A budget travel guide of interest to all age groups, reviewing how to travel well without spending a lot.

Intro to Indochina

By John Rowe, on May 5th, 2013

Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia

Having made my way up the Malay Peninsula from Singapore to Bangkok, it was now time to continue my journey into uncharted territory. Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia had long been on my bucket list of must-see destinations, but it was with some trepidation that I contemplated the logistics of traveling through the rugged countryside, crossing multiple borders into communist countries, and arranging suitable transportation and lodging, all the while grappling with several different languages. As I was soon to discover, my concerns were all for naught. I was able to easily navigate my way through some of the most beautiful country on earth, inhabited by some of the friendliest folks I have ever encountered in my travels throughout the world. In upcoming articles we’ll visit the cities of Vientiane and Luang Prabang in Laos; Hanoi, Hoi An and Saigon in Vietnam; and Phnom Penh and Siem Reap in Cambodia. We’ll also explore two fabulous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Ha Long Bay and Angkor Wat.

The Charming Colonial City of Luang Prabang, Laos

History and Culture

Historically, Indochina refers to the three countries of Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia on the Southeast Asian peninsula. This region was known as French Indochina during the period when these countries were colonies of France from about 1884 to 1954. The Kingdoms of Laos and Cambodia were granted independence from France in 1949, but Vietnam would have a much longer journey to becoming the country it is today. The Indochina War was largely a conflict between France and the Viet Minh in the north of Vietnam and began in 1946 shortly after the end of World War II. It ended in 1954 with the partition of Vietnam into North and South. Enter the Americans one year later and the rest, as they say, is history! While the peoples of Indochina are quite separate from those of both India and China, the name Indochina can be attributed to the location of this region between these two larger countries. While each of the three countries comprising today’s Indochina is ethnically diverse, the Khmers can be identified as the majority in Cambodia and the Kinh (Viet) in Vietnam. Laos, on the other hand, is a much more diverse conglomeration of many tribes and languages.

Hoa Lo Prison Known as the Hanoi Hilton, Vietnam

Indochina Itinerary

The major sights of Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia can easily be covered by taking a circular route beginning and ending in the gateway city of Bangkok, Thailand. I traveled in a clockwise direction, starting with the overnight train ride from Bangkok to Vientiane, Laos. What I thought would be a complicated border crossing over the Friendship Bridge at Nong Khai into Laos turned out to be quite simple and went exactly according to how it was described in The Man in Seat 61. You can purchase a visa on arrival for Laos there for $35. After an overnight in Vientiane, I took the 11 hour bus ride through the beautiful northern hill country of Laos to the incredibly charming UNESCO World Heritage City of Luang Prabang on the Mekong River. To save time and avoid the long, arduous bus ride over the mountains to Hanoi, I took the one hour flight from Luang Prabang to Hanoi the following day on Lao Airlines for $150. Arriving in Vietnam by plane also enables travelers to purchase a visa on arrival rather than applying for a visa in advance which is required at land border crossings. After two nights in Hanoi and a day trip to Ha Long Bay I took the overnight train to the ancient city of Hoi An via Da Nang for $45. Again to save time, I took the one hour flight the following day from Da Nang to Saigon on Vietnam Airlines. After a one day visit to Saigon I took a bus to Phnom Penh, Cambodia for $20 and was able to purchase a visa on arrival at the border for $25. The following day I took the five hour bus ride to Siem Reap for $12.00. After two days in Siem Reap with ample time to explore Ankor Wat, I completed the final leg of my circuitous journey by taking the nine and a half hour bus ride back to Bangkok for another $12. Hopefully, these details will be helpful for those planning an independent sojourn through Indochina.

Tree Growing from Ta Prom Temple Ruins at Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Bargain Hunter’s Paradise

Hurry! These prices won’t last! At the risk of sounding like the proverbial used car salesman, I can’t stress enough that the price for everything from hotels to restaurants to transportation and shopping are incredibly low throughout Indochina, making it a true bargain hunter’s paradise. It’s no wonder that frugal students and backpackers flock to this region every year to take advantage of the great deals. Imagine a wonderful hotel with a pool and a fabulous breakfast for $50 or a delightful meal in a French restaurant for $7. Or how ‘bout a comfortable minibus ride from Cambodia to Thailand for $12 or a souvenir tee shirt for $1. As word gets out, prices are sure to go up, so if you are thinking of a trip to Indochina, now might be the time. In future articles we will explore this region in greater detail, so be sure to check back with us here at Blue Orb Travel for some great information on what to see and where to stay during your visit.

Market at Hoi An, Vietnam

The Algarve Coast of Portugal

By , on April 18th, 2013

A Special Somewhere

Booking a special holiday can be a tricky business. As much as you want it to be a luxurious trip to treat yourself or someone special and you want to know that every little detail has been covered, it would be nice to know that you won’t be paying through the nose. Holidays can vary greatly depending on the travel agent that you book through. For instance, booking an Ibiza vacation through a little-known deal-breaker website will vary in quality to something like Thomas Cook’s Algarve holidays.

But of course it is each to their own, and the people booking cheap and cheerful Ibiza breaks to San Antonio might not require their full quota of sleep, so a luxury hotel could be somewhat wasted.

Getting back to the subject of the Algarve, it is the most southern coastal district of Portugal. It is known for its sun-drenched beaches, a laid back, happy atmosphere and a sun-lounger at every turn, yet it still maintains its Portuguese charm and delivers on the local specialities. The Algarve is considered the seaside jewel of Portugal…and rightly so, thanks to its clean and picturesque seascapes and countryside. It is an ideal holiday if you are looking for somewhere a little bit special…and with a good choice of all inclusive hotels, you can really push the boat out and make sure you are truly well looked after.

The alternative types of accommodation in the Algarve range from self-catering apartments through to five star hotels, so you can pick what’s most suitable for you and your companions. The region itself has plenty to discover, so rather than restricting yourself to the hotel, why not explore the cobbled streets of Silves? Or picnic in the depths of the Ria Formosa Natural Park?

With so much to offer, you can truly let go and enjoy your special time away in the sun-drenched Algarve.

The Montien Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand

By John Rowe, on March 26th, 2013

Old World Charm

From the moment you walk into the elegant, expansive lobby of The Montien Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand you know that you are in for a real treat. The friendly, multilingual staff welcomes you as if you were an old friend while they efficiently check you into your room. The hotel was opened in 1967 by none other than Her Majesty Queen Sirikit and the name, Montien, appropriately means royal residence in the Thai language. From the wood paneled hallways to the tinkling piano playing in the cocktail lounge in the evening, the hotel exudes old world charm, while at the same time offering some new world features like a spa, sauna, fitness center and conference rooms.

IMG 6621 The Montien Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand

Entrance to The Montien Hotel, Bangkok

IMG 6620 The Montien Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand

Lobby of The Montien Hotel, Bangkok

Amenities Galore

The Montien Hotel boasts 475 modern, well-appointed rooms which include high-speed internet access, cable television, complimentary coffee/tea tray, ensuite bathroom and refrigerator. A sparkling pool with poolside bar invites guests to cool off and freshen up after a day of sightseeing before dining in one of the three restaurants located within the facility. The buffet breakfast in the elegant dining room was one of the nicest I have experienced in my travels! Located in the center of Bangkok, the hotel is only a 30 minute walk from the main Hua Lamphong Railway Station and just a short walk to the MRT with connections to the airport and throughout Bangkok….and it’s also right next to some of the major shopping centers! Whether you arrive by bus, rail or plane, the location simply couldn’t be more convenient. An airport shuttle (surcharge) and free parking on site are also available.

IMG 8185 The Montien Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand

Pool at The Montien Hotel, Bangkok

IMG 6616 The Montien Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand

Buffet Breakfast at The Montien Hotel, Bangkok

An Excellent Value

I was able to walk in to the hotel without a reservation and book a room for $80 including breakfast for an additional $9.50. Whether you are a frugal backpacker, a savvy business traveler or a fussy tourist, you will love The Montien Hotel in Bangkok. It has everything that I look for when booking a room including great location, friendly, helpful staff and excellent value, in addition to being safe, clean and comfortable. All these taken together have earned it the designation as an Awesome Accommodation on Blue Orb Travel. As a gateway city to Southeast Asia and a beautiful city in itself, Bangkok, Thailand should be on the itinerary for any trip to this region. I can highly recommend making The Montien Hotel your home base while you are there.