Your client saw a report on Vietnam and he's intrigued. He also had good feedback on Thailand, but he's not sure if it's good for him. We told him about Burma but it seems that it is not always easy to exchange with the inhabitants. He is undecided: which countries to choose? Which months are best for a trip to Southeast Asia? Your client doesn't know who to turn to get the facts straight... and that's where you are!
Here are four destinations you could recommend.
The Philippines
The Philippines was a great surprise. It is very easy to talk to the people in the area. Filipinos speak very good English. It is not uncommon to come across a fisherman with whom you can talk about your job, your boat, etc.
This is a very reassuring aspect for a traveller who may be afraid to go to Southeast Asia because of the languages spoken.
The country has a variety of tourist attractions that amply justify the trip. From its history to its rice fields, the Philippines fascinate. For me, a tour in the Philippines is a great introduction to the magic of Asia, while keeping points of reference with our culture.
When to go there? February is a wonderful time to visit the Philippines. The rainy and typhoon season has passed, and the weather is neither too hot nor too cold.
Sri Lanka
This discreet island deserves the attention of your customers who do not like to be rushed when travelling. A traveller will have a beautiful introduction to Buddhist culture, which can be found elsewhere in Southeast Asia.
A trip to Sri Lanka involves long journeys. Make sure your customer likes to spend a lot of time in transport.
From the mountains to the beach, your client will certainly be delighted with his trip and will want to return to Southeast Asia to discover more!
For some, the emerald island is too quiet a destination, so make sure, before you recommend it, that your client's profile is appropriate for that destination.
When to go there? March is probably the best month in terms of optimal weather conditions in all regions of the country.
Laos
Laos is ideal for a client who would be ready for a little more change of scenery and challenge. We suggest precisely the city of Luang Prabang, which we particularly like. This city is magical thanks to its Buddhist temples, its gastronomic scene and the multitude of activities that can be done there.
The sweetness of the Laotians calms the traveller who can be nervous. Most of the tourist tours include several days in Luang Prabang, as it is a great way to acclimatize the customer to this new environment.
After this moment of serenity that reigns in Luang Prabang, it is easier to continue discovering the country's other attractions.
In my opinion, Laos is a great place to start before discovering Thailand, which is more dynamic and popular with tourists. Many travellers travel to Thailand on their first trip to Southeast Asia as we hear more about this destination, but if you can, recommend that your client start in Laos and end in Thailand.
He will have had time to get used to the dynamics of the South Asian countries. He will be more confident once in Thailand, which can be confusing for some travellers.
When to go there? In January, travel conditions are exceptional throughout Laos: a comfortable average temperature, plenty of sunshine and minimal rainfall.
Thailand Thailand
If your client absolutely wants to start in Thailand or if you find very affordable flight tickets, do not hesitate to suggest that he or she start exploring Chiang Mai, a city in the north of the country that is more human in scale and vibrates at a slower pace than Bangkok.
From Chiang Mai, it will be easy to explore the treasures of northern Thailand, such as Pai or Chiang Rai, and then head towards Luang Prabang in Laos.
An excellent tour consists of starting either in Chiang Mai or Luang Prabang, then going to Vientiane, Pakse, the 4000 islands in Laos, then Kratie, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap in Cambodia, to finish your trip in Thailand.
