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Thailand / S.E.A. first time - some questions!

  • 19-10-2009 3:40pm
    #1
    Danny2580
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 433 ✭✭


    Hi,

    I'm off to Thailand with OH in early December, start of a round the world trip, just have a few questions, the sort of stuff I couldn't find elsewhere! Any help appreciated!

    1. We're staying in S.E.A. for 6wks in total, plan to visit Laos, Cambodia, probably Vietnam before we fly out from Bangkok. Does this mean we need a double entry Thai visa?

    2. I'm planning on bringing my laptop, but kinda thinking it might be too risky re: theft etc. Has anyone else done likewise? Is it costly to insure?

    3. We're looking for travel insurance that will fly us both home and back in case of emergency / family bereavement or similar. Any tips?

    4. Gonna take a holiday when we get there, spend a week in the south, hopefully get a beach hut and chill. Not looking for a brits abroad type experience, more something a bit more coupley but with a bit of craic too. Any ideas?

    Thanks in advance for the heads up :-)


Comments

  • #2
    customPC
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 58 ✭✭customPC


    Hey,

    Came back a few months ago from that region. was around for 4 months.

    1) No. If entering Thailand by air, you will get a free 30 day visa. If you enter by land, you only have a 15 day visa. Land border crossing were changed in Dec 08 for what reason i do not know. I visited all of the countries listed and Laos and Cambodia are a must. Laos was my favourite and you will find once you are travellin and talkin to people that it is definately a place to go. Vietnam is definately a picturesque country but is missable. No doubt Ha Long Bay is incredible along with some other parts but the i felt the biggest let down was the people themselves. I went with my OH and started in Vietnam-3 weeks. When we entered Cambo afterwards, the difference was clearly evident. I dont wanna get deep into this so back on track

    2) Lots of people bring them but 1 thing to remember is the weight and looking after it. if it is one of those tiny laptops, ur sweet but big ones are a No No. Trust me it aint gonna be fun lugging that thing around along with everything else. Internet cafe everywhere anyway.

    3) Check AXA. i think they have somethin with their travel insurance

    4) There is lots of places that have nice quiet spots. Some areas can be quite 'testing' at times and you think to yourself, I may aswell of gone to ****in Spain. There's a linky below that breaks down all the countries with lots and lots of great info.

    With 6 weeks i would say maybe 1.5 weeks in Cambo, 2 weeks in Laos( its the most beautiful) you could even stretch this if u went North/South. rest in thailand.

    Cambo visa is 20-25 USD
    Laos visa is 35 USD
    Thai is free
    Vietnam you have to sort out b4hand. i used the online version which worked fine. little more expensive but saved hassle as our arrival date was awkward.

    Ok im gonna stop rambling. Link below has soooo much info on the area

    http://www.travelfish.org/

    Enjoy


  • #3
    Danny2580
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 433 ✭✭Danny2580


    Some very helpful stuff there Custom, thanks for taking the time to reply! Laptop is a 12" screen and I tend to travel light so I reckon I'll manage that no problem.

    If anyone else has anything to add feel free, cheers!


  • #4
    macca1983
    Closed Accounts Posts: 180 ✭✭macca1983


    I would highly recommend the laptop! I picked up wireless in Cambodia! Bring a few DVD's along too - can't be on the last every night.


  • #5
    S.M.B.
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,383 ✭✭✭S.M.B.


    1) Technically you should have a visa flying into Thailand if you don't have proof of an outgoing flight within 30 days. It's rarely enforced though.

    Someone mentioned that you now only receive a 15 day visa crossing by land which is crucial to be aware of. It was recently brought in to curb those living in Thailand without any work visa who just drive to the border every 30 days and gain access to the country for another month. It must have had a negative effect on legitimate travellers backpacking through SEA though.

    2) I didn't bring my laptop but most people say it's handy to have.

    3) I have bought insurance in the past through justcover.ie and have had to return to Ireland due to bereavement. I had no problem getting reimbursed the cost of the flights back home.

    4) I'd imagine the west coast of Thailand would be a nicer place for a 'couples' holiday. Phi Phi/Ko Lanta/Ko Mook Vs. Ko Smaui/Ko Pha Ngan/Ko Tao.


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