Planning on going to South East Asia at the end of Jan 09 for 4 months, travelling alone, flying into Bangkok and then working my way round Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, probably ending up back in Bangkok.
Hi, I am planning on going to South East Asia at the end of Jan 09 for 4 months, travelling alone, flying into Bangkok and then working my way round Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, probably ending up back in Bangkok.
Anyone offer any advice on itineries, must see places, things to be aware of, visa's and border crossings? All advice greatly recieved.
Many thanks in advance.
Reply to this Hello Kevin 😊
The SE Asia on a Shoestring book by Lonely Planet covers all the countries you are going to. As well as suggested itineries it has information about accomodation, transport, safety........ It costs around 35 Euros and is available in most bookshops around the world.
Mel
Reply to this Hello Indie,
I was just writing my recommendation to one traveler. Well you have four months, but she have 6 weeks only. So you can refer to the link below and check what have I wrote. It might help you, if you need any more details, just reply back here and i will answer you.
http://www.travelblog.org/Forum/Threads/13574-1.html
Have a good trip men 😊
Reply to this Hi,
Travel to Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam is really a great opportunity for you to collect travel experience. Thailand Politics is facing with much instabilities . Conflict between Thailand and Cambodia on border hasn't resolved yet. Therefore, this is a risky area for tourists.Hopefully it will be fine at the time you travel. Vietnam and Laos are more peaceful. I show you some border crossings in this area.
The borders crossing to Cambodia:
From Thailand
All six international border crossings are open 07:00-20:00 and all have visa-on-arrival facilities at the Cambodian immigration checkpoints.
On the Thai side, there are good sealed roads to all 6 crossings. There are no direct bus services from Thailand that cross the border, but there are buses to all crossings except Chong Sa-Ngam.
On the Cambodian side, more basic and less frequent bus services are available from Poipet and Koh Kong.
1.To Siem Reap & Battambang
This is the busiest land crossing into Cambodia and the most convenient for onward travel to Siem Reap and the Angkor Archaeological Park. The road to Sisophon and on to Siem Reap is in better shape than it once was but still mainly unsealed; the road from Sisophon on to Battambang and Phnom Penh is sealed and in good condition.
2.To Koh Kong & Sihanoukville
Take a bus to Trat (transfer in Chanthaburi if necessary) and from there a minibus to the border. After crossing into Cambodia there are two possibilities: the once-daily boat to Sihanoukville (can be unpleasant in adverse weather), or else a minibus or taxi to either Sihanoukville or Phnom Penh.
Travelers like adventure can try out the four other international crossings:
3. Chong Sa-Ngam, Si Saket Province - Anlong Veng
4. Chong Jom, Surin Province - O'Smach
5. Ban Pakard, Chanthaburi Province - Phra Prom, near Pailin
6. Ban Leam, Chanthaburi Province - Daun Lem
From Vietnam
1. Ho Chi Minh City - Phnom Penh
Through bus tickets cost US$4-10. Bus passengers must walk between the Cambodian and Vietnamese checkpoints and transfer between the two buses that travel the Cambodian and Vietnamese legs respectively. At this crossing only one passport photo is required for a Cambodian visa.
Alternatively, it can be interesting to join a Mekong Delta tour (2-3 days) that travels between the two cities.
2. Ho Chi Minh City - Siem Reap
Mai Linh Taxi Company in Ho Chi Minh City provides bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap directly from beginning of 2007. The price is US$18.
3. Ho Chi Minh City - Kampong Cham
It is possible to cross at the Trapeang Phlong - Xa Mat border but as of now you have to organise your own transport.
From Laos
Voeung Kam, Laos - Dom Kralor, Cambodia
Onward transportation is not regularly available. Cambodian visas available, but expect 1$ to 2$ of transaction fees on both sides of the border. Travel agencies on both sides have border crossing packages.
Border crossings to Laos:
From/to Thailand:
1. Friendship Bridge across the Mekong between Vientiane and Nong Khai is the busiest crossing.
It's also possible to cross the Mekong at:
2. Huay Xai - Chiang Khong (with easy bus connections to Chiang Rai and points beyond on the Thai side)
3. Tha Khaek - Nakhon Phanom
4. Savannakhet- Mukdahan (via the Second Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, opened early 2007)
Lao VOAs valid for 15 days are available using the ferry route.
From/to Vietnam:
There are at least seven border crossings that can be used by foreigners. These include:
1. Donsavanh - Lao Bao - to/from Savannakhet
2. Keo Nua Pass
3. Lak Sao - to/from Khammouan Province
4. Nam Can - to/from Plain of Jars
5. Na Meo - to/from Sam Neua
6. Tay Trang - to/from Muang Khua and Nong Khiaw
7. Bo Y (nearest town on Vietnamese side being Ngoc Hoi and on Lao side Attapeu)
phnompenhtour
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