Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1If you have any recommendations of where we should visit in China on our next trip, then please leave them down in the description. (0:58)
- Tip 2You need to have some of this chocolate if you come to China. (2:46)
- Tip 3I'm going to be doing a much bigger debrief and things I didn't expect about traveling China in the next video. (13:29)
- Tip 4Bring your student ID cards if you're traveling China, you can get quite a bit of money off on national park tickets. (14:23)
- Tip 5Definitely have cash as a backup when traveling in China, as a foreigner, WeChat or Alipay might not always work. (14:52)
- Tip 6The next video will be a really interesting video about how to travel China, like things we wish we knew before traveling China. (15:32)
Joel Friend's China adventure concludes with an epic overland journey to Vietnam! This travel vlog captures the excitement and unexpected challenges of their border crossing, from navigating bustling train stations to the thrill of a unique, theme-park-like border experience. Discover their insightful Q&A session addressing safety concerns, favorite foods, and travel tips for exploring China.
Next travel video: ( 11 / 12 )
More about the current video:( 10 / 12 )
This travel vlog follows Joel Friend's journey as he and his travel companion leave Yangshuo, China, to travel overland to Hanoi, Vietnam. Their trip is filled with unexpected turns, beginning with the uncertainty of transportation options. They start with a Didi, a ride-hailing service, and then board a high-speed train to Nanning.
The unexpected challenges begin in Nanning, where they discover that the direct train to Hanoi is no longer running. This leads them on a quest to find alternative transportation, eventually opting for a bus. The bus journey itself is an adventure, with a memorable stop at a service station along the way.
The border crossing proves to be a highlight, described as a "theme park ride" due to its impressive infrastructure and smooth process. Joel and his companion successfully cross into Vietnam, concluding the China leg of their trip.
The vlog also includes a Q&A session where Joel answers viewer questions about safety in China, favorite foods (dumplings and noodles get special mentions), and the overall travel experience. He addresses concerns about safety, particularly for female travelers, and notes that China felt very safe compared to their previous travels in South America. The topic of expenses is discussed, with the observation that costs vary significantly depending on location, with southern areas being more affordable than major cities. They also discuss visa processes and the advantages of having cash on hand despite the prevalence of digital payment systems.
Throughout the vlog, Joel's personal insights and experiences shine through, creating an engaging and informative narrative. The unexpected challenges and the unique border crossing experience make this a memorable travel story. The vlog ends with a promise of a future video detailing additional travel tips for China.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: Did you feel safe in China?
- A: Yes, I think China is one of the safest places I've been. There are security cameras everywhere, and people generally keep to themselves.
- Q: What was your favorite food in China?
- A: Dumplings! They were so good, and I really enjoyed the thicker noodles in the noodle soups.
- Q: Do you think Zhangjiajie (Avatar National Park) was overrated?
- A: I don't think so. We had a special experience because we stayed in the National Park and avoided the crowds. But if you stick to the main tourist areas, it will be very busy.
- Q: Did you come across many solo travelers?
- A: Not really, in the places we stayed. Most foreigners we met were traveling in couples or groups.
- Q: What is the visa process like for China?
- A: It's not easy. There are some countries that allow visa-free travel for 14 days, and there's a 144-hour visa for some cities. We got a 2-year multi-entry visa, but that required going to a Chinese visa application center in our home country.
- Q: Is it expensive to travel China?
- A: It depends on where you go. Cities like Shanghai and Beijing are more expensive, but places like Yangshuo are much cheaper. High-speed trains and national park tickets can add up, but food is generally affordable.
- Q: Would you recommend having cash in China?
- A: Yes, definitely. While most places use WeChat Pay and Alipay, having cash as a backup is important, especially as a foreigner, in case your phone dies or digital payments fail.
