Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Clockout]

Not a new thread but...

Never been anywhere in SE Asia and looking for a nice beach vacation in January.

Philippines - Thinking Manila, Boracay and possibly one other island.

Thailand - Not sure. Want to do Koh Samui, Phi Phi, Tao but I have no idea about logistics.

Could someone give me some possible itineraries for what can reasonably see in 12-14 days. I'm not looking to hit every tourist site but rather just a really good taste of either country and to relax during vacation of course.

[BoholDiver]

As you can tell by my username, Bohol in Philippines rocks. I highly recommend it.

These days there are cheap flights from Incheon to Cebu. If you need more help, PM me.

[Clockout]

[D.D.]

I did one night in manilla and 10 in cebu. Cebu wasnt much to write home about. I really liked Thailand much better . I like the small beaches in Koh pagnon and Bangkok for a couple nights. I hear Chang mai is good.

[BoholDiver]

There are 2 flights a day from Manila to Tagbiliran (on Bohol), so you could probably swing it. But do you want to move around that much?

I have heard good things about Chiang Mai, but not beaches. Is that what you're looking for?

Bohol's atmospehere is good. The people are not too abrasive and they tend to treat tourists well. It is upbeat but not over the top like some destinations. It's a lot cheaper than Boracay as well.

[Clockout]

My biggest question is

Will I be satisfied for 10 nights or so on Boracay or Samui or Pagnon?

Will I feel the need to see more/keep moving?

[xCustomx]

Head to Thailand. I've been to Manila, Cebu, Bohol, and Boracay, and Boracay is the only place I'd bother to go back to. Bohol was OK, but it rained every day I went and the beaches are nothing compared to Boracay.

[I-am-me]

I recommend Boracay for a week. Longer than that you might start feeling bored. It's a small island and you not much to see. I would recommend Makati in Manila for 2-3 days and shop around at the huge malls there and maybe mall of asia. Kinda depends on if you want peace and quiet or active adventureism. Normally I would say to avoid Manila, but if you havent been, its worth experiencing it. My best recommendation would be Davao City. Lots of small resorts on Samal Island, and on the main island. Pearl Farm is nice also but a bit expensive. Davao is a laid back city. If you are a sex tourist, forget it!!

[Yaya]

Forget Manila. I was there one night and it was one night too many. I hit Makati and man, was it lame.

Boracay is great but a bit pricey for the Phils. I've been there three times and wanna go back.

Overall, I'd say the Phils is a better experience because it's not as touristy as Thailand is so there's more to explore. Filipinos are also more friendly than Thais.

[conbon78]

Hands down - Thailand.
I went to Phillipines and thought it was a dump. I heard Boracay is good, but I wasn't there. I loved loved loved Ko Samui, Ko Phanagan, and can't wait to get to Ko Phi Phi and Phuket.

[Yaya]

One big difference between Thailand and the Phils is the people you'll meet. Thailand attracts lots of young tourists, especially from Europe, while the Phils attracts mostly Koreans on group tours or Christian missions, sex tourists, and lots of retired U.S. Army guys living off of their pension checks.

[Caffeinated]

Thailand in a heartbeat. Much more to see, easier for tourists to get around in, better food.

[Konglishman]

[Yaya]

[brickabrack]

Depends what you want.

PI is cheap. People are generally friendly. Women are beautiful.
Manila and Cebu are pits. Get out of there fast.
Lots of people speak english.

Thailand has some of the best food in the world, IMO.
Easier to get around.
There is much to cover, so the diversity is a bit larger...I would say.