Hi-

I have read several of the reports on these countries, yet still feel overwhelmed by the choice. So, I'm hoping, by providing a bit of background about who we are and what we're after, some of the experts may be able to offer advice.

We're a couple in our mid-30s, very fit and active with busy jobs, Americans living in London.

We have a 9 days in early May and are deciding between a few spots. Essentially, given the travel time, I believe we have 7 days on the ground. We're keen to have a good mix of cultural sights, along with relaxation on a beautiful, chilled-out beach. We don't have kids, so are fine with areas which can be a bit more challenging. Generally we opt for a quick pace to our trips, but we're hoping to slow it down just a bit this time.

We've been looking at Thailand--Bangkok and one of the Eastern beaches, with a possible side trip for a few days to Laos, but I've seem mixed reviews. We could also do Vietnam. And, to throw another option in, we have a friend who can offer a good fare on Singapore Air, but we'd be then tempted to spend a day on a layover in Sing.

As for interests, I love photography, so would be keen on floating markets, and other visually rich settings. We're also foodies and tend to like to do some adventure stuff.

I realise some will say a week is not enough time for such a distant destination, or two, but I'm afraid it's all we have.

Many thanks for any insight you can offer.

Just to address one more potential point--as for roughing it or not, we do enjoy nice hotels, but are not the types to confine ourselves to a resort. While we may enjoy the accommodation, we'd probably head out of the gates for our meals and to experience local culture. Hope that gives a better sense of our style.

With seven days on the ground, I suggest you limit yourself to two destinations. Perhaps BKK and a beach. Which beach depends on what time of year. The rainy season shifts, but can be avoided by picking a beach properly. If you skip the beach, you could do BKK and Luang Prabang (Laos).

One further thought--I know that many may suggest the well-worn tourist track of BKK and a beach. I'm sure this would be great, but I suppose I'd really like to include one place--even if a short diversion, to an area which is a bit less touristy or obvious.

For example, when we visited N. India, beyond the usual triangle, we also went to Varanasi--much less touristed--and it continues to be one of my favourite places.

Thanks again.

amy, you can get off the well-worn tourist track even IN Bangkok. Indeed, I always visit a few lesser-known wats for instance where I see no other westerners. And on our last trip, after visiting some wats, we spent an hour wandering the streeets looking for a restuarant (which we finally found) and saw no other westerners our whole day until we returned to our hotel.

The very short time you have makes it difficult. Bangkok and the Anantara at the Golden Triangle would be a nice combo (you fly from Bangkok to Chiang Rai, an hour drive to the Anantara). Luang Prabang, Laos would be lovely, but it's such a short time, I know you'll wish for more. Chose two places - at most.

My first trip to Asia many years ago was 9 days in Bangkok and I've never been able to get enough despite my yearly trips to Asia. Another way to arrange your 7 days is to stay in Bangkok with side trips to Kanchaburi and Autthya. That would minimize your travel time.

kathie has an excellent idea for you....no beach but a very nice pool at the anantara hotel overlooking myanmar across the river...

i would fly directly there upon arrival or the next day to unwind....then i would return to bkk for the remainder of my time...

consider the peninsula hotel in bkk...or the conrad in the middle of town, or the 4 seasons....or the intercontinental....

my favorite hotel however is the marriott resort and spa....one advantage for you would be their fantastic garden/pool area....you would think you were in a tropical island paradise quite honestly...it is 4* rahter than 5* but i think you would like it...2nde on my list is the penn...

an alternative would be the hyatt in hua hin....the advantage of HH is that you drive there from bkk (hired car w/driver)....this is a beach place...

As usual, I agree with the others that you should only choose 2 destinations with only 7 days on the ground. That is, of course, unless your goal is to get as many stamps in your passport as possible in the shortest amount of time. ;-)

I would opt for Bangkok and one other destination, depending on your interests. I love Luang Prabang, Laos and Chiang Mai, Thailand.

If you like photography you will love Luang Prabang! For 7 days my choice would be:
3 days in Bangkok (Peninsula or Conrad -+ usual sights + cycle tour of old Bnagkok)
4 days in Luang Prabang - 2 nights luxury hotel in the city - e.g 3 Nagas or Maison Souvanapoum and 2 night in the Lao Spirit Resort in the mountains outside of LP (possibly with some treking). LP is not a beach resort but is a great place to chill out.

Alternatively, We leaving from London on Eva Air for two weeks are off at

oops! and will fly to Bangkok and then transfer to Chiang Rai at the Anantara for a couple of nights. We will then get a boat downn the Mekong staying overnight at Pakbeng befor continuing on to Luang Prabang. It is a great trip with spectacular scenery but probly a bit heavy on the travelling with just 7 days. Have a great trip whatever you decide!