Julian Hatfield Author | Don't Forget To Move

Philippines Travel Update: Goodbye Tacloban

By the time you read this we’ve already left Tacloban and are in beautiful Bohol. If you’ve been following our journey on Facebook and Instagram you’ll know that we’ve been thoroughly enjoying our travels though the Philippines, but we’re also sad to say goodbye to our temporary home in Tacloban. Over the last 5 months we’ve been blessed to be able to work alongside the resilient and determined people of Tacloban, as they work to rebuild their lives after devastating super typhoon Yolanda in November 2013.

Apart from coming to the Philippines to enjoy the sensational hospitality and soak in the sun on some of the world’s greatest beaches, we came here with the goal of contributing to the redevelopment of Tacloban. When we first heard about the typhoon back in November 2013 we were working with a small environmental non-profit in Colombia. Like all around the world we were saddened to hear about the events of Yolanda (internationally known as Haiyan) and we were determined to make it to Tacloban at some stage to contribute what we could.

In April 2015 we got that chance when our plane touched down at DZR airport and we were thrust headfirst into daily Taclobanon life. We began working for a small non-profit and learning from the community about what they needed most. During our 5 months in Tacloban we were fortunate enough to be involved in many amazing projects. We worked alongside some truly inspiring community members that have showed us once again why community development work is our true calling.

Having the opportunity to work so closely with this community has shown us first hand the kind, open and giving nature of Filipino culture. It has taught us more about greeting each stranger like a new friend, about the power of local community, and about how to drink tuba (coconut alcohol) and sing karaoke louder than we ever thought we would. In our time here we made many local friends that shared with us their accounts of the terrifying events that occurred during Yolanda: their tales and their openness showed us the true resilience and strength of these proud people.

Out of all the projects that we were involved in the one that stands out the most is our time working with the Calvary Hills community in developing a new candle making livelihood. Together we worked on everything from completing a participatory market research study, to conducting community surveys and teaching basic business management to a group of 8 women. The persistence and determination was inspiring and taught us a lot about how to work with communities in a more hands-off approach. One particularly proud day for us was driving the women around in our bright red pick up truck to fill out community surveys. We thought they might be a bit shy in approaching potential customers, but we were impressed to watch them ask their questions with a savvy confidence. With our help, they took their candles from idea to an operational business.

As a final send off to Tacloban we successfully organized over 30 members from various communities that we’d been working with to provide training for aspiring entrepreneurs and people already working in small businesses. After a hectic couple of weeks coordinating with different groups of people we all finally came togetherThere’s so much more we could say about our time in Tacloban, but it will never detail the sheer amount of events, experiences, and emotions that we shared. We lived, laughed, cried, and loved. And now we long. Long to return once more in the future, to see a Tacloban vibrant and bursting with life and love.

At the moment we’re on the road again: making our way through the Visayas region and then around Palawan. Everywhere we go we’re met with more friendly Filipino faces and welcomes. It’s such a refreshing feeling to be welcomed with such open arms while in a completely foreign country, and the Filipino’s sure know how to do it best! We’re especially glad to be traveling on our motorcycle on which we drive through tiny villages and are greeted with shouts and waves “hello.” So far we’ve seen the beautiful lush mountains of the Bohol region and will be heading to more beach destinations in a couple days!

Remember to keep following our daily Philippines travel update on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram as we continue to trek across what’s quickly becoming our new all-time favorite country.

How to Really Get Off The Beaten Track

Throughout the evolution of travel the term ‘get off the beaten track’ has become synonymous with the idealistic wanderer who desperately craves a new perspective on the already over worn tourist trails. Perhaps they’ve watched movies like Into The Wild and The Beach a few too many times, longing for that special place in the world that hasn’t yet been ruined by tacky bars and cheap knock off sunglasses. Or maybe they want to be the first person to explore an exciting new destination, before hostels and hotels open up the market to the hordes of vacationers and holiday goers.

It’s no wonder that phrases such as ‘get off the beaten track’ and ‘off the grid travel’ have become so appealing to travelers that look to the world as a place of mystery and discovery. The sense of desperation to claim these hidden hideouts has also been accelerated in our ever increasingly small and interconnected world. Every year untouched and untainted locations are becoming more difficult to find and even more expensive to travel to as people push the boundaries to find their own personal paradise.

But finding a spot that’s truly off the tourist trail is a lot more difficult than it sounds. You can’t simply jump on a random bus in El Salvador or Cambodia and let it take you out to the middle of nowhere unless you have some idea of what lies ahead. Particularly in some of the sketchier places around the world you always need to consider your own personal safety first. So with that in mind here’s a look at how to really get off the beaten track on your next trip!

Do Your Homework

Yes it’s probably true that if it’s written in a guidebook, or posted all over travel blogs, that the location isn’t as secluded as you’d like, but it pays to get a wide selection of opinions. There is plenty of information that can still lead you to a quiet corner of the world without worrying too much about an overflow of ambitious travelers following the same advice. With the abundance of travel blogs out there these days, try to throw the little guys a bone and search deeper than the first Google page. Chances are you’ll find some bright up-and-comer who’s discovered the next best thing.

Hire/Buy a Motorbike or Car

By far the best adventures we have had on this trip come from our travels via motorbike. Whether it’s renting bikes to get around the island of Phuket, cruising through the Cambodian countryside or buying a bike in the Philippines to tour the whole country beach by beach. Being able to stop when you want to stop, for as long as you want to stay, really increases your level of freedom on the road. With the right research and information you can find all those spots that only locals get to, or that travelers can’t access because tourist transport doesn’t service the area. Plus, it can save you a lot of money in transport costs if you hire your own bike for a day and hit up a bunch of different spots.

Travel Slow

The beauty of slow travel might not appeal to everyone, but when you’ve got the time it’s the best way to get off the beaten track. Most people who have limited time choose the top tourist spots, so they rarely have time to explore their wider surrounding. And rightly so if you’ve got a tight schedule. If you were only in Cambodia for a week then you’d prioritize Angkor Wat over little Banlung. However, if you were there any longer I’d say definitely pencil it in. All around the world there are hidden locations on the fringe of major tourist attractions just waiting to be explored. Traveling slow also gives you more time to do your research and find the best/cheapest ways to get out to the locations you want to explore.

Make Friends With Locals

Part of traveling slow also gives you the added opportunity to lay a few extra roots in each spot that you stay. In doing so you get the chance to meet locals that know their country’s secret spots better than anyone. Not only will they give you the local perspective on these places, but you’ll also learn a lot more about the culture and history of the country you’re staying in. Local friends are also great because they have the hook ups for places to stay and eat in area that have yet to be saturated with tourists. And they speak the local language, so it’s always easier to travel with them. Broaden your horizons away from the standard backpacker crowd, there are so many awesome new local friends out there waiting to meet you!

Learn the Language

This is a little easier said than done, especially if you’re off to somewhere completely linguistically different to your native tongue; like Vietnam or Indonesia for an English speaker. But give it a shot, learning a bit of the language will definitely help you navigate local transport and negotiate good deals on places to stay and eat. Cuba would not have been the same for us without being able to speak some moderate Spanish, and we’ve heard others struggle to escape the delicately mapped out tourist route without having a few more words than ‘dos cervezas, por favor’. Do a quick Google search for the top phrases, write them down in a notebook and then take them out to practice for a day. You’ll be speaking like a local in no time… sort of!

There are always more ways to get off the beaten track if you’re willing to sacrifice a little more. Sometimes you’ll have to be prepared to ditch the modern day comforts of hot showered hostels and breakfast-included backpackers, but you’ll unlock the true meaning of exploration and discovery as you find the locations that inspire a new generation of travelers.

How do you get off the beaten track?

Top 30 Reasons to Backpack the World

Deep down, most people have the desire to travel. Often it’s pushed into the distant future, a romantic thought for “someday” seeing the world. But by waiting until retirement, you’re wasting valuable travel time! Why wait until old age when you can begin creating a lifetime of memories around the world? We’ve rounded up our top 30 reasons to backpack the world to convince you that there are more reasons to travel than there are excuses not to. Caution: this list may induce rapid job quitting and spontaneous flight bookings!

30.

Soak in a new culture and learn all about the fascinating and interesting difference lifestyles on this Earth! Easily one of the top reasons to backpack the world. The longer you can spend in a country the better you’ll understand it.

29.

Push yourself out of your comfort zone. This might be diving off a 10 meter waterfall, swimming with sharks, or taking a chance on that dodgy looking Mexican ferris wheel. Challenge yourself and see how brave you are!

28.

Make new friends from around the world. You’ll always have a couch to sleep on for that next big trip.

27.

To be thankful for everything you have back home, no matter how big or small. Also to appreciate just how lucky you are if you have the option to travel.

26.

Learn new things about yourself. There’s a lot of inner strength inside just waiting to be tapped.

25.

Sit on a bus for over 24 hours just to save $20. It’s an experience that’s for sure. Also a great way to see how the locals travel. In some countries be prepared for inappropriate action movies played 6 times on repeat.

24.

Live the life of a hardcore budget backpacker by sleeping in an airport for a night. You’ll never appreciate a shitty hostel bed more the next day.

23.

Spend more time doing what you love. If you love surfing, find a beach with killer waves and post up for a month. If it’s yoga, check out a peaceful countryside retreat.

22.

Address that deep yearning you’ve had to see the world. Make your dreams a reality and don’t wait for the future. You never know what might change, so take the opportunity while you can!

21.

Sample beer from all over the world! Or rum, or wine, or whatever gets the job done. You get the point!

20.

Volunteer some of your expertise to a worthy cause that can genuinely benefit some people in need.

19.

Learn a different language. Even if it’s just a few sentences to get you by, the locals will love it and it’ll enhance your traveling by a long shot.

18.

Visit as many countries as you can. Just make sure you give yourself time to enjoy them.

17.

Spend the night on a toilet because you picked the wrong street food (not something to brag about, but a funnier story in hindsight).

16.

To sit on a chicken bus through Central America, and literally have a chicken sit on your lap.

15.

CouchSurf with a stranger (who hopefully isn’t a weirdo).

14.

Expand your culinary experiences. It may include a couple of wacky things along the way, but every culture is not without their weird and wonderful foods. I’m Australian, and I can admit that Vegemite is not everyone’s cup of tea, but it sure is delicious!

13.

Explore your spirituality…. Wherever that may take you.

12.

Hike up a massive volcano, bring a sleeping bag, camp on the top, and then wake up to a new day.

11.

Prove to your friends and family back home that you’re a badass who isn’t scared to take the world head on!

10.

Pick up a new traveling skill or hobby like juggling, slack lining or poi.

9.

Get a crazy random tattoo with a bunch of strangers that have now become your fellow Pioneers.

8.

Reinvent yourself! It’s the perfect time to break away from your perception back home and be whoever you want to be!

7.

Not matter how old you are, party all night on an island covered in fluorescent body paint like it’s nobody’s business.

6.

Give yourself valuable ‘you-time’. Take a step back from all the decisions and life choices you’re forced to make everyday. Time to figure out what’s next in life.

5.

To try deep-fried insects, just once.

4.

Get out of your current rut and break the monotony of everyday life. Time for a change!

3.

Sleep in a hammock strung up between two coconut trees on a deserted Caribbean island. Easiest way to forget your problems!

2.

Buy a motorbike or van and just travel wherever the wind may take you. The ultimate freedom while traveling the world!

1.

Randomly meet the love of your life and throw all your plans out the window just to be with them. Hey, it happens! Just check out our story!

Backpacking in Cambodia: City to Countryside

When we finally hit Cambodia we were pretty keen to wander off the tourist trail. Thailand was awesome (we certainly lived it up for the Half Moon Party on the islands), but it was time to take a step back from the easy travel life and jump into something a little more challenging. Backpacking in Cambodia certainly gave us that, and we loved it! No more easy vegetarian tofu meals or cruisey transit options, it was time to pull up our socks (or fasten our flip-flops) and get back to what we do best! Backpacking!

Stepping into Cambodia kind of felt like we were stepping into Thailand 20 years ago, or maybe even more. This was mostly an observation, but there’s a little comparison to go off as I first backpacked this region in 2006. Even since that time Thailand has steadily continued to develop their tourism trade, while Cambodia feels very much the same as where I last left it.

From the moment we started backpacking in Cambodia we knew it was going to be different. We swapped a friendly train driver for a couple of dodgy transport moguls who literally fought for our business. Seriously, one dude who was trying to undercut his companion learned the hard way with a swift kick in the back and a flurry of punches. The man who eventually secured our business was super friendly and a good guy. On the way back to Siem Reap he stopped past his mother’s roadside food stand so we could purchase some beers, before giving her a quick kiss and taking off again.

We made it to Siem Reap safely, but were immediately confronted with the same one-sided scene that we were trying to escape in Bangkok. The city was dotted with tacky weed pizza shops, seedy bars, and a gritty and slightly depressing nightlife of boozy backpackers and prostitution. Needless to say we enjoyed a couple of nights out with some new friends, but after a while it felt like the hordes of tourists (ourselves included) were squeezing the last drops of life out of whatever local culture was left.

Visiting the ancient city of Angkor was an experience like no other (even better the second time round for me), but it’s obvious the small town of Siem Reap has strictly evolved around the tourism demand. Everyday BUS LOADS of tourists arrive at the scene, ready to wear down the stones and extend their selfie-sticks like they’re going out of fashion. Actually, were they ever in fashion? Regardless, the temples are amazing and should not be missed if you’re around Cambodia! After a couple of days on site we were ready to hit the road. We couldn’t wait to get out into the fresh air of North-eastern Cambodia, surrounded by lush forests and streaming waterfalls.

We found exactly that in the quiet and extremely underrated town of Banlung in the Ratanakiri Province. A $5USD a night private room between the two, with some cheap and easy vegetarian noodles, saw us set up for the good part of a week. We rented a scooter for $6USD a day and explored the nearby waterfalls (Cha Ong Katieng, and Kah Chhang) and small villages. We went all the way out to Veun Sai to find some of the famous indigenous cemeteries, but without a local guide we were out of luck. The countryside was stunning, but unfortunately there’s also a lot of deforestation stripping away the landscapes and natural habitats. Dense fields of trees and shrubbery are being swiftly replaced with rubber and palm oil plantations, which is a real bummer because it’s destroying the local eco-systems and the territory of indigenous inhabitants.

Aside from that disappointing aspect, the countryside is still pretty unique. During the day the harsh sun beats down hard on the parched ground, which kicks up a swirling cloud of red every time a motorbike zooms by. If you go out on the bike for a day wear some old clothes. After a long days ride you come back covered in rich red earth, which is hard to wash out. It’s a pain, but better than being there in the wet season as sludges of mud gather when the rains set in. The days are hot, but you can take refuge at the Yeak Laom Volcanic Lake. A picture perfect backdrop lines the lake from whichever point you look at it. There are plenty of little coves and spots to string up a hammocks and swing lazily in the shade as the sun blares above. For a nice treat pack an afternoon lunch and stick around as the sun sets over the crater.

The small city of Banlung doesn’t have a lot of activities, but that’s not really the reason why you travel there. It’s not a well known spot while backpacking in Cambodia, and only has a handful of nice accommodations and restaurants. Rather, it’s an escape from the monotony of the backpacking trail and it can be exactly what you need to hit the reset button. Even though Siem Reap is fun, everybody needs a break sometimes. When that time comes, this is definitely the place to check out!

What’s your favorite part about backpacking in Cambodia? City or country? Drop us a comment below or find us on Facebook and Twitter!

Hippyocrisy: Trying to Understand the Hypocrisy of Traveling Hippies

Is it just me, or has anybody else ever thought that some of the hippies you meet while traveling can be pretty hypocritical? I’ve been thinking about this for some time, and while I’m not about to write off every single traveling hippy out there, this post is definitely directed at a couple of those ‘deeply spiritual new age hipsters’ jetting around the world right now.

I’ve wanted to write this post for a while, but swayed away from the idea of offending people on a platform that we’ve worked so hard to please people with. But, you can’t please everyone in life, so the least we can do is stay true to ourselves. And so here it is fellow hippies, strap yourself in for this truth bomb!

The Hypocrisy of Hippies = Hippyocrisy

I think I’ve invented a word. Well, I’ve Googled it, and I didn’t find much, so I’m just going to claim it. It’s called HIPPYOCRISY, and I’m seeing it everywhere I go around the world! Before I explore this, let’s get back to the roots of this word ‘hippie’. According to a very opinionated and definitely misrepresented Google search on the term ‘hippie’ this is what you get…

“A person of unconventional appearance, typically having long hair and wearing beads, associated with a subculture involving a rejection of conventional values and the taking of hallucinogenic drugs”

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So, to be a hippy you can’t show that you’re conforming to conventional values. But, what exactly is conventional these days? Any form of ‘non-stereotype’ takes effort, so just own the fact that you’re trying to be a hippie, or a hipster, or a nerd, it’s ok, I’m not judging you on that part. I could get stuck into a lot of stereotypes or subcultures, but I’ve just focussed on hippies this time.

There’s also nothing wrong with trying to look like a hippie while you’re traveling, or whatever the look it is that you’re going for. Dress how you want, I’d never judge people on that. What HIPPYOCRISY is all about is a person who will dress, act and preach a certain lifestyle to be trendy, and can’t live up to the hype! Hypocrisy is all around us, and nobody is perfect, but there seems to be a lot more of these wandering wannabes traveling the world right now.

And let me add, in many senses of the definition I consider myself a hippie. As a global vagabond, vegetarian and humanitarian, I’m just wandering this earth passing on knowledge about the simple life. I don’t need a lot of fancy items in my life (pretty much everything packs into one backpack these days), but I also don’t need to preach about my body’s positive energy as I eat a bag of mushrooms and wear tie-dye to be an environmentally and animal friendly compassionate guy.

So What Is Hippyocrisy?

Rather than a definition, let me give you an example of some hippyocrisy at its best!

Christine and I are taking a ferry trip from the incredible Kong Rong Island in southern Cambodia. As our ferry lazily glides across the water towards the mainland there are bunch of these ‘non-conventional’ ladies sitting across from us. Dreds, long ripped baggy pants, more necklaces and bracelets than Mardi Gras in New Orleans, and they’re talking about this new age mumbo jumbo. Everything they’re saying starts to get me thinking; “hey they’re the real deal”.

As they start to dig into some really deep convo a couple of them pull out cigarettes and light up (no I’m not even going to get stuck into them about supporting a multinational corporation that promotes death… too easy). The story goes on and the cigarette dwindles down to the butt. One girl in particular who seems to running the ‘guidance session’ satisfactorily concludes on a point, but not before stubbing out her butt and throwing it over the edge into the ocean.

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WHAT? Was she serious? Polluting the word with her contradictions and non-degradable cigarette butts, am I alone in thinking this is madness? Forget the fact that she’s just committed Hippyocrisy in the highest degree, but why in this day and age are people still thinking it’s ok to litter? It’s beyond me!

Other examples that really piss me off are as follows:

The ultimate wanderer, living out of a backpack without a care in the world. Probably watched Into The Wild or The Beach a few too many times. Lands on a beautiful pristine island and sets up camp, when its time to continue life’s journey, gets up and leaves all their rubbish behind! HIPPYOCRISY… and a tool!

People who preach to me about balancing my Chakras, finding my positive energy, and how their body is a temple, but then they smoke two packs of cigarettes a day. Sorry, that’s HIPPYOCRISY!

There’s nothing wrong with enjoying yourself on your travels, but don’t tell me you’re off on a deeply spiritual journey of enlightenment while sitting in a bar every second evening. HI-HI-HIPPYCRIT!

A Growing Trend

Unfortunately this example of Hippyocrisy isn’t an odd event along the backpacking trail. Being scrubby, letting your hair get matted, accumulating bracelets, taking lots of drugs, partaking in retreats… these are all growing trends among some (definitely not all) backpackers these days. There’s nothing wrong with all of this, we even enjoy a few. Each to their own I say, but if you’re going to start taking up a new trend, at least pick a couple of the most important convictions and stick to them.

What To Do If You See A Hippycrit?

If you see a Hippycrit, or any form of Hippyocrisy please act now! You are not alone in this battle against the nasty Hippycrits taking over the world. If something looks Hippycritical, please speak out. We have established a hotline at 1800-NO-HIPPYOCRISY or you can visit our newly developed website at www.nomorehippycrits.com for more information. This is PSA brought to you by Jules and Christine of Don’t Forget To Move.

Am I alone with this idea? Or have you seen a few of these Hippycrits floating around on your travels? Drop us a comment below or find us on Facebook and Twitter!

The Almighty Mekong: What To Do in Stung Treng

So you’ve landed in Stung Treng, and you’re asking yourself the exact same question that I did, ‘what to do in Stung Treng?’ Luckily for you I’ve done all the ground work and discovered all the exciting activities you can get involved in while visiting this extremely underrated tourist location in Cambodia. Read ahead, book your trip and marvel in the natural wonders, beautiful landscapes, local culture and adventure activities!

Still not convinced? Let me throw a few examples to inspire your wanderlust. First there’s watching the sunset on the almighty Mekong River as extremely rare and endangered fresh water dolphins swim around you! Or maybe you’re more interested in grabbing a sea kayak and paddling your way down the Mekong and through the wetlands, home to the eery flooded forest and over 100 species of birds. Take a longtail boat all the way to the Sopheakmith waterfalls and on the way stop off at one of the local communities and get involved in a home stay. Wake up in the morning, lazily swinging side to side in a hammock as the sun rises above the Mekong and starts a new day. The list goes on!

“You might even be fortunate enough to come across an English class in the afternoon and be invited in to basically run the show.”

Stung Treng City

To visit this beautiful region it’s best to station yourself in the province’s namesake city. Most bus routes in Cambodia make their way through Stung Treng and there are a host of guest houses and hotels to choose from. The city is small, but there are enough interesting things to check out if you decide to stay the night. The main centre of Stung Treng City is situated along the Sekong River, an arm of the river that extends off the Mekong, which is a sweet spot to look out at over your balcony with a cold beer.

In town, close to the centre are a number of Buddhist pagodas. These religious sites are based around some craftily designed and constructed Buddhist architecture. It’s also home to many monks who are studying and living on the ground. Pop your head in and say hello, they’re generally pretty friendly, albeit a little shy. You might even be fortunate enough to come across an English class in the afternoon and be invited in to basically run the show. That’s what happened to me, and of course I willingly obliged.

Travel That Gives Back

When in town be sure to also check out the Le Tonlé Tourism Training Center, a youth program aimed at training disadvantaged Cambodian teens in the trade of ecotourism. As well as training the youth they also offer accommodation between $6-$8 and do meals, all which is prepared and organized by the students as part of their vocational training. Profits go back into the program and local projects, so it’s awesome to see a locally ran project having such a positive impact in the community.

And if you’re looking to help further support the local community (and pick up a beautiful handmade silk garment) try to get out and visit Mekong Blue. An extremely worthwhile nonprofit organization that helps women who suffer from domestic violence, sexual assault and poverty to develop workplace skills in textile manufacturing. They have a store inside the property, or you can visit them online. Visit their site for more information.

“Think of it like the 4,000 Islands, except many years ago, before tourism really set in and washed away some of the authentic exploring and thill seeking”

Heading Up The Mekong

After exploring the city for a day it’s time to get stuck into some real adventure activities. Head over to Xplore Asia to check out some of the trips you can do, or hire a motorbike/bicycle and take off on your own adventure. There’s a number of itineraries you can take depending on what you want to see. I recommend giving yourself at least two days to complete a trip. You’ll be heading up to northern Cambodia, so if you’re already on your way to the 4,000 Islands in Laos there shouldn’t be any excuses to skip this. Think of it like the 4,000 Islands, except many years ago, before tourism really set in and washed away some of the authentic exploring and thill seeking.

Whether you go by guide, or by yourself, the only ways to head up are by river or by road. Along the way stop at one of the many of the indigenous communities (such as O’Svay) for a homestay or continue on up to Preah Rumkel where you can get your dolphin, local community, waterfall and stunning sunset fix all in one.

If you want to do things a little different ask your boat driver to take you to some of the Mekong River islands that pop up all the way along the enormity of the river. You can camp at some of the deserted islands, especially in the dry season when the river is low, which is a cracking idea if you’ve got a crew together and want your own private island for the night!

“This trip, although costing a little more than you might budget for, is one of those times that you just need to pay it to experience it”

Details and Prices

Before exploring prices let me just say that this trip was one of the most memorable I’ve experienced in my many years of travel. As professional budget backpackers sometimes Christine and I get so hung up on stretching out the dollars that we forget to enjoy the places we visit. This trip, although costing a little more than you might budget for, is one of those times that you just need to pay it to experience it. After all, what are you doing on the other side of the world if you can’t get out and explore the place. Here’s a few different pricing options to see what works with your wallet;

If you go it without a guide you can find someone to organize a long-tail boat from Stung Treng to take you towards the Laos border: stopping along the way at indigenous communities, RAMSAR wetlands, flooded forest, fresh water dolphins and the waterfall). It’ll set you back $90USD, which seems pricey, but bare in mind that this cost covers up to 6 people, so it’s only $15 each, which is incredible value considering the trip literally takes all day!

If you want a more structured tour head over to Xplore Asia to see what’s on offer. Tours vary in price from $50 – $100, depending on the length of time and the activities you want to do, so it’s really much better to pop into their office and see suits you best.

If you make it up to the border at Preah Rumkel, and decide to stay the night, cost will be the last thing you worry about. It’s a very reasonably priced $11USD a day for three meals and a place to sleep. I’d recommend at least one night there just to slow it down and enjoy the serenity. From Preah Rumkel you can also organize transport and guides to the waterfall and other surrounding areas for your group or solo.

Don’t Forget To Move would like to thank the Stung Treng Province Department of Tourism for the invitation and opportunity to visit and write about such an amazing location in Cambodia! Although we received some discounts to participate in this trip all ideas and recommendations are based solely off the authors opinions.

4 Tips for Being a Tool in Thailand (What Not To Do)

So you’ve just landed in Thailand on your first trip overseas and you’re pumped! And so you should be, Thailand is a hub of excitement along the backpacking trail and a perfect place for backpacking newbies and seasoned veterans alike.

It’s a country full of adventure, cultural experiences and other travelers, so naturally you’re chomping at the bit to get stuck into it. But before you hit the road you should have a think about how you want to be perceived along the way. Are you going to be the culturally aware traveler, or the tourist who treats this new country like your own personal playground?!

To hell with all that, you’ll do what you want! You’ve earned this trip, so no one is about to tell you what to do. Forget the local’s advice, here’s the only tips for Thailand travel you need!

Treat the Whole Country Like a Beach Resort

You’ve been lazing about the beach for the last week, working on your tan and now it’s time to show it off. Board shorts or bikinis have been your main go-to since you arrived, and you’re not about to change that for anyone. Rock up to that Wat or sacred temple baring more skin than a Miley Cyrus video clip, the Thai people won’t mind. Surely they’re used it by now.

Ride a Scooter Like It’s a Toy

Back home your country works tirelessly to reduce the road toll by enforcing strict rules like drink driving, wearing a helmet and such. But hey, you’re on holidays and in Thailand now, none of that matters anymore. It’s not like Thailand has the highest road tolls in the world anyway (actually it’s ranked 2nd), so why should you worry.

Forget about protecting that head with a helmet, you know how to handle the chaotic roads of Bangkok or the anarchic give-way system at roundabouts. Take the scooter to a bar, down a dozen shots and then drive home. Surely all those other bandaged travelers just don’t know how to ride as good as you!

Assume No One Speaks English

You’re in a foreign country, so naturally no one is going to understand English. Forget the fact that English speaking tourism has dominated the country for decades and the business savvy Thai are surprisingly handy with their English. If you get to a restaurant and it looks a bit different or funny compared to back home, feel free to bad mouth it willy nilly. Comment on the weird food that the locals are eating while you chow down on some French fries and a Starbucks coffee. If you do need to communicate with Thai people, make sure you speak really loudly. They only understand English at an extremely high volume. Just yell and they’ll understand you.

Skip the Cultural Crap and Get Drunk Everyday

Forget the fact that you’ve come half-way around the world and that you could get drunk everyday back home if you wanted. Now beers and shots are so much cheaper, so what else are you going to spend your money on? A visit to the Grand Palace in Bangkok costs 500 baht, that’s at least 8 beers at Happy Hour! Besides, walking around in the sun when you’re hungover sucks, you’d be better off staying in that cool bar and nursing your head with a few extra brews.

If you can’t tell, this article was written in jest, based off some of the outrageous things we saw while traveling through Thailand. Even though this article is a joke (and we ourselves have had our fair share of cheap beers and scooter rides) it’s important to remember that when you come to a foreign country you should be respectful of local customs and laws. After you’ve come and gone, real people with real lives are still here. Do your part and travel responsibly 🙂

What do you think about our tips for Thailand travel? Got any others? Drop us a comment below or find us on Facebook and Twitter!

Friday Faces: Cambodian Monk From Stung Treng

After a long delay we’re happy to bring back the popular segment Friday Faces! A photo collection of the interesting and unique people we met throughout our travels. This week we bring you a super friendly Cambodian monk that we met in the province of Stung Treng.

At the end of a long day exploring the quiet, and often unvisited, city of Stung Treng I was slowly making my way back to the guesthouse for a rest. As I was nearing the last corner, and daydreaming of kicking off my shoes and letting the dogs out, I happened to walk past an old pagoda (similar to a Wat in Thailand and often used to educate/house monks). I floated past an open window and heard the familiar sounds of an English class going on from one of the old run down classrooms. Naturally I popped my head in to check it out (as any fellow English teacher would understand of course). Immediately I was met with friendly gestures and invitations to come and join in with the class. Not wanting to miss a unique experience like this I forgot my tired feet and happily accepted the invitation and made my way round to the front entrance and into the pagoda ground.

“He offered to take me inside one of the locked temples to view a sacred buddhist statue and take a picture as a souvenir”

Before I even made it to the classroom I was skillfully intercepted by a very enthusiastic and friendly monk. He spoke a little bit of broken English, but what he lacked in vocabulary he definitely made up in confidence. He quizzed me on all kinds of random topics, no doubt odd lessons he’d studied here and there. Conversations ranged from family and Australia, to Cambodian food and something about religion I didn’t quite understand.

Next he offered to take me inside one of the locked temples to view a sacred buddhist statue and take a picture as a souvenir. On the way to the temple he continued to practice every last word of English that he knew, rapidly spitting out sentences and then trailing off to other topics and completely new sentences. I tried my best to keep up with him, but it was to nice to hear him so eager to show off his skills when sometimes the Cambodian monks can be pretty reserved.

As we made our way up the temple stairs a crowd of other monks began to gather around and watch what was going on. They shyly waved back at my introductions, remaining friendly, but they kept their distance and strength in numbers. When we entered the temple I was awe stuck by the beauty and intricate details of the decorations, it really was magical. I got a couple of snaps, and then my Cambodian monk buddy was insistent on taking a picture of me in front of the statue. Unfortunately I only had my fixed 50mm lens on, and it was too close, but I let him have a crack…. didn’t quite work out.

After a couple of tries we swapped roles and my new mate was more than happy to pose for a couple of portrait shots out the front of the temple. I snapped away, showing him the pictures, while he continued to chat away about all kinds of things. Without wanting to run him through a photo shoot I took a few more and thanked him very much. Before this experience I was hesitant to approach monks, especially to ask for a photo, believing that it might be intrusive and rude. Now that I’ve had this positive interaction with such a friendly guy, I look forward to chatting with another Cambodian monk interested in practicing their english!

Have you ever had an experience with a Cambodian monk, or a monk from anywhere else in the world? What was it like? Hit us up on Facebook or Twitter, or drop us a comment below!

Snapshot From: A Mekong River Longtail Boat

The longtail boat motor chugs away noisy, yet the boat gracefully glides across the mighty Mekong River in northern Cambodia. Cutting through the glassy surface like a hot knife through butter. Our driver cautiously navigates the countless rocks and trees poking out of the water. We’re coming towards the end of the dry season, so the water level is really shallow in some parts. From the edge of the boat I can occasionally see the bottom, and the obstacles on route pop up out of nowhere, with just enough frequency to make sure the boat driver stays alert.

Aside from the motor it’s very quiet along the river. Every time the driver slows down to navigate a rough patch the roaring motor quietens down and you remember just how peaceful it is out here. Nobody out here except the birds circling above, making their way to and from the wetlands.

Swirling whirlpools form around the rocky river bed. They twist and turn the boat as we approach them slowly. They’re only minor, but I’d hate to see them in the peak of the rainy season when the river flows full and fast. We continue on past them and then into another shallow section near one of the many islands that spring up along the Mekong.

Just when we’re about to come out of the shallow section we stop with a sudden halt and all of us lunge forward. We look over the edge of the boat and see that we’ve hit a big sandbank bang on in the middle of the river. We’re jammed up on the bank, so the only way out is to hop over the edge and push the boat.

“The sky dances between splashes of yellow, purple and orange before finally settling on a light pink haze that covers the sky”

The cool water feels very refreshing on my feet and I’m half tempted to jump in fully clothed. It wouldn’t matter, it’s so hot out that I’m going to dry quick anyway. The boat slowly moves itself off the bank, and just before I jump back in a splash myself down. We take off a bit faster now, and the feeling of the water on my face cools me down as it dries almost instantaneously.

The trip from the Laos border back to Stung Treng is about 4 hours, and the whole way I’m in awe of the natural beauty along the river. It’s truly stunning, especially towards the end of the trip as the sun starts to slowly set above the horizon of large trees. The sky dances between splashes of yellow, purple and orange before finally settling on a light pink haze that covers the sky and hangs on right up into our longtail boat comes to a stop.

We’re back on solid ground, but my head still rocks side to side for a while. As I found my footing again to climb the river bank I take one last look at the river before nightfall sets in. This is a view I could never get tired of!

Have you taken a Mekong River longtail boat recently? We’d love to hear about your experience! Drop us a comment below or come find us on Facebook or Twitter!