... My head is always full of new ideas once I read an interesting article, hear about somebody else's trip off the beaten track and immediately, I do a little research to explore some basics on the destination. I save hotels quickly in my Tripadvisor app, so I can easily find the information when needed at a later stage. Weather is always something to take into consideration in his region as you don't want to get caught in wet season or worse, a typhoon.
So what's floating in my bucket ...
Laos
Vientiane and Vang Vieng ... we're actually booked the flights to go here for Easter but fares are not known yet so hoping the total cost are not too bad. Looking at Green Park Boutique Hotel in Vientiane which has good reviews and a pool. In Vang Vieng, Riverside Boutique Resort is the place I want to go after reading an article in Hong Kong Magazine. It's only a few hours by car, so can easily combined. Love Laos & Cambodia, still very laid back and relaxed! Definitely my favourites in South East Asia.
Tick! Read our trip report here!
Philippines
Still many places on my list there, Palawan including Coron, but just saw an old article in Travel & Leisure SE Asia on Siargao Island ... that looks great and very affordable! Only an hour flight from Cebu and Island Dream Palm Paradise Resort is well rated (like the other two places) but also has a pool, which is nice to have with 3 kids!
I've been close to booking Coron as well, Sophia's Garden Resort. Reviews are great, has a pool, but no beach front (it's higher up the hills). Palawan must be great too, especially El Nido but it's a pain (or expensive) to get to and lots of resorts are super pricey and I am still not convinced about the more budget friendly options. Definitely something to monitor. If you have a little more time, you could easily travel up from Puerta Princessa but it's apparently a long trip up (about 6 hours), so you would have to build in stops (and you'd have to get back as well).
Vietnam
After deciding that Phan Thiet and Mui Ne is probably not for us (a long drive from HCMC and very touristy according to many hotel reviews ... not the nicest), I am still keen on Phu Quoc. We spotted Phu Quoc from Kep, and it's an easy flight from HCMC. But again, either quite pricey but not great, well-rate midrange options. Or they don't have a pool or with 2 rooms you still end up paying quite a bit ... Cassia Cottage is definitely a contender and Chen Sea Resort & Spa (both have pools) and there are a few cheaper options that are well rated, but no pools. Close to Hanoi there is always Sapa, which is still worth seeing ... taking the train up into the mountains. October not the best time of year so would have to be an Easter break.
Burma
This is definitely a must go, but I really need to do more research ... Yangoon, Lake Ile, Bagan ... Definitely on my to do list to dig up some more details. A recommended travel agent that can help with local arrangements is apparently Gulliver Travels.
Thailand
Chiang Mai and the Golden Triangle ... really want to see as well. Had friends stay at Rimping Village Boutique Hotel, a good mid-range, family friendly option.
Booked for October 2014!
China
Funny one, there is still so much to see in China, but at the same time I cannot be bothered sometimes, however highest on my list are Xian, Shangri-La/Lijiang/Dali ... So first things first, though China sure has lots of other things on offer.
Malaysia
Affordable, simple and apparently beautiful ... Perhentian Islands on the east side of West Malaysia, the mainland. Hotels are fairly basic, and lots of reviews didn't really impress me, but the best bet seems to be the Perhentian Tuna Bay Island Resort ... unfortunately it doesn't have a pool, but it's by far the best rated option.
Japan & Korea
You may wonder why Japan & Korea are not on here. I was lucky to studies Japanese Studies and lived in Japan for a year and have been back a few times. I traveled all over Honshu and Shikoku and visited several places multiple times. I'd love to go back, but it does get pricey fairly quickly. Also hotel rooms can be small, so I would really need to look into some family friendly ryokan or minshuku options ... I'd definitely go to Kyoto and Nara (possibly in combination with Osaka, which is extremely boring in my opinion) first with the kids.
Have travelled through South Korea as well with friends during our stay in Japan. Obviously this was in my "previous" life, but I did love it back then. Great cultural treasures, love loved the food, great country ... really need to go back at some point ...
Ahhhhh, too many plans, too little time!!! But the exploring is already lots of fun, making it come true remains the best!
