if you can't see alex's version

30 DAYS BANGKOK-CAMBODIA-VIETNAM-CHINA ORD TRIP

Scope

- General Information

- Things to prepare

- Itinerary � � � � � � � � �

Singapore ��� Thailand (Singapore ��� Bangkok)

Thailand ��� Cambodia (Bangkok ��� Aranya Prathet ��� Siem Reap)

Cambodia ��� Vietnam (Siem Reap ��� Ang Kor Wat ��� Phnom Penh ��� Ho Chi Minh)

Vietnam ��� China (Ho Chi Minh ��� Danang ��� Hoi An ��� Danang ��� Hu茅 ���� � Hanoi ��� Halong Bay ��� Hanoi ��� Lao Cai ��� Kunming)

China ��� Singapore (Kunming ��� Dali ��� Lijiang ��� Kunming ��� Singapore)

- Hazard Table / RAWR-RMP

- Links

Disclaimer: All information below is not fabricated and is plagiarized either from the Lonely Planet guides that we bought at Kinokuniya and Border���s or from websites from Google.

General Information

Duration

Suggested time: 12 April 2005 ��� indefinite (approx. 30 days)

We decided that we should be free and easy on this trip, and so travel time will be dependent on many intangible factors that may delay the trip. Likewise, we could speed up if we do not like the place.

VISA

Thailand ��� � � � � � � � � � � � free 30-day visa, issued on arrival

Cambodia ���� � � � � � � � � � � US$20 for one month, issued at most borders and all airports

Ang Kor Wat ��� � � � � � � � � � � � US$40 for 3-day pass

Vietnam ��� � � � � � � � � � � � US$35-60 for 30-day visa, arrange in advance, fixed arrival & departure dates

� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Vietnamese visas can be arranged in Phnom Penh, available in Bangkok

China ��� � � � � � � � � � � � 30-day visa, issued at China Embassy (from past experience money is required)

I���m not too sure about Vietnam since it���s now part of ASEAN. Will probably check it out in detail, but visas alone could cost us more than US$100. Apparently it is advisable not to do all our visas before we leave as it is cheaper and much easier to get it at neighboring countries. Bangkok is a good place to do so.

Currency Conversions

Thailand:� � � � � � � � � � � US$1 ��� 39.92B (baht)

Cambodia:� � � � � � � � � � � US$1 ��� 3981r (riel)

Vietnam:� � � � � � � � � � � US$1 ��� 16174d (dong)

China:� � � � � � � � � � � � � US$1 ��� 8.30 yuan

Travelers��� Cheque

Thailand ��� cashed at nationwide banks for 20B commission / cheque

Cambodia ��� cashable in most big towns at 2% commission

Vietnam ��� cashed at nationwide banks for 1-4% commission

China ��� cashable at Bank of China (commission unkown)

I would probably be bringing more travelers��� cheque with me since I don���t get my supplementary card. All transactions are made in Singapore using US$. Only signature required when cashing the cheque at banks.

Voltage

Thailand ��� 220V

Cambodia ��� 220V (power cuts often in provinces)

Vietnam ��� 220V (mostly) & 110V

China ��� 220V

Think we are quite safe when it comes to electrical appliances like Hp and iPod Chargers. Socket converters required though.

Things to Prepare

Essential Items ���

� � � � � � � � � � � Passport

� � � � � � � � � � � Cash

� � � � � � � � � � � Travelers��� Cheque

� � � � � � � � � � � Camera

� � � � � � � � � � � Underwear (disposable / cloth)

� � � � � � � � � � � Toiletries

� � � � � � � � � � � Good amount of clothing

� � � � � � � � � � � Watch

� � � � � � � � � � � Lonely Planet Travel Guides

� � � � � � � � � � � Maps

� � � � � � � � � � � Medical-kit (panadol, flu tablet, poh chai pills, cortisol cream, throat lozenges, e.t.c.)

� � � � � � � � � � � Pen (writing materials)

� � � � � � � � � � � Mosquito Repellent

� � � � � � � � � � � Sleeping Bag

� � � � � � � � � � � Water Bottle / water bag

� � � � � � � � � � � Foot powder

Mandatory Tasks ���

� � � � � � � � � � � Say goodbyes to friends and family

� � � � � � � � � � � Travel insurance

� � � � � � � � � � � Vaccination (recommended are � � � � � � Malaria pills, typhoid and hepatitis A)

� � � � � � � � � � � Get a good backpack

� � � � � � � � � � � Get good traveling shoes / boots

� � � � � � � � � � � Book flight ticket to Bangkok

� � � � � � � � � � �

Miscellaneous ���

� � � � � � � � � � � A good book

� � � � � � � � � � � iPod

� � � � � � � � � � �

Itinerary

Singapore ��� Thailand

Date	Time	Destination	Duration	Mode of Travel / Accomodation
120405	0635	At Changi Airport	-	Car / Taxi
120405	0835	To Bangkok	2h	Tiger Airways ($98 for O/W ticket)
120405	1030	At Bangkok	2D / 2N	Hotel near Central Area
	The later part of the day will be used to get transport and visas into Cambodia and Vietnam. We could shop or eat stuff for a day around Bangkok before departure.

Thailand ��� Cambodia

140405	Morning	To Aranya Prathet	5h	Bus
140405	Noon	At Aranya Prathet	2h	Immigration
140405	Noon	To Siem Reap	7-8h	Bus
140405	Night	At Siem Reap	4D / 5N	Molina Village (Twin SGD$39)
	Touristy place. We shouldn���t have a problem with accommodation. Will get the 3-day pass to Ang Kor Wat and visit the World���s largest religious site. Nightlife in Siem Reap is plenty, so we shouldn���t be too bored over there.
190405	Morning	To Phnom Penh	5.5h	Bus / Speedboat
190405	Noon	At Phnom Penh	3D / 3N	Guesthouse
	Mostly visiting the killing fields of the Khmer Rouge, the museums and making sure that our Viet visas are done if we haven���t done so at Bangkok. Nightlife���s good, just that it���s dangerous.

Cambodia ��� Vietnam

220405	Morning	To Moc Bai Border	7h	Bus / Taxi at US$20
220405	Noon	At Moc Bai Border	2h	Immigration
220405	Noon	To Ho Chi Minh City	3h	Bus / Taxi
220405	Night	At Ho Chi Minh City	3D / 3N	Guesthouse
	The most dangerous city in Vietnam, so we shouldn���t compromise safety just because we���re out of Cambodia. Lots of stuff to do.
250405	1440	To Nha Trang	6.5h	Railway (SE2)
250405	2107	At Nha Trang	1D / 1N	Guesthouse
	Think it���s a damn popular beach or something. Maybe worth visiting for a day.
260405	2039	To Da Nang	11h	Railway (S6)
270405	0741	To Hoi An	45min	Taxi (30km away)
270405	0830	At Hoi An	1D / 1N	Hotel
	Showpiece of Vietnamese and colonial (French) architecture. World Heritage Site.
280405	0800	To Da Nang	45min	Taxi (30km back)
280405	1026	To Hu茅	4h	Railway (S8)
280405	1407	At Hu茅	2D / 1N	Guesthouse
	Got to have things to do around here. Not sure though.
290405	1940	To Hanoi	15h	Railway (S4)
300405	1050	Detour to Halong Bay	3D / 2N	Package Tour / Boat
	We just have to make this detour. Spectacular limestone formations rising out of turquoise waters ��� a dramatic backdrop for boating adventures. Cool. World Heritage Site again.
040505	Morning	At Hanoi	3D / 2N	Guesthouse
	Probably won���t die of boredom here in Hanoi.

Vietnam ��� China

060505 (Wed & Fri Only)	2200	To Kunming via Lao Cai	32h	Railway (North Railway Station) at US$18 for soft sleeper; alternative - take tickets to Lao Cai, stop there, cross the border by foot, then take a train in Hekou
080505	0600	At Kunming	2D / 1N	Hotel
090505	-	To Dali		Railway or Bus
090505	-	At Dali	2D / 1N	Hotel
	I���m just waiting for someone to give me info on some tour package so that we can just copy. By the way, Dali and Lijiang aren���t the only attractions. We may need further discussion on this.

China ��� Singapore

120505	Night	To Singapore	5h	Silk Air, Dragon Air or some airline
	We���ll only go back when we want to. But it���s good to make a date so at least we���re on a schedule that we can choose to ignore.

Contingencies

I included this section only because it would probably be good to at least come up with some good counter-strategy if shit happens. And I���m talking like if we���re really in deep shit kinda thing.

Hazards	Risk Factor	Develop Counter-measures	Determine Residual Risk
Heat injuries & other injuries	H	We should get acquainted with each town���s nearest clinic and bring a medical-kit so as to treat minor illnesses or lacerations.	Unless we���re really screwed, it really shouldn���t be a big problem. We should be aware of the symptoms of some dangerous diseases though.
Armed Robbery	M	Saigon and Phnom Penh have high crime rates. In a case of armed robbery, don���t reach for your pockets. Put your hands up and shut the fuck up. Remain calm and let them take the money.	Pickpockets are actually more common IMHO, so just be careful and don���t store too much cash in your wallet.
We could get lost.	L	Find nearest phone booth. Try talking to people who speak English. Ask for directions.	No big deal. It ain���t a bag-packing trip if we didn���t get lost for a time.
Separated from each other	M	My best guess is that Lip and me will have auto-roam. We could try to contact each other. In case of failed mobile contact, we can try to find each other for an hour and if we still can���t get each other we can go back to our accommodation or back to the previous railway station.	We got the in case shit happens money with us so we still can buy our way back to Bangkok. Shouldn���t be a problem.
We could be so bored we start smoking weed and getting ourselves drunk.	L	At least a guy should be sober enough to prevent shit from happening as well as know the way back.	We shouldn���t come to a point where we start mutilating our bodies.
Short of cash along the trip	L	We would of course chip in to help one another but if we were really left cashless we should start sleeping at train stations and eating crumbs to save enough to get back. We should work out a detailed budget and expense worksheet for the trip.	I won���t be able to get a supplementary card so we might really get short of cash if we don���t consider our finances.

Links

http://vr.com.vn - Vietnam Railway

http://www.asiatravelmart.com - Good place to source for hotels and plane tickets.

http://www.asiarooms.com - Accommodation-solving tool

http://www.party-games.zaural.ru/party-games-1.html

Having never had the fortune to catch Phantom of the Opera in musical form, I finally caught in on film.

RAOUL

No more talk

of darkness,

Forget these

wide-eyed fears.

I'm here,

nothing can harm you -

my words will

warm and calm you.

Let me be

your freedom,

let daylight

dry your tears.

I'm here,

with you, beside you,

to guard you

and to guide you . . .



CHRISTINE

Say you love me

every

waking moment,

turn my head

with talk of summertime . . .

Say you need me

with you,

now and always . . .

promise me that all

you say is true -

that's all I ask

of you . . .



RAOUL

Let me be

your shelter,

let me

be your light.

You're safe:

No-one will find you

your fears are

far behind you . . .



CHRISTINE

All I want

is freedom,

a world with

no more night . . .

and you

always beside me

to hold me

and to hide me . . .



RAOUL

Then say you'll share with

me one

love, one lifetime . . .

Iet me lead you

from your solitude . . .

Say you need me

with you

here, beside you . . .

anywhere you go,

let me go too -

Christine,

that's all I ask

of you . . .



CHRISTINE

Say you'll share with

me one

love, one lifetime . . .

say the word

and I will follow you . . .

BOTH

Share each day with

me, each

night, each morning . . .



CHRISTINE

Say you love me . . .



RAOUL

You know I do . . .



BOTH

Love me -

that's all I ask

of you . . .



(They kiss)

Anywhere you go

let me go too . . .

Love me -

that's all I ask

of you . .



(CHRISTINE starts from her reverie)

CHRISTINE

I must go -

they'll wonder where I am . . .

wait for me, Raoul!



RAOUL

Christine, I love you!



CHRISTINE;

Order your fine horses!

Be with them at the door!



RAOUL

And soon you'll be beside me!



CHRISTINE

You'll guard me, and you'll guide me . . .

(They hurry off.  The PHANTOM emerges from

behind the statue)

Moral: It sucks to be a phantom cause you always have to hide.

A response

I just logged on to my blog the other day and I saw all the comments. In all honesty, as you may see, I haven't been updating my blog. It's perhaps better like that.

You know, in the army I recently handled a case where someone posted his frustrations regarding the army on his blog. And since he was already in trouble with the army, they decided to add that as a charge again him. Personally, I felt it was ridiculous to fish something out like that but you can't argue with the fact that it was on the net and on public domain. I still feel it's ridiculous though to fish these things out when you're not even meant to read them (so why is it on the net? i will come to that later"

Ok, I guess it's right for you to question why I should bare my "innermost" thoughts and feelings on the internet. But before that, I guess I should have a bit of perspective. I can count the number of people who know my blog address on one hand. Ok, except for the time when I used this website to post details about the Bali trip. But I didn't expect them to return, after all, there shouldn't be anything of particular interest about them. Apart from that, I only told Clarence my blog address, lip knows from the bali thing, and maybe i told michelle, the rest happened to blissfully stumble upon it, i think, and alex added a link to my blog which i don't approve of (do you see any links to other blogs on my site?) if i have left you out, do let me know. and if you notice i write a lot of stuff for my own reference (you can't have understood the camel entry) and i just happen to prefer typing than diaries which i never have the patience to sit down to write, and it being on the net... well. i can access it anywhere, and it won't go with my hard drive. fine, excuses, whatever.

If you ask Clarence, my close friend, I have always had reservations about blogging. I like writing, but myself I have experiences of reading other's blog's and it's uncomfortable. Especially when you know some people well, and you read emotions and stuff or the stuff they do and you think, gosh that's complete bullcrap, or you just don't agree with what they say.

Sometimes it's too much info. you don't wanna think about say your nice friend who's all nice and all who's really a slut in bed and you wake up and think about them being fucked from the rear like a real slut. (it's a bit of an exaggeration, but yes i do think this way) But these are all dramatisations, reactions, and sometimes we attach a bit too much imagination to it.

Because in all honesty, we are strangers to the emotion that is written. We see the sex is written, but we cannot feel the love that exists between the amorous pair, the emotion that elevates it from crassness to beauty. We are not part of that link, we are shut out of it, and we are left with the desolate mindscape of whatever emotion it is that exists that gets us to read other people's blogs and we imagine the worst. When the only think that is bad about it is that I don't understand, or I cannot feel what you feel.

If my posts are broken-hearted, I apologise. I do not feel they are. They are sentimental, I feel. That's because some of my fantasies are of the past. The past is an easy place because everything happened so well, and I needn't have to worry about it. If it's a distinction that doesn't make sense, fine. and i feel, that i am a slightly quieter person than others, though you may be quieter than me (i don't know). and there are times when i feel alone, and sentimentality fills those little cracks. i'm glad for my friends and i'm glad that i'm not falling into a crevasse of loneliness.

even shakespeare's antonio's (merchant of venice, tempest), know not why they are so sad. not the portly argosies, but i guess some weird choler sometimes. that's why it's melancholy sometimes.

But I have always endeavoured never to tell people, "I am lonely", "I am sad", leaving them with little other response such as "oh, i feel your pain", or "hey, it's ok, try to be more happy". Many of the quotes on this blog I have posted because they portray an emotion so well. And all of us feel emotions, regardless of the enormity of the cause of them.

I do have happy emotions, don't I? wow i'm sorry if i don't laugh on my blog.

Am I exhibitionist? If I am, then perhaps all of my work in becoming the cool, calm person who betrays little emotion is coming to nought, in which case I had better work harder. Okay. maybe in writing, I do feel I am slightly better in writing (in English) than others. Allow me that, to compensate for the various fields in which I feel rather inferior in.

It would be very unfair to say my loved ones don't see the genuine/raw side of me. Yes, I hide so much. when you see a dying person, you maintain your happy face and don't wonder aloud how much suffering they are going through. you let slip sometimes, but other times you're playing a role. my parents see me as i am sometimes and they are happy, or they are sad, and maybe they would slap me if i got out of hand. I ahve always maintained a respect for my parents, and knowing I live with them everyday, don't wish to offend them, otherwise i would have walked out of the house so many times. I don't wish to offend them, i don't feel i love them less.

and i do some things which disagree with them which i find agree with myself. some things i can tell, some things i don't, because it would lead to so much ill-will, for things i find really trivial.

I'm sure you mean well in your criticism, and you were wondering aloud. I hope you don't let my blog get to you, and i'm not going to post much anyway

about my writing. first. it is unfair to say antoine de saint-exupery is "incoherent". It's "incomprehensible", if you don't understand french (fair enough), but incoherence is a charge which betrays the huge amount of time taken to write that para for him, i guess.

secondly, yah... all the stuff you think about the boot is cool, but i don't watch alias and people who know me know i don't idolise spies and stuff. i like clerics, thieves and mages, and uma thurman, and jackie chan. and young as restless, cliche as it may be. I am simply the heroes I worship in these things. it would be cool if you were in the boot and thinking those thoughts, but it was me and that was what i idealized myself to be. but in reality, i was a sweaty, stupid, silly guy, but that is in no way appealing to me.

lastly. my blog represents only a small part of what i am, and a certain time (usually when i am free enough to come back to blog). it captures not the moments of me being stressed, or half or quarter or and eightieth of what i think about every day. so you can judge me based on it but it's not fair. and i'm not the kind of guy who doesn't care what others think of me. a bit, sometimes, but i do.

The war years did little to change the city of Bandung, but in 1946, facing the return of the Colonial Dutch to Indonesia, citizens chose to burn down their beloved Bandung in what has become known as Bandung Lautan Api, Bandung Ocean of Fire. Citizens fled to the southern hills and overlooking the "ocean of flames" penned "Halo Halo Bandung," the anthem promising their return.

'Vous �tes belles, mais vous �tes vides', leur dit-il encore.
'On ne peut pas mourir pour vous. Bien s�r, ma rose � moi, un passant ordinaire croirait qu'elle vous ressemble. Mais � elle seule elle est plus importante que vous toutes, puisque c'est elle que j'ai arros�e. Puisque c'est elle que j'ai mise sous globe. Puisque c'est elle que j'ai abrit�e par le paravent. Puisque c'est elle dont j'ai tu� les chenilles (sauf les deux ou trois pour les papillons). Puisque c'est elle que j'ai �cout�e se plaindre, ou se vanter, ou m�me quelquefois se taire. Puisque c'est ma rose.'