2 flights, 3 countries, 4 nights, 5–9 Oct
PhuketPenang4nMedan
Stay 4 nights in Penang, ending in Medan with no flight back. Penang is an island and has a World Heritage site. About 650 km of flying in all as the crow flies. Typical October highs are 31°C everywhere. Penang is usually very wet in October, about 290 mm of rain over the month. Flights work out at about €30 a night, with a cabin bag usually included.
Stop by stop
Phuket
Thailand, Start, Mon 5 Oct
Penang
Malaysia, 4 nights, 5–9 Oct
Island state off Malaysia's west coast, famous for George Town's shophouses, temples and street art, some of the country's best hawker food, and Penang Hill above it all.
Typical October: highs of 31°C, very wetSwap at randomSwap Penang for…
Same days, the rest of the trip kept, only cities close in price. A swapped-in country may need a visa: check before you go.
Only 274 km: compare trains, buses and ferries
Medan
Indonesia, Last stop, Fri 9 Oct
North Sumatra's big, busy capital, with the Maimun Palace and strong food traditions, and the usual start for trips to Lake Toba and the orangutans of Bukit Lawang.
Typical October: highs of 31°C, very wetSwap at randomSwap Medan for…
Same days, the rest of the trip kept, only cities close in price. A swapped-in country may need a visa: check before you go.