Traveling South East Asia, or just going backpacking in general for the first time is a daunting experience. Theres is so much planning that goes into it. Thats why I've created this list of my top 6 tips. These tips vary from things that were a life saver to things I wish I'd known before I went. I always say there's always something that going to go wrong - it's life. However, following these tips means there's one less hiccup to deal with.
12 GO
12GoAsia is a website that helps travelers book planes, buses, trains and ferries between cities. Don't be that person who turns up to the sleeper train at ten at night only to realise there is no room at the inn. It's easy to use and works exactly like Skyscanner. The search results show the time, price, duration and even a picture of the bus/train/plane both inside and out. This website truly was a life saver. I don't know how I would have gotten around Asia without it. One thing I will say is don't just presume a train will be cheaper than a plane. Sometimes it's actually cheaper to fly than it is to go by train.
Never second class
This is quite possibly the biggest tip I have. On sleeper trains in Vietnam there is first, second and third class like anywhere else. In first class there is 4 to a room with bunk beds. In second class there is 6 to a room, again in bunk beds but this time stacked three high. In third class there is wooden bench's you are expected to sit on for your 15 hour journey.
Now I know I don't have to tell you third class is not a good idea. It's mainly only locals that use that because it's so much cheaper. Second class doesn't sound that bad right? I mean it's only for one night how bad could it be? To answer your question, it's bad. Very bad. Now, let me just say my boyfriend and I would not be opposed to roughing it. We are both very relaxed and generally just go with the flow. Hence why we didn't heed the warnings online and went for the €80 second class ticket and not the even more expensive first class ticket.
I'm telling you now, buy the first class ticket! This will prevent you spending the entire journey listening to Vietnamese locals talk loudly and disciplining their child while you try to sleep (which is their prerogative, but it doesn't create a good sleeping atmosphere). It will also mean that you are not three bunks up with the ceiling nearly touching your forehead when you lie down. I don't know, maybe this doesn't sound bad enough to put you off, but after 15 hours it gets to be a bit much.
Bring a small backpack not a large suitcase
For the love of God, don't bring a suitcase, please. Bring a backpack. However, if you're like me and the thought of rooting through a backpack is headache inducing, I have the bag for you. Its from a brand called Millican (not sponsored - I wish). It cost me €150. I know that seems a bit steep for an 18 L but it was so worth the money. The bag has a zip at the back that opens up the whole bag so it feels like a suitcase. It even has a laptop section.
Only bring what you know you'll really need. When we were away we saw people walk past with 60L backpacks - massive yokes. In reality, you don't need anything that big if you're savvy about what you bring. Whether you're going for one month or three, I refuse to believe a rucksack that big is required. Every hotel offers laundry service that is as cheap as chips. As I said my backpack was 18L. Once I actually got there all I was thinking about was how handy it would be to have less item's so my bag would weight a little less.
Extension Lead
Pretty self-explanatory. An extension lead is particularly handy on sleeper trains where there is 4 people and only 2 plugs. It also means you only have to bring one plug adaptor when packing as well. It's a great way to make a few new friends if you're traveling alone too.
Sim Card
I suspect you might have already thought of this but just if you haven't. Buy a sim card in the airport. It literally takes about ten minutes to set up. The stands are set up especially for this reason. Just make sure if you're traveling to different countries that the deal you get means you can use the sim in all the countries you're traveling to.
Dress Appropriately
I suspect you have heard or have an idea that in South East Asian countries the dress can be a bit more conservative. The only place that this really applies to tourists is in temples - not much different to Europe if you think about it. When entering most temples they want your shoulders covered and skirt or shorts to your knees. You're expected to take your shoes off when entering certain areas as well.
In Bangkok, especially in the Royal Palace, they are very strict. You have to be covered head to toe. We decided to give the palace a miss. The thought of having to deal with the heat like that sounded like hell. It was already hot enough. If you do forget about this rule and arrive to the temple inappropriately dressed it's no hassle. There's always a friendly sales man there to sell you a scarf or trousers. The handiest thing to do is bring a scarf with you everywhere and when you need it it can be draped over your shoulders.
What I wore to most temples - shoulders and knees covered
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