I am planning me second trip to s.e. asia right now. I guess planning is not really the correct term, one should never really plan a trip if they truly hope to have a real experience. Really I am just looking for some feedback on which country to pick.
last year I went to Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia, and the Philippines. I enjoyed them all, but I will admit that Malaysia was my least favorite. This year I have only 6 weeks or so. I am trying to decide if I should spend all 6 island hopping the less traveled islands of Indonesia (if I could get to Irian Jaya that would be amazing.) Or if I should spend three weeks in Vietnam and three weeks in Laos.
For any of you who have been to at least one, preferably both, please let me know your thoughts on each country and which you liked better, or if you had to pick only one, which you would go back to.
Reply to this Hi, I lived in Indonesia for two years and having travelled to the rest of South East Asia, my personal opinion is that I just dont understand why so many people miss it out to visit the others. It's so much better! Having said that, I'm in India at the moment, and planning to head through SE Asia but I can tell you for certain that I'll be bypassing Vietnam. I was only there for a week a few years ago, and only in the north, so my opinion is obviously limited but I found it to be a horrible place, the airport staff are particularly unfriendly when you leave (many people have said that) and I honestly dont remember anything positive at all.
Laos on the other hand was very beautiful, very relaxing and sleepy, but probably not sufficient for an adventure such as you're describing on it's own.
Indonesia on yet another hand has over 13000 islands, and each one is massively different from the next - I've travelled around a huge amount and been to most of the main islands but I dont think it would be possible for anyone to ever travel it exhaustively.
I also aim to get to Irian Jaya at some point but it can be a tough one on a small budget - its possible to if you're short on time as the ferry takes 7 days from mainland java. Some of the islands can be a bit politically and religiously volatile but places like Maluku are supposed to be stunning - you just have to check on local recommendations about travelling when you get there.
Wherever you go though, have a great time!
Reply to this I have never been to Indonesia, but have been to Vietnam. I can tell that if u visit Vietnam you will be greatly surprised by the country and the way of life of its people. In fact there are few places to visit but if u decide to go to Vietnam see this
http://world.50x60.com/world.php?chapter=18&lang=2
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