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Southeast Asia Itineraries: From 2 Weeks to 3 Months

Itinerary planning is a complex beast. There’s no single best route out there. Everyone has different travel desires, goals, and needs (let alone budgets). It’s why I’ve always shied away from discussing itinerary planning for long-term travel .

Showing someone how to plan a trip is one thing, but actually planning a trip for someone else is tricky, because I don’t know what they want or like.

Because, at the end of the day, there is no such thing as a perfect itinerary. You have to see and go where you want to go and, while suggested routes can help inspire you, at the end of the day, only you can plan the best route for you.

However, that can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to tackle an entire region like Southeast Asia . So, in this post, I’ll provide a few suggested itineraries to help you conquer this fantastic region.

For the two-week itinerary, I’ll break things up by day, but as we get into one-month and three-month territory, you’ll have a lot more flexibility with your time, so I’ll give rougher estimates of how to spend it.

After all, part of the beauty of travel is keeping yourself open to serendipitous moments and experiences!

Southeast Asia Itineraries

Southeast Asia Two-Week Itinerary

Southeast asia one-month itinerary, southeast asia three-month itinerary.

If you only have two weeks in Southeast Asia, I suggest sticking to just 1-2 countries so that you don’t spend all your time in transit. You’ll also be able to better soak up the atmosphere if you’re not trying to cram too much in. With a more limited time frame, just accept that you’ll have to leave some things to look forward to on your next trip!

Take a walking tour to get your bearings and get local recommendations from the guide. Bangkok Walking Tours or Free Bangkok Walks are two great free options — just remember to tip your guide at the end!

For a more in-depth tour, you can take a city highlights tour , on which your guide will take you through some of Bangkok’s major attractions.

While the famous Damnoen Saduak floating market just outside of Bangkok exists mostly for the benefit of tourists, I still like visiting it. The tours that go there leave early in the morning and last about half a day. It’s not a great place to shop (prices are much higher than elsewhere), but the area is good for photography and eating.

Where to Stay in Bangkok : Lub d Siam – This is a very popular spot for backpackers looking to stay somewhere other than the infamous party district that is Khao San Road. The hostel is modern, the rooms are spacious, and there are plenty of common areas to socialize in, including a café/bar.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is Chiang Mai’s most famous temple (the pagoda supposedly contains relics of the Buddha himself). It offers beautiful views of the surrounding area and, at 6pm each day, you can watch the monks chant. The main other temples are Wat Chiang Man, Wat Phra Singh, Wat Suan Dok, Wat Chedi Luang, and Wat Jet Yot.

If you want to see elephants, a good way to get up close with them is to volunteer at or visit Elephant Nature Park. This sanctuary near Chiang Mai rescues abused and injured elephants from around the country. It’s a phenomenal place, and after coming here, you will know why you should never ride an elephant. A one-day visit costs 2,500-3,500 THB for adults.

Where to Stay in Chiang Mai : Hostel Lullaby – This fantastic hostel in the heart of Chiang Mai was even voted the best in Thailand. Besides the comfortable facilities, there are a ton of perks here, including free bikes, free breakfast, and free Thai boxing, cooking, and yoga classes.

Days 7-9: Chiang Mai to Bangkok Here you have a few options: stay longer in Chiang Mai to do more jungle trekking; head up to Chiang Rai to see the famous White Temple; or take the long way back down to Bangkok, stopping for a night in each of Thailand’s ancient capitals, Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, or spending some time in one of the national forests, such as the incredible Khao Yai National Park .

Once back in Bangkok, you can either head into Cambodia to see Angkor Wat if you’re ambitious, or just hang out in Bangkok for a few more days before your flight home.

If you choose to go to Angkor Wat, here are my recommendations:

Be sure to visit the Landmine Museum. Landmines have devastated the country, maiming and killing thousands. They still cause destruction today, as remaining mines from the Vietnam War (which spilled over into Cambodia) are discovered every year. The museum has an in-depth exhibit that is very worthwhile, as it gives perspective on their use, dangers, and efforts to remove them.

Spend your day at Angkor Wat , the ancient site that was the center of the Khmer Empire that once ruled most of Southeast Asia. The temple was built in the 12th century and covers over 500 acres.

While a single-day visit can cover the main temples, this is an amazing site to explore, so I highly recommend two days (at least).

You can hire a tuk-tuk for the day or rent bicycles and explore on your own. Tuk-tuks have room for 3-4 people, making it a cheap and convenient option if you can split the ride with other travelers. You can also take a full-day guided tour to learn even more from a professional.

Admission is $37 USD per person for a day pass, $62 USD for a three-day pass, and $72 USD for a seven-day pass.

Where to Stay in Siem Reap : Mad Monkey – This is a fun, lively, and social hostel with a bar, pool, and lots of tours and organized activities to help you meet people and explore the city.

Day 13: Bus back to Bangkok Take the bus back to the Thai capital, where you can spend the last day of your trip exploring more of the many things to see and do in Bangkok , or just simply hang out, relax, and eat all the delicious Thai food you can before your journey home.

Day 14: Departure day Head off to the airport knowing that you made the most of your two weeks in Southeast Asia. Chances are that you only whetted your appetite for traveling through this amazing region of the world, and you might already be planning your next trip on your way back home!

With one month, you’ll be able to take it a little slower, see more places, and get off the beaten path a bit more. You can add another country and leave more flexibility in your itinerary.

Days 1-3: Bangkok Follow the Bangkok itinerary above, and stay for a few more days if you like! There are endless things to do in Bangkok.

For more recommendations, check out my Bangkok city guide .

Day 4: Bangkok–Chiang Mai With one month, you can choose to take the day train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. It’s not only cheaper but a nice way to see the countryside. Sure, you “waste” a day, but you see the countryside, experience how Thais take the train and can eat from vendors who briefly board at every stop.

The day train remains one of my favorite experiences in Thailand. Just make sure you have a good book as the journey is 10-13 hours long.

Days 5-7: Chiang Mai See the Chiang Mai itinerary above. For more recommendations on things to do, check out my Chiang Mai city guide .

Days 8-10: Slow boat from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang, Laos After spending your first week in cities, take a load off and drift down the river on a slow boat. These boats generally take two days, stopping overnight at a guesthouse along the way. It’s a beautiful way to see the scenery and recharge a bit from a busy week.

Alternatively, if you want to save time, you can fly between the two destinations, or skip ahead in this itinerary to Vietnam .

Although it’s small (around 56,000 people live here), there’s a lot to see and do, with dozens of temples, streets lined with French colonial architecture, a bustling night market, river tours, and waterfalls. I came here for three days but spent a week.

Start off with a visit to the “Buddha Caves” (officially, the Pak Ou Caves). They hold over 6,000 Buddha statues that the locals still use for worship. There are standing Buddhas, sitting Buddhas, reclining Buddhas — you name it! You can visit solo or book a guided tour .

While you’re here, don’t miss the iconic Kuang Si waterfalls (you’ve probably seen them on Instagram already). They flow through the limestone-rich jungle and empty into a series of three gently cascading pools. While it’s one of the most popular attractions in the area (avoid the weekends, when it’s super busy), the Kuang Si Falls was also one of the most breathtaking things I saw in Laos.

Other things to do here include:

• The Royal Palace
• Mount Phousi
• Wat Xieng Thong Monastery
• The alms ceremony

For more things to do, check out my guide to Luang Prabang .

Where to Stay in Luang Prabang : Downtown Backpackers Hostel 2 – This is a great little hostel with free breakfast, moped rentals, clean dorms, and super helpful staff.

Kick things off with a tubing trip down the river. It’s the best way to relax and stay cool. Rentals cost around 55,000 LAK, which includes transportation to the starting point.

And if you want to stretch your legs, climb Pha Poak Mountain. It’s only a 30-minute climb to the top, where you’ll be rewarded with an incredible view of the area’s limestone mountains.

Other things to see and do in Vang Vieng include:

• The Golden Cave
• Hot air balloon rides
• The Blue Lagoon

For more things to do, check out my guide to Vang Vieng .

Where to Stay in Vang Vieng : Nana Backpackers Hostel – This is a fun, social hostel with a swimming pool, movie room, small gym, and bar with free vodka and whiskey every night from 7pm to 9pm.

Nowadays, the city is a hub for café culture, cheap spas, golden temples, and diverse riverside markets. Much of its historical center has kept its colorful colonial architecture intact too, making it a nice area to stroll around.

Wander the wide boulevards, take in the crumbling mansions, chill out in Chao Anouvong Park, enjoy the flavorful local cuisine (there are a ton of delicious French bakeries here as well).

Make sure you visit Buddha Park, asculpture park is just 25 kilometers (15 miles) outside of Vientiane. There are around 200 Hindu and Buddhist statues here, all of which appear to be centuries old (they’re not — they were made in the 20th century out of concrete). While not “historic” per se, it’s still worth visiting, as there are all kinds of unconventional designs, including a three-meter (9.8-foot) demon head that you can enter, and staircases from heaven and hell that you can climb. Admission is 15,000 LAK.

You’ll also want to admire the Great Stupa (Pha That Luang). It’s a a 44-meter (148-foot) gold-covered stupa (dome-shaped Buddhist shrine) and is the most important monument in the country. Built by King Setthathirat in 1566, its exterior looks like a fortress with high walls. Inside, the walls are covered in Buddhist, floral, and animal imagery. Admission is 10,000 LAK.

Other things to see and do in Vientiane include:

• The COPE Visitor Centre
• Victory Gate (Patuxai)
• Chao Anouvong Park
• Lao Boat Racing Festival

For more things to do, check out my guide to Vientiane .

Where to Stay in Vientiane : Dream Home – This is a fantastic hostel that offers everything you need while staying in the capital. There’s free breakfast, comfy beds, AC, a nightly happy hour at the hostel bar, and a 24-hour reception with friendly staff members.

Days 20-22: Pakse Pakse is the gateway to Laos’ 4,000 Islands (in the Mekong River), so there isn’t a ton to do here other than chill out and relax. It’s a nice place to stop while heading south to Cambodia. Alternatively, you can take a 1.5-hour flight from Vientiane to Phnom Penh to save some time and give you extra days elsewhere.

Where to Stay in Pakse : Sanga Hostel – This cozy hostel has super comfortable beds, a restaurant with fantastic home-cooked food (free banana cakes!), and a lovely owner.

The Royal Palace is home to beautiful flower gardens and the Silver Pagoda, whose floor is made up of more than 5,000 silver tiles; inside is an emerald-covered Buddha and a diamond-covered Maitreya Buddha. The palace also has murals around its outer wall that tell the story of the Ramayana.

On the palace grounds are five stupas, with the two largest to the east containing the ashes of Kings Norodom and King Udung (the two most famous kings of modern Cambodia) and a statue of King Norodom on horseback.

The most important thing to see here, however, is the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields. Tuol Sleng is a former school where the Khmer Rouge interrogated and tortured people in the 1970s. You’ll see rusty beds and torture devices, in sharp contrast to the beautiful trees and lovely jasmine smell in the gardens.

After, head to the Killing Fields. It may not be the most cheerful way to spend an afternoon, but it makes for a hallowed and memorable experience, a testament to the dangers of uncontested power. Take a guided tour to get an in-depth look at this haunting place.

For more things to do, check out my guide to Phnom Penh .

Where to Stay in Phnom Penh : Mad Monkey – This is a lovely social hostel with a bar, restaurant, beer garden, and swimming pool. They organize all kinds of events and tours, so it’s easy to make friends here.

Days 27-29: Siem Reap Follow the Siem Reap and Angkor Wat itineraries from above.

If you have time, visit Tonle Sap, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake and UNESCO nature reserve. It is 52 kilometers (32 miles) from Siem Reap. Sailing down the river and around the lake gives you a look at how closely Cambodian life is tied to this major waterway.

Day 30: Bangkok Head back to Bangkok for your flight home!

If you have three months to spend, you don’t want to have everything plotted and planned out to the day, like you might want to with the shorter itineraries above. Having flexibility to change plans is a must (and will make your travels much more enjoyable). On a trip of this length, you don’t want to burn yourself out too fast!.

With three months, you have enough time to be flexible and still see a lot so I’d recommend rough planning in weeklong chunks.

MONTH ONE: Thailand

Week 1: Bangkok and Backpacking Kanchanaburi Province Follow the three-day Bangkok itinerary above, and extend your stay by a few days to take things slower and see even more of this vibrant city. You can also do more day trips or even multiday trips to the surrounding region.

When you’ve had your fill of bustling Bangkok, take your time heading north. Kanchanaburi Province is a great place to spend some time, as it’s home to a lush, undisturbed forest, wetlands, and mountains that are perfect for trekking, either on multiday tours or day trips from Bangkok . The area is very biodiverse, with two wildlife sanctuaries: Thung Yai Naresuan, and Huai Kha Khaeng.

However, its history is rather dark. The infamous Death Railway linking Myanmar and Thailand runs through here, which was built during World War II by prisoners of war and civilians. Around 90,000 civilian forced laborers and more than 12,000 Allied prisoners perished in the railway’s construction. The bridge over the River Kwai is also located here, built using POW labor and the subject of both a famous film and a book. While these sights are haunting reminders, they are an essential part of Thailand’s history.

Here are some options to consider for your meandering journey north:

Ayutthaya – Ayutthaya was the capital of Siam from 1350 to 1767, when it was razed by the Burmese during a war. The city’s ruins, with its palaces, temples, monasteries, and statues, form an archaeological park that is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s about 1.5 hours from Bangkok by train.

You can also visit on a day trip with Get Your Guide for just 900 THB.

Khao Yai National Park – Established in 1962, Khao Yai was Thailand’s first (and one of its best) national park and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s visually stunning and empty of tourists but filled with lush flora and fauna, bat caves, and even a few wild elephants. It’s about 2.5 hours north of Bangkok.

Where to Stay : Greenleaf Guesthouse – This hostel has the best tour/accommodation deals in the area. Let them know when you’re arriving by train or bus, and they’ll pick you up at the station.

Sukhothai – Sukhothai was the Kingdom of Siam’s first capital city, in the 13th century. There are hundreds of ruined buildings here, including the royal palace and countless temples.

There are actually three ruined cities that make up the UNESCO World Heritage site, and since they’re a bit spread out, seeing them by bike is a fun way to cover a lot of distance. You can take a full-day or two-hour bike tour with Sukhothai Bicycle Tour .

Where to Stay : Old City Boutique House – This hostel is in a great location, right near the entrance to the historical park. The guesthouse has AC, free breakfast, bike rentals, and friendly owners to help you with whatever you need!

Chiang Mai is the main starting point for all sorts of jungle trekking tours. I like the three-day ones the best, but the longer the tour, the more interesting and secluded places you’ll visit. Be careful with whom you sign up, as many guides simply walk with you and don’t tell you much about the land or wildlife.

Moreover, if you visit a tribal village, make sure that the money stays with the villagers, and that they aren’t being exploited, which unfortunately happens a lot. Check out Stray Away Travel for some ethical tour options.

If you prefer to do a few different day trips rather than multiday tours, TripGuru Thailand offers full-day tours to Doi Inthanon National Park and the Chiang Dao cave system , among others.

Week 4: Northern Thailand If you want to continue soaking up northern Thailand, a great way to do so is on a motorbike trip. Many people rent bikes and tour the countryside and take in the scenery. This area is particularly popular for a 1–3-day trip. Mai Hong Son Province offers a great loop, starting in Chiang Mai and ending in Pai.

Note: Make sure that if you’re renting a motorbike, you’re comfortable with driving it. And never everdrink and drive. Accidents are incredibly common.

Pai – Pai has grown as a tourist destination in more recent years, but it is still a great place to escape some of the craziness of the larger cities. It’s nestled in rolling green mountains and near incredible hiking trails. Stay on the outskirts of this backpacker town in a lovely little bungalow, rent a bike, traverse the hills, and bathe in the cool waterfalls.

Be sure to take a day trip to the Tham Lot Caves; you can stop off to swim in waterfalls and hot springs on the way.

Where to Stay : The Famous Pai Circus Hostel – This is the best hostel in Pai, with a host of amenities, from air-conditioned dorms, comfortable mattresses, and bamboo bunk beds to an infinity pool, nightly bonfires, a fantastic buffet breakfast, free dinners, and overall, a great atmosphere.

Chiang Rai – Many people visit Chiang Rai on a day trip from Chiang Mai , expressly for the purpose of seeing the White Temple. This intricately designed complex with its reflective pools and shimmering white exterior is designed in the style of a Buddhist temple. However, it’s actually a work of art by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, and is still currently in the process of being completed.

Where to Stay : Baan Mai Kradan Hostel – This sleek, modern, and centrally located hostel has free breakfast, fast Wi-Fi, comfortable pod-style beds, and plenty of indoor and outdoor common areas to relax in.

MONTH TWO: Laos and Vietnam

Start your second month in Laos, wrapped in lush mountainous landscapes. I think it’s one of the most beautiful countries in Southeast Asia. Adventure travel is big here: you can go zip-lining, kayaking, hiking, and cave tubing all in one day. It used to be a popular destination for partying, but since the wild tubing days have been curtailed, it’s turned into a more relaxed, outdoor-oriented country.

Week 5: Slow Boat to Luang Prabang Take the two-day slow boat to Luang Prabang. Once there, follow the Luang Prabang itinerary above, but at a slower pace. You can also spend some time in the surrounding, even smaller villages like Nong Kiew, a sleepy village is located a few hours from Luang Prabang. The towering limestone cliffs surrounding it are ideal for experienced climbers, and there are many hiking trails leading to nearby waterfalls and caves. You can take the bus from the city for about 40,000-65,000 LAK.

Where to Stay : Lamorn Guesthouse – This is an incredibly affordable guesthouse located right on the river. The rooms are basic but clean, each with its own private bathroom and air-conditioning.

Week 6: Vang Vieng and Vientiane Follow the itineraries for Vang Vieng and Vientiane above. Then, you can either choose to continue your trip in Laos by heading south to Pakse and 4,000 Islands (in which case, follow the itineraries outlined above), or head on to Vietnam.

If going to Vietnam, you can take an overnight bus to Hanoi or a quick flight from Vientiane. If flying, keep in mind that there are only direct flights a few times a week (otherwise you must connect through Bangkok), so plan ahead if going with that option.

It’s also one of the best places to eat endless bowls of pho, bun cha, or cheap bahn mi from food vendors on just about every street corner.

Start your visit by exploring the narrow streets of the Old Quarter. It’s 2,000-year-old streets are a web of shopping opportunities and cheap eateries. There’s also a lot of fascinating Old World architecture that highlights the influence the French had on the area.

Hanoi is also a good base for doing multiday tours to postcard-perfect UNESCO World Heritage Site Ha Long Bay. One of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, the area comprises more than 3,000 islands, all with different activities on offer. Tours here usually last 3-5 days and can include sleeping on a boat or staying on some of the islands around the bay, as well as cave tours and kayaking.

If you don’t want to do a longer cruise, you can choose a two-day (overnight) cruise or a full-day trip from Hanoi ; however, given that you’re on a three-month adventure, I’d recommend going with the few-day options.

Other things to see and do in Hanoi include:

• The Temple of Literature
• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
• Dong Xuan Market
• Quan Su Pagoda

For more things to do, check out my guide to Hanoi .

Where to Stay : Little Hanoi Hostel – Located in the heart of the Old Quarter, this hostel has air conditioning, free breakfast, free welcome drinks, and — most importantly — clean, comfy rooms. The staff will help you book tours of the city and surrounding region.

Ho Chi Minh City – My favorite Vietnamese city after Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon) is the largest and most chaotic in the country. Motorbikes, bicycles, cars, and rickshaws go wherever they please, and lots of street stands and markets spill into the traffic lanes.

It’s a metropolis with a billion things happening at once, and a lot to offer travelers. Stay a few days here to take in the wonderful shops, fantastic nightlife, delicious food, plentiful historic sites, and interesting (though propaganda-heavy) museums.

Where to Stay : The Hideout – This is a conveniently located, social hostel with super clean rooms, free beer at the bar every day, and showers that you can use even after you check out. They organize many tours of the city and area as well.

MONTH THREE: Cambodia

Week 9: Phnom Penh and surroundings Follow the above suggestions for Phnom Penh, but also head out to Kirirom National Park for a day (or multiday) trip. This park has all sorts of walking and mountain biking trails, many waterfalls, and a few lakes. It was the first official park in the country and is a good place to take a break. The park is around a two-hour drive from the city, so you’ll need to hire a driver for the day. The best way to do this is to find some travelers to join you so you can share a ride.

If you’re looking to soak up some sun, Independence Beach and Otres Beach are probably your best bets. But mainly, Sihanoukville is a jumping-off point for other islands and beach towns in the area, such as:

Koh Rong – This island is a 45-minute ride from Sihanoukville. If you’re pressed for time, you can do it in a day trip, but stay overnight if you can. The beaches here are way better than on the mainland (and a lot less polluted), and there’s great snorkeling and diving.

Bokor National Park – Hike through a stunning rainforest or see the atmospheric ruins of the French aristocracy for whom Bokor was a big drawback in the day. You’ll have some amazing views, and there are ruins, waterfalls, and temples all around.

Kep – This quaint beach and fishing village is a quiet version of Sihanoukville but without a party atmosphere, therefore a nice place to relax near the ocean. It’s famous for its pepper crab and empty beaches. Sure, it’s quite sleepy and there’s not a lot to do, but it’s the perfect place to relax, read a book, and eat all the delicious crab. You can also spend some time on nearby Rabbit Island (Koh Tonsay), a secluded and charming escape from the world if you’re looking to disconnect.

Kampot – This is another quiet town on the coast. Most people come here to enjoy the scenic riverside views as well as the rolling hills and pepper farms that surround the city. The area used to be a getaway for the French, so you’ll see old colonial architecture around. At night, the street near the old bridge is lined with fruit shake vendors. Try a million — the city is famous for them. Also, if you only do one thing in this entire itinerary, make sure it’s eating the ribs at the Rusty Keyhole — they are some of the best ribs I’ve ever had.

Week 11: Siem Reap and Angkor Wat Follow the above suggestions for Siem Reap and Angkor Wat but at a slower pace. There’s a lot to see and do in the area. You can easily spend several days just exploring Angkor Wat. You can also do more day trips into the surrounding region.

A great way to spend a day is to head to Koh Ker, located in the jungle around 2.5 hours from town. Koh Ker was briefly the capital of the Khmer Empire, and many of the temples here are over a thousand years old. It’s a massive archeological site that sees far fewer tourists than Angkor Wat.

For another fun day trip, head to Phnom Kulen, considered the country’s most sacred mountain. It’s located just 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Siem Reap and offers some amazing jungles, hiking, and picturesque waterfalls where you can take dip to beat the heat. You can easily spend a day here. If you head up to the summit, there are some great views, as well as a large reclining Buddha statue. Try to arrive early, as the park fills up by lunchtime.

There’s seemingly an island for every type of traveler here. Some are overdeveloped, while others only have a single bungalow. Some of my favorites are Ko Samet, Ko Taruato, Ko Lanta, Ko Chang, Ko Tao, Ko Jum, Ko Lipe, Ko Samui, and the Similan Islands. You could easily spend weeks (or months) bopping around to different islands, but if you’re on your last week, just choose one or two, depending on what you’re looking for.

Some recommendations to get you started:

Ko Lipe – This lesser-known island is one of my favorite places in the world. There are amazing seafood meals, beautiful beaches, and warm waters in which to swim. I came for three days and ended up staying for a month. In the last few years, it has become more developed, and it’s not the sleepy little island it used to be, but it’s still way less touristed than many other destinations in Thailand.

Phuket – Phuket is the biggest destination for tourism in Thailand. There are great beaches and amazing activities on this island. While most visitors stick to the overdeveloped south, if you stay away from Patong Beach, you can avoid most of the crowds. In fact, the northern part of the island is one of my favorite places to visit in all of Thailand.

Ko Phangan – This island is home to the infamous Full Moon Party , one of the most famous parties in the world, with a lot of drinking, dancing, and drugs. Each bar has its own sound system, so you’ll hear different music loudly blasting onto the beach every few feet. The beach itself is lined with people selling alcohol, fire dancers putting on shows, and little booths selling glow-in-the-dark face paint.

Ko Tao – If you’re looking to dive in Thailand, go to Ko Tao , which caters specifically to divers. If you dive here, be sure to see Elephant Head Rock, as the reef is home to plenty of fish, snappers, rays, and turtles. Day trips start at 5,900 THB for two dives, including equipment and park fees.

After your time in the islands, head back to Bangkok for your return flight home.

If you’ve got even longer, this region has so much to offer — from Malaysia to Singapore to Indonesia and more!

Southeast Asia is one of the best regions to backpack in. It’s fun, affordable, safe, and has something for everyone. But it can be tricky to plan a trip here, as there is a ton to see and do. So, as you try to craft the perfect Southeast Asia itinerary, just keep in mind that plans change. You meet people or learn about something new, and all of a sudden your meticulous preparation goes out the window.

These days, I leave much more room in case plans change — because they always do. Give yourself that wiggle room. That way, no matter what comes your way, you’ll be able to adapt.

Be flexible. Go slow.

That’s how you plan an amazing itinerary. Not only to Southeast Asia but anywhere in the world!

Book Your Trip to Southeast Asia: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. It is my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know no stone is being left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as it has the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancelations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money too.

Want More Information on Southeast Asia? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Southeast Asia for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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The Ultimate Southeast Asia Itinerary

06/17/2018 by Ashley Yap 14 Comments

The parallel universe called Southeast Asia draws me in over and over again. Coming to Southeast Asia feels like coming home. Each time I return, I find comfort in the ease of traveling there, the excitement of new discoveries, and the energy hanging in the sweet, sticky air.

I’ve traveled in Southeast Asia for over 2 cumulative years, going from popular spots to places that do not even have an English name yet. Whether you are a budget backpacker, solo traveler, a couple, family, or a group of friends, Southeast Asia’s bound to have something intriguing for you. This could make planning a trip to Southeast Asia overwhelming – there’s just so much to see and do!

So let’s make it easy. Here are a few amazing Southeast Asia itineraries, customized to different interests, ranging from 2 weeks to 3 months:

Table of Contents

2-Week Southeast Asia Itinerary

While two weeks is simply too short to attempt to see all of Southeast Asia, the good news is that you can still get a delicious taste of Southeast Asia all within 2 weeks.

My advice is to pick fewer places to see, and take travel time into account. Some countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam are easy to get around, whereas countries like Myanmar and the Philippines require much longer travel times to move from one place to another. Here are a few itinerary suggestions for 2 weeks in Southeast Asia that cover 2 countries:

Best of Both Worlds: Philippines + Singapore

Spend about 10 days in the Philippines and maximize your time in nature, be it the beautiful islands , the most stunning rice terraces, or the amazing waterfalls. You can narrow down the specifics by picking your favorites from this itinerary . Then fly over to Singapore and enjoy the metropolitan city, eat all the food, and have the country’s signature drink, Singapore Sling, at one of the many speakeasy cocktail bars before your flight home.

Hiking Adventures: Borneo + Indonesia

Spend about 4 days in Borneo and hike up to the country’s highest peak, Mount Kinabalu , which requires a minimum of 2 days, then check out the orangutans of Sepilok. Next, fly over to East Java, Indonesia, to hike Mount Rinjani , or Mount Bromo . Spend your last few days relaxing in Bali or Lombok before flying home.

Sun, Sea, and Salt: Southern Thailand + Malaysia

Spend a week in each country. Both countries are home to some of the most gorgeous islands I’ve ever been to. Some of my favorite islands are Koh Chang , The Similan Islands, Koh Yao Noi , Langkawi , The Perhentian Islands, and Tioman Island.

A Cultural Experience: Myanmar + Cambodia

Spend about 10 days in Myanmar, not only because there’s  so much to see and do , but also because transportation can be pretty difficult. Expect to spend some nights on bumpy overnight buses. Bagan, Mandalay, and Yangon are awesome for anyone seeking a cultural experience thanks to the beautiful temples and the less touristy feel of Myanmar. Fly over to Cambodia and continue your journey with an awe-inspiring trip to the majestic Angkor Wat (you will need at least 2 full days for that, trust me!), and hang out with the locals before your flight home from Siem Reap.

Overland Travel: Southern Vietnam + Cambodia

Spend a week in each country. There’s a ton of things to do in both southern Vietnam and Cambodia, but it’s also easy to pick and choose based on your interests. My suggestion is to start your trip in Siem Reap and see as much as you can of Angkor Wat in 2 days, and take an overnight bus to Sihanoukville’s Otres Beach for some R&R time, before another bus ride to Ho Chi Minh City. Apart from eating all the food , there’s a lot of history to explore especially for those interested in visiting the Củ Chi tunnels and the War Remnants museum. From there, it’s another bus ride to Mui Ne for some sandboarding fun, and Da Lat to check out some beautiful waterfalls, before flying home from Ho Chi Minh City.

Slow-Paced Travel: Laos + Northern Thailand

Laos is incredibly slow paced and rustic, which is great for relaxation and discovery. Spend about 9 days in Laos and you will find yourself surrounded by the most incredible waterfalls in the northern city of Luang Prabang, floating down the river on a tube, or motorbiking the Bolaven Plateau down south. Then take a slow boat to northern Thailand, and spend the next few days exploring Pai , savoring delicious local food, and temple hopping  in Chiang Mai before flying home.

First Name:

1-Month Southeast Asia Itinerary

If you have a full month, I’d suggest picking 1 country and really doing it justice, or picking 2 countries and spending about 2 weeks each. You can refer to the itineraries above and combine 2 of them, or pick 3 countries and spend about 10 days each. Here are some more adventure possibilities:

Island Fever: Philippines + Indonesia

One could easily spend a full month just in Indonesia or the Philippines, and still feel rushed since both are island nations with so much distance to cover. The good news is both have tons of variety and each one has its own unique luster. The Philippines is known for friendly people and stunning beaches, whereas Indonesia is known for having great food, some of the best diving in the world, and unique culture on each island. The good news is both are pretty cheap to enjoy. I suggest either picking one to explore over the course of one month, or spending half of your time in each. Here’s a Philippines itinerary and an Indonesia itinerary to help you narrow down exactly where you wish to go.

If you’re into diving, after much exploration in all of the best spots in both the Philippines and Indonesia, I can confidently recommend Raja Ampat if traveling in October – April and Komodo if traveling in May-September. Both will blow your mind!

Food and Culture: Singapore + Northern Thailand + Myanmar

Myanmar is not the quickest to travel through, but it’s also one of the best places in Southeast Asia for cultural exploration, gorgeous temples, friendly locals, and an opportunity to head farther off the beaten path than one can find in places like Thailand these days. With three weeks in Myanmar, you should be able to complete this Myanmar itinerary .

Best of both worlds: Vietnam + Cambodia

One of the best trips in Southeast Asia is traveling from tip to tip of Vietnam, either beginning in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City (but don’t forget to include  Sapa, Vietnam !). Give this Vietnam itinerary at least three weeks if you can, then head into Cambodia for Angkor Wat and if you have time, check out the smaller towns like  Kratie in Cambodia or head to the coast.

Off the beaten path: Laos + Myanmar

If you want to get away from the typical tourist route and are at peace with missing the Thai islands, focus on Laos and Myanmar, both of which are stunning countries that get fewer visitors. Either give two weeks to each country, picking your favorites from the Laos and Myanmar itineraries , or give one more weight and spend the bulk of your time in whichever calls to you more. Just make sure that at some point, you’re able to get to a major enough city to fly between the two to save time.

3-Month Southeast Asia Itinerary

You’ve got three months in Southeast Asia? Awesome! You can take your time more and enjoy each place you visit a bit more fully and feel less like you’re rushing around. While it may be tempting to try to blast through every country in Southeast Asia within these three months, as many travelers do, I highly advocate taking this time to more deeply immerse in the local culture and explore further than the well known destinations.

Since you have so much more time than the other itineraries, I’d leave a lot more room for serendipity and just pick a few must-sees to plan your trip around.

Here are the places that I recommend based on different interests to help you build a framework:

If You’re into Local Culture

For me, part of the allure of Southeast Asia is the various cultural sites and temples. Most countries have an interesting mix of different history, religions, and beliefs, resulting in different religious sites, styles of architecture, and cuisines. Here are the go-to places if you want to immerse yourself in the local culture:

Bagan, Myanmar: A UNESCO Heritage site and valley of more than 2,000+ ancient temples built during a golden era of Burma in the 12th century, this place is a must-see if you love temples. The best way to explore Bagan is to rent a bike and roam freely. Chances are you will end up in your own private little temple with no one else around to catch a beautiful sunrise or sunset.

Inle Lake, Myanmar: The floating villages, which are essentially neighborhoods on stilts, where locals live in huts built above a network of marsh and grass waterways, is a beautiful place to take a peek at the locals’ daily life. Take a boat and see what it’s like living on water.

Luang Prabang, Laos: Aside from the popular Kuang Si Waterfalls, Luang Prabang is also known for the early morning alms, where hundreds of monks walk along the streets to collect offerings from the locals. It is quite a sight that is worth setting your alarm for. Just make sure you watch it with distance and respect, and not be one of those tourists who shove their big cameras up in the monks’ faces.

Siam Reap, Cambodia: Angkor Wat is perhaps the most recognizable temple in Southeast Asia. Though the ticket prices have increased steeply over the years, you should still consider visiting it, especially if you are interested in temples and ruins.

Chiang Rai, Thailand:  The north of Thailand is home to some of the most creative temples I’ve seen, and there are hundreds of them. I promise you won’t get templed out if you pick the right ones to visit, though. My personal favorite is the White Temple , an architectural wonder that started in 1997, and is still undergoing construction until 2070.

Borneo: In Sarawak, the local tribes stay together in a longhouse. By together, I mean with the entire extended family. You can arrange a longhouse homestay with the local communities and experience what it’s like to live as a local tribe. Follow the family around as they go about their day, hang out with the children, and chat with the elders for a unique and unforgettable experience. Similar experiences are available in Sapa, northern Vietnam.

If You’re a Foodie

Bangkok, Thailand:  So. Much. Food! Whether it’s a local food market, street food stalls, or the restaurants galore in the giant shopping malls, Bangkok is guaranteed to satisfy your appetite. What’s really cool about Thai food is that you can try the same dish at drastically different price points. Pad Thai is a great example – I’ve had them straight from the wok at a night market for less than $1, at local restaurants for a bit more, and at luxury hotels for 5 times the price. To be honest, the street version is always my favorite! Needless to say, being a foodie in Bangkok is a lot of fun. Here are a few more of my suggestions on how to really fall in love with Bangkok.

Chiang Mai, Thailand : Aside from the delicious northern cuisine, Chiang Mai is also a great place to attend a cooking class and bring new skills home. In Chiang Mai, I went with Basil Cookery school which was pretty healthy and very well-run. You can see more about the cooking class and other Chiang Mai favorites here.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia : The capital city of Malaysia is a foodie’s wonderland, thanks to the country’s multiracial profile. Spoil yourself and indulge in Chinese, Malay, Indian and international cuisine at a reasonable price range. Immerse in the local culture by checking out a mamak (Indian Muslim eatery) for some awesome supper at night. There is a popular mamak within walking distance from the Petronas Twin Towers, in case you are wondering which one to go to!

Hanoi, Vietnam : Vietnamese food is a powerhouse mix of influences from all over the world. French, Chinese, and Japanese flavors blend with Vietnam’s own unique approach to food to create an unforgettable culinary experience. In Hanoi, the best way to sample the food is through a street food tour. Just ask your hostel / hotel for recommendations! Also, don’t forget to try an egg coffee at Cafe Giang! It sounds strange but it’s probably the best coffee I’ve ever had in my life, and that’s coming from a friend.

Singapore : As it’s the most expensive country in Southeast Asia, one would think that eating in Singapore is an expensive affair. I was very pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to find cheap and delicious street food through the hawker stalls, as well as hippie cafes serving western and even vegan food when I felt the need for a change.

If You’re into Beaches

These are not the typical suggestions you probably see that feature Phuket and Koh Samui. I like the places that fly under the radar a bit more, just on the cusp of popularity. They’re amazing because of who they attract, the fact that they aren’t as crowded, but that they offer the same as, or even more than, their more-known counterparts.

El Nido, The Philippines : With beautiful white sand beaches and blue waters, El Nido has everything a beach lover wants. Don’t limit yourself to just the main island, as there are many small islands around it worth exploring. Just search around and book an island hopping tour , and you will find yourself swimming in the crystal clear water, with a chance to encounter whale sharks and manta rays. For a unique experience, you can also camp on the beach.

Siargao, The Philippines : An off the beaten path island that is becoming more popular, but is still a laid-back surf island. Locals will welcome you into their guesthouses with open arms for you to explore powdery, undeveloped nearby islands, local cafes, fish markets, and surf!

The Nusa Islands, Indonesia : You can easily hop from one island to another, which is what makes the Nusa Islands so appealing even for those that are short on time. Each island has a ton of beautiful beaches and things to do. Click here for an awesome Nusa Islands itinerary !

The Gili Islands, Indonesia : Another 3-in-1 package deal, you can hop from Gili Air, to Gili Meno, and to Gili Trawangan . Each island offers a slightly different vibe, but all three islands have one thing in common – gorgeous beaches.

Tonsai Beach, Thailand : Rock climbers, slack liners, and beach bums alike love this hippie paradise. Go there and enjoy, but don’t tell anyone about it, okay?

Koh Chang, Thailand : I love Koh Chang because it’s closer to Bangkok than the southern islands in Thailand, making it a great choice for those low on time, and it’s just as beautiful but less touristy. It’s also lovingly referred to as the ‘last cheap island’ in Thailand. Lonely Beach is the backpacker hangout, though the whole island is worth exploring. It is also, in my opinion, the best island in Thailand for solo backpackers.

Perhentian Islands, Malaysia : These two islands right next to each other are so darn beautiful, and there’s a nice backpacker vibe on the smaller island. Book ahead when heading here, as things fill up quickly. Internet is very limited on the island, which is perfect for those who are seeking for a break from social media and work emails. It’s also great for diving!

If You’re into Hiking

Mount Rinjani, Indonesia : This 3 day/2 night hike was a truly unforgettable experience for me. I recommend showing up on Lombok and booking directly with a tour operator there rather than organizing through a travel agent elsewhere in Indonesia or online. The first two days of the trek are not too challenging, though the last day gets tough, offering a sweeping view from the top of the volcano as a reward. Find the  full guide to hiking Mount Rinjani here . I also highly recommend staying in Lombok and exploring the many waterfalls and beaches. It’s one of my favorites in all of Southeast Asia.

Mount Bromo, Indonesia : Mount Bromo is probably Indonesia’s most famous volcano. It sits at the eastern end of Java between Surabaya and Yogyakarta and is quite often lumped in as part of a tour heading out of one of those two cities. There are tons of tour operators selling Jeep tours to Mount Bromo, which is fun to some, but I did it independently and preferred it that way.

Kawah Ijen, Indonesia : Slightly more off the beaten path compared to Mount Rinjani and Mount Bromo, Mount Ijen is perfect for those who want to see something different (note: blue flames!). The volcano itself  is beautiful but hiking in with the stars, getting up close to the blue flames and viewing the truly stunning sunrise are what makes Mount Ijen so unique and special.

Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia : Why not hike up to the highest mountain in Southeast Asia? I managed to hike to the top in one day , but since the earthquake, it is no longer permitted. Hikers are required to do a minimum of 2D1N compulsory climb these days. The hike is challenging, almost entirely straight up stairs, but the view on top is absolutely stunning. Given the weather conditions, hikers often make it close to the summit and have to turn back. If possible, leave some room for serendipity just in case you need to stay one more night for the bad weather to pass.

Doi Chiang Dao, Thailand : Doi Chiang Dao is Thailand’s third tallest peak, accessible via a fairly easy drive 1.5 hours north of Chiang Mai and surrounded by mountain after mountain in every direction. It’s a lovely hike worth including in your northern Thailand itinerary. Concrete information online was hard to find, so here’s my guide to hiking Doi Chiang Dao that has everything you need to know!

Kalaw, Myanmar : Many people visiting the popular Inle Lake choose to do a 3-day trek from Kalaw to get there. The trek takes you through valleys and small villages where you’ll stay each night, experiencing rural Myanmar life. The cost is cheap, the views are spectacular, and the trek is life-changing. There are no hot showers, no electricity, and no internet, just pure experiences with the nicest people on earth.

If You’re into Diving

Raja Ampat, Indonesia : The liveaboard diving trip I did in Raja Ampat was the hands down best diving trip I’ve ever done in my life, and this is coming from a girl who has done more than 150 dives! The area was largely uninhabited, where I spent afternoons pretending to be a mermaid, and the time spent under water was incredible, with tons of diversity and abundance of sea creatures. If you want to see Manta rays, turtles, Wobbegong sharks, Mobula rays, Spotted rays, Black-Tipped Reef sharks and Groupers, go to Raja Ampat. It’s worth going the distance for.

Sipadan Island, Borneo : It’s called one of the best diving sites in the world for a reason. I love that they limit the area to only 120 divers per day, which really helps sustain the ecosystem and keeps the site beautiful and safe for both the sea creatures and visitors. Make sure you book at least 2 weeks in advance.

Coron, Philippines : This was another liveaboard diving trip I did in the Philippines and enjoyed thoroughly. If you love wreck dives, Coron is the perfect choice for you. I remember clocking around 10 wreck dives in 6 days!

Tioman Island, Malaysia : So underrated, but so good! The island is dreamy and beautiful, yet you won’t have to share it with too many other people. My guess is that since the restaurant choices are very limited, alcohol isn’t widely available, and you can pretty much forget about getting on the Internet, it keeps the crowds away.

Komodo, Indonesia: If Raja Ampat and Sipadan take the #1 spot for the best diving I’ve done, then Komodo is a very, very close second. The soft corals are colorful and gorgeous and it’s full of sea turtles and the occasional Manta ray as well. Plus, most liveaboard trips combine an excursion to see the Komodo dragons as well.

If You’re Seeking Spirituality

Chaiya, Thailand : I did a 10-day silent meditation retreat at Wat Suan Mokkh, Chaiya district, located in Surat Thani province, close to the popular Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao. The retreat takes place at a Buddhist monastery in the forest where the attendees don’t speak, use technology, or even read books. They just meditate. Held once a month (from the 1st – 10th), Wat Suan Mokkh is a beautiful place for those who are into spirituality and meditation.

New Life Foundation, Thailand : Though this is more of a place to live and volunteer for a month or longer, particularly for those who are stressed out and just need a little vacation from everyday life, they do hold retreats here from time to time. I attended a silent meditation retreat at the center and found it to be more comfortable and an overall easier experience than Wat Suan Mokkh, though the two are hard to compare as they’re so different. You can read more about New Life here .

Bali, Indonesia : If you’re looking for a yoga retreat, Bali is the epicenter of such things in Southeast Asia. Each month all over the island there are tons of retreats to choose from that focus on wholistic wellness, raw food diets, tantric yoga, and a wealth of other options. You can find them on this booking engine . If you want something a bit more relaxed and remote, look at the Nusa Islands , which are just a 30-minute ferry ride away from Bali.

Siquijor Island, Philippines : The mystical island is full of healers and witches. If you want this experience, the first thing to do is talk to a local if you can. See if you can get him or her to bring you to a legitimate shaman. I spoke with another traveler who did a smoke clearing ritual in the middle of the island with a folk healer, which he gave me a moderately excited review of. You can find them  here  if it interests you.

If You’re into Wildlife

Chiang Mai, Thailand : Elephants are one of the icons of Thailand. Many visitors are excited about interacting with them, but sadly, it has resulted in unethical businesses that involve torturing wild elephants to tame them for entertainment purposes. It’s our responsibility, as tourists, to make sure we’re putting our money into the hands of programs that make their lives better. Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai is a highly reputable sanctuary for rehabilitated elephants. If you want to play (feed & bathe only, no riding) with elephants ethically, I recommend checking it out.

Sabah, Borneo:  Borneo is a great place for some adventure time deep in the jungle. Danum Valley Conservation Area is a beautiful place known for its beautiful primary forest and wildlife experience. For an experience that will remind you of the Amazon in Peru , check out Lower Kinabatangan River. Finally, Deramakot Forest Reserve is wonderful for many reasons – it is in accordance with good forestry practices, you will have the opportunities to see Pygmy elephants, bearded pigs and orangutans.

Komodo National Park, Indonesia : I had a close encounter with dragons in Komodo . They are the world’s largest, bloodthirsty lizards that roam freely on Rinca Island. This is also the only place on Earth that you can see them, so if you find yourself in Indonesia, be sure to check them out. Other than the Komodo Dragons, you may also chance upon the manta rays, sharks, turtles, and dolphins if you dive!

Bukit Lawang, Sumatra, Indonesia:  For an even more authentic orangutan experience, head to Sumatra. I just loved the little jungle town of Bukit Lawang, accessible via Medan, for hanging out, tubing down the river, and of course, jungle trekking to see the orangutans.

If You’re an Adrenaline Junkie

Cebu, Philippines : Many people rave about the Kawasan Falls tour, for a good reason! It’s a thrilling day trip around the area with canyoneering, cliff jumping, jungle trekking, and swimming on the docket. Your experience ends at Kawasan Falls, a picturesque waterfall that plummets into the turquoise lagoon below and has quickly become an instagram favorite. When you see it, you’ll understand why!

Vang Vieng, Laos : With strict rules and regulations imposed on the once deadly tubing that was notoriously popular among backpackers, the activity is now safer and just as fun as before. Other than tubing, kayaking and rock climbing are also popular in that area.

Gibbon Experience, Laos:  If trekking and ziplining through a lush jungle and staying in a treehouse is on your radar, check out the Gibbon Experience in Laos. Brochures can be found in almost all hostels, so you just have to ask! It’s also possible to book online .

Country Motorbiking in Vietnam or Laos:  If you are comfortable on a motorbike, take a road trip! You get all the freedom in the world, and it’s a great way to experience Vietnam from north to south  (or visa versa) or to explore Laos’ Bolaven Plateau, which is basically waterfall heaven.

If You’re into Off the Beaten Path Adventures

Myanmar:  Myanmar has only decided to open up its door to tourism a little 6 years ago. The locals are still getting used to seeing foreigners, and traveling around can be quite challenging and confusing. However, this is a paradise for those who are looking for a journey in Southeast Asia that’s off the beaten path. Just look further from the popular spots like Yangon and Inle Lake, talk to the locals (many young locals are receiving linguistic education from volunteers, and they are encouraged to practice their English with tourists! Just be friendly and respectful), who will be happy to show you around, rent a bike if you are comfortable on one and just ride away. Check this itinerary for the best spots .

Nong Khiaw, Laos : Though only a 4 hour bus ride away, Nong Khiaw is often hidden in the shadow of Luang Prabang’s popular waterfalls and backpacker area. It is a quiet, laid-back village with just a few guesthouses lying around. There are a few hills that make for amazing sunrise/sunset spots, and if you want to go even further, take a 2 hour walk to another village, Huay Bo, for a rustic, wholesome overnight stay with the locals. You’ll wake up to the sound of roosters, walk around a small village with kids running around, women making Laos liquor, and men working away in the fields.

Lampang, Thailand : Lampang is a northern province that is fairly popular among the locals, but not so much with the foreigners just yet. When I did a road trip there I found an emerald lake and had it to myself, until a small group of local cyclists came. I also hiked up to Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat, Thailand’s floating pagodas , and again, had the place mostly to myself except for a few local tourists. What’s keeping tourists away from these spots is the accessibility, but if you are considering renting a car, you will not have any problem getting there.

I gotta say it’s not easy putting this together, there’s just so much Southeast Asia has to offer! But I hope the itineraries are helpful to you, and if you need more information about each of the Southeast Asian countries, check out the destination page , where I’ve included the essential information, accommodation guides, transportation tips, top things to do, and all of the blog posts from each country. Enjoy the journey, and comment below if there’s any other places in Southeast Asia that you think I should visit next!

What to Pack for Backpacking in Southeast Asia

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06/17/2018 at 9:05 pm

Great overview of traveling in Southeast Asia! I have a questions for you. If you could ONLY go back to one country, which one would you choose?

Kristin says

06/19/2018 at 9:31 pm

In Southeast Asia? I’d pick Indonesia because it’s so huge and diverse.

Renuka Walter says

06/18/2018 at 7:30 am

I’m amazed! I’m always looking for a trip somewhere in Europe, but I think I should think about planning a trip in Southeast Asia. Lovely pictures!

06/18/2018 at 10:06 am

You have clearly put a ton of effort into this post, very impressive. You are to be commended and I will use this for any travel I do one day in SE Asia, I promise. The beauty of it is in my case I might be restricted to a few countries and limited time so this will help me immensely in planning a custom itinerary. You seem to really have covered your bases, tapped into years of past posts, videos and personal experiences. A beautiful, organized collage. The only thing I could possibly add to this for those who, in addition to outdoor, solo adventure, like shopping binges along the way is that Kuala Lumpur is ranked 4th in the world by CNN as the best city to shop :). Three of the 10 biggest malls in the world are there, they say at least. I’ve heard Bangkok is pretty good too. I don’t know if this is really an addition to this, but a side note :). As another interesting side note: There is a ski “resort” inside a megamall in Penang, Malaysia called “Snowland” or “Snowland at Megamall Penang”. It looks like fun. According to one site I found, it is fun for those who have never done it before and drops 46 meters and has 6 snow machines which keep it at -5 degrees C in the indoor arena, so it feels real too. Have you ever heard of it? There’s also “SnowTown Saigon” but I think that is more for kids and there is a small ski slope for training (it is warmer though, 10-15C). I found these when wondering about snow/skiing in SE Asia and found “snow” here :). Keep up the fine work you are doing!

06/19/2018 at 9:30 pm

There’s a ski resort in Malaysia?! Wow! Never heard of it until now!

09/23/2018 at 1:39 am

I love this post! I’m going to be in Southeast Asia with my boyfriend for 1,5 months this November and December. Though we’d be considered typical backpackers, being young, on a budget and traveling with a backpack (obviously), we are less into partying and more into exploring. We thought about following route:

Week 1 Starting in Hanoi and experience it for a few days Heading over to Chiang Mai, exploring Northern Thailand (including Wat Chaloem, Doi Inthanon, maybe Pai and the Elephant Nature Park)

Week 2 Traveling to Cambodia and taking a few days to visit Angkor Wat and maybe Sihanoukville Flying to Bangkok

Week 3 Exploring Bangkok Doing some island hopping in the south of Thailand

Week 4 Heading over to Kuala Lumpur for a few days Flying to Singapore and do some sightseeing

Week 5 (and half of Week 6) Bali Chill-Out (maybe exploring Nusa Penida)

I am afraid this could be to strict and fast-paced, but we don’t want to miss out on something. Would you recommend skipping Taiwan, which we want to visit before starting in Hanoi, to have one extra week in SEA (maybe for a whole 2 weeks in Bali and another few days in Northern Thailand)? Or skipping Kuala Lumpur for a few days extra on the islands in South Thailand?

Thanks and keep up the good work!

09/23/2018 at 5:49 pm

I would recommend spending more time in fewer countries and then having looser plans while you’re there. I tend to burn out when I’m moving so fast.

Rickey Masters says

12/04/2018 at 11:52 am

where can you go as a person with a hip disability. I am unable to backpack but can ride motorbikes. I understand my limitations but am eager to make 1 trip to as many countries as I can. time is not a limitation and money would be subject to a medium budget. Thank you for your knowledge and help

12/04/2018 at 11:48 pm

Anyone here have suggestions? I can’t answer from personal experience but I’d love to find out as well!

07/10/2019 at 2:31 am

George Town, Penang Island ‘s d food capital of Malaysia ! Kuala Lumpur pales in comparison..

Carlos says

11/27/2019 at 6:20 pm

Great article, the only thing I miss… where to go if you love to party!

11/28/2019 at 8:06 am

Pretty much everywhere! I’m not a party person but the Thai islands, Cambodian coast, most of the major cities and tourist towns will all have party options.

Siim Kuusik says

01/17/2020 at 12:41 pm

As for me and my girlfriend Malaysia so far has been the best country in Southeast Asia so far, because they have 50% Malaysians 30% Chinese and 20% Indians living there, which means they have the BEST foods there in ONE country. And it is cheap!

Ava Brown says

02/09/2020 at 8:26 pm

Nice blog you have here with unique and different thoughts!

3 Week Southeast Asia Itinerary: Best Routes + Planning Tips (For 2024)

Southeast Asia is without a doubt one of the most fascinating and diverse regions in the world.

With its stunning beaches, mouthwatering food, interesting culture and history, and incredible wildlife, it's no wonder that many travelers, including myself, become absolutely obsessed after visiting Southeast Asia for the first time.

If you're creating your travel plan and aiming to allocate three weeks to Southeast Asia, you'll have plenty of time to visit some of the region's most renowned countries, such as Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia.

There's certainly no one-size-fits-all itinerary as Southeast Asia is big and everyone does it a little differently, but trust me, it always turns out amazing in the end, even with little to no plan!

I understand that planning a trip can feel overwhelming, not knowing where to start or which places to visit. But don't worry, after traveling across many countries in Southeast Asia as a solo female traveler, with friends as well as as a couple, I've put together six different itineraries, which are tailored to different types of travelers.

I'm sure that one of them will be just right for you. So, let's get started and make your trip unforgettable!

Best countries and places in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is a dream destination with 11 amazing countries and over 25,000 stunning islands. While I can't cover everything in this guide, let me focus on my favorite countries and itineraries.

Thailand  awaits you with its breathtaking beaches and picturesque islands in the south. Round this off with amazing food, beautiful Buddhist temples in it's capital city and natural beauty and some of the best night markets in Thailand's northern region. Oh an did I mention the adorable elephants you can volunteer with?

History buffs and culture lovers will fall in love with  Cambodia , especially for its incredible ancient temples around Siem Reap like Angkor Wat.

If you're up for the ultimate backpacking adventure,  Vietnam  is the place to be. With its affordable prices, stunning nature, iconic Halong Bay, and delicious food, it's not wonder its one of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia.

Malaysia  offers the perfect mix of city life, breathtaking nature, and mouthwatering food. From the bustling capital Kuala Lumpur to the stunning beaches in Langkawi, it fits in every itinerary. Plus KL is a real hub with direct flights to many destinations around Southeast Asia.

Don't forget to include  Singapore  in your itinerary for a fantastic city break! Having lived and studied in Singapore for a few months has truly won be over to be a lifelong fan of this city. With its modern and futuristic architecture, fun theme parks, and incredible hawker stall food, it's a must-visit destination.

The  Philippines  is the ideal spot for all beach lovers. With its pristine, crystal-clear waters, powdery white shorelines, and serene island atmosphere, it's an ideal destination for relaxation, surfing and adventure.

Last but not least,  Indonesia  is a true highlight in Southeast Asia. Indulge in luxury in Bali, learn to surf in Lombok, or visit the Komodo Dragons in Flores. Indonesia is the perfect all-rounder, plus it still has plenty of undiscovered destinations that are well worth visiting.

1. Three week Southeast Asia itinerary for first-timers: Thailand – Cambodia – Vietnam

If you're planning to travel around Southeast Asia for the first time, one of the most popular routes among travelers is Thailand – Cambodia – Vietnam.

Visiting those three countries offers a perfect mix of everything, from beautiful beaches, floating marketing and wildlife in Thailand to ancient ruins in Cambodia and stunning natural beauty and bustling cities in Vietnam.

Day 1-9: Thailand

Bangkok: 2-3 nights

Thailand is often considered the gateway to Southeast Asia, with Bangkok's International Airport making it super accessible from almost anywhere in the world.

Plus, Thailand has a fantastic infrastructure for tourists, making it easy to get around.

Your journey will likely begin in Bangkok, the busy capital city known for its amazing street food and magnificent temples. Take a few days to explore the city and visit must-see sights like the Grand Palace and the various floating markets and night markets. Khao San Road should be on your list to visit if you're backpacking and looking for the best parties in town.

Chiang Mai: 3 nights

After Bangkok, take a short 1-hours flight to get to Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand, famous for its breathtaking nature and impressive temples. You can go on a trekking tour in the jungle, visit the ethical Elephant Nature Park, or simply unwind in one of the many spas in the Old City.

As the sun sets, browse some of the night markets, Tha Pae Sunday Walking Street is my most favourite and the best one in the entire city in my eyes. And don't miss the chance to indulge in some delicious northern Thai dishes – they're absolutely mouthwatering!

From Chiang Mai, you can take plenty of great day trips or even spend a night in some of the nearby towns like Pai, which is loved for trekking or Chiang Rai , where you'll find the famous white temple.

Southern Thailand Islands: 3-4 nights

Next up, it's time for some island hopping! Koh Phangan is a popular choice for its stunning beaches and crazy nightlife build around the Full Moon Party.

However, if you're looking for a more laid-back vibe, head to Koh Lanta or Koh Samui . Both islands are super laid back with pristine beaches and incredible beachfront hotels to enjoy.

As another alternative, consider staying in Phuket , a vibrant island paradise in the Andaman Sea known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and diverse range of activities. Phuket is very family-friendly also also got quieter parts with adult-only hotels, perfect for couples and honeymooners.

If you're curious to learn more about Thailand, including the best places to stay and things to do, feel free to check out my other  guides !

Day 10-13: Cambodia

From Thailand, take either a short flight or an overnight bus to Siem Reap in Cambodia.

The town of Siem Reap is the gateway to the famous Angkor Wat temple complex, which is not only an architectural masterpiece but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Spend at least two days exploring all the different temples, and don't forget to catch the sunrise or sunset at Angkor Wat. Watching the sunrise behind this beautiful temple is probably my personal highlight of this entire itinerary!

After temple hopping, head to the capital city, Phnom Penh, for a taste of urban Cambodian life. Visit the Royal Palace, Genocide Museum, and the Killing Fields to learn more about the country's tragic history and culture, it's eye-opening!

Day 14-21: Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City: 2-3 nights

Last but not least, it's time for some adventure in Vietnam! Start in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon) and explore the bustling city before heading to the stunning Mekong Delta for a boat tour.

Hoi An: 3 nights

Next, make your way up to Hoi An, a charming ancient town filled with lanterns, street food, and tailors. Get some custom-made clothes or try the city's signature dish, Cao Lau.

Halong Bay + Hanoi: 4 nights

End your perfect Southeast Asia itinerary in the gorgeous Halong Bay, famous for its thousands of limestone islands and emerald waters. Spend a night on one of the amazing cruise ships, go kayaking or swimming, and soak in the stunning scenery.

Spend your final days exploring the charming alleys and busy streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter. Before departing from Hanoi's International Airport, I suggest you join a food tour, as Hanoi is celebrated as Vietnam's culinary epicenter.

2. Three week Southeast Asia itinerary for couples: Singapore – Indonesia

If you're a couple or on a honeymooner or simply looking for a mix of sightseeing and relaxation, let me suggest two amazing destinations.

For luxurious hotels, you can't go wrong with Singapore. And for fantastic romantic islands, flower baths, and floating breakfasts, Indonesia is the place to be!

Day 1-4: Singapore

Singapore is a great way to start off your Southeast Asia trip. As soon as you arrive, you'll notice that Singapore has a very unique vibe. With its modern cityscape, fancy shopping malls, and the world's best airport , it's unlike any other city in Southeast Asia.

During your stay, make sure to spend a day on Sentosa Island. It's home to Universal Studios and some of the most beautiful beaches in Singapore.

While you're here, you also need to visit the Gardens by the Bay, a mesmerizing horticultural wonder in Singapore. It features stunning Supertree Grove structures and lush botanical gardens, and every night there is a cool light show that you shouldn't miss.

For an iconic and unforgettable experience, I highly suggest a stay at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel, a boat-shaped architectural marvel that dominates the Singapore skyline. It has an incredible infinity pool on top , which you've probably already seen in pictures. I can confirm, it's even more amazing in person!

Check out my other Singapore  guides  as well to discover more tips and tricks for your trip.

Day 5-21: Indonesia

Canggu: 3 nights

From Singapore, fly to Bali, Indonesia's most popular holiday destination. It's known for its beautiful beach clubs, restaurants, and luxurious resorts, making it the perfect spot for couples looking for a romantic getaway.

First, head to Canggu , the ideal area to fully dive into Bali's incredible food scene (yes, Bali offers lots of vegetarian and vegan options, probably more than any other country in Southeast Asia) and enjoy some of the best beach clubs or pamper yourself at the many spas.

Canggu is one of my personal favorite spots in Bali, however, it is a lot more busy now. While it does have many luxury villas, it doesn't have such a large variety of luxury hotels.

As an alternative, I recommend choosing a luxury hotel in Uluwatu , there are some stunning properties with breathtaking ocean views from the cliffs, world-class amenities, and a secluded and private stay.

Ubud: 3 nights

Make sure to spend a few days in Ubud too, known as the cultural and spiritual heart of Bali.

You can explore temples, enjoy traditional dance performances, yoga classes, yummy cafes and immerse yourself in the stunning surrounding rice terraces and visit nearby Ubud waterfalls .

Lombok: 4-5 nights

Next, hop over to Lombok (you can fly or take a boat trip), Bali's laid-back and less touristy neighbor.

It boasts some of the most breathtaking beaches in Indonesia, perf ect for a romantic trip among unspoiled natural beauty, stunning beaches and challenging hiking opportunities, such as the Mount Rinjani trek. Plus, it's an excellent place for couples who love surfing!

Gili Islands: 2-3 nights

From northern Lombok, you can easily hop over to the Gili Islands , if you're looking for an island experience. Gili Air should definitely be your top pick for couples and honeymooners . There are a handful of very affordable luxury accommodations and you can have a romantic dinner right on the beach with your feet in the sand.

Komodo Islands: 3 nights

To wrap up your Indonesia trip, head to Komodo National Park , where you can get up close with the famous Komodo Dragons. This part of your trip will be driven by more adventure activities.

It's also a fantastic spot for snorkeling and diving, with crystal-clear waters and a rich marine life. On the nearby island of Flores, you'll find Labuan Bajo, the gateway town to the Komodo islands with plenty of surf shops and smaller, romantic boutique hotels and resorts.

Indonesia is definitely one of the most diverse countries and fits into loads of different itineraries. If you want to find out more about this amazing country, take a look at my other articles with plenty of  travel tips and tricks .

3. Three week Southeast Asia itinerary for backpackers: Vietnam – Laos – Cambodia

If you're a backpacker or a budget traveler looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure in Southeast Asia, I've got the ultimate itinerary for you. Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia are absolute must-visits that are not only super affordable but also offer incredible experiences.

Day 1-12: Vietnam

Begin your 3 weeks in Southeast Asia itinerary in the bustling Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, which is full of lively mark ets, fascinating museums, and delicious street food.

You definitely have to visit the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, then make your way to the Ben Thanh Market, where you can find everything from souvenirs to tasty local dishes.

Dalat & Nha Trang: 2-4 nights

You can fly to Dalat, but the cheaper option is to take an overnight bus that will leave just before midnight and get you into Dalat around 7 am. If you're a backpacker, this will also save you one night of accommodation.

Dalat, a mountain town is a favorite among trekkers and the ideal spot to explore Vietnam's mountain ranges, go trekking, explore waterfalls, and simply enjoy nature.

From Dalat, head towards the ocean to Nha Trang , a town celebrated for its pristine beaches, water sports, and vibrant nightlife. You can also decide on either Dalat or Nha Trang, depending on whether trekking or beach time is more your jam and stay in either for a few nights.

I recommend flying to Hoi An, it's 1 hour by plane vs a 15-hour bus journey, which may be cheap but in my eyes not worth it.

Spend the following day wandering the magical ancient town of Hoi An, perfect for budget travelers.

You'll absolutely love the incredibly affordable food and accommodation options in Hoi An . The town itself is the most beautiful in Vietnam with its night markets and mix of Japanese and colonial architecture.

Hanoi & Halong Bay: 3-4 nights

Wrap up your Vietnam journey in Hanoi, the bustling capital city. The Old Quarter and Train Street in Hanoi are two of my favorite stops that you also shouldn't miss.

But of course, from Hanoi, you should also make your way to embark on one of the famous Ha Long Bay cruises and discover the famous Cat Ba Island. There are plenty of full-day trips or overnight package tours you can book. If you have the time and money, an overnight stay on a sailboat is something you'll be remembering for the rest of your life.

To learn more about Vietnam, check out my other  guides  for all the must-see places and travel tips.

Day 13-17: Laos

Luang Prabang: 2 nights

Hop on a 24-hour bus (yes, that long!) in Hanoi or take a short flight, which is my preferred option as you can often find a cheap flight, to the laid-back country of Laos.

The first stop is Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that impresses with its ancient temples, markets, and the fa mous Kuang Si Waterfall, with its turquoise cascading tiers and lush jungle surroundings.

Vang Vieng: 2 nights

Next up, head to Vang Vieng, a backpacker's paradise filled with thrilling activities like tubing and rock climbing. But the coolest thing to do here? Rent a dune buggy and explore the countryside, discovering hidden lagoons and viewpoints along the way.

Optional: 1 night in Vientiane

If you're short on time, skip Vientiane! But if you like, you can wrap up your Laos adventure in the capital city of Vientiane.

As a less crowded Southeast Asia city, it's got some charming parts with a unique blend of French colonial architecture, traditional temples, and some nice restaurants, however, overall I think there are slightly better cities in this itinerary.

Day 18-21: Cambodia

Siem Reap: 3 nights

On this epic backpacking trip, Cambodia is your final stop. I recommend flying into Siam Reap, as it's a much quicker journey. Visiting Angkor Wat will definitely be your absolute highlight.

Take a few days to explore this ancient temple complex, one of the most impressive in the world. Trust me, waking up early to catch the sunrise behind this majestic temple is totally worth it!

Optional: 2 nights in Phnom Penh

Consider adding two nights in Phnom Penh as an option for your itinerary.

Phnom Penh, the capital city, has had a difficult past, but now it's a great place to dive into Cambodia's food scene and the popular night markets.

While you're here, you have to visit the Killing Fields and the Genocide Museum. I know it might not be for everyone, but it really gives you a better understanding of Cambodia's tragic history.

4. Three week Southeast Asia itinerary for families: Thailand – Malaysia – Singapore

Southeast Asia also offers a fantastic family-friendly itinerary, featuring a mix of experiences, from exciting watersports on breathtaking beaches to close encounters with wildlife and a visit to one of the best theme parks in Southeast Asia, that will surely captivate the kids.

Day 1-10: Thailand

Phuket: 4 nights

Thailand is the perfect vacation spot for families. For the first 10 days, you'll explore different islands that are conveniently located close to each other. 

Start off in Phuket, where you can relax on the beach and take a day trip to Phi Phi Islands for some awesome snorkeling and island exploration. This is a great day trip for families with older children and may not be suitable for families with very young children.

Krabi or Koh Lanta: 3 nights

Then, head over to Krabi to visit the famous Railay Beach, try a variety of watersports and enjoy rock climbing or a sunset boat ride along the coast. 

Koh Lanta is another must-visit island known for its laid-back atmosphere and beautiful beaches. Here, the whole family can take a family-friendly cooking class or visit the Lanta Animal Welfare Center to play with rescued dogs and cats. 

I would choose between Krabi and Koh Lanta. Krabi is great for families with older kids as it's got some great adventure activities, whereas Koh Lanta is a bit more laid back and has some good beachfront resorts that cater to families with younger children.

Koh Lipe or Koh Samui: 3 nights

Finally, spend a few days on the island of Koh Lipe, a hidden gem with stunning beaches and plenty of opportunities for snorkeling and boat trips.

It's essential to be aware that Koh Lipe is relatively remote, and there may be limited facilities and activities specifically designed for younger children. If you're a family with young kids, research and plan accordingly and ensure the accommodations you book are child-friendly.

On the other side of Thailand, Koh Samui is a highly family-friendly island nestled in the Gulf of Thailand.

This island is particularly convenient for families due to its airport, which simplifies the journey, especially when traveling with children, eliminating the need for a lengthy mainland journey and boat trip.

Day 11-17: Malaysia

Langkawi or Penang: 3-4 nights

From Koh Lipe, it's super easy to take a ferry to Langkawi in Malaysia. This island is famous for its duty-free shops and beautiful beaches, perfect for a few days of relaxation. 

Alternatively, head to Penang, a cultural and foodie paradise. Penang was actually one of my first trips within Southeast Asia when I was living in Singapore.

Take your family on a street art tour or try delicious local dishes at the night markets. Don't miss the Escape Adventureplay Theme Park, which offers excitement for kids and adults alike! 

Kuala Lumpur: 2-3 nights

Your last stop in Malaysia will be Kuala Lumpur, the capital city.

Visit the iconic Petronas Towers, go shopping in one of the many shopping centers, and take a day trip to the famous Batu Caves.

Day 18-21: Singapore

Singapore may be different from Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries, but it's a fantastic destination for a family trip, being extremely clean and safe.

As a family, I recommend staying on Sentosa Island or along Orchard Road. Also, read my full Singapore accommodation guide with all areas.

Start off by visiting Universal Studios Singapore, one of the best theme parks in the region. Then, explore Gardens by The Bay and take all the pictures at the iconic Supertree Grove.

Check out the interactive ArtScience Museum or head to Sentosa Island for some beach time and water sports.

On your last day, make sure to visit the world-famous Singapore Zoo. Get up close and personal with amazing animals like elephants, giraffes, and pandas. The best thing about the zoo is that you can join a night safari to see plenty of nocturnal animals, definitely something I highly recommend!

Singapore might be just a city, but there is so much to do, you could fill weeks of exploration, but a few days is certainly enough to have a great time.

5. Three week Southeast Asia itinerary for adventurers: Indonesia – Malaysia

If you're up for an adventurous journey and looking to explore beyond the usual tourist path, then Indonesia and Malaysia are the perfect destinations for you.

And no, I'm not talking about well-traveled paths in Bali and Langkawi. This itinerary is going to be a little different, but trust me, it'll be worth it!

It's also a great itinerary if you've traveled Southeast Asia extensively and looking for some new places to discover.

Day 1-14: Indonesia

Jakarta: 2-3 nights

Let's start off in the chaotic city of Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia. Here, you can visit the National Monument, modern shopping centers and dive int o the amazing food scene of the country.

Borobudur & Yogyakarta : 4-5 nights

Next, head to Yogyakarta and spend a few days exploring the ancient temples of Borobudur and Prambanan, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

From Yogyakarta, you can also take trips to Mount Bromo and Volcano Ijen.

Mount Ijen is an absolute must-see on this trip. It's a volcano with a sulfur mine in its crater, and you can actually climb down into the crater. You'll witness blue flames shooting out of the ground and observe the locals mining sulfur.

Sumatra: 7-8 nights

Take a flight to Sumatra and discover some of Indonesia's most incredible wildlife.

You can go scuba diving or snorkeling to discover breathtaking marine life and hang out on stunning beaches. It's also one of the few places in the world where you can go jungle trekking to see orangutans in the wild. And Sumatra also boasts some of the best surf spots in Indonesia.

Sumatra's top spots include Bukit Lawang for orangutan treks, the scenic beauty of Lake Toba, the renowned rendang cuisine in Padang, and the surfers' paradise of the Mentawai Islands, showcasing the best of Indonesia's nature and culture.

Day 15-21: Malaysia

Borneo: 3 nights

From Sumatra, catching a flight to Kota Kinabalu on Malaysian Borneo is a breeze.

Borneo is home to one of the oldest rainforests in the world and is an absolute must-visit for any adventurer. Embark on a multi-day trek through the jungle, spot wild orangutans, and experience life in an indigenous village.

You can also visit the famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and take a boat ride along the Kinabatangan River to witness even more wildlife. Something most visitors to Southeast Asia do not get to see, this is very special!

Pulau Mabul: 3 nights

Wrap up your Malaysian adventure with a visit to Pulau Mabul, located right next to Borneo. This island is famous for its world-class scuba diving resorts and snorkeling spots.

If you're not scuba certified, don't worry! All the resorts and dive schools here offer beginner courses too.

Head back to Borneo and catch a flight to Kuala Lumpur. If you have an extra night or two and haven't been to KL before, I recommend you explore the city, visit the iconic Petronas Towers, and end your trip on a high note in one of the awesome rooftop bars.

This itinerary may not be your typical Southeast Asia trip, but I promise it will give you a unique and unforgettable experience filled with all kinds of different adventures.

6. Three week Southeast Asia for beach lovers: Singapore – Philippines

If you're looking for a relaxing getaway with laid-back island vibes and stunning beaches, my Singapore-Philippines itinerary is just what you need.

Start your itinerary in the modern city of Singapore, explore the city, theme parks, rooftop bars and the beautiful city beaches. Then, hop over to the Philippines for a tropical paradise experience. From Singapore to Manila, the flight will take just about 4 hours.

Day 1-5: Singapore

Starting your journey in Singapore is absolutely perfect for slowly getting accustomed to Southeast Asia. The city is an amazing blend of Asian and Western influences and is incredibly modern, clean and safe.

Sentosa Island is the ultimate paradise for beach lovers. With its stunning Siloso Beach and Tanjong Beach, you'll be in beach heaven. Plus, you can try plenty of different water sports like kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and jet-skiing here.

Not only that, but the island also has a wide range of luxurious beach resorts and is home to Universal Studios Singapore, where the whole family can have a blast!

Day 6-21: Philippines

Palawan & El Nido or Coron: 3-5 nights

Next up, let's head over to the beautiful Philippines, where you can spend your days hopping between the most stunning islands in all of Southeast Asia.

Start off in Palawan, known for its crystal clear waters and beautiful beaches. You definitely don't want to miss El Nido and Coron , where you can go on island-hopping day trips to discover hidden lagoons and snorkel with colorful marine life.

Boracay: 3 nights

Then, make your way to Boracay, famous for its white sandy beaches and laid-back atmosphere.

Try yourself on water activities like parasailing and jet-skiing or simply relax on the beach with a refreshing coconut in hand.

Boracay is the perfect island to enjoy some laid-back days in one of its fantastic resorts . B oracay also has a range of beachfront bars and nightclubs, making it a popular destination for anyone seeking an after-dark scene.

Bohol or Siquijor: 3-4 nights

Siquijor Island is a must-visit for all beach lovers, with its stunning coastlines and secluded coves.

And of course, we can't forget about the world-famous island of Bohol. Here you will explore the famous Chocolate Hills and have a chance to see some of the smallest primates in the world, the tarsier!

I would choose just one destination, either Bohol or Siquijor. Bohol is known for its iconic Chocolate Hills and stunning beaches on Panglao Island (I recommend staying on Panglao as well instead of the mainland), while Siquijor offers a more tranquil and mystical island experience with its enchanting forests and pristine beaches.

Siargao: 3-4 nights

Finally, end your trip on Siargao, known as the surfing capital of the Philippines. Even if you're not into surfing, this island has plenty to offer with its breathtaking beaches, lagoons, and waterfalls.

This itinerary is perfect for beach lovers like myself who want a mix of relaxation and activities. And if you want to know more about the Philippines islands, then take a look at my other  travel guides .

Southeast Asia Pre-Travel Tips

Before embarking on your Southeast Asia adventure, here are some tips to help you plan and prepare for a smooth and enjoyable trip.

Research Visa Requirements

Make sure to research the visa requirements for each country you plan on visiting in Southeast Asia. Some countries offer visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival options, while others may require you to obtain a tourist visa in advance. It's important to know the requirements and timelines to avoid any last-minute issues.

Pack Accordingly

Southeast Asia is known for its hot and humid weather, so pack light, breathable clothing that will keep you comfortable throughout your trip. Be sure to also pack appropriate attire if you plan on visiting religious sites or temples, as modest dress may be required.

Get Vaccinated

Check with your doctor about recommended vaccinations for Southeast Asia, and make sure to get them in advance of your trip. It's also a good idea to bring any necessary medication or supplements with you, as it may be harder to find them. The same goes for women's products when you visit Southeast Asia.

Plan Your Budget

Southeast Asia is generally a budget-friendly destination, but it's still important to plan and budget accordingly. Research the average costs of accommodations, transportation, food, and activities in each country you plan on visiting to create a realistic budget for your trip.

Be Aware of Cultural Differences

Each country in Southeast Asia has its own unique culture and customs. It's important to be respectful and aware of these differences while traveling to avoid any unintentional offense. Researching and understanding the local customs, traditions, and etiquette can also enhance your overall experience. 

Be Aware of the seasons

Southeast Asia experiences both a wet and dry season, which is different across the coastal areas and countries throughout. Be sure to research the weather patterns of each country you plan on visiting. This will help you pack accordingly and avoid any potential disruptions due to heavy rain or storms, which can also bring blackouts and travel delays.

3 Week Southeast Asia Itinerary – Final Words

Southeast Asia is incredibly diverse, offering the perfect itinerary for everyone. Whether you're a budget backpacker or enjoying a luxurious family or couples vacation, there are countless islands and countries with unique experiences.

I absolutely love Southeast Asia! I've spent many months exploring all these countries, and every time I go back, I discover new places and create new memories.  But hey, even three weeks in Southeast Asia is more than enough to tick off some of the main highlights, from paradise beaches to mountain adventures, rich history and some of the best night markets!

I really hope this Southeast Asia vacation itinerary will inspire you, so you can plan and have an amazing trip exploring South East Asia.

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About the Author: Breathing Travel

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Discover the perfect Southeast Asia travel itinerary for you with a unique blend of cultural immersion, natural beauty, and unforgettable experiences.

If you’re planning a trip to this enchanting region, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we will provide you with nine exciting options for exploring Southeast Asia, each offering a unique blend of cultural immersion, natural beauty, and unforgettable experiences.

As avid travelers, we have visited 8 out of the 11 countries in Southeast Asia. We can’t get enough of this incredible destination. The friendly locals, mouthwatering cuisine, affordable costs, and breathtaking scenery keep drawing us back year after year.

We’ll cover an ideal Southeast Asia travel itinerary, transportation in Southeast Asia, and more!

This post is all about finding the best Southeast Asia Travel Itinerary for your trip!

Better safe than sorry....

Are you covered for your next trip? Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway or a long-term adventure,  SafetyWing  has you covered. From medical emergencies to lost luggage, they’ll take care of it all. Plus, they even offer emergency response and natural disaster coverage – pretty cool, huh? 

Transportation in Southeast Asia

When traveling through Southeast Asia, you’ll find a wide range of transportation options to navigate this diverse region. From budget-friendly choices to more luxurious modes of travel, each form of transportation offers its own unique experience. Here are some popular modes of transportation in Southeast Asia:

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Flights are a convenient option for covering long distances between countries or major cities in Southeast Asia. Budget airlines such as AirAsia and Jetstar offer affordable fares, but be sure to check baggage restrictions and additional fees. You can use booking in advance to help secure better deals, and it’s best to compare prices across different airlines and travel search engines. We personally use Google Flights to search for our flights and then book directly through the airline for the best deals and customer service. However, beware, there is absolutely no customer service through AirAsia. They are so cheap for a reason.

• Get unbelievable flight deals from FareDrop.com!

Train travel in Southeast Asia can be a scenic and enjoyable way to explore the region. Countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, and Vietnam have well-established train networks. Overnight sleeper trains are available on certain routes, providing a comfortable and cost-effective option for longer journeys. It’s recommended to book train tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure preferred seats or sleeping berths.

• Get all the best prices and routes in Southeast Asia with 12Go!

Buses or smaller shuttle vans are a popular and affordable mode of transportation for both short and long distances in Southeast Asia. Local buses are inexpensive and often the primary means of transport within cities and towns. Long-distance buses, such as VIP or express buses, provide more comfort and amenities for intercity travel. It’s best for you to research reputable bus companies and book tickets in advance, especially for popular routes.

• Find a Shuttle Transfer for your Route!

Tuk-tuks, three-wheeled motorized vehicles, are a common mode of transportation in countries like Thailand and Cambodia. Negotiating fares is customary, so it’s advisable to agree on a price before starting the journey. While tuk-tuks can be a convenient way to explore cities and shorter distances, it’s important to ensure your safety by choosing licensed and reputable drivers.

With its countless islands and coastal destinations, ferries are essential for traveling between islands in Southeast Asia. Popular ferry routes include those between Bali and the Gili Islands in Indonesia or between the islands in the Philippines. Ferry schedules and availability can vary, so it’s recommended to check and book tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.

• Find a Ferry Route for your Southeast Asia Itinerary!

For convenient and reliable ride-share options in Southeast Asia, the main app to use is Grab. Grab operates in several countries in the region, including Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, and more. With Grab, you can easily book rides, whether you’re traveling within a city or between different destinations. Just download the Grab app , set up an account, and enjoy the convenience of booking rides with a trusted service provider.

Motorbike Rental

Renting motorbikes in Southeast Asia is a popular and affordable option for exploring the region. It provides travelers with the freedom to navigate through cities, towns, and scenic landscapes at their own pace. However, it is important to have the necessary skills and documents, such as an international driver’s permit with a motorcycle license, to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on the roads.

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Renting cars in Southeast Asia can be a convenient option for exploring the region, but it comes with its challenges. Driving on the opposite side of the road and navigating unfamiliar traffic laws and customs can be daunting for many travelers. It’s important to familiarize yourself with local driving regulations and consider your comfort level before deciding to rent a car in Southeast Asia.

• Find the best deals on your car rental!

Southeast Asia Travel Itinerary:

1. popular highlights.

• Destinations: Bangkok, Thailand → Siem Reap, Cambodia → Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam → Singapore → Bali, Indonesia
• Countries: 5

This Popular Highlights route through Southeast Asia will get you to some of the most popular and memorable stops in this area. You’ll have the opportunity to explore five diverse countries, each offering its own unique experiences and attractions. Whether you’re a history buff, a food lover, or an adventure seeker, this popular highlights itinerary will allow you to discover the best of Southeast Asia’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.

Start your Southeast Asia adventure in Bangkok, Thailand, where you can explore vibrant markets, visit stunning temples, and indulge in delicious street food . From Bangkok, head to Siem Reap, Cambodia, to witness the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat complex, known for its ancient temples and intricate carvings. You can continue your journey to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and immerse yourself in its fascinating history, vibrant culture, and bustling markets.

Next, make your way to the modern city-state of Singapore, where you can experience a blend of cultures, enjoy world-class dining, and explore iconic landmarks like Marina Bay Sands . Conclude your popular highlights itinerary in Bali, Indonesia, a tropical paradise known for its stunning beaches, lush rice terraces, and vibrant arts scene.

Top Activities in Southeast Asia

2. hidden gems.

• Destinations: Chiang Mai, Thailand → Luang Prabang, Laos → Vang Vieng, Laos → Hoi An, Vietnam → Kampot, Cambodia → Georgetown, Malaysia → East Java, Indonesia
• Countries: 6

The Hidden Gems of Southeast Asia travel itinerary takes you on a journey through some of the lesser-known but equally enchanting destinations in the region. There is so much to see throughout the region, so you can easily get off the beaten path. These are enough off the beaten path that most people won’t have heard of, but there is still a general tourism industry built up for accommodations and tours.  

Begin your adventure in Chiang Mai, Thailand, where you can immerse yourself in the city’s rich cultural heritage and explore its vibrant night markets. Continue to Luang Prabang, Laos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning temples and serene natural beauty. From there, make your way to Vang Vieng, Laos, where you can go tubing along the Nam Song River and marvel at the limestone karst landscapes.

Explore the charming town of Hoi An, Vietnam, famed for its well-preserved ancient buildings and lantern-lit streets. Journey to Kampot, Cambodia , and enjoy its laid-back riverside atmosphere and picturesque countryside. Discover the colonial charm of Georgetown, Malaysia, with its vibrant street art and diverse culinary scene. Finally, venture to East Java, Indonesia, where you can witness the mesmerizing beauty of Mount Bromo and explore the stunning landscapes of the Ijen Crater. 

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3. Island Hopping

• Destinations: Coron, Philippines → El Nido, Philippines → Cebu, Philippines → Phuket, Thailand → Phi Phi Islands, Thailand → Bali, Indonesia → Nusa Lembongan, Indonesia
• Countries: 3

When you think of a tropical (and affordable) vacation, Southeast Asia is the place for you. The Island Hopping itinerary takes you on a breathtaking journey through some of the most stunning islands in Southeast Asia. 

Begin your adventure in Coron, Philippines , where you can explore crystal-clear lagoons and vibrant coral reefs. Continue to El Nido, Philippines, known for its dramatic limestone cliffs and hidden lagoons. From there, head to Cebu, Philippines, and indulge in its pristine white sand beaches and world-class diving spots.

Next, travel to Phuket, Thailand, and immerse yourself in its vibrant nightlife and picturesque beaches. Explore the famous Phi Phi Islands , Thailand, with their turquoise waters and stunning rock formations. 

No island hopping trip is complete without Bali, Indonesia, a tropical paradise offering a blend of lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and stunning sunsets. Finish your itinerary with one last gorgeous island, Nusa Lembongan, Indonesia, where you can relax on pristine beaches, go snorkeling or diving, and witness breathtaking coastal views. 

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4. City Lovers

• Destinations: Bangkok, Thailand → Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia → Singapore → Jakarta, Indonesia → Manila, Philippines → Hanoi, Vietnam

If you’re a city lover and want to experience the vibrant energy of Southeast Asia’s urban hubs, the City Lovers is the perfect Southeast Asia travel itinerary for you. This itinerary will hit all the major cities in Southeast Asia, giving you rooftop views, night markets, shopping, and the steady buzz of city life.

Start your journey in Bangkok, Thailand, where you can immerse yourself in the bustling markets, visit stunning temples, and indulge in delicious street food. From there, head to Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia, and explore its modern skyscrapers, diverse culinary scene, and vibrant street markets. 

Continue your city adventure in Singapore, where you can experience a fusion of cultures, enjoy world-class dining, and explore iconic landmarks like Gardens By the Bay . Next, venture to Jakarta, Indonesia, and discover its vibrant nightlife, historical sites, and vibrant arts scene. Fly to Manila, Philippines, and explore its lively markets, colonial architecture, and cultural attractions. 

Finally, end your city exploration in Hanoi, Vietnam, and immerse yourself in its rich history, vibrant street life, and mouthwatering cuisine. 

5. All the countries

• Destinations: Bangkok, Thailand → Old Bagan, Myanmar → Luang Prabang, Laos → Hanoi, Vietnam → Siem Reap, Cambodia → El Nido, Philippines → Brunei → Kuala Lumpur, Malysia → Singapore → Bali, Indonesia → Timor-Leste
• Countries: 11

The “All the Countries” itinerary takes you on an epic journey through Southeast Asia, exploring the diverse cultures and natural wonders of eleven countries. 

Begin your adventure in Bangkok, Thailand, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant street markets and visit stunning temples. Travel to Old Bagan, Myanmar, and witness the awe-inspiring ancient temples that dot the landscape. Continue your journey to Luang Prabang, Laos, for its serene beauty and stunning temples. From there, head to Hanoi, Vietnam, and experience the bustling streets, delicious street food, and rich history. 

Explore the magnificent Angkor Wat complex in Siem Reap, Cambodia, and marvel at its intricate carvings and ancient ruins. Discover the pristine beauty of El Nido, Philippines , with its crystal-clear waters and stunning limestone cliffs. 

Visit the small nation of Brunei and explore its rich cultural heritage and beautiful mosques. Journey to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and experience the vibrant mix of modern skyscrapers and charming historic sites. Explore the multicultural city-state of Singapore and be captivated by its blend of cultures and world-class attractions. 

End your trip in Bali, Indonesia , where you can unwind on stunning beaches, explore lush rice terraces, and immerse yourself in the vibrant arts scene. 

>> Dive into more of our destination guides, itineraries, and cost breakdowns! 

6. Mixing Pot

• Destinations: Singapore → El Nido, Philippines → Hoi An, Vietnam → Vang Vieng, Laos → Chiang Mai, Thailand → Siem Reap, Cambodia

The Mixing Pot itinerary takes you on a captivating journey through six diverse countries in Southeast Asia. Begin your adventure in the modern city-state of Singapore, where you can experience a fusion of cultures, indulge in world-class cuisine, and explore iconic landmarks. From there, travel to El Nido, Philippines, and be mesmerized by its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and dramatic limestone cliffs. 

Continue your exploration in Hoi An, Vietnam , a town renowned for its well-preserved ancient buildings and vibrant lantern-lit streets. Immerse yourself in the laid-back atmosphere of Vang Vieng, Laos, where you can go tubing along the Nam Song River and marvel at the breathtaking limestone karst landscapes. 

Discover the rich cultural heritage and vibrant street markets of Chiang Mai, Thailand , before concluding your journey in Siem Reap, Cambodia, where the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat complex awaits with its intricate carvings and ancient ruins. 

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7. Explore Borneo

• Destinations: Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia → Mt. Kinabalu → Danum Valley, Malaysia → Brunei → Kuching, Malaysia → Balikapan, Indonesia

Explore Borneo, a captivating destination that promises adventure and natural beauty at every turn. 

Begin your journey in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, where you can soak in the vibrant atmosphere and explore the bustling markets.  Embark on a thrilling climb up Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in Southeast Asia, and be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Dive into the depths of Danum Valley, Malaysia, and immerse yourself in the pristine rainforests teeming with wildlife . 

Discover the rich cultural heritage of Brunei as you explore its majestic mosques and historic sites. This will add a unique country to your list that not many have been to. 

Make your way to Kuching, Malaysia, and experience the charm of this riverside city, known for its colonial architecture and vibrant food scene. Conclude your Borneo adventure in Balikpapan, Indonesia, where you can relax on picturesque beaches and explore the diverse marine life. 

8. North Route

• Destinations: Hanoi, Vietnam → Luang Prabang, Laos → Vang Vieng, Laos → Bangkok, Thailand → Siem Reap, Cambodia → Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
• Countries: 4

The North Route itinerary takes you on a captivating journey through four countries in Southeast Asia, offering a perfect blend of cultural exploration and natural beauty. 

Begin your adventure in Hanoi, Vietnam, where you can immerse yourself in the bustling streets, sample delicious street food, and explore the city’s rich history. From there, travel to Luang Prabang, Laos, for its serene natural beauty and incredible temples. Experience the laid-back atmosphere of Vang Vieng, Laos , where you can go tubing along the Nam Song River and admire the stunning limestone karst landscapes.

Continue your journey to Bangkok, Thailand, and indulge in the city’s vibrant street markets, visit awe-inspiring temples, and savor the mouthwatering cuisine. Discover the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat complex in Siem Reap, Cambodia, and marvel at its intricate carvings and ancient ruins. To end, the North Route adventure stops in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, where you can delve into the city’s fascinating history , explore bustling markets, and enjoy the vibrant nightlife. 

9. South Route

• Destinations: Singapore → Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia → Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia → Jakarta, Indonesia → Bali, Indonesia → Timor-Leste

The South Route itinerary takes you on an incredible journey through four captivating countries in Southeast Asia. Flying between stops will be your best bet since there are so many islands in the south. 

Begin your adventure in the modern city-state of Singapore , where you can immerse yourself in a melting pot of cultures, indulge in diverse culinary delights, and explore iconic landmarks like Marina Bay Sands. From there, travel to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and be captivated by its impressive skyscrapers, vibrant street markets, and rich cultural heritage. Continue your exploration in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, where you can soak in the beauty of pristine beaches, embark on thrilling jungle treks, and discover the rich marine life in its crystal-clear waters.

Next, venture to Jakarta, Indonesia , and experience the dynamic energy of this bustling metropolis, with its vibrant street scenes, historical sites, and vibrant arts scene. Continue your journey to Bali, a paradise known for its stunning beaches, lush rice terraces, and vibrant arts and culture. Finally, conclude your South Route itinerary in Timor-Leste, a lesser-known gem offering breathtaking landscapes, secluded beaches, and a fascinating blend of Portuguese and Indonesian influences.

This post was all about picking the perfect Southeast Asia travel itinerary for your 3-4 week trip! Happy Travels!

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Your Southeast Asia itinerary: 8 ideas for exploring the region

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updated 30.03.2020

You can’t expect to fit everything Southeast Asia has to offer into one trip – or two or three or four, to be fair – and we don’t suggest you try. So, to help you start planning, we’ve put together eight ideas for your Southeast Asia itinerary from The Rough Guide to Southeast Asia on a Budget .

3. Laos and Cambodia

4. bangkok and northern thailand, 5. thailand’s beaches and islands, 6. singapore and malaysia, 7. indonesia, 8. the philippines.

For those taking a big, extended trip around the continent you could join a few together, but remember that the distances you’ll be covering can be vast. Plus, there’s lots to discover off the beaten track.

For a complete guide to exploring the region and up-to-date recommendations of the best hotels, hostels, activities and more, buy the full guide here .

Start in colonial streets of Hanoi (1), the country’s historical, political and cultural capital. Go for a sail around the famed natural wonders of Ha Long Bay (2), before heading to the northern hills to the ethnic minority villages orbiting Sa Pa (3).

Take the train down to imperial architecture of Hué (4), make a day-trip to the DMZ , then move south to charming Hoi An (5). Nha Trang (6) is Vietnam 's pre-eminent beach party town, whereas Mui Ne (7) offers great water-sports and sandy coasts with a more laid-back vibe.

Da Lat (8) is your gateway to the Central Highlands , and from here you can strike southwest to reach bustling Ho Chi Minh City (9). Once you've explored the city, travel to the Mekong Delta (10) where you can visit one of the region's floating markets, before finishing your trip on the island of Phu Quoc (11), a restful place perfect for beach bums and divers.

Kick-off in Yangon (1) for street markets and the glorious Shwedagon Paya , then go to Mawlamyine (2), Myanmar 's third largest city. Catch a boat to Hpa-an (3) before visiting one of the holiest Buddhist sites in the country, Kyaiktiyo (4).

Kalaw (5) is a perfect base for treks to ethnic-minority villages, and traditional life at Inle Lake (6) shouldn’t be missed either. Watch the sunset over Mandalay (7), then head northeast to stroll the botanical gardens at Pyin Oo Lwin (8).

Take the train across the Goteik viaduct to Hsipaw (9), an increasingly popular trekking base and finish with a hot-air-balloon ride over the awe-inspiring temples of Bagan (10).

Begin with the unmissable two-day trip down the Mekong River from Houayxai to Luang Prabang (1), the city of golden spires. Then its off to the stunning natural playground of Vang Vieng (2), before venturing to the country’s quaint capital, Vientiane (3).

Enjoy the pretty French-colonial lanes of Savannakhet (4) and explore the Khmer ruins of Wat Phou near Champasak (5). Set course towards Si Phan Don (6) to chill out for a few days in one of the four thousand islands scattered across the Mekong River. Catch a mini-bus to Cambodia for river dolphin watching in Kratie (7).

An easy bus ride takes you from Phnom Penh (8) to Siem Reap , where the world-famous temples of Angkor (9) beg to be explored. But if you’re feeling a little travel-worn afterwards kick back on the beach resort and offshore islands of Sihanoukville (10) or laze riverside in relaxed Kampot (11).

After immersing yourself in Bangkok (1), Thailand ’s frenetic and thriving capital, chill-out among the rafthouses and waterfalls of Kanchanaburi (2).

Rent a bicycle to explore the ancient ruins of Ayutthaya (3) and then make for the elegant temple remains in Sukhothai (4). To break free of the tourist route head to isolated Umphang (5), where the surrounding mountains are perfect for trekking.

Chaing Mai (6) is always a backpacking favourite, but an amble through the arty night markets and excellent live-music bars of Pai (7) shouldn’t be missed either.

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Commence among the old-world charms of Thailand 's Phetchaburi (1), then take a trip to the paradisiacal islands of Ko Tao (2) and Ko Pha Ngan (3) for raging moon parties or a detox.

Trek through the jungle in Khao Sok National Park (4) ­– one of the most bio-diverse places on the planet – and as you move further south, consider a stop in the slightly ugly tourist village of Ko Phi Phi (5) for undeniably fun all-night parties, snorkelling and diving.

Continue south to the relaxed island getaway of Ko Lanta (6), before winding this itinerary down in the pockets of paradise still remaining in Ko Lipe (7) and the stunning Ko Tarutai National Marine Park nearby.

Singapore (1) is an easy introduction to Southeast Asia with its array of tourist-friendly pleasures. But move on to Melaka (2) for a fascinating mix of cultures and an ideal first stop in Malaysia .

Kuala Lumpur (3) is a must, as is former-colonial George Town (4), with its thriving food and arts scenes. Next, make some time to relax on the beaches of the Perhentian Islands (5) before heading to the rainforests of Taman Negara National Park (6), before catching a ride on the jungle railway to Kota Bharu .

Attractive Kuching (7) is an ideal base for visits to the Iban longhouses , and a journey along the 560km Batang Rajang (8) river into the heart of Sarawak is unforgettable.

Nature and adventure buffs alike will love Gunung Mulu National Park (9), Kinabalu National Park (10) and the wildlife outside of Sandakan (11). Finish this itinerary among the teeming marine life of Pulau Sipadan (12), one of the top dive sites in the world.

There’s plenty to discover by starting in Sumatra ’s Bukit Lawang and Danau Toba (1), the famous orang-utan centre, soaring volcanoes and island retreats among them.

Take time to explore Indonesia ’s capital, Jakarta (2), before moving on to Java cultural heart: Yogyakarta (3), the best base for the temples of Borobudur and Prambanan . Take a pre-dawn hike up to the crater rim of still-smoking Gunung Bromo (4), adventure the many wonders of Hindu Bali and hop over the Lombok (6) and the Gili Islands for adventures in paradise.

Enjoy close encouters with Komodo dragons in Komodo and Rinca (7) before heading to the mountainous landscapes of fertile Flores (8). Finish up on Sulawesi , immersed in the flamboyant festivals and fascinating culture of Tanah Toraja (9).

Start by soaking up the compelling energy of Manila (1), a convenient gateway to some of the country’s more inaccessible areas.

Check out the shipwrecks and prehistoric landscapes of Palawan (2), before you pass through Cebu city (3) on your way to Camiguin (4), a small volcanic island home to a bohemian arts scene and some amazing adventure activities.

Surfers flock to the acclaimed reef breaks of Siargao (5), while the captivating sunsets and limited electricity at both Malapascua and Bantayan (6) typifies island living at its best.

Boracay (7) also shouldn’t be missed, home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and nightlife rivalling Manila . Conclude this itinerary in the cool mountain villages of the Igorot tribes in the Cordillera (8), nestled among jaw-dropping rice-terrace scenery.

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The Ultimate 6 Month Southeast Asia Itinerary

So you’re looking to create a 6 month Southeast Asia itinerary but don’t know where to start? Well luckily for you, I’ve put a lot of research into my two previous trips to Southeast Asia and even more into my upcoming 5-month trip there. So by combining all my past experiences and future plans together, here is my run down of the ultimate 6 month Southeast Asia itinerary. You’re welcome…

Table of Contents

Southeast Asia itinerary – Thailand 1 month

1. Fly into Bangkok and start your trip with 2 – 3 days exploring the sights of one of Asia’s most vibrant cities.

Related article – Top things to do in Bangkok

2. Next travel south and spend 2 weeks discovering Thailand’s beautiful coastline. Places to go include Krabi for the beaches, Koh Phangan to party, Koh Samui for chill time and Koh Tao for activities like diving.

3. After beach and island hopping in the south, head up to the northern city of Chiang Mai for 4 – 5 days. It’s a great place for visiting elephant sanctuaries, jungle trekking in the nearby national parks, or just simply chilling out.

Related article – Coolest things to do in Chiang Mai

4. After Chiang Mai, hop across to Chiang Rai for at least 2 – 3 days, where you can visit the famous White Temple and Black House.

Related article – A short guide to the White Temple

Related article – A short guide to the Black House

Southeast Asia itinerary – Laos 3 weeks

5. From Northern Thailand, the first place to head to in Laos is its old capital city, Luang Prabang . Spend at least 3 – 4 days here including a trip to the stunning Kuang Si Falls.

Related article – Top things to do in Luang Prabang

6. After Luang Prabang, travel down to Vang Vieng for 3 – 4 days, where you can explore its many lagoons, caves and rice paddies.

Related article – A short guide to tubing in Vang Vieng 2018

7. Next up is Laos’ new capital Vientiane . Quite a lot of travellers say Vientiane is a bit dull, but if you’ve got the time I would still spend around 2 days discovering the city.

Related article – Top things to do in Vientiane

8. After Vientiane, make your way down to the southern city of Paske . Although there isn’t that much to do in Pakse, it is the starting point for exploring the amazing waterfalls and landscapes of the Bolaven Plateau.

9. So the Bolaven Plateau ! The best way to see everything it has to offer is by doing the big loop (or small loop if you’re short on time) by motorbike with overnight stops along the way – you’ll want to allow at least 3 days for this.

10. Last on the list for Laos is the Four Thousand Islands in the Mekong Delta. Spend 4 – 6 days here for some proper relaxation time. The islands of Don Det and Don Khon are the main places to stay.

Related article – A short guide to Don Det & Don Khon

Southeast Asia itinerary – Cambodia 3 weeks

11. If you’re travelling from Laos, your first destination in Cambodia should be Siem Reap , where you can spend 3 – 4 days exploring the famous temples of Angkor Wat.

Related article – The ultimate one day Angkor Wat guide

Related article – Top things to do in Siem Reap (other than Angkor Wat)

12. After Siem Reap, head up to the city of Battambang for 2 – 3 days to ride the Bamboo train and chill out.

13. Next up, it’s time to hit Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh . Like Laos’ capital, this city has been dubbed uninteresting by some travellers. But if you’ve got time, it’s still worth stopping there for a couple of days to explore its attractions.

Related article – Best cheap & free things to do in Phnom Penh

14. Escape the busyness of Phnom Penh by travelling down to Cambodia’s coast. Spend 5 – 6 days relaxing in the riverside town of Kampot and the nearby seaside town of Kep .

Related article – How to spend 48 hours in Kampot, Cambodia

15. Finish your Cambodia itinerary by travelling across to Sihanoukville and get then get the ferry to Koh Rong island for up to a week of relaxing on the beach.

Southeast Asia itinerary – Vietnam 2 weeks

16. First up on your Vietnam itinerary is the capital, Ho Chi Minh City . Here, you’ll need at least 2 – 3 days exploring including a day trip to the Chu Chi Tunnels.

17. Travel north, stopping off at the old port town of Hoi An for 3 – 4 days of beaches, shopping and world-class cuisine.

18. Continue up the country to the city of Hanoi , where you can spend 3 – 4 days soaking up its sights and culture.

19. From Hanoi, you can go on an overnight tour of the magical world heritage site Halong Bay .

20. End your Vietnam trip with a visit to Sapa in the far-flung northern mountains for 2 – 3 days of trekking and learning about region’s tribal villages.

Related article –  2 week Vietnam itinerary

Southeast Asia itinerary – Singapore & Malaysia 1 month

Singapore & peninsular malaysia – 2 weeks.

21. Fly from Hanoi to your first stop in Malaysia – George Town . Here, you can easily fill at least 2 – 3 days exploring the city’s world-renowned foodie scene, colonial heritage and street art.

22. Next up, it’s time to head to Malaysia’s capital city, Kuala Lumpur . 3 – 4 days should be enough to see all the main sights including the famous Petronas Towers.

23. After a few busy days in the city, it’s time for some relaxation. Travel across to Tioman Island on the east coast for 3 – 4 days of snorkelling, diving and beach hopping.

24. Travel down to the vibrant city (and country) of Singapore . There’s so much to do here I would advise you spend no less than 3 – 4 days discovering everything it has to offer, but if you don’t have that much time my guide below might help.

Related article – How to spend 48 hours in Singapore

Borneo Malaysia – 2 weeks

25. Fly from Singapore to the city of Kuching in the western Sarawak region. Kuching is not just a great city to explore but is also a good base for visiting the surrounding national parks too, so you’ll need at least 3 – 4 days here.

26. If you have time after Kuching, make sure to spend 2 – 3 days in the Batang Ai National Park , where you can spot wildlife, visit the Iban tribal people and learn about their way of life.

27. Travel across to Sandakan in the eastern Sabah region where you can spend the next 6 – 7 days. Although there’s no much to do in the city itself, the area offers plenty of opportunities to see wildlife including overnight visits to Turtle Island and Kinabatangan River tours.

28. Finish your Malaysia itinerary in Kota Kinabalu . 2 – 3 days should be enough to explore the city and a few of the little islands that sit just off the coast.

Southeast Asia itinerary – The Philippines 1 month

29. From Kota Kinabalu, you’ll need to fly to Cebu City first, before heading onto Moalboal . There are plenty of attractions to keep you busy including the Kawasan Falls and Malabuyoc Hot Springs, so you’ll need at least 4 – 5 days to see it all.

30. After Moalboal, move on to the most spiritual island of The Philippines, Siquijor Island where you can spend up to 5 – 6 days discovering the jungles and lounging on the beaches.

31. After Siquijor, head across to Bohol . With lots of activities and day trips on offer, 4 – 5 days should be enough to discover the island’s unique landscapes and wildlife.

32. Travel across to the Palawan archipelago to the beautiful El Nido , where you easily fill at least 6 – 7 days island hopping, diving and relaxing.

33. Close to El Nido, next up on your list should be Coron , where you can also spend 6 – 7 days exploring the lagoons, mountains and beaches of the area.

34. Finish your time in The Philippines in Manila . 3 – 4 days should be plenty to soak up the city’s sights and culture and maybe take a day trip to the Banaue Rice Terraces.

Southeast Asia itinerary – Indonesia 1 month

Although there are hundreds of islands that make up Indonesia, this itinerary focuses on just three of them: Bali, Lombok and Java.

35. Once you’ve flown into Bali, head across to the luxury beach resort area of Seminyak . With plenty of high-end bars, restaurants, spas and shops, you can easily spend 3 – 4 days splashing out and relaxing.

36. Next, get the ferry over to the smaller islands of Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida and Nusa Dua . Each island has its own unique collection of natural wonders, so you’ll need at least 3 – 4 days to explore them all.

37. After you’ve finished island hopping, travel back to the main island of Bali and up to the town of Ubud for 3 – 4 days of culture, art, yoga and beautiful landscapes.

38. A world away from Bali’s main hub, the humble fishing villages of Amed are a great place to chill out after Ubud. However, you probably won’t need more than 2 – 3 days here.

39. From Amed, you can get a fast boat across to the Gili Islands where you should spend at least 6 – 7 days. Gili Trawangan is the party island, Gili Meno is the honeymoon island and Gili Air is somewhere in between the two.

40. Head over to Lombok island and to the main tourist strip of Senggigi . 2 – 3 days is enough to enjoy its beautiful beaches, bays and mountains.

41. Next up, make your way to Kuta on the southern part of the island. There are plenty of beaches and natural wonders to discover along this coastline so you’ll need 3 – 4 days (and preferably a moped) to explore the area.

42. Fly from Lombok across to the city of Yogyakarta on the island of Java, where you can spend 2 – 3 days visiting the Borobudur and Prambanan temples complexes.

43. The final destination on your Indonesia itinerary is a trip to Mount Bromo and Mount Penanjakan. First head to the city of Probolinggo and from there you can travel onto both mountains for sunrise or sunset!

It goes without saying, there are plenty of other places that I would love to fit into my Southeast Asia itinerary and should should also consider for yours! Myanmar, Brunei and Sri Lanka to name a few. But hopefully the list above gives you at least a good starting point for planning your own Southeast Asia itinerary. Have you been anywhere I’ve missed off my list? Let me know in the comments below!

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Asia Guides

The most amazing 3 month southeast asia itinerary.

If you’re thinking of going on a backpacking adventure, Southeast Asia is a great choice. In fact, this fascinating region is a very popular choice for first-time backpackers, as well as avid adventurers. Coupled with the low cost of travel, incredible activities, and sights to offer everyone, you can’t go wrong. This sub-region boasts out of this world scenery, unique cultures, mouth-watering food, buzzin’ metropolitan cities, and heavenly tropical beaches. So, without further ado, let’s dive right into this 3 month Southeast Asia itinerary. We cover a whopping 8 countries, recommend the best route to take, how long to spend in each place, the must-see attractions, and give recommendations of where to stay.

Disclosure: Untold Wanderlust contains affiliate links. If you click on these links and make a purchase, we will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can find our full disclosure policy and privacy policy here.

Northern Thailand (13 days)

Bangkok (3 days).

This Southeast Asia travel route starts in the heart of Thailand; Bangkok.

How to get to Bangkok: This itinerary kicks off in the hustle and bustle of Bangkok. Bangkok boasts a large international airport, making it super easy and convenient for tourists to find cheap flights from places such as Europe or the USA. We recommend checking Skyscanner for the best deals and prices.

Top attractions:

The Grand Palace Wat Arun Shopping at Chatuchak Market Party on Khao San Road Taling Chan Floating Market Wat Samphan Temple (Pink Dragon)

Where to stay in Bangkok: Comfy Bed Hostel for a dorm, or Amarin Inn for a budget private room.

Ayutthaya (2 days)

How to get to Ayutthaya: 2-hour minivan from Moh Chit BTS Station in Bangkok. The cost is 50 Baht ($1.65). Or take a tour from Bangkok .

Ancient town Cycle ride around the temple complex

Where to stay in Ayutthaya: A cute boathouse with cheap double rooms, Ayutthaya Riverside House.

Chiang Mai (3 days)

How to get to Chiang Mai: A comfy 9-hour VIP bus for $24.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Temple Take a Thai cooking class Doi Inthanon National Park Eat at the night markets or take a food course and tour Go water crazy at the Songkran festival (April)

Where to stay in Chiang Mai: Red Brick Guesthouse for a dorm room

Pai ( 3 days)

How to get to Pai: Take a 3 hours mini-van ride for $6

Explore on a scooter Pai Canyon Pam Bok Waterfall Love Strawberry Farm Land Split Bamboo Bridge

Where to stay in Pai: Pai Loess Resort for a private double room

Chiang Rai ( 2 days)

How to get to Chiang Rai: 7.5 hours mini-van journey , costing $18

White Temple Black House Tea plantations Golden Triangle House of opium

Where to stay in Chiang Rai: Busket Hostel for a cheap modern dorm

For a more detailed Thailand backpacking guide, don’t miss this post!

Laos (8 days)

Luang prabang (3 days).

How to get to Luang Prabang: 2-day slow boat from Chiang Rai

Kuang Si Waterfalls Watch the morning Tak Bat Phousi Hill & Temple Night market Late-night bowling alley

Where to stay in Luang Prabang: Sok Dee Guesthouse for a cheap cosy double room

Vang Vieng (3 days)

How to get to Vang Vieng: 5-hour mini-van ride for $16

Tubing on the Nam Song River Blue Lagoon Phu Kham Cave

Where to stay in Vang Vieng: Faraway Suites for either a dorm room or a private room

Vientiane (2 days)

How to get to Vientiane: 4-hour bus that costs $9

Explore the city by bicycle Buddha Park COPE Museum

Where to stay in Vientiane: My Box Hostel & Cafe , great value for money dorm rooms

Don’t forget to check out our ultimate 2-week Laos itinerary here!

Vietnam (20 days)

Hanoi (3 days).

How to get to Hanoi: 22-hour sleeper bus that costs $32. This is a super long journey so you may prefer to fly instead.

Hoan Kiem Lake St. Joseph’s Cathedral Hoa Lo Prison Train Street Take a food tour Bia Hoi Street Hanoi Night Market Drink egg coffee at the Note Coffee shop

Where to stay in Hanoi: Nexy Hostel for a super clean, modern dorm

For more things to do in Hanoi at night, don’t miss this post!

Ha Long Bay (2 days)

How to get to Ha Long Bay: Scheduled tour from Hanoi

Limestone islands Kayaking

Where to stay in Ha Long Bay: On the boat.

Sapa (3 days)

How to get to Sapa: 6-hour bus for $12

Ride the Fansipan cable car Go on a trek through the rice terraces Meet H’Mong tribes Drink at the H’Mong Sisters

Where to stay in Sapa: Sapa Village Hotel for a modern stay overlooking the mountains

Ninh Binh (2 days)

How to get to Ninh Binh: 9-hour bus for $17

Cycle through rice paddies Eat at Chookies Hang Mua Caves Tang An boat ride Bich Dong Pagoda

Where to stay in Ninh Binh: Amira Homestay for a cosy stay & free bicycle rental

Hue (2 days)

How to get to Hue: 11-hour bus for $14

Old Citadel Abandoned water park Thien Mu Pagoda

Where to stay in Hue: Bon Ami Hostel  for cheap private rooms in a central location

Hoi An (4 days)

How to get to Hoi An: Ride the Hai Van Pass

Cycle around the old town Take a boat ride Shop for lanterns Stroll around the rice paddies Go shopping for lanterns Take a day trip to Ba Na Hills Eat Cao Lao noodles

Where to stay in Hoi An: The Serendipity Hostel for a dorm bed, or Aroma Homestay & Spa for a budget private room.

For a more detailed Hoi An guide, click here!

Dalat (3 days)

How to get to Dalat: 14-hour sleeper bus for $17

Drive around the mountains on a scooter Sip coffee by the romantic lake Go canyoning Crazy House The Clay Tunnel Eat Dalat Pizza

Where to stay in Dalat: Dalat Backpackers Hostel for a social dorm or private room, or Original Kens Backpacker Hostel for a more relaxed vibe

Don’t miss this amazing detailed Dalat itinerary !

Ho Chi Minh City (3 days)

How to get to Ho Chi Minh City: 7-hour bus for $22

Bui Vien drinking street Ben Thanh Market Saigon Notre Dame & Post Office War Remnants Museum Bitexco Tower Half-day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels Day trip to the Mekong Delta

Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City: Galaxy Capsule Hotel for a modern stay in the heart of the city

For a more detailed Vietnam itinerary, make sure to check out this awesome 3-week in Vietnam itinerary. Or, click here for a super detailed Vietnam travel guide .

Cambodia (9 days)

Phnom penh (2 days).

How to get to Phnom Penh: 6-hour bus for $12

The Killing Fields S21 Prison Royal Palace Silk tour at Angkor Artisans

Where to stay in Phnom Penh: Golden Boat 72 Guesthouse for a cheap, quiet retreat

Kampot (3 days)

How to get to Kampot: 3.5-hour mini-van for $9

Ride a scooter up Bokor Mountain Abandoned casino Kep fishing town Pepper farm Fireflies boat tour

Where to stay in Kampot: Marany Guesthouse for a private double room

Siem Reap (4 days)

How to get to Siem Reap: Take a bus back to Phnom Penh , which takes 3.5 hours and costs $9. You can either stay one night in Phnom Penh or if you leave early enough, take another direct minivan from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap . It takes 6 hours and costs $10.

Take a tuk-tuk tour of Angkor Wat and the other ancient temples Siem Reap Silk Farm Pub Street

Where to stay in Siem Reap: Pub Hostel for a social vibe with choices of dorms or private rooms

If you need a more in-depth itinerary for Cambodia, don’t forget to check out our backpacking Cambodia guide! Also, don’t forget to check if a Cambodia visa on arrival is available for your nationality or not.

Southern Thailand (10 days)

Bangkok (1 day).

How to get to Bangkok: 9-hour bus for $24

Koh Phangan (4 days)

How to get to Koh Phangan: From Bangkok, you will need to take an overnight bus and ferry. You can read in more detail about the trip here.

Thong Sala Night Market Phaeng Waterfall Paradise Waterfall Lazy beach days Explore by scooter

Where to stay in Koh Phangan: Backpackers Hacienda for a cheap stay with a pool overlooking the beach

Krabi (3 days)

How to get to Krabi: 6-hour high-speed ferry and bus that costs $18

Railay Beach Tonsai Beach Tiger Temple Emerald Pool

Where to stay in Krabi: J Hotel for a cheap double room with balconies overlooking the sea

Phuket (2 days)

How to get to Phuket: 3-hour mini-van costing $15

Beach days Bangala Road

Where to stay in Phuket: Bed Hostel for a social atmosphere and a choice of a dorm bed or private twin room

Malaysia (14 days)

Penang (5 days).

How to get to Penang: Take a direct flight from Phuket

Ride a bicycle around the street art Drink beer at the Elbow Corner Eat Wan Tan Mee Chew Jetty Kek Lo Si Temple Kapitan Keling Mosque

Where to stay in Penang: Rainbow House for a quiet stay, or Drippin’ Dragon Hostel for a social vibe & pool.

For a more detailed post on things to do in Penang at night , make sure to check out this awesome post!

Cameron Highlands (3 days)

How to get to Cameron Highlands: 4.5-hour bus for $10

Tea plantations Strawberry farm Parks

Where to stay in Cameron Highlands: Traveller Bunker Hostel for a range of dorms & a lively atmosphere

Kuala Lumpur (4 days)

How to get to Kuala Lumpur: 4.5-hour bus for $11

Petronas Towers KLCC Park China Town Little India Merdeka Square National Mosque Bukit Bintang

Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur: Big M Hotel for affordable, modern private rooms, or Dorms KL 2 for cheap but super clean dorm beds.

If you only have 2 days spare for Kuala Lumpur, make sure to check out this ultimate Kuala Lumpur itinerary!

Melaka(2 days)

How to get to Melaka: 2-hour bus for $5

UNESCO town Dutch Square Ride a funky tri-shaw Hang out at the mall

Where to stay in Melaka: The Pillohouzzze for dorms and private rooms

For a more detailed itinerary, make sure to check out our backpacking Malaysia post!

Singapore (2 days)

How to get to Singapore: 4-hour bus for $8

Marina Bay Sands Gardens by the Bay Little India China Town Sentosa Island Universal Studios

Where to stay in Singapore: OSS Backpackers Hostel for a dorm bed, or Hotel Classic by Venue for a cheap double room

Click here for a more detailed Singapore itinerary!

Indonesia (9 days)

Yogyakarta (4 days).

How to get to Yogyakarta: Fly from either Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. If you choose to fly from Kuala Lumpur, you can take a direct 5-hour bus for $17 from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur.

Borobudur Temple Prambanan Temple Malioboro Market Taman Sari Rent a motorbike & ride in the mountains Eat gudeg

Where to stay in Yogyakarta: The Journey Hotel for budget stylish private rooms

You can read our full Yogyakarta itinerary here!

Bali (5 days)

How to get to Bali: Take a flight from Yogyakarta

Visit the rice terraces Relax on the beaches Explore waterfall after waterfall Go temple hopping Snorkelling on Gili T Party in Kuta

Where to stay in Bali: Grandmas Hotel for a cheap relaxing stay

Read a more detailed Indonesia itinerary here!

Myanmar (11 days)

Yangon( 2 days).

How to get to Yangon: Take a flight from Bali

Shwedagon Pagoda Ride the circular train Eat on 19th Street Watch a movie with the locals

Where to stay in Yangon: Agga Youth Hostel is one of the few properties that offer dorm beds. They also have private rooms too.

Bagan (3 days)

How to get to Bagan: Take a 10-hour night bus for $10

Watch sunrise and sunset over the thousands of ancient temples Get around by electric motorbike Jasmine Lacquer Ware Factory

Where to stay in Bagan: Shwe Na Di Guesthouse for a cheap homely guest house

Mandalay (2 days)

How to get to Mandalay: Take a 5.5-hour bus for $6

Mandalay Hill U Bein Bridge Hsinbyume Pagoda Old British Fort Watch the local football team, Yadanarbon

Where to stay in Mandalay: Hotel 82 for a cheap but heavenly stay

Inle Lake (4 days)

How to get to Inle Lake: 9-hour bus for $12

Take a tour of In le Lake Marvel at the floating villages Visit a silverware factory Visit a boat-making factory Explore the village by bicycle

Where to stay in Inle Lake: Silver Lake Hotel for a private double room

Don’t miss our ultimate Myanmar backpacking guide!

Your 3 month Southeast Asia travel route has come to an end

Phew! What an epic 3 month Southeast Asia itinerary . From Inle Lake, you can take a bus back to Yangon. From Yangon, you can either try to find cheap flights back home. However, we recommend heading back to Bangkok to fly from there, as international flights tend to be much cheaper.

How much does it cost to travel to Southeast Asia for 3 months?

This is a hotly debated topic among backpackers. One would proudly announce you can get by on as little as $15 a day, and one would argue that you would easily need $50. The truth is, is everyone is different, and so is their travel style. However, we won’t leave you hangin’. We will give you our recommendation on how much to budget for this 3-month Southeast Asia itinerary. Just remember, your travel style could be totally different from ours, so take this with a pinch of salt and judge your budget according to your preferences.

Our 3 month Southeast Asia itinerary budget

From our previous travels in Southeast Asia and living in Vietnam for 4 years, we would personally budget $50 per day for the two of us. Clean modern dorm rooms average $7 per night, whilst private double rooms average $12. Furthermore, local food in this region is super cheap and convenient, with almost every city and town serving up the most delicious meals from a cart on the market or the side of the road. You can easily eat three square meals a day for less than $10. In terms of activities, if you plan, you can do lots of exciting things for free. Most of the time, there is no need to pre-book tours! Getting around is made easy too, with plenty of scooter rentals, and motorbike taxi apps such as Grab.

Additional costs to consider

Further to your daily budget for your Southeast Asia trip, you will need to factor in the cost of flights and any visas you may need. Again, this is just our personal opinion of how much a reasonable budget for this itinerary is. If you want to go out partying every night, tuck into Western food, or sit back and relax in the comfort of air-conditioned taxis, you will, of course, need to increase your budget.

Looking for what to pack? Check out this essential Southeast Asia packing list !

Essential resources for this 3 month Southeast Asia itinerary

Travel Insurance – No matter whether you’re travelling around Asia for 3 months or just a week, it’s a good idea to make sure you’re covered for any accidents or losses. We spent days and weeks searching for insurance, but most insurers would not allow us to take out a policy as we were already abroad. Our personal choice is Safteywing . You can opt for automatic monthly payments, just like a subscription. More importantly, it is available in 180 countries and can be purchased whilst already travelling. There is no cap on the duration of travel.

Visa – Before you travel to any country, make sure to check if you need a visa. iVisa is a fantastic website that is super easy and quick to use. Just type in where you are from. and where you are going. to check if you need a visa. If you do, you can quickly make an application online.

Accommodation – Booking.com is our go-to when looking to pre-book accommodation online. Booking.com tend to almost always have the best rates and a FREE cancellation policy for most properties.

Overland transport – Our go-to website for overland transport is Bookaway . Bookaway offers multiple forms of transport, from buses, mini-vans, trains, and ferries. The routes on offer are extensive and certainly cover most of the backpacker trails. Bookaway works a little like Skyscanner but for overland transport. You will find plenty of transport options from a range of companies. All you simply need to do is book online and receive your ticket by email. The email will contain essential information, such as where the bus leaves from and departure and arrival times.

Tours & Activities – If you want to book tours and activities online, make sure to check out Get Your Guide . Get Your Guide takes the stress out of booking activities abroad. You will also find a range of benefits, such as skip-the-line passes, lunch included in your tours, and so much more.

Travel tips ebook -Before you head off on your adventure, make sure to download our free ebook. It has a whopping 109 budget travel tips to help you make your hard-earned cash go further. Click here to download your FREE ebook.

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2 thoughts on “ The Most Amazing 3 Month Southeast Asia Itinerary ”

That s a great summary of your trip! How long did it take by boat to get to Luang Prabang? and similarly how long did it take to get to Hoi An? I d love to know the time it took with public transportation ??

Hi, Thanks for the comment. The slow boat to Luang Prabang takes 2 days. We have an entire post on it 🙂 check it out.

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A Perfect Southeast Asia Itinerary – 3 Months on the Banana Pancake Trail

The perfect Southeast Asia itinerary for 3 months of backpacking and travel is a tough trip to plan as the “perfect” route highly dependent on you, your tastes, and what you enjoy most in your travel experiences. 

With so many countries, so many options for proceeding through them, and so many sites and experiences that you absolutely must experience, it can be a pain crafting your perfect trip . Trust me; I know what you’re feeling.  During my first trip through Southeast Asia, I pretty much just wandered with no timeline, experiencing each place as it came and deciding the next city of my trip just a couple days before departure.  Though this is a wonderful way to travel, not everyone has an unlimited amount of time to wander the way I did.    Of course, we all still want to experience Asia’s best, even with limited timelines .

Lucky for you, I discovered all of the highlights of Southeast Asia not to be missed.  With this perected Southeast Asia Itinerary 3 Months will be more than enough to discover the best of Southeast Asia. These highlights add up to a list of unique experiences suited to specific “types” of travelers (street food, surfing, trekking, partying, safaris, motorbiking, etc.) and patched them together into a “create your own adventure” itinerary.

Don’t fret about creating that perfect SEA backpacking trip.  In this post, we’ll share the perfect core itinerary for backpacking Southeast Asia for three months. We’ll then share how to adapt the perfect Southeast itinerary to your specific tastes by recommending a couple of extra countries focused on specific adventures and experiences.  The result – the perfect Southeast Asia travel itinerary for you .

MY EXPERIENCE IN SOUTHEAST ASIA ON THE BANANA PANCAKE TRAIL

Three years ago, I quit my job, packed my things, and set out to treat myself to a year of discovery wandering the world.  Though I had already been to the Middle East, South America, and Europe, a close friend still recommended Southeast Asia and, what he called, the “Banana Pancake Trail” as the best starter for travel around the world.

He was absolutely right.

At his recommendation, I booked a one-way flight to Thailand and a rough plan to travel to the Thai islands and find a deserted beach with a beach hut to gather myself for the trip to come.  However, the beauty of experiencing Southeast Asia is that the “Banana Pancake Trail” already has a plan for you.

By the end of my first night in Bangkok (where I first arrived), my plan for Southeast Asia had been scrapped, I found a travel buddy, and the adventures were in full swing.

The following day, we decided to go to the north’s Chiang Mai hill country, exploring and wandering as our crew grew from 2 members to 10.  The adventures that followed over the next four months were more than I could have planned, asked for, or dreamed.

The Banana Pancake trail’s momentum took us tasting, exploring, and partying with like-minded travelers in Thailand.  We continued to experience history, culture, and adventure in Vietnam.  Surprisingly, Vietnam turned out to be one of the richest destinations of all my travels, suitable for any age.  We continued by cruising the Ho Chi Minh trail by motorbike “moto-packing” on 125cc Vietnam and made motorcycles up to China and down through Laos, ultimately experiencing places that hadn’t seen people like us in decades.  Through Cambodia, we continued exploring ancient kingdoms and Asian castles that are rightly called “wonders of the world.” 

Then, we all parted ways, but my adventure continued.

I trekked to floating cities and wandered through lost kingdoms and thousands of Pagodas in Myanmar.  I trekked alone to the highest mountain in the world, Everest, in the peaceful quiet of Nepal.  I shared bananas with a wild elephant alone in Sri Lanka. I tackled fears and surfed waves taller than me in Bali. And I swam with giants, diving breathlessly below whale sharks in the Philippines.

All of this happened with no plan, with ease, and on a budget.

My experience was genuine but far from uncommon for backpackers on the Banana Pancake Trail.

I highly recommend the experience.

After al of this firsthand experience bouncing around the best of Asia, how long is the perfect Southeast Asia Itinerary? 3 Months.  Yup.  You guessed it.

Now that we have your interest let’s explore how you, too, can experience the Banana Pancake Trail with this Southeast Asia Itinerary for three months of mind-blowing travel and experiences.

THE “ADVENTURE FIRST” SOUTHEAST ASIA ITINERARY FOR 3 MONTHS

To maximize your enojoyment and experience, here is a Southeast itinerary for 3 months that will help you see more than you ever thought possible.  This itinerary helps you start with adventures and end with countries specific to your favorite travel experiences.

• Weeks 1 to 3: Vietnam
• Weeks 4 to 5: Laos 
• Week 6: Cambodia
• Weeks 7 to 9: Thailand
• Weeks 10 and 11: Additional Country #1
• Weeks 12 and 13: Additional Country #2
• Additional Countries Recommended: Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Bali (Indonesia), The Philippines, Nepal

WHAT IS THE “ADVENTURE FIRST” ITINERARY, AND WHY SHOULD YOU DO IT?

The first itinerary starts you off in Vietnam, arguably the new hotspot for backpacking (dethroning Thailand). Thailand’s long north to south stretch of traveler trail is filled with likeminded backpackers and travelers that are bussing and “moto-packing” between cities to hike, climb, party, and explore in a very adventurous way.

Followed up Vietnam with even more rural and adventurous Laos for jungle trekking and outdoor adventures, and your trip will be front-loaded with adventurous memories.

Then, proceeded through the more relaxed and slower-paced Cambodia sites on to the beaches, rice fields, and street food experiences of Thailand before moving on to the “name your own adventure” portion of your itinerary.

THE “PLEASURE FIRST” SOUTHEAST ASIA ITINERARY FOR 3 MONTHS

For those that need to start their travels with a chance to recharge and refresh, this itinerary for three months in Southeast Asia takes you through the peaceful pleasures of the Banana Pancake Trail before introducing its adventures.

• Weeks 1 to 3: Thailand
• Weeks 6 to 8: Vietnam
• Week 9: Cambodia

WHAT IS THE “PLEASURE FIRST” ITINERARY, AND WHY SHOULD YOU DO IT?

Thailand is renowned for its beaches, street food, traditional Thai massages, and how easily new travelers can experience the country.  If you’re escaping the world and need to “decompress” to get yourself into the travel mood, “the Thailand first itinerary” is the one you want to roll with.

Thailand is the original backpacker paradise offering a slower-paced experience (if you want it to be) with all of its highlights catering to the senses and enjoyment.  In Bangkok, street food and traditional Thai massage rejuvenate you and awaken the senses.  In the northern portion of the itinerary, in Chiang Mai and Pai, temples, rice fields, and pleasant company pull you into a state of peace.

In the southern portion of the Thailand itinerary, the beautiful beaches and countless islands keep you in that state of pleasure and relaxation with the option of all-night parties with fellow travelers.

If the idea of a cottage on the beach or serene rice field is exactly what you need right now, start with Thailand first, continue through Laos, on to the adventures of Vietnam and the ruins and history of Cambodia.  Finally, end your itinerary with one or two of the “additional countries” listed below that speaks to your unique travel tastes.

THE “OTHER COUNTRIES” I RECOMMEND IN SOUTH ASIA

The four core countries on the “Banana Pancake Trail,” Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos , are all amazing experiences that nearly any traveler can appreciate.  However, there is beauty, pleasure, and adventure strewn across Southeast Asia to experience far beyond just these four countries.

Of the seven “optional countries” in South Asia, I recommend adding on at least one or two to the end of your trip.  Each of these extra countries has an irreplaceable theme or experience that perfectly fits a certain type of travel urge.

The five additional countries to consider adding to your Southeast Asia backpacking trip are:

• Myanmar : Remnants of an ancient empire with thousands of temples and lake treks in the backdrop of a recently opened country
• Sri Lanka : The Garden of Eden, wild animals, ruins of ancient kingdoms, hiking, and surfing for all levels
• Bali, Indonesia : A true paradise with rice fields, beaches, hipster backpacker havens and a spiritual backdrop
• The Philippines : A true water world of those of islands and the most pristine water and beaches I’ve ever seen – perfect for divers, free divers, snorkelers, and water children
• Nepal : A mecca for trekking, rural mountain cultures (Sherpa) and home to the tallest mountain in the world

SOUTHEAST ASIA HIGHLIGHTS NOT TO BE MISSED

As you adapt this itinerary for your travel preferences, spend more time in places that offer what you love and don’t be scared to skip places that don’t offer anything that interests you.  Your time and money is precious, treat it as such.

Lucky for us, and planning, each country in Southeast Asia naturally has a specific theme, experience, or adventure that it offers better than any other destination in the world.  Use the list of SE Asia highlights

SOUTHEAST ASIA HIGHLIGHT EXPERIENCES + WHERE TO FIND THEM

• Street Food: Thailand, Vietnam
• Ancient Cities and Ancient Ruins: Angkor Wat (Cambodia), Pagan (Myanmar), Polonnaruwa (Sri Lanka)
• Animal Experiences: Sri Lanka
• Diving Adventures: Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand
• Surf Adventures: Bali, Sri Lanka
• Trekking: Nepal, Myanmar, Indonesia
• Wild Motorbiking Adventures: Vietnam, Laos – mini-adventures in Thailand and Bali
• Wild Outdoor and Rural Experiences: Laos

WHY IS THE BANANA PANCAKE TRAIL A PERFECT TRAVEL ADVENTURE?

This route through southeast asia offers every sight, taste, and experience you want from a good travel adventure, all for cheap and easily navigated..

There are many other backpacking routes through the world:

• The Gringo Trail **
• The Balkan Walk **
• The Arabian Trail **
• and more…

However, the Banana Pancake Trail through Southeast Asia is one of the best, cheapest, and easiest, making it perfect for first-time travelers.

THE BANANA PANCAKE TRAIL IN SOUTHEAST ASIA IS THE BEST FOR NEW AND BUDGET TRAVELERS.  HERE’S WHY…

Wherever you travel to in Southeast Asia you’ll always find these amazing benefits:

• Cheap Cost of Travel
• Great Travel Infrastructure
• Variety in the Adventures
• Several exotic cultures in an easily navigated experience
• Fantastic Food Experiences
• Boundless pleasures suitable for all types of travelers

Cheap Cost of Travel: $15 to $35 per day, with cheap intercity/intercountry buses and budget airlines

Great Travel Infrastructure: From the cheap yet extremely comfortable hostels to the easily and cheaply booked buses, rail, and trains, navigating Southeast Asia on a budget is very easy and convenient

Variety in the Adventures: Day trips by boat, motorbiking around an entire country, swimming in empty bays with glowing plankton, trekking, food adventures, diving, surfing, and so much more.  Few other regions of the world offer such a variety of adventures in such a small area for such a low price.

Several exotic cultures in an easily navigated experience: Though westerners may think of Southeast Asian countries as all the same, each country on “the trail” has its own very unique culture and highlight experience.   This variety accents the overall travel experience and opens the mind, all presented in a way that isn’t too shocking for even newbie travelers.

Food Experiences: Southeast Asia – specifically Thailand – has one of the most robust food scenes globally.  The street food scene of Thailand boasts food carts with Michelin stars, and Bali is the peak of “hipster fusion,” creating an adventure within an adventure for foodies on the road.

Pleasures: From traditional massages to the most beautiful beaches in the world with sunsets on beanbags with coconuts, in Southeast Asia, there is always a new (or old reliable) pleasure around the corner to soothe the senses

THE PERFECT SOUTHEAST ASIA ITINERARY FOR 3 MONTHS

The beauty of the Banana Pancake trail, for old and new travelers alike, is how well the tourism and travel infrastructure is built out and well defined the “highlights” are for each location.

Thanks to this well defined and supported travel route, choosing the right cities to visit – that deliver experiences worth your precious time and energy – traveling between them are easy.

The following itinerary of countries and cities hits the irreplaceable highlights of the region. It flows in such a way that you will be able to cheaply and easily travel to your next stop while bumping into familiar friends along the way.

Note: This itinerary is the “Adventure First” itinerary.  To prioritize relaxation and pleasure, make the same city stops, but placing Thailand first

OVERVIEW OF THE PERFECT BANANA PANCAKE TRAIL ITINERARY

1.     vietnam (3 weeks).

• Ho Chi Minh City (2 Days): A big, bustling city with 3 centuries-old – Essential Ho Chi Minh City Experiences –   Ben Thanh Market , touring the Cu Chi Tunnels from the Vietnam War, city tour by motorbike** , free walking tour**, countryside bike tour
• Dalat (2 Days): Vietnam’s city of eternal spring with amazing architecture and a mountain backdrop – Essential Dalat Experiences – Canyoning tour, a coffee experience with a trip to a plantation and several cafes, “chase clouds” in Trai Mat, visit Truc Lam Buddhist Temple, visit Elephant Waterfall, visit Maze Bar Dalat (100 roofs café).
• Da Nang (1-2 Days): Another big city offering typical tourist delights – Essential Experiences – Visit Ba Na Hill & Golden bridge, ride the dragon bridge by motorbike, explore the nightlife, and plenty of great restaurants
• Motorbike the Hai Van Pass from Da Nang to Hoi An (2-hour ride): A straight of coastal mountain highway with beautiful, peaceful ocean views for the entire stretch, perfect for two-wheeled adventures and open-air Jeeps
• Hoi An (2 Days): A beautiful UNESCO World Heritage City and one of the most well-preserved Southeast Asia trading ports dating back to the 1400s. Hanoi artfully blends local and foreign influences into architecture, food, and experience – Essential Experiences – Hoi An Central Market, wander Hoi An Old Town, plenty of food adventures, walking across “Japanese Bridge,” get some tailor-made suits or clothes for fun, take a cooking class, grab a beer by the Thu Bon River on itty bitty plastic chairs, motorbike to the Marble Mountains, Hoi An Night Market
• Hanoi (3 Days): Charming and heavily influenced by French architecture and food.  Wonderful for relaxing while being a gateway to the more beautiful north of Vietnam – Essential Experiences – Hanoi Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake + Legend, St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Hanoi Hilton tour (Hoa Lo Prison) Pho, Egg coffee at Café Pho Co overlooking the legendary Hoan Kiem lake, street food tour, shop for potentially counterfeit outdoor and adventure gear/clothing (“Made In Vietnam” store), Phung Hung Mural Street, Dong Xuan Market
• Essential Side Trips from Hanoi: Ha Long Bay (2 Days), Sapa (2 days), Ha Giang Loop (4 Days),  Ba Be (2 Days), Ninh Binh

TIP: From here on the Vietnam itinerary, continue on to northern Vietnam as the often skipped north has what I would argue to be the most beautiful landscapes and experiences in Vietnam

2.      LAOS (2 WEEKS)

• Luang Prabang (3 Days): Kuang Si Waterfalls, countless Buddhist temples, 
• Vang Vieng (3 Days): Tubing or kayaking the Nan Song River (with booze and friends), dense jungle day hikes – both of these are only possible outside of monsoon season
• Vientiane (3 Days): Sunset by the river with the evening market and experiencing Laos local life, visit the COPE Center (Vietnam War in Laos history)
• Optional: “Don Det” 4000 Islands in Si Phan Don (if traveling by motorbike to Cambodia): to float, wander, and relax
• Optional: Motorbike Thakek Loop en route to 4000 Islands
• Optional: Gibbon Experience** ziplining through the jungle canopy in Nam Kan National park

3.      CAMBODIA (1 WEEK)

• Phnom Penh (1 Day): S-21 Genocide Museum, shoot big guns, temples (Wat Phnom), a river cruise on the Mekong
• Siem Reap/Angkor Wat (2 Days): Angkor Wat by tuk tuk at sunrise, night market experiences of The Lane + Pub Street
• Optional (2-3 Days): Sihanoukville to Koh Rong and Koh Ron Samleon island for beautiful beaches and phosphorescent plankton
• Optional – Kampot: A low key town where backpackers enjoy riverside cocktails and food, rent scooters to cruise the hills nearby

4.      THAILAND (3 WEEKS)

• Chiang Mai (3 Days):   Walking tour of Old Town Chiang Mai, Temples, Old Town and Nimman Street Food Night Markets, Thai Massags, a Thai cooking class,
• Pai (2-3 Days): Cruise the hills of Pai by motorbike, and hike a beautiful Pai Canyon hike by sunset. cave tours. By Street food at the Pai Night Market by night
• Bangkok (3 to 5 Days): Party on Khao San Road, street food, Bangkok floating market, Chao Praya River area and ancient royal district, the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Pho temple
• Krabi / Railay (3 Days): Railay Beach, the towering Tiger Cave Temple (+1,237 steps), Soi RCA, Ao Nang Night Market & street food, Emerald Pool and hot spring  waterfalls, jungle trek through Khao Sak National Park, cave swingat Hollow Mountain
• Ko Phi Phi (2-3 Days): Maya bay day trip, boat tour between the islands, lots of beach time, or consider Ko Lanta for a more peaceful experience as Ko Phi Phi tends to be a party island
• Koh Tao (2-3 Days): Motorbike, cruise, and snorkel between beaches, SCUBA dive certification, Ko Tao pub crawl, sunset at Mango Bay, Love Koh Tao Viewpoint Café for coffee.
• Ko Pha Ngan (2-3 Days): Full Moon Party ( Full Moon Party calendar here for 2020 + 2021 ), half-moon beach party, wander between beaches andwaterfalls,

5. ADDITIONAL COUNTRY OF YOUR CHOOSING #1 (2 WEEKS)

Choose an additional country specializing in something you love, based on our list of additional recommended countries .  Choose two shorter ones, or just one country if a 3+ weeks itinerary is required.

6. ADDITIONAL COUNTRY OF YOUR CHOOSING #2 (2 WEEKS)

Choose a second additional country that specializes in something you love, based on our list of additional recommended countries

A Tip on itineraries: Prioritize the sites and adventures that are “musts” for you, and from there, don’t stick to a strict itinerary abiding by the days recommended.  Stay in each city as long as you’re vibing with that particular city. Don’t feel pressured to book accommodations, transport, or excursions far in advance as there will likely always be a suitable option available.  Leaving that room for flexibility in your adventures is invaluable.

A Note on “Days per Destination” in this itinerary: Each destination has a 2 to 3-day buffer, allowing you to stay longer if you are enjoying a place more than normal.  On the other hand, if you arrive in a place and you’ve either 1) quickly completed all of the experiences or 2) simply don’t like it, I highly recommend proceeding onward to create extra time for your favorite places that pop up in the itinerary.

THE PERFECT SOUTHEAST ASIA ITINERARY FOR 3 MONTHS IN-DEPTH

• Vietnam (3 Weeks)
• Laos (2 Weeks )
• Cambodia (1 Week)
• Thailand (3 Weeks)
• Additional Countries 1 and 2 (We offer our favorite suggestions below)

VIETNAM ITINERARY FOR 3 WEEKS

Vietnam is a cheap, beautiful, and adventure packed country that is arguably the best place in Southeast Asia for backpackers – old and new. 

Whereas Thailand was once the “go-to” Southeast Asia travel destination, Vietnam is now single easiest, most entertaining, and most economical destination in SEA. 

THE TOP 5 REASONS WHY VIETNAM IS AN EXCELLENT DESTINATION:

• A deep, unadulterated cultural experience: food, experiencing Vietnamese daily life, and finding tourist-free locales
• Amazing adventure opportunities : Motorbiking the entire country, canyoning, trekking
• Amazing beauty and landscapes: “Floating islands”, Patagonia-esque mountains, beautiful beaches, jungles, canyons, rice fields and more
• Making new backpacker friends on the backpacker trail is insanely easy
• Great transportation infrastructure makes getting around easy and cheap and tons of cheap yet comfortable lodging in every city (~$5 to ~$25 USD per night) keep travel cheap

VIETNAM HIGHLIGHTS

• Motorbiking the length of the country, the Ha Giang Loop, and the Ho Chi Minh Trail
• The Hanoi experience: Heavy French influence in Asia
• Beautiful Northern hill country: rice fields, amazing views, and a great cultural experience (Sapa & North)
• Ha Long Bay and the “Castaway” experience
• Plenty of friendly backpackers and travelers to befriend

 OVERALL RATING FOR VIETNAM

• Tourist Rating: 8/10 – Something for everyone and travel options to fit all tastes
• Adventure Rating: 9/10 – Motorbiking, trekking, and adventure sports to fit all types
• Backpacker Travel Rating: 9/10 – Cheap, fun, social, and easy to travel. The new “it’” destination

 THE VIETNAM ITINERARY: 3 WEEKS

With this near perfect Vietnam itinerary, 3 weeks will be enough to experience the best and most unique of Vietnam while experiencing the food, culture, amazing landscapes, and adventures you’ll find few other places in the world

• Ho Chi Minh City (2 Days)
• Dalat (2 Days)
• Da Nang (1-2 Days)
• Motorbike the Hai Van Pass from Da Nang to Hoi An (2 Hours)
• Hoi An (2 Days)
• Hanoi (3 Days)
• Ha Long Bay (2 Days) or Ha Long Bay Castaway Experience (2 Days)
• Sapa tour and ricefields trek (2 Days)
• Ha Giang Loop – solo by motorbike or via tour (4 Days)
• Ba Be National Park (2 Days)

HO CHI MINH CITY (2 DAYS )

The capital of Vietnam is big and bustling but proceed quickly to other, better adventures throughout Vietnam

TOP EXPERIENCES IN HO CHI MINH CITY

• 3 centuries-old Ben Thanh Market
• touring the Cu Chi Tunnels from the Vietnam War
• City tour by motorbike: Bookable through most hostels
• One of the many free walking tours in Ho Chi Minh City
• countryside bike tour

WHERE TO STAY IN HO CHI MINH CITY

• Hideout Hostel
• Airbnb for a more private yet economical option

DALAT (2 DAYS)

Vietnam’s city of eternal spring with amazing architecture and a mountain backdrop

TOP EXPERIENCES IN DALAT

• Canyoning tour
• coffee experience with a trip to a plantation and several cafes
• “chase clouds” in Trai Mat
• visit Truc Lam Buddhist Temple
• visit Elephant Waterfall
• visit Maze Bar Dalat (100 roofs café)

WHERE TO STAY IN DALAT

• Pretty Backpacker House
• Tigon Dalat Hostel

DA NANG (1-2 DAYS)

Another big city on the Vietnam adventure trails that offers typical tourist delights

TOP EXPERIENCES DA NANG

• Visit Ba Na Hill & Golden bridge
• Ride the dragon bridge by motorbike
• Explore the nightlife
• Plenty of great restaurants.

MOTORBIKE THE HAI VAN PASS FROM DA NANG TO HOI AN (2-HOUR RIDE):

The “Hai-Van Pass” is an epically beautiful stretch of coastal mountain highway between Hoi An and Da Nang. The entire stretch of peaceful ocean views is perfect for motorbiking adventures and open-air Jeep tours from Hoi .

How to ride the Hai Van Pass: Arrange rental of a motorbike to cruise at your own pace from Hoi An to Da Nang and arrange transport of your bags to be taken separately by car.  The scooter/motorbike rental will be for a one way trip and the provider should be able to arrange delivery of your bags. Ask your hostel/hotel staff for motorbike rental recommendations – they will be the best source of information for the adventure.

HOI AN (2 DAYS)

A beautiful UNESCO World Heritage City recognized as being one of the most well-preserved Southeast Asia trading ports dating back to the 1400s, artfully blending local and foreign influences into architecture, food, and experience

TOP EXPERIENCES HOI AN

• Hoi An Central Market
• Hoi An Old Town
• Plenty of food adventures,
• Japanese Bridge
• Getting a tailor-made suits or clothes for fun with wacky prints
• Vietnamese cooking class for Hoi-An specific cusisine
• Grabbing a beer by the Thu Bon River on itty bitty plastic chairs
• Motorbiking to the Marble Mountains
• Hoi An Night Market

WHAT TO EAT AND WHERE

• Grab Bánh mì at Banh Mi Phuong, recommended by Anthony Bourdain
• Pork buns, Bahn Xeo

WHERE TO STAY

• Vietnam Backpackers Hoi An : A resort-like hostel tucked into an artistically remodeled historic building

HANOI (3 DAYS)

A charming city despite its size, heavily influenced by French architecture and food.  Wonderful for relaxing exploration while being a gateway to the more beautiful north of Vietnam

TOP EXPERIENCES HANOI

• Hanoi Old Quarter
• Hoan Kiem Lake + Legend
• St. Joseph’s Cathedral
• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
• Hanoi Hilton tour (Hoa Lo Prison) Pho
• Egg coffee at Café Pho Co overlooking the legendary Hoan Kiem lake
• A street food tour
• shop for potentially counterfeit outdoor and adventure gear/clothing at one of the “Made In Vietnam” store)
• Phung Hung Mural Street
• Dong Xuan Market
• Vietnam Backpackers Central: 100% party and instant social life (book directly via the hostel’s site)
• Republik Backpackers hostel : Peace, quiet, and comfort

WHAT TO EAT

• Bun Cha, Pho

ESSENTIAL SIDE TRIPS FROM HANOI AND IN NORTHERN VIETNAM 

Recommended tours from hanoi.

• Ha Long Bay (2 Days) or Ha Long Bay Castaway Experience (recommended via Vietnam Backpackers)
• (Optional)Cat Ba Island
• (Optional) Ninh Binh

HA LONG BAY (2 DAYS)

This bay of 1,600 floating islands inspired the dreamscapes of the movie Avatar and are the best experience for a fun boat tour, allowing you to swim and kayak along the way. Consider leveling up the experience with a party heavy two-day castaway leaving you stranded on an island for an excitingly irreplaceable experience.

SAPA (2 DAYS)

This romantic mountain town is nestled in the cool north.  Experience the relaxing ambiance with a day trek (guided by locals) through the hills and rice fields, sharing history and culture along the way.

HA GIANG LOOP (4 DAYS)

Rent a motorbike and ride this four-day loop of northern Vietnam through rice fields, mountains, and to the border of China for arguably the most beautiful and authentic adventure in Vietnam.  Grab your motorbike for the trip from Style Motorbikes in Hanoi.

BA BE NATIONAL PARK (2 DAYS)

4.5 hours from Hanoi lies a peaceful escape, a national park of only bays, caves, and flooded rice paddies.  Stay at a guesthouse on the cheap and take a guided tour of the park (by boat) for an experience you can’t have anywhere else.

(**Ba Be National Park video**)

(OPTIONAL) NINH BINH

If you have extra time consider adding the beauty of Ha Long Bay’s floating islands experienced on land.

OTHER GREAT EXPERIENCES FOR ANYWHERE IN VIETNAM

• Vietnamese Coffee making class: Best in Dalat
• Vietnamese cooking class: Best in Hanoi, Hoi An, or Ho Chi Minh city
• Riding all of Vietnam by Motorbike: Buy a motorbike from a fellow backpacker for $200-$500 USD, and ride!
• Vietnam Backpacker’s “Bull Run”
• Vietnam Backpacker’s Castaway in Ha Long Bay
• Ninhvana Backpacker’s Resort in Ninh Van
• Riding the Hai Van Pass

VIETNAM IN PICTURES

BUDGETING AND COSTS IN VIETNAM

• Nice Hostel Bed per Night: $7/Night
• Hotel Room Per Night: $25/night
• Average Meal: $3
• Daily Backpacker Budget: $25/day + additional $30-$50 for each big trip

ESSENTIAL FOOD AND DRINK IN VIETNAM

• Bun Cha (Best in Hanoi)
• Egg Coffee (Best in Hanoi)
• Vietnamese Coffee
• Local beer: Made from rice, and served draught streetside at the bars with countless tiny chairs
• Banh Mi (Best everywhere, style varies by city
• Cao Lao (Best in Hoi An)
• Cha Ca (Best in Hanoi)
• Guoi Cuon (Spring Rolls)
• Bun Bo Hue (Best in Central Vietnam)

HOW TO GET AROUND VIETNAM

• From Airports: Grab Rideshare app (to avoid being ripped off by taxis)
• Between Cities: 12go.Asia or Rome2Rio for planning buses or booking shuttles through your hostel, hotel, or local travel agent kiosk
• In-Town: Byfoot is the best option for explorers, booking tour buses for adventures outside of town.  Moto taxis are great for getting around town and best booked in the Grab rideshare app or with a price agreed upon in advance
• Adventure Option – Motorbike Vietnam: Join the Vietnam Backpackers FB groups and purchase a used motorbike from a fellow backpacker for $200-$400, “moto-pack” the length of Vietnam, and resell before leaving.

VIETNAM VISA STRATEGY

Available for 1, 3, and 6 months, authorization required before arrival

• Vietnam Visa Fees: Agent fee (varies) paid in advance and stamp fee on arrival (varies)
• All visas require a visa approval letter attained prior to your arrival from a visa agent and printed to present at the airport on arrival – you won’t have the chance to print on arrival and will be turned away if you don’t have it
• Different visas are required if you fly internationally into Vietnam or cross a land border (via Cambodia, Laos, or China).  Request the correct type of Visa accordingly.
• Average Visa Agent Fees (paid in advance to private visa agent): 1 month single: $6 / person; 1 month multiple: $6 / person 3 months single entry: $15 / person ; 3 months multiple entry: $20 / person – these are in addition to stamp fees paid on arrival
• Visa Stamp Fees (paid on arrival to Vietnamese government): Bring cash (in USD or VND) as you will have to  pay for visa stamp fee (paid by yourself upon arrival at the airport: 25$ for 1 month and 3 month single entry, 50$ for 1 month multiple entry and 3 month multiple entry, 95$ for 6 months multiple entry, 135$ for 1-year multiple entry
• My Visa Agent: I used http://vietnamvisapro.com/ several times with no issues

TRAVEL INSURANCE IN VIETNAM

I highly recommend having travel insurance in Vietnam, as the motorbiking, canyoning, and off the beaten path adventures.  I recommend the following two options

• World Nomads : Higher cost, but great support and few issues filing claims
• SafetyWing : Lower cost, but sufficient to cover most all adventures in Vietnam

ESSENTIAL HEALTH TIPS FOR VIETNAM

  Consider getting a rabies booster in advance.  Carry the medications you need for most situations for a minimum of 3 days, including stomach meds as you adjust to Asia (Pepto, Immodium, etc.) and pain relievers.

WHEN TO VISIT VIETNAM

December to March during high season, when the weather is dry.

LAOS 2 WEEK ITINERARY

Laos is a rugged and often overlooked backpacking destination in Southeast Asia, but the hidden beauty, preserved culture, and numerous outdoor adventures – trekking, rafting, motorbiking, and more – make Laos a fulfilling locale for budget travelers and backpackers that love the outdoors.

HERE ARE THE TOP 5 REASONS TO TRAVEL TO LAOS

• Rural, off the beaten track feel: No matter where you go in Laos, it feels like you’re traveling back in time experiencing Asia before the Banana Pancake Trail set in
• Plenty of Outdoor Adventures: Jungle treks, floating down the river on inner tubes, and exploring limestone caves/bunkers are a few of the many adventures that we miss in urban destinations
• Laos is cheap: For travelers on a budget, Laos will be the cheapest destination on your itinerary while still providing plenty of easy travel and transport infrastructure
• Hidden history: From unexploded ordance to the history of the “Secret War”, Laos will shock you with history you likely have never heard about
• Amazing Landscapes: Top to bottom, Laos is filled with towering mountains, green jungles, and rolling hills that most westerners will only witness in pictures

OVERALL RATING FOR LAOS

• Tourist Rating: 6/10 – Not as glitzy as other SEA destinations as Laos lacks urban flare
• Adventure Rating: 9/10 – Perfect for lovers of the outdoors and adventure sports
• Backpacker Travel Rating: 9/10 – Cheap, easy to travel, and rugged enough to be charming

2 WEEK LAOS ITINERARY

If you’re backpacking SEA and want the best of everything, this 2 week Laos itinerary helps you maximize your time by hitting the quintessential experiences that you can only experience in Laos.

• Luang Prabang (3 Days)
• Vang Vieng (3 Days)
• Vientiane (3 Days)
• Optional: “Don Det” 4000 Islands in Si Phan Don (if traveling by motorbike to Cambodia)

LUANG PRABANG (3 DAYS)

Luang Prabang is an absolute highlight of adventuring through Laos.  A former French colonial town, this UNESCO world heritage site boasts an amazingly rough and southeast backdrop, monasteries and temples to explore, and countless wild adventures outside of the city

TOP EXPERIENCES IN LUANG PRABANG

• Kuang Si Waterfalls, countless Buddhist temples

VANG VIENG (3 DAYS)

A haven for wild backpackers and backpackers that love the wild outdoors, Vang Vieng is a jungle town with adventure and relaxation in equal parts.  Cheap, cozy, comfortable, and perfect for a genuine travel experience.

TOP EXPERIENCES IN VANG VIENG

• Tubing or kayaking the Nan Song River (with booze and friends), dense jungle day hikes – both of these are only possible outside of monsoon season

VIENTIANE (3 DAYS)

A big colonial French city, Vientiane is more of a “transit and resupply” location with much less charm and adventure than Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang.  Plan in this stop as simply a transit point, and use the days to wander Laos’ biggest city, eating the local (and French inspired) food, observing the architectural influence, and ending sunset on the local river walk next to the market.

TOP EXPERIENCES IN VIENTIANE

• Sunset by the river with the evening market and experiencing Laos local life, visit the COPE Center (Vietnam War in Laos history)

OPTIONAL ADVENTURES LAOS

• “Don Det” 4000 Islands in Si Phan Don (if traveling by motorbike to Cambodia) to float, wander, and relax
• Optional: Gibbon Experience** ziplining through the jungle canopy in Nam Kan National Park

LAOS IN PICTURES

BUDGETING AND COSTS IN LAOS

• Nice Hostel Bed per Night: $5
• Hotel Room Per Night: $20 – $40
• Daily Backpacker Budget: $20
• Daily Tourist Budget: $60

ESSENTIAL FOOD AND DRINK

• Larb/Laap – A meat salad served with sticky rice
• Khao Jee – Baguette Sandwich
• Khao Poon – Spicy Soup with Vermicelli Noodles and Pounded Meat
• Sai Gok – Laotian sausage, season pork served with sticky rice
• BeerLao – A local beer brewed with rice (vice grains)
• Laos Pho – Similar to Vietnamese Pho but served with flat noodles (or thin rice noodles on request) and may have beef innards (heart, liver, etc.)
• Or Lam – A Lao stew originating in Luang Prabang made with dried buffalo meat
• Sien Savanh – Laotian beef jerky
• Tam Mak Hoong – Lao papaya salad

GETTING TO LAOS

• From Vietnam by Air, fly from Hanoi into Luang Prabang, making for a smooth, one-way tour south (~$100).  Most flights from Ho Chi Minh city connect through Hanoi, making Hanoi the best departure point
• Consider leaving Hanoi to Luang Prabang from Vietnam by bus, but plan on a 25-hour bus ride.
• From Thailand, consider taking the relaxingly adventurous slow boat from Huay Xai to Pak Beng to Luang Prabang.  Travel by bus from Chiang Rai, Thailand, to the border
• BEST OPTION: Buy a motorbike in Vietnam , ride into Laos**, ride to the northern border (China), ride west into Laos, and ride south toward Vang Vieng à Luang Prabang à Vientiane.  Be sure to by a bike with the “blue card” to ensure you can make it across Laos – Vietnam border

GETTING AROUND LAOS

• Plan for roughly a day of travel (4 to 12 hours) between cities
• Minibusses between Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, and Vientiane arranged through your hostel, hotel, or local travel agency – Online bookings and route times available at 12goAsia
• Consider buying a motorbike in Laos, easiest in Vientiane for ~$150, and explore the country

VISA STRATEGY

• 30-day visa on arrival available for most nationalities at 27 entry points/border crossing. Extendable twice up to 90 days total. ($30 to $42 depending on nationality, plus passport photo) (Link: http://www.immigration.gov.la/visas.html )
• 60-day e-visa available to nationalities ineligible for the Visa on arrival and can be used to enter at the Thai-Laos friendship bridge, Wattay International Airport (Vientiane), and Luang Prabang International airport ($50) (Link: https://laoevisa.gov.la/)

PACKING ESSENTIALS

• A good backpack – roller luggage or duffel bag would make travel miserable
• A good compressible daypack as most of the adventures are less than a day’s length
• Good boots for hiking, to make the most of the exploration opportunities
• Adventure and trekking ready sandals like the Xero Trails or Chacos
• A 10L to 20L waterproof bag to keep the essentials dry in wet weather and on river floats
• Ziploc bags large and small, to keep things dry and un-muddied on the adventures
• Bug spray to start the adventures as jungles are filled with buggies

TRAVEL INSURANCE IN LAOS

Laos is an adventurous destination.  With the river floating, jungle trekking, and motorbiking experiences, travel insurance is an absolute must .  I wouldn’t consider visiting without it.  I highly recommend either World Nomads or SafetyWing as they have both been reliable on adventures and the cost is reasonable

WHEN TO VISIT LAOS

January to March in Laos is best as temperatures are manageable and the weather is drier. The Laotian monsoon season is May until October, and the dry season is from November to April.

MOVING ON FROM LAOS: GO TO CAMBODIA OR VIETNAM

Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia are all very accessible from Laos.  Plan on flying out of Vientiane to your next destination, or consider motorbiking through Laos and on through Cambodia

CAMBODIA 1 WEEK ITINERARY

OVERALL RATING FOR CAMBODIA

• Tourist Rating: 9/10 for Angkor Wat, 6/10 elsewhere
• Adventure Rating: 6/10
• Backpacker Travel Rating: 9/10 for Angkor Wat, 6/10 elsewhere
• Phnom Penh (1 Day): S-21 Genocide Museum, shoot big guns and things that go “boom,” markets (Russian Market + food stalls), temples (Wat Phnom), a river cruise on the Mekong
• Siem Reap/Angkor Wat (2 Days): Angkor Wat by tuk tuk ($25 for Tuk Tuk + $37 entry ticket) tour starting at sunrise, night market experiences of The Lane + Pub Street
• Optional (2-3 Days): Sihanoukville to Koh Rong and Koh Ron Samleon island for white sands, clear waters, and phosphorescent plankton
• Optional – Kampot: A low key town best for backpackers, enjoy riverside cocktails and food, rent a scooter for a fun half-day ride through the hills nearby

CAMBODIA IN PICTURES

BUDGETING AND COSTS IN CAMBODIA

• Hotel Room Per Night: $35
• Average Meal: $6
• Daily Budget: $25 to $70 + fees for major attractions
• Note: Siem Reap will be much more expensive than Phnom Penh, Kampot, and Koh Rong

GETTING AROUND CAMBODIA

• Plan to travel between cities by bus booked through your hostel or hotel, or at a local travel kiosk.  Aim to only travel between cities during the day due to safety risks (bandits, robberies targeting foreigners on roads between cities at night).

CAMBODIA VISA STRATEGY

e-Visa valid for 30-day stay costing $36 USD available at the Kingdom of Cambodia visa pagehttps://www.evisa.gov.kh/

PACKING ESSENTIALS FOR CAMBODIA

Fanny pack/bum bag or other means of tightly securing valuables from “run-by” bag thieves

TRAVEL INSURANCE IN CAMBODIA

Absolutely necessary! Confirm coverage includes medical evacuation

Most reputable travel insurance options will do because there are few “high risk” activities to do in Cambodia.  I highly recommend SafetyWing for budget travelers and World Nomads for travelers with larger budgets.  Due to the risk of getting sick (stomach bugs) and relatively poor medical facilities, having medical evacuation coverage with your travel insurance is highly recommended.

WHEN TO VISIT CAMBODIA

Visit during the dry season between November and May, with November to February being the coolest months. Visiting during the dry season ensures the weather will be suitable for the Angkor Wat experience. 

Cambodia’s wet season is from June to September.  Expect extreme heat (highs of ~35 Celsius, 95 Fahrenheit) between March and June

ESSENTIAL BOOKS AND MOVIES ABOUT CAMBODIA

The Killing Fields (movie)

GETTING TO CAMBODIA

Arriving in Cambodia from Vietnam, a 6-hour bus ride from Ho Chi Minh city to Phnom Penh is the best entry plan.  When arriving from anywhere else to Cambodia , an international flight into Phnom Penh or Siem Reap is the best, cheapest, most efficient option.

MOVING ON FROM CAMBODIA

Fly on to Chiang Mai or Bangkok in Thailand or to Ho Chi Minh city or Hanoi in Vietnam to continue the Banana Pancake Trail.

THAILAND 3 WEEK ITINERARY

The original “backpacker” paradise: Street food, beautiful islands, and peaceful hill country

HIGHLIGHT EXPERIENCES IN THAILAND 

• Excellent starter destination
• Street food (Bangkok and Chiang Mai Old Town)
• Bangkok backpacker experience
• Khao Sak National Park
• Hill Country and Monastaries (Chiang Mai and Pai)

LOWLIGHTS OF TRAVELING IN THAILAND

• Fading “backpacker” vibe, as prices rise and heavy tourism takes over

OVERALL RATING FOR THAILAND

• Tourist Rating: 9/10
• Adventure Rating: 9/10
• Backpacker Travel Rating: 9/10

CHIANG MAI (3 DAYS)

Walking tour of Old Town Chiang Mai + visit the Temples around Old Town Chiang Mai ( Wat Rajamontean , Wat Lok Molee , Wat Suan Dok ), visit Wat Doi Suthep in the hill country + Doi Suthep hike, visit the many Old Town and Nimman Street Food Night Markets, Thai Traditional Massage Experience, take a Thai cooking class, visit the mega mall and a hipster café in Nimman.  Also, check out the many Chiang Mai cafes and coworking spaces to plan the rest of your trip.

Getting to Chiang Mai: Take the train from Bangkok (booked at the train station), then take a red collective taxi (the pickup trucks) for 35 Baht to your destination

PAI (2-3 DAYS)

Rent a motorbike (from the main road) to cruise and explore the hills of Pai, then ride and hike to the following adventure spots: Mae Yen waterfall, the World War II Memorial Bridge (Japanese Bridge), the short yet beautiful Pai Canyon hike by sunset. Take a cave tour (Tham Lod is a good choice). By night, enjoy street food at the Pai Night Market ( here ) on the main road.

Getting to Pai: Book a shared van through your hostel/hotel or 12go.Asia to Pai. You’ll take the same van back to Chiang Mai when moving on

My Personal Notes on Pai: Pai is a backpacker haven where solo travelers will make tons of friends.  Stay at a good hostel close to the main strip, be social, and make the most of the time.  Rent a motorbike (~150 Baht per day on the main street of Pai) for ultimate freedom.

BANGKOK (3 TO 5 DAYS)

Party on Khao San Road, explore the street food scenes near Khao San Road and in China town, eat a whole suckling pig (like Anthony Bourdain) at Tang Jai Yoo restaurant, visit the airplane graveyard and the flooded mall, visit the Bangkok floating market, explore around the Chao Praya River and ancient royal district, visit the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha, visit Wat Pho temple to see the golden reclining Buddha and get an amazing traditional Thai massage, visit Siam or Chatuchak Weekend Market.  Also, consider the Damnoen Saduak Floating Markets & Bridge on River Kwai day trips from Bangkok.

KRABI / RAILAY (3 DAYS)

Enjoy Railay Beach, rent a motorbike and ride to the Tiger Cave Temple (+1,237 steps), party at Soi RCA, street food at Ao Nang Night Market, dip in the Emerald Pool and hot spring-fed waterfalls, jungle trek through Khao Sak National Park, swing under the huge cave at Hollow Mountain, hike to the Hang Nak Mountain for a towering viewpoint, raft the Songprak River.

KO PHI PHI (2-3 DAYS)

Maya bay day trip, boat tour between the islands, lots of beach time, or consider Ko Lanta for a more peaceful experience as Ko Phi Phi tends to be a party island

KOH TAO (2-3 DAYS)

Rent a motorbike and snorkel and cruise between beaches to sun and snorkel, consider taking a course for SCUBA dive certification, join the Ko Tao pub crawl that happens nightly for new friends and some interesting experiences, sunset at Mango Bay, Love Koh Tao Viewpoint Café for coffee.

KO PHA NGAN (2-3 DAYS)

Full Moon Party ( Full Moon Party calendar here for 2020 + 2021 ), half-moon beach party, wander between and soak up the sun on countless beaches, hop between waterfalls, Thong Sala Night Market for street food, explore the forbidden on at “Eden,” smoke some “stuff” at Amsterdam Bar.

THAILAND IN PICTURES

TRAVEL BUDGET AND COSTS IN THAILAND

• Nice Hostel Bed per Night: ~$10
• Private Hostel Room or Hotel Room Per Night: $20-$30
• Average Meal: ~$3
• Daily Budget: $30
• Pad Thai – Thai Stir-Fried Noodles
• Khao Pad/Khao Pad Kai – Fried Rice/Chicken Fried Rice
• Pad Krapao – Fried Basil and Chicken/Pork
• Panang – Thai Curry
• Guay Teow – “Noodle Soup”
• Tom Yum Goong – Spicy Shrimp Soup
• Tom Kha Gai – Chicken in Coconut Soup
• Som Tam – Papaya Salad
• Laab Moo/Ka – Spicy Pork/Chicken Salad
• Pad See Eiw – Stir-Fried Thick Noodles
• Pak Boong – Morning Glory
• Salted, grilled fish (street food)
• A “bucket” of alcohol – on Khao San Road, or in the Thai Islands

GETTING AROUND THAILAND

• Between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, traveling by train is your best option, bookable at 12Go.Asia or directly at the train station.  Still, use 12Go to find timetables.
• For any other travel in mainland Thailand (Chiang Mai to Pai, Chiang Rai, Krabi), aim for vans and buses, best booked at one of the many small travel agent kiosks throughout Bangkok, or 12Go.Asia
• Traveling by ferry is the obvious option for travel between islands .  It is best to book in advance at your port of departure or at one of the small travel agent kiosks you will see around.

VISA STRATEGY THAILAND

Thailand’s Visa Exemption is free and allows most nationalities to stay up to 30 days, but beware; you are only allowed two visas exemptions per year. Note that you must have a confirmed departure ticket (from Thailand) within 30 days from arrival.  You may be required to show proof that you have at least 10,000 Thai Baht (in any currency), but this part is rarely enforced

If you plan on expat’ ing or traveling Asia extensively, it is best to get a 60-day Tourist Visa in advance (at most Thai embassies and consulates) and save the Visa Exemptions.  Thailand is a great fall back location if something goes wrong anywhere else. Bangkok is a great hub for getting anywhere else – keeping at least one visa exemption creates a great backup plan when travels elsewhere in Asia go sour.

Thailand is an extremely developed destination, and you will likely be able to find anything you need on the road in Bangkok. 

You will absolutely be adventuring heavily through wet and dry climates, so a good pair of adventure-ready sandals are crucial as well as a pair of adventure-ready shoes or boots .

Leave the roller luggage at home and bring a good travel backpack and daypack, ideally carry on size.

Bring a rain jacket or waterproof shell as Thailand does have those surprise Asia rains year-round – or go cheap and buy a poncho on arrival

TRAVEL INSURANCE IN THAILAND

Though traveling Thailand can be exciting and slightly risky, hiking canyons, SCUBA diving, and cliff jumping, most reputable travel insurance companies will do for the adventure – so stick with travel insurance you know and trust, but check to ensure they cover any of your “crazier” activities (like SCUBA diving or freediving )

If you’re searching for travel insurance suitable for Thailand, I highly recommend Safetywing as a budget option and World Nomads if you have the extra cash to spare.  Both have served me very well during my travels.

WHEN TO VISIT THAILAND

November to early April is the best time to enter Thailand, during the cool, dry season, but this applies mostly to mainland Thailand.  For coastal Thailand, on the Gulf of Thailand in the east and the Andaman Sea in the west, the dry and wet season aligns with summer and winter.  Because of this, Thailand always has an island to runaway to for great relaxing and diving.

ESSENTIAL BOOKS AND MOVIES FOR TRAVELING TO THAILAND

The Beach is a classic and arguably the quintessential “backpacking” movie.

GETTING THERE TO THAILAND

Flying into Bangkok is your best, and cheapest bet as Bangkok connects to most major international destinations

MOVING ON FROM THAILAND

If you are just starting the “Banana Pancake Trail” backpacking tour through Southeast Asia, continue east to Luang Prabang, Laos.  The journey (via bus then boat) is best started from Chiang Mai.

If you’ve already completed the basic Banana Pancake Trail (Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam), consider continuing through Southeast Asia to create a more “tailored” experience.  Add one or two of the following “additional” countries in Southeast to your itinerary to build in specific adventures and specific experiences that are especially meaningful to you.

THE BEST “ADDITIONAL COUNTRIES” TO CONSIDER ADDING TO YOUR SOUTHEAST ASIA ITINERARY

The core itinerary of Southeast Asia – Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos – is perfect for any traveler and easy to do enjoyably within two months.  For those travelers with three months to spare, this extra month leaves a fantastic chance to experience a few more of South Asia’s gems of travel.

Each of the countries listed below is just as easily traveled as the other core SEA countries but offers something special, making it one of the world’s best places to experience that.

Cap off the adventure of your dreams by adding one or two of these countries to the end of your itinerary based on what you love about travel.

ITINERARIES FOR THE BEST “ADDITIONAL COUNTRIES”

MYANMAR (1 TO 2 WEEKS)

• Mandalay (2 Days): U Pein Bridge by sunrise, a bike tour of Mandalay, Mandalay Hill by sunset, Jade market
• Bagan (Day 2): Take an “e-bike” mounted tour past thousands of temples (~$4), sit atop a temple for sunrise and sunset overlooking the Bagan Archeological Zone
• Inle Lake trek from Kalaw to Inle Lake (2 to 4 Days): ~$30 USD for a two-day trek
• Inle Lake Experience  (2 Days): Tour Inle Lake by boat, Mingala Market, Pindaya Caves, cooking class
• Optional: Yangon (Rangoon) (2 Days):  Bagyoke Market, Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon Circular Train experience

Highlight Experiences: 1000’s of ancient temples in Bagan, trekking through the rural country, witnessing a floating city on Inle Lake, Mount Popa, and the monastery (on the way from Bagan to Kalaw)

SRI LANKA (3 WEEKS)

Note: The best Sri Lanka itinerary in the south is heavily dependent on the monsoon season.  Plan accordingly with the timelines below to avoid being caught in a storm

DECEMBER TO APRIL SRI LANKA ITINERARY

(Start on the Southwest Coast for Beaches)

• Colombo/Negombo (2 Days): Consider renting a tuk tuk to drive yourself around Sri Lanka
• Hikkaduwa (1 Day): A small beach town an hour outside of Negombo with great surfing and cheap hotels (and beach bars) ~20ft from the beach
• Galle (1 Day): Visit the beautiful Dutch Galle Fort, walking on the fort’s wall’s by sunset
• Weligama (2 Days): Enjoy relaxing surfing in the sandy-bottomed and calm Weligama Bay
• Tangalle (1 to 2 Days): Spend a day on beautiful, desolate beaches
• Tissamaharama & Yala National Park:
• à Proceed onto the northern circuit to Ella and cultural triangle

APRIL TO DECEMBER SRI LANKA ITINERARY

(Focus on the Southeast Coast for Beaches)

• Colombo/Negombo (2 Days): Considering renting a tuk tuk to drive yourself around Sri Lanka
• Tangalle (1 Day optional and weather dependent on the season): Spend a day on beautiful, desolate beaches
• Yala National Park Safari via Tissamaharama (1 Day): Take a jeep tour through Yala National Park ($35 to $90) to see leopards, elephants, crocs, peacocks, and more, follow up with a   self-guided tour of Yala by Tuk Tuk ending at the Sithulpawa Monastery, sleep in Yala National Park
• Arugam Bay (3 Days): Soak up sun and vibes in this cozy surf town with varied, mellow waves suitable for new and advanced surfers alike
• Proceed onto the northern circuit and cultural triangle

CONTINUE ONTO THE NORTHERN CIRCUIT AND CULTURAL TRIANGLE ITINERARY

• Ella (3 Days): A beautiful mountain town in the cool, high country filled with trekking and surrounded by tea plantations.  This town is built around backpackers and tourism and is arguably the comfiest city in Sri Lanka (tying with Arugam Bay)
• Ella/Nuwar Eliya to Kandy Train Ride (1 Full Day): The most beautiful train ride in the world, stretching a 2 to 9-hour ride through Sri Lanka’s green high country
• Nuwara Eliya (2 Days): A once English settlement that maintains its British roots and is a perfect base for the epic Adam’s Peak hike
• Kandy (1 Day): A big city and gateway to Sri Lanka’s cultural heart
• Dambulla/Sigiriya (1 Day): A tour of ancient caves turned into monasteries at Dambulla and the epic Lion’s Rock of Sigiriya, both with insane backstories reminiscent of Game of Thrones
• Anuradhapura (1 Day): Spend a day wandering the 1000+-year-old temples, castles, and ruins that make the entire city an archeological site comparable to Angkor Wat and Bagan

Highlight Experiences: Driving a tuk tuk around a country, surfing, wild animal safaris, ruins,

BALI, INDONESIA (2 WEEKS)

• Canggu (3 Days): Learn to surf and soak up the sun in Bali’s hipster center and favorite surf village on the beach filled with trendy bars, cafés, yoga studios, and endless nightlife (+ Seminyak and Kuta)
• Ubud (3 Days): Visit the spiritual heart of Bali tucked in the mountains and hills of rice field laden high country for trekking, jungle excursions, monkey forests, and cultural experiences
• The “Gili’s” (2 Days): Disappear to the islands free of cars and motorbikes for parties and peace & quiet with white sand beaches and plenty of turtles in between.  Great for SCUBA diving and snorkeling
• Nusa Lembongan (2 Days): Head to an even smaller island for amazing surfing and diving all in one spot
• Uluwatu & the Bukit (3 Days) : Crystal clear turquoise waters and some of the best surfing and most beautiful beaches in Bali along with cultural experiences like seafood markets, temples, and Kecak dances
• Optional: Amed (snorkeling and diving), Medewi (longboard surfing), Candidasa (peaceful and quiet)

Highlight Experiences: Beautiful beaches, spiritual experiences, SCUBA and freediving, surfing, hipster traveler/backpacker partying

THE PHILIPPINES (3 TO 4 WEEKS)

• Manilla (2 days): Explore mega malls, museums, and plenty of food
• Cebu City (1 day): Move quickly on to Oslob
• Oslob, Cebu (2 days): Dive with whale sharks
• Dumaguete (2 days): Snorkel and SCUBA dive with turtles and beautiful coral on “Turtle Island” aka Apo Island
• Bohol (2 days): Motorbike rides to the chocolate hills and nightlife on the beach
• El Nido (3 days): Consider a liveaboard cruise (like Tao Philippines), rock climb, sun on the beach, cruise a motorbike around the many beautiful beaches
• Coron (3 days): Take a boat tour each day to the most beautiful and recently discovered destinations for mainstream travelers
• Siargao (Optional): Surf and sun in this hip new destination made famous by Red Bull surfing

Highlights: Day trip boat cruises, pristine beaches, and waters, amazing diving, liveaboard cruises, swimming with whale sharks

When to Visit: November to April is the dry season & peak tourist season.  April is best for whale shark sightings

Optional Additions: Volcano country, eco-friendly whale shark diving in Donsol

NEPAL (2 TO 3 WEEKS)

• Kathmandu (2 Days): Acclimatize and pick up the gear you’ll need for your trek of choice
• One Trekking Route: Everest Base Camp (12-14 days) or Annapurna Circuit (20 days)

Highlights: Trekking in the Himalayas

OTHER GREAT ARTICLES ABOUT BACKPACKING THE WORLD

• The 9 Best South America Backpacking Routes for 2 Weeks to 6 Months of Travel
• 5 Essential Routes for Backpacking the World and Visiting Every Continent
• The Balkan Walk: The Perfect Backpacking Itinerary for the Balkans
• 3 Months in Southeast Asia: A Perfect Plan for the the “Banana Pancake Trail”
• The Mini Backpacking Trails: 15 Itineraries Aroudn the World for 2 Weeks or Less

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carlos is a nomad, slow traveler, and writer dedicated to helping others live abroad and travel better by using his 7+ years of experience living abroad and background as a management consultant and financial advisor to help other nomad and expats plot better paths for an international lifestyle. Click here to learn more about Carlos's story.

Travel, Hiking, Food

2 Week Southeast Asia Itinerary – 4 Itineraries and Routes

If you have only 2 weeks in Southeast Asia, check out these 4 different Southeast Asia itineraries for your perfect trip to see a combination of different places in SEA.

Southeast Asia is a vast and diverse region located in the south eastern region of Asia. Countries such as Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam are in Southeast Asia.

Although these countries are collectively called Southeast Asia, you will find vastly different history, culture, climates, terrain, religion, customs and food in each country, and even within each country!

It is impossible to have one itinerary for Southeast Asia especially if you are just there for two weeks. Therefore this blog will give you 4 different Southeast Asia itineraries and routes depending on what type of things you want to do and see.

This blog contains occasional affiliate links, where I receive a small commission on sales of the products/hotels that are linked at no additional cost to you. In addition, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases .

Why Should I Travel to Southeast Asia?

Southeast Asia is probably one of the most diverse and interesting regions in the world.

Southeast Asia has about 680m people in the region, about 8.5% of the world’s population. There are about 1000 languages spoken in Southeast Asia and a number of different religions being practiced in Southeast Asia (Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, and others).

Since each country in Southeast Asia has its own history, religion, culture and lifestyle, you can expect to have a vastly unique experience in every country that you visit.

In terms of terrain, you will find lush rainforest, golden rice terrace, powerful waterfalls, awe-inspiring mountains and volcanoes, world renowned beaches and diving sites in Southeast Asia.

If you like food, you will have the opportunity to try different regional food in Southeast Asia. Rice is still the staple food in Asia, but that’s where similarity between each Southeast Asian country’s cuisine ends. Every country (and even provinces within the same country) has their own dishes, ingredients, cooking style and flavor.

If you like history and religion, then you are in luck. You will find ruins of ancient civilizations such as the Pyu civilization in Myanmar, the Khmer kingdoms in Cambodia, the ancient kingdoms in Thailand and Vietnam.

Therefore regardless of what you like to do and want to experience, you will find them in Southeast Asia.

How do I get to Southeast Asia?

Major cities in each of the Southeast Asia country has domestic and/or international airports.

Depending on where you are located, your travel time to Southeast Asia could be as short as two hours or as long as 30+ hours.

If you are traveling from within Asia, then chances are there are many direct flights to places you want to go in Southeast Asia.

But if you are located in North America like US and Canada, you are generally looking at 20+ hour travel time.

For the most part you will need to transit somewhere in Asia or the Middle East (like Tokyo, Taipei, Seoul, Beijing (prior to the pandemic), and Dubai) before reaching your final destination in Southeast Asia. There are a few direct flights to Singapore but most likely not directly to other cities in Southeast Asia.

If you are traveling from South America, oh boy you are looking at a long travel time and will most likely transit in Europe once or twice before reaching Southeast Asia.

How Do I Get Around Southeast Asia?

Since Southeast Asia is huge and there are so many countries, how you get around really depends on the country itself.

But in general, you can fly between the countries and take train, buses, taxis (and ride share services) and rent a motorcycle to travel between cities in the same country.

Flying in Southeast Asia

If you are planning to travel between a different countries in Southeast Asia, you will need to fly. There are certain exceptions like between Singapore and Malaysia where you can cross the border by bus or even a ferry.

The good news is there are so many airlines that fly within Southeast Asia. Some are the national flag carriers like Singapore Airline , Vietnam Airline , Thai Airways , etc.

There are also popular budget airlines that can take you everywhere in Southeast Asia, such as Air Asia , Jetstar , Scoot , etc.

Taking the Train in Southeast Asia

Train travel is popular in Southeast Asia since it is cheap, safe and convenient. You will find both day time trains (with seats) and overnight sleeper trains (with beds).

In fact many tourists and backpackers such as myself prefer taking sleeper trains to travel within each country in Southeast Asia. These overnight trains can be luxury and can save you a lot of time and money since you won’t need one night hotel.

You can read about my overnight train experience in Vietnam .

Train tickets can be booked at the train station in person, or online websites such as 12Go , which is my go to site to book transportation in Southeast Asia.

Taking the bus in Southeast Asia

Long distance buses are another popular mode of transportation in Southeast Asia. In fact buses might be even more popular than trains because it can cover more routes.

There are day time buses as well as overnight sleeper buses in Southeast Asia, including some very luxury overnight buses.

Again, buses are cheap and convenient so many tourist and locals use them to travel long distance within one country. Again, you can book them online on 12Go , go to the bus station, or even ask your hotel to help you book.

Traveling by taxi and luxury van in Southeast Asia

Taxi, especially private ones, are something you can book in Southeast Asia if you prefer not to take bus or train and you simply want customize your trip and not be restricted by the bus or train time.

For the most park you can ask your hotels to help you book taxis in advance. There are also websites like 12Go and Viator that you can use to book private transfers.

We took a lot of private transfers when we were in Southeast Asia; it just made things a lot easier and we could leave whenever we wanted.

Ride share apps in Southeast Asia

With the rise of ride sharing apps globally you can bet they are in Southeast Asia also.

The most popular ride sharing app in Southeast Asia is Grab , which works similarly to Uber and Lyft. You will need to download and set up the app ahead of time and you can use it immediately upon landing (if you have data). You may also find Go-Jek in Indonesia.

There is no Uber or Lyft in Southeast Asia, they exited the market number of years ago.

Certain countries and places in Southeast Asia banned Grab in order to protect local drivers, so be sure to check before you travel. Sometimes it is the best to book a taxi or private transfer with your hotel especially in places like Bali.

Renting a Motorbikes in Southeast Asia

If you are just doing short distance travel like a day trip, you can do it the local way and rent a motorbike in Southeast Asia.

There are many motorbike rental agencies throughout Southeast Asia in major cities and towns. You can also ask your hotel where to rent them.

This is probably the cheapest and easiest way to get around Southeast Asia and offers you plenty of flexibility on where to go. But you need to be careful as many foreign tourists do get into accidents riding Motorbikes in Southeast Asia.

When is the Best Time to Go To Southeast Asia?

Southeast Asia generally has 2 seasons: dry season and rainy season. However this also depends on where exactly you are going in Southeast Asia.

Dry season typically is between December to April and rainy season runs between May to November , where you can experience downpour rains and flooding (again, depends on where you go). Sometimes even during rainy season there is only a couple of hours of heavy rain then you are good to go.

Since Southeast Asia is a large region, there are a lot of plenty of microclimates. Although most of Southeast Asia is near the Equator, there are regions that are more north, near the border of China that experience colder winters than regions south of the equator.

You should also aim to avoid burning season in Southeast Asia, during which local farmers burn crops to prepare for the upcoming cultivation. The burning season is usually during the colder dry season in February and March, but it could vary by region and year.

During burning season, you will experience bad air quality, haze and unclear sky.

Another time to avoid visiting Southeast Asia is to avoid large national or religious holidays , although this also varies by country.

But during certain holidays the stores and restaurants are closed and some holidays don’t even allow people to step outside of their residence. Be sure to research the particular country and region you are visiting to avoid these holidays.

Is Southeast Asia Safe, Especially For Female Solo Travelers?

In general, Southeast Asia is quite safe, even for female solo travelers. In fact many backpackers and solo travelers rave about how safe and nice it is to visit Southeast Asia for an extended period of time.

Of course as anywhere else in the world, you should always follow local etiquette, laws and customs. There is definitely petty crime in Southeast Asia but violent crimes are rare.

Keep in mind that Southeast Asia in general is quite conservative, and there are many religious sites that require you to dress moderately, covering knees and shoulders. You may want to think twice before wearing skimpy and revealing clothing as you may get some stares and disapproving looks from the locals.

One issue you may face in Southeast Asia is taxi scams or parking scams, so try to use Grab or use public transportation or ask your hotel/ hostel to book taxi for you to avoid being scammed.

Another concern in Southeast Asia is food safety; many foreign tourists do get food poisoning at least once when visiting Southeast Asia (I have gotten food poisoning once but I have been to Southeast Asia many times). Just try to eat at well established restaurants and popular spots. If something doesn’t look fresh, don’t eat it.

Where to go with two weeks in Southeast Asia?

Southeast Asia Itinerary #1 : First time in Southeast Asia (Thailand & Singapore) Southeast Asia Itinerary #2 : Explore Malaysia & Singapore Southeast Asia Itinerary #3 : Off the Beaten Path (Laos & Northern Vietnam) Southeast Asia Itinerary #4 : Flavor of Everything (Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam)

Since Southeast Asia is a huge region, you cannot see everything in Southeast Asia because that would mean 1-2 days per country!

It is best to spend time in 1-2 countries during 14 days in Southeast Asia so you can get the most out of it (and not spend all your time flying around).

Southeast Asia is a region that you can keep coming back to since there are so much to see and do.

I will highly 4 different Southeast Asia itineraries to best fit your need. Keep in mind that these 4 itineraries mostly cover the part of Southeast Asia that’s on the Mainland.

Southeast Asia Itinerary #1 First time in Southeast Asia itinerary (Thailand & Singapore)

Day 1 – 3 : Bangkok, Thailand Day 4 – 8 : Chiang Mai, Thailand Day 9 – 12 : Thai Islands Day 13 – 14 : Singapore

If you are planning to visit Southeast Asia for the first time, then I would recommend going to the most popular Southeast Asian countries: Singapore and Thailand.

The reason I recommend Singapore is because the population speaks English, everything is very easy to navigate and it is extremely safe.

I also recommend going to Thailand if it’s your first time in Southeast Asia because Thailand has a very well established tourist infrastructure and there are many foreigner visitors and backpackers. Thailand also has a variety of things for you to do, including modern cities, beautiful temples and mountain areas as well as incredible beaches. It is very easy to travel around in Thailand so it’s a great first-time-in-SEA destination.

Day 1 – 3: Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand and it is one of the most visited cities in Southeast Asia.

Bangkok is a very exciting city, it is a city where you will find historical sites, religious monuments, vibrant night life, interesting street markets, and much much more. It is also a great base for day trips to nearby towns and historical sites.

During your 3 days in Bangkok, there are plenty you can do! Also, just in case you are curious on how to save money on attractions, the Bangkok Explorer Pass covers most of the things you’d be interested in doing in Bangkok.

Start off exploring the most famous sites in Bangkok, including the beautiful golden Grand Palace , walk to the nearby Wat Pho (golden leaning buddha), enjoy a river cruise down Chao Phraya River and explore Wat Arun for sunet.

Read Next : 2 Day Bangkok Itinerary and Travel Guide

You need to be dressed conservatively to visit Grand Palace and the religious sites, so your knees and shoulder must be covered. There are places to rent traditional clothing if you don’t have long pants or dress (I get it, it’s hot there!).

You can always book this tour to explore the Grand Palace, Emerald Buddha Temple, Wat Pho, markets and Wat Arun together and save yourself the trouble of having to find ways to get to Wat Arun by yourself.

For evening activities, you can check out Chinatown and the famous pedestrian street Khaosan Road , You can find tons of street food vendors, shops, bars and restaurant in both areas.

Watching Muay Thai match is also something to do at night, or you can simply get a Thai massage and relax (or get a massage everything!).

You can also check out fancy rooftop bars in Bangkok, such as Sky Bar at Lebua Hotel where they filmed Hangover 2 . Other nice rooftop bars include Moon Bar , Red Sky restaurant, Octave , SEEN , etc.

There are wonderful day trips from Bangkok to the world renowned Floating Market , or to visit temples in Ayutthaya or explore Samut Prakan Ancient City . The great thing is all of these day trips are covered by the Bangkok Explorer Pass !

Other exciting things to do in Bangkok including doing a food tour to try all the street food as well as going to a cooking class to learn how to cook Thai food.

Most tours and cooking classes are included on the Bangkok Explorer Pass .

Day 4 – 8: Chiang Mai, Thailand

You can either take an 1 hour flight or a 13 hour train (or sleeper train) from Bangkok to Chiangmai, one of travelers’ favorite regions in Thailand.

Located in the mountainous region in Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is the second largest city in Thailand. It was the capital city of the Lanna Kingdom, which is why you will find moats and city walls in Chiang Mai even today.

Chiang Mai may not be as modern and vibrant like Bangkok, but its slower pace, beautiful temples and its proximity to nature actually make it very unique and appealing for visitors.

With 3 to 4 days in Chiang Mai, you can do a lot both in Chiang Mai and nearby places.

You can start by visiting the old city, that is where you will find temples, museums, and interesting sites within the ancient city walls.

Since there are over 3000 temples in Chiang Mai, you can’t see them all. But you can see the best ones such as Wat Chiang Man , Wat Chedi Luang , Wat Lok Moli , Wat Sri Suphan , Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan , etc.

Continue your evening adventure to check out the famous Chiang Mai Night Bazaar , the night market at Wua Lai Walking Street , or even the Chang Phuak Gate Night Market for authentic street food or if you just want to buy clothing and souvenirs. Just be sure to use a lot of bug spray as the mosquitoes can be aggressive.

Outside of Chiang Mai city center, there are even more things to see. You can take the Monk’s trail to the famous Wat Pha Lat , visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep , see the city from the observation deck, continue up to visit Doi Suthep , Hmong Doi Pui Village . Or take a taxi or a tour if you do not want to hike up or ride a scooter up yourself.

If you like nature, you can do visit Doi Inthanon National Park or hike and bike in Doi Suthep Pui National Park .

If you enjoy adventure, then be sure to not miss zip lining adventure and white water rafting .

If you like animals, you can visit Tiger Kingdom , elephant sanctuary where you can bathe and feed elephants or a night safari in Chiang Mai. You can even stay at Chai Lai Orchid Eco Lodge where you can have elephant visit your room.

Lastly, if you really want to visit the iconic white temple in Chiang Rai, you can do a day trip from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai.

Day 9 – 12: Thai Islands

When you think of white sand beach, crystal clear water, wonderful snorkeling and vibrant night life, islands in Thailand check all the boxes.

From Chiang Mai, fly down to Phuket, the gateway to the islands in Thailand.

If you want, you can spend all 3 days in Phuket and do day trips to Phi Phi Island, the famous “ the Beach ” and James Bond Island or do a snorkeling tour to Similan Islands .

Phuket is where most people stay, since it is cheaper than staying on some of the islands, easy to get to from the airport, has a ton of hotels, restaurants, bars and night time entertainment.

But I actually would advise you to stay on some of the islands for a nicer and quieter experience. Islands like Phi Phi, Krabi, Koh Lanta offer a different experience and there are budget to 5 star hotels on these islands.

These islands are also not far from Phuket by boat, so you can easily travel there from Phuket. I particularly loved Phi Phi island and its view point hike, where you can get a postcard perfect view from above.

If you want both beach and nature, then Krabi is a wonderful choice, where you can enjoy the beautiful beach and hike the famous Monkey Trail and Dragon’s Crest. Of course you can also take boat tours from Krabi to visit other beautiful islands, sand bars, islets, etc.

Day 13 – 14 : Singapore

Last but not least, Singapore! Singapore is only a short flight away from Phuket, and it is well connected to large international airports around the world, making it the perfect last stop of your 2 week Southeast Asia itinerary.

Singapore is a small city-state at the tip of Southeast Asia mainland. Although it’s very small in size, it is the third most dense in population in the world (after Macau and Monaco).

Some people say Singapore is an adult’s Disneyland; it is beautiful, modern, clean, safe and just amazing in general. It gives you a very different vibe than what you get in Thailand and any other Southeast Asian country.

Although Singapore is small, there is a lot to do. If you have watched the movie Crazy Rich Asians , you may be familiar with some of the iconic places in Singapore. But if you haven’t, don’t worry, you will find out the famous places in the next few paragraphs.

With only 2 days in Singapore, you will have to prioritize what you want to see and experience.

The most famous sites in Singapore include the Merlion Statue (the symbol of Singapore), Marina Bay Sands (casino + famous Infinity Pool for guests), Gardens by the Bay , Singapore Botanic Gardens , Singapore Flyer (Giant ferris wheel), Singapore Zoo , Cable Car and Sentosa (Island resort with beach, waterpark, Universal Studios), Chinese Garden .

If you are into Museums, Singapore has the National Museum of Singapore, National Gallery Singapore, Asian Civilisations Museum.

Important religious sites include the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple, Thian Hock Keng Temple, Sri Mariamman Temple, Sultan Mosque

Of course don’t forget the Instagram spots in Singapore such as Fort Canning Park, Lory Loft at Jurong Birdpark, the colorful Little India, the Peranakan Houses, and the Jewel Changi Airport itself!

You also cannot leave Singapore without having eaten at a hawker center, open-air complexes with food stalls and don’t forget to grab a beer at Clarke Quay and enjoy the night scene there. Overwhelmed by all the food choices or simply not sure what to eat? Don’t worry, this food tour will take you to the best spots in Singapore!

There are also many fun tours you can take in Singapore, like biking tours , kayaking tour, Singapore River Cruise , hop on hop off bus, and the round trip cable car experience.

The great news is that many attractions and tours in Singapore are Covered by the Singapore attraction pass so you can save a lot of money!

Southeast Asia Itinerary #2: Explore Malaysia & Singapore

Day 1 – 2 : Singapore Day 3 – 5 : Kuala Lumpur Day 6 – 7: Cameron Highlands Day 8 – 10 : Penang Day 11 – 14 : Redang Island or Langkawi

If you have already been to Thailand before or you prefer somewhere different, then I would highly recommend exploring Malaysia.

Malaysia is a large country with a lot of history, culture and different landscape. In Malaysia you will find delicious food, white sand beaches, beautiful tea terraces and mountains as well as modern cities.

Day 1 – 2: Singapore

Start your 2 week Southeast Asia adventure in Singapore and follow Itinerary #1 to explore the highlights of Singapore.

Day 3 – 5: Kuala Lumpur

It is quite easy to get to Kuala Lumpur from Singapore. You can either take a 5 hour bus or take an 1 hour flight. Buses are more frequent and cheaper if you are on a budget, but note that sometimes bus arrives 1-2 hours later than expected, which could cut into your travel time.

Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia. It is where you will find a mixture of tradition and modernity. Kuala Lumpur has some of the most famous sights in Malaysia, such as Petronas Towers , which was featured in the blockbuster movie Entrapment.

In addition, KL is culturally rich with multiple religions. Although the official religion of Malaysia is Islam, but you will find Buddhist, Christian and Hindu communities in KL.

With 2-3 days in KL (depending on when you arrive if you are taking the bus), you can see a lot. Explore the beautiful central KLCC area , where you will find upscale shopping malls, restaurants, gardens, Aquaria KLCC (Aquarium) and the famous Petronas Towers. You can also go up Menara Kuala Lumpur observation deck to have a sweeping view of the city.

Be sure to check out Merdeka Square , where the first Malaysia Flag raising took place on August 31, 1957. Then move onto Central Market and Chinatown and Petaling Street Market for local shopping and food.

One of the best things you can do if you like food is to take a street food tour . This tour lets you sample over 15 dishes and snacks in KL so you don’t have to wonder what’s the best thing to eat!

Other important landmarks in Kuala Lumpur include the National Mosque , Perdana Botanical Garden, Thean Hou Temple, Bukit Bintang (and Jalan Alor street for food), and various museums . You can easily explore KL with a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus .

You may also be interested in day trips to the famous Batu Caves that is all over social media.

Day 6 – 7: Cameron Highlands

If you want to get away from the busy (and often times hot) KL, then Cameron Highlands would be the perfect escape.

Located only about 3-4 hours by bus, Cameron Highlands is located in the mountainous region in central Malaysia. Cameron Highlands was “discovered” by British geologist William Cameron during the British rule and became an agricultural area. Nowadays, Cameron Highlands is one of the most popular tourist spots in Malaysia.

Given its location in the mountains, Cameron Highlands experience cooler weather and is known for its tea plantations, hiking trails, waterfalls, lakes, mossy forests, etc.

The main town in Cameron Highlands is Tanah Rata, your bus will drop you off here and you will find a ton of hotels and restaurant in Tanah Rata.

Some of the best things in Cameron Highlands include hiking the Jungle Trails , visiting Boh Tea Estate and strawberry farms , walking through the Mossy Forest , visiting local tribe villages , butterfly farms and lavender gardens .

You can ask your hotel to book you a taxi, hike around, or take a tour (and explore other parts by taxi or walking) to explore Cameron Highlands. I really loved the tea plantation and Cameron Highlands is probably my favorite area in Malaysia.

Day 8 – 10: Penang

From Cameron Highlands, you can take a 4-5 hour bus ride to the food capital of Malaysia, Penang.

Penang is the birthplace of Malaysian Street Food and is one of the best places to eat in Malaysia. Therefore you can bet there will be a lot of eating, cooking classes and food tours you can do in Penang.

But food is not the only thing you will find in Penang, you will also find arts, temples, historical houses, national park and beach.

Start your Panang journey exploring the UNESCO old town of George Town . You may have seen beautiful murals of George Town all over Instagram, and here is where you will find them. Wander around the old town of George Town is one of the best ways to discover beautiful street arts and murals.

As you explore George Town, don’t forget to check out Chew Jetty , the colorful Penang Little India , Pinang Peranakan Mansion , Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower , Fort Cornwallis , and Chulia St , known for its street food and hawker stalls.

If you have time, go up the TOP Penang to enjoy a bird’s eye view of Penang Island.

Another popular destination in Penang is Penang Hill , where you can enjoy some hiking (or taking the funicular) up to the 360 degree observation deck for an amazing view of Penang and the surrounding sceneries.

There are restaurants, a gallery, eco-tourism discovery center, temple and other attractions to check out at Penang Hill.

Near Penang Hill is Kek Lok Si Temple , a colorful hilltop Buddhist temple. It is one of the most important temples to visit in Penang. You also get beautiful view of the city from this temple. You can also visit Penang Botanic Gardens if you have time.

Other things to do in Penang include visiting Fruit Farms or spend a day in Penang National Park for some hiking, canopy walk and beach.

Day 11 – 14: Redang Island or Langkawi

When you are done with urban and forest and nature, it is time to move to the beach.

Malaysia has really amazing beach and I dare say the best beach I have ever been to was in Malaysia.

For beach you have two options. If you want to minimize travel time then you can visit the famous Langkawi , an archipelago off Malaysia’s northwest coast.

If you want to avoid the crowd and go somewhere different (and perhaps more pristine), then make your way across Malaysia to the west side of the country to go to Redang Island .

Langkawi is easy to reach from Penang, you can take an one hour flight or 3 hour ferry from Georgetown.

Redang Island requires either a flight (via KL) or a long distance bus and ferry which pretty much takes the entire day.

You can’t really go wrong with either option but I really do think Redang Island has a much more pristine beach . Redang Island is a lot smaller than Langkawi so Langkawi has more variety in terms of accommodations, restaurants and things to do. But if you just want to relax on an amazing beach and do some snorkeling then Redang Island is the obvious winner.

Southeast Asia Itinerary #3: Off the Beaten Path (Laos & Northern Vietnam)

Day 1 – 3 : Luang Prabang Day 4 : Vientiane Day 5 : Hanoi Day 6- 7 : Halong Bay Day 8 – 10 : Ha Giang or Sapa Day 11 – 13 : Cao Bang Day 14 : Hanoi

If you want to explore places that are not as frequented by visitors, then Laos and Northern Vietnam would be a good choice.

You will be able to to enjoy some unspoiled nature and have a more authentic experience.

Day 1 – 3: Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang is the ancient capital of Laos and later became a French colony. In Luang Prabang you will find a mixture of traditional Lao and French influenced architecture.

Ever since its opening up for tourism in 1989, Luang Prabang has become an unique destination in Southeast Asia. It is not as famous or popular as many other Southeast Asian cities but you will find an even more interesting experience.

Luang Prabang is now an UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the old town, you will find beautiful temples such as Wat Xiengthong , Wat Mai , Wat Sensoukharam , visit the Royal Palace museum , participate in an Alms Giving Ceremony (starting at 5:30am), chill at a cafe by the Mekong River, check out food in the Night Market , and ride a Mekong River cruise to enjoy the sunset.

Without leaving Luang Prabang, you should also pay a visit to Mount Phousi . You can climb up for sunset or simply just to enjoy the view from the top.

One of the most famous sites near Luang Prabang is the 3 tiered waterfall, Kuang Si Waterfalls . It is a popular attraction for both locals and tourists and you can take a dip in the turquoise pool.

Other places to visit near Luang Prabang include Tad Sae Waterfall (+ Kayaking tour ), Pak Ou Caves (over 4000 Buddha statues), Nahm Dong Park (nature reserve with zip line and cooking class).

Day 4: Vientiane

Vientiane is the capital city of Laos and similar to Luang Prabang, you will find a mix of French colonial architecture with traditional Laos architecture and temples.

I only suggest one day in Vientiane as a transit center before you go to Vietnam and see some of the best sights.

Since you only have one day in Vientiane, I would suggest checking out the famous gold-covered Buddhist stupa Pha That Luang , followed by a visit to Patuxai Victory Monument , the arc de triomphe of Vientiane.

Other things to check out in Vientiane include the Talat Sao Morning Market , Wat Sisaket , Ho Phrakeo Museum , Wat Si Muang , Chao Anouvong Park and end the night in Vientiane Night Market .

You can take a short evening flight from Vientiane to Hanoi to start your Vietnam adventure next.

Day 5: Hanoi

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and it is probably one of the most charming cities in Vietnam.

You will most likely stay at and explore the Old Quarter of Hanoi. You can certainly spend longer than a day in Hanoi if you decide to skip on some of the other items on the itinerary.

I do find that although there is a lot to see in Hanoi, I personally prefer to simply walk around Old Quarter, find a cute cafe to try Vietnamese coffee, people watch and try local food.

However, if you do want to take advantage of your first full day in Hanoi, you can certainly check out some of the most famous sites, such as the Train Street , Temple of Literature , Hoan Kiem Lake (and Ngoc Son Temple ), the night market , Ta Hien Beer Street (super lively at night).

Again, I think the charm of Hanoi is really to relax, enjoy coffee and food and people watch!

Best Tours to Take in Hanoi Given your limited time in Hanoi, if you want to experience Hanoi in an authentic way, there are a few tours you should take! Food Tour is something you simply cannot miss when visiting Hanoi! Want to try all the local food and fruits? This is the best tour for foodies. If you want to see the major sites in Hanoi and don’t want to bother with taking a Grab, then you would really enjoy this half day tour of Hanoi to visit all the famous sites I mentioned above.

Day 6- 7: Halong Bay

If this is your time in Vietnam, then one of the must-do activities near Hanoi is to do a Halong Bay cruise.

There are day cruises, 2 day 1 night cruises as well as 3 day 2 night cruises. If you just want a taste of Halong Bay while enjoying a relaxing holiday after the hustling and bustling of Hanoi, then 2 day 1 night Halong Bay cruise is the perfect choice.

There are cruises for every budget, some can be as cheap as $100 and some are as expensive as $1000+ a room per night.

Some of the most luxurious Halong Bay cruises now include  Emperor Cruise ,  Orchid Cruise ,  Stellar of the Sea Cruise ,  Heritage Cruise . These cruises have spacious rooms, balconies, beautiful bathtub with floor to ceiling windows, and incredible service and food.

A typical 2 day 1 night Halong Bay Cruise itinerary include the following:

Day 1 of Halong Bay Cruise

• 8am: pick up from Hanoi
• 12pm: boarding the cruise
• 1-2pm: lunch
• 2-4pm: activities (kayaking, cave, small hike, swimming, etc – every cruise is slightly different)
• 4-6pm: happy hours
• 6pm: Dinner
• 7-9pm: Squid fishing

Day 2 of Halong Bay Cruise

• 6-7am: Tai Chi & Cooking class
• 8am: Breakfast
• 9am: Kayaking
• 10:30am: back on shore to check out
• 3pm: Back in Hanoi

Once you are back in Hanoi, you can continue your sightseeing before taking a sleeper bus to Ha Giang.

See my complete Halong Bay Cruise Guide to decide if it’s worth taking a Halong Bay cruise.

Day 8 – 10: Ha Giang or Sapa

You may have seen photos of beautiful rice terraces in Vietnam, in fact they are the main reason why I decided to go to Northern Vietnam!

Most people may have heard of Sapa, known for its rice terrace, but did you know that there are other places in Northern Vietnam that have beautiful rice terrace without the crowd? Ha Giang is one of the off the beaten track places in Northern Vietnam that is known for its dramatic landscape and rice terrace.

If you prefer to go to a place that has a more established tourist infrastructure , then you probably will like Sapa . But if you prefer a more quiet, less touristy but still beautiful place to see rice terrace, then I would highly recommend Ha Giang .

Both Sapa and Ha Giang require you to depart from Hanoi. For Sapa you can take an overnight train or sleeper bus from Hanoi. To get to Ha Giang you will need to take a bus (day time or overnight). You can book transportation from Hanoi to Sapa or Ha Giang on 12go .

If you decide to go to Ha Giang, the most famous thing to do there is the Ha Giang Loop (best done on the back of a motorbike) , which requires 3 days minimum.

During the 3-5 days you spend on the Ha Giang Loop, you will come across many different villages, rice paddies, tea fields, waterfalls, caves and view points. You will most likely be staying at homestay at different villages during your Ha Giang Loop ride.

If this does not sound appealing to you or you cannot ride a motorbike or just don’t have the time, then Sapa may be a better option for you than Ha Giang.

Sapa has gained its popularity among tourists in the recent years. It has developed so fast that you will find many tour groups (and individual tourists) everywhere in Sapa.

3 days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Sapa if you are thinking about trekking.

If you are taking an overnight train or sleeper bus from Hanoi, you will arrive early in the morning in Lao Cai (train station) or Sapa town. You can spend the first day visiting Cat Cat Village and Fansipan , the highest peak Vietnam. I recommend visiting Fansipan later in the day as it is more likely to become clear but check the weather forecast before you go.

On the 2nd day of your Sapa trip, you can do two day one night trekking with a guide . During trekking you will have an opportunity to trek in the rice terrace, visit Hmong villages, do an overnight stay at a homestay, visit bamboo forest and waterfalls before coming back to Sapa on the third day.

Or alternatively you can do a one day trekking and spend day 3 explore the various photo spots in Sapa Town .

Take an afternoon bus back to Hanoi on the third day.

Day 11 – 13: Cao Bang

Cao Bang is located in northern Vietnam, on the border of Vietnam and China. It is most famous for the Ban Gioc Waterfall, a tiered waterfall that is located within both Vietnam and China.

If you visited Ha Giang, you can travel from Ha Giang directly to Cao Bang by motorcycle albeit it is a long ride.

If you went to Sapa, then you will have to return to Hanoi first and then travel by bus or taxi from Hanoi to Cao Bang. It is about a 6-8 hour drive from Hanoi to Cao Bang and best done on an overnight sleeper bus (this means you can explore Hanoi during the day!).

Some of the best things to do in Cao Bang include Ban Gioc Waterfall , Nguom Ngao Cave (Tiger Cave), drive or hike to see the Me Pia Pass , check out Cao Bang city center , go to other smaller waterfalls and visit Mat Than Mountain .

If you prefer the convenience of having a tour instead of taking sleeper buses, you can book a 2 day one night tour to Cao Bang from Hanoi and not have to worry about transportation.

Day 14: Hanoi or Ninh Binh

Depending on how long you spend in Cao Bang, on your last day of this 14 day Southeast Asia itinerary, you can either spend the day in Hanoi or do a day trip to Ninh Binh (assuming you do not have a flight to catch).

If you decide to stay and explore Hanoi, you can check out the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum , Quan Thanh Temple , Imperial Citadel , One Pillar Pagoda and Hanoi Opera House .

If you are really ambitious, you can do a day trip to Ninh Binh, one of the most beautiful places in Northern Vietnam in my opinion.

Ninh Binh is known as Ha Long Bay on land and it is not hard to see why people have Ninh Binh high on their list. You will find limestone peaks, rice paddies, river valleys and ancient pagodas in Ninh Binh.

Like this dress? You can purchase it on Etsy .

Some of the best places to see in Ninh Binh in one day include Mua Cave , Bich Dong Pagoda , Tam Coc Boat Ride . If you have more time, you can check out Bai Dinh Pagoda and the 3 hour Trang An Boat Ride but you won’t be able to do everything I mentioned here in one day.

If you decide to go to Ninh Binh without a tour, you can take an early morning bus or luxury van and rent a scooter or a private taxi to get around Ninh Binh.

Alternatively, you can take this tour to see Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Mua Cave, Bich Dong Pagoda and take the Tam Coc boat ride.

Or if you want something different, this tour  will take you to Bai Dinh Pagoda, Mua Cave and Trang An Boat Ride.

No matter what you choose, you will be blown away by the beauty of Northern Vietnam.

Southeast Asia Itinerary #4: Flavor of Everything (Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam)

Day 1 – 3 : Bangkok Day 4 – 6 : Phuket & Islands Day 7 – 9 : Angkor Wat Day 10 – 12 : Hoi An Day 12 – 14 : Hue

If you really cannot decide where to go in Southeast Asia for 2 weeks, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. We will do everything.

Day 1 – 3: Bangkok

Fly into Thailand and start your 14 day Southeast Asia adventure in Bangkok.

Some of the best temples to check out in Bangkok include Wat Pho , the Temple of Emerald Buddha , Golden Mount Temple (Wat Saket), Wat Traimit , Wat Arun and Wat Paknam (featuring a towering stupa).

Other sites not to be missed in Bangkok is the Grand Palace , river cruise , China Town , Lhong 1919 , Khao San Road . Checking out fancy shopping centers like ICON Siam and Siam Paragon , grabbing a drink at rooftop bars and getting a Thai Massage are all unforgettable experiences to have in Bangkok.

You can also do day trips outside of Bangkok to the floating market (or combine with Maeklong Railway Market ), Ancient City , Bubble in the Forest Cafe if you want the instagram shot, and visit temples in Ayutthaya .

Most tours and day trips from Bangkok are included in the Bangkok Explorer Pass .

Day 4 – 6: Phuket & Islands

After visiting the lively Bangkok, it is time to fly to the islands and relax.

Whether you spend all 3 days in Phuket and do day trips to Maya Bay and James Bond Island or stay on Phi Phi or Krabi, you will have a good time.

Day 7-9: Angkor Wat

You really cannot go to Southeast Asia without stopping by Angkor Wat, one of the most famous archaeological remains in Southeast Asia.

Angkor Wat is a large temple complex built by King Suryavarman II in the 12th Century. In fact it is the largest religious monument in the world as it occupies more than 400 acres.

It is the top tourist attraction in Cambodia and it’s not hard to see why. Its historical and religious significance, beautiful architecture and the intricate stone carving are all reasons to visit.

You will need to fly into Siem Reap in order to access Angkor Wat.

Although Angkor Wat is the main attraction in Siem Reap, there are other things to do before your big day in Angkor Wat. The day before you can do a cooking class , stop by Angkor National Museum , visit one of the temples for sunsets (I recommend Pre Rup or Phnom Bakheng ) and grab a drink on Pub Street and get a masage.

You will need entrance ticket for Angkor Wat , and they are either 1 day ($37), 3 days ($62) or 7 days ticket ($72). Unless you plan to see Angkor Wat 3 days in a row, I think 1 day ticket is enough. You can even visit Phnom Bakheng for sunset the day before without having to buy another Angkor Wat ticket.

Angkor Wat will take the whole day to visit and sunrise at Angkor Wat is spectacular. You will need to go super early to get the best spot. Be sure to buy the Angkor Wat ticket ahead of time before your visit if you want to go for sunrise.

You can visit Angkor Wat by yourself or get a guide . We got a guide and it was very useful to hear the stories and histories of the various spots in Angkor Wat and we saw other temples in the complex as well.

Besides Angkor Wat, other things you can do in and near Siem Reap include visiting a floating village , Kulen Mountain National Park , Kok Ker & Beng Mealea temple , and watch a Cambodian circus.

Day 10 – 12: Hoi An

After visiting Angkor Wat, you will head to Da Nang, Vietnam.

Da Nang is the gateway to Central Vietnam and given the time restraint, you will visit two of the most famous cities in Central Vietnam.

First stop is Hoi An, an UNESCO World Heritage Old Town about an hour by car from Da Nang.

Hoi An is a well preserved ancient town and in the old town, you will find streets lined with lanterns, historical monuments, museums, shops, restaurants and most importantly, tailors!

With only 2 days in Hoi An, you will have plenty of time to explore the old town center; some of the best things to do and see in Hoi An ancient town include Japanese Covered Bridge , Old Houses of Tan Ky , Ba Mu Temple , Cantoneses Assembly Hall , Phac Hat Pagoda , Hoi Quan Phuoc Kien , Hoi An night market.

Hoi An is known for their tailors , so you can literally get a dress custom made for you within 24 hours. At night it is also really nice to walk around to see all the lanterns lit up or take a 20 minute boat ride on Thu Bon River.

If you do end up with more time in Hoi An, you can visit the beach, do a coconut boat tour , visit historical monument in My Son , do a day trip to Ba Na Hills for the Golden Bridge or take a day trip to Cham Islands .

Read Next : My complete Hoi An Itinerary and Travel Guide

Day 12 – 14: Hue

Another important city to visit in central Vietnam is Huế, the ancient Imperial City of Vietnam. So you can expect to find imperial palaces and emperors’ tombs in Hue.

You can take a bus or private taxi from Hoi An to Hue.

With 1.5 to 2 days in Hue, you can actually see all the best Hue tourist attractions.

Start your Hue adventure at the Imperial Citadel , the former residence of the imperial family. If there is time, stop by Thien Mu Pagoda and check out Dong Ba Market by Perfume River.

The next day you can start early to first visit the Thuy Tien Lake Abandoned Water Park if you want to grab a quick Instagram worthy photo.

Then you can go tomb hopping as there are numerous tombs all around Hue. The 3 best ones that I’d recommend visiting are tombs of Emperor Khai Dinh , Emperor Minh Mang , and Emperor Tu Duc . If you have time, you can also see the tomb of Emperor Gia Long .

If you want to save money on entrance fee, there are combo tickets you can buy at each of the location instead of buying individual tickets.

It’s best to rent a scooter to ride around Hue or hire a private taxi. Most of the tombs are located outside of the city itself so it would be difficult to try to use Grab to get a car when you are out there.

See my detailed 2 day Hue itinerary on what to do and eat in Hue , Vietnam.

Useful Resources to Plan Southeast Asia Itinerary

For transportation within Southeast Asia

• 12go for train and bus booking
• Grab app for getting taxis

For hotel booking within Southeast Asia

• Booking.com or Agoda are the best resources for booking hotels
• Hostelworld is great for booking hostels

For booking tours within Southeast Asia

• Klook : Singapore based tour booking website with the most number of tours and budget prices
• Getyourguide and Viator are also good websites to book tours

Other Practical Things to Know Before You Go to Southeast Asia

• Be sure to check visa requirements for the different countries in Southeast Asia, such as Vietnam (read my guide on how to get a Vietnam E-Visa )
• It is best to take a no-fee ATM card (like the ones from Charles Schwab if you are American or Wise Card or Revolut no fee ATM cards for non-Americans) and take out cash from local ATMs to get the best exchange rate
• Cash is king; even though most hotels take credit cards, many restaurants, vendors and attractions only take cash
• Download and set up Grab app before you leave, it is the Uber of Southeast Asia
• Download Whatsapp, it is the primary way to communicate with hotels, train/ cruise companies in Southeast Asia
• You can buy sim cards at the airports for very cheap, but most may have a daily limit of how much data you can use
• Be sure to have Plug Adapter when you go to Southeast Asia
• You can buy most necessities in Southeast Asia (like toiletry, clothes, bug spray, etc) to save luggage space
• You should definitely get an external battery for your phone especially if you take photos and videos on your phone.
• Food poisoning could happen so be sure to eat at clean and legit restaurants and well cooked food; avoid ice if possible and buy bottled water (no tap water!)
• Have bug spray with you at all times, the mosquitoes can be vicious if you go outside of winter months
• Even though Southeast Asia is generally hot, if you are going to mountainous region, be sure to have layers with you

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Three Awesome Southeast Asia Travel Routes For An Unforgettable Trip

Ready for an epic southeast Asia road trip? Here are three unmissable itineraries for the trip of a lifetime.

Southeast Asia. The land of majestic views, awesome beaches and unimaginable adventures. 

So… You’ve decided on your dream trip and now you’re wondering what’s the best Southeast Asia travel route to take. 

From Angkor Wat and Siem Reap to Krabi and Vang Vieng, we don’t want to hype ourselves up too much, but boyyyy we have put together a killer trio of itineraries. You’ll struggle to decide which Asia trip itinerary to choose (sorry, not sorry).

Whether you’re a beach lover, a culture addict, an adventurer or someone who’s just keen to see a little bit of everything, here are three one-month Southeast Asia travelling routes to help you rock your trip.

Ready? Pack your bags and book those flights, let’s get going…

South East Asia Travelling Routes: At A Glance

• The Beach Lover’s Dream: Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Malaysia
• The Cultural Odyssey: Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Myanmar
• Adventure and Adrenaline: Vietnam, Laos, Thailand

Travelling Southeast Asia Route 1: The Beach Lovers’ Dream

Southeast Asia has more beaches than you could ever visit, even if you were travelling for a year. It’s a beach bum’s paradise. 

But which beaches do you choose? Here’s a Southeast Asia 1 month itinerary with the best beaches on the subcontinent. 

Day 1-3: Ho Coc Beach, Vietnam

Why go to Ho Coc?

*Checks watch* How long have we got? Ho Coc is a haven for rest and relaxation. We’d wager a bet that Ho Coc Beach is the most beautiful beach on the southern coast of Vietnam, with golden sands and crystal clear blue waters. 

Tip: Try to visit in the middle of the week when it’s much quieter and you will have the beach to yourself.

How to get to Ho Coc from Ho Chi Minh City?

Fly into Ho Chi Minh City, and make your way to Ho Coc Beach Resort. The cheapest way of doing this is to hire a car, which will take around 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Suggested Stay: Melia Ho Tram Beach Resort

Day 4-6: Phú Quốc

Why go to Phú Quốc?

Alright, I know we hyped up Ho Coc, but you should go to Phú Quốc as the island has some of the best beaches that Vietnam has to offer. Including its most popular beaches, Long Beach and Star Beach. 

Sink down into the golden sand and admire the swaying coconut palms (maybe accompanied by the delectable martinis from the beach bar). 

Make sure that you stay on the beach for sunset at least one day- Phú Quốc is famous for the dazzling light show it puts on every evening.

Suggested Stay: The Shells Resort & Spa

How to get to Phú Quốc from Ho Coc

It’s an early start today and drive your car back up to Ho Chi Minh City. You then need to take a bus or taxi to Ho Chi Minh Mien Tay, and then jump on the Kumho Samco Bus to Rach Gia. 

Once there, take the ferry to Phú Quốc and head onwards to your hotel. This route will take you a little over 9 hours, if you time things right. 

Day 7-10: Koh Rong Samolem and Pineapple Island, Cambodia

Why go to Koh Rong Samloem?

Koh Rong Samolem, only 9km long and 4km wide, is one of the main beach destinations in Cambodia . This spot is part of a tiny cluster of islands and, don’t tell the others, but this one is our fave.

There are great places to snorkel, kayak, mountain bike and even jungle-trek all over the island. Not to mention sun-bathing on the island’s beautiful beaches. 

They also hold Full Moon parties at Good Vibz Camp on the island during the high season. If you have more time, spend at least a few more days exploring the cool things to do in Cambodia.

Suggested Stay: Sok San Beach Resort

How to get from Phú Quốc to Koh Rong Samolem

Catch the ferry from Phú Quốc to Hà Tiên, and then take a taxi to Kampot. From Kampot, take a bus to Sihanoukville, and then a ferry to Koh Rong Samloem. This route should take about 9 and a half hours.

Day 11-14: Ko Samui and Koh Pha Ngan, Thailand

Why go to Koh Samui?

This Southeast Asia travel route is all about the beaches – and there’s no way we could miss Koh Samui off the list.

It’s been a long day of travelling, we’ll give you that. But Koh Samui is more than ready to reward you for your efforts with some spectacular beaches.

Our favourites are Choeng Mon, Taling Ngam (which is the best for the sunset), and Bang Po. The latter has a reputation for being the most laid-back beach in Northern Samui – and I don’t disagree.

By now, after spending pretty much two weeks travelling Southeast Asia on a quest for the best beaches, you should be pretty relaxed. While there’s plenty of scope for more of the same in Koh Samui, take one of your three days to catch the 20 minute ferry ride to Koh PhaNgan. 

Pha Ngan doesn’t really need an introduction: the beautiful island is renowned for its white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and of course its huge full-moon party .

If you have more time, take a detour to Koh Tao, the diver’s mecca and one of the cheapest places to get your PADI qualification in the world. 

Is this the best south east Asia travel route? Hells yeah.

Suggested Stay: Moon Cottage, Choeng Mon Beach

How to get from Koh Rong Samolem to Koh Samui

First things first, get up early – you’ve got a long day of travelling to do! Although the distances when you are travelling Southeast Asia are relatively small, this is one that involves a lot of connections.

Catch the ferry back to Sihanoukville and get a taxi to the airport, and then get a flight from Sihanoukville Airport to Bangkok Airport. From there, then take a flight to Koh Samui Airport, and then a taxi to your hotel. 

This could take up to 12 hours, after waiting for your connecting flight.

Day 15-16: Railay Beach, Thailand

Why go to Railay?

You are NOT ready for Railay. Though it’s increasingly on the tourist radar, Railay has lost none of the chilled-out vibe and friendly atmosphere that attracted travellers in the first place. 

This paradise is surrounded by warm blue sea, golden sand and lush jungle – not to mention all of the karst rocks rising from the sea and in the surrounding areas. 

The area is a rock-climber’s dream and a great place to test your vertical skills if you can peel yourself off of your beach towel.

Suggested Stay: Sand Sea Resort

How to get from Koh Samui to Railay

From Koh Samui, take a ferry to Don Sak Pier. Grab a taxi to the Lomprayah Donsak Pier, and then get a bus to Krabi. Walk 9 minutes to the Krabi Town Pier, and then get a ferry to Railay Beach. 

This journey should take about 6 and a half hours. Once there, if you’re not too tired, head straight to the beach!

Day 17-19: Ko Phi Phi, Thailand

Why go to Koh Phi Phi?

You didn’t really think we could make a beach lover’s South East Asia travel route without including THE Beach did you?! 

The Phi Phi island group is made up of 6 islands, but the two main ones are Phi Phi Don and the uninhabited Phi Phi Leh. Not heard of Phi Phi Leh? How about Maya Bay, where Leonardo DiCaprio’s ‘ The Beach ’ was filmed? Thought so.

These picture-perfect islands, with their tropical beaches, amazing rock formations and colourful marine life are pretty close to paradise on earth. Just don’t blame us if you don’t want to leave.

Suggested Stay: P.P. Blue Sky Resort

How to get from Railay to Koh Phi Phi?

Take the ferry from Ao Nang Pier to Phi Phi Island, which takes about an hour and a half.

Day 20-21: Ko Lanta, Thailand

Why go to Koh Lanta?

For the beaches, DUH. There are plenty of beaches on Koh Lanta (which is actually several islands), but we recommend checking out Long Beach and Klong Dao Beach, on the north of Ko Lanta Yai.  

Both have huge stretches of beautiful white sand with clear water, which make them perfect for swimming. Koh Lanta’s got a really cool vibe overall, just one of the reasons we’ve named it one of the top places to go in Thailand.

Long Beach has got something of a reputation as the island’s trendiest beach: head there for a (slightly) more upmarket vibe and lots of people spotting.  

Suggested Stay: Lanta Pearl Beach Resort

How to get from Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta

Take the ferry from Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta, and then take a taxi to your hotel. This journey should take around 2 and a half hours. Now it’s time for you to explore…

Day 22-23: Ko Lipe, Thailand

Why go to Koh Lipe?

Koh Lipe is what everyone thinks of when they think of travelling Southeast Asia.

The island has 3 beaches: Sunrise Beach (our personal favourite with great views of the sunrise of course). There’s also Sunset Beach, a quieter beach with views of the sunset, and Pattaya Beach, the liveliest beach on the island, with great bars, restaurants and nightlife to entertain you. 

Guess where we spent most of our time? Answer: Pattaya.

That said, we recommend staying at Sunrise Beach, because it has got all the best bits of Pattaya without the crowds! And a tip – if you go to the top of Sunrise Beach, you can see the sunrise and also the sunset from the same spot – it’s out of this world.

Suggested Stay: Salisa Resort

How to get from Ko Lanta to Koh Lipe?

Take a taxi to the Ko Lanta Port, and then jump on a ferry to Koh Lipe, which should roughly take around 3 and a half hours.

Looking for more inspiration for a beach holiday? Our beach destination guides and tips are filled with ideas galore.

Day 24-26: Perhentian Islands, Malaysia

Why go to the Perhentian Islands?

After a few days in more popular spots, head to these islands to simply get away from it all. 

There are 2 main Perhentian Islands, Kecil, which is popular among the backpacking crowd, and Besar, which is more relaxed, full of blindingly white sand and crystal clear water.

While not as party-orientated as their Thai neighbours, you can usually find a beach party on the Perhentian Islands, and there’s always a bonfire. They’re like the Thai islands 20 years ago – all beauty and chill.

Suggested Stay: Perhentian Island Resort

How to get from Koh Lipe to the Perhentian Islands

You’ll spend most of the day travelling but it will be worth it. First take a ferry to the Pakbara Pier from Koh Lipe, and then take a taxi to Padang Besar. 

From there, get the train down to Sungai Kolok. Take a taxi or rent a car to Kota Bharu, and then take a bus to Kuala Besut. From there get the ferry to Malaysia’s stunning Perhentian Islands. 

Although this route is long, taking about 12 hours, it is by far the cheapest.

Day 27-29: Tioman Island, Malaysia

Why go to Tioman Island?

Shhhh… Tioman Island is still something of a hidden gem and you should put it onto your Southeast Asia travel route before everyone else does. It’s only 20km long by 11km wide, and the surrounding emerald sea is a perfect place to swim, snorkel and even dive. 

And it doesn’t stop there – there are cascading waterfalls, thrilling jungle hikes and laid-back island villages to bring out your adventurous side. You’ll never want to leave… Unfortunately though, your Southeast Asia travel adventure is almost over. 

On Day 30, head to Singapore Changi Airport to depart for home.

Suggested Stay: Tunamaya Beach & Spa Resort

How to get from the Perhentian Islands to Tioman Island

From the Perhentian Besar, take a ferry back to Kuala Besut. From there, take a bus to Mersing, change at Kota Bharu, and then take a ferry from Mersing Jetty to Tioman Island. 

This route will take about 13 hours, so make sure you get up early.

Want more Southeast Asia travel ideas? Check out my collection of Southeast Asia travel guides to help you plan your trip.

Travelling Southeast Asia Route 2: A Cultural Odyssey

Southeast Asia has incredible architecture, ruins and monuments, all oozing with culture (not to mention the perfect Instagram opportunity or two). 

Love culture and looking for the best Southeast Asia route for your trip? This backpacking Southeast Asia route will take you to the best of them. You can thank me later.

Day 1-3: Hué Monuments, Vietnam

Why go to Hué?

If the impressive visuals alone don’t convince you, the fact that the complex of Hué Monuments is a UNESCO world heritage site and it is located in and around the city of Hué, really should. 

History buffs will adore Hué. Designated as the capital of unified Vietnam in 1802, the huge complex features a number of monuments and ruins, such as the Imperial City, the Forbidden Purple City, and royal tombs, pagodas and temples. 

Rich in architecture and with a beautiful landscape surrounding, a visit to the Hué Monuments is definitely worth a visit if you’re on the lookout for some of the best cultural sites in Southeast Asia.

Suggested Stay: Cherish Hué Hotel

How to get to Hué from Hanoi?

Start your Southeast Asia 1 month itinerary by flying into Hanoi (if you have time – spend a day or two here checking out the best things to do in Hanoi, which has more than a few cultural sites of its own), and then get a 1 hour flight to Hué. 

Alternatively, you can take the (much slower but more panoramic) train from Hanoi to Hué. It’s one of the classic Southeast Asia travel experiences and worth it if you have the time.

Day 4-5: Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary, Vietnam

Why go to Mỹ Sơn?

The Mỹ Sơn Hindu Sanctuary is a cluster of more than 70 partially ruined Hindu temples, devoted to Hindu Gods and Goddesses, especially the God Shiva.

The intricate temples contain grand stone sculptures and towers in lush, tropical jungle settings. 

Learn from our mistakes, people. We recommend getting there in the morning, before it gets too hot and before the crowds arrive, and then returning to Hoi An in the afternoon/evening, so you can explore its Ancient Town. 

An increasing number of those travelling Southeast Asia visit the temples, but they’re still a relatively quiet spot.

Suggested Stay: Mỹ Sơn Hội An Resort and Spa

How to get from Hue to Mỹ Sơn

From Hué, take a bus to Da Nang, and then take a taxi to Mỹ Sơn. This should take about an hour and 40 minutes, but it’s best to stay in Hội An, as it is the closest big town to Mỹ Sơn.

Day 6-7: Temple of Preah Vihear, Cambodia

Why go to Preah Vihear?

This is where history nerds will really come into their own – bring your A-Level History knowledge with you. Dating back to 11BC, the site’s architecture and carved stone ornamentation is very high quality, and so well preserved for its remote location. 

Stay in a hotel in Preah Vihear for the night and then carry on exploring in the morning, before heading back to Siem Reap for night seven.

Suggested Stay in Preah Vihear: Sokha Home

How to get from Mỹ Sơn to Preah Vihear?

Take a taxi to Danang Airport and then take a flight to Siem Reap, which should take around 2 hours in total. 

In order to get to Preah Vihear, the easiest method is to rent a car, which should take about 3 hours. Preah Vihear is a temple situated on the top of a 525m cliff in the Dângrêk Mountains, dedicated to the God Shiva.

Day 8-10: Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom, Cambodia

Having spent the night in Siem Reap, head into Angkor Wat, a 5 minute taxi ride away. We recommend hiring a tuk tuk or bike to get around between the temples as some of the distances between the less visited ones are quite far.

Why go to Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom?

Because it’s one of the most fascinating architectural complexes on the planet – ‘nuff said.

But seriously, Angkor Wat is a complex of temples which also happens to be the largest religious monument in the world. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992, this huge and incredibly detailed temple is awe-inspiring.

Angkor Thom was the last capital of the Khmer Empire, and was a city with the residences of palace officials, military and priests inside, enclosed by a 12km high wall and a moat. 

Some of the best attractions and most important monuments in Angkor Thom to check out are the Royal Enclosure, Baphuon, Bayon and the Terrace of Elephants. 

We recommend spending about 3 days in the Angkor complex to see everything in depth.

Suggested Stay: Lotus Blanc Resort

Day 11-13: Grand Palace Bangkok, Thailand

Why go to the Grand Palace in Bangkok?

Seriously… just look at that photo! The Grand Palace is a huge complex of ornate buildings that have been the official residence of the Kings of Thailand since it was built in 1782.

There are 35 sights to see in the Grand Palace Complex, including the Phra Maha Monthian and Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall, the two oldest, and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which contains a Buddha Statue over 2000 years old. 

The beautiful complex of buildings is a must-see on your cultural sites itinerary.

The Grand Palace also features in our pick of the best things to do in Thailand – here’s why .

Suggested Stay: Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok

How to get from Siem Reap to Bangkok?

From Siem Reap, get a bus to the Bangkok Mochit Bus Terminal. This will take about 7 hours, so after arriving, head to your hotel and then explore Bangkok for the evening.

The next morning, take a short taxi ride to the Grand Palace Bangkok, located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River in the old city.

Day 14-15: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya

Why go to Ayutthaya?

Who doesn’t want to walk among these beautiful ruins? Founded in 1350, Ayutthaya was the second capital of the Siamese Kingdom, after Sukhothai, and is an island at the meeting of the Lopburi River, the Chao Phraya River, and the Pa Sak River.

The ancient city continued to flourish until it was attacked in 1767 by the Burmese Army, and today the site boasts incredible ruins, such as the Wat Phra Si Sanphet, the largest temple in Ayutthaya, and the Phra Chedi Suriyothai, a white and gold chedi built in memory of a past queen.

Suggested Stay: iuDia Hotel

How to get from Bangkok to Ayutthaya?

Get the train from Bangkok to Ayutthaya Station, taking only about 1 hour, and then get a short taxi ride to Ayutthaya.

Day 16-18: Sukhothai Historical Park, Thailand

Why go to Sukhothai?

Sukhothai Historical Park contains 193 ruins of Sukhothai, the capital of the Kingdom in the 13th-14th century. The entire area smacks you in the face with impressive temples and ruins.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003, inside the park sits the remains of the Noen Prasad (the Royal Palace), Wat Mahathat (the most impressive and important temple in the park), and our favourite, Wat Sa Si, which is beautifully situated in the middle of the Traphang-Trakuan Lake.

Suggested Stay: Sawasdee Sukhothai Resort

How to get from Ayutthaya to Sukhothai?

From Ayutthaya, get a 6 hour bus journey to Sukhothai, and then get a short taxi ride to the Sukhothai Historical Park.

Day 19-21: Luang Prabang, Laos

Why go to Luang Prabang?

We could ramble on about our love of Laos for hours, but Luang Prabang might just be our fave spot. This is an ancient town in Northern Laos , which lies between the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. 

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town is well known for its beautiful and ornate Buddhist temples and monasteries, including the Wat Xiang Kong Temple, and also for its natural sites, such as Mount Phou Si and the Kuang Si Falls.

Suggested Stay: Indigo House Hotel

How to get from Sukhothai to Luang Prabang?

Get up early because you’ve got a whole day of travelling to do! Get a bus from Sukhothai to Phitsanulok, and then a bus to Loei. 

All in all this should take about 15 hours, so we recommend heading straight to your hotel and resting before you start exploring tomorrow.

Laos is also one of the cheapest countries in the world and the perfect destination to help your cash go further. Check out the full list of affordable holiday destinations for a luxury trip .

Day 22-24: Chiang Rai, Thailand

Why go to Chiang Rai?

Views, views, and more views. This south east Asia route is a killer.

Chiang Rai is a big city in Northern Thailand, and it is home to some of the best sights in the country, such as Wat Ming Meuang, Wat Phra Singh and White Temple. 

But one of our favourite things was going up to the top of Buffalo Horn Hill – the views over the city were incredible. 

Suggested Stay: Maryo Resort

How to get from Luang Prabang to Chiang Rai?

From Luang Prabang, get a bus to Chiang Kong, and then another bus to Chiang Rai. This in total will take about 13 hours, so head to your hotel when you get there. 

The other option is to take a two-day slowboat from Luang Prabang up the Mekong river to the Thai border, cross into Thailand and then get another bus to Chiang Rai from there.

Day 25-27: Chiang Mai, Thailand

Why go to Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai is the largest city in Northern Thailand – it’s comparable to Bangkok, but with far fewer people. Which makes for a far more pleasant experience, if you ask us. 

There’s a vast array of things to see in the city, including Wat Phra That Doi Kham, Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep. If you want a more relaxed day, it’s also the kind of place where you can just leisurely walk and take in the Thai atmosphere, sampling scoffing some of the local cuisine. 

And if nature is more your thing, take a short scooter or Tuk Tuk ride out of the town into the rain-forested countryside, which is interspersed with beautiful waterfalls.

Suggested Stay: Anantara Chiang Mai

How to get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai?

Get a bus from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, which takes about 3 hours.

Day 28-30: Bagan, Myanmar

Why go to Bagan?

It’s a hidden gem! Bagan is an ancient city in Myanmar, known as the temple town, and home to 2,229 temples and pagodas. Trust us, Bagan is guaranteed to be one of the highlights on your cultural Southeast Asia travel route.

We recommend seeing the Ananda Temple and the Shwesandaw Temple, also known as the ‘sunset temple’ – head here in the evening to see the fantastic Bagan sunset.

On your last day, head to Mandalay Airport to get a connecting flight home.

Suggested Stay: Royal Bagan Hotel

How to get from Chiang Mai to Bagan?

Fly from Chiang Mai to Yangon, the Myanmar capital where you will connect onto another flight to Nyaung-U and get a taxi from there to Bagan.

Travelling Southeast Asia Route 3: Adrenaline + Adventure

Adventure opportunities abound when you travel Southeast Asia, so if you’re an adrenaline-seeker, this is the place to go. 

Whether you’re into diving, hiking or climbing, this continent’s got it all. This is your backpacking Southeast Asia route for ultimate thrills.

Day 1-2: Sandboarding at Mũi Né, Vietnam

Why go to Mũi Né?

Not that you’ll ever be bored on this trip, but this is the place where thrillseekers will thrive.

Mũi Né is a beach resort town in Southern Vietnam, famous for its Saharan-like white and red sand dunes, which are perfect for sandboarding down. And if you want something even more upbeat, try the quad bikes or the dune buggies.

Suggested Stay: The Cliff Resort and Residences

How to get to Mũi Né

Start your Southeast Asia 1 month itinerary by flying into Ho Chi Minh City, and then from there take a bus to Phan Thiet, and then a bus from there to Mũi Né. This all in all should take around 4 hours. 

On your first day, I suggest heading to your hotel for an early night before your month of adventure begins. Of course, it’s completely up to you whether you take that advice or not and you could start your Southeast Asia travel itinerary with a bang.

Day 3-5: Spelunking (Caving) at Hang Sơn Đoòng, Vietnam

Why Visit Hang Sơn Đoòng?

Nature lovers will adore this beautiful Vietnamese spot.

Located in the middle of the Vietnamese jungle in the Quang Binh Province, Hang Sơn Đoòng is the world’s largest cave – it’s 3 sizes of Wembley Stadium! And inside there is even a fast-flowing subterranean river. 

One of nature’s most incredible natural marvels, you can’t miss this on your Southeast Asia travel route.

Suggested Stay: Riverside Hotel – Quang Binh

How to get from Mũi Né to Hang Sơn Đoòng

Get up early, as you have a long travel day ahead. From Mũi Né, take a bus back to Phan Thiet, and then take another bus to Nha Trang Dien Thuan. 

Take one more bus from there to Dong Hoi Quang Binh, and then take a taxi to your hotel.

Day 6-8: Rock Climbing in Vang Vieng, Laos

Why go to Vang Vieng?

Vang Vieng is a tourist-oriented town in Laos. Originally, it’s known for its bars, partying and tubing, it’s a cool destination in itself. 

Rock-climbing is Vang Vieng’s hidden gem. The small town is surrounded by beautiful cliffs overlooking idyllic greenery and rice paddies. So clip on your gear and hold on to your ropes – there are cliffs for you to climb!

Check out our guide to rock climbing in Vang Vieng.

Suggested stay: Silver Naga Hotel

How to get from Hang Son Dong to Vang Vieng

Get the bus to Dong Hoi airport, fly to Luang Prabang and then get the bus from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng.

Day 9-11: Hiking from Luang Prabang to Ban Hadkhor, Laos

Why hike from luang prabang to ban hadkor.

This two day hike starts at Luang Prabang, passing through Ban Hadkhang, Pha Theung, and finishing in Ban Had Khor. We love this route because you get to see a massive area of jungle landscape, as well as walk through local villages and trek across rice paddies. 

Camp on the riverbank overnight and then kayak to the Holy Pak Ou Cave on the second day, before heading back to Luang Prabang. It’s fabulous.

Green Discovery Tour from Luang Prabang to Ban Hadkhor

How to get to Luang Prabang from Vang Vieng?

Catch a direct bus from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang, which takes around 6 hours. Then it’s time to get your hiking boots on.

Day 12-17: Hiking, Ziplining and Waterfall Abseiling in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai is filled with an abundance of things to do.

First off, head into the jungle for a three-day hike. This trek allows visitors to hike all over the landscapes of Chiang Mai, swim in waterfalls and walk in the jungle. 

We’ll level with you – we don’t recommend taking a tour that visits the Karen Hill tribes, thanks to the questions of exploitation and ethics that surround these, nor do we advocate any treks that involve elephant riding. 

We think that hiking through the Chiang Mai jungle is an adventure enough though, so you should definitely do it.

Next up is ziplining. Nothing says adventure like zipping through the sky at fast speed. Chiang Mai’s ‘Flight of the Gibbon’ zip-line is not only the first in Chiang Mai, but the first in all of Asia! It features 5km of zip lines with 33 platforms, as well as abseiling and sky bridges.

If you’re not exhausted from your days of thrills, it’s time to go waterfall abseiling . After trekking in the forest and jungle, you can abseil down a 100m rocky waterfall in the middle of the jungle. 

If you want an adrenaline rush paired with some beautiful scenery, this is the one for you.

Suggested Stay: Wing Bed

How to get from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai?

The easiest way to travel from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai is to take a direct flight. The much slower and more scenic way is to take a two-day slow boat from Luang Prabang to Chiang Khong and then get the bus from Chiang Khong to Chiang Mai.

Day 18-20: Scuba Diving in Koh Tao

Why go to Koh Tao?

We’re sure you’ve heard plenty of tales about Koh Tao – but mainly, Koh Tao is a fabulous place to scuba dive. With over 20 different dive sites, and we recommend using Crystal Dive as your guides. 

If you’ve ever thought about getting your PADI diving qualification, Koh Tao is the place to do it. 

There aren’t many places where your first dives will be in such spectacular sites. Crystal Dive offers normal dives and also wreck dives for the more adventurous among you, with all sites boasting stunning reefs.

Suggested Stay: Mango Bay Boutique Resort

How to get from Chiang Mai to Koh Tao?

From Chiang Mai Airport, fly to Koh Samui. From there, take the ferry to Koh Tao. All in all, this should take around 6 hours.

Day 21-23: Rock Climbing at Railay Beach, Thailand

Why go to railay beach.

Around Railay Beach is a rock climber’s paradise – all of the rock is limestone and part of the world’s largest coral reef. With over 700 routes around Railay Beach, ranging from beginner to extreme, there’s something for everyone. 

And if that’s not enticing enough, the views of the beautiful beaches should have you hooked. We recommend climbing with Real Rocks Climbing School .

How to get from Koh Tao to Railay?

From Koh Tao, take a 2 hour ferry to Koh Samui, and then take a bus to Krabi. Take a short walk to the Krabi Town Pier, and then get a ferry to Railay Beach. This journey should take about 6 and a half hours.

Day 24-26: Scuba Diving in Andaman Islands

Why go to the Andaman Islands?

Because who doesn’t dream of spending a couple of days on what feels like a private island? The islands are very remote and so have excellent areas for diving with stunning turquoise waters. 

In fact, diving in the Andaman Islands is some of the best in the world. That’s why it deserves its place on this epic southeast Asia itinerary.

There are hundreds of deserted islands to explore, a chance to snorkel with swimming elephants, and a dive site at a live volcano with beautiful marine life, near Barren Island. What more could you want?! 

We recommend diving with Original Diving . After you’ve finished your scuba diving, fly to Delhi, where you will make your trip home, until next time.

Suggested Stay: Advhasaha Resort

How to get from Railay to the Andaman Islands?

The last stop on your adventurous trip is probably the longest to get to, but it is probably also the best – so don’t stop now! Go to Krabi Airport and then get a flight to Port Blair, stopping at Bangkok and Madras, taking a total of about 17 hours.

Useful Resources

Travel currency.

UK travellers can take advantage of the fee-free Monzo prepaid card. Spend your money on cocktails and hotels, not on bank charges.

The Lonely Planet and Rough Guides are go-to reliable books for your Southeast Asia trip.

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Sophie Ritchie is a writer for The Discoveries Of. She’s had a passion for travelling since a young age, and loves to visit new places every year. If she had to pick a favourite place it would be Cuba. Her ultimate dream? To travel to every country in South America.

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If you have more time you could add Da Nang at the beginning of the trip and then to Nha Trang to go to Cam Ranh Bay. At the other end of the trip you could add the Mentawai islands and then the Gili Islands.

Thanks for the suggestions – totally agree. Although there’s a lot you can add in if you are going to Indonesia as well as SE Asia.

Thailand looks insane!! It has been on my mind for a while and after reading this, I know its my next destination!! Great guide and options for different types of travelers!

Hey Aaren – it’s really cool and I love it. In fact, heading back later this year. I hope you have a brilliant time!

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Ultimate SOUTHEAST ASIA Travel Guide

Southeast Asia  is a fascinating part of the world that offers beautiful islands, beaches, lush jungles, unique wildlife, tasty food and intriguing culture. This Southeast Asia travel guide is designed to uncover some of our favorite places and things about this region and help you plan your own trip to this unique part of the world.

Defining Southeast Asia can be referred to as the region that resides between  Asia  and  Oceania . It is made up of eleven countries including Brunei, Cambodia, East Timor, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

These countries are bordered by China to the North,  Australia  to the South, the Andaman Sea to the West and the Pacific Ocean to the East.

We’ve spent more time in Southeast Asia than we care to admit, thinking hard on it we’ve spent no less than 9 months traveling the region over multiple trips at the time of publishing this guide.

We’ve visited across all seasons and while we haven’t been everywhere or to every country (yet!), we’ve done enough leg work to offer you some useful insight on travel to Southeast Asia.

Destinations

Southeast asia travel: quick tips, don’t visit southeast asia without:.

UNIVERSAL TRAVEL ADAPTER

GET A GUIDEBOOK

REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE

SOUTHEAST ASIA BUCKET LIST

Philippines island hopping.

Hopping  islands in Coron  is one of the best  things to do in the Philippines  or even Southeast Asia for that matter. You’ll experience white-sand beaches and turquoise waters set against green island interiors. It’s idyllic and one of our favorite places in the world.

DISCOVER THE ANGKOR TEMPLES

One of the most impressive ruin sites we have ever seen is the  Angkor Temple Complex  in Cambodia. We’ve even been twice! Angkor Wat is the most impressive but we enjoy checking out the temples that have been reclaimed by the jungle too.

SEE WILD ORANGUTANS

Southeast Asia is the only place in the world where Orangutans still exist in the wild. It is possible to track  orangutans in Sumatra , Indonesia and  Sepilok Borneo . Both are off the beaten track but worth the effort. We’ve seen orangutans in both places!

MORE THINGS TO TRY IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

There is no shortage of great  things to do in Southeast Asia  during your visit and the biggest problem you’ll face is fitting them all into your itinerary.

Each country has its own offering and unique things to check out during a visit, so be sure to look at our country guides once you decide where you’re itinerary will take you.

SPEND SOME TIME IN BANGKOK: (Thailand)    Bangkok  is the first city in Southeast Asia that we ever set foot in and that was back in 2010 when we went on our honeymoon! We’ve been back to the city 7 times since then and always recommend it to people who want to visit the region. It’s a huge, sprawling megacity with as much modern convenience as you’d find in any major western city. Combine that with the amazing food, Thai culture and abundance of temples and you pretty much have the perfect city.

TOUR TEMPLES IN CHIANG MAI: (Thailand) Heading north is a popular part of most people’s Thailand itinerary and Chiang Mai is worth the effort. The heart of the city lies within a wall with a surrounding moat and touts a series of beautiful temples to explore.

GET A BAMBOO TATTOO: (Thailand)  This isn’t for everyone, but if you’ve thought about getting a  bamboo tattoo in Thailand , just do it! Both of us did and have nothing but positive things to say about the whole experience.

VISIT THE PHI PHI ISLANDS: (Thailand)  One of the most beautiful chain of islands in the Andaman Sea, the  Phi Phi Islands  are worth a visit despite the harsh backpacker vibe they portray. Yes, backpackers flock here, but there are also plenty of nice resorts to stay at and other islands to tour during the day that are nearby.

TEMPLE HOP IN BAGAN: (Myanmar)  (England) Alongside the Angkor Temples in Cambodia, Bagan is the most impressive temple complex in Southeast Asia. Covering 40 square miles, this complex offers up impressive temple structures from three distinct time periods. Our biggest piece of advice? Give yourself at least 3 days to see the best it has to offer.

UNWIND IN PENANG: (Malaysia)  The island of Penang, which sits off the western coast of Malaysia, may just be our favorite island in Southeast Asia. It’s a place that blends tropical jungles with white sand beaches and old-world history with Asian culture. It has a little bit of everything and we that is why we love it. From the street art and amazing good in Georgetown to the  Monkey beach trek in Penang National Park , we’d visit a hundred times over and never be bored.

TOUR KUALA LUMPUR: (Malaysia)  We won’t lie, we have a love, hate relationship with  Kuala Lumpur  but that doesn’t stop us from going back. The city has a lot of offer travelers, including a delicious food scene, great architecture and the famed  Batu Caves  just outside the city.

LEVEL WITH HISTORY IN PHNOM PENH: (Cambodia)  Travel is so much more than lying on beaches and touring sites, it’s a valuable window into the past too. If you find yourself in Phnom Penh it is worth your time to learn more about the Khmer Rouge genocide that happened in parallel with the Vietnam War. The  museums and killing field sites  are sobering but a necessary part of learning world history when you travel.

DO THE BUFFALO RUN IN VIETNAM:  Starting in Hanoi, the  Buffalo Run tour  takes you off the beaten track and deeply explores the very best of Vietnam, north of the demarcation line. This is not a well-traveled path, so you’ll feel like you’re the only one there. You’ll stop off in places like Cuc Phong National Park, Trang An, Phong Nha, the DMZ, Vinh Moc Tunnels, Hue and Hoi An.

CRUISE AROUND HALONG BAY: (Vietnam)  One of the best  things to do in Vietnam  is to  cruise Halong Bay  and for good reason, it’s gorgeous! Massive limestone karsts grow out of bright green seas paired with island accommodation and white sand beaches. It’s a great way to unwind, especially if you have jetlag from the flight to Southeast Asia.

WATCH WILDLIFE IN THE AMAZON OF THE EAST: (Borneo)  We are total suckers for a thick rainforest and Borneo delivers. The island is literally known as the Amazon of the East and features some of the most incredible primary rainforests you can find on the planet. With that comes some incredible wildlife viewing, it’s a  birders paradise  with more than 688 resident and migratory species. You can also see the endemic Proboscis Monkey, orangutans and if you’re really lucky some pygmy elephants.

GO SCUBA DIVING AT SIPADAN ISLAND: (Borneo)  If you’re a scuba diver then you likely already know about  Sipadan Island . It is arguably the best place in the world for diving and we do not disagree. Pair it with the incredible muck diving and manta cleaning stations around nearby islands like Siamil and Mabul to make the ultimate dive trip in Southeast Asia.

TRACK KOMODO DRAGONS: (Indonesia)  There is only one place in the entire world where the world’s largest reptile,  the Komodo Dragon , still lives in the wild. This is the Komodo Islands in eastern Indonesia. Not only are these islands absolutely stunning, seeing the dragons is a once in a lifetime experience too. It’s not possible to stay on the islands, so be sure to book yourself a  Sailing Komodo Island tour  when you arrive in-country.

GET OFF THE GRID IN RAJA AMPAT: (Indonesia)  Located off the coast of the remote island of Papua,  Raja Ampat  is part of Indonesia’s West Papua province. This place is a straight-up paradise. It offers insane jungle hiking through untouched forests, island views, rich culture and some of the most pristine coral reefs we have ever seen. It’s hard to get to and expensive but oh so worth the effort.

EXPLORE BALI: (Indonesia)  If you’ve never been to Indonesia before, we’d happily recommend Bali be added to your itinerary. It is one of those Southeast Asia classics that shouldn’t be overlooked. From the beaches in Kuta, the islands of Nusa and the rice terraces that surround  Ubud , there are plenty of  things to do in Bali  during a visit.

CATCH A SUNRISE AT BOROBUDUR TEMPLE: (Indonesia)  Another temple, I know, but this one is spectacular and worth the visit. Catching a  Borobudur sunrise  is almost otherworldly and worth the 3am wakeup call to see buddha silhouettes against volcanos erupting against the sunrise. The temple is located on Java island, not far from Yogyakarta.

FOODIE BUCKET LIST

Southeast Asia is a foodie’s paradise, and the region is an incredible palace to eat your way around. In fact, a big part of Southeast Asia travel is the food, so don’t be afraid to try the local stuff!

Thai cuisine  needs no introduction, and  Malaysian food  is possibly the most underrated in the world. There are lots of curries and noodle dishes, with a great mix of Malay, Chinese, and Indian cuisine to try.

Burmese food  involves more curry and noodles, while  Vietnam  is famous for  Bahn Mi and Pho . Indonesia has its fried rice and rendang. Singapore is home to some of the world’s only  Michelin-starred street food stalls !

SOUTHEAST ASIA FESTIVALS

Southeast Asia is packed with events and festivals throughout the year, and every country has unique celebrations to offer visitors.

In Vietnam, the biggest celebration is  Tet , the New Year in February. Chinatowns everywhere celebrate Chinese New Year around the same time.

In Thailand, you can visit the famed  Songkran , a water festival that brings in the Thai New Year in April.

In Bali, you can find processions and parades throughout the year, while in March, the  Day of Silence  is a unique local occasion to be part of.

The Philippines has more local festivals than anywhere else, a throwback to their Spanish ancestry. The major ones are  Sinulog  in January and  Holy Week  before Easter.

Pack like a pro on your trip to SOUTHEAST ASIA!

Popular regions in southeast asia, mainland west.

Thailand  is a Southeast Asia travel destination that needs little introduction. The Land of Smiles is home to beautiful islands in the south, rugged mountains in the north, and of course, the thrilling capital, Bangkok. There’s sun, there’s sand, there’s culture, and there’s great food.  Myanmar  is little visited compared to its Southeast Asian neighbors, but the county recently began to open up to tourism and saw a boom when it did. Myanmar is unlike anywhere else in the region. Explore ancient Buddhist pagodas, visit the cultural climes of Mandalay and see the fading colonial ruins in  Yangon .

Malaysia  and  Singapore  are home to the best food you could eat when you travel to Southeast Asia. Visit the foodie stalls and white sand beaches of  Penang , and the modern sights of  Kuala Lumpur  before heading south to  Singapore  – one of the most modern and exciting cities in the world.

MAINLAND EAST

The eastern mainland is made up of  Laos ,  Cambodia , and  Vietnam . Aside from their shared French-colonial history, these countries couldn’t be more different.  Vietnam  is the rising star of the region, offering an epic adventure if you travel between  Hanoi  and Ho Chi Minh City. See the scars of the  Vietnam War  and explore the magnificent nature, scenery, history, and delectable food that this modern nation offers. In  Cambodia , a trip is inseparable from the  harrowing past ; you’ll learn about the Khmer Rouge as soon as you land in the capital. You can visit the ruins of  Angkor Wat  or head to the beaches of Sihanoukville.  Laos  is untouched, but who knows how long it will stay that way. One of the poorest and most rural countries you could visit when you travel to Southeast Asia, Laos is also the most unexpected.

Borneo is one of the world’s largest islands and this unique destination is home to some of the best rainforests on the planet. Borneo offers hiking, mountain climbing, beaches, and  diving . The island is divided between three countries: there’s Malaysian Borneo in the north and tiny Brunei. The south is Kalimantan, an Indonesian province.

THE ISLANDS

If you’re looking for island hopping opportunities, snorkeling, diving, and diverse culture, then  Indonesia  or the  Philippines  are the best countries to include in your Southeast Asia travel itinerary.  Indonesia  has  Bali , one of the region’s most popular islands, but there’s also the culture and history of Java, relaxation, and slowness on  Lombok , the wild nature of Sumatra or  Komodo , or the beautiful marine life of  Raja Ampat . The  Philippines  is beautifully diverse, home to the highlands and rice terraces of the Cordilleras, but also the rugged islands of  Palawan , including the stunning and popular  Coron  and  El Nido . We will not lie, Indonesia and the Philippines are our two most beloved countries in Southeast Asia. We’ve been back to visit them both, multiple times, and it’s the first place we head each time we return to the area. 

SOUTHEAST ASIA TRAVEL BUDGET

Setting a budget for travel to Southeast Asia is highly dependent on your travel style. It is possible to visit just about anywhere across the continent on any budget and still have a great trip. That said, you can make your trip as basic or as luxurious as you desire.

To help you set your budget, we’ve included some base range price estimations for Southeast Asia travel. Of course, keep in mind that prices can fluctuate based on seasons, availability and festivals.

If you’re looking to travel on a budget, be sure to check out the  12 Tips on How to Travel Cheap  before you start planning.

ACCOMMODATION:  Accommodation is good value when you travel to Southeast Asia.  Guesthouses, hostels, and homestays  will cost between USD 10 and USD 20 per night (less if you don’t care about the cleanliness).  Private rooms  can be between USD 20 and USD 50. Above this price range, you can find more  luxurious accommodation . Popular resort destinations in Thailand or Bali will charge USD 100 or more per night for fancier hotels.

FOOD:  Food is incredibly inexpensive in Southeast Asia; you can find  local eats  for as little as USD 1 per plate in most countries. Prices go up in touristy destinations (we’re looking at Thailand and Bali again) and western-style restaurants. You still  won’t often pay more than USD 10 per meal , however.

TRANSPORT:  Local transport is affordable across Southeast Asia, and international transport is equally cost-effective.  Buses and trains  vary in standards and prices.  Local transport  will be just a few dollars for day-long journeys, but you pay more for comfort.  Mopeds  can be hired for between USD 5 and USD 10 per day. Budget international  flights  can be as low as USD 30 if booked in advance for a two-hour flight.

ACTIVITIES:  Activities vary in cost from country to country but expect to pay between USD 30 and USD 70 for a day of  diving . You can enjoy a  boat tour  for around USD 30 a day, or hire  trekking  guides for a similar price. For the most part, activities are very cost-effective in comparison to western prices.

20 USD PER DAY

Living in hostels, lounging on beaches, and eating local food. If you’re looking to include many destinations in your Southeast Asia travel plans, or want to enjoy lots of day trips and activities, raise that budget to USD 50.

50-100 USD PER DAY

Midrange travelers will be able to enjoy the comforts of private rooms and guesthouses, taxi rides, and tourist buses. You can enjoy street food, restaurants, and plenty of activities. Your money will go far on this budget and you won’t miss much.

200 USD + PER DAY

Luxury travelers can get a lot for their money when they travel to Southeast Asia. Stay in premium resorts in Bali, Borneo, or the Thai Islands. Enjoy restaurant-quality food, private day tours and drivers, and plenty of spa treatments!

WHERE TO STAY IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

Below you will find some of the places we have stayed during our travels in Southeast Asia. These are individual properties that we enjoyed and would recommend to other travelers.

For more in-depth information, be sure to check out the following articles:

• Where to Stay in Bangkok: Best Districts & Hotels
• INAYA Putri Bali Nusa Dua: Resort Review

PLANNING TO BACKPACK SOUTHEAST ASIA?

Southeast Asia is an extremely popular destination for backpacking because you can do a lot throughout the region on a very small budget. We’ve experienced this region on both the high end and budget side, including spending 6 months backpacking during our  2 year RTW trip .

If you’re looking for some breakdowns on how we did this, check out the overviews below.

HOW TO GET AROUND IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

If you’re traveling around mainland Southeast Asia, you can cross most borders overland. You could travel all the way from Hanoi to Singapore overland using buses and trains. The transport varies from cheap, slow local buses to faster, luxury sleeper buses and trains.

The same applies to the Philippines and Indonesia, although you’ll need to combine buses with boats. In the Philippines and Indonesia, you’re often better off flying, as destinations are spread over large areas. If you have time, you can take inter-island ferries.

If you’re visiting Borneo, you’ll need to fly in. You can travel by bus between major cities and destinations in Malaysian Borneo and Brunei, but Kalimanatan is much less developed and more challenging to travel around.

Most land borders into Myanmar are off-limits, so you need to fly into Yangon. From there, you have bus and train connections across the country.

BUS:  If time is on your side, there are many instances where taking the bus will be the best option for getting between places. There are usually two classes operating the popular routes, this includes tourist buses and local buses. Tourist buses are usually comfortable coaches with AC and WIFI. Local buses will be rough and not have AC. Both will get you where you need to go.

FLIGHTS:  Thanks to budget airlines like Air Asia, Southeast Asia is incredibly well served by low-cost carriers offering regular flights and cheap fares. Major cities, and increasingly, many more regional airports, have connections between one another. In most cases – particularly over longer distances – flying is cheaper than taking the train or bus.

TOP SOUTHEAST ASIA TOURS

Iconic thailand.

15 Days from Bangkok, Thailand Visits: Chiang Mai, Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi, Khao Sok, Ko Samui, Krabi & Bangkok

EXPLORE VIETNAM

13 Days Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City Visits: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Mai Chau, Hue, Hoi An & Ho Chi Minh City

DISCOVER SOUTHEAST ASIA

18 Days Bangkok to Siem Reap Visits: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Luang Prabang, Hanoi, Halong Bay, Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh & Siem Reap

WHEN TO VISIT SOUTHEAST ASIA

Southeast Asia is a vast area that sprawls over both sides of the equator. For the most part, you can expect countries to be  hot, humid, and tropical  when you travel to Southeast Asia – but this isn’t always the case.

The north of Vietnam is much more temperate and has cold winters, while the same can be said of Myanmar’s northern mountains. However, most areas you will visit during your Southeast Asia travel itinerary will have distinct  wet and dry seasons .

North of the equator, the dry season is usually November to April. Most of Indonesia, however, has its dry season from May through to October. The dry season is the best time to explore Southeast Asia; there’s little chance of rain and thunderstorms, and the visibility if you’re snorkeling or diving is perfect.

Even in Indonesia, peak season is from November through to January, and tourist numbers and prices increase dramatically over the Christmas holidays. Try to travel in the shoulder seasons instead;, you might get a little rain, but you’ll escape the worst of the crowds.

For more in-depth information, check out:

Best Time to Visit Bali: Month by Month Breakdown

Best time to visit the philippines: month by month breakdown, inspiration for your next southeast asia trip, safety in southeast asia.

Southeast Asia travel is generally safe, even for first-time travelers (which is why it’s a popular backpacking destination). In touristy destinations, however, you do need to be super-careful of scams and low-level thievery.

This is especially so in places like Bali and Bangkok. On buses, try to keep your belongings close and safe, and on the party islands in Thailand, be careful! Take our advice and be sure you’re prepared. Check out  25 Essential Safety Tips for Travel

Each county has its own laws and customs, so read up before you cross the border. What goes in Thailand might not be so welcome in Malaysia. Some countries are Muslim, others Buddhist, and some Christian – it’s a diverse region!

For personal experiences, check out:

• 5 Reasons Why Bali Is Not the Paradise You Think It Is
• Culture Shock: Our First 24 Hours in Bali

SOUTHEAST ASIA TRAVEL: BOOKING RESOURCES

Southeast asia travel guide: related articles.

Looking for more info? Check out all the articles we’ve written on travel to Southeast Asia and start planning your dream trip.

What To Do in Chiang Mai, Thailand (18 Amazing Attractions, Festivals & Food)

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The Ultimate Guide to Backpacking Through Southeast Asia

E mbarking on a backpacking adventure through Southeast Asia is a dream for many travelers seeking vibrant cultures, stunning landscapes, delicious cuisine, and unforgettable experiences. With its rich history, diverse traditions, and budget-friendly options, Southeast Asia offers an incredible journey for backpackers of all ages and interests. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to plan an epic backpacking trip through this enchanting region.

• Research destinations: Southeast Asia is vast and diverse, so research countries and regions that interest you. Popular destinations include Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
• Consider your interests: Are you drawn to ancient temples, pristine beaches, bustling cities, or lush jungles? Tailor your itinerary to include activities and attractions that align with your interests.
• Budget and duration: Determine your budget and how long you plan to travel. Southeast Asia offers options for all budgets, from shoestring backpacking to luxury travel, so plan accordingly.
• Lightweight backpack: Choose a durable and comfortable backpack that fits your body and can hold all your essentials.
• Clothing: Pack lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for the region’s tropical climate. Don’t forget to include swimwear, comfortable walking shoes, and a waterproof jacket.
• Travel essentials: Bring essential items such as a passport, travel insurance, visas (if required), a money belt, a first aid kit, and a universal adapter.
• Toiletries: Pack travel-sized toiletries, sunscreen, insect repellent, and any necessary medications.
• Overland travel: Southeast Asia has a well-established network of buses, trains, and ferries that make overland travel between countries relatively easy and affordable.
• Budget airlines: Take advantage of budget airlines for longer journeys or when traveling between islands. AirAsia, VietJet, and Lion Air are popular options.
• Local transportation: Embrace local transportation options such as tuk-tuks, motorbike taxis, and songthaews for short distances within cities and towns.
• Hostels: Backpacker hostels are plentiful throughout Southeast Asia and offer budget-friendly accommodation with dormitory beds or private rooms.
• Guesthouses: Guesthouses are a step up from hostels and provide affordable private rooms with basic amenities.
• Homestays: Experience local culture by staying with a local family through homestay programs, particularly in rural areas.
• Street food: Southeast Asia is renowned for its delicious and affordable street food. Embrace the local culinary scene by trying dishes such as pad Thai, pho, nasi goreng, and banh mi.
• Local markets: Explore bustling markets to sample fresh produce, tropical fruits, and local delicacies. Don’t be afraid to haggle for the best prices.
• Hygiene precautions: While street food can be delicious, exercise caution to avoid foodborne illnesses by choosing stalls with high turnover rates and observing food preparation practices.
• Vaccinations: Consult with a healthcare professional or travel clinic before your trip to ensure you are up-to-date on routine vaccinations and receive any recommended vaccinations for specific destinations.
• Travel insurance: Purchase comprehensive travel insurance to cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen circumstances.
• Personal safety: Exercise caution and common sense when traveling, particularly in crowded areas, at night, and when using public transportation. Keep valuables secure and be aware of common scams targeting tourists.
• Respect local customs: Familiarize yourself with local customs, traditions, and etiquette to show respect for the cultures you encounter.
• Dress modestly: In many Southeast Asian countries, particularly in rural areas and religious sites, conservative dress is appreciated. Avoid wearing revealing clothing and always cover up when visiting temples and mosques.
• Learn basic phrases: Take the time to learn basic phrases in the local language, such as greetings, thank you, and please. Your efforts will be appreciated by locals.
• Angkor Wat, Cambodia: Explore the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most significant archaeological sites in Southeast Asia.
• Ha Long Bay, Vietnam: Cruise through the stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO-listed natural wonder.
• Phi Phi Islands, Thailand: Relax on the pristine beaches and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of the Phi Phi Islands, known for their breathtaking beauty.
• Bali, Indonesia: Immerse yourself in the cultural and natural wonders of Bali, from vibrant temples and lush rice terraces to world-class surfing spots and vibrant nightlife.

Backpacking through Southeast Asia is a transformative experience that offers a blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. By planning your itinerary, packing essentials, embracing local transportation and accommodation options, and respecting local customs, you’ll create memories that will last a lifetime. So grab your backpack, embark on an unforgettable journey, and discover the wonders of Southeast Asia for yourself.

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Taiwan Earthquake: What to Know About Travel and How to Help

By Rachel Chang

The strongest earthquake to hit Taiwan in almost 25 years shook the island of nearly 24 million people at 7:58 a.m. local time on Wednesday, causing buildings to crash, landmarks to crumble, and landslides to topple roadways and train tracks. As of press time, there are 10 reported deaths, as well as 1,099 people injured, 705 trapped, and 11 missing, according to an update from Taiwan’s Fire Agency posted Thursday morning.

While the US Geological Survey measured the quake at 7.4 on the Richter scale , Taiwan’s own monitoring agency clocked it at 7.2. The earthquake’s epicenter was about 11 miles southwest of Hualien City, the gateway to the popular Taroko National Park , which sees over 2 million visitors a year. With a population of about 101,000, the coastal city is around 100 miles southeast of the capital, Taipei.

The initial quake was followed by a series of aftershocks —some as strong as 6.4 and 5.7 —that have continued to rock the Hualien County region, which regularly experiences earthquakes. The area sits along seismic fault lines within the Ring of Fire, where most of the planet’s quakes occur. In 2018, a 2018 6.4-magnitude quake in the area killed 17 people, while a larger 7.7-magnitude quake killed 2,400 and injured about 1,000 in 1999.

While there had initially been a tsunami warning on Wednesday reaching as far as Japan and the Philippines, that alert has since been canceled. In many parts of the island, especially in and around the capital, schools, work, and businesses returned to normal quickly—including the high-speed rail and metro systems by the afternoon—much of it being credited to the island’s resilient infrastructure .

In fact, a US State Department spokesperson tells Condé Nast Traveler that there are no changes or updates to the current travel advisory for Taiwan, which remains as a Level 1 “Exercise Normal Precautions.”

“The current tourism environment and facilities in Taiwan remain safe and intact,” Yung-hui Chou, director-general of Taiwan Tourism Administration , said in a statement shared with Traveler. “International tourists are warmly welcomed to visit Taiwan without any concerns.”

However, in the eastern region, closer to the epicenter, rescue operations are still underway, as many people were reported trapped in the region’s tunnels and quarries, unable to get out because of blocked roadways. Among those were about 50 employees of Silks Place Taroko, a popular hotel located near Taroko National Park, who had been traveling in four buses, CNN reported .

Minimal disruptions for travelers

Despite the magnitude and devastation the earthquakes caused, travel in and out of Taiwan has remained rather status quo. A United Airlines spokesperson says there was “thankfully no impact” to its operations and that “all our people are safe."

Taiwanese carrier EVA Air also says the natural disaster hasn’t affected its current or future operations, and that all of its flights at Taoyuan International Airport remain on schedule. EVA Air’s domestic subsidiary UNI Air added extra flights to and from Hualien for residents and families, as well as for rescue workers and emergency supplies to be transported back and forth.

Taiwan's major airports, ports, and railways are all operating normally in major cities, according to the Taiwan Tourism Administration, which noted transit capabilities may vary by region, especially in the eastern mountainous area.

The railway in Hualien suffered “sustained significant damage,” says Ivy Yang, a Taipei-based travel consultant for My Taiwan Tour . Yang suggests travelers steer away from Hualien at this time due to dangerous road conditions and the numerous landslides on the coastline and in Taroko Gorge. Most hotels in Hualien will allow fee-free cancellations in light of the events, she says, with Silk Place Taroko being closed for several days. Otherwise, travel on Taiwan’s west coast remains safe, according to Yang, but those looking to travel around the island might have trouble between Hualien and Yilan.

A spokesperson for the tourism bureau’s New York office says the Taiwanese government is “actively arranging alternative options of transportation” in affected areas, reminding travelers “to stay informed about conditions in their specific destinations and adjust their plans accordingly.”

What to do if you have a future trip planned

For those with upcoming trips, the Taiwan Tourism Administration suggests keeping travel plans flexible while monitoring the situation and following the relevant advisories from authorities. “We believe most travel plans are expected to proceed smoothly,” the spokesperson for the administration says. “Travelers with plans to visit the eastern region of Taiwan are advised to remain vigilant and stay informed about the latest developments.”

Tour operator Intrepid Travel has canceled two upcoming Taiwan departures that were scheduled to start both this week and next week “to allow time for further safety assessments and to avoid the immediate risk of aftershocks,” the company’s president of the Americas Matt Berna tells Traveler. “Damage looks extensive in Hualien, but we are currently unaware of the full extent.” The company is working on rerouting its itinerary around Hualien for upcoming tours.

One of the biggest concerns is the potential of future aftershocks—some of which could be bigger than the original earthquake, according to Josh Dozor, a former Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) official and the current general manager of Medical and Security Assistance at the global risk mitigation company International SOS .

“If you do not need to travel, it is best to stay put,” Dozor says, advising those with travel plans to Hualien County to postpone their trip until at least April 5.

“It’s important to note that Taiwan is an island that experiences earthquakes on a relatively frequent basis,” he says. “The locals are typically equipped with the knowledge and experience of handling earthquakes, which may be why it seems people are continuing life as usual. However, for travelers who are inexperienced in these types of natural disasters, it’s important to remain vigilant and be prepared.”

How to help Taiwan's earthquake victims

When it comes to supporting Earthquake victims, Taiwan “kindly request[s] friends from around the globe to stay updated with the latest developments and keep us in your thoughts and prayers,” the tourism association spokesperson says.

However, those who would like to offer monetary support to Taiwan’s earthquake victims can consider donating to the following organizations.

Taiwan Foundation for Disaster Relief Per a Facebook post from Taiwan’s National Fire Agency Thursday morning, a disaster relief foundation that accepts public donations has been set up through the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Donations can be transferred using the bank details here or via this site and will be accepted for one month through May 3.

Taiwan’s Red Cross Society Just hours after the earthquake struck, the local Red Cross posted on X that their Hualien relief team and military units are “rapidly mobilizing to minimize the impact and provide assistance to those affected.” Donations can be made to the organization here .

Peace Winds America’s Taiwan Disaster Preparedness Initiative The Washington, DC based NGO Peace Winds America currently has a Taiwan Disaster Preparedness Initiative to “strengthen Taiwan’s domestic disaster preparedness, response, and ‘whole of society’ coordination,” among other goals. Learn more about the program and how to donate here .

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The largest country in the world at 17,075,400 square kilometres (or 6,592,800 sq mi), Russia has accumulated quite an impressive reputation. Covering more than an eight of the Earth's land area, 142 million people live there making it the ninth largest nation by population . Still known for its impressive days as the expansive Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), Russia was the world's first and largest constitutionally socialist state. A recognized superpower, the USSR was known for its excellence in both arts and science winning many awards in both fields.

Russia changed drastically after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, but it continues to be a powerful and important nation. It has one of the world's fastest growing economies and the world's eight largest GDP by nominal GDP. Russia is also one of the five countries which officially recognized nuclear weapons states. In conjunction with this title, Russia is also a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, the G8, APEC and the SCO, and is a leading member of the Commonwealth of Independent States.

A European city in a country that lies over a vast part of Asia, Moscow holds one-tenth of all Russian residents . The city is located in the western region of Russia and is the capital and epicentre of political, economic, cultural, religious, financial, educational, and transportation happenings. "Muscovites" , as residents are known, tend to be cultured and worldly. This may be due to the many scientific, educational, and artistic institutions that are based here. An intoxicating mix of the exotic and the familiar, it is the largest city in Europe with the Moscow metropolitan area ranking among the largest urban areas in the world.

The city is situated on the banks of the Moskva River which flows through much of central Russia. Moscow is actually located in a basin for the Volga, Oka, Klyazma, and Moscow rivers. The city of Moscow is 994 sq. km with 49 bridges spanning the rivers and canals that criss-cross the city.

Forests are another part of Moscow's make-up. They coveer over a third of the territory in the region. A variety of animals like elk, wild boar, deer, foxes, weasels, lynx, martens, and birds make their home here.

Located in the UTC+3 time zone , Moscow has a humid continental climate. The summers tend to be warm and humid and the winters are long, cold, and hard. High temperatures occur during the warm months of June, July and August at about 23 °C (73 °F). Heat waves sometimes grip the city anywhere between May to September with temperatures spiking up to 30 °C (86 °F). Winters are harshly chilly with temperatures dropping to approximately 9 °C (15.8 °F). There is consistent snow cover for 3 to 5 months a year, usually from November to March.

Update 10/07/2009

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Trains Moscow to Elektrostal: Times, Prices and Tickets

• Train Times
• Seasonality
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Moscow to Elektrostal by train

The journey from Moscow to Elektrostal by train is 32.44 mi and takes 2 hr 7 min. There are 71 connections per day, with the first departure at 12:15 AM and the last at 11:46 PM. It is possible to travel from Moscow to Elektrostal by train for as little as or as much as . The best price for this journey is .

Get from Moscow to Elektrostal with Virail

Virail's search tool will provide you with the options you need when you want to go from Moscow to Elektrostal. All you need to do is enter the dates of your planned journey, and let us take care of everything else. Our engine does the hard work, searching through thousands of routes offered by our trusted travel partners to show you options for traveling by train, bus, plane, or carpool. You can filter the results to suit your needs. There are a number of filtering options, including price, one-way or round trip, departure or arrival time, duration of journey, or number of connections. Soon you'll find the best choice for your journey. When you're ready, Virail will transfer you to the provider's website to complete the booking. No matter where you're going, get there with Virail.

How can I find the cheapest train tickets to get from Moscow to Elektrostal?

Prices will vary when you travel from Moscow to Elektrostal. On average, though, you'll pay about for a train ticket. You can find train tickets for prices as low as , but it may require some flexibility with your travel plans. If you're looking for a low price, you may need to prepare to spend more time in transit. You can also often find cheaper train tickets at particular times of day, or on certain days of the week. Of course, ticket prices often change during the year, too; expect to pay more in peak season. For the lowest prices, it's usually best to make your reservation in advance. Be careful, though, as many providers do not offer refunds or exchanges on their cheapest train tickets. Unfortunately, no price was found for your trip from Moscow to Elektrostal. Selecting a new departure or arrival city, without dramatically changing your itinerary could help you find price results. Prices will vary when you travel from Moscow to Elektrostal. On average, though, you'll pay about for a train ticket. If you're looking for a low price, you may need to prepare to spend more time in transit. You can also often find cheaper train tickets at particular times of day, or on certain days of the week. Of course, ticket prices often change during the year, too; expect to pay more in peak season. For the lowest prices, it's usually best to make your reservation in advance. Be careful, though, as many providers do not offer refunds or exchanges on their cheapest train tickets.

How long does it take to get from Moscow to Elektrostal by train?

The journey between Moscow and Elektrostal by train is approximately 32.44 mi. It will take you more or less 2 hr 7 min to complete this journey. This average figure does not take into account any delays that might arise on your route in exceptional circumstances. If you are planning to make a connection or operating on a tight schedule, give yourself plenty of time. The distance between Moscow and Elektrostal is around 32.44 mi. Depending on the exact route and provider you travel with, your journey time can vary. On average, this journey will take approximately 2 hr 7 min. However, the fastest routes between Moscow and Elektrostal take 1 hr 3 min. If a fast journey is a priority for you when traveling, look out for express services that may get you there faster. Some flexibility may be necessary when booking. Often, these services only leave at particular times of day - or even on certain days of the week. You may also find a faster journey by taking an indirect route and connecting in another station along the way.

How many journeys from Moscow to Elektrostal are there every day?

On average, there are 71 daily departures from Moscow to Elektrostal. However, there may be more or less on different days. Providers' timetables can change on certain days of the week or public holidays, and many also vary at particular times of year. Some providers change their schedules during the summer season, for example. At very busy times, there may be up to departures each day. The providers that travel along this route include , and each operates according to their own specific schedules. As a traveler, you may prefer a direct journey, or you may not mind making changes and connections. If you have heavy suitcases, a direct journey could be best; otherwise, you might be able to save money and enjoy more flexibility by making a change along the way. Every day, there are an average of 18 departures from Moscow which travel directly to Elektrostal. There are 53 journeys with one change or more. Unfortunately, no connection was found for your trip from Moscow to Elektrostal. Selecting a new departure or arrival city, without dramatically changing your itinerary could help you find connections.

Book in advance and save

If you're looking for the best deal for your trip from Moscow to Elektrostal, booking train tickets in advance is a great way to save money, but keep in mind that advance tickets are usually not available until 3 months before your travel date.

Stay flexible with your travel time and explore off-peak journeys

Planning your trips around off-peak travel times not only means that you'll be able to avoid the crowds, but can also end up saving you money. Being flexible with your schedule and considering alternative routes or times will significantly impact the amount of money you spend on getting from Moscow to Elektrostal.

Always check special offers

Checking on the latest deals can help save a lot of money, making it worth taking the time to browse and compare prices. So make sure you get the best deal on your ticket and take advantage of special fares for children, youth and seniors as well as discounts for groups.

Unlock the potential of slower trains or connecting trains

If you're planning a trip with some flexible time, why not opt for the scenic route? Taking slower trains or connecting trains that make more stops may save you money on your ticket – definitely worth considering if it fits in your schedule.

Best time to book cheap train tickets from Moscow to Elektrostal

The cheapest Moscow - Elektrostal train tickets can be found for as low as $35.01 if you’re lucky, or $54.00 on average. The most expensive ticket can cost as much as $77.49.

Find the best day to travel to Elektrostal by train

When travelling to Elektrostal by train, if you want to avoid crowds you can check how frequently our customers are travelling in the next 30-days using the graph below. On average, the peak hours to travel are between 6:30am and 9am in the morning, or between 4pm and 7pm in the evening. Please keep this in mind when travelling to your point of departure as you may need some extra time to arrive, particularly in big cities!

Moscow to Elektrostal CO2 Emissions by Train

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• 3 Days In Elektrostal

Elektrostal Itinerary 3 Days

Popular itineraries for 3 days in elektrostal.

To make planning simple, explore these popular itineraries for 3 days in Elektrostal. These are the most viewed and customized itineraries for Elektrostal. Choose a Elektrostal itinerary for 3 days and customize to fit your needs.

Recent Elektrostal Itinerary 3 Days

Explore these recently created itineraries to get ideas on attractions currently visited by people or hotels people are staying at. Refer to these more realistic itineraries for Elektrostal, that are perfect for a visit in next few days.

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12-Day Southeast Asia Itinerary 2024: Top 5 Options With Maps

Is 12 days enough for Southeast Asia? With careful planning, yes.

If you just like to see as many different countries as you can, try Thailand-Cambodia-Vietnam in 12 days. In these three neighboring countries, you can immerse yourself in the most distinctive Southeast Asian charm from rich culture to tropical islands.

For a more relaxing pace, visiting 2 neighboring countries is more recommended. Thailand-Vietnam, Vietnam-Cambodia, and Singapore-Indonesia(Bali) are highly welcomed by couples and families.

Read further to get more top-notch options for inspiration. We're also happy to customize them as per your interests.  

• Itinerary 1: Essential Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam Tour
• Itinerary 2: Family Trip to Vietnam and Thailand
• Itinerary 3: Romantic Getaway to Vietnam and Cambodia
• Itinerary 4: Relaxation Trip to Thailand and Cambodia
• Itinerary 5: Summer Escape to Singapore and Bali
• Costs for a 12-Day Southeast Asia Tour

Itinerary 1: 12-Day Essential Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam Tour

Known as the epitome of Southeast Asia, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam stand out as the first-time destinations. This itinerary would give you a glimpse of their iconic highlights: photo-worthy tropical islands, Angkor Wat and Halong Bay.

The outline and highlights below are for your inspiration:

• Days 1–4: Hanoi and Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
• Days 5–7: Siem Reap, Cambodia
• Days 8–9: Bangkok, Thailand
• Days 10–12: Phuket, Thailand

4 Days in Vietnam

In Vietnam, you'll mainly focus on Hanoi and Halong Bay. In Hanoi, pass through the Old Quarter by a local cyclo, taste a bowl of Pho at a street vendor and watch a traditional water puppet show.

Then venture into Halong Bay for an overnight stay. Away from day-trippers, swim/kayak in the less-crowded areas and embrace the serenity with sunsets/sunrises.

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

3 Days in Cambodia

Continue your journey to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Marvel at the intricate architecture of Angkor Wat , take a boat trip to see stilted houses of a floating village and take in a cooking class at a local family . Don't miss the enchanting Apsara Dance Performance for a magical night.

5 Days in Thailand

Touch down in the bustling city of Bangkok, where the modern meets the traditional. Walk into the magnificent Grand Palace, take a longtail boat along the ancient canals and watch a Muay Thai match .

After a week of exploration, conclude your journey with a beach retreat. You can choose Phuket for easily access and rich water activities or Koh Samui for tranquil vibe.

If you look for a more in-depth exploration of these three countries, you can check our extended 15-day and 19-day Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam tours .

Itinerary 2: 12-Day Family Trip to Vietnam and Thailand

Packed with kid-friendly activities, this itinerary is ideal for families, especially those with teenagers.

To perfectly blend exploration and relaxation, your trip will start from Vietnam and top off on Thailand's beach.

Here is the itinerary for your reference:

• Days 1–2: Hanoi sightseeing
• Days 3–4: A Halong Bay cruise
• Days 5–6: Hoi An exploration
• Days 7–8: Discover Ho Chi Minh City
• Day 9: Bangkok sightseeing
• Days 10–12: Phuket beach time

You and your family can take a foodie adventure by cyclo and watch a water puppet show in Hanoi.

As for the Halong Bay cruise, parents can get some leisure moments while kids can engage in water activities like kayaking and swimming.

In Hoi An, children will love  the thrilling basket-boat ride and the Vietnamese fishing experience . You and your kids can also have interactive experiences in a cooking class at a local family and create a paper lantern together in a traditional workshop.

For something educational, learn about the Vietnam War as you squeeze your way through the historical Cu Chi tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City .

Finally, immerse yourselves in the vibrant Bangkok before unwinding on the sun-kissed beaches of Phuket.

In Phuket, enjoy leisure time at a beachside bungalow , hop between islands like Koh Phi Phi and James Bond Island , and embrace adventure with a jungle zipline experience .

Itinerary 3: 12-Day Romantic Getaway to Vietnam and Cambodia 

If you are looking for a cultural immersion with romantic experiences, take this itinerary.

Cambodia is a great place to experience rustic life and see the UNESCO-listed Angkor Wat. In Phnom Penh, you'll learn the dark history and take a sunset cruise on the Mekong River . In Siem Reap, besides the amazing sunset balloon ride, you and your partner can attend a blessing ceremony together by local monks .

In Vietnam, a private junk would enhance your Halong Bay experience . You and your partner would have more one-of-a-kind experiences in postcard-perfect Hoi An: an ancient town walking tour, Vietnamese clothing try-on experience and pottery-making experiences .

A classic route is suggested below for your inspiration: 7 days in Vietnam and 5 days in Cambodia.

• Days 1–2: Phnom Penh, Cambodia (city tour with its iconic Royal Palace)
• Days 3–5: Siem Reap, Cambodia (Angkor Wat walking tour, and a sunset balloon ride)
• Days 6–7: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam with a day trip to the Mekong Delta
• Days 8–9: Hoi An, Vietnam
• Day 10: Hanoi, Vietnam
• Days 11–12 Ha Long Bay cruise

Itinerary 4: 12-Day Relaxation Trip to Thailand and Cambodia

If you're an active traveler with a love for elephants, this itinerary is best for you. You'll tick off the classic highlights of Thailand and Cambodia: bustling Bangkok, cultural Chiang Mai, tropical Phuket and Angkor Wat.  

In this itinerary, Chiang Mai is one of the highlights. You'll delight in the traditional Thai massages, the Loy Krathong festival (often in November) and an elephant sanctuary. If you want to add a thrilling touch, go for a zip-lining through the rainforest and trek through the long-neck tribes .

You can see the following itinerary for inspiration:

• Days 1–3: Bangkok (Grand Palace, renowned temples, a railway market, a longtail boat ride, a foodie tour)
• Days 4–6: Siem Reap (Angkor Wat, 1-hour sunset quad ride, a boat trip on Tonle Sap lake)
• Days 7–9: Chiang Mai (Elephant Rescue Park, Thai cooking class, flower market, temples, zip-lining through the rainforest)
• Days 10–12: Phuket (beach time and seaside activities)

Itinerary 5: 12-Day Summer Escape to Singapore and Bali

Looking to avoid the Southeast Asian rainy season (May to October)? Consider Singapore and Bali for your getaway. From the futuristic skylines of Singapore to the cultural haven of Ubud in Bali, and finally, the sun-kissed beaches, this itinerary offers a perfect balance of culture and relaxation.

• Days 1–3: Singapore
• Days 4–7: Ubud, Bali
• Days 8–12: Beach time, Bali

Start your 12-day Southeast Asian adventure in Singapore, a popular gateway to the region. Spend 3 days exploring futuristic skylines, enjoying the night safari, and savoring vibrant street foods.

Then, escape to Bali for the remaining 9 days. In central Bali—Ubud, take a jungle yoga class , swing through the sky, and indulge in Balinese royal high tea and spa . Active travelers can try white water rafting, watch a sunrise on volcanic Mt. Batur , and bike around the rice field. For a family with kids, go to a chocolate factory and make your chocolate together.

Your trip will finish at the sun-kissed beaches in Bali. Party-seekers would love Semingyak, while Nusa Dua and Sanur offer more family-friendly hotels and activities. If you prefer a tranquil and luxurious vibe, go to Uluwatu.

How Much is a 12-Day Southeast Asia Tour?

For a 12-day Southeast Asia tour, it usually costs US$200-250 per person per day on a private basis. Therefore, your family of 2 adults and 2 kids can expect to spend around US$7,800–10,200. If it's just the two of you, as a couple, the budget would range from approximately US$4,800–6,000.

Travel with us to enjoy our exclusive customized private tours. Save from overwhelming planning logistics, discover Southeast Asia worry-free with our highly-praised private guide and driver, and surprise your loved one(s) with our special arrangements on big days!

Contact Us for Booking

You are warmly welcomed to have us customize your trip based on your group size, interests, and other needs. Sit back and use our Create My Trip service.

In addition to the above itineraries, we also have other itineraries you may be interested in:

• 13-Day Private Singapore and Bali Journey of Discovery
• 15-Day Best of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour
• More Southeast Asia Tours

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Jessie was amazing ! Everything from her level of English to her understanding of what we valued .

We had a good time exploring the city with Selinda!

Our guide lele is a wealth of information, Lele is very professional and very attentive to our needs. Lele is amazing. Lele got everything spot on. It probably helps that Guilin is a brilliant place to visit so Lele has great material to work with but that doesn't take anything away from how much Lele helped make it a great trip.

Our guide for Beijing was super knowledgeable and experienced and able to help us to achieve as much as we wanted within the time given. We had a fun time guided by him as he is also super humorous and you can see how he interacts with the vendors and people whom he comes by. Thank you for a very enjoyable time in Beijing and accommodating to all our needs!

Our China Highlight guide. Michael, was attentive, thoughtful and knowledgeable. He narrated many interesting historical events about Chengdu while touring around the city and having afternoon tea with us. He was thoughtful to provide us with snacks during long hikes at Leshan or walks around the city.

She was very flexible and added extra time when we needed it and we felt extremely well taken care of. She also chose the best restaurants for us,

Our tour guide Helen, was excellent, she was very kind, professional and passionate for her work and she also loves Pandas! She will take you to take the best panda photos and to know more about Chengdu city. Our tour was great, she took us to all our destinations always with the best spots: Temples, pagodas, famous streets, theaters, pandas...you name it! Everything was great.

He picked up our pre-booked boat/other excursions tickets so we were able to avoid all the long lines and chaos. He is knowledgeable of the places we visited, courteous, fun to travel with and well-versed in Chinese classics.

Tom is the guide that will take you to where no other guide will. We pushed for the experience and Tom and the team delivered more than what we could have ever asked for. His English speaking ability and his Chinese history knowledge is second to none.

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