TRAVEL IN ASIA

TRAVEL OUTSIDE OF KOREA

One of the greatest things about an assignment to Korea is its proximity to all those "exotic" places you always wanted to go, but which somehow seemed too far away or too expensive.

Traveling to other countries in the Orient from Korea can be both rewarding and fairly inexpensive compared to stateside prices if you follow a few simple guidelines:

• Plan ahead. Dealing with travel agents or airlines in Korea is somewhat different than the experiences you may have had elsewhere, so you need to have plenty of time to make sure all details are in order and that you are getting the best deal possible.
• Research, research, research. Once you have selected a destination, find out everything you can about what airlines are available, what hotels may be having a special promotion, and what travel agent is the most competent. You will find you can save hundreds of dollars by shopping around.
• Check with the embassy of the country you plan to visit to see if their Department of Tourism is planning a special promotion.
• Expect to hear "You can't do that" a lot from local travel agents. Don't necessarily believe what you hear. Many Korean travel agents do NOT work on commission and therefore don't go out of their way to develop special programs.
• Check into the package tours offered by the USO. The tour department at the USO has always been particularly helpful.
• Talk with those who have traveled during their tour in Korea. Their experiences can often save you a lot of time, trouble AND money.
• Don't allow your travel agent/group tour promoter to wait until the last minute to provide you with your tickets, accommodations confirmation, etc. It's not easy to get your military leave orders changed if a travel agent lets you down at the last minute.
• Check with the airline yourself to see what fares are and always ask about discount rates. The airline ticket counters at the Dragon Hill Lodge are tremendously helpful in finding inexpensive fares on their routes. They will also try to help you if you are going some place that their airline does not serve.
• Check with the international reservations center of the local hotels that give military discounts (Hilton, Hyatt, Sheraton, Ramada, and Intercontinental). You will often find that you can put your own package together for less than some of the tour operators are quoting.
• Always know the visa/immunization requirements of the country/countries you're going to visit.
• If it's offered, always buy baggage insurance when traveling in the Orient. Luggage just seems to have a way of vanishing for days but if you have the insurance plan, you can buy enough personal items to hold you over until it finally shows up (if it ever does). NEVER CHECK VALUABLES IN YOUR LUGGAGE. ALWAYS HAND CARRY THEM.
• Learn as much as possible about your intended destination and don't pay for a lot of "optional" tours to places you don't really want to see. the travel agents work for you ... not the other way around.
• Be aware of the fact that most of the airports in the Orient have an airport tax, some of which have to be paid in the local currency. Always know what this is and put money aside to pay it.
• Study the international currency rates published in the local papers be going on your trip so that you will know what amount of local currency you expect for your dollars/won. Try not to change too much money in airports or hotels They normally have the worst rates around.
• If you're going on your own without the assistance of an English-speaking tour guide, definitely consider buying an English-Whatever language you need dictionary. Even if you cant speak the language, being able to point at the appropriate words normally comes across.
• Particularly in light of the current world situation, try to blend into a crowd and not be offensive in your manner or dress. Many Westerners unintentional offend people of Oriental cultures by wearing "improper" clothing into their tempi and shrines. Know in advance what the customs are and dress accordingly. You will find that people are much nicer to you when you respect their culture and make attempt, however small, to learn a few words of their language.
• Remember (as if you could forget) that many things are different in Orient (voltage for appliances, driving on a different side of the road, etc.) and you need to be prepared for these differences. Living in Korea, having many of conveniences of home, tends to lull you into a false sense of security that quick goes away when you're in a country where your hair dryer won't work and you think the toilet paper is actually recycled sand.
• Travel light because you undoubtedly will find many "treasures" to purchase during your journey. Many veteran travelers leave Korea with an empty lightweight bag folded into their luggage just so they'll be able to get their purchases home safely.
• Customs. Know the customs laws of each country you plan to travel in and if also the Korean laws. You can check with the embassy of your destination or current information on their laws and with the Customs Office on Yongsan for the Korean rules.
• If you are flying Space-A, always be prepared to pay for a commercial ticket back to Korea if the Space-A flights suddenly are not available. Also, be prepared to pay for lodging if you are forced to stay in an area longer than anticipated.

With these guidelines in mind, the following brief information is offered to assist you with specific destinations. The recommendations were culled from a variety of people with different tastes in an attempt to present a 'Aide spectrum of information.

AUSTRALLA,/NEW ZEALAND
These "lands down under" are beginning to enjoy a real surge in popularity for travelers from Korea. There are several package tours on the market. You can easily obtain your visa from the Australian Embassy in the Kyobo Building downtown near the American Embassy. Quantas Airline and KAL have direct flights to Sydney.

If you want to enjoy some "awesome" blue skies, incredible snorkeling, cosmopolitan atmosphere, breath-taking sights, superbly created seafood and Continental food/desserts, and English spoken EVERYWHERE; a trip to Sydney and the Gold Coast is just what you need! The Radisson Hotel at Kings Cross is conveniently located in Sydney. They usually offer a military rate and have a free hors d'oeuvres and cocktail weeknights. Best of all, the subway runs under the hotel. You can buy a subway pass to run "the Circle". This pass costs about $2.20 and it gives you unlimited passage to points around the city for the day. Some places you might like visit are the Sydney Opera House; Harrys Cafe On Wheels (a favorite for celebrities like Elton John) famous for its meat pies and hot dogs, the Sydney zoo which you get to by taking a ferry ride, then a cable car ride up a hill to one of the most spectacular views of Sydney Harbor; the Australian Navy Base (a 5 minute walk from the Radisson Hotel) which you can enter with your Military ID card and then walk right down to the harbor; the Blue Mountains, a day trip organized by the hotel; or just some relaxed shopping in the restored Victorian buildings, antique arcades that are now shopping areas, and department stores.

Another inexpensive transportation source is the double decker red bus. For $15.00/day you can ride the bus down to the coastal areas, getting on and off as you please to go to the beaches and soak up some sun and surf.

While you are in Sydney, go to a travel agency and check into their tours for the Gold Coast. They offer some wonderful specials for the Great Barrier Reef area. On one tour, you fly to Cairnes; then take a bus to Port Douglas, traveling through an exotic rain forest. There, you board a train for an incredible single track train ride around the mountains to the town of Kuranda, where there is a beautifully restored railway station, souvenir stands and for the brave at heart: bungee jumping. The next day you can take a cruise 35 miles out to the Barrier Reef where there is a gigantic floating dock. Aboard ship, you will be treated to a lunch buffet of seafood like you have never tasted. The enormous dock has scuba diving, snorkeling, mini-submarine rides, helicopter rides and an underwater observatory. The entire day's excursion costs about $110. If you want to be pampered, try the exclusive resort on Haymen island. It boasts having the largest swimming pool in the Southern Hemisphere. Haymen Island is very expensive.

Some other treats to try are: Mocha (pronounced "Maw-ka") Iced Coffee and the delicious sponge cakes with strawberries and cream.

If this sounds to good to be true, call the embassies:
Australian Embassy Phone: 730-6491
New Zealand Embassy Phone: 730-7794

CHINA (The People's Republic Of)
Despite the horrors of Tianamnen Square in the not too distant past, Americans and other foreigners are returning to China in increasing numbers. One of the most common observations that many tourists make is that someone should tell the Communists that the Capitalists have taken over.

Although reports from the western reaches of the country are far different from those of the eastern areas, tourists in Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Guilin, Xian, and Hangzhou all report their amazement at the number of free markets as well as the friendliness of the people. Each of the cities mentioned have excellent hotels and, of course, with a history as old as that of China's. There is so much to do: The Great Wall, the Temple of Heaven, the caves where Peking Man originated, the pandas, the amazing lifestyle of over one billion people .... the list is endless.

The USO, in cooperation with a travel agency in Hong Kong sponsors individual or group tours to China for varying amounts of time and prices. You can get information from them about your visa. If you go with the USO tour, they will arrange a visa for you through Hong Kong.

A Chinese Consulate recently opened in Seoul. Trade relations between the two countries are increasing rapidly. If you prefer to make your own arrangements, you can phone the Consulate. Tel: 755-6375.

When they ask you what you want to see and do, research your answer carefully to describe the things you want to see and do. Traveling in China would take up more space than this book permits; suffice to say the list is overwhelming .... but what else could you expect from a civilization which produced the Great Wall. It is, after all, the only man-made structure which our astronauts say is clearly visible from outer space. Embassy telephone: 319-5101.

HONG KONG
Truly a shoppers paradise since imported goods enter Hong Kong duty free. This creates keen competition between merchants. Shop carefully and compare prices and quality. Always deal with reputable dealers. Look for the Hong Kong Tourist Association membership sticker, as it normally indicates an established merchant with a good reputation.

Hong Kong has one definite advantage over many of the other cities/counties you may visit --- a marvelous place known as the China Fleet Club, Run by the British government, this military hotel/shopping area has the added benefit for Americans in that there is an APO located in the building. You can shop to your heart's content and then simply MPS your packages back to Korea. (If you wish to insure your packages, then you must pay regular postage, but it's still a great deal.)

The China Fleet Club is located on the Hong Kong Island side of the city and can be easily reached from the Admiralty Subway Stop. It's on all the Hong Kong maps, on Arsenal Street, just one block from the subway. You will need your ID card for admission. (Note: The Fleet Club will be closing in July 97/transition to China.)

Although many people come to Hong Kong to shop, there are other things to do. Some interesting attractions include Bird Street (where literally thousands of birds are available for purchase) the Star Ferry for a leisurely ride across the harbor, the tram up Victoria Peak where you get a spectacular view of Hong Kong, Ocean Park (the largest oceanarium in the world), and a trip to Aberdeen fishing village.

Upon arrival at the Hong Kong airport, pick up one of the free tourist travel kits available in the baggage claim area. The kit contains an excellent map and a good little guide book.

The Hong Kong subway can get you just about anywhere you want to go ... buy a tourist pass. It's cheaper and you won't have to wait in the long lines to pay for a ticket each time.

If your mission is shopping, however, some favorite shops include:

• Raymond Ko Jewelry Ltd., 80J Nathan Rd., Kowloon: 3-66-7144. Beautiful jewelry, good prices.
• The Red Chinese Department Stores. There are several locations of this chain store, which carries a wide variety of Chinese products at good to excellent prices. They carry rosewood, rugs, screens and many other things and they mail to the U. S.
• Royal Rug 16B Camavon Rd., Kowloon: 3-66-4320. This is where the Chosun buys all its Oriental rugs. They will pack your rugs for you. You can mail the smaller sizes from Hong Kong, but nothing larger than a 6'x9'carpet.
• Stanley Market - Hong Kong's Itaewon; take Bus 6 or Bus 260 from outside Connaught Center.
• Toys - Panda King, Tsim Sha Tsui Center. They are located out in the mall area and carry toys and electronic games. Barter with them. There is also a Toys 'R Us.

Even the most diehard shopper eventually gets tired or hungry and this is where Hong Kong really offers a world of choice. You can eat for a few Hong Kong dollars from a street vendor or you can blow an entire years entertainment budget by going to dinner one night at Gaddi's at the Peninsula Hotel. The Peninsula IS a Hong Kong institution, but if you don't want to spend a fortune dining there, go in the afternoon for tea. It makes a great break and it's probably the best place in town for people watching. The beautiful atrium lobby of the Royal Garden Hotel is another great place to relax or have a sandwich in their continental coffee shop.

Remember to save enough money to pay the airport tax on the way out!

For additional information, contact the British Embassy at 735-7341.

INDIA
When you consider India as a possible destination, you must take many factors into account. Obviously, there is a great deal to see in this ancient country, but many experienced travelers said they were depressed by the extreme poverty and social conditions in this overpopulated land.

India's leaders are well aware of this social perception and are working hard to not only to solve their country's problems, but also to improve their public relations image.

For this reason, now may be the cheapest time ever to visit India if you have the desire. Special promotions are underway and the government is apparently going all out to see that tourists come away with a favorable impression.

For information on possible tour packages contact the Indian Embassy at 798- 4268.

INDONESIA/BALI
For many Americans stationed in Korea, this is becoming the destination of choice. Returning visitors rave about the beautiful beaches, the marvelous food, and inexpensive shopping.

Indonesia, which is the worlds fifth largest country, is actually a combination of 3,000 islands of vast diversity. Although Bali is the best well-known, there are many other tropical isles with splendid beaches, spectacular volcanoes, and unique customs. Most of Indonesia is Muslim, but the Balinese are Hindu, so the diversity in religions also offers some interesting contrasts.

Promoting tourism from Korea, the Indonesian airline, Garuda, has set up special direct flights from Seoul to Jakarta twice a week (currently Tuesdays and Saturdays). From Jakarta, travelers can either purchase Indonesia Air Passes for a minimal fee and go anywhere (and everywhere) you choose, or you can purchase inexpensive tickets to one destination. All of these tickets can be purchased in advance in Seoul.

Garuda's number is: 773-2094/5. The Garuda travel agent in downtown Seoul, across the street and just south of the Westin Chosun Hotel, will also assist in making hotel reservations as part of a Garuda package.

If you chose to use other airlines (such as Cathay Pacific) to reach Indonesia from another popular destination (such as Hong Kong, then you can make your own hotel reservations by either using the international phone center in Moyer Community Activities Center or by working with an international chain such as Hilton or Hyatt, both of which have facilities in Indonesia.

Shopping in Jakarta is possibly best accomplished by going to the Sarinah Department Store, which carries high quality crafts from all over Indonesia. But you will also have ample opportunities to find "wayang" puppets and beautiful batiks. Pasar Baru probably offers the best value on fabrics. There are also several large, Seoul type markets--Pasar Cikin and Pasar Minggu--which are colorful and interesting but be sure to watch your wallets and packages.

Bali offers literally thousands of small vendors who line the roadways, offering wooden carvings, silver ornaments, batiks (the quality of these is said to be better than Jakarta) and a myriad of other souvenirs. Barter. Normally you can reduce the price by 30 to 50 percent.

But beyond shopping and sunning, there is also a rich cultural heritage in Indonesia which merits attention by those interested in world history.

Yogyakarta, in central Java, is the ancient capital of this diverse land. Parts of it date back to the 5th century and boasts some of the most unique cultural artifacts anywhere in Asia.

For more information on Indonesia, contact the embassy in Seoul. Phone 783-5675.

JAPAN
Going to Japan from Korea is relatively inexpensive and easy IF you plan your trip carefully. There are several ways of going to Japan: commercial airlines, MAC flights from Osan, and by ferry from Pusan. Try to use the U.S. military facilities in Japan (particularly the New Sanno in Tokyo) as much as possible because Japan is THE most expensive country in the world.

The New Sanno has an extremely high occupancy rate, so make your reservations well in advance. If you are using commercial transportation to reach Japan, consider buying a Japan Rail Pass while you are still in Seoul, they aren't available inside Japan. These passes (very similar to a Eurorail pass) allow unlimited travel on trains throughout the country and are a real bargain. You can purchase them from Global Travel near City Hall or other agencies in Seoul.

There is so much to see and do in Japan that you will want maximum flexibility in getting around. Also buy a tourist subway pass (you can get them at the New Sanno) for easy movement in Tokyo.

Some of the major attractions in Tokyo include:

• The Imperial Palace, surrounded by a series of picturesque moats
• The Marunouchi section, the hub of Tokyo's commercial activities
• The Diet building, the seat of Japanese government
• Ginza and Kihombashi, the busiest and most fashionable areas with many top-ranking stores, restaurants and theaters
• The Meiji Shrine with the Memorial Picture Gallery and various sports facilities
• Tokyo Tower, a steel tower which is one of the world's highest and offers an excellent view of Tokyo
• Ueno Park, filled with beautiful scenery, museums and a zoo
• Tokyo National Museum, a MUST see whose walls encase some of the oldest relics in the world.

Out of Tokyo Excursions:

• Kamakura - The seat of a feudal government from 1192-1333 is a lovely seaside resort southwest of Tokyo and easily reached by frequent electric rail service. This ancient capital city is noted for its Daibutsu or Great Buddha, 42.2 feet tall.
• Hakone - Famous for its mountain scenery, hot springs and many historic spots which include Lake Ashi (Lake Hakone), noted for its splendid reflections of Mt. Fuji; Hakone Shrine, said to have been founded in 757 A.D.; Owakudani and Kowakidani Valleys, where sulfurous fumes rise from crevices on the mountain side, and Mt. Koma, which commands a lovely view of surrounding scenery.
• Hakone Open-Air Museum - since its beginning in 1969, this museum has enriched audiences. Situated on a grass carpet, the museum prides itself on its priceless collections of masterpieces which are of both domestic and foreign origins.
• Disneyland - On the shores of Tokyo Bay, 7 miles from the center of Tokyo, the $660 million entertainment complex of Disneyland dominates the landscape. Tokyo's Disneyland is the largest of the Disney complexes with 110 acres.

Kyoto
This ancient city, which was deliberately spared damage during World War II because of its cultural significance, is like a huge museum. There are too many attractions to detail here, but some of the most important are:

• Nijo Castle - Built in 1603 by leyasu, the first Shogun, as his Kyoto residence. Surrounded by double moats, the castle boasts numerous beautiful structures and gardens. Ninomar-u Palace represents typical early 17th century Japanese architecture. An interesting feature of the palace is a wooden corridor so called the "nightingale floor" that squeaks whenever anyone walks on it designed to warn off possible intruders.
• Kiyomizu Temple - This 355 year old wooden temple is set in a traditional landscape and is constructed halfway up the side of a beautiful hill.
• Ginkatuji - The silver pavilion temple, built by Yoshimasa Ashikaga in 1482 as retirement home. It has beautiful gardens and smaller temples.
• Kinkakuji - The Temple of the Golden Pavilion one of the most famous sites in Kyoto. Possibly one of the most photogenic spots in Japan.

ALLOW SEVERAL DAYS FOR KYOTO IF YOU ENJOY HISTORY!

Nara
The national capital of Japan during the 8th Century, Nara, is noted as the birthplace of Japanese art and literature. It is easily accessible by train from Kyoto and it is possible to stay in one hotel (possibly in Osaka, which is in the middle) and see both areas if you have a rail pass.

Like Kyoto, Nara was spared as much destruction as possible in World War II because of its cultural heritage. Some of the most important attractions are:

• Akishino - Temple founded in 780 A.D. by Emperors Konin Kammu.
• Hokkiji - Among other attractions, there is a three story pagoda dating from 685 and is a fine example of 7th century Japanese architecture.
• Horyuji - The oldest and largest existing temple in Japan, founded in 607 AD. It is considered to be the cradle of Japanese art and culture. This is A MUST SEE if you go to Nara.

Shopping in Japan can be a VERY expensive experience if you shop on the Japanese economy. Many Americans have found they get better value by shopping in the arcade at the New Sanno or by taking a brief train trip to Yokohama Naval Base and shopping in the Fleet Exchange. Make SURE you go to the Fleet Exchange at Yokohama and don't confuse it with the Navy Exchange which is not really significant. The Fleet Exchange is off to the left of the main gate and is an easy walk from the train station. It is an excellent place for Japanese arts and crafts, jewelry, china, as well as cameras and other electronics.

The Japanese Embassy can be reached at 733-5626.

MACAU
This tiny country on the tip of China is often a destination for tourists who have some extra time while they are in Hong Kong.

Macau is easily accessible from Hong Kong by ferry or hydrofoil (which is definitely the best way to go). The Portuguese heritage of Macau makes it have its own special flavor and is wonderful. Go to Macau, if for nothing else, to eat and drink the good, inexpensive wines.

Gambling is also a big attraction here and huge casinos line the shore. Some of these casinos boast fabulous restaurants which aren't expensive when compared to Seoul prices. Excellent, inexpensive places to eat are also easily found.

For additional information, write to the Macau Tourist Information Bureau; Travessa do Paiva, Macau. If you are in Hong Kong, call the Macau tourist bureau at 5-408180.

MALAYSIA
Malaysian Airlines, working in conjunction with the country's massive "Visit Malaysia" campaign, have made this country an inexpensive and marvelous place to visit.

The Malaysians are a truly friendly people, anxious to please and eager to visit with foreigners. They do have a lethal aversion to drugs of any sort, so visitors must be careful to comply with their strict laws.

Kuala Lumpur, the capital, contains many interesting attractions, including a fabulous museum.

There are also beautiful, clean beaches throughout the country and there are now special package tours for golfers interested in playing on the lush Malaysian courses.

Eating and shopping is inexpensive ... with the best buy possibly being the beautiful Selangor pewter, produced just outside Kuala Lumpur.

For additional information, contact Malaysian Airlines or the Embassy at 794-0349.

NEPAL/TIBET
These ancient countries in south-central Asia are still considered to be "exotic" destinations and are visited by few of the personnel stationed in Korea. Those who have gone come back with varying reports --- some cite the primitive living and traveling conditions while others talk about the fascinating cultures. Neither country has an embassy in Seoul, so you will have to do your own research at the Yongsan library or find a good travel agent. Make sure ANY plans/itineraries are CONFIRMED in WRITING before departure unless you are an Indiana Jones type of adventurer.

OKINAWA
One of the four Ryukyu islands, Okinawa is an easy destination for anyone wanting to use Space-A from Osan to Kadena. Call the Osan MAC terminal for information. (HINT: You will find the MAC terminal personnel much more helpful if you call at a time when they are not processing a flight. Ask when you call if this is the case and if so, when could you call back.) The climate of Okinawa is subtropical and a pleasant change from the pollution of Seoul. Shopping for local crafts and china is excellent. Be aware of the fact that Japanese taxis are expensive. Use base transportation whenever possible to get close to your destination and then hike until you have too many packages to carry around.

The most logical, and cheapest, place to stay is Kadena Airbase, which has 24-hour billeting. Call Autovon 630-1110 to reach the operator. There is also occasionally Navy BOQ space available. Check with the Navy Billeting office in Building 4198 before 4 p.m.

PHILIPPINES
Renewed flights to the Philippines are bringing back this country's lost tourist trade. Check with the airline ticket counters on Post. They can help you plan a visit to these beautiful tropical islands.

SINGAPORE
This small country at the end of the Malay Peninsula is rapidly developing a reputation as the shopping destination in Asia. As hundreds of Hong Kong bankers and merchants flee their country in anticipation of the Communist Chinese take-over in 1997, many are taking their businesses (and wealth) to Singapore. The city is experiencing a boom as a result. In addition to extensive duty-free shopping there are also some interesting things to se and do. These include:

• The Singapore Zoo - This is possibly one of the finest zoos in the world. Developed on an "open" concept, the animals live in as natural environment as possible and artificial (metal) cages are rare. Instead the zoo has built a series of "natural" barriers so you see the animals much as you would if they were in the wild.

They also offer some other unique attractions--- "High Tea" with the orangutans (protect your cookies and cakes because these animals are professional at sneaking over your should and stealing them), a stroll with a group of "Roadrunners" a photo session with boa constrictors. If you are traveling with children or are an be animal lover, the zoo is THE attraction in Singapore.

• Raffles Place - A lavish old hotel, recently restored, reflects the British heritage of Singapore.
• Empress Place - A marvelous museum and shopping complex in the old the city. Definitely worth a visit.
• The Merlion - The symbol of Singapore, possibly best viewed on a harbor cruise.
• The Botanical Gardens - A truly beautiful place filled with thousands of rare tropical plants. The separate orchid garden is spectacular.

For additional information, check with the library or Cathay Pacific Airlines.

TAIPEI, TAIWAN (Republic of China)
One of the closest destinations from Korea, many people have chosen to tour is Taiwan. Costs have increased dramatically in recent years, but you can still get a fairly good tour package from Seoul. Some of the things to see include:

• National Palace Museum - A priceless collection of art treasures brought from China by General Chiang Kai-Shek. Each display contains over 5,000 pieces and the displays are rotated every few months.
• Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial - Opened in the late 1970s, it is a most impressive memorial to the late Chiang Kai-Shek.
• Taipei City - Special attractions are the Lunshan Temple, an ornate in structure of magnificent stone, sculpture and intricate woodcarving; the Confucian Temple; residential Palace, Taiwan Provincial Museum; and the Handicraft Center.
• Wulai - An houses drive from Taipei through typical paddy country will bring you to Wulai, a mountain village famous for the "commercialized" aboriginal village and waterfall. ]sit
• Taroka Gorge - Sometimes referred to as the "Grand Canyon" of Taiwan, this is a full day's excursion by plane to Hualien and then a beautiful drive up the fantastically nature-carved gorge.
• Shopping - Although new department stores are popping up all the time, a Taipei's best shopping areas are still the small stores, bazaars, arcades and curio markets. Popular items for Taiwan are painting reproductions, pottery with its traditional-styled design, other ceramic wares: furniture, jewelry made of coral and is other semi-precious stones, marble products from the quarries Hualien, and products are made of Taiwan jade. Remember that the quality of this jade does not equal that of genuine antique jade. Also, consider dusty temple carvings, hand puppets, old coins, expensive porcelains, cloisonne and rosewood furniture.

For additional information, call the Republic of China's (Taiwan) embassy. PHONE: 776-2721.

THAILAND
Although this tropical country has long been a favorite for Americans, it has been plagued by some government problems. If you are interested in Thailand as a vacation destination, check current conditions thoroughly before committing yourself.

If you do decide to go to Thailand, some of the most popular destinations have been Bangkok (a city of beautiful temples and palaces), Chiang Mai (the gorgeous cultural capital of the northern regions), Hua Ffin (the oldest beach resort), Phuket (one of the most beautiftil places in all of Thailand), and Pattaya (a lovely beach area which unfortunately is one area that has had some problems with drug crimes and caution is advised before travelling there). The Thai government has recently been trying to lure back it's former tourist trade, so there are some good package tours available.

The Thai people are quite friendly and many people find the food to be some of the best in the Orient. Some of the most important attractions are:

• The Grand Palace complex in Bangkok - interesting not only for its history but also its architecture. STRICT dress code.
• National Assembly Hall - a lavish structure of white marble with gold leaf ornately used in the interior.
• National Museum - one of the largest in the Orient, it has 26 different buildings which trace Thai history from 5600 BC to the present. Extensive walking is involved, but it is worth it.
• Thieves Market - a unique place to buy almost any type of exotic plant. Check current customs regulations very carefully before buying because most things you can't import, but well worth the visit anyway if you are a photography buff.

The best buys in Thailand historically have been silk (with custom tailoring at very reasonable prices), rubies and star sapphires.