Trip to Asia...South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand?

[Kanchou]

I'm thinking of taking a trip to Asia at some point...

Probably South Korea. I'd like to see Seoul before it's destroyed in the inevitable upcoming war.

Any ideas on a budget for a trip of less than a week?

It would have to be on kind of a shoe-string budget since most of my money goes to paying credit card bills and living expenses. Sigh.

Taiwan and possibly Thailand would also be an option. But I have no idea what to do and see in any of these countries.

[sublight]

I went to Taiwan a few years back for a friend's wedding, and had a pretty good time sightseeing around Taipei - lots of good food around if you're adventurous enough to try the street vendors. It was also pretty warm, 20+ degrees in January.

[Russell]

It all depends what you are looking for and your available time.

South-Korea is not really interesting as a tourist destination. Many cultural assets were destroyed by the Japanese occupation. Seoul "before it is destroyed in the inevitable upcoming war" is like Tokyo "before it is destroyed in the inevitable upcoming big one", except it is more boring. If you must go to South-Korea, then visit Pusan. I cannot give specific points to visit there, but I just liked the atmosphere (and it is just a boat trip away from Japan).

Taiwan is more interesting. Even if you do not like musea (like me), the National Museum in Taipeh, which contains many treasures taken away by the nationalists when they fled Mao and comrades, is highly recommended. Food is pretty good. If you have the choice between South-Korea and Taiwan, then Taiwan is definitely the winner. No reason to waste your time and money in South-Korea.

Thailand: there is a reason it is highly regarded as a tourist destination. If you have the choice between South-Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand, don't even think: Thailand is the choice. Great food, lots of sights, good beaches, good... etc.

Malaysia: kind of sucks, when coming from Thailand.

Indonesia: Beautiful country and nice people. I only experienced Java, Bali, and Lombok, and I would not recommend the latter, but the first two are pretty good. Bali is a bit more relaxing than Java, but Java has its charms. I would say they are both on par with Thailand. Then there are lots of other parts of Indonesia that seem to be fantastic, so check it out.

Hong-Kong: sucks, especially if you go there for shopping.

India: you should only go there when in a special state of mind. I only went there for a few business trips, so I cannot comment on the touristic value, but there is lots of adventure, both culturally and culinary...

Japan: of course when living here, you may want to get out for a break once in a while, but if you never visited the Inaka (mountains etc), it is certainly recommended. Having a car is very convenient, but traveling by train has its charms too.

[Coligny]

It all depends what you are looking for and your available time.

South-Korea is not really interesting as a tourist destination. Many cultural assets were destroyed by the Japanese occupation. Seoul "before it is destroyed in the inevitable upcoming war" is like Tokyo "before it is destroyed in the inevitable upcoming big one", except it is more boring. If you must go to South-Korea, then visit Pusan. I cannot give specific points to visit there, but I just liked the atmosphere (and it is just a boat trip away from Japan).

NO, NO, NO, you don't want to go to Pusan... At all... it's a third rate harbor town with building falling appart and rattling. The whole place stink like a rotting trashbag, and indoor plumbing when available should not be trusted if you value your life.

Seoul while maybe not being exactly a sightseeing town is at least shockfull of hotbabes, have metro to bring you anywhere and a top notch university hospital for when you end up with the inevitabul food poisonning. We sometimes go for extended week ends to seoul as it's cheaper (plane+hotel) than going anywhere in Japan. Especially since japanese bounds trips usually include the cats and pet hotels are sort of pricey. Meanwhile, it's within artillerie range from Best-Korea, we left Toyohashi end of October when it was still possible to sunbath on the roof to land in a middle of a snow storm in Seoul with ball freezing temperature all around and frozen sidewalk. The airport is FAR, traffic is MADNESS... with wheels, taxi driver are hit or miss, but when it's a miss it's usually worthy of a movie adaptation, if you survive... There's plenty of cool shopping centers with normal stuff that you wouldn't notice while coming from US or Europe, but out of Japan it's like a marvel (especially if your life is bound to Jusco and Apita). There is a night life and restaurant open after 20pm... Food is quite good but be carefull, the plates are bigger... and even me Jooly couldn't finish... which is an event as rare as JR trains being late...

And, did I mention the babes ? everywhere ? Hot stuff...

[Kanchou]

You guys aren't making this any easier.

FWIW, doesn't SK have the world's highest rate of plastic surgery?

[FG Lurker]

Probably South Korea. I'd like to see Seoul before it's destroyed in the inevitable upcoming war.

I've been to Seoul a few times. I suspect a war would improve the place. No, I'm not kidding. Ugly, ugly city.

Any ideas on a budget for a trip of less than a week?

Depends what you want. I suggest you start doing some reading on each of your potential locations and see what would best suit your interests.

It would have to be on kind of a shoe-string budget

I'd put Thailand at the top of your list then so that gives you somewhere to start your research.