Trip reports forum

Hi BaznChaz,

A good place to start is the suggested itineraries section as that lays out some sample trips with estimated trip times between destinations. That can help in planning how much you can see within a month without feeling like you're on the move all the time.

In a month, you'll be really rushing to fit everything in -- perhaps look into some flights to save some time -- the overlanding between Vietnam and Laos in particular can be time consuming when compared to an hour-long flight.

More questions? - ask away!

Hey BaznChaz,

That's a great time to be visiting the area, since the weather is cool-season modest. But because you'll be competing with all of the rest of us foreign tourists as well as locals making their New Year's Holiday during that time, I'd definitely recommend that you book accomodation in advance if you can, at least for your first night in each new location and for three or four days before and after New Year's, prior to leaving for the holiday.

I always think it is best to use local currency wherever I go. In Thailand, except in places like jewelry shops, that's all they'll want anyway, and you'll pay a large premium paying in dollars, if you can find anyone to accept them. Foreign exchange is quick and painless anyway, and there are ATM's everywhere.

In Laos, you'll find that people do accept US$ and Thai baht fairly readily as well, particularly for hotel accomodation and tours, but even so you'll want to have kip on hand for small purchases.

In Cambodia, the US$ is still the preferred currency for most except for the smallest of purchases, and you can get dollars from the few ATMs in town. As with Laos, keep some local money on hand (riel) for small purchases. Change, if any, from your US$ purchases will be given in riel anyway.

I'm afraid I cannot comment on Vietnam.

As with accomodation, given the short time you have and the busy time of year you'll be travelling, I'd prebook as many of my flights as I could. If you do need to make travel arrangements once you've arrived, you may wish to use the services of the many travel agencies wherever you are.

As for where to go, I agree with Somtam that you are trying to see far too much in a short time. You'll wind up spending much of your holiday time and budget getting from place to place rather than enjoying where you are. If you can, I'd try to limit your trip to just two locations, such as only Thailand and Laos, or only Thailand and Cambodia, for this trip.

Having said that, in my opinion the highlights for Thailand are Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, and several of the wonderful Thai islands/beaches areas. For Laos, the must see places are Luang Prabang and Vientiane. Cambodia's must see is Siem Reap and Angkor Wat, although Phnom Penh is really cool too and worth a look.

These are just the highlights, by the way, as there are many many other excellent and out-of-the-way spots that can make a holiday special.

As a great man once said, less is more, particularly when it comes to travelling in southeast Asia. Figure out which places you really want to see and concentrate on those if you can. You'll have a better trip in the long run.

I hope you have a great time. Cheers.

backpacking is very easy in all countries. My advice is to take the bare minimum with you as your pack gets heavy when traipsing around looking for accommodation in the heat. You can buy what you need when you get there.