I am traveling for two months as a solo, English - speaking only female. I would like to visit, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia and Indonesia.
I have so many questions...as I depart in two weeks and have not locked in any plans! So, here are just some of the questions that are racing through my head. Any feedback is appreciated!!
1) Should I be concerned about traveling alone, as a non native female?
2) I have been questioning whether to try and get a rush ordered visa for Vietnam, but since i havent locked in my plans I have been dragging my feet. I have noticed other posting indicating that a Vietnam visa can be issued in Bangkok at the Vietnamese Embassy within 24 hours. Has anyone had difficulties doing this?
3) I have been looking at a couple of Tours that go from Cambodia to Vietnam. I like the idea of traveling with a small group for some of my trip (especially as it will eliminate some of the planning for me). However, the tours I have found are longer than I prefer.
Basically, I would like to the following places in Vietnam (Hanoi, Sapa, Hoi An and Ho Chi Ming City) Cambodia - Angkor Watt, Phnom Penh, and possibly Sihanouknille.
I will likely fly to Bangkok (as its the cheapest ). Anyone know a good tour group for this area? Can a find tour groups that travel multiple countries upon arrival?
4) I would like to go to Chiang Mai in Thailand, but b.c of limited time, I am wondering how Southern Thailand compares to Malaysia?
5) Any suggestions for destinations in Malaysia, Southern Thailand, and/or Indonesia?
Reply to this Hi Heather, a few tips:
1) Nope. In some parts of Indonesia you'll probably want a male companion, but other parts of SE Asia are fine... just follow the normal rules of caution and conservative dress you'd follow anywhere.
2) No problem getting a Vietnam visa. They tend to charge more the sooner you want it but if you have three days notice it's not problem. Just keep in mind that you don't want to actually get the visa until you have your travel dates pretty firm because the visa is only valid for the dates you request -- not for 30 days from entry into the country.
3) Tour groups can be a lot of fun. I used them for some parts of Vietnam and had mixed experiences -- my fellow travelers were always great, but you don't always get what you pay for. It's also very easy to hook up with other travelers heading the same way you are in the Thailand - Laos - Vietnam - Cambodia circle, so no need to depend on them too much. I found them idea for specific locations such as Sapa, Halong Bay, the Mekong etc.
I found that I ended up traveling with people I met on 2-3 day tours, which really makes the travel experience several times better.
4) Chang Mai is well worth a visit, but you'd want to have some time on your hands to get out of the city and see Thailand. Given the choice, I'd head there instead of southern Thailand (except for the islands) and then head to Borneo.
5) Suggestions: Borneo is awesome.
Reply to this Thanks Peter for the great advice.
How easy is it to book flights and find a couple day tours while traveling and how much should I do in advance? (Especially with flights). I have heard travel agencies are everywhere, have you had positive experiences booking through them?
How did you go about booking tours? I understand most guesthouses can help with this, but I have heard mix reviews. Did you book accommodations in advance or was it easy to walk in and get a room
I had initially had Borneo in the plan and then took it out, how many days would you advice and where is best to go?
Thank you!!
Reply to this Hey Heather!
I recognise the worry that you are having before you come out here, but it's unnecessary. There are travel agents apsolutely everywhere that can sell you tours, arrange transport, visas etc... Doing this means that you can do tours of various places and meet lots of other people in the same boat as you.
Travelling in SE Asia is easy, as a native speaker or a non-native English speaker.
My suggestion would be to fly to Bangkok and then head for Khoa San Road. From there you can plan your forward plans around SE Asia and hopefully meet some like minded travellers to travel with. There is an Intrepid tour office in that area, if you want. However, I would suggest staying there for a couple of days, finding your feet, and then taking an overnight train up to Chiang Mai. From there, book a 3 day trek and meet some other travellers. Then go from there.
I can't stress enough how easy it is here. Don't worry. Close your eyes and jump! You won't regret it.
Kate
Reply to this Hi again Heather.
It really is as easy as falling off a log. What Kate says above is good advice.
Booking flights: Really easy now. Tourist numbers are down substantially, but the planes are still flying so there are even more seats available than usual. The main one to book in advance would be in or out of Luang Phrabang or Phongsali. Other than that, you can generally book a day in advance.
Booking tours: I just went to the closest tour agency and talked to them. If I got a good vibe, then I booked the tour. I rarely booked more than a day in advance and always booked in the city the tour or trek would originate from.
Borneo is awesome, but it's a big place.
The three things I did there were climb Mt Kinabalu, go scuba diving at, and see the wildlife on the Kinabatangan. Each one took about a week, so that should give you an idea of timings. And there's heaps more to do if you have time, money, and energy!
Cheers,
Peter.
Reply to this Kate and Peter, thanks for the great advice! I am so excited and cant wait to begin my journey!
Reply to this Hello Heather 😊
1) Should I be concerned about traveling alone, as a non native female?
I dont think you need worry excessively about it. Those are not particularly dangerous countries you are going to.
Southern Thailand
I recommend Khao Sok to spend some time in the Jungle.
Mel
Reply to this +1 for Khoa San Road ... its a bit of a sensory overload at times with all the sound and the colours and the people and the heat ! But.. alot of tourists/backpackers there so you wouldnt feel alone.
Ive done alot of travelling around Bangkok alone (white female) and Ive never had any dramas. But word to the wise, there are some small pockets of I think Arabs ? You will see random streets with alot of indian/Arab men standing around - I was advised by locals that as a single female, I should definitely avoid those areas. .Other than that.. it was all good !
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