2-Week Southeast Asia Itineraries for Couples, Families, and More

A 2-week Southeast Asia trip is enough for touring two or three countries' highlights. With over 10 Southeast Asian countries to choose from and many destinations, we offer help on how to arrange an itinerary for 2 weeks in this article.

How to Select Destinations in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia has, first and foremost, unique religious cultures and desirable beach scenery. The most popular destinations are Thailand, Vietnam, Bali (Indonesia), Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos.

For Beaches and Islands

• #1 Thailand
• #2 Bali
• #3 Vietnam
• #4 Myanmar
• #5 Cambodia
• #6 Laos

Thailand and Bali are definitely the best choices. Thailand has a variety of islands and great beaches while Bali has the best oceanside resorts for a luxury experience.

Though Vietnam, Myanmar, and Cambodia have beaches, they are more ordinary. There are no beaches in Laos.

>>>Thailand Honeymoons/Anniversary: 8 Best Places for Romantic Stays, Itineraries

>>>How to Plan a 2-Week Family Trip to Southeast Asia

For Temple Architecture

• #1 Cambodia
• #2 Thailand & Myanmar
• #3 Laos
• #4 Bali
• #5 Vietnam

Angkor Wat in Cambodia is the largest temple complex in the world. It is a must-see if you are interested in the religious culture and temples of Southeast Asia. >>>How to Plan a Trip to Thailand and Cambodia?

Temples in Myanmar and Thailand are very similar in style. But because Thailand's tourism industry is more mature and has better service, it is more popular.

Laos' Wat Xieng Thong is famous. Bali is special as it has mainly Hindu temples. Though Bali's temples are not so impressive, each is attractive with a long history or legends. Vietnam has more historical sites than temples.

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For History and Old Towns

• #1 Vietnam
• #2 Thailand
• #3 Laos
• #4 Cambodia & Myanmar
• #5 Bali

Vietnam was once a Chinese vassal state and a French colony. Central and northern Vietnam have many Vietnam War relics and ancient cities.

Compared with Vietnam, Thailand historical sites mainly display its own kingdoms' history, displaying the rise and fall of dynasties at different sites.

Lao's Luang Prabang was listed as a World Heritage site. Its Royal Palace Museum is well worth visiting. Many of its hotels were former residences of princes and nobles.

Angkor Thom in Cambodia's Siem Reap and the colonial district in Myanmar's Yangon are also places for history. Bali has few historical sites.

Extending reading: Vietnam vs Thailand: Which to Visit (A Helpful Comparison for You)

For Natural Beauty

• #1 Bali
• #2 Thailand
• #3 Vietnam
• #4 Myanmar
• #5 Cambodia & Laos

Apart from beaches mentioned above… Bali is rich in natural landscapes: volcanoes, terraced fields, rainforest parks... Myanmar has Inle Lake. Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos all have views of the Mekong and rainforest.

For Travel Cost

• #1 Myanmar & Laos (250 USD per day)
• #2 Vietnam & Cambodia (220 USD per day)
• #3 Bali & Thailand (200 USD per day)

The travel costs of Southeast Asian countries are very affordable. The cost gap between Southeast Asian countries is actually not that large.

The daily travel cost in Myanmar and Lao ranges from about 250 USD per day including quality hotels, meals, transfers, and attractions, Vietnam and Cambodia ranges from about 220 USD per day, and Bali and Thailand ranges from about 200 USD per day.

Further reading: How to Plan a Trip to Singapore and Thailand>>>

Still Can't Decide?

Contact us: we are here to help. We will help you select destinations based on your interests, budget, preferences, and other requirements. If you have a general list, we can help you realize it better and give you more professional advice.

Meanwhile, we will also provide you with more professional advice on travel documents to be prepared and the best travel combinations.

If you want to spend more time exploring Southeast Asia, you can check our How to Plan a 3-Week Southeast Asia Itinerary and The Ultimate 4-Week Southeast Asia Itinerary for You!

If you are planning a multi-generational family trip to Southeast Asia, get some ideas from our How to Plan a Multi-Generational Family Vacation to Southeast Asia

The Top 5 Southeast Asia Itineraries Lasting 2 Weeks

Here are five popular combos that can match most travelers' needs, especially first-timers.

1. Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam (Most Chosen)

This is the most classic route. Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam cover most of the features of Southeast Asia — Buddhism culture, temples, and islands.

• Thailand: 5 days

International flights to Thailand have most options so it is the top city of entry for SE Asia. If you select our tailor-made tour option, we will design the most efficient and convenient travel route for you according to your departure city.

In Thailand, visit the Grand Place, take a long-tail boat ride, and explore the largest Chinatown in Southeast Asia in Bangkok. Discover local life with a rickshaw ride, climb Mount Doi Suthep, and encounter the lovely elephants in Chiang Mai.

• Vietnam: 7 days

In Vietnam, explore the history of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh's museums, temples, and palaces, take an overnight cruise on Halong Bay, and enjoy the Mekong Delta's natural views and local life.

• Cambodia: 3 days

In Cambodia, visit Angkor Wat, take an ox cart ride through the country roads, and enjoy a sunset cocktail by Tonle Sap Lake.

Our tours can be adjusted. We can customize a unique tour for you based on your interests and needs.

2. Myanmar, Thailand, and Bali (Best for a Honeymoon/Anniversary)

Thailand and Bali are definitely the best honeymoon destinations in Southeast Asia. Myanmar, a country you will probably be less unfamiliar with, will bring you some romantic surprises.

Whether you're planning a proposal, a honeymoon, or an anniversary, this combo is highly recommended:

• Myanmar: 6 days

In Yangon, take the Circular Train — a real taste of Myanmar's slow life, and enjoy a romantic dinner in a rooftop restaurant overlooking the Royal Lake.

Have an unforgettable time in Bagan with sunset views of the pagoda-filled plains from a hot air balloon.

In Mandalay, saunter around the peaceful town of Amarapura, and take a private boat ride to view a sunset at U Bein Bridge. Witness a face-washing ritual, and see the world's biggest book.

• Thailand: 5 days

In Chiang Mai, take a Thai cooking class, have a boat trip on the Ping River, tour the Old City of Chiang Mai with its massive temple complex, and chat with the monks and learn about their life.

In Bangkok, visit the Grand Palace, hop on a tuk-tuk to explore some local markets, like the Amulet Market, and embark on a food adventure in Chinatown.

• Bali: 4 days

Check in at the best honeymoon hotel for you, chosen with help from our experts, and start your own private romantic beach time. >>>The 10 Best Honeymoon Hotels in Bali

Cycle around the rustic paddy fields, enjoy white water rafting in the rainforest, enjoy a Jimbaran sunset on a cruise...

Read more about planning a couple's trip to Southeast Asia>>>

3. Thailand and Vietnam (The Classic Two for First-Timers)

Thailand and Vietnam are the two most-visited Southeast Asian countries.

Tourism in these two countries is also relatively mature. So, they are very suitable for first-timers and also suitable for family trips for their leisurely pace.

• Vietnam: 7 days

In Hanoi, visit the famous historical sites, like Temple of Literature and One Pillar Pagoda, take a rickshaw to the Old Quarter where you can catch a glimpse of city life, and watch a water puppet performance.

Have an overnight cruise on Halong Bay. Try a basket boat ride and learn how to fish using traditional methods in Hoi An.

In Ho Chi Minh City, there are many historic landmarks, like the War Remnants Museum and Cu Chi Tunnels. You will learn about the history and stories of the Vietnam War.

• Thailand: 7 days

In Bangkok, visit the Grand Palace, take a tuk-tuk ride, and explore its special Maeklong Railway Market and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.

In Phuket, enjoy a leisurely time by the beach. Snorkel, hop to the Phi Phi Islands, enjoy a serene cruise around the mystical Phang Nga Bay...

4. Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia (Indochina's Heartbeat)

These three countries will show you a more rustic and religious side of Southeast Asia.

• Vietnam: 7 days

In Hanoi, take a city tour to learn about its history, culture, and lifestyle. Visit Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, the Old Quarter, and the Temple of Literature.

In Hoi An, try Vietnamese cooking, and roam around Hoi An Ancient Town. In Ho Chi Minh City, there are many iconic landmarks. Tick them off one by one. The War Remnants Museum, with a huge collection including an F5A fighter and a UH1-Huey helicopter — absolutely the highlight, and finally take a boat ride on the Mekong.

• Cambodia: 3 days

In Siem Reap, visit world's largest temple complex — Angkor Wat. It will show you the words 'world wonder' are well-deserved. Visit Cambodia Landmine Museum, and catch the stunning sunset at secluded Pre Rup Temple.

• Laos: 4 days

In Luang Prabang, witness the morning alms giving, visit the morning market, go to Xieng Thong Temple and the Royal Palace Museum — the top representatives of Laos's temples and history, and meet friendly ethnic minority people by visiting some local villages.

5. Thailand and Myanmar (Cultural Orientation)

Thailand and Myanmar are both deeply influenced by Buddhism. If you are interested in religion and temples, you will like them.

• Myanmar: 8 days

In Yangon, visit some iconic Buddhist landmarks and museums: Chaukhtatgyi Paya, Shwedagon Pagoda, National Museum, and U Thant House — displaying important historic memorabilia regarding the former UN secretary's life.

In Mandalay, go to Amarapura, once an ancient capital of Burma, visit Mahamuni Pagoda known for the daily face-washing ceremony, appreciate the teak-fashioned Shwe Inn Pin Monastery, and row a boat on Taungthaman Lake for a nice view of iconic U Bein Bridge...

In Bagan, visit West Pwa-Saw Village, home to the friendly Shan people, go to the World Heritage Site of Bagan, and take a boat trip on Inle Lake.

• Thailand: 6 days

In Bangkok, markets and temples are the features. Visit Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, ride on a long-tail boat, and go to the Grand Palace. Pay a visit to Jim Thompson's House to learn about his life dedicated to Thai silk.

In Phuket, you will start your coveted beach time. Relax on the idyllic sandy beaches, enjoy the sea breeze, swim, snorkel, surf...

You could also check the options about Thailand-Cambodia and Vietnam-Cambodia in 2 weeks...

Contact Us for Booking

You are warmly welcomed to have us customize your own trip based on your group size, interests, budgets, and other needs. Sit back and use our Create My Trip service.

We promise you enjoy 100% refund of any payments made to China Highlights prior to 3 weeks before departure (detail⇒).

In addition to the above itineraries, we also have other itineraries you may be interested in:

• 11-Day Best of Thailand and Cambodia Tour
• 12-Day Essential Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour
• 28-Day Grand Indochina Tour
• More Southeast Asia Tours