What is the best circuit for Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and maybe China?

by Rob

Question: My wife and I are looking to do backpacking in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam (maybe some of China). We will start in Bangkok. What is the best circuit to go? North through Chang Mai or South Thailand?

Thank you,
Rob


Answer: Are you returning back to Bangkok after you've traveled through these countries? How much time do you got?

If your base is Bangkok, start there. Work your way up through Chiang Mai, then Northern Laos, cross the border from north Laos to north Vietnam, down Vietnam, cross the border to Cambodia, travel through Cambodia and then go border crossing back into Bangkok. From here you can travel to south Thailand if you want to spend your last week on the beach! :)

But in this circuit, you miss out on Southern Laos....

If you want to see south Laos as well, I suggest you border cross from Vietnam to Laos (Pakse) instead of Cambodia. From Pakse work your way down to 4000 islands, cross the border to Cambodia in the north and then travel west towards Bangkok.

Another option is to:
Start from Bangkok, backpack in Southern Thailand, return to Bangkok, border cross to Cambodia, then Vietnam via Saigon, travel towards Hanoi in the north, cross the border to China/cross the border to Laos, travel down to south Laos, cross the border near Pakse (Laos) to Eastern Thailand.Then you're back in Bangkok. In this circuit you'll miss North Thailand though.

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What is the best circuit for Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and maybe China?

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Aug 06, 2010
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by: Rob

This is awesome thank you!! I did not know where to start. I think time wise I have about 2 months or so....Do you think it is worth hitting Southern Laos? Where would you recommend to spend most time at beaches in southern Thailand? Not sure I am interested in Phuket as there appears to be other less touristy options? I notice you do not have mention of Vietnam on your website? Did I miss an area?
Aug 06, 2010
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by: Amanda

Do you think it is worth hitting Southern Laos?

I personally enjoyed the 4000 islands in south Laos, and doing the tour around Bolaven Plateau in Pakse. But if I just had two months like you guys, I don't think I would prioritize south Laos.

Where would you recommend to spend most time at beaches in southern Thailand? Not sure I am interested in Phuket as there appears to be other less touristy options?

It depends on what kind of people you are. Do you like partying as well? for traveling couples, I would suggest Koh Phangan (beaches of Thong Nai Pan and Had Yai, but not Hadrin that's a full-time party place). Koh Phangan offers secluded beautiful beaches, snorkeling and diving. If you want to taste the night life you can just take a taxi to Hadrin or wherever the moon parties are.

I can also suggest Phi Phi -- gorgeous islands with great diving and snorkeling opportunities. I did the snorkeling near Maya beach, and I haven't seen that colorful underwater life in a long time. Phi Phi is touristy, but still worth the visit compared to Phuket. I also liked Koh Lanta. You can just take the ferry from Phi Phi to Lanta, or from Krabi.

I notice you do not have mention of Vietnam on your website? Did I miss an area?

I only write articles about places I've been to, and that's why Vietnam is not included in the website. Hopefully I will visit Vietnam in the future.
Aug 07, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		A Thai Village Home Stay
by: Ericthai

Should you be passing through Chiangrai, North Thailand, it will make your travels more meaningful by home staying in a Thai village

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