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Songkran | Tagged Posts

2019
15
March
Which cities in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos are a must see for a 3-week trip?

Question:

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Bon

Planning to go to Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos for 3 weeks. Which cities are a must see ? Also should I be getting my travel visa in Canada or when I arrive at airport?.... (someone told me I can get it when I arrive)— feeling loved.
Thanks in advance.— feeling loved.

Humans say...

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Susan

Luang Prabang is so beautiful and the food is amazing! You can obtain a visa upon arrival in Laos but need to bring passport sized photos.

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Stacie

I got all visas on arrival, (including photos) except in Vietnam. But that was 8 years ago now. However I was in Vietnam in September and There’s quite a visa process. Paperwork to fill out, you need a letter of approval before you arrive, photos taken etc.

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Denise

2 options for Vietnam: you need to get it before you arrive through an embassy or apply for an approval letter online and then get the stamp when you arrive.
myvietnamvisa.com
MYVIETNAMVISA.COM
Apply Vietnam Visa Online | Visa to Vietnam for Tourists and Business

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Kim

Brenda Hughes

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Denise

one more piece of info re Vietnam. That approval letter option is only available at certain airports and it definitely the least expensive.

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Denise

Thailand is on arrival for Canadians.

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David

Pick 1 or 2 of those, 3 weeks isn’t enough, you won’t be able to get too far out of the main big cities before you have to leave to the next place and you’ll feel rushed, imo.

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Teya

David Roth yes distance travel times can be long .

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David

Teya and just as you’re getting the hang of things of that particular area, but then it’s time to leave haha. I’m leaving to Thailand in a couple weeks, 3rd time this year, I just can’t get enough of the place.

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Teya

Ya one country will offer so much if I had 3 weeks Thailand I would do 2 days Bangkok 5 days Koh Phayam at JJS a night in krabi 5 Koh lipe Koh Sok national park . You could go north but it’s very time consuming . We did trains that you could book ahead of time . Sky scanned has some good cheep flights but travel light on luggage . 3 weeks only need a small pack . You will want to shop .

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David

Teya that sounds like what I usually try to do. A night in Bangkok to refresh then head out to the small beach cities. This coming up trip is during Songkran which is probably the most fun I’ve ever had on a vacation. And next winter I want to go to the Isaan region, off the beaten path not too many tourists.

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Teya

David Roth ya Koh phayam was fab no cars. Koh lipe is busy but small in a sense we were there Christmas so any other time would be fine . Koh Lanta at LD resort or guest house is a quiet chilled area and cheep . Red brick in Chaing Mai has a mice pool it’s was a bit of a boom boom hot spot but good location . And Pai has exploded in the past 10 years but if you get off the strip over the walking bridge Pai Homey is a great garden spot .

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David

ill have to check out Pai soon, I usually just stay in the south but this time we are headed to Chiang Mai for songkran as apparently it’s supposed to go on for 3 days there whereas it was just a single day in Phuket last year.

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Mindy

David Roth I’ve heard Songkran is very fun in Chiang Mai

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David

Mindy so have I! The locals said that’s the place to go. Songkran in Phuket was such a good time I’m really looking forward to it in Chiang Mai.

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Denise

Cambodia is on arrival at certain airports. But bring extra passport photos for all these countries except Thailand.

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Dorothy

Denise Laos is on arrival. Pick 1 or 2 countries. We have been a month Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. Have two weeks more and still feel rushed.

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Brendan

3 weeks is barely enough for 1 of those countries, never mind trying to do all of them

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Mark

Get it online before you leave or you will stand in line with a huge crowd getting their visa, it could take up to 1 extra to get out of the airport!

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Teya

You will get a free 30 days for Thailand on arrival . 3 weeks is not very long for 3 country’s . We did 6 weeks in Thailand and so much to see next will be 6 weeks Cambodia !!!

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Gayla

Siem Reap/ Angkor Wat was the highlight of our Cambodia trip.

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Erika

I’m in Cambodia now. Much easier if you get your e visas in Canada before you go. Be sure to go to the govt of Canada website for the legit sites, as there are some scam sites. It’s fast and easy, make 2 copies.

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Rhiana

Venturing away from Siem Reap to visit Koh Ker is definitely worth the drive if you enjoy temples and nature and want to avoid some of the huge crowds at Angkor Wat

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Danica

Drop at least two of those countries! Otherwise you will spend all the time travelling. Not worth it just for the passport stamp!

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Erika

Also, I loved Phnom Penh, and Hanoi.

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Erika

I’m doing Cambodia and Vietnam in 17 days. Exhausting, drop a couple of countries for sure.

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Devyn

Not enough time

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Denise

We were just in Cambodia and got our visa on arrival in Siem Reap. It was not a problem at all. Just make sure you have US $$ and a passport photo. I’m in Thailand now and going to Vietnam next month.

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Sharon

could you get a photo at the airport? How much $$ US. I’m in Thailand planning to go to Cambodia

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Denise

Sharon where are you entering Cambodia?

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Sharon

not for a month

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Denise

Sharon you can pay a few extra dollars and they will scan your passport photo for you.

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Denise

Sharon make sure to confirm all this info based on your point of entry. There are different rules for land entry and the major airports.

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Sharon

thank you for all the info.

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Gerry

Just finishing 2 and half months Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand. You are planning too many countries for your short trip. Do Thailand and go into Cambodia for Angkor Wat.

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Gay

Luang Prabang in Laos is a wonderful place. You can get a visa on arrival easily. Always having some US $s and lots of passport photos with you in Asia makes life easy. As per other posts just do Thailand as so many diverse parts to see and experience from North to South.

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Janice

That is nowhere near enough time. We spent 3 weeks in Vietnam.and couldn't possible see enough. I would suggest that you take that three weeks and concentrate on one country OR you could look at Vietnam and a side trip to Siem Reap to see Ankor Wat.

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Rhonda

I would get my visas in advance- saves standing in lines - but you have to have your visit dates nailed down. Have fun!

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Eddie

You could maybe do Vietnam in 2 weeks vs 3, and then a week in Cambodia. But all 4 of them seem impossible, even by my speedy standards

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Judy

3 weeks is enough if you only want to visit the main cities.
I would start in Vietnam.
Arrive in Hanoi if possible. Stay in old quarters, do a city tour, Ha Long Bay. Trang An (where the King Kong movie was made, take a boat ride through caves-very relaxing, beautiful view)
Fly to Danang and go to Hoi An.
Fly to Ho Chi Minh
Fly to Siem Riep (Angkor Wat, etc.)
Fly to Bangkok - Google all the landmarks and things to do on tripadvisor to see which would be of interest to you.
Fly home from Bangkok..
I would get Visa for Virtnam from home before arrival (any Vietnamese travel agency will be able to help takes about 1 week)
Visa to Cambodia can be obtained on arrival-fairly easy. I went to a photo shop in Vietnam and got passport photos taken for really cheap (approx.c$3 for 8 photos)
Haven't been to Laos so can't comment.
Perhaps after this trip you'll be able to decide where you would like to explore further on future trips. Have fun!

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Marilyn

Loved Luang Prabang in Laos. Definitely my favourite in our travels. And yes you can get your visa at the airport in Laos. You go through as fast as people who already had their visa. And it is much cheaper to do that in Laos. For the other visas go on line.

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Ashley

That does not seem like enough time...I was 3 weeks in Thailand alone...

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Tara

Luang Prabang definitely.. Cambodia ..Siem Reap , kampot and koh rong Salome ( lazy beach )... you can get e-visas on line.. easy as you can bypass the lineups at airports

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Caitlin

You should go to one of those countries in three weeks.

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Farah

I would say.. pick two out of the three countries.. I’ve been to both Vietnam and Thailand and found I need at least three weeks in each!! As for places to visit...
Thailand: Chiang Mai is a must..koh samui is great.. Koh Tao is amazing especially if you wanna snorkel/dive.. if you like to party I would check out koh phangan for the full moon party .. although there’s a jungle party the day before which I personally liked it better... koh lanta was awesome.. krabi is great.. and koh phi phi is a lot of fun to party at.
Vietnam- hanoi was amazing. You can take a cruise up to ha long bay.. I’ve heard the 2-3 day cruises can get get a bit long.. but the one day cruise is amazing...da nang was beautiful and a lot of fun... I’ve heard nothing but good things about nha Trang although I didn’t have enough time to check it out.. and Ho Chi Minh city was pretty cool!! I’ve heard many good things about sapa as well if you can head up there!
I got my visa for Vietnam online... It only took half hour at the airport. I’m not sure how long it would have taken me if I hadn’t done this way. I remember there being a huge line at the desk... thailand you don’t need a visa

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Michele

We just came back from 3 weeks in Cambodia, you could do it less time, but then it’s not all that relaxing . You can easily spend a week in Siem Reap, what with the temples and pub street.

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Sherri

Any recommendations for anything around Phnom penh to do besides the obvious... as in surrounding area maybe on the way to siem Reap . have around 4 days to make it from there to siem Reap

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Michele

Sherri We didn’t hang around Phnom Penh. Stayed 3 nights, did the normal stuff. Then took a mini van (6 hours, not terribly comfortable) to Sen Monorom to do a one day outing with the Elephant Valley Project. Amazing, one of the best things we did altogether. Then we took another mini van (longer, but more comfortable) to Siem Reap from there. Kampot and Kep are reasonably close to Phnom Penh, and we spent some time there, but it’s the opposite way to Siem Reap. If you make it to Kep, try the Pepper Crab. It’s fabulous.

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Sherri

Michele thanks so much for this info! I would love to check put the Elephant Valley Project... and yes I'd love to go further south but doesnt looked like our schedule will permit ... we basically only have 6 days to make our way to siem Reap ... part of me is almost thinking I should maybe just fly direct to siem Reap and miss Phnom Penh...

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Tanis

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Tammy

Wow we are planning to do same places. So I am curious once you go

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Jann

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Graydon

All of that in 3 weeks....? WOW. I’ve done Vietnam, Thailand both 2 weeks each and felt like we had very little down time every time we got home...... why not try only doing 2 and then go back.
Just my opinion.
Have a great trip, have fun and stay safe!

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Judy

following

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Jacquie

Hoi An in Vietnam is awesome, get your visa before you go, save yourself the aggravation.

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Bon

Thanks I applied for a Evisa and got approved. Did you have to bring a passport photo with you?

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Meg

We got our Vietnam visas in Cambodia (we got ours in phnom phen but I read you can also get it in siem reap). It took one day, much easier than sending your passport away. Google it for updated blogs on it, we did this 4-5yrs ago. Cambodia and Thailand were visas on arrival so no need to get one in advance

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Leigha

A visa is needed?

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Bon

yes visa is needed

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Bon

for vietnam and cambodia . you don't need one for thailand

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Janick

I originally was going to do all those countries in 5 weeks but we had to cut out Laos for lost of time. 5 weeks wasn’t even enough for Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia, wish we had 3 months to do them but we made the 5 weeks work!
We did:
VIETNAM
- Ha Noi
- Hoi An
- Na Trang
Top pick: Ha Noi. We spent about 5 days here. We did an amazing 3 day, 2 night tour of Ha Long Bay. The mountains jetting our of the water is like nothing I’ve seen before. So beautiful. The city of Ha Noi is hectic and a cool look into the city culture.
CAMBODIA
- Siem Reap
- Phom Phen
Top Pick: Siem Reap. You can’t go to Cambodia without seeing the temples. We did about 3 days here. Give yourself 1-2 days for the temples. The downtown is fun to party in too.
THAILAND
- Koh Chang
- Koh Phi Phi
- Koh Samui
- Koh Phangang
- Krabi
- Bangkok
Top Pick: Koh Phi Phi. So beautiful! We did about 3 days here. But depends what you want. If you want to party then Koh Phangang is your place. I also really wish I did Chang Mai but we didn’t have time.
Overnight buses were a great time saver. You might have to do flights though to save even more time.
I’d suggest that if youre set on doing the 4 countries to just choose one city/town in each. Otherwise cut out 1 or 2 countries and focus on exploring more places within each. Often 3 days you can get a nice glimpse of what it has to offer.
Have a great trip!!

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Hannah

Janick agree I loved ko phi phi and ko samui was nice too!

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Hannah

Like mentioned by many, I’d highly recommend only doing 2 MAX out of your list. I just got back from Philippines/Thailand for a month and was just enough time. Travel takes a lot of your days up. Stay places longer and go to fewer places - you’ll enjoy your time more. Find places close by you’re interested in so travel time doesn’t take as long...have fun!

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Darlene

We got our visa for Vietnam online before we even traveled.

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Jan

Take the time to KNOW how you plan to arrive/enter Vietnam...the visas are specific for entry via land or air.

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Meg

Having said that I’m sure if you go to Thailand first it’s also an option in Bangkok so again I recommend just googling some travel blogs on it and you’ll get the updated info. Laos was visa on arrival too. Happy travels

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Phyllis

Angkor Wat in Siem Reap Cambodia is mind boggling

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Dave

Vietnam is much simpler to get your visa before you go, online.

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Wendy

Vietnam visa on line

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Valeria

Visa in Canada, Vietnam: must see Phu Quoc!

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Michaela

Definitely visit Sapa in Vietnam

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Valorie

I would go to Mai Chau over Sappa it’s only 4hours travel time from Hanoi not a full day and equally beautiful.

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Sherri

What did you like about may chau over sapa ?

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Ellen

I just got back from a 29 day tour of these 4 countries with G Adventures. There is a lot of travel, bus, boat, overnight train twice and plane. 21 days is cutting it fine. Laos was one of our favourite countries, especially Luang Prabang. Check out the itinerary of ‘Indochina Encompassed’ with G online. It was an amazing trip. Vietnam and Cambodia visas are easy to get online. Make sure you are on the government websites. Take 2 copies with you. Laos visa just needs a passport photo. ATM’s are expensive ($8) so only plan on changing your money once per country. Take American money for the visa. Have US $1 bills for Cambodia where they use that currency. There are so many things to see and enjoy, you might want to go back again to explore more. Have fun!!

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Ellen

We loved Hue in Vietnam but only had one night. Hoi An was great. I would skip Halong Bay - too many boats and people. Loved Pnom Penh and of course Siem Reap for the temples. We also visited Chang Mai in northern Thailand - loved it and the island of Koh Samui further south which we flew to from Bangkok - also awesome. So many great places but the people were what really made the trip.

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Lindsey

If you like camping, Vietnam has some of the world's largest cave systems. Went on a 4 day and 3 night exploration tour with
Oxalis Adventure a few years ago and it was truly a once in a lifetime experience. The tour is in Phong Nha in central Vietnam. Super easy and inexpensive to get to via plane.

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Natalie

Lenny Tabakman

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Cindy

You can get your vietnam visa at the airport 25 us dollars

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Gerry

Cindy but make sure you have your letter, doable online.

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Cindy

Yes and the passport pics....spent last Aug in Vietnam...

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Amandeep

We did the following. Make sure to get your Vietnam visa before, it’s a hassle when you’re in Asia. Cost us over $275 because it had to be express.

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Amandeep

Itinerary
Thur, Dec 27 Vancouver, Canada to Nanjing, China
Fri, Dec 28 Shanghai
⁃ Jade Buddha Temple, Oriental Pearl Radio and TV Tower, Bund Pier
Sat, Dec 29 Shanghai to Bangkok, Thailand
Sun, Dec 30 Bangkok to Chiang Mai
⁃ 248 Street Hostel, 3 Little Pigs Restaurant, night market, massage, temples
Mon, Dec 31 Chiang Mai
⁃ Maesa Elephant Camp, Baan Tong Luang Eco-Agricultural Hill Tribes Village, Mae Rim Snake Farm, Tiger Kingdom, P. Oriental Collection, Wat Prathat Doi Suthep / Phra Borommathat Doi Suthep, Tha Phae Main East Gate for lanterns
Tue, Jan 1 Chiang Mai
⁃ breakfast Ratana’s Kitchen, Grand Canyon Water Park, Wat Phratad Doikhum temple, Wat Umong temple, Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurudwara, shopping, Thai massage, Jazz Club
Wed, Jan 2 Chiang Mai to Hanoi, Vietnam
⁃ old quarters, Hoan Kiem Lake, dinner Thiuyta Cafe, La Siesta Central / Twilight Sky Bar, Skyline Bar, pedicure
Thur, Jan 3 Hanoi to HaLong Bay
⁃ Lily’s Homestay, Nam Phong Cot 8
Fri, Jan 4 HaLong Bay
⁃ boat tour, Floating Village, Ba Hang Cave, Dong Thien Cung Cave, Big C Supermarket
Sat, Jan 5 HaLong Bay to Hanoi to Hue
⁃ Hanoi Train Station, Highlands Coffee
Sun, Jan 6 Hue
⁃ Hong Thien Ruby Hotel, Minh Mang Tomb, Khai Dinh Tomb, Thien Mu Pagoda, Citedal, Royal Palaces, Imperial City, History of War Museum, North Face shopping, Korean Buffet BBQ, foot massage
Mon, Jan 7 Hue to Da Nang
⁃ Lang Co Beach Resort - Stork Village, Linh Ugh Pagoda (Ngu Hanh Son), Marbel Mountain, Coco Bay Hotel Resort, beach, Hoi An, night market, lanterns
Tue, Jan 8 Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
⁃ garden, beach, city, airport
⁃ Icon56 and Tresor, Ben Thanh Street Food Market and Dist 1, night market
Wed, Jan 9 Ho Chi Minh City
⁃ War Remnants Museum, Vietnam History Museum, rooftop pool, IndoChina Junk Cruise and dinner, night market
Thur, Jan 10 Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc Island
⁃ Harley Davidson shop, airport, Sen Viet Resort, pool, dinner, massage
Fri, Jan 11 Phu Quoc Island
⁃ tour, old airport road, speed boat, 4 islands and beaches (Inside & Outside May Rut Island, Dam Ngang, Mong Tay), fishing, snorkelling, seafood lunch, old town
Sat, Jan 12 Phu Qouc Island to Phnom Penh, Cambodia
⁃ Bien Dong Bay, SuperDong VI ferry, Ha Tien town and border crossing, Kampot, Zizzy Hotel & Bar, Nike’s Pizza House
Sun, Jan 13 Phnom Penh
⁃ breakfast Tonle Khmer Restaurant, National Museum, Choeung Ek Genocidal Center & Killing Fields, Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda, dinner, bus station, Wat Phnom monument, Independence monument, foot massage, bar
Mon, Jan 14 Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
⁃ Forest King Hotel, Angkor Night Market
Tue, Jan 15 Siem Reap
⁃ Angkor Wat & Thom ancient ruins, Banteay Srey (Lady Temple), Preah Khan, Bayon, Baphuon, Elephant Terrace, Ta Prohm (Tomb Raider), swim pool, dinner Koki Korean BBQ, night market, fish massage
Wed, Jan 16 Siem Reap
⁃ Starbucks, Heritage Walk mall, Don Alexandro Pub & Bar, wax, Apsara Show & buffet at Koulen Restaurant
Thur, Jan 17 Siem Reap to Phuket, Thailand
⁃ We Cafe Salad, Phuket 7 Inn in Chalong Bay, Karon Kata / Ban Kata Beach, MK Restaurant dinner
Fri, Jan 18 Ko Phi Phi
⁃ Chalong Pier, Rassada Harbour / Port, Phi Phi Lay, main island Phi Phi Don, Loh Da Lum Bay, lunch at Phi Phi Hotel, Chalong Buffet dinner, pool, bar
Sat, Jan 19 Phuket
⁃ Knmcrk, Wine Collection, Wat Chalong, elephant Bella, oil massage, Karon, Bangla Street in Patong & Beach
Sun, Jan 20 Phuket to Bangkok
⁃ Siri Sathorn Hotel (Executive Serviced Residence), Grand Palace, Museum Siam, Thipsamai Pad thai, Khao San Road, pool, State Tower, Soi Cowboy, Tilac Bar
Mon, Jan 21 Bangkok to Kunming, China
⁃ breakfast at Coffee Club, pool, BTS Sala Daeng, Mamsa gem store, pad thai, Lebua Sky Bar at State Tower, hotel, airport
Tue, Jan 22 Kunming to home via Nanjing
⁃ Dingsheng foot massage sleep

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Megan

My husband and I went to all of these cities except Ho Chi Minh, and a few more in Thailand and Vietnam as we spent 3 months there last winter. We did not plan anything other than our initial arrival and departure, just decided where we wanted to go as we went and booked everything online ourselves. Did not have a Vietnam Visa so we just did it online, it only took one day to get it but I think we were lucky so I would recommend doing that in advance if you know you want to go there. We loved Siem Reap (Cambodia) the nicest people, Hanoi and Da Nang in Vietnam for the outdoor activities (trek through the rice fields, caving, kayaking), Chaing Mai in Thailand (Buddhist meditation class at the university and Thai cooking class) Phuket was a little touristy and Bangkok too busy Pai up north was a nice small town a van ride away from Chaing Mai with some interesting things to see (a land split from an earthquake that split a farmers land in half you can walk through a nice canyon, waterfalls Buddhist temple up on a hill all for free) be sure to get a Thai massage at some point they are amazing and very reasonably priced, try some mango sticky rice too. Hope you enjoy your trip we sure did

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Jane

Oh definitely before you leave for the visas
You don’t want to take a chance of being denied entry. In fact, I don’t think you can get visas at the airports. Visas can take a long time to process also, so get on them ASAP. You pay a lot of extra $ if you need them expedited.

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Angeline

Under 30 days in Thailand Canadians don’t need visas. I got mine on arrival to Laos and Cambodia. Vietnam I ordered online, there are many sites and had it waiting in the airport when I arrived - and had that all organized ahead of time.
3 weeks total or each country ?

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Leah

Hoi An in Vietnam. Luang Prabang and Vientiane in Laos. Definitely Angor Wat in Cambodia

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Sandra

Hoi An, Vietnam

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Michelle

Get the visa before

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Christin

We got the Cambodian visa online ahead of time. I think it was $30. You need to get a passport photo. Thai visas we just got at the airport. I don't think there was a cost if you are Canadian and staying less than 30 days. We eve on went in the country, out to Cambodia and back in Thailand. No problem. I have not been to Vietnam (yet).

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Michelle

U need a visa before entering Vietnam. I’ve been there. No visa, no entry

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Bon

Michelle thx for the tip

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Alyssa

Visa before 100%. We went and it was so quick because we had ours. Long line and expensive for those that didn’t. My faves were Hanoi and Phu Quoc

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Teya

Also if you decide to cross over to Cambodia overland there’s a big visa scam that’s going on. You could just Google it in tripadvisor for all the details

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Jayson

Get Visa before.. getting your pictures there of u is easy in Vietnam.. best beaches I ever saw were in Cambodia!!

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Michele

Jayson they are amazing!

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Tara

I have heard from a few friends it can be a bit sketchy getting a visa when you arrive. Longer lines for sure, and depending on who you ge the price can "change". I'm Canadian and had no issues getting it before my travel.

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Ivory

Following

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Tony

Hoi An, Vietnam is a must.

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Emilie

Ankor wat in Siem Reap
is a must see
visa online i believe

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Wade

For Vietnam if you are from the U.S. you must at least get an on line letter that you will be getting a visa on arrival. Check around for the best fee some are quite high (private companies) some are low. Laos and Cambodia have no fuss visas on arrival. Check to see if Canadians are treated any different. Angkor Wat is spectacular. Bring extra passport photos for your visas and American cash for the fees.

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Bon

I got my Evisa for vietnam. do I need to bring a passport photo still?

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Wade

Yes, take two of them. I may be mistaken but the photos are cheap.

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Wade

I didn't use the evisa system.

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Vivien

You can get visa upon arrival in Cambodia. No problems there. Have an extra photo for id or they'll charge u more. (If you are Canadian)

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Michele

Vivien they prefer visa on arrival for tourists. Very efficient in Phnom Penh, so long as you have photos.

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Graham

In Canada at the embassies avoid send your passport anywhere. Cities to visit Chiang Mai in Thailand stay in the old city safe. Quiet and easy to get around. Go Bangkok to Chiang Mai by train see the country they have new 1st class compartments.
Ho Ching Ming district one cheap walking distance to all major war museums, DeNang modern city take a motorcycle tour of Ho Ching Ming Trail
Train in Vietnam is a bit rough but very rewarding, can’t get your own compartment but semi private ( 4 ) take bottom berth. Continue north either by motorcycle or train. Vietnamese in the small villages very welcoming!!!!

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Sarah

We just travelled through these three countries (am still in Vietnam in fact). Thailand you can get the visa on arrival, no problem.
Cambodia, you can get on arrival, but BEWARE there are tons and tons of different and frequent border scams at the land crossings. Fly in if you can to minimize the hassle.
Vietnam, you MUST get a visa before arrival, however they do offer online visas now if you are flying in to one of the main two airports (Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh) The only difficulty is that it is almost impossible to do without using an online agency to help you. We used http://vietnamvisapro.net and they were really good. Cheap, fast, and we had no problems picking up our visa in Ho Chi Minh airport on arrival with their letter.
VIETNAMVISAPRO.NET
Vietnam Visa on Arrival | Vietnam Visa Online | Get Vietnam Visa | Vietnam Visa Pro

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Brenda

While in Siem Reap, get a guide to take you out to Prasat Pram. My favourite temples were there. Jaw dropping..
More so than Angkor Wat.

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Bon

Thanks everyone!!

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Candice

Megan Desjarlais

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Denise

Great guide for Siem Reap: came highly recommended by a friend in Canada and he did not disappoint!! Great English and very knowledgeable. We arranged everything by email.
Chanthou Choun
[email protected]

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Al

Krabi Town and beaches Ao Nang

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Biancha

Chang Mai for the Sunday walking market

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Ree

Stop in Hoi An a must!

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Anna

Are you able to fly in and out of Vietnam once you have a Visa?
I was planning on flying into HCMC in Sept., then fly out of Hanoi in October... but if I want to go into another country within the month can I?
Also... trying to decide if I start in Hanoi and work my way down to HCMC, or the other way around.. I’m going Sept. 17-Oct.18

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David

Anna-Braaten unless things have changed since I went, you’ll need a multi entry visa to leave VN and come back to fly home. Doesn’t really matter what way you go, maybe look at the seasons and see what area is best when. But don’t focus your trip on the big cities. You’ll have much more fun in the smaller towns.

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David

Oh haha I see we both work for bcehs. What stn are you at?

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Anna

Thanks! Was looking at the weather patterns and rains... looks like staying out of central Vietnam during the month and focusing on south and north is best? Hard to figure out when every website says something different for rainy season! Ha
I just want options of choice if I decide to pop over to another country.
I’m up in 131... but just started secondary in 150,151.. as I live in the valley. Where are you out of?

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David

Anna-Braaten ohh right on, I’m 124.
Personally I wouldn’t even go there during that time. If you’re ok with the weather though then I’m sure it’ll be fine. If you do go maybe start in the North and head south?

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David

https://www.selectiveasia.com/vietnam.../weather/october
SELECTIVEASIA.COM
Vietnam weather in October - temperature, climate, best time to visit

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Anna

Hmmmm.... I haven’t booked my tickets into and out of places yet.... the rainy season is making me think twice... have you been to any of the other countries close by during that time?

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David

Let me look at my hopper bookings and I’ll see when/where. I remember being in VN during November and the weather was good but did have some mega downpours that made us stay in our hotel rooms. For Asia I always go between November and April. November can still have some crap weather, and April is super super hot.

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David

Never been during sept/oct. Personally would wait a month if you’re able to.
If I were to go during that time I’d go to S.Korea or Japan or Indonesia.

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Anna

Great thanks! Those were a couple of my choices as well!

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David

You could just bail on your shifts at 31 and go to Thailand for Songkran in April haha. Best time ever. I’m headed there in a few days.

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Anna

as we all know ... I have to have another job to support myself while working there...
Was in Thailand a few years ago... loved it!

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Deborah

Arrival visa depends where you fly into airport etc

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Bon

Hi everyone I got my vietnam Evisa. do you need to bring a office passport photo with me as well for when I enter the country??

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Gay

When travelling in Asia always handy to have extra passport photos

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Holly

Kate Rose interesting ideas

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Ronald

E-visa worked extremely well and was issued within 24 hours of application for Cambodia.

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Ronald

Bangkok is a huge sprawling city but transportation is decent and taxis are not expensive. The Sathorn district is a pretty nice place to stay for your Bangkok portion. Krabi and Phuket can be done as one trip if you have to choose pick Krabi and here is where you might splurge on accommodation as there are some great beach front boutique hotels in Krabi. Check air quality in Chiang Mai it can get dangerously unhealthy at times.

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Sharon

i paid for my visa on arrival to Cambodia yesterday $30.00 American

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Sharon

i found the Skytrain and River Ferry easy to use in Bangkok, and much cheaper than taxis.

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Bon

Sharon thx for that info!

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Colin

Went from Vietnam to Cambodia by bus. Got visa at border from assistant on bus Cost then was $20 plus $5 for the assistant. Got visa to Laos at the border when we crossed from Thailand. Only visa we needed before arrival was to Vietnam which we applied for when in Luang Prabang (Laos)

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Gay

All the countries in Asia only take US$ preferably newish notes when you buy your visas.


A.I. says...

AI Profile Pic

Southeast Asia Adventure: Must-Visit Cities and Visa Tips

Planning a 3-week adventure through Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos is an exciting endeavor! These countries offer a rich tapestry of cultures, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable experiences. Here are some must-see cities and visa tips to help you make the most of your journey.

Thailand

  • Bangkok - Thailand's vibrant capital, known for its ornate temples, bustling street life, and delicious street food.
  • Chiang Mai - A laid-back city in northern Thailand, famous for its ancient temples, night markets, and proximity to beautiful natural attractions like Doi Suthep and Doi Inthanon National Park.

Vietnam

  • Hanoi - Vietnam's capital, featuring a charming Old Quarter, delectable cuisine, and attractions like the Temple of Literature and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
  • Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) - A vibrant metropolis with a rich history, bustling markets, and landmarks like the Reunification Palace and Cu Chi Tunnels.
  • Hoi An - A picturesque ancient town with beautifully preserved architecture, lantern-lined streets, and tailor shops galore.

Cambodia

  • Siem Reap - The gateway to the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in the world.
  • Phnom Penh - Cambodia's capital, offering a glimpse into the country's turbulent history at sites like the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, as well as vibrant markets and riverside life.

Laos

  • Luang Prabang - A UNESCO World Heritage City, known for its beautifully preserved Buddhist temples, French colonial architecture, and stunning natural scenery along the Mekong River.
  • Vang Vieng - A small town surrounded by breathtaking limestone karst formations, offering opportunities for outdoor adventures like rock climbing, tubing, and caving.

Visa Tips

As for your visa question, obtaining your travel visas in advance from Canada can save you time and hassle at the airport. However, some countries like Thailand and Vietnam offer visa-on-arrival options for certain nationalities, allowing you to obtain a visa upon landing at the airport.

It's essential to research the specific visa requirements for each country you plan to visit, as they can vary based on your nationality and the duration of your stay. Some countries may require visas to be obtained in advance, while others offer visa-on-arrival options or visa exemptions for short stays.

Regardless of your decision, it's always a good idea to have all the necessary documents and requirements ready before your trip to ensure a smooth entry process.

Wishing you an unforgettable and love-filled adventure through these captivating Southeast Asian destinations!



2016
28
July
What are the must-see destinations in Thailand, Singapore, and Bali?

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