January... SE Asia ideas?
Discussion
Hi folks,
I have 2 weeks booked in early January. Partner and I fancy somewhere hot and slightly exotic.
I've travelled a lot in Thailand/Vietnam so thinking out of the box, somewhere different maybe. Ideally not somewhere that executes gays.
Any wildcard suggestions? Was possibly thinking about Hua Hin or another "Thai" beach destination. Basically don't want a resort holiday, it would be nice to have a chilled beach scene, restaurants etc.
I want to gently break my partner into adventure travel...
Any wildcards? Places I haven't thought of?
I have 2 weeks booked in early January. Partner and I fancy somewhere hot and slightly exotic.
I've travelled a lot in Thailand/Vietnam so thinking out of the box, somewhere different maybe. Ideally not somewhere that executes gays.
Any wildcard suggestions? Was possibly thinking about Hua Hin or another "Thai" beach destination. Basically don't want a resort holiday, it would be nice to have a chilled beach scene, restaurants etc.
I want to gently break my partner into adventure travel...
Any wildcards? Places I haven't thought of?
Hua Hin is a bit dull though has a nice beach.
What activities do you like ?
Bali is more lively and better beaches than Hua Hin.
Railey beach near Krabi is amazing (TH)...and is set in a national park. Access is by boat..scenery is amazing.
Also worth considering places in VN such as Cat Ba ...an island next to Halong Bay.
Philippines also has some great options.
Do you dive?
What activities do you like ?
Bali is more lively and better beaches than Hua Hin.
Railey beach near Krabi is amazing (TH)...and is set in a national park. Access is by boat..scenery is amazing.
Also worth considering places in VN such as Cat Ba ...an island next to Halong Bay.
Philippines also has some great options.
Do you dive?
Edited by alfaman on Thursday 1st September 00:48
Railay has changed a lot over last few years, its just a beach resort now like so many others the days of the back packer adventurer are gone.
Ko Lanta is a good place. SE of Krabbie, but it's not as compact as places like Krabbie or Ko Samuie.
I'm luckey I can drive up, there are some fantastic beaches SE of Krabbie but I think you need a hire car.
I was in Bali a few weeks back, it's fully open now after Covid and very busy. i'm planning a move to Bali, so I've just bought a house, up towards the volcano and I'm told the N coast is fantastic, not as seedy as around the airport, haven't got up N yet, but Bali changes when you leave yhe beach area lots to explore.
Ko Lanta is a good place. SE of Krabbie, but it's not as compact as places like Krabbie or Ko Samuie.
I'm luckey I can drive up, there are some fantastic beaches SE of Krabbie but I think you need a hire car.
I was in Bali a few weeks back, it's fully open now after Covid and very busy. i'm planning a move to Bali, so I've just bought a house, up towards the volcano and I'm told the N coast is fantastic, not as seedy as around the airport, haven't got up N yet, but Bali changes when you leave yhe beach area lots to explore.
https://www.placesofjuma.com/koh-jum-thailand/
Assuming it's "open" we will be there in Dec /Jan.
Heaven.
Assuming it's "open" we will be there in Dec /Jan.
Heaven.
Myanmar.
Couple of days in Yangon, fly up to bagan/inle lake, then down to the beaches in the south for a week of doing nothing in particular. Internal flights are dirt cheap but you can hire a driver to get around the sights up north. Not much worth seeing in mandalay, Naypyidaw same other than the surreal emptiness.
That’d be an ideal intro to Asia for him and give you a completely different flavour, esp. when you hit the beach. It’s like Thailand without any of the development, the beaches are completely unspoiled.
Myanmar is changing at a mega pace, if you go in a few years it’ll be like any other developed paradise.
Outside of the capital, the people are very curious and super friendly. I lived up near bagan for 6mths on a project, it’s the only place I’ve been with work that I’d go back to for a holiday, and that includes most of the Caribbean.
Couple of days in Yangon, fly up to bagan/inle lake, then down to the beaches in the south for a week of doing nothing in particular. Internal flights are dirt cheap but you can hire a driver to get around the sights up north. Not much worth seeing in mandalay, Naypyidaw same other than the surreal emptiness.
That’d be an ideal intro to Asia for him and give you a completely different flavour, esp. when you hit the beach. It’s like Thailand without any of the development, the beaches are completely unspoiled.
Myanmar is changing at a mega pace, if you go in a few years it’ll be like any other developed paradise.
Outside of the capital, the people are very curious and super friendly. I lived up near bagan for 6mths on a project, it’s the only place I’ve been with work that I’d go back to for a holiday, and that includes most of the Caribbean.
Berw said:
Railay has changed a lot over last few years, its just a beach resort now like so many others the days of the back packer adventurer are gone.
Ko Lanta is a good place. SE of Krabbie, but it's not as compact as places like Krabbie or Ko Samuie.
I'm luckey I can drive up, there are some fantastic beaches SE of Krabbie but I think you need a hire car.
I was in Bali a few weeks back, it's fully open now after Covid and very busy. i'm planning a move to Bali, so I've just bought a house, up towards the volcano and I'm told the N coast is fantastic, not as seedy as around the airport, haven't got up N yet, but Bali changes when you leave yhe beach area lots to explore.
We spent a few nights in Tulamben on the north east to dive the USAT Liberty. It feels very different to the south of the island, much quieter but not a great deal to do. Unfortunately for us we picked the week that Agung decided to erupt. It was a mild inconvenience. I know it’s touristy but I was quite fond of Ubud. I doubt I’ll return to Bali but I did like that you could pick what version of it you wanted, cheap frozen cocktails and water parks, peaceful 5 star resorts in the jungle, simple accommodation amongst the rice fields. All available. The beer’s not bad either.Ko Lanta is a good place. SE of Krabbie, but it's not as compact as places like Krabbie or Ko Samuie.
I'm luckey I can drive up, there are some fantastic beaches SE of Krabbie but I think you need a hire car.
I was in Bali a few weeks back, it's fully open now after Covid and very busy. i'm planning a move to Bali, so I've just bought a house, up towards the volcano and I'm told the N coast is fantastic, not as seedy as around the airport, haven't got up N yet, but Bali changes when you leave yhe beach area lots to explore.
shirt said:
Myanmar.
Couple of days in Yangon, fly up to bagan/inle lake, then down to the beaches in the south for a week of doing nothing in particular. Internal flights are dirt cheap but you can hire a driver to get around the sights up north. Not much worth seeing in mandalay, Naypyidaw same other than the surreal emptiness.
That’d be an ideal intro to Asia for him and give you a completely different flavour, esp. when you hit the beach. It’s like Thailand without any of the development, the beaches are completely unspoiled.
Myanmar is changing at a mega pace, if you go in a few years it’ll be like any other developed paradise.
Outside of the capital, the people are very curious and super friendly. I lived up near bagan for 6mths on a project, it’s the only place I’ve been with work that I’d go back to for a holiday, and that includes most of the Caribbean.
I've visited Myanmar a couple of times as a holiday destination, and can echo the above - it's stunning. However, is the current situation viable for travel? Feels like maybe not at the moment.Couple of days in Yangon, fly up to bagan/inle lake, then down to the beaches in the south for a week of doing nothing in particular. Internal flights are dirt cheap but you can hire a driver to get around the sights up north. Not much worth seeing in mandalay, Naypyidaw same other than the surreal emptiness.
That’d be an ideal intro to Asia for him and give you a completely different flavour, esp. when you hit the beach. It’s like Thailand without any of the development, the beaches are completely unspoiled.
Myanmar is changing at a mega pace, if you go in a few years it’ll be like any other developed paradise.
Outside of the capital, the people are very curious and super friendly. I lived up near bagan for 6mths on a project, it’s the only place I’ve been with work that I’d go back to for a holiday, and that includes most of the Caribbean.
While I think Myanmar is a great suggestion, it does have some great scenery, fantastic places of interest and spectacular beaches add to that Burmese food (seems to be a cross of Bangladeshi, Chinese and Thai cuisine if that makes sense) is really good, but not much other choice outside major cities.
The security in major cities is an uncertainty, due to current civil unrest.
Lots of entertainment/bars close very early.
Power supply not stable.
Internet connection limited.
For an introduction to adventure travel in Asia, mix of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia geographically very close together. Fly into/out of, either Da Nang or Ho Chi Min city.
The security in major cities is an uncertainty, due to current civil unrest.
Lots of entertainment/bars close very early.
Power supply not stable.
Internet connection limited.
For an introduction to adventure travel in Asia, mix of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia geographically very close together. Fly into/out of, either Da Nang or Ho Chi Min city.
daqinggregg said:
While I think Myanmar is a great suggestion, it does have some great scenery, fantastic places of interest and spectacular beaches add to that Burmese food (seems to be a cross of Bangladeshi, Chinese and Thai cuisine if that makes sense) is really good, but not much other choice outside major cities.
The security in major cities is an uncertainty, due to current civil unrest.
Lots of entertainment/bars close very early.
Power supply not stable.
Internet connection limited.
For an introduction to adventure travel in Asia, mix of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia geographically very close together. Fly into/out of, either Da Nang or Ho Chi Min city.
Da Nang isn't open yet for international flights, in or out. Only Saigon and Ha Noi are taking international flights.The security in major cities is an uncertainty, due to current civil unrest.
Lots of entertainment/bars close very early.
Power supply not stable.
Internet connection limited.
For an introduction to adventure travel in Asia, mix of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia geographically very close together. Fly into/out of, either Da Nang or Ho Chi Min city.
You might get lucky but BKK flights go up as Dec/Jan approaches (peak season) and particularly around new year.
I've saved before by fying Xmas day! The challenge is UK side travel to get to the airport if you are not driving.
Only real way to save is fly with horrible layovers, but even those flights are not much cheaper.
This year is looking to be around £640 return cheapest economy. Was around £520 pre pandemic/fuel crisis/war.
I booked in 2020 and am at last using my twice postponed flights from back then! Business, £3500 for two , return, which is bloody good for our dates looking at things now. More like £6k on a half decent airline
I've saved before by fying Xmas day! The challenge is UK side travel to get to the airport if you are not driving.
Only real way to save is fly with horrible layovers, but even those flights are not much cheaper.
This year is looking to be around £640 return cheapest economy. Was around £520 pre pandemic/fuel crisis/war.
I booked in 2020 and am at last using my twice postponed flights from back then! Business, £3500 for two , return, which is bloody good for our dates looking at things now. More like £6k on a half decent airline
Berw said:
Railay has changed a lot over last few years, its just a beach resort now like so many others the days of the back packer adventurer are gone.
No has it! I first went there with a friend I think it was about 17 years ago now, got there by long tail boat. Walked up the beach with no idea where to stay the night and in a great hut on the mountainside looking out to the sea for about 2 quid a night. That night we grabbed some beers and sat in a wooden bar on the floor whilst they played the movie The Beach on some old TV and chatting with randoms. It was backpackers heaven. Absolutely gutted to hear this.Maybe try island hopping across Indonesia? I think that would be amazing.
Your budget will make a big difference on what you can do and where to go. I assume it's low budget as that's what tends to cause most to think of SEA.
On the Myanmar idea, the FCO advises against travel apart from the Yangon region, so not a good place to go. Insurance is unlikely to cover because of this. And there's the ethical issues of going at the moment (which I suspect you care about given your comment about gay oppression).
Another option could be to do multi countries. Base in one and dot around others. To get a bit of a mix of places and styles (ie avoid SEA temple fade) an option can be to base in Singapore (which is good for lots of flight options) and then do a few days to places like Angkor Wat, KL, Indonesia islands like Bintang (~1hr boat ride from SG).
On the Myanmar idea, the FCO advises against travel apart from the Yangon region, so not a good place to go. Insurance is unlikely to cover because of this. And there's the ethical issues of going at the moment (which I suspect you care about given your comment about gay oppression).
Another option could be to do multi countries. Base in one and dot around others. To get a bit of a mix of places and styles (ie avoid SEA temple fade) an option can be to base in Singapore (which is good for lots of flight options) and then do a few days to places like Angkor Wat, KL, Indonesia islands like Bintang (~1hr boat ride from SG).
coldel said:
Berw said:
Railay has changed a lot over last few years, its just a beach resort now like so many others the days of the back packer adventurer are gone.
No has it! I first went there with a friend I think it was about 17 years ago now, got there by long tail boat. Walked up the beach with no idea where to stay the night and in a great hut on the mountainside looking out to the sea for about 2 quid a night. That night we grabbed some beers and sat in a wooden bar on the floor whilst they played the movie The Beach on some old TV and chatting with randoms. It was backpackers heaven. Absolutely gutted to hear this.Maybe try island hopping across Indonesia? I think that would be amazing.
Chinese and Russian tourism has really, really, mixed things up. Gone are spontaneous fire shows on the beach in places like Lanta and Phi Phi, listening to Reggae and smoking a fat one, and in, are identikit, scripted fire dance shows that move along the beach from bar to bar, that have all laid their plastic chairs out in a square, ready for the applauding Chinese tourists.
North Koh Phangang (Than Sadet) was , 13 years ago, a hidden haven (ony accesible by boat, or 4x4 songthaw) with a reggae bar and chilled, almost desert island beach style, but now has a road built to it and the beach in 2019 was full of Russian day trippers and accompanying boom boxes.
Down Soi Rambbutri (Bangkok) there was a bar that always played "the Beach" movie. The TV has gone now sadly.
Thailand has been overun with mass tourism from China, and Russia which has changed everything. The Thais don't miss a trick to make money of course.
Now the Chinese are gone, for now, but the Russians, who Thailand have been actively encouraging are still there.
I'm not being Xenephobic BTW - just tourism in such numbers never leaves somewhere unspoilt.
We were last there in 2019 during the outbreak, and we are flying back this Dec for 2 months. Paradise can still be found, but, it's changes a lot -I think we found one Reggae bar on a beach in 2019, when 14 years ago, they were everywhere. I guess the kids today don't like it, the Chinese don't, and so it's gone, as has any "backpacking" kind of vibe (we move around a fair bit and do it all ad hoc, so we noticed) which was very common back 14 years ago.
Than Sadet 2008 (Kph Phangnang)
Same place 2019:
Saying that, there are some havens out there to be found :-)
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