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The statement by some calling Singapore "Asia for Beginners" (in reference to its manifesting more western influence thanks to the British colonial era like knowledge of the English language, as well as its efficient government services, minimal corruption problems, well-built infrastructure, first-world economy, high living standards, and ease of getting around) for people visiting/living in Asia for the first time kind of makes sense to me considering the above factors. But anyway, if Singapore is indeed beginners Asia, what would you consider the other Asian nations in terms of difficulty and the like? Please let me know what you guys think on this matter. Thanks.
Last edited by mrconfusion87; 08-07-2012 at 02:51 PM..
thailand is prolly the true asia for beginners. easily best traveller infrastructure in asia, even better than singapore. singapore has good travel infrastructure, don't get me wrong, but it doesn't punch above it's weight, it's right where it should be considering its development level.
as far as SE asia goes, all countries are extremely easy to travel in, wouldn't rank any particularly difficult.
Singapore is an extremely well-developed city state (think of much cleaner and more high-tech version of Chicago, in a tropical climate), so all comparisons will be deeply flawed. Japan is very similar to Singapore from the "clean and modern" feel - hardly a challenge for an average Westerner.
I personally found Bangkok to be very subpar in terms of infrastructure for travelers (although very exotic!!!), but haven't been anywhere else in Thailand, so can't vouch for anywhere else in this country.
I've been to rural Vietnam and it is definitely as exotic and "pure Asian" as it gets, can probably even rival Cambodia...
Hong Kong is also very Westernized and many native Hong Kong locals can communicate in English. The signs and public transportation are all bilingual (Chinese and English). I found Hong Kong to be pretty easy to travel through, modern and safe.
Singapore is an extremely well-developed city state (think of much cleaner and more high-tech version of Chicago, in a tropical climate), so all comparisons will be deeply flawed. Japan is very similar to Singapore from the "clean and modern" feel - hardly a challenge for an average Westerner.
I personally found Bangkok to be very subpar in terms of infrastructure for travelers (although very exotic!!!), but haven't been anywhere else in Thailand, so can't vouch for anywhere else in this country.
I've been to rural Vietnam and it is definitely as exotic and "pure Asian" as it gets, can probably even rival Cambodia...
I agree with most of what yous say, though I'd say countries like Japan and Taiwan are somewhat less accessible than Singapore unless you speak the local language. Malaysia isn't quite as developed as Singapore with disorganised transport networks (public transport in particular) though the vast majority can speak English.
thailand is prolly the true asia for beginners. easily best traveller infrastructure in asia, even better than singapore. singapore has good travel infrastructure, don't get me wrong, but it doesn't punch above it's weight, it's right where it should be considering its development level.
as far as SE asia goes, all countries are extremely easy to travel in, wouldn't rank any particularly difficult.
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Originally Posted by foadi
thailand is prolly the true asia for beginners. easily best traveller infrastructure in asia, even better than singapore. singapore has good travel infrastructure, don't get me wrong, but it doesn't punch above it's weight, it's right where it should be considering its development level.
as far as SE asia goes, all countries are extremely easy to travel in, wouldn't rank any particularly difficult.
Singapore is still easier to get around for an English speaker, for sure.
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