Page 5 - Travel Advisors of Los Gatos – Fall 2015

TIC SOUTHEAST ASIA
By Dorothy Crouch
O2015
dance parties and the thrilling Formula One race along the Marina Bay Street Circuit. Singapore’s event calendar also includes the Mid-Autumn Festival (don’t miss out on traditionally made mooncakes), Deepavali and ZoukOut – an enormous dance beach festival. Singapore’s calendar of events continues through the end of this anniversary year, but 2016 will be here soon, bringing with it the close of this milestone!
Singapore
THAILAND’S TOURISM MIX
Thailand’s reputation as one of Asia’s most exotic destinations stems from its natural beauty, enhanced by lush jungles and fertile plains. The country’s distant culture offers a traditional and rich heritage. The city of Bangkok boasts a multitude of golden Buddhist temples (wats) and exquisite ancient city ruins.
Thailand’s 76 provinces fall within five regions and its capital, Bangkok, is located in the central area. Also known as Krung Thep, or “the city of angels,”
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok boasts a bustling city atmosphere blended with traditional Buddhist temples. On Rattanakosin Island, visitors can find the Grand Palace, which dates back to 1782 when it was built for King Rama I during the Chakri Dynasty. This site is home to the Temple of Emerald Buddha. Phra Kaeo Morakot, or the Emerald Buddha, is a green jade carving that is considered sacred by the Thai people.
In the north, a visit to Chiang Mai, which means “new city” offers an array of activities. Founded
in 1296, the city is home to pagodas, temples, delicious Thai cuisine and businesses that will teach ancient arts including workshops in silk and silver production. Surrounded by the lush natural beauty for which Thailand is known, Chiang Mai is known as a popular destination for hiking, rafting and interacting with elephants. The government warns against the ethics of many elephant camps, advising travelers to choose businesses that care for their animals. Elephant Nature Park boasts a large selection of tourism packages, allowing visitors to learn about caring for these fascinating creatures.
THE NEW VIETNAM
Vietnam’s recent surge in tourism has afforded new discoveries to Western tourists. Located on the Indochinese Peninsula, Vietnam is bordered by China, Laos, Cambodia, and the South China Sea. The tropical climate and varied topography yield limitless options for travelers to indulge in natural wonders and urban experiences.
Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
One of the most visited cities is lively and dynamic Ho Chi Minh, which has become an important economic and cultural center of Vietnam. This city has numerous temples, pagodas and cathedrals. Outside this important Vietnamese hub
is the Mekong Delta. Visitors find this region to capture the true essence of Vietnam, as field workers cultivate the land, and go about their daily lives on the rivers and arroyos.
Often compared to Hawaii, Mui Ne is Vietnam’s beach-bum motherland, located nearly 140 miles from Ho Chi Minh City. The town is a resort center known for providing respite to visitors seeking relaxation. While palm-tree-lined beaches surrounded by the blue sea are enticing, Mui Ne is also famous for its enormous sand dunes, which appear in hues
of red, yellow and white and are perfect for sandboarding or sledding. Kiteboarding and windsurfing along the shoreline are also popular with tourists. Many competing rental businesses occupy the town; therefore negotiating pricing is an excellent idea.
Sailing through Southeast Asia affords the opportunity to experience the distinctive cultures of many cities in this once mysterious region. Silversea sails round trip from Singapore aboard the Silver Shadow. Princess offers itineraries that travel through Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand. For a small-ship experience, Viking River Cruises provides an intimate cruise setting for journeys through Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Myanmar.
56 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos, CA 95030 • (408) 354-6531 • (800) 446-8644 • FAX: (408) 354-3871
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