Going East

[Pete]

Given the dollar/pound exchange rate at the moment, I'm thinking of heading East for my hols this year (B2B will have to wait until 2010, methinks), but I am a bit of a virgin to that area of the world, apart from my dalliance with an A380 to Singapore last year.

So, the places I *think* I want to visit are Shanghai, Hong Kong and Tokyo. Shanghai is pretty much a definite in that list, as there's a Solar Eclipse swinging over on the 22nd July, and given it's the longest Eclipse of the 21st Century, I don't want to miss it. The other cities are more on my wish-list, and I'm happy to hear arguments for and against.

What are my esteemed peers valuable insights? Would be doing all three cities be way too much? What's the best open-jaw to take; how best to get between cities and where's good to stay without spending an absolute fortune.

Pete

[honey lamb]

As someone who is currently ensconced in the MO in Tokyo having decamped there from the Grand Prince Takanawa it would certainly get my vote but I must confess it was a toss-up between there and Hong Kong when the fare sale was on. I think the idea of visas put me off Shanghai but maybe the Bitches might have some thoughts on that

[preiffer]

Chinese visas aren't a problem at all.

Been to HK - seemed ok.
Been to Shanghai a bit - love the place.
Never been to Tokyo.
Flights are a pain (because of the 'no direct' unwritten rule etc from China) but going to Taipei might be an idea. Taipei 101's still there (and I enjoyed the view at least...) [;)]
Did Seoul a couple years back - wouldn't go back again.

[HighFlyer]

Mmmm.... Asia [:D]

How long are you thinking of going for? Three cities isnt too much, provided you have time to enjoy them. I loved all three cities and would go back to each in a heartbeat. I love each of them for different reasons; NRT for being totally Lost in Translation, HKG for being the real East meets West and PVG for the great food, buildings and the Bund tunnel!

For flights, if you are using miles I'd start by looking at PVG and NRT as you'll likely find lots of G's on those routes (as we did!). Perhaps into PVG, out of NRT with HKG in the middle?. Yes you need visas for China, they are not difficult to get, just a pain if you are doing them yourself as it involves two trips to the Chinese embassy.

One point to note is that internal flights in Asia are usually quite expensive, so it wont be cheap getting between the three destinations. Our PVG-HKG flights were around £280 each for a 2 hour Y flight, booked well in advance. Once you are there though you can at least find relatively cheap places to eat in all three cities, though you may want to stick close to the hotels if you want to be sure what you are eating, especially in Japan. The Bitches can give you recommendations on places to dine.

As for hotels, you know I'll say MO's in HKG and NRT and the Grand Hyatt in PVG. That said, all the major names are at each location.

Thanks,
Sarah

[preiffer]

Grand Hyatt - Shanghai (actually, in Pudong) is on the top of the Jin Mao tower. GOT to be done.


DO it!