Some Asia travel tips

Asia occupies a quarter of the earth's land mass, and spans several time zones. Having a single travel guide for all of Asia is virtually impossible, but here are some basic travel tips for Asia's more popular destinations:

Vietnam
The country's recommended tourist spots are Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, which are both modernized. All tourists in Vietnam, except Thai and Philippine nationals, need a tourist visa before entering the country. Healthwise, malaria is prevalent in Vietnam, so it would be best to bring insect repellant with you.

Indonesia
Aside from the usual prohibition of narcotics and deadly weapons, radio cassette players are banned on the island of Bali, a prime tourist spot in Indonesia. Any object with Chinese characters written on it is also prohibited in Bali.

Thailand
Thai people are religious and loyal to the monarchy. You often see pictures of the king around the cities, so never make fun of him.

The Thai also consider the head as the highest part of the body, whether spiritual or physical. Refrain from touching anyone on the head, and try not to point at anything with your foot.

Malaysia
It's best to bring light, cool clothing to Malaysia. You'll usually find food stands in the cities selling local delicacies, such as "teh tarik," a creamed tea, and "roti canai," a type of pancake.

Malaysia also has many religions, so you'll see a variety of Christian churches, Muslim Mosques, and Buddhist and Hindu temples.

Philippines
The Philippines has 7,107 islands and islets; beaches are the main tourist spots in the country. There are several museums and historical landmarks in Manila, the country's capital. Boracay Island boasts white sand beaches.

Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a key destination for many travelers. It is located in eastern Asia, near China and the South China Sea. Formerly leased to Great Britain, Hong Kong was officially returned to China in 1997. Hong Kong is known for its unique energetic vibe, its wonderful food and beautiful skyline.

General Tips
Each country in Asia has its own currency. Although upscale establishments will accept U.S. dollars, there are few of these around. It is best to have your money changed at a local bank. Some hotels also offer money changing, but usually at a lower exchange rate.

photo credit: Brent 2.0 via photo pin cc