Seven cities in four countries over three weeks; that was the schedule for my Global Travelers trip around Asia. I mentioned in my introductory post that I love Asia, and this trip has confirmed that view.
To recap, here are the seven places I visited:
Davao
I had not expected to revisit Davao so this time around I went out to some of the nearby beaches and caught up with some business friends who are living there.
Where I Stayed: Park Inn by Radisson Davao, Davao – Philippines
Phuket
Phuket is best known for its beaches and surrounding islands (and fair enough), but it also has an interesting old town in the provincial capital of Phuket Town.
Phuket: The Town, The Island, and The Province
Where I Stayed: Radisson Blu Plaza Resort Phuket Panwa Beach, Phuket – Thailand.
Bangkok
I love Bangkok so any excuse to revisit and you can find me here. After my umpteenth visit I’m still not tired of this megacity.
Where I Stayed: Park Plaza Sukhumvit Hotel, Bangkok in Asoke, a central place to stay
Mamallapuram
I wasn’t expecting to visit India this year, so to go back to Mamallapuram and drink lassi’s, chai tea, and coconuts, while sweating it out under the South Indian sun was a highlight of my year.
Mamallapuram stone carvings (and the most delicious drinks in India)
Where I Stayed: Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay
Jaipur
A was thrilled to be going back to Jaipur as last time I was here I was sick and didn’t end up seeing much. This time around I visited the palaces and forts in the area that make Rajasthan so famous.
Where I Stayed: Country Inn & Suites By Carlson Jaipur
Chongqing
Despite the GFC the building boom in China appears to be continuing at a steady pace. The skyline of Chongqing has grown considerably since I was last here.
Chongqing: The megacity of Southwest China
Where I Stayed: Radisson Blu Plaza Chongqing
Shanghai
Shanghai, yet another great megacity that is worthy of revisiting. I hadn’t been for three years so I was wondering if I would like it as much this time around.
Shanghai – revisiting an old favourite
Where I Stayed: Radisson Blu Hotel Pudong Century Park.
I have also put together a video of the three weeks of travel. As every third day was a travel day it seemed appropriate to include the transit days in the video as well.
Win 1 Million Gold Points from Club Carlson
This trip was sponsored by Club Carlson, and as part of this promotion they will be awarding 1 million gold points to one of the three bloggers on this trip (here is Sherry and Nora’s trip report). The winner will be announced this week so I will publish how you can enter to win the points in the next Nomadic News.
This post was part of the Global Travelers series, in conjunction with Club Carlson. I visited seven destinations across Asia over three weeks, reporting from each destination in real time. The destinations were:
Davao (Philippines), Phuket (Thailand), Bangkok (Thailand), Mamallapuram (India), Jaipur (India), Chongqing (China), Shanghai (China).
You actually captured the fact that we sure did a lot of flying! Loved the video as it exhausted me just watching it! Plus – I loved the kitty in the middle! Great work – I think next year they should have us all switch continents!
Thanks Sherry! With 1 in 3 days in transit it certainly felt appropriate. And yes, I forgot the golden rule of the internet…you can never have too many kitties 🙂
I loved the video. You made it look easy.
Thanks Nicki! It was certainly a lot of fun.
Wow! Over already, seems like you just got going last week.
It’s been great fun to follow along.
Very interesting tour, James – especially Jaipur and Chongqing. And Shanghai is such a a classic favorite of mine. I can’t say I agree with you on Bangkok, however; I just organized a list of my five most livable large cities in SEA and I couldn’t bring myself to add Bangkok. I find it devoid of the culture that makes a place like Jaipur so interesting.
Youve covered some great places and great countries to visit in asia region. LUCKY YOU 🙂 I am feeling jealous already.
Some great cities. I’ll bet you are exhausted.
Great post!
I’ve just stumbled upon your blog and I love it!
I’ll be back soon 🙂