CQJ - South East Asia tips


South East Asia - tips



In short	Probably and deservedly the most popular destination for the budding traveller. Easy to get around, generally friendly and good value for money. Also, compared to the Muslim countries and India, SE Asia is comparatively easy to get along with for women. Consequently, very few travellers have not been to Thailand.
Highlights	Lots. Personally, I prefer to avoid the most touristy parts of Thailand and spend my time in the surrounding countries. For nature and diving, Indonesia is hard to beat, and so is Borneo and Sumatra - if you like the big orang-utans. For "original people", Northern Laos, Yunnan (China), Burma and Sulawesi / Flores (Indonesia) are the places to go to. In particular the Tanatoraja of Sulawesi is famous for the funeral rituals. Also, the southern Filippines (Mindanao) actually contains some pockets of interest; the T'Boli being one of them. For ruins and monuments, much less than South/Central America, but not bad at all. Bagan (Burma), Borobodur / Prambanan (Java, Indonesia) and, in particular, Angkor (Cambodia) shouldn't be missed. For "live temples", Yangon (Burma) and Luang Prabang (Laos) are close to perfect. Check HERE for photo samples. Slide show: From Borneo to Sulawesi. Article: Malaysia fishing and Borneo Drinking.
Places to avoid	Not really, however, Kao San may drive you crazy if you're not in "backpacker mode".
Seasons	For most of the region, the European winter is the best. The summers (May to Sept.) are often unbearable hot and/or wet. The exception is Indonesia south of the Equator, where the best season is the European summer.
Do's and don'ts	Generally very relaxed everywhere. Be careful in Aceh, North Sumatra, and parts of Peninsular Malaysia where Muslim rules still apply.
Visa	For most Europeans only to China, Burma, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. Easy to get in Bangkok.
Value for money	Excellent. Indonesia tops the list (5-10 USD/day is quite common), however, Burma and Cambodia are not that far behind, while Thailand is getting more expensive. Malaysia is the most expensive, but still cheap by western standards.
Others	Don't worry, be happy. Apart from Peninsular Malaysia, SE Asia is likely to be the easiest part of the tropical world for single women travellers.