59 days in Southeast Asia Itinerary

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 11th (Fri), spend a fun day on foot with Walking tours. Next up on the itinerary: explore the activities along Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake), stop by IndochinaSilk, contemplate the long history of Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and take in the spiritual surroundings of Temple of Literature & National University.

For reviews, photos, ratings, and tourist information, go to the Hanoi trip planner.

Kathmandu, Nepal to Hanoi is an approximately 10-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of car, bus, and train. The time zone difference moving from Nepal Time to Indochina Time is 1.2 hours. Finish your sightseeing early on the 12th (Sat) so you can drive to Ha Giang.

Kick off your visit on the 13th (Sun): see Off-Road Tours and then shake up your sightseeing with a climbing tour. Here are some ideas for day two: hit the best photo ops around with an inspiring photography tour.

To find reviews, maps, photos, and tourist information, read our Ha Giang trip planning app.

You can drive from Hanoi to Ha Giang in 6.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of train and taxi. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 14th (Mon) to allow enough time to drive to Mu Cang Chai.

Mù Cang Chải is a rural district of Yên Bái Province, in the Northwest region of Vietnam. Start off your visit on the 15th (Tue): take in the awesome beauty at Khau Pha Pass and then take in the pleasant sights at La Pan Tan.

To find photos, traveler tips, ratings, and tourist information, you can read our Mu Cang Chai trip planner.

Getting from Ha Giang to Mu Cang Chai by car takes about 7.5 hours. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 15th (Tue) to allow time for travel to Halong Bay.

Halong Bay encompasses a cluster of verdant limestone islets that jut out from the sea and make up an enchanting setting recognized as a World Heritage Site.

On the 16th (Wed), contemplate the waterfront views at Hạ Long Bay, then explore the activities along Bai Tu Long Bay, and then Head underground at Tien Ong Cave. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: hunt for treasures at Ha Long Market, then snap pictures at Pont Bai Chay, and then get a new perspective on things with Boat Tours & Water Sports.

To see where to stay, reviews, more things to do, and tourist information, go to the Halong Bay journey planning app.

The Route module can help you plan travel from Mu Cang Chai to Halong Bay. Cap off your sightseeing on the 17th (Thu) early enough to travel to Ninh Binh.

A fairly nondescript town, Ninh Binh acts as a base for explorations of the province of the same name, with the karst landscape and lush valleys that surround the town offering a wealth of scenic vistas of rice paddies and rugged rocks.

Take a break from Ninh Binh with a short trip to Bai Dinh Pagoda in Gia Sinh, about 34 minutes away. And it doesn't end there: get outside with Outdoor Activities, Head underground at Trang An Grottoes, stroll through Van Long Nature Reserve, and take in the spiritual surroundings of Thai Vi Temple.

To find out how to plan a trip to Ninh Binh, use our trip itinerary maker.

Getting from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh by combination of ferry, car, and bus takes about 6 hours. Other options: do a combination of ferry and bus. August in Ninh Binh sees daily highs of 38°C and lows of 30°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Sun) early enough to travel to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.

Marked by underground rivers, famous caves, limestone cliffs, and tropical rainforests, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park wows visitors with a spectacular range of landscapes and wildlife.

Kick off your visit on the 21st (Mon): explore the fascinating underground world of Son Doong Cave. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 22nd (Tue): make a trip to Phong Nha Caves, relax in the rural setting at The Duck Stop, and then relax and rejuvenate at Magic Fingers.

To see traveler tips, photos, reviews, and more tourist information, read Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park day trip website.

Do a combination of bus and flight from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in 5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 22nd (Tue) to allow time to drive to Hue.

Nestled on the banks of the Perfume River, the city of Hue remains most famous as the former home of the Nguyen Dynasty, the influence of which remains evident in local palaces, temples, forts, and museums.

Spend the 24th (Thu) wandering through the wild on a nature and wildlife tour. There's lots more to do: contemplate the long history of Imperial City, take in the exciting artwork at Green Bamboo Art Gallery, stop by Tinh Hoa Art Shop, and admire the landmark architecture of Thien Mu Pagoda.

For ratings, more things to do, and more tourist information, go to the Hue road trip planning site.

You can drive from Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park to Hue in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In August, daily temperatures in Hue can reach 40°C, while at night they dip to 29°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 25th (Fri) early enough to go by car 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.

To find ratings, where to stay, traveler tips, and tourist information, use the Da Nang tour planner.

Getting from Hue to Da Nang by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: take a bus; or take a train. August in Da Nang sees daily highs of 40°C and lows of 30°C at night. On the 25th (Fri), you're off to Hoi An.

Indisputably one of Vietnam's most atmospheric destinations, Hoi An contains a World Heritage-listed old town boasting over 2,000 years of culture and history.

Hoi An is known for shopping, sightseeing, and spas. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: get outside with Outdoor Activities, stop by Rubin Cloth Shop, take in the views from Japanese Covered Bridge, and relax in the rural setting at Tra Que Minty Garden.

To see maps, traveler tips, more things to do, and other tourist information, read our Hoi An trip planner.

Traveling by car from Da Nang to Hoi An takes an hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 40°C in August, and nighttime lows around 30°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 28th (Mon) early enough to fly 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.

On the 2nd (Sat), spend an adventurous day with a kayaking and canoeing tour. There's much more to do: make a trip to Cu Chi Tunnels, admire the striking features of The Independence Palace, take in the spiritual surroundings of Chùa Giác Lâm (Giac Lam Pagoda), and learn the secrets of beer at a beer tour and tasting.

To see maps, traveler tips, and tourist information, read Ho Chi Minh City driving holiday planning website.

You can fly from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus and train. In August, daytime highs in Ho Chi Minh City are 38°C, while nighttime lows are 29°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 2nd (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.

On the 3rd (Sun), take an in-depth tour of Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, then get in on the family fun at Fly Phnom Penh, then contemplate the long history of Choeung Ek Genocidal Center, and finally get some fabulous bargains at Zando City Mall. Here are some ideas for day two: explore and take pictures at Central Market, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Wat Phnom, then examine the collection at National Museum, then explore the historical opulence of Royal Palace, and finally pause for some photo ops at Independence Monument.

Start your trip to Phnom Penh by creating a personalized itinerary on Klarna Trips.

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. September in Phnom Penh sees daily highs of 38°C and lows of 29°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 5th (Tue) to allow time to fly to Siem Reap.

Once a small village in northwest Cambodia, Siem Reap now serves as a gateway to the Angkor region's World Heritage-listed temple and other attractions.

Start off your visit on the 5th (Tue): make a trip to Pub Street and then explore the ancient world of Angkor Wat. On your second day here, delve into the distant past at Bayon Temple, steep yourself in history at Angkor Thom, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Ta Prohm, and finally contemplate the long history of Angkor Thom South Gate.

For reviews, more things to do, maps, and other tourist information, go to the Siem Reap day trip website.

Fly from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 37°C in September, and nighttime lows around 30°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 7th (Thu) early enough to catch the flight 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.

Bangkok is known for shopping, historic sites, and nightlife. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: steep yourself in history at The Grand Palace, take in the spiritual surroundings of Wat Nak Prok, buy something for everyone on your list at Siam Paragon, and stroll around Lumpini Park.

For reviews, other places to visit, maps, and tourist information, use the Bangkok holiday planner.

Getting from Siem Reap to Bangkok by flight takes about 5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. In September, daily temperatures in Bangkok can reach 38°C, while at night they dip to 30°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 10th (Sun) to allow time to travel to Patong.

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

Step out of Patong with an excursion to Big Buddha Phuket in Chalong--about 46 minutes away. The adventure continues: see some colorful creatures with a scuba or snorkeling tour, make a trip to A&F Tour Travel, let little ones run wild at Kidzoona, and enjoy the sand and surf at Kata Beach.

To find ratings, other places to visit, traveler tips, and tourist information, refer to the Patong trip planner.

Traveling by combination of flight and bus from Bangkok to Patong takes 5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In September, daily temperatures in Patong can reach 36°C, while at night they dip to 27°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Wed) to allow enough time to drive to Khao Sok National Park.

While on tour of Khao Sok National Park, you'll discover a dense jungle, towering karst formations, and a man-made lake.

Venture out of the city with trips to Phang Nga (Exotic Fishing Thailand & Phang Nga Elephant Park) and Wat Suwan Kuha (Cave Temple) (in Takua Thung). Spend the 16th (Sat) exploring nature at Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park. There's still lots to do: stroll through Khao Sok Elephant Sanctuary.

For photos, ratings, maps, and other tourist information, read our Khao Sok National Park trip maker website.

Traveling by car from Patong to Khao Sok National Park takes 3 hours. In September, daily temperatures in Khao Sok National Park can reach 38°C, while at night they dip to 27°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 16th (Sat) so you can drive to Krabi Town.

Krabi Town takes you away from the bustle of coastal beach resorts in this region.

Krabi Town is known for beaches, nature, and wildlife. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: kick back and relax at Railay Beach, explore the striking landscape at Khao Khanap Nam Cave, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea), and tour the pleasant surroundings at PhraNang Cave Beach.

For maps, photos, where to stay, and more tourist information, go to the Krabi Town road trip app.

You can drive from Khao Sok National Park to Krabi Town in 2.5 hours. In September, plan for daily highs up to 36°C, and evening lows to 27°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 20th (Wed) so you can fly to Ang Thong.

As the capital of a province of the same name, Ang Thong boasts a rich history--most notably as an outpost during the war against the Burmese and the birthplace of Nai Dok and Nai Thongkaeo, two of the war's venerated heroes.

On the 21st (Thu), get great views at Blue Lagoon (Emerald Lake), take in the dramatic natural features at Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park, and then head off the coast to Ko Wua Talap Island. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 22nd (Fri): relax and rejuvenate at Secret Garden Spa and then take in the pleasant sights at Pha Jun Jaras Viewpoint.

For more things to do, other places to visit, and more tourist information, you can read our Ang Thong trip maker.

Traveling by flight from Krabi Town to Ang Thong takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Plan for somewhat warmer nights when traveling from Krabi Town in September since evenings lows in Ang Thong dip to 31°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Fri) to allow enough time to 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.

Bophut is known for shopping, historic sites, and nightlife. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: stroll through Samui Elephant Sanctuary, see some colorful creatures with a scuba or snorkeling tour, get great views at Lad Koh View Point, and make a trip to Pagoda Khao Hua Jook.

For traveler tips, reviews, where to stay, and other tourist information, go to the Bophut travel planner.

Bophut is just a stone's throw from Ang Thong. In September, plan for daily highs up to 38°C, and evening lows to 31°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 25th (Mon) early enough to catch the ferry to Ko Pha-Ngan.

Ko Phangan vacations serve as an ideal escape for backpackers and other spontaneous travelers.

Kick off your visit on the 26th (Tue): indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas, then enjoy the sand and surf at Salad Beach, then see some colorful creatures with a scuba or snorkeling tour, and finally don't miss a visit to Phangan Royal Navy Ship. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 27th (Wed): kick back and relax at Bottle Beach, then enjoy the sand and surf at Thong Nai Pan Noi, and then kick back and relax at Mae Haad Beach.

To find photos, ratings, where to stay, and other tourist information, you can read our Ko Pha-Ngan trip planner.

Traveling by ferry from Bophut to Ko Pha-Ngan takes 1.5 hours. In September, daytime highs in Ko Pha-Ngan are 38°C, while nighttime lows are 31°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 27th (Wed) early enough to ride a ferry to Koh Tao.

A holiday in Ko Tao ensures a mix of adventure and relaxation on a fast-developing island in the Gulf of Thailand.

On the 28th (Thu), get interesting insight from Tours.

To find reviews, photos, traveler tips, and tourist information, go to the Koh Tao online holiday maker.

Traveling by ferry from Ko Pha-Ngan to Koh Tao takes 2 hours. In September, daily temperatures in Koh Tao can reach 38°C, while at night they dip to 31°C. On the 28th (Thu), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel to Ko Samet.

A popular trip from Bangkok, Ko Samet provides a getaway with white-sand beaches, clear waters, and coral reefs teeming with fish.

Ko Samet is known for beaches, nightlife, and spas. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: enjoy the sand and surf at Ao Wai, head off the coast to Ko Samet, stroll through Ao Phai, and relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas.

To find photos, reviews, where to stay, and other tourist information, go to the Ko Samet trip planner.

Use the Route module to find suitable travel options from Koh Tao to Ko Samet. In September in Ko Samet, expect temperatures between 36°C during the day and 30°C at night. You will leave for Chiang Mai on the 2nd (Mon).

Discover the diverse history and culture of northern Thailand during a holiday in Chiang Mai, the largest and most significant city in the region.

Kick off your visit on the 3rd (Tue): indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas, admire the landmark architecture of Wat Chiang Man, then explore the ancient world of Wat Chedi Luang Worawihan, and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Wat Phra Singh.

To find where to stay, maps, more things to do, and other tourist information, use the Chiang Mai itinerary planner.

Explore your travel options from Ko Samet to Chiang Mai with the Route module. In October, daytime highs in Chiang Mai are 38°C, while nighttime lows are 26°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 3rd (Tue) so you can fly to Bangkok.

Kick off your visit on the 4th (Wed): take some stellar pictures from Wat Saket, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Temple of the Golden Buddha (Wat Traimit), and then stop by Chinatown - Bangkok. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: buy something for everyone on your list at MBK Center (Ma Boon Khrong Center), buy something for everyone on your list at Charles Armani, and then shop like a local with Khaosan Road.

To find photos, other places to visit, reviews, and more tourist information, read our Bangkok travel route planner.

Traveling by flight from Chiang Mai to Bangkok takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 6th (Fri) to allow enough time to fly back home.