Backpacking Southeast Asia, into Bangkok and out of Singapore

by Tony
(Portsmouth, England)

Question: Hi there, me and my best friend have booked flights to Bangkok arriving on the 28th May.

We were wondering if there is a particular "best way round" in terms of ease of travel/transport/border crossings/visa requirements? How long it takes roughly. Key points we "have to see/go" anything worth avoiding.

We plan to arrive in Bangkok then either head to north Thailand-Laos-Vietnam (north to south)-Cambodia-back into Thailand-touring south Thailand-Malaysia-flying out of Singapore on the 12th Sep.

Or arrive in Bangkok and head east-Cambodia-Vietnam-Laos-Thailand (north to south in one go)-Malaysia-Singapore.

The only keys points and times we need to keep are.........the arrival date and departure date and we need to be in on Phi Phi island on the 11th august to meet friends.

Is there a way around the problem of only have 15 days visa when re-entering Thailand? as which ever way we go I think we would a few more nights!

Regards, Tony

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Apr 08, 2011

Advice
by: Amanda/Backpacking Tips Asia

Hey Tony, I would go for the first itinerary you suggested:

"North Thailand-Laos-Vietnam (north to south)-Cambodia-back into Thailand-touring south Thailand-Malaysia-flying out of Singapore on the 12th Sep."

Border crossings: north Thailand - north Laos (Chiang Khong/Huay Xai border crossing - a popular, but also chaotic crossing - you can get Lao visa on arrival).

North Laos to North Vietnam from the town of Phonosavan in Laos to Vietnamese city of Vinh is also open, and the common option for many travelers. You have to get a Vietnamese visa in advance. According to the sources I've been looking to you can't get a visa at the border.

From Saigon to Cambodia: Bavet/Moc Bai border crossing -- very popular and well used among backapackers. Travelfish say that you can get a Cambodian visa at the border.

From Cambodia to Thailand -- you get 15 days by border crossing. The only way to get more than 15 days of stay in Thailand is to apply for a tourist visa.. or you can take a flight to Bangkok and get 30 days (no money charged, but there's flight cost).

Border crossing from south Thailand to north Malaysia requires no visa in advance. For most nationalities, it's visa-free for 3 months.

Common transportation for travelers in Southeast Asia is by bus. In Thailand, Malaysia and certain companies in Cambodia the buses are efficient and on-time. For Thailand and Malaysia I'm talking about Government buses, and not private buses. Several backpackers over the years have complained about private buses (theft is one problem). In Cambodia there are companies like Virak Buntham and Surya (I've tried both) with quick service. Paramount Angkor has received bad reviews from travelers.

Avoid traveling with Paramount Angkor Express buses in Cambodia

Transportation in Laos can be a drag (the local buses), but a once in a lifetime experience! The minibuses are frequently used by travelers. Often the guesthouse can arrange that for you, or else just go to a travel agent and arrange it there.

When it comes to Vietnam, I have no idea of the transportation easiness there. Haven't been there. Maybe others have some opinions...

Hope this helps!

Amanda

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