Ultimate 7-Day Indochina Itinerary

Traveloka PH
17 Jun 2019 - 12 min read

Indochina 7 Day Itinerary

We’ve got you covered with activities and places to eat, to make the most out of your time in each country. Read on to see the detailed Indochina itinerary we've prepared.

Indochina Day 1

Indochina Day 1

Day 1: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Start your day off with a meal at Tg’s Nasi Kandar. This spot is a favorite with locals and is considered one of KL’s best kept secrets. They serve up a mix of Indian and Malaysian food that won’t break the bank, and with good service to boot. (Budget = PHP 120)After your meal, head on over to the Twin Jewels of Kuala Lumpur, the Petronas Towers, which were once the tallest buildings in the world for six years from 1998 to 2004. Head up to level 86 for the observation deck and a jaw-dropping view of the city. (Budget = PHP 995 entrance fee)For a dose of Malaysian nature, head over to Perdana Botanical Gardens, which contain the largest collection of flower gardens and animal parks in Kuala Lumpur. The gardens also house the impressive Orchid Garden, which boasts 800 species of orchids. (Budget = free entrance)For dinner, check out Jalan Alor. It’s a strip of outdoor Chinese seafood restaurants that are so busy at night, they spill out onto the road. They offer a variety of dishes, from grilled meats to fried noodles. (Budget = PHP 300)

Expenses

Food: PHP 420
Activities: PHP 995
Ground transportation: PHP 500

Accommodations

Save: Hotel Sentral Kuala Lumpur (Budget = PHP 1,344/night)
Midrange: Royale Chulan Bukit Bintang (Budget = PHP 2,472/night)
Splurge: Dorsett Kuala Lumpur (Budget = PHP 3,939/night)

Total (with ‘Save’ accommodations): PHP 6,459

Indochina Day 2

Indochina Day 2

Day Two: Yangon, Myanmar

Start the day at Shan Kitchen to sample Myanmar’s famous Shan noodles and pickled tea leaf salad, both must-eats when you’re in the country. (Budget = PHP 120) Afterward, head over to Bogyoke Market for souvenir shopping and a dose of Burmese bargaining. You can usually buy items at half of the quoted price, so this would be an ideal time to flex some of those bargaining skills. They’re guaranteed to serve you well for the rest of your trip. (Budget = PHP 300)At sunset, visit the iconic Shwedagon Pagoda, the 105-meter golden stupa, which is believed to contain relics from Buddha, such as strands of hair. It’s a stunning sight to behold, especially as the sun is about to set. (Budget = PHP 340)For dinner, Rangoon Tea House is your best bet. The establishment is a modern recreation of colonial-era buildings. Must-tries include banana croquettes and biryani. (Budget = PHP 400)

Expenses

Food: PHP 520
Activities: PHP 340
Shopping: PHP 300
Ground transportation: PHP 300

Accommodations

Save: Crystal Palace (Budget = PHP 1,390/night)
Midrange: Hotel G Yangon (Budget = PHP 3,453/night)
Splurge: Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon (Budget = PHP 4,948/night)

Total (with ‘Save’ accommodations): PHP 4,314

Indochina Day 3

Indochina Day 3

Day Three: Bangkok, Thailand

A visit to Wat Pho, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is a must when you visit Bangkok. Located on Rattanakosin Island, this 15-meter tall and 46-meter long statue of Buddha is an imposing sight and one not to be missed. (Budget = PHP 84)Afterward, hit two birds with one stone and get both your street food and shopping fix in one place at the famous Chatuchak Market, which is open only on weekends, so plan accordingly.The market features over 8,000 stalls spread across 27 acres. It can be easy to get lost in its dizzying rows of stalls so grab a map before you go. Whether you’re looking for local handicrafts or want to sample the city’s Som Tam, Chatuchak’s got it all. (Budget = PHP 500)Head on over to the Grand Palace for a dose of culture and history at what was once the King of Thailand’s residence and where the government convened and carried out its work. Marvel at the beautiful architecture and work up an appetite for your next stop. (Budget = PHP 830 entrance fee)Cap your trip to Bangkok off with a meal at Raan Jay Fai, Bangkok’s only Michelin-starred street vendor who’s become synonymous with street food excellence, serving up her signature crab omelette. Though the queues can get long, it’s worth it. (Budget = PHP 1,662)

Expenses

Food: PHP 1,662
Activities: PHP 914
Shopping: PHP 500
One-way flight from Yangon to Bangkok : PHP 2,972
Ground transportation: PHP 500

Accommodations

Save: 63 Bangkok Boutique Hostel (Budget = PHP 1,254/night)
Midrange: The Twin Towers (Budget = PHP 2,246/night)
Splurge: Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok (Budget = PHP 4,982/night)

Total (with ‘Save’ accommodations): PHP 7,802

Indochina Day 4

Indochina Day 4

Day Four: Luang Prabang, Laos

Start your day off with Khao Soi, a hearty tomato noodle soup with minced pork and rice noodles. Similar to the Northern Thai version, Laos’ Khao Soi is decidedly lighter, but packs equally as much flavor. It’s the perfect way to start your stay. (Budget = PHP 120)Go for a dip in Kuang Si Waterfalls. For just 20,000 kip, you can swim in Kuang Si’s turquoise waters and hike up to the famed waterfall, which flows through limestone-rich jungles. (Budget = PHP 120)After Kuang Si, head to Mount Phousi for a mid-day hike. 300 steps lead you up Mount Phousi where you’re treated to stunning views of the city and the Mekong River on one side and the Nam Khan River on the other.It’s a difficult 100-meter climb but there are several resting places along the way, and once you reach the summit, you’ll know it was all worth it. (Budget = PHP 120)For dinner, check out the night markets and grab some Sai Oua, Laotian sausage that’s packed with herbs like lemongrass and coriander, which come through with every delicious bite. If it’s too much meat for you, order the Kanom Krok or coconut rice pancakes. (Budget = PHP 200)

Expenses

Food: PHP 320
Activities: PHP 240
Ground transportation: PHP 200
Train to Nong Khai: PHP 1,930
Nong Khai to Vientiane (Train+Van): PHP 600
Night bus from Vientiane to Luang Prabang: PHP 1,147

Accommodations

Save: Apple Guesthouse (PHP 769/night)
Midrange: Le Sen Boutique Hotel (PHP 3,658/night)
Splurge: Villa Santi Hotel (PHP 4,696/night)

Total (with ‘Save’ accommodations): PHP 5,206

Indochina Day 5

Indochina Day 5

Day Five: Siem Reap, Cambodia

Start the morning off with Cambodia’s pride and the largest monument in the world, Angkor Wat. Spread across 162 hectares, the monument was initially constructed as a Hindu temple for the god Vishnu, but transformed into a Buddhist temple by the end of the 12 century. Today, it attracts millions of tourists every year and has become a major source of revenue for the country. (Budget = PHP 1,900/1-day entrance fee)Grab some grub at Siem Reap’s Old Market. Located on the west side of Siem Reap River, the market offers an array of fresh seafood, meat dishes, and vegetables. You’ll find stalls selling traditional Khmer dishes such as Bai Sach Chrouk (stewed pork and rice), Nom Khrouk (coconut rice cakes), and Lort Cha (short rice noodles). (Budget = PHP 120)Apart from good eating, the Old Market also houses many stalls that offer affordable souvenirs and handicrafts so you can eat and shop at the same time. (Budget = PHP 300)For dinner, head to Khmer Grill for some good Khmer grub that’ll hit the spot after a long day of temple runs and shopping. (Budget = PHP 300)

Expenses

Food: PHP 500
Activities: PHP 1,900
Shopping: PHP 300
Ground transportation: PHP 300

Accommodations

Save: Bayon Shadow Villa (PHP 583/night)
Midrange: La Residence Blanc Angkor (PHP 1,708/night)
Splurge: Memoire D’Angkor Boutique Hotel (PHP 2,513/night)

Total (with ‘Save’ accommodations): PHP 9,964

Indochina Day 6

Indochina Day 6

Day Six: Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

What better way to start your day than with a Banh Mi, Vietnam’s most famous street-side sandwich? Head to Banh Mi 37 Nguyen Trai for what many locals call Saigon’s best Banh Mi. At just 20,000 dong a pop, it’s a steal. (Budget = PHP 45)Make Ben Thanh Market your next stop for everything from branded goods, Vietnamese art, local handicrafts and souvenirs galore. The market also houses a number of street food stalls in case all that shopping gets you peckish. (Budget = PHP 500)The beautifully preserved Central Post Office is your next destination. Situated right next to another famous Saigon landmark, Notre Dame Cathedral, the post office features intricately designed marbled floors and high arches, reminiscent of French colonial architecture.Don’t forget to snap a photo by the charming wooden telephone boxes. (Budget = free)Cap off your trip with dinner at 33 De Tham Restaurant, which serves up amazing seafood at surprisingly affordable prices. The restaurant’s popular with locals, so you know it must really be good. Order the crispy squid and, if you’re brave, the snails. (Budget = PHP 250)Read Top 10 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Ho Chi Minh City

Expenses

Food: PHP 295
Shopping: PHP 500
Ground transportation: PHP 200
Night bus from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh: PHP 1,095

Accommodations

Save: Ambassador Saigon Hotel (PHP 1,278/night)
Midrange: Lavender Boutique Hotel (PHP 3,277/night)
Splurge: Harmony Saigon Hotel & Spa (PHP 4,869/night), Orchids Saigon Hotel (PHP 4,130/night)

Total (with ‘Save’ accommodations): PHP 3,368

Indochina Day 7

Indochina Day 7

Day Seven: Fly back to Manila

It’s been a hectic but fulfilling trip. Before you head back to the Philippines, spend your last day resting and going through all the pictures and souvenirs you’ve collected. Send out some postcards to friends, whether back home or ones you’ve made along the way, and reflect on one of the best trips of your life.

Expenses

Meals: PHP 4,000
Activities: PHP 4,500
Shopping: PHP 1,500
Transport (city): PHP 2,000
Transport (night buses, vans, trains): PHP 4,700
Hotels: PHP 7,500
Flight: PHP 17,500

Total: PHP 41,200

Know Before You Go

Indochina Tips

Indochina Tips

Pack light. Since you’ll be hitting up multiple cities in one week, checked in baggage will only slow you down. Pack a carry-on-sized suitcase and a backpack.
Study up on the currencies of your destinations. In Vietnam, it’s easy to mistake a 100,000 bill for a 10,000 note, and the difference could mean you losing a lot of money while buying some street food.
Learn the language. You don’t have to be fluent, but knowing how to say “thank you”, “please”, and “have a nice day” in the local language can go a long way in your interactions with locals.
Grab a local SIM when you get to your destination. It’ll be essential for finding your way around a new city as well as getting around thanks to ride-share apps. It’ll also help you avoid getting scammed by taxi drivers.
Be wary of tourist traps. Places like Angkor Wat and Bangkok’s Wat Pho are easily susceptible to scammers. Make sure you transact with reputable vendors and only buy your tickets from official tickets sellers.

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