SE Asia trip -where to go?

Voyager2002

If you visit the Philippines: Boracay is just about the most expensive resort in the country, and far from being the most interesting. If you want natural beauty and diving, head for the northern part of Palawan (El Nido or the island of Coron). Do bear in mind that most low-cost international flights arrive at Angeles, which is close to Manila.

Doshwaster

totallybored wrote: »

I've done a bit more research and decided I'll be a bit more adventurous.

Good for you. There's no point in going to SE Asia just to stop in a 5* All Inclusive resort.

totallybored wrote: »

I'm thinking of a route similar to the one Mr Wang suggested after looking at where I want to go. I want to start off in Hanoi (I have friends who loved it and didn't like Saigon so I'm happy to do both). I few nights there so I can go to Halong Bay. Then I want to get the train to Saigon, and go to Hoi An on the way (and anywhere else that is recommended). From Saigon I'll get a coach to Phnom Penh for a few days before another coach to Siem Reap. I understand the easiest way from Siem Reap to Vientiane is across into Thailand and then a train into Laos so I'll do that.

Sounds like an interesting itinerary. I just wish I had the time to do a trip like that. I can only get 2 weeks off work at a time so by SE Asia visits have to be short and sweet. I cannot really comment on Vietnam and Laos (they are on my list for this year) but 2-3 days in Phnom Penh is about right (check out http://www.thepavilion.asia/ and http://www.bluelime.asia for accommodation, both have the same owners). Opinions of Siem Reap vary - some people say a day is enough others can spend a week wandering around the sights. Personally, I tend to get "temple weary" after a while so I'd limit it to 1-2 days.

totallybored wrote: »

Now I'm not too sure about the route after Vientiane (and is here anything else in Laos worth seeing?). I understand that I can only stay in Thailand 2 weeks when entering via land and I think that should be long enough. So far I want to go to Chiang Mai for a few days, a couple of nights in Bangkok and then I'd like a beach for maybe 5 nights in any order. I've not done a huge amount of research into beach resorts yet and don't have much of an idea on these. I found somewhere that I liked the look of in Bophut on Koh Samui but I'm open to any suggestions. I'd like a bit of luxury for this though.

I'm no expert on land crossings but I understand the Thai visa rules have changed and you now only get 15 days when entering by land but still 30 when arriving by air. If you need longer in Thailand you could always fly from PP to BKK or just pop over the border and come in again (though you are limited to the number of times you can do this)

Bophut is one of the quieter parts of Samui, but only a few minutes from the airport or the main Chaweng beach, and there plenty of accommodation options from simple beach huts to top end resorts. After your long trip you'll deserve some luxury for this.

totallybored wrote: »

With regards to visas, I understand I can get a visa on arrival at the airport in Hanoi (you apply for the letter first online). Cambodia has an e visa but I'm not sure which crossing is used between Saigon and Phnom Penh so I don't know if it would be valid for that border or not and I understand that if I want to stay longer in Thailand then I can just leave the country and come back in to get another 2 weeks.

I've heard mixed reports about the reliability of Cambodian e-visas being accepted but I found it easy to get one issued on arrival. All you need is a crisp $20 note and a couple of passport photos.

totallybored wrote: »

I've also not researched if I need any jabs or malaria tablets for anywhere yet either. I'm a mosquito magnet so I'll probably be eaten to death too!

That's one area where I won't advise. Take specialist medical advice - I found my GP to be totally useless (he didn't even know where Cambodia was!)

Katiehound

This site should give you up to date info for malaria etc - my surgery said you can look it up at home before you come in!
I see the "news"on it shows 2012 updates, so quite reliable IMO
http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home.aspx

totallybored

Thank you for all the advice. I definitely like the look of the Lime hotel! Will probably book that depending on the dates I'm there.

As for being adventurous, I'm not sure why I ruled out trains and buses at first. I get on buses in Brixton all the time on my own, I'm sure transport in SE Asia is much safer!

I'm now in the process of sorting injections out. I should only need to pay for one and the malarone. My GP won't give an NHS prescription for it (I know some people who managed to get it) so need to find the cheapest place to buy them.

Has anyone had clothes made in Vietnam and would they recommend it? Should I take pictures with me of what I want made?

I now also need to find a decent backpack. I don't really do travelling light so it's a bit of a worry for me! I'm the woman sat in the airport with the biggest hand luggage case I can get away with, a handbag the size of a small country, a sneaky bag across me with iPad etc in, a carrier bag with some random breakable thing I've bought and don't need and clutching as many bottles that I can carry. That's without my checked luggage! However, I won't have hubby to carry any of this when I start moaning so I'm not sure how I'll manage.

Doshwaster

totallybored wrote: »

I now also need to find a decent backpack. I don't really do travelling light so it's a bit of a worry for me! I'm the woman sat in the airport with the biggest hand luggage case I can get away with, a handbag the size of a small country, a sneaky bag across me with iPad etc in, a carrier bag with some random breakable thing I've bought and don't need and clutching as many bottles that I can carry. That's without my checked luggage! However, I won't have hubby to carry any of this when I start moaning so I'm not sure how I'll manage.

Now that is going to be a problem! You will need to ask other women travellers for their tips, but as far as I'm concerned the secret to getting around SE Asia is to travel light. You don't want to be one of those backpackers you see hauling around a pack that is bigger than they are.

Laundry services are everywhere and are very cheap so you don't need many clothes with you - and the climate is so humid, you won't be wearing anything heavy either. Clothes are also so cheap to buy on the way that they are almost disposable. Lightweight, easy to wash, clothes are the way to go. Leave the denim at home.

Don't take any expensive shoes with you - just a cheap pair of sandals/flip flops and then replace them when they inevitably fall apart. The SE Asia climate isn't kind on shoes.

Some tips:
http://wordsmith1.hubpages.com/hub/Backpacking-in-Southeast-Asia-Packing-Tips

http://www.startbackpacking.com/travel/backpacking-packing-list/

http://www.wired2theworld.com/travel-tips/packing/packing-womens-clothes/

Also, look up websites and blogs on "flashpacking" - it's the concept of backpacking for people who have a higher budget than traditional backpackers but who don't like to rough it and want to take their gadgets with them. That sounds just like you!

Voyager2002

totallybored wrote: »

Thank you for all the advice. I definitely like the look of the Lime hotel! Will probably book that depending on the dates I'm there.

As for being adventurous, I'm not sure why I ruled out trains and buses at first. I get on buses in Brixton all the time on my own, I'm sure transport in SE Asia is much safer!

I'm now in the process of sorting injections out. I should only need to pay for one and the malarone. My GP won't give an NHS prescription for it (I know some people who managed to get it) so need to find the cheapest place to buy them.

A couple of points...

Malarone is by far the most expensive anti-malarial prophylactic, so it is worth seeing if other pills would be suitable for the places you intend to visit. Personally I have never used Malarone, despite the fact that I lived in the Philippines for two years. And note that advice on malaria depends on which part of the country you plan to visit: no pills were needed for Manila when I was there, but they were absolutely essential for Palawan (I once shared a boat with the dead body of a woman who had died from malaria!).

Trains in Thailand are really pleasant, as are the public buses (catch them at bus stations). Beware of the specialist tourist buses that pick you up from the main tourist areas: quoted fares are ridiculously low so they make their money from assorted rip-offs and are less than serious about safety and maintenance.

Katiehound

Sorry I haven't been backpacking and I like to take the kitchen sink too!!I have however been on safari etc .However my suggestion would be to have as many natural fibre garments as possible- I hate man made in the heat. A friend takes her oldest cheapest undies (Primark variety) rinsed out at night and they don't come home! I would also say don't take your favourite clothes- items that don't matter too much can also be left along the way!
if you are small build you will be able to buy cheap clothes- if you are tall and large like me- forget it!

frankie

Hope you don't mind this thread hijack, but!

Intending on about 4 weeks indo-china at end of this year enroute to Oz..

Planning - Bangkok through flight(no time in BK been there lots) to Seam Reap, overland, Phnom Pehn, into Vietnam HCHC, Fly Mid coast Hoi An/Hue, Fly Hanoi/Halang Bay, overland Sapa then somehow get into Loas Luang Prabang then overland to cross into Northern Thailand for Golden Triangel before ending up for Chiang mai before flying on to Sydney.

Research shows most itineraries go the other way round, does any one know why my plan should not work in theory?

Thanks

sarah69696pink

totallybored wrote: »

I now also need to find a decent backpack. I don't really do travelling light so it's a bit of a worry for me! I'm the woman sat in the airport with the biggest hand luggage case I can get away with, a handbag the size of a small country, a sneaky bag across me with iPad etc in, a carrier bag with some random breakable thing I've bought and don't need and clutching as many bottles that I can carry. That's without my checked luggage! However, I won't have hubby to carry any of this when I start moaning so I'm not sure how I'll manage.

I did a Thailand holiday last year for two weeks and like you was the person in the airport with the biggest case and biggest handluggage!!! For once though I really regretted it, most of my stuff did not leave my case! I'm going back again this year with a backpack and will definitely go light.
The only shoes I wore the whole time with havianas and I didn't wear hardly any of my more dressy things.
Remember if you are visting temples etc you will need to be covered up, but a few maxi dresses and a wrap or cardi will work well for that.
Just pack stuff that doens't need iroing, can wash and dry easy or can be worn in a number of ways......enjoy I'm really envious of your long trip!!!!:)

totallybored

Thanks all for your help. I'm going to start booking my flights now and I think I have half an itinery planned!

I will have exactly one month for this part of my trip and so far I have decided to fly into Hanoi, spend 1 night then do a 1 night trip to Halong bay before another night in Hanoi. Overnight train to Da Nang for 3 nights then another overnight train to Saigon. 2 nights in Saigon and then a bus to Phnon Pehn for 3 nights. Bus to Siem Reap for 2 nights and then try to get to Laos. This is the bit I'm a bit worried about doing on my own as it seems to be a couple of buses, a train and taxis/ tuk tuks. And an overnight stay Ning Kai or Korat. I was thinking of 3 nights in Vientiane and then back to Thailand for the remaining time I have. Does this sound too much / too little time in each place?

I can't really spend longer than one month as I need to be back in the UK for a specific date and before I go to Hanoi I'm planning on a week in HK and a week in Japan (which is yet more planning I need to do).