Page 29 - MASALA Magazine Vol.15 Issue 3 | February - March 2024

VIETNAM

When to go: Peak season November to
March; shoulder season April to June,
and September to October

If you want to experience being a millionaire,
Vietnam is the place to go! A beautiful
country with a range of cities offering
different exciting experiences, the flight
time can range from 1 hour 20 minutes
to a maximum of 2 hours, depending on
which city you land in. Similar to Thailand
in its weather and in many cultural aspects,
choices in Vietnam are ample on all fronts,
from food, to accommodation, to fun; and
you can control the cost of your trip based
on the choices that you make. A few tips Average spending snapshot per • THB 502 on meals
to remember to avoid paying unnecessarily day, according to information • THB 430 on local transportation
high prices: from previous travellers: • THB 1,935 on hotels
• Avoid major cities: Ho Chi Minh and
Hanoi are more expensive than other, • Don’t be afraid to bargain: Similar to foot, all without a cost. Local tours run by
smaller parts of the country, so don’t spend Thailand, the culture of Vietnam allows for villagers (which are super affordable) are
too much time in them or you’ll find your this. Prices for foreigners are known to be also a good choice that bring you closer
wallet getting lighter faster than planned! inflated, so no offence is taken when you to the people and give you a glimpse into
Instead, visit the hidden beauty of the small bargain. Of course, as with everywhere in their lives.
town, Hoi An, where you can find the the world, this should be done politely and • Accommodation choices: Hotel choices
basket boats and beautiful walking streets respectfully, with no anger or aggression and chains are ample in Vietnam. Staying
with lantern boats and night markets. Sapa from either side. in the city centre and in the heart of all
is another famous small town that is nestled • Adventure intelligently: In Vietnam, a the action is of course going to cost more,
between mountains and rice fields. Here little research can go a long way. A country so you can easily choose to stay just a little
you can take treks and visit tea plantations, rich in culture and natural beauty, thanks outside and pay a little less. Grab is super
with tasting options too! to its stunning coastlines and mountains, convenient and cheap in Vietnam, so
• Choose to eat street food: Delicious local exploring can be free yet fulfilling. Many getting around is the least of your concerns.
choices like banh mi sandwiches, pho of the cities in Vietnam have beaches, If you’re travelling solo or with friends, then
soup, bun cha (grilled pork with vermicelli walking streets, old towns, markets and hostels are a good go to choice and if you’re
noodles) and more, are all readily available heritage sites which you can explore on visiting the local villages, then homestays
and cheaper than dining in restaurants. are the best!

INDONESIA

When to go: Peak season June to September;
shoulder season March to May and October
to November

Another country that can offer the
experience of being a millionaire (at least
in Rupiah, the local currency), Indonesia is
mostly known for Bali, but this archipelago
has so much more to offer. The flight time
from Bangkok to Indonesia ranges from 2
to 5 hours depending on where you land -
yes, that’s how big the country is! With over
13,000 islands to visit, there is something
for everyone. A country full of culture,
food and natural beauty, Indonesia is truly
unique. Not to mention, Indonesia is also
the only home of the Komodo Dragon,
where tourists can come within a few metres
of them at the Komodo National Park - a
truly exhilarating, one-of-a-kind experience.
If you are headed over to Indonesia, don’t
forget to remember the following tips:

WWW.MASALATHAI.COM | 29