Singapore/SE Area recommendations

Doshwaster

SerialRenter wrote: »

Places of interest so far:
Melaka/Malacca
Kuala Lumpur
Georgetown & Penang
Langkawi (best way to get there?)

I'm still unsure about bangkok, seems like it might be too busy for my liking?

There is a ferry between Penang and Langkawi. There are also short flights too but the boat is much more scenic. The two islands couldn't be more different. Penagng is a busy Asian melting pot, Langkawi is a laid back place where not much ever happens. The good thing about Langkawi is that it is a tax free island so you can finally enjoy some cheap beer the end of your holiday.

I think Bangkok would be too much to squeeze into your tight schedule so save it for another trip.

Edit: just seen your handbrake turn. Oops.

VestanPance

If you are looking for a taste of SE Asia I actually wouldn't recommend Singapore at all. It's about the most western destination in that area.

You don't have much time in the region by the looks of it, but I'd say you'd be far better spending your time in Cambodia or Vietnam. If you pick Vietnam pick one region (north/south/central). You really don't have enough time to explore the whole country. Best to check what region has the best weather when you are over, as each region has very a different climate.

totallybored

SerialRenter wrote: »

Eek, handbrake.

One of the friends has been to the area before and did almost an identical journey to what's mentioned above, but in reverse *facepalm*.
I'm getting him to send me a list of everywhere he's been so we can avoid any overlap.

New idea, follow PompeyPete's advice:

Vietnam, Cambodia or maybe Borneo.

The travel around Singapore still stands of course.

I recommend Cambodia. I went there last year for a few weeks and the year before as part of a couple of month trip around Asia. I've got some old threads somewhere that should give you some ideas. You could fly to PP, do Cambodia and go overland to Bangkok and fly back from there.

I also did Singapore 3 years ago and managed to fit in Bangkok and Indonesia while I was there on a 2 week trip!

Mr_Wang

2 weeks.

Singapore - Indonesia.

Easy.

PompeyPete

totallybored wrote: »

You could fly to PP, do Cambodia and go overland to Bangkok and fly back from there.

The overland exit from Cambodia into Thailand at Poipet is great fun.

Keep your wits about you, ignore the touts and it's a doddle.

And the best bit, if Bangkok is where you're going, is taking the train from Aranyapraphet to Hualamphong.

42 stops, 3rd Class only, super scenery all the way, 6 hours, and guess how much it costs? 48 (forty eight) bahts.

One of those journeys you'll never forget - As the man form NIKE says "Just do it!".

SerialRenter

PompeyPete wrote: »

And the best bit, if Bangkok is where you're going, is taking the train from Aranyapraphet to Hualamphong.

42 stops, 3rd Class only, super scenery all the way, 6 hours, and guess how much it costs? 48 (forty eight) bahts.

One of those journeys you'll never forget - As the man form NIKE says "Just do it!".

Sound like a great way to finish a holiday after exploring Vietnam/Cambodia. Scenic train to bangkok for a flight back to Singapore.

Friends are also interested in visiting Laos. I think 4 countries might be a little much. unless anyone can convince me of a fantastic route which happens to go through them all

edit:
Found totallybored's thread, having a read now.
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3898417

Three options/ideas:
Basing it mainly on the transport routes.
http://www.seat61.com/Map-southeast-...ain-routes.htm
A/B starting in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh)

A) Travel west into Cambodia, spend 2/3 days in each major destination, use some of those days to travel to surroundings, then carry on into Bangkok.
Head north up the Vietnam coast, skipping lots of town/cities,[STRIKE] then cut across through Laos[/STRIKE] to Hanoi [STRIKE]then down through Thailand to Bangkok.[/STRIKE]

Or C) start from north Vietnam (Hanoi) and work down [STRIKE]the coast/[/STRIKE]through Laos [STRIKE]& Cambodia[/STRIKE] then finish [STRIKE]either[/STRIKE] at [STRIKE]Saigon, or to[/STRIKE] Bangkok.

Edit: Simplified to be more realistic.

Doshwaster

When planning a trip like this (I've just finished doing one for Vietnam), I always have an absolute minimum of 2 nights everywhere otherwise you just arrive, have a wander around, sleep and leave. Overnight trains can be a good way of getting around and saving on accommodation but, personally, they are not for me. I prefer a proper bed which doesn't move.

With such a tight schedule you really do need to restrict yourself to Singapore plus 2 or 3 other places. SE Asia tend to pull people back many times so there will be plenty of other chances to explore the region.

sazaccount

Hi,

I'm currently planning my own SE Asia trip, from lots of research I defo recommend Cambodia Siem Reap to go and see the temples. What is your budget??

I'm going to be back packing on a low budget but I found sta travel good for tours they have provided my own base of ideas.

http://g.statravel.co.uk/trips/cambodia-on-a-shoestring/ATRC/2014/

Also from different websites and youtube (of all places) Bangkok seems to be much much more than bars and getting drunk

From my last trip I really wasn't that keen on Singapore esp around the night F1 as it was too busy for me but thats personal preference. Air Asia are amazing if your not wanting to spend lots of time travelling (Its a very big place) and your timetable is very short.

good luck
xx

littlereddevil

If you are thinking Bangkok is too busy for you I can't see you liking Ho Chi Minh!

totallybored

SerialRenter wrote: »

Sound like a great way to finish a holiday after exploring Vietnam/Cambodia. Scenic train to bangkok for a flight back to Singapore.

Friends are also interested in visiting Laos. I think 4 countries might be a little much. unless anyone can convince me of a fantastic route which happens to go through them all

edit:
Found totallybored's thread, having a read now.
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3898417

Three options/ideas:
Basing it mainly on the transport routes.
http://www.seat61.com/Map-southeast-...ain-routes.htm
A/B starting in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh)

A) Travel west into Cambodia, spend 2/3 days in each major destination, use some of those days to travel to surroundings, then carry on into Bangkok.
Head north up the Vietnam coast, skipping lots of town/cities,[STRIKE] then cut across through Laos[/STRIKE] to Hanoi [STRIKE]then down through Thailand to Bangkok.[/STRIKE]

Or C) start from north Vietnam (Hanoi) and work down [STRIKE]the coast/[/STRIKE]through Laos [STRIKE]& Cambodia[/STRIKE] then finish [STRIKE]either[/STRIKE] at [STRIKE]Saigon, or to[/STRIKE] Bangkok.

Edit: Simplified to be more realistic.

There is another Vietnam and Cambodia thread here
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4743688

The Cambodia trip I did last year was PP, Kep, Kampot,back to PP, Siem Reap, Battambang then ended in Bangkok. I did all that in just over 2 weeks and it was easy. I loved Kep and Kampot. I think my favourite bits of the trip were Bokor mountain and the abandoned church/casino, fireflies in Kampot and the bamboo train in Battambang. I also went quad biking which is an experience in rainy season! I didn't fit it in in PP but you can also go shooting or if you're inclined, buy a cow and shoot a rocket launcher at it.