Favourite destinations for a week in Asia

A good friend is working in Tokyo for a few months, and since I've never been to Asia I'd like to visit for 7-10 days in early May. I'll most likely be flying into and out of Tokyo but we'd like to travel a bit in between. Any favorite spots within a 5-6 hour flight from Tokyo you'd suggest? I'm totally open to cities, beaches, etc.

Thanks for any suggestions!

-Nancy

Thailand, Thailand, Thailand. Dunno how far away it is, but it's worth it. Chaing Mai in the north is well worth checking out.

You have different options :
1) THailand - Phuket beaches (This is where the film "Beach" was shot), Bangkok, etc other places.
2) Bali Islands.
3) Cambodia
4) Hongkong

You dont have much time to really see all the places. But I gave some of the options and you indeed have many other places or things to do, that are not listed by me.

Btw, "Gute Fa(h)rt" in advance.

Just spent a few years in Japan--there's lots to do there. I love Kyoto, Mount Koya and Nara. If you really want to see more of Asia, I'd cast my vote for Cambodia.

7-10 days in tokyo isnt a lot. There is a TON to do there, and/or in the general vicinity. But, if you want to leave japan:

- Southern Thailand would be amazing, but would be quite the trek to get to any of the great places (phuket is overrun with tourists, you need to get to Phi Phi or Koh Lanta)
- Maybe Singapore for a couple nights wouldnt be bad. Would be a similar exp to tokyo though, and maybe you're looking for something different??
- I second Cambodia- angkor wat and the mountain villages for a day or two.
- Vietnam- I've heard it's the thailand of 15 years ago. And probably easier for you to get to from Tokyo.

While in tokyo, dont miss Kamakura. It's a full day trip south of tokyo, and is loaded with history and amazing shrines/temples. Bamboo temple was my favorite.

I too would recommend exploring Japan a bit if you want to go somewhere else too. Kyoto and its bamboo forests in Arashiyama especially.

not to forget: Malaysia.

i visited cambodia last year. i can recommend this tour.
edit: also because it is 6 days which gives you the chance to add another stop somewhere else.

i'd recommend checking out iriomote island down in okinawa.

My friends just returned from 'Nam and thought that it was considerably more touristy than Thailand. I guess it all really depends on where you go in each country tho.

Thialand, Malaysia or the Phillipines.

Japan is facinating enough for a trip of that duration to stay there. I would recommend getting a Japan rail pass before you go (which you can only get outside Japan) and head south. Places I would recommend are Hiroshima (historical), Kyoto & Nara (traditional Japan), Osaka (nightlife and shopping but in a different style to that of Tokyo), Beppu & Ibusuki (spa retreats).

Thanks, everyone these suggestions are great!

really? I was just there on the beach, and you couldn`t find a souvenier shop at all. Found it not as busy as Thailand.

Cambodia- I hated it! The Temples were nice, but constant kids begging and being nickled and dimed to death every step you took got annoying.

Getting to/from the airport in Tokyo is rather time-consuming - so think about that if you're gonna dash out of Japan. I'd also suggest you take the Shinkansen (train) from Tokyo to Kyoto - get some Shabu-shabu there. Go wherever Scarlett Johansson did in Lost in Translation.

As I said...guess a lot has to do with where you go in each country