Danae

Hello. I just got back from a 3 week trip in Asia. My first one, it was fantastic. Liked it so much that we are planning on going back to BKK in February. I am trying to think of another destination that would be interesting to go to. Laos? Vietnam? We are looking for a place that is not to difficult to get to from BKK that is not totally run over by tourists. Any suggestions? Thank you!

Kathie

Where did you go on this trip? What are you interested in? How long a side trip are we talking about?

The options are endless. Certainly Laos (especailly Luang Prabang) is an options, as is Cambodia (the temples at Angor), as a side trip, one city in VN would work (VN itself is worth several weeks), places in Malaysia, other parts of Thailand, etc. Give us more info and perhaps we can help.

Danae

Hi. In the trip I just got back from, I went to Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Siem Reap, Bangkok and Phuket. I really enjoyed every city, but was especially interested in Siem Reap which was totally different from any place I had been before. (not very westernized, we did not see hoardes of tourists everywhere, lots of wildlife, etc.) I was wondering if there was another destination along those lines that I can get to from Bangkok for about 3 days. Does that help? I really appreciate any suggestions. Thank you!

Jules030867

Northern Thailand is beautiful and totally uncommercialised. I spent 2 nights in Chang Mai and 2 in Chang Rai and loved the experience up there

Hope this helps

Kathie

I'd suggest Luang Prabang, Laos. I loved the place. Form everything I hear, it is changing rapidly, so go now.

The Golden Triangle (north of Chaing Rai) is lovely.

Lyndie

If you had min. 5 days then you could toss in Sri Lanka. What a wonder it is!

hobbes

In terms of shortest flights and seeing it before it changes beyond recognition I would say either Luang Prabang in Laos or Siem Reap in Cambodia. Both are so different that your interests can determine which of the 2. LP is laid back, chilled out, relaxed, set your own pace, a place to absorb rather than sightsee IMO. SR is lots of sightseeing, temples, huge history and perhaps one of the most spiritual experiences in the world. Both are increasingly on the tourist map so makes sense to do them now.

MichaelBKK

Just throwing this out: You might want to give some thought to Mandalay. It's at least as unspoiled as Luang Prabang, and you can 'do' it in about 3 days, although Myanmar is worth a whole lot more time than that. LP is a little easier to get around if you just want to be on your own without a guide.

rhkkmk

i think one potential problem with LP might be hotel availability....many have reported shortages this year.., but other than that it is a perfect 3 day get away...

langkawi in malaysia is also another easy trip...

any of the thai islands or sea side places ...

Danae

Thank you for all of the suggestions! Does anyone know if any of the less expensive airlines go to any of the mentioned destinations? I would love to go to Sri Lanka, but don't think that there is enough time. So, I guess it is between Northern Thailand, Laos (LP) or Mandalay. (I was in Malaysia and Cambodia earlier this year). Thank you for the suggestions!!

Danae

One more question (sorry), has anyone been to Vientiane? Is that interesting/worth it? Thank you!

glorialf

I would not do Mandalay. Burma is wonderful but Mandalay has a much more romantic image than reality. Personally I'd do northern thailand because it's easy and will give you a very different view of thailand than bangkok, Save Laos for another tirp.

Spygirl

I'd say definitely Luang Prabang-it's the new hot as yet mostly undiscovered tourist destination. You can fly direct from BKK to Luang Prabang on Bangkok Airways. Beautiful temples, the Mekong river running through the town and quite lovely examples of Lao/French colonial buildings.

As far as Siem Riep and Angkor Wat, it's been tourist hell for some time now-the worst touts I've seen anywhere are here-and the town accepts only US dollars for cash payment. Most people I know say they are glad they saw Angkor Wat but once was more than enough. I don't disagree with that assessment.

hobbes

I went to Vientiane on a 1 week trip to Laos. We spent 2 nights in Vientiane at the Settha Palace which is a charming, boutiquey heritage hotel, 1 night at an eco resort a couple hours outside Vientiane and 3 nights in LP at the Pansea. Vientiane was just about OK - actually the eco resort was more memorable IMO. I'm kind of ok on Vientiane - we enjoyed it but it is not a must do. If eco resorts appeals to you you can combine LP and The Boat Landing in Luang Namtha near LP.