South East Asia Travel Itinerary
In 2012, me and my friends travelled to Thailand, Cambodia and Laos - 3 countries in 30 days. Each of us had a slightly varying travel plan, this one below is mine.
Day 1: Flight from Auckland to BANGKOK
Day 2- 4: BANGKOK
Day 5: Morning flight to SUKOTHAI
Day 6: SUKOTHAI
Day 7: Bus to CHIANG MAI
Day 8 - 10: CHIANG MAI
Day 11: Morning flight from CHIANG MAI to KRABI via BANGKOK
Day 12 - 13: KRABI
Day 14: Bus and boat ride to KOH PHANGAN
Day 15 - 16: KOH PHANGAN
Day 17: Morning boat and flight to BANGKOK
Day 18: BANGKOK
Day 19: Morning flight to PHNOM PENH
Day 20: PHNOM PENH
Day 21: Bus / Boat ride to SIEM REAP
Day 22 -23: SIEM REAP
Day 24: Morning flight to VIENTIANE
Day 25 VIENTIANE
Day 26: Morning flight to LUANG PRABANG
Day 27 - 28: LUANG PRABANG
Day 29 - Morning flight to BANGKOK
Day 30 - Depart BANGKOK for Auckland
It was a good split of days across the various cities, towns and villages.
Bangkok - 6 days
Sukothai - 2 days
Chiang Mai - 4 days
Krabi - 3 days
Koh Pha Ngan - 3 days
Phnom Penh - 2 days
Siem Reap - 3 days
Vientiane - 2 days
Luang Prabhang - 3 days
Places to visit in Thailand
Bangkok
This is the largest city in Thailand and one of the many Asian hubs. Whether you are in transit or are trekking your way through South East Asia, this is a must visit city. It entertains the youth in you, spiritualises your soul, sharpens your mouth (through bartering and eating), and brings your mind down to Earth, all the while as you sweat yourself to your shredded best in the mercurial heat.
Sukhothai
Apart from being the old capital of Thailand, the old historic park offers plenty of serene moments as you explore the ruins and cycle your way around the relaxing town.
Chiang Mai
The city offers plenty for all. Elephant Nature Park feeds the heart and mind of an animal lover. The markets that run through the old city satisfy the most avid shopaholic ladies keen to get a good bargain while the Wats never fail to capture the soul. Not to forget the numerable cooking classes and antique collection shops to wow the loved ones back home.
Krabi
Calm turquoise emerald sea. Beautiful beaches. Colourful sky. Picturesque sunsets. Delicious seafood. This is the place to be if you love any of the above. Not to mention being relatively less commercialised than Phuket definitely helps as you are left to wander relatively peacefully while enjoying the same perks.
Koh Pha Ngan / Koh Samui
If you want Krabi + a party your heart out, you were meant for Koh Pha Ngan and it's full moon parties. If however, you are looking for some RnR Koh Samui and you are a match made in heaven. Best part is you are only 30 min away from each other via a boat ride.