June - thanks for the additional info. Our last major trip before we became Asia converts was to Turkey (back in 1998) where we also drove ourselves. I have not been behind the wheel since and would suggest as others have that while traveling in Asia, your husband do the same. While driving is quite doable in certain rural areas (northern Thailand, for instance), it is neither practical or safe elsewhere. In getting to know Asia, we have traveled to the following (in order from first to last):
Thailand (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Koh Samui)
Bali
India (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and Ranthambore Nat'l Park)
Thailand (Bangkok), Laos (Luang Prabang) and Cambodia (Siem Reap)
Myanmar (Yangon, Bagan and Inle Lake)
Sri Lanka
and next April, northern Vietnam.

All of these places will fit your requirements to travel light and independently, take in a bit of history and wander aimlessly, visiting both large and small towns. We tend to make reservations in advance and will sometimes use guides, sometimes not. If you type in "Craig and Jeane" in the search, you will bring up several of our trip reports. Our recent photos can be found at:
http://craigandjeane.smugmug.com/

As Guenmai on this board would say, happy travels!

<b>kuranosuke, you scoundrel:</b> Ken, how could you expect the girly-men and girdly women of this board to get your post/joke? Craig maybe mighta got it, though he might be too busy cooing over CC &amp; AJ.

Only reason I have a clue is that I'm my office's bookie and put UH on the card a few times last year.

I like Cambodia, it is my favorite country. Known for warm, beguiling smiles, smiles that have weathered great hardship, Khmer people are very friendly, approachable, and helpful.

K+R-sad to say that I too am a fan of the Run and Shoot offense.

June-the truth is that there are many wonderful places to visit in Asia. As you can see from Kathie's and Craig's posts, these places break down into distinct separate trips of about two-three weeks each. If you have more time, you can combine several. A common suggestion is to slow down the pace when visiting Asia.

Sorry (not really) for the diversion, but what were his parents thinking? It's not short for Junior or something, that's his name. With Sheldon (lord help us) as a middle name. He's a III, so maybe JSJ Jr wanted to share the pain that he and JSJ Sr enjoyed.

All this according to the world's foremost unimpeachable source, Wikipedia.

You might also consider the Philippines- we are headed back for our 3rd trip there in March- most of the regulars here leave that out but it does have a lot of interesteing things to do and see.

Maybe with such a plain last name, June's forefathers wanted to use the opportunity to explore with the first name.

Thank you all for your comments and suggestions. It has given me food for thought and now I can argue with my husband about where to go after Thailand. Or, we can sit on the airplane on our return trip, close our eyes and throw down our finger at a spot on one of the airline magazine maps, picking out our next destination! There's just too much to see and too little time. It surprises me that no one here has mentioned China.

I'm also a bit perplexed by some of the comments. Have I missed something? Who's Guenmai? Who's kuranosuke? I certainly didn't get the joke. And Gpanda - what's all this about my name and my forefathers?

Dogster - I'd love to see your &quot;list of Secret Treasures&quot;.

Cicerone - We only intend to drive in the Northern region of Thailand, although we will not rent a car until we get there. There is always a possibility of hiring a driver. Driving is certainly not the objective to the trip...the point is that we are not afraid to venture out on our own and my husband is willing to drive to give us maximum flexibility. I would be more than happy to hire a driver who is knowledgeable of the area and who could give us further insight into the people and places we go to. DH is a stubborn man though and likes to do things on his own.

Grandpa - We generally take 3 weeks to see a region and we know we can't do it all at once, or for that matter, ever. Just too much to see in each place. By the way...what is this about my forefathers and my name?

By the way, this morning I read the post regarding Best Places in the World to Go and I promise to adhere to the rules and provide a trip report when I return.

Grandpa

Kuranosuke is one of the posters who replied to your message with an obscure reference to some sports teams which was then picked up by some other posters. I don't pretend to understand references to any sports.

Guenmai is a regular poster here who is now in Paris rather than in Bangkok because of the travel disruption and so did not respond to your question.

I think Guenmai is in Buenos Aires not Paris. I wonder how she is doing?

You have to be aware of fodorites and their habits when seeking information from such. You'll always get more than you asked for.....one way or the other

Aloha!

Oh, HT, you're right! Guen had written to me about going to Paris, then decided it was too cold and opted for Buenos Aires! I guess the Paris part is what stuck in my mind!

Gpanda - So sorry for the slip of the tongue...I mean fingers!!!

Your Freudian slip is forgiven.