Have you been to Thailand, China, or Japan? I'd like suggestions for my upcoming trip!?

Question

I plan to spend about a month in Asia. I'm going to spend a couple days in Tokyo and a few in Singapore (visiting a friend). After that, I want to spend the rest of the time in Thailand and China. I've never been to Asia before. What are your very favorite places in the countries I'm visiting? What should I "not miss", and how long would you recommend staying there? I know I'm going to visit Bangkok and Beijing, but other than that I haven't decided. I'm open to suggestions in Vietnam, Korea, etc. if those are the ones you love :) I love cool historical stuff and impressive architecture as well as gorgeous vistas. Especially great cultural experiences are also a plus. Thanks everyone!

Answer 1

Japan: awesome and incredibly expensive.

Thailand is probably the easiest to gwt around in: you won't have a government minder like you will in China.  China is usually best travelled in a group for a first trip.

I love Viet Nam: Hoi An, Da Nang, Saigon and so many other places.

If you are female, it is strongly advisable to travel with someone, especially in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and the bigger cities if Viet Nam.  Get some Lonely Planet guides of something for making a list of where to go.

remember food: you should not try to eat like an American (assuming you are) when over there as it is not possible.  If Tokyo and Singapore are your introductions to Asia, then the rest of Asia is very different and not nearly so clean nor so law abiding.

Still, you will have no shortage of places to see. Have fun!

Answer 2

in Bangkok, don't miss:

-Grand Palace & nearby Wat Po where you can see giant gold reclining buddha

-Chinatown (Chinese food are great! excellent for shopping)

-and further more shopping in Siam Paragon, MBK, Gaysorn Plaza, Lumpini Park and local markets

- restaurants along the chaopraya river http://www.discovery-thailand.com/Down%2...

shopping places in BANGKOK:

Chatuchak Market- Overflowing with souvenirs, food, clothes, art... It’s a great experience even for non-shoppers, and really easy to get to on the Skytrain. Open on weekends only. Next to BTS Mochit station. Very interesting, but it can be very hot and crowded.

Suan-Lum Night Bazaar- Similar to Chatuchak Market with souvenirs, local food and beer. Open daily from late afternoon until midnight. Next to MRT Lumphini station, Great place to eat and hang out in at night.

Siam Paragon- A upmarket mega mall with a department store and many high end boutiques and shops. This is a family destination with something for everyone - Siam Ocean World at the basement should

keep the kids busy while the serious shopper is at work. Exit at BTS Siam Station which leads to level 2 of this mall. Connected with other shopping mall : Discovery, Siam Centre and MBK. So if you want to have some serious shopping, this is the perfect place.

Siam Square- Just opposite Siam Centre, start with Soi 5 end with Soi 2. Endless little shops of local designers. Goodies sold from great dresses to vintage bags. Shopping heaven for a budget!

Mah Boon Krong - MBK- A popular mall with hundreds of small shops offering low to mid priced casualwear, shoes, bags, mobile phones etc. etc. Linked to BTS National Stadium Station, or a short walk from BTS Siam Station.

When you are in Bangkok, walk as much as you can. Do not do as most tourists and visitors who only move by taxi or tuk-tuk. Walking around Bangkok, you will find more interesting things than you have

ever imagined. The hidden Bangkok is really not far from the tourist streets but there are no tourists there. Just a couple of blocks from the main roads, you will find rows of market stalls and restaurants with more authentic foods, people and goods than the tourist traps can offer.

If you need more information about Thailand, try http://www.discovery-thailand.com .  They offer discount hotels up to 75% off, too.  have a nice trip!