The vast Asia continent is the region of wonders. It will take you on an extraordinary adventure across the diverse landscapes, rich cultures, and fascinating history of East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East. From the vibrant streets of Tokyo to the ancient wonders of the Siam Reap, this detailed Asia trip itinerary provides an in-depth exploration of each destination, along with valuable tips and tricks to enhance your journey. So, get ready to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime experience as we delve into the highlights of this extensive itinerary.
How long should I travel to Asia?
- 2-Week Southeast Asia Trip Itinerary
- 3-Week East Asia Trip Itinerary
- South Asia Trip Itinerary
3-Week Southeast Asia Itinerary
Flawless pearly beaches, turquoise ocean, mesmerizing rainforests, and fascinating culture – those are what Southeast Asia about! We recommend spending time around 2-3 weeks to get the best out of the region, especially if you love beaches. If you are traveling for two weeks, you can explore three countries including Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia. Meanwhile, traveling to Southeast Asia for three weeks allows you to explore more destinations, like Cambodia, Laos, and Malaysia.
Day 1-4: Hanoi, Vietnam
Your first stop in Southeast Asia will be Hanoi, the historically-rich capital of Vietnam. It is an ravishing tapestry woven with French colonial buildings, laidback Vietnamese everyday life, refreshing flavors, and thriving business districts. Exploring Hanoi means a culinary galore as a plethora of hearty Northern Vietnamese restaurants can be found around the city. You will also find yourself repeat ordering egg coffee and strolling around museums.
I went to Hanoi in summer of 2023 and fell in love with the city. Although I was on a co-working trip, I got the chance to see Hanoi’s astonishing places and enjoy its culinary wonders. Here is a four-day itinerary that you can follow:
- Day 1: Touch down in Hanoi and heading to your accommodation. Spend the late afternoon around Hoan Kiem Lake and see Ngon Soc Temple. As the sun goes down, go to the Old Quarter. You can check out the beautiful St.Joseph’s Cathedral, have a bun cha for dinner, and get some drinks at the Ta Hien Party Street
- Day 2: Visit the museums in Hanoi. There are historical museums, like the Hoa Lo Prison and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Also, visit the cultural museums like Vietnamese Women Museum and the Temple of Literature. Then, you can stop by the viral Train Street.
- Day 3: Take a cruise trip to Halong Bay and discover the charms of this World Heritage Site.
- Day 4: Go on a trip to Ninh Binh, a small town in the outskirts of Hanoi that is famous for its stunning limestone cliffs.
Day 5-7: Siam Reap, Cambodia
Flights from Hanoi to Siem Reap: Vietjet, Vietnam Airlines, and Cambodia Angkor Air
Southeast Asia has a distinctive ancient history that you should not miss. Then, your next destination is the Siam Reap in Cambodia. From Hanoi, you can take a direct flight to Siem Reap. It is home to the Angkor Wat, as well as one of the most beautiful temples in Asia. Spend two days exploring the temples, like Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, and Bayon Temple. Then, your third day can be used to explore the local customs of Cambodia. Visit Tonle Sap Lake’s floating villages and try traditional Khmer cuisine.
Day 8-11: Bangkok, Thailand
Flights from Siam Reap to Bangkok: THAI, AirAsia, and Bangkok Airways
Welcome to Bangkok, a buzzing metropolitan where honks of tuktuk, sunlit golden pagodas, and the smell of pad thai meet. Visiting Bangkok is the feast for senses. Get ready to experience fascinating Thai culture, dig into turmeric-spiced delicacies, and shop ’til you drop in the markets.
- Day 8: Start your day at the iconic Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha). Then, visit Wat Pho to see the Reclining Buddha. In the evening, take a Chao Phraya River dinner cruise for stunning city views.
- Day 9: Spend the morning at the famous Chatuchak Market (if it’s a weekend) or explore Siam Paragon for luxury shopping. In the afternoon, visit Jim Thompson House to learn about Thai silk. End the day with street food at the vibrant Sukhumvit Soi 38 Night Market.
- Day 10: Explore Bang Krachao, Bangkok’s green oasis, by bike. Afterward, visit the Erawan Shrine and enjoy some time at Asiatique The Riverfront for shopping, dining, and a view of the Ferris wheel.
- Day 11: Take a Thai cooking class in the morning. Then, stroll through Lumphini Park to relax. Before your flight, grab last-minute souvenirs at MBK Center or Terminal 21.
Day 12-15: Phuket, Thailand
Flights from Bangkok to Phuket: AirAsia, Thai Vietjet, and Thai LionAir
After a week of city and cultural adventures, it is time to unwind in a tropical paradise. Fly to Phuket to soak up the equatorial sun and spend long days on the pearly beaches. The stunning Thai island houses the famous Phi Phi Islands, a charming old town, crazy nightlife spots, and many more. You can follow TripLeader Engy’s itinerary. She gets five star rating at JoinMyTrip by being a master in creating effective itineraries that include a lot of places and hidden gems.
- Day 12: Stay in Patong Beach area, a tourist-friendly area with golden beaches and buzzing night markets. Hop on a dinner cruise from Ko Sire to Cape Panwa. End the day by strolling around Bangla Road.
- Day 13: Explore Phi Phi Island by booking a one-day trip. You can visit Bamboo Island, Pileh Lagoon, and Maya Bay.
- Day 14: Head to Big Buddha and see Chalong Temple. Then, go to Phuket Old Town and immerse yourself in the vintage atmosphere. Stay until the sun goes down for the night market and hunt for Thai street food.
- Day 15: Spend the day at Katong Beach, sign up for a cooking class, or go on a guided culinary tour before embarking to your next flight.
Day 17-21: Bali, Indonesia
Flights from Phuket to Bali: Batik Air (highly recommended), Scoot, LionAir, Jetstar, and AirAsia
Wrap up your Asia trip by traveling to the Islands of Gods. Bali features flawless beaches, verdant rice fields, jungle-cloaked volcanoes, and breathtaking cultural beauty. As an Indonesian, Bali is my go-to vacation spot. I have to admit that the island is getting too touristy. However, we can always choose alternative destinations and see a more authentic side of Bali.
- Day 17: Stay in Seminyak or Jimbaran which are close to the airport. Head to Uluwatu for pearly beaches and turquoise ocean. Visit the Uluwatu Temple and watch Kecak dance during the sunset. Then, have dinner at Jimbaran Beach which offers various seafood. If you are still down for party, I would recommend hitting Motel Mexicola in Seminyak.
- Day 18: Head to Ubud, the cultural heart of Bali that is draped in rainforests and rice fields. Sample some Indonesian coffee, including luwak (civet), in Bali Pulina while enjoying the view of verdant rice fields. Hunt for traditional crafts at Ubud Market and greet monkeys at Monkey Forest. Then, head further north to Kintamani and visit Penglipuran Village.
- Day 19: Take a day trip to Nusa Penida island. Visit popular spots like Kelingking Beach, Angel’s Billabong, and Crystal Bay. Spend the day enjoying the stunning landscapes and clear waters before returning to Bali.
- Day 20: Visit Ulun Danu Beratan Temple in the highlands and stop by Handara Gate for a photo-op. Then, visit Tanah Lot Temple, a stunning beach side temple with a legendary tale. Next, explore the beaches and cafes of Canggu or even take a surf lesson. I recommend going to Atlas Beach Club, Southeast Asia’s largest beach clubs with lots of tenants and great pools.
- Day 21: Take a Balinese cooking class, have a Balinese massage, or chill in a beach club at Seminyak. For last-minute souvenir shopping, you can go to Krisna Bali that sells various snacks, crafts, and clothes.
2-Week East Asia Trip Itinerary
East Asia captivates travelers with its distinctive culture and futuristic wonders. From the beautiful facade of Japan’s shinto temples to the furnished shopping centers in South Korea, exploring East Asia leads you to unforgettable memories. This itinerary is recommended by our experienced TripLeaders who have went back and forth to East Asia or lived in the region for more than two years. So, check it out!
Day 1-4: South Korea
Begin your East Asia journey in the astonishing South Korea. Spend the first and second day in the fantastic metropolitan of Seoul. We recommend exploring Seoul’s vibrant districts like Itaewon and Myeongdong for some delicious food and drinks in the first day. You can also head to Gangnam, a high-end district as well a hotspot for KPop fans to shop and get a glimpse of the country’s pop culture. TripLeader Kc also recommends stopping by the Starfield Library, an Instagram-worthy spot in the heart of Seoul. Additionally, discover the historical places, like Gyeongbokgung Palace, during your second day in Seoul.
Then, the third day in South Korea can be spent by visiting the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the border between North and South Korea. Take a guided tour to ensure a safe and insightful experience. If you are staying longer in South Korea, you can take a day trip to Nami Island, a romantic destination regardless of the season. Alternatively, visit the Bukchon Hanok Village for an authentic traditional experience.
Day 5-7: Tokyo, Japan
Next, head to everyone’s favorite destination in East Asia, Japan. Make your first stop in Tokyo, the magnificent metropolis with twinkling lights and never-ending buzz. On your first and second day in Tokyo, spend time in the city’s most famous places. I visited Japan in November 2023 as well and saved a tremendous budget by hopping on the subway to each destination. Here is the itinerary:
- Day 1: Asakusa Temple and street food hunting, Tokyo Sky Tree, Ginza (high-end shopping district), and Akihabara (electronic town and anime center)
- Day 2: Meiji Jingu Temple (on lucky days, you can see a traditional Japanese wedding ceremony!), Harajuku District, and Shibuya Crossing (you can try go-karting here)
Moreover, on your third day in Tokyo, you can visit Tokyo Disneyland or Disney Sea. I would recommend the Disney Sea instead, as it is the only Disney’s sea-themed park in the world and the rides are suitable for adults. Alternatively, you can visit the beautiful Odaiba Island and explore Tokyo’s lovely parks.
Day 8: Nara, Japan
On your fourth day in Japan, you can travel to Nara. Take a bullet train (shinkansen) heading to Kyoto then hop on the Miyakoji Haishoku Express to Nara. This small and cozy town is famous for the adorable deers. These deers in the Nara Park are known for their cute interactions with visitors, including bowing and greeting. Aside from the deers, you can visit a series of UNESCO-listed temples.
Day 9-11: Kyoto
The charming city of Kyoto takes you back to the prominent Edo period. Kyoto is lined with gorgeous temples, beautiful Japanese-styled palaces, and unique historical places. Spend a minimum of three days in Kyoto to get the best out of the culture and history. You can visit the top tourist destinations like Fushimi Inari Shrine, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, and Kinkaku-ji Temple. Moreover, you can delve into traditional experiences such as joining a matcha ceremony or watching a geisha performance.
Day 12-15: Hong Kong
For your East Asia trip itinerary, experience the dynamic fusion of East and West in Hong Kong. Ride the Peak Tram to Victoria Peak for stunning views of the city skyline. Explore the lively street markets of Mong Kok and Temple Street Night Market, where you can find everything from trendy fashion to delicious street food. Take a trip to Lantau Island to see the iconic Tian Tan Buddha and visit the Po Lin Monastery.
Pro Tip: Utilize the Octopus Card for convenient and cashless travel on public transportation.
South Asia
After Southeast Asia, now let us go to the South Asia region, which will give you one of the unforgettable times of your life.
Sri Lanka (3-4 days)
During your visit to Sri Lanka, explore the ancient cities of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Sigiriya. You can marvel at their impressive ruins and iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Or you can visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic for some cultural immersion. Next, you can also relax on the golden beaches of Bentota or Mirissa, spot wildlife on a safari in Yala National Park, and discover the charming streets of Galle Fort.
Besides for traveling, Sri Lanka is a beautiful country to stay in and work remotely. Consider finding a remote job in Sri Lanka and stay in big cities like Colombo or enjoy the beach towns like Ahangama.
Mumbai and Goa, India (3-4 days)
After Sri Lanka, let us go up north to explore Mumbai, India‘s entertainment and financial capital. You can visit iconic landmarks like the Gateway of India and take a ferry ride to Elephanta Caves, known for its ancient rock-cut temples. Moreover, explore the bustling markets of Colaba and Crawford Market. Then, from Mumbai, head to the coastal paradise of Goa. There, you can relax on the sandy beaches, explore Portuguese-influenced architecture in Old Goa, and enjoy water sports like parasailing and jet skiing.
Pro Tip: Try street food delicacies like vada pav and pav bhaji in Mumbai, and savor Goan cuisine featuring fresh seafood and spicy vindaloo.
Kathmandu and Pokhara, Nepal (5-7 days)
Next, in Kathmandu, you must visit UNESCO-listed sites like Boudhanath and Pashupatinath to immerse yourself in Buddhist and Hindu traditions. Then, explore the historic Durbar Square, where ancient palaces and temples stand as testaments to Nepal’s rich history. From Kathmandu, travel to Pokhara, a gateway to the Annapurna mountain range. Enjoy the serenity of Phewa Lake, go paragliding or zip-lining. There, you should embark on a trek in the stunning Annapurna region.
Pro Tip: Ensure you have proper trekking gear and consider hiring a local guide for safety and navigation for your South Asia trip itinerary.
Middle East
Last but not least, you must explore the middle east, where you can find the true meaning of exploration and discovery.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (4-5 days)
First off, you should enjoy the luxurious and modern city of Dubai. For example, you can marvel at the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa, and experience the dazzling fountains at the Dubai Mall. Then, you must take a trip to Palm Jumeirah and visit the luxurious Atlantis, The Palm resort. In addition, you must explore the historic district of Bastakiya, filled with traditional wind-tower houses. Do not forget to visit Deira to experience the traditional Emirati markets.
Pro Tip: Consider a desert safari for an adventurous experience, including dune bashing, camel riding, and traditional Bedouin activities for your Middle East trip itinerary.
Amman and Petra, Jordan (4-5 days)
Now, let us explore Jordan, starting with the vibrant city of Amman for your Middle East trip itinerary. First, you must explore the ancient Roman Theater and Citadel, which offers panoramic views of the city. Then, you should visit the iconic Petra, an archaeological wonder carved into the rose-red cliffs. In addition, walk through the narrow Siq, and behold the breathtaking Treasury. Then, you should explore the impressive Monastery and embark on scenic hikes in the surrounding area, such as the Al-Khubtha trail.
Pro Tip: Visit Petra early in the morning to avoid crowds and take a candlelit tour of Petra by Night for a magical experience.
Istanbul, Turkey (4-5 days)
Finally, conclude your comprehensive Asia trip itinerary in Istanbul, where East truly meets West. You should marvel at the architectural masterpiece of Hagia Sophia, explore the magnificent Blue Mosque, and wander through the opulent Topkapi Palace. Lose yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar, where you can haggle for rugs, spices, and unique souvenirs. Then, you should take a cruise along the Bosphorus to admire the city’s stunning skyline and experience the fusion of European and Asian cultures.
Pro Tip: Try traditional Turkish tea or coffee, and indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of Turkish cuisine, including kebabs and baklava.
Now that you have completed the ultimate comprehensive Asia trip itinerary, it is time to let your adventure begins! JoinMyTrip is the best platform for you to find the best travel buddies around the world to take your vacation to the next level. We have a wide range of group travel options that you can choose from at affordable prices! So, if you want to go on an unforgettable adventure of your lifetime, book a trip with JoinMyTrip now!