Southeast Asia: Bargains galore in our own backyard
Southeast Asia: Bargains galore in our own backyard
Margie Mason, Associated Press/Hanoi
When planning months or even a year ahead for "the next big
trip", money is inevitably one of the top deciding factors and
often keeps travelers from even thinking about straying too far
from home.
But instead of paying for a closet with no bath in London or a
roadside motel in the United States, you can visit swaying palms,
white sands, lush jungles and centuries-old ruins during high
season at five-star hotels for a fraction of the cost.
It's all possible here in Southeast Asia, and it's even better
when you are already based in the region.
Each of Southeast Asia's 11 countries -- Brunei, Cambodia,
East Timor, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines,
Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam -- offers a very distinct culture
and flavor.
Great beaches, superb shopping and divine food abound in
nearly all of these destinations. And if budget is an overriding
issue, there's no better place to wheel and deal to stretch your
cash.
The region once crawled mainly with backpackers toting
oversized rucksacks and staying in basic hostels and guest houses
cooled by fans instead of air conditioning. But now average Joe
travelers arriving with luggage on rollers are discovering that
for US$50 or $60 a night, it's possible to bathe surrounded in
marble and lounge on a private deck overlooking the ocean.
For those who like to have all the details planned out in
advance, log on for limitless bargains. Sites like
www.latestays.com are great for booking hotels in Thailand,
Malaysia and Indonesia.
But if you like to see exactly what you're getting before
handing over your credit card, then often the best deals can be
had simply by showing up and haggling.
This may not be the best option during high season, which
varies from place to place depending on the weather, and it won't
likely work in more developed countries like Singapore. But in
major tourist destinations like Phuket, Thailand, or Angkor Wat
in Cambodia, if you're willing to run the risk that your top
choice might be fully booked, and you don't mind scoping out a
couple places before checking in, your efforts can often lead to
a treasure and a deal.
Once you get settled, a little leg work can save a lot more.
Instead of asking the hotel to book a driver or excursion for
you, inquire at independent tourist agencies on the street. But
even then, never book at the first place.
For instance, a British traveler on a tour of Vietnam's Halong
Bay and Cat Ba Island recently paid $40 for a two-day tour, while
an American couple on the same trip paid $13 (10) apiece.
The lesson learned is that it's best to shop around or try to
cut the middle man out altogether by booking with the company
actually running the tour.
Many booking agents, however, will insist that you take
"tourist" boats, ferries, etc. True, that's often the easiest way
to get from here to there, but local boats are great for short
trips or crossings and they will save you a bundle.
For example, posh tourist boats from Bali to neighboring Nusa
Lembongan can cost up to $40 each way for an hour ride. The local
boat (the only locals on board are usually the captain and crew)
costs about $5 each way for about 30 minutes longer on a more
basic craft.
Since the tour companies obviously don't want you to know
about this (often denying that a local boat exists), how do you
find out about these deals?
Easy: Think and ask.
Guidebooks like Lonely Planet are helpful and there are tons
of websites with prices, schedules and lots of other useful
information including cheap domestic flights, trains, boats, etc.
Travel chat rooms and message boards can also point you in the
right direction.
But when in a pinch, ask a local. Drivers can be very helpful,
especially if they think you might be looking for a ride to the
place you're asking about.
One thing is essential, though -- negotiate a price upfront.
Too many visitors make the mistake of hopping into taxis and
expecting a metered fare only to have the driver tell them they
owe $20 for a $5 ride.
Again, always ask and bargain. Hard.
The same goes with shopping. You're in Asia, so shopkeepers
expect you to haggle. It can be exhausting and some tourists
flat-out refuse to do it because it makes them feel cheap, but
it's a part of life in most markets and stalls across the region.
The night markets in Bangkok, Thailand, for instance, overflow
with faux designer bags, sunglasses and clothing along with
traditional handmade wares. But vendors are sure to start out
asking double, maybe even triple what the price should be. Hint:
start out low. You can always go higher.
And when booking airline tickets, shop around using online
search engines such as Orbitz.com or Expedia.com as well as
individual carriers' sites and travel agencies specializing in
Asian tours.
If you're planning on taking a domestic flight, say from Kuala
Lumpur to Langkawi, Malaysia, it's always cheaper to compare and
book local carriers once you arrive rather than doing it all at
once through a travel agent back home.
Weather varies greatly across the region and even within
countries. Hanoi is oppressively hot in July and August but
pleasant in October and November, while Ho Chi Minh City's rainy
season typically lasts from May to November.
So, next time you start thinking about affordable vacations,
add places in your own backyard to your list. You'll soon find
that the real dilemma will be narrowing down where you want to
go.