Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Smee]

Hi, I've never done the backpacking thing or been to SE Asia so I have a couple questions.

My gf and I will be in Vietnam for nine days next month followed by about two weeks in Taiwan. To me it makes sense to just bring a suitcase since I don't want to have to try and do laundry in the bathroom every few days, or carry everything on my back. But as we plan to take a few trips outside of HCM City, can buses accomodate suitcases?

I'm not worried about Taiwan, having been there a couple times before, but when you've gone to Vietnam what luggage did you take?

Thanks.

[jajdude]

I don't see why you'd have a problem. Do laundry in the bathroom? Likely you'll find laundry services wherever you go.

[the_beaver]

Laundry services are everywhere. And for backpacking, get a backpack -- not a suitcase. Backpacks are just a lot easier to lug everywhere.

I'm in Vietnam right now, at the end of a two-week vacation. I brought a bigger backpack for the bulk of my stuff, and a smaller one for carrying around with me. When I came I underpacked so that the small bag fit into the big bag with room to spare. When I go home I can use the empty space in the big bag for the stuff that I bought.

[DCJames]

[the_beaver]

[Join Me]

I would just go pick up a nice big canvas duffel bag in Itaewon. You can fit more in it and cut down on your weight a lot. I tossed my nice Samsonite suitcase two years ago and all I use now is a black duffel bag. End of my trip I just roll it up and store it under the sink in my apartment.

[sojourner1]

You don't want a huge suitcase to do a tropical vacation or any kind of budget travel where you hoof it long distances instead of using taxis and staying in hotels. Suitcases are not adventure travel gear, but lean more on luxury and business travel. Pack light and leave some room for the nice Summer clothes you'll buy down there as well as souvenirs as well as other things you might like that you don't see much of in Korea such as every day work clothes that are made for YOU. For me this is Dockers and Levi's in western sizes and style like you'd find in a mall at home. Yes, I seen real western market stuff in an upscale Bangkok mall, but it was expensive.

Use a big mountaineer outdoor style backpack packed light on your way out of Korea. You can also hand carry an item or two or even pull a wheeled carry on since you're allowed that too. It's a shopping trip for sure once you see what they got for sale outside of Korea. Oh boy, you'll jump for joy when you realize how much you've been missing and there it is in front of you. Other Asian countries do have quite a bit more for sale than you'll see in Korea so don't be surprised if you spend more than you anticipated and come back with heavy bags or even a new extra full piece of luggage.

While I've been to several other countries, I haven't been to Vietnam and Taiwan, but I would expect there's shopping that will catch your eye when you see it. Go lite, because you can mix match outfits if planned carefully and get laundry service every 5 days to a week in just a carry on sized bag. That's about 2 pairs of pants, 1 pair of shorts, 4 or 5 shirts, 5 pairs of socks, 5 under wear, and a jacket your wearing as well as what you're wearing. Plenty considering you'll probably buy more and even if you don't, it's not a fashion show nor does anyone notice if you have to wear something twice.

Have fun. Fly away in the new year. Happy New Year 2009.

[Xuanzang]

Taiwan will have all the brands you want at Sogo or the other big Japanese department stores. Not a bad place to shop for the har to find styles or sizes you cannot get cheap in Korea.

[Smee]

Thanks for your help, most of you. I'll look into buying a big bag, although we're not doing "adventure" stuff it'll be a little easier maybe.

The reason I said about laundry is b/c I did attempt to do some in Hong Kong and Taiwan in the past, but laundromats were few and far between, and things took forever to dry on the line b/c of humidity.

[Tobias]

Don't buy a bag here. Take one full suitcase and buy a second bag there after you've arrived in HCM. It's cheaper that way, plus it will help some local mom & pop.

[moosehead]

best prices for bags in K are in Namdaemun market - I've bought a couple of very nice bags there - one leather satchel has been 'round the world w/me now; my last traveler's backpack came with a cool pouch underneath complete w/a custom rain poncho to cover it with

I second the large backpack vs. the suitcase; Vietnam is warm weather, as is Taiwan - you don't need a lot, after all.