Hong Kong will always be home, but it’s also a fantastic springboard for exploring the rest of the world. With Southeast Asia on your doorstep, you could be temple-hopping through Bali or slurping down authentic pho noodles in Vietnam in just a few hours.

If you’re itching for a quick getaway, we’ve put together a list of the best places you can fly to from Hong Kong in under five hours. We’ve also thrown in some sightseeing suggestions and a selection of beautiful hotels you’ll be able to redeem with your miles through Cathay Holidays.

Hanoi

Flight time: 2 hours

Steeped in history and peppered with French colonial architecture, Hanoi is a fantastic introduction to Vietnam – and just a two-hour flight from Hong Kong. Skyscrapers stand alongside ornate temples and grand old mansions in this city, which balances a heaving metropolis with easy-to-reach countryside areas.

The Old Quarter is the beating heart of the tourist circuit, lined with French-style buildings and street stalls touting banh mi, pho and more. Hire a local guide to take you on a tasty food tour of the area, before delving into the country’s rich culture at a Water Puppet show or one of the city’s numerous museums.

Where to stay

For old-world glamour in the French Quarter: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi.
For boutique charm in the Old Quarter: La Siesta Classic Ma May.

Seoul

Flight time: 3-4 hours

Live out your K-Drama fantasies in South Korea’s capital, where cool kids mingle with crisply dressed businesspeople in streets suffused with history. A visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace should be at the top of your list of things to do in Seoul, and it’s worth looking into a private tour to really appreciate its rich heritage.

Meanwhile, you’ll be able to grab all your skincare and beauty bits at shopping district Myeongdong, as well as Instagrammable street snacks like gigantic spiral-cut potatoes and sky-high ice cream cones. For a taste of young Seoul, head to Hongdae, where artsy types and university students typically hang out among the district’s barbecue joints and bars. To get more out of your visit, try following a self-guided Hongdae audio tour that will better acquaint you with Seoul's alternative side.

Where to stay

For a chic base in the Hongdae neighbourhood: L7 Hongdae.
For Gangnam-style digs: InterContinental Grand Seoul Parnas.

Singapore

Flight time: 3-4 hours

If you love Hong Kong’s blend of old and new, quirky and cosmopolitan, you’ll love Singapore, a city that celebrates Southeast Asian culture while embracing modernity. Snap a picture underneath the futuristic supertrees at Gardens by the Bay before venturing into the tropical Cloud Forest to see one of the tallest indoor waterfalls in the world.

You’ll be drawn to Little India by its Crayola-coloured buildings, but you’ll stay for the temples and restaurants – we recommend tuning into an audio walking tour to really soak it all in. And when you’re hungry, seek out one of the city’s numerous hawker centres for steaming platters of chilli crab, oyster omelette and char kway teow.

Where to stay

For luxurious views over Marina Bay: The Fullerton Bay Hotel.
For infinity pool snaps near Little India: Andaz Singapore .

Phuket

Flight time: 3-4 hours

Need to de-stress? The ultimate remedy is to flop on a white sand beach in Phuket, a destination famed for its luxurious seaside resorts and extravagant villas. Once you’ve maxed out on cocktails by the pool, it’s time to start exploring. From boat tours to the gorgeous Phi Phi and Khai Islands to beginners’ Muay Thai classes, there are activities to suit every type of traveller.

Spas and hotels offering massage treatments abound across the city, as do restaurants well versed in the art of pad Thai and spicy coconut curry. If you’re travelling in a group, a night out on the lively Bangla Street will have you dancing all night long – and retreating to its many late-night fast-food joints for a post-club meal.

Where to stay

For remote pool villas hidden among lush jungle: Keemala.
For all-inclusive Thai luxury: Banyan Tree Phuket.

Bali

Flight time: 5 hours

Teeming with yoga havens, meditation retreats and incredible food, Bali is virtually synonymous with rejuvenation – perfect if you’re looking for a mental and physical reset over a long weekend. Ubud, home to the popular Monkey Forest and lined with cool cafes and restaurants, is packed with things to do – and it’s worth investing in a private tour if you have a full day to spare.

Head further south and you’ll discover the coastal cliffs of Uluwatu, where ultra-luxe resorts promise sprawling ocean views. Join the crowds congregating at Uluwatu Temple to see the sun set over its spire before settling down to watch a traditional Kecak Fire Dance. You’ll be able to tick off both experiences in one go if you join a temple tour , which will further enlighten you about the site’s deep history.

Where to stay

For secluded jungle luxury: Mandapa, A Ritz Carlton-Reserve.
For beachside glamour and Balinese barbecues: Movenpick Resort & Spa Jimbaran Bali.

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