Asian Analysis

Travelling through Asia (well, south asia and china) had a much different feel to it than going through eastern europe. It felt more like Latin America...laid back, more relaxed, chilled out vibes. It definitely felt more like a vacation. That isn't to say that it wasn't tiring at times. Extremely long and uncomfortable bus rides, persistent touts, and difficult sleeps all occurred numerous times, but all in all it was a great great experience that served to solidify the fact that there is so much to see out there we have to go back! For now though, the best we can do is wrap up our time in Asia in one of our lists.

Best of: Public transit (in every major city the subways were amazing and efficient), food, budget airlines.

Worst of: Harassing tuk tuk drivers, Western fast food joints, Bus rides in Laos.

Best cities: Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Beijing and Hoi An (more of town but lets go with it)

Worst cities: Ho Chi Minh, Xi'an

Best Beaches: Phi Phi (Thailand), Mui Ne (Vietnam) - two totally different vibes, both good

Best Food: Vietnam, Singapore

Best attraction: For us, probably the Pandas

Friendliest people: Laos/Cambodia - really really great people

Yes please: Transit

No thanks: Bus rides in Laos/Vietnam

Most frustrating: China (still didnt diminish our time there though)

Where does your dollar go further: Close call, but we think you can get more for your money in Vietnam. Cambodia and Laos are cheaper, but once you get up to 20 bucks a day, Vietnam gives you more bang for your buck.

Pleasant surprises: Vientiane and Siem Reap. Two places where we were not expecting much but that delivered loads.

What is with...the Indian restos in Laos? Seriously, Nazim has like a chain of ten through the country, and even tiny little Vang Vieng had 3!

Biggest disappointment: Not being able to get to the rural areas of China or more of Malaysia. However, this was easily offset by the knowledge that we will totally be going back to China in the near future and will get to see the places we wont. FYI - We think October is prob the best time to go if your thinking about it.

We wish: We had more time there. Indonesia, Borneo and the Philippines were just a short (dirt cheap) Air Asia flight away...next time!

All in all, the places we visited were great and I would recommend all of them for a trip. There is so much to see and do, or not do if you want to chill by a beach, that we cant see how anyone could get tired of travelling here. Each country is different and has tonnes to offer. If anything, its worth it to travel for the food alone. If you are put off by the long flight to get over here, dont be. You could do Thailand, Malaysia or Vietnam in 16 days, and could really see a lot of one of the countries in 3 weeks. If you need a break and see a seat sale, get on that plane and enjoy yourself. You will be so glad you did you will be offering us a finders fee!