So we are actually not planning on walking from place to place, or camping, but trying to be as cheap as possible and trying to just bring one backpack each with plans to be as grassroots as possible, but also realize that there are many dangers. This is our first international trip and are trying to be very aware of the challenge and are seeking any possible help. We are flying from place to place except we where hoping to possibly find other transportation from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City, and we are told that buses would be doable and affordable. If anyone has other advice or recommends flying instead we are open. We allowed 12 days from Cambodia until our flight leaves from Vietnam to Bali. Other than that we are staying about 5-6 days in each place except 7 in Nepal. Thanks so much for the gear advice and everything else, will also check out the above recommended other forum. Many thanks!
**So we are actually not planning on walking from place to place, or camping, but trying to be as cheap as possible and trying to just bring one backpack each with plans to be as grassroots as possible
and we are told that buses would be doable and affordable. If anyone has other advice or recommends flying instead we are open.
All eminently doable. Buses in Asia are very cheap even for longish trips SR - PP is 8 -10 hours for under US20. Nok Air promo fares are very cheap in Thailand - $35 for DMK to CNX. Air Asia can have good bargains too.
Outside of BKK, most guesthouses and hotels are under USD20 a night some under USD15. So you wont need sleeping bags mozzie nets etc.
Get yourself a decent carry on compatible bag - you wont regret the investment. Check out the Activities and gear branch on TT. General consensus is 40 - 45 litre bag is plenty for SEA.
any must see sites along our route?? We are traveling through Kathmandu, Bangkok, Chaing Mai, Siem Reap, Ho Chi Minh City, and Bali.
uh yeah, there are a couple sights to see in those places. I'll prepare a list.
Re #11: me and wife travelled in Thailand, Laos, Burma, Cambodia recently and managed perfectly well with 33 and 44 liter packs. For some strange reason her pack is always larger than mine, even though I carry some photo gear (large Nikon D800 with 24-120 zoom, or couple of Fujifilm X-series cameras and 3 lenses). So I think it is better to aim for 30 liters or so, REALLY very little and only light clothes are needed there. Unfortunately it seems that this vital piece of information is not relayed to most young travelers, who bend double under their 80 liter packs (often larger than the petite girl under it), balanced with a 30 liter daypack in front. And shopping bag full of odds and ends and two watermelons. I, an old geezer, admit feeling somewhat superior to them, and often, with my small Osprey Talon 33, only.
What does grassroots mean? Hippie from Europe that stands out like a sore thumb while trying to blend in? Honestly, just be yourself. Watch more than you speak. And when you speak, ask good questions about culture and then try it. Don't talk loudly and rudely about the culture you are experiencing with your travel mate. You will never blend in and therefore do the research you need to prioritize what you want to see, do, and experience to have a trip of a lifetime. Your itinerary sounds awesome.
Thank you very much! I have always enjoyed traveling light and currently have a 37 liter pack that has always done the trick. What you are saying makes a lot of sense and do appreciate the feed back. We are starting in Nepal so the trick will be packing light enough for alpine climate as well as the jungle. We are particularly excited for Angkor Wat and the entire experience.
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