Jack917
Established
Hi everyone,
So this summer I'm planing a trip to SE Asia during the month of July and part of August. Specifically, it'll be Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. I know it's the rainy season, but that's when I can go. In any case I had some questions for those who have visited, or those who may be locals:
1) Are there any places you think are definitely must sees? Places that might be under the radar a little but well worth visiting? And finally places that are nice but may be a bit over-rated, possibly skip?
2) I haven't booked a flight just yet; would it make more sense to fly into Bangkok and fly out of Saigon, or fly into Saigon and out of Bangkok. I have thoughts about traveling down the Mekong in some areas so it seems to make more sense to me to fly into Bangkok and out of Saigon, thoughts or suggestions?
Thanks in advance!!!
So this summer I'm planing a trip to SE Asia during the month of July and part of August. Specifically, it'll be Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. I know it's the rainy season, but that's when I can go. In any case I had some questions for those who have visited, or those who may be locals:
1) Are there any places you think are definitely must sees? Places that might be under the radar a little but well worth visiting? And finally places that are nice but may be a bit over-rated, possibly skip?
2) I haven't booked a flight just yet; would it make more sense to fly into Bangkok and fly out of Saigon, or fly into Saigon and out of Bangkok. I have thoughts about traveling down the Mekong in some areas so it seems to make more sense to me to fly into Bangkok and out of Saigon, thoughts or suggestions?
Thanks in advance!!!
Leica All Day
Veteran
Hey, you are probably going to get a lot of good advice from some members here which will be helpful.....I'll let others chip in first, but if you've never been out here, I would recommend getting a copy of a Lonely Planet guide book to get a general idea of the area and what interests you......I'll respond later when I have more time......cheers, michael
Four countries? You could spend a whole six weeks in just one.
Not a local, but I have travelled in these countries. My favourite is Laos.
If it was me, I'd fly into Bangkok, work my way up to Chiang Mai, then across to Chiang Khong on the Thai/Laos border, then cross into Laos and travel down the Mekong to Luang Prabang (touristy these days but still a must see), then continue down to Cambodia (Siem Reap) and Phnom Phen. Not sure if I'd get as far as Vietnam in six weeks....
It's gonna be stinking hot and humid then. Be prepared for that.
Not a local, but I have travelled in these countries. My favourite is Laos.
If it was me, I'd fly into Bangkok, work my way up to Chiang Mai, then across to Chiang Khong on the Thai/Laos border, then cross into Laos and travel down the Mekong to Luang Prabang (touristy these days but still a must see), then continue down to Cambodia (Siem Reap) and Phnom Phen. Not sure if I'd get as far as Vietnam in six weeks....
It's gonna be stinking hot and humid then. Be prepared for that.
ethics_gradient
Well-known
Six weeks is enough time for 1-2 of those countries, unless you're jet-setting between major destinations.
Rainy season can mean impassable roads in Laos and Cambodia. Generally Vietnam and Thailand are better about getting things cleared, but I was traveling in Laos during the rainy season in 2008 and landslides were causing long delays for bus travel. Some people I met reported having to wait by the side of the road overnight or even as long as 30 hours before they were cleared enough to pass (I was on a dirtbike, so I just went over or around them
). It was especially problematic in Northern Laos, but I think the region is well worth visiting: it's generally off most tourists' radar and the mountainous scenery is spectacular.
In Cambodia, visit Kampot (riverside town) and the nearby Bokor Hill Station. You can do it on a day tour, but it you want to get the best photos, stay at the ranger station overnight for $5 so you can get sunset/sunrise. It's an old French hill station full of abandoned buildings and there's frequently a lot of fog, it's a very atmospheric place to visit. Kep is also not too far from Kampot and can be kind of a neat daytrip. Personally, I think if you're going to Vietnam and Thailand they have nicer beaches than Sihanoukville, it's not especially worth a stop IMO.
Skip Sapa (northern Vietnam), it's really touristy and artificial. Pretty much any other town in the region will be a more pleasant and authentic experience. It's probably the least favorite place I've been in the region.
As far as your airplane itinerary, you can fly very cheaply within Southeast Asia through budget carriers; the biggest is Air Asia. If you're looking at flights on their site make sure you get to the end where they add the taxes and fees, but it's generally quite reasonable. Flying between Bangkok and HCMC probably won't run you much more than $75, but the cheaper seats do sell out first, so it pays to book in advance if you can.
Rainy season can mean impassable roads in Laos and Cambodia. Generally Vietnam and Thailand are better about getting things cleared, but I was traveling in Laos during the rainy season in 2008 and landslides were causing long delays for bus travel. Some people I met reported having to wait by the side of the road overnight or even as long as 30 hours before they were cleared enough to pass (I was on a dirtbike, so I just went over or around them
). It was especially problematic in Northern Laos, but I think the region is well worth visiting: it's generally off most tourists' radar and the mountainous scenery is spectacular. In Cambodia, visit Kampot (riverside town) and the nearby Bokor Hill Station. You can do it on a day tour, but it you want to get the best photos, stay at the ranger station overnight for $5 so you can get sunset/sunrise. It's an old French hill station full of abandoned buildings and there's frequently a lot of fog, it's a very atmospheric place to visit. Kep is also not too far from Kampot and can be kind of a neat daytrip. Personally, I think if you're going to Vietnam and Thailand they have nicer beaches than Sihanoukville, it's not especially worth a stop IMO.
Skip Sapa (northern Vietnam), it's really touristy and artificial. Pretty much any other town in the region will be a more pleasant and authentic experience. It's probably the least favorite place I've been in the region.
As far as your airplane itinerary, you can fly very cheaply within Southeast Asia through budget carriers; the biggest is Air Asia. If you're looking at flights on their site make sure you get to the end where they add the taxes and fees, but it's generally quite reasonable. Flying between Bangkok and HCMC probably won't run you much more than $75, but the cheaper seats do sell out first, so it pays to book in advance if you can.
oftheherd
Veteran
I don't know where you will end up in Vietnam. Do keep your eye open for odd round towers sticking up out of rice paddys or hillocks in rice paddys. Chances are they will be old Champa towers. As they were expanding, the Vietnames drove out the Champa (what are now the Cambodian people). When I was there during the Vietnam war, few people paid them any mind. I was never able to get close to one myself, but did see a few in the Central Highlands area.
binky
Established
chances are, everything is interesting
You might want to consider flying in and out of the same airport because this might be cheaper. As suggested, try the budget airlines like AirAsia or JetStar to hop around. Zuji.com is the Asian version of Travelocity--go search for local quotes. Also, Cathay Pacific might still offer a 30-day unlimited Asia flights programme (but the hub has to be Hong Kong and you need to originate all flights from there).
Not that I'm suggesting you to support the junta government, but Myanmar (Burma) is close by. And while you're in the area, Bali is very tempting too.
Finally, once you have an itinerary, get your visas sorted out ASAP.
You might want to consider flying in and out of the same airport because this might be cheaper. As suggested, try the budget airlines like AirAsia or JetStar to hop around. Zuji.com is the Asian version of Travelocity--go search for local quotes. Also, Cathay Pacific might still offer a 30-day unlimited Asia flights programme (but the hub has to be Hong Kong and you need to originate all flights from there).
Not that I'm suggesting you to support the junta government, but Myanmar (Burma) is close by. And while you're in the area, Bali is very tempting too.
Finally, once you have an itinerary, get your visas sorted out ASAP.
Mablo
Well-known
My advise would be to follow Jonmanjiro's plan.
When you get to Bangkok pick up a nice hostel on the Khao-san area. That's what everyone else does so you might just as well go with the flow. NOT on the Khao-san road itself, it's much too noisy, but something like Soi Rambuttri road a couple of hundred yards away. There are lots and lots of nice and inexpensive hostels to choose from. Each hostel has a facility to help you out with your travel plan; they'll arrange bus/train/flight tickets everywhere, even accommodation if you like. It's easy, fun and inexpensive.
Do NOT get stuck in Khao-san district like many seem to do. Bangkok is one of the greatest cities in the world. Jump on a riverboat which will take you to the nearest skytrain station and get downtown.
When you get to Bangkok pick up a nice hostel on the Khao-san area. That's what everyone else does so you might just as well go with the flow. NOT on the Khao-san road itself, it's much too noisy, but something like Soi Rambuttri road a couple of hundred yards away. There are lots and lots of nice and inexpensive hostels to choose from. Each hostel has a facility to help you out with your travel plan; they'll arrange bus/train/flight tickets everywhere, even accommodation if you like. It's easy, fun and inexpensive.
Do NOT get stuck in Khao-san district like many seem to do. Bangkok is one of the greatest cities in the world. Jump on a riverboat which will take you to the nearest skytrain station and get downtown.
hans voralberg
Veteran
My advice is fly into Bangkok and out of Saigon, if you definitely want to visit Vietnam I'll be there then and can guide you around Saigon and the adjacent area. Further than that I'm not sure but I can arrange local guides
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chasfreeland
Established
I'm a 25-year resident of Bangkok, so I'll offer a couple of answers to your questions about my city, assuming you might want to follow the good advice given above and fly into Bangkok and stay a few days: 1.) Nice "Places under the radar": The Chao Phraya riverine communities, especially those along the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River, say from Bangkok Noi all the way down river to Khlong San; some of these areas were settled about 200 years old and today are full of life, culture, and small local restaurants. There's a lot of water taxis going up and down the Chao Phraya, with connections to Bangkok's elevated train services (known as the "BTS") so getting around these areas in a most agreeable manner isn't difficult. And, they are safe for the stray, single tourist. You'll find more such communities, temples, and old markets on the Bangkok side of the river, especially around the areas of the old part of Bangkok, known as the 'Rattanakosin island', but there will be many many more tourists there. If you're in that area, there are several tasty riverside restaurants. I like a few located near Thammasat Univ, around the old "Buddha amulets market", in an area bordered by Wat Maha That and by a famous street called Thanon Phra Chan (the street of the full moon). Up river from there, on the north side of the Thammasat campus, a street call Thanon Phra Athit, (the street of the sun), also has many good restaurants, and the area is generally pleasant, although somewhat filled with tourists, as well. 2.) "Places overrated"? While the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo (The Temple of the Emerald Buddha) are indeed marvelous 'must-sees', they are also high on the itineraries of thousands of other tourists, especially package tour groups, most of which arrive in the morning hours as noisy, sweaty herds pouring forth from huge tour buses. Also expect a hefty entrance fee (= about $10US) at these places, plus bag checks, especially photo bags, at the entrance turnstiles. Personally, I would also avoid the Khao San Road area: too "touristy". You can find better places to stay off that well-trod route. I agree that while a "Lonely Planet" guide would be good for general orientation, it would also likely steer you into places made crowded and over-worked by virtue of the very publicity they receive from such books. One could go on and on about "fun city".
Chas Freeland
Chas Freeland
kitaanat
kitaanat
Hi, Jack, michael and everyone,
I live in Bangkok.
There is a new cool place newly promoted by Tourism Authority of Thailand call "Sam Pan Boke" located north-east of Thailand in Ubonratchathani province. We have just widely know this place after saw a movie with the same name and the MV from TAT.
Some pictures from google search about this "3000 Boke" (sam pan boke) just click here
In the same province also have a long story back to prehistory.
there are some clips about travel in Ubonratchathani on youtube just search this "มหัศจรรย์สามพันโบก"
I also dream to visit this place too. Ubonratchathani and Lao is only across a Mekhong River.
I live in Bangkok.
There is a new cool place newly promoted by Tourism Authority of Thailand call "Sam Pan Boke" located north-east of Thailand in Ubonratchathani province. We have just widely know this place after saw a movie with the same name and the MV from TAT.
Some pictures from google search about this "3000 Boke" (sam pan boke) just click here
In the same province also have a long story back to prehistory.
there are some clips about travel in Ubonratchathani on youtube just search this "มหัศจรรย์สามพันโบก"
I also dream to visit this place too. Ubonratchathani and Lao is only across a Mekhong River.
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ZeissFan
Veteran
One thing to keep in mind during your travels is the humidity.
Because you don't say where you're located, you might be used to extreme humidity. Or you might not be. And humidity will affect your cameras and your glasses (if you wear them). Meaning that your glasses and camera lenses and viewfinders and any glass surface will immediately fog over if you've been in an air-conditioned area for an extended time.
And while in Cambodia, if they tell you don't stray from the path. Don't stray from the path. It's for safety reasons (Vietnam era mines).
Because you don't say where you're located, you might be used to extreme humidity. Or you might not be. And humidity will affect your cameras and your glasses (if you wear them). Meaning that your glasses and camera lenses and viewfinders and any glass surface will immediately fog over if you've been in an air-conditioned area for an extended time.
And while in Cambodia, if they tell you don't stray from the path. Don't stray from the path. It's for safety reasons (Vietnam era mines).
kitaanat
kitaanat
I agree. Usually aprox 80% humidity in these countries.
chasfreeland, your suggestion is really cool.
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ryan26
Established
I really loved Ninh Binh in Vietnam. Rent a bike and stay out all day... Take a motorcycle trip to the national forest. Go to the caves... take a boat ride...
http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Asia/Vietnam/Red_River_Delta/Ninh_Binh/
http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Asia/Vietnam/Red_River_Delta/Ninh_Binh/
kxl
Social Documentary
Just subscribed to this thread. I'm planning a similar trip later in the year, although my itinerary takes me from LAX - Manila - (Destinations in this thread) - Manila - LAX. We'll be visiting family in Manila.
I have no specific advice to offer re: places in this thread, but what I plan to do is buy a rountrip ticket between LAX and Manila, then book the rest of the trip while in Manila (a lot cheaper compared to booking the full itinerary in the US). You may want to look into it... in your case, fly into and out of Bangkok, then booking the rest of your trip while in Bangkok.
I have no specific advice to offer re: places in this thread, but what I plan to do is buy a rountrip ticket between LAX and Manila, then book the rest of the trip while in Manila (a lot cheaper compared to booking the full itinerary in the US). You may want to look into it... in your case, fly into and out of Bangkok, then booking the rest of your trip while in Bangkok.
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raytoei@gmail.com
Veteran
Nothing to contribute but you might find it useful to have a long-haired dictionary
Jack917
Established
Great advice so far, just the type of info I was looking for.
MichaelBialecki - Looking forward to your post
JonManJiro - Yeah, I was looking through the Lonely Planet Vietnam guide, and felt I could easily do 6 weeks there. Working up to Chiang Mai and then to the Mekong and down sounds good. Will definitely look more into this.
ethics_gradient - The ranger station in Kampot, Cambodia is just the sort of off-the-beaten path info I was interested in. Sapa made my short list of place to visit in Vietnam - I will think about this more carefully. I dislike the super touristy spots. I was in China last year, and at some of the mountains I hiked, I think I saw more people than mountain. The advice to fly via Air Asia is helpful too, thanks!
oftheherd - Champa towers, check; eyes will be peeled
binky - I also looked into flying in and out of the same city, while cheaper I'm thinking that if I have to back-track a bit or fly internally back to the start the cost would even out. Most flights I've checked seem to be about $100 more, so this is pretty close either way
Mablo - riverboats to Skytrain, got it
hans voralberg - thanks for the offer, I'll pm you if I know for certain that I will be there. At the very least, I'll hit you up for contact info
chasfreeland - thanks for the info on safety regarding the BTS. I also really like the idea of visiting the Chao Phraya riverine communities. You also mention the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo being swamped with tourists in the morning, does that mean it may be better to visit in the afternoon?
kitaanat - Sam Pan Boke looks beautiful, it reminds me a little of Arches in the Soutwest United States, only it's got water
ZeissFan - I'm a New Yorker, so the heat and humidity will kill me for sure. We get maybe a week or two of that type of heat in the summer - I usually sleep through the days and come out at night.
ryan26 - the pics of Ninh Binh are great; if I get a shot or two half as nice during my visit I'll be very pleased
sonofdanang - I have to admit I'm a fan of the Lonely Planet guidebooks, but that's also why I posted here. Koh Jum, here I come... as long as the landmines don't get me first.
Thanks for all the amazing info so far everyone, keep it coming!
Now for a tougher question. What gear? Just kidding, but in case you were wondering, it'll be an r3a with a 50 and 35 shooting mostly black and white, and a little ps in case I want a bit more reach and/or color.
MichaelBialecki - Looking forward to your post
JonManJiro - Yeah, I was looking through the Lonely Planet Vietnam guide, and felt I could easily do 6 weeks there. Working up to Chiang Mai and then to the Mekong and down sounds good. Will definitely look more into this.
ethics_gradient - The ranger station in Kampot, Cambodia is just the sort of off-the-beaten path info I was interested in. Sapa made my short list of place to visit in Vietnam - I will think about this more carefully. I dislike the super touristy spots. I was in China last year, and at some of the mountains I hiked, I think I saw more people than mountain. The advice to fly via Air Asia is helpful too, thanks!
oftheherd - Champa towers, check; eyes will be peeled
binky - I also looked into flying in and out of the same city, while cheaper I'm thinking that if I have to back-track a bit or fly internally back to the start the cost would even out. Most flights I've checked seem to be about $100 more, so this is pretty close either way
Mablo - riverboats to Skytrain, got it
hans voralberg - thanks for the offer, I'll pm you if I know for certain that I will be there. At the very least, I'll hit you up for contact info
chasfreeland - thanks for the info on safety regarding the BTS. I also really like the idea of visiting the Chao Phraya riverine communities. You also mention the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo being swamped with tourists in the morning, does that mean it may be better to visit in the afternoon?
kitaanat - Sam Pan Boke looks beautiful, it reminds me a little of Arches in the Soutwest United States, only it's got water
ZeissFan - I'm a New Yorker, so the heat and humidity will kill me for sure. We get maybe a week or two of that type of heat in the summer - I usually sleep through the days and come out at night.
ryan26 - the pics of Ninh Binh are great; if I get a shot or two half as nice during my visit I'll be very pleased
sonofdanang - I have to admit I'm a fan of the Lonely Planet guidebooks, but that's also why I posted here. Koh Jum, here I come... as long as the landmines don't get me first.
Thanks for all the amazing info so far everyone, keep it coming!
Now for a tougher question. What gear? Just kidding, but in case you were wondering, it'll be an r3a with a 50 and 35 shooting mostly black and white, and a little ps in case I want a bit more reach and/or color.
You travelled
Bangkok - Ayutthaya - Chiang Mai - Chiang Rai - Chiang Khong - Huay Xai - Pak Beng - Luang Prabang - Vientiane - Savannakhet - Pakse - Siem Reap - Phnom Penh
in five days??? Wow! Did you stop to see anything?
Just kidding, I saw your pics. You must have flown for some of the trip right? Surely you couldn't have travelled all that overland in five days.
alan davus
Well-known
Any advice I might offer is probably 20-30 years out of date. Never went to the Indochina countries when I travelled through S-East Asia in ths '70's because they were all closed. I could suggest fly into Singapore then travel up the East coast of Malaysia into Southern Thailand then head north. Plenty to see on the way up. I definitely suggest taking local transport, it's the best way to meet the people. And following the Lonely Planet guides means you'll be going from one Western hangout to another. If you can travel with out them, do so. Travel light, take few clothes as there's plenty of cheap stuff to buy which will probably be better suited to the climate. Give drugs a huge miss. And your camera choices seem excellent. And don't try to see every thing in a few weeks. I'm sure you'll love the place and find time to come back often.
That's exactly what I'd do if I had the time and was travelling by myself or with a someone else who could ride.
I met a girl riding a 250cc something or other bike at a road stop between Luang Prabang and Vang Viang. She purchased it in Cambodia and had ridden all through SE Asia by herself for several months. She was one tough cookie.
Jack917
Established
Twok saw lots! He's got some amazing ones on the flickr page. The very first one with the chinlone players. There's also a bunch with awesome clouds. Personal favorite in that set might be "Cooking by firelight", that diagonal in the shot is cool. Great pics Twok!