Chengdu, the homeland of pandas in China

Chengdu, the capital of China’s southwest Sichuan Province is famed for being the home of cute giant pandas. Although it’s famous for pandas, there are so many other tourist attractions you should visit once.

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

Located just 10 km (6 miles) away from downtown, the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding has been created and imitated the natural habitat of giant pandas in order that they might have the best possible environment for rearing and breeding.

The giant pandas are not only a Chinese national treasure but are also beloved by people the world over. They are found only in Sichuan, Shaanxi and Gansu provinces. In total there are fewer than 2,000, of which 70% are distributed within the territory of Sichuan Province. Therefore, when visitors from home and abroad come to Chengdu, Sichuan, one of their main objectives will be to see this lovely animal for themselves.

Wuhou Temple

Wuhou Temple, also known as Wuhou Shrine Temple of Marquis, is dedicated to Zhuge Liang, Marquis Wu (Wuhou) of the Kingdom of Shu in the Three Kingdoms Period (220 - 280). Zhuge Liang was an excellent politician, militarist, diplomat and astronomer. In addition, the Temple of Liu Bei, the emperor of Shuhan, and his mausoleum are well-known historical sites inside this big scenic spot.

Wuhou Temple is located in the southwestern part of downtown Chengdu. The date of its establishment is unclear. We know only that it was built next to the Temple of Liu Bei. Consequently, the entrance plaque reads “Zhaolie Temple of Shuhan Kingdom”. Zhaolie is the posthumous title of Liu Bei. The current Wuhou Temple was rebuilt in 1672.

Jinli Street

Chengdu is a city brimming with a strong leisurely ambiance with Jinli Street as the typical representative. The street is located to the east of the Wuhou Temple of Chengdu (the most famous Three Kingdoms period (220 - 280) relic museum in China).

It is recorded that as early as the Qin Dynasty (221 BC - 206 BC), Jinli Street was the most famous place for baldachin - a rich, ornate cloth. And it was one of the busiest commercial areas during the Shu Kingdom (221-263). Hence, it is known as 'First Street of the Shu Kingdom'. In order to reclaim its prosperity of former days, it was restored with contributions from the Wuhou Temple and was opened to the public in October of 2004. Since then, visitors from all over China and abroad gather here to relax, admire the traditional-style buildings, and taste some local snacks.

Sanxingdui Museum

Sanxingdui Museum (Three-Star Piles Museum) is located in Northeast of the Three-Star Piles archeological site, west of the famous cultural city of Guanghan, on the bank of Jian River (commonly called Yazi River), 40 kilometers from north of Chengdu City. Covering an exhibition area of 4,000 square meters and opened in October 1997 this is an archeological museum with excellent modern facilities. The cultural relics preserved here were mostly unearthed from the Three-Star Piles site.

See more: The most popular desserts in China

Source Internet

Worth-visiting temples in Sichuan, China

Sichuan is one of the most beautiful provinces in China, and also has deep historical roots in both Buddhism and Taoism. Here are the province’s most gorgeous and venerated places of worship.

Wenshu Monastery

By far one of the best preserved temples in Chengdu, the Wenshu Monastery is located in the heart of Chengdu and is still home to 80 monks. Initially built during the Southern Dynasty, this temple covers a sprawling area of more than 60,000 square meters (close to 65,000 feet), with five complexes of buildings and gardens and more than 180 different rooms. You’ll also find more than 300 different Buddhas from several different dynasties, along with other precious artifacts, including Buddha scriptures written in gold and a 300-year-old monk robe woven by a royal concubine from the Ming Dynasty. At the very least, the teahouse is a great place to sit and drink tea before visiting the vegetarian restaurant in the back.

Baoguang Temple

Set in the far northern suburb of the city, this beautiful Buddhist temple is made up of a stupa, five halls and sixteen courtyards. On top of that, it is surrounded by ancient trees and verdant greenery. Often, this temple is quite busy, full of tourists drawn to the legend that their wishes will come true after praying at this temple. In fact, in the front square, there’s a big wall inscribed with the character for “Good Fortune.” The long queue of people in front are waiting to walk forward to touch the wall with their eyes closed for a chance at good fortune for the year. The rest of the temple is just as fascinating. Be sure not to miss the precarious leaning pagoda that continues to defy gravity.

Zhaojue Temple

Nestled near the Chengdu Zoo, Zhaojue is a key Buddhist temple in China and an important place for Buddhist practitioners. With more than 1,000 years of history, this monastery has been host to a number of renowned monks, who went out to establish temples in Japan and Southeast Asia. It was also once the home of Mr. Zhang Daqian, one of the best-known and most prodigious Chinese artists of the twentieth century. Here, he devoted himself to the study of painting and created a great number of famous works. The temple itself features lovely grounds and a welcome respite from the city’s hubbub.

Mount Qingcheng

A 45 minute train ride from the center of Chengdu will drop you near the foot of the verdant Mount Qingcheng, known as one of the four original birthplaces of Taoism in China. Its fame draws not only from the beauty of its 36 peaks, but also from Taoist mythology. The founder of Taoism, Zhao Daoling, thought the serene natural landscape of Mount Qingcheng was the perfect home for the development and prosperity of Taoism.

During the Jin and Tang dynasties, many temples were built on the mountain. It became an important intellectual and spiritual center for Taoism in the seventeenth century. Today, the mountain is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and you can see more than a dozen Taoist temples built into the front of the mountain (the back part of the mountain is better for natural scenery). The temples were built to represent the traditional architecture of Western Sichuan, including the Erwang Temple, the Fulong Temple, and the Changdao Temple.

To get there, take a train from Chengdu to Qingcheng town center (about 45 minutes) – there you’ll see an army of tuk tuks that will take you to the base of the mountain (Qiánshān, 前山).

Mount Heming

Set just 70 kilometers (43 miles) from Chengdu is beautiful Mount Heming. The mountain is widely known as the birthplace of Taoism after Zhao Daoling founded the “Way of the Celestial Masters” sect of Taoism here in 142 AD. This was when Laozi was said to have descended and ordered Daoling to establish a new covenant between the true gods of Taoism and the people. At its height, the movement controlled a theocratic state in Sichuan.

The mountain itself spans more than 120 kilometers (75 miles), and is so named because it looks like a crane that is about to take flight. In addition to the beautiful natural scenery, the mountain is covered in a variety of temples and halls tucked into crevasses and perched on vistas. The most famous is probably Wenchang Palace (文昌宫), a peaceful place that’s perfect for reflection and rest.

To get there, take a train from the center of Chengdu to the town of Heming. From there, you can take a short taxi ride to the foot of the mountain.

Emei Mountain

The beautiful Emei Shan (Éméi shān, 峨眉山) is one of the four sacred Buddhist mountains of China, featuring incredible natural scenery and breathtaking vistas. It also houses eight fantastic temples that still hold important Buddhist artifacts. One of the most magnificent is the Wannian Temple (Wàn nián sì, 万年寺), which translates to English as “Ten Thousand Year Temple.” Built during the Jin Dynasty (265-420 AD), it is nationally renowned for housing an amazing Buddha statue. It is still the largest temple in China, weighing more than 62 tons and standing eight meters (26 ft) tall.

See more: Top Sichuan street food to try in Chengdu, China

Source: Internet

Visit temples and shrines in Tokyo, Japan

The shrines and temples of Tokyo attract thousands of visitors each year. While many have been rebuilt since their founding due to fire, earthquakes or war, they still retain their splendor. Here are five of the best.

Zōjō-ji

San’en-zan Zōjō-ji is an important temple to Jōdo Buddhists. During the Tokugawa Shogunate, it was the burial site of six former shoguns, and today you can find those graves in the Taitoku-in Mausoleum or the cemetery out back, with two designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. Parents also come here to choose a statue in the garden to decorate in order to say goodbye and ease their child’s transition to the afterlife. While businesses and surrounding enterprises have reclaimed much of the temple’s original property, it still retains much of its former glory and is worth a visit when in Tokyo.

Kanda Shrine

The iconic red Kanda Shrine, also known as Kanda Myojin, has played an important role in Tokyo Shinto worship since the Edo Period. The shrine is situated in downtown Chiyoda-ku, and the kami (spirits) enshrined here include two of the Seven Gods of Fortune, making this an ideal place to pray for wealth and success in business. Interestingly, due to its proximity to Akihabara, Kanda Shrine has also become popular with the tech crowd, who purchase charms to ward off damages to their electronics.

Read more: Places to visit in Meguro, Tokyo

Sensō-ji

Located in the historic Asakusa neighborhood, directly beside the famous Asakusa Shrine, Sensō-ji is the oldest and most visited temple in the city with visitors coming from both Japan and abroad. The path to the temple is lined with stalls, small shops and vendors selling traditional wares and snacks and is an area popular among tourists looking to dress up in kimono. The grounds of the Buddhist temple are also home to Chingo-dō, the Tanuki Temple. Tanukis are Japanese raccoon dogs thought to bring good luck and protect homes and businesses from fire and theft. You can access the Tanuki Temple via a separate entrance on Dembō-in-dōri.

Nogi Shrine, Shinto Shrine

In 1912, General Nogi Maresuke and his wife Shizuko committed ritual suicide in this spot after learning about the death of Emperor Meiji. The two are now enshrined here, and the general is worshipped for his honor and nobility. Having been designed in the 20th century and rebuilt after World War II, Nogi Shrine reminds us that not all shrines and not all kami must be centuries old in order to be worthy of worship.

Yasukuni Shrine

The Imperial Shrine of Yasukuni honors the souls of those who lost their lives in war while fighting for Japan. Unfortunately, the shrine-war memorial has become a source of controversy, especially among neighboring Asian countries, since many of those enshrined and honored here are listed as Class-A war criminals. Despite this, Yasukuni Shrine plays host to multiple religious and festival occasions throughout the year, including an annual spring festival and Mitama Festival, where visitors come to pray to their lost relatives and friends.

Source The Culture Trip

A guide to Taiwan's most famous temples

The Chinese temples in Taiwan are among the finest in the world, so it is no surprise that they are very popular destinations with travelers who want to visit Taiwan. There are dozens of temples in Taiwan but here are the most famous and interesting temples you should visit.

Longshan Temple

Built in the late 18th century, Longshan Temple remains a showcase of Southern temple design. The temple is expansive, covering over 10,000 sq meters within its gated walls, so give yourself a few hours to take in the grandeur and admire the minutiae. In addition, let's check out the hall's window lattice for two fish that curl around each other in the shape of the yin and yang symbol.

Inside the hall, you'll find one of the most stunning plafonds in Taiwan, as well as brackets and beams carved into a veritable smorgasbord of traditional symbols: clouds, dragons, bats, lions, melons, elephants, phoenixes, fish and more.

Lotus Pond - Lake of Temples

Lotus Pond is not just famous for its sunset views and beautiful reflections of the surrounding mountains. The twenty temples worshipping different deities situated around the lake also draw many visitors. The most famous four temples are also the most visually striking. Situated inside the belly of the huge beasts, the Dragon & Tiger Towers are memorable places to pray. The nearby Pavilion of the North Pole and Confucius Temple are also popular destinations for locals and visitors alike.

Bishan Temple

Known among locals as the best place for a night view of Taiwan’s capital, Bishan Temple is a great location for a stroll at sunset. Its convenient location in Taipei’s Neihu district makes it a popular destination, especially for those wishing to catch a glimpse of the distant Taipei 101 emerging out of a sea of lights in the distance. This temple is not only a place for worshipping the gods but the beauty of Taipei too.

Matsu Temple

Located in Tainan, the most 400-year-old temple is home to the Taoist equivalent of Cupid. The temple's current appearance is the result of a restoration in 1922. It was helmed by a master designer from Chaozhou in Southern China who clearly infused it with the modest grace of Chaozhou temples.

Wuji Tianyuan Temple

You would be forgiven for mistaking Tamsui’s Taoist Wuji Tianyuan Temple as being in Japan. But the Yoshino cherry blossoms that flower here in mid-March are renowned around Taiwan too. Aside from being a Taoist temple, this place is something of an ode to Taiwan’s much-loved cherry blossom and an absolute hot-spot for anyone who loves photography.

Read more: Visit Taiwan this autumn to enjoy festivals

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The complete guide to Chiang Mai's Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Chiang Mai is a city filled with temples. As you explore the Old City you can’t walk more than a few feet without seeing one and they are all well worth your time as a traveler. But one of northern Thailand's most sacred temples, the one that crowns the Doi Suthep mountain on the western outskirts of Chiang Mai, is definitely something that shouldn’t be missed. Planning a trip up the mountain to see the temple is a fairly easy endeavor from Chiang Mai and there are various ways to do it. No matter which option you choose, the views from the temple and the beauty of the surrounding area make for a worthwhile day trip from the city.

History

Suthep itself is a district of western Chiang Mai city and one that gets its name from the adjacent mountain (doi means mountain in northern Thai), and the temple on the summit—Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, is found on the mountainside. The mountain, plus neighbouring Doi Pui, form Doi Suthep-Pui National Park. In terms of the impressive temple, construction on Wat Doi Suthep began in 1386 and according to popular legend, the temple was built to hold a piece of bone from the Buddha’s shoulder.

One of those bones was mounted on a sacred white elephant (an important symbol in Thailand) who then climbed Doi Suthep mountain and stopped near the peak. After trumpeting three times, the elephant laid down and gently passed away in the jungle. The place where he lay is now the site of where Doi Suthep’s temple was founded.

How to get to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

There are several ways to get yourself up Doi Suthep to see Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, including renting a car, a motorbike or scooter if you’re an experienced rider, hiking, getting a ride in a red songthaew (red trucks that act as shared taxis all over Chiang Mai), hiring a songthaew for the duration of your trip, or by doing a guided tour.

Driving: If you decide to drive yourself (either via car or motorbike), you’ll be taking the 1004 (also called Huay Kaew Road) towards the Chiang Mai Zoo and passing Maya Mall en route. The route is a straight one, but the road itself has some curves, so anyone with minimal motorbike or scooter experience should consider alternate transportation. But if you have your international drivers licence and feel comfortable riding, this is a good DIY option up the mountain. Drive until the road finally widens and you see the crowds and flags in the trees.

Taking a songthaew: One of the most popular ways to get to the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is via the many red songthaews that ply the streets of Chiang Mai. If you want to take one to the temple, they leave from Huay Kaew Road near the Zoo, costing 40 baht per person each way. Normally drivers wait for eight to 10 passengers before leaving.

You can also charter songthaews from anywhere in the city, which is a good option if you are traveling with a group. This should cost 300 THB for one way (as many people as you can fit), or 500 THB if you want the driver to wait at the top and bring you back down after visiting the temple.

Hiking: Anyone in the mood for some exercise can opt to hike up to the temple, via Suthep Road, past Chiang Mai University to find the start of the hike. When you see a green area, you'll notice some billboards and a sign reading “Nature Hike”. Turn right onto this narrow road, go straight for about 100 meters then take the first (and only) left. Follow the road to the trail head.

Once you get to the base of the temple, you have two options for getting up to it. You can walk up the 306 steps if you’re feeling energetic, or you can take funicular-style cable car, which runs from 6.00 am – 6.00 pm. The fee is 20 THB for Thais and 50 THB for foreigners.

Layout

Once you’re up the mountain (via whatever method you’ve chosen), you’ll see a large cluster of souvenir stands and stalls selling food and drinks before you head up to the temple. Grab a snack if you’re hungry, and then it’s time to climb the 306-step staircase (or take the funicular). The staircase is flanked by beautiful jeweled naga (ornate serpents) and as you walk, the majestic staircase is a great spot to take pictures.

The terrace at the top of the steps is where you’ll find a statue of the white elephant that (as legend has it) carried the Buddha relic to its resting place on the temple grounds. This is also where you’ll find various other shrines and monuments to explore. The temple is split into outer and inner terraces and steps lead to the inner terrace where there is a walkway around the golden Chedi (shrine) enshrining the relic. The grounds are lush and peaceful and there are many spots for good photo ops or just simple quiet contemplation.

What to Expect

Plan to spend at least a couple of hours exploring the temple and surrounding area and if you have more time, there’s the option to hike various trails and swim in waterfalls in the national park that is home to the temple. Entrance to the temple costs 50 THB per person and as you’re planning your trip, remember that dress needs to be respectable, meaning modest and shoulders and knees should be covered. If you forget, wraps are available if needed. You’ll also need to remove your shoes upon entering the temple.

Something else to remember is that Wat Phra That Doi Suthep can get very busy, so if you can, try to time your visit for as early as possible during the day. Otherwise, a day trip to the temple makes for a refreshing and culturally interesting day (or half-day) excursion from Chiang Mai.

Highlights

It’s no secret that Chiang Mai is home to many temples, which you may have seen several of on a visit to the Northern Thai city. But even if you’ve had your fill of temples (or think you’ve seen them all), planning a trip to see Wat Doi Suthep is worth your time, even if just for the photo-worthy views.

In addition to those aforementioned views, the golden, gleaming temple itself is a highlight, but don’t rush your visit. There’s something beautiful to see at every turn.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple also houses a meditation center, where both locals and visitors can learn and practice meditation.

Read more: Take a trip to Northern Thailand

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7 amazing Jain temples in India

Jainism is a religion that prescribes pacifism and a path of non-violence towards all living beings. The purpose of life according to Jainism is to undo the negative effects of karma through mental and physical purification. This process leads to liberation accompanied by a great natural inner peace.

There are as many as 4.2 million Jain followers in India and about 6 to 12 million worldwide. A Jain temple is called Derasar or Mandir depending on where in India it is located. They are usually built from marble stone as demonstrated by this list of amazing Jain temples in India.

1. Lal Mandir

Located just opposite the massive Red Fort, the Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir is the oldest and best known Jain temple in Delhi. Originally built in 1526, the temple has undergone many alterations and additions in the past and was enlarged in the early 19th century. The imposing red sandstone temple is also known as Lal Mandir.

2. Sonagiri

The small town of Sonagiri (literally, the golden peak) is situated on a hill in central India. Several spotless white Jain temples are scattered around Sonagiri. Both pilgrims and tourists are required to climb the 300 steps to the top bare-footed. Once at the top, travelers can marvel at the view of countless white temples and chhatris whichever way you look.

3. Khajuraho Jain Temples

The village of Khajuraho is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. It’s numerous Hindu and Jain temples are famous for their erotic sculpture. The temples were built over a span of 200 years, from 950 to 1150. During the Chandella rule, Khajuraho was home to a large and flourishing Jain community. The Jains apparently lived on the east side of town and a number of Jain temples have survived in this part of Khajuraho. Two of the large temples still stand in a good state of preservation.

4. Gomateshwara Temple

The monolithic statue of Gomateshwara stands on a hill in the city of Shravanabelagola. Gomateshwara was the second son of Lord Adinatha, the first of the 24 Tirthankara (enlightened human). The 17.38 meter (58 ft) high monolithic stone statue is regarded as one of the largest monolithic statues in the world. It was created around 983 AD by Chavundaraya, a minister of the Ganga Kingdom. Once in 12 years the Mahamastakabhisheka festival is held and the statue of Gomateshwara is bathed in milk, curds, ghee, saffron and gold coins.

5. Dilwara Temples

Located near Mount Abu (Rajasthan’s only hill station), the Dilwara temples are world famous for their stunning use of marble. The ornamental detail spreading over the minutely carved ceilings, doorways, pillars and panels is simply amazing. There are 5 Jain temples here, each with its own unique identity and named after the small village in which it is located. All the temples were built by the Chalukya dynasty between the 11th and 13th centuries.

6. Palitana

The city of Palitana is a major pilgrimage center for Jains. The temples of Palitana are considered the most sacred pilgrimage place in Jainism. There are hundreds of Jain temples located on the sacred Mount Shatrunjaya, exquisitely carved in marble. They were built by generations of Jains over a period of 900 years, from the 11th century onwards. The top is reached by climbing 3,572 steps, a heavy 2 hour accent.

Read more: Top amazing cities you should visit in India

7. Ranakpur Temple

Dedicated to Adinatha, the Jain Temple in Ranakpur rises majestically from the slope of a hill. The temple is supported by over 1444 marble pillars, carved in exquisite detail. The pillars are all differently carved and no two pillars are the same. The construction of the temple and quadrupled image symbolize the Tirthankara’s conquest of the four cardinal directions and hence the cosmos. The dating of this temple is controversial but it was probably built between the late 14th and mid-15th centuries.

Source touropia

Gunung Kawi, a must-visit temple in Bali

Gunung Kawi is one of the oldest temples in Bali. In fact, it is not just one temple, but a series of temples set in a deep river valley next to towering cliffs. The site is most famous for the five main funeral shrines that are carved into a tall cliff at the centre of the complex. The shrines are each over eight meters high.

The origin of Gunung Kawi

The original complex was built to honour a long dead Balinese king named Udayana. According to one theory the site is dedicated to his wife and three sons, though some historians disagree and say it is dedicated to his four wives. Whatever the case, the funeral monuments for King Udayana and his family are just a part of a sprawling complex of temples.

How to get there

The temple complex is easily accessed, only a few hundred meters east from Jalan Raya Tampaksiring main route, from where you continue down on foot to a paved walkway that is lined with art shops and small local warungs. Along a further 300 steps towards the river, lush paddy terraces and gorgeously green valley blend to transport you back in time away from modernity. Where the stairs end, proceed through a stone archway with small pillars each holding an earthen vase filled with holy water, which you sprinkle on yourself before entering the complex.

What to expect

It is divided into three separate areas. Four of them can be found on one side of the river and then the largest cluster of five on the other side. But what is often overlooked by visitors is the tenth candi, set about one kilometer back from the other two clusters. So be sure to explore every inch of this incredible place as you will probably find a lot of interesting things to look at that you would not notice at first glance.

The candis are believed to be constructed early in the 11th century by King Anak Wungsu in honor of his father, King Udayana. But the candis are not tombs, like many believe, as they have never contained human remains or ashes. Today they are considered to be symbolic accommodations to house the members of the royal family whenever they visit during temple festivals. However, there is still some mystery surrounding their actual intentional purpose.

As you wander through the stunning temple grounds, between shrines, ponds, palm trees and offerings, you cannot help but get a regal, almost magical feeling.

Gunung Kawi is actually made up of 15 separate temples. If you have the time you can spend half a day exploring the site. The main highlight, and what most tourists come for, is the funeral carvings in the cliff. It is a shame that there is such a focus on the cliff carvings, because Gunung Kawi has a lot to offer tourists.

Read more: 10 must-try activities in Bali

Source Internet

5 interesting things to do in Cambodia

Discover the sacred temples and traditions of one of South-East Asia's most beloved countries. These things below are the highlights of Cambodia that you need to visit to make the most of your adventure.

1. Watch the sunrise at Angkor Wat

Built in the 12th century, Angkor Wat is believed to be the oldest and largest temple complex in the world. It was once the capital of the Khmer Empire and its front-facing outline has since become a national symbol, featuring on the Cambodian flag, on beer labels and in the name of countless hotels.

The ruins sit in an archaeological park that extends for 400 square kilometres, a scale beyond what many visitors anticipate. Those with ample time should make the most of a three-day or week-long pass to explore its maze of ancient stone structures and water features coated with blossom-pink lotus flowers – not forgetting to investigate the history of the underground city that lies beneath Angkor Wat.

2. Explore its other magnificent temples

Angkor Wat might take priority on the itinerary, but travellers would be missing out if they were to skip Cambodia’s other fascinating temples. You don't need to go far – Angkor Archaeological Park is home to numerous ancient monuments that can be explored at your own leisure on bike or foot.

Angkor Thom can be found in the shadow of Angkor Wat and showcases a series of ancient buildings including Bayon temple, whose 200 stone-carved faces are believed to depict King Jayavarman VII. Ta Prohm might not measure up in magnitude against its sister temples, but it still proves to be a big hit with travellers, after its unconventional overgrown banyan tree roots made a starring appearance in the movie Tomb Raider.

For those seeking a more off-beat spiritual encounter, venture to northern Cambodia to the Hindu temple of Preah Vihear that stands atop a 525 metre cliff in the Dângrêk Mountains. If the ancient ruins don’t beat your expectations, then the panoramic views over lush green forestry bounding into the horizon most certainly will.

3. Sample the street food of Siem Reap

South-East Asian cuisine opens travellers to a whole new range of alternative street food that travellers wouldn’t typically find on market stalls back home. From deep-fried tarantulas and snakes on skewers, to lime and chilli crickets, there really is everything and anything on the menu to choose from.

Aside from these rather niche foods, Cambodian dishes typically use fried noodles or sticky rice as a main ingredient, with an addition of fried vegetables and meat. Lort cha (noodles, bean sprouts, and chives) is typically cooked with beef, topped with a fried egg and is served in a generous portion enough to satisfy a hungry appetite. While amok (fish soup made with coconut milk and red Thai curry paste) has enough lime zest and chilli kick to warm the stomach, and is traditionally steam cooked in a round banana leaf dish.

4. Visit Battambang Bat Caves at sundown

Every evening at the base of Phnom Sampeau mountain, crowds gather in anticipation to observe thousands of bats burst out of a cave hole for their nightly hunt. A stream of black fills the sky, fluttering overhead in a sound wave motion, before dispersing on the star-lit horizon. This astounding display happens like clockwork at 5.30pm each evening, 15km south west of Battambang.

However, the caves of Phnom Sampeau mountain behold a dark history, having been used as an execution site under the rule of Khmer Rouge. Cambodians regard this natural phenomena as the souls of victims freeing themselves from the darkness. There is also a memorial site where people can pay their respects.

5. Take it slow on Koh Rong Island

Just as you think you’ve seen Cambodia at its best, take a short boat trip west of Krong Preah to Koh Rong Island, where sugar-coated beaches and azure waters welcome off-beat travellers. From discovering sandy coves in remote corners to snorkelling alongside diverse marine life among coral reefs, natural beauty flourishes throughout this little-explored island, both on land and in the surrounding waters.

There really is no better way to finish your South-East Asia adventure than with a relaxed evening clinking cocktails in a beach hut bar, watching the sun set over Koh Rong's palm tree shrouded shores.

See more: 7 reasons why you should visit Cambodia at least one time

Source: wanderlust

Let's go to Japan in this November

Have you ever thought of traveling to Japan in November? It's truly a great time to enjoy gorgeous autumn leaves at many locations as well as enjoy an onsen bath in upcoming winter. Here are the best places you should visit in Japan this November.

Obara, Aichi

If you are lucky enough to be in Japan's Chubu region during this blooming period, Achi Prefecture is a destination you should not miss. Located just a few hours away from Tokyo, this prefecture is home to one of Japan's most fascinating autumn event - the Obara Shikizakura Festival. The flowers begin to blossom at the end of October and are at their peak from mid-November through early December. The peak period varies somewhat from year to year. The small five-petaled blossoms are thought to indicate a cross between the mamezakura and edohigan species of cherry trees.

Gunma, Kanto

Known as the best place to enjoy onsen in Japan, Kusatsu onsen resort is very famous as one of the three major onsens in Japan. The unique bathing method of Jikanyu (timed bathing) and Yumomi (water beating) are customs that have been appeared since the Edo period. Moreover, the atmosphere of the resort is attractive with the Yubakate (hot water fields, a wooden facility for thermal moderation of the water) located at the center. This onsen resort is truly a representative of Japan.

Otaru, Hokkaido

This winter wonderland in Hokkaido is a port town that lures visitors with its beautiful architecture and long, picturesque canal that’s famously lined with Victorian-style gas lamps and stone buildings that once housed herring merchants but today serves as the home of shops and eateries. The Otaru canal, which is also opened for short cruises, happens to be the main venue for the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival, an event where local places for floating candles inside the canal, distributing some 15,000 snow candles and lanterns to light up the narrow pathways. The entire town has an unusual look to it, somewhat more Russian than Japanese, more industrial than bucolic, but still incredibly delightful, especially in its winter glory.

See more: Hakone, a peaceful place in Japan

Kawaguchi, Yamanashi

Lake Kawaguchi, or Kawaguchiko is the most popular tourist destination among Fuji 5 lakes. In this place, there is a festival called Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves held annually near the lake and featuring beautiful gorgeous autumn leaves and special events. Do not miss the chance to capture the best view of Kawaguchiko, autumn leaves, and Mt Fuji in this November.

Kyoto, Kansai

Visit Toufukuji in Kyoto this mid-November is perfect. The Toufukuji temple is a Buddhist temple which is also considered as one of the Kyoto Gozan (or “five great Zen temples of Kyoto”). The current garden in the area was designed by Mirei Shigemori back in the 1930s and has since been flocked by tourists during the autumn season. It has become a tradition for people to look at the beautiful autumn colors of the maple tree leaves from the Tsuuten-kyou bridge.

Source Internet