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 …

Bangkok is the lively capital that forms an exciting part of Thailand’s unique landscape, and it sees millions of visitors each year, who pursue business or leisure in this intriguing tropical metropolis. Central accommodation is not hard to find, especially if you are seeking one of the quality luxury hotels Bangkok has to offer its visitors. An elegant Bangkok hotel option comes in the form of the Anantara Bangkok Sathorn which is the ideal city retreat as it offers five star interiors with easy access to world-class shopping and entertainment options. If you’re in the city in the month of November, be prepared with witness a marvelous local tradition that is a visual feast: the Loi Krathong Festival. Translating to “Floating Decoration”, “Floating Boat” or …

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 …

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 …

The festival which is organised in Cha-am City, Hua Hin is one of the most sought after attractions where visitors can witness the pomp and pageantry of local and international kite designs. The ‘Chula’ and ‘Pakpao’ are the two variants of kites that are part of the competition. Out of the Hua Hin hotels on offer, Anantara Hua Hin Thailand Resort with its well furnished suites and tropical gardens will be the perfect place for you to experience the best of beach hotels Hua Hin Thailand. A highlight of the festival is the competition that takes place between the Chula and Pakpao teams. The objective is to drag your opponent’s kites to your territory. Capture the finest of kite flyers from the world commune at …