Sometime this summer I want to get out of Bangkok and visit another Asian country. I've already been to Laos, Burma, Cambodia, China and Malaysia. I will only have about 8-10 days to spend, so I'd like to concentrate on one city or area. I'm thinking of trying one of the following:
Jakarta, Indonesia (or maybe Bali; but I'm not a big beach person)
Hanoi, Vietnam
Kathmandu, Nepal
Delhi, India
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Any opinions on these cities? I certainly wouldn't mind finding sex during the journey, but it's not my sole reason for travelling. I enjoy old historic sites, good restaurants, and just friendly people. Advise me please!

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Of the ones you mention, Kathmandu is definitely the pick (in my opinion), but sex is not easily found there. Otherwise, it's a magical place.

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The summer heat should rule out Delhi and maybe even Hanoi, unless you are able to put up with 40-45 degrees C.

Kathmandu and Colombo may be interesting, but not Jakarta. It's very much like Bangkok - urban sprawl, traffic gridlock, flooding during rainstorms - without any historical/architectural interest.

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I would be wary about both Kathmandu (which I visitied ages ago and loved) and Colombo in view of the very difficult political situation in both countries. Nepal has just kicked out the king and is experimenting with a Maoist government. No-one knows how this will turn out. Friends who have just returned from Colombo said they could not feel comfortable as the threat of violence (a result of the decades-old war) is never far away. If you don't mind the heat and humidity, I'd certainly prefer Hanoi.

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Fountainhall,

The same thing could be said about Thailand at the moment, but I don't think you would advise people not to visit. As long as one avoids demonstrations, and does not hang around places that might be a potential terrorist target (government and military facilities), you are likely to be just fine.

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I work in Hanoi so I'm abit partial to it. The weather doesn't often get 40+ but the humidity is a killer. Nonetheless it's a very charming city

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I just came back from Kathmandu, and Kathmandu and Nepal in general is very safe and comfortable for foreigners. The Maoists represents no threat to foreigners, that is just US propaganda. You may experience slow trafic due to demonstrations and strikes, but that is all. Gay Nepalis you can find on the net.

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Thanks for the suggestions guys! I've been leaning towards Kathmandu (have a friend who has been there many times and loves it) but the cheap Air Asia fares to Hanoi and Jakarta (have a friend living there now and a cute guy I met online last year) are tempting.

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