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anyone's offspring been to vietnam/thailand

9 replies

HoraceCope · 14/03/2019 07:46

any words of advice for my dd.
quick google on vietnam seems you need to be aware of what you wear

OP posts:
endofthelinefinally · 14/03/2019 07:52

I would recommend getting a couple of travel books from your local library.
There are lots of cultural differences and it is really important to avoid causing offence.
Health and safety is virtually non existent in Thailand so don't assume anything.
Good travel/ health insurance is vital, also immunisations and check re malaria.
Diving - always look for a Padi registered school.

endofthelinefinally · 14/03/2019 07:54

When is she going?
The election in Thailand is coming up this month so I would avoid that. Then the coronation after that.

Letsnotargue · 14/03/2019 08:02

I’ve been to both Thailand and Vietnam as a young traveller. I hate to say it but although they do have strict etiquette for themselves they are well used to tourists pleasing themselves, and expectations for tourists are very different.

In beach areas beachwear is fine, but I wouldn’t wander through the middle of Bangkok in a bikini, much like I wouldn’t in a London or New York. Some places you visit have minimum dress requirements - long skirts, shoulders covered, men in long trousers etc. But it’s easy to find this our in advance and they have clothes you can borrow if you aren’t appropriately dressed.

You may attract attention walking around if you are ‘underdressed’ but you may also attract attention if you are properly dressed too. People don’t tend to be shy if they want to stare at you.

There have been high profile cases of people being prosecuted for being disrespectful to religious statues etc. But it’s very easy not to do that.

Before I went I was told to behave as if my grandma was watching me and I didn’t want to disappoint her. In most situations in life I find this pretty good advise (my grandma was cool but respectful).

It’s a lovely part of the world and if you take your cues for what’s going on around you it’s perfectly possible to have an amazing, safe time there.

HoraceCope · 14/03/2019 08:18

great thanks

OP posts:
memaymamo · 14/03/2019 08:36

Make sure she understands the potentially extreme seriousness of getting involved with drugs in SE Asia. Not something to mess around with. Likewise falling in love with strangers, just encourage her to be sensible and safe, and to always make sure someone knows where she is at all times.

Make sure she's got very solid travel insurance from a reputable company.

AnagramBixter · 14/03/2019 10:04

Can you both have friend finder on your phones? You'd always know exactly where she was then.

Alwayscheerful · 14/03/2019 10:13

Coaches sometimes have men hidden in the luggage storage compartment they ransack cases.

Daughter also travelled in an overnight coach and woke to find man with hand down her sleeping bag looking for valuables. (Man had ridden in luggage compartment and accessed coach via a sliding hatch, sleeping gas of some sort was blown into coach.

Lots of scams but lovely country.

ShanghaiDiva · 14/03/2019 10:15

There are dress requirements for temples - shoulders and knees must be covered.
Be aware of the usual scams re your hotel is booked, doesn't exist, has closed etc. She may want to book transport ahead for when she arrives at the airport.
Agree with pps - make sure she has decent travel insurance including medical evacuation. Bangkok has some world class hospitals, but am not sure of the standard in say HCMC and Hanoi.

AvocadosBeforeMortgages · 14/03/2019 11:54

I backpacked around Thailand and Cambodia a couple of years ago. Thailand is surprisingly Western compared to Cambodia (and probably Vietnam?) right down to having branches of Boots and 7-11.

If wanting to do anything with elephants, avoid the places that allow you to ride them as it's now considered cruel. The Elephant Nature Park is fantastic, but books up months in advance so you do need to plan.

Chatuchak Market in Bangkok is a bit of a hidden gem. It's enormous - easily a whole day - and sells everything from food and clothes (very cheap) to puppies (very sad)

If going to a temple you may find they offer monk chat, where you talk with young monks and they practice their English. It's hilarious - definitely worth doing once.

Don't utter a negative word about the monarchy in Thailand - lese-majeste is a serious crime. Don't touch drugs. Don't do anything stupid or criminal.

I always felt safe there as a solo female traveller. I'm sure she'll have a ball!

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