to go or not to go to china?

China definately will be more expensive than the other countries you
listed, but it needn't be dramatic. Given your 3 and a half months
travel time and your budget, I'd advsie you to visit South-West China
(Yunnan). I don't know about the border crossings these days (haven't
been there in a few years) but I'm sure you could construct some sort
of loop to include SW-China in your schedule. It's a great place.


On 21 Jul 2004 20:56:11 -0700, curtisj RemoveThis @hipplanet.com (wiseguy) wrote:

 >I will be backpacking from Vietnam to Cambodia to Laos to Thailand.
 >It will be my first time in Asia. I have 3 and a half months and
 >$2000 USD to go travelling with after covering the cost of airtickets
 >from North America.
 >
 >I am debating on whether to go to China as well, for around 2 weeks.
 >Is this possible, given my budget and alloted time, or would it be
 >wiser to hold off on China?
 >
 >Thanks<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: to go or not to go to china? 

wiseguy wrote:

 > I will be backpacking from Vietnam to Cambodia to Laos to Thailand.
 > It will be my first time in Asia. I have 3 and a half months and
 > $2000 USD to go travelling with after covering the cost of airtickets
 > from North America.
 >
 > I am debating on whether to go to China as well, for around 2 weeks.
 > Is this possible, given my budget and alloted time, or would it be
 > wiser to hold off on China?

No doubt you'll get loads of different opinions on this....it is totally
dependant on how cheaply you're prepared to sleep, eat and move about,
and how much of these countries you hope to see. All that said, here's
my 2 cents....timewise you're probably fine, moneywise I reckon you'll
be a bit tight.

Greg<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: to go or not to go to china? 

I am planning a similar trip similar time frame low budget commencing 20
August. First stop Lamai Beach, Koh Samui to acclimatise. Flight Bangkok -
Guilin 7 September for my first visit to China, net booking with Bangkok
Airline 6095BHT. Destination Yangshou then to Ha Noi via Nanning using bus
services. Main Vietnam destination Nha Trang via Hue and Hoi An using over
night buses on the two long hops. Then for my first time in Cambodia via Ho
Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville for a beach stopover.
Returning to Thailand via Koh Kong to Trat. Subject to time and weather a
Koh Chang Beach from Trat or Koh Lanta beach via Bangkok or Krabi. Ex
Bangkok 2 Nov.
Dates flexible within the limits of booked flights and visas for China and
Vietnam. Duration of stay at any one location variable subject to cost,
enjoyability and access to ATM's or tourist friendly banks. Accommodation
preferred room or hut with toilet, shower, clean bed, plumbing that works
and a light for reading. I avoid dorms and air conditioning. Budget about
USD1500 excluding visas and airfares. If I overspend I'll have a few quiet
months.
Hope this helps
Jim


I am planning a similar trip similar time frame low budget commencing 20
August. First stop Lamai Beach, Koh Samui to acclimatise. Flight Bangkok -
Guilin 7 September for my first visit to China, net booking with Bangkok
Airline 6095BHT. Destination Yangshou then to Ha Noi via Nanning using bus
services. Main Vietnam destination Nha Trang via Hue and Hoi An using over
night buses on the two long hops. Then for my first time in Cambodia via Ho
Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville for a beach stopover.
Returning to Thailand via Koh Kong to Trat. Subject to time and weather a
Koh Chang Beach from Trat or Koh Lanta beach via Bangkok or Krabi. Ex
Bangkok 2 Nov.
Dates flexible within the limits of booked flights and visas for China and
Vietnam. Duration of stay at any one location variable subject to cost,
enjoyability and access to ATM's or tourist friendly banks. Accommodation
preferred room or hut with toilet, shower, clean bed, plumbing that works
and a light for reading. I avoid dorms and air conditioning. Budget about
USD1500 excluding visas and airfares. If I overspend I'll have a few quiet
months.
Hope this helps
Jim
 >> Stay informed about: to go or not to go to china?