Cha-Am Beach in Phetchaburi adds spice to your next month as it hosts the “Shell Eating, Bird Seeing and Squid Angling Festival” from September 10 to 17.
A trip to Cha-Am during the seafood festival usually means chilling out at the beachside restaurants of your choice …
Sensations from the sea
Cha-Am Beach in Phetchaburi adds spice to your next month as it hosts the “Shell Eating, Bird Seeing and Squid Angling Festival” from September 10 to 17. A trip to Cha-Am during the seafood festival usually means chilling out at the beachside restaurants of your choice and breaking your diet with barbecued squid, spicy seafood soup, steamed red snapper and more. Check out the hotel booths for fancy menus and fusion food.
Chiang Mai plays host to the Asean Pop Culture festival this weekend. The event, which is being held at the Lanna Folklife Museum on Saturday and Sunday, showcases the best of Asean through such cultural shows as Myanmar’s Mask Dance, Lao Champa Dance. Other activities include photo exhibitions, pop concerts, an art exhibition and sale of Asean crafts. Call the Tourism Authority of Thailand at (053) 248 604.
Flying high to Seoul
Thai AirAsia X, a budget airline for long-haul travel, adds one more flight to its Bangkok-Seoul Route and will offer two flights daily in its Winter schedule. From October 30 onwards, AirAsia X Flight XJ 708 will depart daily from Don Mueang International Airport at 8.15am and arrive at Incheon International Airport (ICN) at 3.20pm (local time). The return flight will take off at 4.25pm and lands at Bangkok at 8.15pm local time. The airline is now offering a promotion of Bt3,190 in Economy Class and Bt9,900 for Premium Flat Bed Class. Bookings can be made through Sunday. Visitwww.AirAsia.com.
Lazy Sundays for gourmets
Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok presents Scalini’s all-new Sparkling Sunday brunch. The feast combines sensational buffet selections including a Lobster and Oyster Bar with delicious à la minute main courses. Guests are invited to order a main course from the à la carte brunch menu before visiting the extensive buffet counters in Scalini’s open kitchen. The prices are Bt1,800 with free-flow fresh fruit juice and Bt2,500 with free-flow Prosecco. Book a table at (02) 620 6666 or emailbkksu.info@hilton.com
Chusri Ngamprasert
The Nation August 24, 2016 1:00 am
Be careful who or what you might bump into in Mandalay early next month, as locals and spirits gather for the Yadana Gu Spirit Festival.
There are plenty of festivals coming up this month and next in the Asian region. We take a look at the most interesting
The Yadana Gu Spirit Festival
September 7-11, Myanmar
Held in small town of Amarapura just south of Mandalay, Upper Myanmar, the festival draws thousands of people – and spirits – to the Yadana Gu Spirit Festival. The celebration is led by hundreds of spirit mediums who become possessed by the Nats during the ceremonies. The spirit mediums perform ritual dances and songs accompanied by a traditional Burmese orchestra as festival-goers make offerings of food, flowers, alcohol, and money to the Nats. Travellers and culture buffs will find the Yadana Gu Spirit Festival a fascinating opportunity to witness ancient animists traditions that predate the expansion of Buddhism into the region that is today called Myanmar.
Onam Festival
September, Kerala, India
Ten days before Onam, people start creating their floral mats in front of their houses. Believing that the spirit of King Mahabali is visiting Kerala at the time of Onam, people celebrate and dance to assure the king that his people are happy. The highlight is the strictly vegetarian banquet to honour King Mahabali called Ona Sadya, which is served on the main Onam day. The nine-course feast of 11 mandatory dishes used to be even more elaborate with 64 dishes and is prepared days beforehand. The food has to be served on a banana leaf, laid with the end to the left. There are strict orders of serving and clear directions as to what will be served in which part of the banana leaf. Cutlery is a big faux pas since people eat with hands.
Independence Day Celebration
August 31, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Witness the Merdeka Day Parade at Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur, in celebration of Malaysia’s Independence Day on August 31. Known locally as Hari Kemerdekaan, it is the time when Malaysians show their appreciation for yet another year of harmony among the people, and are reminded of their country’s struggle for independence. Among the events leading up to the day of the parade are a marathon, a carnival and a concert.
Dai-Chochin Matsuri
August 26 and 27, Aichi Prefecture, Japan
Dai-Chochin Matsuri or the Giant Lantern Festival is one of the brightest and most delightful festivals in Japan. The festival is also called the Suwa Shrine Lantern Festival since the tradition of lighting up lanterns to drive away sea demons started at Suwa Shrine about 450 years ago. Since then it has become the custom to ignite a kagari-bi bonfire, as a Shinto ritual at the festival. Dai-Chochin Matsuri features enormous chochin or paper lanterns which measure more than five metres in diameter and 10 metres in length. The 12 sets of paper lanterns appearing at the festival are depicted with colourful motifs of famous Japanese myths.
Mid-Autumn Festival
September 19, Vietnam
According to legend, the celebration originates from an old folk tale about parents working so hard to get ready for harvest that they forgot about their children. Mid-Autumn Festival is a time when parents will make it up to them. There’s a festive atmosphere in many cities as lights and flowers adorn the streets, toy shops stock their shelves and people flock to buy moon cakes which are sold in shops in the hundreds. The night of September 19 is the best time of the year to watch the full moon (as well as to munch on a moon cake and wash it down with tea).
PHILIPP LAAGE
DEUTSCHE PRESSE-AGENTUR August 24, 2016 1:00 am
The further off Morocco’s beaten mass-tourism paths you venture, the more you will experience at very little cost. DPA
A showcase for nature’s miracles, South America has a lot to offer, and Bolivia in particular has a landscape of great variety. DPA
Those wanting to avoid the crowds of Thailand might find Vietnam a great alternative, citing the open-air tourist buses, the rail line along the coast and cheap cook shops as well worth experiencing. DPA
Five top regions to explore on the cheap
Travel light. Travel cheap. Be free. If this is your philosophy of travelling, then there’s a good chance you’re a backpacker.
You might take on a bit of discomfort, but for that you have the versatility to head out to many places only backpackers can discover. Here are five top backpacking destinations that will fit your needs:
Thailand and Southeast Asia
Thailand is unquestionably the classic budget-travel destination in Southeast Asia, and has been for more than 30 years.
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“Mass tourism does dominate many places, but there are still islands and beaches to discover,” says one German travel blogger and Southeast Asia specialist, Stefan Diener.
And those really wanting to avoid the crowds might find Vietnam a great alternative, citing the open-air tourism buses, the rail line along the coast and cheap cook shops and well worth experiencing.
India and Sri Lanka
India is more a continent than just a country, a destination of rich colours and many facets, often creating a culture shock for first-time Western travellers. But it’s also extremely affordable to travel in.
“India offers cheap transportation, great food at low prices and a good price-to-quality ratio for its rooms,” says Diener.
But he also advises not to overlook Sri Lanka, the island-nation just off India’s southern coast. It offers paradise-like beaches, scenic high-elevation tea plantations and a great many temples and cultural sites.
Morocco
For many people considering a journey near Europe, the proximity of North African destinations don’t immediately come to mind.
And yet, as near as it is, the culture in destinations like Morocco is far removed from Europe. The further off the beaten mass-tourism paths you venture, the more you will experience at very little cost.
South Africa and Tanzania
South Africa has a capable infrastructure offering relatively cheap hostels, though still more expensive when compared with Asia.Many backpackers these days find themselves heading to Tanzania. With the Serengeti park, Mount Kilimanjaro and the island of Zanzibar, this country has a lot to offer. Prices are low, but this also comes with less practical infrastructure compared to South Africa.
Bolivia
A showcase for nature’s miracles, South America has a lot to offer, and Bolivia in particular has a landscape of great variety.
“Within just a few miles you can go from the wild jungle where jaguars are hunting tapirs, to the Altiplano, or high plateau, at 3,600 metres elevation,” says a blogger who spent two years backpacking around South America.
Further highlights of Bolivia are the salt desert Salar de Uyuni and Lake Titicaca. A room there will cost around US$2 (Bt70) a night, underscoring Bolivia’s reputation as one of the continent’s most affordable destinations.
Achara Deboonme
The Nation
Innsbruck, Austria August 22, 2016 9:55 am
IN A WORLD OF CRYSTAL: Surrounded by magnificent scenery, the Swarovski museum is a must-see on any trip to Austria
IN A WORLD OF CRYSTAL: Surrounded by magnificent scenery, the Swarovski museum is a must-see on any trip to Austria
IN A WORLD OF CRYSTAL: Surrounded by magnificent scenery, the Swarovski museum is a must-see on any trip to Austria
IN A WORLD OF CRYSTAL: Surrounded by magnificent scenery, the Swarovski museum is a must-see on any trip to Austria
IN A WORLD OF CRYSTAL: Surrounded by magnificent scenery, the Swarovski museum is a must-see on any trip to Austria
Surrounded by magnificent scenery, the Swarovski museum is a must-see on any trip to Austria
Located just half an hour’s drive from Innsbruck in the small market town of Wattens, the Swarovski Kristallwelten – Swarovski Crystal Worlds – is one of Austria’s major tourist attractions, which over the 20 years since it opened, has attracted more than 12 million visitors.
Perched on a hillock with the Tyrol Alps as the backdrop, the museum is hidden away in the Giant, a gigantic mask-like sculpture that’s home to several chambers of wonder. Here, internationally and nationally recognised artists, designers and architects have interpreted crystal in their own ways, creating concepts of space from the sparkling material.
The interior is dark, allowing the crystal to shine clearly, and the atmosphere is eerie, with crystals and signs to the next chamber all that can be made out with the naked eye. The museum is not for the claustrophobic, as once you’re in, no matter how much you fear the cramped and dark space, the only way out is to finish the tour. And that can take about 40 minutes if you rush or more than one hour if you linger to learn about the ideas behind each chamber.
Thanks to a clever and discreet lighting system, the sparkling is mesmerising and entering the first chamber is rather like walking into a room full of stars.
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The next gallery brings to mind a pine tree shimmering in an icy wind, rather like in the animated blockbuster “Frozen”. The following room is home to marvellous trigonometric shapes and an extra-large chandelier.
In the room designed by renowned soprano Jessye Norman stands a giant natural mountain crystal from Madagascar. The artist challenges you to touch it and feel the warmth of the rock.
The chamber I like the most is Eden. It echoes with the sound of a waterfall, while the visitors walk through a dense wilderness of polished brass structures. Seen through mirrored walls, the structures appear to stretch into infinity. And in the wilderness, you find a crystal.
The next room is equally mesmerising, with four architectural landmarks on display in a crystalline dimension – the Taj Mahal in Agra, the Pyramid of Cheops in Giza, the Empire State Building in New York and the Lenin Mausoleum in Moscow. Notably, the Cheops Pyramid weighs 105 kilogrammes and the Empire State Building consists of 386 individual parts. The effect is however somewhat marred by the videos embedded inside the structures. The Russian artist duo, Blue Noses, might find the videos humorous, but they don’t fit the grandeur of the structures.
The adjacent exhibition area is home to hundreds of crystal items, everything from classy evening dresses, tiaras and shoes to bras.
And then you’re exposed to a white light, bright enough to blind you and more than adequate to inspect thousands of Swarovski items available in the shop area. It is here that you understand why this sparkling material is still inspiring buyers.
Daniel Swarovski, who founded the crystal-cutting company that bears his name in the small Tyrolean town of Wattens in 1895, had an unusual vision from the outset: He was the first to regard crystal not merely as a material, but an inspiration. And he was right. Although the brand is more than 100 years old, it keeps abreast of what is going on in the world. Among the products on sale are crystal mobile phone cases, earrings and headbands. Prices vary considerably but no matter how much or how little you pay, the items will be properly wrapped and put in Swarovski paper bags – making them perfect gifts.
The shop is huge. After more than an hour in the museum and shop, few visitors have the energy to walk to the Crystal Cloud, a monumental installation comprising some 800,000 hand-mounted Swarovski crystals. The Winner of the “Best of Year 2015” award from the US Interior Design Magazine, it is however well worth the effort.
The installation was added in 2015, 20 years after the venue was first opened to mark the company’s centenary.
Sparkling experience
< Admission is 19 euros (adults).
< Other rates apply for children, pensioners and groups.
IMAD BROHI
Dawn
Asia News Network August 20, 2016 1:10 pm
In July 2016, I embarked on an incredibly memorable, yet challenging, 11-day trek to the base camp of K2 – the highest mountain in Pakistan – with three other Dutch hikers in tow.
Arranged by Snowland Treks and Tours, our trip started from Islamabad where we stayed for a day. The next morning, we took a short, but a very scenic, flight to Skardu. We acquired a great deal of interesting information about our destination from the plane’s captain, which naturally got us pumped for the journey ahead.
The PK451 flight that took us to Skardu. We passed through Nanga Parbat and Lake Saif-ul-Mulook among other landmark destinations.
Following a brief stay in Skardu, we left for the town of Askole, which is only 115km away but the rocky roads, not to mention the landslides and floods that we encountered on our way stretched our journey an additional five hours.
The picturesque drive through hanging wooden bridges, however, made it worth it.
One of the several hanging wooden bridges we encountered on our way to Askole.
Arriving in Askole, we stopped for some garam parathas, and washed them down with wonderful milky tea before starting our first trek to the Jhula campsite.
We walked through a small lane in the town of Askole that widened as we exited the village. Then, we entered Shigar Valley, where I saw jagged mountain peaks and views that quite literally took my breath away.
The track was nice and wide as we left Askole.
Much of the track is well-established and follows the Braldu River.
Night descending upon our Jhula campsite.
Situated at a distance of 18kms from Askole, we reached Jhula just before sunset. We parked our camp next to the river, which afforded us an ethereal view of the Barkhudas mountain peak.
The next morning, we trekked from Jhula to Payu campsite, which is 22kms away, at 200 metres of elevation gain; the route that we took was close to the river bank with many uninhabited houses.
From a distance, the Payu campsite is the green patch on the mountain.
Porters make special bread for us at the Payu camp; they serve pretty good green tea there as well!
I woke up in the middle of the night and was awestruck when I looked at the sky. I immediately grabbed my camera to take this shot of the Milky Way from our Payu camp.
From Payu, we made our way to the Baltoro glacier, the focal point of our trek. The journey to our next campsite Khoburshe was 15km away, with 500 metres elevation gain.
The long distance and the formidable gain of elevation, coupled with our first, tentative steps on a glacier, was taxing but also proved rewarding as we got a glimpse of the spectacular Trango and Lobsang mountain spires as well as the starting point of the serene Baltoro River from here.
Trango Towers (L) and Lobsang Spire (R). Also visible is the famous Nameless Tower to the left of Trango.
Our first view of Khoburshe Camp. We had to take a detour due to the formation of a lake near the camp.
I woke up to a view of the Giant Trango from my tent.
Near the Khoburshe campsite, a lake has sprung up due to a glacier melt, which required us to take a detour, adding about another two kilometres to the trek; we retired at the camp for the night.
The next morning, we trekked from Khoburshe to Urdukas, which is situated at a relatively short distance of 6km, with 200m of elevation gain.
The journey was, by far, the most wonderful part of the trek as we crossed two glaciers and glacial streams to reach Urdukas, surrounded by tall imposing mountains. It is a wonderful campsite that sits atop huge rocks.
Our first view of Urdukas.
Porters singing and clapping as we celebrated Eid. A Pakistan Army officer stationed at Urdukas joined in the celebrations.
As we set up our tents and settled into them, we heard the sound of music. Venturing outside, we saw porters from different teams who had gathered around a big boulder and were dancing and celebrating as it was Eid!
Close to Urdukas, there is a Pakistan Army checkpost and some military men also joined in the heartfelt celebrations.
Our next stop was the Goro II. It was another long trek of 15kms, with 270 metres of elevation gain. We were ecstatic when we saw our first views of the incredible Masherbrum (7821m) and Gasherbrum-4 (7925m) mountains.
The next day, we were back on the glacier, making our way through the crevasses and small lakes.
The first rays of the sun on the beautiful Masherbrum mountain.
Our first view of Gasherbrum-4 as we climb up the valley.
The route from Goro II and Concordia has several snow capsules.
Goro II is notorious for being the coldest site. I took this photograph of the Milky Way extending from Biarchedi mountain with my tent lit up.
Traversing along the route, we saw large protruding chunks of snow, known as snow capsules. These capsules vary in size and are sparsely found along the trek.
Our campsite at Goro II was the coldest on the trek. When I woke up in the middle of the night, my tent was covered in frost.
The morning that greeted me was equally cold, if not more. But the day was special. Crossing Gora II, we finally saw the magnificent K2 mountain, and other stunning peaks such as Muztagh Tower (7273 metres) and Mitre Peak (6010m).
Our next camp on Concordia glacier was next to Mitre Peak. With that as our reference, we walked about 12kms to reach Concordia.
The crevasses just before Concordia. The white mountain in the back is Snow Dome which is about 5,029m high.
Our campsite in Concordia.
My first view of K2.
Near Concordia, we had to negotiate many complicated crevasses. We also heard loud songs of the glacier cracking up.
Phoowadon Duangmee
The Nation
New Zealand August 17, 2016 1:00 am
A sperm whale shows of its signature fluke before diving into Kaikuora Canyon in South Island of New Zealand. The Nation/Chusri Ngamprasert
Hapuku Tree Houses and Lodge are perched 10 metres above the ground in the canopy of a native Manuka grove, making a bold statement for this stylish and eco-friendly retreat. The Nation/Phoowadon Duangmee
Nins Bin serves freshly cooked lobsters, which owner Ricky catches the old way – by spearfishing. The Nation/Phoowadon Duangmee
Marlborough vineyard in the South Island is famous for its best-selling Sauvignon Blanc. The Nation/Phoowadon Duangmee
The scenic Pacific coastline is a common sight in New Zealand’s South Island. The Nation/Phoowadon Duangmee
Kaikoura on the plate – Kaikoura in the Maori tongue, means “meal of crayfish”. The Nation/Phoowadon Duangmee
A scenic road along the western coastal line of South Island. The Nation/Phoowadon Duangmee
No trip to New Zealand is complete without a whale-watching experience
“Whale watching is a life-changing experience,” says the friendly man from Hertz Rental Car at Nelson Airport as he helps me set up “Becky”, our speaking GPS device. “The whales are spectacular when they are breaching, hopping, sailing and tailing,” he tells us and his enthusiasm is catching. We can’t wait to spot our first whale. Two days later, when we arrive in Kaikuora on the east coast of South Island, we discover that the life-changing experience starts with a plea for mercy. We miss the boat by just seconds and it seems that we are going to miss the whales too.
“Please, everyone we’ve met in the last two days insists that whale watching is a must. It’s a life changing experience,” I implore the staff of Whale Watch. “Back home in Thailand, we don’t have whales and the biggest animal we’ve ever seen is an elephant. We cannot leave New Zealand without seeing a whale fluking.”
The lady behind the counter regards us sympathetically and turns back to her computer before running her fingers through the reservations. She takes a while to check the bookings and makes a telephone call. We have only a half a day in Kaikuora, and it’s looking more and more like our whale-watching trip is a write-off. Then Lady Luck gives a broad smile.
“Two people haven’t confirmed their bookings,” she tells us. “I will put you two in the first boat tomorrow morning. Don’t miss the boat twice.”
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We didn’t mean to be late but the scenery here in New Zealand, not to mention the fine food and wine, made us linger a little too long on the road. We have only one week in South Island and we are determined to do as much as possible, from paddling in the clear turquoise crystal waters to strolling around Mt Cook Valley. Whale watching, of course, is also part of our road trip around South Island.
Nestled on the island’s rugged east coast, Kaikoura is the unofficial whale watching capital of New Zealand. In the waters off this peninsula, a complex marine system provides an abundantly rich habitat for marine mammals and seabirds, making it an ideal place for getting close to nature. Legend has it that the Ngati Kuri people, as the Maori tribe who founded Kaikoura are known, rode with the mythical Paikea on the back of a white whale from Hawaii to New Zealand. Whale Watch is also run by the Maori and has been taking tourists out to sea for almost 30 years. Kaikoura, we are told, is the best place to watch whales fluking, as the action of lifting its tail is called.
Right now though, we still have a few hours in Kaikoura before the sky goes completely dark. We quickly check into Hapuku Tree Houses and Lodge – a stylish eco-friendly resort. Perched 10 metres above the ground in the canopy of a native Manuka grove, our Tree House is designed as a contemporary complement to the environment. The exterior is clad in native woods and copper shingles and large windows bring the tree canopy right into the bedroom.
We leave our lodge with a list of places we want to explore and again are grateful for deciding on a self-drive trip. Rather than being rushed on and off a tour bus, we’ve been able to discover New Zealand at our own pace. From Nelson on the northern tip of South Island, for example, we’ve come to Kaikoura via Havelock and Marlborough. The small seaport of Havelock is known as the mussel capital of the world, while Marlborough is famous for its Sauvignon Blanc.
Kaikoura itself, in the Maori tongue, means “meal of crayfish” and that prompts us to ask “Becky” to guide us to Nins Bin, a roadside eatery specialising in freshly cooked lobster. Owner Ricky, who’s been in business since 1977, catches his lobster the old way – by spearfishing. We order a decent-sized crayfish and savour the taste of Kaikoura.
The next morning, we’re the first to arrive at Whaleway Station and check in for Whale Watch Kaikoura tour. As the lady said, you cannot miss the boat twice.
Back in 1987, at a time when the Maori were finding it impossible to earn a decent living, Ngati Kuri leader like Bill Solomon looked at the Pacific and hoped the whale could bring prosperity to his people. The tales of breaching, hopping, sailing and fluking whales quickly spread and today business is thriving.
Our boat is packed with tourists from all corners of the world. We’re informed that beneath the Kaikoura sea is a canyon – a giant habitat for a giant creature.
“Roughly put together in a U-shape, Kaikoura Canyon is about 60 kilometres long and up to 1,200 metres deep,” says our guide.
The sea is very rough. From time to time the Maori “whale spotter” dips a stethoscope of sorts into the sea to listen to the whales, helping the crews locate the giant creatures. An hour passes and sensitive stomachs are reacting badly to the churning waves but there’s no sign of a whale never mind any fluking.
“Whale spotting is a matter of luck too,” says the guide. “On a trip we might spot five or six whales, while on another we see little more than a wandering albatross.”
“Just wait and be patient” I whisper to myself, determined to keep sea sickness at bay. It doesn’t look good though and it seems that the Asian elephant will remain the largest mammal I’ve ever seen.
Then, just as the captain is just about to sheer away, the miracle happens.
“Eleven o’clock!” somebody yells.
Like something out of “Moby Dick”, a massive sperm whale emerges from the water. The 15-ton behemoth sends up a v-shaped spout of water from its blowhole, flips, and flukes as it dives into the depths of Kaikoura Canyon.
A life-changing experience indeed.
IF YOU GO
+Thai Airways International flies between Bangkok and Auckland. A Thai driving license, with the name is English, can be used to hire a car.
+Driving in New Zealand is easy. Just stick to the speed limit, and follow the rules of the road.
“Tropical Bird” boasts cool t-shirts, stylish bag tags and carry-on bags and will be on sale on all Nok Air flights throughout September.
Thai low-cost carrier Nok Air has released a new collection of accessories to raise funds for the Hornbill Research Foundation.
Birds of a feather
Thai low-cost carrier Nok Air has released a new collection of accessories to raise funds for the Hornbill Research Foundation. “Tropical Bird” boasts cool t-shirts, stylish bag tags and carry-on bags and will be on sale on all Nok Air flights throughout September. Khao Yai National Park, Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary and Budo-Su-ngai Padi National Park are home to 13 species of hornbill. Visit http://www.NokSmileShop.com.
Tales of two countries
Amari Phuket invites guests to experience a new buffet-themed night at Rim Talay restaurant. The buffet, which is priced at Bt790, offers an amazing combination of Thai favourites and popular curry dishes from the northern part of India. The Indian goodies include tandoori chicken, lamb rogan josh, chicken tikka masala, fish curry, lentils, papadums, naan bread and biryani rice, while the Thai specials cover masaman, green and penang curries and other Thai noodle and rice dishes. Complete a wonderful dinner at the dessert corner with Indian and Thai sweets plus seasonal fruits. Book a table at (076) 340 106 extension 8027, or email rimtalay@amari.com.
Kilos of kindness
To mark the United Nations International Day of Charity on September 5, Movenpick Hotels & Resorts introduces the latest initiative in its “Kilo of Kindness” drive. Guests and residents are invited to visit the 16 participating hotels to donate at least a kilo of learning supplies – such as notebooks, pens and pencils – for distribution to local schools. Supplies can be dropped off from Sunday through September 1. The participating properties are located in Jordan, Lebanon, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Thailand and the Philippines. Each person who makes a donation will get an ice cream as a small gesture of appreciation.
Italian by design
Marco Pacetta and Joss Linde of modern Italian restaurant Sensi Bangkok are staging a five-course dinner tomorrow night paired with Bellavista and Petra wines. The menu features assorted canapes and Alma Bellavista sparkling wine, insalata di mare served with Acquagiusta Bianco Maremma, beef carpaccio with sea urchin paired with Grand Cuvee Brut Rose and ravioli with ricotta nettles and a Petra Merlot Quercegobbe. The price is Bt2,900 per person. For reservations, call (02) 117 1618 or visit http://www.SensiBangkok.com.
CHUSRI NGAMPRASERT
THE NATION August 17, 2016 1:00 am
Amatara Phuket offers yoga retreats from three to seven days in one of Thailand’s best beach holiday destinations.
Revive your inner self with a yoga programme or dine with the world’s leading chefs at an island resort
Explore your inner strength through yoga at the luxury Amatara Resort & Wellness in Phuket. The Amatara Yoga programmes run for three, five and seven nights, with each session offering a chance to deepen yoga practice, and customised to help you achieve happiness and ideal yoga outcomes during the stay. The package costs Bt45,000 for three nights, Bt74,000 for five nights and Bt103,000 for seven nights and covers daily physical Asana practice, meditation, philosophy, consulting, accommodation, round-trip airport transfer, full board with three healthy a la carte meals per day or set detox programme, blood pressure check-up, use of fitness facilities, steam and infrared sauna, access to daily fitness classes and daily Signature Royal Amatara massage. Call (+66 (0) 76) 200 800, (+66 (0) 76) 318 888, visit www.AmataraPhuket.com or emailphuket@amataraphuket.com”>sales.phuket@amataraphuket.com.
Onyx Hospitality Group will be offering special accommodation deals at more than 20 properties across five countries at the 40th Thai Tiew Thai Fair running from September 1 to 4 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre. Get the most of each destination in Thailand with Amari, at prices starting from Bt2,200 a night in Pattaya and Bangkok, Bt2,800 in Hua Hin, Bt3,500 in Krabi and Koh Samui or enjoy a relaxing escape at a private island paradise with a two-night all-inclusive package at Amari Havodda Maldives, starting at Bt69,900. Get the best deals with Ozo Samui in Thailand starting at Bt2,700, while the prices for Ozo in Hong Kong and Sri Lanka start from Bt4,250 a night. A stay at Loei Palace and Angkhang Nature Resort starts at Bt900 and Bt1,700 respectively. Prices are valid for stays between September 1 and March 31.
Culinary aficionados are invited to an extraordinary two-night getaway that blends the beauty of nature with the luxury of world-class cuisine on October 28 and 29 at Soneva Kiri Koh Kood. Sit down to an intimate six-course dinner prepared by six Michelin starred European chefs with 10 stars between them, and explore the elaborate art of gastronomy paired with breath-taking views of the Gulf of Siam. Starting from Bt105,000, the rate is inclusive of a two-night stay at the luxurious resort, the six-course dinner, daily half board, spa treatments for two at the resort’s Six Senses Spa, and return private plane transfers from Bangkok to Koh Kood. The offer is available for bookings via travel agent or by calling ( +91) 124 4511000 or email: reservations@soneva.com. Quote booking code: SKMSCP16.
Designed to bring people and nature together, Botanica Khao Yai is a fine place to relax during the green season. The resort is now offering an early bird deal starting from Bt3,900 per night. The offer includes accommodation for two with daily American breakfast. An extra bed is available upon request at Bt1,800 per person per night and inclusive of breakfast. Book in August for a stay during September and October. Call (+66 (0) 2) 661 2999 extensions 400-404 or email:reservation@botanicakhaoyai.com.
Reward yourself with a healthy holiday at Royal Wing Suites & Spa in Pattaya. The resort is offering a Health and Relax package starting from Bt10,365 per night covering accommodation, breakfast buffet, free Wi-Fi, tropical fruit basket in room, a 60-minute massage treatment, an hour’s use of tennis or squash courts, a one-hour private work-out class and personal training session and 10-per-cent discount at Cliff Spa. The deal is good until October 31 and a stay of two nights minimum is required. Call (+66 (0) 38) 250 421 or email: relax@royalcliff.com.
China Daily
Asia News Network August 13, 2016 9:58 am
The grand exhibition “Pharaohs and Kings: Treasures of Ancient Egypt and China’s Han Dynasty” was unveiled to the public on Wednesday, which presents the different features of ancient Egypt civilization and Han Dynasty (202 BC-AD 220) civilization through a comparison of the two ancient cultures.
Nearly 150 antiques from the Royal Ontario Museum in Canada and 150 pieces of unearthed Han Dynasty relics from domestic museums nationwide are put on display together. The exhibition is the first charged special exhibition since the implementation of free museum entry policy in China, and the ticket is set at 30 yuan ($4.5) for per person.
The highlight of the exhibition is the Cleopatra statue and a series of cultural products are also designed to cooperate with the exhibition. It will last until January 9.
A visitor takes a photo of a color-painted gold-gilded mummy mask at the Nanjing Museum in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, August 10, 2016. [Photo by Su Yang/Asianewsphoto]
Visitors view jade clothes sewn with gold wire at the Nanjing Museum in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, August 10, 2016. [Photo by Su Yang/Asianewsphoto]
People view a mummy mask from ancient Egypt at the Nanjing Museum in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, August 10, 2016.[Photo/Xinhua]
A visitor takes a photo of a copper cattle lamp from Western Han Dynasty at the Nanjing Museum in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, August 10, 2016. [Photo by Su Yang/Asianewsphoto]
Visitors view a humanoid sarcophagus avatar at the Nanjing Museum in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, August 10, 2016. [Photo by Liu Jianhua/Asianewsphoto]
The mummy-shaped cover plate (L) and jade coffin from Han Dynasty (R) are exhibited together at the Nanjing Museum in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, August 10, 2016. [Photo by Su Yang/Asianewsphoto]
Visitors enjoy the Cleopatra statue, highlight of the exhibition at the Nanjing Museum in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, August 10, 2016. [Photo by Liu Jianhua/Asianewsphoto]
People view bronze statues from ancient Egypt at the Nanjing Museum in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, August 10, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]
A crocodile mummy from ancient Egypt is seen at the Nanjing Museum in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, August 10, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]
Visitors view a bianqing (chime-stone), an ancient musical instrument at the Nanjing Museum in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, August 10, 2016. [Photo/IC]
Phoowadon Duangmee
The Nation August 10, 2016 1:00 am
Folks in Rio commute via the historic Santa Teresa Tram, which connects the hillside neighbourhood of Santa Teresa with the city. The Nation/Phoowadon Duangmee
The Girl from Ipanema – Rio’s beaches have long seduced visitors. Ipanema Beach, with its long stretch of sun-drenched sand, is the preferred hangout for ageing leftists, hippies and artists. It’s also the best place to order a Caipirinha – Brazilian’s un
Copacabana, which extends some four kilometres, is Rio’s most iconic and hedonistic beach. By day, tourists line up for Caipirinhas at kiosks while beach hawkers weave among tanned bodies selling swimwear. As day gives way to night, the Cariocas throw wil
No trip to Rio is complete without taking the cog train to the top of Corcovado in central Rio de Janeiro. Standing 40 metres high atop the summit is the statue of Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) – one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The Nati
Puppets hang over windows in the historic neighbourhood of Santa Teresa. The area, which is home to artists, hippies and writers, is worth the tram trip to enjoy a leisurely walk and great dining. The Nation/Phoowadon Duangmee
Brazilians gather for beach volleyball at Rio’s Copacabana Beach. The Nation/Phoowadon Duangmee
As Brazil goes nuts for the Olympics, we take a walk around the streets and check out the sights
Rio de Janeiro is famous for many things, among them the bossa nova jazz number “The Girl from Ipanema”, the statue of Cristo Redentor, Copacabana Beach and, of course, the Rio Carnival.
Now Brazil’s second largest city is adding the Rio 2016 Olympics to its portfolio of attractions.
The games, which kicked off in style last Friday with a ceremony at the city’s Maracana Stadium, and continue through August 21, followed by the Paralympics from September 7 to 18, have drawn hundreds of thousands of visitors to Rio.
With 37 beaches surrounded by mountains and streets that seethe with sensuality, Rio has more than its fair share of beauty to share. And even without the Olympics, it vibrates with sports.
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The Cariocas – as Rio’s residents are called – bring sport from the stadiums to the beaches, mixing action with leisure and even business.
Along the four-kilometre strip of sand that makes up Copacabana Beach, Brazilian boys from favelas show off their skills at beach football. Young men and women, with surfboards attached to their bicycles, cruise along the promenade in search of good waves to ride.
Back in the 1800s, way before the arrival of the athletes last week, the Portuguese led by their Prince Regent sailed to Rio de Janeiro to escape Napoleon’s march on Lisbon. The Portuguese gave the city (and the country) its religion and language, while the locals shaped the city with music, dance and cuisine.
As soon as the prince, who later become known as Dom Joao VI, set foot in Rio, the Cariocas threw a wild party with dancing in the streets.
Rio experienced its Golden Age between the 1920s and the 1950s. The construction of luxurious hotels turned the city into a haven for Hollywood celebrities and hi-so A-listers who came here for the beach and samba.
Copacabana is still Rio’s most famous beach – a place where tourists chill out on the hot white sand and sip Caipirinha, Brazilian’s unofficial national cocktail.
Ipanema Beach is more fashionable and infinitely hipper than Copacabana and was immortalised in the worldwide hit “The Girl from Ipanema”. Inspired by Helo Pinheiro, a true beauty who lived in the fasionable seaside neighbourhood during the ’60s, the song was an international hit for Astrud Gilberto and Stan Getz back in 1964. It was featured in last Friday’s opening ceremony, with supermodel Gisele Bundchen portraying the girl from Ipanema.
Rio de Janeiro today is really two cities – one for the rich, the other for the poor. The rich and the middle classes live along the Atlantic coastline in Ipanema, Copacabana and Leme. The poor and powerless inhabit the shantytowns – favelas – covering the steep hillsides around the city.
Santa Teresa, which is perched on a hill overlooking the city, is Rio’s answer to Montmartre in Paris and connects with the city centre via an old tramline. It is a far cry from the glitz and glamour of Copacabana and Ipanema, yet captures the heart and imagination of many visitors, myself included.
A Bohemian hideout that’s home to musicians, novelist-wannabes, daydreamers and ne’er-do-well junkies, this neighbourhood also has a thriving broken hearts club.
“When lovers are dumped by their significant others, they come here,” the guide tells me.
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