Hong Kong Or Thailand ? And some questions

[Oxidda]

Hi everyone,

for April I have some time off and I have to choose one destination: either Hong Kong or Thailand. If I choose Hong Kong, I would spent there probably 3-4 days or so. Do you think it is enough ? Should I change my money in Taiwan first ? On the other hand, if I choose Thailand, I can stay there for 5 days in a high class hotel for the same price of 3-4 days in Hong Kong in a mid-range hotel. I have never been to these places before anyway so I am asking you people what do you think about it ? Anything to recommend or advices to give ? Thanks a lot for every answer in advance

[Chris]

Thailand. More to do. Better food. More exotic culture. Cheaper.

Cardinal rule: Do any currency exchanges from or into NT$ while still in Taiwan. Changing NT$ outside of Taiwan is sometimes impossible, but when possible, you will likely be hit with hefty fees.

[finley]

Nothing much to see/do in Hong Kong. You'll be bored after two days. Go to Thailand, but I'd suggest a lesser-known beach destination rather than a city (unless you're specifically looking for, um, alternative entertainment). Bangkok is 'orrible.

Chris: aren't you supposed to be in The Magic Kimdom?

[Chris]

Nothing much to see/do in Hong Kong. You'll be bored after two days. Go to Thailand, but I'd suggest a lesser-known beach destination rather than a city (unless you're specifically looking for, um, alternative entertainment). Bangkok is 'orrible.

I love Bangkok. Lots to do in the city even if you're not looking for ... uh... special entertainment.

Chris: aren't you supposed to be in The Magic Kimdom?

Still a few days to go.

[Chris]

Do be aware of the Songkran festival. It's fun at first, but it gets old fast. Three days of water soakings, crowds, and closed shops.

[Oxidda]

Thanks a lot for your advices, I'm still thinking but I will probably choose Thailand then, I can still go to Hong Kong over a week end anyway. With the songkran festival you mentionned, are there a lot of shops and tourist attractions closed then ? I looked on wikipedia and it says the celebration will occur from 13th to 15th of April. Should it be avoided if I want to tour the country (maybe a lot of people are going to their hometown during that moment) ? As I understood it, it seems to be a new year celebration, so probably very important to local people.

[Abacus]

Thailand. More to do. Better food. More exotic culture. Cheaper.

Cardinal rule: Do any currency exchanges from or into NT$ while still in Taiwan. Changing NT$ outside of Taiwan is sometimes impossible, but when possible, you will likely be hit with hefty fees.

People still change hard currency? Use the ATM. However I do like to carry about $100 US as a backup since it's easily exchanged.

I hated Bangkok although I should go back and spend some more time there. I mostly used it as a transit destination to other places. For a 4-5 day trip I would spend 2-3 days in a place like Kanchanaburi and go to the elephant camp and Erawan Falls. http://theworldisnotthatbig.com/2011/01 ... wan-falls/ and http://theworldisnotthatbig.com/2011/01 ... chanaburi/ or go to an island. I regret not taking the time to visit the islands but time/money was limited. I'll go back sometime.

thai islands and smaller cities >>>>>> HK >> Bangkok - imo

[tango42]

Songkran Festival is a blast. Some places will close for one day, but hotels, food shops, etc. still open.

[Oxidda]

Thanks all for your answers and suggestions . Actually I might go to Thailand before the Songkran festival starts then, and just leave a day or two after it has started. That seems to be a good compromise. As for special entertainment, well I'm going with my girlfriend so not gonna happen and I'm not into that kind of stuff ^^ unless you guys know something for couples .
By the way, my girlfriend is taiwanese so she will probably need a visa to get there, is it difficult to do for her ? (I think as an EU citizen, I don't need for tourism purpose actually).

[finley]

Thanks all for your answers and suggestions . Actually I might go to Thailand before the Songkran festival starts then, and just leave a day or two after it has started. That seems to be a good compromise. As for special entertainment, well I'm going with my girlfriend so not gonna happen and I'm not into that kind of stuff ^^ unless you guys know something for couples .
By the way, my girlfriend is taiwanese so she will probably need a visa to get there, is it difficult to do for her ? (I think as an EU citizen, I don't need for tourism purpose actually).

Frankly I can't remember if my gf had to apply for one or if it was just done as a "landing visa"... either way, it seems to be just a rubber-stamp job. I do remember walking through a Bangkok night market (I recommend the snacks) and having pimps coming up to me - with gf walking right next to me - waving a book full of photos of their girls in my face.

As for your visa - yes, I think EU citizens just walk right in.