I am planning a bird watching trip to Thailand in February-March of 2010. This will be my first time in Asia. There being no non-stop flights between Toronto and Bangkok I need to change planes somewhere, Tokyo and Hong Kong are both logical. As a way of breaking up a long trip and seeing a new place, I am planning on staying in the connecting city for two nights for at least the trip to Thailand. This gives me one full day in the conecting city.

Setting aside any issues associated with the flights and their costs I am interested in opinions on which city would make a better introduction to Asia?

The possibility of H1N1 quarantine in Hong Kong if someone on the plane is showing symptoms is a bit of a concern.

Hong Kong is no longer quarantining people from flights with infected persons. They just advise you to stay away from others.

Hong Kong is a better place for a short stay. Main sites more compact, easier and faster access from airport to city center.

hong kong would be the far easier place to see and visit in such a short time and also while not cheap the least expensive of the two...also english is way easier here...

any chance you could stretch your visit there out to say 4 days....you would be happier...if you think you would cheat the birds in thailand, then visit the wonderful bird market in HK....

Free stopovers are usually limited to two nights.

We recently returned to HK after an absence of 35 years, and loved it. Have noit been to Tokyo, but can recommend HK. It is a charming combination of new world and old world (unlike santised Singapore) and for two nights it would great. Very clean, easy to move around in (the metro system is amazing), and plenty to keep you occupied for two days. Night Market in Temple street, the bird market, flower market, the amazing shopping malls, Lamma island, Mongkok, and wonderful views over Victoria Harbor etc etc....simply stunning.

Thank you everyone for your helpfull input. It will be Hong Kong for the stopover on the way to Thailand.

I would also recommend Hong Kong, and would suggest you look into the bird watching opportunities here. We have many bird species, and areas like wetlands (e.g. the Mai Po Marshes) and country parks where you can go see them. For example, egrets are a typical sight here in coastal areas. That might be even more enjoyable for you than the typical sightseeing in Hong Kong. We have marvelous trails for walking and hiking, and cool weather in Feb and March which make the numerous hills to be encountered a bit more enjoyable. Even places like the Peak would offer some birding opportunities (Native hawks gather by the dozen each night at sunset to hunt.) There is an open air aviary in Hong Kong Park right on Hong Kong Island near the base of the Peak Tram. See the Hong Kong tourism website or refer to bird watching sites you may already be aware of.

Note that Lunar New Year in 2010 is Feb 13 to 16, not sure if your visit would conicide with that. If it does, there may be some things you want to plan to do, like seeing the fireworks in the harbour.