Southeast Asia trip. Any insights?

[rklepper]

Ok, so the only places on this earth I have not been are the poles, Cuba, and Southeast Asia. I am really thinking that I want to go to Southeast Asia before I die. I am thinking that these are the countries I will visit: Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Brunei, East Timor, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore.


I am probably looking at going in 2009. First has anyone been there or does anyone live there that can give me some insight into taking a trip there. I could have up to 3 months to travel there. What do I absolutely have to see? What do I have to be aware of? I am getting older all the time so just want to take enough time to thoroughly plan. Am I correct in assuming that I would want to go when it is Fall or winter in the Northern Hemisphere? Is one better that the other, for example do I want to wait until January to avoid the rainy season? Also, are there any other countries that I am missing?



Thanks for any input.

[bigsue19]

Hi! I would definitely encourage you to visit SEAsia...it's quite a world. I haven't seen all those countries you listed, but here are a few good places to see:

1. CAMBODIA - Angkor temples. These are the set of ancient temples...absolutely amazing. There are many diff temples you can visit with some very interesting photo opps, and people recommend at least 2 days to see it all. They now have an international airport in Siem Reap (the nearby local town), so you won't have to deal with the long drive from Phnom Penh anymore.

2. VIETNAM - Ha Long Bay. This is in the north of the country, 3-hr drive from Hanoi. World Heritage listed...set of limestone outcrops. There's a beautiful cave there as well.

3. PHILIPPINES - Banaue Rice Terraces. The indigenous tribes carved out rice fields on the slopes of mountains...as far as your eye can see. It's a bit of a drive from Manila, but well worth it.

In all these, best time to go would be around summer time -- March-May -- so you don't have to contend with the monsoons.

[rklepper]

Hi! I would definitely encourage you to visit SEAsia...it's quite a world. I haven't seen all those countries you listed, but here are a few good places to see:

1. CAMBODIA - Angkor temples. These are the set of ancient temples...absolutely amazing. There are many diff temples you can visit with some very interesting photo opps, and people recommend at least 2 days to see it all. They now have an international airport in Siem Reap (the nearby local town), so you won't have to deal with the long drive from Phnom Penh anymore.

2. VIETNAM - Ha Long Bay. This is in the north of the country, 3-hr drive from Hanoi. World Heritage listed...set of limestone outcrops. There's a beautiful cave there as well.

3. PHILIPPINES - Banaue Rice Terraces. The indigenous tribes carved out rice fields on the slopes of mountains...as far as your eye can see. It's a bit of a drive from Manila, but well worth it.

In all these, best time to go would be around summer time -- March-May -- so you don't have to contend with the monsoons.

Thanks I am going to add these things to a file so I am ready to go when the time comes. March to May would be a great time for me to go.