Archive for June 21st, 2006
For the Burmese people - The Shwedagon Paya is the most sacred of all Buddhist sites in the country, one which all Burmese hope to visit at least once in a life time…
For the tourists visiting Myanmar - The Shwedagon Paya is one of the “MUST SEE” sites and no one can miss it…
Best time to visit?
I always go there either at the sun rise and sun set time when you see the sun casts its first and last ray on the chedi - its absolutely divine!
Not only just wandering around and looking at the various shrines around the place - its also when you see hundreds of people sitting there chanting, praying or meditating on the floor. Its really an amazing atmosphere where you cannot find it any where in the world!
Meanwhile - a tip for visiting Shwedagon Paya (or any temples in Myanmar): Shoes and socks must be removed before stepping onto any sacred ground. It is important to know ahead of time so you will not be surprised when you arrive!
June 21st, 2006
Those of you who have been traveling within Thailand many times and are looking for a new place to go for your a weekend getaway to Hanoi (from Bangkok) might be interested to know that Air Asia is now currently running 3 flights a day Bangkok/Hanoi/Bangkok based on the following schedules (June 2006):
Bangkok/Hanoi
FD# 3702 (1145/1340)
FD# 3704 (1900/2050)
FD# 3706 (1900/2050)
Hanoi/Bangkok
FD# 3707 (2130/2315)
FD# 3705 (2130/2315)
FD# 3703 (1420/1600)
Airfare is from US$ 92.00 per person return ONLY!
Well - if you book yourself in a nice/clean 3-star hotels (such as Galaxy Hotel or Saigon Hanoi Hotel) or decent 4-star hotels (such as Guaman Hotel or Sunway Hotel) for 2 nights - the whole trip will cause you something like:
US$ 260-US$ 320.00 and up ONLY (costs based on 2 persons traveling in shared
basis and exclude any airport departure taxes,
transfers and meals)
Its MUCH cheaper than you travel within Thailand! Since this Bangkok/Hanoi/Bangkok routing has been launched - my favorite place for a weekend getaway from Bangkok is going to Hanoi as it has always been my favorite city in Asia! For your information : No visa needed for Thai citizens traveling to Vietnam now!
Since this Bangkok/Hanoi/Bangkok routing has been launched - my favorite place for a weekend getaway from Bangkok is going to Hanoi as it has always been my favorite city in Asia! !
June 21st, 2006
Well, air travel within Vietnam has expanded over the last 5 years and Vietnam Airlines, the national air carrier has upgraded its fleet of aircraft. Today Airbus A-320s, ATRs and Fokkers are ued to fly between major cities of Vietnam. Limits on checked luggage are 20 kgs. (44 pounds) per person in economy class and 30 kgs. (66 pounds) per person in business class (business class is only available on the Airbus A-320 aircraft only).
Hope this information will be useful when you go on your shopping spree in Vietnam!!!!
June 21st, 2006
Like most Asian nations today, the practice of giving a monetary gratuity has become accepted and often expected. In light of the low fixed salaries paid employess - in all countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar - small monetary tip (in US Dollars) is always greatly appreciated.
Here’s your guide to doling out the right gratuity:
Hotels:
Bell Boys - US$ 1 or US$ 2 will do nicely for the bell boys.
Concierges - generally not necessary unless you ask for a special help from them such as
getting you a cap to the airport, booking the table at the most popular
restaurants in town etc. - in that case US$ 2-US$ 5 tip is recommended.
Restaurants:
Generally up to 10% on top of the bill if you are happy with the services and would to shoiw your appreciation to restaurant staffs.
Taxis:
We do not tip taxi drivers in this part of the world. However, only a small amount or a round up from the total fare is given by most people.
June 21st, 2006
This is one of the best websites featuring His Majesty the King and his biography, Golden Jubilee Rites, Royal activities, Royal projects, Royal speeches, Royal talents and Royal music.
It also contains great video clips of the 60th Anniversary Celebration of of His Majesty’s Accession to the Throne including famous music composed by His Majesty the King.
The website projected was initiated by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and I must say it is very nicely done with all the information one needs to know about our king. Certainly worth a browse throug!
Long Live His Majesty the King!
June 21st, 2006
Last night we had a chance to eat at “Kanon“, the Japanese restaurant recommended to us by a Japanese friend of ours. Everything that we have ordered such as seafood salad, pork with ginger, deep-fried eggplants with cheese etc. are all excellent and very tasty. Very important to note that its prices are very reasonable too.
Atmosphere?
Well - its contemporary modern and simple. Nothing fancy but very clean (think its one of the reason why food is not so expensive here as they did not have much of the interior decoration!).
Where is it?
“Kanon” is located off Sukhumvit 33/1 (very near to Villa Supermarket) on the same entrance to Blockbuster VDO shop. If you enter from main Sukhumvit Road, the shop is located on the 2nd floor of Tokyo Optical Shop. If you come by BTS Sky Train - get off at Prompong Station and walk back towards Asoke Intersection (on the opposite side of Emporium Department Store).
The restaurant is opened for lunch and dinner every day from 11.30 a.m. - 2.00 p.m. and 5.30 p.m.-10.30 p.m. Tel: 02-662-3128
I know Bangkok is not the best place for authentic Japanese food but this one is certainly worth a try if you are Japanese food lover and are looking for some non-Thai food for a change while you are here!
June 21st, 2006
