Those looking to experience traditional elements of Shanghai’s cultural heritage should definitely try to take part in a tea ceremony. If you want to truly explore the city while at the same time indulge in some luxury pampering, then staying at a  Boutique hotel Shanghai such as 88 Xintiandi, Shanghai is a good option. Fearing luxurious residences in Shanghai, this stylish business hotel in Shanghai can be found in the lively Xintiandi entertainment district. A tea ceremony in Shanghai lets you enjoy watching traditional rituals and customs that go into preparing tea as in days of old. This includes smelling the tea before it is prepared, steeping methods and even how to properly ‘taste’ the tea. There are a variety of teas that can be used …

Referred to as ‘Tomb Sweeping Day’, the Qingming Festival that takes place in such countries as Taiwan, gives you a chance to learn more about China’s rich cultural heritage and traditions. Those heading to the capital and wanting to stay at well placed luxury hotels in Taipei can choose Regent Taipei. This luxury hotel Taipei is an ideal starting point to your many adventures in the city. Generally taking place either on April 4th or 5th, the Qingming Festival is a national holiday and is a day people dedicate to their ancestors. Thus it is customary that during this time people visit burial sites, pay respect to their ancestors that have passed away and literally clean and sweep the tombs, making them presentable. Google+

Thailand’s calendar is speckled with festivals and holidays of religious and cultural importance. While some are observed through the entire country, regional ethic groups celebrate their own festivals in their home towns. These unique festivals are attracting crowds that travel across the globe just to glimpse these foreign traditions. The Moken or Sea Gypsies are of an Austronesian ethnicity and live mainly in the islands off the west coast of Thailand. For the Thai, they are known as the Chao Le or ‘people of the sea’. They follow a nomadic tribal way of life that is mainly based on the sea. Accumulated through countless generations, their knowledge of the surrounding Andaman Seas is quite profound. In fact due to generations of diving and swimming in …

Every year Krabi soars with life at the Krabi Boek Fa Andaman Festival. A cultural treat, this festival ornaments the city in a tasteful traditional sense. Krabi as it is makes the pinnacle of tourist attractions in Thailand. The beauty this little town boasts of is too much for words and every year hundreds of enthusiastic holiday makers fly to Thailand to bask in the breathtaking ambience of beautiful Krabi. The Krabi Boek Fa Andaman Festival has earned a name of popularity in Krabi. It is not just an artistic occasion; it is an insight into the origins and roots of Thailand. Krabi has a primary Indian influence. The Boek Fa Andaman has the charm and essence of Indian festivals that is exhibited in the …

Body art is a rather controversial art form that is often associated with modern pop culture. But many cultures across the world have used tattoos and body art to separate tribes and mark status. For the Thai, they have a magical and religious significance, with each marking giving a certain property to the wearer. Every March the devotees of Wat Bang Phra, a temple specializing in these spiritual tattoos, flock to take part in the mass tattooing ceremony of Wai Khru or ‘Honour the Teacher’. Hundreds of people solemnly stand in line waiting to be marked with a design that carries with a unique spirit or property. It is believed that some have protective properties and the ability to repel attacks. The intricate designs come …

One of the best ways to get acquainted with the people of a country is through their music and dance. Folk dances make this possible as they are performed by members of the public at social gatherings and are performed to traditional music that has remained unchanged for hundreds of years. However not all traditional dances can be deemed folk dances as some have ritualistic origins and others are court dances. Although small in size the Maldives has a rich cultural heritage and its songs and dances are a window to the history and culture of its people. While many of its dances reflect the influences of neighbouring nations and visiting travelers and merchants, the Maldives has several dances that are quite home grown. Since …

Also known as Double Tenth Day, the National Day of the Republic of China is a significant day in Taiwan that features several ceremonies. Those heading to the capital during this time and looking for luxury hotels in Taipei can consider Regent Taipei. This luxury hotel Taipei has to offer features a range of contemporary comforts and is ideally located in the Zhong Shan district. Taking place on October 10th, the National Day Celebrations in Taiwan include the raising of the Republic of China flag which is done in front of the Presidential Building in Taipei. During this ceremony the National Anthem is sung followed by cultural performances, while military parades are also known to take place. Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name …

The Royal Ploughing ceremony marks the beginning of the rice-growing season and is a traditional festival celebrated in great fanfare and ardour. In order to fully soak in the ambiance of this charming event, visitors usually choose a Sukhumvit hotel to lodge in during their stay. A popular Bangkok hotel that is chosen by many is Grand Millennium Sukhumvit Bangkok which known for the comforts as well as the true Asian experience that it imparts of each one of its guests. The date of this festival depends on astrological calculations and usually takes place in the months of May, June or July celebrating the beginning of the Buddhist lent in the Burmese month of Waso. During the festival sacred oxen are tied to a wooden plough and they are …

Phnom Penh is a bustling town that will keep you occupied during your entire stay. Each day will be about discovering new things, engaging in new experiences and all in all, having loads of fun. From one of Asia’s best night life scenes to artistic creations, culinary cuisines to adrenaline rushing adventure, historical sites to overwhelming nature spots, the choice is endless. Starting with the art scene you can begin by taking a stroll down Street 178. With local artists selling beautiful paintings, the possibilities of striking a good bargain is assured. There are also exquisite handmade items and bolts of Cambodian silk, all displayed to delight you. Want to experience some local culture and traditions, Chatomuk theatre is your best bet. Be mesmerized by …

As a refreshing substitute to a hotel, Somerset Ho Chi Minh City offers its guests a resort-type retreat with beautiful and spacious peaceful apartments in Ho Chi Minh City. So if anyone is searching for Serviced Residence in Ho Chi Minh City the Somerset Ho Chi Minh should be definitely considered. If you’re in Vietnam during the early months of the year make sure that you witness the Vietnamese Lunar New Year which is a unique experience. The Vietnamese Lunar New Year also known as Tết or Tết Nguyên Đán is the most important festival celebrated throughout Vietnam. This festival marks the arrival of spring. It takes place on the first day of the first month of the Lunar Calendar. Many Vietnamese people get ready …