Destinations

Where to go in Southeast Asia

12 cities and islands across 8 countries, each with a full guide: when to go, how long to stay, what the place is really like, and how to get around. Start with a region below.

01

Mainland Southeast Asia

The peninsula and river deltas: Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar. Overland travel is easy here, tied together by night trains, sleeper buses, and the Mekong.

ThailandWat Arun temple rising above the Chao Phraya river with boats passing in Bangkok

Bangkok

Gilded temples, river ferries, and street food that never stops. How to time Bangkok, where to base yourself, and how to beat the traffic.

3 to 4 daysBest: November to February
ThailandA golden Lanna-style temple in the old city of Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai

The laid-back north: a temple-packed old city, misty mountains, cooking classes, and lantern nights. When to visit Chiang Mai and what to do.

3 to 5 daysBest: November to February
VietnamNarrow lantern-strung streets of the Old Quarter in Hanoi, Vietnam

Hanoi

Vietnam's dense, atmospheric capital: Old Quarter chaos, lake-side calm, and coffee culture. When to go, where to stay, and the day trips worth taking.

2 to 3 daysBest: October to April
VietnamMotorbikes streaming through a busy District 1 street in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City

Saigon at full speed: markets, war history, coffee, and food. How to time Ho Chi Minh City, where to base yourself, and the best day trips.

2 to 3 daysBest: December to April
VietnamSilk lanterns glowing over the old town of Hoi An, Vietnam at night

Hoi An

A lantern-lit old port of tailors, bicycles, and rice paddies, with a beach close by. When to visit Hoi An and how to do it well.

2 to 3 daysBest: February to April
CambodiaSunrise over the towers of Angkor Wat reflected in a pond near Siem Reap, Cambodia

Siem Reap

The easy base for Angkor: sunrise over Angkor Wat, jungle temples, and Khmer food. When to go to Siem Reap and how to plan your temple days.

3 to 4 daysBest: November to February
LaosMist over the Mekong river with a wooden boat near Luang Prabang, Laos

Luang Prabang

A serene UNESCO town where the Mekong sets the pace: dawn alms, waterfalls, and sunset over the river. When to visit Luang Prabang.

2 to 4 daysBest: November to February
02

Maritime Southeast Asia

The islands and archipelagos: Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei. Getting between highlights usually means a short flight or a ferry across bright water.

IndonesiaTerraced green rice paddies in the hills near Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

Bali

One island, several trips: Ubud's rice terraces, the surf-and-beach-club south, and temples everywhere. When to visit Bali and how to choose your base.

5 to 7 daysBest: April to October
SingaporeThe Supertrees of Gardens by the Bay lit up against the Singapore skyline

Singapore

A clean, multicultural city-state and a superb first or last stop, if you know where the hawker food is. When to visit Singapore and what to eat.

3 to 4 daysBest: February to April
MalaysiaThe Petronas Twin Towers rising above the Kuala Lumpur skyline at dusk

Kuala Lumpur

An underrated capital where Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures meet over superb food. When to visit Kuala Lumpur, what to do, and where to eat.

2 to 3 daysBest: May to July, December to February
MalaysiaHeritage shophouses and street art in George Town, Penang, Malaysia

George Town, Penang

Malaysia's food capital wrapped around a UNESCO heritage core of shophouses, murals, and hawker stalls. When to visit George Town, Penang.

2 to 3 daysBest: December to February
PhilippinesA Filipino outrigger boat anchored off a palm-lined beach in El Nido, Palawan

El Nido

A rough-and-ready town that opens onto Bacuit Bay's limestone lagoons and island-hopping. When to visit El Nido, Palawan, and what to expect.

3 to 5 daysBest: November to May