Hey guys, Originally I’m from New York but I’m doing some digital nomading right now.
My journey started with about 1 week in Dubai, followed by 3 weeks in India, and then I reached my main destination, which was Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam.
I’ve been here for about 2 months, and I definitely love it here. It’s a great city and everything. Love the food, the people, etc. I rented my apartment here for 3 months, so I have about one month left.
Since I’ve already been in Vietnam for a long time, I’m feeling a little burned out by it, and I had the idea that I should travel to some of the neighboring countries. Since I live in New York, it’s very hard for me to get to this part of the world. But since I have this Vietnam apartment, I could keep most of my suitcases here, and just travel light with a small bookbag somewhere. Then before my apartment runs out, come back, take all my stuff and fly back to New York.
I might get crucified for this, but I would prefer a city that has a pretty active Tinder scene. Tinder has worked really well for me in Ho Chi Minh, and I’m not the type to go out to bars or clubs anyways, since I’m introverted. So I use tinder to meet cool locals and explore the city with them.
So out of the list in my title, any recommendations? I’m considering possibly even going to 2 cities, maybe spend 2 weeks in each.
Right now I’m angling towards Bangkok. Since Thailand is cool, and it’s the closest to Vietnam. Although I’m very interested in Philippines and Indonesia too. Chengdu has been on my bucket list for like 6 years, and I noticed the flight from HCM to it is only $80, but I would need to get a China tourist visa, and I’m not sure how hard that is.
Korea would be cool too, but I feel like Seoul would definitely be the most expensive option. Plus like I said I’m not really into clubs or bars, which it seems is what a lot of Korean people like.
Do you guys have any recommendations or suggestions?
I have no idea what the process is for getting a Chinese tourist visa outside of America but when I went through the process a few years ago, it was a hassle. They asked for bank records, proof of employment, etc. They also asked for a full itinerary of where I was staying. I just paid for a visa agency to take care of it for me so the process took maybe 2-3 weeks. I know people will go to Hong Kong and go through visa agencies there so maybe that’s a good option for you - no idea if Vietnam has a similar thing going on. The good thing is that the visa lasts for 10 years so if you’re passionate about visiting China you can use the visa multiple times.
Are the visa agencies in HK still operating?
How much for a 6 month multi entry at present?
You can’t apply for a Chinese visa outside of your home country without some sort of residency. E.g. if you’re in Thailand and on a work or elite visa, you can apply in Bangkok, but if you’re on a tourist or ED visa it’s a no-go.