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We’re planning a short side trip from visiting family in East Asia early next yea and are looking for suggestions. I would love to know where you’ve been in the region (first hand experiences, please!) and what were the things or sights you liked most and if you would overall recommend going by for a visit.
Where in East Asia are you taking the side trip from?
I think I recall you being an urban dweller and city fan. Is that the way you like to travel as well? I love cities as well and pretty much love every Asian big city. I've heard some people find them all the be quite similar but to me that's not really the case.
Imo Tokyo, Seoul, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Bangkok, Singapore are kind of in their own tier/stratosphere of must-see for urbanity and cosmopolitan/international flavor, so if any of those make sense to you then you can't go wrong. There are of course plenty of options if you are into beaches/resort getaways, tons of worthy picks for more culture shock/exposure experiences in small-mid size cities, and then the "wonders" type destinations like Angkor Wat. So really depends what you are seeking, but for a few days in a major city then that first list I provided is the one to stick to.
Where in East Asia are you taking the side trip from?
I think I recall you being an urban dweller and city fan. Is that the way you like to travel as well? I love cities as well and pretty much love every Asian big city. I've heard some people find them all the be quite similar but to me that's not really the case.
Imo Tokyo, Seoul, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Bangkok, Singapore are kind of in their own tier/stratosphere of must-see for urbanity and cosmopolitan/international flavor, so if any of those make sense to you then you can't go wrong. There are of course plenty of options if you are into beaches/resort getaways, tons of worthy picks for more culture shock/exposure experiences in small-mid size cities, and then the "wonders" type destinations like Angkor Wat. So really depends what you are seeking, but for a few days in a major city then that first list I provided is the one to stick to.
I'll be making the side trip from Taiwan! I do love urban cities, but they don't have to be megacities at all. Interesting smaller cities that are navigable without renting a car are all fine by me. I also like hiking and the beach. I guess I'm going for what made the best impression on someone and why.
I'll be making the side trip from Taiwan! I do love urban cities, but they don't have to be megacities at all. Interesting smaller cities that are navigable without renting a car are all fine by me. I also like hiking and the beach. I guess I'm going for what made the best impression on someone and why.
Busan might be a good choice for you. It's got beaches, it's got urbanization, and I assume it has hiking, given that it's surrounded by mountains. I didn't really have any expectations going into it, but I found that I really liked it. (I'll admit, I liked Seoul better.)
I'll be making the side trip from Taiwan! I do love urban cities, but they don't have to be megacities at all. Interesting smaller cities that are navigable without renting a car are all fine by me. I also like hiking and the beach. I guess I'm going for what made the best impression on someone and why.
ahh ok. First off if you are not going to be in Taipei then go there for sure. If you will be there then consider taking a short trip to the countryside, there are some popular destinations like yilan, jiufen, hot springs, or even the beaches. Ok, besides remaining in Taiwan...
Hong Kong and then Macau (if you have an extra day or two) would have certainly been my top rec. That said, with what's been going on in the region you'll have to use your best judgment whether or not to plan such a trip. Otherwise, I would go with either Tokyo, Seoul, or Shanghai for leaving the most impactful impression. Maybe Beijing if you would like to see Tiananmen, Great Wall, etc.
We loved Sabah the most. Kota Kinabalu is a nice small city, the wildlife is great and there are some lovely resorts as well. As in all of Malaysia, the food is great.
Singapore has lost its attraction for us as it has become rich and westernised, though it is still a very pleasant city. We love Hong Kong but with all the unrest, would probably avoid it right now.
Not as keen on Thailand as other parts of Asia. Really enjoyed Vietnam but would not rush back. We love visiting China as well.
Shameless westerners rape and burn Manila to the ground 11 times and rebuilt to their ideals yet won't even visit the city they butchered. Instead go to Singapore or Tokyo who has a history 10x less interesting than Manila. Have fun with the Japs who massacred you Whites while Millions of Filipinos died hiding your ungrateful asses in WW2. Manila may be not your favorite but we know that she's the most deserving. And don't bother coming here unless you learn to walk a mile in our shoesbeloved. Until then good riddance.
For first experience visiting southeast asia
U go to thailand, then singapore, then indonesia
Goodluck!
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