Southeast Asia is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an incredible mix of culture, food, and adventure. Our advisor, Lenni, recently explored Singapore and Thailand and shared all the essential details.
SINGAPORE
Singapore is often considered a great introduction to Southeast Asia. It’s clean, modern, and easy to navigate, with a fantastic food scene and a highly efficient train system. Marina Bay Sands is a perfect base, offering plenty of dining and shopping options. For those who prefer ride-sharing services like Grab, getting around the city is straightforward and convenient.
For hotels, Marina Bay Sands is known for its iconic infinity pool, while nearby options like the Ritz-Carlton, Mandarin Oriental, or Raffles Hotel provide a more personalized and luxurious experience. Each offers something unique, from sleek modern amenities to historic colonial charm.
Singapore is ideal for a short stay—three full days are just the right amount of time to explore highlights like the Gardens by the Bay, Orchard Road, Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam. Don’t miss the rooftop bars and Michelin-starred street food, which offer both local flavors and spectacular views. If you have extra time before your next destination, Changi Airport is worth exploring—it’s home to an indoor waterfall, gardens, and even a butterfly sanctuary! Yiy can use luggage lockers to explore comfortably if traveling with carry-ons.
THAILAND
Lenni’s adventure through Thailand was filled with incredible experiences that blended culture, relaxation, and adventure. From island hopping in Phuket to learning to cook authentic Thai dishes in Chiang Mai, and exploring Bangkok’s vibrant markets and food halls, her journey highlighted the best of this diverse country.
Phuket:
Lenni’s time in Phuket started with an unforgettable trip to the Phi Phi Islands, where she soaked up the turquoise waters and stunning limestone cliffs. She began her stay in the southernmost part of Phuket and gradually moved up the coast, enjoying the scenic views along the way.
Her home base was the Rosewood Phuket, where she indulged in mornings with breakfast by the pool and even took jumping classes. The resort’s tranquil setting and luxurious amenities made it the perfect place to relax after exploring.
Chiang Mai:
Next, Lenni headed to Chiang Mai, where she stayed at the InterContinental Chiang Mai. Her days were filled with unique and meaningful experiences, like visiting an elephant sanctuary and learning about conservation efforts. She also made the most of Thailand’s famous massages, enjoying multiple sessions for just $9 each.
One of the highlights of her time here was taking a songthaew up the mountain to visit a hill tribe village, where she learned a few words in their local dialect. The region is known for producing coffee beans, peaches, and persimmons, which added a flavorful touch to her cultural experience.
Lenni also explored Chiang Mai’s vibrant food scene by taking a local market tour and a cooking class. She loved picking fresh herbs and vegetables from the organic garden and learned to make dishes like Khao Soi and Pad Thai. During her visit, she checked out one of her favorite boutique hotels, 137 Pillars Hotels and Resorts, where every suite features spacious outdoor patios—a true hidden gem in the heart of the city.
Bangkok:
Lenni’s final stop was Bangkok, where the energy of the city was unlike anywhere else. She stayed at the luxurious Peninsula Bangkok Hotel, which offers complimentary boat transfers to nearby areas. Lenni loved exploring the city by boat, train, and tuk-tuk, guided by a local expert.
She visited iconic landmarks like the Grand Palace, the Jim Thompson House Museum, and the famous Maeklong Railway Market, where vendors swiftly pack up their stalls as the train passes through.
Lenni is a big fan of food halls in Bangkok’s shopping malls, where she discovered a mix of local and international flavors. She also went on a Chinatown food tour, where she tried unique dishes like milk pork skewers, durian, and even sampled some bugs—an adventurous highlight of her trip!
Before leaving, Lenni visited the stunning Four Seasons Bangkok, which features incredible suites with prime river views. And here’s something exciting—Six Senses The Forestias is opening in 2025, bringing a new level of luxury to the city! Thailand’s first urban Aman Hotel, Aman Nai Lert Bangkok, will also open soon, set within Nai Lert Park, a lush sanctuary in the heart of Bangkok.
Essential Tips for Southeast Asia
Dress Codes: Temples in Thailand have strict dress codes. Make sure your shoulders and knees are covered if you are wanting to enter. Luckily, there are clothing/sarong shops around the temples that you can pick up a covering on your way there, if needed!
Cash is King: While luxury hotels and high-end restaurants accept cards, most other places in Thailand only take cash, especially at the markets. There are plenty of ATMs all around the cities, airports, etc., making it easy to take out cash throughout your trip.
Southeast Asia offers an incredible variety of experiences, from the cosmopolitan appeal of Singapore to the cultural richness of Thailand. It’s a region full of contrasts—ultra-modern cities, ancient traditions, serene beaches, and vibrant street life. Southeast Asia is just the beginning of what Asia has to offer. If you’re inspired to explore further, consider adding Japan to your travel list. Our guide to Japan’s top attractions will help you uncover all the unique wonders of this amazing country.
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