Author: pushpitha

Wild Elephants Valley

Elephants are animals that are capable to capture the attention of both adults and children at the same time. These massive mammals have faces the threat of extinction. Hence, people in various countries have taken measures to protect these majestic beasts. As a result, many wild life parks have erupted around the world dedicated to elephants. Asian countries like Sri Lanka, Thailand, and China are some of the places where elephants can still be found. Especially in Asian countries, these majestic creatures have a cultural importance as well. For example, for the Dai people, one of the ethnic groups that live in Xishuangbanna, China, these mammals are a symbol of good luck, longevity and might.


As a result of this cultural importance and the fact that these beasts are moving towards extinction, the Wild Elephants Valley, also known as Yexiang gu, is created for their protection. Elephants can be seen wondering freely and frequently in this area. The city Xishuangbanna is known as the “Kingdom of Elephants”; around three hundred of these kinds can be found in the area. This park has become a major attraction and a major source of income to the residents. Equally attracting locals and foreigners, this valley amazes all that who set foot in it.
If you want to get a good glimpse of these majestic and massive mammals, the best time to visit is during dawn or dusk. Special viewing platforms have been created for the convenience and the safety of the viewers. There would be rivers and streams flowing through the forest adding beauty to the surroundings. The sound of water trickling and the soft chirping of the words would be signs of tranquility that one would experience in this location. Enjoy the lush greenery that spreads through 369 hectares apart from enjoying and observing the day-to-day activities of the huge elephants that have made this park their home. There would be a special trained elephant show in order to entertain the kids especially.


After spending some good time within the boundaries of the Wild Elephants Valley, retreat to a Hotel in Yunnan of your choice. This Hotel Yunnan, the Anantara Xishuangbanna Resort & Spa is considered one of the best hotels that would be able to provide a complete holiday to any guest. The many facilities that are offered and the spacious and cozy rooms would add more value to your trip in Xishuangbanna.

 

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

Thu Bon River

The Thu Bon River is a gorgeous river that flows through Hoi An in Vietnam. Located in Central Vietnam, it flows northwest through several villages creating a picturesque view as it forms the border between Suy Xuyen and Dai Loc. The valley of Thu Bon has been the center of the Champa culture that existed in Vietnam from 700 BC.


Boat rides on this river are a famous excursion among the locals as well as tourists. The traditional way across the river is on board the local boats referred to as Sampan. There is however several better maintained tourist boats that function on the river. Most boats are steered by women. Tourists love the experience of local culture and lifestyle while these boats pass through rural villages and communities who live mostly off fishing, in little fishing huts on the banks of the river.
The time of sunset is a beautiful time to take a tour aboard a Sampan. Especially before 7 o’clock in the morning and after 16.30 in the evening, are good times to catch a great glimpse of the far stretching river and life around it. The full moon festival is a celebration that sees the area come alive with good cheer and festivities, although there is a fare hike during these days, one that’s incomparable to the once in a life time experience of this beautiful festival.


Most locals only speak Vietnamese, so you might feel a bit lost. However you will be amazed at what a long way, eye contact and hand gestures could go here. Negotiate with the Sampan women and you will even get a longer ride than usual and cover more ground or should we say river, than usual.
While you discover the interesting culture surrounding the river Thu Bon and the fascinating river itself, stay at a Luxury Hotel Vietnam that will truly add to your experience of Vietnam. A Hoi An Spa Resort that truly believes in pampering its guests is the Anantara Hoi An Resort. This gorgeous hotel, offers a truly authentic experience within a luxury ambience, while it extends its hospitality to cater to every holidaymakers need.

 

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

Flight Experience

If you have unfulfilled dreams of becoming a commercial airline pilot or just want to experience the rush of piloting a Boeing 737, then the Flight Experience in Singapore is the perfect thing for you! This popular airplane simulator can be found at the Singapore Flyer and those in search of centrally located serviced accommodation Singapore from which to visit this attraction can consider Somerset Liang Court Singapore. Offering private accommodation Singapore with Jacuzzi, fitness centre and a range of other modern amenities, this well placed property is within easy reach of the Central Business District as well.

Giving you the chance to take control of a cockpit that has been designed exactly like the real thing, the Flight Experience is a simulator that offers as much realism as possible. Used as a pilot training programme, the simulator is officially licensed by Boeing as well. The First Officer here will be your guide and help you familiarise yourself with the various controls, instruments and levers in the cockpit. Feel the thrill of take off as you skilfully manoeuvre this giant aircraft and experience the freedom of flight as you coast along the skies. Do not get too carried away however, because before long you will have the challenging task of landing your plane from a choice of airports from around the world.

Khao Nang Phanthurat Forest Park

The Khao Nang Phanthurat Forest Park is paradise for the nature lover. With captivating scenery and an array of chirping birds providing the perfect backdrop, the Khao Nang Phanthurat Forest Park makes the perfect niche for relaxation.

The Khao Nang Phanthurat has the best of all sorts of natural wonders. The area in its entirety is covered by cave-ridden limestone hills and thick forested greenery. Inside the park, you can find an interesting walking trail that stretches up to 3km. This trail takes you through some of the most gorgeous scenery that is adorned by an array of beautiful flora and fauna and plenty of natural rock formations.

Surrounding the park beauty already dawns, for the trip to the park is more like a prologue for what you find in the park. The many limestone quarries that you will meet on the way leading to the mountains are very artistic and are quite fascinating to look at.

The Khao Nang Phanthurat Forest Park has two important mountains called Khao Chomprasart and Khao Chaolai. These are situated between 60-372 meters above sea level. The mountain has a unique shape that is noticed by everyone visiting the park. Both the mountains together resemble a great giant lying on her side. It really comes as no surprise that the park was named Nang Phanthurat because in Thai Folklore this is the name of a famous female giant.

Every where you turn, the park is adorned by ever green forests and mixed deciduous forest. Year round the park enjoys a healthy green landscape and is home to an array of different species that includes plants, animals and birds. The park with its soothing ambience makes an excellent location for a picnic or a jog.

When it comes to staying in one of the Hua Hin hotels, the beach hotels Hua Hin Thailand has are a popular choice. There is something so serene about the Thai beaches that it actually reflects the ambience you will experience at the Khao Nang Phanthurat Forest Park. For the best of all the beach hotels, stay at the exoticAnantara Hua Hin Thailand Resort .

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.
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Harris Mountains Heli-Ski

When Heli-Skiing in the best area in Southern New Zealand, there’s only one motto: if you can ski, you can heli-ski! Queenstown is home to some gorgeous powder snow in breathtaking mountains and valleys that serve up the best landscapes for exciting skiing adventures. Finding quality Queenstown hotel accommodation is easy, and adrenaline junkies can choose a lovely family hotel Queenstown has to offer at the Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront, set on the scenic shores of Lake Wakatipu. This well-appointed property offers modern amenities and chic comfort – perfect for relaxing after a day of pounding the powder. Harris Mountains Heli-ski takes you to some of the finest Southern alpine ski locations in the country. Tapping miles and miles of wild, unspoiled terrain, adrenaline seekers are sure to get their share of thrills, spills and chills in the sun-kissed snow of Queenstown’s finest mountains. It is the perfect getaway from the bustle of the cities, as it is just the skier poised on top of a vast, white winterland of excitement. Take a deep breath of the pristine mountain air and reflect on the unimaginable majesty of all your surroundings. You’re king or queen of the snow world at this moment…let it all just sink in as you push off and fly into euphoria. Come to a smooth stop at the bottom of the snow trail, where the helicopter will be waiting to lift you to the tippity-top of another gorgeous powder-kissed peak. Relax, repeat, re-live the excitement over and over again on Queenstown’s soaring, brilliant snowscapes.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

A J Hackett Bungy Jumping

Adrenaline junkies unite! At New Zealand’s very own “adventure-capital” Queenstown, which delights outdoors enthusiasts with an excitement array of fun activities, from skiing and snowboarding to heli-skiing and bungee-jumping. The town also opens up some quality Queenstown hotel accommodation featuring the perfect setting to relax after a hard day of outdoor adventures. One great family hotel Queenstown boasts of is the Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront serving up modern comforts and stylish interiors to soak in the scenic views of Lake Wakatipu out front. Set out the next morning and check out the fantastic array of adrenaline pumping skyward adventures from A J Hackett Bungy Jumping. Traditional bunjee-jumping fans will be in for the thrill of a lifetime, as they plummet from a cable car set an unbelievably high 134 metres off the ground. Experience an exhilarating ground rush that lasts for 8.5 heart-stopping seconds. But jumping is not all that is offered. How about prolonging the thrills by swinging way up high from a suspension cable? No falling here, just the heady sensation of flying towards the Remarkables Mountain. Your own body weight dictates the direction and speed of the “flight”, so simply spin around and twirl upside down, covering a massive 300m aerial arc over New Zealand’s unspoiled verdure. Or, if high-flying thrills are not your thing, take a fun zip-line slide over the pristine Kawaru River. Perfect for all ages, three 130m zip lines offer the chance to zip along over the river at riveting speeds of 60mph. Riders can go alone or in tandem and afterward, enjoy a relaxing cruise back to the starting point. For those who prefer to get their thrills while touching something solid, embark on a scenic bridge climb over the Auckland Harbour Bridge, a panoramic 1.5 hour trek. Featuring custom-engineered walkways, it is a safe and enjoyable way to take in one of Auckland’s most iconic landmarks and enjoy extensive commentary on Auckland and its surroundings. Whatever your adventure preference you’re sure to find something up your speed at AJ Hackett Bunjy Jumping!

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

Whale Watching in Thailand

Looking for a break from all that shopping while in fascinating Thailand? Go whale watching in the Gulf of Thailand. The areas of Koh Samet and Koh Chang dress the upper part of the gulf while the southern part is formed by Koh Samui, Koh Phangana dn and Koh Tao. This is an area known for magical beaches, amazing weather and calm and quiet surroundings.

Koh Tao is well known among travellers for it’s clear waters that make it an excellent area for diving and whale watching. Beautiful coral life and sea life found in abundance here makes it an exciting diving site. The famous Bryde’s whales in the area have attracted many tourists to the location as of late. There are plenty of tour boats that could be hired to go close to these beautiful whales.

Apart from these beautiful whales there are also a number of other beautiful species such as whale sharks, and dolphins. A famous diving site in the area that guarantees you a sighting would be the Sail rock. For the best views of the dolphins it is necessary to travel to the upper reaches of the gulf such as Samut Sakhon and Samut Songkhram. There have been sightings of the rare Minkhe whales here too.

Look for accommodation close to Koh Samui to arrive early in the mornings and be greeted by the beautiful sunset, while you eagerly wait to see these beautiful sea creatures. Stay at a luxury resort that will ease you in to a heavenly feeling as you surf, dive and go whale watching to your heart’s content. A Koh Samui Resort that speaks of pure luxury is the Anantara Lawana Resort & Spa Koh Samui. This Chaweng Hotel boasts of star class comforts within its authentic ambience and well-appointed rooms. For a truly relaxing experience, in star class luxuries, state-of-the-art amenities and an experience close to nature’s wonders head over to this part of Thailand and come face to face with a fascinating whale. What more would you want from your beachside holiday?

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

Snorkelling in Koggala

Known for its sun drenched beaches the south coast of Sri Lanka is also an ideal destination to enjoy some snorkelling. The charming town of Koggala is one such area along the island’s southern coastal belt where you can tryout such activities and those in search of air taxi tours Sri Lanka has to offer to this area can make use of Cinnamon Air. This well established air taxi Sri Lanka service provides easy access to some of the country’s most famed areas, letting you experience an authentic holiday adventure.

Nestled along the shoreline, Koggala’s beach is an ideal starting point from which to embark on a snorkelling excursion of the azure waters that beckon intrepid travellers. An activity that can be enjoyed by young and old alike, snorkelling lets you discover the stunning underwater world that lies beneath the waves. Home to colourful corals of various types and formations and not forgetting a vivid array of tropical fish, the sea around Sri Lanka provides plenty of snorkelling fun and lets you appreciate the country’s rich natural heritage as well.

 

 

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

Baiyun Mountain

Baiyun Mountain literally provides a breath of fresh air over the city of Guanzhou, China, as a layer of viresence that hovers above the city enables it to absorb 2800 tonnes of carbon dioxide and release 2100 tonnes of oxygen per day. Breath in the sights of the beautiful city from one of many excellent serviced apartments Guangzhou offers its visitors. The Ascott Guangzhou boasts stylish modern interiors and a central location, and it is an example of one of the best service apartments in Guangzhou that caters to business or leisure visitors. When staying in the city, take the time to take in the natural splendour of Baiyun Mountain, which has nurtured a claim to scenic fame for centuries. Its name is rather poetic, as it refers to the view of the mist-covered peaks seen in late Spring, or after the sky has cleared after rainfall. The mountain is a wellspring of lush verdure, with various parks, hills and lakes gracing the 30-peak mountain range, and makes it ideal for sightseeing during the summer period, especially. With a development history of over 1,000 years, it boasts six splendid sight-seeing zones: Mingzhu Tower, Moxing Ridge (star-scraping ridge), Santai Ridge, Luhu Lake, Mingchun Valley and Fei’e Ridge. In addition, the past ten years have see the addition of more spectacular scenic spots such as the Baiyun Cableway, the Forest of Steles, Xinghai Garden, Yuntai garden and Nengren temple. Any visitor to Guangzhu should definitely take a break from the trappings of the concrete jungle and witness the serenity afforded by the scenic Baiyun Mountain.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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Golf Vacations in Vietnam

Declared as the Undiscovered Golf Destination of the Year by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators, Vietnam is a wonder waiting to be discovered. A land with a fascinating history dating hundreds of years back, a climate that can only be marvelled at all year along and a breathtaking natural splendour, this amazing location is nothing but perfect for a holiday. The country now offers its visitors championship courses that successfully put most western golf grounds to shame.

Popularly known as the ‘Next Thailand’ in relation to golfing, this amazing country is home to many beautiful golfing locations. The formation of the Ho Chi Minh Golf Trail in 2008 saw the Vietnam golf courses gaining global recognition. In total there are about 16 courses operating successfully within the country and around 30 under construction.

Golf courses singled out as the best here include the Dalat Palace Golf Club, the Montgomerie and the Ocean Dunes Golf Club. The growth in the number of tourist arrivals in the country and the high rising golf tours have also been due to the reasonable cost of these holidays, the far stretching coast line admired by many westerners and the tropical climate guaranteeing a great experience all year around. Consequently the number of tourist arrivals has seen an immense increase from around 250000 to 4.5 million a year.

If you are on the lookout for a beautiful Vietnam Hotel to spend your days at ease while holidaying in this beautiful country, consider a Resort in Mui Ne that believes in creating a truly authentic experience. Anantara Mui Ne Resort & Spa is a gorgeous hotel ideally located in the heart of Mui Ne that boasts of well-appointed rooms, world class service standards and a traditional Vietnamese touch in its hospitality.

Head over to Vietnam where there is so much to experience and savour. From traditional Vietnamese culture to ancient historic monuments that resonate architectural splendour of the good old east, mouthwatering Vietnamese cuisine and amazing golf locations. Experience the east like never before when you choose Vietnam as your next holiday destination.