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Koh Samui - must visit when visiting Thailand

Situated in the Gulf of Thailand in the South China Sea, about 90 km east of Surat Thani and roughly 750 km south of the capital city, Bangkok.

Occupying an area of about 250 square kilometers, Koh Samui is the third largest island in Thailand, after the Ko Chang and Phuket islands. Koh Samui is actually an Amphoe or district of Surat Thani province, and has been categorized into seven sub districts or tambon, such as, Angthong, Bophut, Lipa Noi, Maenam, Maret, Namuang, and Taling Nam.

Situated in the Gulf of Siam and surrounded by more than 50 islands, Koh Samui is also sometimes referred to as the Coconut Island because its harvest of more than two million coconuts every month. The destination is truly a tropical retreat, with beautiful white sandy beaches, azure-blue sea, lush green forested hills, unique limestone and granite formations, and picturesque coves and bays, and above all, little traffic and presence of warm as well as amicable people.

Hence, it is not a wonder why people from across the world, especially westerners, flock to this tranquil destination year-round. Much of the glory of the island lies in its magnificent shoreline, bestowed with long curve of palm fringed white sandy beaches with turquoise waters. Most prominent among the beaches in the area is Chaweng Beach, which is one of the busiest in the area. A variety of beachside cafes, disco bars, and cocktail bars, can be seen here.

Another popular beach in the area is Lamai Beach, which is packed with an array of restaurants as well as entertainment centers. It is less crowded when compared to Chaweng, and hence a stroll along this beach is truly soothing and comfortable. For those seeking tranquility and peace, then Maenam Beach would be the best, which is an ideal venue for backpackers as well as well-heeled.

This beach area is home to some of the best deluxe resorts and hotels in the region. A great place to chill out, Bophut is also a great beach in the area, which is a home to a serene fishermen's village filled with relaxed eateries, trendy boutiques, and ancient wooden homes Other popular beaches in the area are Big Buddha Beach, Choeng Mon Beach, and Lipa Noi Beach. Each of the beaches in the area provides opportunities to enjoy an array of activities such as diving, snorkeling, swimming, and sea canoeing.

Aside beaches as well as its activities, things to see and do in Koh Samui are truly limitless. In other words, Koh Samui has something for everyone. For nature lovers, nothing would be better than a visit to Na Tian Butterfly Garden, where you can see a large array of different species of vividly colored lepidopterans. Also, found here are a bee house and an insect museum with some rare species of insects.

Likewise, for animal lovers, some best options are available in the form of Crocodile Farm, where you can see crocodile species like Caimans and saltwater crocodiles; Samui Aquarium and Zoo, featuring scores of fish varieties as well as specialties like Asian tigers, sea hawks, and parrots; and Snake Farm, which is home to some rare as well as most poisonous snakes in Asia.

If you are interested in sightseeing, then Koh Samui provides a multitude of refreshing attractions. Just few among them are Big Buddha, the most renowned landmark in the island and whose centerpiece is a 12 meters high golden image of Lord Buddha in sitting posture that can be seen from several miles away. Hin Ta Hin Yai, stunning rocks which are also known as Grandfather and Grandmother rocks and are believed to be the origin of the Mui race; Magic Statue Garden, an incredible garden located deep in the forest and which can be reached by journeying through steep cliffs and forested rivers and hills; and Overlap Stone, which is quite challenging to reach this impressive boulders.

Not to miss attractions in Koh Samui also include temples in the area such as Hainan Temple, Hin Lad Waterfall Temple, Laem Sor Pagoda, and Pagoda Khao Chedi. In addition, things to see in Koh Samui also cover Buffalo fighting, Monkey Show, and traditional Thai Boxing. Well-linked by water, land, and air, Koh Samui renders its visitors superb accommodation options, ranging from stunning beachside villas and bungalows to upscale resorts and hotels.

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2011 Calender of Malaysia

Malaysia Year 2011 Public Holidays

01/Jan - New Year's Day
10/Jan - Awal Muhram
07-08/Feb - Chinese New Year
20/Mar - Prophet Mohd's Birthday
01/May - Labour Day
19/May - Wesak Day
07/Jun - Agong / King's Birthday
31/Aug - National/Merdeka Day
01-02/Oct - Hari Raya Puasa
27/Oct - Deepavali
08/Dec - Hari Raya Haji
25/Dec - Christmas Day
29/Dec - Awal Muharam

Malaysia School Term Holidays 2011

1st Mid Term Break = 08/Mar-16/Mar
2nd Mid Term Break = 24/May-08/Jun
3rd Mid Term Break = 16/Aug-24/Aug
Year End Break = 15/Nov-04/Jan/2011

Singapore School Term Holidays 2011

Semester 1 Term 1 Break = 08/Mar-16/Mar
Semester 1 Term 2 Break = 24/May-22/Jun
Semester 2 Term 1 Break = 30/Aug-07/Sep
Semester 2 Term 2 Break = 15/Nov-31/Dec

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Christmas in Hanoi

Christmas in Hanoi is familiar, but also strange.

Believe it or not, it was the Vietnamese version of Wham’s Last Christmas that first got me into the yuletide spirit this year.

There I was, sitting in a hotel lobby with my sister who was visiting, and we both looked at each other wide-eyed. We were watching dozens of parents and their excited children, milling around a Styrofoam Santa’s workshop, posing with his elves.

The wintry ambience was created courtesy of snow-in-a-can and wispy white cotton. We simply couldn’t resist joining in the chorus – in English, of course.

Christians make up 8% of the population, and Christmas is one of the four important festivals in the Vietnamese calendar – the others being the Buddha’s birthday, Tet (or the Lunar New Year) and the Mid-Autumn Festival.

However, Christmas seems to be a big deal. Those who have witnessed celebrations in the more Catholic Ho Chi Minh City claim that the Hanoi version pales in comparison. I personally think it’s remarkable how many non-Christians celebrate the season with their Christian countrymen.
It says more than some countries that constantly trumpet their supposed religious tolerance, yet behave otherwise.

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MAS offers First Class services at business class price

Malaysia Airlines, one of only five carriers in the world with a five star ranking, is offering a complimentary first class upgrade to business class travelers flying to Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore and other destinations in Southeast and South Asia. Effective immediately, full-fare business passengers may upgrade to first class, subject to seat availability, on long-haul flights originating in Los Angeles. Tickets are valid for one year from date of outbound travel.

First class travel aboard Malaysia Airlines is the ultimate in luxury and hospitality. Newly designed cabins feature high tech seats with a massage feature and convert to comfortable, flat-bed sleeping pods. A large wooden dining table and buddy seat, allows passengers to dine together. Dining is รก la carte and served whenever the passenger desires. An array of ethnic and continental menu items is available and a must-try is the airline's award-winning signature dish, grilled satay with a spicy peanut sauce. Fine china and Italian glassware, and an extensive wine and spirits offering, make dining a pleasure. Modern in-flight entertainment features audio and video on demand, with 350 options viewed on a 15-inch LCD touch screen. Mood lighting in the cabin, automatic window shades and an extra large lavatory with full-length mirror are just some of the features available for first-class passengers.

Business First tickets may be purchased by calling the Malaysia Airlines Premiere Desk at 888-627-8477 or through a travel agent. For more details log onto http://www.malaysiaairlines.com/main_US.aspx

Sample roundtrip fares for Business First tickets from Los Angeles (LAX):

$4,730 Business Class Taipei
$6,800 Business Class Kuala Lumpur or Singapore

Details:

Offer is good anytime, based on availability. Valid only on Malaysia Airlines flights and applies on sectors where there are first and business class cabins (long-haul sectors). Unlimited stopovers are allowed on route, where applicable. Children and infant discounts apply. Can be used for one-way or round-trip journeys. Travel must originate from Los Angeles. Commissionable to travel agents at five percent. Booking class is "A." Other restrictions may apply.

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Sandakan Harbour Square Hotel open on Dec 23

Sandakan’s first boutique hotel, the RM40-million @ease waterfront hotel — located within the RM450 million Sandakan Harbour Square — will be opened on Dec 23.

The hotel, which overlooks the Sandakan Harbour, has 138 deluxe rooms and suites, business centre and banquet facilities and it is targeting corporate clients, businessmen and tourists.

It would be the first hotel within the Sandakan Harbour Square and fourth hotel under the three-star category in Sandakan.

Sandakan has many attractions to offer including the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, the Kinabatangan river and eco-tourism.

Source: The Edge

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Laguna Holiday Club





On the tide of an economic boom, Phuket is awash with private villas and mixed-used developments, and the Laguna Holiday Club belongs to the latter. It is a small property located within the lush Laguna Phuket–launched in 1987 as the first integrated resort in Asia–and features hotel rooms and private apartments.

The main life of the resort is the scenic swimming pool, which gains its pristine views because of its adjacent propinquity to a lagoon and the wide expanse of the Laguna golf course. As an attraction to families with children, the pool comes with a tube slide.

Service is generally brisk and efficient, and the hotel is good for a weekend jaunt, but not much more beyond that.

Source : So Journey

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MAS increase its flights to Delhi

Effective 07th January 2011, Malaysia Airlines the national carrier of Malaysia will increase its flight frequency from Delhi gateway. The airline will now fly two additional flights on Delhi - Kuala Lumpur routes. With this flight addition, Malaysia Airlines will now operate 9 weekly flights from its current 7 flights per week.

The new flights will be operational every Monday and Saturday at 1215 Hrs respectively. With this addition, the total seat capacity operational on this gateway will be 2549 seats from earlier 2030, comprising of 378 seats in business class and 2171 seats in economy class.

The additional flights will be serviced by A-330-300 / A-330-200 aircrafts. Malaysia Airline is also offering a promotional airfare on Penang, Langkawi and Kuala Lumpur sectors. The Delhi – Kula Lumpur sector is competitively priced at INR 10,530.

In India market, Malaysia Airlines has already enhanced its flight frequency from South Indian gateways of Chennai and Bangalore. The airline has also launched its travel arm - Golden Holidays. Targeting the India leisure travel segment, Golden Holidays is being promoted and marketed by Kuoni Holidays.

With Malaysia Airlines new flight enhancement from Delhi gateway, the airline will now operate 32 weekly flights from its present five gateways in India comprising of New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad. The airline will offer 9 flights per week from New Delhi and Chennai, 7 weekly flights from Mumbai, 4 flights from Bangalore and 3 flights from Hyderabad. Internationally, Malaysia Airlines is recognized as one of Asia's largest, flying passengers to some 100 destinations across 6 continents everyday.

The airline holds a lengthy record of service and best practices excellence having received more than 100 awards in the last 10 years. The most notable ones include being the first airline to win the "World's Best Cabin Crew" by Skytrax UK consecutively from 2001 until 2004 and also in 2007, "5-star airline" for three consecutive years, 2005-2007, as well as No.1 for "Economy Class Onboard Excellence 2006" also by Skytrax UK.

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Maria Sharapova and Anna Chakvetadze is coming to Singapore



It has been confirmed today — Maria Sharapova and Anna Chakvetadze are scheduled to play an exhibition match on December 30 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

The tickets will probably cost from about $150 up to a few thousand dollars!

Sharapova will arrive in Singapore two days prior to the match because of a few public appearances she is supposed to make.


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Great hotel discount for 2011 Malaysia F1 race

In conjunction with the coming 2011 Malaysian Formula One Race, The Saujana Kuala Lumpur is offering special rates on all of its rooms and suites.

Starting now, travelers to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia can avail of the discounted rates when they book any of the rooms and suites at The Saujana KL Hotel for the period of March 19 to 23, 2011. The 2011 Malaysian Grand Prix is scheduled on March 21 to 23, 2011.

These special rates are inclusive of Continental breakfast and evening cocktails at the hotel’s Bayu Lounge. The hotel is only 45 minutes away by car from the Sepang International Circuit – the venue of the Formula 1 Race 2011.

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The Saujana Kuala Lumpur offers great discount for F1 race 2011

In conjunction with the coming 2011 Malaysian Formula One Race, The Saujana Kuala Lumpur is offering special rates on all of its rooms and suites.

Starting now, travelers to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia can avail of the discounted rates when they book any of the rooms and suites at The Saujana KL Hotel for the period of March 19 to 23, 2011. The 2011 Malaysian Grand Prix is scheduled on March 21 to 23, 2011.

These special rates are inclusive of Continental breakfast and evening cocktails at the hotel’s Bayu Lounge. The hotel is only 45 minutes away by car from the Sepang International Circuit – the venue of the Formula 1 Race 2011.

The Saujana is a premier hotel in the heart of Kuala Lumpur with a unique, low-rise styled structure nestled in sprawling green surroundings. This Kuala Lumpur hotel offers three selections of plush rooms – from Standard and Deluxe to Executive Suites. Each room is furnished with abundant amenities like private bathroom, mini-bar, hair dryer, Internet access, cable TV, telephone, coffee/tea maker, and many more.

To view the special rates, visit the hotel website: www.thesaujana-kualalumpur.com.

The Saujana Kuala Lumpur
Jalan Lapangan Terbang SAAS
40150 Shah Alam, Selangor
Malaysia

Phone Number: 603 7843 1234
Fax Number: 603 7846 2789

About The Saujana Kuala Lumpur Hotel

The Saujana Kuala Lumpur is a five-star hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia offering elegant and comfortable accommodations for vacationers as well as business travelers. The hotel is set amidst rolling greens ideal for a peaceful hideaway.

If you need further information on this topic, please leave in the comment. I will revert back in the same comment column. To ensure that you don't miss any valuable travel tips to Malaysia, make sure you subscribed to our newsletter feed for FREE.

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Taman Wana Villas, Bali

Taman Wana Villas is located at the mountainside location at the edge of the Palasari Irrigation Dam, near The West Bali National Park.

Taman Wana Villas & Spa is only 90 kilometers, or 55 miles drive from Bali ’s International Airport. Built on 8 hectares or 20 acres of naturally landscaped rain forest land, Taman Wana Villas & Spa is reached by traditional canoes from Greeting Post or by buggy from the mainland.

Taman Wana Villas & Spa overlooking the irrigation dam, lagoon, mountainous valley, terraced paddy fields and the sea.

Taman Wana Villas & Spa, Bali Taman Wana Villas & Spa, Bali Taman Wana Villas & Spa, Bali

In Bali, ” Nyegara Gunung ” means living in a way that is in a natural balance, and Taman Wana Villas & Spa incorporate this important philosophy, bringing the positive aspects of tourism’s effects back to the natural environment that has given so much.


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Phuket secret beaches

Phuket's beaches are world-renowned and tourists flock from across the globe to visit the famous beaches at Patong, Karon, and Kata. So much so that many people complain these beaches have lost their charm. They say Phuket can no longer claim to be an idyllic tropical island getaway. The beaches are too crowded. Sun loungers line the entire length of the beaches, sometimes in rows three or four deep. Jet skis, banana boats and parasail boats plough through the water while vendors ply their wares up and down the beach. They say Phuket is finished as an island getaway destination and only caters to the party crowd.

These people have not spent enough time exploring Phuket. There are more than 40 beaches around Phuket Island and there is something to suit all tastes. If you want a beach with good holiday facilities but not too crowded then Nai Harn, Kamala, Surin, Bang Tao and Nai Yang all have good hotels and restaurants yet do not draw big crowds. If you really want to get away from the crowds then Nai Thon and Mai Khao beaches in the north of the island are usually very quiet.

Still all these beaches are well known in Phuket and firmly in the tourist travel guides. In this article, we will look at some beaches that still remain undiscovered to most tourists. We will not even include Laem Sing or Yanui in this list. They are both charming beaches but they have become well known and usually have plenty of visitors. Some of the following beaches are not even known to many of Phuket's residents. These are Phuket's secret beaches. (If you want more details about how to find these beaches see our Phuket Beach Guide.)

Banana Beach

This beautiful beach is in the northern half of Phuket between Bang Tao Beach and Nai Thon Beach. It is a lovely two-hundred meter strip of sand, studded with rocks in the middle and ringed with trees. It is a good swimming beach and there is some great snorkeling. There is no accommodation and just a single beach restaurant with a handful of sun loungers at the southern end.

There are usually only a handful of visitors at this beach. The majority of them arrive by longtail boat from other beaches but in fact, you can see the beach from the coast road above and there is a trail down.

Pansea Beach

Right at the northern end of Bang Tao Beach is beautiful and peaceful Pansea Beach. There are two up-market resorts here yet the location retains its refreshing tranquility. Just offshore is Kala Island (or Kata Island depending who you believe) which shelters the shallow bay from waves so it is always calm. The waters are too shallow for swimming and when the tide is out you can walk to the island. It is a great beach for paddling and ideal for children to play. There are no refreshments here so it is a good idea to bring a picnic.

Pon Beach

This secluded little beach is in the headland north of Patong. The locals know it as Nai Yair Beach. It is amazing how few people find this beach considering it is located so close to the hordes at Patong. There is nothing here but a couple of rural shacks and a few grazing cows. It is a sandy beach but not good for swimming due to the rocky seabed. There is some good snorkeling.

There are usually a couple of locals renting sun loungers and selling refreshments. They can also provide you with a small barbecue to cook your own. There may be a small charge for crossing the private land to reach the beach.

Paradise Beach

In the headland south of Patong, there are two beautiful beaches that remain relatively unspoiled. They are not as undiscovered as the other beaches we mention on this list but still a break from the heaving masses at Patong. The first is Paradise Beach. Right at the tip of the headland, you can reach it by road (track) or boat.

It is a beautiful beach with overhanging trees. There is no accommodation but there is a restaurant and there are plenty of sun loungers. The beach is not the best for bathing due to the rocky seabed close to shore but there is some excellent snorkeling. There are usually plenty of people around but still it is surprising how many people in Patong do not know this beach is here.

Freedom Beach

You can only reach this stunning beach by boat. It is in the headland south of Patong all the way around and back towards the Karon Beach side. Still it is well worth the boat ride with fantastic bathing and snorkeling.

There are a couple of restaurants and plenty of sun loungers under the trees. The locals take great care of the beach and it is always pristine. Plenty of people do make this a day trip from Patong but the beach is never crowded and again it is surprising how many people in Patong do not know this beach is here.

Nui Beach

This beach is most known for how difficult it is to reach by land. Located between Kata and Nai Harn, the only way to reach it by land is down a two-kilometer dirt track that is almost impossible to traverse in a car. You can just about do it on a motorbike but it is better to walk or let one of the locals take you down on their ATV for a small fee.

It is also known as the most expensive beach in Phuket because you have to cross private land to reach it and they charge 250 baht for the privilege. This fee does get you a sun lounger and drink. When you do arrive, it is a beautiful secluded spot with good swimming and snorkeling. There is a rustic restaurant overlooking the beach but no accommodation. It is never crowded.

Ao Sane Beach

This beach is in the headland at the north end of Nai Harn Beach. You need to go through Le Meridian Phuket Yacht Club's car park to reach it but they do not stop you. There is a restaurant here and some budget bungalows by the beach. There are usually a few people around but it is never busy.

It is actually a series of three small beaches split by little rocky headlands. None of them is good for swimming due to rocks and corals close to shore. There is some excellent snorkeling.

Laemka Beach

This little beach is at the southern end of Phuket between Rawai and Friendship Beach. It is not signposted and a little difficult to find but a beautiful spot. The Evason Resort and a small bungalow resort are nearby but still the beach remains quiet. It is one of the few southern beaches where you can have a swim and there are nice views out to the southern islands.

Ao Yon Beach

Nestled deep into Cape Panwa is Ao Yon Beach. This is the best beach on the southern side of Phuket. Although it is well developed with residential property, there are no hotels or restaurants by this beach. It is home to Phuket Yacht Club and there are always plenty of boats moored in the bay.

It is a beautiful stretch of sand and a good bathing beach. It is usually very quiet and a real getaway.

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Hanoi - Must Visit in Vietnam

Hanoi is the capital of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the center of culture, politics, economy and trade of the whole country.

Hanoi hosts more cultural sites than any city in Vietnam, including the Old Quarter and over 600 pagodas and temples....Historians liken the life-giving Red River with its banks crowded with green rice paddies and farms to the Tigris and Euphrates rivers; a cradle of civilization. The city boasts more than 1,000 years of history, and that of the past few hundred years has been well preserved.

Under French rule, as an administrative centre for the French colony of Indochina, the French colonial architecture style became donminant, many examples remain today: the tree-lined boulevards (e.g Phan Dinh Phung street), The Grand Opera House, The State Bank of Vietnam (formerly The Bank of Indochina), The Presidential Palace (formerly Place of The Governor-General of French Indochina), The cathรฉdrale St-Joseph, Hanoi University (formerly University of Indochina), historic hotel Sofitel Metropole...

Hanoi also characteristically contains 18 beautiful lakes such as Hoan Kiem Lake, West Lake, and Truc Bach Lake..., which are the lungs of the city, with their surrounding gardens and trees providing a vital source of energy.

Many traditional handicrafts are also practiced in Hanoi including bronze molding, silver carving, lacquer, and embroidery. Hanoi has many famous traditional professional handicraft villages such as Bat Trang pottery village, Ngu Xa bronze casting village, Yen Thai glossy silk...

Some others prominent places are: The Temple of Literature (Vฤƒn Miแบฟu), site of the oldest university in Vietnam; One Pillar Pagoda (Chรนa Mแป™t Cแป™t); Flag Tower of Hanoi (Cแป™t cแป Hร  Nแป™i); The Old Quarter and Hoร n Kiแบฟm lake.

The Old Quarter, near Hoan Kiem lake, has the original street layout and architecture of old Hanoi. At the beginning of the 20th century the city consisted of only about 36 streets, most of which are now part of the old quarter. Each street then comprised of merchants and households specialized in a particular trade, such as silk traders, jewelery, etc. The street names nowadays still reflect these specializations, although few of them remain exclusively in their original commerce. The area is famous for its small artisans and merchants, including many silk shops. Local cuisine specialties as well as several clubs and bars can be found here also. A night market (near ฤแป“ng Xuรขn market) in the heart of the district opens for business every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening with a variety of clothing, souvenirs and food.

Hanoi is also home to a number of museums; including The Vietnamese National History Museum, The National Museum of Ethnology, The National Museum of Fine Arts and The Revolution Museum.

Highlights of Hanoi:
  • Ho Chi Minh Complex: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, The Presidential Palace, One Pillar Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh Museum, House on stilt, fish pond..
  • Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple
  • West Lake, Truc Bach Lake and Tran Quoc Pagoda
  • Grand Opera House
  • Old Quarter and Dong Xuan Market
  • The Temple of Literature
  • Army Museum and Flag Tower of Hanoi
  • Bat Trang pottery village
  • The Vietnamese National History Museum
  • The National Museum of Ethnology
  • The National Museum of Fine Arts
  • The Revolution Museum.
  • Hoa Lo Prison
  • Water Puppet Show

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