#asianvacation

[pandaerica]

Looking through my summer sketch book since I’m only 2 pages away from filling it up. Here’s sketch from the beginning of June while I was on a plane to Hong Kong. ✈️ • • • #PandaErica #sketch #sketchbook #summer #plane #planeride #longplaneride #AsianVacation #kids #sleeping #naptime #graphitepencil #friends https://www.instagram.com/p/BnZpDwLAcAG/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=17lc85m8ea4b7

[mghyadda]

Great day trip with my love @andreaharitos #thailand #hotandsweaty #asianvacation #realtordayoff (at Royal Palace Bangkok) https://www.instagram.com/p/BnLjt8kgp9F/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=adv50meckqw9

[tilkatcomesback]

Vacasian

Tips for different cities I traveled to on this trip:

Bangkok

-Airports: There are two airports in Bangkok to travel to. DMK and BKK, neither is to difficult to get to, however, traffic can be a huge bother, so try to book flights or take public transport when possible

-Taxis: You can do flat rate or metered fare. I would suggest metered as always cheaper. Push for it even if your driver suggests a flat rate. 

-Activities: Try to find things to book prior to your arrival. I hadn’t done this, and though I was able to book things while I was there, they were usually the more expensive versions or not as highly rated. Things will sell out. I myself did a cooking class and street food tour.

-Driving: They drive on the left side. MAKE SURE TO LOOK BOTH WAYS WHEN CROSSING THE STREET.

-Temples: Dress modestly. You wont get turned away, but depending on where you are you may need to pay for a cover.

Chiang Mai:

-Accommodations: Try to get something within the city walls or right outside it. My hotel was a little farther out, and made it more difficult to get to the action.

-Activities: Same notes as above for Bangkok. However, I will say some of the big items were by choice as well. The only elephant show I may have gone to was the Elephant Nature Park. I was did a good amount of googling to try to determine whether it was ethically humane to go to these elephant and tiger parks. So, do your research beforehand and make that decision for yourself!

-Night Market: There are so many people in the Night Bazaar. That is all. Just be prepared to feel claustrophobic for a bit. But good cheap food and merch.

-Temples: Same as above for Bangkok. This also goes for places like palaces.

Siem Reap:

-Visa: Yo need a visa to come into Siem Reap. This is something that you can purchase at the airport, and could make things a little faster for you, however, BRING A PASSPORT PHOTO TO ATTACH. I did not do this. I obviously was not prepared for this trip, haha. They will still let you through, but it is preferred, and you need to pay extra for no photo.

-Money: So Siem Reap currency is something to really take note of. I wasted like $5-10 dollars because I didnt do enough research on this prior. I usually get my money from ATMs at the location I am going to next rather than exchanging money before my visit. The ATMs in Siem Reap dispense in USD. Me, not thinking it through enough, decided to just get that money and exchange it for the Cambodian riels. Then when I get to my hotel, I realize pretty much EVERYTHING in Siem Reap is sold in USD. You may receive change back in riels, tl;dr BRING US DOLLARS TO SIEM REAP. DONT NEED TO EXCHANGE.

-Tuk Tuks: There are so many tuk tuks it is overwhelming. You can walk maybe 100 meters and 5 different drivers along the way will ask you if you need a ride.

Attire: I understand that is very humid here, but careful how you dress. Women cannot have bare shoulders or short shorts to go to Angkor Wat and other temples. Also, you might get oggled in general walking down the street.

Angkor Wat: I am taking a sunrise minitour by tuktuk tomorrow. More info to follow on whether that was a good decision.