alpinfrogi

I am flying into Bangkok this July, and will be spending a month exploring Southeast Asia. I don't know much about the area, but want to take in some of the amazing sites and culture I've heard about, as well as see various influences throughout the region. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Thanks.

Kathie

My suggestion is to get guidebooks on each country you are interested in and read them. See what interests you most and plan your trip around perhaps three or four places you especially want to experience. SE Asia is best savored slowly - especially at that time of the year when it will be very, very hot.

SE Asia encompasses a large area - choose destinations that are relatively close together so you spend less time in transit. SInce you are flying into Bangkok, consider not only Thailand, but also Cambodia and Laos.

alpinfrogi

Thanks- I have been looking at lost of guides, but I am so inexperienced with Asian travel, and it is hard to gauge what is feasible and what will just be overwhelming. I, by nature, tend to try and cram in the most amount possible, especially when I'm not sure when I'll be able to get back to a region (if ever). I may try to extend my trip to 5 or 6 weeks- not a huge amount more, but might help get a couple extra destinations in with not as much rush)

However, that being said, I am realizing how general my question was. I think that most of my time will be spent in Thailand. I am interested in both Laos and Cambodia, and would like to visit one city in Vietnam to get a feel for its culture as well. Another issue is that I have a friend in Hong Kong I would love to visit; but I'm not sure how possible it would be to take a long weekend trip there from one of the countries I've mentioned above.

Some of the places I've been looking at (besides Bangkok) include the Southern beaches of Thailand (but they all seem beautiful, so again it's hard to choose. I'd like to try and hit some that are not as touristy as the rest, but still have local bars around. Diving is not super important to me, and I do like to go out quite a bit, but I'm not sure I would enjoy a 24/7 party). There have been suggestions to go to Petchaburi or Khao Yal on the way back from the south to Bangkok (although I was thinking I might try to head south at the end of my trip to really relax).

I also want to try to hit Northern Thailand- Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai (worthwhile to try both? highlights of each?), along with Luang Prabang in Laos. I've gotten recommendations to go to the Plain of Jars, but I'm not sure how interesting that seems for the distance that would need to be traveled, as well as Vientiane and some place in any of three countries along the Mekong River.

I'd really like to see at least one city in Vietnam, but I've heard that Hanoi is just like another big city, which doesn't intrigue me very much (although Halong Bay is supposed to be pretty?) Also, Kuala Lumpur is talked about quite a bit.

Sorry if this is a bit jumbled- again, I've traveled in Central America and Europe, but Asia is a whole different ball game and is really overwhelming me, because everything seems so intriguing and beautiful.

Thanks for any suggestions.

simpsonc510

Hong Kong is a relatively short 2 hour flight from Bangkok, so it is possible to zip over there for a few days to visit your friend.

You will need to be aware of weather in July. Yes, it will be hot, as has been mentioned. It might also be quite rainy at the beaches along the Andaman. Perhaps Koh Samui would be better for you? It is plenty of activity, but also very quiet areas that might appeal to you.

One month sounds like a lot of time to spend in SEAsia, but you will be amazed at how fast that time flies by! Enjoy your trip! A budget might help us make hotel suggestions.

Carol

Kathie

Asia is a whole different ball game. It sounds like you will really have to battle your natural tendency to just hop from one place to another and never get to experience any of a country.

One thing to consider if you are traveling on a limited budget is that for a number of countries, you'll have visa costs. VN has the highest visa cost of the countries you are considering ($65). Most people on Fodors prefer Hanoi to HCMC, but everyone is different. Personally, I'd save VN for your next trip. Cambodia and Laos both require visas, you can get them on arrival at airports if you fly, overland you have to make sure to choose a border crossing that allows you to buy on arrival, as not all do. (though the major crossings do)

I'm not especially fond of KL, for your purposes, you'd be best advised to stick to three countries: Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. If you can extend your trip by a couple of weeks, you'll have more options.

How are you planning to get from place to place? Flights can be expensive, but there are less expensive options. Overland travel takes time, so there are always trade-offs.

rhkkmk

i think your budget would help you decide what you can see and do.

moving from country to country can significantly add to the price.

your level of comfort is another key..

i love bkk and could spend the whole month there..

i find the golden triangle far nicer than chiang mai..

for the beach i love: hua hin, samui, khao lak and krabi--they offer all levels of accomodation