16 Things We Wish We Knew - WATCH BEFORE Traveling to Thailand and Vietnam

[@MrTdacosta]

We were in Vietnam and Cambodia several years ago and instead of boiling water, we purchased a “Steripen” from REI which is an ultraviolet wand which you insert into up to one liter of water. The wand emits an ultraviolet high-intensity light for a pre-determined amount of time (about a minute) which kills the bacteria and viruses in the water. We then used the water for drinking or brushing our teeth - much more convenient than having to boil the water to use when brushing teeth or drinking.

[@BrianandCarrie]

That's a great idea Skip! It would also keeps us from buying plastic bottles. Something we will look into. Thank you 😊 Cheers 🍻

[@patticulver]

Thanks for sharing that!

[@snakeater4969]

Thank you very much for your detailed and necessary tips for ways to do things before and during your trips to save hassles and dead ends! You are simply the very Best, and on point about everything that you describe in a genuine friendly and always easy to understand format. Kudos to the both of you! You two are as dynamic and mutually back and forth give and take a tag team for covering all the bases as Jerry Lewis & Dean Martin; Abbott and Costello; and Laurel and Hardy - not like in their slapstick humorous co-efficiency but in the sense of your seamless integration of the precise facts of knowledge needed! Thank you very much indeed for your dedication to your craft; time; efforts; perseverance; and patience to produce your fine informative videos. ….but I would of liked knowledge of one cultural economic diversity between Vietnam & Thailand - namely tipping, when is it appropriate and expected. An approximation of how much for different circumstances? Does a smile and thank you, perhaps in their specific language carry the instance or when the current norm of tips is expected or warranted? P.S. I am new to your channel (only a couple of days in fact), so I wonder if you have produced the same type of videos previously for traveling to South Korea; Japan; Taiwan; Singapore; and the Philippines? Also a video or videos of the social and cultural taboos of what Not to do or what is frowned upon in these countries (i.e. when in Thailand Don’t denigrate or desecrate photos or images of the King/Prince or you might be thrown in a prison with No hope of ever getting out forever, lol; or that in Vietnam public display of affection like kissing, holding hands, or hugging is looked down upon). These things which might be okay for us Americans may conflict or have some serious repercussions and consequences if perpetrated in other countries, regardless of your ignorance of their ancient societal norms and taboos. I have yet to become a “Borderless Traveller” during my retirement, but I am planning on it due in part to your outstanding videos. Thank you for your time, patience, and efforts in consideration of my comments. Respectfully submitted, - a loyal subscriber for Life!

[@jeffgirod4335]

Love the videos, my wife and I moved to Germany six years ago from the US and have been traveling ever since. A quick clarification, customs is where you declare imported goods and immigration is where they check you documents, visas, passports, etc. It seems these two areas are commonly confused. Also, in Thailand, you can get sim cards in any 7-11 store using your passport.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Great tips, thank you so much 😊

[@janh.4479]

So glad I finally found your videos as we are heading to SE Asia in 6 weeks (from Seattle too!) and while almost everything is in place for our trip, it's great to know the 'little things' that could make a trip go south, i.e. saving your boarding passes, having hotel information ready, etc. Really appreciate all your information! Thanks!

[@BrianandCarrie]

We are happy that you found our channel as well, Jan! Thank you for watching and commenting!! Safe travels! 😊

[@pg618]

A very important thing is to confirm which handbrake controls the front or back. It depends on what country they were made in and if they were meant to drive on the left side or the right side.

[@stephengunn3903]

Well Done! Agree with all your comments and suggestions. This is an incredible part of the world. Full of amazing food, culture, scenery and wonderful people!

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thanks, you two!! We are really enjoying Da Nang!

[@sarahkirby2956]

Great video, as usual. I hate buying so much water in plastic bottles. We use a water purifier called Steripen by Katadyn. It's an Ultra UV Water purifier and it's amazing. In just 90 seconds, we have 1L of tap water that we can drink. I learned about it from another travel blogger and it's amazing!!

[@BrianandCarrie]

That is a great tip, Sarah! There is A LOT of plastic used here in SE Asia. We have found that buying the big jugs of water is less expensive and you are at least cutting back on water bottles. We like your way better!! 😉Thank you for watching!! Cheers!!🍻

[@raewynannbenten1385]

We have had our Katadyn filter for 34 years and it still works perfectly. It was originally developed for the Swiss Army. In the Republic of Congo, we used our Katadyn to filter filthy puddle water in the jungle as that was our only available water source when we were over landing in a remote area. The water was green and viscous and it came out clear and ready to drink. We drank it without any ill effects. We never travel without it, especially in developing countries. It means you don’t spend a fortune on bottled water and far better for the environment. It is an investment and intital cost layout but worth their weight in gold if you intend travelling for extended periods of time through multiple countries.

[@gislanefigueiredo8003]

My tips for you lol You should put on all your videos the Hotels Airbnb etc and very important the location bc I think for many of the people that’s looking for this type of video is very important the location of hotels and where staying. Thank you!!! 😊

[@BrianandCarrie]

Hi! Thanks for the suggestion - we do put the link to the hotel or Airbnb where we stayed in the video description. This way people can see the exact location. Thanks so much for watching 😊. Cheers!!

[@johnvillalovos]

I am a big fan of using an e-SIM if your phone supports it. I've used Airalo multiple times with good results. It is nice to land in a country and be able to immediately get online.

[@BrianandCarrie]

We have found that it is a necessity, especially when we use Grab and other apps for transportation.

[@livingworkingoutsidebox]

Well done. Super informative 😊

[@BrianandCarrie]

Glad it was helpful! Cheers

[@Fell214]

Best nomad travel channel. Always informative and honest.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you so much! We really appreciate the kind words! Cheers 🍻

[@Fell214]

@@BrianandCarrie BTW…just finished a few weeks in Madeira. Highly recommend.

[@BrianandCarrie]

We will absolutely be going the next time we head that direction. Probably fall 2024.

[@Fell214]

@@BrianandCarrie How far out do you folks make concrete plans for places to visit?

[@BrianandCarrie]

We usually have an idea 6-8 months out but don't book anything until maybe 3 months out or so.

[@nancyseal1126]

That was awesome detailed information. Starting our South East Asia tour in January 2024. Feel so much more informed. Keep these great packages coming. We are adding Bali to our 3 month tour. Hope you give us all a review of this area. Safe travels

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you, Nancy. We may be back in 2024 ourselves. We are really enjoying our time here in Vietnam and looking forward to Southern Thailand and Malaysia in the coming months. Thank you again for your support. Cheers!!🍻

[@denisefitzgerald3964]

Thanks for another great video. So much appreciate your detailed cost and budget videos also. My hubby and I spent 3 months last year mostly Phuket area. We did not go on a lot of side trips. So we are heading back to SE Asia in Sept 23' for a year of budget slow travel. We are going to visit Northern Thailand, Koh Samui and other islands, Bali, Lombok, Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Borneo, Cambodia, Singapore. We plan to stay at least a month in each place. Looking forward to more videos from both of you!

[@BrianandCarrie]

That sounds like a fantastic itinerary! We loved our time in Thailand. We left Malaysia today and are in Singapore now before heading home for a month then off to Europe. We will be back next Jan. to do another round of SE Asia, most of the places that you mention are on our list. Thank you for watching and safe travels. Cheers!!🍻

[@TomXanhHuang]

I am not sure I would agree with the best time to visit. North Vietnam is chilling during the period you recommended and it’s usually cloudy. Especially in some months it can get really really humid (9x-100%) and foggy. I would recommend the summer.

[@robertmcfarlane4151]

Another great, detailed, informative and comprehensive guide to everything you need to know (or didn't even know you needed to know) for travelling in Thailand and Viet Nam. Brian and Carrie thoroughly cover off the details which many will not know. We can learn from their few missteps (they aren't even mistakes) and benefit from their wisdom. All of this is explained and shown in this easy to understand format. I thank you you doing this and keeping the jealous wanna-be traveller aware of what hoops need to be covered. Thailand is on my bucket list, Viet Nam wasn't. I especially like the explanation of the shots/vaccines that were available, what you chose and why. Not everyone does this. Thanks you two. Keep up the great work!

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you, Robert, for all the kind words, comments like this keep us motivated. We are loving both Vietnam and Thailand and look forward to getting down to southern Thailand and the beaches next month!! Thank you again for the support! Cheers!!🍻

[@michellelkphoto1543]

This video is totally different from your European format...and I love it! Seeing the nitty gritty of travel is SO helpful. Thank you!!

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you, Michelle. We try to think out of the box and add something different every few videos. Glad that you enjoy this style of video!! Thank you for supporting us! Cheers!!🍻

[@limitedrecess]

just started binging your videos! my suggestion if you want to lessen the hassle is to get an e-sim instead of a physical sim, just make sure your phones can handle it :) just search which ones per country is more reputable/has better coverage

[@BrianandCarrie]

E-sim do not work in most phones purchased in the US, including ours.

[@jerrygarcia4390]

@@BrianandCarriewow, that’s just crazy. I bought a cheap smart phone in Ecuador in January 2024. Hopefully, that one will work for me in Asia 🤔

[@offhamsterwheel2789]

hi great info, like to add that when visiting HCM/Saigon during rainny months, the city does experiences flooding in some parts, the flooding can reach knee high in some areas, just be aware.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Oh goodness, thank you so much for sharing. This is very good information to know for anyone visiting.

[@paulettenguyen971]

Great video with lots of useful information!

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you for watching, Paulette! ❤

[@juw17450]

Thanks for another great video, Brian and Carrie. I love hearing about your travels and there are always things I learn that I didn't know before. 🙂Just a heads up if you're planning to visit Australia... we have the same rules for carry on baggage on our airlines as they do in Asia. They go by weight (and it includes everything you bring on the plane!) - Qantas has a limit of 10kgs and Jetstar and Virgin have a limit of 7kgs. Qantas often don't check the weight however Jetstar certainly do!

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you for the heads up, Julie. We know that we will need to check our bags at some point and feel lucky that we haven't had a problem YET!! Australia is on our list!! Thank you for watching!! Cheers!!🍻

[@dsbraid]

Hi Brian and Carrie, great info and video, not sure if anyone has suggested or not but the cooking school in Hoi Ann is called Miss Vy's. Such a great experience. And for the ultimate beer and Bahn Mi package is at Main Fish restaurant. Such a great feed etc. Keep up the good work 👍😄🍻

[@BrianandCarrie]

Hi, David. Thank you for the tips on Hoi Ann. We will be visiting this weekend and looking forward to a Bahn Mi and beer!! Cheers!!🍻

[@nomadjim]

I'm currently doing a 5-month trip around Southeast Asia as well. Started out in Vietnam for a month, now in Cambodia. I would definitely recommend adding Cambodia to your itinerary if it's not already. I loved Phnom Penh (staying in the BKK1 neighborhood, which is awesome) and of course you have to visit Angkor Wat. Cheers!

[@BrianandCarrie]

Hi, Jim! We are planning on Cambodia in Jan. 2024. We love the region and have decided that we can't see everything that we want to see in one trip. We slow travel to keep our costs as low as possible. Thank you for the tip on Phnom Penh and where you stayed! Very helpful! Thank you for watching and supporting us! Cheers!!🍻

[@jacquelinekrantz3937]

I just found your channel and you two are very relatable and very informative. Is there any way you can do a luggage packing video with your must haves when traveling? I am a known overpacker and I know other people are too.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Hi, Jacqueline! We did a packing video last year but if you're just looking for our must-have items then you can go to our website. www.brianandcarrietravels.com/ Thank you for watching our channel! Cheers!!🍻

[@elizaC3024]

Thank you again for your in depth video, you have already given me 4 things that I wasn't aware of for our upcoming trip to Thailand.

[@whirltraveller1350]

Excellent! Excellent! Excellent! Nothing more to add. Roger

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you, Roger!!

[@cosmicadventurer1999]

Just saw this vlog and subscribed. I just returned from Singapore and Bangkok. At BKK airport going back to Singapore, I was asked to show that I had ticket leaving Singapore. In all of my Asian travels, I’ve never had to show this. But always a first time. I never read about visa on arrival in Vietnam. Hmmm. . .

[@BrianandCarrie]

Interesting! We are going to have everything ready just in case, we don't want any complications! Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment! We appreciate the support. Cheers 🍻

[@tonymodrono5953]

Thanks Brian and Carrie. Another great video with plenty of helpful info. We really enjoy watching your videos. Tony and Tracy

[@BrianandCarrie]

Tony and Tracy, thank you so much for the support and for watching our channel! Cheers!!🍻

[@gabriellefata4800]

FYI monsoon season is different in koh Tao/samui/phangan if anyone reading is going to scuba

[@ClarksonsinUSA]

We fell in Love with Vietnam when we went!

[@grifsfoodandtravel]

A lot of great advice! Now we are ready for our Thailand and Vietnam trip.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Hey, guys!! We see that you have a food and travel channel!! Thailand will be perfect for you!!! We will check out your videos!! Thank you for watching and safe travels!! Cheers!!🍻

[@juliettezaiser784]

Enjoying getting to know you and also appreciate your sharing of information. We are leaving Japan at the end of the summer after 6 years here, 5 in Cairo and 4 in Tbilisi, Georgia. On to....wait for it: Dominican Republic. Soooo, hoping to start sharing our knowledge. And hope to meet you two, somewhere...sometime. And have a beer!

[@BrianandCarrie]

Wed love to meet you somewhere someday!! Thank you for watching and safe travels!!

[@pandabearoceanpark]

As usual, you vlog is loaded with information. Really love it!

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you so much for watching!! Cheers!!🍻

[@suerowan3594]

Hello Brian and Carrie 😍 from Queensland Australia great video many helpful recommendations I am travelling to Thailand later this year. So happy I found your channel have just watched every video so enjoyable. Thank you for sharing your journey looking forward to further videos . Safe travels take care Sue 😊

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you for watching, Sue, we appreciate the support!! You will love your time in Thailand and safe travels to you as well. Cheers!!🍻

[@joanneyoung8571]

Thanks for this video. I found it really useful

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you for watching, Joanne! Cheers!!🍻

[@sherrygonzales5437]

Alway the best and most informative videos on travel. Love you guys.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you, Sherry! We appreciate the support! Cheers!!🍻

[@worldnomaderic]

Great summary video. I'm in Thailand now (5 months total as a DN). You guys are spot on with your advice. Safe travels!

[@BrianandCarrie]

thank you, Eric! We will be back in Thailand in a couple of weeks! Where are you currently?

[@worldnomaderic]

@@BrianandCarrie My wife and I are in Samui, headed for Hua Hin on 3 days. We did Chiang Mai, Phuket, Samui, and finishing in Hua Hin. I recommend skipping Phuket!

[@BrianandCarrie]

Nice! We decided to spend a month in Koh Samui instead of Phuket. we will visit Phuket but we arent staying long. Safe travels!

[@davidw9459]

Great content guys. Was great to catch up with you in Chiang Mai. Am sure you will enjoy Vietnam just as much as we do. Can recommend Monkey Mountain (Lady Buddha) and Marble Mountain as day trips from Da Nang. Also, try to get to Hoi An for a few days. Cheers, David & Julie

[@BrianandCarrie]

Hi, David and Julia! It was great meeting you two! We are very much enjoying Vietnam and plan to do all that you mentioned including a couple nights in Hoi An. Hoping that we can get some sunshine soon!!! 🍻

[@mdm40mdm]

Best travel channel on KZbin! Thanks for providing important information, not just what you’re doing. You two are awesome! Subscribers for life!

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you so much for the kind words and for supporting us!! We very much appreciate it!! Cheers!!🍻

[@ShouldWeLiveHere]

Loved your video! ❤Information like this is hard to find so I really appreciate it. We are planning to go to SE Asia in late 2023. Would love to see if you get tailor made clothes in Hoi An. I’d also be interested to know which places and experiences are your top picks - to help us plan where to visit. I also appreciated in your Chiang Mai video where you suggested the best neighborhood to stay in and why.

[@BrianandCarrie]

We will be doing videos on Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia at the end of each stay. We will cover the pros and cons as well as the overall cost of each location. This is something that we have done at all of our past locations as well. We will be sure to check out your Mexico videos!! We will be making our way there in the fall!! Thank you for watching! Cheers!!🍻

[@stevefrick9098]

Great content and enjoy your “back and forth” just like me and my wife 😂

[@WallaceTaylor-pm5pn]

Perhaps a comment on the denominations of bank notes. Agree that small vendors prefer cash but some don't like giving change for high denomination notes. I have had a couple of instances where the vendor thought it should be a tip and things got uncomfortable whilst we sorting it out. ATMs tend to only dispense high value notes so this can be an issue. Haven't been to Vietnam for 20 years but found that, like many developing countries on various continents, US $1.00 bills can make things happen or make purchases very easy for you.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Great point, Wallace. Thank you for adding this to the channel! Very much appreciated. Cheers!!🍻

[@jimjensen9139]

Great job answered lots of daily life questions. Thanks much.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you for watching, Jim!! Cheers!!🍻

[@anitamendez116]

As always, great and informative video. Thank you so much for all the work you put into these videos to make sure your audience is getting accurate and informative information. ❤

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you for watching, Anita. We very much appreciate the support. Cheers!!🍻

[@d.y.e3803]

Great vlog!!! These are some really good tips to point out to newbies to Southeast Asia. I'm sure that others wish they had also known some of those tips before having gone off to S.E. Asia. I started going, almost annually and solo, back in the late 1990s and up into February of 2020, spending up to 6-weeks at a time. I had planned to go to Vietnam in Jan 2020, but was in Asia in the middle of the Covid situation and decided not to add on another destination while there. Plus, I didn't want to have to pay for a visa. I had been in Bangkok for three weeks, as usual, and then flew on to Penang, as usual, and after Penang back down to my usual Singapore before flying home two weeks after staying at my hotel in Singapore. I figured that if I got Covid, let it be in either Bangkok or Singapore as they had become my home-away-from-home destinations. Plus, I have a medical card for Bumrungrad hospital in Bangkok. Unless things have changed, one can just walk in and request a medical card and then one has a medical number in case there's an emergency like when I had a torn medial meniscus some years later, but just called for a medical appointment and gave my medical number over the phone. I was offered a same-day appointment with an Orthopedic specialist, but decided on the next day. After I was seen by both a nurse and the Orthopedic specialist, I was prescribed medication for the pain since I was almost on my way back home. My total medical bill was under $40. I paid it with my credit card and didn't even file a claim with my travel insurance company. There are other Asian countries that I've been to both in S.E. Asia and other places in Asia. But, I love both S.E. Asia in the winter and Japan in the summer. The heat doesn't bother me at all. The first time I took off, in the late 90s, it was from L.A.- Singapore-Bali-Singapore-Chiangmai-Bangkok-L.A. I just read up on my destinations of interest, booked the flights, took off and not with any electronic devices. I didn't even own a computer then. Plus, I still don't travel with an internationally-connected cell phone. Just hand me a paper map, twirl me around a few times, and point or push me in the right direction and I'll be fine. It must have been my Girl Scout training back in elementary school the mid-60s. Follow the sun and sunset. LOL! As for the skytrain in Bangkok, it was a life saver when it was built. I was first in Bangkok years before either the skytrain or the subway existed and street traffic was in total gridlock. It could take 30 minutes to go one block. One day I walked, across town, from the Oriental Hotel to my hotel, the Siam Intercontinental Hotel, in the Siam district as the traffic wasn't moving. Now on that land is Paragon Mall. There was a lot of tear shed from guests when the Siam Intercontinental Hotel was torn down. I last stayed there a few months before the demolition started. Google it. Gorgeous traditional Thai hotel. That hotel used to have the most land of any hotel in Bangkok and beautiful peacocks used to roam around on the land. And Thai people lived in wooden houses on the other side of the fence as every morning we'd wave out our windows to each other. I'm glad I was in Bangkok when I first started going there and when I would even spot the man walking his elephant down Rajadamri Road, around midnight, past one of my other hotels. LOL! This was before the massive amounts of high-rise structures popped up. Airfare from L.A. to Bangkok for many years was cheaper than flying from L.A. to a lot of places in the U.S. as we have the largest population of Thais living outside of Thailand and we're jokingly referred to as the 78th province of Thailand. Thai Air flights were usually booked solid out of LAX. It's too bad they're not allowed to fly out of LAX anymore. I switched over to Singapore Air years ago. Greetings from Los Angeles

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you so much for adding this to the channel! Love the history and hearing about how things have changed. We are loving our time here in SE Asia so much that we are planning on returning next year to explore more of the area including Japan. Thank you again for watching and taking the time to write your experiences! We very much appreciate the support. Cheers!🍻

[@d.y.e3803]

You're welcome! I came upon your channel totally by accident and will now be watching it. Whenever you get to Japan, I'm sure you'll love it. I was there three summers in a row into summer 2019. I'm sure you'll get to Kyoto and while there, as for hotels, I love both the Hyatt Regency and Four Seasons, on the same street. However, I've also stayed in other hotels in Kyoto as I spend 7-9 nights straight there. Greetings from Los Angeles

[@peoplepoweredpress98]

Awesome video! Very thorough and extremely useful!!! And entertaining as well!

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you!! ❤

[@jerrygarcia4390]

In Ecuador, they charge you 2 to 3 times if your doing #2 at a public restroom. The attendant would hand you 2 squares of tissue. I started carrying my own TP and saying that I am doing #1!!!!

[@nicoleoshea-holohan2743]

I learned so much. Thank you for this valuable information!

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you for watching, Nicole! Cheers!!🍻

[@GonzaloPaternoster]

Make a video on how you guys research and choose your next Airbnb and what location you will go to. I think your viewers would enjoy it.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Hi, Gonzalo. Great idea, we did do an "Airbnb" video, but we could go into more detail on our planning process. Thank you for the support and for watching our channel! Cheers!!🍻

[@Where_in_the_world_are_we_now]

Great video with very helpful information! I truly enjoy your videos. ❤️

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you, Lorrie!! ❤

[@travelbungalow6267]

Very informative. We’d love to hear from Brian a bit more tho. 😊

[@BrianandCarrie]

😃

[@carollipstone3587]

Love your videos! Everywhere you go I add to my bucket list! Will you be including your cruise on a video? I’d LOVE to see that! Thank you!

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you, Carol! We will be launching our Ha Long Bay cruise video next week. We had such a great time, a bucket list adventure for us. Thank you again for watching our channel! Cheers!!🍻

[@MarcLarsson-b8l]

I have been to Vietnam many times and I have been told that I need the visa before getting on the flight to Vietnam. Also, if I apply a month early for a visa, I have the first application rejected because they don't want to bother. They say your photo isn't good eventhough the photos were previously accepted on other visas. Probably won't go back to Vietnam.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Interesting, that is too bad to hear you had trouble. We had such a smooth process, but also know that sure can vary person to person. Thanks for watching.

[@sunnyweitkemper3403]

Google Fi international plan doesn't require a sim card and works just fine in SEA

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you for the information!!!

[@waylondenny]

Great content, very informative. I’m flying to Vietnam in September and will be flying through Japan (Tokyo) via LA. You mentioned in your video when talking about baggage that you did not have to leave and go through customs again. Did you carry-on or check your suitcase? Any advice would be much appreciated as I’ve never flown through Tokyo before. Thanks!

[@BrianandCarrie]

We are carry-on only! It is a really easy airport to navigate. Safe travels. Cheers!!🍻

[@chriswissmar504]

My experience is too many people carry around huge backpacks and suitcases .You will in a single day be in many modes of transportation.Dragging around or carrying huge loads is really wearing.I can do 7-8 kilo in SE Asia.I buy what i need and you can find laundry or as Rick Steves does wash it yourself.They sell everything you need and its cheap.

[@mmccormi1]

Hello from the Shuswap! We are planning our Jan-Feb 2025 with the sole purpose of avoiding winter lol. Have been bingeing your Thailand series and feeling strongly that may be the option but read that you are heading to Argentina Jan 2025 and wondering if you would share a bit of an itinerary (knowing you're likely in the planning stages). Given you do such great research I'd love to get a sense of where you will be going. Finally - knowing your feelings about AirBnB now, what options are you looking at for Accommodation in Argentina? If you've been given any tips for Thailand happy to take those too! Stay well you too - you are our very favourite source of info and inspiration. Relatable people from the PNW :)

[@BrianandCarrie]

We have yet to plan or even research accommodations for Argentina at this point. We booked our stays in Mexico using Bookings.com and didn't have any problems. In Thailand we used Airbnb. Thank you for watching and safe travels!! ❤️

[@ozmunky]

They use peanut oil for cooking almost everything too -- at least they did when I lived out there for 10 years.

[@BrianandCarrie]

I'm sure they still do!

[@xaviotesharris891]

I know Korea isn't in Southeast Asia, but you really should think about a trip there. (No visa needed - 90 days). Seoul and Busan are great, but just also a some great beach towns, gorgeous scenery, temples. Koreans generally love Americans, and enough people there speak English there's very little language issue. I taught there for six years, so if you do go, I have more advice I can give you.

[@BrianandCarrie]

We will not be heading to Korea this year but we do plan on returning to this region in 2024 and Korea is on our list. Thank you for the suggestion and for watching our channel!! Cheers!!🍻

[@MarcLarsson-b8l]

americans need visa in Korea today.

[@lynnleipold2617]

Thanks!

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you, Lynn, for the comments and for the support! The cruise sounds fantastic and we agree that packing for can be difficult when having to include formal wear. Have a great trip and thank you again for the support. We very much appreciate it! ❤

[@pamlowe6129]

Found you guys about 2 weeks ago and loving your vlogs. As most of the food in Thailand is spicey, any ideas how to navigate that if I have a bell pepper/chili pepper allergy?

[@BrianandCarrie]

As you order you can ask for no spice. They will usually ask you before you have a chance!!

[@karenclegg2825]

Hi Brian and Carrie Been following your travels over the last 18 months. We lived on Koh Phangan for 2 months and loved it. Wanting to return to Thailand. Does one need to show an onward journey on arrival in Thailand? Would appreciate any current info.

[@BrianandCarrie]

All we needed to show was our boarding pass and passport. However, we had everything else ready just in case. Thank you for your support. Cheers!!🍻

[@BreakawayBites]

Beer is still relatively cheaper in Thailand and much more in Vietnam and The Philippines .... compare to Malaysia & Singapore ... ( Yes, standard of living here is much higher ) Least it's good to listen from a different perspective.....South East Asia consists of 11 countries.... with different cultures ( some has pretty similar in some way ) ... Considered heading to Malaysia then entering Singapore , before flying off to Indonesia.. ( for instance like Bali, or Yogyajakarta) ..It won't put a dent in your wallet ( maybe in Singapore.. USD 1 = SGD 1.3 ) but you will have a great time, good experiences and lifetime memories... Anyway, keep doing what you do best... Cheers mates!

[@BrianandCarrie]

We will be in Malaysia in late April and fly out of Singapore. We may have to go dry that month 😳 but we are looking forward to all that SE Asia has to offer. We will most likely return in 2024 to explore all that we won't get to this time around. Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment!! Cheers!!!🍻

[@MikeS29]

Having been to Japan and the Phillipines, I really look forward to exploring more of Asia! My husband has been to Thailand and Cambodia, so we look forward to future trips together. Thanks for sharing.

[@BrianandCarrie]

We are thinking about the Philippines, Cambodia, Loas and Japan next year for future trips. Thank you for watching!! Cheers!!🍻

[@evaroberts3639]

Hey there Brian and Carrie! I thought I heard you mention in this video that you were in Danang. My partner and I are in Danang Mar 2nd- 8th. If you are here during these dates and have any time, we would love to get together for a coffee or something. We love your content and enjoy watching your videos. We're also heading to Hanoi and Chiang Mai in the next couple of weeks, so we'd love some secret tips. Free or not, we hope you have a fantastic time on your S E Asia adventures!!!

[@BrianandCarrie]

Hi, Eva! We will be here. Reach out to us on our Instagram. 😁

[@365vacay]

Another Great Video! 👏 Are you going to Phuket?

[@BrianandCarrie]

We will be going to Phuket for a week in mid-April. We will be in Koh Samui for the month prior to that. Thank you for watching our channel! Cheers!!🍻

[@miadifferent7306]

The rabies shots in my experience were the least painful I ever got. You have to act quick, if you got a Potential rabies infection. The difference between vaccinated and unvaccinated is like a 24 hour window to 12 hour window. (Don’t quote me on the hours, but it’s somewhere around that).

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you. From our research and guidance from a Dr, even if you have the shot you still need to go for another shot if bitten. Being we weren't traveling into desolate areas we felt safe knowing we were around medical care.

[@cookmaster3626]

Great Tips and do's and dont's for a worry free trip. As for safety in both countries I guess the bad guys know not to Mess with Brian!. Please do include Penang Island in Malaysia. I have been there several times and its a very nice place to visit, and you can have a good time. Its easy to manage with English, and the people are very respectful, helpful and nice. Above all it is the food paradise of the world especially for seafood lovers.

[@BrianandCarrie]

We can't wait to visit Penang! We will be there in April and staying across the island from George Town. Thank you for always supporting us CM!! Cheers!!🍻

[@peoplepoweredpress98]

You can learn the Thai words to say “no chilis” and “not spicy.” Street food and quasi street food in the malls are mostly awesome!! Wild how 7-11 is everywhere in Thailand.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Great idea to learn some keywords!! We have loved all the food that we have discovered so far. Even the 7-11 roman is better than what we are used to!! 😆 Thank you for watching!! Cheers!!🍻

[@SoloDoloTravel]

You need your boarding pass at Thai Immigration because they record your IB flight #. Most likely they recorded that info on your Thai entry stamp in your passport as well .

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you! We really had no idea! 😀 Thank you for watching our channel as well! Cheers!!🍻

[@SoloDoloTravel]

@@BrianandCarrie no thank you ! I’m planning on taking a “mini retirement “ early next year for 2 to 3 years; so your vids are super helpful.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thats aswsome!! Safe travels!!

[@88mphmusic27]

Another Great Video - Thank You! How would you get to Koh Samui from Europe? Meaning, what country(s) can I safely visit as I head east to Thailand? A few 3/4 hour flights itinerary vs. 1/2 stop 15 hour experience. ??

[@BrianandCarrie]

We came from Seattle so not sure but would Imagin that you could connect from Europe through Dubai. You could stop in Istanbul as well. We would love to visit each of those places. Thank you for watching and safe travels. Cheers!!🍻

[@janeynget3059]

I was in Vietnam May 14, 2023. Visa on arrival is not an option. I applied for my visa to Vietnam. It was supposed to take up to 3 days to process. I was already in route to other part of Southeast Asia so I thought no big deal. If the visa doesn’t arrive on time I will do it on arrival. I was in Siem Reap. I had the flight and hotel booked to Vietnam only to find out they wouldn’t let me board without the visa approval letter in my hand. I lost the money for both flight and hotel. My visa was approved and issued almost 2 weeks later and was only granted for 6 days of stay. I bought another flight to Da Nang. It was well worth the hassle because I really like Vietnam. I did check the website and said e-visa and visa on arrival is an option but not true.

[@BrianandCarrie]

That is interesting, Janey. We had no problems getting our 30-day visa within a couple of days and the visa upon arrival line at the Hanoi airport was long, we were happy that we took the time to get ours online. That was in February so maybe something has changed? It may also have to do with what passport you carry. A US passport gets 30 days. Thank you for watching and for the kind words! Cheers!!🍻

[@janeynget3059]

@@BrianandCarrie yes I have a regular U.S. passport.

[@roadtriprob8442]

Another informative video ...just one additional bit of information on scooters . Most who are renting Scooters are still not legal despite having an international license...if the scooter is over 50cc your need to have a motorcycle license in your home country...most don't but be aware your insurance may not cover you ... if you were not properly licensed. P.S. Agoda is another great accommodation app for Asian hotels...Cheers

[@annetterobinson3213]

I am from Australia and have looked into the scooter hire in SE Asia and yes I agree you actually must have a motorcycle license in your home country to be covered by travel insurance. They will tell you no no just a license to get you to hire one but it’s not correct, you can also be fined for not having the motorcycle license as you are technically unlicensed to ride it. So you need the equivalent license. We are planing on also getting an international drivers (motor vehicle) licence before we leave Australia also not sure if you can get that in the USA. Unfortunately it takes too long to go through the process of getting a motorcycle licence so will have to give that a miss. Love this video guys! It’s so informative….thank you!

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you for the comments!! We will look into Agoda as well!! Cheers!!🍻

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you both for adding these comments to the channel!! We didn't really go into enough depth on this topic so thank you for all the information, very much appreciated! Cheers!!🍻

[@AllieBlackett]

Amaziiiiing. I did not know that about the coffee… 🥹 Bali is firmly on our list too 🫶🏽 thank you for sharing xx

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thanks so much for watching 😊

[@cherokesky]

Watched again in prep for Thailand... You guys talked about your Away bags, we have the same and we find ours weigh 25 to 30lbs. How much do yours weigh typically? We love our Schwab cards, lifesaver..... Larry and Minnie....❤

[@BrianandCarrie]

Hey guys!! Ours weigh 25 lbs. so if and when we do get weighed, we have to check our bags. Thanks for all your support and safe travels! Cheers!!🍻

[@klusps]

Hey great informative video! Was there any problems crossing from Thailand to Vietnam through air?

[@BrianandCarrie]

No problems at all. Just have the printed visa and you are good to go. Thank you for watching. Cheers!!🍻

[@davidcuulong9935]

Just beware with travel insurance, a lot of travel insurance will not cover you if you are injured in a moto/motorcycle/motorbike/scooter accident whether you are the driver or pillion passenger. Most travel insurance coverage for this mode of transport is a tick of box and an additional payment that is a lot cheaper than a hospital bill when you find out your insurance doesn't cover you.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Yes, great point. If people are planning on renting a scooter or doing any sort of extreme sport, they may not be covered. Always best to check with you insurance first. Thanks for watching!

[@davidcuulong9935]

I came across your vlogs, especially your Viet Nam vlogs for the first time yesterday. You have covered things quite well in this video. I was interested in your Ha Long Bay video and the luxury of it all (and the cost!). I first visited Viet Nam and Ha Long Bay in 1993, 30 years ago Ha Long Bay was a 5 to 6 hour journey from Hanoi in a rattly old bus, the boat was a fishing boat and the sleeping accommodation was find a spot to stretch out on the deck, the toilet was a plank off the back of the boat with a bed sheet strung up for modesty. The most memorable meal was breakfast on day 2, the boat moored off a tiny beach at the bottom of one of the limestone karsts, a crew member took firewood onto the beach and got a fire going, another crew member searched the beach & rocks for shellfish. The fresh shellfish simmered in a pot of seawater with limes and seaweed, it was all just so delicious & opulent! Return bus and 2 days & 1 night & meals on the fishing boat was less than $10. I don't think I'd be game to eat like that again, I'm sure the pollution & E coli levels are much higher these days in the waters of Ha Long Bay. The last time I went to Ha Long Bay was 17 years ago. By 2006 the travel time from Hanoi had been cut in half and wooden Junks with cabins below deck had taken over the tourist trade, not so memorable but still a great experience = $18 for return bus and 2 days & 1 night & meals on the Junk. My wife & I have a house in the Mekong Delta, off the tourist trail, and up until the Pandemic I was going there every 9 months, it is now over 3 years since I've been able to get there, I miss Viet Nam so much! August/September this year I SHALL RETURN! My wife, quite selfishly, went there without me last year.

[@BrianandCarrie]

That is so interesting, how times have changed things. This was a much more luxury trip than you experienced for sure, but it's also that trade off of just how touristy the area now is. Hope you make it to home on the Mekong soon. Thanks so much for watching our channel 😊

[@cmcjvcltcbmc]

Your video was timely for me, as I had forgotten that Schwab reimburses foreign transaction fees, and I'm leaving for a trip in a couple of hours. Thanks!!

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you for watching and safe travels!! Cheers!!!🍻

[@michelledoyle3901]

Two weeks ago, I left my boarding pass on the plane in Vietnam, they asked for it, I said I had left on the plane, and they just asked for the flight number and that was that.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Hi, Michelle. We witnessed a few people do the same thing and wondered what they had to do to rectify the situation. Good to know it's that easy. Thank you for watching and commenting! Cheers!!🍻

[@irenaspilea4548]

So far, which city do you prefer most between Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Danang? For me Danang 1st with Chiang Mai as a close 2nd.

[@BrianandCarrie]

We would agree with Da Nang, Chiang Mai, and Bangkok in that order. We like the food in Chaing Mai but the beach in Da Nang is amazing!! Thank you for watching!! Cheers!!🍻

[@jenniferjenniferr8391]

Will you be taking a cruise on the Mekong River? My sister and I are planning to visit Vietnam and Cambodia in January 2024. Your videos have been very helpful. Thank you.

[@BrianandCarrie]

We will not be taking that cruise this year. We decided to take the Ha Long Bay cruise and had an amazing time. Thank you for watching and safe travels!! ❤

[@nanaontherun1968]

Regarding Rabies shot. It worth getting it up front. I got bit by a monkey last day in Bali and when I got back to Canada it was a six week treatment with a total of 9 shots.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Ouch!!! Good to know that it is worth doing Nana. Sorry that your trip ended that we! 😒 We will most definitely stay away from the monkeys!!! Thank you for watching and commenting. Cheers!!🍻

[@cocentaina88]

Hi Guys! Very informative video. It answered a lot of questions for many people. When I was in Thailand, I just drank Singha beer. I would only pay $7 for a beer in Thailand. I was just in the English Lake District a couple of weeks ago and paid $6.50 for a pint. Here in Spain, I pay $2.85 for a liter of Amstel in my local bar. I am looking forward to seeing your Vietnamese beer video.

[@BrianandCarrie]

We are paying much less for both local and craft here. It was nice to see that Vietnam actually has craft beer that is affordable!! Cheers!!🍻

[@Drifterteetea]

15k for a can of beer at a 7eleven, 20-30k for a street beer, bia hoi 5k-10k glass, craft beer 60-120k vnd. Most places do happy hour 5-7pm all you can drink beer 150-200k for 2 or 3 hours. Be is cheaper than grab taxi, but grab is cheaper than mai linh or vina Sun.

[@isisleonard2117]

Are those vaccines required for Thailand??? Or suggested??

[@BrianandCarrie]

Most vaccines are just suggested. Some like yellow fever are required based off where you live or are traveling through.

[@bobcindypetitt3955]

Love your show! We are starting our full time adventure in April. Thinking about safety, have you heard of travelers bringing C02\ gas leak or smoke detectors ?

[@BrianandCarrie]

Hi, Bob and Cindy. We have heard of travelers like us carrying portable detectors with them. This isn't something that we do but should look into. Thank you for watching!! Cheers!!🍻

[@chrisandstephanieashley3510]

We're going to Da Nang in Nov. What's the name of your barber? Great job.

[@BrianandCarrie]

I can't remember. It was just around the corner from our airbnb. Cute little place about a half a block away. Thank you for watching! Cheers 🍻

[@JC-br9km]

I love your travel vlogs and so glad you are exploring SE Asia now. I also enjoyed your Portugal vlogs since I had the opportunity to spend a couple months in Portugal last year and only explored the tip of the iceberg. If you plan to go to Ubud in Indonesia, feel free to ask for my contact info and I can give you some suggestions and contacts. -Janet (from Portland, OR)

[@BrianandCarrie]

Hi, Janet. We won't be making it to Indonesia this year but may be coming back in 2024. Portugal is still at the top of our list of places to stay long-term. We love the Algarve and plan on going back as soon as we feel that we need a travel break. Thank you for watching!! Cheers!!🍻 We have family in Portland and Eugene!! 😀

[@JC-br9km]

The Algarve is a place that I want to explore more (only made it to Lagos for a long weekend since I was still working last year). I find your reviews of the towns in Algarve very useful - thanks for that. Perhaps we will run into you down there someday 👍. Take care.

[@BrianandCarrie]

That would be great!! 😀

[@patricialing]

Hi! Thank you for the video!! I was wondering for the Vietnam visa, do I have to provide the photos from my e visa application or will it have it on there already when its printed out? I saw online somewhere that I have to provide additional photos but I will be taking the photo on my phone. Please let me know what you guys did thank you!! :)

[@BrianandCarrie]

Hi, Patricia. You will need to provide photos with a white backdrop using your cell phone and download them to the website when applying. It was a surprisingly easy process. Thank you for the question and watching our channel! Cheers 🍻

[@patricialing]

@@BrianandCarrie Thank you for the info!!!

[@tinglestingles]

I can beat your craft beer prices!! We took a trip to Madiera from Lisbon for their big carnival - we saw half a litre for 12€!! We passed on that!! The local Portuguese beer Coral was good and MUCH better than Sagres/Super Bock.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Geez!!! We have heard that beer in Malaysia is really expensive too. We may be going dry in a couple months when we get there. 😳

[@tinglestingles]

@@BrianandCarrie Yeah, we found alcohol expensive in Malaysia - a bottle of wine was shockingly expensive!! Even local Anchor beer had so much tax!

[@birdieandbambam]

Great video. We're planning on visiting Thailand when we take our nomadic life abroad this year. We've watched many of your other videos too. Thanks for sharing all the useful info, it's been very helpful.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Birdie and Bambam, thank you for the support, you two will love SE Asia. Safe travels!! Cheers!!🍻

[@pritamkabe]

Thanks for sharing the tips. My question is about using cell-phones - just not limited to Asia but to overseas travel in general. Can we put local sim cards into our US based cell-phones? Did you have any issues with your US cell-phones being locked overseas? Have you purchased a non-US cell-phone that you carry for plugging in the local sim-cards? Trying to get an idea on the cell-phone options during overseas travels. Thanks again - and safe travels!

[@BrianandCarrie]

Hi! We both have an unlocked phone from the states - which is necessary when changing out sim cards. We have had zero issues installing a sim card and having it work without issue. Just be sure you have your phone unlocked before leaving to travel. Thanks for watching ☺

[@KatieN77]

Sorry if this question has been asked and answered, but where would you suggest getting currency exchanged with best rate. Thank you!

[@BrianandCarrie]

Hi Katie. We use credit cards and only pull out enough cash for what we need for our stay in each country. We haven't used any currency exchange places. We recommend using a debit card with a free ATM international withdrawal rate. Thank you for watching! Cheers!!🍻

[@melissatravelgal]

Thanks for the video. Are e-sims (Airalo) not working in Thailand?

[@BrianandCarrie]

Hi Melissa! Using an e-sim would be a great option (for ease, not so much cost) if your phone has that capability. Many of the phones from the states are set up NOT to allow the use of an e-sim card. Unfortunately, neither of our phones will work with one, so we have found buying a local sim card to be the best option. Thanks so much for watching!!

[@lettruthprevail9820]

You guys might want to watch the documentary Vaxed.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Yeah, there's a lot of conspiracy theories out there.

[@lettruthprevail9820]

@@BrianandCarrie Maybe instead of writing it off - you might want want to look more into it. The reason Robert Kennedy speaks like he does is damage from a flu vaccine.

[@BrianandCarrie]

I'm sure that is scientifically proven.

[@MarkKam]

Great list of tips. Is there a daily limit on ATM withdrawals with the Schwab checking debit card?

[@BrianandCarrie]

I don't believe so. We usually take out enough to last a couple of weeks.

[@MarkKam]

@@BrianandCarrie Thanks!

[@bluesky5587]

Hello ..thank u for this ….my biggest question is …is mosquitoes a problem or is it no big deal….thank u

[@BrianandCarrie]

we haven't noticed any mosquitoes or bugs that would be a problem. Thank you for watching! Cheers!!🍻

[@MarcLarsson-b8l]

In DaNang I use credit card most of the time.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Yes, we did as well unless we wanted to eat at the markets or street vendors. Thanks for watching - Cheers!!

[@ThomasLee_]

Hi Guys, thanks for the informative video. Headed to Thailand end of the year. I know you mentioned vegetarians will have no problems there but was wondering about us plant based eaters or vegan types? Thanks again.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Good question, Thomas. We know that there are plenty of fruits and vegetables to fill up on and tofu is also available in most places in Thailand. Hope this helps. Thank you for watching and safe travels!! Cheers!!🍻

[@ThomasLee_]

@Laura Atwood Thank you so much for the detailed reply. We will be based in Chiang Mai for about a month and are looking forward to the food, culture, history and scenery (maybe in that order).

[@anna_m59]

Lot if people have only electronic boarding pass. And that particularly agent accept a hard copy only?

[@BrianandCarrie]

Hi, Anna. We usually do as well. We were unable to check into our flight electronicy and issued paper boarding passes at the airport. Knowing that we needed paper boarding passes may explain why we couldn't check in on line. Thank you for the question. Cheers 🍻

[@Stan_the_flow_nomad]

What card is it that you are using? around 18:55? Thank you

[@BrianandCarrie]

We use Charles Schwabe and Capital One.

[@Stan_the_flow_nomad]

@@BrianandCarrie GREAT ! thanks for replying :) have a nice day xoxo

[@Pauli1011]

Hi! Someone else may have already mentioned it, but the affiliate link for Brian's shoulder belt bag isn't working.

[@BrianandCarrie]

Thank you, Paul! We will look into this!! Cheers!!🍻

[@BrianandCarrie]

We fixed it, Paul! Thank you!!!

[@carriepurcell1796]

I am afraid that I lost my covid vaccination card. Did you need to show it at all?

[@BrianandCarrie]

No, you do not need a covid card.