Laos and Burma

[vickster]

A friend and I are starting to ponder next year's 'big' holiday. Quite fancy going back to SE Asia having had a fab time in Cambodia and Vietnam last year

Laos definitely appeals, and was thinking either Northern Thailand (probably a cheaper option) or Burma (a more different option). Part of the issue with Thailand is most tours include Bangkok, been in the past, don't want to go back particularly, especially as would be limited to around 2 weeks

Anyone one been to any of these countries?

The other option might be Eastern Canada with a different friend, but that seems a bit dull in comparison lol

 

[fossyant]

Don't go cycling 'off piste' in Laos. My friend has bicycle toured the area. Interesting place, many use the old aircraft fuel pods as canoes. Lots of land mines still.

 

[vickster]

Don't go cycling 'off piste' in Laos. My friend has bicycle toured the area. Interesting place, many use the old aircraft fuel pods as canoes. Lots of land mines still.

I don't think there'd be much if any cycling, my friend managed a few hours in Angkor but then he got very sore and grumpy Maybe a half day max

 

[fossyant]

It looks a beautiful place from the photo's he sent through. He's had quite a few adventures - he's rented out his house and has spent the last few years on the bike. He is currently in South America.

In one of the SE Asian countries, he did have to hop on an overloaded bus with his bike to get to the border as his visa was running short. He's had a few issues like that, the main one being getting into the ruddy US from Canada, he had a 1000 mile detour to get more paperwork ! No rush like, he's not expected home any time soon.

 

[Pro Tour Punditry]

 

[Drago]

I've flown over Vietnam en route to Honkers. Unlike the Americans though, I didn't drop anything out the aircraft on the way past.

 

[Cycleops]

Been up to Mae Hong Son near the Burma border. You can fly there. If you want to see a bit of it Mel Gibson's "Air America" was filmed there. Generally the north is more interesting than the south. Don't want to put you off but it can be a bit more dangerous though, I saw a guy shot dead on his motorbike in a drive by.

The walled city of Chiang Mai is lovely.

 

[hopless500]

Northern Thailand is hilly but nice for cycling. Friend has cycled Laos and loved it. Also hilly. Same friend and Mr Hop did Burma last year. They did it unescorted and went to places that had never had tourists. Some places they weren't allowed to stop so you'd be better off with an organised tour in Burma probably. Plains of Bagan looked stunning in their pics.

 

[vickster]

There'll be no cycling, except just as a little half day jaunt (my mate is not a cyclist), and yes it'll be fully escorted, either small group or private tour. Certainly no backpacking,, heaven forbid

 

[vickster]

Hmm I didn't know Burma is susceptible to earthquakes

Myanmar earthquake: Images from Bagan historic sites
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-37183943

Looks a fantastic place to visit though!

 

[hopless500]

Hmm I didn't know Burma is susceptible to earthquakes

Myanmar earthquake: Images from Bagan historic sites
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-37183943

Looks a fantastic place to visit though!

Yep. It was on the news a few nights ago

 

[vickster]

Yep. It was on the news a few nights ago

I must have missed it, been dominated by the terrible one in Italy

 

[hopless500]

I must have missed it, been dominated by the terrible one in Italy

It was a couple of days or so earlier. Footage showed dust rising from buildings I'd been looking at pics of earlier that week

 

[vickster]

A bump for any last minute Myanmar tips as I’m off next Friday

Going to Chiang Mai (rather than Laos) so again any tips.,.and for a day in Bangkok (I have been before, done the main touristy stuff and not interested in Patpong)

 

[alicat]

Have a good time. How are you feeling about flying?