Geeking out and loving it at Asia’s top high tech travel destinations.

Hong Kong | Symphony of Lights

With its high tech infrastructure and incredible economy, Hong Kong is one of the most modern metropolises in the world. In 2007 the city was ranked as the fourth most “e-ready” city in the world by The Economist. Indeed, wi-fi is available across the city via readily purchased cards, and free internet terminals are found in many metro stations. Most tourists in search of cheap electronics head to the mess of stores on Nathan Road, but you should be wary of low quality products and rip-off prices. The Golden Computer Arcade at Sham Shui Po, Star City in Tsim Sha Tsui, and the Wan Chai Computer Mall are safer bets for quality and fair prices. After a day shopping, check out Hong Kong’s fabulous skyline around 8 p.m., when the harbor becomes home to the world’s largest permanent light and sound show.
Stay: The Langham Place Hotel which claims to be the “most technologically advanced hotel in Asia,” offers wi-fi service in all parts of the building, even the elevators, and was the first hotel in the world to feature touch screen Internet Protocol phones in all rooms.

Tokyo | Gadget Kingdom

Home to Sony, Nikon and the bullet train, Tokyo has for decades been the undisputed technology capital of the world. This is the place for the latest gadgets, whether practical or completely off-the-wall. Once there, head to Akihabara, once the center of Tokyo’s black market but now an electronics wonderland. Then check out Yodobashi, where you’ll find half a million gadgets—computers, electronics, toys and games—spread over 11 floors. If you’re not in the market for your own robot but want to see the newest in tech, head to the Sony building in Ginza which has six floors of their latest offerings on display which you can try out, while the Messe Mall has showrooms for Canon and IBM. Round off your trip to the future at the Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation where you might be guided around by a talking robot.
Stay: The Park Hyatt takes high tech to the bathroom. Not only is the toilet heated, it automatically washes and dries. Even better, the whole experience comes with a soothing slide show and surround sound music. Bizarre? Yes. High tech? Definitely.

Seoul | Mobile Capital

As a result of the government’s decision, in the aftermath of the 1997 Asian financial crisis, to transform the country into a technology center, Seoul has become the capital of the world’s most wired nation. With a level of technology rivaling Japan, Seoul residents watch TV for free on their cell phones while riding the subway. The Ministry of Information and Communication has publicly vowed “to put a robot in every home by 2010." For starters, pop into the Yongsan electronics market where you’ll find appliances, phones, computers, software, and other name brand electronics 20 percent cheaper than retail. Since you’ll probably find yourself there anyway, make sure to have a good look around Incheon International Airport, one of the most technologically advanced airports in the world. The terminal of this Winged City (as it’s often called) is the largest building in South Korea and includes its own meteorological station and waste-water recycling plant.
Stay: The Shilla Hotel was one of the first hotels in Asia to provide wireless internet throughout the hotel, even pool-side, so you can always go online. Guests staying on the executive floors get complimentary mobile phone use. Take a sneak peek at all the latest Samsung phone models on display in the lobby.

Bangalore | Outsourcing the World

Known as the “Silicon Valley of India,” Bangalore has, in recent years, become the outsourcing capital of the world, with three major technology parks hosting hundreds of companies who’ve moved here since the 1990’s. As India’s technology hub, Bangalore is developed, forward-thinking and one of the hippest cities in the country. Before it became “Silicon Valley,” Bangalore used to be known as the “Garden City” for its ample urban greenery. The massive Cubbon Park acts as a green lung in the center of the city, and Lal Bagh, built in the 18th century, has amazing flower shows. The city is also known as the “pub capital of India,” and Bangalore, home to Kingfisher beer, sports tons of bars where software engineers relax after work. For science buffs, the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium {www.taralaya.org}(http://www.taralaya.org) has two sky gazing shows every day, with lots of exhibitions and workshops for kids, and the Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum has displays on many scientific disciplines, including space travel, optics and electronics.
Stay: The Leela Palace Kempinski, with lavish and sprawling suites, is the ultimate destination. It was named Best Business Hotel in the World by Conde Nast Traveler in 2007.

Taipei | Silicon Wonderland

Steady economic development has turned Taiwan into one of Asia’s most impressive technology centers. Typhoon-tormented Taipei makes an odd choice for the world’s tallest building, but Taipei 101’s engineers devised ingenious ways to make the 1,671 foot skyscraper sturdy enough to withstand the highest winds and pliable enough to wiggle through earthquakes. To get to the top of Taipei 101 take the fastest elevator in the world, which whisks you up in a dizzying 37 seconds. Afterwards, hop the new high speed train to Kaohsiung, home to the second largest science museum in the world. It houses exhibits on ancient and traditional technology as well as cutting edge stuff, like robots and earthquake simulations.
Stay: Taiwan’s IT industry has resulted in a surfeit of added amenities at business hotels. Guests at the five star Landis Taipei Hotel enjoy Internet access in all rooms, while those staying on the Westin’s executive floor get access to the Executive Club, where they’ll find Internet ready computers and an Xbox 36.

by Sienna Parulis-Cook