Thailand's tourism sector on high alert

Thailand's tourism industry is warily watching the ongoing street demonstrations in Bangkok and other parts of the kingdom, as the first signs emerge of a drop in forward bookings.

Forward bookings from Australia are among those below trend expectations, although Sugree Sithivanich, deputy governor for marketing communications of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said overall forward bookings were still positive, with an increase of 2.2% for December and 14.2% for next month.

Despite the escalating political tension, TAT is still confident that the country will achieve its 2013 projection of 26.1 million foreign tourist arrivals thanks to a continuing flow of visitors from Europe - particularly Russia - and the Americas.

So far, 34 governments have issued mid-level warnings to their people planning to travel to Thailand. New Zealand was the latest to announce such a warning.

Four people have died in Thailand's worst political turmoil since the 2010 rallies that ended in violence.

In its regular updates on the crisis, TAT said volatile situations remain in the areas surrounding Government House and the Parliament and the Metropolitan Police Bureau.

All 14 roads leading to the two locations were closed to traffic, and tourists should avoid these areas, TAT said.

Historical attractions, theme parks, shopping malls, hotels, restaurants, local markets, temples and river tours were open and operating as per normal, the tourism authority added.

Suvarnabhumi Airport has advised air travellers of possible heavy road traffic and a lack of taxis resulting from the protests in Bangkok

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They say "

“I can’t say what made me fall in love with Vietnam - that a woman’s voice can drug you; that everything is so intense. The colors, the taste, even the rain. Nothing like the filthy rain in London. They say whatever you’re looking for, you will find here. They say you come to Vietnam and you understand a lot in a few minutes, but the rest has got to be lived. The smell: that’s the first thing that hits you, promising everything in exchange for your soul. And the heat. Your shirt is straightaway a rag. You can hardly remember your name, or what you came to escape from. But at night, there’s a breeze. The river is beautiful. You could be forgiven for thinking there was no war; that the gunshots were fireworks; that only pleasure matters. A pipe of opium, or the touch of a girl who might tell you she loves you. And then, something happens, as you knew it would. And nothing can ever be the same again.”
― Graham Greene, The Quiet American

Tips on Travel to Vietnam

It's always warm in Southeast Asia apart from high mountains, so leave the heavy clothing at home. Cotton and breathable fabrics are always better than synthetics -- although cotton does wrinkle a lot when traveling! December through April is roughly the dry season in that region, although it can still rain a little. December is a good time to go in terms of temperature -- cooler than in the humid summertime. Either way, wearing more clothing (shirt sleeves and long pants) is always more respectful towards the Asian culture, especially when visiting temples and rural areas.