SINGAPORE ; Underwater world

The Underwater World is located below the island's surface, giving rise to its name. A ticket to the Underwater World includes admission to the Dolphin Lagoon as well.

A 83-meter travelator (train-like transportation carriage) moves visitors along the entire oceanarium, via a submerged 6.0mm thick acrylic-window, forming a tunnel. From this tunnel, visitors can see a variety of marine animals, including stingrays, turtles, moray eels, sharks, coral reefs and much more.

The Underwater World provides an array of educational, environmental and edutainment-based programs and projects, such as the Ocean Ambassador, Living in the Ocean and Coral Club. The popular oceanarium also offers several exclusive marine-themed venues for functions.

The Dolphin Lagoon is part of the Underwater World attractions, and is home to several Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins, commonly known as the pink dolphins. A variety of performances are scheduled at the Dolphin Lagoon, mostly held during weekends, and some visitors are allowed to interact with the dolphins under the trainer's supervision. The ticket for Underwater World does not include the interaction experience at Dolphin Lagoon, and interested parties must purchase a token for the activity.

The Underwater World and Dolphin Lagoon, in combination, offers several adventures for the visitors to participate in. These include Marine Discovery, Dive With The Sharks, Dive With Dugong, Dive With Sharks and Dugong, Meet The Dolphins, Swim With The Dolphins and more.

In end December 2006, the Underwater World Singapore was bestowed with three more attractions. The highlight is the Fish Reflexology, Singapore's first spa based on natural treatment done with the use of live fish. Here, two species of doctor fish simply nibble away at your feet to remove dead skin naturally. The other two new additions are an interactive stingray feeding pool and a small marine reef species display.

Whenever you visit Singapore, you'll have plenty of places to explore and discover in a highly modernized environment. Singapore is well-known for its friendly Asian hospitality and a hotel in Singapore will provide you with all the services and amenities needed to have a comfortable stay, while enjoying everything Singapore has to offer.

Naveen Marasinghe is an e-marketing executive at eMarketingEye(Private) Ltd. eMarketingeEye is an search engine marketing company offering integrated Internet marketing solutions, specializing in serving the online travel and hospitality industry.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Naveen_Marasinghe

SINGAPORE ; Dolphin Lagoon

Underwater World's Dolphin Lagoon is the first of its kind in Asia. Although artificially constructed, the lagoon holds 30 million liters of filtered, natural seawater, and is made to simulate the dolphins' natural environment and original habitat.

The Dolphin Lagoon cost around $3 million Singapore dollars to construct and includes the Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins, also known as pink dolphins. The lagoon has a rolling sandy bottom, which provides varied water depths and waves for the dolphins to frolic in. The surrounding area is filled with pristine white beach land, lined with palm trees.

The pink dolphins perform a multitude of stunts, which are not based on any training and are purely rising from their own natural behaviorisms. The spy-hop, tail-flaps and "singing" are some of the things they do. Some visitors are allowed to wade into the shallow areas of the lagoon and touch and feed the dolphins. These intelligent sea creatures are very friendly and if you are lucky, you might even get a peck on your cheek from one of these amazing dolphins. The Dolphin Lagoon is popular for its "Meet-the-Dolphin" programs.

Dolphin shows are generally held during weekends and public holidays, when the Underwater World theme park is packed to capacity. From around 11:00 am to 5:30 pm, there are several dolphin shows presenting stunts, acrobatics and entertaining performances by the beautiful and friendly pink dolphins. Visitors are expected to purchase a ticket per person, worth SGD150 (approximately US$105).

The Dolphin Lagoon's latest program is "Swim With The Dolphins," a program which allows visitors to work with the trainers to experience the wonderful aspects of human-dolphin interaction. Dolphins are renowned worldwide as highly intelligent mammals and this program offers the opportunity for anyone to build a relationship with these pink dolphins. The experience costs SGD 120 (around US$85) per participant and only 5 participant are allowed at each session.

Since the Dolphin lagoon is located inside the Underwater World complex, you can enjoy the entire theme park during a whole day. Make sure you book your Singapore hotel accommodation nearby, so you can head right to your hotel after an exhaustingly fun day at the park.

Naveen Marasinghe is an e-marketing executive at eMarketingEye(Private) Ltd. eMarketingeEye is an search engine marketing company offering integrated Internet marketing solutions, specializing in serving the online travel and hospitality industry. ( emarketingeye.com/ )

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Naveen_Marasinghe

SINGAPORE ; Jurong Birds

One of the main attractions nestles in the corner of the island, a very unassuming locale with an ornate gate and a collection of the most rarest and beautiful species of the animals of flight you will ever see; the Singapore Jurong Bird Park is definitely a must visit for anyone to be visiting this lovely island named after the mythical sealion.

This place appeals to anyone with a love for the unusual, exciting, the colourful and an experience that closely resembles a natural rainforest within the edifices of concrete and steel.

The Singapore Jurong Bird Park is located in the westerly area of Singapore and the rustic locale just adds to the rustic charm. It feels like an adventure as you leave the busy lights and mass crowds of the town centres and the charming suburbs - languishing slowly through a busy highway that slowly but sure becomes quieter and quieter as the kilometres go by. Reaching the all familiar sign, you will be treated to an almost minituaristic Jurassic park like entrance, only instead of a roar and a thunder shaking rumble - you will experience the warm smiles of the staff and the calls of different species echoing through the air.

The many gift and souvenir shops are also a must visit for anyone who wants a complete journey and bring home something to remember the place by. The gifts are original, charming and completely bird inspired - from keychains to t-shirts that serve as a reminder to the wonderful time you have had in the westerly bird park.

The park definitely lives up to its mantra of a place with living colours and there is never a dull moment within its landscape of birds and different attractions that will keep both adults and kids happy. Be frightened and in awe at the birds of prey show and be astounded by the beauty of the birds of paradise. Walk through pelican cove and parrot paradise, not forgetting an almost musical turn of events with an attraction called Swan Lake. From every corner of the world, birds of all shapes, forms and sizes are put on display, either in large habitations or roaming free within large enclosures and open air viewables. You can even feed and let them land on your hand - a total sensory experience that gives you an insight to birds and how they live, breathe and pass the time.

Travel through the whimsically named panorail and 'fly' together with some of the birds as you get a birds eye view of the attractions and the entire park in an informative and fun ride. It is not just a tourist attraction, but an experience in itself, a wonder, a jewel within an island known to be one giant city. You might even get a glimpse of events and even a gander at love taking flight as some couples choose this picturesque location to get married. Visit the Jurong Bird Park today - you won't be disappointed.

Singapore is a beautiful country located in South East Asia. Singapore Tourism is very well known and you must be sure to check out the different Singapore tourist attractions.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ethan_Ong

SINGAPORE ; National Orchid Garden

The main attraction within the botanic gardens. Located on the mid-western side of the garden, the hilly three hectare site has a collection of more than 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids of orchids.

Within the orchid garden, there are a number of mini-attractions such as:

Burkill Hall & VIP Orchid Garden: Burkill Hall is a colonial plantation bungalow built in the year 1886. It used to be the Director’s House and was named in honour of the only father and son pair, Isaac and Humphrey Burkill, to hold the post of Director of Singapore Botanic Gardens. Currently the ground level serves as an exhibition area. It showcases information on the different hybrids named after VIPs who have visited the garden.

At the back of the Burkill Hall is the VIP Orchid Garden and here the real hybrids of some of the VIP orchids are on display. Some notable ones include: Dendrobium Margaret Thatcher, Renantanda Akihito, Dendrobium Masako Kotaishi Hidenka, Dendrobium Elizabeth, 'Vanda' Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Orchidarium: The haven for serious orchids enthusiasts. Only the natural species are on display here in a tropical setting.

Tan Hoon Siang Misthouse: Unknown to most people, Tan Hoon Siang was a descendant of Tan Tock Seng (founder of Tan Tock Seng Hospital and a philanthropist). The misthouse house contains a colourful collection of different hybrids. It also has a small collection of fragrant orchids like Vanda Mimi Plamer.

Lady Yuen-Peng McNeice Bromeliad House: Named in honour of its sponsor, the Bromeliad showcases plant from the Bromeliaceae family. Pineapple is a famous member of the bromeliad family. "The unique collection of bromeliads on display was acquired from Shelldance Nursery in the United States in 1994".

Coolhouse: The Cool House tries to recreate the environment of a tropical highland forest and so it showcases orchids that are normally only found in the tropical highland areas.


[edit] Rainforest
The Singapore Botanic Gardens has a small tropical rainforest, of around six hectares in size, which is older than the gardens itself. The Botanic Gardens' rainforest and its bigger cousin at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve are located well within the Singapore's city limits. Singapore is one of the only two major cities with a tropical rainforest within its city limits - The other is Rio de Janeiro's Tijuca Forest.


[edit] Evolution Garden
A new attraction at the botanic garden is the 1.5-hectare (3.7 acre) ( Evolution Garden, located within the Central Core. The Evolution Garden tells the evolution story of plant life on Earth throughout the ages.


[edit] Ginger Garden
Located next to the National Orchid Garden, this one hectare garden lumps together the collection of members of the family Zingiberaceae. The garden houses a restaurant (Halia Restaurant). There is also a drop-off point along Tyersall Avenue as well as a waterfall. The garden was officially opened in 2003 and it took over the spot vacated by the previous Orchid Enclosure.


[edit] Botany Centre and Tanglin Gate
The recently re-opened Tanglin Gate was given a new look. Gone was the old cast iron gate, it now sports a more modern sliver colour with a leaf motif as its main design.

The 2 new blocks of offices and classroom in the upgraded Tanglin Core were known as the Botany Centre. It houses the:

Library of Botany & Horticulture (including the Public Reference Centre)
The Singapore Herbarium
Orchid Breeding & Micropagation
Education Outreach/ Workshop classrooms
The corridors and walkways of the Botany Centre were covered by leaf imprint. And there are also a number of wooden craving that littered the ground. There are also fern covered vertical walls.

The Green Pavilion is the first "green roof" in Singapore. Weed-like or grass-like plants fully covered the pitched roof. It houses the visitor services desk as well as the foodcourt (Taman Serasi Food Garden) at its basement.

The offices of former directors namely Holttum Hall (named after Eric Holttum, Director of the Gardens from 1925 - 1949) and Ridley Hall (after Henry Nicholas Ridley, first director of Gardens from 1888 - 1911) were preserved and now serve as the Singapore Botanic Gardens' Directorate and Visitor Management & Rangers offices.

SINGAPORE ; Sentosa Island

For many visitors coming to Singapore, the hustle and bustle of the busy city can get overwhelming at times. If you happen to be visiting Singapore during the Great Singapore Sale, you will end up spending most of your time at Orchard Road and Bugis Junction. However, to enjoy the tranquility of simple island life, you will have head to Sentosa Island.

Sentosa is truly an island of tranquility. It is perfect for people who want some peace, quiet and relaxation. In addition, there are not that many attractions as Singapore so you can definitely relax and rejuvenate yourself before heading back to a chaotic city life.

In Singapore, if you want to go to Sentosa Island, taking the efficient Singapore public transportation system already ends up relaxing you. You can either take the Sentosa Bus, Sentosa Express train or the cable car. The cheapest way to get to Sentosa Island is the bus or express train which hardly costs around $3 per adult. However, you can take the cable car from the harbor front Tower 2, which will cost you around $15.

Once on Sentosa Island, you can book yourself into a hotel or head straight for the beach. Many people love to rejuvenate at Tanjong Beach. Lying on the beach, enjoying the gentle sea breeze and marveling the solitude can be a completely new experience for many people. There is port near the beach which can end up blocking your view because of the rows of ships that come to dock there.

If you miss the noise of the city, head to Siloso Beach. It is the most happening place on the island. You will find the beach full of young people and there are many activities like mountain biking, canoeing, skim boarding and roller-blading that you can indulge in. The beach is also popular with volleyball enthusiasts who organize matches every weekend.

If the afternoon gets too hot and humid for you to stay on the beach, you can head to the Underwater World and Dolphin Lagoon. You can meet the dolphins there or take a spend time at the oceanarium which is home to more than 2,500 fish belonging to 250 different species. You can also go into the moving travelator, which is an 83-meter long glass tunnel and see the aquatic life with nothing but the glass separating you from them. You can see stingrays, sharks, eels and shoals of fish swimming past you. If you are adventurous enough, you can also opt to dive with the sharks!

About Author: Pauline Go is an online leading expert in travel industry. She also offers top quality travel tips like :
Costa Rica Travel Vacation Information , Is Singapore Tourism Successful?

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pauline_Go

INDIA ; Goa

Goa is the only state in India that is a perfect destination for everyone. It has earned itself a number of titles such as 'The most popular travel destination in India', 'Most sought after tourist destination', 'A dream destination', 'A beach destination', 'The most beautiful holiday destination' and many more. A tour to this magical land reveals all the reasons that makes it not only the most beautiful state but also one of the most loved holiday destination in India.

Goa has always attracted millions of tourists for its beautiful exotic beaches. The beaches in Goa with their swaying coconut palms are unique and different from each other in their own way and provide relaxing ambience to the travellers. A number of beaches also offer water sport facilities. The beaches are dotted with a number of beach cafes, huts, hotels, restaurants, guest houses and houses for rent that offer good accommodation and make your stay more memorable. The natural scenic beauty often creates a romantic ambiance and attracts newly wedded couples. Thus Goa is also known as one of the best honeymoon destinations in India.
Apart from its lovely beaches Goa is also known for its forts and historical monuments. There are a number of forts built by the Portuguese that remind one about the Portuguese rule in Goa. The Fort Aguada located in North Goa is the most famous one visited by a number of people. Other forts such as the Chapora fort, Corjuem fort, Tiracol fort, Nanus fort etc are also well known and visited by the tourists.
Goa also has a number of religious places of worship in the form of churches, temples and mosques that attract a large number of tourists. Safa Masjid and Jama Masjid are the most popular mosques in Goa. The Basilica of Bom Jesus attracts the maximum number of visitors as it houses the remains of St. Francis Xavier, the patron Saint of Goa. A large number of other churches also exists in Goa that have amazing forms of architecture and are the legacy of Portuguese colonization. Goa is also a home to many Hindu temples that draw devotees from all over the country. Some of the famous temples are the Shri Mangueshi temple, Shri Shantadurga temple, Shri Chandreshwar temple etc. The Brahma Temple in Goa is the only temple in India that is dedicated to Lord Brahma.
For those seeking fun and enjoyment at their trip to Goa, there is a lot of entertainment in the form of clubs, dicsotheques, night parties etc. Another way to enjoy is to attend the beac parties that are held at different places. One can enjoy a number of festivals celebrated here such as the Carnival, Shigmo etc or go for fishing or dolphin trips. One can even go shopping to the various markets held or enjoy movies at various multiplexes at various places. Also there are a number of places to visit such as beautiful waterfalls, lakes, wildlife sanctuaries, musuems etc that one can go visiting.
Another fact that makes Goa so popular are the Goans or the people of Goa themselves who are warm, friendly people that have a lively spirit. They have a laid back lifestyle but are very friendly and fun loving people that have a great passion for music and dance. The language spoken is Konkani and the Goan cuisine is a mixture of local food style and Portuguese food style. One can get a variety of delicious seafood delicacies here and also a local drink known as feni which is very popular and one of the main drinks of the Goans.
Besides all this Goa is also known for a number of activities. The hotels, guest houses and houses for rent offer wonderful services and facilities which make your tours to Goa more attractive so you have a pleasant vacation. One can get a lot more information on Goa through various tourist guides and websites for Goa. So next time you are planning a holiday do not forget to explore this smallest but most beautiful state and holiday destination of India.
For complete information on anything about Goa visit http://www.goaholidayhomes.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Salman_Goa

INDIA ; Kerala

During holiday season, people look for places where they can relax and have some fun. And speaking of great holiday destination, I have one for you, Kerala - God's own country. Let's take a look the beauty of Kerala and why it is one of the exciting places for your holiday. This Kerala travel guide will give you clear perspective why it is called God's own country.

Nowadays many believe that Kerala derived its name from Malayalam word "kera" which means coconut. But, if we look at the history, the word Kerala originated from Keralaputra of the Ashokans tribe. Extensive trading with the Romans are what Ashokans written in the history. There is not much know the history of Kerala, but their culture evidently shows the influence of those that once conquer their place.
Kerala is located in the south west corner of Indian Peninsula and known for its beautiful nature. If you look at Kerala's map, beautiful touch of nature is appreciated everywhere. And for beach lovers, you will surely enjoy beaches and palm lined shores. There are lots of beaches resorts surrounding Kerala which make everyone who stay feels comfortable. You will experience world class services in the resorts, making it a premiere place for vacation.
Kerala tourism is very active during holiday season, making it the most active industry in India. There are lots of major attractions in Kerala that attracts guests to visit. From beautiful beaches to unmatched trails, surely, visitors have no more to ask. If you have plan to tour around the world, planning would be easy and don't hesitate to include Kerala on your lists for your great holiday tour. Kerala tourism is very accommodating to everyone who wants to have a memorable vacation.
Aside from Kerala's well-known magnificent nature, tourists also enjoy visiting this place because of various hotels option. Being recognized among one of the greatest tourists destinations in the world, there are highly class hotels that meets the international standards, making it more comfortable to stay. Hotel accommodations are truly great for family, for travelers and even for religious purposes of meditation and internalization.
Once you acquaint yourself in Kerala, be sure to taste their special cuisine. Their specialty composes of sea foods and coconuts combinations. You can also try their unpolished rice together with their different breakfast combinations of cereals. But then, since coconut is very visible in this place, a variety of coconut and sea foods delicacies are prepared to compliment its nature. If your hobby is eating but don't want to become bigger and bigger, try Kerala's cuisine without worrying your diet.
Kerala is a place of thousand words. Being called a God's own country is the perfect description for the place. The place is very fascinating in every aspect. From its rich nature down to a very accommodating people and you will not regret spending your vacation in Kerala.
. Once you are in this place, you could simply say that you tour in a paradise world. It's like you don't want to end your vacation once you get there. You might want to extend your vacation once you experience the beauty, the glamour and the fashion of Kerala. This is truly one of the best places you don't want to miss.
Alicia Gail, professionally an article writer belong to all major travel places. If you want to take more knowledge about kerala travel tourism and fashion in Kerala then log on http://kerala.mapsofindia.org.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alicia_Gail

INDIA ; Jaipur

Jaipur is the capital city of Indian state of Rajasthan. It is popularly described as Pink City of India. A large number of travelers from all over the world visit Jaipur to see the utter beauty of the city wrapped charming pink. Jaipur is a famous commercial hub of Rajasthan and is much more developed comparatively many other cities of Rajasthan.

The city is one of the most popular travel destinations of Rajasthan and very popular among tourists from all over the world. The city has top priority on the itinerary of every Rajasthan tour package. The city has a lot of tourism options and deserves the attention of tourist across the globe to visit Jaipur. Travel and tourism in Jaipur play a major role in the boom of Rajasthan tourism.
The pink city of Jaipur has a lot of options to do and see. One can see a perfect blend of modernity and traditions in the culture of Jaipur during Rajasthan tours. The city is known for its rich culture, exotic tradition & custom, rich history, magnificent monuments, exotic fairs & festival and above all generous people to welcome and assist you on your Jaipur, Rajasthan tour. The city has status of being a world-class tourist destination offering several tourism options and world class accommodation. There are several luxurious hotels in Jaipur which provide world class accommodation to tourists from all over the world. Hotels are equipped with modern amenities blended with age old charm and tradition.
The pink city of Jaipur, Rajasthan is home to several magnificent forts, palaces and temples which are very popular among tourists. City Palace Complex, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Amber Fort & Palace, Samode Palace, Jal Mahal, Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Govind Dev Ji Temple, Jain Temple, etc are some world famous monumental attractions of Jaipur. Forts and palaces of the city introduce us with royal past of the city and state. Visiting these monuments in Jaipur provide true essence of Rajasthan tours . You too should not miss to visit these monumental and architecturally beautiful structures on your Jaipur tours to Rajasthan, India.
The pink city of Jaipur is also very famous for its colorful and exotic fairs & festivals. Some of predominant fairs & festivals of Jaipur city are Kite Festival, Elephant Festival, Gangaur Festival, Teej Festival, etc. These festivals are celebrated in the city with great zeal and zest. People of all ages participate in these festivals. The major attractions of these festivals are music and dance which introduce us about rich past of the city and state. Jaipur festivals add a special charm to Rajasthan travel and tourism. Shopping in Jaipur has also a special charm to Rajasthan tours. The city is known for its exquisite Rajasthani crafts, beautiful handicrafts, beautiful Rajasthani jewellery, etc. The city is also known for its mouthwatering cuisine such as Dal Batti, Choorma, Pyaz ki Kachauri, Gatte ki Sabzi, Ghever, Mishri Mawa, etc. On your Rajasthan travel and tours don't miss to grab the opportunity indulge in shopping activities and taste the mouthwatering Rajasthani cuisine in the city of Jaipur.
There are several ways to visit Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. Among them golden triangles tours are very popular among tourists. Golden triangle tour is one of the most shouted after travel circuits of north India tours and enables you to travel and explore three historical cities of India - Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. In fact, Jaipur is a true destination for celebrating Rajasthan holidays. Thus we see that tourism and travel in Jaipur play role in the boom of Rajasthan toursm.
Michael Braganza is an amateur writer focusing primarily on Indian Travel related topics. For more information on Rajasthan tour package and Rajasthan tourism to visit http://www.swagattours.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Braganza

INDIA ; Mumbai

With a variety of entertainment and leisure options on offer, you will not have a dearth of things to do in Mumbai. You have enjoyed a memorable sightseeing experience and now you want to explore the other attractions. From some incredible shopping to thrilling recreational activities, from mouthwatering delicacies to a dazzling nightlife experience, Mumbai pulsates with thrill and excitement.

Shopping is one of the favorite things to do for a tourist visiting Mumbai. Your holiday will be incomplete without a shopping experience. If you are wondering about what to shop and where to shop, the Mumbai travel guide will provide you with perfect answers. If you are one of those who are looking for the finest brands, you can just hop around the famous shopping malls in the city. For Example Status Eye Care are the favourite Opticians for getting your high power eye prescription lenses, Progressive / Multifocal lenses or Prescription Sunglasses. They have expertise in dispensing for upto 1.9 High Index Glass Lens or 1.74 Index Plastic Lens. They Also store latest Designer Eyeglasses, Sunglasses and All brands of Contact Lenses.
Roadside shopping is hot favorite amongst both the locals and tourists. These roadside markets are major pullers while on shopping in and around the city. You can spend endless hours at these roadside shops. If you are wondering about the famous roadside shops, you must go through tourist information on Mumbai. Chor Bazaar, Colaba causeway and Phule market are some of the most famous names amongst the roadside shops in Mumbai. You can almost shop for anything and everything here.
You can choose to indulge in a leisure experience after some exciting shopping. Indulging in a variety of leisure activities is one of the best things to do in Mumbai. Powai Lake is an ultimate haven for those seeking rest and relaxation. One of the favorite hotspots for locals and tourists, this destination provides an ultimate leisure experience. You can while away your time watching the crocodiles at the lake.
If your taste buds are yearning to snack on a plate of Bhel Puri, you can visit any of the innumerable number of fast food stalls, dotting the beachside. Bhel is a popular dish along the beachside area. Those visiting the beachfront area must devour a plate of yummy Bhel Puri.
The artistically inclined can visit the famous museums and art galleries across the city in their leisure time. If you love watching wonderful paintings, you can visit the Prince of Wales Museum in Mumbai. Here you can catch a glimpse of finest pieces of art and painting belonging to Mughal, Rajput, Deccani and Pahari schools of paintings.
For the perfect night-owls, nightlife is one of the famous attractions of Mumbai. The city boasts of a vibrant nightlife. The DJs entertain the party hoppers with their mix of music all night long. A unique mix of numbers played by the DJs set the crowd grooving. Firangi Paani, Hard Rock Café, Hawaiian Shack, Insomnia, Enigma, Vie Lounge and Bar, Polly Esther's, J49 and R are some of the finest nightlife destinations in Mumbai.
Apart from shopping, nightlife, dining and leisure options, Mumbai has on offer a variety of recreation options and fun-filled activities. Visit any of the amusement parks to find out the exciting things to do. The most famous names amongst them are, Great Escape, Essel World, Nishiland Water Park, Shangrila Water Park, Tikuji Ni Wadi Fun Resort and Suraj Water Park.

INDIA ; Delhi

Delhi, the heart of India is also known as mini India Rome of the East. This historical Indian city is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. Delhi has been the capital of several empires in ancient India and has grown up to be a cosmopolitan city owing to the immigration of people from across the country.

The legendary city has a mini India feel to it. The culture of Delhi is liberal and tolerable and people from different parts of India have come and made Delhi their home.
New Delhi is third largest city and capital of India and is a combination of the ancient and the modern Indian culture. The city is a major attraction and one of the most important tourist destinations in India. It is a magnificent place to explore and is the ideal holiday option for your tours to India.
The city comprises of two parts - the Old Delhi and the New Delhi and is the business, industrial and travel hub of Northern India. The city is full of historical monuments which tell the saga of a bygone era. Each of them has a history of its own, be it Qutub Minar, Old Fort, Red Fort or the India Gate. These icons are major attractions for the tourists coming for Delhi India travel from all over the world. The warm hospitality of the city will surely steal your heart and you never know when Delhi becomes the most favorite destination of yours in the world.
The bustling markets of Delhi need special mention that make the city a shopping paradise. From the traditional jewelry, handicrafts and garments to modern electronic goods, Delhi markets are the dream destination for the travelers who love shopping. Located at the heart of the city, Connaught Place is the shopper's delight. Dilli Haat is famous for handicrafts and handloom items. In Delhi you can find virtually everything - from simplest Indian handicrafts to international designer labels.
The city boasts of some of its greatest hotels in the whole country that offer highest-quality services to its guests. Most of the excellent Delhi Hotels are ideally situated thereby making it convenient and comfortable for the tourists to visit the places of Delhi without any hassles. Ranging from the budget hotels to the luxury accommodations, you can find every option to stay in the city.
Most of affordable and budget Delhi hotels are located near the airport and the old Delhi areas. But, if you are looking for a plush and luxurious hotel, you can simply select a great five star, four stars or a three star hotel.
The most popular places to visit in New Delhi are India Gate, Jama Masjid, Jantar Mantar, Bahai Lotus Temple, Dilli Haat, Humayun's Tomb, Lakshmi Narayan Temple, National Science Center, Nehru Planetarium, Parliament House, Old Fort, Qutab Minar, Rajghat, Rashtrapati Bhawan, Red Fort and Safdarjang's Tomb. The list is endless and to get the real feel of Delhi and experience the warmth and hospitality of the city, take Delhi Flights and have an unforgettable holiday experience.
Visit the site to get more information on Delhi India travel and Delhi Hotels.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aparajita_Shankar

THAIHLAND ; Ayutthaya

Exotic destinations are plentiful in Asia, and where you have a keen sense of history, and wish to observe a glimpse of the glorious and mystique eras of the past, nothing can be more exciting and informative than the notable ruins of the Ayutthaya kingdom of Thailand.

Thailand, the great land of smiles holds more than great food and sunshine, and perhaps this destination called Ayutthaya is the best kept secret about Thailand.
We are not talking about the beautiful beaches that normally describe Thailand, or the night spots of bawdy entertaintment that hogs the beach scene, not even the exotic meals where you can eat various insects and bugs including crickets, worms and roaches!
We are talking about the notable ruins of the Ayutthaya Kingdom of Thailand.
When I first heard of the Ayutthaya kingdom, this question just struck me: " Aren't these almost similar to the Angkor Wat of Kampuchea?"
Be prepared to be surprised!
Having visited the famous Angkor Wat, the Ayutthaya kingdom greatly surprises with its difference.
Set at the conjunction of the Lopburi, Pasak and Chao Phraya Rivers, the beautiful ancient city of Ayutthaya, was founded in 1350 by King U-Thong and was Thailand's capital for 417 years, of what was then known as Siam.
Over the next 417 years it was ruled by 33 kings of different dynasties and repelled 23 Burmese invasions, before the Burmese finally succeeded in razing it to the ground.
The most important place to visit is the BUDDHA HEAD at Wat Mahatat.
Just in case you do not know, against a backdrop of temples that stood the test of time and the ravages of the weather, the Buddha Head wat or temple has a most intriguing facet of nature intervowing with the partial statue of the Enlightened One - The Buddha.
Why is this place a must to visit?
Here you can see many headless buddha statutes and one particular shrine where a the famous Boddhis tree, with roots seeking to spread over a wall of slate, and mostly exposed yet firmly entrenched, as if telling us a story of peace and stability against a world of uncertainties, interwoving its roots to cover a statutue of the revered Buddha, seeking to leave uncovered the face of the Enlightened One.
What a spectacular sight!
The uncovered face of the Great Buddha radiates a feeling of tremendous peace and warmth, of tranquility and of purpose.
It is a sense of inner calmness that smoothens the unrest within the inner chambers of the heart, so that irregardless of your religion, you will instantly recognises the holiness of the moment, the reverence of the Buddha...and you will leave the place carrying the same sense of wonder and awe that will linger with you forever.
Now, as this is the best kept secret of visiting Thailand, how did I squeeze the most out of a tight budget in terms of money and time to see the most of the Ayutthaya Kingdom?
First, plan your tour. Get a map of the Ayutthaya kingdom and write down your destinations you would like to visit.
Secondly, the first priority is to visit Wat Mahatat - the Buddha Head. This will allow you more time to enjoy the sights and scenes of this great kingdom as you bask in the glorious ruins.
Thirdly,engage the services of your local cab driver. You can get a very decent package that you personally designed. Give him your destinations, and he will fix with you the entire package tour price.
And as a bonus, my local cab driver spoke only a smattering of English. So he took along his college-going daughter to provide the interpretation and who acted as an honorary guide. Be prepared to pay her entrance fee if you do get a guide, but then most sites do not require an interpreter to be along with you.
Now, if you ever think of visiting Thailand, just remember that apart from the beaches, the night live, the entertaintment scence, the good food and the shopping at Paragon Mall, there is a best kept secret, and that is the notable ruins of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. You must not miss this when you travel to Thailand.
YS Koh works hard and believes in making travel and sightseeing a priority in her quest to learn more of the world. With extensive experience in capturing special moments on her camera, she has established the website " Visit The Notable Ruins of The Ayutthaya Kingdom, Thailand" at http://www.ayutthaya.best-travelogue.info where you can see the Buddha Head, refer to maps and lesser known tourist information that will make your visit a truly memorable one.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Koh_YS

THAILAND ; Koh samui

Towards the northeast of Thailand lies the small but lively island of Koh Samui. With a population of less than 50,000 you would be forgiven for thinking it was a place where nothing really happened. This however is not true, and upon arrival you will instantly realise you have arrived in a special place.

Tourism has boomed recently as the word has spread on how impressive this small island really is. With beautiful white beaches, luscious lagoons, wonderful waterfalls and clear waters available to all tourists.
Holidaymakers choosing holidays on Koh Samui come to experience a different type of holiday. Koh Samui is not like your typical holiday destination; many come and visit the Choeng Mon Beach where they can relax and enjoy the surroundings. There is also a selection of restaurants for you to enjoy some of the islands cuisine.
Some tourist attractions include the Marine Park where you can take a walk through the tropical rainforest, secluded beaches and see some amazing wildlife. The aquarium and the Tiger Zoo in Koh Samui are also great places to visit; the aquarium is home to tropical fish and many types of aquatic animals. The Tiger Zoo is interesting to visit as you can have your picture taken with the tigers and leopards, if you dare!
If you are looking for some adventure then you can go scuba diving and snorkelling in the clear waters of Koh Samui. Alternatively, kayaking is available and well as sailing and cruising on the Catamaran Kia Ora. There are also forests in the surrounding areas which make the perfect place to go trekking. Along Chaweng lake there is also the chance to go bungy jumping.
There are a number of shops to find the perfect souvenir to take home. With a variety of sports shops, boutiques and fashion shops available you are sure to find something you like.
After a busy day experiencing all there is on offer you will want to kick back and relax. Koh Samui is famous for its beer bars that can be found all over the island and are definitely worth a visit. There are also many restaurants around the island offering typical Thai cuisine.
Holidays in Koh Samui are becoming more popular as the island grows in reputation. Choose between package holidays and all inclusive deals and shop online for the best deals on holidays around.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Karl_Bantleman

THAILAND ; Koh Chang

Thailand is a land of enchanting and exotic tastes for foreign visitors as I was to learn when I experienced the Water Festival of Loi Kathong on the island of Ko Chang.
Ko Chang

In October 2003, the travel bug seriously bit me. The symptoms led me to sell my business, pack a small backpack with necessary items and roll into Los Angeles International Airport with a major credit card and an attitude. A few days later, I was in Thailand and headed for the island of Ko Chang, located close to the border with Cambodia in the Gulf of Thailand.

Ko Chang is a heavily forested island with little towns full of beach huts. This is what I was exactly what I was after. Spending days lounging in the sun and contemplating my navel. Unfortunately, I soon experienced the local bacteria, which was not what I was after.

Since I had rented my beach hut for a week with payment in advance, the family running the place looked me upon favorably. They took pity on me and I was soon growing fat on Tom Yom Kung and other soups and curries. After four days, I had finally kicked the bug and felt halfway human. This was good news as it was the night of the full moon water festival.

I had heard of full moon festivals in Thailand. For hard partying tourists, this was apparently the night the big beach parties happened. In Ko Chang, it was a little different as the night was tailored to the actual Thais, not tourist.

The Loi Kathong Festival happens every full moon. Offerings are given to appease the water spirits. These offerings come in the form of banana leaf bowls with flowers, fruit, candles and incense. The candles and incense are lit and everyone heads down the beach and starts putting them in the water. It is one of the more amazing light shows you will ever see and beats Las Vegas hands down. Thousands, and I mean thousands, of little lights bobbing on the surface of the smooth ocean.

After the bowls comes one of the most visually amazing things I’ve ever seen. Everyone is familiar with the paper lanterns used in Asia. Typically, they come in the form of a rectangle form with a bamboo or light wire frame. Very popular with college students since they are cheap and look better than a bare light bulb.

For the festival, Thais would take these paper lanterns and close off the top. They would then affix a small this paper plate to the bottom with a candle on it. Light the candle, wait for the heat to do its work and they had an instant hot air balloon. Once the lanterns could float, you simply let go and off the slowly went over the ocean. It was a sight to see as there were thousands of them floating over the water.

As the festival wound down, the ocean had been transformed. The air was full of gracefully floating lanterns while the water itself was dotted with slowly bobbing points of light.

If you intend to travel to Thailand, make sure you schedule your trip around a full moon. It is a scene you’ll never forget.

Rick Chapo is with http://www.nomadjournals.com - makers of travel journals. Writing journals are great travel accessories and travel gifts for him or her. Visit http://www.nomadjournaltrips.com for more travel articles.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Chapo

THAILAND ; Hua Hin

Nestled on the west coast of the Gulf of Thailand, Hua Hin Island has some eye-pleasing coastal beauty. Like all places, beaches take the centrestage on every tour to the island. Along with natural beauty, Hua Hin also comes forth with exciting activities and rollicking nightlife. Rejuvenating sea breeze makes any tour to Huahin soothing for the visitors. Thanks to its ever-pleasant weather, Hua Hin can be toured any time of the year.

Beaches
The island has some beaches which are just incomparable, giving experience one would never forget. Strolling on windy Hua Hin beaches under billowing white clouds is something which never gets erased from memories. You could pass some productive time reading a book on the beach. Just rent a beach lounger or beach umbrella and soak in the mesmerizing beauty under its shade. At Khao Takiab, you could get some elegant temples and an opportunity to feed the simians. Many beaches are close to the town, so it would not be a problem getting to them.

Activities
Like several Thai islands, you can enjoy water sports like snorkeling, jet skiing, para-sailing, banana boat, speed scooter, and jet-skiing. On the beach itself, you could go for horse-riding or elephant-riding. All necessary accoutrements are made available by the tour operators. If you are traveling on yourself, you could rent these from any of the shops near the beaches.

Golf
Any golfer in Hua Hin would like to visit Royal Hua Hin Golf Course which offers tempting tee shots for the adventurous amidst forest surroundings, as well as views over the gulf of Thailand. Imperial Lake View is a 27 hole golf course, offering luxury romantic weekend. Majestic Creek is another 27 hole golf course that has all sorts of accouterments for the golfers.

Sightseeing
Several temples and palaces from a distant time gone by are located in Hua Hin. Chopsticks Hill has many temples always surrounded by simians. One can have good look of the sea from the hill. Turtle Hill is also a nice place to go. Old Royal Palace is a place few tourists miss while on sightseeing tour of Hua Hin. You would also like some other historical structures in the town.

Dinesh Patairya has been writing on tourism for several online and offline publications for years. He is currently working for a project on Thailand with YourAsianVacations.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dinesh_Patairya

THAILAND ; Phang Nga

In the southern part of Thailand, just a little north of the island of Phuket on the mainland is the city of Phang-nga. Phan-nga is a small province, but it is a great place for tourists, especially sea and beach lovers.

One of the island was used as one of the movie locations by the James Bond movie, "The Man with the Golden Gun". Lots of many small islands have got some shapes that look like chimneys with trees growing on top. One of these islands was used as the hideout of the villain in the movie.

The islands of Phang-nga consist of many beautiful small islands. Some of the islands have beautiful beaches and many of them have caves that are large enough for tourists to explore. Tourists can take boat tours to visit these islands. Many of beaches are large enough and a great site for the tourist to stop on and have picnics. However, some of the islands have no beaches.

Each island has got its own uniqueness shape. Some of them look like tall poles emerging from the ocean or have got caves created by the erosion of the ocean water flowing through them. Tourists can swim right through the caves, and enjoy exploring the beautiful and fascinating sea life living in the caves.

Tourists can also choose to take a boat tours to visit these fascinating islands at Phuket. Tourists can contact tour counters or agencies in Phuket. They will assist you where to go to join a boat tour of the Phang-nga islands. So, give yourself a reward by visiting Phang-nga on the next vacation of yours. Taking a boat tour to visit these beautiful islands, and you will see nature in its most beautiful and interesting perspectives that you are waiting for.

Johny is currently living on Samui Thailand and is working on a number of travel websites. If you are looking for a great Samui hotel then do visiting http://www.mysamuiholiday.com Read more about Koh Samui in his Samui Guide.

THAILAND ; Phi Phi

Despite its small size, there are many things that you will learn to love when you are in the beautiful country of Thailand. You will be enriched with its cultural heritage and history. You will be amazed by the mixture of different races such as the traditional Thais and the Chinese, who played an important role in the country's history and economy. There are numerous festivals and events that have captured the fancy of millions of tourists all over world. Its seas, meanwhile, are excellent for yachting.

The Andaman Sea, with Phuket as its hub, is a excellent place for a sailing holiday. Here we find some of the most beautiful islands and beaches in the region, crystal clear waters and stunning geography. The diversity of this landscape is also a powerful attraction.

Sailing in Thailand's Koh Phi Phi Don means taking a chartered boat or yacht into the its clear-blue waters and enjoying its limestone cliffs. You can also dock ashore and dine into luxurious meals prepared by several seafood restaurants. There are also souvenir shops where you can absolutely find a great souvenir on your way home. Koh Phi Phi Lee, on the other hand, becomes a perfect setting for the movie The Beach. It lies 20 miles on the east side of Phuket. The marvelous sight of the bay is truly a sight to behold for anyone who wishes to see brilliant sunset and sunrise. It also provides a great setting for photographs.

Sailing in Thailand in your yacht will not be complete without taking a trip to the Similan Island. It is located 55 miles northwest of Phuket. There are nine islands and small islets that make up this archipelago. Besides sailing, you can enjoy Thailand underwater marine life through snorkeling or diving. You can also take pleasure into the marvelous irregular formations of the boulders. Surin Islands, meanwhile, is sacred with lush virgin rain forests and deserted beaches, which are ideal for those who seek privacy while they are in the yacht or chartered catamaran. The Ko Phra Thong is an ultimate vacation paradise because of its unspoiled beauty and great beaches. The island also holds a huge reservoir of fresh water.

Kam, which is located along the Gulf of Thailand, is a haven for visitors. Aside from its white sandy beaches and pristine waters, which appear to be lifted from postcards, black lava stones surface on top of the shallow waters.

Thailand is rich in its culture, history, as well as natural resources. It is also blessed with the best tropical climate, and its people are famous for their hospitality. All these make sailing in Thailand more than a holiday getaway. It's an experience of a lifetime.

For more info on companies offering yacht charter in Thailand as well as many other popular sailing areas such as yacht charter in Greece visit D. Browall's website http://www.sboats.com - The Ultimate Guide to a Sailing Holiday.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=D._Browall

THAILAND ; Krabi

Beach holidays, it's impossible to beat them. While other holidays - such as city breaks or adventure holidays - may be interesting, cultural and maybe possible even more exciting, a beach holiday is a well-deserved opportunity to relax, lie back and take in a much overdue annual dose of vitamin D. When choosing where in the world to visit for your beach holiday, three destinations stand out as easy contenders for this year's holiday destination.

For those living within Europe - and not wanting to holiday outside of Europe - the Algarve is a destination to consider. Situated at the south of Portugal, the Algarve attracts millions of tourists every year, all looking to relax in its warm white sandy beaches and clear blue seas.

Easily accessible from Faro airport - an airport which has direct flights from many European cities - the Algarve is one of Europe's most popular beach destinations and one that could be ideal for this year's beach holiday.

Of course for those who wish to head further abroad, Barbados is a bright, sunny destination that has been the leader in beach holidays for a number of generations. Although Barbados is a very touristic destination, finding secluded beaches with clear, calm seas to swim in is never a problem.

After a long flight to Barbados - which is made easy by the island's international airport - you may want to just relax and lie down on the beach. After all, Barbados has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and the island's caring approach to tourism ensures these are well-maintained and clean throughout the year.

If the Algarve or Barbados don't reel you in, there is another destination which could tick all the right boxes. On the other side of the world, just off the coast of Thailand lies the world's ultimate beach holiday destination, Ko Phi Phi.

Ko Phi Phi is such an amazing beach holiday destination that one of the islands was the central location of the blockbuster film The Beach - a film which focused on the world's most beautiful beach.

The islands which make up Ko Phi Phi are made up of lush, tropical vegetation and clear blue seas. Visiting most of the islands is never a problem with many local boat or sea plane services taking tourists from island to island.

Those visiting Ko Phi Phi from outside of Thailand will most likely have to fly into Krabi International Airport - an airport with many direct flights to major Asian cities such as Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur.

Whether visiting the Algarve, Barbados or one of the many islands that make up Ko Phi Phi, the important thing is to relax, enjoy the comforts of your luxury beach hotel and head on down to the beach to enjoy everything this holiday has to offer.

Daniel Collins writes on a number of topics on behalf of a digital marketing agency and a variety of clients. As such, this article is to be considered a professional piece with business interests in mind.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daniel_Collins

THAILAND;Pattaya

In the 1960s Pattaya was a little unknown fishing village in Thailand about 150km to the southeast of Bangkok. In this early time a few Bangkok residents began to spend their weekends in Pattaya and generated a modest local tourist industry. With the Vietnam War the international reputation began because it was used as an official Rest & Recreation Centre for the US Forces. At those times the U-Tapao Airport was built for American and shops, hotels, services and bars were growing.

Nowadays, Pattaya is Thailand's largest resort. It has grown to a city in its own rights with its own mayor and its own administration. As a beach resort with city status, it has everything for everyone. Whereas most other beach resorts rely simply on natural surroundings for their charm, Pattaya makes an all-out attempt to provide the best of everything. You will find just about everything you can think about for entertainment, recreation, fun and sightseeing. There is a variety that it is ideal for all kinds of visitors. While there is plenty to keep the children happily occupied, there is also everything for the sports enthusiastic, for couples of all ages seeking rest and relaxation and for those who are simply looking for warm sunshine.

Also after-dark, you've a lot of options include open-air bars, nightclubs, cabaret shows and discos. The nightlife centre is South Pattaya. But if this is a trifle branch and noisy for some tastes, there are alternative, quieter spots for evening fun in more relaxed style. Shopping can be an evening attraction as well. Most establishments close late, and the dedicated bargain hunter can find all of Thailand's best buys - silk, gems and jewellery, tailor made clothing, handicrafts and more.

Pattaya boasts an incredible choice of accommodation to suit every pocket. There are facilities ranged from luxury hotels with private beaches to bay side hotels and bungalows, to economy class hotels and guest houses with small comfort.

One of the many things that make it a wonderful destination is the abundance of food pleasures available. Probably no other resort in this part of the world offers such a great choice of restaurants. If in Thai, in Chinese, in Indian or in Japanese you can just eat as in French, in German, in Italian, in Belgian manner, Lebanese or Mexican, everybody finds something here at affordable prices. There are probably few places in the world where you can dine on gourmet meals, especially seafood, without spending so much. On the other hand you can eat an hamburger, a pizza or chips in one of the international fast-food restaurants as well.

The easiest and most popular way to reach Pattaya is by bus. Every 30 minutes there are departures from Bangkok's new Airport and the Eastern and Northern Bus Terminal. The one-way fares are really inexpensive. For getting around the main bay area you can take the mini buses and baht buses. If you like self-driving you have a lot of options to rent a motorcycle, bike, car or jeep, all at affordable fees. At the beachside vendors you can also hire bicycles for a day or only one hour.

Pattaya also provides a lot of options for the active visitor. It is one of the oldest diving centres in this part of Asia. Visitors can windsurf, water ski, sea walk, swim sunbath, snorkel, sail, fishing, or take trips to the offshore islands as well. They can rent water scooters to explore the bay, and motorcycles, cars or jeeps to explore the neighbouring beaches or the attractions outside the resort. Tennis enthusiasts can enjoy themselves at the courts of leading hotels. It is also a true paradise for golfers. Close to Pattaya there are 18 golf courses. They all fulfil international standard with 18 or 27 holes. It is probably the most favorable place in the whole world to play golf. Further entertainment includes bungee jumping, bowling alleys, snooker halls, shooting galleries and archery.

This information about Pattaya was brought to you by Pierre Smith. Take a moment and visit also his website at Free Pattaya Information to get more tips and ideas on information about Pattaya Accomodation and Entertainment.

THAILAND ; Phuket

You've probably heard of Phuket. It's an island in southern Thailand. It's one of Thailand's most popular tourist destinations, but you may be wondering what's so great about Phuket. A Phuket holiday is definitely something you won't forget in a hurry. With a bit of forward planning, there's no reason why a vacation in Phuket can't be a fantastic experience.

The first thing to think about when considering Phuket for a vacation is where you are going to base yourself. Without wanting to take anything away from the area, far too many travelers arrive in Phuket, head straight to Patong and then decide that they hate the whole island. Reality check, folks - Patong is not the whole of Phuket. The island is huge and has a lot to offer if only you'll ignore the tourist brochures.

Patong is a great place to base yourself if you want to be in the center of the nightlife district. Otherwise, book your hotel elsewhere. A good place to start would be Kata, or perhaps Karon. The beaches are more appealing than in Patong and there are less people clogging up the streets.

No visit to Phuket would be complete without spending a little time in Phuket Town. The colonial buildings are enough to win most people over. For some, it's the sleepy atmosphere of the area that does it. You can't help but fall in love with the place.

While enjoying your time in Phuket, you're going to want to sample some of the restaurants the island has to offer. If you're into food - and let's face it, who isn't? - Phuket will be like a playground. Be sure to check out Natural restaurant in Phuket Town. BYD Lofts in Patong is another hotspot. If you like your sushi, the Oishi buffet on the bypass road just outside of Phuket Town is all-you-cant-eat.

Nightlife plays a part in most people's Phuket holidays. Club Lime in Patong has been a steady source of fun, but its crown may be lost to venues such as Icon in Nai Harn and Baba Dining Lounge in Cape Panwa. Phuket has attracted a decent range of international DJs in the past couple of years - and there are more to come.

You could never say that Phuket is boring. There are temples galore, there's a Big Buddha statues and there's even an aquarium. Phuket is cheap, it's accessible and it's fun.

The biggest draw of Phuket is, obviously, the beaches - and Phuket has them in abundance. If you ask the locals, they'll tell you to avoid Patong and head to the beaches in places such as Mai Khao, Nai Yang and Kata.

Find out more about why Phuket holidays are so great at this link. There is also information about Phuket beaches there.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Angel_Esco

THAILAND ; Chiang-Mai

Chiang Mai, also known as the "northern rose" of Thailand, has a wide variety of activities and attractions for all those thrill and adrenaline junkies. One of the oldest cities, located in the north of Thailand, Chiang Mai, is surrounded by mountains with the city in the valley.

If shopping and touring the city doesn't make you tick, Chiang Mai offers numerous adrenaline pumping activities including bungee jumping, paintballing, white water rafting, rock climbing, spelunking, and has vehicles such as atvs and dirt bikes for rental.

If you are a bit tight on money, other lower costing activities include, hiking through local mountains at national parks, renting a mountain bike and biking through dirt trails on nearby mountains, or simply grabbing a sleeping bag and tent and going camping at national parks throughout the surrounding mountains.

If you have a little extra cash to spend on fun and excitement, there are three fantastic paintball businesses, each with different styles of courses. These facilities provide gear which includes clothing, guns, and paintballs, prices will vary from 300 to 400 baht, which is about 8 to 13 US dollars.

Another thrilling activity includes bungee jumping. There is a bungee jumping area at the X-center with a 50 meter jump over a lake. The cost includes, the jump, a free t-shirt, and pictures. The price comes out to about 1800 baht, equivalent to about 55 US dollars, but gets cheaper for every consecutive jump.

If you like the outdoors, Chiang Mai has two well qualified rock climbing businesses, the Peak and Chiang Mai Rock Climbing Club. These two establishments have rock climbing training courses and equipment for those experienced climbers that could not bring their gear along to Thailand. They also have climbing walls. There is a place 45 minutes out of the city called Crazy Horse where climbers from all over the world come to climb its 70 plus routes from beginner to advance courses. This mountain face also has caves for those interested in looking inside the mountain.

Another exciting activity is off road atv'ing. There are companies that rent out atv's for tourists to ride on the mountain trails. They offer tours of one to three day trips, as well. As you can see from all these adventurous activities, Chiang Mai is a place where your teenager will not be bored. For your next family vacation, come visit Chiang Mai, where there are activities for everyone in your family.

Duane Zimmerman currently lives in Chiang Mai, Thailand with his family. He writes travel articles about Thailand. For more information visit http://www.thailandfamilyvacation.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Duane_Zimmerman

THAILAND ; Bangkok

Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is a unique and wonderful blend of the east and west. This is the city where the two cultures live side by side, complementing each
other. Sukhumit, Bangkok’s commercial capital, and Siam Square, the city center, are dotted with shopping malls, restaurants and skyscrapers.
South of Sukhumit is the financial district of Bangkok which is called Silom. Once the sun sets, Silom becomes a popular site for pub and club goers. Just north of Silom is Rattanakosin which is home to the Grand Palace, Wat Po, Khao San Road and the National Museum. Rattanakosin borders the Chao Phraya River.

1. SPA: Give yourself a treat, relax every muscle and visit a spa! With many reputable massage shops in the tourist areas of Bangkok, indulge in a traditional Thai massage for a full hour for around 200 to 400 baht.

2. Weekend Market: Go to a weekend market such as Chatuchak and surprise yourselves at what you can find; collectibles, clothing, pets to exotic foods. Remember most weekend markets open on Fridays and weekends only!

3. Bangkok Floating Market: Make your way down to the Bangkok Floating Market, at this infamous market, you will be able to see the lives of the Thai traders and how they sell their fresh produces on vendor boats along the canals. The market is roughly about 80 km outside of Bangkok and can be reached by bus or by signing up with an organized tour in Bangkok.

4. Shop at MBK (Mah Boon Krong): This enormous shopping centre is a total of six floors worth of small shops! MBK has almost everything under the sun! From mobile phones to fake designer goods to tailoring of apparels to your whims and fancies. Get good steals and deals and brag about how little they cost to your friends back home!

5. Clubbing at Bed Supper Club: Bed Supper Club is the most exciting and enjoyable night clubs in Bangkok! With a classy and relaxing ambience combined with its white oval interior with couch beds, it is by far one of the best clubs to have a good time at. One can also enjoy fantastic music and an array of cocktails, mock tails and liquor at the club!

6. Tiffany Cabaret show: Book tickets to the famous Tiffany Cabaret show and be amused by the talented artists and entertainers who will perform and show you a fun-filled musical night! Pictures can be taken with these beautiful lady boys after the musical!

7. Riverside Cruise: While dining, take a riverside cruise along the spectacular Chao Phraya River, which is an amazing sight to behold. The magical city lights whizzes past as the cruise speeds up, with the breeze and romantic candlelit ambience, enjoy an unforgettable experience with your loved ones!

8. Hard Rock Cafe: Dine in a western cafe in Thai style with Thai local beer and groove to featured bands playing nightly. Hard Rock Cafe Thailand Tees can also be purchased for remembrance.

9. Joe Louis Puppet Theatre: Watch a traditional Thai style puppet show and be entertained by the puppets gesture which vividly expresses emotions.

10. Wat Phra Kaew (The Emerald Buddha): Visit the Temple of the Emerald Buddha inside the Grand Palace to see the respected Buddha image carefully carved from a single block of jade. Although small in size, this intricate Buddha image is an important icon for the Thais.

Orson Johnson writes for Holiday Velvet, a website providing Bangkok holiday apartments & Holiday rental accommodation.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Orson_Johnson

INDONESIA ; Komodo Islands

With extensive experience in the tourism and diving industry let us show you why you should experience Komodo with Sea Safari Cruises. You will sailing with luxury Pinisi cruise, Indonesia original ship.

Komodo National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site encompassing spectacular land and marine wilderness. An encounter with the famous Komodo 'dragon' (a giant lizard that can grow up to 3 meters and can weigh up to 70 kilos) may be reason enough to visit Komodo, but there is much more to see. Nowhere else will you find such diversity of fish and coral species. It feels like entering a fairyland of life and beauty - a true Garden of Eden.

The live-aboards give us an incredible degree of flexibility. Fast and multiple speedboats for both divers and non-divers allow us to do very fast transfers between sites, the boats and Labuan Bajo

Most diving sites are also available for fantastic snorkeling. We very enjoy private excursions on white sand beaches, fishing and trekking escorted by park rangers to discover the wildlife on the islands.

Traveling to Komodo National Park with Sea Safari Cruises gives the possibility to extend your trip to see other islands a long the Lesser Sunda include Lombok, Satonda, Sumbawa, and Moyo island.

Bali - Komodo Cruises Route:

Day 1 : Benoa - Labuan Amuk

Embarkation on to the Sea Safari in Benoa Harbor. Departure at 09.00AM. Welcome drinks will be offered. Cabin allocation will take place before depart to Labuhan Amuk for free water activities such as snorkeling or diving. In the late afternoon we depart to Teluk Nara ( Nara Bay ), Lombok

Day 2 : Nara Bay, Lombok

In the early morning as the sun rises over Mount Rinjani, we anchor in Nara Bay on the North West Side of Lombok. After breakfast we go ashore and our first visit is the tropical forest at Pusuk where we can feed monkeys and in a clear weather, enjoy the amazing view of surrounding forest and of the Gili Islands. We then continue to the local market Gunung Sari and to the center of Bamboo handicrafts around there to witness the process and technique to get export quality bamboo product.

We go on to visit Lingsar Temple, a unique site that dates back to 1714 and that sacred to both Hindus and Moslems and proceed to Banyumulek to see how the local make a famous pottery product. Passing through the most famous tourist resort of Lombok, Senggigi Beach on the way back to the boat, we stop at Malibu the most fantastic view point to see the Gili Islands and in a clear weather, Bali Island. Over lunch the boat will raised the anchor and we set sail to Satonda

Day 3 : Satonda Island, Sumbawa

In the early morning we arrive in Satonda, the un-habitat island, which is separated by a narrow strait from the Tambora Volcano on the Sumbawa mainland, the site of largest eruption in recorded history. Going ashore we discover that Satonda its self is a small volcano as well and that as well and that salty lake field its crater. On this peaceful island, there will be free time for swimming and snorkeling or diving. In the afternoon we set sail to Komodo.

Day 4 : Komodo National Park - Pink Beach

Our morning we begin with go ashore where a park ranger will escort us across the island (about 4,5 km there and back) to get a better located spot where you can enjoy and take the picture of the amazing view of Komodo Island and its surrounding wonderful islands. After walking around to find the species from the Jurassic Age, we will spend the remainder of the day beachcombing and snorkeling on the beautiful "Red Beach " of Komodo with its amazing marine gardens. In the late afternoon we hoist the anchor and go underway to Bima.

Day 5 : Bima, Sumbawa

Welcome to another place in the heart of eastern Sumbawa, Bima the busy traditional harbor. Our representative will be picked up and we spend in the morning exploring the town and the Donggo highland west of Bima Bay. Around lunchtime, we leave the quay and after sailing out of Bima Bay we go on a westerly heading again for our overnight passage to Moyo

Day 6 : Moyo Island, Sumbawa

Early arrival at Moyo, a wild-life and marine reserve. We make a landfall visit on Moyo, a small island off the north of Sumbawa. We stop at one of several fine snorkeling sites along its west coast and go ashore at the village of Labuan Haji. In the late afternoon we hoist the anchor and sailing back to Benoa, Bali

Day 7 : Benoa, Bali

We spend our last day on board. We will arrive in Benoa Harbor around 16.00PM. Trip end and you will be transferred to your next destination.

I'm 28 years old, webmaster in cruises company and manage http://www.divingseasafari.com and http://www.seasafaricruises.com I live in Bali, the paradise island in Indonesia. Your traveling nit complete before you go to Bali and Indonesia archipelago. Explore all in my sites.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Alexandra

INDONESIA ; Lovina(singaraja)

The district of Karangasem in the east is one of the least populated and less touristy areas of Bali island.
Geographically the district has one of Bali's most famous sights...the sacred Gunung Agung and the whole area around this famous mountain is one of the most beautiful that I have seen.

It is possible to see the peaks of the mountain early in the morning from almost every corner of the island. When you're standing on top of it you can even see Mount Rinjani on Lombok island, the city of the Lion King Singaraja in the north and Sanur in the south.

The Gunung Agung is in Bali religion the same as the Mount Olympus for the Greek. This is the place where the gods live and the Balinese refer to it as the 'bellybutton of the world'. They always sleep with their heads towards the mountain and their feet towards the sea, where the demons and bad spirits live.

Because the Balinese believe that the gods and good spirits live in the mountains they have erected the most important temple on the slopes of Gunung Agung. It's called Pura (temple) Besakih and belongs to every Hindu Balinese on the island.

Once every 100 years there's a ceremony called Eka Desa Rudra where the Balinese restore the balance between men and nature in the Pura Besakih. The last time this ceremony took place was on 8th March, 1963 actually 16 years too early...because some say President Sukarno organized a meeting on the mountain and wanted to impress a conference of international travel agents with the ceremony.

9 days later the mountain erupted and killed thousands of Balinese and destroyed vast areas of land, around 100.000 people lost their homes and their source of income. The entire island was covered in ash and crops were wiped out everywhere. The strange thing is that the temple was not destroyed by the lava but only covered in black ash.

Because of the eruption some Balinese even had to transmigrate to other Indonesian islands and start all over. Since the Balinese are very superstitious they believed that Sukarno was punished by losing all his powers two years later.

The ceremony took place another time and this time in 1979 and now the Balinese sacrificed an elephant, a tiger, eagle and 77 other animals to honor the gods and restore harmony. The ceremony was a huge success and Besakih became the mother temple again.

The temple is constantly enlarged by several communities such as the royal families, the Brahman families (the highest cast on Bali) and every other cast on Bali island. The three major temples stretch out over a distance of 1 km and are called Pura Penataran Agung (devoted to Sanghang Widhi Wasa), Pura Kiduling Kreteg (devoted to Brahma) and Pura Batu Medog (devoted to Vishnu).

If you want to pay a visit to the Gunung Agung and Pura Besakih the best time is to leave early before all the big tourist buses arrive. It's perfect when you're there at 8am and you have clear views over the rice terraces, mountains and the ocean...it's really worth it.

Try to return before 12 am when the clouds come together near the summit of the mountain and you can't make any of those stunning photos anymore.

Matt Verbaan loves to give you practical travel insights and his experiences of traveling to every corner of the beautiful island Bali. All his travel stories and tips are found on his website http://www.bali-travel-life.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matt_Verbaan

INDONESIA;Ubud

Ubud is one of the most fascinating and picturesque villages in Bali. It seems that the traditional Balinese lifestyle has been able to coincide with the many tourists visiting the little village. While travelers walk around amazed about Ubud's beauty, the local people are still able to do their daily tasks such as placing offerings along the roads and on the paths, or going to the many ceremonies that are held to honor the gods.

I can imagine that once you arrive in this village and you have little time, you will find it difficult to decide what to do; there are just too many sights to see. So to ensure you will experience the wonders that Ubud offers, here are the 5 activities that you can do during a full day there. So go to bed early to prepare for a full day of cultural overdose...

Morning activity: Morning market

First of all, a thing that should be seen and experienced is the morning market. Early in the morning local people head to the market to buy the things they need for the day. This can include fruit and vegetables, but also flowers and flower petals for their decorations and offerings. It is even possible to buy a full bag of ready made offerings, so no hassle with that anymore.

To see this colorful spectacle you do need to wake up early. If you are there by 6.30am the market is already out and about, so you will see enough action that will wake you up immediately. At the market you can buy delicious cakes and fruits too. This will be a good addition to your breakfast at the hotel.

The Monkey Forest

Once you have returned to your hotel and have enjoyed your breakfast, head to the Monkey Forest where you can meet the 300 macaque monkeys up close. The forest is located on the south part of Monkey Forest Road. At the entrance you can buy peanuts or bananas for the monkeys. These monkeys will eagerly wait for their treat, so be careful if they jump on you once they have spotted the goodies.

You can walk all around the forest and across an ancient looking bridge supported by a big banyan tree. There are several temples located there as well which are used during cremation ceremonies. Each village in Bali has their own temple of the death. Here it is located in the Monkey forest. Common characteristics of such temples are statues of the Rangda, the goddess of the death. Her statues show Rangda with bulging eyes, sharp fangs, long finger nails and her lolling tongue.

Afternoon activity: ARMA-museum

From the Monkey Forest you can head over to the Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA). This beautifully set museum exhibits a wide range of Balinese paintings from the past till present. Here you are given the opportunity to see the many different styles and their changes through time.

In the past painters made paintings for the temples only. This style is known as Kamasan style and is characterized by long canvases covered with paintings about religious stories and myths. With the influence of foreigners, especially Walter Spies and Rudolf Bonnet who settled in this inspiring village, the style of painting changed. Balinese started to paint the Balinese daily life. This is known as the Ubud style.

Other influences followed which resulted into the Young Artist style. This style is known for its childish and colorful way of painting.

Rice field walk around Campuan area

In the Northern part of the village, around the Campuan area you can find the rice fields which Bali is famous for. The best time to see stunning views of the rice fields is in the late afternoon. There is an ideal path to walk on that starts at the end of the narrow road Jln. Kajeng and ends at the Campuan temple.

During the 1.5 hour walk you will be able to see many rice farmers at work, men and women enjoying the shade, children flying the kite and many ducks wobbling along the narrow paths. These animals are part of the scene as their droppings provide fertilizers and they eat the pests found in the fields. You will also notice many shrines standing in the field. These are used by the farmers, who place offerings for the rice-goddess Dewi Sri to ensure a successful rice yield.

Evening activity: Performances

Every evening there are many cultural performances. Often, a specific location has another program each day. So if one location does not have the performance planned which you are hoping to see, there are many others that might have it scheduled that day.

The ticket sellers, who are found along the streets all over Ubud, always know when and where the performances are. In their bag they have all the tickets of the performances for that night, so you can just choose on the spot and pay. There are also tickets for sale at the tourist information office at Jalan Raya, who put out signs about the performances every day.

The tickets for the performances are usually Rp.50.000 each but some performance can be slightly more expensive. The performances start at 19.00 and 20.00 at the latest.

The most regular dances that you can choose from are: Legong Dances, Kecak Fire Dance, Women Gamelan and Dance Group, Barong and Keris, Wayang Kulit (Shadow Puppet) and Jegog (Bamboo Gamelan). One thing that is worth mentioning is that ARMA museum is the only place to see the Topeng Jimat performance. ARMA also has Kecak performances but only during every full moon and new moon making the setting even more appropriate.

Ubud has many restaurants and cafés that are beautifully decorated and some even have an amazing tropical garden. So to finish the day, stroll to one of these many restaurants, sit, relax and recollect all the amazing things of your day.

Matt Verbaan loves to give you practical travel insights and his experiences of traveling to every corner of the beautiful island Bali. All his travel stories and tips are found on his website http://www.bali-travel-life.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matt_Verbaan

INDONESIA;Java

I want to tell my experience about my trip to East Java especially to Mount Bromo when I was still at the secondary school, 12 years ago. I went with my parents, uncle, my friend and a driver. Our family started the tour from Bogor to Tegal, Central Java. We stayed one night in the hotel.

The next day, we started our trip from Tegal to Surabaya, East Java. We stayed the night in Garden Hotel at Jl. Pemuda Surabaya. The next day we concluded the trip. We chose the route from Surabaya, Sidoarjo, Pasuruan, and stopped in Gending, a small town, about 12 km at the east of Probolinggo to meet an old friend.

In the afternoon we went to Mount Bromo through Probolinggo. When we arrived in Probolinggo, our car turned to the south. During our trip, we crossed jati forests and fresh air. At last we came at the hotel. At this moment we couldn't see the beautiful scenery from the hotel because of the darkness. The weather became cold and we had to wear thick clothes. We had dinner in a small restaurant near the hotel. After dinner, we slept.

When I was still asleep, at two o'clock in the morning my parents wake up me. I didn't know what happened. There was an earthquake. Something funny happened, my friend directly brushed his teeth when he was awakened. He thought that we wanted to start to see the scenery. In fact it was only an earthquake. After that we slept again.

At 4 o'clock in the morning, the hotel attendant wake us up to be prepared to go to Pananjakan by jeep, a strategic place to watch the beautiful scenery of Mount Bromo, Mount Batok and Mount Semeru.

Time passed by. It was a pity that we couldn't see the rising sun because of the cloudy sky. We were still lucky because of the good weather we could see the beautiful scenery. The three mountains are located in a National Park. Mount Semeru is the highest mountain in Java island. My father took photos of the beautiful scenery at the National Park.

When it was clear, we went back to the hotel. From the hotel, we went by horse through the sea sand which is going towards the crater. We climb by stairs towards the top. At the top we could see the Mount Bromo's crater clearly which is still smokey.

After that we came back to the hotel and our trip to the mountain is finished. After that we went to Malang, a cold town at the south of Surabaya. After we visited a recreation park near Malang, we rested in the hotel. The next day we went back to Bogor and our trip to East Java was ended.

Thank you.

I'm Marko Joeswadi from Bogor Indonesia. I provide several scenery photos from the mountains of Indonesia. You can see it at my website - Indonesia Mountains Photos

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marko_Joeswadi

INDONESIA;Gili Islands

Indonesia is best known for its cultural diversity and beautiful landscape. You may say Bali is a touristic place offering both. However if you would like to have a tranquil place yet white beaches, beautiful scenery and friendly people, you may come to Gili islands in Lombok.

There are three Gilis (Gili means small islands) close to each others in between Bali and west of Lombok Island. Those are called Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan.

Each Gili island has different specialty. private beach of your own, friendly people, nice seafood, clear and blue sky, sea paradise with snorkeling and diving. Quietness is guaranteed as no cars and motorcycle is allowed. Gili Air provides tropical paradise with its clear water and clean white beaches. You can enjoy swimming, sun bathing or joining a boat for a day to visit other islands. Diving, snorkeling and fishing are not bad options either.

Gili Meno, the smallest and the quietest island, provides rural tropical paradise as you have the beaches on your own. You can spend time swimming and sun bathing in clear sea water and white clean beach.

If you consider yourself as a party animal, try to spend your time in Gili Trawangan. Combining party and beaches is one of the options. Gili Trawangan is the most active island and Gili Meno is the calmest one.

The suggested itinerary is you can combine Bali with Gilis. Other option is that spending some days in one Gili island to move to others. Going from Mataram, Lombok to Gilis is an exciting option as Lombok also has various interesting touristic destinations.

You can go there from Benoa Harbour, Bali with a ferry for about 2 hours. There are several flights per week from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta to Mataram, Lombok. From Mataram, you continue by car and small boat for about 2 hours. You will pass mountainous area, national park, villages and paddy field. The view of mountain, villages, paddy field and Monkeys are just marvelous! Ask the driver to stop by where you find monkeys. You can stop to feed and take pictures of them. The best time for you who seek for quiet time is November to April. Try to avoid the high season, May to September, to have your private beaches.

Picture is from: http://www.coconuts-giliair.com/index.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Luluk_Suhada