Southeast Asia itinerary – 2 weeks

Southeast Asia is home to many beautiful tourist destinations such as Thailand, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Malaysia, Laos, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Philippines, etc. Presented below is a great, albeit crammed, Southeast Asia itinerary for 2 weeks.

1. Thailand

Two days in Bangkok

• Bangkok is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. It is seamless assimilation of culture, tradition, modernity, vibrant nightlife, and awesome sandy beaches.
• You can spend the first day cruising across Chao Phraya River and checking out the stupendous religious and royal quarter. You will be amazed by the huge golden statute of reclining Buddha at the Wat Pho monastery as well as be bewitched by the palace complex which is an architectural marvel. The palace has huge golden stupas, multi-roofed shiny temples adorned by glass, serpents, and dragons!
• The second day can be spent on a bike and travelling across different streets of this extremely busy city. Taste different kinds of street foods; go to Khlong Toey market and browse exotic products; cycle to gorgeous Bangkachao and be amazed by the canals that irrigate banana and papaya fields; and soak up the beautiful sights and sounds of birds and colorful butterflies on the banks of the river. If time permits, do not miss out on the floating markets of Bangkok.

Two days in Chiang Mai

• Take a train northwards into the bamboo and hardwood jungles of Chiang Mai surrounded by pristine hills. Check out elephants, majestically decorated temples, and stroll across the countryside inhabited by ethnic tribes. You can go for hikes, motorcycle rides, or treks and be amazed by the wonders of Mother Nature!

 

2. Cambodia

Two days in Siem Reap

• The Angkor Wat is one of the most popular tourist hot spots in the world. Hence it tends to be crowded all the time. You may cycle from Siem Reap to Angkor Wat early in the morning (when there are no crowds) so that you can enjoy the magnificent temple in all its spiritual glory all on your own. The 12 century architecture, the stone corridors, the lotus-bud towers, and the beautiful surroundings will amaze all your senses!

Two days in Phnom Penh

• Take a boat ride to Phnom Penh from Siem Reap. You may take the services of a guide and tour around the city. You may visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, Choeung-Ek, and other reminders of the horror regime of Pol Pot.

3. Laos

Two days in Don Daeng

• There are virtually no rail networks in Cambodia or Laos. You may take a bus from Phnom Penh to Don Daeng in southern Laos. You will get to see ride paddy fields, lush countryside, and several midstream islands created by the winding Mekong as it makes its way across the lands. Take accommodation at a tourist community lodge on one of the islands and enjoy the peace and quiet and the affable local people’s hospitality.

4. Vietnam

One day in Hue

• Hue was the capital city of the last king of Nguyen dynasty. Visit the royal moated citadel and check out the ruins (that remain within the walls of the citadel after the American Vietnam war bombings) of the majestic past of Vietnam, i.e., koi carp pools, colorful red wood pillars, palaces, and topiary hedges! Later, hire a bike and ride across the rice paddies, royal tombs, and pine jungles of the southern hinterland of Hue.

One day in Nha Trang 

• Take a Reunification Express train ride from Hu to Nha Trang, a posh beach resort. The train ride across the serene hilly coastline is simply breathtaking. The caramel sandy beach at Nha Trang is almost six kilometers long and is surrounded by multistoried hotels. Enjoy a refreshing swim, drink delicious cocktails, relish in delectable cuisines, and be mesmerized by the fabulous views of the setting sun!

Two days in Saigon

• Saigon is a maddeningly chaotic city with lots of people and unbridled, unstructured traffic! But it is a must visit! Saigon is the place where you can get to see attractive French colonial architecture, almost everywhere.
• You can begin your tour of the city by going to the historically important District 1. It has lots of cultural attractions, night clubs, pubs, and restaurants. The contemporary Independence Palace is also located here. You may later take a motorcycle tour of the city at night, when it comes fully alive! Visit the food markets at District 4 and gorge on flavorful seafood, eat pancakes from street stalls, drink apple-custard juice, and relax and listen to a performance by singers at a pub. You may also go to a rock club and finish the night sipping cocktails.