Southeast Asia is a region of incredible geographic diversity, home to vast archipelagos, dense tropical forests, and dramatic mountain ranges. While the region is better known for its coastlines and rainforests, it also boasts some of the tallest and most rugged mountains in the world.
These peaks are not only natural landmarks but also hold cultural, ecological, and even spiritual significance for the communities that live around them. Among these, a few stand out as the tallest mountains in Southeast Asia, spread across countries like Myanmar, Malaysia, Vietnam, and others.
Hkakabo Razi, Myanmar
The highest peak in Southeast Asia is Mount Hkakabo Razi, located in northern Myanmar near the border with China and India. It stands at an elevation of 5,881 meters (19,295 feet), making it the highest mountain in the region. Hkakabo Razi is part of the easternmost extent of the Himalayas, situated in a remote and rugged corner of the country within the Hkakabo Razi National Park.
The area surrounding the mountain is covered in dense jungle and is one of the least explored parts of Southeast Asia. The mountain itself is glaciated and features steep, icy slopes, making it a challenging climb even for experienced mountaineers.
Very few expeditions have successfully reached the summit due to its inaccessibility and harsh weather conditions. Despite its height and prominence, the mountain is relatively unknown compared to other major peaks in Asia.
Gamlang Razi, Myanmar
Not far from Hkakabo Razi lies another towering peak, Gamlang Razi. Located in the same region of northern Myanmar, this mountain reaches an elevation of approximately 5,870 meters (19,259 feet), only slightly shorter than Hkakabo Razi.
In 2013, a joint Myanmar-American expedition reached the summit of Gamlang Razi and measured it using modern GPS technology, leading to debates about whether it might actually be taller than Hkakabo Razi.
However, until further verification and standardized measurements are made, Hkakabo Razi retains its status as the tallest. Nonetheless, Gamlang Razi remains one of the most significant and awe-inspiring peaks in Southeast Asia.
Kinabalu, Malaysia
Mount Kinabalu is the tallest mountain in Malaysia and one of the most prominent peaks in the region. Rising to 4,095 meters (13,435 feet), it is located in the state of Sabah on the island of Borneo. Unlike the icy Himalayan outliers in Myanmar, Kinabalu is a granite massif known for its biodiversity.
It is the centerpiece of Kinabalu Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and home to thousands of plant species, many of them endemic. Mount Kinabalu is also culturally important to the indigenous Kadazan-Dusun people, who regard the mountain as sacred.
Unlike the remote peaks of Myanmar, Kinabalu is highly accessible and attracts thousands of climbers and tourists each year, thanks to its established trekking infrastructure.
Fansipan, Viet Nam
Fansipan, located in northwestern Vietnam near the town of Sa Pa, is the tallest mountain in mainland Indochina, which includes Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. It stands at 3,147 meters (10,326 feet) and is part of the Hoàng Liên Son mountain range. Traditionally a challenging trek for hikers, Fansipan is now accessible by cable car, which has significantly boosted tourism.
Despite its lower elevation compared to other regional peaks, Fansipan is iconic in Vietnam and is often referred to as "The Roof of Indochina." It also plays an important role in the cultural and spiritual life of the local Hmong and Dao ethnic groups.
Honorable Mentions
Other countries in Southeast Asia also have notable high points. In Thailand, the highest mountain is Doi Inthanon at 2,565 meters (8,415 feet), located in the Chiang Mai province. Laos boasts Phou Bia, its tallest peak at 2,820 meters (9,252 feet), although it remains relatively inaccessible due to military activity in the area.
While Indonesia is home to many active volcanoes, its tallest peak, Puncak Jaya (Carstensz Pyramid), is located in the Papua province and geographically considered part of Oceania. However, it’s sometimes culturally linked with Southeast Asia and rises to 4,884 meters (16,024 feet), making it the tallest island peak in the world.
