6-8 Weeks in South East Asia

Old Sep 6th, 2017, 08:58 AM
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6-8 Weeks in South East Asia

Hi all!

We are planning a trip to South East Asia in January and have a desired wish list to see the following places in 6-8 weeks.

Thailand
Indonesia
Vietnam
Cambodia
Malaysia

But will adjust once we start narrowing down exact cities, travel times and such.

A few questions:

1) Will the weather be ok In January for these places?

2) Any tips on places or planning of the itinerary?

3) Any must visit spots, that I have not listed?

4) Is an open jaw ticket the best use of time?

Thanks!!
Shawn
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Old Sep 6th, 2017, 10:14 AM
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I vacation in S.E. Asia for 6 weeks Dec/Jan/Feb. My regular spots are Bangkok, Penang and/or KL, and Singapore although I have also been to Indonesia (Bali) and have also thrown in places outside of S.E. Asia on the same trip, like 5 nights in Hong Kong in Jan/Feb 2017, flying from Singapore. Taiwan will be thrown into the upcoming trip as I cashed in some of my Singapore Air frequent flyer miles for a free ticket. I like using some frequent flyer miles to fly, within Asia, as one doesn't have to use as many compared to flying to and from Asia. I go in and out of Singapore quite bit as it's my base.

As for weather, I have found Dec/January quite dry in Bangkok and I've also once been in Chiang Mai, thunder storms or dry in Malaysia, and rainy and dry in Indonesia (Bali). But, usually when these down pours come, they come very powerfully and then stop in a pretty short period of time.

As for Vietnam and Cambodia, I haven't done them yet although for the last 19 years of going to S.E. Asia, every year I say that I will add them, but never get around to it.

As for flying, I fly L.A. to Singapore on Singapore Air and have Singapore as my base and fly into and out of Singapore. I find it very relaxing to both begin there and end there and also rest up before the long flight home, via Narita.

While in S.E. Asia and for so many weeks, I personally just buy individual plane tickets within S.E. Asia as they aren't that expensive. Plus, if I want to or need to change my itinerary while there, as I have done several times, I have more flexibility. I have the frequent flyer miles, of my different flights, funnel into one or two of my frequent flyer programs.

Happy Travels!
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Old Sep 6th, 2017, 11:39 AM
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You say you want to go to SE Asia for 6-7 weeks - - great! But what do you want to see, do experience? What are your interests?

1. Weather patterns in Seasia are complex, and the weather will vary even with countries. Check out https://www.selectiveasia.com/vietna...eather/january for wear info . Just change the country as appropriate.
2. See my earlier comments above, get some guide books, list which places interest you and put them onto a map. Google maps is good for this. Each of us will have our favourites. Mine are likely very different from what yours might be.
3. You haven't listed any spots only countries.
4. Depends where you are flying from and to. SE Asia is easy to get around overland (arguably, a better way to experience th region) as well as by air - Air Asia are a v.good local carrier with cheap flights and the best network in the region.

Hope this helps a little but seriously, help peopl to help you with some more info.
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Old Sep 6th, 2017, 05:55 PM
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I agree that we really can't comment without knowing something about your interests.

And I also agree that a few guidebooks will prove invaluable -- and their cost will be nominal in comparison to the cost of your trip. Think of them as an investment.
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Old Sep 29th, 2017, 05:36 AM
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Thank you all! Sorry for the lack of details.

Our interests are nature, beautiful scenery, culture and food. We're not interested in museums and such.

The must do locations are: Thailand, Bali, Vietnam. Anything else would be amazing. We have up to 2 months.

I'm going to get some guidebooks today. Any recommendations? Flights, I guess I'll look into BKK and Singapore.
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Old Sep 29th, 2017, 06:40 AM
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You have chosen locations that ever thousands of miles. Not surprisingly, the weather patterns won't be the same in all of these places.

January is rainy season in Bali, though I wouldn't let that discourage me. I've often visited Java, Bali and Lombok in the rainy season. You just have to be prepared for periodic downpours.

Are you planning on Peninsular Malaysia or on Malaysian Borneo? Malaysian Borneo will be quite wet at that time of the year. Some parts of peninsular Malaysia will have lovely weather, such as along the Andaman Sea; Georgetown, Penang and Langkawi (of you are looking for beaches) will have good weather.

VN, has different weather patterns in different area, as it is affected by two different monsoon systems. I use www.weatherbase.com to check on weather.

If you want to visit the temples of Angkor, get a copy of Dawn Rooney's book, Angkor: A Guide to Cambodia's Wondrous Temples.
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Old Sep 29th, 2017, 12:36 PM
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Thanks Kathie,

Are you planning on Peninsular Malaysia or on Malaysian Borneo?
- Great question. I am not sure yet. Recommendations?

I bought a few guidebooks and found a pretty neat 8 week itinerary that I might try and tweak to fit my needs.

I can book the intl flights. What about local transportation. Do I arrange that once I'm there, or in advance? And what about hotels? Jan/Feb appears to be a busy season in some of my desired areas. But at the same time we'd like to remain flexible to "go with the flow" and not be stressed out having a dialed in itinerary. Thoughts?

Thanks so much all.
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Old Sep 29th, 2017, 02:32 PM
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I recommend that you do enough research and reading to know where you want to go. Our trip to Malaysian Borneo (Sabah and Sarawak) was one of our favorites. We flew to Kota Kinabalu The onward to Lahad Datu and stayed at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge to do wildlife viewing. We also spent some time in Kuching which gives more opportunity to learn about the local tribal cultures. Really, where to go is a question that only you can answer.

Remember that moving around eats up a lot of time that could otherwise be used for the things you chose SE Asia to see/do/experience. In general, you need to figure that you will lose most of a day each time you change locations. Indeed, sometimes (if you are traveling overland) it take take up several days. So one of my recommendations is to choose a limited number of stops. Don't hesitate to draw up an itinerary, then cut destinations. The usual first-time error is to try to go too many places. Remember in order to ate three full days in a place, you need to stay four nights.

Fly open-jaw, that is input one city and out of another. This can help you reduce your travel time. So, for instance, you might fly into Bangkok and visit Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and VN then fly to Indonesia and fly out of Singapore to return home. Cluster together destinations that are close together followed by a longer flight to the next area.

I'd recommend that you book your international flights as soon as possible. Once you have a "firm" itinerary, you can begin to book some local flights. You are arriving in January which is high season in many places, so you will want to book your first hotel, maybe your first few hotels. Using low-cost airlines (air Asia is the big one in this part of the world) will save you money. If you book the day before you fly, you'll pay a lot more than if you book it a couple of weeks in advance. Also, online booking of hotels usually costs less than walk-up prices. So plan to book at least a few days in advance. Check on special holidays in the countries you are visiting. For instance, if you are in VN at Tet, you will want to book all of your local transport well in advance.

Good luck and enjoy this fascinating part of the world.

Sometimes photos can help you decide where to go. You are welcome to look at our photos mostly of SE Asia at www.marlandc.com
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Old Sep 29th, 2017, 06:15 PM
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While I agree with Kathie's advice to book your international flights as soon as possible, I would urge you to delay until you have at least a rough itinerary -- I read FAR too many posts from people who lock themselves into flights that end up making no sense. JMO.
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Old Sep 29th, 2017, 06:23 PM
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God point, kja!
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Old Sep 30th, 2017, 07:55 AM
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Thanks so much. For flights, I think I will fly into Bangkok and out of Singapore.

Timing per location....thoughts?

Thailand - 2 weeks
Vietnam - 2 weeks
Cambodia - 1 week
Malaysia - 1 week
Bali (maybe plus a few days other spots) - 1 week
Singapore - 3 days

Laos (yay/nay?)

How does this tentative breakdown look? Is it too many locations for 8 weeks?

I'd like to see the highlights including:

Temples of Angkor
Hoi An
Bagan
Bangkok
Halong Bay
Bali
George Town
Chiang Mai
Si Phan Don
Inle Lake
Singapore
Malaysian Borneo
Rice fields somewhere
Phong Nha Ke Bang

With maybe removing some for time constraints.

Dates most likely Jan 10th or so through Mid March 2018.


Thank you!!
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Old Sep 30th, 2017, 09:44 AM
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Your itinerary looks good, but I would put 4 nights in Singapore instead of 3. Plus, with it being the end of your long trip, you might want to just take it easy and slow down. I spend a lot of time in Singapore and have for 19 years, and I usually fly into Singapore and then out of Singapore although I spend most of my time in Bangkok (3 weeks straight) as I take 6 weeks straight to S.E. Asia.

In your situation, I think it's a good idea for you to fly into Bangkok and out of Singapore.

In my situation, I usually do L.A.- Singapore-Bangkok-Malaysia-Singapore-a new destination somewhere (like Hong Kong or Taipei) and from Singapore and then back to Singapore, to rest up, before taking the long flight back to L.A.

I buy separate plane tickets within Asia or sometimes cash in my Singapore Air frequent flyer miles to get flights within Asia, like to Hong Kong and Taipei, as it doesn't cost me tons of miles in Economy Class and then if I decide I want a different class, I just walk down to the Singapore Air office, near my hotel, and pay the difference in airfare. But, I at least initially book in Economy Class for flights within Asia, but in Premium Economy class for flights from the U.S. to and from Asia although back in the day I used to fly Economy Class when Premium Economy didn't exist on some flights, but hope to not have to do that again.

Happy Travels!
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Old Sep 30th, 2017, 10:42 AM
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I think you have included way too many countries in your plans. Plus, in your highlights, you mention Bagan ( Myanamar) and Si Phan Don (Laos) which is two more. A total of 8 countries in 49 days is an average just six days per country. Realistically, you can write off a day when travelling between countries, another 8 days.

I understand the desire to see everything you can, but at this sort of pace, you will be missing most of the good stuff and end up wishing you could stay longer in a lot of places

Indochina - Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos fit well together for travel as there is a natural loop you can take, either overland, where you will get to see much more of the country, or include flights for some of the longer sections.

You could very easily spend the whole trip covering these countries in some depth and end up with a great trip. Personally, I would leave out Bali and Borneo, partly because of weather but also to reduce the number of countries and reduce travelling time. Singapore, I just do not take to. One of the least interesting cities in Asia IMHO.

"Our interests are nature, beautiful scenery, culture and food. We're not interested in museums and such." With this in mind, Vietnam and Cambodia have all these in bucketloads. Thailand to if a lot more touristy 5nan te others. Laos has everything except perhaps the great food.

Highlights in Vietnam for me would include:

Saigon and the Mekong Delta
Hue
Phong Nha Ke Be
Hanoi
Ninh Binh
Plus some time in the far north Ba Be, Ha Giang, Pu Long NP - rice terraces in abundance!

Cambodia

Phnom Penh
Angkor
Battambang
Kampot/Kep

Laos

This is a little more difficult as travel takes longer
Luang Prabang in the north is. Stepping point to some wonderful scenery and some amazing minority people villages. Muang Sing, Phongsali , Luang Namtha. Alternatively, Si Phan Don, which you highlight, is in the far south near te Cambodian border. An EXTREMELY laid back sort of place. It can be reached overland from Kep in Cambodia

There are lots of photos and more detail of our time in some these places in our blog @ https://accidentalnomads.com just click on the appropriate destination tab to go to each country.

Sourcing accomodation etc will be pretty easy in all of these places apart perhaps from some beach locations, , even in the "high" season but I would try and nail down the international flights ASAP as fares will likely only go one way over the coming months.
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Old Sep 30th, 2017, 04:13 PM
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lifeandmylens: I think your (Sept 30th) itinerary is good as far as the amount of time spent in each country. I just wouldn't try to do tons of stuff in each country, but you would at least get an introduction to each place and decide what you would like to revisit if you decide to return to S.E. Asia some day. Plus, if there's somewhere that you hate, then you can just leave and add those unused days onto another place or country.

Back when I first went to S.E. Asia, solo, some 19 years ago, I had planned to spend a lot more time on Bali than I ended up spending. My best friend had been several times and loved it and highly recommended that I go. But, after a few days, I was ready to leave. Now, don't get me wrong, as I was glad that I experienced Bali, but it definitely wasn't for me what it was to her.

The extra time, that I didn't end up using for Bali, I was able to roll over to another destination and called Singapore Air and mentioned that I wanted to leave Bali early. They changed my flight and without charge and I flew to Singapore and spent a bit more time there and then flew from Singapore to Chiangmai (Northern Thailand), with extra days, and making Chiangmai my introduction to Thailand before later ending in Bangkok and spending some time there before flying home, to L.A., from Bangkok. So, on that trip, not only did I change destinations, but also changed hotels, but I was flexible and it all ended up working out just fine and I have been returning to the region, regularly, ever since.

So, as for traveling in S.E. Asia, I would recommend to slow down, absorb and enjoy the culture, and if you don't like one place, then just move on to another one as there are plenty of places to move on to.

I just noticed that I posted at the beginning of this thread, but didn't realize it when I posted again above as I tend to come onto a thread and click on, Jump To Last Reply, and then work my way up. LOL!

Happy Travels!
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Old Sep 30th, 2017, 04:58 PM
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Your must-see list and your list of countries you are visiting don't coincide. You have two places on your must-see list that are in Myanmar, a country you are not visiting on this trip. And the two places in Malaysia are far, far apart: Malaysian Borneo and Georgetown, Penang. You have more research to do to decide where you are going to go and what is realistic to do in the time you have. You say you will spend a week in Bali (and maybe a few other places). If you want to visit other places in Indonesia, you would need more time. Also, take a look at what it takes to get from one place to another. You have the beginnings of a wonderful trip, but you do not yet have a do-able trip.
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Old Oct 2nd, 2017, 01:52 PM
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Thank you every body for the help. The places I wanted to see were just a starting point from a website I found online with pictures of pretty places

Here’s some preliminary suggestions for places. Did I miss any locations that should be added. Spending enough or too much time in each? Other helpful things: We like local real cultures and smaller towns than modern big cities. The idea of paddling through rivers and floating markets sound amazing. Exploring rice fields sound amazing.

We have about 2 additional weeks to devote to the trip. Which we could visit other places in each country. Slow down and spend more time in each. Or visit another country. Thoughts?



Dubai:
3 nights to break up flight

Thailand:

Flying into Bangkok - 4 nights
Chang Mai - 5 nights
Krabi or Phuket - 4 nights

Cambodia:

Siem Reap & Angkor Wat - 3 days

Vietnam:
Ho Chi Minh City - 2 nights
Dalat - 2 nights
Hoi An - 3 nights
Phong Nha Ke Bang??
Hanoi & Ha Long Bay - 4 nights (stay where?)
Sapa - 3 nights
Mekong Delta?

Loas:
Luang Prabang - 3 nights
Vang Vieng - worth it?


Myanmar:
Yangon - 2 nights
Bagan - 3 nights


Indonesia:
Jakarta - 2 nights
Bali - 5 nights (rainy?)


Singapore:
3 nights
Fly Out
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Old Oct 2nd, 2017, 06:05 PM
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Unless you have an interest in spending time in Dubai I would just keep going to Asia. Bali or a Thai beach is a great place to recover from jet lag and acclimate to an Asian pace. Think tropical breezes, massages, drinks in coconuts.

It will be the rainy season in Bali. This won't impact you too much in the inland areas like Ubud but may not be the best beach environment. In February you can expect storms and overcast skies along the coast but you will also get a about 40-50%clear skies as well.

You definitely should skip Jakarta! (Believe me, I lived there for 30 years. )

Strongly suggest adding Central Java -- Yogyakarta and Borobudur. It fits everything on your wish list.
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Old Oct 3rd, 2017, 12:58 AM
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I highly recommend that you slow down! Asian lends itself best to slow travel. Also, remember that when you say you want to spend three days in a place that means you will need to spend 4 nights.

Like Marmot, I'd suggest you skip staying in Dubai. Breaking up a long flight like that just means it will take you longer to adjust to the time change.

In Myanmar, you initially listed Inle Lake as a place you wanted to see, but it seems to have dropped off your list. Inle and Began are the two stunning places among the "big 4" in Myanmar. I'd recommend 3 or 4 nights there. You only have one full day in Yangon - (2 nights) - I'd recommend you add at least one more night.

I also agree with marmot on skipping Jakarta, but do add in central Java, one of my favorite places.

BTW, make sure you know the visa rules for all of these countries. Both VN and Myanmar require a visa in advance, You can do both online. Carefully check the official web addresses, as there are lots of fake sites!
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Old Oct 3rd, 2017, 05:02 AM
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Thank you both so much!

So here's a slightly tweaked version then. Dubai is somewhere I've always wanted to go, if even just a couple days. Are there any destinations listed below that I can eliminate in an effort to slow down as Kathie mentioned? And how do I get from most of these locations in each country, a driver?

Dubai:
3 nights

Thailand:
Flying into Bangkok - 4 nights
Chang Mai - 5 nights
Krabi or Phuket - 4 nights

Cambodia:
Siem Reap & Angkor Wat - 3 days

Vietnam:
Ho Chi Minh City - 2 nights
Dalat - 2 nights
Hoi An - 3 nights
Phong Nha Ke Bang?? - 2 nights
Hanoi & Ha Long Bay - 4 nights (stay where?)
Sapa - 3 nights
Mekong Delta? - 3 nights

Loas:
Luang Prabang - 3 nights
Vang Vieng - worth it?


Myanmar:
Yangon - 3 nights
Bagan - 3 nights
Inle - 3 nights

Indonesia:
Yogyakarta - 3 nights
Borobudur - 3 nights
Bali - 5 nights


Singapore:
3 nights
Fly Out
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Old Oct 3rd, 2017, 05:52 AM
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You still seem to be all over the map. I would eliminate countries rather than places.

There is a lot more to Cambodia than Siem Reap - see crellston's post above. And is that "3 days" two nights, three, or four? Three full days (i.e. four nights) is the absolute minimum to properly see the temples. Did you get the book Kathie recommended yet?

Again, I would not go to Laos just for Luang Prabang, which has become very touristy. Vang Vieng used to be party central but I have read that they have cleaned things up some.

What are you going to do for five nights in Chiang Mai?

Have you looked at how you will travel between these places? I entirely agree with crellston that the fewer flights the better.
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