Dave’s Travel World

Back in the day, shortly after I retired in 2012, I set out on my second post-retirement adventure. This was to encompass the coastal areas between Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City taking in:

• the two mega cities at the journey’s start and end;

• the three countries of Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam;

• the four lesser known exotic islands of Ko Samet, Ko Chang, Koh Rong and Phu Quoc;

• the five river towns of Khemerak Phoumin, Kampot, Ha Tien, Can Tho and My Tho, together with;

• the two mainland coastal resorts of Pattaya,and Sihanoukville.

The trip commenced in October 2013 and lasted for some 35 days, travelling primarily by local buses, ferry boats and, when necessary, by tricycles and motorbikes. Throughout the trip extensive use was made of budget accommodation ranging from local hotels to beach houses. Food was from local restaurants, 7-Elevens and street vendors, with the occasional visit to a fast fast outlet for a fix of hamburger, fried chicken or a calorie boosting milkshake.

Flights at either end of the trip were between London, Bangkok and London, with a local flight between Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok thrown in at the end of my travels.

All in all, including flights, accommodation, local travel and food the whole trip cost just over £2,500. Not bad for 35 days away and probably less than the cost of having a similar holiday in the UK.

More detailed maps showing this route through: