South East Asia Quick Pocket Guide 2023

SOUTH EAST ASIA QUICK POCKET GUIDE

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From exploring Bangkok’s vibrant streets to savoring Kuala Lumpur’s culinary delights and immersing yourself in Hanoi’s rich history, let’s create an unforgettable journey tailored to your style and preferences.

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Maricell Villarroel

Managing Director One Event South East Asia mvillarroel@one-event-asia.com (English/Spanish/Chinese)

HAVE AN OPEN MIND: SOUTHEAST ASIA IS A DIVERSE AND VIBRANT REGION WITH A RICH CULTURE AND HISTORY. EMBRACE THE DIFFERENCES YOU ENCOUNTER AND HAVE AN OPEN MIND. THIS WILL ALLOW YOU TO FULLY IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE LOCAL CULTURE AND HAVE A MORE MEANINGFUL TRAVEL EXPERIENCE.

HANOI (VIETNAM) BANGKOK (THAILAND) KUALA LUMPUR (MALAYSIA) SINGAPORE (SINGAPORE) BALI (INDONESIA)

BANGKOK THAILAND

BANGKOK INFO Currency: 1 USD = 31.18 Thai Baht (THB) Closest Airport: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) Average Temperature: 27°C - 33°C Rainy Season: May - October Most Rainfall Months: September and October

24H VISIT MUST DO • • • • • • •

Visit the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew Grab a breakfast at a Local Food Market Take a scenic Boat Ride Visit Jim Thompson House Explore China Town Take a Tuk-Tuk Ride Visit a Rooftop Bar

TIPS 1. Learn a few Thai phrases: It is always appreciated when visitors make an effort to speak the local language, even if it’s just a few words.

2. Respect local customs when visiting temples: Thailand is a predominantly Buddhist country.

Cover your shoulders and knees and dress appropriately as skimpy clothing is frowned upon.

It is also customary to make a small donation before entering the temple. Visitors should

be respectful and mindful of the religious and cultural significance of the temples.

3. Take off shoes when entering homes and small shops: Feet are considered dirty in Thai culture, so it is common to remove shoes before entering homes and small shops. Visitors should be aware of this custom and follow suit. Water sandals or waterproof Birkenstocks may be useful to pack when visiting Bangkok.

BALI

INDONESIA

BALI INFO Currency: 1 USD = 14,332.50 Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) Closest Airport: Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) Average Temperature: 24°C - 31°C Rainy Season: November - March Most Rainfall Months: January and February

24H VISIT MUST DO • • • • • •

Visit the iconic Tanah Lot Temple at sunrise Have breakfast at a local cafe or warung Visit the stunning Tegallalang Rice Terraces Explore Ubud’s vibrant markets Watch a traditional Balinese dance performance Have dinner at a local warung and try some traditional Balinese cuisine

TIPS 1. Dress appropriately: Many temples and religious sites in Bali require visitors to dress modestly, covering their shoulders and legs. Both men and women are required to wear a sarong and a temple scarf when entering a Balinese temple.

2. Respect religious customs: Bali is predominantly Hindu, and there are many important religious ceremonies and festivals throughout the year.

Visitors should be respectful and avoid interrupting or disturbing these ceremonies.

3. Learn a few words in Indonesian: The Balinese people appreciate when visitors show an interest in their language and culture. Learn a few phrases in Indonesian, such as “hello” (“selamat pagi”), “thank you” (“terima kasih”), and “excuse me” (“maaf”).

SINGAPORE SINGAPORE

SINGAPORE INFO Currency: 1 USD = 1.33 Singapore Dollar (SGD) Closest Airport: Changi Airport (SIN) Average Temperature: 25°C - 30°C Rainy Season: November - January Most Rainfall Months: January

24H VISIT MUST DO • • • • • • • •

Visit gardens by the Bay Grab breakfast at Hawker Centre Take a stroll at Marina Bay Sands Visit the National Museum of Singapore Explore Clarke Quay Take a River Cruise Enjoy dinner at a hawker centre or restaurant Watch the Supertrees light show at Gardens by the Bay

TIPS 1. Respect the no smoking policy: If you need to smoke, look for designated smoking areas. Additionally, it is worth noting that littering is a serious offense in Singapore, so be sure to dispose of your cigarette butts properly.

2. Reserve your seat with packets of tissues: When having a meal at one of the many hawker centers, look out for tables with packets of tissues

scattered on them. These packets of tissues serve as a way to reserve your seat while you go to order your food. Simply place your packet of tissues on the table to let others know that the seat is taken.

3. Tipping: Tipping is not a common practice in Singapore, and it is not expected. However, if you experience exceptional service, you can tip around 10% of the bill amount.

HANOI VIETNAM

HANOI INFO Currency: 1 USD = 23,155.00 Vietnamese Dong (VND) Closest Airport: Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) Average Temperature: 14°C - 32°C Rainy Season: May - September Most Rainfall Months: July and August

24H VISIT MUST DO

TIPS

• • • • • • • • • •

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple Breakfast at a local Pho restaurant Visit the Temple of Literature Explore the Old Quarter Have lunch at a Bun Cha restaurant Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Watch a Water Puppet Show Dinner at a street food market Take a stroll at the Long Bien Bridge y

1. Avoid public displays of affection: In Vietnam, public displays of affection, such as hugging or kissing, are not commonly seen in public. It is best to avoid these behaviors out of respect for the local culture.

2. Take off your shoes: It is customary to remove your shoes before entering a Vietnamese home or a temple. You can usually tell if you need to take

off your shoes by looking for a pile of shoes near the entrance.

Make sure to wear socks or bring them with you, as going barefoot is considered impolite.

3. Learn a few Vietnamese phrases: Learning a few basic Vietnamese phrases such as “hello” (xin chào), “thank you” (cảm ơn), and “goodbye” (tạm biệt) can go a long way in showing respect to the locals.

KUALA LUMPUR MALAYSIA

KUALA LUMPUR INFO Currency: 1 USD = 4.20 Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) Closest Airport: Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) Average Temperature: 23°C - 33°C Rainy Season: April - May & October - November Most Rainfall Months: November

24H VISIT MUST DO • • • • • • •

Visit Petronas Twin Towers Explore Batu Caves Visit the National Mosque of Malaysia Visit National Museum & Islamic Arts Museum Experience Bukit Bintang’s night scene Stroll through KLCC Park Admire the city skyline with a drink at a rooftop bar

TIPS 1. Greet Locals Respectfully: Instead of a standard handshake, use the traditional “Salam” greeting, which involves placing your right hand over your heart and bowing slightly.

This is particularly important when greeting older people or those in positions of authority.

2. Mind Your Manners: Avoid pointing your feet towards

people or sacred objects, and avoid touching someone’s head as it is considered disrespectful.

3. Dress Appropriately: It’s recommended to wear clothing that covers your shoulders, arms, and legs, especially when visiting religious sites like the Batu Caves or the National Mosque of Malaysia mosque or temple.

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