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Looking to go somewhere in September- no kids, yay.
I haven’t been to Asia so thought I might give it a go…..but not Singapore or Japan as reserving that for a future trip with kids.Any suggestions on country/city/hotels? Will have around 7-8 days depending on flight timings. Would like to experience culture, food and relaxation (+/- shopping though this is not important). Thanks in advance.
For 7-8 days, and to keep travels relatively simple given where you’re at I would recommend Hong Kong and Macao. It is about the right amount of time to get to know them properly in a relaxed way as opposed to the 2 or 3 days most allow which only let’s you scratch the surface. The different islands and parts of the city are contrasting and fascinating and worth a deeper exploration. September could be good to as you’ll likely catch the end of summer and start of autumn.
Love @BJ ‘s suggestion.
Maybe also a v large city, as that’s easier without kids / can be done again when they’re older?Bangkok (no direct OneWorld flight, if that’s important, but yes with Thai/EvaAir) / Shanghai and/or Beijing? The relaxing part would be the very affordable luxury hotels!
I agree with @Michael that Bangkok would also be a good choice. Nowhere on earth compares to Bangkok for both food and shopping. Added to that the affordability of high-end hotels and spas, and interesting stuff to see within city and on day trips (use private guides not organised tours) it is very compelling. It is also a friendly and hospitable place not so prone to prejudices and discrimination that can be issues elsewhere. The downside is that flights may be a little longer than HK, and it merits a longer stay to combine with a week or so at the beach or in the countryside too.
India? With 7-8 days you can have a relaxed time (as much as is possible in India…) doing the Golden Triangle with a few days in each place.
For a bit calmer try Malaysia – could do a few days in KL, then out to one of the islands for a few more days on a beach
Thanks all for the suggestions.
1. Do you think hkg/bkk combo would work or are we better sticking to one country?
2. Is Bkk (3 days) then an island for 4 days is worth it or it is cutting it too tight and less enjoyment (if so which island would be good for september)?
3. I would like to dedicate more time to India so will leave it for another trip.1. Yes, it would work fine if you are happy to experience just the best of both. If you opt for this then try to do Canada-HK-BKK to make tine work in your favour. I also suggest a late flight from HKG-BKK so you get benefit of a full day in HK then arrive BKK at bed time and you’re not losing a day to HKG-BKK travels. There are loads of flights to choose from with both EK and RJ havibg late flights. If you want to redeem avios choose RJ over CX as it is much better value, about 16.5k versus 25k in J IIRC. Also, RJ is a longhaul aircraft while CX will be regional J and you’d maybe also run the risks of their new regional a321s where regional J is reclining seats only.
2. Yes, that would work too. If you wanted to avoid extra flights you could opt for taxi, van or bus to Hua Hin for 4 nights. If so I’d take the bus as some of the taxi and minivan drivers are crazy scary. Given the time it takes you can easily fly to an island though where beaches and water are nicer. Choose Phuket or Samui according to weather at time of trip. If you just want to spend time at the beach Samui is fine, if you want to see and do more Phuket is better. Again depending on weather at time of travel don’t rule out Krabi, it’s good if you like quieter and the coastal scenery in the area is stunning.
For Bangkok, look into Tours with Tong, never used them but she and her colleagues are highly regarded.
September isn’t great for Krabi or Phuket, it’ll be wet and Krabi will be very quiet then. Samui will be a better option but the flights/hotels are a bit more expensive.
You might be able to do the flights UK-Doha-Bangkok then Samui-Singapore-London booked via BA (and book the Bangkok-Samui leg yourself on Bangkok airways)
+1 for Tours with Tong . They arranged our airport transfers for multiple flights on a family trip and a minibus and a guide who were happy to take us exactly where I asked whilst making good recommendations for food etc.
@SamG, Boi is now in Canada which is why I suggested directions as I did. Totally forgot the September in title otherwise I’d have avoided suggesting SW of Thailand. Samui a bit better but not much.
@Boi, if you’re set on Beach time in September then Vietnam (Da Nang) is likely a better choice than Thailand as the number of rain days should be a bit less I think but then the weather has gone a bit crazy everywhere in recent years.“.but not Singapore or Japan as reserving that for a future trip with kids.” – not sure Japan is best suited for travel with kids. Its a lovely place, but children can get bored easily.
Vietnam or South Korea
For destinations by month.
Only thing I’d add is if you are flying from Hong Kong then maybe fly directly to an island for a few days and then onto Bangkok before your onward journey
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