I've been to every country in East and Southeast Asia - these are the WORST places to visit there... and why North Korea is one of the BEST
- From tropical paradises to vibrant urban landscapes, Asia offers a wealth of experiencesCarol
- "Sembah membantu!", atau demikianlah kata pandu menjelajah Zoe Stephens, dia boleh membantu anda tentukan di mana pergi untuk melawat.
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Lost amidst the numerous options available?
Tour guide Zoe Stephens, aged 30, is at your service to assist in selecting a suitable destination.
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With the help of the polyglot, you'll discover breathtaking scenery, the best local cuisine, hospitable people with welcoming grins, vibrant cities with electric vibes, stunning tropical islands that are pure bliss, hidden gems that few tourists know about, and top accommodations to suit your every need.
She also advises on how to steer clear of restaurants serving 'stale meals', tourist spots with 'limited attractions', countries where English is barely spoken and areas with less-than-friendly residents.
THE BEST OF ASIA
Bilakah tempat destinasi utama kenangan untuk mengunjungi?
, Zoe says.
She says: 'China will forever hold a special place in my heart as my favourite travel destination. I am drawn to its deep-rooted history and cultural richness, not to mention the warm and welcoming nature of the people.
‘Even with several lifetimes, it's impossible to see all that China has to show. From snowy mountains in the north to sun-kissed paradise islands in the south, and from bustling cities in the east to vast grasslands to the west, China's diverse landscapes simply beg to be explored.'
Malaysia's political science PhD student, Zoe, commends the country's low tourist numbers and its 'incredible landscapes', praises its 'travel-friendly infrastructure', and highlights its 'excellent' public transportation.
Zoe said, "Going off the beaten track is a popular topic. In China, take a train from the city and it's likely you'll be the only foreigner in the area, and you might not hear anyone speaking English, which will give you an authentic traveling experience."
In South Korea, she praises the Hongdae area in Seoul, saying it has an 'incredible dynamism'.
Zoe says: 'It's a place that stands out in my mind as one of my favourite spots globally. It's a popular spot for young people to socialize and enjoy themselves, but it's also home to a vibrant arts scene where many talented individuals showcase their skills, be it through music, dance or street performances. I could easily spend hours exploring Hongdae.'
Last but not least, there's Japan - a truly unique destination.
She says: "Japan is truly an incredible country and a top destination for me. Beyond its incredible food and cities, the Japanese mountains and rural landscapes are truly breathtaking. One of my most unforgettable trips was embarking on a pilgrimage trail where I had the tranquility of walking without encountering any fellow tourists, surrounded by nature's splendor and staying in traditional lodging that immersed me in the local culture. It was an experience like no other, offering the most authentic and genuine moments."
It's a challenge to compare the taste of different exotic cuisines from around the world.
Zoe, who has traveled to 70 countries worldwide, shares her verdict on the culinary scene in Thailand, Korea and Japan.
When it comes to dining out, China takes the lead in the country ranking because of its vast variety of food options available. She explains: “Back in the UK, we often opt for Italian or Greek cuisine, but in China, restaurant choices are typically influenced by the local region.
‘How about we go for Sichuan's spicy dishes, Guangdong's sweet treats, the hearty specials from northeastern China, noodles from Xi'an, meat from Inner Mongolia, or Beijing's famous dumplings? Each of these options offers countless varieties to choose from. The affordability factor is also a big draw - you can indulge in a meal that fits your budget, whether it's budget-friendly or extravagant. And in major cities, you'll find a diverse range of international restaurants as well.’
What do people generally say about the friendliness of locals in different countries?
Generally, local people in most of East Asian countries are friendly to visitors, but possibly the most hospitable to tourists are in Taiwan and Japan, where warm smiles and good manners abound.
‘They consist of the most secure countries. It's perfectly safe to leave your laptop and wallet on the table at a café, go to the nearby shop and return, and your belongings will remain undisturbed.’
She notes that several countries often overlooked by tourists have welcoming residents, like Timor Leste and Myanmar.
Apakah negara mana yang dia tak sabar untuk kembali?
Many would be surprised to hear that, but Zoe is eagerly anticipating a return visit to North Korea, a place she has previously worked as a guide.
She says: "It's been nearly five years since I last paid a visit. I used to go at least once a month and long for it greatly. I'm hoping, with the borders set to reopen in December, I can visit as soon as possible!"
'Malaysian individuals will find the locals in North Korea, regardless of their topography, to be endearingly warm and enjoyable company. Activities such as visiting coffee shops, museums, witnessing the diverse natural scenery and discovering economic exchanges are just a few popular options.'
THE WORST OF ASIA
Apa negara di Asia yang paling tidak disukainya?
Which one was she least fond of in Asia?
Zoe, who has been traveling overseas for 15 years, replies: "Singapore is alright, I have no complaints about it, actually I like it there, but in comparison to the rest however, there are many other exciting things to do and see in the rest of East Asia."
Are there places where tourists often encounter unfriendly locals?
I must admit, Malaysia, I'm sorry to leave, but there's something about this place that beckons me. In particular, I have to commend your incredible food and the vibrant tapestry of cultures that you so beautifully blend together.
I don't think Malaysians are unfriendly, but it might be a cultural issue, however people in the service industry make you feel as though you've committed a serious wrong.
'I arrived at the airport, cleared customs, and went through the usual procedure for entering the country... When it came time to inspect my passport, the customs officer seemed to make it as complicated as possible. At first, I assumed everyone was having an off day, but I soon understood that it's just standard procedure here. I left the situation without any hard feelings.'
Which one do you think serves the least desirable cuisine?
Zoe says would live in Taiwan, despite having lived there since her university days.
She said, 'This is all based on personal preference, and I'm prepared to face backlash and objections, but to me, the attributes of Taiwanese cuisine are characterised by being very sweet, and I actually lean more towards savoury dishes.'
‘It’s quite alike, actually, so while night markets and breakfast food choices might seem fantastic to tourists, it becomes a bit repetitive after a couple of weeks - especially since eating out for most meals is very common in Taiwan. You get to the point where new things become scarce when living there!’
She also mentions that 'East Timor isn't renowned for its cuisine' and that its dishes are 'unremarkable', adding: 'It's the same for North Korea - it's merely passable.'
Navigating certain countries in Asia can be a challenge if you're not familiar with the local language. The following countries are among the most difficult to navigate, especially for those who do not speak the language:
1. "Turkish is also widely spoken in Azerbaijan, but you may still encounter some communication issues, such as the use of Cyrillic script in certain areas."
2. India is a complex and diverse country, with many languages and dialects spoken. While English is widely understood in major cities, it's still a good idea to learn some basic Hindi phrases.
3. In Indonesia, aside from the impact of the pandemic, the sparsely populated islands of Sumatra, Kalimantan and Papua still remain less accessible.
4. Sri Lanka has a robust tourism infrastructure, with English widely spoken in most tourist areas, but the Pali language used in Buddhist scriptures and inscriptions may be encountered in more remote areas.
5. Mongolia is generally easy to navigate due to its limited number of languages spoken, although Uighur and Kazakh are still spoken alongside Mongolian.
6. Brunei and Nepal have well-developed tourism infrastructure but, respectively, Malay and Nepali may be spoken in rural areas.
Zoe says China, Japan, and Korea.
She adds: "I speak Chinese, Japanese and Korean, or else I think these languages would be the most difficult to navigate (and in that order!). In Southeast Asia, especially in tourist areas, people commonly speak English, but in some rural areas of Vietnam, Laos or Myanmar, there's less English spoken."
Apa negara yang dia kurang mahu kembali kepadanya selepas ini?
I'd rank Brunei and Singapore last on my list because, considering their small size, there isn't a lot to explore and see there.
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