Author: Pushpitha Wijesinghe

Be part of the Amazing Thailand Adventure Racing

A mystic land with rich culture, mountains and pristine beaches, Thailand sounds like an ideal escape for a peaceful vacation. It is without argument one of the best places for a break, but hiding in this serenity is a new found craze for adventure sports resulting in adrenaline rush enthusiasts flocking for triathlons, kayaking, bilking, swimming and many more adventurous activities.
Organized by Active Management Asia (AMA), the Amazing Thailand Adventure Racing Series comprises of a series of races happening at various destinations across Thailand. The River Kwai Trophy, The Yara Bangkok Challenge and The Koh Samui Trophy are the three main races that are part of this series. 
The Koh Samui Trophy takes place in Bophut Island and comprises of mountain biking, woodland trail as well as off road running, sea kayaking, sea swimming and for an element of unexpectedness, surprise obstacles throughout the race. A mixed gender race, each team has two participants. It also has two categories; adventure and extreme, which you can choose depending on your preferences. 
Koh Samui and the surrounding areas offer many suitable accommodations. The race is exciting but after a stint like that, some of you might want to bask in some luxury at a Samui resort. If that’s the aspiration, then drop in at Anantara Bophut Koh Samui and see if it’s your kind of indulgence. With three types of deluxe rooms and suites including a higher end royal suite, it’s a leading five-star Samui hotel. 
But racing and lazing around are not the only things to do in Bophut Island. With the famous pristine beaches and the quaint Fisherman’s Village, you can experience a certain beach time travel. Get your bit of shopping done at the many boutiques, where exquisite jewellery and clothing are plentiful. Diving is also another activity you can engage in at Ang Thong Marine Park and Koh Tao Island. You can be assured of a magical experience. The Secret Buddha garden and KohPangan will transform your holiday to an exotic tropical experience.  

Whitewater Rafting in Phang Na

White water rafting is a must try when holidaying in Phang Nga. If you are a thrill seeker and a water sports enthusiast, this will be the perfect experience what you have been looking for. The best period to engage in white water rafting in Phang Na is from June to November as it is the period when you get a highest rainfall in the area. It is a fantastic outdoor experience to ride through the bumpy mountain rivers bordered by thick tropical forest. Along with the exciting white water rafting tours you can explore and engage in nature activities as well. 
If you are looking for a luxury Phuket resort to stay at, Anantara Phuket Thailand offers you the best option. This luxurious Phuket beach resort lets you truly experience this island paradise and makes for a perfect coastal getaway. 

Huashan- The Flower Mountain

Huashan, with the Chinese meaning of Flower Mountain is amongst the five sacred Taoist mountains in China. Huashan is important to many religious sites like Taoist temples, pavilions and engraved scriptures which are scattered over the mountain. The mountain is well known for its deep narrow valleys and steep cliffs. It is known as “the most precipitous mountain under the heaven” by the visitors. The Flower Mountain is probably the most dangerous mountain in the world where people visit regularly. The hikers find this mountain a very challenging and interesting destination. The trek up the hill would be very hard yet a successful person would be rewarded by a picturesque view of the vicinity.
The mountain is located 120 km East of Xian. The North peak is known as the Cloud Terrace Peak, Middle Peak is known as the Jade Maiden Peak, East Peak is known as the Sunrise Peak, West Peak is known as the Lotus Peak and South Peak is known as the Landing Wild Goose Peak. The starting point to the mountain is the lowest peak, which is the Cloud Terrace Peak. It can be reached through the winding track from Huashan Village, the cable car or the path beneath it. The next station would be Jade Maiden Peak. According to the legends it is said that a jade maiden was once seen riding a white horse over the mountains and the name Jade Maiden Peak came after it. From this point a right turn would lead you to the Lotus Peak and a left to the Sunrise Peak. At the Sunrise Peak you would get a rare opportunity of observing a breathtaking view of the sunrise early morning. The Lotus Peak resembles a beautifully blossoming Lotus Flower. 
Visitors can also find a gondola which takes visitors across a plunging valley to the Landing Wild Goose Peak which is the highest of the five peaks. The journey afterwards is a rough one with steep rock faces and obstacles and not the ideal trip for the weak hearted and it is dangerous during winter. But the view at the top is simply breathtaking. Visitors desiring to go there early in the morning to watch the sunrise can stay at any Serviced Apartment Xi’an and one of the best choices to make is Citadines Central Xi’an, for anyone looking for good Xi’an Accommodation.

Hua Hin Elephant Village

Elephants have been on the roam since for as long as Thailand history traces back. Before industrialization, before the laying out of railways lines or introduction of auto mobiles the most secured, preferred and efficient form of land transportation was the riding on elephants. Even at present, in the dense jungles the safest means of navigation is riding on an elephant for this gentle giant can take you across any terrain. Located 3 km from Hua Hin is the elephant Village that is home to 18 elephants of which there are 2 males, 16 females and of course the popular favourite being the dear little baby elephant who to the great amusement of the onlookers will perform many a daring little stunts and tricks.

Upon arrival to the village one’s attention will be immediately captured by these beautiful and intelligent creatures that will amaze you by their strength and clever team work. You can feed the elephants with bananas and take up close pictured for as massive and strong as they come, these animals are gentle and friendly unless severely provoked. If you are in Thailand, and you love elephants then the place to be is the Elephant Village in Hua Hin.

Hua Hin hotels provide comfortable accommodation and Anantara Hua Hin Thailand comes forth as an excellent choice of stay. This exemplary Beach Hotel in Hua Hin, strive to deliver exclusive services merged with all the contemporary facilities that will keep even the selective lodger returning to capture the comforts and beauty of Thailand.

Water Sports at Passekudah

Located in the East of Sri Lanka, close to Batticaloa is the beautiful stretch of coastal area that is Passekuda. With coconut palm trees swaying to the breeze and the crash of waves as your only distractions, this corner hidden away from the crowds is the ideal place of retreat if tranquillity is what you have in mind.  Not only does it offer peaceful retreats away from the bustle of city, but Passekuda is one of the best yet undiscovered waters for swimming, snorkelling, diving, wind and water surfing, boating and skiing. Not to go unmentioned is that this secluded stretch of pristine beach topped with the all year warm tropical weather prevalent in Sri Lanka is most ideal for sun bathing in peace.

If you are the underwater explorer, then Passekuda is the place to be. Offering some of the best coral reef systems with extensive multi coloured corals and fish, Passekuda presents the ultimate spot for snorkelling and diving. A plunge into the outer bay where the coral reefs are shallow will be an experience you will want to recapture as often as you can, for the underwater splendour that greets you is simply breathtaking.

This part of Sri Lanka presents plenty of breakers in safe waters and riding that perfect wave has never before been more easily accessible. From April to early October with warm weather, wind in the air and waves in the ocean, Passekuda is most idyllic for a spot of wind and water surfing.  Surfers who have caught the waves in Passekuda quote it as “amongst the best breakers”.

Favourably positioned for the tourist and visiting local, Passekuda is within proximity to Arugam Bay, Nilaveli, Polonnaruwa and Kalkudah, all of which offer great sightseeing prospects. If you are the first time traveller to Sri Lanka and seek that hide out, perfect for a retreat you will find a winner with Passekuda. In Sri Lanka, resorts are found along the beachfront and one such excellent beach hotel in Sri Lanka is Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa.

ATV Tour in Samui

Get into an ATV and ride away in Samui. It is the best way to explore the local culture and life in Samui. These all terrain vehicle tours will offer you the perfect family time while holidaying in Koh Samui. You will get the chance to ride through the rough slopes and rugged roads as well as beautiful village landscape during the ATV adventures. ATV rides in Samui are exclusively designed for the thrill seekers visiting the place. 
 
 
There are comprehensive trainings before you take ATV tours and following the given instructions is a must. If you are looking for a Chaweng hotel for accommodation after an exhausting ATV tour, Anantara Lawana Koh Samui is known as a luxury Koh Samui resort which lays steps away from the ocean.

Forest Adventures in Singapore

Those visiting Singapore and looking for a truly unique family experience should definitely checkout Forest Adventure! Set amidst treetops, this one of a kind aerial course features swings, ladders, bridges and four zip lines that propel you though the air at breathtaking speeds. While these adrenaline pumping thrills are for older participants, there is also a special kid’s course which gives young adventurers a chance to experience some of the action as well. Safety is of the foremost priority here and you are ensured of a safe and fun time in the trees! Those in search of a luxury serviced apartment Singapore that enjoys a central location can stay at Ascott Raffles Place Singapore. Offering easy access to the central business district, these modern Singapore serviced  apartments come with the very best in contemporary comforts.

Bungy Jumping experiences in Koh Samui

Bungy jumping experience is one of the popular adventure activities available when holidaying in Koh Samui. If you are looking for an adrenalin rush and a real thrill, this is the best anyone would recommend to try out. The most difficult task is to overcome the initial fear of heights. Once you take the first jump, all you feel is the ultimate thrill of doing an act of boldness. 
Safety is paramount. It is extremely important to experience bungy jumping under the supervision and guidance of the experts. During your visit, if you are looking for a Samui resort with luxury accommodation, Anantara Bophut Koh Samui will offer you what you are seeking in a top Samui hotel. 

Picturesque Mount Wuyi

Mount Wuyi is a scenic and appealing location, a well-known attraction which yet retrains its pristine beauty and tranquil ambience. The location is well known for the conservation of a multitude of flora and fauna, including many species endemic to China. The Mount Wuyi Scenic Area encompasses Mount Longjing, Wuyi Canyon and the Ancient Xiamei Folk Buildings, all of which are picturesque and attractive. Undoubtedly this is one of China’s most appealing locations. 
Discerning travellers seeking a quality Xiamen hotel will find an excellent choice in the Millennium Harbourview Hotel Xiamen. This fine hotel in Xiamen provides well-furnished accommodations and attentive hospitality.

Canoe Cave Explorer Phang Nga Bay

Phang Nga Bay pronounces to be the most striking and dramatic tourist site in Thailand. This is mainly due to its unique landscape, composed of emerald green waters, dark caves and limestone cliffs emerging out of the clear waters. The sight is a true celebration of nature. Sea canoeing is said to be the perfect way to explore Phang Nga bay while enjoying an adventurous ride through dark narrow passages. 
Most of these limestone rocks have mysterious caverns which are formed due to the natural process of calcite dripping. Some of these caves can be reached only in an ultra thin canoe or a kayak during low tides but even then you have to lay flat in the canoe to go through the cave. This adventurous canoe trip will lead you to an overwhelming destination; the island’s inner lagoon. Entering this inner lagoon is a fascinating experience as it gives the feeling of entering a paradisiacal world. This open air lagoon is rich in bio diversity with wild, undisturbed flora and fauna. The atmosphere is incredibly calm and soothing except for the sound of the slowly gliding canoe across the island.

During the canoe trip you can stop over to take a dip in the clear turquoise water, relax on the beach while soaking up in the sun. This thrilling canoe cave explore offers you a full day tour into the mysterious, scenic world of the Phang Nang Bay. Khao Ping Kan, James Bond Island, Naka and Lawa Island are some of the other beautiful islands that you will get to enjoy during this journey. 

The experience of being taken through the dark but sparkling caverns and approaching island interiors encircled by the cliff is an experience not to be missed during your time in Phuket. If you are looking for sheer fun, delectable cuisine, thriving shopping and vibrant nightlife, a Patong beach resort would be the ideal choice. Centrally located Millennium Resort Patong Phuket is a Phuket resort boasting the finest amenities and luxury accommodation one would dream of indulging in during a well planned vacation.