Where to travel out of country for 2 days?

[Terek]

On 3/21/2024 at 2:01 PM, richard_smith237 said:

Plenty of options... But given the Op - the obvious options that spring to mind are: 

 

- Ho Chi Minh City

- Hanoi

- Penang

- Vientiane 

 

 

Booked Ho Chi Minh City,  Vietnam already, was thinking about Malaysia, but noticed it's raining a lot in April there and also airport is far away from city, let it wait.

[Terek]

On 3/9/2024 at 1:58 PM, Toby1947 said:

Vientiane Laos, lovely city with French influence, everyone drives sensibly. Lovely people and very cheap 

Yeah, have been 2 times there already few years ago, I liked there, will return sometime in future.

[Celsius]

KL for the food. 

 

It is so far ahead of the slop they serve in Thailand.

[ThaiGenius]

Singapore all the way, it just works.

[Hawaiian]

On 3/8/2024 at 8:33 PM, Presnock said:

Singapore is clean, orderly and easy to go and come back.  I like the PI but many do not...Malaysia is reported to be nice too.  I have been to Jakarta, myanmar, VN, Japan, Taiwan, Korea.. though Myanmar is at war.  VN is quick but I am not familiar with their visas.  Too many choices...Good luck!

I was told by a Vietnamese friend that the visa on arrival IN HCMC (Saigon) is quick and easy with photo taken at the desk. 

[zmisha]

Shanghai is a nice place to visit. Very similar to Hong Kong.

[Nid_Noi]

Why not choose a closer and more entertaining destination: Kunming. It’s a 2:30 hours flight (Air Asia or China Eastern) for less than $100 and make the return on the new high speed railway from Kunming to Vientiane (9:30 hours). Yunnan and the trip back through Laos are beautiful. Could stop in Luang Prabang for a couple of days. From Vientiane easy connection to Bangkok after visa extension.

[richard_smith237]

28 minutes ago, Abdu1983 said:

If you're looking for a quick getaway, Australia could be a solid option. It's relatively close to Thailand, and cities like Brisbane offer a great mix of modernity and a laid-back vibe.The brisbane cbd hotel area https://ibisstylesbrisbaneelizabeth.com.au/ , in particular, has plenty to offer, from shopping and dining to outdoor activities, which makes it an ideal destination for a short trip.You can easily explore the city's vibrant culture and still find time to relax or check out nearby attractions, like the beaches or national parks.

 

Erm...  Cambodia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Laos are relatively close to Thailand. 

 

Australia is a 7352 Km intercontinental flight of 8 hours outbound on a Budget Airline (JetStar) and 14hrs return with a stop off in Melbourne... 

 

... that's far from being 'relatively close' or ideal for a short 2 day trip.

[Phillip9]

On 3/8/2024 at 1:21 PM, Terek said:

  I like  to see developed contemporary and safe city where I can go alone and not get bored

 

Macau and Singapore are both great modern cities with lots to do.  Also consider Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, or even China.  I wouldn't call anywhere else in the region "developed".

[NoDisplayName]

On 12/30/2024 at 6:21 AM, Nid_Noi said:

Why not choose a closer and more entertaining destination: Kunming. It’s a 2:30 hours flight (Air Asia or China Eastern) for less than $100 and make the return on the new high speed railway from Kunming to Vientiane (9:30 hours). Yunnan and the trip back through Laos are beautiful. Could stop in Luang Prabang for a couple of days. From Vientiane easy connection to Bangkok after visa extension.

 

That's a little difficult for a short trip.  Kunming is one of the visa-free tourist zones, but not sure how much of Yunnan province is included.  And i believe you also have to fly out of Kunming per visa-free rules.

 

Even if train were possible, visa for Laos must be obtained at the embassy in Kunming, not available at the border by train.

 

How 'bout the Hainan Island visa-free zone?

[Phillip9]

3 hours ago, NoDisplayName said:

That's a little difficult for a short trip.  Kunming is one of the visa-free tourist zones, but not sure how much of Yunnan province is included.  And i believe you also have to fly out of Kunming per visa-free rules.

 

Even if train were possible, visa for Laos must be obtained at the embassy in Kunming, not available at the border by train.

 

How 'bout the Hainan Island visa-free zone?

There are many countries now visa free to China.  Not sure of OP's nationality though. You can obtain an evisa for laos to use at that border.   

 

It's a good trip.  I've done it, but for a 2 day trip the OP asked about, definitely needs to fly both ways.  Bangkok to kunming took two fulls days by train.

[newbee2022]

On 3/8/2024 at 1:21 PM, Terek said:

To get new extension I prefer to travel out of Thailand and back once a year.  Previously I was going to Hong Kong as I know the place and like to visit. But maybe this time could be some other place.  Recommendations?  I like  to see developed contemporary and safe city where I can go alone and not get bored also, if there would be second Bangkok I would go there. 

London is an option. But sorry, you're looking for developed cities, isn't it? So KL would suit you.

[ronster]

Always like Singapore for few days out of here and stay at Clarke quay as well bars and restaurants are 2 minute walk . Very clean and safe place with great food.

Da nang isn't that far and fairly cheap and easy to get to . 

[mushroomdave]

Taiwan.  Lived there 23 years and did my run there last year and going next month again to see friends.  I stay almost 2 weeks though but Taipei is actually pretty cheap and a lot to see in a few days.  My recomendation would be CKS Memorial Hall, Taipei 101, and for all the fun/nightlife/bars/shopping head to Ximenting...their "Times Square" LOL!!!!

[alex8912]

On 3/10/2024 at 8:35 AM, brianthainess said:

I have Zero Knowledge of the USA, nor do I want to. Guess the OP could try Paris though. 

Yah really zero knowledge? 

[Suitcase]

On 3/8/2024 at 2:04 PM, sqwakvfr said:

No stayed two nights at both and enjoyed it.  I really liked Singapore and the most amazing thing I saw was drivers actually obeying traffic laws.  This was after living in the land of smiles for years.  I did not feel SIN was a.draconian place.  Yes, they have some strict laws but I felt very safe there and it had just everything I could ask for.  For KL was a close second to SIN. 

 

[Suitcase]

Explain to me when I was in Singapore that there's cameras everywhere on the road so if you do something illegal they just send a ticket to your home

[sqwakvfr]

39 minutes ago, Suitcase said:

Explain to me when I was in Singapore that there's cameras everywhere on the road so if you do something illegal they just send a ticket to your home

That's how a small place like SIN can maintain order.  Ultra strict enforcement of all laws.  SIN is one of the places where certain narcotics violations can result in the death penalty.  It is not for everyone. "A free spirit who lets's the wind take him anywhere or everywhere is more likely a better fit in the Land of Smiles".  

[pest]

KL best option in my opinion

[Phillip9]

6 hours ago, sqwakvfr said:

That's how a small place like SIN can maintain order.  Ultra strict enforcement of all laws.  SIN is one of the places where certain narcotics violations can result in the death penalty.  It is not for everyone. "A free spirit who lets's the wind take him anywhere or everywhere is more likely a better fit in the Land of Smiles".  

 

The OP is asking about a 2 day trip.  Even free spirits enjoy 2 days in Singapore.  As long as he can avoid taking any drugs with him and follow normal rules of civility, he won't have any problem in Singapore.

 

Singapore has the added benefit that immigration entry and exit, and airport security is super easy.  Autogates at immigration and never any lines.

[sqwakvfr]

11 hours ago, pest said:

KL best option in my opinion

One issue I haved encountered for kL is the applying fo the MDAC(Malaysia ETA).  The website is like gettiong on with a dial up connection.  The 3 day before departure rule is not correct.  One can only apply for the MDAC 2 days before departure.  I hope the MDAC comes through before my flight? 

[arick]

London via Muscat 6300 bht  one way.  

Phu quoc 1500bht one way. 

Bali 8000 return 

India 7000 return

[Nid_Noi]

On 1/3/2025 at 12:13 PM, mushroomdave said:

Taiwan.  Lived there 23 years and did my run there last year and going next month again to see friends.  I stay almost 2 weeks though but Taipei is actually pretty cheap and a lot to see in a few days.  My recomendation would be CKS Memorial Hall, Taipei 101, and for all the fun/nightlife/bars/shopping head to Ximenting...their "Times Square" LOL!!!!

 

I would add the National Palace Museum where we were amazed by the collections of Chinese Antique pieces. We spent 2 days visiting the whole place. The train ride to Taichung was worth the time as well as the visit of the Southern National Palace Museum in Taibao City near Chiayi City.

The best food and oolong teas in Asia. 

[Terek]

As this year's trip is approaching, all information I find valuable, thanks all. Especially about Taiwan. I liked Vietnam last year a lot so it's seducing me, but let's see, many unexplored places waiting.

[Alidiver]

Check dates before you decide where.

TET and Chinese New Year 29th January. 

[Donald Bright]

Any places in Cambodia worth visiting for a couple of days.

[GypsyT]

On 1/4/2025 at 12:42 PM, Nid_Noi said:

Taiwan.  Lived there 23 years and did my run there last year and going next month again to see friends.

OP - Sorry to hitch hike but this guy knows Taiwan.

 

So, I'd like to ask,

1. Do they speak English in Taiwan? I red they wanted to make English official 2nd language while back.

2. How is traffic? I know it's RHD but how's driving in countryside? Friendly? A mess?

- Taiwan is still on my bucket list.

[Donald Bright]

Recommended hotels in Taiwan please.

[Phillip9]

2 hours ago, GypsyT said:

1. Do they speak English in Taiwan? I red they wanted to make English official 2nd language while back.

2. How is traffic? I know it's RHD but how's driving in countryside? Friendly? A mess?

- Taiwan is still on my bucket list.

 

There isn't much English in Taiwan.  Less than Thailand I would say.

 

I found driving a little stressful, but not terrible.  I've circled the whole island.  In the countryside it is easy most of the time, but a few times I ended up on crazy narrow roads in the mountains.  The east coast is quite scenic and mountainous with mostly small towns.  Cities can be difficult driving, especially trying to figuring out parking without being able to read the language.  Avoid driving to famous places (eg sun moon lake) on weekends and holidays--the traffic will be terrible.

 

It's quite a nice country and definitely an underrated destination.

[Phillip9]

2 hours ago, Donald Bright said:

Any places in Cambodia worth visiting for a couple of days.

Siem reap / angkor wat if you like temples and historic buildings