Korean Job Discussion Forums

[michaelmichael]

I've never been to Goa, so I'm thinking about planning a solo trip there. Does anybody have any advice as to which side I should visit (north or south)? Should I take a tour, or should I just LP it? I'm thinking about going for a week or two. Accom. advice, best time to go tips would be great. Thanks

[Tony_Balony]

It usually only takes a few hours until someone will come and insult you about wanting to go to Goa. They'll indirectly suggest a place to go but very indirectly, you'll have to sit though comments like "Kerballa was nice until people like you showed up but there are a few years left until its unlivable".

[bucheon bum]

Have you been to India before?

Don't think there would be any reason to take a tour, just LP it as you said.

When are you planning to go? Winter is ideal, summer is the worst time to go (monsoons and all).

Haven't been to Goa myself, but would like to check it out as well as southern India.

If you go for 2 weeks, I'd suggest maybe a week in Goa, and another week somewhere else in India.

[genezorm]

if you are going to Goa...remember to be careful about what you ingest into your system if you are coming back to korea

i've heard it takes 19 days until traces of certain substances are out of your system....(for hair and blood tests)

[Fishead soup]

I've been to Goa. It's a very relaxed and laid back place. Ideal for mellowing out after a stint in Korea. I stayed on Anjunna beach. Its worth it taking the overnight bus trip to Hampi. The Hindu temples will blow you away. The landscape in Hampi is like something out of a Salvadore Dali painting with large boulders that are strangly balanced amid Hindu temples.

I admit the farang element of Goa is not my scene. A bit too Kho San road Hippy dippy. Drugs are also easily available and are a good source
of Bakshish bribe money for the police. Despite that you'de be surprised how many people will smoke it on the beach and in cafe's. Lots of busty topless farange girls on the beach.

The best way to see Goa is by renting a motorbike. There are tons of people wo don't have a licence at home for are riding in Goa. Its a kind of Kho San road on wheels. Scary Concept.

[Desiree]

I hear there's a lot of poor people there and they won't leave you alone. That's really sad. I'd like to go too though.

[Fishead soup]

[michaelmichael]

[widespread123]

I stayed at Anjunna Beach when I was there and stayed at some ladies annex for $3/night. She made us chai tea at all hours of the day and washed our clothes. There are tons of places to stay in Goa.

I also went to the Paradiso which is an amazing club right on the beach where the DJ spins inside a cave, firedancers, old ladies selling chai tea, etc. I also ate enough drugs to kill a horse

[mark dew]

[Natalia]

[mark dew]

don't be put off.
You'll have a good time in goa if you're only going for a couple of weeks.
If you were going for a couple of months or more then you would probably have got different advice.
There are lots of $hit things about goa, like the police, the police, the police, foreigners who have been there too long and think they have gone native. The local mafia. As you are a bloke you won't have indians walking down the beach leering at you as they do the women. The charas is very expensive due to it being several days travel away from the source.
The beer is cheap. The shore bar is a nice place to sit and watch sunsets. But if the workers tell you to put that joint out, do so or if you are alone they will give you a beating.
Don't get caught with charas or grass by the police, but if you do don't worry too much as all the fuss they make is primarily for show, to increase the level of bribe you will have to pay to get let off. whatever you do try to come to an agreement straight away and avoid going to the police station as once there the amount of people you will have to pay off will increase.
Don't bother going to arambol to see the banyan tree. It's full of egotistical foreigners who will look down on you and try to make you feel like s hit for having the cheek to do what they are doing.
If you hire a motorbike and it gets stolen leave goa at once. Don't wait around or report it to anyone. Just leave. Immediately!! You will be scammed otherwise, with the police getting involved as well. Oh and never hand over your passport as deposit or if you do you have lost it for good unless you p[art with a big wad of cash. Write it off and go to an emabssy in bombay and report it stolen.
Anjuna is the centre of everything there. Including busts and trouble. But is a good place to hang out. Vagator beach next door is much better a place to stay. More of a local atmosphere.
As another poster mentioned, if you can spare a few days get the bus to hampi. Or hublis as the main town close by is called and then to hampi. It really is a surreal place.
Anytime from now to march is a good time to go.

[topas]

I haven't been there in a few years and things may have changed, but I really liked the beaches in the south (south of Colva). They were very relaxed and laid back. I would avoid Colva itself as it caters to Indian tourists (more emphasis on shopping than beach). The north beaches, especially Anjuna, are the big party spots.

I second "don't bother with at tour." If you really feel like it you can arrange something easily when you get there.

In terms of accommodation, it really depends what you're looking for and where. There are plenty of options.

(Also, i know you didn't ask our opinion, but why go all the way to India just for Goa?)

[Tiger Beer]

[Caffeinated]

Thanks for the thread bump! I was thinking of heading to Goa myself for beach and relaxation time in late Feb., then somewhere else in India, maybe Uttar Pradesh. Anyone try out diving in Goa?

I highly recommend Sri Lanka and its beaches - seemingly endless white sands, clear blue ocean and no crowds. Got hassled far less than India. I'd love to go back some time and explore more of the country, but my curiosity demands I try somewhere new.