Egypt Travel: Aswan

Egypt Travel: Aswan

Why Visit Aswan?

Aswan is tagged as the smallest tourist city in south Egypt. You are recommended to visit this Ancient Egyptian’s Getaway because you’ll find rich granites, captivating views of Nile River and Egypt’s most amazing tourist attractions. Ask anybody who have been in this rich and historic city, they can say, “You will never regret the day you are in Aswan.”

How to Get in Aswan?

You can get to Aswan by a lot of means. Getting to Aswan by plane (The Egyptair) is easy when you do all the transactions in the right way. For the record, there is an average of six return flights between Aswan and Cairo. Yet, if you are living outside Egypt, perhaps in Philippines or United States of America, there are numerous travel sites that provide 24-hour customer support. Take advantage of those deals and packages before they are gone.

It is also possible to reach Aswan by train. Train services in Egypt are always good travel options that run along the Nile River. For those who live within the borders of Hurghada, you can ride a bus for an affordable rate of $7. In a 300 km travel, a relaxing bus ride for three to nine hours is never terrible for a first time. Booking a boat-ride is also an option. Dozens of cruise ships are open for the public every day. All you need to do is inform your travel agent.

What to Do in Aswan?

As I’ve said earlier, Aswan is a small city but blessed with great tourist attractions. Here are the three memorable activities you can do while in Aswan:
Cruising

A 4-Day Nile River Cruise from Aswan to Luxor is comparable to having an elegant party with your loved ones. For a $276 (prices vary at all times), you might want to consider touring around the cruise ship along with a qualified Egyptologist. All services and entertainments are conducted in English therefore; it is easier to ask anything you want to have. For your convenience, you can research Aswan Cruising online and book your travel in advance. Departure points are held from Aswan Airport or Railway Station.

Private Tours

See the temples. Explore the artifacts. Get mesmerize with the pharaohs carved in rocks and limestone. All these exciting moments are possible in one day. Day Tours are a great way to experience the delight in Aswan. For as low as $99 (prices vary depending on the inclusions and additional packages), you can have the ability to catch a glimpse of the High Dam, the Philae Temple, the Kalabsha Temple, the Unfinished Obelisk, the Tombs of the Nobles and the fantastic temple in Abu Simbel.

Museum Tour

The Nubia Museum in Aswan is the most important museum in Egypt. For ninety minutes of tour for $27 (not an all-time fix amount), you can set foot on their wonderful landscape furnished with sequence of waterfalls, palm trees, natural rocks and flowers.

For added entertainment, you might want to attend amusing shows in their amphitheater. Touring services are conducted in English, that's why; you can ask your private guide anything you want to know.
Kanchanaburi:History and Tourism

Kanchanaburi:History and Tourism

Most historians say that the ancient town of Kanchanaburi was located near Ban Lat Ya. It has been said to be a small village which was estimated to be approximately 16 kilometers north of the present town. The site was mentioned several times in Thai history as an invasion route which the Burmese utilized for them to enter and invade Thai Kingdoms.

Kanchanaburi, is characterized by its mostly mountainous terrain which is said to have an area of approximately 19,473 square kilometers and is the third largest province in Thailand after Chiang Mai and Nakhon Ratchasima. This place (Kanchanaburi) is situated at around 129 kilometers west of Bangkok. It is considered sharing a border with Myanmar to the west, Tak and Uthai Thani Provinces to the north, Suphan Buri and Nakhon Pathom Provinces to the east, and Ratchaburi Province to the south.

In north and west Kanchanaburi, the terrain is characterize mainly by mountains and high plains, with the Thanon Thongchai Range as a natural border between Thailand and Myanmar. The range is the source of Kanchanaburi's two most important and magnificent rivers called Maenam Khwae Noi and Maenam Khwae Yai. These two rivers form the famous and known Maenam Mae Klong. The two rivers resulted to an amazing view of several Thailand's largest “Namtok” or commonly termed waterfalls. Moreover, it resulted to cater also the most extensive wildlife sanctuaries in the area.

The fantastic landscape and undeniable beauty of Kanchanaburi paved way for it to become know as a major tourist attraction which offers a relaxing place for people who wants a cool vacation and a place for adventurous people. Kanchanaburi has also well-known waterfalls, caves which are said to be once inhabited by Neolithic man, pristine national parks, tranquil rivers, virgin forests, and reservoir are just few of those things that make Kanchanaburi a tourist haven. The place is said to provide a fantastic experience for first-timers and a memorable one for repeaters to come and come again. Whatever you think to do, you could actually do it here, whether you want fishing, rafting, canoing, mountain biking, bird-watching, star-gazing, golfing, elephant and jungle trekking, or even living in bamboo rafts, Kanchanaburi has it all.

In terms of Kanchanaburi's economic condition, it has been doing well on a national scale, with over 10 per cent growth annually. Industries like sugar, agricultural products and jewelry and also tourism are the main source of income for the locals. As the provinces high potential in the tourism industry has made Kanchanaburi one of the places among the west provinces in having the highest number of visitors each year.

Most of the residents are of Thai ancestry with notable Mon and Karen minorities. Dwellers enjoy living simply and respecting nature. Moreover, what is said to be more interesting, the folk music and dances dating back at least 500 years are still performed today.

Truly Kanchanaburi is not just a tourist destination rich because of its fantastic tourism industry, but also a place where culture and tradition is enriched and preserved. A thing notable enough to consider such amazing!
The Petronas Towers

The Petronas Towers

The Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur are one of the world’s tallest buildings. From 1998 to 2004 they remained as the tallest building ever built, however in 2004 Taipei 101 in Taiwan took the title which stands nearly 200 foot taller. But even if Taipei 101 is taller than the Petronas Towers, the Petronas Towers still stand today as the world’s tallest twin towers.

The Petronas Twin Towers were designed by the architect Casar Pelli, and was fully accomplished in the year 1998. The towers are based upon a Muslim symbol which is throughout the design of the building . The Petronas Twin Towers boasts the worlds deepest foundations at 120m. The immense scale of Petronas is impressive. You’ll only really gonna appreciate the detail of it’s Islamic design once you see it in person. Not only does this show that the architect actually engaged with the surroundings of the building he was designing - Malaysia is a Muslim country - but it also gives these towers a look that is simultaneously very modern and very local. It is always good to see examples of non-westernized modernity and these towers are an icon of that thinking.

Underneath the Petronas Twin Towers are the Suria KLCC shopping mall, and the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas which is the home of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra. Tower One is fully occupied by the Petronas Company which is Malaysia’s national oil company and a number of its subsidiaries and partners. Tower Two is nearly all available for lease companies which have offices in Tower Two include Al Jazeera International, Boeing, IBM and Microsoft.

Outside the towers is KLCC park which looks lovely, and of course is the paddling pool for all you children out there. But the best is the Skybridge. It’s accesible on the 41st and 42nd floors so is approximately half way up the buildings have 88 floors each. This bridge connects between the the two Towers. This bridge weighs 750 tons and is 170m above ground. A maximum of 1700 visitors are allowed to visit the building per day. It is a free pass to travel in the sky bridge, there won’t be charging money to travel in the sky bridge. The sky bridge also acts as a safety purpose to shift the people from one tower to another in the case of emergency.

Sure thing, the Petronas Towers is not only a building but a tourist attraction as well. One of the most attractive building ever built!
Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa – One of the Best Tourist Destination in Dubai

Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa – One of the Best Tourist Destination in Dubai

Without a doubt, Dubai is now considered as one of the best tourist destinations occupied with myriad attractions for its visitors and tourist that draw them like no other in this part of the world. One of the popular spots in Dubai is Jebel Ali Golf Resort that offers all the modern luxuries with a perfect blend of Arabian traditions and cultures.

From Dubai International Airport one can travel 40 minutes going to Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa or 60 minute from Abu Dhabi International Airport. The Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa is situated close to some of Dubai's most extraordinary projects like the Developments of Dubai Waterfront and the Palm Jebel Ali continues to the north west of the resort with land profiling works.

The visitors of this spot can have fun exploring the award – winning 5 star hotel Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa or simply relax on a comfy chair under the sun and have a look at the far off sea meeting the sky. That simple activities are the best way of rejuvenation of your body.

Most of the customers are satisfied with their stay since almost everything was perfect in this golf resort and spa from staffs, to facilities and amenities. Guests can feel like a slice of paradise, since they can enjoy different views, restaurants, spa, golf, gym, the warm pools and clear sea. And that would be the reason why guests want of going back in this place with their whole family during holidays.

Aside from that, rooms are designed in a homely fashion with private balconies. Guests can either choose the golf view room or sea view room. The golf view rooms have views facing the golf course and the gardens, and they are fitted with a double bed or two single bed while on the sea view rooms guests can have an excellent view of the beach and the pool that fitted with a double bed or two single beds.

For sports enthusiasts, there are activities available for them including golf, windsurfing and water skiing. At the same time, there is also plenty of land based activities to choose from like camel or horse riding or a shooting gallery. The two impressive freshwater pools and one seawater pool are also available if you want to relax and enjoy. Jebel Ali also has venue for corporate events or social functions. When it comes to foods, there are 12 restaurants and bars that are serving different delicacies to meet different taste.
Great of Wall of China

Great of Wall of China

Brief History

The Great Wall of China was originally built to protect the boarders that separate Chinese Empire and Xiongnu in 5th-16th century BC. During the construction, an estimate of three million Chinese workers died and the Wall had to be revived several times just to preserve its historical origins. That time, the only construction materials used were only stones and wood.

The Great Wall of Today

Today, the Great Wall of China is not only one of the great wonders in the world but also the one noticeable work of art visible to human eye from the outer space. The entire wall stretches four thousand miles from east to west. The peak wall, which is known as the Ming Wall, is surely a top-of-the-world breathtaking view everyone must explore.

Due to erosions and sandstorms, the height of the Wall is reduced to less than a couple of meters. Many construction workers believe that if most sections of the Wall are made up of mud, the Wall is susceptible to the hazards of soil erosion.

What to See in Great Wall 

Traveling to Beijing is incomplete without visiting the Great Wall. The Great Wall is the heart of Beijing and there are three remarkable here. These are North Pass or better known as the “Badaling.” The Badaling is mainly used for the protection. It is 7.8 meters high and 5 meters wide.

The second area is the “West Pass” or the fort situated near the western edges of the Wall. The last area is the “Pass of Shanhaiguan” or the fort near the eastern edges of the Wall. 

On the south east side is the “Mutianyu.” This is the Wall that connects the Juyongguan Pass in the west and the Gubeikou in the east. Walking through this 1.3 miles path can really be good for your heart and legs.

Another must-see attraction in the Great Wall is the “Liao Tian Ling.” This is the wall in the west part and is completely short compared to others, only two or three stories high. The stone used in constructing Liao Tian Ling is filled with high-quality metal resulting to its silvery appearance all the time.

The most stand-out area in Great Wall is the “Ming.” It is situated at the peak portion of the Wall and it runs eleven kilometers long, five to eight meters in height, six meters from the bottom and five meters across the top.   

Being there!

These days, visiting the Great Wall is as easy as eating pie. All you need to do is go online, book for some Beijing Travel Packages and without knowing it, you’re all packed for the adventure of a lifetime. Near the Great Wall are the Local Inns waiting for your arrival. 

There are also 4-5 days tours to choose from. Usually, a Beijing Travel Service will already include your personal tour guide, your driver and a series of convenient amenities like shooting and spa.
Eight Quick-facts about Taj Mahal

Eight Quick-facts about Taj Mahal

  1. With Ustad Ahmad Lahauri as the chief architect, the construction of Taj Mahal began in 1632 and ended in 1653 in memory of Emperor Shah Jahan’s favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. This wonder is located in Agra, India. 
  2. As the finest Mughal architecture in the world, Taj Mahal combines Persian, Ottoman, Indian and Islamic styles in one.
  3. Amanat Khan designed the white marbled calligraphy found in Taj Mahal large pishtaq. In plain English, the various themes written in the calligraphy are about: The Sun, The Purity of Faith, Daybreak, Morning Light, The Fig, The Solace, Ya Sin, The Folding Up, The Cleaving Asunder, The Rending Asunder, The Evidence, Dominion, Victory, Those Sent Forth and The Crowds.
  4. The tombs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal were situated at the center interior region of Taj Mahal and both were elaborately designed with precious and semiprecious gems
  5. The Garden of Paradise located outside Taj Mahal measures 300-meters-squared, which signifies the perfect garden of abundance due to its four flowing rivers in four directions: north, west, east and south.
  6. During the on-going construction of Taj Mahal, more than one thousand elephants were used to transport equipment and materials. 
  7. During the 1965-1971 India-Pakistan war, the Indian government created temporary platforms suspended from the top peak of Taj Mahal to mislead bombs. 
  8. As the seventh wonder of the modern world, the grounds of Taj Mahal are open from six in the morning until seven in the evening during weekdays except Fridays. Fridays are reserved for prayers at the mosque from twelve noon to two in the afternoon.

Getting Around the Taj Mahal

It will absolutely be a rewarding experience to visit Taj Mahal. As you enter the forecourt, you’ll the Islamic decorative walls of Taj Ganj. Inside the gatehouse, you’ll be ready to go forward the Celestial pool of abundance where you can just sit and reflect the beauty of the place. On the left side of the pool, you are seeing the Paradise Gardens where sixteen parterre, flowerbeds, trees and fountains are laid. 

Moving along at the front of the Chhaka is the entrance of mausoleum. Here, you’ll see the unique stokes of calligraphy and inscription in the walls. Then, as you enter the orbital-shape jail entrance, prepare yourself to meet the cenotaphs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz. If you walk straight from the cenotaphs, you’ll see the interior octagonal room filled beautiful inlays, chambers and dados. At the rooftop of Taj Mahal, you can clearly see the fantastic view of River Yamuna. 

On the left side of the mausoleum is the reflecting pool by the Mosque while on the right side lies the wide terrace of Chameli Farsh.
Memorable Tourist Destinations in Asia

Memorable Tourist Destinations in Asia

Asia is divided into six regions and my purpose in writing this article is to tell you the most unforgettable attraction you can find in each region. Let’s begin in Central Asia.

The Central Asia consists of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Due to its location, temperature fluctuates all the time and agriculture is expectedly difficult in this region. Yet, recent reports say that Kyrgyzstan is now an interesting destination to hop in. The Lake Issyk-Kul is probably the best place for a getaway. This 6,336 km² salt-lake is situated in the northern part of Tian Shan Mountain and bathing on its spring and mud shore is a perfect spot for rejuvenation.

The East Asia covers a twenty-eight percent of the continent and is embracing a total of seven territories in all. These are mainland China, Macau, Taiwan, North and South Korea, Mongolia, Japan and Hong Kong. Without doubting, the most awesome destination in East is the Great Wall, which extends from the east to the west. The most special thing about Great Wall is probably its history and background. The fact that Ripley’s Believe It or Not tagged it as the “mightiest work of man” that’s only made up of tiles, tiles, bricks and stone, you simply can’t wait how it feels when you are already standing tall in the heart of this majestic masterpiece.

Russia is the only transcontinental country found in the North Asia. The weather is apparently freezing here and for this, the only fascinating tourist spot is the Trans-Siberian Railway. I’m sorry for using the word”only.” I just can’t stand in cold areas but I enjoyed the whole trip in the railway. It normally takes eight days to cross Moscow to Nakhodka and the trip sails through the vast forests, steppes and fanciful villages.

The Southeastern Asia is the flagship of several wonderful beaches, monuments and temples in eleven countries. Angkor Wat in Cambodia, breathtaking Ko Samui in Thailand and the legendary Ha Long Bay in Vietnam to name a few bests. Yet, one of the world’s great wonders is found in the Cordillera, Philippines. The Banaue Rice Terraces are probably the most picturesque view of end-to-end mountain steps that extends four thousand square miles and entirely crafted Ifugaos using only their bare hands.

Of the nine countries namely Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Iran, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, the central and major attraction in South Asia is probably being the Taj Mahal in Arga, India. Like Great Wall, this mausoleum had juicy historical background that combines four architectural styles in one, which are Ottoman, Persian, Islamic and of course, Indian. For the record, this jewel masterpiece attracts more than two hundred thousand foreign tourists worldwide.

The West Asia or may also be called as the southwestern part of Asia consists of several mountains, desserts, grasslands and rangelands. Dubai in UAE has always been the popular tourist destination in this region and their economy flourish as time flies by. Shopping malls are everywhere, the largest being the Mall of the Emirates. Everything seems to be marvelous in Dubai, especially the Burj Al Arab Hotel second talent building therein.
Yunnan: A Major Tourist Destination In China

Yunnan: A Major Tourist Destination In China

Yunnan is a province in China which is located in the far southwest portion of the country. Due to to its eye-catching landscapes, gentle climate and its colorful ethnic minorities, Yunnan is considered as one of the country's major tourist destinations. The word “Yunnan” literally means “Beautiful Clouds in the South”.

The natural beauty of Yunnan truly defies description. In here, you will find beautiful farmlands, alpine landscapes, mountain rivers, snow-capped mountain ranges and glaciers, lakes, hot springs, valley streams, deep virgin forests and enormous skies with fascinating clouds.

Great tourist spots in Yunnan include Xishuangbanna (a resort known for its natural and cultural attractions); Dali (famous for its historic sites and the “Foreigner's Street” that features music, western-style foods, as well as English-speaking business owners); Stone Forest (famous for its karst features and landscapes); Shangri-La County (known for its nearby Gandan Sumtseling Monastery, Tiger Leaping Gorge and Pudacuo National Park); Yuanyang (Hani minority settlement well-known for its spectacular rice-paddy terracing); Lijiang (an old town known for its orderly system of waterways and bridges); Jinghong (which features botanical parks and gardens); and Chuxiong (with beautiful and scenic skylines and sunsets seen over the mountains).

Some of the places of interest in Yunnan are the Erhai Lake (whose lakeshore can be explored by hiking); Black Dragon Pool (famous pond in the scenic Jade Spring Park); Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (mountain massif whose view from the gardens of the Black Dragon Pool is considered as one of China's finest views); Three Pagodas (a group of three independent pagodas arranged on the corners of a symmetric triangle); Yunnan Provincial Museum (which provides an exhibition focused on the province's ethnic minorities, plus a collection of artifacts from tomb excavations); and the Yuantong Temple (a famous Buddhist temple).
Siem Reap: Cambodia's Booming Tourist Attraction

Siem Reap: Cambodia's Booming Tourist Attraction

Siem Reap is Cambodia's booming tourist spot visited by many tourists around the world. Located in Cambodia and just a bit south of Bangkok, Thailand, Siem Reap is a place where lots of businesses have been centered and focused on tourism. In Siem Reap, tourists will find a wide variety of hotels; ranging from 5-star hotels and chic resorts to guesthouses suit for the budget.

Many tourists visit Siem Reap to see the Angkor Wat temple, a temple containing the splendid remains of the Khmer civilization, and its rising five towers finishes in an impressive central tower symbolizing Mount Meru, a mythical mountain. Angkor Wat however is just one of the magnificent attractions in the place.

Other attractions include the Angkor National Museum (a newly constructed museum demonstrating the Khmer Kingdom's Golden Era with the use of state-of-the-art technology, for visitors to easily understand the legend's story); Cambodia Landmine Museum (located in the direction of Bantay Srei and owned by Aki Ra, it was originally the owner's garden turned into a museum of mines and other artilleries); Psar Chaa (a market in the city which offers Khmer antiques, souvenirs, and a variety of Cambodian cuisine); Angkor Thom (known for its temple grounds and towering southern gate, this is where visitors will find the “Face-tower of the South Gate” depicting the carved face of Avalokiteshvara, and the Bayon Temple, among other attractions); Central Market (a place where visitors can find jewellery, food and clothes); and also Phsar Leu Thom Thmei (located 2 kilometers from the town of Siem Reap, it is a very popular marketplace rebuilt from the wood to the stone structure).

Siem Reap has responded to its visitors as it built out all the necessary resources, while preserving much of the place's true beauty.
Koh Tao: Thailand's Paradise For Divers

Koh Tao: Thailand's Paradise For Divers

Koh Tao is a small island located in the southern coast of Thailand. A place that offers tourists a taste of paradise coupled with colorful coral reefs in clear warm waters, shining bright palm-fringed beaches and relaxing resorts, Koh Tao is considered as a “paradise” for divers. Koh Tao is well-known and famous for its scuba diving and snorkeling, and it also offers some hiking for visitors as well.

Among the exotic beaches that Koh Tao offers to divers are the following:
  • Sairee Beach - a white, sandy beach that stretches 1.7 kilometers over the majority of the west coast, only broken by few huge boulders in the area. As it is considered as the most popular place in Koh Tao, it offers tourists good accommodation, diving centers, beach bars, restaurants, and many more.
  • Chalok Baan Kao - a beach located in the southern coast, it is smaller compared to Sairee, yet it still offers visitors a wide variety of accommodation, restaurants and also nightlife. It is beautifully shaped by the Taa Toh Lagoon located in the east and Saan Jao Beach in the west.
  • Hin Wong Bay - a bay located in the north-east coast, it is rich with intact coral reefs. In here, visitors will find 4 small hillside resorts and also the Hin Wong Divers, a diving school.
  • Mae Haad Beach - a beach that's home to some nice sun bathing spots and resorts. It has very shallow waters, ideal for kids. It is a good place for snorkeling where you can see lots of tropical fishes. This is where government office, post offices, money exchange, health centers and dive centers are located.
Dive sites in Koh Tao include the Red Rock (Shark Island), Mango Bay, White Rock, Nang Yuan Pinnacle, Green Rock, Chumphon Pinnacle and Sail Rock.