ten_fourteen

My husband and I are flying from Toronto, Canada to Warsaw to see his family for about 5 days and then we're flying over to Southeast Asia for 3 weeks (in April 2014). We definitely want to go to Thailand but not sure where else. We will probably fly into Bangkok, only stay there for a day or two and then fly over to the Phuket or Krabi area for a few days and the the Chiang Mai area for another few days. We will probably spend a few days here and there on beaches and we're not really drinkers, we're more interested in the culture and landmarks.

We were thinking of going to 2 or 3 countries in the 3 weeks. We were thinking of going to Cambodia, however there are travel advisories that we should not be going there. We were also thinking of Vietnam or Laos but we're not sure which country to go to and/or if we'd have time for both. Any thoughts about timing, other countries to possibly go to instead, tips etc?

MmePerdu

In the big picture, it hardly matters which countries you visit. If it's your first visit, since it's hard to know which place will please which people, I suggest you just go to any that strike your fancy and try to resist the impulse to move around too much.

I went to Thailand on my first trip to Asia years ago and Laos was recommended by a traveler we met in Chiang Mai so we added time there on the fly. We weren't disappointed. Since then I've spent quite a bit of time in Asia and find I enjoy almost everywhere. And when I don't, I move on, an option which I recommend. Even on a short trip, no need to stay in a place you find uninspiring for any reason.

Kathie

April is the hottest time of the year in Thailand, Burma and Cambodia. It's always hot in this part of the world, but it will be "hell hot" as a friend says. I'd suggest you opt for Indonesia - Bali and Java - it will still be hot but not quite as miserable.

For a first trip to SE Asia, I usually recommend Thailand and Cambodia, but I think the heat make detract from your enjoyment at this time of the year.

mareeS55

Vietnam definitely. You will not be disappointed, either with the people or the diversity of country, but you should do some homework. I could make recommendations if you like, but your interests may not be similar to mine.

Malaysia is also very interesting, and friendly to new visitors. We're heading back to Penang in a couple of weeks. Borneo is lovely, especially the Malay parts, and most of the Indonesian islands are good (except some places that have a bit of an Islam issue), Thailand is good except for a bit of present politics, Singapore is good, Australia and the Pacific are good. We're a friendly and safe part of the world.

Come and visit. Nice people are always welcome.

Southam

If you consider Vietnam (I sure would) then you can look into flying with Vietnam Airlines from Northern Europe. The young line has a good reputation and maybe is not so obvious an option to those of us living in North America. There are low-cost airlines in Southeast Asia that do not necessarily appear on the big international search sites but would help you keep your budget under control. Whatever your choices, I deeply believe that less is more, getting to know a few countries rather than skipping around from airport to airport that you can barely tell apart when you get home.

ten_fourteen

MmePerdu & Southam I think you're right about trying not to move around too much. We originally wanted to do 4 countries and a bunch of inter country flying but I realized that isn't realistic and we certainly won't enjoy our trip as much.

Kathie I've heard how hot it's suppose to be in April, which is kinda scary/off putting but timing wise it's the only time that'll work for us, thanks for the warning though.

mareeS55 Malaysia sounds amazing but I can't even think of potentially adding another country to the mix.

Thanks for all the advice!

rhkkmk

could you delay your trip to june?? the temps would be more favorable...

don't short change Bangkok..

viet nam is a good add on

ten_fourteen

rhkkmk Unfortunately we can't change the dates, it has to be April. I think we're just going to have our flight to Bangkok booked and otherwise we'll just go places at a leisurely pace depending on weather and time etc.