It seems like Filipinos are born with wanderlust. We love exploring, traveling, discovering and experiencing the thrill. We have a knack for anything adventurous. And because we love to go visit foreign shores, sometimes extensive processing of paperwork can be tiresome and expensive.
So it’s a good thing that the ASEAN allows its member states’ citizens to visit each others’ countries without a visa as part of its initiative to build one ASEAN community. This means less processing, less hassle, and more time to plan things ahead. But which countries are really visa-free for us Filipinos?
Here are the 6 countries that you can visit without a visa!
These countries have confirmed visa-free arrangements with the Philippines:
Laos
Laos is becoming a popular choice for travelers because of its preserved natural wonders. It is the last official member of the ASEAN, and, because of its late integration to the global community, Laos is still developing its infrastructure. This means natural formations are barely touched and historic sites have not yet been commercialized. For those on a budget and looking for a great experience, Laos is a good place to visit. The visa usually allows 30 days of tourist visit anywhere in the country.
Laos is also well-known for its spectacular Buddhist temples such as the Pha That Luang, the Wat Xieng Thong and the Pak Ou caves where most Buddha miniatures can be found.
Singapore
Singapore is one of the most economically developed and clean countries in Southeast Asia. Bragging plenty of five-star hotels, casinos and entertainment establishments, Singapore has become the popular go-to of tourists as it boasts state-of-the-art establishments such as the Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, Clark Quay, and Universal studios. Its emergence as a fast-paced cosmopolitan country has really caught the interest of many people. The country also takes pride in the rich confluence of Chinese and Indian gastronomic delights. Filipinos can stay here visa-free for 30 days either for tourist or business purposes.
Thailand
Thailand is popular for its flavorful cuisine. The country boasts a rich Buddhist heritage and is home to many temples and ancient ruins. These temples are adorned with golden Buddha statues and are widely visited. The Thai Royal Family is also very popular and continues to have a lot of influence with the Thai people. The country is also home to many beautiful beaches in the Phi Phi islands, Phuket, Ko Samui, etc… Thailand also has the unique floating market that is very popular with locals and tourists alike.
You can now stay in Thailand for 30 days as a tourist.
Vietnam
Vietnam survived the American war, and remnants of that war can still be seen. You may visit historic sites, camps, tunnels, and man-made structures that were used during the war. One of these is the famous Cu Chi Tunnels. You won’t want to miss seeing them, especially if you are a history buff! The country also has strong Buddhist roots; there are several pagodas that you can also visit like Bai Dinh, Dai Tong Lam, and Giac Lam.
You can immerse yourself in Vietnamese food, culture and history for 21 days. They also have other popular tourist destinations like Ha Long Bay, Phu Quoc, and Hoan Kiem Lake to name a few.
Cambodia
If archaeology-related movies like Tomb Raider or Indiana Jones pique your interest, don’t miss Cambodia! Its capital city of Phnom Penh is home to many attractions like the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, Wat Ounalom, Wat Langka, the National Museum of Cambodia, and the Killing Fields Memorial.
You can also visit the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat, one of the largest religious monuments in the world. Since you’re already there, make sure to visit the ancient city of Koh Ker, too!
You have 21 days to get lost in Cambodia’s ancient ruins.
Indonesia
Indonesia is the home of the Komodo dragons. It is a large archipelago of volcanic islands, and is therefore the site of many different and unique habitats. It is also home to many ethnic groups, resulting in a diverse culture and tradition of food, music, and art.
The country is one of the world’s richest nations in terms of biodiversity – among the many unique fauna in Indonesia are orangutans, the Sumatran tiger, elephants, and amphibians & reptiles such the Komodo dragon.
Indonesia also has many ancient Hindu and Buddhist temples such as the Borobodur Temple in Java. You can visit Indonesia for 30 days.
There are other countries not on this list. Expect more countries on this list as Southeast Asian countries continue to integrate into a community. Don’t forget to make sure that your passport is still valid for 6 months prior to booking any trip to avoid any hassle.
