Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Gatsby]

OK, let's assume for the moment that you're a Westerner, you've got some money saved, some time on your hands, and a nice person to spend it with.

Here's the question:

If you had $5,000 to spend on a two week vacation for two in any one country in east or southeast Asia, which country would you choose and why? What would you like to do there? Where would you like to go, what would you like to see?

Assume the airfare to and from the destination is in addition to the $5,000.

(Note: The poll only allows 10 options.)

[Mi Yum mi]

Somewhere in SEA where there is a nice beach to sit on. Relax and read on a sunny beach for a week or two. Sounds good for me, the wife and the kids.

[nebraska1]

Cambodia! Love this country. It is the best and the worst of all things Asian.

The people are pretty nice. Cheap. Incredible, sad, violent history to study. Ankor Watt need I say more.

N1

[Justin Hale]

Somewhere in Europe, North America or Australasia would be massively more preferable; nevertheless, needless to say, Korea is the least attractive of the poll options and to argue otherwise is confirm oneself nuts.

[eamo]

There are some awesome luxury island resorts off the Philippines. 300-500 dollars per night.
White sand.
Pristine coral.
Exotic marine life. Swimming with dugongs.
Open all-day massage by cute girls.
Ask the staff to take you on a boat-trip and they'll stop what they're doing and take you where you want to go.
Pool bar. All drinks inclusive of course.
Huge buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Private beach cabin. All mod cons.

I know because I've been!!!

[Rae]

Currently planning summer vacation in Hokkaido, Japan. I prefer forests over beaches and my friend feels the same. We plan to go white-river rafting, hiking, taking a beer and cheese tour (there's supposed to be one in one of the towns) and a lot of pigging out and trying all the restaurant fare. I'm looking forward to some proper unagi-don and Hokkaido potatoes!

There's some really nice accommodations outside of Sapporo where the ski resorts are. And of course, some really nice hotels in Sapporo.

But for $5,000 + air for only 2-weeks, that's a lot, IMO - that'll be more like $12,000 total if you fly first-class!?!

If you want something romantic, I'd say go to Boracay or another remote Philippine Island. I saw a site that rents off a portion of the beach for you. It comes with a personal chef and you get a golf-cart to drive abouts too. I forget the prices but it was really reasonable! You can scuba and explore some of the caves there when you're not lounging abouts in the powder-like sand. (No, I haven't been there ... but if we didn't already agree on Hokkaido, I'd so go there this summer.)

[Rae]

My bad, I read your post wrong. So roughly $3000 each sounds about right. I say stick to something beachy in SE Asia it'll be more bang for your buck! Do you want a romantic getaway? I think the perfect vacation is something that better fits both your interests.

If I had it only my way, I would either pick:

Indonesia: I want to check out those open-air performances, the food, the beaches, the people. Just lounging on the sand. Everyday massages.
Philippines: The caves, scuba, I hear they have good quality Western food aside from the regional delicacies. I've also heard great things about the power-like sand. Can't forget about the everyday massages.
Hokkaido: Hiking, forests, white-river-rafting, the all the flowers, unagi, ramen, and potatoes! Can't afford massages

If I had to pick one without considering anyone else, I'd stick to the more secluded location. It's still a toss-up between Boracay/Palawan or Hokkaido.

[visitorq]

[Rae]

[jajdude]

Philippines sounds good.

Vietnam is not bad.

I heard Laos is good too.

Of course Thailand is fun.

Some say India, Sri Lanka, Nepal....

Who knows? Fun can be had anywhere.

[crazylemongirl]

Laos!

Cheap as chips. Friendly people that aren't too jaded by tourism. Mountain biking, kayaking beautiful scene. Some awesome sites.

[mindmetoo]

[VanIslander]

[Mr. Pink]

I think $5000 would get me and my wife some time at the Banyan Tree Resort in either Thailand or Indonesia...if we got a good enough deal, it should cover flights + around 2 weeks or time there.

[mistermasan]

back islands PI. on many islands the electricity cuts out at midnight leaving wonderful star shows. no hotel? no problem. ask at the school. they often have rooms for visiting teachers. everyone speaks english. pristine beaches.