Best Short Trips from Singapore

One of the best things about living in Singapore is its proximity to all the incredible destinations that Southeast Asia has to offer. These are my favourite short trips from Singapore, all accessible with direct flights (or a ferry ride!). Start planning your Singapore weekend getaways now!

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Singapore has the enviable position of being a short 1-3 hour flight from much of Southeast Asia. After living most of my life in the comparatively isolated countries of New Zealand and Australia, I’m constantly jamming in weekend getaways from Singapore and maximizing public holidays.

I’ve taken all these weekend trips from Singapore over 2 or 3 nights, and several as a solo female traveler, including Siem Reap, Bali and Yogyakarta. If you have the luxury of time, then they’re also all worth a longer break. (Except maybe Bintan / Batam … not so much going on there).

If you’re planning a short getaway from Singapore, read on for my top trips from Singapore, along with my favorite activities and accommodation. These getaways have all been road-tested by yours truly! Hard job, but someone’s gotta do it.

If you simply can’t muster up the energy for yet another trip to the airport, why not treat yourself with an awesome Singapore staycation instead?!

Top Short Trips and Weekend Getaways from Singapore

Without further ado, and in no particular order, here are my favourite Singapore weekend trips.

Vietnam

1. Hoi An, Vietnam

Why Visit Hoi An

Hoi An boasts one of the prettiest old towns in Southeast Asia, and is surrounded by lush countryside and tropical beaches. Plus Vietnamese food is to die for! It’s a direct 2h 45m flight from Singapore to Da Nang Airport. Hoi An is an easy 45 minute drive from Da Nang Airport.

What to do in Hoi An

In a nutshell: wander around the picturesque Old Town, explore the countryside by bike (we loved our Heaven & Earth tour), hit the beach, join a cooking class or street food tour (we loved our Hoi An Street Food Tour by Motorbike), and get some clothes tailored.

And don’t forget to gorge on Vietnamese street food and the local specialties in Hoi An! My favorites are the banh mi pork baguette (try Madam Khanh the Banh Mi Queen), white rose dumplings and crispy wanton (try Miss Ly Cafe). Seriously making my mouth water just writing this. Wash it down with a vino at White Marble Wine Bar while you watch the old town go by.

Read more: Top Ten Things To Do In Hoi An Vietnam

Where to Stay in Hoi An

My favorite area to stay in Hoi An is a short walk or bike ride from Hoi An’s atmospheric Old Town. I like to be close to the action, but not so close that you can’t sleep through the noise!

Villa Orchid Garden Riverside: My favorite Hoi An accommodation near the Old Quarter is Villa Orchid Garden Riverside.  Villa Orchid Garden Riverside Hoi An is a very well priced boutique hotel. It’s in a quiet riverfront location, and is only a 10-minute bike ride to the Hoi An Ancient Town.

Check Villa Orchid Garden Rates: Booking.com | Agoda

Hyatt Regency Da Nang: If you prefer to stay at the beach, the Hyatt Regency Da Nang Resort & Spa is a more luxe resort-style option on a lovely quiet stretch of white sandy beach. Da Nang is a bit of a drive from Hoi An, so this is a good choice for beach bums who only want to come into the Old Town for a day, or for a night or two at the end of a longer trip.

Check Hyatt Regency Rates: Booking.com | Agoda

Read More: Where to Stay in Hoi An Vietnam

2. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Why Visit Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City (also known as Saigon) is a vibrant – if slightly chaotic – concrete jungle where you can uncover fascinating history and eat some of Vietnam’s best street food. Ho Chi Minh City is an easy 2 hour direct flight from Singapore, making it a great weekend trip from Singapore!

What to do in Ho Chi Minh City

Spend a day walking around District 1, where you’ll find most of Ho Chi Minh City’s top attractions. Step back in time at the Independence Palace (forever immortalised in the 1970s!), be prepared for a harrowing history lesson at the War Remnants Museum, and check out beautiful colonial architecture such as the People’s Committee Building, Notre Dame Cathedral and Post Office Building.

For all the foodies out there, take a street food tour to sample the best food Ho Chi Minh has to offer – just come prepared with an empty belly! Wash it down with a drink at one of the city’s best rooftop bars, like the Hotel Majestic with riverfront views or MGallery Hotel des Arts Saigon with city views. 

If you can fit in a day trip, visit the Cu Chi Tunnels where you can learn about the Vietnam War and life in the underground tunnel network, or the Mekong Delta for a relaxing river cruise.

Read More: 20 Awesome Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City

Luxe – Park Hyatt Saigon: Ho Chi Minh has a few luxury hotels to rival major global cities. If you want to splash out, you can’t beat the Park Hyatt Saigon, a gorgeous French-colonial style hotel slap bang in the middle of Ho Chi Minh’s best attractions. The only problem is that you may not want to leave the incredible hotel!

Check Park Hyatt Rates: Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range – Alagon D’antique Hotel & Spa: Ho Chi Minh has excellent good value boutique hotels. Check out Alagon D’antique Hotel for a lovely boutique hotel with French colonial touches, just a short walk from the main District 1 attractions.

Check Alagon D’antique Rates: Booking.com | Agoda

Cambodia

3. Siem Reap, Cambodia

Why Visit Siem Reap

Temples, temples and more temples! I’ve seen many a temple in my time, and the Angkor Temples are a contender for the most impressive historical structures in Asia. Singapore to Siem Reap is a direct 2h 15m flight. Easy! 

What to do in Siem Reap

Temples: Of course, the best thing to do in Siem Reap is to visit the incredible Angkor Wat temple complex. My favorites are the popular temples of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom / Bayon and Ta Prohm, the small but pretty Banteay Srei and the quieter Rolous Group. As a bonus, check out Preah Khan and Pre Rup. The best way to visit the temples is to hire a tuk tuk and feel the (hot humid) wind in your hair.

Other Activities: Once you’re all templed out, visit the Wat Themy Killing Fields (small monument with historical information) and the interesting Angkor National Museum, or relax at one of the lovely day spas.

Where to Stay in Siem Reap

Luxe – Shinta Mani: For a little bit of luxe, stay at Shinta Mani Shack. Shinta Mani is a a boutique hotel with stylish black and white house decor, excellent service, and an awesome pool surrounded by tranquil gardens. It’s also just a short walk from the Pub Street restaurants, and an easy tuk tuk ride to the temples. 

Check Shinta Mani Shack Rates: Booking.com | Agoda

Less – Cyclo D’Angkor: There’s plenty of budget accommodation in Siem Reap. If you’re on more of a flashpacker budget, check out Cyclo D’Angkor Boutique Hotel. I stayed in Cyclo D’Angkor Siem Reap for an absolute bargain price for a hotel, and was pretty chuffed to discover a boutique style hotel with a small pool and restaurant. Cyclo D’Angkor is only a short tuk tuk ride from the Angkor Wat temples and Siem Reap town. 

Check Cyclo D’Angkor Rates: Booking.com | Agoda

Indonesia

4. Bali, Indonesia

Why Visit Bali

Bali is a well-trodden tourist path, but for good reason. It’s got everything you need for a chilled and easy beach break, and plenty of activities to keep you entertained beyond the beach. Singapore to Bali is a direct 2 hour 40 minute flight. There’s several daily flights from Singapore to Bali with many airlines, including Jetstar, Singapore Airlines, Scoot, KLM, Air Asia and Garuda Indonesia.

What to do in Bali

Where to Stay in Bali

Bali may be an island, but it’s a pretty big one, and it takes several hours to drive across the island. Traffic in Bali can also be pretty atrocious and incredibly slow. For a weekend trip to Bali, I prefer to stick to one area within an hour or so from the airport, usually Seminyak for its easy access to the beach, nightlife and shopping. A few of my favs are:

Luxe – Double-Six Seminyak: I loved luxing it up at the Double-Six Luxury Hotel in Seminyak during a solo trip to Bali. The hotel is stunning, the pool is relaxing, the al-a-carte breakfast is drool-worthy, and the beachfront location is beautiful and safe.

Check Double-Six Rates: Booking.com | Agoda

Luxe – Komaneka Ubud: On yet another solo trip to Bali I stayed at the honeymoon worthy Komaneka at Tanggayuda. What a treat! I had an epic villa with a private plunge pool. Not that I needed it, as my fav thing about the resort was the infinity pool with mesmerising views of the Ubud jungle.

Check Komaneka at Tanggayuda Rates: Booking.com | Agoda

Less – Dash Boutique Hotel: I enjoyed staying at Dash Boutique Hotel when I was on a solo trip to Bali and trying to stick to a budget. Dash is a bright funky hotel on the main Petitenget strip, slap bang in the middle of excellent restaurants, beach clubs and boutique shops. In fact, Petitenget is my fav area to stay in Seminyak!

Check Dash Boutique Rates: Booking.com | Agoda

5. Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Why Visit Yogyakarta

Visit Yogyakarta Indonesia to soak up the atmosphere at Buddhist and Hindu temples that are a bit more off-the-path than Angkor Wat. When you’re done, enjoy the vibrant city life in Yogyakarta, also known as Jogjakarta. Singapore to Yogyakarta is a direct 2 hour 10 flight.

What to do in Yogyakarta

Most people visit Yogyakarta to see the incredible temples of Borobudur and Prambanan.

Borobudur: Borobudur is the world’s largest Buddhist temple. It’s certainly impressive, with multiple layers and wise all-knowing Buddhist faces, and is a favorite sunrise spot. Borobudur is around 1 hour drive from Yogyakarta, which means a very early start if you do want to make sunrise! (Or in my case, not actually seeing sunrise due to the haze.) 

Prambanan: Prambanan is a 9th century Hindu temple complex on the outskirts of Yogyakarta. If you have time, visit both Borobudur and Prambanan.

Where to Stay in Yogyakarta

I’m an absolute sucker for a boutique colonial hotel, so it was no surprise that I loved the gorgeous Phoenix Hotel Yogyakarta. I was in Yogyakarta as a solo female traveler, and felt very safe at my hotel and walking around the city.

Check Phoenix Hotel Rates: Booking.com | Agoda

6. Bintan or Batam Islands, Indonesia

Why Visit Bintan and Batam

Bintan and Batam are one of the easiest short trips from SIngapore. Relax, play golf and indulge in a day spa, at a fraction of the cost of Singapore and all without needing a flight – pure convenience! No flights required (woohoo!). Bintan and Batam are an easy 50 minute ferry ride from Singapore, with multiple daily departures. Great for a last minute short trip from Singapore! 

What to do in Bintan and Batam

Chillax at the pool or beach, play golf, or unwind with a day spa. Yup, that’s about it on these islands!

I love the spa at Tempat Senang at Batam, which offers Balinese style half-day (3 hour) and full-day (6 hours, plus lunch break) spa sessions. The spa menu includes massages, facials, foot reflexology, body scrubs and mani/pedis. 

Where to Stay in Bintan and Batam

Bintan – Mayang Sari: Mayang Sari Beach Resort is on a lovely quiet stretch of beach, with cute little beach bungalows and a chilled restaurant. The resort doesn’t have a restaurant, but you can pop to the hotel next door and use their pool.

Check Mayang Sari Rates: Booking.com | Agoda

Batam – Tempat Senang: My pick for Batam is Tempat Senang Spa Resort. Tempat Senang has an awesome day spa, where you can do an indulgent half day or full day spa for around $150 / $300 per person. The resort also has excellent Indonesian food, a refreshing pool, easy access to a nearby golf club and comfy rooms. 

Check Tempat Senang Rates: Booking.com | Agoda

Malaysia

7. Penang, Malaysia

Why Visit Penang

Penang is all about old town charm and iconic street art, with an eclectic mix of Chinese, Malay and Indian culture.It’s a direct 1h 30m hour flight from Singapore to Penang.

What to do in Penang

My favourite things to do in Penang are to explore the old town, architecture and street art in George Town, hike in the Penang National Park (I liked the Monkey Beach trail), and relax at the beach in Batu Ferringhi.

Where to Stay in Penang

In Penang, you can’t go past the Eastern & Oriental Hotel. Yup, I definitely have a type when it comes to hotels, and that type is laidback luxury boutique hotels. The Penang E&O is another contender for the title of my all time fav hotel in Southeast Asia. (It’s a tie with Shinta Mani Shack in Siem Reap!).

Check E&O Penang Rates: Booking.com | Agoda

8. Ipoh, Malaysia

Why Visit Ipoh

Ipoh is a mini-Penang, packed with street-art and street-food, culture and caves, but with a fraction of the visitor numbers of Penang. Ipoh is a direct 1 hour 15 minute flight from Singapore. Easy!

What to do in Ipoh

Ipoh has a gorgeous Old Town which is partly dilapidated with crumbling buildings overgrown with vines, and partly restored with grand colonial buildings. Explore the Ipoh Heritage Trail to see the best Ipoh architecture and the Ipoh Mural Art Trail to see the best Ipoh street art. Don’t miss pretty Market Lane (photo above) and Concubine Lane.

Once you’re done with the Old Town, grab a taxi to the nearby Ipoh cave temples with impressive rock formations and slightly further afield to the abandoned Kellie’s Castle.

Ipoh is the foodie capital of Malaysia, with a diverse range of street food, local eateries and trendy western style cafes, bars and restaurants. I loved some of the modern eateries in the Old Town block around Jalan Sultan Yusof, Jalan Market and Jalan Panglima.

Read More: 10 Awesome Things to Do in Ipoh Malaysia

Where to Stay in Ipoh

Less – Ipoh Hotels: If you’re looking for a super funky Ipoh hotel in a central location, check out the M Boutique Hotel. M Boutique is a short walk or Grab ride to both the Old Town and the New Town. I loved my stay at this trendy and comfortable hotel, which was very reasonably priced to boot! I also loved the look of Bedrock Hotel, near the New Town.

Check M Boutique Hotel Rates: Booking.com | Agoda

Check Bedrock Hotel Rates: Booking.com | Agoda

Luxe – Pangkor Laut Resort: If you have a longer holiday and are craving a bit of luxury, take a 1.5 hour car ride and short speedboat to dreamy Pangkor Laut Resort. Pangkor Laut Resort is located on a private island with overwater villas and hill top bungalows. Expect sandy beaches, jungle walks and an epic infinity pool.

Check Pangkor Laut Rates: Booking.com | Agoda

9. Langkawi, Malaysia

Why Visit Langkawi

Langkawi is a dreamy tropical island, and is the ultimate place to visit if you want to unwind at a fancy resort near Singapore. Langkawi is a short (and often cheap) direct 1hr 30m hour flight from Singapore.

What to do in Langkawi

Once you’ve had enough of the pool / beach / cocktails routine, ride the Langkawi Sky Cab (cable car) and walk the Sky Bridge for beautiful views (slash terrifying heights) or explore the jungle or mangroves.

Where to Stay in Langkawi

I absolutely LOVED the super-luxe Ritz Carlton Langkawi, which is tucked away in the jungle with beautiful modern rooms and one of the most EPIC infinity pools I have ever met. This place is definitely splurge-worthy.

On my next trip to Langkawi, I’ll try either The Datai Langkawi, The Danna Langkawi or Casa del Mar, all of which have been recommended by friends.

Check Ritz-Carlton Rates: Booking.com | Agoda

Check Berjaya Rates: Booking.com | Agoda

Check Datai Rates: Booking.com | Agoda

Check Danna Rates: Booking.com | Agoda

Check Casa del Mar Rates: Booking.com | Agoda

10. Desaru Coast, Malaysia

Why Visit Desaru Coast

Desaru Coast is an easy weekend escape when you’re after a family-friendly resort break, but can’t be a*sed with another flight (first world problems, I know). Desaru Coast is around 1.5-2 hours drive (subject to border-crossings, can be significantly more) from Singapore. You can also get a busy or ferry to Desaru.

What to do in Desaru Coast

Desaru Coast is very much a chilled resort holiday. Think beach, pool, spa, cocktails, repeat. I have on good authority that the little ones go nuts for the Adventure Waterpark, and the slightly bigger ones may love the excellent Els Club golf course!

Where to Stay in Desaru Coast

There’s three nice hotels just down the coast from the main town, near the waterpark and golf course – The Westin, Anantara and Hard Rock Hotel. These are all good choices depending on what you’re after. Desaru is very family friendly, so may not be the best spot for a quiet child-free break!

Check Westin rates: Booking.com

Check Anantara Rates: Booking.com

Check Hard Rock Rates: Booking.com

Thailand

11. Bangkok, Thailand

Why Visit Bangkok

City lovers rejoice! Bangkok is the ultimate city escape from Singapore, where you can sightsee by day and party by night. Bangkok is a 2 hour 30 minute direct flight from Singapore.

What to do in Bangkok

Check out some of Bangkok’s incredible temples like Wat Phra Chetuphon with its famous (and massive!) reclining Buddha and Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn). Don’t miss the nearby Grand Palace, a sprawling 1782 palace complex with the stunning 14th century Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaeo).

Once you’re all ‘templed out’, why not take a relaxing cruise down the Chao Phraya River or visit the bustling Chatuchak Weekend Market.

Finally, end your days at one of Bangkok’s incredible restaurants like Blue Elephant or rooftop bars like Spectrum Lounge & Bar.

Where to Stay in Bangkok

In Bangkok, it’s good to be in a central location to limit the time spent in traffic. We loved the Marriott Surawongse for its central location, well-equipped rooms, great restaurants, and rooftop pool – perfect after a hot day out exploring! Don’t miss Yao Rooftop Bar, an excellent choice if your flight gets in in the evening and you want a cocktail and snack with sweeping city views.

Check Marriott Surawongse Rates: Booking.com | Agoda

12. Phuket, Thailand

Why Visit Phuket

Beaches, beaches, beaches! Islands, islands, islands! Phuket is all about the ultimate relaxation weekend away from Singapore. Phuket is a direct 1hr 50m hour flight from Singapore.

What to do in Phuket

Ahhmm … I’m sure there’s lots of things to do in Phuket … I just don’t know what it is as all I do is chill at the beach / pool and drink cocktails!

Public Service Announcement: The Phuket mainland beaches aren’t quite as pristine as you’d expect. It’s worth taking a day tour around the surrounding islands like Phi Phi. I absolutely hated the boat trip to Phuket’s surrounding islands (but, then again, I’m a complete wuss) but adored the beaches. 

Where to Stay in Phuket

I’ve stayed in central Phuket, and it’s not really my jam. Aleenta Phuket Resort & Spa in north Phuket is a slice of luxe paradise, and is perfect for a relaxing weekend away from the hype and chaos of central Phuket. It’s also relatively close to Phuket airport, which makes a difference if you’re just on a weekend trip from Singapore. 

Check Aleenta Phuket Rates: Booking.com | Agoda

13. Chiang Mai, Thailand

Why Visit Chiang Mai

Get away from the typical Thai beaches and explore the temples and jungle of northern Thailand. Chiang Mai is a direct 3h 10m flight from Singapore. Flights to Chiang Mai are slightly longer and more pricey than other weekend getaways on from Singapore on this list, so it’s worth staying in Chiang Mai for a long weekend if you can spare the time. 

What to do in Chiang Mai

The best things to do in Chiang Mai are to wander around the old city, check out the temples, and cycle around the countryside. We had a fun slash hard day out biking with Grasshopper Adventures.

Where to Stay in Chiang Mai

My pick for Chiang Mai is yet another lovely colonial boutique hotel: Ping Nakara Boutique Hotel & Spa. Ping Nakara is in a great location walking distance from the town and temples and has stylish rooms, a refreshing pool, and a good restaurant.

Check Ping Nakara Rates: Booking.com | Agoda

China

14. Hong Kong, China

Why Visit Hong Kong

Hong Kong has to be one of the most vibrant, lively and cultural Asian mega-cities. Visiting Hong Kong is a must do if you live in Singapore! Hong Kong is a direct 4h flight from Singapore.

What to do in Hong Kong

Partake in the national sport of eating! Or the second national sport of shopping! (Much like Singapore really.)

Gorge on dumplings and street food and then got your luxe on at OZONE Bar, one of the highest bars in the world at a dizzying 118 floors up.

Also, take the bargain Star Ferry across the harbor to Kowloon, jump in the tram to Victoria Peak for panoramic views (go late afternoon and see the views by day and night), ride the cable car to Tian Tan Buddha and explore the chaotic city on foot.

Where to Stay in Hong Kong

Hmmm it’s all pricey … I suggest searching TripAdvisor for a central hotel with a good deal and reasonable reviews. We stayed at Harbour Grand Hong Kong which was a fairly generic but comfortable hotel in a good location with a nice pool. You’ll be out and about most of the time, so location is more important than luxury.

Check Harbour Grand Rates: Booking.com | Agoda

15. Macau, China

Why Visit Macau

Macau may be known for its glitzy casinos, but it’s also a former Portuguese colony with a lively old town. Expect a true East meets West experience, with European food and architecture mixed in with Chinese influences. Macau is a direct 3 hour 45 minute flight from Singapore, or one hour ferry from Hong Kong.

What to do in Macau

Macau is a complete contrast between the old and the new and the East and the West. Make sure you take in both the glitzy Cotai Strip of casinos and the old Macau Heritage Center.

In the Cotai Strip, you’ll find shiny new (and somewhat ostentatious) casinos, resorts, malls, shows, restaurants and clubs. Take the elevator up the half size replica Eiffel Tower at The Parisian Hotel for great nighttime views, and a gondola ride down The Venetian canals for a touch of Venice. Don’t miss The House of Dancing Water Show, which is a spectacular mix of dancing, diving, acrobatics and theatre to rival Cirque du Soleil.

Once you’re exhausted from the fast pace and bright lights, take things down a notch by getting lost in the UNESCO World Heritage Historic Centre of Macau. The Historic Centre has a unique mix of Chinese and Portuguese culture, heritage and architecture. Highlights include Senado Square with its brightly colored Portuguese buildings, the eerie Ruins of St Paul’s church, and Guia Fortress on the hilltop.

Read More: Top 10 Things To Do in Macau, China

Where to Stay in Macau

If you’re in Macau, it would be remiss not to stay at one of the rather extravagant hotels lining the Cotai Strip. Think OTT lobbies, opulent rooms, massive shopping malls, casinos galore and glitzy shows.

On a girls’ trip we had a few people staying at The Parisian Hotel and a few people staying next door at The Venetian Hotel. Both hotels were top quality, a little gaudy but incredible luxurious, and had a touch of Europe with a replica Eiffel Tower at The Parisian and canals to rival Venice at The Venetian.

Check The Parisian Rates: Booking.com | Agoda

Check The Venetian Rates: Booking.com | Agoda

What are your favorite short trips from Singapore? Let me know in the comments below! If you prefer to stay on the island, check out these awesome Singapore hotel staycation ideas!

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