I am planning a 3 week trip to South East Asia for the very first time. Please offer advice of must see places and good ideas for routes to take.

Would be so grateful!

Asia is a huge country with many cultures and 3 weeks is not very much time. I think you need to give us more information on what you want/expect from your trip before anyone can thoughtfully advise.

I agree with lovesadventure.

I recommend you start by buying a guide book on SE Asia and figuring out what you are interested in. Once you have done some initial research come back and let us know what you are considering.

A great website for info on SE Asia is www.travelfish.org. Start there for some great info!

You can also use the search function on this site to find answers to your questions.

We need to know more about you in order to assist you.

what countries do you have in mind....3 maximum and 2 preferable....thailand is a fabulous place to start which is very tourist easy...

Also-- what kind of experiences are you looking to have? What are your interests? What kinds ot things do you want to do?

Sorry, that should be "Asia is a huge continent"...I really did pass 2nd grade geography.

Thank you for responding so quickly. Apologies for my vagueness. I will look at the travelfish website and get back to your responses. I am thinking for sure Vietnam and Thailand and was looking for other possible suggestions on a third place to visit that is tourist friendly but not necessarily the most bustling place. perhaps somewhere more outdoor focused. Unfort. 3 weeks is all that I have.

travelgirl

3 weeks is plenty of time to get a big taste. You'll go back, so don't worry.

With three weeks I would do as you furst suggested, Thailand (Bangkok) and somewhere in Vietnam (don't try to see the whole country) and for an outdoor experience Angkor Wat. If you're an ambitious traveler I would put Luang Prabang in also.

But that's me. Like others have said, tell us what you like and you can get some good advise here.

What time of year are you going? Going solo? With partner? or got kids along, etc?

luang prabang, laos would make for a quick, from bkk, outdoor experience...its laid back and interesting....4-5 days would wind it up nicely...bangkok air from bangkok is the best route..