Planning the perfect Canadian adventure often feels overwhelming. With a country spanning six time zones and countless iconic destinations, many travelers find themselves lost in endless research, struggling to decide what to include and what to skip. The pressure to “see it all” can lead to rushed itineraries that leave you more exhausted than inspired.

Niagara Falls on your Canadian adventure

But crafting your ideal Canadian journey doesn’t have to be complicated. Dream of witnessing the Northern Lights dance across Yukon skies, hearing the thunder of Niagara Falls, or spotting grizzlies in the Rockies, and there’s a better way to plan your adventure.

Let’s explore how to transform your Canadian travel dreams into a well-crafted reality, ensuring you experience the true essence of this vast and beautiful country.

Canada’s Seasonal Beauty

Each Canadian season paints a distinctly different picture. Summer brings long days perfect for exploring national parks and coastal towns, while winter transforms the landscape into a playground for snow sports enthusiasts. Fall creates a spectacular show of colors across the forests, and spring offers mild temperatures ideal for city exploration.

Visiting during shoulder seasons (May-June or September-October) often provides the best balance of good weather and smaller crowds. These periods also typically offer more reasonable accommodation rates compared to peak summer months.

Essential Routes Worth Considering

Rockies Mountains

The Canadian Rockies route remains a classic choice, stretching from Calgary through Banff and Jasper National Parks. This journey reveals some of North America’s most striking mountain scenery, with opportunities to spot wildlife and experience world-class hiking trails.

Maritime provinces offer a different flavor altogether. Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick combine to create a compelling coastal narrative. Here, travelers encounter historic lighthouses, fresh seafood markets, and warm maritime hospitality that feels worlds away from the mountain experiences out west.

You can hire a Canadian Rockies tour that offers breathtaking views of majestic mountains, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife. It’s an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts and travelers alike.

Urban Experiences That Shouldn’t Be Missed

Montreal

Canadian cities deserve proper attention in any well-planned itinerary. Montreal’s European charm blends seamlessly with modern North American energy, while Vancouver’s outdoor lifestyle and diverse food scene capture the essence of West Coast living.

Toronto merits at least three days to explore its multicultural neighborhoods, world-class museums, and dynamic food markets. The city serves as an excellent starting point for discovering nearby attractions like Niagara Falls.

Natural Wonders Worth Planning Around

Pacific Rim National Park

Canada’s natural attractions often require advance planning:

• Banff National Park: The jewel of the Canadian Rockies demands early booking, especially for popular spots like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Consider staying in nearby Canmore for better accommodation values while maintaining easy park access.
• Pacific Rim National Park: Vancouver Island’s wild western edge offers dramatic coastlines and ancient rainforests. The shoulder season provides better chances to secure accommodations in popular Tofino.

Transportation Considerations

Getting around Canada requires strategic thinking due to vast distances. While domestic flights connect major cities efficiently, they can be costly during peak seasons. The railway system, particularly the scenic routes through the Rockies, offers an alternative way to experience the landscape.

Renting a car makes sense for certain regions:

• The Maritime provinces
• The Rockies between Calgary and Vancouver
• Quebec’s Eastern Townships

Accommodation Insights

Canada’s accommodation options vary widely by region and season. Major cities offer everything from boutique hotels to international chains, while smaller towns might have limited but charming options. Some practical considerations:

Mountain lodges in popular areas like Banff book up months in advance for summer. Consider staying in less touristy nearby towns for better availability and rates.

Provincial and national park camping requires advance reservations, especially for summer weekends and holidays. The Parks Canada reservation system opens several months before the season begins.

Cultural Experiences to Include

Mi’kmaq culture in Nova Scotia

Indigenous tourism experiences provide deeper insights into Canada’s heritage. Whether participating in a traditional smudging ceremony in British Columbia or learning about , these encounters add meaningful dimensions to any Canadian journey.

Festival season, particularly in summer, offers opportunities to experience Canadian culture at its most vibrant. The Calgary Stampede, Montreal Jazz Festival, and Toronto International Film Festival represent just a few of the country’s world-class events.

Wrapping Up

The key to a successful Canadian adventure lies in balancing ambitious plans with realistic timelines. Rather than attempting to see everything, focus on creating meaningful experiences in fewer locations. Canada’s vast spaces and diverse offerings ensure there’s always a reason to return for another visit.

Don’t forget that weather can significantly impact travel plans, particularly in shoulder seasons. Building some flexibility into your itinerary allows for adjustments while maintaining the journey’s essential experiences.

The post Plan the Perfect Canadian Tour Today appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

Approaching the site

On a sweltering morning last month, Pluto—my trusted photographer and videographer—and I embarked on a journey from Bangkok towards Suphanburi province. Our first stop was the majestic Phra Pathom Chedi, located in Nakhon Pathom, a site that left us both awestruck.

The Majestic Stupa: An Architectural Marvel

Phra Pathom Chedi towering stupa

As we approached Phra Pathom Chedi, the first thing that struck us was its sheer scale. The towering stupa, known as one of the largest in the world, stood proudly against the clear blue sky. This golden-brown monument, which reaches a height of 120.45 meters, is not only an architectural marvel but also a significant religious symbol in Thai Buddhism.

Historical Significance and Legends

Phra Pathom Chedi historical references are many

Phra Pathom Chedi‘s history is as rich as its grandeur. Originally constructed during the I, around the 6th to 11th centuries, it is believed to mark the site where Buddhism was first introduced to Thailand. The Chedi is also associated with the legend of Phaya Gong and Phaya Phan, two rival kings whose conflict is said to have led to the original stupa’s construction. This legend adds a layer of cultural depth to the site’s historical significance.

King Mongkut

In the 19th century, King Mongkut (Rama IV) rediscovered the ancient stupa, then in a state of disrepair, and initiated its reconstruction, transforming it into the monumental structure we see today. Further development continued over the years, preserving its importance as a spiritual and cultural landmark. The significance of Phra Pathom Chedi has been recognized on a global scale, with the site being nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflecting its historical and cultural value.

Spiritual Heritage: A Living Center of Buddhism

Monks’ classes under the shade of the arched corridors

As we walked around the vast temple complex, we couldn’t help but notice the peaceful ambiance that permeated the air. The temple grounds also host a school for monks, where young novices, dressed in their distinctive orange robes, were studying under the shade of the arched corridors that surround the stupa. It was humbling to witness these monks, some of whom were barely teenagers, deep in meditation or engaged in their studies. Their presence added to the sacredness of the place, reminding us that Phra Pathom Chedi is not just a historical site, but a living, breathing center of Buddhist learning and practice.

The corridors are lined with countless Buddha images

The main stupa is surrounded by a cloister lined with countless Buddha images, each one a testament to the deep spiritual roots that anchor this sacred space. As we moved through the temple, we saw devotees offering prayers, lighting incense, and making merit, their devotion palpable in the serene atmosphere.

For those interested in Buddhism or Thai history, a visit to Phra Pathom Chedi is a journey through both time and spirituality. This ancient structure, with its grandiose architecture and profound religious significance, serves as a reminder of the enduring influence of Buddhism in Thailand. As we left the temple to continue our journey to Suphanburi, we carried with us a sense of tranquility and a deeper appreciation for the spiritual heritage of the Thailand.

The post Phra Pathom Chedi: A Journey Through Time and Spirituality appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

Ambassador Cruise is heralding the dawn of a new day in cruising Halong Bay, with the launch of a day cruise on a new vessel with restaurants and bars, an outdoor jacuzzi and a striking glass bridge. The five-star line behind the UNESCO World Heritage site’s most sublime cruise experiences will begin the day-long ‘Ambassador Day Cruise II’ tours on February 10 this year.

The vessel

Elegantly designed, the ship features spacious sundecks across two floors that total 324sqm and 250sqm, affording 360-degree vistas of Halong Bay and its myriad limestone karsts

Elegantly designed, the ship features spacious sundecks across two floors that total 324 sqm and 250 sqm, affording 360-degree vistas of Halong Bay and its myriad limestone karsts. Two restaurants, two bars, an entertainment area for live music, and the large open-air jacuzzi are among the 45-cabin vessel’s top-notch facilities. The five-metre glass bridge jutting from the vessel’s bow inspires compelling photographs.

The 500-ton five-floor steel craft with a basement measures 90 meters long, 16 meters wide and 19 meters high, making it the largest and most luxurious ship to ever ply Halong Bay’s waters with a total of 10,000 sqm of lettable space. Ambassador Cruise is the only Halong Bay cruise line to include an elevator system for the elderly and people with disabilities. With amenities that hitherto have been the province of overnight adventures only, the new cruise caters for up to 500 passengers, who will check in at Ambassador’s Check-In Lounge in Halong City at 9.45am.

The itinerary

The five-star line behind the UNESCO World Heritage site’s most sublime cruise experiences will begin the day-long ‘Ambassador Day Cruise II’ tours on February 10 this year

The itinerary includes exploration of Sung Sot Cave, a delectable buffet lunch while the vessel’s route plys a passage by Ho Dong Tien Cave, Trong Cave, Me Cung Cave and Cua Van Floating Village. The cruise anchors off Titov Island whose scalable heights offer panoramic views of the bay. Afternoon tea is served on the vessel’s sundeck. Guests return to Halong International Cruise Port at 4:30pm.

A round-trip shuttle bus links Hanoi with Halong Bay via an expressway that opened in 2018, cutting the drive time between the destinations in half to two hours.

Nguyen Cao Son, founder of Asia Premier Cruises Corporation, which owns Ambassador Cruise, said February was the right time to launch the day cruise, following the world’s reopening and 2018’s launch of both the expressway and Van Don International Airport, located 50km from Halong Bay.

Two restaurants, two bars, an entertainment area for live music, and the large open-air jacuzzi are among the 45-cabin vessel’s top-notch facilities

“The day cruise opens up Halong Bay in an exciting new way for many travellers, particularly those who can’t squeeze an overnight cruise into their schedule and yet now have the opportunity to experience this breathtakingly beautiful destination in style in a day,” he said.

Since launching its first vessel in 2021, Ambassador Cruise has made a name for itself as the leading luxury cruise operator on Halong Bay and also offers overnight cruises.

For more information about Ambassador Cruise or to make a booking, visit ambassadorcruise.com, email info@ambassadorcruise.com or call +84 1900 3045.

Ambassador Day Cruise II is priced from USD 112 per person (VND 2.625 million) including day cruise itinerary and program, round-trip shuttle bus transfer from and to Hanoi, one luxury buffet lunch, onboard insurance, tax and service charges, sightseeing fees and afternoon tea on the sundeck.

The post Halong Bay Unveils Its Most Lavish Day Cruise Ever appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

Dubai has become an increasingly popular destination for travel in the last few years. Thousands of tourists visit this fascinating city every year and many more return to explore what they couldn’t see in their last visit. This city is bustling with unbelievable manmade structures, world-class shopping, impressive culture and tradition, mouthwatering food and loads of thrill and adventure. Are you confused on what all to see when you have only around 4-5 days in Dubai? Don’t worry! We have got you covered. We have created this Dubai itinerary for 4 days that ensures you see and experience the best this city has to offer.

Dubai Mall

Day 1: Start your day by visiting the famous Dubai Mall, one of the biggest malls in the world. This glamorous mall has over 1200 shops of high-end brands such as Cartier, Chanel, Tiffany & Co, and the likes. Filled with swanky restaurants and eateries, posh hotels, an ice rink, and plenty of entertainment, this mall is a paradise for all the shoppers. In the afternoon, visit the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo located on the second level of the mall. Come face-to-face with some of the most exciting and amazing marine life here. One of the largest suspended aquariums in the world, this underwater zoo has a King Croc, beautiful fishes, sharks, and other fascinating creatures. It is an ideal family destination and a must-visit when you are in Dubai.

After that, head to the iconic symbol of Dubai, Burj Khalifa. Standing like a beacon in the desert, this majestic building is worth all the hype generated since its opening in 2010. Take one of the fastest elevators to the top of the world’s tallest building for a spectacular view of the entire city, the impressive skyline to the Persian Gulf. The view from the 124th floor and 148th floor is especially breathtaking at sunset. It is highly recommended to pre-book your Burj Khalifa tickets to avoid last-minute hassles. 

Dubai Fountain

In the late evening, enjoy the Dubai Fountain which is a choreographed fountain system. One of the largest of its kind in the world, it shoots water more than 500 feet into the air, while classical and contemporary Arabic music and other international music plays in the background. The show runs every 30 minutes and it is best enjoyed from a cruise aboard the ‘Abra’ water taxi on the Burj Lake. After the show, you can cross the bridge and head over to Souq Al Bahar, an Arabian style resort having plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars to spend a relaxing evening and unwind for the day

Day 2: Today is your chance to visit the charming Old Town, to experience the authentic feel of Dubai. Start your day by visiting the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood. Just wander around the narrow streets dotted with lovely restaurants, cafes, and art galleries. After that visit the Dubai Museum to get an insight into Dubai’s tradition and culture. 

Hop onboard the traditional boat called ‘Abra‘ for a ride across Dubai Creek for just 1 dirham. Once you are on the other side of the creek, explore Grand Souk, the famous spice, and herbs market. Inhale the aromas of the exotic spices while you haggle with the sellers to buy a variety of spices for your kitchen. Next walk to the Gold Souq, to buy some of the world’s cheapest gold. There are hundreds of shops that sell gold, diamonds, and precious stones. Remember to compare the prices of gold jewelry before buying to get the best deals. 

Get ready to spend your evening on the beautiful golden dunes this city is famous for. Book yourself a Desert Safari and give in to your adventurous side with fun activities such as dune bashing, jeep racing, quad biking, and sandboarding. Watching the magical sunset in the desert is a memorable experience. Proceed to the Bedouin campsite to experience the great Arabian hospitality. Enjoy a camel ride to admire the vastness and beauty of the desert. Click pictures in traditional Arab clothing with the wonderful falcons after watching some of their most interesting antics. Women can get Henna tattooing done on their hands and feet. Sit back and feast on a sumptuous and delicious barbeque buffet dinner at night while watching some amazing cultural performances such as Belly Dancing, Tanura Dance Show, and Fire Show. 

Dubai Miracle Garden

Day 3: Start your day by visiting the world’s largest man-made natural flower garden, Dubai Miracle Garden. Spread over 72000 square meters, this garden is home to over 100 million colorful flowers and plants. There are displays of prominent landmarks, people, and cartoons made from flowers and the concept and design changes every year. Set in the heart of Dubailand, this garden is open from mid-November to mid-May. So, if you plan your trip between these months, a visit to this amazing garden is a must in your Dubai itinerary. 

After that, you can visit the Mall of the Emirates, the first shopping resort in the world. Located in the heart of Dubai, this mall is full of luxurious shops, restaurants, cafes, designer boutiques, and fun-filled entertainment zones. This mall is a perfect destination to spend some great time with your family and to indulge in some retail therapy. After that proceed to the ground floor of the mall to the very first indoor ski resort in the region, Ski Dubai. Explore your adventurous side by participating in a variety of fun-filled activities such as skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, and ziplining. And don’t forget to meet the fantastic penguins from Antarctica at Penguin Park. 

Jumeirah Mosque

Day 4: Begin your day by visiting the magnificent Jumeirah Mosque designed in the traditional Fatimid style. This is one of the few mosques that is open to non-Muslims. The beautiful white marble façade of the building is fabulous, and it is one of the most photographed mosques in Dubai. Stop at Jumeirah Beach to see the iconic and imposing seven-star hotel, Burj Al Arab. After that, drive along the Palm Jumeirah, an outstanding man-made island. Explore the sea-facing promenade, dotted with elegant boutiques, fancy restaurants, and sophisticated apartment towers. Visit the opulent Atlantis Hotel and then head over to the Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark to experience some of the most thrilling and exciting water rides. 

If you are looking for a little more adventure, you can go skydiving in the Marina or try one of the helicopter tours with HeliDubai. At night, book a Dhow Dinner Cruise across the Dubai Marina. Sit back and enjoy some local and international delicacies, Arabic entertainment such as Belly dancing and Tanura Dance Show. Feast your eyes on some of the most splendid landmarks of the city while you sail across the dazzling waters of the Marina.

The above itinerary is best suited to visit some of the best attractions in Dubai. However, depending on your likes and interests you can customize your itinerary. You can do a day trip to Abu Dhabi city and visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Corniche and Yas Islands, and Ferrari World. You can visit some of the other theme parks and waterparks such as Wild Wadi Waterpark, IMG Worlds of Adventure, VR Park Dubai, and Dubai Bollywood Parks. Dubai is an amazing city with so many diverse activities and attractions that it is impossible to cover everything in a short duration. We recommend you plan a longer trip to visit all the awesome places in this city.

The post 4 days in Dubai appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

Kedarnath Yatra is one of the religious, spiritual and adventurous tours in India. Kedarnath is dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated on the Garhwal region of Himalaya. Kedarnath is one of the essential Dham among the Panch Kedar, surrounded by majestic lush green mountains, glaciers and Mandakini rivers. Kedarnath is very popular among the devotees, as here they have found peace between a beautiful and serene nature. To reach Kedarnath, you have to trek 22 km uphill on rugged terrains from Gaurikund, but you can also choose an option of Pithu or pony, or you can go Kedarnath yatra by Helicopter. You can also opt for Chardham yatra by helicopter which takes you to all the shrines of Chardham and after this, you would love to share your experience of Chardham yatra with your fellow relatives or friends. 

Best Time to Visit on Kedarnath Yatra with Helicopter

Before going to Kedarnath Yatra ensure which is the best time to travel, on the basis of climatic conditions =and the opening and closing time of Kedarnath temple. Visiting at the right time will make your journey safe and hassle-free.

Climatic Conditions of Kedarnath

The climatic conditions of Kedarnath are quite unpredictable and unpleasant as they keep changing like a chameleon change its colours. The high altitude of the region also affects the climatic conditions of Kedarnath. 

Summer months in Kedarnath are from mid-April until June. This season is good for traveling. You can opt for moderate woollen clothing if you are planning to travel in the summer season.

Monsoon months in Kedarnath are from July until mid-October. The climatic conditions in the monsoon season are very dangerous as landslides and downpours are an everyday thing.

Winter months in Kedarnath are from November until March. The temperatures at Kedarnath are below zero degrees Celcius and the whole Kedarnath becomes almost a desert of snow. 

Opening and Closing time at Kedarnath temple:-

Kedarnath temple opens on the Akshaya Tritiya, the end of April month, and closes on the Kartik Purnima, full moon day in November. When the temple is closed, the deity of lord shiva from Kedarnath temple transfers to Ukhimath, where it is worshipped for the next six months.

Ideal Time to Visit Kedarnath Yatra by Helicopter

The best time to visit Kedarnath is between May and June in the summer season, when the weather is quite suitable for traveling. Avoid visiting Kedarnath in monsoon and summer season when the climatic conditions are not that good. 

Kedarnath Yatra by Helicopter 

Kedarnath Yatra by helicopter used to be very risky and challenging, but nowadays the Government has resolved this issue. If you are willing to visit Kedarnath and want to explore the unparalleled beauty of this palace but you have a shortage of timing, then going to Kedarnath Yatra by helicopter is a perfect choice. Helicopter is one of the most convenient and most comfortable ways to travel, it saves you time and makes your journey happy and safe. While this is indeed costly, it is worth the money in terms of time saving, and luxurious facilities.

Delicious meals and a luxurious stay at Dehradun are Kedarnath yatra by helicopter highlights:

• Average trip duration:- 1 day
• Darshan Timing:- 4:00 am to 9:00 pm
• Starting Point of this Journey:- Dehradun, Phata, Sirsi or Guptkashi
• Time Travel:- May to June and mid-October to before the start of November.
• From where to Book this Package:- Leisure India Holidays (LIH)
• Timings avail for Darshan:- 1:30 to 2:00 hours

Kedarnath Yatra by Helicopter Price:-

The prices of this trip vary, as it depends on which helipad you have booked your Yatra from, and is it a one-way ride or return ride:

Itinerary of Kedarnath Yatra by Helicopter

The following is Kedarnath Yatra by a helicopter itinerary:

Day of Arrival: Dehradun (If you have booked your trip from Dehradun)

Arrive at Dehradun one day before your tour. Our handler will pick you from Dehradun railway station, Bus stand or airport, and transfer you to the hotel where you will take a rest and dinner after this hectic traveling. 

Day 1:- Trip to Kedarnath temple

On day 1, you will head towards the Kedarnath temple. If you have booked from Dehradun, you will leave the Sahastradhara helipad to Phata, and then you will change the chopper in Phata and fly towards the Kedarnath temple. If you have booked the tour from Sirsi, Phata, or Guptkashi, then you will leave from there to Kedarnath temple. After reaching the Kedarnath helipad, you will walk towards Kedarnath temple, which is 500 meters away, a walking distance of about 15 minutes. You can also go mounting a pony or pithu. After Darshan, you will come to the Kedarnath helipad, and we will head back to the place where our Journey of Kedarnath yatra by Helicopter has started.

Passenger Guidelines or Travel tips:-

• Carry only 5 Kg of luggage due to the limited space on the Helicopter
• Do not carry trolley bags as there is limited space in the Helicopter; try to carry soft bags or Duffle bags with essential things in them.
• Carry a medical kit with yourself because the temperature there can be quite unpleasant and cold.
• Carry Oxygen bottles with you, which is readily available in medical shops.
• Carry woollen clothes with you because the temperature there can be quite cold
• If your body weight is more than 80 Kg, you will be charged by INR 200 per extra kg
• Total passenger weight should not exceed more than 430 Kg. This is a safety measure by aviation companies.
• Share your correct bodyweight with the company; you are debarred by the company if you have told assumed or wrong body weight.
• Carry Airtel and BSNL sim, networks of that are readily available on tour.

Terms and Conditions:- 

• Children above two years of age are eligible for a full ticket.
• No Concession should be provided to senior citizens and children in the Kedarnath yatra by helicopter.
• Law of Delhi Jurisdiction shall govern the disputes of interpretation, applications or services, or any terms and conditions.
• Money won’t be returned by the company if you have told wrong or assumed your body weight.
• Aadhar card is mandatory for Indians, and the passport is necessary for foreigners.
• Tickets are not transferable and you can’t change the name of yours in your ticket of Kedarnath yatra by helicopter.

Cancellation policy:

These are the cancelation charges that are paid by you if you have canceled the booking of the Kedarnath yatra by helicopter:

• 7 days before the Journey – 20% of the amount
• 48 hours before the Journey – 50% of the amount 
• Less than 48 hours before the Journey – 75 % of the amount 
• Less than 24 hours before the Journey – no refund

Online Registration of Kedarnath yatra by Helicopter:-

It becomes necessary for every devotee to do biometric registration for Kedarnath yatra by Helicopter. After biometric registration, you will get a biometric registration card which gives you facilities like food and lodging; you are tracked by the government through GPS based monitoring system. You will receive registration slip: show it to any of the counters to Kedarnath Yatra by Helicopter in order to get a registration card. 

You can click this link http://onlinechardhamyatra.in/frmUserRegistration.aspx. And register yourself for Kedarnath Yatra by Helicopter.

Places to Visit in Kedarnath:

Sunset Point, Kalimath, Sonprayag, Gaurikund, Deoria Tal, Gandhi Sarovar, Kharchakund, Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi, Triyugi Narayan Temple, Vasuki tal, Kedarnath temple, Chandrapuri, Bhairavnath Temple, Kedarnath Peak, Anusuya Devi Temple, Madhyamaheshwar Temple.

The post Kedarnath Yatra By Helicopter appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

This is your chance to travel with travel experts Fantasia Asia and Asian Itinerary on a journey that will encompass two of the most exciting and culturally rich countries of South-East Asia: Vietnam and Cambodia. The ELITE VIETNAM & CAMBODIA TOUR is full of amazing adventures and stops in the best cultural and heritage sites of these two picturesque countries, at a price affordable to every pocket. 

Wat Phnom in Phnom Penh

The ELITE VIETNAM & CAMBODIA TOUR consists of two parts for a total of 20 days/19 nights. You can choose to complete the entire itinerary, visiting both Vietnam and Cambodia, or you can decide to join in only the first part of the journey (ELITE VIETNAM 12 days/11 nights) or, alternatively, only the second part (ELITE CAMBODIA 12 days/11 nights). The first and second legs of the journey connect in Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh.

YES! WE ARE GREEN!

A nominal part of the tour profits will go towards planting trees. ZeroCO2 is an innovative start-up that deals with environmental sustainability through reforestation projects with a high social impact. They have calculated for us the environmental impact of our journey and advised an amount that will compensate it through the planting of a certain number of trees. 

Also, Fantasia Asia and Asian Itinerary actively cooperate with blogger and travel enthusiast Fabiola: follow her on Instagram HERE ! She will be an active part of this amazing tour, enriching the already juicy program.

Tam Coc river and fields

This is ELITE VIETNAM & CAMBODIA TOUR itinerary: 

VIETNAM: DAY 1 – DAY 12

Hanoi, Pu Luong, Ninh Binh, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh.

CAMBODIA: DAY 9 – DAY 20

Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh, Mekong Delta, Chau Doc, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap.

PRICES ARE AS FOLLOWS:

ELITE VIETNAM & CAMBODIA 20 days/19 nights

ELITE VIETNAM 12 days/11 nights

ELITE CAMBODIA 12 days/11 nights

Prices are in USD and per person in a shared twin/double room occupancy.

The tour first leg leaves on the 1st of March 2020. For the FULL ITINERARY PROGRAM click one of the following links:

IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE

IN ITALIAN LANGUAGE

IN SPANISH LANGUAGE

Siem Reap temples

The tour price does not include the flight to the starting point. Participants will need to make their travel arrangements to reach the starting point, Hanoi for the ELITE VIETNAM and the FULL TOUR, Danang for the ELITE CAMBODIA, in time for the tour starting date and time. 

Fishing on Thu Bon River – Hoi An

You can now browse Fantasia Asia pages for full details:

http://www.fantasiaasia.com/elite-vietnam-cambodia-12-days-11-nights-part-1/

http://www.fantasiaasia.com/elite-vietnam-cambodia-12-days-11-nights-part-2/

http://www.fantasiaasia.com/elite-vietnam-cambodia-20-days-19-nights/

For further information and reservation, drop us an email at asianitinerary@gmail.com – we will be happy to answer your questions and clarify your doubts, and to guide you through the payment process. Reservation needed to secure a place in the tour is 30% of the selling price. Places are limited, act early to avoid disappointment. 

We look forward to hearing from you and to hopefully travel together in 2020 in the ELITE VIETNAM & CAMBODIA TOUR!

The post Tour Elite Vietnam & Cambodia appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

Golden Triangle Tour India mainly consists of the three main known cities – Delhi, Agra, Jaipur. These cities are chosen for the Golden Triangle India Luxury Tour as they offer the best experience to travelers who want to explore the unique culture and historical facts of the whole of India. As this trip not only provide renowned places to visit like ancient marvels to learn, many new unknown facts but also it offers you to enjoy the pleasure and thrill that makes India’s Golden Triangle Tour adventurous. 

A country with the diverse confluence of many cultures, cuisines, architecture, and traditional languages to take the best experience. This is the reason which makes it one of the best land to visit. Such a subcontinent is no small affair for a traveler. 

The triangle has three significant destinations in the North Indian Region, making up the direct route viz.- Delhi, the Capital; the Mughal city Agra; the majestic Jaipur. The best thing about this 5 day Golden Triangle Tour to India is that all three important points located at the equidistance of 200-250 km from each other, so you would be able to spend much time sightseeing instead of traveling one city to another. The reason which makes this route perfect is its diversity of Culture, Heritage, and rich history. 

Asia’s largest Market place- Sadar Bazar

Also, there are so many well-known travel agencies available in India such as Leisure India Holidays (LIH), Makemytirp, Responsibletravel, Travelogyindia, and many more who provides amazing Golden Triangle Tour Packages with most comfortable amenities and luxurious services. So don’t wait for anything and book a tour to Golden Triangle in India for your family, friends, and loved once. 

Day 1: Arrive at Delhi

On day one, you will be landing at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. After that, indulge yourself in the hotel check-in activity, take a rest for a while. Make your evening a splendid by the first Golden Triangle Tour Destination.

Akshardham Temple

Akshardham Temple

The renowned temple named Akshardham represents India’s rich history & tradition by its magnificent architecture essence. The best of this ancient place is that its well-connected network of the metro route of Delhi, and it is one of the worth seeing sites to see on the Golden Triangle Tour of India.After the destination visit, retire to your luxury hotel after having delicious spicy street food of Delhi.

Day 2: Delhi City Tour

Early morning, wake up and have your tasty breakfast and get yourself ready for the beautiful City Tour to Delhi, places you visit are:

Lotus Temple

This one of the best architectural marvels in India, Lotus Temple, embodies peace and spirituality, which makes this beautiful marvel the best iconic structures in the Golden Triangle Tour India. Also, it’s worth seeing the place.

Red Fort

Red Fort in Delhi

The Red Fort is a pride of India, which was built-in 1638 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, located in the center of the Capital City Delhi. A world heritage site, Red Fort holds the major attraction in the 5-day Golden Triangle Tour India. The fact about the place is that Red Fort had been the home to many Mughal Emperors of the Mughal dynasty for almost 200 years. 

Qutub Minar

Qutub Minar is another world heritage site and the tallest minaret; you can explore this magnificent site and make it on a priority place to visit in Delhi. You can also relish the superb crunchy and spicy fast food around the streets of Delhi that will make you fall in love with India’s food culture. 

Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid in Delhi

Boasting the past heritage of Delhi, Jama Masjid is the outstanding structure, a most visited place due to it is the largest Mosque in India. You can also add this place to the Golden Triangle India itinerary. 

Asia’s largest Market place – Sadar Bazar 

If you are the idyllic shopper and obsessed with shopping, then this is the right place for you. Sadar Bazar is the largest market place that offers a variety of products at a very cheap price. People from all over India visit especially visit this market throughout the year. 

Day 3: Agra

Agra is the second destination of the Golden Triangle Tour. Agra is a place of an ever-lasting epitome of the world, the Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world. You can get plenty of Mughal Era’s architecture, which is the major attraction of this city in Uttar Pradesh. Make a tour to the most visited places in Agra.

Taj Mahal

Agra, the iconic Taj Mahal

Whether you visit in the day or dusk, this beautiful marvel always looks magnificent. One of the seven wonders is known to change its hue in tune with the sun. Listed under a world heritage site UNESCO, the Taj Mahal is also a true epitome of love. No Golden Triangle India Luxury tour is never completed without a visit to the Taj Mahal. 

Agra Fort

Agra Fort located at the center of the city and the most famous marvel in Agra after the Taj. You can get the best glimpse of one of the seven wonders (Taj Mahal) from the Agra Fort. It was one of the homes to the Mughal Emperor till 1638, and during this period, the capital of India shifted from Agra to Delhi. So the building holds some important significance in the history of the country.

The amazing Agra Fort

Day 4: Jaipur

Jaipur is the final destination of the Golden Triangle India Escorted Tours. It is also known as the Pink City of the world, which is located in the Royal Rajasthan. The most special treat of Jaipur is the majestic supreme forts, marvels, and Rajasthani cuisine. Jaipur is the perfect destination for those who love photography, entertainment, the fantastic experience of sightseeing, and the fun giving entertaining. The Pink city of Maharaja Maan Singh is a symbol of Royalty. Places to visit in Jaipur are:

The City Palace

The magnificent City Palace in Jaipur

The City Palace is one of the major attractions of the royal Jaipur. Built-in AD 1929 to 1932 by Sawai Jai Singh II, the City Palace comprises of two significant structures – the Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal. Chandra Mahal is now converted into a museum, which is the real specimen of the Rajasthani culture. By housing exclusive handicrafts and artifacts which show the true cultural heritage of the state. So, plan your 5-day Golden Triangle Tour India accordingly.

Hawa Mahal

Hawa Mahal in Jaipur

Known as the Palace of Winds, Hawa Mahal is the most beautiful marvel in Pink City. Built-in 1739 by Sawai Maan Singh for the women of his Royal Family to watch out the city through the open windows of the vast monument. Now but operating as a museum, which is the home of several exciting artifacts and handicraft items. This place is the must-visit place in the Golden Triangle Tour India.

• The best time to visit– October to April
• How to reach– land at Delhi International Airport, for later destinations you can prefer roadways or railways. 
• Best required days to visit– 5-6 days Itinerary

And with this, the list of places to visit on your 5-day Golden Triangle Tour concludes. But there are still many captivating more places that you can add in your Golden Triangle India Itinerary. After reading this, surely it must have given you an urge to visit such a place. So plan your Golden Triangle India Holidays and book the Golden Triangle Tour Packages. Have a Happy and exotic Journey!

The post 5 Days Golden Triangle Tour India appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

Experience the local, authentic culture of Bhutan on this fascinating 9-day trip of hidden villages, festivals, temples and scenery. Jacada Travel create fully personalized trips from start to finish. From locations to accommodation and guides, everything is selected to suit you.

Thimphu city

From expert private tours to restaurant reservations, we take care of every detail so you can make the most of your time off. We give back to two regional charities in Indian subcontinent from the profits of each one of our trips. Use our trip ideas to inspire your bespoke experience

Discover authentic Bhutan with our expert guides on this exclusive eight night trip. Enjoy colourful festivals, meet locals and visit hushed-up villages far removed from western life.

Beginning in the capital, Thimphu, you’ll have plenty of cultural encounters on our privately guided tours. Visit ancient dzongs, temples and museums and take part in a local village festival to experience the alluring way of Bhutanese life.

Then, venture further into the country with a stay in Punakha and stunning hikes to find hidden villages, farmhouses and monasteries set in pastoral scenes. The idyllic walks continue into Paro Valley where you’ll spend your last three days. Meet a Bhutanese author and marvel at striking temples, before ending on a high with a hike up to the spectacular Tiger’s Nest.

TRIP ITINERARY

DAYS 1-4: THIMPHU – Three days enjoying Thimphu

Spend your time in Bhutan‘s capital exploring the market, Taschichho Dzong and small, chock-a-block shops. A wander around this relaxed and friendly city gives a look at a more urban side of Bhutan which accompanies a wide display of traditional art, architecture and Buddhist sights steeped in ritual. A visit to the Arts and Crafts School, the Textile Museum and the Traditional Medicine Hospital are recommended. Your Travel Designer can help you to plan your stay here according to your interests.

Half Day Tour of National Museum and Rinpung Dzong

On your way to Thimphu from Paro, you’ll visit the National Museum. The museum houses over 3000 pieces of Bhutanese art, covering more than 1,500 years of Bhutan’s cultural heritage. It has a formidable collection of antiques from Buddhist temples, and artefacts once used by both the nobility and common folk. Highlights include masks, armour, paintings, prehistoric items and natural history exhibits. A short drive from the museum takes you to the Rinpung Dzong, a large Buddhist monastery and fortress that’s regarded as one of Bhutan‘s most impressive and well-known dzongs – and perhaps the finest example of Bhutanese architecture. From the 17th to the late 19th century, dzongs served as defending fortresses and were built with strong walls, false doors, reservoirs for water and food and hidden armouries. Dzongs were also headquarters for the religious and the political administrations. Once you’ve seen inside the Rinpung Dzong, enjoy the short walk across a wooden cantilever bridge on the dzong grounds.

Full Day Tour of Buddha Hill, Textile and Folk Heritage Museum and Cheri Temple

Buddha Hill

You’ll begin the day with a sightseeing tour of Buddha Hill. Your driver will collect you from your hotel and drive you to the Kuenselphodrang Nature Park where you’ll be greeted by the massive statue of the Buddha Dordenma – one of the largest statues of Buddha in the world – sitting atop a hill overlooking the southern entrance to Thimphu Valley. Measuring 51.5 meters, the statue takes the form of Shakyamuni and is said to emanate an aura of peace and happiness to the entire world. The statue is made of bronze and is gilded in gold with 125,000 smaller Buddha statues placed inside it. The statue is a recent construction that was built to commemorate the centennial of the Bhutanese monarchy and to fulfil two Buddhist prophecies, one ancient and one modern.

Next, you’ll be brought to the Textile and Folk Heritage Museum for a glimpse into traditional Bhutanese life. This restored three-storey building has been constructed using rammed-earth and timber to replicate a traditional farmhouse and inside it’s furnished as it would have been 100 years ago. Both the house design and its furnishings reflect many aspects of both past and present rural Bhutanese life today. After a guided museum tour you’ll stop for a refreshing lunch.

After lunch, you’ll be brought on a guided hike to the Chagri Dorjeden Monastery, also known as the Cheri Temple. The temple is found at the northern end of the Thimphu Valley, roughly an hour’s walk up a steep hill. This Buddhist monastery was established in 1620 A.D. by the founder of the Butanese state Ngawang Namgyal and is now a major teaching and retreat center.

Festival at Shelmaka Village

Festival at Shelmaka Village

Today you will enjoy the merriment of the festival at Shelmaka Village. As we reach Shelmakha, the village headman will welcome you as one of the village’s chief guests. You’ll be entertained with a series of masked dances and folk performances enacted by the village youth. The festival of Shelmakha is an important event for the local people where they can meet one another and introduce newer members of the family. For younger people, it’s an opportunity for romance and to plan marriages. After a picnic lunch, we will visit some farm houses to discover the local life of the hamlet. We then drive back to Thimphu where the rest of the evening will be spent exploring the Capital City.

DAYS 4-6: PUNAKHA – Two days exploring Punakha

Punakha

Capital of Bhutan and seat of the government until 1955, the little town of Punakha still enjoys a serene and regal ambience left over from its stately days. Found in a fertile valley at a relatively low 12,000 metres above sea level, visitors come here for warm, sultry days filled with plenty of activities such as mountain biking, trekking and river rafting. Then step into the area’s history with a visit to the town’s show-stopping Punakha Dzong. Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten and Talo village and Nalanda Monastery.

Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten and Talo village and Nalanda Monastery visit

Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten

Today, you will begin with a hike up through fields along the banks of the Mo Chhu River to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a stunning monument recently built by the one of the Fourth King’s Queens with spectacular views down the valley. Following the hike you will drive back up the valley towards Khuruthang passing Punthsho Pelri Palace and several other winter homes of the Royal family. After lunch, continue towards Talo village to experience the beautiful hamlet there. Finally, visit Nalanda Temple for a chat with the monks there.

DAYS 6-9: PARO – Three days exploring Paro

Tigers Nest at Paro

The pretty valley of Paro is one of the kingdom’s widest and is covered in fertile rice fields crisscrossed by a beautiful meandering river. While Bhutan is famous for its splendid monuments and monasteries, perhaps the most impressive can be found here. You’ll encounter the “Tiger’s Nest” Monastery, medieval style-bridges, imposing dzongs and a town filled with traditional architecture.

The main street of the town was only built in 1985 but it’s lined with cheerfully painted wooden shop fronts and restaurants in a classic Bhutanese style. Facing up the mountain, you’ll be awed by the 8th-century Taktsang or “Tiger’s Nest” Monastery, perched high on the sheer cliff face. Just outside of the town, lie both the dominating Paro Dzong – a prime example of Bhutanese architecture, and the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang which was one of the first Buddhist temples built in the country.

Upper Tsento Hike with Kyichu Temples Visit

Drukgyel Dzong fortress

Today, you’ll be brought on a lively hike to the Upper Tsento region, lasting for approximately 2 to 3 hours before being driven back to your hotel in a private vehicle via the ruins of the Drugyal Dzong fortress and monastery.

After lunch, you’ll be brought to visit the Kyichu Temples. This two-temple complex consists of the Jowo Temple and the Guru Temple. The Jowo Temple is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, originally built in the 7th century by the Tibetan Emperor Songtsan Gampo. The Guru Temple was built in 1971 by Kesang Choden Wangchuck, the queen of Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.

After your visit to the Kyichu temples, you’ll have the opportunity to meet a Bhutanese author before returning to your hotel for dinner.

Full day tour with hike to Tiger’s Nest and a hot stone bath

Flags at Tigers Nest

Today you’ll experience Bhutan’s most valued attractions and one of the main reasons people come to Bhutan, the famous Taktshang monastery or “Tiger’s Nest”. This spectacular temple clings to a 1,000 foot high cliff and was built in 1692 by a prominent historical figure named Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgye. We hike for about three hours to reach the Tiger’s Nest, climbing steeply uphill from the valley floor with a break at a tea house along the way. The Tiger’s Nest is one of the most sacred sites for the Buddhists. It’s said that in the 8th century, Guru Padma meditated here for three months. Guru Padma, also known as the 2nd Buddha, first initiated Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche flew to this location from Tibet on the back of a tigress from Khenpajong and built this temple as a result. For Buddhists, the story of the temple is an important lesson about taming the inherent forces of Anger, Ignorance and Greed.

We then hike for approximately two hours back downhill. On your return, treat your weary limbs to an indulgent soak in a hot stone bath.

Traditional Hot Stone Bath

Paro Main Street

In the evening, explore Paro town on foot. Visit a farmhouse to soak in a herbal hot-stone bath which is known to be therapeutic and helps ailments related to joints and muscle aches, besides simply soothing your mind and body and going perfectly with the locally brewed Red Panda Beer.

—————————————————-

This trip is just an example of the amazing vacations our experts could plan for you. Speak to one of the team today to start creating your private, bespoke trip. Start planning your tailored trip today by checking www.jacadatravel.com and enquiring online at enquiries@jacadatravel.com

Remember, this trip is just an example of what we can organize for you. Call our experts to start planning your fully-tailored trip.

The post Jacada – Trip to cultural Bhutan appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

LaBelle shop

I wasn’t on a dark desert highway (Penang roads are anything BUT a highway), neither had cool wind in my hair (Penang weather is hot hot hot, plus I was wearing a helmet!), but still: a Vespa tour of Penang is a great way to discover the island and to get to use one of the iconic symbols of my fatherland: Italy!

For this particular adventure I had planned in advance, contacting the one and only company in Penang (and please don’t quote me here, but I think they are the only ones in the whole of Malaysia) that does Vespa rentals, and we are not talking about vintage vespas here, but flashy, well-maintained new models of the most amazing colours.

In Georgetown

Fateha and husband Feroz welcomed me in their office at the end of Chulia Street in the tourist area of Penang capital Georgetown on a cloudy afternoon. They explained a few tricks on the vehicle: the way to behave in Penang traffic, how to park and avoid getting a ticket, the way to use the stand and the petrol refilling process. A map of the island, a raincoat, the right helmet and a pat on the back, and off they waved me!

I negotiated the busy traffic of Georgetown and as the sun was quickly setting behind the green mountains of Penang north, I sped off towards my destination where I would spend the night, the Hard Rock Hotel Penang, along the coastal road. The amazing lights of a reddish sunset accompanied me all the way to Batu Feringghi, a popular beach area spot for those who want to have picnic and spend time on a sandy beach, and home to the Hard Rock Hotel Penang. I had a great evening there, albeit an early one since the following day was going to be exploration time!

The view from my balcony at Hard Rock Hotel Penang

I woke up very early; from my Hard Rock Hotel Penang sea-front room balcony I marveled at the Andaman sea. The temperature was perfect at that time of the year, not hot nor cold, and I went down to fill the belly at Hard Rock Hotel Penang amazing breakfast buffet. I then started my white Vespa, wore my white helmet and drove off, proud as only a Vespa rider can be, crossing hip and chic Batu Feringghi and heading north-west with the intention of driving a ring route around the island. These were my stopovers:

1- First stop along the way was the Penang Tropical Spice Garden: set up 13 years ago by a British couple who transformed what was an abandoned rubber plantation into one of Malaysia’s award-winning eco-tourism destinations, Penang Tropical Spice Garden feels like a park: giant butterflies, dragonflies, birds, sounds of nature, cicadas, frogs… the kind of place you will not want to leave when the staff will finally announce it is closing time…

2- I then drove on to the nearby headquarters of Penang National Park. Gazetted in 1958, Taman Negara Pulau Penang is one of the few protected areas left in Penang Island, with 1,213 hectares of land facing the sea, an area that consists of forests and wetlands inhabited by a diverse habitat. I took advantage and drove the Vespa along the small roads of the fishermen traditional village that spans a block off the National Park, enjoying the activities of the local fishermen.

Overlooking Teluk Bahang Dam

3- Next destination was nearby Teluk Bahang Dam, the largest dam on Penang, created to provide an alternative source of water supply to the Ayer Itam Dam and the Botanic Gardens Waterfall. From its crest I enjoy a scenic view of the northern coast of Penang, but that was all, since Teluk Bahang Dam is not open to the public. Across the dam is Taman Rimba Forestry Park, starting point of numerous jungle trails which either circle the boundary of the park, pass through, or link up with Batu Feringghi.

4- The next 20km of road then took my two wheeled Vespa to an amazing village called Balik Pulao, which literally means ‘the back of the island’. With the island experiencing a development boom, locals say this part of Penang is disappearing quickly, but it is still lovely, with its views of the island’s west coast, the local farms, the rice fields and the communities of local fishermen. Visit it now before it changes.

Fisherman harbour

5- I drove up the hill and down to the east of Penang, and I decided to stop in Georgetown for a lunch of Indian food and teh tarik and a walk along the town’s Unesco-protected roads.

6- The stopover to Fort Cornwallis was followed by a one-hour guided visit to amazing Peranakan Mansion, the place to go to if you are interested on the history of the Babas and Nyonyas, a prominent community of acculturated Chinese unique to this part of the world that adopted selected ways of the local Malays and later the colonial British. Get more information on http://www.pinangperanakanmansion.com.my

At the Peranakan Mansion

7- I had just a little extra time left and I decided to get more into nature, heading to Penang Botanical Gardens. Known as ‘Taman Botanical’, this garden has a very well-managed landscape that consists of plenty of exotic plant species. It is well-worth a visit, as the trek along its roads is light and refreshing.

And finally, back I drove to Batu Feringghi, savouring local food along the way at the Gurney food market. In the evening I still had the energy to dance the night away at the Hard Rock Cafe: the live music was great and I could not resist the temptation, in spite of being extremely tired.

It proved to be en extremely interesting day full of sights. Sites visited apart, the Vespa was indeed a great surprise: hip and reliable, I enjoyed very special moments on the saddle of this amazing 150cc machine. Riding it I felt quality, when compared to other scooters. Plus, as there are not so many of these yet on Penang roads, many pointed at it and marveled it when I stopped at traffic lights.

The author with Michael Jackson statue at Hard Rock Cafe

Are you visiting Penang? Do you look for an alternative and classy way to move around for a day or three? Rent a Vespa. You will not regret it!

La Belle Vespa & Scooter Rental

This amazing shop has been renting out Vespas for 5 years. They charge  60 RM per day (this is the real going rate, despite you may read different from some inaccurate posts), which I considered fair as Vespa maintenance is expensive and they have full insurance on all mopeds.

In Georgetown

The service you receive is amazingly good, expect assistance 24 hours in case of problems, and you will indeed come as a customer and leave as a friend as Fateha and Feroz are so so friendly.

To rent a Vespa or another moped from them, you must carry an International Driving License as this is important for insurance purposes. This is just needed for identification and it is not held by the store.

Their address is 440-B Chulia Street, 10200 Penang, and you can contact Miss Fateha on WhatsApp +60164160617

Their FB page is fb.com/vespapenang

The post Vespa tour of Penang appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

Farming panorama

I had been told by a fellow traveler that the best way to escape the hustle of town and at the same time discover the magic of rural Bali was to go on the ever-popular Bali eco educational cycling tour by Bali Eco Tours. This tour is advertised in their website as the “original and authentic eco/educational cycling tour, designed to take visitors to Bali away from the tourist areas and show them the Bali they want to see”…

Receptionist at SenS Hotel & Spa Ubud

The tour started early in the day; after being picked up at my hotel in Ubud, the SenS Hotel & Spa, the minivan whizzed towards the mountains while Wuh our guide, a nice middle-aged man from Ubud, explained the program of the day to our group of four. Right behind us were the two support trucks with our bicycles on their loading back area.

A cracker seller driving along the main road

The driver used shortcuts in order to avoid the morning traffic on the main road, and in doing so he gave us the chance to experience local Balinese life in the local villages we passed: shops were opening up, women in traditional ceremonial dresses walked to amazing local temples with trays full of veggies and fruits carefully balanced over their heads, men worked in the rice paddies and kids played happily in neat and tidy home gardens. Inside garages and porches, massive Ogoh-ogoh monsters were being prepared for the upcoming Nyepi Festival (2017 date is 28th March – http://asianitinerary.com/nyepi-day-in-bali/), and at the front of their shops, crossed-legged artisans carved amazing wooden articrafts.

Rice terraces at Tegallagang

We had a first stop to visit the area of Tegallagang, with its ethnic population, articrafts, rice terraces and majestic views over the rice fields, and as the weather got worse and the dark sky started to discharge small drizzle drops, we proceeded towards Kintamani, a village on the western edge of the caldera wall of Mount Batur.

The road got less and less busy as we climbed up the high hills, and the air turned fresh. At the roadside, dozens of simple wood and bamboo offered sold fruits neatly adjusted in pyramid shapes on the shelves. We finally reached the restaurant in Penelokan, Kintamani, where we had our breakfast of sweet black rice pudding and local coffee. From the perched up terrace, we enjoyed fascinating views over Mount Batur and its crater lake, both enveloped by low clouds. This is supposed to be one of the most stunning views in Bali.

KIntamani, view of Mount Batur

Mount Batur, an active volcano located at the center of two concentric calderas, and its lake are now part of the Batur Global Geopark, one of UNESCO single, unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development. The park has an entrance fee of IDR 15,000 (about 1,5 US$). Our guide Wuh entertained us with lots of information on the volcanoes and the lake: we got to learn about the goddess of rice and about the Bali Aga people , as well as dates of the most recent Batur eruptions. Wuh is a great entertainer and his culturally rich stories of nature, people and spirituality became an important part of the tour, I must say.

The process of coffee making

The following stop was a visit to a Balinese coffee plantation, one of several that have mushroomed up in the area thanks to a surge in eco-agro-tourism. We followed Wuh to an amazing garden of various species of plants and tropical fruits growing in their natural environment, and he explained all their medicinal and culturally important uses. The process of making coffee was also quite interesting, and so was the story of the civet cat called Luwak and his involvement in producing one of the most expensive coffees in the world. READ ABOUT IT HERE !  Next was a sampling of local herbal teas and coffees before we continued the drive to a parking lot where the assistants were preparing our bikes.

Local farmer harvesting the rice

We were given helmets, a few instructions on signals and cyclist recommended behaviour in Bali, and we started riding downhill. Riding the mountain bike through the heartland of Bali, travelling on non tourist, back roads and minor village roads with little traffic – the only obstacles being potholes and dogs crossing roads – was good fun. The scenery was fantastic: we cycled past stunning rice paddy panoramas where villagers were seen planting and harvesting the crop, we saw plantations full of Balinese staples and cash crops like cloves, coffee, cocoa, vanilla, tapioca, taro, local vegetables and exotic tropical fruits, and lots of Balinese children calling out ‘hellos’. Each village had an amazing temple made up of stones covered in moss, and surrounded by lots of vegetation.

Huge spiders crawling all over us

We made numerous stops during the ride:

• At a lush garden by the roadside, we got to handle huge spiders which are not poisonous, still it was eerie having these things crawl all over us…
• We marveled at an enormous Banyan tree.
• We stopped at a Balinese home/compound, where we got to see first hand how the Balinese everyday life is like, and were we received Wuh wealth of information on habits and lifestyle of the locals. Priceless.

To have an experienced and knowledgeable guide who gives an in depth explanation of their amazing culture and of the relationship the Balinese have with their beautiful island is a real treat.

25 km later, we reached the pick up point. We dropped the bicycles and boarded the minivan again for the journey to a local restaurant set in the serene surrounds, where we enjoyed a delectable Balinese feast and views, once again, over rice paddies.

Bali Eco Tour guide Mr Wuh

This has been for me the best value tour in This has been for me the best value tour in Bali. I appreciated all the detailed information the guide offered, as well as the great organization and safety level from Bali Eco Tours, with one support car in the front and one in the back, and guides and assistant riders with lots of attention to details.

It was a remarkable day; Wuh was friendly, funny and informative, and the bikes were not the latest models but were well-maintained and great for the tour (Bali Eco Tours have a park of 250 bicycles, I was told). I like to describe the Bali eco educational cycling tour as both an adventure and a cultural, ecological, learning and culinary experience!

No wonder this tour is now promote

Cycling alongside local villages

d in every guide book on Bali/Indonesia – the Lonely Planet Guide Books on Bali, Indonesia and Best of Bali, The Rough Guide Book to Bali, The Natural Guide to Bali and numerous French, German and Dutch guide books – and it has been consistently voted the best tour in Bali.

The cycling part of the tour is 90% downhill, meaning you can enjoy the views while appreciating a constant breeze and without a great deal of physical exertion.

The Bali eco educational cycling tour includes:

• Pick up and return to your hotel by A/C car.
• Mountain bike and safety helmet.
• Breakfast and lunch.
• Ample water and fruits on tour.
• Entrance fees and wet weather gear (if needed).
• Cold face towels after your ride.

BALI ECO CYCLING

PT. Bali Budaya Tours, Jln. Raya Pengosekan, Peliatan, Ubud, Bali

Tel: 081 337 420 420 – If ringing from a mobile phone or outside of Bali dial +62 (0)361 97 5557. Inquire about Bali Eco Tour programs via email at baliecocycling@gmail.com or check out their booking calendar by following the links below to see what tours are already running: http://www.baliecocycling.com/cycling-tour/

The post Bali eco educational cycling tour appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

Jimbaran beach

Bali is a stunning island with plenty of amazing places to visit and lots of exiting activities to do. The island has a nice range of transportation choices for visitors, and I have so far used them extensively. However, nothing can equal the freedom of having your own car, driving it yourself, stopping anywhere you please and decide your own schedule without depending on anyone. This is why this year I have decided to take a nice drive around Bali.

My rented car from Echo Bali Car Rental

I started by renting the car from a reliable car rental company. Echo Bali Car Rental – http://www.echobalicarrental.com – have been around for a few years, have a wide range of cars, comprehensive insurance, and offers a delivery and pick up service. The car I was assigned was a small and reliable Toyota Agya, perfect for the Bali small roads.

The smiling receptionists at GrandMas Legian

My tour started at the airport, where I picked up my white Toyota and drove to my first accommodation in Legian, the GrandMas Plus Hotel Legian – www.grandmashotels.com – a green artistic oasis in the heart of the tourist area. Legian stretches north of Kuta to south of Seminyak and it comprises a similar access to shops and bars than Kuta, but it is less chaotic than its sister destination, and it also is a popular destination for surfers. I spent my first day in Legian

Complimentary bicycles for clients at GrandMas Legian

bicycling around, courtesy of GrandMas Plus Hotel Legian free bicycle rental service: the basic Polygon bicycle took me through the busy streets of Kuta and along the beachfront all the way up to Seminyak and back. It was a sweating activity, I admit, but I loved it: it gave me a chance to get a good zoom-in of local life, of shopping madness and of beachfront activities such as surfing and leisurely lying on beach mats. I ended the day with a great treatment at GrandMas Plus Hotel Legian signature Rehat Massage & Reflexology, a great relief for my aching muscles, ad with a properly cooked pizza at GrandMas Plus Hotel Legian partner restaurant, Bella Italia.

Bali Mandara tollway

The day after I moved to Jimbaran, driving along the great Jalan By Pass Ngurah Rai, with its 2 lanes per each traffic direction, and through a recently built underpass that offloads some of the traffic from an important intersection.

My room at Keraton Beach Resort

Jimbaran is an area with a splendid crescent-shaped bay boasting a white sand beach that is home to 5 star beach resorts and to a few more moderate mid-market hotels. There is little in terms of nightlife there, and the area is nowhere near the action of Legian, but the clusters of grilled seafood restaurants on the beach makes up for that, and so do the stunning sunsets to be had from Jimbaran beach. I checked in at the magnificent Keraton Beach Resort – http://keratonjimbaranresort.com – had a shower and rushed to catch my car again and drive off to explore the Bukit.

Sunset approaching at Uluwau temple

The Bukit is the southernmost point of Bali, a large limestone peninsula attached to the rest of the island by a sliver of land south of the airport. Apart from having a good number of great beaches, perhaps the best on the island, and from being the top surfing spot in Bali, the Bukit is mostly famous for the cliff-hanging temple at Uluwatu. It was there I was heading, after my Toyota shared the peninsular rugged and dry environment with lots of other drivers driving towards the same destinations. I had a great vegetarian lunch on a typical Balinese eatery by the side of the road, and I reached Uluwatu temple compound just in time to enjoy the sunset and the famous Kecak Fire Dance.

Cheeky monkey at Uluwatu temple

After I paid the IDR 30,000 (about 3 US$) temple entrance fee, I was free to walk around the temple grounds – you need to dress decently, sarongs are available free of charge at the entrance – but the central courtyards can only be entered during special rituals and are normally off-limit to visitors. Uluwatu forest is inhabited by a large number of cheeky monkeys who love to distract themselves by snatching visitors’ eyeglasses, cameras and bags, so beware, stow away everything you can and leave as much as you can in the car/bus/bike.

Kecak Fire Dance

The iconic Kecak Fire Dance – or Tari Kecak Uluwatu – performed at the cliff-top amphitheater is an art performance where a group of sitting men use voice instead of the traditional gamelan ensemble of instruments, with women in traditional Balinese outfits performing dance-drama in the center. At the entrance price of IDR 100,000 (about 8 US$), it is a 1 hour sunset show you should not miss. Buy the ticket at the temple, or book in advance at reservationbaliindo@gmail.com

Keraton Beach Resort swimming pool

On day two in Jimbaran I gave the car a break and spent my day at the beach and at the Keraton Beach Resort magnificent free-form pool, I sunbathed and I enjoyed a great lunch of grilled baby snapper at Keraton’s Joglo Restaurant, right on the seafront. In the evening I went to visit the local Jimbaran fish market, where tourist buy fish and seafood – with lobster a great favourite – and have it all grilled at the local stalls that set up BBQ service and sell drinks. I went to bed satisfied…

Fishermen boats at Jimbaran fish market

TO BE CONTINUED… STAY TUNED !

A drive around Bali – Part 2 – Ubud, hills and mountains 

A drive around Bali – Part 3 – Bedugul lake and valley

A drive around Bali – Part 4 – scenic Munduk

A drive around Bali – Part 5 – the North coast

A drive around Bali – Part 6 – the West coast

The Toyota Agya was kindly supplied by Echo Bali Car Rental

TO RESERVE A ROOM AT GRANDMAS LEGIAN, CLICK HERE !

BOOK A DISCOUNTED ROOM AT KERATON JIMBARAN BEACH RESORT HERE !

The post A drive around Bali – Part 1 – the south appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

Cured meet sold at a Singapore Chinatown shop

Whilst the entire city of Singapore can largely feel Chinese, Singapore’s traditional Chinese quarters retains some of its original charm and are commonly called Singapore Chinatown. To be noted that this area is also known as Niu Che Shui in Chinese and Kreta Ayer in Malay, names that mean “bullock cart water” and that originated from the carts that used to haul in drinking water.

Chinatown covers an extended area south and east of the town, with the area between Pagoda Street and Smith Street modeled up considerably for tourists. Here, the area is a sharp contrast to the rest of the city, with low rise buildings and culture bursting out onto the streets. Also, in contrast with predominantly Hokkien Singapore, the dominant Chinese dialect is Cantonese.

Eat eat eat

The covered up area

Needless to say, Chinatown is the place where to get plenty of Chinese food, although there you can also find plenty of Korean restaurants and a choice few European fine dining establishments. Club Street on Friday and Saturday is closed from 7pm to 1am and converted into public pedestrian space, allowing people to enjoy a vibrant street life, encompassing a wide range of flavours from across Singapore, China and the rest of Asia. This is indeed one of the best places to eat cheap, tasty and authentic local food in Singapore.

Whatever the weather, the food area is covered with a high-ceiling glass canopy shelter and an integrated cooling system, making Singapore Chinatown a perfect all-day dinging spot, rain or shine. There are areas that blend traditional Chinese heritage with contemporary threads, quirky cafes and chic restaurants, mainly catered for expat and yuppies.

Food is one of Singapore Chinatown most important features

In other areas you can eat in the several eateries and watering holes, hawker stalls and restaurants housed in restored shophouses. Walk around and enjoy the fragrant smells of traditional cuisine. Sample quintessential local delights like the famous carrot cake, while you get lost in the alleys of Singapore Chinatown looking for that most authentic Singapore dining experience.

Tantalising Char Kway Teow (stir-fried noodles), yummy satays (barbecued meat skewers), Bak Kwa (barbecued meat), crunchy spring rolls, carrot cakes and a diverse spread of local delights and iconic food from local cultures, aiming at letting the visitors experience a relics of Chinatown’s past.

Singapore Chinatown items for sale

Shop

When you are done with eating, next natural activity in Singapore Chinatown is shopping. The streets in this historic area of the city-state boast well-restored pre-war shophouses that host a myriad of stalls where merchants have been selling their wares for years. You can wander at random and spend a considerable amount of time checking these shops, some of which sell quite expensive antiques and traditional Chinese clothes aimed more at the locals. Products include bales of fine silk, traditional handicrafts, gold and jade jewellery; there are several goldsmiths, medicinal halls and teahouses, a bustling mix of old and new.

Night

Chinese restaurant

Singapore Chinatown has a vibrant nightlife; the sleek neighborhood entertainment includes karaoke bars and KTV lounges, but it is not limited to those. For trendier tastes, there are several hipster bars, chic restaurants and upmarket wine bars that cater to expats and locals with cash to spend. The main entertainment area is around Neil Road, Duxton Road, Club Street, Ann Siang Road and Keong Saik Road.

Local waiting for food at stall

Sleep

Singapore Chinatown boasts some of the most interesting accommodation in town in the form of renovated shophouses that now offer rooms to visitors looking for that special ambience.

What to see

Singapore Chinatown heritage precinct is proudly displayed: visit the various Chinese, Buddhist and Hindu temples, museums and heritage centers for a multi-sensory experience of the culture of the migrant settlements:

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

Buddha tooth relic temple

Four-story Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is a remarkable contemporary temple (completed only in 2007) towering above southern Singapore Chinatown. The imposing and stunning main hall has high ceilings and hosts a 27-foot statue of Maitreya Buddha.

There is a bell tower and a drum tower, but the main attraction for visitors is the solid gold two-metre stupa on the fourth floor, which is also where the the sacred relic itself, reputedly one of Buddha Shakyamuni’s teeth, is kept. This can be seen only during daily ceremonies at 9-11 AM, 2-3:30 PM, 6:30-8 PM. Up on the roof is a 10,000 Buddhas pagoda that has a large Tibetan-style prayer wheel.

Every Tuesday and Thursday, 8.30am to 4pm, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple offers interactive and engaging Buddhist teaching in English led by the resident Venerables who have more than a decade experience teaching Buddhism and Meditation in different cultural settings. Rates are $20 for half day and $40 for a full day, which includes vegetarian lunch and water. Email buddhistculture@btrts.org.sg to register, it’s free.

A temple tour should last about one hour, after which you can take advantage and relax at the little teahouse located on the second floor.

Sri Mariamman Temple

Sri Mariamman temple

This temple, declared National Monument in 1973, is the oldest shrine in Singapore, and one of the most prominent places of worship for Hindus in the country. Sri Mariamman Temple dates back to 1827 and it was built by immigrants from Southern India, as it served as an asylum for new immigrants. The present structure is believed to have been built in 1862-63 by Indian craftsmen, and it represents the rich Hindu culture in Singapore, hosting a variety of cultural, educational and social activities, aside from its religious services for Hindu worshippers and Singaporeans alike.

Sri Mariamman Temple is dedicated to the goddess Mariamman, known for her power to cure illnesses and diseases; its majestic monumental tower (gopuram) has colourful sculptures of Hindu deities and it is flanked by images of Lord Muruga and Lord Krishna. Images of Lord Rama and Lord Muruga can be seen in the main prayer hall.

Singapore City Gallery

Central area model at Singapore city gallery

This 3-storey visitor gallery has large scaled models of the city centre and the entire country-island, as well as telling the history of Singapore’s urban planning. Read more about Singapore City Gallery HERE.

Getting there

You could easy spend a few days wandering Singapore Chinatown narrow streets and visiting local monuments. To get right in the heart of the action, take North-East MRT line and get off at Chinatown station, taking Exit A (Pagoda Street).

FOR A DISCOUNTED ROOM IN SINGAPORE, FOLLOW THIS LINK ! http://www.booking.com/searchresults.en.html?city=-73635&aid=1214390&no_rooms=1&group_adults=1

The post Singapore Chinatown appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

Maya Bay

The dream of visiting the Phi Phi Islands, in the South Thailand province of Krabi, is one that most keep in the drawer for a while. The day finally comes, you travel to Krabi, settle in your hotel, you are ready to book a tour. But how do you fight the prospect of having to share your dream destination with hundreds of other tourists who have the same dream and come on hordes of speedboats, longtail boats and diving boats, claiming a share of the long-awaited sandy beaches and shores? Easy: chose the Phi Phi Islands Early Bird Tour with Siam Adventure World. This company was chosen for its extra advantage of leaving early to avoid many of the crowds and experience more time around the Phi Phi Islands. This was in line with my preferred way to experience Krabi paradise islands.

Departure port for Phi Phi Islands Early Bird Tour

Set inside the Noppharat Thara/Phi Phi National Park, the Phi Phi Islands archipelago is simply stunning. There are white sandy beaches, rugged towering limestone cliffs, crystal clear waters and magnificent hidden coves sheltered from the outside world. It was with these great images in mind that I ventured out of my hotel at 7am to wait for my minivan pick up. At the Noppharat Thara pier I boarded the speedboat and made introductions to my fellow travelers; Captain Bao started the engines and we were soon on the way. James, the chocolate-skinned tour guide, made introductions and the multilingual guide gave us an account of the program of the day.

The sea was quite rough, with huge waves challenging experienced Bao who rode with no fear, jumping on the waves and following their line as the boat rocked and jumped, but without a worry on his face.

Longtail boats at Maya Bay

Arrival time at Maya Bay was 8,30 am, and we were glad to have woken up early as we were amongst the first visitors of the day to step on a nearly empty world famous beach. This is truly a magnificent place: a sheltered cove protected by two 100 meter tall jagged cliffs with a narrow entrance from the outside ocean. The sand is pure white, and there were a number of picturesque traditional longtail boats anchored along the shoreline.

The National Park headquarters area

James went to settle the National Park fee, included in the price of our Phi Phi Islands tour, and we were given time at ease. The guide made the way inside the tropical rainforest which serves as the background of this great bay, completing the postcard picture. We passed the National Park headquarters and the rangers bungalows, and soon reached the back of Loh Samah bay. The whole area is populated by dozen of amazing pandanus trees with prop roots emerging from their stem.

The day was glorious, the sun intensified the palette of greens, blues and turquoises so typical of the Andaman sea, with the forests perched on the vertical walls of the giant limestone rocks reflecting on the waters.

Pileh Lagoon

By the time our boat left Maya Bay, one hour later, the place had already started to fill up. At the front of Loh Samah Bay, on the other side of Phi Phi Leh, the crew decided not to stop as there were already too many snorkeling and diving boats anchored there. Instead, we proceeded to reach Pileh Bay lagoon, which is everyone’s favorite stop on a tour to Phi Phi Islands. This breathtaking emerald green lagoon is surrounded by towering cliffs and it is only accessible during high tide. Captain Bao cruised the speedboat slowly into the lagoon, while James assisted us in the choosing and fitting of fins and masks. The area is well sheltered from the open sea, hence it is the ideal snorkeling spot. We swam and snorkeled for a good 20 minutes, then returned to the boat where the guides were sharing anecdotes and knowledge of the area.

Viking Cave

All islands and locations have Malayu names, from the sea-gypsies original inhabitants of these places. The name Phi Phi refers to the original Malay name Api-Api, the Fiery Grey Mangrove which is found throughout the island. Pileh means room, since seafarers used this enclosed lagoon for protection in case of a storm.

Next stop was Viking Cave, just 1 km north of Pileh Bay, so called as legend tells that pirates used to shelter there. Viking Cave gets its unusual name from some of the 70 ancient cave paintings found there depicting long boats that resemble those of the Viking people. But the real reason Viking Cave is famous for is that it is home to Swiftlets birds that make the bird’s nests so famous in asian culture for their healing and health properties.

On the way to Phi Phi viewpoint

The caves are guarded and it is forbidden to go inside, so we took a few pictures from the boat and continued on to Loh Dalum Bay, where we were given three options: trek to the famous Phi Phi Don view point, relax at the beach or take a walk through the Phi Phi Village.

As most of us chose the trek to the viewpoint, the guides got set and led the strenuous march up 321 steps along a forest cleared at some points, thick and green at others. A sweaty exercise on this humid day, one that rewarded us with a spectacular view over the island, its bays and the surrounding sea.

Phi Phi Don from the viewpoint

The high tide forbade our mooring at Monkey Beach, so instead Bao cruised to Bamboo Island where the crew served us a fresh lunch brought over by the company speedboat from Phuket, confirming once more the logistic perfection of these tours. The super beach lunch buffet is delicious and it has something for everyone; special requests like vegetarian or vegan will be catered for but should be mentioned at the time of booking.

Bamboo Island is famous for its powdery soft sand and warm inviting waters. After coffee, some of us snorkeled in the bay, while others went for a swim, strolled along the long beach or relaxed on the sand. We were given 2 hours to spend on Bamboo Island, which is quite enough, considering that after one hour the number of boats and consequently of people easily tripled.

Bamboo paradise Island

The last stop of the tour was at Hin Pae, an underwater reef featuring crystal-clear water, lots of fish and colourful coral; James jumped in the water with us, pointing us to the best spots and having fun with the group.

During the return journey, we had a good sight of Taleh Wae, which thanks to the receding tide it joined the islands of Koh Poda and Chicken. The sun went slowly down and the waves continued rocking the boat when we arrived at Noppharat Thara at about 16,40 – where the minivan awaited to deliver us back to our hotels.

——————————————

The buffet lunch

I found the Phi Phi Islands Early Bird Tour to be a well-structured and unique tour. The experienced guides are all from the Krabi area and have been working together for 2 seasons already so they interacted very well and ensured all went as per plan, which increased the quality of the wonderful experience. The multilingual guide on board was also attentive to everything, answering every question and attending every need.

The speedboat is modern and feels safe, and the pilot is skilled (especially on this day of high waves), and the Thai food and the way it was presented made us feel pampered.

Boarding Siam Adventure World speedboat

The early rising was worth it: most of our arrival times meant destinations were not yet overwhelmed by tourists. In fact, we were informed that the Phi Phi Islands Early Bird Tour itinerary is flexible and can be inverted or totally changed by the crew according to tides, weather and situation of boats/people on each visited spot.

Overall, thumbs-up to Siam Adventure World!

FACTS

Distance: Koh Phi Phi Le is about 45 km’s east from Phuket and about 37 km’s south from Krabi.

Departure Time: 07:30am from either Ao Nang beach or Noppharat Thara Beach, returning at approximately 05:00pm

Available: from Phuket and Khao Lak whole year

Available: from Krabi from November to May

The author at Phi Phi viewpoint

Included: Air conditioned transport to/from your hotel, National Park fees for your stop on Maya Bay, soft drinks, fresh seasonal tropical fruits, lunch, professional licensed English speaking Tour Guide, full snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel and fins), Tour Accident Insurance.

Boats leaving from Phuket offer photographic service, where a photographer on board immortalize the most cheerful moments and puts them together in a DVD that can be purchased by the tourists on the tour.

CONTACTS: 

http://siamadventureworld.com

https://www.facebook.com/siamadventureworld/ 

The post Phi Phi Islands Early Bird appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

Lily Xian Private Tours

Room 1606, Building 9B, Chang Feng Yuan Resident Community, YanTa District, Xi’an 710061, China

http://www.lilyxianprivatetours.com

lilychinatours@hotmail.com 

office: +86 29 85428005 (09:00-18:00)

mobile: +86-18629295068 (24 hours)

WHO THEY ARE

Lily Xian Private Tours

Lily Xi’an Private Tours operates a variety of China tours for different needs. Each itinerary they offer can be tailor-made, you can send us inquiries about one or some of them first, and our travel consultant will customize them based on your specific interests and needs. Director Lily Sun graduated from Xian International Studies University and has been a trustworthy English tour guide for almost 10 years.

Lily is also a travel enthusiast who has been to several places in the world, thus she knows exactly how tourists make plans and what they want and need in their trip. Lily is considered by her guests to be well-educated, knowledgeable, kind and easy-going.

Terracotta warriors

Lily guides visitors in a journey of discovery, where you will learn about the profound Chinese history and culture, making you fall in love with the places you will visit. Follow Lily and her team for an exceptional experience of Xi’an and China.

Lily Xi’an Private Tours will endeavour to tailor a special tour to suit your personal requirements, whether you are a lover of history or nature, a traveler with time or budget constraints, or a family with kids or seniors. Their working principle is “You Require, We Satisfy”.

WHAT THEY DO

So why chose Lily Xi’an Private Tours?

Dried seafood at market

Well, for a start, unlike many other travel agencies, they are Xi’an local tour experts and they specialize in organizing private tours in the region, so you will get the facts about your chosen destinations from real local people who know best the places where they are living.

Savvy travellers know quality tours do not have to be expensive, and Lily Xi’an Private Tours offer professional support and service at for reasonable prices. Services they provide include:

Transfer: enjoy private transfer throughout your trip, all vans arranged by Lily Xi’an Private Tours and are expected to be clean, safe and air-conditioned. They arrange domestic China flights as well as international flights upon request.

Lily Xian Private Tours

Tour Guide & Driver: well dressed and non-smoking, tour guides will receive you at airports, train stations, piers or hotels holding a greeting board with your name on it. All the guides are promised to have excellent language and communication skills. Drivers are prohibited from chatting, smoking or phoning when driving.

Land Tours: your private tour will depart on any date at your convenience. It is exclusively for you and no strangers are allowed to join. There’s no limit on the number of people in your group, though the tours will be more expensive if taken alone. Your tour will follow your heart, you are free to travel at your own pace and flexible to choose any additional stops. Your tour guide will double check the itinerary with you, so if there is any difference they can make a quick adjustment.

Playing mahjong

Hotels: they make arrangement with a wide selection of hotels, from budget to luxurious, boutique to chain brands, to meet every client’s needs. All hotels are promised to be clean, secure and comfortable.

Meals: lunch during tours is a la carte at local restaurants whenever possible, usually local Chinese food is served with sanitation guaranteed. Please note in some remote countryside regions it’s simply hard to arrange a decent a la carte meal, so lunch may be at a local family or tourist restaurant as you decide. Your tour guide will help you make the order as waiters’ English at local restaurants do varies.

Tandem tour

Shopping: they usually provide “no shopping” tours. If you do have interest in some local products, please tell your guide, who may suggest some local stores with best quality at reasonable prices.

Follow Lily Xi’an Private Tours for your customized and personalized tour through the treasures of the vast and magical land of China.

The post Lily Xi’an Private Tours appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

What makes boats and sea going so magical and addictive? We will probably never find the reason nor the antidote. We only know that seventy percent of the earth is ocean, and that this vast expanse of blue seems to have a magnetic attraction on humankind. Try standing at the edge of land and stare out to sea – check the horizon – you might feel that “pulling” inside your mind and soul. It could be the “ocean’s call”, and Raja Laut was probably created to answer it. Our’s is a blue planet after all.

Over the last decade Raja Laut has had the pleasure of seeking out-of-the-ordinary experiences, whether it’s meeting the Moken sea gypsies in Burma’s Mergui archipelago, or watching descendants of the Konjo shipwrights craft hulls on the beach as their ancestors have done for years in Sulawesi. We have felt the presence of history, of the schooner and the spice trade. We have discovered that probably several lifetimes are not enough to explore all the places we want to see!

More than anything, we have understood that the experience of Raja Laut has always been about the emotion of the voyage, the connection of the people aboard, who come to sail together and make unforgettable memories. And so for the 10th Anniversary of Raja Laut we would be honoured if you would share your favourite Raja Laut photos with us. Wherever you are, do get in touch, we look forward to hearing from you !

Raja Laut

Schedule 2016

November to April : Myanmar

Starting from November until April, the Raja Laut is based in Myanmar and the Andaman Sea. This wonderful cruising area extends from the Mergui Archipelago in the north to Phuket, Langkawi, and many hundreds of islands in between.

June to October : Indonesia

Starting from June until October, the Raja Laut is based in Indonesia, an amazing country with literally thousands of islands, including Bali, Komodo, Flores, Alor and many many more..

For more information on the Raja Laut  location and availability check out their website: www.rajalaut.com

http://www.dive-the-world.com/blog/2010/01/take-the-video-tour-of-world-famous-raja–laut/

The post Raja Laut 10 Year Anniversary appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

Asian Itinerary photographer is about to ride!

What can I say, I love cycling! My plan for a bicycle trip in the Chiang Rai area had initially included taking my own bicycle there, finding a decent map and charging out along the way. Then I searched the internet for an independent tour company and I was more than surprised to find Chiang Rai Bicycle Tour, the only company offering pure cycling adventures in the area. I got in touch with them and picked a day for my tour.

When that day arrived, I woke early and had breakfast at my Chiang Rai hotel, then waited for owner Khun Bee at the reception. Phubordin Thitipongkul (AKA Bee) turned up in a pick up truck and he was already wearing his bike helmet, a good starting sign!

Chiang Rai Bicycle Tour bikes

The sonthaew (a pick-up truck set up to carry people) driven by Bee’s sister then drove towards the city outskirts where Chiang Rai Bicycle Tour have their headquarters: a simple family home in the countryside, with a patio so stuffed with bicycles there was no room for anything else. Bee owns 60 of them, all Trek brand, and the family maintains them and fixes them thanks to a mechanic station with of all the necessary tools. We were surprised to see some dated bikes in great order and well-tuned. Khun Bee then gave us a safety run-down, fitted us for bikes and fed us with notions on road customs in Thailand, hand signals and how to keep the ride safe. He stocked a set of tubes and a set of emergency tools in case of a breakdown in his rucksack, as well as a medical kit. These boys are so thorough, and you can tell their operations are so smooth thanks to the love they put in what they do. We were soon set to go.

Riding along dirt roads

We were now on the eastern edge of Chiang Rai cycling south along quiet lanes and footpaths toward the Lao River, a route well-studied and previously explored by Bee and his brothers. Lots of small tracks and back roads create wonderful trails that show bikers a side of the Chiang Rai countryside that most tourists will normally not see. We kept a comfortable pace and saw temples along the way, as well as rice paddies, rubber plantations, local markets, quiet neighbourhoods and farmers at work.

Countryside scenes

The physical activity combined with a weak yet warming sun – we were lucky as the day was not that hot – made me start sweating in no time. The rescue came soon after, when Bee’s sister Ying pick-up appeared parked on a village football ground. Bee’s sister Ying takes care of the food and refreshments along the way in a very clever way: she drives the pick-up through side roads and shortcuts and positions herself at break points, in order for us to have easy pit stops with coffee and local snacks without Bee having to carry them. She also functions as the support team should anything happen to a bike, or should anyone wish to cut the ride short. Temperatures can soar in these areas and it is not always easy to keep on cycling while your body sweats profusely.

Village feel

It was time to grab the bikes again, continuing our ride through dirt roads and easy single-track trails in direction southwest along the banks of the Lao River. Hardly any motorbike or car bothered us at all. Discovering Chiang Rai countryside through quiet back roads was indeed my target, one that I was accomplishing. The scenery was stunning, there were lots of water buffaloes grazing in the fields. Bee stooped to have a chat with a family or rubber tappers and we later enjoyed a few cultural sights including cocks training for a fight and charcoal making. The day was still reasonably hot and we cycled at slow pace along irrigation canals, where we had plenty of time to get to know more about our host.

Khun Bee hails from Tha Thon, north of Chiang Mai, in the northern Thai border with Myanmar. He was a rice farmer before moving to Chiang Mai where he was a monk for over 7 years and subsequently worked as a guide for a trek and cycle company. He then moved to Chiang Rai looking for opportunities, and once he realised there was no bicycle company in town, he started his company, which is still the first and only bike-only enterprise in Chiang Rai. Bee and his brothers have obtained a Tourist Authority of Thailand licence as guides and also have a company licence, insuring riders on tours. Thumbs up for the guys!

Wat Rong Khun

We had so far been on potholed roads, dirt paths, and slight inclines, and it was now time to turn onto a paved road for the  final stretch before Wat Rong Khun, better known as the White Temple and one of Chiang Rai’s biggest tourist draws thanks to its unconventional origins – an artist project planned to last 60 years – and contemporary style. We had a lunch of traditional khao soi curry at a local restaurant, after which Khun Bee gave us a good tour of the temple, taking us around each part of the grounds, telling us about the symbolism of the artwork and sculptures, and showing us around the workshop where apprentices create unusual mirrored decorations for the temple.

Coal making area

The second part of the ride, though hotter, was just as interesting. The first leg was along paved roads, but the traffic was really little and we felt extremely safe. Bee then turned to country roads where we saw black herons and white herons fly by our heads, rice paddies, farmers on tractors, dogs. The afternoon went by fast; I stopped lots of times for picture-shooting, and I appreciated Bee patience. After an uphill portion we reached the Singha Park, a lovely compound with a long bicycle lane crossing through it. There we cruised along hills cultivated in fruit orchards, tea and vegetable gardens, we passed a lake with swans and fields of flowers in bloom. It was a great way to end a comprehensive tour, and we took advantage to have some extra discussions with Bee about different cultures and ways of life, the nature and the environment, religion and customs. Bee was a font of information and never tired of answering our questions.

Singha Park

Back at the parking, Ying appeared with her pick-up truck, offering us some energetic coconut cookies and cold drinks. Khun Bee loaded the bicycles on the roof of the truck and we were soon on the way back to town.

I can’t recommend Bee any more highly! If you happen to be in the Chiang Rai area and look for a great way to see Thailand from a slightly different angle, do not hesitate and give Bee a call!

_____________________________________________________________

This was one of the best and most authentic bicycle tours I have ever been on; it gives you the chance to see the countryside of Northern Thailand through different eyes.

Bee at Singha Park

Chiang Rai Bicycle Tour take out large groups and all ages, 8 to 80, all heights can cycle – he has extra large bikes to cater for extra tall men! They also have tandems and pull-on for kids.

Chiang Rai Bicycle Tour is a well-run family business. They love what they do, and it shows. In fact, Bee motto is: “We love what we do and we do it well. We don’t mind competition, since there is room for everyone and we always get decent business”. They are the only company in the area to focus solely on cycling and, as it is their passion, they take pride in everything they do!

Loading the bikes on the truck

The tour was well-managed and highly professional; I highly recommend their tours to anyone who enjoys cycling and wants to see and experience a part of Thailand that your average tourist wouldn’t see. Rides are relatively easy, yet you need to have a minimum of good physical condition. If in doubt, discuss this with Bee at the time of booking so he can place you on the most suitable tour.

Chiang Rai Bicycle Tour also run multi-days tours, for the full list check their website on  http://www.chiangraibicycletour.com/chiangraicyclingtour_fullday.html  

Chiang Rai Bicycle Tour is fully licensed by all the proper authorities in Thailand, guides are authorised and licensed Thailand Tour Guides and they carry accident insurance for every rider.

Chiang Rai Bicycle Tour company profile on our website: http://asianitinerary.com/chiang-rai-bicycle-tour/ 

Asian Itinerary was kindly sponsored by Laluna Hotel and Resort, read our review on http://asianitinerary.com/laluna-hotel-and-resort/ or BOOK A ROOM BY CLICKING HERE !

The post Chiang Rai Bicycle Tour – full day countryside tour appeared first on Asian Itinerary.