Back From Asia Tour
 

Just back from a month long trip to Asia which included Japan (Tokyo, Kyoto), China (Beijing, Xian, Guilin) Hong Kong, Bangkok and Singapore.

Would be happy to answer questions for those planning trips to these places.

would you consider writing a trip report for all of us the share??

Yeah, a trip report will be nice. Especially for stuff that wasn't mentioned on this forum, or advice on this forum that was wrong or out-of-date.

will be going to Beijing in a few days. Any suggestions? What was your overall impression on the city?

Hi ngee, would be interested to know wherer you stayed in Bangkok and what youi found of interest, I am going there in two weeks time for 4 days. Thanks John

Beijing is in the midst of an economical boom and seems to be transforming at a very rapid pace. There was construction going on everywhere and definitely feel their anticipation of the 2008 Olympics.

Traffic is a growing problem and the roads were more chaotic than any other city I've ever been to. Cars, buses, motorbikes, bikes and pedestrians are in a free for all. I think I must have seen some sort of traffic mishap everyday. I did notice an effort to include many new parks among the steel and concrete and planting trees seemed to be a priority of the government.

I did the China part of my trip with a tour co. and bus transportation was always provided so I can't offer any advice about public transportation, but taxis were very readily available.

I was there only 4 days and visited Tianamen Square, Imperial Palace, the Great Wall, Summer Palace, Ming Tombs. Our hutong tour was definitely a highlight. It was just prior to national May Day holiday when I was there, so very crowded with Chinese tour groups everywhere we went. Peddlers were relentless at all the tourist attractions.

I stayed at the Renaissance Beijing which is relatively new and the rooms are large and very nice. Service was polite and efficient.

Will be very interesting to see how China fares with it's growing capitalism in the next 10 years.

My advice would be to just throw yourself in there and absorb as much of it as possible, the crowds, the chaos, the history.

John,
I stayed at the Shangri-La which was right on the river. It?s a beautiful hotel and service was exceptional. The Thai restaurant Salathip was very good. I took a cooking class there which I thoroughly enjoyed. The Krungthep wing is nicer, quieter and closer to Sky Train station.

Sightseeing highlights include the Royal Grand Palace, Chinatown and the many, many temples, one more ornate and beautiful than the next. An easy way to do this is on the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat which is only 75 Baht. It goes to most of the major temples and allows you to get on an off at your leisure.

The places to shop are numerous and run the gamut from street markets to modern malls. The 24 hour flower market was interesting as well as the Night market. I hear the Weekend market is a must see, but was not there over a weekend to see for myself.

Go for a Thai massage. Mine was two hours long and only costs only $15 dollars + tip. Unfortunately I didn?t keep the name of the place I went to. Maybe someone in this forum has a recommendation or ask your concierge.

Have fun!