9 Ways Immersing Yourself in Local Culture Enhances your Travel Experience (SE Asia)

Here are nine reasons why immersing yourself in local culture makes for an unforgettable travel experience:

You’ll bond with the locals. Respecting the culture and traditions of a new country means doing things like dressing appropriately for religious site visits, learning basic phrases in the native language, and familiarizing yourself with local greeting styles, among other things. You’ll stand to earn the respect of the locals and share a deeper, more meaningful connection with them. Not only will they appreciate that you’re interested, but you’ll experience the culture through the eyes of the locals.

You’ll discover new things. Focusing on cultural immersion means experiencing new foods and flavors, stumbling onto “secret” spots, and perhaps discovering some fun and quirky traditions you never knew existed. Not only will it keep your mind active and help you to stay engaged on your travels, but you’ll be that much more likely to have fun stories to share when you get home. Not everything along your journey is going to crop up in an online search or be written about in a travel guide. Sometimes the best way to discover a unique new dish, a “lost city” on the outskirts of Siem Reap, or a hidden beach on Koh Lipe, is the minute your GPS stops working.     

It makes traveling less intimidating. Figuring out on your own how locals do things while learning a handful of key local phrases can really build your confidence when you’re traveling, particularly if you’re traveling by yourself. Facing fears and pushing through uncomfortable situations in new countries, like learning how public transit systems work, or how to order the right noodle dish at a local joint when there’s no menu, can be incredibly empowering. Experiences like these can really help to shape your time abroad while giving you the opportunity to apply what you’ve learned on your future travels.

Cultural preservation. By seeking to have truly authentic experiences, you’ll invariably inspire others to follow your lead. In the face of globalization, it’s really up to the tourists to set the tone for fellow travelers by seeking out the most culturally immersive experiences possible. This doesn’t mean you forgo the five-star Western comforts luxury travel provides, but you can raise the bar by engaging in activities that reflect the values of the local culture and heritage. Once again, the locals will appreciate it and your experience will be rich, colorful and, most of all, memorable.

It will spark your sense of wonder and curiosity. It’s easy to underestimate the value of a beginner’s mind, but it’s such a refreshing lens to look through. When we’re kids, we’re continuously exposed to brand new experiences, and everything is fresh and exciting. Immersive travel gives you the unique opportunity to break out of your habitual routines and experience the world with childlike wonder all over again. Think about it. You’ll never forget your first sunrise at Angkor Wat or your first Or Lam Gai (Laotian Stew) from the old woman with the infectious laugh in her tiny food stall behind the night market. Traveling lets you soak it all up like a kid in a candy store.

General safety. We don’t want to give off the impression that any part of Southeast Asia isn’t safe. In general, however, folks are more vulnerable anywhere in the world (this includes visitors to your own country) when they’re not familiar with the local culture. There are also cultural elements that dictate some of the laws in Southeast Asia. In Thailand, for example, saying anything that might be perceived as disrespectful toward the monarchy could land you in some serious trouble. Just be respectful, and travel smart.

You’ll meet more people. It probably goes without saying that traveling to a new place and taking a cultural deep dive gives you the opportunity to make new friends from all over the world. To top it off, people in Southeast Asia are generally quite proud of their culture, so you’ll stand to learn a lot along the way if you’re engaging with the locals and asking the right questions. You’ll also increase your chances of connecting with more like-minded travelers because they’ll be out seeking authentic experiences, just like you.

It puts life into perspective. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and grind of the day-to-day. It’s also easy to dwell on the past, feel anxious about the future, and let the common stressors of fast-paced, modern day life consume your thoughts. If you live in the west and you’ve ever traveled to Southeast Asia, then you know just how different these two parts of the world are. Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam are four countries that each offer up entirely new experiences. Traveling to the other side of the world is a great way to get outside of yourself and shift your perspective while remembering that there’s a big, beautiful world out there just waiting to be explored. All you have to do is unplug and appreciate what’s right in front of you. 

It broadens your understanding of humanity. Across the world, people have different religious views, political systems, and values. By the same token, we’re all inherently similar despite these surface-level differences. Immersive travel gives you the opportunity to form more inclusive ideas and ideals which can really enhance your ability to relate to others. A smile, a belly laugh, or a playful wink – these are ways that everyone communicates, regardless of where they come from. Going somewhere new and embracing the culture lets you see the world and experience humanity from a fresh vantage point while connecting with others on a much deeper level. It breaks borders and stereotypes, and it brings people closer together.