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Posts Tagged ‘Asia’

Are you planning on backpacking Southeast Asia and have a limited budget. Below are a few ways to get the most out of every dollar and still provide you with a great experience.

Discount Airliners: One of the most unknown things in Southeast Asia is how cheap air travel can be. Sometimes, it is marginally more than the cost of taking a bus. Both Air Asia and Bangkok Airways offer cheap airfare around most of South East Asia. Fares are regularly USD or lower. If you have limited travel time, it is highly recommended that you investigating flying between destinations.
 
Don’t pay in US currency: One of the biggest mistakes that travelers often do is try to pay in US currency. Pretty much everywhere in Southeast Asia accepts US Dollars, but the conversion rate offered by merchants is terrible. A lot of times, you can end up paying 30% more than you would have if you used the local currency. For the best rates, try to exchange some money before you leave. You can also exchange money at most major banks in South East Asia.  Read more...

In general, Indochina area is safe for travelers and tourists. Violent attacks rarely happen, but heist is a problem in Indochina area, just like what is happening in most part of this world. Don’t worry about it; here are some tips for you to take some precautions while travelling in Indochina area:

Secure your valuable possessions in the hotel safe, if there isn’t one in your hotel room, the hotel front desk can provide the same service.
If you use traveller’s cheque, the suggestion is to write down the cheque numbers on a piece of paper, cross out the one after you use it to make your own record.
Take pictures of the information of the credit cards you are going to use while travelling, leave the ones that you don’t need at home; print the pictures and bring them in your luggage.
Use the same common sense travelling in Indochina area that you would at home, don’t use shortcuts and try not to walk alone at night. If you have to go out after dark, let somebody know when you are expected to come back to hotel.
Don’t put your wallet or mobile phone in the back pocket of your pants or anywhere else that is easily reached, thieves can reach them easily too. Be vigilant in markets and crowded places.
Wear the shoulder strap of your bag across your chest, and walk with the bag away from the curb to avoid drive-by purse-snatchers. It is more of a problem in big cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Phen, but there are a few incidences in Vientiane too.
Don’t discuss your personal matters and travel plans with strangers while traveling in Indochina area.
Traffic is chaotic in Indochina area, especially in Vietnam. It’s illegal to ride on a motorcycle without wearing a helmet, it’s not only required according to the local law system, but also made for your personal safety.
When crossing the street on foot, walk at a slow and steady pace, looking up and meeting the driver’s eyes, the traffic will flow around you.
Monitor the media for information about possible safety and security risks.  Read more...

Many travelers shop in Asia because they often find better bargains there. It is true that honest salespeople abound in Asia. But like elsewhere, there will always be a few ‘sales-predators’ who try to overcharge misinformed tourists.

If you paid for a -scarf, your only damage would probably be some teasing from your travel companions. But if you were to pay 0 for a 0-camera, would you still remember your Asian vacation fondly?

Here are 3 steps to identify a sales-predator and counter his sales tactics. These are especially useful if you plan on getting big ticket items.

1. Create a list of desired models, and check their prices back home.

Just how does one get ripped off while shopping in Asia? Well, simply turn up without knowing the specific items you want, or their market prices. Unethical salespeople love tourists who walk into their shops and ask vague questions like:

a. “Do you have a point-and-shoot camera that is …?” or

b. “Could you recommend a portable hard-disk …?”

Sales-predators know they could mark up prices on these customers, who are unlikely to know if they are being overcharged. So knowing what you want and the market prices helps. Do your homework. Before arriving in Asia, check the prices of items online or at your neighborhood store.

2. Bargain on your territory, not on the salesperson’s.

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Thailand

Travelling through Thailand is a great experience public transport is great and roads are in excellent condition. A great way to see some of the countryside is to rent a motorbike. When renting a motorbike be sure to check it out thoroughly this is easy enough to say but important points like does the odometer or fuel gauge work these can come in handy later on in the trip, especially if going long distances. The motorbikes in Asia are built a little differently with two brakes a hand brake (front wheel) and the other a foot brake (back wheel). Try to use only the foot brake when travelling fast as using the hand brake will send you flying as it only applies pressure to the front wheel. Another common mistake is when going uphill shifting down gear while gassing the engine this tends to result in a front wheelie and more often than not an accident.

China

China is extremely diverse and the Chinese lead a completely different way of life to the West making it a great experience to travel too. When travelling in China, the roads are excellent as are some of the trains and tracks. As large distances are involved there is a lot of overnight travel. Sleeper trains and buses are common as the local Chinese like to wake up at their destination.

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Malaysian Tourism Board promotes the country as Truly Asia. With the fascinating fusions of tradition and modernity, Malaysian cities’ unique multi-cultural heritage, cuisine, arts and architecture make them ideal cosmopolitan getaways. Malaysia’s mix background of Chinese, Malay, Indian and colonial heritages constantly amaze western travelers with its cultural richness and harmony, presenting a truly Asian variety of sights and sounds.

Kuala Lumpur City Center

Travel to Kuala Lumpur city and you would be awestruck by the ultra-modern Petronas Twin Towers at the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC). The Petronas Twin Towers are 452 meters tall, contain 88 stories, & are the world’s tallest twin structures.

Situated on the previous site of the Royal Turf Club in the heart of the capital city, the Kuala Lumpur City Centre is truly a spectacular Architectural sight. Here, the 88-storey Petronas Twin Towers, the world’s tallest twin structures, soars to a dizzying height of 452 metres. Cesar Pelli was the Architect of this masterpiece. Inspired by the Five Pillars of Islam, this gleaming mega-structure was designed by the Argentinian-American architect in earlies 90s. Below the towers, lies a beautifully landscaped fountain park designed by prominent Brazilian landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx. KLCC is also home to the world-class Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Suria Shopping Centre and Petronas Philharmonic Hall.

Kuala Lumpur Railway station

Take a short taxi ride from KLCC and let yourself be charmed by the classic Moorish-style of the old Railway station. Kuala Lumpur Railway Station is located at Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. It is a very beautiful building. It has a Moorish-style which was designed by architect A.B Hubbock. Built in 1910, the building is about 80 years old. I am sure it is built long before you and me were here. In 1986, the station went under extensive renovations, upgraded to have air-conditioned waiting hall, snack kiosks, tourism information booth and many more. In the past, it used be very quiet but since the city commuter service started, it is a very busy station now. All the Intercity train services do not stop here anymore because there is a new railway station opened called KL Sentral, less than 1KM away from the old railway station.  Read more...