Laos - Must Visit Country

Laos is unique in that for a socialist country it has opened its doors to tourists. Since the latter part of the 1990s, Laos has been happy to welcome visitors from all over the globe. The reason behind their campaign to attract tourists, “Visit Laos” was because the economy was in a downward spiral and it was thought that tourism dollars would help to boost the economy. Lucky travelers can now experience the wonder of the sights and sounds of Laos.

Khone Phapheng is the largest waterfall that can be found in Southeast Asia. Located at Si Phan Don at its southern end, it is also considered home to Irrawadaddy dolphins, a rare species. The waterfall is a stunning sight and the presence of the dolphins makes it even more so. Day trips for viewing the dolphins often include a visit to Khone Phapheng.

Another important sight in Laos is Pha That Luang. Not only is this monument important for its relation to the Buddhist religion, it is also a monumnet to the sovereignty of Laos. Looking upon it from a distance, it gives the impression of a cluster of gilded missiles. In the early part of November, the temple is the location of one of Laos’ major festivals.

Pak Ou Caves can only be reached by boat and one can be caught at Ban Pak Ou. It is a spectacular sight as the setting is carved into a cliff made of limestone that faces the river. Inside the cave there are a plethora of images of Buddha in every style and shape, but many of them represent the classic standing Buddha, Luang Prabang. Tours are easily arranged by tour operators as well as many of Laos’ guest houses.

Other popular places to visit in Laos are the cities of Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang was given the distinction of being honored as a Unesco World Heritage city for its stunning, tranquil natural surroundings as well as its unique and beautiful architecture. This city is one of the top tourist destinations in Laos.

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A tourists guide to Thai massage

The ancient art of therapeuticmassage was first developed in India some 2,500 years ago and brought to Thailand by Buddhist monks about 1,800 years back. Well known for itshealing properties, Thai traditional massage is developing into a global brand.

More and more westerners come here to be trained in this kneading art, with Wat Pho in Bangkok probably the most well-known place for receiving instruction. Chiang Mai in the north also offers a wealth of more or less accredited schools, teaching a softer northern style massage technique. There are courses however in Phuket, Pattaya and Samui.

Tourists and visitors to Thailand soon observe that the practice of mutual rubdowns is an everyday custom practiced openly and without embarrassment. Mothers kneading babies, teens their grandparents, vendors and motorcycle taxi drivers their colleagues’ tired shoulders or even easy chairs on the pavement offering instant foot massages for weary pedestrians.Thailand travel and tourist information

Then there is in-flight massage service on the national carrier and the mechanical massage chairs in airports or shopping malls. Put in a 10 baht coin and get three minutes of shaky back massage – just make sure you don’t fall asleep mid-massage.

But possibly the oddest place for a foreigner to be offered a massage is while standing in front of the urinal at an upmarket nightclub or restaurant. The toilet attendant will sneakily approach you from behind to place a hot towel on your neck and then start rubbing your shoulders.

Traditional Thai massage is for the most part practiced by women, but is also an important job for the blind. “Women can massage any clients regardless of age or gender, but male masseurs who can see may unintentionally be seduced by their visual perception,” says Aree Sanyaluck, massage teacher inChiang Mai. “Unsighted masseurs are able to concentrate better and have purer intentions.”

Anyone who tells of their Thai massage experience to those who aren't familiar with this art will likely get nudge-nudge quips about ‘special’ services. It is important to distinguish between massage with clothes on and with clothes off. Sadly, Thailand is better known for the latter, especially in some parts of Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket. But this is a misrepresentation.

Both kinds are social more than individual occasions with patrons chatting to each other through the partitioning or even to the masseuse who welcomes any distraction to lessen her boring routine. Visits to the flashy palaces offering more carnal pleasures as part of the massage routine are also usually done in groups, often to round off an evening of drinking and eating.

But back to the real tradition Thai massage, this is offered by skilled massagepersons in all tourist areas, such as Phuket, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Krabi, Samui and Pattaya. They are very inexpensive and a two hour treatment will cover all 104 main energy points in the body using a kneading, yoga type positions, stretching and other techniques. Then there is the soothing oilmassage and of course foot massage, which is similar to reflexology. Guide tomassage in Phuket

Lately there has been a boom in the spa industry in Thailand, especially inChiang Mai, Bangkok and Phuket, where massage is central to many of the treatments on offer and although probably more expensive they are a very relaxing and pampering experience. 

Article Source: Free Articles

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Night life in Singapore

The sun may dim but the fun doesn’t! As night falls, life begins in many quarters of Singapore. Whether you’re a party animal, a 24-hour foodie or just a night owl craving adventure around the clock, there are many sizzling surprises to keep your senses satiated till the wee hours of the morning. In fact, Singapore has the added advantage of being one of the safest countries in the world for you to hit the streets at night.

You don’t have to be a hard-partying hedonist to appreciate the colourful and exciting nightlife in Singapore. Sleep will never be further from your mind as you check out the ultra-chic bars, classy jazz lounges, or move to the groove at hip dance clubs. In line with efforts to improve the nightlife experience for all, there are smoking restrictions on entertainment outlets. Smoking is no longer allowed in all pubs, discos, karaoke bars and nightspots, unless within approved smoking rooms or smoking corners.

The food paradise too does not slumber – 24-hour coffee houses dot the island to satisfy the rumblings of the stomach with a range of local fare that boggles the mind. Teochew porridge, caramel bean curd, or just coffee and cake – you name it, we have it!

Even shoppers have no respite! Singapore is one of the few countries where late night shopping is not an exception. And if you’re bitten by the shopping bug in the wee hours of the morning, there’s always Mustafa Centre – Singapore’s only 24-hour shopping mall. In Singapore, there are no limits to having a great time!

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Top 6 to do in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

1. War Remnants Museum - 28 Vo Van Tan. One of the best museum’s in Vietnam. There is an outdoor display with aircraft, tanks, bombs and other military hardware, as well as an indoor photographic display. Photos were taken by war correspondents during the French and Vietnam Wars. Very moving and extremely powerful images, a must for all.

2. Reunification Palace – 106 Nguyen Du. Along with the War Remnants Museum, this is on of the best places to visit in HCMC. The former HQ of the South Vietnamese Government, the Palace was taken by the North in April 1975. Now you visit the site, have a free guided tour and check out a great video at the end. Worth the effort!

3. Ben Thanh Markets – Even if your not into shopping, Ben Thanh Markets are something else. Small isles, huge variety and tough sellers make for an action packed visit! If you are into shopping and bargaining this is heaven! In the evening the markets close and the night Food Market opens. Cheap and tasty food is a great way to end the day!

4. Giac Vien Pagoda – 247 Lac Long Quan. Founded some 200 years ago, this is one of my favorite pagoda’s to visit. Set in District 11, it’s a bit of an effort to get out there, but as they say “it’s not just about the destination; it’s also about the journey!” The easiest way there is to get a Motor Bike Taxi (Xe Om). The pagoda is open from 7am – 7pm.

5. Cafe Hopping – HCMC has grown in size and in population. Business is booming and the younger generation is making some good money. With that, there are now many trendy and funky cafes all around the District 1 area. A great way to spend an hour or two is simply by having a coffee and watching the passing people. You could seriously be in Sydney or Melbourne!

6. Cyclo Ride – A must for all visitors to HCMC! Jump in and go for an hour around the city. Best time for me is at 5pm’ish to enjoy the peak and finish at one of the riverside Hotels for a rooftop cocktail!

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