Southeast Asia on Points: Thailand, Vietnam, and Bali
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You're sitting at a street-side table in Chiang Mai. The air smells like lemongrass, charcoal, and jasmine. A woman who looks like she's been cooking since before you were born slides a bowl of khao soi in front of you — golden, coconut-rich curry over egg noodles, topped with crispy shallots and a squeeze of lime. It is, without exaggeration, one of the best things you've ever eaten.
It costs $2.50.
Your hotel last night — a beautiful room with a king bed, a pool, and a view of a 14th-century temple — cost 8,000 Hyatt points. Cash price: $180. The business class seat that brought you here from Los Angeles? ANA's legendary lie-flat product, transferred from Chase Ultimate Rewards. Cost: 85,000 points for a seat that retails for $6,000.
This is Southeast Asia on points. The ultimate value destination on Earth, amplified by a points strategy that turns "affordable" into "nearly free."
Thailand, Vietnam, and Bali (Indonesia) represent something rare in travel: destinations where your money goes five to ten times further than at home, where the culture is ancient and endlessly fascinating, where the food will ruin you for American Thai restaurants forever, and where business class award flights are available at some of the lowest redemption rates in the points world.
For travelers 55+, Southeast Asia offers something else: a pace and warmth and reverence for elders that feels — there's no other word for it — welcoming. In Thai culture, age is respected. In Vietnamese families, grandparents are the center. In Bali, temple ceremonies are community affairs where every generation sits together.
This is your guide to 14 days across three countries, flying in the front of the plane, sleeping in beautiful hotels on points, and spending less out of pocket than a week at a mid-range resort in Florida.
Let's go.
Getting There: The Business Class Sweet Spots
Southeast Asia is far from the US — 15 to 20 hours of flight time depending on connections — which makes business class less of a luxury and more of a survival strategy. The good news: some of the best business class products in the world fly these routes, and the award pricing is genuinely extraordinary.
The Big Three: ANA, Singapore Airlines, and Cathay Pacific
These three airlines represent the pinnacle of business class travel to Southeast Asia. All three are bookable through transferable credit card points. All three will make you wonder why you ever flew domestic business.
| Route | Airline | Program | Points (Round Trip) | Cash Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US → Bangkok | ANA (via Tokyo) | Virgin Atlantic (via Chase UR) | 90,000–95,000 | $5,000–$10,000 | Connects through Tokyo Narita/Haneda; ANA's "The Room" product |
| US → Bangkok/Saigon | Singapore Airlines (via Singapore) | Singapore KrisFlyer (via Chase/Amex/Capital One) | 148,000–198,000 | $5,000–$12,000 | World's best business class; connects through SIN |
| US → Bangkok/Hanoi/Bali | Cathay Pacific (via Hong Kong) | Alaska Mileage Plan or Cathay (via Amex) | 100,000–140,000 | $4,000–$9,000 | Outstanding business class; connects through HKG |
| US → Bali | ANA (via Tokyo) | Virgin Atlantic (via Chase UR) | 90,000–95,000 | $5,000–$10,000 | Route to Denpasar (DPS) via NRT |
| US → Vietnam | ANA (via Tokyo) | ANA Mileage Club (via Amex MR) | 85,000–95,000 | $4,000–$9,000 | Round trip pricing; excellent for Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City |
The WanderWise move: ANA via Virgin Atlantic is, once again, the crown jewel. Transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club at 1:1, then book ANA business class round trip to Bangkok, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Bali for approximately 90,000–95,000 points per person. That's a $7,000+ seat for roughly one Chase Sapphire Preferred sign-up bonus plus a few months of normal spending.
ANA connects through Tokyo, which adds a few hours to your journey — but ANA's Tokyo lounges are excellent, and if you're willing to add a free stopover in Japan (ANA allows this on round-trip awards through their own program), you can turn one trip into two destinations.
Singapore Airlines deserves special mention because their business class is frequently rated the best in the world. The seats are enormous, the food is restaurant-quality, and the service is almost telepathically attentive. The points cost is higher (148,000–198,000 KrisFlyer miles round trip), but if you have Amex, Chase, or Capital One points to transfer, Singapore business class to Southeast Asia is worth every mile.
Cathay Pacific connects through Hong Kong and offers a reliably excellent business class at competitive award rates. Alaska Mileage Plan is the secret weapon here — 100,000–140,000 Alaska miles round trip in business class on Cathay. Transfer from Amex MR to earn Alaska miles, or build them directly.
Economy option: If you'd rather save points for hotels or a future trip, economy to Southeast Asia runs 60,000–80,000 miles round trip through most programs. At 15–20 hours of travel, we strongly recommend business class for this distance — but economy is perfectly viable, especially with a stopover to break up the journey.
Intra-Region Flights
Moving between Thailand, Vietnam, and Bali requires short intra-regional flights. These are inexpensive and frequent:
| Route | Airlines | Approx. Cost | Flight Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok → Hanoi or HCMC | VietJet, AirAsia, Vietnam Airlines | $60–$150 | 2 hours |
| Bangkok → Bali | AirAsia, Thai Airways, Batik Air | $100–$250 | 4 hours |
| Hanoi/HCMC → Bali | VietJet, various (1 stop) | $100–$200 | 4–6 hours |
| Chiang Mai → Bangkok | AirAsia, Thai Smile, Nok Air | $30–$80 | 1.5 hours |
The WanderWise move: Book intra-Asia flights with cash. They're too cheap to justify burning transferable points. Budget airlines like AirAsia and VietJet are reliable for these short hops — just buy a seat selection and checked bag if needed ($10–$20 each).
Where to Stay: Hyatt and Marriott Domination
Southeast Asia is where hotel points deliver jaw-dropping value. Properties that cost $150–$400 per night in cash are bookable for 8,000–25,000 points per night. You'll stay in places that feel like splurges but cost less in points than a Holiday Inn Express in New Jersey.
Thailand Hotels on Points
| Hotel | Location | Program | Points/Night | Cash Rate | Why We Love It |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park Hyatt Bangkok | Bangkok | World of Hyatt (via Chase UR) | 20,000–25,000 | $250–$400 | Rooftop bar, stunning design, top-floor pool with city views |
| Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok | Bangkok | World of Hyatt | 15,000–20,000 | $180–$300 | Central location, legendary brunch, walking distance to sky train |
| Hyatt Regency Chiang Mai | Chiang Mai | World of Hyatt | 8,000–12,000 | $120–$200 | Riverside setting, near Night Bazaar, beautiful pool |
| JW Marriott Khao Lak | Khao Lak (beach) | Marriott Bonvoy | 35,000–50,000 | $200–$400 | Beachfront resort, 11 pools, turtle conservation program |
| Marriott Resort & Spa Phuket | Phuket | Marriott Bonvoy | 30,000–45,000 | $150–$350 | Sprawling beach resort, excellent for relaxation |
The WanderWise move: The Hyatt Regency Chiang Mai at 8,000–12,000 points per night might be the single best hotel redemption in the world. You're paying the equivalent of a Courtyard in suburban Ohio for a gorgeous riverside resort in one of Asia's most enchanting cities. Three nights: 24,000–36,000 Hyatt points. Cash value: $360–$600. Transfer Chase UR → Hyatt and marvel at the math.
The Park Hyatt Bangkok is for your city splurge — world-class design, one of Bangkok's best rooftop experiences, and 20,000–25,000 points per night for a hotel that feels like it should cost twice its cash rate.
Vietnam Hotels on Points
| Hotel | Location | Program | Points/Night | Cash Rate | Why We Love It |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park Hyatt Saigon | Ho Chi Minh City | World of Hyatt (via Chase UR) | 15,000–20,000 | $200–$350 | Colonial elegance, central location, legendary afternoon tea |
| Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh | Side trip option | World of Hyatt | 8,000–12,000 | $100–$180 | Stunning new property if you extend to Cambodia |
| JW Marriott Hanoi | Hanoi | Marriott Bonvoy | 30,000–45,000 | $150–$300 | Near West Lake, excellent spa and dining |
| Marriott Resort & Spa Hoi An | Hoi An | Marriott Bonvoy | 25,000–40,000 | $120–$250 | Beachfront, between Hoi An old town and the coast |
| Four Points by Sheraton Da Nang | Da Nang | Marriott Bonvoy | 15,000–25,000 | $80–$150 | Beach access, solid base for central Vietnam |
The WanderWise move: The Park Hyatt Saigon is a jewel — French colonial architecture meets Vietnamese elegance in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. At 15,000–20,000 Hyatt points per night, it's an absolute steal. Two nights here on points saves you $400–$700 in cash.
Vietnam also offers incredible independent hotels and boutique guesthouses for $30–$80 per night — some of the best-value accommodation anywhere. For your Vietnam leg, consider mixing: use points at the Park Hyatt for your first and last nights, then stay at charming independent hotels in Hoi An and Hanoi's Old Quarter where cash rates are already astonishingly low.
Bali Hotels on Points
| Hotel | Location | Program | Points/Night | Cash Rate | Why We Love It |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alila Villas Uluwatu | Uluwatu | World of Hyatt (via Chase UR) | 25,000–35,000 | $400–$800 | Cliff-edge infinity pool, dramatic architecture, adults-focused |
| Andaz Bali | Sanur | World of Hyatt | 15,000–20,000 | $200–$350 | Beachfront, Balinese design, excellent spa, newer property |
| Hyatt Regency Bali | Sanur | World of Hyatt | 12,000–18,000 | $150–$250 | Family-friendly beachfront, huge pool, reliable |
| W Bali Seminyak | Seminyak | Marriott Bonvoy | 45,000–65,000 | $250–$500 | Trendy beachfront, vibrant restaurant scene |
| St. Regis Bali Resort | Nusa Dua | Marriott Bonvoy | 60,000–85,000 | $400–$800 | Ultra-luxury, butler service, saltwater lagoon |
The WanderWise move: The Alila Villas Uluwatu is one of the most spectacular Hyatt properties on Earth. Perched on limestone cliffs above the Indian Ocean, with an infinity pool that seems to pour into the sea, it's a $600+ per night resort available for 25,000–35,000 Hyatt points. Two nights here as your Bali grand finale is unforgettable — and costs the same in points as an airport hotel in many US cities.
The Andaz Bali is our value pick — beachfront in Sanur (Bali's quieter, more sophisticated coast) at 15,000–20,000 Hyatt points per night. Sanur is gentler and more relaxed than Seminyak or Kuta, with a wide beach promenade and a pace that suits 55+ travelers perfectly.
The 14-Day Itinerary
This itinerary covers three countries at a thoughtful pace — enough time to absorb each place without the exhaustion of constant movement. We've built in buffer days, slow mornings, and strategic rest. Southeast Asia rewards travelers who linger.
Days 1–4: Bangkok & Chiang Mai, Thailand
Stay: Park Hyatt Bangkok (2 nights) + Hyatt Regency Chiang Mai (2 nights)
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive Bangkok. Check in to Park Hyatt. Rest and acclimate — the time zone shift is significant (11–14 hours ahead of US). Light exploration of the neighborhood | Rooftop pool and bar at the Park Hyatt — let the city come to you | Dinner at a riverside restaurant. Bangkok's skyline from the Chao Phraya River at night is electric |
| 2 | Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) — go early, before 10 AM, to beat crowds and heat. Then Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) nearby | Lunch at a riverside restaurant, then longtail boat tour through Bangkok's canal neighborhoods (klongs) — a side of Bangkok most tourists miss | Night market exploration — Asiatique or Chatuchak Weekend Market (if it's Fri–Sun). Thai street food dinner — safe, delicious, and ridiculously cheap |
| 3 | Fly Bangkok → Chiang Mai (1.5 hours, $30–$80). Check in to Hyatt Regency Chiang Mai. Afternoon at the hotel pool | Walk to the Night Bazaar — handicrafts, art, street food, and friendly haggling | Dinner at a khao soi restaurant (Chiang Mai's signature dish — creamy coconut curry noodles). Ask your hotel for their favorite |
| 4 | Morning visit to Doi Suthep temple — hilltop temple with panoramic views of Chiang Mai. Take the songthaew (red truck taxi) up the mountain ($3 pp) | Thai cooking class (half day, $25–$40 per person) — hands-on, market shopping included, and you'll learn dishes you can make at home | Farewell dinner at a garden restaurant. Chiang Mai's dining scene is exceptional and astonishingly affordable |
Days 5–8: Vietnam (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An)
Stay: JW Marriott Hanoi (2 nights on Marriott Bonvoy) + Hoi An boutique hotel (2 nights, cash $40–$80/night)
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Fly Chiang Mai → Hanoi (2 hours, $60–$120). Check in to JW Marriott Hanoi. Rest and settle | Explore the Old Quarter on foot or by cyclo (pedal rickshaw) — 36 streets, each named for the guild that once traded there. Coffee at a Vietnamese drip-coffee shop — it will change your relationship with coffee | Water puppet theater (unique to Hanoi — charming, short, and genuinely entertaining). Dinner on Ta Hien "beer street" or at a pho restaurant |
| 6 | Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex and One Pillar Pagoda (morning only — the complex closes by noon). Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake — the spiritual center of Hanoi | Temple of Literature (Vietnam's first university, founded 1070 — gorgeous architecture and gardens). Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien (where Obama and Bourdain ate — the bun cha is transcendent and $3) | Hanoi night food tour (optional, $30–$50 per person — highly recommended for adventurous eaters) |
| 7 | Ha Long Bay day trip (or overnight cruise — we recommend at least a full day). Cruise through 1,600+ limestone karsts and islands rising from emerald water. Kayaking through caves, floating villages, seafood lunch on board | Continue Ha Long Bay cruise. Return to Hanoi in the evening | Simple dinner near the hotel. Rest before early flight tomorrow |
| 8 | Fly Hanoi → Da Nang (1.5 hours, $40–$80). Transfer to Hoi An (30 minutes by car). Check in to boutique hotel | Hoi An Ancient Town — a UNESCO World Heritage Site frozen in amber. Lantern-lit streets, Japanese covered bridge, Chinese assembly halls, and tailors who can make you a custom suit or dress in 24 hours | Lantern-lit dinner by the Thu Bon River. Hoi An at night is pure magic — hundreds of silk lanterns reflected in the water |
Days 9–10: Hoi An, Vietnam
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Morning at An Bang Beach (Hoi An's beach — uncrowded, lounge chairs, $1 coconuts from beach vendors). Or: Vietnamese cooking class ($20–$35) | Bicycle ride through rice paddies and fishing villages outside town (flat, easy, guided tours available). Visit a tailor for custom clothing if interested | Night market in the Ancient Town. Release a floating lantern on the river (a Hoi An tradition) |
| 10 | Tra Que Herb Village — a farming village where you can join a morning harvest and cooking experience. Peaceful, authentic, and fragrant | Lunch in Hoi An, then transfer to Da Nang airport. Fly Da Nang → Bali (4–6 hours with connection, $100–$200) | Arrive Bali. Transfer to Sanur. Check in to Andaz Bali |
Days 11–14: Bali, Indonesia
Stay: Andaz Bali, Sanur (2 nights on Hyatt points) + Alila Villas Uluwatu (2 nights on Hyatt points)
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | Sleep in — you've earned it. Late breakfast at the Andaz. Morning walk along the Sanur beach promenade (flat, shaded, lovely) | Balinese spa treatment at the hotel — you've been traveling for 10 days. This is mandatory self-care | Dinner in Sanur village — fresh seafood on the beach at sunset |
| 12 | Day trip to Ubud — Bali's cultural heart (1 hour from Sanur). Tegallalang rice terraces (the Instagram-famous cascading paddies — genuinely stunning in person). Ubud Monkey Forest | Lunch overlooking the rice terraces. Visit the Ubud Royal Palace and art market. Ubud is Bali's center for traditional dance, painting, and woodcarving | Return to Sanur, or attend a Kecak fire dance performance at Uluwatu Temple (if transferring to Alila today) |
| 13 | Transfer to Alila Villas Uluwatu (45 min from Sanur). Check in and lose your mind at the cliff-edge infinity pool | Simply exist at the Alila. Read by the pool. Watch surfers far below the cliffs. This is the climax of your trip — savor it | Sunset dinner at the resort's cliff-edge restaurant. The sun setting over the Indian Ocean from this vantage point is one of Bali's greatest shows |
| 14 | Morning yoga or spa at the Alila (complimentary morning classes available). Late checkout if available | Transfer to Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) for evening departure. Or: extend your trip — many travelers find Bali hard to leave |
The Points Budget: What This Trip Actually Costs
Here's the complete breakdown for two travelers on our 14-day Southeast Asia itinerary:
Flights
| Segment | Program | Points (for 2) | Cash Taxes/Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| US → Bangkok (ANA Business Class via Tokyo) | Virgin Atlantic (via Chase UR) | 190,000 | $200–$400 |
| Bali → US (ANA Business Class via Tokyo) | Virgin Atlantic (via Chase UR) | (included in round trip or separate booking) | (included) |
| Intra-region flights (Bangkok→CM, CM→Hanoi, Hanoi→Da Nang, Da Nang→Bali) | Cash | — | $300–$600 |
| Flight Total | 190,000 | $500–$1,000 |
Hotels
| Property | Nights | Program | Points (1 room) | Cash Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park Hyatt Bangkok | 2 | World of Hyatt (via Chase UR) | 40,000–50,000 | $500–$800 |
| Hyatt Regency Chiang Mai | 2 | World of Hyatt | 16,000–24,000 | $240–$400 |
| JW Marriott Hanoi | 2 | Marriott Bonvoy | 60,000–90,000 | $300–$600 |
| Hoi An boutique hotel | 2 | Cash | — | $80–$160 |
| Andaz Bali | 2 | World of Hyatt (via Chase UR) | 30,000–40,000 | $400–$700 |
| Alila Villas Uluwatu | 2 | World of Hyatt (via Chase UR) | 50,000–70,000 | $800–$1,600 |
| Hotel Total | 12 | 136,000–184,000 Hyatt + 60,000–90,000 Bonvoy | $2,320–$4,260 |
Ground Transportation & Activities
| Item | Cost (for 2) |
|---|---|
| Bangkok longtail boat tour | $20–$40 |
| Thai cooking class (Chiang Mai) | $50–$80 |
| Ha Long Bay day cruise | $100–$200 |
| Hoi An cooking class | $40–$70 |
| Bali day trip to Ubud (private driver) | $40–$60 |
| Taxis, tuk-tuks, and local transport (14 days) | $150–$250 |
| Temple entrance fees (all three countries) | $40–$80 |
| Activity/Transport Total | $440–$780 |
Trip Summary
| Category | Points Used | Cash Spent |
|---|---|---|
| Flights (ANA Business Class + intra-region) | 190,000 Virgin Atlantic miles | $500–$1,000 |
| Hotels (12 nights across 6 properties) | 136,000–184,000 Hyatt + 60,000–90,000 Bonvoy | $80–$160 (Hoi An cash nights) |
| Activities & transport | — | $440–$780 |
| Dining (14 days — this is the value part) | — | $600–$1,000 |
| Total | 190,000 VA + 136,000–184,000 Hyatt + 60,000–90,000 Bonvoy | $1,620–$2,940 |
| Cash equivalent of same trip | $16,000–$26,000 | |
| You saved | $13,000–$23,000 |
Look at that dining line. $600–$1,000 for two people for 14 days of extraordinary food. That's $21–$36 per person per day in countries where a world-class meal costs $5–$15. Southeast Asia is where the "value destination" label isn't marketing — it's arithmetic.
How to Earn These Points
- Chase Sapphire Preferred (each spouse): 160,000 Chase UR total → 95,000 to Virgin Atlantic (one person's flights), remainder to Hyatt
- Chase Freedom Unlimited or Flex (household): 20,000 bonus + everyday spending → supplement Hyatt and VA needs
- Marriott Bonvoy Boundless (one card): 85,000+ Bonvoy bonus → covers Hanoi nights
- Normal household spending for 8–10 months: Fills remaining Hyatt points
- Second person's flights: An additional Chase card or Amex transfer to Virgin Atlantic
Timeline: 8–12 months of earning. This is one of our most accessible destination guides in terms of points required — Southeast Asia's low hotel costs make the total points outlay very manageable.
Cultural Tips for Travelers 55+
Thailand
- Respect for the monarchy: The Thai king is deeply revered. Never make disrespectful comments about the royal family — it's both culturally offensive and legally serious.
- Temple etiquette: Remove shoes before entering temples. Cover shoulders and knees (many temples provide wrap-around cloths). Don't point your feet at Buddha images — tuck them underneath you when sitting.
- The wai: Thailand's traditional greeting — palms pressed together at chest level with a slight bow. Return a wai when one is offered. It's a beautiful gesture of respect.
- Haggling: Expected at markets and with tuk-tuk drivers. Start at 50–60% of the first price. Keep it friendly and smiling — it's a social interaction, not a confrontation.
- Heat management: Thailand is hot (85–95°F). Schedule temple visits and outdoor sightseeing for mornings. Rest during midday heat. Carry water everywhere. Air-conditioned malls and cafés are your refuge.
Vietnam
- Crossing the street: Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City traffic looks terrifying — a swarm of motorbikes flowing in every direction. The trick: walk slowly and steadily across. Don't stop, don't run, don't make sudden moves. The motorbikes flow around you like water around a rock. Truly. It sounds insane. It works. Start with small streets and build confidence.
- Coffee culture: Vietnamese coffee is exceptional — strong, often with sweetened condensed milk, served slow. Sit at a tiny sidewalk café and watch the world go by. This is not Starbucks speed. Embrace it.
- War history: The Vietnam War is called the "American War" here. Sites like the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City are powerful and emotional. Visit with an open mind and heart. The Vietnamese people are extraordinarily warm and forward-looking — there is no resentment toward American visitors.
- Bargaining: Similar to Thailand. Markets and street vendors expect negotiation. Shops with price tags do not.
Bali (Indonesia)
- Temple ceremonies: Bali is deeply Hindu (unique in majority-Muslim Indonesia). Temple ceremonies happen daily and are public — you may see processions carrying elaborate offerings. Observe respectfully, ask before photographing, and don't step over offerings placed on the ground (they're for the gods).
- Modest dress at temples: Cover shoulders and knees. Sarongs are provided (or available for $2–$5) at most temple entrances.
- Balinese hospitality: Balinese people are among the warmest, most gracious hosts in the world. A smile goes a long way. Learn terima kasih (thank you) — it's always appreciated.
- Ubud vs. Seminyak: Ubud is Bali's cultural and spiritual center — rice terraces, temples, yoga, art. Seminyak is the beach-bar-restaurant scene. For 55+ travelers, we strongly recommend Sanur (quiet, walkable beachfront) and Ubud over the louder Seminyak/Kuta areas.
Health & Safety for All Three Countries
- Water: Do not drink tap water in any of these countries. Bottled water is available everywhere for $0.25–$0.50. Hotels provide complimentary bottles. Use bottled water for brushing teeth as well, especially for the first few days.
- Food safety: Eat where locals eat — high turnover means fresh food. Street food in Thailand and Vietnam is generally very safe (it's cooked to order in front of you). Use common sense: if it's hot and freshly cooked, it's almost certainly fine.
- Pharmacies: Available in all major cities. Many medications that require prescriptions in the US are sold over the counter. Bring a written list of your medications with generic names.
- Travel insurance: Essential. Medical care is adequate in major cities (Bangkok's hospitals are actually world-class and popular for medical tourism), but medical evacuation from rural areas or smaller islands should be covered. See our travel insurance guide.
- Scams: Tourist-targeting scams exist in all three countries — overcharging tuk-tuk drivers, "closed temple" redirects, gem shop schemes. Stay with reputable tour operators, use Grab (Southeast Asia's Uber) instead of street taxis, and trust your instincts. These are safe countries — just be street-smart.
Best Time to Visit
| Country | Best Months | Weather | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thailand | November–February | 75–88°F, dry, low humidity | Cool season = ideal. Avoid March–May (brutal heat). |
| Vietnam (North — Hanoi) | October–December | 65–80°F, dry, pleasant | Spring (March–April) also excellent. |
| Vietnam (Central — Hoi An) | February–May | 75–88°F, dry | Avoid October–November (typhoon season). |
| Bali | April–October | 80–88°F, dry season | July–August busiest. April–May and September are perfect. |
The WanderWise timing strategy: November–February aligns Thailand's best season with northern Vietnam's best season. For Bali, that's wet season — but Bali's wet season means brief afternoon showers, not endless rain. Many travelers find wet-season Bali gorgeous (lush, green, fewer crowds, lower prices). Alternatively, visit Thailand and Vietnam in November–January and save Bali for a separate April–May trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southeast Asia safe for older travelers?
Yes. Thailand, Vietnam, and Bali are among the safest destinations in Asia for tourists. Violent crime against visitors is extremely rare. The most common issues are petty scams and occasional pickpocketing in crowded markets — the same risks you'd face in any major European city. Use Grab for transportation, stay at reputable hotels, and exercise normal caution.
Can I handle the food?
Almost certainly. Start with familiar dishes (pad Thai, pho, nasi goreng) and expand from there. Southeast Asian food is intensely flavorful but not always spicy — ask for "not spicy" (mai pet in Thai) if heat isn't your thing. Your hotel restaurants are always a safe option if street food feels too adventurous. That said — the street food is half the reason to go. Try it.
Is the travel between countries exhausting?
Not on this itinerary. Intra-region flights are 1.5–4 hours — shorter than many US domestic flights. We've built in buffer days and slow mornings after every transit day. The key is not trying to see everything. Three countries in 14 days is ambitious but comfortable at our pace. Two countries in 14 days would be even more relaxed.
How much daily spending money do I need?
$40–$70 per person per day covers food, activities, local transport, and incidentals — generously. This is one of the most affordable travel regions in the world. A beautiful sit-down dinner for two with drinks rarely exceeds $30. A Thai massage is $8–$15. A private driver for a full day in Bali is $40–$50.
Do I need visas?
- Thailand: No visa needed for US citizens (30-day exemption on arrival).
- Vietnam: E-visa required — apply online before travel ($25, processed in 3 business days). Simple process.
- Bali/Indonesia: Visa on arrival at the airport ($35, valid 30 days). Takes 5 minutes.
Your Next Step
Southeast Asia is the trip that redefines what travel can cost — and what it can mean. For less out of pocket than a long weekend in Manhattan, you get 14 days across three countries, business class flights, beautiful hotels, world-class food, ancient temples, emerald waters, and a cultural richness that will stay with you forever.
This is points travel at its most transformative. Not just saving money — fundamentally changing what's possible.
Ready to plan your Southeast Asia trip?
- 📊 Take our Travel Score Quiz to see your points potential
- 💳 Read our Best Cards for 55+ guide — the Chase Sapphire Preferred is your foundation
- 🌏 Download our free Southeast Asia on Points Planner (PDF) — enter your email
- 💬 Join the WanderWise Facebook Group and connect with other Asia-bound travelers
All point values are approximate and based on current program pricing as of early 2026. Award availability and point costs fluctuate — always check current rates before booking. ANA business class via Virgin Atlantic must be booked by phone; availability is limited. Intra-region flights are booked with cash on low-cost carriers and are not included in points totals. Visa requirements may change — verify before travel at travel.state.gov. WanderWise may earn a commission from credit card links; see our affiliate disclosure for details.