What to do and see in Phuket, Thailand

Located in the Andaman Sea, Phuket is one of Thailand’s top island getaways. Covered in lush rainforests and stunning beaches, Phuket is a relaxing haven for travelers. So, whether it’s lounging under palm trees or exploring cultural sites, Phuket has something for everyone.

Hit the beach

Thailand is legendary for its stunning beaches, and so a trip to Phuket isn’t complete without hitting up one of the island’s patches of sand. Whether it’s a nightclub with thumping bass, or a romantic drink with a sunset, the island’s many beaches have it covered. Patong is Phuket’s most popular party beach, and with beer bars, neon-lit nightclubs, and even discos, it’s easy to see why. For something more family friendly, check out Karon, the island’s third longest beach with access to night markets and snorkeling. On Phuket’s west coast lies Layan beach, an out-of-the-way option that is less developed and is ideal for travelers seeking relaxation and tranquility.

Get a Thai massage

After a long day of shopping and snorkeling, unwind with a classic Thai massage. Travelers can have their pick of massage parlors found all over the island, from high-end spas and hairdressing salons to shopping malls and simple on-the-beach setups. While Thai foot massages are common, adventurous travelers can opt for a traditional massage, which involves energetic masseuses contorting their patients into a variety of pretzel shapes. Though a Thai massage can make for a memorable experience, it can also result in positive health benefits, such as lowered stress levels and improved blood circulation.

Phuket Trickeye Museum

Art-lovers can check out the Phuket Trickeye Museum, which is known for being the first of its kind in Southern Thailand. The museum features a broad collection of modern 3D artwork. As they tour the museum, travelers can enjoy a variety of optical illusions, such as dinosaurs and tigers that seem ready to burst through the walls. Many of the art pieces are also interactive, so visitors can actually become part of the artwork.

Chalong Bay Rum Distillery

The Chalong Bay Rum Distillery is internationally renowned for its high-quality white rum, which is distilled from sugar-cane. Tucked away in a peaceful area of Southern Phuket, the company takes pride in its sustainable practices, as well as for using indigenous, pesticide-free sugar-cane. Interested travelers can take a 30-minute tour through the distillery and learn the step-by-step process that goes into making rum. As a bonus, guests are rewarded after the tour with a tasty mojito made with Chalong Bay Rum.

Visit Big Buddha

Towering nearly 150 feet over the island, Big Buddha is one of Phuket’s most admired landmarks. This enormous statue is perched atop the Nakkerd Hill overlooking southern Phuket and is easily visible from below. The statue is crafted from white marble, and its construction was mostly funded by donations. Visitors who make the trek to the statue can enjoy not only the cultural site, but also the stunning 360-degree view of the bays below. Positioned near Wat Chalong, Big Buddha can be reached by following the clearly-marked road signs leading the way.

Take a dive

The clear, blue waters of Phuket’s beaches are perfect for catching a glimpse of the island’s colorful marine life. Ocean-loving travelers can learn to scuba dive from one of the island’s many diving establishments. Most companies offer a variety of diving packages with day trips to a variety of sites near the island, including Anemone Reef, Phi Phi Island, and even an old ship wreck. More experienced divers can also earn their PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) certificate while on Phuket. With its azure waters and accessibility to quality dive companies, Phuket is an excellent hot spot for beginners and experienced divers alike.

Watch a Thai boxing match

Muay Thai, also known as ‘The Art of Eight Limbs,’ is Thailand’s most famous and beloved sport. This boxing style dates back to the 16th century and is a form of hand-to-hand combat with various parts of the body mimicking different weapons. For instance, the hands are used like knives, and the shins are toughened to mimic armor. Muay Thai has gained international popularity in recent years, with travelers coming to Thailand to train in the sport. There are several Muay Thai training camps in Phuket where visitors can live on-site and attend rigorous training classes. Travelers who would rather sit back and watch the action can attend a match at the Patong Boxing Stadium instead.

See more: 7 amazing islands around Phuket, Thailand

Source: Internet

Top things to do in Guilin, China

Guilin has some of the most beautiful karst landscape in the world. From taking a relaxing cruise along the Li River to hiking or biking in Yangshuo's countryside, there are so many things to do and to see that cater for different travel styles. 

Catch a show

With over 100 performers, the Dreamlike Lijiang show features a large range of performances including ballet dancers, acrobats and contortionists. The show is accompanied by high-tech lighting and sound effects, which add to the drama of the storytelling.

Though the show is not as prominent as the more famous Impression Light Show in the nearby town of Yangshuo, viewers will not be disappointed in the quality of entertainment. For travelers wishing to watch an ethnic show, Fantastic Guilin features performances from four nationalities such as Yao, Dong, Zhuang, and Miao. The show tells love stories and legends through folk singing and dance.

Visit the Rice Terraces

Guilin's rice terraces look like great chains or ribbons as they wind around the contours in tiered bands. The ethnic minority villages are also worth exploring.

An authentic travel experience goes beyond visiting the must-see attractions, and includes genuinely connecting with the locals and their customs. When you visit the rice terraces, you should visit a local ethnic family and let them share with you their stories while cooking bamboo tube rice.

Eat rice noodles

Guilin’s rice noodles are well-known throughout China as a cheap and delicious dish fit for any time of day. Soft and flavorful, the noodles are served in broth and commonly topped with gravy, pickled vegetables, peanuts, and various types of meat. For a bit of spice, pepper oil or chili flakes can be added.

These popular noodles can easily be found at numerous eateries in and around Guilin. Do not be surprised if the noodles from different eateries do not taste the same, though, as there is no standard recipe. This means that each restaurant has its own unique take on the noodles, making each bowl a new experience, and giving you the perfect excuse to eat them every day.

Visit Tianxin Village

At 30 kilometers away from Guilin City, this quaint little countryside village definitely holds its own in terms of awesomeness and 100 percent deserves a spot on this list. If you are looking to get off the beaten path, experience rural farm life, see some beautiful scenery, and take absolutely epic photos, than Tianxian Village is the spot for you.

The best way to get here is to hire a driver as it is a bit hard to find on your own. China does not make it easy as there are 3 villages all named Tianxin Village around Guilin and you have to know the right one to go to. It is about an hour drive to get here, but it is oh so worth the drive. It is best to go early in the morning to catch the farmers heading out to the fields with their buffalo walking over ancient arched stone bridges over the rivers and through endless rice fields. It is an incredibly picturesque place that will make you feel like you have gone back in time.

Visit a Tea Plantation

Tea lovers should definitely visit the Guilin Tea Science and Research Institute located just north-east of Guilin. Covering over 100 acres, the institute was founded in 1965 and is home to 250 different tea plants. According to the institute’s website, the land used for the tea plantation was originally the tea garden for royalty during the Ming dynasty. Visitors can watch a demonstration showing how tea is picked, processed and brewed. The institute produces an impressive 42 tons of tea each year and is the largest of its kind in the Guangxi region.

Read more: Visit Guilin's top natural sceneries

Source Internet

6 famous Indian foods to try in Malaysia

You might not think of Malaysia as a hotbed for Indian cuisine, but any respectable foodie will love the Malaysian take on the subcontinent’s dishes. Malaysian Indian food make up the most popular restaurant choices in Penang and Kuala Lumpur, enhancing the local food scene with their liberal use of fragrant spices and curries along with healthy vegetarian options.

Nasi Kandar

Perhaps the most common Malaysian Indian food, nasi kandar is simple and delicious. You get a choice of meat, fried chicken, vegetables, or seafood on white rice; several small scoops of different rich curries are then added on top. A green vegetable can be added on the side. The most popular choices found in Mamak stalls are chicken, fish, prawns, squid, beef, and mutton; pork is never served.

Mee Goreng

The Malaysian Indian food answer for noodles, mee goreng is simply stir-fried yellow noodles served with diced potatoes, bean sprouts, and chilies. The gravy is made from tomato puree with a squeeze of lime to balance the sweetness. Some places add crushed peanuts on top.

Murtabak

Murtabak is a small, delicious sandwich of curried meat or vegetables between two pieces of chewy roti canai. Like all bread snacks, murtabak is served with rich lentil and dhall dipping sauces.

Nasi Biryani

Offered as a pricier upgrade from white rice, nasi biryani is a yellow rice packed with complex flavors. Cumin, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, bay leaves, and a staggering arsenal of other pungent spices create a unique taste that will have you hooked on the first bite.

Chapati

Much like a Mexican tortilla, chapati is a thin wrap made from whole wheat flour cooked on a flat surface. Chapati is usually made to order and is stuffed with your choice of meat or vegetables in curry sauce. Chapati is a delicious, healthy choice for vegetarians.

Dosa

Sometimes spelled as "thosai", dosa is a South Indian dish thought to be over 900 years old. A thin crepe made from pounded rice and lentils is fried golden-brown on one side only, then folded around meat or vegetables. Dosa is a good Malaysian Indian food choice for people with wheat allergies.

See more: Nasi Lemak, a Malaysia's national dish

Source: Internet