✈️ Exploring the Region
If you're making a bigger trip of it, there are some amazing spots nearby to explore before or after the wedding. Here's a quick guide to Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), Singapore, and Bangkok (Thailand) — All reached by Manchester or London airports. 1 stop ?
🇻🇳 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (HCMC)
Vibe: Buzzing scooters, iced coffee on every corner, and a rich blend of history and modern life.
Top Things to See & Do:
War Remnants Museum – powerful insight into Vietnam’s history, including the war against america, Tunnels tour.
Ben Thanh Market – great for souvenirs, fakes, snacks, and sensory overload...
Bui Vien Street – backpacker nightlife, bars, and street food
Coffee culture – so many amazing cafes to get a coffe! try a traditional iced coconut coffee or egg coffee! Created when sources scarse.
Costs:
Local meals: $2–$6 Their traditional meals include nooodle soup, banh mi. You can get michelin rated restaurant Pho for £2.
Coffee: $1–$3
Mid-range hotel: $30–$60/night.
They function on the grab app basically an alternaitve to Uber, rides are cheap and easy to book so you can get around the city easy!
Good to Know: Currently with Uk passport no visa required free for 30 days. It's a fantastic food city and very affordable!
🇸🇬 Singapore
Vibe: The Cleanest city in the world, safest ultra-modern — where hawker stalls meet futuristic architecture.
Top Things to See & Do:
Gardens by the Bay – iconic Supertree Grove and light show
Marina Bay Sands – rooftop views of the city, even if you don’t stay there
Chinatown & Little India – rich cultural heritage and amazing food
Art Museum:
Sentosa Island – beaches, resorts, and Universal Studios
Costs:
Hawker meal: $3–$8
Coffee: $4–$6
Hotel: $100–$200+/night
Public transport is excellent and affordable.
Good to Know:
No visa needed for most Western passports. It's more expensive than the rest of Southeast Asia but incredibly safe, clean, and easy to navigate.
🇹🇭 Bangkok, Thailand
Vibe: Chaotic in the best way — temples, street food, rooftop bars, and night markets.
Top Things to See & Do:
Grand Palace & Wat Pho – stunning temples and reclining Buddha
Chatuchak Market – one of the world’s largest markets
Khao San Road – classic backpacker strip (love it or hate it). lots of music.
Chao Phraya River cruise – a fun way to see the city
Costs:
Street food: $1–$4
Coffee: $2–$4
Hotel: $40–$100/night
Tuk-tuks and Grab are common (and fun)
Good to Know:
No visa required for short stays for most nationalities. A great place to start or end a Southeast Asia adventure. It’s got energy, flavour, and affordable fun. Very touristy.