Cover The best holiday destinations under three hours from Singapore (Photo: Facebook / The Datai Langkawi)

We explore the top destinations just a short three-hour flight from Singapore, from beautiful beaches to bustling cities

We could all use a change of scenery every now and then. And sometimes, a quick trip is all you need in order to hit reset. Whether it’s a weekend dash to a tropical island paradise, a trek through an ancient jungle that leads to secret waterfalls, or an energetic few days of eating and exploring your way through a bustling metropolitan city. 

Below, we’ve selected a handful of our favourite destinations just a short three-hour flight from Singapore, including some Tatler tips on where to stay, what to do, and of course, which restaurants to eat at. Bon Voyage! 

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1. Siem Reap, Cambodia

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

The second largest city of Cambodia, Siem Reap is known for its rich culture that can be seen through its well-preserved colonial buildings, traditional markets and performances. There’s plenty to do apart from visiting the famous temple Angkor Wat. Explore the night markets and find local handicrafts or feast on delectable dishes along the roadside.

When it comes to food and nightlife, head to Pub Street and find a plethora of bars and restaurants ranging from Vietnamese to Cambodian. Here, you’ll also find neon-lit clubs that come alive at dusk.

There’s no shortage of hotels in Siem Reap. If location is your priority when looking for a place to stay, consider a room at Park Hyatt. A short walk from the popular Old Market, this hotel blends ancient Khmer architecture with art deco. Those who prefer relaxing in a resort can visit Anantara Angkor Resort & Spa, a luxurious resort located close to Angkor Wat.

2. Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Flight time from Singapore to Yogyakarta: 2 hours, 10 minutes

There’s much to see, eat and do in Yogyakarta. Wander around alleyways and markets and indulge in its vibrant atmosphere. Streets are also packed with shops, local street food and even massage spots. Visit one of its many temples and learn more about the city’s history and culture, like the majestic Prambanan temple. The city is also known for being the capital of Javanese art—whether you’re exploring the streets or a mall, you’re sure to come across workshops and ateliers where get your hands on local pieces.   

Our picks for five-star hotels to stay at include the elegant Hyatt Regency; Hotel Tentrem Yogyakarta which offers a blend of modern and traditional touches; and Yogyakarta Marriott Hotel. The latter is located close to various Unesco World Heritage sites.

3. Hoi An, Vietnam

Flight time from Singapore to Hoi An: 2 hours, 45 minutes

From its shophouses to rice paddies, Hoi An is loved for its charming architecture and rich history. A Unesco World Heritage Site, this Vietnamese town’s history is reflected in its architecture, featuring a mix of eras and styles from temples to French colonial buildings. Stroll along the old town and find cobbled streets, terracotta buildings and shops offering handcrafted goods. Rather than travelling on foot, learn more about the city while floating on a boat or cruising on a bike.

Prefer lazing on a beach instead? You can do so on An Bang beach. One of the most popular beaches in the town, the beach comprises soft white sand and blue waters. Along the beach, stop by one of its many restaurants offering local Vietnamese fare.

After a day out, unwind in a villa at Four Seasons Resort the Nam Hai or relax in one of Alamnity Hoi An’s elegant rooms.

4. 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 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. 

5. 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 br explored on bicycle. 

6. Phuket, Thailand

Flight Time from Singapore to Phuket: 1 hour, 55 minutes

From chic beach clubs like Cafe del Mar, where you can while away the day, to island hopping on board a luxury yacht, Phuket is always a good idea. 

If there's one thing you must do, we recommend booking a spot on the floating platform Baba Nest during sunset. If you're feeling beached out, head to Phuket Town for bars and restaurants housed in charming shophouses—we love the chic Restaurant Royd, which puts a creative spin on Southern Thai dishes, and Dibuk Bar for excellent cocktails. 

Our picks for hotels in Phuket are Amanpuri, Rosewood Phuket, The Slate and Andara Resort & Villas. 

Read more: The most beautiful beaches near Singapore to visit for a long weekend getaway

7. Koh Samui, Thailand

Flight Time from Singapore to Koh Samui: 2 hour, 5 minutes

Think of Koh Samui as Phuket's laidback cousin. From full moon parties to full moon ceremonies, it has, over the last few years, evolved from a party island to an idyllic wellness escape.

There are, of course, white sand beaches with swaying palms, but it's also worth exploring Koh Samui's diverse landscape which includes dense jungle trails and hidden waterfalls. 

Our picks for five-star hotels in Koh Samui are Six Senses Samui, Sala Samui Choengmon Beach Resort, Banyan Tree Samui and Kimpton Kitalay Samui. If you're travelling in a group with friends or family, it's definitely worth renting one of the many beautiful private villas on the island—we recommend checking out the selection on The Luxe Nomad. 

8. 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 dynamic dining scene. Don't skip modern Vietnamese restaurant Anan helmed by chef Peter Cuong Franklin, and chic Mediterranean hotspot, Quince.

We're also fans of the relatively new Kanpai, a charming Japanese restaurant and bar that boasts premium sushi and sashimi, izakaya-style snacks, excellent cocktails and a stellar record collection. 

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

9. 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. For something in between, we love Samlor, a cool and contemporary Thai restaurant that serves a creative take on traditional dishes. 

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 Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok, The Sukhothai, Rosewood Bangkok, and The Siam—a spectacular riverside hotel designed by Bill Bensley. 

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10. 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 El Kabron, 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 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 favourites including Mason, Bar Vera and Mosto, and for modern Indonesian done exceptionally well, head to Ulekan. Spend a sunset or two at beachside hangouts like The Lawn. 

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