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Ultimate First-Timer’s Guide to Southeast Asia: A Perfect 2-Week Itinerary

Writer: nataliebnatalieb



Experience the best of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand with this carefully curated 2-week itinerary designed for first-time travelers. Explore the vibrant streets of Saigon, uncover the ancient wonders of Angkor Wat, dive into Bangkok’s rich culture, and unwind on the stunning beaches of Phuket. This itinerary blends history, food, adventure, and relaxation, making it the ideal introduction to Southeast Asia!


Days 1-4: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (Saigon)

Day 1: Arrival in Saigon

  • Airport transportation to Park Hyatt Saigon

  • Evening at leisure

Day 2: Explore Saigon

Day 3: History & Culture

  • Historical Saigon & War Museum Tour (Tour Link)

  • Dinner at Pizza 4Ps Ben Thanh

Day 4: Day Trip to Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta

  • Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta Private Tour (Tour Link)

  • Dinner at Quince Saigon & Madam Kew


Kick off your Southeast Asia adventure in the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)! After settling into the luxe Park Hyatt Saigon, take it easy with a chill evening exploring the neighborhood or just unwinding at the hotel.

The next day, dive into Saigon’s vibe with a dinner cruise on the Saigon River. You’ll get killer views of the city’s skyline while enjoying some good food—definitely a great way to set the tone for the trip!

History buffs (and even if you’re not!) will appreciate a deep dive into Vietnam’s past with the Historical Saigon & War Museum Tour. You’ll hit up key spots around the city and learn some pretty eye-opening stuff. After a day of exploring, grab some delicious fusion pizza at Pizza 4Ps Ben Thanh—trust me, it’s a local favorite.

For your last day in Vietnam, head out on a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta. It’s a mix of history and nature: you’ll explore underground tunnels and then float along the serene waters of the Mekong. Wrap up the day with a tasty dinner at Quince Saigon & Madam Kew, where the menu is all about modern Asian flavors.

These first few days in Saigon are all about soaking up the city’s energy, learning a bit of history, and diving into some seriously good eats. It’s the perfect start to your Southeast Asia journey!


Days 5-6: Siem Reap, Cambodia

Day 5: Travel to Siem Reap

Day 6: Angkor Wat & Khmer Cuisine



Next stop: Siem Reap, Cambodia—home to the iconic Angkor Wat! After a smooth arrival, settle into the elegant Park Hyatt Siem Reap. You’ve got a relaxed evening ahead with dinner and a traditional Apsara dance show right at the hotel’s Dining Room Courtyard. It’s a great way to ease into Cambodia’s rich culture and history.

The real adventure kicks off the next day with a full-day tour of the Angkor Wat temples. You’ll explore jaw-dropping ancient ruins, snap some incredible photos, and learn about the fascinating history of the Khmer Empire. Plus, the tour includes stops for authentic Khmer cuisine, so your taste buds are in for a treat too!

In the evening, head to HAVEN for dinner. This place not only serves up delicious food but also supports young locals in need, so you’ll be dining for a good cause. It’s the perfect way to wrap up your time in Siem Reap—full of culture, history, and heart.

These two days in Cambodia are all about experiencing one of the world’s most iconic historical sites and soaking in the local culture, with a little bit of downtime to recharge for the next leg of your trip!


Days 7-9: Bangkok, Thailand

Day 7: Travel to Bangkok

Day 8: Bangkok’s Iconic Landmarks

  • Bangkok Most Famous Spots Tour (Tour Link)

  • Evening at leisure for dinner

Day 9: Floating Market & Railway Market

  • Maeklong Railway & Floating Market Tour (Tour Link)

  • Dinner at Ms Jigger


Welcome to Bangkok! After checking into the stylish Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok, treat yourself to an evening of riverside Italian dining at Ciao Terrazza. It’s a great spot to relax, enjoy the view, and settle into the city’s lively atmosphere.

Your next day is all about exploring Bangkok’s must-see spots with a Bangkok Most Famous Spots Tour. You’ll hit up iconic landmarks, probably see some golden temples, and maybe even snap a few envy-inducing photos for the ‘Gram. The evening is yours to explore—whether that means diving into street food or finding a cool rooftop bar for sunset cocktails.

For your last day in Bangkok, take a fun day trip to the Maeklong Railway and Floating Market. The train market is a wild experience—watching the vendors move their goods as the train passes through is pretty unforgettable. The floating market offers a colorful mix of boats, fresh fruits, and tasty local snacks. Finish the day with a delicious dinner at Ms Jigger, where you can wind down with some fantastic eats.

These days in Bangkok strike a perfect balance between sightseeing, cultural experiences, and a bit of free time to explore on your own. It’s the perfect way to get a feel for this vibrant city!



Days 10-13: Phuket, Thailand

Day 10: Travel to Phuket

Day 11: Explore Phuket

  • Private Phuket Island Tour with Big Buddha (Tour Link)

  • Dinner at Sunset Restaurant at The Surin Phket

Day 12: Leisure in Phuket



Time to slow things down and soak up the sun in Phuket! After checking into the stunning The Surin Phuket, kick off your island stay with a delicious dinner at Kalido. You’ll get those laid-back, beachy vibes right away.

The next day, explore the best of Phuket with a Private Island Tour, including a visit to the Big Buddha. You’ll get to see some of the island’s most beautiful spots, learn a bit about local culture, and take in those panoramic views. Wrap up the day with dinner at the Sunset Restaurant back at the hotel—because there’s nothing like enjoying great food with a spectacular sunset view.

On your last day, it’s all about leisure. Whether you want to lounge by the beach, hit the hotel’s pool, or book a spa treatment, the choice is yours. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider a day trip to the Phi Phi Islands, the iconic James Bond Island, or even a Thai cooking class to bring some new skills back home.

These days in Phuket are all about recharging and enjoying the island’s natural beauty. It’s the perfect way to end your Southeast Asia adventure on a high note!


Best Time to Visit Southeast Asia

  • Vietnam (Saigon): December to April (Dry season, comfortable temperatures)

  • Cambodia (Siem Reap): November to March (Cool, dry weather—best for Angkor Wat)

  • Thailand (Bangkok & Phuket): November to April (Ideal weather, especially for beaches)





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