Top 5 Cities to see during a Holiday in Thailand

By: Stuart Cheese

In my capacity as the UK Director of Operations for One World Tours Limited, one of my jobs is to ensure every client has the best tour possible, so here are my top 5 suggestions for cities to visit in Thailand during your holiday.

1.Bangkok is a fascinating city which has managed to keep it’s ancient eastern traditions whilst embracing the modern progression of the western world. Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand and offers a host of experiences which include floating markets, modern bars, top of the range shopping, gastronomical delights and ancient temples steeped in the city’s history.

The Chao Phraya River separates the city and has a series of canals. The new ‘Sky train’ railway is something which should be experienced whilst in the city should you fancy avoiding the bustling traffic.

One of the largest floating markets is on the outskirts of Bangkok and you’ll greeted by the aromatic smells and the age old tradition of the locals and their way of making a living along the busy canals.

There is an array of beautiful and ancient buildings not to be missed whilst in Thailand. Although I did not personally experience all of the nightlife, it was made obvious to me that all of my entertainment needs would be taken care of by all well informed taxi drivers wishing to proudly show off their culture.

2. Phuket is the biggest island attraction that Thailand has to offer. It is the perfect place to retreat to and enjoy a tropical paradise. Although the west coast of the island was almost destroyed by the tsunami of 2004, there is very little evidence remaining to show that it occurred.

Not to be missed are:Old Phuket Town. Chinese immigrants from the 19th century, who were lured in the past by the tin mines, left behind them a host of amazing Sino-Portuguese mansions along Dibu and Thalang roads.

Thai Boxing. A personal favourite of mine, this national sport is violent and very fast paced. For regular matches the Saphan Him Stadium in Phuket City is the place to be.

3.Krabi. Krabi Province is in the middle southern part of Thailand. It is situated in the aquamarine water of the Andaman Sea. It is one of the most stunning places in all of Thailand.

Krabi Town is situated near the mouth of the Krabi River. The Mangrove forest is something to experience and is a must for avid bird watchers. Krabi Resort is set among a curtain of palm trees on the Ao-PhraNang beach. This is a delightful place to be if you are looking to soak up the natural beauty that surrounds you.

4. Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai is a city full of traditional heritage that shares its secrets with all who wish to discover them. It is a city with stunning natural beauty. It is amazing to see plants that we have to protect from the frost, growing in their scores, naturally along the roadside.

The people of Chiang Mai are a wonder in themselves with exceptional handicraft skills producing magical souvenirs for the endless throng of visitors. Chiang Mai houses the Inthanon Mountain, standing 8,448 feet above sea level making it the highest mountain Thailand.

5.Sukhothai. When visiting Sukhothai the main attractions for the area are Phra Mae Ya Shirne which is located in the Muang District. You will see a long haired figure made of stone that resembles an ancient queen. There is also a museum and National park as well as monuments of great interest inside the city walls.

Article Source: http://www.superfeature.com

Best of Southeast Asia Highlights: Beaches

When one thinks of Southeast Asia, the attraction of its beaches inevitably pop up. Certainly, Asia has many sights to offer, and its beaches are a constant draw for many reasons.
A great draw of Asia's beaches is the selection of award-winning, internationally recognized resorts and hotels at reasonable rates. The selection of hotels to choose from is staggering: practically every international hotel brand from Hilton to Shangri-La is available. One unique luxurious Asian-based hotelier is the Banyan Tree Resorts that offer exclusive and decadent holidays in Asia. The hotel sector of the Southeast Asian tourism industry is extremely competitive. Hotels and resorts regularly undergo upgrading once every few years to keep up with the Joneses. This means one good thing for the traveler: great deals on hotels are always possible, even in the high season.0

Most visitors to Southeast Asia will experience excellent and friendly service - 'pleasure' and 'pamper' are just some mottos these hotels operate by. Think luxurious suites with extravagant comforts such as private Jacuzzis and pools. Personalized spas, massages and beauty treatments in the privacy of your own room or villa. Dining options amidst lush greenery and panoramic sea views. If the 5-star hotels are above your budget, there is a wide range of mid-priced hotels and accommodations to suit different budgets. Some mid-priced hotels are operated by locals, and are a great way to get to know the colorful cultures in Southeast Asia.
The best part about beaches in Southeast Asia is the great variety of beaches and activities to cater for different interest groups. Beaches and island living is synonymous in many parts of Southeast Asia, so there will a beach to meet everyone's needs. The islands of Indonesia, the well-known beaches in Malaysia and Thailand, the new beach spots in Vietnam and Burma all offer great, if not different, beach experiences. While some will cater to families with their range child-friendly activities, facilities and services, others target the partygoers with a continuous stream of daytime and nightlife options. Others in search for privacy or pampering, such as honeymooners or corporate leaders, are literally spoilt for choice with the lavish range of spa and beauty resorts. What this also means for the traveler is that each beach experience will differ from another, given the rich diversity of the countries.

Bali is a popular choice among foreigners due to its good air connections. This mellow island is surrounded by stretches of great beaches and range of activity, and the locals are hospitable and friendly. Other popular, something-for-everyone-beach vacations include Krabi or Phuket in Thailand and Danang or Hue beaches in Vietnam.

The warm waters of Southeast Asia also attract many diving, surfers and water-sports enthusiasts for its rich and diverse marine life or waves, depending on what you are looking for. Thailand's Koh Chang or Koh Phi Phi, the islands off the west coast of Malaysia, and the Mergui archipelago in Burma are just a sampling of the range of great diving spots and sea adventure in Southeast Asia. Many diving spots are not as easily accessible as popular beach resorts, but the more remote the waters, the richer the marine life. Many specialized diving tour groups will make the land-transfer arrangements so that getting to such remote destinations is not impossible. Some diving spots operate seasonally due to the monsoon season, so check before booking your flight.
Finally, no beach retreat is complete without the mention of food. Many Asian cultures communicate their emotions and culture through their food, so food is seen as a very important aspect of the Asian identity. Travelers will never go hungry while on vacation at one of Southeast Asian beaches. Many cuisines are a mix of indigenous ingredients with influences from predominantly Chinese or Indian cuisines. Influences from other cuisines are also common, given the influx of top international chefs working in the luxurious beach resorts. Most hotels in southeast Asia will offer a sumptuous buffet breakfast as part of the accommodation package, and travelers will drag themselves out of bed for the breakfast buffet, as the buffet spreads are usually simply too good to pass. Travelers will also want to sample local fare that will be available.

by www.WorldCheaper.com

Bali, The Earthy Paradise

By PuTu Eka Sariningsih

Sited on the middle of Indonesian archipelago, first discovered by the European sailors, Bali becomes truly tranquil island. It is the earthy paradise for those, who are dedicated to the beauty of the tropical island. For summer holiday, honeymoon or even family perfect holiday. Not only its attractive view and exotic tourism spot but also the hospitality of the people you hardly find in a metropolitan city or highest civilization. Many travelers mesmerized by not just a part of it but almost completely all. The power of attracting people in the world has make Bali as one of the “must visit” world’s tourist destination. Over 8 regencies spread out beautiful spots to be visited through the over 3 million inhabitants. Further, each of them presents unique character of the culture itself. The selling point of this island is The Hindus culture with the temples from ancient age. There is no day without celebration toward the God. The tradition blends within the Hindus people, their daily life filled in by ritual culture. Once you experienced Bali, the air of the island will capture your soul. The daily life and activities of the people reflect their spiritual culture. Everywhere you go all that can be found is ritual ceremony and the offerings on the street, temples, big trees and other places believed existing holy spirits. The belief and culture might be the main attention for tourist to get fascinated in conjunction with their aim to visit some tourist destinations spread along Bali.

Thus Bali is known as “Heaven on Earth” trough enchanting scenery, as it is acknowledged as “Island of Thousand Temples”. Along the paradise you will be able to find many temples from centuries ago remain with their unique and stunning presentation. Besakih Temple is the mother temple of all temples in Bali. It’s nestled on the slope of the highest mountain, Mount Agung. Other temples for they’re famed by where the two temples sited are Uluwatu Temples and Tanah Lot Temples. Uluwatu Temple is on the edge of the cliff in which it’s inhabited by group of monkeys. Right below the temple, most surfers find Uluwatu beach as paradise for high wave lovers. On the other part, Tanah Lot Temple is the 16th century temple that beautifully perched at the sea, rocky silhouette where many people come during the sunset to spoil their eyes and feel the moment. Whenever it’s not tide you are able to walk to reach the temple. Another mystical thing about this temple is the cave where there’s a holy snake living.

For accommodation, there are “bunch of hotels” can be hunted. From those small hotels or inns, which offer good rate with a standard service until those who have fantastic rate including their luxurious rooms, wonderful view and exclusive services. They are located not just around tourism object more likely in such ”out of civilization” places, up high on the cliff or hill as well as down to the river and rice field area.

For surfers and passionate travelers, find your pleasure at south coast of Bali. Kuta is about 15 minutes from Ngurah Rai Airport where the white sand’s beach stretch over 10 km. Travelers come not without any reason since this place has all that every traveler’s desire. Don’t just discern to the beach for it’s fantastic wave, topless sunbathers, masseurs relax your body with compatible price and those vendors selling the crafts, in spite of those motives try to give a glance at the night life as experiencing it, lots of fun can be gained. Even just for a chill out time at cafes or bar on the street to a tranquil dinner in a decent restaurant accompanied by easy listening music or “Gamelan” Balinese traditional music instrument.

Inland, away from the beach, some villages illustrate the serenity of the paradise. Hide away from the crowd, up to the mountain area where heart can be so peaceful by the lush tropical plants or green paddy fields. Central Bali and northern Bali is really famous by terraced rice fields, down to the Tabanan regency. The fresh air surround you whilst the song of the bird rhythm through the morning breeze. Feel the harmony within mind.

One to be attained for home present can be found down the art craft’s place. Just about the tourism object, plenty of art shops offer good stuffs for reasonable price and suggested for bargaining. Along the road of Gianyar regency, you will find handicraft’s shop, woodcarvings even jewelries workshop. As the eyes gaze to the display of wood or stone statue and painting, you can as well visit a village named Celuk for silver or gold jewelries or go along Mas village for another comparison instead.

Experience more to the bottomless part of Bali while you are away for holiday. Get the excitement differently through the places you visit, hence it’s never going to be ever come to Bali but for ever remain coming for another visit.

How to find Salma Hayek Pictures Online?

How to find Salma Hayek Pictures Online? by Varughese Rajan

In recent years, many Latino babes have made it big in Hollywood. The biggest of them has to be Salma Hayek Jiminez. She was born in mexico, who later moved to Texas to her aunt's place. Salma Hayek started her career in the title role in Teresa in Mexican Television. But she was destined to do big things in the biggest of film field - Hollywood.
Salma Hayek entry into Hollywood was a Majestic one. She starred opposite Antonio Banderas in Desperado. Hollywood movie fans were entertained heavily by the nude show of Salma Hayek. She was simply outstanding as the sexy Librarian who takes care of the Hero when he is injured. The scenes where the hero teaches her to play Guitar is the most romantic and sexy scenes of Hollywood.
Salma's best acting display came in the Frida and Bandidas. She was nominated for Oscar in Frida. But my favourite film of hers is Bandidas. It is not any great movie, but the presence of Penelope Cruz and Salma Hayek makes it exploding. More over, there were rumours that both were engaged in a lesbian relationship at that time. penelope has denied it many times, but the way they behave when they are together suggest, they may be hiding their feeling. Whatever they both make a great couple.
Finding Salma Hayek pictures is very tough. You go for a search in google you will find thousands of site. But most of them are made for google sites and serves you with nothing. I recently found one site actresssnaps.com, they keep updating her recent pictures. The owner is a big fan of Salma Hayek and keeps updating her pictures every now and then. You can find the latest pictures of her from Cannes, Fight Cancer Gala etc. Salma Hayek has a penchant of displaying her beautiful cleavage in public, she really know what her fans need. If you like to see those pictures this is the place.

The Future of Video Games

by: Daniel Punch
I’ve recently been thinking about where video games could be going in the future. I’m hoping to work in the game industry one day after I’ve finished university study and I’ve been wondering about it a lot. What do I want to see happen in the future? Well I may not have too many answers right now, but I have come up with a few ideas that I think may come into ‘play’ in the not too distant future.
Firstly forget Virtual Reality, as we know it. They’ve tried VR goggles and they made a lot of people sick in doing so. It’s probably never going to work very well in its current form. They’re still around and you can still buy them but they really don’t seem to be taking off. It will probably take a lot to get people totally immersed and involved in a new form of game play. It’s threatening to lose touch with the outside world and the people around you aren’t going to appreciate it much either. The Sci-fi neural implants are also both a long way off and not likely to be accepted by a majority of the general populace without some severe marketing and luck. I for one am not planning on going through brain surgery just to have a computer attached to my head. In fact I never want anyone to able to plug into my brain.

A technology that was brought to my attention by a zealous presenter at the local ‘Science and Technology Centre’ (a sort of science museum aimed at making science fun for children and juvenile adults such as yours truly) is that of ‘Augmented Reality’. Augmented Reality is essentially the overlaying of virtual elements onto the real world, such as a pair of transparent glasses that can display certain elements over the top of what is actually there. I agree with the presenter in that this could indeed have some awesome potential. Forget all the socially beneficial applications such as workmen being able to view underground pipes before digging, think about it from a games point of view. This technology could provide gamers with the ability to run around looking like complete idiots shooting at things that aren’t actually there and that no one else can see, kind of like in the film ‘They Live!’ The upside to this is that it would be a lot of fun. A group of people from the University of South Australia created the ‘ARQuake’ project, http://wearables.unisa.edu.au/projects/ARQuake/www/, merging the classic shooter Quake with this Augmented Reality technology. Again, this technology may not ever become overly popular, but it would be entertaining to play with.

Technology has driven the games industry for a long time with new games always trying to keep one step ahead of the competition. It started way back at the dawn of technology and it continues to this day. 2D graphics gave way to 3D and 3D is becoming ever better. Graphics are starting to lose the ability to impress like they once did. The step between Quake 2 and 3 was amazing, but DOOM 3 while being visually very impressive isn’t leaps and bounds ahead of its competitors in the same way new games used to be. 2D graphics encountered a similar problem; there comes a point where you just can’t do much more with graphics technology. It is this that turns graphics from striving for technological achievement to becoming art. It is my hope that we will start turning away from tech demos and return to game play and making great entertainment. Games such as Zelda: The Wind Waker or The Sims that strive to show greater depth of character through simplifying the game enough to portray emotions will hopefully become more common (and more fun… but that’s just one person’s view…). Technology plays a certain part in the conveying of emotions and story but it’s quite hard to focus on everything at once. When technology is easier and less essential to game sales we’ll hopefully see an increase in games that cast a lasting impression.

Somewhat unfortunately the rise of the ‘Casual Gamer’ will probably lead to more simplistic games being released. While personally I would love to see depth of story and characters, there are a significant number of players out there who want to pick up a game for twenty minutes or so, have a bit of fun, and then put it down until another time. These gamers are generally less interested in the latest greatest technology and more interested in a ‘fast food’ kind of entertainment that satisfies the moment, despite the lack of quality or the lasting effects. Hopefully the two game types can co-exist peacefully although recently it has been seen that some developers are cutting down on some of the planned depth of a title in order to accommodate the more casual gamer.

As technology pushes forwards boundaries are slowly being broken down between systems. We saw the Bleemcast a few years back enabling the running of Playstation games on the Dreamcast, and the PC is able to run almost anything given the right emulation software. Consoles are able to emulate other consoles and new consoles are being announced that promise the ability to play PC games. The Xbox 2 is reported to have a model in planning that comes in a PC case and with the ability to run both PC software and Xbox software. Macs can emulate Windows software and vice-versa. We’ll probably start seeing less of a distinction between consoles and PCs as the price of technology continues to drop and consoles continue to become more and more powerful and able to compete with the more expensive computers. Ideally we’ll see a single platform come into prominence so that everything can be run without purchasing a copious number of different machines, although that does have a downside in that it can establish a monopoly for one particular company.

The technology price drop and increase in power has also lead to more powerful hand-held machines than before. Real games, not just simple toys are now available for the portable market. The advent of PDAs and mobile phones with the ability to play games raises awareness of portable gaming and new competitors are starting to get in on the field that was once primarily dominated by Nintendo’s GameBoy. There is a new product, the gp32, that can run many different emulators and hence, many different system’s games (including some PC games).

I can’t say for sure what’s going to happen but these are just a few ideas that I’ve had recently. Hopefully the games industry will continue to strive towards new heights with new and interesting game play, stories, characters and ideas. I’m looking forward to seeing what happens in the next few years.

About the author:Daniel Punch