For many of us, the word "Tibet" conjures up images of Beastie Boys benefit concerts, bumper stickers on old Volvos urging everyone to "Free Tibet" and that annoying movie starring Brad Pitt.

Invaded by China in 1950, Tibet has become both a cause celebre and a legitimate rallying point for those consumed by the struggle for human rights. Part of Tibet's mystique and its frustration stemmed from the fact that, post-1950, Tibet has been almost totally closed to outsiders

Yet as Xeni Jardin explains on NPR, these days Tibet is suddenly far more open to tourists, Western and otherwise. Tibet's capital, Lhasa, has transformed into something she calls "Lhasa Vegas" with absurd sights, retail stores and Internet cafes.

So is Tibet the new Thailand? Only time will tell.