Unwrapped travel

Both Thailand and Cambodia have Kings, and in both cases, particularly in Thailand, the King is extremely highly respected. It is not considered to be acceptable behaviour to make jokes or ridicule the monarchy. In both countries there are serious lesse-majeste laws, and while they are rearely used, they are on the books. Making light of the Royals in the same way that people may, for example, tell jokes about the English Royal Family, are an absolute no no. If you have questions about the Royals, you should always enquire in a polite manner, and as rumours do abound, you may receive some pretty interesting answers!

A little bit of paranoia goes a long way — and while we’re not suggesting you spend your entire trip convinced that everyone you meet is trying to con you, we would suggest that a small dose of paranoia can be a handy asset on your travels — particularly if you’re travelling alone. In the vast majority of cases it comes down to using your common sense and making sure that you’re not leaving yourself in a situation that another can take advantage of.
Read the rest of this entry »

One of the most common questions you hear from people planning a trip to Indochina and Thailand is “When is the best time to go?” and probably the most appropriate answer is “Well, it depends.” While all the countries have a definite high, shoulder and low season, there is really never a “bad” time to go, and for those who hanker for empty beaches and low numbers of tourists, off-season can be a great choice.
Read the rest of this entry »

Pretty much across the board nudity in public is a no-no in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam. Those seeking nude beaches like those that exist in the West will be disappointed. Locals in all the countries concerned find public nudity unacceptable — a striking contrast to what is deemed acceptable in the go-go bars and such that exist — particularly in Thailand.
Read the rest of this entry »

Money makes the world go round, and if you’re careful with it it will take you a good distance round the world as well. Here are some suggestions on how to both protect your money and make it go that little bit further.
Read the rest of this entry »

Ah the traveller’s romance… the fine white sand squeeking through the toes … the turquoise water … the swaying palms … that just right but not well done tan … that first evening when you decided to share a sarong while you watched the sunset … those slippery cool local rums running down your throat … the great tunes … just that perfect vibe …
Read the rest of this entry »

Travelling with kids can be an unforgetable experience both for the parents and the kids — an exciting adventure full of wonderful memories — or a complete debacle with the parents in dire need of a kidless vacation (or therapy) straight afterwards. Much of the secret to getting the first result rather than the second is down to careful planning and being better organised than you may have once been as a kid-free traveller.
Read the rest of this entry »

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.
Read the rest of this entry »

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.
Read the rest of this entry »

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:
Read the rest of this entry »