I went to Syria in the same trip as Iran. I agree that the people are friendly and hospitable individually, although pushiness and discourtesy were a feature of competing for tickets/seats on local transport - unlike Iran where courtesy and kindness were unfailing everywhere.
Damascus is grittier and grimier than say Beirut or Esfahan. But it is fascinating and vibrant with some supercool
backpacker enclaves. Aleppo is packed with ancient landmarks and the bazaar is as amazing as it is historic and labyrinthine.
Palmyra is well worth the trip. the ancient ruins there are never crowded, due to Syria's pariah status in the West.
I was there in January when the temperature was 6 below freezing. I survived by stealing electric fires from unoccupied rooms in my hotel and letting them run full blast 24/7.
Hamd’illah, the fuses never blew.....
If you're looking for an oriental place, Malaysia is a good country for driving in. It's also very varied and multicultural, so touring would give you a mixture of experiences. I'm very fond of the place, and we've driven with few qualms.
In Syria, Damascus and Palmyra are worth visiting (and the crac), but Hama is not worth it. Brandy is cheaper than the ginger ale. Iran is great, but with the new petrol rationing you could have problems driving. Petra is OK, but I don't understand why it was voted one of the new 7 wonders of the world, very little effort went into making the treasury, maybe 100 men for a year, compared to many thousands for decades in other places that missed out. Eastern Oz is Ok, but all same same and expensive. Can't say anything against Thailand, as long as you get off the tourist trail. South Pacific Islands, Samoa is enormous and friendly, you won't feel trapped. What about the Islands of Indonesia East of Bali? Sri Lanka? Burma? It's a big world out there, you're sure to have a good time wherever you go.
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