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What is the best city to visit in Southeast Asia on a budget?
I’m in need of another destination, but don’t want to travel any north of China, west of Myanmar, or southeast of Indonesia. I’m looking for a city that’s…
- English speaking to an extent
- Is relatively safe for tourists wealthier than the local population
- That is a large enough city, and not totally dependent on farming
- Should something major that is worth seeing (nature or cultural)
- Isn’t all about beaches or nightclubs
I’ve already been to Malaysia (east and west), Thailand (Hat Yai only), Singapore, Brunei, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Macau, China, and Vietnam (HCMC only).
I’m currently deciding between Sanya (China), Bangkok (Thailand), and Bali (Indonesia). I’ll be visiting during winter for the NOrthern Hemisphere.
Throw out your opinions!
I’m probably not going to visit the Phillippines, nor Jakarta, KL, or Singapore. That’s what makes this question tricky.
For budget options, Bangkok in Thailand would be your best bet among the three cities you mentioned.
Although if I were you, I’d go instead to Manila, Philippine Islands (just 2 hours from Hong Kong).
* Philippine Islands is Asia’s largest English-speaking country. 70% of all Filipinos speak it fluently – not to mention it is the Official Language of the country.
* Americans and Europeans are frequent tourists to the Philippines and the vast majority of them are respected and well-loved, and treated very well by the hospitable Filipinos.
* Manila is a cultured city highly proud of its Latin ambiance – it has the world’s largest and classiest malls. It also has lots of new ultramodern suburbs built along European designs.
* Intramuros is the world’s oldest preserved medieval walled city – built by the Spaniards during the 16th century. It by itself is major enough.
* Manila is Asia’s second cheapest city – notwithstanding its first world amenities and infrastructure.
* While Manila itself is near beaches and has Asia’s liveliest nightclubs (it is Asia’s most Westernized city based on culture), it is also about history, shopping, culture, and food. Manila has Asia’s best selection of food and cuisines from around the world.
* Just like all Southeast Asian cities, Manila has its fair share of slums and traffic, but most tourists come out of Manila saying that it has better culture, infrastructure, and shopping than other Asian cities – Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, and Jakarta included!
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