A few questions on South East Asia

JayC5

Hey,

Travelling soon to SEA for an extended period and was wondering if anyone has any advice on the following, please:


I hear bed bugs are rampant in most budget accommodation, is this true? I was advised to bring a sleeping-bag liner to prevent a restless night, what about the pillow though - should I bring a travel/inflatable thingy, use a bag or something else?

Are there any good bookstores in Bangkok where I can pickup a book or two when I get there?

As a somewhat hirsuite traveller I was thinking of waxing a few body-parts when I get over there (out of necessity and humility I might add, and not vanity!) - anyone ever avail of a service like this in Bangkok, and any tips on where, price-range etc?

Backpack lock (a wire-cage type like the pacsafe) - a waste of money or worthwhile? I'm thinking of the security of the bag when left back at the accommodation, or are there generally places to leave medium-sized backpacks securely during the day?

I have 8 weeks to plan for (starting from July 12th) and I'm thinking of going to Chiang Mai after Bangkok, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia. Would it be worth going to southern Thailand and checking out one of the islands? - if so, at the start of those 8 weeks or leave it until the last week before I head home?

Lastly, any recommendations on budget accom in bangkok (staying for 4-5 days), Sukhumvit or near Kho San Road?



Thanks in advance!

J

Bruz82

J
First of all, 4-5 days in Bangkok maybe too much, 2 nights max. For hostels just check hostelbookers.com or hostelworld.com. I didnt stay very long here so just found something when i arrived.

Waxing question I cant help.

The south is alot more touristy. I personally prefer the "off the beaten track areas" but it depends on what your into. Maybe leave till last.

A really good hostel in Chiang Mai is " A little bird Guesthouse" .Stayed here, very relaxed, cheap and meet many other travelers.

I slept outdoors a few times so we just had the mossy nets well wrapped around the beds and bedbugs was never a problem. Rampant is very strong. I did stay in a "Outdoor Barn" in Siem Riep For $1 a night but we had to few drinks to knock us out. I wouldn't worry bout it.

As as I can remember, books (fake) are widely available. You need to bargain.
A good Cambodian book is "First they killed my Father" you should read the book before you go. Good history the place.

I advise going to Sapa in North Vietnam(trekking). Its beautiful.

dory

There are loads of English books there. Never encountered bed bugs. You can bring a sleeping bag liner. They seem to do the trick.

Those pacsafe things are heavy and draw attention to your stuff. I'd say only bring valuable you can carry around with you. Like a small camera and ipod or something. Don't go bringing a laptop if you're going to leave it in the hostel when you go out for the day.

"I have 8 weeks to plan for (starting from July 12th) and I'm thinking of going to Chiang Mai after Bangkok, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia. Would it be worth going to southern Thailand and checking out one of the islands?"


My advice for the entire trip would be to make this decision and all others until you're there.. Bangkok as crazy as it is is a very easy start to SEA. Worries like books/waxes/locks/sleeping bags before you go are beyond pointless..
Get there, talk to people and take it from there. Making a plan is futile as everyone will change it at the hint of rain in the next place.

themacman

Bruz82 wrote: »

J
First of all, 4-5 days in Bangkok maybe too much, 2 nights max. .

Hi OP. Just for balance, I don't agree with the above and think Bangkok is a fascinating city. Horses for courses and all that. You should decide when you get there.

Yea Bangkok is an amazing place.. Stick it out. I meant to stay 2 days and ended up there for 12 the first time I visited.

JayC5

Thanks for the info folks,

Just one or two more questions, if that's ok:


Thinking of bringing an iPad with me - is this a stupid idea? Are hostel safes reliable etc? And are they ok to use over public wifi with a credit card? - what I mean by this is how secure would it be to use a public wifi in s.e. asia for booking hostels etc as I go along..

Prob gets asked a lot, apologies if so, but what size rucksack should I bring - 55l ok for 8 weeks?

How did you guys carry your money around? I found a belt on ebay with a hidden zip compartment (link), I was thinking of getting this to stash some escape money! I'll also be carrying my wallet and credit card seperately - just worried about it getting skimmed, happened a few weeks ago and the Credit Card company immediately froze, cancelled and sent out a new one to my home address - not really an ideal scenario if I'm on the other side of the planet...

All info greatly appreciated! - cheers

J

killbillvol2

I'd only bring what I'm prepared to lose - if you're only using an iPad for booking hostels forget about it. Everywhere you go will have internet cafes.

Generally, you're thinking too much about security. SE Asia is pretty safe and most people who are robbed/get in trouble have done something stupid.

I've met people who had passports stolen - from an unattended handbag on a table in a bar! Or had money stolen - from a rucksack in the luggage compartment of a bus/from a drawer in a bedroom. Or were ripped off by a taxi while they were falling around drunk. The world is full of morons - avoid being one and they'll be the victims leaving everything safe for the rest of us!

Be sensible, keep your stuff close or lock it away and relax.