Southeast Asia is a hotbed of culture, cuisine, and history. But it’s also undergone fast urbanization throughout the years. It’s estimated that the urban population of major cities in the region is expected to reach a population of 370 million by 2030. This means that these places are rapidly growing, and with that growth comes tourism. So if you’re looking for an amazing travel destination, look no further than one of these five huge metropolitan cities.

Bangkok, Thailand

With over ten million residents, Bangkok is the most populous city in Thailand. It’s also a major tourist destination, known for its stunning temples, delicious food, and bustling nightlife. Here are some of the best places you should visit in Bangkok if you want the best nightlife:

Soi Cowboy

This historic red-light district in Bangkok has been around since the 1970s. It’s a great place to see some of the city’s best nightlife, with plenty of bars and nightclubs to choose from.

Khao San Road

Another popular tourist destination, Khao San Road, is known for its many market stalls and street food vendors. It’s also a great place to party, with many bars and nightclubs.

Silom

This is Bangkok’s business district, but it’s also home to some of the best nightlife in the city. There are plenty of rooftop bars, dance clubs, and live music venues.

Thonglor

This is one of Bangkok’s trendiest nightlife districts, much like Soi Cowboy. This place has plenty of chic bars and clubs to check out. However, the main difference between the two is that Thonglor is much more expensive. So if you have money to spend, consider visiting Thonglor instead.

Jakarta, Indonesia

Jakarta is the capital of Indonesia and home to over 10 million people. The city is a melting pot of cultures with influences from Chinese, Indian, Arabic, and European settlers. Jakarta is known for its rich history, beautiful mosques, and tasty street food. The Old City, Kota Tua, and Fatahillah Square are some of the best places you visit.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia and has a population of over 7 million people. The city is a blend of Malaysian, Chinese, Indian, and colonial influences. Kuala Lumpur is known for its Petronas Towers and incredible shopping malls. If you want to go on a shopping spree, here are some of the best malls you should visit.

Suria KLCA

Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Suria KLCA is one of the city’s most popular malls. It has over 400 stores and is home to many international brands.

Mid Valley Megamall

This mall is located in Kuala Lumpur’s Mid Valley district and is one of the largest shopping malls in Southeast Asia. It has over 430 stores and is a great place to find bargains.

Pavilion Kuala Lumpur

The fanciest mall on this list, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, is an upscale shopping center with over 550 stores. It’s also home to many luxury brands, so if you want to splurge, this is the place to go.

Manila, Philippines

Manila is the capital of the Philippines and has a population of over 12 million people. The city has a rich history dating back to the 16th century when Spanish explorers founded it. Manila is known for its Spanish colonial architecture, vibrant nightlife scene, and beautiful beaches. Here are some great places to visit if you want to experience Manila and Filipino cuisine.

Mandaluyong

If you want someplace that covers both the traditional and urbanized look of Manila, then you should visit Mandaluyong. It’s also a place where you can taste some of the best Filipino bakeries. These bakeries often serve food such as dinuguan, puto, and empanadas, all Filipino staples.

Quezon City

Quezon City is known as the melting pot of different cultures in Manila. The restaurants within the area are great places to try out various Filipino dishes such as adobo, sinigang, and Lechon. However, they tend to be more expensive than in other countries.

Intramuros

This is one of Manila’s oldest districts and is a great place to learn about the city’s history. Intramuros is also home to some of Manila’s best Spanish colonial architecture. You should also taste some authentic Filipino dishes such as kare-kare and lumpia while you’re there.

Singapore 

With a population of over 5 million people, Singapore is one of the smallest countries in Southeast Asia. But don’t let its size fool you—Singapore is a powerhouse of commerce and culture. The city-state is known for its efficiency, cleanliness, and incredible food. Whether you’re looking to indulge in some luxury shopping or experience incredible views from the top of Marina Bay Sands, Singapore has something for everyone.

Southeast Asia is an incredible part of the world with so much to offer tourists. Whether you’re interested in stunning temples or delicious food, a city in Southeast Asia is sure to be perfect for you. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!