Southeast Asia is one of the most exciting regions for travelers, offering a mix of stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, rich cultures, and delicious food. If you’re visiting for the first time, this 4-week itinerary will take you through some of the best destinations in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Week 1: Thailand – Bangkok & Chiang Mai
Thailand is a great starting point for Southeast Asia, with a well-connected airport and a balance of culture, nature, and adventure. I use Skyscanner to find budget friendly flights to all destinations.
Bangkok (3 Days)
- Visit the Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew
- Explore Wat Arun & Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha)
- Take a boat ride along the Chao Phraya River
- Shop at Chatuchak Weekend Market or explore the floating markets
- Experience the nightlife at Khao San Road
Chiang Mai (3 Days)
- Visit the Doi Suthep Temple for incredible views
- Explore the Old City temples (Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh)
- Take a Thai cooking class
- Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary
- Wander through the Sunday Night Market
Travel to Laos via an overnight sleeper train or flight.
Week 2: Laos & Vietnam – Luang Prabang & Hanoi
Luang Prabang, Laos (3 Days)
- Wake up early to witness the Alms Giving Ceremony
- Explore Kuang Si Waterfall (one of the most beautiful in Southeast Asia)
- Visit the Royal Palace Museum
- Take a sunset cruise on the Mekong River
- Relax at Utopia Bar, a famous chill-out spot
Fly to Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi & Ha Long Bay, Vietnam (4 Days)
- Walk through the Old Quarter and enjoy authentic street food (try pho and banh mi!)
- Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Temple of Literature
- Take an overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay (kayaking, limestone caves, and island hopping)
- Enjoy the nightlife around Ta Hien Beer Street
Take a sleeper train or fly to Da Nang and travel to Hoi An
Week 3: Vietnam, Cambodia & Malaysia
Hoi An, Vietnam (2 Days)
- Explore the Ancient Town and its colorful lanterns
- Get a custom-tailored outfit from one of the many skilled tailors
- Take a cooking class or enjoy the famous Cao Lau noodles
- Visit My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO-listed Hindu temple complex
Fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia
Siem Reap, Cambodia (3 Days)
- Watch the sunrise over Angkor Wat
- Explore Bayon Temple (the one with all the smiling faces!)
- Visit the floating villages of Tonlé Sap Lake
- Experience the nightlife on Pub Street
Fly to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (2 Days)
- Visit the iconic Petronas Towers
- Explore the Batu Caves
- Walk through Chinatown & Central Market
- Enjoy the views from KL Tower Sky Deck
Take a bus or short flight to Singapore
Week 4: Indonesia – Bali & the Gili Islands
Bali, Indonesia (4 Days)
- Visit Ubud for the rice terraces, monkey forest, and waterfalls
- Explore Tanah Lot & Uluwatu Temples
- Relax at Canggu or Seminyak beaches
- Experience the beach clubs and nightlife in Kuta & Seminyak
- Try surfing in Canggu
Take a boat to the Gili Islands
Gili Trawangan (3 Days)
- Snorkel with turtles
- Enjoy bike rides around the car-free island
- Experience the nightlife on Gili T or the tranquility of Gili Air
Fly home from Bali (Denpasar International Airport).
Additional Tips for First-Time Travelers in Southeast Asia
Budget: $30–$50/day (hostels & budget hotels) or $80–$150/day (mid-range) Best Time to Visit: November to April (dry season) Getting Around: Buses, trains, budget airlines, and ferries are your best options Visa Info: Many Southeast Asian countries offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival options for most nationalities Safety: Southeast Asia is generally safe, but be cautious with scams, street food hygiene, and traffic
Final Thoughts
This 4-week Southeast Asia itinerary gives you a taste of each country’s culture, history, and natural beauty. Whether you’re exploring ancient temples, enjoying street food, or relaxing on stunning beaches, Southeast Asia offers an unforgettable experience for first-time travelers.
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