unphazedd
newbie
Posts: 1

#1 Posted: 16/2/2008 - 19:53


hi all,

ive been planning a trip to the region for some time now, and was going with a good friend. hes just told me he cant come and so now im doing this 4 week trip alone. i am planning on going to thailand, laos, vietnam and cambodia (in that order) - does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions about doing a trip like this solo...id really love some feedback as the idea of it right now seems completely overwhelming...thanks!

somtam2000
admin
mahout
Posts: 2548

Located in:
Indonesia

#2 Posted: 17/2/2008 - 10:06


Hi,

Lots of people travel in Se Asia solo and if you've been planning the trip for a while, then you've got the hard bit out of the way.

The big traveller magnets are ideal for meeting others doing the same kind of thing, so look for a guesthouse with a good vibe and you'll be starting off on the right foot.

backpackergal
newbie
Posts: 1

#3 Posted: 18/2/2008 - 21:27


I have just got back from travelling South East Asia alone (Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and southern China) and I have to say I never once felt threatened or unsafe. in fact I found the people to be friendly, helpful and very nice (but often curious!). of course, I would always suggest the usual safety advice (don't flash the cash, keep to main streets etc) but I felt safer in South East Asia than I have done walking around London. I always make sure I know where I am going when I arrive somewhere, that way you are less of a target for some crafty taxi drivers (often hostels nad guesthouses will arrange a pickup from the airport or station so ask in case they can meet you). Have a great time, enjoy the wonders of SEA.

anya_lukover
longtail driver
Posts: 7

#4 Posted: 22/5/2008 - 16:36


Hello - reading this has filled me with confidence as I am going alone as well. However, and it's not a request because of laziness, but if anyone has a suggested itinery for me, it would be muchly appreciated. I will be waving my friends off from Bangkok on 7th September, and then would like to spend 2-2half months covering Vietnam/Cambodia/Laos, but really have no idea which way round is best for the time of year. I don't need to be travelling every single day - I just want an adventure. Just nervous about not taking the best route that's all so any help would be great :)
x

withshoeson
backpacker
Posts: 11

#5 Posted: 24/5/2008 - 16:15


Hey anya

I took the following route,

Cambodia -> Vietnam -> Laos

-Cambodia
Siem Reap, Battambang, Phnom Pehn, Kampot, Kep
-Vietnam
Saigon(via the delta), Dalat, Na Trang, Hoi An, Hein(on a two day moto tour), Hue, Hanoi, Halong, Mai Chau (on the way to Laos border)
-Laos
Vieng Xai, Xam Nuea, Phonsavan, Luang Prabang, Vientiane.

If you get a map you understand where I went. I used two rather long and intricate boarder crossings (Camboddia to Vietnam and Vietnam to Laos)

I recomend grabing a guide book, or using this site and make a list of the places you like the sound of, then join the dots (so to speak) to get your route.

Have fun!

daawgon
noodle lady
Posts: 43

#6 Posted: 27/5/2008 - 07:45


My comment is that if you've never been to SEA before, 4 weeks for 4 countries is really pushing it. I did it solo in Viet recently in 3.5 weeks/one country. I like to stay a little longer in places that I really like and get to know an area quite well. As far as being alone quite a bit of the time, yes, it does get lonely at times (solution - book short local group tours, and be very flexible). One thing that really impressed me about Viet - when you're alone at a restaurant they don't treat you badly as they often do in the US (I was treated very very well everywhere I went).

daawgon
noodle lady
Posts: 43

#7 Posted: 27/5/2008 - 07:49


Somtam is right! When you stay in inexpensive places people stick together and it's so easy to make new friends (not so in those fancy places where everyone has their own private tour guide!)