18 days through Singapore-Malaysia-Thailand

Hi everybody,

I'm planning to travel with my (future) wife to Southeast Asia for about 18 days in march 2011. It will be also our honey moon vacation but we wouldn't like it to be a classical 5 star hotel - stay on one beach on an island for two weeks . We would like it a bit more adventurous, visit many places, cities, some nice beaches, stay at low-cost hotels (rooms or apartments).

We are currently living in Italy. I thought of flying to Singapore stay a couple days, then go to Malaysia for a few days, see Kuala Lumpur, some nice beaches, then cross to southern Thailand spend a few days there, then fly back to Italy.

I was thinking that March would be a good month (cheaper, not so hot, not maximum humidity). What do you think about that?
The budget would be max 3k euros for both of us including flights.

Maybe someone could help us with some advices and suggestions on:

- places to see, things to do

- low to average cost accommodation

- what is the best way to travel within and between the 3 countries: Singapore-Malaysia-Thailand: train, plane or car hire (more flexible) or a combination;

Any suggestion even with other destinations (in SEA) is welcomed.

Thanks

Regards,
Florin

Florin,
I would fly the SIN-KUL leg. Air Asia has flights for about bus fare. Less than $30USD. After KL, I would fly up to Langkawi on Air Asia. Get in some beach time, then ferry over to Satun Thailand. Bus up to Krabi and the many beach options in the area. I really like Railay Beach. Just about as pretty a beach as you will find. A great day is to hire a long-tail boat from Railay and go island hopping. You will visit uninhabited islands and have the place to yourself. After Krabi, fly to BKK and home.

Good luck with your planning.

[ Edit: Edited on 30-Jun-2010, at 01:27 by vegasmike6 ]

Sentosa is the obvious place to go, see the Merlion and such like - I'm not sure if it is still on but I remember really enjoying the laser show. I think, as it your honeymoon, you should treat yourself in Raffles hotel to a Singpore Sling!

I would consider a cruise/ferry to explore, places like Langkawi are gorgeous and really worth visiting. It all depends on your budget I guess. Another way of travelling that I haven't tried is the train that goes through Singpore - Kuala Lumpur - Penang I've been led to believe that it is VERY cheap and a lovely way to travel, I think it is Keratapi Tanah Melayu (?) but don't hold me to that! It is worth a look anyway.

Enjoy yourself

Sorry mate,
If going with your lade, I would recommend going straight to Malaysia and up...

Singapore is a waste of time.. Nice to see but not a priority!
If you only have 18 days, I recommend going straight to BKK and then depending on your both interests either Koh phi phi and koh Tao or go for rainforrest in Taman Negara malaysia together with some beach hopping in the east.. which is closer to KL.

Have a great trip
Toine

Good luck with your planning.[/quote]

Thank you vegasmike6 , thanks everyone for your help.
Vegasmike6 , I followed your advice. I planed the trip and made all the reservations for the end of April-begining of May (about 3 weeks including the time of flight europe-asia and back)

I'm asking you again of ideas of things to do in these places.
What about shopping? Any bargain for a european in any of these cities? Maybe Langkawi or Bangkok?
How the wether will be in this period? Will it be too hot?

The itinerary will be:

Fly from Rome to Singapore with Emirates
2 days in Singapore
fly with TigerAirlines from SGP to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
1.5 days in Kuala Lumpur
Fly with Airasia from KUL to Langkawi
3 days in Langkawi
ferry to Satun, then bus to Krabi
7 days in Krabi, on tubkaak beach (close to railay)
Fly with airasia from Krabi to Bangkok
2 days in bangkok
Fly back to singapore
2 days in singapore
Fly back to Rome with Emirates

Thanks
Regards,
florin

WOW!
You have gotten a lot of feedback, so I'll throw mine in. I traveled with my wife and we sound similar. We hit some high end but tend more to the adventurous side. KL is a great place to catch flights and some food, but not too impressed otherwise there. Singapore I did not visit, but heard mainly that it was super clean and ultramodern.

In Malaysia I would recommend Penang and the Cameron Highlands. Penang is a cool island great history, food, and architecture. Cameron Highlands beautiful. We did a jungle hike there and visited the tea plantations. We flew (reasonable flights) all around southeast asia except a bus ride to cameron highlands. If you are in Malaysia, you can fly to borneo as well. One of the highlights of our trips. We did scuba and jungle there as well from Semporna. In my opinion one of the most beautiful places on earth.

In Thailand we did one day in Bangkok and went to the Island of Koh CHang. Which was fantastic and affordable. Great beaches. Reasonable rooms. Fantastic food. Great prices and super friendly people. My brother went to Krabi in Thailand and gives it high marks as well.

Peace,

Mike