saglassman

We are considering a trip to China in late June. (It would be hard for us to travel before May, and fall isn't good.) It has a land package of about 4 days and then a two week cruise that also goes to Shanghai, Hong Kong, Korea, Vietnam, and ends in Bangkok.

It sounds exciting, but I am worried about that time of year. Is it typhoon season yet? Will it be impossibly hot?
Does anyone know?

Thanks in advance.

Sylvia in Philly

rkkwan

Typhoon season in the West Pacific runs from May to October (just like the Hurricane season here). And of the places you'll be visiting, only Hong Kong may get a typhoon or two each year that affects travel in a significant way. Typhoons affect Taiwan and the Philippines most, and don't usually hit the other places on your list.

So, the question is similar to people asking you whether they should avoid going to a Eastern US trip in June.

But, yes, most of the places you're visiting will be pretty hot, once you get out of air-conditioned places.

Cicerone

I don?t think a cruise is the best way to see Asia. Other than Hong Kong, the more interesting cities on your itinerary are some distance from the ports where you will dock. Seoul is close to 2 hours from Incheon, and Bangkok is at least an hour. Not sure which cities you are considering for Vietnam, but I believe the ports are some distance from both Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi. Other than Incheon, you will not find a good train system like in Europe which will take you into the city, and will have to rely on taxis and public buses (the latter slower and more crowded and the language barrier may be an issue.) I don?t believe any of the port cities for any place but Hong Kong are anything special or worth seeing, although the coastline near Incheon is supposed to be pretty, and you could possibly do some sightseeing in Sukothai or other parts of Thailand from the port for Bangkok.

Even if the port is closer, if you only have a day in each city, you will not get an opportunity to really see and experience the city. If you have more than one day and they put you in city hotels for a night or two in each city, then this might work. Take a look at the itinerary. Where is the land portion, is it in Beijing?

If you are really set on a cruise, I would try to find one that skips Korea and includes Singapore. Singapore?s port is right in the city and is therefore good if you are only in port for a day or so.

June generally is warm to hot in all the places (Bangkok is always hot and Hong Kong will be quite hot and humid), but should not really be an issue. Typhoons are more typical in August and September, but you could get heavy rain in Hong Kong and Vietnam.

rkkwan

I agree that a cruise is not a good way to see Asia. The distances between ports are far, and there's nothing to see enroute.

travelgrl11

I seem to end up in China every summer for work. The weather is incredibly hot and humid. You'll be drenched as soon as you step outside of the hotel.

Also, the pollution in the major cities gets quiet bad so it's not a great time for those with breathing issues.