EAST ASIA

East Asia is home to two of the world's economic and cultural juggernauts: China and Japan.  Given the sheer size of China and the complexity / intensity of Japan, it is very difficult to have a complete understanding of either of these countries through a month or two-month travel experience.  


Sandwiched between these juggernauts are North and South Korea.  South Korea has an emerging presence and recent articles have started to called South Korean the "cool" culture of Asia.  To the north is the nomadic open space of Mongolia.  Taiwan rounds out the region and has a similar feel as other non-China Chinese locations like Hong Kong and Singapore.  

CHINA

I'm not sure why - whether it's a cost or logistics reason - but for some reason very few backpackers continue into China from Vietnam.  Those that do tend to visit the minority regions of Yunnan, Tibet, and Xinjiang or search for the "Real China".  While China has some astounding attractions (The Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors, etc.) the real reason to visit China is to see The Chinese, who fortunately are everywhere from big cities to small villages.

HONG  KONG

Calling Hong Kong out separately is not some sort of passive political statement but rather an easier way for me to organize information.  Since I live in Hong Kong, it's easier to organize and for users to find my adventures if Hong Kong is a separate "country" rather than rolling it up into China.  From a traveler's perspective, Hong Kong  feels different because of different visa requirements, currency, etc., but once your here you realize Hong Kong is China.

JAPAN

From a travelers perspective Japan is two parts: the first is amazing attractions - even after ten months on the road there was still many places in Japan that left me speechless and taking hundreds of photos.  The second is an INTENSE culture - Japan's isolation created a distinct culture that ranges from cute and comical to creepy and bizarre.  When visiting Japan it's important to plan for the cultural aspects as well although many of them you are bound to bump into at some point during your journey. 

MACAU

The Portugal version of Hong Kong...although unlike Hong Kong it feels much more European than Asia.  Similar to Hong Kong it's one of China's Special Administrative Zones, meaning that while China handles Foreign Policy and Defense, Macau sets it's own currency (which is conveniently pegged to Hong Kong's), legal system, and customs and immigration.  From a traveler's perspective it operates as a separate country from China.

SOUTH  KOREA

There is certainly more to South Korea than just Seoul but how much more, I'm not sure.  I regret not spending another night or two in a city other than Seoul or Busan because I think my view of the country is more of a view of Seoul - the pop presence and cuteness factor are strange and contrast starkly with their neighbors to the North.  

TAIWAN

There's more to Taiwan than just Taipei (even if I didn't leave the city). The island nation has several natural spots that if time allows are worth seeing.  If you are only here for a short time period Taipei, while not a "loud" city, has a lot to keep you busy - there's a few excellent museums, restaurants, and the strongest cafe culture in Asia.  There is literally a cafe or two on every corner - and they are not all themed cafes like Seoul.