Travel to Hong Kong

If you have ever travelled to a foreign city for business, you probably have a new appreciation for the word 'foreign'! In many cases, it does not just refer to some minor, interesting variances from your home country, nearly everything is changed! How you address people, the bodies you need to interact with to get things done, the language, the food it certainly makes sense to come prepared, because no matter how well you have researched your destination country, it will always feel like you have landed on Mars. Here we give you some essential tips for business in Bangkok, one of South East Asia's major business hubs, as well as advice on the best airport hotels in Bangkok and hotels near Bangkok International Airport, to make your business trip easier and more comfortable.

You'll slip up within the first few seconds of meeting someone if you address them in a Western style, as a 'Mr' or 'Mrs'. Address Thai people as 'Khun', pronounced 'Coon', followed by their first name. There is no need to refer to yourself usingthe word though! When you first greet your business associates in Thailand, it is polite to make a small bow while bringing your hand together between the chest and forehead. This is known as a 'wai', and is usually meant to indicate respect. Yet however much you respect them, it is not usual to wai to secretaries, clerk, or the receptionist at your Bangkok airport hotel!

Also, away from your hotel near Bangkok airport, you may receive compliments - however much you think you deserve them, it is polite to deny them. Modesty is seen as a virtue in Thailand. The aspect of your trip which will have the most impact on your success though, is the hotel you choose to stay at. Hotels near Bangkok airport are recommended, both for the convenience factor and because hotels in the Suvarnabhumi area are set somewhat away from the noise and bustle of Bangkok, giving you time to gather your thoughts and work efficiently.

The luxury of your airport hotel room is also considered a sign that you represent a successful company - making a hotel near Suvarnabumi airport like Novotel Suvarnabhumi the perfect choice. Rooms incorporate traditional Thai teak wood in stunningly artistic and luxurious ways, and combine just the right levels of spaciousness and coziness. Flowing silk and dramatic colors are hallmarks of the Novotel Suvarnabhumi, but looks aren't the only business feature at this hotel near Suvarnabhumi airport. If you are to spend long hours working in your hotel room, the Superior rooms are designed with ergonomics and comfort in mind.

Wifi internet access is available, and rooms with work areas, desks and electronics ports are available. If you are looking for something more convenient to your business associates' location than to the airport, the Bangkok Marriott is comparable to the Novotel Suvarnabhumi airport hotel rooms in luxury and facilities, but is located in the Riverside district of Bangkok rather than Suvarnabhumi. Waterside frontage, gardens and a canal on grounds make for lovely scenery, and if you need relaxation to be able to think, make use of the hotel's spa facilities. Foreign exchange and dry cleaning is available on grounds, and there is a full service business center.

If you want to stay in an airport hotel room for convenience, but won't be meeting your business associates at your hotel, you can go for a lower-priced option of hotels that are near to Bangkok international airport, like the Grand Inn Come Hotel. International direct dial phones and cable television are available in the rooms, and there is also in-house massage facilities for those of you that can't do any work at your Suvarnabhumi airport hotel in Bangkok until the kinks of travel are worked out, there is a massage service.

The Western and Eastern worlds are moving ever closer together, with the relative cheapness and prevalence of air travel, and the advent of that magical medium known as the internet. Business is often done with overseas partners, and a larger percentage of air passengers travel for business than for pleasure. Hong Kong is now one of the world's most multicultural cities, with many overseas companies opening Hong Kong branches.

However, with all of these new experiences and interactions comes confusion and uncertainty, especially in dealing with people from foreign cultures. In this article we look at why a good base for your travels is essential, in the form of a luxury hotel or spa in Hong Kong, and also go through some tips for doing business in Hong Kong.

If you are travelling to Hong Kong for business, be prepared for the pace of life in the city. It has been described as 'frenetic' - much like New York or London. The people that live in Hong Kong are often characterized as entrepreneurial, competitive, hardworking and very commercial. Best not to waste the time of these hard workers! They are very deadline conscious. It is also advisable to have a local contact make initial steps towards business dealings for you. These connections are known as quanxi in Cantonese, one of Hong Kong's official languages, and they help you establish some credibility before you meet your business partners.

Other things to consider when doing business in Hong Kong include local holidays like Chinese New Year. Many people take several weeks holiday around this time - January-February - just as Westerners often do at Christmas. If you are scheduling a meeting, it is best to do so well in advance - these are busy people, remember! Confirm appointments the day before they are scheduled, just in case. While your meeting is in progress, do not discuss politics - the same rules as for family gatherings in the West. To avoid fights, politics and religion are off the conversational cards.

Staying in Hong Kong for business is a great opportunity to experience some of the city's excellent five-star facilities, luxury hotels and spas. The Landmark Mandarin Oriental is a great choice of you are looking to stay in the Central district. This hotel is known for the spaciousness of its rooms and the gorgeous contemporary decor. The business facilities at this Hong Kong luxury hotel include a cable HDTV with keyboard for internet access, wireless internet in all rooms, an in room safe as well as laundry and dry cleaning service. If you want to do some intensive relaxing at your luxury Hong Kong hotel after your intensive business meetings, the Zen-like spa has some excellent treatments and relaxation areas.

The Shangri-La Bangkok is a great luxury hotel for longer trips to Hong Kong. The executive suites are one of the hotel's best features, with a separate living and sleeping area, the option to connect to an additional room to create a two bedroom suite, and a beautiful marble bathroom. The business facilities include an in-house mobile phone (avoid the horrendous roaming charges on your own phone), an ipod docking station, fax, printer and scanner, a high speed data transfer port, and a limousine service. Upon arrival, guests are personally escorted to their rooms, and the personal touch to the service certainly does not end there, with 24-hr butler service and massage facilities.

If you are moving up the corporate ranks, Hong Kong is almost certain to be a business destination for you at some stage. Make use of the city's excellent luxury hotels and spas while you are there, and you'll have an experience as intensely relaxing as it is productive!