Activities - The Adventure Travel Site

Holidaying in Pattaya – Thailand’s Most Coveted City!

Pattaya is an all-inclusive city nestled on Thailand’s eastern gulf. This vibrant destination is home to a host of sandy beaches, stylish hotels and resorts, night markets, clubs, theme parks and religious sites giving you a slice of fun, luxury, comfort and relaxation. Read on to find out about some of the most coveted attractions of this heavenly city.

Explore the beautiful Koh Lan

Koh Lan is a beautiful island nestled 7km away from Pattaya. There are ample boats to reach this stunning island from Pattaya at different intervals of the day. Even though the island is quite small, there are at least 6 different beaches, each one boasting its own charm and aura.

Terry.lives.in.tokyo, OCT2010VN 246, CC BY-SA 3.0

Take a trip to Khao Chee Chan Buddha Mountain

Khao Chee Chan also known as Buddha Mountain is a popular tourist site located in Chon Buri Province. Famous for its enormous sculptural image of Lord Buddha, this landmark site is visited by tourists across the border each day. The place is open from 8 am to 6 pm every day and make sure that you are dressed appropriately before paying a visit.

Immerse in the nightlife at Walking Street

There is no better place to relish the shimmering city lights and go wild to the tunes of music than at Pattaya Walking street. This 500m long street welcomes no vehicles after 6 pm making it the perfect place for a memorable time. Teeming with nightclubs, beer clubs, restaurants and go-go bars, the night lives on till morning in these lively streets. If you are spending your staycation at one of the most stylish Pattaya resorts the likes of Avani Pattaya Resort, you can simply walk into these buzzing streets whilst enjoying the glimmering neon lights and singing to the tunes of good music.

Enjoy a blissful day in the water parks

No trip to Pattaya is complete without a little bit of adventure and fun at the city’s many water parks. These waterparks are brimming with everything from water slides, swimming pools and pool bars, to obstacle courses and children’s playgrounds. These water parks including Ramayana Waterpark, Splashdown water park and Pattaya waterpark are the places to be if you want to share some fun frolics with your friends or family.

Family Activities on a Beach Trip in Mui Ne, Vietnam – Fun-Filled Experiences for All

A sublime coastal destination, Mui Ne in Vietnam has much to offer families and here are some of the many activities you can enjoy with your loved ones.

Play Games at the Beach

One of the area’s key allures is its scenic shoreline which stretches for around 15 km with plenty of sun-kissed sands to choose from. You can stay at family-friendly properties right by the beach with Anantara Mui Ne Resort which features pool villas and a kids’ club being an ideal choice. Families can enjoy building sandcastles, playing games and sports and spending quality time with each other.

Explore the Sand Dunes

The two areas with sand dunes at this destination are very popular too and amongst the best things to do in Mui Ne with your family is to visit each of them. At the White Sand Dunes, you can enjoy a stunning pristine desert landscape where you can try activities like quad biking or going on hot air balloon rides. Equally impressive are the Red Sand Dunes where you can rent sleds that can be used for a fun ride down the dunes.

Visit the Fairy Stream

Another key attraction to visit with your family is the enchanting Fairy Stream which can be combined with your trip to the Red Sand Dunes. This lovely little stream is set amidst fascinating rock formations that add to the charming setting. The stream is only around ankle-deep, and you can easily wade along it, while if you climb up to the top of the rocks, you can take in some stunning views too.

Take a Trip to the Ke Ga Lighthouse

For family excursions in Mui Ne, you can go on a trip to the Ke Ga Lighthouse which happens to be Southeast Asia’s oldest lighthouse! This site is located on Ke Ga Island and can be reached by boat which lends to the whole adventure. While you won’t be able to go inside the 65-metre-high lighthouse, you can explore the surroundings featuring ancient Su trees, large rocks and an idyllic beach.

A Hike to Castle Hill

Looking for a bit of adventure in Queensland? Go on a little hiking tour to Castle hills, standing tall in the epicenter of Townsville. With panoramic vistas of the city’s landscape and nearby attractions, you will feel that getting to the top of this giant monolith is all worth the effort. Want to know more about the popular hiking trails, where to stay, what to eat, and what scenic views await once you reach the summit? Keep reading to find out!

Getting to the top

Hiking to the summit of the castle hills | Image by Samuel Mann via *flickr*

Whilst you can drive up to the top of these magnificent hills, I bet it will not be as fun making your way through an adventurous mountain trail. Out of the two main hiking trails that guide you to the summit, the Goat track remains a favorite among hikers. Offering a pleasantly challenging route, it will take a little over an hour for you to complete your journey across this popular mountain trail. Since the mountain track is enjoyed by hikers around the world, prepare to meet some like-minded explorers during your expedition as well.

Where to stay

Making your pick from the best Townsville Australia hotels depends much on your preference and budget. From budget hostels for backpackers to plush little abodes for family stays like Oaks Townsville Gateway Suites, within easy reach of the city and nearby attractions, finding accommodation in Townsville is indeed a piece of cake. Whilst planning your stay in this thriving metropolis, also remember to unlock the special offers and discounts curated by opulent hotels and resorts to make your stay more memorable!

Views from the summit

Once you reach the top of the hill, take a small stroll to reward yourself with some sweeping views of the city, the Great Barrier Reef, Magnetic Island and many more! Paired with the changing hues of the glistening sun, there is no better way to see the best of what this beachfront city has to offer than from the top of Castle Hill.

Things to be mindful of

With the blazing sunrays and grasslands, the castle hill trail is an ideal terrain for slithery snakes to wind their way across the land. During your journey to the top, always keep an eye out for these slimy creatures to avoid any risk to your life. While the hill is also a great place to accompany your dog on a little adventure, watch out for those stray dogs wandering around the trail that you do not want to meet.

Kid-friendly Enthralling Experiences to Try in Queenstown!

Whether you are looking for adventure zip rides, speed jet boat rides, serene cruise rides, downhill bike rides, joy luge rides, thrilling skiing experiences, or fun indoor activities, Queenstown is the one-stop destination to enjoy it all! Above all, all these thrilling experiences are curated for kids and adults alike, so you and your little daredevils can feel the thrill without having to worry about safety.

Zipline adventure

Imagine swishing through a 130 m line at a speed of 60k’s an hour? Kawaru zip ride is an ideal place for you and your daredevil kids to go wild with excitement. There are three zip lines altogether and you and your kids can opt to go single or tandem. However, if you are kids are only 8 or 9 years of age, they must only ride the tandem and must be accompanied by you. So, why wait? Brace yourself to soar up from the Kawarau Bungy centre and swiftly fly past the surrounding greenery! Do not forget to bask in the scenic views as you scream along the ride!

Fun in the water

Jet rides in Queenstown |Image by Kuno Schweizer | Image via unsplash

With Queenstown hosting the world’s first commercial jet boat tour, what better way to explore this beautiful hinterland than hopping on board a jetboat with you and your kids? Be it white water rides, wilderness jet experiences, wine tasting tours, or clay bird shooting tours, you and your kids are spoilt for choice when it comes to selecting an adventure jet ride. What’s more? If you and your kids are not fans of speed boat rides, there is always the famous TSS Earnslaw, to enjoy a serene cruise ride along Lake Wakapitu.

Sky Rides with views

A family expedition to Queenstown is not complete without a visit to the Skyline, Queenstown! Not only is this adventure centre, a magnet for killer views of Coronet Peak and shrouded mountain ranges, but there is also ample thrill rides waiting to be tried! Here you and your kids can enjoy Skyline luge rides that traverse across banked corners and tunnels along an 800m line, downhill mountain bike rides that allow for scenic views plus fresh breeze, and many more! The thrilling sporting centre is also within easy reach of Oaks, Queenstown club suites, better known as the best ski resort in Queenstown. So if you choose to stay in this magnificent resort, you can conveniently round off your experience with a drive to the Coronet Peak ski field.

Thrilling indoor activities

Did the weather put a damper on your plans? There is nothing to mope about! Queenstown is packed with a myriad of thrilling indoor activities to keep you and your kids busy throughout the day! Choose from a range of fun indoor activities like wall climbing, bouldering, paintballing, indoor sky diving, and visits to haunted houses, and your kids will be giggling with joy!

A Guide to Visit Yala National Park

Sri Lanka is home to many wildlife parks, and Yala is one such popular park that is also UNESCO recognised. If you want to travel deep into the forests and take a closer look at the wildlife, Yala is the ideal destination for you. Planning to visit Yala National Park for the first time? This guide is for you.

Lepord Yala — Leopard in the wild on the island of Sri Lanka image by Byrdyak via Wikimedia Common,CC BY-SA 4.0

How to Get There!

Yala National Park can only be accessed through Tissamaharama City. You can get to the city via a bus or your private vehicle. Before you visit the park, it is best to leave your belongings at one of the Yala hotels you choose for accommodation and travel light. Leopard Safaris Yala can be an ideal destination to save your travel time.

What to See!

This gigantic park stretches from the jungles to the beach and is divided into five blocks. You are only allowed to explore blocks 1 and 5, and the rest remains close to the public to leave the wildlife as undisturbed as possible. Elephants, leopards, deer, crocodiles, monkeys, and buffalos are some commonly sighted animals, while you can also see a range of birds.

When to Go!

The dry season for the area falls between February to June, and this is the best time to visit the park. You can easily spot animals as they frequently gather at ponds to drink water. If leopards are who you’re excited to see, February and March are the ideal months to visit Yala. The park is usually closed in September, but you can visit any day of the year for affordable rates.

Dhow Cruise Doha: Sail Through the Teal Water of The Arabic Gulf

Are you wondering how to make your holiday in Doha extra memorable? Why not take a traditional cruise through the waters of the Arabian Gulf? Read on to find out more about this unforgettable experience!

1024px-Doha_Skyline_Nacht_night — FLASHPACKER TRAVELGUIDE, Doha Skyline Nacht night, CC BY-SA 2.0

Where Can You Stay?

Are you looking through all the hotels in Doha wondering which of them to check in to? Resorts such as Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels By Tivoli and many others offer guests unparalleled comforts as well as central stays. So, pick your hotel based on your budget, itinerary and your preference of location.

What is a Dhow Cruise?

It is a traditional wooden boat which was steered by sailors, which is unique to Doha. Apart from its wooden frame, what set it apart was the two triangular sails which had pointed ends for the bow and the stern. However modern designs have one large sail which has been proven to be more powerful and efficient.

Dinner on the Dhow

Set off at dusk and enjoy watching the sun dip into the still waters of the Arabian Gulf. Dinner cruises are a wonderful way to take in the views of the city skyline from a unique perspective as well. Admire the glittering skyline from the waters while you make some unforgettable memories on your holiday in Doha.

Ang Thong National Park

Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park, an archipelago of 42 islands encompassing 102 km2 at the shore of the Surat Thai Province east of Ko Samui in the Gulf of Thailand, was established as a marine national park in 1980. Here are some facts to keep in mind when you’re planning your visit here.

Visiting

You can only enter the park with a licenced tour operator. You can hire a tour boat as a group and decide your schedules and destinations within the park. Foreigners will have to pay an entrance fee of 100 – 200 baht. The park opens at 08/;00 hours daily except from 20^th October to the 20^th of December every year.

Staying

You can either opt to stay at the on-site camping area in Ko Wua Ta or book a resort in Koh Samui. If you’re staying at the campsite you have to make your bookings through the official website well in advance and payments need to be made in full. If you opt for a Koh Samui luxury hotel such as the famous SAii Koh Samui Choengmon you can make your bookings leisurely, and can book excursions leisurely to Ang Thong.

Activities

From the adjoining islands, day trips to the islands and the surrounding waterways are common places to go snorkelling, canoeing or kayaking, enjoying the beaches, hiking, and other activities. On arriving on the island, it is simple to make arrangements with one of the many tour companies that offer both group and private tours to the islands.

Wildlife

On larger islands, the woods are mostly made up of dry evergreen trees, along with limestone forests and a small number of planted mangroves near the beaches and bays. Only at Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park can one find the endemic species of plant known as the Ang Thong Lady’s Slipper Orchid. Currently, only a small number of animal species have been reported from the park: 16 mammals, roughly 50 birds, 14 reptiles, and 5 amphibian species have been discovered on the islands, but it’s very likely that the majority of the amphibian and reptile species discovered on Ko Samu and Ko Phang Nga are also present in the park.

Step into a World of Illusions – Art in Paradise Pattaya for the Creative at Heart

Known for alluring shorelines that captivate one’s soul, Pattaya is Thailand’s beloved city for tropical vacations. While an ideal tropical vacation would be inclusive of aquatic adventures, art lovers are now able to step away from the routine holiday and explore the first 3D museum in Thailand.

Catered for All Age Groups

Art in Paradise is located only a 9-minute ride away from properties like Avani Pattaya Resort and is easily reachable from most Pattaya resorts. Therefore, if your family vacation could use a dose of artistic exploration, Art in Paradise is your child-friendly space. Spend 2-3 hours in a spacious and air-conditioned room to pose for a series of pictures with the whole family. Be sure to remove all footwear prior to entering, and also to get a taste of some of the refreshments at the exit.

Multi-Dimensional Paintings

Traverse through a series of multi-dimensional paintings that lets you capture moments with creatures of the wild charging out of paintings, hanging on trees, and sitting on logs. The illusions created by paintings on the wall will almost make you believe that the creations are anything but paint brush strokes. So why not snap some memories with these marvellous works of art?

A Journey in 3D

While the venue is separated into sections that depict optical illusions, nature and ancient civilisations, one particular aspect of Art in Paradise was even featured in TIME Magazine. Some of the artworks that were displayed can be identified as feeding fish to a dolphin that is swimming out of a painting, a giant octopus, handing toilet paper to an elephant on a toilet seat, and many more.

Art Dedicated to Nature

Among the unique and realistic artworks that you will walk across are some that are dedicated to nature. These are an escape attempt from a crocodile, a stare from a meerkat in the Savannah, pushing a rhino back into the painting, along with many others. Why not pay a visit to this artistic haven for a more meaningful vacation?

A Beach Worth a Visit – The Ton Sai Beach of Ao Nang

Thailand is nature’s utopia for adventurers and globetrotters. This South Asian country has been blessed with magnificent beaches, tropical foliage and ancient ruins from the days of yore. Among its many popular beaches lies Ton Sai Beach in the resort town of Ao Nang.

The Path to the Beach

The Ton Sai beach is reachable from most Ao Nang beach hotels. Whether it is by land or sea, make sure to pay a visit to this refreshing shoreline during your vacation at Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort. From the Krabi bus station, the beach is reachable by taxi or tuk-tuk. However, if your journey takes place from the airport or the Ao Nang Pier, a shuttle or a longtail boat must be taken, respectively.

Rocking Adventures

The Ao Nang beach is not only dedicated to pleasing one’s eyes with its breathtaking views of an endless ocean and the far horizon. During a visit, guests can explore some thrilling adventures like rock climbing to add some flavour to their Thai vacation. Amateur climbers and experts can engage in a session of excitement through various schools and companies dedicated to this activity.

Maria Ly, Climbing at Ton Sai Roof, Thailand, CC BY 2.0

Diving in the Deep Blue Ocean

Explore life under the sea as you visit the beautiful Ton Sai Beach. If your heart lies in aquatic adventures, head over to Railey Beach, located a mere 10 minutes away from Ton Sai Beach to sign up for a diving session that lets you witness the deep blue ocean, filled with vibrant marine life and beautiful corals; an underwater experience like no other.

Island Hopping

Island hopping is a must in Thailand. As you visit the pristine beach of Ton Sai, do not forget to hire a longtail boat that takes you island hopping. Some of the best islands to visit in the surrounding area of the beach are Chicken Island, Tub Island, Phanang Cave and Podah Island which sends you on a family-friendly cruise to cherish for a lifetime.

How to Explore Ile Aux Aigrettes Island in Mauritius – A Handy Guide!

Declared a natural reserve in 1965, the island of Ile Aux Aigrettes has managed to protect its flora and fauna. Here’s a great guide for exploring the island!

Abu Shawka, Indigenous Coastal Vegetation of Mauritius, CC BY-SA 3.0

Overview

This charming island can only be visited by boat, and there are set times for the visit and tour. The journey takes less than 10 minutes! Many Mauritius resorts the likes of Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas can guide you with the booking of the tour.

The significance

It has already been established that the island is heavily conserved, and it holds a lot of ecological significance due to this reason. In fact, the number of animals and plants has reportedly increased in recent years, which is a positive change.

Guided tour

One of the most unique experiences on Il Aux Aigrettes Island is the guided tour of the forest, which takes 1 and a half hours. The guide takes you through the significant parts of the forest, giving you the opportunity to spot many animals that call it home.

Wildlife Museum

There is a beautiful nature museum on the island which is dedicated to Mauritian ecology. The museum tells you all about the flora and fauna living on the island, and you are sure to gain some new knowledge about the attractions in Mauritius.