Hi,

I'm hoping to travel through SE Asia as the final leg of a round the world trip next year and would be grateful for any advice from seasoned travellers. I will be flying into Bangkok in around early November next year and had planned to travel down towards Cambodia then up the length of Vietnam then into Northern Laos. From Laos I hoped to be able to travel straight through into China then through Tibet, Nepal and ending in India (I had originally wanted to go straight through Myanmar into India from Laos but that's probably not a great idea now). I'm hoping this leg will last about 7/8 months, and I have a budget of approximately £4000 ($8000). Does anyone have any suggestions or recommendations? I dont' really know what I'm doing! I would like to cycle/trek/hike where possible. Also, I will be travelling with my boyfriend so it should make accomodation costs slightly lower I hope. I'm not entirely sure if my budget is realistic either - I hoped £500 a month would last OK in Asia, think this works out at around £16 ($38) a day. Please help!!!!

As far as I know it isn´t possible to go overland from Myanmar to India as it is a "fly in fly out" country. I believe it is possible to visit Myanmar from Thailand though.

I would double check that it is possible to go from China to Nepal before attempting so. I think perhaps it is possible, but not from Nepal to China. Would double check.

As for the budget, I think it would be possible, but I would increase it a little bit just to be sure.
£600/month I think ought to work.

For trekking, I suggest Nepal.

As for the rest, I don´t really know. Hopefully someone else can offer some advice

It's definitely not possible to travel through Burma. Crossing the border from Thailand was possible some time ago - good for 10 days and you would have to leave your passport behind. I'm not sure if this is still working that way these days (the regime probably ain't to keen on Western journalists coming in).

One thing I would consider is the Monsoon. If you want to spend enough time in SEA (for what you plan I'd recommend at least 4 months) then we're aleady nearing the monsoon season. What I'd recommend is something like this (if you have the time and can afford it):

- Nov to Apr in SEA (Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Burma, Vietnam)
- Mai to Jul in China (Mai in Tibet)
- Aug to Sept in Pakistan (my favorite, cheap, fantastic trekking)
- Okt to ?? India + Nepal

I think this would give you a good glimpse into China and steer you nicely through the right places at the right (climate) time.

If you pass Laos and enter China, you will pass my area,xishuangbanna with tropical weather and colorful ethnic people, then maybe more explore Yunnan province, to Dali, Lijiang, Zhongdian(it is next to Tibet)

Your budget sounds like it should be fine. Is that for both you and your boyfriend or just you? My husband and I have been travelling around SE Asia for the last five months, and our monthly expenses for the two of us come to about $1000 a month, perhaps slightly more. You have to be careful not to do too much splurging though, with that kind of budget (assuming it's for the two of you). On the other hand, though, we could have gotten by even more cheaply if we didn't spend so much time on the internet and eat western food so often.

I'd also recommend having a cushion of an extra 100 pounds or so a month to be on the safe side.

I think you will find that India is still one of the cheapest places to travel. Arriving in India for Oct would be great particularly if you are heading towards Rajasthan, Delhi etc, it will be too cold in the hilss. You might find more useful tips here - check out the video of crossing the road - it reminds me a lot of crossing the road in Saigon or Phnome Penh too! India Travel Tips

Thanks for your info guys, He Yunyi, you've totally reassured me about my budget, ours would be about $1000 a month each so maybe that means we won't have to totally slum it all the time! What I'm most worried about is running out of money to travel between places as I'm sure my budget covers food and accommodation no problem. Sounds like it's been more than enough for you though.
Midlifetravel, I'm afraid we're going to end up in India in about May or June, which I know will be roasting, so I think we may have to stay in the north for most of it, near the mountains or something. Our flight home will be from Delhi so I don't want to go right down to the south.

I take it thats USD1000 each. if so no problems. You could stay in Shenzhen for that (which is far more expensive than ruralplaces.

that is a long travel, so many countries. you must be exciting!