Dear travellers,
I am currently in between jobs and as a result have about 4-5 weeks to travel SEA in August (first preference was camper travel in Australia but have to pass that since its winter there!). While travelling through the forum, I read that people usually recommend traveling (at max) 2 countries in such a short time. However, I would like to focus on some key highlights in different countries. I would love your advise on the following itinerary:
Amsterdam - > Bangkok (3 days, including departure from Amsterdam)
Travel to Chiang Mai (1 day)
Chiang Mai (3 days)
Flight to Siem Riep? (0.5 day)
Siem Riep (2.5 days)
Kuala Lumpur (3 days)
Flight -> Kuala Lumpur to Java or Sumatra (0.5 day)
Java or Sumatra (3 days)
Move to Bali (spend remaining 9-10 days there before flying back to Amsterdam).
For your information, we are a couple in our early 30s and have never been to SEA before. We would primarily like to explore different cultures and if possible explore the night life a bit as well.
Do you think flights would make the trip expensive? Are their budget airlines to fly across countries, similar to Europe? We are also considering the option of taking a world ticket from Amsterdam. Do you think that will be a cheaper option?
Will you also suggest renting a car in different countries that we visit?
Many thanks for your responses.