Planning a trip to SE Asia- limited time!
Dec 18th, 2013, 07:40 AM
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Planning a trip to SE Asia- limited time!
Hi all,
I'm wanting to go to SE Asia next year. I'm wondering if y'all could give some nice suggestions as to:
1) best time to go
2)what I can't miss
3)tours/travel companies that may be of some help
I'm from the US, so we have like zero vacation, so I've gotten used to cramming SOMANYTHINGS into a short itinerary.
I'd love to be able to see Bangkok, Angkor Wat, Laos, Myanmar, and a beach, don't care where, I just want a day or two to tan! I know this might not be possible on one trip, but hey why not try!
Including travel from Dallas, I couldn't be gone more than 14 days.
Thinking Bankgok > Siem reap >Laos > Myanmar >Bangkok.
Ideas? Tips?
NB: Please don't just say "you can't do this, you need more time etc etc" I would LOVE more time, but I have a job that actually gives a LOT of vacation for America- 3 weeks. But am open to cutting out 1 or 2 things from my itinerary.
Thanks so much!
I'm wanting to go to SE Asia next year. I'm wondering if y'all could give some nice suggestions as to:
1) best time to go
2)what I can't miss
3)tours/travel companies that may be of some help
I'm from the US, so we have like zero vacation, so I've gotten used to cramming SOMANYTHINGS into a short itinerary.
I'd love to be able to see Bangkok, Angkor Wat, Laos, Myanmar, and a beach, don't care where, I just want a day or two to tan! I know this might not be possible on one trip, but hey why not try!
Including travel from Dallas, I couldn't be gone more than 14 days.
Thinking Bankgok > Siem reap >Laos > Myanmar >Bangkok.
Ideas? Tips?
NB: Please don't just say "you can't do this, you need more time etc etc" I would LOVE more time, but I have a job that actually gives a LOT of vacation for America- 3 weeks. But am open to cutting out 1 or 2 things from my itinerary.
Thanks so much!
Dec 18th, 2013, 07:57 AM
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I have a site here with 9000 photos of all SE Asian countries except the Philippines:
http://www.molon.de/galleries/SEAsia/
The best weather is around March-April. After (or before that) you can still travel, but in some places the weather might be rainy.
For the beach the simplest thing is to head to southern Thailand.
Not sure if it's worth to "hop" for a couple of days into Myanmar (visa, travel logistics etc.), but if you do, pay a visit to Bagan.
Should you be interested into wildlife, the best country is Malaysia and the best spot is the area around Sandakan (Kinabatangan river, Sepilok, Labuk bay).
If you head into Laos, Luang Prabang is an obvious highlight. But if you don't care about the temples, the scenery in southern Laos is quite nice (Bolaven plateau, Champasak province, 4000 islands).
http://www.molon.de/galleries/SEAsia/
The best weather is around March-April. After (or before that) you can still travel, but in some places the weather might be rainy.
For the beach the simplest thing is to head to southern Thailand.
Not sure if it's worth to "hop" for a couple of days into Myanmar (visa, travel logistics etc.), but if you do, pay a visit to Bagan.
Should you be interested into wildlife, the best country is Malaysia and the best spot is the area around Sandakan (Kinabatangan river, Sepilok, Labuk bay).
If you head into Laos, Luang Prabang is an obvious highlight. But if you don't care about the temples, the scenery in southern Laos is quite nice (Bolaven plateau, Champasak province, 4000 islands).
Dec 18th, 2013, 07:57 AM
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You will have a better time and get a better sense of your destinations if you limit your stops. Travel in SE Asia can be slow and you don't want to spend your whole vacation in transit. If you have 14 days to/from Dallas, you likely have 12 days on the ground in Asia.
In 12 days, plan for 3 locations: Of what you have listed, you could visit Bangkok, Siem Reap and Luang Prabang. That would be a lovely trip.
If you are really interested in Burma, make that your whole trip, with stops in Yangon, Bagan and Inle Lake.
In 12 days, plan for 3 locations: Of what you have listed, you could visit Bangkok, Siem Reap and Luang Prabang. That would be a lovely trip.
If you are really interested in Burma, make that your whole trip, with stops in Yangon, Bagan and Inle Lake.
Dec 18th, 2013, 08:00 AM
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Oops, just saw amin's post. April is the hottest time of the year in these places, I wouldn't go then. Nov - Feb is best (slightly cooler, still very hot).
And if photos are helpful, take a look at our travel photos at www.marlandc.com
And if photos are helpful, take a look at our travel photos at www.marlandc.com
Dec 18th, 2013, 08:09 AM
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The best time of the year to travel is November - January (early February) for cooler weather and relatively low humidity in the countries you're asking about.
Note that from late February - April in Northern Thailand, Laos and Myanmar is known as the "burning" season and lots of smoke in dust in the air.
Note that from late February - April in Northern Thailand, Laos and Myanmar is known as the "burning" season and lots of smoke in dust in the air.
Dec 18th, 2013, 08:25 AM
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May is the beginning of the wet season but it will still be very hot and humid. Very hot in the daytime and hot at night and it's not a dry heat like in Texas. Rain is actually a welcome relief from the heat during that time of year!
Dec 18th, 2013, 08:41 AM
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Good to know!
I'm actually from south florida, so I am far too familiar with heat and humidity. I actually prefer it to Texas dry-heat!
Thinking I should limit this to Bangkok, Cambodia and Laos. Can anyone recommend some local tours in Bangkok/Angkor/Laos?
I'm actually from south florida, so I am far too familiar with heat and humidity. I actually prefer it to Texas dry-heat!
Thinking I should limit this to Bangkok, Cambodia and Laos. Can anyone recommend some local tours in Bangkok/Angkor/Laos?
Dec 18th, 2013, 09:14 AM
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No need for local tours in any of those places. In Cambodia, you will want to hire a driver (and perhaps a guide, depending on your preferences) to visit the temples. Get a copy of Dawn Rooney's book, Angkor: A Guide to Cambodia's Wondrous Temples to prepare for your visit.
LP is a wonderful walking town. You might want to take a boat to the Pak Ou Cave or hire a driver to some of the nearby waterfalls. But you will mostly just want to soak up the atmosphere.
Bangkok has so much to see and do - easily do-able on your own using mostly public transportation (skytrain and water taxis) and the occasional taxi. Take a look at a guidebook and choose what you want to see. I always recommend The Grand Palace/Emersld Buddha, Wat Po (Reclining Buddha) and Wat Arun as a beginner's sampler of wats. There are many more, of course. Do make a stop at the Erawan Shrine, take a tour of the Jim Thompson House. We loved the Prasart Museum outside of Bangkok (it does require advance reservations). And of course, there is all of the shopping and eating to do.
LP is a wonderful walking town. You might want to take a boat to the Pak Ou Cave or hire a driver to some of the nearby waterfalls. But you will mostly just want to soak up the atmosphere.
Bangkok has so much to see and do - easily do-able on your own using mostly public transportation (skytrain and water taxis) and the occasional taxi. Take a look at a guidebook and choose what you want to see. I always recommend The Grand Palace/Emersld Buddha, Wat Po (Reclining Buddha) and Wat Arun as a beginner's sampler of wats. There are many more, of course. Do make a stop at the Erawan Shrine, take a tour of the Jim Thompson House. We loved the Prasart Museum outside of Bangkok (it does require advance reservations). And of course, there is all of the shopping and eating to do.
Dec 18th, 2013, 10:09 AM
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Kathie- that is all VERY helpful! Thank you so much!
Where does one look to hire a guide? I have travelled a lot, but never outside of a tour, hubby detests tours, so we're trying his way this time
Where does one look to hire a guide? I have travelled a lot, but never outside of a tour, hubby detests tours, so we're trying his way this time
Dec 18th, 2013, 10:59 AM
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In Siem Reap, your hotel can set you up with a guide and a car and driver. You might try a guide for a day and decide whether you want a guide after that or not. In Luang Prabang, if you decide to go to the cave or the waterfalls, stop by one of the agencies in town and ask. I recommend you wait until you get there and decide what you need. If you decide you want a tour somewhere it is easy (and cheaper) to arrange on the spot.
This is a very easy part of the world to travel in. People are friendly and welcoming. There are a few scams you need to know about - the taxi or tuk-tuk driver in Bangkok who wants to take you to a jewelry store or tailor or the driver who tells you the Grand Palace is closed - it is NEVER closed.
Do get yourself good guidebooks - and ask lots of questions here - we are pretty patient.
This is a very easy part of the world to travel in. People are friendly and welcoming. There are a few scams you need to know about - the taxi or tuk-tuk driver in Bangkok who wants to take you to a jewelry store or tailor or the driver who tells you the Grand Palace is closed - it is NEVER closed.
Do get yourself good guidebooks - and ask lots of questions here - we are pretty patient.
Dec 18th, 2013, 11:38 AM
#12
You really don't need a guide for any of these places, just a good guidebook. But if you insist on one for Luang Prabang or Siem Reap you can either ask your hotel, or walk down the main streets and pick one of the agencies. For a boat to the Pak Ou caves near LP you go to the river and bargain.
Start with the glossy guidebooks with lots of pictures to decide where to go and what you want to see. Then get one with few pictures and lots of logistical info for actual planning.
Start with the glossy guidebooks with lots of pictures to decide where to go and what you want to see. Then get one with few pictures and lots of logistical info for actual planning.
Dec 18th, 2013, 12:40 PM
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I too would suggest nov-early feb as the best time to go.. I personally go every November.
no need really for guides in Thailand but many of us like tour with tong for day-trips outside BKK. google her.
personally my 12 day trip would be Bangkok 4-5 days, thai beach (khao lak, krabi, samui for example) for 4 nights, Bangkok for the remainder. I would see ruins with a day trip to thai ruins north of bkk in the old capital.
choosing your hotels is critical to your enjoyment... develop a budget and come back here and we can make suggestions for you.
no need really for guides in Thailand but many of us like tour with tong for day-trips outside BKK. google her.
personally my 12 day trip would be Bangkok 4-5 days, thai beach (khao lak, krabi, samui for example) for 4 nights, Bangkok for the remainder. I would see ruins with a day trip to thai ruins north of bkk in the old capital.
choosing your hotels is critical to your enjoyment... develop a budget and come back here and we can make suggestions for you.
Dec 18th, 2013, 01:01 PM
#14
No reason you shouldn't spend some time in Bangkok on a first trip, but I certainly wouldn't spend all my time split between that and a beach. Lots of interesting places to go see. I can't imagine anyone considering the ruins near Bangkok an adequate substitute for Angkor Wat, nor Bangkok in anyway comparable to Luang Prabang. You should try to see both.
Dec 18th, 2013, 01:02 PM
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I agree with the suggestions on Siem Reap, Bangkok, and Laos. This makes sense given the time you have.
A lot depends on your interests. Siem Reap-the obvious is the Angkor complex. Most recommend at least having 3 full days just to explore the Angkor temples. Bangkok will give you the "big city" experience. Lots of good food, shopping, and some amazing sites to see as suggested by Kathie. Laos-those who have visited have lots to say. Do a goggle search for trip reports for these places here and also on Trip advisor.
SE Asia is easy to DIY. That's what my husband and I are doing this January. Lots of helpful advice from here and TA forum.
Cambodia-USD widely accepted. Any hotel you pick can easily hook you up with a driver and guide if so desired. Some great websites to start your research:
www.canbypublications.com
www.tourismcambodia.com check out the links "what to see" and "things to do"
Most come to SR for the temples but there's tons more to see and do-cooking class, apsara theater, PHARE circus, OSMOSE tours, Banteay Butterfly Center, quad adventure Cambodia, Phnom Kulen Natl. Park, shopping, Pub St., Beyond Unique Escapes, Landmine Museum. That's just a few.
Bangkok. The most important thing I learned for my upcoming trip was to pick a hotel close to the Chao Phraya River ferry system and/or the BTS. It helps to be close to public transport.
www.bangkok.com
www.tourwithtong.com
www.bangkok-maps.com for the BTS map/sky train
www.local-bangkok-tours.com to give you an idea of what things you can see and do
check out wikitrael.org for info on Bangkok
www.chaophrayaexpressboat.com
www.thaizer.com
Things to see: Grand Palace & Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Po/reclining Buddha, City Pillar shrine, National Museum-close together. About 15-20 min. walk from GP is Golden Mount. Opposite bank from Wat Po is Wat Arun. Royal barge museum, Wat Suthat & Giant Swing-symbol of Bangkok. Wat Traimit, Jim Thompson House, Ancient City, canal tours, tons of places to shop, great food-the list goes on and on. You won't be bored in Bangkok.
I have no research for Laos as my trip doesn't include that country.
The good thing is you have lots of time to plan/research. Starting with some good guide/travel books is a good idea. Go to your local book store, grab a few, and browse through them. Nancy Chandler makes a great map of Bangkok. I got mine from Amazon.com. I have Dawn Rooney's book on Angkor as well as Ancient Angkor by Michael Freeman.
Once you have decided exactly where you want to go you can make a tentative itinerary and post again asking for advice/suggestions. Half the fun of the trip is in the planning IMO. Hae fun!!
A lot depends on your interests. Siem Reap-the obvious is the Angkor complex. Most recommend at least having 3 full days just to explore the Angkor temples. Bangkok will give you the "big city" experience. Lots of good food, shopping, and some amazing sites to see as suggested by Kathie. Laos-those who have visited have lots to say. Do a goggle search for trip reports for these places here and also on Trip advisor.
SE Asia is easy to DIY. That's what my husband and I are doing this January. Lots of helpful advice from here and TA forum.
Cambodia-USD widely accepted. Any hotel you pick can easily hook you up with a driver and guide if so desired. Some great websites to start your research:
www.canbypublications.com
www.tourismcambodia.com check out the links "what to see" and "things to do"
Most come to SR for the temples but there's tons more to see and do-cooking class, apsara theater, PHARE circus, OSMOSE tours, Banteay Butterfly Center, quad adventure Cambodia, Phnom Kulen Natl. Park, shopping, Pub St., Beyond Unique Escapes, Landmine Museum. That's just a few.
Bangkok. The most important thing I learned for my upcoming trip was to pick a hotel close to the Chao Phraya River ferry system and/or the BTS. It helps to be close to public transport.
www.bangkok.com
www.tourwithtong.com
www.bangkok-maps.com for the BTS map/sky train
www.local-bangkok-tours.com to give you an idea of what things you can see and do
check out wikitrael.org for info on Bangkok
www.chaophrayaexpressboat.com
www.thaizer.com
Things to see: Grand Palace & Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Po/reclining Buddha, City Pillar shrine, National Museum-close together. About 15-20 min. walk from GP is Golden Mount. Opposite bank from Wat Po is Wat Arun. Royal barge museum, Wat Suthat & Giant Swing-symbol of Bangkok. Wat Traimit, Jim Thompson House, Ancient City, canal tours, tons of places to shop, great food-the list goes on and on. You won't be bored in Bangkok.
I have no research for Laos as my trip doesn't include that country.
The good thing is you have lots of time to plan/research. Starting with some good guide/travel books is a good idea. Go to your local book store, grab a few, and browse through them. Nancy Chandler makes a great map of Bangkok. I got mine from Amazon.com. I have Dawn Rooney's book on Angkor as well as Ancient Angkor by Michael Freeman.
Once you have decided exactly where you want to go you can make a tentative itinerary and post again asking for advice/suggestions. Half the fun of the trip is in the planning IMO. Hae fun!!
Dec 29th, 2013, 06:19 AM
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foggy,
Like others here, I recommend late November-early March as travelling time in SEA. June/July/Aug are the monsoon months. Lots of flooding happens in SEA/Indochina in these months.
Have you thought about Vietnam, either Hanoi or Saigon as a low-cost base to fly to Siem Reap, Bangkok, other Indochina destinations? Vietnam Airlines aircraft are modern and good. Silk Air and Air Asia are also good quality, frequent schedules.
There are great beach resorts in Vietnam at Nha Trang and Mui Ne, north of Saigon, similar to Thailand, that would bypass some airport time if you were to bypass Thailand, for example, and spend extra time in other places. (I have to say, Bangkok is less special the bigger it grows, but Thailand is a beautiful country).
On your schedule, I don't think Burma is do-able. We've been there twice in the past 12 months for some travel and some business, and you really need time at hand for delays. Things happen on local time, under local rules. Burma operates on the same time scale as the South Pacific.
A responder above suggested you do intensive planning. I agree. SEA is an easy place to get around, but you need to lock in the basics like transport and accommodation, because the pace is quite hectic in the cities.
Like others here, I recommend late November-early March as travelling time in SEA. June/July/Aug are the monsoon months. Lots of flooding happens in SEA/Indochina in these months.
Have you thought about Vietnam, either Hanoi or Saigon as a low-cost base to fly to Siem Reap, Bangkok, other Indochina destinations? Vietnam Airlines aircraft are modern and good. Silk Air and Air Asia are also good quality, frequent schedules.
There are great beach resorts in Vietnam at Nha Trang and Mui Ne, north of Saigon, similar to Thailand, that would bypass some airport time if you were to bypass Thailand, for example, and spend extra time in other places. (I have to say, Bangkok is less special the bigger it grows, but Thailand is a beautiful country).
On your schedule, I don't think Burma is do-able. We've been there twice in the past 12 months for some travel and some business, and you really need time at hand for delays. Things happen on local time, under local rules. Burma operates on the same time scale as the South Pacific.
A responder above suggested you do intensive planning. I agree. SEA is an easy place to get around, but you need to lock in the basics like transport and accommodation, because the pace is quite hectic in the cities.
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