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China, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos - New adventure!

China, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos - New adventure!

Old Apr 28th, 2009, 05:09 AM
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China, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos - New adventure!

I am a 64-year old widow who has travelled alone for the past 4 years. My one luxury is Business Class trave (as I am on my own). I want to start planning a trip to these countries - my timeline is Sept 2010 onwards. These are my questions: How much time should I allow to see the main sights in these places? I normally travel independently - would this be advisable? I have no language skills in Chinese - can get by in French - would like to use local guides as much as possible. Would like to use local transport to get from one city to another - stay in reasonably good hotels but prefer B&B's if possible. What budget should I allow for this trip? Look forward to some guidance and direction. Many thanks.
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Old Apr 28th, 2009, 06:08 AM
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Just want to point out that Chinese is not widely spoken or is the official language in any of the countries you've mentioned. French is only spoken by people who are in their 50s or 60s(or older) but more people will understand more English then French.
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Old Apr 28th, 2009, 06:45 AM
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How long is the trip?

Is this your first time to Asia?

Do you want to include all four countries?

You can certainly go on your own...main tourist spots in SE Asia/China are VERY easy and safe, at least in my own limited experience.
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Old Apr 28th, 2009, 06:59 AM
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Think about China as a whole separate trip. It's a huge country and you can easily spend a month there still not seeing all you might want to see.

VN, Cambodia and Laos I'd suggest a month to 6 weeks depending on what you want to see and do. All of these are easily done independently. You will run into a few older VN who speak French, but mostly you'll be able to comminucate with English, sign language or goodwill.
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Old Apr 28th, 2009, 07:02 AM
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This is my first time to these countries - I ave been to Hong Kong and Bangkok before. I was thinking of 4 to 8 weeks but am open to advice on this. Just need some reassuring guidance and if possible a workable itinerary - eg where to start/finish - border crossing problems - where to get currency - hotel/B&B booking problems - train ticket bookings - the list goes on!!!!
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Old Apr 28th, 2009, 08:03 AM
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Appologies Wonkyknee I did not see China as one of the country on your list when I wrote that Chinese is not the official language!
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Old Apr 28th, 2009, 08:11 AM
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I suspect that most people here applaud your wonderfully adventurous spirit but are uncertain about what you wish to see/accomplish on this trip so it is hard to jump in and make recommendations. I like Kathie's idea of splitting off China for a separate trip from your trip to Southeast Asia. Does that make sense to you? Please tell us more about what you want from this trip.
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Old Apr 28th, 2009, 08:25 AM
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marya is right, we can be of more assistance if we know more of what you want to see/do/experience. We can then be more helpful with an itinerary.

Currency is easily obtainable at ATMs, or if you prefer to exchange cash, exchanges are readily available as well. Hotels are easily booked online though local booking agencies or with the individual hotels, etc. We can help you figure out visa issues (the one that is the most hassle to obtain is China).

It sounds like you'd like to travel by train sometimes, which is practical for CHina and VN, but not for Cambodia and Laos. You may also want to take some flights as overland travel in SE Asia can be slow and the roads are not in good condition in some places (Cambodia, especially).

The regulars on this board are generous with their time and knowledge, and will be glad to help you figure out rhe logistics of doing it on your own.
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Old Apr 28th, 2009, 04:36 PM
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Hi Wonkyknee,
I agree with the above and would leave China to its own. As for Lao, I suggest that you spend a minimum of 2 weeks in the country.
Things that are worth seeing: Vientiane - a couple of days, Vang Vieng 2 days for the karst landscapes, Luang Prabang 3-4 days, the Plain of Jars - 2 days, Champassak and Pakse 3-4 days.
Then you have the 1000 islands and if you want to rough it a bit head to Atapeu.
Best is to get yourself a decent guide book or have a look at Travelfish.com and see what appeals to you. Your French won't help you much anymore, but English, (of sorts), will be ok. You can travel by bus, but be aware that bus travel in Lao takes a lot longer than you might think. I would suggest you consider some internal flights as well.
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Old Apr 30th, 2009, 04:31 AM
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Thank you Marya and Kathie - I have made up my mind (thanks to you two!) - I wish to split the trip - my first choice will be Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos - I do not have a fixed time span but was thinking of 4-6 weeks. I really need advice on the time of year to go to Vietnam, etc. I normally take a guided tour of a city to get an overview of the place, before heading out on my own. The Hanoi Kids guides and the Columbus Pinta Gold boat trip to Halong Bay took my attention. My interests are meeting local people, the history and culture of these countries - sightseeing - walking - using local guides - a mix of seeing the REAL way of life in these countries and the occasional treat eg staying in a top hotel and eating in a great restaurant - hope this makes sense!! I intend to read as many trip reports as I can but would really love to receive an outline itinerary as it is difficult for me to say what I should see or do as I have no knowledge of these countries. I really appreciate all the help and advice I get.
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Old Apr 30th, 2009, 04:44 AM
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There are plenty of "standard" itineraries available on tour company websites. Lonely Planet (and probably other guidebooks) also print suggested itineraries in the front of the books. I highly recommend LP for SE Asia. While the best itinerary for you is one that connects the places you want to see, for Vietnam it's hard to deviate from the standard south-to north or vice versa, as the country is so thin in the middle! For my 2002 SEA trip itinerary (3 months but included Malaysia) see www.wilhelmswords.com/asia2002, my 2004 SEA itinerary is on the RTW section of that site, although without TRs.
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Old May 1st, 2009, 11:36 AM
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Here's my favorite weather website: www.weatherbase.com Check for each city you plan to visit.

VN is a bit difficult as it's long and thin and impacted by different monsoon systems.

Cambodia is sooooo hot, try to go at the least hot times: Nov, Dec, Jan

Laos can actually be a bit cool as it's so mountainous. We were able to swim in the pool in Luang Prabang in November, but sometimes it's too cool then.
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Old May 12th, 2009, 04:53 AM
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I have been to a travel agency today who told me that the best time to go to Vietnam is Feb/Mar??? I am trying to make a plan for these months in 2010 so that I have plenty of time to make the necessary arrangements. A few questions:

Do I fly from south Vietnam to Cambodia and then fly to Vientiane? I am worried about border crossings on my own. in case I have problems.

How much time should I allow for Cambodia and Laos - in each country? Any recommendations on places to stay there?

I am in the process of reading Craig's trip report and some other reports I have printed off the website. I shall also get LP Guide to Vietnam and Cambodia.

My flights could be London-Beijing-Shanghai-Hong Kong-Vietnam, then internal flights to Cambodia and Laos, then back on main flights to Bangkok, Los Angeles and back to London eventually - what do you think? I might have 3 days in each of Beijing, Shanghai and HK - on my way to Vietnam. One World flights do this route.

Keep the advice coming!! I am really thankful for all responses.
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Old May 12th, 2009, 05:06 AM
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You can fly from Saigon to Phnom Penh or to Siem Reap, but there are other routes. See talesofasia.com for lots of info on travel to and within Cambodia. I've flown to PP and then taken a bus (there are also taxis) to SR. I've also gone by boat up the Mekong. I haven't taken the bus that also connects the cities.

You can go overland from SR to Bangkok, but it takes pretty much a whole day. You can also take a train from Bangkok to Vientiane. Depends on which order you want to take things. I think you can go overland from Hanoi to Laos as well. It might make more sense to do a circle starting and ending in Bangkok.
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