mrwunrfl

The Christmas shopping season starts at the end of November in Japan around their Labor Thanksgiving day which is about the same time (plus/minus a day or two) as Thanksgiving Day in the USA. I saw a Japanese Salvation Army band with chorus playing your favorite Christmas Carols at Odakyu Shinjuku station in Tokyo.

You could leave your winter clothes at the left luggage office at Bangkok airport (it would be $1 or $2 per day per piece; think I was charged 90 baht/day for a large suitcase which is about $2).

You could leave your summer clothes and Thai souvenirs at a luggage storage place at Japanese airports. It's 500 yen per piece per day at Tokyo Narita airport (about $5). Or just have it shipped from the airport to your Tokyo (or Kyoto) hotel. Or take a hotel bus and have them handle all your luggage. The two season luggage problem is easily ovecome.

lcuy

Japan doesn't celebrate Christmas?? They may not celebrate the religious aspects, but they are very big on decorating. In addition, the weather will feel very Christmasy.

We spent two weeks in Bangkok and Tokyo this past Christmas. Bangkok was totally decorated for Christmas, including the Hip hop dancers in red elf costumes in the malls. It was Dec 27th when we got to Tokyo, but there were still lots of beautiful decorations.

Cicerone

Hong Kong and Singapore are a logical stop over on the way to or from Thailand from the US, and you may be able to get a stopover there at no extra charge on your US flight, check with the airlines.

Hong Kong has glorious weather in December, temps in the low to mid 70s F and virtually no rain, very low humidity. It is a bit cooler at night, but a light jacket or sweater would be all you need. It is “winter” there, so people are dressed a bit more warmly (although it may feel like summer to you). Every skyscraper is lit up and the shops are decorated to a mind-boggling extent. There are several churches if you are Christian and want to attend a service. You can have a turkey and all the trimmings dinner at most western-chain hotels on Christmas Eve and Christmas. Christmas Eve on Salisbury Road has to be seen to be believed: literally tens of thousands of residents just out and about and looking at each other, a real carnival atmosphere but quiet and well-behaved. Having spent a few Christmases there, I would say it does feel a bit more Christmassy than other SE Asian locations because it is not 90 F outside. Christmas Day and Boxing Day (December 26) are public holidays, so some shops will be closed, but generally you can do everything you want, as opposed to Chinese New Year when virtually everything closes for 1-3 days.

Singapore would be the same, albeit hotter. The decorations on Orchard Road are something to behold. Thailand does not decorate to the same extent, but still would be a pleasant place, although I would save it for New Years where you can have a celebration with fireworks on a beach or in town. The Philippines might be an interesting place to spend Christmas because it is so devoutly Catholic.

As noted, Japan and most of China would be quite cold. Tokyo is also a potential stopover on the way to or from Thailand depending on your airline. China is a bit more out of the way;. The bare trees and a light dusting of snow do give Beijing a sort of romantic atmosphere. The lack of crowds will certainly make seeing the sights easier. However, you could get very cold days and winds, esp in places like the Great Wall. Also as noted above, you would need two sets of clothes and a heavy winter coat, gloves, etc. Not sure this works, even if you could store it in Thailand, you still may have 2 suitcases per person which means you may pay excess baggage. Check the baggage restrictions on your airline.

Personally, unless you are gong to go someplace like Kyoto, Osaka or the northern parts in Hokkaido, I don’t see the point in spending Christmas in Japan, it will be cold and therefore being outdoors won’t be that pleasant, plus there is really not a whole lot to see or do in Tokyo, IMO, other than looking at the skyscrapers and the very orderly people, which may not be as enjoyable in cold weather.

dmlove

I am bumping this old thread because it's now applicable to me! Our son will be in Eastern Africa for the next year. We were originally thinking of heading there in December/January, but now we're thinking we'll meet up somewhere in Asia instead around the end of the year. If we were to meet in Hong Kong around Christmastime, but have a total of a couple of weeks, where else would it be logical to go (we've never been to Asia, he has -- he's in Bangkok right now). We prefer to travel where the climate is moderate to warm, not cold (unless we're skiing, of course). How long should we spend in Hong Kong -- with a 20 year old daugher and then 23-year old son? Thanks much.

Smeagol

I have been Singapore several times and think there is LOADS to do. I would combine it with somewhere else but you could easily do a week there if you want to take it easy.You could also go over to bintan they have a Banyan tree there for some R&R) and then maybe go up to malaysia. Shopping in SP is great, although i cant say whether it was better than HK as i didnt really shop that much when i was there as i was ill. SP feels spacious and relaxing and i prefere the pace (although that doesnt stop me visiting HK as we are going back on our way back from Oz at the end of the year) Just MHO!!!
the Christmas lights certainly are something

Wmccawley

You have gotten a lot of great advice. However, no one mentioned Cambodia. I know you cannot be traveling to Asia to experience Christmas as it is not nearly as big as the States. So, a couple of days in Angkor will create numerous memories as well as some interesting history for your girls. It is a quick and cheap flight from Bangkok. Cambodia is cheap, but accommodations are not. However, it is a wonderful trip. As for shopping, Hong Kong is great, it will have mainly winter clothes though (I was there last year same time), Bangkok and Singapre will have summer clothes. If that makes a difference. There is a lot to do in Hong Kong besides shopping though. Singapore gets a bit boring after awhile. Have a great trip

dmlove

If you were going to Hong Kong for the first time, how long would you plan to be there? I know nothing about Hong Kong other than the main tourist areas.

j_4tay

For first timers in HK, I would recommend 10 days. That will be enough time to see most HK attractions and Macau, which I assume most will go.

Like others, I enjoy spending Xmas in HK. The atmosphere over there is much more festive than here in the US. They even count down to Xmas!

Tip: Need to make reservation Xmas eve dinner. Many restaurants are going to be jammed pack.

WARNING: On Xmas eve, avoid the MTR and Lan Kwai Fong because of the crowd. It can be out of control.

j_4tay

This is what rrkwan is talking about. The neon lights are very beautiful. Watch the video here.

http://stage6.divx.com/Lost-in-Hong-...Kong-Christmas

rkkwan

10 days? Hong Kong is a small place. You can cover most of it in about 4 days. Add a day or two for Macau.

j_4tay

Well, I am a slow traveler. I like to take my time when traveling abroad.

In HK, I climbed the Lion Rock, went to Tai O, listened to people playing music & singing at the mall, spent a few hours watching HK movie company filming a movie, had high tea at the Peninsula Hotel, and ate different meals at various restaurants.