24 hours in Thimphu: What to see and do

This city is the heart of the country in every aspect possible. Thimphu is not only the capital city of Bhutan, but it is also its economic hub. The capital is also home to Bhutan’s royal family along with some 100,000 local residents. Thimphu is the ideal travel destination for tourists who are looking for places to explore and want to experience strong cultural vibes with the comfort of modern amenities. It is the perfect blend of new and old. 

Go to Dochula Pass

Dochula Pass is one of the most spectacular places to visit while in Thimphu, located at 10,000ft. It not only has breathtaking scenery but is also a place, which will lend you a surreal experience of being in a memorial place for 108 Bhutanese soldiers who died in an armed conflict in 2003.

These soldiers are commemorated by 108 stupas (Wangyal Chortens). This pass is enveloped in lush greenery, cool mountain air, and gives an amazing view of some of the seven-thousanders in the Himalayan range. The pass also has the magnificent Druk Wangyal Lhakhang Temple, which is a must-see.

Take in Spectacular Views at the Buddha Dordenma Statue

Overlooking Thimphu is one of the largest Buddha's in the world, the Buddha Dordenma statue. It is almost 170 feet tall (it sits on top of a giant meditation hall) and houses 125,000 other Buddhas inside it. All of them are made of bronze and then gilded in gold. This Buddha was erected to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the fourth king of Bhutan. You can see it from a distance when you are exploring the capital, but definitely drive up the mountain and visit it up close. The details and views are spectacular.

Attend a Concert at Clock Tower Square

The clock tower, located in the heart of the city of Thimphu, features four different clocks on the four sides of the rectangular column. The walls are carved with beautiful hand carved dragons and also some beautiful floral designs, keeping in mind Bhutan’s reputation as the Land of the Thunder Dragon and also its many floral valleys. Most open-air concerts in the city are held here at the Clock Tower Square. Catching a show here is one of the best things to do in Thimphu tour!

Visit National Textile Museum

Thimphu's best museum is part of the Royal Textile Academy. It features a stunning display of ancient and modern textiles, and explores the rich traditions of Bhutan's national arts of thagzo (weaving) and tshemzo (embroidery). The ground floor focuses on royal ghos, including the wedding clothes worn by the fourth king and his four wives. The upper floor introduces the major weaving techniques, styles of local dress and types of textiles made by women and men. No photography is allowed.

See Bhutan's Government in Action at the Tashichho Dzong

Since 1952 Tashichho Dzong has been the seat of Bhutan's government. It houses the throne room and offices of the king as well as the ministries of home affairs and finances. Other government offices are in the surrounding buildings. The building itself dates back to 1216 A.D. and is surrounded by serene gardens and the Wang Chhu River. It is open to visitors after 5 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends.

See more: Discover Bhutan through the amazing cuisine

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The most important festivals in Japan

Japanese festivals are fun and unforgettable. If you have a chance to visit Japan during the festival, you will be amazed by the power and passion of Japanese people.

Shogatsu (New Year)

The largest festival of Japan, Shogatsu is Japanese New Year which falls on the familiar Western New Year, means January 1. Many people start the New Year by eating soba (buckwheat) at midnight for good health. At dawn, the Emperor of Japan prays for the nation. Unlike in the West where the celebration focuses on New Years Eve revelry and short-lived resolutions, Shogatsu focuses on bringing prosperity in the upcoming year—beyond just hangover recovery. At midnight, Buddhist temples ring bells 108 times.

Setsubun (The Bean-Throwing Festival)

Fun and bizarre, the Setsubun kicks off the Haru Matsuri (Spring Festival) in Japan. It is an old tradition that has evolved into a televised event with national celebrities. Along with the big productions, small stages are set up around the country. Candy and money are thrown into the crowds which then rush forward to collect the small gifts.

People throw beans in mame maki ceremonies to drive away evil spirits that could foul up things later. One member of the household dons a demon mask and plays the "bad guy" as everyone else shouts and throws beans until he leaves.

Hanami (Cherry Blossom Festival)

An ancient tradition, hanami actually means "flower viewing". Hanami starts from mid-March to April, sometimes it lasts until May depending on how har north or south in Japan. During this festival, families and friends compete for quiet spots in busy parks to have picnics and parties, both day and night. Moreover, tea ceremonies are held under trees; folk songs, traditional dances, beauty pageants, and even parades add to the festive atmosphere.

Golden Week

Every year, thousands of hapless travelers manage to stumble right into the middle of Golden Week in Japan. They learn the hard way that the Golden Week holiday period is the busiest time to be anywhere near the archipelago. Golden Week is one of the busiest travel times in Japan, the first holiday of Golden Week is the celebration of the birthday of Emperor Hirohito (Showa Day) on April 29. Constitution Memorial Day hits on May 3 and is followed by Greenery Day on May 4 then Children's Day on May 5.

Obon

Although technically not an official national holiday, Obon is the most widely observed of Japanese festivals in the summer. Obon is a celebration of ancestors' spirits that come home to rest. People visit shrines, temples, and family graves during Obon. Fires are lit in front of homes and lanterns help guide the spirits. Obon is an important time for families; many heads back to their ancestral homes, causing long transportation delays and some closures.

See more: Traditions to celebrate New Year's Eve in Japan

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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