2 Weeks - Japan, China, Taiwan?
 

Hey guys,

I'm a college student who will be studying abroad this summer in Seoul, South Korea for 7 weeks (Mid-June - Mid August). After finishing in SK, I have 2-full weeks before I have to return to the States, leaving me some time to explore Asia. I know this is a short period but where would you guys recommend me to travel (solo/21/male) during this time? I've narrowed the countries down to China, Taiwan, and Japan and would like to make the most of out my two weeks. I want to visit Japan for sure and China/Taiwan are my second choices (I don't have to visit both, one is fine) This is my first time abroad (and probably my last for a long time) and I would like to gain an unforgettable experience from it. What is the most economical way to travel to make the most out of my money (Korea>Japan>China>USA or Korea>China>Japan>USA)? What cities do you recommend and how long should I stay in each? I don't speak any Japanese or Chinese so tourist friendly places are a must. Also, how much money should I budget for Japan/China/Taiwan including airfare?

You could easily spend all two weeks in Japan.

What do you want to see in China and Taiwan? Taiwan has more authentic histoy than China, where most of it was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution. It also has some good scenery. China, on the other hand, has Beijing and Xi'an, which is about all you would have time for.

The big things on my list are food and sightseeing, then shopping.
Since I'll be in the Seoul for a while, a destination that has a different vibe would be nice, even if it's just another big city.

If I stop by China then I definitely want to visit the Great Wall, so any city that has close access to that would be great. While in China, should I stay in one city or travel around? What's the best way to get to other places (bus/train/plane/etc)?

As for Taiwan I'd probably limit myself to the city of Taipei (Taipei 101?).

As you may have noticed, I don't really know too much about the touristy things to do in these countries since I've only focused my attention on SK so far.

I agree -- two weeks would let you sample Japan's highlights. And to make the MOST of your time, I encourage you to select ONE country. If you go to China instead, Beijing and Xi'an should be the focus of your trip; you might be able to visit one other location if you spend all of your 2 weeks there. Before you do, be sure to check on pollution levels in Beijing and consider how it might affect you. I haven't been to Taiwan yet.

Choosing one country is difficult since I really want to visit both! During my studies in Korea I'll actually have 3-day weekends every week and was wondering if it would it be a good idea to just go to Japan on a weekend trip? I really only want to explore Tokyo. Also, I know Japan is significantly more expensive than China so 3 days in comparison to 2 weeks would be more economical, right?

Three days in Tokyo will just give you enough time to feel lost. Really, choose one country - two weeks will give you enough time to get a taste of the culture. Three days in Tokyo will not give you time to have any real sense of Japan. Yes, it is hard to choose, but spend some time with guidebooks and reading reports here and see what appeals to you most. There will be more trips to Asia, more opportunities to experience other cultures. Take advantage of this one by giving yourself a real experience of a place.

Would you think that someone who spends three days in Washington has had a half-way adequate visit to the US? The idea that you should see ONLY see the capital cities in these three countries leaves me with nothing to say except <i>get some guidebooks!</i>.

Thanks for the input guys! I think I'll settle on just traveling to China during this trip. Thursday, I didn't mean to sound ignorant when choosing cities but I am a college student on a limited budget. I just wanted to get the most out of my trip while utilizing my time and money wisely, and if that means picking only the well-known locations to travel to then that's fine with me. Also, this is my first time abroad, so I'm still quite confused on planning an itinerary. For the most part, you guys seem to be recommending Beijing and Xi'an so I was wondering how many days you would spend in each and what are the MUSTS when visiting these places?

If you are certain that the ONLY part of Japan you want to see is Tokyo, then sure -- spend a long weekend or two there. But do some research in advance so you can see your highest priorities in the limited time you will have there.

I agree, best way to get the most from your budget AND give yourself some meaningful experience of a country is to pick one. Glad you've settled on that, and China seems like a fair choice.

I haven't been, so can't comment on costs there compared to Taiwan or Japan.

And yes, I'm not sure where to start on the idea that the only thing of interest to you in Japan is Tokyo!!! Then again, I know plenty of Brits (where I'm from) who only have interest in visiting Orlando in the whole of the USA and don't think there's anything else of value to visit in the country. Suffice to say, I don't engage much with them!

If you are going to China for a trip (probably don't need to say this, but just for a reminder), don't forget about getting a visa.

I would do a week in Thailand and a week in Japan or just pick 1 country. Korea and Japan are similar so not sure how much benefit you get after already being in South Korea. Thailand is vastly different and a lot cheaper.

"Korea and Japan are similar "

Nonsense. Have you actually been to both? Or even either? Stop pushing Thailand, in which the OP expressed no interest. You're past boring on the subject.

I have been to both South Korea and Japan and thought them quite different from each other. The things that seemed similarities on first blush proved to be superficial.

Gee, some rather angry people here lol

I will say what I like thanks.

Even Koreans describe it as similar to Japan.

He sounds settled on China anyway.

"Even Koreans describe it as similar to Japan." Interesting. My Korean friends were very clear with me in advance of the trip that I would find it very different than Japan, and the people I met in South Korea were quick to point to the many underlying differences. Certainly, to my eyes, ears, and taste buds, the differences were clearly evident and quite substantial. To each his / her own.

During my month in South Korea, I spent time talking with a number of English-speaking docents and volunteer guides, not to mention the proprietors of various lodgings and eateries, several monks, taxi drivers, and yes, even random locals who walked up to me to offer their assistance or welcome me to their country (which happened with astonishing frequency). Maybe I was was more sensitive than Prachaup to the differences and so more willing to ask about what I was seeing or experiencing. Or maybe the Koreans ("random locals?") who spoke to Prachuap had some reason for pointing to similarities. Who knows? All I can say with certainty is that I found South Korea and Japan quite different and my impressions were consistent with, and sharpened by, many conversations with Koreans.