Touring in Asia

[shootingstar]

Hiya

Have toured in Thailand, Vietnam, Burma, Sri Lanka & India. Friends have been to Laos. It is a really fabulous region to tour - my absolute favourite. It is extremely safe. Women don't attract undue attention when wearing skimpy clothing - although no one understands why a rich white person would choose to be on a bike! I have had many experiences of being separated from my group & cycling on my own when a group of lads come by on motorbikes on on a truck. They often ask where you are from - but are very polite & don't bother you at all. Mostly people wave & sometimes even salute. I generally get encouraged because they think I am in a race because I have a helmet on & am wearing lycra.

I have come across nothing but extreme politeness & helpfulness. The food is virtually always fantastic, the beer is cold & everything is cheap. Camping is not really an option (not many/any campsites) - but it's very cheap to stay in a guesthouse or hut.

For a first-timer to Asia I would suggest Vietnam - maybe combined with a train?

Would be interested in hearing from deeiamond for those of us, who LOOK local or close to it, North Americans of Asian descent, how they are perceived in lycra on bikes. Meaning women. They are probably perceived as having "more" money.

I found her comments interesting (ie. perceived dangers from thieves, etc.) ...if I were to be cycling alone in Asia vs. a white woman-- would it be any different? Probably abit.

My instinctive reaction for Asia, is not to look too skimpily dressed when not on the beach. Of course, I seldom wear tank tops around home town....I wish to protect my skin across my back and front. And you won't find me downing a beer anywhere (I get drunk too easily and prefer wine)...so I would fit in real well among alot of Asian women there.