Before moving to Mexico, I lived in Penang, Malaysia, for nearly nine years. During that time, I perfected the art of the long weekend.
Some of the best weekend getaways from Penang aren’t actually in Malaysia. They’re just a quick flight or ferry ride away, so I could leave in the morning and be in a new country by noon! When I needed a change of scenery, I’d throw a few things into a carry-on and disappear for three or four days.
Phuket for the beaches. Koh Lipe, when I wanted to disappear. Ho Chi Minh City, when I needed a city fix. These are the three trips I kept taking again and again.
Phuket, Thailand: My Easy Weekend Getaway from Penang
Living in Penang meant Thailand was our backyard, and Phuket, an island in the Andaman Sea, became our go-to beach escape. With frequent direct flights, you can leave after breakfast and have your toes in the sand by lunchtime.
Why I Kept Going Back
Phuket gets a bad rap. And I get it. Bangla Road is pretty skeezy. But that is only one portion of the island. In fact, it’s a tiny portion that you can skip entirely–unless you want a little debauchery and then have at it. No judgments here.
It’s Thailand’s largest island, so you can have any kind of holiday you want. Total relaxation? Yep. 100% party time? Yep. Spas and luxury? Absolutely. Culture and food? But of course.
There are also some wonderfully weird things to do in Phuket, like ice skating or becoming a mermaid for a day.
How to Get from Penang to Phuket
The easiest way to get from Penang to Phuket is a one-hour flight with Firefly, Air Asia, or Malaysia Airlines. It’s one of the easiest international long weekend getaways, and we took advantage of that as often as possible.
Fun fact: I did a Malaysia Airlines commercial and, humble brag, it’s the prettiest commercial I’ve ever seen. Not because I’m in it, but because of how it showcases Malaysia’s diversity. Check it out and tell me what you think.
Where to Stay in Phuket
We stayed in many different areas of the island. They each have their own vibe, so it really depends on what you are looking for. The best area to stay in Phuket depends on the vacation style you’re looking for. Surin is for luxury. Patong is for the partiers. Kata is great for families.
But our favorite area in Phuket is Nai Yang. It’s a little slice of heaven in the northern portion of the island. It’s only 10 minutes from the airport, yet it’s not on the normal tourist route. That’s what we loved about it.
It’s not the place to go to party, there are only a handful of bars and restaurants. But if you want to read a book and have a real chill island getaway, this is your place.
Our three favorite hotels were:
Budget: TT Nai Yang was our fave budget spot on the island. They have free-standing rooms just steps from the stand, as well as even more affordable rooms in an attached hotel. They are basic, but have AC and are extremely clean. And they take the award for the best towel animals ever. It’s the little things, amiright?
Mid-range: Dewa Phuket felt upscale for the price, and it’s also right on the beach. The pool, the landscaping, and the on-site spa are all pretty luxe. Some rooms have balconies, and if you really want to go all out, there are pool villas with private pools. Rooms include breakfast.
Luxury: The Slate Phuket is dark and sexy and feels like you’re in a secluded jungle. With three pools (2 are adults only), exclusive restaurants, and an award-winning spa where you can get a massage in a floating bird’s nest, it’s the kind of place where you’ll happily spend an entire day without leaving the property.
Koh Lipe, Thailand: My Robinson Crusoe Island Getaway from Penang
If Phuket was our easy beach getaway, Koh Lipe was the place we went when we wanted to disappear for a few days. Tucked inside the snorkeler’s or diver’s haven of Tarutao National Marine Park in the Andaman Sea, it’s close to the Malaysian border but a world away from everyday life.
Why I Kept Going Back
Koh Lipe was the first place that truly showed me what people mean when they talk about a Thai island paradise. The water surrounding that little island, especially Sunrise Beach, is some sort of magic. It’s calm, it’s translucent, it’s the exact shade of turquoise. Actually, I think turquoise was named after this water. It is the water that I compare every beach in every part of the world I travel to. It’s that special.
It’s harder to get to than Phuket, which keeps it a little less traveled. I say “a little” because the first time we were there, it was all dusty roads, and walking barefoot was the norm. It’s no longer the sleepy backpacker island it once was. Now it’s more barefoot chic. Before, it was just barefoot.
We walked around the whole island, jumping in the water at different beaches.
We found a reggae bar at the top of a hill that was basically a guy who had turned his home into a bar for anyone walking by who needed a beer.
It was the kind of place where you could find yourself extending your time there indefinitely. I was hooked.
The powdery white sand and coral right off the shore haven’t changed much. But these days, Walking Street is lined with great restaurants, cocktail bars, and coffee shops. Some people miss the old backpacker vibe. Others appreciate having a better cappuccino.
Koh Lipe remains one of Thailand’s most beautiful islands. It’s just no longer the secret paradise it once was. But that wouldn’t stop me from going back there tomorrow.
How to Get from Penang to Koh Lipe
This is where things get interesting.
In the high season, from October to May, you can fly from Penang to Langkawi (35 minutes) and then take a direct ferry to Koh Lipe (2 hours). But other times of the year, there are no ferries, or no immigration on Koh Lipe, so you’ll need to take a ferry with a few stops. It’s not impossible, it’s just not as easy. Check out 12Go to find the easiest method for you.
Where to Stay in Koh Lipe
Unlike Phuket, you don’t need to overthink where to stay on Koh Lipe. The island is tiny. So, wherever you book, you’re only a short stroll from the beaches, restaurants, and everything else. Pick the hotel you like best and don’t stress about the location.
Budget: Castaway Resort is a longtime favorite on Sunrise Beach, with rustic wooden bungalows just steps from the sand. It’s an eco-friendly resort, so don’t expect AC or much flair. But it’s simple, and on the beach, and has Robinson Crusoe vibes.
Mid-Range: Idyllic Concept Resort is on the quieter end of Sunrise Beach. It is idyllic and strikes a great balance between comfort and price. The rooms are modern, there is a beachfront restaurant, and it has easy access to some of the island’s best snorkeling. There are also two pools, including a beachfront pool with a swim-up bar, in case you just can’t bear to get sandy one day.
Luxury: Akira Lipe Resort, on Pattaya Beach, is one of the island’s most polished upscale stays, and it was recently renovated. Spacious rooms, a large lagoon-style pool, attentive service, and a prime beachfront location make it ideal if you’re looking to splurge. If you want something extra special, there are swim-out rooms so you can literally roll out of your bed and into the pool. Just make sure you’re wearing a swimsuit first.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: My Favorite City Getaway from Penang
If Phuket was for beaches and Koh Lipe was for slowing down, then Ho Chi Minh City was where we went when we wanted big-city energy. In under two hours, you can be in full-on organized chaos, with so much to do, you might need a vacation after your vacation.
Why I Kept Going Back
Three reasons.
- The food.
- The culture.
- The energy.
Ho Chi Minh City has a way of pulling off contrasts. One minute you’re perched at a chic rooftop bar sipping a cocktail and watching the sunset over the skyline. The next, you’re squeezed onto a tiny plastic stool, praying it doesn’t collapse, eating some of the best pho you’ve ever tasted.
French colonial buildings stand beside gleaming skyscrapers. Tailor shops share blocks with temples, and tiny alleyway cafés hide just steps from luxury hotels.
You can spend the afternoon wandering through centuries of history, splurge on a Michelin-starred dinner, hit the rooftop bars, and still end the night with a $2 bowl of noodles on a street corner.
That’s what kept drawing me back. Every visit felt like I was peeling back another layer.
Despite all the chaos, I always felt safe.
The scariest thing we did was cross the street. It feels like an extreme sport. There are no gaps in the traffic. No friendly crossing guard. You simply step into a river of scooters and keep walking. Don’t stop. Don’t hesitate. Just walk. The scooters somehow part around you like the Red Sea.
The first time I crossed, we followed some locals, and the second we reached the other side, we whooped and high-fived like we just won a marathon.
How to Get from Penang to Ho Chi Minh City
The quickest way to get from Penang to Ho Chi Minh City is by flight. Many airlines fly this route, but AirAsia is usually the fastest and most affordable. It flies direct in under two hours.
Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City
For first-time visitors to Ho Chi Minh, I recommend staying in the center, District One. It is probably where you’ll spend most of your time anyway.
Budget: Icon Saigon – LifeStyle Design Hotel is located in the heart of District 1. It’s a boutique-style hotel on a budget—my fave. The rooms are modern, and there’s a rooftop pool for cooling off after a day of sightseeing, which you’ll cherish at the end of the day. You’re within walking distance of landmarks like the Opera House, Nguyen Hue Walking Street, and Ben Thanh Market. It’s an excellent value if you want to stay in the middle of everything.
Mid-range: La Siesta Premium Saigon feels like a luxury hotel without the luxury price tag.
After a day dodging scooters, sweating your way through markets, and eating your weight in pho, La Siesta is exactly where you’ll want to come back to. The rooftop infinity pool is the perfect antidote to Ho Chi Minh City’s heat and humidity, and it feels like an oasis in the middle of the city.
Luxury: Hotel Majestic Saigon is a French colonial landmark and an icon of Ho Chi Minh City since 1925. It’s right on the Saigon River and exudes old-world charm. The rooms are elegant, and it has one of the city’s best rooftop bars, making it the perfect place to end the day with a cocktail and a skyline view. It feels like stepping back into Saigon’s glamorous past.
My Long Weekend Packing List
For every one of these trips, I pack:
- My carry-on: This is the first hardshell carry-on that I actually love using. There is a computer pocket in front that zips down for easy access. Plus, it’s pretty light. However, I bought mine in bright turquoise (I have no idea why), and you can see every scratch on it. Learn from me, buy a darker color.
- eSIM: I always install an e-SIM before I travel so I’m connected as soon as I land. It means I can call a Grab/Uber and pull up Google Maps without hunting for a SIM card at the airport.
- Travel insurance: I always get it, even for a short trip like a weekend. I’ve relied on it countless times, from poisonous spider bites in Cambodia to being overdosed on tramadol by a pharmacist. It’s worth every penny. And it’s not expensive to begin with.
- Power bank: Between Google Maps, photos, and scrolling restaurant reviews, my phone battery never lasts all day. A lightweight power bank means no stressing when you see that dreaded low-battery notification.
- Universal travel adapter: Because you’ll need it no matter where you travel. It’s one less thing to think about, and it works almost anywhere you travel. Just keep it in your carry-on. This isn’t the cheapest, but it’s the mac-daddy, and do you really want to plug all your electronics into some cheap adapter?
- Packing cubes: I thought they were gimmicky until I tried them. Now I don’t travel without them.
- Kindle: Because you need to stop reading on your phone. And if you finish a book, or decide you don’t like it, you can just start your new one without lugging along a second book or finding a bookstore. Save the paperbacks for home.
- Reusable Water Bottle: I’ve been using some type of Lifestraw bottle for more than a decade. Not only are they the OG, but for every product they sell, they also give a child in need safe water for one year.
FAQs about Weekend Getaways from Penang
Is Phuket worth visiting for just a weekend?
Yes. Phuket is only about an hour by plane from Penang, so it’s one of the easiest international weekend trips. Three or four days is all you really need.
Is Koh Lipe too far for a weekend?
Absolutely. During the high season (generally October through May), it’s easy to combine a short flight to Langkawi with the direct ferry to Koh Lipe. Outside the ferry season, you’ll need to take a longer route with additional ferry connections.
What are the best weekend getaways from Penang?
It depends on what you’re looking for. Phuket is great for beaches and resorts, Koh Lipe is ideal if you want to unplug, and Ho Chi Minh City is perfect for foodies and culture cravers.
Should I book transportation in advance?
Yes, especially during holidays and school breaks. Flights and ferries between Penang, Langkawi, Phuket, and Koh Lipe can sell out, so I recommend booking as soon as your dates are set. To make it even easier, use the ChatGPT-integrated 12Go app to plan your whole itinerary effortlessly. Less time researching means more time traveling.
Can you really do Ho Chi Minh City in three days?
Yes. You aren’t going to see it all. Not by a long shot. But you can get a flavor for it and take a longer trip next time.
The Art of the Long Weekend
The longer I lived in Penang, the more I appreciated how easy it was to change the scenery.
One weekend could be all beach chairs and massages in Phuket. Another could be barefoot days on Koh Lipe. The next could be pho, rooftop bars, and near-death street crossings in Ho Chi Minh City.
That was the magic of living there. You didn’t have to go far to feel far away.
Let me know in the comments below which getaway from Penang you would choose?
