Have you been on holiday to the Far East? Well, here’s an excellent way you can enjoy your time in these far east destinations! I’ve spent many of my holidays in the Far East travelling from the most popular places to the off-beaten-path destinations. No matter what reason takes you there, a holiday in the Far East is bound to offer you something intriguing. I really cannot explain why I fall in love with the place each time I pay a visit, but it is what it is!
Planning a trip here can be overwhelming as there’s so much to see and do! So, read through this article and let me know what your ideas are and share your tips and advice. If you’ve got questions, feel free to voice your questions in the comments below, and I’ll be glad to get back to you.
How to plan a perfect itinerary for a holiday in the Far East
I’m going to make it a bit easy for and help you cut down on your research time for a perfect getaway with a combination of the most popular cities in the region. Here’s an itinerary, which I highly recommend. Let me know what you think of it and what would you do differently.
This awe-inspiring 23-day journey begins in the beautiful city of Hanoi, the trail leads the way to Siem Reap, to Bangkok through Kuala Lumpur then head over to Singapore, and finally to Bali!
Hanoi
The venture begins from the capital city of Vietnam, Hanoi. A holiday in the Far East would not be complete without spending time in this vibrant city. With an explosion of history and culture, Hanoi is a city that enfolds the old and the new. This is the perfect place to get an idea of what life is like in Vietnam. Three days is just ideal for experiencing Hanoi and its attractions.
Explore the beloved Old Quarter and the French Quarter, and Hanoi’s weekend markets, street food vendors. As a matter of fact, you can feast on lots of local food such as the Vietnamese classic: Bun Cha, Nem Chua Ran, Banh Tom and bang for. Visit the museums, Pagodas, The Hanoi Opera House and many more popular spots. I highly recommend a stay at the Nesta Hanoi Hotel, which is close to the major attractions, restaurants and nightlife.
TIP: To make travelling much affordable, use a motorbike taxi
Siem Reap
Fly to Siem Reap from Hanoi and check into the Angkor Miracle Resort and Spa, situated just across from the Cambodian cultural village. Siem Reap is a famous city because it acts as a gateway to the celebrated Angkor region, and it is one of the main reasons many travellers come here. Take a trip to a traditional floating village; float towards Kompong Phluk and Tonle Sap lake. After exploring the city during the day, wind down and grab a drink, or if you are a night owl, dance the night away at Pub Street!
Bangkok
The next stop is Bangkok, a sprawling city with so many things to see and do. Upon arrival, check into the Hotel Narai Bangkok and start to tick off the remarkable religious sights, which is one the many reasons to take a holiday in the Far East. Start your journey at Wat Mahathat, one of the oldest temples in the city. Then continue onto the biggest temple collection at the spectacular Grand Palace.
Make your way to the Wat Pho to see the giant reclining Buddha and Wat Arun. Later on, take a Damnoen Saduak Cruise day trip which is simply amazing. Enjoy a scenic stroll in Lumphini Park, one of Bangkok’s most welcoming green spaces. Then take an iconic tuk-tuk ride to the malls for shopping and fill up on some of the best street food in the city!
Kuala Lumpur
Spend the next three days in Kuala Lumpur, and experience the Malaysian capital. Stay at the Ibis Kuala Lumpur City Centre, a perfect base to get to the famous landmarks, shopping districts, and the well organised public transport system. A simple tour around the city will allow you to see the famous Petronas Twin Towers, Chinatown, the Batu Caves and devour the best of Malaysian cuisine at the street food stalls. If you are a lover of nature, then visit the Lake Gardens. This park is home to several attractions such as the Hibiscus Garden, Orchid Garden, Butterfly House and Bird Park, the National Monument, and Parliament House. After a great time in Kuala Lumpur, your next adventure will take you to Singapore!
Singapore
Land in Singapore one of the most visited cities in the world. Check-into, the Oasia Hotel Novena Hotel, located in a lovely spot. This journey is scheduled for three days and packed with plenty of exciting things to do! So, start off your holiday in the Far East by getting a Singapore Tourist Pass, which will give access for limited rides on any mode of public transport for an affordable price, so you will able to see many places as much as possible in a short time!
Begin your day with a visit to the Gardens by the Bay! Be amazed by the Supertree Grove, Cloud Forest and Flower Dome. Next, visit the Buddha’s Tooth Relic Temple, and then spend some time walking around Chinatown. Enjoy a hearty lunch with some Singaporean classics at the hawker stalls nearby. For all you shopaholics this is the best place to be, The Bugis Street Market, a famous and cheap place to shop in Singapore. Take a ride on the Singapore Flyer and witness a beautiful sunset in the city. Enjoy your last day in Singapore with a trip to Sentosa Island, a perfect place to have some fun.
Bali
Finally, to Bali, for seven blissful days! This place brims with rice paddies overlooking lush jungles, stunning beaches, and magnificent temples that add the charm to the island’s impeccable beauty. Stay at the Berry Glee Hotel, nestled in Kuta. Without wasting any time, grab a taxi to the famous Tanah Lot temple, the most photographed temple in Bali. Visit other famous temples such as the Ulun Danu Bratan, and Taman Ayun Temple.
Make sure to relax at the hotel and spend more time on the beach. Take a traditional village sightseeing tour with Lunch where you will learn to cook a typical Balinese meal! Bali is a lively place at night, so go on a stroll to the night market in Kuta. Grab a great meal and some trinkets to carry back home. I highly recommend Waterbom, one of the best water parks in Asia, a place to spend a day filled with fun and adventure. Visit the sacred monkey forest and take a walk amidst Kuta’s hidden walkways and then head to the airport for your flight back home.
PRO TIPS: When going on holiday to the Far East
- Pack right and light as possible so you can travel with ease.
- Before you travel to individual countries, check their vaccine requirements and recommendations.
- Renting scooters can be a great way to get around, but in some Asian countries you’ll need to drive on the opposite side of the road and you may have to battle traffic and other unfamiliar with these conditions.
- Stick to banks or other places that advertise Currency Exchange as many Asian hotels generally offer dismal exchange rates.
- It’s vital to keep a suspicious eye on important things like passports and credit cards.
- Plan some non-temple-oriented activities on your Far East itinerary, to avoid temple burnout.
- Since the temples are considered sacred, make sure to dress appropriately!
Well, my friend, there you have it, a perfect itinerary when travelling for a holiday in the Far East! So, if you have plans to travel or have already travelled to these destinations, let me know how it is/was. I highly recommend Travel Center UK when planning a trip, they offer the best holiday deals explicitly made to help you plan your ideal holiday in the Far East!
