Where should we go?

[amywelch86]

My partner and I want to go on a holiday for about 10-12 days to Asia. We aren't sure exactly where to go. We want somewhere that's a cheap holiday, good shopping, a nice beach, a few good bars, and also some cultural/touristy things to look at.

We are thinking of Phuket, Bali or Hong Kong. Has anyone been to any of these places? Which one was the best? Any other suggestions in Asia to go to?

[Philip P]

I think Thailand is a good choice: nice people, great food (and shopping), good value and some great islands/beaches. I haven't been to Phuket, but you might be interested in Koh Samui and Koh Phangan (and Koh Tao) on the other coast. Krabi region is nice too, but with less very low budget options.

I like Hong Kong too, but would definately pick Thailand considering your interests.

[Prawn_86]

Hi Amy,

Welcome to ATF. Have a read through the individual country threads in the Asia section and let us know if you have any questions specifically about each country. :)

[jojo61]

Hi Amy,

I agree to Philip, Thailand is beautiful and and a really good place to relax. I have been to Koh Tao for diving some years ago and enjoyed it very much, even when there were no fishes and we took out the rubbish from the ocean ground. I think it depends on what you like. To party and to have as much fun as possible Koh Samui will be the right place. Koh Phangan is famous for full moon parties on the beach, people are brought there from Koh Samui, Phuket is well known as a main destination for sex tourists. I discovered Vietnam in 2004 and since this time I went there one or two times a year. It is totally different, some people get a culture shock, but I love it. There is not so much nightlife, not so many beautiful beaches, hope nobody will beat me for that, a lot of culture, that you will find in Thailand too, but the people of the country are fantastic. More and more aussies are travelling to Vietnam, may be you have some friends who can tell you more. If you hear a lot of stories of people who have been scammed, it´s like everywhere and you have to do your homework before travelling. Just another suggestion. Sorry my english isn´t so well, my first language is german.

Cheers

Jojo

[brook00]

Hello Amy..
Yes Thailand is a good place for a 12 day vacation. You can visit their beautiful resorts and also visit their holy temples with holy Buddhas. Cambodia is another good place to visit.

The Angkor Wat in Siem Reap is just one of the tourist attractions in Cambodia. It has an amazing structure where you will really wonder how it was made and maintained until now.

Some islands in the Philippines is also an awesome place to visit. Boracay and Palawan are just 2 of the beautiful places in the Philippines.

[Traveller]

Thailand is probably your best bet if you just want to visit one country as it has all your requirements.

Another option is going to Hong Kong for 4 or 5 days then heading somewhere else for relaxing by the beach.

[buddinghealth]

Sounds like Thailand is the popular choice and I also love the country, personally would avoid Phuket if you don't like really touristy areas and choose one of the smaller islands. I'm off to Bail in march and have seen some beatiful places to visit there - I think you'll be happy in any of those options....

[rickyjoelany]

My partner and I want to go on a holiday for about 10-12 days to Asia. We aren't sure exactly where to go. We want somewhere that's a cheap holiday, good shopping, a nice beach, a few good bars, and also some cultural/touristy things to look at.

We are thinking of Phuket, Bali or Hong Kong. Has anyone been to any of these places? Which one was the best? Any other suggestions in Asia to go to?

Indonesia, would be the best choice, imo :)
Beside bali, we have west java and other beautiful places

[Kassandra]

I would suggest Hong Kong, it is not really cheap but really worth it! You have shopping possibilities, beach and you can get everywhere in no time...

[Clem]

Hey Amy,

I totally agree with Jojo! Vietnam is a really beautifull place. You can found there an amazing mix of culture, fun, nice beaches and you can discover the peope and the country there in a totally different way that in Thailand!
I leave there since 2 years now and the expension of this country make that you have many things to do and to see without all the tourist you can found in Thailand!
Hope everything can help you!
And the most important enjoy your trip!

[Double Holiday]

Thailand is a great option - a few days in Bangkok, a couple up north in Chiang Mai / Chiang Rai, and then a relax at the end in Phuket / Koh Samui or similar.

The other great option is Vietnam - it has a little bit of everything. Great beaches, great shopping, big cities, wartime history, hill tribes, natural beauty, the mighty Mekong...

Happy travels!

_________________________________

Double Holiday Travel Art | Black & White New York Photo Prints (http://www.doubleholiday.com.au)

[jolieck]

Hi Amy
You should go to Vietnam for sure
It's lovely with all the things you told.
Hope you will be there and don't forget this website for your transfers and advices at yourlocalbooking dot com
Cheers
Jolie

[MissTibet]

Hong Kong is great. Never been a beach holiday person, so I wasn't a big fan of Thailand what's or ever. Surely they have a beautiful culture but it's to full with tourists and party's. But it may have changed and may depends on areas and hotels aswell.
Bali never interested me to be honest, due to the amount of tourists doing beach holiday there from Australia, which suprised me, as I couldn't imagine mire beautiful beaches then here. But I haven't been and probably won't go, so I dOnt know.
Are you going with kids? Otherwise did you consider Korea? Or Taiwan? If you want beach, maybe Fiji or Hawaii?

[MissTibet]

Oh I love Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia as an option, but maybe not enough time!

[ddavid2874]

I suggest you Hong kong, it is a popular holiday spot.
Hire a guide when you are there and he'll show you all the best places.

[baliboy]

Indonesia, would be the best choice, imo :)
Beside bali, we have west java and other beautiful places

Agree with you ricky, Indonesia is not only Bali. Like Komodo island and Lombok, those places are nice too.

[semawi]

It's a bit like asking, 'Which one is the best fruit to eat: apple, orange or banana?'. There's no point of debating which one is better than the rest as each one of them would have different things to offer.

I think it comes down to your travel style: what is it that you like seeing and enjoy doing while travelling. Some countries would offer more choices of these things than others. For instance, Bali would have plenty more to offer to nature lovers and culture vultures than, say, what metropolitan Hong Kong could.

It also depends on your budget. The places you want to go to enjoy a five-star luxurious accommodation will be different from ones if you're in a shoe-string budget plan.

There's no one place suits all. Know what you like to do, plan your holidays well, and most importantly, enjoy while there.

______________
Sam
www.groovel.com (http://www.groovel.com)

[Samui]

I recommend Phuket for your destination. Beach and facility are good. Not so expensive. I mean there are various hotels type in Phuket so many choices to select from. Depend on your budget mate. Now it is easy to fly direct from Australia.:)

[orangeogre]

You should definitely go for Bali. For accommodation you can check out agoda.com so that you can narrow your search to what you like. If you would ask me, it is best to stay in the Kuta area. It is near the shopping spots, nightlife places, etc .



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