Wonderwall Around the World
Back when I wrote about the songs I heard most often in Southeast Asia, there’s one song that always got an enthusiastic reaction:
Wonderwall.
Lots of songs get people excited. But Wonderwall elicits something else — genuine affection. When Wonderwall comes on, it feels like it’s still 1996 and it’s the hottest song on the radio.
Here are four very different versions of Wonderwall in Southeast Asia:
In Ao Nang, Thailand, at teeny tiny bar Red Balcony, several expats joined in with the Thai guy on his guitar.
Wonderwall was one of the songs played, albeit off-beat, by “Vietnam’s #1 Boy Band” on the epic Nha Trang boat trip.
At Q Bar in Vang Vieng, Laos, where girls balanced on shoulders, Wonderwall signaled the end of the night.
And, as always, Wonderwall was a popular song by the guitarist in the rooftop bar on Khao San Road in Bangkok.
It’s not just Southeast Asia — Wonderwall gets the same reaction all over the world. And it always makes me smile.
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At age 26, I quit my job to travel the world alone. I spent six fantastic months in Southeast Asia and turned my travel blog into a full-time business. Today, I travel full-time, going anywhere that sounds wacky or beautiful or interesting. My goal is to show YOU how you can travel the world on your own -- easily, safely, and adventurously. 
Haha, love this post Kate! Especially the last video where just about every foreigner is hollering the song. Must bring back good memories whenever you hear it on the radio now
I love wonderwall! When I was in England I also developed a deep affection for Don’t Look Back in Anger. That song is like crack to british people.
Yes, it is! Especially to my beloved northerners! It’s weird how we never hear that song anymore in the states, but it’s just as big as Wonderwall in the UK and around the world.
So true–even beyond SE Asia. During my summer in Paris, I went to the Fete de la Musique where I heard Wonderwall 5 times in one night!
Very cool! I absolutely loved that song when it came out – still have it on my iPod for when I go running. But don’t recall ever hearing it when traveling…feel like I’ve been missing out!
Oh you know I am thrilled with this post! Yes, there is truly something unique about this particular song and people the world over. It truly does take you back to ’96 and what you were doing then and who you were partying with then and then of course all the good times you are having in the present. This is why pop music will always do it for me, cause you aren’t gonna get this reaction from some “indie band” song, ever.
How clever that you thought of filming everytime the song was on! Amazing how music connects people, regardless of their nationality.
I would have had so many more if I had filmed every time! I was lucky to get these four!