Ed's City Review: Bangkok vs Hong Kong - Which One Comes Out on Top? [S7.E24]

Continuing our regional focus of late, Greg and Ed discuss Ed's
recent trip to Hong Kong and how it compares to big, bad Bangkok.
Ed begins with a big caveat: he's not really much of a traveler,
and he spent only 2 ½ days in Hong Kong, so his take is that of a
true noob. That being said, Ed begins on the positive side,
noting how geographically beautiful the city is, being situated
on mountainous islands that present incredible photo
opportunities. 


However, when compared to Bangkok, Ed found a lot of
shortcomings. First, Hong Kongers tend not to smile much,
including customer service staff. After years in Thailand, Ed
realized how spoiled he has become. Second, the LOCAL cuisine was
almost comically bland, with food literally being served unspiced
and with no condiments on the table. (Both guys agree though that
when you factor in all the international cuisine there, the food
options overall are great.) Third, money and social status was
discussed openly and almost constantly by Ed's tour guides, which
to Ed's western ears came across a bit crass.


On a more neutral note but still unusual, the tour guides also
openly discussed Hong Kong politics and their disdain for China
in general. As a student of politics, Ed didn't mind, but their
open near-hostility seemed inappropriate in a tourist setting.


Greg provides some counterpoint to Ed's experience, having
enjoyed Hong Kong in the past, and Ed admits he needs to return,
sans tour guides, to explore the city more in depth. How do you
think Hong Kong measures up to Bangkok? 


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