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First time Backpacker!!!

  • potta_boro

    Joined Travelfish
    3rd May, 2011

    Location United Kingdom
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    Hello. basically after a fair bit of advice as this is my first backpacking trip and im abit wary of things. I'm hoping to start my trip between july and september, Travelling through Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, i would like some advice on Where should i start first and also what month to start off in?
    I have did a fair bit of research and came up with this:

    Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang mai, Kanchanaburi, Ko Samui, Phuket, Phi Phi island.

    Malaysia: Penang, Langkawi, Kuala lumpa, Melaka then through to Singapore.

    Indonesia: Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Surabaya, Bali.

    I would like to no if these are worth while or get better suggestions, im interested in finding out about the different cultures, Foods, Scenery and ofcorse beaches, please give as much advice as possible it will be much appreciated :)
    Ps, Im also starting to worry a fair bit about the malaria factor and chances of catching it?

    Mike. 23. Male

    #1 Posted: 3/5/2011 - 02:34

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  • Thomas922

    Joined Travelfish
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    Sounds like you need a guide book like SEAsia on a shoe string. Look at highlights and example routes. Look at the sections on Travelfish for each country. Until you know exactly what your working budget is there is no need for such broad questions. The answers you seek have been answered on Travelfish/Thorn Tree/ and tons of places. The places you mentioned are all well travelled. If that is where you want to go then go. Other people opinions on each place will vary and there is no "perfect" trip Just go, keep a general guideline, stay loose on your plans. Having enough money will allow that. Get shots and travel insurance and no the 99% of us didn't get Malaria but that doesn't mean jack to someone else.

    #2 Posted: 3/5/2011 - 03:14

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  • goonistik

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    Look at the table titled "Malaria prophylaxis for South East Asia" over here
    http://www.traveldoctor.co.uk/malaria.htm

    It looks like you don't need malaria prophylaxis for the places to which you are going.

    A travel MD will be in the best position to advise you.

    #3 Posted: 3/5/2011 - 09:03

  • laurenladky

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    Prioritize places you absolutely want to go - and leave a lot more room for last minute changes in plans. You will meet a lot of people and your itinerary will change!

    July - September tends to be rainy but on the positive side - Rooms are much cheaper!

    #4 Posted: 3/5/2011 - 12:35

  • caseyprich

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    3rd March, 2010

    Location China
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    Minor suggestion - think about doubling back through places or not. You've got a good bit of time planned and sometimes it's nice to stop back in to somewhere after you've left so that you feel as if you're 'coming home' in the middle of a long trip. Just a thought.

    #5 Posted: 3/5/2011 - 14:29

  • busylizzy

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    " sometimes it's nice to stop back in to somewhere after you've left so that you feel as if you're 'coming home' in the middle of a long trip. "


    That is so true, Casey!!

    #6 Posted: 4/5/2011 - 10:30

  • eastwest

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    Excellent point indeed and I never really realized it until Casey wrote it.

    Great, for a change, to know where your favorit cafe, restaurant or GH is upon arrival. Makes for a great resting point during your travels.

    #7 Posted: 4/5/2011 - 11:43

  • caseyprich

    Joined Travelfish
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    I think that's why I like Pakse so much while most people don't give it much of a second thought. I ended up stopping there three times in my 3 weeks in Southern Laos.

    #8 Posted: 4/5/2011 - 12:21

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