Saigon
Gold Member
For my money Asia is probably the most rewarding region to travel in. It's cheap, safe, the people are nice, and the variety of things to do is overwhelming. There's even great food! It's also easier to travel in Asia than it is in Africa or South America, by and large, with low crime and not a great deal of violence.
Here are my Top 5 choice:
Indonesia.
I think Indonesia is probably the best travel destination in the world. Forget over-touristed Bali, the real jewels are in the outer islands, where you can snorkel and dive warm waters without another tourist in site. I love the satay and gado gado, the weather is always hot & humid, and there is a lot to do away from the beach - hike active volcanic cones, check out ruins, and shop in the markets. Flores is my favourite island.
Malaysia
Although the cities in the west are now as developed as Singapore, the east of the country is much more traditional. Hence, it's nice to spend time in the more Chinese & modern cities like Penang, and then head east for tea plantations, diving and something that still feels like 1955. Clean, safe and very easy travel. Perhentian Islands are my favourite area.
India
I'm not a big India fan myself, but it is unqiue. It's an experience. More drama and hysteria than a Latin soap, the heat, traffic, noise and argumentative people can be infuriating, but likewise the peace, tranquility and colour of the country is without compare. It does take time and energy to experience anything of the place, but travelling here is a right of passage! My favourite area is the western Himalayas in Kashmir.
Viet Nam
It's hugepy popular now, and so it should be. Maybe it's a boy thing, but I find the war history facinating, and loved checking out the tunnels, US bases and museums. Add in to that great beaches, the best tailored clothes on earth and lovely people, and that's a great way to spend a month. Tiny Hoi An is the highlight, but I love Hanoi as well.
Burma
Though it gets fewer tourists than its bigger neighbours, Burma is weirder, darker and more charismatic. Pagan may be the most mysterious ruin on earth - even better than Angkor Wat in Cambodia. The temples are magical, the people stoic and generous. It's not always easy, but immensely rewarding.
I always enjoy Thailand, but it is a bit Asia-lite for my taste. It's like a sampler for the rest of the continent. Singapore & Hong Kong are must-see cities, but they are only cities - the real magic of Asia is more in the villagers and along the coastline than in shopping centres and metro stations.
Here are my Top 5 choice:
Indonesia.
I think Indonesia is probably the best travel destination in the world. Forget over-touristed Bali, the real jewels are in the outer islands, where you can snorkel and dive warm waters without another tourist in site. I love the satay and gado gado, the weather is always hot & humid, and there is a lot to do away from the beach - hike active volcanic cones, check out ruins, and shop in the markets. Flores is my favourite island.
Malaysia
Although the cities in the west are now as developed as Singapore, the east of the country is much more traditional. Hence, it's nice to spend time in the more Chinese & modern cities like Penang, and then head east for tea plantations, diving and something that still feels like 1955. Clean, safe and very easy travel. Perhentian Islands are my favourite area.
India
I'm not a big India fan myself, but it is unqiue. It's an experience. More drama and hysteria than a Latin soap, the heat, traffic, noise and argumentative people can be infuriating, but likewise the peace, tranquility and colour of the country is without compare. It does take time and energy to experience anything of the place, but travelling here is a right of passage! My favourite area is the western Himalayas in Kashmir.
Viet Nam
It's hugepy popular now, and so it should be. Maybe it's a boy thing, but I find the war history facinating, and loved checking out the tunnels, US bases and museums. Add in to that great beaches, the best tailored clothes on earth and lovely people, and that's a great way to spend a month. Tiny Hoi An is the highlight, but I love Hanoi as well.
Burma
Though it gets fewer tourists than its bigger neighbours, Burma is weirder, darker and more charismatic. Pagan may be the most mysterious ruin on earth - even better than Angkor Wat in Cambodia. The temples are magical, the people stoic and generous. It's not always easy, but immensely rewarding.
I always enjoy Thailand, but it is a bit Asia-lite for my taste. It's like a sampler for the rest of the continent. Singapore & Hong Kong are must-see cities, but they are only cities - the real magic of Asia is more in the villagers and along the coastline than in shopping centres and metro stations.
