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[neil85]

hi everyone

im planning a travelling trip to south east asia next year. looking to go around about july or august. just wanted to know if anyone had any advice on any particular places to go and see so that i dont miss out on anything good. im planning on going to all the countries - thailand, vietnam, cambodia malaysia, singapore and possibly philippines. also if anyone has any adice or useful tips when visiting these places that would be most appreciated to.

thanks

[starlagurl]

Yeah, I'm going to Thailand in October, I'd like to know too.

In the meantime Neil, what you can do is check out some of the starter kits, like
Malaysia: http://www.travelpod.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=3205
Philippines: http://www.travelpod.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=3607
Bangkok: http://www.travelpod.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=6111
Thailand: http://www.travelpod.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=3366
Saigon: http://www.travelpod.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=9677
Vietnam: http://www.travelpod.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=9610

Phew, there are a lot of them already!

[sianeth]

Wow, what isn't there to see/do.

From my short and sweet experiences in South East Asia, I recommend getting into the countryside in the North of Thailand and trying a trek - or maybe up in Sapa, Vietnam. Do some diving down the coast of Thailand (Koh Tao or the Simian Islands) and hit up some of the fabulous beaches (Koh Phi Phi, Raileh Beach, Krabi etc). In Malaysia try and get over to either the Perhentian Islands or Pulau Tioman down by Vietnam, which is absolutely beautiful - the reefs and snorkelling there are incredible.

Not too sure about cambodia, phillipines, vietnam, laos etc although I'm sure there's some awesome stuff up there and you'll have a cracking time.

[neil85]

Wow, what isn't there to see/do.

From my short and sweet experiences in South East Asia, I recommend getting into the countryside in the North of Thailand and trying a trek - or maybe up in Sapa, Vietnam. Do some diving down the coast of Thailand (Koh Tao or the Simian Islands) and hit up some of the fabulous beaches (Koh Phi Phi, Raileh Beach, Krabi etc). In Malaysia try and get over to either the Perhentian Islands or Pulau Tioman down by Vietnam, which is absolutely beautiful - the reefs and snorkelling there are incredible.

Not too sure about cambodia, phillipines, vietnam, laos etc although I'm sure there's some awesome stuff up there and you'll have a cracking time.

cant do diving cos of my sketchy lung but everything else sounds amazing, cant wait now. how long did u go for? i think im gonna do south east asia for about 4 months - what sort of budget do u recon i will need? did u go on ur own by any chance - i was planning on going with friend but they have backed out - but alot of people have said that i will have a better time on my own

[Paul]

Wow, what isn't there to see/do.

From my short and sweet experiences in South East Asia, I recommend getting into the countryside in the North of Thailand and trying a trek - or maybe up in Sapa, Vietnam. Do some diving down the coast of Thailand (Koh Tao or the Simian Islands) and hit up some of the fabulous beaches (Koh Phi Phi, Raileh Beach, Krabi etc). In Malaysia try and get over to either the Perhentian Islands or Pulau Tioman down by Vietnam, which is absolutely beautiful - the reefs and snorkelling there are incredible.

Not too sure about cambodia, phillipines, vietnam, laos etc although I'm sure there's some awesome stuff up there and you'll have a cracking time.

This is an excellent list.

For Neil - going on your own - sounds great to me.

Budget - hmmm, I am sure someone has asked a similar question - search through the forums and see if you can find it.

Possible additions to the list - Malaysian Borneo. Climbing Mt Kinabalu, visit Sepilok Orangutan sanctuary, travelling up the rivers to the long houses in Sarawak or to Mulu National Park.

Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

Halong Bay in Vietnam

Inle Lake in Myanmar

The list could go on for ever

[dleeak]

I agree with Sianeth. Doing a trek in Northern Thailand is great. You might want to add some rafting and maybe even an elephant ride. The Sapa region in Vietnam is beautiful. Take the train there from Hanoi. Halong Bay is also very nice. The hiking in Northern Laos is fantastic. It's a great way to meet the local villagers and see how they live. In Cambodia, rent a motorcycle and get out in the rural areas. The children are very curious and friendly and will greet you like a long lost relative! I did SE Asia last winter for about 4 months and I didn't want to go home.

[sianeth]

Wow, what isn't there to see/do.

From my short and sweet experiences in South East Asia, I recommend getting into the countryside in the North of Thailand and trying a trek - or maybe up in Sapa, Vietnam. Do some diving down the coast of Thailand (Koh Tao or the Simian Islands) and hit up some of the fabulous beaches (Koh Phi Phi, Raileh Beach, Krabi etc). In Malaysia try and get over to either the Perhentian Islands or Pulau Tioman down by Vietnam, which is absolutely beautiful - the reefs and snorkelling there are incredible.

Not too sure about cambodia, phillipines, vietnam, laos etc although I'm sure there's some awesome stuff up there and you'll have a cracking time.

cant do diving cos of my sketchy lung but everything else sounds amazing, cant wait now. how long did u go for? i think im gonna do south east asia for about 4 months - what sort of budget do u recon i will need? did u go on ur own by any chance - i was planning on going with friend but they have backed out - but alot of people have said that i will have a better time on my own

Ahh I was only there for a month mate - 4 months will be awesome. Budget wise I probably spent more than most because I was diving a fair bit. You can get accomodation for around £2-3 a night, and food for a day for similar... its cheap as chips. Maybe a couple of hundred quid a month and you'll be laughing.

I did go with a friend, but you meet so many people there anyways that I'm sure you won't be lonely for long! Most of the accomodation probably won't be hostels and that though, so you're more likely to meet people at bars and during activities.

[rbisset]

4 months is a great amount of time and you'll get to see loads. I spent 3 months in SE Asia and spent roughly £15/day without any real budgeting. That includes transport, accommodation (cheapest wooden shacks I could find), entry fees, food and copious amounts of alcohol. You could probably halve the amount if you cut back on the alcohol.....

Cambodia: Angkor in Cambodia is a must. At least a few sobering days in Phnom Penh trying to get your head around the countries recent history as well.

Malaysia: Everywhere! Taman Negara was fantastic. Get over to Borneo and climb Mount Kinabalu.

Laos: See the whole country!

[ScottWoz]

Where? Thailand?