Category Archives: Thailand

The Grand Palace, Bangkok: As Grand as it Gets

The glittering and glorious Grand Palace is an attraction that you simply can’t afford to miss, while visiting Bangkok. Located in the heart of Bangkok, Grand Palace is a fascinating maze of historical buildings, halls, open lawns and courtyards, which are considered among the finest examples of Thai architecture.

The-Grand-Palace

Thousands flock to this marvellous palace to get awed by its intricate details and grand historical importance. Here, we offer a quick rundown of the key highlights of the Grand Palace.

Temple of Emerald Buddha

For an unforgettable cultural and spiritual experience, head to this 18th century shrine dedicated to the Lord Buddha. Here, you can pay homage to the highly revered Emerald Buddha, a dark green statue in a standing form. Carved from a single jade stone, the statue is a potent religio-political symbol of Thai society. The external decoration of the main shrine and the surrounding portico are also a fine display of Thai craftsmanship. Visitors must remove their shoes before entering the temple.

Royal Reception Halls

You cannot help but be awed by the impressive interiors of the Royal Reception Hall. Boasting spectacular architecture and ornamental décor, the hall is now used for important ceremonial occasions. Visit the large European style reception room to closely admire its elaborate detail and historical importance. There is also a museum that houses scale models, Buddha images and several other objects depicting the restoration of the Grand Palace.

The Outer Court

Situated in the northeast of the palace, near the entrance, the Outer Court was once the seat of the royal government and is now a popular attraction inside the palace complex. It houses a number of government offices, and other important buildings including the barracks for the royal guard and headquarters of the Grand Palace. You can also visit the museum here that showcases Regalia, Royal Thai Decorations, ornaments used in the royal courts, and the ancient Thai coins.  Entering the Phimanchaisri Gate will take you to the Middle Court that has many impressive buildings such as Phra Maha Prasat group.

Boromabiman Hall, Amarinda Hall, and the Hall of Justice are a few other must-visit sites inside the Grand Palace Complex. It is noteworthy that the palace is a revered site and you must be dressed modestly. No see-through clothes, shorts and sleeveless tops are allowed. Women must cover their head while entering the temples and pagodas inside the palace. Tickets are sold between 08:30 and 15:30.

Holidays to Terrific Thailand: Know The Place To Enjoy The Place!!

Thailand is among the most popular tourist destinations in Asia. Located in Southeast Asia, the country is visited by millions of foreign tourists, every year. A majority of foreign tourists arrive at the country’s largest airport in Bangkok, Suvarnabhumi Airport.

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The airport handles over 50 million passengers annually and remains the main hub for carriers such as Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways and Orient Thai Airlines. Don Mueang International Airport, Chiang Mai International Airport, and Phuket International Airport are other major airports in the area. Thailand has some stunning tourist destinations which are loved by holiday makers. Bangkok, of course, is the most famous holiday destination in the country. This beautiful city has a fascinating cultural heritage that’s best reflected in its resplendent Buddhist temples. Plus, the glittering nightlife and fantastic traditional markets attract hordes of tourists to the city. Besides Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Hua Hun, and Pattaya are some of the country’s most famous tourist destinations. All these places witness a constant stream of visitors.

Thailand Infograhic

Thailand is full of unique tourist attractions. From the majesty of Bangkok’s [sg_popup id="29"]Grand Palace[/sg_popup] to the city’s marvellous museum, [sg_popup id="24"]Jim Thompson House[/sg_popup] and from the interesting flora and fauna at [sg_popup id="26"]Khao Yai National Park[/sg_popup] to pleasant serenity of [sg_popup id="28"]Railay Beach[/sg_popup], Thailand has a splendid array of unique attractions all waiting to be explored. [sg_popup id="30"]Wat Arun[/sg_popup], [sg_popup id="25"]Wat Pho[/sg_popup], [sg_popup id="31"]Floating Markets near Bangkok[/sg_popup], [sg_popup id="32"]Chiang Mai Night Bazaar[/sg_popup], [sg_popup id="27"]Phang Nga Bay[/sg_popup], and [sg_popup id="33"]Ko Phi Phi[/sg_popup] are some of the other famous attractions in the country. Thailand has a tropical climate and it is best to be in the country during the cooler months of November to February. The low temperatures promise much better climatic conditions for you to enjoy sightseeing and other leisure activities. The period between March and June is comparatively cheaper to travel and is perhaps the ideal time to be in Thailand for budget conscious travellers. You can even plan your Thai vacation keeping in mind the terrific festivals that are celebrated throughout the calendar year. Songkran is the most famous of them all and is easily the most loved one among tourists. Loi Krathong and Chinese New Year are two other festivals that are celebrated with great gusto. Do not forget to enjoy the country’s top delicacies as you roam around the length and breadth of it! Phat Thai, Tom Yam, and Som Tam are big favourites with visitors who come here from all corners of the globe. Of course, you will have a lot of fun in Thailand enjoying the festivals and feasting on the yummy dishes. But it is as important to be safe and secure in the country. And one of the ways to do so is by making sure you are on your guard at all times. Pick pocketing is common in main tourist areas. Be vigilant about your surroundings. Another important thing to know is that criticizing the king or any other member of the royal family is a punishable offence. Avoid it at any cost.

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Kuala Lumpur for Adventure Lovers

Kuala Lumpur, apart from being the capital of Malaysia is one of the most exciting and fun-filled cities in South-Asia. The blend of ancient streets and the soaring buildings give the capital city a unique colour and tone. However, if you are looking for some thrill and adventure, you will have to come out of the city.  Here are three of the top adventure sports that you may want to try out during your trip to Kuala Lumpur.

Rock Climbing

If you are a person who likes rock climbing, you are in for a treat. Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur is one of the best places in Malaysia for trying out your climbing skills. The caves are situated about 10 kilometres from Kuala Lumpur.  Batu Caves are outcrops of huge limestone deposits which host eight crags and more than 165 routes.  Most of these routes are easily accessible and are quite easy for beginners. Batu Caves are also famous for being home to the Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Murugan.

Skydiving

If you like to soar across the skies, Malaysia is the perfect place for you. Skydiving courses and opportunities are available in the cities of Taiping, Perak, Johor and Segamat. If you are planning to try out skydiving sessions on your holiday to Kuala Lumpur, make prior arrangements with Kuala Lumpur Skydiving Association, the only Malaysian official skydiving club. The Kuala Lumpur Skydiving Association was started in 1980 and conducts thousands of skydiving sessions for locals and foreigners alike. Beginners are trained on various aspects of skydiving such as jumping, accessing and positioning.

White Water Rafting

Some of the most thrilling rivers of Malaysia are situated on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur. These rivers are perfect for those who are seeking adventurous rafting sessions. About one and a half hours’ drive from the capital city, lies Sungai Selangor, categorised as a grade-four river. The rafting session on the river takes about half a day. You will enjoy the beautiful waterfalls, picturesque rainforest as well as the thrill and rush of the rapids. The best part of the journey comes at the end, when the waters turn calmer and anyone can float and relax after a rather exciting excursion.

Five Popular Restaurants in Hua Hin, Thailand

Hua Hin has been one of the most stylish and romantic holiday destinations for more than a hundred years. After all, even the members of the Royal Family spent their summer holidays here.

sea-food-thailandWhile Hua Hin has many claims to fame, food remains an intrinsic part of its identity. The chic restaurants provide some of the best dining experiences and most of them specialise in seafood. We recommend 5 popular restaurants to taste some of the most unique flavours in town.

You Yen Hua Hin Balcony

Nestled amidst landscaped gardens offering stunning views of the sea, You Yen Hua Hin Balcony will take you back in time.  Set in a renovated traditional wooden Thai house of the 1920s, this beachfront restaurant boasts an amazing al fresco dining space. The restaurant specialises in local Thai dishes and a combination of various snacks, including Thai salads and the spicy tom yam.

Saeng Thai Seafood

Saeng Thai Seafood, located at a short drive from the fishing pier, offers stunning views of the ocean and has an open-air style of architecture. This pocket friendly place is highly popular among visitors who don’t have much to splurge on after paying for their hotel bookings, flight tickets and other travel expenses. The interior of the restaurant is simple yet pleasant. The menu is extensive and features seafood and lots of other delectable dishes.

Let’s Sea Pub & Restaurant

Let’s Sea Pub and Restaurant, part of a fabulous al fresco resort by the same name, offers its customers a beautiful ambiance along with a vast choice of food, which combines international flavours with the contemporary Thai cuisine. A specialty dish here is sautéed big clams with white wine sauce, lobster gratin and soft shell crab som tam. The Breeze Bar offers a wide array of alcoholic as well as non-alcoholic beverages.

Orchids

Situated near the Hilton Hua Him on the beach stretch, Orchids specialises in the fusion of French and Thai cuisines. With an assorted selection of grilled meat, seafood, steak and more from the food menu and a wide collection of wines, beers, cocktails, and other alcoholic beverages, Orchids endears itself to one and all. Food is prepared with utmost attention to quality and fresh ingredients from organic produce are used. The interiors include traditional Thai art decorations on the walls and stained glass windows.

Jim Daeng

This fabulous place is situated on the Pranburi intersection. The eatery specialises in seafood and traditional Thai dishes made from local organic and natural ingredients. Jim Daeng is especially popular for the full-bodied flavour of the sauces that are prepared and seasoned with local spices and herbs. Some of their most celebrated dishes are grilled tiger prawns, deep-friend fish cake, and stir-fried clams with thick chilli sauce and fish som tam.

Highlights of Thailand’s Loy Krathong Festival 2015

Thailand’s charms are many. Besides its beautiful beaches, ancient temples, and wonderful food, Thailand is also a land of numerous entertaining festivals.

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These festivals not only help the country in preserving its ancient traditions, but also attract a large number of foreign tourists. One such festival that attracts tourists in large numbers is the Loy Krathong Festival which is celebrated to pay respects to Lord Buddha. This year the festival will be held from 24th-26th November throughout the country, and will involve everything from boat races to lantern processions and beauty contests. Here’s shedding some light on the major highlights of this year’s festival.

Releasing Floating Lanterns into the River

One ritual that is performed every year is releasing floating lanterns in rivers, lakes and the sea. While some perform this ritual in the belief that it would cleanse their sins, others do this to honour the goddess of water for the year’s agricultural produce. Whatever the reason be, this ritual is performed by most people.

Exciting Boat Races & Fireworks Display

Exciting boat races are held throughout the country during the Loy Krathong Festival. River Ping is where you can catch some of the most exciting races. The prizes are big and the atmosphere is full of fun, so entertainment is guaranteed. The event is signed-off with an extravagant fireworks display.

Grand Krathong Parade

One of the most high profile events of the festival is the Grand Krathong Parade that starts from Thapae Gate and ends at the Chiang Mai Municipality Office. The event is also covered extensively by the media and this adds zing to the whole scenario.

Contests, contests, contests!

The festival organizers also make sure that there are lots of contests including hot-air balloon contest, beauty contest, handmade Krathong contest and many more. The basic idea is to make the festival entertaining for young crowds, something that the festival has successfully achieved in the past few years.

Thailand is a year-round tourist destination, and come November the hotel and flight prices go sky-high. So make all your bookings in advance, and if possible join the festivities along with the locals as that’s the best way to gain insights into the festival.

Asian Cities Dominate the MasterCard Index for Global Destinations

Asian cities have dominated the annual MasterCard Global Destinations Cities Index, taking up as many as five spots in the list of top 10 destinations for international travel.

Asian Cities

Bangkok has again emerged as Asia’s most visited destination, with 18.24 million overnight travellers expected to visit the city in 2015. Overall, the Thai capital is ranked number two, right behind the top-placed London. Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul and Hong Kong have been ranked at seventh, eighth, ninth and 10th spot respectively. Paris, Dubai, and Istanbul are the remaining three cities in the top 10.

At the top of the heap, the English capital is projected to receive 18.82 million international visitors in 2015. London and Bangkok have taken the top two spots in the Index for the last five years.

New York was the top North American city in projected overnight visitors, and sixth in the world. However, the Big Apple, with $17.37 billion, is number two in the world when it comes to projected international visitor spending. London, at $20.23 billion, tops the list in regards to tourist spending.

The Global Destinations Cities Index ranks 132 of the most visited cities in the world. The cities are ranked in terms of total international overnight visitor arrivals and the cross-border spending.

Top Fastest Growing Cities in the World

Among the world’s top 10 fastest growing travel destinations, seven are in Asia. Sri Lanka’s capital city of Colombo, with an incredible 21% surge, is number one on the list. Chengdu, the capital of China’s Sichuan province, follows in second. Abu Dhabi, capital of the UAE, is placed third in terms of fastest growth, while Riyadh, Saudi Arabia is at the fifth position.

Lima, Peru, is the fastest growing city in South America and is ranked ninth, globally. Houston is the fastest growing city in North America.

Top Four Attractions for History Lovers Visiting Thailand

Thailand is as famous for its historical treasures as it is for its beaches and nightlife. Numerous temples and monuments built across the country impress the visitors with their unique architectural beauty and grand historical significance. If you love exploring age-old treasures, here are some must-visit sites for you in Thailand.

Grand Palace, Bangkok

bangkokrand Palace is one of the most magnificent and probably the most revered historical structure in Thailand. It boasts a cluster of royal halls, temples, gardens, and ancient relics, which leave visitors in awe with their spectacular architecture and intricate designs. Wat Phra Kaew is a popular tourist attraction inside the palace. Visit the temple to admire the revered Emerald Buddha statue.  The Outer Court, near the entrance, is also worth visiting.

Sukhothai Old City

SukhothaiSukhothai Old City is renowned for its age-old temples and monuments, most of which are now in ruins. The city has been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a must-visit place for history enthusiasts planning holidays in Thailand. Apart from admiring the historical treasures, tourists in Sukhothai can learn about the region’s interesting culture at the Ramkhamhaeng National Museum.

Wat Arun

Located in the Bangkok Yai District, overlooking the historical Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun is a beautiful temple in Bangkok. Apart from its religious significance, the temple is also famous from an architectural perspective. It has five mammoth spires, which are extravagantly adorned with colourful seashells and porcelain. The central spire is around 85 metres high.

Ayutthaya Historical Park

Once home to the monarchs of Thailand, Ayutthaya Historical Park is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park consists of many beautiful temples, palaces and buildings that depict the rich cultural heritage of Ayutthaya region. Make sure you visit the Wat Mahathat – famous for the sculpture of a Buddha head entwined amidst tree roots. Other major attractions inside the park include Wat Ratchaburana, Wat Phra Ram, Ayutthaya Historical Study Centre, Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, Royal Elephant Kraal, and Wat Lokayasutha. Guided tours are arranged by many local travel agencies.

Five Bewitching Places in Thailand beyond Bangkok

Yes, Bangkok is gorgeous and probably the most sought after tourist spot in Thailand. But there is a lot more to Thailand than the cultural and cosmopolitan charms of Bangkok. From pristine beaches to exotic wildlife and fascinating cultural heritage, here’s a glimpse of what awaits you in Thailand other than the “City of Angels”.

Chiang Mai

chiang-maif you love history and nature, Chiang Mai is the place to be. Known for its age-old temples, interesting bazaars, and beautiful surroundings of lush forests, lofty mountains and gushing waterfalls, Chiang Mai is a holidaymaker’s delight. It is about 700kms from Bangkok and is easily accessible by trains (from Bangkok).

Koh Phi Phi

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One of the most beautiful beach resorts in Thailand, Koh Phi Phi is popular amongst honeymooners and leisure travellers alike. Enjoy swimming and sunbathing at Monkey Beach, or try snorkelling to explore the region’s fascinating marine life. Long Beach is another popular attraction here, known for its serene beauty and gorgeous sunset views.

Sukhothai Old City

This ancient capital of Thailand boasts some of the most magnificent historical structures in the country. Though, most of the monuments and temples are now in ruins, they still stand proud and depict the rich cultural heritage of Thailand. Sukhothai Old City is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some must visit attractions include Wat Mahathat, Wat Sra Si, Wat Phra Pai Luang, and Ramkhamhaeng Museum.

Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi is famous for its magnificent landscapes and charming culture. Only two hours from Bangkok, Kanchanaburi boasts many natural wonders that it stuns even the most discerning of travellers. Trek to the nearby lush forests to enjoy the region’s rich wilderness and exotic wildlife. Many beautiful waterfalls, age-old caves, tranquil rivers and trekking trails in the area make for a perfect adventurous holiday.

Phang Nga

Phang-Nga

With many virgin beaches, spectacular bays and enthralling marine life, Phang Nga is a wonderful choice for the ones seeking fun by the sun, sand, and the surf. As many of the bays here are sheltered and brim with amazing coral reefs and other aqua species, scuba diving and snorkelling are two highly popular activities at Phang Nga. Avid explorers would love to visit the Phang Nga Bay National Park and explore its many geological wonders including sunken caverns and startling rock formations.

Three Popular Ways to make the Most of Your Vacation to Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai, a beautiful tourist hub in Northern Thailand, packs in so many enthralling attractions that even the most discerning traveller is left craving for more. Besides picturesque landscapes that abound the region, you’ll be enthralled by the city’s interesting cultural heritage, laid-back lifestyle, breathtaking architecture and a fast-mushrooming café culture. Here are three most popular ways to make the most of your Chiang Mai holidays.

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Exploring Nature and Adventure

While trekking through the forest-clad hills is the most popular activity, plenty of other natural attractions in the region are also worth exploring. Visit the Mae Sa Waterfall in the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park for a peaceful retreat away from the mundane city chaos. Baanchang Elephant Park is another place to head to if you’re inclined towards nature and wildlife. A visit to the area’s interesting hill tribe village is your chance to admire their own unique language, clothing style, and belief systems.

Old City Tour

With over 300 historical temples, and plenty of museums, monuments and galleries, Chiang Mai is a place where the history and heritage of Northern Thailand comes to life. Take a guided tour of the Old City to see some of the most acclaimed temples in Thailand. Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chiang Man, Wat Chedi Luang, and Wat Jet Yod are just some of the prominent ones. A couple of highly popular museums amongst many others are the Chiang Mai National Museum and Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre.

Shopping at Night Markets

Chiang Mai is rightly called a shopaholic’s paradise. Apart from an array of boutique shops and trendy malls, there are buzzing night markets where you can shop till you drop. From unique souvenirs and handicrafts to trendy clothes and bags, the night markets sell everything. Some popular options for a delightful shopping experience include the main Night Bazaar, the Chang Khlan market, and Kalare Night Market. Foodies should not miss the Talat Warorot, the oldest market in Chiang Mai. Here, you can look forward to some of the best culinary delights in Chiang Mai.

Some Weird but Bewitching Museums from around the World

Some-Weird-MuseumsA collection of art, historical objects or well-preserved literature is what comes to mind when we talk about museums. How about museums dedicated to death, the occult and parasites? Sounds bizarre? Yes, there are some museums around the world that exhibit such eccentricities and even draw huge crowds. Check out this list of some of the weirdest museums in the world.

Museum of Witchcraft, Cornwall

Dedicated to the occult, this museum gets its fair share of visitors in Cornwall. It has the world’s largest collection of witchcraft-related artefacts, many of which were once owned by proclaimed or self-proclaimed witches and wizards. There is a warning on the museum’s portal, which reads ‘People with children of a sensitive disposition are warned that some of the exhibits are controversial.’ Do we need to say more?

Museum of Bad Art, Boston

Pay a visit to MOBA, as the museum is popularly called, and feel proud of your artistic ability! Aimed at collecting, preserving and exhibiting the ‘art too bad to be ignored’, the museum’s ever-changing exhibits feature some of the world’s most ‘wrongly-gone’ artworks across an array of themes such as Poor Traits, Unlikely Landscapes and Out of Proportion Figures to name a few.

Siriraj Medical Museum, Bangkok

Not the most obvious crowd puller in Bangkok, Siriraj Medical Museum has a unique display of human body parts, skulls, dead bodies and much more related to physiology. Dubbed as ‘Museum of Death’, it is not for the faint hearted, as many of its displays are disturbing. However, if you like quirky things, the collection is definitely worth exploring.

Parasite Museum, Tokyo

This museum is dedicated to parasites. The repository consists of about 300 species of parasites including tapeworms, head lice and many others. The highlight of the collection is a 30-foot tapeworm pulled out of a woman’s stomach. There is a detailed display of the creatures, complete with a research facility.