Weekend getaways: 11 best breaks in Southeast Asia for every type of traveller

Celebrated for its street food, Penang tempts tastebuds with dishes like char kway teow, laksa, and nasi kandar. Foodies can eat their way through Gurney Drive’s hawker stalls or explore Georgetown’s charming cafés. 

DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang serves up the best of local flavours with two dining spots. Makan Kitchen, the hotel’s all-day restaurant with pool views, tempts with Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Peranakan specialties including Nonya kueh for a sweet finish. For a romantic touch, indulge in its candlelit three-course dinner for two. Meanwhile, Axis Lounge keeps things breezy with afternoon tea, happy hour specials, and nightcaps set to live music.

Book your stay at DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang.

Situated in the Gulf of Thailand off the east coast of the Kra Isthmus, Koh Samui is a haven for food lovers, offering everything from fresh seafood to world-class dining. It’s also home to Michelin-worthy spots, including Jun Hom and Kapi Sator.

If you’re hungry for luxury, check into Conrad Koh Samui, where you can indulge in farm-to-table cuisine, master kombucha-making at the eco-café, or try your hand at a coffee-roasting workshop – all with the best views of the resort’s private beach. It’s also a feast for the senses with spacious villas featuring a large terrace and your very own 10-metre-long infinity pool overlooking the southwestern tip of Koh Samui.

Book your stay at Conrad Koh Samui.

Famous for its fresh-off-the-boat seafood and laid-back charm, Hua Hin is a dream for those who love a mix of street food and gourmet dining. Take a stroll through the coastal town’s night markets for the sights, smells, and samples of local bites like sai krok esan (fried sausage balls), kanom krok (mini coconut cakes), and logan juice.

You can’t miss the Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa – it’s the tallest building there. Elevate your dining experience at its three restaurants, each offering a broad mix of international and local flavours, from pad thai and pad cha to pasta and Peking duck. The rooftop bar is also great for cocktails with a view.

Book your stay at Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa.

A gateway to Vietnam’s rich history, Da Nang makes a great pit stop on your way to the ancient town of Hoi An, the misty Ba Na Hills, or the imperial city of Hue. Explore the ancient town’s lantern-lit streets and shop for artisanal crafts at Son Tra Night Market. Don't miss the nearby Dragon Bridge for a fire and water show that locals love. 

Split by the Han River, the coastal city seamlessly blends natural beauty with city buzz. On the east side, you’ll find Hilton Garden Inn Da Nang by My Khe Beach. Across the river to the west, Hilton Da Nang places you at the doorstep of bustling markets and lively streets.

Book your stay at Hilton Garden Inn Da Nang or Hilton Da Nang.

A melting pot of cultures, this small but mighty city shines with striking contrasts, where futuristic skyscrapers rise beside traditional shophouses. Wander through the colourful Chinese Baroque shophouses of Emerald Hill, explore the legendary hawker centres, and shop till you drop at the iconic Orchard Road.

Hilton Singapore Orchard and Conrad Singapore Orchard place you right in the heart of it all, with plush rooms, outdoor pools, and renowned bars to unwind after a day of exploring. And if you’re staying at the latter, you can take a short stroll to the nearby Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with lush greenery and tranquil lakes.

Book your stay at Hilton Orchard Singapore and Conrad Orchard Singapore.

Located south of India and Sri Lanka, this idyllic paradise in the Indian Ocean boasts crystal-clear waters, overwater villas, and coral reefs teeming with ocean life. But it's the world-class island resorts here that will truly win you over. With wellness at its heart, most resorts offer a serene digital detox, from rejuvenating spa treatments to calming yoga sessions.

At SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton, you can choose a suite or villa that either leads straight to the beach or sits overwater, and its Lèn Be Well Spa is decked with treatment rooms overlooking the shoreline. For an extra dose of luxury, every villa at Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa features its own private pool for some alone time and a spa that offers a fit-for-royalty hammam ritual.

Book your stay at SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton or Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa.

Often referred to as the ‘Venice of Vietnam,’ Phu Quoc is a postcard-worthy escape with its Mediterranean-style buildings, palm-fringed beaches, and tranquil retreats. A true haven for relaxation, the island invites you to unwind, whether you're enjoying a soothing massage or practising yoga by the sea. 

At La Festa Phu Quoc, Curio Collection by Hilton, the Eforea Spa brings a slice of Mediterranean serenity into the tropical landscape. Here, you can indulge in rejuvenating facials, tension-relieving massages, and refreshing body scrubs. Then relax under the sun by the resort's infinity pool, taking in stunning views of the ocean and the iconic Kiss Bridge.

Book your stay at La Festa Phu Quoc, Curio Collection by Hilton.

If you’re seeking physical revitalisation and mental clarity, Bali’s lush landscapes – from the vibrant green rice terraces to the towering volcanoes – provide an idyllic setting for holistic healing practices, allowing you to reconnect with nature.

Immerse in Bali’s spirituality at a kecak dance performance, with daily sunset shows at Melasti Beach, just a shuttle ride from Umana Bali, LXR Hotels & Resorts. Then unwind at the new Uma Beach House with a cocktail in hand. For a family-friendly retreat with a wellness twist, Hilton Bali Resort offers yoga by the chapel at dawn and traditional Balinese massages at the spa. At Conrad Bali, centre yourself at a sound healing session before getting the best sleep of your life with Jiwa Spa’s SWAY sleep therapy.

Book your stay at Umana Bali, LXR Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Bali Resort, and Conrad Bali.