Choosing destination SEA
 

Hi there,
Those of you who have traveled much in SEA,which country would be YOUR choice for a one month vacation ? Personally I'm interested in cultural life and beautiful landscapes,so which destination to choose ?

Thailand

For a month, I would concentrate on Thailand, but give some consideration to visiting Angkor Wat and Laos as well. the flights are about an hour and easily accessible from BKK.

For cultural life and beautiful landscaes, do not overlook Bali (Indonesia). The Balinese people are absolutely amazing: a peaceful and mellow culture, filled with art and culture. At every turn, you'll find music, dance, sculpture of all forms, painting, and on and on. And the landscapes can be gorgeous.

Given that business has dropped off dramatically I should think Bali would be the better bargain these days. They are really hurting and I suspect you can get some really good deals there. Business will eventually pick up but right now its a buyers market.

I agree with Gpanda's post of using thailand as a 'base' and visiting surrounding countries which are easily accessible.
If you really want to spend one month in just one country I would recommend Vietnam

I think it's fabulous that you want to spend one month in one country. I would NOT start flying to Cambodia and Laos if you choose Thailand. Traveling is not just about seeing "sights" but about learning about a culture and people -- you can't do that if you go to three different countries in 4 weeks. Learn about thailand. Go to Cambodia and Laos at other times.

I loved Bali but I think a month there would be too long.

Yes Gloria I think you are right- 1 month is probably too long for what can be seen and done in Bali. Personally we tend to be more tourist than traveler- in which case 2 weeks in any city/area is plenty for us. We are more into sight seeing/shopping/eating than in cultural immersion.

I would recommend China. There is so much to see!! Safe Travels

thailand as a base with a trip to bali on thai air's once daily flight...

What time of year? I wouldn't go to most of China in February (too cold, potentially too crowded and expensive if it coincides with for Chinese New Year), I wouldn't go to most of Vietnam in October or November (way too rainy). Conversely, a place like the east coast of Malaysia is glorious in July and you could spend a month exploring it and the little islands of the coast. Take a look at weatherbase.com for a start on planning if you have a certain month in which you have to travel.

Every country in SE Asia can offer beautiful landscapes and cultural life, so you are spoiled for choice there. If you want to experience certain holidays (like Song Kran in Thailand or Thaipusam in Singapore, one of the two places in the world where it is still celebrated), then you need to work around those schedules.

I agree that Bali is an excellent choice, the culture is very rich especially musically and in the other arts, as well as religion. I lived there at one point for 4 months and still did not see everything, even in my own little village. I am amazed at the comments that 2 weeks or even a month would be too long. . .But really all these countries have ancient cultures which are quite rich and layered. IMO, a place like China can barely be begun to be explored geographically much less "culturally" in a month.

A whole month! For culture and nature you can't do better than Indonesia. Indonesia is huge and diverse country. It has a rich culture of performing arts, visual arts and handicrafts. Religions vary from Islam to Hindu to Buddhist to mysticism and animism.

You could do Bali plus one or two other destinations -- Central Java and Borobudur for sure. Sulawesi, Sumatra, or Borneo if you are adventuresome. Papua, Sumba if you are really adventuresome.

Or just slow down and absorb Bali. It's a geographically small island but the culture and natural diversity goes deep. You could easily fill up 30 days.

In Bali and throughout Indonesia, there are mountains, volcanoes, caves, beaches, rain forests, coral reefs, raging rivers, waterfalls and serenely beautiful terraced rice fields.

The people are extremely hospitable and even the humblest accomodations are generally clean and safe. On the other hand if your budget allows there are also some spectacular luxury resorts.

And as an added your money will go far.

Thailand. Bali is nice too, but I personally would be bored with a whole month on Bali. Happy Travels!

Thailand gets my vote too.

Well,thank you for your answers.Unfortunately I didn't tell you in advance that I want to choose one of the countries bordering China,since it is my main destination for five to six months and another SEA country for one month.Anyhow,Bali is not a feasible option for me.So which SEA country to choose???Laos?Myanmar?Vietnam?Cambodia?Thailand?
Thanks

I would either go to Thailand for one month or to Burma for one month. If you want to do both, go to Burma for 3 weeks and spend a week in Bangkok.