Hiking in Doi Pha Tang

Doi Pha Tang is a mountain that is around 160km away from the city of Chiang Rai in Thailand. The mountain is home to several ethnic tribes, including Yao, Chinese Haw and Hmong. Their tribal history goes back to the very emergence of people in Thailand. Most of the tribes have Chinese ancestry; Chinese migrants are believed to have travelled across the borders and settled in Thailand, making it their permanent home. These tribes have preserved their culture and still practice their traditional rituals and cultural activities. You can meet the tribal people and try out some of the local cuisine at the shops and restaurants that are spread across the hilly region. The fruits are definitely the highlight out of the local food and be sure to try Chinese pears; they are juicy and simply delicious. One can also find some preserved fruits such as red cherries and apricots which you can take back home with you.

Doi Pha Tang also provides spectacular views of Thailand and Laos. From the mountain you can see the boundary of Thailand which merges with Laos. The best time to go hiking in Doi Pha Tang is during December and January. The Sakura trees are in full bloom at the end of each year and pathways covered in pink like floss makes it an ethereal experience. The temperature is always cool in Doi Pha Tang, but it gets a bit colder during winter.

Doi Pha Tang is a great place to relax and enjoy the wonders of nature. On your hiking trip try and take a pair of binoculars with you and do not forget to bring along your camera too. One can then explore all the details in this region; from the top you can see the Mekong River passing by and look at the greenery guarding the Laos border. It is best to search for Chiang Rai hotels to stay in when you visit Don Pha Tang. For luxurious rooms and great service check out Anantara Golden Triangle Thailand which is a hotel Chiang Rai that offers a luxurious base from which to set off on your many adventures and excursions.

Koh Kret Cycling Tour

Koh Kret Island is an isolated piece of land that is found on the Chao Phraya River. In the 17th century a channel was dug which caused it to be separated from the mainland. Mon immigrants are said to have settled here over 200 years ago. Even at present a large majority of the island’s population belong to the Mon tribe. They have preserved the traditional way of life on the island. There are no roads or bridges that have been built here and the best way to get from one end of the island to the other is to simply walk. Another way that is now widely popular amongst tourists is taking a cycle tour. One can hire a cycle from the tour company for a nominal price then take the boat ride to Koh Kret.

The cycling tour is a great way to explore the island because there is no harm done to the environment. You can always rest in a shady spot, drink water and have a snack and continue to see the rest of the island. A special characteristic of the island are the river houses since they reveal the river based life of the island’s inhabitants. The people thrive on fishing and resources that surround the island. Their day to day life has been environment friendly and resourceful. The traditional earthenware pots made from clay are used as pans and cooking utensils. While on the cycling tour you can pop into the Koh Kret Museum to find out information about the way people lived on the island.

There are also several Mon type temples that have been built. Wat Parami Yikawat is definitely worth checking out; you can see some interesting architecture, and the style is very different to what you find in the temples in Bangkok. If you want to visit some of the places outside of Koh Kret then you should look to stay at Bangkok serviced apartments. They are more private and have all of the utilities that you will need for your holiday. Anantara Baan Rajprasong Bangkok is one such option and provides Sukhumvit accommodation in city’s business district.

 

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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Al Hoota Cave

Nestled in the district of Al Hamra and found near Jabal Shams, Al Hoota Cave is one of the most enthralling experiences that travellers will enjoy when holidaying in Oman. It is also known to be the only show cave in the Gulf which is accessible to tourists. Choose a Muscat hotel in the vicinity which will be your base from where you can head over to Al Hoota Cave. Oman hotels such as Al Falaj Hotel will put you in the mood for a riveting journey that will lead you to uncovering a wealth of treasures and secrets that have warmed the hearts of many.

Adorned with two lakes that form an integral part of the ecosystem of the cave, one can also encounter a rich variety of endemic species that call Al Hoota Cave home. These include water beetles, bats, anthropods and molluscs and a whole lot more. The main lake is 800 metres long and possesses the ‘Garra Barreimiae’ which is a rare species of blind fish that swim in its waters. The cave is made of limestone which was dissolved by acidic water while its columns have now been softened by the steady flow of water in it.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

IFly Dubai

A part of Playnation, the best known indoor entertainment brand in the Middle East, IFly Dubai is a state-of-the-art indoor skydiving facility, which allows both adults and children to experience the ultimate thrill of flying. The IFly Dubai is located in one of the UAE’s swankiest malls – Mirdif City Centre, where it is by far the most popular among all entertainment and recreation activities on offer.
For those not familiar with the concept of indoor skydiving, here the skydiver ‘flies’ through a vertical tunnel, assisted by strong winds that are generated through heavy-duty fans. These fans can generate winds of up to 200mph with 2×400 horsepower engines. Using their arms and legs as controls, the skydiver can experience the unique sensation of flying. Though some training and briefing on safety measures is required, almost everyone is eligible to take part in this exhilarating sport, which has been listed as one of the top 20 things to do in Dubai.


IFly Dubai was commissioned and built by Sky Venture of the USA, the world’s leading manufacturer of indoor skydiving tunnels, thereby guaranteeing the highest standards of safety and comfort. The 10-foot-wide chambers at the IFly skydiving centre are made of clear acrylic so as to ensure the best possible view for the diver. Skilled professional instructors are on hand to guide and assist beginners.

The other features at IFly Dubai are a training room where skydivers can learn various techniques related to the sport through videos, a rental area where equipment such as helmets and goggles are available for hire and the option of getting a souvenir of this exceptional experience by recording or photographing their ‘flight’. A visit to this exciting site will definitely add more colour to a memorable Dubai holiday.
Visitors to this splendid city who are seeking luxury accommodation in Dubai should consider the, Anantara Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa as it offers a luxurious urban get-away for the weary traveler, nestled in tranquil beauty at the crescent of Palm Jumeira. Located within 45 minutes of the airport, this Palm Jumeirah Hotel provides easy access to many of Dubai’s tourist attractions. The hotel is equipped with elegant rooms and villas with scenic views, restaurants serving delectable cuisine, and a legendary spa that will pamper guests in style.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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Mangrove Kayaking

Areas of rich biodiversity, mangroves are the perfect places to embark on exciting kayaking tours. When in the UAE the best place for such excursions would be Sir Bani Yas Island and those in search of Abu Dhabi beach hotels here can consider Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara. This Abu Dhabi resort organises kayaking tours which let you truly explore these preserved areas.

An activity that can be enjoyed by young and old alike, mangrove kayaking lets you investigate areas one would not otherwise be able to reach. These spots of rich biodiversity are where one can see such range of wildlife too. When it comes to kayaking in Abu Dhabi and around the mangroves of Sir Bani Yas Island one can look forward to seeing flying fish, flamingos and of course stunning natural landscapes. For an unforgettable excursion head out in the early hours of the morning, during sunrise when you can witness the beauty of these mangroves at first light.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

Sail a Dinghy in Veitnam

Learning to sail a simple Dhingy is often the first lesson of sailing one has. Vietnam with its variability of weather and sea has perfect weather conditions to learn this exhilarating sport. Dinghy sailing is also known as the ideal sport to promote team work and physical, mental health hence is used as team building activity by many corporates.

There are several places close to Mui Ne Village that have Dinghy training centers and a range of internationally and regionally raced classes and certified instructors. This sport also promotes team skills, survival skills while also letting riders relax with friends and family at leisure. There are individually tailor-made courses offered in Mui Ne in line with National sailing requirements and most of these courses offer hands on instructions. These programs are enjoyable and emphasize safety and good seamanship. From how to balance the boat to steering, upwind tacking downwind and Jibing, everything is taught during the course.

Head over to the coastal town of Mui Ne and try your hand at this amazing sport , or if you are a veteran at it ,Mui Ne offers the best weather conditions and readily available gear to enjoy the sunny skies and gorgeous waves while you sail away at leisure. Ride the waves with all your might as you enjoy the exotic country of Vietnam, and its inherent natural beauty.

There are many a Vietnam hotel located close to the Dinghy sailing venues. These offer the ease and conveniences of indulging in this exciting sport a stone’s throw away from luxurious comforts. These hotels also have navigators who are able to advice you on how to get started if you are new to the sport and provide you with a wealth of information on sailing.

Anantara Mui Ne Resort & Spa is a luxury resort in Mui Ne that offers star class luxuries within an authentic ambience. With well-appointed rooms that look over the beautiful southern coast of Vietnam, Anantara offers an unforgettable experience within its tropical retreat. Watch Mui Ne’s beautiful sun set with the wind in your hair while you go Dhingy Sailing in Beautiful Vietnam and retire by evening to the Legendary Anantara services.

An Exhilarating Experience

The tropical climate in Maldives makes it the perfect destination for sea swimming, diving and soaking up the sun. Not many are aware that apart from these activities Maldives is one the best locations to see whales. It has been recognised as one of the top five places for viewing such marvels of nature. There are several species of whales that roam around in the ocean surrounding the Maldivian islands. Short fin pilot whales, Bryde’s whales, Cuvier beaked whales, False killer whales, Melon-headed whales, Blue whales and even species such as the Sperm whale and Killer whale can be found in Maldivian waters. From what has been recorded there are around 23 species of these creatures and dolphins surrounding the islands. It is difficult to see some of the larger species such as the blue whale because it shies away from humans.

Maldives has a group of these species that are hard to find in any other region. The Dwarf sperm whale, Tropical bottlenose whale and the Melon-headed whale have been spotted in the ocean surrounding Maldives. The best way to see these creatures is to pay for a cruise or a safari boat. The boats get quite close to these animals and you could see them dive and then rise above the sea level. It is fascinating to watch them as most of the animals travel in enormous schools and you can watch them swim right in front of you. The most commonly seen species during a trip is the pilot whale. If you are not familiar with the different species don’t worry yourself too much about it. There are expert guides on board in each of the trips and they are sure to inform you about the varieties that you see.
The trips are guaranteed to entertain you with some amazing views of these gentle giants, but you may not see much of the bigger species as they are harder to find and most often swim in deep waters. If whale watching is part of the Maldives itinerary then one should stay in a Maldives resort. The types of hotels that one should look into are Maldives bungalows that have some great offers on these tours. For luxurious accommodation, amenities and value-for-money deals book a room at Anantara Veli Maldives.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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Snorkelling in Bentota- Explore the spectacular coral reefs

As an island nation, Sri Lanka can boast of more than quite a few beaches all around the isle that are ideal for many types of coastal vacations and water based adventures. However certain areas of this wonderful pristine sandy shores and the adjoining deep blue seas are known for their specialties that has resulted from fabulous combinations of wave length and heights, depth of sea and the cascading waves and mighty winds that seem as they have plotted up the perfect schemes to seduce the unsuspecting traveller to their midst to enjoy some of the finest water adventures in the region.


When it comes to Bentota, which is found along the lovely western coast of Sri Lanka, the attractions are more than one, with plenty of coastal adventures to tempt the locals and foreigners alike. Bentota which is just one hours ride from Colombo also has the Bentota River merging with the Indian Ocean and in this vicinity there are many hotels and resorts that provide the gear and equipment needed for another fine water adventure – that is snorkelling. With warm waters and calm seas that doesn’t get in the way, the best time for snorkelling would be between November and April.
It is well worth snorkelling into the waters of this region as one is well rewarded with clusters of a variety of fish that haunt the spectacular coral reefs. Just to contrast with this pretty picture of colour and charisma, a diver can even find a few dark gloomy and intriguing scattered items of ship wrecks strewn here and there. Canoe Rock is claimed to be the best location for snorkelling and the area and snorkelers gets to explore the underwater via a trip to the sea from a boat or getting there from the shore itself.
With such an inviting back drop for the tourists, it is not surprising that the area has got a staggering variety of residential options including Sri Lanka boutique hotels. With tastefully appointed interiors with the traditional Sri Lankan touch and splendid oceanic views over the verandas, and private sun beds and infinity pools Saman Villas Bentota covers a range of alluring attractions for the foreign visitor with its superb location and excellent services. As luxury hotel Sri Lanka it has what it takes to covert a traveller’s experience of a beach vacation in Sri Lanka to an enchanting stay filled with heavenly moments and cherished memories.

 

Umanga Kahandawaarachchi is a passionate travel writer who writes under the pen name, Maggie Tulliver. Her field of writing covers a wide array of content and articles related to travel and hospitality industry.

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Exciting Off Road Driving on the Wahiba Sands

With mile upon mile of sand covered desert stretching as far as the eye can see, the Wahiba Sands of Oman offer thrilling escapades on off road vehicles. Those in search of Oman hotels from which to set off on such expeditions can consider the luxurious Desert Nights Camp. This hotel in Oman is uniquely located amidst awe-inspiring desert landscapes and also offers a variety of outdoor activities including desert treks and quad bike excursions.

Four-wheel drive vehicles provide the perfect mode of transport when it comes to exploring the Wahiba Sands. These off road vehicles will take you on an unforgettable ride over imposing dunes and across landscapes that are hauntingly beautiful in their desolation. Such excursions can be combined with other activities such as quad biking, sand boarding and even visits to traditional Bedouin camps. Dune bashing is a popular activity that can be enjoyed when off road driving here, while those heading out in the evenings can also enjoy the spectacular sight of the setting sun.

 

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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Mount Li Xi’an –a panoramic wonder

Nature lovers should heed the clarion call sounded by Mount Li, which forms part of the scenic Qinling Mountains in Xi’an, which boasts a proud and impressive history that is worth exploring when you’re in the region. Secure some quality Xian accommodation while you’re at it, in the form of the Citadines Central  X’ian which features a stellar array of service apartments Xian has to offer its leisure and business visitors. The Mount Li National Park is perfect when you have a day free for a spot of hiking and scenic sightseeing in the great outdoors of the Xi’an province. Mount Li is a superb option, as it towers 1,256 metres in height and spans over 20km across. Assuming the stance of a stallion poised to take off at a gallop, it is unsurprising that the mountain is a steady feature of many postcards and other scenic captures of Xi’an’s landscape. A hike through the area will reveal an intriguing array of ancient buildings, foremost amongst them is the Laojun Palace as well as the remains of the Huaqing Palace Court, which was the primary place of worship for Lao Zi, who founded the Taoist school of thought. You will also come across Bingjian Pavilion, famous for the “Xi’an Incident” of December 12, 1936, when General Zhang Xueliang and Yang Hucheng had the president arrested by the army in order to convince him to unite the country to fend off the Japanese invasion. Once you reach the summit of Mount Li, you will be treated to a majestic panorama of the Xi’an landscape unfolding before you that makes it one of the eight scenic spots in the region popularly believed to “shine like a beacon in the evening sunlight.”

Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and intends to visit them all someday.

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