Though that last one says I might be able to visit Shanghai ... but there are also route restrictions on that transit visa, you need to fly to a third country, not the one you came from.
You might consider Langkawi Island, fairly easy access from Thailand, different from Phuket. Never been, though someone I know went years ago. Only went to Tioman for fishing, but that was a lifetime ago..
Possibly, did Luang Prabang in 2019 so would have to go north off the beaten trail. South is also an option but Pakse is not easy or cheap to get to as it involves two flights.
Edit: went to Langkawi in 2014 and enjoyed it there, so also a possibility.
Enjoying the research so far ... even though the criteria are restrictive.
Who is the happier man, he who has braved the storm of life and lived or he who has stayed securely on shore and merely existed? - Hunter S Thompson
I've been to Langkawi a couple of times and thoroughly enjoyed the visits. The first time I went, my mother was in her late 80's and fully enjoyed the 10 day visit.
Plenty to do and being a 'duty free' island, prices are somewhat cheaper than on the mainland.
buksida wrote: ↑Mon Mar 04, 2024 2:29 pm
Possibly, did Luang Prabang in 2019 so would have to go north off the beaten trail. South is also an option but Pakse is not easy or cheap to get to as it involves two flights.
Edit: went to Langkawi in 2014 and enjoyed it there, so also a possibility.
Enjoying the research so far ... even though the criteria are restrictive.
Perhaps make Laos a road trip. I pretty sure Thais can get a permit to bring their vehicles in for xx time?
Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. Source
South Korea is a very interesting country to visit. I was there last March and the weather was perfect. Lots to see and do around Seoul and even more if you travel further South. Good and interesting food, good hotels for a reasonable price. Ultra modern country that still has street markets, etc. Visa's can be obtained free, on-line, with no embassy visit.
↑ Most places don't change for the better over time IMO and just become more built up, more traffic-clogged, and more expensive! Penang is a good example from my visits there.
Found a great potential motorcycle loop in Vietnam from Nha Trang to Dalat to Mui Ne and back to NT. Air Asia flies direct to NT for very little but May/June is rainy season so that one will have to go on the back burner also!
Who is the happier man, he who has braved the storm of life and lived or he who has stayed securely on shore and merely existed? - Hunter S Thompson
buksida wrote: ↑Mon Mar 04, 2024 3:43 pm
Most places don't change for the better over time IMO and just become more built up, more traffic-clogged, and more expensive!
Ironically, maybe that is because everytime anyone finds anywhere nice, they splash it all over the Internet!
STEVE G wrote: ↑Mon Mar 04, 2024 5:39 pm
Ironically, maybe that is because everytime anyone finds anywhere nice, they splash it all over the Internet!
Noticed this in Thailand a lot, these 'unseen' pristine natural spots get visited by some 'dara' who puts it on social media which opens the doors to the hordes of socialites and hi-sos ... who proceed to ruin the place with their SUVs, iPhones, and yappy foo-foo dogs!
Macau is leading the weekend getaway race at the moment ... wine being a fraction the price of in Thailand is a big pull to counter the potential rain!
Who is the happier man, he who has braved the storm of life and lived or he who has stayed securely on shore and merely existed? - Hunter S Thompson