juice06870

I am planning on heading to Southeast Asia with my girlfriend for about 26 days from late December until late January. We are going to fly to Kuala Lumpur. From there we aren't sure what we want to do and are looking for suggestions.
We're 25 & 26 and want a good mix of historic sights, beaches, interesting towns/cities and whatever else might be worthseeing. We are going to use the AccessAsia Air Pass so we'll be able to get to any of the 25 cities covered by that. Nightlife isn't the most important thing, as long as theres a cool place to grab a drink, we're happy.

ttn7311

Hi, I did the Malaysian all access pass last November for 3 weeks with a few friends. It was an amazing experience and well worth the price. Here's my 2 cents... KL is a hub for the airlines so you will be forced to stay there at least 1-3 nights during your trip to connect to other cities. Besides seeing the Petronas Towers and eating/shopping in China Town, and checking out the local markets. I think 2-3 days at most will suffice. We spent our first night in KL, the next morning, we flew to Ho Chi Minh, we then flew to Phuket,Thailand and to avoid wasting a day back in KL, we paid a separate one way tkt(Thai Airlines) to fly up to Bangkok, Thailand. Cost was about $65 USD. We initially had Bali on the schedule but we nixed that due to safety concerns. I would highly recommend Phuket(Beach Resort), Bangkok(Like NYC but crazier),Ho Chi Minh City. I've been to Hong Kong/Tokyo on separate trips and they are also an experience. Hope this helps and feel free to email me if you have further questions or hotel recommendations. [email protected].

rhkkmk

use of that pass requires lots of planning to do it effectively....if you are coming from the eastern us, try a stop for a day or two in dubai, uae....bangkok is a must...i agree that kl is boring....langkawi in the NW of malaysia is very nice for a couple of days...bali would be nice too...viet nam is very interesting and very cheap...canton would be interesting and of course hong kong is fabulous-4 days at a minimum...yangon in myanmar (burma) is very interesting but old fashioned---1930's really...male is very very expensive but you might find a cheap place in the town itself
these are my reamblings

Kathie

The problem with these air passes is that it is tempting to try to visit too many places, and in the process, experience none of them. You usually have to fly through KL each time you change locations, which increases the hassle of moving from one place to another.

I'd say to choose 4 or 5 places at a maximum so you do get a flavor of each place.

For historic places, the temples at Ankgor are unbeatable. The closest airport is Siem Reap, Cambodia, but I believe that Malaysian Air only flies to Phonm Phen. You'll have to decide if you want to take the time to travel overland to Siem Reap and back. It's an unforgettable trip, but depending on logistics, you may want to save it for next time.

I'd highly recommend Bangkok - it's a wonderful, chaotic, exotic city (if you like cities). You can also take some excursions from there. Some people would recommend a beach resort in Thailand, or you can opt for a beach resort in Malaysia.

Bali is lovely. The beaches are just ok, but you go to Bali to experience the culture.

If you opt for VN, I'd recommend flying to Hanoi rather than HCMC, as it's a more interesting city.

I like Hong Kong, but I don't know that I'd do both Hong Kong and Bangkok in the same trip - too much city time (and I'm a city person).

Whether to do Rangoon or not is a dicey question. I assume you know that the government recently abducted and imprisoned Ang San Sui Kyi (again). She is the democratically elected leader, who has never been allowed to assume power by the military junta. While you are unlikely to be in any danger in Burma, you have to decide whether you want to support the governemnt or not. If you want more info on the political situation in Burma, take a look at www.freeburma.org

Read up on the destination options, and when you've narrowed down your choices, I know that many people on this board will be willing to give you more detailed recommendations.

Jenner

Another vote for staying out of KL as much as possible. Though Batu Caves just north of the city are worth a look, and a day or two down in Melaka (where I live) is a must, too. Right up there with Penang as far as history goes.

I hope to get to Angkor Wat, as someone recommended. I think you fly direct to Siem Riep from Bangkok, so if you are going to Bangkok on your pass you could fly from there. Or fly to Phnom Penh to Siem Riep?? Hmm.

Sorry, not much help. I've seen a bit of Malaysia now that I've lived here 2 1/2 years, but we haven't even gone to Thailand yet!

Jen

rhkkmk

someone has reccommended that you drive from phenom pen to siem reap....it is not generally suggested....usually it is better to fly, especially with limited time....the best route is to fly from bangkok on bangkok air, but its expensive---at least $250 round trip...

juice06870

Thanks for all of your help so far! Well it definitely sounds like I should only do like 2 days in KL and spend the rest of the time elsewhere.
So far, after reading posts here and looking through some books, I'm thinking of going to Hanoi, with a few days in Halong Bay; Angkor Wat -fly to Phnom Penh and then catch a boat to Siem Reap; Phuket with some side trips to nearby Islands. (thinking of spending New Years eve here, any advice?)
THis is subject to change based on further advice and research. I wasn't planning on going to Bangkok, but it sounds like a good place. I just hope it's not too intense for my girlfriend, she's not big into BIG in your face crowds.
So thanks so far for the advice. Anything more would be much appreciated@!

trammie

Ha long bay could be a tad on the cool side in January, as can Hanoi but it is such a wonderful city ,any time there is a pleasure, the water puppets are a must I reckon.have fun