NEILEIO
longtail driver
Posts: 8
|
#1 Posted: 2/5/2008 - 19:18
im planing a trip starting in bangkok on to chaing mai over to laos and vietnam,cambodia,can anybody help me out,its my first time backpacking,any ideas on the best way to travel and what places to see and do i hav enough time to do it all in or should i just travel around 2 countrys,all comments will be a big help.cheers. |
swag
tourist
Posts: 54
Located in:
Australia
|
#2 Posted: 3/5/2008 - 08:26
Hi I think if you have just have 4 weeks you might be better seeing parts of two countries rather than the 4 you suggested. This would be a very rushed itinerary.Take your time and come back another time to see more. I think less travelling will give a better feel for the countries your seeing.Also have a look at the good section on itineraries on this site. You will get a better feel for what you can achieve.Regards
Swag |
SBE
tuk tuk driver
Posts: 129
|
#3 Posted: 3/5/2008 - 17:55
Agree, trying to visit four countries in 4 weeks would be far too rushed. It's going to be quite rushed just seeing two countries. |
Tilapia
tuk tuk driver
Posts: 197
|
#4 Posted: 3/5/2008 - 21:11
It depends on what you want to see, how you want to travel, and what your budget is. It does sound like quite a bit to cram into 4 weeks, though.
If time is really an issue, I'd skip Chiangmai if you are going to spend a few days in Thailand. It's in a lovely area, and it's not as crazy as Bangkok, but it is just another big city in Thailand with some really nice temples. I'd also spend as little time as possible in Vientiane if you go there.
You could go to straight to Chiangrai from Bangkok, look around the area (it's beautiful), then head over to Chiang Kong where you can cross into Laos and hop on the slow boat to Luang Prabang. That town is worth a couple days, at least. Then head south to Vientiane by bus with a stop in Vang Vieng (it was excellent when I was there, but that was 10 years ago), then fly to Siem Reap. Check out Angkor for a few days, then take the ferry to Phnom Pehn (a much more interesting, cutting edge city than Chiangmai), continue south to Sihanoukville, then come back to Thailand by ferry. Both of these ferry trips are excellent!
You'll get some of the best of Laos, Cambodia, and about 1 1/2 weeks in Thailand. Vietnam would be a bit too much and warrants a separate visit itself.
But, if you just want to wander around and take things as they come, stick to Thailand and either Laos or Cambodia. You'll enjoy yourself more.
Just as an aside, you could enter Cambodia from Trat Province, then go to Sihanoukville by ferry, up to PP by bus, spend a few days there, and then take the ferry to Siem Reap and then FLY back to Bangkok. You'd end up spending about 8-10 days in Cambodia and would be able to spend the rest of your time poking around in Thailand. The cost of your flight could be worth the full day of travel time that it would take to get back to Thailand.
Anyway, good luck. You'll have a lot of fun. |
Tilapia
tuk tuk driver
Posts: 197
|
#5 Posted: 3/5/2008 - 21:13
"I'd skip Chiangmai if you are going to spend a few days in Thailand."
Ahhh! Sorry. I meant to say, "I'd skip Chiangmai if you are going to spend a few days in Bangkok."
And you will spend a few days in Bangkok, both upon arrival and probably before you leave. |
SBE
tuk tuk driver
Posts: 129
|
#6 Posted: 3/5/2008 - 21:32
I'd skip the slow boat to Luang Prabang as well, and fly straight there from Chiang Mai or BKK.
That boat ride from Chiang Kong/Huay Xai isn't worth 2+ days out of your tight schedule IMO and you can do shorter Mekong river excursions from LP if you want. |
