Tips for planning the perfect Itinerary

For over a year, I’ve been planning how to create a relaxed yet impactful travel experience through several Asian countries. My goal was to explore as much as possible without feeling rushed. After careful consideration, I chose Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and Singapore – countries that offer diversity, safety, and unforgettable experiences.

While planning, I focused on balancing relaxation and adventure. I carefully selected flights, stays, and activities, ensuring a high-quality experience over budget restrictions. This travel adventure is a special one for me, and although things are often cheaper in Asia compared to Germany, flights, excursions, and comfortable stays can still add up quickly.

I’m excited for what’s ahead – a blend of rest, discovery, and extraordinary moments that have made the year of planning absolutely worthwhile!

Indonesia, especially its stunning nature, fascinates me just as much as Thailand’s breathtaking landscapes. However, places like Bali currently feel too touristy and overcrowded for my taste. Timewise, it fit better into my plan to explore more of Vietnam’s incredible natural beauty rather than visiting individual islands in Thailand. This way, I could bring more variety and depth to my plan.

Below, I’d like to show you how I approached my planning so that you, too, can organize your Asia trip without stress or problems.

Step 1:

First, I took a look at the location of the individual countries in Asia on Google Maps, as well as their capitals. It became clear to me that Singapore and Bangkok had to be included. Since I love connecting things, especially on such a long trip, I automatically included Malaysia in the route as it geographically fits in between. Based on the current hype and recommendations, Vietnam was also an obvious choice. However, I wasn’t sure about the specific destinations in Vietnam yet.

Step 2:

I researched on Pinterest what to do in Vietnam and came across places like Sapa, Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Chinh Minh, Da Nang, and Hoi An. Since Da Nang is close to Hoi An and Ha Long Bay and Sapa are near Hanoi, these two spots became my main targets.

Step 3:

Next, I thought about what else I wanted to explore. After seeing on the map that China wasn’t far from Hanoi and being fascinated by China, I decided to look into it and eventually added Hong Kong to the list. I also noticed that Cambodia lies between Thailand and Vietnam. While it could have been a great travel destination with its temples and nature and fewer tourists, I ultimately chose to leave it out of my itinerary.

Step 4:

For Malaysia, I considered different destinations and settled on the capital and the more laid-back Penang.

Step 5:

I thought about the duration of my stay in each place: how long should I stay, what is there to see, and how stressful will it be? I researched online and found that most cities required 2-3 or 3-4 days. Of course, it’s possible to spend weeks or even months, but the minimum duration worked for me. After finalizing the duration, I checked what activities are available. Cities like Kuala Lumpur offer plenty to do, while Penang is more relaxed. I then allocated my days accordingly.

Step 6:

Next came the travel route. After I had a rough plan in place, knowing where I wanted to go and for how long, I checked the weather in each country. I also took advantage of the spring season for my trip since it’s a quieter time at work, fewer people are on vacation, and the weather in Asia is favorable. This led me to choose February. The only downside was Sapa, Vietnam, where it can still snow, and the rice fields are not as stunning as in the pictures, so I had to remove it from my itinerary.

Step 7:

How do I get there? The closest airports to me were Stuttgart, Frankfurt, and Munich, so I checked different routes from these three airports to potential destinations in Asia. For my route, Frankfurt to Kuala Lumpur made the most sense. While I would have loved to start in China, go through Vietnam, visit Bangkok, head down to Malaysia, and finish in Singapore, the flight cost difference was €500, so I chose the cheaper option. I booked my round-trip flight through Skyscanner (booking.com) and my domestic flights through Trip.com (12goasia is a great alternative but with Trip.com, I could book my luggage, which gave me peace of mind). I spent a lot of time experimenting with different multi-city flights until I found the best and most affordable option.

tep 8:

For accommodation, I’m a big fan of Airbnb, especially when it comes to booking entire apartments. So, I directly looked for this option. Each country offers countless options in all price ranges. After some searching, I found my stays.

Step 9:

I looked into the requirements for each country: Do I need a visa? What vaccinations are required? How do I get from place to place? The rules vary, but as a German, I didn’t need a visa for the duration of my planned trip, though most countries do have a visa-free entry limit per day.

Step 10:

What should I pack? Since backpacking is big in Asia, I looked into buying a travel backpack and clothing. Many temples require women to cover their shoulders and knees, and since it’s sunny, I packed sunscreen, a hat, and light clothing. I also made sure to bring comfortable shoes for all the walking. I kept my packing light, as you can do laundry or shop anywhere.

Step 11:

I dug deeper into the specific locations. For this, I love using Pinterest, GetYourGuide, and Instagram. I search for destinations, “to-dos”, and must-see attractions. If you need ideas on what to do in these countries, check out my posts:

• 10 Must-Visit Spots in Kuala Lumpur You Can´t Miss
• 4 Incredible Places to Explore in Penang, Malaysia
• Bangkok: 7 Best Things to Do in Thailand’s Capital
• Da Nang: 5 Best Experiences in Vietnam’s Coastal Gem
• Hanoi: 5 Highlights from Old Quarter to Tranquil Lakes
• Ha Long Bay & Ninh Binh: 6 Breathtaking Views and Serene Escapes
• Hong Kong: 7 Highlights of City Lights and Natural Wonders
• Singapore: 7 Must-Do Activities in the Lion City

Step 12:

Booking, booking, booking! Once I had everything planned out, I went ahead with the bookings and saved all receipts, tickets, and itineraries. With so many stops and places, things can get mixed up, so I always organize everything in folders on my phone and mark important emails for easy access.

In my post “Asia in 4 Weeks: Ultimate Travel Guide – Best Destinations, Top Things to Do & Expert Planning Tips“ you can find all the details about my Asia trip and the specific spots I visited. I dive into the best destinations, highlight must-see attractions, and share insider tips to help you plan your own unforgettable journey. Whether you’re looking for inspiration or practical advice, you’ll find everything you need to make your Asia travel experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible!