Have 3 days in SE Asia before official trip starts: where should I go?
December 20, 2015 12:20 PM
Have a few days in SE before a work trip. Should I hang out in Hong Kong, Singapore, or go somewhere else?
I'll in south east Asia in the beginning of January. The official part of the trip (for work) start in Singapore on Jan 7. I get into Hong Kong on Jan 4, so I only have a few days to do any person travel (leaving earlier made tickets prohibitively expensive). Our work trip will take us to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Taipei. Each stop will be brief and packed, but the majority of time will be spent with Singapore and Hong Kong as hubs.
I have been to Hong Kong before, about a decade years ago.
I have looked at previous Asks, and around the internet, and opinions seem pretty split on where to go. Another consideration: am single, white, female.
Should I:
- Re explore Hong Kong for a couple of days?
- Go early to Singapore and go around?
- Go somewhere else? (almost my preferred option, since I am split on whether to go to HK or Singapore)
I'll in south east Asia in the beginning of January. The official part of the trip (for work) start in Singapore on Jan 7. I get into Hong Kong on Jan 4, so I only have a few days to do any person travel (leaving earlier made tickets prohibitively expensive). Our work trip will take us to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Taipei. Each stop will be brief and packed, but the majority of time will be spent with Singapore and Hong Kong as hubs.
I have been to Hong Kong before, about a decade years ago.
I have looked at previous Asks, and around the internet, and opinions seem pretty split on where to go. Another consideration: am single, white, female.
Should I:
- Re explore Hong Kong for a couple of days?
- Go early to Singapore and go around?
- Go somewhere else? (almost my preferred option, since I am split on whether to go to HK or Singapore)
Hong Kong is well worth a few days of exploration. Go out to Lantau Island or the other side of Hong Kong Island, that's a day for each.
posted by the agents of KAOS at 3:17 PM on December 20, 2015
posted by the agents of KAOS at 3:17 PM on December 20, 2015
Something to consider is air pollution in and around China increased substantially in the last 10 years.
posted by Homer42 at 3:26 PM on December 20, 2015
posted by Homer42 at 3:26 PM on December 20, 2015
I vote for option 3 (go somewhere else) and vote for either Chiang Mai in northern Thailand or Luang Prabang in north-central Laos, assuming logistics make it possible.
Your work trip is geared exclusively in the big and mega-cities of East and Southeast Asia, which of course makes sense from a work perspective. However, if you have a chance to go to SE Asia I think it's well worth it to get to a smaller place to see a different flavor of the region.
Chiang Mai is the easier one to get to -- there are direct flights there from every city on your itinerary, though cheapest is likely to be via Bangkok. It's a much smaller city than Bangkok, I think the weather is better, and northern Thailand will be a nice change of pace from the rest of your itinerary. The old city is a bit touristy but very walkable and has tons of interesting temple architecture. There is fabulous northern Thai food -- khao soi, Burmese-style pork belly curry, Thai-style sausage, all sorts of nam phrik or Thai chili dips: I could go on and on. I'm not much of a shopper but there's also great outdoors markets, and the whole pace of life is just more laid-back than Bangkok.
If you're outdoorsy Chiang Mai is traditionally known as a setting-off point for treks in the countryside and visits to elephant camps, though choose carefully and do your research as there's a wide range in quality and ethics (in terms of how these places treat their elephants).
Luang Prabang is a bit harder to get to and may not be as feasible -- you could get there via Bangkok or Singapore (or other places which would involve another connection). If it works though Luang Prabang is perhaps the prettiest place I've ever been. It was the royal capital of the kingdom of Laos and still has a very atmospheric tropical ambience, as much of the colonial French architecture, as well as the former royal palace and many temples, is intact. The natural setting is gorgeous (it's set on a peninsula between the Mekong and a smaller river) and feels worlds away from the bigger cities of SE Asia.
It's definitely not "roughing it" though as Luang Prabang tends to attract tourists who are slightly freer with their money, so if you're looking for a spa-type vacation or a relaxing tropical vacation you could definitely do it there too.
Between the two I'd do Chiang Mai (but wanted to offer Luang Prabang in case someone sees this in the future!) It's about equidistant from Hong Kong and Singapore, about three hours from each, so easily doable. Two days is a bit short for Chiang Mai, but I really think you'd appreciate the opportunity to see a part of SE Asia that's not the big megacities.
posted by andrewesque at 3:50 PM on December 20, 2015
Your work trip is geared exclusively in the big and mega-cities of East and Southeast Asia, which of course makes sense from a work perspective. However, if you have a chance to go to SE Asia I think it's well worth it to get to a smaller place to see a different flavor of the region.
Chiang Mai is the easier one to get to -- there are direct flights there from every city on your itinerary, though cheapest is likely to be via Bangkok. It's a much smaller city than Bangkok, I think the weather is better, and northern Thailand will be a nice change of pace from the rest of your itinerary. The old city is a bit touristy but very walkable and has tons of interesting temple architecture. There is fabulous northern Thai food -- khao soi, Burmese-style pork belly curry, Thai-style sausage, all sorts of nam phrik or Thai chili dips: I could go on and on. I'm not much of a shopper but there's also great outdoors markets, and the whole pace of life is just more laid-back than Bangkok.
If you're outdoorsy Chiang Mai is traditionally known as a setting-off point for treks in the countryside and visits to elephant camps, though choose carefully and do your research as there's a wide range in quality and ethics (in terms of how these places treat their elephants).
Luang Prabang is a bit harder to get to and may not be as feasible -- you could get there via Bangkok or Singapore (or other places which would involve another connection). If it works though Luang Prabang is perhaps the prettiest place I've ever been. It was the royal capital of the kingdom of Laos and still has a very atmospheric tropical ambience, as much of the colonial French architecture, as well as the former royal palace and many temples, is intact. The natural setting is gorgeous (it's set on a peninsula between the Mekong and a smaller river) and feels worlds away from the bigger cities of SE Asia.
It's definitely not "roughing it" though as Luang Prabang tends to attract tourists who are slightly freer with their money, so if you're looking for a spa-type vacation or a relaxing tropical vacation you could definitely do it there too.
Between the two I'd do Chiang Mai (but wanted to offer Luang Prabang in case someone sees this in the future!) It's about equidistant from Hong Kong and Singapore, about three hours from each, so easily doable. Two days is a bit short for Chiang Mai, but I really think you'd appreciate the opportunity to see a part of SE Asia that's not the big megacities.
posted by andrewesque at 3:50 PM on December 20, 2015
I forgot to mention that both cities are very safe, and in fact rely quite heavily on the tourist trade so you're extremely unlikely to feel uncomfortable.
posted by andrewesque at 3:53 PM on December 20, 2015
posted by andrewesque at 3:53 PM on December 20, 2015
I vote for option 3 as well, go somewhere else, specifically Johor Bahru, being just over the border from Singapore. It's much cheaper than either HK or SG, much friendlier in my experience, and provides a very different experience to HK and SG, being much less touristy. It's a comparatively safe place to travel, and the large variety of cultures represented there means that there is a lot of variety in what you can do and see, as well as a wealth of amazing food (which, having travelled very extensively in SE Asia, is some of the best in the area). From a practical perspective, it means less time travelling as well, as you'd only be a short taxi journey or bus hop from SG.
(EDIT: despite its closeness, it is also culturally quite different to SG)
posted by Dysk at 4:00 PM on December 20, 2015
(EDIT: despite its closeness, it is also culturally quite different to SG)
posted by Dysk at 4:00 PM on December 20, 2015
Go to Penang! It's seriously food heaven!
posted by astapasta24 at 4:17 PM on December 20, 2015
posted by astapasta24 at 4:17 PM on December 20, 2015
If you literally only have three days, I'm not sure I'd spend parts of them doing unnecessary flying. Even for short flights, you end up at the airport for hours. That means either Hong Kong or Singapore. Both cities offer day trips-- If I were you, I might go early to Singapore especially if you haven't seen it before. I find it hella boring, but I've spent a lot of time there. There's a lot to explore for a few days-- particularly if you have interest in history, food culture or gardens.
If you do your days in Singapore, then you can plan a day trip to Malacca, the Indonesian islands off Singapore, or even KL. Malacca is spectacular, and the food is amazing.
This article has a nice overview of off-the-beaten track things to do in Singapore. If you have a taste for the strange, then I would definitely recommend a visit to the Haw Par Villa.
Hong Kong will offer a more cosmopolitan experience, and better night life if that's what interests you. Singapore is better for local food, but there's no place like Hong Kong for world fusion. There are also islands you can explore (Lamma, Po Toi, Tap Mun) if you want to get away from the city. You can stay overnight at the Tai O heritage hotel or do a day trip to Macau (I ignore the Casinos and spend my time walking the peninsula). Hong Kong also has spectacular hiking, and there's a popular local meet up which offers hikes nearly daily (Hong Kong Hiking Meetup).
Whatever you choose, enjoy!
posted by frumiousb at 4:35 PM on December 20, 2015
If you do your days in Singapore, then you can plan a day trip to Malacca, the Indonesian islands off Singapore, or even KL. Malacca is spectacular, and the food is amazing.
This article has a nice overview of off-the-beaten track things to do in Singapore. If you have a taste for the strange, then I would definitely recommend a visit to the Haw Par Villa.
Hong Kong will offer a more cosmopolitan experience, and better night life if that's what interests you. Singapore is better for local food, but there's no place like Hong Kong for world fusion. There are also islands you can explore (Lamma, Po Toi, Tap Mun) if you want to get away from the city. You can stay overnight at the Tai O heritage hotel or do a day trip to Macau (I ignore the Casinos and spend my time walking the peninsula). Hong Kong also has spectacular hiking, and there's a popular local meet up which offers hikes nearly daily (Hong Kong Hiking Meetup).
Whatever you choose, enjoy!
posted by frumiousb at 4:35 PM on December 20, 2015
I second Gotanda's suggestion for Siem Reap and Angkor Wat. The airport at Siem Reap is small and you'll be in the centre of town 15 minutes after arriving. Exploring the temple complexes via tuk-tuk or bicycle is a great way to spend a few days. It's also a short flight back to Singapore.
All your work destinations are big cities, so it would be good to do something a bit rural. If you'd prefer a beach destination there are also lots of options to choose from. If budget isn't a concern and you don't want to hassle with flights, then Nikoi Island (tripadvisor), is a ferry ride away from Singapore.
If it's between your first two options, I'd go for Singapore. The fact that you get to start your work already familiar with the city is a bonus.
posted by Gomez_in_the_South at 5:02 PM on December 20, 2015
All your work destinations are big cities, so it would be good to do something a bit rural. If you'd prefer a beach destination there are also lots of options to choose from. If budget isn't a concern and you don't want to hassle with flights, then Nikoi Island (tripadvisor), is a ferry ride away from Singapore.
If it's between your first two options, I'd go for Singapore. The fact that you get to start your work already familiar with the city is a bonus.
posted by Gomez_in_the_South at 5:02 PM on December 20, 2015
Three days? One city, period. If it's your first time, I'd make Hong Kong the city to explore. It's awesome (from what I've heard) but will also cut down on getting-around time and allow for more exploring time.
posted by chrisinseoul at 10:09 PM on December 20, 2015
posted by chrisinseoul at 10:09 PM on December 20, 2015
Re Dysk's suggestion: I live in JB. It's super boring and I wouldn't really recommend it to anyone. That said, if we are in town at the same time I could see if I can get my parents to show you around.
posted by divabat at 5:20 AM on December 21, 2015
posted by divabat at 5:20 AM on December 21, 2015
Thanks for all of these fantastic recommendations! You guys are amazing. Will update with how things go.
posted by troytroy at 11:55 AM on December 27, 2015
posted by troytroy at 11:55 AM on December 27, 2015
By the way, I should have said that if you decide on Hong Kong and want to do a mini-meetup, let me know. It might be too short notice to arrange many folks (there aren't that many of us here), but I'm at least happy to meet for a drink or something. Memail me if you like.
posted by frumiousb at 3:18 PM on December 27, 2015
posted by frumiousb at 3:18 PM on December 27, 2015
Thanks everyone for all your tips! I ended up just heading to Singapore... and then being sick for 48 hours. I still squeezed in a biking tour of Singapore, which was awesome.
posted by troytroy at 3:22 AM on January 18, 2016
posted by troytroy at 3:22 AM on January 18, 2016
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by ryanbryan at 12:36 PM on December 20, 2015