South East Asia Trip - 3 weeks and I want to see what's there...

[hernandez88]

Hi Fellas,

 

I'm trying to plan my next holidays for this spring and this year I want to see other countries in the area. I've already done Thailand (Chang-Mai, Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Ko phi phi) but I'd be very glad if I can see cities such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Manila.

 

The question is, can I do it in three weeks? Does it worth the time there or should I stick in Bangkok and Pattaya? I'm not talking about mongering here. I'll find my way on the spot

 

What would be the best to do? I'm pretty sure it's possible to do it in 3 weeks (3-4 days each) and I was wondering where to begin with?

 

I checked with Kayak.com and it shouldn't be an issue to get flights to go there from BKK.

 

Hope some of you can give me some answers.

Cheers,

M.

Edited January 22, 2012 by hernandez88

[bgtp]

Very easy to do if you like spending every third or fourth day in an airport between Air Asia, Tiger and Jetstar. All offer low fares if you happen to catch a sale. Some of the trips I've done in the past are:

 

Bangkok - Macao - Manila

Manila - Singapore - Phnom Penh - Bangkok

Manila - Kuala Lumpur - Bangkok

 

All were done very cheaply using these airlines. Just go to their websites and check their route maps. For example, you could do Singapore - Manila - KL - Jakarta (and back to Singapore if you need to finish where you start). I personally wouldn't want to take a flight more than once a week, but sounds like you don't mind.

 

I like to stay in one place for a while as part of my vacation. But I'm an old fart and like to relax. For example, my typical 4 week vacation would be one week in one place, followed by a couple of weeks travelling around via planes, trains and/or buses, then a final week relaxing in one place again. When I was younger I enjoyed being on the go more and seeing more places. Have a good trip.

[portfolio]

have been to all those places except jakarta, but sounds like insanity in your time frame.

 

either pick two and maximise time in both, or maybe try the train from bangkok down to singapore via penang and kl.highlight of my asia trips tbh.

[philkrenshaw]

I spent 5 days in Singapore before I hit Pattaya in November. Singapore is a great tourist destination--plenty to see and do. I didn't bother with girls there, as I knew I was going to Pattaya next, but they are around if that's what you want. Macau is also great if you're into the giant Las Vegas type casinos, also some fantastic soapies. Macau is just a short hydrofoil ride from Hong Kong, my favorite city to visit.

So, in 2011 I did Hong Kong to Singapore to Pattaya (was going to include Bangkok also, but flooded) and back to Hong Kong. in 2010 I did Hong Kong to Macau to Vietnam to Pattaya (Bangkok left out due to civil unrest) and back to Hong Kong. In Vietnam I mostly just took group tours, but they were really cheap, like $8 for a tour of some places including the tunnels from the war.

 

I've been to Kuala Lumpur, but not nearly as much to do or as tourist friendly. If you want to go to Indonesia, try Bali (Kuta Beach) the only non-Muslim part of Indonesia. It's a little like Phuket only cheaper. Lots of Ausies on the weekends.

[hernandez88]

I'm not looking especially for girls. I want to see other things in the region. I might take one month off or even more. I don't have any limitations except that it wouldn't be the best idea regarding jobs and so on...

 

Money isn't an issue but I don't want to spend too much either. I wanted your advice about what's worth to do or not. I'm gonna check Bali instead of Jakarta.

Edited January 27, 2012 by hernandez88

[pubstud]

Rather than travel considerable distances by air (Jakarta, Manila, S'Pore) which will be expensive, why not visit Lao & Cambodia? These countries are most interesting and very quick and cheap to get to from Thailand, You can go to Vientiane & Luang Phrabang in Lao; and Siem Reap (Angkor Wat) and Phonm Penh in Cambodia, get to see some fascinating temples and get a bit of mongering in too. From PP can go to Siananookville and hang out on the beach, pick up a LBFM. Something to consider, lots less traveling and lots less expense.

[capricorn]

From my experience, don't try to see too many places in your trip because you'll be spending all your time travelling and you won't see much in fact.

 

It's better to restrict yourself to a few places. If mongering isn't a priority, I'd suggest visiting Myanmar, it was my most interesting trip in SE Asia by far (and you can monger in Yangon if you're so inclined).

[fostraswift]

Rather than travel considerable distances by air (Jakarta, Manila, S'Pore) which will be expensive, why not visit Lao & Cambodia? These countries are most interesting and very quick and cheap to get to from Thailand, You can go to Vientiane & Luang Phrabang in Lao; and Siem Reap (Angkor Wat) and Phonm Penh in Cambodia, get to see some fascinating temples and get a bit of mongering in too. From PP can go to Siananookville and hang out on the beach, pick up a LBFM. Something to consider, lots less traveling and lots less expense.

 

sound advice id agree with

 

id add vietnam and Myanmar to that list.. would love to spent 4-5 months visting them all

Edited January 27, 2012 by fostraswift

[hernandez88]

You probably right. I should stick in the area (Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam). They all are very close and I checked online, it's very cheap to travel between each others. I really want to have a look to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur during this trip.

 

I may completely skip Thailand and do other things than mongering. I'm pretty sure it would be possible but different than what Thailand can offer.

 

I'm going to wait till end of March to take a final decision. No visa required in each country for european citizen?

 

If I go 2-3 weeks, I should stick to the area and if I can go a month, I can expand to those 2 cities in the south area.

 

Capricorn, your pictures are very nice (of Myanmar).

Edited January 28, 2012 by hernandez88

[Hyekillabee]

For my next trip, I will definitely be stopping in Hong Kong for 4-5 nights. Not necessarily Southeast Asia, but it's on the way for me. And if I'm not mistaken, the flight between the two cities is appx 2.5 hrs