Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand in 12 days -- it it possible?
 

Help! My friend and I (two fit females) want to take a 12-day trip through Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. The sites we want to see are:

In Vietnam: Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, Phong Nha Ke
In Cambodia: Angkor Wat
In Thailand: Bankgok and Phuket or Krabi

Is it possible to see all of this in 12 days? If not, what would be a good itinerary to see all three countries in 12 days?

Very grateful for the help.

The question is rarely, "is it possible", but is it a good idea. I'd say, no, it isn't a good idea. Trying to rush to squeeze in more almost always results in seeing less, because of travel from place to place and the time & energy spent arriving and departing.

Either add more days or cut destinations. I cannot say which for you, although I will say Ha Long Bay was a disappointment for me and would certainly be a waste of time with so few days. I might suggest dropping VN altogether, save it for another trip, and actually have a bit of time for what remains.

NO

You can visit three countries in 12 days only if you choose just one location in each country and spend 4 nights (which is just 3 days) in each place. IMO, with a mere 12 days 3 the the maximum number of stops to schedule (e.g., Bangkok, Siem Reap and a beach location).

One thing to consider is that you lose anywhere from half a day to a full day each time you change locations. (Consider the time from checking out of one place and getting settled in another - it's not just flight time you have to consider.

Thanks for all the replies. We obviously have to scale way back.

MmePerdue: You are very wise. I asked the wrong question. Also, thanks for your opinion of Ha Long Bay. It's helpful knowing what can be skipped (or put off until a much longer trip is possible).

I like your suggestion, Kathie. Bangkok, Siem Reap and a beach location. Which beach would you suggest? One in Vietnam? Could we make it to Phong Na Khe instead? We want to see those caves.