I have just found out I will have 2 weeks off over the holidays this December. Since I am always limited to school schedules, the only other time I can travel for more than a week is during the summer. I realize neither of those times are ideal for Southeast Asia, but that is where I love to travel! I've been to Thailand and Bali twice, Burma and Hong Kong once. I would happily return to any place I have been, but would also love to visit Viet Nam, Laos, Cambodia. How crazy is it to consider a December trip? If I do go, any itinerary suggestions? Thanks, as always, for your input.

It's a good time to travel to SE Asia with the caveat that it is the busiest and most expensive time of the year to travel. If you don't go to a beach, it will be more affordable. Laos, Cambodia and VN are all good possibilities, though northern VN may be cold and wet.

Weather in many places is fantastic during this time. My family has spent the last five years on Christmas NewYear vacation in Thailand for 2-3 weeks each time. It is a great time of year to be there. Your idea is not at all crazy.

Thanks! So it sounds like North Viet Nam isn't the best place to go. I imagine I will fly into Bangkok regardless and take it from there. Any suggestions about how to break down the time? I don't mind limiting how much I travel once I am there.

Consider a side trip to Angkor and/or Luang Prabang. Both are lovely destinations.

We went to Bangkok, Siem Reap and Northern Thailand during the December holidays - an ideal time to travel weatherwise. Angkor Wat was full of tourists (mostly Koreans and Chinese), but our guide figured out how to avoid the crowds.

Best is Sri Lanka. one of top 10 travel destinations in 2013..you get bit of every thing. golden beaches, culture, hiking, hill country.