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Old 10-08-2005, 05:01 AM   #1
Yangnom
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Hello, first post, and so far, this site seems very awsome/helpfull. I am having a bit of trouble finding information on backpacking through Japan, Korea, and China.

I am a first time traveler, and may possibly have a friend come along. I plan to save have somewhere around $10,000-12,000 saved up by next spring, and I would like to make my way from Japan, through Korea and China, down to the usual Thailand/Singapore/Cambodian destinations. I have done a bit of research and figure an average of about $15 a night for a hostel x 6 months = roughly $3,000(on the safe side). That would leave me with an average of about $40-60 a day for food and travel expensis, if I was to stay for 6 months.

Does this sound correct at all? And how much is transportation via boat/bus/whatever from such places?

Please excuse my ignorance, I am planning to go talk to some travel agents tomorrow.

Thanks in advance,
-Scott
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Old 10-08-2005, 10:38 AM   #2
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naaa dont worry about it fella, just welcome to Travelpunk and the family

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Old 10-08-2005, 10:59 AM   #3
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Sorry I don't know much about Asia backpacking but welcome to the forums.

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Old 10-08-2005, 11:26 AM   #4
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Going to all the places with the exception of Japan should be REALLY cheap. You probably won't use half that money unless you party for 6 solid months and stayed in expensive places. Of course airefare will bite into it but you should have a good bit left. I am of course assuming these are US Dollars.

A friend of mine went to Thailand and Cambodia for a month and spent only $200 while he was there. It was THAT cheap. It was a few years ago too so its probabbly more now. He said the buses were cheap and you can get cheap flights withtin asia as well.

Try this:

www.jeststarasia.com

They cover a good bit of gorund cheaply. They dont cover everything but you could probably use it a couple times at least.

Hope this helps!

Foo

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Old 10-08-2005, 02:11 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally posted by foofiter@Oct 8 2005, 11:26 AM
Going to all the places with the exception of Japan should be REALLY cheap. You probably won't use half that money unless you party for 6 solid months and stayed in expensive places. Of course airefare will bite into it but you should have a good bit left. I am of course assuming these are US Dollars.

A friend of mine went to Thailand and Cambodia for a month and spent only $200 while he was there. It was THAT cheap. It was a few years ago too so its probabbly more now. He said the buses were cheap and you can get cheap flights withtin asia as well.

Try this:

www.jeststarasia.com

They cover a good bit of gorund cheaply. They dont cover everything but you could probably use it a couple times at least.

Hope this helps!

Foo


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Cool, thanks a lot. I only plan to be in Japan for few days/week maybe. I would like to spend a good amount of time in Korea, as I have been living in KoreaTown LA for 6 months, and have picked up some of the language/culture.

Ok, so how much would you estimate I would need to live, semi-lavishly, for appr. 6 months in Asia? If I am totally over-estimating cost, this could go either way; I could leave sooner with less money, or stay longer than 6 months with what I was planning on.

Any good books you recomend? Obviously a Lonely Planet and/or Rough Guide, but is there any more general backpacking do's and don'ts types you'd recomend?
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Old 10-08-2005, 02:12 PM   #6
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Oh, and thank you for the welcomes.
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Old 10-08-2005, 03:10 PM   #7
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Also thinking about adding Nepal to the itnerary. Anybody know about maybe Everest Basecamp? I imagine it would be a bit more expensive as you would probably need a guide.
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Old 10-09-2005, 01:03 AM   #8
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welcome
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Old 10-09-2005, 02:51 AM   #9
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Yangnom, sounds like you have a good plan. I agree with Foo that Japan will be the most expensive part of your trip. Other than that, expenses should be more reasonable. I think you have a good idea, too, checking out a few of the guidebooks. I generally read a minimum of 3 on each destination before I go. They will also give you a good idea of expenses. However, you can also go online and type your city and hotels as a search, and find a range of hotels and costs. That'll help you plan that end (and probably the most expensive end) of your trip.

As for Nepal, we have a member named Atchoum...send her a PM. She lived there for a number of months and should be able to answer your questions...

Feel free to ask specifics...lots of us have been to Thailand...LiveFreeOrDie has been to China -- we're here as a resource for you.

Oh, and welcome!

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Old 10-09-2005, 03:01 PM   #10
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Cool. I haven't seen much on any NE Asian backpacking, and was montly wondering if making the sweep down from the north was feesable. So, good to hear that it doesn't sound crazy.

Thanks.
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Old 10-09-2005, 03:05 PM   #11
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Welcome aboard!! That sounds like a great trip!

I think the money you are planning should be plenty. BUT....a lot comes down to how much drinking you do. Alcohol is still expensive (relatively) most places and if you go out to the bars a lot, especially in party havens like Thailand, - you will burn through your cash pretty quick.

I wouldn't worry about having too much money. You may find you want to extend your trip...or you may find a place that has a lot of activities that turn out to be expensive. For example, maybe you decide to learn to SCUBA in Thailand...or something like that. Flexibility is key on a long trip like yours....and a little extra money gives you a lot of flexibility.

Also, one thing to keep in mind is that in places like China, there can be a big difference in prices between big cities like Shanghai or Hong Kong, and smaller cities away from "western" infulences. In general though, you can find very cheap food and transportation in China and throughout SEA. Korea will likely be more expensive and Japan is definately a lot more. Have a great time. Asia can really get under your skin(in a good way).
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Old 10-13-2005, 05:00 PM   #12
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Hi! I'm planning a trip through Asia, too. Some helpful sites I've found have been www.asia.com and www.thaiairways.com for air travel and www.worldatlas.com for basic info and links to travel sites.

I also didn't have much luck finding hostels in Japan on this site, but http://www.jyh.or.jp/ had some options.

When are you planning on going? I'm aiming to leave the first week of January.

Mer
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Old 10-13-2005, 06:39 PM   #13
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my favorite guide by far is Let's Go. you should def check it out.

Japan is 45usd per day MININUM. that only counts for hostel, subway, and cheap food. i'm sure if you want to live lavishly you could do some major damange to your funds, but it sounds like you have plenty of money to work with anyway.

thailand is around 25-30usd depending on where you eat and what activities you do.

vietnam is around 15usd for a cheap hotel, food, transport, and misc things like entrance fees.

cambodia should be around the same....10-15usd per day.

the best advice (from personal experience) is:
1.only take half of what you pack...no you won't need that, or that....or that.
2.ALWAYS overestimate your budget
3.immodiumAD is a lifesaver
4.don't forget your journal
5.however long you travel for won't seem like enough time...so try to go as long as humanly possible

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