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My husband turns 40 in March 2021. And I want to start researching and planning a trip abroad for him but I not sure where to start. He is the adventurous sort and has mentioned wanted to visit some Asian countries as much for the ancient culture as for the modern culture. Crowded but friendly city. Good food and fun experiences, easily travelable. Any suggestions based on your experiences of countries and cities to start researching?
ETA: Hanoi seems to fit what hes looking for. Anyone traveled there?
I've never been to Hanoi but it does seem like an ancient meets modern culture, crowded but friendly city. Bangkok seems similar but probably easier to get around and no need for VISA assuming you're carrying a US passport.
Plenty of other great options. I personally like Seoul or Taipei for westerners...obviously plenty others depending on your specific objectives and desires.
I've spent much time in Asia for business and pleasure, never in Hanoi but in other areas of Vietnam - it would make a great vacation, like to go back and spend more time.
But Asia is a large diverse continent so you have many choices, I would suggest posting in Asia forum as well you will probably get better advice. Lots of expats and locals post there.
My husband turns 40 in March 2021. And I want to start researching and planning a trip abroad for him but I not sure where to start. He is the adventurous sort and has mentioned wanted to visit some Asian countries as much for the ancient culture as for the modern culture. Crowded but friendly city. Good food and fun experiences, easily travelable. Any suggestions based on your experiences of countries and cities to start researching?
ETA: Hanoi seems to fit what hes looking for. Anyone traveled there?
Check out Gabriel Traveler's recent videos on youtube of Hanoi.
To add to my post above - personally I would recommend Saigon (and don't call it Ho Chi Minh City, none of the locals call it that unless they are government lackeys). It's a totally different culture than the north. More hustle, more bustle, and they love Americans.
I would also recommend Hue City, formally the imperial capital of Vietnam and, although heavily damaged from the war (thanks to the NVA and VC invading this peaceful town and massacring a number of it's population decades ago) still full of glorious religious and historical sights.
I think Vietnam sounds like a really interesting place to visit. I've heard there are touristy spots but also areas off the beaten path where the locals are friendly. I have loads of time to research but you guys have given me some ideas
Vietnam is great. Good food, nice folks, easy to travel in, cheap, lots of history.
One thing it lacks compared to it's neighbors is ancient (or modern) spectacular man-made things. It's got some (mostly up north) but there are far better temples and ruins in neighboring Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand. Myanmar as well. Not sure if that interests him or not but something to consider.
Location: We_tside PNW (Columbia Gorge) / CO / SA TX / Thailand
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How long of travel time do you have?
I would certainly do the regional variety and cultures of countries surrounding Thailand (as per above).
Lots to see and do, and quite close to each other travel time. (You can add Malaysia for additional flavor (including food)).
You can get regional flights very inexpensive and ez from these places, just beware of visa requirements when planning.
You can find plenty of history, terrain, and culture.
Beaches, jungles, & steep mtns (not too tall, but steep) .
I have had pretty good luck using Singapore based Agoda.com for booking lodging in Asia.
They have a very easy site and good customer service (when needed). They have bailed me out several times (when I made mistakes). I also use Agoda in Europe and USA if needed.
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