Far East Travel Guide: Vietnam, Bali and Thailand
Route, season, visa and budget guide for first-time Far East travellers; the essentials of Vietnam, Bali and Thailand.
Build the route at a glance
- Good season
- Varies by country and monsoon zone
- Ideal length
- 10–14 days
- Route rhythm
- Start slowly; limit domestic flights
- Prepare first
- Climate check, travel insurance and light luggage
How this journey works
The Far East is not one climate. Northern Vietnam may be cool while Thai coasts are sunny and Bali is wet. Plan by regional weather at your exact dates, not by country name alone.
Choose fewer bases instead of flying every other day. Keep the first days gentle for jet lag, humidity and transfers; enjoy street food and local transport with solid insurance and health preparation.
The Far East is a world apart, with emerald rice fields, temples, bazaars and turquoise shores. Though the flight is long, the richness of experience is worth the distance. This guide outlines the essentials for first-time travellers.
Featured countries
Vietnam
The old quarters of Hanoi, the karst islands of Ha Long Bay and the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An. It offers culture, nature and cuisine together.
Bali (Indonesia)
A peaceful island of rice terraces, temples and beaches. Ideal for honeymoons and relaxation.
Thailand
The vibrancy of Bangkok, the temples of Chiang Mai and the beaches of the southern islands. Suited to every budget and style.
Season
Monsoon seasons matter in the Far East. Generally, the dry season from November to April is ideal for most regions; it varies by country.
Visa and practical notes
Some countries offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to Turkish citizens; as these rules can change, confirm before travelling. Vaccination, insurance and local currency should also be on the preparation list.
What makes the Far East special is the astonishment of stepping into a wholly different culture after a single flight.
These long-haul, multi-stop routes need good planning because of domestic flights and transfers; guided programmes solve this complexity for you.
Route map
The classic route of this region — see the stops on the map.
- 1HanoiStreet View ↗
- 2Ha Long BayStreet View ↗
- 3Hoi AnStreet View ↗
Places to see
The featured stops of the region.
Hanoi
Vietnam’s historic capital; old quarters.
Street View ↗Ha Long Bay
A UNESCO bay of karst islands.
Street View ↗Hoi An
A fairy-tale old town of lantern-lit streets.
Street View ↗Ho Chi Minh City
The vibrant metropolis and gateway to the Mekong.
Street View ↗Bali – Ubud
An island of rice terraces and temples.
Street View ↗Bangkok
Temples, bazaars and vibrant street life.
Street View ↗Chiang Mai
The calm city of the north; mountain temples.
Street View ↗Hue
The imperial capital of the Nguyen dynasty.
Street View ↗Da Nang
A modern coastal city and the Marble Mountains.
Street View ↗Sapa
Terraced rice fields and mountain villages.
Street View ↗Phuket
Thailand’s largest holiday island.
Street View ↗Krabi
Limestone cliffs and the Railay beaches.
Street View ↗Kuala Lumpur
The Petronas Towers and a Muslim-friendly metropolis.
Street View ↗Singapore
Futuristic gardens and a multicultural city-state.
Street View ↗Kyoto
Temples, geisha quarters and ancient Japan.
Street View ↗Tokyo
A vast metropolis where tradition meets futurism.
Street View ↗Siem Reap
The gateway to the Angkor Wat temples.
Street View ↗Culture & Art calendar
Full calendar →Frequently asked questions
How many days for a Far East tour?
As the flight is long, at least 7–10 days is recommended; 7 for one country, 12–14 for two is ideal.
Is the Far East expensive?
Daily costs beyond the flight (food, accommodation, transport) are usually more affordable than in Europe.
Guides in this region
Bali Travel Guide: Temples and Rice Terraces
The rice terraces of Ubud, the temples and the southern beaches: route, season and practical tips for Bali.
Thailand 10-Day Route: From Bangkok to the Islands
A balanced 10-day Thailand route covering Bangkok, Chiang Mai and the southern islands.
When to Visit Vietnam? Season and Climate
The climate of northern, central and southern Vietnam and the best months; monsoon, temperature and route planning.