Quote:
Originally Posted by Columbine
I've been to 7 countries in S. E Asia; they're all pretty unique. The main thing I really came to realize is that Japan is about as 'Asian' as the UK is European. Nominally there are similarities, but there are huge, HUGE differences too so it's hard to compare. Especially to still-developing countries like Indonesia and Laos. And that's not even including central asian countries like India and Uzbekistan which have vastly different cultures to much of the rest of Asia, and each other.
Of the ones I've been to, I (predictably) liked Japan the most. It's where I'm most comfortable traveling. Singapore would be a viable second- even though I didn't get much of a 'feel' of the place, it's fairly westernized in some regards so I think I'd be Ok there. I also really enjoyed Vietnam; I'd happily go back there to travel. Malaysia was also nice, and along with Thailand and China is on my list of places to go and see more of. Actually my trip to China was awful but I'd like to attempt it again. Benefit of the doubt, kind of thing. It's a big country after all.
I'd like to visit Laos, Indonesia and various of the smaller island nations in Micronesia, but I don't think theres anywhere I've never visited that I want to live or work in.
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Definitely agree with you there. It's like.... S.E. Asia is a different continent from North Asia, and then Japan is a different continent from the rest of Asia!
Singapore eh? I've heard that most people like Singapore for like... a day out during a layover to go to a different place. I haven't met many people who've spent longer than a few days there at most.
Vietnam only JUST didn't make it on my list. I'd like to go there sooner or later if I get the chance though.
Glad you liked Malaysia too! Hope you get to explore more of it when you go again.
I've never had any interest in Thailand however. It's probably one of the only countries in Asia that I actually don't want to visit. XD
It just seems like it's a boozers and partiers paradise, both of which I don't do. Then the South, where all the beaches are etc looks good for a couple of days maybe, but not enough to last an entire trip. I'd rather just go to Malaysia where there are similar beaches but in a country that suits my interests more. XD
It's a shame about China being a disappointment. Where did you go there? If you went to somewhere like Shanghai then I don't blame you because I don't like the look of that place. Hong Kong doesn't look too good either.
Those smaller islands in places like Micronesia and the Marshall Islands are VERY high on my list too. I didn't put them on the list though because I think they're in Oceania. :/