Korean Job Discussion Forums

[cbbjork]

I was trying to find a post about this, but haven't been able to yet; I was curious as to whether anyone on here has (after finishing their contracts or otherwise) travelled through Southeast Asia for a few months. I'd like to find out what a realistic amount to save for that is, and if there's reliable ground transportation and cheap lodging (Vietnam, Cambodia, India, etc.). Any help would be greatly appreciated. I'm just not in the mood for doing a thousand dollar package tour to Beijing during my week off in July.
Again, thanks for *any* help.

[Peter Jackson]

I've done several such trips. Depending on what you want to do, about 1000-2000 USD a month will be good. I highly recommend Vietnam, Thailand, Lao, and Malaysia. I've never been to India. Personally I will never step foot in Cambodia again, on account of several negative experiences but Angkor Wat is worth a look.

You probably have heard of Khao San Road in Bangkok and that's a good place to start. You'll meet tons of fellow travellers who know how to go on the cheap. Khao San itself is getting expensive these days, but a few of the off streets still have some good bargains. Not hard to find once you meet a few people.

Travel in Vietnam has improved remarkably in the last few years...easy to get around by bus or train. Avoid An Phu Travel...they royally suck. Go with Hanh or Sinh cafes...they've always been good to me.

One word about Nam: no matter WHAT they say, never give the hotel or guesthouse your passport. They don't need it. A photocopy is fine. I've never surrendered mine, although I have been asked. If they really refused, I'd just pay in advance. That shuts them up. They just keep it in an unlocked drawer and they have no business with it. Hold your ground.

The backpacker area of Saigon is a good place to start...the area is off Pham Ngu Lao street...one of the few places in Saigon where the nightlife goes beyond midnight....just be careful here. There are some undesirables here. Be careful about your belongings.

You can get to Cambodia easily from here, if you chose to go. You might want to head north via bus. Lao is great, especially if you like outdoor recreation, ie kayaking, caving, trekking, etc. I found Lao the most laid back and they had the BEST food...albeit more expensive than Thailand. Most everyone in Lao can speak Thai, English and French so it is very easy to communicate.

Hope you have fun! If you have any further questions PM me. I might be able to recommend some guesthouses etc.

Take care,