The wonders of Hong Kong & Shanghai

Hong Kong... Shops as far as the eye can see.

It is never ending - there is indulgent shopping, striking museums and beautiful architecture to view, a buzzing nightlife and tasty cuisine to enjoy. With Thai Airways' affordable rates and specials, tourists can now fly from South Africa to Asia's travel hub Bangkok, and catch a connecting flight to Shanghai and Hong Kong and experience China for themselves.

"Hong Kong is known as a shopper's paradise and offers visitors bargains, from designer clothes to jewellery and antiques. Thai Airways can get you there in one quick, connecting flight," explains Thamanoon Kuprasert, general manager of Central, Eastern and Southern Africa for Thai Airways International (THAI).

For those interested in China's culture, its history and temples, we encourage you to head down to:

Man Mo Temple is located in Hong Kong near Hollywood Road and is named after Man, the god of literature, and Mo, the god of martial arts. The calming smell of incense burning is inviting as you enter the temple where you will see the most famous statues of "Man" holding a calligraphy brush and "Mo" holding a sword.

Take a cruise along the Huangpu River.

One of Shanghai's most popular temples is the Jade Buddha Temple. It was brought to Shanghai in 1881; the statues are situated in separate areas amongst striking jewels and stones. The temple is also home to paintings and Buddhist cultural ruins.

Don't be dim, try some dim sum - it's delicious

Shanghai and Hong Kong are also famous for its appetizing food. For a meal you will never forget, try dim sum. This is one of the best-known cuisines in Hong Kong and is served at any restaurant. The best bistro to try these delicious delicacies is at Hong Kong City Hall Restaurant, where waiters roll the carts around the hall and guests pick what they want.

The steamed duck filled with delicacies is a very popular spicy dish in Shanghai and is served in most restaurants.

Furthermore, both Shanghai and Hong Kong have night cruises that allow tourists to take in the cities' bright lights.

Unforgettable

Hong Kong's Aberdeen Harbour Boat Ride gives you an experience you will never forget. You can take a boat ride in a wooden sampan across the harbour or have dinner under China's night skies at one of the vast floating restaurants.

Hong Kong.

The skyscrapers in Shanghai on a short or long cruise down the Huangpu River lets you see some of the most famous buildings in Shanghai, such as The Bund, Jin Mao Tower, The Oriental Pearl TV Tower and Huangpu Park.

Shopping and markets

Then there is the shopping. "Be ready to bargain on shoes, bags and clothes in Shanghai and Hong Kong, as there are a number of shopping centres and markets to choose from," explains Kuprasert

Stanley Market is one of the best-known markets in Hong Kong and is famous for affordable children's clothes, household linen and souvenirs. There's also the street market stretching along the roads of Shanghai, specifically Nanjing Lui. The street is filled with shops and restaurants, which remains open at night seven days a week and offers tourists and locals days of shopping. With thousands of shops and restaurants there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Thai Airways travellers can purchase an air ticket for travelling to Thailand and Asia Pacific destinations such as Indo-China, Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Kuala Lumpur, Australia and New Zealand until 30 September 2012 with Thailand & Asia Pacific Delight Promotion.

For more information, go to www.thaiair.co.za or call +27 (0) 11 268 2580.