The Planning

I'm going for 4 months by the way, short I know.
First I had to decide where I was going...that was easy. I've been to Laos and Thailand before but wasn't a climber, still went climbing but I realise now it wasn't what it could have been...hence the return! So much rock (in Laos) that hasn't been polished, yet, worn away but the endless flow of tourists. Lets try and keep it this way, if you've been to Laos you'll know what I mean. The country is a paradise!
(You'll notice a slight bias towards Laos in this blog, Thailand gets enough attention)
Made myself a rough itinerary, this changed a little bit. Mainly cutting out time in my stopovers, decided that it wasn't worth the extra money trying to get to crags in KL when I could spend those extras days chilling in Jurassic parkesq, gecko covered, chilled out Laos.
My first flight is Melb - Darwin - Bali, (return flights from Darwin - Bali: $295) staying there for a week to retrieve that long lost vitamin D that Melbourne has taken away. Then onto KL and Phnom Penh. The reason I'm coming into Cambodia first is because it was cheaper than flying into Laos, especially since I wanted to start in the south of Laos. Also, there is rumour of climbing and bouldering in Kampong Cham, just northeast of PP. Will let you know how that goes.
Originally I wanted to boat into Laos...that would've set me back $800! Damn highways.
Visas - Cambodia, on arrival.
            Laos, on arrival or in PP http://www.laos-guide-999.com/Laos-embassy.html
Going to buy a phone over there, waaaaaay cheaper! Also, now this is a little ambitious, I want to buy a pushbike and ride/hitchhike my way through Cambodia, Laos and Thailand. Should be interesting, especially keeping it in my possession haha
Travel insurance I sourced through http://www.insure4less.com.au/travelinsurance.php  these guys have been great, and only 25% on top of the premium. Not bad! You can look at BUPA as well, little bit more expensive though. Also, I just got told last night that yo can get insurance through the Army. Haven't done any research on that yet but I will and put it in my next post.
So that's where I'm at....