How to get around Asia?
 

Hi:

I'm on my way to a not-long-enough trip (not much vacation time) in Thailand, Cambodia & S. Vietnam (Saigon only).

From Singapore to Chiang Mai, no problem, I'll take a flight stopping in BK. Then I'll take the train to Sukhotai & Ayutthaya, finishing in BK. From there, a plane to Siem Rep, then another plane (or train?) to Saigon, flying back to Singapore (maybe stopping in BK?).

You guys have figured out my problem right? Where and how do I get all these one-way tickets??? Can I just show up at the airport and fish for one? Anyone has any valuable experience with this? Thanks for any help...

Sorry, the title should have been going around in Asia...

Maybe at least I'll get more people, curious to know why I need to go around it...

First of all, if there is a train available from SR to Saigon, I am not aware of it. I believe the only options are to drive, which is very slow going or fly. I would suggest that you fly.

I would buy the tix in Asia at a travel agent. I would not just show up at the airport without a ticket.

You are absolutely right, buying a bunch of one-way tickets would be expensive.

Firstly here is a very good site for a reliable agent in Singapore than can handle tickets:
www.airfares.com.sg

Silk Air flies non-stop from Singapore to Chiang Mai in 3 hrs. They also fly from Phnom-Penh & Siem Riep to Singapore, but not HCMC(Siagon) or Bangkok.

But, Silk Air is a division of Singapore Airlines ( it flies regional routes, very good service, nice new Airbus planes ). It is very much integrated into Singapore Airlines and I doubt you would have any problems at all getting a deal SIN-Chiang Mai and then a HCMC-SIN ticket, they are very flexible. There are daily flights between Phnom Penh and HCMC city with a mix of Vietnam Airlines and whatever Cambodian airlines happens to be operating (many start-up, closures, re-names etc ).

Another option would be to get a cheap SIN-BKK fare, the fares are very cheap, anticipate between US$100-130 return on Singapore Airlines/Thai/Swiss/SAS/Finnair etc.

From BKK to Chiang Mai Thai or Bangkok Airways. From BKK to Siem Riep you are stuck with Bangkok Airays which is really expensive. However, as it is only a 50 minute 'hop' you might be better off buying a BKK-Siem Riep return package, flight and accommodation.

Then buy a one-way BKK-HCMC on Thai, Vietnam Airlines or Air France, that is about US$100 I would guess.

I would start by checking www.airfares.com.sg and see what they are offering and them maybe e-mail them and see what they come up with. If you had more time you could wander around the Bangkok travel agents for deals/packages but that could take a while. The local Bangkok Post newspaper is a mine of information, prices, up to date deals.

For cheap places to stay around Thailand try this site, they have links for everything from hotels right down to bookable guest houses from $10 upwards.

http://www.balithai.homestead.com

For Singapore places

www.singapore.travelreporter.com

Start with airfares.com.sg and go on from there.

Bangkok Airways website is
www.bangkokair.com

PS

For trains in Asia I think by far the best site is


www.seat61/com

It has been done by train enteusiasts and they have all the up to date information.

im not sure where you comming from but if you are in the states this could make thing easier

http://www.malaysiaairlines.com/frame5c.html


and it may not be so easy as you think you must check the latest boarder crossing updates especialy for cambodia and vietnam .. this is if you take a bus... taking a plane will not be that much aesier or cheep. espeical the siem rep leg.. your most likely going to see yourself flying in and out of bangkok a bunch of times ...

for actual good info maybe contact a bucket shop in your home contrie,k, singapore or bangkok (kao san rd) they specialze in one way and multi leg trips ...