June 14, 2024
Southeast Asia has long been a favorite tropical destination for travelers from all over the world—and for good reason. First, it’s one of the most diverse regions with many countries just a plane or even train ride away from each other. Second, there’s no better place than Southeast Asia to get the most bang for your buck with an abundance of budget-friendly transportation, accommodation, and dining options. So for those planning to travel around Southeast Asia for the first time, here’s the ultimate two-week itinerary to get you started.
Start your trip strong by visiting Phuket, one of the best beach destinations in the world. Get island hopping tour packages for as low as $50 which already includes visits to several famous islands and a meal. Touring the legendary Phi Phi Islands is a must where you can visit Maya Bay where Leonardo DiCaprio’s 'The Beach' was filmed and Monkey Beach where you can spot some yes, monkeys, sunbathing!
Here are some highlights of islands to go around on:
Phi Phi Islands: Touring the legendary Phi PhiIslands is a must. Here, you can visit Maya Bay, famously known for LeonardoDiCaprio’s movie "The Beach." This pristine bay, surrounded bytowering limestone cliffs, offers crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkelingand swimming. Don't miss a visit to Monkey Beach, where you can spot monkeyslounging in the sun or playing in the trees.
James Bond Island: Another iconic destination isJames Bond Island, located in Phang Nga Bay. Made famous by the movie "TheMan with the Golden Gun," this island features dramatic rock formations and hidden caves to explore.
Racha Islands: For a more tranquil experience, head to the Racha Islands. These islands are renowned for their white sandy beaches and excellent diving spots, offering a chance to see vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.
Head to the capital city of Thailand. Immerse yourself in the rich Thai culture by visiting some of Bangkok’s grand temples like Wat Arun and Wat Pho. Bangkok is also famous for its street markets. Visit the Chatuchak Weekend Market, which is one of the world’s largest, the perfect place to do a full day of bargain shopping. Before leaving Thailand, make sure to experience the exciting nightlife in Khao San Road.
Must-Visit Attractions in Bangkok, Thailand:
The Grand Palace and Wat PhraKaew:No trip to Bangkok is complete without visiting the Grand Palace. This iconic land mark is home to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), one of the most revered Buddhist temples in Thailand. Marvel at the intricate architecture and learn about the country's rich history.
Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn): Located on the banks of the ChaoPhraya River, Wat Arun is known for its stunning riverside location and towering spires. Visit at sunset for a truly magical experience as the temple lights up.
Jim Thompson House: Explore the beautifully preserved home of Jim Thompson, an American businessman who played a key role in reviving the Thai silk industry. The museum offers insights into traditional Thai architecture and art.
The next stop is Hanoi, which is just less than two hours away from Bangkok by plane. The first thing you must do is stroll around the Hanoi Old Quarter and the French Quarter. These charming streets are filled with interesting local shops and hole-in-the-wall restaurants where you can get a taste of Vietnam’s famous cuisine. A must-try is Bún Chả Hương Liên, where former US President Obama and Anthony Bourdain once dined in. While in Hanoi, take a day trip to the famous Halong Bay and go on a relaxing scenic cruise.
Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple: At the heart of Hanoi lies HoanKiem Lake, a peaceful oasis surrounded by bustling streets. Visit the iconic Ngoc Son Temple, located on a small island in the lake, and learn about the legend of the giant turtle.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Pay your respects to Vietnam's revolutionary leader at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. This imposing structure is a significant national monument, and the surrounding Ba Dinh Square offers a glimpse into the country's history.
Temple of Literature:Visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university, founded in 1070.This well-preserved complex features beautiful traditional architecture and serene gardens, making it a great spot to learn about Vietnam's educational heritage.
Day 9-12: Palawan, Philippines
Next, fly to the Philippines and go straight to Palawan for island-hopping. Hailed as the world’s best island, Palawan is home to El Nido and Coron where you will find the finest white-sand beaches and clear blue waters. Aside from island hopping, it’s also the perfect place to try scuba diving if you haven’t yet. Coron, in particular, doesn’t just have rich marine life, but it also has one of the best-preserved shipwrecks in Southeast Asia that you can explore underwater.
Must-Visit Attractions
Puerto Princesa Underground River:Start your journey in Puerto Princesa, where you can explore the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site features a stunning underground river that flows through a limestone cave. Take a guided boat tour to witness the unique rock formations and discover the cave's hidden chambers.
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park: For the ultimate diving experience, venture to the Tubbataha Reefs NaturalPark. This UNESCO World Heritagesite is a marine sanctuary that boasts some of the best diving in the world, with vibrant coral reefs, a plethora of fish species, and the chance to encounter sharks, rays, and turtles.
Finally, end your amazing trip by flying to the small but bustling country of Singapore, a melting pot of Chinese, Malay, and Indian cultures. Singapore is home to the stunning Gardens by the Bay, an incredible man-made complex that houses more than a million plants and futuristic “supertrees” and the ArtScience Museum, just across it. Apart from experiencing what this smart city has to offer, have a taste of the local life by visiting a traditional hawker center. For less than 5 dollars for each meal, you can enjoy their iconic Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, and Char Kuay Teow.
Pre-Travel Essentials Before Your Trip
As you prepare for the cross-country adventure of a lifetime, it's important to keep in mind a few travel tips and reminders:
Traveling around Asia has never been easier with Firsty's eSIM for Asia. Forget about the hassle of switching eSIMs for different countries or dealing with expensive roaming charges. With Firsty, you get seamless connectivity across multiple countries in Asia, ensuring you stay connected no matter where your adventures take you.
Why Choose Firsty eSIM?
- Global Coverage: Connect to the best networks in every country you visit without the need to change SIM cards.
- Affordable Plans: Enjoy transparent pricing with no hidden fees, offering you the best value for your data needs.
- Instant Activation: Get online in minutes and get a 100MB of Firsty Fast data for free.
- Flexible Options: Choose from a variety of plans to suit your travel schedule and data requirements, whether you're on a short trip or a long-term journey.
- Reliable Connection: Experience fast and reliable internet access, essential for navigating, staying in touch, and sharing your travel moments.
Travel smarter and stay connected with Firsty eSIM, your perfect companion for exploring Asia's beaches and getaways.
