Asia

Here’s a recipe for adventure: a long weekend visit to family in Nakon Patom, Thailand.

Naturally nobody has a map, but the general instructions seem to be, “head west to the big road, then head south; turn right just before you hit Bangkok“. Uh-huh. Great instructions to cover a 900km trip!

Thai Group Consciousness (TGC) - it’s for real!

So it’s 4am, off we set westerly into the darkness. Sure enough after an hour or two we hit “the big road,” and duly turn south. A few more hours, and the dreaded murmur begins to make its way around the car: “shortcut!”. Everyone’s getting restless, so it’s time for a Thai Shortcut. “Turn right,” go the instructions, so off I turn, away from “the big road” heading east.

Naturally, no-one’s taking personal responsibility, but the on-board Thai Group Consciousness (see below) is giving instructions: ‘right’, ‘left’, ‘right’, ‘right’; with the roads slowly getting smaller each time. I’m getting a wee bit (!) frustrated, as I don’t fancy doing a 900km trip via village back-streets, and would really like to arrive before the week is out. “Relax,” says Ann, “people know where they’re going”.

Sure enough, half an hour later, we end up in the carpark of some forlorn temple, in the middle of nowhere. “Maybe we should ask for directions,” I suggest.

So we consult the guard, and ask him how we get to Nakon Patom. And he tells us “sure, turn left, right, left and left, get on the big road, head south a few hundred kilometers, turn right just before you hit Bangkok”

The next day everyone chipped in and bought me a map.

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Thoughts About Thai Group Consciousness (let’s call it TGC)

It’s a strange thing, and none of the other farangs (Westerners) here can explain it either, but Thailand seems to operate on a different plane of consciousness. Firstly, no-one can ever make an individual decision. Any decision is always given to the group (there’s always a group), and collectively, after much sitting around, arm-waving, pointing in odd directions, the ‘group’ collectively arrives at its decision, with no-one accountable for blame.

Secondly, the TGC has brilliant long-range communication. Case in point: last year David (who’s English) and Noi, friends of ours, decided to visit my wife’s mum to collect some chickens. They live about 120km away, and had never been to her place. So they set off with vague instructions, and about half way there they decide they’d better bring a gift. So soon they pass a plant nursery, and pull in to buy a pot-plant for Ann’s mum. Meanwhile, Ann’s mum has become worried that maybe they might get lost, so decides to get in contact with them. But she doesn’t know their mobile number.

So David’s standing in the nursery, somewhere between his place and Ann’s, when the owner of the nursery approaches him with the office telephone. “It’s for you” he says, handing the phone to David…

–Jordan Digby

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s things to do in Thailand, Bangkok tours and activities in Phuket.

Last week, Canberra, Australia’s small capital city, played host to the controversial Olympic Torch as it makes its way around the world. Organisers described it as the most successful outing yet for the flame – which isn’t really saying much after the chaotic debacles of Paris, London and San Francisco and the security-deadened, almost invisible parades in cities such as New Delhi, Dar es Salaam, Islamabad and Jakarta.

To the outside world, it all looked fine. A crisp, clear Canberra morning, smiling faces, clean streets and a run uninterrupted by scuffles, attacks on the flame, disappearances into bayside warehouses or the heavy-handed actions of benign-looking men in matching blue tracksuits.

But all was not as it appeared.

Spurred into action by bad press on the relay to-date, the Australian Chinese community – and especially the large number of visiting Chinese students hosted by Australian universities – rallied to the defence of the torch relay and their (in their opinion much-maligned) country. Maybe 10,000 students bussed in from across Australia, and formed a formidable presence on the usually quiet streets of Canberra (population 330,000). Vastly outnumbering and – if media reports are to be believed – intimidating their pro-Tibet counterparts, the Chinese supporters ensured that, for the most part, all the cameras saw was a sea of red flags and support.

Perhaps this display of strength on the streets is part of the education of visiting students. Perhaps they’ll remember the feeling of getting out on the streets and defending what they believe to be right. And perhaps they’ll take that democratic spirit home. Perhaps.

The blue-tracksuited ‘Flame Attendants’ had dominated discussion in Australia in the lead-up to last week’s relay leg. All week Australian and Chinese security agencies contradicted each other about the role of this special force. Desperate to avoid the sorts of hands-on activities in London and other cities, Australian politicians and security agencies were clear that the Chinese tracksuit guys would have no security role to play. At all. Chinese officials said they would use their bodies to protect the flame. The Aussies said ‘No you won’t’. And so it went all week.

Australians were perhaps drawn to the tracksuit story out of nostalgia. Former Prime Minister John Howard was famous for his daily walks around Canberra and Sydney – escorted by security guards – and dressed in a patriotically coloured tracksuit. Since his loss at the polls in November, the tracksuit has all-but disappeared from Aussie cultural life. Enter the Chinese to restore order and give us something to talk about.

In the end, the Aussies prevailed. Footage even shows an Australian Federal Police officer giving one of the Flame Attendants’ a none-too-subtle shove out of the way during the run. Bet that doesn’t run on the nightly news in Xi’an or Beijing last week!

Another thing that won’t hit the airways in China is the sad fact that the once pure symbolism of the Olympic torch has been sullied. It once stood for pure sporting competition, showing a peaceful ideal that might exist in a world free of war and politics. But there’s no doubt that the Chinese government – modernising and improving at an astonishing rate but still guilty of reprehensible acts within its own borders – is using the Olympics to create goodwill. The torch, the relay and the Olympics themselves were sadly tarnished long ago by bad governments permitted to bask in the reflected glow of the greatest sporting event in the world. The Chinese aren’t the first – or possibly even the worst – but the hypocrisy of admonishing protesters and hiding behind the ‘Olympic Ideal’ while so blatantly committing human rights violations is every bit as noteworthy as Berlin in 1936 and Moscow in 1980.

So where does that leave the Olympic Flame – past Nagano, Japan, and Seoul, now on a respite guaranteed by a shuffle through the North Korean capital. And where does it leave the noble Olympic Games themselves? Same place they’ve always been – at an uncomfortable intersection between politics and sport, but now with more people than ever aware of the complications and contradictions of putting an unattainable ideal smack in the middle of everyday human stupidity.

–John Ryan

So you’ve made it to Kuala Lumpur – the capital of Malaysia and one of the undiscovered gems in southeast Asia. Very few tourists pass through KL, as Kuala Lumpur is universally known. Most favor Thailand or Singapore for their southeast Asian adventures, but not you, because you are looking for something different. And we applaud you for that.

Kuala Lumpur: Get Cultured

Indiatown in Kuala Lumpur

The first stop to learn about Malaysian culture is the National Museum. After a thorough overview of Malaysian heritage, you may want to visit the Islamic Art Museum and the National Mosque (right across the street from the Islamic Art Museum). Next up: a stop at Merdeka Square, which can be easily combined with a visit to Masjid Jamek, the oldest mosque in KL. Take a break at the Petronas Towers (consider dinner at the Petronas Towers) and you’re well on your way to exploring the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

Museums are a fantastic way to experience KL. But even better to experience the diversity here is wandering the street markets and food stalls that dot the city. Taking a walk from Masjid Jamek up to Chinatown takes you through some of the most diverse areas of the city, where you can chat with the locals as they go about their daily business. Don’t be afraid to stroll down the side streets and take a look inside some of the many interesting and unique shops in this downtown area.

To see another side of KL, take a side trip to Indiatown (just north of Chinatown) – a very small, but authentic, section of the city where you can enjoy delicious Indian food from one of the many street vendors, have a sari or Punjabi suit made in a few days, or sing and dance along with the booming Bollywood music streaming from every shop.

Shopping in Kuala Lumpur

It’s a cliche, but there you have it: KL is a shopper’s paradise. Anything and everything is on sale in the city’s many malls, markets and street-side stalls. From the malls of Bukit Bintang to the splendor of Suria KLCC, you can shop in air-conditioned comfort for hours!

If you’re looking for local souvenirs and crafts head to the Central Market. There are plenty of bargains to be had in bustling Chinatown, which reminds me: in KL the key to a successful shopping experience is to bargain. Prices are never fixed here (unless you’re in an internationally-known chain store), so don’t hesitate to ask for “the best price” whether you’re in an air-conditioned mall, like Low Yat, or out on the street in Chinatown. No matter where you are, keep it light and fun, with a smile on your face – angry bargaining is seen as very rude in this part of the world. And don’t forget, it’s all part of the adventure!

An excellent place to start is Bukit Bintang (Star Hill in Bahasa Malayu), the heart of downtown KL. If you’re looking for the luxury shops, you can find everything from high-end designers like Gucci and Prada at the Star Hill Mall (next door to the Westin Hotel). The lower level also houses a great variety of gourmet restaurants.

Next door to the Star Hill Mall is Lot 10, one of the most popular stops for local fashionistas – great shoes and great bargains can be found in this slightly smaller, mid-priced shopping mall. Further down the street is Low Yat Plaza – electronics is the name of the game here, everything from cell phones to digital cameras to computers to MP3 players (but no clothes, shoes, glasses or books). Don’t forget to bargain hard, though, prices start in the stratosphere, but you can usually get some great deals if you’re willing to try a little banter with the shopkeepers.

Suria KLCC is Malaysia’s premiere shopping outlet – directly underneath the Petronas Towers. The ground level houses designer boutiques, while the upper levels showcase more mid-level shops. Suria has some great restaurants along with an international food court.

A Night Market in Kuala Lumpur

Another great shopping stop is the hustle and bustle of Chinatown, specifically Jalan Petaling. Knock-offs of just about everything can be found, along with more traditional Chinese items. Prices are aimed at well-heeled tourists, so don’t forget to negotiate for everything – start at around 1/3rd of the quoted price and work up from there.

If you’re still on your feet by the time the sun goes down, KL has a great selection of Pasar Malam (night markets) all around the city. The Sunday night market in Bangsar is one of the largest, and a frequent favorite of expats living in KL. Fresh fruits and vegetables, along with all sorts of clothes, accessories and souvenirs can be found at any one of these fabulous markets.

Dining in Kuala Lumpur

Make sure you come to KL hungry because there is a lot to eat! From a budget meal on the street to a luxury, gourmet experience, there is something for everyone. One of the best places to explore KL’s culinary variety is Bangsar – just 5 minutes outside of the city center.

Those on a budget can feast on Indian, Chinese and Malay at any of the fantastic food stalls for a truly Malaysian dining experience. One of my favorite places to snack is Devi’s Corner in Bangsar (across from Bangsar Village) – start with some chicken satay from the vendor on the corner, add a delicious naan bread or roti Chennai, some Tandori chicken and some nasi goreng; wash it all down with some fresh fruit juice, and you have a meal fit for a king, but priced less than RM50 (US$14).

Devi’s Corner in Kuala Lumpur

For those with slightly deeper pockets, Bangsar is a diner’s delight – restaurants range from Spanish tapas to Italian to Middle Eastern to German. Some favorite expat hangouts are La Bodega for tapas and Sangria; Telawi Street Bistro for Western European fare and great desserts, and Haus Frankfurt for authentic German sausage and schnitzel.

Kuala Lumpur’s Nightlife

Despite being a Muslim country, Malaysia has its fair share of bars and clubs (though alcohol can be quite pricey). A popular stop for tourists is around the corner of Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan P. Ramlee – an area of wall-to-wall bars, clubs and restaurants. Another hot spot, though slightly less noisy, is Bangsar – along with all those tasty restaurants, you can find trendy bars open until the early hours of the morning. A little farther afield is Sri Hartamas, a more local hangout, with a few small clubs and bars, catering more to the expat population.

–Kim Cofino

Planning a trip to Malaysia? Browse Viator’s list of tours and things to do in Kuala Lumpur, from a KL City Tour to dinner at the Petronas Towers to the Kuala Selangor Fireflies.

I had to laugh when I saw this tongue-in-cheek ad campaign for Sydney, the result of another magazine-sponsored attempt to promote the war between cities that never seems to stop. Why is that? Why do cities have to battle each other over which is the “most livable,” “most cosmopolitan” or, even more ridiculous, the “best.”

Mate, I like ‘em all!

For all the same reasons life wouldn’t be much fun if we all looked alike, dressed alike, thought alike or spoke the same way, it’s just really, really good that the world’s major cities are so incredibly un-alike. I hate leaving Sydney and my beloved Bondi Beach, but walking down Piccadilly and through Green Park isn’t too shabby an experience either, and it’s certainly not one you’ll find in Sydney.

That got me to thinking: what are the things I like to do as soon as I arrive in one of these cities, the things that make me glad I’m there? So I made a list.

Ode to the World’s Great Cities

In San Francisco I wait until the weekend (Sunday is best because there’s less traffic) and drive to Treasure Island just before sundown. San Francisco’s skyline is like nothing else; lots of hills, lots of white, tons of quirky buildings and monuments, two big, bold bridges, a huge bay, Alcatraz… there’s a lot to see and it’s all very definitely San Francisco, you couldn’t for a minute confuse it with anywhere else. I see this view in front of an invariably orange sunset and I feel good about being there; that’s a good thing.

London is for walking. Straight out the hotel door, left, right it doesn’t really matter. I keep my eyes open for a park, grab a newspaper — what other city has so many quality daily papers on offer? — and sit myself down on a bench to consume the day’s news. Then on in search of a new pub: with any luck there’ll be a football game on and a partisan crowd to watch it with. Not being a beer drinker is a bit of an impediment, but wine and spirits have the same effect. How many great parks and pubs are there in London? I don’t know, I’m still counting…

Paris is all about watching. Don’t feel guilty: French women — and men too, for that matter — would be annoyed if you didn’t notice how sexy they look in their new Christian Lacroix outfit, their favourite leather jacket, or whatever. They dressed up for you, don’t you get it? So right after unpacking I find a comfortable chair at a cafe on a busy boulevard, pretend to make important phone calls, glance occasionally at the Herald Tribune crossword… and watch the world of Paris go by. Give it a try, and for goodness sake don’t feel bad about it.

Bangkok is for the food. I talked to a couple from New Zealand just the other day, they’d been in Bangkok five days already and admitted they’d had all their meals at the hotel, “it just seemed safest.” OK, if that’s your attitude then maybe this isn’t the city for you. There’s about a zillion street vendors in Bangkok, selling the widest and wildest variety of food and drink you can imagine, so that’s my immersion technique as soon as I land. I’ve even been known to have the cab driver stop before I get to the hotel if I happen to see a vendor doing those little roti-style sweets with egg and carnation milk, rolled up like a crepe. Strike me pink, as my Dad used to say, they’re delicious. Anyway, after one of those I know I’m in Bangkok…

I like visiting Melbourne in winter best of all. That’s because I can go straight from the airport to the football. I mean Australian Rules Football, the real game — maybe that’s not an argument we want to have here — but suffice to say there’s nothing quite like being in a crowd of 80,000 at the MCG, watching Collingwood battle it out with one of their traditional enemies. I know exactly where I am when I hear that roar of “Ball!” go up from 50,000 of our fans — Collingwood supporters are always in the majority — and frankly it doesn’t really matter whether we win or lose, it’s just so Melbourne, so perfect, so unique an experience. Visiting in summer? The cricket works pretty well too…

I find myself in New York a couple of times each year. I don’t mind what season it is, because I know how to connect right away: grab the Times or the New Yorker and check the entertainment listings. Doesn’t matter what month it is, there’s always two or three acts in town that I don’t even have to think twice about wanting to see. And if they’re sold out, it doesn’t matter, just head down to the lower east side and randomise! Any act that’s good enough to get a gig in New York City is worth seeing; there’s tons of great venues, the crowds are always interesting, and if you don’t like the headliner you’ll probably die for the support act. Never fails me…

Got some favourite things to do in favourite cities, the ones you visit all the time and love coming back to? Hit that comments button, OK?

–Rod Cuthbert

So what is Viator’s Traveler of the Month?

Before we answer that, let’s back up a little. Recently we started publishing photos over on the viator.com website. These are photos taken by actual Viator travelers, photos of themselves on elephant treks, helicopter tours, desert safaris, private tours of the Vatican — and on hundreds of the other 5,000+ tours and things to do available on Viator.

So we’ve started giving props each month to an individual Viator traveler who makes us laugh, makes us smile, or who inspires us to make that next trip. It might be the prettiest traveler photo, or the funniest, or most inspirational, or just most plain weird.

What do you win? A $100 gift certificate (or the equivalent in pounds or euros) to use on Viator.com! So get traveling, take photos and submit them to viator.com when you return. If you want to participate, simply submit your travel photos (see below for how this works) and you are eligible. Each month we will chose a new winner.

This month we’re pleased to honor James & Michelle for their Egypt trip photos.

April Travelers of the Month - James & Michelle, United Kingdom

Michelle and James went on a trip to Cairo, Egypt and had a wonderful time exploring the different pyramids on their private tour to the Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Memphis and Sakkara. James submitted some really fun photos of their trip to the Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Memphis and Sakkara in Cairo. This is a great tour to get the full pyramid experience in Egypt.

James said, “This was a great day out. We had a few laughs along the way. The guide was brilliant.”

March Traveler of the Month - Alexandra S, Australia

Alexandra S and her family recently went on a trip to Fiji and based on her photos and captions, they had a blast. The photo above is from the South Sea Island Day Cruise where they snorkeled and relaxed by the pool. Alexandra submitted some great photos of the South Sea Island Day Cruise in Fiji. If you’re looking to relax and have a fun trip with the kids in Fiji, Alexandra recommends this tour.

Alexandra says: “Kris has given his thumbs up for this experience. This is definitely a trip to take especially if you have kids.”

February Traveler of the Month - James A, UK

Here’s a shot taken by James A in Rome, on the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Rome Walking Tour. James submitted some great photos of Rome and the inside of the Vatican. And, according to James’ review he’s glad he booked ahead because the line to get into the Vatican was over 2.5 hours long!

James says: “We were enjoying our tour within 15 minutes, and the guide brought the Vatican alive. There is so much to see you simply would not enjoy any other way as it would not mean much without being explained. The headsets you are given for the tour are fab, and you can hear loud and clear what your guide is saying. We normally do our own thing on holiday; however, this is one of the rare places which the tour works very well.”

January Traveler of the Month - Sumit B, USA

Sumit B seems to be having a good time at Madame Tussauds Wax Museum in Las Vegas, which he visited after purchasing the Las Vegas Power Pass. Sumit, his wife and his two embarrassed children met Beyonce, the Terminator, Johnny Depp, George Bush and Jenna Jameson, among others. Hopefully his wife forgives him for all of the photos with other women.

–The Viator Travel Team

Editor’s Note: We’ve posted the photos submitted by our Travelers of the Month over on the Viator Flickr site. Hop on over for some inspiration for your next trip.

How can you submit photos to Viator’s Traveler of the Month contest? It’s simple: book a tour with Viator and, when you return, you will receive a “Welcome Back” email. This email will invite you to submit reviews and photos of the tours and things to do on your trip. Tell other travelers what you loved, what you hated and show them in a photo. As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words.

Hong Kong reminds me of urban landscapes from cyberpunk novels. It’s all grime and glitz with narrow, twisting alleyways the color of sepia, mile-high concrete block buildings, and mirrored office towers, all bursting from a motley skyline of a billion neon signs. It’s eclectic, fast paced, stylish and modern –- but even so, there are plenty of places to find peace, quiet, and zen in a city park, temple, or monastery.

Hong Kong: Getting Oriented

Hong Kong is actually a collection of 262 islands, divided into four main areas: Hong Kong Island; Kowloon and the New Territories (located on the peninsula attached to the China mainland); and the Outlying Islands. The city itself is located around Victoria Harbour, and most travelers stay at the southern end of Kowloon in a neighborhood called Tsim Sha Tsui, a busy hotel and shopping district. In fact, Nathan Rd.’s Golden Mile is located here, so named for the ritzy shops lining the street.

Because of Hong Kong’s recent past as a British colony, there is enough English spoken (and printed on signs) to get around easily. Transportation is also a breeze: the metro (known as the MTR) is affordable, convenient and frequent –- and it goes all over Hong Kong. The Kowloon-Canton Railway (KCR) links Hong Kong to the mainland (if your trip takes you into China). Then there are ferries that cross the harbor, junk boats, escalators, moving sidewalks, aerial cable cars, double-decker busses, trams and, of course, taxis. Walking is always my favorite way to get around, though, and aside from the spontaneity and discovery a city walk affords, Hong Kong Island has many hiking trails for those seeking nature and exercise.

Aside from the unusual geography and the odd mix of cultural influences (Cantonese, British, Mandarin), I find the vertical construction of Hong Kong to be among the most disorienting traits. At home most things are eye level, but here, everything is stacked on top of each other: shops, restaurants, clubs and bars – you can’t just scan the storefronts on the street or you’ll miss most of Hong Kong. For locals, the evening commute ends with a half-hour wait in line at the elevator to get home.

Hong Kong Fish Market

Hong Kong isn’t particularly attractive in the day, not when compared to the evening hours, when all the neon signs light up the city making it feel (almost) like day. And every night at the harbour, a show called ‘A Symphony of Lights’ features lit skyscrapers, lasers and fireworks synchronized to music, recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s “Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show”. And night is when the crowds come out – they surge – but unlike the rest of China, no-one pushes or shoves, so crossing the street with several hundred other people is more like riding a wave than participating in a riot.

Hong Kong: Things to do

Some people say that all there is to do in Hong Kong is shop, eat, shop, eat. It’s true there is a lot of shopping, with all the stores along Nathan road, the many malls, and numerous street markets: the Ladies Market (fake brand-label goods), Temple Street Market (goods from all over Asia – great for souvenirs), Stanley Market (everything from luggage to cheap clothes), the Flower Market (full of flowers, of course), the Goldfish Market (a whole street lined with shops selling small fish in plastic bags), the Bird Market (exotic birds, delicate wood cages, and local men relaxing), and the Jade Market (beware of fakes).

It’s also true that eating in Hong Kong is a good pastime, particularly at the many noodle shops and dim sum restaurants. But there is more to Hong Kong than shopping and eating – here are some of my suggested itineraries and recommendations:

Hong Kong Harbour

• Visit the Botanical Gardens (Victoria Peak, HK Island)
• Ride the tram to the top of Victoria Peak (Victoria Peak, HK Island)
• Find Zen at the Chin Lin Nunnery (Diamond Hill, Kowloon)
• Check out the Taoist Wong Tai Sin Temple (Wong Tai Sin, Kowloon)
• Get lost in alleyways of the Mong Kok and Tsim Sha Tsui areas (Kowloon)
• Watch the swimmers in the downtown Kowloon Park (Kowloon)
• Have dinner and then cruise the harbor on a ‘junk boat’ (Kowloon)
• Check out the ‘Symphony of Lights’ Harbour Tour (Hong Kong Harbour, Kowloon side)
• Bet on a horse at the Hong Kong Jockey Club & Happy Valley Race Track (Happy Valley, HK Island)
• Go drinking in the Lan Kwai Fong neighborhood (Central, HK Island)
• Climb 268 steps to see the 34-meter-tall ‘Big Buddha’ on Lantau Island (Lantau Island)
• Take a boat trip to see pink dolphins off the coast of Lantau Island
• Make a day trip to Macau
• Take in all the sights of Hong Kong on a full-day city tour including Victoria Peak & Stanley Market

It also goes without saying, you must go shopping at one of Hong Kong’s many street markets and sample dim sum. No trip to Hong Kong is complete otherwise.

–Cheryn Flanagan

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s tours and things to do in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Harbour Cruises, and day trips to mainland China.

Editor’s Note: In the run-up to the 2008 Beijing Games, Viator has created a mini-guide for travelers that covers suggested itineraries in Beijing, as part of our Beijing tours & things to do in Beijing listings. As the games get closer we will have on-the-ground advice for making the most of your trip to Beijing during the historic 2008 Olympic games.

Visiting Beijing for the 2008 Olympic games? Then read on…

Since 2004, a giant digital clock in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square has been counting down the days, hours, minutes, and seconds until the opening ceremony of the 2008 Olympic Games, on August 8. It’s a momentous time for Beijing, as the countdown to the Olympics and the round-the-clock construction of a brand new city wind down.

More than 1 million people are expected to visit Beijing for the Olympics. We’ll assume you have already sorted your Olympic tickets (if not, click here for information on obtaining tickets to events at the Beijing games). So now we can focus on the fun stuff.

Your first stop? Check out Viator’s day-by-day itineraries in Beijing over on the main Viator.com website. We’ve put together this guide to help you plan your Beijing travels, with several itineraries to accommodate those with only a day to spend, to those with several.

Next, have a look at the suggestions below for making the most of a trip to Beijing during the 2008 Olympics. If you have more time in Beijing, or if you’re looking for activities that only fill a few hours, the city is full of interesting walks and bicycle rides, shopping centers, art galleries and museums, and entertainment. Here are some of the highlights.

Top Things to Do in Beijing

Standing guard in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square

• Rent a Bicycle. Though Beijing was famed in the past for the numbers of bicyclists clogging the streets, cars are more prevalent these days. Even so, there are plenty of cyclists riding along in special bicycle lanes with their own traffic signals and traffic directors, which make biking in the city relatively safe. Rides through hutong neighborhoods and around the Forbidden City are pleasant, and bicycle rentals are cheap and easy to find.

• Peking Duck Banquet & Chinese Acrobatic Show. Enjoy world-famous Peking Duck, an absolute must-do experience in Beijing, followed up with exotic entertainment by a Chinese acrobat troupe. The whole evening lasts about 4 hours and includes complimentary hotel pick-up and drop-off.

• Get a Drink. Head over to Sanlitun, the embassy district, which is a popular expat area with small international bars and cafes tucked in the avenues and side streets. Or check out the up and coming (and somewhat tamer) Houhai Lake for bars, pubs, cafes, and restaurants.

• Go Shopping. Once the commercial heart of the city in the Qing Dynasty, Qianmen Street (just south of Tiananmen Square) has been redeveloped as a shopping area inspired by the past, with renovated shops, an opera house, and a tree-lined marble thoroughfare for pedestrians. Nearby, the glass-faced Oriental Plaza stretches from Wangfujing Street to Dong Dan, an upscale shopping center, the plaza is two stories of clothing stores and several museums. The six-story Shin Kong Plaza in the Central Business District is home to more than 100 stores for designer brands like Prada and Gucci, and restaurants that span the gamut from classic French to traditional Beijing cuisine. Also in the Central Business District, a ritzy new mall called The Place, located near the Silk Market, is best known for its main attraction: a giant, 98-foot-wide LED screen ‘video roof’ that projects everything from swimming sharks and flying birds to intergalactic light shows.

• Visit a Gallery or Museum. Check out the Dashanzi Art District, a neighborhood of industrial buildings previously used for military and factory purposes that have been converted by artists into galleries, boutiques, coffee shops, and restaurants. For antiquities, the Wanshou Temple is home to the Beijing Art Museum, with collections of paintings, carvings, pottery, and handicrafts, and The Capital Museum houses artifacts such as ancient coins, stoneware, calligraphy and paintings. The Beijing Natural History Museum, near the Temple of Heaven, offers an interesting mix of zoological displays and human cadavers. The National Museum, on Tiananmen Square, has a timeline history of the communist party mixed with an incongruent collection of art exhibits on the first floor and a kitschy wax museum on the second, with a better view of Chairman Mao than the nearby mausoleum.

• Tour the ‘New’ Beijing Architecture. See for yourself what all the fuss is about by visiting the controversial new buildings in Beijing’s landscape, designed by some of the modern world’s greatest architects. The National Grand Theater, called The Egg, is a futuristic looking opera house of steel and glass surrounded by an artificial lake located west of Tiananmen Square. On the Olympic Green, get a look at the shiny metal National Stadium, called the Bird Nest, and the glass bubbled National Aquatics Center, also known as the Water Cube. Don’t miss the CCTV Headquarters, a skyscraper with an unusual trapezoidal ‘loop’ shape for China Central Television in the Central Business District.

• Go Dancing. Check out China Doll in Sanlitun, a dance club with an underwater atmosphere spread over three floors, or Club Mix located at the Worker’s Stadium North Gate, recently expanded and packed every night, Mix has several dance floors playing different styles of music. StarLive, in Yonghegong, is the best place to catch live music and foreign acts passing through town.

–Cheryn Flanagan

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s complete list of China tours, Beijing tours & attractions and tours of the Great Wall. You can even prebook a private Beijing airport transfer (PEK).

He’s not visiting there, or on vacation, or anything like that. No, my dentist lives there. He works in a wonderful, big, shiny and modern dental centre with lots of other dentists and nurses and hygienists, and all the other people and equipment you expect to see at the dentist.

I like him being there. Besides charging me about 80% less than what I’d pay for similar work in Sydney or San Francisco, I like the fact that he’s far enough away that he doesn’t call or email every few months about my next check-up or some other annoying “procedure.” No, he just waits patiently for me to transit through Bangkok on my way to or from Sydney. I am firmly in control of our relationship.

Deep in Bangkok, Jordan in Thai food heaven

And what a great place to have a dentist! As my colleague Jordan Digby — a Thailand resident — likes to say, Bangkok is a very fractal city. No matter how deep you go, there’s always another interesting pattern to be revealed. The guidebook is almost a distraction. The real action is… everywhere.

Visiting Bangkok last week to see one of our suppliers — and to drop in on Dr. Chat for a, well, a chat, I suppose — Jordan and I decided to venture deep into culinary Bangkok to sample a tiny restaurant that the New York Times has twice, over a period of 12 years, described in terms that would have their readers imagine it’s the “best of the best” Thai restaurants on our small blue planet. Having eaten some pretty good Thai food in our time, this was a claim we were interested in testing. We set off at 5pm with detailed address details and a hunger built up specifically with our mission in mind.

We stopped within walking distance, we guessed, of our destination, and watched the world go by while enjoying a cold drink. Observing the passing traffic is one of Bangkok’s delights, especially at dusk when the light coats everything with a little extra Oriental mystery. By 6:30 we’d gotten ourselves into the right state of mind, and figured we’d be safe finding a table before the rush later in the evening.

Two minutes later Jordan searched for the address details and realised they were gone, left at the bar or fallen on the street, but in any case gone. In Bangkok that’s not a good thing: it’s such a big city nobody really knows where anything is unless it’s important or big, and our destination was neither. Having got this close we didn’t feel like giving up, so we relied on Viator’s famous 24-hour Customer Service team to save the day: Jordan called Lindy in Sydney, she Googled “new york times thai restaurant” or something similar, and through the wonders of modern search technology and text messaging, we had the address about a minute later.

So far, so good.

But have you ever tried to find an address on foot in Bangkok by showing a text message to passing strangers?

Yep, it tasted as good as it looks

Fortunately all Thai kids learn English in school, and after some frustrating encounters we came across a family group that included the most precocious eight-year old in the city: she not only knew the street, she knew the restaurant, and couldn’t have been prouder showing up her big sister, who clearly hadn’t been paying attention in class.

The rest of the story is predictable: the restaurant, Chote Chitr (five tables, and the menu is in Thai), was every bit as good as the reviews. We followed the owner’s guidance and ordered all the good stuff. You know that thing about not believing everything you read in the papers? Forget that. The NY Times is 100% right.

So, here’s a thought: next time you see your dentist, ask him if he knows any good Thai restaurants. You may not be ready to move him to the other side of the world, but you can at least dream a little…

–Rod Cuthbert

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Maiko (apprentice Geisha)

Arriving at my ryokan in the Higashiyama district of Kyoto, a commotion of tourists near the hotel entrance erupted as maiko (apprentice geisha) stopped in front of a silvery-leafed tree to pose for a photographer. Given my location near Gion, famed for the ochaya, or teahouses, where geisha entertain affluent clientele, the sight of maiko became a common experience during the week I spent in Kyoto.

At night I would see them on their way to appointments, balanced high on wooden clogs called okobo, kimono shifting gracefully with each tiny step upon flagstone streets lit by old-fashioned lamps–a singular image that sums up the elegance and romance of the entire city. Kyoto offers a glimpse into the past of Japan, a city of rich tradition and cultural importance.

It’s been said that the historical side of Kyoto must be sought, with layers of the past nestled here and there among bustling city streets and tall modern buildings. But for me, it felt like the other way around. There are several thousand temples, hundreds of Shinto shrines, pagodas, Zen gardens, and numerous historical districts to be explored.

It’s possible to get a taste of the city as a day trip from Tokyo – the trip by shinkansen, or bullet train, is only a few hours. But for those with more time in Japan, three days is the suggested minimum by guidebooks. Considering the traveler’s affliction known as ‘temple fatigue’, for some three days might just be enough. With more time, day trips from Kyoto to more far-flung destinations are possible, thanks to Japan Railways, a network of track and speeding trains that connect cities all over Japan.

Kyoto Day 1: Historic Neighborhoods

Get a feeling for the city by exploring the historic neighborhoods in eastern Kyoto, starting with Higashiyam and then moving onto Pontocho Alley.

Higashiyama & Gion

Higashiyama

Higashiyama translates to ‘Eastern Mountain District’, a literal description of its location on the East side of the Kamo River, at the base of the Higashiyama mountain rage. It’s perfect strolling territory, with narrow stone-paved lanes that wind their way through tidy, aged neighborhoods; spires of pagodas that peak above silvery rooftops and the crisscrossing patterns of electrical lines; and temples and shrines that intermingle with modern day shops and homes–a sight that becomes familiar at every turn, but still manages to surprise.Begin with the Yasaka Shrine at the end of Shijo-Dori, and then make your way down the quaint Ishibe-Koji Lane, past traditional inns and teahouses. Take the stairs up to the Kodai-ji Temple and gaze upon the rooftops of Kyoto from the hilltop. Say a prayer to the giant Buddha called the Ryozen Kannon on your decent towards the Yasaka Pagoda and Sannenzaka Slope, known for its jumble of shops selling traditional crafts and souvenirs. Top it off with a rickshaw tour, powered by men in black tights.

Head over to the heart of neighboring Gion, Japan’s most widely known geisha district. Called geiko in Kyoto rather than geisha, the term means ‘a woman of art’ – geiko are entertainers, trained in conversation, music, and dance. As Gion is an entertainment district, it’s quiet during daylight hours, and offers pleasant strolls along streets lined with old-style houses and traditional teahouses, as well as exclusive restaurants.

Kyoto’s Pontocho Alley

On the other side of the Kamo River, Pontocho Alley comes alive in the evening, when the restaurants and bars that line the narrow lane and branching streets open for business. Another place to spot geiko on their way to and from appointments at traditional ochaya, Pontocho Alley began as a gay quarter and remains a lively entertainment district best experienced at the dinner hour and beyond.

Kyoto Day 2: Temples & Gardens

While Kyoto possesses too many temples to name or visit during the average traveler’s stay, several temples in the Northwest area of the city provide plenty of peace and Zen for any spiritual diet, and rank among my favorites.

Ryoan-ji Temple

Best known for its Zen rock garden, the ‘dry landscape’ style of Ryoan-ji is comprised of nothing more than 15 rocks and white gravel, and dates all the way back to the 15th century. Visitors are encouraged to ponder the sight and determine their own interpretation of the message conveyed–and though I find meditation difficult, I felt peace here. Another point of interest is Tsukubai, a stone water basin for the temple’s tearoom with a Zen-inspired inscription that reads, “I learn only to be contented.” Along with its great pond, a manicured forest that reflects the beauty of Japanese gardens provides a quiet respite from the outside world. Get here early before everyone else as the temple does get crowded.

Ryoan-ji Temple Zen Rock Garden

Daitoku-ji Temple

A large temple complex with many subtemples, Daitoku-ji is home to the Daisen-In rock garden that dates back to 1509 AD and was created by one of Japan’s most famous abbots. Visitors are able to purchase a cup of green tea to enjoy while contemplating the garden that not only surrounds the temple, but also becomes a part of it.

For me, though, the highlight of Daitoku-ji is found at the Koto-In Zen Temple. Established by a military leader and great warrior named Hosokawa Tadaoki in 1601, Koto-in Zen Temple is comprised of a famous teahouse known as Shoko-ken, and a garden considered to be a masterpiece of simplicity, especially noted for its maple trees in the autumn. Even in the winter the garden is captivating, peaceful, and poignant. The site contains many rare paintings and other artworks, along with the graves of Tadaoki and his wife. Tucked on one side of a towering bamboo forest, the temple is a place of quietude and beauty, made all the more special once returning to the street sounds of traffic and city noise.

Kyoto Day 3: Day trip to Nara

The capital of Japan from 710 to 784, Nara was considered the cradle of Japanese culture, arts, and crafts–today its many treasures are registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List and the city can be reached from Kyoto by train in under 45 minutes. Plan to spend a full day in Nara exploring the park, where most of the city’s attractions are found, along with sacred deer–thought to be messengers for the gods in the olden days, they are now protected by law. The Todai-ji Temple is Nara’s biggest highlight. The present structure (completed in 752) is the largest wooden building in the world and houses a 50-foot bronze Buddha. My favorite place in , though, is the orange-colored Kasuga Taisha shrine, which is lined with hundreds of lanterns.

Nara

Kyoto Day 4: Modern Kyoto

Aside from the many temples and historic districts, Kyoto is a modern city full of concrete and neon. Beyond the city’s train station, a modern mammoth of steel and glass, downtown Kyoto provides a wealth of activities for those feeling templed-out.

If museums and shopping fit the bill, check out the Museum of Kyoto or the Nishiki market located in the center of town. A long covered alley with vendors selling veggies and fish, mounds of bonito flakes, pickles (which you can sample), and baked goods, come to Nishiki for snacks like sashimi on a stick, or to simply take in the sight. Kyoto’s shopping district (which offers everything from notebooks to the latest fashions or traditional fans) is located around the intersection of Shijo-dori and Kawaramachi-dori, and spans many blocks.

Kyoto Day 5: Day trip to Himeji Castle

With its start as a simple fort in 1333, the Himeji Castle evolved over the years under the guidance of various lords – the castle as it stands today was finally completed in 1609 and can be reached from Kyoto by train in a few hours. Plan a full day to visit the Himeji Castle, and keep in mind that the premises close at 4 pm (September - May) or 5 pm (June - August).

Called the ‘White Heron’ for its white plaster exterior, the castle is considered the best preserved in Japan, and is listed as a World Heritage site. It may look familiar if you saw Kurosawa’s 1985 film, Ran.

The graceful curves of Himeji Castle is one of its distinctions, along with fish images on the roof known as Shachi-gawara, and the Osakabe Shinto Shrine at the top, where Japanese tourists pause to donate a few coins and say a prayer that ends with a swift 3 claps. Originally located on the top of the hill where the castle was built, the shrine was moved during construction, and then returned to the site when the new location proved ‘unlucky’.

Next door to the castle, be sure to visit the Koko-en Garden, built in 1992 to celebrate Himeji’s 100th anniversary of municipality. Located where the castle’s samurai houses once existed, the Koko-en is comprised of 9 individual gardens designed in the style from the Edo period. There’s also a teahouse where visitors can partake in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

Himeji Castle

–Cheryn Flanagan

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…and the tough guys tumble. It’s true, but really – one night in Bangkok is never enough. Perhaps more than any other city, Bangkok is a city for the senses. There are amazing sights – like the golden-spired “Wats” that dot the city; amazing sounds – the whir of tuk-tuks and buzz of conversation; amazing touch – the feel of silk and the touch of a Thai massage and of course the amazing smells and tastes of Thai food!

Bangkok is a place that you can visit over and over again and always find something new. In the past 10 years, I have made several trips - for work, for pleasure and as a convenient flight stop-over. I have come up with my ideal week of both the “must sees” and the sites off the beaten Path.

It tastes even better in Bangkok!

We have a lot to cover, so here goes…

Bangkok Day 1: Arrival

Depending on where you are flying from, you will probably arrive late at night. The new Bangkok airport is modern and efficient but charmingly chaotic! Taxis are plentiful and cheap and there are lots of touts in the airport to “help” you. Though most Thais speak English, the last thing you want is to be driving around while your driver tries to find your hotel! A better idea: pre-book your transfer. You’ll get a private car, an English speaking guide and they’ll know in advance where you are going. Check in to your hotel, have a Singha and get good nights sleep – we will be busy tomorrow.

Bangkok Day 2: Grand Palace & Wat Arun

Start the morning with a visit to Bangkok’s most famous site – The Grand Palace. Though no longer the Royal residence, it is still a beautiful compound of glittering buildings and the famous Emerald Buddha. For the first time visitor, a Guided Tour is highly recommended. It gets GREAT reviews - tell us what you think! After lunch, head to Wat Arun – also known as the Temple of Dawn – my tip: after your tour, come back around sunset and wander around as the sun goes down behind the temple.