somtam2000
admin
mahout
Posts: 2418
Located in:
Indonesia
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#2 Posted: 14/1/2008 - 08:18
Hi ulto,
Glad you like the site!
That's quite an itinerary. If you could squeeze a day or two more for Laos and Cambodia it wouldn't go astray - especially as you've got a two week island patch at the end -- perhaps you'll need two weeks on a beach to get over all the flights! I'd also consider having two days in sapa and three in hanoi -- but that's just cause I like Hanoi so much.
I've not been to Brunei, KK or Sabah so can't comment on the time you have there... ------------------------------
Travelfish Guide to Hanoi - just US$5.95
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Guernseystu
tuk tuk driver
Posts: 108
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#3 Posted: 14/1/2008 - 12:05
That all seems very rushed to me but then we all have different priorities and timescales. You've picked out a great intinerary though, lots of the better places in SE Asia so I'm sure that you'll have a great time.
If I could offer you one piece of advice then I would say that you should scratch off your day in Chiang Kong. Instead, you could take a night bus to Chiang Kong and pass straight through to Huay Xai. Spend your day there and soak up Lao culture, just walk around, get a feel for the place and stock up on provisions for the boat trip.
Also do you have any plans yet for the Southern Thai islands? |
ulto
newbie
Posts: 3
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#4 Posted: 14/1/2008 - 18:34
Thanks for your speedy replys.
I suppose looking at the overall plan it seems rushed alright but before we hit the thai islands we will have 53 days travelling done, just under 2 months.
14 days in vietname seems ok.
Thailand 3 weeks, malaysia 2 weeks and singapore 4 days seem ok aswell.
I agree though that laos and cambodia seems a bit rushed. We can take a day or 2 off the end and spend an extra day here and there
If we get tired we will just have to take a day off here and there doing nothing except catch up on some sleep! No point in making a misery of the trip.
Also wouldnt short haul flights be better then 10 hour bus journeys? About 7 overall flights in the 2 and a half months. That doesnt sound too bad. I have tried to minimize these bus journeys to make the whole trip more comfortable and take night trains or flights that is anything like a long distance trip. |
vuh
motodop
Posts: 24
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#5 Posted: 25/1/2008 - 17:09
Hello Uto
I just came back from South East Asia after 6 months back packing and I can recommend you some tips.
First of all, I have 2 questions for you: are you quick traveler or you rather take time to wander around ?
Do you like big cities or do you prefer countryside ?
Well, it help me to give you wise advices ?
But here are my points of views about these countries:
Thailand is crowded of tourist and especially Chiang Mai which is a real tourist industry. I'd recommend to stay no longer than 2 days. Furthermore, the main point about Chiang Mai is the 3-4 days trekking but it is so touristy and about 50 USD. Skip this tourist industry and later on, when you will be in Sapa in Vietnam, the trekk is very similar and Sapa is very touristy as well but it is absolutely wonderful.
If you don't want to be ripped off, please, read my trip report about trekking in Sapa, see this link
For Laos: I love this country because it is the less touristy of all its neighbour countries and it is a awesome place with so kind people which are not yet tourist oriented mind.
I recommend to stay at least 3 days in Luang Prabang,
Vang Vieng can be skipped unless you are looking for beer,pizza and Friends soap opera.
Vientiane needs no more than 1 day, not very interesting
There was 1 place I love in Laos, it's called Muong Ngoi, about 6 hours from Luang Prabang to the north east, quite remote village but a real delight and so authentic.
You can fly from Luang Prabang to Hanoi, it is around 200 USD and it is cheaper with Laos Airlines than Vietnam Airlines. Ticket can be bought in Luang Prabang
Vietnam: 14 days are very very short to me.
Hanoi: 3 days
Halong Bay: 2 days
Sapa: 4 days but be sure to stay at surroundings of Sapa, not in the town.
Hue: not to be missed: 2days (Fly Hanoi- Hue, 1 hour)
Hoi An: very nice: 2 days (bus Hue- Hoi An: 4hours)
Saigon: 1 day is enough !!! And do not go to the Cuchi Tunnel, it is a real tourist attraction, and the interest for the war is minimal.
Cambodia:
Pnom Penh: 2 days, it is worthwhile to go to the Silk island
Siem Reap: 3 days for the Temples
Malaysia: People are so friendly in Malaysia but it is the least interesting of all the country (I'm only talking about the Peninsula).
14 days is ok.
Kuala Lumpur: no more than 2 days
Melaka is a must
Well, I would recommand to cut down 2 weeks in Thailand to have more time in Laos (amazing country) and Vietnam (to big to be visited only in 2 weeks).
But if you need more advice, feel free to ask me for me details.
Have a nice trip, South East Asia is so wonderful |
