Where to experience “Asia” for the first time?

coota1268 on 02/08/2017 - 15:46
Last edited 02/08/2017 - 16:12

Hi all – I’m wanting to travel somewhere in Asia for the first time. I’ve never really been exposed to an Asian culture and grew up in a regional town. The closest I came was eating Chinese twice a year. I’ve travelled to and quite enjoy America/Canada, but I’m keen for the challenge/experience of traveling to Asia/experiencing the culture there.

I know this is an extremely broad question / and there are many parts of Asia, but I’m thinking either Japan or China (Not Bali/Vietnam/Thailand etc)…. Ideally, the destination would have some major tourist attractions and wouldn’t be overly expensive (This is OzBargin afterall!)…. I’d like to spend some time learning the language/customs of the destination before I go. I’d plan to go for ~1 Week.

Thanks.

EDIT: I see Jetstar etc have regular sales to Japan - I'm torn between Japan or China

Travel

Comments

  • bjinco on 04/08/2017 - 18:20

    You are from regional town, so you will enjoy to see a lot of people, JAPAN is the best choice.
    or pick 1 island from 17000 island in Indonesia and you can also learn 1 from 1200 local language.

  • Carmen Sandiego on 04/08/2017 - 19:00
    +1

    (As a Korean person myself)
    I'm amused there aren't any people advocating Korea :P

    But, I'd go Singapore if you want to be eased into Asian culture without too much of a shock. It's a bit on the pricey side so be aware of that. But, everyone speaks English so it's fairly easy. And difficult to get lost. I'd be surprised if you did.

    Japan would be next but, I'd suggest tour groups if you're into minimal hassle like me.

    I'm unaware of how China would be but, it seems interesting. Maybe do it as part of a cruise or a tour?

    Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, etc is a bit hardcore Asia. They're also the countries with the most food shock so explore your palate first before going there.

    As for Korea…tour group. Definitely tour group or go with a friend who has studied it well because not many people speak English. There is a phone number you can call that can translate for you but that would get pricey quickly.

    • King Tightarse on 04/08/2017 - 19:20
      +1

      I agree with you cathyrrn. I really loved South Korea when I travelled there.
      Food, history, culture.
      People are great. Some of them are crazy. It is the only place I have seen a Buddhist monk break prayers and want to fight a drunk business man. The look on that guys face was priceless.
      Ahhh the food. Just wonderful! Spicy like the people!

      • Carmen Sandiego on 05/08/2017 - 17:12

        It is really lovely and crazy in equal measures :P
        It is also one of the few places I've been elbowed in the ribs by elderly women trying to get onto the subway :P
        That would be fair enough on the part of the Buddist monk! :P

        The food can be spicy but it's easy-ish to avoid it

    • retiredfeline on 05/08/2017 - 01:05

      I went to S Korea with only the ability to say greetings and read Hangul phonetically and I got on fine. It helps though that the meaning of many words in Korean become self-evident when pronounced by a Chinese speaker. Lovely people, beautiful hilly landscape.

      • Carmen Sandiego on 05/08/2017 - 17:16

        That does make life easier.
        Also, they're often very helpful once they know you're trying. It's just slightly difficult getting their attention when you're lost on a street :P

  • iwantmoney on 04/08/2017 - 21:37

    Laos. Trust me on this, and thanks me later.

    Visited once, and fell in love

  • Teenee on 04/08/2017 - 22:37
    +1

    Nepal - Kathmandu is an upcoming metropolis - lots of english speaking due to english learnt from primary school - heavy reliance on tourism so easy for westerners - certainly can be done on the cheap or plenty of western standard restaurants / eateries - plenty of natural beauty and culture - trekking / rafting not far away. sept / oct lots of high season holidays to partake. tolerance for alcohol a non issue, good spicy food or go for the Momo (steamed dumplings) with achar (spicy tomato sauce).

  • zuuutoootuuu on 04/08/2017 - 23:51
    +1

    Another vote for Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan. Each are easy to navigate and you'll feel at home.

  • retiredfeline on 05/08/2017 - 01:00
    +2

    I find this thread fascinating, because of the implication in the title that there is such a thing as one Asia. But no more absurd than asking where to experience "Europe". Really what the comments have described are different Asian countries.

    Some countries are easier to deal with because of English or orderliness as others have posted. But I would add be aware of the length of time you have. In one week you can only hope to cover one small country like Singapore, or part of one, like the W coast of W Malaysia, or one big city like HK, Tokyo, Shanghai or Seoul. You can spend the rest of your life plotting and going back to see the rest of Asia. And the rest of the world. Happy travels.

  • djmm on 05/08/2017 - 01:23

    Mate considering the influx of asian migrants recently, you don't have to experience asia. Asia experience you.

  • Eeples on 05/08/2017 - 11:22

    Jump in at the deep end…

    Fly to Mandalay (2 nights) - 1 day hire a car to sight-see; pub crawling in Mandalay on at least one afternoon

    Catch a boat to Began (3 nights in Began include a day trip to Mt Poppa) - hire electric motor scooter to check out the temples

    Fly to Yangon (2nights) - google for things to see and where to eat after 11pm

    You will have the time of your life.

    Alternatively…..(for a wacky time)

    Fly in to Vientiane (2 nights)
    Then fly to phonsavan and check out the jars (2 nights)
    Hire a car to take you to Luang Prabang (3 nights)
    (Make sure you visit Kwang Si waterfall and see the bears and if you are really keen the butterfly farm!

    Enjoy.

  • meong on 05/08/2017 - 12:31
    +1

    If you're interested, try Indonesia other than Bali.

    A lot of people mentioned Indonesia only as 'Bali'. Bali is a bit trashy and too western in my opinion.

    It's similar to calling Thailand 'Phuket' as I had a better cultural trips outside Phuket (even in Bangkok).

  • Dr Techno on 05/08/2017 - 12:49

    I would pick the cheapest country to fly to at the time, and go min 2 times a year :P Doesnt matter so much where you go, you will probably want to travel a little more.. Westernised asian countries would be easier to visit than others. dont forget to check what stop overs are available and look at budget airlines on the other side. sometimes they have crazy deals.

  • yannyrjl on 05/08/2017 - 14:43

    For Strong Culture I'd actually say Kyoto, a much more traditional city, very safe and clean, plenty of temples and historical sights.

  • matt-ozb on 05/08/2017 - 21:10
    +1

    for a first time, i would start with singapore, tokyo, hong kong.

  • [Deactivated] on 05/08/2017 - 22:07

    Hong Kong. Slightly biased as I'm a from there but no where else like it in the world. hong congers have a fabulous sense of humour and way of looking at life and shopping is awesome. yes, tokyo next then singapore, although it's so westernised it's hardly even "asia" through my hong kong eyes Singapore is too bloody clean prefer filthy hong kong anyday for the depth of character !

  • AMLagonda on 05/08/2017 - 22:45

    Come on this is ozbargain for the cheap ass, that would only mean Bali would be on the list (besides Kuta don't ever go there unless "Waterbom") :p

  • docpol on 06/08/2017 - 00:56

    Philippines

  • lliillililillillill on 06/08/2017 - 03:00

    Thailand, Patpong!

    • Marcsie on 06/08/2017 - 12:35

      Patong not Patpong :)

  • Shiny Mew on 06/08/2017 - 06:09

    Springvale, Box Hill and Ringwood (Vic).

  • fruit on 06/08/2017 - 09:43

    Why is "Asia" in quotes?

  • Kizz on 06/08/2017 - 12:53
    +1

    Probably coming in a bit late here but I've got a spare 2 cents to throw in.

    The OP wants a reasonably cheap holiday, would like to experience Asian culture in circa a week. Answer here is Malaysia -

    Cheap
    Flights to KL from most capital cities on Air Asia X are cheap as chips, accomodation in well located areas (this is important as you can walk and or paid transport costs will be less) is relatively cheap and food is cheap.

    Asian culture
    Malaysia is a melting pot of Asian culture, Malaysian, Chinese and Indian being the main three. In KL you can experience all three cultures easily, both in the city's area and if you want, in the outlying suburbs so you can see how the locals live, night markets (pasa Malams) are good to visit for instance and probably most importantly, the very different foods of each of these you just won't find the variety anywhere else in Asia.

    A week or so is a very short period to experience what's the OP wants therefore, maximising time at the destination is important. The likes of Japan means longer travel time compared to Malaysia so worth considering in the decision making process.

    Someone mentioned public whippings and Sharia law in Malaysia, I'm yet to experience this but if you want to see if it exists, convert to Islam, find a married Malay girl and take her back to your room, making sure you tip the cops off. If you get raided, you will find out if public floggings are alive and well there. Seriously though, Malaysia is a great general intro to Asia, it's not to westernised, not too underdeveloped, easy to get around and although Malay is the local language, English is widely spoken.

  • sween64 on 06/08/2017 - 17:42

    Myanmar. Get in before too many other tourists do. Yangon is a great metropolis. Bagan and Inle Lake for tourist destinations. Chin Hills for remote hiking.

  • tank17 on 07/08/2017 - 03:39

    I would say Japan.
    I lived there and it is amazing how easy it is to "snap" back to the western world if needed. I mean, you can have the best full asian experience in every corner of Japan, even the busiest party area of Tokyo. But it is so advanced and westernized that allows you to enjoy ur trip even if u are not too keen into asian lifestyle.

  • demiurge on 12/08/2017 - 01:14

    China is ALOT cheaper than Japan. However, for the time of your life, always take the road less travelled. Stay open minded and get out of your comfort zone. I'll say Mongolia.

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