Category Archives: Thailand

Popular Religious Sites In and Around Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kuala-Lumpur-header

Kuala Lumpur is the capital and the largest city of Malaysia. A former Chinese tin-mining village, KL, as it is popularly known, is now home to a diverse population of people belonging to different ethnicities including Malays, Chinese and Indians. Usually referred to as ‘a melting pot of cultures and traditions’, the city is home to some of the country’s well known religious sites. Read on to know more.

Thean Hou Temple

Thean-Hou-Temple

Located in Lorong Bellamy, Thean Hou Temple is one of the oldest and the largest temples in Kuala Lumpur. Officially opened in 1989, the 6-tiered temple is dedicated to Guan Yin, the Chinese goddess of Mercy. Featuring elements of Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism, the popular temple is an ideal combination of modern architecture and traditional design. The prayer hall of the temple houses 3 different sculptures of the deity in various forms. Every year thousands of tourists visit the holy shrine to offer prayers to the goddess and seek her blessings.

Sin Sze Si Ya Temple

Located a few miles from Petaling Street, Sin Sze Si Ya Temple is the oldest Taoist structure in Kuala Lumpur. Built in 1864 by Kapitan Yap Ah Loy, the temple is dedicated to the deities of Sin Sze Ya and Si Sze Ya. Today the temple functions as a popular Chinese Cultural Centre in the city with thousands of devotees flocking around during the Chinese New Year. The two hanging carved panels, and several beautiful paintings and sculptures are among the popular attractions at the temple. Interestingly, most tourists visit the shrine for the famous ‘fortune telling sticks’ offered at the main entrance.

Chan See Shu Yuen Temple

Located in Jalan Petaling, Chan See Shu Yuen Temple is one of the oldest surviving Buddhist temples in Malaysia. Built between 1897 and 1906, the elaborate structure is known for featuring some of the most beautiful paintings and decorations dating back to the Buddhist Era. The interiors of the temple are packed with gold-painted lions, and dragons and other mythical creatures. The specially crafted terracotta frieze is one unique attraction of the temple.

Sri Mahamariamman Temple

Situated on the edge of the Chinatown, Sri Mahamariamman Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur. Founded in 1873, the popular structure was built in the style of South Indian temple with the ornate ‘Raja Gopuram’ tower. The dramatic 75 ft tall temple is known for featuring a total of 228 idols on the gopuram along with the main prayer hall and a silver chariot. Every year on the occasion of Deepavali, the temple is packed with devotees offering prayers to the lord and seeking his blessings.

Sri Kandaswamy Kovil, Brickfields

Sri Kandaswamy Kovil is one of the most prominent Ceylonese temples in Kuala Lumpur. Built in 1902, the popular structure is dedicated to the Hindu deity, Lord Muruga. The beautifully crafted royal entrance (gopuram) is often referred to by the deities as the distinction between material and spiritual world. Photography and videography is strictly prohibited here.

Masjid Negara

Originally known as ‘National Museum’, Masjid Negara is a prominent religious site in Kuala Lumpur. Built between 1963 and 1965, the mosque is a symbol of Malaysia’s unity and multi-cultural harmony. Featuring a 73 meter high minaret and a 16 point concrete dome, the popular structure was constructed over a period of 3 years taking inspirations from popular mosques in India, Pakistan, Iran, Turkey and the UAE.  The Grand Hall, with verses of Quran engraved, is undoubtedly the most beautiful part of the structure.

6 Of the Finest Beaches in Phuket, Thailand

phuket

With beautiful sandy beaches and long coastline, Phuket, a splendid Thai island, offers a perfect escape from the chaos of city life. While every beach on the island has its own characteristic feature, here’s a list of some of the most popular and beautiful beaches from the lot.

Bang Tao Beach

Also known as ‘Laguna Beach’, Bang Tao is one of the most prominent beaches in Phuket. Located on the northwest end of the city, the beach is famous for its white sand, and beautiful landscapes. A former fishing village, Bang Tao today is a fishing, farming and rubber tapping hub in Phuket. With the ocean current around the beach being less harsh, conditions for swimming and snorkelling are favourable. There are also some jet skies available on rent at the beach.

Surin Beach

Popularly known as the ‘Millionaire’s Row’, the Surin Beach is a well-known beach area of Phuket. Featuring a long stretch of golden sands and crystal clear waters, the beach is an ideal place for sun loungers and those hoping for a quiet beach holiday. Although the beach is less crowded, there is no dearth of resorts, restaurants and hotels in the vicinity. Banana boat rides, water skiing, parasailing and jet skiing are some of the exciting activities one can enjoy here. Swimming and snowboarding are risky on the beach for the high waves and the strong nature of the ocean current.

Laem Singh Beach

Nestled in a hidden bay amidst Kamala and Surin beaches, Laem is yet another beautiful beach in Phuket. Featuring bright yellow sand and crystal clear waters, Laem Singh is best to enjoy a quiet beach holiday with family. For the seabed is sandy and packed with rocks, conditions for swimming are favourable. Visitors can spot several tall palm trees all along the beach.

Patong Beach

Located on the west coast, Patong is one of the most famous beaches in Phuket. Featuring numerous restaurants, beer bars, and go-go bars, Patong is an ideal party place for the visitors. It could be a crowded place as scores of tourists visit the island to enjoy the nightlife or indulge in water sports such as swimming and snorkelling. Surrounding the beach are hills and mountain slopes which offer trekking opportunities to all.

Banana Beach

Sometimes referred to as the ‘Banana Rock Beach’, Banana beach is one of Phuket’s lesser known beaches. It has a sandy seabed, clear waters and beautiful slopes, and is ideal for sunbathing and swimming and snorkelling. There is a small restaurant on the beach which serves authentic Thai cuisine. Do try it!

Kamala Beach

Located just north of Patong, Kamala Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Phuket. Known for its fine white sand and beautiful landscape, Kamala is a perfect destination for visitors looking for a serene, scenic beach. The low tides and weak ocean currents in the area create favourable conditions for snorkelling and sea boarding.

Brief Travel Guide to Chiang Mai, Thailand

chiang-mai

Chiang Mai is the largest and one of the most culturally rich cities in Northern Thailand. The wide range of attractions and warm welcoming hospitality wins one over in no time! Sounds interesting? Perhaps, you would like to know a bit more about the destination. So, here goes.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Chiang Mai is between October and April. The weather during these months is cool and pleasant with light breeze flowing simultaneously. This is the peak tourist season! For outdoor activities, the period between November and February is believed to be the ideal time. Monsoon arrives in the month of June and lasts till October.

Food

Many delights await foodies by way of delectable preparations such as Khao Soi, Khan Toke, Sai Oua, Gaeng Hang Lay, Miang Kham, and Gaeng Hoh. They are truly lip-smacking and are created in an interesting manner. People who love to cook must try observing the preparations. They’ll be amazed, undoubtedly! Restaurants that have made a mark here include David’s Kitchen, Favola, Le Grand Lanna, Farang Ses and many others!

Accommodation Options

You can choose your accommodation according to your budget. Dorm rooms and hostels are relatively inexpensive. Most of them are located within the older part of the city. As expected, budget hotels are slightly costlier than hostels. Service apartments are offered by certain commercial brands (Airbnb). Luxury travellers can opt for sophisticated hotels such as Anantara Chiang Mai Resort, Shangri-La Hotel, Rachamankha, and Four Seasons Resort.

Public Transportation

Elaborating on public transportation, the city transport is dominated by red minibuses known as songthaews. They are tourist friendly and found everywhere! Tuk-tuks (tempos) are also available in every vibrant corner. Haggling skills can come in handy, while negotiating fares! Scooters can be hired for discovering places with absolute freedom. You also may want to consider taxis for your trip from the airport to the hotel!

Places of Interest and Activities

Chiang Mai is a precious gem waiting to be explored by countless travellers! Some of its prominent hotspots are Doi Pui, Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, Doi Inthanon, and Chiang Mai Gate Market. Prospective visitors should check out the opening and closing times. Thrill seekers can participate in activities such as morning Buddhist almsgiving, city tours, elephant experience, and sampling the delicious Khantoke dinner.

Top 10 Draws of A Vacation In Langkawi

Langkawi

Langkawi is blessed with breathtaking natural beauty and offers endless adventure opportunities to travellers. Some of the best attractions here are beaches, sprawling parks, iconic structures, and popular sites for water sports. If you haven’t already been to the island, here are the top 10 draws of a vacation at the Jewel of Kedah, Langkawi.

Jet Ski Island Tour

For some travellers, this is the highlight of their vacation in Langkawi. There are a lot of local companies offering Jet Ski rides to as many as 8 islands from local beaches. Travellers can see many notable natural attractions at once during these rides.

Tanjung Rhu Beach

Marvel at the beauty of Tanjung Rhu beach, which is located at the northern tip of the island. This isolated fine sandy beach offers stunning views of the islands in front of it. Its beauty is increased many fold by the surrounding limestone cliffs and rain-forests.

Parasailing

Get a nice dose of adrenaline rush as you indulge in parasailing and also enjoy a bird’s eye view of the natural beauty of the beaches of Langkawi. Enjoy excellent views of the 99 islands that make up Langkawi, the white sandy beaches, and the various shades of blue in its waters.

Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls

Enjoy swimming at the Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls, which literally means Seven Wells Waterfalls. The Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls is a series of seven linked natural pools, which receive water from seven separate waterfalls in Gunung Mat Cincang.

Langkawi Cable Car

Experience the thrilling vertiginous 15-minute ride on the Langkawi Cable Car, which will transport you to the top of Mount Mat Cincang. The ride is famous for offering awe-inspiring views of surrounding rainforests, islets, and waterfalls.

Pulau Payar Marine Park

Visit the enchanting Pulau Payar Marine Park, which is a popular spot for snorkelling and diving. Get mesmerised by the stunning Coral Garden, an isolated part of the park that is home to colourful corals.

Langkawi Sky Bridge

Langkawi-Sky-Bridge

A must-visit attraction, the Langkawi Sky Bridge is a 125 metre-long curved pedestrian bridge built at heights of around 700 metres above sea level. Enjoy magnificent views of the Gunung Mat Cincang, Telaja Tujuh waterfalls, and numerous islets from the SkyBridge.

Langkawi Arts in Paradise 3D Museum

A great attraction for families, especially with kids, the Langkawi Art in Paradise 3D Museum is an interactive 3D museum containing over 200 almost lifelike artworks. Have fun getting photographed at the museum, which is said to be the biggest 3D art museum in Malaysia and second biggest across the world.

Langkawi Wildlife Park & Bird Paradise

Another popular hangout for families and animal lovers, visit the Langkawi Wildlife Park & Bird Paradise to discover more than 2,500 exotic birds belonging to around 150 species. Enjoy spotting canaries, ducks, parakeets, owls, eagles, toucans, hornbills, and flamingos among others.

Underwater World Langkawi

Yet another attraction for families and animal lovers, the Underwater World Langkawi is home to over 500 species of sea creatures. Explore the place to spot harbour seals, rockhopper penguins, seahorses, and mandarin ducks.

Top 7 Things to Do in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai is the second largest city in Thailand located amidst a stunning natural backdrop of spectacular mountains, lush greenery, cascading streams and charming hill tribes.

chiang-mai

An important cultural hub in Thailand, the city is full of historical temples, street markets and lovely restaurants serving delectable cuisine. Take a look at some of the best things to do in Chiang Mai.

Visit Historical Temples

Chiang Mai is home to numerous historical temples, which reflect ancient architecture and designs. Visit the revered Wat Pra Singh of the Lion Buddha fame and the tall Wat Chedi Luang that once housed the Emerald Buddha. Also visit the Doi Suthep located near the top of a mountain and the magnificent pure White Temple.

Chat With a Monk

Some temples or wats of Chiang Mai offer a unique experience – a ‘Monk Chat’ programme. One may chat with the monks and use this opportunity to learn about their lifestyle, beliefs or Buddhism. A couple of such temples are the Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Suan Dok.

Experience Wildlife

Blessed with raw natural beauty, Chiang Mai has many places where wild animals can be seen at close quarters. Visit Chiang Mai Zoo to see penguins and pandas, Mae Sa Elephant Camp to see elephants doing circus acts in the vast lands and the night zoo Chiang Mai Night Safari.

Trek to Tribal Villages

Visit the village of Mae Klang Luang, which is a popular tourist attraction and provides an insight into local tribal life. Explore the lives of more exotic tribal communities by visiting the Hmong Tribal Village and the Padung Village. The latter is home to the ‘Long Neck Karen’ ethnic hill-tribe.

Hire Floating Houses

Spend a day or at least a night at the Eakachai Houseboat, or the floating houses, at Mae Ngat Dam. These are like small bungalow-shaped houseboats on water and can be reached only by long-tail boats. Relax on the deck or dive and swim in the dam waters – have a serene experience in the peaceful environs!

Visit the Local Markets

Chiang Mai has numerous bustling local markets offering a variety of essentials as well as knick-knacks and foot massages at reasonable prices. Some of these popular markets are Chiang Mai Gate Market, Sunday Walking Street or the Night Bazaar.

Learn Local Skills

Chiang Mai has a fantastic vacation learning scene for travellers – cooking classes, massage schools and even Thai language classes. There is a plethora of schools offering such short courses at reasonable rates to tourists here.

A Look at 8 of the Top Beaches in Thailand

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Thailand is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches.The country has a fantastic climate that remains almost constant throughout the year, which makes the seaside here even more tempting for tourists.Here is a list of some of the top beaches to visit in Thailand.

Koh Nang Yuan, Surat Thani Province

Koh Nang Yuan is actually a small island with a coastline all through its length. Koh Nang Yuan is home to one of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand. Apart from its scenic beauty, the place is mainly popular for water sports such as diving, snorkelling, zip-lining and even trekking.

Kluai Beach, Koh Kood

Kluai Beach on the Koh Kood Island makes for a perfect getaway for those seeking some quite time away from the maddening crowds. The island is quite big but it is still undeveloped for tourism, which is why it is not crowded like the other popular islands of Thailand. The beach is tranquil and rocky and is lush with mangroves.

Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi

The gorgeous Maya Bay on the Koh Phi Phi Island is a must-visit for travellers. The Maya Bay is famous for being the site of Leonardo DiCaprio’s film ‘The Beach’. The bay is beautifully surrounded by tall cliffs on three sides and has a vibrant marine life. The bay is popular for diving, snorkelling and is a great party destination. The beach can be visited as a day trip since there are no hotels here.

Main Beach, Ko Kradan

The Main Beach at the island of Ko Kradan is a 2km long stretch. Around 50 meters offshore, travellers can see a coral reef swarming with fish all along the beach. Kayaking is a popular activity here and it is possible to kayak around the entire island within around three hours.

Railay Beach, Krabi

The Railay Beach in the Krabi province is one of the best known beaches of Thailand. The beach has huge limestone cliffs that are popular spots for rock climbing. In addition to the spectacular scenery offered by the beach, it is also popular for active sports including snorkelling and kayaking.

Long Beach, Koh Lanta

The Long Beach in Thailand’s Koh Lanta province is known for its unending golden sands, wavy and clear waters and cool winds. The beach is a favourite with tourists as it is considered a safe destination for children.

Patong Beach, Phuket

The Patong Beach on the island of Phuket is one of the largest and the most popular beaches of Thailand. Being a popular beach destination, the Patong beach is surrounded by a number of attractions such as numerous hotels, restaurants, shopping spots and a vibrant nightlife. The beach is always teeming with tourists and is a great spot for sunbathing, jet skiing and parasailing.

Phra Nang, Krabi

The beach at Phra Nang in Krabi is said to be one of the most photogenic beaches of Thailand. The beach is just a short walk away from the Railay beach and can even be reached by kayaking from Railay. It is a good spot for enjoying activities including snorkelling, caving and rock climbing.

Top 4 Destinations for kids in Bangkok

Bangkok offers plenty of attractions and activities for families with kids. From entertainment parks to intriguing wildlife, the city has enough in its kitty to catch the fancy of the young. Take a look at the top four.

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Funarium Playground

This air conditioned wonderland is designed to keep kids busy and overwhelmed with a number of sporting and artistic activities. Secret passageways, basketball hoops, trampoline, slides, race track cum skating rink, toys, sand pits, arts and crafts centre and dance performances keep the kids enthralled throughout.  It also has a dedicated section for parents to enjoy some peace and quiet while their kids have fun.

Kidzania Bangkok

Kidzania Bangkok is an ‘edutainment city’ in Siam Paragon mall where children can play adults by doing simulated jobs like nursing, news reporting, fire fighting, flying and others. The activities are designed to simulate real world conditions using realistic equipment, complete with relevant uniforms and dress code. Parents are not allowed to interfere in the chores of the ‘city’ and can instead relax at the nearby lounge. Watch your young one as a life saver in the form of a doctor, a heroic fire-fighter or a suave pilot and cherish their innocent delight and happiness.

Siam Ocean World

Located beneath the famous Siam Paragon mall, this ‘world’ boasts one of the largest underground aquariums in South East Asia spanning the size of three Olympic swimming pools.  Dazzle your kids with over 30,000 creatures from various aquatic regions of the world neatly categorized according to their environment. A 270 degree underwater tunnel, dedicated shark tank and LED shows will amaze your kids no end. The fun does not stop here! You may also dive into the water.

Safari World

Tired of seeing animals in enclosures? Safari World, located just on the outskirts of Bangkok, offers an opportunity for a unique yet safe intimate encounter with animals. Spread over an area of more than 400 acres, the animals here roam freely across vast open spaces. Watch the animals in their natural settings and keep a camera handy. You will see fantastic sights such as tigers bathe, zebras graze, and bear cubs cuddle right in front of you. There is also a theme park with animal performances, featuring seven shows, including the hugely popular and delightful dolphin show. And to top it all, you can even feed giraffes from a feeding platform!

All about Diving in the Phi Phi Islands, Thailand

Perhaps the most effective form of stress reliever, diving has enticed people since decades. Many divers and enthusiasts have whole-heartedly agreed that this sport has given them valuable minutes of peace and quiet. Beyond this, they have even compared it to the beauty of meditation.

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Realising the benefits of diving, we would like to introduce you to a popular location called ‘The Phi Phi Islands’.  The Phi Phi Islands are in Thailand, between Phuket and the Strait of Malacca. It has attracted innumerable travellers with its spectacular limestone cliffs and beautiful reefs. The white sparkling beaches, cool coconut palms and rich vegetation make this destination all the more appealing. The details below will be highly useful for both amateur and professional divers.

Diving Sites

There are multiple remarkable diving sites to choose from. For example, Koh Bida Nai is a well-known spot that offers wonderful views of rock formations with stunning shades of oranges and whites formed by the minerals of the rocks. Another location called Bida Nok has steep cliffs covered with a vast array of soft corals. Some of the other diving sites are Garang Heng, Hin Dot, Maya Wall and Loh Samah Bay.

Diving Season

The Phi Phi Islands can be visited by divers any time of the year. However, the months of February to May are considered to be the best. During this period, the visibility is higher. Nevertheless, divers don’t need to change their travel plans if they are visiting this destination sometime else as the climate is most favourable any time of the year.

Diving Tours

Interested divers can explore the flora and fauna life of the aquatic world with diving tours. For the convenience of the travellers, there are half-day tours, one-day trips, night dives, and three day tours with multiple dives. The company offering these tours will select the diving sites based on the current season. Lucky divers may even get the opportunity to watch the sun go down as they enjoy the waters.

Diving Courses

There are diving centres that offer a variety of courses to people who want to master the art of diving. One such institute is Sea Bees. It offers courses such as Open Water Diver, Introductory Dive, Scuba Diver and Advanced Adventure Diver. Divers can enrol for any of these to get proficient in diving. Of course, there are other institutes which can prove valuable too.

Adventures in Phi Phi Island

Discover crystal clear waters, blue skies, white sandy beaches (including the one from Leonardo’s famous Hollywood movie, “The Beach”), exotic aquatic life, mind boggling landscapes and lots more, all at one place – the Phi Phi Islands.

Phi-Phi-Island

This secluded tourist paradise is an archipelago of six heavenly islands. This exuberant destination is laden with numerous fun-filled activities. Water sports, underwater diving, snorkeling, alcohol served in buckets, dedicated party boats, rock climbing, yoga and learning Thai culinary arts are some of the popular highlights.

Snorkelling and Shark Watching

Watching bright and colourful oceanic creatures dwelling in their natural habitat can be a really soothing experience. Abundant in coral rock beds, Phi Phi Island is well known for the number of tour operators who organize snorkelling tours and also provide all necessary equipment. The most sought after spots to experience true underwater magnificence are around Pi Leh, Maya Bay and Hin Klang near Liam Thong beach. Along with snorkelling, some tour operators also organize shark watching tours at the “Shark Point”, located 800 m away from Long Beach, where black tip and leopard sharks are found.

Sea Diving and Scuba Diving

Diving is a very popular activity in Phi Phi Islands as the waters around these islands are thriving with vibrant deep sea flora and fauna. Well equipped PADI centres have proved to be a boon to amateur sea divers and enthusiasts. Many tour operators and PADI centres offer training and organize day as well as night tours to some of the world famous diving sites around Phi Phi Islands. Most exciting diving spots include Shark Point, Anemone Reef and the King Cruiser Wreck.

Rock Climbing on Tonsai Tower

Phi Phi Islands is also well known for its tall limestone cliffs along the coast of Tonsai Bay. The Tonsai Tower is a world class rock climbing site renowned for the 200 m tall limestone tower which has 48 routes. These routes have varying levels of difficulty and some are meant for beginners, while others should only be attempted by professionals.

Songkran Water Festival, Bangkok 2016 –Where Tradition meets Fun

Songkran Water Festival is one of the most important celebrations according to the Thai lunar calendar. The festival features a number of different events and activities that accolade the importance of water in Thai society and culture.

Songkran Water Festival by James Antrobus/ CC BY

Songkran Water Festival by James Antrobus/ CC BY

Anyone planning a trip to Thailand during April would do well to book flights keeping this festival in mind.

About the Festival

For hundreds of years, the Songkran Festival has been seen as a symbol of love and hospitality for fostering a strong relationship with communities, families and society in general. The occasion is meant for people to unwind from the hot mid-summer and also to pay respects to the elders of one’s family and receive their blessings. It is also the day to commemorate the close ones who have passed away.

Traditions of the Festival

On this day, people build pagodas from sand and the event is known as Chedi Sai. The young ones throw water on each other engaging in water fights in a sporting and fun way. On this day, people clean not just their homes but also the public areas in the towns and villages throughout the country. This instils, propagates and promotes a sense of community and social unity. Families visit and welcome their relatives to spend the day together, performing ceremonies at various temples or the Chedi Sai. The festival also allows people to take a break from their daily routines and both the natives as well as the visitors have a memorable and happy experience.

Songkran 2016

This year, Maha Songkran or the New Year falls on the 13th of April; when the day and the night are of the same duration. The next day, i.e. 14th April will be Nao Day or ‘Middle’ day, followed by the concluding day of the festival. On this day, tourists relax at the beach resort and there is a lot of hilarious water fighting in the streets. This tradition is considered to wash off bad luck. If you wish to participate in the water fight, you can visit several spots around Banglamphu such as Khao San Road, Wisut Krasat, Santhichaiprakan, Phra Athit Road, Rattanakosin Royal Square and Thanon Khao San.