giftjohn

Hello

I will be with my wife in Hong Kong for some days but we want to fly somewhere in Asia for a week.

We want a mix of culture, relax on the beach and some contact with the local people instead of luxurious resorts.

Basically, I am trying to find one country only, maybe travel around a specific area and have direct flights from Hong Kong or at least quick connections.

I am really lost with so much info.

Any advice?

Thank you in advance

marmot

There are lots of places in Southeast Asia that would fulfill your requirements. I would suggest you look at Bali. There are non-stop flights and early June is a good time to visit -- excellent weather and not too crowded.

Once you're in Bali you could split your time between south Bali for the beach and inland in the Ubud area for arts and culture.

Bali's beach environment can be as luxurious or as laid back as you like. I'd recommend the Petitenget neighborhood of Seminyak for a good mix of beach, restaurants and shops. Look at the Colony Hotel.

In Ubud you could either stay in the town itself or in the countryside outside of town. Both give you access to all of Bali's arts and crafts, performing arts, religious pageantry and profound natural beauty. There are many, many choices in accommodation at all price levels. I like Uma Ubud, the Alila and any of the Komaneka resorts.

giftjohn

Thank you very much Alexmgk and marmot. I am looking now for Philipines and Bali.

We are looking for something with beach but at the same time with the roots of Asia and I think we can have that in Philipines and a little bit in Bali - I didnt know the area of Ubud and it seems really interesting.

If anyone wants to reply with any other suggestion be my guest.

I would be delighted to read!

Thank you all

Kathie

I like the idea of Bali - the culture is so accessible there. If you want exposure to culture, I'd highly recommend Bali.

Another option would be Thailand - Bangkok and a beach area. Since you are going in June, you'd want a beach on the Gulf of Thailand , so Koh Samui or perhaps Hua Hin. Thailand would give you an experience of a Buddhist culture whereas Bali would give you an experience of a Hindu culture.

giftjohn

Thank you Kathie

I thought about Thailand too and at this point I am adding options on board and seeing planes and places to be in each one of those options - Bali, Philippines and Thailand.

All of them have big pros so I just need to wait until Monday and then decide based on the info I am getting.

Thank you all for the advice's.

marmot

I think beaches in general tend not to be cultural centers. The good thing about Bali is that you can combine a few days at the beach for sun and sea with a few days in Ubud for culture and nature without having to take another flight.

jobin

Beaches are certainly cultural centers for those that live on, work on and fully enjoy the merits of 'beach culture/cuisine/big waves'.

Maybe you don't live there.

Kathie

jobin, marmot does live on Bali. I agree with her that you often don't get the cultural exposure to a country by staying at a beach. Yes, you get "beach culture" which is not the same thing.