My husband and I backpacked SE Asia for 13 weeks at the start of this year. We are 58 and 66, it was the best experience of our lives. The Thai people, food and scenery are all amazing. Don’t be scared to use local buses and trains, they are easy to navigate and cost effective. Have a great trip
Thanks Shelley- this is so good to know- very reassuring. After our first 48 hours we are drawing the same conclusions as you. We are trying to keep to local transport at the moment and it seems to be working out ok. Thanks again👍
Thank you - we have had just over a week now in Thailand and have really enjoyed it so far - after the craziness of Bangkok we are now chilling out on Koh Lipe for a week 🛕🏝️🦎 have a great trip in the new year ✈️
Thank you🙏 Until this year I think we were too scared to look at Thailand as a destination, but it has really surprised us in our first few days. More of that in Sunday's video. Thanks again for the lovely comment👍
Thanks Bob- we loved the Airbus that started the trip on the right note. We actually surprised our selves and loved the crazy city of Bangkok- but more of that in the next video. Thanks for the comment👍
You will love it. We've spent 4 months backpacking around South East Asia in total - Thailand, Indonesia, Borneo and Malaysia, in 2 different trips. Was a few years ago to be fair, but our daughter is just back from a similar trip, and loved it. First trip was in 1989, to Thailand and Malaysia. We spent a grand total of £30 for a 6 week trip!! Stayed in rock bottom accommodation, which could be rented by the hour ("why is there a mirror on the ceiling" my wife asked !!), and traveled on the cheap non-aircon buses with the chickens and the local produce. We went back again in 1997, this time we stayed in nicer places, and traveled in the tourist buses (still cheap - $500US for a 6 week trip around Indonesia). The first trip was more fun (although at times "type 2" fun) ...with better stories!! My wife retires in 18 months (not that I'm counting!) and I cant wait go back.
Such brilliant experiences David- and as you say...brilliant stories to share. We are definitely not going rock bottom (the benefit of age and experience😂), but really do want to try to do as much for ourselves as possible and bring the trip on our budget. As we get into the trip, we really do want to explore the cheaper end of our budget as we get a bit more comfortable and also experienced. Thanks again for sharing. 👍
I am glad you said that about Koh Mook - we have booked 2 nights in a small beach bungalow. We are also considering a couple of nights on koh Kradan which is close by 🏝️😊
Hope you have a wonderful time, Thailand is amazing its been a long time since I was there but my parents spent many Christmas's in Co samuie (I'm sure I've spelt that wrong). stay safe and enjoy will be watching along the way.
Thank you - we have had a couple of days now in Bangkok and settling into the Thai way of life. We are meetinfg up with 2 old room mates from uni who are both teaching out here tomorrow which should be fantastic 😊 We are hopefully going to Koh Samui in December when the monsoon season has passed 🏝️
Fantastic to see your excitement and early experiences in BKK. I knew you would love 🇹🇭. I've sent a long email with some ideas, and thoughts. I think you're going to be inundated with communications from subscribers. Remember to balance everything. Bon voyage. 🙏 (a wai) 😊
Thanks for this Julian, we got your email safe and sound. It has been a crazy few days so apologies for the delay in replying to you. We have walked miles every day and also took the opportunity to meet up with friends from 30 years ago that we went to Uni with- they are currently working in Bangkok. Don't worry, we know balance is key. Will get back to your email shortly. Have a good one👍
Sounds like a brilliant trip! We are in China at the moment, love Asia! I’m 60 years old and have been visiting the East since my early 20s. Love the different cultures. I’m sure you will enjoy the experience.
Thanks for this Neal- we are starting to see what the attraction is all about, even after only 24 hours in the country. You are so lucky to have benefitted from that in your youth. We are very much looking forward to the trip and all the new experiences. Thanks again for the comment. Have a good one👍
Wow. 52 here and I’m heading there for 6 weeks soon with just a carry on backpack. No need to take anything other than a few tshirts and shorts and underwear. Everything else can be bought there cheap 👌🏼
I am so excited for you both. Looking forward to your vlogs. As a retired Practice Nurse I just wanted to say Jackie that the reason you are more at risk if travelling for a long period is purely down to the numbers game. The longer you have a risk of exposure the more likely you are to be bitten etc. Keep safe and enjoy! x
Thanks Yvonne, we knew that there must be a logical reason some how. We are so looking forward to the trip- so many new experiences that we have only ever read about or seen on RUclips. We were adamant that we wanted to make sure we were fully covered on the vaccine front. It really is just an investment in ourselves. Thanks again.👍
Thank you - we have had a few days in Bangkok now and have loved it! There is so much to see - we stumbled on a huge celebratory parade on the river today at sunset in honour of the king - just beautiful! Looking forward to getting out ono the islands now for a rest 🏝️
Thank you 😀 Richard is the real packer and planner but our rucksack weighed only 8kg each as we checked in at the airport and don't feel like we have forgotten anything yet!
Just returned from Bangkok , I’ve never come across a more friendly people , everyone is so welcoming. We hired a guide for a day to take us around the temples he was great gave us all the history took us to places we would never have gone. We had a fantastic lunch for £5 each and couldn’t eat it all it was stunning . We will be going back . Enjoy .
Hi Nigel, from our first 24 hours in the country, we absolutely agree and long may this continue. The people that we have bumped into and spoken with are really very kind- they have such kind hearts that shine through their smiles. Never have we seen so many people smile. It really is very contagious. We are starting to understand the attraction. Thanks for the comment👍
Crikey, you're brave, but I'm very excited for you, looking forward to travelling alongside you. I'm definitely bug bait, I don't like cities, crowds, insects, so it's not something I would ever want to do, but very pleased that you're planning your overseas travels. Amazing preparation so far, packing cubes are indeed a revelation, we use them in our campervan. Poor Nelson, he's going to be abandoned for 7 weeks!!! Unless, your kids have borrowed him😊❤🚐 Have fun xxxxx
Thank you Janet - was feeling particularly brave tonight trying the Thai mall street foods - it is quite a bewildering experience! We are not city people but have enjoyed exploring Bangkok so far - the culture and the history is so interesting. We are looking forward to getting out island hopping and will need the 5 weeks to recover from Bangkok🤣 We have left Nelson with a local van company to do a few jobs on the gas system as it is 7 years old now so hopefully he will be sparkly and firing on all cylinders by the time we go skiing!!
You will love it, we went a cpl of years ago aged 58 & 3/4. I was nervous having never been that far before. The people are friendly and you can get by in English plus they drive on the proper side of the road, eat where the locals do and you'll find it cheap. There are 7-11's around every corner so never be short of anything.
Thanks for this Andy- very reassuring! We don't know of anyone who has a bad word to say about the country or the people. From our first impressions you are so right! Everyone is so smiley! We like the fact that we can try to cross the roads with relative safety...although they are still very different to the UK drivers😂 7-11's have been a saviour so far as we try to get used to eating local. 24hrs in and we are not yet ready for the true local eateries...but we are getting there. Thanks for the comment and support👍
It’s an interesting video. It’ll be interesting to see how reality is compared to the plans! Have a wonderful trip. I’ll look forward to watching your adventures.
Your excitement is jumping out of the screen! Have the most amazing time. We stayed in Bangkok for 4 days, enroute to Australia. It was such an experience! River cruise, temples, Patpong market and you must take lots of Tuk Tuks! Remember the name of your hotel to tell the driver on your return, but we didn’t have mobile phones then! It is more difficult to step into the unknown as we get older, so good for you. Can’t wait for the next episode! X
Thanks for this Louise- much appreciated. It is like dropping into another world...but we are loving it so far. Not done a Tuk Tun yet- the roads look terrifying! The public transport is amazing and so cheap and clean❤️ Thanks again for your encouragement👍
Great planning vlog for an amazing trip… looking forward to seeing the videos of your adventures! Safe travels Richard & Jackie, enjoy yourselves! Jan & Turner xx🐾
We have already had 24 hours in Bangkok and are loving it. It is soo different culturally and so interesting. We have visited 2 beautiful temples today. Plans are all going well so far 😊✈️
This is something we would love to do when we retire so will be watching in anticipation! Safe travels, really looking forward to watching your journey!
I loved Thailand and Cambodia. We did a volunteer project near the Cambodian border with elephants. We enjoyed Bangkok for a few days but experienced terrible culture shock when we returned there after the elephant conservation village. We found Cambodia very peaceful after that. Loved Cambodia even more. Angkor Wat was amazing and Siem Reap. Have a wonderful trip😊 The air-conditioned buses were excellent. My advice, pay a little more for the best transport you can afford. Often taxis get stopped and have to bribe the police. Clothing was very cheap. You will want to buy things there. The vaccinations were absolutely worth it and the malaria medicine. Don't forget to notify your bank that you will be in S.E. Asia. Take an umbrella each. Use big scarves as a covering for your legs(skirt) and a shawl to cover your neck/ shoulders and protect yourselves from the sun/ mosquitoes. We did not suffer from food poisoning. Be careful about drinking water and salads and ice in drinks. Good sun hats are invaluable.
Thanks for all this invaluable advice Helen...so useful and so reassuring. We really do feel like newbies out here...but that is good. We are enjoying being out of our comfort zones, and the people are making it so worth while. We are being really cautious about the water, but its not easy as everything seemingly comes with ice😂 Thanks again for all the support 👍
Thanks for this- we are not sure as yet, as it is one of the destinations in our "black hole" of planning. We may figure it out in the next couple of weeks. Thanks for the offer of help- always appreciated!👍
@@earlyretirementwanderlust Well if you are staying for over a week in Phuket then you are welcome to stay at my condo in the middle of Phuket. It’s a simple one bedroom condo and it is just sitting empty anyways. I really enjoy your channel so just want to support you 2 a bit :-)
Not somewhere I would have wanted to go but you are selling it to me! As a solo female traveler I’d need to research how to do it safely but I can’t wait to hear about your adventures!
It has never been on my bucket list after watching the film 'the beach' with its drug fuelled hedonistic lifestyle portrayal of Thailand but so many people we know recently have been and said how wonderful it is so we are giving it a try. After paying for the airfares which are not cheap we are hoping that the rest of the trip will be pretty budget friendly. The accommodations particularly. Loving it so far after 2 days in Bangkok which is a little crazy after life in the dales!!
Hi Richard and Jackie 🤗🥰! I wish you the best of adventures, discoveries and joy on your trip through Thailand! Safe, sound and secure travels always 🙏🏻😍😘! Oh 😳! May the bugs not be with you 🫣!
Thank you 😊 We have arrived in Bangkok safe and sound and have had a fab 24 hours exploring already. Avoided the bugs so far - hoping they don't like cities 🇹🇭
What a fabulous trip and you’ve planned it down to a tee. Really looking forward to seeing the videos and the places you visit. We flew with Emirates on the A380 to Mauritius and it was fabulous - now that you’ve arrived we’re sure you really enjoyed it too. Such a big plane but so smooth. Keep safe. Irvine & Karen.
Many thanks as always you two. We loved the A380- it has definitely changed our expectations of what air travel should be like...not sure if that is a good thing for the future😂 It was fab! Stepping back to a 777 was a bit of a culture shock! More of that in a future video.
We can’t wait to follow this trip and we are so jealous ! We think once you find how easy it is out there you will get the bug to travel all around Asia. We were really surprised with Bangkok, we expected it to be a bit seedy but it’s far from it. Partly really modern and partly really old. The grand palace is absolutely amazing, expect to spend all day there. We stayed in the business district and took the dragon boats up and down the river to get around. We can also highly recommend a food tour. The street food in Asia is amazing and I have only got sick from it once, although that was in Bangkok.
Thanks for this Dan- this is exactly what we hoped for. We really want this trip to open the door to a whole new world of adventures. First impressions are really good, although dropping into Bangkok is like nothing else we have experienced😂 I think that it will take a few days for us to build up our bravery for the street food. We are however working towards that via the local offers at the food courts- same food, but not cooked on the roadside😉 Thanks again👍
It was a few of our daughters friends back packing trip that inspired us to be brave and get out there 🤣 loving Bangkok and all its craziness so far 🇹🇭🛕
Thank you 😊 Yes we are vlogging from out here - we have already had 24 hours in crazy Bangkok. Visited a couple of Temples today that were simply stunning. They are getting prepared for a royal visit on Saturday and everywhere was decorated up with lots of flowers and purple and yellow draped cloths lining all the walls.
Love it. Me and my partner have recently booked a 3 week trip to Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand for March '25. First time in SE Asia for both of us and we will be 60 when we go :-) I will be watching with great anticipation for our trip.
Oh wow - what an adventure! Everyone we have spoken to has said that Vietnam is amazing and we could still fly across as we have the time but we are hoping that we love this trip so much that we will want to return and explore further afield. Bangkok has been an experience! The temples are just stunning 🛕
We’ve travelled to Thailand 3 times now. The last trip was to visit my brother, who now lives in Chiang Mai. In Bangkok I recommend just taking the local river ferries up and down the river instead of the tourist tour boats, visiting Chinatown and Golden Mount Temple. I recommend Krabi town then taking the ferry and transferring to Koh Jum. We loved Woodland Lodge. Owned by a Brit, of if I recall. I’d also plan to visit the North later in the trip. Chiang Rai is nicer than Chiang Mai. The highlight of our trip was a stay with the local hill tribe the Akha.
Thank for all of this- so useful🙏 We had our first experience of the river yesterday...finding the locals boat is the hardest thing as there are so many touts that talk bulls**t to try and get you on the tourist boats- the difference between a 400TB (£10) and a 40TB (£1) trip. We found it really hard to figure out what was genuine...apart from the cost aspect😂 We are gutted that we cannot head north due to the floods, but all ready for another time👍
@@earlyretirementwanderlust The local boats only stop at docks with signs. The boats have coloured flags on them. Just ignore any local offering unsolicited advice. The touts are the worse thing about Thailand, especially in Bangkok. It’s a very safe country. The worst problems are being overcharged and the litter. We’ve travelled the world and have always been satisfied with Lonely Planet Guides advice on accommodations and restaurants. I can recommend several in Thailand. I’d avoid a visit to Koh Samui and Koh Phi Phi. I’d still go North. We much preferred it over the South, despite the total lack of beaches. My brother lives in Chiang Mai and it only flooded around the Ping River. I wouldn’t recommend an elephant sanctuary anyway. Safe travels.
Many thanks for this sound advice. We have learned to just look ahead and avoid the touts...but they are quite persistent...which is strange for such a society that values respect and politeness. Apart from the touts, we are loving the people we meet.
This is so exciting! The husband and I are very interested in possibly doing some backpacking again (in our late 40's now) so keen to see what it's like for you guys. Can't wait to see your vlogs on the road - good luck and have a great time!
Thank you - we have had a fab and crazy 24 hours in Bangkok already and loving Thailand. I was quite apprehensive about it all but knew once we got here I would love it - can't wait to get out to the islands and beaches. March will come round really quickly - where are you off to?
@@earlyretirementwanderlust Glad you are having a great time. We are going to Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore and Cambodia. We are doing a mixture of cruising and travelling around.
Id love to do this but sadly being self employed, we cant afford it.We are 58 and 60, i can see is working into our70s at this rate.Have to make do with weekend in Anglesey!
I highly recommend Malaysia if you fancy a short flight. KL is amazing and worth a visit as are the islands - Penang and Kota Kinabalu. If you go that way I’m happy to give some recommendations. If you have them it might be worth taking some small binoculars. Either way enjoy, I sure you’ll love it. Have a great time!
Thanks for this. We caught an episode of race across the world that featured Malasia that looked fantastic. It's definitely on our bucket list assuming we get on ok with Thailand. As we are newbies to this part of the world, we are taking tentative steps, with a hope that it opens up a whole world of opportunities for us in the future. Thanks for the tip🙏
Happy memories of Thailand one tip avoid the fast boats on the river. The spray comes over the side seems like fun but the rivers are so polluted it’s hard to avoid spray on your hands then face and mouth. We did Thailand in later life absolutely loved it. Enjoyx
Thanks Rachel- we did a trip on the river today and saw just what you described. People were holding on tightly, wearing life jackets and getting pretty wet. The hardest thing for us was trying to find the local boat rather than the very expensive tourist boats. We did finally manage- but it wasn't easy. We think you are spot on with the tip about the river water😬 Thanks for the comment👍
Koh lipe is great, but def spend some time in Ko lanta. Ko lak for diving too. I would also try to spend time in chiang mai and explore the north- best time to visit.
Thanks for this Steve- very reassuring that we have got these on our agenda. Unfortunately there was a travel warning to Chiang Mai, due to floods, so that will have to wait for another visit! We are so excited for Koh Lipe! Thanks for the tips👍
We early retired in March 2023, I was 59 and my wife 57. We backpacked Thailand for 8 weeks in February 2024, like yourselves, we had never travelled in Asia. We loved it! A couple of thoughts ................. we both purchased e-sim cards for our mobile phones, buy online when you arrive. We bought 30 day options and this worked really well. Don't take any white clothing you care about! It is a shame you are unable to visit Chang Mai and PAI in the north, this was a highlight for us. However, as you say, "Next time".
Thanks for this Glynn- such wise advice. We have a purchased a local Sim which is working really well. The network over here is raging quick- so much better than in the Dales😂 We are quickly realising that white clothing may be seen as disposable😂 Thanks for the lovely words of support. Much appreciated👍
Thank you - we are so excited - we have had a fab today exploring some of the temples and a river boat trip - it’s a massive culture shock but we are loving it so far 😊
This will be fascinating as we’re just about to set off for a 3 month trip India/Malaysia/Perth/then in February Thailand (Isan Province)…. so I will be avidly following these vlogs. This is our 25 day plan BKK-Korat City-Kon Khaen-Udon Thani-then into Lao for a few days then returning to BKK via Buriram. We’ve been having two Thai language lessons a week via Zoom for 3 mths as we’re travelling in the NE region so not really tourist areas. I’ve attempted to learn the alphabet- it’s been fun!
Oh wow what an epic trip - I am assuming you are visiting Thailand on the way back? Or is that a separate trip. We were planning on visiting Chiang Mai and Rai in the North but the flooding warning put us off a little so close to our travel dates so it can wait for next time as I am sure we will love it and want to return. We have had a crazy 24 hours in Bangkok so far - walked for miles and visited some stunning Temples. The people we have met so far are just delightful - they would be very impressed with your language skills seeings though most tourists like ourselves just do not have a clue! Safe travels to India, Malaysia and Perth ✈️
Economy all the way for us. We have never experienced anything else as our budget is tight. We are happy in the cheap seats! The A380 was definitely worth it and has reframed our expectations for all flights...which we are not sure is a good or a bad thing😂 Thanks for the comment👍
It has never been on our bucket list until our daughter’s friends went backpacking there in January and another friend went and loved it. Bangkok has been an assault on all the senses but we are really loving exploring the city and looking forward to the islands and beaches. The food is ‘interesting’ Richard had noodles and pad Thai curry for breakfast - stuck to the continental selection and fruit 😂
@@earlyretirementwanderlust I too would be on the continental section and fruit. In fact if I went for seven weeks I would come back at least a stone lighter!
Sounds fabulous. We have traveled a couple times in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. We cannot recommend it enough! We have also been to the Elephant Nature Park which I saw was flooded. So sad for them and too bad you won't be able to get up there. You probably won't be the oldest backpackers. We buy a large bag to bring home souvenirs and lots of Vietnamese coffee. Bon Voyage!
Thanks for this- we are definitely thinking of another bag for our journey home. Xmas could be a Thai themed for all our family😂 Oooh- we will have to try and source some Vietnamese coffee❤️🙏 Thanks for the comment👍
Like you, I'd never travelled in my younger days - I went straight into work at 18. In 2008 when I was 38, following a 10 year relationship breakup, I backpacked to New Zealand, Australia and Singapore for 6 months - which was well outside my comfort zone. I honestly thought I'd be back home in 2 weeks as everyone else travelling would be much younger and I wouldn't fit in and enjoy myself. How wrong I was - I had a great time and made friends that I'm still in contact with. I got to see some amazing things and places, and I'm so glad that I went. You'll have a great time, and I look forward to following your adventure!
Oh wow what an epic trip! It is also on the bucket list to go to all 3 countries but will probably have to wait until we get our pensions 😊 we have had 2 days in Bangkok now and we are really enjoying it but wow what a culture shock! The good thing about travelling when we are older is we are hopefully a little more worldly wise and will make an effort to see all the wonderful sites and of course we probably have a little bit more money to go the next step up in accommodations and occasionally have abit of luxury 😊✈️
Hi - hats off to you both for stepping out of your comfort zone / you are inspirational and we love the absence of click bait and glitz on your channel - thanks for keeping it real 🙏👏 ps - which packing cubes are you using please? 🙏
Thanks for this...it's really encouraging to know that people get what we are trying to do on the channel. The packing cubes were just some from Amazon that were reasonably priced for a set of 4 different sizes (£14). They are holding up well so far and the compression system of zips has not broken yet😂 We were a bit sceptical due to the price point, but so far, so good. They really help with organising our packing🤞 Thanks again👍
It is on our provisional list - I am trying to convince Richard that we should stay on the rafts on the lake but they are so expensive so I think we will stay by the gates to the national park in one of the tree houses - everyone has said it is a must 😊 thanks
@@earlyretirementwanderlust we stayed on the lake for one night. The Sound of the Gibbons was amazing. And kayaking on the lake by ourselves was a wonderful experience. I’d blow the budget just once.
Enjoy and I bet one of the first things you will buy Jackie is a big cloth as it can easily be used as a towel, beach towel, skirt etc and they are cheap 😂
I have already spied some but will wait until we are out by the beaches to buy one 😂 I did buy some cheap baggy Thai trousers today to go around the temples 🛕
After watching a few videos and talking with other people we headed to the big malls and bought an unlimited 30 day data card with free local calls and texts from AIS which was 950TB (about £24) which is about the same as EE charged in Europe and USA for a month. The other recommended store was TRU. Just hoping the signal is as good on the islands as it is in Bangkok. It is all we need to upload our videos twice a week which is good 😀
You won’t be the eldest by far. If anything far more “our age” than youngsters. We only had a fortnight (Nov 2019) and booked a 2 star beach hut on phi phi island of all places for 3 nights. Only accessible by boat. It was amazing…the breeze blows through so no probs not having air con and the water is so warm cold showers were not a problem either. Just snorkelled all day. Also was worried as tied to one beach restaurant, but prices were only slightly more and still superb food so no worries about breaking the budget. I only want to go back when we have more time to travel as it’s so far/jet lag etc so following with as much interest as the van travels. Partake in the massages, obvs be careful but after dinner just a foot massage at one of the places vying for custom will always be fine. Use trip advisor/trusted accommodation advice on where to go.
We have also booked 2 nights on Phi Phi island and 2 different places - one is a more expensive beach resort that had one night at a huge discount - both are far away from the madness (I hope) so really looking forward to it 😊 I am going to learn to snorkel as I have never done it before. I think my feet are in need of a massage tonight after a day looking at some of the temples 🛕
Oh and if you have IPhones I would definitely put an apple tag in any hold luggage. Our luggage and my sisters 2 wheelchairs disappeared! We found them for the airline via the air tags! 😮 Don’t travel without them now!
Our alternative to this was packing spare underwear in our hand luggage just incase the airlines lost our rucksacks😂 Jackie's Mum swears by AirTags and she has travelled way more than most of us👍
I would take some filter coffee with you. You can’t get it in the 7/11. You can in the bigger supermarkets bu they’re not always handy. And this girl does not move am without coffee 😂
So true! We took the coffee kit but no coffee. After 24 hours, we realised what a mistake that was. We eventually found a supermarket and stocked up. We love the 7/11's, but as you say, no fresh coffee😂 Modern world problems I guess...but our coffee this morning was amazing!
My husband and I backpacked SE Asia for 13 weeks at the start of this year. We are 58 and 66, it was the best experience of our lives. The Thai people, food and scenery are all amazing. Don’t be scared to use local buses and trains, they are easy to navigate and cost effective. Have a great trip
Thanks Shelley- this is so good to know- very reassuring. After our first 48 hours we are drawing the same conclusions as you. We are trying to keep to local transport at the moment and it seems to be working out ok.
Thanks again👍
You will love it
I am 62. My wife is 60. We will be island hoping in January for 4 weeks. It will be our 10th trip to asia. Its amazing
Thank you - we have had just over a week now in Thailand and have really enjoyed it so far - after the craziness of Bangkok we are now chilling out on Koh Lipe for a week 🛕🏝️🦎 have a great trip in the new year ✈️
I'm 60 and heading to Thailand in a week with a backpack. Hope to see you there!
Great stuff. It’s a big place though😂
Have a good one👍
One of your best videos, love this, inspired me to look at Thailand too
Excited to join you in the journey
Thank you🙏 Until this year I think we were too scared to look at Thailand as a destination, but it has really surprised us in our first few days. More of that in Sunday's video.
Thanks again for the lovely comment👍
Me and Angela my wife visited Krabi in Thailand and loved the people, weather and the prices.
We also flew in Airbus and it was terrific, enjoy!
Thanks Bob- we loved the Airbus that started the trip on the right note. We actually surprised our selves and loved the crazy city of Bangkok- but more of that in the next video.
Thanks for the comment👍
You will love it. We've spent 4 months backpacking around South East Asia in total - Thailand, Indonesia, Borneo and Malaysia, in 2 different trips. Was a few years ago to be fair, but our daughter is just back from a similar trip, and loved it. First trip was in 1989, to Thailand and Malaysia. We spent a grand total of £30 for a 6 week trip!! Stayed in rock bottom accommodation, which could be rented by the hour ("why is there a mirror on the ceiling" my wife asked !!), and traveled on the cheap non-aircon buses with the chickens and the local produce. We went back again in 1997, this time we stayed in nicer places, and traveled in the tourist buses (still cheap - $500US for a 6 week trip around Indonesia). The first trip was more fun (although at times "type 2" fun) ...with better stories!! My wife retires in 18 months (not that I'm counting!) and I cant wait go back.
Such brilliant experiences David- and as you say...brilliant stories to share. We are definitely not going rock bottom (the benefit of age and experience😂), but really do want to try to do as much for ourselves as possible and bring the trip on our budget.
As we get into the trip, we really do want to explore the cheaper end of our budget as we get a bit more comfortable and also experienced.
Thanks again for sharing. 👍
We Love Thai Islands!! Try Koh Mook, very chilled out, a short boat trip from mainland Trang.
I am glad you said that about Koh Mook - we have booked 2 nights in a small beach bungalow. We are also considering a couple of nights on koh Kradan which is close by 🏝️😊
Hope you have a wonderful time, Thailand is amazing its been a long time since I was there but my parents spent many Christmas's in Co samuie (I'm sure I've spelt that wrong). stay safe and enjoy will be watching along the way.
Thank you - we have had a couple of days now in Bangkok and settling into the Thai way of life. We are meetinfg up with 2 old room mates from uni who are both teaching out here tomorrow which should be fantastic 😊 We are hopefully going to Koh Samui in December when the monsoon season has passed 🏝️
Fantastic to see your excitement and early experiences in BKK. I knew you would love 🇹🇭. I've sent a long email with some ideas, and thoughts. I think you're going to be inundated with communications from subscribers. Remember to balance everything. Bon voyage. 🙏 (a wai) 😊
Thanks for this Julian, we got your email safe and sound. It has been a crazy few days so apologies for the delay in replying to you. We have walked miles every day and also took the opportunity to meet up with friends from 30 years ago that we went to Uni with- they are currently working in Bangkok.
Don't worry, we know balance is key. Will get back to your email shortly.
Have a good one👍
Safe travels guys… really looking forward to your updates over the coming 7week, ENJOY! The Julls 💙
Thank you - we are so looking forward to exploring all the islands - we have had a great couple of days in Bangkok already!
You will love it, It will be an amazing trip, As others have said amazing people, we have Thai friends for life enjoy
We already are...and so true...the people make the experience and they are lovely❤️
Thanks for the comment👍
Sounds like a brilliant trip! We are in China at the moment, love Asia! I’m 60 years old and have been visiting the East since my early 20s. Love the different cultures. I’m sure you will enjoy the experience.
Thanks for this Neal- we are starting to see what the attraction is all about, even after only 24 hours in the country. You are so lucky to have benefitted from that in your youth.
We are very much looking forward to the trip and all the new experiences.
Thanks again for the comment. Have a good one👍
Wow. 52 here and I’m heading there for 6 weeks soon with just a carry on backpack. No need to take anything other than a few tshirts and shorts and underwear. Everything else can be bought there cheap 👌🏼
We will probably realise that by the end 🤣 to be fair my rucksack is a carry on size. Have a great trip ✈️🎒
@@earlyretirementwanderlust thankyou ✌🏽
I am so excited for you both. Looking forward to your vlogs. As a retired Practice Nurse I just wanted to say Jackie that the reason you are more at risk if travelling for a long period is purely down to the numbers game. The longer you have a risk of exposure the more likely you are to be bitten etc. Keep safe and enjoy! x
Thanks Yvonne, we knew that there must be a logical reason some how. We are so looking forward to the trip- so many new experiences that we have only ever read about or seen on RUclips.
We were adamant that we wanted to make sure we were fully covered on the vaccine front. It really is just an investment in ourselves.
Thanks again.👍
Have a great trip! You will both love it! Look forward to seeing what you get up to. Enjoy!
Thank you - we have had a few days in Bangkok now and have loved it! There is so much to see - we stumbled on a huge celebratory parade on the river today at sunset in honour of the king - just beautiful! Looking forward to getting out ono the islands now for a rest 🏝️
Can't wait to follow along! Loved seeing your packing methodology. Have fun!
Thank you 😀 Richard is the real packer and planner but our rucksack weighed only 8kg each as we checked in at the airport and don't feel like we have forgotten anything yet!
What an amazing adventure you’ve got planned, stay safe and I look forward to all your videos on this fab trip
Thank you - we are really looking forward to exploring all the islands and finding out more about the Thai culture.
Have a wonderful trip, really looking forward to the updates along the way! 😊
Many thanks🙏
Sounds amazing - Im excited to follow your journey. Safe Travels! 😀
Thank you - we are super excited and have already had a crazy couple of days in Bangkok 🇹🇭
How exciting…I’m looking forward to following your trip, enjoy every moment! 🤩
Thanks Anna- very much appreciated. We have really enjoyed our first 24 hours in Bangkok...it's a really crazy city- in a really nice way👍
Just returned from Bangkok
, I’ve never come across a more friendly people
, everyone is so welcoming. We hired a guide for a day to take us around the temples
he was great gave us all the history took us to places we would never have gone. We had a fantastic lunch for £5 each and couldn’t eat it all it was stunning . We will be going back . Enjoy .
Hi Nigel, from our first 24 hours in the country, we absolutely agree and long may this continue. The people that we have bumped into and spoken with are really very kind- they have such kind hearts that shine through their smiles. Never have we seen so many people smile. It really is very contagious.
We are starting to understand the attraction. Thanks for the comment👍
Crikey, you're brave, but I'm very excited for you, looking forward to travelling alongside you. I'm definitely bug bait, I don't like cities, crowds, insects, so it's not something I would ever want to do, but very pleased that you're planning your overseas travels. Amazing preparation so far, packing cubes are indeed a revelation, we use them in our campervan. Poor Nelson, he's going to be abandoned for 7 weeks!!! Unless, your kids have borrowed him😊❤🚐 Have fun xxxxx
Thank you Janet - was feeling particularly brave tonight trying the Thai mall street foods - it is quite a bewildering experience! We are not city people but have enjoyed exploring Bangkok so far - the culture and the history is so interesting. We are looking forward to getting out island hopping and will need the 5 weeks to recover from Bangkok🤣
We have left Nelson with a local van company to do a few jobs on the gas system as it is 7 years old now so hopefully he will be sparkly and firing on all cylinders by the time we go skiing!!
You will love it, we went a cpl of years ago aged 58 & 3/4. I was nervous having never been that far before. The people are friendly and you can get by in English plus they drive on the proper side of the road, eat where the locals do and you'll find it cheap. There are 7-11's around every corner so never be short of anything.
Thanks for this Andy- very reassuring! We don't know of anyone who has a bad word to say about the country or the people. From our first impressions you are so right! Everyone is so smiley! We like the fact that we can try to cross the roads with relative safety...although they are still very different to the UK drivers😂 7-11's have been a saviour so far as we try to get used to eating local. 24hrs in and we are not yet ready for the true local eateries...but we are getting there.
Thanks for the comment and support👍
It’s an interesting video. It’ll be interesting to see how reality is compared to the plans! Have a wonderful trip. I’ll look forward to watching your adventures.
Thanks Graham- glad that you are enjoying it. 🙏
Your excitement is jumping out of the screen! Have the most amazing time. We stayed in Bangkok for 4 days, enroute to Australia. It was such an experience! River cruise, temples, Patpong market and you must take lots of Tuk Tuks! Remember the name of your hotel to tell the driver on your return, but we didn’t have mobile phones then! It is more difficult to step into the unknown as we get older, so good for you. Can’t wait for the next episode! X
Thanks for this Louise- much appreciated. It is like dropping into another world...but we are loving it so far. Not done a Tuk Tun yet- the roads look terrifying! The public transport is amazing and so cheap and clean❤️
Thanks again for your encouragement👍
Oh wow! How exciting! Can't wait to see everything that you get up to. Have an amazing trip!
Thank you - we have arrived safe and sound in Bangkok and had a couple of days exploring - it’s a little crazy but we are really enjoying it 😊
I plan to be right behind you in a year or so. Asia is simply amazing
We are hoping that we love it that much that we will want to keep coming back! 2 days in Bangkok so far and we are really enjoying it 😀
Great planning vlog for an amazing trip… looking forward to seeing the videos of your adventures! Safe travels Richard & Jackie, enjoy yourselves! Jan & Turner xx🐾
We have already had 24 hours in Bangkok and are loving it. It is soo different culturally and so interesting. We have visited 2 beautiful temples today. Plans are all going well so far 😊✈️
This is something we would love to do when we retire so will be watching in anticipation! Safe travels, really looking forward to watching your journey!
Thanks Matt- sometimes we just need to get out there and test ourselves!
Thanks for the comment👍
I loved Thailand and Cambodia. We did a volunteer project near the Cambodian border with elephants. We enjoyed Bangkok for a few days but experienced terrible culture shock when we returned there after the elephant conservation village. We found Cambodia very peaceful after that. Loved Cambodia even more. Angkor Wat was amazing and Siem Reap. Have a wonderful trip😊 The air-conditioned buses were excellent. My advice, pay a little more for the best transport you can afford. Often taxis get stopped and have to bribe the police. Clothing was very cheap. You will want to buy things there. The vaccinations were absolutely worth it and the malaria medicine. Don't forget to notify your bank that you will be in S.E. Asia. Take an umbrella each. Use big scarves as a covering for your legs(skirt) and a shawl to cover your neck/ shoulders and protect yourselves from the sun/ mosquitoes. We did not suffer from food poisoning. Be careful about drinking water and salads and ice in drinks. Good sun hats are invaluable.
Thanks for all this invaluable advice Helen...so useful and so reassuring. We really do feel like newbies out here...but that is good. We are enjoying being out of our comfort zones, and the people are making it so worth while. We are being really cautious about the water, but its not easy as everything seemingly comes with ice😂
Thanks again for all the support 👍
Enjoy guys.. have the best time 😊
Thank you Clare - we have had a few days in Bangkok and it has been wonderful. So much to see and do but also slightly crazy and manic!!
Lovely! You will love Thailand. How long will you be in Phuket? Lmk if you need recommendations. I go to Phuket multiple times a year.
Thanks for this- we are not sure as yet, as it is one of the destinations in our "black hole" of planning. We may figure it out in the next couple of weeks. Thanks for the offer of help- always appreciated!👍
@@earlyretirementwanderlust
Well if you are staying for over a week in Phuket then you are welcome to stay at my condo in the middle of Phuket. It’s a simple one bedroom condo and it is just sitting empty anyways. I really enjoy your channel so just want to support you 2 a bit :-)
Not somewhere I would have wanted to go but you are selling it to me! As a solo female traveler I’d need to research how to do it safely but I can’t wait to hear about your adventures!
It has never been on my bucket list after watching the film 'the beach' with its drug fuelled hedonistic lifestyle portrayal of Thailand but so many people we know recently have been and said how wonderful it is so we are giving it a try. After paying for the airfares which are not cheap we are hoping that the rest of the trip will be pretty budget friendly. The accommodations particularly. Loving it so far after 2 days in Bangkok which is a little crazy after life in the dales!!
Hi Richard and Jackie 🤗🥰!
I wish you the best of adventures, discoveries and joy on your trip through Thailand!
Safe, sound and secure travels always 🙏🏻😍😘!
Oh 😳!
May the bugs not be with you 🫣!
Thank you 😊 We have arrived in Bangkok safe and sound and have had a fab 24 hours exploring already. Avoided the bugs so far - hoping they don't like cities 🇹🇭
What a fabulous trip and you’ve planned it down to a tee. Really looking forward to seeing the videos and the places you visit. We flew with Emirates on the A380 to Mauritius and it was fabulous - now that you’ve arrived we’re sure you really enjoyed it too. Such a big plane but so smooth. Keep safe. Irvine & Karen.
Many thanks as always you two. We loved the A380- it has definitely changed our expectations of what air travel should be like...not sure if that is a good thing for the future😂 It was fab! Stepping back to a 777 was a bit of a culture shock! More of that in a future video.
We can’t wait to follow this trip and we are so jealous ! We think once you find how easy it is out there you will get the bug to travel all around Asia. We were really surprised with Bangkok, we expected it to be a bit seedy but it’s far from it. Partly really modern and partly really old. The grand palace is absolutely amazing, expect to spend all day there. We stayed in the business district and took the dragon boats up and down the river to get around. We can also highly recommend a food tour. The street food in Asia is amazing and I have only got sick from it once, although that was in Bangkok.
Thanks for this Dan- this is exactly what we hoped for. We really want this trip to open the door to a whole new world of adventures. First impressions are really good, although dropping into Bangkok is like nothing else we have experienced😂
I think that it will take a few days for us to build up our bravery for the street food. We are however working towards that via the local offers at the food courts- same food, but not cooked on the roadside😉
Thanks again👍
Have a great trip guys and both my daughters have been there a couple of times and loved.
It was a few of our daughters friends back packing trip that inspired us to be brave and get out there 🤣 loving Bangkok and all its craziness so far 🇹🇭🛕
Oh wow, I hope you taking us all along 😉 excited to see the vlogs if you are, enjoy take care x
Thank you 😊 Yes we are vlogging from out here - we have already had 24 hours in crazy Bangkok. Visited a couple of Temples today that were simply stunning. They are getting prepared for a royal visit on Saturday and everywhere was decorated up with lots of flowers and purple and yellow draped cloths lining all the walls.
@@earlyretirementwanderlust wow sounds amazing, so envious, excited to see the vlogs, take care x
Love it. Me and my partner have recently booked a 3 week trip to Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand for March '25. First time in SE Asia for both of us and we will be 60 when we go :-) I will be watching with great anticipation for our trip.
Oh wow - what an adventure! Everyone we have spoken to has said that Vietnam is amazing and we could still fly across as we have the time but we are hoping that we love this trip so much that we will want to return and explore further afield. Bangkok has been an experience! The temples are just stunning 🛕
@earlyretirementwanderlust That's our plan too. It's going to be an intense 3 weeks, but hopefully we will go back at a more leisurely pace.
Sounds amazing! Hope you both have a wonderful time. Looking forward to the vlogs!
Thank you - we are so excited! Safely made it to Bangkok and enjoying the city life exploring ✈️
We’ve travelled to Thailand 3 times now. The last trip was to visit my brother, who now lives in Chiang Mai.
In Bangkok I recommend just taking the local river ferries up and down the river instead of the tourist tour boats, visiting Chinatown and Golden Mount Temple.
I recommend Krabi town then taking the ferry and transferring to Koh Jum. We loved Woodland Lodge. Owned by a Brit, of if I recall.
I’d also plan to visit the North later in the trip. Chiang Rai is nicer than Chiang Mai. The highlight of our trip was a stay with the local hill tribe the Akha.
Thank for all of this- so useful🙏
We had our first experience of the river yesterday...finding the locals boat is the hardest thing as there are so many touts that talk bulls**t to try and get you on the tourist boats- the difference between a 400TB (£10) and a 40TB (£1) trip. We found it really hard to figure out what was genuine...apart from the cost aspect😂
We are gutted that we cannot head north due to the floods, but all ready for another time👍
@@earlyretirementwanderlust The local boats only stop at docks with signs. The boats have coloured flags on them. Just ignore any local offering unsolicited advice. The touts are the worse thing about Thailand, especially in Bangkok. It’s a very safe country. The worst problems are being overcharged and the litter.
We’ve travelled the world and have always been satisfied with Lonely Planet Guides advice on accommodations and restaurants.
I can recommend several in Thailand.
I’d avoid a visit to Koh Samui and Koh Phi Phi.
I’d still go North. We much preferred it over the South, despite the total lack of beaches. My brother lives in Chiang Mai and it only flooded around the Ping River.
I wouldn’t recommend an elephant sanctuary anyway.
Safe travels.
Many thanks for this sound advice. We have learned to just look ahead and avoid the touts...but they are quite persistent...which is strange for such a society that values respect and politeness. Apart from the touts, we are loving the people we meet.
This is so exciting! The husband and I are very interested in possibly doing some backpacking again (in our late 40's now) so keen to see what it's like for you guys. Can't wait to see your vlogs on the road - good luck and have a great time!
Thank you we have had a great couple of days in Bangkok so far 😊 but looking forward to exploring the islands 🏝️
Sounds like a fantastic trip! Bon voyage 😀
Many thanks Debora- our nervousness is not detracting from our excitement! We just need to get on and do it. We cannot wait!
Have a good one👍
Have an amazing trip. We are doing a big far east adventure next March so will be following you with interest to hopefully pick up a few tips.
Thank you - we have had a fab and crazy 24 hours in Bangkok already and loving Thailand. I was quite apprehensive about it all but knew once we got here I would love it - can't wait to get out to the islands and beaches. March will come round really quickly - where are you off to?
@@earlyretirementwanderlust Glad you are having a great time. We are going to Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore and Cambodia. We are doing a mixture of cruising and travelling around.
Wow that is a really epic trip!
Id love to do this but sadly being self employed, we cant afford it.We are 58 and 60, i can see is working into our70s at this rate.Have to make do with weekend in Anglesey!
Hi Joanne. Nothing wrong with Anglesey- we love it as one of our happy places❤️
Thanks for the comment👍
Hope you have a wonderful time. Looking forward to seeing your videos. Safe travels 😀😀
Thank you - it has been a whirlwind 48 hours so far but we are loving it. The temples we visited today were stunningly beautiful 🛕
I highly recommend Malaysia if you fancy a short flight. KL is amazing and worth a visit as are the islands - Penang and Kota Kinabalu. If you go that way I’m happy to give some recommendations. If you have them it might be worth taking some small binoculars. Either way enjoy, I sure you’ll love it. Have a great time!
Thanks for this. We caught an episode of race across the world that featured Malasia that looked fantastic. It's definitely on our bucket list assuming we get on ok with Thailand. As we are newbies to this part of the world, we are taking tentative steps, with a hope that it opens up a whole world of opportunities for us in the future.
Thanks for the tip🙏
Happy memories of Thailand one tip avoid the fast boats on the river. The spray comes over the side seems like fun but the rivers are so polluted it’s hard to avoid spray on your hands then face and mouth.
We did Thailand in later life absolutely loved it. Enjoyx
Thanks Rachel- we did a trip on the river today and saw just what you described. People were holding on tightly, wearing life jackets and getting pretty wet. The hardest thing for us was trying to find the local boat rather than the very expensive tourist boats. We did finally manage- but it wasn't easy.
We think you are spot on with the tip about the river water😬
Thanks for the comment👍
Koh lipe is great, but def spend some time in Ko lanta. Ko lak for diving too. I would also try to spend time in chiang mai and explore the north- best time to visit.
Thanks for this Steve- very reassuring that we have got these on our agenda. Unfortunately there was a travel warning to Chiang Mai, due to floods, so that will have to wait for another visit!
We are so excited for Koh Lipe!
Thanks for the tips👍
Chiang mai is back to normal now - but you’ll want to come back as you say, enjoy!
Have fun! Pad thai is your friend and also stay away from drinks with ice in them. Stick with the beer. Cheers!
Thanks Tina- the beer advice is a hardship- but better safe than sorry😂
We early retired in March 2023, I was 59 and my wife 57. We backpacked Thailand for 8 weeks in February 2024, like yourselves, we had never travelled in Asia. We loved it! A couple of thoughts ................. we both purchased e-sim cards for our mobile phones, buy online when you arrive. We bought 30 day options and this worked really well. Don't take any white clothing you care about! It is a shame you are unable to visit Chang Mai and PAI in the north, this was a highlight for us. However, as you say, "Next time".
Thanks for this Glynn- such wise advice. We have a purchased a local Sim which is working really well. The network over here is raging quick- so much better than in the Dales😂
We are quickly realising that white clothing may be seen as disposable😂
Thanks for the lovely words of support. Much appreciated👍
Have a great trip...enjoy every moment and keep safe.😎
Thank you - we are so excited - we have had a fab today exploring some of the temples and a river boat trip - it’s a massive culture shock but we are loving it so far 😊
This will be fascinating as we’re just about to set off for a 3 month trip India/Malaysia/Perth/then in February Thailand (Isan Province)…. so I will be avidly following these vlogs. This is our 25 day plan BKK-Korat City-Kon Khaen-Udon Thani-then into Lao for a few days then returning to BKK via Buriram. We’ve been having two Thai language lessons a week via Zoom for 3 mths as we’re travelling in the NE region so not really tourist areas. I’ve attempted to learn the alphabet- it’s been fun!
Oh wow what an epic trip - I am assuming you are visiting Thailand on the way back? Or is that a separate trip. We were planning on visiting Chiang Mai and Rai in the North but the flooding warning put us off a little so close to our travel dates so it can wait for next time as I am sure we will love it and want to return. We have had a crazy 24 hours in Bangkok so far - walked for miles and visited some stunning Temples. The people we have met so far are just delightful - they would be very impressed with your language skills seeings though most tourists like ourselves just do not have a clue! Safe travels to India, Malaysia and Perth ✈️
@@earlyretirementwanderlust Thailand is on the way back 👍🌺
Really looking forward to your flight review as we are planning a similar trip for 2026. Are you going business class or first class???
Economy all the way for us. We have never experienced anything else as our budget is tight. We are happy in the cheap seats!
The A380 was definitely worth it and has reframed our expectations for all flights...which we are not sure is a good or a bad thing😂
Thanks for the comment👍
Not my idea of fun but I’m look forward to your videos to see how you get on. Safe journey and have a brilliant trip.
It has never been on our bucket list until our daughter’s friends went backpacking there in January and another friend went and loved it. Bangkok has been an assault on all the senses but we are really loving exploring the city and looking forward to the islands and beaches. The food is ‘interesting’ Richard had noodles and pad Thai curry for breakfast - stuck to the continental selection and fruit 😂
@@earlyretirementwanderlust I too would be on the continental section and fruit. In fact if I went for seven weeks I would come back at least a stone lighter!
🤣 I have discovered the 7 eleven shops that do really nice cheese and ham toasties for 40p - I think I could survive on fruit and toasties 😊
Just fantastic thing to do
Thank you - it Is so different from all our other travels but such an exciting adventure to embark on!
Sounds fabulous. We have traveled a couple times in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. We cannot recommend it enough! We have also been to the Elephant Nature Park which I saw was flooded. So sad for them and too bad you won't be able to get up there. You probably won't be the oldest backpackers. We buy a large bag to bring home souvenirs and lots of Vietnamese coffee. Bon Voyage!
Thanks for this- we are definitely thinking of another bag for our journey home. Xmas could be a Thai themed for all our family😂
Oooh- we will have to try and source some Vietnamese coffee❤️🙏
Thanks for the comment👍
Fabulous!! Good luck and safe travels ❤❤.
Thank you!! we have arrived safe and sound in Bangkok ✈️
Like you, I'd never travelled in my younger days - I went straight into work at 18. In 2008 when I was 38, following a 10 year relationship breakup, I backpacked to New Zealand, Australia and Singapore for 6 months - which was well outside my comfort zone. I honestly thought I'd be back home in 2 weeks as everyone else travelling would be much younger and I wouldn't fit in and enjoy myself. How wrong I was - I had a great time and made friends that I'm still in contact with. I got to see some amazing things and places, and I'm so glad that I went. You'll have a great time, and I look forward to following your adventure!
Oh wow what an epic trip! It is also on the bucket list to go to all 3 countries but will probably have to wait until we get our pensions 😊 we have had 2 days in Bangkok now and we are really enjoying it but wow what a culture shock! The good thing about travelling when we are older is we are hopefully a little more worldly wise and will make an effort to see all the wonderful sites and of course we probably have a little bit more money to go the next step up in accommodations and occasionally have abit of luxury 😊✈️
Have fun!!
Thank you - I’m sure we will. Bangkok has been like dropping into a different world but we have loved it so far 😊
Hi - hats off to you both for stepping out of your comfort zone / you are inspirational and we love the absence of click bait and glitz on your channel - thanks for keeping it real 🙏👏 ps - which packing cubes are you using please? 🙏
Thanks for this...it's really encouraging to know that people get what we are trying to do on the channel. The packing cubes were just some from Amazon that were reasonably priced for a set of 4 different sizes (£14). They are holding up well so far and the compression system of zips has not broken yet😂 We were a bit sceptical due to the price point, but so far, so good. They really help with organising our packing🤞
Thanks again👍
@@earlyretirementwanderlust - thank you -😊
If you are flying out of Phuket please please try and make the trip up to Koh Sok National park and the Lake. It is epic and you will not regret it. 😊
It is on our provisional list - I am trying to convince Richard that we should stay on the rafts on the lake but they are so expensive so I think we will stay by the gates to the national park in one of the tree houses - everyone has said it is a must 😊 thanks
@@earlyretirementwanderlust we stayed on the lake for one night. The Sound of the Gibbons was amazing. And kayaking on the lake by ourselves was a wonderful experience. I’d blow the budget just once.
Memory dividends right there!!
Lots of memory dividends hopefully! Already spent 24 crazy hours in Bangkok!! ✈️
@@earlyretirementwanderlust fantastic! Looking forward to the vlogs
Enjoy and I bet one of the first things you will buy Jackie is a big cloth as it can easily be used as a towel, beach towel, skirt etc and they are cheap 😂
I have already spied some but will wait until we are out by the beaches to buy one 😂 I did buy some cheap baggy Thai trousers today to go around the temples 🛕
🍀
🙏
Have you source mobile data ? Any recommendations ? Thx
After watching a few videos and talking with other people we headed to the big malls and bought an unlimited 30 day data card with free local calls and texts from AIS which was 950TB (about £24) which is about the same as EE charged in Europe and USA for a month. The other recommended store was TRU. Just hoping the signal is as good on the islands as it is in Bangkok. It is all we need to upload our videos twice a week which is good 😀
You won’t be the eldest by far. If anything far more “our age” than youngsters. We only had a fortnight (Nov 2019) and booked a 2 star beach hut on phi phi island of all places for 3 nights. Only accessible by boat. It was amazing…the breeze blows through so no probs not having air con and the water is so warm cold showers were not a problem either. Just snorkelled all day. Also was worried as tied to one beach restaurant, but prices were only slightly more and still superb food so no worries about breaking the budget. I only want to go back when we have more time to travel as it’s so far/jet lag etc so following with as much interest as the van travels.
Partake in the massages, obvs be careful but after dinner just a foot massage at one of the places vying for custom will always be fine. Use trip advisor/trusted accommodation advice on where to go.
We have also booked 2 nights on Phi Phi island and 2 different places - one is a more expensive beach resort that had one night at a huge discount - both are far away from the madness (I hope) so really looking forward to it 😊 I am going to learn to snorkel as I have never done it before. I think my feet are in need of a massage tonight after a day looking at some of the temples 🛕
I’m not jealous. Honest ….…🤥
Have an amazing time 😀🇬🇧❤👍
Thanks! 😃 We are so excited - already had a crazy 24 hours in Bangkok!
Oh and if you have IPhones I would definitely put an apple tag in any hold luggage. Our luggage and my sisters 2 wheelchairs disappeared! We found them for the airline via the air tags! 😮 Don’t travel without them now!
Our alternative to this was packing spare underwear in our hand luggage just incase the airlines lost our rucksacks😂
Jackie's Mum swears by AirTags and she has travelled way more than most of us👍
"Choke dee na!" 😀
Mai bpen rai ka (I think that is thank you!)
… or you can just show up. 😂 That’s what I did and it worked out great
It’s the ex teachers in us needing a little bit of organisation 🤣🤣🤣
@ … and that works as well 🤗
I would take some filter coffee with you. You can’t get it in the 7/11. You can in the bigger supermarkets bu they’re not always handy. And this girl does not move am without coffee 😂
So true! We took the coffee kit but no coffee. After 24 hours, we realised what a mistake that was. We eventually found a supermarket and stocked up. We love the 7/11's, but as you say, no fresh coffee😂 Modern world problems I guess...but our coffee this morning was amazing!
@@earlyretirementwanderlust there you go you see. Settled in already. Not out of your comfort zone at all! You will have such a blast
Matching sunglasses? Be careful, that sounds like the start of a very slippery slope ….. Seriously guys, have fun
😂 We bought them in Florida much to our kids embarrassment - mine now match Richards green ones 🕶️
Buy bug repellent there , our stuff doesn’t work !
Yes we are going to get a big stock of it - as Richard says, he is bug bait 😂