I officially survived my first backpacking trip! The all too new experience was so much fun. But of course, no matter how much we prepared and researched, there will always be glitches and unexpected things that could happen. We just had to accept them as they come and charge it to experience. By the way, great thanks to the blogs & people who offered advice for our trip.
Vietnam and Cambodia offers different things, but there is surely one for each traveler. Vietnam in its fast-paced metro life, and Cambodia in its laid back provincial-like atmosphere. Evidently, there are more things to explore when I get back to these countries. And as a first time backpacker, I am proud of myself for having accomplished such feat. As much as I would like to share my whole experience, I am going to share some things that I deem essential for a backpacking trip.
Do your research. When going to a place the first time, it is very important to do a research, like the climate, acceptable behavior and clothes. Get to know your destination, and know simple words or simple phrases such as “Thank you”.
Plan your itinerary. Trips would be much fun if you have an itinerary prepared. However, allow yourself some changes in the plans. You’ll never know what unexpected things might happen. Welcome the change, you’ll never know where it can take you.
Get a map. Maps are truly important in exploring a new place. It’s not necessary that you get the big-ass map, just one that would suffice your needs. This would be helpful especially if you want to do your own walking-tour (like what we did), or simply for you to not get lost (we don’t want that to happen).
Hanoi Backpackers’ Hostel
Go for hostels. Ditch the luxurious stay in hotels, instead, go for backpacker hostels. This is a sure-fire way for you to get to know fellow travelers, and maybe have some friends to accompany you on your trip.
Tuktuk driver in Cambodia
Ride public transport. Reserve the taxi ride on far-flung places. Whenever possible, take the public transport. When in Vietnam, ride the motorcycle, but learn to haggle for the price. Don’t get on the motorcycle unless you and the local have agreed on a price. Same thing in Cambodia, agree on a price first before you get on the tuktuk.
Know the Vietnamese terms for the places you want to go to. This is specific for those planning to explore Vietnam. We had trouble in locating some museums as locals don’t understand the English language that much. The perfect way to do is to have Vietnamese names of the museums on hand, and show it to the locals. Also, be very careful in the symbols that you used, one wrong symbol and its a completely different thing.
These are just some of the things I learned from other travelers and from my experience. Just remember that no matter how much you prepared for a trip, be prepared and accept the changes that come along the way. Leave some room for adjustments. As what they always say, “Expect the unexpected.”
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