China, Bali, or Myanmar?
 

We're about to leave for our second trip to Thailand and are already thinking about next year's trip. Reports on Bali by Kim & others and reports on Myanmar by Gloria & others are made these destinations sound perfect for us. We have also been interested in China - Beijing, the water towns near Shainghai. We like to see and learn about the culture, history & life in places we visit and also like natural beauty. We like to meet and interact with the people who live there, not just tourists. And we also like good food & hotels with atmosphere.... So what do all of you who have travelled in Asia recommend?

I've traveled to all three countries; recently to Thailand/Myanmar just a week ago. It would help us if you could elaborate more on when you plan (month)on traveling and how many travel days you plan on spending. All three countries are fastenating, but you can't compare them with each other. They're totaling different.

Time of year is flexible depending on where we decide to go. We would have about two weeks, maybe a little more time. We realize we couldn't possibly cover much in China in that time, and we generally like to see a few places in more depth rather than covering lots of territory & having it all run together, so of we go to China we would only plan to visit Beijing & one or two other places.

If you haven't been to Bali, I'd recommend that as a next destination. It is culturally so very different from Thailand, but it has an excellent visitor infrastructure with a fabulous variety of accommodation at good prices. Yes, there are the Amans that charge an arm and a leg, but there are lots of luxe places for far less, as well as lovely, simple places for very little. While Bali is relatively small, there is lots to see and do. Many people opt for staying part of the time at a beach location and part of the time inland near Ubud.

You already know about our experiences in Bali and I can wholeheartedly recommend it as my alltime favorite trip, ever. A lot of what made our most recent Bali trip special was the contact with the people, the special up close and personal experiences we had, and the friends we made. Our hotel was not expensive, nor were any of the activities. In fact, the entire trip for the 3 of us, including air tickets that from Japan cost $800.00 each, was under $5000.00, including some lovely purchases from Threads of Life, and we had 17 days in Bali. So, not only do I think it's a fab place to go, but it's so, so reasonable. No need at all to stay in the Four Seasons or Aman resorts...though if you have the means...

Burma intrigues me...but I'm not sure about the politics of it all. And I don't know enough to make any sort of educated comments about it. I loved the bood Saving Fish from Drowning by Amy Tan.

I have to agree that Bali is a must, 1/2 time on the beach (the fishing village of Amed on the far east coast, is my favorite place anywhere) and 1/2 in Ubud area. Wonderful food, incredible people, beautiful music. A transporting experience. Lyd

Bali's great - we're going again this summer for the 3rd time. However, Burma is one of the great travel destinations anywhere. It's not for everyone, and yes there are some political sensitivities, but if you can get over these issues you won't find a better travel experience. Either would be better than China.

We're very sensitive to the political issues and that is one of the considerations, but many have said that staying away really punishes the people more than the government. So we're torn. Would love a list of people's perspectives of the pros & cons of each place. Thanks to everyone who is responding. This is the single best place to get information.

CFW, the political issues with Burma are really problematic. I don't think there is a right answer to this. I've cancelled trips to Burma three times, and am considering it again for next year. While the situation with your money being funnelled to the government isn't as bad as it was in the old days when all visitors had to be in a group tour with a maximum stay of 7 days, nor is it as bad as it was even just a few years ago when your were required to buy FECs, the government still gets a significant portion of what you spend, even if you are careful not to utilize government owned airlines, hotels, etc.

I continue to debate this issue for myself. I read everything I can about the political situation. All we can do is be as informed as possible as we make our decisions.

I heartily recommend Burma. I actively support Burmese democracy groups both with time and money and firmly believe that the best way to help the people is to go, to expose them to western ideas, to tip as lavishly as possible since that money truly does go into their pockets, to buy from individuals and to do your homework and avoid government stores etc. All that is much easier now. I have yet to buy a gemstone or an antique there since those must be purchased at government stores or you risk confiscation. Everyone we met in both trips begged us to tell people to come and to stop the embargo which they say is hurting the people more than the government. No country has ever been helped by being isolated and this is no exception. We had people cry when we left both times we went.

I would go to Burma now -- before it changes and becomes westernized and when the people need your support and your money the most. Two weeks is a good first trip. We went for 3 1/2 the first time. What you should not do is go on a package tour or on the Road to Mandalay boat trip. Hire a guide and driver and get to know the people.

I also loved Bali and China but Burma remains the best trip of my life and the only one where I felt I actually had a positive impact on people. I'd be happy to provide more details if you want.

CFW,
I’ve been to all three places and find it hard to establish a common thread among them. In the first place Burma and China are countries, while Bali is just one island among the 17,000 that comprise Indonesia. This makes a big difference in how you approach travel to each.

Politics aside, Burma is a fascinating and beautiful country. In order to do it justice you’d need to travel from place to place which, although certainly doable in 2 weeks time, does complicate your trip.

China is vast. The major sites of interest are in big cities and the urban malaise can be a bit overpowering. Culture and history are easy to find. Natural beauty is scarce. The food is great. Hotels are either big, new and shiny or run-down and dodgy. I find China interesting and important but not charming. With the Olympics coming, I’d go to Beijing fast as it’s under serious renovation and a lot of the old neighborhoods are being demolished.

Bali is my favorite destination so be advised that this is not an impartial opinion. :) Like Thailand you will find a rich culture in profoundly beautiful natural setting. Because it’s a geographically compact place you can cover the whole island in two weeks. Or you could combine Bali with a few days in Central Java, visiting the archeological sites like Borobudur. Both are long on charm and atmosphere.