
Depending on which side of the country you live on, search Kayak.com for the cheapest flight from the largest airport near you to one of these major U.S. international gateways.
Book this segment first.
LAX (Los Angeles)
SEA (Seattle)
SFO (San Francisco)
ORD (Chicago)
NYC / EWR (New York City / Newark)
✅ Tip: It’s often cheaper to book a short domestic flight to one of these hubs and then book the long international flight separately.
Step 2: Fly from the U.S. Hub to Southeast Asia
Next, search Kayak.com for the cheapest flight from your chosen U.S. hub to one of these five major Southeast Asia international hubs and book that segment.
Major Southeast Asia Flight Hubs:
Bangkok (BKK), Thailand
Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), Vietnam
Hanoi (HAN), Vietnam
Kuala Lumpur (KUL), Malaysia
Singapore (SIN)
👉 These cities have the most flight options, competition, and cheapest long-haul fares into Southeast Asia.
Step 3: Final Hop to Cambodia
Finally, search Kayak.com for the cheapest flight from your Southeast Asia hub to Siem Reap (SAI).
📅 Arrival goal: By the evening of August 12 (or earlier)
In this video, I walk you step-by-step through Kayak.com, showing exactly how to:
Compare routes
Mix airlines
Lock in an amazing price
Build an unforgettable adventure
Each Step is described in detail below:
Before or after our humanitarian trip to Cambodia, we strongly recommend (time permitting) exploring Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, or Singapore.
Below is a high-energy, traveler-focused snapshot of what makes each of these five Southeast Asia hub cities fun and exciting. This is written for an active, curious, adventure-loving traveler — not just sightseeing, but real experiences.




Bangkok is sensory overload in the best way.
World-class street food (Michelin-rated stalls for $2–$5)
Glittering temples like the Grand Palace and Wat Arun
Night markets, rooftop bars, and nightlife that never sleeps
Day trips to floating markets, Ayutthaya ruins, or Muay Thai fights
Gateway to explore the elephant sanctuaries of Chang Mai or amazing beaches of Phuket or phi phi island!
Here’s the itinerary I used to explore Thailand to give you some ideas of this sensational country: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E2xniakw1sm8IFvJ8KcKS6nlaGn_bRuSstMZANv1eXM/edit?usp=sharing
Vibe: Intense, exciting, affordable, unforgettable
Best for: First-timers to SE Asia, food lovers, urban adventurers




Hanoi is slower, deeper, and more traditional than SGN.
Wandering the Old Quarter feels like stepping back centuries
Legendary street food (bun cha, egg coffee)
Lakes, tree-lined boulevards, and French colonial architecture
Amazing Day Trips to Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, and Sapa
Here’s the itinerary we used to explore northern Vietnam to give you some ideas of this sensational country: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ko2wjw-bTwnJHjuCt-jRbuqEhXsDhClnW4L0CgvWJ3U/edit?usp=sharing
Vibe: Thoughtful, cultural, atmospheric
Best for: Culture lovers, photographers, slower immersive travel




Hanoi is slower, deeper, and more traditional than SGN.
Wandering the Old Quarter feels like stepping back centuries
Legendary street food (bun cha, egg coffee)
Lakes, tree-lined boulevards, and French colonial architecture
Amazing Day Trips to Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, and Sapa
Here’s the itinerary we used to explore northern Vietnam to give you some ideas of this sensational country: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ko2wjw-bTwnJHjuCt-jRbuqEhXsDhClnW4L0CgvWJ3U/edit?usp=sharing
Vibe: Thoughtful, cultural, atmospheric
Best for: Culture lovers, photographers, slower immersive travel




Underrated and surprisingly diverse.
Iconic Petronas Towers and ultra-modern skyline
Massive shopping and food scene (Malay, Chinese, Indian fusion)
Batu Caves (giant limestone caverns + temples) right outside the city
Clean, affordable, English-friendly
Here’s the itinerary we used to explore Kuala Lumpur to give you some ideas of this sensational city: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DfzNgC9dkShs8-0-kh6Wsb9PKcWAnPvveIZK6WHMGwc/edit?usp=sharing
Vibe: Easy, modern, multicultural
Best for: Comfortable city living, short stays, digital-nomad style travel




Singapore is Southeast Asia on hard mode — but polished.
Stunning architecture and skyline (Marina Bay Sands)
Legendary hawker food (cheap Michelin stars)
Incredible urban nature: Gardens by the Bay, jungle trails
Sentosa Island beaches, theme parks, and nightlife
Here’s the itinerary we used to explore Singapore to give you some ideas of this sensational country: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DfzNgC9dkShs8-0-kh6Wsb9PKcWAnPvveIZK6WHMGwc/edit?usp=sharing
Vibe: Sophisticated, safe, high-energy
Best for: Short luxury stops, families, clean & efficient travel
