need Asia advice - first time there!
#1
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need Asia advice - first time there!
I would like to take my girlfriend to Asia this summer (sometime in August). I have United miles so I was thinking getting her business class seat completely with miles and then buying a coach seat H or B fare for myself and upgrading to business so I can sit with her and also accrue miles.
We're thinking about 10-14 days and would like to visit the following places: Hong Kong, Tokyo and Osaka. I have just started to look into this and have a number of questions:
1) What is the suggested routing from a cost/upgrade perspective? I know sometimes you can get a stopver in an award ticket, so perhaps it's possible to do ORD - HKG - NRT - ORD on one award?
2) What is the suggested order of the places to visit?
3) Should I just book ORD - HKG - ORD with miles/money and then do the other legs separate, maybe on ANA or another *A carrier?
4) How much should I budget for food per day? We're not looking at eating out in nice places every night, but maybe one night meal per city and the rest moderately-priced places.
Thanks all!
We're thinking about 10-14 days and would like to visit the following places: Hong Kong, Tokyo and Osaka. I have just started to look into this and have a number of questions:
1) What is the suggested routing from a cost/upgrade perspective? I know sometimes you can get a stopver in an award ticket, so perhaps it's possible to do ORD - HKG - NRT - ORD on one award?
2) What is the suggested order of the places to visit?
3) Should I just book ORD - HKG - ORD with miles/money and then do the other legs separate, maybe on ANA or another *A carrier?
4) How much should I budget for food per day? We're not looking at eating out in nice places every night, but maybe one night meal per city and the rest moderately-priced places.
Thanks all!
#2
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May I ask, why those cities?
For a first time visit to Asia, I'd be more inclined to try something completely different. Although HKG is great for food/shopping, it is still a very western city. And after a short time there, just not much to see. Tokyo, OTOH, is very expensive.
Have you considered Bangkok at all? It's a great city - tons to do, interesting mix of east meets west, great food/shopping, and very (very) economical. Plus, there is so much one can do in Thailand alone.
Remember, it's a really long trip - 2 days just to get there, a whole day of travelling just to get back. Thailand really would allow you to maximize your time and make for a really memorable first time visit to Asia. And if you still want to see Tokyo, you could easily work in a stopover on the way back or there.
Unless you really have your heart set on the cities you've listed . . . .
[This message has been edited by StudentExplorer (edited Jan 27, 2004).]
For a first time visit to Asia, I'd be more inclined to try something completely different. Although HKG is great for food/shopping, it is still a very western city. And after a short time there, just not much to see. Tokyo, OTOH, is very expensive.
Have you considered Bangkok at all? It's a great city - tons to do, interesting mix of east meets west, great food/shopping, and very (very) economical. Plus, there is so much one can do in Thailand alone.
Remember, it's a really long trip - 2 days just to get there, a whole day of travelling just to get back. Thailand really would allow you to maximize your time and make for a really memorable first time visit to Asia. And if you still want to see Tokyo, you could easily work in a stopover on the way back or there.
Unless you really have your heart set on the cities you've listed . . . .
[This message has been edited by StudentExplorer (edited Jan 27, 2004).]
#3
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Not at all set on those places. My girlfriend is a little bit less adventurous than I, however (originally I wanted to go to Russia this summer but she poo-poo'ed it), and it was thought that these cities provide enough "Western" with something new and exciting for both of us.
Can you think of a way that I can convince her that Bangkok is safe?
Can you think of a way that I can convince her that Bangkok is safe?
#4
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<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by magiciansampras:
Not at all set on those places. My girlfriend is a little bit less adventurous than I, however (originally I wanted to go to Russia this summer but she poo-poo'ed it), and it was thought that these cities provide enough "Western" with something new and exciting for both of us.
Can you think of a way that I can convince her that Bangkok is safe?</font>
Not at all set on those places. My girlfriend is a little bit less adventurous than I, however (originally I wanted to go to Russia this summer but she poo-poo'ed it), and it was thought that these cities provide enough "Western" with something new and exciting for both of us.
Can you think of a way that I can convince her that Bangkok is safe?</font>
As to safety . . . I found it to be very safe. Most of the problems I found were typical tourist scams. If you are aware of those to begin with, no reason why you shouldn't have a great trip.
Maybe you can elaborate though as to what her concerns are?
#6
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I think the fears are pretty unfounded but pretty much relate to terrorist activities and attacks on Americans in Thailand. I suspect it's similar to the fear of going to Moscow for the same reason.
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I wouldnt go to Asia without going to Tokyo. It is a great place, and a really world class city. I dont know about the safety issues in Bangkok. I suspect they are much less of a concern in the city than they might be in smaller locals, but Im not sure. With that caveat, I loved Bangkok and would like to go back. The reason I havent isnt safety concerns so much as scheduling. I never get away for as long as you will be going. The descriptions above of Bangkok are accurate I think, it is a wonderful city with lots of temples and ancient culture, an overall very friendly population and very, very inexpensive.
I was in Shanghai for the first time last fall and have a mixed opinion. It was pretty amazing as a city. But we really felt accosted by panhandlers, potential pickpockets and general pain in the butt people. Nothing that struck me as dangerous, but made it less pleasant to be sure. On the other hand I did find it a very interesting and exotic place.
Two places I would consider (in addition to Hong Kong) are Beijing and Kyoto. Havent been to either but am going to Kyoto next month. I have heard that both give a very different, old country feel as opposed to their more modern counterparts, Shanghai and Tokyo. Lots of neat, very ancient Asian culture.
Lastly, for a real off the wall suggestion. If you are there fly down to Australia (yea I realize it isnt that close). It is fantastic, Sydney is a wonderful cosmopolition city but enough like the US (or England) that you will be very comfortable there. It is just a fun town with lots to see, and filled with friendly people who like to drink beer and expresso. Melbourne is nice as well.
I was in Shanghai for the first time last fall and have a mixed opinion. It was pretty amazing as a city. But we really felt accosted by panhandlers, potential pickpockets and general pain in the butt people. Nothing that struck me as dangerous, but made it less pleasant to be sure. On the other hand I did find it a very interesting and exotic place.
Two places I would consider (in addition to Hong Kong) are Beijing and Kyoto. Havent been to either but am going to Kyoto next month. I have heard that both give a very different, old country feel as opposed to their more modern counterparts, Shanghai and Tokyo. Lots of neat, very ancient Asian culture.
Lastly, for a real off the wall suggestion. If you are there fly down to Australia (yea I realize it isnt that close). It is fantastic, Sydney is a wonderful cosmopolition city but enough like the US (or England) that you will be very comfortable there. It is just a fun town with lots to see, and filled with friendly people who like to drink beer and expresso. Melbourne is nice as well.
#9
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I have to chime in again and highly, highly recommend that you pick a a place and concentrate your efforts there.
Like I mentioned earlier, it's a long trip there to begin with! Yes, you have a good amount of time but traveling between these cities is going to eat up a lot of time. NOTE: Bangkok is another 6 hour flight from Tokyo.
More importantly, you need time to adjust. Most first time visitors to Asia experience a great deal of culture shock. I know I did depsite having travelled extensively before. Granted, I went to Vietnam - far less developed then say Hong Kong. Still, it can be a bewildering first day or two.
Finally, you are talking about places that are rich in culture and history. I think you'd have a more rewarding trip if you were to concentrate on a country - two at most. And definitely spend time in both cities and outside the city.
[This message has been edited by StudentExplorer (edited Jan 27, 2004).]
Like I mentioned earlier, it's a long trip there to begin with! Yes, you have a good amount of time but traveling between these cities is going to eat up a lot of time. NOTE: Bangkok is another 6 hour flight from Tokyo.
More importantly, you need time to adjust. Most first time visitors to Asia experience a great deal of culture shock. I know I did depsite having travelled extensively before. Granted, I went to Vietnam - far less developed then say Hong Kong. Still, it can be a bewildering first day or two.
Finally, you are talking about places that are rich in culture and history. I think you'd have a more rewarding trip if you were to concentrate on a country - two at most. And definitely spend time in both cities and outside the city.
[This message has been edited by StudentExplorer (edited Jan 27, 2004).]
#11
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Do you guys think 9 full days is enough to do Hong Kong and Tokyo? How would you split it up? 4 HK, 5 Tokyo? Or maybe 4 HK, 3 Tokyo and 2 Osaka?
#12
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Do Singapore!!
Extremely safe (although they'll cane you if you mark up a car), thoroughly modern and westernized, and very interesting to boot.
Me personally I'm fascinated with India, and would love a trip to the Taj Mahal.
Extremely safe (although they'll cane you if you mark up a car), thoroughly modern and westernized, and very interesting to boot.
Me personally I'm fascinated with India, and would love a trip to the Taj Mahal.
#13
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Now, I guess the question to ask yourself is - will this be my one time ever going to Asia? If so, then those 3 cities are good, but if you think that you will go back assuming that you like what you see (which I'm sure you will) then I wouldnt necessarily so these 3 cities, as they are major hubs and can be used as places to see in future trips...
I like the idea of Thailand- your girlfriend can rest assured that it is very safe there. The only crime I really here about is petty crime where money may be stolen from an overnight bus for example. If you could be in Thailand for say 10-12 days, you can save ENOURMOUS amount of money from not going to Japan, and either keep the savings, or treat yourself to the great hotels they have in the country. I'd also recommend on hopping on a couple of quick flights to various locations for a taste of Thailand outside of the city...up to Chaing Mai or down south to the beaches for example. Have fun!
I like the idea of Thailand- your girlfriend can rest assured that it is very safe there. The only crime I really here about is petty crime where money may be stolen from an overnight bus for example. If you could be in Thailand for say 10-12 days, you can save ENOURMOUS amount of money from not going to Japan, and either keep the savings, or treat yourself to the great hotels they have in the country. I'd also recommend on hopping on a couple of quick flights to various locations for a taste of Thailand outside of the city...up to Chaing Mai or down south to the beaches for example. Have fun!
#14
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While I wouldn't be much help with the airline part, I live half the year in Japan and half the year in Arlington (your backyard). IMHO, Kyoto gives you much more bang for your buck culturally than Osaka does, though you could make both on the same Shinkansen trip. I would be happy to help you organize your trip in Japan, including some wonderful, cheap foodies to look for. Let me know if I can help...Oh, and look in to a JapanRail pass, which is similar to the EurRail Pass in Europe but can only be purchased outside of Japan and can only be used by those with a tourist visa.
#15
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Tokyo is my favorite city on earth.
Hong Kong is my second...
So you can tell where i'm goin with this... HKG is a western city but even for people who are not very adventurous can really enjoy it yet still get a very eastern/chinese feel for it. The food there is awesome, it's VERY safe, the shopping is excellent. To be really adventrous, go to Shenzhen China.. counterfeit capital of the world. Also, definately do a day trip to Macau, it's also a pretty interesting territory. Ride the buses, all the destinations are in roman text (actually portuguese in Macau, but they're also in english in HK) and take a ride around the territory, and have dinner on Taipa or Cologne island.
Singapore is OK.. it's a good 2-day, maybe 3-day city. Coupling it with Kuala Lumpur wouldn't be bad as well if you're not going to NRT or HKG. Singapore has excellent shopping, amazing food and is maybe the safest place on earth, but it's BORING in capital letters. I never been to BKK or northern China, I can't comment there.
Korea and Taiwan may also be a good alternative if you want to get into the countryside but Seoul and Taipei aren't the greatest cities on the planet if you ask me.
Tokyo is also amazing. It's such a complex city that it needs to be experienced at least once in a lifetime I feel.
Yes, it's drag, and albiet somewhat lacking "tourist facilities" in the western sense but believe me, it's an amazing, amazing place. Go to Kamakura or Nikko, as well as yokohama, both are easy day trips.
Osaka.. eh I don't really like it... It's a concrete Jungle. Kyoto is considerably nicer so if you're thinking about heading south, Stay in kyoto and see Osaka for a day.
I loved Tokyo so much i'm going to study there next year. I haven't been there in about a year and a half but I can help you if you need some advice for Tokyo.
I'm not sure how things work on UA (i'm a NW/AA flyer) but they have a hub in Tokyo and fly the NRT/HKG (as well as HKG/SIN rte) but I can't see why they wouldn't allow a stopover in NRT if your final destination is HKG.
[This message has been edited by civicmon (edited Jan 29, 2004).]
Hong Kong is my second...
So you can tell where i'm goin with this... HKG is a western city but even for people who are not very adventurous can really enjoy it yet still get a very eastern/chinese feel for it. The food there is awesome, it's VERY safe, the shopping is excellent. To be really adventrous, go to Shenzhen China.. counterfeit capital of the world. Also, definately do a day trip to Macau, it's also a pretty interesting territory. Ride the buses, all the destinations are in roman text (actually portuguese in Macau, but they're also in english in HK) and take a ride around the territory, and have dinner on Taipa or Cologne island.
Singapore is OK.. it's a good 2-day, maybe 3-day city. Coupling it with Kuala Lumpur wouldn't be bad as well if you're not going to NRT or HKG. Singapore has excellent shopping, amazing food and is maybe the safest place on earth, but it's BORING in capital letters. I never been to BKK or northern China, I can't comment there.
Korea and Taiwan may also be a good alternative if you want to get into the countryside but Seoul and Taipei aren't the greatest cities on the planet if you ask me.
Tokyo is also amazing. It's such a complex city that it needs to be experienced at least once in a lifetime I feel.
Yes, it's drag, and albiet somewhat lacking "tourist facilities" in the western sense but believe me, it's an amazing, amazing place. Go to Kamakura or Nikko, as well as yokohama, both are easy day trips.
Osaka.. eh I don't really like it... It's a concrete Jungle. Kyoto is considerably nicer so if you're thinking about heading south, Stay in kyoto and see Osaka for a day.
I loved Tokyo so much i'm going to study there next year. I haven't been there in about a year and a half but I can help you if you need some advice for Tokyo.
I'm not sure how things work on UA (i'm a NW/AA flyer) but they have a hub in Tokyo and fly the NRT/HKG (as well as HKG/SIN rte) but I can't see why they wouldn't allow a stopover in NRT if your final destination is HKG.
[This message has been edited by civicmon (edited Jan 29, 2004).]