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Asia Trip Planner

Top destinations in asia.

Top attractions in Asia

Other notable attractions

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• Jinxian County
• Dongxiang County
• Yujiang County
• Jinxi County
• Chongren County
• Nanchang County
• Yihuang County
• Xinjian County
• Zixi County
• Wannian County
• Boyang County
• Le'an County
• Yongxiu County
• Chongyi County
• Anyi County
• Xingan County
• Fengxin County
• Nanfeng County
• Yiyang County
• Lichuan County
• Duchang County
• Guangze County

All related maps of Asia

• Map of Asia
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• Map of Fuzhou
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• Map of Chongren County
• Map of Nanchang County
• Map of Fengcheng
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• Map of Xinjian County
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• Map of Gaoan
• Map of Le'an County
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• Map of Anyi County
• Map of Zhangshu
• Map of Xingan County
• Map of Fengxin County
• Map of Nanfeng County
• Map of Yiyang County
• Map of Leping
• Map of Lichuan County
• Map of Duchang County
• Map of Guangze County

Asia throughout the year

• Asia in January
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Q&A about Asia

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Luxury travel in Asia: A journey of indulgence and discovery

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• Vientiane Travel Guide

Explore Asia's Most Beautiful Destinations to Travel

Look, folks, if you’re not planning a trip to asia,, you’re doing it wrong. big time..

Asia is the goddamn continent of contrasts.

You’ve got your bustling metropolises like Tokyo and Seoul,

where neon lights and skyscrapers pierce the sky like a drunken dragon’s breath.

And then you’ve got your serene villages nestled

among lush rice paddies and ancient temples, where time seems to slow down to a crawl.

Oh, the food.

From the fiery curries of Thailand to the delicate sushi of Japan, your taste buds will be on a rollercoaster ride of flavor.

And don’t even get me started on the street food.

You’ll be chowing down on everything from skewered meats to fried insects, and you’ll love every damn bite.

The people?

Warm, welcoming, and always up for a good time.

You’ll make friends wherever you go, and you’ll be invited into homes for tea and conversation.

And if you’re lucky, you might even get to witness a traditional ceremony or festival.

So what are you waiting for?

Book your flight to Asia today.

And if you see me on the streets, don’t be afraid to say hi. I’ll be the one with the big grin and the even bigger appetite.

Now go forth and explore, you magnificent bastards!

Thailand Travel Guide

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Indonesia Travel Guide

Our asia travel guide blog.

FAQs About Travelling to Asia

The best time to visit Asia depends on the country you are visiting. Some countries, such as Thailand and Cambodia , have a tropical climate with a hot and humid rainy season. Other countries, such as China and Japan, have a more temperate climate with four distinct seasons.

Some of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia include:

• Thailand : Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi
• Vietnam : Hanoi , Ho Chi Minh City, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An
• Cambodia : Siem Reap (Angkor Wat), Phnom Penh
• Indonesia: Bali, Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Lombok
• Japan: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima
• China: Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Hong Kong
• India: New Delhi, Agra (Taj Mahal), Mumbai, Jaipur

Asia has a lot to offer visitors, including:

• Visit ancient temples and ruins
• Explore bustling cities and markets
• Relax on beautiful beaches
• Hike in lush rainforests
• Experience unique cultures and traditions
• Enjoy delicious food

Here are a few tips for traveling in Asia:

• Be prepared for the heat and humidity.
• Dress modestly when visiting temples and other religious sites.
• Be respectful of local customs and traditions.
• Learn a few basic phrases in the local language.
• Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to avoid pickpocketing and other scams.
• Be prepared for power outages and other disruptions.
• Pack light so that you can easily move around.

The best way to plan your trip to Asia is to start by deciding which countries you want to visit and what you want to do. Once you have a general idea of your itinerary, you can start to book your flights, hotels , and tours.

Go Asia Guide can help you plan every detail of your trip. We have a team of travel experts who are available to answer your questions and help you book your travel arrangements.

We also offer a variety of travel guides and resources to help you learn more about the countries you are visiting.

The visa requirements for travel to Asia vary depending on your nationality and the country you are visiting. It is important to check the visa requirements for your specific trip in advance. You can usually find this information on the website of the country's embassy or consulate.

The currency in Asia varies depending on the country you are visiting. Some of the most common currencies include the Thai baht (THB) , the Vietnamese dong (VND) , the Cambodian riel (KHR) , and the Indonesian rupiah (IDR). It is important to check the exchange rate for the currency of the country you are visiting before you travel.

Asia is the largest and most populous continent in the world, and it is home to some of the most diverse and fascinating cultures on the planet. Asia is the largest and most populous continent in the world, and it is home to some of the most diverse and fascinating cultures on the planet. 

FAQs About GoAsiaGuide

Go Asia Guide is the most comprehensive and up-to-date travel guide for Asia. We provide information on over 50 countries, including visa requirements, currency exchange rates, popular tourist destinations, and more. We also offer flight booking, hotel booking, and tour booking services.

Go Asia Guide is for anyone who is interested in traveling to Asia, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler. We provide information and resources for all types of travelers, including budget travelers, luxury travelers, and families.

Go Asia Guide provides a wide range of information on Asian countries, including:

• Visa requirements
• Currency exchange rates
• Popular tourist destinations
• Things to do
• Food to eat
• Transportation options
• Accommodation options
• Tips for traveling

Ultimate ASIA Travel Guide

Asia  holds some of the most beautiful, diverse and fascinating landscapes and cultures on the planet. It spans an enormous surface of the earth and is a part of the world that we’ve been to several times. This Asia travel guide is designed to help you navigate the different areas and plan an amazing trip.

Located to the west of  Oceania  and to the east of  Europe ,  Africa , and the  Middle East , the Asian continent is divided into five distinct regions, each one offering a completely different flare to the others.

North Asia  pretty much holds only the massive country of Russia and features the great wilds of Siberia.

Central Asia  is one of our favorite places to travel in Asia. It features 5 countries, Kazakstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, that make up the epicenter of the historical Silk Road route. The rich trade history blends with the intriguing Nomadic cultures of the steppe to offer a travel experience that’s hard to find in other places.

East Asia  showcases the traditional Asian culture that most people think of with 7 countries including Mongolia, Tibet, China, Japan, North Korea, South Korea and Taiwan.

South Asia , also known as the India Sub-Continent, is a place where seasoned travelers go for some culture shock. This region is made up of 6 countries including India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Bhutan.

Southeast Asia  is so different from the rest of Asia that we’ve broken it off in an  entirely separate   Southeast Asia travel guide . This region is made up of x countries including Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia , Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei and the Philippines.

Collectively, we’ve spent nearly a full year of time traveling the vast expanses of this region. That’s a lot of time with boots on the ground. We haven’t been to every country on this continent, yet, but we hope to provide you with some insight to help plan your own trip to this fascinating part of the world.

Destinations

Asia travel: quick tips, don’t visit asia without:.

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ASIA BUCKET LIST

See the great wall of china.

Hands down the most iconic attraction in Asia, the Great Wall of China stretches 13,171 miles, with all of its branches. Consider  walking the Great Wall of China  to see multiple sections over several days.

STAND AT THE DOOR TO HELL

The Darvaza Gas Crater is affectionately named the Door to Hell by locals and is far off the beaten path within the borders of  Turkmenistan . It was lit more than 30 years ago and still burns today. 

ESCAPE TO THE MALDIVES

Located in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is a nation of 1,192 islands and is an absolute paradise. You’ll find  world-class scuba diving  and idyllic beaches to set the stage for the many  things to do in the Maldives  on your visit.

MORE THINGS TO TRY IN ASIA

There is no shortage of great things to do in 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.

SEE THE TAJ MAHAL: (India)  The  Taj Mahal  is the main icon of India due to its sheer size and beauty. It’s located just outside of  Agra  and is literally part of every India tour that includes  Rajasthan  in its itinerary. Hot tip, go early to avoid huge crowds.

TOUR THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE: (India)  If you’re visiting India for the first time, chances are high that your tour will focus on exploring the sites around the  Golden Triangle of India . Aptly named because a high number of iconic sites fall within relatively close distance. You’ll start in  Delhi  and visit  Jaipur  and Agra. There are often deviations to other places such as  Udaipur ,  Jodhpur  and  Pushkar , to name a few.

EXPERIENCE VARANASI: (India)  If you seek a direct immersion into the strong religious culture of India, then you should head directly to  Varanasi . It is here, on the banks of the might Ganges River, that people are transitioned to the afterlife. Rituals are performed daily and it is also possible to take boat trips along the river. We also recommend that you wander the narrow and winding streets of the city too.

SPOT LEOPARDS IN YALA NATIONAL PARK: (Sri Lanka)  One of the best places in the world to view Leopards in the wild is Sri Lanka. I know that comes as a surprise, many people think it’s only possible in Africa,  but the viewing here is actually really good in the right seasons.  Yala National Park  likes on the southeast corner of the country and connects to several other parks and preserves so you’ll have fun spotting a multitude of other wildlife while on safari here.

TAKE AN ELEPHANT SAFARI: (Sri Lanka)  There are plenty of great  safaris in Sri Lanka , and aside from leopards, elephants are the main draw for them. While you can see them literally all over the country, the best places to view them are in the north-central province at either  Kaudulla National Park  or Minneriya National Park. The two border each other and the animals migrate between them depending on the season.

GET AWAY FROM IT ALL IN ARAGUM BAY: (Sri Lanka)  If you like off the beaten path beach towns, then you’ll want to put  Arugam Bay  on your  Sri Lanka itinerary . Not only does it tout one of the  best beaches in Sri Lanka , but it is also laid back and quiet making for a relaxed experience when compared to the more popular  Mirissa  area beaches.

DISCOVER TIBET: (China)   It won’t be easy and it won’t be cheap, but it  will  be worth it. While the  Tibet Autonomous Region  has been occupied by China since 1951 it is a place that exists uniquely separate from China in everything but political control. Traveling overland is the best way to experience this region, especially if you make the trip from Lhasa to  Mount Everest .

SEE GIANT PANDAS: (China)  One of the most unique things you can do in China is to see the Giant Pandas. They rarely exist in the wild, however, a series of wildlife sanctuaries have been set up in the Sichuan province near Chengdu. It is here that you can learn more about them and even  volunteer to help care for Pandas .

EAT YOUR WAY AROUND BEIJING: (China)  Beijing  has one of the most diverse and lively street food scenes in the world. Navigating your way through the  Beijing street food  will leave you both surprised and satisfied.

VISIT THE DMZ & NORTH KOREA BORDER: (South Korea)  There are few places in the world as tense as the demarcation line between North and  South Korea . If you find yourself in Seoul, we’d recommend that you book a  DMZ tour  to learn more about the conflict between the two countries and what it’s like to share a peninsula. For the more adventurous, you can also book a  tour to Panmunjeom  to visit the demarcation line and see North Korean soldiers.

SEE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF SEOUL: (South Korea)  Seoul was a city that completely surprised us when we visited. If there was ever a perfect blend between Western and Asian cultures, it happens in this city. From the  food scene  to the  temples  and the craziness of the Gangnam district, Seoul is worth at least a week of your time.

WITNESS KOK BORU: (Kyrgyzstan)  The first time we saw a game of  Kok Boru  we were speechless. Chances are you will be too. This national game of Kyrgyzstan is played on horseback with a dead goat acting as the ball. It’s a proud game of the Central Asian nomads and a must-see when traveling the region, especially in Kyrgyzstan.

HIKE IN THE TIAN SHAN MOUNTAINS: (Kyrgyzstan)  As the Himilayas work their way to the north and into Central Asia, they become the Tian Shan Mountains. This transition loses none of the spectacular beauty and is one of the best places to hike in Asia. Head to  Kyrgyzstan for trekking  in the spectacular Jeti Oguz Valley and the surrounding mountain routes.

SEE REGISTAN SQUARE: (Uzbekistan)  This is the most spectacular singular architecture we have seen during our Asia travels. Yes, even when compared to the Taj Mahal. Registan Square in Samarkand, Uzbekistan is a towering sight to behold. It features classic onion domes and huge archways that are decorated with bright blue tiles. It’s also a spectacular place to mingle with the locals, as the interior of the square is set up daily as a local wares market too.

WANDER THE ANCIENT STREETS OF KHIVA: (Uzbekistan)  If you like old world, then you should head straight for Khiva, Uzbekistan. This walled city was once a destination in itself along the silk road and the same mud walls that traders passed through in ancient times still stand today. The interior features some of the most beautiful architecture in the country, behind Registan, and was our favorite city in Uzbekistan.

TOUR THE WHITE MARBLE CITY OF ASHGABAT: (Turkmenistan)  Awe, strange and bizarre, the  capital of Turkmenistan , Ashgabat is constructed almost exclusively with white marble. When we asked our guide about why this was done, he simply said to us  ‘because someday, after humanity has failed and cities have fallen, someone will discover the ruins of this city and know that the city of Ashgabat was a grand city of white marble.’ 

FOODIE BUCKET LIST

The food is one of the most exciting things to enjoy when you travel to Asia. This is one of the best and  most diverse foodie regions in the world . The one constant throughout Asia is  street food , so don’t be afraid to dig in with the locals!

In South Asia, you’ll be treated to  hot curries , naan bread, and Biryanis. In Southeast Asia, you’ve Thai food, Vietnamese food, Malaysian food, and so much more to enjoy.

Chinese food is incredibly diverse, while Japanese delicacies such as  Ramen  and  Sushi  are a must-eat.

Central Asia is a built around hearty staples like potatoes and are always meat-centric. You can’t visit the region without tucking into a bowl of  Lagman , while North Asia is heavily influenced by Russian cuisine. In short, you’re never going to go hungry when you travel to Asia.

ASIA FESTIVALS

If you’re visiting Asia, you’re going to run into an event or festival at any time of year. In East Asia and Southeast Asia,  New Year  celebrations are the biggest events. In Vietnam, it’s  Tet ; in Thailand,  Songkran , and, of course, there’s  Chinese New Year .

In South Asia, there are famed events such as  Holi , and there are countless more religious and cultural celebrations.

In Central Asia, the summer months bring nomad games. This includes the  Nadaam Festival  in Mongolia,  Salburuun Fesitval  in Kyrgyzstan and every 2 year on the even years, the  World Nomad Games , to name a few.

In Muslim majority countries, you have  Eid , the end of  Ramadan . Plus, every nation has its own national or  independence day  to celebrate.

LOOKING FOR SOME TRIP INSPIRATION?

Popular regions in asia, central asia.

Central Asia includes Kazakhstan,  Kyrgyzstan ,  Uzbekistan , Tajikistan, and  Turkmenistan . It encompasses the unique and emerging travel destinations of the former Soviet Union. This is where you’ll find the Stans, but they aren’t quite as similar as you might think. Travel across Kazakhstan by train and visit the modern cities of Astana and Almaty before heading to Kyrgyzstan, where you can live and trek like a nomad in the mountains. Tajikistan is where you’ll find the Pamir Highway, one of the highest altitude  road trips  in the world. Uzbekistan is the land of ancient Silk Road cities, marvelous architecture, and tasty food. Turkmenistan is bizarre: you’ll find marble cities and the endless fires of the Gates of Hell here.

North Asia is the most under-visited part of the vast continent, but it’s perfect for adventurous travelers looking to get off the beaten path. North Asia is essentially  Russia , a vast and empty part of the world that can be difficult to travel around. You’ll need visas, patience, and some language skills. Ride the Trans-Siberian, visit the endless steppes of eastern Russia, and end up in the remote city of Vladivostok or the untouched Kamchatka Peninsula.

East Asia is a diverse and vast region consisting of Mongolia,  Tibet ,  China , Japan, North Korea,  South Korea , and Taiwan. You can spend endless weeks traveling through China, exploring vast megacities, ancient archeological sites, and incredible nature. In Tibet, see the roof of the world as you admire the Himalayan mountains and unique culture. In Korea, enjoy the modern sights of Seoul before you stare over the DMZ at the north –  you could even take a trip from China to North Korea if you dare. Japan is the land of high-speed trains, Onsen baths, and incredible food, while Taiwan is the island nation where you’ll find more traditional Chinese culture than you ever could on the mainland.

SOUTHEAST ASIA

In  Southeast Asia , you can backpack or enjoy luxury; eat cheap street food, or dine at fancy restaurants. There’s so much to see and to do in this part of Asia. Enjoy the islands of  Thailand  or  the Philippines , the food of  Malaysia  and  Singapore , the culture and history of  Myanmar  or  Vietnam , or the untouched jungles of  Borneo  or  Indonesia . Or, of course, you could eat, pray, and love in  Bali .

South Asia is a huge region and one that can often be a huge culture shock to first-time travelers. This region includes  India , Nepal, Bangladesh,  Sri Lanka , Bhutan, and the  Maldives . In Nepal, you can trek in the Himalayas, while in Bhutan, you can be immersed in a sheltered nation hidden away from the world. India needs little introduction is probably the most visited country in this region, next to Nepal, and will delight with its color and food. Sri Lanka offers beautiful beaches and highland scenery. To be honest, this is one of our favorite countries in the world. It offers beaches, culture, food, and safaris. Head to Bangladesh to get off the beaten track or the Maldives for a tropical island escape.

ASIA TRAVEL BUDGET

Travel costs vary from one region to the next. In general, for Asia travel itineraries focused in the east, you’ll need more spending money than other destinations.

Setting a budget for travel to Asia is highly dependent on your travel style. It is possible to visit just about anywhere in Asia 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 travel within Asia. Of course, keep in mind that prices can fluctuate based on seasons, availability and festivals.

ACCOMMODATION:  Accommodation can be found for as little as a few USD per night, averaging USD 10 for  dorm rooms or budget hotels . A midrange Asia travel itinerary will need at least USD 50 per night for  private accommodation  (double this for Japan or Korea).  Luxury accommodation  can be as low as USD 100 per night in Southeast Asia or South Asia, but much more in East Asia.

FOOD:  Food is inexpensive across the entire continent. If you eat in  local restaurants  and at  street food stalls , you’ll pay between 1 USD and 5 USD per meal (even in places like Singapore!).  Restaurant meals  will be between USD 10 and USD 20 per person.

TRANSPORT: Local buses  and  trains  can cost just a few USD per ride, and  flights  from one country to the next are good value with budget airlines. Costs vary between countries, but in general, transport won’t break the bank. In Japan, save money with a rail pass.

ACTIVITIES:  Activity costs are inexpensive in South, Southeast, and Central Asia.  Diving  can be as little as USD 30 per tank, while  multi-day hiking treks  in the Himalayas will cost just USD 50 per day. In East Asia and North Asia, factor in more for your Asia travel activities.

20-100 USD PER DAY

Budget travel will vary from as low as USD 20 per day in South Asia and Southeast Asia, up to USD 100 per day in East Asia (particularly Japan). This budget will allow you to stay in dorms or basic guesthouses, eat local street food and travel via local transport with only a few paid activities and tours.

50-250 USD PER DAY

Midrange travelers will need a budget of USD 50 up to USD 250, depending on the region. This is for private rooms, a mix of restaurants and street food, and plenty of activities. Generally, the further south you head in Asia, the further your dollar will stretch and the more you can do.

100 USD + PER DAY

Luxury travelers will need upwards of USD 100 per day in South Asia, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia for a luxury Asia travel itinerary. Your money goes much further in these destinations than in East Asia, where you’ll need a budget upwards of USD 250 per day for luxury hotels and experiences.

HOW TO GET AROUND IN ASIA

Asia travel itineraries will need to factor in a range of buses, trains, boats, flights, shared taxis, tuk-tuks, and many more modes of transport.

Buses are the most common mode of transport, but trains are incredibly popular in mainland Asia. The quickest way to get around is by flying, particularly if you are including multiple countries on your bucket list when you travel to Asia.

In Japan, the Japan Rail pass will save you lots of money on transport. Depending on the region you plan to visit, your options will vary. Plan ahead and be flexible.

TOURS:  Don’t discount this style of travel for exploring some of the more difficult regions in Asia. Some of the countries, such as Turkmenistan, North Korea and Tibet, are not possible to visit unless you are being guided. Tours are a great way to travel through Central Asia, for example, because there is a lack of transportation between cities.

CRUISES:  Asia cruises are very popular and ply the waters along the entire eastern coast of China, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, India and Sri Lanka. You can see A LOT of ports if you book an Asia cruise.

CAR RENTAL:  On the islands themselves, you might want to consider renting a car to get around. Most islands – aside from the larger islands in the north, such as Cuba – can be driven around in a day, and you’ll be able to stop off and explore as and when you like. Check out  Discover Rental Cars  for great deals.

FLIGHTS:  If you’re short on time and visiting places that are not easily reached by bus, flying is your best option. There are a number of regional carries throughout Asia that will serve the major cities, and popular regions, just about anywhere you go. They range from extremely cheap budget airlines in Southeast Asia to more well-known carriers like Air India.

BUS:  Bus travel is possible all across Asia, of course, dependent again on the destination, and is an affordable yet slow option for moving around. It is important to check bus schedules though and have a backup plan in case they aren’t running.

TRAINS:  If you love train travel, so some of the iconic and adventurous train trips in the world can be experienced in Asia. This includes the Trans-Siberian train route that stretches from Moscow to the far east across Siberia in Russia. India and Bangladesh both have extensive train systems to support both local and luxury train options. In China, trains will get you into the deep corners of a fascinating country.

TOP ASIA TOURS

5 stans of the silk road.

26 Days Bishkek to Ashgabat Visits: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan & Turkmenistan

EXPLORE INDIA & NEPAL

17 Days Delhi to Kathmandu Visits: Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Pokhara, Chitwan NP, Kathmandu

TIBET ADVENTURE

15 Days Beijing to Kathmandu Visits: Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse, Rongbuk, Tingri & Kyirong

WHEN TO VISIT ASIA

Asia is an enormous part of the world, and the climate and weather vary dramatically from one country to the next.

Northern Asia  is characterized by severe winters: places like Siberia are some of the coldest places in the world. In summer, though, the temperatures can be roasting hot. Either time of year, however, there are few tourists in this part of Asia!

Central Asia  also experiences extremes of weather, with hot summers and cold winters. The height of summer is best avoided unless you stick to the higher altitude mountains. This is a place best visited in spring or fall.

East Asia  is a much more temperate Asia travel destination, with the traditional four seasons in Korea, Japan, and much of China. You can visit all through the year, but remember that summer is generally the peak season to travel to Asia!

South Asia  is where things begin to get more tropical, but the climate varies spectacularly. There are distinct wet and dry seasons. You should aim to travel during a region’s dry season for the best South Asia travel experience. The northern Himalayas are cold in winter, the deserts of Rajasthan are hot and dry for most of the year, and the coast of Sri Lanka sees multiple monsoons!

Southeast Asia  is tropical, too, with wet and dry seasons. Again, head here in the dry season for the best travel experience.

For more specific information, check out:

• Best Time to Visit the Maldives
• Best Time to Visit Bali
• Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka

PLAN A TRIP TO SOUTHEAST ASIA!

Safety in asia.

When you travel to Asia, you’re very likely to have a safe travel experience. The region is large and diverse, but also welcoming and hospitable. As with anywhere in the world, travelers need to be aware of their belongings, as petty theft can occur anywhere.

Scams can be common in major tourist destinations, particularly in South Asia and Southeast Asia. While they are annoying, they are mostly harmless.

Importantly, travelers should be aware of the customs and culture of each country they visit. What is accepted in one region will be different in another. Try to research a region’s laws and religions before you arrive, so you don’t cause offense.

Solo female travelers may experience harassment in some parts of the region if they travel to Asia, particularly South Asia.

We’ve traveled all over Asia and had mostly positive experiences but stuff does happen, even to experienced travelers. The best advice we can give is to be educated and prepared. Have a look at our  25 Essential Safety Tips for Travel  to make sure you’re on the ball for your next trip.

ASIA TRAVEL: BOOKING RESOURCES

Asia travel guide: related articles.

Looking for more info? Check out all the articles we’ve written on travel to Asia and start planning your dream trip.

42 Top Things to Do in Almaty, Kazakhstan (Pro Guide)

15 unreal maldives beaches you cannot miss, best time to visit the maldives: month by month breakdown, 16 unforgettable things to do in tibet, 21 incredible things to do in delhi, india (for first time visitors), best time to visit sri lanka: month by month breakdown, 10 best places to visit in rajasthan (for a perfect itinerary), 16 unmissable things to do in beijing, golden triangle of india: ultimate itinerary & planning tips, ultimate guide to the sigiriya lion rock in sri lanka, polonnaruwa in sri lanka: best sights & travel tips, 6 best places to visit in north india (do not skip these), inside the capital of turkmenistan: ashgabat is a strange place, best sri lanka safari: 8 park comparison guide, ultimate trip to maldives planning guide, 20 unmissable things to do in south korea, 9 best things to do in amritsar, india (plus travel tips), turkmenistan travel guide: an inside look at a bizarre nation, essential uzbekistan travel guide: everything we wish we’d known, ultimate sri lanka itinerary: 2 weeks to 4 weeks, 10 epic things to do in ella, sri lanka.

From the nomadic steppes of Kazakhstan to the frenetic streets of Hanoi, Asia is a continent so full of adventure, solace and spirituality that it has fixated and confounded travelers for centuries.

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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 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!

Table of Contents

Southeast Asia Two-Week Itinerary

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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. Walking tours that visit several of these main temples start at 500 THB.

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.

Also, spend a 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 free 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 free 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 ( this walking tour hits all the highlights and then some ), a bustling night market, river tours , and waterfalls. I came here for three days but ended up staying 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
• Kayaking the Mekong River

For more things to do, check out my free 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. A tubing and kayaking tour costs around 575,000 LAK.

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 free 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, a sculpture 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 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. Admission to the Killing Fields and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is $20 USD. This includes a guided tour so you can 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. Guided tours to Tonle Sap start at $20 USD.

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. 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 from Bangkok for just 1,105 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.

There are also day trips to Khao Yai from Bangkok starting at around 2,500 THB.

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.

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 ever drink 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

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 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. Its 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 really want to splash out, take a 3-day luxury cruise .

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
• See a water puppet show (an ancient Vietnamese art form)
• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
• Dong Xuan Market
• Go on a food tour
• 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.

It’s also an extremely popular place for ordering tailored clothing, which is one of the main reasons people come here. You can get anything made here — from custom-made suits to gowns to sundresses to leather boots to sneakers. The tailor shops will even mail all your goods home to you.

Otherwise, Hoi An makes for a relaxing destination in an otherwise hectic country, with the beach only a 15-minute bike-ride from town.

Some of the top things to do here include the following:

• Explore My Son Sanctuary: – This is one of the most important sites relating to the ancient Kingdom of Champa and is said to have been Vietnam’s religious and intellectual center. Even in their ruined state, the remaining Hindu temple structures are impressive. Go in the morning to beat the crowds and heat. A morning guided tour with transportation from Hoi An is the best option.
• Relax on the beach – An Bang and Cua Dai beaches are both close to Hoi An and great places to spend an afternoon. Cua Dai is designated as one of Vietnam’s five UNESCO World Heritage sites; both beaches offer soft white sand and excellent beachside restaurants.
• Attend the Full Moon Festival – Hoi An’s Full Moon Festival is held on the 14th day of the lunar cycle each month and is probably the best time to visit the city, if you don’t mind the crowds. This is a fun time to party with locals, as the streets come alive with folk music, plays, and dancing!
• Learn about (and eat!) all the food – Vietnamese cuisine is fresh, flavorful, and delicious. Hoi An offers a few ways to dive into this incredible cuisine: take a food tour , do a cooking class , or learn how to make Vietnamese coffee !

WHERE TO STAY : Vietnam Backpackers Hoi An Hostel – Located conveniently between the Old Town and the beach, this hostel has a great outdoor pool and terrace, tons of social events, small dorms (max. 6 beds), and rain-head showers with excellent pressure. If you stay in a private room, you’ll even get a free bicycle to use (rentals are also available if you’re staying in a dorm).

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

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 a 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 and snorkel . 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 touristy 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. If you’ve never dived before, a day trip that teaches you all the basics starts at 2,500 THB while a four-day open water course starts at 11,000 THB.

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!

The best time to visit Southeast Asia largely depends on your preferences, where exactly you’re going, and what you plan to do. But generally, the dry season, spanning from November to April, is prime time for travelers. During these months, countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos boast sunny skies, lower humidity levels, and comfortable temperatures.

If you don’t mind occasional rain showers, the shoulder season (from May to October) is much less crowded. You’ll get lower prices on accommodations too. July to September is the peak holiday season and when you can expect to pay the highest rates.

This is all a vast generalization though, as it’s a big region and conditions vary drastically depending on where you are. Be sure to check my Southeast Asia Travel Guide and specific country guides for more information.

U.S. citizens don’t need a visa for many countries in Southeast Asia, and where a visa is required, it’s usually pretty easy to get. Assuming the purpose of your trip is tourism only, here are the latest visa requirements:

• Thailand: U.S. citizens can enter Thailand visa-free for up to 30 days.
• Vietnam: U.S. citizens need a visa to enter Vietnam. The easiest option is an e-visa through the Vietnam Immigration website. The e-visa is valid for a maximum of 90 days and does not allow for renewal from within the country. You can also get one through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate.
• Cambodia: U.S. citizens can get a visa on arrival at major entry points or apply in advance for an e-visa. Both options typically allow for stays of up to 30 days.
• Laos: U.S. citizens need a visa to enter Laos. Visas can be obtained on arrival at major entry points or in advance through a Laotian embassy or consulate. You can extend the visa for up to 60 days through the Department of Immigration in Vientiane.
• Myanmar (Burma): U.S. citizens need a visa to enter Myanmar. You can either get an e-visa online in advance or apply through a Burmese embassy or consulate.
• Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and the Philippines: U.S. citizens typically do not need visas for short stays (usually up to 30 days) in any of these countries.

Visa requirements do change periodically though, so be sure to check before your trip in case any of the above has changed. Also ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months after the end of your trip and that you have enough blank pages for entry visas. While not all countries require this, most do!

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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Asia Travel

Wondering where to begin planning your Asia travel? Taking a big trip to the other side of the planet can seem daunting -- especially for the first-timer -- but it doesn't have to be! This step-by-step guide will take you from the U.S. to Asia with ease so that you can focus on the most important aspect of travel planning: the fun!

Traveling to Asia is as exciting as it sounds; Asia is the largest and most diverse continent on Earth, so you'll get more than your money's worth of culture, beauty, history, and adventure.

With a long to-do list, this Asia travel guide will help you to take care of items in the right order, so that you can be ready for the big departure day.

First, read about 10 newbie mistakes to avoid when you begin your travels!

Apply for a Passport

Long before you start worrying over what to pack or where to go, you should start the most time-consuming processes first. Asia travel is completely impossible without a passport, and as a good world citizen you should be proud to have one anyway!

The easiest way to apply for a U.S. passport is to do so at your main post office. Passport photos have strict guidelines; plan to have one taken at the post office or by a professional rather than risk having your application rejected.

Before heading to the post office, go to the official U.S. passport site to print your application and to see requirements. You will need an official birth certificate that lists both of your parent's full names. A valid driver's license is a big help for proving your citizenship.

People that have held passports before may be able to apply by mail. If you are leaving in less than two weeks, you can expedite the process by going in person to one of the U.S. passport agencies dotted around the country.

Losing or damaging your passport is a major taboo; treat it as a sacred object when it arrives!

Visit a Travel Clinic

Perhaps even more time consuming than applying for a passport, you will want some basic vaccinations for your Asia travel. Some vaccinations such as those for hepatitis require a series of shots spread across months to complete immunity. If short on time, you can get the first two injections before your trip, then get the third booster after you return home. Luckily, tetanus vaccinations are good for 10 years and the hepatitis vaccinations are considered to be good for at least 20 years, maybe life.

You may not need the full gamut of shots for Asia if you are only planning a short visit, or intend to stick around only tourist areas. Keep good records of your vaccinations to avoid overpaying for duplicates later; remembering what shots you did or did not receive 10 years later is not easy!

Ask your travel doctor about the following vaccinations; all are just as useful at home as they are abroad:

• Hepatitis A and B
• Measles (you probably received this one as a child, but check to be sure)
• Tetanus / Diphtheria (often combined in one injection)
• Typhoid (available in capsules / necessary only outside of large tourist areas)

Vaccinations for rabies and Japanese encephalitis are only necessary in special circumstances. Yellow fever is not a problem in Asia.

Read more about getting travel vaccinations for travel to Asia.

The CDC travel website has the most up-to-date information for Asia travel vaccinations.

Apply for Travel Visas

Perhaps one of the most bewildering and confusing aspects of Asia travel, applying for visas stumps a lot of first-time travelers.

A travel visa is a stamp or sticker placed in your passport which allows access into a new country. Some are free, some have an application fee, some can be obtained in the airport at your destination, and some must be obtained before you get to a country! What's worse, visa requirements for different countries are always changing, depending on the whim of bureaucrats.

You will either need to visit a country's embassy to apply for a visa before you leave home, or mail your passport to them. If you mail your passport, don't skimp on the postage! Use certified mail with tracking and delivery confirmation; mail your passport directly from the post office rather than dropping it into a mailbox.

Countries such as China, Vietnam, Myanmar, India, and a few others require that you arrive with a visa already in your passport; otherwise, you could be denied entry and put back on a plane! Countries such as Thailand allow exemptions if you just show up, however, you can get up to 60 days if you apply in advance before you arrive.

When researching visas, get the latest requirements directly from the consulate website rather than trusting other information sources that may or may not be up to date with new requirements.

Note: Many countries that claim to have an "onward ticket" requirement rarely actually enforce it. Travelers commonly fly into countries such as Thailand, then travel overland by bus or train to neighboring countries. Dressing nicely, explaining your travel plans, or showing adequate proof of funds is often enough to avoid the onward ticket requirement.

• Read all about how to get a visa  for the countries that require one.

Book a Flight to Asia

Ask every passenger on a plane what they paid for their airfare and you'll probably receive a different answer from each one! Getting a good price on a ticket to Asia is akin to playing the stock market lately: more a dark art than a science, and a lot of luck is required.

Purchasing your ticket too far in advance isn't always the best way to ensure a good price. Try to book your ticket 30 -- 60 days before your trip; you'll save money by being more flexible with your departure date and airports.

Some quick tips for booking your flight:

• Asia is a long flight away -- sign up for a mileage reward program to take advantage.
• Leave from a major hub city; the best deals to Asia are often Asian-based airlines flying to and from the west coast of the U.S.
• Decline additional travel insurance, your regular travel insurance will probably have coverage.

Learn some more secrets for booking a cheap flight to Asia .

Get Travel Insurance for Asia

Travel insurance may seem like just another expense added to a long list of Asia travel expenditures, however, once you take a hair-raising tuk-tuk ride through Bangkok at rush hour, you'll realize that the peace of mind was worth the price!

Fortunately, travel insurance is far less expensive than regular health insurance. Follow these tips before choosing a suitable policy:

• Check your renter's or home owner's insurance to see if they will cover valuables such as camera and laptop while you are abroad.
• Make copies of receipts and record models/serial numbers for expensive electronics that you plan to take to Asia.
• Choose a travel insurance policy that offers emergency evacuation back to the U.S.
• Realize that many travel insurance policies may require an additional "rider" to cover you during adventure sports such as scuba diving. Driving motorbikes is almost never covered.
• Travel Guard (Compare Prices) is the leading travel insurer in the U.S.

Read more about why budget travel insurance is a good idea and how to choose the right policy.

Plan Your Asia Travel

Now that all the prerequisites for Asia travel are done, time for the fun part: planning your trip!

The most common mistake that a first-time traveler to Asia makes is trying to see too much in too short of a time. With such interesting cities, beaches, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Asia, we are all guilty!

Keep in mind that things move a little slower in developing countries than they do at home; transportation may or may not go on schedule. Arriving in Asia with an aggressive itinerary is a sure recipe for stress.

Here are some tips for planning your Asia travel:

• Check the Weather: Many parts of Asia have distinct wet and dry seasons. An island is no fun when monsoon rains keep you indoors most of the time! Research monsoon season dates for your destinations, however, keep in mind that the world's weather has changed and isn't as predictable as it once was. Read more about the weather in Southeast Asia .
• Check Festival Dates: Big holidays and events such as Ramadan or Chinese New Year will certainly affect your trip to Asia. Accommodation prices during large holidays go up and transportation may be limited. Arrive early if you wish to enjoy the festivals in Asia.
• Don't Worry About Language: While knowing how to say hello in Asia is certainly fun and useful, language differences should not be a concern when planning your trip. You will find English spoken to some degree nearly everywhere, particularly along popular routes such as the Banana Pancake Trail in Southeast Asia. Learn some of the local language will certainly enhance your trip to Asia, however, you will learn exponentially faster once you hit the ground.
• Check Festival Dates: Big holidays and events such as Ramadan or Chinese New Year will certainly affect your trip to Asia. Accommodation prices during large holidays go up and transportation may be limited. Arrive early if you wish to enjoy the festivals in Asia .

See everything that you need to plan Asia travel.

Arrive Prepared

Although so much trip preparation can seem a little overwhelming at first, remember: flexibility always outweighs extreme preparation in the long run!

Some last minute things to research and take care of before you leave home for Asia:

• You will undoubtedly be a little jet lagged your first days in Asia. Know these jet lag remedies .
• Know how to beat the top 5 travel health ailments that affect many travelers.
• Walk softly and don't support harmful practices you may or may not realize; read about responsible travel in Asia.
• Research the currency exchange for your destinations before you leave home. Learn how to access and carry money in Asia and get the current exchange rates for Asia.
• Pack light -- you'll inevitably want to take advantage of the cheap shopping in Asia. Consider bringing these essential items with you to Asia.
• Know about these common scams in Asia so that you don't become a victim as soon as you hit the ground.
• Register your trip on the U.S. State Department Travel website; the consulate will know that you are there in case of natural disaster or political turmoil.
• Contact your bank and any credit cards that you intend to carry on your trip; they need to be aware that you are traveling, otherwise they may lock your card to protect against fraud when they see strange charges in Asia come across!
• If traveling for a long time, fill your cars with gas and add fuel stabilizer to the tank.

Most importantly, enjoy your trip of a lifetime!

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When Should You Renew Your Passport?

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Eco Travel Blog & Photography

Welcome to Asia

The Ultimate Asia Travel Guide

Are you looking for an exciting and memorable continent to explore on your next holiday? Look no further than Asia! Packed with plenty of opportunities for exploration and adventure, you will not run out of ideas for things to do! Whether you want hidden villages in the mountains or incredible trekking experiences in the wilderness, Asia has something special for every traveller.

From the lush rice terraces and motorbike rides to vibrant cities and delicious cuisine, here is your ultimate travel guide to Asia. You will find all the inspiration and tips you need to create an unforgettable trip.

Things to know about Asia

The continent covers one-third of the surface of the Earth. There are 49 countries in Asia. It is home to the highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest. More than 4.7 billion people live in Asia. There are around 2,300 different languages spoken.

Asia Travel Guides

20 Epic Landmarks in Vietnam You Should Visit

Backpacking Vietnam: Solo Travel Guide

North Vietnam Travel Guide: 2-Week Itinerary

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How to plan a perfect trip to Asia – tips for your first Asia vacation & how to choose the best travel itinerary

One of the cheapest and the most colourful destinations for travellers – Southeast Asia is a dream come true. Make sure that you plan a trip to Asia properly, choose the backpacking route well and craft the best travel itinerary, avoiding any problems. How? Check below!

If you follow my social media platforms ( and if you don’t, better start now 😉 Facebook , Instagram , Twitter ), you probably know, that I just came back from an epic trip to Asia. It wasn’t my first trip to that region – I’ve previously been to the Philippines, India, Malaysia and Russia, but this time I’ve visited two new countries – Indonesia and Singapore . My trip began with a traditional wedding in India near Bangalore, followed by visiting stunning Singapore skyscrapers, travelling through the Bali jungle, swimming with turtles in Gili islands and climbing volcanoes of East Java .

Independent travel is what I love the most and what gives me the biggest satisfaction from my trips. But how to make it right? How to plan a dream trip to Asia and make sure that everything works out well?

If you’re travelling soon, check my travel resources page , where I share my favourite travel websites and companies to book trips on a budget.

How to plan a perfect trip to Asia?

#1 pick the best time.

If you work full time, as I do, you probably need to book time off in advance. Check when you can take it and based on that choose your destination. Not having enough vacation days? Have a look here for some tips on how to travel more, even with a full-time job!

For me, the time was already decided, as I was going for my friend’s wedding in India. Based on that, I chose my further destinations.

#2 Choose the travel itinerary

Some parts of the world are simply impossible or very inconvenient to be visited at particular times of the year. Might it be a monsoon season, hurricanes, freezing cold or dreadful heat. You want to avoid that, so choose wisely and do the research!

For travelling on a budget, you need to make sure that you can get to the specific location at a reasonable price. This might get more complicated if you’re combining several countries and flying between the destinations. However, research pays off. For my trip to Asia, I searched through several flight booking sites, to find the cheapest prices for the best destinations. Kiwi.com is a very helpful one, as it allows you to search based on the radius around the location and the departure airport. Make sure to check at least a few flight search engines. Some other helpful ones are Expedia  and Kayak.  For the full list  click here .

Based on that, I looked at different vacation destinations in Asia. Alex and I wanted to find the best places to visit in Southeast Asia, but not overly crowded and with a (cheap!) flight connection from India. We checked places like Vietnam, Cambodia, Nepal, Malaysia or less known the Andaman Islands. Taking everything into consideration, we finally decided on Indonesia – a country, that I’ve always wanted to visit. Since the flights from India to Indonesia usually go through Singapore, I added it to my itinerary and made my layover longer, by fitting a day to walk around the city.

#3 Do the research or just wing it

I’m a “planner” and always want to know what is worth visiting in a particular location. I don’t want to miss out and I also prefer to avoid crowded or overly touristy places. This, together with some reading about the history of the country gives me a good background for deciding on which places I want to visit and which to skip. I base my research on the destination travel blogs, where the bloggers are always helpful to answer questions or I use the good travel guidebooks .

However, I often leave the plan open for changes to be able to adjust it if needed. I normally don’t even book accommodation, as I know that it’s very easy to find cheap and good hostels in Southeast Asia on the go. This gives me the flexibility in case my plans change. The more you travel, the easier it will be for you to act spontaneously on your trip.

For your first Asia vacation: 

• make a plan with the travel itinerary based on your research
• book the first hotel night after arrival
• add some more places to the list, in case you change your mind or can’t get to the ones from the original plan and then make final decisions while you are there
• talk to locals and talk to other travellers – they are a great source of information and have it all updated, which is much more helpful than scrolling through the old posts on the Internet

#4 Plan the travel route

• Less is more – cut out

Many of us, I included, have a FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) syndrome. We want to be everywhere, see and do everything. Unfortunately, with a limited time it’s not possible, so you need to rule some things out. Focus on what you really want to see when planning your Asia travel route and keep other places as a possibility in case of change of plans.

• Add an extra day

Travelling in Asia can be unpredictable. There are massive delays on the local airlines, buses leave only when full, which involves several hours of waiting. There can be floods, earthquakes or volcano eruptions (almost happened to us!), that can slow you down. Therefore, add one or two days, just in case. This will also allow you to take things a bit slower and enjoy it more, not stressing out if you’re going to make it for the flight.

• Don’t double back

Plan your Asia travel route in a way, that you don’t come back to the same location. Take different paths, which allows you to see more. In some cases, this might be difficult, but try to avoid it as much as you can.

#5 Be flexible

It’s good to plan a trip to Asia properly, with a scheduled plan and treat it as a base and a direction to follow. However, at the same time, leave yourself space for changes. Maybe you’ll fall in love with one particular place and would want to stay there longer? Or you meet great people and follow their travel plans, instead of yours? Or get invited to the traditional ceremony by the locals, that you just can’t miss? The world is full of opportunities and missing one stop on your itinerary doesn’t mean that you’re missing out – just often the opposite!

#6 Get ready for the unexpected

As often as we like to think that “those things only happen to others, not me”, life is unpredictable and everything can happen.

When we were planning our trip to Indonesia, days before the departure the media boomed with the news of  the high risk of the volcano eruption . The volcano happened to be in Bali , which was our first stop. The whole area around the mountain, that we planned to go to, was closed and we needed to change our plans last minute. We also had to be prepared in case of an eruption and know what to do for the emergency. Luckily, nothing happened (and hopefully won’t happen), but better be safe than sorry!

Last, but not least – it’s your holidays, that you worked hard for, so don’t worry too much about ticking places off the list, just go with a flow and enjoy yourself. The more you travel, the easier it will be to let it go, learn about the places from the locals and other travellers. Remember – enjoy every minute of it!

Where is your next trip to Asia to? What are your tips to plan a perfect trip to Asia? Let me know in the comments!

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22 thoughts on “ How to plan a perfect trip to Asia – tips for your first Asia vacation & how to choose the best travel itinerary ”

I’m Vietnamese, but have not been back to visit. Will have to refer to this when we plan our trip.

I hope you’ll manage to visit soon 🙂

Great post, I’m currently living in Thailand and love it! I remember how crazy and scary my first solo visit was, your tips are really good and I wish I had them back then! Lovely pictures!

Thanks! Wow, this must be amazing to live there 🙂 You’re definitely an Asia expert now then! 🙂

Can not wait for another trip to Asia <3 It was such a wonderful thing to explore it!

I just came back and can’t wait to go again!

I completely agree that traveling in Asia, and anywhere for that matter, can be completely unpredictable. I’m currently on my third long term backpacking trip in Asia and despite planning there are always bumps in the road – although it does add to the adventure of course. I was actually in Bali myself when the volcano was set to erupt, however luckily it didn’t affect my plans. Thanks for sharing!

That’s very true! We’ll see what happens with the volcano, hopefully, it’s all fine. Thanks for your comment 🙂

These are very useful travel tips for travelling anywhere in the world! We are backpacking now through central America and I am really learning to just go with the flow and finding joy in all the crazy, unpredictable things that happen. Thanks for your share!

You are very right 🙂 It’s important to remember about those things during travels in any place in the world. Enjoy your trip!

I’ve only been to big cities in Asia so far; Shanghai and Tokyo. Yet to venture into the South-East. I’ve travelled a fair bit over the world but I’m still a bit of a control freak and like an itinerary lol.

A good itinerary is a great help, but it’s also nice sometimes to go with a flow:) Good luck in your future travels!

From your post, i learn that,with good planning, you achieve better result and always make the plan flexible. Nice post.

Thanks! I hope it was helpful!

I agree with all you wrote here, and even though I sometimes still have a little FOMO, I`ve been trying to embrace slow travel and my last trips were really good! I think what you wrote is useful not only when planning a trip to Asia, your recommendations can be applied to other trips as well. Didn`t know kiwi, definitely going to try it!

Thanks for your comment, Vick! Slow travel would be amazing, but I’m still in need of more time 😉 Hopefully, one day! Good luck in your travels!

I broadly agree with the points that you raise. In fact, I think that they could be applied to vacation planning in general. In particular, I thinks it’s a good idea to do a lot of research, but then to leave the itinerary open to change. Local advice often beats the guidebook. Hands down!

Thank you, Gearoid! I couldn’t agree more, that the local advise often beats the guidebooks, however, sometimes you also need to take it with a pinch of salt and filter through 😀

I’m planning a three week trip to Asia in 2022 to celebrate my 70th birthday. Not planning to backpack but would like to a week in three locations via intra flights from one to the next. Would love suggestions on three great places to visit. Considering China, Thailand, Vietnam.

Hi! That sounds great, but only a week split in 3 countries is a bit short, unless you mean a week in each of them, then it makes more sense 🙂 There is a lot to see in all of them – so it depends on how much sight-seeing you want to do and what exactly you’re interested in – nature, cities, culture, food. I’d say Thailand is more touristy than Vietnam and China is obviously huge, so you would need to decide on a small part of it. You would also need to check the visas needed for each of the countries. Good luck!

Asia has a wide range of tour spot when it comes to Asia, India is one of the best countries one can visit and explore some many histories with a lots of amazing facts India is a budgeted country you can spend money and satisfy your needs you can visit India just to see how colorful it is and it is the country of joy!thanks for the tips the article is helpful.

Glad you like it! I also have some more articles about India: Bangalore Belur and Halebid temples

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Itineraries for Southeast Asia

• Suggested itineraries

More itineraries

Where to go, how long to stay there, where to go next, east or west, north or south? How long have you got? How long do you need? Itinerary planning can be almost as maddening as it is fun and here are some outlines to help you get started. Remember, don't over plan !

Quick links

Burma lends itself to a short fast trip with frequent flights thrown in or a longer, slower trip where you don't leave the ground. There isn't much of a middle ground. Ground transport remains relatively slow, so be wary about trying to fit too much in.

A week in and around Yangon

Exploring Mon and Karen States

How much time to allow for a visit to Burma?

Two weeks in Burma

Two weeks in southern Burma

Yangon to Pyay and Bagan

Roughly apple-shaped, you'd think Cambodia would be ideal for circular routes, but the road network isn't really laid out that way. This means you'll most likely find yourself through some towns more than once, so work them into your plans.

A week around Siem Reap

Northwest Cambodia by motorbike

One month in Cambodia

One week in Cambodia

Two weeks in Cambodia

How long have you got? That's not long enough. Really. You'd need a few lifetimes to do this sprawling archipelago justice. Be wary of trying to cover too much ground - the going in Indonesia can be slow.

Bali: Drive around the island

Bali: One week

Bali: Two weeks

Flores: 18 days

Java: Highlights

Java: One week

Java: Two weeks

Java: Two weeks in Central Java

Java: Two weeks in East Java

Java: Two weeks in West Java

Lombok: One month

Our favourite beaches

Sulawesi: A quick loop

Sumatra: Two weeks in North Sumatra

Sumba: Four days

Sumba: Two weeks

Sumbawa: Four weeks

Sumbawa: One week

Sumbawa: Two weeks

North or south or both? Laos is relatively small and transport is getting better and better. Those visiting multiple countries can pass through here a few times making for some interesting trips.

A week around Luang Prabang

North or south?

One week in Laos

Three weeks in northern Laos

Two weeks in Southern Laos

The peninsula is easy, with affordable buses, trains and planes and relatively short distances. Sabah and Sarawak are also relatively easy to get around.The vast majority of visitors stick to the peninsula but Borneo is well worth the time and money to reach.

Classic Sabah in two weeks

Four weeks in Sabah

How long should I spend in Sarawak?

So much to see, so much to do. Thailand boasts some of the better public transport in the region so getting around can be fast and affordable. If time is limited, stick to one part of the country.

3 weeks on Thailand’s northern Andaman coast

Bangkok to Chiang Mai the slow way

Bangkok to the islands the slow way

Four weeks along the Mekong in Northeast Thailand

Four weeks in Eastern Thailand

Four weeks in Far Southern Thailand

Four weeks in Southern Thailand

Four weeks on Thailand’s southwest islands

Island hopping in Thailand

Mae Salong Loop

Northern Thailand loop

One week in Thailand

Phuket to Krabi the slow way

Thailand Eastern Island Explorer

Thailand highlights in two weeks

The Mae Hong Son Loop

Two weeks in Northeast Thailand

Two weeks in northern Thailand

Long and thin, Vietnam looks straightforward, but the going is slow and the distances getting from A to B can really bite into a tight trip plan. If you’re not on an open-ended trip, plan carefully and don’t try to do too much. If you are visiting for a relatively short amount of time, strongly consider spending it in just one region of the country—north, central or south.

Ha Long Bay or Sapa?

Hà Nội or Hồ Chí Minh City (Saigon)

How to do the Dien Bien Phu loop

Mekong Delta primer

Motorbike Vietnam's Central Highlands

Sapa or Bac Ha?

Two weeks in Southern Vietnam

Two weeks in Vietnam

This is where itinerary planning really becomes fun. Be sure to check up on our visa, border crossing and visa sections to make sure you're not trying to do the impossible. Also, remember you're planning a holiday -- not a military expedition.

A year's worth of travel

Four weeks in Northern Laos & Northern Vietnam

Great river trips in Southeast Asia

Ko Chang to Phu Quoc Island

Southern Cambodia, Laos & Vietnam

Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam explorer

Travel in Southeast Asia during Ramadan

A Travel Blog – Documenting Exploration Of The World

Home » Itineraries » Southeast Asia Backpacking Itinerary: A 6 Month Route

Southeast Asia Backpacking Itinerary: A 6 Month Route

This Southeast Asia backpacking itinerary is designed to help you plan a great trip around the region. It covers the typical backpacking route of Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia. It then moves onto Peninsular Malaysia and Indonesia, with Singapore to finish. These are great diverse countries with lots to do and see. I have also included Myanmar at the end, should you wish to visit, however this is dependant on the political situation in the country.

This route is by no means rigid and you can amend it as you see fit. Its purpose is to inspire you, to help you decide where to visit, should you visit the region. Use this as a guide to plan to your trip to see what appeals to you. Of course if you want to follow the entire route I think it really does cover the area well.

This Southeast Asia backpacking itinerary should take around 6 months to complete if you are travelling at a ‘standard’ pace. This means where you can spend a few days here and a few days there. Do as feels right without any need to rush.

It covers a wide variety of places and is designed to show you not only the highlights of each country but some real local gems to. It is based on staying in hostels or guesthouses, and generally taking buses or minivans as the method of transport. Though you could also catch trains in parts of Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia.

Start and end points

Bangkok is selected as the starting point as it’s a major transport hub. It’s an easy city to introduce you into the Southeast Asian way of life. From here you can start exploring the rest of Thailand. The country receives millions of tourists each year and is well set up for backpackers. This is great as you can settle into your rhythm and find out what works for you.

Singapore makes a natural end point, though Bali in Indonesia might be a better option. As with Bangkok, Singapore is a major transport hub, from which you can continue your travels elsewhere or head home. 

If you decide to visit Indonesia then I would still recommend Singapore as your last destination. You can always head straight from Malaysia to Indonesia, or go via Singapore and then head back. This is unless you are heading to Australia, New Zealand or surrounding countries. In that case you are probably best to fly out from Bali. This is based on the idea that generally you can get cheap flights from Bali to Singapore, though of course you might find a better deal going from Bali elsewhere.

They key is to be flexible and check your options before you commit.

I haven’t covered The Philippines or Borneo in this Southeast Asia backpacking itinerary. I intend to visit them in the future and add them as extensions.

The route this Southeast Asian backpacking itinerary takes goes like this:

• North Thailand
• South Thailand
• Peninsular Malaysia

If your starting point is Australia or New Zealand, I would recommend doing this route in reverse, beginning with Indonesia and then moving onto Singapore, then onto Malaysia etc.

You can also find Myanmar (as an option, please check the political situation) at the end of this post. If you do visit Myanmar, it make sense to fly there from either Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur. So for the above 6 month route insert it between/around South Thailand and Malaysia. You can check current UK government travel advice for Myanmar here: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/myanmar

Have a play around with the map to look at the route and the destinations. Hopefully you will feel inspired and it will help with planning your ultimate 6 month Southeast Asian backpacking itinerary!

Thailand (Round 1 – The North)

Lets begin!

Start your journey by flying into Bangkok   and taking a couple of days to explores its temples and acclimatise yourself to the region. It’s a great city to start any Southeast Asia backpacking itinerary as it’s well set up for backpackers. The Grand Palace and Wat Pho can be done together in a day. They make for a nice introduction to Buddhist culture. Khao San Road is big backpacker area so you can easily find people in hostels to go out there with. It’s a great place to make some new friends right away.

Before you head north go westwards, pop over by bus or minivan to Kanchanaburi . Here you can see some World War 2 history in the form of the infamous Bridge Over The River Kwai and the Death Railway. Take a day trip to the beautiful Erawan Waterfalls and view its 7 layers. Go early so you can bus it back into town as they stop running late afternoon.

Then it’s time to start your path up the country. It’s incredibly cheap to catch a train from Bangkok to Ayutthaya   and only takes a couple of hours. It and Sukhothai   (you can take a train to Phitsanulok then bus it there) are both home to UNESCO world heritage sites. These are ancient ruined Thai cities and are well worth 3 or so days between them to explore. Both are former capitals of kingdoms that preceded Siam (which in turn became Thailand).

Embrace culture in Northern Thailand

Then it’s onto Chiang Mai   with its many attractions. Spend up to a week in the area visiting temples, enjoying great food, trekking in Doi Inthanon National Park and visiting the Elephants at the Elephant Nature Park , a sanctuary which seeks to help and protect them. Take a minivan to Pai which is a backpacker town in the mountains. Chill out for a few days, visiting waterfalls, hot springs, caves and backpacker bars! Pai is a big hub for backpackers, and many stay quite awhile. When I visited I planned on 3 days and stayed for 6!

Next up is Chiang Rai , home to the famous Wat Rong Khun (The White Temple) and its effective counterpart Baan Dam (Black House). Since I visited a ‘Blue Temple’ has now also opened and comes highly recommended.

Last stop for now in Thailand is the border town of Chiang Kong. It’s easily reached by local bus where you can stay the night before crossing the border to Laos. Whilst it may not have the big attractions of the above places, it’s nice to see what life is alike in a small border town.

Northern Laos

Once you’ve got your visa and headed into Houay Xay and secure your place on the 2 day, 1 night Slow Boat journey along the Mekong. It’s a fun way to enjoy the slow-paced river life and make new backpacker friends aboard the boat. You’ll stop for the night in Pak Beng where there will be a scramble for guesthouse rooms.

Once you arrive in Luang Prabang take your time to explore the laid back city and be sure to famous the famous Kuang Si waterfalls, renown for their natural beauty.  

Then head north to Nong Khiaw . You can spend some time in the town if you like it, it’s very scenic, and then head by boat along to Muang Ngoi Neua   where you can chill for a while and then do some trekking with a local guide to stay with a hill tribe.

Central Laos

Head back to Luang Parabang then onwards to the backpacker town of Vang Vieng , known for tubing and parties but also a nice place to chill out and appreciate life. Just pick your accommodation carefully if you want to be able to sleep! You can also spend hours just sat in a cafe watching Friends! The 90’s TV show is a popular one here with bars/cafes based around its viewing!

Then it’s onto Vientiane which is a good place to sort your visa for Vietnam, though you will have to know the dates of your visit. Whilst it is the capital of Laos I don’t think it’s that great for backpackers. So don’t plan to dwell long! I’d advise to get the visa sorted asap. However do be sure to stop by the COPE museum. Here you will learn about the horrors inflicted on the Laos people in the ‘secret war’. This was an American bombing campaign inflicted upon Laos in the Vietnam war.

Then it’s time to head off the beaten track again, and Konglor is a great place to get away from the traditional route as it has very few overnight tourists, just handful each day, though there is a steady stream to visit Konglor Cave. Some people also choose to do the (Motor) Bike Loop from Thakhek (which includes Konglor) and everyone I know who’s done it has enjoyed it.

Southern Laos

Heading down the country will require at least passing through Savannakhet and given the sheer amount of time the bus journeys take it’s wise to stay in Pakse for the night, even though the town itself is nothing special. Although very backpackers go there I really recommend a day in Champasak as it has the largest Khmer ruins outside of Cambodia which are fun to explore for the afternoon, and you can spend the evening relaxing by the riverside in what is a very quiet peaceful little town.

The 4000 Islands are a wonderful place to spend a few days doing not a lot. Don Det is the main backpacker island here, turn up and grab yourself a bungalow (I recommend West facing for great views of sunset) and chill out in a hammock for a while. You can also head over to Don Khon to see the beautiful Somphamit Waterfalls. Consider a boat trip too around the islands for sunset. It’s a great spot on this Southeast Asia backpacking itinerary to recharge before journeying on. 

Then it’s decision time – Vietnam or Cambodia?

It’s easier to get to Cambodia from the 4000 islands, but personally when I made this trip I went for Vietnam. This required me to head back up to Savannakhet and then across to Dansavan. I crossed the border and somehow flagged down a minivan. They took me to Đông Hà and then put me onto another van which took me to my goal – Huế.

It wasn’t easy and if I had to do it again I would do it differently. I’d take a night bus from the 4000 islands back to Vientiane. Then I would either fly or long distance bus it to Hanoi from there.  

Why Vietnam first? Because you can work your way from top to bottom of the country. Then head into Cambodia and from there into Thailand again with relative ease.  You can see from the map points how it makes logistical sense once you’ve got from the 4000 islands to Hanoi.  Of course you could skip the 4000 islands all together. Though they are an awesome place to relax for a few days! Do what feels right for you.

But if you want to visit Cambodia before Vietnam simply swap the 2 countries around here. Then do Vietnam in reverse order, flying from Hanoi to Bangkok at the end.

Northern Vietnam

The capital Hanoi is a great base for backpackers and there are plenty of museums to keep you occupied when you’re not wandering the streets of the old quarter dodging motorbikes or hanging out in backpacker bars.  

Take the bus to SaPa  and go trekking with a local hill tribe guide. The mountain scenery is superb and the area is famous for its rice terraces. You can stay overnight in a home stay which is a really worthwhile experience.

After passing back through Hanoi over to Cat Ba Island from which you can also take a tour of the scenic Halong Bay .  If you’re feeling active Cat Ba is a good place to go rock climbing or Kayaking. The local operators will take you out to their own private islands which is very cool!

The Middle Bit

Phong Nah has only opened up to tourists in the past few years. Its home to the largest cave in the world, Hang Sơn Đoòng. Whilst you won’t be able to see that (only 400 people per year and a few thousand dollars in price) there are plenty of other caves to explore. Phong Nah Cave and Tien Son Cave are 2 you can reach by river boat. Join a tour of the park where you can do the longest zipline in Vietnam and experience the Paradise Cave and Dark Cave. Bring swimwear – to say it’s muddy is understatement of epic proportions! Don’t worry they have lockers.

Huế is home to the Imperial City. Whilst it was badly damaged by French bombing and fighting in the Vietnam-American war it’s still worth checking out. There are also some cool Pagoda’s and a good backpacking scene.

As you head downwards next stop is Hội An , with its beautiful old city which served as a trading port from the 15th to 19th centuries and has an interesting blend of cultural influence including Japanese and Chinese. Its also famous for its tailors and pretty shop fronts. Be sure to stay out by the beach for a day or 2 as well for some relaxation. An Bang has some good accommodation options right by the beach. This includes the wonderful ‘Under The Coconut Tree’ which has dorms and private bungalows.

Southern Vietnam

There is a lot to see and do in and around Da Lat , and be sure to check out the 100 Roofs Café which blends a bar with a maze with a haunted house. Sound fun? It is! The designer also built the Crazy House which has to be experienced to be believed. Outside the city you will find the Dalanta Waterfall complete with one of the coolest roller coaster experiences. Then head to the mountains where you can get great views from LangBiang. Plus my all time favourite hostel, Cozy Nook, is located here!

When in Mui Ne   take a tour of the fairy stream, fishing village and sand dunes (white and red), they are cheap and it’s worth it. The chill out on the beach, which has many kite surfers to watch (or join in if you fancy it!)

The frantic Ho Chi Minh City (aka Saigon) can be a bit much at times. Loads of traffic and people hassling you in the street (in the backpacking district). But still a trip to the Củ Chi tunnels used by the Viet Cong and a visit to the War Remnants museum will really hit home the horrors of war.

The Mekong Delta – heading to Cambodia

Be picky when choosing a tour of the Mekong Delta , go for one which has good reviews online as they can be a bit hit and miss but are worth it for their look at local life on the waterways. Plus you can take one that includes border crossing by boat into Cambodia.  Which is a lot quicker and easier than the bus routes!

The capital

Start your time here with a trip to the royal palace grounds in Phnom Penh before preparing yourself to learn about the genocide of the Khmer Rouge with visits to the S21 Prison and the Killing Fields. It is a harrowing experience.

Pop up to Kratie to see the endangered Irrawaddy river dolphins in the Mekong river.

Take note that a lot of travel in Cambodia will require passing through Phnom Penh whichever way you’re going.  The infrastructure here is understandably lacking given what happened under the Khmer Rouge.

Those famous ruins

Siem Reap is the base from which to see The Temples Of Angkor , including of course Angkor Wat and many others. You can buy a 3 day pass to the Temple zones. Unless you’re on a flying visit this is advised as there is a lot to see! Siem Reap itself is a bit of  party town, its main street is named ‘Pub Street’ after all.

Head on over to Battambang where you can watch over a million Bats leave their cave in a stream that lasts for over half an hour, as they head out hunting for the night. Visit the killing caves to learn more about the horrors of the past.

The south coast

The riverside town of Kampot is a nice place to relax for a couple of days. Be sure to head up into the mountains to see the ruins of Bokor, a French colonial mansion and church. Kep is only 45 minutes drive away, with a pleasant beach and a national park you can wander around in. If you fancy it you can visit the secluded Rabbit island from here. 

Sihanoukville is somewhat overrun with tourists whose main purpose is to drink, but venture away from town to the Otres beaches for some quiet and to be rewarded by beautiful sunsets. It’s also the gateway to the islands of  Koh Rong , Koh Rong Sanloem and Koh Ta Kiev . Koh Rong’s main beach isn’t that pleasant but the others on the island are superb. Sok San’s white beach in particular where you can rent a bungalow for a while! Koh Rong Sanloem’s M’Pai Bay is a chilled out backpacker village.

Many people choose to cross back in Thailand at Poipet but this Southeast Asia backpacking itinerary recommends going via Koh Kong . You can take a night or 2 town and take a tour to visit the uninhabited island.  It’s owned by the military and overnight stay is forbidden, which means empty beaches! The border crossing itself is easy. Take a Tuk Tuk to the border. Then once you’ve sorted your Thai entry you can take a minivan to Trat.

Thailand (Round 2 – The Islands)

Island life

Trat.  Whether you stay a night here or not is up to you. There’s not a lot to see in truth, it’s really just a transit point. Go by ferry to get to the nearby islands, or head by road to Bangkok. The main island nearby is Koh Chang (Big) which has multiple beaches. Lonely beach is the popular party spot so you might want to stay elsewhere then head there in the evening. Pyjamas hostel is right by Klong Prao beach so is a good backpacker option. If you fancy it you can always visit the islands of Koh Mak or Koh Kut whilst here too.

Then it’s time to head back through Bangkok before you head down south. Take your time to get supplies if you need them. Bangkok is also a great place to do things like go to the cinema or browse shopping malls, so if you need a small time out from backpacking consider staying a few days.

Next up take the train to Chumphon as it’s pretty cheap. From here you can take the ferry to 3 of Thailand’s most famous islands. Koh Tao , famous for its diving and scenic viewpoint, Koh Phangan which hosts the Full Moon Party so is the big party spot once a month, but quieter other times, and Koh Samui which has both quiet and loud spots. The ferry’s tend to go early in the morning, so you’ll probably need a night in Chumphon before catching them.

If you want to do a Full Moon party, check here for dates .

Once you’ve finished visiting these islands you can then take a ferry to Surat Thani on the mainland. From here where you can catch a bus or mini van to your next stop on this Southeast Asia backpacking itinerary. 

Stop for a night or two in Krabi Town and visit the Tiger Cave Temple (no actual Tigers).  Here you can climb up a long flight of steps (1,237 steps to the summit) to get a great view of the surrounding area. Krabi is on the mainland but still has parts that can only be reached by boat. This is due to the area’s dense jungle. Head to Ao Nang to catch a boat to Tonsai   which is backpacker village in the jungle, a haven for hippies and rock climbers. You can walk across the beach or through a small part of the jungle to reach Railay which has beautiful beaches (West Railay and Phranang) and is a very popular destination. Stay here if you don’t fancy a jungle bungalow, though the prices are significantly more.

More Islands!

Head back to Krabi town before deciding where to head next. If you’re enjoying the popular islands then Koh Lanta , Koh Phi Phi and Phuket are all nearby. The latter is the largest island in Thailand and a very popular holiday destination. Koh Phi Phi’s popularity soared after the film ‘The Beach’ was filmed there. If you fancy something more quiet, head up to Ranong and take a ferry to Koh Phayam . It’s a quiet paradise island with beautiful beaches and very few people on them. Nearby is the smaller Koh Chang which is of the same theme. Both are ideal for a few days away from it all!

Moving on Thailand you could either head south and cross by land or return to Bangkok and take a flight.

This segment of the Southeast Asia backpacking itinerary covers Peninsular Malaysia .  Many backpackers explore what Kuala Lumpur has to offer in a couple of days, the Batu Caves and the Petronas Twin Towers are the 2 big ones here. Though invest some more time in the city and you can discover much more. Highlight include the amazing Islamic Arts Museum and the view from the KL Tower. From here take a bus to Cameron Highlands and see the impressive tea plantations, stay in Tanah Rata which is the biggest of the towns in this old British Colonial Hill Station. The take a bus and boat trip to the village of Kuala Tahan . From here you can explore the oldest rainforest in the world, Taman Negara !

Colonial History

This Southeast Asia backpacking itinerary now move onto with the British Straits Settlements. Explore the streets of  Georgetown on the island of Penang . Here you will find street art and Chinese temples, and can take a bus Penang Hill too for great views over the city. Then Malacca which has interesting blend of history and culture from in Chinese influences as a trading port. It also has some great street art to check out. It’s easy to get a bus from here to Singapore to continue this 6 month Southeast Asia backpacking itinerary. Stop at Johor Bahru if you want one more night in Malaysia and experience life in a border city. Or alternatively head back to Kuala Lumpur for a flight to Indonesia.

Singapore and Indonesia

At this part of your Southeast Asia backpacking trip it would be wise to have a plan in action regarding flights. It could work out best for you to go next to Indonesia, either straight from Malaysia or via Singapore. Or it might make sense to visit Singapore first and then end this route by flying out of Bali.

For the purpose of this Southeast Asia backpacking itinerary I’ve decided to go with Indonesia first, and end with Singapore. But it could also work the other way around, have a good look at flights and figure out what gives you best value (in both time and money).

The listed countries in this Southeast Asia backpacking itinerary cover around 6 months worth of travel. If you want to extend this Southeast Asia backpacking itinerary then Indonesia is a great choice to spend more time in. It is of course a huge country, comprising of 17,508 islands. What I’ve listed here for this Southeast Asia backpacking itinerary covers around 3 to 4 weeks worth of travelling. You could add places like Sumatra and Sulawesi and really explore the country. Be sure to check visa requirements though, generally a visa on arrival grants you up to 30 days. So you would need to get a visa in advance if you’re thinking of doing much more.

Culture and Nature 

Yogyakarta  is great place to start, you can fly here direct from Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. It’s a cultural hub and you can visit the amazing temples of Borobudur and Prambanan from the city. Then head to Mount Bromo and take a look into an active volcano! Crossing over to Bali you can experience Balinese culture and religion in Ubud . The beautiful rice fields are a great thing to see here too. Then check out some of the beaches. You also have the opportunity to visit another active Volcano. A trek up Mount Batur for sunrise is a popular excursion here.

Sunsets and Dragons

From Bali you take a boat over to the Gili Islands . Gili Trawangan is the party island here. The other 2 are more relaxed. Gili Air is the best for backpackers who want a social vibe without the party pressure. Flying from Bali (or taking a boat via Lombok) you can reach Flores. From here you can take a boat tour to explore the Komodo National Park . The major highlight for many here is the opportunity to see the Komodo Dragons who live in the islands. Afterwards head back to Bali for your flight out of the country.

The city-state is major transport hub and therefore a natural end point for this Southeast Asia backpacking itinerary. A good stop whether you are planning to continue to Borneo or The Philippines, head home or go on elsewhere. But lets not focus just on the end of the journey here, Singapore is worthy addition to any Southeast Asia backpacking itinerary in it’s own right. There’s plenty of attractions to keep you busy for a couple of days (or longer) before you do.

The Gardens By The Bay are awe inspiring modern construction, with an amazing light show every evening. China Town and Little India are well worth explore, especially for the food! And there are many museums including the Asian Civilisations Museum which has a huge detailed collection covering the region. Singapore really has a lot to offer and if it’s your last stop on your Southeast Asia backpacking itinerary then it’s a good one to end with.

Visiting Myanmar

The political situation in Myanmar has changed a lot over the last decade. When I visited it was before the 2021 military coup and this will obviously have an effect on travel to the country going forward. I really recommend checking the political situation before you and checking what travel restrictions are in place. I strongly advise not visiting until democracy is restored. The country is in a civil war at present. If you do decide to visit Myanmar be sure to have sorted an e-visa online before you head there. It’s probably best to fly into Yangon from Bangkok, and out via Mandalay.

Starting out

Fly into Yangon   and spend a couple of days here. There’s plenty of Buddhist sites here including the huge Shwedagon Paya. The downtown area is full of interesting colonial buildings and local life. 

Myanmar’s central plains are home to the magnificent temples of Bagan . Over 2000 temples constructed between the 9th and 13th centuries still remain here, marking its legacy as the capital of the Kingdom Of Pagan.

The 3 day trek from Kalaw to Inle Lake is a popular highlight and it’s easy to see why, you stay with locals and get a really good insight into life in the area as well as trekking through its amazing scenery. Sort the trek when you arrive in Kalaw. Be sure to meet your guide beforehand and check other options if you’re not keen on them. There are usually groups going so you can join one (if you don’t have one yourself). It makes the journey more fun as you have people to chat with.

When you arrive at Inle stay in Nyaungshwe where the wonderful Song Of Travel hostel caters for backpackers, along with numerous guesthouses. You can take a boat tour of the lake to see local life on it.

Getting off the beaten track

If you’re feeling adventurous head down Loikaw . Not visited by many backpackers, you can take a guide to see local villages and the tribes that inhabit them. It may be worth trying to arrange this whilst in Nyaungshwe. These villages have only just opened up to tourists and there’s little infrastructure in place.

The bus journey to Hsipaw is a long and windy one but it’s worth it as it’s a friendly town with good trekking options to stay with local villages. Mr Charles is the big guesthouse in town and has good options but i’d recommend Lily The Home as the trek I did with them was great.

Afterwards take the train across the Gokteik Viaduct, it’s a really scenic ride and crossing the viaduct is an experience you’ll remember! Get off at  Pyin Oo Lwin and enjoy the beautiful National Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens for the afternoon.

Take a shared taxi to   Mandalay where you can explore the religious sites and visit the famous U-Bein Bridge before your flight out of the country.

This brings the destination part of this Southeast Asia backpacking itinerary to an end. Now for some advice about how to organise your trip.

Planning the details.

Before you head off there are of course somethings you need to consider.

When to go?

November is the ideal month to begin this Southeast Asia backpacking itinerary, should you be able to pick as you please. This is so you can avoid ‘rainy season’ and acclimatize yourself to the heat. It won’t all be sun, you will come across some colder conditions in Northern Vietnam in December and January time. And should you choose to visit, Myanmar does get very hot in April. But on the whole, starting your 6 months in November should give you a good balance.

Of course this date might not be practical, so as a guide for planning bear in mind the following. March to August is generally going to be very hot in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. Rainy season generally starts around May, and the storms can be very big. There can be flooding, for example Bangkok has suffered much with this in the past. September and October are when raining season is at it’s most wettest.

Take note that this is different in Malaysia and Indonesia. Malaysia’s west coast experience’s its rainy season from around April to October. East coast Malaysia then gets its rainy season from November to March. Indonesia generally experiences its dry season from May to September.

Air pollution is also a factor to consider. I would advise against travelling to Northern Thailand between January and March as air quality can become very low and hazardous. This is because of ‘smoky season’ where the farmers burn the land to prepare it for crops.

Budgeting for this Southeast Asia backpacking itinerary

Generally South East Asia is very cheap to travel, especially when compared to Europe or North America. Of course how much you spend will vary depending on how many activities you wish to participate in. Things like rock climbing and kayaking are great fun but do add a big chunk to your daily spend. You don’t want to miss out though so always have some extra cash for activities.  And of course alcohol adds a big chuck to your budget to, if you’re a big drinker! This Southeast Asia backpacking itinerary covers many spots where it’s easy to meet other backpackers. And whilst partying isn’t the focus on this Southeast Asia backpacking itinerary, there is plenty of opportunity to do so if you wish.

Treks however are great value for money when overnight accommodation and meals are included. Don’t forget that when negotiating a price, it might seem expensive but don’t forget about these 2 things.

In general i’d say plan for around 1000$ a month. This is including everything apart from your flights to and from the region. And your immunizations before you go of course! Don’t forget them.

Cultural considerations

You may be packing for many beach days but don’t forget that you will need to ‘cover up’ when you visit temples. This means covering your shoulders and your legs to below the knee. If you don’t you will cause offence in Buddhist temples and other holy sites. You would likely not be allowed entry if they have staff working there. Usually there are clothes available to rent to cover up but it’s better to wear your own.

You can read my specific advice on Buddhism here .

Note that this Southeast Asia backpacking itinerary covers several predominantly Buddhist countries but you will encounter various religions over the region. Especially in Malaysia, which is a Muslim country also home to many Hindus as well as Buddhists. And also Indonesia, which is Muslim with a significant Hindu population in Bali and Christian populations dotted around.

Visas 

Make sure you check the visa requirements for your nationality before you enter a country. Whist many countries in South East Asia do offer ‘visa on arrival’ make sure you qualify for it. Check how much you will need to pay so you have the currency ready at the border post.  It will be time limited too. Vietnam for example offers 14 days for some nationalities. I personally don’t think this enough time to really explore the country, so I got a visa in advance in Laos. Also before you fly out check your airline’s requirements. Sometimes ‘visa on arrival’ technically requires you to have outbound travel booked. Often airlines are much more concerned with this than border officials.

If you are planning to get visas in advance at embassies remember to check public holidays and visa process times. You don’t want to get stuck somewhere for longer than intended because you are waiting for a visa. For example during the Buddhist celebrations of Songkran in Thailand and Thingyan in Myanmar you will find their embassies closed. Make sure you check the dates first.

Going alone?

There are loads of people who travel solo and Southeast Asia is a popular place for it. Don’t worry about meeting people, you will come across loads who want to hang out. Staying in hostels is a good way to do this. Use hostel booking sites to read reviews before you go, so you can find an atmosphere you will like. For example to check whether it’s a party hostel or not, you may or may not want that so find out beforehand. For some more tips check out my Solo Travel Advice.

Making your own Southeast Asia backpacking itinerary

This Southeast Asia backpacking itinerary is of course not rigid. I have made it to help people plan their own journeys, not for it to be stuck to precisely. If you have your own particular interests then you will want to focus more on them. Research is of course fun but don’t be afraid to figure stuff out as you go. Other backpackers are a great source of information. The key is to be flexible, don’t book stuff too far in advance unless you absolutely you have to. Give yourself room to amend plans and you will be happier for it.

I also recommend using this post in conjunction with my Southeast Asia Highlights to help build your bucket list. It features a collection of my favourite experiences in the region.

Yes, it is relatively safe. Violent crime is low. Your main concern should be petty theft, which means always keeping your stuff safe. But this goes for travel anywhere, I wouldn’t say Southeast Asia was ‘worse’ than anywhere else. In fact, it’s safer than many western countries.

These are of course real concerns, and I advise taking precautions. In terms of malaria you should check with your medical provider before you go. If you’re planning to enter any high risk zones, it’s definitely advised to take antimalarials. In terms of dengue, there is currently no specific treatment available. You should do what you can to prevent yourself being bitten by mosquito’s. Put on bug spray that is 50% DEET (children use 15% to 30%). Try to cover to your wrists and ankles. Wearing loose fitting clothes as they can bite through tight clothes. If you can sleep under a mosquito net.

Yes. I really recommend that you get everything you can. Plan in advance as some courses take months to administer.

I wrote this itinerary based on six months as that is generally regarded as a decent amount of time to backpack the region. I have certainly met many people doing six months here either before or after working in Australia, for example. Personally though I say if you can do longer than six, then do longer.

Want more Southeast Asia backpacking tips? Click here to check them out.

More detailed itineraries:

As well as this Southeast Asia backpacking itinerary I have also developed more detailed itineraries that cover the areas mentioned here. Click the relevant link below to go to the itinerary:

I hope you found this Southeast Asia backpacking itinerary useful and are inspired to go on your own trip! If you enjoyed this article feel free to connect with me on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram !

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Skyscanner unveils new generative AI travel planning tool

Skyscanner has launched its app-exclusive Savvy Search tool, powered by Open AI’s Chat GPT technology, to offer travellers an easier way to plan their trips.

Currently available in Australia, Canada, India, Singapore, the UK and the US, travellers can now simply tell Savvy Search what kind of trip is on their mind and the app will find the best spots – from the most common queries like “a cheap European city break in October” to something more specific like “a 30th birthday trip with fun nightlife and a great food scene”. The tool will then generate up to three curated destination recommendations.

Following extensive traveller testing, imagery is combined with rich destination descriptions to highlight the unique characteristics of each recommendation. Upon deciding a destination, travellers are taken straight into Skyscanner’s flight search funnel to compare prices and pick their perfect flight.

Piero Sierra, chief product officer at Skyscanner commented: “Globally, 44 per cent of travellers are using AI to help them plan and research travel, but its use varies a lot depending on the market. For example, 23 per cent of Singaporean travellers are already using AI on their phones compared to just eight per cent in the UK.

“The next logical step is to use the AI technologies now available to us to help these travellers in the discovery phase of their travel planning journey.”

To celebrate the launch of the Savvy Search tool, Skyscanner has delved into the usage data collected during its beta phase to reveal some of their favourite queries so far.

These include “Somewhere to get lost and forget about all my life’s worries”, with recommendations like Santorini, Greece; “Birthday trip with fun night life and great food scene” which shows destination ideas like New York in the US; “Warm holiday where I can skateboard” suggests Spain’s Barcelona, a burgeoning destination for skateboarders due to its vibrant skateparks and diverse street skating scenes; and even Astrophotography highlights like a journey to Norway to witness the Northern Lights.

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3 AI Travel Planning Tools That Actually Work

Ai travel tools are popping up all the time, and some of them are starting to work. here are three we’ve tested, plus tips for how to make the most of them..

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We asked three AI travel tools to plan a weekend in Charleston, South Carolina.

Courtesy of Explore Charleston

I was slogging through the latest generation of artificial intelligence travel-planning tools when a stunning thing happened: I found one that pretty much did what it promised.

I was testing AI programs that purport to create instant, customized travel itineraries. Along the way I’d come across many of the hilarious, hallucinatory responses you might have read about or experienced yourself with AI tools like ChatGPT . (One sent me to an activity in Burlington, Vermont, instead of Charleston, South Carolina. Another recommended an EconoLodge as a historic hotel. And so on.)

But, against all odds and expectations, three programs proved capable of producing decent, coherent, first-draft itineraries within seconds in response to plain-language prompts: Mindtrip, Vacay, and GuideGeek.

Keep in mind, all of them produce travel plans that at best serve as outlines for you to modify and build upon. They provide some good ideas you might otherwise miss. They put a rough plan together much faster than you would using the “old fashioned” way of googling for information and searching through online booking tools.

That said, some information you get is dated, imprecise, or simply wrong. If you tried to follow the itinerary from one of these tools exactly, without checking anything before you left home, you’d wind up with a script for a Hollywood comedy: AI Family Vacation (actually that’s not a bad movie idea).

I put each of these tools to the same test: I asked them to plan a four-day visit for two to Charleston , where we wanted to eat at farm-to-table restaurants that reflect authentic South Carolina cuisine (including Gullah-Geechee food ), try a couple of rum bars, and stay in a historic hotel downtown. Then I threw a curveball to see if AI could hit it: I asked it to find activities that explore the city’s obscure historic connection to the island of Barbados (the city was founded by wealthy, white Barbadian plantation owners, and their impact on Carolina culture remains).

All three basically did what they were told. They all recommended the same hotel, and some of the restaurants, nearly all good choices, overlapped too. The Gullah-Geechee and rum recommendations checked out. And while the AI tools provided well-curated lists of things to do that would introduce me to Charleston history, they mostly swung and missed at the Barbados connection.

Overall, the three tools’ performance suggest that this vastly promising, often bewildering technology can already simplify the task of planning a vacation. But it’s also not a complete solution to the age-old problem every traveler faces: figuring out how to engage with an unfamiliar part of the world, and the people who live there, in an enriching, meaningful way. Only human intelligence can accomplish that. So how did they stack up?

mindtrip.ai

This tool is by far the slickest and most sophisticated of the bunch. Just type in the kind of trip you want to take, with as much detail as you can. Out comes a trip plan.

Highlights: The itinerary includes maps, so you can see how far apart things are. Each item has a live web link; hover your cursor over it and an image and summary pop up. You can view the plan as a printed itinerary or a calendar. Everything is shareable. You can ask additional questions easily and change and remove individual days. When the tool happens to recommend Mindtrip’s partners, a booking link pops up. In my case it recommended visiting Drayton Hall , a plantation built by Barbadians, and it picked the Mills House Charleston Curio Collection by Hilton , a perfectly located historic hotel, and offered a link to pick a room. (The company says partnerships do not influence itineraries, however.)

Lowlights: It hallucinated over Barbados, claiming two activities had Barbados connections when they didn’t. It incorrectly cited a Barbados connection to the City Market and sent me to a whiskey bar for rum.

usevacay.com

This tool asks for a few specifics about your trip (destination, duration, number of people, budget), then provides two open-text fields allowing you to tell it more in plain language.

Highlights: Itineraries include per-day, per-activity, and total budget figures, and they are clearly broken down by morning, afternoon, and evening activities. Travel plans are easy to download and copy, making Vacay the best for creating printable, portable draft plans you can manually edit as Word or Google documents. It also placed me at the Mills House. It also did the best job with Barbados, recommending a visit to the Charles Towne Landing state historic site, where the Barbadians landed in 1670, and the International African American Museum , which includes displays that explain how Barbados and Charleston are linked to the African diaspora.

Lowlights: The plans from Vacay lack maps and web links. To modify the itinerary, you can query again or consult with the Vacay chatbot, but those additional answers don’t update your original itinerary.

guidegeek.com

Created by the travel media brand Matador, GuideGeek is a chatbot available via Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Send an instant message to GuideGeek to get going, then input your requests as text. Out comes a plan.

Highlights: As a chatbot, GuideGeek invites continued conversation so you can ask for details, tweaks, and elaborations. It will provide live web links on request, though some are dated or broken. I found this to be the easiest pocket AI travel consultant. It also placed me at the Mills House!

Lowlights: GuideGeek works only on mobile devices. Itineraries are broken into arbitrary chunks based on the message length allowed by each platform, so the whole thing isn’t easy to download or copy. GuideGeek seriously whiffed on the Barbados connection; it recommended four activities that had nothing to do with it, and sent me to a contemporary distillery that doesn’t make rum.

Three tips for planning a trip on AI

Be very specific. All generative AI tools work better when you give them very detailed directions. Broad requests about a trip generate information drawn largely from the first page of Google search results.

Don’t like it? Change it. Once you have your itinerary, you can ask to update, dig deeper, or create another version.

Two (or three) neural networks are better than one. Use multiple tools to check the others’ work. Mix and match, verify all the information, and add your own knowledge and research from real humans you trust.

Human-sounding AI can plan, help book your travel. But can you trust it?

It wasn’t so long ago that travelers planned trips without the internet.

“Back in the day, our parents used to go to these travel agents and really kind of express what they were looking for and what kind of vacation they wanted,” said Saad Saeed, co-founder and CEO of Layla, an AI travel planner whose website launched this year. “Slowly, we kind of acclimatized ourselves to start using these search boxes, clicks, these forms and filters.”

Artificial intelligence-driven tools like Layla can now turn back the clock on that experience, engaging with users almost like humans to customize travel plans with lightning speed plus all the resources of the web. But does AI actually make travel planning easier and can it compare to human expertise? 

Yes and no. Here’s why.

Can AI actually understand us?

It can try. 

“What are you personally looking for in this trip and what do you want out of it?” asked Saeed. “Do you want to reconnect with your partner, for example, or do you want to just feel some adventure and thrill?” 

A human travel agent may ask a series of questions to understand a client’s needs. So can generative AI , which picks up on keywords. Mindtrip, an AI planner launched publicly on May 1, has an actual travel quiz that asks users to rank priorities like “Is your ideal vacation day an exhilarating adventure or a relaxing break?” using sliding scales.

“What we get at the end of that quiz, using the AI, is a really customized description,” explained  Mindtrip Founder and CEO Andy Moss. That then informs what the AI suggests to the traveler. 

Informed suggestions can save users time in narrowing down destinations and experiences, as well as  introduce places users may never have discovered on their own.

AI travel planning is here: How to use it to plan your next vacation and what you should know first

Can AI fully replace humans?

No. Layla may sound human, using conversational phrases like “I've got three cozy nests that won't make your wallet cry.”

“She has a personality. We try to make her funny and so on, where it's really that friend that can get to know you and then recommend you the perfect stuff,” Saeed said.

But part of Layla’s expertise comes from the real-life experiences of some 1,600 travel content creators  the Berlin-based platform has partnered with. Their videos and insights can give users a richer picture of what to expect.

Mindtrip also leans on human expertise, having tapped a limited group of travel influencers for curated content with plans to eventually open it up so anyone can share their travel itineraries and experiences with the public.

Story continues below.

Is AI a threat to privacy?

With all the rapid advancements in AI in just the past year, some users are wary of its safety .

“Data privacy is definitely one of our biggest concerns, and we ensure that none of the personal identifiable information ever reaches basically the model providers. That will all stay with us,” Layla’s Saeed said. “None of their personally identifiable data can ever be basically used to profile them or basically go into any of these systems, which are training these different models.”

Booz Allen Hamilton, the nation’s largest provider of AI to the federal government , focuses heavily on ethical and  secure AI, as well as adhering to the government’s policies on data collection. 

“We collect as little information as we can in order to provide a secure transaction,” said Booz Allen Hamilton Senior Vice President Will Healy, who heads up their recreation work, including Recreaton.gov , the government’s central travel planning site for public lands like national parks. “We don't save your searches. We don't save your credit card data. We're very careful about the data that we store.”

Yoon Kim, an assistant professor in MIT’s Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department and Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory , isn’t too worried about security in the initial brainstorming stages of travel planning with AI.

“I don't see, at this point, how AI-generated advice is spiritually different from travel guide articles that you might read on certain websites,” he said. “Travel planning is one really nice use case of these models, as narrow as it is, because it's a scenario in which you want to be given ideas but you don't actually need to commit to them.” 

What’s next for AI? 

Things could be different, though, if AI is used beyond trip planning. Deloitte sees AI being woven into all parts of travel.

“There is an opportunity for a real engine – I'm going to just use a generic term, engine – that allows you to search and pull it all together and to sort based off of your personal reasons for prioritization and then not stopping at ‘hey give me a list’ or ‘here's what to do,’ but ‘OK, now go create my itinerary, help me book it, track it all the way through that travel process,” said Matt Soderberg, principal, U.S. airlines leader for Deloitte. 

Deloitte’s Facing travel’s future report, released in early April, identifies seven stages where AI can intersect with a trip, from personalized recommendations based on past travel, online purchases and tendencies to day-of issues to a post-travel pulse, where travelers may be asked about their experience and start thinking about future trips. 

“When you solve across all of those, that's going to be the Holy Grail,” Soderberg said. “The difficulty is that doesn't all sit in one place. And so how do you get the right information and the right data to bring all of that together for a single experience for the consumer? And who's going to own that?”

Layla and Mindtrip, among others, already offer booking through partners like Booking.com. “It's all about making things actionable,” Moss said.

But for now, if issues come up mid-trip, AI tools can’t fix them like humans can. Humans still have to get involved.

More From Forbes

You need a break: five tricks for scheduling a summer vacation.

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Couple relax on the beach enjoy beautiful sea on the tropical island. Summer beach vacation concept

Summer really should be the best time of year, at least until global warming makes it the only time of year. Yet, for many, the thought of planning a summer vacation can evoke more stress than serenity. Between juggling work commitments and navigating peak travel season prices, finding that perfect getaway can feel so hard you might decide it’s not worth it. But trust me—it is. Fortunately, we have five handy tips to make sure it fits with both your budget and your job.

The early bird doesn’t just catch the worm; it also catches the best travel deals. Starting your vacation planning early gives you a significant advantage, from snagging early booking discounts to having your pick of accommodations. Planning ahead also means you’re less likely to be caught in the price hikes that come with last-minute bookings. You’re laying the groundwork for a stress-free holiday.

Be Flexible

Flexibility is your wallet’s best friend. If possible, try to be flexible with your travel dates. Flying mid-week or during off-peak times can often lead to substantial savings compared to weekend or peak holiday travel. There’s also the matter of making sure your coworkers are okay with your dates. You don’t need to get everyone to sign off on a vacation, but if possible, try to plan around your company’s busiest times. Or don’t. Vacation is about you.

Prep Your Work

Delegate, delegate, delegate. Make sure which of your coworkers know who’s responsible for what, and start figuring out early who you can trust. If you don’t get comfortable passing off work to someone else, you’ll never really feel comfortable scheduling that vacation.

Look for Deals

If you’re part of airline, hotel, or credit card loyalty programs, summer is the time to cash in on your points or rewards. These programs can offer significant savings or perks like room upgrades, free flights, or deals. If not, package deals—which bundle flights, hotels, and car rentals—offer considerable savings. Travel agencies and online booking platforms often have exclusive deals that are more cost-effective than booking each component separately. Also, packages can reduce the hassle of planning. This is especially relevant if you’re so busy at work that the very thought of planning a vacation feels like too much.

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Japanese fans are puzzled that yasuke is in ‘assassin’s creed shadows’, forbes releases 2024 30 under 30 asia list, stick to the budget.

You want to be able to take vacations regularly, or else you run the risk of burn-out. Perhaps the most important trick in planning your summer vacation is setting a realistic budget and adhering to it, so that you can afford to do it several times per year. Determine how much you’re willing to spend on travel, accommodation, activities, and dining. Then, tailor your vacation plans to fit within this budget. And bon voyage! You’re going to have a great time!

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SpringHill Suites Phoenix Scottsdale

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Welcome to SpringHill Suites Phoenix Scottsdale

Brand new property located in scottsdale, az..

Travel in style at SpringHill Suites by Marriott the all suite hotel that seamlessly blends design and functionality offering the modern amenities you need to stay refreshed and focused all at an affordable price. Spacious suites and vibrant lobbies offer flexible spaces perfect for working, meeting or relaxing. Take the stress out of travel with free WiFi, relaxing pools and fitness centers. Our Market is open 24 hr for snacks and necessities. Enjoy our complimentary hot new breakfast buffet with fresh choices for a customized start to your day with eggs, bacon, waffles, muffins or Greek yogurt and oatmeal with a toppings bar for a variety of options. Quite simply from business trips to leisurely journeys SpringHill Suites is a breath of fresh air.

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Check-in: 3:00 pm

Check-out: 12:00 pm

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Pets Welcome

Non-Refundable Pet Fee Per Stay: $100

Maximum Pet Weight: 50lbs

Maximum Number of Pets in Room: 2

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PerStay: $15.00

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For more information about the physical features of our accessible rooms, common areas or special services relating to a specific disability please call +1 480-716-1600

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Dressing for Summer Airport Travel Is Weird - These 18 Outfits Won't Make You Overheat

I f picturing yourself on a sunny beach somewhere with a sparkly drink in hand has been getting you through the workweek lately, a lot of Us can relate. Everyone seems to be planning a trip to Europe, Asia or some island down South. What a wonderful and exciting time!

The only aspect of travel that most people (rightfully) dread is that - the travel. Paying for overpriced airport snacks and then sitting on a too-hot airplane for a few more hours isn't ideal, especially when early flights and jet lag are tossed into the mix. It's worth it, of course, but we all know the feeling of desperately needing that post-airport shower!

To actually enjoy the airport - and yes, this is 100% possible - it's essential to dress properly. Lightweight clothing, layers and comfy shoes make all the difference in the world! We found 18 lightweight sets with shorts or pants that will make you even more excited for your trip, including the airport. Just grab one of these, your favorite cardigan and comfy sneakers . . . you're good to go!

19 Office-Appropriate Lounge Finds That Will Make You Want to Commute

Two-Piece Sets With Shorts

1. Biker gal:  Lightweight and skin-soft, there's a good chance you'll wear this ribbed outfit for the entire trip and beyond - $20 !

2. Total fashionista: Have you ever seen a set that looks so Greece ? This set doubles as a fancy outfit when paired with sandals - $37 !

3. Stretchy waist: If you're heading somewhere hot hot , you need a set that makes you forget you're wearing clothes - $26 !

4. Layered up: Forget the cardigan! This linen-looking set comes with a short-sleeve layer to wear over your favorite tank - $36 !

5. High neck: Quiet luxury alert! You'll look like a rich mom wherever you go in this comfy waffle knit set - $25 !

6. Barcelona ready: Maybe you're not going to Spain, but the square-neck design will give Euro summer energy wherever you go - originally $40, now $33 !

7. Classy chic: This set is comfy enough for the airplane and elegant enough for the office . . . but don't think about the office right now - $37 !

8. Frills and fun: A ruffled hem on both the tank and shorts makes this the quiet luxury outfit of the century - $20 !

Two-Piece Sets With Pants

9. Linen look: You'll want to wear this linen lounge set from the plane straight to the beach - originally $40, now $34 !

10. Crowd favorite: Don't just take our word for it - this is the bestselling tracksuit on Amazon, so you bet it's comfortable - $39 !

11. Flattering find: Enjoying the airport starts with feeling like a million bucks. Vertical stripes lengthen your legs, an instant confidence boost - $38 !

12. Khaki stripe: It's not about fashion at the airport, but it's about fashion at the airport for Us fashionistas - $39 !

13. Early 2000s: Something about this wide-leg set screams Britney Spears. A spandex material makes it ultra-stretchy - $40 !

14. Probably royalty:  The knit materia l, cap-sleeve design and jogger-style pants are just a few things we love - $48 !

15. Athleisure girl: Pair this set with white sneakers and your favorite travel backpack - you'll be the queen of sporty style - $35 !

16. Everyday fave: We're taking it as our sign that this 30% linen short-sleeve set is on sale right now - originally $48, now $31 !

17. Button-up:  This jogger and button-up duo is just as lightweight as a tank top and shorts - $43 !

18. No problems:  The reggae music is already playing in our heads! Grab this ocean blue set and get ready for paradise - $37 !

13 Stretchy Denim Skirts That Are Actually Soft and Comfortable

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10 Days in Southeast Asia: Top 5 Itineraries (with Maps & Prices)

Southeast Asia is a fascinating and diverse region that offers a wealth of travel experiences. 10 days are enough to get a good general view of a single country or sample the top highlights of two countries.

In this article, we have carefully selected 5 itineraries for a 10-day trip in Southeast Asia for your inspiration.

• Which Southeast Asia Countries to See in 10 Days
• Itinerary 1: Thailand and Cambodia Itinerary (Most Chosen)
• Itinerary 2: Vietnam and Cambodia Itinerary (More Rustic)
• Itinerary 3: Singapore and Bali Itinerary (Most Relaxing)
• Itinerary 4: Thailand Itinerary for Couples
• Itinerary 5: Vietnam Itinerary for Families

Costs for a 10-Day Southeast Asia Tour

Which countries to visit in southeast asia in 10 days.

For a 10-day trip to Southeast Asia, you're suggested to focus on one country or two neighboring countries to have an in-depth experience instead of rushing through multiple destinations. In addition, you would reduce travel fatigue and save money on transportation costs.

Thailand and Vietnam themselves are rich in various experiences, whether you're interested in beaches, mountains, historical sites, or cultural attractions. It is worth spending ten days or even longer in either country.

For more varied experiences, you could also combine Thailand and Vietnam in one tour .

While, if you are looking for a leisurely island tour or a romantic celebration, Singapore and Indonesia (mainly Bali) or tranquil Koh Samui are the best places to go for 10 days.

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

1. A Classic 10-Day Thailand and Cambodia Itinerary: Most Chosen

Thailand and Cambodia are the most popular showcases of Southeast Asia a wide variety of experiences: beautiful islands, majestic relics, diverse cultures, food adventures...

For a quick taste of SE Asia, you could stay 7 days in Thailand and 3 days in Cambodia. See the suggested itinerary below:

• Days 1–2: Bangkok
• Days 3–5: Siem Reap
• Days 6–7: Chiang Mai
• Days 8–10: Phuket

During your 10 days, your travel pace will transition from energetic to relaxed, from engaging Siem Reap and Bangkok to relaxing Chiang Mai and Phuket.

In Thailand, you're suggested to spend a week on its iconic highlights. Get close to the local city life in Bangkok. An elephant sanctuary, Thai cuisine cooking class, and a flower market would feature in your trip to Chiang Mai. Some free days on the beaches of Phuket are saved until last to refresh you before your journey home.

In Cambodia, Siem Reap, home to Angkor Wat, is the key attraction that most people come to visit in Cambodia. You could explore it well in 3 days, as well as go to see life on Tonle Sap Lake.

If you're traveling as a family, our exclusive experiences , including a longtail boat ride, food hunting, and an ox cart ride through the countryside, would keep kids engaged.

If you're traveling as a couple , to create romantic moments, don't miss a sunset cocktail on Tonle Sap Lake and a sunset balloon ride over Angkor Wat. If your time allows, join in the mass lantern festivals in Chiang Mai (usually in November).

2. A 10-Day Vietnam and Cambodia Itinerary: More Rustic

Compared with Thailand, Vietnam is more rustic and affordable. If you prefer countryside scenery and the laid-back vibe of SE Asia, 5 days in each country is advisable. Here is a well-planned itinerary for inspiration:

• Days 1–2: Phnom Penh
• Days 6–7: Hoi An
• Days 8–10: Hanoi and Ha Long Bay

During your 5 days in Cambodia, you'll discover its capital Phnom Penh and Cambodia's most famous attraction — Angkor Wat. You would get an in-depth experience with a scholar guide during our special walking tour of Angkor Wat .

For the other 5 days in Vietnam, relax in ancient Hoi An, the capital Hanoi, and breathtaking Ha Long Bay.

Apart from history-filled buildings, you could bike on picturesque country roads , paddle basket boats at a fishing village , and make your own lanterns in Hoi An.

In Hanoi, a foodie tour in the Old Quarter and a traditional water puppet show are highlights, especially for families with kids.

For a couple's trip, a 2-day Ha Long Bay cruise is a must. Travel with us for a private cruise to explore the unspoiled areas of Ha Long Bay in a more private and intimate setting.

Want a personalized itinerary? Simply contact us to see what we can do for you .

3. A 10-Day Singapore and Bali Itinerary: Most Relaxing

Singapore and Bali are excellent destinations for couples and families seeking a leisurely vacation in Southeast Asia.

Since Singapore is smaller than Bali, more travel time is suggested in Bali: 3 days in Singapore and 7 days in Bali. The following itinerary schedule is suggested: fast paced city to relaxed vibe island.

• Days 1–3: Singapore
• Days 4–6: Ubud, Bali
• Days 7–10: Beach time, Bali

In Singapore, food, culture, and cityscape views stand out as attractions. Its Night Safari is a unique and unforgettable night-time experience, especially suited for families with kids.

In Bali, we recommend dedicating three days to exploring Ubud and its cultural-town activities, jungle adventures, and rice terraces.

Thereafter, you could allocate four or more days to unwind and relax on Bali's beautiful beaches. Nusa Dua is a more family-friendly beach area with abundant water activities, while Uluwatu has a more serene and romantic atmosphere, which is ideal for couples .

If you have more time, you could extend your itinerary to nearby Indonesian islands, like Lembongan Island (an extra 2+ days) or Java (5+ days suggested), discovering more undisturbed tropical views and enjoying more peaceful island hours.

4. A 10-Day Thailand Itinerary for Couples

For a milestone romantic celebration, Thailand is the best choice with its fine resorts on tropical islands, abundant adult-only hotels, and exotic cultural celebrations.

Get some inspiration from the itinerary below:

• Days 3–7: Chiang Mai
• Days 8–10: Koh Samui

After exploring the city highlights in Bangkok, you would have the chance to experience the chaotic local life at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and Maeklong Railway Market.

In this 10-day itinerary, a highlight at Chiang Mai could be walking with elephants , which would bring you closer to this endearing species.

If you travel around November, the mass sky lantern release during the Yi Peng Festival would be an excellent opportunity for a romantic memory-maker for couples, in particular. Travel with us to have a premium experience: release your own lanterns into the sky, and capture enchanting moments with thousands of floating lanterns.

This itinerary also includes the island of Koh Samui. It offers tranquil private hours, luxury resorts, and fine dining that are ideal for a couple's big celebration. Contact us for swim-up pool rooms or hotels with infinity pools. Read more about planning a couple's trip to Southeast Asia >>>

If you're traveling with your family, you can also discover the family-friendly activities we offer in our well-organized Thailand family tour >>>

5. A Classic 10-Day Vietnam Itinerary for Families with Teenagers

Vietnam offers diverse experiences for families with teenagers, particularly if you want some interesting outdoor adventures.

The itinerary includes a mix of city tours, cultural experiences, and outdoor activities, making it a great way to keep teenagers engaged and interested throughout the trip.

Check the following hand-picked itinerary:

• Days 1–2: Arrival, Hanoi city tour
• Day 3: Ninh Binh day tour
• Days 4–5: Ha Long Bay cruise
• Day 6: Hoi An
• Days 7–8: Ho Chi Minh City
• Days 9–10: The Mekong Delta

A representative Vietnam trip would not be complete without charismatic capital Hanoi, picturesque Ha Long Bay, relaxing Hoi An, bustling Ho Chi Minh City, and vibrant floating markets in the Mekong Delta.

Besides these landmarks, you could explore off-the-beaten-path Ninh Binh . Your kids could get something thrilling to do when rowing a boat through a tunnel-like karst cave.

Our special farming experience and fishing tour would allow your children to see authentic local life. The Cu Chi Tunnels could be educational as well.

A water puppet show, the A O culture and art show, and an evening food tour would add more fun into your family trip.

Southeast Asia offers great value for money. A private tour in Southeast Asia is actually an affordable luxury, which would add exclusivity and convenience to your trip.

A 10-day Southeast Asia tour costs around US$200–250 per day per person, when offering quality 4/5-star hotels, nice meals, and private tailored touring. Kids below 10 would get around 30% to 50% discounts.

So, beyond the international flights from/to your country, you would need to spend around US$6,500–8,500 on a 10-day private trip for a family with 2 adults and 2 kids. For a couple, the cost would be around US$4,000–5,000.

Plan Your Trip to Southeast Asia

You are warmly welcomed to have us customize your trip based on your group size, interests, and other needs.

Read more 10-day itineraries in Southeast Asia:

• 5 Top Thailand Itineraries for 10 Days
• 10 Days in Vietnam: 5 Best Itineraries for First-Timers
• 5 Top Bali Itineraries for 10 Days

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• Maximize Your Flexibility:
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• Explore at your own pace
• Celebrate Your Journeys:
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• Southeast Asia Itinerary for 3 Weeks: Best 5 Ideas in 2024
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‘Old friend’ Putin and China’s Xi strengthen strategic ties at summit

Leaders present relationship as stabilising force as Putin expresses gratitude to crucial ally in Ukraine war.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, have signed a joint statement on deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between their two nations at a summit that framed their relationship as a stabilising force in a chaotic world.

Speaking at a joint press conference on Thursday, Xi said: “China is willing to … jointly achieve the development and rejuvenation of our respective countries, and work together to uphold fairness and justice in the world.”

Keep reading

Russia escalates war in ukraine, with an eye to complicate kyiv’s defence, ‘genuine desire’: putin backs china peace plan to end ukraine war, russian corruption probe widens as senior defence official arrested, russia’s putin to visit china in first foreign trip since re-election.

Reporting from Beijing, Al Jazeera’s Katrina Yu said Xi “made the point that Russia-China cooperation did not target any third party, that it was a mutually respectful, beneficial partnership and that he hoped that the war in Ukraine … would be solved peacefully”.

The Chinese president described the relationship as “a stabilising force in the world in the face of rising hegemony, no doubt referring to the United States”, she added.

Putin expressed gratitude to Xi for efforts to resolve the war in Ukraine.

He criticised the United Nations and the G20, saying that they needed to be “depoliticised” and that Russia and China “would work together to improve security in the Asia-Pacific”, said Yu.

Putin condemned what he described as “closed alliances in the region”, she added, “no doubt referring to the AUKUS pact [between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States], which Beijing considers as an alliance designed to contain China”.

Trade was an important aspect of the meeting, with Xi highlighting that bilateral trade had increased by 170 percent over the past 10 years with the potential to expand.

Describing their initial session as “warm and comradely”, Putin outlined sectors where the two countries were strengthening ties, from nuclear and energy co-operation to food supplies and Chinese car manufacturing in Russia.

‘Old friend’

The visit comes days after Russia launched a new offensive in Ukraine’s northeastern Kharkiv region and as it claimed advances on the 1,000km (600-mile) long front line, where Ukrainian forces have been hampered by delayed deliveries of weapons and ammunition from the United States.

Xi had given his “old friend” a warm welcome, holding a reception outside Beijing’s Great Hall of the People. The two countries’ anthems were played to the accompaniment of a gun salute before the two men went on to review the troops gathered on the plaza. A group of children jumped up and down enthusiastically as Putin and Xi walked past during a ceremony that lasted nearly half an hour.

Xi told Putin that the relationship between their countries had stood the test of time and that they had provided each other with “strategic guidance” in their more than 40 meetings over the past decade.

“China is ready to work with Russia to stay each other’s good neighbour, good friend and good partner,” state news agency Xinhua reported Xi as saying.

The leaders had declared a “no limits” partnership days before Putin sent his troops into Ukraine in February 2022. In March 2023, when Xi visited Moscow, he described a “ new era ” in the countries’ relationship, while in October, when Putin last visited Beijing, Xi spoke of the “ deep friendship ” between them.

Before the two-day visit, Putin, 71, said his choice of China as his first foreign destination since being sworn in as president for a fifth term underlined the “unprecedentedly high level of the strategic partnership” between the two countries as well as his close friendship with Xi, 70.

The two leaders will take part in an event to celebrate 75 years since the Soviet Union recognised the People’s Republic of China, declared by Mao Zedong following the communists’ victory in China’s civil war in 1949. Putin will visit Harbin in northeastern China, a city with strong ties to Russia.

In an interview with Xinhua, Putin appeared to give his backing to a 12-point Ukraine peace plan that China released to a lukewarm reception.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said any negotiations must include a restoration of the country’s territorial integrity, the withdrawal of Russian troops from all Ukrainian territory, the release of all prisoners, a tribunal for those responsible for the aggression, and security guarantees for Ukraine.

China claims to be neutral in the conflict but has not condemned Russia for its invasion of a sovereign country.

Russia ‘useful’ for China

The two countries have made clear they want to remake the international order in line with their visions of how the world should be. Both are veto-holding members of the United Nations Security Council, alongside the United States, France and the United Kingdom.

“We should not underestimate Russia’s ‘usefulness’ as a friend without limits to China and Xi Jinping,” Sari Arho Havren, an associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) think tank, told Al Jazeera in an email.

“Russia is a valuable partner in displacing the US and changing the global order to a favourable one for China and Russia alike. Russia also sees Taiwan as an integral part of China, and we have already seen speculation about the war scenario in the Indo-Pacific and whether Russia would step up to help and join China in possible war efforts.”

Moscow has forged increasingly close ties with Beijing, diverting most of its energy exports to China and importing high-tech components for its military industries from Chinese companies amid Western sanctions.

The two countries have also deepened military ties, holding joint war games over the Sea of Japan and the East China Sea, and organising training for ground forces in each other’s territory.

China has stepped up military activity around self-ruled Taiwan as the island prepares for the May 20 inauguration of William Lai Ching-te , who was elected president in elections in January.

China claims the territory as its own and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve its goal.

With reporting by Erin Hale in Taipei, Taiwan