the far east- holidays

[Squazo]

any recommendions on whete to go next year for christmas? we always go Tenerife but looking at something bit different. Thailand
sri lanka
vietnam
phillipines
bali etc
any help is appreciated

[Woodleyclaret]

The Rembrant in Bangkok was excellent £175:a night half board near high railway and close to Aussie sports bar.

[ArmchairDetective]

Thailand and Philippines are fantastic.

Thailand was great for food, beaches and nice hotels. Thailand is a good place to start if it were your first trip to South East Asia. Easy to fly to Bangkok and maybe find another destination to travel to from there. Lebua at State Tower in Bangkok is a very nice hotel (you may have seen it in the Hangover 2 in the famous rooftop scene). Plenty of options in Thailand. Set up well for tourism.

Philippines felt like it was catching up in tourism compared to Thailand and has enough beaches and islands to explore for a lifetime. Look at Palawan in Philippines. Bacau Bay in Coron was a very nice hotel for us. Coron generally is more under developed than other areas but stunning scenery and diving/snorkeling etc. A bit hard to get to though. Clive 1960 is in Cebu I believe and is the Philippines expert on this forum. Philippines is good if you want it to feel like a bit more of an adventure.

Both are famous for the locals being very welcoming.

[Sutton-Claret]

I can recommend Thailand with a stop over for a couple of nights in Singapore. Got a very good booking.com deal at the Fullerton in Singapore and another good deal staying at The Sunsuri - Nai Harn (Phuket). Bangkok is another great city option as a stop over - stayed at The Chatrium and Royal Orchid Sheraton both very good but personally preferred Singapore. We found a far eastern holiday to cost overall about the same as a good hotel / villa holiday in Greece or Spain. If you can be clever with flights and use booking.com for hotels. Eating out in Thailand is unbelievably cheap - as is travelling / trips etc.

[Loyalclaret]

Love Thailand, travelled a few times with under 6yr old and the Mrs. Bangkok is worth a few days at least, Thai new year or Songkran's 3 day water fight is probably the most fun party we've ever attended! Can also recommend the Rembrant for a reasonable 4*, last year stayed at the Nouvo City hotel which was ok. Lots of culture in the north, beaches in south, very easy to get about the country. Personally I didnt like Phuket.

Vietnam is wonderful, possibly our favourite, travel down the coast North to South.

Laos is far less developed but some beautiful scenery. Cambodia similar, has some stunning spots and places the Chinese are wrecking.

My wife left me at home to do Bali, liked it and wants to go back with our son.

Been many places this year (including US x2, Caribbean, Lapland) always come back and negativity compare to SE Asia for the variety of activities, scenery, the food and value.

Give us a message Squazo if you end up booking that way

[tarkys_ears]

+1 for Singapore

Trying to find my way to Penang for Easter. Maybe a stop off in Singapore or KL.

What's Bangkok like as an option?

[Xianclaret]

The Rembrant in Bangkok was excellent £175:a night half board near high railway and close to Aussie sports bar.

Love the Rembrandt Soi 18. Really central and some nice restaurants on Soi 18.

[AmbleClaret]

Hull

[Alanstevensonsgloves]

Be careful with the rembrandt these days. Not the hotel it was 5 years ago. Owners son now running the show and has p-ssed off most of the key UK tour operators. Think they are also renovating and prices rocketing as a result.

Just to add also to a comment above, NEVER do half board in Thailand ! You have so much amazing value and choice on the streets

[Loyalclaret]

Agree with the above, nice fresh breakfast in the hotel to start the day - then enjoy the offerings from street to restaurants!

[Amex]

I’ve been very lucky, been for east with work and play on over 20 trips.
You don’t say if you’re traveling with Family?
If you have one trip (not sure on number of days) I would say fly emirates to Hong Kong do 4/5 days in the city then take a direct flight to Koh Samui, return via Bangkok, best time Feb early May it’s hot after that.
Bangkok can be wild but also very family oriented food tour cycle tour trip on river all available.
If not and just couple of you then well it’s also got a lot to offer!!!!!

[Vintage]

I can highly recommend Thailand, great food, people and good value. Not sure of your timescale but 3 or 4 days in Bangkok (Sukhumvit area is good for tourists) and then fly to Koh Samui for beach and relaxation (Lamai is nice resort). If time permits Chiang Mai is a great city to visit in northern Thailand. Enjoy.

[Newcastleclaret93]

I’ve been to China, Thailand, Vietnam and Sri Lanka.

Can honestly Sri Lanka is the best by some distance. It’s got absolutely everything you could want. Amazing culture, food, beaches.

The locals are lovely

[SSCLARET]

+1 for Singapore

Trying to find my way to Penang for Easter. Maybe a stop off in Singapore or KL.

What's Bangkok like as an option?

Was in penang in May this year. Stayed 3 nights singapore then 4 nights penang then 4 nights in langkawi then had 2 nights in kuala lumpar for the flight home via dubai on emirates. Highly recommend. Hotels were holiday inn/singapore, lone pine hotel/penang, pelangi beach resort/langkawi and traders hotel in kuala lumpar. Bangkok is wild

[ClaretOfMancunia]

Did Bali earlier this year. Stayed in a 5* luxury spa hotel just on the outskirts of Ubud - taxi ride into the main town was about 15 minutes / £1 each way. It was brilliant - the people were amazing, food fantastic, scenery beautiful.

https://www.tanadewaubud.com/

If you go I highly recommend taking a bicycle tour of the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces on the north side of the island - it's a Unesco world heritage site and stunningly pretty.

https://www.thetravelninjas.com/balis-r ... es-unesco/

If you do go and want any recommendations on food, drink and things to see/do then shoot me a message.

[IanMcL]

any recommendions on whete to go next year for christmas? we always go Tenerife but looking at something bit different. Thailand
sri lanka
vietnam
phillipines
bali etc
any help is appreciated

Did you make the Norwich match? That can be pretty exotic.

[FCBurnley]

Take a cruise and see em all !

[Tribesmen]

Just flew into Sri Lanka today for Christmas , so far the people are very nice I have to say , kind of reminds me of India 30 years ago . Heading up to Kandy in the morning .

[clerkenwell.claret]

What about Japan?

Not to be missed if you’re after another world experience with spectacular scenery, culture, food, architecture etc etc.

[Squazo]

Just flew into Sri Lanka today for Christmas , so far the people are very nice I have to say , kind of reminds me of India 30 years ago . Heading up to Kandy in the morning .

iv been told ski lanka is a hidden gem, enjoy!

[Squazo]

What about Japan?

Not to be missed if you’re after another world experience with spectacular scenery, culture, food, architecture etc etc.

anything is an option i love tenerife but the girlf tells me we needs to explore the world

[Squazo]

I’ve been to China, Thailand, Vietnam and Sri Lanka.

Can honestly Sri Lanka is the best by some distance. It’s got absolutely everything you could want. Amazing culture, food, beaches.

The locals are lovely

sounds a winner

[Clive 1960]

any recommendions on whete to go next year for christmas? we always go Tenerife but looking at something bit different. Thailand
sri lanka
vietnam
phillipines
bali etc
any help is appreciated

I can say the Philippines has some beautiful places to visit, Boracay is beautiful place and the other islands are nice i believe but i haven't explored because of health issues and it is cheap here ..

[Quicknick]

I can say the Philippines has some beautiful places to visit, Boracay is beautiful place and the other islands are nice i believe but i haven't explored because of health issues and it is cheap here ..

Boracay was lovely in 1992 when I went.

[HunterST_BFC]

Cambodia
Siem Reap

[ottclaret]

I've visited all those you mention (except the Philippines) and you will not regret it whichever you choose!

How long are you going for? I would say two weeks minimum if travelling so far.

Bali - it was 40years ago and backpacking around, staying in local losmen (£2/night was expensive!) - Aussies now use it as their Tenerife/Majorca so could be busy

Thailand - backpacked again, but revisited Golden Triangle, Koh Samui and Phuket on 'package holidays'. Last time in Phuket stayed in Laguna Beach area - several top-end hotels on a sort of complex - could use their facilites (bars, pools, restaurants, spas, golf course etc) and charge to your hotel account. Also, could walk down to the beach for great beach restaurants/bars at a fraction of hotel prices! Thailand now falls into 'Worldwide inc. America' bracket for travel insurance - not sure how much more expensive that is.

Sri Lanka - very laid back, great culture, food etc.

Vietnam - crazy, full-on tour, Halong Bay 'junk' cruise amazing. One night on a train Hanoi - Hoi An is enough, believe me! If on a tour through Vietnam, they should offer extra night in Hoi An and flight on to Ho Chi Mihn at extra cost but it is well worth it.

Cambodia - combined with Vietnam - very different, slower pace. You have to like temples - Ankor Wat is part of a huge area of ruined temples, all beautiful to walk around.

You could consider Borneo - not as busy as those mentioned, but similar food and culture - and can see orang-utans!

Like I said, you will love whichever you choose. They all have great sites, culture, food and people. I really couldn't say one is better than the other - maybe depends on flight times, Indian/'Chinese' food preference.

Enjoy!

[brexit]

Ngapali Beach Myanmar - no brits or Germans just the occasional Aussie.

[Clive 1960]

Boracay was lovely in 1992 when I went.

Never seen a place so clean and hotel on the beach so went back again 6 months later because i live here ..

[Quicknick]

Never seen a place so clean and hotel on the beach so went back again 6 months later because i live here ..

Is it very developed now? Obviously wasn't when I went. Manila was like a cowboy town. One of the bars we went in in Metro Manila was something else?

[Clive 1960]

Never been to Manila, but Cebu is beautiful and Ayala is very modern where i go , only been here 3 year's and plan to go to Manila soon to see my partners family, been to Boracay twice and that place is beautiful for a holiday...

[Folkestoneclaret]

Maldives. But you've got to be into snorkelling. Most islands you can walk around in 10-20 mins. My recommendations would include Filitheyo, Kuramathi, Atharuga, Thudufushi. And Equator Village, which was once the Sergeants' Mess at RAF Gan

[Tribesmen]

Never been to Manila, but Cebu is beautiful and Ayala is very modern where i go , only been here 3 year's and plan to go to Manila soon to see my partners family, been to Boracay twice and that place is beautiful for a holiday...

Have to say Boracay has to be one of the best beaches in the world . Not been back since the mid 80s . I know there has been massive changes so best never to return.

[Stayingup]

Many interesting places to bisit it the Far East. Depends what you want. Culutre, Sun etc. Be creful about the rainy seasons in some countries in our wnter eg Indonesia. Also I would give North Korea a wide berth haha

[Squazo]

having done a bit of research i’m heading towards Sri Lanka, looks amazing!

[Squazo]

I’ve been very lucky, been for east with work and play on over 20 trips.
You don’t say if you’re traveling with Family?
If you have one trip (not sure on number of days) I would say fly emirates to Hong Kong do 4/5 days in the city then take a direct flight to Koh Samui, return via Bangkok, best time Feb early May it’s hot after that.
Bangkok can be wild but also very family oriented food tour cycle tour trip on river all available.
If not and just couple of you then well it’s also got a lot to offer!!!!!

i’ll be travelling with girlf and older teenagers. thanks for the advice

[Squazo]

Just flew into Sri Lanka today for Christmas , so far the people are very nice I have to say , kind of reminds me of India 30 years ago . Heading up to Kandy in the morning .

please keep me updated. enjoy your trip

[Tribesmen]

OK, one night is enough in Coloubo, Kandy did think it would be a hill station but its a very busy city , the temple of the tooth is outstanding . Downed tools and in Matara by the beach for six nights say no more .
The people are really nice real chatty , the food is fantastic if you like hot and spicy .

[Squazo]

so iv decided to book Sri Lanka for christmas…. any advice welcome please? could possibly visit india to whilst im there

[ArmchairDetective]

I’ve been to China, Thailand, Vietnam and Sri Lanka.

Can honestly Sri Lanka is the best by some distance. It’s got absolutely everything you could want. Amazing culture, food, beaches.

The locals are lovely

Didn't see your post NC93 last time this thread was active. Can you recommend any particular areas in Sri Lanka? Been considering Sri Lanka for a couple of years now.

Me and my other half have been to Thailand and Philippines. I've been to China and Hong Kong as well. We're hopefully heading to Japan later this year, so I'd like to think we don't mind a bit of adventure and going off the beaten track if that helps for any tips you can give.

Edit: sorry Squazo, didn't realise you'd also asked for Sri Lanka advice above. Piggy backing on your thread.

[Squazo]

yeah sound mate, any advice is welcome. iv just read south is better, less rain!

[Guppyspotter]

Spent 6 weeks in Vietnam, brilliant place. Not impressed in Thailand

[cornishclaret]

I am heading to sri lanka via 3 days in Mumbai in 8 weeks time . My daughter lives in Bangkok and has been all over the world and says it is the best place her and her husband have visited . The food and scenery are amazing

[Squazo]

could you please find out best places to visit in sri lanka. thanks

[Stayingup]

I'd avoid North Korea. Seriously look at some of the Indonesian islands for a few days. For example Labuan Bajo on Flores.

[hetheclaret]

Did Bali earlier this year. Stayed in a 5* luxury spa hotel just on the outskirts of Ubud - taxi ride into the main town was about 15 minutes / £1 each way. It was brilliant - the people were amazing, food fantastic, scenery beautiful.

https://www.tanadewaubud.com/

If you go I highly recommend taking a bicycle tour of the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces on the north side of the island - it's a Unesco world heritage site and stunningly pretty.

https://www.thetravelninjas.com/balis-r ... es-unesco/

If you do go and want any recommendations on food, drink and things to see/do then shoot me a message.

I found Bali really disappointing - Uluwatu was overdeveloped, crowded, and absolutely covered in litter (particularly on the beaches), and Ubud just felt like a theme park - local architecture, but filled with Europeans. The food was great until the Bali belly struck - I went for a wedding and I don't know anyone out of the 80 or so guests who didn't spend at least a week ill (and that wasn't from wedding food, either pre or post wedding).

I've never been, but everyone I know who has been to Sri Lanka says it is one of the best places they've been worldwide, let alone in Asia.

[Tribesmen]

All depends what you are into really . Only spend one day at most i Columbo it's not great . Beaches or jungle your choice . But whatever you do eat Sri Lanken food and make sure you have Hoppers for breakfast , unreal as the egg Hoppers are the best .
Buy a Lonely Planet guide then enjoy .

[basil6345789]

Skegness