I need to decide whether I should visit Hongkong or bangkok. I can visit only one out of the two (as a tourist). But which one ?? which is a more touristic destination ? any suggestions(pros & cons)are welcome.

It depends on what you are looking for. The two places are very different. If you read this board, everything has good things to say about Hong Kong, it is so modern and full of energy. Unfortunately I didn't enjoy Bangkok very much. You've got to get used to that kind of chaos before you enjoy it. My stay there was short. But I believe if I had more time, I would like it.

Rohit, tough one! Depends what you are looking for. Personally, I find getting around in Hongkong much easier, but less "Asian" in a way.<BR><BR>I find Bankok more fascinating, but more difficult to get around. Also, the sites are spread all over the city. You'll need more time in Bangkok, until you feel a little comfortable.<BR><BR>Just my experiences in both cities to which I've been to several times.<BR><BR>As a first-timer in Asia, you might not have such a culture shock in Hongkong, it's quite westernized.<BR><BR>Sorry, not much of help.

Thanks for the inputs. I heard that there was nothing much to see in Hongkong. A waste of time vis a vis Bangkok. is it true ? Does hongkong really has places worth seeing?

Absolutely HK. There is so much more to see and do. Lots more variety. I enjoyed Bangkok, but the two cities are not in the same league. There is ALOT more to see in Hong Kong.

I have been to both and my vote goes to Bangkok. I think it's a fun, exciting city with lots to see and do. Beautiful temples, fabulous food, and much, much less expensive than Hong Kong. <BR>If you want to get an idea of what you can do with 5 days in Bangkok, look at my website:<BR>http://www.wired2theworld.com<BR>Click on the journals page and look at my various trips there. I'll be back there again next week!

Depends on your interests. HK offers a crowded modern city with nice museum, some historic sites, lots of street markets, stores, ferry rides, and Chinese culture. Have you visited any other Chinese destinations?<BR><BR>Bangkok offers a crowded developing city with lovely palace, Buddhist temples, markets, ferries, and Thai food and culture. The atmosphere is very different from a Chinese city. Have you visited any other Southeast Asian cities?<BR><BR>If you have visited one culture or the other before, I would opt for the "different" location. If you are a more timid traveller I would opt for Hong Kong. If you are a more adventurous traveller I would opt for Bangkok.

If it is your first time in Asia, Hong Kong! Cultural shock may just add more to your fustration in Bangkok. <BR>If you want to see variety and contrast, Hong Kong. It doesn't have just western things to offer (you'll realize what a good life technology can bring), but also a lot of traditional Chinese things - temples, fortune telling, fishing village, ... Food from all countries spice up the a vation a lot too. If you miss your kind of food in Bangkok, you may have a hard time finding it - at least the traffic can stop you!!! <BR>Every bus in Bangkok has a bathroom (smaller than the one in a plane). People spend hours sitting in traffic. There are public toilet along the street. When the Thai need to go, they just go with the car in the middle of the traffice - the traffic hardly flows anyway.

Both are interesting destination, both have very different things to offer. My first visit to an Asian city more than 20 years ago was to Bangkok. No question, it is chaotic, but it is also exotic. I loved it and have returned to SE Asia many times since.

I was just in both and it's a no brainer. Go to Bangkok. I was in HK for 4 days and was bored silly after 2. If you want to go shopping or eat chinese food, go to HK, otherwise go to Bangkok.

Hong Kong isn't that boring..you have tourist sites and stuff.HK also has a great view from The Peak,and maybe u can have a trip to go to the New Territories?It's more like a country,and maybe a trip to Lantau Island...the beach there is really beautiful.Or some malls,well actually you can go shopping just anywhere!Maybe you could visit the big Buddha statue too....

If you've been to a large Chinatown in the US or Canada (SF, NY, Vancouver) HK will seem the same just with taller buildings and more of it. Remeber HK was a Brit colony only a few years ago. Bangkok is such a different experience that you should visit if you're the explorer/inquisitive type and enjoy other cultures. If you like Malls and shopping go to HK.

Thanks for all the inputs from all of you. Sorry, I did not mention this before but I am from Indian origin and am travelling on a short time frame. I plan to visit India later in the year and in route plan to travel to Kualalampur, singapore, langakavi & either BKK or HK.<BR><BR>Yes, I have never been in a chinese culture before but I have been to SFO & NY. I guess,maybe I would like to go HK (from all your opinions) and go to BKK seperately later.The only thing that bothered me was - is it worth going at all ??? After reading all , it seems a day/ 2 in HK would be worthwhile just to get an experience of ancient Chinese culture & the modern city.<BR>