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.