Asia - Five days in Bangkok, Singapore, or Taipei?

Your opinion, please: of these three cities, which would be your choice for a five-day visit in mid-to-late-October?

Experience in Asia has been limited to two trips: 1) April 2002, delightful 6 days getting acquainted with Hong Kong and day trips to Cheung Chau and the New Territories; 2) April 2001, 10 days in Japan, staying in Tokyo, then Kyoto with excursions by train to explore cities from Nagano to Kobe and beyond.

Advice, tips, experiences would be greatly appreciated, for which I thank you in advance.
Shannon



[This message has been edited by shannonk (edited 08-06-2002).]

I have the same question...

Have not been to Taipei, but between Bangkok and Singapore I would definitely recommend Bangkok for a 5 day visit. In my opinion, you can see the main sights of Singapore in 2 days (or 3 at the absolute max), so 5 days would be too long for most people. I personally find Bangkok much, much more interesting than Singapore.

I certainly agree that Bangkok is the most interesting of the three. In fact, I would suggest Chiang Mai (a 1-hr, inexpensive flight from Bangkok) as a most-interesting alternative for a few days.

Chiang Mai is a physically smaller and more manageable place than Bangkok (or the other cities), it's filled with interesting architecture and wats (Buddhist temples), and its night market is about as much fun as any I've found in Asia. In a way, it's Thailand's Kyoto.

Bangkok

Bangkok

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Bangkok; You can day trip to Ayuthaya, the Thai capital prior to it being destroyed in a war with Burma, and spend a day and night in Kanchaniburi, Bridge over the river Kwai fame.
I have never understood the attraction of Chiang Mai. Sure there are hundreds of old Chedis and temples, but none of them with the possible exception of Doi Suthep are worth going out of your way to see.

definitely Taipei, enjoy the night markets, national palace museum, buddhist temples, sun yat sen and chiang kai shek memorial, danshui, etc.

I would then rank BKK after this, and Singapore a distant third. As said here previously BKK has plenty to do, Singapore, you can pretty much complete everything in 3 days and get very bored.

Whilst I like Taipei, I find that Bangkok has far more to see and do. The sight-seeing and shopping are both excellent, as is the food. Things are generally very reasonably priced. There are also a number of good excursions that you can comfortably make from there.

Were I in your shoes, I would certainly pick Bangkok...

I like BKK so much, that I go back every Dec to get away from the Holiday's! Late October can be a comfortable time, if the rainy season has ended!

For five days, staying in the BKK area is NOT too long. There is a lot to do. Save other trips to Phuket or Chiangi Mai for another trip, when you feel you have seen most of BKK!

I would strongly recommend BKK.

As for the Chiang-Mai question: I'd recommend you do it as a day trip from BKK (TG C Class RT tickets are about $130 inc tax); Doi Suthep is well worth the trip alone.

Regards,
Alex

I posted this topic over one year ago, and FlyerTalk advice was then, as now - Bangkok!

I was ready to go, but unfortunately, at ticket-purchasing time, that fare had disappeared. Instead, we chose Singapore, and not at all disappointed with the lovely, gracious city and people.

But, ever since, I have been on the lookout for an inexpensive fare to Bangkok (but also one that adds base miles to my AA Platinum status). CX has recently offered great prices but without mileage.

Anything you know that I don't?

Thanks,
Shannon

[This message has been edited by shannonk (edited 03-04-2003).]

SPEND the money or miles to Thailand. It will be well worth it. And go to Ayutthaya, Sukhothai, and maybe Mae Hong Son in the north too. KoSamui is a wonderful island about an hour and a half flight on Bangkok Airways south. Enjoy....

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by kawoh:
...definitely Taipei, enjoy the night markets, national palace museum, buddhist temples, sun yat sen and chiang kai shek memorial, danshui, etc...</font>

I visited Taipei in November, 2000. I couldn't believe what a wonderful visit I had. The cultural sites and museums are phenomenal (especially the National Palace Museum). The people were wonderful. Excellent food. Also, don't miss the incredible beauty of the Taroko Gorge.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by TransWorldOne:
(especially the National Palace Museum). </font>

Absolutely - if you are into museums then this is one of the best.

In general Taipei doesn't feel so "touristy" - I prefer this too.

On the other hand you won't go wrong with Bangkok either.