Thailand And Myanmar Water Fight

Many tourists from all over the world visit Thailand, especially Khao Sarn Road in Bangkok during April to take part in the water festival (Songkran) festivities. To those tourists who have been in action during the friendly yearly water fights, I am sure it was very fun. I thought so too until a few years ago, when I visited Myanmar during dates coinciding with Myanmar's version of Songkran. The Myanmese called the water festival (Thingyan).

In Thailand's version of the Songkran water festival, people loaded up tanks of ice cold water in pick up trucks going around splashing and drenching everyone who is within range all in good fun. Some like the picture above load water guns and ice cold squirt at you you are expected to retaliate with… what else, cold water of course.

Now this festival although coming from the same custom is celebrated differently in Myanmar. It is much more wild and spirited. The Myanmese authorities will build stages after stages called "pandles" on sides of main roads. Some of these stages will have live music bands, dances, gay models and bodybuilders on parade amplified by music blaring loudly from the speakers and PA system, others will be packed chocked full of people armed with wildly colorful hoses splashing tons of water on whoever wants the showers of blessings on them.




The Yangon ( former capital city of Myanmar) hotel I stayed in organized a tour of the city on the back of…..yup, you said it…...pick up trucks with refreshment, water guns and large drums of ice cold water ammunition. This is certainly much more fun than the Thai version, especially if you bring your whisky along. The roads were flooded and water was flowing like small rivers.

So if you ever visit Thailand for its Songkran festival, then hop over to Myanmar to open a second water war front. A word of warning though, better book your hotel room or accommodation and air travel tickets early. The hotel rooms are always booked months in advance by fun loving tourists both in Thailand and Myanmar.

The festivities will usually last a few days every April. After hard day at play, do remember that Thailand is famous for its ancient Thai massage. Do get a skillful massuer to soothe those aching muscles after a few days of fun. You can even order a massage service from the hotels.

Tour And Travel

Tour and Travel
Finding French Museums in Paris France .the France has numerous different French museums dotted all over the country, yet there are an incredible amount of different types of museums in Paris itself that you can visit when on your family holiday.
Rwanda, the land of one thousand hills and 'hundreds attractions' is an extraordinary place where serene scenery and placid people greet you at every juncture. Rwanda is safe and secure with an overwhelming renaissance of Rwandese national pride and cultural reconstruction. It is full of sights and delights, waiting to be explored. If Rwanda is on your travel list there is no better time to runaway to Rwanda...visit today you would want to stay!

Karon Resort in Phuket, Thailand!
At Centara Karon Resort Phuket, we have so much to offer, you will simply want to come back again and again.
Limousines are luxurious and it is a nice experience to hire a limousine as nowadays different limo providers are offering these cars at cheap rates. A limousine come with a nice ambience and using these cars for party and different social get-together has become a popular.
Mauritius is an ideal place for vacations. Mauritius easily figures amongst the top 10 vacation places in the world. Holidays in Mauritius can as well be inexpensive leaving you the choice to use your money with freedom. You can spend your holidays in Mauritius at affordable prices if you plan to make the trip with a limited budget.
A Guide To Choosing a place for a holiday : Choosing a place for a holiday has never been easy for avid travelers and vacationers. This is as true for a family vacation as is for a group vacation. Most of us want to make the most of our vacations because our free time is precious.
8-Tips for Packing and Traveling Lite : In this day and age of traveling echolalia, there are a few packing tactics to employ. To cut out an extra thirty to forty minutes at the arriving airport, start with packing small luggage. Since carry-ones can not exceed a linear dimension of 45 inches, you can escape the fiasco of the baggage terminal by simply packing and traveling light.
Living Requirements in Bangkok : If you are relocating to Thailand -- or just thinking about it -- you can't afford to waste money on ineffective or nonproductive relocation and retirement ideas. Once you move to a foreign country, every dollar you spend has to do the work of ten.
Hire Car Online For Australia Holidays :
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Devotion with Golden Temple Tour Package : In Golden Temple Tour Package you get the opportunity to visit different places of Punjab, Delhi. Golden temple is one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in India. Considered as the ultimate place of the Sikh faith, the Golden temple of Amritsar attracts large number of devotees every year. Sikh devotees, for whom the Golden Temple is a symbol of freedom and spiritual independence, visit the Temple from all over the world to offer prayers.

See the Sensuous Sculpture:
Khajuraho one of the ancient centre of the Chandela Dynasty in India. Khajuraho flourished from 950 to 1050 AD and is spectacular feat of architecture carved with the roughest of tools. Each temple has a large number of spires in ascending order representing man's aspirations towards spiritual goals. They are famous tourist draw because they have the most sublime, sensuous and erotic sculptures and are romantically situated miles from anywhere in the dry and hot plains of Madhya Pradesh.

The Akha Hill Tribe in Chiang Rai Thailand

For many visitors to Northern Thailand, a trip to visit one of the region's colourful hill tribes is a necessity. These minority groups have their photos splashed across tourist brochures and websites, adding to their appeal and intrigue. Some of the villages receive tour buses and trekking groups on a regular basis as the financial benefits outweigh any concerns over privacy.

The harsh reality of the situation is that most of these hill tribes have been marginalised and live in abject poverty. Few of them are officially recognised by the Thai authorities and they exist without any ID cards or rights. For the many tourists who are happy to get a glimpse of their rural lifestyles, they are often completely unaware of the hardship and suffering they endure.

There are over half a dozen different tribes in the area, and they are all unique in their own way with different languages, dress and customs. Among the poorest of these tribes are the Akha and consequently, they receive special attention from charity workers, anthropologists and missionary groups. They are known to the Thais by the somewhat derogatory name Egor and are usually considered worthless peasants at the bottom of the social scale.

Their origins can be traced back over a century to Tibet, before they migrated to Burma, Laos and Thailand, along with other hill tribes. Over the last two decades, they have been continually persecuted by the military regime in Burma, forcing them to flee and settle in Thailand as refugees. They remain stateless despite having been here so long, and are often exploited by corrupt officials and drug barons in the area.

The Akhas use a Lolo-Burmese language, although it has never been written down, making it difficult to trace its history accurately. Any known history has been passed on by mouth over the generations. Civil rights groups have recently created a system to document their language.

There are over 300,000 Akhas living in Thailand with the majority of the villages located in the province of Chiang Rai. They are usually subsistence farmers who grow vegetables and rice on the mountainsides, and raise pigs and chickens. The men often work in surrounding rice and tobacco fields, starting early in the morning and continuing until the last light. They receive about 100 baht per day, which is considerably less than the national minimum wage.

Their villages are often in remote locations and can be difficult to reach, meaning that the Akhas seldom leave their immediate area. Running water is still not available to all of the tribes so women are sometimes charged with the task of filling up large containers from a nearby well several times a day. A few villages have been fortunate enough to be electrified resulting in a marked improvement in living conditions. Entire families live in a simple houses constructed from bamboo and grass.

Missionary groups operating in the area have also increased problems of a religious nature. Their assistance is often dependant on certain conditions as they try to convert the Akhas to Christianity. Their methods are controversial, although the missionaries would say that they can help to improve their living conditions and future opportunities.

Questionable practices such as removing children from their family homes to give them a more civilised upbringing, has led to much criticism. The religion of the Akha people is closely tied to animism, with a strong focus on honouring ancestors and their parents, and a belief in both good and bad spirits. The presence of certain Christian groups has led to an erosion of their unique and fascinating culture.

The lack of ID cards has not stopped some of the women abandoning their villages in search of work in the big cities. Many end up working in prostitution or poorly paid massage parlours. Unfortunately, the young men often suffer a worse fate as they became smugglers for powerful drug barons. During the government crackdown on drugs in 2003, over 2,000 people were killed, many of them Akha.

The future for the Akha hilltribe is hard to predict as tourism continues to thrive in the area and the Thai authorities overlook them. Their unique culture is slowly fading away as the tour groups traipse through the villages and disturb their normal lives

Travel Asia - A Popular Choice for Travelers

The largest as well as the most populous continents in the world - Asia is a land of diversity with a multitude of geographies, cultures, and people. Occupying an area of about 9% of the total area of the earth's surface, Asia is home to more than five billion people.

In other words, Asia consists of more than 60% of the world's overall population. As a tourist destination, Asia boasts of a feast of attractions in the form of traditional cities, ancient monuments with superb architecture, museums and art galleries that throw light on the history of the place, incredible wild life, scenic mind blowing attractions, and attractions that are a blend of both east and west.

There are also a range of vibrant attractions, covering action packed beaches, bargain shopping areas, and exuberant nightclubs. Equally remarkable is the sumptuous cuisines available here, each of which is a representation of different cultures. In fact, the world's majority of tourist attractions are found in Asia. Discussed further in this article are some of the most popular tourist attractions in Asia.

The continent of Asia is home to such incredible destinations as India, China, Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Philippines. Asia has such a great number of attractions that even a year is not enough to explore them all. For those who want to explore a range of rich culture and topography and at the same time interested in recreational pursuits, then one of the most suitable options would be to take a tour to India. Stunning beaches, gorgeous monuments, ancient temples, and lively cities, all sum up the attractions of India. Attractions, among many others, in India are Red Fort and Qutab Minar in Delhi, Taj Mahal, one of the world's seven wonders, Khajuraho Temples in Madhya Pradesh, Elephanta Caves in Mumbai, Ajanta and Ellora Caves in Aurangabad, and Kerala's backwaters.

For those interested in exploring the pristine beauty as well as the ancient wonders, perhaps the greatest of all attractions in Asia would be China, which boasts of such lively destinations as Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Beijing, all of with loads of mind blowing attractions. Most popular among the attractions in China are the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors, Potala Palace, West Lake, and Mogao Grottos. Another much sought after tourist destination in Asia is Japan, which is acknowledged as the Land of the Rising Sun. It features attractions such as Nara Park, Kyoto's Higashiyama area, Kin Osaki, Himeji Castle, and Takayama in Gifu. With attractions such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam is also an incredible spot in Asia.

Popular countries in Asia also include the Kingdom of Thailand, which is probably the number one tourist destination in South-East Asia. What that set apart Thailand from other spots in Asia is its breathtaking natural beauty, stunning temples, gorgeous island destinations, stupendous monuments, healthy cuisines, and above all presence of amicable Thai people.

Just few among many of the attractions in Thailand are Bangkok, the capital city; Ayutthaya, which is much famed for its Gothic ruins; Chiang-Mai, bestowed with the title 'Rose of the North,' Krabi, which is a paradise for enjoying a range of water sport activities; and Pattaya, one of the best resorts in Asia. Also, a tourist spot in South-East Asia is Singapore, which is an island destination situated at the Malay Peninsula's southern tip. Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore Discovery Center, Little India, and China Town, are some of the Singapore's landmarks.

Southeast Asia also contains incredible destinations such as Indonesia - the largest archipelagic nation in the world; Malaysia, with attractions like Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya; Philippines, with more than 7000 islands; and Burma, which is the largest country in Southeast Asia. Other top places of interest in Asia are Sri Lanka - an island destination located off the southern tip of India; Afghanistan, with a rich as well as complex history; Maldives, which consists of more than 1,000 coral islands in the Indian Ocean; Uzbekistan, one of the most popular destinations in Central Asia; Kyrgyzstan, which is probably the most popular tourist spot in Central Asia; and Bangladesh, which has to its credit a number of ancient palaces, magnificent Buddhist shrines, and beautiful monuments.

Hawaii Travel Packages

All travel agencies worldwide have Hawaii as a favorite holiday destination. The fame of these islands as a corner of paradise, the pleasantly warm weather, the great surfing waves and lots of other local attractions keep Hawaii on the first position in the tops of most popular destinations. Thus, you don't have to worry about not finding Hawaii travel packages, but about making the best possible deals. Hawaii remains a great destination throughout the year unraveling its attractions to the visitor: there are palm-fringed beaches, storming rivers flowing through canyons, smoking volcanoes, blue lagoons, exotic rain forests and breath-taking water falls.

Under the name of Hawaii travel packages you can purchase a holiday on any of the six main islands of the archipelago, Molokai, Hawaii, Oahu, Lanai, Kauai and Maui. Each of them has distinct complex features that make them impossible to exhaust in terms of attractions this is actually the reason why people choose other Hawaii travel packages for next vacations. Besides great tourist services, warm waters and sandy beaches, Hawaii gives one a first hand experience of what active volcanoes are like in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This could be the only opportunity to see red-hot lava in a lifetime, as you may never get the chance to repeat the experience.

If you think that the Hawaii from Hollywood films is just a beautiful or embellished story, you will pleasantly surprised to discover it is not. Some people even say this is paradise on earth, then, on a sun-drenched handful of islands in the mid-Pacific, you could be living a dream. Don't expect Hawaii travel packages to come cheap, but there is a trick about when to buy such holidays so as to save some hundreds of dollars. Peak seasons like the winter holidays are sometimes out of reach as you will most likely find very high prices for the services.

Another idea is not to pick the time of the year when the ocean swell is most favorable for surfing, otherwise you will also find the resorts pretty crowded. If you've contracted a reliable travel agency you will receive advice in the direction of buying the most for your dollars. All Hawaii services are next to perfect, and sometimes it is preferable to pay for a holiday in a retreated corner than to get where the luxury strikes the eye. Moreover, anything too extravagant could also prove beyond your capacity to pay.

Hawaii Travel Packages

All travel agencies worldwide have Hawaii as a favorite holiday destination. The fame of these islands as a corner of paradise, the pleasantly warm weather, the great surfing waves and lots of other local attractions keep Hawaii on the first position in the tops of most popular destinations. Thus, you don't have to worry about not finding Hawaii travel packages, but about making the best possible deals. Hawaii remains a great destination throughout the year unraveling its attractions to the visitor: there are palm-fringed beaches, storming rivers flowing through canyons, smoking volcanoes, blue lagoons, exotic rain forests and breath-taking water falls.

Under the name of Hawaii travel packages you can purchase a holiday on any of the six main islands of the archipelago, Molokai, Hawaii, Oahu, Lanai, Kauai and Maui. Each of them has distinct complex features that make them impossible to exhaust in terms of attractions this is actually the reason why people choose other Hawaii travel packages for next vacations. Besides great tourist services, warm waters and sandy beaches, Hawaii gives one a first hand experience of what active volcanoes are like in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This could be the only opportunity to see red-hot lava in a lifetime, as you may never get the chance to repeat the experience.

If you think that the Hawaii from Hollywood films is just a beautiful or embellished story, you will pleasantly surprised to discover it is not. Some people even say this is paradise on earth, then, on a sun-drenched handful of islands in the mid-Pacific, you could be living a dream. Don't expect Hawaii travel packages to come cheap, but there is a trick about when to buy such holidays so as to save some hundreds of dollars. Peak seasons like the winter holidays are sometimes out of reach as you will most likely find very high prices for the services.

Another idea is not to pick the time of the year when the ocean swell is most favorable for surfing, otherwise you will also find the resorts pretty crowded. If you've contracted a reliable travel agency you will receive advice in the direction of buying the most for your dollars. All Hawaii services are next to perfect, and sometimes it is preferable to pay for a holiday in a retreated corner than to get where the luxury strikes the eye. Moreover, anything too extravagant could also prove beyond your capacity to pay.

Guidelines for a world tour

World tour is a lifetime opportunity for all people. Very few people are that lucky. So when you are planning for it, follow world travel guide so that your tour is not messed up. Make every possible arrangement so that the memories are worth cherishing. However, since a world tour is not something that you can undertake all that often, it is important that you plan your tour well. Some relevant guidelines for a world tour are mentioned below to make your journey fruitful and rewarding in the best possible way.

The first things you need to decide on before you leave for a world tour are the places you would like to visit. Then create a careful and well researched route map based on your preferences. Prioritize the places that you want to visit in the course of the tour, putting the hot spots first and then the others, in order of your preferences.

The weather of the concerned places would obviously determine the kind of clothes and other necessary gears that you may need. Be sure to stash enough woolens for cold weather, particularly places where temperatures are low throughout the year. If you are going to a sea side, do not forget to take your swimsuit.

Get to know about the cuisine of the places that you are about to visit, so that you can sample the fare when you are right there. It is certainly a wonderful experience. Tangy tasty, lip smacking, food are available throughout the world, so gorge on the local delights and give a treat to your taste buds.

Information about the scenic beauty of the place is also required so that if you are into nature you can choose such places. Or else select those spots where the history of it allures you. The architecture of some places can be fascinating and hence make it a must see so that you get the feel of the place. If in Europe use the Euro rail and enjoy a very pleasant experience. Be sure to visit the curio shops of your travel destinations souvenirs of different places collected will certainly remind you of the terrific time that you had and the wonderful memories associated with the place.

After your passport is ready, prepare for the tourist visas of the different travel destinations as they are of utmost importance. Develop awareness about the concerned places by getting information from reliable sources. Do not depend on hear say, consult a travel agency if necessary and get your air tickets booked in advance. If you are into activity check out the kind that a place has on offer for instance, snorkeling or scuba diving in places on the sea side so that you enjoy every minute of your stay.

Traveling agencies offer great packages for your tours so go ahead the get the best deals from your traveling agent. Your package will surely help you to make your trip a great stay, throughout. Book your air-tickets and hotel tickets to avoid any confusion.

Choose your destinations well so that you get the real taste of every place. Otherwise non-descript places wont hold much entertainment for you. Some of the places you could visit are: Maldives, Miami, Malaysia, Mexico, Italy, Egypt, Brazil, and Africa.

Always remember that you are on a foreign land so always be cautious of strangers, would be the last suggestion before you set out on your dream holiday

Make the Most of Your Portugal Surfing Holidays

If you are exploring holiday destinations try Portugal Surfing holidays this season.You will find Portugal Surfing Holidays to be a very unique and special experience that will give you an opportunity to enjoy the truly stylish and exciting culture. The Portugal Surfing Holidays are for everyone - for singles, couples and families looking to experience warm sunshine, pleasant water conditions and excellent sea food or great wine.

So Portugal Surfing Holidays will prove to be a great idea to go for a perfectly holiday -relaxing and action packed at the same time. You can go with your friends and family, and believe me there’s no better spot for that than Portugal. Some people are under the misconception that holiday with Portugal Surf in mind, is just for young college-goers. That is not true. Even if you’re older, or younger, you can still have fun with Portugal Surfing Holidays.

If you are planning Portugal Surfing Holidays first and foremost what you should do is to explore district regions of Portugal. Each district has something unique to offer. Right from the lush vineyards of the Douro in the north to the craggy coastline of Alentejo in south-west Portugal to holidays on the sandy beaches of Portugal's Estoril Coast which offers green and unending golf courses in the Algarve to the mid-Atlantic Azores islands if you would like whale watching and nature trips as part of your Portugal Surfing Holidays

Portugal Surfing Holidays is one of the oldest adventure sports known to man. Historians have dated Portugal Surf adventure to as early as 3000 years ago, but the modern form of Portugal Surf as we know of it today was developed in Hawaii couple of centuries ago. Portugal Surf as a sport came to Portugal much later, but now it’s a major sport for amateur surfers because of friendly waves that help a beginner learn it in safe and encouraging environment.

Portugal Surfing Holidays are not just for the pros or those who already know the sport. Like mentioned earlier even the beginners can have surfing fun here and Portugal beaches have a lot to offer to them too. Portugal Surfing Holidays means, friendly waves that you can ride even if you are newbie, it offers you good instructors plus there are shops where you can rent surfing gear etc that make Portugal Surfing holidays a perfect destination.

If you are seriously considering Portugal surfing holidays, there are many travel agencies in Portugal which offer you packaged holidays inclusive of `Portugal Surf Learning Sessions and practice’ with pros. The tutors and instructors will guide you through the the lessons of surfing.

If you are planning Portugal Surfing Holidays you must be aware of all the aspects of Portugal Surf. Remember that surfing is an adventure sport, which means there’s a slight amount of risk involved with it. You should not go for your round of Portugal Surf if you don’t know how to swim. Because if the surfboard overturns, which often does, your swimming skills will come in handy and if you are an energetic swimmer you will be able to get back to shores safely

Why You Ought To Visit The Wonderful Country Of Russia

Have you been contemplating going overseas and going to places in Europe you have heard about and always wished to see? How about a trip to Russia? Russia is abounding with wonderful sights and sounds to amuse and amaze you and your friends. St. Petersburg for example is a wonderful place that reflects the old life of villages like Irkutsk and Siberia.

Russia is teeming with life and excitement like never before. One top destination in Russia is Moscow. If you were to pick out a small handful of the best cities in the world to discover and visit, you would be silly to leave Moscow off of such a list! You will also want to check out Imperial Russia's center point which includes cities that date back to old times such as the aforementioned Moscow, plus Murmansk and St. Petersburg.

Of all the countries on the earth, what do you think is the biggest? That's right! Russia is the biggest nation in the world! How could you gorgoe a chance to visit! It has a hugely vast and rich culture just waiting for you to enjoy it!

What Makes London A Famed Tourist Place?

London is a jumbo center and the capital of England.

Although numerous populace expect every one of Londoners to be cheerful cockney characters straight out of Dickens, nothing might be further from the truth. In fact, London is a diverse habitat that has residents of all religions and nationalities. Because of this, it is estimated that over 300 disparate languages are spoken in the metropolis.

London has a long and enticing past events, which started when the Romans founded the rudimentary major colonization there in AD 43 following the Roman conquest of Britain.

London was particularly prosperous in the 18th century and it became the greatest place in the world from 1831 to 1925. The cultivation of London was aided by London's pioneer railways, which put countryside settlements within easy reach of the metropolis. The rail network expanded very rapidly, which made London expand into its surrounding fields and merge with nearby settlements such as Kensington.

Since then, London has continued to thrive and it remains one of the largest conurbations in the world

London is renowned for its fantastic museums and art galleries. One of the superior obvious museums is the Victoria and Albert, which was established in 1852. It is the world's greatest museum of decorative arts and design with a permanent group of over 4 and a half million objects. These days, the museum covers a massive 12 and a half acres and 145 galleries. It is a major tourist captivation and, in 2006, it attracted 2,400,000 tourists.

London is well-known for its shopping, so you will find everything from quirky independent stores and markets, to designer stores.

One of the city's most celebrated stores is Selfridges, which is on Oxford Street. It was first off opened in 1909 by Harry Selfridge, who wanted to make shopping celebration rather than a chore. He succeeded and the store now has four other branches in miscellaneous large towns during the UK.

London has rich and varied nightlife, which suggests something for everyone. From exclusive celebrity bars and nightclubs, to cosy public houses, you cannot fail to present a prestigious night out here.

London's West End is legendary for its multitudinous theatres, which appear a wide range of musicals and other displays. The longest running demonstrate in the West End was Agatha Christie's Mousetrap, which ran for a massive 26 years from 1952 - 2004. Other common demonstrates include Les Miserables, Miss Saigon, Cats and Mary Poppins.

As it is such a huge berth, London is very easy to get to. In fact, it is well connected by rail and fanfaronades some excessive railway stations, including London Bridge, London Victoria, London Euston and Liverpool Street. As well as this, the center also has three major airports, Heathrow; Stanstead and Luton.

Driving in London may be tricky due to the congestion charge, but the center has a fantastical underground and bus network to help people get around.

Tourism-pattaya

The Wat Khao Phra Bat temple overlooking Pattaya Bay features a Buddha statue more than 18 meters tall.

Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden

Pattaya Park Tower.

Birds Eye View, from Pattaya Park Tower, Pattaya city.

Once a sleepy fishing town, Pattaya first boomed as an R&R spot during the Vietnam War and got itself a bit of a bad image, but things have certainly improved since then and the city has been turning its location into a family-orientated destination. So besides only bars and pubs, there is plenty more to do and see these days. Currently, Pattaya is booming again: TAT claims 5,338,000 visitors for 2005 (up 6.5% from 2004), of which two-thirds were foreigners who came to enjoy the exciting sea-shore activities.

Other activities include golfing at the area's many golf courses, and there are 21 golf courses within 1 hour of Pattaya, go-cart racing, visiting the construction site of an elaborate private wooden temple known as Sanctuary of Truth, and different theme parks and zoos such as Mini Siam, and Elephant Village.

The national symbol of Thailand, these amazing animals have been part of Thai culture for centuries. Demonstrations of training methods and ancient ceremonial re-enactments plus entertaining performances and wild elephant round-ups daily between 2:30 and 4:00.

The private Sri Racha Tiger Zoo features several hundred tigers and thousands of alligators as well as some other animals. It has often been criticized for the animals' living conditions, and a worker was killed by tigers in 2004 There was a major bird flu outbreak at the zoo later that year

The Vimantaitalay tourist submarine takes customers underwater to see corals and marine life just a few kilometers offshore. There are many boat trips from an hour to all day trips available, mostly leaving from Bali Hai Pier, near Walking Street.

Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden is located some 15 kilometers east of Pattaya. The 500-acre (2.0 km²) site has well maintained botanical gardens and an orchid nursery. Moreover the facility has lively cultural shows in a Thai village setting. In addition trained chimpanzees and elephants are seen at the garden.

Other attractions in Pattaya: The Million Years Stone Park and Pattaya Crocodile Farm, Elephant Village, Pattaya Park Beach Resort Water Park and Funny Land Amusement Park, Siriporn Orchid Farm, Underwater World Pattaya (world class aquarium), Thai Alangkarn Theater Pattaya(cultural show), Bottle Art Museum, Mini Siam, Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum, and Walking Street.

Thai Alangkarn Theater Pattaya presents Thai performing arts in a panoramic concept. The entire project includes a prototype Hexa Stage Theater with 2,000 seats in tiers, Cultural Rostrum and a Restaurant with 1,000 seating capacity. Open daily except Wednesday, show time 18.00 hrs.

Underwater World (อันเดอร์วอเตอร์ เวิลด์) is an aquarium where there is a collection of marine species in the Gulf of Thailand. The tunnel is 105 metres long divided into 4 zones. The aquarium is home to a multitude of local marine life, including sharks and stingrays. Moreover, there is marine life feeding shows, both on the surface of the water and underwater in each zone.

Khao Phra Tam Nak or Khao Phra Bat (เขาพระตำหนัก หรือ เขาพระบาท) This small hill is located between South Pattaya and Chom Thian. It is a vantage point for a panoramic view of the whole city of Pattaya and its crescent bay. Locals and visitors come here to pay homage to Wat Khao Phra Bat atop the hill and the monument of Kromluang Chomphonkhetudomsak, who is resgared the “founding father of the modern Thai navy.” and Suan Chaloemphrakiat (สวนเฉลิมพระเกียรติ) Khao Phra Tam Nak Road., This is a fitness park at the foot of Khao Pattaya.

Sanctuary of Truth (ปราสาทสัจธรรม) This gigantic wooden structure is situated by the sea at Laem Ratchawet, North Pattaya. The sanctuary of Truth was first built in 1981. With exquisite architectural features, the building was conceived out of the vision that human civilisation has been achieved and nurtured by religious and philosophical truth.

Mini Siam (เมืองจำลองพัทยา) is located at km. 143 on Sukhumvit Road., Highway No. 3, North Pattaya, Mini Siam is one of famous model villages in the world. It celebrates the heritages of Thailand with miniature replicas of the most famous monuments and historical sites including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Democracy Monument, Bridge over the River Kwai, Prasat Hin Phimai etc. Miniature replicas of the Tower Bridge of London, Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty and Trevi Fountain are also displayed in the section called “mini world”.

Cabaret Shows (คาบาเร่ต์โชว์) There are two venues of transvestite cabarets (lady boys) in Pattaya.

• Alcazar Cabaret (อัลคาซ่าร์ คาบาร์เร่ต์), Pattaya 2 Road
• Tiffany Show (ทิฟฟานี่ โชว์), Pattaya 2 Road

Wat Yanasangwararam Woramahawihan (วัดญาณสังวรารามวรมหาวิหาร) covers an area of 366 rai. It was constructed in 1976 for Somdet Phra Yanasangwon, the present Supreme Patriarch and later was supported by His Majesty the King. Within the compound of the temple are the Mondop where a replica of the Buddha’s footprint is enshrined, a large Chedi containing the relics of the Lord Buddha, as well as, his enlightened followers, and Wihan Phra Yanaret.

Koh Larn is a little tropical island located about 7km off the coast of Pattaya Beach. The Island is around 4km long and 2km wide and is home to approximately one thousand residents. Most of the locals reside in the main village, Naban. There are six beaches on the island that has white sand and clear blue water. The terrain is mainly mountainous which is covered in most part with jungle.

Some tourists take daytrips to nearby Rayong for beautiful beaches, as well as Koh Samet island.

Namibia Safari: A Trip To Perfect Destination

Are you having second thoughts on a safari holiday in Namibia? Or are you simply confused about the destination for your holiday this year? In any case, you should be visiting Namibia and delight yourself by being close the nature, in its purest form- the wild form. Namibia is known for eco-tourism and a safari in Namibia is the best way to explore the extensive wildlife of the paradise.

Must visit places in Namibia

It’s really hard to pin-point the places to visit, because Namibia is a place where the nature spawns in various forms. Each place has a mesmerizing appeal and thus, a safari in Namibia can be called as an experience of natural geographical landscapes, varied climates and the myriad ecstasies of nature.

The most visited places are Etosha pan, Sossusvlei, Walvis bay, Luderitz, Swakopmund, the Namib desert and so on. It is also home to many spectacular national parks. The culture of Namibia is another interest for tourists. In addition, extreme sports are another eye candy of this region. On account of the scope for adventure here, Namibia has been the favorite spot for challengers in the World Challenger series.

Safari holiday in Namibia

Namibia Safari will surely be exciting and adventurous! But, planning and precautions is always necessary. The most beautiful places of nature are indeed the most dangerous ones! Not a wrinkle of worry on your face please! Coz there are registered safari agencies in Namibia which offer varied packages of safari holiday in Namibia at different rates. Along with most of the necessary arrangements, such packages will also avail you trained guides who’ll always assist you in your delectable journey filled with wilderness.

Safari in Namibia is the best possible way to experience the region and indeed the most fulfilling of all the modes of travel. The rest as they say- it’s the mind which travels and it’s the mind that needs to explore! Happy vacations!

Safety Tips for Overseas Trips

The most common crimes that travelers experience overseas are pick pocketing, theft, taking drugs, and travelers falling victim to syndicates that target people to smuggle drugs. Make sure you fly only with your own luggage. Don't get conned into helping someone transport one of his or her bags, any gifts or personal items, including toiletries, as they could contain drugs or contraband.

Violent crimes also occur overseas. Never go off alone with a stranger. Never take drugs and don't drink excessively or beyond your usual limit, as you never know what trouble you could land yourself in, especially in Asian and Middle Eastern countries, where drinking and taking drugs are seriously frowned upon.

It's very important to abide by local laws. Research the country's laws before you leave - you're not exempt from local legislation in foreign countries and won't receive special treatment when caught.

If you're ignorant you could be arrested, as was British tourist Michelle Palmer, 30, a publishing manager who was sentenced to three months in jail in Dubai for allegedly having drunken sex on a beach in July 2008. (There is a strict ban on sex before marriage in Dubai.)

More Tips

Always carry certified copies of your ID, passport and visa. Better still, ask your traveling companion to carry your copies or keep copies in an online e-mail account such as Gmail.

When you arrive at your destination, get a local SIM card if you don't have roaming capabilities and let your family know where you are. If you change plans, also let them know immediately.

Before you leave, research the country's culture. For example, know what clothing is appropriate to wear.

Find out about your destination's safety, health, immigration, customs and import regulations.

Carry contact details of your next of kin.