Thursday, 12 December 2019

The reasons to visit Cambodia once during your lifetime

The reasons to visit Cambodia once during your lifetime
Cambodia has got the lot, and its enchanting landscapes, rich history and culture and the innate hospitality of the people keep visitors coming back for more. Here are a few reasons why the country should be on everyone’s bucket list.

Affordable location 

Affordable location
Although Cambodia is well-known for appealing to budget travelers, the country also offers everything posh travelers would expect of accommodation, service, activities, and exclusivity. Cambodia has a wide range of lodgings, from small mom and pop bed and breakfasts to 5 star hotels for a fraction of the price you would pay in Western countries.

Siem Reap and surrounding areas

Siem Reap and surrounding areas
While most visitors to Siem Reap are there only for the Angkor Complex, it is worth taking some time to appreciate the old-world charm of the colonial architecture within the city itself. With cute French fusion restaurants, a bustling night market and lively night life, Siem Reap is a great place to rest during your time in the area.

When you are tired of temple gazing and shopping, 15 km south of the city, is the Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in South East Asia. Here is an opportunity to view a distinctive ecosystem and cultural way of life different to the town of Siem Reap. The floating villages on the lake and among the tributaries of the river are not to be missed.

Friendly faces

Friendly faces
Cambodians are renowned for their hospitality, and upon entering the Kingdom, visitors will be overwhelmed with the abundance of warm welcomes and smiles. The gentle nature of Khmers can be found in tuk tuk drivers, service staff, tour guides, stall owners and passersby on the street. Visitors should note that anger doesn’t bode well in Cambodia, and a bit of patience goes a very long way.

Nature attractions

Nature attractions
Just a little bit away from the big cities, you will find nature cover most of the parts of Cambodia. Some ancient temples are hidden in nature, some waterfalls are hidden in the forest, therefore you need to step out of your comfort zone and be adventurous to explore the beauty of nature in Cambodia. Nature in the Angkor land is also the main reason to visit Cambodia.

The delicious Cambodian food

The delicious Cambodian food
Many people consider Cambodia’s cuisine to be a pale copy of Thai cuisine, known around the world for its strength and flavours. It is true that there are similarities, but the art of the Khmer table is finer in taste, less spicy for us poor Westerners, which allows us to discover its extraordinary flavours.

Rich culture

Rich culture
The Kingdom of Wonder comes coupled with a rich culture and heritage that runs through the veins of Cambodians. From magical apsara dancers, traditional music, elaborate ceremonies and stage shows, there are plenty of opportunities for visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant local scene. Sovannaphum Theatre in Phnom Penh puts on regular performances, with workshops in shadow puppetry available. Cambodian Living Arts also produces a series of traditional dance shows.

Unspoiled beaches

Unspoiled beaches
When tourists travel to Cambodia, they may be surprised to hear that there is more to the country than Angkor Wat and the modern tragedies of the Khmer Rouge. Indeed, Cambodia has some of the most beautiful, untouched beaches in South East Asia on the Gulf of Thailand.

If white and gold powdery sand, palm trees, turquoise waters by day and  iridescent algae glowing in the shimmering moonlight by night sound like your kind of thing, look no further than the beach towns of Sihanoukville and Kep on the southwest banks of Cambodia.

See more: 5 interesting things to do in Cambodia

Source Internet

Wednesday, 11 December 2019

Visit the UNESCO sites in Macau

Visit the UNESCO sites in Macau
The Historic Centre of Macau is a collection of over twenty locations that witness the unique assimilation and co-existence of Chinese and Portuguese cultures in Macau, a former Portuguese colony. It represents the architectural legacies of the city's cultural heritage, including monuments such as urban squares, streetscapes, churches, and temples.

Ruins of St. Paul’s

Ruins of St. Paul’s
Arguably Macau’s most famous landmark, the Ruins of St. Paul’s continue to captivate visitors centuries after it was originally constructed. Built from 1602 to 1640 by Jesuit priests who traveled to the Far East to spread Catholicism, the site originally included St. Paul’s College and the Church of St. Paul.

Located at the top of a hill, the structure was the largest church in Asia at the time, and was acclaimed as ‘The Vatican of the Far East’. Its existence was meant to express the triumph of the Roman Catholic Church through the ornate grandeur of the buildings. The original structure was made of wood, which burned down in a fire during a typhoon in 1835, leaving only the beautiful granite façade and a grand staircase of 68 stone steps leading up to it.

A-Ma Temple

A-Ma Temple
Built in 1488, A-Ma Temple is the oldest and most famous Chinese temple in Macau. It’s dedicated to the goddess Mazu, protector of seafarers and fishermen, and is believed to be the temple from where Macau’s name is derived.

The site consists of the Gate Pavilion, the Memorial Arch, the Prayer Hall, the Hall of Benevolence, the Hall of Guanyin, and Zhengjiao Chanlin (a Buddhist pavilion). The temple is inspired by Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, and multiple folk beliefs. The goddess A-Ma is still very popular among local residents. On her birthday – the 23rd day of the third moon of the Chinese lunar calendar – the square in front of the temple is packed with all sorts of street performances.

Leal Senado Building

Leal Senado Building
Located in the heart of Macau’s colorful Senado Square, the Leal Senado Building was originally built in 1784. This was Macau’s first municipal chamber and is still home to Macau’s municipal council. The building is neo-classical in design and has retained all of its original master walls and primary layout, including the courtyard garden in the back.

Today the building houses a gallery holding regular exhibitions on the ground floor, a public library storing old foreign books between the 17th century and mid-20th century, and an auditorium with a chapel. At the back of the building, there is a relatively quiet Portuguese-style courtyard with a flower nursery in the shape of a celestial globe and a bust of the Portuguese poet Camoes.

Holy House of Mercy

Holy House of Mercy
Founded in 1569, the Holy House of Mercy is famous for its beautiful arcaded façade and was modeled on one of Portugal’s oldest charitable organizations. Part of their work was to help the families of sailors who drowned.

A neo-classical building that’s painted a refined white on the outside, it is closely bound up with the origins of Macau. It is also home to The Holy House of Mercy Museum. Opened in 2001, the museum comprises a collection of Macau’s Catholic relics, which bear testimony to the history of Western culture that was introduced to China through Macau.

See more: Visit Macau to admire incredible artworks
Source: Internet

5 most beautiful islands around Okinawa

5 most beautiful islands around Okinawa
Okinawa is home to 150 different islands, some of which have the most beguiling beaches with cerulean blue waters and pristine white sands! Some of the best islands around Okinawa with the best attractions are highlighted here to help you plan your island hopping itinerary, or if you are simply taking a day trip to a peaceful, seaside getaway!

Zamami

Zamami
Zamami Island is located approx 40 km away from the main island and belongs to the Kerama Islands Group. Zamami island is the second largest island of the group after Tokashiki Island, both known for their top-rated beaches. The island is a popular side trip destination from Naha city, as it can be accessed by speed boat within 1 hour.

Kume Jima

Kume Jima
If you want pristine, untouched, white sand beaches, sail straight for Kume Jima! Explore gorgeous beaches and the Okinawan culture on Kume Jima. The entire island could probably be covered in a day, as the distance from one end of the island to the other is less than 10 km (6.2 miles)!

Hatenohama beach is the main beach on the island, and a popular snorkelling and diving hotspot. Unlike the typical beaches, Hatenohama beach is a 7 km (4.3 miles) long sandbar in the middle of the sea! Do note that the beach is only accessible via a tour, which you can easily find all around Kume Jima.

Taketomi

Taketomi
Taketomi Island is one of Yaeyama islands group and located 4km away from Ishigaki Island. As well as their beautiful beaches, the island is best known for its charming site of preserved, traditional Ryukyu village. As the island pretty small, visitors can get around on foot along the traditional village and beautiful nature.

Ishigaki

Ishigaki
Ishigaki is the main island of Okinawa’s Yaeyama island group, and the gateway to many of the smaller, less accessible isles. Ishigaki city is lively enough that you will not feel cut off from civilization, yet the beaches that line the island’s coast are among the best in the country. One of the most beautiful spots is Kabira Bay, an oasis of ocean where black pearls are cultivated. A glass-bottomed boat ride is the best way to enjoy it.

For those who prefer a more active vacation, the mountainous area in the center of the island offers some great hiking trails. One of the best is a steep forest route up Mount Omoto, which at 1,722 feet is the highest mountain in Okinawa.

Hatoma Jima

Hatoma Jima
With only 50 inhabitants on the island, Hatoma Jima is a small, peaceful sanctuary where everything is within walking distance! Though less than a kilometer (0.6 mile) wide, Hatoma Jima has much to offer!

You can go snorkelling and admire the wildlife at the huge coral reefs, lounge under the shady palm trees, check out the gargantuan Banyan trees in the north and discover a rustic lighthouse! Do note that the island is very dark at night, so do bring along a flashlight if you are catching the sunset by the beach!

Read more: Top 5 popular Christmas dishes in Japan

Source Internet