Unwrapped travel

While some die-hards still keep hard-copy journals — you know, the type where you actually are required to life a pen and write in it — many people are now opting for online travel journals and blogs as a means to not only document their trip, but also to keep in touch with family and friends, upload photos and even mark on maps where they are and where they are planning to go.
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Greg Jorgensen, Bangkok BTS rider extraordinaire has just submitted another piece of Bangkok Skytrainism with a profile of Sala Daeng BTS. Set at the heart of the Bangkok CBD (in this case meaning both Central Business District and Central Boogie District), Sala Daeng is a key BTS station for those who want to eat out and play up. Click here for the full story.

The internet is everywhere — it really is. In Thailand and Vietnam you’ll struggle to find a town that does not have at least a rudimentary internet cafe, while in the bigger cities you’ll have a wealth of modern, air-conditioned, spacious and comfortable options to choose from. In Vietnam now, many guesthouses and hotels supply free internet to their guests.
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There’s nothing worse than going on a great trip only to spend the whole time sick as a dog. With a few basic precautions and an ounce of common sense most of the more serious issues can be avoided. Here are a few pointers to consider:
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Insurance — don’t leave home without it — it is as simple as that. While medical care is cheaper in Asia than the west, you will be expected to be able to pay for any treatment you require, and, for serious injuries, the costs can build up very quickly. In countries with undeveloped to non-existent health care, such as Laos and Cambodia, travelling without at least health coverage is insane.
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Thailand has close to the best food in SE Asia and is one of the most varied, sumptuous and flexible foods in the world. If you enjoy eating and spend a good stretch of time in Thailand sampling the cuisne, then chances are you’ll fine Lao and Khmer food somewhat of a let down — they’re still varied and at times vary tasty, but they just can’t compete with Thailand. Then on the east coast you have Vietnam — a country whose food, if not on par with Thailand’s certainly isn’t very far behind. With over 200 varieties of pho alone, you’ve really got your job cut out for a comprehansive tasting session.
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How easy is it to travel in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam? Of the four, Laos and Cambodia are probably the most challenging, but even then they are not that difficult, while Thailand, with an extremely well-developed tourist infrastructure is by far the easiest. In most tourist centres in Thailand you’ll find it pretty easy to find an English speaker, and the accommodation and transportation is virtually idiot-proof. In the case of Vietnam the train is affordable and reliable, and the “Open Ticket” buses, of which we’re certainly not a fan, nevertheless make Vietnam extremely easy to travel through — as long as you’re content only to go where the Open Tours go.
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Most drugs which are illegal in the West are also illegal in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam. Penalties can be extremely harsh and in some cases include the death penalty. Despite this, drugs are often available — particularly marijuana, but ecstasy, cocaine, speed and other amphetamines and heroin can be found in many popular tourist destinations.
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Given the very low price of budget accommodation in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam, it hardly seems worthwhile to camp for the purposes of saving money. However if you’re planning on camping to experience the national parks and so on, Thailand is an excellent destination. Many of the National Parks have assigned camping grounds and well developed trail networks — in some cases you can rent a tent rather than having to bring your own. You’re also able to camp on the beach, and some bungalows may allow you to camp on their grounds — generally under the assumption you’ll eat at their restaurant.
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Intrepid BTS rider Greg Jorgensen has just submitted his latest piece of Bangkok Skytrainism with a profile of Ratchadamri BTS. Just spitting distance from one of Bangkok’s most elite clubs and one of its largest English schools, an exploration of this part of town leaves Greg a little lacking, needing a few refreshing drinks of Sarasin to recuperate. Click here for the full story.