Honeymoons mark the start of newlyweds’ life together as a married couple, and one of the ways to celebrate this occasion with style is to travel. What if I told you that you could travel in multiple countries instead of domestically or in one country without spending an exorbitant amount of money? Would you consider this itinerary?
If you’re planning to do a Southeast Asia honeymoon itinerary 2 weeks, but are still unsure, I hope this guide will help you decide. These are the reasons I believe Southeast Asia is one of the top honeymoon destinations:
- The affordable lifestyle
- Costy cuisine
- Tasty landscape
- Varied a perfect
- A of diverse cultures
The countries in Southeast Asia are Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Timor-Leste, Thailand, and Vietnam. In this article, we’re gonna explore some of the most recommended spots in some of the Southeast Asian countries.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE PLANNING A SOUTHEAST ASIA HONEYMOON ITINERARY
Southeast Asia is a vast Asian region that has 11 countries with diverse histories, cultures, and natural resources. You want to know these things first before deciding which country or countries to include in your Southeast Asia honeymoon itinerary.
ALSO READ: 2 weeks in Laos itinerary
When is the best time to go to
The best time to visit Southeast Asia is from November to February, as it is not too hot and isn’t the monsoon season. For those who want to see the beaches in Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia and soak up under the sun, the summer season is from March to May.
You should avoid June to August as those are the most typhoons. Although December and January are excellent times to visit this region due to cooler weather, those are also the busiest months, which require you to book your accommodation in advance.
Are 2 weeks enough for Southeast Asia
14 days in Southeast Asia is not a lot of time. But thankfully, some countries are not too far from one another are have pretty reliable transportation between them. One thing you have to remember though, if you want to spend your honeymoon in Southeast Asia, plan to see no more than 2 countries or 3 cities.
These places should be near one another. For example, Thailand and Cambodia are great because you can take a bus or fly from Thailand to Cambodia. Another good choice is Vietnam and Cambodia or Thailand and Vietnam.
These 3 countries are rich in history and offer great beaches, especially Thailand. It’s a perfect Southeast Asia honeymoon itinerary for 2 weeks if you and your partner love going to the beach and history.
Malaysia and Singapore fit well if you want to see two countries during this trip. Singapore and Kuala Lumpur are great for shopping, while Malaysia features pristine beaches and wildlife, and both countries have tasty cuisine.
Getting around
Since some countries here are separated by large bodies of water and are far from each other, I recommend flying as the primary mode of transportation. However, riding the bus is also an option for countries that are closer or in some places with no airport nearby.
Language and currency
There are different languages across Southeast Asia. However, you should be able to get around with English. English is well-used in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines, While in Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and other countries of the region, young people can communicate in English just fine.
When it comes to currency, each country also has its own currency. ATMs can be found anywhere in major cities and give out local currency. But you shouldn’t have difficulty finding a money exchange if you carry cash in USD, GBP, EURO, AUD, SGD, and other major currencies.
You should be able to pay with USD at hotels and tour agencies in Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand. In fact, USD is widely used in Cambodia, even at small variety shops.
Visa
Each country in Southeast Asia has its own visa policies. But none of them is super strict; most travellers can enter and explore Southeast Asia visa-free. The number of days depends on your passport.
For example, the Philippines offers 30 days visa-free to almost anyone. Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore are the same. But for Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos, you can either enjoy a visa on arrival for a fee or apply for an eVisa in advance.
I always use this site when applying for an evisa. It’s easy to use, affordable (if you’re not looking to get one last minute), and offers services to almost all countries and nationalities.
What is the average cost for 2 weeks in Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia is very affordable. This means that a newlywed couple seeking a luxurious honeymoon experience can do so without breaking the bank. You can easily find five-star resorts for $100 a night, while food is easy $1-$3 (all of these with Singapore as an exemption; the prices there are close to European).
Average budget: For a mid-range budget, a two-week trip to Southeast Asia could cost between $800 and $1,200 per person. This includes moderately-priced accommodations, meals at local restaurants, public transportation, and standard tourist activities.
Affordable (Budget) budget: A two-week trip could cost around $400-$600 per person for budget travellers. This would include staying in budget accommodations such as hostels, eating street food or at local eateries, using public or shared transportation, and engaging in low-cost or free activities.
Luxury budget: For a luxury trip, you could spend anywhere from $2,500 to $5,000 or more per person for two weeks. This would cover luxury accommodations, dining at high-end restaurants, private or first-class transportation, and premium experiences such as guided tours or spa treatments.
Other basic travel tips
Plan your trip with less hassle by minimising the number of websites and travel tools you use. Below are my go-to websites when it comes to travel arrangements and bookings. I like to the flights and hotels in advance to take advantage of pricing and a wide range of options.
I usually book a week before my trip for the tours and local transportation, depending on if I’m visiting during peak season.
PINNED MAP OF TOP THINGS TO SEE IN SOUTHEAST ASIA
Click the icon on the top right to enlarge the map. Credit: map data: Google
SOUTHEAST ASIA HONEYMOON ITINERARY 2 WEEKS
I curated four itineraries containing the best Southeast Asia honeymoon destinations. Each itinerary is made for couples with different preferences. For instance, there’s an itinerary for nature lovers, history buffs, adrenaline junkies, and those who prefer a slow vacation filled with serene moments where the couple can unwind.
You don’t have to follow these itineraries to a tee. You can replace some of the places included here and exchange them for something else or re-arrange the order; it is up to you.
ALSO READ: 2-week Honeymoon Destinations in Europe
Itinerary #1: Thailand and Malaysia or Indonesia
Thailand, also known as the land of the smiles, is one of the Southeast Asian countries located on the Indochinese Peninsula. It is a perfect honeymoon destination because it has an archipelago of small islands that separates you and your better half from the city’s usual hustle and bustle.
Malaysia consists of thirteen states and three federal territories. It is the 45th most populous country in the world, is one of the 17 megadiverse countries, and is home to many endemic species. If this is not enough reason to convince you to spend your honeymoon here, besides the diverse ecosystem, it also has modern structures and a rich cultural heritage. Communicating in English with the locals is very easy as well.
I grouped Thailand and Malaysia in one itinerary because they share a land border and have plenty of direct flights between the two countries.
Bangkok for 2 days
Bangkok is the capital and the most populous city in Thailand. It is well-known for its museums, palaces, skyscrapers, and markets offering bargain goods. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg.
It is also perfect for newlyweds because of its vibrant nightlife, street food markets, and scenic natural attractions, which couples will surely enjoy.
It is a perfect starting place for travel because of the ease of transportation. Some things you can try out here include a river cruise, a food tour, and even a Thai cooking class. They offer various day trips as well.
5 days in the Islands (either Phuket or Koh Samui and Koh Phangan)
From a busy city, let’s go to a more laid-back destination, such as an island. Imagine the tropical scapes, the gust of the wind, the sound of the waves, and the fine white sand under your feet. Wouldn’t that be amazing? You can stay either in Phuket or Koh Samui, then Koh Phangan.
Phuket is the largest island in Thailand. Aside from beaches, it also has mountains and even hidden temples waiting for you to explore. The distance between Bangkok to Phuket is 846.7 km, and the best way to travel is by plane, especially if you’re in a rush. It has a travel time of 1.5 hours. The cheapest option is by bus, and it costs around $20. Boarding the train is another option with a travel time of at least 14 hours.
Koh Samui is the 2nd largest island, only next to Phuket. It is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand. Koh Samui has a lively fishermen’s village and world-class wellness spas for maximum relaxation for you and your partner. Phuket to Koh Samui has a distance of 345.2 km.
The most recommended option is by flying, which has a travel time of 3 hours, while the cheapest option is by bus and ferry, which costs anywhere between $11 to $16. If you like, you can also drive, then ride a car ferry.
Langkawi or Perhentian Islands or Bali for 6 days
Langkawi comprises a cluster of 99 islands separated by the Strait of Malacca. It is well-known for its white sand beaches and natural landscapes. On the other hand, Perhentian Islands has two main islands: Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil. These islands are famous snorkelling spots for couples exploring marine biological life.
Bali on the other hand is known for many things. One of those is its Instagram-worthy locations, there are even tours with talented tour guides to help find the ideal shot. Once you snap the exciting photo, post them with these fun Instagram captions for a perfect post.
Itinerary #2: Vietnam and Cambodia
This second option for a Southeast Asia honeymoon itinerary for 2 weeks is perfect for couples who are history buffs, foodies, and adventure seekers because Cambodia and Vietnam both had rich cultures and histories, including dark wars between the 1960s and 1970s.
Tons of foods from both countries are also famous worldwide, including pho and fish amok. These countries could be travelled by renting a motorbike, by bys, and a combination of flying. Read on as we further explore what each country has to offer.
Hanoi and Halong Bay for 4 days
Hanoi is the capital city of Vietnam. Some of the things it is famous for include French infrastructures dating from the French Inquisition period, such as opera houses and Gothic churches.
It also has ancient temples and interesting traditional festivals.
On the other hand, Halong Bay is a UNESCO world heritage site surrounded by beaches and white sand and is perfect for a romantic cruise. It also offers many exciting water activities, such as kayaking, boat rides, diving, snorkelling, squid fishing, and parasailing. You could also visit a floating village and the Typhoon Water Park.
Central Vietnam for 3 days (Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue)
Like its namesake, Central Vietnam is the heart of Vietnam and includes Da Nang, Hue, and Hoi An. Da Nang is a trading port and a metropolitan city with towering skyscrapers. It is perfect for watching light shows.
It has a dragon bridge that breathes fire when the light turns out. On the other hand, Hue is well-known as the house of tombs for ancient emperors, while Hoi An is an ancient town with 1,107 well-preserved timber frame buildings.
The distance between Hanoi to Da Nang is 778 km. The fastest option is via plane, which has a travel time of 1 hour and 15 minutes and costs around $48 and up. Other options include riding a bus or a train, but that will consume your time. Once you reach Da Nang, you can travel to other cities using a motorbike.
Phnom Penh for 3 days
Phnom Penh is the capital and most populous city of Cambodia. It is a hub for both French inquisitors and the Khmer Empire. It is nicknamed the Pearl of Asia because of its French architecture.
Three rivers merge and pass through here as well. Some places to visit here include Wat Phnom and the Royal Palace. Many museums are here for history-buff couples; you can even watch traditional theatre shows.
The distance between Phnom Penh and Da Nang is 920 km, so I highly recommend you fly to reach your next destination. The flight takes 4 hours and costs between $255 and $413, depending on the season and how early you book.
Siem Reap and Battambang for 4 days
Siem Reap is Cambodia’s second-largest city and the gateway to the world-famous Angkor Wat, one of the world’s largest religious monuments.
Other places to visit include a floating village, a night market, and the famous Angkor Wat. If you have extra time, the popular bamboo train rides in Battambang are worth a day trip.
To reach Siem Reach from Phnom Penh, the best option is by bus, which costs anywhere between $11 to $17 and has a travel time of 6 hours. Other options include flying or booking a private transfer.
Itinerary #3: Borneo
Included in one of the best Southeast Asia honeymoon destinations, Borneo is perfect for couples who enjoy the outdoors and plan to go hiking and see wild animals up close. Borneo has one of the most diverse ecosystems in Southeast Asia.
Some animals you can see here include orangutans, sun bears, clouded leopards, banteng, Borneo rhinoceros, Borneo elephants, and the unique Proboscis monkeys that are only present in Borneo and are endangered.
Aside from the wildlife, castaway beaches, stunning natural sceneries, and profound adventure are waiting for you to try out. You can have a river cruise, rent a speedboat, and go to night markets. This itinerary will further explore what Sandakan, Brunei, Kota Kinabalu, and Kuching offer.
Sandakan for 3 days
Sandakan is the second largest city in Sabah but is less well-known than Kota Kinabalu and other cities. However, this city has many charms, so it must be considered during travel. One of the most significant places to visit is the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center. Aside from Orangutans, Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary and Turtle Islands can also be found here.
This is a good starting point for your honeymoon adventure, as there are many things to do and places to visit. Other must-visit places include Sun Bear Conservation Center, Rainforest Discovery Center, and Sandakan Heritage Museum. You can even take a walking tour of the Sandakan Heritage Trail.
Kota Kinabalu for 4 days
Kota Kinabalu is the state capital of Malaysia. It is well-known for its eclectic Sabahan cuisine, the world-famous Mt Kinabalu, and Kinabalu Park, a UNESCO world heritage site where you’ll see the world’s largest flower, Rafflesia.
For those planning to go to Mt Kinabalu, this area can serve as your base camp, where you’ll get to plan before proceeding with the hike. It also has a couple of unique villages, including KDCA Cultural Village, Walai Tobilung, and Mari Mari Cultural Village.
The distance between Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu is 334.8 km via the Jin Ranau-Sandakan route. Flying is the most recommended transportation, which costs between $15-$25 and has a travel time of less than an hour. Another mode of transport is riding a bus, which would take you more than 7 hours to reach your destination.
Brunei for 3 days
Brunei is an independent sultanate and country and is the only sovereign state found on the northern coast of Borneo. It is the third largest oil producer in the world, that’s why it has one of the world’s highest standards of living.
35 plant species could only be found here. I included Brunei in the itinerary because it’s along the way towards the last destination and is rich in culture and natural scenery.
Some of the must-visit forests here include Berakas Forest Reserve and Labi Forest.
The distance between Kota Kinabalu to Brunei is 241 km, and the most recommended option is by flying as it is the fastest with a travel time of 40 to 50 minutes.
Kuching for 4 days
Kuching is the capital and most populous city in Sarawak, Malaysia. It is a major food destination. In fact, it is even a member of UNESCO’s creative cities network under gastronomy. It is very diverse as there are tons of Chinese people here, so there are also loads of Chinese structures, such as worship places.
Some must-visit places here include Pulau Lakei Island, Bako National Park, Tua Pek Kong Chinese Temple, Kubah National Park, and Semenggoh Nature Reserve. They even have numerous museums which you could visit for free. I highly recommend flying from Brunei to Kuching as the distance between the two is 513 km. The travel time is only an hour.
Itinerary #4: Philippines and Singapore
Another Southeast Asia honeymoon itinerary 2 weeks consists of Singapore and the Philippines. This itinerary suits people fond of beaches and wildlife but also visits urbanized areas with massive shopping malls. Since most people here know how to speak English, you would be able to communicate easily.
The Philippines is an archipelago that consists of 7,641 islands and has three main geographical divisions, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. With this country being an archipelago, it is surrounded by bodies of water and is considered a megadiverse country.
Singapore is an island country located about one degree of latitude north of the Equator. It is well-known for its world-class city airport and a botanical garden that is also considered a heritage site. It also has the world’s first night zoos and is regarded as one of the coolest countries to visit if you have limited time.
Boracay or Cebu for 3 days
Boracay is a resort island located in Western Visayas. It has a total land area of 10.32 sq km, so you can cross the island within a couple of hours. It is a long strip of white sand, crystal clear beach, restaurants, hotels, and other establishments.
Boracay received tons of awards as being the world’s best island, the most recent one last 2022 in Conde Nast Traveler Readers Choice. They also offer many activities here, including parasailing, jet skiing, banana boating, snorkelling, helmet diving, and more.
If Boracay has many activities to offer, that’s still chill compared to Cebu. It has tons of natural resources, including waterfalls. In fact, there are over 1000 waterfalls in Cebu, with Kawasan being the most famous for canyoning activity.
Another famous waterfall is the Aguinid Falls, which has five levels, each being harder than the previous level. You can also visit Bohol, an island province near Cebu, to see tarsiers and the world-famous Chocolate Hills and encounter the turtles in Panglao.
Palawan or Siargao for 4 days
Palawan is an archipelagic province located in the Mimaropa region. It is famous for its world-class underground caves, where you’ll see many amusing rock formations. You can also go to El Nido and avail of various island hopping packages. Other tourist spots here include Coron, a separate island, Tubbataha Reef, and Nacpan Beach, famous for its ethereal sunsets and numerous bars by the Bay.
Another major tourist attraction in this country is Siargao, a teardrop-shaped island in Surigao del Norte. Siargao and Palawan are far from each other, so you can only choose one in this itinerary and then come back and visit the other one during your next stay, along with other remaining mesmerizing sights in the Philippines.
Siargao is famous for those who are fond of surfing. Some notable locations here include Cloud 9 surfing spot, Naked Island, Sugba Lagoon, Magpupungko rock pools, and Sohoton Cove National Park.
Manila for 3 days
Manila is the capital city of the Philippines. It is famous for its skyscrapers, malls, restaurants, and five-star hotels, so if you and your partner want to splurge, this is the perfect place to go. Some places to visit here are BGC, a mixed-use estate filled with malls, parks, graffiti, and artwork installations that are Instagram-worthy, and Mall of Asia, where the world’s biggest IKEA is currently located.
If you are looking for other activities, Intramuros, a walled city built during the Spanish colonial era, and the four National Museums in Ermita.
Singapore for 4 days
Singapore is known for its cleanliness, modern infrastructure, and as a melting pot of various cultures. Some of the most famous tourist attractions here are Universal Studios, Madame Tussauds, super trees, the Merlion, Little India, Chinatown, Orchard Road, Marina Bay Sands, and Gardens by the Bay. There are also large food courts called Hawker Centers, which serve authentic dishes of different cuisines.
The only transportation mode to Singapore from the Philippines is via plane, with a travel time of almost four hours. The average flight ticket costs around $128.
This is the perfect location to end your trip because its world-class airport has flights to almost anywhere in the world and many amenities that you could utilize for maximum relaxation.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN SOUTHEAST ASIA AND ACCOMMODATIONS (per country)
There are too many attractions to list if I mention all of them here. So, I’m focusing on the countries listed in this Southeast Asia honeymoon itinerary 2 weeks to narrow it down. But you will also find our specific travel itineraries for each country to help you book or plan your trip.
In those articles, you will also find our recommended places to stay. There are a few listed for affordable, mid-range, and luxury.
Borneo (Malaysian side)
- Proboscis monkeys
- Rafflesia – the biggest flower
- Mount Kinabalu
- Turtle Island
Cambodia
Check out our 2 weeks in Cambodia itinerary to see a list of must-do attractions and a list of hotels.
- Angkor Wat (Siem Reap)
- Bamboo train ride (Battambang, near Siem Reap)
- The Killing Cave (Battambang)
- Royal Palace (Phnom Penh)
- Killing Fields/Choeung Ek Genocide Centre (Phnom Penh)
- S-21 Prison/Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (Phnom Penh)
Indonesia
We have a 2-week itinerary for Indonesia where you’ll find our recommended tours and accommodations to book.
- Bali Island
- Nusa Penida (Bali)
- Uluwatu Temple (Bali)
- Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (Ubud, Bali)
- Lombok/Gili Islands
- Mount Ijen
- Mount Bromo
- Old Jakarta
- Plaza Indonesia
- Jakarta Planetarium
- Tangkuban Perahu Crater
- Sultan’s Palace (Kraton Yogyakarta)
- Borobudur Temple
Malaysia
Our 14 days in Malaysia itinerary also features the top attraction list and suggestions for staying places.
- Petronas Twin Towers (Kuala Lumpur)
- Perdana Botanical Garden (Kuala Lumpur)
- KL Forest Eco Park (Kuala Lumpur)
- Genting Highlands
- Cameroon Highlands
- Penang Street Art (Penang)
- George Town Street Food (Penang)
- Orangutan Island (Penang)
- Eagle Square (Langkawi)
- Langkawi Skybridge Cable Car (Langkawi)
- Kilim Geopark Mangrove (Langkawi)
Philippines
The Philippines is known as a top-rate honeymoon destination in Southeast Asia for its incredible beaches, affordability, and easy way to get around. We also have an itinerary for the Philippines.
- Boracay Islands
- Puerto Princesa Underground River
- Nacpan Beach (El Nido)
- Seven Commandos (El Nido)
- Twin Lagoon (Coron)
- Kayangna Lake (Coron)
- Barracuda Lake (Coron)
- Taal Volcano (near Manila)
- Tarsier (Bohol)
- Chocolate Hills (Bohol)
- Turtle Sanctuary (Bohol)
- Moalboal House Reef
- Banaue Rice Terraces (Baguio)
- Surfing (La Union, Siargao, Baler)
Singapore
There’s also an itinerary for Singapore and Malaysia for 14 days which will be the perfect fit if these are the places you want to spend your honeymoon.
- Marina Bay Sands
- Gardens by the Bay
- Singapore Botanical Gardens
- Clarke Quay
- Jurong Bird Park
Thailand
Our 2 weeks in Thailand itinerary offers 4 different itineraries for you to choose from if you only want to go here and visit multiple Thai cities and islands.
Vietnam
Spend 2 weeks in Vietnam if you enjoy learning about history, exploring the cuisine, and going on the famous motorbiking adventure throughout the country for your honeymoon.
- Halong Bay (near Hanoi)
- Sa Pa Rice Fields (near Hanoi)
- Trang An (near Hanoi)
- Hue Imperial City
- Hai Van Pass (central Vietnam)
- Hoi An Old Town
- Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge (near Da Nang)
- Cu Chi Tunnels (Ho Chi Minh City)
- Mekong Delta (near Ho Chi Minh City)
- Mui Ne Sand Dunes
MUST-TRY SOUTHEAST ASIAN DISHES, DRINKS, AND SNACKS
There are so many Southeast Asia dishes that you can try during your visit. However, I can’t list them all here. So, here’s a quick recommendation that each country is very proud of. Try at least 2-3 dishes and see which one you like the best.
- Amok (Cambodia)
- Beef Lok Lak (Cambodia)
- Bai Sach Chrouk (Cambodia)
- Nasi Goreng (Indonesia)
- Gado-Gado (Indonesia)
- Rujak (Indonesia)
- Pad Thai (Thailand)
- Tom Yum Goong (Thailand)
- Som Tam (Thailand)
- Nasi Lemak (Singapore and Malaysia)
- Satay – skewered and grilled marinated meat
- Roti Canai (Singapore and Malaysia)
- Char Kway Teow (Singapore and Malaysia)
- Laksa (Singapore and Malaysia)
- Tea (Malaysia)
- Adobo (Philippines)
- Sisig (Philippines)
- Inasal (Philippines)
- Bulalo (Philippines)
- Halo-halo (Philippines)
- Pho (Vietnam)
- Bun Cha (Vietnam)
- Bam Bo Nam Bo (Vietnam)
- Nem Nuong (Vietnam)
- Coffee and Tea (Vietnam)
- Goi Xoai (Vietnam)
- Banh Mi (Vietnam)
SUMMARY OF 2 WEEKS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA HONEYMOON ITINERARY 2 WEEKS
Indeed, these countries have history, culture, diverse foods, welcoming people, sun, sand, and everything in between. I’m sure this will be a memorable moment for you and your loved one as you don’t have to worry about anything else but spending time with your other half.
Southeast Asia offers an enchanting blend of cultural richness, breathtaking landscapes, and delectable cuisine, making it an ideal choice for a honeymoon destination. Whether you’re basking on the serene beaches of Thailand, exploring the ancient temples of Cambodia, diving in the vibrant reefs of the Philippines, or dining atop a skyscraper in Singapore, you’re guaranteed to create memories that will last a lifetime.
I hope that you found this Southeast Asia honeymoon itinerary 2 weeks guide helpful in planning your celebration of being newly weds and starting a new chapter of your lives.
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