Top 10 attractions and activities in Bangkok
Visiting Bangkok soon? There’s plenty more to this city than traffic congestion and massage parlours. In fact this happening Asian city is one of the region’s most visited and offers up a host of great value and culturally rich experiences. Here are 10 of my favourite recommendations for spending a few days in the Thailand capital.
1. Jim Thompson’s House
This stunning teak house, now a museum, was built by silk industry legend Jim Thompson. A colourful American character, he made his home in Thailand after developing a love for the country and its people when he was stationed here during WWII. Before his mysterious disappearance in the late 1960s, he had completed this magical home and successfully revived Thailand’s silk industry. Visitors can tour the house that was once the talk of the town, see some of his personal belongings and read allegations about what happened on his fateful vacation to the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia.
2. Patpong
While this red light district attracts plenty of sex tourists who come for just one thing, it has a wide appeal to many types of tourist. Aside from the rows of go-go bars offering a menu of delights, there are lots of regular cafés that make for great people-watching. Shoppers will want to hit the night market which sells everything from cheap CDs and watches to fake designer handbags. You may be accosted by bar touts while you are browsing, but most of them are not too persistent and there is a friendly, harmless atmosphere. If you don’t want to spend your night watching naked ladies dancing, there are many nightclubs and live music venues that do not provide any ‘extra’ services.
3. Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew
While the Grand Palace is little used by royalty today, its adjacent neighbour, Wat Phra Kaew, is probably the most visited temple in the country and certainly a must-visit on any break to Bangkok. Housing the Emerald Buddha statue and some intricate murals, the temple is the site of many significant Buddhist religious ceremonies. Visitors must cover their legs and arms before they will be allowed entry, so make sure you dress appropriately.
4. Wat Arun
This temple was most significant during the height of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, but it experienced a fall in visitors after the capital was moved down the Chao Phraya River to Bangkok’s current location. Having experienced a revival, the temple is once again one of the most visited in the country, and sits nestled between six Chinese-style pavilions on the riverbank. Its most unusual feature is its Khmer-style tower which has depictions of Chinese soldiers and animals as well as a statue of the Indian god Indra. The tiny pieces of cut glass and seashells used to adorn the tower glisten in the sun. The temple was briefly home to the Emerald Buddha statue before it was moved to Wat Phra Kaew.
5. Shopping
Bangkok’s latest glitzy addition to its super-malls is Siam Paragon, a designer lover’s paradise, with every outlet from Gucci to Louis Vuitton represented. But if your budget doesn’t allow for such luxury, there are plenty of cheaper alternatives. Siam Paragon’s neighbour, Siam Discover Centre has a popular bookshop and some home decorating outlets, while nearby Siam Square has a number of specialist boutiques mainly selling clothing and music. Within walking distance is MBK, a vast mall with hundreds of shops and bargains. The cheapest deals however can be found at Pratuman Market, where the biggest problem you will have afterwards will not be your bank balance, it will be getting all your purchases home.
6. Khao San Road
This backpacker’s mecca has been popular with travellers for decades and provides a lively, if noisy, atmosphere for those passing through the capital. Lined with cheap guesthouses, restaurants and bars, visitors can shop here by day and party here by night. It is also a good place to shop for hippy-style clothes, jewellery and CDs, while dozens of travel agents offer inexpensive tickets to onward destinations. If you want to meet other fellow travellers, this is the place.
7. Chatuchak Market
This vast weekend market is a day out in itself. Get here early and make your way through the little alleys, picking up bargains along the way. By afternoon, the markets gets very crowded and expect to be pushed, shoved and tugged at as you hot-foot it around. But if the heat and crowds get too much, rest up at one of the inexpensive food stalls before a second round. With everything from puppies to books and plants to clothing, whatever you are looking for, you are guaranteed to find it here. Be careful you don’t loose your friends as you shop; it’s easy to get lost here!
8. Muay Thai Boxing
This martial art is passionately followed by Thais who like nothing more than to watch two opponents battle it out with lethal swings and crushing kicks. While at first this may not seem like the ideal way to spend you evening, the electric crowds and charged atmosphere is contagious, making for a great night out. Tickets are sold in three tiers, depending how close you want to be, and fights are held almost nightly. Lumphini and Ratchadamnoen stadiums are the most popular venues and tickets can be bought on the door.
9. Lumpini Park
Bangkok is a busy city and if you find yourself in need of tranquility, you won’t have far to go. Lumpini Park lies at the heart of the city, and is an oasis of calm. Visitors can paddle their way around the lake and its canals on a rented peddle-boat, or alternatively lounge in the shade of palm trees. There are also a few architectural attractions within the park including a Chinese-style clock tower, Thai Lanna and Chinese pavilions, a variety of sculptures, a children’s play park and a rest area.
10. Dreamworld
If you think Bangkok sightseeing is all about ancient temples and palaces, you are wrong! This exciting adventure theme park is a break from tradition and is the ideal daytrip for those with children. Alongside heart-stopping roller coasters, there are relaxing theme gardens, replicas of famous landmarks, live shows and performances and even a cable car. Easily accessible by public transport or by car, the park is conveniently situated within proximity of the city centre.
By: Andy Burrows
Majorca Holidays – Discover Majorca the Mediterranean Delight
Holidays to Majorca were once categorized as an outdated extravagance. However, of late, the isle has progressed with the times to have room for one and all from family tourists, retirees, to newly wedded couples. Nevertheless, good old sunlight and beach, to excellent food, Majorca holidays still remain the much loved. However in addition to enjoying all the recent actions that Majorca has to provide, taking you back in time to take pleasure in some of the more traditional joys.
The serene town of Soller is an excellent place to elude the fuss on your Majorca holidays. Situated in the mountains, the tiny and peaceful town is a delightful place to spend a day. You can shop around in the old fashioned boutiques, or head straight to the seashore, all of these places are less crammed than the major resorts on the islet. But, the real fun is the tram Tren de Soller that you catch so as to get to it. It runs between Palma de Mallorca and Soller, going through stunning landscape and orchards of orange and lemon trees. The open air construction and conservative wooden interiors of the tram let you to exploit the clean air, and take pleasure in the picturesque environment of Majorca.
As you reach Majorca one thing you just won’t be able to ignore come what may is the ample windmills spread across the landscape. In any case it is definitely worth a visit on your Majorca holidays, given that they are a symbol of much of the islands’ past. Whether they are fashioned into flour milling units or water pumping units, these structures take you back in time to a rural and traditional lifestyle. As several of the windmills are not in use for their usual purposes at the moment, you can decide whether to go on a learning trip for the children by taking them to one of the refurbished windmills, or to take them to a windmill they may perhaps find a bit more fascinating, like for instance, the one that has been transformed into an eatery.
Genuine Majorcan food is element of a cooking inheritance that has to be experienced to be deemed. While you are on your Majorca holidays, just don t let your children push you into the nearby fast food eatery serving regular burgers or French fries, however offer them an authentic flavor of Majorca by alluring them with a few more customary delicacies. The healthy, traditional cuisine of Majorca includes mostly of a traditional method of food preparation that draws on various meats and fish together with an assortment of vegetables as well as pulses, each and every one cooked in superb home produced olive oils in addition to stocks. Even a small village restaurant’s menu will give you an idea about authentic customary way of life of people of Majorca and their healthy eating habits.
There are ample of modern and exciting activities accessible on the islet however still confirm that your Majorca holidays offers you with a genuine flavor of the more rural way of life. Take a trip to the past and deviate from ordinary crowded tourist spots with a few of the more time honored actions this land mass provides with.
By : Camila Machuca
Benefits Of Staying At Toronto Airport Hotels
Toronto is a city world known for its diverse culture, amazing attractions, 
exciting entertainment, and strong business and economic development. When you stay at a Toronto airport hotels, you will enjoy convenience and accessibility.
There are many times that travelers will arrive at the airport to find that their flights have been delayed, canceled, or they have an extended stop over. As well, there are many businesses that hold meetings or conventions where people are flying from a number of different destinations. In these situations, people are confronted with finding accessible and convenient accommodations. Fortunately, Toronto has a number of airport hotels that will satisfy customers in any type of situation.
The benefits of staying at a Toronto Airport Hotels include:
- Toronto is a city world known for its diverse culture, amazing attractions, exciting entertainment, strong business and economic development. When you stay at a Toronto airport hotel, you will be close to the Pearson International Airport as well as local amenities and attractions such as restaurants, major highways, local attractions such as the famous CN Tower, shopping districts, and more. In fact, there are 125 museums and public archives in the Greater Toronto Area of which 9 are Toronto City museums. As well, there are over 50 ballet and dance companies. Toronto is recognized as the third largest theater centre in the English speaking world. A Toronto airport hotel will provide quality transportation services so that guests arrive and depart from their flights on time. If you travel for business, the convenience and accessibility makes Toronto Airport Hotels a popular choice.
- The restaurants at airport hotels are of the highest quality and the staff is friendly and courteous. Whether for a business retreat or staying just one night, the staff provides a variety of dining experiences such as a delicious dinner in an elegant dining room, buffets, or a special menu created for a business conference.
- When staying at an airport hotel, you will receive the best customer service. Hotel employees will be available 24/7 to answer all your questions and fulfill your requests. If you are staying at the hotel for a business conference, the staff will help you with organizing and arranging the events so that you have a successful business gathering. For instance, they will arrange comfortable seating, provide such equipment as overhead projectors, internet access, and provide snacks and beverages. Most airport hotels offer a number of different conference rooms with a variety of features. They are equipped to hold a variety of events such as conferences, business meetings, wedding receptions, sales forums, award ceremonies, auctions, exhibitions, training seminars, and more.
- The guest rooms at a Toronto airport hotel are of the highest quality. Suite and room features can include beautifully furnished rooms, individual climate control, iron and iron board, hairdryers, telephones, internet access, coffee maker, digital movie system, complimentary newspaper, fridges and microwaves, AM/FM clock radio, and an in room safe.
- There are a number of features that make staying at a Toronto Airport hotel a great choice that can include: lounge, whirlpool, full food and beverage room service, fitness center, valet laundry service, complimentary parking, 24 hour security, restaurant, and airport shuttle service.
When you suddenly find yourself at the airport and need accommodations, it may seem difficult to find a quality, accessible, and convenient hotel. Staying at a Toronto Airport Hotel is the perfect solution for such a situation. As well, they are perfect for a one night stay or a weekend conference. When you stay in an airport hotel, you not only get convenience, but also beautiful rooms, great food, and a staff that will cater to all of your needs. Whether for business or pleasure, when visiting Toronto, consider a quality and affordable airport hotel. It will make your stay much more relaxing and enjoyable.
By : A.Noton