There are two places in the world that people don't always associate with Christmas. And both of them make Alan Wong, general manager of Kung Fu Plaza, smile. He knows plenty about both places: Thailand and Las Vegas.

"Some of the most beautiful Christmas displays in the world can be found in Bangkok and Las Vegas," says Wong. "I think what surprises most people about Thailand celebrating Christmas is that more than 90 percent of the population is Buddhist."

Thai people, Wong says, have embraced some of the most beautiful decorative elements like Christmas trees (from Germany) as well as the long-standing celebrations that are tied to winter solstice. The celebration of joy, compassion, and peace is also cherished in Thailand. And Buddhism is also fairly relaxed in embracing other traditions.

All across Bangkok, in fact, Christmas has become a must. Many companies, businesses, and hotels even compete with each other to have the tallest, most beautiful, or sparkliest Christmas trees. Some stores even started putting decorations before Westerners (some as early as October). Others will join in later, transforming the entire city into a winter wonderland even if the temperatures will be close to 90 degrees.

"The first time my father visited Bangkok after Thailand had embraced Christmas, he was stunned," laughs Wong. "He called to say we would never believe it. It looked just like America, except with more twinkling lights."

Christmas In Las Vegas. Make Dinner Reservations Early.

Wong says people feel the same way about Las Vegas the first time they visit in December. While Las Vegas largely ignored holidays 50 years ago (in comparison to other cities), the more luxurious resorts and influx of shopping has created an environment where the displays are more and more lavish every year.

"While everyone added a few displays, I think Bellagio and the Fashion Show Mall really raised the bar a few years ago," Wong said. "The Bellagio especially, because from the first year of its opening, it always transformed its botanical garden into a winterscape. Nowadays, even the Fremont Street Experience is known for erecting a tree that nearly touches its outdoor canopy. And even the new City Center is really a sight to behold."

Wong says the additions have become increasingly dramatic. People can ice skate on the Las Vegas Strip at The Venetian, take a ride on Santa's Train, and tour the lighted garden at Ethel M (admittedly one of the oldest traditions). There are dozens of other activities and events.

"Christmas is no longer viewed as the slow week before New Year's Eve, which is the busiest day of the year for Las Vegas," says Wong. "Instead, Christmas has become very busy too."

He added that Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are two of the most difficult days of the year to make restaurant reservations in Las Vegas. Many restaurants have shortened hours, special menus, and select service times. Kung Fu Plaza, which is the oldest and most authentic Thai and Chinese restaurant in Las Vegas, will be open with a full menu and have regular hours during the holidays to help visitors. The Thai holiday favorite is always duck, Wong said.

Kung Fu Plaza will be open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day, including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. The only exception is that the restaurant closes early on New Year's Eve (at 9 p.m.) because of road closures in the area to accommodate pedestrian traffic on the Las Vegas Strip. During open hours of operation, Kung Fu Plaza will also deliver anywhere on the Las Vegas Strip.