Travelling in the Far East

SuzySu

Next summer I am hoping to go to Hong Kong for about 6 weeks to visit my partner who is currently working out there. We'd like to do a bit of travelling during this time but would like to keep costs down.

Ideally we'd like to visit Thailand and Vietnam and maybe Japan, but we will be travelling during July/August - monsoon season? Whilst this might not the best time of year, we are pretty much stuck with these school holidays as my partner is a teacher.

Does anyone have any recommendations about where to go for a good mix of relaxing/sightseeing/soaking up the various cultures?

We are not averse to back-packing/camping/roughing it (within reason) so we're not looking for 5* accommodation.

Thanks.

digital1

For cheap flights in Asia check out these companies: AirAsia, TigerAirways or JetStar

I've used all 3 to keep costs down while travelling within Asia. Sign up for their emails to get sent information on sales etc.

Don't forget to check if you need visas for the countries you are travelling to in advance.

Happy travels!

Bananabelly

Japan is ALOT more expensive than Thailand/Vietnam, also a flight away. I would suggest sticking to those two and maybe considering Cambodia or Laos or China if you want to go to another country, all closer and cheaper than Japan (although Japan is fantastic to visit as well). In 6 weeks you could spend say 2 weeks each in Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia, which is a good amount of time and easily travelled from Hong Kong. You will probably at least need a visa for Vietnam, you should be able to get one in Cambodia on arrival but double check with the embassies.

SuzySu

Thanks. I forgot to mention Cambodia in my original post so glad you thought of it!! Will have a look at some details. Good point about the visas too.

gedebage

Why not try The Philippines? Manila is only a 2 hour flight from HK. You can fly with www.cebupacificair.com for approx £55 return including 15kg check-in bag. They are a great airline and cover destinations throughout The Philippines and South East Asia.

July- August are a good time to visit there. Typhoons mostly hit Luzon. The southern islands are not affected. Places to visit are Boracay for the whitest sand beaches you have ever seen. Puerto Galera on Mindoro is also a beautiful place for snorkelling, swimming. If you want to learn to scuba dive there are recognized PADI diving courses available much cheaper than you will find anywhere else.

The Philippines is dirt cheap.Some example prices: Bottle of beer, 18p, 20 Marlboro, 30p. Nice restaurant meal. £1.00 to £3.00. Taxi from Manila airport to city approx 25 minutes will cost you £2.00. Local jeepney transport, 6p.

Have a look at www.boracay.com. www.puertogaleradive.com.

I have been to The Philippines many times ( my wife is from there ) and I love the place so much we intend to retire there.If you or anyone else would like more info please do not hesitate to contact me.

One more thing. On arrival in The Philippines you will be issued a 21 day visa free of charge. If you wish to stay longer you will need a visa extension it will cost you about £25 for 59 days.