7 Best Destinations in Southeast Asia for 2026 According to Travellers: Is Indonesia Included?
Asia Tenggara is once again a focus of international tourism.
The renowned British travel media outlet, Condé Nast Traveller, has released a list of “7 Wonders of Southeast Asia for 2026”, featuring the best and most captivating destinations in the Southeast Asian region.
Interestingly, Indonesia is also included in this prestigious list through the beauty of Raja Ampat, which is called one of the last paradises on earth.
According to Condé Nast Traveller (March 25, 2026), tourism trends in Southeast Asia continue to increase rapidly thanks to a combination of tropical beaches, unique cultures, historical sites, and natural adventures that are difficult to find in other regions of the world.
However, this list focuses on destinations that are not yet too mainstream and offer a more authentic experience.
Here is the complete list of the 7 best destinations in Southeast Asia for 2026 according to Condé Nast Traveller.
Batanes is the first destination on the list. This northernmost region of the Philippines is known for its different landscape compared to the typical tropical beaches of the country. Its rolling green hills and coastal cliffs are said to resemble New Zealand or the Irish coast.
Condé Nast Traveller also highlights the culture of the Ivatan indigenous people, who strongly maintain their ancestral traditions.
Tourists can stay in local homestays, taste traditional cuisine, and see the typical Ivatan stone houses in Chavayan and Savidug villages.
- Phnom Kulen National Park, Cambodia
Phnom Kulen National Park is called a hidden gem for tourists visiting Angkor Wat. This sacred mountain area is believed to be the birthplace of the Khmer Empire.
The destination is filled with natural rainforests, exotic waterfalls, and ancient sites of Mahendraparvata, which are estimated to be 350 years older than Angkor Wat.
The combination of nature, history, and spiritual tourism makes Phnom Kulen one of the most unique locations in Southeast Asia.