How to Spend 3 Weeks in Southeast Asia

Delicious food, incredible temples, beautiful beaches, exotic wildlife – it’s no wonder people love visiting Southeast Asia! Plus, you get to enjoy all of that for bargain prices.

If that’s not enough to convince you to start planning your 3 weeks in Southeast Asia, I don’t know what is!

I visited Southeast Asia for the first time in 2007 on a five week family trip to the Philippines. It was a lot of meeting relatives, island hopping and lechon (roasted pig) dinners.

My next visit was in 2016 when my friend, Emilie, and I decided to jump on a great flight deal and spend 3 weeks in Vietnam. We had the best time cruising down deltas and bays, getting dresses made and eating the plentiful vegetarian food.

In 2019, I got to bring my now-husband to the region on his very first trip to Asia. From light shows in Singapore and temple hopping in Cambodia to bathing elephants and eating Khaoi Soi in Thailand, we really fit a lot into our Southeast Asia 3 week itinerary.

It’s still one of our most memorable trips and we can’t wait to go back and explore more of Asia soon. In fact, we’re planning to return in fall 2024!

With those trips under my belt – plus other trips I’ve been on to the nearby countries of China, Japan and South Korea – I’m sharing my perfect itinerary for 3 weeks in Southeast Asia below! 

I’ll map out exactly how you can spend three weeks in SEA, plus options if you have more or less time. Plus I’ll answer some FAQs, let you know how to travel between stops and share recommendations on where to stay.

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Southeast Asia itinerary for 3 weeks

The below south east Asia trip itinerary covers six cities on four countries with five short-haul flights, some day trips and 2-4 nights in each place. It’s pretty jam-packed but a good way to get a taste of this region.

At the end of the itinerary, I’ll give you suggestions if you want a more relaxed 3 week Southeast Asia itinerary, if you only have two weeks or if you have more time and want to add more destinations.

Singapore (3 nights)

If you’re coming from a Western country, Singapore is an awesome first stop on your 3 weeks in Southeast Asia.

It’s a manageable size (being both a city and a country), English is an official language, and you’ll see many of the same things you’re used to seeing in cities back home, like subways and high rise buildings.

(Plus you can watch Crazy Rich Asians on the flight over and get more excited about your destination!)

But Singapore is so much more than just a big city. It’s an incredible urban jungle that mixes the cultures, languages and cuisines of China, Malaysia and India.

There’s lots to gawk at in Singapore – from the Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay and the incredible Singapore Zoo to the famous Changi Airport and vibrant Little India. I’m not the biggest garden or zoo fan but highly recommend you splurge on both of these places – they’re incredible!

There’s also lots to hawk at, by which I mean Singapore’s famous hawker centres where delicious and cheap food is impossible to miss. I still dream about some of the meals I ate in Singapore!

The only downside to Singapore? It’s expensive! But even if you’re on a budget, I think it’s worth spending a couple of nights in Singapore. The good news is that from here on out, everything will be much cheaper!

Find out what’s worth saving on and what’s worth splurging on in Singapore!

Must do in Singapore:

1. Eat at a hawker centre
2. Watch the light show at the Supertree Grove (it’s free!)
3. Take a selfie with a Merlion

Other popular activities include checking out the city from Marina Bay Sands, spending a fun day at Universal Studios and visiting the Singapore Botanical Garden (free!).

Where to stay in Singapore:

We stayed at the ibis Budget Singapore Emerald (FKA Fragrance Hotel Emerald) and I would recommend it for a budget-friendly stay (we paid less than $50 USD per night in 2019).

We stayed in a Superior Double Room which had a double bed, private bathroom and strong AC (needed for those hot Singapore days!). The room wasn’t huge or ornate but it was clean, modern and close to public transit. It perfectly suited our needs!

Siem Reap, Cambodia (3 nights)

From Singapore you’ll take a 2 hour 10 minute direct flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Siem Reap is known as the jumping off point for Angkor Wat but there’s actually a lot more to do in Siem Reap besides Angkor Wat.

That being said, you will want to build your Siem Reap itinerary around Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After seeing the temple complex with my own eyes in 2019, I thought it totally lived up to the hype and I hope to bring my parents back to see it one day.

Check out my full Angkor Wat guide where I share what to wear, which temples to visit and how to see temples for FREE before your paid pass kicks in!

In order to prevent temple burnout (a real thing!), you’ll also want to spend some time away from Angkor Wat. We structured our days so we could see temples in the morning (when it was cooler) and then do something non-temple related in the afternoons.

I highly recommend taking a Cambodian cooking class, shopping at the night market, seeing a Phare Circus show, visiting the Landmine Museum or the landmine sniffing rats, taking a dip in your hotel pool and eating delicious Cambodian street food.

Must do in Siem Reap:

1. See sunrise and sunset from a temple in Angkor Wat
2. Learn about the Cambodian landmine crisis
3. Drink your weight in mango shakes

Where to stay in Siem Reap:

The hotel we stayed at in Siem Reap, Bayon Boutique, is actually one of the best places I’ve stayed anywhere in the world! I loved the warm hospitality, spacious room and incredible outdoor pool.

Unfortunately, as of March 2024, the hotel appears to be temporarily closed. However the Asanak D’Angkor Boutique Hotel and The Tito Suite Residence both seem to have a similar style, are in the same location, have awesome pools, and have rooms for less than $30 USD per night!

Hanoi, Vietnam (6 nights)

After seeing temples in Siem Reap, you’ll take a 1 hour and 45 minute direct flight to Hanoi in northern Vietnam.

While I’ve specified six nights in Hanoi for this Southeast Asia itinerary, you won’t actually spend all six nights in the city.

You’ll also be visiting nearby Ha Long Bay and Sapa. I would recommend two nights each in Hanoi, Halong Bay and Sapa.

In Hanoi you can experience the hustle and bustle of this big city with motorbikes whipping past and tangles of power lines overhead. While overwhelming, I found Hanoi to be a pretty cool place to walk around, museum hop and eat great street food.

From Hanoi you’ll head out on a tour to Ha Long Bay. You’ll spend a few hours driving there and then board a boat – these range from budget party boats to high-end luxury cruisers.

I recommend staying at least one night on Ha Long Bay or one of the islands in the bay; Cat Ba Island is a popular choice. That way, you can get away from the day trippers and enjoy the beauty and solitude of Ha Long Bay.

2024 update: When I visited Halong Bay in 2016, it wasn’t as popular and if you stayed overnight, you could really get away from the crowds. However, I’ve heard from people who have visited more recently that Halong Bay has gotten quite crowded and dirty. Instead, you may want to try Bai Tu Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay.

After your time in one of the bays, you’ll return to Hanoi and head north to Sapa. You can take an overnight train from Hanoi waking up in the lush rice terraces of Sapa.

Spend your days admiring the views, trekking and getting to know the Hmong, Dao and other groups that call Sapa home. I didn’t make it to Sapa when I was in Vietnam so it’s definitely on my list for next time!

Must do in Hanoi:

1. Visit the Hoa Lo Prison (aka Hanoi Hilton) where John McCain was held as a POW
2. Wander the Old Quarter of Hanoi and marvel at the themed streets
3. Admire the limestone islands of Ha Long, Bai Tu Long or Lan Ha Bay on a trip from Hanoi

Where to stay in Hanoi:

Sadly, I can’t recommend the hotel I stayed at in Hanoi in 2016 as it wasn’t the greatest when it came to service or cleanliness. I would recommend staying in the Old Quarter at any highly rated hotel. Find your Hanoi hotel here!

Chiang Mai, Thailand (3 nights)

From Hanoi you’re flying over to Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand on a 1 hour 45 minute direct flight. Chiang Mai is one of my favourite cities in Southeast Asia and it’s easy to see why so many digital nomads call it home.

The Old City of Chiang Mai is where you’ll want to base yourself for your three days. Here you’ll find temples, markets and a surprising number of Western-style coffee shops and brunch places (the digital nomads do take over, for better and for worse!).

Just outside of town you can climb up to Doi Suthep for a view over Chiang Mai, explore the tunnels of Wat Umong or enjoy a peaceful lunch by Huay Tung Tao Lake. I loved all three of these experiences!

Many visitors to Chiang Mai decide to go on an ethical elephant excursion. Elephants are a big part of Thai culture and the country has a turbulent history with them. We all know that riding elephants is bad (or if you didn’t know, now you do!) but there are more ethical ways to interact with elephants.

Some people will argue that any human interaction with elephants is unethical while others will point out that since many domestic elephants can’t be returned to the wild, patronizing an ethical elephant sanctuary helps support their care. Do your research and make a choice that feels right for your Southeast Asia trip.

If visiting an elephant sanctuary is of interest to you, make sure the sanctuary is operating ethically in a way that protects elephant welfare over human entertainment. A popular option near Chiang Mai is Elephant Nature Park.

We visited a different elephant sanctuary while in Chiang Mai, Chai Lai Orchid Eco Lodge. The experience we had with the elephants was incredible but I still have conflicting thoughts on the overall impact of elephant tourism.

Must do in Chiang Mai:

1. See how many Old City temples you can visit
2. Learn about elephants (even if you decide not to visit a sanctuary)
3. Eat as much Khao Soi as possible – my favourite Thai food!

Where to stay in Chiang Mai:

We stayed at Tommy Huts in Chiang Mai – a cheap and cheerful place located in the Old City. From there we were able to walk to everything. The room itself was fairly basic, but spacious and clean. It worked well for a budget stay!

We also stayed at Chai Lai Orchid for a few nights. While a few things rubbed me the wrong way about the place, overall it was a magical experience to wake up in our beautiful room, feed elephants from our bed, enjoy a delicious breakfast as elephants walked by, and go rafting down the river.

Bangkok, Thailand (2 nights)

I will be honest: I’m not a huge fan of Bangkok.

To be fair, we visited at the very end of our 3 weeks in Southeast Asia and I was pretty burned out on temples, humid temperatures and trying to work remotely the whole time.

Add to that the traffic of Bangkok, getting lost in a market and being scammed the first day and I was pretty over it. Colin and I ended up spending half our time in our hotel room, soaking up the AC, and ordering Pizza Hut!

On the one day we did make it out into Bangkok, we visited the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. And both were incredible! Despite having temple hopped for the last few weeks, I was totally amazed by these complexes and enjoyed seeing all of the intricate details.

I’d love to go back to Bangkok and give it another try with more patience. I know people love this city!

Must do in Bangkok:

1. Visit the Grand Palace
2. Eat at a market and sip a drink at a rooftop bar
3. Don’t get scammed by a tuk tuk driver that wants to bring you to a clothing store that’s “super close” for “just a minute”

Where to stay in Bangkok:

I didn’t love the hotel we stayed at in Bangkok. It was affordable and the air con was strong, but the elevator was broken so it was stairs all the way up to our sixth floor room. Plus, the location wasn’t ideal.

But there’s no shortage of hotel options in Bangkok! I’d look for something next to transit and maybe splurge for a great city view.

Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam (4 nights)

After two quick nights in Bangkok, you’re onto the last stop of your 3 week Southeast Asia itinerary: Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam. Just an 80 minute direct flight from Bangkok will have you relaxing on the beach for the last few days of your trip.

I’m not much of a beach person, but I like the idea of ending a busy 3 week trip with a couple of days of sand and surf. I did just that at the end of my 2016 Vietnam trip.

After journeying with my friend from Saigon to Hanoi, I hopped a plane down to Phu Quoc for a few days of solo relaxation before flying back home to Canada.

While there is stuff to do on the island – temple or island hopping, snorkelling, hiking in national parks, riding cable cars, etc. – I would keep your itinerary loose and relaxed.

I spent my days on Phu Quoc sleeping in, reading on the beach, bopping around in the water, and picking up fresh fish and fruit from the local stands on my way back to my hotel. It was blissful!

What to do in Phu Quoc:

1. Chill at the beach!

Or if you want to have a slightly more active vacation you can also go snorkelling, learn to scuba dive or explore the island by jeep.

Where to stay in Phu Quoc:

Since this is the last stop on your Southeast Asia itinerary, I’d encourage you to indulge in a luxurious final stay that’s close to a beach. Luckily, luxury on Phu Quoc is very affordable!

I stayed at a nice hotel, T&T Resort, that was around the corner from the beach, and my room had a giant king bed, rain shower head and balcony. All that for about $20 USD per night!

Recap: 3 weeks in Southeast Asia itinerary

To recap, here’s my suggested itinerary for your 3 weeks in Southeast Asia:

• 3 nights in Singapore
• 3 nights in Siem Reap, Cambodia
• 6 nights in Hanoi, Vietnam (includes Ha Long Bay & Sapa)
• 3 nights in Chiang Mai, Thailand
• 2 nights in Bangkok, Thailand
• 4 nights Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam

Customize this Southeast Asia itinerary to you

I put a lot of thought into designing my SEA itinerary based on my past trips, research and feedback from other travellers.

I wanted an itinerary that hit the highlights but still made time for some relaxation away from the crowds, balanced cities and nature, and introduced you to a few different countries but without a bunch of connecting flights or back tracking.

Even still, I’m sure my itinerary is not perfect for everyone. If you know that you prefer big cities or more beach time, go ahead and customize this itinerary accordingly!

• If you like big cities: Spend more time in Singapore and Bangkok, then add on a few more big cities, like Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur.
• If you like hiking & trekking: Check out famous trekking trails in Malaysia and Indonesia or extend your time in Sapa to do a multi-day hike through the rice fields.
• If you like beaches: Extend your time on Phu Quoc Island or check out the beaches of Thailand or Indonesia’s islands.
• If you like temples: Prioritize more days exploring Angkor Wat and don’t miss Wat Pho in Thailand or the Batu Caves in Malaysia.

Short on time? How to spend 2 weeks in Southeast Asia

If you only have 2 weeks in Southeast Asia, I would recommend removing Bangkok (2 nights), Phu Quoc Island (4 nights) and a night in Hanoi from this itinerary.

By doing that, you still have your big city time in Singapore (so skipping Bangkok won’t be too bad), and with 5 days in Hanoi instead of 6, you’d still have time for quick trips to Ha Long Bay and Sapa.

Unfortunately, it does mean cutting out your designated beach time on Phu Quoc, but I personally think the other highlights of this itinerary make up for that!

So your Southeast Asia itinerary for 2 weeks would look like:

• 3 nights in Singapore
• 3 nights in Siem Reap
• 5 nights in Hanoi (includes Ha Long Bay & Sapa)
• 3 nights in Chiang Mai

You still get to visit four different countries and all of your stops are still connected by short, direct flights!

Have more time? Southeast Asia itinerary for 1 month (or more!)

Of course, my 3 week itinerary above just scratches the surface of Southeast Asia. If you have more time, there’s so much more you can see and do in this 11 country region.

You can also slow down, spending more time in each stop, and slowly travel overland rather than taking planes every few days.

Here are a few recommendations to fill a Southeast Asia itinerary for 1 month or more:

• From Singapore you can easily take a bus, train or quick flight across the border to Malaysia. Admire the Petronas Twin Towers and Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur and feast like royalty in the foodie haven of Penang.
• Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, is another great place for foodies. There’s also important history to be learned there at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.
• With more time in Vietnam, I definitely recommend a trip down to Hoi An, a charming city with a beach, magical old town and tailors who can make you a complete wardrobe in just a few days. Hue is also worth visiting for its wonderful citadel.
• From Chiang Mai you can head further north to Chiang Rai and visit the famous White Temple. Keep going north and you can visit another Southeast Asian country famous for its scenery and affordable prices, Laos. Luang Prabang is high on my to-visit list!
• Extend your beach options beyond Phu Quoc and check out some other much loved beach areas like Koh Samui in Thailand, Bali in Indonesia and Boracay in the Philippines.
• With so many islands to see, the countries of Indonesia and the Philippines are probably best visited on a longer trip to Southeast Asia or on their own separate trips.
• With more time you could even visit the least touristed countries of Brunei, Timor-Leste and Myanmar. Be sure to do your research before visiting!

Bonus: While not technically in Southeast Asia, many flights to the region have a layover in Japan. Why not spend 24 hours in Tokyo admiring temples, getting coffee at quirky cafes and having your fill of sushi?

Southeast Asia travel FAQS

Where is Southeast Asia?

Let’s start with the basics, where is Southeast Asia? As the name implies, Southeast Asia (sometimes written “SE Asia” or “SEA”) refers to a group of 11 countries in the south eastern corner of the continent.

Those countries are Brunei, Cambodia, Timor-Leste, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

How long do you need in Southeast Asia?

I think 3 weeks in Southeast Asia is a great amount of time to visit. I know not everyone can get three weeks off work, so I’d still recommend visiting Southeast Asia if you only have 10-14 days.

Any shorter, and it might not make sense if you’re coming from far away and have to spend a lot of time and money flying to Asia, plus a couple of days getting over jet lag.

While 3 weeks in Southeast Asia is wonderful, it’s not enough time to see everything. Remember that Southeast Asia is made up of 11 countries, and unlike Western Europe, there’s not a high speed train connecting them all.

With 3 weeks in Asia, I would recommend no more than 7 bases – giving you about 3 days per base.

Of course, if you have more time, awesome! I love the idea of spending six months in Southeast Asia and really taking your time journeying through each country. That’s on my bucket list!

What should you include on a 3 week Southeast Asia itinerary?

You can choose to spend your 3 weeks in Southeast Asia all in one country or bounce around to a few.

On my first Southeast Asia vacation itinerary I spent my entire time in Vietnam travelling from south to north (Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), Hue, Hoi An, Hanoi and Ha Long Bay) before spending a few final days on Phu Quoc Island.

On my second 3 week south east Asia itinerary, Colin and I decided to bounce around visiting places in Singapore, Cambodia and Thailand. Both trips were amazing!

If you prefer to dive deep on a specific culture, country or food, I’d recommend spending your entire 3 weeks in south east Asia in just one country. If you’d rather hit the highlights and explore deeper on a future trip, you may want to see a few countries.

Check out the best and worst of our 2019 Southeast Asia trip!

You can create an itinerary that focuses on food, temples, beaches, wildlife, culture or all of the above! Southeast Asia is an incredibly diverse place and I truly think there’s something for every type of traveller.

Must-see lists in Southeast Asia usually include Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Halong Bay in Vietnam and The Grand Palace in Thailand. While I do recommend all of these spots, I think you can have an incredible trip without hitting all of the must-sees.

When should you visit Southeast Asia?

Every country in Southeast Asia is unique so there’s not really a good or bad time to go. When one country is in the middle of their monsoon season, another is ideal for surfing or spotting wildlife.

You’ll also want to keep in mind busy holidays, like Songkran in Thailand or Tết in Vietnam, and the crowds that busy season may bring. Some travellers prefer shoulder season or off season – worse weather but lower prices and smaller crowds.

Generally speaking, the north western countries of Southeast Asia (Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos) are best to visit in the northern hemisphere’s winter, November to March.

Countries to the southeast of the region, like Malaysia and Indonesia, are usually best to visit in the middle chunk of the year, from April to October.

I’ve visited Southeast Asia in July (Philippines), November (Vietnam) and January/February (Singapore, Cambodia and Thailand). While it was always hot, I had a great time in all of these months!

What is the best way to get around Southeast Asia?

Most visitors to Southeast Asia will get around by plane. This region has lots of low cost carriers and it’s the easiest and fastest way to cover large distances.

While train travel is available in Southeast Asia, the train networks are not as robust as places like Japan or Switzerland. Bus travel is usually more popular and more affordable.

You may also find yourself on ferries or taking private vehicles to get to more off the beaten path places.

Once you’re in a city, it’s usually best to get around using an app like Grab (Asia’s alternative to Uber) to call a car or motorbike. In some places, like Singapore or Bangkok, public transport is also a great option.

One of the best resources for booking bus tickets in Southeast Asia is 12Go. Check it out!

How much does it cost to visit Southeast Asia for 3 weeks?

It’s tough to give an exact amount because everyone travels differently. That being said, Southeast Asia is generally a very affordable place to travel. Meals can be had for just a few dollars and so can beds in hostels.

Certain countries, like Singapore, will be much more expensive than other countries, like Vietnam. In most cases though, your largest expense will be your long-haul flight to get to Asia from your home country.

On our 2019 south east Asia 3 week itinerary, we stayed in private rooms with private bathrooms in mid-range hotels. The cost ranged from $13-47 USD per night; the cheapest was $13 in Bangkok and the most expensive was $47 in Singapore.

Meals out were inexpensive – we often got two drinks, two mains and a side for $10 USD in Cambodia. Attractions ranged from free temples and markets to more pricy options, like the Singapore Zoo (from $36 USD/ticket in 2024).

I think you could be very comfortable in Southeast Asia on a budget of $30-50 per person per day. That would get you a private room at a mid-range hotel, meals out at casual restaurants, a few Grab rides and entrance to a tourist attraction or two.

Wrapping up: Have the best 3 weeks in Southeast Asia

And there you have it, a complete itinerary for 3 weeks in Southeast Asia, plus itinerary alternatives and answers to some FAQs!

Southeast Asia is one of the best places I’ve ever travelled – and I’ve been to almost 50 countries on 6 continents! It’s a region full of so much beauty, culture, nature and, of course, incredible food.

I can’t wait for our next trip to Southeast Asia to keep exploring this fantastic part of the world.

I’d love to know: Have you been to Southeast Asia before? Where would you suggest someone go on their first visit? Or if you haven’t been, where are you most excited to go first?

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