John Saboe's Far East Travels

In this episode I'm coming to you from a little patch of sand on T20 Beach in Da Nang, Vietnam. In normal times on a Friday late afternoon I would probably be seeing many tourists on this beach that had just arrived from different cities in Vietnam, East Asia, and Southeast Asia. Due to the pandemic it appears many of these luxury resorts sit quiet waiting for things to open up again. The American Forces dubbed this whole strip of coastline from Son Tra(Monkey Mountain), south to Hoi An, "China Beach" during the Vietnam War. It was an R&R retreat for armed forces stationed throughout the region. The 95th Evacuation Hospital was used as the basis for the fictional 510th Evacuation Hospital in the ABC Television Network series China Beach that aired between 1988-91. These are some of the most beautiful beaches in Southeast Asia with something for everyone. If you want a quiet spot or if you want to join a volleyball match or surf that's available to you as well as just observing the life of fisherman on Ma

It's one of Vietnam's premier destinations, with a world-class pristine stretch of beach, plenty of outdoor activities in the region, ancient and historical sites and more. Da Nang, Vietnam is one of the countries most desirable places to live and attracting more foreigners in recent years for long term stays. Because Da Nang is central it makes it very easy to move between the countries two largest cities, Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi, It also boasts an international airport with direct flights to several major cities in Asia. In fact the first time I visited this area in 2015 I took a direct flight back to my home at the time, Taipei, Taiwan. I'm looking forward to sharing many insights into the area with you over the next several months. Help others discover the Far East Travels Podcast by writing a review:https://apple.co/2MB2K9ySupport the podcast by becoming a patron:https://www.patreon.com/FarEastTravels

In this episode thoughts on the recent coup in Myanmar and an update on Tet in Vietnam and the latest outbreak mostly in the north. Many Lunar New Year festivities are being scaled back across East Asia and Southeast Asia. Typically 300 million people, the world's largest migration of people takes place in China every year for their "Spring Festival". Transport operators have put into place stricter measures to ensure the safety of the public. The Dihua Street Lunar New Year Market, one of my favorite LNY events in Taipei has been cancelled this year. Here in Vietnam many events have been scaled back. Thanks again for your support!Write A Review:https://apple.co/3jvc8r9Support the podcast with a monthly pledge:https://www.patreon.com/FarEastTravels

Join me from one of a few Tet Festival Markets taking place in Saigon, Vietnam. This one from District 1's Le Van Tam Park. In the episode I talk about how unless you are visiting relatives here I would advise not traveling to Vietnam during the Tet Festival. Reasons like transporation challenges, competing with millions of Vietnamese for plane, train, and bus tickets is one of the biggest ones. I forgot to mention in the podcast that many restaurants shut down during the festival so if you were coming to Vietnam to explore food this would make it difficult. Before the festival, which takes place every year sometime usually within the first six weeks of the regular new year would be a good time or even a week after the festival, as many events are still taking place. Thanks again for listening!Support the podcast with a monthly pledge:https://www.patreon.com/FarEastTravelsWrite a review:https://apple.co/38PY7Rm

In this episode more sounds and atmosphere direct from the Binh Tay Market, District 6&5, and the giant Tet Lunar New Year Market. One of the most colorful times of year has to be the lead up to the Tet Holiday, Vietnam's most important celebration. Colorful ornamental artificial flower displays and decorations splash with color and spill out onto the street as vendors wave in potential customers as they drive by on their motorbikes. Tet is centered around the family gathering or reunion when many Vietnamese leave the big cities like Saigon for their hometown and the New Year's Eve dinner. Many symbols and rituals play an important part in helping to get the New Year off to a good start. Hope you're enjoying these episodes.Support the podcast by writing a review:https://apple.co/38PY7RmSupport the podcast with a monthly pledge:https://www.patreon.com/FarEastTravels

Another chance in this episode to feel the pulse of Saigon, Vietnam and it's Tanh Dinh Ward in District 1 with a walking tour of it's most prominent sites. Fully worth exploring whenever you visit Ho Chi Minh City this is an interesting neighborhood with a mix of retail, local traditional markets, and the beautiful Tanh Dinh "Pink Church". Thanks for listening! Email me-john@fareasttravels.com. Follow me on IG-johnsaboesfareastravels. Facebook-Far East Travels Podcast, Far East Travels. Write a review:https://apple.co/38t5BtfSupport the podcast:https://www.patreon.com/FarEastTravels

Happy New Year! I'm back with another experience podcast with a walk through the Thi Nghe Market in Ho Chi Minh City's Binh Thanh District. This is a handy market for me to visit for street food, snacks, lunch, and fruit and a great market for anyone visiting that's staying in District 1. An alternative to Ba Chieu Market if you found that one too overwhelming, (featured in the last episode), with less motorbike traffic. The walk along the canal is always nice in the mornings or evenings. This market has all of the items you'd find in most markets that are larger and there are some great little places in the neighborhood that serve classic noodle dishes, banh mi, and com chay, veg. rice. Hope you are enjoying these episodes. Stay safe and well!Write a review:https://apple.co/3pyRBntHelp support the podcast:https://www.patreon.com/FarEastTravels

Join me for a walk through one of the busiest local markets in Saigon, Vietnam. The Ba Chieu Market is located in Ho Chi Minh City's Binh Thanh District, a short 10-12 minute taxi ride from District 1. I'm always encouraging travelers to get away from the tourist places in order to get a real sense of what the people of Vietnam, or for that matter, wherever you're traveling. Tourists markets or zones are convenient and English friendly but attitudes towards foreigners are very different than from a neighborhood or in this example a local's market. People often get a skued sense of what people are like in Vietnam when they stick to the tourist path. It's also a fascinating way to get to the know the culture, what they eat, and how they do business. I hope you enjoy these experience type episodes. Stay in touch either by email-john@fareasttravels.com. johnsaboesfareasttravels on IG or The Far East Travels Podcast page or Far East Travels page on Facebook. Support:https://www.patreon.com/FarEastTravels

There's so much to cover for India's biggest and richest city, Mumbai. In this episode I'll start with the streetfood, some of the restaurants I enjoyed on my last visit, what to expect as far as accomodations go, and some sights and things you should do. It's an incredible food city, one of my all time favorites, and of course the street food plays a big part in the makeup of the food scene in Mumbai. There are a vast array of restaurants that specialize in regional dishes, like Gurajati, Keralan, as well as continential, other Asian restuarants, almost anything you can think of you can get in Mumbai. This is a great place to stroll, especially in Churchgate, Fort, Kala Ghoda. Stop for a refreshment of juice, coconut water, sugarcane juice, or duck into an air-conditioned cafe for a tea or coffee. I'll cover off much more in future episodes such as annoyances, other important sites and things to see and do.Restaurants:"Mahesh Lunch Home"-several locations, this is the one I visited.8-B, Cawasji Patel Rd. For

I often get asked what's Christmas like in East or Southeast Asia. On this Christmas morning in Ho Chi Minh City I woke up to the din of traffic noise, sellers with loud megaphones blasting out messages of coconuts and brooms for sale, and the loud banging of construction. So Christmas is just another day here but of course it's not surprising with Christmas not being a national holiday a only maybe a grade above how Halloween is celebrated. A brief talk on Christmas in this part of the world and a look back at my last trip to Northern Thailand in 2016 visiting Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.Support the Podcast:https://www.patreon.com/FarEastTravelsWrite a review in the Apple Podcasts:https://apple.co/37P7ksq

I do not recommend travel for leisure at this time but there are places that currently welcome tourists. I did not mention Thailand but the Kingdom is now open to tourists from all countries. Please check the Thai Embassy websites for further details. Nepal is open to tourists as are the Maldives but this is definitely risky traveling at this time for holidays. There are options for people to work and or study in Asia at this time. I mention options in this episode. I also failed to mention that indeed Vietnam is open to experts in their field with a proper job offer and visa and that does now include English teachers.Help support the podcast:https://www.patreon.com/FarEastTravelsWrite a review:https://apple.co/34CY2xO

In this episode a short update on apps that will most likely be used to confirm COVID tests and vaccines before you board your flight in the future. As well as a look back at one of the most underated destinations in my opinion in Southeast Asia, Malaysian Borneo. Kuching, Sarawak is a wonderful city to base yourself for some unique outdoor and wildlife adventures. Not necessarily a place for beach destinations, Sabah is better, it's convenient for a trip to Bako National Park and the Semmenggoh Nature Reserve for Orangu tan viewing. Hope you are safe and well! Keep dreaming and planning your adventures!Support the podcast by becoming a patron:https://www.patreon.com/FarEastTravelsWrite a review of the podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/far-east-travels-podcast/id1079513943?itsct=podcast_box&itscg=30200

Thanks so much for supporting the podcast. It's been way too long since my last update but in this episode I have alot to cover including the current situation in Southeast Asia and the re-opening of Thailand to long-term tourists. An update from Ho Chi MInh City, Vietnam, and some highlights of my last trips to Nepal in 2018. I have some amazing listeners to thank in this episode with their very kind iTunes reviews as well. I'm looking for anything to inspire and keep me dreaming of travel like you. I would love to hear how you're doing. You can contact at john@fareasttravels.com or message me on my IG account-johnsaboesfareasttravels. Here's the link from the National Geographic video I mentioned in the episode:https://youtu.be/8G0fNkk4g0ASupport the podcast:https://www.patreon.com/FarEastTravelsWrite a review:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/far-east-travels-podcast/id1079513943?itsct=podcast_box&itscg=30200

Tom MacLean is a travel expert and travel entrepreneur who has been a professional in the travel industry for 20 years. Tom is also a world traveler and extremely passionate about travel and like all of us who love travel is dying to get on a plane and explore the world. Tom gives us his opinion as an industry expert on the current travel landscape and when we can realistically expect to travel internationally.Tom also shares why he loves travel and how it benefits us all to travel the world and see the differences in cultures as well as the similarities we all share as human beings. Tom also shares some of his favorite places he's visited in the last few years.Support the podcast by becoming a patron:https://www.patreon.com/FarEastTravelsHelp others discover the podcast by writing a review in the iTunes Store:https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/far-east-travels-podcast/id1079513943?mt=2

The Thai government voted this week to implement a new 90 day tourist visa that would be available from possibly sometime in October. This 90 tourist visa would cost 200 baht and be extendable up to two times allowing a tourist to stay in Thailand for up to 9 months. So far it appears tourists would be allowed to visit Thailand from Taiwan, China, and some European countries. For more information it's recommended you speak with an agency or airline certified by TAT, Tourism Authority Of Thailand, or the closest Thai embassy or consultate near you.Support the podcast by becoming a patron:https://www.patreon.com/FarEastTravelsHelps others discover the podcast by writing a review in the iTunes Store:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/far-east-travels-podcast/id1079513943?itsct=podcast_box&itscg=30200

I was recently inspired by two articles published this year by National Geographic and The Washington Post on why it's so important for our mental health to continue making travel plans during this pandemic. I have suffered the same state as everyone else who is used to making travel plans. Why bother, when we don't know when we'll be able to travel freely? The simple reason is it helps us move forward, think positive thoughts, and helps prevent a hopeless feeling. Much more on this in the podcast. There are lots of places to get inspiration from whether it's movies, YouTube videos, Pinterest, Instagram or Facebook, and there's never been a more flexible time to make travel plans knowing that almost all airlines and hotels will issue you a complete refund if you cancel. Love to get your feedback on this topic. Follow up with me on Facebook, Instagram, or john@fareasttravels.com. Thanks Rebecca Lem for your recent review in the iTunes Store! You can help others discover the Far East Travels Podcast by writing

Will Phuket be opening up to select international travelers October 1st? That's the question, actually there are several things regarding the "Phuket Model" that haven't been cleared up one of which is will it actually open up at all, let alone October 1st. There are lots of stipulations regarding travel to Phuket that can only best be cleared up by checking with your local Thai Embassy or Consulate. Maldives is also open to travelers, the question is will you have issues getting there or leaving even if you can secure flights. I really feel for these countries, particularily the people that rely on tourism to put food on the table. But it remains to be seen if anyone can open up their doors to tourism while keeping their population safe. Thanks for listening! I always love to hear from listeners so please feel free to connect with me on Instagram,(johnsaboesfareasttravels). Facebook-Far East Travels Podcast, Far East Travels, John Saboe Official. Or send me an email-john@fareasttravels.com.

Currently there are no countries issuing tourist visas in either Southeast Asia or East Asia. I think it's safe to say that with a possible exception of one or two countries it will still be some time before travel for tourists will resume in these regions. With the recent resurgence of COVID-19, particularily where there had not been any community cases detected in months I would not expect countries to start issuing tourist visas or visas on arrival until 2021. Of course that doesn't mean you can't plan or dream for next year. While you're staying away from the crowds and safe at home what better time to start researching for your next big adventure. I'm receiving lots of messages, inquiries from people saying they heard travel will resume in September or October or late fall in Asia. What I think is happening is as countries start opening up their borders again for business people, highly skilled experts, and investors, people are assuming that travel is also opening up for tourists. This is not the case.

In this episode I share how lately I've opened up my imagination to travel through watching Indian cinema and looking back at my last extensive trip to Mumbai and South India.I've chatted with a few of you about when we'll be able to travel again and helped some of you with thinking about your travel plans for 2021. Personally I have also been finding it difficult to visualize travel with the current situation with no answers to when we'll be able to travel internationally again. Recently I started watching Indian movies and not only has it helped me think back on previous trips to India but it's opened up my mind to visualizing when I can travel again and where I would like to go. If you're having a hard time imagining where to travel next we all know we can go to YouTube for travel ideas and insights, but cinema is also a wonderful way to be inspired, not only by images but by stories and cultural differences that are reflected in movies. Almost every country in East Asia, Southeast Asia, and of course Sout

Honestly I really don't know why I don't talk about Malaysian Borneo-Sarawak/Sabah more! I have so many wonderful memories of these places to eating amazing seafood dinners to climbing to the roof of Borneo on Mt. Kinabalu. In this episode I cover the main centers of the states of Sarawak and Sabah, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu respectively. Of course there's tons of other places to see and adventures to experience I don't talk about in this episode but this will certainly getting you started on your vision of a trip to Malaysian Borneo. This place really does have it all including modern sophisticated resorts if you prefer or basic hostel accomodations. Some of the more serious adventures aren't cheap, my hike up Mt. Kinabalu was over $500USD and if you want to make a trip out to the Danum Valley that will be expensive too unless you book accomodation at the park huts, which you'll need to do months in advence. Also of note I will say is even in the tourist places I never felt like I was a target as much as in