Posts Tagged ‘attractions’

Exploring Hong Kong, Amazing Varieties of Attractions

Hong Kong, officially known as the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, is a part of the Guangdong Province, and is one of the China’s two special administrative regions, another being Macau.

In other words, Hong Kong is a thriving metropolis where modern western lifestyle is combined with ancient as well as traditional Chinese culture. Until the 19th century, Hong Kong was just a sleepy fishing village, which later saw tremendous changes when it became a colony and was under the British till it was handed over to China in 1997.

Occupying an area of about 1099 square kilometers and located on the south east coast of China, Hong Kong is now regarded as a gateway to the country, and serves as a center of international transportation, commerce, and communication. Hong Kong is made up of four sections such as Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula, the Outlying Islands, and the New Territories.

When comes to attractions and things to do, Hong Kong provides endless options, which at the same are also unique. For instance, the Victoria Harbor that separates the glass towers of the island and the bustling streets of Kowloon Peninsula is one of the most magnificent waterways of the world. Perhaps the greatest of all the attractions in the city would be Victoria Peak, otherwise known as the Peak. Until the opening of the Peak Tram in 1880, the only way to reach the Peak was via walking or by taking a potholed ride in a sedan chair.

An interesting thing is that the Peak Tram is still in operational and taking a ride in it is a great way to enjoy the breathtaking vistas of Hong Kong Island as well as the Kowloon Peninsula. Attractions in the Peak also include the Peak Tower, which is a shopping center with a remarkable terrace, from where you can enjoy the magnificent views of whole of the island.

Another not to miss attraction in Hong Kong is Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront, an awesome promenade, a stroll along which would be a great way to savor the incredible beauty of the place. Must-visit attractions in the city also include Temple of Ten Thousand Buddha, where to reach you will have to climb about 400 steps; Tian Tan Buddha, which is the largest statute of seated Buddha in the world; Hong Kong Heritage Museum, which has on display an amazing selection of antique Chinese artifacts; and Sam Tung Uk Museum, which is in the center of Tsuen Wan in the New Territories.

A visit to Hong Kong would not be complete without taking a tour to destinations such as Disneyland and Ocean Park, whose facilities are an eclectic mix of entertainment and education; Repulse Bay, which is much famed for its white sandy beaches and sub-tropical backdrop; and Golden Bauhinia Square, which marks the most prominent occasion in the history of China, ie, the return of Hong Kong by the British and the establishment of the city as the Special Administrative Region on 30 June 1997.

The city has something for everyone. For instance, for culinary enthusiasts, the city boasts of a mind blowing array of restaurants serving delicacies like chicken lo mein, dim sum, Tong Cho oysters, tofu, and Peking duck.

Further, Hong Kong is a haven for shopping, with shops and stalls in such destinations as Stanley Village Market, from where a variety of branded items can be shopped at bargain prices. Likewise, if you are flower lover, then head to flower market, where a unique selection of flowers and plants can be seen. Further, a visit to the Bird Market would be an excellent option for bird lovers. Also, while your stay at Hong Kong, take a tour to the fish market in the city, which boasts of aquariums consisting of exotic fish varieties. Above all, exciting as well as lively is the nightlife of the city, which is primarily concentrated around the twin districts of Wan Chai and Lan Kwai Fong.

With these amazing varieties of attractions, it is not a wonder why tourists from across the world flock to this wonderful destination. Hence, the city has accommodation choices to cater to every type of travelers. If you are well healed, then you can go for such accommodation options that are attached with high facilities and comforts. Even these hotels provide superb facilities in the form of excellent fitness rooms and award winning spa treatments. There are also some hotels providing services of expert nutritionist which helps to develop healthy as well as sumptuous menus for guests.

5 Great Bali Attractions

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Many travellers and tourists from the west have a dreamy ideal of somewhere like Bali, since even the place’s name conjures up images of mystery and a world far away from the daily grind of a job in a western country. Naturally the weather plays a part and the humid climate is one of the reasons for people heading to the lush greenery and tiered paddy fields of Bali. While there some of the best things to do are:
1.See the temples. Nothing says south east Asia more than the temples which are scattered about the land, and in contrast to the Buddhist structures of Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia, Indonesia’s Hindu temples are a sight to see in their own right. There are literally thousands of temples to see in Bali and while many temples might look a little run down, they still operate as central points within every Balinese community.

2.The beaches. If it’s paradise that you want then Bali has it. The unspoiled nature of Bali’s beaches is one of the biggest pulls to the island, and the palm-fringed sands are both inspiring and relaxing at the same time. Lots of visitors to a luxury Bali hotel like to combine a beach holiday with a spot of diving, and the destinations of Menjangan Island in the north and Nusa Penida in the south are perennially popular spots for beach and scuba holidays with western tourists who want a holiday with a difference.

3.See ‘real’ Bali. This means exploring the sights and sounds of the island in a slightly different way, by getting out of your luxury Bali resort hotel to tour the island either on foot or by bicycle. Many tourists and visitors to Bali have enjoyed this activity and there is nothing quite like cycling through a tiny village stopping to talk to the local inhabitants or walking through miles of paddy field s on foot. There are tour companies to help arrange tours such as this as it is always best to have an informed local guide to point you at the best walks and rides.

4.Spoil yourself. There are so many different massages, spas, treatments and the like to be had in Bali that you could be forgiven for thinking that you have actually gone on holiday to a health farm. When you only have a few weeks off work each year to relax and recuperate from the daily grind it is worth indulging oneself in the numerous oils and treatments on offer in the luxurious health spas of Bali, something which most people find that they can suddenly afford to do every day. Not a luxury which is available to most back home!

5.Take a cruise. What is the point of going to a paradise island if not to make use of the emerald waters surrounding the place? The seas around Bali boast some of the most spectacular coral reefs in the world and there are no end of high quality cruises available to take the visitor out into the big blue – check out stunning Lembongan Island for somewhere a world away from everything that you know.

The Houston Attractions

The state of Texas has lots more to offer than meets the eye as it has plenty of land area along with varied entertainment and fun-filled locations. The place has everything to offer for the people of all age groups. The various Houston attractions widely popular with the tourists here includes places like Johnson Space center, Galveston Island, Galleria Mall, San Jacinto Monument and many other places of historic importance. You can experience the feel of space by touring Johnson Space Center; it takes you down the real space world stating specimens of historic space parts, the history and information on different spacecrafts used in the past.

Another famous hot locations amongst the Houston attractions are Galveston Island, a place for entertainment, resorts, beaches, shopping, family fun and over 32 miles of Gulf Coast beaches. The place gives you ample of relaxation and refreshing experience with family and friends. If you are heading towards the southeast Texas, then you can head straight to San Jacinto Monument and the San Jacinto Battleground. This is the place of historic importance because it was the place where Texas gained its independence. Another one of the famous Houston attractions is the downtown Aquarium that features thousands of fishes swimming in approximately 500,000 gallons of water. Yes, its in Downtown Houston. It is one of the most famous and widely popular tourist attractions in Houston that is impressive and exciting for the people who want games, rides and the best dining experience.

The Houston Zoo that is located next to the Hermann Park is equally famous for it has some exotic collection of wildlife since the year 1922. The Houston Museum of Natural Science was founded in the year 1909; the main objective of this museum is to educate people with wide array of knowledge of natural sciences and other related subjects. The Children’s Museum of Houston offers the best exhibits and educational resources and it is rated as the second best children’s museum of the country. Another most famous Houston Museum of Fine Arts that was opened in 1924 offers 300,000 square feet of display space along with 18 acres of gardens. It is one of the largest art museums of the United States that is visited by 2.5 million visitors each year. The Holocaust Museum displays exhibits and interactive displays of educating people about the victims and the survivors of The Holocaust. For the shopping freaks, the Galleria Mall is spread over 1.7 million square feet of luxury shopping offering the biggest brands of the world along with three office towers, two hotels and varied world famous restaurants.

Houston is one of the largest cities of the state of Texas and is one of the fourth largest in the nation, the Bayou city offers a plenty of interesting and unique locations to enjoy with family and friends. Th famous museums and other entertainment center to visit here are Space center Houston, Adventure Bay water theme park, Buffalo Soldier Museum, Battleship Texas, Houston Museum of Natural Science, Children’s Museum of Houston, Holocaust Museum Houston, Lone star Flight museum, St. Arnold Brewing company, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Houston Zoo, Woodlands Ice Rink, Houston Center for contemporary craft, Mercer Arboretum and Botanic garden, Sam Hosuton boat tours and many more.

Qatar Tourist Attractions

The nation of Qatar has numerous tourist attractions for any visitor or native to the country. Rich in history, there’s a wide selection of places to visit and sights to see in this Arab nation, whether you have an academic interest in the country, are looking to have some fun, or want to experience life in the luxurious comfort of one of the wealthiest nations in the world.

Doha, the capital of Qatar, is resplendent with hotels, restaurants, and more for the visiting tourist. The Corniche Bay, a seven kilometer long ocean front, is one of the most beautiful sights in the entire peninsula. Featuring paved walking paths and a variety of shops and restaurants, it’s a must visit for anyone in the capital city. The Al Bida Park, known as the best picnic spot in Doha, is part of the Corniche Bay area, and is host to some of the more upscale businesses of the area.

Also featured in Doha are a number of museums. The Qatar National Museum showcases the culture of the Qatari people; it’s been in operation since 1901, when it was converted from the former palace of Sheikh Abdullah Bin Qassim Al Thani. The ‘Wind Tower House’ is host to the Ethnographic Museum, which depicts the history of the development of Doha and Qatar from the emirate it once was to the financial power house it is now. Other museums in Qatar outside of Doha are the Al Khor Museum, located a little over 50 kilometers to the north of Doha, the Al Wakra museum less than 20 kilometers south of the capital, and the Weaponry Museum.

The first of these is a museum dedicated to anthropological studies of Qatar, its life, and its people. The Al Khor museum heavily features information on fishing and marine life, as the city has long been famous for its port activities. The Al Wakra museum likewise has some sections on the life that’s grown in Qatar, though it is more focused on preserving artifacts from previous and current Qatari generations, as well as showcasing the architecture and technology of the thousands of years of history of this nation. The aptly named Weaponry Museum has multiple exhibits displaying over twenty-one hundred items, covering a wide range from ancient swords to modern firearms.

There are also other parks and attractions in Qatar, for those looking to spend more time outside and not as comfortable in the confines of a museum. Aladdin’s Kingdom is an amusement park located in the West Bay region; it boasts 18 different rides suitable for all ages, and is part of a landscaping project that introduced numerous greenspaces as well as an artificial lagoon to the area. Other amenities in the park include a cafeteria, theatre, and separate mosques for separate genders. For animal lovers, the Doha Zoo just off of the Salwa highway has an exotic collection of animals both from the local ecosystems as well as from neighboring and far off countries. While it doesn’t feature as heavily on the ‘fun’ scale as The Kingdom does, the Zoo does have its own recreation and amusement section for kids who are not interested in the wildlife on display.

Qatar also is host to numerous historical landmarks: Dukhan, a little over eighty kilometers from Doha, is the original place in Qatar where oil was found, the singular event that transformed a once meek fishing and pearling nation into the resource powerhouse it is today. Al Zubra is a city that hosts a now disused fort, which was up until the 1980′s a functional military base planted square in the middle of an ancient castle.

All in all there are many, many sites to visit in Qatar, probably more than one can see in just one visit! Whether it’s the beautiful sandy beaches all over the nation’s shores or the artificially created Palm Tree Island resort, there’s a great number of wonderful tourist attractions inside and out of Doha.

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.