Duckus Posted April 25, 2006 Share Posted April 25, 2006 It always seems like everyone on this board is very well traveled when the subject of traveling/abroad experiences comes up now and again. So for any of you who have been to SE Asia, let me hear some of your fun stories and tips on what to see as I am about to make a trip of my own to this area. I am about to graduate from college (GW) and I decided 3 days ago that I only live once so I am going to take a 3 week trip backpacking through Singapore (fly in), Malaysia, Thailand (fly out) and Cambodia. I have traveled a lot and I am very used to backpacking, but never in SE Asia so I am pumped for the experience. I have decided to plan as little as possible and basically I am going to know when my fights in and out of Asia will be. I have a friend in Thailand and my brother is in Cambodia for 2 months; however that is the only plans I have for now and I want to keep it very open. The rest will be day to day traveling with an overall idea of places I want to go and see. So any ideas on things I must see from you experts??? Or maybe places I should avoid (too touristy, ect.)?? OH - one last thing, anyone know a cheap airline for travel IN se asia? I have my flights for getting there almost done (should buy them tomorrow - this credit card debt is going to KILL ME!!!) but would love to know an airline to jump from South Thailand to North Thailand and other short flights. Any tips would be great!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MissU28 Posted April 25, 2006 Share Posted April 25, 2006 I used to live in Thailand (Bangkok)...but I was very young.... but we went to Club Med in Phuket for vacation while we lived there.... gorgeous. I don't know what it looks like now after the Tsunami, but if there's anything left of it you should go there. Thailand is a lot of fun Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dreamingwolf Posted April 25, 2006 Share Posted April 25, 2006 dont kiss any birds Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOF44 Posted April 25, 2006 Share Posted April 25, 2006 Get some fresh chicken from a bird farm over there deeeelicious!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duckus Posted April 25, 2006 Author Share Posted April 25, 2006 Don't worry - I will bring all my new chicken pets that I buy in Thailand to the Redskins home opener - what is your seat number again?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duckus Posted April 25, 2006 Author Share Posted April 25, 2006 I know some people on here must have been to Thailand before! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DCBnG21 Posted April 25, 2006 Share Posted April 25, 2006 You should have a great time, it's an awesome part of the world. I don't know where you've been backpacking before, but SE Asia is very different from most Western locations.... 1st thing to keep in mind, and don't forget this. A smile and a nod will get you out of 95% of situations in SE Asia People are generally very friendly. When you are out of the more modern locations, and see people, smile and nod. When people look at you, because they know you are a foreigner, smile and nod. If a cop is hitting you up for money, smile and nod and give it to him. Don't be ****y, a lot of the situations that people get into over there are a direct result of someone acting like SE Asian people are stupid b/c they don't do things our way. - Take some pepto, you will get diarhhea like you have never experienced it before. - When you start peeing out your butt...you must drink lots of water. (Soda water or Tonic water is always a safer bet than regular bottled water. NEVER drink tap water.) This isn't a joke...with the heat and humidity, it's not that uncommon to die from dehydration in this situation. - With your time, you should probably just buy a couple of Lonely Planet or Fodor's guides for where you're going. There's so much to see that you'll have to pick and choose for yourself. MissU28 mentioned the beaches, you definitely, without a doubt, want to hit up the beaches. Best in the world. - I wouldn't plan to much time in Singapore...it's just a big city. It's cool, but it's just a really big, modern city. You'll see a lot more in Cambodia, Thailand, and Malaysia. - Don't ever use your left hand, it's EXTREMELY offensive in most locations over there. And for that matter, don't take something from someone's left hand. You don't have to wonder where it's been, it's been up their butt crack. - Just don't be afraid to try new stuff and give the language a shot. They may laugh at you, but as long as your respectful they are generally very friendly and helpful. It's an awesome place to travel...as long as you keep an open mind, you'll have a great time. I wasn't kidding about the pepto either.... Except in Singapore, and in nice resorts/restaurants, don't drink or brush your teeth with tap water, don't use ice, and don't eat leafy vegetables. (i.e. lettuce, brocolli, cauliflower, cabbage....) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoony Posted April 25, 2006 Share Posted April 25, 2006 - Take some pepto, you will get diarhhea like you have never experienced it before. - When you start peeing out your butt...you must drink lots of water. (Soda water or Tonic water is always a safer bet than regular bottled water. NEVER drink tap water.) This isn't a joke...with the heat and humidity, it's not that uncommon to die from dehydration in this situation. Funny... I was just getting ready to type exactly that. That is probably the biggest challenge/obstacle standing in the way of a pleasurable trip to SE Asia. :2cents: .... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gallntfox Posted April 25, 2006 Share Posted April 25, 2006 1. Wear a condom. 2. See Rule #1. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
diesel22 Posted April 25, 2006 Share Posted April 25, 2006 However appealing they might make it sound......you do NOT want to go to the donkey show........ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Air Force Cane Posted April 25, 2006 Share Posted April 25, 2006 In Malaysia probably not a good idea to wear a Cross, going with the Al-Zawahiri beard would be much safer.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LegionOfDoom Posted April 25, 2006 Share Posted April 25, 2006 Gotta agree with the Pepto and like the others have stated don't drink the tap. Also don't drink any fountain drinks like pepsi or coke you would get in a restaurant. The mixture is from the Tap water. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DCBnG21 Posted April 25, 2006 Share Posted April 25, 2006 1. Wear a condom.2. See Rule #1. I believe the HIV rate alone is somewhere in the 2% range in Thailand.... However appealing they might make it sound......you do NOT want to go to the donkey show........ :paranoid: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skinsbuck Posted April 25, 2006 Share Posted April 25, 2006 Cut and paste samtc's post...all of it is sound advise. Also. don't go over there looking and acting like an American...it's just not cool. Most people in se asia love americans, but there are plenty that don't. be respectful and nice and you shouldn't have any problems. I spent 7 months in Bangkok in 87 with 3 other guys my age (18). it was the best trip of my life. It's a beautiful country with gorgeous women. Phuket (south), Bangkok (central) and Cheng Mai (north) are the only 3 places to visit, but are far apart. I think they're about 14 hour bus ride apart. The weirdest thing I experienced is the people in Asia are very touchy feely. it's not odd to see best friends holding hands or arms together. if you are hanging out with a group of them and they rub your arm or touch you (not sexually), don't be surprised and try not to offend them. I'm being serious. The first time it happened to me I almost hit the ceiling. They don't mean any harm. Singapore isn't all that great. Nice place and very clean, but I remember not having that much fun there. Don't know anything about Cambodia. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gallntfox Posted April 25, 2006 Share Posted April 25, 2006 However appealing they might make it sound......you do NOT want to go to the donkey show........ The "Donkey Show" ??? Is that the sorry ass excuse for morning radio on WJFK? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skinsbuck Posted April 25, 2006 Share Posted April 25, 2006 I believe the HIV rate alone is somewhere in the 2% range in Thailand.... :paranoid: I heard the HIV in Thailand is one of the worst in the world? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DCBnG21 Posted April 25, 2006 Share Posted April 25, 2006 I heard the HIV in Thailand is one of the worst in the world? I've read that it's been growing at a steady pace recently; they have one of the most famous red light districts in the world. Is 2% not bad enough? Hehe, not to mention that just because it walks like a woman, talks like a woman, and looks like a woman....it doesn't mean it's a woman. The whole scene is to be avoided like the plague. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slateman Posted April 25, 2006 Share Posted April 25, 2006 Use a rubber and don't do drugs. No exceptions to either one of those suggestions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarge Posted April 26, 2006 Share Posted April 26, 2006 First, it's going to be hot as hell in Singapore. It's only 60 miles from the equator. WHile in Singapore, don't go anywhere near drugs. The penalty is death and they don't play. You'll make international headlines but they'll kill you all the same. Overall nice country, but not a whole lot to see. Very safe to walk around, even at night THe Tower is where you want to go, but beware of he/she's. You'll have to do the Crocodile Dundee manuver to make sure. Thailand is nice, Bangkok especially so. Don't drink the water or get anything with ice or you'll end up with a flaming case of the ****s. That goes for all those countries Take Imodium. Lots of Imodium The subway is clean in Bangkok and there's plenty to see. Lots of temples and markets. Everyone bargins on prices, so don't get ripped off. Not that anythign costs a lot Maylasia is nice as well, but don't take anything Christian. The Religion of Peace will take anything having to do with another religion from you at the airport and you will spend several hours, if not days in detention. Be aware of yor environment and you shold be alright Enjoy your trip Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duckus Posted April 26, 2006 Author Share Posted April 26, 2006 Thanks everyone for your advice. I am getting more excited about this trip everyday!! I got my tickets yesterday (for a great price of 940 round trip out of JFK on Nippon Airways) and will be flying into Singapore and then out of Bangkok and will be there for about 2 ½ weeks. I won’t be in Singapore more than a day but it’s a great location to start my trip. Right now I want to spend the most time on my trip in Chiang Mai (Thailand) as it seems amazing – I could see spending 4 or 5 days there taking in all the sights. A few more questions for anyone who has gone before: 1) What is your take on Malaria drugs? I have heard mixed things on if it is necessary on a short trip like I am going on. I have also heard rumors that the malaria pills can mess you up pretty bad with depression and what not. Any of you experience any problems with the malaria pills or have any suggestions on other things to look into. I would rather not get Malaria, so most likely I am going to take something but am looking into what is the best option. 2) How is Phuket? Is it too touristy and overcrowded and if so are there better options for beaches on the western coast of Thailand and Malaysia? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DCBnG21 Posted April 26, 2006 Share Posted April 26, 2006 Thanks everyone for your advice. I am getting more excited about this trip everyday!!I got my tickets yesterday (for a great price of 940 round trip out of JFK on Nippon Airways) and will be flying into Singapore and then out of Bangkok and will be there for about 2 ½ weeks. I won’t be in Singapore more than a day but it’s a great location to start my trip. Right now I want to spend the most time on my trip in Chiang Mai (Thailand) as it seems amazing – I could see spending 4 or 5 days there taking in all the sights. A few more questions for anyone who has gone before: 1) What is your take on Malaria drugs? I have heard mixed things on if it is necessary on a short trip like I am going on. I have also heard rumors that the malaria pills can mess you up pretty bad with depression and what not. Any of you experience any problems with the malaria pills or have any suggestions on other things to look into. I would rather not get Malaria, so most likely I am going to take something but am looking into what is the best option. They are way less bad than malaria...make sure you start taking them before the trip. I don't believe all of them have the same problems anymore, but they do suck. You should also ask a dr for an antibiotic prescription for while you are their. Generally, they'll give you one for travel. 2) How is Phuket? Is it too touristy and overcrowded and if so are there better options for beaches on the western coast of Thailand and Malaysia? It's very touristy....depends on you. If you're comfortable being off the more beaten path, the more remote beaches are better in my opinion, but you can't guarantee hot water, air conditioners, etc...depending on how far you get yourself out. It'll be much cheaper though. This'll sound stupid, but walk around the Singapore airport for a few minutes if you can before you go through immagration. It's unbelievable.... Also, to Sarge's point...don't eff around in Singapore, or any of the countries for that matter. Don't even THINK about walking through any country's customs or immagration with drugs. I think Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia all have the death penalty for drugs....get caught in Singapore though, and you will die. No porn, drugs, religious stuff, etc...when you go into Malaysia. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vinva Posted April 26, 2006 Share Posted April 26, 2006 As has been said...wrap it up. Also, if you get a chance to see a dart show, do it. It's something you'll never forget. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkinsBry Posted April 26, 2006 Share Posted April 26, 2006 However appealing they might make it sound......you do NOT want to go to the donkey show........ I disagree. I saw one in Mexico and even though it is strange, I don't regret seeing it. It makes a great story to tell later on in life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skinsbuck Posted April 26, 2006 Share Posted April 26, 2006 I've read that it's been growing at a steady pace recently; they have one of the most famous red light districts in the world. Is 2% not bad enough? Hehe, not to mention that just because it walks like a woman, talks like a woman, and looks like a woman....it doesn't mean it's a woman. The whole scene is to be avoided like the plague. I disagree with you here, about the red light district. I suggest spending the better part of a Saturday night in Bangkoks district. It will be the most intresting night of your vacation. It's called Pat Pong (Ibelieve). If you're adventurous, go just for the experience. You shouldn't get involved with any of them...seriously. It's an experience that will open your eyes and make you realize what we have here in the states. Put your wallet in your front pocket. And, don't be enticed to see the "back room" shows. Not worth the risk. Definitely take malaria pills...it's much much better than getting malaria. Phuket is touristy, but there are many places to be in total seclusion, if that's what you like. Rent a motorcycle and see as much of it as possible. I drove on the beach for hours without seeing a single sole. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skinsbuck Posted April 26, 2006 Share Posted April 26, 2006 As has been said...wrap it up.Also, if you get a chance to see a dart show, do it. It's something you'll never forget. LOL, how could I have forgotten the dart show. I saw that my first night there. At 18 years old that was truly a good experience Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.