In Singapore

#Templehopping#History#Architecture
 

Pay Your Respects To The Martyrs At The Kranji War Memorial

The Kranji War Memorial is home to the graves of all the brave soldiers who lost their lives defending Singapore against Japan during the second world war...

#History
 

Tour The Interesting Fort Siloso

Fort Siloso is the sole existing Singaporean coastal defence fort and is thus a very popular historical site in the country...

#History
 

Make You Inner Child Happy At The Mint Museum Of Toys

The Mint Museum Of Toys is a quirky historical place frenched in nostalgia...

#History#Museums#Offbeat
 

Explore The Intriguing Battle Box

The Battle Box Museum has had an extremely interesting history...

#History#Museums
 

Visit The Nineteenth Century Sultan Mosque

The spectacular Sultan Mosque is the biggest mosque in Singapore and one of the most important religious and historical monuments of the country...

#Architecture#History

Experience Peace And Serenity At The Oldest Chinese Temple In Singapore

#Templehopping#Architecture#Art#History#Culture

Hit the Bagan Archaeological Museum before beginning your Temple Run

#Museums#History

The Four Buddhas of Ananda Temple

#Templehopping#Architecture

The Highest Temple: Thatbyinnyu Phaya

#Templehopping#Architecture#History

Join a Batic Workshop

#Culture#Art
 

Visit the Old-style Market, Beringharjo

If you are looking for some authentic Javanese antiques, spices and batik prints, Berighanjo is the place to be...

#Nightmarkets#Culture

Ballet Performance at Prambanan Temple

#Art#Culture
 

Sonobudoyo Museum

Almost a replica of the Jakarta Museum, Sonobudoyo exhibits a well-stocked motley of cultural artifacts belonging to the 8th, 9th and 10th centuries...

#History#Museums

Gudeg: A small bite of History

#Food#Culture

Learn something about the Ancient Ways in Ullen Sentalu Museum

#Museums#Culture#History
 

The Royal Palace of Yogyakarta

The Kraton is the royal seat of Yogyakarta which the only monarchical province of Indonesia; another element adding to the old world quality that already defines the city...

#Art#Architecture#Culture
 

Be Witness to Wayang Puppetry

Being an audience to a Wayang puppet theatre allows one a deep delve into the Javanese culture with its strong roots in Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam...

#Culture#Art

Sunset at Ratu Boko

 Yogyakarta, Indonesia
#History#Culture

The Contending Temples of Yogyakarta: A Day Trip

 Yogyakarta, Indonesia
#History#Culture#Architecture