confused to determine bali or vietnam?
 

I'm looking for go for the month of August. I've been thinking of either Bali or Vietnam. I'm a 24 year old girl and I'll be travelling by myself, so safety is a little of a concern. I'm also needing to go someplace where it will be easily to meet other travellers to hang around with me. Can anybody offer suggestions or important considerations that would make my decision easier?

I can't speak to Vietnam, but I can say that Bali is a great place to meet and interact with other 20 something travelers. It's relatively safe (though you have to use common sense and wear a helmet!). There is a well established network of inexpensive places to stay, both at the beach and inland in the Ubud area. This is true of Lombok and the Gilis as well.

August is the busiest season in Bali, so make your plans soon.

You have to bear in mind that Bali is just one small island within a large country and Vietnam is a whole country covering a wide geographic area, so it's difficult to compare the experience.

You might want to consider joining one of G Adventure's Bali tours: http://www.gadventures.com/

Or look into this organization: http://www.surfgoddessretreats.com/index.php.

Whichever you choose, I would also be sure that you're covered for medical evacuation insurance. Accidents happen and you can't imagine the cost of being airlifted to an acceptable hospital.

thanks marmot for the suggestions that have been given to me. I really appreciate your advice. if I choose in bali, where is the right location for visiting places of tourism in Bali?
so that not too far from where I live later.
The first time I will come to bali.

I would suggest that you start in Seminyak which is in the south coast beach area. You'll also want to spend time in the Ubud area which is further north and inland. There are plenty of places to stay and meet people.

After you get acclimated you can visit other parts of Bali like Pemuteran, Munduk and Amed, and maybe take a ferry to Lombok or the Gilis. It's really not such a big area and you'll find lots of information on line about places to stay and what to do.

Bali is a famous place in the world, so do not hesitate for come to Bali. Bali is a tourist destination that gives a lot of experience that you will not forget.

Me and the cook are going to Bali/Lombok for 4 weeks in September/October. This will be our first visit.

I only booked flights just over a week ago, and since then I've not had my nose out of the latest edition of the Lonely Planet Bali & Lombok guidebook, published April 2013. I won't be using the guidebook as a Bible, but it is quickly becoming a good friend. Get a copy!

So far I've arranged accommodation for a week in Sanur, fairly close to Bali airport. From Sanur we move on to Ubud for a week, again I've booked our accommodation. From Ubud the plan at the moment is to move on to Lombok, and have a week in Sengiggi. That leaves the final week spare.

So far as getting around is concerned. There are inexpensive fixed-price taxis from the airport. Getting from Sanur to Ubud, and Ubud to Sengiggi we'll be using the shuttle services operated by Perama Tours...

http://www.peramatour.com/Daily-Bali...-Bus-Boat.html

Taxis are obviously quicker than shuttles, but using pre-booked tour shuttles mean you're travelling with like-minded people and reducing any personal safety fears, it's cheaper, and you are at less risk of being hassled by touts.

LL, I'd recommend avoiding Sengiggi. It's the only place on Lombok we saw that was crowded and had swarms of annoying touts selling all sorts of gewgaws.

The idea that riding a shuttle makes you less of a target for touts is an interesting one. In my observations, a bus load of foreigners is a magnet for touts and begging children.

Kathie. Thanks, I like to learn something every day, so I know what a gewgaw is now (wink!).

I agree that bus-loads of foreigners are magnets for touts, especially for buses that arrive or depart in the same place at about the same time every day. But that's where homework and experience 'kick-in'.

By starting the thread Emilylarissa has at least begun her homework. If she's taken my advice and got hold of a copy of the latest LP guidebook she'll read all about annoying touts, the latest scams, and how to deal with them. Completely ignore touts, they soon get the message. And for girls travelling alone wear sunglasses to avoid direct eye contact, and a ring (any old ring) on your wedding finger, don't engage in small talk, dress respectfully, and shout if it starts to get bad.

In the case of Perama Tours, they seem to be a reputable tour company. They offer, for a small fee, a hotel pick-up and hotel drop-off service, which should the potential for touts to benefit from you. And for people worried about touts, it's not a bad idea to at lest have your first night's accommodation pre-booked and have the directions to the accommodation written down (ideally in the local language).

Of the basis of the place that will have the "best" weather I would choose Bali, as August is not one the best months for visiting much of Vietnam.

Much as I like Bali, In terms of interest, Vietnam has a lot more going for it and a month is a good amount of time to explore the country from top to bottom.

Rather than stay in hotels, consider using hostels which tend to be a lot more "social" and will improve your chances of hooking up with fellow travellers immensely. www.hostelworld.com and www.hostelbookers are good places to start. If you dont want to go for a bed in a dorm, most have private facilities.

Both places are pretty safe for travel but you do need to be aware of the common travel scams and hassle, paricularly as a woman travelling alone. Check out http://artoftravel.com for safety tips.

Also, www.travelfish.org has lots of good information on travel in both places and is more aimed at the singel traveller.