Thousands flock to Thailand every year enticed by its exciting shopping, cultural diversity and of course, its iconic islands such as Phuket. Phuket’s location at the tip of Thailand provides it with an amazing and unobstructed ocean view which coupled with a tropical monsoon climate makes it a tourist paradise. However, natural beauty is not all that this island paradise has to offer as it provides insight to the history and culture of ancient Siam through many cultural performances, one such being the Siam Niramit. The Siam Niramit is a performance that fuses the cultural heritage of the country with the artistic ability of the people which culminates in a show like no other. Performed by over 100 persons, the recital is composed of three …

Ramadan, sometimes referred to as Ramazan, is the ninth and holiest month in the Islamic calendar. The month, which lasts between twenty nine and thirty days (as it follows the lunar cycle), will be spent in fasting and prayer. In 2013, the month will occur between July and August. It is obligatory for all Muslims to fast between sunrise and sunset, forsaking food and water during this period. It is generally not a popular time to visit Abu Dhabi as the flow of activity in the emirate is disrupted. Offices work shorter hours and many restaurants remain closed during the daytime. On the other hand, this also means that crowded tourist spots are no longer crowded and that one need not wait in long lines …

Celebrated every year on the 1st of October, the National day of Hong Kong and China was established in 1949 amidst grand festivities at the iconic Tiananmen Square. This signified the start of a golden era in the People’s Republic of China. Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau come alive with celebrations on this day, and public places like Tiananmen Square in Beijing and Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong are treated to spectacular fireworks displays and animated festivities, along with colourful concerts for the public to enjoy. If you are visiting Hong Kong around the time of the National Day, make sure you take part in the festivities and most of all, choose a good place from which you can see the sky line of …

Something new, something old and something borrowed is what you will witness when you explore the culture of this overcrowded, old coastal region of Mongkok. Situated in the Yau Tsim Mong district in the Kowloon peninsula in Hong Kong, this small town is among the most densely populated cities in the world and rightly identified by the Guinness World Records as the busiest town in the world. Over the years Mongkok has seen a significant change in its setting. Argyle Street is the heart of present day Mongkok. The city is well known for preserving its traditional characteristics. There is an array of small shops and food stalls that have stayed the same, although not far away from these, modern day shopping malls have been …

The capital of Thailand, Bangkok offers an exciting sightseeing adventure that can be enjoyed for the entire family. Part of the excitement of this destination is the chance to take the whole family to fascinating elephant shows. Before setting off to such shows make sure to find a Bangkok hotel that enjoys a central location such as Anantara Bangkok Sathorn. One of the leading hotels Bangkok has to offer, this well placed property provides easy access to main shopping and business centres as well. If you are looking for a place to watch elephant shows make sure to plan a trip to the Samphran Elephant Ground & Zoo which is in the Nakhon Pathom province. A popular draw amongst locals and foreign visitors alike, this …

The 18th and 19th centuries witnessed some of the greatest explorations instigated by the then euro centric world that eventually gave rise to the British and French empires as each state attempted to explore and conquer as many states as possible. With the rapid expansion of these empires, more than one third of the globe experienced colonial rule for at least a century. However, the intervention from the United Nations and the financial setbacks experienced during the world wars resulted in many of these colonies receiving independence from their colonial rulers and the day in which this independence was received was known as their Independence Day or National Day. Vietnam’s National Day falls on the 2nd of September which honours the Vietnam Declaration of Independence …