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Asia
May 23, 2004 11:15:30 GMT -5
Post by jennifer on May 23, 2004 11:15:30 GMT -5
Hi! I know this is about Europe and all, but i know some of you have been to Asia.
A girl friend and I are SLOWLY planning a trip to Asia. We don't really know where to start, about the costs and where to go. Do any of you have info on places, prices and security issues? I'd really appreciate it!
Thanks Jen xoxo
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Asia
May 24, 2004 14:39:47 GMT -5
Post by jovial24 on May 24, 2004 14:39:47 GMT -5
Hi Jennifer, I am from Singapore so i guess i can offer you some advice on South EAst Asian Countries if they are part of your plan. I have been to Thailand and it is one of the most memorable countries. The pple there are exceptionally friendly and always have a smile on their faces. THai baht is quite weak so i guess it will be very cheap for you. Bangkok has a happening nightlife and great shopping too. The food is fantastic as well. Only downside is the cleanliness. As of most parts of SEA it is quite dirty everywhere you go. WIll be glad to provide more details if you plan on going... As for my own country, we pride on being clean and green. There are mostly touristy sites but if you want more off the track info, i can provide them for you. Maybe you can let me know a rough idea of which countries you wish to go and i can give you more details accordingly
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Asia
May 24, 2004 15:14:10 GMT -5
Post by jennifer on May 24, 2004 15:14:10 GMT -5
Hey! Great! Thanks for answering! I'm quite dumb on the matter and so is my friend. She's been to Asia before because she was a flight attendant, but she never really went on vacation there, so it's not much of a help!
My main place I want to visit is the "Muraille of China" and Thailand. I mean, there are other places i'm sure i'd love to see, but i don't know about them.
We'd like to spend about 1 to 2 months roaming around. The only problem is transportation. Once we fly into somewhere, how easy is it to travel around from country to country, city to city? Is it expensive? I guess not much because of the exchange, but...
We are mostly concerned health and bug wise. Dirtyness is not so bad at all, we know what we would be up to to go there, but we don't want to be infested with bugs. That's the only concern we have.
I REALLLY REALLY have no clue of where to start planning! If you have any places, cities and stuff you would suggest, OH PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE feel free! I'd greatly appreciate it!
I am not so in a rush because my trip is still REALLY far away, but I think if you want to make sure you see all there is to see, you have to plan in advance and add along as you go!
Well, if you have info, i'll gladly trust you!
xoxo Jen
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Asia
May 31, 2004 10:40:36 GMT -5
Post by jovial24 on May 31, 2004 10:40:36 GMT -5
Agree with the planning way ahead part!! I researched for 1 year b4 embarking on my trip to Europe this year!
I guess the Muraille of China refers to the Great Wall which is in Beijing, CHina. A definite must! There is also the Forbidden Palace which was once occupied by the Emperors. For more cultural activities, you can try Yunnan where there are still tribes with their colorful costumes. China is a country so vast and so rich in history and culture that you can spend 1 to 2 months there!
To cover more places, you can also make a trip to Thailand, which is just as fantastic. You can go to Phuket, Bangkok (you can see a floating market there too!), Chiangmai. There are lots of magnificent temples, palaces and the pple are friendly. The food is really good. As in other parts of Asia, you have to beware of roadside stalls, it is not for those with weak stomach.
If you like resorts, Thailand and Malaysia has some of the best. You can try those in Krabi or Koh Samui in Thailand. Or Redang or Tioman in Malaysia.
Malaysia, KL has the Twin Towers which is the tallest building in the world (not sure if record has been broken hah). Malacca is also fun with its rich culture.
Maybe i should advertise for my own country too haha. Singapore is quite different from the other countries cuz we are really clean and modern. In fact we are just like any Western country. However what is unique is our people. We have at least 4 races namely Chinese, Malays, Indians and Eurasians living harmoniously. And we have lots of fun places to visit like Sentosa and CHinatown.
I dun think it will be expensive to fly from country to country over here. Moreover we now have budget airlines too. Some names to note are Air Asia, Tiger Air, Valuair, Lion Air. I haven tried them yet so cant provide you with more info.
The only most annoying bugs around are the mosquitos. So you may want to bring along an insect repellant. However, if you stay at a hotel, there will be airconditioning so this prob will be solved! Healthwise, it is best to get a jab for Hep A and B cuz of the roadside stalls. Who knows if those cockles are really cooked?!
Oh and one more thing, personally i dun think it is very safe to go to Indonesia. There are constant riots and fightings over there. Even I, who stays very near, am not allowed to go there. (order from my dad) So you may want to think twice if you plan on heading there.
Okies, that's all for today. Just let me know what else you need. Will post again when i remember more things!
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Marie
Senior Travel Member
Posts: 114
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Asia
May 31, 2004 15:54:55 GMT -5
Post by Marie on May 31, 2004 15:54:55 GMT -5
Juat a quick input, cause the only times I went to Asia was on school trips so everything was planned for us (I know I went to the best high school!!) : If you can try to visit Vietnam it's "INDESCRIPTIBLE". There is so much culture and sights, and people and great food and everything to take in that I can't even being to describe how much you would gain by seeing this magnificient country. BTW everything is extremely cheap, so great for the budget!!
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Asia
Jun 4, 2004 13:30:03 GMT -5
Post by jennifer on Jun 4, 2004 13:30:03 GMT -5
Thanks so much for the info! Question: By roadside stalls you mean bathrooms?
Thanks
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Asia
Jun 4, 2004 23:27:54 GMT -5
Post by Kim on Jun 4, 2004 23:27:54 GMT -5
No, she means roadside stands - as in for eating.
I agree with the whole Bangkok thing, the people are so friendly! It was quite a culture shock the first day we arrived but we loved it soon after. It's super busy and chaotic but once you get past that, it's great.
I also second the motion about avoiding Indonesia. I loved Bali and that is probably the only place I would brave as they are 99 % Hindu and very peaceful. I was home from Bali only a week when the horrific bombing occurred but I still would go back. The rest of Indonesia is Muslim and sadly, is in such a state of unrest.
Kim
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Asia
Jun 5, 2004 10:58:10 GMT -5
Post by jennifer on Jun 5, 2004 10:58:10 GMT -5
ok thanks kim! That's what I thought at first!
I will listen to you guys on the Indonesia thing!
Thanks!
Oh and by the way, if it's cheap, about how much would you get buy on a day? even with two people?
Thanks xoxo
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Asia
Jun 5, 2004 14:12:24 GMT -5
Post by jovial24 on Jun 5, 2004 14:12:24 GMT -5
Perhaps i can give you some insight on the cost of living in Thailand and Malaysia, which i am more familiar with. You can do the convertion of the exchange based on which country you are in...
An average meal costs about 10 baht and below in Thailand. And this is enough for you to have quite a spread.
If traveling within a city, you can mostly walk to the various places or take cabs which depends on the distance. In Bangkok, the cheapest way is to take the TUkTUk which is like a motorcycle with a large seat at the back that can take up to 3 pple. You will know what i mean if you have seen the Visa advert with Pierce Brosnan and the Chinese lady. You have to negotiate the price with the driver which will probably cost also less than 10 to 20 baht per trip. In Malaysia, there are taxis which may be cheaper than the trains itself. It is slightly more expensive in Malaysia, especially KL. Where a meal will cost about 10-15 ringgit.
In singapore, a meal will cost about 5 singapore dollars about the same as KL.
Hope this helps! Feel free to ask more questions...
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Asia
Jun 6, 2004 8:56:19 GMT -5
Post by jennifer on Jun 6, 2004 8:56:19 GMT -5
Jovial, you're the best! You better stick around till I leave! hehehe
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Asia
Jun 6, 2004 9:05:06 GMT -5
Post by jennifer on Jun 6, 2004 9:05:06 GMT -5
Ok me again!
10 baht? Man, that's crazy! I checked it out and that's 33 cents canadian! That's really really nuts!
Is transportation between cities and countries as cheap as this?
Thanks xoxo
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Asia
Jun 6, 2004 10:07:20 GMT -5
Post by Kim on Jun 6, 2004 10:07:20 GMT -5
No, it's cheap but it's definately not that cheap. I'd say a good meal would cost you between $3 and $5 CND.
Kim
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Asia
Jun 6, 2004 10:55:23 GMT -5
Post by jennifer on Jun 6, 2004 10:55:23 GMT -5
Ok, cause 33 cents is quite AMAZINGLY cheap!
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Asia
Jun 6, 2004 11:08:24 GMT -5
Post by jovial24 on Jun 6, 2004 11:08:24 GMT -5
hmm did i really underestimate it so much.. hmm only know that it will cost me less than 5 singapore dollars to have a meal at the foodcourt in Thailand... Sorry for causing you so much excitment heee...
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Asia
Jun 6, 2004 11:21:59 GMT -5
Post by jennifer on Jun 6, 2004 11:21:59 GMT -5
Heheh, don't worry! I was just impressed and quite sad for the people that our money was worth so much in comparison to theirs. Even paying 5 canadian dollars for a really good meal is quite cheap. Really, don't worry.
Oh and while you're here Jovial, would you also suggest Vietnam for security and sights? Any ideas?
Oh and for the reduced price airlines, would you happen to know the websites? I'm having some trouble finding the official site.
xoxo Jen
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