Destinations

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.

ThailandVietnamCambodiaLaosMyanmar
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