27 days to go so here is my itinerary!
27 days to go so here is my itinerary!
So this is the rough plan….
London - Bangkok 29/10/12
Bangkok - Sydney 12/11/12
Sydney - Fiji 1/2/13
Fiji - Auckland 11/2/13
Auckland - Chile 14/4/13
Rio - London 12/7/13
Obviously that’s just a rough plan and those are my rough dates. The dates could change, and I’m planning to do lots of moving around once I arrive in each destination.
I guess I’m just curious if anyone else is going to be around at a similar time?!
I am a girl travelling all on my lonesome (for the first time ever) and I am a bit nervous! It’d be nice to meet others who are feeling the same or someone thats looking for a travel companion or just generally want to chat before I’m off on my adventure!!
Beth :)
Hey, your trip looks awesome! I’ve only just got home but thought I’d give you some reassurance!
Admittedly I haven’t travelled solo before (been with the BF) but Bangkok is stuffed with backpackers. If you’re nervous, get yourself booked into a big hostel so you’ve got others round you!
If not, just hang around the Banglamphu area, that’s where everyone is!
Just realised after I’ve said all this you may be on one of these intro tours thing, which would also be good for you if you’re nervous!
So are these dates your flights, you said it’s a rough schedule? 8 weeks in NZ is perfect, 9/10 weeks in OZ is decent amount -whereabouts you want to go, or is this to allow for WHV? So expensive there right now, make sure you’re prepared! ;)
Only part I can’t comment on is South America- I’m so envious of you- It’s next on my list! Make sure you come back on here and let us know how it’s going! (Then you can give me SA advice!!) =D
Ah thanks for even replying! As you can see, people aren’t very forthcoming lol
I’m booked into the lub d somewhere or other, not sure which one now (all my details are at home) so I’m hoping that’ll be ok!
I decided to be brave and not do a Thai intro or oz intro and just go it alone. But I’m worried sick now haha! I think it’s cause it’s out of my comfort zone, being alone and having to just speak to people and that.
They’re the dates I’ve booked yes, but I’ve got one of those unlimited flight changer pass things, so I could change the dates if I wanted. It all depends on how much money I have really, and as you said, oz is expensive!!!
In terms of where I want to go; I’ve no idea haha. Considering I’m so nervous I’m just letting it all happen! I haven’t planned anything specific, there are places I’d like to see but no set plan or anything. I’m going to roll with it! (I’ll soon find out that’s a bad idea I reckon lol)
Any tips for me for Thailand? It’s what I’m most nervous about, first 2 weeks on my own!!
Yeh people aren’t chatting much on here at the mo, shame really because it’s been my bible for the last 3 years….!
Well from what I can see there are two Lub D hostels, both are in areas I’m actually not that familiar with, but you should be fine wherever you are because there’s no shortage of ways to get around in BKK!
From what I know, taxis are CHEAPER than Tuk-tuks because of how the metres work. Tuk-tuks are used by locals for short journeys, then they use taxis for longer ones (honestly, in a taxi you can go 10km for around 90baht for everyone)
Taxis-Just make sure you always have the metre switched on- if they refuse, jump out, someone else will take you.
Tuk-tuks were asking like 200baht per person for a couple of km’s just because they know tourists want the experience, so make sure you haggle!
BUT-
If they give you a ride for next to nothing (or free) then walk away- it’ll involve stops at suit shops and all sorts, there’s a fine line!
Using the River boat is great and it’s cheap, but considering you’re not staying in Banglamphu might not make sense for you to use it…
SO, Thailand- you’re flying OUT of BKK aswell?Two weeks in Thailand can be spent in many different ways (and depends on that outbound flight too really) What do you think you’d enjoy?Cities?Beaches?Culture, Outdoor adventures, etc?I’d personally head North- Ayutthaya & Sukothai were both cool, and I did find Chiang Mai charming like everyone does!
Ah thanks for the advice with the taxis! I’m going to be like a deer in the headlights when I leave the airport so thats helped alot!
I fly into Bangkok and out of there yeah. I wans’t sure where I’d be and when so I thought it’d just be easier and I’d stick to the same airport. I’m allowing myself mistakes cause I’ve never done anything like this before! ha!
I’d like a mix of it all really, beaches would be nice obviously :)
Thanks for the advice though - it’s put my mind at ease a bit as I really don’t have a clue whats going on or what I’m doing!
See you in South America maybe if you go! :) x
I haven’t been to Thailand myself but my brother went for a 6 week tour of SE Asia with his girlfriend in May/June this year and spent 2 and a half weeks in Thailand, starting in Bangkok. So I know a little bit, but by no means am I an expert! I can’t remember exactly where he went but I remember some things and the photo’s of course, so I’ll regurgitate what I can remember.
He personally disliked Bangkok and was very glad to leave after 2 days. He said it is overcrowded and noisy and couldn’t find a moment to himself. Although he did find some exceptional bargains on clothing and other items which he used for the rest of the holiday.
After Bangkok he went to Kanchanaburi for a few days and did a tour of the area which ended with seeing the bridge over the river Kwai. He said the landscape is astounding and would recommend it to anyone (although seeing the bridge itself brought about an uneasy feeling knowing what British troops and locals had to endure here at the hands of the Japanese). He also did an elephant trek at this point which he absolutely hated because the elephants are forced into doing what they do through fear and you can see scars all over them. There are elephant sanctuaries in many places in Thailand (I think he said there is one in Kanchanaburi which he found out about afterwards) run by conservation groups and if you want to see any elephants you should go to one of these places. After this he headed south on a bus stopping at various places of which I cannot remember the name of any, but he only had positive things to say about this leg of the trip.
He eventually made it to the small island of Ko Tao, spending a week there at a hotel. I believe, from the amount of times he talks about it, that this was his favourite part of Thailand. The hotel he stayed at had hostel prices and the atmosphere of the place was very relaxing. He learnt to scuba dive here as well I think. It was either here or one of the places he stopped at heading to here. Haha, that probably doesn’t help too much.
The Thailand leg of the trip ended with 3 days in a national park in the south of Thailand. Once again not being too helpful as I can’t remember the name of it! He loved it here though. The trip continued south into Malaysia and other countries after this.
My brother is 28 and prior to the holiday he had been overworking to the max, which is probably why he enjoyed the relaxing part of Thailand the most and also why he didn’t like the hustle and bustle of Bangkok.
My information is probably a bit shaky but hope this helps you :)
Have a great time!
Joe
I haven’t been to Thailand myself but my brother went for a 6 week tour of SE Asia with his girlfriend in May/June this year and spent 2 and a half weeks in Thailand, starting in Bangkok. So I know a little bit, but by no means am I an expert! I can’t remember exactly where he went but I remember some things and the photo’s of course, so I’ll regurgitate what I can remember.
He personally disliked Bangkok and was very glad to leave after 2 days. He said it is overcrowded and noisy and couldn’t find a moment to himself. Although he did find some exceptional bargains on clothing and other items which he used for the rest of the holiday.
After Bangkok he went to Kanchanaburi for a few days and did a tour of the area which ended with seeing the bridge over the river Kwai. He said the landscape is astounding and would recommend it to anyone (although seeing the bridge itself brought about an uneasy feeling knowing what British troops and locals had to endure here at the hands of the Japanese). He also did an elephant trek at this point which he absolutely hated because the elephants are forced into doing what they do through fear and you can see scars all over them. There are elephant sanctuaries in many places in Thailand (I think he said there is one in Kanchanaburi which he found out about afterwards) run by conservation groups and if you want to see any elephants you should go to one of these places. After this he headed south on a bus stopping at various places of which I cannot remember the name of any, but he only had positive things to say about this leg of the trip.
He eventually made it to the small island of Ko Tao, spending a week there at a hotel. I believe, from the amount of times he talks about it, that this was his favourite part of Thailand. The hotel he stayed at had hostel prices and the atmosphere of the place was very relaxing. He learnt to scuba dive here as well I think. It was either here or one of the places he stopped at heading to here. Haha, that probably doesn’t help too much.
The Thailand leg of the trip ended with 3 days in a national park in the south of Thailand. Once again not being too helpful as I can’t remember the name of it! He loved it here though. The trip continued south into Malaysia and other countries after this.
My brother is 28 and prior to the holiday he had been overworking to the max, which is probably why he enjoyed the relaxing part of Thailand the most and also why he didn’t like the hustle and bustle of Bangkok.
My information is probably a bit shaky but hope this helps you :)
Have a great time!
Joe
Everyone has different opinions on Bangkok, I still can’t decide if I love or hate it. Thing is though, you’ll probably love it if it’s your first time in Asia, just because it’s new and ‘in your face’ etc (plus if you don’t get stressed easily, then you should find the constant hassle amusing).
Kanchanaburi is worth a day yes, BUT with only a two week window (and in that having to factor in getting BACK to Bangkok) I’m not sure if it’s worth your time. The Tiger Temple and elephants is a big no no. The way they treat the animals is terrible (and quite a well known fact over there) so I guess for everyone it depends on how selfish they are and how desperate they are for the photo opp.
Up in Chiang Mai there is a sanctuary called ‘Elephant Nature Park’ which is genuine, and you walk around with the elephants, feed them, all jump in the river with them all and have a massive water fight. You basically do everything except jump on their back, whilst supporting a decent cause and also helping stray dogs they shelter. (The Park also provides free vet care and training to those poor elephants down the road who still get treat the old way, it’s sad but the best they can do for the greater good.
http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/
The national park is probably Khao Sok- really really worth it for sure, but again depends on how you’re going to plan these two weeks.
(Also Koh Tao is awesome)
Trouble with Bangkok, is that you’re always flying into the middle, so you have to backtrack if you’re not over-landing or flying out of somewhere else.
It may be easier to focus your efforts on either North or South of BKK, then you’ve only got a little backtracking to do.
Have you done any research at all for Thailand?Like, any places you know you want to go for sure?
Have a look at internal flights- I’ve never done them in Thailand so I can’t comment on price etc, but you may need to do one…Personally, if you’ve got the money I would push it back to 4 weeks, then that gives you freedom to see some stuff and have options with your backtracking. Other people may disagree- but then again, no one else has popped into the convo as of yet =/
Both of you have given me so much to do already, so I’m very grateful!!
I’m pretty sure the 2 weeks will fly by. I’d definitely like to do the elephant sanctuary/nature park thing. I have so much to think about and not a lot of time! Haha
Thank you both :)
Maybe once I have proper plans I’ll let you know. It just turn up and go with the flow! Who knows x
Hi Beth
You should definitely concentrate on either north or south if you only have 2 weeks in Thailand. I just spent a month in Thailand doing north & south & still didn’t fit everything in!!
If you go north chiang mai is the popular place to be & there are loads of things to do. I stayed at Soincy Thai when I was there & loved it, really friendly staff & it’s so easy to meet people. I’d also recommend Pai which is about 4 hours north of chiang Mai, it was awesome!!!
Happy to help if you have any questions or places/things to do :-)
whats your plan for South America?
James, my plan for south America so far is land in chile and work it all out from there! Haha. I know I should be planning most things but I haven’t so far so I don’t really know. I fly home from Rio, so I think I’m just going to travel round a few places (Patagonia being a definite) whilst I’m making my way there.
Any advice? As you can tell, I need it!
I can tell you about everywhere north of santiago in south america. i didnt go to patagonia.haha
Go on then, spill the beans! :)
Hey Beth,
My itenary is pretty much same as yours apart from mine is Thailand-overland-Singapore and I’m flying on 3rd Nov.
Also since I’m not doing the ThaiIntro either, how are you doing your travelling? I’m planning to go the TAT in Bangkok and book some internal flights…. or is it better to get some packages?
Any help appreciated guys, thanks in advance.
Also since I’m not doing the ThaiIntro either, how are you doing your travelling? I’m planning to go the TAT in Bangkok and book some internal flights…. or is it better to get some packages?
Any help appreciated guys, thanks in advance.
Once you get to Bangkok you’ll realise that it’s all so simple, everyone’s doing pretty much the same thing, if you’re staying in a hostel then you can generally just pick some one going in the same direction as you and follow them.
Travelers are a major source of income over here and there’s a whole industry catering for that, you can just book your transport as you go, don’t tie your self down to certain dates, it’s rare that you have to book more than a day in advance.
Either way, I’m going to be in or around Bangkok until the 6th of November, message me if you need anything. I’m just sitting around at the Lub’D hostel in Silom.
I arrive in the lub d on tuesday!! Whats it like? Pretty worried now!
Also since I’m not doing the ThaiIntro either, how are you doing your travelling? I’m planning to go the TAT in Bangkok and book some internal flights…. or is it better to get some packages?
Any help appreciated guys, thanks in advance.
Once you get to Bangkok you’ll realise that it’s all so simple, everyone’s doing pretty much the same thing, if you’re staying in a hostel then you can generally just pick some one going in the same direction as you and follow them.
Travelers are a major source of income over here and there’s a whole industry catering for that, you can just book your transport as you go, don’t tie your self down to certain dates, it’s rare that you have to book more than a day in advance.
Either way, I’m going to be in or around Bangkok until the 6th of November, message me if you need anything. I’m just sitting around at the Lub’D hostel in Silom.
