Embarking on a whirlwind 15-day trip to five of Asia’s most captivating countries—Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Vietnam, Turkey, and Thailand—was the adventure of a lifetime. This journey took me through diverse landscapes, from ancient temples to bustling markets, serene beaches, and vibrant city life. Here’s a glimpse into my experiences, including how I managed to secure visas for each destination, ensuring a smooth travel experience.
Day 1-3: Sri Lanka – History, Beaches, and Wildlife
I kicked off my journey in Sri Lanka, a country that truly lives up to its nickname, “The Pearl of the Indian Ocean.” From Colombo, I ventured into the heart of Sri Lanka, visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, and taking in the beauty of Kandy’s Temple of the Tooth Relic.
A safari at Yala National Park was a highlight of the trip, where I spotted elephants and even a leopard! The beaches in Mirissa were the perfect place to unwind, with the Indian Ocean offering both calm and adventure.
Tip: The visa process was incredibly smooth. I applied online via the Sri Lanka Visa Portal, ETA Process which provided an easy-to-navigate application process. I received my visa within 24 hours.
Day 4-6: Malaysia – The Modern Meets the Traditional
Next, I flew to Malaysia, a country where tradition and modernity coexist seamlessly. Kuala Lumpur’s Petronas Towers dominated the skyline, but the streets below buzzed with the charm of local markets. I wandered through Chinatown, explored the historic Batu Caves, and took a day trip to Malacca to dive into the country’s colonial past.
Penang Island was a food lover’s paradise. I tried local dishes like Nasi Lemak and Char Kway Teow at hawker stalls, immersing myself in Malaysia’s rich culinary traditions.
Tip: Getting a visa for Malaysia was a breeze thanks to the Malaysia eVisa Portal. The process was straightforward, and I received my eVisa well in advance of my trip.
Day 7-9: Vietnam – Culture, History, and Culinary Delights
Vietnam was next on my itinerary, a country that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and flavorful cuisine. My journey began in Hanoi, where I explored the Old Quarter and visited the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. The chaotic yet charming streets made every moment an adventure.
A two-day cruise in Halong Bay was simply breathtaking. The limestone karsts rising from emerald waters felt like something out of a dream. I also made sure to try Vietnam’s famous street food—Banh Mi, Pho, and egg coffee were my favorites!
Tip: The Vietnam Visa Portal was my go-to for visa applications. It was quick and efficient, and I had my visa ready to go before stepping foot in Vietnam.
Day 10-12: Turkey – A Blend of East and West
Turkey has always fascinated me with its unique position straddling both Europe and Asia. I began in Istanbul, a city that captures this duality perfectly. The Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque were awe-inspiring, and wandering through the bustling Grand Bazaar was an experience in itself.
Cappadocia, with its otherworldly landscapes, was a highlight. I took a hot air balloon ride at sunrise, watching the surreal landscape light up in shades of pink and orange.
Tip: The online visa application for Turkey was seamless thanks to the Turkey Visa Portal. In just a few minutes, I had everything I needed to enter this beautiful country.
Day 13-15: Thailand – The Land of Smiles
I wrapped up my trip in Thailand, a country known for its stunning beaches, intricate temples, and vibrant nightlife. I started in Bangkok, exploring the Grand Palace, Wat Pho (the Temple of the Reclining Buddha), and indulging in some retail therapy at Chatuchak Weekend Market.
From there, I headed to Phuket to soak in the sun and sea. Patong Beach was lively, but I also found quieter spots in Kata and Karon. The islands around Phuket—especially Phi Phi and James Bond Island—were the perfect finale to my trip.
Tip: Applying for a visa to Thailand was quick and easy. I used the Thailand Visa Portal, which allowed me to secure my visa in advance without any hassle.
My 18-Day Adventure Through Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Vietnam, Turkey, Thailand, and Cambodia
Traveling across six incredible countries in 18 days was an unforgettable experience. This trip took me from ancient temples to vibrant cities, serene beaches, and rich cultural landscapes. With a bit of planning and visa preparation, I was able to enjoy Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Vietnam, Turkey, Thailand, and Cambodia without a hitch. Here’s how my journey unfolded:
Day 1-3: Sri Lanka – The Pearl of the Indian Ocean
My adventure started in Sri Lanka, a country full of natural beauty and historical wonders. After landing in Colombo, I visited the famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the sacred Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. The beaches in Mirissa were a perfect retreat, and I loved the wildlife safari at Yala National Park, where I saw elephants and a leopard.
Tip: Getting my Sri Lankan visa was a breeze through the Sri Lanka Visa Portal. The online process was fast, and I received my visa within 24 hours.
Day 4-6: Malaysia – A Cultural Mosaic
From Sri Lanka, I flew to Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur’s modern skyline was a sharp contrast to its rich cultural diversity. I was awestruck by the Petronas Towers and enjoyed exploring the Batu Caves. The colonial town of Malacca offered a glimpse into Malaysia’s past, while Penang’s food scene was a culinary delight.
Tip: The Malaysia eVisa Portal made the visa process easy and hassle-free, allowing me to focus on my travels.
Day 7-9: Vietnam – A Journey Through Time
Next, I arrived in Vietnam, where I immersed myself in both the ancient and the contemporary. In Hanoi, I strolled through the Old Quarter and paid my respects at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. A two-day cruise in Halong Bay was a highlight—its ethereal beauty is something everyone should experience.
Tip: The Vietnam Visa Portal was simple to use, and I had my visa sorted well before my departure.
Day 10-12: Turkey – Where Continents Collide
My journey then took me to Turkey, a country that beautifully blends the East and West. Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque were awe-inspiring, and my stroll through the Grand Bazaar was unforgettable. In Cappadocia, I watched the sun rise over the surreal landscapes from a hot air balloon.
Tip: Applying for my Turkish visa was seamless through the Turkey Visa Portal. It only took a few minutes to get my eVisa.
Day 13-15: Thailand – The Land of Smiles
I wrapped up the main part of my trip in Thailand, starting with Bangkok’s bustling energy. I explored the Grand Palace and Wat Pho before heading to the islands. Phuket was the perfect place to unwind after days of city exploration. The beaches were pristine, and boat trips to the nearby islands were unforgettable.
Tip: The visa process for Thailand was easy with the Thailand Visa Portal. It’s convenient and efficient, allowing me to focus on enjoying the trip.
Day 16-18: Cambodia – Land of Ancient Wonders
Finally, I couldn’t leave Southeast Asia without visiting Cambodia. The temples of Angkor Wat are an iconic symbol of Cambodia's ancient history. I explored Siem Reap and spent hours wandering through the intricate stone carvings and towers of Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, and Bayon Temple. The history and cultural depth of this country are truly mesmerizing.
Tip: Cambodia’s visa application was simple to manage online via the Cambodia Visa Portal. The process was smooth, and I had everything ready before arriving.
Conclusion
This 18-day journey across six countries—Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Vietnam, Turkey, Thailand, and Cambodia—was the perfect balance of adventure, culture, and relaxation. Each country offered something unique, from Sri Lanka’s wildlife to Cambodia’s ancient temples. The visa processes for all six countries were quick and easy, thanks to the official online portals.
If you're planning a similar trip, I recommend applying for your visas in advance to ensure a stress-free journey. Each country is a treasure trove of experiences, and I can't wait to return and explore more of what Asia has to offer.
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