travelling_gyoza

Hi! I'm hoping to get some advice on my Southeast Asia itinerary so far. Nothing is set in stone so suggestions for changes are welcome. I'm a budget to mid-range solo (minus 2 weeks where my friend will be joining me) traveller. I would like to see a bit of everything, beaches, history, culture. And would like to avoid most of the big citities except as transit points.
This seems a little last minute since March 1st is only 41 days away. But so far I only have my flight into Hanoi booked and welcome any and all advice given.

So starting on March 1...
- Vietnam (3.5 weeks)
- starting in Hanoi and work my way down south
- Cambodia (1.5 weeks)
-Phnom Pehnm, Koh Rong and Siem Riep
- Bangkok (just to get my visa for Myanmar)
- Myanmar (10-14 days)
- Yangon, Bagan, Inle Lake, Mandalay
-Indonesia (30 days)
- still need to figure out a route for Indonesia.
- open for suggestions
- Borneo (10-14 days)
- still need to figure out a route for Borneo
- open for suggestions

Also I was wondering if it is worth it to go to Laos. In my research nothing about it has really jumped out at me. But I may be researching the wrong things.

Kathie

It is hard to know where to start in giving you feedback about your plans as you are covering so many places!

Let me start at the end, Borneo. Are you planning for Indonesian Borneo (Kalimantin) or Malaysian Borneo (Sabah & Sarawak)? In general, Malaysian Borneo is easier to access and has better infrastructure. Are you hoping to see wildlife? If so, you will want to stay in a jungle lodge in Sabah. Those can be expensive, but there are more budget-friendly options.

Do you know where you want to go in Indonesia? It's a huge country with thousands of islands. At a minimum, you likely want to visit Bali for its unique culture (Hindu), and visit Java for the amazing muniments in central Java - Borobudur and Prambanam. There are plenty of other island to consider than are less visited like Sumatra and Sumba, but those will take a good amount of research. Frankly, there is so much in Indonesia, 30 days will barely scratch the surface, so you will need to choose maybe there islands for your time there.

Myanmar is probably my favorite country in SE Asia. WE have beene there three times and do plan to return. Be aware that it is more expensive than other places in mainland SE Asia, mostly because of lodging costs.

Be aware that you have chosen the absolutely hottest time of the year for Cambodia and Myanmar... and these are hot pales to begin with. The good news is that you likely won't have any difficulty finding lodging.

If you don't want to spend time in Bangkok, you might prefer to get an e-visa for Myanmar. Just make sure you have the official government website, as there are scammers who will gladly take your money.

This is a long trip and you'll need some down time to rest and relax. Bali would be a good place for this.

If you have specific questions, we'll be glad to try to help.

Enjoy your trip.

needmorevacation

Second Kathie- the e-visa for Myanmar is simple and quick, no need to go to Bangkok if you don't have to!

Also, don't let anyone take you out on Inle if there is a storm nearby... it's not 'ok' no matter what they say!!! My last trip report covers this and the other cities you mentioned in Burma. I didn't get as much time in Yangon as I'd planned, but the country is one I'd return to in a few years.

progol

I have only been to Luang Prabang, but this trip report by rje made me interested in considering a to Laos someday:

http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...os-vietnam.cfm

neoholiday

i am local Indonesian, so i will only give advice about indo destinations you might like. 30 days will be very short, as what others have said above, but here's some options from me:

if you wish to see indo's highlight (no matter whether it's a touristic sites whatever..)
-start your journey from Bali, next you can get on ferry to Lombok island and enjoy the beautiful beaches. i would suggest you to see Komodo dragon in Flores Island (to me it's a must visited place. but no direct transport from lombok to flores island. you either return to bali first and fly. or just buy sailing tour package bali-lombok-flores-bali. this means all inclusive with a trip to Lombok, no need to do it yourself beforehand), return to Bali then you can rent car and get on ferry again but now you're going to the western part of Indo. You are crossing to Java Island (visit either mount bromo or Ijen Crater, be sure to read the news though! couple months ago it's not safe to visit Bromo because some volcano activity. but Ijen Crater in Banyuwangi will be good as well), continue driving with the car or take public bus to Jogjakarta (see borobudur temple, javanese ancient ruins and palace), catch a train to the capital city of Indo: Jakarta. Spend a day or two in Jakarta then fly or take a 3d/2n bus ride to Sumatera Island (flying directly will save your time a lot, but taking a road trip will give you more adventure). i would suggest a visit to Lake Toba in North sumatera if you like greenery + primates + waterfall + lake (a very large one), but if you're the type of person who prefers beaches/islands destination you may like to see belitung island instead. great spot for snorkeling/diving. Return to Jakarta, and catch your flight to the next country. (there are more to see in Indo but this itinerary might take the whole 30 days you have)

if you wish to see something more off the beaten track, then just reply me again.

-Neo

FLIPS

Hi @neoholiday,

saw your comment to visit Belitung. might be going there in march for 3 days. what activities and hotel would you recommend? Is it a good place for diving?

Thanks!

kadekdiver

Iam a Indonesian, you have 30 Days in Indonesia. I wil advice for you about the best place in Indonesia and only in Indonesia.

National Park:
1. Komodo National Park, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia.
- You can go by Plane from Bali or Jakarta.
- There is so many Hotel or cottage.
- Very Recomended
- info: http://www.komodo.travel/
2. Alas Purwo National Park, Banyuwangi, East Java
- You can go using Fast Boat (G-Land Joyos)
- G-Land Joyos Surf Camp is located in center of National Park
- Banyuwangi, now have so many spot for visiting by tourism.
- info: http://www.g-land.com
3. Wae Rebo, Bajawa, Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia.
- Small village with original culture,
- more info: http://www.florestourism.com/where-t...e-rebo-village
4. Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia
- Paradise in Indonesia, and top 5 best marine park in the world.
- There so many plane to go there.
- There is so many resort too on there.
- there is more Diving operator too (info: http://wickeddiving.com/)
5. Borobudur, Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia
- Only in Indonesia.
- if you wanna go there, you must use or change your custom.

Big Note:
PLEASE MAKE A DEAL FIRST before take an action like Transport, hotel, guide, and other.

Tontorino

There are lots of unique and great places to visit in Indonesia. (and i agreed with kadekdiver above, that you should check out that places) but don't forget to stop in Bali and try to hike the mountains/volcano of Indonesia at least once in your lifetime.

Indonesia is well known for its ring of fire. So that means Indonesia have tons of volcano surrounding the island (especially Java and Sumatra island). Here: http://www.indoneo.com/blogs/indones...rmant-beauties you can find guidelines of Volcanos in Indonesia (the locations, detailed map, reviews, top 20, etc.)

Hope this helps

barbloves2travel

Hi we are in Laos now but have been to Myanmar,Vietnam and Cambodia prior to this. I didn't love Yangon. Interesting but traffic is a nightmare. The pagoda was the amazing. We loved Inle and Baggen and trip to Kakku and mt Popa interesting as well. Food is cheap but accommodation and flights quite pricey due to supply and demand. Yangon was hot and humid. Make sure you take medicine in case of parasites and food poisoning. I am a nurse and this has been the worst trip ever even with taking precautions.still had a great time thanks to my travelling pharmacy. It could have been a bust. I had started a trip report but lost it when we entered Cambodia. No access to Fodors there??

redsoleslady

Indonesia:
I assume you gonna touch down via CGK or DPS, if you come in via CGK then don't bother to see the city, it's just another big city with much traffic jam and pollution.
Go straight away to Central Java, Yogyakarta/Solo, etc, then fly to Bali.
Bali is a must definitely! If this is your 1st time in Bali, I suggest minimum you spend a week in this island.
Then you can go to Nusa Tenggara/Flores, it's exotic, it's nice.
Raja Ampat (crazily beautiful), if you are into diving, water sports etc, moreover do this if you have more budget as it's quite expensive.
Otherwise you can go to Manado/Bunaken, but lately it's not so nice anymore.

julies

barbieloves2travel--

Since we just returned from 6 weeks in Cambodia nd Lao and are familiar with pricing in those countries, and I am interested in a potential future visit to Burma, can you expand a bit more on your comment about flights and lodging being expensive in Burma? We consider ourselves mid-range travelers and have a good handle on what we were paying for mid-range lodging in the countries we visited. About what did you pay for a one way flight in Burma?

Silverswimmer

Yangon to Bagan circa $108 inc luggage
Mid range hotel $65+
Local food cheap.Lunch out in tourist restaurant $8 Beer $3, wine $16 a bottle.Hotel buffet $15
Put some dummy dates/destinations into the hotels link in the top toolbar to give you a really wide range of prices/standards.
https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowFo...8-Myanmar.html
SS

sartoric

I'm pricing domestic flights now via a travel agent in Yangon.

Flights from Mandalay to Yangon on May 13 are between $110 and $114.

Note that the airlines only seem to release flight schedules about 6 or 7 weeks prior, or later, the TA tells me that not all flights are yet scheduled.

Hotels are more expensive than in Cambodia or Laos, with less amenities . There are places that represent good value, they're harder to find.

Food is relatively cheap, about the same as you'd pay for similar in Cambodia.

bromoindonesia

I am trying to provide information on tourist attractions in Indonesia must-see in my opinion. so the journey starts from Java Island to Papua.
the information here is a brief of the Indonesian archipelago. here the link : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_o...s_of_Indonesia

Central Java:
Yogyakarta: This is the best place for you to discover the magnificent temples of Borobudur and Prambanan. There are the remains of two great kingdoms of two different religions - Buddhism and Hinduism.
Borobudur is one of the most famous Buddhist temples in the world. Borobudur was built for about 75 years in the 8th century and 9th, of approximately 2 million blocks of stone with over 2,000 relief panels and 500 Buddha statues. Today it is one of the most popular destinations
A Place to visit: Brorobudur, Prambanan

East Java: (I live here)
Mount Bromo is an active volcano, part of the Tengger in East Java. At 2329 meters (7,641 feet) it is not the highest peak of the massif, but it is the most famous. The area is one of the sites most visited in Indonesia and Java. The volcano is surrounded by the Sea of fine volcanic sand. Must see once in your life.
Then Ijen Crater is a famous tourist attraction with a blue flame of burning sulfur. Has been recognized by domestic and foreign tourists for its natural beauty and charming. It is 5,466 hectares, 2,386 meters from the ocean depths, with 92 hectares of jungle tours. Many burning sulfur from the fumaroles at night with blue and red flames. The blue flame can be up to 5 meters (16 feet); some of the gas to condense into liquid and still turned on. This is an area of blue flames in the world where the local people refer to it as 'Blue Flame'.
A Place to visit: Mount bromo (sunrise-crater-sea of sand) , Mount Ijen (blue fire)

Bali: I think we all already knew about Bali

Lombok Island - West Nusa Tenggara:
Lombok is the neighboring island of Bali. The island has the same type of beautiful beaches and the volcanic landscape of Bali, with less commercialism and a little more making it one of the best places to visit in Indonesia. The islands are very relaxed and laid back, with lots of small beachside cafes still playing reggae and no cars or motorbikes to disturb
A Place to visit: Gunung Rinjani (highly recommended for hiking), Gili Island.

East Nusa Tenggara:
Here live the largest reptile in the world could reach 3 meters or more in length and weighing more than 70 kg with sharp claws and poisonous saliva. Although most of the Dragons eat animal carcasses that have died, but they actually are formidable predators that also prey including birds and mammals.
But Dont wotty, attacks on humans are extremely rare.
A place to visit: Komodo National Park

Papua/Irian Jaya Island:
Raja Ampat Islands, comprising more than 1,500 small islands, is a dream destination of divers the world.
Underwater scenery is beautiful, and one of the richest coral reef ecosystems in the world. It also includes about 1,300 different species of fish, 530 species of coral and 700 species of mollusks.

Known as one of the best diving destinations in Indonesia and the world, Raja Ampat is expected to host more than 75% of the world's coral species with more than a thousand coral reef fish fauna. It is obvious haven for divers and those who love the sea life.
A place to visit: Raja Ampat (Four Kings)
----
and to Borneo, to be honest I'm sorry I do not have a suggestion