Have a conference in Thailand next week and I'm taking a few extra days while I'm over there. I've been to Thailand before, so not interested in going somewhere there again. I've kind of set my sights on George Town, Malaysia.

Curious if y'all have any thoughts on the area or must do activities while there.

Only thing I can say about it is GO! Albeit I have not been in a while it reminds me of the way Singapore was in its hey days. Lots of Straits Chinese influence mixed with some great resorts. Used to refer to these sites as WT(world traveler) places.

I just read Penang has the cheapest Michelin starred restaurant in the world. A Peranakan style cuisine.

Had a great trip to Penang and George Town when I lived SG. Ayer Itam Laksa was the bomb but unfortunately shut down during covid.

I've been before about 10 years ago. We were walking around and happened across a bunch of old Chinese ladies line dancing to country music. I was wearing my Lucchese's at the time and joined in. I wound up getting interviewed on local TV.

Penang is renowned for its food. There's a big rivalry between Singapore and Penang style Laksa. A bunch of my colleagues are from Penang, their suggestions are as follows (sorry for formatting, cutting and pasting links from teams):

https://penangfoodie.com/bbc-describes-siam-road-char-koay-teow-uncle-as-humble-king-of-noodles/

Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul & Penang Road Famous Chendol at Lebuh Keng Kwee
Address: Jalan Penang, 27 & 29, Lebuh Keng Kwee, George Town, 10450 George Town

Penang Laksa
https://maps.app.goo.gl/bXMyThbe16ouxK369?g_st=com.microsoft.skype.teams.extshare

This one is a bit more "authentic", is located next to a wet market:
https://penangfoodie.com/penang-air-itam-laksa-resumes-operations/

In terms of sights, the temples and clan houses are cool if you're into that. The E&O Hotel (started by the same guys who started Raffles in Singapore) is great for a brunch, high tea, etc. If you've got some extra time, Langkawi is a great island to visit and it's a short flight from Penang.

Thank you all for the recs!