I first went to Chiang Mai about 30 years ago and it was a very quiet place then. You could walk across the street unharmed with your eyes closed. I have just returned to Bangkok from Nan and it was almost the same. (Apparently there is a local speed limit of 20 kph there but there is almost no traffic). Staying in the one place means that your parents will spend more time traveling so I suggest you to spend a few nights in about 2-3 places besides Bangkok. Chiang Mai is one place that should be on the list. Sukhothai is another that you should consider. I was really amazed at Nan. Selecting a few places in that are would be a good idea. There are good bus connections between them.

AC rooms at about 500 bahts a night are common. There are low cost plane connections to many places in the North which will help your your young parents. I traveled by bus.

I agree that you should take your parents around as a bit of local knowledge always helps.

555 - ha ha ha - is Chinese as well and suggests "good luck". The minimum price for lottery tickets was AUD 5.55 for several years until recently.

Paul

I've just spoken to the OP privately about his posting. (It turns out it's his first, so wasn't as clear as it should have been.)

He'd wondered whether the weather was risky in the locations he'd mentioned.

Given that October is still the end of the rainy season, are there places in Thailand where one could snorkel without too much risk of rain? Would Khao Yai and Chiang Mai be too washed out to visit in late October?

If I remember correctly, the Cambodian visa costs $30 on arrival and looks like it's $36 for an e-visa. Getting the Cambodian visa on arrival at the airport wasn't too stressful, nowhere near as inefficient as the Vietnam visa process, that took ages! If you do a visa on arrival for either Cambodia or Vietnam, you need cash in USD. To visit Siem Reap you'd need to add in the cost of the flights, the $30 visa, the $37 for a one-day pass and the accommodation, I think that's what ae123456 means is the cost worth it. I'd say it depends on how much you want to see Siem Reap or if there are other places in Cambodia you want to visit (e.g. Killing Fields & Tuol Sleng in Phnom Penh) that maybe you're better off doing a proper visit to the country another time?

How long do you plan to be in Vietnam for in total as you'll also need a visa for there if it's over 15 days, I'm sure you're aware but just in case :)!! If so, you can do e-visas now I think, or on arrival which you'll probably need an entry letter for.

We've just spent 5 months in SE Asia in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam so went to a lot of the places you're thinking of. It would also be good to know what your other interests are i.e. history, shopping etc.

Here are my thoughts on each place:

• Hanoi - Loved Hanoi, lots to do and some good museums about the war i.e. Military History Museum & Hoa Lo. Also places like the street train and HCM's mausoleum. The water puppets show is a good laugh too! We spent 6 days here and it was enough.

• Halong Bay - Take a look at Bai Tu Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay, Halong Bay is really busy with tourists now, these two are either side and much quieter although can be a little more expensive. I'd recommend speaking with http://lilystravelagency.com/ for help with an itinerary. They can also help with Ninh Binh tours.

• Ninh Binh - Didn't visit, went to Sapa instead

• Hoi An - Honestly, Hoi An is on my personal list of 'most overrated places'. But, it depends on what you like. All it is is shopping and thousands of tourists. It has no real feel of authenticity. Granted, the town is pretty but the crowds were awful. I don't know what it'd be like in December for crowds though. As for the weather, it'll likely be humid if it's rainy so it may not be a high temperature but you will sweat! Personally, we preferred Hue it was much quieter and felt more authentic and, if you like history about the war, I'd recommend a DMZ tour out of Hue.

• Siem Reap (if we can fit 2-3 nights, but can be skipped) - Angkor Wat is a bit of 'must see' and was enjoyable but can be very busy. But, as above, think about the rest of Cambodia to decide if it's worth visiting this time

• Chiang Mai area (for New Years) - loved Chiang Mai, didn't do any nature reserves at all but what are you looking for exactly? If it's elephants you're looking for please do lots of research and choose wisely, I'd recommend this post from a guy who volunteered at one: https://medium.com/@aydinadnan/what-they-dont-tell-you-about-elephant-sanctuaries-in-thailand-af3e4c9cb886

• Krabi (or another island/beach around that area so we can fly easily to and from Phuket). - Didn't visit. Did go to Phi Phi on a day trip but hated Phi Phi Don (where everyone stays) it was so touristy and very expensive compared to Phuket

• Phuket down to Singapore for our return flight (this was much easier than flying back up to Bangkok). - We stayed in Phuket for 7 weeks but based ourselves in Kathu in the centre to be away from all the party scenes. It's away from all the beaches though so probably not your ideal. But there's lots to do in the area: https://notbritsabroad.com/why-kathu-is-the-best-place-to-stay-in-phuket/

As for travelling around Vietnam/Thailand. Planes are the best, then trains, then buses. Night buses aren't ideal because they aren't the best drivers so you may struggle to sleep. Trains are better for night trips and the beds are clean. Be aware that if you're over 5'8" you may struggle to lie down flat on a sleeper bus or train bed! We only took trains or buses when absolutely necessary (i.e. from Hanoi to Sapa and from Hoi An to Hue) and would recommend flights if they're within your budget. Happy to help with anything else on your mind!

This bus go to Lang Son passing by Noi Bai Airport at 14:00, you should contact with them the pickup point out side the airport's gate :
https://www.facebook.com/Nh%C3%A0-xe-Ph%C6%B0%C6%A1ng-Ch%C3%AD-1445031682422640/

We're not sure the above is realistic in 8 weeks. Is it too much to fit in?

Yes. 4 countries in the region is too much for comfortable travel in 8 weeks. It's not just a question of how much time you spend traveling between places. Because it also concerns the places you wind up skipping in each country, that are easy to add on with shorter travel time.

For instance if visiting Kanchanaburi in Thailand, it's extremely easy to add a stop for Ayutthaya, and highly recommended. It's only a couple of hours between the 2 and Ayutthaya is on the way to Chiang Mai.

Or another example, if visiting Koh Rong in far south Cambodia, you'd be missing a lot if you didn't also include a stop for Kampot. And from Kampot, it's easy to travel overland into the Mekong Delta south of HCMC in Vietnam, which is a region you also don't have on your list.

Hopefully you get the point. I'd say add more time or cut back to 3 countries.

I literally changed buses in Dien bien phu, from Muang khua to Sapa. I think you would have to get a bus through the border to Muang khua, then see what your options are from there. My L P guide says a new road to Nong khiaw was under construction in 2014, so some of it may be finished, or not. The boat should get you as far as Nong khiaw in a day, if you take the morning boat from Muang khua, via Muang ngoi neua. You might then be able to get on a late afternoon minibus to Luang phabang. I hope this is some help.

Hey guys,

I went to the Indian embassy in Bangkok today with a printed form for a normal visa.

They told me that they can't give me a visa. They can only give visas to people who live or work in Thailand.

I asked if I can get an e-visa and a special permit to cross the land border, they said no.

They said I can only get a proper visa from the embassy in my own country. Basically they said I'm effed.

Has anyone ever tried it at the embassy in Chiang Mai or in Myanmar?

I'm contemplating my options now. I may try to get a work permit in Thailand just for this visa.

Just thought some people may find this info helpful. I will update.