There’s a magnetic quality to Southeast Asia that’s hard to put into words. It’s a region with a rare pull, the kind that brings you back time and again.

As you travel through mist-veiled mountains and lantern-lit alleyways, from tropical islands to sacred temples, you’ll soon discover why this corner of the world has captivated travellers seeking inclusive cultural experiences for decades.

While SE Asia is vast and diverse, the warmth and hospitality of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos create an inclusive environment for luxury travellers. Each nation’s distinct heritage, from Vietnam’s French-colonial elegance to Cambodia’s spiritual resonance and Laos’ Buddhist serenity, is united by a spirit of resilience that rewards slow, intentional exploration.

‍

Vietnam

Vietnam masterfully balances frenetic urban energy with rural tranquillity, offering all types of travellers a wide-range of experiences along its elongated borders.

Cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City now rival Bangkok as gay-friendly and inclusive Asian hubs, with vibrant café cultures and increasingly visible queer communities. The coastal city of Da Nang exemplifies this evolution, blending cosmopolitan amenities with easy access to UNESCO sites like Hội An’s lantern-lit streets, a favourite for couples seeking romantic backdrops.

The Capella Hanoi, a Bill Bensley-designed, opera-inspired hotel near the Old Quarter, epitomises Vietnam’s luxury accommodation.

For those looking for more colonial-era grandeur, the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi remains a strong favourite.

Best time to visit: March to May, and September to November will help you avoid the monsoon seasons.

‍

Cambodia

You might immediately be drawn to Angkor Wat’s awe-inspiring scale and beauty, but Cambodia will seduce you further with its dramatic coastal escapes near Sihanoukville.

Private islands such as Six Senses Krabey Island redefine the concept of a wellness retreat, providing overwater spa treatments and sustainably sourced dining to create unforgettable memories. 

In Siem Reap, Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor provides a quiet sanctuary just minutes from temple complexes. The 1930s elegance of the hotel is complemented by staff versed in inclusive, cultural etiquette, ensuring each visitor is catered to fully.

Cambodia will continue to delight as you journey through the Tonlé Sap’s floating villages scattered throughout the wetland ecosystem. If you’re looking for a night out, Phnom Penh’s emerging rainbow nightlife scene, particularly along Bassac Lane, offers up an experience that echoes the capital’s French-colonial flamboyance.

Best time to visit: November to April, for the dry season is usually best to experience Cambodia fully.

‍

Laos

For travellers prioritising spiritual retreats, Laos firmly remains Southeast Asia’s best-kept secret. Experience a contemplative moment while watching the saffron-robed monks collect alms at dawn along Laung Prabang’s lanes, or take a twilight cruise along the Mekong River near Pakse.

If you’re looking for some adventure, areas like Vang Vieng offer up world-class rock climbing and otherworldly hot air ballooning over the karst landscape.

Amantaka’s transformation of a French-colonial hospital into a queer-inclusive wellness resort epitomises the country’s discreet charm, with the frangipani-shaded pool offering respite after a day out.

Best time to visit: November to March’s cool, dry weather is perfect for experiencing everything Laos has to offer.

‍

Journey Beyond Expectations

If you’ve ever wanted to experience a place where ancient cultures mix with inclusive, contemporary openness, Southeast Asia should be your first stop.

This remarkable corner of the world promises genuine discovery, breathtaking beauty, and a profound sense of wonder, inviting you to experience something truly extraordinary.

Let Global Travel Moments plan you a journey that goes far beyond the expected, filled with moments that matter.