Travelling after school.. thoughts?

[.civictyper.]

I am planning on taking a vacation when I graduate this spring,
thinking about doing Thailand / Vietnam area....

Anyone have any suggestions on how to plan this trip or can provide some tips and resources?

Thx

[thrasher22]

Solid choice
Try taking a look at some of the good backpacker tour companies and see where they go. Then hop on virtual tourist and do your own research. Its an easy way to get a quick frame work for a trip.

http://www.intrepidtravel.com/
http://www.gapadventures.com/

http://www.virtualtourist.com/

I did a trip with intrepid through SE asia a year ago and HIGHLY recommend them. They're not very expensive and you travel in groups of 6-8, so its not like a cheesy bus tour and they go out of their way to take you way off the beaten path.

[HaganDazs]

Tour groups has its pros and cons. If you would rather travel at your own pace and do exactly the things you want, just do it solo. Its super easy to meet people in hostels and what not

I usually do initial basic research on a country on wikitravel.org

The Frommers and Lonely Planet websites also have good info (and PDFs of their books can be found on various internet "venues", if you know what I mean). And travbuddy.com has a great community where you can ask questions

For preparing your luggage, check out www.onebag.com

http://www.travelindependent.info/ is a great guide to backpacking

Finally, the government of Canada has a travel website (http://www.voyage.gc.ca/) that has updates on issues and concerns of various countries. Its a good way to check recent happenings and what vaccines to take.

[maxomilll]

i say solo 100% just got back from a 3 month backpack trip through south east asia.

If your going to Thailand, its awesome, and also extremely tourist friendly. It's easy to find info on travel once your there. really depends on what you want to do tho..

[davidI]

Travel solo. You'll meet more people and learn more about yourself.

Whenever possible, I fly solo and it's been great.

[Jlude]

Originally posted by davidI
Travel solo. You'll meet more people and learn more about yourself.

Whenever possible, I fly solo and it's been great.

Good advice. I'm planning a month long trip this year to explore europe and think that going alone would be best for me. Would make the experience that much better.

[davidI]

Also, for resources - travelfish.org is a great reference for SE Asia.

Below are some copy and pastes from e-mails I've sent others on SE Asia and friends have sent me - sorry, don't have the time to re-write, but if you want clarification on any of it please ask:

THAILAND
> I enjoyed Bangkok but it is a little overwhelming at first. Stay in
> the guest houses on Soi Rambutri, just off of Khao San Road behind Wat Chana Songkhram. I stayed at the Merry V for virtually all of my nights but the Sawasdee House is fairly decent and has a 24 hour bar in the lobby, definitely a plus during those Bangkok nights. There are lots of choices along this road and much quieter than Khao San. If you are arriving late, try to make a reservation before or you could be stuck out in the cold. Mind you most people would let you crash on their floor.
> Lots of e-mail around but you can snag a 1/2 Baht per minute, air con e-mail shop on Thanon Chakraphong (the road you would walk along from Merry V to Khao San) I think it is next to a little convenience store and has some stairs leading up, off of the street.
>
> Now for things to do. If you get to Bangkok on a weekend, take the
> gold coloured air con bus #3 to the weekend market. I can't remember the exact name right now but just ask at the hotel or any local for the weekend market and you'll find it.
>
> The Royal Palace should be checked out.
>
> I also enjoyed the Vinanmek Teak Mansion (also take air con bus #3 to
> get there) across from the western side of the Dusit Zoo. I never went to the zoo.
>
> Wander down Chankraphong at night near the royal palace as there might
> be little concerts or lights shows. Worth the walk if nothing is on.
>
> Take a ferry up and down the canal. Just hop on and get off where
> ever. I saw some rather interesting parts of the town this way and
> went to some rather out of the way temples that don't get too many
> foreigners or "farangs" there.
>
> Check out Pat Pong for the night. That's the Red Light District,
> "interesting shows". After that, or before, check out the Pat Pong night market (starts after 8) for more shopping just like Khao San.
>
> Eat at night along the street of Thanon Rambutri (parallels Khao San
> to the North).
>
> Check out China Town and Pahurat as well.
>
> This should fill your days in Bangkok but make sure you just wander
> around or hang out at the hotel getting loaded and caught up on all of the "travel news."
>
> I went to Koh Samet for the first week but would say if you are ready
> to travel save Koh Samet for the last as there isn't alot to do there other than sit and drink. I stayed at Silver Sands, lots of great places to stay - Jim tuks has a good bar as is the one where you flip a coin to see if you pay. Hike the island and take lots of water, and a flash light if you watch the sunset and have to walk back.
>
> I then went up to Chiang Mai, did a trek 3 day trek in Pai through
> Nice Place guest house and returned to Chiang Mai. Lots of travel
> companies there, check out Nice Place and get Bank as the guide, The
> Backpackers Meeting Place (BMP) and Panda tours. I would suggest
> staying at the Midtown Guesthouse. It is spotless and have a wonderful
> staff. If you do go there, take some Canadian coins for the old man
> who does the night checks. See the temple at Doi Suthep and the check
> out the sites in town. The evening market is good. Fang, the drawer in
> the bottom below the market is a good guy. One of my friends from back
> home lived up there for a summer and painted with him.
>
> If you want to chill out, head to Pai and enjoy.
>
> I headed to Chiang Khong and stayed at the Nam Khong Guest house
> waiting for my visa and passport to return. I didn't make it to the islands in the south (other than Koh Samet) but would recommend Krabi and Rah Lei beach as a must see. Great diving to be had in Koh Tao, Koh Panang, Koh Samui, etc...
>
> CAMBODIA
> The Angkor Temples at Siem Reap, Cambodia are truly amazing and must
> be seen. You can take a 14 hour truck ride from Bangkok to Siem Reap.
> We had 18 people in the back of a Mazda pickup plus an axle, 7 bags of
> rice, 2 bags of cucumbers, a chicken, 9 back packs... you get the
> picture. Our trip took 37 hours across some of, no, the worst roads I
> have ever been across. The flooding has stopped now and it should be
> smooth sailing. If you go this way you may have to overnight in Poipet
> which is at the Thai/Cam border. Stay at the Ly Hov GH which is one of
> the cheaper ones 300B. The GH's next to the casino charge around 800
> Baht. Ridiculous.
>
> Don't let the trip make you want to fly. It was one of the highlights
> of my trip and you can say you did it! And if all goes well you should
> be in Siem Reap within the day without a overnight in Poipet.
>
> Stay at Smiley's GH in Siem Reap and arrange for a
> driver to take you to the temples. Once you buy a pass
> ($40 US) for 3 days, you can go the night before it
> starts and watch the sunset. Buy a book on Angkor when
> you are there from the little kids who sell
> everything. $5-$6 for the colour copies. It can be a
> great help to finding your way around a temple andunderstanding it.
>
> If you go to Phnom Penh, take a speed boat from Siem Reap ($26 US).
> Check out S 21 prison, killing fields and the russian market, etc...
> and WAR DISNEY. The firing range. Take lots of cash and literally blow
> it. $30 wasn't enough. I didn't make it to the south as it was flooded
> but it is supposed to have some decent islands and more people I
> talked to said go there during the dry, beautiful. In fact you can
> catch a boat back into Thailand from Cambodia. You MUST stay at #10
> GUESTHOUSE in Phnom Penh. Perhaps one of the best I have ever stayed
> at. Free tv, free billiards, movies every night and hammocks over the
> water. Watch the reeds come in during the night and head out during
> the day. Also, see if you can spot the 4 o'clock snake.
>
> INDONESIA
> I flew into Indonesia and was planning on going overland from Bali to
> Timor and then back through Java, Sumatra, Malaysia and South Thailand. I got incredibly sick in Flores and had to come home so I'm not the best source of information on Indonesia but I'll do my best to help you.
>
> I spent several days in Kuta where the "action" is. Kuta is crazy,
> loud, packed full of Aussie tourists and has anything you would ever need. I stayed at a neat little spot in the centre of town called Kuman Indah on Poppies Gang 3, rooms are 25,000 Rupiah per night for a single and breakfast. Check out Cafe 96 for a neat atmostphere at night. Likely to have a line up but worth the wait. I got tired of the noise and all that after a few days and headed to Ubud.
>
> I would recommend going to UBUD. It is a great place for the handy
> crafts that are truly Bali such as the masks, cloth, paintings and
> sculptures. Ubud is about a 1/2 hour trip and can be made on the
> shuttle bus Perama I found was the best for about 20,000 rupiah.
> Personal drivers (in jeeps) can be had for the day for about 200,000
> (total, NOT per person). Don't pay more than that unless you get a
> tour of the whole island and you get to go to some out of the way
> places. Most hotels or tourist shops will book tours to various places
> for the entire day at around 75,000 per person. It would be cheaper to
> get a jeep and do it yourself or go to Kuta and book it from there.
> You can hire jeeps virtually anyplace. Motorbikes and skooters can be
> rented for the day for about 35,000 R, cheaper the farther North on
> the island you go. Pedal bikes are cheaper.
>
> I stayed at a homestay in Ubud just off of Hanoman Street - clean,
> friendly, cheap but a long walk from most things. There are some great
> places to stay in Ubud such as the Ubud Bungalows, Ubud Terrace
> Bungalows, Sagitarrius should include breakfast and a pool.
>
> If you want to buy gifts go to SUKAWATI, a little town about 20
> minutes out of Ubud. It costs about 2,000 R on the public bemo which can be over crowded, smelly and full of chickens but definitely worth the experience. Again, a private driver will take you where ever you want to go for more.
>
> Masks in Sukawati should be around 12-30,000 R, shirts about $1 US, if
> you want a big one, you will likely pay $2. Try them on and don't believe any label you see. In fact, I wanted a bigger shirt and the lady said, "Oh, this one is big, look at the tag." It said waist 34, leg 36 (good shirt). Paintings should be about 40,000 for the heavy ink and 80,000 for the traditional Bali paintings. Those little bastards tried to tell me that they are 350,000 each. In the end I got 2 paintings framed with glass for 200,000. It took a few days and a lot of hassle but worth the $15.
>
> Do visit the Ulu Watu temple in the south and the monkey forest in
> Ubud and watch for monkeys at both. The want their bananas and your sunglasses. Check out a fire dance (it'll impress the lady) and do a sunset cruise/tour or sunset dinner at one of the temples.
>
> Lovina in the North has really cheap dolphin tours where you have a
> great chance of seeing them.
>
> Candidasa (near where Mick Jagger got married) is worth a visit as are
> Padangbai, Mount Agung, Klungkung, Pura Luhur Batukau, and virtually
> any place on the map. The rice paddies in the central area and the
> East are great places to check out. Get a driver, rent a bike or walk.
> Bali is great to visit.
>
> If you do get a motorbike or a jeep you'll be pulled over and stopped
> by the cops. Don't sweat, just start asking questions as to where you are. If they pull you into the jail, even better, ask to play with their guns and see the building. What they are after is to see an International Drivers Permit. If you don't have one, they want a bribe. Let them start and just shake your head and see if they come down a little. I was told I was going to have a 6 month jail term, court date and $1000 fine. $5US later, I had a written warning good for a few more days, directions and pictures with the cops (anything less than 100,000 Rupiah for a jeep is good but hold out 50,000 R and see what they say).
>
> Haggle with everything except prices on menus. If you don't get the
> price you want, walk away and have them chase you around or go to the
> next seller. You can always find the same thing you are looking for
> somewhere else. Keep some cash ready when you leave small towns as
> people will chase the bus you are in and you can do some sweet deals
> that way.
>
> Do not let the kids grab your bags to carry them for you. They will
> demand an extortionist price and will yell, hit and get their friends.
>
> I really enjoyed the Gili Islands, they would be a perfect stop at the
> end of an absolutely amazing adventure and fantastic diving. A speed
> ferry takes a few hours ($35-45 US) and the regular one takes a full
> day ($8 US if that) from Bali. The Gili islands are on the north west
> side of Lombok. There is no motorized transportation there but the
> islands are small enough you can walk around them or take a ride in
> the horse carts. I stayed at Pondok Lita on Gili Trawangan - very
> clean, wonderful owners. There is a nice spot on the west side of the
> island to watch the sunset and there are lots of places to go
> snorkelling. Oh, the irish bar has little huts and if you get there
> early enough you can get one for yourself or your friends and they
> will bring you your own tv to sit and watch movies. Great seafood will
> be prepared for you on the beach. You can get more sun on the islands
> as it usually rains on the mainland and not on the islands. The blue
> marlin dive shop is a great place to dive with and lots of choices for
> day dives, deep dives, shallow dives, night dives, etc...
>
> I did a sailing trip from the Gili islands to Labuanbajo, Flores. It
> was 4 nights on a boat, all your meals, the most amazing snorkelling you will ever see, some stops on remote islands and hikes to see the famous Komodo Dragons on the islands of Komodo and Rinja, and the best part is that it cost $35 US, total. In Labuanbajo I stayed at Gardena Bungalows - decent place but cheaper ones can be found.
>
> I never made it into the interior of Flores to see the coloured lakes
> and some volcanoes but will definitely try to make my way back there
> to see them. I also never made it to Sumatra, Java or Borneo but have
> heard that they are some truly amazing places and very, very cheap
> compared to the rest of Asia. Lake Toba and Jogyakarta (merappi trek)
> and Mount Bromo are must sees. Abduls Chalets in the Perhentian
> islands of North East Malaysia, Flora Bay - Big island and Wanderers,
> Tamanigara National Park in Malaysia has a jungle trek up the river on
> a boat. Also, the borobudur and prambanan temples in Java are to be
> seen and stay at Cemoro Lawang (highest village).

Here are some of my notes on THAILAND

Most of my travel is done back packer style so not too sure on the upscale resort lounging.

> I stayed in guest houses on Soi Rambutri, just off of Khao San Road behind Wat Chana Songkhram. I stayed at the Merry V for virtually all of my nights but the Sawasdee House is fairly decent and has a 24 hour bar in the lobby, definitely a plus during those Bangkok nights. There are lots of choices along this road and much quieter than Khao San. If you are arriving late, try to make a reservation before or you could be stuck out in the cold. Mind you most people would let you crash on their floor.
> Lots of e-mail around but you can snag a 1/2 Baht per minute, air con e-mail shop on Thanon Chakraphong (the road you would walk along from Merry V to Khao San) I think it is next to a little convenience store and has some stairs leading up, off of the street.
>
> Now for things to do. If you get to Bangkok on a weekend, take the
> gold coloured air con bus #3 to the weekend market. I can't remember the exact name right now but just ask at the hotel or any local for the weekend market and you'll find it.
>
> The Royal Palace should be checked out.
>
> I also enjoyed the Vinanmek Teak Mansion (also take air con bus #3 to
> get there) across from the western side of the Dusit Zoo. I never went to the zoo.
>
> Wander down Chankraphong at night near the royal palace as there might
> be little concerts or lights shows. Worth the walk if nothing is on.
>
> Take a ferry up and down the canal. Just hop on and get off where
> ever. I saw some rather interesting parts of the town this way and
> went to some rather out of the way temples that don't get too many
> foreigners or "farangs" there.
>
> Check out Pat Pong for the night. There is the Red Light District and Pat Pong night market (starts after 8) for more shopping just like Khao San.
>
> Eat at night along the street of Thanon Rambutri (parallels Khao San
> to the North).
>
> Check out China Town and Pahurat as well.
>
> This should fill your days in Bangkok but make sure you just wander
> around or hang out at the hotel getting loaded and caught up on all of the "travel news."
>
>My favourite island near Bangkok is Koh Samet. Great place - within 3-4 hours you will be on the island. Most places pick you up from your hotel around 8am and you are there by noon. I've stayed at Silver Sands, Neds or Jeds and one other place up on the hill above Jim Tuks' - lots of places to stay. Most restaurants are on the beach. It is not all that upscale but certainly one of the best beaches around. Hike the island and take lots of water, and a flash light if you watch the sunset and have to walk back.
>
> If you head up to Chiang Mai (12 hour night bus, 12 hour train or 1 1/2 hour flight - check out www.airasia.com for super discounted fares), do a trek 3 day trek in Pai through Nice Place guest house and returned to Chiang Mai. Lots of travel
> companies there, check out Nice Place and get Bank as the guide, The
> Backpackers Meeting Place (BMP) and Panda tours. I would suggest
> staying at the Midtown Guesthouse. It is spotless and have a wonderful
> staff. If you do go there, take some Canadian coins for the old man
> who does the night checks. See the temple at Doi Suthep and the check
> out the sites in town. The evening market is good. Fang, the drawer in
> the bottom below the market is a good guy. One of my friends from back
> home lived up there for a summer and painted with him.
>
> If you want to chill out, head to Pai and enjoy.
>
> I headed to Chiang Khong and stayed at the Nam Khong Guest house
> waiting for my visa and passport to return. I've been down to Koh Tao, Koh Phagnan. Great diving in and around Koh Tao - oh, get to Mango Bay or Mango Beach, Japanese Gardens and some of the little boat rides around the place. Awesome island. Koh Phagnan is fantastic too. Up in the north end go to Bottle Beach and Koh Salad. There are some great places to stay. Good food too. I would also recommend Krabi and Rah Lei beach as a must see.

If you have time, I would recommend a 5 day trip to see the temples at Angkor in Cambodia. You can go overland from Bangkok to Siem Reap in a day (14 hours if all goes well), look around for 2+ days and then a day back. Definitely worth it.

Here is some info from Lonely Planet's DESTINATION:

Try Thailand’s Islands Thailand has many faces – national parks, temple architecture, trekking, handicrafts and cuisine to name a few. Exploring everything the country has to offer is a lifetime endeavour. An excellent place to begin is with the country’s islands and beaches, some of the finest in Asia. Thailand’s Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand coastlines form 2710km of beaches, hard shores and wetlands. Hundreds of islands lie offshore on both sides. Following is a rundown on just a few of the beauties on offer.

Ko Chang: Parts of this archipelago, near the Cambodian border, enjoy national marine-park status. So far high-profile development has been kept at bay by the island’s distance from Bangkok and its mountainous geography. Although the main island is beginning to develop, outlying islands such as Ko Kut are still very quiet.

Ko Samui: Off the coast of Surat Thani, this is Thailand’s third-largest island. It was once a haven for backpackers, but now it’s mainly given over to mid-range hotels and guesthouses. The island is fast becoming a centre for spas and new-age health centres. Hat Chaweng remains one of the country’s most scenic beaches despite being lined with upmarket bungalows and tourist hotels.

Ko Pha-Ngan: Just north of Ko Samui in the gulf, Pha-Ngan remains the main backpackers’ headquarters as the beach accommodation is the least expensive in the country. A few more-upmarket places have emerged, too. There is good snorkelling and diving in some parts of the island, but very little in the way of nightlife except at Hat Rin on the south-eastern tip, which is famous for its full-moon parties.

Ko Surin, Ko Similan & Ko Tarutao: These Andaman Coast islands are separate national marine parks that are some of the best protected in Thailand. Diving and snorkelling here is a fantastic experience. It’s possible to camp or stay overnight in park bungalows on these islands (except for one private island in Tarutao). It’s best to visit outside the monsoon season between November and April.

> Krabi: This province, opposite Phuket on the Andaman Coast, offers a range of beaches and islands ringed with striking limestone formations. Because of the lack of provincial roads, many of Krabi’s best mainland beaches, such as Hat Rai Leh, Hat Tham Phra Nang and Ao Mao, can only be reached by boat. Rock-climbing, snorkelling, diving, boating and beach camping can all be enjoyed here. Accommodation tends to book out between December and February, however, it is mostly deserted during May, June, September and October.

> Songkhla, Pattani & Narathiwat: These deep-south provinces on the lower Southern Gulf coast near Malaysia are lined with hundreds of kilometres of deserted beaches. It’s best to visit outside the monsoon season (November to March), as crosscurrents affect the clarity of the water.
Below are 2 and 3 week itineraries for various trips through SE Asia.

Some are beachy, some are activities and beach, some are Thailand and Cambodia (gotta see the Angkor temples) and one has it all - but may be rushed if you just want to hang out in some dreamy honeymoon suite over the ocean.

Check out thorntree.lonelyplanet.com for tons of information.
This site will make you want to go to Thailand http://www.hotelthailand.com/krabi/krabinfo.html
www.airasia.com for super cheap flights. - book ahead of time for some screamin' deals like $25US BKK to Koh Samui.
BKK = Bangkok
CNX = Chaing Mai

Keep in mind, you can always go to Koh Samet, which is just 4 hours from BKK. It is my favourite island but not a whole lot to do other than party at night - but it is not a real party island.

2 weeker - quick hikes, cooking courses and beach time.

Day 1 BKK arrival and sight seeing and tailor. Overnight train to Chiang Mai.
Day 2 Chaing Mai arrival and site seeing
Day 3/4 - 2 day Trek,
Day 5 - Cooking course & night market
Day 6 - fly out early morning to Koh Samui and take ferry to Koh Tao
Day 7/8 - Koh Tao diving and relaxing
Day 9 - Koh Tao to main land (Surat Thani) via ferry and overland to Krabi (2 hours via bus)
Day 10/11 - Krabi (Rai Lay beach - it is stunning)
Day 12 - Krabi to Bangkok (2 hour taxi to Phuket and 1 hour flight to BKK) get to tailor for second fitting
Day 13 - BKK shopping and canal public ferry tour - just hanging out and shopping pick up tailor made clothing
Day 14 - Email, sleep in and head back to airport for return flight home.

2 week Cambodian Temples, trek, cooking course, beach

Day 1 BKK
Day 2 - Fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia to see Angkor Temples - first night sunset tour of Banyon.
Day 3 - temple day
Day 4 - temples and fly to CMX - Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Day 5, 6, 7 - 3 day trek in Pai but book in Chiang Mai
Day 8 - cooking course - book before trek
Day 9 - Fly to Koh Samui
Day 10/11/12 - Koh Samui - nice honeymoon suites
Day 13 - fly back to BKK for sight seeing and shopping
Day 14 - fly home

2 week - Temples, trek, cooking, Cambodia and beach

Day 1 BKK
Day 2 - train to Auyuthaya - cultural centre north of BKK
Day 3 - overnight train to Chiang Mai
Day 4 - temples tour around CNX - Chiang Mai, Thailand. Book trek and cooking course
Day 5 - 1 day trek
Day 6 - Cooking course in CNX
Day 7 - Fly to Siem Reap,Cambodia
Day 8 - Temples of Angkor
Day 9 - Fly to Phuket, Thailand and take taxi/bus to Krabi
Day 10/11/12 - Krabi- nice honeymoon suites
Day 13/14 back to BKK (via Phuket) for final shopping and flight home.

3 weeker - assuming arrive in BKK and leave on Day 21. Thailand, Laos, Cambodia.

Day 1 -likely late arrival in Bangkok. Book a room ahead of time just off of Khao San Road.
Day 2 - wander around town - royal palace, canal tour, sort of checking out nearby sites. Go to tailor and get fitted.
Day 3.- chatachak or floating market - booked day before. Timing dependent. Go to mall and kick boxing match or patpong for night shopping and patpong s*x for those interesting shows - not for everyone but you should say you have seen one. Night train to chiang mai.
Day 4 - arrive early morning to previously booked guest house. Check in, dump bag and quick nap. Head out to doi suthep and temple visits. Night market in evening. Book trek in Pai area. Book cooking course for day 8.
Day 5-7 trek. Arrive back late afternoon. Meal with trek crew - go to east of river restaurant - I'll track this place down for you.
Day 8-9 - cooking course. Be sure to have a thai massage in the evenings. You will be full.
Day 10. Late afternoon flight to luang prabang, laos. Awesome. French culture with asia flare. Croissants and bagettes. Temples. Tour around.
Day. 11. Tour around Luang Prabang - get caught up on emails and rest.
Day 12. Head to Vang Vien, Laos.
Day. 13. Caving and swimming and river tubing.
Day 14 fly to siem reap Cambodia. Sunset at temple.
Day 15 and 16. Temples. Phenomenal
Night 16 fly back to BKK
Day 17 - fly out early morning to Koh Samui
Day 18 - 19 - 20 Beach it for sun and fun on Koh Samui or Koh Phagnan or Koh Tao (all easy to get to on ferry)
Night 20. Back to BKK via plane from Koh Samui. Pick up tailoring, final shopping
Day 21 - Fly out