Have you ever been to Asia?

@maximax8 (31046)
United Kingdom
March 24, 2008 2:13pm CST
I have been to Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and Hong Kong. I have been to Turkey, Israel, Jordan and the Maldives. I would love to go to the Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand. I think it would be lovely to do just a short trip to Japan because I have heard it is really expensive. Have you ever been to Asia? If so where? If not where in Asia would you like to go? Thanks
1 person likes this
28 responses
@Jemina (5770)
25 Mar 08
If you go to Thailand make sure you visit The Ancient City in Samutprakan. There you will see development of Thai history and the different historical periods. It's like a miniature of Thailand featuring the most important places or buildings in each province. I think the best time to go there is between May to September because that's when you get to taste Thai delicious fruits in their peak season. Also make sure you get the one day tour that includes Floating Market, elephant trek, snake, crocodile and elephant shows and other cultural exhibitions. If you want to see Vietnam there's a train from Bangkok that will go through Cambodia and you will get to see the famous Angkor Wat, and then off to Vietnam. You see the view while travelling. If you want to go to the beach, then Philipines is better than Thailand. Although, accommodation in the Philippines is more expensive. However, you will not regret it because Philippine beaches are among the top teb beaches in the world. Regading Japan, I can't say anything about it yet. Anyway, I hope you get to visit southeast Asia soon.
@Jemina (5770)
26 Mar 08
AWw, you're welcome and thanks also for the BR! By the way, I forgot to tell you that if you want to go Wat Hopping (Temple Hopping) you can take the boat going to democracy monument. It's the last stop and then you can walk to the Golden Mount which is a temple on a hill, and then there are few other interesting temples around like sri saket, temple of the reclining buddha, the temple of the dawn nd finally the Temple of the emerald buddha. Make sure you wear long pants and shirt with sleeve because sometimes they don't accept you when you wear shorts and sleeveless. Also to be sure don't wear flipflops even if you had to take them off when you enter the temple where the Emerald Buddha is located. So, there you go. Hope you enjoy your stay in Thailand.
@maximax8 (31046)
• United Kingdom
25 Mar 08
Thanks for your excellent response. I think I must go to visit the historical city of Samutpraken because it sounds really fascinating. Yes, I love to taste tropical fruits. The cultural exhibitions should be very interesting. Going though Cambodia is a great idea for it would be wonderful to see Angkor Wat and then on to Vietnam. I think the Philippines would be great to see stunning beaches and islands. I don't mind more expensive accommodation when the scenery is perfect.
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@jeseravi (337)
24 Mar 08
Nepal is a pretty good place to visit if you want to see the better side of Mt. Everest, but other than that, Nepal sucks.
@maximax8 (31046)
• United Kingdom
24 Mar 08
I am sure that Mount Everest is really beautiful, thanks. What is it that you don't like about Nepal?
@jeseravi (337)
24 Mar 08
Nepal in general, is super poor. I would know seeing as I lived there for most of my life lol, but ya, only katmandu is exciting, and everywhere else is struck by extreme poverty. the only 'beautiful' parts of nepal are its valleys and mountains lol. (
@maximax8 (31046)
• United Kingdom
25 Mar 08
When I saw a list of the 20 poorest countries in the world Nepal was listed and all the other countries were in Africa. It is so sad and I hope that tourists going to see Mount Everest put much money into the local economy.
• India
25 Mar 08
why have you left out my India? Now I am angry at you. But seriously, no, I have not had the good fortune to go anywhere outside my country mainly because we cant afford it. Its OK, there are people all over the world who cant afford so many things (sorry this is mainly against the guy in your first response who said Nepal sucks...i was and still am shocked, i have not come across such strong language in mylot). i hope you come to india, not to appreciate how much we have progressed and so on, but to see how much we have lost in pursuit of 'civilization'. asia on the whole is on the threshold of taking the leap to the 'developed league' and its a heave price we all are paying for it. every nation is beautiful and rapid commercialization and love of the dollar is killing so much of that beauty. i hope you see it before most of it disappears under the rubbles of 5star hotels and skyscrappers.
@maximax8 (31046)
• United Kingdom
25 Mar 08
Yes, I would love to go to India. There are many countries in Asia and it would be lovely to visit as many of them as possible. I have heard that India is a beautiful and interesting country to visit. I began traveling with money I saved from doing a paper round when I was a teenager and I afforded a holiday to Greece. Poverty is sad but people seem happier in the developing countries than than the wealthy countries very often. I think that no 1 was giving his or her honest opinion but I am sorry that his or her language shocked you.
@jennybianca (12912)
• Australia
25 Mar 08
I have been to Bali, Singapore, Hong Kong, China & the Philippines. It is hard to say which one I enjoyed the most. In terms of relaxing, I probably loved Bali the most. In terms of fascination, it would be China. I visited China before communism was somewhat relaxed, & I could only go on a group tour. If I was to visit Asia again, it would most likely be Thailand or Vietnam. Many Asian countries are not recommended for Aussies to visit anymore, because they dont like us, and are associated with terrorism.
@maximax8 (31046)
• United Kingdom
25 Mar 08
I have heard that Bali is lovely and I really glad that you enjoyed it so much there. I have been to Sumatra and with caving and seeing wild orangutans that was a exciting adventure. It can be restrictive going on a group tour but sometimes this is the only option. I once had a tour of a castle in German and no other languages were available. Yes, I am sure China is fascinating. I think Hanoi to Ho Chi Ming would be a great journey to do. The Philippines has hundreds of islands so often wonder where to start. It is really sad that the threat of terrorism has made some people suspicious. I would say that nearly all Australians travelers are normal. I have heard that Kenya is considered unsafe one day then safe so most travelers due to go there are really confused.
@aseretdd (13730)
• Philippines
25 Mar 08
I live in the Philippines and i am sure that you would love it here... we have a lot of beautiful places like beaches with white sand... breathtaking mountains... or practically everything that you can ask for in a tropical island... we also have malls and other shopping areas... but we do not have a sky scrapper like the ones in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia... but i hope in the future... the government will look into that...
@maximax8 (31046)
• United Kingdom
25 Mar 08
Yes, I know that I would adore the Philippines. I can imagine its hundreds of gorgeous islands, stunning sunsets and its friendly people. I have heard that the Philippines is unspoilt and not got sky scrappers like Surfer's Paradise in Australia. I like to see little beach hotels rather than a high story luxury hotel. The mall and shopping areas sound good. I like Asian handcrafted items. Where I used to live there was a Thai shop and it sold lovely hand made items that had come from Thailand.
1 person likes this
@aseretdd (13730)
• Philippines
26 Mar 08
Well, if you love handicrafts... then better go to the local market where you can get the most beautiful and best for a much cheaper price... and i think you should also visit Baguio... its also very beautiful there... and the handicrafts are very nice... i hope your visit to the Philippines will push through...
@suehan1 (4344)
• Australia
25 Mar 08
i have been to indonesia,and singapore and bali.i love those places and the shopping ,beaches and the culture.i would like to see the phillipines and thailand as well,just for the beauty these places have.cheers sue
@maximax8 (31046)
• United Kingdom
25 Mar 08
Hello Sue. I really had a superb adventure in Indonesia. Yes, the shopping is fantastic in Singapore. I hope that you get to visit the Philippines and Thailand one day.
@2timothy (794)
• Philippines
9 May 08
If beaches is what you're after, Palawan is definitely the place to be. Boracay is so commercialized and crowded, those I know who have been both to Boracay and Palawan say they left their hearts in Palawan. Of the 7,107 islands in the Philippines 1,780 (25%) are in Palawan. Island-hopping in El Nido, snorkeling in Coron, underground river in Puerto Princesa are all in Palawan.
@mipen2006 (5528)
• Australia
25 Mar 08
I love Asia. I traveled to Europe, The U.S, Mexico and many other countries in 1966. I believe that gave me the travel bug, so during the seventies, eighties and early nineties I visited some Asian countries including Thailand, and some Pacific Islands. Then in 1996 the company I worked for outsourced and all Australian employees were made redundand. Believe it or not, I was considered too old to get another position in Australia, but I knew with my qualifications I could teach English here in Thailand. I have been here ever since, and love it.
@maximax8 (31046)
• United Kingdom
25 Mar 08
Yes, Asia is a great place to travel. I also have have go the travel bug and I think that I caught that when I was a teenager. It was so sad that some people considered you too old for another job in Australia after you were made redundant. However teaching English in Thailand is excellent thing to do. I know that I would love to live in Thailand. You are so lucky. I adore the Pacific Islands like Samoa, French Polynesia and the Cook Islands.
@maddysmommy (16230)
• United States
24 Mar 08
I have never been to any of those places but my husband has been through Singapore, travelled to Phillipines and Thailand for work. Japan and China are two places I would love to visit - my husband is American Japanese so would love to see here his grandparents lived and also I would love to walk the Great Wall of China one day :)
@maximax8 (31046)
• United Kingdom
25 Mar 08
It is wonderful that your husband had traveled to Singapore, the Philippines and Thailand for work. It is nice that he is American Japanese and it would be fascinating for hi to see where his grandparents lived. I think it would be so exciting to walk the Great Wall and I hope that you will do this one day. I would love to see a wild panda in China.
@burcun (504)
• Turkey
9 May 08
I am from Turkey . I never been that countries. I only been in England .But I would like to see far east . I would like to see specially Singapure My father been there and I saw the pictures It was good place .
• Philippines
8 May 08
I want to see Hongkong and taste the dimsum.I want to try the food peddled on the streets in Thailand
@Swaana (1205)
• India
24 Mar 08
I live in India in Asia. And I would like to invite you to visit India too. You have lots of places to look around. It is nice to know that you have visited so many Asian countries and are looking forward to visit more. Do make India also in your list of places to visit. You have TajMahal in Agra, Ajantha Ellora Caves, Shimla, Dargeling, Kulu Manali and in the south you have lots of temple towns to be visited.
@maximax8 (31046)
• United Kingdom
24 Mar 08
Yes, I would love to go to India. It is such a large country and it sounds like there is a great deal to see. I would especially love to see the Taj Mahal. I really like exploring caves. I have seen a program that featured Dargeling and it looked very pretty. I would travel around by train which I have heard is really good.
@whitaker (12)
• China
8 May 08
Welcome to china! Welcome to Beijing!
@allan5d (120)
• Philippines
9 May 08
hi maximax8, i was born and currently living in the philippines. all i can say is that this country have the best beach in the world. the tubataha reef in palawan is truly a world wonder.
• Kuwait
7 Apr 08
Me, I prepare to go to Thailand and of course tour around the Philippines. I would love to discover the secret places in philippines..
@ltmoon (1008)
• United States
7 Apr 08
Let's see ... Asia ... yep! I have touched down in Asia twice. oops! I forget that Turkey is also mostly in Asia, so make it 3 times! My first Asian experience was in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. The next time I visited Taipei, then flew to Bangkok and on to Koh Samui in the gulf of Thailand for a week. Back to Bangkok and on wards again, this time to Siem Reap Cambodia. After exploring the temples and ruins of Angkor and the floating villages of the Tonle Sap, I flew back to Bangkok for the third time and finally got to see the city! I spent 5 days using Bangkok as my base for day trips, then flew on to Hong Kong. As for the western part of Asia - Turkey - I bounced through Istanbul on my way to Greece one time. I loved the far east, Southeast Asia. Lovely countries and wonderful friendly people! And I of course loved the cuisine. Check out my review of Asian Cuisine at -- http://wheretheheckareyou.blogspot.com
@greenline (14838)
• Canada
7 May 08
Yes, I have been to Asia. In fact, I have been to all the countries in Southeast Asia, except Laos. That means Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, Vietnam, and the Philippines. It definitely is a beautiful region, each country with its unique values too. There many things to see and places to visit. I truly wish you will have the chance to visit those countries soon too !
• Philippines
7 Apr 08
Try our hospitality in the Philippines.Many want to see our festivals, beaches such as Boracay, Pagudpod, Puerto Galera.See our Mt mayon.Taste good food like lechon, adobo, karekare, mango w/ bagoong, sinigang, halohalo, sisig.Shop in our malls and handicraft stalls
@lishiwei (1550)
• China
9 Apr 08
Oh,what a happy life you have!I also want to travel arround the world when I grow up. I think you also can come to China land and I will welcome you.Now I live in Luo Yang a famouse city in China.
@longbangod (1785)
• Philippines
7 Apr 08
Wow you are a well travelled woman already, Im sure you have a lot of funds. I hope I would have the chance too. I wanted to visit Singapore or Hongkong soon, I just dont know when... I would be very glad to have you as our visitor in the Philippines. Thanks for having that interest to visit our country soon.