Sponger42 has an eye for details. I only have a couple of notes to add.
Quote:
Originally Posted by sponger42
The food around the temples is overpriced and just horrible. Figure out a way to pack your own eats in if you can. Exception: Coconuts! They're big, cheap and plentiful. Buy one and eat/drink up! Don't have too many or you'll encounter bowel problems.
|
Some hotels provide picnic lunch at a reasonable price. Find out how big is the portion, because 1 picnic lunch may be enough for 2 small eaters.
Quote:
|
If you go on a charter bus, your tour will include the cost of greasing the guards' palms. You can save a lot of money by DIYing the border crossing, but you need to know what you're doing. Firmly negotiate down the price the Guard tells you to pay down to a few dollars (2-4 USD per person) more than the fee clearly posted on the sign above his head. (Haha.) Be nice, but don't let them push you around or you'll just make it harder for the next westerner crossing after you.
|
About this DIY stuff to save 2-4 USD, one could be walking in to a sting operation. Or worst still, you risk rubbing the border guard's face in the wrong direction.
The assumption that Asians tend to touch others more may be correct; grown men are seen to walk hand-in hand and so are the women. But they are usually siblings or childhood friends who grew up together, and were encouraged to do so by parents to prevent them from being separated at crowded places. However if a stranger touches another adult's head, shoulder or hand, be alert and hold on to your wallet, camera and valuables. Pickpockets and bag snatchers-on-bikes can be that exciting.
