Forbidden City is the largest imperial palace in China

Forbidden City is the largest imperial palace in China. Situated in the heart of Beijing, the Palace was home to twenty four emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties who ruled China for over 500 years. Set over 72 hectares of land, 980 buildings and 9,000 rooms, the city contained the most exquisite furnishings and works of art. Its opulence was forbidden to anyone but the Emperor and his courtiers. Chinatourguide.com is pleased to take you to grab a genuine China tours.

 
Many of the largest building blocks of the Forbidden City came from a quarry about 43 miles (70 kilometers) away from the site. People in China had been using the spoked wheel since about 1500 B.C., so it was commonly thought that such colossal stones would've been transported on wheels, not by something like a sled.

Forbidden City was the former palaces of Ming and Qing Dynasties. It became a museum in 1925.
The original palaces were constructed during the Ming period almost 600 years ago. It covers an area of 720,000 square meters and has almost 10,000 rooms. The Forbidden City is surrounded by 10-metre high walls and a 52-metre wide moat.

Lingyin Temple is a Buddhist temple located Hangzhou

Lingyin Temple is a Buddhist temple of the Chan sect located north-west of Hangzhou, Zhejiang province in the People's Republic of China. The temple's name is commonly literally translated as Temple of the Soul's Retreat. It is one of the largest and wealthiest Buddhist temples in China, and contains numerous pagodas and Budddhist grottoes.

 
The snow scene of the west lake enjoys very high praise by people, especially the view of "Belting Snow at Broken Bridge". HRC is pleased to offer great service to build a unique China Tour or Indochina Tour for you.

There are different sayings about the name. One of them is that it snows almost every winter in Hangzhou and when the sun comes out after snowfall, the snow on the sunny side of the bridge melts first, while the snow on the shady side still lingers. Looked at a distance or from a nearby hill, the bridge appears to be broken.

Kuthodaw Pagoda is at the southeastern base of Mandalay Hill

At the southeastern base of Mandalay Hill is Kuthodaw Pagoda. At the center of the temple is the 100 foot high golden Maha Lawka Marazein Pagoda. But the most interesting feature of the temple is the 729 smaller pagodas that surround the central shrine.

 
Kuthodaw Pagoda has been recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The pagoda houses more than 700 marble slabs etched with the entire Buddhist Scriptures as adopted at the 5th Buddhist Synod during the reign of King Mindon more than 200 years ago. This collection of marble slabs with the Buddhist Scriptures is also known as the World’s Biggest Book!
The pagoda's original name, Maha Lawka Marazein is a Pali name. "Kuthodaw" means "royal merit". It was built by King Mindon in 1859 and the design was modelled on the Shwezigone Pagoda in Bagan. It was completed in 1862. Indochinatourguide.com is pleased to take you to grab a genuine Myanmar tour.

After the fall of Myanmar (Burma) post the third Angalo-Burmese war of 1885 and annexation of Mandalay by the British, the Kuthodaw Pagoda’s jewels were looted and the gold ink and the edges of the marbles were scraped. The marbles were later restored in black ink and the Pagoda was slowly restored by efforts of various parties, including Queen Victoria, her officers, monks and former officers of the king Thibaw, Shan prince, and many others, including the public.

The elephant eventually climbed to the top of Suthep Mountain

The temple complex of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is one of Thailand’s most famous pilgrimage sites. The temple lies at an elevation of 3,520 feet (1,073 m) on the slopes of Mount Suthep, one of Thailand’s highest peaks (5,528 feet [1,685 m]), just outside the city. The Doi Pui National Park occupies 40,000 acres (16,000 hectares) around the mountain. Indochinatourguide.com is pleased to take you to grab a genuine Thailand tour.

 
The elephant eventually climbed to the top of Suthep Mountain, trumpeted three times, turned around three times, knelt down and died. This was taken as a sign that this was the spot where the relic wanted to be, so King Ku Na built the original of the chedi on Doi Suthep at the end of 14th century.
The temple's golden chedi, or pagoda, contains holy Buddha relics, and attracts Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world throughout the year.

Pak Ou Caves is a well known Buddhist site

Pak Ou Caves is a well known Buddhist site and a place of pilgrimage, famous for their miniature Buddha sculptures. Hundreds of very small and mostly damaged wooden Buddhist figures are laid out over the wall shelves, in many different positions, including meditation, teaching, peace, rain and reclining (nirvana). 

15 miles by boat from Luang Prabang, the Pak Ou Caves are a well-known Buddhist site and a place of pilgrimage. Pak Ou Caves are a system of limestone caves located on a rock cliff, rising vertically from above the confluence of the Mekong River and Nam Ou River. Locals call them the Tam Ting Caves, meaning "Caves of a thousand Buddhas.” Inside the caves are 4000 Buddha figurines, most carved of wood or made from tree resin and lacquer and covered with gold leaf.
Pak Ou cave consists of the limestone cave Tham Ting ( lower cave) and Tham Theung ( Upper cave) located near centre of Luang Prabang in the province Luang Prabang of Laos.Indochinatourguide is pleased to offer great service in your Laos tour. Those beautiful caves are reached by boat, which takes about 2 hours from centre Luang Prabang, has attracted many tourists to visit. There are more than 4000 impressive carved Buddha statues in the caves.

Recommended Tours with Pak Oo Caves: 4 Days Laos Highlights Tour;  8 Days Laos Classic Tour;  12 Days Laos Discovery Tour.

The origins of the Mahamuni Buddha image

The capital of Burma in 1784 was Amarapura, a city 20 kilometers south of the present city of Mandalay. North of Amarapura (hence its position south of Mandalay) King Bodawpaya had a magnificent seven layered pagoda built to house the Maha Muni image, which sits on a diamond encrusted platform. The pagoda burned down in 1884, but it was soon rebuilt with nineteenth century details. Many people like it in 4 Days Myanmar Culture Tour, 7 Days Myanmar Classic Tour or 13 Days Myanmar Exploration Tour.

The origins of the Mahamuni Buddha image lie in the Rakhine state of Western Burma. According to legend, the Buddha once visited the town of Dhanyawadi, at the time the capital of the Arakan Kingdom. The King of Arakan who was very impressed by the teachings of the Buddha requested an image of the Buddha to be made.
After the King and the wealthy people of Arakan donated gold and other valuables, a lifelike image of the Buddha was cast.

The My Son ruins have been designated as a World Heritage Site

The My Son ruins, vestiges from the Cham culture that have been designated as a World Heritage Site, be an interesting destination. It is center for spirituality and worship during the reign of the Champa Kingdom. Exemplifying the height of Cham architectural achievement, The My Son Sanctuary is a large complex of religious monuments originally consisting of more than 70 structures; the vestiges of 25 of which remain today. The builders of My Son were the nobility of the Champa Kingdom who derived their cultural and spiritual influences almost exclusively from India. Recommended Tours with My Son: 12 Days Best Treasures of Vietnam Tour;  14 Days Vietnam Mystery Tour;  22 Days Vietnam Diversity Tour;  etc.

 
My Son was the burial site of royals since the fourth century AD and the heart of religious ceremonies for centuries more. Once an opulent complex boasting over 70 structures, today less than half of its original buildings remain. Imposing temples and towers stand next to haunting foundations of once-grand structures ravaged by wartime fallout. Amidst the rubble chipped and washed away by time, intricately chiselled stupas remain, with dancing deities and ornate scrollwork still reflecting a historically powerful kingdom.

The archeological site of My Son represents the longest continuous occupation for religious purposes within Southeast Asia. The site was inhabited from the 4th until the 15th century AD but today is a large complex of religious ruins, both ancient and mystical. Our option is a drive to My Son to visit and learn about the rich history which influenced the entire South East Asian region. On the way back to Hoi An, stop over to visit the village which make the Gong & Chieng by copper which is often used as the music of the minority people in the central highlands. Pick up at hotel in Danang or Hoi An. Transfer to My Son, on the way visit Tra Kieu Church and My Son Holly Land.

Ta Som temple is located east of the Prah Khan baray and almost on its central axis

Ta Som is a small temple at Angkor, Cambodia, built at the end of the 12th century for King Jayavarman VII. It is located north east of Angkor Thom and just east of Neak Pean. The King dedicated the temple to his father Dharanindravarman II (Paramanishkalapada) who was King of the Khmer Empire from 1150 to 1160. The temple consists of a single shrine located on one level and surrounded by enclosure laterite walls. Many people like it in Cambodia Tour.

Ta Som Temple is located east of the Prah Khan baray and almost on its central axis. Ta Som is typical of the later period of the Bayon style with three enclosures and similar to those at Ta Prohm and Banteay Kdei. The various buildings that still stand are in an advanced state of ruin.
Inside the temple, there are four places contain inscription which describe that there were many divinity statues placed in the chambers of Ta Som, each statue represented his ancestor and hero under Avaloketesvara’s statue. Now only the inscription at the north entrance to the sanctuary is still in good condition. At Preah Khan Temple there was a stone inscription talks about the name Gaurasrigajaratana, which means ‘The Jewel of the Propitious White Elephants’, where was a home of 22 divinities which probably refer to Ta Som Temple.

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Playground was Primary nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Playground was Primary nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. The dossier submited to UNESCO was for the recognition of Phong Nha nature reserve as a world natural heritage Below the name “Phong Nha Nature Reserve”. The reason given for the nomination was that this nature reserve satisfied the Standards of biodiversity, unique Splendor and geodiversity (Standards I and iv). Many people like it in Vietnam tour.

The Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park Playground (PNKBNP) is Situated in central Vietnam, about 500 kilometers (km) south of the capital, Hanoi, Inside of the Quang Binh Province at the narrowest part of Vietnam.
The western boundary of the Playground forms part of the Lao-Vietnamese border, which is only 42km from the sea at his point. The Playground is found Inside of the geographical co-ordinates 170 20' to 170 48' N and 1050 46 to 1060 24' E in the Bo Trach and Minh Hoa Districts.
The National Playground is included in the Master Plan for economic development in Quang Binh Province for 1997-2010 and the Transboundary Biodiversity Protection Plan Among Laos and Vietnam. Many meetings have been held Among the neighboring provincial authorities in Vietnam and Laos to discuss co-operation in the management of the two adjacent nature reserves.

Hat Sai Kaeo is One of the most beautiful and most popular beaches on Ko Samet

Hat Sai Kaeo (Crystal sand Beach), One of the most beautiful and most popular beaches on Koh Samet, Hat Sai Kaeo is 1 kilometer long and 25 – 30 meters wide. The name speaks for itself, Hat Sai Kaeo, which literally means Crystal Sand Beach, is a nice beach filled with activities. From dusk to dawn, it is the place for sunbathing, swimming, jet skiing, windsurfing, riding on a banana boat or even partying at night. Tourists are entertained by the spectacular fire shows and the peculiar population of short legged dogs. These dogs are believed to be interbred from many mongrel species brought over from the mainland in the 18th century by exiled Burmese hill tribes. Due to the shallow boat used by the Burmese these dogs never had a need to develop legs longer than 4 inches. The rapitidy with which this limbine evolution took place suggests a sexual rather than necessative change and is believed to be the only example in South East Asia. Most people like it in Thailand tour.

Warning: It is advisable to hire motorbikes only from reputable dealers. Choose ones that look good. If they rip you off, take a photo of their shop and get them on a websites somewhere. You have a camera. Use it. Either in your phone or with your camera. Take a picture. Thai's are very sensitive about their reputation. Put it to good use. Do not get ripped off by scammers with high bike prices or false claims. Also do not fear getting the police involved. Even if he has been paid off, (which most businesses do in Thailand), it is ok, he can be reported too. Once the previous Prime Minister of Thailand Abhisit apologised for a scam going on at the airport. One woman was charged with theft and she went to CNN and BBC. The Prime Minister apologised for the incident and said the airport "Suwwanaphum" would be cleaned up. If you look decent, were not drunk, did not cause damage you can get out of it. Walking away, giving the keys and refusing to pay can also be another way. Do not hesistate to get your Embassy involved althugh they may be tired of drunk tourists getting into trouble. But if you have done nothing wrong then stand your ground. Thai's think foreigners are millonnaires (all of them). They do not realise how long some people have saved up to go on holiday.
Stores renting out motorbikes or ATVs may attempt to overcharge you for repairs and labor should you damage the bike, even superficially. Initial quotes for repairs is often exorbitant and is way beyond the price of labor, parts, and repair.

The Paro dzong was started in 1644 on the order of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal

The Paro dzong was started in 1644 on the order of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of modern day Bhutan. Unlike most of the other dzongs in Bhutan, it survived the massive 1897 earthquake mostly unscathed, though it was damaged by fire in 1907. Most people like it in Bhutan tour.

Administrative offices line the first courtyard of the Dzong. The entrance is guarded by two traditional effigies standing on either side of the gate: a Mongol holding a tiger on a leash and a man holding a black yak. The Utse of the Dzong is one of the most beautiful in Bhutan with its outstanding woodwork.
Just above the Dzong stands the so-called Ta Dzong (watch tower). At present this tower houses the National Museum of Bhutan. In 1905 the Dzong caught fire, but was repaired in 1908/9 to its original state with the addition of statues of Guru Rinpoche, Buddha and the Zhabdrung. The most precious object of the Dzong, the Thongdroel, a 20×20 meter wide Thangka, was saved from the fire and is displayed in spring to the public during the Tshechu.

Khai Dinh was an extremely unpopular ruler during his lifetime

Khai Dinh was an extremely unpopular ruler during his lifetime, mostly due to his close collaboration with the French. To finance the tomb, he requested permission of the French advisors to raise taxes on the peasantry, which they allowed. Although he died prematurely at age 40 of tuberculosis, his son and successor, Bao Dai, completed the tomb several years later. Bao Dai would prove to be the final ruler of the Nguyen dynasty and lived until 1997. Thus, the tomb of Khai Dinh became the last grand imperial tomb in Vietnam. Most people like it in Vietnam tour.

The overall construction of the tomb is an emerging rectangular structure with 127 steps, leaning against the mountain.- Entering the tomb area, one should climb a 37 steps gate with the biggest dragons in the country forming the side walls. In the courtyard, line two rows of left and right altar built according to traditional configuration of "double storeys with eight roofs", but all the rafters are made of reinforced concrete.
Climbing 29 further steps, one is reaching the imperial audience court, in the centre of which stands the octagonal stele monument also made of reinforced concrete. On both sides of the courtyard, two rows of statues are facing towards the court center. In addition to these statues, similar to those of the other tombs, there are six more couples representing bodyguard soldiers. These statues are made of stone, a material very rare in Khai Dinh Tomb. The courtyard is flanked on both sides by two high and imposing pillars.

The Kuang Si Falls collects in numerous turquoise blue pools as it flows downstream

The Kuang Si Waterfalls, sometimes spelled Kuang Xi, is a three tier waterfall about 29 kilometres (18 miles) south of Luang Prabang in Laos. These waterfalls are a favourite side trip for tourists in Luang Prabang. The falls begin in shallow pools atop a steep hillside. These lead to the main fall with a 50 m cascade. The water collects in numerous turquoise blue pools as it flows downstream. The many cascades that result are typical of travertine waterfalls. Most people like it in Laos tour.

The multi-tiered falls are a quite spectacular site to behold; wet or dry season, there will be cool water wherein many locals and tourists can enjoy a quick dip or swim. There are plenty of benches surrounding the stretch of the falls and river to enjoy a picnic. There’s a bit of a trail that runs along the length of the park, with an enclosed area at one end which houses a few black bears in an attempt at a rescue center. There is stall food sold by a few vendors at the park. All in all, an enjoyable afternoon can be had at the Kuang Si Waterfalls. At least your feet will get wet so bring a change of clothes (the park offers changing rooms).
At the Kuang Si Falls, a pool of turquoise water eddies at the base of one large waterfall in a spectacular forest setting. The water then flows through a series of natural cascades that appear stepped like hillside rice paddies. Just outside Luang Prabang, the falls’ turquoise water flows pleasantly around you while you bathe in the shallow pools or swim in the deep. And for the game few, the rope swing over the lowest pool will bring out their inner Laotian Tarzan. And perhaps, after a walloping splash, a giddy smile or two. Great fun in a mesmerising setting.

Tran Quoc Pagoda is famous sacred place of Lord Buddha

Tran Quoc Pagoda is located on an island east of West Lake (Ho Tay), the temple has a history of 1,500 years, is considered the oldest in the Thang Long – Hanoi. Temple architecture is the harmonious combination between the majestic, ancient landscapes between the quiet elegance of an immense lake. As a Buddhist center of Thang Long in the Ly and Tran. With the value of history and architecture, Tran Quoc Pagoda is famous sacred place of Lord Buddha, the attractions are many Buddhist believers and visitors, foreign tourism in Vietnam. Most people like it in Vietnam tour.

This is the first time I have visited Tran Quoc Pagoda located beside the dazzling West Lake, on Thanh Nien Road, Hanoi. it is seated on an island linked by a bridge to the causeway between the two most romantic lakes of Hanoi: West Lake and Truc Bach Lake.
According to my guider the construction of the pagoda started in 541 and was completed in 545 under the reign of King Ly Nam De (544-548) under its original name of Khai Quoc (National Founder). It was at first built on the bank of the Red River (then West Lake and the Red River met).

The Pre Rup was the state temple of King Rajendravarman II

The Pre Rup was the state temple of King Rajendravarman II. It is a mountain temple build in the year 961, located just South of the large East baray and the East Mebon, another mountain temple build by Rajendravarman II just 9 years earlier. Most people like it in Cambodia tour.

In the early 20th century the Pre Rup had been completely overgrown and covered with soil. The temple was excavated during the 1930's by French conservators George Trouvé and Henri Marchal.
Square in shape the site is surrounded by two perimeter walls, the outer enclosure is a platform bounded by a laterite wall, 117 meters long by 127 meters wide with a causeway giving entry from the east. Within the inner enclosure either side of the eastern gate are a group of 6 towers aligned north to south, however one of the towers closest to the entrance appears to have been never built or removed at a later date.

Banteay Srey consists of low walls surrounding peaked structures of deep red sandstone

Banteay Srei or Banteay Srey is a 10th century Cambodia temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Located in the area of Angkor in Cambodia. It lies near the hill of Phnom Dei, 25 km (16 mi) north-east of the main group of temples that once belonged to the medieval capitals of Yasodharapura and Angkor Thom. Banteay Srei is built largely of red sandstone, a medium that lends itself to the elaborate decorative wall carvings which are still observable today. The buildings themselves are miniature in scale, unusually so when measured by the standards of Angkorian construction. These factors have made the temple extremely popular with tourists, and have led to its being widely praised as a "precious gem", or the "jewel of Khmer art. Most people like it in Cambodia tour.

The temple consists of low walls surrounding peaked structures of deep red sandstone. Banteay Srei means "Citadel of Women," and it is said that the reliefs on this temple are so delicate that they could only have been carved by the hand of a woman. The well-preserved relief carvings on the central buildings depict scenes from ancient Hindu tales.
Located in a remote area the temple was rediscovered in 1914 and cleared some 10 years later. It was reconstructed using the method of anastylosis by French conservator Henri Marchal during the 1930's. Today the Banteay Srei is a very well preserved monument. Its exquisite ornamentations that cover most of the temple show great skill and precision.

Mandalay is the base for exploring the ‘ancient cities’

King Mindon Min built his walled palace, with each side extending 1.2 miles, in 1875. The surrounding moat is 230 feet wide and almost 10 feet deep. During WWII, the royal palace was destroyed by fire. The original walls, the moat and the base on which the wooden palace buildings and apartment stood remain today. Because Mandalay Palace was far more than just a royal living quarters (it was a walled city within Mandalay), the palace has been reconstructed. Most people like it in Burma tour / Myanmar tour.

Despite its Ayeyarwady river location 88 km north of Nyaung U, Myingyan sort a rhymes with engine sees very few travelers, as major bus routes bypass the bumpier roads that come here. Some long distance Myanmar boats stop at the Ayeyarwady clocks, just west of town, but not the Mandalay Bagan express boats.
Finally, Mandalay is the base for exploring the ‘ancient cities’ along the course of the Ayeyarwady River – please see the ‘Daytrips from Mandalay’ page of our website. Return to the Golden City in the evening for sunset from Mandalay Hill, a delicious meal, and an atmospheric walk along the Royal city moat.

Siem Reap to Battambang

Cambodia’s second largest city lies in the heart of the Northwest and until the war years was the leading rice-producing province of the country. Battambang did not give way to the Khmer Rouge movement until after the fall of Phnom Penh, but it’s been in the center of the ongoing government Khmer Rouge conflict ever since the Vietnamese invasion in 1979 pushed the genocidal regime out of Phnom Penh and to the Northwest. Most people like it in Indochina Cambodia tour or Vietnam Cambodia Thailand Tours.

Siem Reap to Battambang

Boat Daily ferry departs in each direction at 7:00am. $18-$25/person. It's a picturesque, 6-8 hour journey across the Tonle Sap and along the Sangker River in the wet season, but can be considerably longer or cancelled in the dry season due to low water levels. Ask about current conditions. The boats in no way meet international safety standards.

Road (National Routes #6 and #5, via Sisophon): The road from Battambang to Siem Reap around the west side of the lake is in excellent condition.

Bus At least four bus companies (including Capitol Tours, Phnom Penh Sorya and Rith Mony) run two or three daily a/c buses, most leaving in the morning. Buy tickets at the bus company office. $4-$5, 2½-3 hours.

Taxi A private taxi costs $40-$45 and takes about 3 hours.

Air There are currently no regularly scheduled flights to Battambang.

The Plain of Jars has all the ingredients to stir the imagination

The Plain of Jars has all the ingredients to stir the imagination. Shrouded in mystery and myth, and laced with intrigue and tragedy, this is a bizarre collection of ancient cylinders scattered in their hundreds across the war-scarred countryside of northern Laos's Xieng Khuang province.
Many agents are not willing to commit to a price or even an itinerary until he knows how many tourists will sign up, and he will only know so around 19:00 after the last bus arrives from Vientiane/Vang Vieng/Luang Prabang. A good bet is to ask around to get a feel of which agent you are comfortable with, and return at 19:00 to double-check if he's still doing a group tour the next day. A simple lunch of beef/chicken noodles is usually included in the tour price. Most people like it in Laos tour or Laos tour package.

Should you fail to get into a group tour, agents are willing to do a private tour for 1 tourist in a minibus, but the price vary greatly from 300,000 kip to 500,000 kip or more.

Floating gardens used as orchards are enriched with nutrients water

Floating gardens used as orchards are enriched with nutrients water, but certainly the most characteristic detail of the place is the widespread move mode driven boat “with the leg rowing style” that made them famous. Most people like it in Myanmar tour or Burma tour package.

 
Firstly, naturally occurring clumps of water hyacinth, “seagrass” and other lake debris are captured by the farmer and secured in position using bamboo poles. These are driven into the deep mud at the bottom of the lake, in areas of water between 1 and 5 metres deep.

The newly created island is allowed to knit together, and grass is encouraged to grow on the surface. The grass is then cut, dried and finally burned to create a nutritious dressing of ash. More “seagrass” is heaped on top, with a final layer of fine mud from the bottom of the lake. Eventually the mats become 1m thick with about a third of that above water level. They are very stable, although I declined an invitation to stand on one. What a coward!

Pattaya Beach is well known by most of Tourists

Pattaya Beach, With Curved bay of about 3kilometers long, lay itself along the west side of city. Pattayabeach is well known by most of Tourists, with it new developed cleanbeach and well manage by City governor. Most people like it in Thailand tour or Vietnam Cambodia Thailand Tours.

All beachs of Pattayabeach from north Pattaya to south Pattaya were decolated by beautyfulflowers. On Pattaya beach you can find many activities offers to yousuch as Jet Ski, Banana Boat, Parachute-Skiing etc.
Hotels and guesthouses in every price range have more than 12,000 rooms available, and while Pattaya is not the cheapest beach resort in the region, it is competitively priced when compared to similar vacation destinations. It is unsurpassed in the variety of services and activities available.

Thien Mu is a well-know pagoda in Hue

Thien Mu is a well-know pagoda in Hue. The pagoda is located on Ha Khe hill, Huong Long commune, Hue city. It possesses an ancient architecture style which is regarded as one of the most beautiful in Hue. Most people like it in Vietnam Tour.

A building near the rear of the complex houses a national relic: the car which carried the monk Thich Quang Duc to the intersection of Phan Dinh Phung and Le Van Duyet streets in Saigon on June 11th 1963, where he burned himself to death in opposition to the anti-religion policy of Saigon’s regime at that time. The best time to travel to Vietnam is from November to April of the following year.

Coming to this prestigious sightseeing, visitors can enjoy both the scenery landscape and the typical traditional architecture of Hue pagodas. Thanks to its high position upward a charming curve of Perfume River, the pagoda offers a mind-boggling view of both the flow and the surrounding areas. Covered with pine trees, bonsai and delicate manmade pond, this religious site brings about a peaceful feeling which is hard to find anywhere else.

Luang Prabang is well known for its ancient Buddhist temples and monasteries

   Situated in north central Laos, where the Nam Khan River meets the Mekong River, Luang Prabang is notable as a UNESCO world heritage site, and well known for its ancient Buddhist temples and monasteries. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995, the town was described by the global body as "an outstanding example of the fusion of traditional architecture and Lao urban structures with those built by the European colonial authorities in the 19th and 20th centuries. Its unique, remarkably well-preserved townscape illustrates a key stage in the blending of these two distinct cultural traditions." Most people like in their Laos tour.

Some Cafes and restaurants
    Books and Tea L'Etranger - downstairs is a book shop/swap and upstairs is a bar selling drinks and cake in a room covered in cushions for lazing around and reading. Movies everyday at 19:00. A tad greedy and unfriendly on the book exchange business.
    The Bowling Alley on the edge of the town is the unlikely centre for after-curfew revelry. Serves Beerlao and whisky well into the early hours of the morning to a raucous backpacker crowd, and also happens to be a bowling alley (20,000 kip per person per game after midnight). Even the addition of lanes doesn't seem to have dented the emphasis on drinking. This is invariably reached by crowds of people sharing tuk-tuks, which cluster around the bottom end of Phousi Rd around the time the bars close.
    Hive Bar, Phousi Road.. closes 11:30pm sharp. Established, Americanised and highly popular watering hole, with cosy brick-lined rooms and an outside terrace. Notable for their ethnic fashion shows at 19:00. most days of the week and their range of Lao Lao cocktails. Not remotely Lao style, manager dont even let the staff speak their mother tongue.  edit
    Lao Lao Garden and the adjacent Lao Lao Bar, Phousi Road.. closes 22:30. Popular with the backpacker crowd - in addition to their acclaimed food, it is marketed as a place to "drink like a fish for the price of water".  edit

Wat Benchamabophit Dusitvanaram is a famous Buddhist monument of Bangkok

Wat Benchamabophit Dusitvanaram, or Wat Benchamabophit is a famous Buddhist monument of Bangkok.Popularly referred to as ‘The Marble Temple’ and one of the major tourist attraction of Bangkok. Thailand tour

Noted for its construction in Carrana marble, Wat Benchamabophit was built during the reign of King Rama V. Its design is different from many temples in that it utilises stained glass and other aspects more common to western religious structures. The temple houses a number of bronze Buddha images and it is decorated with beams covered in gold leaf. Worth a visit if you have plenty of time, if not, probably best to concentrate on some of the main sites.
Located on Si Ayutthaya Road, Wat Benjamabopit is tricky to get to by public transport. Possibly the fastest way to get there is Express Boat to Tewet pier and a taxi the rest of the way. If you want to go all the way by taxi the fare will be 80-90 Baht from central Bangkok depending on traffic.

Ha Long Bay is home to 14 endemic floral species and 60 endemic faunal species

Ha Long Bay has an area of around 1,553 km2, including 1,960–2,000 islets, most of which are limestone. The core of the bay has an area of 334 km2 with a high density of 775 islets. The limestone in this bay has gone through 500 million years of formation in different conditions and environments. The evolution of the karst in this bay has taken 20 million years under the impact of the tropical wet climate. The geo-diversity of the environment in the area has created biodiversity, including a tropical evergreen biosystem, oceanic and sea shore biosystem. Ha Long Bay is home to 14 endemic floral species and 60 endemic faunal species. Most people like it in Vietnam tour, the best time to travel to Vietnam is November to April of the following year.

 

Hung Sung Sot Cave at Bo Hon Island Hung Sung Sot Cave is located on the same island as Virgin Cave and has a steep path lined with shady trees. There are two chambers in the cave with a square-shaped outer chamber and a ceiling about 30 metres high. The inner chamber formations look like sentries conversing with one another and another formation, resembling a general surveying his troops, lies in the middle of the chamber. The moving light reflected from the water outside seems to bring these formations to life.
Pelican Cave at Bo Hon Island Pelican Cave (Hang Bo Nau) is also popular with tourists. Many of them love to take photos of this cave and its spectacular stalactites hanging from the ceiling.
Virgin Cave at Bo Hon Island The Virgin Cave (Hang Trinh Nu) is one of the most famous caves in Halong Bay. It is probably best known for its shrine. Legend claims that a beautiful woman committed suicide in the cave, unable to return home after being forced to marry an old Mandarin. Here her body tuned into stone. Another similar legend says this girl escaped from a Mandarin that forced her to marry him because her father could not pay a debt. When fishermen found her body, they buried her here and built a small shrine inside the grotto.

Bagan represents the spiritual heritage and heartland of old Burma

  Listed as a world heritage site in 1998 by UNESCO, Bagan represents the spiritual heritage and heartland of old Burma. With temples, pagodas and stupas dating from the 9th century, Bagan and its 2229 monuments is considered to be one of the richest archaeological sites of Asia. Burma tour

It is a prototype for virtually all later stupas over Myanmar. The stupa sits on three rising terraces.   Enameled plaques in panels around the base of the stupa illustrate scenes from the previous lives of the Buddha. At the cardinal points, facing the terrace stairways, are four shrines, each of which houses a 4m-high bronze standing Buddha cast in 1102, these figures are Bagan largest surviving bronze Buddhas. Surrounding the stupa are clusters of rest houses and shrines, some of them old, others more modern, though none of them is original. In addition to ranking as one of the oldest stupas in Bagan, Shwezigon is known as the site where the 37 pre-Buddhist nats were first officially endorsed by the Bamar monarchy. Figures of the 37 nats can be seen in a shed to the south-east of the platform.
  The stone monuments, within the outside domed passageways, are considered distinctive in Bagan. 1500 stone pictures are gotten within the temple. The extraordinary pictures carved from one rock (regular size is 3.5 feet high, 2.42 feet wide and one foot dense) are people who represent eighty chapters from Buddha’s life. additionally seen are forty chapters from the last lifetime of the Lord Buddha, starting with a picture of Setaketu deva to aristocrat Buddha glancing over the wall-hanging for a final consider his partner Yasodaya and his baby son Yahula, beforehand he leftward the palace for the lifetime of outsider within the forest.

Saigon was already a busy commercial center

  Looking at Ho Chi Minh right now, those who are not aware of its history might find it hard to believe that this city has been through turmoil. Formerly known as Saigon, the city was originally a small fishing village called Prey Nokor before it became a French colony of Cochin-china and the capital of South Vietnam. These days, Ho Chi Minh is a favourite with tourists.

  It is a good idea to head to the Notre Dame Cathedral for some sightseeing and perhaps a coffee on one of the side streets or in the park. There are many museums, galleries and pagodas around town. The most popular attractions are probably the War Remnants Museum, V?nh Nghiêm Pagoda and the C? Chi Tunnels.

  Many centuries ago, Saigon was already a busy commercial center. Merchants from China, Japan and many European countries would sail upstream the Saigon River to reach the islet of Pho, a trading center. In the year of 1874, Cho Lon merged with Saigon, forming the largest city in the Indochina. It had been many times celebrated as the Pearl of the Far East. After the reunification of the country, the 6th National Assembly in its meeting of the 2nd of July, 1976, has officially rebaptized Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City. The history of city relates closely with the struggle for the independence and freedom of Vietnam.

The Shwedagon Pagoda is a 99 metres gilded pagoda and stupa located in Yangon

  The Shwedagon Pagoda, also known in English as the Great Dagon Pagoda and the Golden Pagoda, is a 99 metres gilded pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of Kandawgyi Lake, on Singuttara Hill, thus dominating the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda for the Burmese with relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined within: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Ko?āgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair from Gautama, the historical Buddha. Uppatasanti Pagoda is an exact replica of Shwedagon Pagoda in Naypyidaw, the new capital of Burma.

  
  The reason why the Shwedagon is so special because its Spire is made up of a thick quote of gold and has lots and lots of diamonds, rubies and precious gems embedded in it. The lighting effect in the Shwedagon Stupa gives it a different feel altogether, the entire place lilts as of it is the aura of Lord Buddha still prevailing in the place.

  The perimeter of the base of the Pagoda is 1.420 fee and its height 326 feet above the platform. The base is surrounded by 64 small pagodas with four larger. one in the center of each side. There also are 4 sphinxes. one at each corner with 6 leogryphs. 3 on each side of them. Projecting beyond the base of the Pagoda. one on the center of each side are Tazaungs in which are images of the Buddha and where offerings are made.

Siem Reap is still a little charmer

  Siem Reap province is located in northwest Cambodia. It is the major tourist hub in Cambodia, as it is the closest city to the world famous temples of Angkor (the Angkor temple complex is north of the city). The provincial capital is also called Siem Reap and is located in the South of the province on the shores of the Tonle Sap Lake, the greatest sweet water reserve in whole Southeast Asia. The name of the city literally means Siamese defeated, referring to the victory of the Khmer Empire over the army of the Thai kingdom in the 17th century.

  At its heart, Siem Reap is still a little charmer, with old French shop-houses, shady tree-lined boulevards and a slow-flowing river. But it is expanding at breakneck speed with new houses and apartments, hotels and resorts sprouting like mushrooms in the surrounding countryside. The tourist tide has arrived and locals are riding the wave. Not only is this great news for the long-suffering Khmers, but it has transformed the town into a pulsating place for visitors. Forget the naysayers who mutter into their beers about Siem Reap in the ‘old days’, now is the time to be here, although you may curse your luck when stuck behind a jam of tour buses on the way back from the temples.
  Siem Reap was little more than a village when the first French explorers re-discovered Angkor in the 19th century. With the acquisition of Angkor by the French in 1907 due to the Franco-Siamese agreement, Siem Reap began to grow, absorbing the first wave of tourists. The Grand Hotel d'Angkor opened its doors in 1929 and the temples of Angkor remained one of Asia's leading draws until the late 1960s, luring visitors like Charlie Chaplin and Jackie Kennedy. In 1975, the population of Siem Reap, along with that of the rest of the cities and towns in Cambodia, was evacuated by the communist Khmer Rouge and driven into the countryside.