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[benuds]

Hey there

Me and my girlfriend would like to travel around South East Asia (particularly thailand,vietnam and Indonesia) at some point next year and would like some advice really. We are both in our early 20s and have never been there before. We will have roughly 5 grand as a budget and aren't too fussed about staying in posh hotels by any means.We'd ideally like to go for 3-4 months depending on how far the budget will stretch. Is there a particularly good time of year to go? Which companies is advisable to use? Just any general advice about your experiences and how you sorted it all out would be greatly appreciated? We're quite party orientated people as well though would equally like to discover local culture and not necessarily do all the typically tourist stuff..

Thanks
B

[ScottWoz]

Hey B,

Sorry it's a short answer but I'm half-asleep and have to go. I'd say don't use any companies, do it yourself. There is nothing to get in your way and you'll have every opportunity of having the time of your life, if you keep things real. For now browse the forums a little bit and if you have anything specific to ask, shout up. There's plenty of plenty around here that will get you on the right track. Oh and welcome to the forums..

[sianeth]

Well I would advise that you definitely don't need to use any companies - its ridiculously simple to sort out everything for yourself once you're over there, and it'll be much cheaper that way aswell. You can get decent accomodation for £2-3 per night in most places, and food/drink is generally super cheap aswell, so in terms of your budget I think you'll be absolutely fine.

TravelFish has some pretty good info on things to see/places to stay/routes/weather etc - it should be able to cover quite a few of your questions.

[wakingdream]

With five grand you're good to go!

What time of year could you get off to travel? Or is it up to you when you want to go?

Yeah, definitely don't pay for any companies to hook you up. You'll be fine just the two of you there's a heavily beaten path all over SEA that's very easy to follow and accommodated with plenty of bus/plane/train routes and it's easy to take a jaunt off the well traveled routes and explore some smaller places in more depth.

There are a number of different routes you could take. To start, you could either fly in south into Indonesia or more north into Bangkok and work your way around as you need and like. I suggest you just sit down together over a cold one and pick a route that looks interesting to you and covers the places you want to see. Then start looking at when and how and it'll all fall into place. A lot of the fun is finding your way and it's not difficult at all.

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask and we'll get you sorted.

Also, do check out the link from Sianeth. It's a really good one.

Welcome aboard

[Paul]

5000 in which currency?

And it should be: "my girlfriend and I"...

Anyway, I agree there is no need to involve a company.

Whatever currency you are talking about, you have about 1000 of it per month, plus a little bit left over for some special events. It is enough, but probably not huge - so you are right to avoid the pricey places. Also, eat street food as much as you can - saves money and gives you an experience. Travel overland, by bus etc, when you can - saves money and more interesting. But there are some good cheap airlines around for when you need to fly. Buy the tickets in Asia if you can. Saves money. If you are going to take anti-malarials, again buy them in Asia and save money. Get off the tourist trail when you can. For example a cheap guesthouse in some main tourist areas in Thailand may be 400 Baht. But the same standard in a more local place will be 200 Baht. So get in amongst the locals and away from the tourists. Avoid the excessive drinking and partying - will use lots of money. But if you get in amongst the locals and make friends, you'll find you get invited to all sorts of things and you'll have plenty of chance to drink and have fun cheaply - and with less negative impact on the local culture than hanging out at tourist orientated drinking holes.

Travelfish - great suggestion. Definitely DO NOT waste your money on buying Lonely Planet guidebooks. Buy the travelfish ones you need, and you should be able to figure the rest out with a bit of reading before you go and making it up as you go.

Ummm, that's probably it for now. Stretching your money - often it is travelling that uses up a lot of money. So choose a number of places you want to explore and spend time there - saving money on travelling. Also you may be able to ask for a discount on accommodation. Also you'll learn where the local markets are and how to eat cheaply in that place. Plus you'll get a good feel for the place and be more likely to make local friends - so I reckon - that is important. Choose just a few place in each country.

Have fun