On the ground
How the country actually works
What to eat, which market for what, where to go, and the things that get travellers into trouble.
Thailand
Easy first international trip. Cheap, friendly, well set up for tourists, and short flights from most Indian cities.
Best first call: Tourist Police on 1155 โ English-speaking and used to helping visitors.
Embassy of India, Bangkok
Consulate also in Chiang Mai.
Bumrungrad and Bangkok Hospital in Bangkok are used to international patients and direct insurance billing.
๐บ๏ธ Where to go, and what to do there
Pick the city first — the right one depends entirely on who is travelling.
Huge, hot, chaotic and brilliant. Temples and palaces in the morning, markets and rooftops at night.
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐ง With children
SEA LIFE Ocean WorldLarge aquarium under Siam Paragon mall. Good for a hot afternoon.
Safari World & Marine ParkDrive-through safari plus shows. A full day, book transport ahead.
Dream WorldTheme park about an hour out. Snow Town inside is a novelty for Indian kids.
Chao Phraya river boatCheap public ferry doubles as a sightseeing ride children enjoy.
๐ For adults
Grand Palace & Wat PhoGo at opening to beat heat and crowds. Shoulders and knees covered.
Wat Arun at sunsetCross by the small ferry from Wat Pho for a few baht.
Chatuchak Weekend MarketWeekends only. Go early, bring cash, wear light clothing.
Muay Thai at a proper stadiumRajadamnern or Lumpinee rather than a tourist show.
Yaowarat street food crawlChinatown after dark is the best eating in the city.
๐ Honeymoon
Rooftop bar at sunsetSeveral along Sathorn and the river. Note the dress code โ no shorts or open shoes.
Chao Phraya dinner cruiseTouristy but genuinely lovely, and the skyline at night is the point.
Riverside spa afternoonThai massage and spa treatments cost a fraction of India for the same standard.
The biggest island, and the easiest beach base. Busy and developed, with quiet corners if you choose the right beach.
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐ง With children
Splash Jungle Water ParkProper water park, good for a full day with younger children.
Kata or Karon beachCalmer water than Patong and far more family-friendly.
Ethical elephant sanctuaryChoose observation-only sanctuaries. Do not ride elephants โ reputable places do not offer it.
Small but well done, and cheap.
๐ For adults
Phi Phi & Maya Bay day tripLong day by speedboat. Book the early departure to avoid the crowds.
Phuket Old TownSino-Portuguese streets, cafes and street art. The most underrated part of the island.
Big BuddhaHilltop, free, best in the late afternoon.
Diving or snorkelling at Racha IslandClearer water than the main beaches.
Bangla Road, PatongThe famous nightlife strip. Loud and not for everyone.
๐ Honeymoon
Promthep Cape sunsetThe classic Phuket sunset point. Arrive well before dusk.
Private longtail to Phang Nga BayWorth paying for over the group boat โ you can stop where you like.
Quieter ends of the island for a resort stay.
Limestone cliffs straight out of the sea. Quieter and more scenic than Phuket, with better beaches nearby.
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐ง With children
Ao Nang beachShallow and safe, with everything within walking distance.
Natural pools inland. Easy walking, good half day.
Longtail day trip with plenty of shallow swimming stops.
๐ For adults
Railay BeachReachable only by boat. World-famous rock climbing and dramatic cliffs.
Tiger Cave Temple1,237 steps to the summit. Serious climb, exceptional view.
Sea kayaking at Ao ThalanePaddle through mangroves and limestone karsts.
๐ Honeymoon
Enclosed emerald lagoon. Go early before the tour boats arrive.
Private longtail sunsetInexpensive to hire for a couple and far better than a group trip.
Phra Nang Cave BeachOften called one of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand.
Spectacular scenery and a small, very lively main island. No cars at all.
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐ง With children
Better as a day trip with childrenSnorkelling stops and Monkey Beach work well; overnight is loud.
Long BeachCalmer stretch away from the main pier if you do stay.
๐ For adults
Maya BayThe beach from The Beach. Access is limited to protect the reef โ go with a licensed operator.
Phi Phi ViewpointSteep 20โ30 minute climb for the classic twin-bay photograph.
Snorkelling at Bamboo IslandSome of the clearest water in the region.
๐ Honeymoon
Early-morning Maya BayThe first boat of the day is a completely different experience.
Pileh Lagoon and Viking Cave without the crowds.
Northern, cooler, greener and far calmer. Temples, mountains and the best food culture in Thailand.
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐ง With children
Ethical elephant sanctuaryObservation and feeding only. The best in Thailand are here.
Chiang Mai Night SafariEvening tram through animal enclosures.
Grand Canyon Water ParkInflatable obstacle course on a flooded quarry. Older children love it.
๐ For adults
Doi Suthep templeMountain temple above the city, best at sunrise or sunset.
Thai cooking classHalf day including a market tour. Among the best value activities in the country.
Sunday Walking StreetThe best market in Thailand for genuine handicraft rather than tourist tat.
๐ Honeymoon
Doi Inthanon National ParkThailand's highest peak, waterfalls and the twin royal pagodas.
Boutique resort in the old cityExcellent value compared with the islands.
Larger, greener and more resort-focused than Phuket. Good roads, calm beaches, easy with family.
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐ง With children
Choeng Mon beachShallow, calm and quiet. The best family beach on the island.
Hilltop animal farm with a view and a small water play area.
Easy to reach and safe to paddle in.
๐ For adults
Ang Thong Marine Park42 islands, kayaking and viewpoints. A long but excellent day.
Fisherman's Village, BophutOld wooden shophouses, Friday night market.
Big Buddha & Wat Plai LaemShort, easy temple stop in the north.
๐ Honeymoon
Samui does these better and cheaper than most of Thailand.
The west coast gets the sunsets.
Two hours from Bangkok, so popular for short trips. Genuinely excellent for children, and known for adult nightlife โ the two coexist awkwardly.
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐ง With children
Cartoon Network AmazoneOne of the best water parks in Asia for children.
Ramayana Water ParkLarger, with slides for older kids and teenagers.
Nong Nooch Tropical GardenGardens, cultural shows and a dinosaur park.
Sanctuary of TruthVast all-wood carved temple. Genuinely impressive for all ages.
๐ For adults
Much better beaches than Pattaya itself, 45 minutes by ferry.
Walking StreetThe well-known adult nightlife strip. Not suitable for families after dark.
๐ Honeymoon
Krabi, Samui or Phuket are far better for a honeymoon. Pattaya is a family and nightlife destination.
๐ What to eat
Stir-fried rice noodles with egg, tamarind, peanuts. The safe first order everywhere.
Hot and sour prawn soup with lemongrass and lime. Ask for it mild if you are unsure.
Green papaya salad, pounded fresh. Genuinely spicy โ say "mai phet" for less chilli.
Mild, sweet, peanut-based curry. The one to order for children.
Sweet coconut rice with fresh mango. Best March to June.
Tiny bowls of intense pork or beef noodle soup. People order five or six at a time.
๐๏ธ Markets — and what each is best for
Over 15,000 stalls, weekends only. Go early, it gets extremely hot by midday. Bring cash.
Air-conditioned mall with market pricing. Bargaining expected on the upper floors.
Wholesale prices if you buy three or more of an item. Where local resellers shop.
Comes alive after dark. The best street food in Bangkok is here.
Evenings only. Good for photos and casual eating rather than serious shopping.
๐ Worth going to
The two must-see temples, walkable from each other
Central Bangkok
Riverside temple, best at sunset
Short ferry from Wat Pho
Ruined former capital, UNESCO site
About 1.5 hours from Bangkok
The classic floating market
About 2 hours โ go very early
Beaches and island hopping
1.5 hour flight from Bangkokโ ๏ธ What not to do in Thailand
Thailand has strict lese-majeste laws. Critical comments, damaging images of the King, or even social media posts can lead to serious prison sentences. This applies to foreigners.
E-cigarettes are illegal to import or possess. Penalties can include heavy fines and detention.
Penalties are severe and being a tourist is not a defence. Do not carry anything for anyone.
You will be refused entry otherwise. Remove shoes before entering, and never point your feet at a Buddha image or a person.
The head is considered sacred, including children's.
A classic scam. A friendly stranger says the site is shut and offers a tuk-tuk tour that ends at a gem or tailor shop. The palace is open โ walk to the official entrance and check yourself.
Photograph and video every existing scratch before you rent anything, and never hand over your passport as a deposit.
๐ Getting around, money and daily life
Transport
Use Grab or an official airport taxi counter. Refuse any driver who approaches you inside the terminal. In Bangkok the BTS Skytrain beats road traffic almost every time โ buy a Rabbit card.
Also: Bolt, BTS Skytrain, MRT, metered taxi
Convenience store
On every corner, open all night. SIM cards, hot food, toiletries, medicines, bill payment. Fixed prices, no haggling.
Food delivery
Busy stalls are safer than empty ones โ high turnover means fresh food. Bottled water only.
Money
Change only a small amount at the airport. SuperRich and similar city exchanges give noticeably better rates. Cash still rules at street stalls and markets.
Cards work in malls and hotels, rarely on the street.
โ Before you land
- Carry proof of onward travel โ immigration does ask for it.
- Get baht at a city exchange, not the airport, beyond a small amount.
- Download Grab and add a card before you fly.
- Leave vapes at home. They are illegal to bring in.
- Screenshot your hotel address in Thai to show a driver.
Visa rules, medicine restrictions and entry requirements change without notice. These are the official sources for Thailand:
Planning Thailand? We build the whole trip around what you actually want to see — and we contract the hotels directly.
Bali, Indonesia
Beaches, rice terraces and temples. Slower than Thailand, more spread out, and traffic will surprise you.
Best first call: 112 reaches all services and is the number to use first. English is limited โ ask your hotel to call on your behalf if you can.
Consulate General of India, Bali (Denpasar)
Embassy of India is in Jakarta.
BIMC Hospital and Siloam Hospital in Denpasar handle international patients and insurance.
๐บ๏ธ Where to go, and what to do there
Pick the city first — the right one depends entirely on who is travelling.
Inland, green and calmer. Temples, art markets, yoga and rice terraces. No beach.
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐ง With children
Giant swings over the valley. Harnessed and safer than the photos suggest.
Sacred Monkey ForestHundreds of macaques in a temple forest. Hold bags tight and hide sunglasses.
Well kept and shaded. Good for a hot afternoon with younger children.
๐ For adults
Tegallalang Rice TerracesThe iconic stepped fields. Go early before the coaches.
Tirta EmpulHoly spring water temple where people bathe. Sarong required.
Campuhan Ridge WalkEasy hour-long ridge walk, best just after sunrise.
๐ Honeymoon
Ubud does these better and cheaper than the coast.
Sunrise at Mount Batur2am start, but the view over the caldera is the memory people keep.
The stylish stretch. Beach clubs, good food, sunset bars and surf schools.
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐ง With children
Finns Recreation ClubPools, waterslides and activities. The easiest family day in Canggu.
Along the black sand at low tide, gentle and well supervised.
๐ For adults
Surf lesson at Batu BolongBeginner-friendly break with plenty of schools.
Seminyak beach clubsDay beds and sunset. Book ahead at weekends.
Tanah Lot at sunsetSea temple 40 minutes north. Busy, and still worth it.
๐ Honeymoon
Tables set on the beach at dusk along Seminyak and Petitenget.
Couples spa afternoonBalinese massage at a fraction of Indian spa prices.
Dramatic clifftops, white sand coves and the best sunsets on the island.
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐ง With children
Pandawa BeachCalm, sheltered and shallow. The most child-friendly beach on the Bukit.
Melasti BeachWide, clean and easy to reach by car.
๐ For adults
Uluwatu Temple & Kecak danceClifftop temple with a fire dance at sunset. Watch the monkeys.
Padang Padang BeachSmall cove reached through a rock crevice. Arrive early.
๐ Honeymoon
Clifftop sunset barSeveral perched on the cliff edge above the surf.
Private villa above BinginQuiet, dramatic and far from the crowds.
Rugged island of cliffs and turquoise coves. Rough roads, spectacular scenery.
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐ง With children
Snorkelling stops without the rough island roads.
๐ For adults
Kelingking BeachThe T-Rex cliff. The viewpoint is easy; the descent is not.
Angel Billabong & Broken BeachNatural rock pool and sea arch, side by side.
Snorkelling with manta raysManta Point, conditions permitting.
๐ Honeymoon
Diamond BeachStaircase down a cliff to white sand. Go early for the light.
Resort strips with calm, swimmable water and flat walkable paths. The safest choice with family.
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐ง With children
Waterblow, Nusa DuaWaves exploding through a rock channel. Short, free and memorable.
Flat 5km promenade, ideal for prams and easy cycling.
Bali Safari & Marine ParkBig, well run, and a full day out.
๐ For adults
Sanur faces east - the only Bali beach with a proper sunrise.
Parasailing, banana boat, jet ski, all in one place.
๐ Honeymoon
Beachfront resort with calm waterIf you want to actually swim, this coast is the one.
๐ What to eat
Indonesian fried rice, usually with a fried egg on top. The national comfort dish.
Balinese suckling pig. The island's signature dish โ not halal and not vegetarian.
Minced fish or chicken satay wrapped on lemongrass sticks. Balinese, not Javanese.
A plate of rice with several small portions. The best way to try many things at once.
Fried noodles. Safe, everywhere, and reliably good.
Fried banana fritters, sold everywhere as a snack.
๐๏ธ Markets — and what each is best for
Right opposite the palace. Touristy and priced accordingly โ bargain hard.
Where Ubud sellers buy their stock. About 30 minutes from Ubud and worth the trip.
Convenient if you are staying nearby, but prices are the highest on the island.
A real local market rather than a tourist one. Go in the morning.
๐ Worth going to
The iconic stepped rice fields
20 minutes north of Ubud
Clifftop temple, sunset Kecak fire dance
About 1 hour from Kuta
Kelingking beach and dramatic cliffs
40 minute fast boat from Sanur
Sunrise trek, achievable for most fitness levels
2 hour drive, 2am start
Sea temple, best at sunset
About 1 hour from Seminyakโ ๏ธ What not to do in Bali, Indonesia
Indonesia applies extremely severe penalties, including the death penalty for trafficking. There is no leniency for tourists.
Arak and cut-price cocktails have caused methanol poisoning. Stick to sealed, branded bottles and reputable venues.
Small palm-leaf offerings are placed on the ground everywhere. Walk around them and do not photograph them being made without asking.
Required for everyone. Usually provided or rented at the entrance. Women are traditionally asked not to enter temples during menstruation.
Tourists have been deported for this. Sacred sites are not photo props.
Use authorised changers with a proper shop front, count notes yourself, and do not let the cashier recount after you have.
Video the entire scooter before renting. Riding without a valid international licence also voids your travel insurance.
๐ Getting around, money and daily life
Transport
App pickups are restricted in some areas because of local taxi arrangements โ walk a short distance from the entrance if the driver cannot reach you. Hiring a driver for a full day is common and often better value than several separate trips.
Also: Full-day private driver, scooter rental
Convenience store
On every corner. Water, snacks, SIM cards, sunscreen, toiletries.
Food delivery
A warung is a local family eatery and usually excellent value. Bottled water only, and be careful with ice outside established places.
Money
Use ATMs attached to real bank branches rather than standalone machines. Count your notes before leaving a money changer and use authorised ones only โ short-changing is a known scam.
Cards in hotels and larger restaurants; cash for warungs, markets and temple entry.
โ Before you land
- Check the current e-visa or visa-on-arrival process on the official immigration site.
- Bring an international driving permit if you intend to ride a scooter, or do not ride.
- Carry small rupiah notes for temple donations and parking.
- Download Grab and Gojek before you land.
- Book the first night in advance โ arrival is chaotic without it.
Visa rules, medicine restrictions and entry requirements change without notice. These are the official sources for Bali, Indonesia:
Planning Bali, Indonesia? We build the whole trip around what you actually want to see — and we contract the hotels directly.
Dubai, UAE
The easiest first trip abroad for most Indian families. Short flight, huge Indian community, English everywhere, and very safe.
Best first call: 999 for anything urgent. Response is fast and operators speak English.
Consulate General of India, Dubai
Embassy of India is in Abu Dhabi.
Public and private hospitals are excellent. Private treatment is expensive without insurance โ confirm coverage before admission if you can.
๐บ๏ธ Where to go, and what to do there
Pick the city first — the right one depends entirely on who is travelling.
The postcard Dubai. Burj Khalifa, the fountain, and a mall the size of a town.
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐ง With children
Inside Dubai Mall. Walk-through tunnel, good in the heat.
Role-play city where children do adult jobs. Excellent for 4-12s.
Dubai FountainFree show every half hour after dark.
๐ For adults
Burj Khalifa At The TopBook online in advance - walk-up tickets cost far more.
Dubai OperaConcerts and shows in a genuinely beautiful building.
Dubai FrameNearby in Zabeel. Old city on one side, new on the other.
๐ Honeymoon
Fountain-view dinnerTerrace tables along the lake. Reserve well ahead.
High-rise waterfront with a proper public beach, promenade and endless restaurants.
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐ง With children
JBR beach & The Beach promenadeFree public beach with showers, play areas and shade.
Inflatable park just offshore at JBR.
๐ For adults
Dhow or yacht cruiseMarina skyline from the water, best at sunset.
Ain Dubai & BluewatersIsland promenade with restaurants and the observation wheel.
Tandem jump over the Palm. Expensive and unforgettable.
๐ Honeymoon
Sunset yacht charterPrivate hire is cheaper than most couples expect.
Deira and Bur Dubai - the part most visitors skip and later wish they had not.
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐ง With children
Abra across the CreekWooden water taxi for one dirham. Children love it more than the malls.
๐ For adults
Gold SoukPriced by daily rate plus making charge. The making charge is negotiable.
Al Fahidi Historical NeighbourhoodWind-tower houses, galleries and the Dubai Museum area.
Spice SoukSaffron, dates and nuts. Be sceptical of very cheap saffron.
๐ Honeymoon
Creekside dinner at duskOld Dubai at night is quieter and far more atmospheric.
The man-made palm island. Big resorts, aquaparks and the Atlantis strip.
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐ง With children
Aquaventure WaterparkOne of the largest in the world. A full day, easily.
Lost Chambers AquariumInside Atlantis. Good combined ticket with the waterpark.
Observation deck looking down the whole island.
๐ For adults
Palm West BeachFree beach with restaurants along the boardwalk.
๐ Honeymoon
The Palm is where Dubai does honeymoon properly.
The capital, 90 minutes away. Grander, calmer and worth a full day.
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐ง With children
Ferrari WorldIndoor theme park with the fastest rollercoaster in the world.
Warner Bros WorldFully indoor, which matters enormously in summer.
๐ For adults
Sheikh Zayed Grand MosqueFree entry, strict dress code, genuinely extraordinary. Go late afternoon.
Louvre Abu DhabiThe domed roof alone justifies the ticket.
Qasr Al WatanThe presidential palace, open to visitors.
๐ Honeymoon
Emirates Palace afternoon teaExtravagant in the way Abu Dhabi does well.
๐ What to eat
The default cheap meal. Chicken or lamb in flatbread with garlic sauce.
Emirati spiced rice with meat, close to a biryani. The genuinely local dish.
Crisp sweet dumplings in date syrup. Everywhere during Ramadan.
Strong sweet spiced tea. A cultural institution, sold at every cafeteria.
Levantine flatbread with za'atar or cheese. Excellent breakfast.
Camel milk chocolate and ice cream โ an easy, genuinely local souvenir.
๐๏ธ Markets — and what each is best for
Priced by daily gold rate plus making charges โ the rate is not negotiable but the making charge is. Ask for the certificate.
Right beside the Gold Souk. Bargain, and be sceptical of very cheap saffron.
Cross by abra water taxi from Deira for one dirham โ it is the cheapest fun in Dubai.
Where residents shop. Much better value than the malls for gifts.
Seasonal, roughly October to April. Excellent for families and a whole evening out.
๐ Worth going to
The observation deck and fountain show
Book the deck online in advance
Dune bashing, camels, dinner under lights
Half day, hotel pickup
Old Dubai โ the part most visitors miss
Central, combine with the souks
The Palm, aquarium and waterpark
30 minutes from downtown
Abu Dhabi โ genuinely worth the day trip
About 1.5 hours each wayโ ๏ธ What not to do in Dubai, UAE
Kissing or prolonged hugging in public can result in arrest. Holding hands as a married couple is generally tolerated.
Alcohol is legal only in licensed venues and private premises. Being intoxicated in public is an offence, and so is drink-driving at any level.
Some common painkillers and cold remedies containing codeine are controlled substances. Carry a prescription and check the UAE list before travelling.
Including trace amounts detected in blood tests. Penalties are severe.
Photographing women, families or government buildings can lead to serious complaints and prosecution.
An obscene gesture in a traffic dispute has resulted in deportation. Stay calm in any confrontation.
Malls and public places expect shoulders and knees covered. Swimwear is for the beach and pool only.
๐ Getting around, money and daily life
Transport
The Metro is clean, cheap and reaches most tourist areas. Buy a Nol card at any station. Taxis are metered and honest โ you rarely need to negotiate anything.
Also: Dubai Taxi (metered), Metro, Nol card
Convenience store
Zoom is the small convenience chain; Carrefour is the big supermarket and far cheaper for water and snacks.
Food delivery
Tap water is safe but most people drink bottled. Indian food is everywhere and often better value than hotel dining.
Money
Cards work almost everywhere so you need less cash here than in Southeast Asia. Airport exchange rates are poor โ Al Ansari and similar city exchanges are much better.
Card-first destination. Keep small cash for taxis and tips.
โ Before you land
- Check your medicines against the UAE controlled list and carry prescriptions.
- Your Indian plug fits โ no adapter needed.
- Download Careem and add a card.
- Dress modestly for malls and public places; swimwear is for pools and beaches.
- Nol card at the first Metro station saves a lot on taxis.
Visa rules, medicine restrictions and entry requirements change without notice. These are the official sources for Dubai, UAE:
Planning Dubai, UAE? We build the whole trip around what you actually want to see — and we contract the hotels directly.
Singapore
The most effortless country to travel in. Spotless, safe, everything works, English everywhere. Expensive, but you waste nothing.
Best first call: 999 for police, 995 for medical. Everything operates in English.
High Commission of India, Singapore
Official site →Healthcare is world class and priced accordingly. Insurance matters more here than almost anywhere.
๐บ๏ธ Where to go, and what to do there
Pick the city first — the right one depends entirely on who is travelling.
Gardens, the Sands, the Merlion and the light shows. Where most first trips start.
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐ง With children
Gardens by the Bay domesCloud Forest waterfall and Flower Dome. Cool, indoors, excellent.
ArtScience MuseumFuture World digital playground is genuinely brilliant for children.
Garden Rhapsody light showFree, nightly, under the Supertrees.
๐ For adults
Marina Bay Sands SkyParkObservation deck for the classic skyline view.
Merlion Park & the bay walkFree and best after dark.
Singapore FlyerObservation wheel over the bay and the F1 circuit.
๐ Honeymoon
Rooftop bar above the baySeveral along the waterfront. Dress code applies.
Resort island reached by monorail, cable car or a short walk. A full day, minimum.
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐ง With children
Universal Studios SingaporeCompact enough to finish in a day. Book online.
S.E.A. AquariumAmong the largest aquariums in the world.
Adventure Cove WaterparkSlides plus snorkelling in a reef tank.
๐ For adults
Singapore Cable CarMount Faber to Sentosa with harbour views.
Gravity karts down the hillside. Adults enjoy it more than children.
๐ Honeymoon
Palawan or Tanjong BeachQuieter ends of the island, better at sunset.
Shophouse streets, temples, mosques and the best cheap food in the city.
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐ง With children
Chinatown Heritage CentreRecreated shophouse rooms. Short and genuinely interesting.
๐ For adults
Buddha Tooth Relic TempleFour floors, free, with a rooftop garden.
Sultan Mosque & Haji LaneGolden dome, then the narrow lane of murals and boutiques.
Maxwell Food CentreHawker centre with some of the best chicken rice in the country.
๐ Honeymoon
Cocktails on Haji LaneSmall bars in shophouses, far more relaxed than Marina Bay.
Little India for colour and 24-hour shopping; Orchard for malls end to end.
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐ง With children
Mustafa CentreOpen 24 hours. Everything, at fixed and genuinely good prices.
๐ For adults
Sri Veeramakaliamman TempleVivid Tamil temple in the heart of Little India.
Wet market below, excellent cheap food above.
ION OrchardThe flagship mall, with a free viewing deck on level 56.
๐ Honeymoon
Afternoon tea at RafflesThe colonial set piece. Book ahead, dress properly.
The half of Singapore visitors miss. Rainforest, reservoirs and world-class animal parks.
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐ง With children
Singapore ZooOpen enclosures, among the best zoos anywhere. Go at opening.
River WondersGiant pandas and a flooded-forest tank. Next door to the zoo.
Night SafariTram through nocturnal enclosures after dark.
๐ For adults
Singapore Botanic GardensUNESCO listed and free. The Orchid Garden is the paid part.
Suspension bridge through rainforest canopy.
๐ Honeymoon
Sunrise at the Botanic GardensEmpty, cool and quiet before the city wakes.
๐ What to eat
The national dish. Poached chicken, fragrant rice, chilli-ginger sauce.
The famous one. Messy, sweet-spicy, eaten with fried mantou buns.
Coconut curry noodle soup. Rich and mildly spicy.
Smoky stir-fried flat noodles with egg and cockles.
The classic breakfast โ coconut jam toast with soft-boiled eggs and kopi.
Peppery pork rib soup. A local favourite, not for vegetarians.
๐๏ธ Markets — and what each is best for
The most affordable shopping in central Singapore. Mild bargaining works here.
Electronics, groceries, gold, medicines, souvenirs. Prices are fixed and genuinely good.
Touristy but fun. The food street behind it is better than the stalls.
Good for photographs as much as shopping.
Hawker food upstairs is excellent and very cheap.
๐ Worth going to
Supertrees and the two conservatories
Book the domes online, go for the evening light show
Universal Studios, beaches, SEA Aquarium
A full day, easily reached by monorail
The indoor waterfall at the airport
Worth arriving early for on departure day
Among the best zoos in the world, excellent for children
Half day, north of the city
The classic skyline walk, free
Best after darkโ ๏ธ What not to do in Singapore
Singapore applies the death penalty for trafficking and tests arriving travellers. This includes substances consumed before arrival.
Confiscation and substantial fines, enforced at the airport.
Sale and import are restricted. Small personal amounts are usually overlooked but do not carry quantities.
Including water. It is a fineable offence and enforcement is real.
All carry fines. Smoking is only permitted in marked zones.
Signposted and taken seriously. The smell lingers for hours.
Singaporeans are orderly and will notice.
๐ Getting around, money and daily life
Transport
The MRT reaches nearly everything and is cheap. Tap any contactless bank card straight at the gate โ you do not need a separate travel card.
Also: MRT, buses, Gojek, ComfortDelGro taxis
Convenience store
FairPrice is the supermarket and much cheaper for water, snacks and sunscreen.
Food delivery
Hawker centres are the best value food in the country and are strictly inspected โ look for the hygiene grade at each stall. Tap water is safe to drink.
Money
Almost entirely cashless. Cards and contactless work everywhere, including most hawker stalls. Change only a small amount.
Card and contactless accepted nearly everywhere.
โ Before you land
- Complete the SG Arrival Card online before you fly โ it is required.
- A contactless bank card works directly on the MRT; no separate card needed.
- Leave vapes and chewing gum at home.
- Tap water is safe โ no need to buy bottled.
- Budget more than you expect for food and taxis.
Visa rules, medicine restrictions and entry requirements change without notice. These are the official sources for Singapore:
Planning Singapore? We build the whole trip around what you actually want to see — and we contract the hotels directly.
Vietnam
Outstanding food, dramatic landscapes and very good value. Slightly harder than Thailand for a first trip, and much more rewarding.
Best first call: Ambulance on 115. English is limited on emergency lines โ ask hotel staff to call if possible.
Embassy of India, Hanoi
Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City.
International SOS and Family Medical Practice clinics in Hanoi and HCMC treat foreigners and bill insurers directly.
๐บ๏ธ Where to go, and what to do there
Pick the city first — the right one depends entirely on who is travelling.
Old Quarter chaos, lakes, French colonial streets and the best street food in the country.
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐ง With children
Thang Long Water Puppet TheatrePuppets on water with live music. Short and genuinely charming.
Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son TempleEasy walk, red bridge, and the streets close to traffic at weekends.
๐ For adults
Old Quarter street food walkBun cha, banh mi and egg coffee within a few streets.
Temple of LiteratureVietnam's first university, from 1070.
Trains pass inches from the cafes. Access is periodically restricted - check locally.
๐ Honeymoon
Egg coffee above the lakeUpstairs cafes with a window seat over Hoan Kiem.
Thousands of limestone islands. Almost always done as an overnight cruise.
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐ง With children
Kayaking in the bayCalm water between the karsts, life jackets provided.
Sung Sot CaveEnormous lit cave chambers. Lots of steps.
๐ For adults
Overnight cruiseThe whole point. Pick a smaller boat over a large one.
Lan Ha BayQuieter neighbouring bay with far fewer boats.
๐ Honeymoon
Private balcony cabinWorth the upgrade - sunrise over the karsts from your own deck.
Modern beach city, clean and easy, and the base for Ba Na Hills and Hoi An.
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐ง With children
My Khe BeachLong, clean and gently shelving. Very good for children.
Asia Park & Sun WheelTheme park and a big observation wheel by the river.
Dragon Bridge fire showBreathes fire and water at weekends, 9pm.
๐ For adults
Ba Na Hills & Golden BridgeThe giant stone hands. Go early - it fills by mid-morning.
Caves, pagodas and a viewpoint over the coast.
Son Tra PeninsulaLady Buddha statue and a coastal loop worth riding.
๐ Honeymoon
Beachfront resort on My KheExcellent value compared with Thai beach resorts.
Lantern-lit heritage town, riverside, walkable, and the best tailoring in Vietnam.
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐ง With children
Lantern boat on the Thu BonFloat a paper lantern downriver after dark.
An Bang BeachCalm and 15 minutes from town by bicycle.
Round coracles in the coconut palms. Slightly absurd and great fun.
๐ For adults
Old Town & Japanese BridgeA ticket covers several heritage houses. Best at dusk.
Allow two days for fittings. Agree everything in writing first.
Cooking class with a market tourAmong the best value activities in Vietnam.
๐ Honeymoon
Riverside dinner under the lanternsThe reason most people come.
Fast, loud and modern, with the wartime history that most travellers come for.
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐ง With children
Suoi Tien or Dam Sen parkLarge local theme parks, cheap and rarely crowded with tourists.
๐ For adults
War Remnants MuseumConfronting and essential. Not suitable for young children.
Half day out of the city. Tight spaces - skip if claustrophobic.
Ben Thanh Market & Bui VienMarket by day, backpacker street by night.
๐ Honeymoon
Rooftop bar over District 1The skyline is better than people expect.
The biggest island in Vietnam. Beaches, a very long cable car, and calm water.
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐ง With children
Large theme park and an open safari park.
Among the longest sea-crossing cable cars in the world.
๐ For adults
Clear water and easy reefs in the An Thoi archipelago.
Seafood picked from the tank.
๐ Honeymoon
Sunset on Long BeachPhu Quoc faces west - the sunsets are the best in Vietnam.
๐ What to eat
The famous beef or chicken noodle soup. Eaten for breakfast, not dinner.
Baguette sandwich with pate, pork, pickled vegetables and coriander.
Grilled pork with noodles and dipping broth. A Hanoi speciality.
Fresh rice-paper rolls with prawn and herbs. Light and not fried.
Egg coffee โ whipped egg yolk over strong coffee. Hanoi invented it and it is remarkable.
Hoi An only. Chewy noodles, pork and greens, made with water from a specific local well.
๐๏ธ Markets — and what each is best for
Very touristy and prices start extremely high. The surrounding streets are better value.
A genuine local market. The night market around it runs at weekends.
Hoi An is the best place in Vietnam for tailored clothing โ allow two days for fittings.
Good for Vietnamese coffee and cashews to take home.
๐ Worth going to
Limestone karsts โ usually an overnight cruise
About 2.5 hours from Hanoi
Lantern-lit heritage streets and tailors
40 minutes from Da Nang
The giant stone hands holding the bridge
About 1 hour from Da Nang
Wartime tunnel network
About 1.5 hours from Ho Chi Minh CityFloating markets and river life
Day trip from Ho Chi Minh City
The biggest island in Vietnam - beaches, cable car, calm water
Short flight from Ho Chi Minh Cityโ ๏ธ What not to do in Vietnam
Vietnam applies severe penalties including capital punishment for trafficking.
This is taken seriously and cameras can be confiscated.
You need a valid international permit recognised in Vietnam. Riding without one voids your travel insurance entirely โ and traffic here is genuinely dangerous.
Including images of Ho Chi Minh. Keep opinions private.
Shoulders and knees covered, shoes removed. Remove hats inside.
The note confusion is exploited deliberately. Count in front of the seller and learn the colours.
Or use the app. Unmetered rides routinely end in a dispute.
๐ Getting around, money and daily life
Transport
Grab Bike is very cheap for solo travellers. For airport transfers use the app or an official counter, and agree everything in-app rather than in cash.
Also: Be, Xanh SM electric taxis, Grab Bike
Convenience store
Open late. Water, SIM cards, snacks, and reliable air conditioning when you need a break.
Food delivery
Street food is the highlight of the country. Choose stalls with a queue and high turnover. Bottled water only.
Money
The dong has many zeros โ 500,000 and 20,000 notes look similar and mixing them up is the single most common tourist mistake. Reputable gold shops often give better rates than banks.
Cash-first outside hotels and larger restaurants.
โ Before you land
- Check the current e-visa process on the official immigration portal well before you fly.
- Learn the dong note colours before you arrive โ the zeros catch everyone.
- Download Grab and add a card.
- Carry a printed hotel address; English is limited outside tourist zones.
- Do not plan to ride a motorbike unless you hold the correct licence.
Visa rules, medicine restrictions and entry requirements change without notice. These are the official sources for Vietnam:
Planning Vietnam? We build the whole trip around what you actually want to see — and we contract the hotels directly.
Photo credits & licences
Guide photographs come from Wikimedia Commons and are reproduced under their respective free licences. Each was checked against its subject before use.
Full licence terms and the original files are on Wikimedia Commons. Where a licence requires share-alike, that applies to the photograph only, not to the surrounding text.
Prices are approximate and for orientation only. Laws and customs summarised here are simplified — confirm anything critical with official sources. Last checked: September 2026 โ re-check prices and app coverage quarterly.