Category Archives: Asia

The Next Chapter in Your Life Can Be a Life-Changing Experiential Holiday in Thailand

Thailand The Next Chapter in Your Life Can Be a Life Changing Experiential Holiday in Thailand

There is a part of you that you have yet to discover.

A journey to Thailand, Southeast Asia’s emerald, offers a rare opportunity to discover another you. It is difficult to put one’s finger on a single attribute that makes Thailand so alluring. Its sheer beauty and rich history have drawn visitors for as long as one can remember. At the heart of Thailand are its people, offering warm hospitality, age-old wisdom and centuries-old art and tradition. Thailand’s diverse landscape offers an array of learning activities for visitors with local experts eager to share their knowledge.

Through experiential travel, you can expect life-changing lessons that will reveal undiscovered aspects of yourself. Your Experiential Holiday in Thailand can shape the next chapter of your life, and by studying Muay Thai, cooking, massage, rice farming, Thai performing arts, or crafts and weaving, your life will certainly be enriched. Such an experience can also open certain doors as it shows how you are able to adapt to a different culture.

Muay Thai

One study possibility is Thailand’s national sport, Muay Thai, often called Thai Boxing or Kick Boxing. Dating back centuries, it’s a demanding sport that takes a lot of commitment, both mental and physical, to reach top condition. But the benefits of this training start right away, and that’s why more and more men and women, Thai and foreign alike, are starting to study Muay Thai to stay fit and build self-confidence.

Fast paced and exciting bouts are fought in stadiums throughout the country. Fighters strike their opponent with their hands, feet, knees and elbows at lightening speed.

Thai Cooking

Thai cooking is within the grasp of anyone as chefs welcome visitors into their kitchens to learn the secrets that make Thai cuisine so delicious and healthy. As you well know, it tops the lists of the world’s favorite foods, and visitors can learn how to prepare an array of dishes and take this skill home.

There is a range of courses, from one-day to weeklong classes. Most have only a handful of students, which means lots of personal attention. And when you return home, your family and friends are certain to appreciate you’re new and practical skills.

Thai Massage

Thai massage is another valued skill family and friends will be pleased about. Studying Thai massage is a holistic journey that undeniably leads to greater wellness and longevity. You will be taught about energy meridians and techniques to open up these sen lines, the invisible energy channels that flow through the body. After receiving a Thai massage, people have increased energy as well as decreased stress and muscle tension. And the person giving the massage also gains from the experience, including the pride that can only be felt by a healer.

Thai Rice Farming

Thailand has been feeding the world as the top rice exporting country, and you can learn what it takes to harvest the crop as well as gain a deep appreciation for tilling the soil and caring for the land that sustains us.

As the country’ staple food, rice is at the heart of Thai culture, and farmers have been passing on their farming skills for generations, since they first began planting rice more than 5,500 years ago. Thai life revolves around the rice seasons, and there are festivals to mark planting in May through July, when the rains signal the end of the dry season, followed by the harvest in October or November.

The Land of Smiles offers numerous places to learn about rice farming and even work with farmers. Such an experience can bring knowledge along with fun when you are on holiday in Thailand.

Thai Performing Arts

As one might expect, a visitor learning one or more of the various forms of the Thai performing arts is taking a journey through the country’s fabled history. Traditional music and dance, classical or folk, play like centuries-old stories passed down from generation to generation. Dance students learn not only the choreographed movements but also the spirit of Thai culture with references to agriculture, historical events, spirituality or as with modern themes, love and courtship. Students of Thailand’s performing arts are taught a unique balance of reflection while being present in the moment. With life throughout much of the world so fast paced, these studies offer a welcomed reprieve.

Crafts and Weaving

One may not first see the connection between clay, bamboo and silk caterpillars, but students of Thailand’s crafts will discover they are essential ingredients for some of the country’s most beautiful works. Students exploring one of these wonderful crafts will only be disappointed by the realization that life is too short to discover all they can about them. The knowledge imparted by master potters or weavers focuses on the essence of craftsmanship and the ability to create beauty from what may initially appear as nothing.

If you’re one of 2012′s fortunate graduates, it’s time to write the next chapter in your life. Enter the competition by Discover The Other You for a chance to win a free gift voucher for 3 nights accommodation at Bangkok’s hip Lub d Hostel and Muay Thai training classes for you and a friend.

Just share how a Thailand experiential trip can shape your next chapter of life. The most inspiring answers earn the award. For more inspiration, and a chance to win your own experiental holiday in Thailand, check out the website: http://www.discovertheotheryou.com/Article/39/122/videos/gap-year-traveler

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Ladakh Trekking in the Himalayan Kingdom

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By DIVIJ PASRIJA

Known as the home of the world’s best passes, Ladakh is a unique and mind-blowing place nestled cozily between the famous Kunlun Mountain and the great Himalayan chain. With such demographics, the breathtaking scene can leave you spellbound.

The serenity and beauty of nature, especially its rugged terrains which make trekking in Ladakh a dream come true, would pull the ground beneath your feet, right from the moment you enter its territory. Nature spotting, cultural tours, photography, and plenty of adventure sports will keep you busy during your stay in Ladakh and Leh.

You Would Be Floored by the Scenes in Ladakh

If you love scenic rugged terrains, landscapes dotted with hamlets, lofty mountains, deep unforgiving gorges and valleys, Ladakh is the place to be. This is why tourists from across the globe flock to Ladakh every year. Trekking in Ladakh can be enjoyed the year round, except when the weather gods decide otherwise. The air is cool and crispy, humidity is almost non-existent, and the flora and fauna around keep you mesmerized while you trek or engage in other adventure sports. If you are an adventure enthusiast, the incomparable beauty of Leh and Ladakh beckons.

Spiritual Yet Adventurous

The pristine monasteries, the village hamlets and the warmth of the Ladakhi people I experienced while trekking in Ladakh made my trip one of the most memorable ones. The alpine forests surrounding the oldest monasteries in the world, such as the Shanti Stupa, made me wonder if I was there in another lifetime. While trekking through this cold desert of the north (as Ladakh is famous called), I came across an eight hundred year old Kali Mandir, which had plenty of fascinating masks on display.

Trekking Taught Me a Lot About the Ladakhi’s

My trip also got me introduced to the culture and traditions of the friendly Ladakhi’s around, some of them even escorted me to the monasteries and helped me spin the huge prayer wheels for my successful journey ahead. During my trip I also visited the famous Leh Palace, which is built in the Tibetan style. From this majestic palace I could see the length and breadth of Ladakh: the dotted landscapes; far-flung terrains; tiny images of people and vehicles moving around at a distance; a snake-like row of Buddhist monks travelling to and from praying and chanting, maybe.

Give Yourself a Break in Life

Trekking in Ladakh is a treat not only for those who seek adventure, but even for city people who need a sense of rejuvenation for their body, mind and soul. You get to see the remotest hummocks in all villages, which are pleasing and aesthetically divine. I also went biking at some places in Ladakh, where the terrains were not so rough. During my camping and trekking I travelled through Indus, Kargil, Padum, Zanskar and even the Shayok valleys.

Coming Back For More Next Time

The best thing about the Ladakh trekking experience apart from the fun and excitement was the visit of the colorful Gompas around. You would also love to go mountain biking on the Himalayas and check out the wildlife, or even relax and unwind witnessing the festivals of the state.

Packed with rugged, trekking-friendly terrains, amazing monasteries, hot piping food and cups of black tea, scenic beauty, adventure sports, meandering streams, frozen lakes, and fresh air and tranquility, Ladakh knows how to keep you hooked and make you come back for more!

Divij Pasrija is an adventurer, budding photographer and a digital marketing strategist. He has been to various trekking trails and to many offbeat destinations in India. He has been writing since he was 12. Currently, he writes only about travel for www.thrillophilia.com

Five of the Best Dive Sites on Phuket

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Sunset over the Andaman Sea.

Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, is located relatively close to Malaya, in the Andaman Sea. The Andaman Sea boasts beautifully clear water that laps over incredible reefs and rock formations. It is also teeming with marine life, making this area in general, one of the top ten scuba diving destinations in the world.

The ocean-facing west coast of Phuket is lined with several gorgeous bays, where inviting white sandy beaches span rocky points. For this reason the island’s most popular beaches are found on the west coast, and consequently so too are most of the favorite dive sites.

In addition to natural diving sites, several artificial reefs have also been created, by deliberately sinking old boats into the ocean. These are quickly colonized by coral and marine creatures, taking some pressure of natural dive sites. Dive centers often take trainee divers to these sites.

But here’s a thought. Many of the very best dive sites visited by those using Phuket as a base are in fact located some distance from Phuket, as far away as the Andaman Islands and the Mergui Archipelago, and the popular Similan Islands which are more than 100 km or 220 lbs north of island. While we realize that these are the sites where most “serious” divers are likely to be headed, the five best dive sites listed here are on Phuket itself.

Patong Bay

Patong Bay.

If you’re a beginner, and you want to get some confidence diving, Patong Bay is a great place to start. There’s an inviting gradual sand slope that starts at about 2 m or 6½ ft and eventually gets to a maximum depth of some 15 m or 50 ft.

If this sounds a bit tame, relax and enjoy. There are several small reef systems in this bay and an amazing variety of marine life. It is also an excellent venue for night diving and underwater photography (especially for those who have a good camera but lack the stomach for deep-deep dives).

There aren’t any dive centers that offer dives directly off Patong Beach except for some training courses. But it is known as an excellent place to test equipment and weights.

Ao Sane Beach

Ao Sane Beach isn’t very well known, yet it is one of the best diving spots on the island. The sub-aquatic life is fascinating, and there’s loads of it.

Ao Sane is a 200 meter long (656 ft) rocky beach on the south-west coast of Phuket, with lots of trees lining the perimeter. One of its major advantages for divers is that there are none of the usual facilities on the beach, so you aren’t going to be bothered by body boarders, jet-skiers and half-crazy holiday makers trying to kayak.

If diving is the name of your game, head for the Nai Harn end of the beach and you’ll find a channel that washes out through the rocks. That’s where you should start your dive.

Kata Beach

Kata Beach.

Another excellent diving spot is in a narrow strait close to Kata Beach. There’s a tiny island called Ko Po in the center of the bay, and you need to head for the water that separates this from the beach.

There’s a second great diving site off Kata Beach, at the northern end of the bay, where you will find a stunning coral reef that only just breaks the surface of the water at low tide. You’ll find loads of beautifully colorful tropical marine reef fish here, and possibly a whitetip reef shark.

Since this is a popular water-sport beach, it is essential to be constantly aware of all the boats and jet skis operating throughout the day.

Naiharn Beach

This one is small and really quite difficult to find, but if you happen to make friends with any local divers, you might be invited to join them. Locals love the site because it is so secluded. Go look for them….

Meridien Beach

Meridien Beach really is one of Phuket’s best beach reefs, but you aren’t going to get to dive it unless you are staying at the Meridien Hotel, which has its own dive center.

Photo: 1, 2, 3

Jurassic Park is Real

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By RUFUS ELLIOTT

Last summer I decided to fulfill a dream of travelling to Indonesia. The motivation was simple; Komodo Dragons. At one of the far reaches of the earth sits the islands of Komodo and Rinca, the two last places on earth that these prehistoric creatures can be found in the wild. The islands are sandwiched between Flores and Sumbawa in the South East of Indonesia.

After days of travel we arrived at the island of Flores, the launch pad for everything in Komodo National Park. We rented a room and hired a boat for the following day. Our destination; Rinca!

After a sleepless night, the excitement was too much; we rose early and set off through the astonishingly beautiful Komodo National Park. The whole environment looks alien because it is so volcanic. After a few hours we reached a rickety wooden jetty and began our trek to the village; a dragon hotspot. It seems these creatures have formed an uneasy truce; if they are fed regularly they remain docile otherwise accidents do happen! Only a few months previously a dragon had entered one of the huts and bitten one of the guides. Now this isn’t to say this can’t happen because you’re free to roam these islands at your leisure, with a guide. There are no cages and no fences so you could say it’s like safari but without the jeep. That’s what makes it even more special, that element of danger, though our guide assured us attacks are beyond rare.

As we made our way past large reptilian footprints, etched in the mud, volcanic mud bubbled all around. This really felt like a land before time. We reached a hut, registered our arrival, paid the obligatory donation to keep these islands protected, and we’re given a guide.

Thirty feet ahead our first dragon came into sight. Peering at us through the bushes it studied us for a minute then seemed to lose interest and walked off. The same can’t be said for us; we were ecstatic! Days upon days of travelling had brought us to their domain but not a single guide could promise we would even see one. Over the next 2 hours we saw 17 which is apparently a record. Either way, if I had just seen one I would have been happy because every single dragon was magnificent. They range from a few feet all the way to the gigantic 7 footers — an awe-inspiring sight, it really is like looking at a living dinosaur and at a creature that wouldn’t look out of place in a natural history museum.

Despite the expense and substantial stress that travelling through Indonesia generates (a two-day journey takes four to five days, there is no concept of personal space and people seem more concerned with taking photos of westerners than thousand year old temples), I would do it all again with no hesitation. Indonesia is wonderful place. If you enjoy exploring in the true sense of the word,you enjoy rare creatures and you want to be one of what can only be a few thousand people, if that, to see these creatures in the wild, then this is a trip you cannot afford to miss!

Rufus Elliott is an Event Organiser for Chillisauce. He also runs the travel blog community Epic Traveller.

4 Sweet Thai Drinks You Have to Taste

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Four alternatives to water that will beat the heat and leave you thirsty for more. For your visit in Thailand, consider Phuket holiday deals.

By KIMBERLY JUCHNOWSKI.

One of my favorite things about living in Thailand is (you guessed it) Thai food. Known as one of the most distinct, delicious foods in the world, every single meal in Thailand is a culinary delight. I’ve written before about some of the more bizarre dishes I’ve tried out here, and they were strange plates indeed, but what really comes in handy in this climate is something cool and refreshing to drink.

When you come here, you’ll no doubt suck water down like it’s going out of style (as you should), and fruit shakes are every new traveler’s favorite treat — here, you can buy a fruit shake made from just about anything…from pineapple to mango to avocado.

But there are a few other refreshments to check out because, having drunk my share of all, I must confess they are too good to pass up.

1. Cha Yen (Thai Iced Tea)

Iced Chai Tea 4 Sweet Thai Drinks You Have to Taste

Cha Yen (Thai Iced Tea).

While it is supposed to be “cha yen,” or cold tea, I find Thais understand me better if I pronounce it “chai yen.” A bright orange drink made from a strong black tea and sweet condensed milk, cha yen is extremely sweet. Just before handing your plastic cup or bag to you, the vendor pours evaporated milk or coconut milk over the top of the drink (as if it wasn’t sweet already).

Mix it up with your straw before you drink it or you’ll get mostly the strong black tea. It’s much like a dessert in a glass, and I admit I’ve been addicted to these Thai iced teas in the past—you can usually find them in Thai restaurants in North America, so you may get a chance to indulge before you come.

2. Chrysanthemum Tea

Tea 4 Sweet Thai Drinks You Have to Taste

Chrysanthemum Tea.

There’s another drink I loved for years before I figured out what it even was. I asked a few of my Thai friends but they didn’t know how to translate the name into English; all they could tell me is that it was made from flowers and was supposed to be really healthy (I had my doubts about that part because it was so sweet).

I finally did some searching around online and found out that this sweet drink was, indeed, made from flowers – a tea made by steeping chrysanthemums. I’m not sure what the Thais call it, but you will recognize it from the bright yellowish color. It is often served from large buckets, scooped out with a ladle and poured over ice.

And just as I was told, it is good for you – especially great for treating varicose veins, sore throat, and fever. It is also said to clear the liver (good to know in Thailand) and act as a healthy stimulant.

I haven’t tried the hot version yet, but it’s so good cold I can’t imagine it being anything but delicious this way.

3. Coconut Drink

Coconut drink.

Coconuts have become one of my favorite drinks since I moved to Thailand, but not all coconuts are made equal. The roasted coconut is apparently cooked for a short period, as the name suggests which gives it an extremely sweet flavor and separates the flesh from the insides of the shell, so it’s easy to pull away and eat after you finish the juice.

To find them, look for the smaller coconuts (as they only roast the young, green ones) with the burn marks on them. I drink one every morning for breakfast. Coconuts are great for your immune system and actually help to burn fat. I’d probably even drink them if they tasted horrible for me – they’re that good. I’ve heard they are best when you roast them yourself and drink the juice while still warm.

4. Sweetened Soy Milk

Soy Milk 4 Sweet Thai Drinks You Have to Taste

Sweetened soy milk.

Soy milk is another sweeter drink I enjoy out here. Sometimes I have one when my stomach is upset, though I haven’t really ascertained whether or not it helps (when you’ve got Bangkok gut, it might be all you can get down). I also drink them late at night sometimes before I settle in with a book.

The soy milk here seems a lot sweeter than the soy milk in North America. If you’re familiar with Mexican food, this drink kind of reminds me of a horchata, but not quite as sweet as that. You can find it in just about any stores, 7/11 or the small mom and pops’, in a glass bottle with red or black lettering.

Having fell in love with travel back in 2006 when she spent 7 months overseas, Kimberly Juchnowski knew she had to find a way to stay on the road. This prompted her to start her own website, tikikiki.com where she blogs about everything from straightening out the misconception about Thai girls to what it’s like relocating to the land of smiles and having to learn Thai.

Photo: 1, 2, 3, 4

Golf Holidays Set to Be Big in Japan

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Golf Golf Holidays Set to Be Big in Japan Jetting off on a luxury golfing holiday for most people traditionally tends to involve heading to places like France, Spain, Portugal and Turkey. The lure of short flight times, good weather and decent courses proves too strong for some.

Now, though, golfers of all abilities are starting to venture further afield to take advantage of some of the best golfing facilities in the world. Tourism officials in Japan are currently going on a charm offensive to entice players to head to a country that has the potential to become a prominent destination for golf holidays.

Japan certainly has impressive credentials for anyone thinking of playing a round or two of golf while exploring this beautiful part of Asia. For starters, there are over 2,400 courses to pick from. Only America has more, to put that statistic into some perspective.

Peter Walton, the chief executive of the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO), told Travel Daily News: “Japan is in a very lucky situation. It has a wonderful golf destination, but it’s totally undiscovered.

“It’s great value for money. Some of the best golf you’ll play anywhere in the world and such wonderful combinations with culture and environment and some of the best food and wine and sake you’ll ever have.”

He added: “There is a common perception that golf in Japan is expensive, but in fact, particularly in Hokkaido, the green fees vary enormously and perhaps most interesting of all is that the restaurants, bars and other commodities are reasonably priced and deliver a value for money that will pleasantly surprise many.”

It is thought that an English tea merchant by the name of Arthur Groom first introduced the concept of golf breaks into Japanese culture in the early 1900s with a group of friends.

A boom in popularity of the sport in the 1970s saw over 1,000 courses spring up and four decades later that figure has more than doubled.

It seems there has never been a better time to play golf in Japan.

Photo: Puffy Noriko

Eco-Tourism in Borneo

5 Attractions in Malaysian Penang

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Kek Lok Si in Penang.

One of the most popular destinations in Malaysia and Southeast Asia, the island paradise of Penang attracts travelers from around the globe. With cheap international flights always available to most Asian nations it would be a shame not to take advantage of what Malaysia and Penang, in particular, has to offer.

Here are the top five, in my opinion, Penang attractions and tours.

Kek Lok Si

As the largest Buddhist temple in this part of Asia, Kek Lok Si is one attraction to see on your Penang travels. The temple is a combination of Burmese, Chinese and Thai architecture. Easily recognized by its towering pagoda, the temple continues to amaze travelers.

Snake Temple

If you look for free attractions, add the Snake Temple to your itinerary. The temple is home to a number of pit vipers. The snakes are said to be calmed by the temple’s burning incense. Only for the brave and adventurous.

Bukit Mertajam Recreational Park

Take a scenic tour of Penang’s jungles when you visit Bukit Mertajam Recreational Park. Along the way you will get an up-close look at exotic butterflies, ferns and other natural scenery. Numerous jungle tracks lead to the park’s forest region. Prepare to get exercise.

The Botanical Gardens

This free attraction is a fantastic destination to admire exotic and tropical plants. The Botanical Gardens also offer you the chance to see Rhesus monkeys.

Penang Night Tours

Make your nights even more exciting by taking an after-dark tour. A number of guides offer tours to the best eateries, historical sites and shopping venues. Most tours begin at the Gurney Drive Hawker Centre.

Photo credit: dtra

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