Backpacking Ko Chang (Trat, Thailand)

Daily Budget (except tours): $11

Ko Chang is an island in the Province of Trat, Thailand sitting on the Central west of the country on the border to Cambodia; Hence a good stop for those going to or from Cambodia.

There are packaged transfers available from travel companies in Silhanoukville, Cambodia costing around $27. These are not direct though, meaning one transport vehicle dropping you all the way to Koh Chang; Buying this will mean doing the same transfers as  if doing it yourself, except that the driver of the next vehicle will be on the lookout for you if you’ve taken this package.

Meanwhile, It will be best to get a ticket only to the Koh Chang border for $9. Alternatively, you may take your own transport to the Bus Terminal and wait for the same bus to Trat in this bus station. Get ticket only to Koh Kong for $5. (While your ticket is supposed to get you off in the bus station in Koh Chang, this is the same bus that will drop other passengers to Trat. Don’t get off from Koh Kong though, even if they call so, and wait until the next kilometer to the border. Whole trip from Silhanoukville to Border shall be 4 to 5 hours, with one stop after 1.5-2 hours.  From the border, there is a Van going to Trat Bus Station (120THB<4$) and then a Song Thaew from Bus Station to Laem Ngop (50B<$1.50); Then a ferry from Leam Ngop to Ko Chang, 80THB<$3.00, and a finally a Shared Taxi (Song Thaew pick up car) ranging from 60-150THB depending on where in the island you will be dropped.

Trat Bus Terminal

There are several beach destinations in Koh Chang to choose from, though White beach is certainly not within the boundaries of budget travelers. It may be a challenge looking for accommodation below 600THB a night, except for some inner island guesthouses that are quite a walk from the highway. It can also get very dark walking towards these guesthouses as night.

Lonely beach is what budget travelers will most likely fall onto. There are rooms for 250B but for the same price, you can have a bungalows for P250/night at Siam Hut (high season; low season price seems 150B), beachfront, with pool, and around 300m away thru the highway is the village where you can find the parties and cheap food 40B up. There is a hostel in the village but rate is the same as the room and bungalow mentioned, and not necessarily better. You may also consider the beach past bang bao port at the far end of the island (right where the road almost ends) where you can find the same rate of accommodation/bungalows, and a nice (comparative with the other) beach.

Siam Hut, Lonely Beach, Ko Chang, Trat, Thailand

beachfront of Siam Hut, Lonely Beach, Ko Chang, Trat, Thailand

food stalls in the village street in Lonely Beach, Ko Chang, Thailand

menu in food stalls in the village street in Lonely Beach, Ko Chang, Thailand

Farther away, I even found a resort that offered 150THB room, but don’t have access to a beach.

You may also coordinate with the Park Administration as they have camping facilities right next to the office. However, tourist bars and restaurants are not on this side of the island, so access to these services may be very limited.

Camping site in Koh Chang, Trat, Thailand

From the island, you can rent a motorbike for 150-200B/day to go around the island and the other beaches. Gasoline in the island is 40B and may go up at night when gas pumps are closed. The roads can get very steep, so extra caution when driving.

From the island, you may take trips to the other neighboring islands such as Koh Wai, Maak, Thong Lang, Long, and Rang

From Pier 1 in Koh Chang, you can get direct van to Pattaya and Bangkok for just P250. Be sure to get to the ferry at around 3pm, even though they’d advice that last trip is at 5pm.

Anywhere in the island, you may flag the passing shared songthaews (ask around where to wait for the shared one, rather than paying taxi service).

Daily Budget (except tours): $11

Ko Chang is an island in the Province of Trat, Thailand sitting on the Central west of the country on the border to Cambodia; Hence a good stop for those going to or from Cambodia.

There are packaged transfers available from travel companies in Silhanoukville, Cambodia costing around $27. These are not direct though, meaning one transport vehicle dropping you all the way to Koh Chang; Buying this will mean doing the same transfers as  if doing it yourself, except that the driver of the next vehicle will be on the lookout for you if you’ve taken this package.

Meanwhile, It will be best to get a ticket only to the Koh Chang border for $9. Alternatively, you may take your own transport to the Bus Terminal and wait for the same bus to Trat in this bus station. Get ticket only to Koh Kong for $5. (While your ticket is supposed to get you off in the bus station in Koh Chang, this is the same bus that will drop other passengers to Trat. Don’t get off from Koh Kong though, even if they call so, and wait until the next kilometer to the border. Whole trip from Silhanoukville to Border shall be 4 to 5 hours, with one stop after 1.5-2 hours.  From the border, there is a Van going to Trat Bus Station (120THB<4$) and then a Song Thaew from Bus Station to Laem Ngop (50B<$1.50); Then a ferry from Leam Ngop to Ko Chang, 80THB<$3.00, and a finally a Shared Taxi (Song Thaew pick up car) ranging from 60-150THB depending on where in the island you will be dropped.

Trat Bus Terminal

There are several beach destinations in Koh Chang to choose from, though White beach is certainly not within the boundaries of budget travelers. It may be a challenge looking for accommodation below 600THB a night, except for some inner island guesthouses that are quite a walk from the highway. It can also get very dark walking towards these guesthouses as night.

Lonely beach is what budget travelers will most likely fall onto. There are rooms for 250B but for the same price, you can have a bungalows for P250/night at Siam Hut (high season; low season price seems 150B), beachfront, with pool, and around 300m away thru the highway is the village where you can find the parties and cheap food 40B up. There is a hostel in the village but rate is the same as the room and bungalow mentioned, and not necessarily better. You may also consider the beach past bang bao port at the far end of the island (right where the road almost ends) where you can find the same rate of accommodation/bungalows, and a nice (comparative with the other) beach.

Siam Hut, Lonely Beach, Ko Chang, Trat, Thailand

beachfront of Siam Hut, Lonely Beach, Ko Chang, Trat, Thailand

food stalls in the village street in Lonely Beach, Ko Chang, Thailand

menu in food stalls in the village street in Lonely Beach, Ko Chang, Thailand

Farther away, I even found a resort that offered 150THB room, but don’t have access to a beach.

You may also coordinate with the Park Administration as they have camping facilities right next to the office. However, tourist bars and restaurants are not on this side of the island, so access to these services may be very limited.

Camping site in Koh Chang, Trat, Thailand

From the island, you can rent a motorbike for 150-200B/day to go around the island and the other beaches. Gasoline in the island is 40B and may go up at night when gas pumps are closed. The roads can get very steep, so extra caution when driving.

From the island, you may take trips to the other neighboring islands such as Koh Wai, Maak, Thong Lang, Long, and Rang

From Pier 1 in Koh Chang, you can get direct van to Pattaya and Bangkok for just P250. Be sure to get to the ferry at around 3pm, even though they’d advice that last trip is at 5pm.

Anywhere in the island, you may flag the passing shared songthaews (ask around where to wait for the shared one, rather than paying taxi service).

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My best experiences and destinations of Mindanao

Amongst my favorite destinations in the country, Mindanao has a good share in my list, and it is sad that some people are pre-empted with fear when pointed to this direction. Yet, it is this same fear that made me excited about Mindanao and with less crowd, it opens up to more experience with that pure genuine hospitality of people.

I once told myself, and immediately posted in facebook, that, at this point in travelling, it is no longer the destination, but the experience that comes with getting and being where you want. And this neglected part of the country sure offers a lot more for the keen traveller.

1. Swimming and underwater shots of Enchanted River, in Hinatuan, Surigao Del Sur. 

With pictures online, it is not hard to get excited about seeing this river. The deep blue shade of the water, coming to think that it is a river. As some pictures are heavily edited, I thought it will be as great to see even counting off assumed enhancements on the picture. To my surprise though, it was even bluer in person. 

2. The ride to Asik Asik Falls in Alamada, North Cotabato.

I knew it will not be easy getting to this falls, but never expected the ride to be that slippery and hard. None in regrets, but all was fun. 

3. Being at Awe at the strength of Maria Christina Falls in Iligan, Lanao del Norte.

Visiting this place on a weekend, and almost closing, with me being the last and only guest in the vicinity's cart, one word i uttered as I saw the falls - a big blind unexpected WOW! 

4. The atmosphere of Camiguin. 

No traffic, cool and shady weather, bountry of fruits, humble people - countryside living at its finest.

5. Staring at the tall and (feeling so small) Sugpalon Falls in Jasaan, Misamis Occidental and driving a boat in Agutayan island.

A not so popular destination in Misamis compared to the crowd that flocks to CDO, yet, a bare 45 minute jeep ride from the city gets you to a small beautiful island and a neck breaking tall waterfalls. 

6. Tawi Tawi, The climb to Bod Bongao and the Culture of the Tausug.

I've been with trekkers bringing their 4 year old or so baby along with them on the trail, but not village people hiking with their newborns on a cloth tied around their bodies. It is a practice for locals for good omen to their life and kids. 

Meantime, I have gotten curious about this town having noticed a unique culture, from language, food, living and fellowship.

And, how can I forget, a bridge (between Sanga and Bongao) with white sand and blue water underneath.

7. The feared and yet silent beauty of 11 islands in Brgy Dita, Zamboanga City.

I have been warned several times both by LGU, locals, and even online about this destination as a safe for extremist rebels, but still pushed on going here. On my arrival, as usual, no apparent reason to fear. It is a solid muslim community, yes, and just like what I observe, people are equally, if not more, behaved than the rest of the country. I asked locals around, and yes, they confirmed that a lot of the MORO fighters during Marcos time came from their village, but that was then. 

8. Meeting a newfound family in Merloquet Falls in Zamboanga City.

From rather just looking for a place to nap while waiting for a travel buddy, my usual "do you have hot water" random conversations with locals ended up having just like a family in this remote corner of Zamboanga city.

9. Waters, Sand, and Reef in Pinagasinan, Sulu.

Having almost half day left (6 hours) and nothing more to do in Jolo, and while waiting for the trip back to zamboanga, i walked into the port, and sought any fishing boat to get me to an appealing island off the port. In about 1 hour, we reached Pinagasinan Sulu, and amazed with the crystal clear and jade-ish color of the water.

10. Watching turtles lay eggs in Panikian Island, Pitogo, Zamboanga del sur.

Thanks to the Pitogo Municipality who upon my insisting on visiting the island, allowed me to camp overnight in the island with hospitable armed escorts who showed me around the islands. I was already almost drunk when they insisted on me standing up and walk around the island to see the turtles. Each Turtle took 1 hour to release more than 100 eggs each, and witnessing all that happen was... nowhere else.

There's a lot more, and certainly Mindanao will always be a place for me to explore..


Looking to travelling to this destination? Talk to me and we'll let's talk about your accomodation, transpo, and tour options

Amongst my favorite destinations in the country, Mindanao has a good share in my list, and it is sad that some people are pre-empted with fear when pointed to this direction. Yet, it is this same fear that made me excited about Mindanao and with less crowd, it opens up to more experience with that pure genuine hospitality of people.

I once told myself, and immediately posted in facebook, that, at this point in travelling, it is no longer the destination, but the experience that comes with getting and being where you want. And this neglected part of the country sure offers a lot more for the keen traveller.

1. Swimming and underwater shots of Enchanted River, in Hinatuan, Surigao Del Sur. 

With pictures online, it is not hard to get excited about seeing this river. The deep blue shade of the water, coming to think that it is a river. As some pictures are heavily edited, I thought it will be as great to see even counting off assumed enhancements on the picture. To my surprise though, it was even bluer in person. 

2. The ride to Asik Asik Falls in Alamada, North Cotabato.

I knew it will not be easy getting to this falls, but never expected the ride to be that slippery and hard. None in regrets, but all was fun. 

3. Being at Awe at the strength of Maria Christina Falls in Iligan, Lanao del Norte.

Visiting this place on a weekend, and almost closing, with me being the last and only guest in the vicinity's cart, one word i uttered as I saw the falls - a big blind unexpected WOW! 

4. The atmosphere of Camiguin. 

No traffic, cool and shady weather, bountry of fruits, humble people - countryside living at its finest.

5. Staring at the tall and (feeling so small) Sugpalon Falls in Jasaan, Misamis Occidental and driving a boat in Agutayan island.

A not so popular destination in Misamis compared to the crowd that flocks to CDO, yet, a bare 45 minute jeep ride from the city gets you to a small beautiful island and a neck breaking tall waterfalls. 

6. Tawi Tawi, The climb to Bod Bongao and the Culture of the Tausug.

I've been with trekkers bringing their 4 year old or so baby along with them on the trail, but not village people hiking with their newborns on a cloth tied around their bodies. It is a practice for locals for good omen to their life and kids. 

Meantime, I have gotten curious about this town having noticed a unique culture, from language, food, living and fellowship.

And, how can I forget, a bridge (between Sanga and Bongao) with white sand and blue water underneath.

7. The feared and yet silent beauty of 11 islands in Brgy Dita, Zamboanga City.

I have been warned several times both by LGU, locals, and even online about this destination as a safe for extremist rebels, but still pushed on going here. On my arrival, as usual, no apparent reason to fear. It is a solid muslim community, yes, and just like what I observe, people are equally, if not more, behaved than the rest of the country. I asked locals around, and yes, they confirmed that a lot of the MORO fighters during Marcos time came from their village, but that was then. 

8. Meeting a newfound family in Merloquet Falls in Zamboanga City.

From rather just looking for a place to nap while waiting for a travel buddy, my usual "do you have hot water" random conversations with locals ended up having just like a family in this remote corner of Zamboanga city.

9. Waters, Sand, and Reef in Pinagasinan, Sulu.

Having almost half day left (6 hours) and nothing more to do in Jolo, and while waiting for the trip back to zamboanga, i walked into the port, and sought any fishing boat to get me to an appealing island off the port. In about 1 hour, we reached Pinagasinan Sulu, and amazed with the crystal clear and jade-ish color of the water.

10. Watching turtles lay eggs in Panikian Island, Pitogo, Zamboanga del sur.

Thanks to the Pitogo Municipality who upon my insisting on visiting the island, allowed me to camp overnight in the island with hospitable armed escorts who showed me around the islands. I was already almost drunk when they insisted on me standing up and walk around the island to see the turtles. Each Turtle took 1 hour to release more than 100 eggs each, and witnessing all that happen was... nowhere else.

There's a lot more, and certainly Mindanao will always be a place for me to explore..


Looking to travelling to this destination? Talk to me and we'll let's talk about your accomodation, transpo, and tour options

Read More »

Indochina (Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia) on a Motorbike: 10 things to know

One of the selling points of travelling Indochina region of Southeast Asia is that majority of the destinations are reachable by land; No need to pre-book airline tickets except that you'll have to endure Loooonnnggggg hours seating in the buses.

As I entered cambodia during my #LimbonisASIA trip, I've read that it is possible to cross the 3 countries, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia using a vietnamese motorbike. Back in my country Philippines, I rode a motorbike from Manila to Bicol (and how I wished I had the time to do it all the way to the south), and enjoyed it a lot. There is the freedom to stop at any point, as frequent as preferred, and as slow or fast as necessary. Thus, I decided to buy my own, a Honda Dream, and drove into these 3 countries.

Here are my advice:

1. Be smart in buying the bike.  If possible, start your trip from North Vietnam, Hanoi, where bikes are cheaper compared to the South (Saigon). You may either check craiglist, or expatblog, or check postings from bulletins of guesthouses or street posts, or better yet, get to a garage. Garage prices in Hanoi are $200 up. Purchases normally include a Helmet, Rack, and in cases raincoat, lock and spare keys. 

You may opt for the manual or semi automatic or fully automatic; Manual bikes tend to be heavier, and you have to factor in that you can control the weight of your bike. Likewise, automatic bikes tend to consume more fuel but are great for uphill/ascend. As for the brand, I suppose Honda are the best are parts are available everywhere.

2. Ensure you get proper documents. A deed of Sale (Document shall say Ban Xe) and a blue card.

In crossing countries, the decorum is to get through the customs office of the borders, and get a Exit paper and Temporary Import Document (showing that you legally took it in and out of the countries; In Vietnam it shall be a green paper costing $10); However, Vietnam immigration normally just need to see the plate to let you in.

For Cambodia and Laos, procedure are a little different.

In Laos, I’ve tried asking for the temporary import document (Nameo border) but was asked to just go. Later, I was stopped by Laos police, asking for document, but I told them I wasn’t given anything though I asked. After a call to, I suppose the police head, I was left free.

In Cambodia, all of what I read, and all the other travellers I met didn’t even bother ask, and did not have any problem, so did as advised. I think the idea is that the bike is assumed to be going back to Vietnam anyway in a quick time since user is only on travel.

Ban Xe or deed of Sale for buying a Motorbike in Vietnam

Vietnamese Blue Card for Motorbike

Customs Documentation for Exporting Motorbike in Vietnam

backside of Customs Documentation for Exporting Motorbike in Vietnam

3. Always wear your helmet, not just that it may be grounds for policeman calling your attention, but also for your safety .

4 . In Vietnam, speed limit is only up to 40kph in any highway, but this is impossibly slow when you’re moving from city to city. Speed up if necessary but not compromise your safety;  Take note as well that sometimes, no matter if its an asian highway, buffalos, cows, and even ducks may sudddenly cross the road; Reserve some anticipation. Slow down if you see a police; If they stop you, show them passport. No need to escape them away just like the locals.

5. Lights on during daylight is illegal in Cambodia. Any road violation though in this country shall not cost more than $2 though. Never fall into paying more than that in case they accuse you of anything.

6. Tollways are free for motorbikes; Take the rightmost lane and pass safely. Highway’s rightmost lanes are intended for bikes, and tend to be favourable as they are smooth. You may have to go in and out though as some bicycles and even motorbikes (lazy to cross to the other, proper lane on the other side of the ride) coming from the other way may also drive on this lane.



At the inner lanes, 

especially on the Asian highway used by delivery trucks and buses, potholes come in surprise. Buses, Trucks and any other private vehicle would take your lane, and wont care about you.  Nothing beats being attentive and never compromise on your right of way.

Avoid asian highway. The ho chi minh road is much smoother and no traffic, except that it may be a little far off from the cities. Then again, in north vietnam, you'd rather drive here and then into the cities, rather than endure the traffic, dust, and rough surface of the asian highway. It may be extra kilometres, but sure saves you time.

en route to Nameo border

7. Fuel is available almost everywhere, even in Laos, although keeping a liter extra is not inconvenient. Opt for 95 rating gas if available; The price difference to the regular one is almost nil, and will save you a lot of time in fuelling up, providing more speed and power.  Exhaust systems may be very hot by the time you fuel up, so make sure to keep your luggage away in case you have to take them off the bike to reach the tank mouth to avoid molting your luggage

my bag's strap molten by the exhaust system of the bike

8. Tie your bags very well and secure passports. You would not want to arrive without one of your luggage especially that with your passport and atms. This has happened to us, luckily, the local guy who picked it up was honest enough to pick up our call to hand over the bag.

at the house of the Vietnamese guy who picked up my travel mate's bag

Don't leave the blue card in the bike as in the unlikely event that it get stolen, this will mean they can legally own it. Always put the chain lock on the tires especially if leaving in unattended areas. One guy I met in North Vietnam parked his bike in front of the hostel in the Old Quarter in Hanoi, and lost his bike, just the day before he's supposed to sell it, 

9. No need to bring lonely planet. Wikitavel or Travelfish shall be enough. You have a bike, which gives you the added advantage of being able to explore. Also, When locals say its far, its a walk away. There will also be some cases where locals will hitchhike . 

10. In Lao, distance between cities may be far apart, so expect to drive morning til late. There may also be no restaurant along the way, so prep up for a little snack. Also, the fuel stations aren't as convenient as in Vietnam; it won't hurt to keep a liter or even just half (in a small bottle) just in case. Much of Laos is still jungle.

this is where i put my bottle, although later, i changed this to rather smaller 1 liter bottle

Average Charge/Prices of Sample Expenses:

Change Oil: $2-4

Tire Plaster/Repair: $0.5-$1

Parking: $0.25

Tyre - $5-7

Side Mirror - $2.50

Rear wheel hub – $11

Light Bulb - $1.00

Crossing Ferry to Catba Island: 2 x $1.00

Ferry Crossing in Mekong River to Phnom Penh: $0.25

One of the selling points of travelling Indochina region of Southeast Asia is that majority of the destinations are reachable by land; No need to pre-book airline tickets except that you'll have to endure Loooonnnggggg hours seating in the buses.

As I entered cambodia during my #LimbonisASIA trip, I've read that it is possible to cross the 3 countries, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia using a vietnamese motorbike. Back in my country Philippines, I rode a motorbike from Manila to Bicol (and how I wished I had the time to do it all the way to the south), and enjoyed it a lot. There is the freedom to stop at any point, as frequent as preferred, and as slow or fast as necessary. Thus, I decided to buy my own, a Honda Dream, and drove into these 3 countries.

Here are my advice:

1. Be smart in buying the bike.  If possible, start your trip from North Vietnam, Hanoi, where bikes are cheaper compared to the South (Saigon). You may either check craiglist, or expatblog, or check postings from bulletins of guesthouses or street posts, or better yet, get to a garage. Garage prices in Hanoi are $200 up. Purchases normally include a Helmet, Rack, and in cases raincoat, lock and spare keys. 

You may opt for the manual or semi automatic or fully automatic; Manual bikes tend to be heavier, and you have to factor in that you can control the weight of your bike. Likewise, automatic bikes tend to consume more fuel but are great for uphill/ascend. As for the brand, I suppose Honda are the best are parts are available everywhere.

2. Ensure you get proper documents. A deed of Sale (Document shall say Ban Xe) and a blue card.

In crossing countries, the decorum is to get through the customs office of the borders, and get a Exit paper and Temporary Import Document (showing that you legally took it in and out of the countries; In Vietnam it shall be a green paper costing $10); However, Vietnam immigration normally just need to see the plate to let you in.

For Cambodia and Laos, procedure are a little different.

In Laos, I’ve tried asking for the temporary import document (Nameo border) but was asked to just go. Later, I was stopped by Laos police, asking for document, but I told them I wasn’t given anything though I asked. After a call to, I suppose the police head, I was left free.

In Cambodia, all of what I read, and all the other travellers I met didn’t even bother ask, and did not have any problem, so did as advised. I think the idea is that the bike is assumed to be going back to Vietnam anyway in a quick time since user is only on travel.

Ban Xe or deed of Sale for buying a Motorbike in Vietnam

Vietnamese Blue Card for Motorbike

Customs Documentation for Exporting Motorbike in Vietnam

backside of Customs Documentation for Exporting Motorbike in Vietnam

3. Always wear your helmet, not just that it may be grounds for policeman calling your attention, but also for your safety .

4 . In Vietnam, speed limit is only up to 40kph in any highway, but this is impossibly slow when you’re moving from city to city. Speed up if necessary but not compromise your safety;  Take note as well that sometimes, no matter if its an asian highway, buffalos, cows, and even ducks may sudddenly cross the road; Reserve some anticipation. Slow down if you see a police; If they stop you, show them passport. No need to escape them away just like the locals.

5. Lights on during daylight is illegal in Cambodia. Any road violation though in this country shall not cost more than $2 though. Never fall into paying more than that in case they accuse you of anything.

6. Tollways are free for motorbikes; Take the rightmost lane and pass safely. Highway’s rightmost lanes are intended for bikes, and tend to be favourable as they are smooth. You may have to go in and out though as some bicycles and even motorbikes (lazy to cross to the other, proper lane on the other side of the ride) coming from the other way may also drive on this lane.



At the inner lanes, 

especially on the Asian highway used by delivery trucks and buses, potholes come in surprise. Buses, Trucks and any other private vehicle would take your lane, and wont care about you.  Nothing beats being attentive and never compromise on your right of way.

Avoid asian highway. The ho chi minh road is much smoother and no traffic, except that it may be a little far off from the cities. Then again, in north vietnam, you'd rather drive here and then into the cities, rather than endure the traffic, dust, and rough surface of the asian highway. It may be extra kilometres, but sure saves you time.

en route to Nameo border

7. Fuel is available almost everywhere, even in Laos, although keeping a liter extra is not inconvenient. Opt for 95 rating gas if available; The price difference to the regular one is almost nil, and will save you a lot of time in fuelling up, providing more speed and power.  Exhaust systems may be very hot by the time you fuel up, so make sure to keep your luggage away in case you have to take them off the bike to reach the tank mouth to avoid molting your luggage

my bag's strap molten by the exhaust system of the bike

8. Tie your bags very well and secure passports. You would not want to arrive without one of your luggage especially that with your passport and atms. This has happened to us, luckily, the local guy who picked it up was honest enough to pick up our call to hand over the bag.

at the house of the Vietnamese guy who picked up my travel mate's bag

Don't leave the blue card in the bike as in the unlikely event that it get stolen, this will mean they can legally own it. Always put the chain lock on the tires especially if leaving in unattended areas. One guy I met in North Vietnam parked his bike in front of the hostel in the Old Quarter in Hanoi, and lost his bike, just the day before he's supposed to sell it, 

9. No need to bring lonely planet. Wikitavel or Travelfish shall be enough. You have a bike, which gives you the added advantage of being able to explore. Also, When locals say its far, its a walk away. There will also be some cases where locals will hitchhike . 

10. In Lao, distance between cities may be far apart, so expect to drive morning til late. There may also be no restaurant along the way, so prep up for a little snack. Also, the fuel stations aren't as convenient as in Vietnam; it won't hurt to keep a liter or even just half (in a small bottle) just in case. Much of Laos is still jungle.

this is where i put my bottle, although later, i changed this to rather smaller 1 liter bottle

Average Charge/Prices of Sample Expenses:

Change Oil: $2-4

Tire Plaster/Repair: $0.5-$1

Parking: $0.25

Tyre - $5-7

Side Mirror - $2.50

Rear wheel hub – $11

Light Bulb - $1.00

Crossing Ferry to Catba Island: 2 x $1.00

Ferry Crossing in Mekong River to Phnom Penh: $0.25

Read More »