Thorn Tree travel forum

North-East Asia branch Frequently Asked Questions thread

This branch covers China (inc. Hong Kong and *Macau*), Japan, Mongolia, North Korea, South Korea, Taiwan and Tibet.

Other information about the region can be found under Lonely Planet Destinations.

Inside this thread we hope you'll find the answers to all your questions, if not, feel free to share anything you feel is missing!

Travel buddies, travel companions or trek partners
If you're seeking any of the above, then please post on our Travel Companions branch, not on the destination branches. Such topics posted on this branch will normally be moved by the moderators to the Travel Companions branch without notice. If you also have a travel question then please post that as a separate topic on the appropriate tr... more »

PERMIT SITUATION UPDATE

OK.......just spent yesterday trying to get to bottom of the permit situation for the next few weeks. Here is what I have found out.

1. Some Tibetan areas of Sichuan, Gansu and Qinghai are closed to foreigners until the end of March (I could not get confirmation of which areas...sorry!)

2. Lhasa and central Tibet (Namtso, Shigatse, EBC etc) IS open (with permits) at the moment.

3. American and European travellers are being denied Chinese visa's in Nepal. and the rumour is that this will remain until the end of March. (this means there may be NO WAY to enter Tibet from Nepal until the end of March) This news comes from friends in Kathmandu. It is tough to officially confirm this news as this decision comes from the Chinese Department of Foreign Affairs.....not from the Tourism Bureau who is low on the totem pole!

4. As usual there are a few independent travellers (usual... more »

Trans Siberian in Winter

I am contemplating doing the Trans Siberian soon and am wondering which season would be best. Summer seems like the best option but also the busiest and most expensive.

Has anyone done it in winter, spring or fall? What are those seasons like? I imagine winter will be mind numbingly cold especially in Siberia but would there be anything to see and do apart from the white snow covered landscape?

Thanks.

trains from Guilin

If you know Guilin, do you think there would be any problem catching a train from Guilin to Beijing in the week or so prior to Chinese New Year. Thanks for any advice.

Tibet overland trip - Lhasa to Kathmandu in May2010

HI there,

I am planning to go to Tibet in May 2010. Thinking about a 8 or 9 day trip.
Lhasa - Yamdrok Lake - Gyantse - Shigatse - Sakya - EBC - Nepalese Border.

Who is interested to join in such a tour to share costs?

Thanks and regards.

2.5 weeks Sichuan,Xinjiang and side trip to Xian??

Slowly but surely I am organising my trip in March 2010.Initially I would have had 10 days;now I have 2.5 weeks.I have already had many recommendations from TTers in and around Chengdu for a week.I am thinking of travelling north to Wolong,Songpan and Jiuzhaighou.Now that I have extra days I would like to make a side trip to Xian mostly to see the Terracotta warriors and then fly to Xinjiang and spend a week there and fly back to Chengdu.I have to be in Chengdu to fly back to Kuala Lumpur.
My questions are:
1.Easiest way to go to Xian from Jiuzhaighou?I guess fly...approximate costs?
2.Is it worth it to go to Xian just for the warriors?How long should I stay there and what other sights are there?(Old town,Muslim quarter.etc..)
3.Recommendations for a week in Xinjiang please!!Where should I fly to from Xian?
4.Finally what will be the weather like in March in those places?
That w... more »

Beijing > Datong > Pingyao > Xian > Beijing

Am in China already and already have plane tickets from Beijing to Datong and back to Beijing from Xian - with 8 days to spend. My plane gets into Datong at 9am and was thinking of spending a night there to see the grottoes and the hanging monastery. Now, after much research, I've learned I might be able to do this in a day and that it might be a good idea to not spend the night in Datong. Anyone know how to hire a car, get on a tour that probably starts at noon and ends soon enough to catch a night bus/train to Pingyao? Considerations/issues: airport to Datong & sites lugging bag around. Or should I just spend the night in town? If so, any tips on where?

Planning on staying at the Yamen hostel in Pingyao. Any thoughts/experiences on the place? I plan on spending some time exploring and soaking up the atmosphere. No set agenda.

Xian: tips? How many days? I've read 3 days/2 night... more »

Snowboarding Toyama

Hi

Can anyone recommend anywhere in Toyama specifically to go skiing/snowboarding please.

I'm aware that it gets a decent amount of snow and am going to be there over New Year.

Also, I would need a hotel to stay at in the resort that's a reasonable price.

I've been searching online and asking travel agents in Kochi where I'm living and it's very difficult to get any useful information.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Odori Bus Station Sapporo

Hey Guys,

Am heading to Sapporo in Japan on way to Niseko.
I was wondering if anyone had an address for Odori Bus Station?? I have been trying to find it to no avail.
The reason is that my transfer from Sapporo to Niseko is leaving from there.

I was thinking of staying at Ino's place, but after 'google earthing' it, I think it may be too far from the main area.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,
Damo