SE ASIA - Post trip review (FINAL)

In this trip, I get to see and experience many things. I would not be able to put them all down here, but these are what I can pull out from my mind.

Initially, I was worried about getting robbed/conned/scammed as I traveled alone. The risk are there but not as serious I thought it was.  Most people in these countries are kind and friendly in nature, but still, stay safe and avoid putting yourself in dangerous situations such as walking in dark alleys at night,  be wary of the minority of people out that such as touts or the Tuk Tuk drivers that is out to con money out from tourists.

There are lots of people living in poverty in these countries, putting up in wooden shacks and living with SGD 1/day expense. I get to appreciate what we have in Singapore, where as long as you get a job, you are unlikely to starve. I am aware that there are significant number of SG people struggling with their living expenses, but still living in HDB which cannot be that worse off.

A few local people I spoke to in Cambodia, Laos and Thailand all complained about government corruption and how much it affects their life. I am not propagating for the leading party here in SG, but we are lucky to have the government we have today, so we should stop complaining about the minor differences in thoughts we have and let them focus on their priorities. There may be imperfection or areas that doesn't meet our expectations, but we have to acknowledge the fact that coming from where we were many years back, it is one of the best managed countries in Asia today.

I get to ride along the streets where not much tourist goes, passing through houses where kids will rush to wave at me wanting to give a high-five. They hardly see big bikes and probably thought they saw a real-life power ranger. I would have loved to do the high-five but afraid of hitting them with my bulky side panniers. These kids probably haven't come contact much with mobile phones, Internet and the modern day kids toys. They play with their pets, bicycles and all kind of traditional games. It kind of brings me back to where I was some 30 years ago. My point is, yes, there are people still living in such remote areas today.  I get to appreciate the safe, comfortable environment and the opportunities I have grown up with in SG while experiencing the economy development of the country at the same time.

I get to ride the challenging roads including the MHS loop, the dangerous Laos mountains with ridiculous pot-holes and the various muddy and dirt roads, especially at near border crossing between countries. I have also get to test my own physical and mental endurance and limits. Luckily I have the privilege of  doing it at the age I am right now. Any older would be so much tougher.  The view I get to see along the way was really priceless, especially the super windy Bokor hills in Cambodia, the Thahek loop in Laos and the Doi Itanon mountains in northern Thailand. This is not something we can easily experience by plainly flying into these countries. I was unable to fully capture these beautiful scenery as my photography skill sucks, and I took most of these pictures using an iPhone6.

Finally, I am glad to be safely back at SG, in the comfort of my home and the company I have with my family and friends. It was such a wonderful trip and I glad I did it. It is one of those memorable trips where I will never forget. There were so much details where I will not be able to recall and I will refer back to this blog as time pass.  I hope this blog provides the necessary information and tips for people who wish to do the same. Do contact me by the comments if you have any questions and I will do my best to help from my experience.

I have revised the map accordingly to the actual route traveled.

Ok, time to plan for my next trip.....

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