Bram ReusenSoutheast Asia has always been a magnet for travellers, thanks to its accessibility, laidback vibe, and affordability. The region is renowned for its spectacular landscapes, stunning coastlines, and beautiful beaches. It’s also a culinary paradise, offering some of the world’s best street food. Undoubtedly, 2025 has brought even more attention to this vibrant part of the world, with significant events shaping its travel landscape, including the 2025 SEA Games to be hosted by Thailand this Dec.
Beyond this, Southeast Asia remains a treasure trove for history and culture enthusiasts. The region boasts an incredibly rich and long history, with gorgeous architecture, ancient monuments, battlefields, and other historic sites. Among these are numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites that offer a glimpse into the past and the vibrant cultures that continue to thrive today.
The following list features the twelve most impressive and “visit-worthy” historic sites in Southeast Asia, in no particular order.
Also read: 10 Underrated UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Southeast Asia for Singaporean Travellers
1. Bagan, Myanmar
Image credit: Vyacheslav Argenberg via Wikimedia Commons
Bagan is home to literally thousands of temples spread out over a huge area. Many of the temples are extremely well-preserved and beautifully adorned with shiny gold and red stupas. There is nothing quite like seeing the sun rise or set behind a temple-filled horizon, and this is a sight that you should witness in Bagan.
Also Read: A First-Timer’s Guide to Bagan, Myanmar
2. Hue, Vietnam
Image credit: Denis LeBlanc | Flickr
The former imperial capital of the Nguyen Dynasty and the capital of Vietnam during the 19th and first part of the 20th century, Hue used to be one of the most powerful cities in Southeast Asia. The Nguyens ruled the regions from their citadel and palace. Nowadays, the historic city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a unique destination with ancient tombs of emperors, monuments and several beautiful pagodas.
3. Angkor, Cambodia
Image credit: Birkir Barkarson | Flickr
Angkor is most likely one of the destinations that comes to your mind when you read the title of this post. And rightly so too, as it is definitely one of the most impressive historic sites in Southeast Asia, if not in the entire world. The temple complex of Angkor Wat was once the heart of a mighty civilization, and it consists of hundreds of different temples. The complex is vast, built by King Suryavarman II as a symbol of the universe.
Also Read: Tips and Tricks to Avoid Getting Scammed: Our Thailand-Cambodia Border Experience
4. Candi Prambanan and Borobudur, Indonesia
Image credit: Trey Ratcliffe | Flickr
You might have heard of Borobudur, which is one of the world’s greatest Buddhist temples located in Central Java, Indonesia. Equally as impressive is the nearby Hindu temple known as Candi Prambanan. Both Candi Prambanan and Borobudur are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
5. Phimai, Thailand
Image credit: Brian Hoffman | Flickr
The Phimai Historical Park is a large complex of ancient Buddhist Khmer temples in northern Thailand. Built sometime between the late 11th and late 12th centuries, the temple complex lies at the end of the ancient Khmer Highway from Angkor, Cambodia. Phimai has roughly the same size as Angkor Wat in Cambodia, which indicates its former importance. However, this complex is much less accessible than its more famous neighbour — It is approximately five hours by car from Bangkok.
6. Vat Phou, Laos
Image credit: Pigalle | Flickr
Another ruined Khmer temple, this time a Hindu temple, Vat Phou is situated in southern Laos and is the most visited attraction in that part of the country. That doesn’t mean that it gets a lot of visitors, though, for it still is an off-the-beaten-track destination. The temple of Vat Phou is, however, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It overlooks the Mekong River and consists of temples dating from between the 5th century and the 11th century.
7. Melaka, Malaysia
Image credit: Phalinn Ooi | Flickr
Malaysians call Melaka the ‘Historic City’. Located on the Straits of Malacca, the city was a much-desired strategic point among the Chinese, Japanese, British and Dutch. They all left behind traces of their culture and habits, especially the Dutch built many row houses and other buildings, several of which are still there today.
8. Plain of Jars, Laos
Image credit: David McKelvey | Flickr
The Plain of Jars on the Xieng Khouang Plateau in Laos is one of the biggest archaeological mysteries in the world. This is a huge field filled with ancient urn-like stones, between one and three metres tall. The megalithic landscape known as the Plain of Jars is actually just one of 90(!) archaeological sites in the area, each of which has hundreds of these large stone urns.
9. Hoi An, Vietnam
Image credit: Robert Lafond | Flickr
Once a major trade port, the ancient town of Hoi An is now among the most significant historic areas in Southeast Asia. Its heyday was the 16th century, when this was a port of call for Chinese merchants and Europeans traders. Nowadays, Hoi An is one of Vietnam’s star attractions, a city filled with historic buildings, photogenic streets, bridges, old market squares and temples.
10. Sukhothai, Thailand
Image credit: CWLawrence via Getty Images Signature
Set in the heart of Thailand, Sukhothai encompasses a large number of ancient temple ruins and a royal palace. It used to be the capital of a Sukhothai kingdom: A kingdom that is often regarded as responsible for making Thailand a nation. This is the premier cultural and historical highlight in Thailand.
11. Luang Prabang, Laos
Image credit: Jonas Ginter | Flickr
Luang Prabang is considered to be the best preserved village in Southeast Asia. It used to be the capital of the Lan Xang Kingdom in Laos. This gorgeous historic town is made up of no less than 33 temples, caves filled with Buddha statues and several colonial buildings. Luang Prabang is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and to top it off, it is also an excellent hiking destination.
12. Ban Chiang Archaeological Site, Thailand
Image credit: Kiwiodysee via Wikimedia Commons
Ban Chiang isn’t just for archaeology enthusiasts (though they’ll certainly appreciate it). It’s an intriguing window into ancient Southeast Asia! This prehistoric settlement, dating back over 4,000 years, provides valuable insights into early human advancements, especially in pottery and metallurgy.
13. Ayutthaya, Thailand
Image credit: Jim Trodel | Flickr
We started the list with what probably the most remote historic site in Southeast Asia, so it would be appropriate to conclude it with one of the most accessible one. The Kingdom of Ayutthaya lies only a short drive from Bangkok and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once one of the most powerful cities in Southeast Asia and the capital of Siam, it is now home to countless ruins of temples and other buildings.
Also Read: The Bangkok Bucket List: 17 Challenges For Your Next Trip
Southeast Asia‘s historic sites offer a window into the region’s rich and diverse past. From ancient temples and royal palaces to mysterious archaeological sites and well-preserved colonial towns, these destinations provide a fascinating journey through time.
As you explore these remarkable sites, you’ll not only gain a deeper understanding of the region’s history and culture but also experience the beauty and charm that make Southeast Asia such a beloved travel destination. Whether you’re a history buff or a casual traveller, these historic sites are sure to leave a lasting impression.
