Hello,
I was scrolling through older postings and found an interesting "poll" ~ I was wondering, would you please post your #1, first, favorite Asian destination and say why. Please feel free to offer and Do's & Don'ts too!
Thanks!

Let me be the first to say Bangkok.

I love the city itself - there is so much to see and do. And the shopping! But I also love that Bangkok is the gateway to so many other wonderful places in the area.

aaaaaaaahhhhh..memories of billt, ok, i'm in. israel(..i stole this from mrwunrfl)

Bali.

Culture, arts, food, nature, atmosphere, scenery.
Friendly, relaxed, warm, inviting.
5* treatment in 0* hotels.

choose only one??

Hmmmm. I love Japan- the culture, the food, the people, the crafts, the shopping, the language.

But...I love Bangkkok...the hotels, the shopping, the food, the people, the crafts, the cheap prices...

and India...I'm going in three weeks for the first time. I'll let you know after August if I love it too...

Other Asian countries were interesting, but none really grabbed me like Thailand and Japan.

Turkey!

good one, Bill. Some of us who are like elephants remember that post.

Japan. So, ok, it's the only Asian country I've been to. But I loved it and am going back again. And thanks to you ABFs (Asia Board Fodorites) who have expanded my horizons in the east, and I am starting to plan for a trip to Thailand w/my family in the next year or so. Look out, I'll have lots of ?s....

or maybe Bali, now that I reread Kim's post. Would love to experience the art experiences w/my kids that I read about and have tucked away from her previous posting.

This site and you all are so inspiring.

it will have to be bangkok with several others following close behind...the whole area is wonderful....
why bangkok: the people, the facilities (hotels, transportation, etc), the cost (reasonable for 4* and above), the food, oh the food, the sites, the shopping, the diversity of the offerings (not the diversity in a 21st C western way or meaning) and again the people....

India, India & India.

Everywhere we've travelled had something unique & magical to offer, in India. And the colours, smells, food, cotton furnishings & clothes appeal to my senses. The people were mostly friendly & welcoming. Amazing & unforgettable country. Addictive!

Hi Guys,
Been reading for long enough and decided it was time to actually write something.
My #1 choice would have to be Phi Phi Island, with Ao Nang a very close second. Great people, great food, scenery and activities and still a little less commercial than the more popular ones.
Having said that, every place I've vistited in Asia has been throughly enjoyable and would go back in a flash.

Gee BKK shows up a lot- wow what a surprise!

So far my favorite is Cambodia. I took a Mekong River cruise up through small villages, Phnom Penh and then went to Siem Reap. I loved the un-Westernized, undeveloped feel to most of the country. I found the people to be extraordinarily friendly. I too will visit India for the first time this November and I can't wait!

1. Angkor Wat.
2. Temples of Chiang Mai.
3. Hanoi.
4. Yangtze Gorges.
5. The Great Wall.
6. Hakone National Park, Kamakura.
7. Kyoto.
8. Varanasi's Burning Ghats.

For me, its a work in progress - so far Bangkok, Bali and India for their people, shopping, culture, scenery and food. After next February, maybe I'll add Angkor Wat or Luang Prabang to the list.

Bangkok, beyond a shadow of a doubt. I have made so many friends there, over the past 4 years. I love the shopping, the food, the wonderful hotels and apartment rentals. I just LOVE BKK.
Carol

Koh Samui (25 years ago). Burma (20 years ago). Penang (15 years ago) Saigon (last year). Kyoto and Bangkok and Ubud..always.

india, japan, thailand only three destinations i loved most. I am going to china in this year. So i will let you know later,,,,,,,,,

Thanks!

My vote is for India..Then Thailand and Bali..India is amazing..

A combination of Bangkok with two 1 day side trips for a total of 5 full days plus 5 full days in Bali. With flights to and from US that would be a very thoughtful 2 week trip.
If you are willing to pay the money the days in Bali at the Four Seasons-Sayan near Ubad is awesome and in Bangkok the Peninsula (Grand Deluxe Room) or the Oriental on a high floor would be just the best. Try to be in Bangkok over the Friday-Sunday for several markets if you want to shop or just browse through the hundreds of stalls/merchants.