I'm seeking a trip mate to Vietnam
(6. 1. - 3. 2. 20)

Split costs: Yes

Budget: $1500 - $2000

Type of journey: Backpacking

Looking for: Female

Meeting before trip: In person

Languages: English

Accommodation: Hotels, Homestay, Campside, Hostels

Getting around: Bicycle, Boat, Bus, Train

First visit: No

Work & Travel: No

Places I want to see: Bangkok’s Khaosan Road is the centre of the universe for backpackers. There are all the problems that come with over tourism. We will meet many fellow travellers here. The area is changing. Recently it has tried to become more upmarket with boutique hotels appearing in among the backpacker hostels Many Buddhist temples in Bangkok to explore. My favourite was Wat Arun. It’s a big climb to get to the top but worth it for the view. The grounds are beautiful. I joined them in prayer where I received a blessing. I was anointed with holy water and a bracelet tied to my wrist. The bead bracelet has a lot of meaning for Buddhists. It increasing a person's inner energy and healing all the possible diseases. The highlight of the temple is at sunset. The ornate roofs line up and shimmer in the sun light. Best viewed from a bar on the other side of the river. A Yoga class would be interesting. Here in the West Yoga is often about physical fitness. In the East it’s more spiritual, a route to peace and enlightenment. Bangkok is the home of flying Yoga. Massages are popular. Ancient Thai massage is very rough. Left my muscles feeling bruised. Not sure I want that again. Tantric massage or traditional massage is more appealing. Sometimes it’s best just to wander through this vibrant city without a plan. Cross the border into Cambodia and it’s like you have gone back in time. It reminds me of Thailand 20 years ago. Now is the time to visit. Phnom Penh is worth exploring. It’s chaotic, noisy and chocked with traffic. Take a ride in a tuk-tuk and marvel at the way cars, motorcycles, and bicycles cross intersections with no traffic lights or stop signs, without colliding, in a kind of well choreographed ballet. Visiting the Cheung Ek Extermination Camp will be a deeply disturbing and upsetting experience. Literally thousands of human skulls from the victims of the Khmer Rouge. The Killing Fields ended in 1978. Every you meet over the age 40 is one of the people who was not killed. Siam Reap is overrun with tourists. Most come to visit Angkor Wat. Being herded through a temple like cattle is soulless. However I read that Angkor Wat is huge and you can escape the crowds if you try. There are smaller less well known temples that sound nicer. Maybe getting there before sun rise is the best way to experience the spiritual feeling of a temple. A coral island like Koh Rong Samloem is a must. A few days chilling out on the beach while smoking the local weed. A night swim to see the Luminescent Blue Plankton is not something that you forget. Over the next border is Vietnam. I don’t know much about Saigon but it sounds interesting. The Reunification Palace. Cu Chi tunnels were used as a military base by the Viet Cong. Monkey Island is an easy day trip. Or just soak up the vibe of another Asian City that is developing fast. A stop over in Chau Doc might be worth it to visit the magical Tra Su Mangrove Forest. Paddling along narrow channels between the gnarled trees. These are my ideas for a month in SE Asia. Maybe they fit with yours?

Things I want to do: My travel style is called flashpacking. This means visiting the same places as gap year students but prefer slightly nicer accommodation. In Thailand trains are the best way to travel. 3rd class for a day time journey. The seats are comfortable. No air conditioning but it’s pleasant rattling along with a breeze coming in the open window. Mix with real Thai people. They are genuinely friendly and want to chat. Often there is a monk in orange robes keen to practice speaking English. 1st class for an overnight journey. I want a comfortable bed and air conditioning. In Cambodia traveling on the rivers is best. There are no trains and the roads are bad. Exciting speed boats run along the Mekong River. Slow boats along the Sangker River. Yes it’s quicker and cheaper to take the bus but traveling on the river is more fun. In Vietnam the bus is usually the only option. They are cheap and reliable.