South-east Asia travel advice?

[Dunn]

I'm planning to travel throughout South-east Asia starting in Bali. The plan is to make it from Bali to India.

My rough route is up Indonesia > Malaysia > Thailand > Cambodia > Vietnam > Laos > Myanmar > (maybe) Bhutan > Nepal > India (or) Myanmar > Bangladesh > India.

Does anyone have any experience traveling in any of the regions? I could use advice on particular places to check out and best travel routes and means of travel (bus, hitchhike, etc). I'm not sure on the best way to get into India or if some countries would be difficult to enter from certain areas.

Also, and very important, do you know of places I could volunteer that don't make you pay $1000. Anything from refugee camps or orphanages to wildlife or environmental facilities. Any contacts you could give me would be very appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[Glenn2]

I've traveled a fair bit in Southeast Asia but most of my info is getting dated. I spent most of my time in India, most recently in 2005, but got into a few of the surrounding countries, Nepal, Thailand, Bali, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. The latter when it was a good bit more peaceful in the earlier seventies. Sure wouldn't fancy wandering Kabul back alleys with a Leica these days.

There's quite a good travel web site called IndiaMike.
Link---> http://www.indiamike.com/

It's mostly India but they do cover over the border into close countries. There's an extensive photo gallery on IM where members post some of their work. There's even a few of mine under the user name Wanderer22.

Here's a link to my gallery over there. Mostly film with Leicas except for 2005 when all I took was a Canon P&S.
http://www.indiamike.com/india-images/galleries/wanderer22s-photos

Glenn

 

[Mablo]

I would very strongly advice against hitchhiking in SEA. It's not safe. Train, bus and river boat tickets are very very cheap all around the SEA if you stay away from the banana pancake trail (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banana_Pancake_Trail). In more rural places you can jump on a Toyota pick-up to next town for pennies and hire a scooter boy to drive you around and find a nice place to stay when you arrive.

This is a normal country road in Cambodia:

 

[tj01]

I would suggest you buy a bus ticket for travel. Hitch-hiking is so yesterday.

 

[jippiejee]

I found that regular bus services (especially the slightly more expensive luxury buses) are an excellent way to get from A to B in for example Cambodia. A couple of dollars to get from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh. Those buses appeared mouch more comfortable and spacious than the advertized luxury tourist mini vans. I wouldn't hitch-hike really.

 

[35mmdelux]

In the third world hitch hiking is the dumbest thing to do for a foreigner. Every time I see an American hitch hiking in the third world I cant believe how naive they are. Dont know how else to put it. Overseas you are perceived to have valuables and you could easily become victim.

 

[Waus]

I've been in India for three times (2000-2002 & 2005)and never felt so save while travelling-but I never hitch-hiked, travelling by bus, cab and riksja is great fun!

 

[OSFlanker]

There is a very slow train that starts from Kuala Lumpur and ends in Bangkok (not sure if the service still runs from Singapore) and another interesting train to take would be from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi. I believe both routes are over 1,000km.

 

[Pablito]

Traveled to Cambodia 4x and also VN and Laos.
Agree that hitchhiking is a very bad idea though those countries are very safe.

 

[dogbunny]

There are plenty of alternative ways of getting around in that part of the world, but to echo what has been said, trains and busses and such are so darn cheap you might as well use them. If you are up for a little adventure motorcycle taxis can be a fun/cheap way to get around.

I traveled around that part of the world on and off over the years, 6 months was my longest trip. I only had a problem once, with a crazed tuk tuk driver who was looking to be a problem with anyone who crossed his path.

The thing about looking for rides is that it eats up time, and time was always more precious to me than a few dollars (or literally cents) for a train/bus ride. Also, it's definitely worth it to try and travel the way a local does, that is, don't lock yourself into the "tourist only bus." They can be useful, but sometimes a bus ride laughing with the locals can be more interesting than the thousandth temple.

I really enjoy the whole region, but Laos really did it for me. Enjoy, where ever you make to.

db

 

[deerstalkr]

I think it would be best to travel to Laos after visiting Thailand, or vice versa. Both my parents are from Laos, and I've been there twice. They are neighbouring countries which are very similar in culture and may make the transition easier for you.

I agree that hitch-hiking is a very bad idea for a foreigner, although I have never hitch-hiked in my life. I've been told that Westerners are often overcharged as they are perceived to be wealthy, it could be a lot worse if you were in the back of their car with expensive equipment. Even I could sense a bit of discrimination in the market place, perhaps it was my imagination as I very much aware of the fact people mistook me for an East Asian (Japanese).

I suggest you hire a driver with a vehicle--in my case it was a minivan to accommodate my family and I--who will take you around to your destination or popular places if you are interested in exploring places you might not have considered.

 

[I Love Film]

From your blogs you sound a little naive and idealistic.

If you start hitchhiking around certain areas with your girlfriend, one day you'll wake up with your girlfriend, money and cameras gone, with your pants down around your ankles.

That is, if you wake up at all.

 

[hans voralberg]

When you're in Vietnam give me a shout, I'll help out. My advice is applied to Vietnam only, you can't hitch-hike here, the concept doesn't exist. On the bright side transport is fairly cheap. And you will be overcharged, so do research, or PM me. Long-distance bus to popular destinations are nice, but if you go out of your way to remote areas expect very very rough travel on motorbike.

If you want to volunteer I know a few NGOs here but that depends on how long you intends to stay, no point being in the country for a week for volunteering because it takes you that amount of time to get to any place worth volunteering.

 

[Shade]

Im Indonesian, and have been to Bali numerous times. Pm me what you want to know!

 

[Out to Lunch]

Your questions re your mega-trip are a bit too vague. Get organized and try again! I know Vietnam very well and could be of some assistance but, again...get your **** together first. Cheers, Peter

 

[blue4130]

I am planning my second round the world trip. I'll share some tips from what worked the first time and what I am doing different.

My trip this time is going to be for between 5 and 6 months. Budget accordingly. Pad your wallet. Unexpected things happen on the road.

Don't try to hit so many countries. You have possibly 11 countries on your list. It sounds like you would rather have stamps in your passport than memories of a good trip.

Pick the season appropriately. The wet season can be a bummer. Not always, there are still things to do, but it is aptly named.

From my reading, Bhutan can only be flown to from India and Thailand. Every other country needs to make a connection, thus increasing the cost. Juggle your itinerary so Bhutan is sandwiched between India and Bangkok if possible.

Think about what you need to take, then put it all in a bag, pick it up, see how heavy it is. Realize that walking for more than 5 steps would suck with that much weight, and take half out. My pack last time weighed in at 22 LBS. That isn't too heavy, but after climbing in and out of taxis, tuktuks and over hills, I should have taken out more crap. Next time, I am not taking ANY denim clothing.

Be realistic of your abilities.

Volunteering is great. But realize that doing small stints is often more work and headache for the organizations. They have to train you and do paperwork and what not. If you are going to stay for a few weeks, great.

India is easy to get to. Worry about the other countries more. KNOW what visas you need. You don't want to be stuck at a border crossing with no visa.

If you have any more detailed questions, let me know. It sounds like you are still very early in the planning stages.

 

[ktmrider]

Just Returned from Nepal, Cambodia, and Thailand

Just Returned from Nepal, Cambodia, and Thailand

I just spent 6 weeks in the countries above returning two weeks ago. Surface travel is cheap $11 for a luxury bus from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap and $40 for a sleeper berth on an overnight train from Bangkok to Chaing Mai. Surface travel in Nepal is just dangerous due to crazy driving (two buses passing on a blind curve going uphill in the mountain). One of my friends in Nepal runs a large NGO and insists his staff fly.

And we stayed in hostels for $4 or $5 per night in Bangkok, Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. Tuk-tuks for city transportation for $1-2/trip at the most. Taxis from the airport in KTM should charge no more then 500 rupees to take you anywhere in Kathmandu but agree on a price before getting into the cab. The traffic in KTM and the seeming lack of rules will blow your mind. Worth taking a small digital just to make short videos of the traffic.

We loved Chinatown and the National Palace in BKK but the Boudhha Stupa in KTM was amazing for people photography. I have thought about returning to Nepal as a volunteer. There are lots of opportunities without paying thousands. Check out Volunteers in Nepal which will place you for a minimum amount.

 

[peterm1]

Bali is unique. " All the lies they tell about its beauty are true!) :^)

Just get away from Legian and go "up country" at least on day trips even if you stay by the beach in the Kuta, Legian, Seminyal or Sanur areas.

Its easy to pick up a driver/car and a guide on the beach. I am not sure what they now charge charge but it used to be around $50 per day all in, which is cheap considering. Give them an idea of what you want and most seem to be able to be relied upon. Of course if you are travelling extensively you would not want to do this a lot but its a good way of seeing some interesting stuff quickly and finding your bearings.

You can hire a motor bike or moped and drive yourself but traffic is crazy and you are taking your life into your hands. That does not stop many westerners though. The rule seems to be the bigger your vehicle the more right of way you have. Oh...... and the louder your car horn.

There are lots of great villages and temples on the island so its worth checking out as much as you can. And if you cna find a temple ceremony to attend that is quite interesting. (They happen frequently.) Pick up the Lonely Planet guide and you will be fine.

Accomodation can be had very cheap from a few dollars per night upwards to a few hundred. I liked the Seminyak area - walking distance (half hour) to Kuta along th beach. but far enough away to be out of the craziness.

If you love food you will love Bali - they have wide selections these days and most pretty good value. And of course if you are taking a camera you will find great photo opps. just about everywhere.

Oh these days you will get offered drugs. Dont do it. Indonesia has very harsh penalties for aven minor offences that in Australia would attract a small fine (minor marijuana use f.e.) and you could end up in a very unpleasant cockroach infested hell for a very long time. And for more serious offences the penalty can be death. The newspapers in Australia often have stories of people silly enough to ignore the warnings.

If you want to volunteer, check out your local service clubs like Rotary. That club for example has many pro jects providing wells / clean drinking water in various third world countries and other such projects. Arrange it before you depart.

 

[Dunn]

Thanks for all the advice. I think I've gathered that hitchhiking is a bad idea. Haha.

When you're in Vietnam give me a shout, I'll help out. My advice is applied to Vietnam only, you can't hitch-hike here, the concept doesn't exist. On the bright side transport is fairly cheap. And you will be overcharged, so do research, or PM me. Long-distance bus to popular destinations are nice, but if you go out of your way to remote areas expect very very rough travel on motorbike.

If you want to volunteer I know a few NGOs here but that depends on how long you intends to stay, no point being in the country for a week for volunteering because it takes you that amount of time to get to any place worth volunteering.

Awesome! Thanks a lot. I'll definitely be in contact when I get closer to visiting. I will definitely be interested in volunteering for the NGOs. I'm not planning on rushing through a country. I would like to stay and get to know the country and the people.

Im Indonesian, and have been to Bali numerous times. Pm me what you want to know!

Thanks! I'll be in touch especially since that's where I'll be starting off.

I am planning my second round the world trip. I'll share some tips from what worked the first time and what I am doing different.

My trip this time is going to be for between 5 and 6 months. Budget accordingly. Pad your wallet. Unexpected things happen on the road.

Don't try to hit so many countries. You have possibly 11 countries on your list. It sounds like you would rather have stamps in your passport than memories of a good trip.

Pick the season appropriately. The wet season can be a bummer. Not always, there are still things to do, but it is aptly named.

From my reading, Bhutan can only be flown to from India and Thailand. Every other country needs to make a connection, thus increasing the cost. Juggle your itinerary so Bhutan is sandwiched between India and Bangkok if possible.

Think about what you need to take, then put it all in a bag, pick it up, see how heavy it is. Realize that walking for more than 5 steps would suck with that much weight, and take half out. My pack last time weighed in at 22 LBS. That isn't too heavy, but after climbing in and out of taxis, tuktuks and over hills, I should have taken out more crap. Next time, I am not taking ANY denim clothing.

Be realistic of your abilities.

Volunteering is great. But realize that doing small stints is often more work and headache for the organizations. They have to train you and do paperwork and what not. If you are going to stay for a few weeks, great.

India is easy to get to. Worry about the other countries more. KNOW what visas you need. You don't want to be stuck at a border crossing with no visa.

If you have any more detailed questions, let me know. It sounds like you are still very early in the planning stages.

Thanks for the advice. i am still early in the planning stage. I just wanted to gather some general knowledge. The info about Bhutan is very helpful. My tentative arrival in Bali will be May or June.

I'm not just trying to get stamps. i just figured it was a plan to just hit the next country as I go. I think the total trip will be 5 or 6 months. I may have to cut something out, that's just my idea now.

I just spent 6 weeks in the countries above returning two weeks ago. Surface travel is cheap $11 for a luxury bus from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap and $40 for a sleeper berth on an overnight train from Bangkok to Chaing Mai. Surface travel in Nepal is just dangerous due to crazy driving (two buses passing on a blind curve going uphill in the mountain). One of my friends in Nepal runs a large NGO and insists his staff fly.

And we stayed in hostels for $4 or $5 per night in Bangkok, Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. Tuk-tuks for city transportation for $1-2/trip at the most. Taxis from the airport in KTM should charge no more then 500 rupees to take you anywhere in Kathmandu but agree on a price before getting into the cab. The traffic in KTM and the seeming lack of rules will blow your mind. Worth taking a small digital just to make short videos of the traffic.

We loved Chinatown and the National Palace in BKK but the Boudhha Stupa in KTM was amazing for people photography. I have thought about returning to Nepal as a volunteer. There are lots of opportunities without paying thousands. Check out Volunteers in Nepal which will place you for a minimum amount.

Awesome. I'll remember to not take the bus in Nepal. I'll take notes of the places you recommend.

Bali is unique. " All the lies they tell about its beauty are true!) :^)

Just get away from Legian and go "up country" at least on day trips even if you stay by the beach in the Kuta, Legian, Seminyal or Sanur areas.

Its easy to pick up a driver/car and a guide on the beach. I am not sure what they now charge charge but it used to be around $50 per day all in, which is cheap considering. Give them an idea of what you want and most seem to be able to be relied upon.

You can hire a motor bike or moped and drive yourself but traffic is crazy and you are taking your life into your hands. That does not stop many westerners though. The rule seems to be the bigger your vehicle the more right of way you have. Oh...... and the louder your car horn.

There are lots of great villages and temples on the island so its worth checking out as much as you can. And if you cna find a temple ceremony to attend that is quite interesting. (They happen frequently.) Pick up the Lonely Planet guide and you will be fine.

Accomodation can be had very cheap from a few dollars per night upwards to a few hundred. I liked the Seminyak area - walking distance (half hour) to Kuta along th beach. but far enough away to be out of the craziness.

If you love food you will love Bali - they have wide selections these days and most pretty good value. And of course if you are taking a camera you will find great photo opps. just about everywhere.

Oh these days you will get offered drugs. Dont do it. Indonesia has very harsh penalties for aven minor offences that in Australia would attract a small fine (minor marijuana use f.e.) and you could end up in a very unpleasant cockroach infested hell for a very long time. And for more serious offences the penalty can be death. The newspapers in Australia often have stories of people silly enough to ignore the warnings.

If you want to volunteer, check out your local service clubs like Rotary. That club for example has many pro jects providing wells / clean drinking water in various third world countries and other such projects. Arrange it before you depart.

Thanks for the advice on Bali. Sounds like a great place. I remember to check out the areas you mentioned.

And say "no" to drugs.

 

[Spicy]

I just booked a flight from Korea to Bangkok (meeting a friend there), and then we'll probably head to either Cambodia or Vietnam, though it's looking more like Cambodia at the moment. Total trip is 11 days, I think, from 3/1 until 3/12 or something like that.

Anything I've got to check out/avoid in the area?