Travel advice wanted - Phuket, Thailand and Beijing

[kalamalka]

I've just decided to go to Phuket (or somewhere nearby - flying to Phuket) for 2-3 weeks in November, and since my flights in both directions will go through Beijing and one can now stop over there for up to 144 hours without a visa, would like to stop there for 3-4 days. Have never been to either China or Thailand before - my only previous trips to Asia were twice to South Korea last year.

This is largely a trip based on a need to go somewhere a long way away where I can get a not-too-outrageous business class fare so that I can make the mileage I need for airline status for next year, since most of my planned trips for this year fell through for family reasons. IOW, I haven't done much thinking/planning yet, other than finding flights that would work. Neither destination was on my radar for this year until a couple of days ago.

Any advice for a newbie to these areas? In particular -
- tours in/around Beijing, since a tour seems like the best way to deal with logistics and language for a short period, and I'm travelling alone
- where to look for accommodation/recommendations
- any recommendations on where to stay/what to do near Phuket. I was thinking of maybe staying in two different locations for up to a week each place
- am also looking to see if I can find a sea kayak trip to do for part of the time, since I enjoy kayaking and it looks like a very good region for that.

 

[moebius]

I've only been to Bangkok, so I can't give you any advice on Phuket.

I've been to China twice. Both times I travelled with TCT (Top China Travel) which is based in China. You can sign up for a packaged tour which is cheaper or customize a tour for a reasonable price.

 

[Japanfan]

I don't know whether @alilou has been to Beijing, but she's toured in China and posted about a few of her experiences in her blog: https://alisonanddon.com/2018/08/29/xian-china-who-knew/

Very possibly she's been through the city at least. She has lots of information about traveling in China, IIRC she did so with a tour.

 

[Vagabond]

- any recommendations on where to stay/what to do near Phuket. I was thinking of maybe staying in two different locations for up to a week each place

I have never been to Phuket, but I know from work that the east side of the island is quite highly developed and the west side is much less so. If you do stay on the west side, take whatever steps you feel are necessary so that you can enjoy yourself and don't feel bored or stranded.

 

[Alilou]

I don't know whether @alilou has been to Beijing, but she's toured in China and posted about a few of her experiences in her blog: https://alisonanddon.com/2018/08/29/xian-china-who-knew/

Very possibly she's been through the city at least. She has lots of information about traveling in China, IIRC she did so with a tour.

I was in Beijing in May - three days on my own, and then another 2 days with the tour I joined there. I stayed at the King Parkview Hotel which was nothing special but fine - good location, and close to the hutong area, Jingshan Park, and further on Beihai Park where you can walk for miles along the lake. In Jingshan Park you can climb up to a pagoda which gives a great view of the Forbidden City.
Be warned the teahouse at the end of the main walkway through Jingshan Park is VERY expensive and there may be sweet young women who's job it is to entice foreigners to come drink tea there.
Language is definitely an issue, but I think you'll be able to connect with some day tours at the hotel. One of the people who was on the 3-week tour I was on did a day trip to the Great Wall. I'm sure there are many more options for day tours in and around Beijing.
I'm pretty sure at any time of the year the Forbidden City will be very crowded so be warned. I'm not convinced it's worth seeing, but it may be your thing. It's enormous, with many many similar buildings. Only the last few you get to have and furniture and decor of the time in them. I suppose it's the Chinese equivalent of say Topkapi in Istanbul which was way more beautiful and interesting for me.
We went to Tiananmen Square - it's just a big square, nothing special except for the history of course. That's all I can think of for now.
There's an FSU member who I know from FB and from the board. I know her real name but can't remember her board name . She lived in Beijing for years. I'll bet she can tell you a whole lot more than I can!

 

[peibeck]

@alilou do you mean Angelstakes?

 

[Alilou]

@alilou do you mean Angelstakes?

Yes! Calling @Angelskates!