ITINERARY | 2-Week Intro to Southeast Asia
- ptotravelpro
- Jan 24
- 20 min read
THE DAY-BY-DAY GUIDE TO EXPLORING SINGAPORE, CAMBODIA, AND THAILAND
OVERVIEW
2-WEEK INTRO TO SOUTHEAST ASIA
There's a reason so many people embark on a trip to Southeast Asia after major life milestones. A trip here has the potential to be transformative, whether you're pushing yourself out of your comfort zone in chaotic mega-cities, embarking on a spiritual journey at the region's many temples, or expanding your palate with new, local cuisine. Along the way, you'll experience a mix of adventure and relaxation, of cool highlands and colorful coral reefs, of ancient ruins and futuristic high-rises that are all sure to leave lasting memories.
This trip's highlights include the ultra-modern metropolis of Singapore, the ruins of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Thailand's capital of Bangkok, the northern Thai highlands of Chiang Rai & the Golden Triangle, and the southern beaches of Phuket.
A FEW THINGS TO NOTE:
This itinerary assumes that you aren't on a shoestring, backpacker budget. The good news is, even a splurge is usually reasonable in Southeast Asia, but I won't be recommending hostels or trying to scrape every penny out of this trip. This is designed with quality of experience in mind more than stretching your budget as far as possible.
This itinerary also assumes that you don't have unlimited time and want to hit the must-see highlights of the region. Of course this is up for debate, and you could add any number of additional stops to this trip, but I've tried to boil it down to be the perfect introduction for a first-time (and potential only time) to the region. If you are doing an extended trip, you can easily add on neighboring countries as you see fit.
That said, this itinerary still clocks in at 2.5 weeks as written, which admittedly is a lot for most people. Since it’s such a long journey just to get there, I don’t recommend heading home too soon, but I wanted to provide some ways to shorten the trip to fit various time and money restrictions.
Here's a menu of options for how to shorten - choose one or more (but likely not all) of the following based on your priorities:
Cut out Chiang Rai & Northern Thailand (saves 3 days)
This is perhaps the cleanest way to cut this trip down to two weeks and unfortunately what we had to do based on our own constraints. This means you are going to fewer places but fully maximizing your time in each. If northern Thailand is a priority and you want to make cuts elsewhere, there is also the option to shorten you time here by a day.
Cut out a day at Phuket
I like putting Phuket at the end of this trip because it’s a chance to unwind after a long, busy journey. That said, Phuket is ultimately a beach destination, so if you aren’t doing the unique day trips or dives, it can feel similar to other places closer to home. Cut out a day here if you’re not feeling like you need a day just to lounge at the beach or spa.
Cut out a day in Bangkok
To do this, leave Bangkok earlier in the morning on your last day and spend the afternoon at your next stop. Some people love Bangkok and all its buzz. For me, I felt like we hit the sights pretty quickly and then I was ready to depart the chaos. If this feels like you, this is a good option to shorten.
Cut out the last night in Singapore
I put one final night in Singapore in this itinerary as more of a security blanket than anything. It’s nice before such a long flight to not have to worry about a connection. That said our flight home was very late (around midnight), so it’s easy to get a travel buffer / bonus day with a morning flight from Phuket anyways. To do this you’ll have to reshuffle some activities across your days in Singapore. I’d prioritize the SuperTrees at night, Gardens by the Bay, the Long Bar, and the Merlion.
Cut out a day at Siem Reap
This is the option I’m least eager to recommend because it’s actually what we did and we felt rushed. The temples are massive complexes that take a lot of time to see properly. It would have been nice to not try to cram it all in one day. This can also help manage the sweltering afternoons so that you aren’t in the sun in long clothes at the hottest part of the day.
Depending which option(s) you choose, this can cut this trip down from 2.5 weeks to about 1.5!
CHECK OUT THESE DESTINATION GUIDES TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR TRIP:
STOP 1: SINGAPORE
2 NIGHTS
This veritable city of tomorrow offers visitors a dazzling leap into the future, where tradition meets innovation. Taste your way through hawker centres, marvel at the vertical rainforest of Gardens by the Bay, or take a dip in the epic rooftop pool atop Marina Bay Sands. Whether you’re craving luxury or a deep dive into a multicultural mosaic, Singapore delivers it all. Plus, this is one of the best-connected cities with one of the best airlines in the world, making it an excellent choice to fly in and out of Southeast Asia.
Where to stay: Marina Bay Sands makes the most sense for this first stop in Singapore
Other options are better for when you return to Singapore before heading home (see Stop 6)
CHECK OUT THIS DESTINATION GUIDE FOR EVEN MORE INFO:
DAY 1: Flight to Asia & Arrival
No matter how you slice it, it takes a long time to get to Singapore. But, we took the non-stop flight from New York, and I can't recommend it enough. It's currently the longest flight in the world, which saves a lot of time vs. connecting and it means the plane is specially designed with the long flight time in mind. There are no regular economy seats on the flight (starts at premium economy), and Singapore Air is known for their impeccable in-flight experience. You'll likely land in the early evening. Fight the urge to go to sleep and get a good dinner. To make it easy, we grabbed dinner at our hotel, Marina Bay Sands, which has a big variety of restaurants to choose from. Also make sure to catch the SuperTrees light show!
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS
Flight and hotel check-in | We had a late afternoon arrival
SuperTree light show (Garden Rhapsody) | About 15-20m
Dinner | At Marina Bay Sands to stay nearby
TIPS FOR YOUR TRIP
I highly recommend the non-stop flight from New York to Singapore on Singapore Air. Your seats will automatically be premium economy, but pay the small fee to get the exit row (you'll have more leg room than you know what to do with) or upgrade to business class.
Fight the urge to sleep and go to dinner and check out one of the two SuperTree light shows.
Light shows happen twice nightly (one at 7:45 PM and one at 8:45 PM); arrive a little early to get a good spot.
DAY 2: Marina Bay Sands & Gardens by the Bay
With the 12-hour time difference, our internal clocks were completely thrown off, and we woke up in the wee hours of the morning. Not sure what to do with ourselves, we headed to the Marina Bay Sands rooftop pool to watch the sunrise. It's a really peaceful way to start the morning and we basically had the pool to ourselves. Afterwards explore the giant greenhouses at Gardens by the Bay. The cloud forest is an impressive version of an indoor rainforest, complete with a towering waterfall and layers of authentic plant life. The flower dome is an explosion of blooms (and the biggest greenhouse in the world) with a variety of gardens featuring different global regions. Finish the day with dinner close by or some Singaporean street food.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS
Sunrise and breakfast at Marina Bay Sands rooftop pool | Few hours
Cloud Forest | About 1.5 to 2h
Flower Dome | About 1 to 1.5h
Dinner | Somewhere easy (thanks to jet lag)
TIPS FOR YOUR TRIP
You can only get in the Marina Bay Sands pool if you are a hotel guest. There are other ways to catch the view though - either pay for the viewing platform or make a reservation at one of the rooftop restaurants.
WEAR SUNSCREEN! You are so close to the equator here and the sun is intense.
Make sure to book your tickets for the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome in advance - they will sell out!
The Cloud Forest misted every two hours starting at 8:00.
STOP 2: SIEM REAP
3 NIGHTS
From Singapore, journey to Siem Reap, the gateway to Cambodia’s legendary Angkor temples. Wake early to watch the sunrise over Angkor Wat, then lose yourself among the jungle-clad ruins of Ta Prohm (made famous in Tomb Raider!) and the serene faces of Bayon. After temple-hopping, return to town to explore artisan markets and Khmer cuisine, explore the floating villages of Tonle Sap, or be enchanted by a traditional Apsara dance performance.
Where to stay: Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor, Park Hyatt Siem Reap, Zannier Phum Baitang, Anantara Angkor Resort, La Residence d'Angkor (reopening 2027)
CHECK OUT THIS DESTINATION GUIDE FOR EVEN MORE INFO:
Note: Here I deviate a little from our actual experience because we rushed our time in Siem Reap and wished we had spent more. Unfortunately, we had a wedding that put some time constraints on our trip. This itinerary shows how I wish I would have done it in hindsight.
DAY 3: Flight & Angkor Museum
Today, hop on the quick flight from Singapore to Siem Reap and get settled into your hotel. Then spend your afternoon at the Angkor Museum. The museum is a great way to introduce yourself to what you will see at the temples, with an orientation to the complicated history. In the evening, head to a traditional Apsara dance performance, where dancers perform ancient stories through hand gestures and slow, flowing movements. The Raffles hotel offered a particularly enchanting option where the dinner and dance were held at one of the temples by candlelight.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS
Flight | Singapore to Siem Reap | About 2h
Angkor Museum | About 2h
Dinner and Apsara performance (at the temples) | About 2h
TIPS FOR YOUR TRIP
To save time tomorrow when trying to vie for a sunrise photo spot, buy your tickets in advance (either in-person after 5 PM or online).
Buy either the 1-day or 3-day pass depending on your plans.
DAY 4: Temples of Angkor Wat
Wake up early to watch the sun rise over the temple of Angkor Wat, then explore the massive complex and other nearby temples. I highly recommend touring with a guide who can help enhance your visit with information about the history, religious significance, and architecture. We opted for a tour with a driver, and the A/C was a life-saver. Most tours will also take you to Bayon, the temple with many faces, Ta Prohm, also known as the "Tomb Raider" temple, and a few other sights on the small circuit.
Note: this is a busy day, and it will start to get hot in the afternoon. If this sounds like it might be a challenge for you or simply busier than you'd like, look into doing a tour that splits these sights over the course of two days. That way you'll do less each day and can relax out of the sun in the steamy afternoon.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS
This will vary based on the tour you select
Angkor Wat sunrise
Angkor Thom South Gate
Bayon Temple
Ta Prohm
Additional small circuit sites
TIPS FOR YOUR TRIP
Start early - not only because sunrise over Angkor Wat is a bucket list item, but because you will want to get as much done as possible before the heat of the day hits its peak.
The sun rises directly over Angkor Wat at the equinoxes (actually a couple of days off due to alignment), which is a cool sight but will make the temples extra busy.
Go on a tour with a guide. They not only know all the best places to go but can help bring the temples to life with information about their history, religious significance, and architecture.
When you choose a tour there will be an option to go by car vs. tuk tuk vs. vespa. All have pros and cons. The vespa or the tuk tuk are fun and can go places a car cannot. We chose a car with a driver (in addition to our guide), which let us get dropped off very close to entrances and enjoy some much needed A/C between sights.
Dress appropriately for the temples, which requires covered shoulders and knees. Generally, loose clothing is also better than tight yoga pants.
Prepare for the heat. Wear sunscreen and hat, and bring (or make sure your driver has) plenty of water, cooling towels, or other gear to stay cool.
Note that pregnant women and kids under 12 were not allowed on temples.
DAY 5: More Temples or Tonle Sap
This day is a bit of a dealer's choice! If you opted for a two-day tour option, continue your tour of the temples. You can either finish what you didn't get to from the small circuit or can explore the less-crowded sights of the grand circuit and other outlying temples like Bantay Srei and Banteay Samre. Alternatively, you could mix up how you see the temples and opt for an aerial tour by helicopter or you could do something different entirely and visit the floating villages on nearby Tonle Sap Lake.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS
Choose from the following depending on your interests:
More temples, particularly those in the grand circuit or other outlying temples
Aerial tour of Siem Reap by helicopter
Visit to floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake
TIPS FOR YOUR TRIP
All of my tips from the previous day apply here as well!
Some tours offer a visit to a Tonle Sap village as part of the itinerary. I would consider doing this if you want to go, as a guide will be able to take you to the best places and navigate cultural norms.
STOP 3: BANGKOK
2 NIGHTS
Fly from Cambodia to Bangkok, Thailand's vibrant capital. Visit the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun to marvel at Thailand’s spiritual heritage or the Jim Thompson house to learn about one of the region's most famous cold cases. Dive into the energy of the floating markets along the canals or the various night markets that pop up after the sun goes down. Street food here is legendary, from sizzling pad Thai to mango sticky rice, almost as legendary as the city's nightlife, which ranges from wild backpacker clubs to upscale rooftop bars with unforgettable views of the Chao Phraya River.
Where to Stay: The Siam, Four Seasons Bangkok, Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, Capella Bangkok, Rosewood Bangkok, 137 Pillars Suites
Honestly, there are many good options, just choose somewhere near water transit or the subway
CHECK OUT THIS DESTINATION GUIDE FOR EVEN MORE INFO:
DAY 6: Flight & Jim Thompson House
Depart Siem Reap and fly to Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. Start off your visit with a tour of the Jim Thompson House. This traditional Thai house and its Asian art collection belonged to Jim Thompson, an American entrepreneur known for reviving Thailand's silk industry who later mysteriously disappeared in Malaysia. To close out the day, check out Bangkok after dark. Sample street food at a night market, then if you're up for it, get a taste of Bangkok's notorious nightlife. If backpackers on Khao San road, EDM clubs, and ladyboys aren't your speed, Thailand has some incredible upscale bars, or you may consider seeing a Muay Thai (Thai kickboxing) match.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS
Flight | Siem Reap to Bangkok | About 2h
Jim Thompson House | About 1.5h
Night markets and nightlife | Dinner and late-night
TIPS FOR YOUR TRIP
Traffic in Bangkok is intense; plan to avoid cars as much as possible and take tuk-tuks, the (very nice) train system, or longtail boats instead.
Carry some cash to pay vendors. Most things are pretty cheap, so you won't need a ton.
Some night markets are closed on Mondays.
Keep an eye on your belongings and your drinks while you are out.
DAY 7: Temples of Bangkok
Explore the most famous temples of Bangkok today. Start with the Grand Palace, which is a complex of buildings that includes the former royal residence and Wat Phra Kaew, the home of the Emerald Buddha and the most sacred temple in Thailand. Then visit nearby Wat Pho, a temple regarded as the birthplace of Thai massage and home to the iconic (and giant) reclining Buddha. In the afternoon, check out the intricately carved Wat Arun, a staple of the Bangkok skyline. To cap off the day, enjoy a sunset dinner overlooking the Chao Phraya River and the silhouette of Wat Arun.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS
Grand Palace | 2-3 hours
Wat Pho | About 1.5h
Wat Arun | About 1.5h
Sunset dinner on the river | We ate at Supanniga Eating Room (riverside location)
TIPS FOR YOUR TRIP
Be especially careful with following rules with clothes at the Grand Palace - it's the strictest temple. Your shoulders and knees must be covered, and I learned the hard way that a shawl (or any jacket without buttons or a zipper) is not considered a shoulder covering. The good news is that they sell t-shirts of shame on site.
Start early - the Grand Palace gets uncomfortably crowded.
Do some homework about what you are seeing at the Grand Palace; it wasn't very informative on its own.
Take a quick boat across the river from Wat Pho to Wat Arun. It's a cool experience and will save you a lot of time!
Make your sunset reservations well in advance!
DAY 8: Floating Markets & Flight
If this day falls on a weekend, you should check out one of the most unique things to do in Bangkok - visit the floating markets! There are a few different options around the city. Some are closer and some are more "floating" than others, but all will give you a fun way to explore and try cheap but delicious street food. After you've had your fill, head back to the city to catch your flight to the north. Enjoy a relaxing arrival to the Golden Triangle with sundowners and dinner at your resort.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS
Floating markets | Few hours
Flight | Bangkok to Chiang Rai | About 1.5h
Sundowners & Dinner | At your resort
TIPS FOR YOUR TRIP
Research the floating markets before you go. They are only open on certain days and some are very far from the city center.
Depending which market you choose (we went to Klong Lat Mayom), take the longtail boat back to the city center. It's really fast and a lot of fun!
STOP 4: THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE
4 NIGHTS
After the city buzz, head north to Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle, where misty hills and river valleys invite a slower pace. In town, explore the striking architecture of the White Temple, the vibrant hues of the Blue Temple, and the thought-provoking Black House. Beyond the city, cruise the Mekong River where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet, visit tranquil hillside tea plantations, or learn how to cook distinctly northern Thai cuisine as you take the opportunity to slow down before heading south.
Where to Stay:
CHECK OUT THIS DESTINATION GUIDE FOR EVEN MORE INFO:
DAY 9: Elephant Encounter & Cooking Class
Both resorts I've recommended for your stay (Four Seasons & Anantara) have partnered with local conservation groups to offer ethical encounters with Thailand's most majestic creatures. Observe the rescued elephants in their natural jungle habitat while learning about biology, behavior, rescue efforts, and mahouts' daily care routines. Afterwards, immerse yourself in the art of northern Thai cuisine by taking a cooking class to learn how to cook up some of the region's specialties before sampling what you've created.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS
Elephant encounter | Time varies
Cooking class | Few hours
TIPS FOR YOUR TRIP
To ensure availability, book your experiences at the resort in advance.
Wear neutral colors and closed toe shoes, and avoid fragrances for the elephant interaction.
Bring a long(er) lens to ensure you can get great photos without getting too close.
DAY 10: Chiang Rai
Take a day trip into Chiang Rai to experience one of the north's cultural capitals. See the iconic White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), a surprisingly contemporary temple which is covered by mirrored mosaics and entered by crossing the Bridge of Rebirth, which spans a sea of outreaching hands. Make additional stops at Wat Rong Suea Ten (The Blue Temple) and Baan Dam (The Black House). Dive into the region's complex history at the Hall of Opium Museum before returning to your hotel.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS
Flexible options depending on your interests:
Wat Rong Khun (The White Temple) | About 1.5h
Wat Rong Suea Ten (The Blue Temple) | About 30m
Baan Dam (The Black House) | About 1h
Hall of Opium Museum | About 1.5h
TIPS FOR YOUR TRIP
Ask your resort to help coordinate the day trip, so you don't have to worry about logistics.
Start early to avoid the crowds and beat the heat.
DAY 11: Dealer's Choice Excursion in the Golden Triangle
Spend the day exploring the local landscapes. Take a trip to Doi Mae Salong, where you can see the panoramic views of the hillside tea plantations, learn the traditions of tea production, and sample a few varieties before exploring the local Chinese heritage village. Alternatively, explore the Golden Triangle by taking a longtail boat along the Mekong or by taking a safari vehicle on a jungle excursion. After you've gotten your dose of adventure, retreat to the resort's pool or indulge in a spa treatment before enjoying a final dinner.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS
Excursion to tea planation, Mekong cruise, or jungle safari | Time varies
Relaxation at pool or spa | Time varies
TIPS FOR YOUR TRIP
To ensure availability, book your experiences at the resort in advance.
Wear shoes with some traction and bring a light jacket to block out breezes at the tea plantation or on the Mekong.
Use a dry bag and wear sunglasses to block the spray and reflection of the river.
Bring a long(er) lens to ensure you can get great photos without getting too close on the jungle excursion.
STOP 5: PHUKET
4 NIGHTS
Conclude your time in Thailand on its tropical shores, exploring the island of Phuket and other nearby escapes. This island playground offers everything from lively beach towns to secluded resorts. Bask on golden beaches, dive into turquoise waters, and sail to the cinematic landscapes of Phang Nga Bay and the Phi Phi Islands, where limestone cliffs rise dramatically from emerald waters. Whether you’re seeking the scenery of the sea, indulgence in a spa, or simply a hammock under the palms, Phuket offers a perfect chance to cap off your adventure in Southeast Asia.
Where to Stay:
Six Senses Yao Noi, Anantara Mai Khao, The Naka Island a Luxury Collection Resort, Rosewood Phuket, Phulay Bay a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
CHECK OUT THIS DESTINATION GUIDE FOR EVEN MORE INFO:
DAY 12: Flight & Relax at the Beach
Fly from the north of Thailand to the south, shifting from the cool highlands of Chiang Rai to the sunny beaches of Phuket. Keep this travel day relaxing and simply hang out at your pool or on the beach after you arrive at your resort. Catch a view of the sunset over the water and enjoy a nice dinner on-property before turning in for the night.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS
Flight | Chiang Rai to Phuket | About 1.5h
Relax at resort pool or beach
TIPS FOR YOUR TRIP
WEAR SUNSCREEN! You are so close to the equator here and the sun is intense. Make sure it's reef safe!
Research the risks of jellyfish stings and know what to do if you do get stung.
DAY 13: Maya Bay & Phi Phi Islands
Head out on the water for the day to see some of the region's most iconic sites. The Phi Phi Islands include the iconic Maya Bay, made famous by the movie The Beach and more recently by Instagram. A circle of limestone cliffs surround a turquoise lagoon and powder-soft, white sand beach. Most boat tours make a couple of stops in the archipelago including the Viking Cave, Pileh Lagoon, and a beach bar at Phi Phi Don. Our unexpected highlight was a snorkel stop filled with beautiful coral and fish and the occasional baby shark.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS
Take a full-day trip to Maya Bay and the Phi Phi Islands, ours included:
Maya Bay | Disembark to land
Viking Cave | View from boat
Pileh Lagoon | Swim from boat
Snorkel spot | Swim from boat
Phi Phi Don Beach Bar | Disembark to land
Bamboo Island | Disembark to land
TIPS FOR YOUR TRIP
WEAR SUNSCREEN! You are so close to the equator here and the sun is intense. Make sure it's reef safe!
Research the risks of jellyfish stings and know what to do if you do get stung.
We did feel some weird stinging when we were snorkeling that was annoying but not problematic. Our guide told us this was likely either plankton (which can increase after rain) or sea lice (which are actually jellyfish larvae).
You may want to consider a rash guard or even dive suit to help block out the sun and potentially some of this stinging sensation.
The boat ride to the islands was pretty rough on my back, try to sit towards the back of the boat if possible to avoid the chop.
Note that Pileh Lagoon was only accessible to some boats (including the one we were on, which wasn't huge) around the time of the full moon.
Also note that our boat did not permit pregnant women.
DAY 14: Spa & Beach Day
One of the best reasons to visit a beach destination is to unwind a bit, particularly in Thailand, which is famous the world over for its massage techniques and spa treatments. Continue your time in Phuket with no plans other than wandering down to the spa before sipping on a cocktail at the swim-up bar. If you can't stand to dedicate an entire day to doing nothing, consider heading into the town of Phuket where you can wander along the colorful Sino-Portuguese buildings of Old Town or see the aptly named Big Buddha (it's 45m tall) and catch the views from its hilltop perch.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS
Relax at resort pool or beach
Spa treatment (if you didn't do one in the Golden Triangle)
Optional trip into Phuket town
TIPS FOR YOUR TRIP
WEAR SUNSCREEN! You are so close to the equator here and the sun is intense. Make sure it's reef safe!
Research the risks of jellyfish stings and know what to do if you do get stung.
DAY 15: Dealer's Choice Day Trip
Finish your last full day in Phuket with another day trip. If you loved the limestone formations of Maya Bay, check out the jagged karsts of Phang Nga Bay & James Bond Island. If you couldn't get enough of the colorful marine life, head to the Similan Islands to continue snorkeling among the reefs. If you are looking for something more adventurous, consider embarking on a zipline excursion in the jungle or heading across the bay to Railay Beach & Krabi to try your hand at rock climbing at one of the world's best climbing destinations.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS
Take a full-day trip to one of a couple nearby sights. Choose from:
Phang Nga Bay & James Bond Island
Similan Islands snorkeling trip
Rock-climbing excursion in Railay Beach / Krabi
Zipline or jungle excursion
TIPS FOR YOUR TRIP
WEAR SUNSCREEN! You are so close to the equator here and the sun is intense. Make sure it's reef safe!
Research the risks of jellyfish stings and know what to do if you do get stung.
We did feel some weird stinging when we were snorkeling that was annoying but not problematic. Our guide told us this was likely either plankton (which can increase after rain) or sea lice (which are actually jellyfish larvae).
You may want to consider a rash guard or even dive suit to help block out the sun and potentially some of this stinging sensation.
The boat ride to the islands was pretty rough on my back, try to sit towards the back of the boat if possible to avoid the chop.
Also note that our boat did not permit pregnant women.
STOP 6: SINGAPORE
1 NIGHT
Finish your trip with a layover in Singapore, where you can explore the city a bit more before heading home on your long haul flight. If you haven't already, grab a Singapore Sling at the iconic Long Bar, take a selfie with the Merlion, and explore the UNESCO botanical gardens before heading to the airport, which is an attraction in itself and famous for housing the world's tallest indoor waterfall.
Where to Stay:
CHECK OUT THIS DESTINATION GUIDE FOR EVEN MORE INFO:
DAY 16: Flight & Singapore Icons
Take your final flight in Asia back to Singapore for a layover night before heading home. Spend your afternoon exploring one of Singapore's neighborhoods. Chinatown is a great pick for beautiful architecture and street eats at a hawker centre, while Orchard Road is a great pick if you want to do some shopping before you head home. Toast to the end of a great trip at the Raffles' Long Bar, a historic spot where the city's signature Singapore Sling was invented. Top off the end of your day with a quick photo-op at the Merlion, Singapore's water-spraying mascot.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS
Flight | Phuket to Singapore | About 2h
Chinatown or Orchard Road | Lunch & exploring
Long Bar | Leisurely round or two of cocktails
Merlion | Quick photo-op
TIPS FOR YOUR TRIP
Some hawker stalls are very famous and will have proportionately long lines.
Have a Singapore Sling at the Long Bar, but also try some other drinks on the menu - they were some of our favorites!
Get to the Long Bar right when they open since seating is first-come, first-served.
DAY 17: Botanical Gardens & Flight Home
Spend one final morning in Singapore before catching your very long flight home. Start at the Botanical Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its expansive gardens, patches of primary rainforest, and thousands of orchid species housed in the National Orchid Garden. Pack up and head to the airport before seeing one final sight, the airport itself. The Jewel at Changi is unlike any airport terminal you've seen before, anchored by the Rain Vortex, which is the tallest indoor waterfall on Earth. Here, you can explore an indoor rainforest, the nets of the canopy park, and hundreds of shops & restaurants before hopping on your flight back home.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS
Singapore Botanical Gardens | About 2h
Jewel at Changi Airport | About 1h
Flight back home
TIPS FOR YOUR TRIP
Visit the botanical gardens early in the day to avoid peak heat.
The Jewel is outside of airport security, so visit before you head to the terminal for your flight.
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