Attractions | The Adventure Travel Site

A Complete City Guide to Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang is relatively a small town, but for a small town like this in geographical terms, it has so much to see and do. French Colonial streets, temples and bustling night markets are just some of them.

When to go to Luang Prabang?

Between November to May falls the best time to visit Luang Prabang, and this is also the period during which every hotel in Luang Prabang gets fully booked with guest reservations. The weather is so pleasant at this time and is suitable for every sightseeing activity that you wish to undertake.

松岡明芳, Phou si Luang Prabang Laos プーシーの丘ラオス・ルアンプラバーン DSCF6777, CC BY-SA 3.0

How to get around?

As mentioned, Luang Prabang is a small town and you can simply get anywhere on foot. But if you are visiting any places outside, you can use a hired bicycle, Tuk-tuk or a taxi for your convenience.

What to see and do?

If you are staying at properties such as Avani+ Luang Prabang there are several places nearby that you can visit such as the Night Market, Mount Phousi Viewpoint and the Mekong River. In addition to that, you may also take a Lao cooking class or witness the alms ceremony to the monks.

calflier001, LUANG PRABANG MARKET LAOS FEB 2012 (6992417213), CC BY-SA 2.0

How about the costs?

An average mid-range traveller will have to spend around $80 as his daily cost including food, transport, sightseeing and accommodation costs. If you are a backpacker, you can actually settle for less.

Top 5 Places to Visit in Botswana

Botswana is one of the go-to locations for safari-goers. It’s home to all members of the famous Big Five, which include the lion and African elephant. It’s also a region steeped in ancient traditions and a culture based around the bush. Here are five locations you should visit if you find yourself here.

The Okavango Delta

Born out of the Okavango river and surrounded by the dry expanse of the Kalahari Desert, the Okavango Delta is a fantastic location teaming with games. Here, during the flood season, a large portion of the land gets submerged under several feet of water, this presents the unique opportunity to go on safari via a traditional canoe or kayak.

Joachim Huber, Okavango Delta, Botswana (2675181510), CC BY-SA 2.0

The Gaborone Nature Reserve

Though comparatively small compared to most reserves, this park’s claim to fame is that it’s situated inside Botswana’s capital city. Many of Botswana’s resorts surround the park, making it remarkably easy to visit. For example, you can try your luck at the slots in the Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino and then take a short drive to view some wildlife – all on the same day!

Mokolodi Game Reserve

This is another park that’s located very close to the country’s capital. It is, however, significantly larger and home to a far wider variety of games. Rhino tracking is a highlight at this reserve where successful breeding programs have ensured the species’ continued survival.

The Kgalle Hill

A popular destination among rock climbers and hikers, Kgalle Hill is one of Botswana’s major landmarks. Visitors who make an hour’s climb up the hill will be treated with a breathtaking view of the surrounding area complete with a stunning sunset in the evening.

Great facts about Koh Samui

Koh Samui is indeed a tropical haven for most of the tourists visiting Thailand. This island has many entertaining features and here are just some of them.

Koh Samui has a privately-owned airport

Bangkok Airways do own an airport on this island and if facilitates daily direct flights to and from Koh Samui. This has made accessibility to Chaweng beach resorts much easier and faster as well.

There are two main landmarks on the island

Yes, there are many places to see in Koh Samui but, specifically, there are two, that visitors hardly miss. They are the Big Buddha statue and the Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks.

Maksim Sundukov, Big Buddha in Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai), CC BY-SA 3.0

Chaweng is the heart of this island

Chaweng is known to be the most popular and liveliest beach you find on this island. To facilitate tourist requirements such as accommodation, dining, and nightlife, there are good options around Chaweng such as Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort that provide world-class services. It was a fishing community back then Today, this island is passing a tourist era, but back then Koh Samui relied on fishery and coconut cultivation.

Roma Neus, Chaweng-Noi Samui 2013 may – panoramio (2), CC BY 3.0

Beruwala Fish Market

With all there is to see in Beruwala, a noisy, smelly fishing harbour might not seem like your typical tourist destination. However, if you are looking for things to do in Wadduwa, you shouldn’t miss out on the inimitable charms of the Beruwala Fish Market.

The Location

Getting to the fish market is a relatively simple affair if you’re staying over at a nearby hotel – for example, The Blue Water Hotel and Spa. First, get yourself to Beruwala, then simply take a tuk-tuk or cab to the Beruwala Harbour which is only around 3km away.

When to Get There

The fish market begins to come alive in the early hours of the morning, and this perhaps the best time to go visit too. You’ll find fisherman loading up their gear, boats readying up for a day of seafaring and the crisp ocean sunrise sneak up over the horizon.

Choose Your Fish

There’s an abundance of fish varieties to choose from if you’re in the mood for buying. You’ll find piles of mackerel, sardine and seer piled up all around the market floor – careful not to step on them! There are also bigger catches, like sharks, rays and giant tuna.

Get it Prepared

Once you pick out your fish, you can hand it over to certain fishermen who’ll have it prepared for you – essentially gutting and filleting your purchase. Take this opportunity to get to know the locals, most of them are quite friendly and might show you a thing or two about how fishing works in Beruwala.

Explore Denpasar

Denpasar, the capital city of Bali, is a hub of art, culture and tradition. The site of the annual Bali Arts Festival, Denpasar is a popular and important stop for most travellers touring through Bali, and it’s full of its own unique sites and attractions.

Getting Around and Accommodations

Denpasar’s central location makes it easily accessible from the major tourist locations in the South; areas like Kuta and Seminyak can be reached within 30 minutes – provided the traffic isn’t too bad. The local taxi services are reliable and can be used to access most parts of Denpasar. There is also a bus service in Ubung which connects Denpasar with the other major cities of Bali. There’s plenty of accommodation options to choose from as well, particularly in Seminyak. Hotels such as the Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach are full of amenities that’ll keep you comfortable in-between your excursions in the city.

Brush up on History

Denpasar is a city that boasts a long and storied history; a fact that becomes readily apparent when visiting the main square. Here you’ll find the office of the Governor, the Bali museum and the very first hotel opened in Bali – aptly named the Bali Hotel. The imposing Bajra Sandhi Monument lies at the heart of the square and visitors can venture inside it to learn more about the Balinese’s struggle with colonialism via beautiful dioramas.

Experience Balinese Art and Culture

Denpasar is also a great location to experience Balinese arts – from paintings to music and dance. By venturing to the city’s eastern suburbs you’ll be able to visit the Bali Art’s Centre. Visitors can Balinese art like the famous woodcarvings and traditional garbs at the centre’s art museum. Various dance and music numbers are also performed at the amphitheatre during regular intervals.

Visiting the Market

A trip to Denpasar would not be complete without a visit to the curious Pasar Badung Market. The main stalls are all located in a vintage three-story building, while the surrounding area is full of all manner of goods and even has a small temple. This is the perfect place to treat your palate with some exotic Thai seafood or for picking out a souvenir.

Pasikudah Excursions and Attractions

Almost all the tourists who have been to Pasikudah Beach will agree with the fact that it is one of the safest beaches in Sri Lanka- located in the Eastern province of the country. The scenic beauty that this beach holds is also priceless.

Pasikudah- in a gist

Pasikuda| Img by: anjana.sudam via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Pasikudah is already a tourist destination in the country with many star-rated hotels the likes of The Calm Resort & Spa Pasikuda. Although the beach is 35 km away from the main city Batticaloa, since there are many Pasikuda hotels all the way, holidaying in Pasikudha is now not an issue at all.

Pasikudah Bay

Pasikuadah Bay is so unique and rich in its value that it was once proposed as a Marine Sanctuary as well. There are many scattered coral reefs fringed in the outer bay and it also has many other coral communities as well.

Batticaloa Lagoon

Although the Batticaloa lagoon is about 32km away from Pasikudah, it’s a must-visit before leaving the area, or the country. There are many islands within this bay such as Buffalo Island, Bone Island and Puliyantheevu Island which are connected with long bridges from the lagoon.

Minneriya National Park

Minneriya National Park is a little distant from Pasikudah, but this experience is very exciting. It’s one of the most interesting wildlife sanctuaries in Sri Lanka and you will be able to see magnificent wild elephants all throughout your safari.

The Most Instagrammable Attractions in Hong Kong

If you are looking for the most Instagrammable spots in Hong Kong, here are some sites well worth adding to your itinerary and which make for ideal sightseeing experiences too.

Mong Kok Flower Market

Vibrant bursts of colour and sweet aromas await at the Mong Kok Flower Market. Around a 15-minute drive from Park Hotel Hong Kong, this lively market features everything from potted plants to cut flowers of various hues with chrysanthemums, orchids, roses, tulips and more vying for your attention.

Choi Hung Estate

Easily one of the most famous spots in Hong Kong for Instagrammers, the Choi Hung Estate with its multicoloured basketball court and condos is not to be missed. Budget hostels and 4 star hotels in Hong Kong can be found within easy reach of this site, though try and get there early to avoid having to compete for the best vantage points!

Chi Lin Nunnery

Set amidst a modern cityscape, the Chi Lin Nunnery provides a fascinating contrast of east meets west. Featuring traditional wooden buildings and charming gardens, this sacred site is not only a great place to photograph, but also experience a sense of serenity. What’s more, entrance is free of charge too.

Tian Tan Buddha

Located on Lantau Island and 34 metres in height, the Tian Tan Buddha will inspire awe and have you clicking away! Also known as the Big Buddha, it is one of the most popular attractions in Hong Kong; this bronzed marvel can be reached via a climb of 268 steps and offers plenty of potentially great Insta stories.

The Royal Buddha Image Phra Bang

The Royal Buddha Image in Phra Bang is located in Luang Prabang which is one of the oldest cities in Laos that was founded more than 1200 years ago.

History

Luang Prabang was once known as Lan Xang and was the first capital of Laos during the 14th century. It was ruled by the Khmers and the Champa and finally by the French. It was a troubled region for most of its time in the history books.

Budgiekiller, Buddhist temple at Royal Palace in Luang Prabang, CC BY-SA 4.0

Geography

The province of Luang Prabang covers 16,875 sq. km. and borders Vietnam on one side. The capital is located on a very narrow peninsula bisected by two rivers, one of which is the Mekong.

Landmarks

If you are booking into a local hotel like Avani+ Luang Prabang and are looking for options in things to do in Luang Prabang, you start by exploring the famous landmarks in the area like Wat Manorom, The Royal Sitting Buddha, Phra Bang and many more.

The Buddha Image

Phra Bang is an 83 cm high standing Buddha statue. It is said to have been cast in ancient Sri Lanka and brought to Laos but the features put it somewhere in Khmer origin.

Top-rated attractions in Thailand

Attractions you find in Thailand are diverse and all of them are well competent to provide you with memorable experiences in their own unique ways. It’s not just about enjoying history and culture, but also about enjoying the best food and admiring the sceneries.

Khon Kaen National Museum

Within close vicinity of hotels Avani Khon Kaen Hotel & Convention Centre, you find the Khon Kaen National Museum which has various ancient tools, marble slabs, and stuccos as its exhibits. Not to forget, it features some dinosaur fossils and human skeletons as well.

The Grand Palace, Bangkok

When you are planning your day in Bangkok from your hotel in Khon Kaen make sure you do not miss to include visiting the Grand Palace in the city. You find royal halls, temples and ancient relics in these premises and they will all show you how advanced the craftsmanship has been back in the day.

Bealbrown at the English Wikipedia, Grand Palace view, CC BY-SA 3.0

Sunday Walking Street

If you are someone looking forward to cheap but tasty food in Thailand, then the Night Walking street in Chiang Mai will be the ideal option for you.

Sukhothai Old City

Although what you find here are some ruins of a great old city, the photo options that it provides are adorable. This old city is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and is considered one of the most significant historical sites in Thailand.

Ahoerstemeier, Sukhothai historical park1, CC BY-SA 3.0

Unusual Attractions in Botswana

Although attractions the likes of Mokolodi Nature Reserve are popular among the ones who travel to Botswana, there are many places that are worth a visit, yet so hidden that most of us simply do not even know of their existence!

Three Chiefs Monument

The Three Dikgosi figures are quite popular among the guests of hotel properties the likes of Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino. These are three historical figures immortalized in bronze and is a definite must-see for those history and architecture lovers!

US Army Africa, Three Dikgosi Monument – March 2010, CC BY 2.0

Makgadikgadi Salt Pans

Those who stay in hotels in Gaborone, Botswana often visit Northern Botswana as well, and Makgadikgadi salt Pans are an attraction you find there. They span over 10,000 square miles and of course, are one of the largest salt pans on the planet.

Diego Delso, Salar del parque nacional Makgadikgadi Pans, Botsuana, 2018-07-30, DD 37, CC BY-SA 4.0

Kebokwe’s Cave

You may call it a cave with a lot of historical significance. Although this is a place of pilgrimage for the faithful Botswana locals, for tourists it’s more of a curiosity spot!

Matsieng Footprints

According to legendary myths, the first humans were created in the pools here and the footprints you can see behind the rock are theirs. As this place is just a 30-minute drive away from downtown Gaborone, the accessibility is not at all difficult.