While I was passing through Hong Kong, I met a lot of backpackers at my hostel who were caught off guard by the airport shutdowns in Bangkok. This was due to the massive anti-government protests taking place. One Korean traveler in particular was worried it wouldn’t just ruin Thailand for him, but potentially his whole Southeast Asia jaunt, because he was planning to get his plane tickets and tourist visas in Bangkok.

Kuala Lumpur would be a good alternative gateway to Southeast Asia. Most countries in that region have an embassy there. An even bigger incentive is that it’s the main hub for Air Asia, a Malaysian low-cost airline that serves that region. Flights can be unbelievably cheap if you catch one of their special promotions.

Another alternative is Hong Kong, which has a huge international airport with connections to everywhere. When I picked up a plane ticket to Shanghai at Shoestring Travel in Tsim Sha Tsui, I noticed a sign saying that they offer visa processing for Myanmar (Burma), Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. Also worth checking out.