What was your favorite Asian travel moment of the year?
 

I saw a posting about Kyoto over on the European thread about most memorable/favorite travel momemt of 2007, so I thought we needed one here.

Mine would be after a terrible travel day--flight out of Munich cancelled, rush to airport to ensure on earlier flight to make connection in London, only to have delay there and long layover, followed by the full coach cabin to Hong Kong, slow getting bus to hotel for my overnight before heading to Macau for a meeting.

Thanks to you guys and Tripadvisor, I had booked a harborview room at the YMCA. Once I walked in the door, it was like being magically transported to bliss. Wonderful hot shower, bundled in robe, eating fruit basket with my travel snacks and tea, watching the fantastic light show and all the water traffic from my room before collapsing in the unbelievably comfortable bed. Made it all worthwhile.

Strolling through Luang Prabang without any specific destination was my favorite AT moment. The sense of relaxation and beauty was sublime.

Feeding elephants bananas outside of Luang Prabang.

eating thai food with the gpandas...

Looks like it's all about LP this year.

In keeping, mine was riding on the neck of an elephant along the Nam Ou River just outside Luang Prabang (surrounded by lush jungle and emerald mountains). Never in my life have I felt so outside my world--and loved every single moment of it.

I can't pick just one. How about a "Top 5"?

1. Teaching the kids at Koh Ker school in Cambodia how to throw a frisbee.
2. Making a new friend in Lori Carlson of www.thePLF.org when in Siem Reap.
3. Eating amazing food at the floating market with Tong in Bangkok.
4. Petting tiger cubs at the Tiger Temple.
5. Meeting many of the wonderful Fodorites at the Pasadena GTG at a great Thai restaurant Saladang Song.

I think it'd have to be the 'invisible' waterfall at Popkotvil on Bokor mountain in Cambodia.

10:00 one chilly April night in the mountains of Tazawako,Japan with the new fallen snow all around us we entered the outdoor hot spring at Tsurunoyu Onsen for an unforgettable soak with just the DW and the stars.

The oil lanterns gave off just enough light to illuminate the pathways of this 400 year old minshuku which added to the ambiance of this secluded getaway.

Hands down favorite:
Taking my Thai friend Maeng with me to some places she had never been before. She's just a hard working Thai lady (about 4' 10" and full of energy) and in her 40's.

Anyway, first I took her to Sky Bar at the top of State Tower, 64 floors up. She was in total awe. Her comment was, "I didn't know my country is so beautiful."

Then, I took her with me from BKK to Chiang Mai on a one-day shopping trip. Her first flight ever. She had questions about the clouds and where the rain is, and what's out there beyond the clouds? etc etc It was like watching a child when they discover something new. I get warm feelings just thinking about that lovely day. I took Maeng to Doi Sutep that day as well. She enjoyed every minute... so did I!!! Soooo rewarding! By far, my favorite of 2007.
Carol

My favorite Asian travel moment of the year?

It surely occured this past spring as I climbed barefoot up to the top of a temple in Bagan, Myanmar, and viewed the plains spread out before me. What a view! So very impressive.