12 Natural Wonders of Southeast Asia

The perfect tropical climate, island chains of volcanoes, and sparkling waters are just a few of the things that make Southeast Asia such a prime destination for captivating landscapes. Here are 12 natural wonders of Southeast Asia that are sure to impress!

1. Krabi Province – Thailand

Jagged limestone cliffs and clear Andaman seas make Krabi an inspiring destination in the south of Thailand. 

A few adventurous opportunities include rock climbing, island hopping, or just relaxing at a slow pace to admire the wondrous natural beauty. 

Krabi is a great place to learn how to dive and see an entirely new dimension of environmental beauty.

2. Sangkhlaburi – Thailand

Located on the Thai Burmese border, Sankgkhlaburi represents pure relaxation and sheer natural charm. 

The simple town that surrounds the lake is friendly, easy to manage, and laid back.

The appeal is revealed in the early sunrise. A thick layer of fog hovers above the lake, slowly being dispersed with every second of gaining light. 

The morning sunshine in Sangklhaburi is so soft; it feels healing.

3. Mount Kinabalu – Sabah, Malaysia

Borneo is an island that is blessed with an abundance of natural growth and magnificent landscapes.

The island is divided into three countries: Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei. In the Malaysian part of Sabah lies the unmissable Mount Kinabalu.

Ascending the peak takes determination and lots of energy, but the plant life and views of the island make it worth every step.

4. Taman Negara – Malaysia

Considered the world's oldest rainforest, Taman Negara is a dense ecosystem of plant life.

The beautiful attractions are trekking through the jungle, walking through the top layer of the trees on the world's most extensive canopy, and spotting wildlife.

5. Lake Toba – Sumatra, Indonesia

Located in the center of the massive Indonesian island of Sumatra, Lake Toba defines the ideal tropical paradise.

A break in the lush forest makes way for one of the world's deepest volcanic lakes. 

The lake is so calm and pure that it's possible to stare into the water and see the depths of the volcano.

6. Mount Bromo – Java, Indonesia

Indonesia is an island nation that is formed on the foundation of volcanoes.

This area consists of two prominent volcanic peaks, Mount Bromo and the continually active Mount Semeru.

The view from the top ledge surrounding the Bromo basin is moon-like, a truly surreal landscape.

The famous sunrise over the volcanoes creates vibrant colors of light.

7. Palawan – Philippines

The Philippines is home to some of Southeast Asia's most concealed and gorgeous beaches. 

From Coron to El Nido, the island of Palawan is a treasure trove of crystal clear waters, private beaches, and underwater caves.

8. Chocolate Hills – Bohol, Philippines

The perfect little rounded cone-shaped hills on the island of Bohol, Philippines, appear to be evenly spaced throughout an area of 50 square kilometers. 

These symmetrical mounds of earth transform to a chocolate brown color during the dry season, resembling a field full of giant Hershey Kisses!

9. Mount Pinatubo – Philippines

The volatile nature of volcanoes gives them the power to destroy and create some of the most dramatic natural scenes of beauty available.

Mount Pinatubo erupted in 1991, creating a caldera from the excess lava flow. 

The basin began to fill with water, and the result was a turquoise volcanic lake surrounded by the hands of Pinatubo.

10. Batad Rice Terrace – Philippines

Rounding the final corner of the hike and facing the amphitheater of the rice terraces of Batad is nothing short of breathtaking.

The rugged mountain scenery cradles the irrigated rice terraces built directly into the side of the mountain in complete natural harmony.

Hiking and swimming in waterfalls is another incredible thing to do around Batad.

11. Halong Bay – Vietnam

It's a vast mystical bay, littered with thousands of limestone islands that proudly stick out of the water.

It's possible to explore some of the limestone island caves or paddle a sea kayak through the dreamlike landscape.

12. Mekong River – Laos

The wide Mekong River is a vital part of life in the country of Laos. 

The expanse of the brown-colored river weaves its way through green jetting mountains, nurturing farms and natural ecosystems along the way.

Floating down the river on a boat trip is a glimpse at its power and the environment that so crucially relies on the waterway.

The natural wonders of Southeast Asia are a truly stunning display of mountain peaks, glassy lakes, turquoise seas, and chocolate hills!