My husband and I are starting to plan our trip for 2004. We have tossed around New Zealand and Tahiti; Thailand and China; and Greece and Spain. We know the draw of the other places what is the draw of Thailand and Asia. We have traveled to pretty much all other places in the world and were looking for something different. What type of traveller would like Thailand/Asia? Please help. Thank you.

thailand is a welcoming place...we are planning our 6th trip in 10 years...we have also visited other asian places, which we have enjoyed, but we simply love thailand....people ask us why? it is difficult to say, but generally we reply: the people are the nicest we have encountered anywhere...the food is great...its exceptionally inexpensive, the shopping cannot be beat anywhere in the world, hotels are reasonable even for 5 star luxuary....you can spend a month in thailand for what it would cost for one or two weeks elsewhere without skimping on anything....

drawbacks as we see them are the following: it is hot as hell all the time, 24 hours per day...it is a very long ride from the usa...the airfares are reasonable but not cheap ($600-1300)....we use northwest airlines...

thailand offers many different types of holidays: beach, city, low mountains, wilderness to name a few...

in bangkok you will be in the middle of a bustling truly international city with all its benefits and problems...it is very safe...traffic is terrible generally but there are alternatives: the river and the skytrain and soon a subway...

the shopping is simply not to be believed: readi-made and custom made everything...clothing and jewerly are exceptional....we buy mostly custom made things, i.e. 6 brooks brother type mens dress shirts for $80-120....custom made and fit...full range of fabrics to choose from....navy blazer for $125 or less in wool or silk...gold braclet for $200 which retailed for $750 in usa--custom made with small saphires and 18K gold...

you cannot drink the water but bottled water is available everywhere for an inexpensive price---10-25 cents per bottle...quality hotels provide water in each room daily for drinking....you can bath in the water however without problems...

there are international hotels like sheraton, hilton, marriott, sofitel, four seasons, holiday inn as well as many local hotels... we prefer the peninsula and the marriott resort and spa in bangkok...

we find china interesting, but not relaxing for vacations...

we have also visited korea, japan, malaysia, singapore, myanmar, cambodia and china, plus several times to hong kong...we like thailand the best!!!

give asia a try and you will be sold...

I would agree with everything rhkkmk has said. We favor Asia over Europe anyday because the people are so pleasant and the prices cannot be beat.
We have been to Thailand twice and love it. If I could convince my husband to pack up and move, I would go there in a heart beat. The people are the nicest we have encountered anywhere. The food is to die for and the shopping is terrific. We have been to Bangkok which we enjoyed - for a city it is pretty wild but there are so many lovely places to visit. We also have been to Chiang Mai in the north. I took a cooking class there and really enjoyed it. We did hiking, visited the Karen tribes - all so different than being in the city. Next visit will be to the beach areas.

Another place to consider is Vietnam - the people are gracious and so happy to see/serve you. The countryside is spectaular and like Thailand, the shopping,food are great and what you get for your money is hard to believe. I often felt like I needed to pay more for things because everything is so inexpensive and the people are so poor. The country is slowly becoming a hot spot to visit. I recommend you go before it gets spoiled by commecialism. We loved Hanoi and Hoi An - will be going back in March to both places along with HCMC. My husband was there in the war 34 yrs ago so we visited his old camp site which was the real highlight of the trip. We were pleased that there appeared to be no bad feelings against Americans left over from the war.
Good luck -- with Asia, you cannot go wrong!

Asia is also my favorite part of the world, especially SE Asia. I have visted various parts of Asia perhaps two dozen times in the last 20 years or so. Yes, I've also visited places in Europe, Northern Africa, the Middle East, the South Pacific, but Asia is the place I always come back to.

I love the culture, the warmth and hospitality of the people, the food, how far my dollar stretches, the wonderful shopping... Thailand is perhaps the easiest place in SE Asia to travel to. It has great infrastructure for travelers, and fabulous 5* places you can stay for the price of a Holiday Inn in the US. Most of the people you'll have contact with will speak at least some English. It's remarkably easy to travel on your own and do what you want to do.

With all of your praise of Thailand it definitely has added to the "pro" list ofr Thailand. So many things you read including the trip reports speak mostly of the temples. And knowing my husband, he would not be happy viewing temples for 2 weeks no matter how beautiful they were. Can you point me to websites for more of the adventure side? Thank you so much for your replies.

I just returned from Thailand 2 days ago...it was our first time. If you like beaches, the southern islands are incredible. Gorgeous white sand beaches, palm trees, etc. This is what we like and we chose it for the cultural experience as well. I am totally depressed about being back home and will definitely be returning!

Leslie

Forgot to mention that Thailand is way cleaner that Greece, and the people are much, much nicer.

If u are into eco resorts try www.ecoclub.com for ideas. Very cheap too! In Bkk a great day cycling tour www.realasia.net. or www.cyclingthailand.com. As destinations do searches on this forum for Kanchanaburi, Chiang Mai for non beach and Phuket, Koh Samui, Hua Hin for beach destination ideas.