John Saboe's Far East Travels

Interested in cheap brand name running shoes, knock off goods and souvenirs when in Saigon? Then head for the Ben Thanh Market as many visitors do! In this episode I get back to doing walkabout podcasts, usually with commentary and questions from live-streaming followers. Ben Thanh Market is probably the most visited tourist site in all of Ho Chi Minh City. Even if you don't like these places I think it's still worth a look if it's your first time. To get a much more authentic local experience head to some of the markets outside of District 1 where less tourists go and locals are more likely to strike up a friendly conversation with nothing more in mind then a little engagement with a foreigner. I also answer some general travel and Vietnam questions as well as other related topics. Thanks so much for listening. You can support this podcast by becoming a patron! Patrons get access to exclusive content. Visit my Patreon page to find out more:https://www.patreon.com/FarEastTravelsHelps others discover the podca

My guest MJ Klein shares his Bangkok taxi scams at the airports and we chat about traveling authentically in Southeast Asia. These taxi scams are for the most part easily avoidable either by using a ride share app or being prepared. It also helps to know which airport in Bangkok your flight is leaving from. Just remember there are two international airports in Bangkok, Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi , and I've heard this scam before. Tourist visiting Bangkok asks for an airport transfer and gets taken to the wrong airport. With little time to catch their flight the taxi driver offers to take them to the other airport for $200USD. Or in the case of MJ's incident they don't have change, and you're in a hurry to catch your flight when they drop you off. We also talk about getting off the beaten path when traveling in Southeast Asia, and how to handle situtations calmly. Thanks so much for listening! Support the Far East Travels Podcast by becoming a patron! Patrons help support production and travel costs and get a

This will be the start of an on-going series on travel scams with first-hand accounts from followers on my livestream accounts, Periscope an Facebook, as well as contributions via messaging and emails. Send me your scam or how you almost got scammeed and how to avoid these incidents and I will share them on an upcoming episode of the podcast. Either by email, john@fareasttravels.com or via Facebook or Instagram. Thanks to everyone who contributed to this episode. The more we share, the more we and others will travel safe! Follow me on Twitter or Periscope:@FarEast_Travels Support the podcast by becoming a patron! Visit my Patreon page to see all of the offers:https://www.patreon.com/FarEastTravels

Had my Visa card retained by an ATM machine this week in Ho Chi Minh City inspiring me to create a what I hope is helpful information to prepare you for your next trip. My card has an app that locks it and I forgot to take the lock off-the result? It was eaten. So fortunately I have back-up plans and this is one of the most important preparations when traveling abroad. Some of these tips might seem obvious especially to those who are frequent travelers but I hope with some of the stories I've shared it reminds you to think there this always the unforseen that catches us off guard. By the way the guy who asked me if he could borrow $20 at Annapurna Base Camp did not have his money stolen, he simply didn't budget enough for his trip. It most large cities in Asia there will be plenty of options where you can either access an ATM machine that accepts international cards or find currency changers to convert your money. In Japan one of the easiest places for foreigners to access funds are the ATM machines that are

Coming to you from Saigon with a quick catch up chat and some travel idea getaways, two of my favorite places-Da Lat and Can Tho. Da Lat is a popular honeymoon getaway for Vietnamese and is a wise choice to beat the tropical heat. With a different climate there are some interesting dishes to sample as well. Extremely friendly locals who love to engage with foreigners will be found in Can Tho and Da Lat. Can Tho is famous for it’s accessibility to the floating markets of the Mekong River Delta.Thanks so much for listening! Help others discover the podcast by writing a review! Follow the link to get started: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/far-east-travels-podcast/id1079513943?mt=2Support the podcast by becoming a patron! Get exclusive content starting at $2/month! Visit my Patreon page to find out more:Patreon.com/fareasttravels

Do you have a story of extraordinary service from one of your visits to Asia? Send me your best story of service to john@fareasttravels.com! Would love to share out some great service stories! Thanks so much for listening and subscribing to the podcast!Help others discover the Far East Travels Podcast by writing a review in the iTunes Store: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/far-east-travels-podcast/id1079513943?mt=2

I’m sharing out some advice again on dealing with traveler’s diarrhea after a personal episode of it this past week. Is there a way to avoid it? Completely? If there is I still haven’t discovered it but there are a few basics that can lessen the likelihood. Going slow at first helps-don’t overindulge and allow your body to adjust to everything before you dive into strange new foods. For some countries it might even be wise to use filtered or bottled water when brushing your teeth. My essential kit would include Imodium and Pepto Bismal. It’s possible to find these brands while traveling but not as conveniently as in your home country and you’ll be spending precious recovery time doing it. Seek medical advice if your condition is persistent but in most cases it only takes a few days to recover. Keeping your hands clean with a sanitizer and antibacterial wipes is also helpful to avoid bacteria and viruses. Thanks so much for listening! Help others discover the podcast by writing a review in the iTunes Store. Fo

Shanghai, China is one of the world's most popular travel destinations. Loaded with atmosphere, amazing food, shopping and entertainment it's really hard to make a decision on what to do or where to eat because of the vast choices. I invited Travelblogger Bruno Black to help share his advice on what to do and where to eat as he is a frequent traveller to Shanghai. In the first in a series of episodes on Shanghai travel Bruno shares with us his favorite places and dishes, some of his favorite places to stay and enjoy the atmosphere of The Bund, the famous promenade of Shanghai as well as some helpful tips like using mobile payments, getting around on the MRT and safety advice. Thanks so much for listening!If you want to see more of Bruno Black's work and get in touch with him you can do so using these links.Website:https://www.brunoblack.comFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/brunoblackofficial/Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/user/brunohuang

Always a pleasure to talk to expat Niall Gibson who is a Kyoto travel expert and the founder of Kyoto Fun and Kyoto VIP! Niall gives us a 2019 update on the cherry blossom season from one of the top travel destinations in the world-Kyoto, Japan! Sakura, or cherry blossom season is the busiest time to visit Kyoto so Nialls give us his strategies on how to get the most out of season and some alternative places to stay as well as some alternative times to visit Kyoto. The best places to view the cherry blossoms, best place to have a picnic for hanami, cherry blossom appreciation and the best way to get around the city during the busy time. Thanks so much for listening! You can find out more about travel tips, and tour packages by visiting:https://www.kyotofun.com or https://www.kyotovip.com Help support the podcast by becoming a patron! Patrons help support production and travel costs while gaining access to exclusive content with a monthly pledge starting at $2/month. Visit my Patreon page to find out more:http

This podcast I'm asked by followers what are the main differences I've noticed between Taipei, my last base, and Ho Chi Minh City, after the first 10 days. There are many differences and I've had a bit of a jump start on knowing them after a few visits here over the past 4 years. Certainly from a cost of living point of view there are big differences. There are also more choices amongst international food choices whether it's restaurants or just purchasing groceries. The amount of motorbikes on the road in the HCMC area is shocking compared with the motorbike capital of East Asia, Taipei. There are 14 million motorbikes in the whole of Taiwan but an astonishing 8 million just in the great HCMC area. Thanks so much for listening! What's your favorite places to visit in Southeast Asia? Send me your questions or comments to john @fareasttravels.com or connect with me on Instagram or Facebook!Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/johnsaboesfareasttravels/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/FarEastAdventureTravel/Supp

Another update on day 8 of living in Ho Chi Minh City. The last few days have been good as I adjust to the climate which I'm told will be scorching hot before the rains start in June. With the heat also comes an adjustment of diet, mostly eating lighter, and of course remembering to stay hydrated-absolutely essential. I miss the water fountains and stations that Taipei City provides it's population. There are plenty of convenience stores in Ho Chi Minh City where one can stop, get rehydrated and some even have small sitting areas. This is definitely a city that's buzzing with growth and opportunity. Thanks very much for listening to the podcasts. Please send your travel questions to john@fareasttravels.com. You can also connect with me on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/johnsaboesfareasttravels/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/FarEastAdventureTravel/Help others discover the podcast by writing a review in the iTunes Store:https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/john-saboes-far-east-travels/id1079513943?mt=2Su

Bringing this episode to you from one of the most iconic spots in Ho Chi Minh City-across from Notre Dam Cathedral.*Note, during the episode I mentioned the Notre Dam Cathedral was finished in 1892, in fact it was completed in 1883. Thanks for listening to this update as I get settled in to on of the most dynamic cities on the planet! The first few days have been a little exhausting as I recover from my move after 5 years in Taiwan. It’s always critical when you first arrive at your destination to take it easy at first when it comes to activities, local food, etc. I should listen to my own advice! Transitioning from Taiwan to Vietnam most of the year isn’t necessarily dramatic but leaving the island in the middle of a cold spell and landing in the tropics was a little more of a shock to the system then anticipated. Staying hydrated, keeping out of the rays of the midday sun and pacing your activities until your body has had time to adjust can help you to avoid things like heat exhaustion that can potentially

One off or one time donations to the podcast are always greatly appreciated! You can make a donation to the podcast here:http://paypal.me/JohnASaboeI'm starting an ongoing series of life in Asia through the eyes of expats living across East Asia, Southeast Asia and South Asia. In my first episode I've invited my friend from Taiwan MJ Klein who is originally from Boston, Massachusetts. MJ has been living in Taiwan for 15 years and has some deep insights into being a foreigner, expat, and finally an immigrant. Throughout this series I hope to uncover the reasons why people left their home country, whether it's the United States, Canada, U.K., Australia, Europe or even another part of Asia and how they've adjusted to a life abroad. I also would like to share these stories with the intent to inspire people who perhaps are already thinking of living as an expat or are just simply looking for a change that would involve more than just moving across town or country. As well as set realistic expectations to help adju

I put together a short podcast episode of my favorite places to visit around the Angkor Ruins. I visited most of these sites multiple times during my last stay in Siem Reap and would go back to visit all of them anytime. Here they are in case you want the spelling for your research.Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom(The Bayon Temple), Ta Prohm,(Tomb Raider Temple), East Gate of Angkor Thom, Banty Srea, Kleang Towers across from The Terrace Of The Elephants, Preah Khan. I didn't visit Phnom Bakheng but you may want to as a sunset option. Would love to hear what your favorite sites and temples are and why. Also, what did you do while staying in Siem Reap. Did you visit any stilt villages or take in any other day adventures besides visiting the Angkor Ruins? Please share and send to john@fareastravels.com or message me on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/FarEastAdventureTravel/ or Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/johnsaboesfareasttravels/ .Support the podcast by becoming a patron! Patrons with a minimum pledge of $2/mo

Don’t forget to listen live using the Spreaker app every Sunday night-10pmEST. You can also catch the live simulcast on Periscope(Far East Travels). Send your questions to john@fareasttravels.com or message me on:Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/FarEastAdventureTravel/ or https://www.facebook.com/johnsaboeofficial/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/johnsaboesfareasttravels/Help others discover the podcast by writing a review in the iTunes Store:https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/john-saboes-far-east-travels/id1079513943?mt=2Support the podcast by becoming a patron! Patrons unlock exclusive content with their monthly pledge for as little as $2! Visit my Patreon page to find out more:https://www.patreon.com/FarEastTravels

Angkor Wat and the rest of the Angkor Ruins should definitely be included on your Southeast Asia itinerary. In this episode of the podcast I give you my overview and introduction to Siem Reap, the town where trips to the ruins are based from and advice on getting the most from the sites, especially if you are a photo enthusiast.As I mentioned in the podcast episode it is difficult to rent a motorbike in Siem Reap, in fact it's illegal. Some places will rent motorbikes to tourists and even some hotels but I caution you it's risky and you may be exposing yourself to extortion. You will meet some tourists or backpackers that will tell you nothing will happen but honestly it's not worth the risk. You will see foreigners riding motorbikes around Siem Reap but many of them are expats who live there and own the bike and may even possibly possess a Cambodian driver's license. Electric bikes are available and perfectly legal to use. However they are slow. Personally I recommend hiring a reliable tuk tuk driver for t

“Live From Asia” Your Random Travel Questions Live On Spreaker/Periscope. Send your questions or feedback to john@fareastravels.com. Follow me on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/johnsaboesfareasttravels/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/FarEastAdventureTravel/Support the podcast by becoming a patron and unlock exclusive content! Visit my Patreon page to see all of the offers now:https://www.patreon.com/FarEastTravelsHelp others discover the podcast by writing a positive review in the iTunes Store:https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/john-saboes-far-east-travels/id1079513943?mt=2

Weekly Live From Asia-Taking Your Random Questions About Travel/Life In Asia. Don't forget every Sunday night at 10pmEST(New York) I take your live questions either on the chat feature on the Spreaker.com platform or watch live on Periscope! During this episode I was right in the middle of sacrifices and firecracker explosions on the first business day of the Lunar New Year in Taipei, Taiwan. I'm interrupted a few times while local businesses set off firecrackers to help bring good luck and prosperity for the New Year. Thanks again for listening! You can support the podcast and unlock exclusive content by becoming a patron! Visit my Patreon page to see all of the offers:https://www.patreon.com/FarEastTravelsHelp others discover the Far East Travels podcast by writing a positive review in the iTunes Store:https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/john-saboes-far-east-travels/id1079513943?mt=2

Xin Nian Kuai Le, Happy New Year! I have been so blessed to have been spending the Lunar New Year in Taiwan for the last few years. In this episode I will share with you what I ate on New Year's Eve with my host family and some audio from one of the most famous temples of Taiwan, The Longshan Temple. Thousands visit this temple during the first few days of the Lunar New Year and it's always inspiring especially to see the seniors come out to pray. For some it's obviously alot of effort physically but most still manage to get out to their temple for the first prayers of the year. Many ask me when is a good time to visit Taiwan and although travel around the island will be a little more challenging you will see some of the most vibrant celebrations of the Lunar New Year in East Asia. Thanks so much for listening! You can support The Far East Travels Podcast by becoming a patron! Patrons get access to exclusive content on my Patreon page. For as little as $2/month you can support the podcast. Check out all of th

During the Lunar New Year or Chinese New Year Taipei literally empties out as many people travel to their hometown to enjoy the holiday. Streets are quieter, many local style restaurants close and the MRT lacks the usual crowds that ride the trains everyday. But if you look closer, particularly at the city's significant and historic temples, there are lots of people out for the first prayers of the new year. It's a wonderful experience to see everyone out with their families, especially the seniors who dress up and even though it's a physical strain manage to take their sticks of incense around to the various deities of their temple. Truly inspirational!