Explore Southeast Asia - My Recent 30 Day Travel Itinerary

Whether you’re planning your first backpacking adventure or your fifth return to Southeast Asia, this 30-day Southeast Asia itinerary gives you a mix of iconic highlights, hidden gems, and cultural experiences across Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

Here’s a my recent Southeast Asia travel itinerary, detailed day by day itinerary of the attractions I experienced, and I recap how I felt about the experience.

Days 1–5 (Bangkok, Thailand)

Bangkok was the perfect launchpad for this 30-day adventure. It’s chaotic, spicy (both the food and the weather), and always alive. I wanted to dive into Southeast Asia headfirst, and this place made sure I didn’t land softly.

Day 1:

• Landed and immediately got hit with a humidity slap.
• Checked into my hostel and wandered around Sukhumvit for food and cheap massages.
• Night visit to Khao San Road – loud, chaotic, overpriced—but fun.

Day 2:

• Early visit to The Grand Palace – get there early to beat the heat and tour groups.
• Nearby Wat Phra Kaew – the Emerald Buddha is stunning.
• Tuk-tuk ride to Wat Pho – reclining Buddha is MASSIVE.

Day 3:

• Wat Arun at sunrise – my favorite temple in Bangkok.
• Strolled around Lumphini Park for lizard spotting and people watching.
• Night out in Soi Cowboy – it was like a karaoke video and a fever dream had a baby.

Day 4:

• Day trip to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market – super touristy, but still cool.
• Ate grilled river prawns the size of my hand.
• Hit the rooftop bar at night (Octave Sky Bar is solid).

Day 5:

• Explored Chatuchak Weekend Market – I got lost among the 15,000 stalls for hours.
• Bought pants I didn’t need, art I couldn’t carry, and snacks I couldn’t pronounce.

These first five days in Bangkok were a wild, sweaty, unforgettable whirlwind. The moment I stepped off the plane, the wall of humidity slapped me like it had been waiting, but that didn’t stop me from diving headfirst into the madness. Sukhumvit offered just the right balance of street food and cheap massages to ease into Thai life, and Khao San Road that first night? Total sensory overload—overpriced drinks, questionable music, and more bucket cocktails than anyone needs... but I couldn’t stop smiling.

My early visit to The Grand Palace felt like stepping into a real-life painting—gold, intricate carvings, and history pouring from every corner. Seeing the Emerald Buddha and the reclining Buddha at Wat Pho left me in awe of Thai spirituality and craftsmanship. But it was Wat Arun at sunrise that stole my heart—quiet, glowing in soft morning light, easily one of my top moments in Bangkok.

Of course, not everything was perfect. The floating market was cool but clearly geared toward tourists—think “Disney-fied Thailand,” but hey, the grilled prawns were absolutely worth the hype. And then there was Soi Cowboy, which felt like a karaoke fever dream wrapped in neon lights—wild, strange, and completely Bangkok.

By day five, I was exhausted in the best way. The Chatuchak Market swallowed me whole with its 15,000 stalls, and I emerged hours later with random souvenirs and snacks I still couldn’t name. Bangkok can be overwhelming, messy, and chaotic—but that’s exactly what made those first five days so thrilling.

Days 6–8 (Ayutthaya, Thailand)

Just a short train ride from Bangkok, Ayutthaya offers history, ruins, and a more peaceful vibe. It felt like walking through a real-life time capsule.

Day 6:

• Explored Wat Mahathat – iconic Buddha head in tree roots.
• Wandered through Wat Phra Si Sanphet – once the grandest temple of the old capital.

Day 7:

• Morning at Wat Chaiwatthanaram – peaceful riverside setting.
• Visited the Ayutthaya Historical Study Center – small but packed with info.
• Museum hop: Chao Sam Phraya National Museum for ancient treasures.

Day 8:

• Day trip to Bang Pa-In Royal Palace – a beautiful blend of Thai and European design.
• Late-night train to Chiang Mai.

After the relentless buzz of Bangkok, Ayutthaya felt like breathing in fresh, historical air—if that air came with a side of ancient ruins and aggressive sunshine. Getting there by train was easy and gave me my first real look at the Thai countryside, which rolled past like a screensaver in slow motion. Right away, Ayutthaya struck a different rhythm: quieter, more contemplative, and wrapped in the kind of history you can physically touch.

Wat Mahathat, with its famous Buddha head entwined in tree roots, was surreal—like something out of a dream you vaguely remember but can’t place. I spent the day temple-hopping, and even though the heat was borderline cruel, each ruin told a story. Wat Phra Si Sanphet felt regal and silent, while Wat Chaiwatthanaram—perched beside the river—was straight-up photogenic from every angle. I timed it for golden hour and didn’t regret a second of sweat.

The historical museums were a mixed bag. The Ayutthaya Historical Study Center was solid and gave some needed context, but Chao Sam Phraya National Museum felt a bit dated and dusty. Still, I appreciated learning more about the rise and fall of this former Thai capital.

On the final day, I switched gears with a visit to the Bang Pa-In Royal Palace. It was unexpected—lush, almost European in design, and full of photo ops. Later that afternoon, I made a spontaneous decision to hop over to Pattaya for some beach time. I wanted a break from temples, but let’s be real: Pattaya was… okay. Loud, crowded, and not exactly serene, but lying on the sand with a coconut in hand? Still a win.

Overall, Ayutthaya was a peaceful interlude—a place where history lingers in the air and where the pace slows just enough to catch your breath. It was the perfect reset before heading north to the mountains of Chiang Mai.

Days 9–13 (Chiang Mai, Thailand)

Chiang Mai is the cultural capital of Thailand’s north and a personal favorite. Between temples, elephants, and mountains, I could’ve easily stayed two weeks.

Day 9:

• Morning trip to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep – rode up the mountain by scooter.
• Explored Nimmanhaemin Road and ate at trendy cafes.

Day 10:

• Full day at Elephant Nature Park – a highlight of my trip. Ethical elephant encounters only.

Day 11:

• Wandered the Old City Temples – Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh.
• Attended the Sunday Walking Street Market – best street food and crafts.

Day 12:

• Took a Thai cooking class – learned how to make curry from scratch and nearly burned it.
• Visited a local market with the instructor to shop for ingredients.

Day 13:

• Joined a Monk Chat program – open, spiritual, and surprisingly fun.
• Afternoon trip to Doi Inthanon National Park – Thailand’s highest peak with cloud-covered pagodas.

Chiang Mai was everything I didn’t know I needed. After Bangkok's chaos and Ayutthaya's ancient calm, arriving in this mountain city felt like stepping into Thailand’s laid-back, artsy cousin—with better coffee, cooler weather, and a whole lot more elephants.

From the moment I scooted up the winding roads to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, I knew this place was different. The temple itself was glowing in gold, surrounded by mist, with views stretching out across the entire city. It was peaceful, spiritual, and surprisingly uncrowded that early in the morning. That first ride through the mountains on a scooter? Instant freedom.

Then came the day that stole my heart: the visit to Elephant Nature Park. No rides. No chains. Just massive, gentle creatures living out their lives in peace. Feeding them, walking beside them—it was one of the most emotional, grounding experiences I’ve ever had. If you go to Chiang Mai and skip this, you’re missing something truly special.

Back in town, I wandered the Old City exploring temples like Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh—each unique, each steeped in quiet reverence. Then came the Sunday Walking Street Market, and let me tell you: it’s not just a market, it’s an event. The smells, the sounds, the lanterns overhead, the music around every corner—pure sensory joy. I bought snacks with names I couldn’t pronounce and art I didn’t need, and I regret none of it.

One of the biggest surprises was the cooking class. I signed up on a whim, and suddenly I’m stir-frying Pad Thai over a flame, ingredients I’d picked out at a local market just an hour before. I left full, proud, and 10% more likely to burn my own kitchen down at home.

And then there was the Monk Chat. Just me, a few other travelers, and a 23-year-old monk answering our questions about life, mindfulness, and what it’s like to shave your head every two weeks. It was funny, weirdly relatable, and deeply thought-provoking.

I ended my Chiang Mai stay with a trip to Doi Inthanon National Park—Thailand’s highest peak. Cool mist, dramatic waterfalls, twin pagodas in the clouds… It felt like I’d stepped into another world entirely.

Chiang Mai was a vibe shift in the best way—spiritual but fun, lively yet calm. It grounded me, recharged me, and easily became one of my favorite stops on the trip.

Days 14–18 (Luang Prabang, Laos)

I needed a spiritual reset after so much Thai energy. Luang Prabang is quieter, cooler (temperature-wise), and filled with gold-trimmed temples and natural beauty.

Day 14:

• Witnessed the Alms Giving Ceremony at dawn – humbling and beautiful.
• Wandered the old town, sipped coffee by the river.

Day 15:

• Took a tuk-tuk to Kuang Si Falls – that turquoise water is as real as it looks on Instagram.
• Swam, slipped, laughed, and lounged.

Day 16:

• Explored Royal Palace Museum – small but rich in history.
• Wat Xieng Thong – the most elegant temple I’ve seen so far.
• Night Market dinner: barbecue skewers, Lao sausages, and banana crepes.

Day 17:

• Took a boat to Pak Ou Caves – filled with thousands of Buddha statues.
• Sipped a cold Beerlao on the Mekong.

Day 18:

• Rented a bicycle, cruised around town, visited local cafes, and napped in a hammock. A slower pace was exactly what I needed.

Luang Prabang felt like someone hit the pause button on life—in the best possible way. After the buzz of Thailand, arriving in this sleepy riverside town in Laos was like being wrapped in a blanket of calm and golden sunsets. It was the spiritual breather I didn’t know I needed mid-way through this Southeast Asia journey.

Mornings started early here—really early. I woke before dawn to witness the Alms Giving Ceremony, where lines of barefoot monks moved silently through the streets collecting rice offerings from locals. It wasn’t a tourist show—it was reverent, humbling, and honestly a bit emotional. The silence of it all gave me goosebumps.

The standout experience though? Without a doubt, Kuang Si Falls. Turquoise pools cascading through the jungle like something out of a movie. I swam until my lips turned blue, slipped on rocks like a true professional, and lounged with a cold Beerlao while watching butterflies circle above the mist. Absolute magic.

The temples here—especially Wat Xieng Thong—were quieter than in Thailand, and somehow more intimate. The Royal Palace Museum gave a quick but interesting look into the former monarchy, and the views from Mount Phousi at sunset were pure gold, both literally and metaphorically.

Evenings were slow and lovely. The night market here became one of my favorites—less hectic, more authentic, and full of handmade crafts I had no room in my backpack for but bought anyway. I also took a boat ride to the Pak Ou Caves—thousands of Buddha statues crammed into two caves overlooking the Mekong. The journey there was more memorable than the caves themselves, but the serenity of floating down the river was worth every minute.

I spent my downtime pedaling around town on a rented bicycle, sipping potent Lao coffee at local cafés, and just absorbing the slow, steady rhythm of life here. Luang Prabang didn’t shout for attention—it whispered, and that whisper stuck with me long after I left.

This stop was a spiritual and emotional reset—a place where time slows down, tourists get quiet, and you start to feel a little more connected to everything around you.

Days 19–21 (Hanoi, Vietnam)

Hanoi is loud, busy, and oddly poetic. I was excited to dive into Vietnamese history, food, and street culture. Plus, this was my gateway to Ha Long Bay.

Day 19:

• Walked around Hoan Kiem Lake at sunrise.
• Took a walking tour of the Old Quarter – scooters everywhere, but worth it.
• Ate my weight in street food.

Day 20:

• Visited Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – surprisingly moving.
• Temple of Literature – peaceful, shaded, and full of history.
• Water Puppet Show – weird, quirky, and totally Vietnamese.

Day 21:

• Explored the Thang Long Imperial Citadel – underwhelming, but historically important.
• Café hopping: tried egg coffee (don’t knock it till you try it).

After the quiet charm of Luang Prabang, Hanoi hit me like a double shot of espresso—loud, fast, unpredictable, and absolutely alive. Vietnam’s capital didn’t waste any time easing me in. From the moment I stepped onto the street, I was dodging scooters, crossing intersections with my life in my hands, and wondering how everyone else looked so calm doing it.

My first stop was Hoan Kiem Lake, where the city somehow slows down just a little. Locals were out doing tai chi, couples strolled hand-in-hand, and street performers played haunting music that made me feel like I was in a movie. From there, I dove headfirst into the Old Quarter, which felt like a chaotic maze of tangled wires, French colonial buildings, and endless street food smoke. I didn’t follow a map—I just let the noise pull me forward.

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum was unexpectedly intense. Guards stood completely still as I shuffled past the preserved body of Uncle Ho himself. You could feel the reverence in the air. Visiting the nearby Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, was the perfect contrast—peaceful, scholarly, and filled with beautifully manicured courtyards. I could’ve stayed there all afternoon if the heat didn’t chase me out.

Then came the Water Puppet Show. I had no idea what was going on most of the time, but the cultural significance and sheer weirdness of it had me grinning the whole time. It was like watching a folk tale unfold in a puddle with live music—and somehow, it worked.

Thang Long Imperial Citadel was a bit underwhelming visually, but knowing its historical role made it worth a walk. And the Hanoi Opera House, all dressed in French colonial elegance, gave me one of my favorite photos from the city—especially when it lit up at night.

But let’s be real—the food was the star here. I ate my way through bowls of steaming pho, crunchy banh mi, buttery egg coffee, and crispy fried spring rolls. I even discovered Bia Hoi—the world’s cheapest beer at just $0.25 a glass. Sitting on a plastic stool by the roadside with locals, clinking mugs and laughing over language barriers? That was peak Hanoi.

Hanoi was messy and magical. I left a little overwhelmed, very full, and 100% sure that this city doesn’t just show you its culture—it makes you dive headfirst into it.

Days 22–23 (Ha Long Bay, Vietnam)

A trip to Vietnam isn’t complete without cruising through Ha Long Bay’s limestone islands. It’s one of the top places to visit in Southeast Asia for good reason.

Day 22:

• Boarded a 2-day/1-night boat cruise.
• Toured Sung Sot Cave – massive and surreal.
• Watched the sunset from the deck with a cold beer.

Day 23:

• Kayaked through quiet lagoons.
• Climbed Ti Top Island for panoramic views.
• Returned to Hanoi in the evening.

If Hanoi was loud, gritty, and full of beautiful chaos, then Ha Long Bay was the deep exhale I didn’t know I was holding in. Two days on emerald waters, surrounded by limestone karsts rising straight from the sea, felt like I’d stepped into a desktop wallpaper—or a scene from a fantasy film.

I boarded a traditional junk boat and instantly felt the pace slow. No scooters, no honking, no crowded markets—just open water and the gentle hum of the engine. The boat was cozy, the crew welcoming, and the views from the deck? Unreal. As we sailed deeper into the bay, the landscape shifted constantly—towering cliffs, hidden coves, floating fishing villages. It was mesmerizing.

Sung Sot Cave was our first major stop, and while I was skeptical about caves (because let’s face it, once you’ve seen one, right?), this one blew me away. Massive chambers, dramatic lighting, and stalactites that looked like alien architecture. I kept expecting a dragon to fly out.

Back on the boat, we joined a cooking demo on how to make Vietnamese spring rolls. Simple, fun, and a good excuse to eat more. The night was spent watching the sunset from the top deck—beer in hand, feet up, and no Wi-Fi. Honestly? One of my favorite moments of the entire trip.

The next morning, I rolled out of bed for kayaking through quiet lagoons—no engine sounds, just the paddle slicing through glassy water. Then we climbed up Ti Top Island, which was steep and sweaty, but the panoramic view from the top made it all worth it. You could see the entire bay stretching out into the mist, little boats bobbing between the islands like toys.

If I had to find a low point, it was only that I didn’t book two nights instead of one. I could’ve easily stayed longer, floating from cave to cove, watching the world slow down.

Ha Long Bay was pure serenity, the kind of place that makes you forget what day it is—and not even care. It was the perfect balance to Hanoi’s energy and a top-tier highlight of my Vietnam leg.

Days 24–26 (Ho Chi Minh Trail, Vietnam)

This was my “off the beaten path” moment. I’ve always been a war history nerd, and riding the Ho Chi Minh Trail on a motorbike was a bucket-list item.

Day 24:

• Started motorbike journey through Vietnam’s countryside.
• Stopped at local markets and historical war sites.

Day 25:

• Visited small villages – I was invited to lunch by a family I’d just met. It was one of the most wholesome moments of the trip.

Day 26:

• Explored jungle trails and war remnants along the route.
• Finished the ride dusty, tired, and very, very happy.

These three days felt less like a vacation and more like an expedition—and honestly, that’s exactly what I needed after the comfort of Ha Long Bay. Riding the Ho Chi Minh Trail was rugged, raw, and deeply moving. It wasn't about tourist attractions—it was about the landscapes, the history, and the people I met along the way.

I started on a rented motorbike, cruising through Vietnam’s central highlands, passing endless rice paddies, misty mountains, and roadside shrines. The roads weren’t always smooth, but the views made every bump worthwhile. At times, I didn’t see another tourist for hours—just farmers in conical hats, buffalo trudging through the mud, and kids waving at me from their porches.

I made unplanned stops constantly: at war relics overgrown with vines, at cafés perched on the edge of cliffs, and even to take cover under tin roofs during sudden afternoon downpours. But the real highlight came on Day 25, when I rolled into a small village and, after a few attempts at broken Vietnamese, ended up being invited to lunch by a local family.

They didn’t know me. I didn’t speak their language. But somehow, through gestures and smiles, we shared a meal I’ll never forget—home-cooked rice, vegetables, and grilled pork, with laughs and warm hospitality that didn’t need translating. In the West, “come in for food” can be polite small talk. Here, it was genuine and unshakable.

I also explored old wartime trails and bomb craters, remnants of the Vietnam War that had been swallowed by nature but still held a heavy, unspoken energy. There’s something humbling about standing on ground that once divided a nation, now overrun by greenery and peace.

It wasn’t always comfortable. I got lost once. My motorbike chain popped off. And I’m pretty sure I ate something I wasn’t supposed to. But I wouldn’t trade a second of it. This stretch of the journey gave me a deep, emotional connection to Vietnam—its history, its resilience, and its soul.

By the time I rolled into my next stop, I was covered in dust, tired to the bone, and absolutely glowing inside. This wasn’t just a detour—it was the part of the trip that made me feel the most alive.

Days 27–30 (Siem Reap, Cambodia)

What better way to end a 30-day trip than at Angkor Wat, one of the most legendary places in Southeast Asia?

Day 27:

• Sunrise at Angkor Wat – absolutely worth the 4:30 AM wake-up.
• Visited Bayon Temple and the smiling stone faces.

Day 28:

• Wandered through Ta Prohm – Lara Croft vibes in full force.
• Night at the Angkor Night Market – a bit touristy, but fun for food and drinks.

Day 29:

• Took a boat tour on Tonle Sap Lake – interesting floating villages, though some areas felt over-commercialized.

Day 30:

• Day trip to Phnom Kulen National Park – waterfalls, reclining Buddhas, and scenic views.
• Final Khmer BBQ dinner to celebrate an epic month.

If there was ever a place that deserved to be called a grand finale, Siem Reap was it. These last four days were all about ancient temples, jungle adventures, and soaking in the sheer awe of one of the world’s most legendary archaeological sites: Angkor Wat.

I arrived dusty and road-weary from the Ho Chi Minh Trail, but Siem Reap greeted me with vibrant energy—colorful tuk-tuks, smiling faces, and a city pulsing with a mix of old and new. I wasted no time. Day one started at Angkor Wat at sunrise, along with hundreds of other travelers who had the same idea. But even with the crowds, standing in front of that massive silhouette as the sky turned from black to gold was breathtaking. I didn’t say a word for the first ten minutes—I just stood there in complete awe.

Later that morning, I explored the eerie, smiling faces of Bayon Temple, followed by the jungle-swallowed ruins of Ta Prohm—yes, the “Tomb Raider” one. The roots of massive trees curling over crumbling stone gave everything this magical, forgotten-world feel. It was hot, humid, and I was dripping sweat by noon—but I was also buzzing with wonder.

The next day, I slowed the pace a bit and explored the Angkor Night Market in the evening. It was definitely geared toward tourists, but still a blast—great street food, affordable massages, and stalls full of handmade goods. I snagged a wood carving I knew I’d never get through airport security (worth it).

The Tonle Sap Lake floating village tour was equal parts fascinating and eye-opening. Some parts felt authentic, while others felt staged for tourists. Still, it gave me insight into daily life that exists entirely on water—a concept that still blows my mind.

On the last day I decided to go out with a bang: a full-day trip to Phnom Kulen National Park. We hiked through the jungle, swam under waterfalls, and visited the reclining Buddha carved into the mountain. There was something poetic about ending the trip where nature, history, and spirituality all came together.

Siem Reap gave me that perfect blend of adventure and reflection. The temples reminded me how small we are in the grand scope of history, and the people reminded me how big the human heart can be. It was the perfect way to spend 30 days in Southeast Asia, a journey to pause, breathe, and realize just how far I’d come.

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