Have you been wishing to spend a leisurely weekend by the beach, sipping on cool drinks and getting that dream tan? Or are you itching for some retail therapy to relieve all the stress from work? Well, here are 5 destinations for that perfect weekend getaway, in just under $500!
Hanoi Halong-Bay, Vietnam
https://www.instagram.com/p/BEV-iBJK0y-/?taken-by=naturerad
Things to do:
Famous for its abundance of limestone islets and pillars, Halong Bay is a popular tourist destination. Boats are allowed to sail into the many limestone caves along the bay, giving tourists a chance to learn about these stunning limestone structures. Not only will you be away from the hustle and bustle of city life, but sailing down Halong Bay will also bring you closer to Mother Nature than you’ve ever been before.
Getting there:
There are many flights going to Vietnam that cost anywhere from $115 to $300. Average cost: $151 for a round trip flight from Singapore to Vietnam. No stopovers, via VietJet Air (going there) and JetStar (coming back). The average flight time from Singapore to Hanoi is around 2 hours.
Accommodation:
There are many Airbnb places available for immediate booking. Most Airbnb homes also provide amenities such as air conditioning, wireless internet and breakfast, at a cost as low as $16 per night!
Bangkok, Thailand
https://instagram.com/p/BDyYZ38yv6w/
Things to do:
Is retail therapy your way to relieve stress? Well, we’ve got the perfect destination for you! Stroll down streets filled with all kinds of clothes and souvenirs in Bangkok. Bangkok is most famous for its markets and the Chatuchak Weekend Market is one of Thailand’s most well-known tourist destinations. Items on sale are affordable. With some bargaining, prices can be pushed even lower. With more than 8,000 market stalls, you will need more than a weekend to finish shopping.
Getting there:
There are many flights going to Bangkok daily, most of them ranging from $190 to $220. Average cost: $191 for a round trip ticket from Singapore to Bangkok via AirAsia. The flight time from Singapore to Bangkok is about 2 hours and 30 mins, just enough for a nice nap!
Accommodation:
There are many rooms on Airbnb that cost as low as $14 a night and entire apartments with a price range from $30 to $50 a night.
Bali, Indonesia
Things to do:
Imagine a weekend by the sea, with a glass of ice cold lemonade in hand, feeling the sand seep through your toes and the wind blowing through your hair. Well that imagination could be a reality in Bali, Indonesia. With more than 20 luxury resorts in Bali to choose from, booking a weekend by the beach is just one click away. Activities such as windsurfing and kite surfing are also available and many scuba diving enthusiasts also travel to Bali for its well known scuba diving and snorkelling spots. With the sun, sand and sea, Bali is definitely one of the best places to go to for a relaxing weekend getaway.
Getting there:
The cost of a direct flight from Singapore to Bali ranges around $200 to $250. Average cost: $215 for a round trip ticket to and from Bali via TigerAir. The average flight time from Singapore to Bali is around 2 hours and 30 mins.
Accommodation:
There are many hotels by the beach that cost $50 a night and apartments on Airbnb that cost $20 a night. Most accommodations also come with amenties such as breakfast and free wifi.
Boracay, Philippines
https://instagram.com/p/BEM_Y5GgeAl/
Things to do:
Located at the south of Manila, Boracay is jam packed with many award winning beaches and is the number one spot to enjoy tranquillity. There are also many other activities to do in Boracay such as Paragliding, snorkelling, horse riding, kite surfing, and cliff diving. These activities make Boracay an ideal travel destination for everyone, from sporty gym nuts to people who are just looking for a relaxing stay by the beach. Night activities are also available so the fun and relaxation never stops. With so many things to do, you will never get bored!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BEWIGryCHRv/?taken-by=sasha_musainov
Getting there:
There are a number of ways to get to Boracay. Direct flights are available from $99 to $158 via airlines such as TigerAir. Average cost: $99 (departure flight) + $108 (return) = $207. The average flight time from Singapore to Boracay is about 3 hours and 45 minutes.
Accommodation:
There are many apartments and rooms available for booking and most of these accommodations cost around $20 to $50 per night, depending on the size and location of the apartment.
Phuket, Thailand
https://instagram.com/p/BENQhlaG32y/
Things to do:
For a nice sightseeing getaway, head down to Phuket over the weekend. With so many museums and attractions, you will be wow-ed over and over again by eye-opening sights and monuments. Forested hills and cliffs are open for exploration, and tour packages, where guides lead visitors around the forests, are available. Besides sightseeing and exploring forests and mountains, tourists can also spend their time shopping or relaxing by the beach. All you need is a weekend to be fully recharged and loosened up.
Getting there:
There are many flights departing for Phuket from Singapore daily. A round trip flight ranges from $140 to $200 and can be booked online easily. Average cost: $141 for a round trip ticket to and from Phuket via AirAsia. The average flight time from Singapore to Phuket is around 1 hour 45 minutes.
Accommodation:
It is easy to find apartments in Phuket and they cost as low as $14 per night for a private room, to $27 a night for an entire apartment.
With the five destinations above, doesn’t a weekend getaway under $500 sound easier than you thought? Well, what are you waiting for? Get booking now!
(Header image credit: aweinclusive.com, words by editor)
Also read: How To Survive 30 Days In Korea (Seoul & Jeju) With Just S$60 Per Day!
