Hi all!

Me and my roommate are leaving for our first big long-term trip this September and we're both super excited. Our plan is basically to fly into Bangkok and figure out what we want to do and where to go from there. Personally I'd like to spend some time in Bangkok and then head south to the islands for a while, then maybe to Cambodia to see Angor Wat or possibly hop down to Indonesia and check out Bali, Jakarta, and whatever else looks cool in that region. We plan on being gone for about 3-4 months, or however long we can stretch out the money we have saved up.

In order to save on cash and also for the experience, my roommate and I want to camp as much as possible while on the trip. I know in places like Bangkok and other big cities this will probably be not be possible, but I was wondering what the situation with camping is in smaller places like the southern islands in Thailand. I read somewhere that you can camp in all of Thailand's national parks, but I'm not sure where these parks are. I think it would be awesome to be able to find a remote beach somewhere, throw the tent down, and just hang out there for several days. Do such places exist in SE Asia and has anyone here done such a thing before? We're going to be doing most of our traveling over-land and we've talked about hiking/hitch-hiking between cities and camping along the way. Is this sort of thing doable, or is it insanely dangerous? We're both fairly experienced hikers and campers, but it's always been in mountainous and desert climates. We've never camped anywhere tropical or jungly. (Is that a word?) Would we have to worry about the police or locals bothering us? What about local wildlife? Mosquitos I know can be voracious but is there anything larger we'd have to be concerned about? My roommate already has a really good, strong, lightweight two-man tent, and we both have sleeping mats and mosquito nets. What other sort of special gear would we want for something like this? Hope to hear from anyone who has experience with this sort of thing. Thanks for all your advice!

-Dalin.

So I've done a little bit more research since asking my question and have come across a couple of people saying that this sort of thing is "insane" or, "a great idea if you don't mind sharing your tent with cobras and bandits." Does anyone know if there is any truth to these opinions? I've read a couple of things about snakes being a danger. Anyone know what kind of snakes are being talked about and how much I should be worried about them? And what about crime in rural Thailand? Is it a large problem, or would common sense suffice to keep you safe? Anyone have any ideas or insight?

I suppose cobras and bandits are a consideration but I think the thing that ultimately discourages most people from camping in SE Asia is the realization that in most places you can put a roof over your head, sleep in a bed under a ceiling fan, have regular access to a bathroom and a shower and a relatively secure place to stash your gear during the day, and also lighten your pack by leaving the tent at home, all for just a few dollars a night.

You just have to ask yourself if the relatively small amount of money you'll save by avoiding guesthouses is worth the downside. You may very well decide that it is. The majority of people though - even those traveling on a very tight budget - choose otherwise.

You'll always find people who say 'this is crazy'. We are currently cycling this region and camping is certainly possible, if you keep your wits about you. The main problem I see for you is that you don't have your own mode of transportation. Most cyclists in Asia who are camping are looking for secluded spots out of people's view...which is sometimes really hard to find. Obviously with your own mode of transport these places are easier to find. If you get to a place by public transport, you'll probably have to walk several kilometers to get away from humankind. Camping near settlements can be done, if you don't get freaked out by being the center of attention for every single thing you do. Including taking a dump.
Beaches are always good, but first you have to get to a deserted one.
In countries where Buddhism is prevalent, you can always ask the monks if you can camp at the wat. Here in Malaysia we have camped on church grounds...seems like a good thing when Jesus is watching over you (says the Atheist).

So, yes, it's certainly possible but without your own vehicle it'll be difficult to find the right spots.

I hope this helps.
a.

Dalin wrote:Hi all!

Me and my roommate are leaving for our first big long-term trip this September and we're both super excited. Our plan is basically to fly into Bangkok and figure out what we want to do and where to go from there. Personally I'd like to spend some time in Bangkok and then head south to the islands for a while, then maybe to Cambodia to see Angor Wat or possibly hop down to Indonesia and check out Bali, Jakarta, and whatever else looks cool in that region. We plan on being gone for about 3-4 months, or however long we can stretch out the money we have saved up.

In order to save on cash and also for the experience, my roommate and I want to camp as much as possible while on the trip. I know in places like Bangkok and other big cities this will probably be not be possible, but I was wondering what the situation with camping is in smaller places like the southern islands in Thailand. I read somewhere that you can camp in all of Thailand's national parks, but I'm not sure where these parks are. I think it would be awesome to be able to find a remote beach somewhere, throw the tent down, and just hang out there for several days. Do such places exist in SE Asia and has anyone here done such a thing before? We're going to be doing most of our traveling over-land and we've talked about hiking/hitch-hiking between cities and camping along the way. Is this sort of thing doable, or is it insanely dangerous? We're both fairly experienced hikers and campers, but it's always been in mountainous and desert climates. We've never camped anywhere tropical or jungly. (Is that a word?) Would we have to worry about the police or locals bothering us? What about local wildlife? Mosquitos I know can be voracious but is there anything larger we'd have to be concerned about? My roommate already has a really good, strong, lightweight two-man tent, and we both have sleeping mats and mosquito nets. What other sort of special gear would we want for something like this? Hope to hear from anyone who has experience with this sort of thing. Thanks for all your advice!

-Dalin.

In Thailand the police in some areas may consider a foreign "camper" to just be a common bum! Foreigners are supposed to have sufficient money available to not be a burden to Thailand! Why not figure out how much per day you can afford for accommodations and find hostels or hotels that meet that amount of money. Nothing beats bathing every day, sleeping in a place that doesn't have any dogs, bugs or mozzies chomping on you.

Also check your the visa requirements for the countries you intend to visit. There are some places in that part of the world where I wouldn't want to be out in the woods all alone subject to who knows what type of abuse you may have to endure. Maybe cut out a couple countries and just stay in hostels and cheap hotels, this way you would not have to lug around tents, sleeping bags, mosquito nets and be able to take showers!!!! You know, go for more quality and less quantity!

In VietNam you will be considered a little deranged to be camping. If the police find you (they have eyes everywhere here) they are required by law to find you accommodation with a roof. Besides, the police like to know where you rest your head (hotels and private residences have to tell them who is staying there) and they don't cover fields or bushland.

Do it in a city (there are quite a few sleeping in parks in SaiGon and Ha Noi) and your visa status will be queried.

Sleeping on the ground is dangerous as many animals like to keep warm at night. Even squashing a bug or a spider can cause you problems, big problems if they are poisonous.

There are no 'organised' camp grounds here, either.

Like I said, you'll always find people who'll tell you that it's crazy and dangerous and 'that you find accommodation for a few dollars more'. So far we found camping out here pretty good. Sure, we were usually forced to because we were in places without tourist infrastructure, i.e. in the forest/plantations or in small villages. We usually do get some attention, but nothing out of the extraordinary (we are used to being stared at and observed).

This being said. Don't just do it for the money. Try to get away from the trampled path, where camping is not a 'cheap method' but actually a necessity. Yes, people will tell you that it's dangerous...but how many of those people are actually experts on spiders and snakes and rural crime? Ask the locals. If they feel it's really too dangerous, they'll probably invite you into their homes (leave some money or buy ingredients for dinner - it's rude to take financial advantage of somebody who opens their home to you) or let you camp on their grounds.

crazyal wrote:In Thailand the police in some areas may consider a foreign "camper" to just be a common bum! Foreigners are supposed to have sufficient money available to not be a burden to Thailand!

Absolutely agree. I think many Thais would find it disrespectful to behave like this in their country. They assume that all westerners have money and they would see this as being very cheap and rude.

Previous posters quite rightly say that there is still plenty of cheap accommodation in Thailand and this is true. It is still possible to find places to stay for around 100 Bt a night. If you can't afford this then what are you living on?

What I sometimes find amusing/weird is when young travellers come to Thailand and do everything they can to travel/sleep/eat super cheaply and then spend loads on booze. Different priorities I suppose.

You can camp in national parks. I take groups diving in the Surin National park during high season. Often they stay in tents on the Surin Islands. It is really beautiful part of Thailand but you still have to pay 80 Bt a night to pitch your tent.

If you are still determined to furtively camp in random places then of course you can do it. You will get hot and you might get botherd by strange animals. Also you may have to get up early or risk getting harrassed by the farmer whose land you stayed on, but this is half the fun.... Isn't it?