Top Ten Majestic Places to Visit in Asia

Asia is probably one of the most enigmatic continents in the world. Not only is it rich in very diverse cultures, but it is also rich in history. You will never run out of wonderful places to visit in this wonderful and mysterious continent.

1.) Indonessia's Breathtaking Bali

Bali is one of the very beautiful places to go to once you are in Indonesia. Do not miss out on Batubulan Village, famous for sculptures made out of fine stone. Get to enjoy Bali's culture like the Barong Dance and enjoy the beautiful crafts of its goldsmiths and silversmiths.

2.) Exotic India

If India is in your Asia tour itinerary, then you will never regret it if you went on one of those boat rides in the Ganges River. Get to see, too, the devout citizens of India while they pray and bathe on the sacred waters of the Ghats. If you want to see their temples, then the Khajuraho Temples is for you, an architectural wonder

3.) The Wonderful Side of Pakistan

Pakistan, although an intimidating country, has a lot of sceneries that tourists will love. Get to see a majestic view of the Himalayan Mountains and the Monkial Ranges. If you want to know more about Pakistan's culture and people, then the Swat Museum is a must place for you to visit.

4.) Buddhas of Bangkok

There are a lot of statues of Buddha that you can see in Bangkok, and one of the temples tourist flock to is the Reclining Buddha Temple. You must also visit the Erawan Shrine as well as the Snake Farm of Bangkok that is located near the shrine. For a more modern tour, visit the Safari World and Bangkok's Pattaya and Coral Island.

5.) What Vietnam has to Offer

Vietnam is now one of the favorite destinations of tourists. Tourists love exploring the city on their own and tasting the different food Vietnam has to offer. There are also cruises that a tourist can enjoy like the cruises along the Mekong River, and they also get to visit the smaller islands to taste the wonderful fruits Vietnam has.

6.) Unforgettable Katmandu

Another unique place to visit is the Katmandu where you will get to know more about its culture and people by strolling in the Katmandu Durbar Square. Do not forget to visit, too, the Buddhanikantha Temple, another one of its famous tourist destinations. You can also go to Pashupatinath Temple.

7.) Big China

You cannot tour all of China in a week, but here are some of the top places to visit in China. The Yangtze River Cruise is one of the favorites of not only the tourists but the local citizens as well, and in this tour, one gets to have a closer communion with nature. The other places that you must not forget visiting is the Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City as well as the Temple of Heaven.

8.) Delightful Turkey

Turkey is one country you should not fail to visit. There are a lot of museums you can visit like the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. You can also visit famous archeological sites like Pamukkale's Hierapolis as well as famous mosques like the Blue Mosque.

9.) Enjoying Japan

Get to experience both old and new Japan in your Asian tour. Visit the wonderful and exciting City of Tokyo, a big contrast to Japan's mountain villages where the old culture is still palpable. Also, get to know more about its people and culture by visiting the temples, shrines and palaces of Japan.

10.) Modern Singapore

Singapore is one of the world's business regions. Also, this is famous for being one of the major shopping centers in Asia and is rightfully called Shopper's Paradise. Its stores' competitive prices as well as air-conditioned malls are one of the favorite places tourists go to.

Watch The World Series Online - Watch The World Series Live Online

If your reading this article your probably looking for a way to watch the world series online and your in luck because I have been doing this every year even though I have been stuck in the office when the games are on.

I used to watch baseball a lot but due to shift changes at work I was missing all my games and more importantly the World Series so I started to look for a solution. My first idea was to get friends to tape the games for me but that usually resulted in them forgetting to do it or would tell me who won before I even got to see it.

Then one day while at the office I jumped on the computer and went on the Google search engine and looked up watch the World Series online and sure enough a program came up that worked well with my media player that came with the computer so I decided to get it.

This was one of the best choices I have ever made because I now can watch the World Series live online along with any other sport because the program has over 3000 channels that I can watch anytime I want.

If you watch alot of baseball you probably have some favorite teams I know I do. I hardly ever miss a game but now I never miss one and I believe this is how it should be when your a fan you have to support your team till the bitter end.

I not only never miss a game I put on my teams jersey and hat and even bring out my glove and ball before a game and set them on my computer desk for a good luck charm or support whatever way you want to put it.

What You Need to Know About Thailand Travel

Thailand is one of those destinations, which is forever teeming with tourists. The country holds an exclusive position in the hearts of all vacationers for the place has much more to offer than anyone can expect. Thailand lies in the South East Asia region and can be taken to be the land of Buddha. Almost all the Buddha devotees desire to visit this country once in their lifetime. This is due to the fact that Thailand has some of the unique and exquisite Buddha temples where perfect tranquility prevails.

A Concise Review of a Seemingly Interminable Place

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is worth visiting spot. This sacred temple has Buddha statue that is 65 centimeter elevated and is entirely made of jasper quartz or jade. While the jade goes back to 15th century, the murals on the walls of the compound can be traced back to 18th century. The visitors can take a look at The Royal Thai Decorations and the Coin Pavilion. All in all the sanctity of the temple speaks through itself and the ambiance is enough to enchant the visitors.

Along with Temple of Emerald Buddha, several other grand Buddha temples can be seen once you move into the city of Bangkok. Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand has proved its worth across the globe. This metropolis has everything to offer to its visitors. From wonderful museums to thrilling nightlife, Bangkok has it all. The bustling city owns the largest South East Asian museum called The National Museum. National Museum has a gathering of various things like Thai art from old to contemporary, musical instruments, weapons, woodcarving, ceramics, clothing and sacred Buddha images.

Visitors that come to Bangkok never miss the opportunity to encounter Vinmanmek Teak Mansion that is supposed to be the largest teak building in the world. The Royal Elephant Museum and Dusuit Zoo are perfect places to have some learning with fun.
The Wat Pho temple near the temple of Emerald Buddha in Bangkok is perhaps the oldest and the largest of all Buddha temples there. The Wat Pho temple is known for its 46 meter long statue of reclining Buddha and the largest collection of Buddhas in the country. A refreshing massage therapy is done at this place that too attracts a lot of people.

Finally when it comes to shopping, Bangkok has it all. There are ample of markets here that will serve you with all the things of your necessity. The Chatuchak Market or The Weekend Market (that is open on Saturdays and sundaes only), the Pak Khlong market and markets in Chinatown and Phahurat district are particularly quite famous.

The Thonburi region resting on the west bank of river Thonburi has always gathered attention due to different reasons. The Taksin Monument that has a statue of Thailand's eminent king Taksin which is a delight to watch. The Royal Barges Museum that has a fantastic collection of boats, the outstanding one being the king's personal barge -The Golden Swan is definitely a pull in Thonburi.

Buddhist stupas area centre of attraction at Ayuthaya, a city that lies to the north of Bangkok. The oldest and largest temple here is the Wat Phra Si Sanphet, another famous temple is Wat No Phra Meru that has a green stone Buddha statue inside. The Ayuthaya and the Chantharakasen are the two significant national museums. The Lopburi and the Kanchanaburi town in the Central Thailand region is a host to a lot many tourists every year.

In the Southeastern Thailand region is situated the Ko Chang National Park that is crammed by people due to the various activities like elephant riding, diving, snorkeling etc. and also to enjoy the wildlife in this area. The Rayong Province has a set of exotic beaches along with the Khao Chamao-Khao Wong National Park that has striking limestone mountains, caves, cliffs and waterfalls including impressive wildlife. Pattaya is another eventful beach spot located 150 kilometers away from Bangkok.

The Northern Thailand is bedecked by the Lamphun Province that has numerous historical temples, Doi Khun Tan National Park, the Lampang Province that grounds the Wat Phra That Lampang Luang temple which is considered to be one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand and there is also the famous Thai Elephant Conservation Center which provides acre for sick elephants, animal shows and tourist exhibits from time to time. The Sukhothai Province is important for its Ramkhamhaeng National Park.

The Isan Region of Northeastern Thailand has the renowned Khao Yai National Park, which is a home for innumerable wild animals and the Phanom Rung Historical Park.

Few places at the Thailand's Southern Coasts like Phetchaburi city, the Southern Gulf Region (known for marine life and water sports) and the Andaman Coast are everlastingly meant for vacationing in Thailand.

Thailand Full Moon Party Schedule For 2009

The Full moon party on Koh Pangan, Thailand is now a right of passage for any backpacker who comes to South East Asia.

Started many years ago with just a small group of people who decided that on every full moon they would meet and have a party on the beach of Haad Rin. Now as many as over 10,000 people turn up each and every month to party till sunrise.

From early evening people start making their way down to the beach to relax on the sand having a beer or an early bucket watching all the fire shows.

At about midnight the party starts to get wild. The beach will be at its busiest and each bar will be playing its music loud enough to drown the noise of their neighbours. Music ranges from pop classic, hard house and Drum n Bass.

If you are deciding to go to Thailand this year then you will need to know some facts.

· Turn up a few days early to find accommodation in Haad Rin

· If you do not think you can handle the noise of all night parties every night then stay out of town. There are many taxis and boats to get you about whatever the time.

· If you want to leave the island the day after the party book your boat in advance as they fill up quickly.

Also you will need to know of the schedules for the Full Moon Parties.

Below please find the dates for 2009's schedule. (Please note these may change due to Thai holidays or elections)

February 10th, March 10th, April 9th, May 9th, June 7th, July 9th, August 6th, September 4th, October 4th, November 2nd, December 2nd.

I hope you have you have a great time and remember that them buckets are very strong and that you will have to pace yourself if you want to last the night. My best is 4pm the next day without anything apart from alcohol in my system. You think you can beat that?

Chiang Mai, Then and Now

Maybe you have heard of Chiang Mai, the unofficial northern capital of Thailand. Although it isn't cooler than anywhere else on the Thai plains during the hot season, it is along a ridge of cool high mountains, cool enough to actually grow beets, apples, and strawberries.

The king has a hot season home here, about halfway up Doi Shutep, overlooking this once beautiful city. I have had the fortune, and disappointment of visiting this legendary city of the north twice in my travels in Thailand. Once about twenty years ago and the other just recently.

It would be unfair to say that Chaing Mai has been ruined, although that will happen if it continues developing at the pace it is. And that is the key word, development. It seems to have ruined so many of my favorite places in the world. It's not just the buildings that change with development; it's the people. The world has more and more people but we're running out of spirit.

Incidentally, there is a higher concentration of temples in Chiang Mai than in anywhere else in Thailand. Twenty years ago, that was very striking, as there were few tall buildings to obstruct them. So was the wall (Chiang Mai is a true walled city- fortified against invasion during ancient times), which now is overwhelmed by the big, Bangkok style avenues outside of it. The other things that made this city beautiful were all the teak structures. Much of those have been replaced by concrete. What happened?

Twenty years ago Chiang Mai was a semi-rural, sleepy city of 100,000 souls. Outside its walls was countryside. The people were friendly, laid back, and inquisitive. Chiang Mai is still a lot of fun and very interesting, but the past is gone. It retains some of those rustic roots, but Chiang Mai is now an unmistakably a hustling and bustling Asian metropolis.

Pattaya Water Park - Fun Packed Adventures in a Stunning Coastal City

Today amusement parks have become a crucial part of tourism as they can cater to a large audience while providing a bounty of action, adventure, fun and excitement. Thrill rides, fun games, water slides and thematic entertainment; the variety of attractions offered at amusement parks are diverse and endless. It all begins with creativity and inspirations to offer a utopia that can blow away your troubles and worries as soon as you step in.

If you are holidaying with your family in Bangkok, Thailand's capital, you will be spoilt for choices when hunting for the perfect amusement park. There are a number of amusement parks in Bangkok that will offer spectacular parades and thematic attractions even on a par with Disneyland. Dream World is one of the best amusement parks in Bangkok where you can step into a world of fairytales and have the time of your life. Wonder World Fun Park on the other hand offers numerous thrill rides and will be a haven for the ones seeking adrenaline rushes.

Just as amusement parks, water parks have become one of the most sought after recreation. One of the best water parks in Thailand is set towards a coastal city called Pattaya that rests about two and half hours ride from the Bangkok International Airport. This is the Pattaya Water Park snuggled within the popular amusement park known as Pattaya Park.

You can reach Pattaya Water Park by passing the famous housing estate Viewpoint Village then taking the Jomtien Beach Road and going over Pattaya Hill. At the Pattaya Water Park you can capture panoramic bird's eye view from the soaring Pattaya Park Tower counting 240 metres in height and even dine at its revolving restaurant. Best of all you will find a sweeping sandy beach resting only a hop step and a jump away, if you simply can't resist a coastal getaway.

In the vicinity of the turquoise sea, Pattaya Water Park sprawls snuggling aquatic adventures for all ages. The place is dotted with plenty of huts, taking the shape of big parasols, to shade while you recline and unwind amidst the exciting chatter, screams and laughter of youngsters.

A multicoloured giant water slide adds a touch of glamour to the park, where you can enjoy a glide from a sky high altitude. Children would love to take a dip, or simply float about in the whirlpool that reminisce a meandering stream. And for those who would love to twist and turn the Pattaya Water Park offers tubular rides to add a teeny adrenaline rush for the youngsters.

Pattaya Water Park is a great spot to have fun with your entire family, as well as with your colleagues and friends. It is a perfect aquatic getaway for the ones looking for a respite from the bustling city, where loads of fun and adventures await your arrival.

Thailand - Enjoy the Top 5 Best Places to Enjoy Live Bands and Nightlife in Bangkok

Thailand is one of the best places to enjoy an exciting night life. There are numerous bars and clubs where one can enjoy live bands playing, perfect for an amazing night out. Here are the top five places in Bangkok to enjoy live bands:

o Tokyo Joe's - located at the 25/9 Sukhumvit Soi, right at the opposite side of the Tara Hotel. Tokyo Joe's is called the Mecca of Blues. The bar opens at around 9.30 every night. Lots of talented local musicians crowd up the club with amazing music. The Tokyo Joe's musicians occasionally play R&B, soul and jazz music. Their specials are the Flamenco Nights on Mondays, and the jam sessions on Sundays which are the people's favorite. Visitors and guests can enjoy the soul siren music of Tokyo Joe's bar. With relaxing comfortable atmosphere, everyone will definitely have a good time.

o Ad Here the 13th - located at 13 Samsen Rd, Banglumphu in Bangkok. The club is open daily from 5pm until midnight. Ad Here the 13th is an inconspicuous and strange, but offers cool and exciting hangout with friends. Young Thais, expats and the tourists, frequently visit the place. During weekends, the bar is crowded over to the sidewalks. The club bands play a mixture of cool blues, Motown and a little Janis Joplin. Here one can get to meet people coming from all over the world One may also have the choice of different cocktails and the Thai-style Whiskey-soda-ice. This place also serves inexpensive foods to go along with the drinks.

o Brown Sugar - located in Sarasin Rd, Bangkok. Brown Sugar club is opened during Mon-Sat at 11am-1am and during Sundays at Sun 5pm-1am. The old jazz club is found on the road bordering Lumpini Park. It has an old feel with a small stage with tight benches. It is crowded every night and for one to grab a seat must come early enough. The Brown Sugar serves strong drinks and bar food, but it is a little bit expensive than what the others offer. Sunday nights at the Brown Sugar bring bar singers from other hotels, as it is their day off.

o Saxophone Bar - located at 3/8 Phyathai, Bangkok. The bar is open daily from 6pm until 2am. Saxophone bar is well known for its live jazz and cool blues music. The bar serves both Thai and Western food. The club's low-ceilinged, wooden floors are crowded with fun-loving youth every night.

o Titanium - located at Sukhumvit Soi, Bangkok. The bar opens daily from 6pm until 1:30am. Titanium is a fun-filled and exciting club with welcoming hostesses clad in Bangkok which is theZeitgeist ao dai. The club also features an all-female rock and roll band playing here every night. Titanium club has a total of 90 exotic varieties of vodkas to choose from.

These are just five of the many bars that offer live bands in Bangkok, Thailand. There are many other bars here, which every visitor can have an amazing night out.

A Brief Description of Thailand Food and Thailand Culture

Thailand food
It is beyond any doubt that food is a part of any gathering, thus, becoming the part of social occasions or itself the reason to celebrate. Normally, as per the western culture, a normal meal in any restaurant consists of starter, main course and then dessert. But in Thailand, the custom is a bit different with regard to Thailand food, as there is no single dish for a single person. As a general, all present in a gathering share the same dish together. So, it's better to have many guests together around the table than to enjoy with one or two as eating alone is considered a bad luck in the country.

One of the good things about Thai food is that they never dispose away the leftover food, as they consider it inauspicious and an enraging act to a female deity, 'God of rice'. Generally there are four seasonings in Thailand food- sweet, sour, salty and spicy. The food is satisfied only if it contains all the four tastes. Thai dinner mostly include meat, fish, noodles, vegetables and soup followed by desserts including fresh fruits and colorful rice cakes. Besides meals, there are snackers consisting of chicken or beef satay, spring rolls, salads, raw vegetable with spicy dips and sweets.

Thailand culture
Thailand culture is highly influenced by Buddhism in addition to some influence of Hinduism and other Southeast Asian neighbor. Thai art is the main item included in Thai Culture. Buddha image is the main constituent in different period having distinctive styles. At present, there is a fusion of traditional art with modern techniques. India has also laid much influence on Thailand literature. It includes the most notable work, Ramakien, the version of Indian epic, Ramayana. The poetry of Sunthorn Phu is also quite famous in Thailand.

Spoken drama is not given any importance in Thailand, but instead there is Thai dance, divided into three categories- Lakhon, Likay and Khon. A form of shadow pay, Nang Drama, is popular among southern Thailand. Folk music and classical music both are have their significance in addition to pop music.

Apart from it, one of the common customs included in Thailand is Wai, a common gesture that is similar to Indian Namaste. The hospitable and generous people of Thailand pay a lot of respect and homage to their elders, as it is the core of their faith and spiritual belief. Seeking blessings from the elders is considered important mark of respect.

Bangkok Travel - Fun Family Activities in Bangkok

As a family exploring in Bangkok, temples and historic sights may not excite the fun factor for kids and teens. Even though Bangkok is a fascinating city with much to see, it is much more than trudging along an itinerary with a boring tour guide. There are plenty of things to do for families in Bangkok. The best thing of all is that it is much more affordable compared to back home.

Bangkok (Dusit) Zoo

Located in the old district of Bangkok, the zoo encompasses a large compound with plenty of rooms for animals from all over the world to roam around. Reptiles and mammals are abound ready to intrigue young kids. The zoo teaches locals and visitors alike about conservation and the necessity of protecting and preserving the animals we share the planet we live on. Live shows are scheduled throughout the day and it's best to visit Bangkok Zoo during the weekday to avoid the crowds.

Siam Ocean World

Touted as Southeast Asia's largest indoor aquarium and they're right. This massive compound is located beneath an equally impressive Siam Paragon shopping mall. Siam Ocean World has on display fish of all sizes from all over the world as well as other animals that live in aquatic environments such as penguins and beavers. For a spine tingling experience take a walk through the enclosed aquarium to get face to face with man eating sharks.

Catch a Movie in Bangkok

Local Thais love movies. Especially American movies whether it is action, horror and especially movies for families. Most movie theaters in Bangkok are found in large department stores such as Central World and the Siam Paragon. The seats are big and plush. For extra you can get a sofa style couch that seats 4 for a home theater feel. Tickets and snacks are very affordable for foreigners. Be sure to bring a light sweater or jacket as the temperature inside is frigid.

Go Bowling and Ice Skating

For a competitive family winning a game of bowling can provide serious bragging rights. Bangkok's high quality bowling lanes will surprise most. You can even rent your own private room with 2 lanes. To cool off head over to an ice skating rink. You can find bowling and ice skating easily in central Bangkok in large shopping centers such as Central World and Siam Paragon. As usual these activities are inexpensive for tourist that are use to high prices back home.

Bangkok is a remarkable cosmopolitan city with an easy sophisticated transportation system. It is a very tourist friendly city with plenty of English signs pointing in the right directions. Bangkok is especially a great place for families to visit and explore an exotic location without breaking the bank.

What You Can Find in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Since its opening in 2010, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter has seen incredible popularity. It has given so many fans of the films around the world exactly what they were waiting for, a chance to relive the movie for themselves. The opening of the attraction saw overall entries to park up by 20%, proving the popularity of the attraction. But what can visitors expect to see in the Wizarding world of Harry Potter? Here are just a few of the main attractions you definitely will not want to miss.

Dragon Challenge

The Dragon challenge features two parallel rollercoaster's that wrap around and intertwine with each other, only just missing each other as they hurtle past as ferocious speeds. Climb aboard either the 'Hungarian Horntial' or the 'Chinese Fireball' and set off on a thrilling speed ride that remains the only chasing inverted rollercoaster in the world. The area around the ride sets the scene of the Triwizard tournament, an event seen in 'Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire'. The queue complete with Harry Potter relics such as the Triwizard cup and the original Goblet of Fire.

Flight of the Hippogriff

After the guaranteed fright from Dragon challenge, the flight of the Hippogriff is a slower and more relaxed ride, depicting the scene where Rubeus Hagrid attempts to teach the wizard how to ride the giant Hippogriff correctly. Let Hagrid attempt to teach you as he takes you on a journey through the magical forest, spiralling down around the pumpkin patch and past Hagrid's hut.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

This is the chance to explore the magical lair of Hogwarts itself. Take your self on a journey through Hogwarts, entering through the colossal front gates, exploring the familiar passageways used in the films. Visit all the memorable locations on your voyage, such as Dumbledore's office, the Gryffindor common room, the Defence against the Dark Arts classroom and many more. It's then time to explore the grounds, encountering a frightening horde of dementors, observing a quidditch match and even meeting the Whomping willow.

The Three Broomsticks

After all that excitement, you will be sure to have burning appetite. If so head down to the Three Broomsticks, a restaurant based on the inn from the series. Here you can sample all memorable food and drinks from the films, such as Butterbeer, pumpkin juice and even strawberry-peanut ice cream. Tasty treats all round.

The Traditional Medicine of North Thailand

Even today traditional medicine in North Thailand is flourishing and its roots stretch back to many hundreds of years.

In North Thailand, the art of healing is passed on by the traditional healer to his student by the word of mouth. There is no formal training institute to learn the art of traditional medicine. Traditional medicine is quite popular in rural areas and villages in North Thailand.

North Thailand is home to many hill tribes and all these tribes follow traditional medicine practices. Each hill tribe has its own traditional medicine though there is a commonality link between the practices.

Mor Muang is the term used to describe the local doctor and it covers the different specialties of traditional medicine. Traditional medicine in Thailand is usually a male tradition and outsiders have to masters in order to be accepted. They also have to pass an initiation ceremony before they are accepted into a specific traditional medicine discipline. Most local doctors are skilled in different aspects of traditional medicines but they usually practice a particular specialty. The specialties of traditional medicines are herbal healing, bone blowing and spiritual healing.

A herbalist usually covers the entire spectrum of diseases and he formulates medication from herbs and other natural ingredients.

A bone blower is the one who specializes in wounds and broken bones. It is his responsibility to repair fractures and wounds by applying splints or poultices and then blowing and chanting incantations to the affected area.

A spiritual healer performs ceremonies and chants incantations to call on to the affected person's spiritual essence and then connecting to the patient's spiritual guide to cure and heal him.

Top 10 Things To Do And See On Samui Island - Thailand

In light of its spectacular Andaman waters with their clear water and coral reefs, rich animal and plant life, top-notch resorts and intense party scene, Samui has set itself apart as one of Thailand's most popular resort destinations. There's plenty to do in the towns as well as out and about on the water, underwater and in the forest. The monthly Full Moon parties that take place on a neighbouring island are an absolute requirement for all full-throttle partiers. All of this together makes for a first-class holiday in one of Thailand's most coveted locations.

Temple of the Big Buddha

Wat Phra Yai is Samui's Temple of the Big Buddha, with its signature 12 metre tall Buddha statue. Built in 1972, this iconic temple sits on a little island that is connected to the main island by a bridge. The temple grounds also house a centre for meditation, another draw for inspired visitors. When visiting any temple in Thailand, it's important to follow the standard rules of dress and etiquette which includes wearing long pants, sleeves and removing your shoes before entering the actual temple.

Beaches

The beaches of Samui are its greatest attraction, and each one is known for its own specific qualities. Ao Tong Takian is also called Silver Beach due to the glimmer of its sand and shimmering water; Lamai Beach is a popular family destination in light of the abundant water sports and activities; Choeng Mon offers higher-class accommodation in a remote setting and Chaweng Beach rallies as the most popular among tourists, with its peripheral of exciting activities like Muay Thai boxing and bungee jumping.

Eating out

Nothing beats an evening at a beachside restaurant where you can enjoy a laid-back dinner right at the water's edge. Samui's fresh seafood makes way for all kinds of top-notch cuisine--be it gourmet Thai food or international fare. More authentic and highly affordable Thai food can be hunted out on the streets from local vendors, and in the opinion of the locals, the spicier the better.

Partying and nightlife

The tourism industry has paved the way for a varied nightlife that spans all the major developed districts. Clubs can be found at Lamai Beach, with tourist-grabbing exhibitions and shows to hold your interest. This is also the seedier side of the island with its fair share of go-go bars and the periphery of business that comes along with it. Live bands and slightly more upscale bars and clubs can be found at Chaweng Beach. A more laidback scene is on Big Buddha Beach with western-style ambiance and expatriate-owned establishments.

Full Moon parties

Even if they haven't attended one, almost every visitor to Samui will hear about the notorious Full Moon parties held once a month on neighbouring Pha Ngan Island. Locals taxi boatloads of partygoers out to this island in preparation for the heart-pounding party that rage all night in honour of the full moon. There's a variety of music playing, and peddlers take advantage of their corner on the market by selling all sorts of souvenirs, food and other ingestibles at exorbitant prices. The popularity of this monthly party has led to the addition of further weekend parties to mark less memorable phases of the lunar cycle.

Waterfalls

There are several waterfalls on Samui that many tourists choose to visit. Na Muang Fall 1 flows over a very tall cliff and spills into a rocky pool; while it isn't great for swimming, it makes for wonderful scenery. Its counter, Na Muang Fall 2, is located nearby and is easily accessed by groups of elephant riders and trekkers. Another option is to head to Hin Lat Fall, which is a great place to enjoy a cool, freshwater plunge for a change of pace from swimming in the ocean.

Diving

Koh Samui is a world-class diving destination and the fabulous offshore coral reefs pose a great opportunity for all skill levels. Beginners can enrol in accredited training courses at many dive shops in Bo Phut, Chaweng and Lamai. More skilled divers prefer diving at Sail Rock or Ang Thong National Marine Park, an impressive 40-island archipelago that boasts a pristine natural environment. The ultimate diving destination in Thailand, Koh Tao isn't too far away either.

Daytrip south

If you're looking for an escape from the hectic tourism scene, head to the south side of Samui where groves of coconut trees and quiet Muslim fishing towns have staved off the development that has come upon the rest of the island. It's possible to find a secluded beach to while away some hours, and there are also some unique temples and chedis to investigate.

Adventure sports

Adventure sports are an everyday pastime on Samui. The whole family will appreciate elephant rides in a jungle setting, and multiple agencies can arrange tours. Closer to town, kids will enjoy spending some time at the go-kart track. Samui Shooting Range is located in Chawang, as is the bungee jumping pavilion. The latter sits off the beach road near the Reggae Bar.

Viewing wildlife

The display of wildlife at Samui ranges from insects and butterflies at the Butterfly Farm to the raging buffalo fights scheduled at local stadiums. There is a snake farm, crocodile farm and an aquarium all on the main island. The nearby Ang Thong National Marine Park has wild gibbons living in lush, jungle surroundings amid quiet lagoons and limestone cliffs.

Things to Do in Exciting Bangkok

Bangkok is an increasingly popular tourist location for people from all over the world. It brings up visions of sandy beaches, sunny skies and ancient temples. It is a place where western practicality meets eastern mysticism and the modern rubs shoulders with spirituality and traditionalism. The Bangkok accommodation is also a big draw.

The influx of tourists has ensured that Bangkok caters to all tastes and therefore offers accommodation in all ranges. From the very up market to cheap youth dormitories, Bangkok accommodation has it all. Whatever your budget, choose the place where you stay with care keeping in mind your sightseeing interests. Make sure your Bangkok cheap hotel is relatively close to the main areas you want to cover. At the very least, the Bangkok accommodation you choose should be within walking distance of a Metro or BTS skyline station.

Explore an Ancient City

A good way to orient yourself to Bangkok is to take a canal ride or a ferry. Be prepared for a sensory overload. Along the way you will see the majestic Grand Palace and Wat Pho. The Chao Phraya River has many ferries and a ferry ride by night is a must. There are also many day trips you can take from Bangkok. All Bangkok cheap hotels will organize or be happy to recommend tours or agents to help you.

After having satisfied your cultural thirst but visiting the awe-inspiring Grand Palace and some of the impressive and spiritual Watts, you can get down to satisfying your material instincts. Bangkok is a shopper's paradise. In this area as well there is a wide range of offerings and you can buy as cheap or expensive as you like. Beware of touts selling anything. Some of the things they might offer are VIP tours, tickets and gem stones. Chances are, like many people, you are staying in a Bangkok cheap hotel your shopping tastes run to the cheap as well. In such cases, there is no better place than Bangkok. You can buy pretty much anything at the famed night markets and the fantastic Chatuchak weekend market. Chatuchak is an experience in itself so be sure you don't miss it.

Finally, at the end of the day, go back to your hotel and ask for a Thai massage. Go ahead and treat yourself after all that walking. After all you have saved by booking into one of the cheap Bangkok hotels.

The Best Diving in Thailand

Much like the landscape, the underwater world in Thailand is rich in natural beauty and diversity. Claiming one of the top ten dive areas in the world and split geographically between two seas, Thailand's waters are also home to some of the worlds' largest pelagic creatures such as manta rays and whale sharks. Choosing the best dive sites, however, is not just a simple case of creating a list. Strong currents and deep waters mean that some of the most spectacular and memorable dives are reserved only for advanced divers with the right experience under their weight belts. With this in mind I have written this article from the perspective of a complete beginner and the order in which I would suggest tackling the various underwater wonders on offer.

First you have to learn to dive (assuming you are not already certified). Since on completion of your Open Water Diver course you are only qualified to dive in conditions equivalent to or better than those in which you learnt, it's probably advisable not to do your course in completely idyllic conditions as these will then be difficult to replicate. This makes the Northern Gulf of Thailand a perfect place to start. The visibility is generally not as good as the south and experience of tidal current can be introduced gradually under controlled conditions, although in terms of marine life there is still plenty to see.

As a newly certified Open Water Diver I would suggest that your next port of call be Koh Tao. The easiness of the dive sites here combined with the relatively good visibility and quality of the reef make it an ideal place to further your experience. There are over 30 dive sites all within a maximum distance of 45 minutes by boat. Twin Peaks and Green Rock are notable starter sites with plenty of variety in coral, sponges and tropical fish and minimal current to boot. As your underwater ability increases you will want to try more adventurous dives such as the renowned Chumphon Pinnacle where you may be lucky enough to encounter grey reef sharks bigger than you (although quite harmless) and Sail Rock with its underwater chimney rising from 18m all the way to the surface. Both of these sites are regularly visited by whale sharks and are a must see.

As we move further south it may be a good idea to consider an Advanced Open Water certification (again assuming you are not already there) in order to fully appreciate the exciting new spots. From Phuket you can reach many of the best places including multiple sites around Racha Yai, Racha Noi, Phi Phi and various other outcrops and islands. Shark Point; Anemone Reef and Koh Ma number among the more gentle dives and they are blessed with an amazing array of underwater flora and fauna, whilst King Cruiser makes for an unforgettable wreck dive. Leopard sharks and turtles are common here as are stingrays and the more discerning can spot seahorses and frogfish and all different kinds of moray eel. For the really large pelagic encounters you cannot miss

South Pinnacle (Raya Noi) and Hin Daeng & Hin Muang. These are not for the faint hearted and I would recommend an absolute minimum of 20 dives before attempting them. On my first dive at the Pinnacle I saw absolutely nothing (apart from huge manta rays) and I breathed my tank dry in 27 minutes (I have been diving for 20 years). This is how strong the current can be. The two Hins (Hin Daeng & Hin Muang - red and purple) are so called because of the colour of the soft corals that adorn them and are considered the jewels of the South Andaman. Whale Sharks and Manta rays love these places almost as much as divers do. It's not difficult to see why. Even when the gentle giants are absent the spectacular drop offs, amazing visibility and sheer volume of marine life tantalize the senses. Again these places are not to be missed, but require a certain skill in order to be fully appreciated.

Now you are ready for the Similan Islands and Surin, the ultimate in Thailand's diving inventory. Although there are many dive sites here suitable for novice divers, as usual the best ones tend to be deep and subject to strong current. Big fish, I'm afraid, just love strong current and once you get used to it so will you. The best way to see them is on a three to five day liveaboard cruise, and it would be a shame to shell out the money for this if you cannot enjoy it to the max.

In the Similans, Christmas Point is a dramatic series of underwater pinnacles and canyons. Here you'll find an explosion of life in the soft coral gardens; parrotfish, lionfish, wrasse and groupers are all common. There are often big jacks on the hunt here and you may glimpse white tip sharks prowling. Elephant rock is unsurprisingly named after the bulbous looking rock formation. This dive site is one of the best around. Below the surface it offers gigantic stacked boulders and a labyrinth of swimthroughs, arches and caverns. Marine life is abundant and huge schools of yellow goatfish and snappers can be found around the deeper levels. Turtle Rock is an impressive series of submerged boulders and swimthroughs in typical Similan fashion. Surrounded by coral and marine life this is one of the better places to spot turtles. Encounters with eagle rays are not uncommon.

Moving towards Surin, Koh Bon features one of the only vertical walls in Thailand with depths of over 40 metres. Leopard sharks are common on the ridge and on the sandy flats below the. The soft corals here are radically different and include shades of turquoise, yellow and blue, besides the more common pinks and purples. Koh Bon is one of the better places to see manta rays, especially towards the end of the season. Koh Tachai has an offshore underwater ridge that runs perpendicular to the island and is considered to be one of the finest dives in the Kingdom of Thailand. It is famous as a place to see larger animals such as rays, leopard sharks, nurse sharks and hawksbill turtles. Richelieu Rock is Surin's ace card. It is a small submerged rock about 18 km east of Surin and rates as one of the best places in the world for swimming with the whale shark. For some reason, Richelieu Rock attracts more than its fair share of these graceful animals.

If by now you have the impression that manta and whale shark sightings are commonplace please accept my apologies. Such encounters although frequent remain a privilege and an honour and the animals themselves choose when. Also in the world of diving no two days are the same. Keep an open mind and accept that everything is subject to the laws of nature and you will not be disappointed. That said, the more often you dive these places the better chance you have, by the law of averages and the more you dive the better diver you become. So where does it go from here? Well, you may have noticed that Bangkok sits right in the middle of Southeast Asia, which arguably makes it centre of the diving universe. It gets better. Good Diving.

Is Thailand Safe to Visit?

As a longtime resident of Thailand I have a certain insight into whether or not Thailand is safe for visitors or those wishing to stay longer term.

There are usually multiple instances of unsafe activities going on in the country at any chosen time. I will review the major areas where foreigners need to take extra precautions to stay safe during their stay.

Bangkok, the Capital of Thailand, is ground zero for political movements. The country has not seen stability politically in a very long time. Some would say it was never stable in modern times. Currently there are red shirt groups and yellow shirt groups that are in opposition. The military sometimes gets involved and stages military coups - and there is always fighting - sometimes lethal as groups confront each other, and attempt to change the power structure that exists. This is a constant struggle and matters little who happens to be in power at the moment, there is always unrest in Bangkok.

The problems are compounded when police and military are called on to preserve order in the streets... sometimes the hand is heavy and they end up killing protestors. This does not help the situation and it can escalate from there.

As a visitor to Thailand you would not want to be spending your vacation or any time at all in Bangkok when there are bombs going off and military and/or police in the streets to control the demonstrations. It is just a very bad idea. It is not safe and you will not have a good time. If all you are coming to Thailand for is to spend time in Bangkok, choose a time when there is peace in the country or at least a small risk of violence letting loose.

Another area that is often times not safe - and currently it is not, is the deep south. Muslim separatists in the southern Thailand provinces have waged a violent campaign against both Thai Buddhist and Thai Muslim believers that have not joined their radical organization. There have been approximately 3,000 deaths in the south over the past few years, though no foreigners are known to have been killed yet. Thailand tourism officials do not recommend that foreigners visit these southernmost provinces and you would be wise to limit your travels to the other provinces.

Natural disasters like the devastating tsunami of 2004 have the potential to re-occur any time, though the chances are apparently not high that a similar even will recur in Thailand anytime soon.

Pattaya, Patong Beach, Patpong, and other tourist filled areas can be bad news at night. There are robberies and assaults that occur nightly, but if you are not one of the ones bar-fining girls or ladyboys for a night of fun in your room you will probably be OK. There are a number of things you should know about Thai culture - which goes well beyond this article. In my last paragraph of this article I will give you another resource that will help you immensely.

Is Pattaya safe? Sometimes. Is Patong Beach safe? More often than Pattaya, yes. Is Patpong safe? Not so safe in general, no I would not consider it safe.

Your mileage may vary during your trip if you plan on availing yourself of the adult carnival of fun in Thailand. You may well find yourself beat up and in the hospital or you might have a perfectly safe time, despite indulging in outrageous nighttime activities. It is hard for me to give a blanket statement about whether Thailand is safe for all people because all people are different.

The last time anyone ventured a guess there were approximately 100,000 foreigners living in Thailand as long-term expats here for more than vacation. During a typical year when there is not much political fighting in Bangkok there are over 12 million foreign tourists per year enjoying the country. Very few of them have a problem with their physical safety while they are here. Most of them take some precautions. Many of them are frequent visitors.

Visiting or staying in Thailand can be dangerous or it can be relatively safe and enjoyable. Probably the biggest factor in the equation is you. If you are the type that looks for trouble or does not try hard to avoid trouble you might find it in Thailand. If you do not have any experience in the country you will probably be doing yourself a substantial favor by researching more about Thai culture and the experiences of foreigners in the country.

Bangkok Visitors Guide - Ten Fun Things To Do In Bangkok

Your "Venice of the East," the city of Bangkok offers you unlimited fun, enjoyment, pleasure, adventure, and excitement. Often nicknamed as the "City of Angels," Bangkok is one of the most coveted vacation destinations of the world. Bangkok is the tourist destination known for its huge wealth of cultural sites.

The Thailand capital, Bangkok is as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or Krung Thep in Thai. Bangkok is an important economic and financial center in Southeast Asia. It is the 22nd most populous city of the world. The Bangkok Province borders 6 other provinces including Pathum Thani, Samut Sakhon, Nonthaburi, Chachoengsao, Samut Prakan and Nakhon Pathom.

There are a lot of fun things that you can do in Bangkok. The 'Krung Thep' is your place for the fun and adventure suiting to all tastes. The city offers you lots of fun during days as well as nights. It fascinates visitors with its enthralling, vibrant, colorful, and thriving scenery and nightlife.

You can visit Thai Village Show & Rose Garden to have nice glimpses of Thai Culture; some of the attractions include Buddhist Ordination Ceremony, Hill Tribe Dance, the Fingernail Dance, Thai Sword Fighting, Folk Dance and a conventional wedding ceremony.

You can have city tour to explore the beauties of Bangkok. You know, Bangkok is famous for its museums and parks; some of the places where you can visit include Children's Discovery Museum, The Joe Louis Puppet Theater, The Snake Farm, Dream World, Bangkok Doll Factory, Ancient City, Jim Thompson House, Vimanmek Mansion, The National Museum Bangkok, Suan Pakkad Palace Museum, Royal Barges National Museum, Erawan Museum; The national Museum; The National gallery, The wax museum, Doll Museum, etc.

You must relish the nightlife of Bangkok whenever you are in Bangkok. Bangkok offers extremely vibrant and notorious nightlife. The city has a number of pubs, clubs, discos, bars, and restaurants. Aerobic dances are the area's major attraction. You can visit Thai cultural centre that often features artistic performances in classical music, dance, ballet and pop.

Your Bangkok tour will be incomplete without having a tour of Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, which is some 80 kms outside of Bangkok. You can take an organized tour, and get the experience of a Thai village life.

Of course, you can't miss tasting yummy Thai foods at the restaurants of Bangkok. There are numerous restaurants in Bangkok offering you everything from the traditional Thai foods, to Indian, Chinese, Italian, American dishes. Some of the best restaurants are Charley Brown's Mexican Restaurant, Biscotti, Ban Klang Nam, New York Steak House, Suda, Lemon Grass, Rang Mahal, Govinda etc.

You can also have some nice time at Bangkok spas. You can find the world's best spas in Bangkok offering all type of massage therapies, and other natural treatments at the best possible prices. Some of the best spas are Ananda Spa, dvn spa and Wellbeing centre, i.sawan, Oasis Bangkok etc.

Chinatown Bangkok, also called 'Yaowarat,' is a "must visit" thoroughfare in Bangkok. The street is full of ever-present goldsmith shops, sharksfin and birds nest restaurants, shops and vendors selling Chinese herbal medicine, dried mushrooms, salted fish, roast, Chinese calendars, almanacs and of course, lottery tickets.

You can enjoy some of the most popular activities in Thailand thru Boating Tours. You can enjoy the floating tours by the public ferryboat or a private water taxi. These tours will take down the Chao Phraya River and other watercourses, canals or Khlongs as they are called in Thailand.

The Bangkok Beaches are that places that you mustn't miss. Bangkok offers you one of the coolest and the most pristine beaches, which include Phuket island, Krabi, Phi Phi islands, Koh Lanta on the South West Coast, Koh Samui, Koh Tao and Koh Phangan in Southern Thailand, Koh Chang, Koh Samet, Pattaya, Jomtien beach, Cha Am, Khao Takiab Bay. The beaches offer you great opportunities to enjoy windsurfing, skiing, diving, fishing, sailing, gliding, seaside restaurants, beach bars, etc.

Of course, Shopping Malls aren't to be missed! Bangkok offers you the best, the most innovative and the biggest shopping malls in Asia. Some of the most popular Bangkok Shopping Malls include CentralWorld Shopping Complex, Siam Paragon- The Pride of Bangkok, MBK Shopping Center, The Emporium Bangkok, Siam Center Bangkok, Amarin Plaza Bangkok, Gaysorn Bangkok, Siam Discovery, Erawan Bangkok, Pantip Plaza (IT Mall), Peninsula Plaza, All Seasons Place, Platinum Fashion Mall Bangkok and Union Mall Bangkok.

Last but not least, you must visit Bangkok temples. Bangkok has a number of traditional and well known Buddha temples, such as Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace, The Grand Palace, Wat Po, Wat Arun or Temple of Dawn, Wat Traimit, Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple), and Wat Intharawihan.

Whitewater Rafting at Its Best - Thailand Style!

About 90 minutes from Chiang Mai is a little river called the Mae Taeng. Bordered on both sides by steeply sloping fields of banana trees and luxuriant jungle, it is easily one of the loveliest places in Thailand for an adventure.

But lazily watching a river go by is quite a different experience from actually being in the midst of its rushing, bubbling madness. As the Mae Taeng boasts Thailand's best white water rapids.
The difficulty of a stretch of white water rapid is measured on an internationally-approved scale of one to six. The Mae Taeng is made up primarily of rapids rated three and four - enough to produce an intense adrenaline rush.

I went with Siam River Adventures. Owner Jason Younkin has been running river trips in Thailand for 8 years, uses the best equipment and runs his company with such iron-willed efficiency that he wears a German army helmet while navigating the Taeng. Whatever his reasons, the helmet inspired my confidence. Nevertheless, Jason hails from Colorado and is also a Rescue 3, Swiftwater Rescue Instructor. I knew that Colorado-ians were experts on rocks and rivers, if not headgear aesthetics. Jason is one of the first to run all the rapids on the Mae Taeng. He promotes "Cultural Adventures" - trips for adrenalin junkies with an essence of Northern Thai tradition.

After a bumpy but scenic ride up to the rustic company headquarters, we ate lunch and then learnt the basics of whitewater rafting. Most importantly, we learnt how to synchronize our paddling so that we could maneuver the raft efficiently, and also know what to do if someone should fall into the water. Groups of not more than six per boat were arranged and each was assigned a professional rafter as a guide.

A Rapid Ride

After drifting lazily down the river, we became lulled into a false sense of security. Then the first set of rapids hit. Det our guide shouted out directions and we dutifully obeyed. Though strenuous, we ultimately emerged unscathed from the rushing tumult and raised our oars in an exuberant "high-five".

The next set of rapids was fiercer, the water rushed around us as our boat pierced the waves. We were Soaked! We still had some more grade 4 rapids ahead.

The rapids kept coming, faster and more frequent. Gradually, we all fell into a rhythm and, like a well-oiled machine, forded our way over the boulders and falls, and twists and turns.

We thanked Det for taking such good care of us as we climbed out. There on the banks, it was how I'd imagined heaven to be: beer and biscuits, and hill-tribe women trying to sell jewellery.
I'd do it all over again because it was an amazingly fun trip - except, that is, for the parts where nobody realises you're panicking. Which is why I'm planning to wear a German army helmet every day, all the time. I'll sure look cool and moreover, I no longer have any fear of large rapids.

Bangkok: The Unforgettable Experience

Thailand becomes one of the most popular tourist destinations with over 10 million tourists visiting in the year 2010. Since there are various kind of tourist attractions such as cultural, natural, historical, nightlife and shopping place with the low expense for tourists, Thailand was named as the worthiest place for travelling. Therefore, the number of tourist has grown every year. However, many of tourist places in Thailand are located in Bangkok especially historical, cultural, shopping and nightlife place.

Two hundred years of history, Bangkok is not only the capital of Thailand but it is also an alive and very diverse metropolis. It is a good blending between modern and original culture. Many people from other parts of Thailand and other nationalities from various cultures and religious stay together peacefully

Established by King Rama I in the year 1782, After King Taksin of Thonburi died, by King Rama I's order, the capital was moved to another side of Chaopraya River. Temple of Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) and The Grand Palace were built near the river bank. At this position, he thought that it was easier to protect the capital from enemy than it was at another river side. Moreover, he ordered to dig canals around the capital area which was known as the old Bangkok area because of the security reason. That was why later Bangkok was named by westerners as Eastern Venice because there were many canals around the town. Bangkok has continued the prosperity from Ayuddhaya, the former capital. The Grand Palace and Temple of Emerald Buddha were built at the same style as The Grand Palace of Ayuddhaya city. Moreover, he demanded to revive all knowledge from Ayuddhaya period such as laws, architectures, fine arts and other area of philosophies for setting up the governing system and infrastructures of the new capital. Today, by the modern stream from globalization, Bangkok has grown more and more and become a major city of South East Asia.

As mentioned, Bangkok is popular for tourists and for shopping. Many tourist places have their backgrounds related to the history for example, Temple of Emerald Buddha and The Grand Palace. Wimanmek Mansion in the Dusit Palace is one of the amazing place that visitors cannot miss. Moreover, if tourists choose to see the mix of culture, Yaowarat Road or China Town is recommended for visiting, you can see the lifestyle of Chinese -Thai residence as well as the biggest golden Buddha statue in the world. Furthermore, Bangkok is the heaven for shopping. Chatuchak weekend market, Ratchaprasong intersection area, Pratunam, Siam shopping area and MBK Centre are very famous for tourists since they can buy cheap and good quality products. For the night entertainment, Silom, Khaosarn and Sukhumvit Road are for visitors who need to relax after a whole day trip.

Visiting Bangkok, it is much more than travelling and sightseeing. This is a valuable memory that you can gain with the reasonable price. You will not only take many shopping bags and photos back home but also bring back the unforgettable experience that make you want to return.

Fun Facts About India

DID YOU KNOW...

India is a "big paradise" in Asia. Exotic culture, priceless art, modern cities, national parks, and friendly people make the India an excellent destination for tourists...a vast space of immense beauty.Throughout the 21st century, India still maintains traditional lifestyle. The Festival of Laxmi is one of the most well-know religious festival in the Hindu religion.Laxmi is the Goddess of the peace and prosperity. The Festival of Laxmi plays a profound role in the lives of many Indians.
India is known in history as the birthplace of Mohandas K. Gandhi, whose legacy was the democracy. Once Gandhi said, "You must be the change you wish to see in the world".

DID YOU KNOW...

Since 1947, India, an ex British colony, is a democratic country in the Third World. Different from Pakistan(dictatorship), Bhutan ( absolutist monarchy), Nepal ( absolutist monarchy) and Myanmar ( military dictatorship), India did not have dictators.
From 1900 to 1947, the country had one of the worst famine in the modern history. At that time, India was one of the most poorest countries in the world. After 1947, the government expanded "The Green Revolution".During this period of time, India´s export to world included sugar, corn, and cotton.Since then, India´s economy witnessed the most rapid growth in its history.By the mid-1990s, the economy was industrialized However, India´s human development system is considered among the worst in Asia.

DID YOU KNOW...

There are many women that have made themselves known in Bombay or Bangalore and abroad:

Rohini Hattangady (actress); Nandita Das (actress); Nazzia Hassan (singer); Usha Rai (journalist);Balasaraswathi (dancer); Kavita Srivajtava (women´s rights activist); Jessica Dragonette (actress);Sarojini Naidu (poetess);Devagmita Patnaik (dancer); Shantala Shivalingappa (dancer); Poolan Devi (women´s rights activist); Indira Gandhi (former Prime Minister of India); Maddhur Jaffrey (actress);Karnan Malleswari (sportswoman); Ruth Prawer Jhabvala (writer) and Shanta Rao (dancer).

DID YOU KNOW...

India has won five Miss World titles and two Miss Universe titles.

Since 1990, Miss Venezuela and Miss India are rivals in the beauty world.

1966: London, England. Miss India, Rita Faria, was elected Miss World.

1994:Manila (Philippines).Miss India, Shusmita Sen, was crowned Miss Universe.

1994: Sun City (South Africa).Miss India, Aishwarya Rai, won the Miss World pageant.

1997:Mahe,Seychelles. Miss India, Diana Hayden, was elected Miss Asia and Miss World.

1999:London, England. India´s Yukta Mookhey won the Miss World title.

2000:Nicosia, Cypruss. Miss India, Lara Dutta, was crowned Miss Universe.

2000:London, England. India´s Priyanka Chopra was crowned Miss Asia and Miss World.

In 2004, Julia Roberts, American actress, said, "Aishwarya Rai is the most beautiful woman in the world".She was Miss India-World, Miss Asia and Miss World (1994). Currently, Aishwarya is a famous actress in Bollywood. She has won several awards in her country and Asia.

DID YOU KNOW...

India maintains good relations with the United Kingdom, South Africa, Trinidad & Tobago, Guyana, Sri Lanka, Uganda, Canadas, Maldives, Mexico, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh Germany and the United States.

DID YOU KNOW...

"Gandhi" a film by British director Richard Atenborough was inspired in the life of Mohandas K. Gandhi ( 1869-1948). "Gandhi" won 8 Academy Awards in the 1980s.

DID YOU KNOW...

From 1900 to 1976, field hockey was the national sport in India.It won seven gold medals in field hockey in the Olympic Games history. India´s national field hockey team won its last gold medal at the 1964 Olympic Games.

DID YOU KNOW...

The Indian film industry makes more films each year than the United States, France, Italy, and the People`s Republic of China.

DID YOU KNOW...

The Parcheesi is the national game of India. It is a board game. Since 1990, Parcheesi is very popular in Europe and the United States...

Walt Disney World's Top Tables

With so many choices, it's difficult to decide where to spend your dining dollars at Walt Disney World. Hopefully this list will narrow the field a bit for you.

Best For Families

Coral Reef Restaurant - Kid's feel like the Little Mermaid at this one-of-a-kind dining room where just a trident's throw away is Epcot's Living Seas' 6-million-gallon aquarium rife with coral reefs and sea life. And adults feel like Poseidon after just one bite of the restaurant's stellar seafood and the oh-so-delicious pepper jack cheese grits.

50's Prime Time Café - What kid doesn't want to experience life way back when. They'll get a fun dose of it at this Disney-MGM Studios' restaurant. Dine on savory renditions of good old American comfort food watching Leave it to Beaver and Topper on black and white TVs sitting on the counter between the toaster and the blender. "Mom" herself is your server, making sure everyone in the "family" observes good manners.

Whispering Canyon Café - Honest-to-goodness, rib-stickin' barbecued vittles served piping hot in an iron skillet is right up a wannabe cowboy's alley at this fun-loving restaurant at the Wilderness Lodge. Come prepared for plenty of hootin' and hollerin' and please, whatever you do, don't ask for the ketchup unless, that is, you like a lot of attention.

Best to Book Ahead For

California Grill - This sensational restaurant at the Contemporary Resort should be at the top of every visitors list. From exemplary sushi to the exceptional New American cuisine to sensational desserts and the outstanding California wine list each available by the glass, this place has it all. From its lofty heights diners can see the Magic Kingdom, the sparkling Seven Seas Lagoon, and, best of all, a picture-perfect view of the Wishes fireworks. Just try to time your meal around the fireworks and head outside to the super observation platform for a bird's-eye view of the extravaganza.

Cinderella's Royal Table - If there was ever a place to plan ahead for, this is it. Exactly 180 days prior to the anticipated day, countless parents rise at the crack of dawn to be one of the first to call for dining reservations. All just to insure that their darling little ones will be among the lucky few to be seated high atop Cinderella's Castle at the Magic Kingdom. If you don't snag a reservation your children will never forgive you.

Victoria and Albert's - Demand is high for this fantastic dining spot at the Grand Floridian Resort. Once you've secured your spot, just sit back and prepare to be wowed by tables set in Wedgewood china, Christofle silver, Frette linens, and Riedel crystal, and cuisine that will knock your socks off.

Best For Vegetarians

Victoria and Albert's- Here is one place that vegetarians won't feel short changed. A seven-course vegetarian menu, expertly overseen by the illustrious Chef de Cuisine Scott Hunnell, is offered nightly. It can't get much better than that.

Boma - The essence of Africa is potent beneath Boma's circular, thatched roof where hearty foods prepared with an African flair (and a dash of American cuisine for the picky eater) are the fare. An entire section (or pod) of meatless dishes with such items like vegetable lentil kofta, braised greens, vegetable skewers, and several kinds of exotic salads are par for the course.

Best Character Dining

Crystal Palace - Winnie the Pooh, and his friends, Eeyore, Piglet, and Tigger are your hosts in a sunlight-drenched, conservatory-style restaurant found at the castle end of Main Street in the Magic Kingdom. Here you'll find a surprisingly good and bountiful buffet, definitely one of the better spreads in the park.

1900 Park Fare - At this popular spot at the Grand Floridian Resort is Mary Poppins, Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, Alice in Wonderland, and the Mad Hatter for breakfast; in the evening hours the characters from Cinderella are in attendance. And the food is perhaps Disney's best buffet.

Akershus Royal Banquet Hall - Those who love the idea of ethnic dining should try this atypical one housed at Epcot in a replica of Oslo's Akershus Castle. Disney Princesses are in attendance at all meals and may include Belle, Ariel, Cinderella, Jasmine, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, and Mary Poppins.

Best Wine List

Citricos - This Mediterranean influenced restaurant at the Grand Floridian Resort is rightly proud of its global wine list, a Wine Spectator Restaurant Award winner. On the menu you'll find a suggested wine to accompany each course.

Jiko - At the Animal Kingdom Lodge's signature dining room you can order from the most extensive list of South African wines this side of Johannesburg. Also a Wine Spectator Restaurant Award winner, more than 65 of South Africa's boutique wineries showcase their vintages here.

California Grill - As if the spectacular food and the mind-boggling view isn't enough, the outstanding California wine list is also exceptional with 100 wines offered by the glass.

Victoria and Albert's - Yet again this, Disney's most acclaimed restaurant, makes the cut, and has the distinction of being Disney's only restaurant to receive the coveted Wine Spectator "Best of Award of Excellence", with 700 selections on the menu and 4,200 bottles in its cellar.

Best Hip Scene

Todd English's Bluezoo - There's plenty of buzz surrounding this dreamy outpost at the Walt Disney World Dolphin where it's worth the cost of dinner just to check out the stunning, underwater-like fantasyland dining room adorned with air bubble light fixtures, shimmery silver-blue organza curtains, and carpeting mimicking an expanding drop of water. But if dinner isn't in your plans, the lounge here is just as cool where martinis and a raw bar are on order.

Raglan Road - It's easy to imagine you're in the heart of Dublin at Raglan Road, Downtown Disney's newest restaurant and pub. Come in for a drink, a snack, or for a meal... whatever, just don't miss this fantastic spot. Irish musicians provide authentic entertainment accompanied by delicious, contemporary Irish cuisine.

Guide to Thai Cookware

Thai food is a very popular cuisine across the world. To make perfect Thai food, it is not essential to have all of the traditional tools, but it will make it a lot easier and more authentic. Here are a few choice items that could enrich your cooking experience.

Herbs and spices are integral to getting the right flavors for your Thai food. A handy thing to have in the kitchen is a pestle and mortar. These allow you to grind herbs down and make curry pastes out of them. Pesto gained its name from its ingredients being ground using a pestle. A good pestle and mortar set should be very hard wearing so that it crushes the ingredients without leaving any of itself behind.

An excellent aid for steaming or heating food is a banana leaf. These leaves have been used for centuries to prepare food. They can imbue the food placed inside with a fruit flavor. It's a bit of an all in one item as it can also be used to lay out or present food. They can give your Thai meals that extra bit of authenticity. Another thing that can add to the overall eastern ambiance is a bamboo basket which is a traditional way to serve rice in Thailand. The kind of rice you want for Thai food is of the sticky variety. This is a kind of sweet rice and for Asian cuisine should be steamed for extra authenticity.

If you have ever been to a Thai restaurant then you may have already seen a Thai fish platter serving dish. It is shaped like a fish and has a section in the bottom for placing either hot coals or tea tree lights. Then the fish is placed on top of this to keep it warm before eating.

Haiti - Culture And Sports

CULTURE

Like Katherine Dunham, Lillian Hellman, W.B. Seabrook, Erik Leonard Ekman, Alejo Carpentier, Selden Rodman, Noel Coward and Angeline Jolie, many people say that Haiti is the most beautiful country in the Caribbean. Known as the "Magic Land", Haiti is famous for its culture. Certainly, Haiti its culture, its superstitions and its music. The superstitions or voodoo plays a profound role in the lives of many Haitians. The voodoo was introduced into Haiti in the late 16th Century. Haiti is also famous for its painting, and finally for its ruins...for example the Sans Souci Palace, the most famous ruins in the Caribbean. Exactly, this enigmatic palace is considered a Cultural Heritage for Humanity by UNESCO. Originally constructed by black slaves, now Sans Souci is one of Haiti's main tourist attractions.

Since the late 1940s, Haitian painting, best known as "naïve art" or "intuitive art", is famous all around the World. The most important figure was Hector Hyppolite. His work made its biggest splash in the United States in the 20th Century. Other artists known internationally include Rigaud Benoit, Castera Bazile, Joseph Jean-Giles and Jean-Baptista Bottlex.Haiti is famous for its traditional sculpture. The best Haitian sculptor is Albert Mangoes.

FAMOUS HAITIAN

Nelust Wyclef Jean (singer/Haitian-American): Original member of 1990s hip hop group The Fugees. Wyclef Jean is probably the most popular Haitian singer of all time. Jean was born in Croix des Bouquets (Haiti) on October 17, 1972. When he was just ten years old, he moved to the United States. Under leadership of Wyclef Jean and Lauryn Hill, The Fugees had several hits in the 1990s, including The Score (The Score album sold 6 million copies). Since 1997, Wyclef Jean, as soloist, became well-known on the international music scene. Like songwriter and producer, Jean collaborated with superstars as Santana, Withney Houston, Mick Jagger,Bono,Tevin Cambpell, Bounty Killer, Eric Benet, Sarah Connor, Claudette Ortiz, Tarkan, Michael Jackson, Youssou N´Dor, Shakira, Olga Tañon, Carlos Ponce and Julio Voltio. During the last seven years, he has sold more than 10 millions albums worldwide. In 2002, his single Masquerade was a great success.

Since then, Wyclef Jean is a man that always works with love for Haiti, one of the World's poorest countries. Recently, he makes perhaps his best work: "Yele Haiti", a foundation which works for the human development in the Island. Like Miriam Makeba in South Africa or Bianca Jagger in Nicaragua, Jean loves his roots. In an interview for Magazine, Wyclef Jean discussed about Haitian roots: "I am 100% Haitian. I am proud to be Haitian. I still have my Haitian passport. I represent Haiti in everything that I do. Every head in the industry knows that I am Haitian...they know what I'm about. I was Haitian forst. Haitian till die!", said Jean.

Discography: Wyclef Jean Present the Carnival Featuring the refugee All-Stars (1997) / The Ecleftic:2 Sides II a Book/ Masquerade (2002) / The Preacher's (2003)/ Sak Pasé Presents: Creole 101( 2004) /Hips Don't Lie (with Shakira, 2006).

FAMOUS HAITIAN WOMEN

Michaëlla Jean (Governor-General of Canada)/ Yvonne Neptune (former Prime Minister)/Claudette Werleigh (Prime Minister 1995-1996)/Lina Blanchet (singer)/ Edwidge Danticat (writer)/ Michelle Bennett Duvalier(First Lady of Haiti 1981-1986)/ Luce Turnier (painter)/ Ertha Pascal-Trouillot (Head of State 1990-1991)/ Marie Casimir (journalist) / Sonia Sekula (Painter) / Marie Chauvet (writer)/ Suzanne Comhaire-Sylvain (writer)/ Carmen Brouard (singer)/Dayana Bennett (journalist and actress) / Elie Price (singer)/ Blanche Bosselman (singer)/ Lina Mathon (singer)/ Georgette Moliere (singer)/ Simone Ovide Duvalier (First Lady of Haiti 1957-1981)/ Marleine Bastien (human rights leader)/ Garcelle Beauvais (actress and model)/ Deborah Saint-Phard (track and field)/ Antoinette Gauthier (track and field), Louise Pierre (track and field)/ Rose Gauthier (track and field)

Edwidge Danticat (writer): One of the Caribbean's most famous writers in the 21st Century. She has written several novels and collections of shore stories, including Kri? Kra!, nominated for a National Book Award. Danticat attracted international attention in 1997 when she wrote perhaps her most famous novel Farming of the Bones, a story about genocide Haitians under the repressive dictatorship of Rafael Leonidas Trujillo.

Garcelle Beauvais (actress): She is the first Haitian actress to star on television. Although she has lived in the United States for many years, the actress and former fashion model Garcelle Beauvais was born in Saint Marc, a city in Haiti, in 1966. She is perhaps best known for her role as Francesca Monroe on TV's the Jamie Foxx Show. Like Gerthie David, Joelle Apollon, Evelyn Miot, and Marjorie Vincent, she has the classic beauty of the Haitian black woman

SPECIAL AWARDS

Gerthie David "The Black Goddess"

In 1975, many Haitian people were shocked to open their newspapers and see photographs of Gerthie David Miss Haiti in El Salvador. On the night of July 19th 1975, in San Salvador, Gerthie David, Miss Haiti, was the second black woman to first runner-up in the history of Miss Universe Pageant. After winning the Miss Haiti title, Gerthie went to San Salvador, the capital city of El Salvador, to enter the Miss Universe Contest. The competence was exhausting, very hard, for example Miss Bolivia, Jackeline Gammarra, great favorite, was eliminated. This day, Miss Haiti looks like a black goddess. Her exotic beauty and charming personality are amazing! At 1,72m in height, she was the best in the evening gown competition, but her speech about the Haitian superstitions swayed thousands of applauses in the 25th Edition of the Contest. Certainly, Miss Haiti captive to the judges Sarah Vaughan (American black singer), Maribel Arrieta (Miss El Salvador 1955 and First runner-up at Miss Universe 1955), Jean Claude Killy (French sportsmen) and Leon Uris(American writer ).

When Bob Barker, the host this pageant, announces the final placements, Gerthie was cheered by the entire auditorium. Suddenly, her pulse rate beats at thousand per minute... "First runner-up is Miss Haiti!", said Barker. She was one of the most exotic delegates in all history of Miss Universe. In the 1970s, Gerthie David was a model from Port-au Prince and she became a symbol to the Haitian youth.
Next months, in London, Joelle Apollon, Miss Haiti-World, came in sixth place at Miss World 1975.After sixteen years, Marjorie Vincent, formerly Miss Illinois 1991,won the title of Miss America Pageant. The first Miss America to originate from the Caribbean. In other words, Marjorie Vincent has Haitian roots. Furthermore, she was the second black woman to win the pageant.

SPORTS

Like in Brazil or Italy, the football is the most popular sport in Haiti. Certainly, the national pastime is the football. A different of the Dominican Republic or Puerto Rico, the Haitian people don't like the baseball. In the 20th Century, football became the most popular sport in the Island, thanks to such heroes as Sylvio Cator, Joseph Gaetjens and Emmanuel Sanon. In 1974 Haiti qualified for the World Cup in Germany.

Emmanuel Sanon was one of the Haiti's most popular players and played at the 1974 World Cup. Sanon made a great contribution to Haitian football because he played in more World Cup qualifiers any other Haitian. He is still very popular with local fans. Other phenomenal talent was Joseph Eduard Gaetjens. He represented both Haiti and the United States. He made FIFA World Cup History: When scored United States opening goal in the 1950 World Cup against England. Joseph came to the United States in the 1940s to play in the American Soccer League. His beautiful play in the Brookhattan Club made in a national star. In 1953, he played for Haiti for the first time.

It's practically impossible to talk about Haitian athletes without mentioning Sylvio Cator. He is a legend in this sport. Cator won the silver medal in the long jump at 1928 Amsterdam Olympics. Cator returned home to a hero's welcome. From 1928 to 1930, he was record man in the long jump. Cator was a marvelous jumper and footballer. He also played an important role in popularizing football in the Island (it was the captain of Haitian National Team).

Since then, he is an example for young people in Haiti. He died in November 1938, but today the people of Haiti still think of him with respect. Many years after Cator's death, the National Stadium in Por-au-Prince was renamed in his honor. Cator was the first of the great Caribbean sportsmen that would come to dominate world track and field.

FAMOUS ATHLETES

Bruny Surin (Canada-Haiti/track field)/ Edrick Floreal (Canada-Haiti/track field)/ Samuel Dalembert ( USA-Haiti/basketball) / Ronald Agenor (USA-Haiti/tennis)/ Sylvio Cator (track and field)/ Yves Jeudy (Box)/ Dieudonne Lamothe (marathon)/ Ludovic Augustin (shooting)/ Ludovic Volborge (shooting)/ Joseph Eduard Gaetjens (Haiti-USA/football)/ Dudley Dorival (track field)/ Fitz Plantin Andre (football)/ Emmanuel Sanon (football)/ Josmer Altidore (Haitian-American/football).

Dudley Dorival (track and field): Dudley Dorival was born on 1 September 1975 in Elizabeth (New Jersey, USA). Dorival is the son of Haitian parents and got Haitian nationality just in time for the XXVII Summer Olympics Games. Since the 2000 Olympics, Dudley Dorival has competed in international competitions under the banner of Haiti. In Sydney (Australia) Dorival finished 7th in the 110m hurdles. He became the first Haitian to Olympic finalist since Yves Jeudy (boxer) in 1976. He won the silver medal at the 1994 World Junior Championship, the bronze at the 2001 World Chanpionship and the gold medal at the 2002 Central American and Caribbean Games El Salvador. Dorival is one of the best sportsman in the history of Haiti.

REFERENCES:

-Bennet Patterson, Carolyn."Haiti: Beyond mountains, more mountains", National Geographic, Washington DC, January 1976

-Bishop,Randa. "Imponentes monumentos haitianos", Americas, Washington DC, enero-febrero 1987

-Cobb,Charles. "Haiti against all odds", National Geographic, November 1987

-Encyclopaedia Britannica Book of the Year 1981, Encyclopaedia Britannica, Chicago, 1980

-Encyclopaedia Britannica Almanac 2003, Encyclopaedia Britannica, Chicago, 2002

-Guevara Onofre, Alejandro. Enciclopedia Mundototal 1999, Editorial San Marcos, Lima, 1998

-Hunter, Brian. The Statesman's Year-Book 1991-92, The Macmillan Press, 1991

-Moritz, Charles. Current Biography Yearbook 1972, H.W Wilson Company, NY

-Sconfield, John. "Haiti-West Africa in the West Indies", National Geographic, Washington DC, February 1961

-The International Who's Who 1996-97, Europe Publications, London, 1996

-The World Almanac 2001, World Almanac Books, New Jersey, 2001

-Tibballs, Geoff. The Olympics´ strangest moments, Robson Books, London, 2004

-Vargas Llosa, Mario. "Haití: la muerte", El Comercio, Lima, 25.4.1994

-Visión. "Imperio del Poder Vitalicio", Santiago de Chile, 17 de marzo de 1967

-Wallechinsky, David. The complete Book of the Olympics, Aurum Press, London, 2004

-Wallechinsky, David-Wallace, Irving. The People's Almanac2, Batam Book Inc

-http://WWW.Yotube.com"1975 El Salvador Miss Universe" (video)

9 Reasons to Live on Samui Island

Shopping

Samui can be a shopping paradise for tourists, but in the past it was less so for residents. However this has now changed. We now have Tesco Lotus and the smaller Tops supermarkets, which stock not only everything to meet your everyday requirements but an increasing number of imported products, things that you may miss from home. The recent opening of Homepro means that all your DIY needs are taken care of too.

Nightlife

Offering everything from chilled out beach bars to full on beach parties and quiet little drinking holes to thumping discotheques, Samui's nightlife has something for everyone. With the opening of Q-Bar of Bangkok fame, the island is now starting to attract more exclusive nightlife options. If you are not a night-owl then don't worry - if you want it it's there, and if you don't then it won't keep you awake at night.

Accessibility

It may be an island but Koh Samui remains within easy reach of the rest of Thailand and Asia with Bangkok Airways ever widening network. You can be in Bangkok in an hour, and connect to flights around the world. It is also only a short flight to both Singapore and Hong Kong, both equally important travel hubs. So while it still retains the feel of a true tropical island the rest of the world is not too far away.

Restaurants

The quality and range of restaurants on the island seems to be continually improving. You can now find everything from Thai food stalls and western fast food all the way up to the finest French cuisine, and everything in between. In fact it is now easier to list the types of food that you can't find here now than those that you can.

Climate

What better way to escape from the cold of Europe than to spend the winter months on Samui. With temperatures rarely dropping below the low 20's Celsius even during the coolest season the sun is almost always shining. Even the rain is warm!

Environment

Despite the teething problems that so often affect places which experience a huge increase in popularity, Samui still remains a beautiful island. The beaches, forests, waterfalls and mountains all contribute towards the feeling of living in a tropical paradise, and with proper planning this will remain for future generations to enjoy.

People

What would Thailand or indeed Samui be without the Thai people? It is after all one of the reasons that so many people return to this country. Their friendly smiles and generally easy going nature make them a pleasure to deal with (even if the 'mai pen rai' factor can become a little frustrating at times when you need something done quickly!)

Services

The island now has almost every service you may require. Your health needs are well taken care of with a number of International standard hospitals.

Investment Potential

It is estimated that the growth in property prices in the last five years is over 100%, and it is showing no sign of slowing in the foreseeable future.

If you are not planning to stay year round it is equally good news. The demand for rental property is high, with many return visitors preferring to stay in villa type accommodation rather than hotels or resorts. Therefore even as the value of your property is rising there is also the potential to realise more immediate returns on your investment.

Hyderabad - The City of Pearls

Hyderabad is the capital of one of the most populous state of India, Andhra Pradesh. It is located on the banks of river Musi and on the Deccan Plateau. The city is known for its rich culture and tradition. However one can see a perfect blend of modernity with the tradition as well. The city is also known by many names such as "City of Pearls", "City of Nizams" and "The Biryani City". Hyderabad got the status of A-1 City due to its overall development. The city is emerging as a major IT hub of India and Osmania University is known for its excellence in academics. The city also boasts of having a World known Management Institute named, Indian School of Business as well as World's one of the largest film studio, Ramoji City. Secunderabad is another city which adjoins Hyderabad and both are commonly known as The Twin Cities.

Hyderabad has been ruled by Nizams of Qutub Shahi Dynasty for many centuries. Due to this, the beautiful works of pearls and silk have been an age old tradition. Products, which include silverware, saris, Nirmal and Kalamkari paintings and artefacts, unique Bidri handicrafts, lacquer bangles studded with stones, cotton ware and handloom-based clothing materials, are made since centuries. Monuments with awesome stone carving and architecture can be seen as well in the forms of The Golconda Fort, The Charminar etc. The city's population largely consists of Muslim i.e. around 70% of the total population of 6.5 million. The market surrounding Charminar, known as Laad Bazaar is famous for bangles and Pearl jewellery.

The city offers a lot of tourist attractions which include a lot of historic monuments, palaces and forts. But the places which one cannot afford to miss include the following:

a) Charminar: The icon of Hyderabad, Charminar was built to mark the end of plague epidemic.

b) Golconda Fort: The fort that served as centre of a flourishing diamond trade in 16th Century. The fort is a gigantic complex with the outer wall of 10Km. To do justice with the fort, one should keep a time of 2-3 hrs for it.

c) Mecca Masjid: It is the oldest and largest mosque in the city. The mosque is situated very near to Charminar.

d) Salar Jung Museum: A must see. The museum holds the belongings of the Nizams of Hyderabad majorly that of Salar Jung. The museum possess the things like dresses, handicrafts, beautiful sculptors, warfare equipments, jewellery, things brought from middle east etc. Also it has a huge wooden clock of Nizam which is still functioning and is certainly a major attraction. The Museum is also horded with porcelain, bronze, enamel, lacquerware, embroidery and paintings, which have been skillfully done in China, Japan, Tibet, Nepal and Thailand.

e) Birla Mandir: One of the finest temples made by Birla's throughout the country. The temple of Lord Venkateshwara lies in the heart of the city, on Naubat Pahad, a mountain, carved completely in white marble and offers a panoramic view of the city.

f) Hussain Sagar Lake: It is the largest man made lake in Asia. The lake is surrounded by green spans namely, Indira Park, Sanjeevaiah Park and Lumbini Park. In the centre of the lake, there stands a 16m tall, monolithic statue of Lord Buddha. A boat ride to the statue of Buddha is an unforgettable one and gives a feeling of immense peace.

g) NTR Gardens: An amusement park which houses interesting attractions like mini-train ride, haunted house, a boat ride etc.

h) Ramoji Film City: Located around 35 kms from the city, it spans in 2500 acres of land. Due to this, it was acknowledged as largest film studios in the World. The film city is one of the Major tourist attractions and can take even more than 5-6 hrs for completely enjoying the place. One can experience the sets and technology used in film making. A large number of Hindi and Telegu movies are produced here.

Hyderabad offers a real feast for non-vegetarian people. Hyderabad's Dum Biryani, Kachchi Gosht ki Biryani, and Hyderabadi Haleem are the things one can't afford to miss. However the Vegetarian people can also enjoy famous Veg. Biryani. The Paradise Hotel, The Hydrabadi House are a few who are famous for their Biryani preparations.

Travel to Hyderabad is easily facilitated by all the three modes of transportation i.e. By Air, By Train and By Road.

Cheap Flights to Bangkok Make The City a Tourist Haven

With a name that means "City of Angels", Bangkok has risen from a small trading post of Thailand to the largest urban area of the country. It is just not only the capital city of Kingdom of Thailand but is the enchanting "VIBGYOR" that enlightens the country in a unique way. With more than 400 elegantly designed temples, marvelous historical structures, sky-kissed buildings and world-class shopping malls and hotels, Bangkok is surely a tourist haven for every vacation. Grab flights to Bangkok early as you can't miss this destination, irrespective of your purpose of visit in Thailand. Now-a-days, the availability of direct flights to Bangkok from every city of the world makes your journey more comfortable and convenient.

Bangkok, a prime destination of Southeast Asia, is one of the important centers for business and commercial activities. Its growing image as a corporate hub can be easily understand from its increasing numbers of business centers, corporate houses and commercial venues of renowned commercial groups. Besides being the nerve center of the country, this fantastic city acts as a wonderful tourist destination for people of all ages. Thanks to its marvelous attractions and plentiful things to do and enjoy. The best part of the city is its vibrancy and pace. Step out from your hotel and head towards a typical Siamese village and you will find why Bangkok is called the heart of Thailand. Some of its notable attractions that one must visit are the massive Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Mahathat, Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), Wat Sutat (Great Swing), The Ancient City, Bangkok National Museum, Siam Ocean World, Safari World and Dusit Zoo Bangkok. All the way from all these cultural and entertainment sites to some of Asia's biggest shopping centers that make Bangkok a "shopping paradise". Whether you are visiting the capital of Thailand first time or are a regular visitor, Bangkok entertains its visitors every time with all its charm and magnetism.

Along with all these notable features, there are two more main glittering gems of Bangkok that makes the city a complete tourist haven, i.e. nightlife and floating markets. With numerous bars, nightclubs, discotheques, bars and casinos, Bangkok nightlife is considered as one of the most dazzling and rowdy nightlife in the world. Ratchaprasong, Ratchadapisek, Khao San Road, Chinatown - Ploenchit are the areas for night lovers. The night markets and floating markets of the city will surely win your hearts and admiration. If you want to experience something more and pleasurable then one can't beat the tasteful experiences of Thai cuisine and touch of Thai spa therapies, two renowned features of Thai hospitality. Your chances of enjoying all these have now increased with frequent direct flights to Bangkok. Whether it is Rome, Paris, New Delhi or London, you will easily get flights to Bangkok.

Fun Facts About Taiwan

DID YOU KNOW THAT...

Taiwan won the 1996 Little League World Series in the U.S city of Williamsport. Baseball is the national sport in Taiwan.

DID YOU KNOW THAT...

Like France, Italy and the United States, Taiwan is very famous for its films in the world. The prizes attained include the Golden Lion awarded by the Venice International Film Festival to Hou Hsiao-hsien´s "City of Sadness"(1989). In 2001, Ang Lee´s "Crouching, Tiger, Hidden Dragon" won four Oscars at the 73rd Annual Academy Awards: Best Foreign Language Film, Best Art Direction, Best Music, and Best Art Cinematography.He is considered one of the best film directors of all times. Ang Lee was born on October 23, 1954, in Pingting, Taiwan.

DID YOU KNOW THAT...

Lu Hsiu-lien is vice president of Taiwan since 18 March 2000. On December 9, 2001, she became the first woman to be awarded the World Peace Prize from the World Peace Corps Academy. Lu Hsiu-lien was born on June 7, 1944, in Taoyuan, Taiwan.

DID YOU KNOW THAT...

Taiwan hosted the Miss Universe pageant in 1988. Ironically, Miss Taiwan, Jade Hu Fei-tsui, did not even make the semi-finals.

DID YOU KNOW THAT...

Different from Cuba, Myanmar and Vietnam, Taiwan is a democratic country. Freedom and democracy are more than just slogans in Taiwan. The first article of the Constitution National says: "The Republic of China (or Taiwan), founded on the Three Principles of the People, shall be a democratic republic of the people, to be governed by the people and for the people".

DID YOU KNOW THAT...

Taiwan competed at the 1973 Summer Olympics in Munich,West Germany. The Taiwanese delegation had 22 athletes competing in ten sports: track and field (8), boxing (1), wrestling (1), judo(4), weighlifting (1), cycling (1), shooting(1), archery (1), swimming (3), and sailing (1).

DID YOU KNOW THAT...

Taiwan is slightly bigger than Belgium.

DID YOU KNOW THAT...

The Nobel Prize for Chemistry was awarded to Lee Yuan-tseh. He was born on November 19, 1936, in Hsinchu, Taiwan.

DID YOU KNOW THAT...

After Cold War, Taiwan emerged as one of the most powerful economies in the Third World.

DID YOU KNOW THAT...

Taipei, the capital city of Taiwan, is the Asia capital of art and culture. It gathers some of the most famous museums in Asia. Taipei´s National Palace Museum has the world´s largest collection of oriental art treasures. Much of the immense collection of porcelain, jade, sculptures, paintings, and bronzes is regularly rotated.
The National Museum of Prehistory is a famous Taiwanese museum situated adjacent to the Puyuma archeological site in Taitung County.

DID YOU KNOW THAT...

On November 9, 1961, Miss Taiwan, Grace Li, competed in the international beauty pageant Miss World, held in London, England.
Miss Taiwan was the first runner-up at the Miss World 1961.She was long considered one of the most beautiful women in Taiwan.

DID YOU KNOW THAT...

Master Chen Yen is known by many as "The Mother Teresa of Asia".She is an advocate for the poor and homeless in Asia.In 1996, Chen Yen was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for her fight against poverty.She once said: " The Buddha became the Buddha because he gave up his life to save people. Donating our bone marrow does no harm to us. We can save people without hurting ourselves. So, I hope you donate. I also hope to set up a Data Bank of 20,000 donors, or 50,000 donors, or 100,000. If there is a Bank of 100,000, the opportunity for a patient to be saved will be as high as 95%."

DID YOU KNOW THAT...

Taiwan has competed in the Winter Olympic Games 9 times (Sapporo-1972, Innsbruck-1976, Sarajevo-1984, Calgary-1988, Albertville-1992,Lillehammer-1994, Nagano-1998,Salt Lake City-2002, and Turin-2006).