34 days in Southeast Asia Itinerary

A Singapore vacation reveals the many charms of a leading city-state and regional hub of culture, retail, and tourism.

Get some cultural insight at Chinatown and Singapore Botanic Gardens. Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum and Sentosa Boardwalk will appeal to history buffs. And it doesn't end there: see the interesting displays at Madame Tussauds Singapore, make a trip to Singapore Flyer, tour the pleasant surroundings at Tanjong Beach, and admire the natural beauty at Gardens by the Bay.

For reviews, where to stay, ratings, and other tourist information, use the Singapore sightseeing planning site.

Manila, Philippines to Singapore is an approximately 7-hour flight. May in Singapore sees daily highs of 38°C and lows of 30°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 3rd (Wed) to allow time to drive to Melaka.

Known as the "Historical City," Melaka boasts an eclectic blend of colonial, Peranakan Chinese, and traditional Malay architecture.

Kick off your visit on the 4th (Thu): make a trip to St Paul's Church, then explore the activities along Malacca River, then take an in-depth tour of Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum, and finally make a trip to Chinatown - Melaka.

For more things to do, other places to visit, maps, and other tourist information, use the Melaka trip itinerary planner.

You can take a bus from Singapore to Melaka in 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus; or do a combination of flight and bus. In May in Melaka, expect temperatures between 38°C during the day and 28°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 4th (Thu) to allow time to drive to Kuala Lumpur.

A holiday in Kuala Lumpur, a modern metropolis and capital of Malaysia, reveals a place where colonial influences, Asian traditions, and modern aesthetics come together in urban architecture and street layout.

Kick off your visit on the 5th (Fri): walk around KL Bird Park, then explore the world behind art at Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, then explore the fascinating underground world of Batu Caves, and finally enjoy breathtaking views from Menara Kuala Lumpur.

To see maps, reviews, ratings, and tourist information, use the Kuala Lumpur travel route builder app.

Traveling by car from Melaka to Kuala Lumpur takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 39°C in May, and nighttime lows around 28°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 5th (Fri) so you can fly to George Town.

A kind of architectural playground, George Town is city offering an attractive mix of style, history, and culture.

Kick off your visit on the 6th (Sat): see the interesting displays at Khoo Kongsi, take an in-depth tour of Pinang Peranakan Mansion, then contemplate the long history of Cheong Fatt Tze - The Blue Mansion, then take an in-depth tour of Sun Yat Sen Museum, and finally get to know the fascinating history of Armenian Street. Here are some ideas for day two: stop by Chew Jetty, contemplate the long history of Fort Cornwallis, then admire the landmark architecture of Kek Lok Si Temple, and finally tour the pleasant surroundings at Batu Ferringhi Beach.

For photos, where to stay, other places to visit, and tourist information, go to the George Town travel site.

You can fly from Kuala Lumpur to George Town in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of car and ferry. The time zone changes from Malaysia Time to Western Indonesia Time, which is usually a -1 hour difference. In May, plan for daily highs up to 37°C, and evening lows to 29°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 8th (Mon) early enough to travel to Patong.

Take advantage of nighttime entertainment and daytime relaxation on a Patong vacation.

Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Big Buddha Phuket and Patong Inn Art. Get in touch with nature at Patong Beach and Scuba & Snorkeling. Step out of Patong with an excursion to Chaithararam Temple (Wat Chalong) in Chalong--about 32 minutes away. There's much more to do: discover the deep blue sea with The Junk Liveaboards, indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas, surround yourself with nature on Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket Offices, and explore the galleries of The Phuket Gallery.

For photos, other places to visit, ratings, and more tourist information, refer to the Patong vacation maker app.

You can do a combination of flight and bus from George Town to Patong in 7 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of ferry and car. In May, daytime highs in Patong are 38°C, while nighttime lows are 28°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 11th (Thu) so you can travel to Bophut.

Rocky cliffs and sandy bays draw visitors looking for a action along the coastal area in Bophut, where diving and snorkeling opportunitys abound.

Start off your visit on the 12th (Fri): make a trip to Pagoda Khao Hua Jook, take in the spiritual surroundings of Wat Plai Laem, then look for gifts at Blue Vanilla Samui, and finally look for all kinds of wild species at The Life Aquatic. On the 13th (Sat), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas, tour the pleasant surroundings at Lamai Beach, then take in the exciting artwork at KoKo Gallery, and finally kick back and relax at Chaweng Beach.

To find ratings, traveler tips, other places to visit, and other tourist information, use the Bophut route builder website.

You can do a combination of bus and flight from Patong to Bophut in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can ride a ferry; or do a combination of car and ferry. Expect a bit warmer evenings in Bophut when traveling from Patong in May, with lows around 32°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Sat) so you can fly to Bangkok.

Enjoy cultural, historical, and culinary exploration during your holiday in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand and the most populous city in the country.

Kick off your visit on the 14th (Sun): contemplate the long history of The Grand Palace, admire the striking features of Jim Thompson House, and then relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas.

For reviews, other places to visit, ratings, and tourist information, use the Bangkok trip itinerary website.

You can fly from Bophut to Bangkok in 3 hours. Other options are to do a combination of ferry and train; or do a combination of car and ferry. In May in Bangkok, expect temperatures between 41°C during the day and 32°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Sun) to allow time to fly to Yangon (Rangoon).

Although Myanmar moved its capital to Naypyidaw in 2005, Yangon remains the largest city and commercial hub in the country.

Kick off your visit on the 15th (Mon): pause for some photo ops at Chaukhtatgyi Buddha, explore the galleries of Musmeah Yeshua Synagogue, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Sule Pagoda, and finally indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas.

To see maps, more things to do, other places to visit, and more tourist information, use the Yangon (Rangoon) itinerary planner.

Traveling by flight from Bangkok to Yangon (Rangoon) takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus and car. You'll gain 0.5 hours traveling from Bangkok to Yangon (Rangoon) due to the time zone difference. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 15th (Mon) early enough to fly to Bagan.

The thousands of temples at Bagan rise up from the plain, each with their own history, style, and spiritual meaning.

Start off your visit on the 16th (Tue): steep yourself in history at Shwesandaw Pagoda, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Ananda Temple, then delve into the distant past at Bagan Temples, and finally head outdoors with Shwe-gyu-gyi.

For other places to visit, traveler tips, ratings, and other tourist information, use the Bagan road trip website.

You can fly from Yangon (Rangoon) to Bagan in 3 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 16th (Tue) so you can fly to Mandalay.

Built on a large scale by a king needing to impress and rebuild after defeat in battle, Mandalay deserves exploration.

On the 17th (Wed), don't miss a visit to Mandalay Palace.

To find more things to do, other places to visit, photos, and tourist information, read Mandalay trip itinerary builder.

You can fly from Bagan to Mandalay in 2.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. On the 17th (Wed), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can fly to Luang Prabang.

Designated a World Heritage Site in 1995, Luang Prabang sits at the meeting point of two rivers and offers numerous opportunities for sailing, climbing, and exploring scenic caves and waterfalls.

Start off your visit on the 19th (Fri): look for gifts at Queen Design Lao, admire the landmark architecture of Wat Xiengthong, then take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Mount Phousi, then see the interesting displays at Royal Palace Museum, and finally relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas.

To see other places to visit, reviews, more things to do, and other tourist information, read Luang Prabang tour itinerary builder tool.

Getting from Mandalay to Luang Prabang by flight takes about 8.5 hours. Other options: drive; or do a combination of bus and car. You'll lose 0.5 hours traveling from Mandalay to Luang Prabang due to the time zone difference. May in Luang Prabang sees daily highs of 41°C and lows of 27°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 19th (Fri) so you can catch the flight to Vientiane.

The riverside capital of Laos, Vientiane still has a relatively small urban area and a laid-back, relaxed feel to it.

Kick off your visit on the 20th (Sat): take an in-depth tour of Lao National History Museum, take in the spiritual surroundings of Wat Si Saket, indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Great Sacred Stupa (Pha That Luang), then pause for some photo ops at Wat That Luang Neua, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Wat Ho Phra Keo.

For photos, traveler tips, where to stay, and more tourist information, refer to the Vientiane trip builder app.

Fly from Luang Prabang to Vientiane in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In May, daily temperatures in Vientiane can reach 40°C, while at night they dip to 29°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 20th (Sat) so you can fly to Hanoi.

The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi has bounded back from the effects of war, and today serves as a bustling commercial and cultural hub bursting at the seams.

On the 21st (Sun), steep yourself in history at Temple of Literature & National University and then explore the galleries of A Dong Art Gallery. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: view the masterpieces at TiredCity Hang Bong, then browse the exhibits of Klimt Art Gallery, and then appreciate the extensive heritage of Old Quarter.

To see where to stay, other places to visit, photos, and more tourist information, read our Hanoi trip planner.

You can fly from Vientiane to Hanoi in 4.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or do a combination of bus and train. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 23rd (Tue) early enough to fly to Da Nang.

A curious mix of developed beachfront tourism and untouched local city life, Da Nang presents an often-overlooked but authentic and welcoming picture of central Vietnam.

Start off your visit on the 24th (Wed): stroll through The Marble Mountains and then indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas. Here are some ideas for day two: explore the world behind art at Da Nang Fine Arts Museum and then see some colorful creatures with Dacotours - Da Nang Travel Agency.

Plan a Da Nang trip in moments using our itinerary builder.

You can take a bus from Hanoi to Da Nang in 17.5 hours. Other options are to fly; or drive; or take a bus. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 25th (Thu) so you can catch the flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Formerly known in the West as Saigon and affectionately referred to as the "Pearl of the Far East," Ho Chi Minh City is a study of old and new, woven and piled together in a fast-paced urban hub.

Kick off your visit on the 26th (Fri): admire the striking features of Central Post Office, then pause for some serene contemplation at Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon, and then indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas.

To find photos and tourist information, you can read our Ho Chi Minh City trip planner.

Take a train from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City in 20 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive; or take a train. In May, plan for daily highs up to 41°C, and evening lows to 30°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 27th (Sat) early enough to drive to Phnom Penh.

On the confluence of two major rivers, Phnom Penh occupies a scenic location largely responsible for its nickname the "Charming City." On a trip to Phnom Penh you'll discover one of Asia's most dynamic cities, where the natives live much of their lives outdoors, on the streets, and in the bustling markets filled with scents of spicy foods.

You'll explore and learn at Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Lotus Space. Escape the urban bustle at Garden City Golf Club and Boat Tours & Water Sports. Take a break from Phnom Penh with a short trip to Udong Mountain in Udong, about 1h 10 min away. There's still lots to do: steep yourself in history at Choeung Ek Genocidal Center, explore the historical opulence of Royal Palace, see Off-Road Tours, and relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas.

To find more things to do, maps, where to stay, and other tourist information, use the Phnom Penh journey planner.

Drive from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or do a combination of car and bus. In May, daily temperatures in Phnom Penh can reach 42°C, while at night they dip to 31°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 3rd (Sat) early enough to fly back home.