Planning your first trip to Southeast Asia? Two weeks is the perfect amount of time to get a taste of what this incredible region has to offer - from gilded temples to misty mountains, from street food stalls to rooftop cocktail bars.
This itinerary covers Bangkok → Chiang Mai → Luang Prabang → Hanoi, hitting the highlights of Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. It's designed for first-timers who want variety without feeling rushed.
Why This Route?
This specific route works brilliantly because:
- Logical geography - it flows northward through mainland Southeast Asia
- Great flight connections - each leg is a short, inexpensive hop
- Cultural variety - you'll experience Thai, Lao, and Vietnamese cultures
- Manageable pace - no city gets less than 3 days
Days 1-4: Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is the natural entry point for most international travellers, with direct flights from dozens of cities worldwide.
Day 1: Arrival & Acclimatisation
Arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport, transfer to your hotel, and take it easy. Wander around your neighbourhood, grab a pad thai from a street stall, and adjust to the heat.
Days 2-3: Temples, Markets & Food
- Visit the Grand Palace and Wat Pho (the reclining Buddha)
- Explore Chatuchak Weekend Market (if visiting Saturday/Sunday)
- Take a longtail boat through Khlong Bang Luang
- Eat your way through Chinatown (Yaowarat) at night
Day 4: Travel to Chiang Mai
Take the morning flight to Chiang Mai (1.5 hours). Check into your hotel and explore the old city in the afternoon.
Days 4-7: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai offers a completely different pace from Bangkok - cooler air, mountain scenery, and a relaxed northern Thai culture.
Days 5-6: Temples & Trekking
- Climb Wat Phra That Doi Suthep for panoramic city views
- Visit Doi Inthanon National Park (Thailand's highest peak)
- Take a half-day cooking class in the old city
- Browse the Sunday Walking Street Market
Day 7: Travel to Luang Prabang
Fly from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang (1 hour). The flight crosses stunning mountain scenery.
Days 7-10: Luang Prabang, Laos
Luang Prabang is one of the most charming towns in all of Southeast Asia - a UNESCO World Heritage Site where French colonial architecture meets golden Buddhist temples.
Days 8-9: Culture & Nature
- Rise early for the alms-giving ceremony (Tak Bat) at dawn
- Visit Kuang Si Falls - a turquoise paradise in the jungle
- Explore the Night Market along the Mekong
- Take a boat trip on the Mekong River to the Pak Ou Caves
Day 10: Travel to Hanoi
Fly from Luang Prabang to Hanoi (1 hour). The contrast between sleepy Laos and bustling Vietnam is immediate and thrilling.
Days 10-14: Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi is a city that assaults the senses in the best possible way - motorbikes, street food, ancient pagodas, and French colonial boulevards.
Days 11-13: Explore Hanoi
- Walk through the Old Quarter's 36 Streets
- Visit the Temple of Literature (Vietnam's first university)
- See Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple at sunrise
- Take a day trip to Halong Bay (or Lan Ha Bay for fewer crowds)
- Eat bun cha, pho, and egg coffee
Day 14: Departure
Fly home from Hanoi's Noi Bai Airport, or extend your trip south to Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City.
Budget Overview
| Item | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights (4 legs) | $200 | $400 | $800 |
| Accommodation (13 nights) | $260 | $650 | $2,600 |
| Food & Drink | $200 | $400 | $800 |
| Activities | $100 | $250 | $500 |
| Total | $760 | $1,700 | $4,700 |
Tips for First-Timers
- Visas - Thailand offers 30 days visa-free for most Western nationalities (since 15 September 2026; complete the TDAC arrival card online before arrival); Laos and Vietnam offer e-visas
- Pack light - laundry services are cheap and available everywhere
- Get a local SIM - data is inexpensive and essential for navigation
- Use Grab - Southeast Asia's equivalent of Uber, available in all four cities
This two-week route is just the beginning. Southeast Asia has enough to fill a lifetime of travel - but this itinerary will give you an unforgettable first taste.
