Hello. We are going to Thailand next February and are thinking of a 3-4 day stop someone on our way to Bangkok. Considering Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or Hong Kong. Which would you recommend and why?

Kuala Lumpur would be at the bottom of my list. I prefer both Hong Kong and Singapore to KL - more to see and do. Do note that both Hong Kong and Singapore are very expensive destinations in contrast to Thailand. If you are looking for a big city, I'd put Bangkok at the top of my list. Bangkok is a fascinating city... my favorite city in the world. It would also be logistically easier for you to spend some time in Bangkok than in one of these other cities.

I wouldn't recommend any of them without knowing your interests, and whether you have been to Asia before. My personal choice would be KL + Melaka, but what good does that knowledge do you, especially given that Kathie says the opposite? (And I don't share her opinion of Bangkok, either.)

* My vote goes to Singapore as I have gone there a lot over the last 19 years and use it as my flight base and am in and out of it at least 3 times per trip. I just got back a couple of months ago again. I have spent as long as 2 weeks in Singapore, but on average spend about 7 nights straight and then fewer nights while in transit in and out of it.

* As for Singapore and expenses, it doesn't have to be that expensive. Food is not that expensive and I find accommodations equal to, in many cases, what the same level of accommodation would cost here at home and usually less than what I have personally paid, from time to time, in some European cities.

* As for Hong Kong, I was there in Jan/Feb 2017 and Hong Kong and I did not connect at all to say the least. In Jan/Feb 2018 I was in Taipei and had a very strong connection with it and environs over Hong Kong and would return to Taiwan in a heartbeat. I try to throw in one, new Asian destination, for 5 nights, out of my 6-week winter, Asian vacation per year and both Hong Kong and Taipei were the 5-night choices. Then, if I don't like the destination, I only have to deal with it for 5 nights, but if I really like it, I can always return.

* As for Bangkok, it's personally my favorite city by far and I've been going there regularly for 19 years and spend up to 3 weeks straight there along with usually going to Penang (another favorite) and then also Singapore and the one, new, 5-night, Asian destination.

* As for Kuala Lumpur, I've been there several times and it's fascinating, but I find it more difficult to get around in, on foot, than Singapore although I do like Malaysia and am there pretty much annually. Plus, KL is very spread out. I much prefer Penang over KL.

So, that's my personal opinion. Have fun planning.

Happy Travels!

Am I allowed to vote, if I have been to Hong Kong, and KL, but not Singapore? I much prefer KL, and I find Hong Kong to be a bit flavorless, at least compared to PRC. KL has a nice tram system that can take you around the city, and the food, especially in the Chinese area, is good. There is also an area with fascinating Victorian buildings, and a nice history museum. On our first trip to KL, we also visited the caves, and the towers.

Are these the only three choices? I would suggest Hanoi as another possibility, since you will be on the SEA peninsula. Although the city lacks charm, there is plenty to keep you busy there for a couple of days.

[QUOTE=CaliforniaLady;16715813]Am I allowed to vote, if I have been to Hong Kong, and KL, but not Singapore?

I'm sure it's fine if you vote, but I feel that it would be better if one has gone to all three destinations. I agree with you about Hong Kong as that was also my impression, but if I had to choose between only Hong Kong and KL, I'd choose KL and it's true that KL has a tram system although I've never used it. Also, I find the food really good in Malaysia in general.

Happy Travels!