Southeast Asia forum

Hey !!

My interests are pretty varied...obviously, I love to travel, whether it's to a metropolitan city, for a safari/trek, or to an Island/Beach.. Recently though I've been craving places like Machu Picchu, Giza, Serengeti/Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro, Amazon expedition, Galapagos, Easter Island etc.. Journeys of a lifetime if you will... Having said that, Angkor Wat is definitely on my list.

I am an avid photographer (love breathtaking inland and coastal scenery), like adventurous/sporty/fun stuff, like to learn the history/culture of a place and it's people, am fascinated by Wonders of the World.

In the three countries, what intrigues me most are Angkor Wat and Ha Long Bay. I've been to Chitchen Itza, and want to visit Angkor as well and ever since I saw Top Gears Vietnam special, I've been waiting for an opportunity to go. But I've heard Laos is spectacular as well.

That's about it, like I mentioned earlier. I want to make the most out of my one week. I'll definitely come back and visit the other two countries later, but for now, which place would you suggest? Could you give me some pros and cons as well.

Thanks a lot, I really appreciate your help.

Ronny

PS: Let me know if there's any other info that you might need. I know my answer is a little vague. I just love to travel.

Ronny

I'm with seagypsy on this too. At that time of year, Vietnam can be a bit wet.

On Angkor , go look at this weblink to read more.

One 'special' Angkorian temple site that few visit, but is very photogenic (as if Angkor itself is not!!!), is Kbal Spean and Beng Mealea. If you want to add these, they are 'outside' the Angkorian pass system, and well away from the main complex. Another day is needed just for these two (but worth it IMHO).

Despite being the capital, because it sees less wealthy western tourists, Phnom Penh is a complete contrast to Siem Reap . Also, being the capital, PP has a largest Khmer Rouge 'atrocities' museums, and also hosts the Royal Palace.

So, assuming you fly into Siem Reap and spend a minimum of 4 days there, another travelling to Phnom Penh, and a full day there, you've now spent 6 days in Cambodia. If you add an extra day to see Kbal Spean and Beng Mealea at Siem Reap, that's your week.

Hope this helps.

Cheers

RonnyK

In the imagination, anything is possible. It's the logistics that ruin it all.

There are three things that spring to mind.

First, while you can fly directly Siem Reap - Hanoi, at US$260, is this within budget?

Second, December can be quite wet in the Halong Bay region. If the area is too wet, or 'blown out', while you may have paid your money, the operator will just say too bad, so sad. Many refuse to refund. So, the idea of Halong Bay could turn out a big negative.

Third, there is something to be said for staying in the one language group area. You pick up on the basic language and 'engage' more. You can also get a deeper understanding of their culture. The Khmer Cambodian people are very different towards western travellers than the Han Vietnamese. At the end of the time in SE Asia, you may come away with some negative feelings.

You started off with 7 days, now you are suggesting possibly 10. If you have more time, you might entertain the coast of Cambodia.

Cheers

Thought December is the time when there is little rain in Vietnam, or rather whole of SEA generally?