An interactive self-learning centre, The Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall has been built encompassing state of the art technology. The Hall exhibits information on the history, culture and art of the Rattanakosin area from its early inception in 1782. Equipped with 9 exhibition halls and 4D Multimedia technology, each of the rooms in the centre is dedicated to represent a part of the grandeur of the capital of Thailand the Rattanakosin. Via the 4D multimedia facilities the centre successfully portrays the origins of the area. The Grand Palace and the famous Emerald Buddha statues are displayed on 4D down to the very last detail perfectly. A 360 degree multimedia demonstration depicts ancient forms of entertainment that existed in the area. Guests love the feeling of actually participating …

Although New Year was traditionally celebrated at the beginning of the year in 1888, April now marks the beginning of the year in Thailand since 1940s. Initially adopted from an Indian Festival this festival has been celebrated for centuries. The most colourful celebrations are held in Chiang Mai, where celebrations go on for about 6 days. It’s a great time for Tourists to bask in the sun along with the locals celebrating the festivities and associating local culture. Most Buddhists visit monasteries and give food to the monks, cleanse Buddha images and with fragrant water, praying for good luck and prosperity during the dawning new year. Colourfully decorated sand sculptures are also a common site in monasteries. Much to the disappointment of traditional Thailanders, the …

July is the best time for dates in this captivating country of Abu Dhabi. The date palm being symbolically as well as historically important in the history of the country, the Liwa date festival is an event much anticipated by locals as well as various tourists visiting the location. The festival revolves around the date competition where Emirati date growers from all over the place compete against each other for the prestigious title of the best date grower. The date palm is a powerful symbol in the Emirati culture and has played an integral part in the country’s thriving economy. The vision of the festival is to present the date palm as a source of prosperity for the country in the future as well as …

The mere mention of Hong Kong, one of China’s special administrative districts, brings to mind images of a grand city, its skyline dotted with skyscrapers whose lights illuminate the night sky. Hong Kong’s importance as business centre in Asia stemming from the rapid economic development it witnessed in the past fifty years has also ensured its status as a major global financial centre. Hence, life in this city is fast paced and quick and often, those travelling to the city do not have the opportunity to experience the city. Hence, especially for those visiting the city on business, the Hong Kong Flower Show would prove to be a welcome change of pace. Conducted from the 15th to the 24th of March this year, the Flower …

With the Dubai Summer Surprises running in its 15th year, Dubai has been able to seal their place in the International Summer fun agenda. Begun in 1998 in a bid to encourage friendly relations and added tourism revenue, the Dubai Summer Surprises is the summer extension of the Dubai Shopping Festival. During this Summer Surprise which runs for around 10 weeks each year, usually between the months of June and August, each week is dedicated to a different ‘surprise’ or theme. These ‘surprises’ are varied and are decided by the government departments involved in the event. Some of these are the color surprise, art surprise, adventure surprise, heritage surprise, sweet surprise and the continuous finale – back to school surprise. Whilst adults have shopping and …

The Regent Taipei is luxury hotel Taipei that always strives to give the customers the best service more than the expected level. The location of the hotel is more convenient compared to other luxury hotels in Taipei. One of the most celebrated festivals in Taipei is the Lantern Festival. The colourful lanterns are the main sign of the festival. This is held for several days at Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall. A huge lantern displaying the Chinese zodiac animal of the year is the center piece. There are other various lantern types and designs created. The glowing lanterns create a magical site to all that witnesses this event. Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in …