Kacenka

Please inspire me…

Due to unforeseen circumstances we’re are forced to change our plans to travel to Africa (Tanzania) in Jan/Feb 08. Instead we’re thinking of going back to Asia. We have visited Bali / Malaysia (east coast) / Thailand / Cambodia so far; particularly enjoyed Thailand, Bali and Cambodia.

We've spent weeks researching this forum however we still can’t decide where to go; my husband & I (in our late 20) love sightseeing/local culture/art very much as well as lovely beaches/sea and local food/restaurants.

Please can you recommend some places that you have experienced and enjoyed? I would like to combine 2 countries if possible…

FYI: duration 18 days, travelling from London in Jan/Feb 2008.

I look forward to hearing your suggestions!

Regards,
Katerina

Gpanda

Depending on your politics, you might want to look at Myanmar. Craig and others have written wonderful trip reports. This could be easily combined with some bonus Thailand time.

Kathie

If you and your husband are interested in wildlife, let me suggest Malaysian Borneo. You can read my trip report from a year and a half ago called "Kathie's Borneo Trip Report." A search should turn it up quickly. While we had a fabulous time there, there were many things we didn't have time for. 18 days would be perfect, and you could even have some beach time in Sabah at one the the Shangri-Las. I do recommend that you visit both Sabah and Sarawak, as they are quite differnt.

ozchinois

Bhutan is magical and pleasant that time of the year. Or Lijiang in China. Lijiang is my favourite spot in China. Weather is also pleasant. Fly to Kunming then on to Lijiang.
Then there's Laos or Vietnam (esp Ha Long Bay and Sapa). Finally Rajasthan India but do include the Taj Mahal!

rhkkmk

i would second myanmar (burma)....also laos and especially luang prabang (you muct reserve your hotels there now as to not be shut out of the best hotels)...

thailand has many different areas....where have you been? i personally can never get enough of bangkok....

Kacenka

Hi! Many thanks for your replies.

Well we love all your suggestions!!! We're hoping to visit all the countries that you mentioned!

With regards to Thailand, we visited Bangkok, Chiang Mai by train and surrounding areas (Baan Rai village and beyond),Krabi (loved it!), Phuket (Kata - only 1 night) and Phi Phi Islands and that's it from Thailand. I'd love to go back but there are so many other countries that we would love to explore but I have to admit Thailand just ticks all the boxes for us... oh decisions decisions...

China does sound very appealing; we are also considering India & Nepal - anybody has any experience with these two countries? Would Nepal be too cold in Feb?

Thank you so much!

rhkkmk

INDIA is like nothing else you have ever visited....it is very challenging and interesting at the same time....

Kathie

There are plenty of trip reports here on India, and a fair amount of info on Nepal. There is a drop-down menu for searching this forum at the top of the page. Choose the country you are interesed in, like Nepal or India and chick search and you'll get lots of posts. For info on weather, check out www.weatherbase.com

You are probably aware of teh problems that have diminished Nepal's tourism greatly. The Maoist insurgents have disrupted travel for perhaps a decade, then there was the slaughter of all of the immediate royal family... Nepal has had a tough time. Lately, things have calmed down and it's a viable destination again. I was last there in 1994, but I have posted a lot of info in response to people's questions.

SInce you aren't sure where you want to go, I'd suggest you also browsw the posts for trip reports and read a few.

cruisinred

I think Laos and Vietnam would meet your needs. Vietnam has wonderful local food and some pretty nice beaches in several places up and down the coast. Hanoi is a great city for sightseeing/local culture/art as well as food/restaurants. Luang Prabang in Laos is a charming french colonial era town. From here you can arrange some active side-trips such as hiking or kayaking/rafting.
There have been many reports on here about both Vietnam and Laos. Take a look at those if you think those 2 countries might peek your interest.

Kacenka

Many thanks guys! I appreciate your help.

I have a question re China and Lijiang specifically. Will it be too cold in Jan or Feb?

rhkkmk - would you recommend India? What did you find most challenging?

Kathie, many thanks for all the helpful tips, I guess I will have to give it some thought and read all the reports all over again - oh dear! That's what I get when I'm spoiled for choice.

ozchinois

Lijiang has very mild winters. Average maximum in January and February is between 16 to 18 degrees centigrade. Minimum around 1 to 2 drgrees centigrade.

marmot

Kacenka, You might revisit Indonesia and this time do Central Java (Borobudur and other cultural sites) plus Sulawesi -- Tanah Toraja in the central highlands for culture and scenery, the Manado area for sea life.

Or if your budget allows take a look at the Amanwana on Moyo Island which is a great combo with the Amanjiwo on Java.