Thousands upon thousands of travellers venture across Asia in search of the perfect travel adventure every year. But there is so much to explore – how on Earth does anyone decide where to start?!
We wanted to know how to go about planning a trip through Asia, how to continue your travels once there and what kind of potential travel routes there are to explore. So we’ve asked Michelle (who travelled with her partner Mark in 2018) to share her words of wisdom, top tips and little nuggets of travel knowledge…
1. How did you go about deciding on your travel route?
Chosen travel route: Bali > Singapore > Malaysia > Thailand > Cambodia > Philippines > Taiwan > Vietnam
We had a rough idea before we left about where we wanted to
go but didn’t have a set plan of where in the countries we wanted to go to or
how to get to the next place. I was the one who would get us from place to
place and Mark would map out how we would get around the particular place we
were in. Apparently, he was a human Sat Nav.
We just decided to
only think a few days ahead because why not – we were travelling! Originally, we were going to go to Laos but
after speaking to other travellers we decided to forgo Laos as it didn’t really
sound like our cup of tea. Once we were in the Philippines it was then we
decided to go spend a week in Taiwan (honestly, we just looked up the cheapest
flights and Taiwan was one of them and just thought why not)!
With Vietnam we had to have a rough idea of when we wanted
to go as we needed to sort out our travel visas before entering the country and
the same with Bali before entering the country, we had to prove we were going
to leave within 30 days.
2. What were your top 3 experiences while away?
Can I say getting engaged?
Koh Samui Elephant Sanctuary – one of the top Elephant sanctuaries in Thailand, great for those into Ethical tourism, being able to feed the elephants, and being able to observe them from a close but safe distance.
Mount Batur sunrise trek – you
get picked up at 2-2:30 in the morning from your hostel, and are dropped off at
the bottom of the mountain, and then make the journey up the mountain. I was so
tired because I was awake at 2:30 but honestly despite being tired its one of
the best things I’ve ever done. Having a traditional Balinese breakfast whilst
sitting watching the sunrise from the top of mountain was just amazing. Not going to lie though, the way down is far scarier than
walking up as my trainers were slipping on the dirt and I thought I was
going to fall over the side of the mountain.
Snorkelling and swimming with
sharks in El Nidos – Philippines clear blue water.
3. Do you think the amount of time you were away was enough?
No absolutely not, could have easily done another 3-6 months.
4. What would your advice be to someone looking to take a similar travel route to you, through Asia?
Have a rough outline of what countries you want to go to – this helps with visas and what vaccinations you might need to have.
Be flexible – I know I’ve said
this but have a rough outline of where you want to go. Although don’t have everything
planned out because you might miss a connection or love somewhere and want to
stay longer, or think you know what I hate this place and want to move on quickly.
Be prepared to have “travel days”…
it can take a long time to get from town to town, and just use these as a rest
day as well. It’s also so much more cost effective to take a bus or coach than
flying, yes it takes longer but you save so much money. Which means you have
more money for food and doing activities you want to do.
Visas – find out where you can
get Visas from and don’t just get them off someone in the street (this was one
of the best pieces of advice we were given). If you’re
travelling to Cambodia I would advise to get these online, it’s quicker to get
through when you reach the border (waiting time is a couple of hours if you
don’t have it) and you’re less likely to be scammed. DO YOUR RESEARCH!
Offline maps – such a life saver!
Download these before you get to each country or place so you can get around
without getting lost. I know a lot of places have free wifi now, but you never
know, you could be away from civilisation for a few days.
5. What is one thing you wished you packed but didn’t?
Packing Cubes!!!
6. What was the best surprise event / place you discovered?
Taiwan – hardly anyone spoke English and all the signs were in Mandarin. It was a very different experience as you really had to immerse yourself and try and communicate as best you can. There are so many little hidden gems in Taiwan. I wish we were able to stay longer than a week there.
7. Which was your favourite destination & why?
What a hard question! If I really had to pick somewhere it
would be Hoi-An in Vietnam. Just everything about it was lovely. They had an
ancient town which could have easily have come from a Spanish town. There was
always something going on, whether that be setting off lanterns or local
artists putting on a show, it was always buzzing with excitement. The food
(especially the Noodles) and drink was also incredible (try an egg coffee, it
sounds disgusting but it was one of the best tasting coffees I’ve ever had).
Chaing Mai in Thailand would be a very close second – their crispy noodles!
8. The best thing you took away from your time travelling?
Just taking each day as it came, not stressing about the little things.
9. Did your travels live up to your expectations?
Yes, one of the best experiences of my life, I would travel again in a heartbeat.
10. If you could go again, would you do anything differently?
Make friends with locals. Pack less.