15 Days, 4 Countries: The Ultimate Southeast Asia & India Adventure (Temples, Elephants, Vegan Food & Designer Finds)

✈️ From Jet Lag to Jungle Temples: 15 Days Across Asia With No Sleep Lost

Day 1: 18 Hours to Singapore—Surprisingly Painless (Mostly)

We braced ourselves for the long-haul flight, but to our amazement, it flew by—pun fully intended. Sleeping for 7–8 hours on the plane was a game-changer. With surprisingly decent airline meals (three for him, two for me), we landed in Singapore feeling more human than expected.

Once on the ground, it was smooth sailing—no baggage checks, no customs grilling, just a self-service passport scan and a surprisingly friendly vibe. We grabbed a Grab (Asia’s version of Uber) and made our way to the hotel. The air was warm, the streets clean, and the energy calm but electric.

After checking in, we ventured toward Chinatown and climbed to the top of the MBS SkyPark Observation Deck. The views were panoramic, but the fencing and thick glass stole some of the magic. Still, seeing Singapore from that high up—its blend of nature and ultra-modern architecture—was surreal.

Next stop: the Marina Bay Sands luxury mall, where we wandered into what can only be described as a floating fashion palace—Louis Vuitton on the water. It was massive, gleaming, and totally over-the-top in the best way. We gawked, we touched, we fantasized.

Dinner was at Whole Earth, a Michelin Bib Gourmand gem serving up traditional Peranakan and Thai flavors—all plant-based. We had the Monkey Head Mushroom “Enchanted Forest” (think meaty, earthy, and saucy) and a silky tofu dish that danced on our tongues. 10/10 would go again.

Then came the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, where we removed our shoes and soaked in the solemnity. It was peaceful, if a bit underwhelming. After a short hotel break, we hit the vintage designer circuit—including Luxlexicon, where we ogled authentic Hermès bags and unique treasures.

Late dinner was at The Kind Bowl, where Vietnamese-inspired vegan food blew us away. Their pho was intensely flavorful, and the rainbow salad came with bird’s eye chili peppers that set our mouths ablaze. With lips tingling, we ended the night at Gardens by the Bay. The glowing supertrees lit up the night, but the crowds made it feel more theme park than tranquil. Still, unforgettable.

We were absolutely cooked by 8 p.m. and passed out with zero resistance. Singapore, you impressed us—and we were just getting started.

Day 2: Gardens, Disney, and Designer Delights

We woke up naturally at 7 a.m.—score! We squeezed in a quick hotel workout to fight off jet lag and get our blood flowing. Afterward, we wandered through a nearby mall food market, which gave total “mall in Beijing” energy—crowded, chaotic, but culturally rich.

Back at the hotel, we fueled up before heading to Gardens by the Bay for round two—this time in daylight. The Disney floral exhibition was charming and kitschy, with intricate displays of characters like Ariel, Lilo & Stitch, and Monsters Inc. Some of the flowers were real… others looked very plastic. But it was joyful and nostalgic, especially with the soundtrack playing overhead.

The Cloud Forest Dome was the star. The moment you walk in, you’re hit by a cool mist from the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, cascading from a lush mountain of tropical plants. It felt like entering Jurassic Park (without the dinosaurs, thankfully). We wandered up the spiral walkway surrounded by jungle vines and orchids—easily one of the most immersive indoor gardens we’ve seen.

Next: a pit stop at Starbucks (for caffeine and some western comfort) and then a visit to the ArtScience Museum. The futuristic building itself is stunning, shaped like a lotus flower, and the exhibitions were interactive and sensory-driven—perfect for travel-brain.

After a hotel break and snacks, we went treasure-hunting at Nayyyy Vintage. We struck gold—rare white rainbow LV bags and a massive vintage Chanel. Jesse’s eyes sparkled like sapphires. Total jackpot.

Then came Orchard Road, Singapore’s Fifth Avenue on steroids. We wandered past neon-lit storefronts and luxe displays, then treated ourselves to a brownie sundae at Kind Kones. Keto coconut ice cream + a warm vegan brownie = divine.

Dinner was at Ahyimisa Sanctuary, a charming little vegan joint. I loved it. Jesse… not so much. But variety is the spice of travel. After a whirlwind of consumerism, culture, and cuisine, we fell asleep dreaming of waterfalls and Vuitton.

Day 3: From Clean Streets to Controlled Chaos – Welcome to Vietnam

Touchdown in Ho Chi Minh City! After a “Fortunate Son” playlist moment and a sluggish 90-minute customs crawl, we found ourselves thrust into a motorbike jungle. No crosswalks, no rules, just vibes.

We freshened up at the hotel and dove right into history, starting with the Independence Palace and moving on to the War Remnants Museum. It was heavy, sobering, and emotional. The images and artifacts told a brutal truth about the war’s toll on the Vietnamese people. It wasn’t an easy visit, but an important one.

We tried to grab a coffee nearby, but most places were cash-only—a recurring theme in Vietnam. Starbucks became our fallback, where we regrouped before heading to the colonial-era Saigon Central Post Office (so photogenic!) and Notre-Dame Cathedral (yep, also under construction… classic).

Then: designer shops and the chaotic-but-fun Ben Thanh Market. Imagine fake designer everything, narrow walkways, and aggressive sales pitches—Jesse was in paradise. A dragonfruit smoothie cooled us down and gave us that Instagrammable fuchsia tint.

Dinner at Lim Veggie Bistro was spicy, creative, and colorful. We got Szechuan-inspired tofu and chewy vegan noodles, followed by pistachio and matcha ice cream—cooling us down just in time for a walk by the river and a city glowing with nightlife.

The air wasn’t great (thank you N95), but the atmosphere made it worth it.

Day 4: Hanoi – A Cooler Climate and an Even Wilder Scene

Early flight to Hanoi, where we were told we had to check our carry-ons due to airline weight rules. (Pro tip: weigh your bags ahead of time!) My backpack got checked for the first time ever—nerve-wracking, but it made the flight feel lighter.

Once in Hanoi, we were greeted by even worse air quality—but better hotel hospitality. We were welcomed with hot tea and dried plums and were genuinely surprised by how boutique and luxe our hotel felt.

We visited the Temple of Literature, only to realize it was cash-only. Next, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where we passed security checks and saw Uncle Ho’s preserved body in a cool, dimly lit room. We explored the peaceful grounds and viewed the Presidential Palace.

After that, we indulged in a Vietnamese Bánh mì sandwich and coffee (still vegan-friendly!), then visited Train Street—a narrow alley lined with cafes right on the train tracks. We timed it just right and got incredible photos.

Hoàn Kiếm Lake was a breath of fresh (well, relatively) air. The green water and peaceful walkway were a welcome break from the city chaos. Dinner at Lian Liu Vegetarian was hit-or-miss, but the experience added texture to our Hanoi story. I ended the night hunting for market snacks and only found peanut butter, apples, and water—but hey, survival mode activated!

Day 5: Ha Long Bay – Fog, Caves & Friendship

Our day trip to Ha Long Bay began with a hotel pickup at 8:15 a.m., and despite a cloudy sky, our spirits were high. The limestone islands and emerald waters of the bay were hauntingly beautiful—almost dreamlike in the haze.

We boarded a boat with 25 others and made fast friends with two couples—one older, one young and Canadian. Sharing travel stories over coconut coffee (and way too many sugary carbs) made the whole experience feel communal and cozy.

First activity: a hike up Ti Top Island. 400 stairs of huffing and puffing later, we were rewarded with panoramic views of the bay. Definitely bring water—and a camera.

Afterward, we zoomed through the bay in a speedboat instead of kayaking—fast, splashy, and exhilarating. We passed remote rock formations, floating homes, and peaceful stretches of sea.

Next: a jaw-dropping hike through a massive cave system, bigger than any we’ve seen—even Mammoth Cave in Kentucky! The scale was staggering, with glowing lights illuminating ancient formations.

By the end of the day, we were sugar-logged and happy. We bonded with our boat crew, snacked back at the hotel, and reflected on what might be our favorite day yet.

Perfect! Here’s the continuation of your fun, informative, and expanded travel blog, covering Days 6–10. I’ll keep the same voice and style, adding more texture, reflections, and tips while preserving the authenticity of your journey.

🌿 Temples, Traffic, and Tropical Vibes: Our Wild Ride Continues

Day 6: Hanoi Strolls, Smoothie Goals & Off to Bangkok

We began the morning with a casual walk around Hanoi, determined to soak in the local culture one last time before our next country. It was a bit of a luxe-meets-local vibe—we browsed high-end designer shops (yes, Hermès and Louis again) and then balanced it out with smoothies and coffee from a charming local café. The smoothies were surprisingly rich and refreshing—strawberry banana and cocoa banana made for a satisfying light breakfast.

We made one last stop at the Temple on Hoàn Kiếm Lake, soaking in the serene surroundings before heading back to the hotel to pack up. Jesse was a little anxious about our luggage check-in (aren’t we all?), but things went smoothly.

At the airport, the energy was chaotic—lots of sick travelers made me double down on my N95 mask strategy. Honestly, it was worth it. A solid reminder that February = flu season in airports worldwide.

But the good news? Bangkok’s air quality had improved! We landed in Thailand’s capital, breezed through customs (shocking), and Grab’d our way to our hotel, which felt like a much-needed upgrade in calm. Instead of a restaurant dinner, we grabbed vegan snacks and protein bars from a nearby modern market—sometimes, the comfort of grocery store meals > yet another unfamiliar menu. We relaxed, rehydrated, and reset.

Day 7: Bangkok Arrival & Chill Mode Activated

Our first full night in Thailand was intentionally low key. The airport experience had been long and the drive into Bangkok even longer, thanks to eternal traffic jams and neon chaos. Once we got to the hotel, we pretty much hit the pause button.

Dinner was casual, the vibe was mellow, and we spent the evening just enjoying the quiet. After days of bouncing between countries and customs lines, this night of doing nothing was surprisingly glorious. Sometimes travel magic comes from the stillness.

Day 8: Temple Marathon & Bangkok’s Hidden Vegan Gems

We woke up early and prepared for what would become one of our most visually stunning days. The Grand Palace was everything we imagined and more—an explosion of gold, intricate mosaics, and spiritual splendor. It felt like stepping into a living fairytale. Pro tip: get there early to avoid the worst of the heat and crowds.

Next up: Wat Pho, home of the Reclining Buddha, and Wat Arun, Bangkok’s riverside temple with stunningly steep stairs and panoramic views. The sheer craftsmanship and history packed into these temples was overwhelming in the best way. We must’ve taken a thousand photos.

The heat, however, was no joke. We took a smoothie break (mango + strawberry = lifesaver) before grabbing a cab to one of the most unexpected highlights of the trip: Vegan Mahanakhon. Located in a sketchy-looking alley but shockingly upscale inside, this spot blew us away. Shoes off at the door, cold towels offered with seating, and quick, polished service.

We ordered a bitter neem salad, a sizzling cashew nut stir-fry, and a mock pork dish—all complex, satisfying, and deeply rooted in Thai flavors. One of our favorite meals so far.

That night, Jesse hit the town solo and experienced Bangkok’s famed gay nightlife, including DJ Station and GOD, both legendary party spots. He returned around 8 a.m. (!) with glowing reviews and glitter still in his eyebrows.

Day 9: Komodo Dragons, Smoothie Bowls & Buddha Disappointment

While Jesse recovered from his epic night out, I embarked on a solo journey to Lumphini Park, Bangkok’s green lung. The walk there felt like trekking through a concrete jungle, but the payoff was cool. I spotted real Komodo dragons sunning themselves near the lake—a little Jurassic Park moment to start the day.

The park was decent but not mind-blowing. Still, the contrast between skyscrapers and nature made it worthwhile.

Back at the hotel, we regrouped and headed to Broccoli Revolution for smoothie bowls. They looked gorgeous… but flavor-wise? Meh. It happens.

We ventured to a mall (because, yes, luxury retail is our cardio) and then made the 45-minute journey to see the Big Buddha… only to find it under construction. Womp-womp. But the adventure, the tuk-tuk rides, and the ridiculous traffic became part of the story. Bangkok, you test our patience, but we love you anyway.

Dinner at Golden State Vegan brought us comfort food with a Thai twist—cashew nut stir-fry again (don’t judge), vegan sushi, and more spicy goodness. Back at the hotel, we stocked up at the market for our early morning flight to Phuket and fell asleep early, although both of us had the beginnings of a cold. February travel: beautiful, but germy.

Day 10: Elephants, Beaches, and Best Day Ever in Phuket

We flew to Phuket feeling a little under the weather but powered by beach anticipation. We had to pay a little extra for our carry-on bags (only $22, not bad) but scored emergency row seats and lots of space—win!

After an hour-long ride through bumpy roads and traffic chaos, we reached Zenseana Resort & Spa in Patong Beach. We had zero time to waste—we changed and rushed off for our elephant sanctuary tour, and OMG… life-changing.

These gentle giants were everything we imagined: soulful eyes, slow graceful movements, and a quiet power. We got to feed them, bathe them, and even splash around in a shallow river. There was one older elephant that seemed especially wise—we were both captivated. Our hearts were full.

Afterward, we went straight to the beach for an ocean dip that was just perfect. Not too hot, not too cold, and the water was calm. We floated, we laughed, we ranked our favorite beaches in the world—and this one soared to the top of the list. Even I, a known non-beach-person, was in heaven.

Dinner was at Namaste, a Thai restaurant inside a shopping mall (unexpected combo, right?). We also grabbed a smoothie and wandered around the Big C market for snacks to last us the next few days. Honestly, grocery shopping in other countries is one of our favorite travel rituals. New snacks, new packaging, same serotonin rush.

We headed home and prepped for the next day’s big adventure: a speedboat trip to Phi Phi Islands. We were starting to feel the fatigue of full travel days, but it was the good kind of tired—the kind that says: You’re doing this right.

🌊 From Private Lagoons to the Taj Mahal: The Final Chapter

Day 11: Phi Phi Island Paradise (And Monkeys!)

We woke up early, buzzing with excitement for our island-hopping tour—but hit a small hiccup when our tour guide went to the wrong hotel. A quick fix later, we were in a van heading to the pier, surrounded by a lively, rainbow-hued cast of fellow travelers.

The tour team? Unforgettable. Our guide looked like a Thai drag queen in sunglasses and had the sass and energy of a pageant host. The vibe was set: this wasn’t just a boat tour—it was a party.

We boarded our speedboat with about 15 others, including a group of fabulously dressed Asian girls who spent the entire trip striking Instagram poses. First stop: Monkey Beach, where wild monkeys scaled the cliffs and curiously peered at us. It was surreal and a little intimidating—those monkeys are bold.

Next, we snorkeled in turquoise waters, spotting tropical fish and coral reefs. While it wasn’t as magical as the Great Barrier Reef, it was still breathtaking. Then came a glimpse of Viking Cave—sadly off-limits now thanks to past tourists being a little too handsy with the walls.

The real crown jewel? Piley Lagoon. There, Jesse and I decided to splurge on a private longtail boat to explore the lagoon alone. It was absolute serenity—just the two of us surrounded by limestone cliffs, emerald water, and silence. This was the fantasy.

Later, we were dropped off at a small beach, which couldn’t quite compete with the lagoon, but we were still glowing. Last stop: Khai Island, a cute little spot for lounging and final photo ops before the boat returned.

That night, Jesse ventured out while I rested (thanks, lingering cold). Even with downtime, this day ranks among our favorites.

Day 12: ATM Mishaps & Chill Before India

We had a slow start, which was welcomed after back-to-back excursions. The original plan: haircuts. But after seeing the wait times, we bailed. Unfortunately, while taking out money earlier, I left my ATM card in the machine (Thailand ATMs are notorious for eating your card if you don’t grab it fast enough). Jesse had done the same thing a few days earlier—twinsies! Luckily, we were able to order new ones online.

For brunch, we found a health café where I got açaí and Jesse had pancakes. The vibe was easy, cozy, and calm—just what we needed before airport chaos. Once at the airport, the crowds were intense, but we made it through, luggage and all.

Fun fact: Jesse’s Louis Vuitton bag (nicknamed Janice) made it through the entire trip without a scratch. That’s a feat worthy of a travel trophy.

We landed in Delhi just before nightfall and were promptly thrown into India mode—our Uber driver was coughing, the seatbelts didn’t work, and security checked under our car hood before letting us into the hotel. Welcome to Delhi. Thankfully, our room was lovely, and after a long day of transitions, we went straight to bed.

Day 13: First Impressions of Delhi—Color, Chaos, & Beauty

We started our first full day in India with a hearty hotel breakfast buffet. I found vegan-friendly muesli and soy milk (score!), while Jesse sampled everything non-vegan he could get his hands on. Fueling up was key, because we had a full itinerary.

First up: India Gate. A classic photo-op, made more complicated by a tricky road crossing. We eventually found a pedestrian underpass and got our shots, surrounded by picnicking locals and kids flying kites.

Then: Humayun’s Tomb, a magnificent Mughal structure with symmetrical gardens and a peaceful aura. We paid via QR code—one of the many times our smartphones saved the day.

Next was the Red Fort. It was closed, but the exterior still impressed with its red sandstone majesty. We dealt with a few pushy rickshaw drivers but shrugged it off like pros.

Lunch at Getafix Café was a highlight—delicious smoothie bowls and a peaceful atmosphere. As we waited for an Uber outside, a group of young children approached, asking for money. It was heartbreaking and a heavy reminder of the inequalities we often forget while sightseeing.

We continued on to the Lotus Temple, which was also closed, but we admired the architecture from afar. Our final shopping mission brought us to a beautiful mall where we visited Hermès and Chanel.

We ended the day at Greenr Café, one of the best vegan meals we had on the entire trip. The Bangkok street tofu bowl and chocolate ganache were next-level. Afterwards, we picked up snacks from a nearby market to fuel our early morning journey to Agra.

Day 14: Taj Mahal—The Crown Jewel of the Trip

We rolled out of bed at 5 a.m. (barely functioning), met our driver, and began the 3+ hour road trip to Agra. We stopped at a surprisingly nice rest stop, where monkeys were casually eating out of trash cans (wild!), and had almond milk coffee.

In Agra, we met our guide Amit, a kind, soft-spoken man who made the day extra special. He took us to our first destination: the Taj Mahal.

And… wow. Just wow. Nothing prepares you for seeing it in person. We were both visibly emotional. The symmetry, the inlay marble, the story behind it—it was hauntingly beautiful. Our guide gave us great photo tips, and we took our time absorbing every angle.

From there, we visited Baby Taj (lovely but outshined by its older sibling) and Agra Fort, which was vast and rich with history. Afterward, we had lunch at a 5-star hotel with an elegant buffet and refreshing drinks.

Then came the marble shop… and our impulse purchase of a handcrafted marble inlay piece. It was pricey ($230), and Jesse had buyer’s remorse, but honestly? It’s a stunning memory piece, and we supported a local artisan family.

We returned to Delhi, exhausted but fulfilled. Dinner from Greenr Café again—this time pizza and pasta, plus Jesse’s beloved tiramisu. We packed up for our final day of travel, hearts full, bodies tired, marble in tow.

Day 15: Travel Day Mayhem & A Bittersweet Goodbye

We were up at 4 a.m. for our flight out of Delhi. We arrived at the airport and were immediately met with an unusual system: security and document checks just to enter the terminal.

The check-in line? Long. The security screening? Intense. They made us unpack everything from our backpacks—every charger, liquid, and wire. It was stressful, but we eventually made it through… with only 20 minutes to spare before boarding.

We were flying Finnair, and while the food was meh (a reminder to bring your own snacks), we scored a cozy two-seater row, and the comfort level was high.

As we took off, we looked at each other and silently nodded: we did it. Four countries. Fifteen days. Designer bags, temple blessings, elephant baths, museum tears, endless bowls of tofu, and a global tour of love, laughter, and, yes, a few bird’s eye chili burns.

Would we do it all again?

In a heartbeat.

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