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Southeast Asia forum

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Welcome and Terms of Use Sticky!

Hi, I'm somtam2000 and I'll be moderating the Travelfish travel board. I'm here to answer all your questions -- or at least the ones I know the answer to -- as for those that are mysteries to me, perhaps other Travelfish members will be able to answer. You'll see you need to be a member to post a new question or answer an existing one, but if you're already a Travelfish member, you don't need to join again. Your existing login works just fine. A few of general pointers; 1) I do have to ...

Viewed 24,519 times, with no replies.

Mobile phone while travelling

My partner and I are soon due to set off for long term travel (minimum 12 months) round South East Asia. Destinations include India, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Vietnam and Indonesia. While we don't feel the need to be constantly contactable we would like to be able to call each other when the need arises, call family in the UK and have online access. Does anybody have recommendations of mobile options? Ideally we would want one number we don't need to keep changing from one country to the nex ...

Viewed 7,741 times, with 3 replies.

Wats and mosques

So have been tossing a question over in my head, and I thought I’d run it by the Travelfish hive-mind.

Pick up any paper travel guide (or Travelfish) and flip to some second-tier Thai town, and more often than not a Buddhist temple will be listed. Do the same for Indonesia or Malaysia and you’re far less likely to see a mosque listed.

I went through our listings, and for Southeast Asia, we list 418 wats individually and 17 mosques... There will be a few more in ...

Viewed 2,187 times, with 3 replies.

Southeast Asia Entry and Exit during Covid

Hi,  My husband and I are planning a trip next summer to Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. We're flexible with exact cities and even countries depending on what happens with Covid-19 restrictions. As of now, we are planning to fly into [url=https://www.travelfish.org/location/vietnam/hanoi_and_surrounds/hanoi/hanoi] [url=https://www.travelfish.org/location/vietnam/hanoi_and_surrounds/hanoi/hanoi]Hanoi[/url] [/url] and spend about a week in Vietnam, then do about 4 days in Laos and another week ...

Viewed 2,773 times, with 1 reply.

Carbon offsets

A question for Travelfish readers. Do you buy carbon offsets for your flights? I'm looking into it at the moment and am wondering about calculating them? I already know the project I want to support, but I'm trying to get a handle on how best to calculate the offset—the calculators I’ve found online are pretty vague on the details. For instance, are the amount tonnes affected by the type of aircraft or how full the flight is? Your thoughts much appreciated! Thanks ...

Viewed 3,568 times, with 5 replies.

Recommendations for Buddhist meditation retreats?

Hi all, Planning my first solo trip to South East Asia, arriving in KL in January. I enjoy meditation and learning about Buddhist principles, and wondered if anyone could recommend a retreat? Probably something from 3-7 days. Most of the retreats I've come across focus largely on meditation, but it would be great if there was also one that including teaching sessions. I have no concrete plans as yet, although my initial list of countries is: Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Camb ...

Viewed 2,242 times, with no replies.

Gili Gede Overview Part 1

Inspired by a TRAVELFISH NEWLETTER feature on G GEDE, I decided to use 10 daysafter LADY T went home from our annual BALI trip (she missed hergrandkids) to check it out - helped by learning GILI FAST BOAT nowruns one of the speedy (albeit expensive) craft from SERANGAN nearKUTA BALI to the pier opposite their KOKOMO resort via NUSASLEMBONGAN and PENIDA. I’m over the slog up to PADANGBAI for theslow ferry to LEMBAR and didn’t fancy the onward hassle of reachingGEDE. GILI GEDE is located in ...

Viewed 2,349 times, with 2 replies.

experiences of solo travellers age over 40 backpacking in SEA

Hello All I am planning on travelling 12 weeks in SEA (thinking Thailand, Vietnam, Loas, Cambodia) early next year. I have never travelled solo before or even backpacked. Whilst I am ok with travelling alone i think it’s always nice meeting people, sharing stories etc. Otherwise can imagine 3 months with minimum interaction with others could (atleast for me) make me homesick. How has the experiences of over 40 solo traveller been. ? Did you backpack ? Easy to make travel buddies ...

Viewed 3,521 times, with 4 replies.

Has anyone here been to Bangladesh? Any suggestions for good resources for planning a trip? The Lonely Planet guide is somewhat thin! ...

Viewed 3,355 times, with 3 replies.

Help! Rookies in SE Asia

Hi, We will be traveling for 2 weeks in Southeast Asia from Dec. 12-27) and are trying to figure out a good plan. All of the advice we have read say keep it simple and don't add too many destinations. Our rough thoughts right now are these. Does this sound doable? Ideas for a better plan? To save time, we will fly, except for the shorter trips. Is there a way to fit in a beach day somewhere here? 1. Bangkok (2-3 days?) 2. Fly to [url=https://www.travelfish.org/location/thailand/northern_ ...

Viewed 5,062 times, with 24 replies.

Dog/Cat meat in SE-Asia

Hi guys, we are planning our next trip to SE-Asia next May, and we were thinking bout Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia or so. The thing I am not sure bout anyway is the visibility of dog and cat consumption. Don´t get me wrong. I am moraly ok with animals beeing eaten, though I myself are vegetarian. To me it is equally ok if someone eats cow or chicken or dog. I am totally aware that consumption of dog/cat meat is a thing in many countries (I´m an archaeologist, I even excavated slaughtere ...

Viewed 3,467 times, with 4 replies.

Island hopping

From [url=http://archive.aweber.com/travelfish/BB7px/h/Travelfish_317_The_Bukit_.htm]this week’s newsletter[/url]: We often see itinerary enquiries pop in that read like they were spat out of an island random name generator. Stuff like: “I'm going to be in Thailand for two weeks and plan to go to Ko Lipe, Ko Tarutao, Ko Bulon Lae, Ko Muk, Ko Kradan, Ko Ngai, Ko Lanta, Ko Jum, Ko Pha Ngan, both Ko Changs and maybe Ko Samet, but I'm struggling to figure out the best way to fit them in and ...

Viewed 3,154 times, with no replies.

One way travel to SE Asia

My partner and I are soon to be setting off from the UK for long term travel round SE Asia, with the ultimate goal being to find somewhere to settle and become residents. With that in mind we will only be getting one way flights and our travel plans will be very flexible, not entirely sure how long we will spend in each country, or even where we will travel to! I'm after advice/experiences regarding one way travel and the requirements regarding onward travel, as I understand it many countrie ...

Viewed 4,588 times, with 5 replies.

Scooter from Danang to Siem Reap

Hi there I am thinking of buying a scooter in Danang and going via the back roads to Siem Reap. My research tells me that it is ok to take a Vietnamese plated scooter into Cambodia. I am an experienced rider and I have a scooter here in Australia where I ride a couple of times a week. Can anyone give me any more info on this? How are the roads etc? Any help would be help. ...

Viewed 4,249 times, with 5 replies.

Hi, If someone were to be traveling to Southeast Asia (Thailand and other countries), if they had done drugs several times in other countries, specifically coke and weed, could they be in any trouble arriving in Southeast Asia (Thailand and other countries). They would be bringing nothing into the country at all, just thinking of trace elements or maybe grains of stuff sticking to a shirt or pants or in a travel pack. The clothes would obviously be washed. And if they're suspicious of ...

Viewed 4,877 times, with 2 replies.

SE Asia in October

Hello, we are a family of 4 planning a round the world trip for 3 months july to october 2018. For the moment we have planned up to Tokyo which we will leave end of september, which leaves us a month to travel from Tokyo to Paris (home) so SE Asia would be the obvious choice if October wasn't one of the worst times to actually be in the area... We already have some ideas, but I would like to hear from you, what would you do ? do you think it is reasonable to leave it to the last minu ...

Viewed 3,508 times, with no replies.

Early Itinerary Planning for SEA

Can I get a general critique of these two itineraries? This will be out first trip to Southeast Asia. We have only been to India and Japan in Asia but was have traveled a lot in Europe. It's just me and my wife. We are a energetic couple in our late 30s. Does this itinerary flow OK? Are we spending to much time anywhere. We plan to travel use Bus expect for the flight and boat. Is this reasonable? I prefer option 1 but the cost of plane flight may force me into option 2. Option 1 Friday, Dece ...

Viewed 5,149 times, with 2 replies.

Exclusive for Travelfish readers: 7% discount with Agoda coupon code

Just a quick note to let you all know we've done a deal with Agoda to let Travelfish readers save an additional 7% when booking with Agoda. This is how it works: The discount can be used in conjunction with other discounts and is valid for all properties which display a "Promotion eligible" image. It is not valid for properties where you pay at the hotel. To get the discount, you go to a special page on Agoda here: [url=https://www.agoda.com/travelfish]https://www.agoda.com/travelfish[/url ...

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off-grid place far from the crowds

Hi everyone! Maybe some of you could suggest some really "basic" and quiet places, maybe without internet and electricity, or just generators some hours per day. I am not afraid of living on a low standard, and not because of the budget aspect, but because I actually enjoy it... Nice nature and, friendly locals, and environmentally conscious backpackers and a quiet atmosphere, are just a few things I am looking for... I am open to all sort of places: villages, mountains, islands... Please let ...

Viewed 4,809 times, with 1 reply.

Burma, Bangkok, or Hanoi for a year of University.

Help me! I have to chose the place for my year abroad at Uni. They each have their appeal. I'm studying languages and anthropology. What I love are beaches and food. Trying to decide which place can offer the most and best of both. Any advice gratefully received ...

Viewed 6,463 times, with 1 reply.

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Philippine Airtravel that bad? - Philippines Forum

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I am thinking of flying from Manila to PPS Puerto Princesa but most carriers have such a bad rating.

Is it simply that people love to complain or are they that bad? Easyjet and Whizz here in the UK also get slated.

I will have just carryon bag of under 7kg and a sling of 2.5L.

7 replies to this topic

Manila is considered one of the worst airports in the world, and deservedly so. There are only two runways and they are intersecting. Add to that, 4 scattered air terminals where you may have to make connections. There is no airport tram system, so connections between terminals has to be done on the incredibly congested surface streets by Uber or taxi. Throw in unpredictable tropical weather and the recipe for delays and cancellations is complete. The Manila airport and weather problems spread throughout the country, almost daily.

There are ways to make it easier.

1. Travel early in the day before compounding problems spread.

2. Plan an extra night when returning to Manila or Cebu before your international flight .

3. Be prepared for delays. Don't make any concrete plans based on any flight's arrival time. Always allow some slack time for your destination city.

4. Make the best of it. After all, you are on vacation.

By doing this, I've had very little trouble getting around the county by aircraft. Usually, any delay is less than an hour for me.

I once took a 2 hour delay in Manila on a Tacloban flight . A couple of other flights were cancelled while I was waiting at the gate. It happens.

My wife and I flew out of Manila to Seoul last winter. My first time out of Manila, usually we are in/out of Cebu. We arrived very early at terminal 1. No problems and the flight was on time. Terminal one was not as bad as I expected. Not great, but passable. I've seen worse.

Thanks whip5209 for the reply.

I will indeed prepare well :)

I think that more reviewers who had bad experiences post than those with satisfactory experience making the general ranking worse than it really is.

I have flown many flights with Air Asia, Cebu Pacific (newer planes) as well as PAL over many years. Also did a few flights with Air Swift. No real bad experiences with some flights delayed mostly due to air traffic congestion and not airlines fault.

I recently flew Oman Airlines albeit business class where the reviews were quite bad but one of the best airlines and experiences I have ever had.

Dont read to much into it.

I have not found airlines in the Philippines to be any worse than anywhere else. The airports, perhaps, but not the airlines .

I would say that the main domestic carriers in the Phils - Cebu Pacific, Air Asia, PAL and SwiftAir are generally better as airlines than Easy Jet and Ryan Air and most definitely better than Wizz Air. But, like flying anywhere acquaint yourself with their T&Cs.

As regard luggage, you will likely find the rules more strictly applied than in Europe/UK, a couple of reasons for that, routes to the smaller islands are operated by small turbo props and they are physically limited to what they can carry - don't be surprised if you are asked to step on the luggage belt along with your carry on and see scales at the gate. Secondly, Filipinos are renown for travelling heavy and cheap, kitchen sink and all - therefore the gate staff have seen very trick in the book many times, trying to get away not checking luggage into the hold. If you need hold luggage pay for it.

When flying into,out of and thro' Manila allow plenty of time, the terminals are not connected and are several Kms apart and Manila being one of the most congested city's on the planet, it takes time to go between them and the airport it always very busy.

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Trade and Industry Minister Gan Kim Yong speaks at a press conference on May 13, 2024. (Photo: CNA/Try Sutrisno Foo)

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SINGAPORE: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong will make a working visit to Tokyo this week, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said on Wednesday (May 22). 

During his visit, from May 22 to May 25, Mr Gan will speak at the 29th Nikkei Forum on the Future of Asia, organised by Nikkei. The theme of the forum is Asian Leadership in an Uncertain World.

Nikkei has held the forum annually since 1995, and it is considered to be one of the most important global conferences in Asia.

Mr Gan, who will hold meetings with Japanese political and business leaders, will be accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

This is Mr Gan’s first overseas trip since he was sworn in as Deputy Prime Minister last week. 

The 65-year-old was also appointed chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore and assumed responsibility for the Strategy Group within the Prime Minister's Office.  

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Tourism is back to pre-pandemic levels, but challenges remain

• High-income economies in Europe and Asia-Pacific continue to lead the World Economic Forum Travel and Tourism Index, with the United States, Spain and Japan topping the rankings again.
• Despite post-pandemic growth, the global tourism sector still faces complex challenges, with recovery varied by region; only marginal overall score improvements since the 2021 edition.
• Developing economies are making strides – who account for 52 out of 71 economies improving since 2019 – but significant investment is needed to bridge gaps and increase market share.

International tourist arrivals and the travel and tourism sector’s contribution to global GDP are expected to return to pre-pandemic levels this year, driven by the lifting of COVID-19-related travel restrictions and strong pent-up demand, as per the new World Economic Forum travel and tourism study, released today.

Topping the 2024 list of economies are the United States, Spain, Japan, France and Australia. The Middle East had the highest recovery rates in international tourist arrivals (20% above the 2019 level), while Europe, Africa and the Americas all showed a strong recovery of around 90% in 2023.

These are some of the top findings of the Travel & Tourism Development Index 2024 (TTDI) , a biennial report published in collaboration with the University of Surrey, which analyses the travel and tourism sectors of 119 countries around a range of factors and policies.

“This year marks a turning point for the travel and tourism sector, which we know has the capacity to unlock growth and serve communities through economic and social transformation,” said Francisco Betti, Head of the Global Industries team at the World Economic Forum.

“The TTDI offers a forward-looking window into the current and future state of travel and tourism for leaders to navigate the latest trends in this complex sector and sustainably unlock its potential for communities and countries across the world.”

Post-pandemic recovery

The global tourism industry is expected to recover from the lows of the COVID-19 pandemic and surpass the levels seen before the crisis. This is largely being driven by a significant increase in demand worldwide, which has coincided with more available flights, better international openness, and increased interest and investment in natural and cultural attractions.

However, the global recovery has been mixed. While 71 of the 119 ranked economies increased their scores since 2019, the average index score is just 0.7% above pre-pandemic levels.

Although the sector has moved past the shock of the global health crisis, it continues to deal with other external challenges, from growing macroeconomic, geopolitical and environmental risks, to increased scrutiny of its sustainability practices and the impact of new digital technologies, such as big data and artificial intelligence. In addition, labour shortages are ongoing, and air route capacity, capital investment, productivity and other sector supply factors have not kept up with the increase in demand. This imbalance, worsened by global inflation, has increased prices and service issues.

TTDI 2024 highlights

Out of the top 30 index scorers in 2024, 26 are high-income economies, 19 are based in Europe, seven are in Asia-Pacific, three are in the Americas and one (the United Arab Emirates) is in the Middle East and North Africa region (MENA). The top 10 countries in the 2024 edition are the United States, Spain, Japan, France, Australia, Germany, the United Kingdom, China, Italy and Switzerland.

The results highlight that high-income economies generally continue to have more favourable conditions for travel and tourism development. This is helped by conducive business environments, dynamic labour markets, open travel policies, strong transport and tourism infrastructure, and well-developed natural, cultural and non-leisure attractions.

Nevertheless, developing countries have seen some of the greatest improvements in recent years. Among the upper-middle-income economies, China has cemented its ranking in the top 10; major emerging travel and tourism destinations of Indonesia, Brazil and Türkiye have joined China in the top quartile of the rankings.

More broadly, low- to upper-middle-income economies account for over 70% of countries that have improved their scores since 2019, while MENA and sub-Saharan Africa are among the most improved regions. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are the only high-income economies to rank among the top 10 most improved economies between 2019 and 2024.

Despite these strides, the TTDI warns that significant investment is needed to close gaps in enabling conditions and market share between developing and high-income countries.

One possible pathway to help achieve this would be sustainably leveraging natural and cultural assets – which are less correlated with country income level than other factors – and can offer developing economies an opportunity for tourism-led economic development.

“It’s essential to bridge the divide between differing economies’ ability to build a strong environment for their travel and tourism sector to thrive,” said Iis Tussyadiah, Professor and Head of the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at the University of Surrey.

“The sector has big potential to foster prosperity and mitigate global risks, but that potential can only be fully realized through a strategic and inclusive approach.”