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BALI

 What To See

Bali

NORTH AND WEST COASTS

Though the north and west coasts of Bali are not as developed or as visited as the south of the island, you'll still find luxury hideaways and plenty to see and do, from exploring local villages to dolphin spotting of the coast of Lovina and snorkelling off the coast of Java. The west is home to the Bali Barat National Park, a mountainous area of natural rainforest, mangrove forest, savannah and coral islands. It is the last refuge of the endangered Bali Starling and you can visit the Bali Starling Recovery Project at Tegal Bunder. Also look out for long-tailed macaque, rusa deer, flying foxes and black giant squirrels. At Pemuteran, visit the Turtle Hatchery Project where you can release a baby turtle into the ocean.

HEART OF THE ISLAND AND UBUD
Traditional Balinese architecture, with its courtyard concept, looks inwards. So, in terms of beauty, does the island itself. The interior is a volcanic area of abundant vegetation and brilliant flowers, where hills are etched with terraced rice fields. In this fertile environment it seems no coincidence that culture and art have flourished. The main road north of Denpasar is lined with villages specialising in different art forms: Celuk is renowned for its silversmiths; Batuan for painters and dancers; Mas for its wood-carvers. Ubud and its surroundings, meanwhile, are in an altogether different league.
In the 1920s and 1930s, Ubud's royal family invited a number of guests to visit, and in doing so kick-started the town's development as an international art centre. The most influential of the visitors were the German artist Walter Spies and the Dutch painter Rudolf Bonnet, both of whom lived in and around Ubud for many years. Today the streets are bordered by wall-to-wall art galleries, craft shops and cafés; but for all the commercialisation, the little town has managed to retain a genuinely arty spirit and with it an atmosphere of real charm. There's a soothing pace here. Most visitors gently shop, watch traditional legong dances at the old palace, wander around the family compound of I Gusti Nyoman Lempad, Bali's most celebrated artist, view more paintings at the Puri Lukisan (www.mpl-ubud.com) and Neka (www.museumneka.com) art museums and perhaps stroll around the small Monkey Forest Sanctuary (www.monkeyforestubud.com) with its temples and resident long-tailed macaques. Those with more energy can go mountain-biking or white-water rafting along the Ayung River. While abstract paintings are the current art vogue in Ubud itself, around the spectacular Ayung River gorge just west of the town it is almost as if the luxury hotel has developed as an art form in its own right.

THE EAST

You get a placid sense of time standing still in the east of Bali. Quiet roads wind past rice fields bordered by coconut and banana trees. Ancient settlements such as Tenganan, a rare Bali Aga (original Balinese) village, are scattered around the southern fringes of Gunung Agung, the island's biggest volcano. Footpaths run along pineapple-clad hills to temples, streams and waterfalls. The big attraction of the east is the unspoilt rural life. Its beaches lack conventional appeal: it is said that the further east you go, the more lava-black the sand becomes. A trip to the east coast from Bali's capital used to be quite an undertaking; but a new fast road to Klungkung has reduced journey times, and this will inevitably bring more tourism. As yet, however, this is fairly limited: buses take day-trippers to Tenganan and guesthouses and restaurants have sprung up around the village of Candi Dasa.

THE SOUTH
The area south of the capital Denpasar is widely considered to offer Bali's best beaches. So it is no coincidence that hotels have been popping up at a frenetic pace here. Yet for all the commercial thrust, Bali's regulation that no building can exceed the height of a coconut tree has saved the south of the island from becoming an Asian Miami. Local residents will tell you with some sense of amazement that there are nearly as many hotels in the area as there are temples, but even the largest of them are low-rise and relatively low-key.

Singapore Tourism

Singapore Tourism

Introduction » When to Visit Singapore » Attraction in Singapore » Off the Beaten Track » Reaching Singapore »Tour Packages of Singapore

• Introduction
Singapore has traded in its rough-and-ready opium dens and pearl luggers for towers of concrete and glass, and its steamy rickshaw image for hi-tech wizardry, but you can still recapture the colonial era with a gin sling under the languorous ceiling fans at Raffles Hotel. 

At first glance, Singapore appears shockingly modern and anonymous, but this is an undeniably Asian city with Chinese, Malay and Indian traditions from feng shui to ancestor worship creating part of the everyday landscape. It's these contrasts that bring the city to life. 

One day you're in a hawker stall melting over a bowl of Indian curry, the next you're enjoying high tea in whispered environs complete with air-con, starched linen table cloths and gliding waiters. Super-safe and mega-clean Singapore may be, but its sultry rhythms wash inexorably beneath the regimented beat of big-city life. 

In the crowded streets of Chinatown, fortune tellers, calligraphers and temple worshipers are still a part of everyday life. In Little India, you can buy the best sari material, freshly ground spices or a picture of your favorite Hindu god. In the small shops of Arab St, the cry of the imam can be heard from the nearby Sultan Mosque.

• When to Visit Singapore
Go anytime. Climate is not a major consideration, as Singapore gets fairly steady annual rainfall. Co-ordinate your visit with one of the various festivals and events: Thaipusam is a spectacular festival, occurring around February. If shopping and eating are major concerns, April brings the Singapore Food Festival and the Great Singapore Sale is held in June.


• Attraction in Singapore
» Arab St
The Muslim center of Singapore is a traditional textile district, full of batiks from Indonesia, silks, sarongs and shirts. Add to this mix rosaries, flower essences, hajj caps, songkok hats, basket ware and rattan goods, and you have a fair idea of the products haggled over in this part of the city. The grand Sultan Mosque is the biggest and liveliest mosque in Singapore, but the tiny Malabar Muslim Jama-ath Mosque is the most beautiful. There's fine Indian Muslim food along nearby North Bridge Rd and the food stalls on Bussorah St are especially atmospheric at dusk during Ramadan. 

» Chinatown
Chinatown is Singapore's cultural heart and still provides glimpses of the old ways with its numerous temples, decorated terraces and its frantic conglomeration of merchants, shops and activity. Gentrified restaurants and expensive shops are gradually overtaking the venerable incense-selling professions. 

» Colonial Singapore
The mark of Sir Stamford Raffles is indelibly stamped on central Singapore. By moving the business district south of the river and making the northern area the administrative center  Raffles created the framework that remained the blueprint for central Singapore through generations of colonial rule and the republican years of independence. Places of interest include: Empress Place Building, an imposing Victorian structure, built in 1865, that houses a museum, art and antique galleries and a chic restaurant; the incongruous Padang, where flannelled cricketers once caught, bowled and batted in the searing heat; Raffles Hotel, a Singaporean institution which has become a byword for oriental luxury; and any number of imposing churches, such as St Andrew's Cathedral and the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd. 

» Jurong
Jurong Town, west of the city center  is a huge industrial and housing area that is the powerhouse of Singapore's economy. This might seem an unlikely spot for a number of Singapore's tourist attractions but it is home to the Haw Par Villa (an incredibly tacky Chinese mythological theme park), the beautifully landscaped Jurong Bird Park, Chinese Garden and the hands-on Singapore Discovery Center. 

» Little India
This modest but colorful area of wall-to-wall shops, pungent aromas and Hindi film music is a relief from the prim modernity of many parts of the city. This is the place to come to pick up that framed print of a Hindu god you've always wanted, eat great vegetarian food and watch street side cooks fry chapatis. 


• Off the Beaten Track
» Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
North of the CBD, this reserve is the largest area of primary rain forest in Singapore. The park is filled with over 800 species of native plants including giant trees, ferns and native wild flowers. This is also where you'll see long-tailed macaques, lemurs, reticulated pythons and the racquet-tailed drongo. 

» Changi Village
There aren't too many places in Singapore that could be considered virgin wilderness but there are some that offer an escape from the hubbub of the central district. Changi Village, on the east coast, no longer has traditional kampong houses but it does have a village atmosphere. 

» Pulau Ubin
Changi Village is a convenient jump-off point for the northern island of Pulau Ubin. As soon as there is a quota of 12 passengers, a bumboat takes you across to the island where you can find quiet beaches, a kampong atmosphere and popular seafood restaurants. 

The tranquil rural flavor of Pulau Ubin is as far removed from the cosmopolitan bustle of Singapore central as it is possible to get. The island is small enough to cycle around and this is still the best way to explore its fish farms, holy temples, coconut palms and deserted beaches. 

» Southern Islands
Although some of the southern islands are industrial bases, there are a few off-the-beaten-track islands where you can find a quiet beach. Sisters' Islands are good for swimming and, with their nearby coral reefs, are a popular diving spot. Other islands worth checking out are Lazarus Island and Pulau Buran Darat.


• Reaching Singapore
Most airlines fly into Singapore's heavily trafficked Changi International Airport. The best way to get from the airport to the city (20 km away) is by train, but there is also a wide choice of bus and taxi services. 

Singapore is the southern terminus of Malaysia's rail system, and three trains go to Kuala Lumpur each day. If you're going to or coming from Malaysia, your options are myriad, ranging from comfy buses to ferries and even taxis. 

A swag of airlines fly into Singapore's ultramodern Changi International Airport - often voted one of the best airports in the world. It's certainly one of the most heavily trafficked, with a glut of facilities ranging from 24-hour meditation centers to boutique shopping. The best way to get from Changi Airport to the city (20 km away) is by train. There is also a wide choice of bus and taxi services. 

Singapore is the southern terminus of Malaysia's rail system and there are three trains a day to Kuala Lumpur (four on weekends). 

Lots of visitors to Singapore combine their stay with a visit to Malaysia, which is just a kilometre away across the causeway over the Straits of Johor. You can travel between Malaysia and Singapore very easily by bus. Immaculate air-conditioned buses link Singapore to almost all large Malaysian cities; fares are generally inexpensive. 

A second causeway has opened between Singapore and Malaysia to ease congestion - it links Tuas in Singapore with Geylang Patah - and is known pragmatically enough as the Second Link. It can only 

used if you have your own transport. 

You can travel between Malaysia (just a kilometer away) and Singapore very easily by taxi. 

A passenger ferry operates between north Changi and Tanjung Belungkor, east of Johor Bahru, and a daily high-speed catamaran links Singapore with Malaysia's Tioman Island. There are no direct passenger ferries between Singapore and the main ports of Indonesia, but it is possible to travel between the two countries via the Indonesian islands of the Riau Archipelago, immediately south of Singapore. Modern ferries link Singapore with the islands of Batam and Bintan in the archipelago. Speedboats link Batam with Pekanbaru in Sumatra, and several ships a week link Bintan with Jakarta.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is an island that is captivating both by its name - that means Land of Splendour - and by what it actually offers to the visitor. The attractions of Sri Lanka - known to the world by several names from ancient days - have been known through the centuries. While legend has it that this is the Lanka of the Ramayana, it is the name by which it has always been known to its own people.

The Romans called it Taprobane, marked on Ptolemy's map of the world, derived from "Tambapanni" - land of copper coloured earth and lotuses given by the first known migrants from North India. The Arab traders of the past called in Serentivu and Serendib - island of delight, which gave birth to the English word Serendipity - the prospect of discovering pleasant surprises. The Portuguese corrupted this to Ceilao; the Dutch to Ceilan and the British called it Ceylon. But the people of the East, as distant as Indonesia, always knew the island by the name given by its own people - Sri Lanka.

Almost dangling like a pendant from the southern tip of India, Sri Lanka has been known as the Peal of the Orient for its variety of attractions. It is not a mere tropical isle known for sun, sea and sands, although it has all this in plenty. In fact the island has over 1400 km of sunkissed beach. The warm waters of the Indian ocean that offers attractions for surfing, undersea diving, the fascination of coral reefs, and also for the more adventurous, the chance of exploring the wrecks from Portuguese galleons to British warships of World War 2. But its attractions are not limited to those of the sea and sunny beaches fringed by coconut palms.

Sri Lanka has much more to offer, and in a compact package too. Within four hours one could drive from the sunny coast to cool, cloud-kissed mountains, where the best tea in the world grows. For miles around one could see hills and valleys covered by an unending carpet of tea, and enjoy the aroma of the fresh tea leaves.

In this enchanting hill country of Sri Lanka is located Adam's Peak, the only mountain in the world hallowed by the believers of the four major faiths - Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism and Christianity. Buddhists believe that a depression on the summit of the peak is a footprint of the Buddha himself, placed there on one of his visits to the island.

Those of the Islamic faith believe it to be the footprint of Adam, the first man, who stood there on one leg for a year, in repentance after being banished from the Garden of Eden. To Hindus it is the footprint of the Lord Shiva, and they call it "Shivanadi Paadam". Eastern Christians believe the depression to have been caused by the knee of St. Thomas, the Apostle of Christ who came to preach in India and the East, as he knelt down in repentance for his doubting the divinity of Christ. Nowhere in the world do the four major faiths mingle in this manner, and it is from the springs at Adam's Peak or "Sri Paada" (the sacred footprint) as referred to by Buddhists, that the four main rivers of the country begin their flow to the sea, meandering through mountain and valley. Not without reason has Sri Lanka also been referred to by travel writers of the past as "this other Eden".

Traveling down the mountain slopes one comes to Ratnapura - the City of Gems - known from ancient times and mentioned in the tales of the Sheherazade or Arabian Nights. It was to Ratnapura in Sri Lanka that Sinbad came to obtain sapphires, rubies, cat's eyes and other gems of priceless value. It was from Sri Lanka and Ratnapura that King Solomon obtained the gems and other gifts such as peacocks and elephants to woo the Queen of Sheba. Ratnapura and its surrounds still abound in gems, much sought after by the world. Tradition has it, that the gems that are found in the riverbeds around Ratnapura, are in fact the crystallized tears of Adam & Eve as they wept after being banished from the real Eden to this other Eden.

Always a few hours driving distance away is the wildlife of Sri Lanka, given sanctuary in many national parks, and strict nature reserves. Here one can see the elephant and leopard roam in freedom, as do the sloth bear, the spotted deer and Sambhur. There are peacocks aplenty displaying the vibrant colours of their tails to attract mates, as well as many species of parrot, stork, swift, the Brahiminy Kite, the Fishing Eagle, the colourful Kingfishers and Woodpeckers, and the unique tailor birds and weavers to name only a few. The inviting warm tropical climate of Sri Lanka also brings in a large number of winged visitors from as far away as Siberia to escape the cold of the winter, the most colourful of these being the Siberian Flamingo. There are also plenty of tern and wild duck that come here during the winter adding to the island's own 150 plus species of indigenous birds.

By far the biggest attraction of Sri Lanka is its people. The Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims are all friendly by nature and the country has an unsullied record of hospitality over the centuries. It is a land of smiles and a warm welcome, observed by Anton Chekov, Bernard Shaw and Sir Arthur C. Clarke who has made Sri Lanka his home, and the inspiration for at least two of his books. It is known as a land of tolerance that has been tempered over the years by the teachings of the Buddha. Its overall Buddhist culture, with a lasting blend of Hindu influence has been the source of an ancient civilization, with masterpieces of sculpture, construction, and irrigation that have lasted to this day in the several ancient and medieval cities that bear testimony to Sri Lanka's historic splendour. The huge irrigation tanks that dammed rivers and also harnessed the rain from the 1st Century BC are known as marvels of a unique hydraulic civilization and still provide the water for the rice field of today. At the beginning of a new millennium, Sri Lanka that has known much of history, still beckons as a land of splendour far beyond the limits of a tropical isle.

Geography
Sri Lanka is an island situated at the southern tip of india in the Indian Ocean. From North to South - 432 km From East to West - 224 km Total area - 65, 525 sq. km

Population
The majority of Sri Lankans are Singhalese and Buddhists, but the total population is a mixture of Tamil, Moor, Burgher (people of european descent). Sinhala, Tamil and English are the national languages. English is spoken throughout the island.

Climate
The south-west monsoon brings rain to the western, southern and central regions from May to July, while the north-eastern monsoon occurs in the north and east in December and January. The weather is finest in the coastal regions and hill country of the south-west from October to March. The temperature in the lowlands averages 27 degrees Celsius. However, temperatures fall rapidly with altitude. In Kandy the temperature on average is around 20 degrees Celsius and in Nuwara Eliya it is often below 15 degrees Celsius.

Time
Sri Lanka is +5 ½ Greenwich Mean Time.

Clothing
Lightweight clothing is recommended. It is a good idea to be conservatively dressed on the streets and shorts are not permitted in places of worship. Footwear off in temples. A light sweater is recommended in the hill country. Bring rain proofs, avoid synthetics.

Telephones
Card operated telephone booths and cyber cafes can be found in most towns. Cards can be obtained at the nearest shop or kiosk. Mobile telephone rentals are also freely available.

Health
It is safer not to drink water from the tap though water in major towns are treated. Boiled water, bottled water and water and ice at reputed hotels are safe. Government run hospitals and a number of private hospitals are available in the event of an emergency. Most hospitals are well equipped with medical specialists on call at any time of day. Reputed hotels have a Doctor on call.

Electricity
210-240 volts, 50Hz, Alternating Current / Plug sockets take round pins.

Currency
The currency in Sri Lanka is the Rupee. The value fluctuates with world market rates. All commercial banks are authorized to exchange money and so are most tourist class hotels. American Express, Master Card and Visa Card are also widely accepted.

Visas
Nationals of most countries may obtain visas on arrival, at the airport. It is best to check with your nearest Sri Lankan diplomatic mission or consulate. The visa that is issued at the point of entry is only valid for 30 days. Extensions can be obtained, if required, from the Department of Immigration & Emigration in Colombo.

Shopping
Sri Lanka offers good bargains in ceramics, garments, leather goods, gems etc.

Communications
The general post office is situated in the city of Colombo. Other towns have central post offices. Privately run agency post offices, cyber cafes, communication centers also function throughout most of the country.

Photography and Video
Photography and video filming often require permits at historical and sacred sites- it is advisable to check with the officials at each place. Film rolls and videotape are freely available in all main cities.

fiji tourism

fiji tourism

What to Do in Thailand

There's plenty to see in Thailand… and there's also masses to do. What's great about Thailand is the variety of what's on offer and the fact that whatever you try it's not going to break the bank.Take a visit to Thailand's islands and beaches, for instance. You can get straight into diving and snorkeling, whatever level of experience you have. Of course, in most places these activities are on offer there are a number of related water sports available. Thailand does though attract the adventurous, and as well as water sports there are a number of activities that are 'xtreme' in nature as well as bungee jumping and paintball. There are though numerous activities that you can get involved in that are more sedate… if a quick round of golf is more your scene, Thailand has numerous courses, many designed by top-level international golfers. Thailand is also a great place for hiking. Whether you are a serious hiker, or just out for a stroll, there are numerous trekking options open to visitors, particularly in northern Thailand. These days, however, many visitors want to leave Thailand with more than a suntan. Over the last 10 years the kingdom of Thailand has become a haven for people interested in alternative approaches to health and well-being. Thailand's Spas incorporate its ancient tradition of natural healing and medicine to provide unsurpassed service and an unforgettable Spa experience. You can also take meditation courses in Thailand and train your mind and body to be restful and peaceful. However, if you also want some changes that are only surface deep, you can go home with a new look to complement your new attitude. Thailand has become a hub for 'Medical Tourism' - travel that incorporates medical surgery and other treatments with restful stays on beaches or Thailand's exquisite countryside.  Cosmetic surgery, laser sight correction and cosmetic dentistry are all on offer, utilizing the experience of internationally trained experts who carry out procedures utilizing the wonderful facilities of international-standard hospitals. Of course, one activity Thailand is ultimately famous for is shopping - a couple of weeks in Thailand makes a shopper from even the staunchest macho man! The price of goods is obviously one draw, but it's also the quality of what's on offer that seals the deal. Local goods are excellent, and Thailand's markets and shopping areas are full of novelties and items to give the folks back home. If you have kids in tow there are plenty of theme parks, shows and zoos to see, alongside some genuinely great parks to visit. Whatever the time of year there are festivals to attend which kids generally enjoy participating in. Some of Thailand's festivals (e.g. Songkran - the annual water throwing festival) have become attractions in their own right with people planning their arrival to coincide with a particular festival. Whatever sort of activities you enjoy, as you can see, there's plenty to do Thailand. Make the most of this fact - be active and engage as much as you can. Do this and you will have one your best travel experiences ever!

thailand

What to see in Thailand

Rarely do you find someone bored in Thailand… There's always something to see! Certainly one of the inevitable ingredients to a trip to Thailand is plenty of trips to temples - they really are great places to see so this is no obligatory chore! Unlike some tourist attractions in other countries, Thailand's temples are not just historical sites dressed up to cater for visiting tourists; they are integral components of normal daily life. Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok is an excellent example. Although as far as a tourist is concerned a visit to Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok is equivalent to a visit to the Eiffel Tower in Paris or Tower Bridge in London, locals visit the temple to worship and make merit. Although they might at times be significantly outnumbered, you will see locals at prayer here, as you will at all of the temples on Thailand's tourist track. Temples are not though the only places that reflect Thailand's history and culture that are worthy of a visit. Thailand's King and Royal Family are probably more revered than monarchs in any country in the world. Their status is reflected in the grandeur of Thailand's royal palaces. These truly are spectacular places to visit and receive a glimpse of Thailand's regal past and an insight into the lives of Thai royalty. In many of the palaces there are museums reflecting aspects of Thailand's past, but museums are by no means restricted to royal palaces - there are scores around the country. Bangkok's National Museum does a thorough job of reflecting all aspects of this diverse country, but each Thai province has its own museum reflecting important aspects of the locality's past and present. Often directly alongside Thailand's museums there are a number of galleries reflecting the country's art though the work of past and present artists. Thailand also boasts numerous theaters and cultural centers which host traditional Thai theater and dance and offer cultural shows and events. Of course, as with any country in the world, when you visit Thailand you should visit its monuments and shrines. Although you may not grasp their full significance, they still warrant visits; who would go to France without visiting the Arc de Triomphe? And what visit to Thailand would be complete without seeing a Thai boxing match or a trip to a floating market? One of the key reasons people visit Thailand is the physical beauty of the place and for the adventurous there is plenty to see. Thailand abounds withwaterfalls, hot springs and places of natural beauty. There are caves to see and mountains and hills to visit. But even in the cities and towns there flower gardens to escape to. You will never want for a place to visit and something to see in Thailand. The wealth of attractions makes a trip easy and means you can plan what you want to see with relative ease. Make the most of what's on offer, and make the best of your time in the kingdom.

thailand

Where to Go in Thailand

Given its rich diversity Thailand has a lot to offer its visitors. Of course,Bangkok is one place most start and end their visit to Thailand. The cultural and administrative centre of the country, Bangkok has plenty to offer. Of course, a big, brash, modern city like Bangkok has the creature comforts and entertainment that visitors look for and it's famous for its famous nightlife (with go-go places like Patpong and Nana on most visitors' itineraries). But beyond that, where should a visitor go in Thailand?

Although there are numerous places that warrant a visit, there are some 'staples' - places that most visitors to Thailand end up visiting. Starting in the north, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are popular ports of call. Their dramatic mountainous landscapes coupled with unique histories make both intriguing and entertaining places to visit. Also in the north, Sukothai offers less in terms of dramatic scenery, but more in terms of history and culture. The ruins of Sukothai's ancient city offer a glimpse of Thailand glorious past, as does Ayutthaya in central Thailand. As yet a part of Thailand that is not visited as often of other regions, the northeast (or 'Isan' as it is known locally) does offer some 'off-the-beaten track' treats. Buriram is becoming a firm favourite with visitors, as is Loei. Although Loei is in northeastern Thailand, it has a lot in common with the mountainous regions of the north. The coldest province in the county, Loei, offers dramatic scenery enhanced by the presence of mists and fogs. For many with connections to the Second World War, Kanchanaburi is a 'must-visit' destination. A number of sites present Kanchanaburi's role in the war and help chronicle the deaths of many thousands of soldiers who died as POWs in the area during the Second World War. Thailand's eastern provinces have much to offer, not least Chonburi, home to Pattaya, one of Thailand's leading destinations. Pattaya has the distinction of being the closest resort city to the capital and drawing masses of 'weekenders'. It is also an international tourism destination in its own right. Pattaya's finely tuned nightlife includes a huge offering of go-go alongside great restaurants and its own unique take on cabaret! Other resort cities include Hua Hin and Cha-am - both with excellent beaches and only a short drive from Bangkok.Of course, there are places worthy of visits that are common to all of Thailand's provinces. The country's National Parks are always worthy of a visit, wherever you are in the country. But it is the diversity of Thailand and the attractions it offers which are its strength. Be sure to visit the key destinations, but spare some time to get off the beaten path and experience a Thailand that is not on the tourist map. It's worth the effort to see another side to this glorious country. Of course, Thailand is rightly renowned for its islands; some of the best island destinations in the world… clear waters, white and golden sands, palms and coconuts - truly paradise on earth. Some of the major islands to visit include Koh Chang - still emerging from relative obscurity and therefore still reasonably quiet. The Phi Phi Islands are famous too and include the actually place where 'The Beach' was filmed (yes - you too can stand where Leo stood!); Phuket - an island the size of Singapore with plenty of great beaches to experience;James Bond Island - yes, that island, the one in the 'Man with the Golden Gun'; the Surin Islands - a bit tricky to get to but well worth the effort; Koh Samet - an island with a unique place in Thai culture and some glorious beaches; Koh Phangnan - famed for its Full Moon Parties and hedonism in paradise; and Koh Samui - an island of lovely beaches and bays, coconuts and forested hills.

Top five destination of thailand

Travel Guide Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand North

Often referred to as the ‘Rose of the North’, Chiang Mai is the economic and cultural centre of Northern Thailand and the focus of tourism within the region. Located about 700 kilometers from Bangkok, it is one of Thailand’s better known and most visited provinces. Originally the capital of the Lanna Thai kingdom created by King Mengrai in 1296, the province has a played a major part in the development of the country. Situated on the Mae Ping River and around 310 meters above sea level, Chiang Mai is one of the kingdom’s most beautiful provinces, featuring mountain ranges and hills a midst lush greenery and jungle. Climate conditions in the area can create swirls of mist and fog in winter – an unusual sight in a tropical country.  The province’s numerous national parks are extremely fertile, have an abundance of flowers, and support a broad range of wildlife (the area is particularly associated with elephants). The province is also famed as being a home to numerous tribal peoples and visits to tribal villages are a key component of the area’s tourism. Some of the main attractions in the area include Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and Doi Intanon – Thailand’s biggest mountain.

Travel Guide Pattaya in Eastern Thailand East

Pattaya Beach is parallel to city center. The beach stretches over 4 kilometers. Pattaya Beach is divided into 3 main zones-North, Central, and South Pattaya. The most peaceful beach is North Pattaya. Along the beach, there are superb hotels, restaurants, and shopping malls. Central and South Pattaya offer you various kinds of entertainments. Beer bars, Discotheques, and other nightlife attractions are found here. During weekends, many visitors come from Bangkok for water sports and leisure activities such as para sailing  surfing, banana boats and jet skis. You can hire a boat to offshore islands such as Koh Larn, Koh Sak and koh Krok. If you take a speedboat, it takes only 15 minutes to these islands. How to get there:  By car: Take the Bangkok-Chonburi Motorway (highway No.7). The Motorway is connected with Bangkok Outer Ring Road.(highway No.9) By bus: Bus services are available at Bangkok’s Northern Bus Terminal (Morchit) and the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekamai). When you arrive Pattaya, take Songthaews to Pattaya Beach. By Taxi: A private hire taxi is available from anywhere in Bangkok and Suvarnabhumi airport. It is the most convenient way to Pattaya.

Travel Guide Koh Samui in Southern Thailand South

Koh Samui The 247-square-kilometer Samui island is Surat Thani's major tourist attraction. Located 258 nautical miles south of Bangkok, and some 84 kilometers east of the provincial capital, Koh Samui measures some 21 kilometers at its widest point, and 25 kilometers at its longest. A 51-kilometer ring and largely coastal road encircles the island, which has numerous lovely beaches and bays, and is almost literally an island of coconuts and forested hills.  Samui's best beaches line the northern and eastern coasts, the most popular being Hat Chaweng and Hat Lamai, where generally attractive accommodation can be found. Other beaches include Hat Choeng Mon, Hat Mae Nam in the north and Hat Na Thon, the island's major seafront settlement where shops, restaurants and tour agencies are concentrated. At the southern end of Lamai Bay are phallic rock formations called Hin Ta Hin Yai. A path connects the three waterfalls, called Namtok Hin Lat, Namtok Lat Wanon, and Namtok Na Muang, from west to south. The waterfalls are best visited during rainy season. Elephant riding is an interesting activity at the Na Muang waterfall. There are some Buddhist monuments and temples on the island: Phra Yai is a massive seated Buddha image at Fan isle; Phrathat Hin Ngu is a stupa containing the Buddha’s relics and Chedi Laem So, a golden stupa on the western coast; and Wat Khunaram houses the dead body of Luang Pho Daeng which does not decay.