Venere Travel Blog - It's our business where you sleep!

The geographic region of the world referred to Southeast Asia features a collection of 11 different countries that are wedged in between the Indian and Pacific Oceans.  In the more recent decades since the end of the Vietnamese War and the fall of Communism, the countries of Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam have become popular tourist destinations.  They are also popularly targeted destinations for numerous solo travelers as well.

photo by scarabeo150

No matter where you travel in the world, traveling solo can be a bit risky if you haven’t done your homework and don’t know how to play it safe.  Irrespective of whether you are a man or woman, ensuring that you are safe at all times is important. Here are some tips for traveling solo in Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam:

o    Always choose your hotel wisely and avoid selecting locations that are too remote
o    Team up with someone else whenever it is possible
o    Know who your tour guide is before you hire one
o    Put together a meal plan that includes eating in for the evening in your hotel’s restaurant or your guestroom
o    Talk to everyone you come into contact with
o    Keep an open mind as most Southeast Asians are group-oriented and will think you are lonely or sad when traveling alone
o    Make those around you aware of your presence wherever you are staying
o    Stay connected by purchasing a mobile telephone that uses a SIM card
o    Keep your passport and other identification documents, credit cards with you at all times.

Keep these in mind whenever you are traveling solo in Southeast Asia and whenever you visit the following recommended cities in each of the three countries discussed here.

Cambodia – most visitors tend to visit the capital city of Phnom Penh.  We recommend visiting the peaceful city of Kampot and cruise the river, exploring the temples of Angkor, and relaxing on the Sihanoukville beaches.  You can also enjoy haggling anywhere you go in Cambodia and for anything from guesthouses to restaurants.

Thailand – the Thai people have so much to offer visitors, whether it is the numerous museums throughout the country to the many dining and nightlife venues in all the major cities.  Recommended cities to visit include the capital of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Ko Samui, Phuket, and Udon Thani.

Vietnam – the first thing that amazes most visitors when they see Vietnam for the first time is how this once war ravaged country has rebounded and evolved into the tourist destination that it now is.  Be sure to visit Da Nang, Dien Bien Phu, Hanoi, Haiphong, and Ho Chi Minh City.

 

Hotels

Thien Thao Hotel – Ho Chi Minh City- Vietnam
Average Price: €38
Average Rating: 8

Mekong Angkor Palace Hotel – Siem Reap- Cambodia
Average Price: €26
Average Rating: 9.5

Maya Buri Boutique Resort and Spa – Koh Samui- Thailand
Average Price: €22
Average Rating: 8