It's me again. I have a hundred questions, but I'll only post a few!

I am travelling by myself to South-East Asia - from Bangkok to Bali. Is it uncommon for people there (especially women) to travel alone? Any advice?

Travelling from Thailand to Indonesia is easy, inexpensive and fun. There are good busses and great trains. I have several female friends who have travelled alone without problem. The people are very courteous and helpful. If you are uncomfortable at any time you can usually find another traveller for company. Have a great trip.

Yvette, my best friend and I (both females) travelled through Vietnam and Thailand together,
with just backpacks and a lonely planet book, and never once felt in danger. I am not sure about Bali. I have heard some stories that they can be quite rude to females. I am sure you will have a great time in thailand

Hello!
I am 23/f from Hungary, and planning to spend a week or 10 days in Manila in February. I also would like to go alone. Ok, I am a bit scared, but I want to do it. If you have any good advises, pls, share it with me!
Best wishes to your trip
Zsuzsi

Zsuzsi, I just checked www.lonelyplanet.com and there is a feature on their home page with lots of info on the Philippines and Manila. If you post a question there you may get some more answers and suggestions. Enjoy.

Much of my travel around the world is by myself. I even spent three weeks in Pakistan in August, 1997, and, while I had to comport myself with caution and handle many suspicious eyes, I got along fine. In May/June, 1995, I traveled by myself for a month in Indonesia, including Bali and Borneo. No trouble whatsoever. The only problems in Indonesia are that people drive you crazy trying to get you to purchase their wares, that you have difficulty getting accurate travel information because every man wants you to take his taxi, and that there are no fixed prices (even for public busses). In 1996, I traveled in Thailand (again) by myself. Easy. I believe that the major factor is whether a woman dresses conservatively and behaves discreetly.

i recently moved from bangkok to bali. Bali is different in that it can be a hassle sometimes when the locals want to sell you something. in bangkok a smile and a shake of the head usually gets you off of the hook. In bali it takes a sharp look at them right in the eyes and a firm no so that they know you mean business. But they will still follow you if you are alone. Never let them touch you and react strongly if they do.

i have a special name for the touts on Kuta Beach...Bara-kutas...i am sure you will soon know why. Let me know if i can help you when you get down this way. Cheers,

Steve
244 724 bali phone

Hi Vanessa,

I saw you message to Yvette on the board. You said you went to Vietnam with your friend alone. We are going, my friend Ginette and I, next March. What did you prefer, which city? Did you sleep in hotel or in family houses. Do you have information to transmit to us, best places to eat, the "must" of that country. If you have a little time to give me these informations, I'll appreciate a lot. Thank you.