I’ve only been to China twice, and it’s clear I found myself "pushed" in every sense of the word. But that’s what I love about traveling: stepping out of my comfort zone, my habits, and my European reflexes to face ways of doing things that aren’t my usual, that don’t necessarily suit me, that might even shock or displease me—so long as I take the time to simply tell myself that’s exactly what’s interesting: the difference.
Another post mentions Japan, and I really think you’d be much happier traveling there. Everything is generally very well organized, polite, and well-managed, while still feeling "exotic" for a Westerner. In short, comfort... both material and "psychological."
China is harder to grasp, I think, precisely because we often have to make an effort to understand and accept certain behaviors that might seem "unpleasant." But what a wealth of experience to be confronted with it and take something positive away.
Anyway, don’t let a negative experience get you down. You now have a little experience with China—if you go back 😉, you’ll be better prepared and less thrown off by certain things, and you’ll be able to appreciate everything else even more.
I’m heading to China soon. The only place I know there is Hong Kong, which I visited as part of a Southeast Asian trip. Honestly, when I landed back at Roissy, I felt like I was arriving in a developing country—especially since I’d flown in from Singapore.
That’s just my take, though. No offense to anyone.
Hi Ericdu38,
It’s been about fifteen years now that I’ve been going to China regularly—my wife is of Chinese origin.
Your impression might come from the fact that, given your trip in China, you opted for a tourist circuit, which I totally get. As a result, you shared your journey with many Chinese tourists who didn’t necessarily have three weeks to visit their own country.
For my part, I returned from China in December and I’m leaving again this Saturday for six weeks. I’ll be living with locals (my in-laws).
I can assure you that Chinese people in everyday life are really different from the quick stereotype you described.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and I respect yours.
Whether it’s a packaged tour, an overly packed itinerary, or anything else, that’s not what caused this miss. Some countries just click for you, and others don’t—it’s that simple. You got back not long ago, you’re disappointed and a bit worked up, which explains the slightly harsh tone of this message. China just isn’t your thing. No big deal, time to move on.
Of course, it’s not a big deal... there are much worse things in life.
Sure, we showed up there during a peak season, but still, we’ve visited most other Asian countries during similar periods and never experienced such intense crowds. The only things that come to mind are packed trains in India (but there, everyone makes their own space and no one steps on you) or short waits for major sites (but without being shoved around).
Next year, it might be Cuba or a trip to see the northern lights—something different for a change! 🙂
Yes Dominique, thanks.
And I definitely respect the opinions of those who love China.
I had a long chat with the advisor from the agency that suggested this trip. She even studied in China and is in love with the country... probably with a bit more perspective than we have.
You’re really lucky not to have been trampled in India! But then again, you travel with organized tours. I travel solo, and in India, a three-hour train delay isn’t anything new. The crowd arrives, and you risk getting trampled if you’re not careful. You have to push and shove past the Indians just to reach the ticket counter. In Pondicherry, I stayed in the "Black District of Delirium"—four lanes of traffic. It stops around 1 a.m., then the cleaning ladies take over, and by 5 a.m., the muezzin’s call to prayer starts. So if you think you know India, you don’t know it *at all*. Indians might be worse than the Chinese, but I travel solo and don’t run away. I love India and China—they’re just different cultures. If you don’t like them, leave them to the rest of us. Kerala is beautiful too, but what do *you* know about it?
You’re really lucky you weren’t trampled in India. But then again, you travel with a tour group. I travel solo, and in India, a three-hour train delay isn’t unusual. The crowd rushes in, and you risk getting trampled if you’re not careful. You have to push and shove past the Indians just to reach the ticket counter. In Pondicherry, I stayed in the "black neighborhood of delirium"—right on a four-lane road. Things quiet down around 1 AM, but then the cleaning ladies show up, and at 5 AM, the muezzin’s call to prayer starts. So if you think you know India, you don’t know it at all. Indians might even be worse than the Chinese, but I travel alone and don’t run away. I love India and China—they’re just different cultures. If you don’t like them, leave them for others. Kerala is beautiful too, but what do you really know about it?
I don’t claim to know India—or any country, for that matter.
Our first discovery was Kerala, through a French agency based there with a private driver. Two great weeks.
After that, I went back alone for two months: New Delhi, Ladakh, and then slowly made my way back down to Kerala and the southern part of Tamil Nadu.
So two months facing "daily life" there too. But for bookings, I chose to go through local travel agencies.
And last year, two weeks in Rajasthan with a driver—saw the Taj Mahal and a bunch of other sights.
I haven’t been to Pondicherry.
So yeah, I haven’t spent much time there, but I can still talk about it a bit more than someone who’s never set foot in the country. It let me see the big differences between these regions and figure out what attracts me—or doesn’t.
Just like in China, there’s probably a huge variety of regions, customs, and traditions.
For our other trips in Asia, we’ve mostly done them on our own. So we don’t *always* travel with organized tours.
Still, based on what I’ve seen and experienced, I’m sure I want to go back to India—but not to China.
Hi everyone,
I loved reading all your comments—I relate to so many of them. I’ve been living in China for over two years now, and everything said about their behavior? I’ve noticed the exact same things. After a while, though, you just have to learn to take it lightly. When a Chinese kid points at me and says "laowai" (foreigner in Chinese), I point right back and say "zhongguoren" (Chinese in Chinese), and afterward, they’re all smiles.
As for lines, if someone cuts in front of me, I tap their shoulder and tell them to get in line—they’ll usually be really nice about it.
Yeah, they talk loudly—sometimes even shout—and it’s the same at work. Imagine being in an office with 20 Chinese people all talking loudly. Some evenings, I finish my day with a headache.
One adjective that describes them is individualistic, but on the flip side, they’re ready to do anything to help if you’re lost.
I’ve visited quite a few places in China, and the more remote the area, the friendlier and more helpful people are.
If you want to see some of the lesser-known spots in China and the things that shocked me, I’ve got it all on my blog: www.duovagamundo.com
But I love this country, and I don’t want to leave at all. Perfect timing, since I’ve got to stay another year anyway! :)
I’ve been to China twice.
The first time was nearly 20 years ago.
I was traveling solo in the Uyghur region, between Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan.
The second time was almost 10 years ago, in the Shanghai area.
The 2009 eclipse was the purpose of the trip, and we were traveling with a group.
I found the Chinese people neither friendly nor unfriendly—just indifferent.
The crowds, the noise, the pollution—neither of these two experiences made me want to go back.
Still, I tried to return in 2014 while traveling between Thailand and Mongolia.
I couldn’t get a visa because they said I didn’t have a steady income...
So now I have no desire to go back at all. There are so many other beautiful places in the world to explore.
Or maybe in the mountains, around the Tibetan Plateau...
It’s clear that such an honest post will draw some backlash...
But I get you. It’s always so paradoxical because they can be extremely annoying, disrespectful, and unbearable one moment, yet just as endearing and kind the next. The example mentioned by another forum member—the train-ticket-seller-turned-prison-guard who finally loosens up when you smile—perfectly illustrates this constant ambivalence. That cold sweat you get around strangers... which quickly turns into obvious warmth.
You also have amazing moments with some taxi drivers or barbers, for example, who are often curious and eager to chat. That’s the charming side of China! And Shanghai—what an incredible city! Such a hub of sophistication and openness! And the cities in the North—so much history and so many great encounters!
But I’m sorry, we also have to admit that just because it’s China doesn’t mean everything is perfect. It’s obvious that the service is often terrible and at best half-hearted. And honestly, when someone cuts in front of you in line or yells in your ear, no matter how much they smile afterward like they’re some saint, it’s just pure disrespect. They *know* they’re not supposed to cut in line, but they don’t care, and when you call them out, 90% of the time they’ll play innocent or act offended—only to cut in front of you again two minutes later. Unfortunately, that reveals a certain worldview that doesn’t lean toward more respect or altruism... And being blindly pro-China and excusing everything with “that’s just how it is here, it’s so different” doesn’t help anything move forward. Because NO, even in China, it’s not normal to shove people out of the way to board a plane. That kind of behavior has nothing to do with some ancient culture. Respect for others is just a basic human behavior everyone should learn when they realize they’re not the only person in the world. Clearly, there are a lot of (fake) nearsighted people in China.
As for the food, I think you’re being a bit unfair—I find it really good in the North, around Shanghai, and in the West. But without the South, yeah, it’s honestly a disaster. Oil on oil. Not to mention their love for bones, tendons, and offal, which makes you wonder where the actual meat went. That said, I don’t mind the chili—quite the opposite.
When it comes to comparing with other Asian countries, sure, every country has its quirks that shape people’s behavior. But it’s undeniable that Chinese people shock, destroy, lack respect, and annoy EVERYWHERE and EVERYONE. In the West, where they still feel a bit lost and overwhelmed, their lack of confidence and shyness means they behave a little better (though not as much as 8–10 years ago). But talk to people in Southeast Asia or Japan, or even in Africa or Mexico, and you’ll see that wherever they feel like they’ve conquered the place, their behavior is even more outrageous than at home. It’s yet another proof that their sense of respect and community is pretty relative and flexible, and they’ll do whatever suits them as long as no one calls them out. It always makes me laugh when they get offended if you ask them to queue *in their own country*, yet you constantly see Chinese people ignoring memorials in France while laughing, or yelling and shoving Balinese or Japanese people praying in temples, finding it totally normal.
Yes, the Japanese are more respectful and just as eager to help a lost foreigner. Yes, Thais are genuinely nicer and better-mannered. Yes, there’s a whiff of selfishness, fake innocence, and “nouveau riche” attitude in China. Everywhere else in Asia—and pretty much everywhere I’ve been in the world—I’ve never seen people so self-centered and so unconcerned about others. Numbers aren’t an excuse: South Korea, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, and Japan have the same density, yet they at least know how to say hello and wait their turn... Let’s hope that one day, China’s growth will also include humanity and respect for others (in the broadest sense). It’d do the country good, which keeps building a more and more disastrous reputation. And let’s not forget that for now, the ones suffering the most from this incivility and constant disdain are the Chinese themselves.
Yeah, I get everything you're saying!!
If my post comes off as shocking, that’s fine—we’re here to share.
I’d already noticed that kind of loud behavior in India back in 2014. I was alone in a hotel room when a group of 6 or 10 people barged in around 9:30/10:00 PM, left their doors wide open, and just created this endless racket like they were the only ones there. Two of us went out to say something, but nothing helped calm them down.
Anyway, I don’t want to generalize, and we still had some good times. That said, it’s the first time we’ve been so eager to come back home.
Hi there,
Your thoughts are the spitting image of conversations I have with my Chinese sister-in-law, who now lives in France. She has a rather unflattering view of her compatriots, often highlighting the same flaws you mentioned.
Her explanation is that in China today, money is the only value that matters: if you have it, you walk all over others. If you don’t, you get walked all over. This is even more pronounced among the urban middle class, a group that didn’t exist at this level not so long ago.
And these are the very people you’ll find traveling the globe on cheap organized tours, increasingly criticized by locals for their behavior...
Hello
Your reflections are the exact mirror of conversations I have with my sister-in-law, a Chinese woman now living in France. She has a rather unflattering view of her compatriots, often highlighting the flaws you mentioned.
The explanation she gives is that in China today, money is the scale of values: If you have it, you walk all over others. If you don’t, you get walked on.
This is even more pronounced in the urban middle class, which didn’t exist at this level not so long ago.
And these are the people you find all over the world on cheap package tours, increasingly criticized by locals for their behavior...
Hello,
Montagnard74’s post also matches my experience in China.
I’d add to your sister-in-law’s explanation that China isn’t a rule-of-law state: the lack of judicial independence allows this scale of values to persist.
To add to your sister-in-law’s explanation, China isn’t a rule-of-law state: the lack of judicial independence is what allows this kind of value system.
Another big topic I didn’t want to get into here, but you’re right to bring it up.
Couldn’t agree more, Zola!
What a joy, what an adventure!
Just like you, I loved that difference, that originality, and I find it so sad how so many Asian countries have been stripped of their flavors to cater to Western tastes, overrun by hordes of Australians or others (not that I have anything against Australians... there are worse crowds).
Anyway... visit... critique... but don’t judge (can you really judge a millennia-old civilization after just 2 or 3 weeks of travel?) and long live the beauty of such different journeys!
Try Bali—it’s not bad! Even for someone like me who can’t stand crowds or noise (I’m 70), sure, there’s a lot of traffic on the streets, but once you’re tucked away in your bungalow surrounded by greenery, the Balinese are such charming, respectful people. I’m speaking from experience—I spent a month in Kuta staying in bungalows nestled in lush gardens because I avoid big hotels packed with tourists.
As for me, before leaving for China, I was advised to visit other Asian countries and avoid China. Yet my trip in April 2017 following a Beijing-Hong Kong itinerary and the one last April between Shanghai and Guiyang were absolutely enchanting.
But I understand your impressions, and indeed, some of their behaviors can be shocking. However, it’s worth balancing that with the positives: no one tries to scam you, you always feel safe (my girlfriend often walked alone at night), they have a fabulous railway transport system, they’re respectful (they don’t stare, and how many times did they offer my partner a seat?), and so much more. I suppose these qualities are even more pronounced in Japan, but compared to other countries I’ve visited, China is in a league of its own.
Two personal stories that highlight their kindness: the time we were stranded in a small town and the bus driver cut off another bus to let us board and take us to our destination. Then there was the time I had a persistent cough (I have bronchitis/asthma issues), and some students came to our rescue in a pharmacy to help us pick the right medicine and dosage.
Should I also mention the richness of their architecture and the diversity of their landscapes? That tips the scales even more on the positive side!
Yet I don’t travel in luxury. We’re always backpacking, staying in hostels, and avoiding taxis. In big cities, I love taking buses and the metro. In Beijing and Shanghai, I make sure to ride during rush hour—every time, I love the atmosphere. Also, biking in big cities or crossing the street on a red light (I know, it’s a bad habit) feels safer than back home in Montreal, where cars drive much faster.
At the office, when I say I’m going back to China, I hear "Again?!" Yes! Because every time I go, I discover something new.
We’ve never had communication issues, and I don’t speak Mandarin. Still, we visit many villages and always manage to make ourselves understood—our topics aren’t philosophy, just directions to find a bus, food, and a place to sleep 🙂
Next year, I’m heading back for 5 weeks, mainly to visit Yunnan. I can’t wait.
Did you, like us, experience the same things in China?
Couldn’t agree more.
Some people here have said China is a fabulous country.
That’s true, of course, but what’s the point? We’re talking about the Chinese—they’re just unbearable. Sure, you might appreciate that in hotels, they leave the doors open so they can talk... well, yell from one room to another. But you might not like it either.
The Chinese government even published a little guide on good manners to use abroad (or rather, bad manners to avoid).
Maybe in a few decades, they’ll stop spitting in the street ^^
Hi there,
I’m planning my trip for May. Here’s my itinerary for 4.5 days in Seoul:
May 5: afternoon at Mangwon Market, Mangridan-gil, Han River
May 6: Gyeongbokgung, Tongin Market & Seochon, Bukchon, Insadong, Jogyesa Temple, and Ikseon-dong
May 7: Namdaemun Market, Deoksugung Palace, stroll along Cheonggyecheon, Seoullo 7017, Hongdae
May 8:Changdeokgung + Changgyeonggung, Gwangjang Market, Jongmyo Shrine, Jongno Boulevard for the big parade
May 9:Morning in Gangnam, Bongeunsa, Namsangol Hanok Village, N Seoul Tower Plaza
What do you think of this itinerary? Is there anything I should add, remove, or swap out? I tried to keep travel time to a minimum, but I might be missing something. I’d love to hear all your thoughts—thanks!
Philippe
According to my calculations, I’ll be in Zhangjiajie on Monday, November 16th. I adjusted my itinerary to avoid the weekend.
I’m wondering:
1- Do I need to book the park entrance in advance (like, is there a visitor limit?)
2- I plan to take the elevator and maybe a cable car (I’ll walk the rest—I’m in good shape). Should I book those too, or can I sort it out when I arrive?
3- On Wednesday, November 18th, I’m aiming for Tianmen Mountain. Same question—do I need to reserve? I read it’s under construction right now. And apparently, it’s line C.
3 bis - Also, is it possible to go all the way to the top by bus only, without the cable car, and finish on foot?
I’m starting to think about a trip to Japan, though I haven’t yet decided on the exact duration or itinerary, and I have a few questions for those who know the country well or have traveled there recently.
First, about getting around: what do you think are the most economical and reliable ways to travel across Japan and move between cities? I’m thinking of trains, overnight buses, domestic flights, regional passes, etc. I’m not necessarily looking for the fastest option, but rather a good balance between cost, simplicity, and reliability.
I also have a question about the return ticket. Since I don’t yet know how long I’ll stay in Japan—or even if I’ll return directly to France (I might continue to another Asian country)—is it mandatory to have a return or exit ticket before entering Japan? Would a ticket to another Asian country suffice?
Regarding accommodation, I usually prefer staying in youth hostels rather than hotels. Are hostels easy to find all over Japan, including outside Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka? And what’s the average budget per night for something clean and well-located?
Finally, I’d like to get an idea of the overall budget for the trip. Is Japan still relatively affordable when traveling simply, or do expenses add up quickly? I’m mainly thinking about:
transportation between cities;
local transportation;
youth hostels;
food;
potential domestic flights.
My plan is to travel fairly freely, without necessarily booking everything in advance, so I can adjust my itinerary or stay longer in places I like.
If anyone has traveled this way in Japan, I’d love to hear about your experiences, tips, and maybe an idea of the daily budget to expect.
Hi,
My departure is coming up soon—two months backpacking in Taiwan, so much to discover! I’d love to hear about your travel experiences.
My main interests are meeting people, understanding how things work, hiking, and nature in general. I’ve also done a lot of reading about Taiwan’s complex situation.
I do stone sculpture.
I also want to visit Orchid Island for its history.
Marie
Hi everyone, I’m preparing for a one-month trip in October. I’m traveling solo and would love to explore the countryside, but I’m also wondering if there are any themed urban hikes or walks. In Japan, I did some themed city tours, especially by bike.
Thanks for any tips you can share!
Marie
Hi,
Our trip is planned for 20 days in Japan next April. We have a free subscription that would allow us to use 35 GB (I’m a bit confused), but we also need to be able to make phone calls with a French couple traveling with us for a few days, and that seems impossible due to cost... Any solutions for using GPS while keeping those 35 GB? Used to traveling in Southeast Asia, we usually rely on local SIM cards. Is it easy to do the same in Japan?
Thanks for your help!
Best,
Tialou
I’m looking for advice from seasoned travelers about a roughly one-month trip to Japan.
From late October to late November 2026.
We often travel in Southeast Asia but have never been to Japan.
Based on what I’ve read, I’d love to hear your thoughts on:
- Is traveling day-to-day, without booking hotels or trains in advance, possible in Japan?
(I’ve read many travel journals and blogs that say everything was booked way in advance… but that’s not how we usually travel.)
- Will the Japan Rail Pass be worth it for us?
(According to an old simulator, I’m looking at around 400 € for trains compared to 570 € for the JRP.)
Here’s our rough itinerary (which may change):
- Arrival Osaka: 3 nights with Nara
- Hiroshima and Miyajima Island: 3 nights
- Kurashiki or Naoshima: 2 nights
- Himeji: 1 night
- Kyoto: 4 nights
- Kanazawa: 2 nights
- Takayama and Shirakawa-go: 3 nights
- Around Mount Fuji: 3 nights
- Tokyo with Nikko: 6 nights (no theme parks)
Departure from Tokyo
I’m currently in the process of booking my hotels.
I have a question about these two apps. I’m planning to use trips.com to book my trains (if I understood correctly, that’s the best way to do it).
Is there any advantage to booking hotels with trips.com, or can I keep using Booking? (I’m used to the interface.) My hidden question is whether it’ll work smoothly when I’m there (for new bookings or retrieving the ones I’ve already made).
I’ve booked my flight ticket to China, arriving in Hong Kong and departing from Chongqing.
I have 27 nights there.
Here’s my draft itinerary:
Hong Kong arrival (minimum 3 nights + 1 night for Macau)
Shenzhen (1 night – immigration, day and night city visit)
Guangzhou (2 nights – 2 days of sightseeing)
Yangshuo (3 nights – 2 full days)
Passing through Guilin (0 nights – 1 day)
Longsheng or Longji Rice Terraces Green (2 nights)
Sanjiang (1 night)
Kunming (1 night)
Dali (2 nights – 1 day of sightseeing)
Lijiang (2 nights – 1 day of sightseeing)
Shangri-La (1 night)
Chengdu (2 nights – 1 full day for Buddha)
Zhangjiajie (4 nights – 4 days)
Chongqing (2 nights)
I have an efficient travel style (I wake up very early and generally move quickly).
I don’t want to see the Stone Forest in Kunming because it looks too much like the Tsingy in Madagascar.
What do you think?
Thanks for any kind of feedback.
Hi,
July 2026: I’m writing to you from Dali.
First, I got scammed on Booking—AI-retouched photos. No tourists at this hotel (Yishanju Designer Hotel), and the reality was horrible: dirty, with a disgusting breakfast. It’s better to use Trip.com here.
Next, the old town was an infernal cacophony, packed with tourists who shoved past without a care. Some vendors harassed you to buy things. All the stalls sold the same cheap plastic junk or other uninteresting stuff. The beautiful scenery was ruined by vendors lining 100% of the alleys. Impossible to walk, crushing heat, nothing good to eat except fresh fruit. Horrible experience.
Day 2: We went to Cangshan Mountain by cable car—the ride was short and nothing spectacular. We were at 2,600 m.
My plan was to see Erhai Lake. Unfortunately, I followed the advice of an AI chatbot: take the boat at Langkan Dock. The Didi dropped us off in the nearest area, which was full of charming little alleys but packed with Chinese tourists. The three-wheeled yellow cabs zoomed through the narrow streets, forcing you to hug the walls, on top of the scooters and other pedestrians to deal with. Crossing the neighborhood was hellish and suffocating. Once out, we hit the "corniche," which was also packed with Chinese tourists. The lake’s edge was all pebbles, and everyone was standing around taking photos. I was with my 5-year-old son. I would’ve liked to sit down and let him play with stones by the water, but it was clear we didn’t belong. They were even shoving each other for a shot! There were no boats in sight. In short, we’d had enough, and there was nothing interesting there either.
On the way back, we had to cross that maze again under the scorching sun. My son was braver than me—I even had a little dizzy spell from all the chaos. Add to that Dali’s altitude (2,200 m), so altitude insomnia, fatigue, and vulnerability during the day...
The restaurants weren’t inviting—the staff served sticky rice in a little bucket. The dishes were wrapped, and you had to figure it out yourself. After that, they ignored you completely, even if you were the only tourist.
On the 3rd day, it was time to leave for Shaxi. I hope to see beautiful villages. But honestly, I’m exhausted by this atmosphere where everything is complicated, communication is never smooth, noise is everywhere, and the behavior of some Chinese people is abusive...
Silver lining: not a drop of rain in 4 days and blue skies.
I couldn’t visit the villages in southern Yunnan because of rain and storms there...
But I was expecting to see a few more tourists.
For April or May 2027, we’d like to find a student guide if possible to show us the best spots and services and guide us around the country for 2-3 weeks on our first trip there.
We’re missing key info to plan this trip, especially recommendations from people who’ve enjoyed places that aren’t necessarily touristy but more intimate.
Thanks in advance
Next year, we’re celebrating 20 years of marriage (and travel 🙂), and we’re looking for something new, pretty legendary, and something the teens will enjoy too.
The family council has settled on Japan for now. And it’d have to be a summer trip—no choice there.
The catch: I keep reading that August isn’t the right season for southern Japan. It’s hot, humid, and there’s a risk of typhoons… Okay, but what does that *actually* mean in practice? Are there any travelers who’ve been there during this time? Is it *that* unbearable?
We’re pretty familiar with Southeast Asia—last year, we dealt with scorching heat in Vietnam and insane humidity, plus a typhoon we experienced from a distance, and visiting Angkor in the blazing sun. Is it worse than that?
I’m heading to Yunnan in February 2027.
We’ll be traveling exclusively by train since my daughter gets car sick.
Our itinerary includes:
Kunming
Jianshui
Dali
Shaxi
Lijiang
Shangri-La
I’d love any tips, especially other places to visit (without winding roads) or great hotel, guesthouse, or minsu recommendations.
Thanks!
Claudine
Hey there,
In the sea of VPNs, I'm looking for one to use in China for just a month (free or paid). Which one should I pick? All the ones I've found are for several months or even a year.
Hi,
I’ve always been used to exchanging my money (€) in town no matter the country (with a "mini exchange" at the airport if needed).
I can’t find any recent posts on this topic from the last few years.
Does anyone have any insights on this? Intrinsic benefits, best places to exchange, etc.?
I arrive at Tokyo Haneda on a Friday around 12:30 PM, and my first night is very close to Shinjuku.
Thanks.
Here are some tips from our 6-week trip (summer 2026) to China, Vietnam, and Cambodia. We traveled as a family of four with two kids aged 15 and 12.
I hope these notes help other travelers!
CHINA
General
You’ll need to download and set up a few apps:
- Alipay and WeChat for payments (I didn’t withdraw a single bill the entire trip)
- Didi for taxis
- Amap = Chinese Maps (works great, especially for subways)
- A translation app (we used Papago, but it sometimes gave weird results)
- Google Lens for translating menus or signs—super handy.
- HelloRide for bikes
- Gemini and ChatGPT for everything: understanding daily life, enhancing visits, checking the weather, finding things.
- HomeExchange if you want to lower travel costs (few listings in Asia except in big cities, often expats)
- Trip.com is very useful, even essential, for trains, domestic flights, and hotels. Like Booking.com, the more you book with them, the more perks you get. So I’d even suggest checking flight tickets on this site, even if it’s a bit pricier. However, buying train tickets is complicated because (1) they only open 15 days in advance, and (2) they sell out fast. Trip.com just promises to buy them as soon as they’re available but doesn’t always succeed. It’s stressful and might force you to change your plans, especially if you’re aiming for a sleeper car and there are no seats left. Watch out for station names—many cities have multiple stations, including a high-speed rail one outside the city.
For internet, we got the Asia plan from Holafly. It worked but seemed much slower than Chinese internet. I regretted not buying a Chinese SIM card because without internet in China, everything is VERY complicated (money, transport, etc.).
For the firewall, we used ExpressVPN, but it wasn’t always reliable. A bit disappointing. Ask ChatGPT for tips with screenshots to improve the settings.
Since we only had one SIM card with internet, we couldn’t rent shared bikes. If I were to do it again, I’d get a SIM for each person, even the kids, because distances in cities are huge. We walked *a lot*. Same goes for buses—it’s tricky with just one internet connection. Better to have a phone per person with internet.
Book your visits as far in advance as possible—they often sell out.
Watch out for power banks: if they don’t explicitly say "3C," they’ll confiscate it. Even if there’s a little airplane logo.
Shanghai
In the evening, the streets leading to the Bund from the metro were so crowded that police were out in force blocking roads. Arrive early. We went around the north side.
Suzhou
Be careful—there are two stations (common in China), and the high-speed rail one is 45–50 minutes from the old town.
The Humble Administrator’s Garden was *packed*—we don’t recommend it. It turned into a marathon day from Shanghai (almost 4 hours from our hotel to the garden).
Beijing
Forbidden City: Don’t go—I know it’s a shame, but it’s too crowded. I couldn’t buy tickets on the official site because of the kids’ passports. We ended up with a guided tour, the only way to get in (tickets sell out fast). The visit was disappointing—bad guide *and* massive crowds. You’ll queue a lot to enter and see certain areas. You’ll be checked often, so pack your bags carefully.
Great Wall at Mutianyu: Crowded. Two hours by bus, and even though we arrived early, people were already leaving! I really think the best option is to leave your big bags in Beijing and stay overnight near the Wall. That way, you’ll have it to yourself a bit more. For transport: get off at Tiananmen Square metro and look for buses with official guides in bright yellow-green vests. No need to buy tickets online—they made me cancel mine to rebook on the spot. Buses leave when full. Note: the cable car and chairlift are separate—if you want to go up one side and down the other, you’ll need different tickets. The endless queue for the toboggan ride put us off.
Quick tip: Incredible swimming spot in Beijing—on the north shore of Houhai Lake, you can swim by crossing the barrier. We did it twice with about ten other people. Bring a swimsuit!
Shapotou Desert
Amazing, but it gets *very* hot in the afternoon. We had a tent (not an air-conditioned bungalow), which was unbearable during the day. We hung out in the restaurant.
The paid activities are fun, except the camels—they look sad. The real highlight is the evening and sunset. The only downside: you can’t explore the desert alone or far—they don’t rent 4x4s, for example.
We stayed at "The Desert Camping Hotel of the Proprietress of Shapotou." They were lovely.
Zhongwei
Gaomiao Temple and its underground: Fun and short—you’ll see quirky Buddhist hell paintings.
Xi’an
Terracotta Army: We took a Didi because for four people, a car was almost the same price as four shuttle tickets. It was packed—chaotic to see properly.
We visited the halls in order: 3, 2, then 1—a good choice.
Hua Shan Mountains: Left before sunrise to arrive when the ticket office opened (7 AM, I think). We were shocked to see so many people already coming down.
45 minutes by bus to the west cable car, then 15 minutes up.
We did the west, south, east, central, then north peaks (in that order) before taking the other cable car down (you can buy the ticket at the top). A beautiful day.
In the city, check out...
Chengdu
Panda Research Center: Like Hua Shan, plan to arrive when the ticket office opens. Already *tons* of people, and it moves fast to see the big pandas before their nap. Have them drop you at the west entrance (not south), or you’ll have to walk uphill.
Leshan Giant Buddha: Interesting. The trip is a bit long (metro, then train, then city bus, then shuttle on-site). We didn’t take the boat option but walked. In the end, you only spend a few minutes at the Buddha’s feet, but it’s a nice day out.
Hotel tip: Panda Enjoy Home Hotel Apartments (Chengdu East Railway Station Dongda Road Branch). The view is insane, and the neighborhood is super convenient and nice. 646 CNY for 2 nights.
Swimming: The municipal pool is an interesting experience, but don’t expect to swim—no one does. Everyone just splashes around where they can stand. The hours are a bit odd, with a break in the late afternoon.
Kunming
The bike path along Dian Lake is pretty and often well-protected from cars. But like everywhere in China, it’s *packed*. Not much to say about visits—the flower market is a wholesale market, not very interesting. The ethnic minorities museum closed right in front of us.
All the big malls are good for shopping.
Dali
We thought we could bike around the lake in two days. Wrong on two counts: First, the lake’s edge is blocked to traffic and reserved for bikes (or tourist mini-buses). So you’re stuck on the main road, which never gives you a view of the lake, with all the trucks and cars. Doing 120 km like that wouldn’t make sense, in our opinion. The rice fields around are nice but not as impressive as elsewhere, so Dali isn’t worth it for that.
The old town, all restored, is pretty but *packed*—thousands of people, especially in the evening.
Hekou (Vietnam border)
Comfortable train from Kunming. In the parking lot, a bus (not well-marked, but Didi is an option) takes you to the border in 15–20 minutes. Short wait at both border posts. Fun to see the two lampposts near the border line: the Chinese one is new, modern, with a surveillance camera (of course), while the Vietnamese one is old and a bit rusty.
VIETNAM
General:
- You’ll need the Grab app for taxis
- Very disappointed with 12Go—it doesn’t show all buses, never connects you with the company, and refuses refunds. Try booking directly with companies like FUTA Bus instead.
- Credit cards are often accepted (supermarkets and modern stores), otherwise, you’ll need cash
Lao Cai
2 km between the border and the train station.
The sleeper bus to Hanoi with Sao Viet is well-organized—it works.
Hanoi
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum closes early (10:30 AM, I think).
Women’s Museum: Very good, not too long
Temple of Literature: Beautiful, fairly quick
This is where you should buy souvenirs, clothes, and knockoffs—the prices are reasonable, and the sellers are nicer than elsewhere. We recommend Cho Dong Xuan.
Tu Long Bay
We did 2 days, 1 night (so really 24 hours on the boat) with Parfum d’Automne (French-speaking agency), which put us on a Cycad Cruise boat. Cost: 300 € per person—expensive, but it was amazing, super luxurious, and the buffet meals were delicious. We don’t regret the splurge. The only downside: no swimming in the bay (but there’s a pool on the boat). To swim, you’d need a 3-day, 2-night trip to an area not protected by the maritime park.
Phong Nha
If you didn’t do the northern mountains due to time or weather (like us), Phong Nha is a great stop for a motorbike ride. It’s beautiful, especially the mountains west of the city toward the caves.
There are two (small) swimming spots at the Botanic Garden—a pleasant 45-minute walk without stops.
Hotel tip: Sunbeam Village (very friendly, pool, breakfast by the river, motorbike rentals)
Da Nang
Hotel tip: Meridians by Hsuite—you’ll have the beach almost to yourself. You’ll still need to walk 15–20 minutes to the hyper-touristy area if you want to rent surfboards (150–200k VND per hour).
The beach is beautiful, and the water is 30°C—great for a break on a long trip, especially since all transport goes through Da Nang.
Hoi An
45 minutes from Da Nang, so it’s easy to visit in a day, especially since the city isn’t that big and it’s *very* hot.
Cooking class: MS Hanh cooking class—great (the market tour is a bit useless). We don’t recommend the "basket boat" tour—it’s a bit sad on a big brown pond with elderly guides.
Ho Chi Minh City
Ben Thanh Market is a nightmare: starting prices are exorbitant, and the vendors are aggressive. Don’t go.
The War Remnants Museum can be really tough for kids.
Can Tho
Avoid this city. We made the mistake of going to see the floating market—don’t.
Chau Doc
No Grab in the city, but regular taxis.
One day is enough if you go early to the forest and the mountain in the late afternoon.
250k VND per person for the forest and its canals (45 minutes by motorbike)
The sunset at Victoria Nui Sam can be magnificent if the clouds cooperate.
Cheap and good restaurant: Quan Nem Nuong Sau Hiep
Hotel tip: Homestay Khoa (2,250,000 VND for 3 nights)—adorable hostess, full of tips, clean rooms.
The speedboat to Cambodia is more comfortable than a bus. Book with Hangchau a few days in advance—payment in cash on the day (1,640,000 đ).
CAMBODIA
General:
- Issues with the "Bakong Tourists" app—we had to go to a big bank to load money onto it. We barely used it afterward.
Phnom Penh
For us, a day and a half is enough if you want to spend more time elsewhere.
Markets close early (around 6 PM) and are less interesting than in Hanoi, for example.
The Royal Palace has a break from 11 AM to 2 PM, but there aren’t many people in the afternoon.
Siem Reap
Trip with Capitol company—the bus is basic but cheap. Departs at 10:15 AM, 7-hour ride.
Angkor entrance fee: 62 USD per person for a 3-day pass. Tickets are picked up at Angkor Enterprise.
Renting two 125cc motorbikes: 10 USD each, plus 7 USD for gas.
By bike, it took me 25 minutes to reach Angkor Wat’s pools. A basic city bike rental was 1 USD per hour.
Short circuit by motorbike (in reverse): 7 hours with stops everywhere.
Grand tour by tuk-tuk: Only 5 temples, 4.5 hours.
If you want to see lots of monkeys, they’re grouped west of Bayon.
For the temples, we asked Gemini (AI) at each stop to point out details that might interest kids (who can get bored with the repetition). It gave fun facts and things to look for—great for the little ones.
Hotel tip: The Five Senses, run by a Frenchman, Bruno, who knows Cambodia inside out and organizes tours.
Restaurant tip: Wild (only spring rolls, but *so* many varieties—delicious and cheap)
Watch out: 1 hour to the airport, 50 km from the city.
Show tip: The Phare Circus
We’re arriving as a group of three in Tokyo on Saturday, October 17th, then heading straight to Kyoto by direct train.
On Sunday and Monday, we’ll explore Kyoto, and in the evening, we’ll take a train to Osaka to spend the night.
On Tuesday, we’ll pick up a rental car at Itami Airport for a 6-day/5-night road trip around Shikoku:
- 2 nights in the Iya Valley
- Thursday morning, we’ll head to Matsuyama for 2 nights.
- Saturday, we’ll visit Mima (town, a few temples + overnight stay) and return on Sunday to drop off the car in Osaka.
We’ll leave very early on Monday the 26th by plane for Aomori in northern Honshu, where we’ll pick up another rental car at the airport for a 5-day/4-night trip:
- Day 1: Tsugaru Peninsula (Takayam Inari, Cape Tappi, Kanita); overnight in Kanita
- Day 2: Ferry transfer to the Mutsu Peninsula (cliffs, Lake Usori); overnight in Shimofuro
- Day 3: Head to the Hakkoda Mountains and onsens galore; overnight TBD
- Day 4: Return the car in Aomori by noon and explore the city before taking the train to Tokyo in the evening
We’ll spend Friday night in Tokyo, wander around on Saturday, and head home on Sunday.
Thoughts on the road feasibility of this trip? We’ll be there right in the middle of Koyo season, so it’ll be busy...
I know it’s a lot of driving, but there are two of us who can take turns. We’re not afraid of driving, even in the mountains and on the left side! Just wondering, are we going to be rushing, or is this manageable? AI says it’s all good, but it’s not the one driving...
Any tips for booking accommodations in the Iya Valley? Not many places have email addresses or websites (I know Booking.com exists, but not all listings are on there... and given the season, I think it’s better to book ahead!). Same question applies for northern Honshu.
For the rental car, I’m thinking of going with Alamo since at least it’s in French and straightforward, but are there any direct rental companies with user-friendly websites (Toyota Rentacar, ugh... 🏴☠️)?
Another question: With so many trains, is it even necessary to book them in advance? Can we just go to the ticket counter and grab seats on the spot?
For paying for the rental car, do we need a credit or debit card?
I booked my trip from May 5 to 26, 2027. I’m starting to plan my itinerary and look for hotels (I know it’s early!). While I’ve found some in Seoul and Busan, I’m noticing that elsewhere—like Yeosu—most hotels aren’t available (on Booking.com, for example, almost all are unavailable). AI tells me not to worry because hotels in South Korea only open bookings 6 months in advance, so it’s normal to see most of them unavailable on booking sites.
Could you confirm this for me and, of course, reassure me (!)? Thanks so much.
philippe
We’re back from a one-month trip to China and wanted to share our itinerary. Hopefully, this can give future travelers some ideas for exploring this beautiful country.
Beijing → Temple of Heaven / Forbidden City
Jinshanling → Great Wall
Zhangjiajie → Tianmen Mountain and Heaven’s Gate
Wulingyuan → Avatar Mountains / sandstone pillars
Fenghuang → riverside houses
Ping’an → terraced rice fields
Tiantouzhai → village / rice terraces
Yangshuo → Li River / karst mountains
Shanghai → skyline with the Oriental Pearl Tower
Our travel journal is available on our travel journal, written day by day. You’ll find lots of photos and some travel tips there.
I’m starting to look at neighborhoods in Seoul, and I’m leaning toward staying in a hotel in Insa-Dong—I’ve spotted one really close to Unhyeongung.
Is this a good area—nice and convenient for exploring the city?
Otherwise, I’ve also found another hotel in Yongsan-Gu, right near the station of the same name. Is that station useful for getting around Seoul?
Since I’ll be in South Korea for nearly two months, I plan to spend at least a week in Seoul to recover from jet lag (it takes me a while to adjust...). So, I’d love a neighborhood that’s pleasant and a hotel not too far from a subway station.
Hi there,
I’d like to do this cycling route over 2 or 3 days. I’m struggling to figure out and find a (good) bike rental that lets me start in Onomichi and drop off in Imabari. Can anyone help with great tips for rentals and accommodations along the route? How do I get back to Onomichi afterward?
I’m back with my detailed itinerary for 20 days in South Korea—it’s my first trip to the country. Our idea is to experience a more rural and cultural Korea. Here’s the rough plan: Seoul for 4 nights at the start and 1 night at the end, Gurye for 4 nights, Suncheon for 4 nights, Namhae for 4 nights, and Gyeongju for 2 nights. The goal is to pick a base and explore the surrounding areas. What do you think of this itinerary? Anything you’d change?
thanks
hi everyone, we're heading out for a 12-day trek in the Japanese Alps. We're bringing freeze-dried meals like we always do. We just found out that importing meat is banned, even freeze-dried. Is that true? We already bought them. They're commercially made freeze-dried meals. Online, it's not specified that they have to be "commercially made" because you can make your own freeze-dried food. And since we've heard they're really strict in Japan, can anyone confirm this for us? thanks
