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1/28/2014

Check in gets self service

AppId is over the quota
The service, which provides greater convenience to passengers of Bangkok Airways, is easy to do and saves the queues. Passengers who use the self-service kiosks can check-in for their flight from 24 hours up to 50 minutes prior to departure time and print their boarding pass, before proceeding to the designated baggage drop area. Visit www.BangkokAir.com

Ships ahoy!

PIMEX, the annual Phuket International Marine Exhibition, is being held from January 9 to 12 at Royal Phuket Marina on the island east coast. Billed as Asia's best boat show, the event brings together everything the boat enthusiast needs and wants. Majesty, Princess, Sunseeker are just some of the respected marine brands taking part. Visit www.PhuketBoatShow.com.

Flying high to Changsha

AirAsia adds yet another Chinese destination to its schedule with the addition of direct flights between Bangkok and Changsha, the capital of Hunan. AirAsia flight FD 2603 departs Don Mueang International Airport at 07.35am, and arrives at Changsha at 12.05pm local time. The return flight FD 2604 takes off at 12.55am and lands at Bangkok at 15.35. Changsha is located on the lower reaches of Xiang River, a branch of the Yangtze River, and is a major interior port and industrial centre.

Flower power

Tulips may not be native to Suphan Buri province but they’ll be blooming in this central province between January 1 and 12 thank to the genius of biotechnology. Check out the various varieties of the flowers at Suan Sawan Park in Suphan Buri’s U Thong district. Call (035) 437 705 extension 102.


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Pedalling in the Christchurch garden


Tourists dressed in high visibility vests cycle their way through New Zealand's second city, Christchurch, riding past closed roads, traffic cones and no entry signs.
Christchurch
Faded shipping containers are stacked five high to shore up the facades of earthquake-damaged buildings. Chain-link fencing cordons off dangerous buildings and vacant lots.
Christchurch was known as the Garden City before a devastating series of earthquakes struck, including a 6.3 quake on February 22, 2011, which killed 185 people. It is now commonly referred to as a "transitional" city.
Christchurch holds a life-style of dynamic business and education, wealthy art and culture, exciting cuisines and world-class wines. Regardless of what youre searching for, you'll find it nowadays class city. Christchurch is outlined by hillsides and also the Gulf Of Mexico, and it is found on the fringe of the Canterbury flatlands stretching towards the Southern Alps. It's centred within an section of tremendous physical contrast. Summer season are usually mild and sunny with low humidity. Blue skies would be the norm all year long the town has typically over 2,000 hrs of annual sunshine. Winter features delicate frosts on brittle morning and obvious, calm days. Fall frequently has got the longest duration of settled weather and, for garden enthusiasts, the town wears a particularly fine show in spring. A lot of the citys area continues to be put aside for parks, natural reserves and entertainment grounds. It's these, along with Christchurchs glorious parks and gardens which brought it to win an Worldwide Garden City Award. Using its great selection of points of interest and ideal accommodation facilities, Christchurch is location of many conferences and occasions. Inside a couple of minutes from the city center would be the new conference and event center in the Airforce Museum, CBS Canterbury Arena and AMI Stadium which provide multi-purposed venues for major sporting and entertainment occasions. A large range of entertainment points of interest offers a number of things to see and do citizens can also enjoy active or even more leisurely hobbies the entire all year round.
Christchurch Tourism chief executive Tim Hunter acknowledges the city looks desolate in places, particularly in the city's heart, Cathedral Square, which was out of bounds until the end of June, when the final central city cordon was removed.
"There are some big gaps," he muses. "It's a bit like someone's front teeth falling out."
With tourism as the country's second biggest export earner (after dairy products), the city is on the whole eager to welcome tourists back.
There are "rebuild" tours of the inner city by bicycle, bus or restored vintage tram.
Tour guides take visitors to see the new Cardboard Cathedral designed by Japanese emergency architect Shigeru Ban, to visit artist Peter Majendie's white-chairs memorial, which features 185 white chairs in remembrance of each life lost, and to the now vacant site where the Canterbury Television (CTV) building collapsed, killing 115.
Visits to the sites where people died are a sensitive issue for some.
One local, responding to a story on a new bus tour, said on the Christchurch Press website, "I think it's a bit disrespectful showing every Tom, Dick 'n Harry the places 100+ people died on that day. Show them the 185 white chairs instead."
Australian tourist Benji Gersh, who did a cycle tour around the city, felt it was voyeuristic to visit certain areas.
"Some places I didn't like taking my camera out, because it seemed pretty weird."
The owner of Christchurch City Bike Tours, Stephanie Fitts, says most of the visitors who choose the "rebuild tour" instead of her less earthquake-focused "original bike tour" are New Zealanders.
"When we first started doing the rebuild tour, we had a couple of German ladies and they had no idea that the city was like that, and they felt they'd just gone into a war zone. We were in there for about half an hour and they said, 'Oh actually, is it okay if we go and have a look at something else?'"
When Lonely Planet named Christchurch as one of the top 10 cities to visit in 2013, it said it was because of residents' inventiveness, creativity and resilience in the face of rebuilding the entire central city.
On the rebuild cycle tour, there are glimpses of creativity and humour.
Guide Jackie Sheehan takes visitors to a tree wrapped in orange high-visibility material to match the thousands of rebuild workers.


Christchurch Garden City Video

A Homer Simpson figure is visible beside an abandoned toilet through an open first floor wall and a filing cabinet and office chair survive in an upper-storey office among the ruins of a partially collapsed hotel.
As construction workers set to work on rebuilding the city's underground infrastructure (hence the closed roads), the head of the city's tourism agency, Hunter, works at persuading tourists to come to Christchurch, while making sure they know what to expect.
"It is a transitional city. We have got to make sure we pitch that honestly to people before they come."
He says tourists from New Zealand's nearest neighbour Australia, who watched the earthquakes unfold on live television, have been slowest to return after the quakes.
"There is a view that perhaps I shouldn't come to Christchurch because I will get in the way of the recovery or (that it might be) somewhat voyeuristic ... and none of those things are true. We are happy to talk about our recent past, even though it has been a bit of a challenge."
He cites the launch of pop-up bars around the city, and the Gap Filler project, which has livened up vacant city spaces with mini golf courses, temporary saunas and an outdoor dance mat as evidence of the city's resurgence.
"Those things are a sign of a city that has got a bit of vitality and really wants to get going again ... and (time) has passed. I think the issue about respect for the dead, it's just no longer relevant to the situation we are in, we have moved on ...
"There will be some significant memorials created in the city that do justice to the gravity of the event, but it is a big city of 360,000 people, it needs to get on with its life, and people need to see that vitality."


1/27/2014

A trip back through time

Kaifeng, in Henan Province, is one of the oldest cities in China. During the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127), the city population exceeded 1 million, and it prospered as both the capital and the world’s largest city at the time.

Bao Zheng (or Pao Pun Jin as he's known through the traditional Chinese courtroom drama), was governor of Kaifeng during China’s Northern Song Dynasty in the 11th century and holds lasting appeal among Chinese people as an incorruptible hero who championed political justice.

At the edge of Bao Gong Lake in the old part of the city, the Memorial Temple of Lord Bao enshrines Bao Zheng, who is sometimes referred to as Bao Gong.

Although the temple was constructed in 1987, it was modelled after the architectural style of the Song Dynasty, and provides a solemn atmosphere that's perfect for paying respect. Visitors walk through a garden to the main hall, where a bronze statue of a seated Bao stands nearly three metres tall. The formally attired governor sits squarely with a steadfast stare as if to say Bao will not overlook injustice.

A wooden panel emblazoned with four Chinese characters hangs above the statue. It reads "Zheng-da-guang-ming", meaning just and honourable. Many visitors put their hands together or kneel in prayer in front of the statue. During our visit, a 36-year-old man from Heilongjiang Province gazing at the statue, told us, "I've admired Bao as a fair official since I was a child".

A governor at the time would be responsible for duties performed by judges today. The popular image of Bao among Chinese people is that of an ally of the common man, who stood against cruel bureaucrats in deciding one difficult case after another. This image owes a lot to the influence of repeatedly broadcast TV dramas about Bao, which were drawn from theatrical plays and novels produced after the governor's time.

Some are even moving to incorporate Bao's spirit into current judicial education.

However, Yu Xiaoman, an associate professor at School of Act, Henan University, cautions that the historical figure Bao does not necessarily accord with the Bao of TV dramas. Bao was excellent in his studies and passed the difficult examination for government service to become a bureaucrat in his 20s, going on to become an elite official and climbing rapidly through the ranks.

According to Yu, although Bao was no doubt a man of integrity, there are no historical materials that attest to Bao being the heroic champion of justice TV drama viewers know.

"Bao was deified as an ideal public official in the people's imagination during the Yuan Dynasty, a time when people's lives were thrown into chaos by a rapidly changing society," Yu says.

In the Memorial Temple of Lord Bao, there is a stone monument on which names of previous governors of Kaifeng are inscribed. Where Bao’s name should be, the text is indented and nearly impossible to make out.

"This part was worn away by the many people who have touched Bao's name to follow his example," says Zhou Xiaoqing, a guide at the temple.

Bao's deep-seated popularity may reflect popular dissatisfaction with corruption among bureaucrats and a non-transparent judiciary. Sun Xiuhua, 76, who claims to pay respect at Bao's statue every day without fail, tells us proudly that Bao, who was free from corruption, was the people's pride in Kaifeng.

Zhou shares one small piece of Bao's legend. It is said that Bao installed a gate at the rear of one public office to allow people to pass through freely and convey their problems to Bao directly.

According to Zhou, entering from a back gate demonstrated open communication between the public and private sectors.

"It is ironic that entering through the back gate has come to suggest backdoor admissions to schools or using connections to get a job," he says smiling sadly.


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KHAO YAI: Horsing around in the hills

Kirimaya Golf Resort Spa

Relax set in Khao Yai with the Chinese New Year Triple Hong Bao celebration package at Kirimaya Golf Resort Spa


Priced at Bt28,800, the package includes private round trip airport transfers between Bangkok and Khao Yai, two nights' accommodation, breakfast, Bt 1,000 voucher for food and beverage consumption in any of the hotel's restaurants during stay, free Wi-Fi and a spa treatment for two.
Call (02) 257 0455 ext. 133-136 or e-mail: reservation@kirimaya.com. Visit www.Kirimaya.com
BANGKOK
Downtown deluxe
Until the end of this month. Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square is offering Thai residents a special price of just Bt 2,200 per night (room only). Book now by calling (02) 209 8888 or e-mailing h1031@accor.com or find out more at www.NovotelBkk.com.
Love bites
Dazzle your sweetheart by taking her out for a romantic Valentine's dinner at the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers .
You can choose between the international and BBQ buffet dinner at Feast for Bt4,000 per couple, a Western set dinner at Sambal Bar & Grill for Bt 3,500, a Italian set at Giorgio's, also Bt3,500 or traditional Thai cuisine at Thara Thong (Bt3,200). Prices include 2 glasses of Kir Royale and a rose. Call (02) 266 9214, e-mail: events.rosh@sheraton.com or visit www.RoyalOrchidSheraton.com.
KHAO YAI ANIMALS


PHANG NGA
Holidays with a Glow
Glow Elixir Koh Yao Yai Resort is offering a special promotion for those who plan their next holiday escape in advance.
 Book a room 14 days in advance and you'll receive 15-per-cent discount off the Best Available Rate, starting at Bt 4,250 per night for a Superior Villa inclusive of breakfast for 2 persons.
 Or book a room 30 days in advance and receive 20-per-cent discount starting at Bt 4,000 net per night. The "Advance Purchase" promotion is valid for all room types and is available from now until April 30. Call (087) 808 3838 or e-mail: rsvn.kohyaoyai@glowbyzinc.com.
PHUKET
In the lap of luxury
Trisara Phuket offers Thai residents the chance to enjoy 30 per cent off of seasonal rates.
 Located on the unspoiled northwestern coastline overlooking a private bay, Trisara is the epitome of private luxury and is just 15 minutes from the Phuket International Airport.
 Call (076) 310 100 or e-mail: reservations@trisara.com. Visit bit.ly/trisarathai
Flying high with KTC
Krungthai Card (KTC) joins up with Asia Atlantic Airlines (AAA) in offering credit card members the "Fabulous Tokyo" promotional campaign. For Bt14,390 payment via a KTC credit card and the use of 3,000 Forever Rewards points, members will get an air ticket to Japan's Narita Airport. Members can also purchase a three-night accommodation package with breakfast and airport shuttle service starting Bt 9,550. The JR Pass for nationwide train service is priced from Bt8,700. Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea ticket and travel insurance are also available at special prices. Reservation can be made from now until January 31 for travel until February 14. Call (02) 665 5050 or visit www.KTCWorld.co.th.


accomodation in near Khao yai

1/26/2014

Temple in the mist

A magnificent forest temple perched on a mountaintop in Salouang, a remote area of Chiang Mai's Mae Rim district, Wat Pra Prabat Si Roy - or the Temple of the Four Buddha Footprints - somehow fails to feature as an attraction on the tour lists of any agents in this northern province.

Highly revered by locals, the temple also appears to be little known to Thais living outside the north and it is only because of my cousin's nagging that I make it there at all.

The temple is not accessible by public transport and the only way of reaching it if you have no car is to rent either a motorcycle or song thaew. We're fortunate enough to have the use of a minivan and set off early from the city for the 45-kilometre journey, much of it on a small road that winds through the mountains.

We leave Chiang Mai on the highway towards Pai, travelling through Mae Rim and turning left after the Rim Nur Sub-district Administration Organisation and Wat Prakadtum. The signposts are written in Thai but foreigners will have no trouble spotting the turn off - the sign also boasts a picture of the Buddha's footprint.

It's just 18 kilometres from the turn off to the Temple of Four Buddha Footprints and the first warning that it will take a while to cover that relatively short distance comes before the first bend where a sign, also in Thai, warns "holy people" to "drive slowly, the road is narrow and steep with dangerous bends. You are far from hospital and rescuers."

Lush forest lines both sides of the road as we commence our climb, several passengers turning green as the van eases its way through the never-ending curves and shivering with fear when our driver narrowly misses a car coming in the opposite direction.

Two hours later, the van pulls up outside the temple and we pour out, eager to enjoy deep breaths of the fresh and cold air. The temple is wider and larger than I had expected with a spacious parking lot that boasts a long line of food shops and stalls offering herbal product shops.

Carrying flowers, incense and candles, we walk slowly towards to the Buddha's footprints. The four overlapping footprints are embedded in a large boulder and were once accessible only by ladder. A scaffold has now been erected and soon we are paying our respects. The footprints are measured in "sok", the Thai equivalent of the cubit, which works out to approximately 50 cm. The largest is the footprint of Buddha Gooksantha at 12 cubits (600cm) and the smallest the Buddha Gautama's at 4 cubits. In between are the footprints of the Buddha Gonakamna at 9 cubits and Buddha Gassapa at 7 cubits.

Legend has it that when the Lord Buddha Gautama travelled to present-day northern Thailand to spread the dharma philosophy, he saw the footprints of the other three Buddhas on this mountaintop and added his own, while history tells us that in 1928, Princess Dara Rasmee, the consort of King Chulalongkorn, visited the temple and ordered that a viharn (chapel) be erected over the footprints. Phra Kruba Srivichai, the revered Buddhist pilgrim of northern Thailand, also came to pray here and along with his followers organised renovations. In 1954, the footprints were registered by the Fine Arts Department as Thailand's most ancient remains.

Renovations were again carried out in 1993 at the order of Phra Kruba Pornchai and new facilities were built. The latest phase was finished in time for the Golden Jubilee Celebration of His Majesty the King in June 1996.

After worshipping the footprints, we make our way to the Dhevada Pavilion, a peaceful haven that's home to the images of 28 Buddhas and a variety of Buddhist saints.

From the pavilion, we can see the Pra Viharn Jaturamuk temple in all its glory, its gold fa?ade glittering in the sun and its base decorated with Buddhist precepts. Murals on the exterior walls relate the life of the Lord Buddha and the stairways leading up to the temple look alive with their carvings of crawling Nagas.

All too soon, with three hours of road travel in front of us, it is time to leave but as I turn back for one more look at this splendid temple, I promise to return.

If you go

_ Wat Pra Prabat Si Roy is in Salouang, Mae Rim district about 45 km from downtown Chiang Mai.


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Culture without borders


Thirteen overland routes between Yunnan province and neighbouring Southeast Asian countries were reopened last Monday after eight years of suspension, providing a boost for tourism and other businesses in the region.
Local tourism agencies were overjoyed at the prospect of increased numbers of tourists travelling in both directions, while jade traders could not wait to expand their cross-border business.
Under new rules, both residents and non-residents of Yunnan can apply for travel permits to visit towns in Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar.
Applications must be made with exit and entry authorities in five border prefectures and cities: Wenshan Zhuang and Miao autonomous prefecture, Honghe Hani and Yi autonomous prefecture, Xishuangbanna Dai autonomous prefecture, Dehong Dai and Jingpo autonomous prefecture and Baoshan city.
Travel agencies will be permitted to organise sightseeing visits to government-designated areas for specified periods.
"In the past, cross-border travel was a highlight of Yunnan's tourism industry. However, it was suspended due to the booming casinos in neighbouring countries," says Duan Qingyuan, president of the Kunming Travel Agency Association.
Initiated in the early 1990s, cross-border travel was harmed by concerns over gambling in the border areas. The government cracked down on cross-border gambling activities in 2004 and officially closed the business on November 2, 2005.
The suspension had a catastrophic impact on the local tourism industry in prefectures such as Dehong, which had previously seen considerable tourism-related business.
In the 1990s, around 290,000 visitors to the prefecture were passing through on one-day trips to Myanmar.
As early as 1992, Ruili in Dehong received 3.09 million tourists, bringing in about 200 million yuan (Bt1,07 billion) in revenue.
Wang Mingliang, deputy director of Dehong Tourism Bureau, said 75 percent of the visitors to the prefecture have plans to travel in Myanmar.
Hekou county, a national entry point in Honghe, also suffered economic losses during the suspension. At least 60 star-rated hotels have been struggling with empty rooms following the suspension, according to local authorities.
In January 2011, Honghe and Wenshan were chosen to pilot the reopening of cross-border travel and the issuing of permits for non-residents.
The Department of Public Security in Yunnan said it has found no gambling activities that will cause harm to visitors.
Police in Yunnan have established a cooperation system with neighbouring countries to stop gambling-related activities. After several years of hard work, at least 300 tourists now visit Hekou every day and Wenshan also enjoys a growing number of cross-border travellers.
Between October 28 and November 1, the Ministry of Public Security and the China National Tourism Administration conducted checks on the reopening of cross-border travel in Yunnan, and approval was finally given on November 27.
Cai Lingyan, deputy general manager of Yangyanghao International Jewellery Company in Ruili, says the resumption of cross-border tourism will boost the local jade industry.
Cai’s company has made a series of plans to receive new visitors. "Our company is the only one in a 3A travel destination in the country that manufactures raw jade stone, and we hope more people will come to the town and our company to experience jade stone trading and its techniques," he says.


1/25/2014

Flower power!

Taking place at Suan Buak Hat in Muang district, the festival will turn the park into an open-air exhibition venue where local and international visitors can marvel at a magnificent tapestry of floral splendour. One of the Festival’s highlights is the parade of elaborately decorated floral floats during the opening ceremony, which is being held on February 8.

Marathon efforts

Khon Kaen International Marathon 2014, scheduled to take place on January 26, offers a 42.195 km (26 mile) full race for participants of 18 years or above, a 21.1 km half marathon for participants of 16 years or above, an 11.55 km mini marathon for participants of 12 years or above, and a 4.5 km fun run. The first five men and first five women in each race group, as well as the first 10 men and first 10 women overall, will be awarded trophies and cash prizes. For more information and an application form, visit www.KhonKaenMarathon.com.

Direct to Krabi

Malaysia Airlines will offer four flights a week between Kuala Lumpur and Krabi, Thailand from February 3. Malaysia Airline's flight MH770 will depart Kuala Lumpur at 2.55pm to arrive in Krabi at 3.40pm. The return flight MH771 will depart Krabi at 5.20pm and will arrive in Kuala Lumpur at 8.05pm. The route will be operated with Boeing 737-800 aircraft with scheduled flights on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Krabi, with its sandy beaches and tropical islands like Hong and Phi Phi, is one of Thailand's best beach holiday destinations.

Winter in the mist

One of the most popular cool season events, the Mae Hong Son Winter Festival gets underway on January 24 with beauty contests, food and a wealth of cultural shows and will run until February 2. The province, which is home to various groups of hilltribe people, is famed for its rich ethnic culture.


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Blossoms in the snow

Pinkish-white cherry blossoms, or sakura as they are known here, peek cautiously from the trees as the cold wind blows, fluttering gently as if welcoming the spring with a round of applause.

The cherry blossom viewing festival is celebrated all over Japan starting from the end of March to early May. It's so popular that the television news programmes carry a daily forecast of the city and date when the trees are blooming. The explosion of the delicate flower begins in the southern part of Japan and gradually moves northward. Along its way, its awakening beauty and timid petals captivate the hearts of all that see it.

Sakura has been completely assimilated into the life of Japanese people, from art to literature to culture of hanami. Hanami, which literally means flower viewing, has been practised throughout Japan for thousands of years. The fascination with blooms started with plum blooms before moving to these delicate pink flowers and the cherry blossom viewing took off during the Heian Period (794-1185).

Originally, sakura was used to announce the rice-planting season. In the old days, people believed in the kami or god inside the trees and made offerings with sake, Japanese rice wine. It is believed that an emperor of the Heian Period adopted this practice, and held flower-viewing parties with sake and feasts underneath the blossoming boughs of sakura trees in the Imperial Court in Kyoto. Later emperors led courtiers, warriors and royalty in selecting viewing sites where poets and artists entertained the guests with artistic celebrations of the cherry blossoms’ fragile beauty.

But as I walk with hundreds of other people towards the sakura garden at the Ministry of Finance’s Osaka Mint Office (the Japan Mint), it's hard to conjure up the kind of serene atmosphere where artists and poets could solemnly praise the beauty of the delicate flowers.

That impression is confirmed by announcement from the officer at the gate.

"Please follow the sign and remember this is a one-way promenade, do not make a U-turn," he says sternly.

Hordes of tourists and locals armed with digital cameras and smartphones take photos of the flowers without pausing for breath. There's no poetry but smiles and laughter are everywhere along the 560-metre walkway. The modern-day hanami is like walking through a special exhibition in the museum - quick and untouchable but drawing sighs of appreciation for the mesmerising beauty. A strong spring wind blows sending petals up into the air before they drift slowly to the ground. It's a wondrous scene but also a reminder that beauty and life do not last forever.

Traditionally, sakura have always been regarded as a metaphor for life, youth and beauty, luminous and beautiful but fleeting and short-lived. Walking through the cloud of pinkish white cherry blossoms, which will last for only one week, is an echo of that metaphor.

While the southern part of Japan is covered with cherry blossoms, Kushiro, a city to the southeast of Hokkaido, is still boasting a blanket of pure white snow.

Two hours after taking off from Osaka, we land in Kushiro, a port town famous for seafood, hot springs, Japanese cranes, wetlands and lakes.

A visit to Akan National Park offers a glimpse of what Mother Nature has reserved for Kushiro. The park is home to three lakes - Akan, Kusharo and Mashu - as well as volcanic craters and exquisite forests.

Here it's the Lake Akan ice-breaker that heralds the arrival of spring and Japanese visitors stop to applaud the crushing sound made by the ship as it breaks up the waters of the frozen lake.

Lake Akan is also well known for its marimo, a type of floating green algae ball, which has become a symbol of the town. Hot springs bubble throughout the National Park, and Bokke or boiling mud can be found along the lake front. The sulphuric smell and the rhythmic sound of the boiling mud are proof that the area is blessed with plenty of hot spring water.

Our guide leads us on a trek through the snow, pausing occasionally to remind us of the three golden rules to keep us from falls. "Don't step back, don't step on your own snowshoe and don't step on someone else's snowshoes," he tells us.

We eventually arrive without mishap at Lake Mashu, a caldera with reportedly the clearest water in the world, after a trek that leaves us gasping for breath.

With the cold wind seeping through my hat and toes so cold they feel they might fall off, my mind drifts to my private outdoor hot spring tub at the hotel and I can almost savour the warm sake.

If you go

_ Thai Airways International operates daily flights between Bangkok, Osaka and Sapporo.


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Strange brews

However, help is on its way thanks to a new smartphone app, "Mister Good Beer" which gives an overview of beer prices in bars and bistros across Paris. Budget drinkers can even filter their selection by selecting a maximum price they will pay for their tipple.

Checking in with ease

Skyteam passengers will soon have more check-in machines to use at Tokyo's airport. The code-sharing alliance says the number of machines is being raised from 30 to 90 in the entrance hall and piers A-F in Terminal 1 North. Air France, Alitalia, Delta, Korean Air and KLM are among the airlines in Skyteam. - DPA

On your skis!

The oldest skiing race in Switzerland, the Parsenn Derby, will be run from March 7 to 9, starting in Davos. Legend has it that three locals skied from Parsennfurka to Klosters in March 1897. More and more people skied the same stretch in the following years and the first formal race took place on January 13, 1924. According to Destination Davos Klosters, both professional and amateur racers take part in the individual and team races.

Lagerfeld and loving it

The Folkwang Museum in Essen, Germany is paying tribute to designer Karl Lagerfeld with a large exhibition. The show will run from February 15 to May 11 and present Lagerfeld's creative activities in various areas such as fashion, drawings, photography, films, books, product design and advertisements. The exhibition was put together in collaboration with Lagerfeld himself. - DPA

Up in the air

Singapore Airlines and Air New Zealand have agreed to form an alliance enabling Air New Zealand to fly the Auckland-Singapore route again, and Singapore Airlines to operate the Airbus A380 to New Zealand for the first time. The A380 would be operated daily by Singapore Airlines between Singapore and Auckland, progressively replacing an existing daily service with the smaller Boeing 777-300ER. Air New Zealand, on other hand, will launch daily services between Auckland and Singapore using newly refitted Boeing 777-200ER aircraft, taking over five flights currently operated by Singapore Airlines and adding two more weekly flights, increasing the frequency to daily.

MSN3 heads to Bolivia

The A350 XWB development aircraft, MSN3, is in Bolivia where it will perform a series of tests at the high altitude airfields of Cochabamba and La Paz. Cochabamba is around 2,700 metres above sea level, and La Paz is one of the world's highest airports at 3,640 metres. Operations at such high altitude airfields are particularly demanding on aircraft engines, Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) and systems. The aim of these trials is to demonstrate and validate the full functionality of engines, systems, materials as well as to assess the overall aircraft behaviour under these extreme conditions.


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1/24/2014

I am about to book a hotel for my holiday in Krabi

Nong Thale is a sub-district of Krabi's Muang District and home to two scenic beaches- Tubkaak Beach and Khlong Muang Beach - and a number of luxury hotels.
Khlong Muang is located 24 kilometres from the town centre on highway 4034 while Tubkaak is 30 kilometres.
 They are both tranquil and look out towards the Hong islands. Nong Thale boasts a good range of luxury and mid-range hotels though accommodation is not as plentiful as it is in the Ao Nang area. Travelling time from Ao Nang is just 20 minutes, 30 minutes from Krabi Town and 40 minutes from Krabi Airport. Tourist facilities are not so abundant as in Ao Nang.
If you prefer a secluded holiday, one of these beaches could be a good choice. However, if you want to go out for some nightlife or walk along the street looking for restaurants and shopping, you'd better look elsewhere.
A song thaew service operates hourly between Nong Thale and Ao Nang and the hotels also offer shuttle service for guests. To get around on your own, it's best to rent a car or motorcycle. You can also charter a boat to the Hong Islands.
I am looking for attractions for my six-year-old son in Pattaya.
We plan to be there for a few days in January. Thanks in advance, Fiona Pattaya has a few family-friendly places and activities to occupy a little boy for a few days. The main one is Pattaya Water Park with its water slides and a roller coaster. Kids can easily spend a few hours or a whole day there just splashing around.
Another day could be spent at Khao Kheow Open Zoo, which boasts more than 400 acres of animal habitats. You can rent a golf cart to visit the zoo as you want. The nearby Flight of the Gibbon offers the chance to enjoy a Tarzan-like adventure in the forest.
Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden features an elephant show, mini zoo and Thai cultural show. Other options include elephant riding at the Elephant Park in Pattaya, go-karting, and horse riding.
A visit to nearby is fun for everyone.
 And there are also a number of museums in Pattaya that kids can enjoy, such as Mini Siam, Bottle Museum and 3D Art-in Paradise Museum. In addition, hotels in Pattaya have activities especially designed for kids with the Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort in north Pattaya the most prominent.
 I am sure you can find plenty of activities to occupy your boy during the holidays in Pattaya.


1/23/2014

On the heights of Lo

Tara Airlines' tiny aircraft cuts through seemingly tiny gaps between towering mountains as it carries us from Pokhara to Jomsom. The last sharp turn near colossal canyons is hair-raising but before we know it, the aircraft has landed safely on a mountain runway that's just 530-metres long. Several of the passengers congratulate the pilot on his skill and he acknowledges the compliment with a smile.

Remote Jomsom Airport perched at an altitude of 2,700 metres in Nepal's Mustang district is the starting point of our journey. The next 10 days will see us trekking to upper Mustang and we are well prepared, with all the necessary permits in hand.

Walking northwards on a gently sloping path along the windy Kali Gandaki River valley, we arrive at Kagbeni, a village home to a handful of small hotels and a "Yac donald's" restaurant. This is the last village in lower Mustang, and the checkpoint for the entrance to upper Mustang.

The US$50-a-day upper Mustang entry fee applies from the moment trekkers travel beyond this village to the once "forbidden kingdom". I am saddened to learn later that only a small portion of the fees goes to the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) to support local development projects. Most of it ends up in the coffers of the Nepalese government.

With the Nilgiri mountains at our backs, we follow the trail north of Kagbeni passing a brown-and-green patchwork field of buckwheat just before Chusang then walking along the east bank of the Kali Gandaki River towards Chele. We overnight in Shyammochen, pass the red cliffs of Dhakmar and spend the following night at the sacred temple of Ghar Gompa, which at 3,940 metres is one of the oldest temples in upper Mustang.

It takes us four days to reach Lo Manthang, the walled city of upper Mustang. A steep rocky trail up and down the mountains offers glimpses of the Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri and Annapurna rising above the almost barren landscape. A cold wind sweeps through arid canyons kissing the bizarre rock formations. The small villages are like tiny oases in this bare brown land.

Strings of prayer flags flap in the breeze on Chogo-la at 4,230 metres, the highest point in the region and it from here that we catch our first glimpse of Lo Manthang in the valley below. Flocks of migratory birds fly above the mountain ranges creating beautifully complex shapes against the sky.

Inside the whitewashed mud brick walls of Lo Manthang, narrow alleys wind through houses, temples, schools and the palace. Horse gallops past us as we enter the main square and pass the palace. Old women are gathered at the side of a small alley spinning wool while others line up around the public water tap to fill their buckets.

The ancient kingdom of Lo - now known as upper Mustang - remained unexplored by foreigners until 1992. Today, the ancient walled city is the main destination in the upper Mustang region catering to slightly more than 3,000 visitors a year.

Once a part of the western Tibetan region of Ngari, the kingdom of Lo was united and ruled by Ame Pal. Jigme Dorie Palbar Bista, the present king of Lo, is a direct 25th-generation descendant of Ame Pal, the founder of Lo Manthang.

Lo was once a prosperous independent kingdom and virtually controlled all the north-south trade between the dry saline lakes of Tibet and the large markets for salt on the Indian subcontinent. That richness can still be seen today in its magnificent monasteries, palaces and the remains of massive fort known as Dzong to the north of the valley.

In 1950, the region was officially declared politically part of Nepal; and the dry land further above Lo Manthang is now a sealed border between Nepal and China. This change resulted in the king of Lo losing his traditional status as the ruler of the kingdom, but he remains the symbol of a very old and important historical dynasty.

The Crown Prince of Lo Manthang, Jigme Singi Palbar Bista, 56, is in town during our stay, and we are very fortunate to enjoy a brief visit to the palace. Located inside the walls of Lo Manthang, the palace is a whitewashed four-storey structure that was built around 1400, and has been maintained in relatively good condition. Aromatic mint tea is served to all foreign guests in a room that's typically Tibetan in decor, and soon the prince, clad in a green army jacket, comes in to greet everyone. He thanks us all for visiting upper Mustang and says he hopes we come again.

Jigme Singi Palbar Bista has a fairly ordinary life. Besides owning horses and yaks, he runs businesses in Mustang, among them a tour operator called Royal Mustang Excursions. It is his hope that if the Chinese border opens, visitors in Lo Manthang will be able to trek to Mount Kailash within seven hours. The prince stays in Lo Manthang most of the year though he moves to Kathmandu during the harsh winter.

"People of Lo still love and respect us, though our status now is that of cultural royals ," he tells us.

The people of Lo are called Lobas, and their language is a dialect of Tibetan. Tibetan Buddhism remains intact and the Lobas are a very religious people. Most of the monasteries in upper Mustang belong to the Sakyapa School, represented by the characteristic coloured stripes of grey, white and red that adorn the monasteries. The grandeur of the monasteries illustrates the position of religion amid a wild environment.

The principal of Lo Monastic school takes us on a tour of the facility to admire the elaborate mandala paintings on the wall, as well as the artefacts at the Chyodi Gompa and Choprang Gompa. A young monk walks us to the brick-red Jampa Gompa, which was built in 1387 and boasts the striking 15-metre high "Jampa" Buddha, as well as to the 15th-century Thubchen Gompa with its Great Assembly hall and intricate gold murals darkened and crumbling with age.

Roads are being built, and it's not that hard to find a vehicle travelling back to Kagbeni and Jomsom sometime in the next couple of days. Electricity has already been brought to villages, local schools are being revived, and age-old monasteries are being renovated to their former glory through the financial aid and expertise of foreign foundations.

Even in this remote kingdom lying in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, change is unavoidable. One can only hope that those changes will be for the better of the Lobas and their last and remote Lo kingdom.

If you go

_ Upper Mustang is located north of the Annapurna range in Nepal. The nearest airport is at Jomsom and offers regular flights in and out of Pokhara. It's also possible to take a bus from Pokhara to Jomsom.

_ Foreign tourists must arrange permits to upper Mustang through a registered guide or trekking agency. A permit costs US$500 per person for 10 days, and $50 per day after that. The cost of living in upper Mustang is US$25 per day per person for food and accommodation combined

_ Basic guesthouses are available in every major village on the way from Kagbeni to Lo Manthang, so no camping is required. The best times to travel in upper Mustang are from March to June and from September to December.


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BANGKOK: Downtown deluxe


Swissotel Le Concorde, Bangkok invites Thai residents and expatriates to enjoy its new promotion under which one night's stay costs Bt2,200 per person and includes breakfast for two.

There's also free Wi-Fi and discounts on dining and spa treatments and an extra bed with breakfast will be charged at Bt1,300 per night. The offer, whose rate code is "P01THI", is good until January 31. This city hotel is located on Ratchadaphisek Road, a short walk from Huai Kwang MRT station. ID card or work permit must be presented upon arrival. Email reservation.bangkok@swissotel.com, or visit www.Swissotel.com/hotels/bangkok-concorde.
The gourmet gallops in
Mark the Year of Horse with Peking duck at the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers. The hotel celebrates the traditional Chinese New Year with finest Chinese cuisine, stocking up its buffet tables on January 30 and 31 with stuffed pork leg, suckling pig, Peking duck and Szechuan soup. The dinner buffet is priced at Bt1,250. Book a table at (02) 266 9214 or e-mail events.rosh@sheraton.com. For more information, visit www.RoyalOrchidSheraton.com.
JAPAN
Tokyo on two wheels
Take advantage of the Shangri-La Hotel, Tokyo's new "Tokyo on Two Wheels" package and for JPY68,000 (Bt21,500) per person, you'll enjoy breakfast, accommodation for one night, complimentary Wi-Fi connectivity and a cycling trip with an English-speaking guide. You can choose between three routes: Tokyo Bay Ride, Edo-Tokyo Culture Ride and Cool Tokyo Ride. Reservations should be made directly with Shangri-La Hotel, Tokyo on (81 3) 6739 7878 or by e-mail to reservations.slty@shangri-la.com. Visit www.Shangri-La.com.
CHIANG MAI
Lazing around in Lanna
Housed in a 140-year-old Thai teak wood home in the Wat Ket Community near the historical Ping River and with a view of majestic Doi Suthep, the RarinJinda Wellness Spa Resort Chiang Mai is offering a special rate of Bt11,770 per night. For that you get accommodation in a Deluxe Pool Access room, daily breakfast for two persons, one session of Hydro Therapy Pool per stay per room and a free alternative medicine consultation before or after spa treatment. The offer requires a minimum of 2 night's stay and is valid through March 31. Book online at www.RarinJinda.com or call (053) 247 000, (053) 303 030.
PHUKET
Tropical treats
Book your holiday early and be rewarded at Angsana Laguna Phuket, the ideal choice for a holiday getaway. Book your Phuket vacation 14 days in advance with the Early Bird Advantage and enjoy 20 per cent off the Best Available Rate. The package is inclusive of two breakfasts per room, free dining for children and complimentary Wi-Fi. It's open for bookings from now until March 24 and valid for stays until March 31. Visit www.Angsana.com/en/phuket or call (076) 324 101.
The big blue
Le Meridien Khao Lak Beach & Spa Resort invites weekenders to explore the pristine Andaman Sea with its Great Holiday Sale campaign, which is offering accommodation rates starting from Bt5,600 per person inclusive of complimentary daily breakfast for two. The offer is valid for booking for stays through March 31. Book online at www.LeMeridien.com/khaolak.


Celebration of folklore

The event, which celebrates the spirit of folk art and music, attracts more than 300 artists and performers from several countries including Cambodia, Laos, Ukraine and Israel. A textile exhibition and academic seminar on folklore take place on the sidelines. Famous for Khmer-speaking mahouts and its elephant village, Surin is about 350 kilometres from Bangkok. Call (044) 515 227 or (044) 515 127.

In love with Lanna

The Parasol and Handicraft Festival returns to Chiang Mai from January 17 to 19 and will, as ever, features a parade of beautiful women on bicycle. The festival draws locals and tourists to admire the finest in handcrafted parasols as well as woodcarving, and cultural shows. Find out more by calling the Tourism Authority of Thailand (Chiang Mai Office) at (053) 248 604 and (053) 248 607.

Ships ahoy!

PIMEX, the annual Phuket International Marine Exhibition, is being held from tomorrow to Sunday at Royal Phuket Marina on the island's east coast. Billed as Asia’s best boat show, the event brings together everything the boat enthusiast needs and wants. Majesty, Princess, Sunseeker are just some of the respected marine brands taking part. Visit www.PhuketBoatShow.com.

A break before flying

Bangkok Airways has introduced Boutique and Blue Ribbon Lounges at Siem Reap International Airport, Cambodia, to provide comfort and convenience for passengers waiting for their flights. The new Boutique lounge offer free snacks and various choices of hot or cold drinks along with free Wi-Fi Internet access while business class passengers as well as those with FlyerBonus Premier Membership can enjoy hot meals and even a shower at the Blue Ribbon Club Lounge. Both lounges are located near exits 4 and 5 in the International Departure Hall. Visit www.BangkokAir.com.


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1/22/2014

Planes, trains and automobiles

AppId is over the quota
The Olympics, the World Cup and commemorations of World War I, D-Day and the fall of the Berlin Wall are some of the events that will spotlight destinations like Sochi, Brazil, Sarajevo, Normandy and Berlin in 2014.

Elsewhere, a potentially game-changing high-speed rail service has just launched linking Paris and Barcelona. Some travellers may now prefer the train over a plane, with the train ride cut in half to just over six hours between the two cities.

In the US, St Louis marks the 250th anniversary of its February 15, 1764 founding with celebrations including a re-enactment, parties and a music festival. Other events are planned throughout the year.

Harry Potter fans will have a new reason to visit Florida next summer when the Universal Orlando theme park opens a new area with attractions inspired by the books' fictional scenes in Diagon Alley and London. A train called the Hogwarts Express will take visitors back and forth between the new Potter attractions - including a restaurant called the Leaky Cauldron - and Universal's existing Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Universal also plans a 1,800-room 1960s-themed resort and eight new restaurants at the CityWalk dining area for 2014.

Nearby, Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, will open a new family coaster, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, in the spring.

OLYMPICS AND WORLD CUP

The Winter Olympics, from February 7 to 23, take place in Sochi, a Russian Black Sea resort that's one of the least-known Olympic destinations in years. The indoor events will be held in ice arenas on the coast, while skiing and snowboarding are in the Caucasus Mountains, 50 kilometres inland. With its subtropical climate and lush greenery, the coastal area of Sochi has long been a popular destination; some elaborate worker resorts from the Stalinist era remain, and new winter resorts are under construction.

The World Cup soccer games, June 12 to July 13, will be held in 12 cities in Brazil: Belo Horizonte, Brasilia, Cuaiaba, Curitiba, Fortaleza, Manaus, Natal, Porto Alegre, Recife, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador and Sao Paulo. The most exotic destination, Manaus, a steamy city in the Amazon jungle, may also be the most controversial: England soccer coach Roy Hodgson called it "the place ideally to avoid", while the London tabloid the Mirror called it a "crime-ridden hell-hole".

But loads of soccer fans are likely to travel there despite the bad press to attend some of the tournament's top matches, including England-Italy and Portugal-US. The city is also a gateway to Amazon tourism, with Manaus-based operators offering boat trips and tours into the jungle.

REMEMBERING WAR

The summer of 2014 marks a century since World War I was triggered by the June 28, 1914 assassination of the Austrian archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo, now the capital of Bosnia-Herzegovina. Events are planned across Europe to commemorate the centenary (visit www.1914.org) and some tour operators are offering itineraries visiting places connected to the war. Famous battlefields include Verdun, France; Gallipoli, Turkey, and Western Belgium, where red poppies still bloom in Flanders Fields, a battlefield immortalised in the famous poem: "In Flanders Fields the poppies blow/Between the crosses, row on row."

June 6 is the 70th anniversary of D-Day, the Allied invasion of Normandy, France, which marked a turning point in defeating Hitler in World War II. Past milestone anniversaries have drawn veterans of the invasion, but that generation is rapidly dwindling. President Barack Obama, Queen Elizabeth and other heads of state have been invited to mark the solemn day on the Normandy coast.

November 9 will mark 25 years since the Berlin Wall was breached, a powerful moment in ending communism in Eastern Europe and the Cold War. The wall, built in 1961, not only physically cut East Berlin off from the West, but also symbolised the division between Western Europe and communist-controlled Eastern bloc countries. The wall was completely torn down in 1990, but its destruction began in 1989. In the years since, reunified Berlin has become a trendy tourism capital - described as "poor but sexy" by its mayor. Events and exhibits are planned to mark the 25th anniversary, including an installation of illuminated balloons on a 12-kilometer path where the city was once divided.

HOMECOMING, FROZEN, VERMEER AND HOBBITS

Scotland hosts its year-long "Homecoming", inviting emigres and their descendants to return for clan gatherings and other events, including a re-enactment of the Battle of Bannockburn, an important victory 700 years ago in the Wars of Scottish Independence. The Homecoming is held every four years.

In Holland, the Mauritshuis museum reopens in June in The Hague. This small but important museum, housed in a 17th-century palace, is home to Vermeer's masterpiece, "Girl with a Pearl Earring", which has been drawing huge crowds at the Frick in New York following showings in San Francisco and Atlanta. The painting has been travelling with "The Goldfinch" and works by Rembrandt and other Dutch masters while the Mauritshuis underwent a two-year renovation.

In Norway, the Geirangerfjord will get some additional visitors as Adventures by Disney adds the destination to a new itinerary inspired by the movie "Frozen". The film's fantasy kingdom of Arendelle was based on the fjord.

New Zealand is hoping for an increase in visitors inspired by the second movie in the "Hobbit" trilogy. Tourism connected to "The Lord of the Rings" and "Hobbit" films has become a big business in New Zealand, where the movies were filmed. A survey by Tourism New Zealand showed 13 per cent of international visitors earlier this year took part in some kind of "Hobbit"-themed tourism like visiting a film set.


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A community at a canter

The highlight is on January 30, when a dragon procession and lion dance will make their way through the city centre. Acrobats will stun as they climb up and over a 10-metre pole to claim the money reward on the top. Nakhon Sawan, where the Chao Phrya starts its path towards to Bangkok, is home to a large Chinese-speaking community.

D2 opens in Phuket

Dusit has expanded its dusitD2 brand to Phuket, Thailand's best beach holiday destination. The trendy hotel is located just a block from Phuket's popular Patong Beach and within easy walking distance of Jungceylon shopping and leisure complex. With 390 guestrooms, the hotel has a scenic rooftop bar and a spa. Bookings are being accepted for April onwards.

Lotus on the lake

Fly to Udon Thani in Thailand's northeast and bathe yourself in an "ocean" of pink lotus blossoms. From now until late February, the lotus is in full bloom and occupying most of Nong Harn Lake in Udon Thani's Kumphawapi district. The lake is ideal for "slow travel" on a sampan.

Tourists flock to "Amazing Thailand"

About 26.7 million international tourists visited Thailand last year, the Ministry of Tourism and Sport say, and 2014 is expected to see an increase of 2 million that number. China topped the chart with 4.7 million arrivals, followed by Malaysia with 2.99 million tourists and Russia with 1.73 million arrivals. By region, East Asia remains the largest contributor at 16.09 million, while Europe is the second largest market.


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CHIANG MAI: Lanna luxury

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The resort is ideally situated near the historical Ping River and with a view of majestic Doi Suthep. Book now and until March 31, you enjoy a special rate of Bt11,770 per night. For that you get accommodation in a Deluxe Pool Access room, daily breakfast for two persons, one session of Hydro Therapy Pool per stay per room and a free alternative medicine consultation before or after spa treatment. The offer requires a minimum of 2 nights stay. Book online at www.RarinJinda.com or call (053) 247 000, (053) 303 030.

Romance on the Horizon

Surrounded by green vegetation, Horizon Village & Resort Chiang Mai is designed in Lanna style and is now offering a Miracle Chiang Mai package for two persons at Bt 21,400. The package includes two night's accommodation in a deluxe room, welcome drink, welcome fruit platter in room, daily breakfast, a one-hour ride in a hot air balloon with a bottle of champagne, one lunch, one Thai set dinner, free round trip airport transfer, free shuttle bus to night bazaar, and free entry to Tweechai Botanical Garden. Call (053) 868 891 or visit www.HorizonVillage.net.

BANGKOK

Baskets of plenty

The Okura Prestige Bangkok helps you with your New Year gift list by offering three hampers stuffed with goodies at prices starting from Bt 2,800. A la carte hampers are also available. Call (02) 687 9000 or stop off at the hotel's Festive Desk on the 24th floor. Orders are taken until January 28.

HUA HIN

Tropical treat

Located right in the centre of lush tropical foliage, the Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa offers 240 rooms in nine buildings surrounding a 560 metre long, lagoon-style swimming pool. The unique low-rise architecture provides a boundless panoramic view towards the ocean and you can now enjoy all these benefits and more by booking a "stay two, get one free" package until the end of this month.

Book online at www.SheratonHuaHin.com/en or call (032) 708 000.

PHUKET

Blissed out by the beach

Book your holiday early and be rewarded at Angsana Laguna Phuket, the ideal choice for a holiday getaway. Book your Phuket vacation 14 days in advance with the Early Bird Advantage and enjoy 20 per cent off the Best Available Rate. The package is inclusive of two breakfasts per room, free dinning for children and complimentary Wi-Fi. It's open for bookings from now until March 24 and valid for stays from until March 31. Visit www.Angsana.com/en/phuket or call (076) 324 101.

MACAU

Tw-ice as nice

In addition to the fabulous DreamWorks experiences available at Sands Cotai Central this holiday season, guests will not want to miss the Ice World with the DreamWorks Gang exhibition right next to the integrated resort's doorsteps at The Venetian Macao's Cotai Expo. Experience a magical winter land journey at a chilly minus 8 degrees Celsius through seven different zones featuring famous Macao landmarks and favourite DreamWorks characters such as Shrek, Princess Fiona, Alex and the gang from "Madagascar," Po from "Kung Fu Panda," each carved into ice . The icy exhibition runs until March 16and and is open 11am to 8pm. daily. Visit http://en.cotaistrip.com/ice-world/.


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1/21/2014

A holiday in thin air


The Berghotel Grawand, the highest hotel in the European Alps, is perched on a ridge above the Schnalstal in Italy at 3,212 metres altitude. A cable-way is the only way up for guests.

 


A look at the alpine hotels with the most amazing views

It's a very elevating feeling to wake up in the morning and gaze out the window as the sun rises over Switzerland's Matterhorn mountain, the one with the striking pyramidal shape.
There is however a downside: the sleep during your first night in a high-altitude hotel is often fitful rather than refreshing.
Many guests are lucky to grab any shut-eye at all. Although the Kulmhotel Gornergrat is a great place to stay with comfortable beds and a unique view, the air up here at 3,100 metres above sea level is thin. Coping with the rarefied air is a strain for guests.
"You just never know how it will affect people," says director Thomas Marbach.
Tourists who have booked more than one night have more time in which to acclimatise.
"As time passes the body does adapt to the altitude," said Marbach. In any event, potentially unpleasant side-effects such as shortness of breath, headaches and insomnia do not seem to deter people from staying at this lofty modern retreat.
"Guests just accept that side of things, since this is a really special place," says the smiling hotel director. The magnificent tableau compensates for any indispositions.
"There are 46 four-thousander peaks in Switzerland," he adds. "And you can see 29 of them from the hotel."
Two grazing bobby calves on the Faulhorn, a Swiss mountain. The Hotel Faulhorn (background) is only accessible to guests by foot and closes in the wintertime.


Holidaymakers would be hard put to find a more impressive panorama anywhere else in the world. Heightening the attraction is a profound tranquillity that descends on the place, which was built in 1907.
Being perched on the top of Europe does pose a few problems though, especially when the wind blows so hard that the funicular rack railway stops ferrying guests to their destination.
The Berghotel Grawand in Schnalstal, a side valley of the Vinschgau in South Tyrol, Italy, also receives a regular buffeting.
The holiday residence is sited even higher at 3,212 metres and can be reached by cable car only. Oetzi, the amazingly well-preserved mummified man though to be more than 5,000 years old, was found in the nearby Schnalstal glacier.
The outlook from here is equally breathtaking. The horizon is dominated by a host of impressive three-thousanders along with the Piz Bernina. At 4,049 metres, it is the highest mountain in the Eastern Alps.
On clear days, visitors can even catch a glimpse of far-off Lake Garda.
Apart from a few alpine lodges and remote log cabins for upland hikers, these two hotels, one in Switzerland and the other in Italy, are the highest alpine places in which to spend the night.
There are a few other high-elevation hotels in these parts, but they cannot match the first two for dizziness of location.

Two that are recommended are the Berghaus Maennlichen in the Bernese Oberland (2,345 metres) and the Berghotel Faulhorn (2,684 metres), both in Switzerland.
Located in the Swiss canton of Grisons is the Diavolezza, a hotel at 3,000 metres surrounded by the mighty peaks of the Bernina group. The hostelry makes much play of a jacuzzi for high-altitude frolicking.
A more exhilarating way to pass the hours is by skiing down to the valley, guided solely by experienced staff from the hotel and the silvery light of a full moon. Moonbeams illuminate the snow so well that skiers of all levels will have no trouble finding their way.
Another top address in Switzerland is the Berghotel Muottas Muragl, a low-energy edifice at 2,456 metres.
Italy also boasts the Alpengasthof Tibet. Its round shape imitates Tibetan high-altitude huts. Located on the Stilfser Joch, a mountain in South Tyrol, it is 2,800 metres above sea level.
Austria's hotels are low by comparison. The Adler Lounge at around 2,500 metres is a smart, lifestyle hostelry that has brought modern architecture to the crags around Kals near the Grossglockner mountain.
The panorama hereabouts takes in 60 of the surrounding three-thousanders and guests share the pristine pistes with fellow lodgers only.
Perched at 2,350 metres in the Hochzillertal is the Wedelhuette, a residence for vacationers who like to be pampered. The five-star hotel is not only the loftiest Tyrolean hostelry but offers a enormous selection of fine wines.
On an equal standing in altitude terms is the Berghotel Rudolfshuette in Austria's Salzburg region.
From this vantage point the views extend to the peaks in the High Tauern National Park around the main chain of Central Eastern Alps and there are a number of glaciers to be admired. The area is popular with hikers and riders of robust, full-suspension mountain bikes.
Skiers will find 23 snowy trails to be explored.


Thung BUA floating market shop tasting tour watch Ayutthaya adorns

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MAA Weekend markets railways srinakarin

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