Asia-Pacific

Galle – quick travel guide

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Skippable local beach city with a touristy “Dutch Fort”, close to better spots in south Sri Lanka.

This city isn’t a worthy tourist destination. No beautiful beaches, mostly all local areas and local food (good if you want cheap food). It’s for passing by when you’re going between other southern coastal cities in Sri Lanka.

The only thing here is to check out the Dutch Fort, take pictures around the walls. And maybe buy or pickup things that can only be found in a bigger city. There are much more markets here and options to choose from. A friend went here to find bigger repair shops for his broken mobile phone.

A 2-hour pitstop is more than enough for me.

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Hikkaduwa – quick travel guide

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Nice beach town known for having corals and turtles, and many Russians. And OK for surfing.

It’s a small beach town with a nice relaxed vibe without being pretentious. Plenty of water activities to do around here, and close to other towns for other excursions and activities. You can stay here a couple days or a couple weeks.

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Tokyo – quick travel guide

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Hyper-stimulated and mega-dense, iconic capital city of Japan and Japanese pop culture.

Tokyo is perhaps the most known and recognized city in Asia by westerners. The other most recognized Asian countries (by westerners) are probably China and Korea. But what are their capital cities? Fewer people know the answers to that. It helps Tokyo is easy to spell and remember. Also that Japanese culture is also more familiar and previously introduced in Western media and other subcultures.

We know Tokyo is one of the biggest and most populated cities in the world. But what do you see when you actually get there?

A proper visit to Toyko should be 5-7 days. There are many areas to wander, tourist attractions, museums, parks, gardens, and activities to do.

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Japan – quick travel guide

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Ultra-dense, ultra-modern technology yet traditional culture, super fun and safe country of polite perfectionist people.

Japanese is one of the most “known” and recognized Asian cultures by westerners. The other most “known” Asian cultures (by westerners) are probably China and Korea. It helps a lot that Japanese culture has been previously introduced in Western media and other subcultures. And that many westerners have tried Japanese foods. And so many people have heard many things about Japan already.

But what do you realize when you actually get there?

  1. That Japan is everything you thought it would be. Just like how Italy is very Italian. Japan is very Japanese. It’s very much a caricature of itself (in a good way).
  2. That Japan is even more than what you thought it would be. Many people think because they ate heard Jpop music, seen it in movies, and ate sushi, ramen, curry, teppan grill, etc…that they are familiar with Japan. But no! Just like how Mexico is more than just tacos, beaches, and mariachi music…Japan is so much more than how western pop culture portrays it.
  3. Japan is a comfortable blend of exotic yet familiar, modern yet traditional, fun yet safe place to travel. Foods are not too crazy. And things function more or less in a familiar western way. The people here are polite and helpful, and speak enough English to make even first time travelers feel comfortable.
  4. Very easy to get around in Japan. Lots of public transportation. The language although is not similar to English or other Western languages, can be pronounced easier than other Asian languages (since Japanese isn’t a tonal language), and is also written in legible latin characters.
  5. I highly recommend Japan for first-time travelers wanting a new

2 weeks is a good amount of time to pass through the main 3 destinations in Japan…Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. With maybe a day trip out to nearby destinations here and there.

  • 3 weeks would allow a much fuller image if you’re already enjoying what you see.
  • And a month would be great if you really want to experience the far ends (northeast and southwest).

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Don’t buy the JAPAN RAIL PASS

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The JR Pass most likely WON’T save you MONEY or TIME.

  • Visiting for 10 days or fewer, or 5 cities or fewer?
  • Using the bullet train only a fewer times?
  • Most staying in places longer than just 3 days at a time?

Then you’ll probably save money and time by NOT buying the pass. I mean it! Please do not be fooled by endless blogs and affiliate links encouraging you to buy the pass. It is not the safe option!

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Busan – quick travel guide

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2nd biggest South Korean city with beaches and vibrant neighborhoods.

I don’t know why I thought Busan would be a small town but nope, it’s a big enough city of 3 million people. Has many many things to do and also carries a different vibe from Seoul. Although most people put only 2-3 days here, it’s easily a week’s worth of activities if not more. Touristically, it is NOT smaller than Seoul.

Seoul vs Busan ultimately comes down to what you prefer….bigger city with more nightlife (vibrant every night) vs coastal city with beaches. I would also add that Seoul has bigger historic sites (palaces & temples) and is colder (therefore more winter sports). And Busan feels less touristy than Seoul, less extreme weather (no freezing winters), better seafood, and friendlier people. I won’t say which is better. Both are worth visiting, but I’d ultimately stay longer in Seoul.

3 days to get a taste, 5-7 is more ideal to feel the vibe. Busan is bigger than you think and with more activities than you think.

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Sokcho – quick travel guide

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Small beach city 3 hours drive northeast of Seoul.

Small city with a handful of tourist things to do and a see. At the very least, it’s a nice beach break from the usual city bustle of Seoul.

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Taiwan – quick travel guide

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Underrated small country but well-developed, chill, English-friendly, and affordable.

A self-governing island country that was formerly a province of China but as of very recently (several decades ago) gained its independence. Taiwan is mostly recognized today as its own country, although not by all countries…for example some countries (such as Georgia) do not recognize the Taiwanese passport and don’t allow Taiwanese to enter their country.

In terms of tourism, Taiwan hasn’t marketed itself well on this part…which is great since it keeps costs down and authenticity high. The locals tell me the image of Taiwan is temples and night markets, to which I agree. It’s also an Asian island country that doesn’t have many beaches. Again…I think this feature has helped it stay lowkey and out of the tourism limelight.

I generally see Taiwan as a well developed island with smallish cities surrounded by lots of nature. Unlike other well-developed cities in Asia, Taiwan cities are not so big. A short 20 min drive and you’re back in nature, with mountains and coastline. It’s a great balance of modern urban life but also chill and lowkey.

Taiwan is also full of nice food, nice people, nice vibes. Without having been to China, I couldn’t help but see Taiwanese people as a generally more-friendly version of Chinese people. While Taiwanese and Chinese may be culturally and geographically similar, they most definitely see themselves as different and do have enough distinctions between each other.

As an American, I would also say that Taiwanese have a less favorable attitude towards mainland China and more favorable attitude towards America. (That’s for when comparing attitudes between Taiwanese and Chinese people.)

Driving from the top to the bottom of Taiwan takes 5-6 hours. The whole island is small, roughly the size of the Netherlands. You could see the capital city of Taipei in 3-4 days. Make it 7 days to visit 2-3 cities, 2 weeks for a more comprehensive highlight tour. If only as a short stay on your Asia tour, 5 days is a good amount of time to see Taipei and highlights of something else. But you could also stay 2 months and not get bored.

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Taipei – quick travel guide

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Taiwan’s capital city, full of food and city sights, with nature only a short drive away.

Awesome underrated city for travelers and expats. Very developed and English-friendly, yet cost of everything still low. Has everything you want (all big city conveniences), yet still small and cozy (easy to get around). Easy to get around the rest of the island country. Easy to fly to other Asia.

Also a nice cultural mix of Chinese, Japanese, British, and other international influences. I see Taipei as a great Western-friendly introduction to China (even though it’s not mainland China).

Great city that deserves a solid 5-7 days to explore.

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Seoul – quick travel guide

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South Korea’s capital and largest city. Vibrant busy city, nightlife, and massive cultural immersion.

Seoul is Korea’s equivalent of Tokyo (Japan). Vibrant, busy, dynamic, full of people, and beautiful sites. Although Seoul isn’t as crowded and over-stimulated as Tokyo, it’s still quite a bit (for a Westerner). It’s a great entry point into your Korean cultural exploration. Get your bearings and learn how to use public transpo, and order/pay at restaurants, etc.

Main touristy highlights of Seoul can be covered in 3 days. But you might wanna stay longer to really enjoy the food, bars, nightlife, and soak in that Seoul vibe. 5-7 days is a better fit. You could easily spend a month and still not see everything. But do feel free to move on to Busan or Jeju island if you had enough.

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Korea – quick travel guide

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Ultra-modern, super developed Asian country. Fun, great, hyper-stimulated environment.

On paper and to a Westerner, Korea could best be describe as another Japan…or like a cheaper, less-developed, less-cool version of Japan. And despite the hate you’d get from Japanese or Korean people for saying that, you wouldn’t be so unreasonable.

Both of these countries have been battling each other for a long time. With a feud debating events back as recent as 50 years ago to 2 millennia ago. Both with their own version of historic events. Both with their take on who was the aggressor. Fueling ultra-nationalistic pride in their citizens and even corporations. Whereas Japan has Sony & Panasonic, Korea has Samsung & LG. Japan has Toyota & Honda, Korea has Hyundai & Kia. And so forth and so forth. They even argue which one evolved from the other.

And as much as they’ve hated each other the years, there’s no denying that they are ultimately more alike each other than with any other nationality in the world. Korea is super safe and modern like Japan. Things are high-tech, clean, more expensive. Public spaces are visually over-stimulated and colorful.

But that’s where it ends. Whereas Japan has stayed very collective and by-the-rules, Koreans are developed their own sub-culture. More individual and unique. They stopped copying Japan things less and less and became more unique like the west. Their own TV shows and music, dancing and arts, are now worthy of being copied (ripped-off) by even Western/American industries. Korea is more unique if you know and appreciate where to look. They have their own food, culture, vibe, their own thing. They are not just a lesser version of Japan. Korea is super cool and worth seeing on its own unique merit.

1 week for just Seoul & maybe 3-5 days Busan, and another 3 days for Jeju Island. 1-2 days here and there for smaller towns. So at a minimum, 2 weeks for main spots and 1 month for comprehensive tour. One thing is for sure…you’ll probably wish you spent more time. Korea is a cool place to live, not just to see and leave.

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Hue – quick travel guide

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Small city with historic places, but is also a nice vibrant modern city.

Come for the history, stay for the modern vibe. Many nice restaurants, vibrant nightlife, plenty of people and places, restaurants and bars, things to do, but not overly busy and crowded like other places. I think Hue is actually underrated. Many visitors see it only as a place to see the historic city and pagoda and then move on.

You can see the historic sites within a day. But next time, I’d definitely stay 3 or 4 days for sure.

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Ha Giang (Loop Tour) – quick travel guide

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Beautiful mountain region of northern Vietnam with the infamous Ha Giang Loop motorbike tour.

Imagine yourself riding around beautiful green mountains with picturesque rice fields and colorfully-clothed local mountain people, zipping through local towns and markets as the mountain kids run along the street to yell “hello” and try to high-five you. Yes…it sounds exactly like a Disney Movie.

For anyone who’s ever done the motorbike tour, many will say it sits among the most memorable travel adventures they’ve ever had in their lives. And I’d have to agree. It’s because the mountain motorbiking experience is REAL! You’re not just sitting from the outside and taking photos. It’s you living the hilly mountain world through your bike, seeing their world as they see it. Experiencing their beauty as they live it.

If you got 3 precious days to spare, I guarantee the Ha Giang Loop is one you’ll remember for the rest of your lives. I can’t think of anything like this in any other country I’ve been.

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Phu Quoc – quick travel guide

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More-developed touristy Vietnam island, catering to fancier travelers and numerous family activities.

Phu Quoc island is much bigger (than Con Dao island), with more things to do. Hotels, parks, fancier housing, many more restaurants and bars, and also many more foreigners.

2 days is enough to get a taste and experience the island life, but I would do 4-7 days here to explore and chill more.

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Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba – quick travel guide

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Popular scenic bay of Vietnam with big limestone rocks in clear turquoise waters. (UNESCO Heritage Site)

Probably most famous tourist photo of Vietnam. Majestic jungle rocks surrounded by blue-green water. Reality of your experience depends on what season you go, where you stay, what kind of boat tour, and what other activities you choose.

There are so many options that you get lost…and always wondering whether you’re doing Ha Long Bay the “correct way”. Experiences vary widely, some enjoying the landscapes and tour activities while others feel unimpressed or ripped off by overpriced tours.

1 day is enough to see the bay with giant rocks (most important thing). 2 days lets you enjoy Vietnam seaside life, eating out and walking around. Having more extra days allows for beach time, picturesque hiking, more water/outdoor activities, visit national parks, exploring small fishing villages on island. Busy areas are quite fun…lots of food, markets, cheap massages, and local life to check out.

Check weather before you go, since views are different and beaches not as enjoyable when cloudy/cold (even worse if raining). I went in January my first time and wouldn’t recommend that to anybody else. Other destinations like Ninh Binh can still look magical and peaceful in cold/cloudy weather whereas Ha Long Bay looks a little sad/boring. The best months of the year are like Oct-Dec because it’s still sunny but not too hot, not too many tourists, and not during wet/typhoon season.

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Ninh Binh – quick travel guide

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Known as “Ha Long Bay on land”, northern countryside where you take rowboat tours down the river, passing lotus fields in between big rock mountains with birds (and occasionally endangered langur monkeys).

One of Vietnam’s top destinations (and my favorite tourist destination). Beautiful nature and relaxing peaceful vibes.

Beautiful, but not loud crazy crowded tourist vibes. A perfect escape from Vietnam’s noisier destinations. Although you can see Ninh Binh’s most popular highlights in a day tour, it’s a grave mistake not to put at least 2 nights here. It’s such a beautiful and spiritual escape from the rest of Vietnam’s noisier destinations.

I love that it’s actually real nature beauty. And IMO even more beautiful than Ha Long Bay, especially during bad weather (the clouds adding to the mysterious atmosphere whereas Ha Long Bay looks sad/dull with clouds). If you come during lotus bloom season (May-Jul), you’ll see all the lotus flowers in the water giving a colorful spring/summer look just like the yellow flowers photo you saw at the travel agencies. Regardless, Ninh Binh has magical beauty no matter the weather.

2 days for the minimum, 3 to really relax and recharge your soul. Also know that a place like this, it definitely affects where you stay. As different properties have vastly different views of Ninh Binh. Some feel like just a cute outdoor garden. Others have a massive view of the water, trees, and surrounding mountains…basically a mini Ninh Binh right in their back (or front) yard.

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Hoi An – quick travel guide

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“City of lanterns”, cute charmy river town with lanterns all over yellow bamboo buildings and boats floating under the bridge.

I call it “The Venice of Vietnam”, very touristy but also fun because it’s distinct from everything else in Vietnam.

2 days would be perfect to see the lively water area by the bridge, eat at the night market and local restaurants overlooking the river. Extra days allows you to visit the My Son Sanctuary (ancient Hindu temples), relax on a beach…or spend more time in the beautiful cafes, restaurants, and bars by the water.

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Vietnam – quick travel guide

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Asia’s beautiful, cheap, and less touristy destination. Compact, easy to get around, lots of fun and amazing places to explore.

Vietnam is rich in diversity of terrain and culture. Culturally and geographically, Vietnam is closest to Thailand (maybe more Laos but I haven’t been). But still distinctly different in many ways and most certainly a unique and worthwhile place to visit. Many people do fall in love with the place and settle down here…it’s been a popular spot for expats for decades.

It’s a small country with so many amazing and unique destinations. Many different types of terrain and landscapes. Rich in culture and authentic places where people don’t speak English yet (but the most recent government wants to have everyone speaking English very soon). The way many people get around is by motorbike (and most likely so will you), leading to a very fun and adventurous experience. Don’t worry if you don’t want to ride any motobikes.

People usually say November to March is the best time since it’s off-season and less busy, less hot. But I’d say avoid Dec to Jan as yes, it’s cooler and less hot…but still cloudy and places still look nice (but not like the travel agency photos). Also, the less touristy places feel kind of dead. I feel February or March is better. However late January is nice if you want to be there for Tet Festival (their new year’s). So perhaps late Jan to late Feb would be the best time range for first timers.

Vietnam highlights can be done in 2 weeks. 4 weeks or 1 month is probably the ideal time for you to see all the different areas and visit major attractions. Most people spend one month because Vietnam is cheap, easy, organized, and also the country is already shaped in a long vertical shape so you can easily enter from one end and exit the other.

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Con Dao island – quick travel guide

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Calm, relaxed island. A popular alternative to the busier more touristy Phu Quoc island.

Con Dao island (east of mainland) was historically remembered for where they put prisoners. But nowadays it’s consider the quieter, calmer, more nature, more locals and easy-going alternative to the busier resort-ey Phu Quoc island (west of mainland). You’ll see very few foreigners and non-Asian people.

I’d say 2 days is enough to see major things. Add more days if you want to do nothing. I personally recommend not going during December and January. It’s really dead and empty (unless you like that) and the weather might not be as nice. Going during the right seasons, you have more things to see…also more visibility in the water and nicer-looking water colors.

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Hanoi – quick travel guide

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Vietnam’s main northern city…different and contrasting against Saigon (Vietnam’s main southern city).

Totally different culture from the South. As the saying goes, they don’t like each other. Different vibe, different accent, different food, and other cultural differences. Unlike Saigon’s totally busy, chaotic, fast-paced lifestyle…Hanoi is the northern version of that but slightly more relaxed, chill. Still plenty of job opportunities for locals while not being as crazy as the south. Also…the northern Vietnamese accent is considered the official accent, think of it as the “British accent of the Vietnamese”, and they take great pride of their way of speaking Vietnamese (while often mocking how southerners speak).

Foreigners also enjoy Hanoi’s perfect balance of busy and relaxed, along with its centralized proximity to Vietnam’s top tourist destinations (Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Sapa Valley, etc). Spread throughout Hanoi are some lakes, such as Hoan Kiem Lake and West Lake among various other parks where you can relax and slow down a bit. Likewise, the Old Quarters and Hoan Kiem Lake area also closes down car access, allowing people and street vendors to take over the roads…providing for a mini street festival vibe every weekend. Crossing the streets in Hanoi is nowhere near as scary as in HCMC.

2 days is enough to feel like you saw Hanoi (Old Quarters & surrounding highlights), but it’s really worth a couple extra days to enjoy the city life. You’ll easily find activities and places to go. I spent a week and could still have been here longer. It’s a popular expat place for a reason.

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