Three Girls Require Help

[Loiuse]

With a doable travel itinerary please.

Hello Everyone

I’m new to the forum, but have been reading it for some time and hope I might get some help/advice.

I have visited Thailand twice before and love it, but usually I've taken the ‘safe’ options.

This time I have from April 7^th – May 2^nd a bit longer, but still not long enough. I am 38 years old, single and will be travelling with two girlfriends, so we’re looking to be more adventurous, but we’re not sure how we can do what looks quite simple on a map, so if anyone can advise a route within the short time we have we would be so grateful.

We land in Bangkok the morning of the 7^th but our idea is to keep moving as much as possible through other countries. We prefer bus, train or boat, but of course realize that air travel will also be necessary. Here’s the sort of thing we have in mind but don’t know if it’s doable so relying on those with knowledge to help advise us please, we are open to all (travel) suggestions.

What we have in mind after landing in Bangkok is Chantathburi, Battambang, Siem Riep, Pnom Penh, Island of Phu Quoc, Ho Chi Min City, Hanoi, Chiang Mai and Yangon if it’s at all possible. We are flexible, don’t mind keeping on the move and would like to see as much as possible. Is there anyone out there who could think of an itinerary (cheaply) that we might be able to achieve this or part of this. Being in Thailand for Songkran whilst it would be a new experience, is not essential though if it slows us down.

Any information about border crossings, visas in advance or not would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you very much in anticipation

Loiuse.

[Tham1]

have a look at seat61 website for travel options, visa for Cambodia can be done online and printed off and for Vietnam letter for visa can be done online if you are flying in but may need a proper visa from Embassy if going overland

[Loiuse]

have a look at seat61 website for travel options, visa for Cambodia can be done online and printed off and for Vietnam letter for visa can be done online if you are flying in but may need a proper visa from Embassy if going overland

Thank you Tham, will have a look as suggested.

[craigt3365]

Whew...quite the plan. You've basically got 4 weeks. Travel between each of these places isn't really difficult, but can be very time consuming. Bangkok to Chanthaburi is a day. To Battambang is definitely a full day. Same with all of the other destinations. Each one will eat up a day in travel (at least 9 days of just travel in your plan). Leaving you less time to explore each place.

What do you want to see in Chanthaburi? Koh Chang? If so, it's a long haul to Battambang from there. Even Battambang to SR will eat up the better part of a day. Taking into account checking out, getting to your bus, getting to your new hotel, checking in, etc. It all adds up.

What I do to help with planning is to list each destination, put a number beside it as to how long I want to stay there, and add 1 day for travel between each. Then add up your total.

If you cut out Chanthaburi, you could fly from Bangkok to Siem Reap the day you arrive. Battambang after that, then PP and over to HCMC. HCMC to Hanoi is an easy flight and I think from there you can fly to Chiang Mai (it's a looooong way via bus). Yangon from CM can also be done with an easy flight, then back to BKK. But a shame to go all the way to Myanmar and only see Yangon. There's so much to see in that country. You need at least 10 days to really see the major sights.

Just a few thoughts...sounds like a great trip!

[craigt3365]

P.S. If you fly to SR, you can get a visa on arrival. You'll need a Vietnam visa before. But then to CM would be another easy visa.

As far as Songkran, best to be out of the country as public transport is packed. Unless you are stationary in just one location, then it doesn't matter.

[bkkbarnstormer]

P.S. If you fly to SR, you can get a visa on arrival. You'll need a Vietnam visa before. But then to CM would be another easy visa.

As far as Songkran, best to be out of the country as public transport is packed. Unless you are stationary in just one location, then it doesn't matter.

Songkran - agree. I would not avoid traveling on Thai roads due to jams and safety. Buses will also be packed at start and end of Songkran.

Yangon - I would miss it out. So many places in Myanmar - best to visit next time and focus on Cambodia and Vietnam, unless you only want to see major cities and miss the rest.

[Jungle Jim]

Have you ever thought of signing up for The Amazing Race ? Typical tourists traveling non stop. Slow down. Your choices are better than most that prefer the beaten down Banana Pancake/Pad Thai trail. Such as Chiang Mai, Pai, Koh San Road, Koh Samui, Koh Phi Phi , Koh Chang, Phuket, Hua Hin and other over run tourist traps ruined by mass tourism. But hey if following millions of other sheep or cattle would be a better name. Go for it. PLEASE ! Take a few moments before you arrive and learn about Thais Do's and Don'ts. Millions of others can care less and the Thais have really had enough of our bad behavior. Be a good polite foreigner and guess what you will be treated much better.

Edited January 11, 2015 by Jungle Jim

[djhotsox]

Koh Tao.......and that's probably the end of the trip.......booooo!! Did I really say that? C'mon.....somebody was going to sooner or later!! BAd advice! BAd advice!

[Jungle Jim]

All those islands have been dangerous for years. Having said that the FMP idiots love the place.

Koh Tao.......and that's probably the end of the trip.......booooo!! Did I really say that? C'mon.....somebody was going to sooner or later!! BAd advice! BAd advice!

[craigt3365]

P.S. If you fly to SR, you can get a visa on arrival. You'll need a Vietnam visa before. But then to CM would be another easy visa.

As far as Songkran, best to be out of the country as public transport is packed. Unless you are stationary in just one location, then it doesn't matter.

Songkran - agree. I would not avoid traveling on Thai roads due to jams and safety. Buses will also be packed at start and end of Songkran.

Yangon - I would miss it out. So many places in Myanmar - best to visit next time and focus on Cambodia and Vietnam, unless you only want to see major cities and miss the rest.

Agree with Yangon. It's a big city. Other places in Myanmar might be more interesting. Depends on what you are looking for.

I spent a month touring just Vietnam. About 2 weeks in just Laos and Cambo, and missed out on a bunch. PP is only mildly interesting, IMHO.

Vietnam is amazing. I love the hectic old town part of Hanoi. HCMC was just OK. But the 3 day delta tour was fantastic. Loved the 4 day cruise in Ha Long Bay. And Sapa is a must. Oh...Love Hoi An also.

[WhizBang]

Vietnam is amazing. I love the hectic old town part of Hanoi. HCMC was just OK. But the 3 day delta tour was fantastic. Loved the 4 day cruise in Ha Long Bay. And Sapa is a must. Oh...Love Hoi An also.

Definately +1 for Vietnam. I did the 3 day delta tour in the late 90's. It was truely amazing, plus I was a rare breed back then (white foreigner). Halong Bay is also a sight to see, as are many of the smaller towns and villages along the coast. And don't forget Dalat up in the mountains.

As someone suggested, list each proposed destination and how long you thought about spending there. Then adjust accordingly as people's suggestions strike your fancy. In the end, eliminate some of your destinations and spend more time in the rest.

One month will pass very quickly. Have fun, and don't forget to bring your camera.

PS: Avoid Thailand during Songkran.

Edited January 11, 2015 by WhizBang

[Loiuse]

Thank you for all the answers so far, I know what I wrote sounds ambitious and I'm pleased to have been told so.

I was hoping that someone might suggest alternatives or what the leave out, we really were just grabbing at straws hoping to see as much as possible, but I guess in reality it's too ambitious.

craig3365 We are not really sure what we wanted to see in Chanthaburi, it just looked on the route into Cambodia.

We do want to see Angkor, so you think it's better to fly to Siem Reap instead - how to get (cheaply) from Siem Reap to Battambang, Pnom Penh?

Would it be possible to fly to Hanoi and then make our way down buy bus etc to HCMC stopping off on the way?

It does sound like being out of the country at Songkran would be the better option.

What does the 3 day delta tour in Vietnam consist of?

Barnstormer thank you for your input regarding Myanmar

Jungle Jim, my life is one Amazing Race, we don't mind being on the go as we would like to see and experience as many small places as possible too. I've been to Thailand twice and am well acquainted with Thai manners and etiquette. The Thai's I met previously were fantastic, helpful and friendly.

djhotsox - Sorry you felt that the Ko Tao incident needed to be commented on.

Whiz Bang thank you very much, sounds like you guys love Vietnam.

Please don't think I'm being lazy, but it's a bit daunting for us. If anyone wanted to take a stab at an itinerary if it were you I'd love to read it.

How about money? I had no problems or concerns in Thailand, but how different does that become when doing this sort of route?

Anyone like to ball park a monetary figure for this trip, no flashy hotels and air travel to a minimum if possible. We're not boozers, not fussy eaters and take the view a beds a bed just for sleep, not for anything else so no need to be flash. Regular showers would be nice.

Thank you

Edited January 11, 2015 by Loiuse

[phuketrichard]

Thank you for all the answers so far, I know what I wrote sounds ambitious and I'm pleased to have been told so.

I was hoping that someone might suggest alternatives or what the leave out, we really were just grabbing at straws hoping to see as much as possible, but I guess in reality it's too ambitious.

craig3365 We are not really sure what we wanted to see in Chanthaburi, it just looked on the route into Cambodia.

Give Chantaburi/ Battamabang a miss.U can take the train early morn to the Aranyanpet (border near Poi Pet ) in under 5 hours, than its only 2 hours by shared taxi to Siem Rep

We do want to see Angkor, so you think it's better to fly to Siem Reap instead - how to get (cheaply) from Siem Reap to Battambang, Pnom Penh?

Would it be possible to fly to Hanoi and then make our way down buy bus etc to HCMC stopping off on the way?

It does sound like being out of the country at Songkran would be the better option.

What does the 3 day delta tour in Vietnam consist of?

Barnstormer thank you for your input regarding Myanmar

I love Myanmar ( been twice last year and already booked for end of march) but i epnd my time up north in the Mandalay reqion. Fantastic people , you do NOT want to be there during Songkran.

Just back from 10 days in Phnom Phen

Jungle Jim, my life is one Amazing Race, we don't mind being on the go as we would like to see and experience as many small places as possible too. I've been to Thailand twice and am well acquainted with Thai manners and etiquette. The Thai's I met previously were fantastic, helpful and friendly.

djhotsox - Sorry you felt that the Ko Tao incident needed to be commented on.

Whiz Bang thank you very much, sounds like you guys love Vietnam.

Please don't think I'm being lazy, but it's a bit daunting for us. If anyone wanted to take a stab at an itinerary if it were you I'd love to read it.

How about money? I had no problems or concerns in Thailand, but how different does that become when doing this sort of route?

Anyone like to ball park a monetary figure for this trip, no flashy hotels and air travel to a minimum if possible. We're not boozers, not fussy eaters and take the view a beds a bed just for sleep, not for anything else so no need to be flash. Regular showers would be nice.

Thank you

Above in red

Suggestion;

fly in and spend the night in Bangkok and take the early train ( 58 baht) to Aranyaprathet 5 hours and grab a shared taxi to Siem Rep 2 hours

stay 4 days do the temple and a boat trip on the Tonle sap lake ( been a few times Kampong Phluk)

bus down to Phnom Phen ( or the boat) 6-8hours hang 3-4 days,

bus over to Island of Phu Quoc than up to Saigon

travel north to Hanoi by train breaking it up in sections

fly from Hanoi to Yangoon; bus/boat up to Bagan, boat up to Mandalay ( you'd need 10 days to fully enjoy this)

return to Bangkok by air

Or skip Myanmar an spend a few extra days in Vietnam and than fly Hanoi to Chiang Mai, visit Chiang Rai and train back to Bangkok

Or skip Vietnam and fly from PP to Mandalay boat to Bagan, Bus to inle lake, boat to Yangoon an fly to Chiang Mai ( or Bangkok if short on time) and than train back to Bangkok

given the choice i would do Thailand (10-12 days) , Cambodia, ( 7-8 days), Myanmar ( 10 days)

cost sharing rooms with the three of ya an eating local say $50/day

air depends on which flights u take

Boats, bus's, trains are all cheap

here's photos off everywhere BUT Vietnam

My travels

Edited January 11, 2015 by phuketrichard

[asiantraveler1]

If possible i would squeeze in a visit to Burma, maybe even drop Vietnam to make room for it. It's all about choices and limited amount of time but Burma is the country least affected by mass tourism, something that will be changing in the future. Therefore it will be more authentic and adventurous.

See below link for some pics of Burma (Yangon, Inle lake, Mandalay and Bagan).

http://youtu.be/hfvkX2QgDFQ

[Loiuse]

Thank you for all the answers so far, I know what I wrote sounds ambitious and I'm pleased to have been told so.

I was hoping that someone might suggest alternatives or what the leave out, we really were just grabbing at straws hoping to see as much as possible, but I guess in reality it's too ambitious.

craig3365 We are not really sure what we wanted to see in Chanthaburi, it just looked on the route into Cambodia.

Give Chantaburi/ Battamabang a miss.U can take the train early morn to the Aranyanpet (border near Poi Pet ) in under 5 hours, than its only 2 hours by shared taxi to Siem Rep

We do want to see Angkor, so you think it's better to fly to Siem Reap instead - how to get (cheaply) from Siem Reap to Battambang, Pnom Penh?

Would it be possible to fly to Hanoi and then make our way down buy bus etc to HCMC stopping off on the way?

It does sound like being out of the country at Songkran would be the better option.

What does the 3 day delta tour in Vietnam consist of?

Barnstormer thank you for your input regarding Myanmar

I love Myanmar ( been twice last year and already booked for end of march) but i epnd my time up north in the Mandalay reqion. Fantastic people , you do NOT want to be there during Songkran.

Just back from 10 days in Phnom Phen

Jungle Jim, my life is one Amazing Race, we don't mind being on the go as we would like to see and experience as many small places as possible too. I've been to Thailand twice and am well acquainted with Thai manners and etiquette. The Thai's I met previously were fantastic, helpful and friendly.

djhotsox - Sorry you felt that the Ko Tao incident needed to be commented on.

Whiz Bang thank you very much, sounds like you guys love Vietnam.

Please don't think I'm being lazy, but it's a bit daunting for us. If anyone wanted to take a stab at an itinerary if it were you I'd love to read it.

How about money? I had no problems or concerns in Thailand, but how different does that become when doing this sort of route?

Anyone like to ball park a monetary figure for this trip, no flashy hotels and air travel to a minimum if possible. We're not boozers, not fussy eaters and take the view a beds a bed just for sleep, not for anything else so no need to be flash. Regular showers would be nice.

Thank you

Above in red

Suggestion;

fly in and spend the night in Bangkok and take the early train ( 58 baht) to Aranyaprathet 5 hours and grab a shared taxi to Siem Rep 2 hours

stay 4 days do the temple and a boat trip on the Tonle sap lake ( been a few times Kampong Phluk)

bus down to Phnom Phen ( or the boat) 6-8hours hang 3-4 days,

bus over to Island of Phu Quoc than up to Saigon

travel north to Hanoi by train breaking it up in sections

fly from Hanoi to Yangoon; bus/boat up to Bagan, boat up to Mandalay ( you'd need 10 days to fully enjoy this)

return to Bangkok by air

Or skip Myanmar an spend a few extra days in Vietnam and than fly Hanoi to Chiang Mai, visit Chiang Rai and train back to Bangkok

Or skip Vietnam and fly from PP to Mandalay boat to Bagan, Bus to inle lake, boat to Yangoon an fly to Chiang Mai and than train back to Bangkok ( or to Bangkok)

given the choice i would do Thailand (10-12 days) , Cambodia, ( 7-8 days), Myanmar ( 10 days)

cost sharing rooms with the three of ya an eating local say $50/day

air depends on which flights u take

Boats, bus's, trains are all cheap

Thank you very much for providing a nice little itinerary based on the information I gave, much appreciated.

I know you have given your preference, but we really have our hearts set on Vietnam as part of the trip and thought we'd at least try to see something of Myanmar if only Yangon IF we had time.

What is the best way to carry our finances through these countries, there seems to be a lot of dong to EU currencies !

I think we are sensible, but obviously don't want to be hauling too much cash - are ATM's available along most of these routes? Should we carry a certain amount of US dollars? Would really like to know the most sensible way?

[craigt3365]

Chanthaburi is a mildly interesting town. At least compared to others on your list. It's on the way to Cambodia if you are going to Sihanoukville or want to stop off in Koh Chang. But if going to SR, it's the wrong direction. You'd be better off crossing the border at Poipet. BKK-SR is a major all day trip by public transport. And not really that much fun. Flying is relatively cheap, especially if you book in advance. You need a minimum of 2 full days in SR. 2 days is OK, 3 gives you some time to see the outlying ruins. Which are OK, but with a tight schedule, might be better off skipping. Though a trip out to Tonle Sap to see the floating villages is pretty cool. If you setup private transport (which is not that much money), you could do that and then continue on to Battambang. Up to you.

PP is only a mildly interesting city. IMHO. With a tight schedule, I'd skip it if possible. Vietnam is so much more interesting. Can't help with Battambang, never been. But from SR, you could easily setup the transport when you are there. I'm sure your guest house or hotel would be happy to help. Getting around in here in Asia is relatively easy...relatively.

My recommendation would be to fly from SR to either HCMC or Hanoi. Preferrably HCMC. The delta tour is awesome. Phu Quoc is neat, but way out of your way and will eat 1 day there and back, unless you can somehow combine it with a delta tour? Distances are deceptive here. 80km can easily be a 2+ hour drive.

In HCMC see the tunnels, do the delta tour, see the museum and then head out. Either go to Hanoi or maybe try Hoi An if you have time. Hanoi can easily eat up a week. 2 days in the city, 3 for a Ha Long bay tour (an absolute must, but get a good boat! Don't go cheap), a few for Sapa (a must for some amazing trekking).

From Hanoi, fly to Luang Prabang. 2 days there or so, then to CM where you could easily eat up 5+ days cruising around. The Mae Hong Son loop which includes Pai will take 4-5 days. Great fun to rent a car for the trip. Very safe. Maybe up to the Golden Triangle, etc.

Flying will cost you more, but you'll gain a lot of time and be able to see soooo much more.

http://mekongdeltatravel.com/index.php?tour&id=279

The above is a good example of a delta tour. This one is nice as it includes the tunnels. Which if done separately, are basically in the same direction.

whew...

[Loiuse]

If possible i would squeeze in a visit to Burma, maybe even drop Vietnam to make room for it. It's all about choices and limited amount of time but Burma is the country least affected by mass tourism, something that will be changing in the future. Therefore it will be more authentic and adventurous.

See below link for some pics of Burma (Yangon, Inle lake, Mandalay and Bagan).

http://youtu.be/hfvkX2QgDFQ

We can't possibly drop Vietnam now, but thank you very much for your opinion and Myanmar looks lovely.

If we just went to Yangon would it be a waste of time, are there guest houses?

How about if we went to Northern Thailand and went through Myanmar that way?

[Loiuse]

Chanthaburi is a mildly interesting town. At least compared to others on your list. It's on the way to Cambodia if you are going to Sihanoukville or want to stop off in Koh Chang. But if going to SR, it's the wrong direction. You'd be better off crossing the border at Poipet. BKK-SR is a major all day trip by public transport. And not really that much fun. Flying is relatively cheap, especially if you book in advance. You need a minimum of 2 full days in SR. 2 days is OK, 3 gives you some time to see the outlying ruins. Which are OK, but with a tight schedule, might be better off skipping. Though a trip out to Tonle Sap to see the floating villages is pretty cool. If you setup private transport (which is not that much money), you could do that and then continue on to Battambang. Up to you.

PP is only a mildly interesting city. IMHO. With a tight schedule, I'd skip it if possible. Vietnam is so much more interesting. Can't help with Battambang, never been. But from SR, you could easily setup the transport when you are there. I'm sure your guest house or hotel would be happy to help. Getting around in here in Asia is relatively easy...relatively.

My recommendation would be to fly from SR to either HCMC or Hanoi. Preferrably HCMC. The delta tour is awesome. Phu Quoc is neat, but way out of your way and will eat 1 day there and back, unless you can somehow combine it with a delta tour? Distances are deceptive here. 80km can easily be a 2+ hour drive.

In HCMC see the tunnels, do the delta tour, see the museum and then head out. Either go to Hanoi or maybe try Hoi An if you have time. Hanoi can easily eat up a week. 2 days in the city, 3 for a Ha Long bay tour (an absolute must, but get a good boat! Don't go cheap), a few for Sapa (a must for some amazing trekking).

From Hanoi, fly to Luang Prabang. 2 days there or so, then to CM where you could easily eat up 5+ days cruising around. The Mae Hong Son loop which includes Pai will take 4-5 days. Great fun to rent a car for the trip. Very safe. Maybe up to the Golden Triangle, etc.

Flying will cost you more, but you'll gain a lot of time and be able to see soooo much more.

http://mekongdeltatravel.com/index.php?tour&id=279

The above is a good example of a delta tour. This one is nice as it includes the tunnels. Which if done separately, are basically in the same direction.

whew...

Wow craig you seem to have extensive knowledge of SEA.

We really appreciate all your advice and that of others, I'm just regretting not having longer which we could have had, if it weren't for one person needing to return at that date. It seems that we are going to have to look at your detailed answers along with others and figure out the most doable. I know it's like asking how long is a piece of string, but what sort of budget do you think we would be looking at as a minimum for this period of time?

[phuketrichard]

i dont know about vietnam

Cambodia /Thailand a air con room with wifi can be had for $25-35/night for 3 of ya

food $2-5/meal

TO see Angkor rent a tuk tuk $15/day, 3 day pass is $40, trip to the lake is tuk tuk ($15) an boat ( $20)

Batt, ( been three times) is not worth the time to visit, i travel thru there on the way back to Thailand

Myanmar up north $20-30 for a room

Yangoon $40-50

food is cheaper but not as good ( they use too much oil)

Flights?? use Kayak or just check air asia site

Edited January 11, 2015 by phuketrichard

[craigt3365]

As usual, excellent advice Mr. Richard!

So many options. Myanmar is awesome, but right now, really expensive. There's a shortage of hotels and prices are a bit high right now. Plus, unless you are ready to dedicate 10 days there, I'd leave it for your next trip.

ATMs are accepted everywhere. Great exchange rates also and less of a chance for being ripped off. Always carry some $100 USD bills for emergency. Keep them in your money belt. It's till pretty safe here, as you know. I normally have 3-4 $100 notes hidden away somewhere. Great in case you can't find an ATM.

[Loiuse]

i dont know about vietnam

Cambodia /Thailand a air con room with wifi can be had for $25-35/night for 3 of ya

food $2-5/meal

TO see Angkor rent a tuk tuk $15/day, 3 day pass is $40, trip to the lake is tuk tuk ($15) an boat ( $20)

Batt, ( been three times) is not worth the time to visit, i travel thru there on the way back to Thailand

Myanmar up north $20-30 for a room

Yangoon $40-50

food is cheaper but not as good ( they use too much oil)

Flights?? use Kayak or just check air asia site

Is that $40-50 for a guest house in Yangon (if they have them)?

Is it easy to get around Yangon is there enough to see to warrant a visit just to Yangon?

[SoiBiker]

I'd just do Angkor then Vietnam.

[craigt3365]

Maybe best if you tell us your budget???

[Loiuse]

As usual, excellent advice Mr. Richard!

So many options. Myanmar is awesome, but right now, really expensive. There's a shortage of hotels and prices are a bit high right now. Plus, unless you are ready to dedicate 10 days there, I'd leave it for your next trip.

ATMs are accepted everywhere. Great exchange rates also and less of a chance for being ripped off. Always carry some $100 USD bills for emergency. Keep them in your money belt. It's till pretty safe here, as you know. I normally have 3-4 $100 notes hidden away somewhere. Great in case you can't find an ATM.

I have read about places like Mandalay, Inlay Lake and the very famous Bagan, so I think it might make sense to try and leave it for another time.

I guess it would be useful to carry small dollar bills as well. Is local currency accepted everywhere or is it a mixture of local and dollars if you are a foreigner, depending on where you are?

[Loiuse]

I'd just do Angkor then Vietnam.

Could you elaborate please SoiBiker?

Why just those two?

I notice Craig likes your idea, so there must be some merit in it.

[craigt3365]

Richard can tell you about Myanmar, but normally, you're much better off with local currency. Less opportunity for being ripped off and normally a much better exchange rate. When you land, hit the ATM and get pumped up with the local currency!

[craigt3365]

I'd just do Angkor then Vietnam.

Could you elaborate please SoiBiker?

Why just those two?

I notice Craig likes your idea, so there must be some merit in it.

With a tight schedule, and so many other (better) options, SR is really the only place I'd recommend for you guys in Cambodia. With that being said, if you had the time, then the other places mentioned here would be interesting. But only if you have the time.

Angkor Wat is one of the most amazing places you'll ever visit.

[SoiBiker]

I'd just do Angkor then Vietnam.

Could you elaborate please SoiBiker?

Why just those two?

I notice Craig likes your idea, so there must be some merit in it.

Because Vietnam is awesome. You could easily spend a whole month there. But you mentioned you really wanted to see Angkor - and it's well worth seeing - so I'd spend a few days doing that, then the rest of the time doing one country properly rather than flying visits to several.

[Loiuse]

Maybe best if you tell us your budget???

Well craig to be honest this is something we would really like some help on.

Our budget is not set in stone and is flexible (good old credit cards), but obviously we would like to be realistic, cheap is good, but if we need to pay a bit more we can. When I was in Thailand I found it incredibly cheap, I remember getting a room for 200 baht and eating for 50 baht LOL. I doubt if the 3 of us will be able to do another trip together, so I suppose we will budget whatever we can after hearing and averaging some suggestions.

A realistic ball park figure would be appreciated from someone who knows, and if I don't answer you'll know I've fainted. .

[Loiuse]

I'd just do Angkor then Vietnam.

Could you elaborate please SoiBiker?

Why just those two?

I notice Craig likes your idea, so there must be some merit in it.

Because Vietnam is awesome. You could easily spend a whole month there. But you mentioned you really wanted to see Angkor - and it's well worth seeing - so I'd spend a few days doing that, then the rest of the time doing one country properly rather than flying visits to several.

Thank you, that is something that has been suggested by someone else and at the end of the day we will need to look at all options.