Any Europe addicts who have also travelled in Asia? What did you think of Asian destinations & the experience as a whole?
Aug 8th, 2006, 05:54 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,270
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Any Europe addicts who have also travelled in Asia? What did you think of Asian destinations & the experience as a whole?
We live in the US and really like Europe. I suppose we've taken maybe a dozen trips or so. We've always gone on our own & our trips have started to cover smaller and smaller areas as we now tend to rent apartments or houses for 5 to 7 days and tend to focus in on getting to really know a certain locale. We are budget to moderate travellers who much prefer smaller, family-run types of lodging such as pensions, gasthauses, b & b s and the everyday types of restaurants that locals would visit on a day to day basis.
We're active and have taken several week long bicycle trips, and we've also hiked in those locales where that is an appropriate activity. We are flexible prople who like to go with the flow rather than worriers who would get upset about some minor dettails or glitches. We like history, charming locales, visiting local markets & groceries, trying new foods, fine art & classical music, enjoying a bottle of wine in a nice cafe, beautiful gardens, the great outdoors, active outdoor pursuits, natural beauty etc. We are not shoppers, not particularly interested in ruins that are nothing more than a pile of rocks, and are not upscale travellers who are picky about amenities.
This winter we are possibly thinking of an Asian trip--maybe Vietnam. If you are a fan of Europe who has also taken some Asian trips, I'd like to hear what your feelings were about Asia. I know we are talking about comparing apples & oranges here, but I'd still be interested in hearing your thoughts. I'd also like to know if you also became addicted to Asia, in addition to Europe, as a destination. Or, if you said to yourself, I've now had a taste of Asia & that's enough for me. One of the reasons I'm looking for insights is, if we do this trip, I'm trying to decide between the more typical skim-the-surface of a lot of places because I'll probably never be back approach versus the more in-depth smaller area thinking I'll return again. Thanks.
We're active and have taken several week long bicycle trips, and we've also hiked in those locales where that is an appropriate activity. We are flexible prople who like to go with the flow rather than worriers who would get upset about some minor dettails or glitches. We like history, charming locales, visiting local markets & groceries, trying new foods, fine art & classical music, enjoying a bottle of wine in a nice cafe, beautiful gardens, the great outdoors, active outdoor pursuits, natural beauty etc. We are not shoppers, not particularly interested in ruins that are nothing more than a pile of rocks, and are not upscale travellers who are picky about amenities.
This winter we are possibly thinking of an Asian trip--maybe Vietnam. If you are a fan of Europe who has also taken some Asian trips, I'd like to hear what your feelings were about Asia. I know we are talking about comparing apples & oranges here, but I'd still be interested in hearing your thoughts. I'd also like to know if you also became addicted to Asia, in addition to Europe, as a destination. Or, if you said to yourself, I've now had a taste of Asia & that's enough for me. One of the reasons I'm looking for insights is, if we do this trip, I'm trying to decide between the more typical skim-the-surface of a lot of places because I'll probably never be back approach versus the more in-depth smaller area thinking I'll return again. Thanks.
Aug 8th, 2006, 06:08 AM
#2
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,801
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm not an "addict" of Europe but one who very much has enjoyed my trips there, which are a mix of rural places, history and art destinations, plus urban glamour. When I went to Japan, I was deeply fascinated and incredibly happy -- and very much suprised that so many of my preconceptions were false.
First of all, Japan is much cheaper than most of the places in Europe where I go. Secondly, the zero-crime rate makes for a very relaxing vacation. I do not know the culture of Vietnam, but the politeness to visitors in Japan is exceptional. The urban centers are a pleasure to be in.
I also appreciate the fact that one eats a very healthy low fat diet while in Japan, with a minimum of alcohol. Public transport cannot be beat.
After visiting Japan I immediately began plotting to return. The only thing that has thus far prevented me from returning to Asia is time. For my next trip I very much want to see China.
Although my husband has been to Vietnam and Thailand, I'm sorry I can't give you any firsthand information. I will only say that he had no choice but to go in the heat of summer, and he was quite miserable! But in winter you won't have that problem.
The Asia boards here on Fodor's seem to have some well-traveled experts. Enjoy your trip.
First of all, Japan is much cheaper than most of the places in Europe where I go. Secondly, the zero-crime rate makes for a very relaxing vacation. I do not know the culture of Vietnam, but the politeness to visitors in Japan is exceptional. The urban centers are a pleasure to be in.
I also appreciate the fact that one eats a very healthy low fat diet while in Japan, with a minimum of alcohol. Public transport cannot be beat.
After visiting Japan I immediately began plotting to return. The only thing that has thus far prevented me from returning to Asia is time. For my next trip I very much want to see China.
Although my husband has been to Vietnam and Thailand, I'm sorry I can't give you any firsthand information. I will only say that he had no choice but to go in the heat of summer, and he was quite miserable! But in winter you won't have that problem.
The Asia boards here on Fodor's seem to have some well-traveled experts. Enjoy your trip.
Aug 8th, 2006, 06:25 AM
#3
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 797
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I've traveled to Europe a bunch of times and always loved it, but when we were planning our 2005 holiday my GF suggested going to Japan as a change. One reason was that the dollar was awful against the Pound and Euro, but hadn't lost as much against the Yen. Another was that she loved her short stay in Japan when she went on an around-the-world trip before we met.
Each Asian country is very different, so I'm sure a Vietnam trip would be much different than our experience. What I did find was that language was much more of a challenge. Although I don't speak much French/German/Italian, it's surprising how much vocabulary is familiar. In addition, I can read street signs there or look up words in a travel dictionary. Outside of Tokyo, most of writing was only in Kanji (Japanese alphabet). This was a big challenge, as we found ourselves looking for our hotel when we could only identify it by the shapes of the letters.
Food was also much different than we're used to. It took being adventurous to try things, and we spent more time peaking into bars & restaurants than we normally do in Europe.
One thing that was wonderful were the people. Everyone was super-helpful, even if they couldn't speak English. Train travel was pretty easy, too. We spent some time in big cities (Kyoto was super) but also up in the mountains near Nagano, hiking in the Kiso Valley, and visiting smaller towns on the island of Shikoku. However, while 3 weeks in Europe never seems like enough, after 3 weeks in Japan we were exausted and ready to come home.
We loved the beautiful temples and shrines, the scenery in the mountains, the traditional ryokans we stayed at. We also enjoyed staying at Minshukus, which have traditional lodging (futons on tatami mats) but are often rooms in a private residence. These were a great way to speak to locals and see their way of life. We visited local markets, went to a few museums, and saw a lot of historic sights.
We're still Europe-focused (it's off to Spain this fall), but we'll definitely work in more of Asia (GF suggests Malaysia as a destination). The food of Europe is still my preference and one of the joys of traveling there. The food in Japan was an adventure and a fun part of the trip. We had a few excellent meals, but overall it wasn't as much to our liking.
We've taken a lot of Japan back with us in feeling, and our house has several areas decorated in an Asian style. Our wedding is even going to be in a Japanese-style garden here in CA.
As with almost any traveling, I think it's best to explore a smaller area well then to just skim the surface.
Each Asian country is very different, so I'm sure a Vietnam trip would be much different than our experience. What I did find was that language was much more of a challenge. Although I don't speak much French/German/Italian, it's surprising how much vocabulary is familiar. In addition, I can read street signs there or look up words in a travel dictionary. Outside of Tokyo, most of writing was only in Kanji (Japanese alphabet). This was a big challenge, as we found ourselves looking for our hotel when we could only identify it by the shapes of the letters.
Food was also much different than we're used to. It took being adventurous to try things, and we spent more time peaking into bars & restaurants than we normally do in Europe.
One thing that was wonderful were the people. Everyone was super-helpful, even if they couldn't speak English. Train travel was pretty easy, too. We spent some time in big cities (Kyoto was super) but also up in the mountains near Nagano, hiking in the Kiso Valley, and visiting smaller towns on the island of Shikoku. However, while 3 weeks in Europe never seems like enough, after 3 weeks in Japan we were exausted and ready to come home.
We loved the beautiful temples and shrines, the scenery in the mountains, the traditional ryokans we stayed at. We also enjoyed staying at Minshukus, which have traditional lodging (futons on tatami mats) but are often rooms in a private residence. These were a great way to speak to locals and see their way of life. We visited local markets, went to a few museums, and saw a lot of historic sights.
We're still Europe-focused (it's off to Spain this fall), but we'll definitely work in more of Asia (GF suggests Malaysia as a destination). The food of Europe is still my preference and one of the joys of traveling there. The food in Japan was an adventure and a fun part of the trip. We had a few excellent meals, but overall it wasn't as much to our liking.
We've taken a lot of Japan back with us in feeling, and our house has several areas decorated in an Asian style. Our wedding is even going to be in a Japanese-style garden here in CA.
As with almost any traveling, I think it's best to explore a smaller area well then to just skim the surface.
Aug 8th, 2006, 06:28 AM
#4
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 17,268
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you can't generalise about Europe (what do Stockholm and Caltanisetta really have in common?) you really, really, really, can't generalise about Asia.
So here's one person's views about Vietnam, based on the criteria you mention.
"much prefer smaller, family-run types of lodging such as pensions,". For a westerner, the financial case for such places in Vietnam is far weaker, and the relative difficulty of finding them, reliably, far greater. It's infintely easier to book into a local four-star place. Apart from Bali and parts of INdia, BTW, this has been my near-universal experience in Asia, except back in the backpacker days.
"everyday types of restaurants that locals would visit on a day to day basis" Which locals? With the huge inequalities everywhere in Asia apart from Singapore (and I suppose N Korea, but...) there's an immense gulf between where local cadres and successful entrepreneurs eat and the pho stall where the chap on the bike grabs a quick bowl. Not to worry, since the Vietnamese seem more genetically incapable of making mediocre food than the Italians. There's relatively little tourism in Vietnam, so practically wherever you eat is going to be :
a) Vietnamese, and
b) dominated by Vietnamese fellow-diners.
That said, the places with the very highest praise for Vietnamese food in the guidebooks were indeed excellent, but had a large proportion of (mostly francophone) Western patrons. What set them apart from the Vietnamese-dominated places were their prices (peanuts to most westerners, but about twice as many peanuts as where Vietnamese ate) and the more Western-fiendly setup of service etc.
"We like history," Hmm. Absolutely NOT Vietnam's forte. Museums are at best OK, obsessively nationalist in their captioning and, by European standards poorly maintained. Few monuments, except to the glories of the revolution. By European standards,surprisingly little of substance pre-19th century. But what there is is interesting. Just brief yourself really well before leaving home, since information is very hard to come by in Vietnam. Bookshops are awful, unless you want books about software or learning English
"charming locales" Little that I'd call charming. But tons of atmospheric, if often slightly overpowering, places (there's an awful lot of Vietnamese, and not that much space)
"visiting local markets & groceries, trying new foods". Fan-bleeding-tastic. Nothing in the West to compare remotely. One of the few generalisations about most of Asia you can make is that their markets make France and Italy look dowdy, boring and preposterously gastronomically conservative. Hanoi is practically one huge market.
"fine art" Again, not in my view, Vietnam's forte. India and China beat it hollow
"classical music" Well, Vietnamese classical music, with a bit of difficulty.
"enjoying a bottle of wine". No Not even Aussie wine really stands the journey. You're really best sipping a very cold beer.
"in a nice cafe" Few
"beautiful gardens" Limited in number, and very crowded
"the great outdoors". Stunning
"active outdoor pursuits" No idea
"natural beauty" Often amazing
I'd answer the same questions very diiferently for any other Asian country.
So here's one person's views about Vietnam, based on the criteria you mention.
"much prefer smaller, family-run types of lodging such as pensions,". For a westerner, the financial case for such places in Vietnam is far weaker, and the relative difficulty of finding them, reliably, far greater. It's infintely easier to book into a local four-star place. Apart from Bali and parts of INdia, BTW, this has been my near-universal experience in Asia, except back in the backpacker days.
"everyday types of restaurants that locals would visit on a day to day basis" Which locals? With the huge inequalities everywhere in Asia apart from Singapore (and I suppose N Korea, but...) there's an immense gulf between where local cadres and successful entrepreneurs eat and the pho stall where the chap on the bike grabs a quick bowl. Not to worry, since the Vietnamese seem more genetically incapable of making mediocre food than the Italians. There's relatively little tourism in Vietnam, so practically wherever you eat is going to be :
a) Vietnamese, and
b) dominated by Vietnamese fellow-diners.
That said, the places with the very highest praise for Vietnamese food in the guidebooks were indeed excellent, but had a large proportion of (mostly francophone) Western patrons. What set them apart from the Vietnamese-dominated places were their prices (peanuts to most westerners, but about twice as many peanuts as where Vietnamese ate) and the more Western-fiendly setup of service etc.
"We like history," Hmm. Absolutely NOT Vietnam's forte. Museums are at best OK, obsessively nationalist in their captioning and, by European standards poorly maintained. Few monuments, except to the glories of the revolution. By European standards,surprisingly little of substance pre-19th century. But what there is is interesting. Just brief yourself really well before leaving home, since information is very hard to come by in Vietnam. Bookshops are awful, unless you want books about software or learning English
"charming locales" Little that I'd call charming. But tons of atmospheric, if often slightly overpowering, places (there's an awful lot of Vietnamese, and not that much space)
"visiting local markets & groceries, trying new foods". Fan-bleeding-tastic. Nothing in the West to compare remotely. One of the few generalisations about most of Asia you can make is that their markets make France and Italy look dowdy, boring and preposterously gastronomically conservative. Hanoi is practically one huge market.
"fine art" Again, not in my view, Vietnam's forte. India and China beat it hollow
"classical music" Well, Vietnamese classical music, with a bit of difficulty.
"enjoying a bottle of wine". No Not even Aussie wine really stands the journey. You're really best sipping a very cold beer.
"in a nice cafe" Few
"beautiful gardens" Limited in number, and very crowded
"the great outdoors". Stunning
"active outdoor pursuits" No idea
"natural beauty" Often amazing
I'd answer the same questions very diiferently for any other Asian country.
Aug 8th, 2006, 06:38 AM
#5
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 933
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I love Hong Kong - been there 7 times and off again in March!, disliked our China tour (probably because it was a tour),enjoyed driving through Malaysia, thought Singapore was ok,found Thailand to be quite exciting.....
You just have to get there to experience the different smells, tastes, the whole culture thing!
I still go more often to Europe because its nearer and cheaper!
You just have to get there to experience the different smells, tastes, the whole culture thing!
I still go more often to Europe because its nearer and cheaper!
Aug 8th, 2006, 06:49 AM
#6
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 6,052
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We too have considered taking a trip to Asia. Actually we've considered it several times, and even went so far as to contact hotels, but eventually we cancelled the trip in favor of Europe. I'm not sure why, but for the time being Europe just interests us more than Asia. But I would love to visit, especially Southeast Asia, and hope to do so sometime soon.
Tracy
Tracy
Aug 8th, 2006, 06:50 AM
#7
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,500
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We're devoted European travelers who enjoy other destinations as well. Last year we took an incredible independent three week trip to China. Are we itching to go back to China? No. We would certainly like to go back if the opportunity arose but there are other places higher in the list. I breathed a big sigh of relief when we got on the plane for home from China. It was certainly not a relaxing trip but very much a fascinating one.
We are eager to see more of Asia and intended to go to Thailand/Vietnam/Laos this year. However, we've postponed that trip and are going in September on a safari to Kenya and Tanzania instead.
Our thought is that European travel is fairly easy while more "exotic" destinations require more stamina. Our aim is to visit such places while we can.
We are eager to see more of Asia and intended to go to Thailand/Vietnam/Laos this year. However, we've postponed that trip and are going in September on a safari to Kenya and Tanzania instead.
Our thought is that European travel is fairly easy while more "exotic" destinations require more stamina. Our aim is to visit such places while we can.
Aug 8th, 2006, 07:43 AM
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,270
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Many thanks for all the time & thoughtfulness you people have given in your replies. I can definitely appreciate the comments on the language struggles as I know in European countries where we know absolutely nothing of the language we feel lost & like complete boobs. I also appreciate the comments about the fact that Asian travel just feels more difficult and requires stamina. I'll factor that in as we are already choosing to do the more strenuous European trips now & we'll do the more relaxing later on in life. So, if kind of sounds as though I should prehaps focus on an Asian trip that would more involve natural wonders, scenery, cultural immersion & visiting markets.
Aug 8th, 2006, 08:42 AM
#9
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,122
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Julies, I'm a Francophile who visits there regularly, and have spent quite a bit of time in other European destinations. It's been hard to make the choice to go elsewhere, but I've just finished the planning for a trip this winter to Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, with a couple of days each in Bangkok and Hong Kong at beginning and end.
Although not as "addicted" to Asia as to France, I've definitely had regular "itches" to go back. On previous trips we've been to Thailand twice, Hong Kong twice, and the southern part of Vietnam and loved it all. I've also been to Tokyo and to Bali and wasn't crazy about either of those. I've always wanted to see Angkor Wat in Cambodia and decided that if I was ever going to do it it had to be soon. From your description of your interests, it sounds like you'd have a great time on a Southeast Asian trip.
Flanneruk's point that one can travel at a higher level for less money in Vietnam is well-taken and it's true of much of the area, as I've found in my planning, but inexpensive lodgings are widely available, mostly guesthouses or small hotels. Riding bicycles is an ideal way to see many places in southeast Asia, and people travel there specifically to go trekking and hiking.
The food in Vietnam and Thailand is fabulous, the natural beauty is spectacular, and since most of the countries in the area were previously French colonies, there is a lingering remnant of France in the baguettes and the architecture. People in the tourist industry will speak at least some English or French, so language will likely be less of an issue than in some areas of Japan, for example.
Getting from place to place is a bit more difficult than in Europe as transportation options aren't as comfortable or reliable, but many (mostly European) travelers do it all the time. It sonds like you might really enjoy Luang Prabang in Laos, and Hoi An in Vietnam, both small, charming, and easy to explore on bicycles.
The Asia board here at Fodors has a lot of people with experience in the area; it's a good resource.
Although not as "addicted" to Asia as to France, I've definitely had regular "itches" to go back. On previous trips we've been to Thailand twice, Hong Kong twice, and the southern part of Vietnam and loved it all. I've also been to Tokyo and to Bali and wasn't crazy about either of those. I've always wanted to see Angkor Wat in Cambodia and decided that if I was ever going to do it it had to be soon. From your description of your interests, it sounds like you'd have a great time on a Southeast Asian trip.
Flanneruk's point that one can travel at a higher level for less money in Vietnam is well-taken and it's true of much of the area, as I've found in my planning, but inexpensive lodgings are widely available, mostly guesthouses or small hotels. Riding bicycles is an ideal way to see many places in southeast Asia, and people travel there specifically to go trekking and hiking.
The food in Vietnam and Thailand is fabulous, the natural beauty is spectacular, and since most of the countries in the area were previously French colonies, there is a lingering remnant of France in the baguettes and the architecture. People in the tourist industry will speak at least some English or French, so language will likely be less of an issue than in some areas of Japan, for example.
Getting from place to place is a bit more difficult than in Europe as transportation options aren't as comfortable or reliable, but many (mostly European) travelers do it all the time. It sonds like you might really enjoy Luang Prabang in Laos, and Hoi An in Vietnam, both small, charming, and easy to explore on bicycles.
The Asia board here at Fodors has a lot of people with experience in the area; it's a good resource.
Aug 8th, 2006, 08:45 AM
#10
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We love Europe and we LOVE Asia. China,Japan,Hong Kong, and most of all India. Take a small organized tour for your first trip. They are places to be experienced as a traveler. You have to experince India and there is no way to explaine it to your friends. All Asian countries have such contasts on a moment to moment bases.
We will go to Vietnam in the Spring as my sister loved it.
We will go to Vietnam in the Spring as my sister loved it.
Aug 8th, 2006, 08:48 AM
#11
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 665
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We haven't travelled Asia yet, but we did jsut complete a trip to the ME. I would urge your to try something new. After living (and for some, visiting) Europe, it feels a bit old hat. Asia will be totally new in culture, food, environment. It will challenge you in different ways and maybe break up some stereotypes you may have. My trip out of the comfort zone of Europe reminded me of exactly why I love to travel.
GO!
GO!
Aug 8th, 2006, 08:53 AM
#12
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 249
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
After many trips to Europe we decided we were ready for a change. Our first venture into Asia was Hong Kong and while there decided to take a quick trip to mainland China. And we were hooked. Since then we have been back to Hong Kong three times usually as a starting point for somewhere else.
Next was a 3 week trip thru China, then 2 wks in Thailand and this year 3 weeks in Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. We have only begun to scratch the surface and have many more Asian trips planned.
You may very well find that you are much more fascinated by Asia than you are with European destinations. I second the suggestion to read the Asia boards. Many of the posters could easily convince you to go to Asia for your next trip.
Next was a 3 week trip thru China, then 2 wks in Thailand and this year 3 weeks in Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. We have only begun to scratch the surface and have many more Asian trips planned.
You may very well find that you are much more fascinated by Asia than you are with European destinations. I second the suggestion to read the Asia boards. Many of the posters could easily convince you to go to Asia for your next trip.
Aug 8th, 2006, 09:09 AM
#13
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I love Europe, but also love Asia. Went to Thailand (3 women)and found it inexpensive and beautiful. We spent 4 days in Bangkok, 4 in Chaing Mai and 4 in Phuket. We bought a Thai Air Pass and booked our hotels on the internet. We were able to sightsee on our own and hired a driver in Chaing Mai. The beach at Phuket was our vacation from our vacation. We were able to shop, have massages and beauty services that we could not have afforded in Europe. If I were to visit Vietnam I think I'd book a tour, but Thailand was easy to do on our own. We also went to Beijing for a week on our own and had a great time shopping, sightseeing, custom made clothing and massages. Very affordable and interesting. The Great Wall was a dream come true. I went to Italy earlier this year and while I had a great time it was very expensive, so Asia is really much more affordable.
Aug 8th, 2006, 09:21 AM
#14
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thailand is amazing, priced well and they love Americans. Been there 3 times.
One of my favorite places in the world.
Tokyo is new york with lots of neon,
Hong kong I hear is very expensive now. But worth a trip there. Great food and shopping.
One of my favorite places in the world.
Tokyo is new york with lots of neon,
Hong kong I hear is very expensive now. But worth a trip there. Great food and shopping.
Aug 8th, 2006, 09:32 AM
#15
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 17,268
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Travelling in Asia absolutely doesn't have to be strenuous.
At one extreme, driving yourself round Malaysia is easier than in much of Europe, and the quality of hotels, for the money, is a million times better. In fact, although you could be forgiven for leaving Malaysia convinced nothing at all happened there before Independence (history is pretty low down most Malaysian's list of interests), travelling is quite similar in most other respects to Europe, but English is more widely spoken (even than in Britain!)
At the other extreme, in really poor countries like Cambodia, the pace of hotel building has been such, and overall incomes so low, that you can easily just organise to be met at the airport, have an air-conditioned taxi and guide at your beck and call all day, and stay in quite luxurious comfort. And, by and large, most of Asia's getting progressively even more luxurious.
If the lunatics don't blow it up again, my experience of Bali is that it would be infinitely more comfortable a place for a holiday when I'm geriatric than anywhere in the West.
The only discomforts are the climate (which, in most of tourist-destination Asia, constantly tempts Westerners to stay inside the a/c bubbles) and he social complexity. For most English-speakers, virtually all Asian languages are intractable. And the barrier between most of us, and most people we meet in Asia, is far, far tougher to breach than in Sweden or Quebec.
Nowhere in Asia really feels like an Italian town during the passegiata. You have to have different expectations. But I expect to be travelling there well into my nineties.
At one extreme, driving yourself round Malaysia is easier than in much of Europe, and the quality of hotels, for the money, is a million times better. In fact, although you could be forgiven for leaving Malaysia convinced nothing at all happened there before Independence (history is pretty low down most Malaysian's list of interests), travelling is quite similar in most other respects to Europe, but English is more widely spoken (even than in Britain!)
At the other extreme, in really poor countries like Cambodia, the pace of hotel building has been such, and overall incomes so low, that you can easily just organise to be met at the airport, have an air-conditioned taxi and guide at your beck and call all day, and stay in quite luxurious comfort. And, by and large, most of Asia's getting progressively even more luxurious.
If the lunatics don't blow it up again, my experience of Bali is that it would be infinitely more comfortable a place for a holiday when I'm geriatric than anywhere in the West.
The only discomforts are the climate (which, in most of tourist-destination Asia, constantly tempts Westerners to stay inside the a/c bubbles) and he social complexity. For most English-speakers, virtually all Asian languages are intractable. And the barrier between most of us, and most people we meet in Asia, is far, far tougher to breach than in Sweden or Quebec.
Nowhere in Asia really feels like an Italian town during the passegiata. You have to have different expectations. But I expect to be travelling there well into my nineties.
Aug 8th, 2006, 10:18 AM
#16
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,270
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have been looking at the Asia board, but I really also wanted some feedback from people who have the same regular European experiences I have had and would for sure know what I am talking about when I describe why we really like Europe. I guess I forgot to add that we also really like interesting architecture, and I am sure I'd see some of that in Asia. Sounds like there are many parts of Asia we'd really like. The airfare to get there is much higher than I normally find to Europe, but it sounds like, in many places, costs are cheaper once there. I am glad to hear so many of you find it so intriguing. Another big plus for me in thinking about a trip this year is that becaue of my work schedule we need to go sometime between Christmas and mid January. As far as the weather goes, not much of Europe is very appealing then and much of Asia wil have weather that is pleasant.
Aug 8th, 2006, 10:19 AM
#17
Since I live in Paris, I can't qualify as a Europe addict except to say that I moved here from the US when I was 20 years old and have never considered ever moving back. I take short trips all over Europe all the time, particularly Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Spain and Switzerland, but I try to touch bases everywhere regularly to keep up with what is going on.
But frankly, I am an Asia addict. My favorite country is Vietnam, which I have visited 4 times and have penciled in my next trip there around April 2007. But I also love Cambodia (3 trips), Laos (2 trips) and Thailand (at least 10 trips but often just a few days in transit). I'm hoping to combine Thailand and Cambodia again in November, because the temples of Angkor haunt me constantly. Just like most people in Asia, I love Singapore (20 trips) for the total contrast but just for a few days, and I have also been to Indonesia (3 trips), Myanmar, Philippines, Malaysia a number of times, even though they are not my favorites... Have also traveled a little in India and Pakistan, but, along with China, I must confess that I have not investigated them enough. Hong Kong -- about 10 trips.
For a lot of people I know, one trip to Asia was enough. "It was all right -- I've seen it -- that's enough." But Asia fascinates me. I love to just settle into a town and not do much except absorb the atmosphere (Hanoi, Hoi An, Saigon -Vietnam - Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, Siem Reap - Cambodia - Jogjakarta, Malang - Indonesia, Luang Prabang - Laos.... the list is endless). This is after having seen most or all of the sights, of course.
But of course the main difference is the price. I have lived royally in air conditioned rooms with satellite TV and refrigerator for $5 a night all over Vietnam ($10 in Saigon). A tourist bus ticket from Hanoi to Saigon (2500 km) costs $11. I should mention that a traditional tourist can spend $100 a night to stay in an international chain hotel if that's what they need. A motorcycle guide in Cambodia costs $5 a day and will wait endless hours for you while you explore temples or markets...
My memories of Asia are so intense that my favorite meals in Paris are always at Asian restaurants... ah, the Vietnamese pho I had for lunch for 6 euros -- that really hit the spot!
But frankly, I am an Asia addict. My favorite country is Vietnam, which I have visited 4 times and have penciled in my next trip there around April 2007. But I also love Cambodia (3 trips), Laos (2 trips) and Thailand (at least 10 trips but often just a few days in transit). I'm hoping to combine Thailand and Cambodia again in November, because the temples of Angkor haunt me constantly. Just like most people in Asia, I love Singapore (20 trips) for the total contrast but just for a few days, and I have also been to Indonesia (3 trips), Myanmar, Philippines, Malaysia a number of times, even though they are not my favorites... Have also traveled a little in India and Pakistan, but, along with China, I must confess that I have not investigated them enough. Hong Kong -- about 10 trips.
For a lot of people I know, one trip to Asia was enough. "It was all right -- I've seen it -- that's enough." But Asia fascinates me. I love to just settle into a town and not do much except absorb the atmosphere (Hanoi, Hoi An, Saigon -Vietnam - Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, Siem Reap - Cambodia - Jogjakarta, Malang - Indonesia, Luang Prabang - Laos.... the list is endless). This is after having seen most or all of the sights, of course.
But of course the main difference is the price. I have lived royally in air conditioned rooms with satellite TV and refrigerator for $5 a night all over Vietnam ($10 in Saigon). A tourist bus ticket from Hanoi to Saigon (2500 km) costs $11. I should mention that a traditional tourist can spend $100 a night to stay in an international chain hotel if that's what they need. A motorcycle guide in Cambodia costs $5 a day and will wait endless hours for you while you explore temples or markets...
My memories of Asia are so intense that my favorite meals in Paris are always at Asian restaurants... ah, the Vietnamese pho I had for lunch for 6 euros -- that really hit the spot!
Aug 8th, 2006, 10:35 AM
#18
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,540
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I guess, for us, we want to see the world and experience as many different cultures as possible. We are very, very fortunate to have travelled a great deal and have been to Africa, Asia, Europe, South America, North America and Australia. It doesn't much matter where we go...not focused solely on Europe or Asia for instance..as long as it is new to us and there opportunities to learn new things and meet people with backgrounds different from our own. Our next trip (Thursday) is Iceland and Greenland which is different from our last trip (Caymans) which was different from the one before (Argentina) which was different from the one before that (Indonesia and Singapore).......
Asia is huge and diverse and offers so many wonderful opportunities to immerse yourself in a different culture and way of life...definitely go. The last time I was in Vietnam was in '95 so I will let someone versed in the current travel climate there speak to that. However, if Vietnam doesn't fit with what you are looking for, try cosmopolitan Singapore or peaceful Bali or the wonderful ruins of Angkor Wat in Cambodia or the hustle and entrepreneurial spirit of Shanghai or the beaches of Goa in India or frenetic Tokyo......
Have a great trip wherever you go. You are lucky to have such a fun dilemma.
taitai
Asia is huge and diverse and offers so many wonderful opportunities to immerse yourself in a different culture and way of life...definitely go. The last time I was in Vietnam was in '95 so I will let someone versed in the current travel climate there speak to that. However, if Vietnam doesn't fit with what you are looking for, try cosmopolitan Singapore or peaceful Bali or the wonderful ruins of Angkor Wat in Cambodia or the hustle and entrepreneurial spirit of Shanghai or the beaches of Goa in India or frenetic Tokyo......
Have a great trip wherever you go. You are lucky to have such a fun dilemma.
taitai
Aug 8th, 2006, 10:45 AM
#19
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 11,134
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
They are whole different buckets of fish. At first I had no desire to visit Asia but went along for the ride and was I glad I did.
It is cultural overload and thrilling. I loved China and Hong Kong and would love to visit Japan now.
Asia alters your perspective of things, it is just so different from our western ways.
Try a trip and see if you agree.
It is cultural overload and thrilling. I loved China and Hong Kong and would love to visit Japan now.
Asia alters your perspective of things, it is just so different from our western ways.
Try a trip and see if you agree.
Aug 8th, 2006, 11:08 AM
#20
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 151
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Most responses here are from a western perspective. I'm Indian and technically live in India but keep traveling all the time all over the world for work and pleasure. An analogy I can give to your question is what I asked myself as I was growing up in urban India - New Delhi. Did I really know what the real India was like. I was 'addicted' to the India I knew, the India of Delhi, Goa, Mumbai and Bangalore. In my early adulthood, when I first ventured out into the real India - rural towns and villages where 90% of the Indian population resides - I came around to realizing that living with them, traveling with them and immersing myself was like knowing reality and shedding off the illusions of urban Indian life.
When occidentals talk about Asia they usually mean the far east or south east Asia and sometimes India. But how about Ulan Bator in Mongolia where they play football with a goats head or Samarkand in Uzbekistan where intercontinental trade caravans used to rest even before the Greece civilization had been conceived or Kashgar at the western frontier of China which is the oldest flea market in the world and where you can test-ride a donkey. Asia is a lot more of the real world than Europe is just as rural India is a lot more of the real India then Delhi, Agra, Goa and Bombay are. If you've adventure in your heart, curiosity in the head and a tincture of courage, Asia will have you hooked you just as reality always does.
When occidentals talk about Asia they usually mean the far east or south east Asia and sometimes India. But how about Ulan Bator in Mongolia where they play football with a goats head or Samarkand in Uzbekistan where intercontinental trade caravans used to rest even before the Greece civilization had been conceived or Kashgar at the western frontier of China which is the oldest flea market in the world and where you can test-ride a donkey. Asia is a lot more of the real world than Europe is just as rural India is a lot more of the real India then Delhi, Agra, Goa and Bombay are. If you've adventure in your heart, curiosity in the head and a tincture of courage, Asia will have you hooked you just as reality always does.
