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[yenemy]

Hi everyone,

I'm currently planning a backpacking trip through much of Southeast Asia, including Thailand, this summer. The Thailand portion of the trip should be in late April or May, for about two to three weeks. My goals are mostly to meet people and explore the local culture, do some trekking, and so on. A night or two of bar-hopping wouldn't go amiss, but it's not really my scene.

Given all that -- and I know it's kind of a tall order -- I'm hoping some of you who obviously know the place better than I do could give me some advice about places to go, things to see, etc. This will be kind of a freewheeling trip, but I do find that I need at least a framework of a plan/itinerary as a jumping-off point!

My apologies for being so vague, but my plans really are that nebulous. Any help at all would be welcome; thanks in advance!

[starlagurl]

Well, I know that most people go to the south or northern areas of Thailand and they are very beautiful and island-y.

I have never been to that part of the country,
But, I went to I-san, in the eastern part and I liked it a lot. It was not very touristy at all, my favourite place was Surin and Phanom Rung is nice if you aren't templed out by the time you get there.

http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entri...72040/tpod.html

[ScottWoz]

Hi yenemy,

You might want to get up north. For culture and trekking you'll easily kill two birds with one stone there. If you get down south there are many of us who can help you out regarding the islands. Any idea where you'll be coming in from?

[yenemy]

Thanks for the responses and the warm welcome, guys.

I'm still trying to work out my route and timing; as it stands there are two possibilities. Either way, my trip will start off in China. My friend is supposed to be planning that section, but I think it'll be around Beijing. From there, I'll either fly to Thailand or work my way south overland by train.

If I go overland I imagine I'll enter the peninsula via Vietnam, work my way south from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, cross into Cambodia, work my way north into Laos, and then cross the border into Thailand from Vientiane, finally heading south to Bangkok. After I've had my fill of Thailand, I intend to hop a plane to Hong Kong, stay there a day or two, and then continue on to Japan for a while... after that it's back home.

If I fly, I imagine most flights will be landing in Bangkok, so I'll have to decide what to do from there. Possibly the reverse of the previous; head north from Bangkok into Laos, then possibly skip Cambodia altogether, and head north into Vietnam.

I'm also thinking about tacking on a month somewhere in there and going to India to do some volunteer work, but I think that will probably just be too ambitious.

[Paul]

If you are in Cambodia, Laos or Thailand by mid April (which it sounds like you will be) you will be here for New Year. Try to get away from the main tourist places at that time, because I think you'll really enjoy a more traditional type of new year celebration

[nobitalk]

Hi .. If you have plan to travel in this summer summer is so hot in Thailand
I suggest you should to go the sea Thailand have many many beautiful beach ^^

Maybe Krabi , Phuket or Pattaya.... you can find more information from my signature.

Good Luck and Welcome to Thailand "sawasdee"

[wakingdream]

If I fly, I imagine most flights will be landing in Bangkok, so I'll have to decide what to do from there. Possibly the reverse of the previous; head north from Bangkok into Laos, then possibly skip Cambodia altogether, and head north into Vietnam.

If you're looking for a more culture-enhance experience I would suggest the northern area but it's not as if you won't find culture down south, there are just generally more tourists b/c of the islands. But, well, not so much around the time you're going. if you're a water lover, the south has alot to offer; diving, snorkeling, kayaking, boat trips etc. all for very reasonable costs.

Hmm, I love Cambodia. It's pretty incredible. Lots to see and do. Maybe try to get there even for a bit?

Either way, once you distinguish a few sights you don't want to miss, the rest will all fall in to place Maybe check out what there is to see and do in the north and in the south. Then you can narrow down which area might be best suited for your interests. i know you're looking for recommendations but each region has excellent attractions, things to do etc. All in all, you won't be disappointed by the friendly faces and beauty of the country no matter where you choose to go.

[yenemy]

I think it's more likely I'll be in Southeast Asia in late April or early May; after the two weeks with my friend along the great wall, I'll probably stick around in China for a week or two, either making my way south or just exploring wherever I am. I've heard Yangshuo is a great place to spend a few days soaking it in, so I might try to make that a stop.

I very much identify with the "figure out what you like, then you'll know where to go" philosophy, and I also expect to meet people along the way who can point me in various destinations. I'm just trying to get some ideas, so if I ever find myself twiddling my thumbs in an internet cafe or something, I have a few ideas to grab at and explore.

Thanks for all the help! Hopefully I'll have some more specific ideas and questions soon, heheh.

[wakingdream]

I very much identify with the "figure out what you like, then you'll know where to go" philosophy, and I also expect to meet people along the way who can point me in various destinations. I'm just trying to get some ideas, so if I ever find myself twiddling my thumbs in an internet cafe or something, I have a few ideas to grab at and explore.

It's always great to get suggestions. Then, with a list of places you'd like to see, were recommended to you here or at home and you heard about along the way, it'll be like a choose-your-own-adventure! Who knows what can happen and that's so the beauty of travel for me