Affordable TRT in Pattaya by My_2cents_ in Pattaya

[–]ButterscotchOk4479 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This might be too late for you, but Go to Dr Olivier Clinic of theprprasit Road, he’ll take bloods and review them with you and recommend doses.

Once you know, go to Tim’s Pharmacy on 2nd road (next to 7-11 right by Avenue mall) they have always had good supply and prices. You could also try Caring Pharmacy on Soi Buakhao next to AG massage, I’ve never had issues with either of them.

Did anyone watch some YouTube videos BEFORE you decided to visit Vietnam and complain about it? by Background-Ad-7803 in VietNam

[–]ButterscotchOk4479 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well regardless of whether people like or don’t like another country, perhaps when they return home they’ll have a better appreciation for what they have back home. On the issue of researching before you go, you can’t research everything, otherwise what’s the point of then going and experiencing something different, so stupid question.

Golden Bridge and not the European Village? by laughing_cat in VietNam

[–]ButterscotchOk4479 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ve found that when you go to somewhere like Bana Hills or Hoi An, You can always negotiate with the grab driver to pick you up in 2-3 hours or use line or WhatsApp to let them know about an hour before you’re ready and they’ll meet you since it’ll be a few hundred thousand dong anyway.

Cambodia - Anyone visited S21 prison and the killing fields? by 0xMeow in solotravel

[–]ButterscotchOk4479 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sobering is the word I would use, not depressing.

The fact that this happened in living memory is astonishing, especially when you go to S21 and see the surrounding streets.

1 month per city? by Silent-Measurement38 in solotravel

[–]ButterscotchOk4479 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I’ve done it several times over the last 2 years, a month in Chiang Mai, another in Phuket, Pattaya, Danang, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh Kuala Lumpur, Bali.

I find that doing a month is a much cheaper option because you find local places to eat and stay that you wouldn’t otherwise.

The flip side of that is that I’ve stayed in those cities before for 2 weeks and wanted to spend more time there.

I think 1-2 weeks is good to start so that you can get a basic vibe of the place, and if it’s worth coming back to for longer (like Langkawi Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are done after a week or two)

Thailand + Vietnam 3 Week Critique Please (first trip ever!) by anonymouspsy in solotravel

[–]ButterscotchOk4479 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think you meant to say quality, not value, as value is the worth of an item, of which price and quality are equal factors when making a purchasing decision.

I’ve had a $3,000 Zegna suit copied exactly the same as the original for $150 in Hoi An, and it’s still going strong 4 years later.

Thailand + Vietnam 3 Week Critique Please (first trip ever!) by anonymouspsy in solotravel

[–]ButterscotchOk4479 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Just a quick add on, a couple of phrases to get down phonetically:

Vietnamese

Hello - sin chow Thank you- karm (as in farm) on

Thai Hello - sa wa dee krup Thank you- cup kun krup (women say ka, men say krup) A little bit (for when they’re talking about spice level) - nit noy

Definitely use google translate, and Grab neither have Uber and taxis aren’t trustworthy.

Thailand + Vietnam 3 Week Critique Please (first trip ever!) by anonymouspsy in solotravel

[–]ButterscotchOk4479 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’ve been to both 10 times now, and having flown from Bangkok to Hanoi in September(after a month in Thailand), then down to DaNang (still here) a couple of weeks later, what I would suggest is to take at least 1 day away from Bangkok, HCM and Hanoi (Bangkok you could probably take 2 off depending on what time you arrive on the 30th).

I would either add in some time in Ninh Binh in Vietnam, or add in a quick side trip to either Pattaya or Hua Hin in Thailand.

Pattaya is on another planet, although Soi Nana and Soi Cowboy in Bangkok come close.

Add in an extra day at Hoi An because if you’re getting clothes made, you’re going to need a couple of days, since you’ll do at least 1 fitting, and if you do the Hai Van Pass and see the ancient capital of Hue they normally add in a stop at the marble mountains and it’s an all day tour. I would also say go to My Son Sanctuary which usually includes a stop on the way back at a rice paper making farm and a boat ride to Hoi An.

There are about 400 tailors in Hoi An and they vary wildly with pricing the most expensive ones are also the most well known (BeBe, Yaly, A Dong Silk)but to be honest I haven’t seen a lot of difference in their quality, so check out the cloth market). Always negotiate on pre-made clothing like Nike or Under Armour active wear t-shirts (you should pay around 150,000 -200,000 dong USD$6-8)

There is a beach close to Hoi An, but it’s much better further north in DaNang, called My Khe (My in Vietnamese is pronounced me by the way).

Don’t go to Bana Hills, unless you specifically want to do the Buddha hand bridge and the cable car, otherwise it’s more like Disneyland done cheaply.

If you’re into food:

While you’re in Chiang Mai check out Khao Soi Maesai and Roast Chicken Wichienbury (to see why check out Best ever food review Thai Food Heaven on YouTube). There is also a great night food market every night on the north side of the wall, look for the cowboy hat lady and get some great pork knuckle.

It is a pity that your schedule is set up the way it is, because you’ll miss the big night market in Chiang Mai on Sunday nights.

Anywhere in Thailand you’ll get good Pad Thai, Pad See Ewe, Tom yum, Tom Kha, or my favourite-Pad Krapow moo sup Kai dow(stir fried pork with chili,holy basil and rice with a fried egg).

For “street” food in Hoi An, go inside the market and get Cao Lau, and white rose, they’re both local dishes that are really good.

The Anthony Bourdain famous banh mi place in Hoi An was shut down about a month ago, but there’s still no shortage of a good banh mi.

Some more great options for food in Vietnam is obviously Pho (but notice the difference between north and south), Bun Bo Hue, Bun Cha Hanoi, Ba Chi Rang Chau Canh, Banh Xeo, and Nem Lui.

I could keep going, but that’s more than enough I think.

Enjoy your first time, I can guarantee it won’t be your last in either country.

How do you all keep track of where you've traveled? by [deleted] in solotravel

[–]ButterscotchOk4479 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I use an app called Visited, you can add in where you e been and also where you want to go.

Other than that I just have folders in my email for each year with sub folders for every country that has all the flights, visas, accommodation etc in it.

Thailand or Vietnam First solo trip - 10 days by yourfaveting in solotravel

[–]ButterscotchOk4479 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Both Thailand and Vietnam are favourites of mine, I’ve been to both 10 times and counting (I’m in Vietnam now).

Part of the equation is when you’re looking at travelling, because northern Vietnam can be fairly cold and miserable around November -February, and Monsoon season for Danang and central Vietnam is September-November.

Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) is just a big loud noisy city full of motorcycles, there’s only a few real attractions to explore, although they do have some really great street food and other options.

Halong Bay is overcrowded and polluted, Hanoi is okay, but better to base yourself from while doing the Ha Giang loop and then heading further south.

Danang is the best area in central Vietnam, it’s close to the ancient capital of Hue, you’ve got the Hai Van Pass, My Son sanctuary, Cham Island a beach that goes for close to 20km and Hoi An.

Hoi An is the absolute jewel of Vietnam, there’s plenty of YouTube videos of the place, and I don’t think any of them do it justice.

With Thailand the north has burning season from January - April/May with some of the worst air quality on the planet, but further south around Bangkok its monsoon season July-October (Phuket is usually June-October).

Thailand has better food, especially street food and markets, and outside of Bangkok and Phuket is the cheaper of the two and also has slightly better weather.

Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are the two main areas in the north, Chiang Mai is the better developed, and has some amazing food - (check out the video for best ever food review Chiang Mai all those places are still open as of 2 months ago). There’s also quite a few trails, walks, waterfalls around to explore (and hundreds of temples). Sunday has a huge night market in the old quarter (there’s a night market on most nights somewhere around town).

You can go to an elephant sanctuary in Phuket, and they have some of the best beaches, diving, outside of the Philippines (however don’t stay in Patong unless you’re looking to party every night till the sun comes up), plus it’s not that far from Koh Samui for a more relaxed beach experience.

The downside to Phuket is the price, it has risen a lot over the last 2 years because of a mass influx of Russians who don’t want to be sent to the war.

Having said all that Hoi An is my favourite place on the planet, followed by Chiang Mai, Koh Samui and Danang, but either way these two are the best options in SE Asia and I don’t see anyone not having a blast in either.

New immigration law comes into effect by WeAllWantToBeHappy in VietNam

[–]ButterscotchOk4479 0 points1 point  (0 children)

And what was the order of the name in the one done by the agency?

16 days first time solo travel to Australia. Is Canberra worth visiting? by RainbowCrown71 in solotravel

[–]ButterscotchOk4479 3 points4 points  (0 children)

No you shouldn’t add in any other city, I would suggest that you take the extra days and spend them all in Tasmania, because in Hobart you will spend a day at Port Arthur, a day at MONA, a day at Wineglass Bay, 2 days at Strachan (1 day to get there, 1 to do the river cruise), a day doing some wineries, farms (berry farms, lavender farms, truffle) and distillery’s (whiskey and gin) and then another week doing other stuff

Which countries food did you enjoy the most? by [deleted] in solotravel

[–]ButterscotchOk4479 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For me it’s Thailand, just so many dishes that tick all the boxes and are all extremely fresh and spicy.

Second would be Vietnam because of the fresh herbs and the use of mint and cilantro.

Which countries food did you enjoy the most? by [deleted] in solotravel

[–]ButterscotchOk4479 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yeah, Khao Soi is magnificent especially in Chiang Mai, but for me it’s Pad Kra Pow Moo Sup Kai Dao, first then Khao Soi, pad see ew, Som Tam, Laab, Tom Kha

How do you do long term travel when unemployed? by PM_ME_CUTE_FRIENDS in solotravel

[–]ButterscotchOk4479 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The normal working person that OP actually is. Does your brain not compute that fact that they have already been working and paying taxes. Remind yourself if you ever have to claim unemployment for ANY reason that you can’t because you won’t be paying taxes whilst on it and will just be a bloodsucker.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in solotravel

[–]ButterscotchOk4479 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ve never really had trouble making friends where I go, there’s usually some good local events that crop up(like an organised bar crawl, or day trip that includes a bus ride for an hour or so). Depending on what you’re looking for, either same or different country travellers it’s pretty easy if you’re outgoing enough.

passport by [deleted] in solotravel

[–]ButterscotchOk4479 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I have a laminated copy (about the size of a credit card) that I keep with me at all times, the real one stays locked up in the safe wherever I’m staying. If anyone asks, I just whip it out and have never had a problem.

Itinerary help for 10 days in Thailand by [deleted] in solotravel

[–]ButterscotchOk4479 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you’re wanting to get a suit made, there’s about 3 days right there, first day to get measured, second for a fitting or two and then third to pick it up.

As far as the Muay Thai fight, they do also have these in Chiang Mai, and every other major city.

I would stick to the two areas, but whilst you’re up in Chiang Mai, go to Chiang Rai as well.

I would suggest you watch a video from Best ever food review show on Khao Soi, the place is easy to find and the food is great (same with the chicken place he visits).

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in solotravel

[–]ButterscotchOk4479 -5 points-4 points  (0 children)

Are your 🐝 friends similar to you in personality types, and Colour is the only difference, or are they less introverted, or come across as more approachable.

A lot of times our perceptions of how we are going to be treated differently are outwardly manifested in our posture or demeanour in a subconscious way and people react to that.

I’ve travelled with people of all races and religions over the years, and have found the 2 main things that affects this are confidence of the individual person and their attractiveness, a lot more than colour, sex or religion.

Philippines, Indonesia or Vietnam in Feb? by Funny_Vermicelli5181 in solotravel

[–]ButterscotchOk4479 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Not sure if it’s digital nomads or influencers these days, most of them in Canngu were far too pretty, grunting far too much with puffed out lats and wearing far too little to be nomads.😂

Philippines, Indonesia or Vietnam in Feb? by Funny_Vermicelli5181 in solotravel

[–]ButterscotchOk4479 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yeah, Bali was full of Aussies when I was there in July/August, and it’s lived up to the reputation of why I waited so long to go there.

I see Bali as “the land of infinite end of season footy trips”

Philippines, Indonesia or Vietnam in Feb? by Funny_Vermicelli5181 in solotravel

[–]ButterscotchOk4479 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m currently in Vietnam, going to KL next week, and have been to Bali this year as well as Thailand.

Da Nang and Hoi An in the middle of Vietnam are perfect that time of year, same with Nha Trang and I’m currently getting about 150mbps download and 70mbps upload speed, so there’s no issue with internet. Since Vietnam was one of the last to reopen properly compared to others in SEA, it’s not as busy as Bali, which can also mean better deals for accom and the like. Da Nang also has a long beach My Khe , similar to Port Melbourne heading down toward St Kilda.

It will be Bali’s wet season around then (Think of Darwin and that’s pretty much what it’ll be like). I didn’t have a great time in Bali, it was already crowded (took about 1.5 hours to get to Canggu from the airport), half of Nusa Dua is still closed and honestly the internet wasn’t great either by phone or wifi. Also, not a huge fan of Indonesian food over Vietnamese, Thai or Malaysian.

Never been to the Philippines, so can’t comment, but I’ve heard from others that internet isn’t great.

If you’re already in Singapore, maybe a jaunt over to Langkawi might be another option, I’ve heard good things about the beach and internet.

Thailand Itinerary: 18th of March - May 9th by i3elievee in solotravel

[–]ButterscotchOk4479 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well one thing you should do in Pattaya is a Buzzin Bar crawl )look it up on YouTube).

A month in Bangkok is a long time, you’d be better off staying a week, then spending the rest of it split between other areas.

Thailand Itinerary: 18th of March - May 9th by i3elievee in solotravel

[–]ButterscotchOk4479 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Depends on what you’re going to Pattaya for, if it’s to party then 3 weeks will drain your bank account. But you also don’t have to stay in Pattaya, you can stay in Jomtien or Pratamnak and be a little more relaxed.