Backpacking Around South East Asia

backpacking around south east asia="backpacking around south east asia"

The 1 Minute Backpackers Guide

Before you and your backpack head off for a hiking adventure, make sure you have all the essential items you need. You may have your own ideas of what should be in your pack but please take 1 minute to read this checklist and hopefully you wont end up with a sore back.

PRIORITY NUMBER 1: a good strong Backpack! How can you go for a wild backpacking adventure with a cheap useless backpack? Pick one which is comfortable and fits well on you. A custom fitted backpack is crucial. You are going hiking and the last thing you need is a backpack gouging into your shoulders. Make sure it fits as comfortable as possible, you could be carrying it for thousands of miles. Purchase one with a lock and key as well, if you can't find one with a lock and key, then buy a separate padlock to keep your belongings safe.

Two of the most important elements of your backpacking journey will be, sleep and walking, hopefully not together. Pick a pair of very comfy walking shoes because, you will learn soon enough that walking is going to be a major part of your backpacking adventure. A pillow case and lightweight sleeping bag are essential items to keep when you stay in accommodation for backpackers. The pillow case is great because you know your head is the only one which has slept on it and it wont need too much regular washing. A sleeping bag will improve your sleep if your bag is comfortable and you can always pull out a few clothes to stuff in the pillow case for a custom sized pillow.

"DON'T FORGET YOUR PASSPORT"! This little booklet is the key to you leaving your home country and the same key, which will allow you to enter and leave many other countries. Without it, well, you wont be going anywhere. Separate your cash and travelers cheques into different compartments on your backpack and, keep some about your person. This way, "IF" robbers strike or "IF", you lose your backpack, you can ensure you have something left. In addition, find yourself a comprehensive travel guide but one, which only has the essential info you need.

Most backpacks have a detachable daypack. This little pack can easily carry your essential items for a day trip, like a camera, journal, one or two travelers cheques and flip flops. Flip flops I hear you ask? Flip flops can be very useful when you take a shower in places you may not normally take a shower.

Mini packs of toothpaste, shampoo, sun cream, wet wipes, body spray or roll on, soap and a small bag of laundry powder will all keep you clean and feeling fresh for the first few weeks of your journey. Restock at different stages on your travels. A tiny first aid kit could prove very handy and finally, a quick drying towel! You don't want to be carrying a heavy, damp towel on your back for miles and miles.

Take just enough underwear & socks for a week and make sure your socks are 100% cotton so your feet can breathe. You might also want to pack a pair of long Johns. This depends on the season and place where you are traveling. You might need your long underwear when you stay in accommodation with a poor heating system. Pack a lightweight raincoat or kagool, especially for tropical or rainy countries like those in South America or South East Asia.

About the Author

Simon and Nicky Highsmith live in england and run a mediterranean travel company called Olive Tree Travel.
http://www.olivetreetravel.com

Backpacking 6 months in South-east Asia


backpacking around south east asia
backpacking around south east asia
backpacking around south east asia

Laos Pictures

laos pictures_2="laos pictures"
A baby mixed with Laos and Black?

I know that what babies look like depend on genes and whatnot, but I wanna see a picture of a baby or a grown person or anything that has a laos and black mix. If not then maybe a thai and black?? does anyone have a pic or a link for me???
10 points =]

beautiful baby I'm sure, Laotian and Black.

Royal of Laos-The Pictures from the pass


laos pictures

What Is Ethical Tourism

what is ethical tourism="what is ethical tourism"

Some handy tips for having an ethical gap year

You might not consider yourself an eco-warrior, but with a little careful planning and the right mindset, it is possible to have an ethically responsible gap year. Be warned though: being an ethical traveller is not just about taking the right sort of holiday or wearing the right sort of T-shirt, it's a whole outlook - and one which will make you a much more considerate traveller.
The most obvious ethical considerations are where to go and what to do, but how you interact with people while you're abroad is just as important. This article kicks off with some tips on planning an ethical trip, then moves onto some things to keep in mind when you're abroad.

Flying Choosing the most ethical airline sometimes feels a bit like choosing the best sort of inner-ear infection. While airlines like easyJet claim to be improving fuel economy at a huge rate, there's no getting away from the fact that flying does contribute to climate change. Figures vary, but aviation's contribution to annual CO2 emissions is generally put at around 5 percent.
But the decision to give up flying or not is a tough one. While it may damage the environment, the tourist industry brings valuable income to developing countries and employs around 1 in 8 of the world's people. Tourism can't be exported -- the only way it can exist is if we travel. So, if you do decide to fly, consider offsetting the carbon emissions of your flight at climatecare or by reducing your personal carbon footprint.

Where to go Picking a country based on ethical grounds is one of the most powerful tools you have at your disposal. Many countries rely heavily on income from tourists and if this steady flow of money drops off, they sit up and take notice. Some countries should be avoided outright because of human rights abuses or environmental concerns, but there are grey areas out there. The best option is to check the relevant political/historical sections of your travel guide for a good grounding. Or, if you want more in-depth information, you can check the FCO's country-specific advice or use this introduction on how to use the UN's Human Rights Index

Volunteering Choosing to volunteer on a sustainable project is one of the most obvious ways of having an ethical gap year. As long as you make sure that the volunteer travel provider is responsible and that the projects are of real benefit, you can really make a positive difference to people's lives. You don't even have to spend a whole year volunteering -- you can always join a project and then explore the country afterwards. Gapadvice.org offers an excellent checklist with which to assess companies and projects on ethical grounds. Oh and in case you hadn't heard, being generous with your time and money is actually good for you....and that's a scientific fact!

How to act ethically when you're away Even after you've planned your trip, there are plenty of ethical considerations to keep in mind every step of the way. Here are a few tips to make sure you're having the best impact possible while you're abroad:
* Know where your money is going. Spend it locally and avoid international companies as money spent with them will leave the country.
* Avoid products or companies that hamper the conservation effort. For example, by buying coral and ivory products, you'll be increasing their profitability and so encouraging their harvest.
* Learn the cultural norms of the country. Disrespecting them will cause great offence and breed mistrust. For example, never touch a child's head in a Buddhist country or open an umbrella in a Nepalese house!
* Learn some common phrases. It will help you communicate and create a real feeling of connection with the place and its people.
* Find out about the environmental issues a country faces and act accordingly. For example, Ghana faces a daily struggle for water, so don't expect any long, luxurious baths!

www.i-to-i.com/how-to-choose-your-volunteer-travel-provider.html

 

About the Author

I'm totally passionate about travel, it's been my life and work for a good few years! My travel adventures haven't really been about seeing monuments etc but far more about people and getting off the beaten track. Even in a country that has large numbers of tourists you can still find hidden places if you look hard enough, living and working in country gives you such a different perception of it and more of a chance to absorb the local culture. I would like to share my many experiences and offer a little advice if I can to fellow travellers or anyone who is just about to set off on a life changing trip!

2007 Virgin Responsible Tourism Awards


what is ethical tourism
what is ethical tourism
what is ethical tourism

Kamu Lodge Laos

kamu lodge laos="kamu lodge laos"

Planting rice at Kamu Lodge in Laos


kamu lodge laos

Pictures Laos

pictures laos="pictures laos"
Im half asian(laos/German). people say I dont look asian? (picture)?

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c279/EmoXBang/l_db77b07289ef85941f1bf73a54ccfc-1.jpg

yes, those are contacts.
guess I should get clear contacts than or wear some really cute glasses that fit my facial structure than XD
lol to the comment about the "Over the head shot"
no im not hiding anything, i'd want people to focus on my face and nothing else <.<

OMG You're soo lucky you're mixed!!! I would love to be like that since all the mixed people I know have like super unique faces and they're super pretty, like you!! :) I would have never thought you were asian though cuz for some reason I thought you looked kinda Caucasian! LOLz

Great Lao Rock Music, Great pictures. All Lao N Thai will enjoy this video


pictures laos

Laos People Pictures

laos people pictures="laos people pictures"
what kind of phone should i get in asia ?

im going to thailand and laos .
i would love to get a new cell phone in thailand .
what places are the best to go to and i can use when i come back to the US ?
please give me pictures if you can.
i would like the phone to look really cool and different then people her ein the US .
thanks
try to find out the price also .
in american or baht money .
doesnt really matter .
=]]

i think you should try the nokia 6120 classic.. its the best.. for the price and features.. try checking it out at www.gsmarena.com =)

"How can you pick out the Lao people riding a bus?" Paisleyplaid's photos around Luang Prabang


laos people pictures

Laos Pictures

laos pictures.jpg" border="0" alt="laos pictures" align="left" />

Lovely Laos

By Brittany Stephen

I have been in Laos less than 24 hours and already i am in love with this place...It truly is, as my guidebook said, "a breath of fresh air". Perhaps it is just escaping the madness and mayhem that is Bangkok but I think regardless of where I've come from I'd find this place magical...

I'm in Vienteinne, the capitol of Laos. It lays in the central south of the country, about 20 minutes from the border of Thailand, in order to arrive here - you must cross "Friendship Bridge" which I find so appropriate, being that these people are so incredibly welcoming and friendly...did I mention this place is also cheap as chips?? well, it is. That is a nice welcome as well (given that I have pretty much blown my budget out of the water).

The city is lush and green because it is on the Mekong River, and as I write the sun is beginning to set, casting that dusky haze over everything, making it that much more beautiful. There are loads of vendors across the street, all busying about in their pointy straw hats selling fruit, fishes, and other asian delicacies whose names I cannot spell or pronounce. This city was once colonized by the French and, like Siem Reap and Phnom Phenh in Cambodia, the influence is not hard to find. Tiny French bistros line the riverfront complete with outdoor "cafe style" seating...much of the architecture includes French style facades and those adorable balconies that are so, so... jene ce pais...men ride around on bicycles with carts full of baguettes attached to them, and if that wasn't enough - there is even an Arch de Triumph here as well! I am already in love with the place. Bangkok can definately wear a person thin...

I arrived on an overnight bus from Bangkok - yes, that is approximately 15 hours of travel by bus. Unfortunately for literary licenses sake, there were no goats, chickens, or even locals aboard - it was strait "farang" (tourists) complete with air-con and semi reclining seats. Nothing interesting there. Upon arrival, I hired a "tuk tuk" driver which is a standard mode of transportation here. They are basically motorbikes that have been "souped up" with bigger engines and are attached to a 2 wheel cart with a little roof and open sides and back, which is where up to 4 passengers sit. They are fun as hell to drive around them - but frightening at the same time, as they seem able to go at mock speeds and weave through traffic (Bangkok is traffic HELL, thankfully there is none here).

I was exhausted, to say the least, but I decided to give the town a whirl anyway. I started down the little streets, strolling up one and down another until I had to find respite from the heat - which, by the way, was just short of unbearable. I sat down to have a drink and put my nose in my guidebook looking for things to do. What tickled my fancy?? An herbal steam bath...yes, that is right, ironic as it sounds that is what I opted for (it sounded so appealing and just so Laos). So I started on my way.

This place was so adorable. It was a wooden stilted building that was open on all sides. Various sizes of hanging plants lined the edges and the slight derelict condition of the place made it all the more charming. Upon ascending the stairs, there is a room where there are wooden cabinets to put your things as well as cushioned benches and a table where detoxifying tea is being served to the mileu of dripping individuals fresh out of the room. To the left is the modest steam room (the only walled-in room) and the entire front area contains 6 beds where you can get a traditional massage. I thew on my sarong and went in...

The room was not as aromatic as I expected, but fragrant still and very small (fit 4-5). Hot coals at our feet generate the steam and a slight smell of lemongrass is in the air. It is lovely and somehow refreshing, even on a record hot day. I went back downstairs and doused myself with the bucket shower provided (sarong and all), had a cup of tea, and went in again. Sigh. Then I got a lovely full body - massage (one hour - 3 dollars...I am not kidding) by a girl who could not have been more than 13.

After my detoxifying stint at the sauna, I ran into 3 monks who were very curious about me; where I was from, where I had been...etc. and I chatted with them for about 1/2 hour. I was slightly caught off-gaurd by their openness, as they are usually pretty discreet, and I was careful to try to remember all the things NOT to do, namely: touch them. A woman touching a monk in any way shape or form is tantamount to dirtying his purity. They wanted to look at my necklace, and all of us were careful not to accidently make contact. Finally, I took some pictures of them, and tried to excuse myself.

Then they hit on me.

Yep, 3 monks actually hit on me. It was hysterical. They told me it was "woman's day" - that I was beautiful, and could they be my husband? I chuckled and just waved goodbye, not sure what kind of karma I acquired for unknowingly seducing 3 monks.

Anyway - that was my day and I feel like a million bucks. I am so, so, incredibly happy to be here, and I just cannot wait for what lies ahead.

For now, I'll settle for the sunset over the Mekong.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brittany_Stephen

Daytrip to Wat Phu - Pakse, Laos (pictures of wat in pakse, wat phu in paske loas)


laos pictures
laos pictures
laos pictures

Laos Photo Gallery

laos photo gallery="laos photo gallery"
In Korea, are Southeast Asians considered also attractive or less attractive than East Asians?

http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-promos/sea2/and-found/andfround-promo14.jpg

Southeast Asian (Phillipines, Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, etc):
http://l.yimg.com/eb/ymv/us/img/hv/photo/movie_pix/new_line_cinema/wedding_crashers/vanessa_minnillo/crasherprek.jpg
http://cache2.asset-cache.net/xc/89278014.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=77BFBA49EF878921CC759DF4EBAC47D03ECDD6FC55999AD759131850F1380294B23DB3427AE0CE0EE30A760B0D811297

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Laos by Simone - Photo Gallery 2008


laos photo gallery

Laos Picture

laos picture="laos picture"
How can I get back 10gb of pictures deleted from my hard drive? Please help!?

They were laos on my external hard drive aswell as the internal hard drive.

1) Check Recycle Bin

2) Use some data recovery software.

You might try these free ones:
Avira Unerase (Free)
or
http://www.freebyte.com/filediskutils/#datarecovery

If don't mind the cost I strongly suggest that you consider
OnTrack Easy Recovery Professional

"Suhkothai,Mekong , Laos" Oldmagie's photos around Nong Khai, Thailand


laos picture

Laos Photo

laos photo="laos photo"

Enchanting Vietnam

Viet Nam - a beautiful country lies on the east coast of Indochina. With 3.200 Km coastline stretching from North to South and ¾ of territory covered by forests and mountains with a variety of beautiful tourist spots.

Vietnam is a country of harmony, beauty where you can experience the striking view of blue rivers, mountains, and green rice paddies. There are many aspects, which make Vietnam a beautiful and an amazing place to visit. Vietnam is a perfect holiday destination for travelers who want to experience typical Caribbean like islands to many eye-catching places. Most of the Vietnam tour operators offer many special alluring Vietnam Tour Packages to attract travelers who are looking for a perfect Holiday. The capital city of Vietnam, Hanoi, where the tourists can enjoy seeing Ho Chi Minh's home and grave or the many pagodas, museums and cultural sites. Then there are other beautiful places like Tonkinese Alps, this is the best place for newlyweds to enjoy their honeymoon because of its scenic beauty.

Other tourist attractions include halts at local markets, such as SA Pa and many limestone islands situated in Ha Long Bay. Various tour operators provide different kind of tours e.g. trekking tour, cruise tour, bicycle tour, adventure tour, beach tour etc. Vietnam tour operator's goal is to satisfy the Vietnam tourist in all possible way. To encourage the tourists they always come with many new offers and discounts, tailored according to the traveler's needs. Tour operators also provide personalized services, to make your tour an extremely pleasant        one.

Most visitors to Vietnam need a visa to enter the country. Normally a Vietnamese tourist visa is valid for 15 to 30 days. Tourist visa can only be obtained from Vietnamese embassies, consulates abroad. Otherwise, you can get a visa at the border gates if you are   traveling on a package tour prearranged by Vietnamese tour operator.  The requirements to apply for a visa are entry permit form, two photos, original passport and visa fee. It is easier to get your visa from a Vietnamese travel agency. The necessary information required by a travel agency includes full name, birthday and place of birth, nationality, job, number of your passport, entry and exit dates and country you plan to receive your entry visa from the Vietnamese embassies or consulates.

About the Author

Mritunjay writers about Enchanting Vietnam- to get more information on Enchanting Vietnam, Vietnam Tourism and Vietnam Tour Packages, you can logon to Vietnamtourism-jsc.com

Lao Photos - by Laophotos.com


laos photo

Lao Picture

lao picture="lao picture"

Why Go to Chiang Rai?

Chiang Rai

King Mangrai established this small town, which is similar to Pai as far as the available activities goes, after coming across the site in a hunt for his favourite elephant, which had run away. Although the town itself is nothing special, many better-funded travellers will appreciate the better selection of up-market accommodation available in the surrounding countryside, which includes the infamous Golden Triangle, a formerly lawless drug-running area. For camping as you have never known it before, try the five-star Four Seasons Tented Camp Resort, where the only similarity with Western camping is a canvas and, a novelty for Thailand, a log fire. Another major draw is the world-class Santiburi golf course.

Why bother to go to Chiang Rai when you can access pretty much all the same attractions from Chiang Mai? Chiang Mai is a fairly big place and to get anywhere out of the city requires a bit of a journey there, then back, which for most people entails a group tour. From Pai or Chiang Rai you can be more impulsive and relaxed. Instead of signing up for group-tour cultural voyeurism, you can just jump on your bike and disappear into the landscape, which is an infinitely more authentic experience than traipsing around after a tour guide while people attempt to sell you things – why not have a cup of tea or a cigarette with a hill-tribe lady or gentleman, rather than just taking their picture? Don’t be fooled by the happy smiles on these peoples’ faces, though, as the hill tribes are some of the country’s poorest and most vulnerable people. The reason you don’t see many young women is because so many of them are off working flat out in Patpong, Patong and Pattaya.

Whilst in Thailand, why not visit one of the country’s currently best three beach destinations:

Koh Lao Liang: http://www.andamanadventures.com/kohlaoliang.shtml

Ao Nang: http://www.andamanadventures.com/ao_nang.shtml

Railay/Tonsai: http://www.andamanadventures.com/railay-tonsai.shtml

?

About the Author

Runs Andaman Sky Co., Ltd, specialising in climbing and diving trips to Thailand’s best beach destinations.

"Bolaven Plateau" Schellenberg's photos around Ban Paksong, Lao Peoples Dem Rep


lao picture

Laos Routard

laos routard="laos routard"

Film Tour du Monde 07-08 (Resumé)


laos routard

Laos Photo

laos photo_2="laos photo"

Vietnam's capital, Hanoi will be 1000 year on 10th October 2010

Non Fiction

Weird and WOW – HANOI

By Christina Minamizawa

Published on Lulu.com http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/Minamizawa

Weird and WOW – Hanoi celebrates the 1000 year epic journey of Hanoi, Vietnam. Within the 360 page full color book reveals the true cultural heritage and essence of the Vietnamese people like you have never seen in publications before.

Writer and photographer, Christina Minamizawa is a well travelled Kiwi Gal, hailing from small towns in the South Island of New Zealand.  From her remote beginning this long term traveler grew her wings early on, travelling to 25 countries, and living in 5.

Married to an Asian, she loves Asia and has called it her home for 13 years; she loves the diversity and similarities that other cultures offer.

Always interested in what's happening in the back streets of every destination; seeing how people live has always been No.1 on her itinerary.  Everywhere she goes she finds weird stuff, but knows if we can get over that there is a huge WOW waiting for us.

Her original concept was 1000 years - 1000 photos, but once she started, it was hard to stop.  Believe it or not, 1,700 photos are in this book; her works makes cultural diversity seem like we are all the same-same-but-different.  Much is revealed, wrapped with humor, facts and figures you will leave with a deep understanding for this ancient culture.

While Christina lived in Hanoi for 3 years, many of these photos were taken off her motorbike, one of 3 bikes she has ridden on, in her 10 years in Hanoi and Bangkok.  Some people think the traffic is crazy there, and she must be crazy to ride in it; but it suits her personality well.

This book celebrates this auspicious occasion with the world as her book is released on the 10th of the 10th month (October) in 2010 while Hanoi celebrates its 1000 year anniversary.

Aimed at revealing culture to the reader, this is a visual feast for everyone.

This is the beginning of a Capital City Series, so watch this space as you are in for a treat!

About the Author

Writer and photographer, Christina Minamizawa is a well travelled Kiwi Gal, hailing from small towns in the South Island of New Zealand.  From her remote beginning this long term traveler grew her wings early on, travelling to 25 countries, and living in 5.

Married to an Asian, she loves Asia and has called it her home for 13 years; she loves the diversity and similarities that other cultures offer.

Always interested in what's happening in the back streets of every destination; seeing how people live has always been No.1 on her itinerary.  Everywhere she goes she finds weird stuff, but knows if we can get over that there is a huge WOW waiting for us.

LAOS PICTURE


laos photo
laos photo
laos photo

What Is Tourism Marketing

what is tourism marketing="what is tourism marketing"

A Tourism Marketing Platform like None Other

If your tourism business is yet to take off properly because of problems with the marketing aspect of things, then you need a proper tourism marketing strategy, chalked out by professionals. Advanced travel marketing solutions for hotels and tourism destinations is what really makes these services stand out.

In these days of competition, one cannot really say that the services provided by a particular hotel, of a certain standard, are better than another hotel of the same standard. Everyone has to give the best services that they can, to stay in the business. It is the marketing which makes all the difference. If you can't market your hotel or your tourism service in the best manner possible, then you can say goodbye to lucrative deals and bookings.

M For Marketing

One can use different marketing platforms to market their hotel or their tourism service. "arcRes" is one of the best platforms around. It is basically a travel publishing system which enables you to portray your hotel in its best light. In fact, it comes with a booking engine, complete with a central reservation system.

If you want to put up rates, special offers, packages and destinations even, such services can take care of that for you. Platforms such as arcRes ensure that you get maximum visibility, which is one of the fundamental strategies or principles of travel and tourism marketing. If you're visible and prominent, then you can be rest assured that you will experience a boost in sales and bookings.

Change

Advertising, hotel marketing and travel marketing have come a long way since their inception. If you are armed with the proper advertising tools, then you can be rest assured that you'll find success. Advertising today, is not just a simple link that one must click on, in order to view your page.

It is a full fledged application which features shopping, advertising, marketing and of course, bookings, in an easy-to-use, user friendly format. In fact, if you are looking to properly advertise your hotel or tourism business, then you need to use all the tools at your disposal, some of which include, Smartphones, social networking sites like facebook and even travel enterprise channels.

One needs a marketing firm or a platform to manage all these features for the hotel or a tourism service, simply because it is not feasible to manage all of this on one's own. Moreover, outsourcing this work also comes cheaper in the long run.

Services like "arcRes" ensure that you can have your very own page in popular social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter, are visible on smartphone devices of various makes like Android, iPhone, BlackBerry, and also create specials which are conveyed by RSS feeds to a huge number of site. So, if you're looking for a travel and tourism marketing solution, then chances are, "arcRes" will have one for you!

About the Author

Visit http://arcres.com/tourism-marketing-platform.cfm and get the most advanced travel marketing solutions for hotels, activities and tourism destinations.

Tourism Marketing


what is tourism marketing
what is tourism marketing
what is tourism marketing