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Well, I posted in this thread a month or so back asking about Vietnam - now I'm leaving for a trip just over 2 weeks tomorrow! Any thoughts on must sees / lesser known spots in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City? General advice or things to check out? I haven't booked anything past my first few nights in a hotel in Hanoi; planning to explore the city, take a trip to Halong Bay, then maybe to somewhere near the coast for a few days, then a few days in Ho Chi Minh City, but I haven't planned specifically yet. Very excited!
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Oct 6, 2012 06:49
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Chocolate Milk posted:Thanks guys, that's all very helpful.
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Oct 6, 2012 20:07
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There's probably nothing to worry about, but being totally unable to get coverage for what seemed to me to be a reasonably risk-free pre-existing condition had left me a little panicked, so thank you for the practical advice. 
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Does anyone know how strict Indonesia is about having a return ticket? I fly to Jakarta from Kota Bahru (Malaysia), but I don't know how long I'll want to stay in Indonesia so I find it hard to book a return ticket. I have a ticket from Kuala Lumpur back to Amsterdam though, is that enough?
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Oct 8, 2012 15:29
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Probably. I didn't even have to show one when I went through immigration a few years ago, although I'd taken the time to print everything up. Honestly, a lot of it will probably depend on whether you look like a tourist, or if you look like someone who will be trying to stay in the country for economic opportunities.
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Oct 8, 2012 16:23
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I might be hitting up Chang Mai in Dec, and i was thinking of hitting up Eddy Elephant Care, because you can actually ride elephants through the jungle (according to the wiki) Anyone know if this is something I need to book way ahead of time? or is there a better elephant camp there that i am missing Looks like there is another one called Patara Elephant Farm? Acid Jerk fucked around with this message at 19:07 on Oct 8, 2012 |
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Oct 8, 2012 19:04
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There's a shitload of those ride an elephant in the jungle things. It's a Chiang Mai "thing." Every guesthouse will be able to set that up for you when you get there, often they're packaged with a hilltribe visit and some river rafting on as handmade bamboo raft thing. People usually don't like the elephant part because elephants are uncomfortable and the stopoffs / elephant activities are a little hokey. My advice is to go ahead and do it, but only once, and sit on the beasts head if you can instead of its back. It doesn't care and the head is way more comfortable. Also it's always fun to sit on a head.
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Oct 8, 2012 19:53
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I got a question for the Thai goons in this thread. I'm trying to talk my mom into getting her colonoscopy done in Thailand since she will probably be charged $5k for the procedure in the states. I don't really know anything about Medical vacations, but can she fly over to Bangkok and get the procedure done safely in less than a month and have it be cheaper than 5k? Any recommendations for a hospital too would be greatly appreciated, thanks.
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Oct 9, 2012 01:09
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Rojkir posted:Does anyone know how strict Indonesia is about having a return ticket? I fly to Jakarta from Kota Bahru (Malaysia), but I don't know how long I'll want to stay in Indonesia so I find it hard to book a return ticket. I have a ticket from Kuala Lumpur back to Amsterdam though, is that enough? Well I am here now, I arrived in Bali on Jetstar and I had booked a ticket to Kuala Lumpur with Air Asia so as far as Jetstar and immigration were concerned it was one way flight to Bali. No one asked me to show proof of onward travel and the arrival card doesn't ask for what flight your leaving on so you should be fine. Indonesia is pretty awesome and I am thinking about extending my stay. Right now I am in Pangandaran and it's pretty chill here. It's mid week so there aren't many tourists and I think the main tourists that come here are locals anyway. Also the food here is delicious and cheap. I got Nasi Campur and some fresh juice for $1.50 and I had the tastiest Mie Goreng in Lembang from some random road side stall. The funniest thing I have seen is a Wendy's - how can you have a Wendy's and no bacon, why would they even want to set up shop here. I guess you don't miss out because you get some fake bacon made of beef or something.
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Oct 9, 2012 04:46
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GZA Genius posted:I got a question for the Thai goons in this thread. I'm trying to talk my mom into getting her colonoscopy done in Thailand since she will probably be charged $5k for the procedure in the states. I don't really know anything about Medical vacations, but can she fly over to Bangkok and get the procedure done safely in less than a month and have it be cheaper than 5k? Any recommendations for a hospital too would be greatly appreciated, thanks. Costa Rica's supposed to be a good option as well. I mention it as it's closer. ReindeerF fucked around with this message at 11:32 on Oct 9, 2012 |
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Oct 9, 2012 11:30
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imnotinsane posted:The funniest thing I have seen is a Wendy's - how can you have a Wendy's and no bacon, why would they even want to set up shop here. I guess you don't miss out because you get some fake bacon made of beef or something. A friend of mine just got back from the region and said he just had this big realization during his stay there that even in south east asia everything is looking more and more like home. You can find the same shops and restaurants, looking the same, selling the same in the same goddamn shopping malls all over the world. It's a pity :'( Thanks for the reassurance on the return ticket.
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Oct 9, 2012 12:08
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Rojkir posted:Does anyone know how strict Indonesia is about having a return ticket? I fly to Jakarta from Kota Bahru (Malaysia), but I don't know how long I'll want to stay in Indonesia so I find it hard to book a return ticket. I have a ticket from Kuala Lumpur back to Amsterdam though, is that enough? Landing in Jakarta with a one way the immigration officer on the left side queue told me to go to the airline desk and get a ticket out before he would let me in, the officer on the right hand side just stamped me right through… I think Bali would be less likely to care tho considering the volume of tourists. Also just my opinion but Indonesia was my least favourite country in SE Asia with the worst food (by far) and the most hassle, especially with transport. Of course it’s a huge place with lots of good stuff too but…. does anyone have similar thoughts?
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Oct 9, 2012 14:01
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Travel is pretty subjective though - look at all the hate that was in the thread about Vietnam. I guess it all comes down to what you want. Some parts of Indonesia don't seem as geared towards tourists like places like Thailand which can take away from your experience but that can also be a plus too. Personally I feel this thread needs more posts about Indonesia, it's cheap as chips, full of great beaches, attraction and has hardly any tourists (excluding Bali) like other countries in the region. When I was in Bandung I saw a total of 5 foreigners and that was only when I went to the most touristy mall in the whole city. Here in Pangadaran I have an entire beach to my self and at my hotel there is only one other couple staying here. I think I might swing back here again soon. I haven't had the chance to check out Sumatra or Borneo.
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Oct 9, 2012 16:17
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Does anyone know of someone or has anyone done the Indonesian language scholarship programs themselves? I remember hearing about the government being generous with scholarships and not too strict about working outside your visa there. Apparently it's one of the easier languages to learn as a Native English speaker. Kick around Indonesia for a bit picking up a language to add to the Foreign Service resume. The Indonesians I have met in Korea seem way friendly than the Koreans so maybe I'll actually stick with learning it.
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Oct 9, 2012 16:53
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imnotinsane posted:Travel is pretty subjective though - look at all the hate that was in the thread about Vietnam. I guess it all comes down to what you want. Some parts of Indonesia don't seem as geared towards tourists like places like Thailand which can take away from your experience but that can also be a plus too. Sumatra is a different beast from Java. Travel is a lot more time-consuming. I don't say that to warn you off of it, I saw some pretty neat places, but plan ahead accordingly. Block off whole days for travel if possible; you're going to need them.
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Oct 9, 2012 17:03
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CronoGamer posted:Sumatra is a different beast from Java. Travel is a lot more time-consuming. I don't say that to warn you off of it, I saw some pretty neat places, but plan ahead accordingly. Block off whole days for travel if possible; you're going to need them.
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Oct 9, 2012 17:32
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I'm one of the Vietnam apologists but I've been here for a while now so I can understand the critics people have. About Indonesia, I've only been to Jogjakarta once (and I'll be going back once I can hire two competent guys, I've been looking for months!) but I really liked it. As someone said before, the food is bad compared to other parts of SE Asia but I did find a few nice places. I felt that touts were more aggressive there than in Saigon. Also, Saigon by night you will see cockroaches in the sidewalk, you get used to it. In Jogja, I was seeing big rear end rats fleeing in front of me all the time. I didn't mind it, it was just different. The language is also awesome, especially coming from Vietnam. I've been taking Viet classes for almost a year now and I still feel like I suck. But Bahasa/Indonesian is very interesting and much easier (no loving accents or tones!)
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Oct 9, 2012 17:44
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Senso posted:Also, Saigon by night you will see cockroaches in the sidewalk, you get used to it. In Jogja, I was seeing big rear end rats fleeing in front of me all the time. I didn't mind it, it was just different.
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Oct 9, 2012 19:22
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Rats are cute 
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Oct 9, 2012 23:41
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eviljelly posted:Rats are cute Also, no mention of Vietnam should pass without eviljelly or I cursing Vietnam. CURSE VIETNAM.
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Oct 10, 2012 00:51
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Importance of language learning news now. I just hosed myself in a small-change Khmer transaction by insisting on "boon" dollars. I forgot that bai comes before boon. When the guy insisted and I hand-counted in front of him and sighed he was laughing his rear end off at me. Stupid barang indeed! No bargaining before 10:00 (AM).
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Oct 10, 2012 01:03
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Oct 10, 2012 19:10
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I had to finally check out this thread because I just paid my first deposit for geography field school in Thailand, Bali, and Malaysian Borneo in May. I look pretty much like the girl in that photo right now!
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Oct 10, 2012 23:00
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Picnic Princess posted:I had to finally check out this thread because I just paid my first deposit for geography field school in Thailand, Bali, and Malaysian Borneo in May. I look pretty much like the girl in that photo right now!
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Oct 11, 2012 10:28
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Weird question, anyone know what channel ( if any) shows UFC fights in Bangkok ? Or if any bars near khaosan road show them? There's a fight this weekend I'd like to catch .
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Oct 11, 2012 11:22
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Gulliver's always had some sport on when I was there. If you are in khaosan now you could ask them. It's been a while since I have been in Bangkok so I don't really remember anywhere else. Edit. Googling UFC in thailand shows that this bar has shown live events in the past so maybe they will be showing this one? HOME RUN BAR & GRILL BANGKOK, SUKHUMVIT SOI 31 imnotinsane fucked around with this message at 12:04 on Oct 11, 2012 |
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Oct 11, 2012 12:01
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Thai officials getting a post-mortem wrong why I never...quote:CBC
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Oct 11, 2012 15:00
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The show Cold Case in Thailand would consist of a bunch of dudes in brown named Somchai scurrying about in a police station, trying to avoid inquiring parties when a cold case comes up. I can't imagine how many open investigations there are in this country that are purposely left that way because who wants to know the truth about the local police official who killed some tourists or the local Mayor's kid who raped someone or the muckety muck who owns the stolen Saudi jewels or what have you 
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Oct 11, 2012 18:28
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Questions for Thai Goons or any other SEA based Goons who want to give me their input. So yeah December going to Bangkok. What's the best place to go for New Year's Eve? Central World? Also I want to make a side trip but am unsure what city to pick. Chiang Rai or Krabi? On one hand, Chiang Rai looks like it could be interesting because of the Golden Triangle but I kind of just want to relax on a beach. I'm traveling with other people too and it's about a 40/40 split because some could care less about which one we pick. Can anyone tell me some must see things to do in each city so we can compare them and make our decision? Oh yeah, another question. What carrier should I go with for a prepaid SIM for my iPhone? Is it possible to get unlimited data on a prepaid plan? birds fucked around with this message at 20:39 on Oct 11, 2012 |
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Oct 11, 2012 20:32
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No on prepaid unlimited. True has the best 3G speeds by far, but you'll only get 3G in and around major cities. They list Krabi on their coverage map, but I never get it in Ao Nang, so it must be Krabi Town. In the sticks, CAT has a 3G data SIM that rocks (Chiang Rai included), but good luck figuring out how to get one. If you care primarily about phone and slow data coverage in incredibly rural areas, get an AIS SIM. EDIT: Here you go - scroll to the bottom. Even with the Thai language graphic you can probably make that out: http://truemove.com/en/prepay-hispeed-net-sim-volumn-base.htm Wireless infrastructure here is pretty poor and not exactly a great deal. Cambodia's much better, amazingly enough. So, for 699 Baht you'd get 3.5GB and unlimited Wifi (True has a lot of Wifi hotspots, even in public, but they're not that good). ReindeerF fucked around with this message at 05:11 on Oct 12, 2012 |
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Oct 12, 2012 00:08
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Oracle posted:Thai officials getting a post-mortem wrong why I never... Woah, I'm from Montreal and didn't know these girls where from there too. Creepy!
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Oct 12, 2012 04:00
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imnotinsane posted:Gulliver's always had some sport on when I was there. If you are in khaosan now you could ask them. It's been a while since I have been in Bangkok so I don't really remember anywhere else. thanks for the info, i'll check them out.
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Oct 12, 2012 06:25
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DontAskKant posted:geography field school doesn't sound like a real thing. Crazily, it is. Ill be studying the long term effects of tsunamis, evolution of religions, how tourism impacts coastal ecosystems, and the effects of human encroachment on jungle habitats. Geography is, funnily enough, more than just colouring different countries in on maps.
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Oct 12, 2012 10:59
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ReindeerF posted:The show Cold Case in Thailand would consist of a bunch of dudes in brown named Somchai scurrying about in a police station, trying to avoid inquiring parties when a cold case comes up. I can't imagine how many open investigations there are in this country that are purposely left that way because who wants to know the truth about the local police official who killed some tourists or the local Mayor's kid who raped someone or the muckety muck who owns the stolen Saudi jewels or what have you I'd watch the poo poo outta that show! It has gotta be better than that Thai show with the three John Edwards types who sit in a circle confirming to mothers that their children are possessed by poltergeists...
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Oct 12, 2012 13:13
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Macintosh posted:Questions for Thai Goons or any other SEA based Goons who want to give me their input. So yeah December going to Bangkok. What's the best place to go for New Year's Eve? Central World? Don't do those Golden Triangle trips, its all bullshit. They bus you to a stupid statue, which they put there to get more tourists. Go to Mae Salong instead, its a cool little place with history. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santikhiri AntiTank fucked around with this message at 22:22 on Oct 12, 2012 |
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Oct 12, 2012 22:07
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Macintosh posted:Questions for Thai Goons or any other SEA based Goons who want to give me their input. So yeah December going to Bangkok. What's the best place to go for New Year's Eve? Central World? If you head to Chiang Rai, check out this place: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wat_Rong_Khun
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Oct 12, 2012 22:27
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Hey SE Asia goons, I'm planning another trip to the region here in late January - late February, approximately 1 month total. I've decided that I would like to shake things up a little and try something different from my normal excursions. Rather than jump around to a bunch of different locations and countries as I normally would, I would like to stay in 2 to 3 cities during my vacation and take some time to really experience the places I'm going. I've been doing some research and some of the places I'm looking at now include Bali and Cebu city. I'm a little discouraged on Bali because it will be the rainy season when I will be available. I'm really just looking for someplace to relax, enjoy some new cuisine and take in a few sights, historical or natural. If there are any recommendations for places that I should look into, I would really appreciate any input. My only two requirements are that I need to have an active internet connection so nothing too remote and I need to be able to get a visa on arrival with a US passport as I won't be able to get any in advance. I have a budget of about $5000 for the entire trip if that makes any difference.
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Oct 15, 2012 23:41
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If you're spending that much time in single cities tourist oriented ones aren't usually the most fruitful. Capitols or slightly out of the way hub cities usually offer more variety and more local flavor.
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Oct 16, 2012 01:28
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I don't think I could survive Bali for that long, it's a nice island with some really nice beaches and things to do but its all catered towards tourists so the touts can get a little persistent. If you stay in Bali don't book your accommodation in Kuta unless you want to get drunk every day.
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Oct 16, 2012 03:41
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Speaking of Indonesia, does anybody here have any experience with climbing volcanoes in Java? I'm planning a tropical volcano based holiday (I love volcanoes okay) and this tour came up. It sounds amazing, but it will strip me of a third of my 3 month travel budget so it's something I need to consider carefully! They visit four volcanoes (Mount Semeru, Mount Bromo, Mount Ruang, and Mount Argopuro) in 16 days and though it's essentially a walking tour the days are long and the nights are rough, so it looks to be pretty demanding. I'm assuming that with all the driving and camping involved it would not be an easy trip to make alone (except Bromo), and for somebody without a car or driver's license, might not be possible at all (as well as dangerous for a woman travelling alone), but please correct me if I'm wrong! Does this sound like a worthwhile trip to you guys? Has anyone even heard of KE Adventure before? Are there other volcanoes in the area (or somewhere completely different) that I could visit for a whole lot less money and trouble?
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Oct 16, 2012 13:11
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A friend of mine bagged a couple of vulcanoes just winging it without a real plan. From his story I gathered that most have a very basic hostel at the bottom. You can probably find more info here: http://www.gunungbagging.com/ Now this guy is male and 6'11 and safety didn't come up at all in his tales, so I don't know much about that.
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Oct 16, 2012 13:38
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