I like traveling Southeast Asia so much more than Europe

In this video, I dive into why I prefer traveling around Southeast Asia over Europe. A friend from Prague recently asked me what I love about Southeast Asia, and here’s my detailed comparison from a long-term traveler’s perspective. From meeting fellow travelers, last-minute planning, and city convenience to food, hospitality, and overall vibe, I explore what makes Southeast Asia stand out.

One of the key highlights of Southeast Asia is how easy it is to meet other long-term travelers. The backpacker culture is vibrant, and you’ll often find people traveling for months or even years. In contrast, Europe feels more suited for short vacations, making it harder to connect with fellow nomads. Additionally, Southeast Asia’s last-minute planning ease allows for a spontaneous travel experience, unlike Europe where advance booking is often necessary.

City convenience is another major factor. Southeast Asian cities prioritize modern convenience with 24/7 access to essentials, unlike the often preserved historical centers of European cities. The bustling city life, combined with modern amenities, makes daily living more enjoyable. Plus, the air conditioning is a lifesaver in the tropical heat, something Europe often lacks.

The food in Southeast Asia is another reason it stands out. The flavors, spices, and variety of dishes are unparalleled.

0:00 - Things I love about Southeast Asia:
1:37 - Easier to meet people
3:49 - No need to plan ahead
6:23 - Convenient cities
9:22 - Air conditioning
9:45 - Religious sites
12:17 - Way better food
13:11 - Free water (and tea)
14:12 - Wonderful hospitality
16:54 - Friendlier people
17:20 - Things I dislike about Southeast Asia:
18:02 - Confusing currencies
19:47 - Awful sidewalks
20:35 - Heat / humidity
21:15 - Unsafe tap water
21:59 - Language barrier
22:46 - Hidden issues
23:29 - I actually do like Europe

[phamductri]

This is correct. 100% all on points. Especially the food. Nobody eats out European food in United States, maybe some fancy French restaurants here and there, but I find majority of Americans, especially on West Coast, East Coast, when they eat out, they all eat Asian food, Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, etc.... or American food (burgers, fries, etc...). Americans don't really eat European cuisine even though most of them are of white European origins. They prefer Asian cuisine for bolder, flavorful tastes and cheap prices. Nobody eats out Polish, German, English, etc... cuisine in US, very rare, almost none existent.

[RoxanaAndronic]

not an american complaining that European cities are too preserved!! I ve literally heard it all now

[FeydHarkon]

Thanks for the comparison, thinking of Balkans or SEA

[Alex-mifh]

In a single sentence: Europe, the US and most of the "West" have become BORING, especially compared to places like SE Asia...as a European myself, I agree 💯

[chronic]

😂 I am not into meeting other backpackers. I am in Bangkok now and hired a private Thai guide who's helped me immensely. I go abroad to experience the culture.

[wyswygsommer]

I think the movies "The Beach" and "Eat, Pray, Love" lighted up the adventurous spirit of many people. Hence many people will agree with you.

[Janggut]

Thank you for sharing. Im watching from Marudi Sarawak.. another citizens of Malaysia comments on your video😊❤

[didiemanuelson]

Great video! I agree 💯 on all!
What island were you on?

[iliyanslavov]

I guess in Europe we don’t think it’s worth bulldozing our buildings of historical significance just to build boring glass high rises that don’t represent who we are just for convenience. It’s like telling New Yorkers that Empire State building and Chrysler building are inconvenient and should be replaced with more boring glass skyscrapers because they can fit more offices/ apartments/ shops. It might be inconvenient to a few tourists but at the end of the day, those tourists come for a few days complain a bit and go but locals are used to this landscape and like it. That’s what home looks like to us. Not attacking you, I think your videos are great, just sharing a different perspective. 🙂

[maximsarmanov]

By easier to meet people - do you mean that it's easier for you to spot tourists among Asians than among other Europeans, right?

[BangNguyen-uxie]

Definitely Europe is for the architecture, and Asia is for the foods.

[vohiii]

10:43 Those 0.02$ Xmas lights were more impressive than the Vatican?

[MsYokiss]

In fact, Korean Japanese Vietnam food is also very delicious, because the bosses from their country very authentic.

[Elwyndor]

As a history nerd this video was very amusing. The Europeans use to gush about how wonderful other cultures were outside of Europe. It's almost like people who are European/North American are just easily infatuated by things that are different than 'home'.

But now I am biased being a history nerd but I am going to have to disagree with you on the importance of preserving historically important things/places. Same with the food. (I love Asian food. But to call European food bland or lacking in flavor is unfair.)

[roygoad]

Europe is too expensive for a lot of younger people now, especially hotels/hostels and transportation! My daughter spent sometime in Albania, she really liked it! You make a lot of interesting points comparing! Are you going to less traveled countries, like Pakistan, Bangla Desh and many countries in Africa that Americans very rarely visit!

[jwinters]

Enjoyed hearing your perspectives, but 40 7/11’s and 1am toothpaste vs historical centers of cultural importance. Hmmm, slight disagreement on that one.

[ivanstankov]

i havent traveled to any asian country, but i agree about the restaurants in europe. having to pay for water is stupid

[tinameadows]

I’m sure people from south east Asia prefer traveling in the west and Europe as westerners prefer traveling in south east Asia. It’s natural for people to be more interested in different lifestyles to their own

[Zurich_for_Beginners]

The old tows are big part of the identity of the European cities.
So much as they try to rebuild them after the WWII as similar the were before.
These has also a political dimension. Traditionally in Europe the older right is
the stronger right. Do symbolise for a city the it was always there it is important.
It was not always like that. Like in Paris where Hausmann bulldozed half of the city.
Le Corbusier wanted to do the same, but luckily didn't succeed.
Nobody stops you from visiting the less touristy places, with less old buildings.
(100 years is not old for building in Europe.)

[EquuleusPictor]

It really depends if you travel for convenience or travel to actually see something of interest. South East Asia is great, but in Europe you have easily 10 times more things to do and see.