Asia

Top Southeast Asia Destinations and Loops for 7 to 12 Days

Bangkok, Siem Reap, Hanoi, Hoi An and Bali, plus three sample loops with flight times, so you can plan a first trip without wasting days in transit.

Southeast Asia rewards slow, focused itineraries. The destinations below are the ones most first-time visitors enjoy, and the loops keep flights short and hotel changes few.

Key destinations

Bangkok. Thailand’s capital is a good starting point because it is one of the region’s main air hubs, with cheap onward flights. The Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun make a full day of sightseeing, and the city’s food, from street noodles to Michelin-listed restaurants, is the main reason to stay longer. Allow three nights.

Siem Reap. This is the base for Angkor Wat and the other temples of the Angkor complex. Two full days is the practical minimum. Beyond the main temples, Banteay Srei, with its pink sandstone carvings, and Beng Mealea, a largely unrestored temple swallowed by jungle, are quieter alternatives. The Tonle Sap floating villages are also an option, though choose operators that benefit local communities.

Hanoi and Halong Bay. Hanoi is walkable and full of cafes, with a historic Old Quarter, lakes and French colonial buildings. Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is about three to four hours away. A two-day cruise is enough, and quieter Lan Ha Bay is a good alternative.

Hoi An and Da Nang. Hoi An’s old town is a UNESCO-listed trading port with yellow-walled houses, tailors and riverside cafes. Da Nang, about 45 minutes away, has long beaches and the Marble Mountains. Hue, to the north, adds an imperial citadel and royal tombs. The Hai Van Pass between Hue and Da Nang is a scenic ride by motorbike or car.

Bali. Ubud is the cultural center, with dance performances, rice terraces and cooking classes. The southern coast has beaches and surf, and the smaller islands of Nusa Penida and the Gilis are reachable by fast boat. Bali’s busiest months are July, August and December.

Three sample loops

  1. Culture loop (10–12 days): Bangkok → Siem Reap → Hanoi. Fly Bangkok to Siem Reap (1 hour), and Siem Reap to Hanoi (about 2 hours). Spend 3 nights in Bangkok, 3 in Siem Reap and 4 in Hanoi, including a night in Halong Bay or Ninh Binh. This is a classic first look at Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.
  2. Central Vietnam (7–9 days): Da Nang → Hoi An → Hue. Start and end in Da Nang, or fly into Da Nang and out of Hue or Hanoi. Three nights in Hoi An, two in Hue and a day at the beach make a relaxed trip. The weather is best from February to August.
  3. City and island (7–9 days): Singapore → Bali. Spend two or three nights in Singapore, then fly to Denpasar (about 2.5 hours). Split the rest between Ubud and the coast.

How to travel well

  • Limit yourself to two or three bases per week. A new hotel every night leaves little time to explore. If you have just a week, choose one country.
  • Book morning flights. Domestic flights are cheap and plentiful. Early departures avoid the heat and the chance of delays from afternoon storms.
  • Think in loops. Flying into one city and out of another, called an open-jaw ticket, saves backtracking. Search for multi-city fares, which can be better value than two one-way tickets.
  • Pack light. Lightweight, quick-drying clothing works best. Carry a sarong or scarf for temples.
  • Use ride-hailing apps. Grab operates in most countries in the region and avoids haggling over taxi fares. Agree a price for tuk-tuks beforehand.

Make the most of each place

  • Look beyond the headline sites. In the Angkor area, a visit to a lesser-known temple early in the morning is often more memorable than the busiest sunrise spot.
  • Eat at busy stalls. A line of locals is usually a good sign. Street food is cheap, and most travelers find it easier on the stomach than they expect if they choose freshly cooked dishes.
  • Consider the rainy season. Showers are often short, landscapes are green and hotel rates drop. The main trade-off is that some sea crossings are rougher.

When to go

The mainland is most comfortable from November to February. Bali is best from April to October. Central Vietnam is driest from February to August, and typhoon risk there peaks from September to November.

The short version

For a first trip, choose one of the three loops, fly open-jaw, and give yourself a rest day halfway through. You will see more by doing less.