Singapore/SE Area recommendations

PompeyPete

totallybored wrote: »

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.

+1.

totallybored wrote: »

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.

Not recommended!
What if the rocket launcher backfired straight into your face!!
You're history!!!
But you've probably deserved it!!!!
Possibly the worst suggestion ever on MSE!!!!!

totallybored

PompeyPete wrote: »

+1.



Not recommended!
What if the rocket launcher backfired straight into your face!!
You're history!!!
But you've probably deserved it!!!!
Possibly the worst suggestion ever on MSE!!!!!

I quite fancied having a go at shooting a normal gun but was worried about safety. The grenade and rocket launchers on the other hand are a bit risky. I did meet a couple of backpackers who were keen to try it though so it does appeal to some people.

PompeyPete

totallybored wrote: »

I did meet a couple of backpackers who were keen to try it though so it does appeal to some people.

There's lots of sad people about, so that's not a surprise.

Enjoy this (caution - v.graphic)...

http://www.military.com/video/operations-and-strategy/antitank-weapons/rpg-failure-kills-fsa-rebel/2125368421001/

Ouch!!

Sad, very sad.:(

bylromarha

Doshwaster wrote: »

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.

Any chance you'd be willing to share your Vietnam schedule please? Female travelling alone from Ho Chi Min to Hanoi with 8 and 10 year old in the summer hols - really looking forward to it, but the lonely planet book is so vast! Where have you chosen, and why?

Doshwaster

bylromarha wrote: »

Any chance you'd be willing to share your Vietnam schedule please? Female travelling alone from Ho Chi Min to Hanoi with 8 and 10 year old in the summer hols - really looking forward to it, but the lonely planet book is so vast! Where have you chosen, and why?

3 nights Hong Kong.
5 nights Hoi Han
4 nights Hanoi

I would have loved to have done more but I only have 2 weeks to play with so southern Vietnam will have to wait for another time. It would have been cheaper to connect through Bangkok but I've always wanted to go to HK and I've been to Bangkok so many times that it is time for a change.

fufu_banterwaite

Go to Laos.

Doshwaster

fufu_banterwaite wrote: »

Go to Laos.

Interesting place but it's a long way from the beach and it can be a difficult and slow country to move around. Laos is better done on long leisurely trip through SE Asia rather than a short visit.

PompeyPete

Doshwaster wrote: »

Interesting place but it's a long way from the beach and it can be a difficult and slow country to move around. Laos is better done on long leisurely trip through SE Asia rather than a short visit.

+1.

But if all you wanted to do was the usual well beaten tourist track of Vientiane, Vang Vieng, and Luang Prabang, then it's easy enough in a couple of weeks.

We arrived in BKK at 0700, taxi straight to Hualamphong train station.
Ditched our gear in left luggage.
Had a day on the Chao Phraya, Lumphini Park, and Siam.
Caught the pre-booked overnight sleeper train to Nong Khai.
We stayed in Nong Khai for 5 nights, but we were on a leisurely 6 weeks trip.
So cut out Nong Khai, and carry on by train into Laos (Vientiane).
3 nights Vientiane.
Bus to Vang Vieng - 4 hours.
2 nights Vang Vieng.
Bus to Luang Prabang - 6 hours
6 nights Luang Prabang.
Fly to BKK.
1 night BKK.
Fly home.
That's about a fortnight, and not a rushed itinerary.

fufu_banterwaite

Doshwaster wrote: »

Interesting place but it's a long way from the beach and it can be a difficult and slow country to move around. Laos is better done on long leisurely trip through SE Asia rather than a short visit.

One of the OP's dislikes was sunbathing.

I think Laos is incredibly beautiful and scenic.

bylromarha

Doshwaster wrote: »

3 nights Hong Kong.
5 nights Hoi Han
4 nights Hanoi

I would have loved to have done more but I only have 2 weeks to play with so southern Vietnam will have to wait for another time. It would have been cheaper to connect through Bangkok but I've always wanted to go to HK and I've been to Bangkok so many times that it is time for a change.

Thank you for your plan. Appreciated.

You'll love HK - we did when we did our last Asia tour in 2012. Lots of contrasts but not as manic as Bangkok.

We're connecting to Cambodia and Vietnam via Bangkok this time as I couldn't refuse return flights to Asia for £515. Can't stand Bangkok - absolutely hated it when we were there last.

One tip for HK - if you are over 5'10'' tall, then try to avoid busy pavements full of locals. OH got fed up being bashed in the face by the umbrellas which were constantly up as sunshades/rain shelters. Me at 5'4'' and kids being 6 and 8 never got touched!