Wednesday, 12 February 2020

Visit these cafes to escape the summer heat in Ho Chi Minh City

Visit these cafes to escape the summer heat in Ho Chi Minh City
Green space and a cool atmosphere make these unique cafes in Ho Chi Minh City popular hideouts from the sizzling sun.

38 Flower Market & Tea House

38 Flower Market & Tea House
This café on the busy Ly Tu Trong Street looks like a small garden in the heart of Saigon where fresh flowers can be found in every corner.

Thanks to its breezy, cool space, the café has become an ideal getaway amidst the scorching summer heat with real feel afternoon temperatures climbing to 41 degrees Celsius, or 106 degrees Fahrenheit.
Besides coffee, the drinks menu is also designed to help you cool down with various kinds of teas and juices. Prices start from VND30,000 ($1.31).

Nang Xanh Garden Café

Nang Xanh Garden Café
Nestled down a small alley on Hoang Hoa Tham Street in Phu Nhuan District, Nang Xanh (Blue Sunlight) Garden Café catches the attention with its eye-catching interior décor with a tropical theme.
The shop is covered with green plants, giving customers a refreshing feeling. The café is open 24 hours a day.

Tron (Round) Bistro Café  

Tron (Round) Bistro Café
The café on Dinh Bo Linh Street in Binh Thanh District is a not-to-be-missed address for nature enthusiasts thanks to its green space and wall decor. Guests can enjoy drinks such as strawberry tea, coffee and juices, with prices starting from VND25,000 ($1.09).

See more: The best day trips from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Source: Internet

Tuesday, 11 February 2020

Things you may not know about Ayutthaya, Thailand

Things you may not know about Ayutthaya, Thailand
Escape the current capital of Thailand to visit the old one: Ayutthaya. The historical city is about 70 kilometers from Bangkok, and it is filled with delicious food, a laid-back city vibe, and the ancient ruins found throughout. Here, a brief history of these intriguing remains found in Ayutthaya.

History

History
Sukhothai was the first Siamese capital of Thailand and was founded in 1238. Ayutthaya was later founded in 1350, but it did not become a thriving city until about 1378. It remained the flourishing capital for about 400 years (until 1767). Sukhothai took a back seat to the thriving new capital and was, for the most part, forgotten. It was put back on the map by Rama I, when he used ancient Sukhothai artifacts to enrich and decorate his temples in Bangkok during the Chakri dynasty.

Power

Power
Ayutthaya remained the capital for so long for a number of reasons. For one, it was home to an extensive trading port that welcomed international merchants, many of whom were from Europe. The city was a memorable one to these travelers because of the many temples and palaces found here. In addition to trading, the waterways that surrounded the city were useful in terms of protecting it, creating a watery fortress of sorts.

Name

Name
The city was named by the same man who made Ayutthaya the capital: King Ramathibodi. Ayutthaya was named after a magical kingdom from Thailand’s national epic, the Ramakien.

The city’s demise

The city’s demise
The old capital of Thailand came to a brutal end when it was attacked by the Burmese. Much of the city was devastated by fire, and those who were not killed were taken by the Burmese and forced into slavery. The city fell in 1767. Most of the city was destroyed, and what is left of these relics and temples are still found in Ayutthaya today, of which there are about 50.

The ruins

The ruins
All of the ruins found in Ayutthaya today took about 150 years to complete in total. Many of the palaces were made of wood which did not withstand the fires that destroyed the capital – which is why mainly stone temples remain. The temples have their own Siamese style, but many of the temples’ construction drew upon inspiration from other influences, including Sri Lanka. There are also instances of Khmer architecture, as the capital started out as a Khmer military and trading outpost. These ruins were discovered in 1991, and they were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since then, the ancient city has been squeezed into busy Thailand travel itineraries and makes a great day trip for those who have a few days in Bangkok.

See more: Top activities in Patong, Thailand

Top 5 luxury hotels in Mumbai, India

Top 5 luxury hotels in Mumbai, India
This inventory of the most luxury hotels in Mumbai has been established following the amount of bookings these high-end accommodation choices received in the past month. 

Mumbai is definitely a city of contrast, which offers to its visitors a complete change of scene. This huge cosmopolitan metropolis, the largest in India, features an incredible choice of cultural and religious sites, as well as entertainment options, thanks to its long and colourful history.

The Oberoi Mumbai

The Oberoi Mumbai
The Oberoi, Mumbai enjoys an unrivalled position on the exclusive Marine Drive, with unparalleled views of the ocean, and the Queen's Necklace, a golden crescent of lights that adorns the shoreline after dark.

The centrepiece of the hotel is the atrium lobby, abundant with natural light that flows through our tremendous skylight and large floor-to-ceiling windows. Tiled in flawless white Thassos marble and featuring a contemporary, black granite waterbody, all rooms, restaurants and spa facilities revolve around and branch off this focal point. In the midst of it all, a stylish, red piano occupies centre-stage.

The Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai

The Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai
Anyone who has ever considered visiting Mumbai has likely heard about the Taj Mahal Palace, which is touted as India’s first and premier luxury hotel. This flagship hotel boasts is located in a rather impressive modern palace, and its staff is comparable to a small army whose sole purpose is to ensure all guests enjoy the finest available experience. If you want nothing short of prestige and affluence, the Taj Mahal Palace will cater to your desires.

The Westin Mumbai

The Westin Mumbai
Discover a winning combination of luxury and convenience at The Westin Mumbai Garden City, featuring sleek, modern accommodations amid a wealth of premium amenities. Located in Mumbai's thriving business district, our contemporary hotel offers guests a welcoming environment for work and play. Chase adventure on the vibrant streets of Mumbai or relax in the tranquility of your elegant guest room with floor-to-ceiling windows and award-winning Westin Heavenly Bed.

Whether you have arrived for business or pleasure, our hotel offers a suite of services to inspire you to be at your best, from wellness treatments at the Heavenly Spa by Westin™ to business center services for enhanced productivity. Reach a higher level of success in our hotel's dynamic event spaces, featuring modern boardrooms, elegant wedding venues and a convenient location near the International Airport. Whatever your reason for visiting, our hotel in Goregaon East wants to make your stay a memorable experience at The Westin Mumbai Garden City.

The LaLit Mumbai

The LaLit Mumbai
Among the many 5 start hotels available in Mumbai, the LaLit might be one of the most reasonably priced and economically competitive. Boasting a unique offering of luxury apartments with full-featured hotel service, the LaLit is a great choice for families or anyone else who wants to stay in a place that feels just like home. The available residences are very tastefully decorated in a modern style, and the wonderful ambience and high standards of this place will impress even the most demanding visitors.

The St. Regis Mumbai

The St. Regis Mumbai
Located in the heart of India’s Maximum City, The St. Regis Mumbai, the country’s tallest hotel tower, is a timeless address in the city’s premier entertainment and commercial district of Lower Parel. The hotel has a befitting legacy beginning 1904, with the birth of the flagship The St. Regis New York, conjoined with the rise of the Phoenix Mill complex in the same year, where the hotel now stands. Now, 111 years later, both addresses come together to create history.

See more: Top 10 must-visit attractions in Mumbai, India
Source Internet