John Saboe's Far East Travels

With the situation for travel to China worsening the State Department Of The United States has issued a Level 4 travel advisory to China for it's citizens. To put this into context Level 4 is the same warning for a country that is at war. For Canada, Australia, and the U.K. the advisories are similar in that all non-essential travel to Mainland China is discouraged with a no travel warning to Hubei province, where the virus is believed to have first broke out. If you have travel plans for China in the coming months it might be a good time to reconsider. The response to the situation is quite remarkable in China with hospitals that will be up and running soon completely built from scratch to deal with the cornavirus. Thanks for listening!Support the podcast by becoming a patron:https://www.patreon.com/FarEastTravels

How this slipped by me I still don't know but I found out just this week that Vietnam is amending their visa rules as of July 1st, 2020 and it's possible you could be affected. Although I still haven't seen official documentation on this particular change yet many people are commenting on forums about the new rule for tourist visas where you will have to leave the country every 30 daynin order to validate your visa. Currently if you have a 90 visa you can stay in the country for the full term. Now according to some sources you will need to exit every 30 days, and possibly for Americans this would be required for a 1 year tourist visa. I will keep you up posted as more details become available. It's of course possible that there could be certain countries exempted from exiting every 30 days as well as some kind of service fee or official stamp validating a 90 day or longer tourist visa while staying in the country.Support the podcast two different ways:Donation:http://paypal.me/JohnASaboePatreon/monthly pledge

In this episode I talk about the opportunity one has to reflect on their self-improvement and personal growth while revisiting a travel destination. I've had the opportunity to do this on my current trip to Siem Reap after a 5 year absence. Also in this episode, alternative towns to Siem Reap to visit in Cambodia for a truly authentic experience of a slower paced Southeast Asia-Kampot, Kratie, Battambang. Two ways you can support the Far East Travels Podcast:Patreon-monthly pledge with exclusive access to private content:https://www.patreon.com/FarEastTravelsSingle donation-PayPal:http://paypal.me/JohnASaboe

I'm always excited to hear from listeners of the podcast. What's even more special is a meet-up when we cross paths on our travels. I recently heard from Tudor, a Berlin resident originally from Transylvania, Romania.Tudor was in Siem Reap, Cambodia at the same time as myself so we got together to share travel experiences and of course I'm always eager to get feedback from listeners. I thought it would also be a great opportunity to have someone share some of their personal experiences while on the road. Cambodia is indeed a very special place where you can still find, without getting way off the beaten path, some truly authentic Southeast Asian culture and a slower pace of life. As Tudor mentioned, still recovering but definitely on it's way to rebuilding and advancing it's people. Two ways you can support the Far East Travels Podcast:Monthly pledge with exclusive content:https://www.patreon.com/FarEastTravelsPayPal Donation:http://paypal.me/JohnASaboe

I asked my Twitter/Periscope follower to chat with me ask I walked along the Siem Reap River towards the Royal Residence and Raffles Grand Angkor Hotel. If you're looking to get away from the main buzz around the old market and Pub Street area this is a nice walk. Although there is a fair bit of traffic along the road that runs parallel to the Siem Reap River it still can be a pleasant walk. Any questions or suggestions while I'm in Siem Reap just send me a message on IG, Facebook, or an email to john@fareasttravels.com.Support the podcast by becoming a patron:https://www.patreon.com/FarEastTravelsHelp others discover the podcast by writing a review in the iTunes Store:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/far-east-travels-podcast/id1079513943

It's my first visit to Siem Reap, gateway to the Angkor Ruins in 5 years and I've got an update for you on what's changed. The current state of outside investment and growth is certainly reflective in the amount of new retail shops, particularly internationally branded stores, chains like Starbucks, and new locations of familiar Cambodian brands. I was shocked by how much more agressive drivers and touts are throughout the tourist district or center of the town. Fortunately if Pub Street and a backpacker atmosphere is not for you there are still plenty of family owned restaurants and quieter less rambunctious places away from the center, particularily around Wat Damnak. I'm looking forward to sharing more experiences and insights along with tips during my lengthy stay in Siem Reap.You can support the Far East Travels Podcast by becoming a patron! Patrons get exclusive access to private episodes of the podcast at the $5 + levels. Visit my Patreon page to see all of the offers:https://www.patreon.com/FarEastTra

Sharing an experience walking through the commercial center of Phnom Penh, Cambodia at the massive Orussey Market. As I shared this broadcast with my live Twitter/Periscope followers I field some random questions about Cambodia and travel in Southeast Asia. I try to visit and share as much as these experiences as I can in order to inspire travel off or out of the tourist zones. You'll just get a much more authentic local experience and no doubt walk away with treasured memories of engaging in light-hearted chats with locals. Many Khmer come from the outer provinces to the Orussey Market to stock up on supplies for their shops or restaurants. The parking lot is full of vans, trucks, and tuk-tuks, completely stacked with goods. It's a wonder they can even move with the amount of products stuffed or stacked inside and on top of the vehicles. For the person wanting to gain some more insight into the culture and everyday life of Cambodia this is an easy way to do so. Thanks so much for listening!Help support the

In this episode I want to cover off some suggestions and tips for traveling, especially for extended periods of time with some self-catering tips. I prefer to self-cater my breakfasts if I'm not staying in a hotel or guesthouse that offers breakfast. It's the one meal where i can feel like I'm at home or in my own place. It's also a time-saver for me. I'm eating out two meals a day so having one in my room gives me time to catch up on the news or events across Asia, as well as some online work. If I'm in a place where I particularly enjoy the local style breakfasts like the wonderful noodles or laksa noodles of Malaysia/Borneo, roti canai in any restoran in Kuala Lumpur, or India where I can have veg. curry with puri bread then I'll go out for breakfast more often. It also saves alot of money if you prefer a Western style breakfast like bread with jam, peanut butter, or cereals. Also in this episode I cover off general shopping tips for bargain clothes. Thanks so much for listening! Support the podcast by bec

I had a few suggestions or warnings on a couple of my latest Phnom Penh YouTube videos to share or mention some of the scams that continue to go on here in the capital. The one I was intrigued by the most is the blackjack scam, as it's a fair bit more complex than your average tourist scam as there are several players involved. I also go over some of the more familiar scams to listeners and travelers like the infamous "I need milk, not money for my baby" scam. Fake monks, fake police, they are all here and apparently still making a living in Cambodia. Support the podcast by becoming a patron:https://www.patreon.com/FarEastTravelsHelp others discover the Far East Travels Podcast by writing a review in the iTunes Store:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/far-east-travels-podcast/id1079513943

The supply far outweighs the demand for tuk-tuks in Phnom Penh and probably in Siem Reap, Cambodia as well. How do you manage the situation? It can be overwhelming to be asked several times an hour if you need a tuk-tuk. Along with motorbike taxis trolling next to you on the streets if you're not walking in the opposite direction of traffic. In this episode I go into the reasons why there are so many and some tips on how to deal with the constant tuk-tuk question. This is especially helpful if you enjoy walking, and Phnom Penh despite many uncontrolled intersections can be quite an interesting place to walk. In the episode I mentioned Khmer New Year and the Water Festival as the same thing and they are not. I called it the water festival because new year whether it's in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, or Mynamar involves throwing water at each other as a blessing and good luck for the New Year. The Water Festival is a different celebration. So for tuk-tuk rates here are a few examples. are a few examples of current

I hope you are enjoying the holiday with family and friends and wish you a very healthy, joyful, and prosperous 2020. This past Christmas week has felt quite uneventful and from an outsider, one of the least interested places in the whole Christmas celebration. Now that could be just that I'm used to more of a Christmas presence in East Asia and Southeast Asia because of the much more developed retail industry. The modern shopping mall is still relatively new to Phnom Penh along with a population base that can or wants to spend extra money on another holiday that really has no significance to local culture. When you factor in minimum wage is expected to be bumped up to $190USD/month in 2020 and the average yearly household income at approximately $1400USD. I did spot some young children dressed in Santa type suits running around the riverside boardwalk on Christmas Day, something of a tradition in Vietnam as well. I think if you're burned out on the Christmas season Phnom Penh might be the answer for your nex

An email from a listener who had a question on whether he should keep his plans for visiting Vietnam during the wet season or change it to the dry season inspired the topic for this episode so thanks Mike! It's a really good question that should be decided soley on the preferences of each person. They both have their positives and negatives. To clear up what exactly a wet season is in these regions I explain in the episode. It's not what you might think. There's also benefits to traveling during the wet season-cheaper hotels, more selection, less crowds. I have traveled extensively during both seasons so I will share with you my personal experiences as well. Thanks so much for listening. You can support the podcast by becoming a patron! For $5/month patrons get access to private episodes of the podcast. Visit my Patreon page to find out more:https://www.patreon.com/FarEastTravelsHelp others discover the podcast by writing a review in the iTunes Store:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/far-east-travels-podc

The Central Market is definitely one of my top sites to see in Phnom Penh. Personally while staying in the capital on most days I'll find myself here even for just a half-hour. It's buzzing with activity most of the day and the streets surrounding the market are also worthy of exploring. The dome area is impressive but unless you're interested in checking out gemstones, gold, and jewellry it soons gets boring. The perimeter of the market is my favorite area as this includes the wet market, food stalls, and some places where you can get some pretty good bargains on clothes, if you're willing to pick through the piles that are there. It can be like a treasure hunt though. On my last visit an eager stall owner and her assistant found me 3 pairs of name brand pants, I'm tall so not easy, for $27USD. You can buy some local snacks to take away and there is plenty of fruit, although you might save a little money buying from a smaller more locals only market. Thanks so much for listening. Got a travel tip or story to

Nguyen Trai Street is a vibrant local shopping area of Saigon's District 5. If you want real deals on clothing this is the place to visit. You'll find the prices here up to 30% of similiar items in the tourist district. There's also amazing street food and restaurants close by mostly serving Vietnamese and Chinese food. District 5 is part of the original Cholon area of Ho Chi Minh. At one time this area was divided by name-Cholon/Saigon. Less impacted than other districts succumbing to international brands and chains this whole area feels like a giant market. Support the podcast with your $5/month pledge and get access to private episodes. Visit The Far East Travels Podcast Patreon page to sign up now:https://www.patreon.com/FarEastTravelsHelp others disover the podcast by writing a review in the iTunes Store:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/far-east-travels-podcast/id1079513943

I always love visiting the Binh Tay Market in District 6 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It's chaotic in the slowest of times. When I first started visiting HCMC I often visited the market in the mornings but lately I've been making my way out to D6 in the afternoons when the light is just right and the atmosphere is still frenzied. It's also a fun place to visit to see what seasonal items are for sale. During Halloween it was interesting masks, plastic internal organs, and other decorations. In this episode I'm checking out the various Christmas decorations and items for sale. This is also one of the best places to come for food in the greater Saigon area. Whether you're looking for dumplings, because of the historic Chinese community here, or local food, that night I had banh xeo, (sizzling pancakes), at one of my favorite spots. Thanks so much for listening!Help others discover the podcast by writing a review in the iTunes Store:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/far-east-travels-podcast/id1079513943Suppo

How do people celebrate Christmas in Saigon, Vietnam? In this episode I chat about how people celebrate this holiday and what to expect if you visit at this time of year. Being a primarily Buddhist country, Christmas is not as an important celebration as the Lunar New Year or Tet. In fact, technically Christmas isn't a holiday at all, so if it falls during the work week, everyone goes about their regular business. Most people that live in the greater Ho Chi Minh City area do like to go out and view all of the lights and decorations at shopping malls, walking streets, and view nativity scenes in front of churches. Officially 8% of the population is Christian but it could be slightly higher with 7% being Roman Catholica and 1% Protestant. Christmas Eve is traditionally the time when locals celebrate Christmas. Visiting the Notre Dam Cathedral, Nguyen Hue and Bui Vien Walking Streets are some of the favorite places to hang out. As I mentioned in this episode, although you'll see people out and about taking pictu

Vietnamese markets are always a favorite place of mine to wander. A huge variety of fruit, seafood, and abundance, especially in Ho Chi MInh City and around this region that draws on food production from Mekong River Delta, the "rice bowl" of Vietnam. In this episode I'm wandering the Tan My Market in Ho Chi MInh City's District 7 while getting feedback and questions from viewers I've invited to watch on Twitter and Periscope, Follow me on Twitter:https://twitter.com/FarEast_TravelsYou can support the podcast and get access to approximately 4 private episodes per month with your minimum $5/month pledge. Visit my Patreon page to sign up:https://www.patreon.com/FarEastTravels

A listener recently sent me a message asking how safe is it to travel to Cambodia these days. He was about to visit the country for the first time with his girlfriend. The recent news of a young British woman gone missing on the island of Koh Rong once again raises concerns about how safe the country is for travel. Her body was discovered in the ocean a week after she went missing and after an autopsy it was determined she died of drowning. Cambodia for the most part is still relatively a safe place to travel and if you take the precautions laid out in the episode you should lessen the risk of any incidents. Throughout Southeast Asia petty theft is the most common concern with bag snatching and pickpocketing being the top crimes involving tourists. Although more violent crimes do occur they are much more rare in this region. I also cover off food safety, land mines, and more serious matters like food and drink spiking and sexual harrasement. Common sense, being aware of your surroundings, and taking caution

In this episode Kyoto, Japan resident Niall Gibson joins me for a chat on the new Reiwa era that marks a new emperor and empress. We also talk about the recent ban on street photography in the traditonal Gion section of Kyoto and highlights of the upcoming fall koyo or red leaf season. Fall is a very special time of year to visit Kyoto-with lower daytime temperatures it makes for great hiking and cycling weather. Niall will also have some special recommendations of sites not to miss during the fall season on the private episode of the Far East Travels Podcast. Become a patron and get access to private episosdes of the podcast. Visit my Patreon page to find out more:https://www.patreon.com/FarEastTravelsHelp others discover the podcast by writing a review in the iTunes Store:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/far-east-travels-podcast/id1079513943If you want to find out more about Kyoto and Niall's tours visit:https://www.kyotofun.comCheck out Niall's comprehensive Kyoto Fun Podcast that guides you through t

Some basic information on what you need to know about visas in these regions. One thing that is the general rule of thumb is to have a passport that's valid for 6 months beyond for first day in the country you're visiting. Not all countries require this but most do. The visa process is getting easier and I've even heard talk of a possible ASEAN visa that would allow you to travel around the region of Southeast Asia on one visa. For now, you'll need to apply for visas either in advance or when you arrive in the country you're visiting. Also further to my talk on extending a visa if you are ever in doubt as to how long you want to visit a country for get the longest visa you can possibly obtain. If you're visiting Vietnam instead of a one month visa get a three month, they are almost the same cost. Extending the visa or doing a visa run can be costly and waste precious travel time. Same thing if you're going to Indonesia and you qualify for a 30 visa exemption. If you think you might want to stay longer pay th