Top secluded beaches in Asia

Asia, with its vast coastline, is home to some spectacular beaches. And there are beaches to suit tourists with every inclination. Some beaches are known for their glamorous appeal, some for adventure options, and some for calm waters and still some for secluded spaces romantic souls and family vacationers might be looking for. Here we introduce you to some secluded beaches in Asia.

Yunokawa, Hakodate, Japan

Yunokawa also referred as an onsen (hot spring) is a great destination with lovely beaches all around town. The city comes alive during the winter months when it is frequented by large number travellers. The area is covered with countless onsens bathing in which could be one of the best experiences of your life as beaches covered with snow can be easily be seen from here. The beach is largely overlooked by locals as well as foreign vacationers but exploring it could be certainly a great idea.

Bai Dai Beach, Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam

Phu Quoc is considered one of the fastest emerging destinations for the beach lovers in Vietnam; thanks to government and operator efforts. Apart from the beachside allures, the government is making herculean efforts to built infrastructure so that the travellers can have great time visiting the place. With white sands and expansive vistas, the beach is going to be next Phuket in Asia.

Patnem Beach, Goa, India

Goa as a destination hardly needs an introduction and most of the travellers know Goa for its Anjuna beach, which was a great hippie destination during the 1960s and still holds the charm. But if you are looking for secluded spaces, Anjuna is definitely not for you. Those loving isolation should head to Patnem which is situated at a walking distance from Palolem beach, which remains crowded for most parts of the day. There are several beach hut accommodations in the vicinity where you can kick back and enjoy the spectacular sunset.

Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi, Malaysia

The archipelago called Langkawi is fast emerging as one of the top resort destination in Southeast Asia, and there is a vast array of beaches to keep you hooked for some days. Pantai Cenang beach is a fine example of this kind. But those looking for isolations should visit Tanjung Rhu which is known for secluded spaces and the mangrove plantations.

Havelock Island, Andaman Islands, India

Andaman which was once a prison destination during India’s war for independence has now become a destination of repute with countless beaches. The tranquil Havelock Island on the Andaman Islands circuit has everything for a perfect vacation and it is least crowded. The people are friendly and one can find several no frills accommodations around the island.

Ta Pho Beach, Koh Kood, Thailand

Finding secluded beaches in Thailand could be difficult but don’t lose hope as you have options to go to Koh Kood which is high on beauty and low on crowd. The beach emerges as a great destination with rainforest, quaint fishing villages, coconut plantations and snorkelling spots.

These famous seaside beauties from Asia can be best explored with multi-city flights allowing travellers to see multiple locations at economical prices.

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Saturday, January 16, 2016  No comment

Things to do in Dubai for Couples

A mosaic of old world Emirati charm and uber classiness, Dubai expands its horizon to some of the most astounding marvels of the world, yet keeps its middle eastern charisma intact, From soaring elegant township to tranquil beaches and picturesque Arabian sand dunes, the city brilliantly blends the best of both worlds. A trip with your loved one to Dubai sure gives you ample ways to explore the city's beautiful serene escapes that takes you away from the buzzing urbanisms to a calm and romantic ambience perfect for togetherness.

Enjoy a romantic cruise on the Creek

The city's buzzing verve ebbs away into calmness as you step into a cruise that will take you and your partner on a peaceful trip down Dubai's waterways complete with breezy ambience, delectable fine dining and lively entertainment. You can opt for a Dhow Cruise for traditional experience or make the experience lavish and splurge on a luxury cruise. For a dreamy experience, meander along the creek in a romantic setting with an evening cruise just as the city slowly twinkles up into a shimmering spectacle and enjoy the sights of nighttime while savouring a delicious meal and quiet time with your loved one.

Indulge in suave fine dining

Dubai is an epitome of luxuries and has a range of classy resorts and restaurants to wine and dine in tranquil ambience, giving an illusion of being away from the fast paced city. The choice is endless, from chic Michelin-starred restaurants within world-renowned resorts combined with enchanting views to beautiful elegant dining options with a plethora of international cuisines set in stunning ambience enough to sweep your partner off her feet. Add a surprise element to your romantic evening when you dine at a spectacular dining setting at the At.mostphere set in Burj Khalifa with over the top views of the shimmering city, or stroll to the edge of the sea for a one of a kind romantic night and enjoy a delicious meal set up at the Pierchic, or enjoy beachside dining with Burj Al Arab as backdrop at Majilis Al Bahar.

Enjoy an amazing morning with a Hot air balloon ride

Soar up high and float through the enchanting Arabian deserts in a hot air balloon ride and marvel at the sights of golden sandscapes. Usually operating in early mornings, this excursion takes you into the heart of the desert far away from the pulsating city into the desert where you can watch the camels, gazelles roaming freely, and the morning ambience gives you and your partner the tranquil vistas of the cool desert bathed in the morning sun, promising you a romantic and memorable experience.

Experience a romantic sunset with Sunset Desert Safari

Enjoy a private traditional Arabic-style dining experience amid idyllic desert dunes. Start off with an exciting 4x4 drive across the desert and as the dusk approaches, watch the ambience turn into the most memorable experience of your life where you and your partner can share a moment watching the sunset over the phenomenal desert landscapes, enjoy a quiet romantic evening and savour an authentic Arabian dinner while gazing at the stars in the romantic desert sky, away from the city rushes.

Enjoy boating at Zabeel Park

Share a dreamy moment on tranquil waters and beautiful ambience with a serene boating trip at Zabeel Park. Backdropped by the fantastic skyline of the Sheik Zayed Road, spend an evening gliding on a serene lake in a romantic sunset. The park also offers various recreational facilities, art sculptures and quiet spots with beautiful lawns for a lazy day picnic.

Experience a leisurely spa date

Indulge in an exotic spa experience with your loved one, loosen up and rejuvenate in the intimate soothing atmosphere. Treat your loved one with some luxurious spa treatments in some of the world’s premier spas set in the lavish elegant retreats such as the Jumeirah Resorts, Park Hyatt Dubai and Armani Hotel Dubai to name a few, which offer exclusive couple spa packages enriched with wellness programs in stunning locations and relaxing ambience that will just melt your stress away. It is undoubtedly a perfect way to pamper yourself and enjoy some quality time with your loved one.

Chill and unwind at the top of Dubai.

Gaze down at the glistening city below you with a glass of your favourite drink while you enjoy a perfect evening with your partner. Dubai is well known for its nightlife and has innumerable stunning spots away from the hustle and bustle that are apt for a romantic evening together, right from beach side locations to serene desert view lounges, but the best of the lounges are those having a bird’s eye view of the spectacular city. Chill at the top of Neos giving out spectacular views of Downtown Dubai, or At.mosphere lounge – the world’s tallest lounge perched on the 122nd level of Burj Khalifa giving astounding vistas of the city below, or at CU-BA at Jumeirah Creekside Hotel which gives a panoramic view of new and old Dubai skyline with outstanding Latin hospitality.

Take a romantic walk on the beach

Nothing speaks romance like beach side where the gentle sounds of the sea, crispy sand under your feet and the amber strewn sky with the setting sun creates the most magical ambience for most lovers. Having an amazing stretch of coastline, Dubai has some stunning beaches and inland canals that have been modified into stunning attractions. The evenings are lovely for a lazy romantic stroll at the Marina Bay area and the Jumeirah Beach, and a leisurely night walk with the cool breeze or just sitting on the beach idyllically watching the sunset with your partner could be the most perfect romantic moment you can treasure in Dubai.

About Author
Savita Pillay, who is a teacher by profession, has worked for 3 different companies as a writer and has written innumerable blogs, website articles and case studies for companies. She likes training pupils and writing is a part time hobby.

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Tuesday, November 03, 2015  1 comment

Best Diving Sites in Thailand

Across the globe there are a wealth of sites for diving that are bursting at the seams with everything from colourful corals, to ship wrecks and a vast variety of marine life. Voted among some of the best diving sites in various magazines and polls, Thailand’s dive sites offer plenty to suit all kinds of diver. Let’s take a look at some of the best.

Top Rated Dive Sites In The World

Established divers among you may already have a favourite if you are frequent visitors to Thailand, but if you’ve never dived there before, or you’re new to diving and would love to visit a dive site there, then you’ll be interested in this.  Several sites in Thailand have made it into the CNN world’s best poll. They are Elephant Head Rock, Similans, Thailand, and Japanese Gardens in Koh Tao.

Elephant Head Rock has a stunning cave backdrop, arches, and swim-throughs, with a depth of 35-40 metres, and visibility of 20-40 metres. The area is 10 minutes from the Southwest point of Koh Similan and offers the chance to see yellow goat fish, blue ringed angel fish, and 3 species of shark.

By contrast, the Japanese Gardens in Koh Tao offer shallow and easily accessible diving that’s great whatever your ability. Giant pufferfish and turtles favour this spot, and you’ll spot a real mix of other marine life from colourful Christmas tree worms and yellow butterfly fish, to red breasted wrasses. There’s also a mini wreck of a former dive boat, a recent addition to a stunning dive site.

Want to find out more about any of these dive sites mentioned, or specifically diving in Thailand? Then your first port of call should be The Professional Association Of Diving Instructors (PADI), a world leader in diving instructor training. There are plenty great PADI courses in Thailand and you can check the details of courses, dive vacations, and different dive locations across the world online before you book.

Resort Overview

Thailand is well-known not just for the opportunities it offers, but also its distinct dive seasons. If you travel between November to April you’ll find calm seas around the Similan Islands, with great conditions there and in the Andaman Sea. If you’re looking for a resort with good access to this dive area then head to Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, or Khao Lak. Expect vibrant reefs, whale sharks, cuttlefish, and soft corals, and you can even head to a special place and dive with the elephants that swim from island to island.

Another option is to head to the Gulf and dive off the islands of Ko Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao. The best time to travel to this area is February to May, where you’ll have the chance to see lots of colourful marine life. Black tip reef sharks are common, and if you head to Sail Rock or Shark Island look out for fusiliers, leopard sharks, and blue spotted lagoon rays. You’ll find several areas with caverns and dramatic swim-throughs to add to the unforgettable experience.

All in all, you could book manta dives, shark dives, drift dives, reef or wall dives, night dives and more! There’s even the opportunity to choose a live-aboard vacation, where you’ll stay on ship out at sea to truly make the most of every dive opportunity that comes up during your stay.

General or dive specific travel sites are also well worth checking out for overviews of the different dive locations, and further information about resorts and accommodation. There’s plenty to see and do under the water in Thailand, so we hope this has given you a good snapshot of what’s on offer in this Asian diving mecca.

Jeffrey Glenn (@goproasia) is the founder Go Pro Asia, of one of Thailand’s most sort after professional dive training resorts. Jeffrey is a PADI Course Director and Technical Diving Instructor Trainer with over 20 years’ experience in the dive industry.

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Tuesday, October 20, 2015  No comment

Indonesia- A Travel Destination for Vacation Fanatics

If you love to explore the ethnic culture, nature, islands, parks and possibly active volcanoes, then Indonesia should be the right place to vacation this year. You must have heard of Bali, yes it is situated in Indonesia and one of the top tourist attractions. Being a large nation of diverse population, the region is marked with 18,110 islands. People speak different language dialects. Here is a list of places you should visit while in the Indonesian land.

Temple Borobudur

If you are religious or like to know about Buddhism and relevant temples, then Borobudur temple should definitely interest you. It is located 25 miles northwest to Yogyakarta, Java and was built somewhere in 8th or 9th century, taking 75 years for completion. That is a massive time taken to construct a structure, who even lives that long these days? However, the majestic temple is layered with volcanic ash, but still retains picturesque look. It is a mystery to why the temple was abandoned in 14th century, but one can guess that a catastrophe might have struck the region. The tourists’ influx to the temple however is never struck down.

Mount Gunung Bromo

Nestled in East Java, Gunung Bromo is a mountain that is an active volcano and a prided section of the Tengger massif. It is 7,651 feet tall. The top of this mountain was blown off due to bubbling lava, forming a crater that emits white smoke frequently. If you are lucky, you can have a barbeque camp here. Just kidding! However, Mount Gunung Bromo is a hot pick for travel and tourism in Indonesia to 2018, as the volcano is ever sizzling and bright for the visitors.

Lake Toba

How about visiting an island, which is comprised within another island? Sounds interesting? Then, how about going to a lake that is surrounded by other lake? Yes, are you awed? So am I. The Lake Toba is settled in Sumatra island, the latter being a part of Pulau Samosir containing two individual lakes. Thus, you can imagine that the pleasure of sun, green and fresh water lies in one or rather two! Lake Toba is volcanic, which is 30 Kilometers wide and 100 Kilometers long. Care for a warm swim? Get a dip in Lake Toba.

National Park- Tanjung Puting

The Central Kalimantan Province of Borneo Island is blessed with a very adventurous national park. It is one of the must places for travel in Indonesia. Though the region is exploited for illegal agricultural practices and log chopping, it is still among the hub that pulls tourist in plenty to its mystical locales. The Tajung Puting is rich in wildlife and is home to clouded leopards, gibbons, pythons, macaques, crocodiles, sun bears and orangutans. So, if you find these beings sniggering at you, do not get offended, they are happy that you visited them.

City Ubud

Here comes Bali with its cultural dances and festivals that tug at everyone’s heart. The Ubud city is splashed with terraced rice fields. No, that does not permit you to scurry the rice away in your bagpack! But, you can certainly tap your toes to musical performances, dances and rituals. The city has a lot to tell about Balinese culture. It is lined with craft shops and art galleries, which provides a look into how the people residing in the region love their culture.

After combing through these regions, I am sure you can now retell Indonesia travel tips to a friend, and pack your luggage for a lovely vacation here. There are few places you should not miss when in Indonesia: Torajaland, Baliem valley, Bunaken snorkeling area (perfect for underwater selfie!), Komodo national park and Gili islands.

About Author

I am Amiya Foster. Though I do not possess extraordinary knowledge in market research, I am capable in proving marketing tips to people. I can guide businesses and people on SWOT analysis, industry research reports, business research and a lot more. Follow me on @aarkstore

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Monday, September 07, 2015  No comment

The Most Beautiful Lake in Indonesia - Lake Toba

Also called "Toba Caldera" by some, "Lake Toba" is the most beautiful lake and a supervolcano with at least four volcanic cones and three craters, creating almost a surreal scenery.

Located in the middle of the northern part of the Indonesian island of Sumatra and 62 miles long and 18 miles wide, it is also the largest lake in Indonesia and the largest volcanic lake in the world.

The natural beauty and the sheer size of the lake is breathtaking and overpowering at the same time.

Formed by a gigantic volcanic eruption some 70,000 years ago, and some studies say it might have been associated with causing previous ice age/climate change and the largest human population bottleneck ever. 

The island in the middle - Pulau Samosir - was joined to the caldera wall by a narrow isthmus, which was cut through to enable boats to pass; a road bridge crosses the cutting. Samosir island is the cultural centre of the Batak tribe who are now mostly Christians.

Despite depths plunging to over 1,600 feet in parts, Lake Toba is continually warmed by volcanic activity. Swimming in the pleasant, mineral-rich water is the perfect therapy for any road-weary traveler.

Pulau Samosir, or Samosir Island, located in the center of the lake is not that small at all with a size that is equivalent to Singapore. The island was formed by a new volcano cone pushing up through the Toba caldera and provides the perfect escape from the city of Medan

Most of Lake Toba's tourism is centered on Samosir Island, mainly in the small village of Tuk Tuk. Plenty of guesthouses, restaurants, and a few bars are present to keep travelers happy in between dips in the lake. A handful of small but interesting Batak cultural sites on Samosir Island are worth checking out.

The easiest way to get to the lake is via the small town of Parapat, the town by Lake Toba. Parapat is about five hours drive from Medan, so you should leave early in the day.

The best time to visit the area is drier months, May to September.  Oh, and make sure to stay away from happy pizzas and magic mushroom shakes containing illegal drugs when you are dining there.

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Monday, April 21, 2014  No comment

Find Out What is the Biggest Obstacle to Traveling in China

China is a great nation in terms of many things.  Obviously it's the most populate country in the world, and it is the second largest country by land size well.  The list can go on to many other topics, but one notable trend is the tourism in China which has been growing as fast as the country's economy.

There are countless number of amazing and unique travel destinations in China that are still relatively new to outsiders as well as for the people of China.  If you have been to any of China's popular tourist spots, you have probably noticed that it's crowded and the vast majority of the tourists are the locals and travelers from neighboring countries.

I have been following-up on comments from folks who have recently visited China, and one particular type of complaints that stood out of the rest is the high entrance fees to parks and landmarks.  For instance, the admission fee for the popular Zhangjiajie National Park is around $40 (US) per person, and that's not including other optional services and places as usual.  Smaller parks, museums and pretty much everything else geared for the tourists generally costs between $10 - $20.

I don't think that is excessively high for people coming from countries like the U.S., Japan any many other parts of the Europe.  However, it is kind of out of range when compared to how much things costs in China where the buying power of U.S dollar supposed be about one sixth of U.S.  If you are traveling with a family of four, you can easily rack up significant amount of traveling budget in admission fees, so it's important to factor them in to the overall travel budget.

However, the local tourists are the ones that are much more affected by this, and the central Government since has mandated  reduced fees at some of the major tourist spots, especially on national holidays. That's another reason for overcrowding at these place during national holiday.

One thing that's better about the admission fees in China is that they are at least more consistent across the broad.  If you are faced with extra high fees while traveling in China, you need to be more cautious and find out if you are being ripped off.

In the U.S. by comparison, the fees at some tourists spots can be simply outrageous, especially those run by private entities.  It's like that $5 soda at a movie theater which you really want it regardless of the price.  One good example is the Biltmore Estate located in North Carolina.  On a recent trip, I believe I paid around $70 per person for something that should have cost $30 maximum.

After all, China is still one of the best travel destination in the world and the cost of traveling is still cheaper than many other parts of the world.  The prices of everything from food, transportation and admission fees will only go up rather fast as the GDP of China continue to rise.

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Monday, March 31, 2014  No comment

Macau(Macao) is the Biggest Casino City in the World

Not many people know that Las Vesgas has lost "the World's Biggest Casino City" title a while back.  Now the capital of the casino world is in the Far East.  Macau or Macao as pronounced sometimes is one of the two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China, the other being Hong Kong.

It's hard to imagine that the total gambling revenues in Macau are expected to topped $40 billion in 2013, more than six times that of the Las Vegas Strip.  That revenue came primarily from 35 casinos operating in Macau, featuring a total of 5,746 gaming tables and 15,310 slot machines.

Not only that; Macau is still growing at a fast pace compared to Las Vegas which is suffering from declining visitors and revenues.

The city has long been a top destination in Asia for the folks who love to take chances with their money and enjoys fantastic shows and night life.  But now it is attracting all sorts of travelers from all over the world, and the city has been going through unbelievable mega construction boom.

A great number of Chinese people do love gambling but it is actually illegal in China. So Macau attracts a huge number of Chinese tourists as well to enjoy legal gambling in the city.

Most of big american corporations with casino business in Las Vegas have now settled in Macau seeing the profit potential of the city.

In 2006, Steve Wynn, who led a revival of Las Vegas in the nineteen-nineties, opened a casino in Macau; he makes more than two-thirds of his global profits there. He is learning to speak Chinese, and he talks about moving his corporate headquarters to Macau. “We’re really a Chinese company now, not an American company,” he has said.

Another great thing about the city is that it is pretty safe; safer than China in general.  Most frequent type of crime is petty theft and pick pocketing so you should still apply standard common sense when roaming the streets of the city.

In recent years, many of the casinos in Macau has shifted their prime target audience from high rollers to more balanced mix of customers including middle-class families.  Which translated to more high-end shopping malls, elaborate stage shows and great restaurants for a cheap eats.

Photo by Mimihitam (Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported)

Top 5 Casinos in Macau

• The Asian experience: Galaxy
• The original: Grand Lisboa
• The connoisseur: City Of Dreams
• The big one: Venetian Macao Resort Hotel
• The boutique: Wynn Macau

Top Rated Hotel Deals in Macau - See it Now

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Saturday, March 22, 2014  No comment

Thailand's Rose of the North, Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, the largest and the most culturally significant city in northern Thailand is known as "rose of the north".  It is also a city with ethnic diversity, a variety of attractions, and welcoming hospitality, making it one of the greatest travel destination in Thailand.

Chiang Mai is only an hour’s flight from the nation's capital, Bangkok.  The city is also accessible via  trains and buses, but not recommended for travelers in tight schedule at the ride can take over 10 hours.

The city is located 700 km north of Bangkok, situated between the highest mountains of the North. Through the city flows Ping River related to the Chao Phaya River.

Unlike most other major cities in Thailand and the Southeast Asia in general, Chiang Mai's climate is easier on travelers, being less humid and cooler due to its higher elevation.  However, the city is becoming more modernized by the year with annual visitors to the area reaching one million.

Chiang Mai is in fact one of the oldest city in the country and is where you can experience both historical and modern Thai culture. Chiang Mai's old town is surrounded by parts of the old city wall and moat as well as centuries-old temples. This charming city offers everything from beautiful temples to unique shopping opportunities.

For MMA or boxing fans, you can watch the real Muay Thai (Thai boxing) duel in person. One of the city’s two stadiums is located on Loi Krao Road (Night Bazaar, situated across one of the Starbucks) where you can experience this sport on Monday nights among others. The entrance fee is around 400 Baht.

Highest Rated Hotels in the Area

Check the unbelievably low price

Things To Do

Flight of The Gibbon

Flight of the Gibbon, adventure park, is famous for the ziplines among many other adrenaline pumping activities such as rock climbing and white water rafting.

See more info - http://www.treetopasia.com/

Chiang Mai Zoo with Chiang Mai Aquarium

A 200-acre (81 ha) zoo located on 100 Huay Kaew Road, Chiang Mai, Thailand, just north of Chiang Mai University. It is the first commercial zoo in Northern Thailand, and was established on 16 June 1977.

Overall, 400 animal species are represented in the zoo including koalas, Humboldt penguins, Cape fur seals, the only rhino in Thailand, hippos, flamingos, giraffes, zebras, ostriches, camels, lions, tigers, Barbary sheep, Malayan tapir, and many types of reptiles. The zoo is also home to two elephants and three giant pandas.

More info:  http://chiangmaizoo.peam.biz/

Tiger Kingdom Mae-Rim

You can get up-close and personal with the big cats at Tiger Kingdom.

More info: http://www.tigerkingdom.com/Home.htm

Mae Sa Snake Farm

Located located approximately on Km. 3 on Mae Rim - Samoeng road, the snake farm is home to various kinds of snakes, including dangerous vipers and cobras, found in Thailand. The 30-minute venom breeding and snake holding show are carried on daily. The farm, which also conducts snake breeding, provides 30-minute snake shows daily.

Mae Sa Snake Farm is, in addition to having beautiful snake shows, also the largest snake preservation center in Northern Thailand.

More info: http://maesasnakefarm.com/default.asp

Chiang Mai Night Safari

Chiang Mai Day & Night Safari is the world's third nocturnal zoo built to promote Chiang Mai tourism and is.considered to be the most beautiful night safari in the world.

With over 300 acres of natural land it is surrounded by Doi Suthep - Poi National Park. The amusement park offers visitors the opportunity to interact with real wild animals. The beautifully decorated carriages depart every half hour. During the day the animals are hand-fed, and in the evening you feel the thrill of having ventured out through the darkness. There will be family-friendly children's activities and a fantastic water light show.

More info: http://www.chiangmainightsafari.com/eng/visitorinfo.html

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Wednesday, March 19, 2014  No comment

Ancient City of Gyeongju in Korea is Full of Attractions

The coastal city of Gyeongju (Kyongju) in the far southeastern corner of Gyeongsang Province is more than 2,000 years old and contains most of the historic remains of Korea's 5,000 year history.

Between 57 B.C. and 935 A.D. the city was the capital of the Shilla dynasty, the greatest to flourish among the Three Kingdoms of the Korean peninsula at that time.  Today it is known to many as "the museum without walls" due to major historical and archaeological sites that still remain in great condition.

Gyeongju (Kyungju) has been described as Korea’s equivalent of Japan’s historic Kyoto: an open-air museum that has become the historical pride of the Korean people. The contemporary residents of this city have proudly upheld their duty to preserve their cultural heritage as best they can. Gyeongju is the most prominent historical monument of the country.

The Eastern Historic Zone contains some of the city's most famous sites including several dozen royal tombs. The main sites in this area include Anapji Pond (pictured above), Cheomseongdae Observatory (pictured at the top of page), Gyeongju National Museum, Kyerim Woods and Tumuli Park.

Travelers visiting the area can also enjoy the mountains which are widespread throughout the city as well as 20 miles of the city's coastline.

Due to its coastal location, Gyeongju has a slightly milder and wetter climate than the more inland regions of Korea, making it a great year-around destination.  The city has recently added an indoor botanical garden and a bird park to its ever growing list of fantastic attractions.

The cherry blossom festival in the city is also considered on of the best in Asia as amazing scenery can be witnessed throughout the city.  Visiting the city is made quick and easy since a new express train (KTX) station has been added near the city.

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Sunday, February 16, 2014  No comment

Visiting the Great Wall of China

Photo by Joushua Doubek / CC BY-SA 3.0

One of the seven wonder of the world, "The Great Wall of China" is the most enormous building project ever carried out by humans.

It's generally good to visit the place beginning March all the way to November.  In fact, the best time to enjoy the scenery at its finest is the fall season when the fall foliage is at its peak and the temperature is at the most comfortable range as well.

The Great Wall of China not only attract international tourists, but also magnificient number of domestic tourists, so it's strongly recommended to avoid China's public holidays, especially, Moon Festival in September and National Day in the first week of October.

The scale of the structure is beyond anyone's imagination since it's about 4,000 miles long, much longer than the distance between Los Angeles, CA and NewYork City.  Not every part of the wall is open to public or easily accessible.  In recent years, chinese government opened up additionally sections, but it is not practical to visit more than one section in a single trip.

There are three most popular sections:

Badaling: This is by far the most popular and developed section of the Great Wall.  It is also the grandest and most representative of all and closest to Beijing. So it is naturally the #1 destination for the tourists which has created its biggest downside, overcrowding from tour groups and individual tourists.  The area features almost them park like atmosphere, and it's easily accessible by public transportation.

Mutianyu: This is one of the most visually attractive section of the wall, and the second most redeveloped section after Badaling.  The place is especially beautiful during fall and summer season. It is not as crowded as Badaling, but the number of visitors fluctuate a lot, so it's a good idea to plan accordingly.  It's also not as easily accessible compared to Badaling but the reward is known to be mind blowing experience.

Simatai: This is probably the most dramatic part of the wall where it plunges up and down steep valleys.  It is not recommended for families with young children if you are planning to hike up to the pace as the climb to the top is very steep.

There is an cable car option which takes you straight to the top, however.  For adventure seeking tourists, this is the place to go.  The eastern part of Simatai is even more challenging while the western part is much easier to climb. It's not as crowded as most other sections of the wall.

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Thursday, January 30, 2014  No comment

A Little Background on Tourism in South Korea

South Korea's tourist industry is still dominated by the domestic tourists and visitors from the nearby countries such as China, Japan and Taiwan.  However, the number of International tourists has been on steady upswing since 1990's; increasing from about 3 million visitors per year to over 11 million per year in 2012.

It's country where you can see the traditional and historical sites surrounded by modern developments through the country.  Major attractions include the ancient capital of Seoul, beautiful mountains, shopping districts and so on.

A place like Jeju Island about 350+ miles from the capital is worth the trip by itself.  It's a volcanic island formed in similar fashion as the Hawaiian Islands, measuring roughly 50 miles by 20 miles.

The main commercial district, Gangnam, came under the spotlight with Psy's viral hit song, "Gangnam Style", is a home to dazzling array of luxurious shops practically selling best of everything you can imagine.

In the last few years, growing popularity of K-pop, Korean dramas and Korean movies have contributed significantly towards expansion of tourism industry in Korea.  Comeback soon for more coverage on upcoming tourist attractions in a city that stays alive 24/7.

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Wednesday, January 29, 2014  No comment