Three countries. More than 19,000 islands between them. And a strong dollar that goes further than almost anywhere else right now. Southeast Asia is having its big moment for island-hopping in 2026. In Indonesia, Bali anchors a trip with Ubud’s rice terraces and the volcanic drama of Nusa Penida nearby — and divers can keep going to the 1,500-island archipelago of Raja Ampat. Thailand offers two coasts. The Gulf side has Koh Samui’s luxury retreats and Koh Tao’s diving. The Andaman side delivers Phi Phi’s limestone cliffs and the Similan archipelago’s world-class reefs. And the Philippines, with the screensaver beaches of El Nido and Amanpulo, plus a chance to swim with whale sharks off Cebu. Here’s how I’d plan a Southeast Asia island-hopping trip — and where to go first.
Happy Travels!
