Hello, We are 2 American women age 30 who live in Phuket Thailand. We have one month holiday in July and thought about taking a long train trip around to see some things in the countries above. Anything you would strongly advise we see or stay away from? Places to stay or great food or markets? We don't have a really low budget, but can't afford top resorts, either. Sort of middle of the road stuff. Any tips greatly appreciated. Thank you :) We would fly to Bangkok and start from there.
Other - Asia Pacific - 4 Answers
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1 :
I can't offer much in the way of advice for fun travel. I have traveled throughout the area on business usually stopping only long enough to attend meetings and depart. My biggest concern is your safety. Stay smart and keep your eyes open!! They are not bad people as a whole, but young American women in third world countries attract alot of attention like it or not.
2 :
Yes, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam offer interesting experiences and sight-seeing. Since you'll start from Bangkok, you can approach one of the local tour operators there and ask for road trip to these 3 countries. Some packages also include Myanmar. Some companies offer a road trip to these countries including sight-seeing and accommodation at half board basis for as low as $600 per person. Each such a trip lasts for a week to 10 days. These countries are safe and have a lot of history and culture which at times, may appear to be similar to that of Thailand, while it really is not. Just make sure you carry a lot of change in US$ such as $1 and $5 notes, especially in Cambodia, since their Riel has to be counted by the millions. In all these countries, shops and hotels are more happy to accept the USD rather than their own currency. In Cambodia, you can visit Siem Riep, the city near the Angkor Wat ancient temple. In all these countries, be careful of streetside food since hygiene standards are lower than in Thailand.
3 :
hey i just got back from a 10 month trip around that part of the world (im taking a gap year and im 19, i would say that traveling as a women there is not scary) the only issue is the time that you guys have i would recommend that you see cambodia and vietnam. or laos and cambodia. in cambodia get the 3 day pass for angkor wat- that is really the must see in my opinion ! it will blow your mind, it is so magical. and cambodia in my opinion is totally slept on- it is a wonderful country. in laos with only a week i would go to luang prabang - but traveling there is much much more difficult than vietnam, so i would recommend going to vietnam instead heres what might be nice. fly into sim reap spend 3 or 4 days going to angkor wat and dont miss the land mine "museum", go to phnom phen its a really wonderful city, some great restaurants nice places to stay, you'll enjoy it- make sure and go to the foreign correspondents club there its a nice break from the chaos.- and the food is quite a contrast from the fried bugs on the street. then either go to the beach- it might be what your used to so you can skip and go straight to vietnam hcm city is like bangkok , but give it a moment and youll find it hass its own charms, head up to na trang, i think you can skip mui nay, in na trang chill out at one of the beach clubs and eat really really good pho on the street, and go out at night- fun town. fly up to hanoi its a 60 dollar flight, and see hallong bay - but make sure you pick the right tour company- i did the one that takes you to a private island DONT GO TO CAT BA, ive head horrible things about that part of the trip. then go back to hannoi and hit sappa in the north- it gets a bit chilly so buy some sweaters there, it will be a different experience from what youve got in thailand in july. have fun.
4 :
There are None left's answer is a good one; but I would ad that Hue Vietnam is not to be missed. It is the old Captial and it has so many ancient sites. The Royal food is the best there and the people are very helpful and friendly. I'd be spend more time in Hanoi than just an overnight. HCMC can be skipped if you run out of time. Hanoi is beautifu and has many good restaruants. Besides the beer is cheap. I will be there in 20 days, spending a week in Hanoi and 3 weeks in Hue. Have a good trip. cheers.
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