Hoi An, the Unesco World Heritage Site's streets are busting at the seams with visitors. It certainly appears that the old town has returned to the days of packed streets prior to the pandemic. I'm in Hoi An with an up-to-date report on the ancient town, its sites, and what it's like to visit one of Vietnam's top destinations. I have some tips on where you can avoid the crowds and some other things you'll want to know especially if it's your first visit. If you'd like to support the channel there are two ways: Patreon-monthly pledges/support-https://www.patreon.com/FarEastTravels Donations: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/JohnASaboe Write A Review:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/far-east-travels-podcast/id1079513943?itsct=podcast_box&itscg=30200&ls=1

In this episode I discuss 5 more typical annoyances or things tourists should be aware of when visiting Vietnam, especially for the first time. Once you master these and the last 5 in a previous episode you'll be much better prepared. As a disclaimer, there are similiar things to watch out for in other countries in the region and beyond. In some cases like the cyclo driver scams, knowing what to expect can save you several dollars and a really uncomfortable experience. In this episode I also share some sounds from a Vietnamese funeral and review what happens during the 3 day ceremony that during your travels you may witness. Thanks again for your support! If you'd like to support the channel there are two ways: Patreon-monthly pledges/support-https://www.patreon.com/FarEastTravels Donations: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/JohnASaboe Write A Review:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/far-east-travels-podcast/id1079513943?itsct=podcast_box&itscg=30200&ls=1

It's finally happening! Vietnam's National Assembly agreed to extend the current 30 day tourist eVisa to 90 days for 80 countries. This will be the first time 90 day visas will be available to tourists since early 2020. This is welcome news to the tourism industry and thousands of people who in the past enjoyed long-term stays in Vietnam. Nha Trang and Da Nang will most likely see the biggest growth in tourism and extended stays. In this podcast what we know so far. More details to come. Patreon-monthly pledges/support-https://www.patreon.com/FarEastTravels Donations: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/JohnASaboe Write a review:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/far-east-travels-podcast/id1079513943?itsct=podcast_box&itscg=30200&ls=1

In this episode I run down 5 common mistakes or uncomfortable situations you can avoid on your first trip to Vietnam. Some could be considered scams or overcharging, in other cases just minor uncomfortable situtations that can be easily avoided. We've all been scammed or overcharged at least once on our travels. I remember I was overcharged for a speedboat ride to the Gili Islands by what I thought were friendly staff in the hotel I was staying at in Bali many years ago. They are situations that can easily put a damper on, or in extreme cases ruin a trip. In Vietnam, there are several examples of overcharging, or misunderstandings, that typically take place around tourist attractions or areas where visitors tend to spend alot of time in. Knowing what to expect can help you avoid these uncomfortable scenarios. If you'd like to support the channel there are two ways: Patreon-monthly pledges/support-https://www.patreon.com/FarEastTravels Donations: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/JohnASaboe Write A Review:https://apple.co/3QG6TET

I'm back! Thanks so much for your patience. A long needed hiatus from the podcast was due and I"m now delighted to return to regular podcasting of The Far East Travels Podcast in it's 8th year! In this episode I'll review the current visas that are offered in Vietnam and the upcoming proposal to return to 90 day visas as well as the extending of visa exemption stays for many countries. Honestly, I did not plan to be off this long from the podcast but days turn into weeks, which turn into months. I feel the time off has given me a second wind to create more and better episodes. Again, I appreciate your patience and will in the future, endeavour to bring you high quality episodes of The Far East Travels Podcast. Support the Podcast: Patreon:https://patreon.com/FarEastTravels?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link PayPal:https://paypal.me/JohnASaboe?country.x=CA&locale.x=en_US Write A Review:https://tools.applemediaservices.com/podcast/1079513943?country=us

In October Taiwan eased restrictions once again welcoming visitors to "The Beautiful Island". My friend and longtime guest of the podcast photographer Bruno Black gives us an update on what's new and what to expect when you arrive. Bruno has toured many people around the island and is an expert on the best places to see as well as knowing where to go to get those great shots. Visitors are finally returning to the island and we'll also get an update from Bruno on some new sites to visit including the new Nationa Center For Photography And Images in Taipei. Connect and follow Bruno: https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fbrunoblackofficial%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0X_ukqwIpa9UwKMZI2BzUNhBteEVN8woHTiD7TY-zatqQeN53UWoWzfzk&h=AT2r-wzfNsXDXoE2nnav4ebeMAYM-hU6mqjYOP03acIhuKMJYeBOrCYE3fEEZrnafZTxiyWgMpZlF8xp9M7TrTwlsShAmBNc7TBbwIByaNzT-1INuuG3ZTNptSAVmE7jQnVt4fjd https://www.facebook.com/brunoblackofficial Thanks as always for your support! If you'd like to support the channel there are two ways: Patreon-monthly pledges/support-https://www.patreon.com/FarEastTravels Donations: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/JohnASaboe Write A Review:https://apple.co/3QG6TET

A pleasure as always to have Kyoto based Niall Gibson, an expat Canadian, tour operator and host of the Kyoto Fun Podcast on the Far East Travels Podcast. Niall gives us an update on the current travel landscape of Kyoto and the rest of Japan. With the yen currently at a record low and travel restrictions lifted this could be one of the best times in your life to visit Japan. Niall gives pointers on sites and things to do in Kyoto, as well as Tokyo, Hokkaido, and Hiroshima. Niall has lived in Japan for over 16 years and is an expert tour operator/guide and podcaster. Podcast: Kyoto Fun Podcast:https://apple.co/3A8rtrb Websites/Booking:https://www.kyotofun.com http://www.tokyofuntours.com As always I'm grateful for your support of the channel. If you'd like to support the channel there are two ways: Patreon-monthly pledges/support-https://www.patreon.com/FarEastTravels Donations: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/JohnASaboe Write A Review/Subscribe:https://apple.co/3QG6TET

After 2.5 years both Taiwan and Japan are fully open to independant tourism. In this episode I share more details about requirements upon arrival, particularily for the more complicated procedures for Taiwan. As someone who lived in Taiwan I am very happy for the many businesses who relied and of course benefited from foreign visitors. Taipei was a meeting place almost every weekend for travelers from around East and Southeast Asia. I can't imagine what the toll from the pandemic has left on some of these restaurants, cafes, and markets, if in fact they were able to survive this tragedy. Thanks again for listening and supporting the podcast! Thanks as always for your support! If you'd like to support the channel there are two ways: Patreon-monthly pledges/support-https://www.patreon.com/FarEastTravels Donations: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/JohnASaboe Write A Review:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/far-east-travels-podcast/id1079513943?itsct=podcast_box&itscg=30200&ls=1

The quote "Pot Smoking Tourists Not Welcom In Thailand"recently comes from the Thai Health Minister. Updates and a throwback to a walkabout in the shopping districts during a visit in 2017. Bangkok is coming back with an estimated 7-8 million visitors expected in 2022. Still a far cry from the 40 million visitors it saw in 2019. Things are improving as far as more flights heading for the capital of Thailand with Bangkok Air adding direct flights from Da Nang beginning September 1st. In this episode I talk about the changes to the street food scene since the government swept the sidewalks of food carts back in 2016. A shame but there is a street food scene and neighborhoods that still have plenty of food carts. It's far from being discounted as a once food mecca. Thanks as always for your support! If you'd like to support the channel there are two ways: Patreon-monthly pledges/support-https://www.patreon.com/FarEastTravels Donations: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/JohnASaboe Write A Review;https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/far-east-travels-podcast/id1079513943?itsct=podcast_box&itscg=30200&ls=1

This past summer was not the experience I was hoping for. What was to be outings and short visits around the country has turned into weeks of nursing colds, sinus infections, and now Covid. Fortunately I've been lucky to have only experienced cold symptoms with C19. But my isolation has taken me back to the feelings experienced a year ago when we were all under some form of lockdown here in Vietnam. My apologies for the lack of output of new content and episodes but I am hopeful going forward I will have many more stories to tell whether here or on my YouTube Channel but I do appreciate your patience. Good news this past month for Da Nang making in on Travel + Leisure's top 10 cities to visit in Southeast Asia. Vietnam's two biggest cities, Ho Chi Minh and Ha Noi both made it on the list as well. In this episode I'll also go back to the Batu Caves in Selangor, Malaysia from a 2019 visit. Thanks as always for your support! If you'd like to support the channel there are two ways: Patreon-monthly pledges/support-https://www.patreon.com/FarEastTravels Donations: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/JohnASaboe