Make your dream holiday to Asia in 2026
Asia in 2026 is calling - and it’s promising more colour, culture and comfort than ever before. From the lively streets of Vietnam to the hyper modern and clean Singapore, this part of the world blends old traditions with modern comfort. Whether you’re chasing golden beaches, tropical jungles or world-class dining, Asia offers an unmatched variety of experiences that few other continents can match.
And if you’re dreaming of a trip that balances adventure and indulgence, 2026 might just be the year to make it happen. With Vietnam at the heart of your journey - and a comfortable stopover in Singapore or Lombok - you can experience the best of Southeast Asia in one memorable itinerary.
Top travel countries in Asia
When it comes to planning your Asian holiday, the hardest part is choosing where to start. Each place offers a distinct flavour of the region - from culinary treasures to serene landscapes and spiritual heritage. For 2026, six countries stand out as traveller favourites: Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, and Lombok (Indonesia).
- Vietnam continues to rise as a top-tier travel place, offering everything from limestone cliffs in Ha Long Bay to lantern-lit streets in Hoi An and the buzzing energy of Ho Chi Minh City. With a growing focus on sustainable tourism and boutique comfort, Vietnam perfectly balances real charm and comfort.
- Singapore is Asia’s clean-cut worldly hub - a melting pot of cultures where tradition meets modernity. It’s an ideal short stopover between long-haul flights, with everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to the stunning Marina Bay Sands rooftop infinity pool.
- Malaysia blends wild nature with urban style - think Kuala Lumpur’s skyline, Borneo’s rainforests, and Penang’s street-food paradise. 2026 is set to be a big year for Malaysian tourism, with new cultural and eco-tourism campaigns across the country.
- Cambodia offers deep cultural richness with the majestic Angkor Wat complex as its crown jewel. Combine it with a few days on Koh Rong or Koh Rong Sanloem for a relaxed, island vibe.
- Thailand remains a timeless favourite: Bangkok’s lively chaos, Chiang Mai’s mountain temples, and the idyllic islands of Krabi or Koh Samui - there’s a reason travellers keep coming back.
And then there’s Lombok, Bali’s more peaceful sister island. With its crystal-clear waters, hidden waterfalls and growing selection of comfort resorts, Lombok is the perfect alternative for travellers seeking serenity and grace off the beaten track.
Reasons why we choose Vietnam as our top place
Vietnam is a country that stays with you long after you’ve left. It’s the scent of street food in Hanoi, the warmth of the people, and the beautiful contrast between bustling cities and peaceful countryside. In 2026, Vietnam is not just a budget-friendly escape - it’s a place redefining comfort, experience, and connection. One of the biggest draws of Vietnam is its variety. You can start your journey in the cool highlands of the north, cruise through emerald waters in Ha Long Bay, wander through historical towns in Central Vietnam, and end your trip under swaying palms in the Mekong Delta or on Phu Quoc’s beaches. Each region feels like a different country, with its own rhythm, cuisine, and charm.
Vietnam also boasts a rich history and cultural depth that’s palpable everywhere you go. In Hanoi, colonial architecture and old temples tell stories of centuries past, while in Hue, the Imperial City whispers of dynasties and emperors. Hoi An enchants visitors with its golden lanterns, colourful markets, and tailor shops, where silk dresses are still handmade in the old-fashioned way. The country’s food is another irresistible reason to visit. Vietnamese cuisine is a masterclass in balance - fresh herbs, fragrant broths, and just the right kick of spice. A steaming bowl of pho for breakfast, crispy banh xeo pancakes for lunch, and fresh seafood by the sea for dinner - it’s a journey for your taste buds.
Vietnam is also becoming a comfort place in its own right. In recent years, the country has welcomed high-end (boutique) resorts like the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula, Amanoi, and Six Senses Ninh Van Bay. These retreats combine world-class service with natural beauty - private villas tucked into cliffs, spas overlooking jungle canopies, and ocean views that feel endless. It’s where peacefullity meets indulgence. Perhaps what makes Vietnam truly special is the authentic connection travellers feel. Despite its rapid development, the country retains a genuine, human touch. Locals smile easily, vendors chat with curiosity, and every corner offers something that feels personal and real. It’s not just about seeing Vietnam - it’s about feeling it.
Finally, 2026 offers excellent travel conditions. The best months to visit depend on your route, but March and April generally provide ideal weather across the country - dry skies in the south, warm temperatures in the north, and manageable humidity throughout. For those travelling later in the year, November to February is perfect for the southern regions and coastal getaways.
Top places in Vietnam
Vietnam’s geography stretches over 1,600 kilometres from north to south, and each region brings its own highlights. Here are five places not to miss:
- Hanoi - The atmospheric capital with French colonial charm, serene lakes, and street food heaven.
- Ha Long Bay - A UNESCO World Heritage Site of limestone islands and emerald waters, best explored by overnight cruise.
- Hoi An - The enchanting lantern town known for its riverfront beauty, tailor-made fashion, and golden beaches nearby.
- Hue - Once Vietnam’s imperial capital, home to old citadels, royal tombs, and elegant pagodas.
- Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) - A lively city where rooftop bars meet history, culture, and buzzing energy.
Each place offers a unique rhythm - from the quiet hum of old temples to the modern pulse of city life - making a north-to-south journey through Vietnam a trip you’ll never forget.
Luxe in Singapore
Combine Vietnam with a few nights in Singapore is the ultimate way to balance adventure with style. After days of exploring rice fields, temples, and beaches, Singapore offers a change of pace - sleek, modern, and effortlessly comfortable. This small island nation is a world unto itself: a mix of modern architecture, lush gardens, and Michelin-starred dining. Stay two or three nights here to unwind in style before flying home, or to recharge between flights as you move deeper into Southeast Asia.
Don’t miss the Gardens by the Bay, where towering Supertrees glow with nightly light shows, or the Marina Bay Sands, whose infinity pool might just be the most famous in the world. Add a visit to the Jewel at Changi Airport, where a 40-metre indoor waterfall cascades through a tropical garden - proof that even airports can be places in Singapore.
The beauty of this combination lies in the contrast. In Vietnam, you connect with local life, nature, and heritage. In Singapore, you indulge in comfort, comfort, and efficiency. It’s a perfect bridge between tradition and modernity - and a rewarding finale (or prelude) to your Southeast Asian adventure.
For most travellers, two to three days in Singapore is ideal: enough time to explore its cultural districts (Little India, Chinatown, Kampong Glam), enjoy rooftop cocktails overlooking the skyline, and perhaps take a day trip to nearby Sentosa Island for beaches and resort-style relaxation.
Other alternatives for Singapore
If you’ve already experienced Singapore or you’re looking for a more peaceful, tropical stopover, consider Lombok or Malaysia as comfortable alternatives.
Lombok, Indonesia, just east of Bali, offers everything that makes Indonesia special - without the crowds. Picture white-sand beaches, turquoise bays, and a backdrop of Mount Rinjani’s misty peaks. Luxury hideaways like The Oberoi Lombok or Jeeva Beloam Beach Camp provide a serene retreat where you can completely unwind. The Gili Islands, a short boat ride away, are perfect for snorkelling, diving, or simply watching the sun melt into the ocean. Lombok’s best travel season is from April to October, when skies are clear and the sea is calm.
Malaysia, on the other hand, lets you combine cultural depth with natural beauty. You can fly from Vietnam to Kuala Lumpur, spend a few days exploring its modern skyline and street-food alleys, then head north to Penang for colonial charm and culinary adventures. For beach lovers, Langkawi offers comfortable resorts surrounded by rainforest and coral reefs. Or take a longer detour to Borneo, where orangutans swing through the trees and the rainforest hums with life.
Both Lombok and Malaysia offer a slower rhythm after Vietnam - a chance to reflect, relax, and absorb the memories of your journey.
Final thoughts for the best vacation in 2026
Your 2026 holiday to Asia doesn’t have to be a whirlwind of airports and checklists. It can be a journey of discovery - one that blends lively cities, beautiful nature, old culture, and modern comfort. Start in Vietnam, where real charm meets adventure. Add a touch of style in Singapore, or unwind on Lombok’s quiet beaches. And if you have extra time, let Malaysia or Cambodia complete the circle, with their mix of spirituality, heritage, and tropical beauty.
Asia is vast, diverse, and endlessly fascinating. But sometimes, the best trip begins not with trying to see it all - but by choosing the few places that capture its soul. In 2026, let Vietnam lead the way.
Mr Gwen
As a husband, dad of 2 children and employer, holidays are important to Gwen. Enjoying everything from small-scale boutique hotels to luxury holidays in beautiful resorts is therefore one of his favourite hobbies.
