Trip Report: South East Asia - Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and

[coyote25]

Trip Report: South East Asia - Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Sri Lanka

The joy of travelling can also have its downsides, like getting up at 4.10 am to catch your first flight of the day but it's necessary when you are in Melbourne and your overseas flight leaves Sydney in the early morning.


It's been 14 months since my last overseas trip to India and Japan and countries 53 (Laos), 54 (Vietnam), 55 (Cambodia) and 56 (Sri Lanka) await. I started travelling as an adult backpacking around New Zealand, USA and United Kingdom way back in 1999-2000 and those bedbugs in New Orleans must have given me the travel bug as I keep wanting to explore more of this amazing planet. And one day when I've visited everywhere I wanted to go I want to go again at an even smaller pace, I guess that is what retirement will be (with luck) but that gives me another 20 years of fitting in experiences around work.


I've experience all kinds of transport, overnight buses with chicken on the seats, 24 hour trains through China, walking 4 days on the Inca Trial, a boat to Antartica, taxis, high speed rail (love Japan), and flights on all kinds of planes, from 4 seats to massive A380, some of these planes I'm amazed managed to get of the ground. Flying I've mostly been probably 98% in economy, a lotto win aside that's likely to continue for some time. I have however scored operational upgrades on QANTAS to Premium Economy and Business (the old Platinum days), and thanks to this forum I booked an amazing Oneworld RTW Business Award.


The world trips have normally been on the 140k point Oneworld RTW Economy Award, maximising points and stops. In 18 months I'm saving my points to sample my first First Class flight on Emirates, but for now it's economy travel but a little better by good seat selections and business lounges.


This 35 trip day includes eleven flights;
1) QANTAS Melbourne to Sydney
2) QANTAS Sydney to Bangkok
3) TBC Bangkok to Chiang Mai
4) TBC Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang
5) TBC Luang Prabang to Hanoi
6) TBC Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City
7) TBC Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh
8) BANGKOK AIRLINES Siem Reap to Bangkok
9) SRI LANKAN AIRLINES Bangkok to Colombo
10) SRI LANKAN AIRLINES Colombo to Singapore
11) QANTAS Singapore to Melbourne


Hopefully the flying experience will be enjoyable or at least memorable

 

[coyote25]

Flight: QF400 Melbourne to Sydney
Airline: QANTAS
Plane: 737-800
Gate: 3
Seat: 13C (Exit Row)
Depart: 6.00 am / Arrive: 7.15 am


The positioning flight to Sydney arriving at the airport at 4.40 am on Saturday I was taken by how few people are here. I have caught QF400 for work previously and while I usually got there around 5.20 am it was always busy, especially on Monday or Tuesday.


First up was checking my faithful backpack for this domestic flight, something I haven't done in probably 4 years despite averaging around 26 domestic flights per year I usually pack very light for multiple day work trips an avoid checking bags like the plague. No problems checking the bag through to Bangkok other than having to show a print version of ITN, no idea why since all flights but the Bangkok Airlines are on the same ticket. Let's hope the bag shows up in Bangkok.


One of the first people though security but two guys in front keep having to be re-screened for multiple items on their person. I waited for the QANTAS Lounge to open, another first, although I have weighted before for the bar to open! It was weird seeing no one but staff in the lounge.


The flight boarded from Gate 3 around 5 minutes early at 5.35 am. The 737-800 was very full, didn't see many empty seats, did see a few people wearing Sydney Swans gear, I guess they left Geelong last night and stayed at the airport hotel. On a work day my Exit Row seat mates are usually big than average guys like me, today in 13A and 13B it was young girls (20 years old tops) who both used the serving table as headrests to sleep shortly after takeoff. I'm guessing they got up even earlier than me.


I turned down the breakfast (cereal and a yogurt) as I knew I had a Business Lounge visit and multiple meals on my next flight. The flight landed a little early at 7.15 am from here it was a quick visit to Gate 15 and a bus ride to the International Terminal.

 

[Major]

Should be an interesting trip...enjoy

 

[coyote25]

My seat mates found the seat tables a good resting place.

 

[coyote25]

Flight: QF23 Sydney to Bangkok
Airline: QANTAS
Plane: A330
Gate: 26F
Seat: 36D (Exit Row)
Depart: 9.50 am / Arrive: 4.40 pm

Getting to this flight meant another bus trip and boarding from the tarmac, luckily there was no rain today. It's been a while for me not boarding via an airbridge, probably Newcastle Airport 18 months ago. International fight from Sydney just didn't expect that.

I changed my seat selection the night before and the move meant I score both an aisle seat and a vacant seat at 36E. Always makes the flight a lot easier no having to worry about your seat mate. Arrival card was handed out immediately.

Lunch was served at 11.30 am Sydney time (8.30 am Bangkok time). I choose the beef option, which was fine, a soft drink and bottled water. Later they provided a coffee/ tea service, than a Lindt chocolate, followed by more bottled water, and an ice cream (which I declined).

The entertainment system have a reasonable selection. I selected movies I've never seen before to keep it more interesting (I see movies I expect I'd like at the cinema so the list didn't have a strong appeal:
1) Minions (always wanted to see - nowhere near Despicable Me standard)
2) The Great Gilly Hopkins (abandoned teenager, in the foster system - quite good)
3) Fathers & Daughter (relationship set in two time periods - very enjoyable).

Comedy TV shows covered the rest of the trip as sleeping during the day wasn't going to be an option.

Clearing immigration went fairly well but it seems 5 pm is a big shift change time so the closed window came up when waiting in line and it takes around 5 minutes for them to change shifts. My bag safety made it from Melbourne, in fact all bags where off the plane and waiting for PAX before we cleared immigration and it wasn't like that process took that long. Once airside there are a lot of individuals during to get you to buy their travel services, you need to keep you head down if you already have something arranged.

 

[coyote25]

Re: Trip Report: South East Asia - Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Sri Lanka

Sydney Airport Experience (Domestic to International)

Arriving at Sydney Airport in QANTAS terminal 3 a little early at 7.15 am meant I wasn't going to have to worry about making my 9.50 am connection. The transit bus leaves every 10 minutes at this time and I timed getting to the transfer desk (Gate 15) just as they started scanning PAX for the bus ride.

Now I have done this bus ride before but in reverse and after a very long flight and a long trip away from Australia so I didn't really take it in. It is quite an experience seeing the airport and planes from this angle. I knew there are a few workers on the ground but not as many as I saw this time. The bus trip took about 5 minutes.

From here it was time to clear immigration which was very quick using the smart gates. Now the full body scanner wasn't something I'd experience in Australia, previously I had to go to the US to put my hands in the air.

I had about an hour to experience the QANTAS Business Lounge (on level 1), walking past the First Lounge I recalled my Platinum days and regret I didn't get to try the First Lounge in QANTAS home port, it must be amazing if better than the Melbourne one.

The Lounge was fairly full at 8.30 am, there were still a lot of spare seats but it was busy. The self serve alcohol is always interesting to watch the early morning drinkers but I have to say being able to pour your own beer has an attraction. I sampled pancakes, scrambled eggs, toast, croissants and orange juice to set me up for a day of seating on a plane. I only spotted the fresh fruit and veggie smoothie bar on the way out.

 

[craven morehead]

Re: Trip Report: South East Asia - Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Sri Lanka

Look forward to this TR

 

[coyote25]

Re: Trip Report: South East Asia - Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Sri Lanka

Flight: WE164 Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Airline: Thai Smile
Plane: Airbus A320-200
Seat: 53C (seat numbering starts at 31)
Gate: 4A
Depart: 15.25 / Arrive 16.35

It was back to Suvarnabhumi Airport less than 23 hours after arrival but it have been a busy day having already been on a hour long klong canal boat ride and a visit to the Grand Palace and the sacred Emerald Buddha.

A 6 am start helps beat the worst of the humid and hot weather and some of the crowds. The drive to the airport took around an hour, Bangkok is a huge place.

Check-in was a breeze as was clearing security, just have your passport ready at all times as they check it at every possible point.

Past security there was a significant food court catering for Western (MacDonald's, Subway, Burger King) mixed with more Asian offerings. The airport also offers free wifi if you sign up and provide name, address, passport number and mobile number, that was too high s price for me.

Boarding commenced right on time at 2.50 pm, pushback was a little early but we still had to wait to long line for take-off.

Announcements were in Thai and English. Inflight entertainment was a screening of a Gag TV show so you didn't need volume. Shortly after takeover we were of a well presented bag with water and two lovely biscuits. This was followed by a coffee, juice and soft drink offer.


I noticed all the flight attendants wore short skirts (above the knee) and always had a smile and were quick to serve PAXs when called including to get blankets, I guess for locals going from hot & humid to standard aircraft temperature must feel cold.

The seats were exactly the same as a domestic QANTAS flight, big enough for a short flight.

Verdict: A very efficient service with friendly staff, and well presented snack.

 

[SuzieQ68]

Re: Trip Report: South East Asia - Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Sri Lanka

Subscribed. Looking forward to reading more.....

 

[coyote25]

Re: Trip Report: South East Asia - Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Sri Lanka


The WE164 Thai Smile flight cabin

 

[coyote25]

Re: Trip Report: South East Asia - Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Sri Lanka

If interested the 5 minute airside transfer from Domestic Terminal 3 to International Terminal 1.
https://youtu.be/amA2dezkE84

The planes look different from this angle.

 

[coyote25]

Re: Trip Report: South East Asia - Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Sri Lanka

Flight: Chiang Mai, Thailand to Luang Prabang, Laos
Flight number: QV636
Airline: Laos Airlines
Plane: ATR 72-600
Seat: 16A
Gate: 9
Depart: 15.30 / Arrive 16.30 (On Time)

It was time to leave Thailand and head to the next stage of my G Adventure - National Geographic co-branded tour of Southeast Asia.

The Chiang Mai Airport has security at the door to get into it. Your bags will be scanned again as you enter airside. Most of the shops and eating options however are landslide so don't go airside if you want to have range of eating options. The major fast food options are landside (Burger King, Mcdonalds) and most take credit card if you are out of Thai currency.

The airport offers free and fairly quick wifi if you provide passport and name (but not verified so you could use anything).

Thailand Immigration will want your stamped departure card back, not sure what happens if you lose it. They provide an exit stamp in your passport.

While in the terminal it rained heavily but reduced to virtually nothing when it came time to board. This was lucky as it was a tarmac boarding after a bus ride.


The plane was a ATR 72-600 (a twin-engine turboprop) which we boarded from the rear. I believe there were 18 rows, 4 seats in each row so everyone gets either a window or aisle. Space is very tight. Fairly certain there are no business class seats as we fly to the communist country of Laos.

Despite the overcast conditions and the rain this propeller flight was as smooth as they get. The meal service was basic some fruit, a roll stuffed with rice and carrots and a drink service (tea, coffee, juice or soft drink).


Landing at Luang Prabang Airport you exit into the tarmac and walk to immigration.


You first line up to handover your passport and visa form. The officer reviews and passes to next station. Note: if you don't have a photo it will cost you $1 USD for a scan of your passport photo.

You then move to the next line. Eventually your turn will see you collect your passport and new Laos visa after paying the entry fee ($30 USD for Australians, $35 USD for USA, $43 USD for Canadians plus $1 USD processing fee) for me it was $31 USD they expect USA currency for payment.

Next a final step was lining up for entry where you hand over entry card and passport with the new Laos visa. They scan your face into their systems and you are officially in Laos.

Bag pickup was easy since my vag was already waiting. I found one ATM outside the terminal with wouldn't be great in the rain.

Laos here I come.

Detailed travel blog on the places I visit and activities can be found at
https://nathanburgessinsights.com/

 

[JohnK]

Re: Trip Report: South East Asia - Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Sri Lanka

Very interesting trip report coyote25. Look forward to reading more about your adventure.

 

[kermatu]

Re: Trip Report: South East Asia - Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Sri Lanka

If interested the 5 minute airside transfer from Domestic Terminal 3 to International Terminal 1.
https://youtu.be/amA2dezkE84

The planes look different from this angle.

Despite doing this particular trip maybe 30 times - I still watched it. Made me think I would shortly be in the F lounge! Sadly, stuck in the office, so not to be.

Nice TR so far!

 

[coyote25]

Re: Trip Report: South East Asia - Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Sri Lanka

Luang Prabang International Airport (Laos)

One of the smaller internationals airports I've been at and definitely the only one with the major tenant (Lao Airlines) proudly states they will be IATA compliant shortly! The was only one ATM I could find which was on the outside of the airport.

Checking in the leave was easy enough given I was flying on the country's national airline. There is nothing land side that would keep you from going through security. Immigration carefully reviewed my paperwork and took another digital image on me for their files.

Air side there are two levels, the second level is for the airbridge flights and has a smoking room. Both levels have gifts shops with the second level also have a massage centre, mostly concentrating on feet massage.



There Is a lounge for Bangkok Airlines passengers, it seemed to be for all passengers not just those with status which I've never seen before. There is free wifi in the airport of slow to medium speed if you have anything last minute to do.

 

[coyote25]

Re: Trip Report: South East Asia - Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Sri Lanka

Flight: QV313 Luang Prabang (Laos) to Hanoi (Vietnam)
Airline: Lao AIrlines
Plane: ATR 72-500
Seat: 1B (economy)
Gate: 4 (tarmac boarding)
Depart: 17.10 / Arrive 18.05 (early)

My initial excitement of receiving 1B seat was on reflection tempted with caution as it meant effectively being at the back of the plane (boarding is from the rear) and as it turned out having a hard bulkhead in front.


There is a little more knee room but your legs can be cramped despite this being an exit row as well.


The plane was full and noticeably a lot of French voices across the plane. They made a big deal that those in Row 1 not use any devices at any time, this was in additional to having every bag in the overhead (not that they could go on the ground with the bulk head in the way.


Food Was a pastry filled with rice and vegetables (very nice) and a couple of apples slices and two grapes. A small drink or coffee and tea was offer shortly afterwards.


Once agin the flying was turbulence free.

On landing at Hanoi Airport, immigration, while packed went fairly quickly. Having the Vietnam Visa in advance I'm sure made things go easier. The bags however took a long time to arrive. There was free wifi once you answer what sex you are and how much (in USD) your earn each week.

The ATMs are located airside at the left hand end of the airport once you exit security. Be warned there is a maximum of 2 million dong (around $120 AUD or $90 USD) you can withdraw at a time, with a fee of 66,000 dong ($4 AUD). There however is no daily limit so you can make multiple withdrawals but the fees will stack up. As with most ATMs they give you the highest notes possible in this case 500,000 dong notes, which most merchants for small items do not like.

 

[coyote25]

Re: Trip Report: South East Asia - Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Sri Lanka

Halong Bay, Vietnam

My posts to this forum are really on concentrating of the flying and airport experience as I have a travel blog for the events of each country I experience (https://nathanburgessinsights.com/) however I had to mention my experience at Halong Bay to this forum.

Halong Bay is one of the new seven natural wonders of the world and having been there I totally understand why. I was lucky enough to sleep overnight on the bay under the stars and moon and explore across to days. There are over 2,000 inlets and islands to experience which I suspect would talk a lifetime to find.

If you would to reflect and take in nature at it's finest find you way to Halong Bay!

 

[coyote25]

Re: Trip Report: South East Asia - Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Sri Lanka

Halong Bay, Vietnam

 

[amaroo]

Re: Trip Report: South East Asia - Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Sri Lanka

Luang Prabang is a beauty! Haven't been back since 2009 ... Village must look a little different now.

We dragged the kids out of bed to participate in the alms... they weren't that keen at that time of the morning.

 

[coyote25]

Re: Trip Report: South East Asia - Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Sri Lanka

Luang Prabang is a beauty! Haven't been back since 2009 ... Village must look a little different now.

We dragged the kids out of bed to participate in the alms... they weren't that keen at that time of the morning.

amaroo Luang Prabang is still an amazing place, beauty everywhere. The hike up Mount Phousi is so worth it.

The alms ceremony is a great tradition to take part in but yes a few in our group found the pre dawn get up a little off putting, more good fortune for me.

Alms giving ceremony video:
https://youtu.be/_SvfHEvLvSk