Hong Kong Travel not for the Faint of Heart

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If tranquility and serenity are adjectives you would use to describe the perfect trip, leave Hong Kong out of your itinerary. The boisterous energy of 14 million inhabitants leaves the visitor wondering if insomnia is contagious in this city. Hong Kong is the quintessential representation of east meets west, boasting its own Times Square along with artifacts from the Paleolithic Age. The far-reaching history and booming capitalist economy has propelled Hong Kong to the forefront of modern technology and commerce. The best way to navigate this urban jungle is to allow extraordinary diversions to lead where they may, while visiting a few key sites when you travel to Hong Kong.

From Opium Wars to Opulence: Hong Kong History

Since the Stone Age, the island of Hong Kong has supported a society rich with influences from Europeans and the Portuguese through steady and moderate trade. During the 1700s, increased commercial value of Asian luxury goods sparked heightened global interest in this once-neglected corner of China. Following the Opium Wars of the mid-19th century between the British and Chinese, Hong Kong was officially ceded to the British Empire as a Crown Colony beginning in 1898 for a term of 99 years. During that term, Hong Kongs economy blossomed onto the international stage to become one of the most prosperous free markets of today. After 1997, Hong Kong was returned to China as a Special Administrative Region under the conditions that the market and government would remain free and democratic (non-Communist) while Beijing would only handle national security and foreign diplomacy (one country, two systems).

Today, Hong Kong has maintained a majority of its autonomy and travel to Hong Kong has remained relatively easy for Western nationals. At this time a visa is still not required unless traveling through China as well. English is still an official language along with Chinese.

The Sights and Sounds of Hong Kong Travel

The constant buzz of modern life and the ghostly prevalence of ancient life on the island will keep any traveler occupied without a moment to spare. A unique attraction that pays homage to the Chinese fixation with caged song birds is the Yuen Po Street Bird Garden where 70 different bird stalls, each elaborately decorated, fill the air with their own harmony. From anywhere in the city it is impossible to miss the looming Bank of China Tower, now Hong Kongs national monument and a modern declaration of Chinas mounting role in the global economy. In the center of the city is Times Square, a monumental 9-story shopping complex that dwarfs Western commercialism. Hong Kong museums do not skip a beat, ranging from science and space to history and art.

When the sensory overload of the city center begins to take a numbing effect it is easy to escape to one of Hong Kongs many parks and monasteries. Victoria Peak is by far the most popular asylum, standing 1,810 feet above the city lights only to offer more distractions of a smaller commercial district. The famous Man Mo Temple and the Miu Fat Monastery provide a mind-calming sanctuary while Kowloon Walled City Park, which once protected a private Chinese enclave during British rule, is a true natural refuge from Hong Kongs concrete.

Once in Hong Kong, the city will guide you along its commercial corridors and through its ancient alleys. Tradition and history are alive in every corner of this modern municipality, as long as you can turn away from the neon distractions.

For more information on international travel and discount airfare to Hong Kong, visit www.cfares.com.

Hong Kong Travel not for the Faint of Heart

Dubai Marina the Heart of Uae

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Providing Dubai with an adequate amount of living and working space has always remained to be one of the prime concerns for its planners. But, with very little possibility being left out for growing horizontally, the developers have had no other choice but to go looking forward to achieving some vertical enhancements. This means building up more and more number of towers in the areas already being dug up and under construction. Providing more accommodation in the form of Dubai Marina was the next move they could have thought of, and what a brilliant idea it has proved to be until now. There is no better way than to start building houses on the seabed anyway, to meet up with the man’s growing desire for accommodation.

The marina, called initially Westside, looks set to become one of the main tourism attractions for the travellers in the years to follow. Dubai hotels have also started moving in with their assets having got the wind of its rising value. Notwithstanding the current record for being the biggest man-made marina in the name of Marina Del Rey in Los Angeles, Dubai’s Marina promises to become a more exciting prospect for the trade and commerce and the travellers on its completion.

Having started taking shape since the year 1998, the plans remain no more a secret for the outside world by today. It will be providing with an extra amount of 53 million square feet for Dubai’s needs by the time it fully gets running. The project involves carving out of 2 miles of Dubai’s shoreline for making various constructions, including featuring canals just like in Venice. With the aims like building up high-end villas and apartments for about 120,000 people, the Dubai Marina development looks set to become one of the best in man’s history until today.

The first phase of the Dubai Marina development, comprising of 25 acres, lasted from the year 1999 to 2003 and cost $200 million in amounts. Six freehold waterfront apartment towers and 64 villas, all having rooftop gardens were constructed during this initial development. Since the foreign nationals were allowed to own these villas and apartments, it was a great opportunity for all those who had a desire for owning houses in Dubai. The very thought of marina living is such an exciting prospect, specially for those with a high-end purchasing power, that these properties have been selling like hot cakes. The development of phase one also included the construction of parking space for 2000 cars, sports facilities, 6 swimming pools, themed restaurants, a prayer hall, and a space for retail outlets. All of this was planned and constructed just to see through the initial phase.

The entire zone of Dubai Marina is also called as the Heart of New Dubai because of its strategic location within the fast growing areas of the city. The intention behind its development was to create a small-scale city within Dubai with an enviable infrastructure. It is precisely situated on Interchange 5, between Jebel Ali Port and Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, and the American University, thus providing the perfect location for getting on with Dubai’s life.

This man-made marina is being developed by the real estate giant of UAE, Emaar Properties, and will have 200 buildings, including skyscrapers, Marina Torch, Dubai Marina Towers, Number One Dubai, Princess Tower, Infinity Tower, Marina Terrace, Horizon Tower, and Le Reve, besides providing a strategic access to many hotel owners.

An ambitious project within Dubai Marina will be Marina 101, which is expected to measure up to 412 meters in height on its completion. It will provide 1.5 million square feet of living and working space to the occupiers of its 101 planned floors. This building is part of Sheffield Real Estate, a global real estate giant, widely known for their freehold property developments. The amount of space to be generated by this building will be unparalleled anywhere in or outside Dubai. Additionally, the very outlook of Marina 101 is going to be fabulous, with the outer layer being constructed of glass and the summit to be made to look like as a glowing crown. The tower is expected to be available by the year 2010.

There is no argument about the excitement Dubai Marina holds and the commerce it might generate. What remains to be seen however, is how long will it remain the prime location of UAE, since Dubai is well known for dishing out similar landmarks on a regular interval.

Dubai Marina the Heart of Uae

Thailand Heart of Asia Holidays

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HEART OF ASIA:

One of the world’s most popular cuisines. Beautiful beaches and islands. Friendly, charming people.Warm weather all year round.Cheap prices for most things.Colourful, enchanting temples.An exotic culture preserved through the ages in a country that has never been colonised.Where are we talking about? Thailand, of course!

WHY THAILAND

You can travel to Thailand, if you want to experience lovely smiles and gentleness of Thai people and scenic & cultural treasures of Thai land. Thailand certainly is the land of smiles, which can make you smile, too. Its really is enamoring and exotic country, known for its inviting people, culture, scenery, cuisine, and overall lifestyle.

A FREQUENT CHOICE IN INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

Located in the heart of Asia, Thailand has been captivating foreign visitors for decades. Previous visitors return year after year and as the word spreads, first-time visitors come flooding in. The number of foreign visitors to Thailand continues to increase and year after year, records are broken as international visitors flock to this fascinating country.

VACATIONS, MADE MEMORABLE ONES

Arguably the most exotic destination in South East Asia, Thailand offers travelers and holidaymakers a huge range of vacation possibilities. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a budget traveler wanting to explore a foreign land on a tight budget, or a well-heeled traveler who wants to be pampered and experience the very best, Thailand has something for you.It is still quite possible to find a pristine stretch of beautiful white sand beach that you can have all to yourself. Lazing away the days on a hammock under a palm tree on a mile long beach, without anyone else in sight,swaying in the breeze under a cloudless sky as the waves gently break against the soft white sand.Such an experience can still be had. Welcome to Thailand!

MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS

This page could largely be separated into two separate sections. The first part gives general information about travelling in Thailand while the second part goes into detail about some of the places to visit and some of my feelings about them and experiences there.

Bangkok

Phuket

Ko Samui

Ko Samet

Pattaya

Hua Hin

Isaan

Historic Places

Ko Chang

LEGAL LENGTH FOR YOUR STAY IN THAILAND

Visitors from most Western countries to Thailand get 30 days permission to enter Thailand upon arrival. This is not a visa per se. If you really like Thailand you can exit the country and re-enter immediately thus getting another 30 days. You cannot do this indefinitely and after spending 90 days in Thailand in a 180 day period you cannot return for 90 days, unless you apply for a visa at a Thai embassy or consulate outside of the country first. (There is more on the whole visa issue in the living and working section.) Holders of South Korean, Brazilian and Peruvian passports get 90 days permission. A lot of developing countries get permission to enter for a shorter period of time and visitors from some countries may have to apply in advance for a visa.You can apply in advance for a two month tourist visa which can actually be extended in the country for another 30 days at any Immigration office. The extension costs 1,900 baht.I believe that you may be able to get a multiple entry tourist visa although I personally believe that strictly for tourism purposes, three months is plenty.

LANDING IN THAILAND

Most people arriving in Thailand fly into Suwannaphum international airport in Bangkok. Your first time in Thailand, which may be your first time in Asia, can be more than a little confusing. You are more than likely jumping off the plane after a fairly lengthy trip and probably want to get to your hotel as soon as possible.

ACCOMMODATION

No matter what your budget, you can find something to suit. Thailand and indeed Bangkok has a huge range of places to stay. Whether you want the opulence of the Oriental Hotel, the filth of a Khao Sarn Road backpacker hole or somewhere in between, you will be able to find it in Bangkok. And right throughout Thailand, you will be able to find something to suit your needs, at least most of the time in most places.Bangkok’s top end hotels continue to rate extremely highly. The Oriental Hotel, The Dusit Thani, The Peninsula and The Shangri-La are often mentioned when you hear the top hotels in the world being talked about. These are five star hotels in every sense and should suit the most demanding of travelers Throughout Thailand, you have all of the big international hotel chains like Marriot, Sheraton, Regent, Hyatt represented. You also have some very good Thai hotel chains like Amari. And then you have got a lot of stand alone hotels. At the lower end of the range you have guesthouses. I gather that camping grounds are available in some places but having seen one snake show too many, I think I’ll give that one a miss, thank you.Of the beaches and islands in Thailand, the most popular spots like Pattaya, Phuket and Ko Samui are oozing with a variety of accommodation options. But this is not always the case at some of the more off the beaten track type places. It should come as no surprise that the further off the beaten track you get, generally the harder it is to find quality accommodation. Even in some of the islands the quality of accommodation is not always that good – and sometimes the prices, while cheap by international standards, can be expensive by local Thai standards. Places like Ko Samet and Ko Chang are classic examples where, in my personal opinion, accommodation prices really are higher than they should be.

Khao San Road

If you’re traveling on a budget then Khao San Road is actually extremely well located for anyone visiting Bangkok as it is walking distance to the river and the most interesting and historically significant parts of the city. The must see Grand Palace is about a mile or s away, easily walk able, even in Bangkok’s oppressive heat. Thailand is not an expensive country to travel through and if you are on a real budget, you can do just fine. Let’s look at the cost of accommodation in Bangkok first. A room in the top end hotels tends to go for 5,000 baht or more a night. The very best spots, like the Oriental may even go for twice this. As I mentioned earlier, hotels in Bangkok really are excellent and the top end places are just fabulous. My pick is the Sukhothai which has a wonderful combination of Thai style with modern convenience. It is worth just going for a wander through as it really is that nice! As Bangkok can be quite difficult to get around due to the dreadful traffic conditions and the fact that the skytrain and underground only cover a small part of the city, one needs to think carefully about the area where one chooses to stay. The most popular areas are Sukhumvit Road, Silom Road, the Siam Square / Pratunam area, Banglampoo and the river The prices of ccommodation in Phuket and Ko Samui are much the same as in Bangkok. These are now big international beach resorts with many fabulous places to stay and as such the prices reflect what people are prepared to pay for them. On the other hand, Pattaya and Chiang Mai both have high quality accommodation available at prices which simply do not exist – at least what you get for that money – in Bangkok. This is one reason to visit Pattaya and Chiang Mai – you get very good value for money on your accommodation.

GETTING AROUND THAILAND

TRAVEL BY AIR

Thai Airways is the main domestic airline and airfares for flights within Thailand are fairly reasonably priced, the schedules are good with lots of flights to the most popular destinations. Further, the planes are generally in good condition. Thai Airways flies to most parts of the country, but not quite all. The notable exception of where Thai does not fly is the tropical paradise of Ko Samui. There is only one airline which flies between Ko Samui and Bangkok and that is Bangkok Airways who I believe own the airport at Samui. The fare to fly from Bangkok to Ko Samui on Bangkok Airways is more expensive than the fare on Thai to fly from Bangkok to Phuket, something which many people question, with some feeling that Bangkok Airways really stings you when you fly between Bangkok and Ko Samui. Bangkok Airways also flies to some neighbouring countries as well as operating domestic flights within Thailand, but it is the route to Ko Samui for which they are most famous. Bangkok Airways has tried to reposition themselves and now markets themselves as Asia’s boutique carrier. .

TRAVEL BY CAR

Hiring cars or even a big bike is one way to get around Thailand. The quality of the roads in Thailand is generally pretty good. Car rental is fairly cheap in Thailand which is a little surprising given that the cost of buying a car in Thailand is much dearer than in the West. Generally, driving in provincial Thailand is easy, the drivers are less aggressive, there is much less traffic – and the further you get from Bangkok, the less traffic and congestion you find. However, wherever you go, signs are generally in Thai only. In a few places, and Pattaya is one exception, some road signs are in Thai. Fortunately street signs are in both Thai and English nationwide, something which I have been extremely impressed with. Petrol in Thailand is reasonably priced and as at March 2007, the price is around 26 baht a litre for the highest grade, 95 octane petrol.

HIGH-LOW SEASONS, THERES NONE SO SERIOUS DIVISIONS:

The tourist high season runs from around late November through to mid April. At certain times, particularly Christmas, New Year, the Chinese New Year and Songkran the most popular beaches and islands can be extremely busy to the point that getting accommodation can become a bit of a problem. Hotels and even some guesthouses hike their prices – and people are willing to pay it. So if you are travelling over any of these periods it pays to book well in advance. The Songkran period really marks the end of the tourism high season for the year. There are a number of other holidays throughout the year and on some of these holidays nightlife areas and bars and discos can be closed – and the sale of alcohol is outlawed. Some bars slip the boys in brown a bit of cash so they can remain open. Generally speaking it is the Buddhist holidays and December 5th, the birthday of HM The King.

Thailand Heart of Asia Holidays