Best things to see and do in Taichung, Taiwan

Once thought of as an industrial city, Taichung is fast gaining popularity among the tourist masses. As a melting pot of both culinary and cultural delights, it’s easy to see why this vibrant city is one for the Taiwan bucket list.

Rainbow Village

This one-time home for former members of the military is now an incredible place full of vibrant colors. A former soldier who felt that the drab and dreary neighborhood could do with a bit of life and color started the project. Although the area was marked for demolition, Mr. Huang went ahead and painted every surface he could find in every color of the rainbow. Thanks to his efforts, it is now a protected cultural area and is well worth a visit.

Gaomei Wetlands

The Gaomei Wetlands, located on the Dajia River Estuary, is home to more than 120 species of bird. This area, comprising mudflats and sandy beaches with easy-to-navigate promenades throughout, is a popular spot for ecologists and birdwatchers alike. Take a couple of hours here in the evening, and you can enjoy the beautiful sunset.

Confucius Temple

Although this temple was built in the 1970s, it’s an impressive recreation of Song dynasty structures. It is a very relaxing place to visit, and tourists are more than welcome to take as many photos as they like. However, if you happen to be there on September 28th (Confucius’ birthday and Teacher’s Day), then be prepared for pure bedlam as locals flock to give thanks to Confucius.

Hit the night market

If there’s one thing Taiwan is famous for, it’s night markets, and in Taichung, there’s no shortage of them. But for the complete night market experience, head to Feng-Chia Night Market. It’s an incredible place full of food stalls where you can sample the famous local delicacies. There are also tons of clothing stalls so that you can get a little holiday shopping done.

Take a scenic bike ride

Hou-Feng Bikeway is a 4.5-kilometer-long (2.8 miles) route that takes you along an old railway line in Taichung’s Fengyuan District. On your ride, you get to cross an old iron railway bridge and pass through one of the railways old tunnels. It’s a pleasant ride, and riding through the tunnel is a fun experience that you’ll never forget.

Read more: A vibrant city in Taiwan, Kaohsiung

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Best Thailand destinations for a family trip

Thailand’s affordability, weather and array of activities make it a hot family-getaway destination. Here, we’ve compiled a list of the best family-friendly places to visit in Thailand.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, Thailand’s mountainous cultural hub is a fantastic place to travel with the whole family. Chiang Mai has a calm and relaxed atmosphere and is small enough to easily gain your orientation. Chiang Mai offers a host of fun and exciting activities for all ages, including engaging museums, a great zoo, local markets, cooking schools, and much more! Chiang Mai’s surrounding countryside offers trekking, rafting, zip lining, elephant sanctuaries and the opportunity to visit remote hill tribe communities.

Pai

For those looking for an alternative option, look no further than Pai. Pai not only is a great place for a family holiday it also has a great resident community of local Thai and expat families. Pai has a circus training school, jungle trekking, rafting and plenty of healthy places to eat. Pai is best reached by renting a car in Chiang Mai and driving. Chiang Dao is a great place to stop en route to explore the caves and stunning temple.

Bangkok

Bangkok is a bustling hub of exciting and fun things to explore. The city has a huge number of family-friendly activities from theme parks, snake farms and museums to indoor playgrounds for the little ones. Sometimes the best travel memories are created by small activities, for example, trying new foods, exploring local markets or simply playing in one of Bangkok’s many green parks.

Krabi

The beach lovers destination of Krabi is the perfect place to relax on a family-friendly holiday in Thailand. Not only are there some of the country’s best beaches in Krabi, it is also a fantastic place to pick up a snorkel and mask and become acquainted with Thailand’s beautiful underwater world. In the surrounding area, there is also plenty of options for fun day trips to national parks, waterfalls, elephant sanctuaries or, for the older kids, a chance to try rock climbing on some of the world’s best climbing spots.

Phuket

Phuket is one of Thailand’s most popular destinations. Phuket has it all from gorgeous beaches and a fascinating old town to aquariums and horseback riding. Many of the island’s resorts offer kids clubs and babysitting services enabling mum and dad to get a well-earned break too. Phuket is easily reached from most parts of Thailand and has direct flights from many other countries making getting there hassle-free.

Koh Chang

For a more local laid-back beach option head to Koh Chang. Koh Chang is a popular destination for backpackers and families alike. Koh Chang has every accommodation option available from cheap bungalows on the beach to boutique dream-like resorts. Koh Chang offers simple genuine family fun including swimming, snorkelling, building sandcastles and exploring waterfalls.

Koh Samui

Koh Samui has long been one of Thailand’s favourite family holiday destinations. Not only is Koh Samui easy to get to, it also has everything one would want and more packed onto the island. If you prefer to be in the thick of it head to Chaweng beach or for a quieter beach getaway base yourself in Mae Nam. Many resorts have kids’ programs on offer and there are plenty of family-friendly activities to choose from. For something, a little different take your tribe to make new furry friends by volunteering at the animal rescue centre for the day.

See more: The most romantic resorts for a honeymoon in Thailand

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The best places to cycle in Myanmar

Exploring cities on foot can be exhausting, taxis expensive, and public transportation confusing. There is one device, however, that allows visitors to explore with ease. Grab your helmets and explore the most spectacular places to cycle in Myanmar.

Bagan

The plains of Bagan are simply spectacular. With jaw-dropping scenery and flat roads that wind past and around countless pagodas, hopping on the humble bicycle is the best way to appreciate this unique landscape.

The freedom of two wheels means you can hop off and explore any one of the thousands of stupas that take your fancy. Take regular shady breaks and the occasional spontaneous detour to make the most of this experience. Often e-bikes are also touted. A welcome alternative to a push bike on a hot day that are more akin to scooters than electric bikes. Double check your travel insurance to make sure you recovered, just in case.

Kalaw

Kalaw is simply a stop-off point to many visitors, on the trek from the city to Inle Lake. If you have time on your hands, however, a day spent cycling around this cool town is worth it. With mountainous terrain hugging Kalaw on all sides, cyclists will certainly need to concentrate on where they are going.

Situated on the Shan Plateau, Kalaw can be navigated on foot although it is much easier and faster to simply rent a bicycle. Cyclists should be sure to stop off at the city’s most noteworthy feature, the Aung Chan Tha Zedi. Known as one of the most stunning of stupas in the entire country, the religious structure is made up of mosaic tiles that are especially attractive to photographers.

Dhala and Twante

Starting from the bustling city of Yangon, take to the water on a ferry to the quiet village of Dhala. From here you can jump on two wheels in search of Twante, a township that was once home to George Orwell. Cycle through rural villages, past rice paddies and spot houses tucked away in the heart of bamboo forests.

Rest your legs with a break at the Yadana Labamuni Hsu-taungpye Paya, otherwise known as the Snake Temple. Pilgrims travel from far and wide to see Burmese pythons – thought to be reincarnations of local monks – sprawl through the temple. Lovingly cared for and completely harmless, you will not forget meeting the snakes in a hurry. After become acquainted with these new scaly friends, cycle on to Twante and grab some lunch before boarding a boat back to Yangon.

Inle Lake

There is so much to see and do around Inle Lake as Island monasteries, Buddha-filled caves and stunning viewpoints. You would certainly miss out on a top sight or two if you did not have a set of wheels to get around on. Many shops renting out bicycles can be found near the Mingalar Market. Make this the starting point and first explore the vibrant and thriving market before heading off to the Pindaya Caves. These are about a 30-minute cycle from the market, and the ride back is much easier than the way there, so try not to get discouraged when your legs start burning.

From the caves, head back towards the market to explore the exterior of Inle Lake, heading to the hot springs, stopping along the way at viewpoints, grabbing a bite to eat at the Tofu Palace, visiting the Khaung Daing village for a unique experience, and more.

Read more: Admire the incredible beauty of Inle Lake, Myanmar

Mandalay

The ancient capital of Mandalay is best explored on two wheels. As the second largest city in the country, one would have a hard time seeing the city on foot, and the cost of getting a taxi around would add up. Mandalay is also one of the easiest cities to cycle in, as it is quite flat. There are many of top sights that must be included on a cycling route, including the Mahamuni Paya, Jade Market, and any of the gold leaf making factories around town.

Source Internet