Introduction To The Blog & To Stray Asia

 If you've found this blog, I’m guessing you might be interested in travelling around South East Asia... If not, then I’m afraid you're in the wrong place. 

This blog is the go-to place for all Stray Travel-ers to share their experience of travelling one of the greatest, most vibrant places on the globe, South East Asia. 

Through amazing stories, and sage advice from people who have been on (and off) the beaten track, this blog will inform seasoned travellers and encourage fresh explorers alike. 

Every person who contributes to this blog has either travelled South East Asia or has worked for Stray, and in some cases both. So you can be sure that all advice on this blog is genuine. 

So, if having first hand knowledge to questions such as "where will I stay?" or, "What is there to do?" is helpful to you, then you might as well and just add this blog to your bookmarks now.

The below will cover the basics of what you can expect to undergo with Stray Travel, maybe answer a few question that you may have, and hopefully give you the confidence to book your flight tckets and jet off to the other side of the world!

Who is Stray Travel? 

Stray Travel are the travel agency which facilitated and organised the journey each of us has had around South East Asia. 

Since 2002 Stray Travel have been helping travellers by arranging the basic outline of their experience.

Allowing for a lot of flexibility, Stray guides people in the direction of the journey they seek. 

By laying the foundations for individuals, pairs and groups, Stray lets you enjoy the enriching experience of jetting off to another part of the globe, without worrying how to get from A to B.

How Do I Contact Stray Travel?  

The best way to start your journey would be to email book@straytravel.com.

You will receive all the necessary information you require regarding visas, injections, prices, flights, itinerary and more.

You could also visit their website to find out more information https://www.straytravel.com/.

 

What happens After I Land?

Stray will have all your accommodation pre-booked ready for you to check in on arrival. This is typically a 5-star hotel in the radiant city of Bangkok, which eases you into your trip and manage the jetlag.

Usually there is a two-to-three-day gap after landing before you meet with your tour guide. This gives you an excellent chance to visit some fantastic landmarks in Bangkok and acclimatise to the food, weather and people.  

When meeting your tour guide you will also be meeting the first group of fellow adventurers. This offers an opportunity to get to know one another and gives the tour guide a chance to go over a few things.

A day or two after this you will depart Bangkok and begin your Stray adventure as you journey via coach, train and boat across the majestic and glorious landscape of South East Asia.

Where will I go?  

The route that Stray takes starts in Bangkok and ends in Hanoi, snaking through Loas and Cambodia on the way. This is via a hop-on-hop-off system, which allows people to stay in areas they enjoy and spend time together with a group if they wish.

The time given to complete this route is completely up to you. It often varies between 2 months to 6 months but can be longer if you want. However, the only rule is that before you start your journey flights home must be booked.

What can I expect to do?

When booking with Stray Asia you are assured to visit places of cultural significance and religious significance, Ayutthaya, Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple) & Angkor Wat to name a few.

I’d recommend this site https://www.nickkembel.com to get a full list of stunning temples in Asia and see how many you can check of your list.

It is not just temples and religious sites you will go to, there’s somethings for the thrill seekers out there too. You can to have fun ziplining in Chang Main https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk and enjoy the alpine coaster in Vietnam https://www.klook.com

Ultimately, you will have the freedom to go off on your own and do what you want to do to.

Whether it is gorging on the delicious street food (like I did), visiting the local shops and markets, or appreciating the beautiful temples, the choice is completely up to you.

Where can I expect to stay?

You can expect to stay in a range of accommodations from hostels, hotels, rural villages and home stays.

Not every place is a Hilton or Ritz, but because you will be in great company that will not matter.

 The below picture sums this up perfectly which, which was taken during an overnight stay in Cambodia with my favourite Stray group.

 

            

I hope this introduction has been helpful in covering a few of the basics about travelling South East Asia with Stray. 

Be sure to check out our other posts which will go into more detail and aim to help you avoid making some rookie travelling mistakes.