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South East Asia Travel Guides – Itineraries, Day Trips & Things To Do
South East Asia is one of the easiest, most rewarding regions to explore – whether you’re planning a quick stopover, a family holiday, or your first solo trip. From budget-friendly city breaks in Singapore to island day trips in Thailand and family-friendly adventures in Malaysia, this guide brings together everything I’ve learned from travelling the region myself. Below you’ll find country-by-country guides, itineraries and day trip ideas, all based on my own personal experience, to help you plan your own South East Asia adventure – plus a few tours and activities worth booking along the way.
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SINGAPORE
Singapore is a brilliant entry point into South East Asia – clean, easy to navigate and perfect for a short stopover or a longer stay. Here’s how to see it without blowing the budget.
- Visit Singapore on a budget
- Unspokin’ – Bike Rental Singapore
- How to spend a long stopover at Jewel Singapore Changi Airport
MALAYSIA
From the beaches and waterfalls of Langkawi to a week exploring Penang and getting the kids around Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is one of the most family-friendly countries in the region. It’s also where our Solo School: Malaysia trip is headed in 2027, if you’re after a guided way to build your solo travel confidence.
- One day itinerary Langkawi beaches and waterfalls
- The best way to day tour in Langkawi
- Ultimate one week Penang Malaysia itinerary
- How to get from Kuala Lumpur to Penang
- The Best Things To Do In Kuala Lumpur With Toddlers
BRUNEI
Often overlooked, Brunei is an easy add-on for anyone with a stopover to fill. Here’s how to make the most of 15 hours there.
LAOS
Quiet, understated and a nice contrast to its busier neighbours – here’s what to do if Vientiane is on your route.
THAILAND
Thailand’s islands and beach towns are made for day trips and easy adventures, whether you’re travelling with a group of women, a partner, or the whole family – Koh Chang and Koh Larn are both worth the trip from Pattaya.
- The best things to do in Koh Chang
- Koh Larn day trip from Pattaya – a guide for women and families
- Best eSIM for Thailand
Erin Parker is a Finnish Lapland specialist, women’s adventure host and founder of Lapland Lowdown & Travel Her Way. She has travelled six continents and brings first-hand experience to every destination she writes about – from the Arctic wilderness of Finnish Lapland to the high Andes of Peru. Based in Melbourne, Australia, Erin helps long-haul travellers plan extraordinary Finnish Lapland adventures and leads small group trips for women who are ready to explore the world boldly.
