zzm9980 wrote:Pattaya in Thailand for debauchery (although you can find debauchery all over). Da Nang or Nha Trang (nya zhang) in Vietnam for nice beaches and touristy stuff. Sapa (also in Vietnam) is nice too, and may be the closest place to Singapore with snow (sometimes).
Vietnam:
Aside from the places that zzm have mentioned, you can also consider Mui Ne for great waves and winds for all types of surfing. Unfortunately I didn't find Da Nang beach to be particularly exciting but it is quiet and easy to access via one of three international airports available in Vietnam. You can consider going to Hoi An or Hue nearby instead for cultural and historical exposure.
Sapa is near Hanoi, another UNESCO Heritage site to enjoy. And you can hop over to Ha Long Bay or Ninh Binh (if you want to avoid the tourists) for beautiful karsts.
Cambodia:
Phnom Penh for great history, especially on the Khmer Rouge.
Siem Reap for the amazing temples in Angkor Wat Temple Park. Key activities: Visit famous Angkor Wat, Ta Phrom for Tomb Raider's site, Bayon for the thousand faces, Banteay Srie for women-constructed temple and also for the great sunset pictures.
And oh, the famous Tonle Sap lake, the largest freshwater lake in SE Asia
Batambang for the food and bamboo train.
Sihanoukville for beaches.
Laos:
Target Vientianne, Luang Prabang and Va Vieng. Planning to backpack there someday so no hands-on experience yet.
Myanmar:
Yangon for gold-and-jewel-crusted Shwedagon pagoda and other similar pagodas. Target here for water festival.
Mandalay, especially from Naypyidaw northwards, for the famous Inle Lake and lovely natural views.
Philippines:
Manila for chaos and history. Boracay and Palawan for pristine islands and beaches.
Thailand:
Koh Samui, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Trang, Krabi, Phuket for the islands and beaches. Party life is more on Phuket and Krabi. Food and seafood.
Bangkok for Emerald Temple, Wat Prakew and Royal Palace, floating market, shopping, food and party life. Target here for Songkran festival.
Chiang Mai/Chiang Rai for long-neck Karen tribe, elephants and food.