http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/ Close encounters of the backpacking kind en-US Fri, 18 May 2012 13:05:28 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.3 q http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/search.php http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/topic/chiang-mai-organic-vegan-food#post-699 Fri, 18 May 2012 11:41:11 +0000 S.E.A Backpacker 699@http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/ <p>Cherry, you also must try:</p> <p>* Cafe Compassion: Off Sirimankalajarn, near Nimman Hamen - delicious vegetarian and vegan food!<br /> * AUM Vegetarian Restaurant - on East side of the moat near Thapae Gate, with the most delicious vegetarian Khao Soi (Chiang Mai traditional dish)<br /> * A Taste of Heaven - Huge variety of Vegetarian Thai food, on east side of moat - very delicious dn large portions!<br /> * Nice Kitchen - great vegetarian healthy restaurant right near the S.E.A Backpacker Office ;-)<br /> * Blue Diamond - does good vegetarian dishes, also near S.E.A Backpacker office ;-)<br /> * Pun Pun Organic - ALL organic vegetarian restaurant (home grown on Pun Pun Organic Farm in Doi Saket) near Wat Suon Dok, south of the city - situated in a gorgeous courtyard.</p> <p>x </p> http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/topic/indonesia-around-6-15-may#post-698 Fri, 18 May 2012 10:09:56 +0000 Jenni 698@http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/ <p>Sorry, already found people to travel with. Hope you find someone else to travel with =). </p> http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/topic/chiang-mai-organic-vegan-food#post-696 Thu, 17 May 2012 16:31:57 +0000 Cherry 696@http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/ <p>30 baht?! Bargainous! And they cook to order! Thanks for the recommendation, I'll definitely go there. :o) x </p> http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/topic/do-i-need-to-apply-for-a-visa-for-a-month-in-oz#post-692 Thu, 17 May 2012 10:24:47 +0000 eranda 692@http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/ <p>Hi Maxwell, sure you need visa, only NZ-ers do not require for visa to enter Australia </p> http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/topic/indonesia-around-6-15-may#post-691 Wed, 16 May 2012 23:56:10 +0000 eranda 691@http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/ <p>hi Jenni, i'd like to join </p> http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/topic/travel-advice-wanted-koh-phangan-to-chiang-mai#post-685 Tue, 15 May 2012 13:32:25 +0000 Cherry 685@http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/ <p>Marvellous! Thanks so much for the advice, tellmemore, that's just what I was looking for. :o) </p> http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/topic/best-place-in-bangkok#post-683 Tue, 15 May 2012 11:16:05 +0000 Cherry 683@http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/ <p>Back at ya, Josh, enjoy! </p> http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/topic/best-place-in-bangkok#post-679 Mon, 14 May 2012 15:55:25 +0000 jorog43 679@http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/ <p>Thanks everyone! Couch surfing is great, I jave been hosting ober the past 6 months. The perfect way to backpack in my opinion.</p> <p> In this trip here I plan on hitting up hostels as it is more of a vacation. I plan on backpacking around the world after 1 year teaching in beijing. I have spoken to my best friend who is in Kuta now and he has inforrmed me to just go with the flow. He says I will have no issue finding a ride out to a hostel from the airport and planning ahead is not my best bet. </p> <p> I SINCERELY appreciate everyones advice!</p> <p> SAFE TRAVELS!</p> <p> Joshua </p> http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/topic/best-place-in-bangkok#post-678 Mon, 14 May 2012 15:54:54 +0000 jorog43 678@http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/ <p>Thanks everyone! Couch surfing is great, I jave been hosting ober the past 6 months. The perfect way to backpack in my opinion.</p> <p> In this trip here I plan on hitting up hostels as it is more of a vacation. I plan on backpacking around the world after 1 year teaching in beijing. I have spoken to my best friend who is in Kuta now and he has inforrmed me to just go with the flow. He says I will have no issue finding a ride out to a hostel from the airport and planning ahead is not my best bet. </p> <p> I SINCERELY appreciate everyones advice!</p> <p> SAFE TRAVELS!</p> <p> Joshua </p> http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/topic/best-place-in-bangkok#post-677 Mon, 14 May 2012 09:47:22 +0000 Matt 677@http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/ <p>Great advice from Cherry there. Couchsurfing is by far the best way to do it - free accommodation and new friends/contacts all over the world willing to be your tour guide. It's immense. </p> <p>Check this out: <a href="http://www.southeastasiabackpacker.com/guest-post-introducing-couchsurfing-not-just-a-free-place-to-stay" rel="nofollow">http://www.southeastasiabackpacker.com/guest-post-introducing-couchsurfing-not-just-a-free-place-to-stay</a></p> <p>Sums it up nicely! </p> http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/topic/travel-advice-wanted-koh-phangan-to-chiang-mai#post-676 Mon, 14 May 2012 09:45:00 +0000 tellmemore 676@http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/ <p>Hi Cherry.</p> <p>Not wanting to scare you, but the night bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai has a particularly bad reputation for crashes/breaking down etc. If you book an AirAsia flight a little in advance they usually aren't much more than £40. And if this is the price you have to pay to avoid a crash, I think it's probably worth it! Though I would usually get a boat/bus joined ticket from Koh Phangan up to Bangkok, then fly from there. The roads are just a bit windier and more dangerous up north. </p> http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/topic/chiang-mai-organic-vegan-food#post-675 Mon, 14 May 2012 09:42:35 +0000 tellmemore 675@http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/ <p>YES! </p> <p>The food in Chiang Mai is awesome.<br /> Go to Nimmanhemin Road, Soi 9. It's just outside the city walls. There is a tiny authentic thai restaurant opposite the 7/11 called simply 'Organic Vegetable'. It's not the swankiest place, but don't judge a book by it's cover!<br /> They'll cook anything you want, fresh, from scratch. Last time I was there it was 30 baht a meal...and that includes rice! </p> <p>Enjoy. x </p> http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/topic/chiang-mai-organic-vegan-food#post-674 Mon, 14 May 2012 07:48:16 +0000 Cherry 674@http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/ <p>Hello! I'm going to Chiang Mai in a week or so - does anyone have any recommendations for organic vegan or vegetarian cafes and restaurants?</p> <p>Thanks in advance. X </p> http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/topic/travel-advice-wanted-koh-phangan-to-chiang-mai#post-673 Mon, 14 May 2012 06:30:15 +0000 Cherry 673@http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/ <p>Thanks so much for the info, kt. :o) x</p> <p>I'm in Koh Phangan (I flew here from Bangkok several weeks ago) but wondered how hellish the bus and boat journeys are - am looking for a recommendations and/or warnings..! </p> http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/topic/living-in-southern-thailand-islands#post-672 Sun, 13 May 2012 17:17:05 +0000 kt0000111 672@http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/ <p>Get yourself to Koh Phi Phi. There's lots of jobs flyering. You won't make make much money, just enough to pay for accommodation but it's an awesome place to live and you don't need much money, just eat at the market. I've met loads of ppl who've stayed there for months. </p> http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/topic/johor-bahru-malaysia#post-670 Sun, 13 May 2012 12:38:55 +0000 wafisa 670@http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/ <p>hye..im wafisa from johor bahru, malaysia..im here want to find more friends. i love travel so much..hope can meet some people who same hobby with me..thanks. </p> http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/topic/travel-advice-wanted-koh-phangan-to-chiang-mai#post-669 Sat, 12 May 2012 16:34:40 +0000 kt0000111 669@http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/ <p>I've done this the other way. Once you get to Koh Phangan you'll see how easy it is to get anywhere in Thailand, there are travel shops everywhere in Haad Rin. I stopped off in Bangkok, I would think that you'll have to change at Bangkok, don't think you can go straight through. You buy a ticket which will include the boat to the mainland where a coach will be waiting to take you to Bangkok, about 600 baht. The night buses to Chiang Mai are the most popular, about 300 baht. Its so cheap and you save on accommodation by taking the night bus, plus you get to meet other travellers.<br /> Have fun! </p> http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/topic/best-place-in-bangkok#post-668 Sat, 12 May 2012 10:29:02 +0000 Cherry 668@http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/ <p>Yep, agree with what Ian said. I've stayed at the Buddy Lodge on KS Road a few times as well, which is great - rooftop pool, restaurant, etc. Never couchsurfed myself but there's a great article on the SEA Backpacker website about it that sure makes it sound like a great option, particularly if you're traveling alone.</p> <p>Check out a Thai cookery class while you're there, if it's your thing. </p> http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/topic/scam-alert-green-banana-guest-house-siem-reap-cambodia#post-667 Sat, 12 May 2012 10:02:37 +0000 Cherry 667@http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/ <p>Just been advised of a scam being run by the GREEN BANANA guest house in Siem Reap.</p> <p>They'll get you at the border from Thailand and offer a free tuk tuk ride to your hotel, or show you a lovely brochure of Green Banana which is completely fake. If you've booked somewhere else they'll tell you it's full and that they're affiliated with your hotel.</p> <p>Once there they'll, at best, hassle you repeatedly, at worst, rob you blind of all your belongings.</p> <p>See all the tripadvisor reviews about the place:<br /> <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Hotel_Review-g297390-d1872741-Reviews-Green_Banana_Guesthouse-Siem_Reap_Siem_Reap_Province.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Hotel_Review-g297390-d1872741-Reviews-Green_Banana_Guesthouse-Siem_Reap_Siem_Reap_Province.html</a></p> <p>You have been warned! </p> http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/topic/how-to-ford-a-river-safely#post-666 Sat, 12 May 2012 05:10:19 +0000 Cherry 666@http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/ <p>Love this vid, could've done with this in Nepal a few months ago. Thanks for posting; very useful. </p> http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/topic/celik-kapi#post-665 Sat, 12 May 2012 03:18:06 +0000 Cherry 665@http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/ <p>What language is this? Could you translate it into English, please? </p> http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/topic/wildlife-watch-iphone-app-from-wildlife-alliance#post-664 Sat, 12 May 2012 03:15:10 +0000 Cherry 664@http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/ <p>Looks like a great app! Unfortunately I still have an older version of the iPhone so I can't use it but will do when I upgrade, thanks. </p> http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/topic/travel-buddy-maycambodia-thailand-laos#post-662 Fri, 11 May 2012 12:10:41 +0000 yeye 662@http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/ <p>hi Sara! </p> <p>are you in Siem Reap? </p> http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/topic/travel-advice-wanted-koh-phangan-to-chiang-mai#post-661 Fri, 11 May 2012 08:38:55 +0000 Cherry 661@http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/ <p>Hi, I'm wanting to travel from Koh Phangan to Chiang Mai and trying to balance the cost versus luxury..! Has anyone got any advice for me? </p> http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/topic/celik-kapi#post-660 Thu, 10 May 2012 21:50:19 +0000 bojukh 660@http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/ <p>Bazı insanların eşyaları çok kıymetlidir eşaylarını herkesten herşeyden sakınırlar. Bu durum bir hastalıktır. Ancak bu konu için yapılabilecek birşey yoktur. Bu insanlar eşyaları için evlerine çelik kapı yaptırmalıdırlar. Yaptırdıkları çelik kapılarla eşyalarını koruyabilirler ve kıymet oranlarını dahada arttırabilir. Ama bu insanlar eğer yani eşyalarının kıymetli olduğu için paylaşmayan insanlar <a href="http://www.dunyacelikkapi.com" title="çelik kapı">çelik kapı</a> çelik kapılarından evlerine çelik kapı yaptırırlarsa kıymetli oldukarını düşündükleri eşyalarını güvenliğin en son noktasına ulaştığı bir biçimde koruyabilirler. Böyle yaptıktan sonra artık o eşyalar sadece bu insanlara aittir ve artık kimseyle paylaşılamaz hale gelirler. </p> http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/topic/meet-new-people#post-658 Thu, 10 May 2012 15:18:53 +0000 jenrosco 658@http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/ <p>Hi June, Great that you are still around, I am not far from the Russian Market as well.<br /> You can email me then we can arrange the time and the place that we should meet up. You can tell me the place you stay and I can find you there.<br /> My email is: <a href="mailto:jenrosco7@gmail.com">jenrosco7@gmail.com</a><br /> See you...<br /> Cheers, Jen </p> http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/topic/living-in-southern-thailand-islands#post-657 Thu, 10 May 2012 09:18:48 +0000 Wandering_Ian 657@http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/ <p>Which island would depend on what you are looking for. Many to chose from. Best to take a look yourself. As for work, forget it. You will have a tourist visa, no work allowed. Certainly not bartending, this is reserved for locals. </p> http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/topic/meet-new-people#post-656 Wed, 09 May 2012 16:18:10 +0000 junejeroma 656@http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/ <p>Hi again, well i stayed in phnom penh for a longer time than i thought and im still here. Gonna stay here for some more days and perhaps we can meet up? if u still up for it. im staying close to the russian market.<br /> Regards June </p> http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/topic/thailand-do-i-need-proof-of-onward-travel#post-654 Wed, 09 May 2012 06:42:58 +0000 Wandering_Ian 654@http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/ <p>There is also a rule about minimum quantities of currency you must have to be allowed entry into Thailand. Again, this is never enforced, merely there to kick out any suspected undesirables. Worse case scenario, a 1000 baht folded into your passport will solve a multitude of problems--or so I am told. </p> http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/topic/best-place-in-bangkok#post-653 Wed, 09 May 2012 06:32:11 +0000 Wandering_Ian 653@http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/ <p>Khao San Rd, heart of the backpacker life of Bkk and Thailand. You can find nice hotels for 1000+, a street or two away, for less. Great nightlife, food, etc.</p> <p><a href="http://sleepwithinn.com/" rel="nofollow">http://sleepwithinn.com/</a> - is always good, with pool. </p> http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/topic/pattaya#post-652 Wed, 09 May 2012 05:57:16 +0000 Wandering_Ian 652@http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/ <p>15-20 what? Baht? A day/month/year?<br /> Close to the beach, and pool = not cheap. </p> http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/topic/female-solo-traveler-where-to-start-one-month-adventure-in-sea-july#post-651 Wed, 09 May 2012 05:52:26 +0000 Wandering_Ian 651@http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/ <p>First, after 7 years in sea, the 'bad' weather of mid-year is way overhyped. The worst you could expect is several hours of heavy rain in the mid-afternoon, into the early evening, and spectacular lightening. Mornings are usually good. In reality, if you are from a temperate zone (me Australia), there is little real change over the course of the tropical year.</p> <p>All the sites you mentioned are doable within 4 weeks, but I would advise a little land travel, rather than flying everywhere. I have always found that a bus trip gives me a strong sense of travel, distance, and space, which a plane does not. </p> <p>Finally, head over in July, but don't make a tight schedule. You will meet people, hear advice, and get ideas. Keep you plans flexible.</p> <p>Safe travels. </p> http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/topic/so-i-have-5-weeks-for-my-backpacking-trip-bah-i-want-to-go-now#post-650 Wed, 09 May 2012 05:42:35 +0000 Wandering_Ian 650@http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/ <p>Try and return your backpack and other gear you bought. You can buy it all in sea for a fraction of the price. </p> <p>Yes, Thailand is place to begin. It is fully kitted out for travellers. </p> <p>I have found all sea to be friendly, a lot depends on the luck of who you meet, but you will be greeted with a smile or two (sometimes followed by requests for money), by 99% of the people you meet. </p> <p>Partying= south Thailand, Krabi/Trang (young folk), Koh Samui = full moon parties!</p> <p>Culture= Thailand, has the most distinctive culture. </p> <p>Adventure, ummmm, try Cambo, off the beaten path, safe, trekking/bike trip, but you will see poverty, landscapes, and people you will find no where else.</p> <p>Have fun. </p> http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/topic/thailandvietnamcambodia-travel-advice#post-649 Wed, 09 May 2012 05:35:34 +0000 Wandering_Ian 649@http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/ <p>My advice is that 4 weeks is not enough time for three countries. One month would just allow you to make a dent in Thailand. However: </p> <p>Bangkok,<br /> Ayutthaya (ancient ruins), north of Bangkok,<br /> head down south to Krabi/Trang for the beache experience,<br /> Siem Reap, Cambo, for Angkor Wat,<br /> Phnom Penh,<br /> Ho Chi Minh, Viet,<br /> Hue, Viet,<br /> Hanoi, Viet,</p> <p>1500 would be enough to live comfortably. Buy your travel gear after you arrive, much cheaper. Eat a little street food, buy some tshirts and pants in the PP markets.</p> <p>Have fun. </p> http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/topic/wildlife-watch-iphone-app-from-wildlife-alliance#post-647 Tue, 08 May 2012 20:08:24 +0000 wildlife 647@http://forum.southeastasiabackpacker.com/ <p>Hello all, I work at Wildlife Alliance and wanted to share our latest project with you.</p> <p>Cambodia offers a rich array of plant and animal species, many of which currently find themselves threatened. Wildlife Alliance, Trigger, Jeff Corwin Connect, and TRAFFIC partnered to create an educational app to aid the ongoing efforts to preserve this region's lush wildlife. Wildlife Watch provides both educational information on various Southeast Asian species and tools to aid conservation efforts.</p> <p>The app features:<br /> • Detailed information on Southeast Asian animal and plant species courtesy of TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade-monitoring network<br /> • Exclusive video clips featuring Jeff Corwin, courtesy of Jeff Corwin Connect<br /> • Incident Report feature lets you report illegal handling of animals directly to Wildlife Alliance<br /> • Learn what endangered wildlife are most frequently traded as, which are most threatened, and how to pick them out by their unique features<br /> • Enables you to search for species' info quickly and easily by their common market names or IUCN rating<br /> • Map of Cambodia showcases illegal wildlife "hotspot" areas which travelers should watch out for<br /> • Enables you to contribute to the app by submitting new wildlife photos through the Incident Report</p> <p>Let us join you on your travels! Check out the Wildlife Watch iPhone app for free here: <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wildlife-watch/id518454388?mt=8" rel="nofollow">http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wildlife-watch/id518454388?mt=8</a></p> <p>Please share your thoughts on the app, and we hope you’ll find it to be a useful tool to support wildlife conservation.</p> <p>Wildlife Alliance<br /> <a href="mailto:info@wildlifealliance.org">info@wildlifealliance.org</a> </p>