Southeast Asia is perfect for a fast‑paced multi‑city trip: short flights, varied cultures, great food, and a mix of city life and more relaxed destinations. This sample 10‑day itinerary gives you a taste of Thailand, Vietnam, and Singapore—ideal for a first visit or a holiday that balances sightseeing with downtime.
You can adjust the order or swap cities based on your flights and interests, but this route is designed to keep travel time reasonable while still feeling like a real adventure.
Itinerary Overview
- Days 1–3: Bangkok, Thailand
- Days 4–5: Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Days 6–8: Hanoi, Vietnam
- Days 9–10: Singapore
Depending on flight availability and your starting point, you might arrive in one city and depart from another (open‑jaw tickets).
Day 1–3: Bangkok – Temples, Street Food & City Energy
Day 1: Arrival and First Impressions
- Arrive in Bangkok and check into your hotel (consider staying near the riverside, Sukhumvit, or Old Town).
- Take it easy after your flight: walk around your neighborhood, try local street food, and get used to the heat and humidity.
- Optional: Evening visit to a rooftop bar or a simple boat ride on the Chao Phraya River.
Day 2: Grand Palace, Temples & the River
- Visit the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew).
- Walk or take a short ride to Wat Pho, home of the Reclining Buddha.
- Cross the river by boat to Wat Arun for views of the city from the temple.
- Evening: explore nearby markets or have dinner by the river.
Day 3: Markets & Modern Bangkok
- Explore a market such as Chatuchak Weekend Market (if your dates align) or local neighborhoods.
- Visit shopping districts around Siam, or explore a different part of the city like Chinatown.
- Evening: prepare for an early flight to Chiang Mai the next morning.
Day 4–5: Chiang Mai – Temples & Laid-Back Vibes
Day 4: Old Town and Temples
- Fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai (morning flight if possible).
- Check into your accommodation—staying near the Old City makes walking easier.
- Visit some of Chiang Mai’s temples inside the Old City, such as Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang.
- Evening: explore a night market and enjoy Northern Thai dishes like khao soi.
Day 5: Doi Suthep or Local Experiences
- Take a half‑day trip to Doi Suthep, a hilltop temple with views over Chiang Mai.
- Optional: spend the afternoon in cafes or at a cooking class to learn Thai recipes.
- Evening: relax and prepare for your next flight to Hanoi.
Day 6–8: Hanoi – Old Quarter, History & Street Life
Day 6: Arrival and Exploring the Old Quarter
- Fly from Chiang Mai (or via Bangkok) to Hanoi.
- Check into your hotel in or near the Old Quarter.
- Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and the surrounding streets to get a feel for the city.
- Try local dishes like pho, bun cha, or egg coffee at recommended spots.
Day 7: Hanoi’s Highlights
- Visit key sights such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex (check opening days and hours).
- Explore the Temple of Literature, the Old Quarter, and French Quarter streets.
- Consider a water puppet show in the evening for a cultural experience.
Day 8: Day Trip or Extra Time in Hanoi
- Option 1: Take a day trip to a scenic area such as Ninh Binh (often called “Halong Bay on land”).
- Option 2: Spend more time in Hanoi’s neighborhoods, cafes, and markets if you prefer a slower pace.
- Evening: pack and get ready for your flight to Singapore.
Day 9–10: Singapore – Modern City & Green Spaces
Day 9: Arrival and Marina Bay
- Fly from Hanoi to Singapore and check into your accommodation.
- Head to the Marina Bay area for sights like Marina Bay Sands, Merlion Park, and waterfront walks.
- Evening: visit Gardens by the Bay—especially the Supertree Grove light show.
Day 10: Neighborhoods and Departure
- Explore neighborhoods such as Chinatown, Little India, or Kampong Glam.
- Visit malls or food centers (hawker centers) like Lau Pa Sat or Maxwell for local dishes.
- Depending on your flight time, fit in one more park or viewpoint before heading to the airport.
Practical Tips for This Itinerary
Flights and Routing
- Look for multi‑city tickets that let you arrive in one city (for example, Bangkok) and depart from another (such as Singapore).
- Use regional low‑cost carriers to connect between cities, but account for baggage policies and times.
- Try to schedule flights early in the day to give yourself more time after arrival.
Pace and Adjustments
- This itinerary is fast‑paced. If you prefer slower travel, reduce the number of cities and spend more days in fewer places.
- Adjust the order based on flight availability and weather patterns.
- Consider seasonal factors like rainy seasons in certain regions when choosing dates.
Visas and Entry Rules
- Check visa requirements for each country based on your nationality well before your trip.
- Confirm whether you need onward or return ticket proof at each border.
- Keep digital copies of your bookings and important documents.
Tip: Pack light with a carry‑on or small checked bag to make frequent flights and hotel changes easier. Laundry services are often inexpensive and widely available in Southeast Asia.
When you’re ready to book, you can use BookingBe to search and compare flights into and out of Southeast Asia and between each of these cities, helping you build a route that fits your dates and budget.