John Saboe's Far East Travels

In this episode I share how lately I've opened up my imagination to travel through watching Indian cinema and looking back at my last extensive trip to Mumbai and South India.I've chatted with a few of you about when we'll be able to travel again and helped some of you with thinking about your travel plans for 2021. Personally I have also been finding it difficult to visualize travel with the current situation with no answers to when we'll be able to travel internationally again. Recently I started watching Indian movies and not only has it helped me think back on previous trips to India but it's opened up my mind to visualizing when I can travel again and where I would like to go. If you're having a hard time imagining where to travel next we all know we can go to YouTube for travel ideas and insights, but cinema is also a wonderful way to be inspired, not only by images but by stories and cultural differences that are reflected in movies. Almost every country in East Asia, Southeast Asia, and of course Sout

Honestly I really don't know why I don't talk about Malaysian Borneo-Sarawak/Sabah more! I have so many wonderful memories of these places to eating amazing seafood dinners to climbing to the roof of Borneo on Mt. Kinabalu. In this episode I cover the main centers of the states of Sarawak and Sabah, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu respectively. Of course there's tons of other places to see and adventures to experience I don't talk about in this episode but this will certainly getting you started on your vision of a trip to Malaysian Borneo. This place really does have it all including modern sophisticated resorts if you prefer or basic hostel accomodations. Some of the more serious adventures aren't cheap, my hike up Mt. Kinabalu was over $500USD and if you want to make a trip out to the Danum Valley that will be expensive too unless you book accomodation at the park huts, which you'll need to do months in advence. Also of note I will say is even in the tourist places I never felt like I was a target as much as in

Thi Nghe Market located in Binh Thanh District, a short ride from District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City is a bustling non-tourist market. This market has been in this location for over 200 years and today is still a popular spot for locals to shop. I'm here to share the sights and sounds, they are overwhelming at times, but will definitely give you a sense of what it's like to visit one of these markets. Typically around the perimeter of a traditional covered market is where alot of the action takes place but if you're new to visiting these markets you must be very aware of your surroundings as most people shop while riding on their motorbike. The interesting thing for foreigners visiting one of these markets will notice almost immediately is they'll will have little attention given to them compared with a tourist type market. Not a good place to search for typical souvenirs but a wonderful way to experience local culture and generally warm hospitality from locals, many love engaging with tourists or foreigners. Tha

Thought I would review some of my best tips for getting prepared for a trek whether it's one of the amazing trails of Nepal, Mt. Kilimanjaro, or trekking and climbing in South America. These are places that I have trekked and explored and the training is really not much different. Considering we are still in a global pandemic the chances you'll be out doing any of these adventures soon is unlikely but hopefully within a year the idea of trekking to Everest Base Camp or the roof of Africa will be more real. Now's the perfect time to get back into shape, build up your stamina and strength so you're ready for a trek, and you'll also have fun doing it! Send me an email if you have any more questions-john@fareasttravels.com.Help others discover the podcast by writing a review in the iTunes Store:https://apple.co/3dLwbhjSupport the podcast by becoming a patron:https://www.patreon.com/FarEastTravels

I'm tired of talking about closed borders, expiring visa and repatriation flights. Let's get back to dreaming and planning our next trip or adventure. In this episode I rundown my top 5 treks to do in Nepal from the bucket list Everest Base Camp Trek to the exotic, spirituality and intellectually stimulating Upper Mustang. My love affair with Nepal started 10 years ago with an extension overland trip from Tibet. Those 3 days of visiting Kathmandu started my journey with this amazing country and I've been returning almost every year since. I love trekking as an outdoor adventure. It can be physically challenging but just as important to me is the chance to engage with locals and learn about their way of life and culture. There's no better place than Nepal to discover this as it's a land of diverse culture. Please also feel free to connect with me if you want to learn more about these treks and need to connect with someone to help organize your trip!Help others discover the podcast by writing a review in the iT

Want to learn some super valuable tips to help you plan out your flights for the future? Jesse Neugarten is the founder of the Dollar Flight Club, a membership based service that offers members who sign up exceptional deals on flights throughout the world. Jesse has been a traveler most of his life having been born and raised in South Africa he started seeing much of the world from an early age. His passion for traveled continued through his college days becoming the go to guy on how to get the best flight and travel deals. Jesse shares some of his travel experiences including being on the Everest Base Camp Trek during the devasting earthquakes of 2015 as well as how the airlines price their seats and when's the best time to book a flight. Jesse has also offered a free one year membership to all Far East Travel Podcast listeners. Simply follow this link:https://signup.dollarflightclub.com/ then use the promo code:areastdfc when signing up.You can help support the Far East Travels Podcast by becoming a patron.

Retired CNN/ABC News/Reuters photojournalist Stephan Patterson shares stories from his career spent in the Middle East, including his meeting with Yasser Arafat, The Bosnian War, and his recent trip to Vietnam. Stephan shares his thoughts from the ground on how Vietnam has been coping with the COVID-19 pandemic compared with his experience returning to the United States. I'm very honored to have Stephan as a guest on the podcast and hearing some of his legendary stories for the first time including his meeting with the former Chairman of the PLO Yasser Arafat, and his close encounter with Bosnian Serb military commander Ratko Mladic, who was later found guilty of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide by The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. Stephan recently visited Vietnam just as quarantining, health declarations, and eventually social distancing had been excelerated. Stephan shares his thoughts on his personal experience being tested for COVID-19, travel within the cou

Finding a doctor for a specific ailment isn't always easy when you're traveling abroad. In this episode I share a recent personal experience and a couple of handy tips that can help with your search in a strange city for a doctor. I also give a quick update on COVID-19 traveler news in the region-Southeast Asia.Help others discover the Far East Travels Podcast:https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=1001079513943

Sharing what's happening in East Asia and Southeast Asia as travel restrictions become more tight, flights out almost non-existent and support scarce. This information and stories are hopefully comforting that you are not the only one going through a challenging and stressful time. I would like to hear from you if you're interested in sharing your experience or story. It may be some time before we can move freely again between the East and the West and even throughout the region. Thanks again for listening. Connect with me on Facebook, Instagram or email me at john@fareasttravels.com.Support the podcast:https://www.patreon.com/FarEastTravels

My apologies to those who are currently stranded the information in this podcast is more to inform others as to the current situation in the region. Of course you are already aware of the limitations and options if you are stranded somewhere, my thoughts are with you and I hope that you can resolve your situtation as quickly and safely as possible. This is an unprecedented and totally unexpected challenge we all face currently. Whether you're living abroad and temporarily out of work with a visa running out or you're stranded in what was supposed to be one of your yearly getaways it can be an immensely stressful situation. Please let me know if you'd like to share your story with us. You can contact me either at john@fareasttravels.com. or on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/FarEastAdventureTravel/?ref=bookmarksHelp support me and the podcast/YouTube Channel with a single donation:http://paypal.me/JohnASaboeFundly COVID Diaries Campaign-Visa/Mastercard/Amex/AliPay/WeChat-https://fundly.com/vietnam-covid-dia

Things are changing every few hours it seems here as more cases of COVID-19 appear in different countries affecting global travel. For those that are still traveling in Southeast Asia it's best to talk to your embassy if you're needing to get back to your home country. If you're wanting to extend your current visa considerations are changing every week. Last week I was told extensions were not possible on 3 month tourist visas, now they are. It may be some time before we can plan to travel so I'm looking for your insight as far as what topics you'd like me to cover. Send me your feedback to john@fareasttravels.com. You can also connect with me on Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/FarEastAdventureTravel/?ref=bookmarksYou can support the podcast and me either by a one time donation:http://paypal.me/JohnASaboeCrowdfunder/Visa/Mastercard/Amex/We Chat/AliPay:https://fundly.com/vietnam-covid-diariesPatreon:https://www.patreon.com/FarEastTravelsWrite a review:https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPo

DaveinOsaka is a live-streamer on Periscope/Twitter and often shares his travel experiences and daily life from Osaka, Japan where he is an English Professor. Dave is a frequent guest on the podcast and in this episode I've asked him to share his experience of visiting Bangkok during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dave shares with us everything from what it's like to visit the normally crowded shopping malls, tourist sites and public transportation. For those that have plans to visit Thailand soon, please check with your country's travel advisory and or the Thai Embassy website as the government has now discontinued visa free and visa on arrival for at least 18 countries. Expect a visit to a special building set-up for screening for the virus in Don Meung Airport in Bangkok as well as thermal detectors at many public areas.Follow DaveinOsaka on Periscope:https://www.pscp.tv/wagamamamamaTwitter:https://twitter.com/DaveInOsakaOne time donations:http://paypal.me/JohnASaboeBecome a patron:https://www.patreon.com/FarEastT

For all of those entering Vietnam you will now be required to fill out a declaration of health form. You can either do this at the airport on arrival or fill out the form and submit it on this website. You will need your arrival gate number so you might not be able to do this until you receive your boarding pass for Vietnam:https://suckhoetoandan.vn/khaiyteNothing new has changed since the last episode as far as travel advisory warnings. Do keep in mind that although it could be a good opportunity for travel at the moment that if you do suffer from any chronic health conditions are older, or are traveling with infants or young children that you seek the advice of your doctor first. Thanks again for your messages! You can connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, or by sending an email to john@fareasttravels.com. Help others discover the podcast by writing a review in the iTunes Store:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/far-east-travels-podcast/id1079513943Support the podcast by becoming a patron:https://www.p

Latest news on changes to the Vietnam Visa program. Upcoming changes that could affect your trip after July 1, 2020. Coronavirus/Covid-19 upate with travel updates/restrictions for arrivals to Vietnam from Korea. General update for East Asia/Southeast Asia.Thanks for listening! Help support the podcast with your pledge or donation!Monthly pledge/exclusive content access:https://www.patreon.com/FarEastTravelsOne time donation:http://paypal.me/JohnASaboe

Bringing you the latest from East Asia and Southeast Asia on the coronavirus/COVID-19 situation. All flights from Korea will now be quarantined and as of March 5 all Vietnam Airlines scheduled flights from Korea to Vietnam are cancelled. Unless Korea is your home or you must be there for business you should change your travel plans. Even if you are transiting through Korea there are some countries now including Vietnam that will not allow you in unless you are willing to be quarantined for 14 days. This will unfortunately have a substantial impact on Vietnam with Korea being it's number one foreign investor and a Korea expat population of over 200,000. Other countries will most likely follow Vietnam and in fact now similiar restrictions apply if you are arriving in Taiwan from Korea. Make sure you subscribe to the podcast and turn on notifications on your preferrred podcast app for the latest updates.Help others discover the Far East Travels Podcast by writing a review in the iTunes Store:https://podcasts.app

More on the ground COVID-19 updates from Asia! In this episode travelblogger and frequent contributor to the Far East Travels Podcast Bruno Black gives us an update from Taipei on the COVID-19 situation. According to Bruno Taiwan had learned alot from it's experience dealing with the SARS crisis of 2002/03 and has implemented many strategies in order to deal with the current COVID-19 or coronavirus crisis. Culturally Taiwan is similiar to Japan in that the general population is used to wearing masks, keeping their hands clean and generally knows how to behave in order stop the spread of germs or viruses. Keep your hands clean is especially important during any flu season and in Taiwan this is very easy with public restrooms located in shopping malls, train and MRT stations, even in most temples. Also of note Taiwan has suffered one death directly related to the COVID-19. It's first fatality from the virus was recorded on February 16, 2020-a 61 year-old man with underlying health problems but no recent overse

I've invited Niall Gibson who is a resident of Kyoto, Japan, a travel expert and host of the Kyoto Fun Podcast to fill us in on the COVID-19, coronavirus situation in Japan. The U.S. State Department has now raised the travel advisory to Level 2 for Japan. We'll explain what that means, as well as filling you in on what attractions are currently closed and what to expect as far as booking hotels at the last minute and more. It's coming up sakura/cherry blossom time, the busiest season in Kyoto so Niall will have some advice for those who still want to visit the fabled city and other parts of Japan. If you want to contact Niall about travel to Japan you can send him a message through his Kyoto Fun website:https://www.kyotofun.com For more expert travel advice on Japan listen to the Kyoto Fun Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kyoto-fun-podcast/id1478528318Help others discover the Far East Travels Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/far-east-travels-podcast/id1079513943

I'm back in Ho Chi MInh, (Saigon), Vietnam with an update on the current COVID-19 situation from Southeast Asia and East Asia. Travel news and travel tips and individual stories of how people are coping with the current travel challenges. Stories from Vietnam, Taiwan, as well as some suggestions on gateway cities for entering Southeast Asia and what to expect. Thanks for listening!Help support the podcast by becoming a patron:https://www.patreon.com/FarEastTravels

The worldwide death toll for the Coronavirus or COVID-19 is now at over 1,000. Certainly this virus should be a serious concern for those in areas where it's widespread like in Hubei Province, China. For those traveling in other parts of Asia taking normal precautions like washing your hands regularly, not touching your face with your hands, using a hand santizer should help prevent you from catching any flu. Not all countries have prevented Chinese citizens from visiting but out of fear many are just not traveling at this time. Vietnam has now stopped issuing tourist visas to Chinese nationals but many other countries like Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia are still allowing entry. Also no Western country at this time has advised their citizens not to travel to anywhere outside of China due to the virus. So if you're up for it traveling through Southeast Asia at this time will be almost the equivalent of traveling during the slow season or rainy season, with great rates on hotels and less crowds at major sites.

Walk with me around some of the nightmarkets and hot night spots of Siem Reap as I assess the serious drop in tourism as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. Unfortunately this is severely impacting tourism in the town that's the gateway to Angkor Wat, much due to the decrease in Chinese traveling. There has only been one official report of a man that tested positive for the virus who was visiting Sihanoukville from Wuhan. He has since been hospitalized and is in stable condition. The 3 family members that were traveling with him have shown no signs of the virus and it appears noone contracted it that came in contact with him. At this time there are no travel advisories recommending their citizens not travel to anywhere in Southeast Asia due to the coronavirus. So far most Western countries have recommended their citizens avoid travel to China. Honestly in my opinion as long as the virus continues to be contained there should be no issues with regular travel to Southeast Asia, in fact it could be a good time