3 countries 3 1/2 weeks
 

I needs some help to narrow down our itinerary -we are flying into ho che min city Vietnam first then up to siem reep then fly over to Bangkok the over night train to krabi - I need to know the must see and do things along the way as I am overwhelmed --
best way to travel ? fun things to do /see? I am very adventurous we my friend and I are early fifties can you help? we leave on Jan 31/14

Do you have guidebooks yet? Get a good guide for Thailand and for VN and get a copy of Dawn Rooney's book, Angkor: A guide to Cambodia's Wondrous Temples.

You will have to figure out what interests you in order for us to be of much help. I could give you 3.5 weeks worth of stuff to do in Bangkok alone! Remember than fewer stops means more time in each place. You already have 4 destinations right now HCMC, Siem Reap, Bangkok and Krabi. That may be plenty.

From HCMC to Siem Reap you can fly or take a week-long cruise. Siem Reap to Bangkok, you will likely want to fly Air Asia flies through out SE Asia and is both cheap and reliable. I don't know that I would bother with the train from Bangkok to Krabi when you can fly so cheaply.

Krabi will be your most expensive stop, as hotels prices will be high.

Also, take a look at www.theplf.org for another way to spend some time in Siem Reap.

From Saigon to Siem Reap you can also take a boat to Phnom Penh and a bus from there - much cheaper than the cruise. Or a bus to PP and then another bus onto SR. You'll see more that way than flying. It is also easier to go overland from SR to Bangkok than it used to be - car and driver to the border and bus or train on to Bangkok.

You still may be better flying from Siem Reap to Bangkok as it would save a considerable amount of time. Also, if the road from SR to Sisophon is any guide its not a very interesting trip on the Cambodian side at least.

Also you can get a boat from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap but I've heard mixed reports. I wouldn't bother myself.

While the main reason to go to SR is obviously the temples, I'd also suggest The Flight of the Gibbon if you want something fun and adventurous.

Maybe a motor bike tour of Ho Chi Minh City. I think I read somewhere there is one company with women drivers which may appeal.

I don't think 3 1/2 weeks trip in 3 countries is good idea if you don't want to run behind you cars. Only Vietnam will consume you at least 1 month. However, if you only want to visit Ho Chi Minh and surrounding cities,I suggest you to spend 3 weeks in Vietnam and Thailand and the remainder is used in Cambodia.
In Vietnam: Dalat, Nha Trang or Mui Ne, Saigon, Mekong delta. From Mekong delta, you can take a boat, bus or flight to Cambodia. Of course, bus is the cheapest way.

do any of you have a better idea for an itinerary we do have tickets booked from Vancouver to ho chi min city then home out of Bangkok to Vancouver
FEB 1 to feb 26th

Nothing wrong with that itinerary - but what are you interested in? What draws you to this part of the world?

vietnamtravelpro above is obviously an agent, and I'd be wary of the advice.

If you take a look at http://www.intrepidtravel.com/uk/sea...0Thailand%2520 you will find a plethora of suggested strips around that region going from HCMC to Bangkok. You may find a few ideas there.
It seems like you intend flying between centres which limits you a bit in terms of seeing the countries but I spassume you are spending a week at the beach? So that is probably the best option.

Saigon has a lot going for it in terms of food markets etc. Ann the main sights in district one and Cholon can be seen in a couple of days. I love the city itself and would stay there but otherwise you could spend a day in the delta and maybe include a visit to the Cao Dai Holy See. Otherwise, you could maybe take a side trip to the. Central. Highlands for a day or to or the coast, but I doubt you really have the time.

If you already have tickets to SR, fair enough, but I would seriously consider routing via Phnonm penh which I find one of Asia's most fascinating cities and spend a couple of days there. Easy to get the bus to SR from there which is an experience in its own right. I have visited Angkor twice in the last 15 years, the last time in 2008 when I vowed "never again" as it has just got way too busy. That said, find a good guide or tuk tuk driver who is willing to take a contra cyclical approach to touring the complex and you may be able to avoid the worst of the crowds.

As for "the best way to travel" bus or a car and driver or a boat will undoubtedly allow you to see more of the country and meet people other than international tourists but it does take longer, is sometimes uncomfortable and can be frustrating but definitely more fun. Flying is sometimes quite cheap in the region and will get you to places quickly but often you will completely miss the good bits in between. Even amongst diehard flyers, I have yet to hear the words" wow, that was a really interesting flight"

The overnight train to Krabi is a good choice but choose your cabin wisely. Have a look at www.seat61.com for guidance.

Can't help with Vietnam as not going there but is Ho Chi Minh city your only planned stay in VN? You can probably get some advice as to what the minimum amount of time to stay there should be.

For Siem Reap we are staying there 14 nights but that's us. I'm a temple fanatic and there's tons of other things to see/do in SR. Most will advise at least 4 nights/3 full days to get a good taste of the main "must see" temples.

Bangkok has that big city vibe like New York-chaotic but a place not to be missed. I would advise that you consider spending some time there. You could do that at the end of your trip since you say you are flying home from Bangkok.

Time at a Thai beach sounds like a nice way to wind down before heading home. That's what we are doing-only in Khao Lak and Phuket.

If you will be in SE Asia from 2/1-2/26 your itinerary could look like this.

2/1-arrive Ho Chi Minh city from Vancouver
2/1-2/8 Vietnam Maybe 2 full days to explore HCM city? The rest of the time-Mekong Delta??
2/8-instead of going directly to Siem Reap maybe go to Phnom Penh and spend a few days/nights there? Could take the Giant Ibis bus from PP to SR. 2/8-2/10
2/11-arrive Siem Reap via bus from PP Spend 4 nights here? 2/11-2/14
2/15-fly from SR to Bangkok, overnight train to Krabi 2/15-2/22 for a week at the beach?
2/23-back to Bangkok until 2/26 flight home to Vancouver?

This is only a suggestion as that seems to be what you are requesting. Others may have a much better itinerary for you. How much/little time you spend in each place really depends on your interests. Have a great trip!