where should i go???
 

I am planning a trip to asia, and have only limited flexibility. I can choose one more location. I've got to be in Seoul for work, and will end in Australia to visit family, but I am debating which city to visit in between...Beijing or somewhere in Thialand. I've never been to asia before, so location and the best routing plan really isn't a priority. I've just got to know the "best" place to visit first. Thanks for your help, and why should I choose your city???

Well, it's hard to resist Bangkok as an intro to Asia. It's a fascinating, vital city with lots of attractions, fabulous hotels at reasonable prices and unbelievable shopping.

What month are you going, and do you expect that you will ever go back to Asia. Both would affect my recs.

well, im going in mid september, and price isnt such a factor really, because I've only got about 5 or 6 days where ever I choose to go. And yes, I will be in Asia again, at some point I'm sure.

two places come to mind ...hong kong and my personal favorite thailand, especially bangkok....both are easy in combo with korea and australia...

the weather can be iffy in september in bkk with lots of rain....hk will be better....

Just keep in mind that ICN-BKK is 2,271 miles via the shortest route, and the actual route may be slightly longer. Schedule flight time on Thai is 5h35m or 5h40m. Not a short flight.

U could also consider Bali - will prob make the most sense from a flying time perspective as u can fly Seoul-Bali-Australia. Bali is also a very chilled out place and after working in Seoul will give you a great opportunity for some down time. In terms of luxury Bali has an amazing range of hotels to choose from - another post just recently on Bali hotels. U could combine a couple of nights at the beach and a couple in Ubud in the mountains.

Sorry - just reread and realized u specifically said Beijing or somewhere in Thailand. of the two I'd def say Thailand and specifically Bkk - if u have never been it is quite an experience and 5-6 days will be great to get to know the city.

bali is a really good suggestion however....

lwinokur,
What you want to do lah?
"Best" depends on your personal tastes (My wife adores Singapore, because it is clean, vibrant and full of beautiful things. I like to go places where I can get dirty, meet people, eat/drink/do/see strange things and learn about other cultures.).

Would you like to visit a traditional longhouse and walk the rainforest canopy (Brunei/Malaysia/Sabah)?
Diving? (loads of places in Malaysia/Thailand/Indonesia)
Beach? (S/A)
Big city Asia? (Bangkok, Shanghai, HK, KL, Peking)
Small towns and temples? (Bali, north Thailand, Angkor Wat, Mulu caves in Sarawak, Malaysia)
Climb a mountain? (Mt Kinabalu combined with the resorts at Kota Kinabalu w/ an Orangutan sanctuary thrown in for good measure)

Most likely a visit to Bangkok combined with either Angkor Wat or North Thailand would suit you best.

BTW, excellent exploitation of the "travel for work" situation.

-Craig