Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

26‑Day Southeast & East Asia Adventure: Philippines, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam

Viewed by 123 travelers

Day 1: Manila Arrival & Exploration

Morning: Arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Intramuros. Enjoy a leisurely brunch while soaking up the historic atmosphere.

Afternoon: Wander through Fort Santiago and the San Agustin Church, learning about Spanish colonial history.

Evening: Dine at a rooftop restaurant overlooking Manila Bay and watch the sunset.

Find Hotels

Day 2: Manila to Palawan (Puerto Princesa)

Morning: Fly to Puerto Princesa and settle into a beachfront resort near Honda Bay.

Afternoon: Take a guided tour of the famed Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Evening: Sample fresh seafood at a local market and enjoy a night walk on the beach.

Find Hotels

Day 3: Island Hopping in Honda Bay

Morning: Board a boat for island hopping to Starfish Island and Luli Island, snorkeling among vibrant coral reefs.

Afternoon: Picnic lunch on Cowrie Island followed by swimming in crystal‑clear waters.

Evening: Return to the resort for a relaxing spa session and a sunset cocktail.

Find Hotels

Day 4: El Nido Adventure

Morning: Travel by van to El Nido and check into a lagoon‑view bungalow.

Afternoon: Join a private boat tour of the iconic Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon, kayaking through towering limestone cliffs.

Evening:

Evening: Enjoy beachfront dining with fresh grilled fish and a fire‑dance performance.

Find Hotels

Day 5: El Nido Island Hopping

Morning: Snorkel at Shimizu Island and explore the hidden beach of Secret Beach.

Afternoon: Visit the picturesque Matinloc Shrine and take in panoramic sea views.

Evening: Relax with a sunset sail and a casual dinner at a local tavern.

Find Hotels

Day 6: Manila to Tokyo

Morning: Fly back to Manila and connect to an international flight to Tokyo.

Afternoon: Arrive at Haneda Airport, transfer to a hotel in Shinjuku, and unwind.

Evening: Stroll through Omoide Yokocho for izakaya bites and experience the neon lights.

Find Hotels

Day 7: Tokyo – Shibuya & Harajuku

Morning: Visit the iconic Shibuya Crossing and explore the trendy shops of Shibuya 109.

Afternoon: Walk down Takeshita Street in Harajuku, sampling crepes and street fashion.

Evening: Dine at a sushi bar in Ginza and enjoy a night view from the Tokyo Tower.

Find Hotels

Day 8: Asakusa & Akihabara

Morning: Explore Senso‑ji Temple and shop for souvenirs on Nakamise Street.

Afternoon: Dive into the electric atmosphere of Akihabara, visiting anime stores and a themed café.

Evening: Experience a traditional kappo dinner in the historic district of Ueno.

Find Hotels **Day 9: Day Trip to Nikko** *Morning:* Take a rapid train to Nikko and begin with a visit to the ornate Toshogu Shrine. *Afternoon:* Walk through the serene Shinkyo Bridge area and enjoy the autumn foliage around Lake Chuzenji. *Evening:* Return to Tokyo and unwind with a relaxing soak in an onsen‑style hotel bath.

Day 10: Tokyo – Odaiba & Tokyo Bay

Morning: Ride the futuristic Yurikamome line to Odaiba and visit the teamLab Borderless digital art museum.

Afternoon: Explore the shopping complex Aqua City and enjoy a ride on the iconic Rainbow Bridge.

Evening: Take a sunset cruise on Tokyo Bay followed by dinner at a waterfront restaurant.

Find Hotels

Day 11: Tokyo to Kyoto

Morning: Board the Shinkansen to Kyoto, arriving in the historic capital within three hours.

Afternoon: Check into a machiya‑style inn and visit the serene Kinkaku‑ji (Golden Pavilion).

Evening: Wander through the lantern‑lit streets of Gion, spotting geisha and enjoying a kaiseki dinner.

Find Hotels

Day 12: Arashiyama & Bamboo Grove

Morning: Travel to Arashiyama and stroll through the famous Bamboo Grove, capturing the towering stalks.

Afternoon: Visit Tenryū‑ji Temple and take a boat ride on the Hozu River.

Evening: Return to central Kyoto for tea at a traditional tea house near Nishiki Market.

Find Hotels

Day 13: Fushimi Inari & Nara

Morning: Climb the thousands of torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine, enjoying panoramic city views.

Afternoon: Take a short train to Nara, feeding the friendly deer in Nara Park and visiting Tōdai‑ji Temple.

Evening: Return to Kyoto and dine on yudofu (tofu hot pot) near the Philosopher’s Path.

Find Hotels

Day 14: Kyoto to Osaka

Morning: Transfer to Osaka by train and settle into a hotel in the lively Dotonbori district.

Afternoon: Explore Osaka Castle and its surrounding park, learning about the city's samurai past.

Evening: Indulge in street food staples like takoyaki and okonomiyaki along the neon‑bright Shinsaibashi area.

Find Hotels

Day 15: Osaka – Universal Studios Japan

Morning: Spend the day at Universal Studios Japan, riding the newest attractions.

Afternoon: Enjoy the themed lands, including the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and watch live shows.

Evening: Return to the city and relax with a night view from the Umeda Sky Building.

Find Hotels

Day 16: Osaka to Seoul

Morning: Fly from Osaka to Seoul, South Korea, and check into a boutique hotel in Myeongdong.

Afternoon: Stroll through Myeongdong Shopping Street, sampling Korean street snacks.

Evening: Visit the historic Cheonggyecheon Stream and enjoy a Korean BBQ dinner.

Find Hotels

Day 17: Seoul – Gyeongbokgung & Bukchon

Morning: Tour the grand Gyeongbokgung Palace and watch the changing of the guard ceremony.

Afternoon: Wander the traditional lanes of Bukchon Hanok Village, spotting hanbok‑clad locals.

Evening: Experience nightlife in Hongdae, with live music and trendy cafés.

Find Hotels

Day 18: DMZ Day Trip

Morning: Join a guided tour to the Korean Demilitarized Zone, visiting the Third Infiltration Tunnel.

Afternoon: Observe the panoramic views from the Observatory at Dora Observatory and learn about inter‑Korean relations.

Evening: Return to Seoul for a relaxed dinner in the historic Insadong area.

Find Hotels

Day 19: Seoul – Gangnam & COEX

Morning: Explore the upscale district of Gangnam, visiting the COEX Mall and its famous Starfield Library.

Afternoon: Visit the Bongeunsa Temple for a peaceful contrast to the modern cityscape.

Evening: Enjoy a night view from N Seoul Tower and dine on Korean fried chicken.

Find Hotels

Day 20: Seoul to Busan

Morning: Take the KTX high‑speed train to Busan, arriving in under three hours.

Afternoon: Check into a beachfront hotel at Haeundae and relax on the sand.

Evening: Explore the lively Jagalchi Fish Market and savor fresh sashimi.

Find Hotels

Day 21: Busan – Gamcheon & Taejongdae

Morning: Wander the colorful alleys of Gamcheon Culture Village, snapping photos of street art.

Afternoon: Visit the scenic cliffs of Taejongdae Resort Park and take a boat ride around the coast.

Evening: Enjoy a beachfront dinner at Gwangalli Beach with views of the illuminated Gwangan Bridge.

Find Hotels

Day 22: Busan to Hanoi

Morning: Fly from Busan to Hanoi, Vietnam, and settle into a boutique hotel in the Old Quarter.

Afternoon: Take a cyclo tour around Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the historic Ngoc Son Temple.

Evening: Dine on pho at a renowned street-side stall and enjoy a water‑puppet show.

Find Hotels

Day 23: Hanoi – Halong Bay Cruise

Morning: Depart for Halong Bay and board a luxury junk boat for an overnight cruise.

Afternoon: Kayak among towering limestone karsts and explore hidden caves such as Surprise Cave.

Evening: Savor a seafood dinner on deck and stargaze from the deck’s deck.

Find Hotels

Day 24: Halong Bay to Hanoi

Morning: Participate in a sunrise Tai Chi session on the deck before a light breakfast.

Afternoon: Return to the harbor and travel back to Hanoi, stopping at a local fishing village.

Evening: Free time to explore the bustling night market of Dong Xuan and try local delicacies.

Find Hotels

Day 25: Hanoi – Cultural Sites

Morning: Visit the historic Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university.

Afternoon: Explore the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex and the nearby One Pillar Pagoda.

Evening: Celebrate the final night with a dinner cruise on the Red River, featuring traditional music.

Find Hotels

Day 26: Departure from Hanoi

Morning: Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the hotel and shop for last‑minute souvenirs.

Afternoon: Transfer to Nội Bài International Airport for your outbound flight.

Evening: Reflect on the unforgettable journey across four vibrant countries.

Find Hotels

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Intramuros (Manila) – 3 hours – $12
  • Puerto Princesa Subterranean River – 5 hours – $35
  • Honda Bay Island Hopping – 6 hours – $45
  • Big & Small Lagoons (El Nido) – 4 hours – $60
  • Shibuya Crossing – 2 hours – $0
  • Harajuku & Takeshita Street – 3 hours – $15
  • Senso‑ji Temple – 2 hours – $0
  • Tokyo Tower – 1.5 hours – $20
  • Toshogu Shrine (Nikko) – 4 hours – $25
  • Kinkaku‑ji (Kyoto) – 2 hours – $15
  • Arashiyama Bamboo Grove – 3 hours – $10
  • Fushimi Inari Shrine – 3 hours – $0
  • Nara Park & Tōdai‑ji – 4 hours – $12
  • Osaka Castle – 2 hours – $10
  • Universal Studios Japan – 8 hours – $80
  • Gyeongbokgung Palace – 2.5 hours – $3
  • DMZ Tour (Third Tunnel) – 6 hours – $50
  • N Seoul Tower – 2 hours – $10
  • Gamcheon Culture Village – 2 hours – $0
  • Taejongdae Park – 3 hours – $5
  • Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple – 2 hours – $0
  • Halong Bay Cruise (2 days) – 48 hours – $180
  • Temple of Literature – 2 hours – $2
  • Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex – 2 hours – $1
  • Red River Dinner Cruise – 3 hours – $40
  • Transportation (flights, trains, buses) – 26 days – $1,200
  • Accommodation (mid‑range) – 25 nights – $1,750
  • Meals & Miscellaneous – 26 days – $800
  • Total Estimated Cost – – $5,041

Tips

If you wish to extend the trip, consider adding a few days in Jeju Island for volcanic landscapes, or exploring Da Nang and Hoi An in Vietnam for beach and heritage experiences. To shorten the itinerary, you can combine the Philippines and Vietnam legs by flying directly from Manila to Hanoi, and reduce one day each in Japan and South Korea while still hitting the major highlights.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version