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Would like advice on how much I can see in four weeks in Asia!

My best friend and I are flying to Bangkok on 22 January, it will be her first trip overseas, and I am wondering about the best options for travel in Asia.

17 years ago, December 30th 2006 No: 1 Msg: #9529 Delete Edit

SookyLaLa
Sookylala

N Posts: 4

I recently returned from 5 weeks abroad in Italy and Cambodia and am heading out again in January for 4 weeks with a best friend. We fly into Bangkok 22 January and fly back to Australia 22 February. We will be making our way to Siem Reap from Bangkok on the 23rd as we need to meet someone there.
My friend and I will be in Siem Reap for 2 to 3 days and then wish to move on...... but our consideration is whether we should:

1. Head back to the South of Thailand, as I would really like to show my friend places like Koh Phan Nang and Phi Phi.

2. Travel around Cambodia for a week or so and then head back to Thailand.

3. From Cambodia travel to Vietnam, then to Laos, then back into Thailand south of Laos to then head to the South of Thailand before a 'day pass to Burma'.
Now this set of travel plans is the preferred option.... we do understand that our time will be tight but that is what we want to do. I am however unsure as to how long travel would take between these destinations and whether the 'day pass' to Burma is even available. Also, what is the visa situation like for these destinations. What are your suggestions of the best places to see if we were to undertake this wonderful whirlwind tour.

I would really really appreaciate any help that anyone can give me.
I am unsure as to whether we should have a lazy sort of relaxing holiday floating from Cambodia to Thailand and staying at some nice beaches, or whether I will be able to pack in as many destinations as possible to give my friend her dream of seeing five countries before she is 25.... this will be her first time overseas. I myself have lived in Asia and have travelled quite a bit so am looking forward to any places that I can show her.

Any help would be appreciated!
Kind regards
Sanouk Reply to this

17 years ago, December 31st 2006 No: 2 Msg: #9541 Delete Edit

Tobi
Tobi Nestor

N Posts: 3

Do you want to go to Chiangrai?

Chiang Rai Province

Chiang Rai, the northernmost province of Thailand is about 785 kilometers north of Bangkok. Situated on the Kok River basin, Chiang Rai covers an area of approximately 11,678 square meters with an average elevation of 580 meters above sea level. The province, which is located within the renowned Golden Triangle area where Myanmar, Laos and Thailand converge, is also known as the gateway to Myanmar, Laos and Southern China.
Chiang Rai, which was founded in 1262 by King Meng Rai,was the first capital of the Lanna Thai Kingdom (Kingdom of a million rice fields), which was later conquered by Burma. It was not until 1786 that Chiang Rai became a Thai territory and was proclaimed a province during the reign of King Rama VI in 1910.
Today, Chiang Rai is a travelers paradise endowed with abundant natural tourist attractions and antiquities; the province itself is evidence of past civilization. Attractions range from magnificent mountain scenery, ruins of ancient settlements, historic sites, Buddhist shrines and ethnic villages as the province is also home to several hill tribes who maintain fascinating lifestyles. For those interested in the natural side of Chiang Rai, jungle trekking is recommended along various trails.
Chiang Rai which tends to be a little more 'laid back' now competes with Chiang Mai as a tourist attraction and is fast becoming a popular escape for tourists wanting to get away from the troubles they left behind.

Read more: Thailand Guides Reply to this

17 years ago, December 31st 2006 No: 3 Msg: #9543 Delete Edit

15 charley
Jon Franklin

B Posts: 3

One consideration is how you plan to do your traveling, I.E. overland or air, if overland I might be inclined to go with choice two, if by air you could make it happen for choice 3 but you will spend a lot of time in airports and from the sound of the new BKK one it may be a hassle. You need a visa before entry to Vietnam and those may be obtained in BKK at most travel agencys in about 3 or 4 days, you may be able to get one from your home country in advance but you may not have enough time. I would go to the Lonely Planet Thorntree forum and check out the visa question there, they have many postings asking for such advice and you may find that answer there. Vietnam is a beautiful country and you would want to spend more than a few days there, I spent 2 1/2 weeks there and only got halfway up! On the Thailand side, if your friend likes the beach you would do well to head south and go Island hopping and enjoy what the coast has to offer. My first trip to SEA was only two weeks and it seemed to fly by, I guess my advice would be to take a week in Cambodia and head for the south, after you get your friend hooked on SEA, go back and spend time in Laos and Vietnam. I am headed for the south the middle of Jan and cannot wait! Good luck and Happy travels. Reply to this

17 years ago, January 1st 2007 No: 4 Msg: #9552 Delete Edit

SookyLaLa
Sookylala

N Posts: 4

Thankyou so much Tobi and Charley!
Chiang Rai sounds right up my alley, as I am very much a traveller who likes to take it slow and see places that are off the beaten track. However, it is almost certain that we will come back to SEA again, so maybe this time it would be best to tour 2 countries instead of trying to pack the triangle into four weeks. Taking it slow in Thailand and Cambodia means that, for example, I can take her to Tiger Temple and the Elephant Orphanage in the north of Thailand....... this will simply blow her mind! And we will have time to visit Phnom Penh in Cambodia so that she can learn about the history of Cambodia.
Thanks so much! And Danielle says thankyou aswell!
Any other suggestions from everyone as to the best places to see in Cambodia and Thailand would be great! What is everyones favourite spots! Or any good cheap places to stay that people have experienced good memories at. : ) Reply to this

17 years ago, January 1st 2007 No: 5 Msg: #9553 Delete Edit

SookyLaLa
Sookylala

N Posts: 4

Oh hang on, I found a forum that covers my questions about places to visit! : ) Reply to this

17 years ago, January 1st 2007 No: 6 Msg: #9559 Delete Edit

bluewang
somchai wangthavorn

N Posts: 20

At south of Thailand. i have suggest Krabi

Krabi is a nature-lovers playground. Less touristy and more traditional, Krabi promises gorgeous scenery, quaint Thai-style resorts and a wonderful array of outdoor activities.

Beaches - Krabi is lined with magnificent white sandy beaches (especially between November and April). Hire a moped or commandeer a long-tail boat for the day (around Baht 200 an hour - A$7.50) and find your own private beach.

Island Hopping - jump in a long-tail boat and choose your deserted island. There are 52 islands just off the coast of Krabi to discover, so take a picnic lunch and stay all day! Expect to pay around $30 - $50 per day for your driver and boat.

Rock- climbing - Krabi has the best rock-climbing in all of Thailand because of the same striking limestone cliffs that are prevalent on the islands dotting the sea. Over 450 routes have been identified and bolted by previous climbers, with many bearing names such as The King and I and Lord of the Thais. There is a range of beginners cliffs through to extremely difficult climbs.

Equipment (including insurance) and instructors can be hired from the many rock-climbing schools and some hotels in Krabi.

Diving, snorkelling, kayaking - take the opportunity to really see this part of Thailand at its best and view it underwater or on the water. This area (strictly speaking, the Similan Islands, which are about 30 mins boat ride from Krabi) have been named in the top 10 dive spots in the world. Even if you only snorkel, you will be amazed and delighted by the marine life - there are so many colourful fish. Kayaking is another great way to see the limestone formations and enjoy the aqua waters.

Visit Phi Phi Island - the striking set for the famous movie The Beach, has one of the most beautiful bays in all of Asia. Snorkelling and diving are very popular in this area and can be done off the shores of the island.

Travel time from Krabi is around 45 minutes in a speed boat or a local ferry can be taken for around 90 minutes.

Day tours can be booked from Krabi.

Read more scuba diving , Hotels and Resorts

Travel Variety
Thailand is the nice place. There are many variety for travel waiting for you discovery as Beach, Waterfall, National Park, Hill, Island, Home Stay.
http://travel-variety.blogspot.com/

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17 years ago, January 7th 2007 No: 7 Msg: #9703 Delete Edit

roslankasim
ROSLAN BIN KASIM

N Posts: 19

After Thailand why not travel to Malaysia .
Know 2007 is Visit Malaysia Year .
Come to Langkawi Island - I can guide you .
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