How Long to Spend in Southeast Asia (for First Timers): from 2 Weeks to 2 Months

Southeast Asia is a great choice for honeymoons, anniversaries, relaxing holidays, family gatherings, and trips with friends due to its stunning scenery, exotic cultures, amazing food, and affordable prices.

But, how long do you need for your trip to Southeast Asia? From this article, you will get a general idea of the length of the Southeast Asia trip you want and how to plan it.

How Long Should You Spend in Each Country?

Thailand requires about 8 days to 3 weeks for most first-time tours. It is popular to visit two cities and an island, which usually takes 8–10 days. If you want something different, like a forest park, you may need about 2 weeks. If you want to explore Thailand from north to central to south, you will need about 3 weeks.

Vietnam needs about 10 days to 2 weeks. It usually takes about 10 days to travel from Hanoi in the north to Hoi An in the middle and Ho Chi Minh in the south. If you want to enjoy more beach time, 2 weeks is needed.

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

Cambodia is not a big country. It usually takes about a week for the main attractions. Siem Reap is the main tourist destination. If you have more time, you can visit its capital Phnom Penh.

Laos is also a small country and needs about 1 week. Luang Prabang is the main tourist city.

For a trip to Myanmar, 1 to 2 weeks is suitable. 7 days is enough to visit three of its best destinations — Mandalay, Bagan, and Yangon. If you add beaches and cruises to that, a tour takes about 2 weeks.

In Indonesia, if you just go Bali only, you may need about 7 to 10 days. If you want to extend to Java or other places, you may need a few more days.

Three days is enough to visit the highlights of Singapore.

Malaysia is good for a one-week trip. You are recommended to spend 2–3 days in Kuala Lumpur and 3–4 days in Penang.

>>>How to Plan a Trip to Southeast Asia: A Beginner's Guide

>>>How to Plan a Multi-Generational Family Vacation to Southeast Asia

28-Day Grand Indochina Tour Myanmar - Vietnam - Laos - Cambodia - Thailand

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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

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

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

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

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

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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Balancing Your Southeast Asia Itinerary

Southeast Asia is a large region made up of over 10 countries. So, when planning a Southeast Asia trip, you should usually aim for a balanced and varied itinerary, especially if your holiday time is limited: "Variety is the spice of life".

Balance the choice of destinations. The best choice is usually to combine countries with different features and vibes. Such a combination makes for a richer and more interesting experience.

Thailand, for example, is the top destination in Southeast Asia because of its diversity and outstanding travel facilities and service. After choosing Thailand, which country makes a good combo? It's best to choose a country with different features to Thailand, but also plenty of variety, like Vietnam. Vietnam features the karst seascape of Halong Bay and the Mekong Delta with its ethnic culture, which differ from Thailand's temples, beaches, and rainforest.

Balance the types of activities. Big iconic attractions, like the Grand Place in Thailand are a must, but small spots like local markets or a cooking class that reflect local life can also be mixed in.

The most popular travel combination in Southeast Asia is Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. If you have no clear idea about your trip now, here we will give you some inspiration to help you make a plan.

• If your vacation is short and you're looking for good value, our 12-Day Essential Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour is recommended for you.
• If you seek for a comfortable pace of travel, you can consider our 15-Day Best of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour (But this tour doesn't include an island sightseeing. If you want an island trip, you can check out the following itinerary or contact us to make adjustments.)
• If you prefer an in-depth trip in Southeast Aisa, the 19-Day Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam In-Depth Tour is best for you.

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

2-Week Vietnam-Cambodia Tour with a Luxurious Mekong Cruise Ho Chi Minh City-Mekong Delta-Phnom Penh-Siem Reap

Southeast Asia Itineraries: 2 Weeks

2 weeks in Southeast Asia offers many choices.

Some people choose to spend 2 weeks to fully explore one destination, like a 2-Week Thailand Getaway Tour for Couples or a 15-Day Vietnam Family Holiday Tour.

But most people want to explore more destinations. So, is 2 weeks enough for a two-country trip in Southeast Asia? Our answer is yes.

Visiting two countries in 2 weeks is suitable at a comfortable pace. There are three most popular combinations of a Southeast Asia trip covering 2 countries:

• Thailand + Vietnam: Islands, Mekong River cruise, temples & buildings
• Thailand + Cambodia: Islands, elephants, temples, and Angkor Wat
• Vietnam + Cambodia: Mekong River cruise, historical buildings, and Angkor Wat

Visiting three countries in 2 weeks is also possible. The most classic combo is Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. If you look for a time-smart and good value itinrary, you can check out our 12-Day Essential Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour. If you want to travel in a relaxing pace, a 15-day trip is suitable.

A Sample 2-Week Southeast Asia Itinerary:

• Days 1–7: Vietnam

Spend 2 days in Hanoi, the capital, then cruise overnight in Halong Bay. Plan 2 days in Hoi An to see Hoi An Ancient City with a basket-boat-ride experience. The last two days in Ho Chi Minh City are enough to see its historical attractions like the War Remnants Museum.

• Day 8–14: Thailand

Fly to Thailand's biggest city, Bangkok, from Vietnam's biggest — Ho Chi Minh City.

Spend 2 days exploring Bangkok's highlights like the Grand Place and have a long-tail boat ride. Then fly to Phuket or Koh Samui to enjoy some beach time. Phuket vs Koh Samui: Which is Better to Visit

You could also check options for 2 weeks in Vietnam and Cambodia & 2-Week Thailand-and-Cambodia Itineraries>>>

14-Day Classic Vietnam and Thailand Tour Specially Designed for the First Asia Trip for 2 Weeks

A Sample 15-Day SE Asia Itinerary Covering 3 Countries:

If you want to travel in a comfortable pace, you may need to add one or two days. The classic combo is Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia: spend 6 days in Thailand, 6 days in Vietnam, and 3 days in Cambodia.

• Days 1–5: Thailand

Spend two days in Bangkok. Explore the Highlights of Bangkok City like the Grand Palace and China Town.

Chiang Mai takes 3 days to explore its famous temples and mountains with an elephant experience.

• Days 6–11: Vietnam

Fly from Thailand's Chiang Mai to Vietnam's Hanoi.

Have a day tour to explore Hanoi's city highlights, then an overnight cruise on Halong Bay. Spend two days in Ho Chi Minh City to visit its top attractions like the Cu Chi Tunnels. Finally, take a one-day Mekong Delta trip by motorboat.

• Days 12–15: Cambodia

Fly from Ho Chi Minh City to Cambodia's Siem Reap.

Spend 4 days to explore Cambodian spirituality — Angkor Wat and some cultural treasures like Banteay Srei, which is the jewel of Khmer art.

15-Day Best of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour Immerse Yourself in Southeast Asia's Rich Cultural Heritage and Natural Wonders

For more itinerary suggestions, you can check out our 2-Week Itineraries in Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam or 2-Week Southeast Asia Itineraries for Honeymoons, Families, and More,

However, 2 weeks is a limited time, so if you want to explore more places and have a deeper experience, 3 weeks or more would be better.

Southeast Asia Itineraries of 3 Weeks

Touring three countries in 3 weeks allows a comfortable pace. For most first-time visitors to Southeast Asia, it's best to choose destinations that are as multi-faceted as possible.

The most popular combination is Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia: 8 days in Vietnam, 3 days in Cambodia, and 8 days in Thailand.

A Sample 3-Week Southeast Asia Itinerary:

• Days 1–8: Vietnam

Spend two days to explore Hanoi's city highlights. Take an overnight cruise on Halong Bay and explore Sung Sot Cave. Take half a day to explore Hoi An Ancient Town. And finally, take three days to explore Ho Chi Minh City with a Mekong Delta trip.

• Days 9–11: Siem Reap

Fly to Cambodia's Siem Reap from Ho Chi Minh City.

Spend two days to explore Cambodia's national treasure — Angkor Wat — and some other attractions, like Tonle Sap Lake.

• Days 12–19: Thailand

Fly to Thailand's capital Bangkok from Siem Reap.

Spend a day in Bangkok exploring the highlights of the city, like the Grand Palace.

Spend two days in Chiang Mai to explore its famous temples and mountains with an elephant experience. Spend the remaining 4 days at the beach in Phuket or Koh Samui.

19-Day In-Depth Tour of Southeast Asia Experience the Splendor of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam

If you want to explore more places, you could choose a combination of Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia plus Laos or Myanmar. Laos is more popular, because of its famous Luang Prabang cultural jungle and its current relaxed entry policy. Myanmar requires more entry documents.

If you want an in-depth discovery, learn more itineraries about 3 weeks in Thailand and Cambodia>>>

You could select your preferred destinations using our Create My Trip service, and then we will create your choice of itinerary based on your wishes.

>>>How to Plan a 3-Week Southeast Asia Itinerary

Southeast Asia Itineraries: 1 Month

A month gives you some more days to explore and better achieve your SE Asia travel ambitions. 4 weeks is suitable for visiting about 5 countries. You can visit all countries of Indochina: Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand.

Spend 8 days in Myanmar to visit its three best tourist cities — Mandalay, Yangon, and Bagan — with a lake tour, and 9 days in Vietnam to tour from south to north, from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An to Hanoi.

Laos and Cambodia are smaller, so you can spend less time on them: 3 days in Laos' Luang Prabang and 2 days in Cambodia's Siem Reap. And finally take 7–9 days in Thailand to take in one or two cities and an island.

A Sample 1-Month Southeast Asia Itinerary:

• Days 1–8: Myanmar

Spend two days in Mandalay to explore its top attractions like Kuthodaw Pagoda and the World's Largest Book.

Plan two days in Bagan. Explore local markets, take part in a cooking class and visit Bagan Archaeological Zone.

Leave two days for an Inle Lake trip and two days in Yangon. Highlights include Shwedagon Pagoda and the Colonial District.

• Days 9–16: Vietnam

Fly to Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh City from Yangon. Take two days to explore Ho Chi Minh City with a Mekong Delta trip. Spend one day to explore Hoi An Ancient Town. In the north, spend two days exploring Hanoi city highlights and two days cruising Halong Bay.

• Days 17–19 : Laos

Fly to Laos' Luang Prabang from Hanoi.

Spend the all two days in Luang Prabang with the highlights include Wat Xieng Thong Temple, Royal Palace Museum, and Kuangsi Waterfall.

• Days 20–21: Cambodia

Fly to Cambodia's Siem Reap from Luang Prabang. Spend all two days in Siem Reap visiting Angkor Wat.

• Days 22–28: Thailand

Fly to Bangkok from Siem Reap.

Spend 2 days exploring Bangkok's highlights, like the Grand Place, and have dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River. Then fly to Phuket or Koh Samui to enjoy some relaxing beach time.

28-Day Grand Indochina Tour Myanmar - Vietnam - Laos - Cambodia - Thailand

While what we suggest is a more comprehensive option. The choice of destination varies from person to person. If you love the beaches, you could choose to spend a month in Thailand, Bali, Malaysia, and/or the Philippines. That could be the most wonderful option for you.

Just tell us your ideal destinations, how long you have to travel, group size, budget, and other requirements, and we will create a perfectly-fitting itinerary for you together.

For more on 1-month trip planning, see The Ultimate 4-Week Southeast Asia Itinerary for You!

Southeast Asia Itineraries: 2 Months or More

If you are planning a Southeast Asia trip lasting 2 months, 3 months, or more, you could extend your travels to cover countries in Maritime Southeast Asia — Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines… (as well as the Indochina Peninsula).

Indonesia and the Philippines are great for beach fans, Singapore is an awesome city state and a high-class hub for international flights, and Malaysia's beaches and food will not disappoint you.

Or you could enrich your Indochina time with more activities in Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos. There are still many little-known places that are well worth visiting: Mai Chao in Vietnam, home to the White Thai ethnic group, Sukhothai and Ayutthaya, ruins of former kingdoms in Thailand, and so on.

Get some itinerary ideas about 5 weeks in Southeast Asia & 6 weeks in Southeast Asia>>>

21-Day China, Laos, and Thailand Discovery From Beijing to Luang Prabang and Bangkok: An Epic Journey across Asia

Popular Southeast Asia Tours

All our tours can be adjusted according to your requirements. Just contact us to tell us your initial ideas/needs. Or you can use our Create My Trip service to give us more detail if you already have some clear ideas about what you want.

Here are our top-choice itineraries again, which can be adjusted to suit you:

• 15-Day Best of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour
• 19-Day Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam In-Depth Tour
• 14-Day Classic Vietnam and Thailand Tour

You could use our shorter vacation plans as a starting point:

• 12-Day Essential Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour
• 13-Day Private Singapore and Bali Journey of Discovery
• 11-Day Best of Thailand and Cambodia Tour

For yet more inspiration, see our Best Southeast Asia Tour Packages>>>