Southeast Asia forum

I have just got back from travelling South East Asia alone (Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and southern China) and I have to say I never once felt threatened or unsafe. in fact I found the people to be friendly, helpful and very nice (but often curious!). of course, I would always suggest the usual safety advice (don't flash the cash, keep to main streets etc) but I felt safer in South East Asia than I have done walking around London. I always make sure I know where I am going when I arrive somewhere, that way you are less of a target for some crafty taxi drivers (often hostels nad guesthouses will arrange a pickup from the airport or station so ask in case they can meet you). Have a great time, enjoy the wonders of SEA.

Hey anya

I took the following route,

Cambodia -> Vietnam -> Laos

-Cambodia
Siem Reap, Battambang, Phnom Pehn, Kampot, Kep
-Vietnam
Saigon(via the delta), Dalat, Na Trang, Hoi An, Hein(on a two day moto tour), Hue, Hanoi, Halong, Mai Chau (on the way to Laos border)
-Laos
Vieng Xai, Xam Nuea, Phonsavan, Luang Prabang, Vientiane.

If you get a map you understand where I went. I used two rather long and intricate boarder crossings (Camboddia to Vietnam and Vietnam to Laos)

I recomend grabing a guide book, or using this site and make a list of the places you like the sound of, then join the dots (so to speak) to get your route.

Have fun!

Somtam is right! When you stay in inexpensive places people stick together and it's so easy to make new friends (not so in those fancy places where everyone has their own private tour guide!)

michelled,

Thailand is a very safe and friendly country for travel alone, don´t worry about that You will find a lots of friends at the hostel or at the train or plane.

If you have any questions please tell me, but it´s very funny for go alone, but you must go to Kao Sand Road were you can meet other backparkers .-

GOOD TRIP !!! ENJOY IT !!!

1 There's no best route. Plan your trip around your interests.

2 4 countries in 4 weeks is Contiki like rush around. To experience one of the larger islands you need 5-7 days and 3-5 days for a city like Bangkok so you can't even scratch the surface of a country in 7 days unless it's small like Singapore. For 4 weeks I'd only do 1 country or 2 at most with a total of 5-7 destinations. You don't want to be packing/unpacking every second day and looking out bus windows all the time.

3 If you pick a few tourist sites that interest you and combine it with some off the beaten path destinations you'll get a more rounder experience.

I've traveled alone for 5 trips to this area, and I think solo travel is not hard at all. Meeting people in SE Asia is much easier than in the States or Europe for me.

My reaction to your plans of 4 countries in 4 weeks is this: SLASH AND BURN THAT ITINERARY

I usually find that 4 weeks is not enough for Vietnam alone - were you thinking of using a helicopter? Don't spread yourself so very very thin - cut that down to 2 countries max!

(edit - now I see the dates, from '08)