I love to plan. Everything. Trips, schedules, weekends, parties. If there is something that can be figured out beforehand I am researching the hell out of it. While it’s good to be prepared, planning too much has its downsides. During college I’d spend hours on the course guide as soon as it went online planning the perfect schedule. Inevitably, every semester one of my classes would close before I could register, ruining my plans, and leaving me feeling completely defeated.
It works like that with travel as well. As time rolls into July my contract is inching its way closer to being completed (last day: February 15, 2013!) and Southeast Asia is becoming easier to see. Tara and I have begun to plan out a rough itinerary for our four to five month trip. Trying to strike the perfect balance between over planned and under planned, we want to have a list of places we consider can’t miss but not firmly cemented down into a rigid schedule.
Our itinerary so far? Take a look. And please, any thoughts or advice is more than welcome!
Philippines
Last year I booked a flight to Manila that I never got on. I won’t be doing that again. Palawan is my main reason for visiting this island nation. I’ve heard some fabulous things about this so called “last undiscovered paradise”. I can’t wait to unwind and unplug on a secluded beach after two years in the huge city of Seoul.
Indonesia
I was in Bali for about six days last summer, but there is so much more of Indonesia to see. Java (especially Mount Bromo), Lombok (hiking Mount Rinjani), the Gili Islands, and a return to Bali so I can finally learn how to surf are all in the cards right now.
Mount Rinjani via Flickr user Bousure
Singapore
We are looking at a couple day stopover in this city-state. Just enough time to enjoy some delicious street eats and do a little sightseeing.
Malaysia
Working out way north, we want to check our Malaysia next. Tara’s already been to Kuala Lampur and Langkawi, so we were thinking of hitting Melacca, the Cameron Highlands, and then doing the islands on the other coast, Pulau Perhentian with a visit to Georgetown thrown in.
Thailand
Continuing with our northward journey, Tara and I would like to spend some time exploring the Thai islands before making to to Bangkok. Koh Lanta is a must for me, and we are also considering Koh Phi Phi (especially after Lauren’s spectacular photos).
Koh Lanta via Flickr user Lisa Santonato
Burma
Once we reach Bangkok we’ll spend a couple days procuring visas and then fly to the increasingly popular Burma where we’ll most likely follow the typical tourist trail of Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan, and Lake Inle.
Thailand
After returning to Bangkok we will make our way into northern Thailand. Although Tara’s already been to Chiang Mai we will be going back there (a stop at the Elephant Nature Park is necessary) and then exploring Chiang Rai and the backpacker haven of Pai.
Chiang Rai via Flickr user drburtoni
Laos
I’m not sure if we are crazy or not, but we are both incredibly excited to take the slow boat from Thailand to Laos. Right now we are looking at the common trio of Vientiane, Luang Prubang, and Vang Vieng. But I’m not sure how much time I want to spend tubing (call me crazy, but I’m slightly scared!) and are looking at some more “off the beaten track” Laotian destinations.
China
After Laos we will take a little detour back into Northeast Asia in order to try to tackle China. I never had any real interest in visiting anything outside of the Great Wall in Beijing, but after doing a little research I was shocked at the amount of seemingly wonderful places to go. Tentatively we have: Beijing, Xian, Chengdu to see the pandas, a cruise down the Yangtze River, Shanghai to see some modern China, the lakes of Hangzhuo, Yangshuo and Guilin for some scenic nature and a Li River cruise, and, finally, Hainan to check out what the Chinese have in terms of tropical island getaways.
The Great Wall via Flickr user Joe.China
Vietnam
Tara had a s0-so time in Vietnam, but it’s one of my top destinations so we are going to give it another go starting in Sapa. Then we will head south to Hanoi (and obviously, since we’re sticking so close to the tourist trail, a Halong Bay cruise) where the history nerd inside of me is excited to pay a visit to Ho Chi Minh’s tomb. Continuing south, we are likely to make stops in Hue and Hoi An before reaching Ho Chi Minh City. Saigon will be used as a place to eat, eat, and eat, as well as a jump off for a Mekong Delta tour.
Cambodia
The last stop of this journey will be in Cambodia where we want to explore Angkor Wat, hit up one last beach in Sihanoukville, and wander around Phnom Penh before boarding a US bound plane.
Sihanoukville via Flickr user whl.travel
This trip has been a long time in the making. I remember spending hours in my cubicle planning a jaunt around Southeast Asia that I never thought possible. Now, it’s actually happening. And I’m really freaking excited.
If you want to plan your own trip to Asia, check out cheap flights on FlightHub.
What are your Southeast Asia must sees? What cities do we have listed that you think are a huge mistake? Leave your itinerary suggestions in the comments.
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This looks like one amazing Asian adventure, Amanda! Now I’m the opposite to you when it comes to China – the Great Wall has ZERO appeal for me (all those steps plus a serious phobia of heights).
I don’t think we’ll wind up in the same places at the same time – I’ll be in SE Asia after you, so may be coming to you for tips next year
Waegook Tom recently posted..Where to go in the USA?
I absolutely hate stairs (really, I’m not a huge fan of any physical activity that makes me sweaty and tired) but when I travel it seems that everything I want to see requires climbing of some nature…
It’s a shame our paths won’t intersect, but you seem to have quite the journey planned yourself! I will definitely help you out where I can with SEA
So fun! I love to plan too. It’s one of my favorite aspects of travel because it gets me so excited for the journey to come! Have fun on your Asian quest! I have only been to Japan and am dying to go to all the other countries!
Hilarye recently posted..Why I Don’t Have A Bucket List
I agree! And thank you! I’m going to Japan this fall and I’m so excited. Also, if you’re ever back in Asia you should come to Korea. It’s great!
I suggest checking out the islands in the Gulf of Thailand (other side of the country from Koh Phi Phi and Phuket) if you have time. Koh Samui, Koh Phagnan (there is a ton of beautiful sites there besides the Full Moon Party and the entire island as a whole is pretty undeveloped) and Koh Tao were amazing!
Thanks Heidi! We definitely needed some suggestions as far as islands go. I remember hearing a lot about Koh Tao. Enjoy your trip
I’m enjoying planning my trip too! Except mine will start in August. Yours sounds great. I was in Malaysia and Singapore in February. I love the food in Malaysia. Melaka is lovely, as is Penang. In Singapore, if you like zoos, you will love the Singapore Zoo as it is a really good one. I’m going to lots of these places but at different times. I hope you enjoy the trip!
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Oh nice! I can’t wait to read about your travels on your blog and get some inspiration! Enjoy your trip as well
Sounds like an awesome itinerary! I’ll be doing about 5 months after I end my contract in Korea in February as well
In Malaysia, I would say go to Penang to enjoy the food. Also, rent motorbikes and explore the island to find the better beaches. I’ve done Koh Lanta and Koh Phi Phi…Phi Phi is touristy but a must in my opinion. Try and fit in the “Maya Beach Camping”…well worth it!
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Thanks for the tips! I will definitely be checking out your blog, too, so thanks for the comment. Maybe we’ll cross paths sometime next year!
Sounds excellent – I love trip planning too! Although all these countries are actually relatively near to me here in Western Australia I haven’t seen much of them yet (I’ve always “saved” them for when I’m more “stuck” here in WA!) but I have seen Vietnam and adored it. Funny though, people are often love or hate for Vietnam. Singapore is so-so, not my favourite place but worth seeing. I like their zoo, I must say! Happy planning
Amanda @ Not A Ballerina recently posted..Review: Rough Guide to Germany
I’ve heard the same about Vietnam, but I’m excited to see for myself. Thanks for the comment and I hope when your stuck more (weird thing to wish someone
) you’ll get your chance to explore more of SE Asia!
I am the same way! It’s sort of ridiculous how ridiculous–by the time a trip rolls around–my desktop looks with all the Word docs I’ve created, spreadsheets I’ve tweaked and Google Maps I’ve plotted. I spend far more hours planning beforehand than I do on the actual trip itself!
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I’m glad I’m not alone! I have been planning this trip for over a year. Documents full of hostels, places to see, best routes. I’m pretty sure the amount of stuff I’ve figured out makes it more confusing than if I’d gone it blind, but I enjoy it!
Glad to see Sihanoukville on the list. I had a great time there eleven years ago. I’m sure it has changed, so would love to hear your views.
Love the blog, kind regards, Si
ps. Would love you to take part in our Picture The World Project: http://www.thedepartureboard.com/picture-the-world-project
Si @thedepartureboard.com recently posted..5 Attractions in Barbados
Thanks for the comment. I’m really looking forward to Sihanoukville as I’ve heard only wonderful things about the area.
Your Picture The World Project is really interesting. I will definitely get something together and shoot you an email. Thanks for reaching out.
Looks like an amazing trip! I can’t wait to follow along on the journey. I’ll be especially curious to hear about some of these border crossings… especially the ones that have ‘red-tape’ reputations
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From what I’ve read things don’t seem to be too bad anymore, but bribery may have to employed at some places
Sounds fab, am planning the last 3 months of my trip in SE Asia starting in January…your route sounds similar to mine but thought wet season in the Perhentians? Had been advised against it in Jan which is a shame. Enjoy!
Give it a try! I’ve had some friends go to places in the wet season and it turned out mostly fine. Enjoy your trip!
Happy to see Philippines in your list! Palawan is a great choice. Coron for the snorkeling and diving, El Nido for the beaches (and camping in them!). When are you planning to come to the Philippines? Depending on when you’re going, you might want to watch a local festival. It gets mighty crowded though, but the energy is like nothing else!
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I’ve only heard great things about the Philippines and can’t wait to get over there! I’m thinking I will probably be there early March next year. I should check out the festival schedule!
This looks like such an absolutely fantastic trip. (And actually really similar to something I want to do one day too!)
If you’re into travel books, I’d recommend reading ‘Undress Me in the Temple of Heaven’ by Susan Jane Gilman. A really fascinating read about Gilman’s backpacking trip in China with her friend when it really wasn’t common for a lot of foreigners to go through there, and the really extreme culture shock and breakdown that her friend has.
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I read that in Japan last year! In like a day because it was so captivating.