Wanted to backpack SEA for 3 months, Thailand/Laos/Cambodia/Vietnam. Idea was to do Northern Thailand and then the slow boat to Luang Prabang. I’d probably go up to Chiang Mai in a week or so, and then stay in the area for about 1.5 week. Would be around 8 – 20 February, and then possibly after that 2 weeks of Laos, to finally go into Vietnam. Big catch is of course: the burning season… How bad is it right now in Chiang Mai and surroundings? And do you think it is worth it to still go this February? I heard the worst was in March so I was aiming to leave Northern Thailand (& Laos) by March.
I’m kinda considering reordering my whole trip by doing central/southern Thailand first, and then Cambodia, Vietnam, and then some other place and leave out Northern Thailand/Laos entirely (my return flight is May 7th), but that would be a shame since I looked forward so much to those regions… Would it be a good call to do Northern Thailand/Laos in the last 2 weeks of my trip, so late april and early May?
Appreciate the input.
