We all dream of seeing the world. Exposing oneself to different ways of life is one of the key ways to broaden your horizons and expand your mind. Unfortunately, just like most things, travelling can get quite expensive, and the current state of our ringgit isn't helping either. We have good news for you though! There are still many places us Malaysians can travel to without causing too much damage to our bank accounts. This guide features 10 cities you can visit, including hotel and flight costs— do keep in mind that the prices listed below are estimations based on the research conducted at the time of publication.
Cambodia ⭐️
Nestled cosily between Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos, Cambodia is a destination that many travellers tend to overlook. This charming country has the largest religious structure in the world, on top of being home to the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. Luckily for us Malaysians, we don’t need an eVisa to enter the country, so book your flight out now!
1. Phnom Penh
When travelling to a brand new country, it’s always best to start in the capital city. Phnom Penh is no exception, and this dazzling city has a few tricks up its sleeves that’ll surely blow you away.
Taking the reigns and planning a whole trip by yourself is tiring, so why not set one day aside for an organised group tour? This particular Phnom Penh tour includes all the must-visits in the city— your tour guide will bring you to tourist hotspots like the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, National Museum, Wat Phnom Temple and Cambodia Living Art!
As with any Southeast Asian country, food plays a crucial role in Cambodia’s culture and identity. If you want to experience the full extent of Cambodian cuisine, we recommend joining a food tour. This Phnom Penh food tour not only lets you hop from one place to another via tuk tuk, you also get to try out a bit of everything— prahok, banana leaf salad, barbecue, you name it!
Accommodation in Phnom Penh:
- Grand Elevation Hotel: from RM89/night
- Hotel Zing: from RM99/night
- Yunfan Hotel: from RM129/night
Travel costs:
- Flight: RM740-780 (roundtrip)
2. Siem Reap
Travellers who visit Cambodia often go to Siem Reap, the place where many beautiful temples call home. Want to visit both Siem Reap and Phnom Penh? Check out this private car city transfer for an easy journey!
A trip to here is never complete without a visit to the iconic Angkor Wat. As the largest temple complex in the world, Angkor Wat sees visitors from all over the world dropping by to admire the architectural wonder that’s been standing strong since the 12th century.
Credits: Laurentiu Morariu (Unsplash)
Other interesting attractions include Kampong Phluk, a floating village located in the middle of Tonle Sap itself, as well as Phare, The Cambodian Circus, a nightly show featuring all kinds of mind-blowing theatrics.
Travel costs:
- Flight: RM740 (roundtrip)
Vietnam ⭐️
Vietnam is where vibrant cities, tranquil nature, and rich history coexist together in harmony. Most people know Vietnam for its unique coffee and crazy traffic, but once you step foot in the country, you’ll realise that it’s really about community through food and culture. If you haven’t already, you need to add Vietnam to your travel bucket list!
3. Hanoi
Welcome to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, where every corner has its own surprise. This city is full of personality— both from the people who inhabit it as well as its turbulent past. One second you’re sightseeing with other tourists, another minute you’re chatting about life with a local. If you need more insight into the city, check out this list of things to do in Hanoi!
Photo credit: Jay Ee (Unsplash)
Photo credit: @phng.annh (Instagram)
One thing’s for sure: you’ll never go bored in Hanoi. For lovers of fast-paced cities and art, Hanoi Old Quarter is where you should be. Don’t forget to visit the legendary Train Street either, where you can sip on some coffee and feel the cold rush of wind as a train tunnels through the street. If chirping birds and swaying trees are more your speed, a day trip to Ninh Binh will make you feel right at home, with its beautiful scenery, temples, and caves to explore.
Accommodation in Hanoi:
- Phuong Trang Hotel Hanoi: from RM57/night
- Newstyle Hanoi Hotel & Apartment: from RM74/night
- Especen Hotel: from RM92/night
Travel costs:
- Flight: RM660-940 (roundtrip)
4. Ho Chi Minh City
As the economic centre of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City is the very definition of hustle and bustle— busy streets filled with even busier people, and coffee shops filled with gossipers and people watchers.
Photo credit: by Georgios Domouchtsidis (Unsplash)
Ho Chi Minh City is bursting with activities to do and sights to see. From tourist attractions like the Cu Chi Tunnels and the French colonial architecture, to the Instagram-famous Cafe Apartments and Book Street, this city balances its traditional culture with contemporary life like no other. For a more in-depth list of things to do, give this 3D2N itinerary a read!
Accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City:
- The Royal LandPark - Phu My Hung: from RM126/night
- Hong Bao Thach Hotel: from RM138/night
Travel costs:
- Flight: RM400-460 (roundtrip)
5. Hoi An
Hoi An is where you go if you’re looking for serenity without sacrificing excitement or adventure. Hoi An doesn’t have an airport of its own, so you’ll have to fly to Da Nang and then take a bus from there. For maximum comfort, you can also opt for a shuttle bus.
To fully immerse yourself in Vietnam’s history and culture, we highly recommend visiting Hoi An Ancient Town, a former trading port known for its bright yellow buildings and canals that flow through the middle of the town. You especially want to be here during the lantern festivals which occur every month— take part in the main event of releasing colourful lanterns into the night sky when the moon is at its fullest!
It’s an absolute must for anyone visiting Hoi An to hop on a basket boat! For the full experience, you should check out this Bay Mau Coconut Forest Tour where you’ll get to cruise down the river in a basket boat. This style of boat is typically made from bamboo and is unique to Vietnam, so don’t miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity!
Accommodation in Hoi An:
- Miss Ten Homestay: from RM70/night
- Chi Thanh Villa: from RM54/night
Travel costs:
- Flight: RM795-855 (roundtrip)
Indonesia ⭐️
Indonesia is a Southeast Asian country that’s filled with hidden treasures. The capital city of Jakarta and picturesque island of Bali are probably the most popular spots in the country, and for good reasons. The former is buzzing with life and energy, while the latter offers visitors tranquility and stunning beaches. While Jakarta and Bali are excellent holiday destinations, here are some other places you should look into!
6. Lombok
On the east of Bali sits Lombok, a breathtaking island of (mostly) empty beaches with white sand and turquoise waters. If you love adventure, you might want to check out this 3-day Lombok tour.
Lombok is the perfect destination for lovers of the outdoors. One of the most exciting things you can do here is hike Mount Rinjani, the tallest volcano in Lombok. Climbing the crater isn’t a casual activity though, as hikers are highly encouraged to book slots with trekking guides. It’ll also take anywhere between 2 to 4 days to climb Mount Rinjani, depending on the path you choose. Hiking solo or without a guide is possible, but not suggested.
Photo credit: Jeremy Wermeille (Unsplash)
When on an island, snorkelling is a must, and Gili Islands is the best place to do so! The islands are only a 20 minute boat ride away from Lombok. Here, you can explore the underwater statues— a ring of lifelike sculptures in embrace, modelled after real people. You can also swim with the colourful fishes and corals, and if you’re really lucky, you might just see a turtle!
Accommodation in Lombok
- ILLIRA Lite Praya Lombok: from RM110/night
- Swiss-Belcourt Lombok: form RM140/night
Travel costs:
- Flight: RM420-640 (roundtrip)
7. Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta, sometimes referred to as Jogjakarta or Jogja, is where Javanese art comes to life. This is where ancient structures and modern life breathe the same air, harmonious and in balance.
A few must-visits include Punthuk Setumbu, which is known for its mesmerising sunrise. Visitors are required to trek up the hill for 15 minutes to reach the observation point. It’s also no wonder that many tourists make Borobudur one of their top priorities in Yogyakarta— it’s the largest Buddhist temple in the world! Walking around the temple grounds, you’ll notice the strong Indian influences in its architecture; a nod to the Sailendra dynasty of the past.
Photo credit: Steffen B. (Unsplash)
Another cultural hotspot is Prambanan Temple, a Hindu temple. To make the most of your time here, you can visit a few of the city’s top destinations in a single day with this Punthuk Setumbu, Borobudur, and Prambanan Temples Tour.
Accommodation in Yogyakarta:
- Malioboro Prime Hotel: from RM115/night
- POP! Hotel Timoho: from RM87/night
Travel costs:
- Flight: RM600-780 (roundtrip)
Thailand ⭐️
It’s probably safe to say that almost everyone dreams of visiting Thailand at some point in their lives. Beaches, elephants, nightlife, welcoming locals— Thailand has perfected the recipe for success. Bangkok is a top destination for many, but big cities tend to be pretty pricey, so here are a few other recommendations.
8. Hat Yai
Over the past couple of years, Hat Yai has been gaining traction among Malaysian travellers on a budget. Geographically, it makes sense. Hat Yai is located so close to Perlis, all it takes is a car ride across the border from Padang Besar. If you already live in the northern state, you’ll be in Hat Yai in no time. If you’re coming from Kuala Lumpur, however, you can take the ETS train from KL Sentral to Padang Besar.
The price of the train tickets depends on seat class you choose, as well as your point of departure. The closer you are to Padang Besar, the cheaper the ticket. For example, Kampar to Padang Besar (roundtrip) would cost RM106-140/pax, while KL Sentral to Padang Besar (roundtrip) would be RM154-205/pax.
After you've arrived in Padang Besar, you can then proceed to the SRT Thailand counter to purchase your ticket to Hat Yai, which costs around RM6. Be sure to get your passport stamped by both the Malaysian and Thai immigration counters before hopping on the train!
There are 2 main reasons why Malaysians love visiting this city: to eat and to shop. If there’s one thing everyone can agree on, it’s that Thailand is home to some of the best cuisine in the world, and Hat Yai is no exception. From classics like tom yum and pad thai, to fresh seafood and mango sticky rice, the city’s restaurants and outdoor markets are ready to serve you.
Accommodation in Hat Yai:
- Leevana Hotel Hat Yai: from RM84/night
- The Great Hotel Hat Yai: from RM75/night
Travel costs:
- Flight: RM350-640 (roundtrip)
- Train: RM166-217/pax from KL Sentral to Padang Besar (roundtrip).
9. Pattaya
If you’re been wanting to go on a beach holiday without breaking the bank, you should consider visiting Pattaya. The feeling of sand between your toes and the warmth of the sun on your back— what more could you ask for? While there are flights that’ll take you to the beach city directly, an alternative route would be by taking a bus or private car charter from Bangkok; it’s about a 1 ½ to 2 hour drive.
The best part about beach holidays is the water activities like snorkelling, banana boat and jet ski rides, as well as island hopping. The most hassle-free way to do all of that is by booking a tour before you leave for your trip. This Koh Larn and Koh Sak Day Trip allows you to choose your preferred activities and includes hotel pick up and drop off.
Of course, in a country full of vibrant culture and art, travellers shouldn’t miss out on The Sanctuary of Truth, the country’s largest wooden building. Every inch of this museum is covered in intricate carvings featuring deities and literary figures from Thai folklores. The most mind-blowing fact about The Sanctuary of Truth is that it was constructed without a single metal nail!
Accommodation in Pattaya:
- Beston Pattaya Hotel: from RM105/night
- Cozy Resort Pattaya: from RM120/night
- B2 Hotel South Pattaya Premier Hotel: from RM102/night
Travel costs:
- Flight to Bangkok: RM635-800 (roundtrip)
- Bus from Bangkok to Pattaya: RM20 (one way)
- Private charter from Bangkok to Pattaya: RM292.25 (3 pax), RM524.89 (8 pax)
10. Chiang Mai
Tucked amongst the mountains of northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is one of the cities in Thailand with generally cooler weather. Most visitors opt to visit from November to February to avoid both the scorching hot season and the rainy season.
The best way to truly understand a city’s culture is through their food. A picture can tell a thousand words, but a dish can tell a thousand stories. To ensure that you’re only sampling on the best of the best, check out this Chiang Mai Michelin Food Walking Tour— stroll around the city, observe the locals, and feast!
You can even drive to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai. Granted, it’ll take a while (approximately 3 ½ hours), but it’s definitely possible! A trip to Chiang Rai is well worth it if you’re planning on staying in Thailand for a while. Places worth visiting include Wat Rong Suea Ten and Wat Rong Khun, otherwise known as the Blue Temple and White Temple respectively.
Accommodation in Chiang Mai:
- B2 Riverside Premier Resort: from RM114/night
- Khum Phucome Hotel: from RM152/night
Travel costs:
- Flight: RM580-710 (roundtrip)
- Private charter from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai: RM44.89 (3 pax), RM574.09 (9 pax)
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