Top Travel Tips for South East Asia

The South East Asian region has recently emerged as a great destination for budget travel.  Depending on where you are in the world, getting there in the first place might cost you a fair sum, however when you arrive in the region you will find that accommodation, food, and travelling locally around South East Asia comes at a snip.

Image Credit: "El Nido Palawan, Philippines" by Sheila Cuestas

There is no doubt that this part of the world will continue to grow in popularity. Already, it is the destination of choice for backpackers and gap year students, while it is also likely to find greater numbers of more ‘traditional’ holidaymakers heading to the region over the coming years.

South East Asia is a large place, and taking a holiday there is not about just heading to one place and staying there for the duration of your trip. So, our first tip is to ensure that you give yourself the time and the flexibility to travel to more than one location.

What are the places you should be looking to see on your journey?

Image Credit: Ornate Pavilion in Cambodia (FreeDigitalPhotos.net)

Mainland- South East Asia

The best experiences in the area unquestionably start with experiencing the best of the mainland. This part of the trip is perhaps best explored on foot, and offers something for everyone regardless of their tastes.

Start in Thailand, and enjoy Bangkok’s eclectic mix of modern high-rise buildings, traditional heritage temples, and amazing beaches. From here, travel to the northwest and take in the stunning forests and wildlife sanctuaries that are found throughout Laos and Cambodia. The latter country is also filled with landmarks that point to the bloody civil war of the last century. Cambodia is a great place to visit given its almost weird mix of haunting and inspirational places, often within reach of each other.

Image Credit: "Palawan, Philippines" by Sheila Cuestas

Over Sea - The Beautiful Islands of South East Asia

Don’t be fooled into thinking that South East Asia means just the mainland. Heading further to the islands of the region will open your eyes further to the great culture that exists in this part of the world. Indonesia is a brilliant country filled with great cities and friendly, welcoming communities, but for us the jewel in the crown has to be the Philippines. It doesn't matter what you want as a tourist, you will be able to find it across these islands.

Forests, beaches, great cities, marked contrasts between affluence and poverty in a small geographical area, and many more things that will pique your interest are present in the country. It is a great place to visit over New Year, in particular, when parties take place wherever you look, and fireworks are shot into the sky at an unbelievable pace. Manila is unquestionably the best place for this experience – a fireworks display over its world famous harbour area is one of the most inspirational sights to be seen anywhere in the world.

Image Credit: "Chocolate Hills in Philippines" by Sheila Cuestas

A boat trip around many of the Philippines’ islands will also introduce you to many different ways of life, as well as wildlife that is native to that part of the world, and will bring your South East Asia adventure to an inspiring and unforgettable end.

About Author:

This article is written by Fireworks Crazy, an online and showroom seller with some of the finest collection of fireworks for sale.

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Top 5 Overwater Bungalows for Honeymooners

When it comes to truly romantic and unique accommodation for honeymoons, it’s hard to go past a stay in an overwater bungalow. Here are the top 5 overwater bungalow stays that are sure to provide just the right balance between adventure and romance.

Image Credit: "Cook Islands" Flickr.com

Aitutaki Lagoon Resort and Spa, Cook Islands

The Lagoon of Aitutaki, one of the main Cook Islands, is surrounded by white stretches of beach and it’s azure waters earn it a place as one of the most beautiful ocean destinations in the world. Aitutaki is considered one of the most romantic destinations in the world, its waters sheltered by stunning coral reef, full of tropical reef fish and other aquatic wildlife.

Aitutaki’s beaches are lined with post-card scenes of coconut trees under warm blue skies. Here you’ll find Aitutaki Lagoon Resort and Spa, its overwater bungalows offering peace and pricacy with views to the pristine beaches and out into the crystalline waters of the lagoon. These Polynesian-style villas feel like your own luxury beach hut. From water sports to island tours there are plenty of activities for active honeymooners, and all plenty of luxury at the resort for the more relaxed traveller, from traditional cuisine brought to your door, to the pampering services of the spa.

Image Credit: "Cocoa Island" by Chicago Voyage on Flickr.com

Cocoa Island by COMO, South Malé

Cocoa Island by COMO is an iconic resort situated on a private island. 33 secluded overwater villas are perched over the stunning blue waters of Makunufushi Island in South Malé. You’re chauferred to the island by speed boat, a short trip only 40 minutes from the airport.

The staff really put this resort in a league of its own. They will do everything to tailor your stay toward your needs and tastes throughout your whole trip. Customised cruises around the Maldives, private dinners on secluded beaches, personalised activities like yoga, snorkelling, fishing, diving, walks – whatever your heart desires they will try to make it a reality.

There’s also massage, yoga, hydrotherapy, meditation, a dive centre, an infinity pool, a library a bar, and fine-dining. Staff are at your beck and call 24/7 and some villas even have a personal butler service.

Image Credit: "St Regis Resort" by GoTahiti2011 - Flickr.com

St Regis Resort, Bora Bora

Elegant and exquisite, the St Regis Resort at Bora Bora covers 44 acres of carefully landscaped land, beach and lagoon. The resort’s overwater villas are the largest in the South Pacific, decorated in the finest detail with exotic wood, handmade fabrics and local art.

The towering beauty of Mount Otemanu can be seen behind the thatched rooves and sweeping stretches of coconut lined beaches, making for a truly breathtaking backdrop for romance.

Image Credit: Le Lagon Resort by AlexWain on Flickr.com

Le Lagon Resort, Vanuatu

On the edge of the Erakor Lagoon in Port Vila, Vanuatu, lies Le Lagon Resort, a 75 acre luxury paradise perfect for honeymooners with a taste for style. The large overwater suites offer guests plenty of space to stretch out, with huge bathrooms, spacious balconies and even a hot spa. The resort also boasts an elegant swim-up bar and a 12 hole golf course.

The traditional decor gives guests a sense of authenticity, the true island experience that needs not skimp on the finer elements.

Image Credit: Flickr.com

Elephant Hills Tented Jungle Camp, Thailand

The Elephant Hills Tented Jungle Camp offers an overwater bungalow stay with a twist, this is one for the nature lovers and adventurers who want a little adventure over relaxation and luxury.

Nestled within the rainforest of Khao Sok National Park, Elephant Hills is a luxury tented jungle camp – compared to other overwater resorts it may seem less indulgent, but these tented bungalows have their own sense of luxury that you’d never expect to find deep in the heart of the Thai rainforest.

All bungalows have hot water, electricity and flushing toilets, so there’s no “roughing it” here. A stay here will see you experience traditional meals and cooking demonstrations, dance performances, jungle treks, river and lake kayaking and the opportunity to feed, wash and learn about elephants.

So many to choose from, but all will ensure a truly romantic and unforgettable honeymoon . You’ll want to do it all over again.

About Author: 
Jasmine Poole who has travelled across 30 countries in the last 18 months. She is currently in Darwin, Australia.

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Koh Samui is one of the best tropical islands in Thailand and is the most selected by the tourists for spending their honeymoon. The place is very amazing and is surrounded by crystal clear blue waters of the Gulf; it is very calm and very beautiful. Couples like this place as it offers the perfect environment for a romantic trip. For making the honeymoon more exciting, best id to choose the Koh Samui resorts. These resorts are very luxurious and are best for the newlyweds as they offer privacy and very romantic ambience.

The place Koh Samui is perfect in itself as it has gorgeous beaches and superb surroundings. To top it all, the resorts make the place one of the ideal places to stay. These resorts are mostly located near the beaches and helps in enjoying the romantic walks on the beaches at any time of the stay. Couples can enjoy the candlelit dinner or can sip champagne in the private pool. Every leading resort has special honeymoon suite for the newlyweds, these suites can be booked well in advance for honeymoon purpose.

All these resorts in Koh Samui offers online booking facilities, one can look out for the special wedding packages as they have added features for the newlyweds:

• Welcome drink
• Fruits, flowers and wine in the room for special feel.
• Private swimming pools.
• Candle light dinners on the beach or on terrace.
• Full day spa or massage facilities.
• Romantic boat trip.
• Luxury car for doing the sightseeing.
• All the amenities in the room.
• Round the clock room service.

All these features are added in the honeymoon packages, some of the facilities differ as per the type of resort. Every resort has its own plans and packages, the main aim of these packages are to help one in saving the money and to avoid any type of inconvenience during the stay. These resorts also provide the pick and drop services from the airport and make the couple feel special just after arriving at the airport. The rooms are very spacious and have a very romantic ambience; they ensure that the couple gets the privacy all the time.

For enjoying the honey moon in the best way, it is very important to book these resorts well in advance so that good rooms and facilities are availed. One can compare the rates of different resorts available online, proper information about the resort and its services should be taken. One can also read the reviews of the past customers, who stayed in the resorts as it helps in getting better ideas about the place and the facilities. Thailand is very popular for its massage treatments, so while enjoying honeymoon the couple should also enjoy these treatments. Koh samui resorts are best choice for the newlyweds for spending a romantic and memorable honeymoon vacation.

Author Bio:  Anna is a person with a passion for writing. She has written many articles on various topics, for more information you can check her other blogs.

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Free Attractions To See in Bangkok

Royal Elephant National Museum

Everyone loves to go on holidays, but when you are travelling on a budget, it can be difficult to enjoy yourself. Fortunately there are plenty of activities in Bangkok where you can still have fun and be entertained. Best of all they will not cost you a penny.

The Royal Elephant National Museum

One of the most popular attractions in Bangkok is the Royal Elephant National Museum. The building used to be a stable for the elephants of Kings, but these days it houses exhibits which tell the story of these heroic creatures that were used to fight ancient battles. You will see armor that was used to protect the elephants as well as preserved hair and skin. There is also a collection of tusks on display. Although it will not keep you occupied for an entire day, it is a must see if you want to learn more about the significance of these amazing creatures. It is also close to the Dusit Zoo.

The Corrections Museum

Here you will see exhibits which demonstrate how prisoners throughout history were punished when they were incarcerated. The wax figures and photo’s can be quite grisly, so you may want to keep the young ones at home. The Corrections Museum is an old prison that has been turned into a museum and is free to the public.

The Bangkokian Museum

Sometimes referred to as the Bangkok Folk Museum, the Bangkokian houses exhibits which depict life in Bangkok in the 1950’s and 1960’s. Situated in the heart of the city it houses antiques and household items that were used in the mid-twentieth century. The historical artifacts include furniture, utensils and ceremonial items.

Bangkokian Museum

Lumphini Park

If you want to see authentic fan dancing, and folks practicing Tai Chi head over to Lumphini Public Park. Pack a picnic lunch and watch as the locals engage in outdoor aerobics and other activities. One of the few public spaces in Bangkok it has an artificial lake where you can rent boats. Bring your bicycle and pedal along the path that circles around the park.

Lumphini Park

Bangkok Butterfly Garden & Insectarium

This amazing glass house is perfect for families and features an exhibition area, breeding and feeding rooms. Here you can take pictures of the amazing creatures that fly free in their tropical glasshouse. Do not move as the best way to get the butterflies attention is to be still. Expect the inside of their habitat to be quite warm and humid. This is one of the best places in the world to see the lifecycle of the butterfly.

Other Free Activities

Of course if you are visiting Thailand, you have to spend an afternoon at one of the many outdoor markets. You can sample locally grown produce and buy hand-made souvenirs. The markets are free to get in, and if you do decide to buy something it will be very affordable.

Before you fly home visit a temple. There are dozens that you can visit, and the majority of them are free to the public. Wat Mangkorn Kamalawat and Wat Patum Wanaran are just two that you can explore and best of all there is no admission fee.

When you start planning your trip, do your research. Thailand is very inexpensive and has plenty of activities that you can enjoy for free.

Author Bio

Ana is an experienced travel consultant, specialising in finding cheap Bangkok flights for her customers. She has spent a number of months travelling throughout Thailand, gaining first-hand experience of its beautiful country and landscape.

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Pattaya City, Thailand

A Beach View of Pattaya City, Thailand

The second most visited city in Thailand is Pattaya City. It's a self governing city that covers the whole regional government unit of Nong Prue, Na Kluea.

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