Posts Tagged ‘Backpacking’

Backpacking Southeast Asia – Thailand – lesser-known destinations for your itinerary in Thailand

วันอังคาร, มกราคม 18th, 2011

Are you planning a backpacking trip to Southeast Asia? Here are some lesser-known destinations to consider when creating your itinerary Thailand.

[b]Koh Samet[/b]

Ko Samet – A few hours of Bangkok, this small island for a holiday. This friendly and peaceful island, where many people leave Bangkok, offers an excellent opportunity to escape the tourists felt most isolated places in Thailand. Ko Samet is the lack of marketing of sand is ideal for relaxing on a beautiful whiteBeaches and a couple of drinks. If you wish, you can only stay a few meters from the edge of the sea.

Chiang Mai – Far from the beaches of southern Thailand, Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai has a lot to do for all backpackers. Day trips to the surrounding jungle allow the possibility of visiting the indigenous hill tribes. If Thai food is your thing, different companies offer day or a week long course of Thai cuisine. You can also visit an elephant camp where elephants perform many tricks, playingFootball paint on a canvas. The market on Sunday morning, bamboo rafting, and many impressive temples around Chiang Mai to visit for a different reason for this breathtaking destination.

Ko Phi-Phi – One of the most beautiful islands of Ko Phi Phi throughout Thailand. This island is the backdrop for the film "The Beach" with Leonardo DiCaprio. In addition to catch some rays on the beach, you can go snorkeling, diving and even trekking.

Ko Tao – If you are interested in knowing howDiving in Thailand, then Ko Tao is the place to be. Most backpacker travel to Ko Tao Diving closely. If you can get to make new or scuba diver training, you'll find many companies that offer these services on the island. There, most travelers enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, especially after visiting the Full Moon Party on the nearby island of Ko Pha-Ngan.

Backpacking Southeast Asia – Thailand – lesser-known destinations for your itinerary in Thailand

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A Travelogue – Backpacking in Laos, Southeast Asia

วันเสาร์, ธันวาคม 11th, 2010

Singapore and Hong Kong may be first world destinations but these places are the equivalent of a summer spent with a cross-stitching-fanatic grandmother. A trip to Laos, on the other hand, is like a sizzling summer fling – new, exotic and finally unforgettable. Crowned by globetrotters as the new queen of Asia, it is a hip destination on the verge of discovery. You might want to get there fast before everybody finds out about it.

[b]Lao[/b]

Laos, known as the Land of a Million Elephants, is a country seemingly untouched by time and globalization. Yes, there is no smoggy metropolis, aggressive entrepreneurialism and Starbucks – yet. The main attraction of this previous French colony is natural and cultural. There is an abundance of picturesque rice fields, jagged limestone mountains, that hide sprawling caves.

Strolling monks with arresting orange robes who serenely walk barefoot on the pavement is mesmerizing to watch. You can even stop by a temple and hear them chant. The hilltribe habitancy who still wear their aged costumes and about five pounds worth of metal jewelery will give you a optical feast. French influences communed with 3rd world charms results in a progeny of quaint architecture and amazing food. The typical Lao street food is a French baguette with tandori barbequed chicken, fresh tomato and cucumber topped with cream cheese. Drink a cup of that strong Lao coffee to wash the meal down.

Many say that Lao is “one of the last quiet countries on earth”. But just like lovers, on a summer rendezvous, you know that romance won’t last forever. So hurry and fall-in love with this gorgeous country before it loses its blush.

Cities To Visit

1. Luang Prabang

A Unesco World patrimony site and every photographer’s dream location. This city, where time stands still, is framed by lush mountains and amazing waterfalls. Navigate the serene Mekong river with a kayak tour.

2. Vang Vieng

The party city with loads of backpackers from all corners of the world. Relax with a beer Lao while floating in a rubber tire through the Nam Song River.

3. Vientiane

The capital of Laos and the town of arts and primary herbal massages.

Gastrome’S Delight

Sticky rice, fish sauce and a ginger-like ingredient called galangal are Laos’ staple food. Try them with:

Tam Mak Houng – spicy papaya salad

Foe – noodle soup

Som moo – ubiquitous pork sausage sold everywhere

Getting There

There are no direct flights from Manila to Laos. Fly to Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh then grab a plane to Luang Prabang or Vientiane via Lao Airline.

A Travelogue – Backpacking in Laos, Southeast Asia

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Backpacking in Thailand – What You Can Get Out of It

วันพุธ, ธันวาคม 8th, 2010

Take a look at any list of the top trip destinations in the world, and you’ll see Thailand right on top (or at least, close to it) – and for good reason. Either you’re a seasoned traveler, or a newbie to backpacking, Thailand has something good in store for you.

[b]Phi Phi[/b]

1. Smiles.

Over the years, Thailand has aptly earned the moniker: the Land of Smiles. The people of Thailand are known to be among the nicest, friendliest, and most helpful folks on Earth, and you’re sure to be greeted with warm smiles and amiable banter wherever you go. If you’re new to backpacking, Thailand is certainly the place to go because you can rely on help from the locals anytime, with a smile.

2. Sun.

Without a doubt, Thailand has among the most ideal climates in the world; hence, why visitors from the colder regions of the west visit the country in droves. Thailand enjoys sunshine all year round, even throughout the so-called rainy season. So do pack the right stuff while backpacking – Thailand gives you the opening to show some skin!

3. Sand and Sea.

For most people, beaches are a must in backpacking. Thailand is probably best known for its numerous breathtaking White Sand Beaches and virtually untouched aquatic wildlife, so it’s a match made in heaven!

Of course, the ‘different strokes for different folks’ adage apply. The many beaches of Thailand each has their own certain personalities that cater to the various preferences of their discerning visitors. For example, scuba divers and snorkelers looking to enjoy an unspoiled water world frequent Koh Tao and the Similan Islands. Ravers can’t get enough of the full moon parties of Koh Phangan, or the regular beach parties at neighboring Koh Samui. The nature-tripper will have much to gush about in Krabi’s Phi Phi Islands and Trat’s Koh Chang. The pleasure-seeker will never want to leave Patong or Pattaya Beach. And if you just want to spend the day baking under the sun, well, take your pick and go visit one – or all!

4. Sex.

Possibly the main presume why most travelers (men, to be entirely accurate) frequent Thailand is the country’s paramount sex industry. In Bangkok alone, a farang (Western) man – and in some cases, woman – can indulge in forbidden pleasures by naturally visiting areas like Patpong, Nana, and the infamous Soi Cowboy. Such pleasures can also be found in the go-go and coyote bars that litter Pattaya‘s paramount Walking street and Phuket‘s Patong Beach. Tastes ranging from the approved to the slightly askew to the downright sleazy are sure to be satisfied in any of the sex areas that can be found in most of the country’s tourist haunts. Either you’re into skinny, bowlegged chicks, or the more voluptuous pre and post-op trannies, Thailand has it all.

Of course, this is probably not the whole point of your backpacking. Thailand, however, has a way of luring unsuspecting travelers into its raw sexual energy, and this has come to be the downfall of many a hapless farang who end up with empty wallets (all thanks to seemingly angelic bargirls who need ‘rescuing’), or worse, a plethora of undesirable diseases due to general carelessness. Know that by indulging in Thailand’s most paramount industry, you are treading in perilous waters, so do tread carefully.

5. Shopping.

Without a doubt, Thailand offers excellent shopping, certainly one of the best in the world. Bangkok itself plays host to numerous shopping districts where one can get anything from designer labels to cheap knock-offs. Those with heftier wallets frequent the Ratchaprasong area and its upscale malls with their numerous designer boutiques. The more budget-conscious, however, can be found haggling their way straight through around Pratunam, the Lumphini Night Market, the Chatuchak Weekend Market, and Bo Bae, Asia’s wholesale mecca.

Most of the time, shopping is practically unheard of while backpacking. Thailand, however, sells all things from clothes and accessories to the newest gadgets at incredibly cheap prices. Haggle like there’s no tomorrow, why don’t you? That’s part of the fun!

Indeed, there’s much to learn in backpacking. Thailand is an excellent teacher. No wonder newbies flock to the country by the thousands, and the veterans just keep on coming.

Backpacking in Thailand – What You Can Get Out of It

Friends Link : Kanchanaburi อ่าวนาง

Backpacking Southeast Asia – Thailand Itinerary Ideas

วันพุธ, ธันวาคม 8th, 2010

Considering a backpacking trip to Thailand? Here are some ideas for your itinerary.

One Week: If you only have one week in Thailand, you will have to make sacrifices on what you will be able to see. The most tasteless route would be to spend a few days in Bangkok, checking out the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and getting customary with the Thai culture. The remainder of the trip could be spent on one of the numerous beach locations Thailand has to offer.

Phuket

Catch a cheap flight to either Phuket or Ko Samui to relax on the beach for a few days. From Ko Samui you could spend a few days at Ko Pha Ngan if you wanted to attend the full moon party (book room well in advance if you are trying to go to the full moon party). From Phuket, you could spend a few days on the beautiful island of Ko Phi Phi, relaxing on the beach or going snorkeling.

Backpacking Southeast Asia – Thailand Itinerary Ideas

Two weeks: With two weeks in Thailand, you will be able to the vast majority of what Thailand has to offer. Again your trip will most likely start in Bangkok.

If you want to do the beach circuit, catch the bus or a cheap flight to Phuket. Spend a day in Phuket, before heading to Ko Phi Phi. From Ko Phi Phi, catch a ferry to the Krabi region and spend some spend rock climbing and snorkeling. From Krabi take the bus to Surat Thani, to catch the Ferry to head to Ko Samui and Ko Pha Ngan, before heading back to Bangkok to desist your trip.

Another selection is to visit Northern Thailand, but still spend some time on the beach. Again start in Bangkok before catching the train to Chiang Mai. While in Chiang Mai, visit local native hill tribes, go on elephant rides, go bamboo rafting, take Thai cooking classes, and visit the Sunday Market. From Chiang Mai you can select to either visit Ko Samui and Ko Pha Ngan, or Phuket, Ko Phi Phi and Krabi. The easiest way is to catch a cheap flight from Chiang Mai to either Ko Samui or Phuket.

One Month: With one month in Thailand you can visit approximately every projection of the country. Along with all the destinations previously mentioned, you can also visit the White Sand Beaches of Ko Samet and Ko Chang. To the East of Bangkok, these destinations are much quieter than the beach destinations in Southern Thailand. Ko Chang is a good place to visit if you are into scuba diving.

Another destination that is potential to visit is Ko Tao. A short ferry ride from Ko Pha Ngan, this sleepy island also has some exquisite scuba diving, and can be a peaceful break from the craziness of the full moon party.

Unfortunately, due to Bangkok’s central location and the fact that it is the communication hub of Thailand, you will have to backtrack if you want to see all corners of the country. If you are willing to take some discount flights, it can help to eliminate the long backtracking journeys.

Backpacking Southeast Asia – Thailand Itinerary Ideas

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