Well this will be the first xmas where Im not swamped with work, far from it, so decided to take 3 weeks out. 

Christmas will be in Hong Kong, New Year in Thailand and long awaited rest with the view to do some Island bashing in Thailand and Maylasia. 

Any tips, do's and dont's, place's to see, place's to avoid, etc.

Quote:


, Dont tempt me!

Quote:

Marks DTM Calib wrote on 13. Dec 2009 at 20:06:

I am so jealous, they are some places I havent been yet, but they are the list

Tips from a frequent traveller:

- put timers on your xmas/interior lights

- take your liquids pre-packed in a freezer bag so you're not fiddling with everyone else at security
- wear slip on shoes to the sirport (you'll have to take them off)
- put your mobile, keys, and other electronic items into your jacket and put it through the scanner (saves time)
- take immodium and alcohol gel (use it!)
- take other toiletries you use often such as cotton buds etc (they may cost a fortune in foreign countries)

And finally:
- dont mix sleeping tablets and alcohol (the missus has some great stories of people that did and regretted it)

Marks DTM Calib wrote on 13. Dec 2009 at 20:06:
Ive heard this before, from Daz, aperently the National Sirens go off just before His plane lands.

From Red24:
Thailand is one of the most popular destinations for visitors to South East Asia. It has a well-developed tourism infrastructure, and most visits are trouble free. However, the country does have a history of political instability and has experienced a number of military coups since 1932. Following the latest coup, on 19 September 2006, and the ousting of then Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, the political landscape of the country has been uncertain, with regular changes in leadership; much of this uncertainty has been driven by large-scale and persistent anti-government protests. In 2008, a wave of anti-government protests by the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) led to a political crisis in the country. The PAD held regular protests outside government buildings in Bangkok and occupied Government House for a number of months in protest against the People's Power Party (PPP) government. The protests also led to significant travel delays when PAD supporters occupied Bangkok's two main airports. The political situation calmed following a Constitutional Court decision in December 2008 to ban the PPP, and the election of former opposition leader and head of the Democratic Party, Abhisit Vejjajiva, as the new prime minister. Although the inauguration of the new prime minister initially brought some semblance of order to the country, there continues to be resentment towards the new government by the former ruling party and pro-Thaksin elements. In particular, the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) – commonly referred to as the 'red shirts' – has grown into a strong anti-government force, carrying out regular anti-government protests in Bangkok and other towns. Although most of these have been peaceful, the potential for violence remains a concern and all large gatherings should be avoided.

Thailand has a low level of crime, but foreign tourists are targeted by petty thieves and scam artists; care should be taken to protect against becoming a victim of crime. Terrorism is a concern in the country, particularly in the southern provinces of Yala, Narathiwat, Pattani and Songkhla due to an ongoing Islamist insurgency; as such, red24 currently rates these areas as extreme risk and advises against all travel there. Terrorist incidents have also taken place in other parts of the country, but to a much lesser degree. Concerns about the safety of foreign travellers were raised following a series of bombings in Bangkok on 31 December 2006 and on 30 January 2007. Although the government has increased security throughout the city, the threat of further incidents remains. In addition, tensions have escalated between Thailand and neighbouring Cambodia since 2008 over ownership of the Preah Vihear temple (Khao Pra Viharn in Thai), and fighting has sporadically occurred between Thai and Cambodian troops over this disputed border area. The temple area is currently calm but remains closed to visitors; travellers are advised to avoid the area.



Overall risk rating

Overall      High      

red24 rates this country as high risk. We do not advise against travel to the country but do advise against all travel to certain areas. A high degree of caution is advised.


Risk rating breakdown

Crime      Low      

Low levels of petty crime and low threat of physical harm.

Terrorism      High      

Specific terrorist threats with sporadic attacks.

Conflict      High      

Ongoing threat of conflict in the southern provinces due to an Islamist insurgency.

Political      High      

Ongoing political instability since 2006 coup. Regular incidents of civil unrest.

Kidnap      Low      

Minimal or no reported kidnapping activity to both locals and visitors.

Infrastructure      Medium      

Main cities and towns have sound infrastructure, but limited in rural areas.


Extreme Regions

We currently advise against all travel to the following regions within this country

Yala, Narathiwat, Pattani and Songkhla (Terrorism - Conflict)

Islamist insurgents in these four provinces of southern Thailand are broadening their target selection, and are conducting increasingly sophisticated and synchronised bombing campaigns. This terrorist campaign is likely to continue for the foreseeable future, posing an extreme risk to locals and foreigners alike.

Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of China, largely made up of Kowloon Peninsula, Hong Kong Island and the New Territories, which borders mainland China. The territory is highly developed, with world-class tourist facilities. Although the region is known as one of the safest destinations in the world, there are a few security concerns of which travellers should be aware. Incidents of petty street crime do occur, particularly in busier parts of the territory; however, foreign travellers are rarely affected. Civil unrest and protests have increased in frequency in recent times due to the direct impact of the global economic downturn. Such events usually pass peacefully; nevertheless, the possibility of violence does exist and all large gatherings should be avoided as a precaution.

Hong Kong has reported several cases of influenza A (H1N1)/swine flu. The government has implemented stringent regulations, placing great emphasis on screening and surveillance, and a number of travellers suspected to have the virus have been quarantined. Travellers are advised to exercise caution and to adhere to the directives of the local authorities at this time. To read more about the current outbreak, please click here.



Overall risk rating

Overall      Low      

red24 rates Hong Kong as low risk. There are no significant security threats. Basic security precautions are advised.


Risk rating breakdown

Crime      Low      

Low levels of petty crime and low threat of physical harm.

Terrorism      Low      

Little threat of terrorism.

Conflict      Low      

No current conflict and little threat of conflict occurring.

Political      Low      

Stable political system; opposition to government policies only results in minor sporadic, mostly non-violent, civil unrest.

Kidnap      Low      

Minimal or no reported kidnapping activity to both locals and visitors.

Infrastructure      Low      

Developed or satisfactory infrastructure across the territory.