Top Things To Do In Southeast Asia, Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand – Trip Chronicles Part 1
Exploring different parts of the world runs deep in my blood. I’ve touched down on all seven continents, visiting places like Doha, Qatar, Australia, South Africa and Italy, just to name a few. A few years ago I traveled to Northern Asia and really enjoyed myself, now, in 2018 my plan is to travel the Mekong River in Southeast Asia. For three weeks I will experience all the amazing and wonderful things to do in Southeast Asia, Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand. I’m really looking forward to this trip.
First stop will be Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam. I’m excited about jumping on a motorbike and navigating my way through the streets of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and Hanoi, but also craving to see the countryside. The landscapes that I’ve seen in pictures are always stunning and I can’t wait to view this firsthand. I want to walk through the paddy fields barefoot and watch the farmers tending to their crop. I want to see all of Vietnam.
I’ll leave Vietnam and enter Cambodia via the Mekong River. High on my list of things to do in Southeast Asia is visiting the Temples of Angkor. There are a great number of ancient ruins throughout the country, many of which are around the Siem Reap area. Trust me when I say, I’m not leaving Cambodia without seeing Angor Wat at sunrise. From Angor Wat, I’ll make my way to the capital city, Phnom Penh where I’ll take in a few additional sights.
Finally, I will hop on a flight and head to Thailand’s capital city, Bangkok “City of Angels”. Sampling the delicious street food, walking through the ancient temples, and visiting the Grand Palace will all take place before I head to Chiang Mai and Krabi island. September can’t come fast enough, this is going to be one A-MAZING trip!
MY TOP 15 THINGS TO DO IN VIETNAM
1.Phú Quốc – A Vietnamese island off the coast of Cambodia in the Gulf of Thailand. Known for white-sand beaches and resorts, Phú Quốc ranks high on my list of things to do in Vietnam because of the water element. Anyone that knows me knows I love roaming by the water.
HO CHI MINH CITY (Formerly Saigon)
2. Cu Chi tunnels – Visitors experience what it must have been like for soldiers to navigate their way through the network of tunnels to remain undetected by their enemies. I’m not sure I’ll fit in the tunnels but I’m going to try 🙂
- Opening Hours: Daily 07:00 – 17:00
- Location: 70km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City
- Address: +84 83 794 8820
3. Ben Thanh Market – A large marketplace in central Hồ Chí Minh City. This market is one of the earliest surviving structures in Saigon and is an important symbol of Hồ Chí Minh City.
- Opening Hours: Daily 08:00 – 17:00
- Address: 57A Thap Moui, District 6, Ho Chi Minh City
4. The War Remnants Museum – This museum details the effects of the 30-year long war between America and Vietnam.
- Opening Hours: Daily 07.30 – 12.00 & 13:30 – 17:00
- Address: 28 Vo Van Tan, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
5. Skydeck – Bitexco Financial Tower – Standing at 262 meters high in the city’s business district, it is the tallest building in Vietnam. I want to sit at the very top and take in the view of the city while sipping on a few cocktails. 🙂
- Opening Hours: Daily 09:30 – 21:30
- Address: 36 Ho Tung Mau Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
HANOI (Capital of Vietnam)
6. The Old Quarter – In the heart of the city The Old Quarter is filled with narrow shops that sell cheap delicious Vietnamese food.
- Location: Hanoi Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem District
7. The Opera House – Resembling the Opéra Palais Garnier, the stunning Hanoi Opera House was built in 1911 by two French architects.
- Address: 1 Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
- Tel: +84 43 933 0113
- Price Range: VND 100,000 – VND 2,000,000
8. Street Food – Hanoi is a foodie’s paradise from what I’ve been told and as a self-proclaimed foodie, I can’t wait to experience the Vietnamese flavors bite by bite.
DA NANG
9. Marble Mountains – A cluster of five marble and limestone hills named after the five elements ( metal, water, wood, fire, and earth, ) I’m looking forward to exploring these mountains located south of Da Nang.
- Opening Hours: Daily 07:00 – 17:00
- Location: 9km south of Da Nang, Hoa Hai District
- Price Range: VND 15,000
10. The Dragon Bridge – I’m not a fan of the number 666 so when I found out the Dragon Bridge measures 666 meters in length I rolled my eyes. Wouldn’t it still be the longest bridge in Vietnam if they have made it 665 in length or 667? 🙂
- Location: Da Nang City Centre, Da Nang
11. Da Nang Cathedral – One of the most unique Catholic churches in Vietnam.
- Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday 05:00 – 17:30, Sunday 05:00 – 17:00
- Address: 156 Tran Phu Street, Da Nang
- Tel: +84 511 387 3445
12. My Khe Beach – A 20-mile stretch of white sand, need I say more?
- Location: Nguyen Van Thoai, Da Nang
NORTHEASTERN VIETNAM
13. Vietnamese Sunrise – I’m not really looking forward to getting up early in the morning, but I know the northeastern sunrise will be worth it.
- Ha Long Bay
- Bai Tu Long Bay
14. The Sand Dunes of Mui Ne – I love a good sand dune, matter of fact I was recently dune bashing in Doha, Qatar with the best of them :). The Sand Dunes of Mui Ne are two geological wonders in a resort town along Vietnam’s southern coast. After doing some research I understand that one can rent a plastic sled and go down the dunes. IM SO DOING THIS!
15. Sapa – The pictures speak for itself, the mountainous landscape is astonishingly beautiful.
MEKONG RIVER
A trans-boundary river in Southeast Asia that runs through six countries, China’s Yunnan Province, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, it’s the world’s twelfth longest river and the seventh longest in Asia. The Mekong River is in my top five for things to do in Southeast Asia.
MY TOP VIETNAM HOTELS
HO CHI MINH CITY
HANOI
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
DA NANG
NORTHEASTERN VIETNAM
MY TOP 15 THINGS TO DO IN CAMBODIA
SIEM REAP
1.Angkor Wat Sunrise – Built during the Khmer Empire between the 9th and 15th centuries, Angkor Wat, is the world’s largest religious monument and it’s been on my bucket list for about a decade. 🙂 I’ve seen pictures of this place and I’m in love with its beauty, especially during sunrise.
2. Bayon temple – This temple contains numerous towers that are waiting for me to explore. 🙂
- Location – Angkor Thom.
- Timings – 5AM to 6PM
- Entry fee – $20 USD
3. Preah Khan (meaning, Royal Sword) – One of the largest complex temples at Angkor, built in the 12th century for King Jayavarman VII to honor his father.
- Timings – 7:30AM to 5PM
- Price – The temple is part of the Angkor Archaeological Park, the entrance fee is $20 USD
4. Siem Reap Street Food – I enjoy doing all the touristic things a country has to offer, but I prefer to travel like a local and eat like locals do.
5. Prasat Preah Vihear – One of the most historic temples in Cambodia
6. Angkor Archaeological Park – 400 square kilometers, Angkor Archaeological Park contains the magnificent remains of several capitals of the Khmer Empire of the 9th to the 15th centuries.
- Timings – 5AM to 6PM
- Price – $20 USD
7. The Terrace of the Elephants – Covered in stunning sculptures, the Terrace of the Elephants is one of the most popular sites in Angkor Thom.
- Location – Angkor Thom complex, Siem Reap.
- Timings – 5AM to 6PM.
- Price – $20 USD. If you buy tickets for Angkor Thom, you don’t need to pay again for Terrace of Elephants.
8. Angkor Thom – History and beautiful architecture is a win-win for me 🙂
- Location: Angkor Thom is located in Cambodia
- Price: Free
9. Village Cooking Class – I’m no chef but it would be fun to learn the secrets of authentic Cambodian cuisine from local chefs.
10. Baphuon Temple – A three-tiered beautiful mountain temple in Angkor.
- Location – Angkor Thom
- Timings – 5AM to 6PM
- Price – The temple is part of the Angkor Archaeological Park, the entrance fee is $20 USD
11. Angkor Silk Farm – This farm gives visitors a chance to see how silk is made in Cambodia.
- Location – Puok district, about 20minutes away from Siem Reap Centre.
- Timings – 8AM to 5PM
- Price – Free
PHNOM PENH (Capital City)
12. Ounalom Monastery – One of five original monasteries in the capital city, Phnom Penh.
13. Royal Palace – A complex of buildings which serves as the royal residence of the king of Cambodia.
- Location – Phnom Penh
- Timings– 7.30AM to 11AM and from 2PM to 5PM
- Price – $3 USD; additional fee of $2 USD to take pictures.
14. Wat Ounalom Phnom Penh – The of Cambodian Buddhism.
- Location – Ly Yoak Lay St. (172), Phnom Penh 12000, Cambodia
- Timings – 6AM to 6PM
- Price – Free
15. Phnom Penh Local Markets – I love strolling around local markets in other countries looking for handmade items.
MY TOP CAMBODIA HOTELS
SIEM REAP
Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort
Navutu Dreams Resort & Wellness Retreat
MY TOP 15 THINGS TO DO IN THAILAND
BANGKOK
1.The Grand Palace – A complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok
2. Elephant Jungle Sanctuary – I love animals and I’m really looking forward to visiting the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary that helps improve the care and well-being of Thailand’s elephants.
3. Tad Kwan Village Park & Waterfall – One of the last unspoiled Mien Hill Tribe villages.
4. Chatuchak Weekend Market – The largest market in Thailand, and one of the world’s biggest outdoor markets.
- Location – Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Khwaeng Chatuchak, Khet Chatuchak, กรุงเทพมหานคร 10900, Thailand
- Timings – 9AM to 6PM ( Closed Monday & Tuesday )
- Price – Free
5. Wat Arun ( The Temple of Dawn ) – Buddhist temples in Thailand are called wat’s. One of these, the Wat Arun or the Temple of Dawn, is named after Aruna, the Indian God of Dawn.
- Location – 158 Thanon Wang Doem, Khwaeng Wat Arun, Khet Bangkok Yai, กรุงเทพมหานคร 10600, Thailand
- Timings – 8:30AM to 5:30PM ( Closed Monday & Tuesday )
- Price – $3.50 USD
CHIANG MAI
6. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep – A sacred site to many Thai people this temple is named after the mountain where its located.
7. The White Temple in Chiang Mai – The White Temple, called Wat Rong Khun, is a beautiful white temple in Chiang Rai, Thailand. It is a privately owned Buddhist temple and art exhibit.
8. Wat Suan Dok – Buddhist temple in tranquil surrounds with a golden dome, ornate interior & historic mausoleum.
- Location – 139 Suthep Rd, ตำบล สุเทพ อำเภอ เมืองเชียงใหม่ Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
- Timings – 6AM to 10PM
- Price – $0.60
9. Koh Lipe – Famous for its white sandy beaches and turquoise blue waters this island is gorgeous and that’s why it’s on my to-do list 🙂
KRABI
10. Limestone cliffs, dense forests, and more than a hundred islands, there’s a four island day trip which includes – Phanang Cave Beach, Chicken Island, Tup Island, and Poda Island.
PHI PHI
11. Similar to Krabi, Phi Phi Islands is one of the most beautiful and easily accessible island groups in the world.
PHUKET
12. Patong – a beach resort town on the west coast of Phuket Island.
13. Wat Chalong – The most important of the 29 Buddhist temples in Phuket
14. Phuket FantaSea – Cultural theme park offering elephant shows and an animal exhibit.
15. Big Buddha Phuket – This statue is forty-five meters tall and sits over 400m above sea level on a hilltop in the south of Phuket island.
MY TOP THAILAND HOTELS
BANGKOK
CHIANG MAI
PHUKET
I’m really looking forward to navigating my way through the street markets, dodging motorbikes, touring beautiful temples, and eating my way through southeast Asia.
Did I miss any top things to do in Southeast Asia? Please comment below if you’ve been to Vietnam, Cambodia or Thailand and let me know your favorite things to see 🙂
55 Comments
Lynnette
the river boats look like a great experience
Sundeep Bhatia
Still we need to travel these place. There are lots of things to do in Southeast Asia, specially in Vietnam. Thanks for sharing this blog (helpful blog) will definitely try to visit in this year only.
Olga Zak
Such beautiful places! When I visit Asia, I will make sure to keep your tips and trip ideas in mind!
explorethe6
Thank you :). Yes Southeast Asia looks incredibly beautiful.
Prabashi Hirunika
Can’t wait to explore these next month. I guess i would love there sculptures more from the look of this article. Great pictures too
explorethe6
Thank you so much 🙂
Ruma
It would be so great to explore Vietnam. The paddy fields and the market look so interesting. It will be great to pass by so many colorful small boat on the river.
toastycritic
All of those places really look great. I would love to be out in Vietnam some day. But the place I would have to hit up first woul be the Opera house. It looks so amazing there.
explorethe6
Agree! The Opera house looks stunning
Nina
This is quite an extensive list. I’ve always been a bit apprehensive to travel in this part of the world because I’m SUPER allergic to peanuts. They seem to put it in everything. Aside from that, I would love to travel here.
explorethe6
Yes, peanuts are in a lot of their dishes unfortunately for you 🙁
Joanna Fields
Such beautiful places! I would love to be able to explore these places.
explorethe6
Add it to your bucket list 🙂
Adaleta Avdić
That Opera house looks absolutely beautiful! I’d definitely want to check out all the markets as well and try the food.
explorethe6
I can’t wait to roam the markets and dive into all the food options
Shereta
Krabi andPhang Nga Elephant Park look like two places I’d visit. And Asia looks and sound like a beautiful country!
lavandamichelle
This is such a great post. If I ever go to Southeast Asia I will definitely visit Ben Thanh Market, seems like a great place to go look and walk around at. Thanks for sharing!
explorethe6
No worries at all, and yes I will deff be visiting Ben Thanh Market 🙂
Nicole
I can’t wait for the day that I get to tour and explore Asia. It is such a beautiful place with so much history and stories. I’ll have to travel to some of the places you mentioned, thanks for sharing!
explorethe6
You’re welcome. I love history so I’m super excited about my trip. #Countdown
Corinne 🍒 (@WhatCorinneDid)
I have been dreaming of vietnam for so many years! It is defo on my bucket list! so many great things to do!
explorethe6
Right, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand have been on my bucket list for almost 10 years 🙂
Shabby Chic Boho (@terrishutterbug)
It would be just amazing to travel to places like this. One day I hope to and I’m really glad that you included your favorite places to stay as well.
Stephanie Jnote
The dragon bridge looks amazing. Wow! Beautiful! The structures are gorgeous. Definitely something worth seeing in person.
explorethe6
Agree 100% I’m counting down the days till I travel 🙂
Agnes Dela Cruz
You explored one of the amazing trips in Asia, next time you can visit the Philippines and experience the culture, food and the amazing people. 🙂
explorethe6
Well, I haven’t gone on the trip yet but yes this is a big trip I’m really looking forward to :). The Philippines I’ve heard really good things about and would love to visit one-day :).
Emma Riley
Wow, you always have a great adventures and experiences in visiting different countries and I can wait to see and travel around the world.
explorethe6
One big around the world travel adventure would be awesome!
mrsyoungade
This is a great guide especially that I am planning to visit Thailand. Will use these for reference, thanks for sharing!
explorethe6
Thank you! Happy travels when you visit Thailand.
Dallas Prevost
LOL! I’m very familiar with your itinerary since I’m a travel planner and experience maker that specializes in river cruisetours and the Mekong River is one of my favorites. I look forward to your follow up post and photos when you return! Happy trails.
explorethe6
Awesome. I should be asking you for travel planning advice. LOL. Thank you for the happy wishes, I’m really looking forward to this trip 🙂
Amber
There is so much to see and do! I’d want to experience it all. I hope I can make it to Asia one day.
explorethe6
Add it to your bucket list and hopefully one day you’ll get there 🙂
Jessica Joachim
It looks like there are so many great things to do in Southeast Asia. I have been wanting to take a trip that way, and now I want to go even more.
explorethe6
There are so many things to do in Southeast Asia and I can’t wait to experience all of them 🙂
Lili
Such an extensive and helpful post! I’m saving this one for when I definitely end up going to Vietnam!
nmgilb
Vietnam has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. My husband and I are currently in the process of planning a trip to Asia for this upcoming spring. This is going to come in handy for our planning!
explorethe6
Awesome, happy I can help :). Happy travels in the spring
Tara Pittman (@momknowsbest15)
These are some amazing structures. I so would love to visit Asia but for now I have these photos.
explorethe6
Pictures work, that’s where I started, now I’m planning for my trip next month 🙂
Tamalyn
I cannot wait to do an Asia tour! I think we will hit Korea and Japan first. And then, do a Vietnam/Thai in another trip. I am saving your blog post to use as resource when planning my trip! SO informative – thank you!
explorethe6
Thanks for saving the post for future reference. FYI, You’ll love Korea and Japan 🙂
Kristen
Fantastic to do list. I would love to explore some of these exotic locations.
Rosey
One of my co-workers just took an extensive trip over the summer that included part of Asia. Her photos are amazing.
explorethe6
Nice! Yes, the pics of Southeast Asia I’ve seen online are beautiful. I love looking at photos of the places I’m about to visit 🙂
Deserted_Queen
Such a detailed post. I simply love it. And I am saving it as I will need it later.. 🍷
explorethe6
Thank you! Yes I’m really looking forward to this trip
Tara
It sounds like your upcoming trip will be amazing. I can’t wait to read the post after you return, and see all the photos of your amazing travels.
explorethe6
Thanks, Tara, I\m super excited about my trip
Stephanie Jeannot
That is a wonderful life to live, letting your heart float in different corners of the world and experiencing it in only the way that you can. That is fantastic. I love that.
explorethe6
You’re so right! Experiences are priceless and the memories last a lifetime 🙂
Patience Consistency (@team_patience)
I am really hoping for the chance to visit and explore Asia someday. When I do I will make sure to keep your tips and trip ideas in mind!
explorethe6
Awesome, Yes, I can’t wait to get there myself and see this beautiful country first hand 🙂