Sophyia

I am looking to travel to Southeast Asia for a birthday trip in January for 7 days. There is so much too see but due my short trip I would love to optimize my time there and look at a few countries. Some ideas include maybe Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia (Borobudur and other landmarks) but Im open to any suggestions for countries. Vietnam/Thailand/Cambodia. All SE Asia countries are beautiful and its hard to chose. What do you recommend for trip? Im not sure how many countries I can visit to optimize my trip. Thanks for your help.

2014trip

One week is too short a time to visit mulitple countries. Concentrate on one or two countries at the most.

It's hard to suggest specific destinations without knowing your interests.

rhkkmk

1 country only... I prefer Thailand and I would spend the whole time in bangkok

Kathie

I agree, with one week, choose one country. You aren't optimizing your time by visiting multiple count tries. Instead, you are spending most of your time in transit.

2014trip

When I mentioned a visit to two countries maximum would be possible I was thinking of a Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia. Four days in Singapore and two in Melacca is doable, plus a half day to travel between the two. An alternative would be three days in Singapore and three in Penang plus a travel day.

Of the countries mentioned in the op a week is too short for Vietnam, Thailand (unless you want to limit yourself to Bangkok)and Indonesia.

One week in Cambodia is sufficient depending on how many temples you`d like to see around Siem Reap. Three days in Siem Reap and two in PP, plus a travel day would work well.

Where ever you decide to travel, you can`t go wrong the region has so much by the way of cultural, historic and natural sights.

Sophyia

Thank you so much for everyone's reply ! If you had to choose, which country would you recommend for a first timer/great taste of SE Asia?

Sophyia

@ 2014 trip. I am considering Indonesia? Bali, Borobudur, etc. Im open to suggestions. Thanks in advance. WOuld you recommend a cruise?

Kathie

I do not recommend a cruise for getting to know SE Asia.