I am afraid that I am not a fan of the three places on your shortlist, so I hope that you will not mind if I recommend a few others instead.
When you say you can speak Chinese, what kind of level are we talking?
I too am a Mandarin speaking white guy, so I think I have an idea of what you are looking for.
My first choice would usually be Bangkok (have you read 'Mandarin Optional'?) but the pollution is thicker up there at the moment than it is in Beijing, so that is probably worth avoiding.
Pattaya is always good. With your experience you will be able to spot all the Chinese tourist girls on Walking Street from a mile off, and they love to have someone show them around all the seedy places.
Phuket is very quiet this year after the accident, and even places such as Hua Hin and Chiang Mai are feeling the fall out.
Bali is buzzing. I have a Chinese gf who is a tour guide down there and she says that she has never been busier.
I personally think that the best choice would be Siem Reap. Less groups, zero competition and you will really be able to put your language skills to good use, especially if you have been to Angkor before.
I would have usually suggest Lijiang, one of my very favourite hunting grounds, but it is a bit crazy during CNY, and perhaps a bit chilly at the moment compared to the other SEA locations. Maybe save that experience until spring time and the bougainvillea begins to blossom.
Please let us know where you end up and how it works out.
When you say you can speak Chinese, what kind of level are we talking?
I too am a Mandarin speaking white guy, so I think I have an idea of what you are looking for.
My first choice would usually be Bangkok (have you read 'Mandarin Optional'?) but the pollution is thicker up there at the moment than it is in Beijing, so that is probably worth avoiding.
Pattaya is always good. With your experience you will be able to spot all the Chinese tourist girls on Walking Street from a mile off, and they love to have someone show them around all the seedy places.
Phuket is very quiet this year after the accident, and even places such as Hua Hin and Chiang Mai are feeling the fall out.
Bali is buzzing. I have a Chinese gf who is a tour guide down there and she says that she has never been busier.
I personally think that the best choice would be Siem Reap. Less groups, zero competition and you will really be able to put your language skills to good use, especially if you have been to Angkor before.
I would have usually suggest Lijiang, one of my very favourite hunting grounds, but it is a bit crazy during CNY, and perhaps a bit chilly at the moment compared to the other SEA locations. Maybe save that experience until spring time and the bougainvillea begins to blossom.
Please let us know where you end up and how it works out.