Explore Koh Samui in 2 days

Koh Samui's repertoire of things to do and see is varied and interesting, the island hosts a great deal of splendid natural and man-made attractions from mummified monks to the famous grandma and grandpa rocks (Hin Ta and Hin Yai) to attractive waterfalls and more, there is nothing to stop you having a blast on Samui Island.

For those interested in religious imagery and architecture the Big Buddha will impress - especially at sunset. Nature lovers can visit Ang Thong Marine National Park on a day trip to enjoy a genuine 'get away from it all' feel in the splendid tropical islands it hosts. Below are top destinations for you to explore this beautiful island in 2 day trip.

Big Buddha

On the northern coast of Koh Samui is the famous Big Buddha shrine. Probably Samui's most well-known landmark, the 12-metre high golden Buddha can be seen from several kilometres away. Inside the surrounding temple are many different shrines and other smaller ornate Buddhas. There is also a small market selling a wide range of lucky charms and other souvenirs, alongside numerous food stalls.

Beach Bumming

While there are plenty of fun and exciting things to do in Koh Samui, let’s face it, you probably came here for a relaxing beach vacation. Thankfully you have got several choices for sun and sand when visiting this popular Thai island.

Located near the airport on the northeast side of the island, Chaweng is the main beach in Koh Samui. While it is definitely the most developed and most crowded of the beaches here, it is still stunningly beautiful. Go ahead and rent a lounger and umbrella, order up a fruity cocktail, and enjoy yourself! The second largest beach in Koh Samui is Lamai. It is not as busy as Chaweng, but you have still got lots of options for places to chill, eat, and drink. Lamai is a great place to go for a swim, as the sea is clear and calm here.

Samui Elephant Sanctuary

There is no need to head up north to Chiang Mai for ethical elephant interactions, you can enjoy them right here in Samui. Inspired by the famous Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, the Samui Elephant Sanctuary is the perfect place to observe well-treated elephants in their natural habitats, and is doing a great job in raising awareness of the issues that elephants face in Southeast Asia. Perfect for animal lovers.

Hin Ta and Hin Yai

Art often imitates Nature, but less common is Nature imitating Art, especially the art of the ribald. But in Thailand, anything is possible including, on Koh Samui, the natural geological formations known as Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks (the Grandpa and Grandma rocks), which look, respectively, like male and female genitalia.

Angthong National Marine Park

Ang Thong National Marine Park is a pristine archipelago of 42 islands in the Gulf of Thailand with towering limestone mountains, thick jungle, white-sand beaches, fertile mangroves, waterfalls and hidden coves and lakes to explore. Within sight of Koh Samui, Ang Thong Park is a protected area of more than 100sqkm of land and sea, and home to a rich variety of exotic wildlife and sea creatures.

Wat Plai Laem

Thailand has more than its fair share of jaw-dropping temples, but few are quite as striking as Wat Plai Laem. Located on the north-eastern coast of the island, its huge statue of Guanyin, the goddess of mercy and compassion, serves an example of the influence that the Thai people’s Chinese heritage still has today. Set out over a lake, the 18-armed statue of Guanyin and the nearby temples are well worth an afternoon of your time, and promise to be some of the most enduring images of Samui that you will have.

See more: Most romantic destinations in Thailand

Source Internet

48 hour experience in Fukushima, Japan

Fukushima has everything that visitors to Japan hope to experience such as hot springs, castles, old townscapes, beautiful scenery, and great cuisine. Then, if you have 48 hours in Fukushima, what will you do?

Ouchi-juku in Shimogo

This old post town was once located on the road that connected parts of Tohoku with the shogunal mausoleums of Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture. Even today, the village is remarkably preserved, making visitors feel as if they have stepped back into the Edo Period. The few dozen houses double as craft shops and small eateries, many of which serve miso-slathered rice dumplings or handmade soba noodles. The best view of the town comes from the viewpoint near the hillside shrine.

TEPCO Decommissioning Archive Center

You may be worried about the current Fukushima’s condition after the disaster in 2011 and get to know what happened at that time. Tokyo Electric Power Co. (TEPCO) opened the museum related to the decommissioning TEPCO Decommissioning Archive Center in Tomioka Town, which was designated as a No-Go zone, in 2018. The museum introduces what happened with the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in 2011 and the process leading to the present status of the plant.

Tonohetsuri Bridge

Tonohetsuri, a name from the old Aizu dialect that means “cliff overlooking a river”, certainly lives up to its name. The natural landmark is comprised of a 200-meter long series of cliffs that have been weathered into unique shapes over the centuries. The forest along the cliffs is a popular spot to catch the autumn foliage. A bridge leads from across the river to the cliffs themselves, though recent flood activity has made much of the old walking route impassable.

Sky Walk at Fudosawa Bridge

Another exciting adventure to do in Fukushima is to witness the heaven walk on Fudosawa Bridge. Being located on the way to Azuma-Kofuji, the bridges give you a great opportunity to have an enchanting view of Fukushima. You can experience the ample nature’s beauty in this prefecture through this amazing view. This adventure will be a great therapy for your mind as well to get an ultimate relaxation.

Noguchi Museum

Even if you do not recognize Hideyo Noguchi’s name, you have surely seen his face,  on the ¥1000 bill. In Fukushima, you can visit the Noguchi Memorial Hall to learn about what earned this man his place on Japan’s currency. Among other accomplishments, Noguchi worked to develop the first vaccine to guard against yellow fever and discovered the agent responsible for causing syphilis. Noguchi’s work earned him a Nobel nomination. The memorial hall also encompasses part of Noguchi’s Meija-era home.

Tsurugajo Castle

Arguably Tohoku’s most impressive castle, Tsuruga is often remembered for its role in Japan’s Boshin Civil War, when it was one of the last remaining samurai strongholds. It was destroyed in the conflict, but rebuilt in the 1960s and now houses an interesting history museum. The castle roof is the only one of its kind to use red tiles. The grounds of Tsuruga-jo are an excellent place to catch Tohoku’s cherry blossoms in mid-April; the view from atop the outer walls is particularly impressive.

Goshikinuma Lake

Goshikinuma, or the “five-colored marshes”, are a series of ponds and lakes located in the highlands of Bandai-Asahi National Park. The multi-colored lakes were formed after an eruption in 1887 caused aluminum and silicone to leach into the newly-created bodies of water. Algae and iron oxide later lent even more distinctive hues. A hike leads from the Urabandai Visitors’ Center around a dozen of the lakes, fit individuals can easily walk the route in an hour.

See more: Lost in the dreamy beauty of Fukushima, Japan

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Visiting Jaipur, India in one day

Jaipur, the pink and magnificent city of India, is home to royal palaces and historical forts, rich in tradition and famous for its Rajasthani food. We bring you the best things to do and see in the city.

Jaipur City Palace

Present in the heart of the old city of Jaipur, the city palace proves the style and elegance of the Rajput royalties. To blend in the majestic city, the first place to stop by is this capital palace which is a sprawling complex with arresting buildings and collection of marvelous artifacts. Built by the Rajput king Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, a part of the structure has now been converted into a museum, and it also houses two huge sterling silver vessels that can store 4,000 liters of liquid, recorded as the largest in the Guinness Book of World Records. The Royal Family still inhabits the palace.

Hawa Mahal

Just 700 meters from the palace is the ‘Palace of the Winds,’ Hawa Mahal. The five-story building is in the shape of a semi-octagonal structure, with 953 small windows (jharokhas), akin to the honeycomb of a beehive. It is believed that the structure was made for the royal ladies to observe the everyday bustling life in the streets without being seen under the obligation to ‘purdah’ (face cover).

Amber Fort

This fort is located on the outskirts of Jaipur. The lake in the front provides a beautiful reflection of the fort, which has four parts, including a temple, the meeting halls and the famous Sheesh Mahal. It is the same mahal where the song ‘Jab pyaar kiya to darna kya’ of Mughal-e-azam was shot. The mahal is beautiful with infinite mirrors used over the walls. And while you’re here, don’t forget to try an elephant ride.

After appreciating the empire which was once home to the Royals, visit 1135 AD restaurant when you’re ready to have some lunch. Hardly a kilometer away, the restaurant blesses visitors with an imperial elegant ambiance. Served in silver cutlery, one can enjoy the taste of Mughlai, Rajasthani and North Indian cuisine and have the perfect royal experience.

Street Shopping

Rajasthan is famous for its traditional jootis, colorful ghagras and the beautiful jholas with small mirrors stitched to it. So to get the best of these, do shop in places like Johari Bazaar (Jewelry Market), Nehru Bazaar, and Bapu Bazaar. Johari Bazaar is famous for its fabulous collection of jewels, with gems and other semi-precious stones. The colorful textiles and jootis (sandals) can be bought in this area as well. While you’re shopping in Bapu Bazaar, you will also have the chance to witness the ‘pink’ in this pink city.

Chokhi Dhani

A village-themed restaurant, Chokhi Dhani captures the spirit of Rajasthan. The décor is full of paintings, the famous Bani Thani art, a dedicated Deepak wall, evening performances and food served by people in traditional costumes. A perfect place to end the night and have sumptuous Rajasthani delights.

See more: Top destinations in Bangalore, India

Source: Internet