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cheapvietnamtours · 5 months ago

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How to keep the cost down to visit Danang in 4 days

Danang is one of the most famous beach cities in Vietnam. Danang possesses beautiful beaches, fresh space and developed infrastructure with many famous attractions. A trip to Danang promises to bring you more memorable experiences, you need to make a detailed itinerary to optimize your time and budget. Cheap Vietnam tour. In this article we will give you full information about how much it costs to plan a trip to Danang by yourself.

How to get to Da Nang To get to the city, you can choose the following types of transport:

Airplane: The preferred mode of transport, it only takes 1 - 2 hours for you to travel from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang. Some airlines have flights with relatively reasonable prices such as: Viet jet Air, Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways…

Passenger bus: Suitable for tourists to travel short distances, the price is also much cheaper than flights. Some bus companies serving trips to Da Nang include Mai Linh, Hoang Long, Phuong Trang.

Train: The choice for those who suffer from motion sickness, in return you can admire the scenery through the train window and travel freely. Fares will also depend on the distance and type of seat you choose.

Recommended itinerary for 4 days 3 nights in Danang Even though you have 4 days in Da Nang, to explore everything in this city, you still need a specific schedule. If you don't know how to go, you can take a look at the itinerary below.

Day 1 Danang arrival - Marble Mountains - Son Tra Peninsula - Hoi An ancient town After arrival at the hotel to rest and eat, you can rent a motorbike at your hotel (if available) and visit Son Tra peninsula In the afternoon, you can return to Ngu Hanh Son and visit Non Nuoc stone village. The last destination and should be reached between 5:00 and 5:30 pm is Hoi An ancient town. At this time, the city's lights are very sparkling and poetic. At around 10:00 pm, you can leave Hoi An and return to Da Nang to rest to prepare for the 2nd day.

Day 2 Ba Na hills After breakfast, prepare your luggage and depart for Ba Na Hill. Because Ba Na Hill is very large, you should spend a whole day here to be able to explore everything. Around 4:30 p.m., you can leave Ba Na, start exploring the city at night, explore famous markets such as Son Tra night market, Helio night market… If it falls on the weekend, you can also see the Dragon blows fire, visit the Han River rotating bridge which turns around 180 degrees.

Day 3: Options to explore Cu Lao Cham, Hue or Than Tai Mountain On day 3, you can choose to explore Cu Lao Cham with extremely attractive coral diving. You can also go to Than Tai Mountain and soak in the natural hot mineral stream to heal all fatigue. Further, you can go to Hue, the capital of mausoleums and famous Ao Dai long dress. Don't forget to eat some Hue specialties, drink salted coffee and watch Truong Tien Bridge across the banks of the romantic Perfume River.

Day 4: Sightseeing around the city center On the last day of your trip, you can spend your time going to main attractions in the city. That could be shopping at Con market, Han market or Bac My An market. It can be an experience with many adventurous but extremely enjoyable activities at Hoa Phu Thanh waterfall. Or enjoy VinWonders Nam Hoi An with many exciting entertainment.

Cost of traveling to Da Nang for 4 days and 3 nights Below are the expected costs for a 4-day, 3-night trip to Da Nang:

Travel costs: Depends on departure location and means of transportation. For those from Ho Chi Minh City, the expected cost is about 2,500,000 VND (aprox 100 USD). If you go by passengers bus it costs around 500,000 VND (20 USD). For the overnight train it costs aprox 600.000 VND (25 USD) for a soft berth.

Hotel costs: 3-star hotels in Da Nang cost from 500,000 - 800,000 VND/night, if you choose a high-end hotel, the cost is higher.

Cost of renting a car, buying tickets for sightseeing and entertainment: About 1,000,000 - 2,000,000 VND/person

Food and drinks: About 10 USD/person/meal

Source: https://cheapvietnamtour.com/blog/how-much-it-costs-for-a-4-day-3-night-trip-to-danang-by-yourself.php

#cheap vietnam tour #vietnam budget travel

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dreamstravel19 · 6 months ago

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Exploring Affordable Destinations: Cheapest Countries to Visit from India

Traveling abroad can often seem like an expensive endeavor, but there are several destinations where Indian travelers can enjoy a memorable vacation without breaking the bank. These countries offer rich cultural experiences, stunning landscapes, and a plethora of activities, all at budget-friendly prices. Here are some of the cheapest countries to visit from India

1. Nepal

Why Visit: Nepal, India's northern neighbour, is a haven for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. Home to the majestic Himalayas, including Mount Everest, it offers breath-taking landscapes, trekking opportunities, and rich cultural experiences. Nepal is one of the best cheapest countries to visit from India

Highlights:

Trekking in the Annapurna and Everest regions

Exploring Kathmandu's temples and stupas

Visiting the serene town of Pokhara

Budget Tips:

Travel by bus or shared taxis

Stay in budget guesthouses or hostels

Dine at local eateries for affordable yet delicious meals

2. Sri Lanka

Why Visit: Just a short flight away, Sri Lanka is renowned for its pristine beaches, lush tea plantations, and ancient ruins. The island nation offers diverse experiences, from relaxing on the beach to exploring wildlife.

Highlights:

Relaxing at the beaches of Bentota and Mirissa

Exploring the historic city of Kandy and the Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Visiting tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya

Budget Tips:

Use public transport or tuk-tuks

Stay in budget guesthouses or homestays

Enjoy local street food, which is both tasty and economical

3. Thailand

Why Visit: Thailand is a favorite among budget travelers for its vibrant culture, stunning islands, and bustling cities. Known for its affordable accommodation and food, Thailand provides a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

Highlights:

Exploring the vibrant city of Bangkok

Visiting the ancient temples in Chiang Mai

Enjoying the beaches and nightlife in Phuket and Krabi

Budget Tips:

Use budget airlines or buses for internal travel

Stay in hostels or budget hotels

Dine at street food markets for cheap and delicious meals

4. Vietnam

Why Visit: On the list of cheapest countries to visit from India Vietnam offers a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and culture. From bustling cities to serene countryside, Vietnam is both affordable and captivating.

Highlights:

Cruising in Halong Bay

Exploring the ancient town of Hoi An

Visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta near Ho Chi Minh City

Budget Tips:

Travel by local buses or trains

Stay in budget hotels or hostels

Enjoy meals at local markets and street food vendors

5. Indonesia

Why Visit: Indonesia, with its thousands of islands, offers diverse experiences ranging from vibrant city life in Jakarta to the serene beaches of Bali. It's a great destination for both adventure and relaxation.

Highlights:

Exploring the cultural heritage of Yogyakarta

Relaxing on the beaches of Bali and Lombok

Visiting the Komodo National Park

Budget Tips:

Use local transport options like buses and ferries

Stay in budget accommodations such as guesthouses or hostels

Eat at local warungs (small family-owned restaurants) for cheap meals

6. Malaysia

Why Visit: Malaysia is a melting pot of cultures, offering everything from modern cities to historical sites and beautiful islands. It's a perfect destination for budget travelers looking for diverse experiences.

Highlights:

Visiting the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur

Exploring the historical city of Malacca

Relaxing on the beaches of Langkawi

Budget Tips:

Use public transport like trains and buses

Stay in budget hotels or hostels

Dine at hawker centers and street food stalls

Conclusion

Traveling from India to these budget-friendly countries can provide unforgettable experiences without causing financial strain. Each destination offers unique attractions and activities that cater to different interests and budgets. Traveling doesn't have to be expensive, and these cheapest countries to visit from India prove that you can have an incredible experience without spending a fortune. So, pack your bags and embark on an affordable adventure to explore the world beyond borders!

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ellamelia · 11 months ago

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Exploring the World on a Budget: Cheap International Destinations from India

In the era of globalization, the desire to travel and explore new horizons is stronger than ever. Fortunately, for the budget-conscious traveler based in India, there are several affordable international destinations waiting to be discovered. These cheap international destinations from india not only offer diverse cultural experiences but also provide a wallet-friendly escape from the routine.

1. Nepal:

Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, Nepal is a breathtaking destination that offers a unique blend of culture and nature. From the bustling streets of Kathmandu to the serene landscapes of Pokhara, Nepal provides an array of experiences without putting a dent in your budget. Explore ancient temples, embark on trekking adventures, and savor the local cuisine without breaking the bank.

2. Sri Lanka:

Just a short flight away, Sri Lanka is a tropical paradise with pristine beaches, lush tea plantations, and rich history. Whether you're exploring the ancient city of Anuradhapura, encountering wildlife in Yala National Park, or relaxing on the beaches of Mirissa, Sri Lanka caters to various interests and budgets.

3. Vietnam:

For an immersive cultural experience on a budget, Vietnam is an ideal destination. Hanoi's charming streets, the picturesque landscapes of Ha Long Bay, and the bustling energy of Ho Chi Minh City offer a diverse range of experiences. Street food in Vietnam is not only delicious but also incredibly affordable, allowing you to savor local flavors without straining your finances.

4. Thailand:

Known for its vibrant street life, beautiful beaches, and bustling markets, Thailand continues to be a favorite among budget travelers. From the bustling capital city of Bangkok to the tranquil islands of Phuket and Krabi, Thailand offers a variety of experiences that won't burn a hole in your pocket.

5. Bhutan:

While Bhutan may have a reputation for being exclusive, it has become more accessible to budget travelers in recent years. With its stunning landscapes, monasteries, and unique cultural practices, Bhutan provides a rich and affordable cultural experience.

In conclusion, for those seeking affordable international travel from India, these destinations offer a perfect blend of cultural immersion and budget-friendly experiences. Explore the world without worrying about breaking the bank and create lasting memories in these enchanting corners of the globe.

#places

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backpackingrealness · 11 months ago

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Dusting the blog off

10 years ago, something-realness seemed fresh. Probably not to the queers who had been using for years before the explosion of RuPaul’s Drag Race, but one of the delights of culture is the false sense of hope that you were the first to discover the hot new turn of phrase – and the humbling moment of realising nothing is new, and everything has been done before.

This blog has gathered Internet dust for nearly a decade, and I’m choosing to blow some of that off entirely for my own gratification. I last wrote a misty-eyed travel diary when I was 24, and I just turned 33. That’s not to say I haven’t holidayed in the meantime, but I certainly hadn’t been back to the heady smells, sights, and sounds of South East Asia.

There’s also something deeply satisfying to someone who has lived over half their existence online to find that I can access an account untouched for 10 years, and pick it up where I left it. Where did those years go? On Tumblr, nothing has changed. Well some things have changed.

On my original big backpacking moment, the story I tell myself now is that there was a choice between 3 weeks in Vietnam, or a week in Japan. We simply did not have the money to do both, and no regrets, for Japan revealed itself to be my favourite country in the world to visit to this very day, and indeed I shall return in the not-too-distant future for more sushi trains, whiskey highballs, and Tokyo DisneySea.

That decision created a mysterious and magical ‘the one that got away’ allure to Vietnam. Living in Australia for the decade since, I am blessed to be exposed to top-shelf, five-star Vietnamese cuisine and coffee whenever I so desire, but how would a bowl of steaming phở taste in the country it hailed whence from, on a rainy Hanoi morning, ideally on the street (but under shelter)?

I first booked a holiday to Vietnam in December 2019, for the following April 2020. I had found some reasonable flights with Cathay Pacific, and my boyfriend’s family were in the middle of three enormous bushfire fronts blazing through the Snowy Mountains. I had a feeling that the coming months would be quite challenging, and a holiday in April would be well-timed. I think I was also eager to plan an escape route.

That trip didn’t go ahead for reasons clear to anyone with a sense of consciousness, and the following years passed.

Cheap flights presented themselves in June 2023. There was some debate on whether we could afford to go after a fabulous summer in the UK, but in the spirit of ‘life is for living’, flights were purchased. The spreadsheet from 2019 was (also) dusted off, and it was a delight to find that a few extra cities could be squeezed in with the extra time we had.

In September, Tom had a stroke. Standing over his bedside next to his sister in the days following, I hissed at his sister how I had been thwarted yet again. Dark humour to hold back the sobbing, but there also truth in jest! In an absolutely thrilling turn of events, and partially due to his youth, Tom’s recovery was lightspeed. Within two weeks, we were home recuperating, with the advice from doctors ringing in our ears – within three months of the accident, the chances of being able to travel overseas would be very positive.

Honestly, say less!

Fast forward to late November, and an apprehensive but giddy self and stroke-victim-spouse are in an Uber to Sydney Airport, with a driver asking if we are heading to Vietnam for all the beautiful ladies.

Next up, Ho Chi Minh City.

#travelling #backpacking #asia #vietnam #australia #pandemic

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alexracheltravel · 2 years ago

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Goodnight Saigon, It's a Holiday in Cambodia

We spent our final hours in Vietnam this morning. What a country. We gorged on our hotel breakfast, eating as if we would never see such great fruit ever again. While we knew that wasn't true, "The Myst Dong Khoi" hotel treated us right and made our stay in Ho Chi Minh City extra special.

We made one final stop at the Ben Thanh market. Alex picked up his suit. It looked AMAZING. We also grabbed over a kilogram of mango candy to take home for family, colleagues, and students to enjoy. On our way out, we picked up a quick snack of Banh Gio, which we thought was sticky rice. But we were wrong! It was a steamed rice cake stuffed with pork and other stuff that we weren't sure quite what it was. But it was tasty! The whole thing came wrapped in a big banana leaf and cost less than a dollar. Amazing country.

We got our snack mostly to kill time because we just had to go back to Banh Mi Hyunh Hoa for a sandwich for the road aka our flight. The only meal (other than hotel breakfasts) that we had twice. We booked one last taxi to the hotel and relished in the fact that it was a Chevy Spark. It was a tender bonding moment to try and communicate with our driver, explaining that we had the same car. "It's cheap!" He said. We all laughed. It's funny because it's true.

We packed up, and left Vietnam. When we arrived, we realized we made a near-fatal mistake. We actually never confirmed our flight out of HCMC to Cambodia. It was a close call, but we actually bought tickets that afternoon, for a flight scheduled to leave three hours later! Oopsies! But it all worked out as we boarded the flight to Cambodia.

The flight took less than an hour, and was fairly smooth. Our seatmate came from Arizona but actually grew up in Poughkeepsie, NY! Small world. We landed on a wide runway and walked into a unique airport that adopted Indochinese architecture, not unlike our previous hotel. We thought a car was waiting for us outside, but no, it was a motorized Tuk Tuk! We rode on the back of a cart, zooming through the Cambodian night. It was not what we expected. We expected a city but Siem Reap is quiet and rural. We were so used to such loud noises and cars so it was a bit of a shock to be in such a quiet place.

We began our stay at the Baby Elephant Boutique Hotel, a wonderful Cambodian resort that resembled a bed and breakfast more than anything else. We were served welcome drinks, as well as attention from Happy, the four-legged welcome committee. He was very friendly! Once we unpacked in the room it was time to go back out into town for dinner. Siem Reap is not a culinary destination, however, there was a Khmer restaurant on the top of every Internet list, and was the only restaurant we saw with a wait.

The homely restaurant had about thirty tables in it's open air concept, and the wait staff, made up of young women, all were incredibly friendly and happy to have customers. We ordered two traditional dishes: Amok, a green curry with lemongrass and Thai basil flavors, served in a banana leaf, and Lok Luk, a saucy mix of beef, veggies and a fried egg, accompanied with a peppery sauce. We rounded our order with a Cambodian beer and ate quickly. The food was delicious and flavorful, giving us a good feeling of what Cambodia could possibly offer. Even if it wasn't half as good as our banh mi from earlier, we cleaned our plates, and saved room for dessert. Mango sticky rice! The mango was soft and chewy. The rice was sweet. It was a terrific end to the meal.

We took a roundabout way back to the hotel, hopping into the market, where we picked up some of the peppercorns that made up the Lok Luk sauce, and then peeked into "pub street," which was Siem Reap's version of Bourbon Street.

We had heard about crowds in Cambodia but the only signs of life came on Pub Street. This city, if we can call it a city, has been decimated by COVID, as lockdowns eviscerated the flourishing tourism scene, which seems to be recovering slowly. Everyone spoke English here and most of the restaurants served Western food. It's more common to see pizza instead of curry, and any hint of traditional Cambodian cuisine has been painted over by Thai flavors to give the customers a taste they may be more familiar with. It's not the most heartening sight to see in a country that has already endured hardship, tragedy in the form of its own genocide, but the draw to Siem Reap is not the food or nightlife, but the temples, which we will get up to see tomorrow.

Alex: Rach we made it to the Kingdom of Cambodia. The doorway to the ancient wonders of the world. How do you feel? It's a little different here than the big city, huh?

Rachel: Very different. I think that we are staying a little further from many of the huge hotels and it feels very very rural. It's not true because just a half mile away is the downtown area of Siem Reap. With that being said, the downtown area has less people than any given block in Ho Chi Minh City.

A: While this is like a big change, I actually think it's a blessing in disguise and we'll have a lot of space tomorrow to relax and go to all the temples and not have to wade through crowds.

R: I am VERY excited to see all the temples and add another wonder if the world to my very short list.

A: This is the second ancient civilization we'll have visited together, the first being Mayan temples in Belize. I liked how we got to climb those steps and hope we can have a bit of a hands on experience to really feel immersed in the spiritual atmosphere. Everything about the Cambodian and Khmer civilization has been fascinating to me.

R: And I was happy that we could start it all with Khmer food, including a delicious curry, a unique tomato dish, and finishing off with some mango sticky rice too.

A: While I know the food won't be as good as Vietnam I know our experience tomorrow will really make up for it.

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alipop0305 · 2 years ago

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saving the money, it ain’t cheap

one of the main reasons that people choose to backpack in south east asia is because the cost of accommodation, food and even transport (once you’re there) is so much cheaper than in places like europe and northern america.

but the fact of it is, if you’re backpacking south east for anything more than two months, you’re going to need to save up. not to mention the cost of the flights to get all the way to the other side of the world (it’s not like you’re just hopping on the eurostar to france.

i went backpacking in my gap year between the end of sixth form and first year of university, but didn’t actually leave the uk until may. the girl i was travelling with and i both planned on doing working through summer and the 3 months at the official start of our year out (september - november), doing a ski season for 5/6 months (december - april) and then backpacking the remainder, with a bit of time at home before starting university.

but as with all big plans like this you have to be prepared for the fact not everything will go to accordingly. i didn’t end up managing to get a job doing a ski season, but my friend did (which i will talk about in another post). i had been working full-time all summer (basically since the first week after finishing school in may) so by the time we went travelling i had been working full time for almost exactly a year.

in comparison, my friend worked a bit before going on the ski season and did a few shifts in the month between getting home from her ski season and flying out to india. yes, she earned money on season, but much of her wages had to go into her accommodation out in the alps (which of course, isn’t cheap, even with the staff prices she’d get).

i’d like to start by saying that we both were able to easily afford the expenses a trip like this comes with, it just meant that i was less worried about how much i was spending each week, and had more left over at the end (which was nice, since i wouldn’t be able to work as much when i went to uni).

but i’ll finally dive into the nitty gritty of the costs! we booked an outline of our travels (to ease our parents worrying) through trailfinders. in retrospect, we didn’t need to do this, but since i was trying to organise all this alone while my friend was on the ski season, it did make it a lot easier and they were super helpful.

the payment we each made to trailfinders was £2,725 each and it included:

flights london, england → delhi, india (via dubai) dehli, india → bangkok, thailand bangkok, thailand → chiang mai, thailand chiang rai, thailand → phuket, thailand (via bangkok) (we had to organise our flights into and out of cambodia separately) hanoi, vietnam → london, england (via dubai)

hotels (for 1 night because of late/early flights, or just so we had somewhere to go when we first arrived) delhi - last night in india, 5am flight the next morning bangkok - first night chiang mai - first night phuket - first night ho chi minh city - first night hanoi - last night of the whole trip, had a 1:30am flight the next night (so was good because we could leave our bags there

transfers to and from the airport bangkok airport → hotel chiang mai airport → hotel phuket airport → hotel ho chi minh airport → hotel hanoi hotel → airport

g adventures tour through the golden triangle (delhi, agra, jaipur) - 6 days (the whole time we were in india pretty much, which is why we did the tour, since we didn’t think we’d have time to see everything we wanted to) - 5 nights accommodation included - 5 meals provided (breakfast) - entry tickets for the tourist attraction - all transport - a local tour guide to show you around and tell you all about the amazing landmarks - costs £459 per person when booking for two travellers more info here: https://www.gadventures.com/trips/golden-triangle-independent-adventure-delhi-agra-jaipur/TAHGTC/?ref=asearch

bamba travel pass through vietnam - all transport through Vietnam (minibuses, overnight buses) - 2 nights of accommodation - 10 meals (2 breakfast, 7 lunch, 1 dinner) - 8 amazing experiences (ranging from street food tours to a 2 day, 1 night cruise through ha long bay!!) - a local tour guide to show you around and tell you all about the amazing landmarks - at the time it was $862/£662 but it seems to have gone up significantly to $1219/£999 so i guess i’m glad we did it when we did haha - the way it worked was you would message them to book the activities or transport 24-48 hours sin advance so you were a bit more free to do what you wanted when you wanted (i.e. stay an extra day somewhere) - this was honestly an amazing thing to do but i wish we had more time to do spread them out more info here: https://bambatravel.com/adventure/Vietnam-Travel-Passes-Backpacking/Vietnam-Circuit-&from-Ho-Chi-Minh-City&-Travel-Pass/35978/162

travel insurance (through trailfinders included in the above total and cost £207 each for the whole trip and had amazing cover as seen below

and it does cover covid related emergencies which many countries still require for entry

of course this is not the way to do it, there is no correct way of planning a trip like this, but it worked for us. maybe it’ll work for you, maybe it won’t.

this doesn’t include expenses whilst out there (such as hostels, food, entrance fees to attraction, other activities we organised while there etc.)

i hope this is able to help someone out there!

thanks for reading,

alice :)

#savings #backpacking #travelling #travel #india #thailand #cambodia #vietnam #planning #money

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brightsuntravel123 · 5 years ago

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#travel #Cheap tickets to Ho Chi Minh City #Cheap flights to Ho Chi Minh City #Cheap tickets to Ho Chi Minh City from UK #Cheap air tickets to Ho Chi Minh City

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roundtheworldrambles · 4 years ago

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Luang Prabang, Laos - Part 1

Day 161 – Chiang Mai, Thailand to Luang Prabang, Laos

In the afternoon, I packed up my bag and hailed a Red Songthaew to Chiang Mai’s airport, boarding a small, propeller plane that would take me to Luang Prabang, Laos. The flight was short, about an hour and a half east, over the mountainous green highlands. The air outside was thick and hazy, caused by smoke from burning farmer’s fields. I learned that between February-April, this was fairly common for northern Thailand and Laos, as farmers burn their fields before reseeding the soil.

Arriving at the small, red roofed airport in Luang Prabang, I quickly passed through customs, paying for my visa on arrival with US dollars. It was an interesting visa experience for me, as the visa application fee varied depending on the home country of the traveller – with Canadians paying the highest amount of any listed country. After doing some research after the fact, it appears that this is based on the reciprocal cost a Laotian would need to pay to visit Canada. Furthermore, the visa costs are also apparently related to the amount of international aid provided to Laos, where citizens of countries which have provided a higher level of aid pay lower visa costs as a result. I had not given much thought to the reciprocity of international visas before my arrival in Laos, and this was an eye-opening, educational experience for me.

As I was negotiating for a ride into town in the arrivals hall, I had the very good fortune of meeting a fellow traveller from San Francisco, Tonya, who was also travelling by herself. We quickly found out that we were also staying at the same guesthouse, and became immediate friends! Sharing a ride into town on a multi-coloured tuk-tuk, we also realized that we had a very similar itinerary planned around Asia for the coming few months! After settling into our hostel for the evening, we headed out into the town as the sun was setting.

Luang Prabang

The small city of Luang Prabang is built on a peninsula at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers, surrounded by lush green mountains. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, Luang Prabang was once the capital of the historic Lane Xang Kingdom from the 14th to 16th centuries (also known as the “Kingdom of a Million Elephants”). Luang Prabang was also a historic trade centre in Southeast Asia, given its proximity to the meandering Mekong Rivier, which runs for almost 5,000 km through China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

Luang Prabang is also known for being the centre for Buddhism in Laos, and has many active temples, or “Vats” scattered throughout the town centre. The town was part of a French protectorate between 1893 and 1954, and the colonial influences of this era can still be seen in the architecture throughout the urban centre. Modern day Luang Prabang showcases traditional and French colonial styles throughout the town. Given the current UNESCO protections, the historic town centre was also remarkably free of the overdevelopment that can come with tourism. It was evident to me that the town had taken great care to protect their cultural heritage and architecture, with conservation and sustainability in mind.

Luang Prabang Night Market

As evening fell, Tonya and I wandered over a short distance to Sisavangvong Road, the main street through the peninsula, which was bustling with a vibrant night market. The street had been closed off to vehicles and scooters, and there were hundreds of red and blue covered stalls and bamboo mats lining the street, selling countless beautiful and unique wares. There was an incredible collection of handicrafts, ceramics, silks, clothing, antiques and other souvenirs for sale. Many of the items sold were handmade by ethnic groups in the nearby hills, although some stalls also sold cheap, imported trinkets. Overall, the market had a relaxed atmosphere, with the vendors typically waiting for the visitor to inquire about the items rather than making sales pitches. One stall in particular caught my eye – where the trader was selling jewellery and cutlery which were apparently made by recycling fragments of bombs which had been dropped on Laos by the United States during the Vietnam War.

I had no previous knowledge of the bombing campaign in Laos during the war, and was stunned to learn that there were close to 600,000 bombing campaigns in Laos between 1964-1973, with the goal to cut off supply lines along the Ho Chi Minh Trail running into Vietnam. To this day, there are estimated to be almost 80 million unexploded bombs throughout the country, which continue to kill innocent men, women and children who happen to come upon them – near half a century later. It sickened me to think about all of the bombs lying dormant in fields and forests throughout this picturesque, welcoming country.

Tonya and I briefly stopped by a money exchange to switch out our US dollars to Laotian Kip. The local denominations were huge - with banknote amounts ranging between K500 to K100,000. For the remainder of my time in Laos, this made it quite challenging to monitor just how much money I had, as the many “zeros” on the banknotes automatically tricked my brain into thinking I had more money than I actually did!

One of the Many Fresh Smoothie Stands in the Market

We spent the remainder of the evening browsing the night market, sampling spicy Laotian dishes at the food stalls along the street, and enjoying passionfruit smoothies. It was a great first day in Laos, and I was lucky to have equally terrific company with Tonya!

Day 162 – Luang Prabang

After grabbing breakfast at our hostel and befriending a few other travellers, Tonya and I headed out to explore town, passing first through the morning farmer’s market just along the street outside. The vendors start setting up before sunrise, and it was already busy as we walked through around 8:30am. Local produce and the catch-of-the-day were set up for sale on mats on the ground. Ready-to-eat snacks were also for sale, such as charcoal-grilled honeycomb, baelfruit, mung-bean rice cakes, Mok Pa (a dish cooked with catfish caught in the Mekong), Lao Khao Soi, various meats cooked in banana leaf, Khao Jee Pate (a Laotian take on a Banh Mi Baguette sandwich) barbecued frog, water buffalo sausage, coconut milk pancakes, young coconuts, various noodle dishes, and even grilled rat – just to name a few snacks! We enjoyed stolling along the street, chatting with the friendly vendors, and taking in the vibrant colours, sights and smells of the market.

We continued onwards to the bank of the Mekong River, lined with palm and banana trees. Long, shallow river boats churned through the milky brown water below. Beyond the wide, lazy river, we could see lush green mountains in the distance. As we walked along the embankment, various tour operators approached us, trying to sell us tours in these slow riverboats. While we were certainly interested, Tonya and I had done our research on reputable tours, and planned to purchase our trip up the Mekong for the following day.

Drying Orange Robes in a Monastery in Luang Prabang

Turning inland, we began to meander along the quieter streets of town, lined with traditional Lao houses and guesthomes, many of which were constructed with bamboo materials during the colonial period. The UNESCO protections in the town continued to be evident, as there were no high-rise buildings or large tour buses anywhere in the town centre. Tuk-tuks and scooters were by far the most common means of transportation for locals and visitors. As we walked, we occasionally passed some active Buddhist monasteries, and while we could not enter, we could see the laundered orange robes of the monks hanging out to dry.

Wat Xieng Thong

We visited one of the best-known monasteries in the town centre, Wat Xieng Thong. Dating back to the 16th century, the temple complex housed a gilded ordination hall, with large, sweeping roofs, along with numerous stupas, chapels, a library, a drum tower, and a funeral carriage - historically used to carry the urns of Lao royalty. The architecture throughout Wat Xieng Thong was simply stunning, with every structure richly decorated with engravings, colourful mosaics, paintings, gilding and elaborate sculptures.

A close-up of mosaics at Wat Xieng Thong

Ready for some shade and bite to eat, Tonya and I headed to the banks of the Nam Khan River, crossing a bamboo footbridge to the far bank. The bamboo bridges of Luang Prabang are built by local families on an annual basis, facilitating the journey to and from the old quarter of the city. Incredibly, though these bridges are solely built from bamboo and rope, they are very sturdy! As visitors to Luang Prabang, Tonya and I paid a small toll to cross the bridge, which contributes to the upkeep and annual bridge replacement.

Bamboo Bridge across the Nam Khan River

On the far banks of the river, we arrived at Dyen Sabai – a restaurant recommended by a friend of mine from Western, Brandon - who had briefly lived abroad in Laos, and had generously given me all sorts of local recommendations! He had highly recommended that I visit Dyen Sabai for their Lao Buffalo Fondue. The setting was peaceful – Tonya and I sat on low futons at a riverside table, surrounded by a beautiful bamboo garden. The buffalo fondue dish turned out to be cooked in a similar way to Chinese hot pot/Korean BBQ. The servers prepared a small charcoal fire in a metal container built into the table, before placing a specialized cover overtop. This set-up allowed Tonya and I to cook the meat ourselves on the grill and cook the vegetables in the broth. It was a delicious (and interactive!) meal, a recommendation well worth it.

Buffalo Fondue at Dyen Sabai

After lunch, we traversed back over the bridge, and walked along the banks of the Nam Khan river to Utopia, a outdoor bar and bucket-list destination for any backpacker to the area (I think I had about 10 different friends recommend I go!). Tonya and I spent several hours of the late afternoon enjoying several Beer Lao while sitting on the floor cushions, chatting with other travellers and taking in the incredible ambiance of this lively riverside bar.

Nam Khan River

As evening began to fall, we returned to the town centre to climb Mount Phousi for sunset. A small mountain located in the heart of the historic town centre, Phou-si literally translates to “sacred hill”, and stands approximately 100m tall. While it was a bit of a climb to the top, I was happy for the exercise! Along the trail as we ascended were many gilded statues of Buddha, with a small temple and golden stupa at the summit. Arriving just on time for sunset, we took in an incredible 360-degree view of Luang Prabang, the Mekong River shimmering in a deep shade of orange, reflecting the mesmerizing sky above. The distant mountains were blanketed in a smoky haze from the burning of brush and farmers fields. While the hill was packed with tourists who had the same idea as us – it was still a wonderful way to end a day of exploring the city. Ready to tuck into some more of Laos’ famous street food, Tonya and I returned to the night market along Sisavangvong Road, taking in the brightly lit red and blue booths framed by tall palm trees and the opulent Royal Palace. After sharing and sampling countless delicious dishes, we headed back to our hostel, stopping at a booth on the main road to purchase tickets for our boat trip up the Mekong River the following day. I crashed almost immediately, as I was planning to wake up before dawn to view the morning Almsgiving ceremony, a daily tradition of local Buddhist monks.

Sunset from Mount Phousi

#thailand

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depatos · 4 years ago

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Cheap flight bookings with Depatos it is Your gateway to affordable air travel and online cheap flight bookings. It's Easy.

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catsworldlytravels · 4 years ago

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Gooooooood morning Vietnam

It’s actually over 3 years since I went to Vietnam, better late than never in writing up about it! This trip was March 2017.

I had a direct flight from London to Hanoi with Vietnam Airlines, an extremely reasonable flight price of around £450 return if I remember rightly. After a 12+ hour flight, I landed at 4.30am local time, and after swiftly clearing immigration (British citizens didn’t – at time of travel – require a visa for stays under 15 days) I had quite a long wait for my bag as it was basically the last one round the carousel – always a slightly worrying time! I’d arranged a transfer to my hotel in central Hanoi, and after arriving at the hotel at around 6.30am I took myself off to bed. Top tip, especially when travelling somewhere where accommodation is cheap by western standards – if you are arriving somewhere first thing in the morning, book a hotel room for the previous night so you can check in and either get some kip for a few hours, or freshen up before you start exploring. The hotel I was staying in was approx £30 per night which was worth every penny to be able to crash for a few hours.

As it turned out, I was absolutely knackered, the product of being in a job I didn’t enjoy (part of the reason I’d gone on sabbatical the year before), and at the time I’d actually just been successful in interviewing for another job in the same company which I would start shortly after returning from this trip. Much less stress and a better work/life balance, but that isn’t the topic of this blog, and as such I pretty much slept through the entire day. Fortunately I’d arrived a day early to join the trip so I didn’t miss out on that much, and it gave my body clock a chance to adjust.

After a long sleep, I awoke refreshed on the second day and after breakfasting in the hotel, I set off exploring Hanoi. One thing I had been warned about prior to this trip was that attempting to cross the street in Hanoi would be an interesting experience, certainly if you waited as you would in the U.K. for a break in the traffic, I’d still be stuck on the wrong side of the street now! It is a little unnerving basically having to walk out into traffic but, unbelievably, it works. Most people in Vietnam ride scooters as the taxes on (usually imported) cars are prohibitively expensive, and they are used to adjusting their speeds for pedestrians. After building up confidence to cross the street, I made my way to Hoan Kiam Lake and walked around it, enjoying the early morning sights including the locals enjoying some early morning yoga/meditation along the shores.

Hoan Kiam Lake, Hanoi

After some more wandering to a temple and to the market, I headed back to my hotel for some much needed air-con. After a short break from the heat, I ventured back outside and grabbed lunch – a delicious Bánh Mì from Banh Mi 25, one of the top-rated places for Bánh Mì in Hanoi. Bánh Mì are a delicious fusion sandwich, a baguette-style bread roll filled with pate, grilled meat, cucumber and pickled veg, and an absolute bargain with a Bánh Mì and bottle of water costing the equivalent of 75p!

In the afternoon I walked to the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum complex and around the botanical gardens before retreating back to the hotel. In the evening I met the rest of the group (a G Adventures trip) and we headed out for dinner.

An early start the next morning as we headed to Halong Bay. It was a 4 hour drive punctuated by a stop at a project which creates employment for disabled people by teaching them crafts and needlework which is then sold. A very interesting idea.

We arrived at Halong Bay and boarded our overnight junk boat in time for lunch. As we set sail through the bay, the limestone karsts that we passed through reminded me a little bit of Milford Sound. I’ve since also been to Khao Sok in Thailand which was very reminiscent of Halong Bay. We sailed through the bay in the afternoon, stopping off in a couple of places including Ti Top Island where we climbed up 400 steps to take in the views.

Halong Bay

We had dinner on the boat, all freshly made on board and plate after plate of delicious food was served up. After enjoying the stars with a couple of drinks, I retreated to bed. Another early start the following morning with breakfast at 7am before we visited a Sung Sot Cave, the largest cave in Halong Bay, which had this amazing, wave-like ceiling.

Sung Sot Cave, Halong Bay

We then headed back to land and late morning got off the boat and headed on the 4 hour journey back to Hanoi. We were taking the overnight train south to Hue but had a few hours spare before then, so I went on a street food tour. If you haven’t already gathered, I absolutely loved the food in Vietnam. I think it’s the best food I’ve had anywhere, and certainly the cheapest. We wandered the streets of Hanoi, sampling lots of delicious food before ending up in Hanoi Food Culture where we had the Vietnamese speciality of egg coffee (or egg chocolate in my case as I’m not a coffee drinker)

Egg chocolate – an alternate version of the Vietnamese speciality egg coffee

We boarded the train in the evening, around 9pm. We were travelling in first class which comprised of 4-berth bunks with shared toilets/squats at the ends of the carriages. Second class was 6-berth bunks, followed by soft seats and hard seats (as you might recall from the Top Gear Vietnam special). I took a top bunk. The journey itself was very loud and the train was very shaky, and I don’t remember sleeping too much. The overnight train I’ve since been on in Thailand was a much more comfortable ride.

We arrived in Hue at 10.30am the next morning. It was noticeably hotter and more humid. Despite arriving early, we were able to check in to our hotel where I promptly showered before heading out for a quick wander before we went on our included trips in the afternoon. I ventured for a walk along the Perfume River before retreating to the air con ahead of our afternoon tours. Firstly we went to the Tien Mu Pagoda:

Tien Mu Pagoda, Hue

We then went to the main attraction in Hue, the Imperial Citadel. An imposing collection of buildings, and much, much larger than I imagined. The citadel was built in the early 1800s and was targeted during the Vietnam War. You can see the bullet holes from the Vietnam War in some of the walls.

Imperial citadel, Hue

We also squeezed in a visit to the Royal Tombs on an busy sightseeing afternoon.

At the Royal Tombs, Hue

The next morning I did a motorbike tour (as backseat passenger!) – an absolute must-do in a country where motorbikes/scooters are the primary form of transport. We were taken out to the countryside outside of Hue, seeing rice fields, monasteries and a colosseum where elephants and tigers once fought. We had an included vegetarian lunch at the monastery which was, once again, absolutely delicious.

Colosseum; Biker pose; River views

We arrived back in Hue after lunch and then headed south over the Hai Van Pass towards Hoi An. Unfortunately it was a bit cloudier than ideal which didn’t make for the best photos, but we still saw some great views.

Views on the drive to Hoi An.

We arrived in Hoi An in the late afternoon. Our guide took us on a brief orientation tour as we had 3 nights here to explore. We bumped into Jack Whitehall and his dad filming their Netflix travel series whilst we were wandering down tailors row – an unexpected sight! Hoi An is famous for getting cheap tailoring which can be ready in as little as 24 hours, but I didn’t partake on this occasion.

The following day we had an included excursion in the morning to Planeterra’s project here, Oodles of Noodles. This project taught local kids both the skills of cooking in a professional environment, as well as some English language. We learned to make rice pancakes, and then enjoyed a delicious bowl of noodles for lunch:

Lunch at Oodles of Noodles, Hoi An

We had a free afternoon where I enjoyed walking around Hoi An old town. Sincerely the prettiest place I’ve ever been.

Sights of Hoi An, the prettiest place I’ve ever been

The next day was a free day. The weather was a bit dodgy, grey with the occasionally downpour but still very warm, so after a relaxing morning at the hotel, I went for a hot stone massage in the afternoon. £20 for a 90 minute massage was an absolute bargain, even if I was a bit sore the following day! In the evening we enjoyed a walk (and some bargains) in the night markets.

The next morning was an early start for a flight from nearby Danang to Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), formerly Saigon. Even hotter and more sticky than Hue. After checking in to the hotel mid morning, and then going for lunch to have pho (finally!), we then had a free afternoon. Ho Chi Minh City has some pretty spectacular architecture, including many remnants of the French colonial era:

Notre Dame Cathedral, HCMC; City Hall; The Post Office, HCMC

The following day we had an included trip out to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a network of tunnels built by the Viet Cong outside of Saigon during the Vietnam War. It was fascinating to learn about the guerilla tactics used by the Viet Cong, and amazing to see the size of the tunnels, which were utterly minuscule.

Cu Chi Tunnels, barely big enough for a body to fit through

We came back to HCMC for lunch and then had a free afternoon. I decided to go to the War Remnants museum which is is a sobering affair. Be warned – there are some very graphic pictures of the effects of the chemical warfare. It was also horrifying to learn that people still live with the effects having been exposed at the time, but also because some of the effects can be passed on to offspring. A sobering reminder of the legacy of war, and well worth a visit.

That evening was our final group dinner before I left the following day. More delicious food, this time Vietnamese barbecue.

Vietnamese BBQ – cook your own dinner!

I had most of the next day free before an evening flight back to London via Hanoi. It was extremely hot and sticky again, and after a walk in the morning to the Reunification Palace and a failed attempt to find the Jade Emperor Pagoda, I retreated back to the hotel and air con and a shower before heading to the airport in the late afternoon.

So, what were my impressions of Vietnam? Genuinely part of the reason I went was after I’d seen the Top Gear Vietnam show, it looked a beautiful and fascinating country. A few people I’d met on my previous travels had also been and talked about what a wonderful country it is. And it certainly was. Everyone was friendly, I didn’t feel afraid walking around by myself, a solo female traveller (albeit on a group tour). It was very cheap – obviously I’d paid for the trip and accommodation/transport beforehand, and so all I had to buy whilst there was food, drinks, excursions and souvenirs. I was there for 10 days and spent less than £150 – and that included a $40 motorbike trip and a £20 massage. The absolute best food I’ve had anywhere I’ve been either before or since (with Peru close behind). And a fascinating, and devastating, recent history. Would absolutely recommend, and when I do go back again to South East Asia, I wouldn’t think twice about going back.

from WordPress https://catsgreatadventure.wordpress.com/2020/07/25/gooooooood-morning-vietnam/

#Asia #Travels #Vietnam #female traveller #g adventures #solo travel #south east asia

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kanewillamson24-blog · 6 years ago

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Brunei to Ho Chi Minh City Flights-good services offered by the Royal Brunei airlines

There are numerous flights available from Brunei to Ho Chi Minh City. The best time to fly out can be the holidays or festive seasons. But the problems with the cheap flights are sometimes the airline makes mistakes and it can be due to many reasons such as currency mishaps or any kind of human error. However, the services of cheapest flights are less comfortable as compared to other luxurious flight tickets

Many airlines serve their passengers when they take Brunei to Ho Chi Minh City Flights. When you will travel in this flight, you will find comfort. This international airport offers their services to fine dining and easy accessibility to the luxurious Sky lounge. The airlines offer economy class in their flight with luxurious and comfortable seats with adjustable headrest. It also has a spacious leg rooms for the better comfort of the passengers.

Aloof from this, the flight correlated with the airlines has peculiar touch screen monitors on all seats that provide entertainment with USB portability and reliable power supply for easy connectivity. Their IMPIAN Entertainment System contains the latest box-office titles to several Hollywood films, TV series and good music collection.

Talking about the Business class of the flights, it has comfortable seats that can entirely rest to a flat soft bed having a larger surface as compared with the other aircrafts business class seats. The airlines offer refresh meals and refreshments to their passengers that are hygienic and tasty. They're all the meals are prepared by the world-class chefs in the best and healthiest way possible. There is a guest that has allergies; the airlines take good care of the guest.

You can contact the airlines to brief with the employees and find quintessential information about your flight. You can also communicate them on Skype, fax or through e-mail.

#Brunei to Ho Chi Minh City Flights #Brunei to Ho Chi Minh City

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gullivertrips · 2 years ago

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A Complete Guide to Planning a Perfect Tour in Da Nang

Da Nang is a beautiful coastal city in central Vietnam and is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. The city is known for its stunning beaches, which are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. Da Nang is also home to many historical landmarks and museums, making it a great place to learn about Vietnam’s rich history and culture. If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, be sure to add Da Nang to your itinerary. In this blog post, we’ll give you an introduction to the city and some of the best things to see and do while you’re there. When to Visit The best time to visit Da Nang is between the months of November and April. This is when the weather is at its driest and most pleasant. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, however, you may want to visit during the shoulder season of May to October. Keep in mind that the rainy season can bring heavy downpours, so you’ll want to pack your rain gear if you’re visiting during this time. Getting Around The best way to get around Da Nang is by bicycle or motorbike. You can rent a bicycle from your hotel or guesthouse, or you can purchase one from a local shop. If you’re not comfortable riding a bicycle, you can also take a motorbike taxi. This is a great option if you’re only staying in the city for a short time and don’t want to deal with the hassle of renting a bicycle or motorbike. Things to Do There are plenty of things to see and do in Da Nang. Here are some of the top activities to add to your itinerary: Visit the Museum of Cham Sculpture: This museum is dedicated to the history and culture of the Cham people, who once inhabited the region. The museum houses a collection of over 300 Cham artifacts, including sculptures, pottery, and jewelry. Explore the Marble Mountains: The Marble Mountains are a group of five limestone and marble mountains that offer stunning views of the city and coastline. You can hike to the top of the mountains or take a cable car. Relax on the Beach: Da Nang is home to some of the best beaches in Vietnam. My Khe Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the city and is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. go on a food tour: Da Nang is known for its delicious food, so be sure to go on a food tour to sample some of the best dishes the city has to offer. These are just a few of the many things to see and do in Da Nang. For more ideas, be sure to check out our blog post on the top things to do in the city. Where to Stay There are a variety of accommodation options in Da Nang to suit all budgets. If you’re looking for a cheap place to stay, you can find guesthouses and hostels for as little as $10 per night. For a more comfortable stay, you can find hotels and resorts starting at around $50 per night. If you’re planning a trip to Da Nang, be sure to check out our blog post on the best places to stay in the city. How to Get There Da Nang International Airport is the city’s main airport and is located just 3 kilometers from the city center. The airport has flights to major cities in Vietnam as well as to international destinations such as Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore. You can also get to Da Nang by bus or train from other cities in Vietnam. The journey from Ho Chi Minh City, for example, takes around 12 hours by bus or 24 hours by train. Da Nang is a beautiful coastal city in central Vietnam and is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. The city is known for its stunning beaches, which are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. Da Nang is also home to many historical landmarks and museums, making it a great place to learn about Vietnam’s rich history and culture. If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, be sure to add Da Nang to your itinerary. In this blog post, we’ve given you an introduction to the city and some of the best things to see and do while you’re there. Read the full article

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isaacathom · 6 years ago

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google thinks i wanna go to asia bc i just got an ad saying ‘hey cheap flights to ho chi minh city’ hahaaaaa yea no

#in general bt also Theres probably a reason vietnam flights are cheap

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mmfmp2021 · 4 years ago

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The Amazingly Cheap Destinations in Asia: Notes

via Culture Trip

Bangladesh

‘If you’re looking for an affordable but offbeat place to explore that’s full of energy and intrigue, this is the place for you. Bangladesh is home to the Sundarbans, the biggest mangrove forest in the world. It also boasts Cox’s Bazar, the longest stretch of unbroken sandy beach on Earth. Discover historic temples in Puthia, river life in Barisal, ancient ruins in Gaur and much more. You can dine in a cheap restaurant for around 150 Bangladeshi taka (approximately £1.27). A daily budget of 4,000 taka (approximately £34) will let you splurge and occasionally enjoy top-class hotel rooms and fancy restaurants, but it’s also possible to get by in Bangladesh on around 1,500 taka (approximately £12.70) per day. An average backpacker should expect to spend in the region of 2,000 taka (approximately £17) each day.’

Nepal

‘Although sightseeing flights over Mount Everest and intense multi-day treks in the Himalayas can cause costs to skyrocket, the base costs of visiting Nepal are very affordable. As a benchmark, a meal in a budget restaurant will cost about 200 Nepalese rupees (approximately £1.20) and cheap double rooms in a Kathmandu guesthouse can be found for as little as 650 rupees (approximately £4) per night. Expect to pay around 3,300 rupees (approximately £20.50) per day for an experienced trekking guide, though keep in mind that this cost will be split between the group; explore with new pals to make budgets more manageable. With a daily allowance of around 3,000 rupees (approximately £19), you should be able to make the most of your time in this fascinating country.’

Indonesia

‘Spread across thousands of islands, Indonesia offers lots of variety. Volcanic landscapes, idyllic beaches, gorgeous lakes and nature galore contrast with historic highlights, such as the temple of Borobudur and bustling cities. While prices on different islands can vary immensely, Indonesia is, overall, one of the most budget-friendly countries in Southeast Asia. Costs can be kept down by spending time on just a few nearby islands rather than trying to cram in as many as possible. More popular islands, such as Bali, Lombok and Sumatra, tend to yield better deals than more remote destinations. Limit alcohol consumption (prices tend to be higher here due to the Muslim-majority population) and use local transportation, and you’ll find that travelling around Indonesia can be cheap. The average cost of a meal in a regular local restaurant is around 25,000 Indonesian rupiah (approximately £1.20), and in some areas, you can find budget guesthouses that start from just 30,500 rupiah (approximately £1.50) per night. Realistically, you should plan to spend around 435,000 rupiah (approximately £21.65) per day on a budget trip in Indonesia.’

India

‘A huge and diverse country, India offers something for everyone. From beaches and mountains to world-famous architecture, delicious food, bustling markets and spiritual experiences, India is a rich and attractive destination: chill on the splendid beaches of Goa and wander around the many churches and other religious buildings; bathe in the Ganges at Varanasi; explore the tea plantations and enjoy the cool climate of Darjeeling; and absorb the energy of New Delhi. With beautiful cities and spectacular scenery, there’s no end of travelling to be done in India. In a country where dorm beds can be scored for as low as 400 Indian rupees (approximately £4), cheap street eats are abundant and long-distance sleeper trains can cost as little as 600 rupees (approximately £6), you can live comfortably on a daily budget of around 2,500 rupees (approximately £25). Shoestring travellers can, however, cut costs even more.’

Vietnam

‘Vietnam is a budget backpacker’s paradise, with some of the cheapest beer in the world (bia hoi), low-priced dorms and private rooms, inexpensive and efficient long-distance transportation, and dining bills that will barely make a dent in your bank account. Rather unusually, the capital, Hanoi, is one of the cheapest Vietnamese cities to explore, though other popular destinations, such as Ho Chi Minh City, Sapa, Hoi An and Hue, won’t cost a fortune either. A basic meal, such as a bowl of pho (noodles), costs around 40,000 Vietnamese dong (approximately £1.24), and freshly baked breads and pastries make for a pocket-friendly breakfast. If you can stretch to 1.4m dong (approximately £43) per day, you’ll be able to do a lot more on your trip and enjoy meals in nice restaurants every so often, but you can have a great time with around 930,000 dong (approximately £29) each day.’

Sri Lanka

‘The headline attractions and activities in Sri Lanka are somewhat known for high costs. For example, climbing the impressive rock of Sigiriya will set you back 6,000 Sri Lankan rupees (approximately £22) and a half-day safari in Yala National Park costs around 6,950 rupees (approximately £25.30) per person. Cheap accommodation, meals and transportation go some way towards offsetting the higher travel costs; cheap-yet-filling meals cost around 250 rupees (approximately £0.91). Enjoying the beaches and roaming around cultural cities can be done for free, meaning you can enjoy Sri Lanka with a daily budget of around 6,000 rupees (approximately £22).’

The countries above were additional research to give me an insight into other travel destinations that were in the same category to my subject. The website ‘Culture trip’ and the articles it gave were very useful as it gave me key information into the areas I'm looking for to research and different aspects to consider whilst travelling.

Malaysia

‘Malaysia is starting to flourish as one of the top holiday spots in Southeast Asia. Beautiful beaches, architectural gems, glorious national parks and modern shopping malls attract different types of travellers and the overall travel costs are still lower than in neighbouring Thailand. Keep in mind, however, that Peninsular Malaysia is generally cheaper and easier to get around than Malaysian Borneo. Top destinations on the peninsula include the capital of Kuala Lumpur, quaint Malacca, the lush Cameron Highlands, the pretty island of Langkawi and the chilled-out Perhentian Islands. A private room in a guesthouse costs from 43 Malaysian ringgit (approximately £7.50) for a night, while the average price of a meal in an inexpensive restaurant is 10 ringgits (approximately £1.70). Enjoy Peninsular Malaysia with a daily budget of 165 ringgits (approximately £29).’

‘Thailand, the Philippines, Cambodia and Pakistan can be terrific destinations in Asia for budget travellers, too. ‘:

#research

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