pooja

What is the best time of year to visit these places? We are planning a trip next year, and prefer the weather to be warm (25-30), and not too humid. What months are advised? Thanks.

Nancy

Run a search on average temperatures and humidity for these places and you will see that they are mostly ALWAYS hot and humid. The exception is Hong Kong, which is not humid during its &quot;winter&quot; season, but it may be too cool for you, average temps are more like14-21. However, it is generally sunny and pleasant. Winter is actually the best time to visit Hong Kong, as the humidity is bad in other months, and especially bad from May to early October. Bangkok never really changes in temperature or humidity, they have a rainy season which may increase the humidity slightly, but you will not get away from it by going in the dry season. The same is true for Malaysia, much of which is at the equator or one degree above. The hill areas in central Malaysia are cooler and less humid. However, KL is not located here, it is on the hot and humid west coast.<BR><BR>I would not let heat or humidity stop your trip. If you can do Hong Kong as your first stop in the cooler months, you may then enjoy the warmer weather in Bangkok and KL later on in the trip. A trip during December or January is really the best time for Hong Kong, and would be fine for Bangkok and KL. Chinese New Year (generally late Jan or Feb, check the calendar) would also be a good time, as well as interesting to be in China during the celebrations. The east coast of Malaysia is under the monsoon at that time, so I would not recommend Koh Samui or any other islands.<BR>

winnie

Actualy, I wouldn't recommend travelling to Hong Kong during Chinese New Year(starts 1st Feb). Hong Kong typically has a close-shop policy during this time of the year where most retail outlets etc will closed for a period of anything between 2 days to 2 weeks for some companies. Not sure if the 'touristy places' would be opened. Restaurants will very likely to be closed, except perhaps, McDonalds? Hope this helps. <BR>

Brian

About Chinese New Year, shops close on New Years were true in the past. However, since the economy was not in a good shape these days, shops and restaurants now tend to stay open during the holidays to make more profit. If they do close, it will be 2 days max. Some large restaurant chains already start promoting that they will be open during Chinese New Year in their commercials. And about the tourist places, it should be open as the Tourism Board said it expects record number of tourists from China this year during the holiday period.

Jen

If you want to enjoy the east coast beaches in Malaysia, plan for going April/May or thereabouts for the best (least rainy) weather.<BR><BR>It is hot and humid year round in Malaysia - there's no way to avoid it. You get used to it pretty quickly, though.