sofwro

I'm going to SE Asia from 8/22-8/31. But, I don't know exactly where to go yet. I'm leaving from New York, and have narrowed down the places I'd love to see to Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.
Would it be possible to fly into Ho Chi Minh City, make my way up north through Cambodia and Laos, and fly out of Hanoi? Or is that just way too much to pack into 8 days? Would it be better to fly into Ho Chi Minh City and out of Chiang Mai? Or should I just stay in one area the whole time?
About me: I'm in my late 20s, I've never been to Asia. I love to explore culture, history, nature, and relax. I'm not as interested in spending time in big cities (since I live in one!), or partying, or sitting on a beach the entire time. I want to be able to see as much as I can in this short amount of time while not being totally overwhelmed. I want to be able to enjoy it! I'm meeting my boyfriend there (He will be in the middle of traveling SE Asia for 6 weeks. He has also never been, but is totally flexible about where he can meet me), so I will not be alone.
Any help is truly appreciated.

silverwool

Any of these countries is worth the full 8 days. To try and do the three would be too much in my opinion. I've been to all three and love them but would hesitate to advise you as to which would be best for your purposes.

Kathie

Way, way too much. With eight days (are all of those on the ground in SEA or are you including travel days?) choose just one country, and perhaps two places in that country.

Overland travel in SEA is slow and subject to delays. Staying in one area will give you a chance to enjoy it. If it was me (and it isn't) I'd choose Cambodia, with a 4 or 5 night stay in Siem Reap and then either PP or a beach area. My second choice would be Laos, you could spend your whole time in Luang Prabang and find plenty to do and see in that area. You have to slow down to experience these places - if you move too fast, you'll miss it all. VN is a large country, and I'd save it for when you have more time.

There is lots to do and see in Thailand and it has the best developed infrastructure of any of those countries.

If you opt for Cambodia, get a copy of Dawn Rooney's book, Angkor: A Guide to Cambodia's Wondrous temples.

You might find browsing some photos would help you with your decision. Take a look here: www.marlandc.com

sofwro

Thanks so much for your help! Having not ever been, it's really difficult to judge how much is possible to fit in. To answer your question, Kathie, I'll be on the ground for 8 days. I would get in to SE Asia on a Saturday, and would leave the following Sunday.
This is great advice. Thank you thank you!

marmot

Agree, slow down, observe, savor. Have a massage, a long lunch in the garden, a nap.

Also, don't underestimate the impact of jetlag, heat, humidity and general inefficiency on your ability to maintain a New York pace. There's a reason that it's a slow motion kind of place.

With 8 days, I'd pick two destinations (which could be in one or two countries). You will most likely have to fly between them which no matter how short the flight is always ends up taking up most of the day.

So for example you could combine Siem Reap/Angkor with Luang Prabang, Chiang Mai or Hanoi. Or you could easily spend 8 days on the little island of Bali.

Don't worry, if you get bitten by the Southeast Asia bug, you'll be back.

CounterClifton

We sometimes move faster along than a lot of people choose to... but that seems like an awful lot to take on in just 8 days.

Fwiw, IMO... on top of all the very good points about heat and logistics and just massively interesting attractions that are way too good to dash past, there's the best bit. And that is that if you sit still someplace, and watch... maybe even talk to people (and that will probably happen)... the world will stroll by in front of you and it will be one of the most illuminating things about SE Asia (or almost anywhere). To see the nuts and bolts of how your destinations of choice work. Monks coming and going, where do people shop... street food vendors setting up, getting the little stoves started. Markets, canal boats, catching a ride on a fishing boat (yes, you can!)

Anyway, to each his own... but something to think about.

lcuy

TWO places max. You could do Saigon, then either Luang Prabang or Siem REap. August can be not only steaming hot, but rain can wash out roads, delay flights and just slow things down.

If your BF has been traveling for 3 weeks by the time you arrive, he is not likely going to want to rush all over the place. You're going to be adjusting to the weather, food and possibly jet lag, so you may end up cranky. Why risk it when you only have a week to be together?

sofwro

Thanks, everyone!
We've decided to just stick with Cambodia. You've been very helpful!

CounterClifton

Excellent! Lovely country, Cambodia. My favourite.

Lots of atmosphere to soak up, even if you choose to stray away from the Siem Reap/Phnom Penh/S'houk trio.

Enjoy the trip.