7 Romantic Getaways in Southeast Asia

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bali, el nido, perhentian island, Siem Reap

Southeast Asia is one of the most romantic locations in the world. The luscious greenery and uniquely colorful flowers and plants make it an often-overlooked paradise. In addition, the Asian culture is soft-spoken and chivalrous making every encounter leak with romance. If you and your partner are looking for a romantic escape, consider one of these romantic getaway ideas in Southeast Asia:

Photo : pixabay

Bali, Indonesia

Bali is a gorgeous Indonesian island with scenery that comes close to looking like a postcard. Couples can explore the lush jungles or camp out on one of the white sandy beaches. Bali is famous for their island monkeys and guests can visit the Sacred Monkey Forest for a fun interaction with these native creatures. Whether you want to relax and soak up the beach and spa, or are looking for a more action-packed trip, Bali has the best of both worlds.

Also Check : 5 Luxury Beachfront Villas in Thailand 

Luang Prabang, Laos

This landlocked country lies at the heart of Indochina. The fact that it does not border the peninsula makes it unique to Southeast Asia. The country is rich in culture and history and has a tourism slogan of “Simply Beautiful”. Luang Prabang in Northern Laos is one of the most visited cities in the country. The charming town has preserved its heritage and is home to former royal palaces and more than 30 temples. Nestled in the mountains, the city is absolutely breath taking. Outside the walls of the city tourists also enjoy hiking to the stunning Tad Fane Waterfall and the infamous Plain of Jars.

                                    Photo : pixabay

Koh Samui, Thailand

This Thai island was once a thriving fishing community and the simplicity and charm of the age still exists today. Koh samui is also one of popular beach wedding destinations in the world with the exquisite traditional Thai ceremony. Couples can explore the Ang Thong National Marine Park that boasts several secluded lagoons or enjoy a relaxing day at one of the island’s famous spas. Mainland Thailand is also a great spot for adventure. Many tourists enjoy the famous riding elephant tours or the notorious Temple of Reclining Buddha.

                                   Photo : pixabay

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Vietnam is the perfect destination in May-October during its dry winter season. Couples who enjoy the romance of rain could also explore the historic country during monsoon season from April-November. Popular tourist attractions and sites include the caves of Ha Long Bay and the Marble Mountain region. Vietnam is also one of the great holiday destinations in southeast asia. The country celebrates holidays based on the lunar calendar and hosts a wide range of festivals throughout the year. The New Year’s festival is one of the most popular and is enjoyed each year by tourists across the globe.

                        Photo : pixabay

Siem Reap, Cambodia

This country is loaded with gorgeous romantic temples which is perfect for the more adventurous couple. Siem Reap is one of the country’s most vibrant cities and boasts a French Colonial atmosphere that is completely conducive to a romantic getaway. The city offers plenty of off-road exploring mixed with delicious restaurants and unique shopping experiences. Watching the sun rise and set from the famous Angkor Wat temple site is a must-do for any visitor. For a taste of the local culture, tourists can also visit Artisans Angkor which is a local trade school for disadvantaged Cambodians. They craft and sell beautiful pieces which can later be purchased in the school’s shop.

                        Photo : Jpatokal via Wikitravel

Perhentian Island, Malaysia

The Perhentian Islands are located on the coast of Malaysia and offer seclusion and privacy for any romantic getaway. The relatively underdeveloped islands give off a castaway feeling while still offering enough civilization and activity to make for a fun trip. The islands offer luscious jungle greenery perfect for hiking and picnics. Scuba diving and kayaking are also popular activities on the islands.

                                  Photo : pixabay

El Nido, Philippines

El Nido is one of the most popular destinations in the Philippines. The weathered limestone of the islands creates a protective barrier and keeps the coves and warm tropical waters of crystal clear complexion. The island is pretty secluded and requires an eight hour bus ride from the nearest airport or the expense of using the island’s private air strip. The white sandy beaches are perfect for a day of sun-bathing and the aqua water is conducive to scuba diving and snorkeling. The Pagsanjan Falls are a popular tourist site as well as the WWII monument and memorial at Corregidor Island.

These are just a few of the many romantic weekend escapes for couples in the Southeast Asia region. The culture and scenery of these mysterious tropical getaways is an experience that can’t be missed!

About author: Riya is an inspired writer. She is delighted to work with many aspiring small business owners. Riya loves cooking, crafting and yes! Sipping a good coffee. Check out her twitter, @sanderriya.

5 Luxury Beachfront Villas in Thailand with Private Pool

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kc resort, thailand accommodation, thailand tourism

For those who envision days and nights spent in one’s own personal paradise, tucked away in some far-away island, there are Thailand private pool villas that can satisfy this need. Whether you are looking for an off-the-beaten-track yet comfortable experience or a luxurious private retreat near the beach, Thailand has something for you.

KC Resort and Over Water Villas

Located in Koh Samui island in Surat Thani province, KC Resort offers one of the best luxury villas in Thailand. The hotel accommodations, which are perched on a hillside, offers impressive views of Chaweng Bay and nearby Matlang Island.

KC Resort has 16 overwater villas, which are suspended on stilts over a 60m² crystal clear infinity pool. This unique design allows guests to swim under or around the private villa, pausing to admire the panoramic views of the ocean. In keeping with the natural theme, the villas are constructed with materials such as cedar and teak.

Also Check : 10 Best Things to in Dubai You Just Can’t Miss

Coastal Escape

Unobstructed views of the world famous Pha Nga Bay welcomes visitors to this holiday resort Koh Yao Noi. This piece of paradise offers the best of both worlds with its proximity to tourist magnets such as Phuket and Krabi, access to best modern amenities, including free fiber optic wi-fi access in all rooms and public areas, and private comfort.

Coastal Escape has carved a quiet space away from the crowd with spaces designed with the visitor in mind. Coastal Escape has deluxe beach accommodations that offer the best in Thailand luxury villas. Each 2-bedroom villa has their own private plunge pool with a comfortable patio that offers views of the beach or the limestone cliffs of the bay.

The Place

The Place, an appropriately named corner of paradise in Koh Tao Island, has nine boutique villas with an open-plan design that integrates the great outdoors with the living space. Guests to savor the ocean views can open huge floor length sliding doors completely. Each villa has its own infinity pool and private sundeck, and a glass roof shower to complete the experience of living in nature.

Guests at The Place will appreciate the seclusion and privacy of the location. The Place also supports responsible eco-tourism and has adopted sustainable practices such as using eco-friendly products and integrating rain catchment and other green design features into the facilities.

Amatara Resort

Amatara resort, which is hidden in a quiet corner of Phuket, offer not only 5-star accommodations but also wellness amenities for guests. The resort, which overlooks the turquoise waters of Andaman Bay, has around 35 ocean villas, each with a private pool and unobstructed views of the waters. They also have a pool pavilion, which has an ensuite outdoor pool. As a wellness resort, Amatara offers several luxury packages for guests who want to relax, detoxify, or participate in a spa or weight management program during their stay.

Paradise Koh Yao

Located in a perfect secluded spot within a tropical rainforest which opens up to the waters of Phang Nga bay, Paradise offers guests one of the best in Koh Yao Noi accommodation. The resort combines comfortable amenities while embracing a tropical, shabby chic aesthetic, which takes guests away from the hustle and bustle of modern living. For those who want peace and quiet, the resort has several villas with its own pool and jacuzzi and direct access to the beach. True to the aesthetic of the resort, these accommodations blend indoor and outdoor living with an expansive living area, outdoor bar, as well as a tropical bathroom and rainshower.

The wide variety of beach villas in Thailand allows guest to choose and customize their vacation experience. Here in this part of Asia, there is a multitude of secluded corners near crystal clear ocean waters that could help you shed the stress of modern living.

About the author: Wassana Lampech currently lives in Chiang Mai. She is a girl who loves traveling, originally from the Southern part of Thailand. You can find her on Twitter or see more Thailand photos from her Instagram.

10 Best Things to in Dubai You Just Can’t Miss

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dubai museum, hotels in dubai, places to visit dubai

Dubai is one destination that holds a new surprise almost every time you visit it. A city of biggest world records, Dubai is a world of glitz and glamour with a unique Middle Eastern touch that makes it distinct. Dubai fascinates every single of its tourists with its undying energy, warmth and optimism. Every trip to Dubai is one of a kind experience.

Every trip to Dubai no matter how long or short must have a bucket list of a few best things to do and they must include the following 10 activities.

1. Shop, Shop, and Shop

No trip to Dubai is complete without shopping. One of the world’s biggest shopping destinations, Dubai is every shopper’s dream. If you have the will to hold back your wallet, we still guarantee, that you will splurge on shopping more than you generally do. The city has so much to offer, at such amazing prices that it’s almost impossible to hold yourself back. From the best of the world brands to the local handmade carpets, everyday shopping bonanza to the world famous Dubai Shopping Festival; shopping in Dubai is certainly one of the best things to do.

2. Experience Snow in the desert city

Go Ski Dubai. This world’s first and largest indoor ski resort beckons you for its 22500 square meters area consisting of 5 slopes of different steepness, the world’s first indoor black diamond run spanning an area of 400 meters, and various other features such as rails, boxes, kickers.  There is a snow park play area too with toboggan runs, climbing towers, icy body slides, and also an ice cave. Situated inside one of the world’s largest shopping malls- Mall of the Emirates, Ski Dubai boasts of real penguins and allows exclusive interaction with them as well.

3. The Grandeur of Burj Khalifa

No matter how short is your trip to Dubai, one if its main attraction that should definitely not be missed is the tallest manmade structure of the world- the mighty Burj Khalifa. This 160 storey building houses various hotels, restaurants, offices, and residential houses and boasts of an observatory deck on its 144th floor. It allows the visitors to spend 30 minutes admiring the world around and below them from literally the top of the world. The building is a modern engineering marvel and its observation deck is an experience in itself.

4. Dubai Aquarium and underwater zoo

How often do you get to see the world’s largest suspended acrylic aquarium with a 10 million liter water tank? If it sounds unbelievable, visit the Dubai Mall and see for yourself on its ground floor. The aquarium is home to over 33000 marine animals including rays, huge sharks and snakes. Continue your exploration of the marine life magic with the underwater zoo that contains over 458 marine species visible at an 180 degree view. Go through the three mesmerizing ecological zones- Living Ocean, rocky shores, and rainforest and enjoy marine life like nowhere else.

5. The Dubai Desert Safari

It is said that no trip to Dubai is complete without experiencing the Dubai Desert Safari, and rightly so, there’s hardly any other experience that clubs the best of adventure, leisure, luxury and enjoyment in one activity. Enjoy dune bashing, quad biking, overnight camping with sumptuous array of international cuisine, dance, music, entertainment and a night under the starlit sky; all of this only at the Dubai Desert Safari.

6. Explore the Souks of Dubai

The souks of Dubai are the best places to get a feel of the local culture and people. Some of the world’s best known souks like the Gold souk, the Spice and the perfume souks are in Dubai. The crammed streets with retail shops showcasing the best of their products at throw away prices, the electrifying energy that the bustling streets infects you with, the vibrancy of the place that grips you and the unbelievable bargains are best experienced than explained.

7. The feel of Old Dubai at the Bastakia Quarter

One of the most evocative areas of Dubai’s humble past, the Bastakia quarter lane instantly transports you to the Bedouin era when Dubai thrived on the basic necessities. Like a precious flower surrounded by modern skyscrapers, the historical Bastakiya district is one of the most picturesque Dubai heritage sites featuring the traditional Wind towers, and narrow pedestrianized areas.

8. The Global Village

A premier leisure, shopping and entertainment destination, Global Village hosts about 6 million visitors every year during its tenure from November till April. Located at Dubailand- presumably the world’s largest entertainment destination project, Global Village is a carnival like theme park with colossal sections of over 70 different countries showing off their nation’s best. In addition, it has dance, stage and various cultural shows and a host of entertainment options for tourists across all age groups.

9. Big Bus Tour

One of the ideal ways to see the best of Dubai tour is through the famous Big Bus Tour. With a choice of 12 recorded language translations, this open roof hop on/ hop off bus tour is the best way see Dubai’s best attractions along with an in- depth understanding of Dubai’s journey from a simple Bedouin village to a world tourist hub. Take their night tour to experience illuminated Dubai with live commentary.

10. Dubai Museum

There’s no better place to understand the rich history and sensational transformation of Dubai than the Dubai Museum located at the historic Al Fahidi fort. From the 10 minute video that kicks off as soon as you enter the museum you pass though village exhibits and the mock souq that depicts the trading of that time with craftsmen at work. Dubai Museum ends with the archeology section that displays the best findings from the excavations since the time of the city’s early settlement dating back to 4000 years.

Everything that you are able to see, feel and enjoy in Dubai is the result of its gutsy ambition, determination to make itself the best tourist destination, and the intellectual channelization of monetary resources. While the city is a cosmopolitan beehive during the day, after dark it becomes an illuminated party destination for one and all. Visit Dubai to enjoy a time of your life.

A Beginner’s Guide to Planning a Trip to Hawaii on a Budget

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beaches, bus travel in hawaii, Hawaii Beach, hotel in hawaii, Hula Dance

A vacation to Hawaii sounds like a trip to paradise. But, figuring out a trip to Hawaii cost can make you realize that a visit to paradise doesn’t come cheap.

The state of Hawaii is divided up to seven islands and each one has its own charm. So for those new to traveling to Hawaii, figuring out where to go in Hawaii usually is the first priority. Sometimes, that can mean the best island to visit in Hawaii because transportation from one island to another can often mean a costly short plane ride or a boat trip.

If you are interested in taking in Hawaii on a budget, here are a few tips to follow.

1) Know when to take the trip

Usually the winter months are when the most take a trip to Hawaii in an effort to avoid the cold and the snow. There are times in the latter half of January and February where things may slow down. However, prices generally remain high through April.

The good news is the weather makes Hawaii almost a year-round potential destination. May through September have more affordable pricing, but the months of October and November have the best discounts.

It should be noted that humpback whale watching is at its best in February while the Aloha Festivals are in September.

2) Stick with one island at a time

When planning a trip to Hawaii, be aware of how costly it is to go island-hopping. Rather, it is better to stay on one island to keep down travel costs. Even if the price isn’t too bad, it is still a time-consuming exercise you can do without when you are trying to squeeze in as much relaxation or sight-seeing time as possible on your trip.

The six main vacation islands (the Big Island, Oahu, Maui, Lanai, Molokai, Kauai) all have their own unique charms as it is. It is far easier to save trips to other islands for later Hawaii visits. Oahu is popular because the city of Honolulu is located there. The Big Island is larger than the other islands combined and is ideal for hikers as well as its volcanic national park. Maui is known for its great beaches. Molokai has the most native culture. Those who like nature would prefer Kauai while Lanai may be preferred for those looking to relax and get away from civilization.

3) Cities are preferable for newcomers

Normally in the continental U.S., the cities are expensive and rural regions are cheaper. However, because of the state being one-bit tourism spot, cities may actually be ideal for first-time visitors to Hawaii.

On the island of Oahu, where Honolulu is located, there is public transportation that can get to most stops in lieu of a rental car. Honolulu, being the capital of the state, is ideal for finding out more information about potential hidden tourist spots. Also, being new to Hawaii, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to start out with an Oahu luxury rental in regards to finding a spot to stay at during the trip.

4) Enjoy the beaches

Hawaii is world renowned for its beautiful beaches

Hawaii is renowned for its various beaches whether it is by Honolulu or elsewhere. Instead of going to various of tourist places that suck up the money, take time to relax on the beach and enjoy the weather without having to seriously dip into your wallet.

Finding the best beaches in Hawaii Big Island or even on Maui where just about any beach will do would be a wise and effective way to spend your vacation.

5) Finding place to stay

You could stay at a hotel, perhaps a hostel or looking into Hawaii luxury vacation rentals if you’re travelling with family would be a cheaper option. You can enjoy all-inclusive Hawaii vacations from wherever on the island, be it a five-star resort or a simple apartment for rent.

While it may be tougher to find guided tours from hotels. If you buy a package tour, make sure you understand general regulations in the package. Make sure the rented apartment is close to beaches and various modes of transportation. This way, you can only reserve rental cars for days when you are actually traveling around instead of relaxing on a sandy shore nearby.