2 weeks relaxing in Asia - suggestions?

[goldenhorn]

Hi all,

I'm planning a 2-week trip to Asia in late March/early April 2025 and would love some suggestions.

I have award tickets booked on SQ BNE-SIN-BNE (departing March 27, returning April 9) and am looking for destinations not too far from Singapore. I am happy to spend a night or two in Singapore on either end of the trip.

While we love Japan, we're after a more relaxing holiday this time, ideally with a resort stay and some day trips. I'm considering Thailand - maybe 2-3 nights in Bangkok followed by a week in Hua Hin.

As I'll be Accor Platinum next year, I'm keen to stay at Accor properties to maximize the benefits.

Has anyone been to Hua Hin recently? How does it compare to other beach destinations near Singapore?

Are there any other places you'd recommend for a relaxing getaway with good resort options?

Any suggestions or advice would be much appreciated!

 

[lovestotravel]

Thailand - Options are endless

 

[GarrettM]

Beach is a must?

Hoi An is relaxing. If you're not already familiar with it. It has some beaches and beach resorts. Old Town is easy to deal with. Plus if you're want clothes/shoes/whatever made you'll have no troubles.

As much I love Singapore it is not a place I think of when I think beach relaxation.

 

[goldenhorn]

Beach is a must?

Hoi An is relaxing. If you're not already familiar with it. It has some beaches and beach resorts. Old Town is easy to deal with. Plus if you're want clothes/shoes/whatever made you'll have no troubles.

As much I love Singapore it is not a place I think of when I think beach relaxation.

No, beach is not essential as long as there is a pool.

Thank you for the recommendation. I'll check it out. I want to visit Vietnam but my partner is not so keen.

Not been before but have been to Cambodia several times, which we loved.

 

[Ansett Nostalgic]

Langkawi, Penang, Macau, Koh Samui, Phu Quoc all worth considering.

 

[GarrettM]

No, beach is not essential as long as there is a pool.

Thank you for the recommendation. I'll check it out. I want to visit Vietnam but my partner is not so keen.

Not been before but have been to Cambodia several times, which we loved.

I wasn't so keen either but my wife was adamant. She was right.

 

[goldenhorn]

I wasn't so keen either but my wife was adamant. She was right.

haha good to know! I'll work on convincing the other half

 

[flyingfan]

Agree with Thailand having lots of options. Hua Hin is nice and relaxing, and a lot quieter of course than the other overrun Thai beaches, but IMHO a week there would be too much. Unless you actually really really could sunbathe for a week straight.

Langkawi also worth considering.

Sorry can't comment re Accor.

 

[goldenhorn]

Agree with Thailand having lots of options. Hua Hin is nice and relaxing, and a lot quieter of course than the other overrun Thai beaches, but IMHO a week there would be too much. Unless you actually really really could sunbathe for a week straight.

Langkawi also worth considering.

Sorry can't comment re Accor.

Thanks for the feedback. Yeah, I wondered if a week would be too long. Have you been to Langkawi? Would there be more to do there for a week compared to Hua Hin?

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Koh Phagnan in Thailand (see my report in another thread… there are direct flights to Loh Samui from Singapore and a short ferry to Phagnan… idyllic beach huts for AUD30 a night).

Or I second Vietnam… pristine beaches and plenty of Accor hotels.

 

[jase05]

Another vote for Vietnam.
Good range of Accor properties and good beaches.
Thailand is also a very good option

 

[dinhoecotour]

Con Dao island in South of Vietnam should also be considered.

 

[goldenhorn]

Con Dao island in South of Vietnam should also be considered.

Wow. Looks stunning. Never heard of it before.

 

[Austman]

I want to visit Vietnam but my partner is not so keen.

Da Nang in Vietnam is pretty laid back.

And has beautiful beaches.

And an increasingly, easy to fly to airport.

 

[Anjan]

If you are willing to travel a bit further Sri Lanka and Maldives are options. There are a couple of flights per day between SQ, UL and Jetstar(5 days a week) south coast is in season that time of year. National parks for a safari are easily accessible.

 

[goldenhorn]

If you are willing to travel a bit further Sri Lanka and Maldives are options. There are a couple of flights per day between SQ, UL and Jetstar(5 days a week) south coast is in season that time of year. National parks for a safari are easily accessible.

I'd love to visit the Maldives, but it seems resorts are super expensive - not that I've looked closely, though, just going off reviews by travel bloggers.

Even when using points to book accommodation, one travel blogger said recently that their food and beverage bill is usually USD$3,000-5,000 for a stay - and that's not eating or drinking in excess!

 

[Anjan]

I'd love to visit the Maldives, but it seems resorts are super expensive - not that I've looked closely, though, just going off reviews by travel bloggers.

Even when using points to book accommodation, one travel blogger said recently that their food and beverage bill is usually USD$3,000-5,000 for a stay - and that's not eating or drinking in excess!

Luxury escapes have some good deals. But sitting on the beach and beach activities is all you do. Sri Lanka is all the rage now! I am bias as I am Sri Lankan. But it does have it all!

 

[BudgetFly]

Have you considered the Philippines? Maybe Boracay or Suarigao Island...

 

[goldenhorn]

If you are willing to travel a bit further Sri Lanka and Maldives are options. There are a couple of flights per day between SQ, UL and Jetstar(5 days a week) south coast is in season that time of year. National parks for a safari are easily accessible.

No, I haven't, but I will check it out!

Have you considered the Philippines? Maybe Boracay or Suarigao Island...

No, I haven't. Thank you for the suggestions.

 

[Ansett Nostalgic]

Luxury escapes have some good deals. But sitting on the beach and beach activities is all you do. Sri Lanka is all the rage now! I am bias as I am Sri Lankan. But it does have it all!

Cape Weligama is one of the nicest resorts I've ever been to