Summer in South East Asia

chilljuice

We're planning on going on a 6 week holiday in South East Asia (Thailand, Laos, Vietnam) in June/July and was wondering does anyone know any spots that can't be missed or just any travel advice for the area? We're in a group of around 6 or 7 lads.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

darrenh

If you type in SE Asia highlights in the site search engine it should find you more info than you could need. Other than that you can flick through my blog.

http://www.travelblog.org/Bloggers/Wanderly-Wagon/Trips/5086

solovely

4,000 islands on the Laos Cambodia border (in the middle of the Mekong) was my highlight of the region. It's a bit off the beaten track for most people, but so chilled and amazing.

Don't skip Cambodia...I'd skip Vietnam over Cambodia, especially if you are doing Thailand. Vietnam is great, but it's not as unique as Cambodia, and the people can often be really difficult to deal with, whereas the Cambodians are so welcoming!

Other not to be missed spots (most are obvious)....
Hoi An (Vietnam) - for getting new clothes made
Halong Bay (Vietnam) - I missed it cos of a typhoon....raging
Mekong Delta boat trip (Vietnam/ Cambodia)
Angkor Wat (Cambodia) by bike....much better than by tuk tuk, not a hard cycle but great sense of achievement
Luang Prabang trekking and elephant riding

I can pm you my blog if you like, although it's a bit long, so I wouldn't subject you unless you are really really interested....
Places that are overrated/ annoying....
Vietnamese cities, Hanoi is worse than HCMC, but both are pretty dismal
Vang Vieng - 2 days is enough, too westernised
Koh San Road...although it has to be done, but again a day or two is enough

Chang Mai (Fab and not too touristy) was the only Thai island I made it to and didn't make it up to Chang Mai or Pai, but they sound fab, but similar to Northern Laos. The beaches off Cambodia are also supposed to be lovely, really basic, but pretty.

v.e.r.b.a.l

My biggest regret was not having more time in Laos. But it's so damn difficult to travel around because the roads are so damn bad. You'll get all the info you need from searching this forum, so not to repeat too much, some absolute unmissables would be:

Angkor Wat, Cambodia - without a doubt the best temples in the world
Ko Phi Phi, Thailand - ignore the touts in the village and hop on a longtail boat to gorgeous Long Beach away from the crowds to a paradise
Luang Prabang, Laos - one of the most stunning places in S.E.A.
Hoi An - mentioned above, but so much more than a place to get suits made. Floating Chinese lanterns, stunning old buildings and gorgeous jungle Cham ruins

Didn't like Chiang Mai myself, but have a look at others' suggestions, cos most people love it.

Enjoy!!

magentas

chiang mai and pai in thailand
angkor wat and sihanoukville in cambodia
halong bay, mekong delta and hoi an in vietnam

laos is beautiful and relaxing but I don't get the fascination with vang vieng, it's just a bunch of people watching episode after episode of friends
get the slow boat from laos to thailand or vice versa if you're up north

halong bay is just beautiful and you can go hiking in sapa if you're so inclined!

watch the sun rise and set on angkor wat
and because you're a bunch of lads, visit angkor thom where angelina jolie rolled around filming tomb raider!

there is so much to see and do in northern thailand though, jeep treks, camping, hiking, elephant treks, cookery classes, thai boxing matches, ladyboy shows, tubing, kayaking, rent bikes and see some of the countryside...I'm just depressing myself now:(

beagle001

Only take the slow boat from luang prabang to Thailand if it's a last resort.
Terribly uncomfortable journey,scenery is nice if you can get up on the roof of the boat but would never do it again.
Actually was envious of the speed boats whizzing by and wished I had done that.

darrenh

I would have to whole heartedly disagree about the slow boat.

The scenery is amazing and there is a feeling your like Rambo (albeit with 30 or so others) cruising down the Mekong river on a mission. Yes, its not the most comfortable but you'll meet lots of great people and have lots of great conversations. The chances are you'll meet people you'll travel with for a few weeks afterwards. Bring booze with you as it is expensive on the boat and plenty of food too. Laos is famous for its baguette's believe it or not so stock up on bread rolls!

The speed boat on the other hand is meant to be exciting but extremely dangerous. You have to wear a helmet and cant see in front of you because of all the spray.

I traveled the world for a year a the slow boat down the Mekong was one of my favourite things. Once its moving get a space outside up the front of the boat and watch the world pass by. I saw wild boar, little village's nestled in the forest hills, kids playing in the river in the middle of know where and not a bit of civilisation in sight. An Introduction to Laos

Anyway, I hear what Beagle is saying but each to their own.

Enjoy what ever you do!:D

vill@in

I'm planning a trip to SE Asia myself, and I have to say www.travelfish.org has been a fantastic resource for me.

cremeegg

pop over to philipines.. wont be disapointed. boracay island.. paradise!