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Mosquito Net | Tagged Posts

2017
3
January
What are the must-see places in Beijing during a 10-hour layover?

Question:

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Rebecca

So I'm heading through Beijing in April. I have a 10 hour layover from 4 am to 2 pm, then on the way back a 16ish hour layover from 6 am to midnight. Any recommendations of places not to miss and how to travel to them the easiest and cheapest way?
Traveling to Bangkok for 3 days as well, Phi Phi Island for 4 and Bali for 5. Any advice on activities or attractions is appreciated. And vaccines that are necessary (getting conflicting reports online)?
Traveling with 3 adult females in mid twenties.

Humans say...

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Winnie

Make sure you apply for a visa ahead of time to be a allowed into Beijing during your layover

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Rebecca

I read you could get up to 72 hour layover visa at the airport and there was no need to apply in advance. Any word on that?

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Winnie

Make sure that’s true. It didn’t pertain to me when I was in Shanghai and I was stuck in the airport for 10 hours. It could have been bad luck for us at that time with the language barrier.
For vaccines, I went to an immunisation clinic at a pharmacy and was advised on which vaccines to get. It cost less than an actual immunisation Clinic

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Rebecca

Wow, that would be unfortunate to get stuck at the airport. It says Shanghai, Beijing, etc I should be good for a 24 hour one but I'll call a travel agent to make sure. Thank you.
And that's great, I'll check out the pharmacy imm. Clinic

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Jennifer

I’ve heard horror stories about delayed connectors out of Beijing and therefore not being able to board flights in Vancouver because of no visa. I’ve just googled it and it says Canadians are allowed anywhere from 24-72 hours. This is the whole reason we were so afraid to book our son’s flight to japan connecting in China. Does anyone know how it actually works?!?

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Blake

Rebecca VandenBeukel yes my friend got a 24 hour visa no problem at the airport in Beijing

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Ron

Alberta Health Services has a free travel clinic in downtown Edmonton. They can advise on vaccinations you should get for particular destinations. They charge cost recovery for "specialty" vaccines. They got us up to date on all the basic vaccines, like polio, diphtheria, etc for no charge. For Bali they recommended hepatitis, typhoid (if I remember right) and because we were spending time in very rural areas, Japanese encephalitis. They were very good at laying out all the recommendations and options.

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Rebecca

Thank you Ron that's very helpful!

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Rebecca

Emily
Kat

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Melissa

I did the 72 hour free visa and was completely fine. Just have to show your onward ticket !

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Sue

We had a 9-hour layover in 2014. We did not get a visa, and it was assigned when we got there with no problems. We arrived around 6am and our departure was at 3:50pm. We did a Great Wall tour through a private tour guide. We loved it and it was the perfect amount of time. They got us back around 1pm, which was enough time to get back through customs. We flew with Air China.

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Sue

We used this guide but you can find other guides and reviews on this page too.
https://tourguides.viator.com/tour-guide-lily-mei-29169.aspx

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Rebecca

Thanks, she has some good prices. I messaged her.

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Melanie

Great Wall or Forbidden City!

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Doug

You will need visa for China airport has area to rest and sleeping cubes

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Len

https://www.facebook.com/Kanya-Beauty-Room-1111133028914806/
For the ladies since you will be in Thailand

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Jaiden

I was just in Beijing for a layover. Yes get the 72 hour transit visa! It is next to customs. All you need is to prove that you have a flight leaving beijing. She will mark it on your customs form and then you go wait in line for customs.

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Rebecca

Thank you!

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Jaiden

Rebecca VandenBeukel if you have time go to kho san road in bangkok as well we asiatique market and the wat pho temple

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Rosemari

Bring your own mosquito net and clothes they can't bite through ,especially at Patong Beach where the full moon party is. Kata Beach is really fun

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Melissa

For the Beijing layover then first one try and stay close to the airport but the second one I recommend a tour. I haven't done any before but if you look on trip advisor you can get some really good feedback for the tours because these places make sure you'll make you flight and see the attractions you want to see ! For Thailand I say get rabies vaccination (I got all mine that were recommended and I've now done 10 Asian countries and most are for life). For Bangkok it really depends what you're interested in, I feel like one night you'll make it to koh San road (party road) and for temples and such try and get up at sunrise as it's going to be so much cooler and a lot less crowded! Are you staying in hostels ?

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Rebecca

We're staying in hostels in Bangkok and then air bnbs for the rest

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Samantha

For info on travel vaccines go on
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/.../destinations/traveler/none/canada
Most pharmacies will do a travel consult for around $25 and provide you everything you need and they will check your immunization records.

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Deanne

I had a 8 hour layover in Beijing with my kiddos in February. We had a private driver/guide take us to the Great Wall. He was amazing and reasonably priced. Message me if you’d like his info


A.I. says...

AI Profile Pic




<p>Beijing Layover and Southeast Asia Travel Tips





Beijing Layover and Southeast Asia Travel Tips

Beijing Layover

With a 10-hour layover from 4 am to 2 pm in Beijing, you have enough time to explore some of the city's iconic sights. Here are a few recommendations:

  • The Forbidden City: This vast imperial palace complex is a must-see in Beijing. It's open from 8:30 am to 5 pm, so you can visit during your layover. To get there, take the subway (Line 1) to Tian'anmen East or Tian'anmen West stations.
  • Jingshan Park: Located just north of the Forbidden City, this park offers stunning views of the palace and surrounding area. It's a great place to take a stroll and enjoy some greenery.
  • Wangfujing Street: This famous shopping street is a great place to grab a bite to eat or do some souvenir shopping. It's easily accessible by subway (Line 1 or Line 5).

For your 16-hour layover on the return trip, you could consider visiting the Great Wall of China. However, keep in mind that it's about an hour's drive from the city center, and you'll need to factor in travel time.

To get around Beijing, the subway is the easiest and most affordable option. You can purchase a single-journey ticket or a rechargeable transit card.

Southeast Asia Travel Tips

Bangkok

During your 3-day stay in Bangkok, here are some recommended activities:

  • Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew: This iconic complex is home to the Emerald Buddha and should be on your Bangkok itinerary.
  • Floating Markets: Visit one of Bangkok's famous floating markets, such as Damnoen Saduak or Amphawa, for a unique cultural experience.
  • Khao San Road: This vibrant street is a backpacker hotspot with plenty of shops, street food stalls, and nightlife.

Phi Phi Island

Phi Phi Island is a breathtaking destination known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life. Some recommended activities include:

  • Snorkeling or Diving: Explore the vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life around Phi Phi Island.
  • Hiking: Take a hike to the viewpoint on Phi Phi Don for panoramic views of the island.
  • Beach Hopping: Visit the famous Maya Bay (made famous by the movie "The Beach") and other picturesque beaches.

Bali

Bali is a popular destination with a rich culture and stunning natural beauty. Here are some suggestions for your 5-day stay:

  • Ubud: Explore the cultural heart of Bali, with its traditional artisan villages, rice terraces, and scenic landscapes.
  • Tanah Lot Temple:


   










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