Hi all,
Just looking for views on my plans for SE Asia. It's stage one of a RTW trip also taking in Australia/NZ, South and North America. Starting hopefully in October it goes something like this......
Singapore for 5 days then overland to Melaka for 3 days, KL for 5days, Penang for 3days, Boat to Pulau Lankawi for 2 days.
Then....Satun - 2days, Hat-Yai - 2days, Krabi - 2days, boat to Phuket - 7days (need a bit of beach recreation) taking in a trip to Khao Sok for 2-3days before flying to BK for 5days.
Then using BK as a base camp visiting HCM, Angkor, Phnom Penh, Chiang Mai, Hanoi and Vientiane 2-3 days each. Then HK, Manilla and Tokyo for 4-5 days each before leaving for Cairns.........

This is my first time further than Greece for two weeks so I'm well and truly outside my comfort zone!! Want this to start off as a gentle introduction to travel before hitting BK!!! Hopefully I've got a overall view of SE Asia here with a bit of culture and a bit of beach. The days mentioned are only a Rough Guide!! I'm trying to change the 'anal me'

I'd be interested to hear what people think about durations and choices of places. Let me know.

Thanks,

Cris

Get on the plane and go to Singapore. Get off, find a hotel, look around, and sleep out the night.

Then plan the next day of your trip.

bob
www.pbase.com\bobtrips
Photos from Cambodia, Myanmar, Nepal and Thailand

I can understand you being a little apprehensive about your SE Asian trip, its definitely a different environment ( weather, scenery, language, culture etc ) but it is also fun and safe.

Most people spend a high proportion of their money in the first quarter of their trip and then figure out what local prices really are. When you get away from the main tourist centers prices come down quite dramatically and the memories are stronger.

If I were you I'd spend no more than 2-3 days in each city and try to get out and explore the smaller places. Malaysia has the Taman Negara forest for example. Instead of Phuket you might try Koh Tao, Koh Lanta or Koh Phi Phi...much less stress.

Travelelrs are incresingly heading up to Cambodia and Laos and its cool because main stream tourism hasn't reached them yet.

To deal with the anal aspect try to travel light. Seriously just take a small back-pack ( 3 underwear, 2 socks, 1 long pants ,1 sweater, 3 t-shirts )

When you try to plan everything it leaves no room for adventure ( whih is what most travelers are looking for ). Stressing on things you can't control is irrational too. When things don't go the way I want them to I just go get something to eat and drink and am thankful I'm not at work.

Here's a link to other travelers who have ventured RTW.

http://bootsnall.com/rtw/profile/

One of the best sources of information is other travelers on the road so be sure to talk to other people and just ask them about where they are going / coming from.

Nick O'Neill
TravelNutter/Community Manager
http://www.BootsnAll.com
The Ultimate Resource For The Independent Traveller

Thanks for your replies guys. I know I'm 'planning things' possibly a little too much. I'm fairly sure once I get into the swing of things, the itinerary nonsense will go out of the window, that's what i'm hoping for anyway.

I'm actually not planning too much for the next leg in Australia and will hopefully be taking the 'get off the plane and go' attitude there!!

Thanks again, your views are always welcome.

Cris.

Cris

Your trip sounds wonderful - I like you tend to overplan (a hangover from all that western work ethic etc.). I've been to Asia and Australia a few times and am returning in a few months for a longer trip. All I can do is echo what others have said - Asia is a wonderful place to start to slow down because the people on the whole are more laid back, it's hot and things take a while to get organised. If time allows try not to rush your time in wonderful countries like Vietnam and Laos - get off the plane, relax for a few days and then see what you feel like doing. Some of my best memories of my trips havee been the down days - sitting in cafes, finding out of the way temples just round the corner from where I'm staying and meeting people - that bit is great.

Have a brill time - I'm sure you'll find the pace that suits you - just by asking the question you're half way there.

I would suggest Melaka in Malaysia.Melaka is worth going because of the historical sites and narrow streets. Food is great too.Consider going to this cafe for food.I had a great experience at this cafe. Their website is www.dutchharbourcafe.com

It is unbelievably different kind of dining breakaway. Relaxing while drinking a thirst-quenching Caribbean Perrier Mocktail in a gorgeous garden. I can smell the roasted coffee and my buddy Espresso Segafredo is on its way. One thing I really love this place is the place. Very nicely done. To add its uniqueness, it is located by the river. You can choose to sit by the river and also in the garden. I chose the garden because of the green plants around me. The smooth Jazz music is playing and we are surrounded by attentive and friendly staffs who never forget to smile.
The main dining area(historical building) is nice. Posters portraying Holland are on the wall. Tulips, The Hague,etc. One poster is very interesting as it shows the different coffee shops in Amsterdam. What captures me is 2 clocks that show both Malaysian and Holland local times. That is creative. Bathroom is absolutely clean.
In terms of the food, My favorite food is Pepperoni Pizza and Beef Croquette. The pizza is so good and I can finish it up by myself. Only available in 1 size(12"). RM22 only(No tax though). It is so tasty.Cheesy and nice pan dough.The croquette is beautifully served on a plate with a bread. Very hot in the middle but very tasty. It is like a nugget but long(about 6 inches).
My favorite drink is Caribbean Perrier mocktail. It is mixture of Grenadine at the bottom(red color), fresh orange juice and Perrier. Got a little cute umbrella with a hotel-standard garnish.Price wise,it is average. Mineral water RM2. Fresh fruit juice RM5.I forgot about the cheese cake that I had. I had Mississippi Mud cheese cake(RM8) and it is rewarding. Worth buying.
In terms of the food, My favorite food is Pepperoni Pizza and Beef Croquette. The pizza is so good and I can finish it up by myself. Only available in 1 size(12"). RM22 only(No tax though). It is so tasty.Just have to wait around 20 minutes but it is worth waiting.Cheesy and nice pan dough.The croquette is beautifully served on a plate with a bread. Very hot in the middle but very tasty. It is like a nugget but long(about 6 inches).I also had Cassava Fries as a starter and it different. Not oily and you should try this. Not many places offer this.
My favorite drink is Caribbean Perrier mocktail. It is mixture of Grenadine at the bottom(red color), fresh orange juice and Perrier. Got a
little cute umbrella with a hotel-standard garnish.Price wise,it is average. Mineral water RM2. Fresh fruit juice RM5.I forgot about the
cheese cake that I had. I had Mississippi Mud cheese cake(RM8) and it is rewarding. Worth buying.

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