Vimol Mok

South East Asia is made up of 11 countries with an endless summer. They all have unique and distinct features, including arts, people, culinary delights, activities, and their unique beautiful scenery. These South East Asian countries are located close to each other, allowing you to visit multiple places in one trip. Moreover, they are budget-friendly destinations for tourists.

Bali, Indonesia

Indonesia comprises five main islands and a total of about 18,110 islands overall. Bali, one of the top tourist attractions in Indonesia, stands among the world’s must-visit places, renowned for its natural beauty—lush greenery, rice fields, volcanoes, temples, and mountains.

Top must-see places include Pura Penataran Sasih, Pura Luhur Uluwatu, the mesmerizing Rice Field Terrace, picturesque Canggu Beaches, and the majestic Mount Batur.

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Cambodia boasts a rich history, evolving from the influential Khmer Empire dating back to the 9th century. Through the transformation from Hinduism to Buddhism, the country is adorned with a mixture of ancient temples representing both religions. Located at the heart of Cambodia,

Siem Reap province stands out as the country’s most renowned tourist destination, featuring approximately 50 ancient temples crafted from mountain stones. Dating back to the 12th century, these temples continue to stand, drawing millions of visitors annually. Among the popular choices, many tourists opt for the breathtaking sunrise at Angkor Wat, a symbol on the Cambodian flag, and explore the enchanting sunset vistas at Phnom Bakheng Temple.

Other top-visited temples include, but are not limited to, Bayon Temple, Ta Prohm, Banteay Srei, and Preah Khan Temple. Cambodia is also renowned for its beautiful beaches and islands. In the evenings, many tourists relish the vibrant street food scene, lively bars, and strolling along Pub Street.

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Ha Long Bay in Vietnam holds a special place in my heart as one of my favorite family destinations. During our stay on a boat for a few days, the surreal surroundings left an indelible impression. Surrounded by countless islands mirroring on the tranquil waters and basking in the warmth of the sun, the experience went beyond mere relaxation in nature. Our days were filled not only with savoring delicious cuisine on the boat but also with a plethora of engaging activities.

Our days were filled with diverse activities, from exploring caves during the day to kayaking amidst the scenic islands and indulging in thrilling dives from the boat’s top. Witnessing the picturesque transformation from sunrise to sunset, accompanied by the enchanting lights from other boats at night, made our stay in Ha Long Bay truly unforgettable.

Cebu Island, Philippines 

The Philippines, renowned for its breathtaking nature, boasts stunning beaches, cliffs, and islands. Cebu Island stands among the top destinations, celebrated for its rich history, luxurious resorts, pristine white-sand beaches, and the mesmerizing Kawasan Falls. Similar to other countries, Manila, the capital city of the Philippines, stands as its bustling hub, embodying the vibrant energy of the nation.

Numerous places in the Philippines offer exposure to nature and breathtaking scenery, including Cebu Island, Coron Island, Puerto Princesa, Mactan Island, Tagaytay, and more. Moreover, the people of the Philippines are renowned for their exceptional friendliness and warm hospitality, making visitors feel exceptionally welcome.

Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok, a premier tourist destination, is celebrated for its rich cultural and historical sites. Exploring Thailand is incomplete without a visit to The Grand Palace in Bangkok, the iconic residence of the kings. The city’s vibrant nightlife is equally renowned, offering a delightful array of street food experiences for those eager to immerse themselves in its culinary delights

Thailand’s Floating Market boasts a distinctive charm, showcasing the traditional Thai way of life through colorful wooden vessels, local culinary delights, and an abundance of fresh tropical fruits.

Singapore

Singapore is more than just an island and a city-state; it is a vibrant country that never sleeps, fueled by passion and pride. Positioned as one of the hottest attraction spots in Asia, it draws people from around the world. The city’s meticulous upkeep strikes a perfect balance between natural beauty and urban city life, offering a tapestry of experiences—from street food and nightlife to luxury shopping, towering skyscrapers, diverse culture, and thriving arts.

Top places to visit in Singapore include Sentosa, China Town & Little India, the Botanical Garden, Merlion Park, the Safari, Flower Dome, Gardens By the Bay, and Marina Bay.

While Singapore lacks its own natural freshwater sources and relies on sustainable water supplies through import, desalination, recycling, and local catchment, the country has pioneered the creation of a green urban environment. This includes an astonishing landscape with gardens adorned with flowers and lush greenery throughout the city.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 

The capital city of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, stands as the country’s largest city, blending colonial charm with modern vibrancy. Renowned as one of the top shopping destinations in South East Asia, it boasts a mix of both indoor and outdoor shopping malls. Kuala Lumpur is also famous for the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, which hold the title of the world’s highest twin towers. 

Beyond being renowned for its modern skyscrapers, Malaysia is celebrated for its diverse natural wonders, including beautiful beaches, national parks, Southeast Asia’s longest cave system, rainforests, islands, and the picturesque Cameron Highlands.

Yangon, Myanmar 

Myanmar, also known as Burma, is renowned for its distinctive Buddhist temple structures and architecture. With over 90% of Burmans adhering to Buddhism, the country places immense value on its sacred places, including Buddhist monuments. Yangon, the capital and largest city, boasts an array of boutique hotels and restaurants. The iconic Shwedagon Pagoda is particularly famous for its stunning golden illumination at night

Throughout the country, Myanmar boasts thousands of Buddhist pagodas, ranging from historic to modern-day structures, each showcasing unique architectural designs. Top tourist attractions include the Shwenandaw Monastery, Ngwe Saung, Mrauk U, Bagan, and Kyaiktiyo.

Brunei

Brunei, a small nation situated on the island of Borneo and surrounded by Malaysia, is renowned for its mosques and Islamic architecture. Notable landmarks include Bandar Seri Begawan and the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan.

Vientiane, Laos

Vientiane, the capital city of Laos, served as a trading hub during the French Colonial period, evident in some buildings featuring French-influenced architectural designs. The iconic Patuxai monument stands as a symbol of Laos’ fight for independence from France, dedicated to those who played a crucial role in the struggle

In addition to city tours, Laos is celebrated for its natural wonders, including Vang Vieng, Bokeo Nature Reserve, and Tham Kong Lo.

Dili Timor-Leste

Timor-Leste, a small nation surrounded by stunning ocean views, boasts Dili as its largest city. Known for its diverse attractions, Dili offers delectable seafood at local restaurants, vibrant shopping scenes, and picturesque beaches along the coast. Additionally, the country is celebrated for its beautiful natural sites, including Jaco Island, Nino Konis National Park, Marobo Hot Spring, and Atauro Island.

Why should you break your annual goal into quarters? Whether your goal is to lose 40 pounds by the end of the year or achieve another big milestone, breaking it into smaller goals, such as losing 10 pounds per quarter, can make the whole process much easier and more enjoyable. Here are some reasons why:

1. Easy To Manage

As many people tend to set big goals at the beginning of the year, especially right after the holiday or beginning of January, motivation is at its peak. New Year is considered a fresh start, and many people feel highly motivated to form new habits or pursue self-improvement goals. The most common goals you often hear people talk about include going to the gym more often, participating in Dry January, or running a marathon. There are 365 days in a year, and planning your big goal for the entire year can be challenging without breaking those big goals into smaller steps, which can be called checkpoints.

Instead, breaking your goals into quarters provides manageable checkpoints every three months, four times a year. This will allow your mind and body to adapt to a new hobby or routine slowly but steadily. It is also about being consistent and checking in on yourself regularly to review your progress and performance. Is it time to readjust the goal? Is it realistic and sustainable? Quarterly checkpoints are a great opportunity to take a quick look at your performance and remind yourself how close you are to achieving your goal.

2. Less Overwhelming

Imagine planning to climb a mountain. Some people may already feel a setback in the first few seconds just thinking about this highly physical activity. It ingrains in your mind how many challenges you may face. Is it possible? Am I able to accomplish it? Maybe it’s not for me because it is too difficult? However, in every big goal or project, there are always small pieces of tasks or steps that accumulate together. This is the same as preparing your mind.

While it’s essential to keep your eyes on the end goal, it’s equally crucial not to overwhelm yourself or stress out too much. The journey itself holds significant value, and finding joy in the process can make all the difference. By making the journey enjoyable, you can maintain your momentum and motivation consistently.

3. Keep Your Goal in Check

Setting your goal into smaller, achievable steps makes the journey less overwhelming. To complete the mountain climb, break it down into small goals such as 25% at a time. You may also see that in most workplaces or university courses, there is usually a breakdown into quarters (or semesters) that enable us to fulfill smaller tasks, courses, and milestones that make up a bigger one. You are more likely to accomplish these small steps multiple times with less effort compared to striving for one big goal with a huge effort.

It’s easy to lose track as the year progresses. Many people give up on their New Year’s resolutions within the first few weeks of January. Setting smaller steps provides great checkpoints and reminders throughout the year.

4. Sense of Accomplishment

It is our human nature to feel satisfied with achievement or completion, no matter how small it is. It feels good to cross out a task on the to-do list. The quarterly checkpoint provides a snapshot overview of how much you have accomplished compared to the start of the journey. You may not see results or accomplishments as a whole, but it ensures you are on the right track toward something bigger.

You’ll feel more excited every time you achieve each small step. Give yourself a pat on the back or a small reward for all the hard work and commitment. This could be as simple as enjoying a nice cup of coffee. Whatever your reward, it keeps you motivated to continue to the next step.

5. Your Choices and Actions Become Habits

When you achieve goals slowly but consistently, they become a part of you and engrave themselves in your brain. They become your habits, and you’re likely to continue with the new habits and improvements. It’s not about making a big leap into a big goal at the start of the year, but about consistent self-improvement.

I like to think goal setting doesn’t have to be yearly or end at the end of the year. It can be an ongoing process of self-reflection, self-discovery, and bettering yourself day by day. I hope you find this article helpful.

1. Healthy Diet

The greatest asset we all have is health. Our mind, body, and overall well-being fuel with food and water. What we put into our bodies profoundly influences our energy, mood, and long-term health. A balanced diet, encompassing proteins, carbohydrates, and fiber, nurtures our digestive system. Embracing creativity in preparing meals with a spectrum of colorful vegetables ensures nutritional richness. Opting for fresh fruits and vegetables means consuming earth’s fresh fuel, directly absorbing energy from the sun. Reducing processed foods can significantly impact overall well-being.

Hydration is an integral aspect of our diet. Kickstart your morning with a glass of water infused with lemon or pure water on an empty stomach—a refreshing way to detoxify your body. Ample water intake offers numerous benefits, from preventing illness and supporting detoxification to aiding digestion, boosting energy, and promoting skin health.

2. Self-Pamper

Self-pamper is important, and many overlook it as we fill our days with a full schedule and life commitments. Pamper yourself with a relaxing bath or shower after a long day at work. Take time to meditate and enjoy quiet moments. Stay in touch with all the senses—taste, hearing, smell, vision, and touch. In addition to adopting healthy habits, making small changes such as dressing nicer helps boost mood as well as confidence

3. Stay Inspired

Life presents various challenges, both big and small. It’s crucial to remind yourself of your unique strengths, skills, and personality. Whether through reading inspirational books, acquiring new knowledge, or making small positive changes, develop healthy habits and commit to them daily. In moments of doubt, revisit your goals and purpose to stay focused and motivated.

4. Stay Active

Increasing your heart rate through cardio exercises helps bring oxygen into the body. If intense workouts feel overwhelming, begin with body stretches and yoga. The early morning, your ‘me time’ before everyone else is awake, is an ideal window for exercise. Many have discovered that morning workouts energize them throughout the day, acting as a refreshing alternative to coffee and enhancing focus
 

5. Cleanup Social Feeds

While social media connects the world and spreads new ideas, it’s important to recognize its impact on our mental well-being. In our social media-dominated world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing our imperfections to the perceived perfection of others. Online exposure can significantly influence our thoughts and emotions. Choose to follow pages that inspire, educate, or provide diverse opinions on subjects you’re interested in. Curate a positive and enriching online experience

6. Spend More Time Outdoor

Getting fresh air and sun exposure is essential for obtaining vitamin D and maintaining overall health. Taking a walk outdoors not only clears your head but also sparks new ideas. There are various ways to enjoy time outdoors, such as walking, picnicking, swimming, and engaging in sports. Grounding, or walking barefoot on grass, sand, or dirt, offers numerous health benefits by connecting our skin directly with nature. This connection with the earth contributes to both physical and mental well-being.

7. Do things You enjoy 

A wealth of accessible information, tools, and resources awaits. Each person possesses unique interests, and now is the time to engage in activities you love. Listen to your intuition, tap into your creativity, and take action on activities that bring personal or collective benefits. Express your creativity and strengths through arts and sports, embracing your distinctive personality

8. Strengthen Relationships

Social life, or social health, significantly impacts overall well-being. Striking a balance between spending quality time with family and friends is crucial, and it’s okay to ask for help when needed. As human beings, we are all interconnected, recognizing the value of nurturing social connections for a healthier and more fulfilling life.

9. Travel/ Explore

The world is vast, and travel is a way to truly live. With everything opening up after a prolonged lockdown, now is an excellent time to immerse yourself in new places and cultures. Traveling offers a wonderful opportunity to refresh your mind while learning hands-on, and these experiences become invaluable parts of you. Seeing the world through the internet is vastly different from being in a new place in person.

10. Practice Gratitude

In life, numerous challenges may come our way, causing us to overlook the achievements we’ve conquered and the gifts we’ve received. The choice of words and reactions we employ significantly influences our mental health. Practicing gratitude for the love, abilities, talents, and skills bestowed upon us not only propels personal growth but also empowers us to use these advantages to benefit others. Through years of volunteering with organizations, both small and large, supporting various causes, I’ve gained valuable experiences that deepen my gratitude for what I have.