Myownheroine

I want to visit Asia. I'm interested in really old stuff, so Angkor Wat is #1 on my list. I've also never been, so I think that Bangkok is probably a good place to dip into Asian culture. Bali is on the list because of its natural beauty.

I'm not really interested in China or Japan (Terra Cotta warriors notwithstanding), so I think I'll stick to SEA on this trip.

I expect to spend 2 or 3 weeks there, not really knowing when I'll go back. I'm a quick traveler with a limited attention span.

Is a Bangkok-Angkor Wat-Bali trip reasonable, both in terms of getting around and time-wise? I expect I'll spend 4 days in Bangkok and at least two in Bali. Should I add another place? I've heard Laos is beautiful.

Is there some can't miss destination that I'm not thinking of?

Kathie

If you have three weeks, you can cover those three places. Since you are really interested in Angkor, start there with your planning. You need a full three days just to see the "major" temples. You will likely want longer. There are dozens and dozens of accessible temples. Buy a copy of Dawn Rooney's book, Angkor: A guide to Cambodia's Wonderous Temples to prepare. It will help you decide how much time to spend there. You might also look at www.theplf.org for another thing you could do in Siem Reap.

Bangkok is my favorite city in the world, and I could spend endless time there. But for a first visit, 4 days is a minimum to get a feel for the city.

Bali is lovely. I can't imagine flying to Bali for two days! Bali is a unique cultural experience. I'd want a week there for a first visit.

Depending on how much time you want at Angkor, you might be able to add a few days in central Java to visit Borobudor.

I recommend you at least browse guidebooks for all of the places you are considering, and buy guides to the places you are certian you want to go. You might also find it helpful to0 look at photos of some of these places. You are welcome to look at ours at www.marlandc.com

Gpanda

Three weeks is the minimum to do AW, BKK and Bali. You will probably use BKK as a hub. So you will be flying in and out of there to begin and end your trip. Therefore, figure 3 days at the beginning and 3 days at the end at the minimum. Bangkok Airways is the only carrier from BKK to Angkor Wat, so check their website for flight times. Check Air Asia, a good discount carrier from BKK-Bali. In Bali, you should spend a week, splitting time between Ubud and a beach. You can figure out how many days you want to spend looking a temples and add days to BKK or Bali as needed.

rhkkmk

gpanda has given good advice----do not go to bali for 2 days...!!!

bali is worth up to a week on a quick trip...

my preference would be:

bkk for 3-4 days
transfer day
SR for 3-4 days
transfer day
bali for 6-7 nites
transfer day
bkk for the remainder or singapore for 4 nites and add the other days to bkk at the beginning...

fly into bkk and out of singapore??