Asia - South-East Asia Mainland
Messages: 79,524 - Threads: 9,577
Jan 25, 2012 6:22 PM
farmgirl77
last reply
Feb 3, 2012 11:35 PM
MrsNga
5 replies
1,049 views
location:
Vietnam
Ninh Binh
Hi
I am planing on going from Hue to Ninh Binh. I keep getting different info on the trains. Its seems that they either leave Hue in the Middle of the night or arrive in Ninh Binh in the middle of the night. So all bad times.
Would it be better to just train in form Hue to Hanoi and than go back down to Ninh Binh.
Any info would be great.
Thanks
Jan 25, 2012 6:20 PM
alexsm
last reply
Jan 28, 2012 5:02 PM
alexsm
14 replies
1,475 views
location:
Myanmar
Myanmar Costs vs 2010 LP SE Asia Shoestring
Hi All,
I noticed several posts commenting that costs have increased since the 2010 LP SE Asia on a Shoestring Guide. How much more should I expect to pay for flights, buses, taxis, rooms, sights, and food?
Also, has anyone used Air Mandalay “Discover Myanmar Pass”? Is it cheaper via an agent in Myanmar or on the Air Mandalay site ($225)?
Thanks,
Alex
Jan 25, 2012 6:07 PM
Axle
last reply
Apr 27, 2012 2:23 AM
flowers_van
39 replies
1,941 views
location:
Vietnam
$1 AU = $1.06 US
This question derives from an article in the Advertiser (SA) stating to make the most of the exchange rate now, apparently financial gurus predict an incoming fall.
With the Aussie dollar exchange rate cruising along at $1.06 US, 22,125 VND as of writing (xe.com) should I make the most of it now or take it as it comes in April? Put it this way, if the AU $ = 20,000 VND in April it'd effectively cost me an extra $400 AU for my trip compared to now at 22,000.
True, in two months time it could be at $1.10 US but it could also be at .95c US
If i were to do something now is that what travelers cheques are all about?
Surely our amazing dollar cannot hold up for ever, mind you today being Australia Day simply persuades me to be faithful.
Jan 25, 2012 4:21 PM
moonbirdie
last reply
Jan 26, 2012 1:44 AM
Herbie47
5 replies
509 views
Critique this: REP to HAN via boats, buses and planes
So, originally the plan was to fly from Siem Reap to Kuala Lumpur, overnight there, then fly on to Hanoi all via Air Asia (on or around 24-25 April). Then, we got to thinking that a direct flight to Hanoi from REP would be super convenient, but the cost of $225USD+PP seemed to really trump the "easy" route. I've found out about the speedboat from REP to Pnomh Penh ($35, leaving 730, arriving 1300), same day bus from PNH to Ho Chi Minh City ($11, leaving 1500, arriving ~2130), overnighting it ($12/PP) and flying JetStar the next day to Hanoi ($76). While it seems like an awful lot of time to be sitting on various transit modes, the plus feels to be the $ savings and the ability to see and connect more with the land (with funky boats!). But, if you've done this route before, was it worth it? Are there hidden costs my research is failing to find? Is there too much variability in the actu... more »
Jan 25, 2012 2:13 PM
Jeraboa
last reply
Jan 26, 2012 3:57 AM
Jeraboa
3 replies
698 views
location:
Cambodia
Pictures of Cambodia
Hi guys,
Thought I'd post a few pics of my trip around Cambodia in March/April last year if anyones interested in having a little look, places I visited are Phnom Penh, Battambang, Banteay Chmaar, Siem Reap/Angkor, Kompong Cham, Kratie, Kampot and Koh Tonsay.
Hope you like them
Jeraboa
Jan 25, 2012 1:56 PM
yaksaddle13
last reply
Jan 28, 2012 2:50 AM
rivaltribal
5 replies
618 views
location:
Myanmar
Reservations necessary at end of April?
Hello. Starting to plan a two-week trip to Myanmar beginning around April 23rd. Is it advisable to pre-book hotels in Yangon and Bagan now or is April/May a less-traveled period? It's about a week after the Thingyan celebrations. I generally prefer not to be locked into a rigid schedule. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you all.
Jan 25, 2012 1:18 PM
Brax
last reply
Feb 2, 2012 9:29 PM
Brax
10 replies
673 views
location:
Myanmar
Border Crossing
Hi,
Got the Visa and will be there real soon. My query? Is it yet any easier to cross into Thailand at Tachileik/Mae Si?
At the time of posting I will be flying Yangon to Bangkok. However seeing as I will he heading for Chaing Rai it would be advantageous to try this out. Hope the "new vision" will allow. Anyone on the road or up to date with the latest information please enlighten.
If this is posted twice, my apologies but not my fault. Many thanks.
Jan 25, 2012 10:55 AM
Lalalui
last reply
Jan 26, 2012 1:20 AM
Roadking95
3 replies
421 views
location:
Cambodia
Looking for Buddies to Preah Vihear (26/27/28 Feb)
Hi everyone,
I am a solo traveller and will be in Siem Reap at late Feb.
Preah Vihear and Koh Ker is in my top priority.
But you may know that It is very costly to arrange transport to the remote temples for a single.
Therefore, I am now looking for buddies joining me to share the cost, ideally in a group of 4.
Here is the quote from the famous Mr Narin, a guide with load of positive recommendation, for your reference:
Option A) Day tour to Preah Vihear $180
Option B) Day tour to Preah Vihear, Koh Ker Group and Beng Melea temple $210
Option C) Day tour to Preah Vihear, Koh Ker Group, Beng Melea temple and Anlong Veng $240
Option D) Overnight tour to Preah Vihear, Koh Ker Group, Beng Melea temple and Anlong Veng $300
The prices above are for transport only, which could cater at most a group of 4.
A tour guide will need $25 more.
Anyone interested on 26/27/28 Feb, fe...
more »
Jan 25, 2012 5:28 AM
yumie
last reply
Jan 26, 2012 4:17 AM
wmcnicol
4 replies
1,185 views
location:
Vietnam
Cat Tien Nature Park
Hi all,
How to go from Ho Chi Minh airport to Cat Tien Nature Park? Any transport going there?
May I know how much is the taxi fee?
Besides that, does Cat Tien Nature Park have telephone number for me to contact them?
Do we need to book the accommodation in advance?
Thanks a lot.
Jan 25, 2012 3:59 AM
SimonHill
last reply
Feb 3, 2012 7:31 PM
SimonHill
5 replies
681 views
location:
Vietnam
When Will The New LP Guide Book Be On The Street's Of Hanoi
The new LP guide to Vietnam is due for publication on 1st Feb (or so say Amazon) and I was wondering when it was likely that it would be available on the streets of Hanoi.
I leave UK on 28th Jan so can't buy here - will I be able to buy there in early Feb (2nd to 4th) or should I take my old one with me?
Also, what is the going rate for guide books?
Many thanks in advance.
Cycling through SE Asia
Has anyone cycled through SE Asia (Thailand, Cambodia, Laos) during the monsoon? Possible or just too horrible. I am planning to cycle home from KL to UK via SE Asia / China / Centra Asia / Turkey when I finish my contract, but because of timing would plan to start August...just as monsoon gets going.
Also, if you have done that route, is it doable in 12 months?
Jan 25, 2012 1:12 AM
scottyheather
last reply
Jun 18, 2012 7:04 AM
Paitraveler
2 replies
452 views
Golden Lily and the Singh brothers treks
I haven't managed to get my hands on the new Myanmar LP book yet but heard a rumour that both the Golden Lily and the Singh brothers have been removed from the LP's recommendations and are now being slated - is this true? I did hear from our trek guide that sometimes the Singh's had as many as 40 on their treks at times but not sure how true this is. I was just wondering because I know that there has been an ongoing debate about the Singh's vs other guides for some time now on this site.
Cambodia Itinerary Revised - Advice please
Thanks for all the great advice.. I had a look at flights and managed to find some options of arriving and departing at different airports, hopefully this should make things a bit easier..
I've removed some parts of my original itinerary and have done a little rearranging and have come up with a second draft, let me know what you think!
Day 1 Phnom Penh – tour + market
Day 2 Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre (well cared for elephants and interaction with other animals – perfect!)
Day 3 journey to the Mekong town of Kratie via Kampong Cham (is this realistic?)
Day 4
Day 5 Encounter with the Mekong dolphins and homestay on a river island
Day 6 Early start: Journey to Siem Reap
Day 7 tour around Siem Reap (cycling?)
Day 8 Discover Angkor
Day 9 Day 2 Angkor
Day 10 Check out and transfer or start of ongoing programme
hopefully this one is a bit more beginner-traveller ...
more »
Jan 25, 2012 12:22 AM
wrinkly_ninja
last reply
Jan 28, 2012 12:55 AM
wrinkly_ninja
17 replies
1,005 views
location:
Myanmar
Travel at Election Time
I understand there are by-elections taking place in April. Just wondering whether we should try to avoid traveling in Burma around this time. Does anyone have any advice on whether tourism and travel schedules will be affected, or if there are likely to be any issues with increased censorship, security etc.
Many thanks
Jan 25, 2012 12:10 AM
chrissi337
last reply
Jan 25, 2012 12:10 AM
chrissi337
0 replies
343 views
visa situation Mynmar
Hi,
I was wondering about the visa situation for Myanmar if you have a media visa for any other Southeast Asian country (e.g. M-visa for Thailand)? I heard that it was not possible to get a Myanmar visa or to enter the country with this before, but the situation seems to be changing rapidly.
So anyone has some up-to-date information?
Thanks a lot!
Chris
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