Vietnam food and temples

Pho is Vietnam's most famous dish. Vietnam is extremely diverse in terms of religion.

China's secrets

There are so many good palces in China to visit. A couple of lesser known destinations are Hainan Island and the Zhuang regions of southern China.

Blog neglection

I am guilty of ignoring this blog. I've been publishing articles pretty often over at hubpages though. I've got four new articles that I haven't mentioned yet. Jakarta, one of the most underrated cities in all of Southeast Asia, is actually a great metropolis to visit. I give some recommendations on what to do there. Also, for those of you who enjoy filling your stomachs, Penang, Malaysia is the place to be.
Vietnam's Cham ruins are some of the best ancient sites in the world. While in Vietnam, it's easy to get off the beaten path and see some local color.

Check them out. I am posting more at hubpages and less here, but the content is the same, so check them out.

New articles about Thailand

New posts on hubpages: Ayuthaya, Bangkok Neon, Getting around in Bangkok. Follow the links to read.

Chilling in HCMC

One of the best ways to take a break from the Sai Gon Hustle is to head for one of the city's parks. Check out which ones are best.

Laos

Luang Prabang is, in my opinion, one of the few places in Laos that can't be missed. Check it out at hubpages.

I know I haven't been posting here as much as I should. I've been spending time getting set up at hubpages, as well as getting set for a new blog. Stay tuned.

Coffee Culture

I have posted a new article about Vietnamese coffee and the places it is enjoyed in. I'm planning on getting more in depth with Asia's other coffee cultures both here and at hubpages, so stay tuned.

Shopping in BKK

There are soooo many markets in Bangkok that finding a venue for your bargain hunting will never be a problem. One Market, however, stands heads and shoulders above the rest in terms of size, f not quality. Chatuchak weekend market boasts over 13,000 stalls. Read more in my new article on hubpages.

Bad News for The Kingdom

All the Asia watchers out there are aware of the recent problems in Thailand. Prime Minister Thaksin, a billionaire businessman turned politician, was removed by a military coup. If Thaksin's reign of corruption wasn't enough to turn many people off to The Kingdom, the leaders installed by the military after the coup have made matters worse. Heavy censorship of the media and restrictions on foreigners entering the country are no doubt part of the reason Thailand's economy appears bound for a slow-down.
Today, a story in the Bangkok post proves that the some in the international community are taking notice. The story cites a new list of the ten countries with the worst press freedom as compiled by the Committee to Protect Journalists. A short time ago, it would be laughable to suggest that Thailand, a country developing rapidly, both economically and socially, would be listen next to countries like Democratic Republic of Congo, Cuba, and Ethiopia when it came to mistreatment of journalists. But yet, there they are.

What does this mean for tourists? Not much. There are some rather arbitrary rules about visitors visas, but they have to do with people who plan to stay longer than 6 weeks. All the attractions that a tourist might want to see are still functioning, as is the country's transportation system.

Thailand's problems lie more in the economy. With all the shenanigans surrounding the coup and new government, Thailand is focusing inward, trying to exorcise its own demons. Countries like Vietnam, the only mainland country in mainland Southeast Asia which exceeds Thailand in population, seems poised to become a major player in the region. Plans for a new airport, WTO membership, and an exponentially increasing amount of foreign investment means Vietnam is already a viable alternative to Thailand for foreign investors looking for a place make a home for their money.

Will Thailand shake off the current funk it seems to be mired in? Or will there be nothing to be happy about in the Land of Smiles?

Time will tell.