Thread: Give a dog a bone (your ideas on 2-3 weeks of relaxing)

I'll be down from China in a week (and hopefully never to return unless they pay double for the amount of smog I suck in in that country)

This must be the 12-14th time. Lost count. Basically using Bangers as a stepping stone to a couple weeks of travel, before I start work again. Much needed 2-3 weeks R&R, after three months in China.

Been to Cambo (twice last year), Malaysia (only Penang, Lankawi), Philippines (Palawan and Boracay), Vietnam, plenty of the Thai islands.

Seems pointless to rinse and repeat, thus I won't spend too much time in Bangkok. I was thinking of CM as I've never been. Also thinking Indonesia (heard of the stunning scenery and fantastic 'birdlife'), another more extensive trip in Malaysia (although I heard the rain is pretty hardcore on the east coast), or another island in the Philippines.

A bit Asia-ed out, but still love the place and know there's plenty more to see and do (and do).

What would you do with 2-3 weeks of leisure time?

Definitely go to Chiang Mai....it has a delightfully upcountry feel to it, and is a mellow place. Then on to Chiang Rai (much quieter).

Originally Posted by Latindancer

Definitely go to Chiang Mai....it has a delightfully upcountry feel to it, and is a mellow place. Then on to Chiang Rai (much quieter).

As long as he's in the neighborhood - Nan Province can be quite lovely, yet a bit coolish this time of year.

Might just do that. Train or plane? TAA and Air Nok are super cheap, innit?

Still got the mind to head over to Indo and Malaysia.

Or a South-North Vietnam trip.

Get up to Chiangmai hire yourself a car and do the Mae Hong song loop following the border.

If you ain't done it before you will have many joyous moments. Stunning this time of the year.

Yeh CM (&/or Chiang Rai) is a good base, especially if you've got wheels. Apart from the Pai/ Mae hong Son loop you can head further north- places like Doi Angkhang, Tha Ton, actually there's plenty of stuff up there- tea plantations, mountains, nationalist Chiese communities. An interesting and beautiful area.

Another thought, closer to bangers, is Kanchanaburi- nice town, and some great scenery in the general area. Most people go there for a few days sight seeing (war graves, river cruise, death railway, maybe a waterfall), but it would make a nice town to base from for a coupla weeks and check out the area. A lot of natural beauty.

Plenty to see down the coast too, south of Hua Hin. I've only scratched the surface. Khao Kalok, Sam Roy Od, plenty of beaches and beach towns, not over touristed. You can happily just drive, overnight where the mood takes you, no particular itinerary.

Then there's the montains around Loei & Phetchabun- luvly they are, and after you're all mountained out, a few days in and around Chiang Khong on the Mekhong.

Of course, it helps to have a Thai speaking 'significant other' in tow. So there's a few thoughts for your next few RnR stays.

Closer to 'home'- the south west of China, Yunnan province, is well worth a visit. It's not exactly untouristed- but the vast majority of the tourists are chinee. It's quite different to smoggy eastern China, in fact it's the birthplace of the Tai and their culture.

Originally Posted by Baas Babelaas

Also thinking Indonesia

You'd have to put up with Saint William of Indo...

I'm not keen on driving, given the rather erratic driving behaviour of the locals.

The nice thing about the ex was that she had wheels, did all the driving, and did it well.

Might need to spend a week or two in Bangers, sort myself out with a lady with wheels (I'll pay for hotels, food, etc, she drives), then head off on a mission.

Aint keen on hanging with the flashpackers, nor the crusty old mongers - never been to Nana, Soi Cowboy etc - no need. Young and decent looking enough to pull bint without paying for it.

Reason I was thinking Indo was I heard the scenery is awesome, cultural mash-up, and foxy ladies.

Cambo's the cheap option.

Will definitely look into the CM option. Thanks for that.

Indo :

99.5 of men smoke, everywhere.

Travel warnings just updated due to terrorist threat.

I think I'll head up north for a week, then hit Cambo (SR) - love that place, super chilled out.

Originally Posted by Baas Babelaas

oung and decent looking enough to pull bint without paying for it.

You will pay for it, if not directly