Kathie's question: After Thailand, where?
 

I've just returned from a most amazing two weeks in Thailand, and Kathie asks: where to next?

I've been wondering about this for the last 48 hours or so. Vietnam/Laos come to mind, but I know very little about those destination.

So, perhaps you cah help: Where can I find such warmth and culture as that just experienced?

"Where can I find such warmth and culture as that just experienced?"

Bali.

Cambodia, Laos, Bali, Malaysia, VN... so many places, so little time.

After doing India last year, I can't stop praising its wonders. I leave this Wednesday (weather permitting!!) from JFK to Bangkok, Siem Reap, Luang Prabang and Vietnam... so I will see if becomes my best trip yet. It has stiff competition!

So far, after our first visit to Thailand in 2000, we've done Bali, India (Golden Triangle), Cambodia (Siem Reap), Laos (Luang Prabang) and 8 additional days in Bangkok. We are heading back later this week for 2-1/2 weeks in Bangkok and Myanmar.

Sri Lanke, Bangladesh?

Pakistan beats them both in many ways - a trip up the Karakorum Highway doesn't feature in most lists of "do before you die" but it should.

At least for those of us who ..

ah better stop there.

If it appeals, it appeals. If it doesn't go to Bali.

Interesting - I would have never thought to include Bali, perhaps because (a) I know so little about its culture, and (b) I tend to associate Indonesia with images of Islamic terrorist attack.

My initial bias tends in the direction of Laos/Vietnam, but I'm sure that this will change many times before departing. In the meantime, I truly encourage your input, and that input will be most helpful to me if it includes a few highlights as to "why" a particular destination should rank high.

Have you given Nepal a thought.Nepal has been a tourists paradise for many years. A country of amazing attractions, both natural and man-made, it offers a memorable experience for every visitor. Nepal is the home to the world's highest mountains, including Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest 88 48m).

Enchantment is everywhere, be it on the shoulders of high mountains, or terraced farmlands meticulously carved like stairways on the hill sides, or cascading mountain rivulets and rushing rivers, or in forests full of wildlife, flowers and birds.

In Nepal, there is something for everybody: tourist, trekker, river rafter, wildlife enthusiast, poet, artist, writer, and scholar.

I've travelled about a decade ago & would love to go back to 're-discover'.
It was'nt safe till about 5 months ago because of the Maoist insurgency.The little mountain kingdom has settled down.The monarchy has taken a back seat& a popular govt is in place.This is the right time to go there.
Ther are regular flights from New Delhi to Kathmandu.
Some of these sites will sure entice you:
http://www.visitnepal.com/
http://www.welcomenepal.com/AboutUs.asp
http://www.welcomenepal.com/

Having been to Thailand twice, Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos, all last year, I would head back to Laos in a New York second!

The people are extremely friendly and laid back, the pace is slow and it is very beautiful.

I did also enjoy the other countries I visited.

Enjoy!

jmf, Bali is lovely. It is the only Hindu area of Indonesia. The culture is fascinating and accessible. It has had two terrorist bombings in the last few years. Some people find that reason not to go, but given the state of the world, personally, I don't find going to Bali more threatening than staying at home. Indonesia is a diverse and fascinating country. Bali is a nice introduction for a first-timer.

As a country, Indonesia is predominently Muslim (though there is Hindu Bali, Christian Aceh, and areas of Buddhists and others as well). Unfortunately, the media and politicians in the US tend to portray Muslims as all extremists. I would note that there are Christian extremists in the US who bomb and murder for their own agenda as well, but it doen't cause us to view all Christians as terrorists.

Malaysia is another predominantly Muslim country, and there are sections of Malaysia that are mostly Christian as well as area with many Buddhists. Malaysia has much to offer the visitor. Two of my recent trips have included time in Malaysia: in 2005 to Malaysian Borneo (look for Kathie's Borneo Trip Report) and the Georgetown area of Penang in 2006 (look for my trip report posted in late November - it has Penang in the title). Malaysia is a remarkably diverse country.

Nepal is another fascinating place, though the environmental problems there are stunning. Kathmandu is truly the most polluted place I've ever visited with horrible air quality and water that is really awful. Outside of Kathmandu, the pollution is less obvious, but the country has been largely deforested. I say these things not to discourage you from going, but to prepare you. It may not be the place for a second trip, but it should be on your list. I'm pleased to see that the country is re-stabilizing, and look forward to visiting again.

Laos, Cambodia and VN are all very acccessible and offer fascinating cultural contrasts to Thailand.

I've been traveling to Asia annual for over 20 years. And I still have a long list of places yet to go!

Browse some travel books and see what catches you eye.

How about Tibet? My 2 week Tibet trip was up there in terms of culture. The height was taking the pilgrim bus full of locals to a monastery. The air is clean unlike the rest of China, and the views are amazing.

Having recently retured from Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Laos reminded me so much of Thailand 30 years ago. The wonderful people and scenery of laos along with the history of Cambodia makes for a fantastic trip.

All of the countries of Asia I have visited have a special apeal.

Two thumbs up for Bali...and it's Hindu. Happy Travels!

Hi, I have just returned from 18 days in Thailand and Laos and would certainly recommend travelling to Luang Prabang in Laos. We did the one day boat trip down the Mekong from Chiang Kong which was a highlight. However I am also a huge Bali fan having been there 4 times in last 5 years and about to go again in May. :)