JC98

Hi,

What is a good time of the year to visit Southeast Asia? Thinking of Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia. Is late Nov to early Dec ok, weatherwise? Still too rainy?

Also, with just 2 weeks, how best to spend time in these places (probably not enough to go to more than 1 country or at most 2)? It's our first time to this area, so probably should hit the highlights.

Any recommendations on which airlines to take from LAX or SFO?

Thanks!

Smeagol

I certainly would consider doing Thailand , Vientnam and Cambodii. Pick a country which you fnacy most and go from there. It also depends which part of these countries you go to as to what the wethaer will be like in November. for example its the rainy season Oct - Dec in central Vietnam but fine in the south)
Give us an idea of what you like doing or better still do some research on which coutry appeals most and we can then help you much better.

jamesexton_1

"So should probably hit the highlights" seems like a whistle stop approach. As Smeagol says give us an idea what you like doing best. Some people like a nice beach resort and /or the best hotels--cheap in this area compared from where you're coming from. Some like to see the local sights etc. Others like to see the culture of other people and how they cope with societies less privileged than ours. Your choice of these countries in my view is good.I would hope that if this is your first time to this region you would get to know the culture and the people and enjoy what that can offer.
I have done Thailand for 2 weeks--Bangkok 2 nights--3 nights/ 4days cruise up the River Kwai doing a pilgrimage to our war dead at Hellfire Pass, War Cemetery at Kanchanaburi, Bridge over the River Kwai etc both restful and exhilarating and good for the soul,Bangkok 1 night, and then a tour of Northern Thailand into Chiang Mai , Chiang Rai the hilltribe people and The Golden Triangle for 7 nights and back to Bangkok for 2 nights.A great trip.
Now doing Vietnam and Cambodia this March, 3 nights Saigon 8 day cruise up the Mekong calling at various places of interest including Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, 3 nights Siem Reap to do Ankor Wat and Preh Toal bird reserve,before returning to Saigon for another couple of days.
I search all my holidays on the internet as to what my interests are.My type of holiday may not suit you.If you are interested in something like what I did in Thailand let me know and I can give you more information on connections to research these.

Smeagol

sorry for all my Typos that should of course read I wouldn't consider doing Thailand Vietnam and Cambodia in 2 weeks

Gpanda

In two weeks, you could visit Bangkok, Angkor Wat and a Thai beach. You can have enough time in each location to absorb a sense of the place. Travel between each place will take 1/2 day. When are you thinking of going? The weather at the beaches changes according to the rainy season.

JC98

Thanks, all, for telling me to be more specific. We're normally slow (very slow) travelers -- we would spend 10 days just in Rome for instance.

We're interested in many things -- culture, nature, food, outdoor adventure, etc.

From what I know, here are some things we'd like to do. Haven't really dug into my research, so don't know all the proper names yet of some of the places.
* Vietnam
* Ha Long Bay -- kayak the bay, overnight on a houseboat
* Some mountain tribal village in the north -- what's the name? Hike, see local culture
* Major cities -- Hanoi, Hue, Saigon
* Anything else?

* Cambodia
* Angkor Wat

* Thailand
* Beaches, islands, Bangkok, hill tribes

Maybe do Cambodia and Vietnam together, and Thailand on a separate trip?

Given the above agenda, would late Nov to early Dec work?

Thanks!

Gate1Travel

JC98, since you are only planning on taking a two week trip, I would focus on one country. My pick would have to be Thailand. It’s a wonderful country and there is so much to do and see. I would concentrate on the cities of Bangkok, Chaing Mai and Chaing Rai. Below is a list of sights you may want to check out if you chose Thailand for your trip. Good luck with your decision!

Bangkok:
Wat Traimit, Temple of the Golden Buddha
Wat Po, Temple of the Reclining Budhha
Wat Benchamabophit, The Marble Temple

Chaing Mai:
Mae Sa Valley and Mae Sa Elephant Training Camp
Sai Nam Phung Orchid Nursery and Butterfly Farm

Chaing Rai:
Wat Maha Dhat Phitsanulok
Sukhothai and Wat Maha Dhat Sukhotai

Kathie

What you've outlined for VN is at least two weeks. November is very rainy, often with flooding in central VN. Both Norther and south VN would be ok weather-wise.

If this is your first trip to Asia, you might want to start with Thailand. It's a beautiful country with lots to do and see. As Gpanda says, in two weeks, you could visit two locations in Thailand plus Angkor.

I always find Gate1's posts rather bewildering, especially for a tour/travel agent. The canned selections for various places are odd, and has someone moved Sukhothai to Chaing Rai?

daawgon

I like Vietnam - usually for for no less than 3.5 weeks. With only 2 weeks, I would only go to one country. Naturally, Thailand is the beauty spot in SEA, but Indochina is much more "real" - much poorer, but I like the people there - very friendly and the tourist services are very good. You can live very well in Indochina on less than $50. a day. I've been there in March and November. I much preferred March - I dislike really hot weather. Late Nov-early Dec will be fine (that is high season = higher prices) March is low season. For Vietnam, considering your likes, I would recommend Hanoi, Sapa, Halong Bay and Hoi An. You should travel by train or air. I like the Livitrans Train and Vietnam Airlines. Vietnam is a very easy place to get around - English is widely understood and used. People are exceptional. Free tourist tours in both Hanoi (Hanoikids) and Hoi An (Danangkids) - university students give tours in exchange for English practice. I like this travel agency in Hanoi: www.vietnamtour.com.vn