Thailand forum

Hi Simon,

Keep in mind that if you go into Laos for a week, or so, when you come back into Thailand (if you come by land) you will only have a 15-day visa, which won't give you much time on Koh Tao. Unless you're planning on flying to Koh Samui, or somewhere close on the mainland, it will take you at least 2 days to get to Koh Tao from the Lao border, and then another whole day to get back to Bangkok if that's where you plan on flying from.

Also, if you plan on going into Laos from Pai, then I expect you'll leave Thailand via Chiang Khong and enter Laos in Huay Xai and then take the boat to Luang Prabang. It's a great trip, but it will take at least 2 full days just to get to LP. LP is worth about 3 or 4 days alone, and then it's another full day to Vientiane by bus (without stopping in Vang Vieng), and then the Thai border. You might want to stick around in Laos a bit longer. It's worth it. The south is very good. Well worth exploring. You might consider going south in Laos to Siphandon, and then crossing the border into Cambodia and going from there to Siem Reap .

Or, if you've got the money, you can fly from Bangkok to Siem Reap (after your PADI course), then take the boat to PP and fly to HK from there. 6 or 7 days around there would probably be enough if you're only interested in those two parts of the country.

Also, you didn't say when you would be coming to the area. This could make a big difference with regards to your diving plans.

I think that 4-5 weeks will be enough time to do what you want, without really rushing around. I'd say 5 to be safe.

Cheers

also i think you can get flights from vietnam to Sydney i believe so maybe that might be a good idea instead of HK (save that for the next holiday)

Hi
Once you leave Thailand the 30 day visa is null and void even if you have not used the full 30 days.If you fly back you get another 30 days;if you come back by land you get 15days.
I'm pretty certain Jetstar fly from Hanoi to Sydney[or Melbourne].Hope that helps

Thanks guys, so do you suggest going to the south and islands, then flying to the north then Laos then cambodia then hanoi to fly to OZ?


Also where would be a good base for a bit of scooter exploration. Bearing in mind I'm a novice?

Considering the short amount of time you have available, options for you would include travelling to the south of Thailand first, return to Bangkok and fly or overnight train/bus to Chiang Mai. From here you can fly to Luang Prabang (saving the two days on a boat, which while a good trip eats up a lot of your time). From Luang Prabang you could fly onwards to Vientiane, Bangkok, Siem Reap or Hanoi.