Discover Southeast Asia with AirAsia's New Asean Pass

(Via Aero Icarus)

Budget airline AirAsia has announced the launch of the Asean Pass and Asean Pass +, enabling travelers to fly around southeast Asia at unbelievably low rates. Similar to JetBlue's All You Can Jet pass, the ASEAN and ASEAN Pass+ offer credits applicable for redemption on select routes within the following 10 countries: Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, Indonesia, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and the Philippines. A renewed enthusiasm is felt as the company begins to move forward after the tragic events of Flight 8501 this past December.  As CEO Tony Fernandes remarks, "The pass allows us to bridge communities and attract more foreign tourists to the region- it’s the perfect instrument to promote Asean integration."

The Asean Pass costs 10 credits and Asean Pass+ is 20 credits. Routes are either 1 credit (below 2 hours duration) or 3 credits (2 hours or more), enabling you to spend more time discovering Southeast Asia without worrying about flight price fluctuations. The pass can also be purchased as a gift for another traveler.

There are several points of the terms and conditions you'll want to bear in mind before you rush to purchase a pass. First, you can't complete the same exact route more than once. Second, you still have to pay the airport taxes and fees. Last, travel must be booked two weeks in advance and completed 30 or 60 days, depending on the pass you purchase.

Check airport fees in advance by going to IATA's website and selecting a country underneath "Customs, Currency, and Airport Information"

So, how do you make the most of this incredible offer? According to Hopper, good deals for round-trip tickets from NYC to major hubs like Bangkok, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur will range from $780 to $1000. Below, scroll through my advice on how to make this your most meaningful trip ever.

Mandalay - Myanmar

Myanmar opened its doors to tourists in 1992. Now, its temples and rivers attract nearly two million tourists annually. Don't leave without seeing the U Bein Bridge, the oldest and longest teakwood bridge in the world. (Photo via mathieuyoung)

Kuala Lumpur - Malaysia

Sweet and sour, hot and spicy, and of course, very fresh. From fine dining to street carts, eating is one of the major highlights of visiting Southeast Asia. The mix cultures gives this region a great variety of cuisine. Spend an afternoon sampling curries at a restaurant like Restoran Berjaya and you'll be mingling with locals in no time. (Photo via grungeee)

Bali - Indonesia

The Balinese New Year, Nyepi day (March 21st), is a day of self-reflection, fasting and silence. Everyone stays home and nearly everything on the island is closed, including the airport and harbor. Festivities commence the night before and the following day, making this a special time to visit the island. (Photo via RaphaelDupertuis)

Kuala Lumpur - Malaysia

In addition to beautiful natural landscapes, Southeast Asia also boasts impressive modern cities. Visit the Petronas Twin Towers at night and ascend to the 41st floor to discover what the most populous city in Malaysia looks like from 140m above. (Photo via pookie_kr)

Singapore

In Singapore, The Fullerton Bay Hotel's Lantern restaurant features a rooftop bar with impressive views of the Singapore skyline, Marina Bay and the chic Marina Bay Sands hotel. This is the perfect bar to grab a drink and toast to your exciting new journey. (Photo via lax2nrt)

Sandakan - Malaysia

Orangutans can only be found in the wild across Indonesia and Malaysia on the island of Borneo. Learn more about one of the most endangered great apes in the world at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in east Malaysia. (Photo via musickisa)

Chiang Mai - Thailand

While in Thailand, you won't want to miss Songkran, or, the celebration the Lunar New Year. Thais all over the country use everything from water balloons, water guns and empty buckets to soak one another with water on this festive day. (Photo via Pantip)

Siem Reap - Cambodia

Visit the Angkor Wat archaeological site, the 9th to 15th century capital city of the Khmer Empire. Visit the Ta Prohm temple to photograph the stone walls and doorways before they are completely swallowed up by the jungle. (Photo via renyags)

Saigon - Vietnam

Street food carts often pass from generation to generation in Saigon and other cities. Because it's so common to frequent these stalls for a snack or a meal, freshness and quality is rarely an issue, despite what this picture may have you thinking. Spend an afternoon sampling inexpensive plates like vegetable dumplings and spicy Pho noodle soup. Wash it down with a creamy iced coffee, sweetened with condensed milk. (Photo via instakatasan)

Donsol - Philippines

This is also peak season for snorkeling with whale sharks in Donsol and Cebu, the Philippines. Though the name 'whale shark' is intimidating, these are plankton eating, filter feeding fish which pose no threat to humans. (Photo via dennismayordo)

Southeast Asia is known for a number of touristic activities with wildlife and children that can do more harm than good. Do a bit of research and book tours and volunteer experiences with elephants, for example, with reputable operators.

To purchase a pass and read the full terms and conditions, head on over to AirAsia's website. Do you have plans to travel to Southeast Asia this year? I'd love to hear more about where you're going!