Infotips » Asia

Zoo Use 101

admin — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:00:02 +0000

Do you truly see animals at the zoo? A while back, on a visit tothe J. Paul Getty Museum in Santa Monica, I overheard a tourguide say the average time spent looking at a work of art in themuseum is five to ten seconds per piece. At first this shockedme. At the time I was standing entranced next to Van GoghsIrises. I envisioned museumgoers not even breaking theirstride as they blew past. Then I realized it was the “seersyndrome.” Sadly, most people who came here were seers of art,not observers of art. As it turned out, this was the guidespoint as well.

Unfortunately, in this case seer is not as the word implies.In fact, it is the exact opposite. Where most of us picture aseer as psychic or as someone with unique visionary knowledgeand wisdom, the seers I am referring to are the tourist-likeseers. They are a painfully dominant subspecies in our culture.Tourist-like seers go to the zoo “to see the animals.” And, theycertainly do. They glance at each beast, getting no more out ofit than if they had stayed at home and thumbed through the BigPicture Book of Animals their kids had been given for Christmas.

Too often these days we use our zoos and museums as a means offulfilling social obligations. They are classic ways toentertain out of town visitors or to spend perceived qualitytime with friends and family. In the chaos of socialization, thebeauty of the individual exhibit is lost. In order to appreciateboth natural and man-made masterpieces, people need to slow downand take time to truly appreciate individual works. In short,they must observe not just see.

THE TRANSFORMATION

Many years ago the San Diego Zoological Society changed me froma seer of animals to an observer of animals. My transformationoccurred when I started working as working in the societysBehavioral Observer Program. My tasks were quite simple. I wouldwatch a single animal for a whole shift, taking note on what myfocal subject did. By the end of the first hour I knew I wasguilty of years of improper zoo use. I was converted.

In my past life as a seer, I would set out to conquer a wholezoological park in a single day with other members of my speciesin tow. Sore feet and pricey souvenirs were frequently the endresult of the journey. As a seer, I would look at the animals intheir cages, read the large print part of some of the signs(name, habitat, diet, etc.), look again at the subject thenhypnotically proceed to the next cage. All the while I wassocializing with other people. Then this mundane process wouldrepeat. I could cover smaller zoos in a single visit. Boy, did Iget my moneys worth?

These days I enjoy acquainting myself with a few new exhibitsand visiting friends from past trips. I rarely see more than asmall portion of any zoological park in a single day; however,the experience takes over my soul. As an observer, I study eachanimal and enclosure design, take note and photos for futurereference, then relax and watch my quarry. Through thedevelopment of familiarity, I take away from my visit a truerknowledge of, and a higher respect for, the animals I have beenwatching.

SHOE BILL ODYSSEY

For example, during my work, I came to know and appreciatewatching the most bizarre of animals. At very first glance, thiscreature would cause Richard Simmons to become lethargic. Thezoological society had asked me to take observation on the firstShoe Bill Stork released on an island at the San Diego WildAnimal Park.

For those of you unfamiliar

with this species, let me just saythis; Shoebills are large, dull gray, prehistoric looking birdsthat move somewhat slower than most dead stuff. My first daysnotes on a 9 am to 1 pm observation period read “11:08 walkedthree step to ponds edge”, “11:19 drank (duration 35 seconds)”,”12:01 turned away from water”. Try to impress the curator withthat insightful piece.

Fortunately, by her third day on the island my target hadloosened up (now moving nearly every hour) and I had settleddown. The seers would pass us by. Each strained cerebrallytrying to figure out why I was staring at the statue of thedinosaur bird.

“Are you sketching it?”

“Who is the sculpture?”

“What do you mean its real?”

“No it isnt.”

“Is it?”

The occasional photographically inclined seer would starethrough a telephoto at this photogenic statue. Occasionally, thelaid back statue would turn to stare back. The startled seerwould launch straight backward. The camera would launch straightforward. Then, the statue would refreeze and I would make mynote for the hour discreetly giggling on the ground. Together wewould await our next victim. As a seer I would probably still beunaware this species even existed. Thus, how could I appreciateit? I certainly would not ever have found a Shoe Bill amusinghad I not given it due time.

NEW PERCEPTIONS

A word of warning here, while it is relatively easy to fromreform a seer to an observer; it is impossible to reverse theprocedure. You will never be able to suppress being moreobservant and return to the realm of the seers. This is liketrying to stuff a full grown chicken back into its shell. Zoosas a social event will become a living hell!

Seers will find Observers to slow. Even an Observer that ismoving at his maximum potential speed of 2.5 frustrated minutesper exhibit will be left in the dust by that average 10 secondsper exhibit of the stealth-like seers. In turn, an observer willbe disgusted by the seers lack of interest in and appreciationfor the individual animals. A Seer will find an Observer to be aknow-it-all. An Observer will be resentful of being blatantlyhumored.

Seers will smack their lips together in an attempt to get ananimals attention. Dont do this! What are you thinking? “Oh,animal 2 million idiots a year subject you to this relentlessnoise. Now, I am doing it. Come show my friend how special I am.to be your chosen one.” Good grief, give me a break.

An observer will want to slap a smacking seer. The observer mustrestrain, for seers travel in packs. The observer is azoological loner. A special person to understand and share quiettime with is hard enough to find in the outside world.

Learning to be more observant is a skill that can benefitmankind in nearly every aspect of his life. Sadly though, manywill never even attempt to make the change. A natural avoidanceof the unfamiliar will take place. For of the many who hear thismusing, most will not have listened.

About the author:

Zoologist turned satirist Nola L. Kelsey is the author of thescathingly wicked satire Bitch Unleashed: The Harsh Realities ofGoin Country. She is also the coauthor of the twisted politicalsatire Keeping the Masses Down. Kelseys newsletter, NomadicMuse, is tracking her escape from South Dakota normality to herlife as a shoestring backpacker in SE Asia. Excerpts from BitchUnleashed and subscriptions to Nomadic Muse are available on her

YoYo Ma’s Silk Road Project

admin — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 13:57:02 +0000

YoYo Ma’s Silk Road Project

Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com
To read this entire feature FREE with photos cut and paste this link:
http://www.jetsettersmagazine.com/archive/jetezine/classic/vegas/silk/silk.html

hoa. Few places, especially any as vaguely defined as “The Silk Road,” are as steeped in picturesque myth as this collection of ancient trade routes from the Far East to Europe. Dusty trails, smelly camels, dangerous bandits, treacherous mountain passes – it just doesnt get any better than this.

I love music that evokes visions of places, and I have long enjoyed Alexander Borodins marvelous “In the Steppes of Central Asia” for its European-oriented musical image of the route. Now, with the Silk Road Project (www.silkroadproject.org), cellist Yo-Yo Ma and his ensemble give us the Asian translation, which is closer to the source. The Project, on tour with an eclectic mix of musicians from East and West, performed a collection of new and traditional works from as far as China and as near as France. Any yoga instructor will tell you that stretching, while sometimes uncomfortable, is very good for you. Tonights performance was musical yoga.

Ever been to Mongolia? Me neither, but Ive seen pictures. Containing endless rolling grasslands and the vast Gobi Desert, this place makes Montanas sky look small. Tonights first piece, The Legend of Herlen, was a sort of tone poem about that countrys Herlen River. Sparse and airy, it featured Yo-Yo Ma himself on a Mongolian morin khuur, or “horse-head fiddle.” (In case you were picturing something grotesque, the instrument is named for the carved-wood horses head atop the fiddles neck.) Played upright like a cello, it sounds less sweet than its European descendant, and somehow more rustic and “country.” Also featured was the “long song” vocalizing of Khongorzul, from Mongolias capital Ulaan Baatar. Taking in deep breaths, she would project long, fluttering phrases that sounded like they actually could carry all the way across the Gobi – from Las

Vegas, yet. Written by Byambasuren Sharav, this atmospheric work could be considered Mongolian “new age” music if it didnt sound so ancient and wise.

Next up was a solo performance by Wu Man (thats her name, not just her gender) on a pipa, a lute-like stringed instrument from China. She played a traditional song that constantly shifted in tempo and intensity. The sound of the instrument changed as well: one minute it rang melodically like a mandolin; then she would pluck it quietly like a harp; and occasionally she would thrash furiously like Pete Townsend torturing his guitar at the end of a Who concert. Until she played sustained notes with vibrato in them, my ears couldnt identify the sound as distinctively Chinese, so broad was the range of tone and mood achieved by the player.

Did I mention there were danger and conflict on the Silk Road? The next modern piece, Blue as the Turquoise Night of Neyshabur, by Iranian composer Kayhan Kalhor, featured several traditional instruments from Persia and India. These, however, were utterly drowned out by the violins, violas, cellos, and contrabass – as if Asia were being warned never to get into a land war in Europe. The kemancheh, or “spike fiddle,” from Iran and the Caucasus region, sounds somewhat tinnier than a violin and more – well, old. Its mournful sweetness couldnt be heard except during solos.

The ney, a Middle Eastern flute of bamboo, wood, or metal, made such a delicate

To read this entire feature FREE with photos cut and paste this link:
http://www.jetsettersmagazine.com/archive/jetezine/classic/vegas/silk/silk.html

Rob LaGrone, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent – Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com To book travel visit Jetstreams.com at www.jetstreams.com and for Beach Resorts visit Beach Booker at www.beachbooker.com

About the Author

Rob LaGrone, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent. Join the Travel Writers Network in the logo at www.jetsettersmagazine.com Leave Your email next to the logo for FREE e travel newsletter.

World Cruise – a Relaxing Experience

admin — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 13:56:00 +0000

Have you ever thought what it would be like to just relax quietly under the sun and at sea-no hustling or bustling, far away from the madding crowds in a casual attire and in clean air and just a small group of likeminded people as company? You are on a World Cruise- around the world, Australia and New Zealand, the Orient, South America, South Pacific, Asia, Europe and the Mediterranean. The ships are equipped with spacious, well-furnished cabins with private facilities having a well-upholstered lounge, a library, good deck space and a small pool. The fares typically range from $70 to $130 a day and the world cruise is for duration from about four to ten weeks, but some are two to three weeks and some are longer.

With World Cruise, you cover 27 nations on five continents. You navigate through the French Polynesia, Great Barrier Reef of Australia, glacier carved fjords of New Zealand, enchanted Chinas landscapes and the forbidden palaces. You pay a visit to bazaars in Hong Kong and the buddhas in Bangkok, the colonial and modern blend in Singapore. Enjoy exploring Delhi, Jaipur or the Taj Mahal at Agra and the tombs and temples under the ruling King times. The World Cruise even takes you to Antartica -the ultimate destination. It sure is a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience the grandeur of Rome, the glory of Rome through the warm waters of the equatorial Atlantic.

Taking the world cruise will be the most memorable vacation you have ever undertaken. You would cherish this experience for the rest of your life where you learn about history or diverse cultures the world over or simply unwind yourself. World cruises provide American customers a service of a lifetime-delicious meals, sightseeing, and entertainment combined with a relaxed friendly atmosphere-value for money as you may understand. Now you can sail in style and comfort- Volga river,

Moscow canal, Volga/Baltic canal, the Svir River, the Rybinski Reservoir, Lake Ladoga, Lake Onega, and the Neva River. You will certainly be the envy of the Byzantine Emperors as you travel the legendary route between Scandinavia to Kiev and the Black Sea until you reach Dnieper River. Great works of art-the Panorama of the Sevastopal Battle and you can also visit the room where Roosevelt, Churchill and Stalin signed the Yalta Treaty in 1945.

Age is no constraint to take the World Cruise-whether you are 79 or reaching 80, you are welcome aboard. Of course, if you are under 13 the insurance companies might restrict your entry into the cruise. A month prior to departure, you will receive the boarding information along with the ticket package. You may receive a mailing list with port agent addresses with your ticket package-so you can be in touch with your family and friends while sailing. The only change you can expect is the change in the boarding date. However, you may not know the actual time of boarding until the day before or day of boarding.

Do not forget to carry cash, US currency only. Personal checks, traveler checks and credit cards are unacceptable. For you to undertake the world cruise emergency medical/evacuation is necessary. This covers you medically in foreign ports and allows you to avail medical treatment in case of illness. Mostly if you are over 65 years, it is obligatory to have a medical certificate within ninety days of sailing. You need not worry about canceling your trip due to covered reasons as you are covered for it too under trip cancellation/interruption insurance.

Looking for information about cruises? Go to:

http://www.whatcruises.com

What Cruises is published by Colin Hartness

- An excellent resource for Cruises!

Worldwide Online Travel Guide, Online Booking

admin — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 13:52:00 +0000

This travel guide gives you the real story about vacations, hotels, resorts, attractions, museums, sights, shopping, culture, clubs, bars, nightlife, cruises and restaurants on the most popular places around the world. Stories, secrets and special places from people just like you. Search, travel, then share your own experiences.

The Guide offer relevant information about the European countries and cities. We are providing the country content and bringing you local information to ensure that you have a great stay in Europe. Europes wealth of culture, history and gastronomy offers almost infinite holiday possibilities. As well as some of the worlds most captivating cities, travel south and the warm waters of the Mediterranean beckon you to enjoy sophisticated, sun-drenched beach resorts.

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admin — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 13:49:06 +0000

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Wildebeest Migration – How To Get The Best Seats In The House

admin — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 13:47:01 +0000

To get the most out of a wildebeest migration safari you need to know where the best places along the migration route are, the times you need to be in certain areas and who the top safari companies are.

The Best Spots On the Migration Route

Have you ever seen those wildlife documentaries that show masses of wildebeest swimming across a river being shadowed and sometimes dragged under by huge crocodiles or drowning because of the crush and fatigue?

And those wildebeest that do make it across safely sometimes fail at the last hurdle because the bank is too steep and slippery with mud for them to reach the top even though they make a huge effort to do so.

This all forms part of the incredible wildebeest migration that takes part every year in the Serengeti and Masai Mara game reserves in East Africa.

The best spots to see spectacles like the ones described above are at the Grumeti river in the western corridor of the Serengeti because this is the first major river the hordes of wildebeest need to cross in their quest for sweeter grazing in the north.

And the massive crocodiles are waiting…

The second and last major river they need to cross before they get to the Masai Mara reserve is the Mara and this is also an excellent vantage point from which to watch the drama play out.

But something that few people know is that there is another part of the wildebeest migration that is just as incredible as the actual trek north. And this is the annual foaling of about 400 000 wildebeest calves all in about a three week period early in the year.

This is also an awesome spectacle and the best spot to experience this is the southern Serengeti in February. You are also bound to see a lot of the predators like lion, hyena, leopard and cheetah take advantage of this food bonanza.

Timing Is Everything With the Wildebeest Migration

So how is it possible for a million wildebeest to just disappear?

This is a question that gets asked reasonably often by people who go to the Serengeti to see the migration but get the timing wrong and then they fail to find the huge herds.

The answer is that the million wildebeest are still there but they are spread out across a wide area on the Serengeti plains so it just seems

like there are fewer of them because they arent ready to mass for the trip up north yet.

So how can you make sure you get the timing right?

Its extremely difficult to predict when the migration will occur because its all dependant on the rain. And the rain comes at different times each year but it is possible to make a rough estimate based on past occurrences so if you are in the Central Serengeti in April-May you should start to see them move northwest towards the Grumeti controlled area.

In June you will find them doing their death defying swim across the Grumeti river and soon after in August they attempt to ford the Mara river in the north to reach the life sustaining grassland of the Masia Mara in Kenya.

In November-December the migration starts to move southwards towards the Serengeti plains again to capitalise on the fresh grasses that have grown there in the interim.

Top Wildebeest Migration Safari Companies

A very important decision you need to make if you want to experience the wildebeest migration successfully concerns the safari company that you choose to guide you. Its very easy to become confused because there are so many operators in the market.

Make sure they are a reputable company by getting recommendations from previous travellers that have been on safari with them in Serengeti wildebeest migration trip reports.

You can also check their membership in various safari associations – KATO – Kenya Association of Tour Operators, TATO – Tanzania Association of Tour Operators and ATTA – African Travel and Tourism Association.

And lastly make sure that they can satisfactorily answer all your questions about their payment, refund and cancellation policies and what the exact itenirary will be. Choosing the wrong company for your wildebeest migration safari can be disastrous.
About the Author

Make the right choice of wildebeest migration companies by using the Top Three Serengeti migration operators list.

The Top Three Honeymoon Safari Companies List ranks the best of the best honeymoon safari operators by using trip reports from previous travellers.

Why You Should Travel To Hong Kong For The New Years Parade

admin — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 13:45:04 +0000

The New Years parade in Hong Kong is an event not to be missed!The city is dressed up with bright decorations and colorfullights for its biggest celebration of the year, and thousandspour into Hong Kong to take part in the festivities.

Winding along Hong Kongs picturesque waterfront, the New Yearsparade is filled with colorful, lavishly decorated floats.Representatives from Hong Kong and countries all over the worldsing, dance and play music. The songs of marching bands fill theair along the parades route as performers in bright costumesprance along the streets.

The forthcoming year (2006) is the Year of the Dog. No matterwhich zodiac animal is being celebrated for the coming year,there are always plenty of lions and dragons in the parade.Energetic dancers wearing giant lion heads leap in the air aslong dragons held aloft by more than twenty people snake pastthe enthralled parade watchers.

The New Years parade is the biggest event of Hong Kongs LunarNew Year celebration. Close to 300,000 people attend the paradeand millions more watch it on television. In recent years theparade has taken place in the evening, featuring vivid, dazzlinglight displays.

The Lunar New Year is one of Hong Kongs most important andwell-loved holidays. Each year one of twelve different animalsis celebrated, according to the Chinese zodiac. Many of thecitys towering skyscrapers are decked out in glittering lightsfor the holiday. Throughout the three-day celebration, dancersin colorful costumes perform lion

and dragon dances in thestreets, malls and hotel lobbies. Traditionally, people exchangesmall, red envelopes filled with money as gifts. Flower marketsshow up all over the city during the holiday, selling plants andflowers with special significance, and stores and restaurantsdisplay flowers meant to bring immortality and good luck.

The New Year celebration usually begins anywhere from January 21to February 19, depending on the year. While the holidayofficially lasts fifteen days, in Hong Kong it is celebrated forthree days, with the New Years parade taking place on the firstday. January 29, 2006 is the first day of the forthcoming newyear.

The day after the New Years parade a brilliant display offireworks lights up Hong Kongs famous Victoria Harbour. Thefireworks can be viewed from the waterfront or from boatscruising the harbour. On the third day of the celebration alarge horse race takes place at the Sha Tin racetrack. Thislively race is a favorite for gamblers and horseracingenthusiasts.

Its no wonder why so many travel to discover all that Hong Konghas to offer, with the vibrant fusion of ancient customs andmodern day fun at one of the worlds biggest Chinese New Yearcelebrations.

About the author:

John Riggin is Executive Editor for www.SeeYouInAsia.com, thelargest and most comprehensive US to Asia travel website.Where youll discover the best deals on flights, tours, hotels,cruises and more to welcome in the Chinese New Year.

Why Thailand Is A Favorite Travel Destination in Asia

admin — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 13:44:02 +0000

No wonder people love to travel to Thailand these days. Its hot. Its fun. And its cheap. Everything here is cheap — hotels, food, shopping — you name it. A coconut costs 20 baht (thats around 50 cents -US). A bowl of noodle costs from 30 to 70 baht (depending on how nice the restaurant is).

Hotels in Thailand are cheap. They have hotels to suit any budget you have. If youre a backpacker and want to stay in Bangkok, Kaosan road is your ideal destination. Its dirt cheap. If you have deeper pocket, you can stay in a small hotel for $40. But if you have $100 or $200, go for a nicer hotel. Its all worth it. You can be sure that the service is second to none. When you leave Bangkok for the beach, you have the choice of cheap bungalows or prettier resorts. You can book a room in advance or you can just walk in. Feel free to a look around and pick the resort you like once you get there.

Youll have a great time in Thailand. Bangkok is the capital. And you shouldnt miss it for the world. Dress politely and take a taxi to the Grand Palace, Wat Pra Kaew (“Wat” means temple in Thai) and Wat Po. If your hotel is by the Chao Phraya river (the main river in Bangkok), book the hotels cruise for dinner. Also, remember to spend a weekend in Bangkok. Put on your summer outfit and take a taxi to Jatujak weekend market (open on Saturdays and Sundays). They have everything here. And when I say everything, I mean it — from clothing, accessories, Thai handicrafts, to furniture. The place is huge. Be there around 11, have lunch there, and enjoy your shopping till late afternoon. Make sure you have a lot of cash with you — youll love to buy everything you see. Here you have to bargain, and they only take cash. Your travel to Bangkok cant be complete without going to Jatujak.

I often feel sorry for

tourists who travel to Thailand with a tour group. They dont get to see much. Getting around Bangkok is especially easy. In fact, you dont need to take a tour. You can get around the city by skytrain, taxi or tuktuk. And if you want to get a little sun-tanned, just fly to the south — to Phuket island, Samui island, Phi Phi island, or Similan island. You dont even need a tour guide once you are at the beach!

Thai people are incredibly friendly and helpful. All you have to do is ask. Just ask for help, and theyll help you as much as they can. They can speak a little English. Youll have no problem. If you approach someone who cant speak English, youll still have no problem. Use your common sense. Use your hands. Speak in chunks, not sentences. Say the name of the place you want to go. If they walk away, that doesnt mean they dont want to help you. It simply means they cant speak English at all. And theyre too embarrassed about that. So, dont take it personally. Dont give up. Ask the next person you see. Theyll help you out — I bet you a Pad Thai on that!

When you travel in Thailand, you should have no problem if you just learn to ask for help. You see, most tourists rely on maps (which are pretty useless when youre in Thailand). They just stand there clueless with their maps while Thai people walk past by (wondering deep down if they can help you out…You see, most Thais are shy. They wont walk up to you asking if you need help. You need to initiate the conversation.)
About the Author

Tuk-Tuk.net is Thailand travel site with information about Thailand hotels and Bangkok hotels and more when youre planning on your Thailand vacation.

Which Bangkok Hotel To Choose?

admin — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 13:37:05 +0000

Going to Bangkok? Feeling overwhelmed with hotel choices? Well,dont be.

Here are some great Bangkok hotels we recommend based on yourbudget:

8,000-9,000 BAHT A NIGHT:

- THE ORIENTAL HOTEL – One of the worlds premier hotels. Theoldest hotel in Bangkok on the bank of Chao Phraya River. Nicecolonial-style architecture. Not in the city center though.

7,000-8,000 BAHT A NIGHT:

- THE PENINSULA BANGKOK HOTEL – High reviews, world awards. Onthe bank of the Chao Phraya River, but on the farther island.Free hotels shuttle boat service takes you to BTS skytrain.

- SUKOTHAI HOTEL – Beautiful contemporary Thai architecture inbeautiful landscaped garden. A bit far from shopping areas butworth the beauty.

- FOUR SEASONS HOTEL BANGKOK – Right in front of BTS skytrain.The name guarantees the luxury. Close to most shopping malls.

6,000-7,000 BAHT A NIGHT:

- GRAND HYATT ERAWAN – Stunning garden spa. Very close to BTSskytrain. High-end shopping right below the hotel and justacross the street.

- THE BANYAN TREE BANGKOK – One of the newest hotels in Bangkok.The tallest hotel building in Bangkok. Exceptional spa andmassage.

5,000-6,000 BAHT A NIGHT:

- SHERATON GRANDE SUKUMVIT – Beautiful Thai/Bali style swimmingpool garden with soothing underwater music. Right at BTSskytrain.

- SHANGRI-LA HOTEL – On the bank of Bangkoks Chao Phraya River.Nice pool, nice view. But dont try the hotels Angelini Italianrestaurant though.

4,000-5,000 BAHT A NIGHT:

- CONRAD HOTEL BANGKOK – Contemporary hotel for modernlifestyle. A bit of walking to do to get to BTS skytrain.Traffic is always horrible right in front of the hotel.

- PLAZA ATHENEE HOTEL – Nice and

close to BTS skytrain. But thehotels name might cause pronunciation problem between you andlocal taxi driver. Bring the hotels business card and the roadname in Thai with you.

3,000-4,000 BAHT A NIGHT:

- MARRIOTT RESORT AND SPA – Right on the bank of Bangkoks ChaoPhraya River. Very much like a secluded and relaxing resort. Notin the city center, but free shuttle boat to BTS station makesit all fine.

- NAI LERT PARK, RAFFLES INTERNATIONAL HOTEL – Lush garden withpeaceful atmosphere. Within walking distance from BTS skytrainand shopping malls.

- TRIPLE TWO SILOM HOTEL – Nice boutique hotel with contemporaryAsian design. At night, enjoy Silom Roads street market.

2,000-3,000 BAHT A NIGHT:

- PATUMWAN PRINCESS HOTEL – Great location, but always underrenovation. Right inside MBK Shopping Center. Try the hotelsJapanese+Korean buffet lunch at Konju restaurant, only$25/person.

- SOFITEL SILOM – Cozy boutique hotel in Bangkok. Few steps offthe night market on Silom road. Near BTS skytrain.

1,000-2,000 BAHT A NIGHT:

- BUDDY LODGE KHAO SAN ROAD – Nice hotel in the world-famousKhao San Road area. Good for backpacker with more budget. Askfor a quiet room. Khao San could get noisy at night.

500-1,000 BAHT A NIGHT:

- ROYAL RIVER HOTEL – On the bank of Bangkoks Chao PhrayaRiver. Quite difficult to get into the city. Big room for smallprice. You also get free breakfast buffet.

At the time of this writing, US$1 = 40 Thai Baht. You can checktodays currency converter at http://www.xe.com/ucc/

About the author:

For more information about Thailand hotel and Bangkok hotel, visit Tuk-Tuk.net.

Where to stay in Hong Kong

admin — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 13:36:00 +0000

So you’ve decided on Hong Kong? You’ve got your airline tickets booked but now where to stay? As with any major city the possibilities are endless, one thing that Hong Kong is not short of is a hotel. It really does come down to a couple of important factors, how much you want to spend and what you are planning to do when you get to Hong Kong. Are you travelling on business with just a bit of pleasure? Or is this a vacation and your planning to shop till you drop and visit everywhere that’s worth visiting?

Well hopefully we can give you a couple of helpful and handy hints on finding the best place to stay while in Hong Kong.

Most of the hotels are situated in the two main areas, which are Hong Kong Island and Kowloon (which is on the mainland). With the excellent public transport systems you are never far away from any of the attractions that Hong Kong has to offer. Both sides of the water offer great shopping, restaurants, bars and clubs.

As for costs, Hong Kong really has something for everyone from a simple bed to lay your head at night such as the Tatami Hampton Hotel to the plush 5 star luxuries of the Shangri-la hotels. By no means is Hong Kong one of the cheaper Asian locations but depending on your needs and the time of the year that you go a bargain can usually be found. Check out our hotel reviews and

rates at Hongkonghelp, real hotel reviews left by real people who have stayed at the places you might be considering. We can also offer the lowest rates available on any Hong Kong hotel, with exceptional deals on last minute bookings for those staying within the next 20 days.

Our recommendations for places to stay on Hong Kong Island are as follows:
Budget – Harbour View International House
Mid Range – The Excelsior Hotel
High End – The Island Shangri-la

Our recommendations for places to stay Kowloon side are as follows:
Budget – Tatami Hampton Hotel
Mid Range – Harbour Plaza Metropolis Hotel
High End – Langham Place Hotel

Wherever you stay we are sure that you will have a brilliant time in this wonderful city, if your looking for further advice on getting to Hong Kong, what to do, where to go and more visit HongKongHelp.com where we have loads of information on everything that’s Hong Kong.

About the Author

Grant is the owner of HongKongHelpcom a site dedicated to getting the most out a trip to Hong Kong, they offer real
reviews by real people of all the Hong
Kong hotels and attractions along the lowest rates available, restaurant, bar reviews and much more.