South-East Asia: 8 tips for shoestring travel

TheStar

From taxi tips to cheap pints, here are some useful advice for backpacking on a limited budget in Southeast Asia.

WITH cheap digs, food and beer, Southeast Asia is the perfect destination for anyone looking to travel on a budget. Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos or Thailand; it doesn’t matter where you’re headed, Southeast Asia on a shoestring can be simple. But the cost of transport, trips and souvenir that can all add up and you might end up paying more than you expected. Here are eight top tips for making sure all those little extras don’t leave you out of pocket.

1. Take night buses or trains

Always try to book on to a night train or bus when you can. Long distance transport in South-East Asia is dirt cheap and the network pretty extensive. A lot of locals choose to travel overnight, when tickets are cheaper and your ride will be relatively comfortable. Most trains and buses have sleeper beds or reclining seats and decent air-con. Some travellers are put off by overnight travel because of safety concerns, but it carries the same risks as daytime travel, just be sure to always keep an eye on your luggage and be aware of your surroundings. It’ll save you on a night’s accommodation, plus you won’t have to sacrifice precious daytime that could be spent temple tramping or soaking up the sun.

2. Go for soft seat rather than sleeper berth

If you choose to go by night train, soft seats are the most economic choice. It may seem sensible to go for the sleeper seats, which are usually four beds on two levels per cabin, but these are often cramped and riddled with bed bugs. Don’t get the wrong idea, soft seats are not first class, but at least you get a bit more breathing space and they do recline all the way out, plus they’re the cheapest option for basic comfort. The trains in Vietnam are currently undergoing an upgrade and the rust buckets of the 60s and 70s are now slowly being replaced by more modern, often Korean, models. You’ll get the same facilities with soft seats as you would in a sleeper, including air-con and trolley service. Just don’t forget to pack your ear plugs.

3. Eat street food

A lot of travellers steer clear of street food, fearing upset stomachs or worse. The truth is that some of the freshest and cheapest food can be found on the streets of South-East Asia. You’ll pay a premium for eating “Western” food, compared with rock-bottom prices for tasty treats – from chicken noodles to sesame doughnuts – from roadside food stalls. Street food sellers buy their produce every morning fresh from the local markets so you’re sure to get the real deal. Pick a popular stand, do as the locals do and go for it.

4. Drink Bia Hoi

Go local on booze too if you’re sticking to a tight budget. Every day at about five pm, cafés across Vietnam spill on to the streets, filling the narrow pavements with miniature red plastic furniture and tubs of chopsticks. This means only one thing, Bia Hoi time. With 10p (RM0.55) pints and Asian bar snacks, including fried spinach and beef dumplings for about 50p (RM2.70) a plate, pull up a stool, watch the world go by and fill your boots for next to nothing. This daily ritual is quite common across South-East Asia and each country or town will have its own version of Bia Hoi, Hanoi’s home brew. So take advantage of these ridiculous prices, sample some tasty home cooking and meet some of the locals.

5. Haggle

Don’t be shy if you want to bag a bargain. Make sure you haggle in the markets to get the best price on everything, from tea and coffee to genuine fake designer goods. Stallholders will expect you to at least ask for a discount, so there’s no need to feel embarrassed. Often, the price will rise automatically once they’ve realised you’re a tourist, so you can guarantee he’ll have wriggle room on that “Prado” handbag or those silk slippers. Get stuck in and you’ll grab a few bargains, as well as have a few more coppers for the Bia Hoi fund.

6. Don’t bother packing a toothbrush

Many of the hostels and cheap hotels in South-East Asia provide complimentary toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap and even free razors. Granted they’re not the best quality, but they’ll do the job and you won’t have to buy all those toiletries which, like razors, can often be quite pricey. Plus, by not packing them you’ll save a bit of luggage space for an extra bikini or a paperback for the beach.

7. Avoid organised tours where possible

Sometimes organised tours are the easiest and cheapest way to get out and see some of the stunning sights South-East Asia has to offer, especially when you’re short on time or have to take ferries or infrequent local buses to get there. But, wherever possible, try and organise it yourself. In bigger towns, the local bus system will take you where you want to go for a small fee. Alternatively, hire a bike for a couple of pounds and cycle out, this way you’re guaranteed an adventure! For example, if you’re planning to visit Angkor Wat in Cambodia, rather than fork out on a bus tour through a travel agency, hire a bike and cycle out there at dawn. You’ll catch the sunrise and save yourself some cash.

8. Agree on taxi prices before you jump in

If you’re looking for a ride, tuk tuks and taxis are in abundance in most towns and cities. However, before you jump in, be sure to agree a price for your journey, and try asking for a discount. This ensures the price of your lift won’t suddenly sky-rocket when you reach your destination. Make sure you know the exact address of where you want to stop off at. It’s been known for taxi drivers to take detours to travel shops or other hotels to try and persuade travellers to book tours or change accommodation, then charge more for the extra trip. Agreeing to a price and knowing where you’re headed will help prevent this and make sure you’re not short-changed. – Skyscanner (www.skyscanner.net)

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Colourful Siem Reap

TheStar

While Siem Reap is known for its temples, you can discover another side of the city if you travel off the beaten path.

HONESTLY, I didn’t know what I was getting myself into when I bought my flight tickets to Cambodia. I went there without any expectations, and with last-minute planning and minimal research. Only equipped with wanderlust, I ventured into a country brimming with stories to tell.

Cambodia isn’t just about historical landmarks and architectural wonders; there’s more. It’s about children growing up with a thirst for adventure. Instead of being bothered about the existence of gadgets, they spend their time pretending to drive cars under coffee tables while their parents look after food stalls.

It’s about teenagers on the streets turning to the performing arts as a form of healing and now making a name for themselves by being stars of Phare, the Cambodian Circus.

It’s also about my tour guide, Sam, who wants nothing more than to see his country flourish and prosper.

“One day, I wish Cambodian riel will be used all over this country instead of US dollars,” he says.

Although the US dollar is used because people find it hard to calculate prices in riel – US$1 is equivalent to 4,000 riel – he hopes that one day others will acknowledge the existence of the riel when they travel in Cambodia.

Watch youngsters dance, sing and contort their bodies at Phare, The Cambodian Circus.

The first thing that really struck me upon arrival was how safe it was. I was not constantly looking around, clutching my bag a little bit tighter or fidgety when things seemed dangerous. Even if the country is still developing and the people use all the tricks in the book to get you to purchase souvenirs, including begging, but never harming you.

If that isn’t convincing enough, the tuk-tuks are the best form of public transportation here. Granted, some of these drivers think that they are in a Formula One race, swerving in and out of junctions, so you have to hang on tight. Riding in a tuk-tuk also allows you to interact with the locals; if you’re lucky, you’ll witness 20 guys trying to squeeze on top of a pick-up truck as though they were trying to break a world record!

My first time riding a tuk-tuk was to our first destination, Phas Chas (old market). It is the place to go to if you’re looking for local goods, souvenirs and affordable dishes. You’ll see vendors sitting on counter tops in the middle of the market selling fresh poultry and vegetables.

One of the bars situated at Pub Street with graffiti on its walls, inviting you to sit down for a drink.

When night falls, you can just walk over to Angkor Night Market. Just step into this place and you’ll fall for its rustic charm. It’s similar to the Old Market, just that you can get a massage at a mere US$1 (RM3.20)! Sit back and relax while the masseuse – some of whom I suspect are still in primary school – twist your limbs and relieve the tension from your body. It’s also the best way to unwind after a long and tiring day.

If you’re rejoicing because you can get a glass of beer for less than a glass of water in Cambodia, Pub Street is the way to end your night!

True to its name, this street is filled with pubs packed with people enjoying a few glasses of beer while swaying to the music. It wasn’t my scene, but I had the most bizarre meal throughout my entire trip there.

My travel buddy (aka boyfriend) and I dined at Easy Speaking Café Pub & Restaurant. Since we felt like splurging a little, we ordered the couple degustation set – which includes beef, crocodile, shrimp, snake, frog and side dishes. We added on ostrich meat just for the extra kick!

I was expecting a grand explosion of tastes in my mouth, but most of the time, I was just munching on tough meat, and trying to figure out if it was crocodile or snake. Nevertheless, it’s an experience to remember! The food in Cambodia is similar to that of its neighbours and it doesn’t disappoint.

While we were there, we did plenty of exploring on our own – and I highly recommend that. A simple Google search (preferably done weeks in advance) and being buddies with the hotel staff can get you anywhere.

Try exploring on your own. It’s just something else altogether. Because we did that, we found the Old Market, Angkor Night Market and Pub Street. That’s where we discovered the existence of Phare, The Cambodian Circus.

It’s my dream to see the Cirque Du Soleil live one day, and although Phare is just a small show in comparison, I was really awestruck! These teenagers had a knack for bending their bodies, swaying dangerously on a trapeze and captivating the audience with their energy. It was worth the US$15 (RM48.15) fee!

You could get the front-row VIP seats for US$30 (RM96.30), which guarantee interaction with the cast members and a goody bag given as a token of appreciation. However, since it was a small confined area, sitting in the cheaper seats was good enough. Everything is spoken and sung in Khmer, but there’s a TV screen showing the English translation. You’re bound to bob your head to the music even if you are completely clueless.

The highlight of this had to be the background of the circus. About 20 years ago, eight young men whose lives have been changed, thanks to art therapy, founded Phare Ponleu Selpak. What first started off as an art school has now developed into a music and theatre school. These youngsters, who could have ended up on the streets, found their way out through the performing arts instead. Now these individuals have a chance to shine on stage while also earning decent wages to get them through life.

Still, I did the touristy things. In addition to travelling around on our own in tuk-tuks, we paid US$110 (RM353.15) per person for a two-day tour to experience Cambodia’s culture with live commentary. Our tour guide, Sam, who is fond of Khmer songs, was ever ready to endure the blistering heat to show us what Siem Reap has to offer.

With day one of our tour spent mainly visiting temples, Sam took us to the floating village the following day. I expected to see a busy village, with people going about their daily routine, selling their produce on the water. However, it was pretty disappointing. We had to endure the stench coming from the lake, although it was an exciting 10 to 15 minutes on the boat to the village. Upon arrival, I could only visit a souvenir spot for photo opportunities and a Catholic church. The journey to and from the floating village lasted way longer than the time spent at the floating village.

Another tourist attraction we checked out was the Cambodian Cultural Village, the one-stop destination for learning about the history of Cambodia and its different cultures, and watching short cultural shows.

If you’re hankering for more history, the Angkor National Museum provides just that. You will be transported back in time. And a walk around the museum is enjoyable. You start off at a briefing hall, then you get to explore the various sections – for instance, The Gallery of One Thousand Buddhas, Khmer Civilisation and Angkor Wat, just to name a few. Some sculptures are slowly wearing out, but still well preserved. Not only that, you get to sit at different galleries while enjoying a short video presentation, which is available in different languages for everyone to enjoy.

I would definitely travel there again, maybe even take the bus to Phnom Penh and explore what it has to offer. There’s just so much more to discover. Right now, I’m wishing for more US$1 massages to soothe away my backaches!

Disclaimer: Reading materials in this site are obtained from its respective website and it is for information purposes only. It is not Travel Travel Holiday Holiday - administrator view and it is not the used against Travel Travel & Holiday Holiday - administrator.