4 Weeks in Southeast Asia: Itinerary & Planning Tips 2025

Written by Chris Quan Updated Mar. 5, 2024

With more than a dozen countries in Southeast Asia, 4 weeks/1 month can satisfy your ambitions to travel to many places. Check out recommended plans for your 4 weeks/1 month in Southeast Asia and expert advice.

Which Countries to Visit in Southeast Asia in 4 Weeks

Top Destinations in Southeast Asia and How Long to Spend

The most popular destinations in Southeast Asia are Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, Bali (Indonesia), and Singapore. For a 4-week trip to Southeast Asia, we recommend you visit 4-5 countries.

A highly recommended combo for a 4-week tour in Southeast Asia is Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar. This combination offers a rich tapestry of experiences, ranging from pristine beaches and ancient temples to a vibrant religious vibe, exotic culinary delights, encounters with elephants, and the lush wonders of the rainforest.

If you prefer a more relaxed pace, consider focusing on three or four of these nations. You might choose to omit Laos or Myanmar from your itinerary for a more leisurely experience while still enjoying the diverse offerings of the region.

Free feel to tell us your preferences and requirements. We will make a trip based on your ideas. If you don't have some ideas now, you can check our Best Southeast Asia Tour Packages for inspiration.

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A Classic 4-Week Southeast Asia Itinerary to Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar

Considering the overall tour experience and transport connections, usually our route goes Myanmar–Vietnam–Laos–Cambodia–Thailand.

Myanmar and Vietnam, rich in attractions and activities, are good to place at the start of the trip. Laos and Cambodia, centering around temple visiting, are suitable for the middle part, and finally end at Thailand's beaches.

India tour map

Week 1: Myanmar

Days 1-2: Mandalay
Days 3-4: Began
Days 5-6: Inle Lake
Days 7-8: Yangon

Bagan, Myanmar Sunset in Bagan

Days 1-2: Mandalay

Embark on a captivating tour of Mandalay's highlights, including the magnificent Kuthodaw Pagoda, home to the world's largest book. Explore the remnants of Bargaya Monastery in the former royal capital of Inwa. As the sun sets, witness the breathtaking sunset over the iconic U Bein Bridge, a symbolic landmark of Mandalay.

Days 3-4: Bagan

Immerse yourself in local life with a cooking class supported by JICA. Wander Nyuang U Market, absorbing vibrant flavors. Explore the awe-inspiring Shwezigon Pagoda and delve into Bagan's history at the Archaeological Zone. Visit iconic sites like Ananda Temple, Shwesandaw Pagoda, and Htilominlo Pahto. As dusk falls, be captivated by the sunset over the pagoda complex, a moment of tranquil beauty.

Days 5-6: Inle Lake

Discover the serene beauty of Inle Lake, where leg-rowing fishermen showcase their unique skills. Enjoy the tranquility and explore the local way of life.

Days 7-8: Yangon

Explore Myanmar's history at the National Museum and witness the stunning sunset from Shwedagon Pagoda. Visit the heart of the city at Sule Paya and contribute to the community at Thadama Myintzu Nunnery. Experience local life aboard a train and conclude your day with a stroll through Bogyoke Aung San Market, offering an array of souvenirs and crafts.

Week 2: Vietnam

Days 9-10: Ho Chi Minh City
Days 11-12: Hoi An
Days 13-14: Hanoi
Days 15-16: Halong Bay

Halong Bay, Vietnam Halong Bay

Days 9-10: Ho Chi Minh City

Feel the bustling energy of Ho Chi Minh City, exploring the War Remnants Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, and the historic Cu Chi Tunnels. Dive into local cuisine with a street food tour.

Days 11-12: Hoi An

Explore Hoi An's waterways on a traditional round basket boat. Visit the ancient town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its charming architecture, lantern-lit streets, and enjoy a cooking class.

Days 13-14: Hanoi

Uncover the cultural gems of Hanoi, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, and the vibrant Old Quarter.

Days 15-16: Halong Bay

Cruise through this UNESCO World Heritage site, surrounded by stunning limestone karsts, and partake in a kayaking adventure. Marvel at the ethereal beauty of the bay's unique landscapes.

Week 3: Laos and Cambodia

Days 17-19: Luang Prabang
Days 20-21: Siem Reap

Angkor Wat, Cambodia Angkor Wat

Days 17-19: Luang Prabang

Interact with elephants at Elephant Village and explore their world. Visit the hospital, museum, and dung paper-making facility. Trek the Trail of Falls. Witness the morning alms-giving ritual and explore Luang Prabang's cultural gems.

In the afternoon, relax at Kuang Si Waterfall. Luang Prabang offers a blend of nature and cultural charm.

Days 20-21: Siem Reap

Explore Angkor's exquisite temples, including iconic landmarks like Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Prohm, and Banteay Srei. Delve into Cambodia's history at the Landmine Museum. Discover remote temples like Beng Mealea and Preah Khan, adding layers to the Angkor experience.

Week 4: Thailand

Days 22-24: Bangkok
Days 25-27: Phuket
Day 28: Departure

southeast asia beach

Days 22-24: Bangkok

Embark on the final leg of your journey in Bangkok. Explore the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun. Experience the vibrant street life at Khao San Road and indulge in local street food.

Days 25-27: Phuket

Relax in the tropical paradise of Phuket, visiting Patong Beach, Phi Phi Islands, and Big Buddha. Enjoy water activities, explore Old Phuket Town, and savor Thai cuisine.

Day 28: Departure

As your 28-day odyssey concludes, depart with a treasure trove of memories, having explored the best of Southeast Asia's history, culture, and natural beauty.

How Much Is a 4-Week Trip to Southeast Asia?

Southeast Asia offers good value for money. For the price of a mediocre restaurant in Western countries, you can enjoy a superb meal at a Michelin-starred establishment in Southeast Asia.

  • If you have a lower budget, you will need around 180–200 USD/day per person (including airfare within Southeast Asia, 3-star hotels, lunch, attractions, guide, and transfers). 4 weeks is about 5500–6000 USD.
  • For a medium budget, it will cost around 200–250 USD per day per person (including airfare within Southeast Asia, 4-star hotels, lunch, attractions, guide, and transfers). Thus, it may cost about 6,000–7,500 USD for 4 weeks.
  • For a higher budget, US$250–350 per day per person is needed (including airfare within Southeast Asia, 5-star hotels, lunch, attractions, guide, and transfers). The cost for 4 weeks is around 7,500-10,000 USD.

>>>Planning a Trip to Southeast Asia: A Beginner's Guide

Guided or Independent Tours?

Although Southeast Asia is a paradise for backpacking, it has its drawbacks. With an independent tour, you must handle all things by yourself: booking the transport and hotels, making detailed itineraries… But, you may be unfamiliar with these countries and will probably face unexpected events, especially if yours is a multi-country trip.

With a guided tour, all you need to do is concentrate on fully enjoying your holiday. With a well-planned itinerary created by an expert travel consultant, you can make the most of your vacation without unnecessary stress or missing out on the best of every city.

With private transport, you can reduce your time on the road, and spend more at the highlights. With a local guide, you can learn more of the culture's secrets and stories behind the attractions. He/she can help you travel safely and solve any problems — expected or unexpected.

Thus, a guided tour is recommended if you don't have much time to sit and plan. Contact us to create a worry-free tour.

Contacting Us for a Booking/Inquiry

You are warmly welcome to have us customize your trip based on your group size, interests, budget, and other needs. For a personalized tour and quote, sit back and use our Create My Trip service.

Or start from a recommended fully-modifiable itinerary:

Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries

At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.

More Travel Ideas and Inspiration

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