Before embarking on your trip, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. Summer can be hot and muggy in South-East Asia, but since you are from Delhi, that probably won’t bother you too much. However, don’t start your trip – and it’s a long one – in late June. Monsoon hits from July, so unless you love getting wet, it’s best to wrap up the trip before that.
As you will be visiting four countries, arrange for your visas prior to leaving India. It saves time (don’t have to stand in queues) and money (avoid paying surcharges, etc.). Thailand and Cambodia offer visa on arrival to Indian tourists subject to certain conditions but these are available only at airports and not while travelling overland from one country to another.
Plan your itinerary well in advance so that you can book hotels online and avail discounts (much cheaper than rack rates). From your query, we understand you are travelling solo. So, for local sightseeing, it will be cheaper if you join tour groups.
From Delhi, fly directly to Bangkok in Thailand. Jet Airways and Air India have regular flights.
Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is one of the most popular tourist destinations on earth, with something for everyone, 24X7. The touristy city offers a wide range of stays. For a quick survey, check http://www.outlooktraveller.com/article/Suite:-Six-ways-to-stay-in-Bangkok-1006108. Khao San Road is slightly seedy, but has many cheap places to stay, cafés, bars, clubs, restaurants and markets. Sukhumvit has restaurants, nightlife options and most of the stylish mid-range hotels such as Kingston Suites (http://www.kingstonbangkok.com/) or Citadines (http://www.citadines.com/en/index.html).
Sightsee to your heart’s content, shop and enjoy exotic street food. Sukhumvit Road, Khao San Road, Siam Square, Ratchaprasong, China Town, etc. are known for their shopping and food options. Definitely try the floating restaurants and riverside restaurants (especially during evening hours). In Bangkok, Rattanakosin district—the old city—has the main sights: the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Wat Phra Kaew are all must-sees. A boat ride on the river is a great way to see the city. You may also spend a half day visiting Ayutthaya; a public bus from Moh Chit Bus Station in northern Bangkok, takes about two hours to reach Ayutthaya.
Maybe, you can also pamper yourself at many of the spas in Bangkok. The popular and much awarded Thann Sanctuary spa chain (http://www.thann.info/) have outlets in many of the shopping malls. There are tour operators galore offering every kind of entertainment and adventure opportunities. You may opt for a walking tour of the Thonburi area, which may include a boat ride too (http://www.viator.com/Bangkok-tours/Walking-and-Biking-Tours/d343-g16).
Travelling solo is a good time to enjoy Bangkok’s sporting activities. You can watch locals play sepak takraw in the evening at the Benchasiri Park, Sukhumvit Road) or at the National Stadium. Watch Thai Boxing (Muay Thai) at the Lumpinee Stadium or the Rajadamnern Stadium, two of the main stadiums where Muay Thai is held on select days; tour operators offer packages that will get you a ringside seat (http://www.bangkok.com/recreational-tours/thaiboxing.htm).
From Bangkok, it takes about 12 to 15 hours by train to Chiang Mai. You can take the air-conditioned express diesel rail car (DRC) for a day journey or an overnight air-conditioned sleeper train. You have to buy tickets directly from Bangkok’s main station, Hualamphong (windows 15-22 are open for advance ticket sales daily from 08:30-16:00; passport required to book ticket); you may book tickets online through private agencies (http://www.asia-discovery.com/train.htm).
The Rainforest Boutique Hotel (http://www.chiangmairainforest.com/index.php) is very near the railway station and about 10-15 minutes away from the international airport, the Sunday market, etc. Other options: Elliebum (www.elliebum.com) is inside the old city. Baan Orapin (www.baanorapin.com) is an elegant little B&B, built in the Lanna architectural style. Even cheaper are Ban Kong Rao, a family-run boutique guesthouse (www.bankongrao.com), and a hostelry called Green Tulip House (www.greentuliphouse.com).
Chiang Mai, in northern Thailand, has lots to offer – from temples to restaurants to shopping; if you are looking for some outdoor experience, go trekking – but choose your tour operator wisely. And if browsing through markets is your favourite pastime, then check out the weekend markets – the Saturday Market held in front of the Chiang Mai Gate and/or the Sunday Market held along the Ratchadamnoen Road; these markets are held between 4 pm and midnight.
In November 2014, Chiang Mai in Thailand and Luang Prabang in Laos have been recognised as an Environmentally Sustainable City (ESC) at the Asean Environment Ministers Meeting in Vientiane (Laos). From Chiang Mai, you can fly directly (one hour) to Luang Prabang by Lao Airline.
A UNESCO World Heritage City, Luang Prabang (LP) in Laos is known for its outstanding example of the fusion of traditional architecture, Lao urban structures and the architectural style introduced by the European colonial authorities in the 19th and 20th centuries.
The city, located at the confluence of the Nam Khan and the Mekong rivers, is encircled by mountains. The UNESCO tag has barred large-scale construction in the heart of LP; hence the existing hotels/guesthouses have been refurbished and are costly. Move to the town’s outskirts and you’ll find cheaper accommodations. You may stay at Villa Meuang Lao, which has got good reviews from travellers for its rooms, location and service; according to the hotel’s website (http://villameuang-lao.com/), it takes only 2-5 minutes to get to the Mekong River, restaurants, a local market, Royal Theatre, National Museum, and Mount Phousi. Luang Prabang Airport is less than 20 minutes’ drive from the hotel. Must see – exquisite golden temples, the Kuang Sii waterfalls and the Pak Ou Caves. At the city’s night market, you may buy local handicrafts and handmade textiles.
From Luang Prabang in Laos, take a flight (two hours) to Siem Reap in Cambodia by Vietnam Airlines. Gateway to the famous Angkor Wat temple complex (UNESCO World Heritage site), this is a touristy town indeed. Most of the hotels are lined along the Airport Road, near the town centre, known as the Old Market; the area has plenty of bars, restaurants and shops, as well as a night market. Although you may tempted to explore Siem Reap (http://www.tourismcambodia.com/tripplanner/map/siemreap-map.htm) on foot, it is better to save the walking for the Angkor complex. You may stay at the Golden Temple Villa (http://www.goldentemplevilla.com/home), which offers simple but comfortable single rooms at a reasonable price. You may also stay at the Bopha Pollen hotel, about 15 minutes’ drive from the airport; according to the hotel’s website (http://www.bophapollenhotel.com/), the Central market, the Old market, night markets, the famous Pub Street and the major attractions, such as the National Museum, the Royal Residence are a stroll away; the Angkor temple complex (http://www.tourismcambodia.com/tripplanner/map/angkor-temple-map.htm) is about 10 minutes’ drive from the hotel. The Angkor Thom Temple (about 2km to from Angkor Wat’s main gate) and the ruins of Ta Prom (east of Angkor Thom) are also worth visiting for their architectural heritage and photo opportunities. It is advisable to take an authorised local guide for the temple tours. We repeat our early warning, the rainy season begins in June; heavy rains may affect transportation to and from the temple complex.
From Siem Reap, take a flight (one hour to one hour and 20 minutes) to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam by Vietnam Airlines (a few flights operated by Cambodia Angkor Air). Although officially, Vietnam’s capital city is known as Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), it is still popular by its former name, Saigon. You may choose to stay at the Vy Khanh Guesthouse, a family run guest house in the backpacker area of Pham Ngu Lao. According to its website (http://vykhanh-guesthouse.com/), you can reach the Ben Thanh Market, galleries, shopping centre, museums, etc. in just 5 minutes from the guesthouse. You may also choose to stay at any of the hotels run by the Beautiful Saigon hotel chain; according to their website (http://beautifulsaigonhotel.com/), the chain’s five boutique hotels are centrally located, within walking distance from the Ben Thanh market, the Saigon River, as well as many other tourist attractions such as the War Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Reunification Palace, as well as with easy access to public transport, restaurants, bars and shopping in Ho Chi Minh City.
In this last leg of the trip, opt for a scenic rail journey (a little over two days) from HCMC to Hanoi; the SE2 and SE4 trains are said to be the most comfortable. The trains run along the South China Sea coast, winding past cliffs and forests, beaches and flat countryside.
Hanoi is believed to be not only one of the prettiest cities in Vietnam but in Asia too – lakes, old temples, colonial architecture, and cuisine are some of its major attractions. Look for an accommodation along the north end of Hoan Kiem Lake (called the Old Quarter/the Ancient Quarter/ 36 streets), where the city’s budget hotels, tourist shops, and cafés are located. Not only is it the oldest part of the city, it is the busiest and most interesting. The Hanoi Charming Hotel (http://www.hanoicharminghotel-hoankiem.com/ppc/) is about five minutes from the railway station; you may also choose to stay at the Essence Hanoi Hotel & Spa (http://www.essencehanoihotel.com/). Apparently, the Old District has evolved over 2000 years; you may take a heritage walk (http://fvheritage.org/events/city-walks/) to catch glimpses of the development.
From Hanoi, you can take a Jet Airways flight back to Delhi; this is a slightly long haul with a stop at Bangkok; but this is cheaper than a direct flight.
For more details, you can also refer to: http://www.tourismthailand.org/, http://www.tourismlaos.org/, http://www.tourismcambodia.org/, and http://www.vietnamtourism.com/.