Year: 2018

Wat Phra Yai Temple in Pattaya Tour

Wat Phra Yai Temple in Pattaya Tour On the very top of Pratumnak Hill, between Pattaya and Jomtien Beach, you can’t fail to notice an enormous 18 metre tall Buddha popping up through the trees. This Big Buddha – the largest in the region – is the highlight of Wat Phra Yai, a temple built in the 1940s when Pattaya was nothing more than a fishing village. The Big Buddha is extremely popular with tour groups who love to see the intricate design of the statue and the temple complex, but it is also revered by local people who come to pray at the temple. Despite the crowds, the wreaths of flowers and burning incense create a reflective mood in which to explore the many smaller Buddha statues, partial views of Jomtien Beach, and the pavilion hall which has a beautifully painted mosaic on the walls. The staircase leading up to the temple is quite striking as there are golden dragons running along the entire handrails, and at the foot of the stairs, seven-headed mythical snakes called Nagas emerge from the dragon’s mouths. Once at the top, visitors like to take photographs with the many Buddha figures in different postures (some are sitting, others lying down or standing) which are representative of different days of the week. Many foreigners are unsure on which day they were born but in Thailand there is a special relevance placed on this information, with a unique Buddha posture which should be revered. Although a visit to Wat Phra Yai requires some walking, it is a popular activity with old and young visitors and the stairs aren’t difficult to handle. Before you arrive at the top of the hill, you will notice traders selling many small birds that are kept together in cages. The idea is for people to set them free and gain good karma. This all sounds wonderful, but actually we would not encourage it because, in reality, the more money given to this practice, the more birds will be caught and enslaved. It is far better to donate to the temple. Either enter the temple at the foot of the stairs and be blessed by a monk in return for a small donation of your choice, or donate in the pavilion hall at the top of the stairs, next to the enormous smiling Buddha. Another popular activity while visiting Big Buddha Hill in Pattaya is to ring the line of bells with a big stick, which is supposed to call good luck to whoever completes the task. The Big Buddha Statue in Pattaya is a cultural highlight to any visit to Pattaya and can be enjoyed by people who are knowledgeable about Buddhism but equally by people who have limited knowledge of the religion and the way of life. Pratumnak Hill is only 2km from South Pattaya and entry to the temple is free. If you need transport, a songtaew (baht bus) will take you there for around 200 baht. Opposite Wat Phra Yai there is a Chinese Shrine complex dedicated to Confucius, Guan Yin, and a Taoist temple which can be explored afterwards.

Floating Market in Pattaya Tour

Floating Market in Pattaya Tour Covering an area of 100,000sqm, the Four Regions Floating Market is separated into four sections – each representing and selling items from the four major parts of Thailand (north, northeast, central and south). Expect to find many eateries, fruit stalls, souvenir shops and some art galleries. There is also a cultural show every afternoon. The 350 million baht market has over 114 shops and water vendors selling authentic Thai food, desserts and specialties from all over the kingdom. For a floating market experience, hire a man-powered boat to get around and discover the richness of the surrounding Thai architecture and riverside life. Typically, the boat is big enough for four people and can be hired for a small fee for around 30 minutes. A walk through the hundreds of wooden houses built in the different styles of the four regions is pleasant and fun. Food happens to be the main draw here. There are plenty of authentic Thai dishes and classic desserts to sample. Highlights include noodle soups, pad thai (stir-fried rice noodles), kanom jean (rice vermicelli) with different kinds of curries, ka nom krok (coconut pancake), foi thong (golden threads), thong yip (sweet egg yolk) and more. Postcards, Thai handicrafts and some ancient toys made from wood or die-cast metal are widely available within the market, too. Besides food stalls and shops, the market also features other educational and entertaining attractions. The wood-carving museum displays beautiful carved images. If photography is one of your hobbies, don’t miss the sunflower and agricultural demonstration fields. There is also a daily free show featuring four cultural performances. The Four Regions Floating Market Pattaya is a good place to get away from the chaos that is Pattaya and is a must-do for those who have yet to visit a Thai floating market. The market is located on Sukhumvit Road, about two kilometres past Pattaya Underwater World, on the way to Sattahip. More than 80 paddle boats are on standby to ferry visitors around the compound along many Thai style teak wood buildings, linked by a network of canals, bridges and a number of different sized islands with exotic plants and trees. The boat trip will slowly expose the richness of the surrounding architectural and cultural river side living. Water vendors moving with their paddle boats from dock to dock and offering their unique range of freshly cooked delicious dishes. Pattaya Floating Market provides daily several cultural performances, native to the four regions of the country, like Thai classical dance, martial art demonstrations,as well as water boxing, where the fighters perform on a horizontal pole above the canal. Painters do show their artificial work, like umbrella and portrait painting. Pattaya Floating Market will provide shortly Amphibian-boat rides, an agricultural rice field demonstration and authentic House-boats for home stay. Open Daily: 10.00 – 21.00 hrs.

Nong Nooch Tropical Garden in Pattaya Attraction

Nong Nooch Tropical Garden in Pattaya Attraction Nong Nooch Garden is set in a 2.4sq.km. beautifully landscaped park and can easily make an all-day trip. The entire area is more like a theme park, with daily cultural shows, restaurants and accommodation as well as a vast area showcasing individually themed gardens. A leisurely stroll through the botanical park is like taking a journey around the world, through its many famous gardens, whether 17th-century French garden, Stonehenge, or European Renaissance garden. Meanwhile, the French garden, with its symmetrical design and perfectly manicured shrubs modeled after the gardens of Versailles, is another big highlight. An interesting feature is the skywalk, a shaded, 1.1km elevated walkway that takes you through the topiary garden, European garden, tropical palm garden, butterfly hill and Stonehenge garden. Apart from the botanical park, Nong Nooch Garden features daily shows at the Thai Cultural Hall. Enjoy the spectacle of sights and sounds in a classical Thai dance, Muay Thai or ancient drum performance. Other activities include paddle boats and cycling. Due to its vast landscape, it’s unlikely that you will hit all the attractions within Nong Nooch Garden by walking alone. It’s a good idea to rent a bicycle and explore the garden at a leisurely pace. Don’t miss the orchid nurseries which house more than 670 native species and hybrids all in one place – the largest collection in the country. Showcasing exotic-shaped leaves and blossoms, the cactus and succulent plants garden is both educational and eye-opening. Pisit and Nongnooch Tansacha purchased the 600-acre (2.4 km2) plot of land in 1954 with the intentions of developing the land as a fruit plantation. However, the owners instead decided to plant tropical flowers and plants as a wildlife conservation project. The garden opened to the public in 1980, and management was transferred to Pisit and Nongnooch’s son Kampon Tansacha in 2001. The garden currently fills 500 out of the 600 acres (2.4 km2).

Tiffany’s Ladyboy Cabaret Show in Pattaya Attraction

Tiffany’s Ladyboy Cabaret Show in Pattaya Attraction Tiffany’s Cabaret Show takes place in a grand theatre that, with its huge faux-marble lobby, manages to be almost as spectacular as the dazzling costumes. Performers make their entrances dressed in everything from long sweeping ball-gowns and plumes of feathers, to elaborate headdresses and skimpy polkadot swimwear. A breathless hour-long riot of sound, colour and light ensues; a show that spans the entire hemisphere through song, dance or skit. Scenes include a Bollywood musical take on the Indian Raj, a traditional Korean fan dance, homage to China’s Imperial past and progress, Siam’s history told through graceful Thai dance, Broadway show tunes, and slapstick burlesque.Tiffany’s Cabaret Show is Pattaya’s world-famous and 30 year-old ladyboy cabaret extravaganza. Here, three times each night, a surgically and hormonally-enhanced army of transgender performers put on a show that shatters that fearsome reputation. With painted nails, delicious pouts and feline grace, not only do they look ladylike, they even act it. Truly a labour of ladyboy love, a highlight is a show-stopping tribute to Pattaya, during which the cast mime, pout and preen to a painted backdrop of the city’s surreally sleazy neon-lit hunting ground, otherwise known as Walking Street. It’s a whole lot of fun; by turns comedic, tragic, cheeky, exotic, elegant and, ultimately, uplifting. With the raunch factor turned firmly down to tame, the kids can even enjoy it (though expect some probing questions later). In truth, however, the eclectic repertoire, the lavish sets, the artful choreography is all just an elaborate but entertaining ruse. This show is really about letting the dainty half-dames do what they love most: dress up, show off their sublimely sculpted curves, and wow audiences. Of course some are much more striking than others, but as a whole ladyboys in Thailand are renowned, even revered, for their beauty. Little of the sniggering or sneering that gets heaped on cross-dressing performers in the West takes place here. Local girls envy their otherworldly (often superior) blend of statuesque height, flawless complexion and feminine grace. Some even gain make-up tips from them at beauty counters across the Kingdom. That said, most fun at Tiffany’s is to be divulged from trying to spot tiny cracks in the façade: the bulging larynx, a rogue sprouting leg hair, the untimely slip of the demure demeanor. After the show the audience can pose for pictures with them outside. If anything, these robust ambassadors for the third sex look even more superhuman and sexy when towering over the hordes of us mere flesh and blood mortals, like princesses just landed from some faraway planet. I had to stop myself from pleading “take me to your leader’.

Best Attraction for Sanctuary of Truth in Pattaya

Best Attraction for Sanctuary of Truth in Pattaya The Sanctuary of Truth is perhaps the most iconic structure in Pattaya. Intricately carved entirely from teak wood, the awe-inspiring 105-meter-tall hall on the headland to the north of Wongamat Beach is a one-of-a-kind structure in the whole world. Neither temple nor palace, despite looking like a hybrid of both, it was commissioned by a local business tycoon to act as a place of appreciation for philosophy, art, culture and faith, without being tied to a single religion.The sanctuary is perhaps best described as a monument to Thai craftsmanship, with its stunningly detailed carvings of elephants, people and scenes, creatures and deities from mythology. They pay homage to and are a reflection of the Ancient Vision of Earth, Ancient Knowledge and Eastern Philosophy and they adorn every single surface – both inside and out – of the building. They are also a reflection of the fleeting nature and ceaseless toil of human existence because none of the wood is treated or protected from the elements, meaning that older parts gradually succumb to the rigours of the weather and climate and need to be replaced. The construction of the sanctuary, which began in 1981, is an on-going, never-ending task.From North Pattaya Road, turn right into Naklua Road at the circle before you get to Pattaya Beach Road. Turn left into Naklua Soi 12, and travel right towards the end. Admission is 500 baht for adults and 250 baht for children. Tour guides are free, friendly and very knowledgeable.The Sanctuary of Truth was conceived from the vision that human civilization has been achieved and nurtured by religious and philosophical truth; created, in other words, out of goodness drawn from religion, philosophy and art. Through elaborate carvings and sculptures, it pays tribute to the seven creators man cannot exist without: Heaven, Earth, Father, Mother, Moon, Sun and Stars. Deeply embedded into all of this are ancient Buddhist, Hindu, Brahman and other spiritual and philosophical elements. Even without faith, the building is a wonder to behold. It creates a strong sense of peace and a there is a hushed reverence within which occurs naturally, without the need for notices demanding silence. It therefore seems a little odd that the expansive park-like grounds of the sanctuary also contain a small shooting range and regular dramatic demonstrations of sword-fighting. Elephant and horse rides, and a small selection of souvenir stalls, are also available.

Best Walking Street in Pattaya

Best Walking Street in Pattaya Walking Street Pattaya is the biggest and busiest party hotspot in the whole of Thailand, with only a couple of the top places in Bangkok beating it for sheer volume and variety. A full kilo meter from its high-tech gateway at the Beach Road end to the Bali Hai Plaza end, almost every building along its length is a nightclub, go-go bar, beer bar or restaurant. Each of the side streets – which span from Soi 14 to Soi 16, with a couple of uniquely-named streets in between – is more of the same, making the whole southern end of the city into a warren of nightlife entertainments, with something for practically every taste. The remarkable thing about Pattaya Walking Street is that there is so much to see and do, and it is so densely packed that you could spend every night for a whole week there and, aside from having the mother of all hangovers, you would still be finding new places each and every evening. We have end eavoured to survey the main points of interest and even here we are just scratching the surface of the hundreds of venues on and around the neon-drenched strip. Walking Street is effectively a part of Pattaya Beach Road. While the main tarmac-topped route turns to the left to become South Pattaya Road (Pattaya Tai), vehicles can continue into the brick-paved Walking Street any time between about 02:00 and 18:00. At the end of the one-way road, you will find Bali Hai Pier and the famous Pattaya City sign, as well as the southernmost end of Pattaya Third Road, which will take you back into the city. There is more to the nightlife attractions of the area than just Pattaya Walking Street, however. Most of the small side sois which split off from the inland side of the street lead all the way to Pattaya Second Road, making this whole southern end of the city almost exclusively comprised of nightlife venues and related businesses. Walking Street has concentrations of different sorts of venues as you make your way along it. Starting from the Beach Road end, you will find first mostly restaurants, then go-go bars and beer bars, then nightclubs and live music bars. At about the halfway point is the famous Walking Street Tree (there’s only the one), around which you will find mostly ladyboy bars and clubs. Continuing towards Bali Hai Pier, you will see more tailors and gem shops as well as more hotels and guesthouses, culminating in the Siam Bayshore Resort & Spa. Parking for motorbikes is available close to Pattaya Walking Street in Soi 16 and at Bali Hai Plaza and costs about 20 baht. However, driving home after a night of partying is not at all recommended. You would be much safer using the plentiful supply of motorbike taxis and songthaews available.

Best Place of Srinagar in Kashmir

Best Place of Srinagar in Kashmir Srinagar is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kashmir as well as in India. From boating to trekking, bird watching to water skiing, Srinagar place has it all. Situated amid clear lakes and lofty, forested mountains, Srinagar has long had a considerable tourist economy. Along its course through the city, the Jhelum River is spanned by several wooden bridges, and numerous a can adjacent ls and waterways abound with shikara, the gondolas of Kashmir. Srinagar is well known for its many mosques and temples; the Hazratbal Mosque contains a hair that reportedly belonged to the Prophet Muhammad, and the Jāmiʿ Masjid (Congregational Mosque), built in the 15th century, is said to be the largest mosque in Kashmir. Dal Lake, with its “floating gardens,” is a well-known attraction, as are the nearby Shalimar and Nishat gardens. Nishat gardensNishat gardens, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India.Frederick M. Asher Srinagar’s industries include carpet and silk mills, silverware and copperware manufacture, leatherworking, and wood carving. The University of Kashmir (1948) is in the city, as is the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Kashmir (1982). Regular flights connect Srinagar with Delhi and Amritsar. Not far from Srinagar is the town of Gulmarg, the “Meadow of Flowers,” at an elevation of about 8,500 feet (2,600 metres). It affords magnificent views of the Vale of Kashmir and of Nanga Parbat, which at 26,660 feet (8,126 metres) is one of the highest peaks in the Himalayas. The Vale of Kashmir contains the area’s most fertile agricultural land and is one of the most densely populated parts of the Kashmir region. Pop. (2001) 898,440; (2011) 1,180,570. Best time to visit: June to October, and for snow December & January would be the best Things to do: Stay in the boat house! In November 2011, the City Mayors Foundation – an advocacy think tank – announced that Srinagar was the 92nd fastest growing urban areas in the world in terms of economic growth, based on actual data from 2006 onwards and projections to 2020

Visit Best Place of Chitkul in Himachal Pradesh

Visit Best Place of Chitkul in Himachal Pradesh The last inhabited village close to the Indo-Tibet Border on the old India-Tibet road, Chitkul in Kinnaur district at an elevation of 3,450 meters boasts off a rich traditional atmosphere. Dotted with approximately 150 slate and wooden plank rooftop houses in the lap of the jaw-breaking mountainscape, the village is mostly inhabited by various tribal settlements. On your trip to Chitkul you can visit the 500 years old Mathi Devi Temple, which is a typical example of the Himachali architecture built in wood and stone with intricate carvings; Chitkul Fort, which is a three storied architecture with a combination of wood and stone; and the nearby Buddhist temple. Some other villages that you can visit from Chitkul are Nichar , Wangtu , Karcham , Rakcham, Reckong-Peo , Puh , and Kibber. The Jalori Pass trek from Narkanda is one of the popular treks in Himachal Pradesh that passes through Chitkul and thus making the remote village one of the popular stopovers for trekkers. The drive from Sangla to Chitkul is an absolute treat for nature lovers, especially the last 10 km after crossing the nomadic village of Rakcham which marks the half way point between Sangla and Chitkul. The bumpy road along the valley is extremely beautiful, with the Baspa River dividing the snow clad Himalayan peaks on the left, the apple orchids and wooden houses made with either Bhog Phattar (slate) or wooden plank roofs on the right. The former locals claim protects the houses from earthquakes and lighting bolts. Chitkul at first glance will give you a feeling of time travel, way back into the past. The village has no cell phone coverage, no market, no ATM but a couple of home-run shops selling basic necessities. The main attraction in Chitkul is the wooden houses and the temple complex in the village. The Goddess of Chitkul is believed to be very powerful and is the only non-Buddhist deity to which respect must be paid by the Parikrama pilgrims. It is believed that the local deity is related to the deity of Gangotri and till date the locals carry the deity to Gangotri on foot over high mountain passes. Walking is the best way to get around the village, which is more like a small maze with various lanes which all lead to the temple complex of Goddess Mathi which is situated at the centre of the village. Travellers who are interested in street photography will surely love strolling around the village. While walking around the village, one will surely bump into numerous friendly locals who will greet you with a broad smile and try making some small talk by asking you a few general questions. The main occupation of the villagers is either animal husbandry or farming. Chitkul produces one of the best variety potatoes in the entire country, nearly all of which are used in producing packaged chips. Chitkul has two village schools, the primary school is located within the village and the secondary school is situated on the banks of the River Baspa. Considering the extreme remoteness of the place, the village has very good supply of electricity. While in Chitkul, travellers can be one with nature by either chilling on the banks of the river Baspa or by hiking into the woods around the village. Before venturing into the woods for a hike it is advisable to take local advice since there is also a possibility of getting lost in

Best Place of Dalhousie in Himachal Pradesh

Best Place of Dalhousie in Himachal Pradesh Delhousie Town was named after Lord Dalhousie, who was the British Governor-General in India while establishing this place as a summer retreat. The Dalhousie is a hill station in Himachal Pradesh, established in 1854 by the British Empire‘s government in British India as a summer retreat for its troops and officials after annexation of Sikh Empire Punjab.It is built on and around five hills, Kathalagh, Potreyn, Terah, Bakrota and Bhangora.[2] Located on the western edge of the Dhauladharmountain range of the Himalayas, it is surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Dalhousie is situated between 6,000 and 9,000 feet (2,700 m) above sea level. It was established on the land of a Sikh Empire Punjab after annexed by British. Dalhousie remains the part of Punjab until 1966. But it was trimmed from Punjab by controversial Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966. The best time to visit is in the summer, and the peak tourist season is from May to September. Scottish and Victorian architecture are prevalent in the bungalows and churches in the town.Dalhousie is a gateway to the ancient Chamba Hill State, now Chamba District of the state of Himachal Pradesh of India. This hill region is a repository of ancient Hindu culture, art, temples, and handicrafts preserved under the longest-running single dynasty since the mid-6th century. Chamba is the hub of this culture. Bharmour, the ancient capital of this kingdom, is home to the Gaddi and Gujjar tribes. It has 84 ancient temples dating from the 7th–10th centuries AD. Dalhousie, one of the favourite among most tourists travelling to Himanchal Pradesh is famously known for its mesmerizing natural beauty and its old world charm. This hill station was one of the most favourite summer destinations of the ruling Britishers and this is truly reflected in the majestic Victorian style mansions in this region. Situated far from the buzzing cities in the country, this quaint town transports you to a pollution-free environment in the lap of nature. Dalhousie is known for its scenic beauty has a number mountains and river streams that tourists must visit. Among them the most famous are Panch Pulla, Satdhara Falls and the Daikund peak.

Best Place of Khajjiar in Himachal Pradesh

Best Place of Khajjiar in Himachal Pradesh Often referred to as ‘mini-Switzerland of India’, Khajjiar is a small town near Dalhousie which provides tourists a unique combination of forests, lakes and pastures. The mesmerising beauty of this place has greatly influenced and inspired many kingdoms throughout the years, including the Rajputs and Mughals. Located at an altitude of 6,500 feet, the natural beauty and picturesque landscape of this place are bound to leave an everlasting impression on a tourist. Khajjiar is known for its nine-hole golf-course which is nestled in the midst of lush greenery and a breathtaking landscape. Khajjiar is a small plateau which also has a small lake which is one of the most favored tourist spots in this town. Khajjiar is surrounded by green meadows and dense forests and it is also known for its beautiful temples. This region also attracts adventure seekers and has a lot of options in adventure sports like paragliding, horse riding, zorbing, trekking etc. Khajjiar is a must visit place for everyone coming to Dalhousie and its nearby regions. However, the way to Khajjiar can be closed sometimes during winters because of heavy snowfall. The best entertainment in Khajjiar is to walk around the lake or to go for long walks in the thick pine forests. Children enjoy this place because of the freedom of movement and the sloped terrain which permits them to roll down to the lake without getting hurt. Another attraction is horse riding. Khajjiar Lake is a small lake, surrounded by saucer-shaped lush green meadow and a floating island. The dense growth of weed called vacha has made its earth spongy. Now the banks stand covered by a thick layer of earth, formed by the years of dust settling down on the weeds.A little away from the lake is the temple of Khajji Nag belonging to the 12th century AD made by the king of chamba Preeti Singh . The temple has a golden dome and due to which it is also known as ‘Golden Devi Temple’. In the mandapa of the temple one can see the images of the Pandavas and the defeated Kaurvas hanging from the roof of the circumambulatory path. The sanctum of the temple has been beautifully carved from wood. This temple is dedicated to snake worship and there are some snake idols inside. The temple also has idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Hadimba.