Travelfish newsletter Issue 350 : Lake Toba + one week in Laos + Where to stay another day in Thailand
Hi all,
This week we have fully updated coverage for Lake Toba in North Sumatra and another newly updated Laos itinerary, this time for a quick one week hop through the country.
Do make the time to explore the coast to the west of Lake Toba. It is just stunning. Photo: Stuart McDonald
Good travels,
Stuart, Sam and the Travelfish crew
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Soapbox
On booking hotels
You know the drill. All you want to do is stay at Joe’s Lodge. There is a double room listed on Agoda for $15, on Booking for $14, while on Joe’s own website the room is listed for $17. You give Joe’s a call and they’ll do what you think is the same room for $12, maybe less if you walk in and they have a spare room thanks to a last minute cancellation.
Of course, then if you look on Agoda of Booking’s smartphone apps, the prices are different again, sometimes lower, though not always. Likewise, if you log in to their website the rates may be different again. Then there are member coupons, cash backs and account credits.
When you called Joe’s they said not to book through Agoda or Booking (or any other online agent) as they only put their worst rooms with those companies—they save their best rooms for guests who book direct. But you’re looking at a bog standard double room—how much worse could a bad room really be?
Agoda says there is only two rooms left. Booking say there are three. Joe’s website says there are still nine.
Which of these rates include tax? Why does Agoda and Booking list a “service charge” while Joe’s doesn’t mention it at all. What is the service charge for?
All you want is a double room for tomorrow night. Why is this so complicated?!
Partly because commissions are flying all over the place. Book Joe’s through an online agent and they’ll be paying a commission on that sale—anything from 10% to 30 or 40% (or more!) of what you pay. Book via an affiliate to and online agent (say via a link on Travelfish) then while what you pay nor the commission should change the commission may get split between the online agent and the affiliate.
Our advice is, if you're travelling in low season, especially to lesser visited destinations, as long as you don’t mind door knocking a few places, then there is little need to book online in advance—just show up. On the other hand, peak season to a popular destination, then yes, booking in advance can be a very good idea. Likewise if you have your heart set on a particular place, then by all means book it.
You will see some variation between different agents, though often very little. Weigh up the value of your time as you scour the web looking for a rate that will save you $3—wouldn’t you rather be laying on the beach? On the other hand if you’re looking to spend more per night, say north of $100, check the agents, but also call or email the property. and ask after special deals for booking direct, and be sure to have checked the online agents first so you know what you can pay elsewhere for the same fare.
Good luck!
Stuart
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Talking Travel
Last time we wrote about some of our favourite places in Laos that we think are worth an extra day—this week we tackle Thailand.
Listen to the rice grow. Photo: Cindy Fan
Sangkhlaburi
When travellers dream of Thailand, they may picture jungles, sparkling temples and the exotic charm of rural villages -- Sangkhlaburi is home to all this. Located 225 kilometres northwest of Kanchanaburi and a mere 24 kilometres from the Burmese border, Sangkhlaburi’s seclusion only adds to its mystique.
A quiet moment in Sangkhlaburi. Photo: Stuart McDonald
Ko Bulon Lae
Palms sway as school kids laugh and play on a beachside field. Travellers swing in hammocks and stroll on flower-draped paths to the next languid bay. Away from the problems that blight more popular Thai islands, the serene environment on Ko Bulon Lae is likely here to stay.
Languid School Beach. Photo: David Luekens
Trang
Bastion of curry, kopi and cake, Trang is one of Southern Thailand’s most pleasant provincial capitals. In addition to the fantastic food scene, natural attractions in the surrounding province provide something to do between sips of the local Robusta brew. Most come for the islands, but food and culture enthusiasts would be wise to hang around town.
Jasmine tea alongside a cup of famed Trang coffee, or kopi. Photo: David Luekens
Nan
The tranquil provincial capital of Nan, with its boutique hotels and trendy coffee shops, along with the picturesque rural roads and well-ordered national parks of the province, are a phenomenon of the last 30 years; before that, Nan was a pretty wild place.
Nan temples and mountains
Kamphaeng Phet
Set astride the wide Ping River and framed by forested mountains in the west, the provincial capital of Kamphaeng Phet is best known for a small but worthwhile historical park. Hang around and you’ll find a fun riverfront with several good markets, spirited locals and very few tourists.
Dry season ruins at Wat Kamphaeng Ngam. Photo: David Luekens
Nong Khai
Straddling the Mekong River within earshot of Laos, Nong Khai is the most popular travel destination in Thailand’s northeastern “Isaan” region. With magnificent landscapes, waterfalls and serene forest temples in the surrounding province, the capital offers a good mix of riverside scenery, affordable accommodation, eclectic food and one quirky yet awe-inspiring sculpture park.
Travelfish partners
Browse popular short tours to Thailand
GetYourGuide lists a vast selection of short tours in and around Thailand including to Ko Samui, Ko Lanta, Khao Lak and Ang Thong National Marine Park. See their website for more information.
Ten things worth reading
Too many people want to travel
“The root cause of this surge in tourism is macroeconomic. The middle class is global now, and tens of millions of people have acquired the means to travel over the past few decades.”
Myanmar gem hunters rush to ‘land of rubies’ after law change
“Now, thousands of treasure hunters have rushed to the area, often risking their lives trying to mine for the elusive red gems.” (Video)
Laos: Venturing through Southeast Asia’s most isolated terrain
“Traditionally one of the most isolated parts of Southeast Asia, Laos awaits the arrival of a high-speed railway—and the impact of more Chinese investment. For now, there are less hurried ways to explore its byways.”
Angkor 101: How to visit Angkor for the first time visitor
“Scott and Trevor share their tips for first time visitors to the Angkor Archaeological Park near Siem Reap, Cambodia.” (Podcast)
Bangkok is sinking. How will Thailand’s capital cope when flooding disaster strikes again?
“With the weight of skyscrapers contributing to the city’s gradual descent into water, Bangkok has become a victim of its own frenetic development.”
Thai Muslim family keeps silk weaving heritage alive
“Over the click-clack of the teak loom, Niphon's family laments the lack of apprentice weavers at his Bangkok silk shop, as modernity lures young Muslims away from a trade their community has dominated for generations.”
Vu Linh homestays, Thac Ba Lake
“The tiny, lakeside commune of Vu Linh has several excellent homestays, most of which consist of picturesque, palm-thatched wooden houses on stilts above the water and crop fields.”
There are two types of airport people
“According to Jeffrey Conte, an organizational psychologist at San Diego State University, type-A people—those who tend to be impatient and ambitious—are often punctual. Type Bs, who tend to be more relaxed and less neurotic, generally arrive later.”
Lao dam collapse due to use of soil
“Earlier this month, an official with the dam project told RFA on condition of anonymity that the IEP had determined the dam collapse was the result of poor construction and the use of soil instead of concrete in a report it submitted to the Lao government in March, which also recommended that all other saddle dams at the site of the disaster be built with concrete.”
Three Junta critics assaulted in past month
“Pro-democracy activists and dissidents who have fled political persecution in Thailand have been at grave risk in neighboring countries.”
Something to read
The Coroner's Lunch: A Dr Siri Murder Mystery
“The Coroner’s Lunch is an intelligently fun and readable murder mystery set in Laos. This is the first book we’ve read by prolific author Colin Cotterill, and it won’t be the last.”
Travel shot
This is travel. Photo: Stuart McDonald
Till next time
That’s it from us for now. As usual, enjoy the site’s new additions and drop us a line if there’s something in particular you’d like us to cover in Southeast Asia.
Travel light!
Stuart, Sam & the Travelfish team
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