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China Forum: Suggestions for my 3 months off!

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agentx
England
2 forum posts
“ Suggestions for my 3 months off! ”
Jul 22, 2008, 11:00 AM

Hi

I've managed to get 3 months off work, Jan-March 2009 and want to travel China, Vietnam/Laos, Northern Thailand and possibly Japan, and not necessarily in this order.

I am after any advice as to where to go when, things not to miss, and visa requirements really. I am just in the process of reading up on China requirements, and tripadvisor is proving to be very useful!

I have visited southern thailand, KL and Singapore before, and prefer to do this independently, using public transport where possible, and feel ready for a bigger challenge. So any comments/ideas etc would be really useful as this is going to take some planning!

thanks all

drumbrake
hong kong
6,048 forum posts
1. Re: Suggestions for my 3 months off!
Jul 22, 2008, 11:07 AM

China visa requirements will hopefully have improved by Jan next year. If not, you will be likely using an agent in HCMC or Bangkok to get a visa (with faked flight and accommodation provided by the agent).

You will need to get a Vietnam visa in advance (in Bangkok if that is your entry city) while Laos you can get at the border.

I think there is enough to do in those countries without visiting Japan (and going there would mean a big increase in budget). Also, are you considering Cambodia as well?

ellyse
Shanghai
12,981 forum posts
2. Re: Suggestions for my 3 months off!
Aug 06, 2008, 8:57 AM
Destination Expert   What's this?
for Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou

I would advise perhaps staying clear of China till at least end-February, especially if you want to travel by train and long-distance bus. Otherwise, you'll get caught up in the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) transport chaos, which would be yucky, especially for a 1st-timer to China.

Vietnam also celebrates Tet (Vietnamese New Year) on/around the same dates, but I have no idea how it affects travel and transport.

Japan doesn't have the same festival, so I presume you'll be ok there? Not sure about Thailand.

Once you figure out how long and when you'll be in China, let me know if you want help fixing up an itinerary. You could email me at ellyse99@yahoo.com -- put "TripAdvisor" and your own username (eg agentx) in the subject line, thanks.

3. Re: Suggestions for my 3 months off!
Oct 05, 2009, 3:18 PM

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