In less than 12 hours I will be settled in seat 59H on a Delta 747 aircraft headed to Tokyo. This will be my only layover in route to Bangkok, Thailand, the first destination of my month long trip to Southeast Asia.

Just writing that gave me goosebumps.

While I have researched, prepared and packed for this trip, it is really only in these final hours before takeoff that it is truly sinking in that I am leaving all that is familiar behind to embark on a 4 week solo adventure to exotic lands that conjure up images of ancient temples, bustling cities, dramatic coastlines, tropical islands, rice paddies, floating markets, fabulous food and friendly locals. Anything can happen the minute I am dropped in Southeast Asia…and I hope it does.

However, first…and mostly for my mother’s benefit…let me map out my route:

Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam are the 3 countries that I will be adding to my country count during this trip! I plan to spend about a week in Thailand, a week in Cambodia and two weeks in Vietnam.

Oh! Looking at the above little caricature of me just reminded me I need to pack my sunglasses…hold on while I grab them. 🙂

Okay, back and they are packed *phew*…and above is a nice image that more or less depicts my route during my time in Southeast Asia.

The specific places or cities I will visit are:

• Bangkok, Thailand
• Ko Samet, an island in Thailand
• Koh Kong, Cambodia
• Sihanoukville, Cambodia
• Siem Reap, Cambodia
• Ho Chi Mihn City, Vietnam
• Mui Ne, Vietnam
• Hoi An, Vietnam
• Hue, Vietnam
• Halong Bay, Vietnam
• Hanoi, Vietnam

Highlights that I am already looking forward to are the bustle of Bangkok (and a few rooftop bars), eating pad thai in Thailand, witnessing the grandeur of Ankor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world, a FREE khmer massage at my resort hotel in Siem Reap, the golden sand dunes of Mui Ne at sunset, shopping colorful markets and an overnight boat stay on Halong Bay.

Yep, I am officially more excited now!

I will have wifi at all my stops, so my hope is that I am prolific with my writing here. I will also have AC at all my points of respite, so that should help me stay energized in the 74% humidity (that is the current humidity level in Bangkok…no joke).

Alright, it is officially time to go close the suitcase. Let’s do this!

P.S. Of course one of my objectives while I am over there is to find some cool items for my shop.  Keep your fingers crossed I do! Eek!