A 6-week Southeast Asia tour could be a wonderful gift for a big birthday, a romantic milestone, or perhaps retirement...
In this article, we offer suggestions on allocating your time, a classic itinerary, and cost ranges to help you plan your dream trip.
How to Spend Your 6 Weeks in Southeast Asia
Instead of the popular 2–3 weeks in Southeast Asia that many choose, you could take advantage of a slower travel pace, visit more eye-opening destinations, enjoy leisurely days in a tropical paradise, and have a more flexible travel schedule with 6 weeks.
When selecting your destinations, you're suggested to balance adventure with relaxation. Among the 10+ Southeast Asian countries, Thailand, Indonesia (mainly Bali), Malaysia, and the Philippines are great choices for beach vacations. Thailand is the most popular destination among them for its more comprehensive and diverse experience.
Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar have their hidden gems where you can deeply experience their cultures and rustic life. Meanwhile, if you seek a leisurely feel with some adventure opportunities, Vietnam is an excellent place to go.
For a comfortable tour pace, visiting around 5 countries in 6 weeks is suggested. If you aim to see the multiple facets of Southeast Asia, SE Asia's top five destinations (Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar) are the best choice for first-timers. You could get some itinerary ideas from our hand-picked 28-day Grand Indochina tour>>>
By planning changes of pace into your itinerary, you could leisurely refresh/recharge at a spa resort or on a sunny beach after every activity-filled week. Travelling on a private tour with some free days offers the perfect mix of guided exploration and independent discovery as well.
For any other interests, simply contact us to customize your itinerary based on your preferences.
98.8% Positive Customer reviews among 10,000+
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Great Experience
WOW! I’ve traveled Asia some & I must say Sharon & Asia Highlights made this trip so much more enjoyable and easy More
Stephen Hollis,
Aug 2023
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Alisa has has been great to work with
Alisa with Asia Highlights has has been great to work with. Very friendly and responsive. More
Ana Rausch,
Aug 2023
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Using Sharon right now to book our…
Using Sharon right now to book our upcoming trip to Thailand. She has booked everything that we asked for. Has answered all of my inquiries, which has been many! Looking forward to having a great girls trip in Thailand More
Tracy,
Aug 2023
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Thailand, Singapore, Bali
In Thailand, Tanny and Nori(Suparp), were both incredible! They were both fun, funny, and full of knowledge and made sure we got the full experience. They went the extra mile and always made sure we had cold bottled water and towels to cleanse our hands. In Singapore, Nicole was an absolute gem. She was so kind and knowledgeable and guided us in the right direction to make our day as enjoyable as possible. She helped us choose a top notch local lunch and coffee spot in China Town and taught us so much about the country! In Bali, Emon was an absolute joy. He was very knowledgeable and kind and absolutely made sure we were feeling comfortable and was willing to be flexible with us. He was fun to converse with and made our time traveling between destinations so enjoyable! I cannot recommend Asia Highlights enough! Accommodations, travel arrangements and guided tours were all a breeze. More
Cassi Thunker,
Jul 2023
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Very supportive
Very supportive ! I have received eticket for Sky Lattern Festival very fast More
Chi?n Nguy?n Ng?c,
Jul 2023
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My experience in Chang Mai with Asia Highlights
I greatly enjoyed my experience with Asia Highlights for a trip I booked to Thailand.All of my interests were catered too. My guide in Chang Mai Gemma was excellent.I truly felt the soul of Thailand culture and Buddhism. More
Richard,
Jul 2023
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A pleasure to plan with
Well, this has been a painless and pleasurable process to find such a wonderful company. I had specific dates and places to be and Sharon worked with me diligently to refine the schedule and costs to suit my travel needs and budget. She informed me of a special tour on the dates I am to be in Thailand and I added that to my previous plans. More
Chris Williams,
Jul 2023
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Large multi-generational holiday in Thailand
The holiday was wonderful. Our guides, Mr Monchai (Bangkok), and Ms Tipagorn (Tippy) (Chiang Mai) were exceptional. Travelling in a large multigenerational group with many children requires patience and our guides truly understood that. Mr Monchai and Ms Tippy shared their extensive knowledge of the many wonderful places we visited, and were flexible to take us to additional places along the way based on discussions. While everyday was busy, having them greet us with patience and a smile truly made this a memorable holiday. The hotels we stayed at were equally wonderful and went above and beyond to celebrate not only my parents 50th anniversary but also celebrate 2 milestone birthdays that occurred. We will cherish this holiday for many years to come. We hope to use Asia Highlights again. More
CL,
Jul 2023
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I never used a travel agent in my life
I never used a travel agent in my life, but Sharon for Asia Highlights did a phenomenal job helping planning and coordination a family vacation. The best part of working with Sharon was that she maintained an open line of communication and provided answers to my question well within 12-24 hours. Additionally, Sharon was flexible and customized our vacation to my families needs. Overall great experience. More
Antione Barry,
Jul 2023
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Great company to plan a trip to Southeast Asia!
Sharon Haung has been wonderful to work with! Very patient and accommodating. Responds immediately given time change and is prepared, prompt, and professional. More
Debi Hinerfeld,
Jul 2023
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We took a 15 days trip (10 days Vietnam and 5 days Thailand …
It was an amazing experience the guides and drivers were there awaiting for us at each airoport for a transfer to the hotels also on time for all the tours all the guides were so lovely , very experienced and spoke very good English , one of the days on tour in Thailand I lost my phone in a temple in Bangkok mr chai went out of his way in a middle of thousands of visitors and managed to find an bring it back to me I found that amazing , also while on a trip I contacted Jason li out tour organizer few time via whatup and he replied and helped on the spot I recommend asiahilights 150% The quality of the service hotels the guides the drivers outstanding From start to finish ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT ???? More
SIMO el ghobar,
Jun 2023
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Wonderful Guides and Experience
Our large group arrived in Bangkok with Tanni as our guide. She was wonderful! An absolute joy to spend time with. She is knowledgeable, kind, and extremely funny. I don’t know what we would have done without her! After Bangkok, we traveled to Chang Mai, where Indy was our tour guide. She was a delight! She is kind, knowledgeable, and so patient. Our trip to Thailand was an adventure of a lifetime and these two women helped make it memorable. I would definitely use Asia Highlights for any future travel in Asia. More
Jessica Bennett,
Jun 2023
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Guide - Chai
We travelled from Vietnam to Bangkok and were blessed to have a guide named Chai. He was a superb guide and it is a pity we couldn't bottle him and take him home. He was very knowledgeable and an absolute gentleman. He could not have done enough to facilitate us and imparted so much knowledge about the Temples, Buddism and the History of Thailand in general. Not only did he give us a great overview of the past and current ways of living in Thailand but I also feel I came away a much better person having interacting with him. I will carry many of his teachings with me for the rest of my life and know that having met him was a very special blessing in my life. More
Customer,
Jun 2023
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Our guide Tanni was kind
Our guide Tanni was kind, knowledgeable, funny and beyond accommodating for our group. We felt like we'd made a friend and it enhanced our trip in the most positive way. Everything was coordinated perfectly which is not easy to do in a large traveling group. Excellent experience! More
Marissa Manson,
Jun 2023
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We are only on day 5 of our 15 day trip…
Our first stop so far was in Hanoi where our guide Trong was just so awesome! He shared about his culture and family life which showing us sites through a city tour. He was so funny making lots of jokes and always made sure we were having fun while learning about everything! He checked on us frequently even when we were no longer with him since we then went on a cruise in Halong Bay! Halong Bay and the cruise on Paradise Elegance went way above anything I expected. The scenery was breathtaking, the ship was so beautiful and clean with such fresh, good food! And I can’t sing enough praise for the staff who took care of us- especially Anna and Belle! They went above and beyond to make sure we enjoyed every aspect from eating meals with Anna to every other detail with Belle! I highly recommend Asian Highlights to help plan these extraordinary trips! This already has been a trip of a lifetime and we still have so much more to see all thanks to Cathy!! More
Diane Creitz,
Jun 2023
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Tanni for the win!
14 of my closest friends and family descended upon Bangkok ready to see the town. Asia highlights and Tanni took us on a tour that changed our lives. We experienced so much everyday. Tanni was amazing! She did all the thinking for us, so we all could just be present and enjoy the moment. I can’t recommend this company, and especially Tanni enough. More
Megan McGlynn,
Jun 2023
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This isn't my first trip with Asia…
This isn't my first trip with Asia Highlights. They are great at helping me plan, working my requests into the itinerary, and booking it all. We travel with friends and just got back from a trip to Thailand and Vietnam. Albee did a great job with all the details and we had a wonderful time. We will use them for our next adventure! More
Katie Potesta,
Jun 2023
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Amazing service
Although we have not been our trip yet I wanted to still write a review based on customer service and the ease of booking. Alisa has been extremely prompt and responsive with planning our trip to Thailand. She has had great recommendations and guidance to add to our custom itinerary. Highly recommend using Asia highlights! -Alex More
Alex,
May 2023
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I have never hear of this company…
I have never hear of this company before , and after reading all these reviews ,I decided to give it a try . The professionalism and communicative skill received by one of the agent , Sharon of Asia Highlights , convince me that She was the right travel agent for my trip in Asia . Very quickly she communicated with me and got all the detail of my desire vacation . Sharon made me a great itinerary with great experiences that I am dreaming to experience and I am looking forward to it . Thanks Sharon for been so great and crafting me a dream vacation with great suggestions. More
orge alvarez,
May 2023
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Coco Yang worked tirelessly to…
From the moment I landed in Bangkok, Ms Noi Ying was there to welcome me and get me settled into my hotel. We enjoyed several days together touring Bangkok and Kanchanaburi. In Chiang Mai, Mr Ekachai took my son snd I on an amazing trip to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary and to visit a community Lanna home, gardens and a hands-on cooking class preparing an authentic Thai meal. Lisa arranged a last-minute speedboat tour of 5 breathtaking islands in Phuket. From start to finish, the guides exceeded my expectations!! Thank you, Asia Highlight!! Debbie Woods More
Debbie Woods,
May 2023
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A Classic 6-Week Southeast Asia Itinerary: Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar
If this is your first time visiting Southeast Asia and you are seeking a diverse range of experiences, this itinerary is ideal for you. You would discover the core nations of the Southeast Asia peninsula: Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar.
With this 6-week Southeast Asia trip plan, you can fully indulge in an awesome range of activities: our well-organized food-hunting tours, exclusive Angkor Wat walking tour, carefully-selected 3-day Ha Long Bay cruise...
In addition, staying at character-filled boutique hotels would make your trip especially memorable (perfect for unique and romantic occasions): elegant 1920s-style hotels, floating houses, jungle hotels, tree houses, and cliff hotels with infinity pools...
For an energetic-to-relaxing pace sequence, you're suggested to travel Myanmar–Thailand–Cambodia–Laos–Vietnam. Here's a classic 6-week Southeast Asia itinerary that we can customize based on your preferences:
8 Days in Myanmar: Mandalay – Bagan – Inle Lake – Yangon
- Days 1–2 in Mandalay (city tour with temples, witness thousands of monks dining, watch the sunset over U Bein Bridge)
- Days 3–4 in Bagan (underground monastery, local markets, and sunset balloon ride over 2,000 pagodas)
- Days 5–6 at Inle Lake (floating villages, floating markets, stunning lake view, and traditional fishing)
- Days 7–8 in Yangon (an interesting local train ride, museums, and Shwedagon Pagoda at sunset)
In Myanmar, Bagan promises to be a memory-making treasure, particularly for romantic celebrations. You and your partner could find great photo opportunities from the grand pagodas complex to a sunrise/sunset balloon ride.
A trip to Inle Lake would unveil traditional floating-village life to you. In Yangon, visiting Shwedagon Pagoda at sunset would showcase the locals' devout Buddhist faith. Every Saturday evening, you would have a chance to take part in its candlelight-themed grand ceremony.
13 Days in Thailand: Chiang Mai – Phuket – Bangkok
- Days 9–12 in Chiang Mai (foodie tour, flower market visit, elephant sanctuary, hill tribe trek)
- Days 13–17 on Phuket (5 days of beach time, your choice of activities)
- Days 18–21 in Bangkok (Grand Palace, temples, railway market, and a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River, excursion to Kanchanaburi)
Compared with Myanmar, Thailand offers more active and various experiences. You would explore its top three destinations: Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai.
In Chiang Mai, walking and bathing elephants together would be a special and memorable experience. A romantic Yi Peng Festival experience could be an added bonus when travelling around November.
To take you away from the hustle and bustle, a hill tribe trek in Chiang Mai and an overnight floating house stay in Kanchanaburi would definitely be highlights during your trip.
For a tropical getaway, Phuket is a great choice, known for its stunning beaches and abundant water activities. Alternatively, Koh Samui would be better if you're keen on a more romantic vibe.
Check out more ideas about planning your dream trip to Thailand>>>
3 Days in Siem Reap, Cambodia
- Days 22–24 in Siem Reap (Angkor Wat, Apsara Dance Show, 1-hour sunset quad bike ride, sunset cocktail on Tonle Sap Lake)
In Cambodia, Angkor Wat is not to be missed. You could walk through the main complex illuminated by a Khmer scholar, or bike to discover somewhere less crowded with our local guides. Our exclusive sunset cocktail boat trip would help to create beautiful moments for you and your beloved.
4 Days in Luang Prabang, Laos
- Days 25–28 in Luang Prabang (offering alms to monks in the early morning, temples, Royal Palace, waterfall, sunset long-tail boat ride, free days)
Luang Prabang is filled with a romantic and cultural atmosphere. Almsgiving would allow you and your partner to engage with local life, and a sunset long-tail boat ride would be a beautiful journey. During your free days, explore the local streets, sample authentic Laotian food, soak in a traditional spa… make memories your way!
14 Days in Vietnam: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay – Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh – Phu Quoc Island
- Days 29–30 in Hanoi (Old Quarter cyclo tour, museums, water puppet show)
- Days 31–33 in Ha Long Bay (Trung Trang Cave, squid fishing, cooking class, biking around a rustic village near Ha Long Bay)
- Days 34–35 in Hoi An (lantern-making, sunset boat ride, an evening foodie tour)
- Days 36–37 in Ho Chi Minh City (city tour with Vietnamese coffee experience, the Cu Chi Tunnels)
- Days 38–42 on Phu Quoc Island (your choice of beach-time activities)
Two weeks is recommended to discover a variety of Vietnam destinations: from northern Hanoi to southern Phu Quoc Island.
While in Vietnam, we highly recommend a 3-day Ha Long Bay cruise for undisturbed scenery and quality private hours. Escaping from the large one-day groups and regular 2-day travelers, you'll enjoy more fantastic activities onboard or ashore, such as biking in a rustic area.
Hoi An offers an immersive laid-back atmosphere. You could stroll hand in hand around the ancient town, take a foodie tour and take photos in traditional Vietnamese clothing with your partner.
Tranquil Phu Quoc Island is a perfect destination to conclude your Southeast Asia trip. You could indulge in picturesque island scenery, enjoy couple massages, and relax in your boutique hotel with swim-up pool rooms.
If Phu Quoc Island would not be your top choice, Sapa is a more active and interesting alternative. Hiking through the mountain paths presents you with the best countryside views and ethnic life in northern Vietnam. Contact us to customize your own itinerary!
Want More Itinerary Options?
The above-mentioned itinerary has been welcomed by our clients as the basis for many a customized tour, but we are always ready to tailor-make a fulfilling tour for you from your dream-trip ideas.
For example, if you prefer a slower tour pace and in-depth explorations, you could focus on the classic Southeast Asia trifecta — Thailand (2 weeks), Vietnam (2½ weeks), and a Mekong River Cruise (1 week) to Cambodia (3 days).
If you have your own bucket list or want to travel to Southeast Asia along with Japan or China, just let us know. If you don't have enough inspiration yet, check out our Best Southeast Asia Tour Packages.
Costs for a 6-Week Private Southeast Asia Tour
Southeast Asia offers affordable, premium-quality, and hassle-free private touring, making it an excellent choice for milestone trips.
At around US$200–250 per day per person, you can enjoy 4/5-star hotels, excellent meals, convenient transport, and private, customized touring. Thus, a six-week couple's private tour in Southeast Asia costs about US$16,000–21,000, excluding international airfares.
Seasonal changes impact Southeast Asia's prices, with the highest rates from November to April during the dry season and the lowest from May to October during the rainy season, which is still quite travel-worthy, featuring mostly brief 1–2-hour afternoon rainfall.
For budget-conscious travelers seeking optimal weather, consider inviting friends or family for a shared and memorable experience that makes the same trip season cost less.
Personalizing Your Southeast Asia Trips With Us
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.
In addition to the above itineraries, we also have other itineraries you may be interested in:
Why Travel with Asia Highlights (98.8% positive customer reviews among 10,000+)
- Unique experiences tailored to your interests: Enjoy a premium trip that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions.
- Hassle-free travel and peace of mind: Every aspect of your trip will be carefully planned and organized by your 1:1 travel consultant.
- Experienced and knowledgeable guides: Your guides will be local and love to work for travelers' smiles.
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Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries
At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.