Favorite Asia Destination
Apr 29th, 2010, 01:01 AM
#1
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Favorite Asia Destination
Beth and I are giving some thought to our next Asia vacation. We've been to Thailand seven times, Cambodia, Laos, Bali and Singapore. Where would you go next? And why?
BTW, 1/3 of the treatment is over with no side effects. Finishing a brief today, but there's co-counsel, so he can polish up any imperfections.
BTW, 1/3 of the treatment is over with no side effects. Finishing a brief today, but there's co-counsel, so he can polish up any imperfections.
Apr 29th, 2010, 01:37 AM
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A lot would depend on your interests and the time of year you would go. I hesitate to give advice without knowing those two important items. The expected length of your trip is also helpful info to have, as if you only have a week then going to a place like Australia or India has to be very carefully planned and possibly might not lend itself to that short a trip.
You also might want to consider any major religious or art festivals which may be taking place and whether you want to see those or perhaps avoid the attendant crowds and sometimes overbooked trains or hotels associated with them. You can find these on websites and in guidebooks. Things like the Lunar New Year, Eid, Deepavali, or a music, dance or film festival, etc
I would note in passing that all the countries you have been to other than Bali and Singapore are Buddhist (and all of them other than Singapore are Theravada Buddhist at that). You might want to explore other forms of Buddhism or other religions, or see how Hinduism is practiced elsewhere in Asia.
You also might want to consider any major religious or art festivals which may be taking place and whether you want to see those or perhaps avoid the attendant crowds and sometimes overbooked trains or hotels associated with them. You can find these on websites and in guidebooks. Things like the Lunar New Year, Eid, Deepavali, or a music, dance or film festival, etc
I would note in passing that all the countries you have been to other than Bali and Singapore are Buddhist (and all of them other than Singapore are Theravada Buddhist at that). You might want to explore other forms of Buddhism or other religions, or see how Hinduism is practiced elsewhere in Asia.
Apr 29th, 2010, 02:01 AM
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It would be a 2-3 week trip in either August or November. We wold make sure the weather is a good amtch.
Interesting idea about the riligious tendencies of our previous spots and potential for expansion.
Interesting idea about the riligious tendencies of our previous spots and potential for expansion.
Apr 29th, 2010, 02:58 AM
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Hi Gpanda ,
Looks like you still havent been to India ? If you are planning a trip later this year it will be perfect timing for great weather in India.
You can probably do a bit of the historical/cultural places like Delhi & Agra along with a stay at one of the wonderful beaches of India.
What kind of accommodation would you be looking at ? On my last visit I had stayed at the ITC Mughal in Agra & ITC Maurya Delhi..they were one of the highlights of my trip!
Looks like you still havent been to India ? If you are planning a trip later this year it will be perfect timing for great weather in India.
You can probably do a bit of the historical/cultural places like Delhi & Agra along with a stay at one of the wonderful beaches of India.
What kind of accommodation would you be looking at ? On my last visit I had stayed at the ITC Mughal in Agra & ITC Maurya Delhi..they were one of the highlights of my trip!
Apr 29th, 2010, 04:07 AM
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China seems to be the elephant (or panda) in the room here. Not my favorite country to travel in, but ya gotta see it. August would be hot; November chilly.
I love traveling in Japan, though it's pricy.
How about adding Islam to the mix? Java is cheap and fascinating (but not easy). August will be Ramadhan, the fasting month, so not such a good time to visit.
Burma? Beautiful and exotic.
Personally, after all you've been through I'd just go to Bali and enjoy yourself sans stress. August is very busy, but November should be relatively quiet. I've been to just about every country in Asia (not Laos yet) and Bali continues to be my favorite. I been there dozens of times and experience something new and different everytime.
I love traveling in Japan, though it's pricy.
How about adding Islam to the mix? Java is cheap and fascinating (but not easy). August will be Ramadhan, the fasting month, so not such a good time to visit.
Burma? Beautiful and exotic.
Personally, after all you've been through I'd just go to Bali and enjoy yourself sans stress. August is very busy, but November should be relatively quiet. I've been to just about every country in Asia (not Laos yet) and Bali continues to be my favorite. I been there dozens of times and experience something new and different everytime.
Apr 29th, 2010, 04:18 AM
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Andy - Myanmar would be a great place to spend a couple of weeks and is not a particularly stressful place to travel. As Marmot says, it is beautiful and exotic, especially in Bagan and at Inle Lake. Weather would be best in November. Add some Thailand beach time to round it out...
While India is a must-see and completely different from any place you have ever been, travel there can hard even with a tourist infrastructure that has much improved in recent years. Don't go in August...
While India is a must-see and completely different from any place you have ever been, travel there can hard even with a tourist infrastructure that has much improved in recent years. Don't go in August...
Apr 29th, 2010, 04:23 AM
#7
I note that you left China off the list of Asian countries you've visited. Did you really dislike it that much? (lol)
I would suggest either India or Myanmar in November. I'm getting ready to go back to Asia (yes! it's been too long), and will be spending several weeks revisiting India, and am seriously considering a second trip to Myanmar. I am also likely to make a third trip to Laos, having already been back to both Cambodia and Vietnam.
India is sensory overload, and can be a hassle (especially if you're traveling independently on a budget) but many people find it irresistible. I love the incredible diversity, and the wonderful riot of colors, smells and tastes along with distinctive architecture and scenery. And there are those mountains in the north...
In Myanmar I felt that I had stepped back in time, and was seeing SEA as it was a few decades back. I had been very doubtful about going, but found a way to do so that let me feel I was giving as little money as possible to the government.
I'll be going to several Asian countries for the first time on this trip. I just finished firming up my itinerary for Japan, and am really excited about going there - scenery, food, history, architecture - but can't make a first-hand recommendation yet.
So glad to hear that the treatment is going well. Hope those cells are feeling much worse than you are!
I would suggest either India or Myanmar in November. I'm getting ready to go back to Asia (yes! it's been too long), and will be spending several weeks revisiting India, and am seriously considering a second trip to Myanmar. I am also likely to make a third trip to Laos, having already been back to both Cambodia and Vietnam.
India is sensory overload, and can be a hassle (especially if you're traveling independently on a budget) but many people find it irresistible. I love the incredible diversity, and the wonderful riot of colors, smells and tastes along with distinctive architecture and scenery. And there are those mountains in the north...
In Myanmar I felt that I had stepped back in time, and was seeing SEA as it was a few decades back. I had been very doubtful about going, but found a way to do so that let me feel I was giving as little money as possible to the government.
I'll be going to several Asian countries for the first time on this trip. I just finished firming up my itinerary for Japan, and am really excited about going there - scenery, food, history, architecture - but can't make a first-hand recommendation yet.
So glad to hear that the treatment is going well. Hope those cells are feeling much worse than you are!
Apr 29th, 2010, 05:17 AM
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Burma and India will be very hot and wet in August so if you can wait until the end of the year, let say Dec - Jan then it would be perfect IMO.
For August I would pick somewhere South of the Equator - Indonesia, Papua New Guinea or even Australia. Perhaps you can join us in Kenya for a Safari? The migration is a sight to behold and millions of lawyers will be migrating to the Masai Mara in August.
For August I would pick somewhere South of the Equator - Indonesia, Papua New Guinea or even Australia. Perhaps you can join us in Kenya for a Safari? The migration is a sight to behold and millions of lawyers will be migrating to the Masai Mara in August.
Apr 29th, 2010, 05:42 AM
#11
As indianapearl says, if you go to India in August you need to emulate the Brits and go up into the hills, or (better) mountains. It would be the perfect time to go to Ladakh, but I don't know how rugged you want to get. Maybe you could take a look at Kathie's thread for Sikkim? In the east there's Shimla and the Tibetan area around Dharmsala, or the Kullu valley. The only problem is that clouds are likely to obscure the views.
Maybe northern China or Mongolia?
Maybe northern China or Mongolia?
Apr 29th, 2010, 06:29 AM
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Burma would be a fine idea for November. Inle Lake and Bagan are absolutely wonderful.
August, I guess I'd go for Bali/Java/Lombok.
What about Sri Lanka? You'd have to check the weather, but there are lovely beaches (which we did not visit) as well as fascinating ruins and idyllic tea plantations.
I think Sikkim would be too wet in August.
August, I guess I'd go for Bali/Java/Lombok.
What about Sri Lanka? You'd have to check the weather, but there are lovely beaches (which we did not visit) as well as fascinating ruins and idyllic tea plantations.
I think Sikkim would be too wet in August.
Apr 29th, 2010, 07:06 AM
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and we all get to be co-counsel on trip planning!
So, you love SEA and possibly haven't been to Vietnam yet but I suspect that that isn't a good match for this next trip. Like marmot, I am inclined to think you would want something fairly relaxing and pampering but better to pose that as a question. How do you see yourself spending time on this trip?
Any more clarity yet about August v. November?
Is the interim goal to select a destination and start in-depth research, or do you want to make a short list and then monitor airfares and hotel data for a few different destinations?
While you continue to mull over all the enticing options for this trip, I am going to slip in a round of applause for what I think of as the official sandwich of the "Gpanda cheer" thread (the Asian 'wich in Rizzuto-speak). Bob and rizzuto inspired me to stop by Hi-Rise for a "Mahatma Gloves." Sorry about the name, but this is definitely one to try at home, kids: curried chicken, cashews, mango chutney, and delicate baby spinach leaves on a mild wheat bread. Excellent.
So, you love SEA and possibly haven't been to Vietnam yet but I suspect that that isn't a good match for this next trip. Like marmot, I am inclined to think you would want something fairly relaxing and pampering but better to pose that as a question. How do you see yourself spending time on this trip?
Any more clarity yet about August v. November?
Is the interim goal to select a destination and start in-depth research, or do you want to make a short list and then monitor airfares and hotel data for a few different destinations?
While you continue to mull over all the enticing options for this trip, I am going to slip in a round of applause for what I think of as the official sandwich of the "Gpanda cheer" thread (the Asian 'wich in Rizzuto-speak). Bob and rizzuto inspired me to stop by Hi-Rise for a "Mahatma Gloves." Sorry about the name, but this is definitely one to try at home, kids: curried chicken, cashews, mango chutney, and delicate baby spinach leaves on a mild wheat bread. Excellent.
Apr 29th, 2010, 07:26 AM
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Short list, monitor health conditions and then jump in to planning. My goal is to obain some ideas and let them roll around in my empty skull (if that were only true!). Beth and I will pull the trigger on a trip quickly and I want to be prepared.
I imagine this trip will be fairly relaxed with a small amount of sight-seeing and a latge amount of pampering.
Just drove by Hi-Rise yesterday. The Official name is Hi Rise Bread Company.
I imagine this trip will be fairly relaxed with a small amount of sight-seeing and a latge amount of pampering.
Just drove by Hi-Rise yesterday. The Official name is Hi Rise Bread Company.
Apr 29th, 2010, 07:34 AM
#16
"I imagine this trip will be fairly relaxed with a small amount of sight-seeing and a latge amount of pampering." - sounds a lot more like Bali than India to me! Although I suppose you could camp out in an Oberoi or two with a car and driver.
Apr 29th, 2010, 08:00 AM
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My favorite place in Asia is Japan. If you enjoy the other counries in east or southeast Asia, there is absolutely no reason to think that you'll also enjoy Japan. I have trouble expressing, or maybe it's understanding, some overall reason, so maybe it's best just to list the things that keep me coming back.
The attention to detail. The contrast, especially the contrast between the intensity of city life and the unimaginable serenity of some of the special places and rituals: parks, hot springs, temples. The ease and comfort of travel: no need to schlep suitcases, trains run on time (always, mostly), and you don't give up cleanliness of neighborhood safety when you stay in an inexpensive hotel. Everything works, as if the whole country were some kind of huge EPCOT design.
That said, lots of things in Japan are the polar opposite of what you'd expect in, say, Thailand or Bali. It's unusual to find highly spiced food (unless you go to a Thai restaurant, and even then...). Japanese faces are not known for their smiles, and the people are not known for their gregariousness. However, the Japanese people are known for amazing manners, and it is common for them to go out of their way to be helpful.
The attention to detail. The contrast, especially the contrast between the intensity of city life and the unimaginable serenity of some of the special places and rituals: parks, hot springs, temples. The ease and comfort of travel: no need to schlep suitcases, trains run on time (always, mostly), and you don't give up cleanliness of neighborhood safety when you stay in an inexpensive hotel. Everything works, as if the whole country were some kind of huge EPCOT design.
That said, lots of things in Japan are the polar opposite of what you'd expect in, say, Thailand or Bali. It's unusual to find highly spiced food (unless you go to a Thai restaurant, and even then...). Japanese faces are not known for their smiles, and the people are not known for their gregariousness. However, the Japanese people are known for amazing manners, and it is common for them to go out of their way to be helpful.
Apr 29th, 2010, 09:04 AM
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I think you can guess where my recommendation to you would be. Like rizzuto I sometimes find it hard to express in written words how I feel about Japan although Don's explanation above sure comes close. It for me is also the spectacular outdoor scenery and environments you can get yourself into literally minutes outside of a sprawling metropolis.
During my Japan travels I have seen many a Panda soaking their cares away in a beautiful mountain onsen after a day of hiking, grazing and wandering so I know this place is for you. November is the perfect time for the fall colors and the bamboo shoots should be very tender at that time. The spectacular seafoods would amaze even the most traveled panda and the presentations of such in some ryokan is a work of art in itself. Somehow I think you were meant to be the on awakening one beautiful fall morning to the view of a sunrise over Mt Fuji from your ryokan balcony as you soak in your private rotenburo with a cigar and not much else......
Aloha!
During my Japan travels I have seen many a Panda soaking their cares away in a beautiful mountain onsen after a day of hiking, grazing and wandering so I know this place is for you. November is the perfect time for the fall colors and the bamboo shoots should be very tender at that time. The spectacular seafoods would amaze even the most traveled panda and the presentations of such in some ryokan is a work of art in itself. Somehow I think you were meant to be the on awakening one beautiful fall morning to the view of a sunrise over Mt Fuji from your ryokan balcony as you soak in your private rotenburo with a cigar and not much else......
Aloha!
Apr 29th, 2010, 09:20 AM
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Don-is there a negative missing from this?
My favorite place in Asia is Japan. If you enjoy the other counries in east or southeast Asia, there is absolutely no reason to think that you'll also enjoy Japan.
OK, so we're now at India, Bali and Japan. I can work with these. Speaking of Japan, if we go in august, is there a beach in japan? I don't remember ever reading about beach locations in Japan. If not, why not? It is after all a collection of islands.
My favorite place in Asia is Japan. If you enjoy the other counries in east or southeast Asia, there is absolutely no reason to think that you'll also enjoy Japan.
OK, so we're now at India, Bali and Japan. I can work with these. Speaking of Japan, if we go in august, is there a beach in japan? I don't remember ever reading about beach locations in Japan. If not, why not? It is after all a collection of islands.
