Just bought a ticket to Bangkok.
Hi, I just bought a ticket to Bangkok arriving in the 7th August and staying for 4 weeks. Traveling solo.
My plan is:
-Bangkok -> Chiang Mai -> Laos -> down the Mekong -> Vietname(maybe) -> Cambodja -> South Thailand (about one week learning to scuba in the islands) -> Bangkok
I'm looking to do some treks, scuba diving, and whatever comes my way...
Am I being too optimist to do all this in 4 weeks?
Where should I stay when arriving in Bangkok (I was thinking about kao-san, since it will be only for a few days and I want to get a taste of it) Any ideas for good hostels to maybe meet up with some other travelers to go north?
Reply to this There's a guest house in Bangkok which I THINK (can't quite remember) is called the New Siam (it's in Lonely Planet, and it's either that or something very similar). It's just off Rambuttri road which is in the Khao San area but not actually on Khao San road, so it's quieter at night but there are still lots of travellers around, and there's a cafe downstairs where you should find it pretty easy to meet people. It's cheap and clean.
It sounds a little bit squished in the time you have, as you'll probably want 2 or 3 days in Bangkok, then it'll take a day or night to get up to Chiang Mai and you'll need 3 or 4 days there if you do a trek from there, which means your time in Laos, Vietnam (if you go) and Cambodia will all be really short if you want a week at the end to dive. It depends how much you want to see of the countries, as it'll all be quite rushed. Can you go for a bit longer? If you could manage 6 weeks that might be more realistic. If not, maybe miss one of the countries out this time round, and go again another time. My personal opinion is that countries need time; I appreciate them better if I can stay a bit longer in them and start to get a feel of the places. But that's just my opinion! I guess you need to decide what you really want from your trip, and then choose what to do from there
Reply to this Hello Joao 😊
Yes, I think you are being too optmistic with wanting to go to all those countries in just 4 weeks. I would choose two at the most and even then you might not see everything you want in the country.
Yes, the Khao San Road is a fun place to stay because you will meet a lot of people. I often stay there when I am in Bangkok. If you are noise sensitive stay at one of the nearby streets instead.
Just take the bus outside the airport to the Khao San Road. You go outside and buy a ticket at the table they have set up and then get on the next bus. They go frequently from around 8AM to midnight(I think). If you arrive at a time when these are not going you could take a taxi. Be sure to ask the driver to switch on the meter, otherwise it will cost more.
Dont bother to prebook accomodation. I have never had any trouble finding some place to stay there. Just sit down at a cafe when you get there and ask the other travellers hanging around there where they are staying .
I suggest you buy a copy of South East Asia on a Shoestring by Lonely Planet. It covers all the countries you are interested in going to. It has informaiton about things like money, accomodation, safety, transport, things to do, suggested itineries......... It is available in most bookshops around the world for around 30 Euros.
For searching for a travelling companion to go north with you could try posting a message on the following forum.
Looking for Travelling Companions
Mel
Reply to this Thanks for the advice guys!
I already had a feeling I was planning to much to see, but there's nothing like hearing it from someone else. I think i'll stick to thailand and Laos only and if I have a chance then i'll go and see the ruins of angkor.
😉
Reply to this Mel, did you ever have a problem finding accomodation, or rather cheap hostel accomodation without pre-booking? I don't like the idea of booking ahead cuz it means I have to be there at that particular time, but I would hate to not be able to find an inexpensive hostel available.
Reply to this Hello Dana 😊
I have never prebooked accomodation, either during the high or low season in Thailand. I stay at the cheapest accomodation and never had trouble getting a place.
Prebooking on the internet will make accomodation expenses higher because the cheapest places cant be booked on the internet.
There is no point in prebooking by phone. These bookings are rarely honoured. Never send a deposit. When you get there nobody will know anything about it.
Mel
Reply to this I would do your scuba certification before you leave if you can. There is no point in using up holiday time to sit in a classroom if you can do it before you go. Not to mention you will be comfortable knowing you have been taught properly!
Reply to this I am going to arrive in Bangkok on July 9th and I have a similar itinerary. I will also be traveling alone.
I have already been to Laos, so I'll be going to Phnom Penh and Angkor after spending a few days in Bangkok. I will then head to Phuket and probably immediately to Ko Phi Phi in the last two weeks of July to get my diving certification and do a little bit of rock climbing. I haven't planned much, but I was hoping to keep the planning to a minimum for maximum flexibility.
If you want, you can read my blog when I start traveling for ideas.
-C
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