4-Week Solo Southeast Asia Adventure: Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos

Day 1: Exploring Bangkok

Bangkok, Thailand on May 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at On Lok Yun

Start your day with a traditional Thai breakfast of toast, coffee, and eggs at On Lok Yun, a beloved old-school diner in Bangkok open from 6am to 2pm.
THB100, 1h

9:30am

Visit the Grand Palace

Explore the stunning Grand Palace, the former royal residence, showcasing intricate Thai architecture and the revered Emerald Buddha. Open 8:30am - 3:30pm.
THB500, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Thip Samai Pad Thai

Enjoy some of the best Pad Thai in Bangkok at Thip Samai, known for its crispy edges and fresh ingredients, open until midnight.
THB120, 1h

1:30pm

Wat Pho and Reclining Buddha

Visit Wat Pho to see the massive gold-plated Reclining Buddha and experience traditional Thai massage lessons. Open 8am - 6:30pm.
THB200, 1.5h

3:30pm

Chao Phraya River Boat Ride

Relax on a scenic river boat ride along the Chao Phraya to see Bangkok’s riverside life and temples. Boats run until early evening.
THB40, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Cabbages & Condoms

Dine at this famous restaurant known for its great Thai food and unique socially conscious theme, open until 10pm.
THB400, 1.5h
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Day 2: Chiang Mai Temples

Chiang Mai, Thailand on May 20, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Chiang Mai

Take an early morning flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai (about 1 hour), allowing plenty of time for activities. Morning flights available from 6am.
THB1000, 1h

9:00am

Breakfast at Rustic & Blue

Enjoy a healthy breakfast with fresh coffee and homemade granola at Rustic & Blue, open from 7am to 5pm.
THB250, 1h

10:00am

Doi Suthep Temple

Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, perched on a mountain overlooking Chiang Mai, and experience beautiful architecture and panoramic views. Open 6am - 6pm.
THB50, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Khao Soi Khun Yai

Taste authentic northern Thai Khao Soi, a creamy coconut curry noodle soup, at this popular local spot open until 3pm.
THB60, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Old City Temples

Wander the moat-surrounded Old City visiting Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh, important spiritual and historical sites. Both open until 5pm.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Night Bazaar

Spend your evening at Chiang Mai Night Bazaar shopping for souvenirs, handicrafts, and sampling street food. Opens from 6pm to midnight.
Free, 3h

8:30pm

Dinner at Huen Phen

Enjoy traditional northern Thai dishes in a rustic setting at Huen Phen, open until 10pm.
THB300, 1h
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Day 3: Angkor Wat Exploration

Siem Reap, Cambodia on May 21, 2025

6:00am

Flight to Siem Reap

Catch an early morning flight from Chiang Mai to Siem Reap via Bangkok, approximately 4-5 hours total including layover.
USD150, 5h

12:00pm

Lunch at Chanrey Tree

Relish Khmer cuisine in this elegant setting serving authentic dishes with fresh local ingredients, open 11am to 10pm.
USD15, 1h

1:30pm

Angkor Wat Afternoon Tour

Start exploring the iconic Angkor Wat temple complex, the largest religious monument in the world, open from 5am to 6pm daily.
USD37 (1-day pass), 4h

6:00pm

Dinner at Haven

Enjoy a fusion of Western and Khmer dishes at Haven, which supports local youths, open till 9pm.
USD12, 1.5h
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Day 4: Siem Reap & Phnom Penh

Siem Reap to Phnom Penh, Cambodia on May 22, 2025

7:00am

Sunrise at Angkor Wat

Witness the stunning sunrise over Angkor Wat for an unforgettable experience; gates open from 5am.
USD37 (already purchased), 2h

9:30am

Breakfast at Sister Srey Cafe

Enjoy fresh and sustainable coffee and a healthy breakfast at Sister Srey Cafe, open 7am to 4pm.
USD8, 1h

11:00am

Travel to Phnom Penh

Take a comfortable bus or a short flight to Phnom Penh (6-7 hours by bus, 1 hour by flight). Flight recommended for time-saving.
USD50 (bus), USD70 (flight), 1h flight

3:00pm

Check-in and Relax

Settle into your hotel and relax after your travel.
Varies, 2h

5:00pm

Visit Riverside Park

Take a peaceful walk along the Tonle Sap riverfront park, a great place to watch locals and sunset.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Romdeng

Dine on traditional Cambodian dishes in a beautiful colonial building, open until 9:30pm.
USD15, 1.5h
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Day 5: Phnom Penh History

Phnom Penh, Cambodia on May 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Brown Coffee

Start your day with excellent coffee and pastries at Brown Coffee, open 7am to 10pm.
USD6, 1h

9:30am

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum Tour

Learn about Cambodia’s tragic history at the former prison turned museum, open 8am to 5pm.
USD5, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Malis Restaurant

Savour refined Cambodian cuisine in a beautifully restored setting, open daily 11am to 10pm.
USD20, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda

Explore the stunning Royal Palace complex including the Silver Pagoda with its jade Buddha. Open 8am to 5pm.
USD10, 2h

4:00pm

Wat Phnom Temple

Visit Phnom Penh’s namesake temple located on a small hill in the city center. Open 8am to 6pm.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Friends the Restaurant

Enjoy tasty Cambodian and international dishes at a social enterprise supporting local youth, open till 10pm.
USD15, 1.5h
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Day 6: Hanoi Arrival

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 24, 2025

7:00am

Flight to Hanoi

Take a morning flight from Phnom Penh to Hanoi, approximately 2 hours, for your Vietnam exploration.
USD100, 2h

9:30am

Breakfast at The Note Coffee

Try Vietnamese coffee and traditional banh mi at this charming cafe, open from 7am to 6pm.
VND80000, 1h

10:30am

Explore Old Quarter

Wander Hanoi’s vibrant Old Quarter featuring traditional streets, markets, and colonial architecture.
Free, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Taste famous Hanoi Bun Cha, a grilled pork and noodle dish loved by locals and visitors, open until 3pm.
VND60000, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Relax around the picturesque lake and visit the temple on its island, open 8am to 6pm.
VND30000, 1.5h

6:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Experience Hanoi’s iconic fish dish, Cha Ca, in a historic restaurant setting, open until 9pm.
VND200000, 1.5h
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Day 7: Hanoi Museums and Culture

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kafeville

Start with great coffee and organic breakfast options at Kafeville, open 7:30am to 8pm.
VND90000, 1h

9:30am

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Visit the final resting place of the Vietnamese leader, open 8am to 11am except Monday and Friday.
Free, 1.5h

11:30am

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Discover Vietnam's diverse ethnic groups through engaging exhibits, open 8am to 5pm.
VND40000, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Quan An Ngon

Enjoy a wide selection of traditional Vietnamese street foods in a beautiful garden setting, open till 10pm.
VND120000, 1h

3:30pm

Water Puppet Theater Show

Experience traditional Vietnamese water puppetry at Thang Long Theater, shows at 3:30pm and 6:30pm daily.
VND100000, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Home Vietnamese Restaurant

Savour authentic Vietnamese cuisine in a cozy atmosphere, open until 10pm.
VND150000, 1.5h
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Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City Flight

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 26, 2025

7:00am

Morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Fly from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to continue Vietnam adventures, approximately 2 hours.
VND1500000, 2h

9:30am

Breakfast at L'usine

Stylish cafe and boutique serving excellent coffee and brunch, open from 7am to 10pm.
VND120000, 1h

10:30am

Visit War Remnants Museum

Learn about Vietnam’s turbulent history through powerful exhibits, open 7:30am to 6pm.
VND40000, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Try famous southern-style Pho at this well-known restaurant, open all day.
VND60000, 1h

2:30pm

Notre Dame Cathedral & Post Office

Tour the iconic French colonial landmarks located near each other in the city center.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Saigon Central Market

Shop for local goods and souvenirs at Ben Thanh Market, open until 6pm.
Free, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Secret Garden

Enjoy rooftop dining with a focus on authentic Vietnamese cuisine, open until 11pm.
VND200000, 1.5h
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Day 9: Cu Chi Tunnels Day Trip

Near Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 27, 2025

7:30am

Cu Chi Tunnels Tour

Discover the historic underground tunnel system used during the Vietnam War; tours run daily from 7am to 4pm.
VND250000, 4h

12:00pm

Lunch at local restaurant near Cu Chi

Enjoy a local Vietnamese lunch near the tunnels, sampling fresh and simple dishes.
VND100000, 1h

2:30pm

Return to Ho Chi Minh City and relax

Head back and rest or explore street cafes in District 1.
Varies, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Quan Bui

Try modern Vietnamese cuisine in a casual setting, open until 10pm.
VND180000, 1.5h
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Day 10: Travel to Laos

Luang Prabang, Laos on May 28, 2025

7:00am

Flight to Luang Prabang

Fly from Ho Chi Minh City to Luang Prabang, Laos, approx 1.5 hour flight with connections possible via Hanoi or direct options.
USD100, 3h including connections

11:00am

Breakfast / Early Lunch at Tamarind

Relish Lao cuisine at Tamarind, a top restaurant in Luang Prabang, open 8am to 9pm.
USD12, 1h

12:30pm

Explore Old Town

Wander Luang Prabang’s UNESCO-listed Old Town with its blend of traditional Lao and French colonial architecture.
Free, 3h

4:00pm

Visit Wat Xieng Thong

See one of the most important Buddhist monasteries in Laos, famous for its ornate gold decorations. Open daily until 5pm.
LAK20000, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Khaiphaen

Support local social enterprise serving traditional Lao food in a friendly atmosphere, open till 9pm.
USD10, 1.5h
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Day 11: Kuang Si Waterfall

Luang Prabang, Laos on May 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Le Banneton

Enjoy French-style bakery goods and coffee at this local favourite, open 6:30am to 6pm.
USD8, 1h

9:00am

Day trip to Kuang Si Waterfall

Visit the breathtaking multi-tiered Kuang Si Falls with turquoise pools perfect for swimming. Open 8am to 6pm.
LAK20000, 5h

3:30pm

Return and relax

Relax at your accommodation or visit local markets in town.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Manda de Laos

Savour delicious Lao fusion cuisine in a lush garden setting, open until 9:30pm.
USD15, 1.5h
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Day 12: Vang Vieng Adventure

Vang Vieng, Laos on May 30, 2025

7:00am

Drive to Vang Vieng

Travel by shuttle or bus to Vang Vieng (approx 4 hours), known for stunning karst landscapes and outdoor activities.
LAK100000, 4h

11:30am

Lunch at Gary's Irish Bar

Popular spot for Western and Lao dishes in the heart of Vang Vieng, open until late.
USD10, 1h

1:00pm

Blue Lagoon 2 Visit

Swim and cliff jump in the famous Blue Lagoon 2, open 8am to 6pm.
LAK10000, 3h

5:00pm

Relax riverside

Enjoy the riverside bars or explore town on foot.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Rib Lao

Eat traditional Lao grilled meats and sticky rice at this highly recommended restaurant, open till 9pm.
USD12, 1.5h
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