A feeling of adventure still lingers for backpackers who journey into South-East Asia since many of the countries in the region have yet to be overrun by the tourism industry. There are mandatory itinerary items, and then there are the pastoral landscapes caught between mountains and pure rivers. Taking a trek through this part of the world is sure to end with a photo album full of wonders.

Now we’re going to share some of our favorite shots of Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and other South-East Asian countries. We hope to see some bucket lists extended by the end of it.

Let’s get our adventure started with these 20 real (and gorgeous) photos taken by backpackers on their South-East Asia travels.

20 Remarkable Wat Rong Khun attracts many backpackers

Thailand’s ancient landmarks are a huge attraction, but this one is a modern installment that gives the rest a run for their money. The creative architecture takes influence from Hinduism, Buddhism, and pop culture. In English, it’s also known as the White Temple for its singular color scheme.

19 Ashen Mount Rinjani Volcano contrasts with the rest of Indonesia

The sea blue lake of Mount Rinjani’s caldera is one unusual location you can visit in Indonesia for a dip in the hot springs, according to Nomad Travellers. The water is sure to be relaxing, but bathing so close to an active volcano might put some guests on edge.

18 Myanmar's sparkling city of pagodas accepts all travelers

The gilded buildings of Myanmar’s capital city Yangon are an obligatory stop on a trip to the country. From just about anywhere in town, the plaza’s largest sparkling gem is visible: Shwedagon Pagoda. TripSavvy states visitors can enter after removing their shoes to see the stunning stupa from the inside.

17 Local tea terraces are both delicious and beautiful in Malaysia

Witnessing the farmers that work the fields to fill the cup of tea in your hand makes the drink a little more flavorful. Malaysia doesn’t just offer this experience with its tea fields. Try anything sourced within the region for a delicious meal that connects you with the local communities.

16 Things get more intricate on the inside of Thai buildings

Here’s a sneak peek of the exquisite designs located on the inside of Thailand’s architectural wonders. Golden lacquer intermixed with blue glass builds up columns along the inner hallway of the Grand Palace. Its location in Bangkok means most backpackers will find themselves in the area at some point.

15 Sticking to Thailand's coasts keeps most busy enough

Backpackers making the rounds in South Asia might find themselves spending more time than they planned on the palm-studded beaches in Thailand. The one repping the country in this photo is on Koh Phi Phi Island. Phiphi.pucket.com estimates the trip by ferry to take around 90 minutes.

14 A mountainous monument marks the path into these caves

This backpacker is about to begin her trek into the dark mouth of the Batu Caves near Kuala Lumpur. At the top of the rainbow staircase, she’ll enter the shrine of the Hindu god Murugan. This is the deity represented by the imposing sculpture that waits outside, according to Britannica.

13 The land and rivers become one during Vietnam's warmer months

Shrub-covered, limestone mountains form a wall around the low plains of Ninh Binh in Vietnam. The overflowing river feeds the rice fields that keep the local communities alive, according to Vietnam Paradise Travel. Boat tours down the river and through the fields are the city’s most popular activity.

12 Sunset in Ho Chi Minh warms the friendly city

Close streets zipping with life create a homey atmosphere in Vietnam’s biggest city. After exploring the highlands and wading through the rice terraces, backpackers can come into town for a bowl of pho or a banh mi sandwich. Vietnam Travel also recommends com tam, the city’s rice dish specialty.

11 Ancient Angkor Wat is a backpacking staple

Angkor Wat is a renowned temple in this region of the world because of its eerie architecture and huge premises. Aspects like the stone faces on its towers were probably creepy to begin with, but deterioration has helped to create the unnerving atmosphere people visit the ruins to experience.

10 Light-packers slip by Borobudur Temple dress codes with free sarongs

According to the Independent, the Indonesian government provides these sarongs at the entrance to the temple out of respect for the Buddhist faith that it honors. For backpackers who worry about visiting sites that’ve been completely commercialized, this is a sign that the culture surrounding the landmark is still strong.

9 The beauty of Laos is even more apparent from up above

Much of Laos looks like this photo due to its low population. As in green hills that rise up into the pure mountain air. It’s become a popular spot for hikers who want to spend their vacations in nature. This is just one reason it’s South East Asia’s hidden gem.

8 A kayak ride through Tam Coc is worth putting the luggage down

The rice fields fade away in areas of Tam Coc where there’s nothing but limestone mountains and fresh river water. This is a destination located within Ninh Binh that’s often visited for the deep caves that sit at the bases of the mountains. Kayakers drift inside without leaving their vessels.

7 Hpa-An viewpoint offers a clear view of Myanmar's lowlands

The small agricultural village of Hpa-An in Myanmar thrives off the river that parts its farmlands. Hiking to the low peak of Mount Zwegiban is enough to see clear across the city. Upon descent, the soothing atmosphere of this peaceful town helps hikers to settle back into relaxation mode.

6 Dense cities in Singapore are worth trekking too

Singapore sits on the same peninsula as mainland Malaysia, but the two countries look quite different. Gleaming skyscrapers greet guests as soon as they cross the border from Malaysia. Every place has its urban areas, but this rich and population-dense destination is characterized by its modern neighborhoods.

5 Tired travelers take a rest in the falls of Laos

Overlapping streams of water flow down the rocky shelves of Kuang Si near Luang Prabang. Its blue pools of shallow water are convenient for dipping in aching feet. Further down the falls, there are several pools that are deep enough for swimming. This waterfall is a favorite amongst Laos’s many residents.

4 Rice fields in Bali connect travelers to the locals

Farmland stacks up between the palm trees in the rural areas of Bali, Indonesia. Traversing the fields among farmers will relieve the stuffy feeling of nights spent in hostels in the city center. World Packers even states that some farms allow travelers to work the fields in exchange for accommodations.

3 Backpackers step back from the crowd on calm beaches in Cambodia

Unspoiled landscapes are an attribute that earns Cambodia a lot of its traffic. However, taking a short ferry ride to Koh Ring takes the seclusion even further. This island was already vetted once as a destination for reconnecting with nature when it appeared on the 32nd season of Survivor.

2 Island-hopping in the Philippines must include Palawan

Seas on either side of Palawan Island have multiple dive sites that’ll take guests down into coral reefs. Above water, there are a few limestone caves in the mountains that can be reached by boat. El Nido, the city shown here, is the spot closet to the mainland.

1 Grassy hills sprout in the forests of Bohol

These unusual mounds are known as the Chocolate Hills. The name comes from the cocoa color they get when the dry season begins to pluck away that carpet of grass, according to Bohol-Philippines. An easy climb to the viewing deck grants visitors the view seen in this photo.