Vietnam forum

Those 7 country buttons at the top of this page are there for a reason. I think you need to read and study their contents before you ask such an extended question as you have.

well, i try to give some answers.

Phuket
>I was never there, but from what I read it's not primarly backpackers that go there, but package tourists and sex tourists (though of course you will also find backpackers there, since the island is rather big). I imagine it to be very touristy.

Ko Samut and/or Ko Pha Ngan (full moon party?)
>I didn't go to the islands, but I'd also look into Ko Chang or Ko Samui.

Siem Reap/Angkor Wat
>Definitely. There are also similar places in Thailand worthwhile to see (Sukothai, Ayutthaya,...).

**Where else in Cambodia?
>Phnom Penh for 2-3 days. You will find many backpackers at the guesthouses on the lake, and might visit the national museums/palace.

who does not speak any of the Asian languages!!
> you might consider taking a language course, or some other courses somewhere on the way (maybe check http://www.chiangmaichimes.com/courses-classes/schools-courses-in-chiang-mai.html ).

Thailand:
Ko Phangan is great for backpackers and a very cool place to hang out and meet people whether there's a full moon party or not. Accom there is cheap as well. If you're on the island and looking for an area to have a few quiet days head to Haad Salad in the north

We went to Ko Samui, Phangan and Tao and i'd skip Samui. Over priced and a little boring!

Spend at least 3 days in Siem Reap...you need a full day at Angkor Wat (get your driver to take you out for sunrise, back to the hotel for a rest in the middle of the day, and back to finish the temples in the afternoon!). Phnom Penn needs a couple of days as well. I've heard good things about Battambang but have yet to make it there so let me know if you do

The Gili islands are beautiful, relaxed and like Thai islands but on a smaller scale. Try get out of Kuta/Legian when you're in Bali- There's a scenic route from Ubud through Bedugul that leads you around the coast. If you're after beaches, Amed and Candidasa are beautiful, have a wide range of accom and both easy to get to!

What dates are you planning to be in Bali and Vietnam?

Hey Sarah,

Wow. Sounds like you are doing an amazing trip! I am hoping to travel from Saigon to Hanoi by myself but have no time limit on anything from around mid Feb. I'm 32 from London and looking to chill out and have a good time in Vietnam (seeing as much as possible) before meeting a friend in Hong Kong. Very new to me but give me a shout if you are around as would be good to have someone friendly on the journey

Hope you have a great time.

Kieran.

Hi Sarah,

Sorry late reply! I've finally got myself together and will be in Bangkok on 23rd Feb. Gonna spend a few days there. Was thinking of heading up to Chiang Mai via a few other cool places but may do that after Vietnam. I will be starting from Sagion so completely opposite ends of the country Will spend a good few days in Saigon before heading to Dalat, Nha Trang or Quy Nhon for some beachyness then Hue and Hoi An before Hanoi. Am looking forward to Hoi An as everyone has said that it is amazing! Who knows we could meet up half way or something? Hope India was cool (sorry about the pun!

Cheers,
Kieran.

Posted from within Vietnam.

I don't want to put a damper on it but Hanoi won't be hot and sunny on the 15th February unless you're really lucky (we're still shivering in coats, hats and gloves)! So keep hold of your jumpers. However, it will be warmer in the bottom half of the country. And really don't worry about the language - it's nice to learn a few phrases, as that's appreciated, but you can pick them up from a guidebook or just by asking other travelers, aside from that you'll be able to get around with English. Enjoy your trip!

Hi Sarah,Iam in Koh Samui from 25th feb to 7th march,2011.Iam from India,43M,can expore places together.You could stay with me.

hey! I am also travelling on my own, I am 21 and I'm flying into Bangkok on the 16th of Feb. 
I have a tour organised for the first 9 days in the north islands of thailand and then I have nothing else planned but I want to do the south islands, Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam and laos.

Maybe we could meet up and share tips of where to go.

Melissa 

Hi! I'm 24 f flying into Hanoi on 27/2 and would be keen to meet any travellers interested in seeing Sapa, Ha Long, or heading south. I have no itinerary, just going to wing it...