As I planned my itinerary through Southeast Asia

As I planned my itinerary through Southeast Asia -

Route planning is a complex animal. There is no single best way to do it. Everyone has different travel wishes, goals and needs. It's why I've always shied route planning via the simplest advice of the discussion. Not doubled back

I do not know what you want or like, so suggesting complex, in several cities routes I is something generally can not do.

But one thing that you brought a lot of readers in the latest survey on was route planning. How do I do it? How can I find out where to go? What is my logic?

While there is no magic formula for creating a route, I want to share with you how I take the routes I take and my strategies for deciding what goals you just deselected the island.

In addition, moving forward, I will be more posts written as follows (and I might even and go back saying how I designed some of my previous itineraries), but for now, let my current two-month trip to Southeast Asia begin.

The first thing is to know about route planning it, you will always be disappointed. Why? Because you'll stare at a map and say, "I want to go here, here, here and here definitely", then suddenly realize you will not have enough time to see everything. Something will have to get cut, and that will make you sad.

And so come away with the fact that you will be disappointed, and you will miss something. You can see, not all, so do not try. Just enjoy as much as you can in the time that you may have. Do not go too fast. Rush in three weeks to visit not a million places. Go at your own pace and experience, as much as possible. It is not as much to see you, but how you see it.

Originally I planned from Bangkok in Isaan, Thailand's rural north east of the province, for a few weeks, then go to Pakse to travel and the 4,000 islands in Laos before Vientiane heading (with stops along the way) back through from Isaan and finally in Bangkok. After that it was in the Philippines. That would give me about six weeks in Southeast Asia and after two weeks in the Philippines

Here is a map of the route .:

flows in a beautiful county, it returns no doubling, and it meets many important on- and off-the-beaten-path spots I've always wanted to see. This route allows me really to meet at an appropriate pace a lot of points. Mostly the weeks have had to visit over friends in Bangkok and to see Isaan.

I never really explored the heart of Isaan and always have the feeling that a big gap in my Thailand was exploration. It is a very rural part of the country, famous for its landscape, the food, and national parks. Because I would be in the area, I decided to add in the 4000 islands in Laos. This popular area is famous for river dolphins in the Mekong, chill-out vibes, bungalows and swimming - you come here to relax. Looping to Vientiane allows me rural Laos to see before they go back into Isaan and Bangkok. I did not know exactly , where I would go, but I would follow this general direction, to fill on the way into the gaps.

I not all could make these goals, but this plan was to follow me a good starting point, and the general direction. (Although, if history is a guide, I am to change vulnerable, wherever I go.)

However, before only I flew to Hong Kong, called my friend Jodi and told them more than she was staying in Thailand, 'd planned - but she was in Chiang Mai, so to get them to fly and my friend James to see, I had to change my whole way. Where to now?

While I see less of Isaan, this route allows me to see a number of new locations. I took Pai because I never bee n, and it's a hit with travelers. There is also a cave I want to see called Tham Lot. I am planning a few days there in Laos before to spend in Chiang Rai on the way. Chiang Rai is a good stopping point (it is near the border) before. Luang Prabang heading, a city known for its Buddhist temples Then it goes to the Plain of Jars and Vang Vieng, a town that once Backpacker was ruined, which made it into a drunken alcohol Feast of stupidity. Fortunately, the government put an end, and I want to see how the city changed now, that people are not drunk gets and something called "death slide." Jump Then, it goes to Vientiane before Isaan Travel and Pakse.

The last time I was in Laos, Bush was president, so it's time, and really throughout the country traveling with fresh eyes to go back. I have not seen much of it, and because all of my time in the region, I have to change that.

And as for the Philippines, well, I have not thought that far ahead.

Who knows, I can not end there; maybe I'll be stuck somewhere along the way. My big plan all go out the window, but at least for the next week or so, I have a general idea of ​​where I'm going. If I plan routes, I let much open for the event will change - and I book in advance either nothing. You never know, if you want to stay longer or leave earlier, so just book on the way!

As for the actual goals of the research, these days I do not do very much research beforehand on the squares, in my opinion, the best advice is on the ground usually available when you arrive , However, I have a lot of use Travel because it is the best resource for travel in Southeast Asia. Shout out to Stuart to answer the questions I had about the area millions! For Pai, I read what Alex had to say in walking, since it is a super fan of the city. But for everything else, I have not seen yet interfered. After years of traveling, I'm just winging happy!

So this is my current route through Southeast Asia and why I plan chose the places I visit.

I know many of you were hoping for more complex plans and advice, but it is as easy as picking where you want to go and how long you want it really. I usually take a general way and then just wing it. If I make it all the way, I do it all the way. If I change, I change. Finally, the most important part of the trip is to be flexible!

P.P.S. If you are going soon travel, check out the newly expanded resource page. I have some more of my favorite companies and websites.

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