Made it to SIN - What next??
 

I went to Singapore last month, which was my first trip to Asia. I thoroughly enjoyed it and want to return to the continent soon! I certainly have the Asia bug so I am looking for the next destination. I would like a place that is fairly inexpensive, easy to get around cheaply, some interesting touristy stuff, but not too much, and flying is fun so distance is good. Thanks!

Thailand, of course, is an obvious option, strong tourist infrastructure, relatively cheap, plenty of stuff to do. And of course the food!

I'd recommend hitting the Philippines also, pretty cheap, english speaking, extremely friendly and easy to get around and not a whole lot of tourists, especially outside of Manila. Palawan has some beautiful resorts.

I also like Malaysia a whole lot, easy to get to from Singapore, fabulous food and an interesting culture. Panang is great as is Malaka. I've never been to Borneo but those who I know who have rave about it.

I'm off to India in June for a wedding so I've also been debating where elso to hit in Asia that I haven't been. Top of the list right now is Vietnam, although mostly because I'm on a vietnamese eating kick which I guess is as good a reason as any for picking a destination.

I'd do a trip or two to Thailand and then go to Bali. After that, get to the Angkor site in Cambodia before it's overrun by tourists.

Hong Kong is great, but it may be more than what you're looking for, unless you consider NYC laid back.

Also, take a look at the book Lonely Planet Read This First : Asia & India, ISBN: 1864500492 for the '99 edition.

Singapore is fun, but there are reasons that the Malaysia Tourist Board advertises on S'pore TV that Malaysia is the "Real Asia."
Rich

I would recommend Malaysia and the Philippines if you like nature stuff, clean air and beaches.

http://www.wowphilippines.com.ph/
http://www.marimari.com/content/malaysia/


[This message has been edited by travelem (edited 11-10-2003).]

India in June? How did it go? It's the hottest time of the year.

Thailand...Phi Phi Island http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...m/thumbsup.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...m/thumbsup.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...m/thumbsup.gif

It was quite hot, but I stayed pretty far south which doesn't seem to get the 140 degree days of some of the northern cities.

Chennai was the only place where the heat got to me, I think it was the combination of the heat with the extremely thick air pollution. I only stayed a few days before I hoped a train out of town.

Spent time in both Bangalore and and Mysore which I liked a lot and both are at higher elevations and a bit cooler, the heat didn't bother me at all there. Also spent time in Trichy (a few hours south of Chennai by train) for the wedding and most of that time was spent indoors with friends so no problems there.

The heat wasn't any worse that Thailand or Singapore and I wouldn't let that stop you from visiting in June.

The people to whose wedding I went honeymooned in Karala afterwards and loved every minute. After seeing the pictures, I think I may be going soon!