Travel advice Asia, please!

[Amobokoboko]

Hi guys,

I'm looking into traveling in Asia in november this year for about 2,5 weeks.

The options are Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodja and Burma.

What would you advice, the main aims are sightseeing, nature, Vulture, food, sports and relaxing.

So far I only visited the subcontinent and China so all tips are welcome.

Also personal stories are appreciated.

 

[lynam1104]

Been to all but Laos and Burma so I'll take you through my experience.

Vietnam: Loved it, spent 10 days there a few years ago, went from Ho Chi Minh to Danag to Hanoi. Ho Chi Minh was probably the best as it has some great history and natural sight seeing. Personally I would recommend traveling along the Mekong (as a day trip) and visiting the Cu Chi tunnels. Food was outstanding, you'll never be satisfied with spring rolls again once you've had Vietnamese spring rolls.
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Thailand: Very big and diverse place what you get will depend on where you go. Bangkok is massive city of contrast really exemplifies the different aspects of SEA. Chang Mai is good for nature and sorta jungle stuff, elephant rides hill tribes ect. Then you have beach resort places like Phuket, Koh Samui ect. beautiful beaches, I'd recommend trying a less known island if you don't like a partying aspect of travel.

Cambodia: Was there just this weekend, visited Siam Reap. Very very poor still, so can be quite cheap and the people are much less aggressive in trying to sell you **** than other places nearby. Angkor Watt and the other temples around it are beautiful but it can become a little tedious. Near Siam Reap is a floating village which is well worth a visit. Don't know much about Non Phen other than its more developed.

Malaysia: IMO its a little boring but thats probably because living in Singapore theres some sort of rivalry. KL is an ok city the main attraction is definitely the towers that i can't recall the name of. The Tama Negara rain forest is something I would recommend it really captured the classic rainforest feeling for me. Plenty of wildlife and natural scenery, very relaxing. I believe some of the islands are also similar to the Thai island, white beaches and blues seas, not quite sure however.

Another thing to note is that it may be the rainy season depending on where you go so that may impact your choice.

Hope you enjoy tour trip and I was of help.

 

[Barang]

I've lived in both Thailand and Cambodia over the past 10 years and love it here (Cambodia now), the people in both countries are extremely friendly, though a little too 'sharp' in the more touristy areas.

The temples of Thailand far outshine those of Cambodia, but then again, here there is Angkor Wat, a must see if you do decide to visit the area.

For beaches, I'd go with Cambodia. There are 22 Islands off the coast, not to mention the 3 main coastal destinations each with their own unique character. But all still not far from the main hub of Phnom Penh.

Rugby is actually booming in Cambodia, they hosted the recent Asian 5 Nations here a few weeks back, not to mention regular international Friendlies and not so Friendlies, then there's the Annual Angkor 10's Tournment at the end of October if I remember correctly. A great time for drinking and socialising with teams from around the world.

 

[dylangrey87]

you should consider a short stay in Singapore as well. its an incredible town and surely a contrast to all the other countries you plan to visit but definitely worth it. (i am afraid I cant help you with the ther destinations)

 

[Barang]

for sure, but it's 50c a beer in Cambodia, and an average of $8 in Singapore. Not mentioning anything about value for money or nothing.

But a couple of my friends who work in Sg, can come to Cambodia for a long weekend (flights included) for the price of a "good" night out in Singapore. Each to their own

 

[Tony Manx]

Agree with all that and especially Lynam..........but give Danang a miss! It is an industrial sleeze spot with a beach and although we enjoyed the beach and hotel and the beachside "caffs", the rest was pretty sh***.

Singapore is a must providing you have the funds and, like many major cities, if you have the money you can enjoy it but if you do not it not so good.......but there are cheaper areas everywhere and we found an outside bar at the end of the Southside which was very reasonable and comfortable.....

There are some great street food outlets in KL and escaped with absolutely no tummy troubles (despite, many years ago, sitting at a table watching raw sewerage drift pass) which could not be said for Banda Seri Begwan where I had the worst food poisoning which left me hallucinating (not in a good way) while I flew via Sing to Phuket...and I only ate in the hotel there!!!

 

[KeithB]

If you've got 2.5 weeks I'd say do Vietnam and Combodia. Two great countries with plenty to see

 

[lynam1104]

Agree with all that and especially Lynam..........but give Danang a miss! It is an industrial sleeze spot with a beach and although we enjoyed the beach and hotel and the beachside "caffs", the rest was pretty sh***.

Singapore is a must providing you have the funds and, like many major cities, if you have the money you can enjoy it but if you do not it not so good.......but there are cheaper areas everywhere and we found an outside bar at the end of the Southside which was very reasonable and comfortable.....

There are some great street food outlets in KL and escaped with absolutely no tummy troubles (despite, many years ago, sitting at a table watching raw sewerage drift pass) which could not be said for Banda Seri Begwan where I had the worst food poisoning which left me hallucinating (not in a good way) while I flew via Sing to Phuket...and I only ate in the hotel there!!!

Absolutely right about Singapore there, bleedin expensive but very enjoyable. I would say though that it can in fact be done cheaply if you avoid expat/tourist spots, the Hwaker centres (out door food court) are great value and some of them have out standing food. In one of the biggest and most popiular you could get a meal and beer for about 10-15 dollars whereas if you go to bar next door you'd get a crappy beer for 16!