Attractions | The Adventure Travel Site

The Most Instagrammable Attractions in Hong Kong

If you are looking for the most Instagrammable spots in Hong Kong, here are some sites well worth adding to your itinerary and which make for ideal sightseeing experiences too.

Mong Kok Flower Market

Vibrant bursts of colour and sweet aromas await at the Mong Kok Flower Market. Around a 15-minute drive from Park Hotel Hong Kong, this lively market features everything from potted plants to cut flowers of various hues with chrysanthemums, orchids, roses, tulips and more vying for your attention.

Choi Hung Estate

Easily one of the most famous spots in Hong Kong for Instagrammers, the Choi Hung Estate with its multicoloured basketball court and condos is not to be missed. Budget hostels and 4 star hotels in Hong Kong can be found within easy reach of this site, though try and get there early to avoid having to compete for the best vantage points!

Chi Lin Nunnery

Set amidst a modern cityscape, the Chi Lin Nunnery provides a fascinating contrast of east meets west. Featuring traditional wooden buildings and charming gardens, this sacred site is not only a great place to photograph, but also experience a sense of serenity. What’s more, entrance is free of charge too.

Tian Tan Buddha

Located on Lantau Island and 34 metres in height, the Tian Tan Buddha will inspire awe and have you clicking away! Also known as the Big Buddha, it is one of the most popular attractions in Hong Kong; this bronzed marvel can be reached via a climb of 268 steps and offers plenty of potentially great Insta stories.

The Royal Buddha Image Phra Bang

The Royal Buddha Image in Phra Bang is located in Luang Prabang which is one of the oldest cities in Laos that was founded more than 1200 years ago.

History

Luang Prabang was once known as Lan Xang and was the first capital of Laos during the 14th century. It was ruled by the Khmers and the Champa and finally by the French. It was a troubled region for most of its time in the history books.

Budgiekiller, Buddhist temple at Royal Palace in Luang Prabang, CC BY-SA 4.0

Geography

The province of Luang Prabang covers 16,875 sq. km. and borders Vietnam on one side. The capital is located on a very narrow peninsula bisected by two rivers, one of which is the Mekong.

Landmarks

If you are booking into a local hotel like Avani+ Luang Prabang and are looking for options in things to do in Luang Prabang, you start by exploring the famous landmarks in the area like Wat Manorom, The Royal Sitting Buddha, Phra Bang and many more.

The Buddha Image

Phra Bang is an 83 cm high standing Buddha statue. It is said to have been cast in ancient Sri Lanka and brought to Laos but the features put it somewhere in Khmer origin.

Top-rated attractions in Thailand

Attractions you find in Thailand are diverse and all of them are well competent to provide you with memorable experiences in their own unique ways. It’s not just about enjoying history and culture, but also about enjoying the best food and admiring the sceneries.

Khon Kaen National Museum

Within close vicinity of hotels Avani Khon Kaen Hotel & Convention Centre, you find the Khon Kaen National Museum which has various ancient tools, marble slabs, and stuccos as its exhibits. Not to forget, it features some dinosaur fossils and human skeletons as well.

The Grand Palace, Bangkok

When you are planning your day in Bangkok from your hotel in Khon Kaen make sure you do not miss to include visiting the Grand Palace in the city. You find royal halls, temples and ancient relics in these premises and they will all show you how advanced the craftsmanship has been back in the day.

Bealbrown at the English Wikipedia, Grand Palace view, CC BY-SA 3.0

Sunday Walking Street

If you are someone looking forward to cheap but tasty food in Thailand, then the Night Walking street in Chiang Mai will be the ideal option for you.

Sukhothai Old City

Although what you find here are some ruins of a great old city, the photo options that it provides are adorable. This old city is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and is considered one of the most significant historical sites in Thailand.

Ahoerstemeier, Sukhothai historical park1, CC BY-SA 3.0

Unusual Attractions in Botswana

Although attractions the likes of Mokolodi Nature Reserve are popular among the ones who travel to Botswana, there are many places that are worth a visit, yet so hidden that most of us simply do not even know of their existence!

Three Chiefs Monument

The Three Dikgosi figures are quite popular among the guests of hotel properties the likes of Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino. These are three historical figures immortalized in bronze and is a definite must-see for those history and architecture lovers!

US Army Africa, Three Dikgosi Monument – March 2010, CC BY 2.0

Makgadikgadi Salt Pans

Those who stay in hotels in Gaborone, Botswana often visit Northern Botswana as well, and Makgadikgadi salt Pans are an attraction you find there. They span over 10,000 square miles and of course, are one of the largest salt pans on the planet.

Diego Delso, Salar del parque nacional Makgadikgadi Pans, Botsuana, 2018-07-30, DD 37, CC BY-SA 4.0

Kebokwe’s Cave

You may call it a cave with a lot of historical significance. Although this is a place of pilgrimage for the faithful Botswana locals, for tourists it’s more of a curiosity spot!

Matsieng Footprints

According to legendary myths, the first humans were created in the pools here and the footprints you can see behind the rock are theirs. As this place is just a 30-minute drive away from downtown Gaborone, the accessibility is not at all difficult.

The History of Angkor Wat

The temples were originally constructed in dedication to the god Vishnu and then converted into a Buddhist temple circa the 14th century. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage that a lot of effort is spent on preserving for the future.

The Largest City in the World

Many guests that stay in Angkor Wat hotels and make sure to head over to see the ruins at sunrise. The city of Angkor was once the capital of the Khmer empire and contains hundreds of temples and was home to a population of over one million people.

The Architecture

Angkor Wat is 200 metres wide with a perimeter of about 3 miles. The moat is 4 metres deep and was probably constructed to make sure that the foundations of the temple remain strong.

Vishnu and King

Angkor Wat was built by Suryavarman II; a usurper who came to power after murdering his uncle. He venerated Vishnu and wanted to build the god a temple. Signs of devotion are all over the temple, some of them surviving till today.

Construction Techniques

If you are staying locally at a hotel like FCC Angkor Siem Reap, be sure to visit the temple at sunrise or sunset to get the best photos and really appreciate the construction techniques that were used centuries ago.

Top Things to Do in Maldives

Island escapes, a world of wonder above and below the water, sublime relaxation; there’s never a dull moment in the Maldives with plenty to see, do and experience.

Water Sports

The ocean which surrounds the Maldives offers water sports enthusiasts lots to look forward to. Those staying at resorts the likes of Hard Rock Hotel Maldives can enjoy snorkelling, diving, wakeboarding, jet-skiing, parasailing, kitesurfing, kayaking, banana boat rides and SEABOB experiences to name but a few!

Enjoy Entertainment

Of course, when on holiday, enjoying some entertainment is as good a “thing to do” as any! In the Maldives, celebrations can be experienced at various resorts or inhabited islands. For something different, travellers can look to visit venues such as The Marina @ CROSSROADS which features band performances, special events and live music.

Indulge in Spa Rituals

Resort spas provide holistic healing that will certainly help you unwind and feel revitalised. From traditional Asian therapies with herbs and oils to innovative western treatments featuring sound vibrations, an enriching wellness journey awaits!

Embark on Ocean Voyages

There is much to discover on voyages out to sea be it on a luxury yacht, modern boat or traditional vessel known as a dhoni. Sunset cruises are popular for couples, while dolphin watching excursions and visits to inhabited as well as uninhabited islands provide many adventures too.

Top reasons to visit Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is indeed a great destination for any type of traveller, from any part of the world. Although it’s just a small island, the heritage, scenic beauty and the hospitality of its people are just unmatchable with any other country in the world.

It’s a paradise for surfers

If adventure is the main purpose of your tour in Sri Lanka, why miss a great surfing session on the Sri Lankan seas that have the best waves and reef breaks that are ideal for this!?

Sri Lankan local cuisine is mind-blowing

Arrange your tour with popular travel partners like Walkers Tours and explore the local lives of the Sri Lankans within a day or two. Try some of their local food items that are simple and of course the most delicious!

It’s so rich in wildlife biodiversity

Sri Lanka is one of the best biodiversity hotspots in the world. Considering the number of national parks, elephant and bird sanctuaries that it has, it’s no wonder that this country is the best for any nature lover.

Its culture is just so magical

The proud heritage that this country holds is beyond our average imagination. Enjoy the festivals and rituals that Sri Lankans celebrate quite so regularly, and you will feel this uniqueness.

The celestial temple of Angkor

Phimeanakas is a small, laterite Hindu temple and it takes the shape of a three-stepped pyramid. In addition to the temple, there are several things to see such as the pools which have been used for different tasks back in the day.

Entrance gopura

It’s the main entrance to the temple which consists of a gopura building. The building has a central entrance door and a single tower on top. Gorgeous indeed!

The 03 steep tiers

This pyramid temple is a popular attraction in the city, especially to the travellers staying in hotels in Siem Reap, Cambodia mainly because of its unique shape. There are three steep tiers of a diminishing size which have guardian elephant statues at each of their corners.

On top of the pyramid

You find a platform surrounded by small galleries on the top of this pyramid and at the centre of this platform, there are ruins of a small cruciform sanctuary.

The Phimeanakas stele

If you stay at hotels such as FCC Angkor Siem Reap during your holidays and are looking for some good options that will help you discover more about the history of the city, this attraction is ideal not only because the small temple takes an impressive shape; but also because you find treasures like the stele here, which reveals some wealthy information of a past king.

Attractions in Melbourne

Australia’s second-largest city with plenty on offer. Here are a few spots you must include in your holiday itinerary when in Melbourne.

Federation Square

Federation square opened up in 2002 to commemorate 100 years of federation. This spot has become an integral part of the city and also a great place for tourists to start their sightseeing.

Royal Botanic Gardens

Amongst the many Melbourne city attractions, you’ll have to take the time to visit the Royal Botanic Gardens. Close to many a hotel, the likes of Avani Central Melbourne Residences, the gardens cover an area of 38 hectares and boast over 8500 species of plants.

Melbourne Cricket Ground

Melbourne is known for its love of sports – there it is no surprise that a sports stadium is among the city’s top tourist attractions. MCG is known the world over and is considered one of the world’s greatest stadiums.

National Gallery of Victoria

This is the oldest public art gallery in Australia, holding more than 70,000 works of art in two city locations. The building is renowned for The Great Hall, where visitors are encouraged to lie on the floor and gaze at the colour stained glass ceiling!

10 Adventures in Langkawi

An archipelago of 99 islands, Pulau Langkawi is situated off the western coast of Malaysia and is surrounded by the pristine waters of the Andaman Sea. It is a collection of adventurous wonder for every kind of traveller and here are some of the things you can do there.

1. Langkawi Skybridge
At 660 meters above sea level, this is the best place to get unhindered panoramas of Langkawi. It can be easily accessed from any of the Langkawi resorts so be sure to ask at your front desk.

2. Kilim Karst Geoforest Park
One of the most enjoyable things to do in Langkawi and highly encouraged by resorts such as Berjaya Langkawi Resort, the Geopark is a unique mangrove forest which is also home to the most magical-looking limestone formations.

3. Payar Island Marine Park
Consisting of 4 uninhabited islands, the Marine park is surrounded by a lush coral reef and is great for snorkelling.

4. Hiking in Langkawi
Take a jungle walk through the rainforests of Langkawi and get up close and personal with the wildlife.
5. Island Hopping
There are 99 islands and if you’re not island hopping around at least 10 of them, you’re not doing it right.

5. Telaga Tujuh Waterfall
The Seven Wells waterfall is a sight to behold, with seven natural pools formed by the cascading water. It’s okay to bathe in too.