Hi
I'm thinking about a possible trip to South East Asia with my family next summer. We usually travel in July (around mid July) for a maximum of 16/17 nights. This year we went to Indonesia (Bali and Lombok) and then to Bangkok, and we loved our trip so much that I really want to see more of Sea next year. How bad is the rain in countries like Laos or Cambodia in July? I was thinking of spending 6 days in either one or the other and the rest in Malaysia (in order to find drier weather and spend a few days at the Pehrenthian). Do you think a combination of Loas /Malaysia or Cambodia /Malaysia is feasible with 17 nights? Can the rain hinder the activities in Laos? Or do you have any other suggestions? We love local culture, markets, villages, temples. We love nature, waterfalls. I'm not interested in nightlife but we do enjoy good local food. A few days by the beach would be a plus but not a must. (hence my idea of going to the Pehrenthian islands). I was also thinking of maybe going to northern Thai and then Laos but I don't want to risk having rain for 17 days. Any suggestions would be great!

Weather is changing everywhere in the world, but for some excellent climate data, consult weatherspark.com

Thanks I will have a look.. Do you have any suggestions in terms of which countty or combination of countries to visit in that period and with that amount of time available? Thanks

Sorry, I don't, but I trust that others with more experience of SEA will add their comments. The more research you do about the places you are considering and which you are ruling out (for weather or other reasons), the better the input you will get and the better your ability to incorporate the advice you are given. Good luck!

Sure I get it. I've actually done quite a bit of research on what I like and weather conditions permitting, I was thinking of something like this
Arrive in Bangkok flight to Luan Prabang
Luang Prabang 3 nights
Vien Vang 1 night
Vientiane 1 night
Flight to Kuala Lumpur 2 nights
Georgetown 2 nights
Flight to Kota Bharu - Pehrenthian 4 nights
Taman Negara 1 or 2 nights
Evening flight from Kuala.
I was just wondering whether the climate conditions in Laos are usually that bad so as to spoil the days there, and whether maybe Cambodia would be a better option instead, as there would be more sightseeing and less nature activities as far as I understand. Also maybe some points of views on Malaysia would be interesting, as I've read contrasting opinions about it.

In July much of SE Asia will be hot or wet and often both. To an extent it does vary from region to region and it always down to what the individual is happy with. If blue skies and sunshine are important to you I would avoid many places in SE Asia. There are exceptions though, east coast of Malaysia (inc Perhentian) , Malaysian Borneo and parts of Vietnam will see those blue skies. Loaso will be very wet. We were up to our knees in mud travelling the north years ago but the Chinese have built lots of roads in recent years. Luang Prabang used to be an enchanting city but is now overrun with tourists, though it will be quieter in July because of the heavy rain. I really would not bother with Vientiene, possibly the least interesting SEA capital. Vang Vieng has spectacular karst and river scenery but is now backpacker central ( which of course , you may be looking for).

I like Malaysia as it is very diverse in terms of culture and especially food. The weather won't be great on the west coast (KL and Penang) but will be great on the east coast - the diving on the Perhentians is excellent but apart form that I find ia bit claustrophobic. In your situation , I think I would be perhaps looking at spending the whole time in Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo. There are several post about some of our time in Malaysia in our blog @ https://accidentalnomads.com . With the exception of Laos, there are also sections re our travels in the other countries you mention.

I would also consider Central and Southern Vietnam.



I would certainly take a look at Borneo which has great weather, amazing wildlife, scenery and beaches.

July is the hot wet season in Cambodia but the countryside will be green an Angkor will be relatively quiet. Phnom Penh is a fascinating city .

I find this site give a good insight into weather issues https://www.selectiveasia.com/weather/july

Comments I would make on you above itinerary are basically that's is very rushed. One night stays anywhere are waste of time as you will spend all your time travelling and see very little . I would say and min of 3 nts anywhere which will allow two full days of sightseeing.

Thank you so much for your helpful information and insight. So I understand you would suggest Cambodia over Laos if you were to choose between the two during rainy season? I'm not necessarily looking for blue skies the whole time but I wouldn't want to find myself under pouring rain 24/7 for 18 daya. Yes, Borneo could also be an option. I had a look at Sarawak area, but I think for beaches I'd have to go to Sabah area and I've read it's not that safe now but I may be wrong. I will definitely look more into it. Shame about Laos,. I'd read it was quite unspolit with beautiful nature and local culture. Thanks for all the infos
Very helpful

" So I understand you would suggest Cambodia over Laos if you were to choose between the two during rainy season?"

Not necessarily. It will be the rainy season in both countries and the weather will be an issue whichever one you choose. Our travels in Laos were mostly off the beaten track where travel is just difficult. Dirt roads are fine in the dry but in the wet, not so much! IMO it is a lot easier to travel around in Cambodia than it is in Laos. Malaysia is a much more developed country and a lot easier.

Vietnam is a country I love and have spent a lot of time in over the years. The weather will be great in the central region which encompasses Hue , Hoi An and the incredible Phong Nha The Be cave system (the largest in the world) In 16 days time there perhaps combined with Saigon and the Mekong Delta. (not ideal weather down there but still workable)

Two ways I approach planning our trips:

Top down - pick a country or region and decide what I want to see/do within that area

Bottom Up - decide what specific sight I want to see and work out how that fits into an intinery

​​​​​​​Not saying either is the better way but it can help to choose one or the other.

I am not you and doubtless we have different interests etc. but if I were booking such a trip for July next year, I think I would likely go for Malaysia; a combination of KL & Penang on the Peninsula and then head to Borneo. Both Sabah and Sarawak have countless options in terms of wildlife, beaches, cultural attractions and interesting cities, food etc. It is easy to get around in Malaysia. It is the home of Air Asia which we used almost like taxis. Renting a car is easy and cheap (something you really dont want to do in Cambodia, Lao or Vietnam!)

A third option, which is closer to the one I use: Once I know when I can go and for how long, decide which of the many (many!) places I want to see best fits that specific time frame (including both total time for the trip and time of year). Just an option!

I've been to Malaysia, Luang Prabang, Vietnam and Cambodia in July. In my experience, there will be rain, but usually it comes through in the late afternoons. It can often be pounding, pouring rain - sometimes with thunder & lightning- but is normally fairly quick and it cools down the evening. In other words, you can work around it. The times it will affect you most is when you have to travel on dirt or poorly paved roads, or flying.
I'd probably skip Vientiane and add that time to Georgetown/Penang. There are quite a few things to do there, and great food!

Thank you all
. I think I may have given up on the idea of going to Laos. It must be beautiful but most of its beauty comes from the nature and activities involved around it. Not sure I want to risk it. Maybe Vietnam could be an alternative to Malaysia? Even if the weather is not ideal in the north and south, it's good in the central part, I think there's a lot to do and visit there in 17 days? No beach days there but that's ok, it's not our priority.

I think the combination of Cambodia and Vietnam will be best. Perhaps starting at the top of Vietnam and working your way down to Cambodia;

Maybe an itinerary like this:
- Hanoi
- Da Nang
- Hoi An
- Ho Chi Minh City
- Phnom Penh
- Siem Reap

Why do you think the combination of Cambodia and Vietnam would be best? How long would you suggest the original poster should spend in each place? 16/17 days is not a lot of time for six destinations