Northern Southeast Asia, which is a bastion of Buddhism in the world is generally taken to consist of Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. This article is a suggestion for those who want to see the remnants of what once were great empires.

Understand

Southeast Asia had been home to several of the world's greatest civilisations before European colonialists arrived. Among them are the Khmer, Champa, Funan and many others. Long at the crossroads between China and India, influences from both areas can be seen in Southeast Asian cultures, with Indian influences dominating in most parts with the exception of Vietnam, where Chinese influences dominate.

This itinery plans to show to contrasts of various Southeast Asian civilisations, and also provides times for you to experience life in some of the world's most vibrant cities.

Prepare

US dollars and Euros are widely accepted, but generally at poor conversion rates. Be sure to change money into the local currency when you arrive. Alternatively, stop at an alternative transit point with a well developed financial sector, such as Singapore or Hong Kong, and get your money changed there before you fly in.

Get in

Bangkok's '''Suvarnabhumi Airport''' ({{IATA|BKK}}) is by far the busiest airport in Southeast Asia and is the main point of entry for most travellers. Smaller airports with a significant number of international flights, mainly to other Asian cities include Chiang Mai ({{IATA|CNX}}) in Thailand, Siem Reap ({{IATA|REP}}) and Phnom Penh ({{IATA|PNH}}) in Cambodia, as well as Hanoi ({{IATA|HAN}}) and Ho Chi Minh City ({{IATA|SGN}}) in Vietnam.

Go/Walk/Drive/...

This is only a suggested itinery, and does not cover Laos and Myanmar. However, if you have the time, you can try tweaking it a little to fit additional destinations in.

Fly into Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai to Sukothai

Sukothai to Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya to Bangkok

Bangkok to Siem Reap

Siem Reap to Kompang Thom

Kompong Thom to Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An

Hoi An to My Son

My Son to Hue

Hue to Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay to Hanoi

Fly out of Hanoi

Stay safe

Get out