Hi, I'm planning to go travelling around South East Asia during mid December to early Jan '09, and will therefore be away for this coming Christmas and New Year.

Has anyone been travelling around that region at that time of year and can suggest where I should go? I've been told one of the many beaches in Thailand for New Year. Or perhaps New Year in Hong Kong? I read Philippines is suppose to be good for Xmas...

Any suggestions or advice would be really appreciated. Thank you :)

I have been to all three places. My first choice is Thailand. If you are more interested in the religious aspects of Christmas then perhaps the Philippines. In the P.I. they start the Christmas season before November. They take the Christ in Christmas viewpoints a little more seriously.

Hong Kong seems to be more interested in shopping than partying or religion! Although you will also find churches in both Thailand and Hong Kong.

Money wise, Thailand will be cheaper than the Philippines and Hong Kong will be the most expensive. The Philippines is really crowded around Christmas when millions of Filipinos return home from jobs all over the world bearing gifts like one of the Three Wise Men! Hotels can be a little full.

Thailand first choice, you have the shopping, you have the night life, you have cheaper (even during high season) hotels and cheap reliable transportation.

If you have never been to either the Philippines or Thailand, Thailand will be easier to adjust to. Hong Kong, to me is too much about shopping and business. The Philippines takes a little adjusting to when you notice security guards with guns outside Seven Eleven stores and malls. Filipinos are friendly and easy to talk to, no real language problems. Manila slightly dirtier and dingier than Bangkok. I have been and out of the PI since the seventies when I was in the Navy.

This year you may be getting some bargains in Thailand. Some tourists have been put off because of the demonstrations going on in Bangkok. I have been in and out during these demonstrations, except for actually visiting the small area that they are located at you wouldn't know anything is going on. I see discounts on expensive hotels this year that were not necessary last year. For up-to-date info on Thailand, Suvarnabhumi Airport and Bangkok in particular check out the Thai Visa Forum.
http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?&&CODE=00

Up to you!

If you don't mind briefly getting on the road most traveled go to Phuket: there you can get a Chrismas Turkey Burrito and enjoy a spectacular fireworks display from the beach at Phuket.

TimA
Indian Ocean Adventures