Thanks to Singapore’s central location in Southeast Asia, it’s both easy and affordable to travel to nearby countries for weekend trips. Whether you are going by bus, boat or plane, there is likely a destination to fit your travel style and budget!
Weekend Trips to Malaysia
The only country accessible by road from Singapore is Malaysia. You can either take a bus or a really inexpensive flight to explore Singapore’s only neighbor.
Exploring the street art in George Town, Penang | Photo by Molly Hohle, San Diego State UniversityWhere: Penang
Type of trip: City
Flight Cost: Under $100 USD
Flight Time: Less than 1.5 hours
Approximate accommodation cost per night: $30 for a private room or $11 for a bed in a hostel
Why: Malaysia offers a range of amazing places. You can visit huge cities or small, sleepy beach towns, but one place that we always recommend is Penang! Often called the street food capital of Southeast Asia, you can find everything from noodle soups to satay at surprisingly cheap prices. Eating your way through all of the different street stalls and markets is worth the weekend trip alone! Stay in the charming Georgetown neighborhood, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and take a break from eating to walk around and discover the district’s famous street art.
Weekend Trips to Thailand
Often called the ‘Land of Smiles’, Thailand offers an incredible blend of culture, cuisine, cities and countryside. There is something for everyone in Thailand and it’s a destination that should be on your bucket list while studying in Asia!
Where: Bangkok
Type of trip: City
Flight Cost: Under $100 USD
Flight Time: Less than 3 hours
Approximate accommodation cost per night: $60 for a private room or $15 for a bed in a hostel
Why: Spending the weekend is Bangkok is just the right amount of time to scratch the surface of Thailand’s capital city. Get ready for a fun-filled couple of days exploring Bangkok’s impressive temples and landmarks, like the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew to see the famous jade Buddha, or our personal favorite, Wat Arun, situated along the edge of the Chao Phraya River. Make room in your suitcase to see what deals you can find at MBK mall or the sprawling JJ Market (it literally has thousands of stalls!) and pick up souvenirs. All the while you’ll also be enjoying amazing street food for about $2-$3 a dish!
Pilei Lagoon, Koh Phi Phi in Krabi | Photo by Molly Hohle, San Diego State UniversityWhere: Krabi
Type of trip: Beach
Flight Cost: Around $100 USD
Flight Time: Less than 1.5 hours
Approximate accommodation cost per night: $25 for a private room or $11 for a bed in a hostel
Why: Escape city life to relax on some of the most beautiful beaches in Southeast Asia! Krabi is on the mainland – so you won’t waste any time with boat transfers out to the islands – but still boasts stunning beaches and the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea. We suggest staying at Railay Bay where you’ll trade in roads for footpaths and taxis for longtail boats. There are endless activities available to you here including scuba diving or snorkeling among the limestone cliffs. Of course, if you are just looking for some beach time, you can always sit back, relax and enjoy the incredible tropical view
Weekend Trips to Cambodia
While Cambodia isn’t as commonly visited as the other destinations on this list, the unassuming country offers unique experiences for those wanting to get a little more off the beaten track. That said, Cambodia’s biggest draw is placed firmly on the tourist map but still well worth a visit…
Angkor Thom, Siem Reap | Photo by Katy Baker, College of CharlestonWhere: Siem Riep
Type of trip: Historical Visit
Flight Cost: Under $200 USD
Flight Time: Less than 2.5 hours
Estimate nightly accommodation cost: $18 for a private room or $7 for a bed in a hostel
Why: Catching the sunset at Angkor Wat or standing inside one of the 70 temples in the Angkor Complex is a truly unforgettable experience. While the complex only became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992, these temples date back to the 9th and 15th centuries. It’s best to hire a guide who will help take you around and show you the highlights including the iconic Angkor Wat itself, which is on the Cambodia flag, the Bayon temple, made up of over 200 carved faces, and the vine-covered Ta Prohm, where the movie Tomb Raider with Angelina Jolie was filmed. It will be a weekend trip unlike any other…and only a few quick hours from Singapore!
Have we whet your wanderlust? Once in Singapore, you can always chat with your TEAN Resident Director for more travel suggestions!
