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Thailand and Southeast Asia - Advice for Lone Female

Thailand and Southeast Asia - Advice for Lone Female

Old Sep 10th, 2014, 07:47 PM
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Thailand and Southeast Asia - Advice for Lone Female

Hello!

I'm planning on doing a career break trip, staying in Southeast Asia from early January to late March, volunteering for the first three weeks in Chiang Mai. I am 24 and have never traveled completely by myself before, though I have stayed in hostels in Europe with friends a couple of times. I've heard that hostels aren't as popular in Asia? Will I still be able to meet travelers my age in guest houses?

Here's what I'd like to do:
1. Explore, see, and create lots of art and local crafts (Chiang Mai should be great for this!)
2. Learn about Buddhism as well as Thai and Southeast Asian culture and history
3. See more city life (I'm more comfortable in cities than in nature)
4. Go to a yoga retreat (for beginners - not too intense)
5. Relax and have fun on a beach
6. If possible, see something related to ethical fashion/textiles/manufacturing etc
7. Eat AMAZING food
8. Meet fellow travelers

So far I've been thinking:
1. Fly into Chiang Mai - 3 weeks program
2. One weekend (during program) up in Pai and/or Chiang Rai (is this enough time?)
3. After the program, fly down to beaches for a week (which islands for easy transport, stuff to do, and safety?) and POSSIBLY go to Full Moon Party if I make a friend first
4. Fly to Siem Reap and go to nearby yoga retreat for 5 days - could be hard to get here from southern Thailand?
5. Spend a few days in Siem Reap and see Angkor Wat
6. Maybe go to Phnom Penh
7. Spend a week or so in Vietnam?
8. Go to Bangkok for a several days until I fly home
Singapore, Seoul, and Hong Kong are all good transfer cities for flights to NYC so I was thinking of doing an extended layover.

Overall, I feel a bit overwhelmed thinking about going to so many places and spending that length of time alone - any advice would be appreciated
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Old Sep 10th, 2014, 09:10 PM
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Your post is long and I suspect could be answered by searching the forums for many just like it. I jumped to the last sentence where the point of such posts usually resides.

If you're overwhelmed by so many places, don't go to so many places. That's usually the first recommendation to novice travelers.

You won't be alone. There will be people just like you everywhere you're likely to go. It's up to you entirely whether to be alone or join in. As in life, so in travel.

This is where those 2 come together - when you stay longer in a place, you begin to meet people. A rolling stone, etc.
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Old Sep 11th, 2014, 05:55 AM
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Not enough time n Bangkok. Do much to see and do you should give it a week.
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Old Sep 11th, 2014, 07:29 AM
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What kind of volunteer work will you be doing in Chiang Mai?

Would you be interested in some volunteer work in Siem Reap? Take a look at www.theplf.org

I'd also suggest that you are trying to cover too much ground. For your purposes, Thailand and Cambodia will be better options than VN.

To get to Siem Reap, you will have to fly through Bangkok, so consider this as you plan out your itinerary. Get a copy of Dawn Rooney's book, Angkor: A Guide to Cambodia's Wondrous Temples to prepare for your time at the temples. If you are interested in Buddhism, you would not likely to be satisfies with a cursory glance at the temples. It takes three full days just to see the major temples. If you are really interested in the temples, you will want more time - I spent a week there and would have enjoyed even longer.

It sounds like you have found a yoga retreat you like near Siem Reap. There are yoga retreats all over SE Asia. So if that one doesn't fit exactly what you are looking for, keep looking.

Crime against persons is very uncommon in Thailand. You will be in more danger from your fellow travelers than you will be from the locals. This brings me to the issue of the Full Moon Party. I'm not sure why people think it's so great to go to a beach and trash it, but that is what happens. Literally tons of garbage are hauled off the beach after a full moon party. FMP are well known for free-flowing alcohol and drugs. Boats to and from the beach are often overloaded, and there are accidents rather regularly. If you opt to go, keep your wits about you.

One other safety issue: the leading cause of death for both locals and visitors are motor bike accidents.

So go and have a wonderful time. Move slowly as you will get much more out of your trip if you choose a few places to explore more. Bangkok is my favorite city in the world - don't shortchange it!
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Old Sep 11th, 2014, 07:46 PM
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This was extremely helpful! Thank you so much! I will be doing art therapy related volunteer work in Chiang Mai. Volunteering in Cambodia is not a bad idea, I will look into the link you recommended and others, though if not this time, hopefully I will make my way back again!

I agree about the Full Moon Party, it seems pretty terrible in many ways, and I think it is unlikely that I will go. I think I will now spend a full week in Bangkok after the beaches before going to Cambodia, since I will have to fly through there, and spend longer than I had planned in Siem Reap to see more of Angkor Wat. I'm looking into the Angkor Wat book right now. I also just discovered a silk tour near Siem Reap as well! I agree that sticking to Thailand and Cambodia for my time frame seems far more manageable and exciting for my interests.

Thank you again! Any other thoughts on places to see that fit my interests and itinerary or travel advice are very welcome!
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Old Sep 11th, 2014, 08:06 PM
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Have you considered Laos ? - Luang Prabang in particular as a destination for a few days

From Northern Thailand a slow boat down the Mekong River gets you there, and a small airport will get you to the next place. Fantastic silk workshops across the river, you can see women hand weaving on wooden and bamboo looms.

When in Cambodia, I would recommend at least a couple of nights in the capital Phomnh Penh. The genocide museum S21 and the Killing Fields are grim, but important to get an understanding what the people of this country experienced. The Grand Palace is just grand, as could be expected, with some fabulous wall art. There's a rather cool museum too.
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Old Sep 11th, 2014, 09:59 PM
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A few specific points.


I've heard that hostels aren't as popular in Asia? Will I still be able to meet travelers my age in guest houses? Absolutely not the case. There are loads of hostels in SE Asia, probably the most popular backpacking region in the world. They may call themselves guesthouses but they are hostels with dorm rooms aplenty. Check out www.hostelworld.com and www.hihostel.com etc. Khao San Rd in Bangkok is backpacker central and a great place to meet fellow travellers ( assuming you are <30).

Not sure what sort of program you are looking at but do check it out VERY carefully as many ( most) are thinly disguised tour agencies that are run mostly for the benefit of the owners rather than to actually benefit the communities they purport to serve. The organisation that Kathie mentions has a terrific reputation and although I have no personal knowledge of the org , I am thinking of seeing if we can spend some time there when in Cambodia next year. Cambodia, arguably has a much greater need for qualified volunteers than does the more developed Thailand.

I agree with Sartoric suggestion of considering Laos for a change of pace. A lot less developed than Thailand it has loads to offer, except maybe the cities you say you prefer. It is still possible to get out to small villages to see and meet people producing fantastic handicrafts such as weavings, jewellery, basket ware in their own homes.

Finally, I agree with others here that you shouldn't try to squeeze in too many locations. It really does add to costs and reduce the time you have to actually SEE the places you are visiting. Air travel may cut down the time in transit ( probably not as much as one may think) but overland travel is fun and definitely the best way to get to know a country.

Have fun, it is an amazing corner of the world.
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Old Sep 13th, 2014, 08:45 PM
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WOW! I wasn't planning on going to Laos because I thought it would be too much, but now I really want to do some weaving, dying, and batik workshops that I found in both Luang Prabang and Vientiane on TripAdvisor. Thank you for the recommendation!

Good to know that guesthouses = hostels! I've read on a million travel blogs that it's best to book accommodations, tours/attractions, and local flights in person, not in advance or online because it's more expensive, but that makes me extremely nervous. How does that process work? How far in advance do you book local flights, and how do you book them if not online? Same for guesthouses - should I just make a list in each town and show up when I arrive, or should I call in advance/book online?

Here's my new tentative itinerary, though I'm sure it may change. I haven't booked my main flights yet, but I will probably have at least 3 extra days to add on in addition to the below, so if I love somewhere I can always stay longer.

Nonstop flight to Hong Kong - transfer flight to Chiang Mai
3 weeks Chiang Mai - volunteering
3 days Travel to Luang Prabang (via Chaing Rai and Slow Boat)
3 days in Luang Prabang
2 days in Vang Vieng
2 days in Vientiane
fly to Siem Reap - is it affordable/easy/common to do this from Vientiane?
5 days yoga retreat
4 days angkor wat/siem reap
2 days sihanoukville?
3 days phnom penh
fly to Bangkok
travel to beach islands
5 days thai beach islands TBD
5 days Bangkok
Fly back to Hong Kong - Transfer to NYC!
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Old Sep 13th, 2014, 09:02 PM
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Many people seem to feel that more time = more places. I, on the other hand, feel that more time means the luxury of slowing down somewhat and getting to know a place a bit better. Your itinerary is of the first variety, less satisfying to my way of thinking.

You're young and I'm old. One might say, ok, she's got more energy for all the running around so see it all. Or one might say the old one has lots of experience and has learned a thing or 2 about traveling, although I always loved hanging out in places, since I started at 20. Anyway, the answer is likely somewhere in the middle.
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Old Sep 13th, 2014, 09:41 PM
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I agree completely! I looked at the calendar and I am going to add on another 7-10 days of UNPLANNED time to my itinerary so I can stay longer in the locations that I really like, and get a better feel for them.
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Old Sep 13th, 2014, 10:16 PM
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This is what I suggest. You spoke about the possibility of not booking accommodations in advance. It's a very usual thing to do for budget places and it allows you to play it as it comes. As you say, have a list, ask people for recommendations, show up. Stay longer when you like, move on when you feel it's time. Booking ahead can give a sense of urgency to your movements that you have enough time to completely avoid. There's nothing worse than feeling you must go when you'd really like to stay. It seems to be a hard thing to learn, but once learned, one cannot imagine being forced back onto a strict itinerary again.

Budget airlines in Asia can also be booked last minute in most places. For many boats, show up early and be one of the first to board and you're on. Etc. You get the point. The more you do it the better at spontaneity you become. I urge you to give it a try, have a general plan, but allow yourself to deviate. It's a wonderful way to see the world.
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Old Sep 13th, 2014, 10:23 PM
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Adding another week or so is a great idea. leaving it unplanned as a back up is even better.

How to book/choose hostels?

Many people's fear is turning up and not finding a place to stay. in many years of travelling this has never happened to me. it is good to research places before arrival either online or be asking other travellers. the reviews on hostel world etc tend to be more accurate as people have to stay there to post. TA on the other hand accepts reviews with no such conditions. Beware the one post wonders there!

Buses in many SE Asia bus stations/stops you will be greater by touts offering the best guesthouse in town etc. i tend to ignore them as onc eyou get talking it is very difficult to shake them off. best to have a couple of places in mind with addresses and them=n walk or get a yuk yuk (ignoring the drivers advice that your choice is closed/bad/expensive and that his uncles place is fantastic and half the price (although sometime these guys can be really helpful - just difficult to tell at first.

have a look at one place, if you like it fine, if not move on to the next. they tend to be set together in the same area.

For your first night or two you may want to book to be on the safe side. i think with hostel world etc. there is a 10% "deposit" which in reality is their commission, which you would lose if you don't take up the room. i have found it relatively easy to get a discount of 10-20% which adds up on a longer trip. another approach if you like the place but not the room is to ask for something bigger or with shower etc. for the same price. Once you have done it once it becomes very easy!

Your itinerary looks pretty good to me, although i have a few observations;

it is better to think in terms of nights spent rather than days. i.e. 3 days in Luang Prabang requires 4 nights there

Bus travel in Laos and Cambodia is slow and rough so factor that in when allocating days and nights

There are some great islands in Cambodia that are less developed than those in Thailand and a lot cheaper.

I find this to be a great resource for islands (and SE Asia generally)

http://www.travelfish.org/islands.php
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Old Sep 13th, 2014, 10:52 PM
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Agree with MmePerdu. I reckon spontaneity can make/enhance the travelling experience. The internet gives us the ability to book airlines/transport and accommodation on the fly. With the time you have (+ extra allocated) it's a great opportunity to see exactly what you want to. Research is the key.

Keep your rough outline in mind, but prepare to deviate. Ask more questions here, and checkout other sites. I like to ask google - it takes you everywhere...
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Old Sep 13th, 2014, 11:47 PM
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check out http://www.couchsurfing.org/

this site is mainly for staying privately with people that have a spare couch – at least possible in BKK – but also a great way of meeting other people. It can be locals or other travellers wanting to meet for a chat.
My son have had many great experiences this way, like in Bangkok there is a meeting at a restaurant every Thursday, when my son went 40 people showed up. In HCMC they met with local students who showed them the city.
In Eastern Thailand there is the Island Koh Chang, quite easy to reach overland both from Bangkok and Cambodia.
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Old Sep 16th, 2014, 08:21 PM
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Regarding Vietnam, everyone has their own pace, I know, but 2 cities at opposite ends of a country plus a town in the middle I think is too much in 1 week. I suggest dropping Saigon in the first instance above, and either Sapa or Halong Bay in the second. I found Halong Bay quite a disappointment, even though it was a good boat and an overnight on the water.

I liked Vientiane enough for a week. I don't see much point in going for less than 3 or 4 days. You have enough time to not engage in hit & run tourism. Staying in Luang Prabang for a week and skipping Vientiane is another possibility. There were, and I'm guessing still are, direct flights from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai and other places. LP is a fun place to hang out. I did just that, and liked it so much, went back another year and did it again.
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Old Sep 18th, 2014, 06:16 AM
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Great advice on guest houses and travel. I like the idea of booking the first night in advance for my first couple destinations to get used to it, but it's good to know that spontaneity is easy. I will start thinking in terms of nights, great point. Couch surfing meetups are also a great idea! Any additional tips on how best to book those budget flights would be great!

Also, so glad that you pointed out Ko Chang. I might skip Vientiane and fly directly from LP to Cambodia because it looks like there are no direct flights from Vientiane to Siem Reap. Otherwise, there are direct flights from Vientiane to Phnom Penh so I could also start there, work my way up to Siem Reap, and then stay in Ko Chang for awhile enroute to Bangkok, eliminating a flight.

It looks like the Vietnam related comment was deleted, but I agree, it's probably too much for this trip.

Great advice all! Thank you!
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Old Mar 14th, 2015, 03:23 AM
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Hello!! madam after seeing your schedule now even my heart is forcing me for a career break trip. You have planned a very beautiful and worth trip.Among your checklist you have written you will join a Yoga Retreat.I think this will help you Yoga-Retreat-Thailand [https://www.retreatnetwork.com/event/all/thailand]. One of my friend had been to that place, he reffered me. For me it wil take time.
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