Original Post Date: April 2010
Indeed it was a matter of time before I made my jaunt to the Far East. Asia, from what I’d read and seen, has always been fascinating to me. I knew eventually (being the travel enthusiast and one with a healthy serving of curiosity) I’d make my way over to the continent that’s arguably becoming a force to be reckoned with and on the superhighway to shaping our collective futures. Timing of course is everything and 2010 just seemed like the year.
Hong Kong was first up on my journey—sort of my gateway city to Thailand. Cathay Pacific runs a direct route from New York-JFK and takes about 16 straight hours to make it across on their retrofitted stretch 777-300ER (ER for extended range). Transfers into town are pretty easy and convenient – just about 25 mins via the Airport Express train to Central (the terminus in the center of Hong Kong) or via shuttle service offered by most hotel chains (kiosks easily spotted in the main arrivals hall.) From Central, there are easy connections to Hong Kong’s subway system, the MTR.
As with any major metropolis, accommodations are plentiful here and run the gamut from budget to ultra luxury. Most of the usual suspects, in terms of luxury chains (Mandarin Oriental, InterContinetal, The Peninsula, W) all line the 
harbor on both sides of bay. World famed The Peninsula Hong Kong (the original, built in 1928) on the Kowloon side is a must see—even if you’re not staying there. Drop by for afternoon tea or dinner and/or cocktails at one of the hotel’s trendy spots, Felix (the view of Hong Kong Island is worth it), or check out Sky Lounge at the Sheraton Hotel and Towers on close by Nathan Rd—views of Victoria Harbor are also spectacular here as well. For a less pricey, decent alternative, check out Eaton Hotel–part of the Langham group of hotels further afield in Kowloon on Nathan Rd. (see my TripAdvisor Review), or something trendy yet not overly pricey, spanking new (as at the time of this writing) Mira Hong Kong* which is part of the Preferred Hotels Group, also in Kowloon.
When in Hong Kong, in addition to taking in the popular sights—Bank of China, HSBC Headquarters, The Peak, Big Buddha, sampling local Chinese fare and if you’re lucky, catching a street Opera performance, meandering through very exciting street market stalls is recommended. One such place not to miss is Temple St Night Market in Kowloon. The shops go on — and on. And the merchandise pretty varied. Plus for the adventurous foodies, you can find some of the best local cuisine served by the restaurants that dot the market here.
Next up: Thailand—were most of my time would be spent—as planned. The flight from Hong Kong to Bangkok, Thailand’s current capital and its financial and cultural hub, is just a tad over 2.5 hrs or so, so not a terribly long journey. Having the big tourist draw it does, Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi (pronounced Si-wa-na-phoom) airport is serviced by most carriers in the region, including very popular low-cost carriers, Air Asia and Bangkok Airways. Thai Airways (for United Mileage Plus or Star Alliance members) or Cathay Pacific (AAdvantage or One World members) also have comparable and wider flight selections to Bangkok from Hong Kong as well. Suvarnabhumi airport is approximately 45 minutes outside the center of Bangkok by taxi and costs approximately 550 Thai Bath (roughly $18)**. At the time of this blog entry, there’s no train service connecting the city and the airport yet though I understand they’ve begun to lay the initial groundwork to extend rail lines out to the airport, so this could very well change in the near future. Taxis are metered but some unscrupulous drivers may want to talk you into a flat rate off the meter. If it’s over the amount listed above, you may be wise to bargain down or opt for another driver. (Update: the Suvarnabhumi Airport – Bangkok Rail Link is now open.)
Anything truly goes in Bangkok – believe everything you’ve heard. It’s no wonder this city, in fact, nation, is such a tourist draw. The city has some of the most energetic neighborhoods of anywhere in the region and having ‘fun’ here (however interpreted), is the name of the game. Plus, Thais are just such mild-mannered and humble people that having an otherwise unsatisfying time is hardly heard of. It may be important to note here that if you’re one who gets easily aggravated by the weather (the summer months are very hot and humid and rainy season, wet, as I understand it), plan your journey carefully avoiding these periods of extremes. Also, out and about, if you’d rather be ‘left alone’; this may not be the city for you. Thais, in addition to their open, welcoming, friendly nature, are also not afraid to approach you, if you can benefit from their services.
Downtown Bangkok pulsates with activity 24/7. Some of the notable neighborhoods here are Silom, Sukhumvit and 
Siam Square. In Silom for instance, you can find one of the city’s most popular night markets, Patpong. Lining the area are all sorts of eateries, massage parlors, and visually (or otherwise) stimulating bars and clubs – remember, anything goes here. Also down the road, on Surawong, on the opposite side is ‘boys town’. Chicagoans or those perhaps familiar with the neighborhood in the Windy City might be able to surmise what this is all about. Though, you’ll notice that the Chicago version is certainly a lot tamer.
It is true that you can get full body massages in Thailand at a fraction of the cost you’d pay back home—so certainly take advantage of it. Thai massage of (usually deep strokes with no oil) is of course very popular but most massage parlors offer other types that you may be more familiar with. In Bangkok for instance, massage parlors are just as ubiquitous as say Starbucks, for instance, so finding locations and willing masseurs/masseuses wouldn’t be a problem. I do recommend perhaps asking your hotel concierge for suggestions, so that you don’t find yourself in an awkward position with an overly aggressive masseur/masseuse. Some of these parlors can sometimes be fronts for prostitution.
In Bangkok, accommodation is plentiful and very affordable for everyone’s price range. From simple hostel-like B&Bs to high-end luxury establishments, there’s something for all. Le Meridien (see my TripAdvisor Review) is an excellent choice. It’s centrally located (in Silom) and offers first class 5-star service. Other notable ones are Mandarin Oriental and Aspen Suites (for range and variety).
If time permits, it’s a good idea to chart northern Thailand on your itinerary. Chiang Mai has become pretty popular lately and nearby Sukhothai (the kingdom’s first capital) has a lot to see as well. If you’re a little short on time, Ayutthaya in the Central Plains is a must. It’s a short trip from Bangkok and certainly worth it. Ayutthaya was Thailand’s second capital following Sukhothai, of course, before being sacked by the Burmese in the 1700s. Top agenda items while in Ayutthaya should include Wat Mahathat and Bang Pa-In Palace. The former is a temple ruin dating back to the 1300s that’s been declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco. Don’t miss the Buddha head lodged in a tree trunk. The latter used to be summer palace of the King Prasat Thong in the 1600s. Don’t miss the immaculately kept lawns and shrubbery in the shape of elephants. Also check out the Chinese mansion.
Thailand is known the world over for its stunning beaches and Koh Phuket on the Andaman Sea is an extremely popular destination for this reason. The area has come a long way from the Tsunami devastation of 2004 and with best efforts, rebounded from the destruction and unfortunate loss. While you’re in Thailand, you may as well check it out—even if you’re not a beach sorta person. Patong is by far the most popular of the beaches in Phuket but can get pretty crowded and loud. If you want something less boisterous, nearby Surin is good option (just about 10 mins via taxi or Tuk Tuk). As usual there’s a variety of accommodation options here and finding suitable lodging is pretty easy. Twin Palms (luxury), Manathai and Courtyard by Marriot (mid-range) are all good choices in Surin Beach.
Having visited, I can see why this nation is at the top of most people’s lists of places they’d like to see. It’s everything you’ve dreamed of and more—I can attest to this as it was a little sad to leave. The comforting feeling is that it’ll always be there. For those of you on the brink—do it, you’ll be glad you did.
*Now open
** At the time of this writing
Yapping with Yomi 