Make the most of an extended weekend in these easy-to-reach destinations.

The region may be vast in its diversity, culture and landscapes, but short-haul flights are aplenty, and Southeast Asia is easy to get around. Getting away for the weekend is always called for, whether you want to maximise sightseeing time or are a local taking advantage of a national holiday. These cities and islands offer the ideal escape that can be packed into just a few short days.

Penang, Malaysia

For an island getaway with plenty of food and culture mixed in, Penang is just the right size for spending the weekend and the airport is increasingly catering to flights between major Southeast Asian cities, such as Hong Kong, Thailand and Singapore. Best experienced on foot (or hop in a trishaw if you’re in a hurry), Georgetown’s colourful streets are filled with heritage buildings that hide excellent cafes, restaurants and boutiques. Have a strong kopi (coffee) at China House before diving into the famous street art, which is scattered down every alleyway.

For a spot of shopping and a snack, Little India is awash with colours and music and has some of the best dining spots on the island. Outside of town, catch the funicular up to Penang Hill, which is part of a sweeping UNESCO biosphere reserve, where tropical birds and plant life fill the Botanic Gardens. For a quick day trip, Penang National Park in the island’s northwest is a more off-grid spot for rainforest hikes and lounging on the beach.

Stay: Eastern & Oriental Hotel in Georgetown is the city’s grand dame, with 138 years of history inside its superbly kempt white walls. Settle down for traditional afternoon tea, infinity pool views over the water and elegantly styled suites.
Eat: For upscale, traditional Peranakan cuisine, Penang’s first Michelin-starred restaurant, Auntie Gaik Lean's Old School Eatery, is not to be missed. If you’re keen to try street food, head to Kafe Ping Hooi for their char koay teow - rice noodles in a sweet dark sauce with beansprouts and prawns.
Do: Don’t miss a visit to Cheong Fatt Tze (the Blue Mansion), a 19th Century Chinese house-turned-boutique hotel, which has daily tours at 11am and 3:30pm

Koh Samui, Thailand

It’s the ultimate beach destination with connecting flights from Bangkok. The softest, sandiest shores are arguably found at Maenam Beach and Cheong Mon Beach. However, we’d recommend checking into a hotel with its own private stretch of sand, such as at Napasai, a Belmond Hotel, or Banyan Tree Samui.

For a dose of culture, temple-hop around Wat Plai Laem and Wat Phra Yai, the latter of which is home to a 12-metre tall Buddha statue. Scuba diving, paddleboarding, snorkelling, and a whole roll of other water sports are on offer in the brilliantly aquamarine waters, and in the island’s tropical interior, ATV rides and waterfall hikes await for the adventurous.

Stay: Banyan Tree Samui sits on a private bay in Lamai, overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. It has a selection of open-living villas hidden across the jungle, featuring private pools and never-ending views.
Eat: For an unforgettable dinner, Tree Tops Signature Dining at Anantara Lawana serves an eight-course menu in a private jungle canopy. Or stop by Jun Hom for gourmet seafood dishes right on the beach.
Do: Take a day trip to Angthong National Marine Park, a vibrant green and blue archipelago of 42 islands where there’s everything and nothing to do - swim, snorkel and kayak or hike to spectacular viewpoints like Leo’s Lake.

Woman walking down a yellow street in Hoi An.jpg

Hoi An, Vietnam

The weekend might be the busiest time to visit the pretty, lantern-strung streets of Hoi An on Vietnam’s east coast, but getting up early to explore in solitude means more time to people-watch as the riverside comes alive each Saturday night. It’s just a short drive from Da Nang, which connects to most of Southeast Asia and is navigable on foot or two wheels. Tick off all the best sights in Hoi An Ancient Town before the crowds descend, such as the Japanese Bridge, Trieu Chau Assembly Hall and Thu Bon River - but the best way to experience Hoi An is by simply wandering.

Get lost down colourful streets and seek out the best tailors for some custom clothing before stopping for a Vietnamese coffee. In the evening, the Night Market is jam-packed with tourists, so it’s best to watch the action unfold from the safety of a restaurant or cocktail bar by the water. Save half a day for Hoi An’s beaches, Cau Dai and An Bang, which have golden sand, plenty of sun loungers and a good selection of eateries.

Stay: At Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, the sparkling blue infinity pools melts into the blue ocean. Check in to a beach villa with outdoor rain showers and private pool, and join guided experiences that range from aerial yoga to windsurfing.
Eat: Some say it's overrated, but we’ve seen the daily queues: Madam Khanh, The Banh Mi Queen soared to success after a visit from Anthony Bourdain, and their bánh mì is assuredly delicious. We also love Sounds of Silence for their breakfast and coffee, best enjoyed with your feet in the sand.
Do: Take a half-day trip to My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO-listed collection of Champa ruins in the heart of the jungle. Tip: Book a private tour to get you there before the tour buses arrive at 9am.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur is but a short hop from Singapore and a wealth of other Southeast Asian hotspots, combining the buzz of a big city with a tropical climate and wild, natural surroundings. You can’t miss a trip to the top of the Petronas Towers for sweeping views over the city from the 86th floor, although any hotel worth its salt will provide you with the opposite view from a lofty infinity pool. Equally popular are the Batu Caves, where a kaleidoscope of coloured stairs leads to Indiana Jones-esque caves and shrines - just watch out for the over-friendly monkeys. The city is a melting pot of cultures best experienced through its shopping and dining scene, whether you hit the high end shops in Bukit Bintang or try street food like roti canai and laksa in Chinatown, Cheras Pasar Malam and Jalan Alor.

Stay: The Chow Kit has cemented itself as one of the best stays in the city. It’s close to everything and the rooms are impeccably furnished with timber floors, soft linens and epic views. Don’t sleep on the restaurant, which serves delectable, locally-sourced Malaysian dishes.
Eat: Try classic Hainanese food at Yut Kee, a busy local spot that’s been running for more than 90 years.
Do: Check out artisan products and live music at the Zhongshan Building, a quirky independent arts and research hub housing local food spots and a buzzing art scene.

Taipei city skyline and 101 Observatory at night-min.png

Taipei, Taiwan

If you have a week, make time to discover all of Taiwan’s attractions, but for a long weekend, Taipei packs in plenty. For your first view of the city, take a hike up Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan), one of four mountains offering incredible views from the summit. If 600 stairs doesn’t sound like your thing, the elevator at Taipei 101 whisks visitors up to the observation deck in 37 seconds.

Taiwan’s food scene is supremely underrated, although you wouldn’t guess from the crowds at popular hubs like Shilin Night Market and Huaxi Street Tourist Night Market, where specialities such as pork cheek noodle soup and pan-fried bao buns are readily available. Cap off the day at Huashan 1914 Creative Park, one of the city’s revitalised industrial sites, where factories now house fun exhibitions, shops and restaurants.

Stay: Sleep peacefully above the city at Regent Taipei, which brings the brand’s consistently elevated design acumen in spades. Suites have panoramic views and deep marble soaking tubs, there’s a heated rooftop pool, and for dinner, we recommend a traditional Japanese hot pot at Mihan Honke.
Eat: Try one of Taiwan’s most popular dishes, niu rou mien (beef noodle soup) at MuJi Beef Noodles with a side of beef jinbing pancakes.
Do: For mystical, ancient vibes, take a taxi out of the city to Jiufen, a town that may or may not have inspired Spirited Away thanks to its narrow, cobblestone alleyways lined with traditional tea houses, glowing lanterns and cute souvenir shops.