Best First-Timer’s Guide to Southeast Asia: A Perfect 2-Week Group Itinerary

Kick off your Southeast Asia adventure in the city of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)! After settling into the Park Hyatt Saigon, have a chill evening exploring the neighborhood or just unwinding at the hotel.

For dinner, get an overview of Saigon’s vibe with a dinner cruise on the Saigon River. You’ll get killer views of the city’s skyline while enjoying some good food — definitely a great way to set the tone for the trip.

History buffs will appreciate a deep dive into Vietnam’s past with the Historical Saigon & War Museum Tour. You’ll see key spots around the city and learn some pretty eye-opening stuff. After a day of exploring, grab some delicious fusion pizza at Pizza 4Ps Ben Thanh — trust me, it’s a local favorite.

For your last day in Vietnam, head out on a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta. It’s a mix of history and nature: you’ll explore underground tunnels and then float along the serene waters of the Mekong. Wrap up the day with a tasty dinner at Quince Saigon & Madam Kew, where the menu is all about modern Asian flavors.

Next stop: Siem Reap, Cambodia — home to the iconic Angkor Wat! After arrival, check into the elegant Park Hyatt Siem Reap. You can relax the first evening with dinner and a traditional Apsara dance show right in the hotel’s Dining Room Courtyard. It’s a great way to ease into Cambodia’s rich culture and history.

The real adventure kicks off the next day with a full-day tour of the Angkor Wat temples. You’ll explore ancient ruins, snap some incredible photos and learn about the fascinating history of the Khmer Empire.

In the evening, head to HAVEN for dinner. This place not only serves up delicious food but also supports young locals in need, so you’ll be dining for a good cause. It’s the perfect way to wrap up your time in Siem Reap — full of culture, history and heart.

These two days in Cambodia are all about experiencing one of the world’s most iconic historical sites and soaking in the local culture, with a little bit of downtime to recharge for the next leg of your trip.

Welcome to Bangkok! After checking into the stylish Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok, treat yourself to an evening of riverside Italian dining at Ciao Terrazza. It’s a great spot to relax, enjoy the view and settle into the city’s lively atmosphere.

Your next day is all about exploring Bangkok’s must-see spots. Make sure you book a tour and hit up iconic landmarks. The evening is yours to explore whether that means diving into street food or finding a cool rooftop bar for sunset cocktails.

For your last day in Bangkok, take a fun day trip to the Maeklong Railway and Floating Market. The train market is a wild experience — watching the vendors move their goods as the train passes through is pretty unforgettable. The floating market offers a colorful mix of boats, fresh fruits and tasty local snacks. Finish the day with a delicious dinner at Ms Jigger located at he Kimpton Hotel, where you can wind down with some fantastic eats.

These days in Bangkok strike a perfect balance between sightseeing and cultural experiences. It’s the perfect way to get a feel for this vibrant city!

Time to slow things down and soak up the sun in Phuket! After checking into the stunning The Surin Phuket, kick off your island stay with a delicious dinner at Kalido. You’ll get those laid-back, beachy vibes right away.

The next day, book a tour and explore the best of Phuket, including a visit to the Big Buddha. You’ll get to see some of the island’s most beautiful spots, learn a bit about local culture and take in those panoramic views. Wrap up the day with dinner at the Sunset Restaurant back at the hotel — because there’s nothing like enjoying great food with a spectacular sunset view.

On your last day, it’s all about leisure. Whether you want to lounge by the beach, hit the hotel’s pool or book a spa treatment, the choice is yours. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider a day trip to the Phi Phi Islands, the iconic James Bond Island or even a Thai cooking class to bring some new skills back home.

These days in Phuket are all about recharging and enjoying the island’s natural beauty. It’s the perfect way to end your Southeast Asia adventure on a high note!