Asia

Southeast Asia Must-Sees: Bangkok, Angkor Wat, Hanoi and Bali

Four classic stops in Southeast Asia and how to link them: what to see in each, three realistic itineraries, and tips on transport, temples and street food.

Southeast Asia is cheap to fly around, easy to travel in and packed with highlights, which makes it tempting to cram in too much. These four stops give a good first taste of the region, and the routes below keep the travel time reasonable.

The classic stops

Bangkok, Thailand. Start with the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew in the morning, before the heat and crowds build, and cover your shoulders and knees to get in. Wat Pho, with its giant reclining Buddha, is a short walk away. Take a river ferry to Wat Arun, then spend the evening at a night market such as Talad Rot Fai or in Chinatown’s Yaowarat Road, which is best known for street food. The BTS Skytrain and MRT metro are much quicker than taxis during rush hour.

Siem Reap, Cambodia. The Angkor complex covers hundreds of square kilometers, so plan on at least two days. Angkor Wat is most striking at sunrise, but arrive early because it is busy. Angkor Thom and its Bayon temple, with carved stone faces, and Ta Prohm, where tree roots wrap around the ruins, are next. Buy a one-, three- or seven-day pass at the official ticket office. A tuk-tuk driver for the day is inexpensive and useful in the heat.

Hanoi and Halong Bay, Vietnam. Hanoi’s Old Quarter is a network of narrow streets organized by trade, with excellent bun cha, pho and egg coffee. The Temple of Literature and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex are worth a visit. Halong Bay, about three to four hours away by road, is known for its limestone islands. Overnight cruises are popular, but the quieter Lan Ha Bay, on the south side of Cat Ba Island, is a good alternative. Quality varies, so read recent reviews and book through a reputable operator.

Bali, Indonesia. Ubud offers rice terraces, art and temples, while the southern coast has surf breaks at Uluwatu and Canggu. For quieter scenery, head to the north and east, such as Sidemen and Amed. Dress modestly at temples and wear a sarong, which is often provided with the entry fee. Traffic can be heavy, so allow extra time and hire a driver for day trips.

Three routes that work

  1. Classic mainland (10–14 days): Bangkok → Siem Reap → Da Nang and Hoi An. Fly Bangkok to Siem Reap (about 1 hour), then fly on to Da Nang. Hoi An is about 45 minutes from the airport and has lantern-lit streets and tailors. Spend 3 nights in Bangkok, 3 in Siem Reap and 4 around Hoi An.
  2. Vietnam focus (7–10 days): Hanoi → Halong Bay or Ninh Binh → Hoi An. Take a domestic flight from Hanoi to Da Nang (about 1 hour 20 minutes). If you prefer rail, the overnight train from Hanoi to Hue or Da Nang is a good experience, though it takes 13 to 17 hours. Ninh Binh, about two hours south of Hanoi, has a landscape of limestone peaks and rivers that is less crowded than Halong Bay.
  3. City and island (7–9 days): Singapore → Bali. Singapore is clean, modern and easy to explore on foot and by MRT, with excellent hawker centers. Flights to Bali take about 2.5 hours, which makes it a smooth contrast.

Travel tips

  • Don’t overpack the itinerary. Two or three bases per week is a reasonable pace. Spending more time in fewer places usually leads to better memories than moving every day.
  • Book early flights. Morning departures avoid the afternoon heat and the worst of the rainy-season thunderstorms, and leave time for delays.
  • Use night transport carefully. Sleeper trains in Vietnam and Thailand save a hotel night, but only if you can sleep on board. For longer distances, budget airlines such as AirAsia, VietJet and Lion Air are affordable.
  • Dress for temples. Carry a light scarf or sarong, and wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees. Remove shoes before entering.
  • Check visa rules. Requirements change often. Many nationalities can enter Thailand and Singapore visa-free for short stays, while Cambodia, Vietnam and Indonesia may require an e-visa or visa on arrival depending on your passport.
  • Eat where locals eat. A busy stall with fast turnover is usually a safer bet than an empty restaurant. Drink bottled or filtered water.

Seasons in brief

November to March is the most comfortable time for Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. Bali is best from April to October. If you travel in the wet season, plan indoor activities for the afternoons and enjoy lower prices.

The short version

If you have two weeks, pick two of these four stops and go slowly. A well-chosen loop, with early starts and rest days built in, is more enjoyable than a rushed tour of the whole region.