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The Ultimate Southeast Asia Itinerary (5+ Months) – Where To Visit!

Last Updated: October 21 2024

Southeast Asia is famous for its natural wonders, delicious street food, and bustling cities. Whether you’re looking to explore Thailand’s beaches, see historical sites in Cambodia, or spot orangutans in Borneo, there’s something for every type of traveller!

We travelled around Southeast Asia for approximately 6 months (before heading to India and Sri Lanka). Honestly, it was one of the best experiences of our lives and we’d head back in a heartbeat.

In this guide, we’ll cover the ultimate Southeast Asia itinerary. You’ll find out the best places to visit, where to stay, and other helpful information such as how to get around and when to visit.

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The Ultimate Southeast Asia Itinerary

There are so many options when it comes to Southeast Asia itineraries. So much so that it can be difficult to decide where to go. As such, you’ll want to prioritize a few destinations and plan your trip from there!

Our adventure started in Singapore, and we visited 6 countries in total; Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, all of which we’d highly recommend.

Throughout our time in Asia, we hiked through jungles, snorkelled in crystal-clear waters, and relaxed on pristine beaches. We got the chance to sample delicious Asian street food, learn about the local communities, and visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites, along with so much more.

Below, we’ll take you through the ultimate Southeast Asia itinerary. We visited all of these countries, but have changed the order around for added convenience. This way, you can really make the most of your adventure!

1. Singapore (4 Days)

Gardens by the Bay, Southeast Asia itinerary

The city-state of Singapore is a fantastic starting point for any Southeast Asia itinerary. It’s a melting pot of cultures, offering a variety of authentic neighbourhoods including Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam.

Whether you’re looking to go on a foodie tour, experience the city’s vibrant nightlife, or visit world-famous attractions, Singapore has something for everyone! Throughout the year, there are some fantastic festivals too, including Chinese New Year and Deepavali.

Although you might not have thought it, the ‘Lion City’ is also fantastic for nature lovers. Not only are there plenty of urban parks to explore but there’s no shortage of wildlife in Singapore. If you’re lucky, you might spot otters, monitor lizards, crocodiles, long-tailed macaques, and more!

Just be aware that compared to other destinations in Southeast Asia, Singapore is a relatively expensive city. Expect to pay more for accommodation, especially if you want a private room.

The Best Places To Visit In Singapore

  • Gardens by the BayHighlights include the Supertree Grove, OCBC Skyway, and the Cloud Forest.
  • The Artscience Museum
  • Skypark Observation Deck – You can purchase your e-ticket in advance.
  • Clarke Quay
  • Chinatown – Explore Chinatown and other neighbourhoods on this small-group bike tour!
  • National Museum of Singapore

Where to stay in Singapore

How To Get Around Singapore

Marina Bay Sands Hotels, Southeast Asia itinerary

Singapore has an extensive transport network so you’ll have no issues getting around. The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit System) offers the most convenience as there are over 140 stations across six different lines.

You’ll also find plenty of bus routes throughout the city, as there are four different bus providers in Singapore. You can take advantage of ride-hailing apps too, such as Gojek and Grab – both are perfect for short journeys.

There’s also this hop-on hop-off bus which offers two different routes and audio commentary. Alternatively, you can hire a bicycle as there are plenty of cycling lanes throughout Singapore!

2. Bali, Indonesia (4 Weeks)

Bali Tegallalang Rice Terrace

The next stop on this Southeast Asia itinerary is the island of Bali. Also known as the ‘Island of the Gods’, it’s the most visited destination in Indonesia and it’s not hard to see why!

Known for its natural beauty, rich culture, and delicious local cuisine, Bali completely stole our hearts. Here, you can watch traditional dances, indulge in nasi goreng – a tasty Indonesian dish, and admire beautiful temples.

A highlight of exploring Bali is the sheer variety of places to visit. You can embrace the rich culture of Ubud, take in the relaxing vibe of Uluwatu, or enjoy the nightlife in Kuta. Alternatively, you can head to the island’s more authentic destinations such as Sidemen or Lovina.

There are so many incredible experiences you can include on your Bali bucket list. Not only that, but Bali is extremely affordable, so you’ll get a lot for your money. Honestly, there are some beautiful villas on offer!

The Best Places To Visit In Bali

Sea turtle release in Bali, Southeast Asia itinerary
  • Ubud – This full-day tour includes a visit to Ubud Monkey Forest and other popular spots!
  • Uluwatu
  • Canggu – This coastal town boasts some of the island’s best eateries including Old Man’s.
  • Kuta
  • Gili Islands – While exploring the Gili Islands, enjoy a guided snorkelling tour.
  • The Nusa Islands

Where to stay in Bali

How To Get Around Bali

Bali is relatively small compared to other islands in Indonesia, but it’s not so easy to get around. Although there’s the Kura-Kura tourist bus service, services are minimal and they don’t run very regularly.

Hiring a scooter is the best way to get around as you don’t have to rely on public transport. Alternatively, you can travel short distances using ride-hailing services such as Grab and Gojek.

There’s also the option of hiring a private driver, which is a very cost-effective option for groups travelling together. No matter how you choose to get around, just be aware of Bali’s traffic jams!

3. Sumatra, Indonesia (2 Weeks)

Gunung Sibayak, Southeast Asia itinerary

Sumatra is another fantastic addition to any Southeast Asia itinerary. As one of the world’s largest islands, it’s no surprise that there are so many fantastic things to do in Sumatra. Honestly, you’ll be spoilt for choice!

Compared to the likes of Bali, Sumatra offers a more authentic experience and is a great destination for those who want to take in the local life and culture. Better yet, the natural beauty of this island will blow you away, thanks to its rich tropical rainforests, towering volcanoes, and impressive waterfalls.

Whether you’re looking to spot Sumatran orangutans, hike an active volcano, or take in the swells on a surfboard, there’s something for everyone!

We spent our time exploring North Sumatra as this part of the island is relatively easy to get around. It’s also very affordable making it the perfect destination for budget backpackers.

The Best Places To Visit In Sumatra

Lake Toba viewpoint, Sumatra

Where to stay in Sumatra

How To Get Around Sumatra

Sipiso Piso Waterfall, Southeast Asia itinerary

When travelling around Sumatra, you’ve got two main options; either taking public transport or flying. In terms of the latter, the island’s main airport is located in Medan, but there are other domestic airports throughout Sumatra.

If you’re planning to travel overland, you can opt for a local bus or tourist bus. Tourist buses tend to be more expensive but offer much more comfort, and are a popular option with travellers.

Those after a bit more excitement can use the local bus services (essentially small minivans). Taxis are also available in Sumatra or you can hire a private driver. Finally, there are some great tour options!

4. Borneo (2 Weeks)

Sarawak Legislative Assembly, Borneo

Borneo is the second-largest island in the world and is shared between three countries; Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia. In this Southeast Asia itinerary, we’ll be talking about Malaysian Borneo which is where we visited.

Malaysian Borneo is split into two states; Sabah and Sarawak, and each one is worth a visit. We spent a week in both, exploring the two capital cities, hiking through beautiful national parks, and visiting cultural attractions.

The highlight of any visit to Borneo is the wildlife, as the island is incredibly bio-diverse. Here, you’ll find various species including the Bornean orangutan, proboscis monkey, Malayan sun bear, Bornean pygmy elephant, and clouded leopard among others. There’s also plenty of birdlife to be found in Borneo.

Not only is this island a fantastic destination for nature lovers, but there are so many incredible things to do in Borneo. As such, you don’t want to rush your time here!

The Best Places To Visit In Borneo

Silver Langur monkey in Borneo, Southeast Asia itinerary

Where to stay in Borneo

How To Get Around Borneo

Wild orangutan in Borneo

Borneo is a relatively easy island to get around. To make the most of your visit, you can fly between destinations. During our time in Borneo, we flew between Kuching (Sarawak) and Kota Kinabalu (Sabah), with flights taking approximately 1.5 hours. This gave us more time to explore!

There are plenty of public bus routes running throughout Borneo too. You can either take these services locally or there are long-distance options as well – either way, tickets are very affordable.

For those travelling short distances, you can use the ride-hailing app GRAB to get around. Private drivers are also available and there are some fantastic tour options!

5. Malaysia (3 Weeks)

Batu Caves in Malaysia

In our opinion, Malaysia is one of the best places to visit in Southeast Asia. Known for its ancient rainforests, tropical islands, and bustling cities, this beautiful country really does have it all.

Malaysia also has an incredible culinary scene. Our favourite dish has to be roti canai which is often served with a selection of curries and dips – trust us, no visit to this country is complete without trying it!

One of the best things about Malaysia is the sheer amount of things to do. You can hike in lush jungles, indulge at local food markets, appreciate towering skyscrapers, and more.

You’ll likely start in the capital of Kuala Lumpur, where you can appreciate iconic attractions such as the Petronas Towers, KL Forest Eco Park, and KLCC Park. From there, you’ll find endless places to visit. Better yet, thanks to the country’s location, you can travel to Thailand via ferry or overland public transport.

The Best Places To Visit In Malaysia

Taman Negara Rainforest in Malaysia

Where to stay in Malaysia

How To Get Around Malaysia

Park in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

When it comes to exploring Malaysia, your best option is to travel overland. First of all, the country has a great rail network with two main lines; the West Coast Main Line and the ‘Jungle Railway’.

Malaysia also has plenty of bus services and this is the main way we travelled around. Bus tickets were often cheaper although you’ll want to layer up as the air conditioning can be super chilly!

There’s also the option of getting around by air. The country’s primary airport is located in Kuala Lumpur, but other airports are located in George Town, Johor Bahru, and Langkawi among other destinations.

6. Thailand (3 Weeks)

Wat Pho, Bangkok, Thailand

Thailand is a must for any Southeast Asia itinerary! From the glistening beaches in southern Thailand to the intricate temples in Chiang Rai, this incredible country is a haven for backpackers.

Not only is Thailand very affordable, but it also has a world-renowned nightlife scene, with the Full Moon Parties being especially popular. You’ll want to sample the local cuisine too, especially the iconic noodle dish Pad Thai.

As there’s so much to see in Thailand, you’ll want to think about your travel preferences. If you’re after a relaxing getaway where you can head to the beach and swim in crystal-clear waters, then you should primarily stick to the country’s beautiful islands. Whereas history buffs will want to visit the likes of Kanchanaburi and Ayutthaya.

This country is also home to some of the best national parks in Asia, including Khao Sok, Khao Yai, Kui Buri, and Kaeng Krachan. Depending on where you visit, you may spot elephants, leopards, tigers, bears, and more!

The Best Places To Visit In Thailand

Where to stay in Thailand

How To Get Around Thailand

The Golden Mount in Bangkok, Thailand

To make the most of your time in Thailand, we highly recommend using public transport to get around. Tickets are often very affordable and many of the services run overnight so you’ll save money on accommodation.

The country also has a rail network with four main lines, alongside a few smaller lines. Prices depend on the seat class you choose, but you’ll likely need to book in advance during the peak season.

Thailand also boasts over 30 commercial airports, with Bangkok being one of the best air travel hubs in Southeast Asia. If you’re a confident driver, hiring a scooter is another popular option.

7. Cambodia (3 weeks)

Angkor Wat temple in Bangkok, Southeast Asia itinerary

Honestly, Cambodia is one of the most underrated countries in Asia. We fell in love with everything about this destination, including its delicious street food, friendly locals, incredible temples, and authentic vibe.

The highlight is of course Angkor Archaeological Park, where you’ll explore ruins from the Khmer Empire. This park stretches for over 400 sq km (154 sq miles), and the ruins date back between the 9th and 15th centuries. Our favourite spots included Angkor Wat, Bayon, Angkor Thom, and Ta Prohm.

Aside from Angkor, there are so many fantastic places to visit in Cambodia. You can take in Phnom Penh’s rich history, look for dolphins in Kratie, or have fun on the bamboo train in Battambang. Beachgoers can also head to the island of Koh Rong Samloem where you’ll find beautiful beaches and plenty of snorkelling opportunities.

Cambodia is extremely affordable too so you won’t break the bank by travelling through this incredible country!

The Best Places To Visit In Cambodia

Battambang Bamboo Train, Cambodia
  • Siem Reap – This small-group sunrise tour will show you around the iconic Angkor Wat.
  • Battambang
  • Phnom Penh – We’d recommend heading to The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Killing Fields.
  • Kratie
  • Kampot – You can head on a day tour to Bokor National Park from Kampot.
  • Koh Rong Samloem (Koh Rong Sanloem)

Where to stay in Cambodia

How To Get Around Cambodia

Cambodia countryside viewpoint

We’d highly recommend travelling around Cambodia by bus. The country offers everything from air-conditioned buses to local minivans and tickets are really cheap. We often used Busbud or 12GoAsia to book our tickets.

Although the rail network in Cambodia is more limited compared to other destinations in Southeast Asia, it still links Phnom Penh to other popular towns. For short journeys, you can take advantage of the local taxis.

It’s also possible to travel by air across Cambodia, but there are only three major airports. These are located in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville. Confident drivers can also hire a scooter.

8. Vietnam (3 Weeks)

Abbie at Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Finally, we have Vietnam – the last country on this Southeast Asia travel itinerary! Vietnam is not a country to be rushed, and you could easily spend longer than 3 weeks here, especially if you head to Sapa or Phu Quoc.

Famous for its rich culture, intriguing history, delicious local cuisine, and jaw-dropping landscapes, Vietnam has so much to offer. No matter whether you’re looking to cruise along the iconic Halong Bay, visit the ancient Hoi An, or wander around museums in Ho Chi Minh, there’s something for everyone.

When putting together the ultimate Vietnam bucket list, you’ll also want to include Hanoi, Hue, and Ninh Binh on your itinerary. Trust us – you won’t regret it. As you can see, there are so many incredible places to visit.

Just be aware that Vietnam is a relatively long country, with there being over 1600 km (994 miles) between Ho Chi Minh in the south and Hanoi in the north. As such, allow for long travel times!

The Best Places To Visit In Vietnam

War Remnants Museum in Vietnam

Where to stay in Vietnam

How To Get Around Vietnam

Ho Thuy Tien Waterpark, Southeast Asia itinerary

Vietnam is an extremely easy country to travel through. The best way to get around is by travelling overland, either by bus or train. Both options are very affordable although you may want to book tickets in advance.

Sleeper buses and trains offer you the chance to travel overnight so you don’t need to pay for accommodation. Not only that but there are plenty of long-term services, with Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh being a popular route.

Of course, you can also travel by air in Vietnam, with the country’s main airports being located in Da Nang, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City.

What would we change about this Southeast Asia Itinerary?

Wild orangutan in Malaysian Borneo

We had so many experiences on our Asia bucket list that it was impossible to include them all (although we did rather well). Although I don’t think we could have crammed much more in, there were a few things we’ve changed for the purpose of this guide!

Firstly, we spent 4 weeks in the majority of countries. However, we’ve condensed this down to three weeks for Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Although you could easily spend a month in each country, we found ourselves spending too much time in certain destinations (especially the capital cities).

Secondly, our itinerary was a bit here, there and everywhere. We actually ended up staying out for longer than we’d budgeted, so visited Borneo and Sumatra last, before heading to Sri Lanka and India. To make things easier, we’ve re-arranged the itinerary.

Laos, Myanmar, and the Philippines were also on our list but we just didn’t have the time to get there!

Changing it up!

Koh Samui sea and mountain viewpoint

When planning your Southeast Asia backpacking route, you need to think of what’s best for you. In our opinion, this is a great itinerary to follow, as we’ve encountered what these amazing countries have to offer.

However, it won’t work for everyone! We love nature, so a large portion of our trip was spent wildlife-watching (specifically Malaysia, Borneo, and Sumatra), where we’d hike through the rainforest and stay in basic accommodation. Now, this won’t be everyone’s cup of tea and that’s just fine!

Although we love a good beach, we’re also not very good at relaxing. Therefore, there weren’t many ‘beach days’ on our Southeast Asia itinerary. This meant leaving out popular spots such as Koh Samui and Phú Quốc. You get the idea…

In terms of alternative itineraries, you could always swap out a few destinations in this guide. Other popular countries in Southeast Asia include Laos, Myanmar, and the Philippines.

Helpful Information for any Southeast Asia Itinerary

How to get to Southeast Asia

Ninh Binh viewpoint, Southeast Asia itinerary

As Southeast Asia is such a popular destination, you’ll have no issues getting here. There are major airport hubs located up and down this region, with daily flights arriving from all over the world.

The region’s busiest international airports are located in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), and Bangkok (Thailand), among other countries which aren’t included in this Southeast Asia itinerary. In fact, there are hundreds of airports in this part of Asia so you won’t be short of flight routes.

Direct flights run to Southeast Asia from Africa, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America. Popular flight operators include Emirates, Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and Thai Airways.

Alternatively, you can travel overland from China. There are border crossings into Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar from China, although visas and entry requirements will differ by country so check this in advance.

Depending on where you’re travelling from, it’s also possible to take a cruise or catch a ferry.

How to get around Southeast Asia

Tegenungan Waterfall in Bali, Indonesia

You’ll have no issues travelling around Southeast Asia – we certainly didn’t.

Many people choose to travel by air as there’s no shortage of flight routes. Although this is necessary for island destinations such as Borneo and Sumatra, it’s not the best way to get around this region.

Thanks to the proximity of countries in Southeast Asia, you can easily travel overland between destinations instead. Not only does this work out cheaper, but it’s much better for the environment. The journeys may take longer, but many services run overnight so you can save on accommodation and sleep while you travel.

We booked many of our buses and trains on 12GoAsia, as the prices tend to be very affordable. You can use local operators too, but you may end up paying a markup so just research the average prices beforehand.

You’ll also find plenty of ferry services running throughout Southeast Asia. If you want plenty of flexibility, you can always hire a scooter too, but beware of the chaotic roads.

The best time to visit Southeast Asia

Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

As you may be travelling around Southeast Asia for a few months, there’s no ‘perfect’ time to visit. In our opinion, it’s impossible to time your trip so that you’ll encounter pleasant weather in every country.

However, that shouldn’t deter you from visiting – having the occasional thunderstorm certainly didn’t bother us! We spent 6+ months in Asia, travelling between September and February.

Generally, the best time to explore this region is between November and February which is considered the dry season. During this time, you can expect average temperatures of around 30°C (86°F). Of course, this will differ from country to country, especially if you’re exploring high-altitude areas.

Those on a budget may wish to travel outside of the peak season. You can get some fantastic deals on flights and accommodation this way! Just be aware that weather conditions during the rainy season may cause disruptions in some areas.

Visas in Southeast Asia

The Flower Dome in Singapore, Southeast Asia itinerary

Before starting your adventure through Southeast Asia, it’s important to research visas. This will differ for everyone as it depends on the country you’re visiting and your own country of origin.

For example, as British citizens, we can enjoy visa-free travel to many destinations. This includes Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines. For other countries (including Cambodia and Indonesia), we require an electronic visa or visa on arrival.

It’s vital that you research this in advance so you’re prepared for any air travel or overland border crossings. You’ll also want to be aware of the visa fee and any additional documents that are required.

Other things to know about visiting Southeast Asia

Temple in Siem Reap Cambodia

Here are some other helpful things to know when planning your Southeast Asia itinerary:

  • The currency will differ for every country, with some destinations having an unusual choice of currency (Cambodia mainly uses the US Dollar). As such, a multi-currency travel card will come in handy.
  • We’d recommend picking up a SIM card when entering a new country. This means you’ll always be connected to the internet. E-SIMs are also an option for those with newer phone models.
  • If you’re travelling on a budget, keep a rough idea of your daily spending. This helped us realise where our money was going and if there were any unnecessary spends – it was snacks for us, of course!
  • Even when travelling cheaply, you don’t want to miss out on once-in-a-lifetime experiences. For us, visiting Angkor Wat and jungle hiking in Borneo/Sumatra were things we just couldn’t miss out on.
  • When packing for your Southeast Asia travel itinerary, there are a few must-have items. These include a microfibre towel, dry bag, raincoat, sarong, and power bank. Always keep a small first-aid kit on you too!

Frequently asked questions about your Southeast Asia itinerary

Macaque in Bali, Southeast Asia itinerary

What is a good budget for Southeast Asia?

We’d recommend allowing a budget of at least £20-£30 per person per day. This is for those travelling on a shoestring budget, who will be staying in hostels, eating local street food, and using public transport.

For a more comfortable experience, allow around £30-£40 per person per day. This will generally be enough for a comfortable private room (especially if sharing), attractions, food, and transport.

How long do you need in Southeast Asia?

Ideally, you’ll want to spend at least 2-3 months in Southeast Asia. There are so many fantastic countries to explore, and you’ll be able to visit at least 3-4 destinations within this timeframe.

We spent over 6 months in Southeast Asia and in some countries, we still felt like we’d only just scratched the surface. For those who have limited time, it’s best to reduce your itinerary to only a few destinations.

Is 3 months enough to travel Southeast Asia?

This all depends on your travel preferences and planned activities, but 3 months is certainly a good amount of time. Especially, if you’re planning to visit neighbouring countries (e.g. Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam).

When planning any Southeast Asia travel itinerary, it’s important to consider your timeframe first. That way, you can prioritise the destinations you’d like to visit. Just make sure you do your research and don’t rush your time!

Is Southeast Asia cheap?

Southeast Asia is a very cheap destination to travel through. You can pick up a double room for as little as £5 in some places, while local street food often costs below £0.75. The majority of attractions are also very cheap!

If you’re visiting Southeast Asia, you can easily survive on a budget of £20-£30 per person per day (even less depending on where you go). Those travelling as a couple or with friends will spend less simply by splitting costs.

Final Thoughts on this Southeast Asia Itinerary

Southeast Asia is an incredible part of the world and is perfect for budget travellers. The majority of countries are extremely affordable and you’ll have no issues travelling between destinations, as many places are very well-connected by air, ferry or overland travel.

Of course, not everyone will have 5+ months to spare! Whether you’re spending 2 weeks in Southeast Asia or planning an epic 3-month Asia itinerary, our advice remains the same – prioritise the places you want to visit most. That way, you can really make the most of your trip.

If you have further questions about this Southeast Asia itinerary then don’t hesitate to contact us via Instagram, Facebook, or in the comments below!

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Southeast Asia Itinerary

I’m one half of Acouplescalling. I'm passionate about all things travel and photography and I love sharing my experiences with others. I've seen a lot of the world already and I want to help as many people as I can do the same thing!

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