emilyblue

Hello!

I am thinking about doing a last minute, long weekend trip with a friend and these are the cities on our short list:

Phnom Penh
Hanoi
Saigon
Singapore

Here is what we are looking for on this trip:
- nice, comfortable hotel room in the USD $100-150/night range
- some interesting shopping (clothes, fabrics, jewellery, etc.)
- coffee shops or small cafes to while away the afternoon
- some interesting cultural options, even one or two unique museums or galleries

Time of the trip: middle of March

We will only have three nights so two full days + a half day on the last day. Out of town excursions are not on the agenda. Which of these cities would you choose if you had that amount of time?? We'll be flying in from Shanghai so jetlag is not an issue. Singapore is in the running but has to be really enticing because it is also the farthest for us -- 5+ hours flight vs. 2-3 hours for the other places.

In terms of what kind of vibe we are looking for... we both love cities like Hong Kong, Shanghai and Bangkok. I have also travelled to Tokyo and Kyoto plus parts of Bali and Thailand. My friend has been to a few places in Asia but if will be the first time for both of us in either four of those cities listed.

Would love to hear from people who have visited any of those cities... specifically, which one would be best for a long weekend trip? Loved it? Hated it? Please tell me! Not bothered by visa fees, have looked into it and is part of the budget. Thanks!!!

qwovadis

5* Singapore (Orchard Road)
Goodwood Park Hotel ... my fav bid Priceline from $100 or so
www.betterbidding.com/index.php?showforum=177&

Great value in a fun shopping food city

for a short stay for me.

with a great upscale vibe at great prices if careful...

Best prices on flight connections also...

Happy Journey,

qwovadis

www.airasia.com might be a good flight site

to check for best prices.

Smeagol

I have been to all of those cities and my interests are pretty similar to yours and for me it would be Hanoi.
Great restaurant, good shopping and some interesting sites. I actually like all the places you mentioned but LOVED Hanoi. Also has a great character.

rhkkmk

honoi for me too....prices are reasonable in the city unlike singapore....its closer...

look at gia boa grand hotel.....well located, nice rooms, walk to lake.... they have sister hotels too which might work...

forget saigon

thursdaysd

Another vote for Hanoi - I'm going back for the third time. Singapore is too Disneyland for me, and while I like Phnom Penh there's more to see and do in Hanoi.

Kathie

I'd vote for Hanoi as well.

horitak

We have been to all of the cities mentioned and I say Hanoi Hoi! We always make a stop there when in Asia.
Great restaurants, culture, leisure,. Shopping in and around Hoan Kiem District is great and you can walk most places you want to go. check out http://sixonsixteen.com/ ask for Pete he will take good care of you. It just opened in Dec., when we were there, and we have Known Pete for a few years now. Tell him Frank and Anya say hello. good luck

Femi

I would recommend Singapore, as I think the vibe is closer to that which you enjoy in Hong Kong, Tokyo, etc. Very easy to communicate and navigate. Lots of choice (4*) in accommodation at your price range.

Next I would recommend...
Hanoi
Saigon
Phnom Penh
...in that order.

qwovadis offers good advice to also consider flight prices and connections.

emilyblue

Thanks for the input -- v valuable. I will be back with more questions.

Any other thoughts?

Cilla_Tey

Hanoi but very different from the vibes of HKG and BKK. SIN would have the similar city vibes of the latter.

lanphuong

Hanoi is very beautiful places, you should choose hanoi among those cities