Brian,
If you are thinking of coming out to the Far East again, I strongly suggest you consider visiting Vietnam. PM me if you are interested.
Pre-2001, I used to often get a jump seat ride by showing my business card and PPL. The best one was into Kai Tak, just before it closed, in a 777. The crew were two Brits. It was the Captain's leg, so the the FO gave me the safety brief at TOD. "If Bill stuffs it up and we end up in the harbour, your life jacket is under your seat." No power-gradient in that cockpit!