This post is a little different from my usual travel content, and I’m really excited to share it with you! For the past six months, my boyfriend and I have been planning an incredible 4-week (27 days) journey across Asia, and it’s finally happening this February.

We’ve decided to visit five countries: Malaysia, China, Thailand, Vietnam, and Singapore. In China, we’ll only be exploring Hong Kong, and in Thailand, we’ll just visit Bangkok. We’re keeping it short in these two countries to get a taste of the culture and the vibe, with plans to return for a more in-depth exploration in the future.

We’ll be flying out from Frankfurt, Germany, with a stopover in Abu Dhabi before reaching our first destination. What makes this trip even more exciting is that we’re traveling with just backpacks, ready to embrace the adventure, flexibility, and spontaneity that come with it.

I can’t wait to share more about our journey as we explore the vibrant cities, stunning landscapes, and rich cultures of Asia!

^{Note that you might find some links, however I do ot get any comission out of them, if you decide to book or buy something!}

After a lot of planning, we’ve decided on the following route for our trip: Malaysia, China (Hong Kong), Thailand (Bangkok), Vietnam, and Singapore. While our ideal route would have been China, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore, we opted for this order because the flight from Frankfurt to Malaysia was the cheapest, and in-country flights across Asia are very affordable, making this route both convenient and cost-effective.

I can’t wait to dive into the details of each stop in my upcoming posts!

• Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur & Penang) (5 days)
• Thailand (Bangkok) (3 days)
• Vietnam (Da Nang, Hoi An, Hanoi, Ha Long Bay & Ninh Binh) (9 days)
• China (Hong Kong) (3 days)
• Singapore (3 days)

Malaysia

We arrived in Kuala Lumpur on February 7th and started our adventure in this vibrant city. We’re staying in a central Airbnb that cost us €150 for three nights, and it includes a private apartment with a rooftop pool that offers a view of the Petronas Towers.

Kuala Lumpur

Day 1

• We kicked off our trip with a stop at Starbucks, where I collect cups as part of the “Been There” series.
• Taman KLCC: A peaceful park right next to the Petronas Towers, perfect for a relaxing walk.
• Suria KLCC: A high-end shopping mall with plenty of dining and entertainment options.
• Pavilion Kuala Lumpur: Another shopping center with a range of boutiques, restaurants, and cafes.
• After checking into our Airbnb, we took a leisurely evening stroll around the area, soaking in the city lights.

Day 2

• Thean Hou Temple: A beautiful Chinese temple with stunning architecture and city views.
• Little India Brickfields: A vibrant area filled with colorful shops, restaurants, and street art.
• Botanischer Garten Perdana: A tranquil green space perfect for a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
• Or we could have visited the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park: A huge aviary with a variety of exotic bird species.
• Kwai Chai Hong: A charming lane full of street art and colorful murals.
• Bubble Bee Cafe: A cozy spot known for its unique bubble tea and desserts.
• Sri Maha Mariamman Temple: The oldest Hindu temple in the city, rich in cultural significance.
• Madras Lane Yong Tau Foo: A street food spot offering a variety of local dishes.
• Kasturi Walk: A busy, bustling market street perfect for picking up souvenirs.
• Central Market: A cultural heritage site with local crafts, art, and traditional goods.

Day 3

• Batu Caves: We visited the Batu Caves early in the morning to avoid crowds. The towering golden statue of Lord Murugan at the entrance is impressive.
• Masjid Wilayah Persekutuan (The Federal Territory Mosque): A beautiful mosque with stunning architecture and peaceful surroundings.
• KLCG Confectionery & Bakery: A well-known bakery for some sweet treats.
• KL Forest Eco Park: A quiet nature park in the heart of the city with a canopy walk.
• Petronas Towers: A visit to the famous twin towers and the observation deck for spectacular views of the city.

Day 4

We flew from Kuala Lumpur to Penang early in the morning with AirAsia. We booked a combined flight with checked luggage (20-25kg) for €1250 for both of us (€625 per person).

Penang

In Penang, we stayed in an Airbnb for two nights, which cost €120 for the entire apartment. We used this stop to explore Malaysia’s natural beauty, although there are many other breathtaking natural spots in the country.

Day 1

• Mugshot Cafe: A cozy cafe known for its delicious breakfast options.
• Or Wheelers: A great spot for coffee and light bites.
• Chulia Street: A lively street full of street food stalls and local shops.
• George Town: The UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its colonial architecture and vibrant street art.
• Green Bay Park: A beautiful, peaceful park perfect for a relaxing day outdoors.
• Kek Lok Temple: A stunning Buddhist temple with impressive architecture.
• Stesen Bukit Bendera Pulau Pinang: The base station for the funicular to Penang Hill.
• Penang Hill: A hilltop retreat offering panoramic views of the island.
• The Habitat Penang Hill: A nature park with a canopy walk and diverse wildlife.
• Golden Stupa Penang Hill: A serene spot with great views and a peaceful atmosphere.

Day 2

• National Parks Office: The starting point for several hikes and nature walks in Penang National Park.
• Pantai Keracut: A beautiful beach known for its calm waters and tranquil atmosphere.
• Monkey Beach: A secluded beach accessible by hiking or boat, famous for its playful monkeys.
• Tek Sen Restaurant: A popular spot to enjoy local Chinese-Malay fusion dishes.

Day 3

On the morning of February 12th, we flew from Penang to Bangkok with Firefly, excited for the next chapter of our adventure!

Thailand

In Bangkok, we stayed in an Airbnb for three nights, costing €99 for the entire apartment. While it wasn’t as fancy as our previous accommodations, it was still comfortable and conveniently located.

Day 1

• Luggage Storage: We needed to store our luggage at a luggage storage station since our Airbnb didn’t offer this service. We used Bounce to safely store our bags for half the day—super affordable and convenient!
• Starbucks: Another stop to collect a cup for my “Been There” series.
• Lumphini Park: A peaceful green space in the middle of the city, perfect for a morning stroll or relaxing.
• King Power Mahanakhon: A skyscraper with a sky deck offering panoramic views of the city.
• Wat Arun: The Temple of Dawn, one of Bangkok’s most iconic landmarks, known for its stunning spires.
• Evening Stroll: We ended our first day with a walk around the vibrant city streets.

Day 2

• The Grand Palace: A must-see in Bangkok, home to stunning architecture and sacred temples.
• Wat Pho: Known for its massive reclining Buddha statue and beautiful temple grounds.
• Wat Arun: We revisited the Temple of Dawn to see it lit up at sunset.
• Pak Khlong Talat: A bustling flower market where you can buy fresh blooms of every color.
• Thanon Khao San: The famous backpacker street, filled with shops, food, and vibrant energy.
• Train Night Market Srinagarindra: A unique night market with vintage items, street food, and local souvenirs.
• Vertigo: A rooftop bar with breathtaking views of the city, perfect for a drink at sunset.

Day 3

• Damnoen Saduak Floating Market: A picturesque market where vendors sell goods directly from their boats—an essential experience in Thailand.
• Amphawa: A charming town near the floating market, known for its canals and traditional Thai atmosphere.
• Maeklong Railway Market: A unique market set along an active railway track—watch as the vendors quickly pack up their stalls when the train comes through!
• Ancient City: An open-air museum with replicas of Thailand’s most famous landmarks.
• CHAR Bangkok: A rooftop restaurant with stunning views of the city and delicious food to end our time in Bangkok on a high note.

Day 4

On February 15th (Day 4), we flew from Bangkok to Da Nang with Thai Vietjet, excited to explore the next destination on our journey!

Vietnam

Da Nang

Our longest stop was in Da Nang, where we stayed in a hotel for four nights, paying €250 for the room with breakfast included. The hotel was located right on the beach, making it the perfect spot to enjoy both relaxation and sightseeing.

Day 1

• My Khe Beach: A beautiful, peaceful beach perfect for a relaxing day by the sea.
• Bãi tắm Phạm Văn Đồng: A quieter beach ideal for unwinding and enjoying the coastal scenery.
• Thia Go: A picturesque spot near the beach, great for walking or cycling along the shore.
• Bãi tắm Mân Thái: A less crowded beach with calm waters and beautiful surroundings.
• Lady Buddha: A large statue located on a hill offering a serene atmosphere and stunning views of the city.
• Biển Thanh Bình: A calm, less touristy beach where you can enjoy the peaceful coastal environment.

Day 2

• Non Nuoc Beach: A stunning beach with soft sand and crystal-clear water, perfect for swimming or a relaxing afternoon.
• The Marble Mountains: A series of five marble and limestone hills with caves, temples, and beautiful panoramic views.
• Mi Quang 1A: A famous restaurant serving Mi Quang, a delicious traditional Vietnamese noodle dish.
• Lang Co Beach: A beautiful, long stretch of beach with scenic views and a peaceful atmosphere.
• Drachenbrücke (Cầu Rồng): The iconic Dragon Bridge in Da Nang, known for its impressive design and dragon-shaped structure.

Day 3

• Ba Na Hills: A must-see spot, home to the Golden Bridge. We recommend getting there early to avoid the crowds for the perfect shot!

Day 4

• Trip to Hoi An: A charming, historic town that’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Boat ride through the Coconut Forest: A relaxing and scenic boat ride through Hoi An’s tranquil rivers and lush greenery.
• 会安古鎮 (Hoi An Ancient Town): A beautifully preserved town with colorful streets and historic buildings.
• Trần Phú: A lively street in Hoi An known for its shops and vibrant atmosphere.
• 25 Nguyễn Thái Học: A famous street full of traditional shops, offering great souvenirs and local items.
• Nguyễn Thái Học: Another vibrant street in Hoi An, filled with cafes, markets, and local boutiques.
• Tam Tam Jardin Restaurant & Cafe: A cozy restaurant offering delicious Vietnamese food in a relaxing setting.
• Hội Quán Quảng Đông: A historical Chinese assembly hall with beautiful architecture and intricate details.
• Chùa Cầu: The iconic Japanese Bridge in Hoi An, one of the most photographed spots in the town.
• Hoi An Boat Ride: We booked the boat ride through GetYourGuide, providing us with a peaceful and scenic experience in the ancient town.

Day 5

On February 19th (Day 5), we flew from Da Nang to Hanoi with VietJet, continuing our adventure in Vietnam.

Hanoi

After our four nights in Da Nang, we flew to Hanoi. For our first night (19th-20th February), we stayed in an Airbnb for €25. On our first day in Hanoi, we had to use external luggage storage again.

Day 1

• Literature Temple: A serene and historic place to explore ancient Vietnamese culture.
• 26 Điện Biên Phủ: A notable street in Hanoi, where we got a glimpse of the city’s vibe.
• 11 P. Tống Duy Tân: A lively area with great shops and eateries.
• RAILWAY TUAN CAFE: A charming cafe with views of the iconic train tracks that run through Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
• 49 P. Bát Đàn: Another picturesque spot in Hanoi to experience local life.
• Starbucks Reserve Nhà Thờ: A lovely Starbucks with a unique, quiet atmosphere.

Day 2

We headed out for an exciting 2-day tour through GetYourGuid to Ninh Binh, Ha Long & Lan Ha Bay. This all-inclusive trip cost us €320 per person, covering transportation, accommodation, meals, and activities like bamboo rafting, snorkeling, biking, and hiking. We spent one night in a hotel and the second night on a cruise ship. It was an unforgettable experience from February 20th to 22nd.

On February 23nd (Day 5), we returned to Hanoi and checked into our Airbnb for the next two nights, which cost €87. Here’s how we spent our last day in the city:

• Tran Quoc Pagoda: A peaceful and historic Buddhist temple, perfect for some quiet reflection.
• Đông-Xuân Market: A bustling market where you can find all sorts of goods, from food to souvenirs.
• Starbucks Nguyễn Hữu Huân: Another stop for me to grab a Starbucks cup from this lovely location.
• Huân: A charming spot for some local delicacies.
• Old Quarter: The heart of Hanoi, with narrow streets filled with vibrant markets and hidden gems.
• Chợ Hàng Mã: A traditional market known for its colorful displays, especially around holidays.
• Bar Dinh Rooftop Lounge: A perfect place to relax and enjoy stunning views of Hanoi’s skyline.

Day 6

On February 24th (Day 6), we flew from Hanoi to Hong Kong with HK Express, continuing our journey through Asia.

China

In Hong Kong, we deposited our luggage at the airport for the highest price of our trip so far (€12/hour). In the morning, we checked off a few must-see spots:

• Ngong Ping Cable Car Tung Chung Station: A scenic ride offering incredible views.
• Tian Tan Buddha: An awe-inspiring giant Buddha statue.

After arriving at our Airbnb, the smallest and most expensive accommodation of the trip (€273 for 3 nights), we spent our afternoon and evening exploring:

• Avenue of Stars: A great spot to take in the views and pay tribute to Hong Kong’s movie legends.
• Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier: Perfect for photos with a beautiful view of the skyline.
• Tim Ho Wan: A delicious stop for dim sum, which lived up to its reputation.

On February 26th (Day 2) in Hong Kong, we began with a great photo spot at coordinates 22°16’42.4″N 114°11’52.2″E. Then, we continued with:

• Peak Tower: A unique tower with incredible views.
• The Peak Galleria: Shopping with a stunning view.
• Victoria Peak: The iconic peak offering panoramic city views.
• Mt. High West Viewing Point: A quieter spot for even more impressive views.
• Lan Kwai Fong: The famous nightlife area.
• Queen’s Rd Footbridge: A lovely walk to take in the sights.

On Day 3, we explored:

• Montane Mansion: Famous for its photogenic architecture.
• Victoria Harbour: For views of the skyline.
• Sky100: A great observation deck with views of the city.
• Temple St: A bustling street market.
• Starbucks: Of course, another stop for my collection!
• Tim Ho Wan: More amazing dim sum.
• Motorino: Delicious pizza to wrap up the day.

On February 27th (Day 4), we flew from Hong Kong to Singapore with Scoot.

Singapore

In Singapore, we stayed in a hotel for our last three nights, which cost us €257. Again, we used external luggage storage, as we couldn’t leave our bags at the hotel.

Day 1

• Luggage storage: Dropped off our bags to start our day.
• Masjid Sultan: A beautiful and historic mosque in the heart of the Arab Quarter.
• Former House of Tan Teng Niah: A colorful and charming building with unique architecture.
• Starbucks Bugis Junction: Another stop for my Starbucks collection.
• CHIJMES: A beautiful historical building now home to restaurants and shops.
• Luggage storage: Picked up our bags and checked into our hotel.
• Saizeriya: A casual, affordable Italian restaurant for dinner.

Day 2

• Starbucks Reserve: A special Starbucks experience with premium coffee.
• Floral Fantasy: A beautiful garden with artistic floral displays.
• OCBC Skyway: An elevated walkway in the Supertree Grove offering amazing views.
• Supertree Grove: Famous for its tree-like structures and nightly light show.
• Marina Barrage Green Roof: A relaxing park area with great views of the city.
• 8 PM Light Show: Enjoyed the stunning Garden Rhapsody light show at Supertree Grove.
• The DREAM Sign: A famous Instagram-worthy spot in Singapore.
• Starbucks Hong Leong Building: Another stop for my collection.
• Zouk or Crazy Elephant: Considered a night out at one of these popular spots, but we didn’t end up going.

Day 3

We checked out of our hotel and left our backpacks at a luggage storage spot since our flight wasn’t until 7 PM.

• Luggage storage: Stored our bags for the day.
• Supertree Grove: Returned to this iconic spot for some final photos.
• Around noon, we picked up our luggage and headed to the airport for our flight back home.

It was a wonderful conclusion to our trip in Asia!

Our Asia trip, including flights and accommodation, cost a total of €5,200, which is approximately €2,500 per person. This excludes expenses for food, souvenirs, entry fees, and other costs. In total, we estimate that each of us spent around €3,500–€4,000 for 27 days in Asia, covering 9 flights, a 3-day tour, food, fun-activities, Grab drives, 6 Airbnbs, and 2 hotels.