Archive for July 5th, 2010

Travel to Laos – Laos cities and attractions

Despite being the capital and largest city of Laos, Vientiane is really no more than a small town sitting on the northern bank of the Mekong River. Like other French colonial cities, it has its share of wide boulevards and old villas, but the city is not awash with things to see or things to do. The trick here is to slow down to Vientiane’s laid back rhythm and take in a few of the sights at a leisurely pace, breaking up the day with a meal, snack or drink at one of the city’s many cafés or restaurants.

Among the sights to see is Pha That Luang, The Great Stupa of Vientiane, built in the 16th century on the site of 13th century Khmer temple which in turn was built over a 3rd century Indian temple. The golden temple is Vientiane’s most important religious building and one of the most important in Laos. The temple was destroyed in the Thai invasion of 1828 but was reconstructed in the 1930s from original drawings.

The Lao National Museum was built in 1925 as the French governor’s residence and today is dedicated to presenting the history of Laos from and its struggle for independence from foreign occupiers.

425 km north of Vientiane is Luang Prabang. Until the communist takeover in 1975, this was the capital of Laos and today it remains its spiritual centre. The small city is a mixture of French colonial architecture and Buddhist temples with their monks in their colourful robes.

Here you can visit the former Royal Palace, home of the Lao kings until 1975 and now the Laos national museum. The palace is a curious mixture of traditional Lao style mixed with a strong French influence all overlaid with Buddhist symbolism. The museum is full of treasures from Lao history and the private quarters of the royal family are preserved as it was when they left.

Nearby natural attractions include the Kuang Si Falls, consisting of one 180 foot main waterfall, and several smaller falls from one pool to another. 25 kilometers from Luang Prabang are the Pak Ou caves. These are only accessible by boat and the two caves are filled with hundreds of Buddhist figures covering the floors and wall shelves, all left there by pilgrims and the local people. It is estimated that there is a total of around 4,000 figures in the two caves.

In the far south of Laos, the Mekong River spreads to be approximately 14 km wide and in the dry season the water recedes leaving thousands of islands ranging from the smallest sandbars to inhabitable islands. The area is known as Si Phan Don or Four Thousand Islands. Among the permanent islands is Don Khong, 18km long and 8km wide, This is an ideal place to spend a very quiet time exploring the fishing villages or just watching the Mekong River flow by. If you are lucky you will also see the local dolphins. Bamboo bungalows are available to rent.

Laos is the most recent of the SE Asian countries to open its doors to tourists and now is an ideal time to visit as the country remains relatively unspoiled.

Are you planning to visit Laos? Please contact Indochina Odyssey Tours, maybe they can give you some help.

Why Invest In Real Estate Ghostwriting?

Why use professional real estate ghostwriting when advertising real estate?  Are you kidding?  Writing (and all other avenues of sales) is what keeps the real estate business thriving.  It is amazing how many real estate websites today are still trying to sell their agencies and firms with a minimally decorated, under-written website.  Smiles and generic pictures do not get attention.  Words get attention.

Yes, a picture is worth a thousand words.  However, when a web surfer views that picture, those thousands of words might end up very different from the original intention.  For example, what do you see when you come upon the online image of an empty island resort?  You may think of all the beautiful sites and sounds around the area.  However, someone else might think of the scene as lonely or as deserted.  Suddenly this attractive image has cost you a possible sale.

You need real estate ghostwriting to help sell your acquisition.  A writer can help conjure up pleasant images of sunlight, warm temperatures, luxurious resorts and lots of fun with just a few words.  He or she can make the scenario spring to life.  Rest assured, the most successful real estate websites out there publish vivid and enlightening travel articles on a regular basis.

That said, real estate ghostwriting is not only practical for imagery.  Sometimes it’s the personal conversation that seals the deal.  You well know from personal experience that the tone and manner of the real estate agent can make or break a deal on a new piece of property.  Doesn’t the same logic apply for a real estate website? 

What kind of Real estate ghostwriting articles are you publishing?  Are they friendly and conversational?  If your articles are too fact based or consist of a lot of gibberish in between famous names, then you are not really selling anything to your public. 

Good real estate ghostwriting may consist of a lot of qualities; sometimes these articles need a touch of the dramatic.  Sometimes they need to be based in fact.  Sometimes humor and heart are the most important qualities.  True, you must know your audience in order to make the sale.  However, it’s a safe bet that your audience appreciates warmth, vivid imagery and a great deal of emotion when it comes to buying new property.  Is better quality writing worth a 10 million dollar sale?  Absolutely!

If you run a real estate website, then start looking into real estate ghostwriting to improve your search rankings.

Hanoi Halong Catba Maichau Tamcoc Hue Myson Hoian saigon Mekong Tour

Day 1 : Arrive Hanoi ( D )
Arrive Hanoi airport. Meet the tour guide at the airport and transfered to the hotel. First visit of the city with guide. Take a cyclo tour around Sword Lake and the Old quarter. Dinner and Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi city tour (B, L , D)
Breakfast at hotel. Full day city tour : the old quarter, Ngoc Son temple or « Jade Moutain » which was built on Jade island in the 19th century. It was dedicated to Van Xuong, considered as the brightest star in Vietnamese litterary. Visit Ly quoc Su pagoda, vestige of the dynastic temple of Ly. Have a look at the cathedral located at side. Visit Temple of the literature, the oldest school, established in 1070. One of the five courses is the most perfect example of Vietnamese architecture, with her wood sculptures. Visit famous pagoda with the single pillar “Chua Mot Cot”, built at the 11th century, by king Ly Thai To. Walk in the streets of the 36 corporations, the street of silk, the street of hemp, etc. In the evening, enjoy water puppet show. Dinner and Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.

Day 3: Hanoi -Halong bay – Catba island ( B, L , D )
Departure towards Halong bay, Cruising on the bay, enjoy the landscape of 3000 islands in the sugar loaf shape, scattered on 1550 km2 which constitute this archipelago bathing in the surprising green emerald water. Multiple caves, like Thien Cung grottos, the cave of the wonders, Surprise grotto. Many fine sand splits and beaches in a enchanting decoration. Visit a part of the islands and caves (approximately 6h of boat). Lunch on board with seafood. Overnight at hotel in Cat Ba island.

Day 4: Catba island – Haiphong – Hanoi (B, L )

Drive to visit Cat Ba National Park. Bathing at Cat Co Beach. Lunch. PM: Get hydrofoil to HaiPhong City. Drive back to Hanoi. Free and Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 5 : Hanoi – Hoabinh – Maichau (B, L , D)
8:00 AM ick up at your hotel in Hanoi. Drive to Hoa binh( about 2 hours). Short stop for break and coffee. Drive on to Man Duc for lunch. Leave Man Duc to Muong village where you can do a short walk for 2 hours. then drive on to Mai chau with few stops on the way for taking pictures.
Go around the valley before having dinner at a stilt house of Thai minority village. Enjoy the traditional music performance ( Performed by local artists ) Overnight in the Thai village. Clean and comfortable matress, blanket and pillow are provided.

Day 6 : Maichau – NinhBinh (B, L , D)
Breakfast. Discover the Thai people. They are the most minority of Vietnam, a visit which will make you enter in a true patriarchal society. Lunch then continue to Ninh Binh by a very beautiful road of countryside. Check in hotel. Dinner and night in Ninh Binh.

Day 7: Ninh Binh – Tamcoc – HoaLu – Hanoi (B, L )
Hoa Lu is called “Ha Long bay in land”, it is a landscape similar to that of Halong bay (without the sea but in the rice fields). You will embark in small boats at Van Lâm, led by young women, to sail on Ngo Dong river which curves among the rice fields and the mountains of limestone and threads under three mountains, to arrive till Tam Coc caves (three caves). Superb landscapes and the meeting of the life on river of the fisherman and Vietnamese farmers. In the afternoon, return to Hanoi. Free and  Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 8: Hanoi – Hue (B, L )  Flight
Breakfast and transfer to the airport for flying to Hue. Pick up and transfer to the hotel. AM: Boat trip on Perfume River to visit handicraft village: making conical hat and bronze casting. Visit Thien Mu Pagoda considered as Royal Pagoda of the Nguyen Dynasty and Imperal Citadel. Lunch.
PM: Visit Mausoleums of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh King. Visit a typical garden-house in Hue (Hue has another name as “city of garden”). Visit Dong Ba market. Night at hotel in Hue.

Day 9: Hue – Myson – Hoian (B, L )
Depart for Lang Co, a small village of fishermen. Taking photograph from HaiVan Pass ( The pass of Sea and Cloud). Visit Cham Museum in Danang. Lunch.

Drive to MY SON. Very spectacular, the site Cham of My Son Afternoon visit Marble Mountain. Arrive Hoian. Free at leisure. Overnight in Hoian.

Day 10: Hoian (B, L )
Breakfast. Start the visit of this charming small town, first commercial center in Vietnam since the 15th century, with more than 800 classified buildings : Japanese Covered Bridge, TanKy Old house, Assembly Hall Chinese. PhucKien Pagoda, Hoian Museum and Market. After lunch, continue the visit. In the evening, walk on the river Thu Bon in sunset. Back to hotel. Overnight in Hoian town.

Day 11 : Hoian – Danang – Saigon (B, L , D)             Flight
Breakfast. Transfer to airport for the morning flight to Saigon.

Arrival in Saigon.Transfer to the hotel. Lunch at the restaurant. Afternoon is free for personal discovery. Diner on boat cruise. Overnight in Sai Gon.

Day 12 : SaiGon city tour (B, L )
Breakfast. Beginning of the city tour: post office, cathedral, Reunification palace, centre town, then continuation towards Cholon by trishaw, visit Thien Hau temple, Binh Tay market. Lunch. Afternoon is free for personal discovery. Overnight at hotel.

Day 13 : Saigon – Caibe Floating market – Saigon (B, L )
Breakfast and drive to Mekong delta. Morning is reserved to a boat trip at Caï Be, on the innumerable channels connected to each other. You will discover a watery life. Thousands of people live there, on water, in water, for and thanks to water. Lunch on an island. Afternoon, back to Saigon. Overnight in Sai Gon.

Day 14 : Saigon depurture (B )
Breakfast at hotel. Free time for shopping. Transfert to the airport 2h before the departure flight to your home.

More information at : http://www.hanoipeacetour.com/english/?page=tours&menu=detail&id=431

Top 5 Must Visit Places in Indonesia

Indonesia is the world’s biggest archipelago, containing thousands of islands. The country is a collection of many different local places of interest. Tourism in Indonesia is highly developed, including a wide range of tourist destinations, and excellent luxury hotels and hotel packages.

The selection of places to visit is vast, including many fascinating and unique sites and areas of interest. Indonesia is a big place, and the tourist is confronted with infinite possibilities of combinations of places to see and things to do.

This is a selection of five of the best and most dazzling of Indonesia’s tourist paradises:

Java

Java is the main island of Indonesia, in terms of population and development. It’s also one of the most unusual tourist destinations in the world. There are some extraordinary things to see in Java:

Borobodur Temple, the ancient Buddhist Mahayana monument. This is one of the great classics of Buddhist art, with no less than 504 Buddha statues and 2,672 relief panels.

Prambanan Temple, the Hindu Temple near Yogyakarta, a masterpiece of Hindu workmanship 47 metres tall, the equal of its Indian equivalents.

At the western tip of Java is the volcano Anak Krakatau, the “Child of Krakatoa”.

Sumatra

Sumatra is Indonesia’s big western island. It’s a very diverse place with many different environments and a priceless wildlife heritage which trying hard to survive the strain of modern times. Sumatra retains much of its ancient heritage and culture. It’s common to see ancient ways of life and fishing boats next to new four wheel drives and sleek modern power boats.

Bali

Bali, one of the world’s legendary tourist destinations, is the global traveler’s classic must see destination. Bali resorts are famous for their high quality, particularly in the Nusa Dua and Jimbaran areas of the island.

People don’t just “like” Bali, they love it. Each beach and resort has its own admirers, and the regular visitors come back many times. Bali’s reputation is based on a mix of its natural beauty, the fabulous holiday lifestyle, and a personal affinity. Everyone has “their” personal Bali. It’s one of the few places in the world where tourists care as much as locals about preserving the natural charm of the region.

Kalimantan

Kalimantan, formerly known as Borneo, is the big northern island, a wild area famous in colonial times for its wild jungles and their fierce inhabitants, the Dayaks. This is a truly incredible, magical place. You can see orangutans in their natural environment, go on river cruises up wild rivers, trek through one of the world’s great jungles, and see a real traditional longhouse and the famous Dayak dragon.

Sulawesi

Sulawesi is the large, island with four big peninsulas east of Kalimantan. The island is divided into North Sulawesi and South Sulawesi. This island is famous for its diving experiences. Sulawesi has a range of marine environments, including beautiful beaches. Inland, it has fabulous Lake Linow, and an active volcano, Mt. Soputan.

Indonesian holidays combine all the best elements of tourism; Excitement, exotic places, and real luxury.

A Visit to Koh Tao With an Interview in Mind

Koh Tao, or Turtle Island, is not a big island; indeed it only covers 21 square kilometers. It is situated in the Gulf of Thailand off the western seaboard coastline, and it only takes about one and half hours to get there by high speed catamaran from Chumpon.

The majority of turtles that the island was famous for have moved away, and now it is known as one of the major dive sites in Thailand.

There is only one major road on the island, straddling the eastern side of the island, connecting the northern communities with those in the south. Other than that, you will need to take care when traveling around as most of the other roads are dirt tracks.

I find that the best way to get there from Bangkok is by train to Chumpon and then the catamaran. All in, the one way cost is only about 1,200bt and you can buy both tickets at Hua Lampong railway station in Bangkok. Depending on the connections, it takes about twelve hours to get to the island from Bangkok

Recently I went there to meet up with my mate Shane and Sao, his lovely wife. Sao runs a business supporting the dive industry on the island, and concentrates on renting out DPVs. For the uninitiated, DPVs (Diver Propulsion Vehicles) are normally used for diving and snorkeling and can go to a depth of 30 meters

Shane has had a number of business ventures in the U.K. and Portugal. I wanted to find out from Sao what she had learnt from him, and also, what her experience was of running a business in Thailand mainly catering to foreigners.

Allan – Ok, Sao, just how much have your learnt from Shane in running a small business?

Sao -   Well, it was quite a novelty moving to such a small island, learning to dive and then starting the underwater scooter business. It has been an interesting learning curve, and I am lucky that generally all the people I have to deal with are all in all a friendly bunch.

Allan – What is the market like for DPVs on the island at the moment?

Sao – We are lucky that most of the dive schools on the island are happy to use our services, and frankly, diving with a DPV is great fun!!

Allan – What has been your most frustrating business moments on the island?

Sao – Getting parts for the Seadoo DPVs. Despite the fact that Seadoo is a household name in the water sports industry, we normally have more broken machines than working, and getting spare parts is a nightmare. At the moment 70% of our DPVs have broken down and we have waited nearly a year for spare parts. We are hoping that Seadoo can get their house in order and we can get back to offering the best service available.

Allan – And what is your favorite part of the job?

Sao - Getting out there and talking to people every day, and best of all hearing that our clients have had a great time with the DPVs

Allan – What advice would you give to someone starting a small business in Thailand?

Sao – If you plan to start a business offering goods or a service, make sure you can rely on your suppliers. The buck stops with you. !

As I have only been to Koh Tao a couple of times, I also thought that it would be good to get Shane’s ideas on what to see and do on the island.

Allan – I know that Koh Tao is famous as a dive site, so what else would you recommend to do and see during the day?

Shane—There is not a great deal to do on the island except water sports and chilling out, but we do have a mini golf and a bowling alley, paintball, rock climbing and of course water skiing, wakeboarding, and snorkeling.

A round the Island snorkeling trip makes a great day out, available with various companies for around 650bt, stopping in five different bays around the island, but do remember the sun block!!!

(MELT offers a round the Island trip for 650bt, including fins, mask, refreshments/soft drinks, tire riding and a boom net.

Allan – Anything interesting to buy on the island, e.g. to take home as presents?

Shane – Nothing much is produced in Koh Tao and most things come from the mainland, However, Avalon offer large range of aromatic and massage oils, toners and various natural beauty products not readily available everywhere. Free advice is available from Andrea (Avalon@suthep.com).There is also an up and coming U. K. clothes designer recently arrived on the island – Nikki Noodles can design and personally tailor clothes for ladies at a fraction of European prices.

Allan – Where would you recommend eating? 1. Tasty and not expensive. 2. Excellent and not too expansive?

Shane – There are lots of places on Koh Tao to eat and drink. Eating and drinking establishments on Koh Tao have been opening at an alarming rate in the last couple of years

For myself, I enjoy a relaxing drink after diving at the Safety Stop in Mae Haad, where Western and Thai food is available on the menu. Brian, the owner from South Africa, also makes a mean Biltong (dried beef.). South African style!!

Dirty Nellys, the Irish Pub in Mae Haad, offer a western menu and a tasty pint of Guinness with live music some evenings. Choppers, in Sairee Village, also have live music some evenings, have large screen TV’s and show most sports events. Opposite Choppers is ‘Morava’, an up-market restaurant offering their speciality of fondue. Just down the road is Papas Tapas, offering an extensive menu of very tasty tapas dishes. Portabello offers a range of main courses including pizza and pasta, and there is also Brother Restaurant which has fantastic steaks.

There are so many places on Koh Tao to eat drink and be merry, it is probably easiest just to list a few places to try.

Chopsticks, in Mae Haad, has authentic Chinese food and is also a nice change from Thai food. The house speciality is dim sum.

The Golden, which is between Mae Haad and Chalok Ban Khao, has an all you can eat Korean Barbeque for 139bt.

Safari – Mae Haad – Great Steaks and pizza and pasta also available.

La Matta – Mae Haad. Pizza & pasta, takeaway and delivery available

Café Del So l-Mae Haad – great breakfast.

Zest – Mae Haad – for a great sandwich/baguette and delicious coffee; a perfect start to the day!!

Farangos – Mae Haad and Sairee Village – pizza and pasta.

Blue Wind Bakery - situated on the beach in Sairee – homemade bread and a very varied menu. It also has accommodation available at a very reasonable price just meters from the beach.

Shalimar Indian Restaurant – Sairee Village – authentic Indian cuisine in a walled garden surround. Reasonable prices with curries to die for.

Noori Indian Restaurant – Sairee Beach. Situated right on the beach next to the Lotus Bar, Indian food incorporating some of the best naan breads I have ever tasted.

Lotus Bar – Sairee Beach – if you are under 50, this is a ‘Must Go Place’ and a starting point for the night life; meters from the sea, and a place to warm up before going on to the late night dancing a little bit further down the beach.

Sun & Moon bar is a 1st floor bar in Mae Haad at the dockside, and a great evening place. It has a playstation 3 and free Wi-Fi is available for their customers, plus a balcony to relax on as you watch the sunset. A cocktail as you ‘watch the sun go down’. is what makes the holiday. A perfect place to just do it! Loads of information and advice on Koh Tao is also available. Just ask at the bar staff, and, if they cannot help, then ‘They Know Someone Who Can!’  – Simon on 0810789963

Allan – And how about where to go to party after dark?

Shane – After Dark Parties!!! There is always the beach, and most of the late night places are on the beach; sit on the sand enjoying a drink, or get up on that dance floor and show everyone what John Travolta didn’t do!!!  The late night places are all in the same area, and some are open whilst the others shut. There is Maya, In Touch, Moov, one of which is open every night. Then there is the Castle on the way to Chalok Ban Khao that has a party every couple of weeks; well worth the wait!!! But don’t expect to get much sleep. The party at the Castle is an event!!!!

Allan – Finally, what should you not do on the island?

Shane—Simply, Two Things.

1. Avoid drugs. The penalties are harsh. Whilst in Europe a marijuana joint is a minimal legal infraction, in Thailand, generally, the penalties are over the top, and a joint can cost you a couple of thousand US dollars.

Class ‘A’ drugs will definitely put you in prison for many years to come.

2. Do Not Use the front brake on your motorcycle . There is so much sand on the road that if you use the front brake, you will most likely lock the wheel and fall off.

Any damages to the rental bike and you have to pay over the odds for repairs, so be careful when renting a bike, and always check for previous damage!

Johnny from Chopsticks offers the ‘Rent A Wreck’ Rental service – ,john_stafford75@yahoo.co.uk – has older bikes which work well but may not look pretty. Cosmetic bike injury he tends not to charge for!

To the uninitiated Koh Tao is a wonderful Island to visit; relaxed, friendly and somewhere you have to visit before you die. !!!!!

With the question and answer session over we retired to Sairee Beach for a few well deserved beers. A big thanks you to Shane and Sao for a wonderful insight to life on Koh Tao!

Shane and Sao can be contacted on 085 791 4610 or 084 840 5997 if you are interested in hiring a DPV, or indeed want to know more about Koh Tao.

Need to book some dives, find accommodation? Give us a call and we can point you in the right direction.

And finally, as usual, a big hello to my friends at the Thailand Web Zone, www.thailandwebzone.com, which is a new Thai social networking and Thailand community site. Share information in Thai forums and Thailand articles, meet people, share photos, music and video, find & submit information on Thailand travel. Make new friends from all over the world! For those readers who have not visited TWZ, go have a look now!

asean_al

Camping Movie

Family camping vacation to Ludington, Michigan and the Sable Point Lighthouse.

Huge Savings Offered on Luxury Vacation Homes on Rustic Lake in Canadian Mountains

Huge Savings Offered on Luxury Vacation Homes on Rustic Lake in Canadian Mountains
Great incentives offered to purchasers of the only luxury lakeside condominium development on the shores of Arrow Lake in the rustic area of West Kootenays, British Columbia. (PRWeb Jun 30, 2010) Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2010luxurylakesidehomes/06/prweb4201884.htm

Read more on PRWeb