2 or 3 countries, where to go, how?
Jun 1st, 2005, 12:46 AM
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2 or 3 countries, where to go, how?
My wife and I wish to go to Asia for about 20-25 days, ideally departing New York around December 18th. We wish to several countries at least. We are in our late 30's and artistically-minded. We are also fairly clueless about Asia; neither of us has been there before. The one country we definitely want to visit is Japan. I would love to also spend a week at some sort of beach place.
Does anyone know about airlines that might offer a multi-country ticket at a decent rate?
What places/countries do yu think would be an interesting juxtaposition/pairing with Japan? Or more accessible?
Will it be extra expensive to travel over the Christmas break? Or is there somewhere we can go for a week to avoid that 12/25 to 1/1 rush?
Thanks, Jeffrey
Jun 1st, 2005, 01:34 AM
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Japan shouldn't be a problem at all to visit, as many flights from the US stop in Narita and then continue to other points in Asia.
Japan will be cold in December/January. Depending on where you go, you may see snow. Christmas is a big holiday here...mostly for the commercial side of it. Tokyo and Kobe both have excellent light displays.
From Japan to a beach...it will take you an entire day. There are very few, if any, early morning flights out of Japan to Asian destinations. When we've gone to Bali or Thailand, the earliest departures have been 10:45 I think...getting us to our hotel in Bangkok by late afternoon, but continuing to Koh Samui got us into our hotel after dinner. To Bali, the 10:45 departure from Osaka gets in just before 5:00. There are quite a few evening departures, putting you in your destination around midnight.
Northwest Airines and partners can get you just about anywhere in Asia, as can United's Star Alliance. Sticking with a single airline and/or partners can save you a lot, as well as earn you lots of miles.
Japan is dramatically different from anywhere else I've ever been. As you say you are artistically minded, Bali might be nice. The beaches aren't the best I've ever seen, but the art and culture is readily accessible for both looking and trying yourself.
The Phillipines isn't a long flight from Japan, and is supposed to have stunning beaches. We've not made it there yet, but we may well someday for the diving.
Thailand has some lovely beaches.
Travel over Christmas...The only thing you should keep in mind for Japan is flying out between Dec 26 and Jan 3 will be pricey as it's one of the two "long" holidays people get a year from work. It's a popular time to travel. If you get your tickets before September, you should be fine. Then things start to sell out. You might consider an around the world ticket. Check in the New York Times for consolidator ads. A long time ago I used Airbrokers International out of San Francisco...found them in the NYTimes...their prices were great at the time.
Japan will be cold in December/January. Depending on where you go, you may see snow. Christmas is a big holiday here...mostly for the commercial side of it. Tokyo and Kobe both have excellent light displays.
From Japan to a beach...it will take you an entire day. There are very few, if any, early morning flights out of Japan to Asian destinations. When we've gone to Bali or Thailand, the earliest departures have been 10:45 I think...getting us to our hotel in Bangkok by late afternoon, but continuing to Koh Samui got us into our hotel after dinner. To Bali, the 10:45 departure from Osaka gets in just before 5:00. There are quite a few evening departures, putting you in your destination around midnight.
Northwest Airines and partners can get you just about anywhere in Asia, as can United's Star Alliance. Sticking with a single airline and/or partners can save you a lot, as well as earn you lots of miles.
Japan is dramatically different from anywhere else I've ever been. As you say you are artistically minded, Bali might be nice. The beaches aren't the best I've ever seen, but the art and culture is readily accessible for both looking and trying yourself.
The Phillipines isn't a long flight from Japan, and is supposed to have stunning beaches. We've not made it there yet, but we may well someday for the diving.
Thailand has some lovely beaches.
Travel over Christmas...The only thing you should keep in mind for Japan is flying out between Dec 26 and Jan 3 will be pricey as it's one of the two "long" holidays people get a year from work. It's a popular time to travel. If you get your tickets before September, you should be fine. Then things start to sell out. You might consider an around the world ticket. Check in the New York Times for consolidator ads. A long time ago I used Airbrokers International out of San Francisco...found them in the NYTimes...their prices were great at the time.
Jun 1st, 2005, 04:45 AM
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Sound like an Asia pass might be worth looking into- Cathay pacific is running one now at about $1100 I believe. Not sure if it covers Japan and you generally need to fly thru their hub- Hong Kong- but its good for 30 days so maybe you should check it out.
Jun 1st, 2005, 07:28 AM
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The problem with airpasses is that they encourage people to spend too much of their time in airports! If you can find an airpass that works for you, fine, but don't feel compelled to fly to a dozen places just because you have the airpass. Also, the airpasses require that you fly through a hub for each change in location (Hong Kong for the Cathay Pacific pass, KL for the Malaysian pass).
Depending on exactly where you want to go, you may well be able to get a free stopover in Japan, then fly onward to Bangkok or Singapore and return from Bangkok or Singapore for less moneey and less hassle than an airpass. Flights within a country or within SE Asia are typically inexpensive.
Generally, my recommendations to people on their first trip to Asia is to choose one general area. That will mean less time spent in airplanes and it means planning for one climate. So if Japan is a must, then plan for cold and snow and choose another cold place (China?). However, your preferences indicate that you'd like to combine cold with a warm beach resort, so you would have to pack for both climates.
I'd suggest that you do some reading on this site about various countries (Thailand is easy for a first-timer and would be a good contrast with Japan) and see what interests you. You might consider a side trip to visit the temples at Angkor, for instance.
It is typically more expensive to travel at that time of the year, but I did it for many years (now I typically go in November, early December). Remember that much of Asia is a real travel bargain (but not, alas, Japan).
Depending on exactly where you want to go, you may well be able to get a free stopover in Japan, then fly onward to Bangkok or Singapore and return from Bangkok or Singapore for less moneey and less hassle than an airpass. Flights within a country or within SE Asia are typically inexpensive.
Generally, my recommendations to people on their first trip to Asia is to choose one general area. That will mean less time spent in airplanes and it means planning for one climate. So if Japan is a must, then plan for cold and snow and choose another cold place (China?). However, your preferences indicate that you'd like to combine cold with a warm beach resort, so you would have to pack for both climates.
I'd suggest that you do some reading on this site about various countries (Thailand is easy for a first-timer and would be a good contrast with Japan) and see what interests you. You might consider a side trip to visit the temples at Angkor, for instance.
It is typically more expensive to travel at that time of the year, but I did it for many years (now I typically go in November, early December). Remember that much of Asia is a real travel bargain (but not, alas, Japan).
Jun 3rd, 2005, 06:15 AM
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Some random thoughts:
With that much time, you should be able to “do” 4-5 countries.
While this site is a great resource, it is not so great at helping narrow choices, as you will get so many opinions that you will be bogged down with more choices. A guidebook would help you narrow your choices. You can get guidebooks out of the library; old books are fine, as being out of date does not change the basic info in books on sights, culture and weather. The net is a great source of info as well. As a start, read the destination guides on this site and on Frommers.com
“Artistically minded” is throwing me a bit for a loop, because I am not sure if that means you are looking for art museums, art galleries and Western classical concerts (which are a bit thin on the ground other than in Japan), or architecture (which again is a bit thin in terms of city architecture, but great for temples). Or are you looking for local handicrafts and artisans? You will find these in many places, notably Japan, China, Thailand, Bali and India.
As noted above, the trouble with air passes like the Malaysian Airlines pass is that you may have to transit through Kuala Lumpur for most flights, which will add a LOT of time to your travel schedule. You won’t to take non-stops as much as possible, as distances are vast in Asia, for example, it is a 9 hour flight from Tokyo to Bangkok, not including the time change. Rather than a pass, for your itinerary, I think a travel agent would work best for the air portion as they can get the best fares, and may also be able to get you hotel discounts. I don’t have a particular recco, but Conde Nast’s Traveller Magazine has a list of what they consider the best travel agents for each region or type of travel, you might start there, take a look at Take a look at http://www.concierge.com/cntraveler/, I think you can order issues from them as well. You should be able to view the entire article at http://www.concierge.com/cntraveler/...ug/perrin.xml/
Beach places like Phuket where weather is at its best in December and there are lots of expat and foreign tourist will be expensive (and quite booked up) over Christmas, I would book ASAP.
As noted Japan will be quite cold, so you will need two sets of clothing if you want to have a beach vacation as well, as that will require going fairly far south. Take a look at weatherbase.com and worldclimate.com for historical average temps.
Northern China, like Beijing and Shanghai will also be cold, but not very crowded, and as you will already have the winter clothes with you, you might as well go there as well.
Weather in Hong Kong is glorious in December, it is “winter” which means low 70s F and no rain. A perfect time to go. A good hub for going other places in Asia.
The Philippines are a good choice, but not from Japan as there are very few direct flights. You can get a direct flight from Hong Kong or Singapore. I would avoid Manila and go to the beach areas on Borocay and/or the inland rice terrace areas of Bagio.
Bali is a wonderful place and would be a good choice, but it is the rainy season in December, so you may encounter more rain than you would want. I think you are better off in Vietnam, which has the mix of culture and beaches you may be looking for and has excellent weather in late December.
The weather in India is also wonderful in December, northern areas like Rajasthan are cool and dry, and the beaches in Goa and Kerala are perfection. It is a long way from Japan, but would certainly be the greatest contrast between the two. Frankly, you could spend the entire 20-25 days in India, but if you have not been to Asia before, I would not recommend this. As with places like Phuket, prices will be high or near their highest during December.
As mentioned above, and not to put too fine a point on it, but there is nothing in Asia like Japan, it is very very different than most of Asia, IMO. Maybe Korea comes close, but not really, IMO. So anywhere you go will be very different in terms of culture, food and people.
So, if this were my trip, I would look at places in Japan like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hokaddo, and in China at Beijing, Xian and Shanghai, as well as Hong Kong. In Vietnam consider Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Hanoi and any of the various beach areas, there are also cool inland mountain areas with tea plantations. In Thailand consider Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Phuket. Also remember Singapore. I would skip Malaysia as the best beaches are on the east coast and they are in the winter monsoon at that time. Confused yet?!
With that much time, you should be able to “do” 4-5 countries.
While this site is a great resource, it is not so great at helping narrow choices, as you will get so many opinions that you will be bogged down with more choices. A guidebook would help you narrow your choices. You can get guidebooks out of the library; old books are fine, as being out of date does not change the basic info in books on sights, culture and weather. The net is a great source of info as well. As a start, read the destination guides on this site and on Frommers.com
“Artistically minded” is throwing me a bit for a loop, because I am not sure if that means you are looking for art museums, art galleries and Western classical concerts (which are a bit thin on the ground other than in Japan), or architecture (which again is a bit thin in terms of city architecture, but great for temples). Or are you looking for local handicrafts and artisans? You will find these in many places, notably Japan, China, Thailand, Bali and India.
As noted above, the trouble with air passes like the Malaysian Airlines pass is that you may have to transit through Kuala Lumpur for most flights, which will add a LOT of time to your travel schedule. You won’t to take non-stops as much as possible, as distances are vast in Asia, for example, it is a 9 hour flight from Tokyo to Bangkok, not including the time change. Rather than a pass, for your itinerary, I think a travel agent would work best for the air portion as they can get the best fares, and may also be able to get you hotel discounts. I don’t have a particular recco, but Conde Nast’s Traveller Magazine has a list of what they consider the best travel agents for each region or type of travel, you might start there, take a look at Take a look at http://www.concierge.com/cntraveler/, I think you can order issues from them as well. You should be able to view the entire article at http://www.concierge.com/cntraveler/...ug/perrin.xml/
Beach places like Phuket where weather is at its best in December and there are lots of expat and foreign tourist will be expensive (and quite booked up) over Christmas, I would book ASAP.
As noted Japan will be quite cold, so you will need two sets of clothing if you want to have a beach vacation as well, as that will require going fairly far south. Take a look at weatherbase.com and worldclimate.com for historical average temps.
Northern China, like Beijing and Shanghai will also be cold, but not very crowded, and as you will already have the winter clothes with you, you might as well go there as well.
Weather in Hong Kong is glorious in December, it is “winter” which means low 70s F and no rain. A perfect time to go. A good hub for going other places in Asia.
The Philippines are a good choice, but not from Japan as there are very few direct flights. You can get a direct flight from Hong Kong or Singapore. I would avoid Manila and go to the beach areas on Borocay and/or the inland rice terrace areas of Bagio.
Bali is a wonderful place and would be a good choice, but it is the rainy season in December, so you may encounter more rain than you would want. I think you are better off in Vietnam, which has the mix of culture and beaches you may be looking for and has excellent weather in late December.
The weather in India is also wonderful in December, northern areas like Rajasthan are cool and dry, and the beaches in Goa and Kerala are perfection. It is a long way from Japan, but would certainly be the greatest contrast between the two. Frankly, you could spend the entire 20-25 days in India, but if you have not been to Asia before, I would not recommend this. As with places like Phuket, prices will be high or near their highest during December.
As mentioned above, and not to put too fine a point on it, but there is nothing in Asia like Japan, it is very very different than most of Asia, IMO. Maybe Korea comes close, but not really, IMO. So anywhere you go will be very different in terms of culture, food and people.
So, if this were my trip, I would look at places in Japan like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hokaddo, and in China at Beijing, Xian and Shanghai, as well as Hong Kong. In Vietnam consider Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Hanoi and any of the various beach areas, there are also cool inland mountain areas with tea plantations. In Thailand consider Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Phuket. Also remember Singapore. I would skip Malaysia as the best beaches are on the east coast and they are in the winter monsoon at that time. Confused yet?!
Jun 3rd, 2005, 06:43 AM
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Realize that you can live like a king in BKK or the Phillipines but not in Japan. You can get 5 star hotels in BKK or the Phillipines for a song where as in Japan you will pay as much but probably get only 3 star properties.
Jun 3rd, 2005, 04:29 PM
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20-25 days sounds like a great trip. [I took my husband on his first Asia visit 22 years ago. We went to Singapore, took the train to Penang (which we hated), Phuket, Bangkok and Tokyo. It was a lot of travel, but was a wonderful introduction to various Asian cultures -- which are so different from each other.]
I'd recommend much the same, except I'd substitute Bali for Phuket. In a week in Bali you could have a few days on the beach and a few days inland soaking up culture. Bali will be busy as this is a big Australian travel time (unless they're all boycotting) so it's best to book early.
For your third choice I'd pick a city with a Chinese culture -- Hong Kong, Singapore or maybe even Beijing. With the Olympics coming Beijing is changing FAST, so it's good to visit soon. It will be cold there, though, much like Japan.
Singapore is easy, tropical and offers a lot of activities, but I don't think it could sustain a whole week, so maybe a few days in Hong Kong could be included.
Another off the beaten track idea is a visit to Borobudur in Java (Yogyakarta). If this is a once in a life time trip, you shouldn't miss it. It's a wonderfully spiritual (and cultural) way to end an Asian odyssey.
So, after all this mental wandering, my recommendation would be: Japan 9 days, Singapore 3 days, Bali 9 days, Yogyakarta 2 days, with the possibility of tucking in Hong Kong before Singapore. If you need to get back to Tokyo to fly home to NY, you can fly overnight from Jakarta on JAL.
I'd recommend much the same, except I'd substitute Bali for Phuket. In a week in Bali you could have a few days on the beach and a few days inland soaking up culture. Bali will be busy as this is a big Australian travel time (unless they're all boycotting) so it's best to book early.
For your third choice I'd pick a city with a Chinese culture -- Hong Kong, Singapore or maybe even Beijing. With the Olympics coming Beijing is changing FAST, so it's good to visit soon. It will be cold there, though, much like Japan.
Singapore is easy, tropical and offers a lot of activities, but I don't think it could sustain a whole week, so maybe a few days in Hong Kong could be included.
Another off the beaten track idea is a visit to Borobudur in Java (Yogyakarta). If this is a once in a life time trip, you shouldn't miss it. It's a wonderfully spiritual (and cultural) way to end an Asian odyssey.
So, after all this mental wandering, my recommendation would be: Japan 9 days, Singapore 3 days, Bali 9 days, Yogyakarta 2 days, with the possibility of tucking in Hong Kong before Singapore. If you need to get back to Tokyo to fly home to NY, you can fly overnight from Jakarta on JAL.
Jun 4th, 2005, 02:34 PM
#8
I only know a few things about Japanese art. One is that it is exhibited worldwide. The primary centers of art in the Edo period were Kyoto and Tokyo, but also Osaka and Nagasaki. The earlier, traditional styles, come from Kyoto and Nara. So, Kyoto and Tokyo would probably be your primary destinations. The JNTO website has a guide to museums and art in Japan. Go to:
http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/RTG/PTG/index.html
and in the lower right, under "Special Interests" you will see a link to "Museums and Art Galleries".
For architecture, you should visit Nara, Horyuji, Kyoto, and the magnificent castle in Himeji.
I also agree that Bali would be a great second choice.
You can get a roundtrip ticket to Bali with a free stopover in Japan. Some fares allow multiple stopovers. Maybe you can stopover at Osaka on the way out and Tokyo on the return.
You can solve the luggage handling issue by taking advantage of the the baggage delivery and storage services available in Japan. You cold weather stuff never has to go to Bali and your Bali stuff never has to leave the airport when you visit Japan (unless you want to send it from one airport to another). In January, I stored a bag at Narita airport for less than $5 per day. Recently sent a bag from a hotel in Kyoto to Nagoya and stored it there for three days for about $19.
http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/RTG/PTG/index.html
and in the lower right, under "Special Interests" you will see a link to "Museums and Art Galleries".
For architecture, you should visit Nara, Horyuji, Kyoto, and the magnificent castle in Himeji.
I also agree that Bali would be a great second choice.
You can get a roundtrip ticket to Bali with a free stopover in Japan. Some fares allow multiple stopovers. Maybe you can stopover at Osaka on the way out and Tokyo on the return.
You can solve the luggage handling issue by taking advantage of the the baggage delivery and storage services available in Japan. You cold weather stuff never has to go to Bali and your Bali stuff never has to leave the airport when you visit Japan (unless you want to send it from one airport to another). In January, I stored a bag at Narita airport for less than $5 per day. Recently sent a bag from a hotel in Kyoto to Nagoya and stored it there for three days for about $19.
Jun 4th, 2005, 02:36 PM
#9
To add Singapore, then you could get an open-jaw ticket for about the same price as the roundtrip. Fly to Singapore and return from Bali with a stopover at Osaka Kansai on the same ticket. Then buy a one-way between Singapore and Bali.
Jun 5th, 2005, 09:05 PM
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i've used the cathey pass before and it's verry good and not as crazy as kathey makes it out out too be many there are many routs where don't have too too too hk... there are many inter japan routs that don't involve fliying out too hk...
the worst rout is too bali... since it links too no where else but hk.. you could pic up a failrly cheep airfare too singapre
unfortunatly I could nott find the MAP for this years pass
the worst rout is too bali... since it links too no where else but hk.. you could pic up a failrly cheep airfare too singapre
unfortunatly I could nott find the MAP for this years pass
Jun 5th, 2005, 11:30 PM
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Thank you everyone for all the helpful information and for your generosity. I love that this site exists and that the spirit of it is so positive.
My wife and I are just in the beginning of the planning stages. I am a university professor (poetry writing) and we are hoping to go over winter break; between 12/17 and 1/15, for 20 days or so.
We will defintely visit Japan for 7 to 10 days, then it's most likely either Thailand or Vietnam for 7 to 10 days, with a visit to Angor Wat worked in either way. Hong Kong intrigues us as well. (We just had awesome Hong Kong-style dim sum at Jing Song in New York's Chinatown.) And we have an invitation to stay in Maui for free for 5 days on the way home.
So our itinerary might look like:
Japan 7 to 10 days
Thailand or Vietmam 7 to 10 days
possibly Hong Kong for a few days
Maui 5 days
I wonder where would be the least crowded place be for that huge travel week: 12/26 to 1/2. I'd love to avoid (or minimize) interaction with all that, though perhaps that is impossible, perhaps I am part of it.
Oh, and by "artistically-minded"--I see now what a vague term that is--I meant that are comfortable in little pockets of slightly-upscale bohemia, such as Silver Lake in LA, Pallermo in Burnos Aires, the East Village in New York, and the Mission in San Francisco. And that we like to go to museums and concerts and plays and look at architecture.
Thank you for all your tips; I have lots of homework to do. I'd love any more comments, or ideas on where would be a good place to hide from the crowd during that 12/26 to 1/2 week. Thanks, Jeffrey
My wife and I are just in the beginning of the planning stages. I am a university professor (poetry writing) and we are hoping to go over winter break; between 12/17 and 1/15, for 20 days or so.
We will defintely visit Japan for 7 to 10 days, then it's most likely either Thailand or Vietnam for 7 to 10 days, with a visit to Angor Wat worked in either way. Hong Kong intrigues us as well. (We just had awesome Hong Kong-style dim sum at Jing Song in New York's Chinatown.) And we have an invitation to stay in Maui for free for 5 days on the way home.
So our itinerary might look like:
Japan 7 to 10 days
Thailand or Vietmam 7 to 10 days
possibly Hong Kong for a few days
Maui 5 days
I wonder where would be the least crowded place be for that huge travel week: 12/26 to 1/2. I'd love to avoid (or minimize) interaction with all that, though perhaps that is impossible, perhaps I am part of it.
Oh, and by "artistically-minded"--I see now what a vague term that is--I meant that are comfortable in little pockets of slightly-upscale bohemia, such as Silver Lake in LA, Pallermo in Burnos Aires, the East Village in New York, and the Mission in San Francisco. And that we like to go to museums and concerts and plays and look at architecture.
Thank you for all your tips; I have lots of homework to do. I'd love any more comments, or ideas on where would be a good place to hide from the crowd during that 12/26 to 1/2 week. Thanks, Jeffrey
Jun 6th, 2005, 03:59 AM
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Thailand is likely to be very crowded during x-mas and new years. Strangely, HK empties out a bit as many expats take the opportunity to go home to celebrate with their families. Vietnam I think would prob be the least crowded. Lots of off the beaten path places to go in Vietnam.
Jun 6th, 2005, 07:18 AM
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For many years I had to travel over the Christmas - New Years holidays (due to job issues like yours) and I found that while it was busier in SE Asia, it certainly wasn't crazy like US resort destinations. The only caution I would give you would be to make your hotel reservations well in advance. That said, you could go any place you've mentioned for that week.
As I try to understand more clearly what you are looking for, I'd suggest that you consider minimizing the number of countries, as Asia is best experienced with slower travel. So Japan, Angkor and Thailand or VN would be my suggestion for the Asia part of your trip. Hong Kong is a lot of fun, but I'd save it for another trip. In VN, Hanoi is a much more interesting city than Saigon, but to get to Siem Reap you'll need to fly through Saigon. For that reason, Thailand makes a better (more convenient) pair with Angkor.
Take some time to decide how much time you want at Angkor. I had a week and loved it all. Others get templed out quickly. Generally, the amount of time required o see the "main" temples is three full days, to visit more of the minor temples you'll need longer. I always recommend Dawn Rooney's book, Angkor, as good preparation (and take it with you). You may find preview helpful. Check out several years of travel photos (including a large section on Angkor) by my traveling companion at www.marlandc.com
As I try to understand more clearly what you are looking for, I'd suggest that you consider minimizing the number of countries, as Asia is best experienced with slower travel. So Japan, Angkor and Thailand or VN would be my suggestion for the Asia part of your trip. Hong Kong is a lot of fun, but I'd save it for another trip. In VN, Hanoi is a much more interesting city than Saigon, but to get to Siem Reap you'll need to fly through Saigon. For that reason, Thailand makes a better (more convenient) pair with Angkor.
Take some time to decide how much time you want at Angkor. I had a week and loved it all. Others get templed out quickly. Generally, the amount of time required o see the "main" temples is three full days, to visit more of the minor temples you'll need longer. I always recommend Dawn Rooney's book, Angkor, as good preparation (and take it with you). You may find preview helpful. Check out several years of travel photos (including a large section on Angkor) by my traveling companion at www.marlandc.com
Jun 6th, 2005, 09:14 AM
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Be sure you know how much temple time you can handle- especially your wife. If she is like mine you want only a few hours before heading off to the shops!.
If you guys are into the temple thing then go with the advice others are giving you with regards to Angkor.
If you guys are into the temple thing then go with the advice others are giving you with regards to Angkor.
Jun 6th, 2005, 10:02 PM
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laurieco, Sorry, my intention wasn't to bash Penang! I was just relating an experience from 22 years ago. I'm really not up to date on it at all.
We took the train from Singapore to Butterworth which at that time was 15 hours through rain forests and rubber plantations. From Butterworth we took the ferry to Penang. The port was surreal at night -- mysterious and glittery. Once on the island of Penang we took a taxi to the beach -- about an hour of winding roads, tropical breezes, and starry sea views. We were primed for a tropical Asian adventure.
How shocking then to arrive at our hotel, the Rasa Sayan, to find the lobby full of tourists listening to a Filipino Country Western band. The next morning we were even more disappointed by the condition of the beach. We took the next flight to Phuket.
We took the train from Singapore to Butterworth which at that time was 15 hours through rain forests and rubber plantations. From Butterworth we took the ferry to Penang. The port was surreal at night -- mysterious and glittery. Once on the island of Penang we took a taxi to the beach -- about an hour of winding roads, tropical breezes, and starry sea views. We were primed for a tropical Asian adventure.
How shocking then to arrive at our hotel, the Rasa Sayan, to find the lobby full of tourists listening to a Filipino Country Western band. The next morning we were even more disappointed by the condition of the beach. We took the next flight to Phuket.
Jun 7th, 2005, 05:13 AM
#17
Thanks for clearing that up marmot. I'm sure (hope) things have changed in 22 years! Besides, we won't be staying at the beach. We'll be in Georgetown at the E&O so I assume my experience will be much different. But if there is a Filipino C&W band in the lobby, I think we'll ask for a refund!
