i have 2 questions, firstly as im going backpacking around thailand, vietnam, laos and the south of china (hong kong) i would like to ask if anyone knows of any must see things around that area. Secondly i have to fly to bankok by myself and as i have just turned 18 im a bit scared, so any advice on the flight would be very helpful, just to put my mind at ease.
Reply to this My favorite thing in Bangkok that we just happened upon- (isn't really in the travel guides)- was going to the top of the Bangkok State Tower. It has an upscale restaurant and outdoor bar on the 74th floor, with the most spectacular view of the city. Drinks are around 8 dollars, and there is a dress code for men-
Photos of the tower The Sunday market is quite a spectacle as well- (thought it operates both saturday and sunday) The night market is a little less hectic- Suan Lum I think it is called. As far as the islands are concerned, I found the best way to see them was to rent a motorbike and just go- they cost about 4 dollars U.S.
mas photos Though the photo below is from a very touristy hotel, which I can't remember the name of- but was not nearly as cool as the state tower.
Reply to this You'll be fine on the flight! - hopefully you get someone pleasant to sit next to... or even better an empty seat 😊
I'd suggest booking somewhere to stay in advance - it's one thing to not have to worry about. If you don't know where to stay, Khaosan Rd is in the thick of it look for somewhere in one of the near by streets. The guidebooks have some good suggestions.
You can get from the airport to most of the popular backpacking places by airport bus - for about 100Baht ($4), you just have to exit the airport and look for the signs in front of it. Their is a small stand that sells tickets and they run every 15mins or so. Taxis will cost about 500Baht ($20).
The sites in Bangkok are impressive - the Grand Palace the most impressive.
Btw - this bit is the worst bit - it all gets better from here on in 😊
Reply to this thanks for the advice its all very helpful, ill make sure i go look at all of them. Of course any more help would be appreciated, theres never too much to see!
thanks again!
Reply to this Hey! I am also a young female and I just returned from SE Asia. The flight is long, but you'll get used to spending long amounts of time in transit! Check out my blog to see pictures and details about my recent travels in Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, and HK. I'm still in the process of updating info and photos! In Thailand, when you're in Bangkok, see the Khon traditional dance show at the Royal Theatre (students recieve a 60% discount-just ask), take the local river ferry down/across the Chao Praya to see Wat Arun, Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) is a must as well. Other recommended destinations include Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, Sukhothai. In Laos, Luang Prabang is a must (although I didn't make it there this time!), Vietiane is charming- you must go to the forest monastery for a Herbal Sauna and Massage--see Lonely Planet, and in Vietnam, Sapa (hike through the terraced hillsides in spectacuar scenery!) and Mai Chau (stay in stilt houses in this textile and craft village) are a definite definite must. Cambodia is also unbelievable if you ever get the chance to go. Hong Kong is a bit crazy, and 3 days there was enough for me! Shopping is fantastic, but everything is expensive! Cheap hostel: Travellers Hostel in Chungking Mansion (about $8 US/dorm--cheapest place to stay in HK). Must sees: the light show by the waterfront each evening (seen from the Avenue of Stars), Bank of China tower (the view from the top is incredible), night markets, dim sum. So many amazing things that it's impossible to describe them all here! Contact me if you have any specific questions! 😊
Reply to this Hey Shelby,
New to this site, but noticed your entry and last name...mine is Burgess as well. Where you from? Anyway, you'll love SE Asia. For all you hear about Bangkok and the larger cities I found the smaller towns and country areas to be much more beautiful, friendly and picturesque. While in SE Asia don't miss Cambodia--Angkor is like nothing you've ever seen or ever will see--fantastic! The islands in south Thailand are also not to be missed--would make for a nice week of R&R at the end of your trip. I've personally visited Rai Lei, Ko Phi Phi and Krabi. And lastly, don't miss Myanmar. It is what SE Asia was in the 50's...primarily because of the gov't, but won't go there. The people are wonderful and the country is beautiful--Pagan should not be missed.
As for the plane ride...bring your IPOD and a good book. You'll be fine.....wish I was going!
Reply to this Vietnam is very safe for tourist, just mind the pickpocket!
you can write and ask specific questiosn about Vietnam and Hanoi, in particular, i'll answer!
Bon voyage!
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