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funmonkeys

I'll reply out of sequence...

You wrote:

And finally the big question, what is the one thing we must not miss whilst on this trip?

To me, the answer is good planning. If you read up on where you're (possibly) going and what 'interests' and 'attractions' are there, you'll soon realise what is worth the effort.

Budget. Cities and the cost of travel are (relatively) expensive. On this subject go read what I wrote. First, look at this post (see my post at #3), then look at what I added later here at this post (post #2).

New Year, etc. ... Personally, I'd focus on your travel. Then, by about mid-end December roughly work out where you'll possibly be and seek ideas about then. As others on Travelfish have suggested, where ever there are westerners, there'll be a party.

Your route is what has been referred to as the Banana Pancake Trail. That means it's a route well worn with western travellers. On the 'Banana Pancake Trail' (and tips to avoid getting hooked into commercialisation), go read this article .

When you plan more deeply into your journey, and start focussing on the route, you'll see that (possibly) because the Banana Pancake Trail is well worn, many travellers have sought out differing journeys along that route to add variety / spice / whatever.

For example. The Banana Pancake Trail has ppl travelling down the Mekong from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang. There are several long and detailed discussions here on Travelfish (use the Search Travelfish box up above to explore. You'll see that some talk about the fun of doing the Gibbon Experience (near Huay Xai), then traveeling overland to Luang Nam Tha, before continuing the journey down to Luang Prabang: either directly, or to pak Beng and then a 1 day boat ride to Luang Prabang. There are other options in this region, just as there are along the entire route of the Banana Pancake Trail.

From another 'angle', it's also important not to rush through the landscape. there is no 'correct' time in any place - merely what you think is OK. For example, many travellers plan to visit Siem Reap for the temples. And, with little background reading, can mis-plan the time needed there. On this read this post . So, it's not only about going to places, it's also about planning what you want to do, and how long it will take to do what you plan for.

At the end of the day, the journey isn't about what I, or others, suggest; it's about what YOU want to do. And, YOU will (probably) get a more enjoyable journey by planning details before you depart. On planning, also read what i wrote at this post .

Hope this helps.

Cheers

funmonkeys

Stuart, who is somtam2000 in admin, seems to indicate he's found the perfect hammock place in Bali.

As for your journey, only you can be the judge. If you want to race around the place to be able to say you've been there - and are happy to put up with the equivalent of land based jetlag all day most days, then sobeit.

It's plain where my perspectives lie.

I'm assuming you are (relatively) young, so I suggest you adopt the approach of if we don't see it all, so what, we'll just plan another journey.

Also, what looks good on paper may not turn out to be to your liking.

I'd suggest you give yourself a rough plan. Research how to get around, about the scams, etc., and put that in your backpack. Take it out only if...

Start your journey, plan to go at the speed that is comfortable. If you don't get past one or two or whatever countries before your time is up, at least you can say you enjoyed yourself. Like Antarctica, those other places will still be there for another journey.

Cheers

Thanks Nokka,
I did have concerns about the river trip particularly after reading about the overcrowding issues etc.

I think your advice regading Christmas bookings is particularly sound and have started looking for accommodation at this time. Don't want to find no room at the inn!

Hope you have a great trip :)

funmonkeys

Yes, IMHO you are right - but only to a point.

Planning IS the key, but don't plan to follow a plan.

Sounds odd? It's not.

What I mean is do all your homework before you depart regarding a possible/probable route (including possible side trips, deviations, etc.).

Check out the travel options, eg. types of options (bus/boat/fly/etc.), the prices, the regularity, etc.

Also have an idea of accommodations, etc.

I say this one frequently - when you decide to stay in a place/region/city/etc, plan for about a week. And, go check out what is available to interest you for that week (or so). For example, if you decided to spend a 'base' week at Chiang Mai , you might give yourself the option of doing up to (say) 5 day trips from Chiang Mai, but when there you choose to do only (say) 2 because you also gave yourself the 'plan possibility' to zip over to Pai for a couple of days. So, what I'm essentially saying is have like a little diary with pages of opportunities for the Chiang Mai region - and you choose any of those options when you get there and sus it all out.

Sure, there will be times when you are covering much distance and may choose to spend a day or two along the route. But, that you will know and have planned for. For example, you might say - we want to visit Sukhothai, but only for a full day (2 nights), so we'll plan to take a bus to Phits... visit Sukhothai, and continue to Chiang Mai by bus.

The point I was making about 'don't' follow a plan is to give yourself the knowledge to make choices about what length of time you actually choose to spend in a place when you get there, or actually visiting a city, etc., when you are in-country (as against having a formulated plan that you follow word for word for your trip).

Hope this helps.

Cheers

OMG, it is so cool trip ....Good Luck

Aoa, I enjoyed 3 weeks stay on lovely Rawa with some friends. The good stuff... Location is beautiful. For a get away place where all you want is beach and sea and beach activities..just great. Food is excellent with good choice...I enjoyed kite surfing over there...