Hello there<BR><BR>I am travelling to Thailand and then to Hong Kong this summer. We will be staying in Hua Hin for 7 nights and then in Hong Kong for 3 nights. I would be very glad for any kind of information about Hua Hin...for example are there any things to see??...is it nice there??? are there any Islands you can travel to nearby??.<BR>And the same about Hong Kong.....what is worth nowing when you travel there for the first time??...is it cheap or expensive??.<BR><BR>thankyou very much in advance<BR>Linn from Sweden

From Hua Hin there are plenty of day and half day trips. Sam Roi Yot National park, beaches, fruit plantations, caves. Pala-U waterfall, Pranburi river cruise, elephant treks. Take a long-tail boat along Pranburi River. Phetchaburi which is famous for temples and mountain top ancient palace is about 50 minutes away. River Kwai can be done on a day tour, it's about 3 hours by road so an early start. A 2 day trip including River Kwai tours and overnight accommodation is about $50. A good day trip is snorkeling at Baan Sapan, about 3 hours south, several small offshore islands. Kao Talu is also nice. For local atmosphere take a local train for an hours trip south.<BR>Good restaurants for local food around night market. Best market is the weekend market (Thursday to Sunday) at Grand Plaza, also at Grand Plaza are many food stalls and that is where you also see the Bali-Thai Show which is a must see, very good and you will see Thai classic dancing there too. Take samlor and rickshaw rides.

Thankyou Morgan.....<BR>

Be prepared for very hot and humid weather for both places this summer!<BR>For Hong Kong- it is a very metropolitan city like New York or Tokyo- fast pace and crowded at most times. I think a good place to stay is Tsimshatsui, Kowloon. Shopping and food is great! I think things cost slightly less than most European countries, but higher than Thailand. Depends on your interests, there are different things to see. Email me if you want more details! Good luck!

Hong Kong is much less expensive than it used to be. You'll find accommodations and food much more reasonable than, say, London.<BR><BR>Summers are hot and humid. However, it can be quite cold indoors due to the air conditioning.<BR><BR>Things to do include:<BR><BR>- take the Star Ferry across the harbor. At US$0.35, it's a real steal.<BR>- go up to the peak on a clear night for great city views. Try the Peak Lookout restaurant for great al fresco dining.<BR>- if u want to get away from the city, take a ferry to one of the outlying islands. Lamma Island has some nice hikes and beaches. Visit Lantau Island to see the huge outdoor Buddha.<BR>- visit Stanley market and Repulse Bay. on the south side of HK Island<BR><BR>Enjoy your trip.

we were in Hong Kong and Hua Hin this past winter. I have been to Hong Kong many time and always enjoy it. I have found it very expensive from what it used to be. Easy to get around by local transport. very good tourist office at star ferry terminal. <BR>Hua Hin was new to us but we enjoyed it so much the three weeks we were there, we are going back for six weeks next winter. It is very quiet. Great beaches, good restaurants. Lots of choices for places to stay from guest houses to luxury hotels.

2 opposites which make for a great combination. Hong Kong is so lively and excititing, a must see. Hua Hin has some of the best hotels and resorts with all main 'brands' such as Hyatt Regency, Sofitel Grand, Marriott Resort, Hilton, Regent, Dusit and more. Do see the real Thai side of Hua Hin and don't get caught spending all your time in the touristy parts, the night market is cheap and bargains galore. The thing we liked about Hua Hin when compared with outher Thailand resorts is that the people are truly friendly, it is cheap and you don't get charged more just because you are a visitor. We will be back again soon.

We were in Hua Hin in July 2001, have a look at the Anantara Resort for a great place to stay. It was undergoing a makeover as it had just changed ownership. Stunning gardens, great pool area. Also try Chaoy Lay (not sure of spelling) seafood restaurant in town. Looks nothing from the street but is situated on a jetty over the bay. Prawn in Tempura batter is a must! Enjoy.<BR>Eric from Perth, Western Australia

Hua Hin is still one of my absolute favorite places in Thailand. It's a busy place but remains a 'Thai' town despite the influx of tourism, unlike other places that just get ruined.

I stayed at the Anantara at Hua Hin in December. The resort is lovely, and the lagoon rooms are stunning. I did a spa package, what luxury! The Anantara is a complete resort, so you could never leave the grounds and be well taken care of, if it's just rest and relaxation you are interested in.