Category: Land

Travellers to Asian nation of Thailand herald it as an amazing destination. Its popularity stems from its abundant attractions, rich heritage and cultural sites, inviting beaches and exotic nightlife. For both the business and leisure traveller Thailand remains a favourite stop.

The province of Chiang Rai in Thailand is also known as the Land of the Golden Triangle. Located in the northern part of the country it is where the borders of Burma, Laos and Thailand meet. The province is celebrated for its steep history, distinctive culture and popular fruits. Home to over a million inhabitants including an indigenous tribe known as the Lanna, the area is also renowned for its tourist attractions.

Several memorable sites with historical significance can be located in Chiang Rai. These include numerous temples, monuments and statues. Dating back to the 13^th century is the Wat Phra That Doi Tung. This structure highlights ornate architecture and panoramic views. Natural attractions in the northern area also include the Doi Luang National Park, picturesque rural settings and the Golden Triangle along the famous Mekong River.

The Mea kok River is also located in the northern province of Chiang Rai. Heralded as one of most scenic rivers it remains un-spoilt despite attracting many visitors. With the length of over 130km, this river flows though cliffs, banks, village settlements and hills. A popular sport using the river is rafting. The gentle rapids attract both the novice well as the experienced rafters as they journey through both Thailand and Burma.

For the adventurous seeking to explore the River in its entirety, the voyage will take several hours to complete. Excursions are also organized from various points of the waterway providing both interesting activities as well as sightseeing possibilities. From dense jungle terrain to serene waters awaits the rafter. While sights of elephants bathing are will also a delight for those on the excursions.

Travellers to the region can opt for budget accommodation to the more luxuriant Chiang Rai hotels. A hotel in Chiang Rai providing an escape in to paradisiacal settings is the Anantara Golden Triangle, Thailand. Immersing culture and tradition with alluring views offers visitors to this resort a truly magical getaway.

Imagine, as you speed along the canyon river mere centimetres above the water, the wind against your hair, your adrenaline pumping. The boat driver expertly drives the speed boat, as he weaves it in and out past rugged outcrops of rock, gliding past boulders and swiftly through narrow canyons. This exciting adventure is only part of what you will glimpse if you try Jet Boat Adventure in Queenstown.

Queenstown, situated in the Otago region of New Zealand is a picturesque town and the centre of adventure tourism. Surrounded by rocky mountains and valleys of clear blue lakes, it is ideal for water sports.

“Big Red” as the boats are called, is built specially to handle the Shotover River Canyon waters. Developed for maximum speed, strength and optimum movement, these boats are also powered with two Buick 3.8 litre V6 engines, producing 520 horsepower. Two Hamilton 212 Jet Units provide steering and control, propelling 760 litres of water per second. This unique combination means that “Big Red” can travel 85kpm in as little as 10cm of water.

Jet Boat Adventures provides you with an unforgettable experience and an adrenaline rush you will not forget easily. Make sure you hang on tight; as the driver makes the signal that you are about to experience their famous “360°” spins.

If you are concerned about your driver, have no fear. Each Jet Boat pilot has had a minimum of 120 hours of vigorous river training, which is more than double of the New Zealand requirements. Employed for their personality as well as their driving ability, each pilot will deliver you a unique experience in an enthusiastic fashion, giving you an experience you will not forget easily. By combining on-water delight and personalized passionate commentary, you will have memories that will last a lifetime.

Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront provides you with the perfect location from Lake Wakatipu. Being a Queenstown ski resorts, you have adventure whatever time of year you go. This Queenstown resort blends superior facilities with personalized service. It is located 5 minutes from the heart of the city, close to many activities including Jet Boat Adventures and other water sport activities.

Occupying a captivating location on the Andaman Ocean the national parks of Krabi have often been ranked among the finest canoeing destinations in all of Thailand. Encompassing some of the globe’s most spectacular natural wonders such as limestone hills and sea coves these lush landscapes flanked by verdant forests offer nature lovers a personal encounter with the pristine natural world of southern Thailand. Traversing through the mesmerising caves, lagoons or “hongs” and tunnels that have been created by millions of years of erosion serious kayakers and canoeing enthusiasts can expect a once in a lifetime experience filled with adventure, thrills and spills the likes of which they are not likely to find anywhere else in the nation.

With the aid and equipment supplied by innumerable tour operators in Krabi visitors can choose from a verity of canoeing packages to explore the environs. From one day trips, to more compact half day excursions, guests are likely to find a tour that suits their group and needs. Most trips set off from Ao Nang Beach which is a short boat ride away from Railay Beach and is also a popular pick up point for most operators. Local guides also come along for the ride with useful tips and know how on the landscapes in the itinerary.

A one day canoeing trip in Krabi will typically start with kayaking along Ban Bor Thor around 9am which will be followed by a relaxing half hour spent sipping tea or coffee before setting off from the shores of the bay once more. Concise lessons on paddling and navigating the environment are given by experienced pros before guests start to traverse through the labyrinth of mangrove jungles in the area.

After a break for lunch on the white, sandy beach kayaking along the bay continues with a variety of topographical anomalies on offer. These include wading through sea caves and encountering natural wildlife while ancient cave paintings are also a highlight on the route. After returning to Ban Bor Thor beach guests will have the unique opportunity of swimming in the Tha Pom freshwater pool before heading back to Ao Nang.

The daytrip canoe tour of Krabi Klong Talen is also popular with seasoned visitors as this excursion includes exploration of the 500 feet long tunnel underneath a rock mountain as well as caves glimmering with stalagmites and stalactites. A series of rock gardens are also a key feature of this trip which takes kayakers through several hongs laden with mangroves.

Travellers on the lookout for a Krabi resort hotel on the shores of Changlang Beach should look no further than the stylish Anantara Saiko, Thailand. Ideally located within a stone’s throw of the beach this conveniently located Trang hotel is also a mere hour away from the Krabi International Airport.

Auckland is famously known as the City of Sails and earned its nickname from the love that the locals had for the sea. The name is befitting once you see the yachts and boats that dot the harbor like a white print on an expansive blue cloth. Auckland expands over a narrow isthmus between the dazzling blue waters of the two harbours; Waitemata and Manukau. There is an expanse of rainforest that cloaks the surrounding hills and many dormant volcanic cones are scattered all over the landscape and the massive Hauraki Gulf is home to many captivating holiday islands.

Situated a mere forty minutes drive away from the capital city are the Hunua Ranges, covering nearly 400 square kilometers of the South East of Auckland. Most of the land area is dedicated to the Waharau Regional National which has been restored meticulously over the years and preserved for public recreation and water catchment.

The Maori used the hills of Hunua Ranges for obtaining firewood and timber rather than for permanent settlement. The highest peak of the Hunua Ranges is the Kohukohunui. The British settlers of Auckland cleared the forest for agriculture purposes and in 1870, wood was the main source obtained from the mountains. Since Victorian times, the Hunua Falls have been a popular attraction and today, it still draws many an adventurous tourist with its beautiful misty veils of cascading water. Fittingly, water is the main resource taken from the Hunua Ranges. Amongst the four water supply dams that are found in Hunua is the Mangatangi Reservoir, New Zealand’s largest water supply.

The Waharau Regional Park in the Hunua Ranges is home to more than 450 species of native plants. In addition, the expansive park is ideal for explorative travelers who love hiking. With dense forests that fuel the curiosity of anyone who has a love for flora and with high ridge lines ideal for a hike that would get your heart racing, the Hunua Ranges offer endless opportunities to visitors. If you prefer a less challenging walk however, you can take the shorter yet equally scenic route to the Hunua Falls. There are swimming holes scattered in and around the falls that offer refreshing breaks for any hiker looking to cool off for a while. In addition, there are several camping areas with picturesque views, ideal for anyone who wants to spend the night in the Hunua wilderness.

Both the Mangatangi Reservoir and the Mangatawhiri Reservoir offer rainbow trout fishing at the face of the dam and the Hunua Ranges is home to many different critters. From freshwater crayfish in the rivers and the many different species of endemic land snails, the Hunua Mountains are bursting with wonderful flora and fauna. It is also interesting to note that one of New Zealand’s native frogs; the Hochstelter’s Frog occurs in Hunua and the ranges support the widest spectrum of native forest birds such as the Kakakiri, Shining Cuckoo, Fantail and Native Pigeon. The Hunua Ranges is a true nature lover’s paradise. With the stunning oblique sheath of water that is the Hunua Falls, the plentiful hiking trails with charming views and the lush forests teeming with the most curious wild life, the Hunua Ranges is a natural gem waiting to be discovered.

If you are planning to visit the Hunua Ranges, accommodation is of no worry. All of the Auckland City hotels are within forty minutes drive from the Hunua Ranges. The city of Auckland is well facilitated and journeys to the Hunua Ranges and back are extremely easy. If you are searching for Auckland hotel specials, you would be given a superfluity of options and for every traveler looking to grab hold of some rest and relaxation. The Copthorne Hotel Auckland City is ideal for you; situated in the heart of Auckland City, you would only be a heartbeat away from the hustle and bustle of the conurbation and from all the facilities it offers once you get back from your hike through the ranges.

Surrounded by calm and crystal clear sea waters, the islands of the Maldives make for an ideal destination for those looking to spend their holiday snorkeling. A relatively cheap way of experiencing the spectacular marine ecosystem that lies along the ocean floor, snorkeling is a safe and fun outdoor activity that can be enjoyed by young and old alike.

Since the Maldives is home to a diverse reef system, snorkeling is the ideal way in which to take in its colorful corals and the varied marine life that have found a home here such as Angelfish, Parrotfish, Butterflyfish, Sweetlips and the Wahoo.

While learning to snorkel is relatively easy and hassle free, there are a few basic tips one can follow which will help to make a snorkeling excursion a memorable one.

First one needs to get the right equipment which basically consists of a mask, fins and a snorkel. If you do not have your own, they can either be bought or rented out. It is important that the mask should fit snugly on your face, even without the need of tightening the head strap. One should also check the fins and ensure that they afford both comfort and flexibility for your feet. Since faulty or ill fitting equipment can ruin your snorkeling adventure, always double check your equipment before setting out.

Another tip for those wanting to go snorkeling in the Maldives is to plan ahead and come prepared. This includes finding out information and the locations of the best areas for snorkeling as well as knowing what the weather and tidal current patterns are for the area at the time you plan to visit.

Last but not least, generously apply a sunscreen brand that is also waterproof and always try to snorkel with family and friends or even with an instructor because you never know when you might need a helping hand or two!

Set alongside the water, Maldives Water Bungalows provide guests with a laidback home away from home in which to explore the stunning coastal beauty that surrounds the Maldives. Maldives Boutique Resorts are ideal for a romantic holiday getaway and the Anantara Veli, Maldives is just one such example that offers guests a truly unique and magical holiday.

There is no better venue than the magical Maldive Islands to engage in the thrilling pursuits of water sports. With the essential ingredients of surf, sun and sand in plentiful proportions, the Maldives has in recent years made a name for itself as a premier destination for water sports. Whatever your energy level or preference, the Maldives assures a delightful experience with aqua sports.

Swimming and snorkelling may be the simplest of water sports, but they are no less enjoyable amidst the Maldives’ sapphire seas. Snorkelers will be able to obtain a glimpse of the vibrantly coloured coral formations to be found in the tropical seas, and the multitude of denizens of the deep to be found amongst them.

If you wish to venture further into the depths of the shimmering waters, a scuba diving session is the answer; the Maldives is renowned as one of the world’s exceptional diving sites. There are many diving schools in the Maldives which offer training and equipment for this always memorable activity.

Sailing is a well-established sport that has never lost popularity, with many water sport fans taking to the evergreen sport.

The rolling ocean waves beyond the coral lagoons offer a wonderful environment for surfers, and windsurfing is equally popular in the sea breezes of the Maldives. For the thrill seekers a multitude of water sports await. Speedboating offers thrills in a relatively secure manner, and there are many models on offer to suit the taste of the enthusiast. Jetskiing is a popular option, and powerful machines are available for the expert. If water-skiing is more to your taste, there are many sites in the Maldives which cater to this exciting pursuit.

There are many more somewhat unusual sporting activities for those who enjoy these adrenaline-inducing pastimes. Parasailing has become common in recent years, with a growing number of enthusiasts who will find themselves well-catered to in the Maldives. Catamaran rides are also growing in popularity as numerous aficionados have grown to relish this unusual sport. Other options on offer for the enthusiast include kite surfing, mono skiing, knee boarding and banana riding.

If you desire a more leisurely experience, you may opt for an excursion in a glass-bottomed boat, which will enable you to experience underwater life while remaining dry, or venture farther into the seas for a dolphin cruise. The avid big game fishing aficionado will be delighted with the spoils on offer in the Maldives.

For the traveller desiring to stay at villa in Maldives an ideal choice would be Anantara, Kivavah. One of the excellent Maldives resorts this fine accommodation offers modern comforts in a lovely setting.

Surrounded by stunning marine biodiversity, the Maldives has much to offer in way of underwater adventure. With the intention of giving visitors of all ages a chance to experience this remarkable beauty, the country’s latest attraction gives one a chance to go diving by way of an actual submarine!

Built in Germany, this spacious vessel has a 50 person capacity and lays claim to being the largest passenger sub involved in deep sea diving. The air conditioned aquatic vehicle can achieve dive depths of up to 150 meters and has a perfect safety record.

This unique attraction gives passengers a chance to not only experience what it is like on board a submarine, but to also take in the breathtaking sights of the coral reef system and the colourful creatures that call it home.

A typical ride on the submarine involves descending below the ocean surface to an underwater reef. On the way down one can view a range of marine life and Lionfish, yellow and blue stripped Snappers and turtles are among the underwater inhabitants common in the area. One of the stops sometimes involves setting down near a submerged cave where one can see various other fish and depending on the day even rare sightings of Napoleons, White Tip Reef Sharks or the fearless Giant Grouper who is not known to be camera shy!

Dive destinations sometimes vary according to such factors as current and passengers may on occasion be taken near shipwrecks or even a shark feeding area. The dives start at nine in the morning and continue till eight at night, spaced out in ninety minute intervals. Night time dives bring a whole new perspective including a chance to see such creatures as manta rays.

This forty five minute undersea exploration is a chance to experience a world of vibrant colour and grotesque beauty which one would not normally get a chance to see and makes for a truly memorable holiday.

Maldives resorts offer travellers a chance to enjoy life amidst the peace and quiet of a private retreat. Those looking for an exclusive coastal getaway can stay at five star hotels Maldives such as the Nalandhu, Maldives which combines modern luxury with the privacy of a secluded resort.