Healthy Foods

The health benefits of fruits guarantee you optimum health and a well-built body in the long run. Fruits benefit your body immensely as they are natural sources ofvitamins and minerals, which are essential for the proper functioning of the body. Rich in dietary fiber, fruits also help to improve the functioning of the digestive tract. Fruits are an important part of a healthy diet for those who want to lose weight; they give ample energy and nearly every nutrient that your body needs to curb weight gain, without adding any unnecessary fats.

10 Best Malaysia Beach Resorts

Thailand is definitely not the only country in southeast Asia with stunning beaches and islands. Malaysia has dozens of islands on both the east and west coasts that easily rival the beauty of those in Thailand. In addition, Malaysia’s beach resorts rank as some of the best in the region. This list presents the best beach resorts in Malaysia, as rated by visitors.

10 Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa
The Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa is located in a secluded spot close to the city of Kota Kinabalu. Cable television service, air conditioning, high speed Internet and minibars are available in every room. The villas at the Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa also feature balconies. The beach resort has modern amenities but features a design that incorporates many of the characteristic elements of Borneo architecture such as timbered construction. The villas are located on the beach where they enjoy sweeping views of the South China Sea.

9 The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa
Set in an idyllic natural retreat on the island of Langkawi, the Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa boasts its own private beach. Tastefully designed with contemporary decor, all 202 rooms and suites offer modern amenities such as a 42″ plasma TV with satellite channels and internet access. Guests can cool down in the infinity pool, relaxation ocean pool or on the white sandy beach while enjoying the magnificent view of neighboring islands.


8 Tanjung Rhu Resort
Tanjung Rhu sits on the northern tip of Langkawi at on one of the most peaceful and beautiful beaches on the island. It is the only resort on this part of the island ensuring its exclusivity and the privacy of its guests. The resort is flanked by a landscape of centuries-old limestone caves and uninhabited islands. Every room is spacious, with timber floors and large windows, to take advantage of the tropical breeze and a choice of enchanting garden, pool or sea view.


7 Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa
The Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa is nestled in beautiful natural surroundings in Kota Kinabalu. Shopping and entertainment venues are close by. There are private balconies attached to all of the rooms at the Tanjung Aru Resort. Guests can choose between six different restaurants and bars. The hotel also offers extensive spa services to its guests.


6 Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort
The Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort is situated just over a half an hour from the center of Kota Kinabalu. The hotel is close to crystal clear waters and pristine beaches. The facilities at the hotel itself include a restaurant that serves California dishes, a gym, a steam room and a massage service. There is also a swimming pool and the hotel even has its own golf course.


5 Pangkor Laut Resort
Pangkor Laut is a privately owned island located three miles off the West Coast of Malaysia along the Straits of Malacca. There is no other resorts on the island, just secluded bays curled around pristine beaches and a deep sense of serenity reserved exclusively for the guests. The villas are carefully positioned along the island. Some are on the hillside amongst tropical rain forest, others in lush tropical gardens, and others overlook the beach with beautiful views of the sea.


4 Four Seasons Resort Langkawi Malaysia
The Four Seasons Resort Langkawi is located on the Tanjung Rhu Beach. All guest pavilions and villas offer the soothing sounds of the Andaman Sea and sensational views of sunsets beyond the beach. The guest accommodations are a fusion of traditional Malaysian design elements and contemporary resort features, with timber floors, soaring ceilings and large open verandas. The standalone villas offer complete privacy overlooking the azure sea. The spacious patio outside the room is furnished with a dining table for four and an oversized daybed. The living area includes a 42 inch plasma screen television and high speed internet.


3 The Datai Langkawi
The Datai Langkawi Hotel features a variety of villas and suites set against a tropical rainforest atmosphere in close proximity to the beach. Facilities are plentiful and include a gym, health club, sauna and not one but two pools. The larger of the two pools is elevated among the forest canopy, with stunning views through the tree tops to the sea below. The other pool is located down near the beach for those who wish to enjoy refreshing sea breeze. The resort contains five specialty restaurants serving a range of global cuisine. Situated high up in the rainforest canopy, The Pavilion restaurant for example serves authentic Thai cuisine in an open-air setting.


2 The Danna Langkawi Malaysia
The Danna Langkawi is located on Pantai Kok in the northwest of Pulau Langkawi. Set in a five-storey building, the beach resort offers spectacular views of the sea, marina and mountains. It comes with facilities such as a fitness center, spa, and games room. The luxury hotel comes with a mix of local architectural design and British colonial style, with a vibrant greenery of the landscaped courtyard overlooks the pool. The 125 rooms and suites are equipped with a host of modern amenities and are designed with timber flooring and handcrafted woodwork.


1 Casa del Mar Langkawi
Rated as one of the best Malaysia beach resorts, the Casa del Mar in Langkawi, sits on Pantai Cenang Beach. This is one of the most popular entertainment areas in Langkawi with a wide selection of restaurants and pubs nearby. All hotel rooms face the sea and are cooled by air-conditioning and ceiling fans. Floor to ceiling sliding picture windows provide great views of Cenang Beach. Deluxe rooms are located on the ground floor and suites are on the first floor.

How To Find Cheap Entertainment On Vacation

So you’re about to go on your summer vacation and you’ve decided to visit a tourist destination that you’ve never been to before. You want to have a good time but you also don’t want to have to break the bank to do it. So the question is: How do you find cheap entertainment while visiting somewhere you’ve never been before? It’s a safe bet that all of the “mainstream” attractions are going to be expensive. So, rather than blowing all your money on all of these things, why not mix in a little budget entertainment?
Here are some ideas that I have found to be effective.

Beforehand, order tour books form the local tourism office to find out what exactly there is to do. Look online for discount coupon books and you can even check to see if the city you’re visiting has an Entertainment Book. Many times, you can find “diamond in the rough” types of entertainment here.

Research
Read reviews of the things that you find before making plans. Sometimes, what looks good on paper, or online, is a different story once you get there. Then, compare. You want to get the most fun for your dollar. Look for free things to do. There’s a place in Myrtle Beach, SC where you can visit with tigers for free. If you want a picture taken with them the cost is outrageous, but if you don’t care about a photo, there you go! Miami also has a park that is known for kite flying. All you need is a kite and some wind for an afternoon of inexpensive fun. Yelp and TripAdvisor are great review sites where you can find good ideas for all different types of entertainment.

Get With The Locals
Most importantly, figure out what the locals do. How do you do this? Ask the waitress at the restaurant you eat at, ask at the front desk of your hotel, ask the guy behind the counter at the convenience store. Don’t just use the opinion of one; get feedback from lots of locals to make the best decision.

A Members
If you are not currently a member of AAA, and you do a good bit of summer traveling, then I would seriously consider joining. You can visit your local office and get discounted attraction tickets for places all over. Make sure to look for those hidden gems in your AAA discounts.

When You Arrive
Before you start peppering the locals with questions, I would first grab all the discount coupon books that you see. They should be all over your hotel lobby and at restaurants and convenience stores. Take a quick peek at them first. That way, maybe you can ask the locals some specific questions if a particular attraction you’ve found looks appealing.

There’s nothing worse than arriving for a week or so of fun at a tourist city that you’ve never been to before, only to think that there’s nothing to do after only the first few days. All of these cities have mainstream hotspots, and I’d venture to say that they also have their hidden (inexpensive) gems as well. It’s only a matter of finding them.
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12 Top Tourist Attractions in Sydney

There are certainly a lot of great sights to discover in Sydney. Whether it is your first time traveling there or perhaps you have been a frequent visitor, there is always something available for you to see and do. As you know, Sydney is an amazing city with rich history and vibrant culture. So if you are looking for ideas on where to go on your upcoming Sydney vacation, refer to the list below for the 12 top tourist attractions in Sydney.

1. Sydney Opera House
The Sydney Opera House is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Sydney and it is in fact, a landmark of Australia. Therefore, you should never leave Sydney without taking a glimpse of this marvelous architecture, situated right on the Sydney Harbor. This building is actually a multi-venue performing arts centre and if your schedule allows, book a ticket for some of the performances happening there.

2. Sydney Tower Eye
The Sydney Tower is considered as Sydney’s tallest building and is the third tallest building all over the country. Visiting the tower will give you a chance to enjoy a 360 degree view of the entire city, from the highest point of the tower. You will also be able to glimpse the stunning harbor city as well as the golden beaches afar, including the Blue Mountains. You also get to enjoy a 4D cinematic experience on the tower where you will discover a new dimension of the city from a whole new perspective.


3. The Rocks
The Rocks in Sydney is actually an urban locality where you will find tons of tourist sites and it is considered as the historic area of Sydney’s city centre. The Rocks is situated on Sydney Harbor’s southern shore, within the northwest portion of Sydney’s central business district. It is dotted with souvenir shops, historic pubs, as well as some of Sydney’s finest restaurants. It operates during the weekend with about a hundred stalls from different vendors.


4. Sydney Aquarium
The Sea Life Sydney Aquarium is located at the Darling Harbor. It contains a huge variety of Australian marine species with over 650 marine life and more than 6,000 individual fishes and other sea creatures. The aquarium also features underwater exhibits through an acrylic glass tunnel where sharks often swim above the spectators.


5. Sydney Fish Market
If you want to indulge on fresh seafood dishes in Sydney, then head over to the Sydney Fish Market. Established in 1945, the Sydney Fish Market is hailed as third largest fish market all over the world. The market incorporates a working fish port, as well as a wholesale fish market, a delicatessen, sushi bar bakery, fruit and vegetable market, and many more. They also have daily wholesale auction early in the morning for seafood retailers.

6. Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens
The Royal Botanic Garden of Sydney is one of the three major botanicals in the city that are open to the public. The garden was established in 1816 by Governor Phillip. It is located in the east of the Sydney Opera House and it overlooks the Farm Cove. The Botanical garden sits on a 30 hectare of land area and is open every day, from Monday to Friday. The great thing about this tourist site is that the entry is free.

7. The Gap
The Gap is a majestic ocean cliff right in the eastern part of Sydney. Although it has earned a reputation for being a suicide location, it is still a beautiful site to witness so you should include this on the list of places that you should see when traveling to Sydney.


8. Vaucluse House
The Vaucluse House is a historic estate located in the suburb of Vaucluse in Sydney. It is a popular tourist destination since the estate features a unique Gothic Revival Style that is truly a sight to behold. The 19th century home property is fully equipped with a kitchen wing, outbuildings and stables and is surrounded with well manicured gardens set in a 9-hectare of land.


9. Bondi Beach
The Bondi Beach is a popular beach destination not only in Sydney but all over Australia. It is about one kilometer long and is said to be receiving thousands of visitors all throughout the entire year. So if you want to frolic in the sun and get a perfect tan while in Sydney, this is the best place to visit. Bondi Beach is also called the Surfer’s Paradise, and each year, thousands of Surfing enthusiasts from all over the world would come to Bondi to surf in the waves.


10. Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains
The Three Sisters is another popular destination in Australia and should be included on the list of sites to visit when traveling to Sydney. This is a beautiful rock formation located in the Blue Mountains right in the north portion of the Jamison Valley. Blue Mountain’s soft sandstone is easily eroded by wind overtime which causes the cliffs to be broken up and thus, the Three Sisters were formed.


11. Madame Tussauds Wax Museum
Madame Tussauds is a world class wax museum that can be found in various countries all over the world. In Australia, the museum is situated in Sydney and it features several wax works of popular royal figures, Hollywood stars, sports personalities, famous leaders, and many more.

12. Hunter Valley Wine Country
For a taste of Australia’s finest wines, head over to the Hunter Valley wine country. This is where you will find all of the best tasting wine in the country. The wine region is two hours away from Sydney and you can choose to book for accommodations there if you prefer to stay within the vineyard. There are also day tours that you can book where you can explore the vineyards and discover how wines are produced. Of course, you get to taste a glass of your favorite wine, too.

8 Place the Best Tour in Cambodia

1, Mondulkiri
You may know of Cambodia with its famous Angkor temples and many other pagodas and historical sites. But Cambodia is also rich in natural resources and abundant in beautiful landscapes, which makes a perfect place for ecotourism travel as well. Among them, Mondulkiri is probably the best place for your trip to nature.
Mondulkiri means “a range of mountains”, indeed the area holds a collection of beautiful mountains that is compared to nature-lovers’ paradise of Cambodia. There are much to explore to Mondulkiri including cultural resorts, waterfalls, forests, wildlife sanctuaries and tribal villages.
In Mondulkiri there are plenty of waterfalls, each has its own charm and are all popular for their natural freshness. The surrounding forests contain a large amount of attractive rivers, remote and unique landscapes, and undisturbed habitat of wildlife. Mondulkiri also has a pine plantation farm that contains extensive ranges of pine trees that is really worth a view on your trip.
A visiting to local hill tribe villages will leave you with wonderful experiences of local culture. You can choose to experience home stay, visit traditional houses, enjoy tribal art and folk dance of those ethnicities or drop by the tribe markets where many people from various minorities gather to buy and sell handmade products.

2, Kratie
Say Kratie to any Khmer and they will probably think dolphins – indeed the town is a famous home for the endangered Inrrawaddy dolphins, and many people come here just to catch a glimpse of the few left in the world.
Kratie is a nice place to spend a night or two, if you would like to dive in the authentic rural ambience and escape from some other intensely touristed areas. The town is charming with its colonial architecture and tree-lined streets. The river road is a nice spot to chill out and watch the city life while enjoying dozens of snack and drink stalls selling all different things. Or you can get the most unique experience with a Cambodian rural tour, experiencing homestay at a local’s and help out in the fields. The green paddies and beautifully polished stilted wooden homes shaded by thick palms would remain in your memory for good!
The province has a monsoonal climate, with a cool season from November to March, a hot season from March to May, and a rainy season from May to October. There are a number of decent restaurants serving full meals as low as $1 or even less. You'll also find a bustling market which is a great place to sample some delicious food and generally breathe in the rural Cambodian life.

3, Battambang
Battambang city is the capital of Battambang province, and a popular tourist destination due to the many nearby ancient temples, Buddhist shrines and the infamous bamboo railway. Battambang boasts the best preserve French colonial architecture of the country, the perfect blend of modern city and small-town friendliness, which works together to give the town a unique charm.
There are plenty of things to see and do in and around Battambang, plus the town provides great accommodation and food and drink options. The town still remains quiet and far more traditional than the bustling capital or tourism hotspots of Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, providing a wonderfully contrasting destination to complete your Cambodia itinerary.
Several temple ruins and historical sites can be found within a 30km radius of town, such as Phnom Banon and Wat Ek Phnom, providing convenient day trip opportunities. There are nearby natural wildlife and preserve centres, creating a perfect trip for natural lovers and those who seek a true relaxing holiday.

4, Kampong Thom
Is often known as the resting place between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, nevertheless the place is relaxing and beautiful with several attractions. So why not make it one of your destinations on the way to the Angkor temples?
You can spend a good day to pack yourself with trips to several temples in the area. The temples may be smaller, and the sites are also smaller to that of Angkor, but taking out the comparison, you will find all the wats and prasats in Kampong Thom fascinating and beautiful. Phnom Santuk and Prey Kuk Temple are the most famous sites among those you should visit.
Kampong Thom provides you with the precious chance to dive in the authentic Cambodian rural life with many fishermen, ox-carts and farmers. You can relax on the boat trip along the river or bike ride through the rice paddies, trying to breath in the most original smells of nature. There are a number of Khmer restaurants with authentic taste, which is a good chance to practice your Khmer or perhaps sign language because most menus and services are in Khmer. Nevertheless, the beef lok-lak and noodle soup are especially good and will make your mouth water at the first sight.

5, Kep City
Kep is a seaside tourist city which can easily be reached from Phnom Penh by train or from the border or port of Vietnam. The city was founded in 1908 during the French colonial times and was renovated into a beautiful seaside resort in 1960s.
Coming to Kep, tourists especially enjoy the beautiful sandy beach with twelve month of sunshine. After a swim, it is also great to take a stroll along the shore road, examining the ruins of French colonial holiday homes left from Kep’s glory days. You can go trekking around to explore Kep’s mountains, forests and waterfalls or even rent a fishing boat to experience a day of being fishermen.
Kep is a huge market for seafood, and a paradise for seafood lovers: fresh fish, prawns, squids,… Crab is Kep’s specialty. Don’t miss your chance to try the famous fried Kep crabs in Kampot pepper sauce! Every weekend, hundreds of people travel to Kep to enjoy a picnic or to buy fresh seafood at the famous seafood market.

6, Sihanoukville
Spend a wonderful “sun, sea and sand” holiday in Sihanoukville! After visiting Angkor complex, visitors stream to Sihanoukville to enjoy the fresh air and a variety of beautiful beaches to suit your own preferences.
Ochheuteal Beach and Serendipity Beach are located in the central area, suitable for those who enjoy a vibrant lifestyle. Here gathers a lot of budget motels, hotels, restaurants, bars, cinemas, fashion stores, Westerners’ corners, etc. Sokha Beach and Independence Beach are close together, containing two famous private resorts suitable for those who prefer a deluxe vacation. The resorts include separate beaches, bars and restaurants. This is the only place with bungalows overlooking the sea for a romantic vacation, suitable for couples or families with children. Otres Beach and Victoria Beach are affordable and quiet. There are many small fishing villages located close to the sea, creating a peaceful setting. Beaches are beautiful with fine white sand and blue water.
Seafood is sumptuous and cheap, and even cheaper and fresher if you buy at the Old Markets. You can choose from crabs, shrimps, clams or oysters, and sellers will swiftly grill it for your freshly hot takeaway. This is as fresh as ocean-to-table, and possibly the most delicious seafood you’ve ever had.
Sihanoukville is good to visit all year round but the best season is from September to May.

7, Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh – The Pearl of Asia, Charming City, Paris of the East! The city is attractive with an excellent blend of buildings with French influenced architecture and many spectacular works of Khmer architecture.
The places you should not miss when coming to Phnom Penh are the Royal Palace with the Silver Pagoda, the Independence Monument and the National Museum, constructed during the French colonial era in the late 19th century in the classical Khmer style and hosting a vast collection of Khmer antiquities.
Phnom Penh offers a variety of interesting culinary treats which cannot be found elsewhere in the country. Pizzas, banana pancakes and fried rice are always easy to find. The riverfront hosts everything from stand-up stalls to fine French bistros. Besides, there are many exotic dishes for the brave such as duck embryo eggs, frogs, chicken claws, chicken feet, grasshoppers, etc.
Phnom Penh has a tropical wet and dry climate. There is plenty of sunshine all year round, making it perfect to visit any time in the year.

8, Siem Reap
Siem Reap means “Defeat Siam” – today’s Thailand, the name is to remember Cambodia’s victory against a Siamese invasion. Nowadays, the fast-growing town of Siem Reap is the gateway to Angkor and is filled with lodging, dining, and tour-package options for tourists of all budgets.
Every year, waves of tourists travel to visit the famous “UNESCO World Heritage” Angkor Archaeological Park. The spectacular complex contains magnificent remains of several capitals of the Khmer Empire dating back more than a thousand years ago. Highlights include the temple of Angkor Wat and Bayon Temple at Angkor Thom with its countless sculptural decorations.

Besides, there are lovely museums, cultural villages, handicraft shops, fishing villages, etc. at Siem Reap. Discover local cultures with its cooking classes, massage, cultural performances all year round. You can get to virtually any place by tuk tuk with the cost of as low as $1 for a city tour. In terms of food, Old Market areas offer the largest assortment of restaurants and street food of all kinds.
Siem Reap has a tropical wet and dry climate with plenty of sunshine, making it a perfect getaway after a hardworking and stressful year at work.

10 Top Tourist Attractions in Cambodia

Cambodia is slowly recovering from the horrors of the Khmer Rouge’s reign of terror. Major problems still exist: land mines, poverty and a devastated infrastructure. But the reconstruction and healing process is now well under way and increasing numbers of tourists are rediscovering Cambodia’s attractions. The stunning temples of Angkor are the obvious draw for most tourists, but the country has much else to offer: tropical beaches, colonial buildings and an abundance of natural attractions.

10 Preah Vihear
Preah Vihear is a Khmer temple situated atop a 525 meter (1,722 ft) cliff in the Dângrêk Mountains, on the border between Cambodia and Thailand. It has the most spectacular setting of all the Khmer temples. Most of the temple was constructed in the 11th and 12th century during the reigns of the Khmer kings Suryavarman I and Suryavarman II. It was dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Preah Vihear is the subject of a long-running territorial dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, and several soldiers were killed in clashes in 2009.

9 Sihanoukville
Sihanoukville, also known as Kampong Som, is a port city and beach resort on the Gulf of Thailand. The big attraction here are the white-sand beaches and several undeveloped tropical islands. Sihanoukville is a good place to relax and unwind, though be prepared to battle the crows during the high season or a holiday weekend.

8 Tonle Sap
Tonlé Sap is the largest freshwater lake in South East Asia and is of major importance to Cambodia. The lake expands and shrinks dramatically with the seasons. From November to May, Cambodia’s dry season, the Tonlé Sap drains into the Mekong River at Phnom Penh. However, when the year’s heavy rains begin in June, the flow of the Tonlé Sap changes directions and an enormous lake forms. Tonlé Sap is home to many ethnic Vietnamese and numerous Cham communities, living in floating villages around the lake.

7 Silver Pagoda
Located within the Royal Palace compound in Phnom Penh, the Silver Pagoda houses many national treasures such as gold and jeweled Buddha statues. Most notable is a small 17th century baccarat crystal Buddha (the Emerald Buddha of Cambodia) and a life-sized gold Maitreya Buddha decorated with 9584 diamonds. The internal wall of the Silver Pagoda courtyard is decorated with a richly colored and detailed mural of the Ramayana myth, painted in 1903–04 by 40 Khmer artists.

6 Bokor Hill Station
Bokor Hill Station near Kampot was built by the French in the 1920s to be used as a retreat from the heat of Phnom Penh. It has since been abandoned twice, first in the 1940s when the Japanese invaded Cambodia and again in the 1970s, when the Khmer Rouge engulfed the country. Today, Bokor Hill Station and its abandoned buildings have an eerie, ghost-town feel. As of October 2008, the road to Bokor is officially closed due to ongoing reconstruction. Independent access seems to be impossible. though there are hiking tours arranged by local travel agents.

5 Kratie
Kratie is a small town located on the banks of the Mekong River and is dominated by a central marketplace surrounded by old, French colonial buildings. There’s no large scale tourism, but plenty of backpackers pour through here during the peak season. It is the place in Cambodia to see the rare Irrawaddy dolphins, which live in the Mekong River in ever-diminishing numbers. It is estimated that there are between 66 and 86 dolphins left in the upper Cambodian Mekong area.

4 Koh Ker
Koh Ker was the capital of the Khmer empire for a very brief period from the year 928 to 944 AD. In this short time some very spectacular buildings and immense sculptures were constructed. The site is dominated by Prasat Thom, a 30 meter (98 ft) tall temple pyramid rising high above the surrounding jungle. A giant Garuda (mythical half-man, half-bird creature), carved into the stone blocks, still guard the very top, although its partially covered now. Left to the jungle for nearly a millennium, Koh Ker was one of Cambodia’s most remote and inaccessible temple destinations. This has now changed thanks to recent de-mining and the opening of a new toll road.

3 Banteay Srei
Although officially part of the Angkor complex, Banteay Srei lies 25 km (15 miles) north-east of the main group of temples, and therefore often considered a separate Cambodia attraction. The temple was completed in 967 AD and is built largely of red sandstone, a medium that lends itself to the elaborate decorative wall carvings which are still clearly visible today. Banteay Srei is the only major temple at Angkor not built for a king, instead it was constructed by one of king Rajendravarman’s counselors, Yajnyavahara.

2 Bayon Temple
Part of the world famous destination of Angkor, the Bayon temple features a sea of over 200 massive stone faces looking in all direction. The curious smiling faces, thought by many to be a portrait of king Jayavarman VII himself or a combination of him and Buddha, are an instantly recognizable image of Angkor. Built in the 12th century by King Jayavarman VII as part of a massive expansion of his capital Angkor Thom, the Bayon is built at the exact center of the royal city.

1 Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat (meaning “City Temple”) is the most magnificent and largest of all Angkor temples and the top tourist attraction in Cambodia. Built around the first half of 12th century by King Suryavarman II, the temple’s balance, composition and beauty make it one of the finest monuments in the world. A huge rectangular reservoir surrounds Angkor Wat which rises up through a series of three rectangular terraces to the central shrine and tower at a height of 213 meters (669 feet). This arrangement reflects the traditional Khmer idea of the temple mountain, in which the temple represent Mount Meru, the home of the gods in Hinduism.

Source from: http://www.touropia.com/

25 Best Caribbean Beaches

25 Palm Beach
Palm Beach in Aruba features white sand and excellent swimming conditions in calm water. All up and down this beach are resorts, which makes the area more crowded than some other beaches on Aruba, but also provides a lot of amenities and services. All resorts open their amenities and grounds to the public, including equipment rentals.

24 Orient Beach
Orient Beach is St. Martin’s flagship beach and is often referred to as the “French Riviera of the Caribbean”. This expansive one mile beach is home to numerous beach bar and restaurants, who offer various menus, from formal French to pizzas, burgers and local fare. Be forewarned, this beach is divided into two sections. The northern portion of the beach is referred to as the “prude side” while the southern section is referred to as the “nude side”.

23 Punta Cana
The Punta Cana coastline of sandy white beaches is considered the major resort area in the Dominican Republic. The majority of the resorts are very large and spread out, like small cities. The nightlife inside the resorts is very lively with Las Vegas-style shows mostly from native artists. Other tourist attractions include water parks, shopping malls and golf courses.

22 Horseshoe Bay
Although technically Bermuda is not a Caribbean Island it is in many ways Caribbean in spirit, so we’ve included it in our list of Best Caribbean Beaches. Horseshoe Bay is the most famous beach in Bermuda. A very popular tourist attraction, it lies on the main island’s south coast. The sand of the beach is very fine and displays a pink tint. Note that the weather here is not tropical but subtropical. It is quite warm from May until early October but then it is cool and rainy for much of the remainder of the year.

21 Playa Paraiso
Playa Paraiso is located on Cayo Largo del Sur, a coral island belonging to Cuba. The beach, together with nearby Playa Sirena, is the most outstanding of the spectacular stretches of sand along the length of the island. Located on the more protected western end of Cayo largo, these are broad expanses of glistening, fine white sand, bordering the clear Caribbean Sea. There’s a simple beachside restaurant on Playa Paraíso, and not much else.

20 Reduit Beach
For the most part, St. Lucian beaches are relatively short, but with five miles of white sand on Rodney Bay, Reduit Beach is the place for a long stroll by the shore and a swim in calm waters. One of the most popular beaches on the island, it is fronted by the Rex St. Lucian, Papillon and the Royal St. Lucian hotels. There are restaurants and vendors renting water sports equipment and lounge chairs.

19 Sainte Anne Beach
Sainte-Anne is one of the most popular tourist towns in Guadeloupe and boasts one of best beaches in the country. The beach is ideal for snorkeling, scuba-diving, windsurfing or relaxing. Sainte Anne is also home to a French-language so you can work on your linguistic skills during your trip to this French-speaking island.

18 Seven Mile Beach
The longest beach in Jamaica, Seven Mile Beach remains one of the island’s best. First developed in the 1960s, Seven Mile Beach is lined with resorts but maintains a touch of its free-love spirit with a number of designated areas for nude sunbathing. Harassment by vendors selling everything from hair-braiding to marijuana can be a negative at this beach, however.


17 Shoal Bay
Anguilla’s most famous beach, Shoal Bay, has it all: a wide swath of soft sand over a mile long, an extensive selection of beach bars and restaurants, a comfortable collection of small beach resorts and an offshore reef that attracts snorkelers and divers. Just to confuse first-timers, there are three Shoal Bays: East, Upper and West. All have excellent beaches. East is the widest and most popular, Upper offers similar attractions on a smaller scale, and West is simply beach, water and private resorts.

16 Palm Island
Palm Island in the Grenadines is a tiny island a mile from Union Island, and only accessible by boat. The island is currently home to a resort and about twenty private holiday residences. Since iguana hunting has been forbidden in 1999, Palm Island is home for thousands of them. Casuarina Beach is the prettiest of the five beaches on the island.

15 Grace Bay
The 8 km (5 mile) long Grace Bay, with its brilliant white sand and shimmering turquoise waters is located on Providenciales, one of the islands of the Turks and Caicos. Grace Bay is where the majority of Provo’s hotels and resorts are located and where most of the tourism development is occurring although development here is still way behind most other Caribbean destinations. You’ll still find plenty of space on the most popular Turks Caicos beach.

14 Placencia
A popular peninsula, Placencia has the best mainland beaches in Belize, plus some of the most amazing offshore coral cayes. The eastern side of the Placencia Peninsula is a long expanse of white sand beach. The western side is bounded by a long and narrow bay. The beautiful beaches together with the abundant, inexpensive accommodation, make it a great place to relax.

13 Half Moon Bay Beach
Perhaps Antigua‘s most beautiful beach, Half Moon Bay stretches for nearly 1.5 km (1 mile) on the southeastern coast, a 5-minute drive from Freetown village. The Atlantic surf can be rough, but that doesn’t stop a stream of windsurfers, heading out beyond the reef. The coral reef also allows snorkeling close to the beach. Half Moon Bay is now a public park and ideal for a family outing.

12 Pink Beach
Pink Beach, is Barbuda’s centerpiece beach. Nearly eight miles of deserted oceanfront stretches from Spanish Point to Palmetto Point, and the snorkeling is fabulous. The champagne color of the sand glows pink thanks to the crushed coral in the mix. It’s possible to stroll the beach for miles without seeing another soul.

11 Los Roques
Los Roques Archipelago National Park was created in 1972 by the Venezuelan government to protect a marine ecosystem of exceptional beauty and ecological . It is the largest marine park in the Caribbean Sea. The almost untouched coral reefs host some of the most beautiful underwater fauna and flora of the Caribbean. The park has exceptionally beautiful beaches of white sand and multicolor, crystalline warm waters which make it a diving, sailing and fishing paradise.

10 Varadero
Varadero is a relatively exclusive part of Cuba, abundant with private hotels, gorgeous beaches and the country’s only full golf course. The fantastic beaches with clear turquoise warm water makes this a popular package tour destination. Varadero is primarily visited by European, Latin American and Canadian tourists. The number of US. tourists visiting Varadero, although increasing, has been limited because of the restrictions that make it illegal for U.S. citizens to visit Cuba as tourists.

9 Flamenco Beach
Located east of the Puerto Rican mainland, the island of Culebra is a popular weekend tourist destination for Puerto Ricans and Americans. Culebra has many beautiful beaches including Flamenco Beach (Playa Flamenco), which can be reached by shuttle buses from the ferry. The beach extends for a mile of white coral sand and is framed beautifully by arid tree-covered hills. The beach is protected as a Marine Wildlife Reserve.

8 White Bay
Jost Van Dyke, the smallest of the four main islands of the British Virgin Islands, is home to some of the most picture perfect beaches in the Caribbean. The unspoilt White Bay Beach was a secret until recently but now some major publications are raving about it, and it has been selected as one of world’s top ten best beaches. The beach boasts calm, turquoise waters, and the sand is soft and white. Lush, green hills rise up behind the beach, capping off the splendid setting.

7 Crane Beach
The Crane Beach is located along the south east coast of Barbados steps away from the Crane Hotel. It was named “one of the Ten Best Beaches in the world” by Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. It is situated between protective rock outcroppings, making it a very secluded spot. The moderate waves make it excellent for body surfing and boogey boarding. It is everything a Caribbean beach should be, but with bigger waves and a stronger breeze.

6 Les Salines
One of the best beaches in Martinique, Les Salines features miles of white sand and softly swaying palm trees. There are no shower or bath facilities available at Les Salines. However, there is plenty of space to set up and enjoy a long, relaxing day by the water with terrific panoramic scenery. Weekdays are the least busy times while on weekends the beach tends to fill up fast with families and can become quite crowded, especially in the afternoons.

5 Grand Anse
Grenada is home to dozens of stunning beaches and the serene Grand Anse is one of the best. Known for its serene and calm conditions, Grand Anse is two miles of white sand, on the western side of the island, sheltered from high waves, strong currents and winds. The beach is one of the most famous Grenadian landmarks and is overlooked by some of the island’s best hotels and grand houses.

4 Pink Sand Beach
Rated as one of the “Best Bahamas Beaches” by the likes of Fodors, Frommers and The Travel Channel, Harbour Island Bahamas is famous for its three and a half miles of picture perfect pink sand beaches. Warm clear ocean waters provide excellent diving, fishing and boating while outlying reefs provide safe swimming and snorkeling.

3 The Baths
One of the Caribbean’s most famous beaches, The Baths are situated at the southern tip of Virgin Gorda, the third largest island of the British Virgin Islands. Huge granite boulders lie in piles on the beach, forming spectacular tunnels and grottoes that are open to the sea and flood at high tide. The sandy beaches are lined with tropical palms, adding to the dramatic effect.

2 Englishman's Bay
Englishman’s Bay is a secluded beach on the leeward coast of Tobago. Although the bay does not draw the large numbers of beach-goers that Tobago’s western beaches do, it is considered as one of the island’s most beautiful. The beach itself is a classic crescent shape, capped by two heavily forested headlands. The sand starts immediately after the forest ends and is of a shallow to medium gradient and somewhat coarse grain. The waters are calm year-round and boast magnificent snorkeling and swimming.

1 Trunk Bay
Trunk Bay is a National Park beach on St. John in the United States Virgin Islands. Rated as one the world’s most beautiful beaches by the National Geographic Society and among the best beaches in the Caribbean it attracts hordes of cruise ship passengers. Amenities on the beach include a snack bar, showers and restrooms, a lifeguard, and, most famously, an underwater trail for snorkeling its coral reef.

Source from: http://www.touropia.com/

10 Best Islands in Thailand

The islands off the coast of Thailand in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Siam are some of the most popular places for tourists to Southeast Asia to visit. Some of these islands are famous throughout the world for their beautiful beaches and party atmosphere. But the best islands in Thailand also offer numerous opportunities for recreation, spiritual exploration, and relaxation.

10 Ko Lipe
Settled by sea gypsies, Ko Lipe is located in the Adang-Rawi Archipelago in southwest Thailand. It is a small island and visitors can walk around the island in little over an hour. Ko Lipe is just outside the jurisdiction of Tarutao National Park, and as such is exempt from certain laws prohibiting development. Its three main beaches have plenty of accommodations ranging from grass huts to air-conditioned bungalows.

9 Ko Lanta
Ko Lanta is made up of a group of islands off the coast of Thailand in the Krabi province. The largest island of the group is called Ko Lanta Yai also known as simply Ko Lanta. Several beaches on the west coast of Ko Lanta Yai are each strung with a line of resorts and bungalows. This region is an important destination for snorkeling and scuba diving enthusiasts, who come to the islands to view the coral reefs and the ocean life, including manta rays and whales. There is also an abundance of tropical plant life, including the remnants of the ancient rainforests.


8 Ko Samet
Ko Samet is known for being a favorite respite from the bustle of Bangkok. Though the majority of the island is a national park, there are a number of vacation spots located there with different amenities depending on the type of experience sought. One of the great attractions of Ko Samet are its white sand beaches. Visitors can choose from peaceful and relaxing settings or popular beaches with lots of activities. Ao Noina, Ao Phutsa, Au Nuan, and Ao Wai are known for being more serene, and feature cozy accommodations and stunning sunset views. Hat Sai Kaeo and Ao Hin Khok are busier, and visitors to these beaches frequently come to sunbathe, swim, windsurf, or enjoy nightlife.


7 Ko Tarutao
Ko Tarutao is one of the 51 islands that belong to the Tarutao National Marine Park archipelago in southern Thailand. This island offers accommodations including campsites and bungalows that can be rented. Tourists to this island can enjoy the pristine and quiet atmosphere of the area, and can also view the rugged mountain and jungle scenery, including the limestone cliffs for which this part of Thailand is famous. Visitors can have a good chance of catching a glimpse at some exotic wildlife, particularly if they visit the beach on the western part of the island, which is frequented by large turtles.

6 Ko Samui
Ko Samui is one of the most visited islands in Thailand. There are abundant accommodations for travelers ranging from small bungalows to exclusive villas on the island. There are several festivals that take place every year on Ko Samui, including the Buffalo Fighting Festival, the Ten Stars Samui Art Party, and several street fairs with vendors selling local delicacies, clothing, and souvenirs. Sailing enthusiasts also gather for the yearly Samui Regatta, and triathletes and their supporters flock to Samui for the annually Triathlon Event.


5 Ko Phangan
Ko Phangan is an island in the Gulf of Thailand, halfway between the islands of Ko Samui and Ko Tao. It is a famous destination for the backpacking community, who come to immerse themselves in the island’s natural beauty including rainforests and beaches. Every year the island holds an electronic dance festival known as the Full Moon Party. Those tourists who would like a more serene getaway are keen to visit Ko Pha Ngan’s numerous Buddhist temples. The island is also known for its spas and meditation retreats.

4 Phuket
Phuket is the name of both a Thai province and the main city of that province. The province of Phuket covers a large island and several smaller islands off the western coast of the mainland. Outside of Bangkok, it is the most popular tourist area in the country, and many of its scenic beaches feature numerous resort accommodations for visitors. Close to these beaches, tourists will find thriving nightclubs and shopping areas. Some of the other attractions on Phuket include golf courses, historical museums, and monuments.


3 Ko Chang
Located near the border with Cambodia, Ko Chang is the third largest island in Thailand and the biggest in the Ko Chang Marine Park archipelago. It is a mountainous island known for several waterfalls, thriving coral reefs, rainforests and long white sandy beaches. In less than ten years, Ko Chang has become a major tourist destination in Thailand although still far quieter than islands like Phuket or Ko Samui. White Sand Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the island. Located on the island’s northwestern corner, it’s the longest beach on Ko Chang. The central section of the soft sandy beach is lined with resorts and hotels.

2 Koh Tao
Ko Tao is fast becoming the favorite destination of those who come to Thailand for recreational purposes. The island’s caters especially to scuba divers, rock climbers, and hikers. Around 7000 new divers get certified on Koh Tao each year making it one of the most popular destinations in the world to learn to dive. Fishing enthusiasts also visit the island in increasing numbers, hoping to catch a specimen of one of the abundant marlin, snapper or barracuda. With the exploding tourist population of Ko Tao, a number of resorts, bars and nightclubs have opened up, though it is still possible for those seeking a more relaxed vacation to find quieter, less developed areas of the island.


1 Ko Phi Phi
Ko Phi Phi is a small archipelago in the Krabi Province in Southern Thailand. Ko Phi Phi Don is the largest island of the group, and is the only island with permanent inhabitants while the smaller Ko Phi Phi Leh is famous as the filming location for the 2000 movie “The Beach”. Ko Phi Phi was severely hit by the Indian Ocean tsunami of December 2004, when nearly all of the island’s infrastructure was destroyed. Redevelopment has, however, been swift, and services are back with building regulations in place to limit the height of new hotels and other buildings to preserve the island’s stunning views.

Source from: http://www.touropia.com/

10 Best Luxury Resorts in the Maldives

Perhaps the ultimate luxury destination, the Maldives has become a synonym for paradise whether it is for honeymooners, sun worshipers or scuba divers. Aside from the capital Male, there are no hotels in the Maldives, only resorts. Most resorts take up their own island, so the ratio of beach to guests must be one of the best in the world.

This list presents the best luxury resorts in the Maldives, as rated by visitors. Resorts in the Maldives are not cheap even at the bottom end, and these luxury resorts definitely come at a price, but they do offer the best the Maldives has to offer.

10 Soneva Gili Resort
The Soneva Gili Resort offers 45 luxurious over-water villas, including several villas that can only be reached by boat. Every villa has been designed and built with the utmost attention to detail. Each has its own private water garden and sun decks. The bathrooms have a separate shower accessed along an open-air walkway. Guests have the option to dine on the villa deck under moonlight and enjoy the sunset.

9 Lily Beach Resort & Spa
The Lily Beach Resort & Spa offers piece, serenity and beautiful natural surroundings combined with excellent resort facilities. After an extensive renovation the resort was reopened in 2009 as an all-inclusive 5 star luxury resort.

8 Naladhu Resort
Naladhu is a small Maldives Resort with just 19 villas. The villas feature lavish floor to ceiling glass sliding doors and a large living and bedroom area. Rooms are equipped with bathrooms that have their own outdoor area with both a rainshower and infinity edge terrazzo bathtub.

7 Veligandu Island Resort
The Veligandu Island Resort is the only 4-star hotel on this list of luxury resorts in the Maldives. The designs of the resort’s architecture, right down to the final touches, are authentically Maldivian. The resort offers 76 rooms, including 54 Jacuzzi Water Villas, 10 Water Villas and 12 Jacuzzi Beach Villas.

6 Mirihi Island Resort
Perhaps the most affordable on the best luxury resorts in the Maldives, The Mirihi Island Resort offers 36 villas that are equipped with the standard amenities of a 5 star-hotel. Blessed with white beaches, turquoise blue waters and one of the most amazing house-reefs, this is truly a great resort.

5 Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa
The Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa contains several thatch-roofed bungalows stretching over a pristine beach. The resort offers several swimming pools, water sports, restaurants, lounges, a library, and spa facilities. Many of the guest bungalows at the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa offer glass floors for observation of the sea below. Each guest room boasts a balcony or terrace with views of the Indian Ocean.

4 Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru
The Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru offers 44 acres of unspoiled wilderness in the heart of the Baa Atoll, the only UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in the Maldives. Snorkel with turtles, manta rays and whale sharks in one of the Maldives’s largest natural lagoons. Guest accommodation is in thatched beach villas and over-water villas. Resort facilities include 3 dining options, an infinity pool and a serene spa located on its own island.

3 Taj Exotica Resort And Spa
Most of the Taj Exotica Resort And Spa’s luxurious villas are perched over the lagoon with nothing but blue ocean waters and glorious sunsets to block the view. All the villas are palm-thatched, and the interiors are designed in classic Maldivian style. The villas offer sun-decks, and some offer private plunge pools, outdoor showers, and verandas with day beds and private spa rooms.

2 Baros Maldives
There are 75 wooden villas at the Baros Maldives Resort which are comfortably styled and all offer a variety of amenities. Guests of the hotel will have many amenities offered to them, including an on-site spa that offers Swedish massage, body wraps and tropical fruit facials, waterfall plunge pools, in-house restaurants and bars and scuba diving lessons.

1 Cocoa Island Resort
Rated as the best luxury resort in the Maldives, Cocoa Island Resort is ideally located along crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches and breath-taking sunsets. Most of the rooms are uniquely inspired by dhoni boats, the style of vessel used by local fishermen in the Maldives. They are adjoined by simple wooden walkways built above the shallow lagoon. The view from the wide platform bed is directly out to the ocean. The bathrooms share the horizon views.

Source from: http://www.touropia.com/

Top 10 foods of Thailand

Thailand is an amazing country. The biggest tourist destination in Southeast Asia with its capital, Bangkok, the most popular tourist city in the world. Its cuisine is recognised as amongst the very best on the planet. Here is some of the best food in Thailand. These dishes are sold in restaurants, cafes and street corner stalls just about everywhere. They make up the amazing cuisine of Thailand. Not by any means a definitive list, but one that won’t disappoint any first time visitor to this wonderful country. A lot of Thai food is extremely highly spiced and takes a bit of getting used to. If spicy hot food is hard for you to take, you can ask the waitress to calm it down.

1, Tom Yum Goong
One of the most popular dishes among tourists coming to Thailand, Tom Yum Goong is a rich hot and sour prawn soup. It is normally served in a steel doughnut shaped bowl, the hole of which contains a burning candle or wick, to keep it hot. It is a coconut based soup and is extremely fiery. Flavoured with galangal and lemon grass the seafood taste really does come through. Tom Yum is available with other main ingredients, Tom Yum PLa for example being fish, but it this distinctive prawn version that has really become popular.

2, Som Tam
Green Papaya Salad is eaten almost everyday by most Thais, it is a fresh tasting salad, made with grated green papaya, carrots and other ingredients in a fabulous balance of flavours. The main five tastes of Thai cuisine are all here: sourness in the lime, heat from the chillies, sweetness by adding palm sugar, savoury fish sauce and salt. There are two main types, Som Tam Thai is the fresh sweet variety and Som Tam Isaan which has the addition of pla ra (pickled mud fish). The Isaan dish is definitely an acquired taste. For me it simply taste like rotten fish and mud. However the Thai variety is one of my favourite Thai meals.

3, Larb Moo
An absolute favourite of mine, I must have eaten this three times per week for 5 years. I really do think this is possibly the best food in Thailand. It is a salad made from minced pork. It is not a salad in the true Western sense as in it is cooked, but it is cooked very quickly. The mince is flash fried then quenched with lime juice. chopped shallots and chillies are added and the special ingredient which is khao khua. This is rice that has been roast then ground to a fine powder. This dish is bursting with flavour and is served with plain steamed rice.

4, Massaman Curry
Unusually for Thai food this is quite a mild curry. It is actually a Thai take on an old Persian favourite. It is thought that the name Massaman, not Thai, refers to Muslim; it has though, stuck. It is thought to have its Thai roots in the Ancient former capital city of Ayutthaya. The seasoning spices used in the rich sauce are cinnamon, cardamom, star anise, cloves, cumin, bay leaf, nutmeg and mace. This is combined into a paste with coriander seeds, lemongrass, garlic, white pepper, shrimp paste and shallots. The paste is then added to coconut milk and meat potatoes and onions are added. This is a truly wonderful curry.

5, Khao Kha Moo
Late into the night on the streets of Bangkok You will see street vendors serving up a dish from huge deep woks full of gravy. This is Khao Kha Moo and it is absolutely delicious. Khao Kha Moo is pork leg that has been simmered for hours in a rich seasoned sauce. It becomes so tender that the meat falls just drops off the bone. One requirement for cooking that is that the leg is grilled before stewing. The heat causes the skin to shrink and therefore encloses the meat tightly. They grill the leg it begins to brown, then rinse it, scrape the burned surface, then place it is the sauce to stew.The sauce is flavoured with a chines powder called pha lo, plus garlic, pepper, rich dark soy sauce and palm sugar. It is served with plain rice, steamed cabbage, pickled cabbage and a hard boiled (in the gravy) egg.

6, Pad Thai
Probably the most well known of all Thai dishes, Pad Thai is eaten everywhere. This is a simply dish yet has many ingredients, soft rice noodles are stirred fried with chopped tofu and eggs, tamarind pulp and fish sauce add flavour. Then dried shrimps, shallots or garlic red chillies and palm sugar are added. Often other vegetables are added like chives, bean sprouts, radishes or even chopped turnips. It is served with wedges of lime. You will find this sold on street corners throughout all the major towns. For many this is the best food in Thailand and certainly one that is synonymous with Thai cuisine.

7, Mango with Sticky Rice
The secret of this dessert dish is the rice. It has to be the more rounded rice which has a more glutinous quality to it. After the rice has been cooked, coconut milk and sugar is heated in a pan. The rice is then added and the heat turn off. The rice then absorbs all the liquid and becomes one soft glutinous lump. It is then simply served with slices of fresh yellow mango. This is a firm favourite among Thai people and not surprisingly, it is really delicious.

8, Thai Sweet Green Curry
This very popular dish stems from central Thailand and is again very popular; it is now found all over the world. The green chillies give the dish it’s distinctive colour whilst the sweetness refers not to taste but the particular hue of green. Probably the most common meat used is now chicken, though traditionally it was fish or fish balls. This is a lot milder than the fiery Red Curry that is also very popular in the country. As well as the meat Thai Aubergine and Pea Aubergine are also added.

9, Thai Red
Very similar in many ways to the green curry but this is fiery hot. More a soup than a curry, it is again coconut based but it is the heat that makes this dish stand out. Extremely tasty it is a form favourite among lovers of the best food in Thailand, and curry lovers everywhere. The main ingredient are shallots, garlic, red chillies, shrimp paste, galangal, kaffir lime peel, coriander, cumin seeds, lemongrass and black and green peppercorns. Delicious served simply with rice.

10, Yam Nua
This spicy beef sad is absolutely bursting with flavour. It is for me, the best tasting salad dish in the world. Red onion, coriander, spearmint, lime, dried chilli and tender strips of beef are tossed in a light lime based sauce. It is the most simple dish imaginable, but the flavours absolutely explode in the mouth.

So there you have it. I dare say it won’t match everyone’s list of the best food in Thailand. I am sure that morning glory, chicken and cashew nuts and many others will be the favourites for some of you. I do feel though, that a lot of these dishes would make it on to anyone’s list. Let us know your preferences.

Source from: http://www.inseasia.com

10 best things about Life in Thailand

I lived in Thailand for almost 5 years before moving to Vietnam, where I now live and write. Southeast Asia simply captured my heart. I came for a football tournament in 2005, went home and immediately booked a three-week holiday for a few months later. During the next 3 years I visited the country 14 times before finally making it permanent in 2008. I spent most of my time in Bangkok, although I did enjoy a few months up in Chiang Mai. Being an expat, forces certain changes upon you, though I have to say in my case they were changes for the good and I welcomed most. Even a serious spinal injury in 2012, could not dampen my spirits. I have lost a bit of mobility but I still prefer life in Asia. Whilst I was in Thailand I noticed many things that were different from the West, some good and some bad. I prefer to focus on the good. Here a few things that I love about life in Thailand.

1, Cost of Living
This is probably the first thing you’ll notice and it is a biggie! Just about everything is relatively cheap in Thailand. Obviously Bangkok is more expensive, but you would expect that. Although prices in the capital have been steadily climbing over the last few years they are still way behind any European equivalent. Bangkok vies with London as the biggest tourist destination in the world. Comparing prices between the two giant cities would be laughable. You can rent a very good apartment in Bangkok for £500 ($750). I’d hate to think what that would get you in London, probably a park bench. Eating out, drinking and just about all forms of entertainment in Thailand are a fraction of the price you’d pay in the West. Get out into the countryside and the difference is even greater.

2, Food
This is a complete no brainer for me. The food in Thailand is arguably the best in the World and it definitely blows British food out of the water. It’s not like I ate much British food when I still lived in Manchester anyway. My hometown has an abundance of restaurants from all over the globe, but when I was in a pub and had no option, I was generally disappointed. Like everything else, food is hellishly expensive in the UK. In Thailand if you have to, you can survive on a few baht each day. Street food in Manchester consists of terrible hot dogs, greasy burgers and jacket potatoes. In Bangkok, the standard is exceptional, the choice is incredible, it’s available almost 24 hours a day and is as cheap as chips. Come to think of it, you can no longer say that, even chips in the UK are ridiculously expensive. No doubt about it, the culinary delights are a huge bonus of life in Thailand.

3, Transport
Whilst London’s Underground is one of the biggest and best in the world, it is frighteningly expensive and not the most pleasant of places to be, alone at night. To walk up and travel, the cheapest ticket is £4.30, which is an astonishing 11 times more expensive than the BTS in Bangkok. Personally I think there is no excuse for it. Internal travel on a city’s transport system should be cheap. Whilst the MRT and BTS in Bangkok don’t cover the entire city, they do get round most of the places that I used to frequent. More lines are planned. Buses in London are not cheap, whilst in Bangkok they range between FREE and very cheap. Taxis are a bit of a hit and miss affair. If you get a good one in Bangkok, they are cheap and perfectly fine. The trouble is, it might take you a couple of attempts before you get a driver who is prepared to go where you want to go. Taxis in the UK are off the chart, expensive. When I last went home, a taxi from Manchester Airport to my home 13 miles away cost me £33.00 ($50.00). At least in London, the drivers are notoriously good at finding their way round. But even Dick Turpin had the decency to wear a mask.

4, Street Life
I absolutely love the streets around Sukhumvit in Bangkok. They are teaming with life and are a riot of noise and colour; everything that a city centre street should be. The place is utterly mental at times and I love it. During the day market stalls, spill across the footpaths and into the roadway. Between Soi 11 and Soi 1 they take up a lane of Sukhumvit road itself. Then at night they all disappear to be replaced by unlicensed bars that stay open all night. I know a lot of my old friends in the bar trade used to get annoyed by them, but I always thought they added such a lot of the colour and character that attracts people to Bangkok in the first place. There really is nothing quite like staying out on the streets all night, drinking at a street bar and eating from a street restaurant. This of course is something that simply doesn’t exist in most of the West.


5, The Weather
Hey I’m English, how could I NOT talk about the weather. If you like it hot, and I do, Thailand’s climate is just about unbeatable. It is either hot and dry or hot and wet. When you get wet, you stick around for half an hour and get dry again. It is pretty special. Day after day of sunshine, and the warmth goes through the night. In the UK, even on the best of days, it will get cool in the evenings. One thing I love about life in Thailand is simply sitting out at night on a hot evening, with a cold beer and good company. However, something I do miss though are the light nights back in England.

6, Expat Community
Anyone who has ever lived as an expat will tell you that friendships are very easily made. It seems that simply having the expat thing in common forms a bond. I have formed some wonderful friendships in Thailand, Cambodia and now Vietnam. I am not saying that I didn’t form friendships at home, but I think moving to another city in ones own country is actually harder that starting alone in a foreign country. I have had so many people going the extra yard to help me settle in here. There is something about expats, they generally are working in decent jobs and are therefore reasonably intelligent, the have a drive about them as it takes a certain amount of courage to up sticks and leave, and they are more often than not, very outgoing.

7, Location, location, location
As a place in which to base yourself, Thailand in general and Bangkok in particular is an amazing place from which to explore the whole region. Amazing mystical places are all within very easy reach. It is easy and cheap to hop on a plane and enjoy a weekend break in destinations that sound unbelievably exciting from a European perspective. Air travel within the region is cheap and the availability of flights to all the other Southeast Asian countries is amazing.

8, Beaches
If you are a sun lover, a water sports fan or simply love to sit under a beach umbrella, Thailand ranks as one of the best destinations in the World. Having the option of nipping to the beach whenever you want is one heck of a plus of life in Thailand. Whether you live in the cities or not, the beaches are not generally out of reach for a weekend break. And Oh! What beaches Thailand has. Hua Hin and Cha Am just outside Bangkok, the islands in the South and all round the Gulf of Thailand, there are lovely spots catering for all kinds of beach life.

9, The People
I think people are pretty good all over the world. If you put out to them, you tend to get nice stuff back. I have nothing but praise and good thoughts about the Thai friends that I made whilst staying there. I had plenty working for me and I knew many more on a friendship basis. There were terrific and made my life in Thailand all the more enjoyable. It can be frustrating trying to get things done, and the service industry needs a real shake-up, but they are the salt of the earth.


10. Social Responsibility
I really do like the way that in Asia one has to have a certain amount of responsibility for oneself. In the West if you trip up over a broken paving stone, you sue everyone under the sun. This of course simply means that Insurance companies have to cover themselves and governments and local authorities have to pay more. We in turn as citizens have to pay more income and council tax. In Thailand if you trip over a paving stone, serves you right for not looking where you were going. I know which I think is the best way to go.

Source from: http://www.inseasia.com/

Top 10 Foods of Cambodia

Cambodia is coming out of its shell. The war and the subsequent rule by the Khmer Rouge visited unimaginable horror on this beautiful people. It is a testament to their strength of character and identity that they have come back as quickly as they have. The Khmer Rouge did everything possible to destroy the culture here, but cultural identity is strong and Cambodia’s cuisine is part of that. Here are ten dishes that make up the best food in Cambodia.

1 Beef Lok Lak
A classic Cambodian dish served throughout the country. It came here from Vietnam where it is called Bo Luc Lac which means ‘shaking beef’. It was probably the French that brought it to Cambodia, but Cambodians have taken to it with such ferocity that it is now as much a part of Cambodian cooking cuisine as anything.

2 Fish Amok
Widely regarded as the national dish of the country, it is available just about everywhere. Normally it is presented beautifully in a banana leaf or a simple bowl. It’s distinctive flavour comes from the use of ‘Kroeung’ a Cambodia curry paste made by combining Galangal, lemongrass, shallots, garlic, turmeric, and chillies. This is in turn mixed with coconut milk to provide the base for the Amok. White fish and kaffir lime leaves are added and the sauce takes on a life of its own.

3 Khmer Red Curry
This rich red curry is less spicy than the curries of Cambodia’s neighbour, Thailand. The Khmer version is also a coconut-milk-based sauce, but without the heat, associated with Thai cuisine. the protein normally comes in the form of beef, chicken or fish; eggplant, green beans, potatoes, lemongrass and kroeung are what make up the rest. It is a really delicious meal and is often served at special occasions like weddings, family gatherings and religious holidays. Cambodians people enjoy making the dish to share with monks in honour of departed relatives. It is usually served with bread, a throw back to the French colonisation of Cambodia.

4 Kampot Pepper
It might seem strange to include a condiment or spice in a list of the best food in Cambodia, but this is quite simply the finest pepper in the world. Chefs all over the globe pay a kings ransom to import this into their restaurants and it only takes one taste to understand why. It is the most aromatic and flavoursome pepper i have ever tasted., and is such a huge part of Cambodian cooking, that I just had to include it. Grown all around the area of Kampot in the South of the country, Khmer people here cannot get enough of it. It is this distinctive flavour that often comes through in all the best food in Cambodia.

5 Peppered Crabs
It is obvious really where the best peppered crabs would be. The pepper grows in Kampot and the sea is on the doorstep. The local village of Kep is famous for serving this. The freshest of catches, simply cooked in a pepper sauce, it is one of the best foods in Cambodia and in fact the whole of Southeast Asia. Quickly cooked and flavoured with immature green peppercorns and garlic chives, this is a must-have meal.

6 Ang dtray-meuk: grilled squid
This is simply sear grilled fresh squid. Visit any small seaside town and the smell of wood burning will fill the air all day long. The source is the small clay pots over which any number of food dishes are cooked. Whole squids will be placed on wire grills over the burning wood or coals and seared quickly. It is then chopped up and served with a light salad of greens and cucumber. The ubiquitous pepper and lime dip accompanies it and it is delicious.

7 Khmer Barbecue
This simply way of eating is absolutely one of my favourites. All round town in Siem Reap these barbecue restaurants can be found. A table of raw goodies is on display containing squid, beef, pork, chicken, fish and vegetables. The waiters bring a clay pot full of hot coals to your table and you simply cook the food yourself. Compote pepper is mixed with lime to provide the best dipping sauce on earth. Superb experience!

8 Lap Khmer
This is lime-marinated Khmer beef salad and it is amazing. Similar to the Thai beef salad though not as fiery it is bursting with flavours. Sometimes, flash fried and sometimes merely marinated ceviche-style in lime juice it comes dressed with shallots, garlic, lemongrass, fish sauce, Asian basil, mint, green beans and green pepper. This is a sweet and salty dish that uses the flavours well and has the addition of fresh red chilis. Khmer men like their meat almost raw, but most restaurants will served it cooked.

9 Samlor Machu Trey
This soup has a sweet, bitter and spicy taste. It is very popular in Cambodian kitchens as it is very easy to make and really does have a delicious flavour. The main ingredients are white fish, celery, garlic, lemongrass, tamarind, bean sprouts, pineapple, it is then seasoned with sugar, fish sauce, and salt. Locals like to pile fresh green herbs and chillies on top just as it is served.

10 Red tree ants with beef and holy basil
I’ll save the more adventurous for last. Insects are of course eaten all over Southeast Asia, if you have never tried them, this is probably the best place to start. Diving in with deep fried tarantula is not for the faint hearted. This dish though is really nice. Ants of all sizes, some barely visible and others about an inch long are stir-fried with thinly sliced beef, lemongrass, garlic, ginger and shallots. It is served with plain rice though sometimes a portion of any larvae is included for extra flavour.

There you have it, by no means a definitive list but certainly one to start the first time visitor off in Cambodia. This country has so much to offer, amazing countryside, incredible temples the sweetest people imaginable and great cuisine. I feel that these are some of the best food in Cambodia and the dishes should be sampled by anyone travelling here.

Source from: http://www.inseasia.com/

Top 10 foods of Singapore

Singapore is a small country in area but huge in influence throughout the region and the world. Nowhere is this more demonstrated than in its local cuisine. There are so many influences here that the best food in Singapore takes in many styles. The ethnic make up of the country is about 74% Chinese, 13% Malay, 10% Indian and the remainder are a mixture. This is obviously reflected in the local food. Sold in restaurants, cafes and street corner stalls here are some of the dishes that make up the amazing cuisine of Singapore. It is by no means a definitive list, but one that should not disappoint the first time visitor to the City / State.

1, Char Kway Teow
This is stir fried flat rice noodles with cockles, fish cake and Chinese sausage known as, lup cheong. Quite a complicated dish to cook, this is a dish that stems from the Teochew ethnic group. It contains both rice and wheat noodles. It is said that only a true wok master has the ability to cook the noodles in such a way that loses the smell of the Hokkien Noodles whilst maintaining the texture of the Kway Teow noodles. This is a firm favourite among Singaporeans.

2, Hokkien Mee
Although a dish of the same name is found in Malaysia, true Singapore style Hokkien Mee is only found in Singapore and is very close to many of the people’s hearts. Hokkien is one of the strongest Chinese dialects here and this is from where the dish originated. The dish is a mix of stir-fried egg and rice noodles. To this egg, slices of pork, prawns and squid, and added. It is then and served, garnished with vegetables, small pieces of lard and a sambal sauce. Lime is squeezed to add zest.

3, Chicken Rice
This is found just about everywhere in Singapore. It has its roots in the Hainanese version of the dish, though it has changed slightly over the years, by incorporating a more Cantonese version into the preparation. This is often referred to as the Singaporean National Dish. Boiled or steamed chicken is served on top of a fragrant rather oily rice. It is accompanied with sliced cucumber. Some variations include roasted chicken or a soy sauce cooked chicken. The dipping sauces of high quality dark soy sauce, chilli with garlic, and ground ginger, play an important role. You can use different combinations to get a dish that perfectly suite your palate.

4, Chili Crab
Eating crab in Singapore is an absolute must. Spend any time at all with Singaporean people and you will soon understand just how much they love this food. They have more than a dozen ways to prepare and cook crab in Singapore, they eat eat it with a black pepper sauce, with salted egg yolk, or cheese-baked, to name just a few. However, Chilli crab remains the top seller. This is a real table cloth stainer, as it is covered in a rich red/brown sauce. Locals love this dish completely and mop their plates clean with mini steamed buns, called mantou. One of the best foods in Singapore, for sure.

5, Bak Kut Teh
Originated either from the Hokkien or Fujian regions of China this name means Pork Rib Tea. Big chunky pork ribs are cooked in a broth rich in garlic, pepper, medicinal herbs and spices. Years ago the workers by the docks would eat this as a way to stay healthy, convinced as to the medicinal properties of the stew. Nowadays it is eaten purely because it tastes so good. It comes in two varieties, the peppery Teochew style or the richer Hokkien type. Fried dough fritters called You Tiao are the perfect accompaniment for mopping up the broth.

6, Fish Head Curry
Don’t be put off by the look of a huge fish head floating round in your bowl, the flavours here are wonderful. Local legend has it that the dish was invented of a man called Gomez. He migrated to Singapore from Southern India in the 1950′s and began selling Indian Curry from a stall in the Selegie area of the city. Noticing that local Chinese loved eating fish heads, he began adding them to his Southern Indian Curries. So was born an iconic dish that remains to this day. If you feel too squeamish about the dish, it can be found, made from chunks of fried or boiled fish instead; almost as tasty!

7, Satay
Of course in one shape or form, Satay is available all over the region. In Singapore that is no exception. Every country though does have its own take on the dish. here it is a popular street food and is available everywhere. The peanut dip is sweet and spicy, whilst the marinade of local spices totally transforms the meat. It really does take on a style of its own. The skewers instead of being metal are either wooden or the stems of coconut leaves. Side dishes of chopped raw cucumber and onions, add a refreshing balance to the savoury meats and serving it with rice cakes called ketupat adds another dimension. these are steamed in woven coconut leaves. Locals enjoy standing round the stalls enjoying the aromas whilst waiting for theirs.

8, Laksa
Considered to be one of the tastiest dishes in Singapore, Laksa is curry soup style of dish made from thick rice vermicelli and using spices for a unique fragrance and chilli for the trademark heat. Cooking in coconut milk adds a rich texture and the local tiny dried prawns add a distinctive seafood tang. The dish has its roots in the descendants of Chinese from the Malay archipelago, known as Peranakans, they invented the dish.Originally only eaten by the more affluent, during WWII, the ladies came out of their homes to sell it on the straits as times were hard. Needless to say it proved very popular and remains so today and would make it on to most people’s list of the best food in Singapore.

9, Fried Carrot Cake
This is quite a unique dish. It started of in China before travelling here. The carrots in question are not the normal western orange variety but the white Chinese radish. Originally using rice cakes, when it arrived in Singapore they decided to add a twist by using the white radishes. Some people then changed it again by using a black bean sauce and so the local varieties of either black or white carrot cake evolved. Take your pick, try both and choose your preference, they are both delicious.

10, Murtabak
This Indian bread is popular throughout Asia but here in Singapore it really has taken hold. Made from a kind of Roti bread, it is folded and stuffed with all kinds of goodness. In the fact the name simply means, folded. These are a large piece of bread and really are filling. The most common filling is of minced mutton and onions, though both chicken and sardine varieties are also available. This really is a classic street food and can be enjoyed everywhere.

Source from: http://www.inseasia.com/

Singapore’s best beaches

Think of Singapore and you don’t necessarily think of beach holidays but the fact is, Singapore has got some really excellent beaches within very easy reach of the city. So next time you find yourself in this scintillating City, take a few days out and get down to one of them. As with everything in Singapore they are spotlessly clean and well kept. Here are some of the Singapore’s best beaches, to whet your appetite. They don’t rival the amazing beaches of Thailand or Vietnam, but they are certainly worth checking out.

Sentosa Island: This is a full-on tourism area in which there are roller coasters, indoor skydiving, bird parks and beaches.
Singapore main island: Favoured by the locals experience and not as good for swimming, these are popular for cycling, good food and camping.

On Sentosa Island there are three of Singapore’s Best Beaches.
Sentosa Island can be reached from the city by either crossing a short causeway, taking the cable car ride or catching the Sentosa Monorail. The island has 14 hotels, two golf courses and a theme park. The Universal Studios Singapore.

1, Siloso Beach
This is the busiest beach on the island and is typical of a Southeast Asian beach in many ways. Clean blue water and golden sand, Palm tress and beach bars. This is a great swimming beach and has little stalls and shops selling the usual jewellery and sunglasses. The beach is just over a mile in length.

2, Palawan Beach
This is the quietest beach on the island and it is normally possibly to find a quiet spot to relax in peace. There are just a few bars and restaurants and not a lot else here. You may, if you wish, cross a small bridge to another smaller island, on which it is possible to find a quiet shaded spot to chill-out.

3, Tanjong Beach
Almost as quiet as Palawan, it is a broad sweep of golden sand again fringed with the ubiquitous palm trees. It is here, three times per year, that Singapore hosts its “Full Moon Parties”. Not by any stretch as wild or popular as the famous Koh Pha Ngan, raves in Thailand, they are none the less very popular.

4, Changi Beach
This beach / park beach is well known and well patronised by locals. It is a 70 acre area located to the north. It is one of the oldest coastal park areas in the country and has managed to hang on to its Kampung (village) atmosphere of 50 years ago. Locals come here to fish, enjoy a picnic, take in the sunset watch the planes landing at Singapore International Airport.

5, East Coast Park Beach
This is found at the Southeastern coast of, and is the busiest of all the beaches on the main island. This gets very busy at the weekends, but if you can manage to get out here during the week, you’ll find it to be tranquil and quiet. Renown for its seafood, it is also one of Singapore’s best beaches for camping, though you will need to get a permit.

6, Pasir Ris Park Beach
This manmade beach open to the public in 1989, at 4 miles long it is one of the largest in Singapore. There is a 15 acre mangrove forest within the park. There is a bird watching tower from which you will be able to spot Blue Eared Kingfishers, Milky Storks and Buffy Fish Owls among others. This is a popular place for cycling and barbecues. It can be reached by taking Singapore’s MRT.

7, Sembawang Park Beach
This is one of Singapore’s largest park areas, covering almost 40 acres. The jetty here was built during the War. The British started it in the 1940s, then abandoned it to the Japanese who complete the construction. This is one of the very few natural beaches still left

8, Punggol Beach
To the north east of Singapore this was the site of a terrible massacre in World War II. 400 Chinese civilians were butchered here by the Japanese as part of the Sook Ching Massacre. The area has undergone extensive redevelopment in recent years and has re-invented itself as an area well known for excellent seafood. Young locals come here at the weekends to catch small fish, crabs and shellfish.

This themed park runs parallel to the West Coast Highway and is large, covering some 125 acres. It is basically a large play park split into three main parts each of which caters to a different age group. Activities include climbing ropes, barbecue pits, cycling, camping and of course sand. There is a fenced of area where dog owners can let their dogs of the leash, the only freely available one in the Singapore.

So whilst it’s not known for seaside resorts, if you find yourself here and wish to get away for a few days, Singapore’s best beaches are worth a visit.. Let us know your experiences.

Source from: http://www.inseasia.com/

Top 5 Saigon Hotels with great rooftop bars

1, The Majestic – The Breeze Sky Bar
In the heart of District 1, the best hotels in town all vie for the prominent spot. To be fair, in one way or another, they almost all pull it off. First prize in the battle for location has to go to The Hotel Majestic, sitting as it does right on the riverside at the end of Dong Khoi, one of the most prominent streets in town. This magnificent French colonial building is one of the most respected hotels in Southeast Asia. The 175 room opulent hotel, is where Graham Greene wrote his best seller “The Quiet American”, this is the stuff of legend.

It really is a superb hotel, the location, French design and staff, make it a very special place to stay. Guests can enjoy the use of six restaurants and bars, the most popular being the Breeze Sky Bar on the roof, presenting lovely views of the Saigon River. This is a delightful rooftop bar that is partly covered, giving visitors the choice should the weather be less than fabulous. This is a truly awesome place to sit either during the day or in the evening. It has a calm relaxed atmosphere, that suits the venue perfectly.

2, The Rex Hotel – Garden Bar
Formally a garage, built by the French at the start of the 20th century, it is a magnificent and large building, dominating the square at the junction of Dong Khoi and Le Lai, though the front entrance is on Le Thanh Ton. The hotel has been voted in the “Top Ten Hotels” for ten consecutive years by the Vietnam Tourism Association. It is steeped in history and for anyone old enough to remember the Vietnam War, it makes for an emotional visit.

The only hotel that I had heard of before arriving here was in fact The Rex. during the Vietnam war, foreign correspondents held their daily press conferences from the roof. These broadcasts, that became known as the 5 O’clock Follies were watched avidly from all over the world, giving the Rex worldwide fame.

It is a superb hotel, the roof top Garden Bar is a wonderful place to sit in the evenings and enjoy a drink and one of the best views in town. Though that view is somewhat diminished at the moment, by the construction work being carried out on Saigon’s new underground rail system. They have live music most nights, great cocktails and a lovely atmosphere. Steeped in history, it has fabulous old photographs on the walls as you walk out onto the most famous roof in town.

3, Caravelle Hotel – Saigon-Saigon
The Caravelle is one of the true landmarks of Vietnam. French colonial built and sitting next door to the Opera House, its arched roof high in the sky is recognisable from all over the city. It is a grand design of grandiose proportions. The tall tower was added later. The older more traditional style original building is much older.

On the top of the old ten-storey wing here, the famous Saigon – Saigon Bar can be found. This is one of the best rooftop bars around. A chic modern indoor bar with an outside terrace that runs round three sides. Fabulous views of the city, great wines and sumptuous food, beautifully presented. The menu is everything you would expect of a top five star hotel. The music is totally suitable to the surroundings and played at a volume that allows people to actually speak to each other. The buzz of conversation creating the best of ambiences. This is a real treat. By Vietnam prices it is high end, but remember this is Vietnam, compared to the West, it is not expensive.
This is a place for Saigon’s well heeled and of course guests of the wonderful hotel. The traffic noise falls away and the warm evening air creates one of those uniquely Asian experiences.

4, Grand Hotel – the Grand Café
The Grand Hotel is one of the oldest hotels in the city having been built in 1930. It is on one of Saigon’s main streets, Dong Khoi and right in the heart of the very beautiful Riverside area, of District 1. French colonial design and build make this one of Saigon’s stand out buildings. It presents 230 magnificent rooms and suites. It was fully renovated in 1997 but has retained all of its former charm and iconic luxury status.

The Grand Café Bar & Restaurant on the 20th floor here, is a popular place after the office, of an early evening. It has undergone a complete renovation in 2014. It presents a kind of party ambience and is a good location for for relaxing and enjoying the night after work. They offer delicious cocktails and really great snacks and have live music every night. This is right in the centre of town and the view from the rooftop bar is excellent. This is a great place for orienting yourself with District 1, don’t forget to take your camera.
The food is excellent and by 5 star standards, not at all expensive. The only negative thing I can say about this place is that the motorbike parking is in the basement and the lift starts 40-odd steps up.


5, The Pulman Hotel – Cobalt Bar
One of the new additions to the Saigon Skyline is the wonderful 31 storey Pulman Hotel that can be found on Tran Hung Dao, adjacent to the famous Bui Vien, Backpacker street and close to Ben Thanh Market. The hotel is a flamboyant glass tower that dominates the area. At night its purple lighting is a striking feature in an vibrant area.

The Cobalt Bar is spread over the 30th and 31st floors serving fabulous cocktails and cutting edge fusion cuisine. Specialities include oxygen foam cocktails and in their own words ‘adult ice blocks’. Whilst from the restaurant the modular cuisine includes nitrogen ice cream. This is an ultra-modern space and is already becoming popular with Saigon’s jet setters. It is flashy, but there’s nothing wrong with that.

This is a great place for viewing the Saigon Skyline. Being just on the edge of the part of District 1 that has the most skyscrapers, views from Cobalt are pretty much uninterrupted in all directions. The surrounding area is a mosaic of old Saigon streets, with run down houses. It presents quite a canvas.

Source from: http://www.inseasia.com/