Hi all,

Next Monday I start a 7-month trip to SEA, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and then South Korea.

I had a couple of questions I was hoping the experienced travellers out there could answer.

- for Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos I'm planning to take dollars only, is this ok?

- Mozzies. They love me and I act as repellent for people with, they escape unscathed whilst i'm covered in bites. I plan to smother myself in deet but wondered if anyone knew of anything locally that works that I should look out for.

- phnom phen - I've heard that PP isn't too safe at night and as I'm travelling on my own I wondered how true the rumours are (Steve you had this in your own RTW trip)

- Jeans ok stupid question but I do want to ask. Everyone says it will be hot and humid during the time I'm out there and there is no way I will need jeans, plus they are heavy to lug around. However, I was thinking it might cool down in the evening and they will provide me with some protection against the dreaded mozzies. Should I really bother?

Finally, if any one else is in Cambodia/Vietnam/Laos during March - June let me know!

just USD for Cambodia,Viet Nam,Laos is ok.

You should exchange some Vietnamese Dong. Its better even though dollar is barely enough. In restaurants or hotels, taxi (not all) credit card is acceptable.
It's not cold now here in Vietnam, even at night. Do not mind short jeans, or dressed .. anything you like.

Quite a long duration trip. It is preferable to book your accommodation, flights, car rental etc. well in advance. This way you can get good and cheaper deals. I would also suggest you to stay in well located apartments as this is the best type of accommodation for longer stays.

It is good that you take USD with in both Laos, Vietnam & Cambodia. Exchange rate is good when you change at local bank. In Cambodia if you use ATM you can get max 300 USD/day in USD notes. All restaurant & travel services accept USD. Except local home-stay.

Repellent is essential to take with and the best you bought it before traveling.
Jeans is not a good idea as it is not comfortable when it is hot here.

You can bring USD to Vietnam, but you should exchange it when arriving. It's very helpful for you when taking a bus or a taxi or eating at a local restaurant.
You can buy some repellents in Vietnam in super markets or drugstores.
Don't need to bring jeans with you. Actually, It's not that hot in that time at night and you may not want wearing it.

Just looking now, but shoot, I was in Cambodia and Vietnam in march, and I'm still in Cambodia in April. Gimme a shout if you're here...

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Banlung. Go there. Now.