The Phra Nang Princess Cave in Krabi

Many travellers simply visit the Phra Nang Beach to soak up the stunning Krabi scenery; however, some locals visit with the intention of making offerings to Phra Nang herself. Located close to many a hotel Ao Nang Krabi has to offer such as Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort, this cave is a must-visit attraction in the region.

History

The legend states that Phra Nang was a princess that was killed during a shipwreck. Another story states that she was the wife of a fisherman who got stranded on this island and whiled her time away awaiting her husband’s return.

Getting There

From Ao Nang Beach, you can board a longtail boat that will directly take you to Phra Nang Beach. It would cost around 200 Baht per person to complete the trip. A long-tail boat would usually wait until there are at least 8 passengers before departing to Phra Nang Beach.

Mark Fischer, Phra Nang BeachCC BY-SA 2.0

Offerings to Phra Nang

Nowadays, one can witness the local fishers making offerings such as flowers and incense asking for safe travel on the sea.

Cave of Fertility

Over the years, Phra Nang Princess Cave became associated with fertility and virility. Locals place wood carvings of phallic symbols that can be seen at the entrance of the cave.

Amazing Attractions to Discover in Yala for an Unforgettable Vacation

From wildlife safaris to exploring exquisite cultural sites, Yala is an ideal place to spend your summer vacation. You will find many properties in and around this spellbinding city such as Cinnamon Wild Yala.

AdbarTourism Yala National ParkCC BY-SA 3.0

Yala National Park
No trip to Yala is complete without visiting its amazing national park – one of the most visited of its kind in Sri Lanka. It is home to a beautiful forest that provides lifeblood to many exotic animals. Animal lovers can even expect to spot the elusive leopard here during a safari arranged by their Yala hotel.

Magul Maha Viharaya
Hiding historical value in its ancient constructions, Magul Maha Viharaya is yet another attraction that can be visited during your trip to Yala. According to chronicles, Vijayabahu the Great has used this temple complex during the battle to unite the country.

Sithulpawwa Raja Maha Viharaya
A temple complex that’s believed to be built by King Kawanthissa during the 2nd century B. C., Sithulpawwa Raja Maha Viharaya can easily be accessed from many Yala hotels. The main stupa can be found overlooking a large pond from a large mountainous area.

Yala Leopard Centre
Couldn’t spot a leopard during your safari? Fret not – you can visit this incredibly informative centre that offers marvellous insights into the lives of leopards.

 

 

Wellington Travel Guide

Wellington is one of the most popular regions you can visit in New Zealand. From scenic views to fantastic attractions, there’s a lot to see and experience here. So, here’s a quick travel guide you can go through, if you’re planning a visit here soon.

When to Visit

So, to start off with, when exactly should you visit Wellington? The winter months that last from June to August are ideal if you want to avoid crowds but be weary of constant rainfall and strong winds. The summer season will bring tourists with them but pleasant weather as well. So, the choice is up to you.

Where to Stay

There’s a wide selection of accommodation options here in Wellington, ones that are suited for varying budgets. You can pick out a budget-friendly boutique hotel or opt for one of the best hotels in Wellington such as the Oaks Wellington Hotel.

The Attractions

Wellington Zoo

Wellington Zoo Image by Spawn Man via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

The list of attractions you can visit in Wellington is virtually endless. Some highlights include the Wellington Zoo, the National Archives and Weta Workshop. You can always consult your accommodation provider for recommendations on where to go.

A Few Tips

You should consider visiting the free museums of Wellington, these are great to tour through and cost you nothing. When it comes to dining, visit Chinatown for the best flavours and unmatched prices.

Guide to planning a winter weekend in Port Stephens

If you think it’s just the summers that are amazing in Port Stephens, you are probably wrong. It’s also a great winter escape with its many beaches and hills.

Staying in Port StephensPort Stephens

Image by ZebethBrowse via Pixabay

Thinking about options for Port Stephens accommodation? As long as there are properties the likes of Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort, you don’t need to worry about it. They will offer you every luxury and comfort.

Explore the Tomaree Mountain

Get ready to explore one of the best lookouts in New South Wales- Tomaree Mountain. For the complete hike, it won’t take even 2 hours, but the views from the summit are totally worth it

Explore the beaches

Zenith Beach is not the only beach to head to during your winter getaway. Don’t forget about the Anna bay, One Mile Beach, and Fingal Bay Beach that is also can also be visited to bring you warmth, joy, and relief.

Head to Gan Gan Hill

For someone who loves views, the Tomaree Mountain is not the only option. Hike to the Gan Gan lookout without much effort and enjoy all the views of the Port Stephens, Hawks Nest, and many more.

Mekong River Cruise experience

In the earlier days, civilisations were born around massive rivers, which also assisted in establishing relevant cultures. Mekong River is no exception. One can learn about the fascinating cultural aspects of an ancient civilisation when embarking on a luxury Mekong River cruise.

Image credit- Mekong Kingdoms

History of Mekong River

The earliest settlement date back to 2100 BC, the Khmer culture of Funan. Khmer empire Angkor was the last greatest Indianised state in the area. Mekong River is regarded as the cornerstone of the economic growth and prosperity of South East Asia.

Cruising Area

The spectacular Mekong Delta is spread over an area of approximately 15,000 square miles, which boasts of lush green paddy fields, fruit orchards, fish farms, and thriving ecosystems. Mekong Delta contributes to more than half of Vietnam’s rice production; hence, it’s also called the “rice bowl” of the country.

Cruising Experience

A Mekong River cruise would let travellers come across new cultures, thus being able to perceive life from a different perspective. From ancient temples and serene villages to incredible scenery and wildlife along the way, a cruise along this mighty river will offer an unparalleled experience.

Overnight Mekong Cruises

One can embark on a unique and scintillating night-time adventure on the Mekong River with cruise companies such as Mekong Kingdoms. A night-time cruise along this river would reveal a land of spellbinding beauty.

Best Beaches in West Coast of Sri Lanka

The Pearl of the Indian Ocean sure has some amazing beaches that lure tourists every year. The coastal belt of Sri Lanka is something that you must explore. Here are a few beaches that are not too far from Colombo for starters.

 

Negombo
This is a coastal city that is just 37 km away from Colombo which is about 1.5 hours travel time on the highway. Negombo is popular for beautiful beaches that are surfer friendly and safe for almost any water sport.

Mount Lavinia
This is one of the most residential zones in Colombo, especially for the middle class. This place has one of the most scenic beaches where the middle class often visit in the evenings for a jog or to walk their pets.

Beruwela
This is a beach city that is popular for hotels.Beruwela offers some of the best luxury resorts such as The Eden Resort & Spa for a nice stay. The beaches here are great too but the waters can sometimes be too rough so look out for the red flag.

Induruwa
Unlike the rest of the beaches, this isn’t a crowded one. Instead, the ambience is of that of a calm village where you can just relax.

A Guide to Wildlife in Sri Lanka

 

If you are looking for a “wild” holiday which is more about wildlife encounters than nightlife fun, then Sri Lanka is an ideal destination! Here’s a glimpse into the many species you may come across.

Mammals
Sri Lanka has over 100 mammal species including the endemic leopard and elephant. Leopards can be spotted at the Yala National Park, while elephants can be seen at Minneriya National Park near Habarana; hotel options in the area such as Cinnamon Lodge Habarana offer excursions to see “The Gathering” of hundreds of elephants around July. The sloth bear, sambar deer, toque macaque and European otter are some of the other local mammals.

Birds
Over 500 species of birds have been recorded in Sri Lanka which encompasses endemic (like the Sri Lankanjunglefowl and Sri Lanka spurfowl) and migratory (like the Pacific golden plover and greater flamingo) species.The Sinharaja Forest Reserve andBundala National Park are two bird watching hotspots.

Reptiles
There are plenty of reptile species in the island which include a great many snakes such as the sand boa, green vine snake andIndian cobra. Also grouped amongst reptiles are the mugger and saltwater crocodiles as well as five sea turtle species like olive ridley, hawksbill and green turtles.

Marine Species
Out at sea, Sri Lanka is blessed with more diversity and one will find over 900 marine fish species; these include reef fish as well as larger varieties like marlin and sailfish. The country also offers one a chance to spot marine mammals from blue and sperm whales to spinner and bottlenose dolphins.\

 

 

 

 

 

Why You Should Visit Kandy

Once the royal seat of the last kingdom of Sri Lanka, Kandy is a city perched on a plateau at the top of Sri Lanka’s central highlands. There are many reasons as to why you should be visiting Kandy. Here are our top 4.

It’s Perfect for Nature Lovers
The small city is surrounded by emerald mountains and plenty of forest land, estates and the famed Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens. Everywhere you look, even out of the balcony of the best hotel in Kandy there is plenty of nature to adore.

It’s Home to Cultural Treasures
Kandy is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important Buddhist landmark site as the resting place of the tooth relic of Buddha which is housed in the Temple of the Tooth at the royal palace in the city centre. It’s a quick drive from mountainside hotels like Hotel Topaz.

It’s a Classic Movie Location
Kandy was famously the location for movies such as Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Cheng Gong, The Second Jungle Book: Mowgli and Baloo and Thai Flower among others.

It’s Where You Can Find a Good Cuppa
You can also find plenty of tea estates with cafés that will serve you the most delicious cup of steaming hot Ceylon Black tea.

 

Top Reasons to Visit Sri Lanka

While the island of Sri Lanka may be relatively small, within this land one will find a diverse range of attractions and things to do. Here are some of the reasons why you should visit.

Exciting Adventures
Thrill-seekers have much to enjoy when it comes to an adventure tour; Sri Lanka is an ideal place for trekking in the Knuckles Mountain Range, white water rafting along the Kelani River in Kitulgala and hiking to the summit of Adam’s Peak which has around 5,500steps!

Gorgeous Beaches

Praveenshashika, Secret beach – Mirissa Sri Lanka, CC BY-SA 4.0

There are some truly sublime beaches around the island which can easily be explored with tour specialists like Walkers Tours. South coast highlights include the Unawatuna, Hikkaduwa and Bentota beaches, while on the east coast you get Pasikuda and Arugam Bay, the latter being a surfing hotspot too.

Rich Heritage
The island has a rich heritage which can be experienced at many historical attractions in Sri Lanka including the iconic Sigiriya rock fortress and the archaeological sites in Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura. Other cultural sites include the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy and the colonial Dutch Fort in Galle.

Diverse Wildlife
There are many national parks in the country which provide encounters with a range of animal and bird species. Wildlife safaris in Sri Lanka give you a chance to spot leopards inYala andWilpattu, elephants in Minneriya and Udawalawe, birdlife in the Sinharaja Forest Reserve and even blue whales in Mirissa!

 

 

Crazy Extreme Adventures

A tropical holiday in Thailand doesn’t always have to be about lounging on the beach, working on your tan, especially if you are the kind of person that wants to experience the open spaces and blue seas of Thailand with your whole being. Here are some adrenaline-inducing water sports and adventures you can do to go beyond your comfort zone.

1. White Water Rafting

Head further inland from the beach and try a little white-water rafting. Some rapids range on all levels in Pai, Chiang Mai and Chumpon to name a few.

2. Scuba Diving with Whale Sharks

If you are planning to try out some diving when you check into a hotel in Khon Kaen, consider signing up for scuba diving with whale sharks. The best time is during the season of February to April. If your preferred choice of hotel is one like Avani Khon Kaen Hotel & Convention Centre, you can ask them to book ahead for you.

scuba diving

3. Kiteboarding

Kiteboarding requires a bit of navigation in your part and something you should be careful of if you’re a first timer. But it’s never too late to try.

4. Rock Climbing

If you want something to get the blood pumping that doesn’t involve you getting wet, try a little rock-climbing in the Krabi province.

5. Wakeboarding

There are wake parks all over Thailand thanks to wakeboarding’s recent popularity so why not get in on the rush?