Nusa Lembongan is a small idyllic island of the coast of  Bali in Indonesia
封面圖片 Destinations less than 5 hours’ flight from Singapore for a weekend trip (Photo: Getty Images)
Nusa Lembongan is a small idyllic island of the coast of  Bali in Indonesia

It’s official—weekend trips are back. We explore the top destinations just a short flight from Singapore, from beautiful beaches to bustling cities

We still have a few long weekends left in the year and if you’re planning on going on a quick trip, this is the best time to do so.

To help with your hunt for your next vacation, we’ve picked some of our favourite destinations to visit. Whether you enjoy relaxing by the beach or exploring the city, there’s a destination for every type of traveller. What’s more, these destinations are less than five hours away, making it all the more appealing.

From where to stay to what to eat, here are some of the best destinations to visit which are less than five hours away from Singapore.

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Chiang Mai, Thailand

Flight time from Singapore to Chiang Mai: 2 hours, 55 minutes

Located in the mountainous region of Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai captivates us with its blend of cultural richness, natural beauty and modern comforts. History buffs will enjoy visiting some of its Buddhist temples, like Wat Phra That Doi Suthep that’s perched on a mountain overlooking the city. Those looking for an adventure can visit Doi Inthanon National Park, home to Thailand’s highest peak or Elephant Nature Park, an ethical sanctuary where you can interact with rescued elephants. While you’re here, you’ll want to check out its vibrant night market scene—head to Sunday Night Market and Chiang Mai Night Bazaar for street food, local crafts, performances and more.

There’s no shortage of hotels in Chiang Mai. Book a stay at InterContinental Chiang Mai the Mae Ping, a stone’s throw away from the city’s renowned temples, historic sites and landmarks. Another favourite is 137 Pillars Hotels & Resorts, a luxurious boutique hotel offering lavish suites, relaxing amenities and decadent dining options.

Read more: The best restaurants and bars in Chiang Mai, according to chef Ton

Manila, Philippines

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Manila Philippines
以上 Manila Philippines (Photo: Getty Images)
Manila Philippines

Flight time from Singapore to Manila: 3 hours, 50 minutes

The vibrant capital of the Philippines offers visitors various cultural experiences, modern attractions and warm hospitality. Learn more about the capital’s cultural heritage with a visit to Intramuros. Established in 1571, this district is home to significant landmarks like Fort Santiago and San Agustin Church, the oldest stone church in the Philippines. But, for a taste of contemporary Manila, head to Bonifacio Global City (BGC), a bustling hub filled with high-end shops, restaurants and art installations. Don’t forget to explore the Philippines’ vibrant gastronomy scene too, from street food stalls serving lumpia to upscale dining experiences.

Our picks for hotels to stay at include Nuwa Hotel, The Manila Hotel and Sheraton Manila Bay. The latter is conveniently located in downtown Manila and within close proximity to iconic destinations and cultural sites.

Hainan, China

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以上 Yalong Bay in Hainan (Photo: Getty Images)

Flight time from Singapore to Hainan: 3 hours, 18 minutes

Often referred to as the Hawaii of China, Hainan island is a tropical paradise boasting natural beauty, luxurious resorts and cultural attractions. The island is home to several natural wonders including Yanoda Rainforest which offers exciting activities such as ziplining and waterfall climbing; and Wuzhishan (Five Finger Mountain) which offers panoramic views of the island.

Find stunning beaches and luxurious resorts dotted along Hainan’s coastline. One of the most famous beaches is Yalong Bay. Stretching 7km, the beach is known for its crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches. Stay along the beach at Pullman Sanya Yalong Bay Villas and Resorts for convenient access to the picture-perfect beach.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Flight time from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur: 1 hour, 5 minutes

There is far more to Malaysia’s vibrant capital than its iconic Petronas Twin Towers, from colourful mosques and temples to its bustling street food—in fact, the humble roti canai bagged the number one spot in Taste Atlas’ list of 50 best street foods around the world. 

When it comes to hotels in Kuala Lumpur, there are plenty of options, ranging from big names like Four Seasons, St Regis, Ritz-Carlton and Banyan Tree, to charming boutique hotels like Else Kuala Lumpur, The Chow Kit and The RuMa.

Langkawi, Malaysia

Flight time from Singapore to Langkawi: 1 hour, 25 minutes

Less than a two hour flight away, Langkawi offers a lush respite from the busy streets and soaring skyscrapers of Singapore. From palm-fringed, white sand beaches to ancient rainforests, and crystal clear waters ideal for snorkelling and diving—there’s a reason Unesco named Langkawi one of its Global Geoparks.

To stay, we love The Datai Langkawi, often hailed as one of the world’s most stunning resorts for its mesmerising natural surroundings, visionary architecture and understated elegance. Also noteworthy is Four Seasons Langkawi, which stretches across 48 acres of land (including a mile-long beach) which can be explored on bicycle. 

Read Also: 5 luxury resorts in Langkawi for an unforgettable stay

Bangkok, Thailand

Flight time from Singapore to Bangkok: 2 hours, 25 minutes

We love a weekend in Bangkok. It’s a city of dualities—from quintessential luxury to a burgeoning creative scene, some of Asia’s most coveted fine dining experiences to smokey street markets.  

Nightlife in Bangkok is also hard to beat. From upscale cocktail lounges like The Loft at Waldorf Astoria Bangkok and the secretive Ku Bar, to a sophisticated dive bar revival with hot spots like Teens of Thailand and Smalls. Long story short, you really can't go wrong in the Thai capital. 

Our picks for five-star hotels in Bangkok include The Sukhothai, Rosewood Bangkok, and The Siam—a spectacular riverside hotel designed by Bill Bensley. 

Read more: The Suite Spot: You won’t believe this bill Bensley-designed private villa is in Bangkok

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Flight time from Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City: 2 hours, 10 minutes

Ho Chi Minh City—still called Saigon by many locals and tourists—is vibrant, dynamic and chaotic in the best of ways.

The food alone is reason enough to visit, whether that's a nourishing bowl of pho from Benh Thanh Market or exploring Saigon’s exciting restaurant scene. Don’t skip modern Vietnamese restaurant Anan helmed by chef Peter Cuong Franklin, and chic Mediterranean hotspot, Quince. 

As for where to stay, Mia Saigon, Hôtel des Arts, The Myst Dong Khoi and of course, the unapologetically extravagant The Reverie Saigon. 

Bali, Indonesia

Flight time from Singapore to Bali: 2 hours, 40 minutes

Each pocket of Bali offers something unique. Those looking for laidback luxury should head to the serene beaches and clifftops of Uluwatu. Not only is it home to great surf and fabulous beach clubs like Ulu Cliffhouse and Sunday’s, Uluwatu is also home to some of Bali's most stunning hotels and villas. We personally love Alila Villas Uluwatu, Hidden Hills Villas and Six Senses Uluwatu.

For the more adventurous, escape to the wild jungles and valleys of Ubud. Stay at Amandari for a luxe take on traditional Balinese architecture, or Four Seasons Bali at Sayan, which has seriously breathtaking views. If you can't get a booking there, at least pay a visit to Jati Bar, which looks straight out of a James Bond film. 

Those seeking more of a “scene” in Bali will love the buzzing restaurants and bars of Canggu. Be sure to check out our personal favourite, Mason, which serves delicious wood-fired dishes, and for modern Indonesian done exceptionally well, head to Ulekan. Spend a sunset or two at beachside hangouts like The Lawn and La Brisa. 

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Siem Reap, Cambodia

Flight time from Singapore to Siem Reap: 2 hours, 10 minutes

A visit to Siem Reap isn’t just a holiday, but a humbling lesson in history and resilience. Despite its painful and complicated past, Siem Reap today is a proud and vibrant city that holds fast to its storied past—be sure to visit the temples of Angkor Wat, and learn about the perils that Cambodia faced during Pol Pot's brutal regime at the Siem Reap War Museum.

Siem Reap straddles past and present by way of beautiful colonial architecture, chic boutique hotels, lively restaurants that celebrate Khmer cuisine and an exciting art scene—we recommend visiting the Mirage Contemporary Art Space.

Some must-try restaurants in Siem Reap include Marum, an authentic Khmer restaurant in a two-storey wooden house, Malis for “living Cambodian cuisine”, as well as Sugar Palm and Viroth’s. 

To stay, our picks for luxury in hotels in Siem Reap are the retro-chic Aman property, Amansara, and the monochrome masterpiece that is Shinta Mani Angkor. 

Galle, Sri Lanka

Flight time from Singapore to Galle: 3 hours, 45 minutes

Galle in Sri Lanka is arguably one of the most underrated beach destinations in Asia. There’s the beautiful rock pools at Thalpe, and the seductive shores of Dalawella and Unawatuna.

With stunning beaches and sleepy streets lined with Unesco-listed buildings shrouded by towering palm trees, there's something truly lovely about Galle that instantly puts your mind at ease. 

We also love Galle’s historic hotels, including Amangalla, The Galle Fort Hotel and Bilin Tree House.

Hong Kong

Flight time from Singapore to Hong Kong: 4 hours, 5 minutes

If you’re looking for an electric, fast-paced weekend getaway, it’s hard to look past the neon lights, skyscrapers and beating pulse of Hong Kong. 

The food alone is worth going for. From Hong Kong's famed street food—we asked Hong Kong’s top chefs for their picks of the best wonton noodles and cha siu—to an exciting and dynamic fine dining scene. Check out Tatler’s list of Hong Kong’s top 20 restaurants of 2023

Don’t sleep on the nightlife, either. Bars range from fabulous cocktail bars like Argo at the Four Seasons and COA, a widely recognised pioneer in promoting agave spirits in Asia, to charming local watering holes like Shady Acres and Tai Lung Fung. 

To stay, we recommend The Upper House and Rosewood Hong Kong for spacious, stylish rooms with epic views. 

 

The Maldives

Flight time from Singapore to Male: 4 hours, 35 minutes

If you're looking to really get away—like far, far away—few places can guarantee the level of privacy and seclusion that The Maldives can. 

Most resorts are on their own private island, designed to make you feel worlds away from your day-to-day. Given the incredible natural surroundings and vulnerable ecosystems that surround The Maldives, we recommend seeking out resorts that make sustainability and conservation a priority. 

Some of the best and most sustainable resorts in The Maldives include Soneva Jani, Soneva Fushi, Patina Maldives Fari Islands and One & Only Reethi Rah. 

Read more: Resorts like Alila Kothaifaru Maldives are leading marine conservation efforts—here’s how

Taipei, Taiwan

Flight time from Singapore to Taipei: 4 hour, 45 minutes

The Taiwanese capital is buzzing with lively night markets—check out our round-up of the best night markets in Taipei here—vibrant nightlife and awe-inspiring temples.

Unbeknownst to many, Taipei is also home to some seriously beautiful natural landscapes—take a day trip to Beitou’s thermal hot springs, or hike Elephant Mountain for spectacular views of the city. 

Our pick for five-star hotels in Taipei are Mandarin Oriental Taipei, Humble House, Grand Hyatt Taipei and W Taipei.

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