Monday, 13 May 2019

24 hours in Hua Hin, Thailand

24 hours in Hua Hin, Thailand
Hua Hin, a popular beach resort, lies in the north of the Malay Peninsula and is a district of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province in Thailand. Blessed with a tropical climate and warm temperatures throughout the year, Hua Hin offers travelers a multitude of wonderful attractions and thrilling activities.

Exploring Hua Hin

24 hours in Hua Hin, Thailand
A perfect way to start the day is with a visit to Wat Tham Khao Tao. Going in the morning is best as there is a bit of a climb to the top, it is more than worth it. At the top, there is not only a large statue of Buddha but also breathtaking views of the ocean and the fishing villages below.

After this, you will be taking a trip back to the middle of last century by visiting Plearn Wan shopping centre. Roughly translating to ‘pleasant past’, Plearn Wan is a cool, vintage shopping destination designed to look like Hua Hin in the olden days, complete with wooden buildings, old cars and period-style shops selling food, treats and clothes. It is a unique experience and a great way to imagine what life was like before the tourists came and brought their multi-story hotels with them.

A walk along Hua Hin beach

24 hours in Hua Hin, Thailand
Stretching for some six kilometres southward towards Kao Takiap, where a lovely Buddhist temple awaits to be explored, Hua Hin Beach is a great place to watch the sun rise and build up an appetite for breakfast. Go for a swim or simply walk along the fine sandy beach and look forward to a spiritual visit at the temple.

Sail to Sam Roi Yod National Park

24 hours in Hua Hin, Thailand
There are several different boat trips on offer at Huan Hin - Pranburi. Cruise the Gulf of Thailand in a traditional boat, have a refreshing dip in the water, go fishing or simply save your energy for Sam Roi Yod National Park, the trip's ultimate destination. Bring a bag of peanuts or some fruit so you can feed the park's greedy little monkeys.

An evening stroll to Hua Hin Railway Station

24 hours in Hua Hin, Thailand
Arguably Thailand's most beautiful railway station, this wooden building was once the royal pavilion in Sanamchan Palace in the Nakhon Pathom Province. It was moved to Hua Hin in 1968 to become one of the world's most romantic railway station buildings. There is always something interesting to watch and it is a great place to soak up Hua Hin's atmosphere before turning in for a nightcap.

Finish the day with a stroll in Hua Hin Night Market

24 hours in Hua Hin, Thailand
Hua Hin's famous Night Market is located between the railway line and Petchkasem Road. The market springs to life around 6.30pm, when traders begin to set up their colourful stalls. The street food is amazing here and there are plenty of opportunities to find a few gifts for family and friends back home. You will also find some of the town's best seafood restaurants in the market area.

See more: Top 10 destinations in Hua Hin, Thailand

Source Internet


Top cities should be on list of food lovers

Asia is a dream destination for foodies, as each country provides its own unique dishes, culinary traditions and fresh ingredients that are hard to resist. From sushi perfection in Japan and spicy dishes Thailand to the diverse flavors in Malaysia, you’re spoiled for choice in creating the ultimate food adventure.

Top cites should be on list of food lovers

Tokyo, Japan

Top cites should be on list of food lovers
Tokyo not only has some of the best food in Asia, but also in the entire world with over 200 Michelin-starred restaurants. Ramen is a staple in Japanese cuisine and sampling the different varieties is all a part of the fun, where you can sit in cozy restaurants with just eight or 10 seats. Wander down alleyways to discover noodle shops, dine on fresh sushi and sample okonomiyaki savory pancakes and yakitori grilled chicken skewers.

Bangkok, Thailand

Top cites should be on list of food lovers
Thailand is known for its delicious street food, where every plate is bursting with flavor and a combination of spices and sauces such as ginger, lemongrass and fish sauce. Cuisines here blend sweet and spicy with ingredients such as coconut milk and kaffir lime leaves. While pad Thai is the most popular dish, you can’t go wrong with tom yum goong (a spicy hot and sour soup) and a dessert of mango sticky rice.

Hanoi, Vietnam

Top cites should be on list of food lovers
Food is at the very heart of the Vietnamese culture. Markets are on every corner and almost every aspect of life in Vietnam revolves around the preparation and shared experience of eating. Indulge in a banh mi sandwich, fresh spring roll or a steaming bowl of pho at any time of day, while Hanoians typically wash it down with a strong Vietnamese-style coffee that is thick and topped with condensed milk.

Seoul, South Korea

Top cites should be on list of food lovers
Kimchi, bibimbap and Korean barbecue are some of most iconic cuisines to sample in Seoul and definitely a must-try when there, but the city also has more to offer. Visit one of the famous markets like Gwangjang, Namdaemun and Myeong-dong and sample teokbokki rice cake rolls in chili sauce, kimbap seaweed rice rolls and dakkochi grilled chicken skewers. Korea is known for its banchan side dishes, while gogigui is all things grilled meat.

Taipei, Taiwan

Top cites should be on list of food lovers
Foodie heaven with delicious dishes being served around the clock, Taipei boasts a booming night market scene. Check out the trendy Ximending in search of succulent pork sandwiches and chunks of fried chicken, while milk tea and cheesy baked potatoes are just as enticing. Sample lu rou fan (minced pork rice), niu rou mian (beef noodle soup), hujiao bing pepper buns and Taiwanese-style hot pot.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Top cites should be on list of food lovers
The biggest city in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is a foodie destination that is famous for its spicy Khao soi, which is a noodle dish that contains boiled then deep-fried egg noodles that are drenched in a thick chicken or beef coconut curry broth and then garnished with lime, roasted chili and shallots. It’s a favorite with both locals and visitors alike, while the city’s grilled chicken, papaya salad and sai oua grilled herb sausage are also worthy of sampling.

Bali, Indonesia

Top cites should be on list of food lovers
The only Hindu island in Indonesia, Bali has a unique cultural and food landscape that lures you in. Start with a classic Indonesian staple mie goreng, which is fried noodles served with chicken, shrimp or pork, then wash it down with pisang goreng, a dessert with fried bananas, honey and can include coconut flakes or ice cream. Nasi goreng is another favorite with fried rice, while sate is chicken with spices on a stick.

Osaka, Japan

Top cites should be on list of food lovers
A food lover’s paradise, Osaka has been dubbed “the country’s kitchen” due to its delicious street food an abundance of highly-rated restaurants. Born and bred, you can’t leave the city without trying the famous okonomiyaki cabbage pancakes and the takoyaki octopus balls, which are found both on the street and in restaurants. Other highlights include kitsune udon, a broth with thick noodles and deep-fried tofu, and kushi-katsu, which is meat or vegetables that are deep-fried and skewered.

Read more: Top dishes you must relish on a trip to Osaka


Source Internet

Friday, 10 May 2019

A guide to shopping on Orchard Road, Singapore

For as long as anyone in Singapore can remember, Orchard Road has been a one-stop shopping destination for practically anything. So if you’re craving a spot of luxury shopping and quality finds, this is the first street to visit while in town.

Luxury and mid-range shopping at ION Orchard


ION Orchard

Luxury and mid-range shopping at ION Orchard
ION Orchard is a sprawling 66,000-square metre space filled from the underground all the way high up to the top levels (where you can gain access to catch breathtaking views at the ION Sky Observatory). Expect upscale fashion labels like Louis Vuitton and Bottega Veneta to everyday staples by H&M and Topshop. On top of this, there are luxury dining spaces and food halls, making this mall not just a popular shopping spot but an all-encompassing hub to satisfy your luxury shopping needs.

Affordable finds at Far East Plaza


Far East Plaza

Affordable finds at Far East Plaza
Far East Plaza is located just slightly off the main road, and it is a place which has become ubiquitous with youth culture. It was, and still is, a popular spot to hang out and be seen in the latest fashion. Since 1982, Far East Plaza has been intertwined with trendy clothes and Singapore’s diverse subcultures. Get lost inside the 600-plus stores here, packed to the brim with cool threads and charming accoutrements at affordable prices. On top of it all, there are outlets that allow you to tailor suits and even tattoo parlours. Pro tip: a lot of the stores are haphazardly organised, packed from floor to ceiling – so this is a good mall to just get yourself lost in.

Boutique shopping finds at Orchard Central & 313@Somerset


Orchard Central

Boutique shopping finds at Orchard Central & 313@Somerset
One of the more quirkily-designed malls in the district, Orchard Central offers visitors an artistic experience along with their shopping. Take one famous escalator, digital art adorning the exterior and a multitude of installations peppered inside, Orchard Central goes above and beyond to blend retail with visual statements. The lower levels of the mall offer many high-street fashion labels, while the higher levels bring you to a good number of restaurants and bars.

313@Somerset

Boutique shopping finds at Orchard Central & 313@Somerset
Connected to Orchard Central is another fashion forward mall, 313@Somerset. It’s become an extremely popular mall that offers an array of big name items in streetwear, sneakers, jewellery and bags. One key reason for its popularity, especially among fashion-savvy folks, is its constant sales and deals throughout the year. So if you’re thinking of scoring a bargain, this is the spot to be at. For those looking for a bite after all that shopping, this mall is also filled with a wide variety of food options, from hipster cafes to commercial fast-food restaurants.

Read more: The most famous shopping road in Asia, explore Orchard road

Source Internet