Myanmar

Myanmar or Burma is a Buddhist country in Southeast Asia. It has many interested places such as Yangon (Rangoon); the recent capital city of the Burma, Inle Lake, Mandalay, and the last but not least the temple compound of Bagan (Pagan).

Lying in the delta of Yangon river, Yangon offers so many attractive sights. The boulevards at the city give the tourists a sight of many stalls selling delectable Burmese cuisines. For cigar-loving people, Yangon is the safe haven for them as many huge cigars are prepared for puffing persons here. For historical and religious site, Shwedagon Paya is an ancient temple which its stupa was believed to be built to preserve eight of Buddha’s hairs. Its gold plate radiates the splendor of Burmese shrines.

The last capital of Burmese, Mandalay, is the second largest city after Yangon. It was once the Burmese capital city before the British soldiers annexed the country. Shwenandaw Kyaung; the remaining palace, Mandalay Hill with its spiraling starways, temples including ancient Rakhine Buddha image at Mahamuni Paya are the places the tourists cannot miss in Myanmar.

Another ancient historical and religious city is Bagan where many splendid pagodas and temples are rampant. There are more than 5,000 temples around this city. Located at the banks of the Ayeyarwady, the golden pinnacle of this Bagan spanned over two centuries beginning from 11th to 13th century. The Chinese and Mongol emperor, Kublai Khan once pillaged this city in 1287 AD and it was never rebuilt.

The city of Bago also provides the tourists with seaport sight. It was once the capital city of the lower Burma. This city was devastated in 18th century and restored in the early 19th century. Historical spot includes the Shwemawdaw Pagoda.

For the Burmese culinary lover, the tourists can taste typical foods. As the rice is the main core of Burmese foods, they can savor the rice blended with curry options and spicy vegetable salads. Or as they wish to savor the traditional foods, the tourists can go to the traditional food stalls where original Burmese taste can come into life. In the international restaurants, the ingredients of chili and shrimp paste are detached even though these ingredients are the main Burmese flavor. Sugar cane juice also proffers the traditional streetside drink with cheap price.

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Cambodia

Cambodia, a kingdom in Southeast Asian region bordering with Thailand, Vietnam and Laos, has Phnom Penh as the capital city where the Mekong river and Tonle Sap river intercept. The Mekong is passable for ships from Vietnam to Phnom Penh. The Royal Palace of the recent King Norodom Sihamoni also gives a glance about the Khmer architectural building.

Cambodia has emerged from a violent past of human right violence. The past black condition of Cambodia makes the people familiar with the hardship of life. One who visits here always feels the typical hospitality of the Cambodian. Many tourism destinations can be visited here. From French building as the nation was once occupied by French protectorate to the remains of Red Khmer’s brutality. This country experienced the war and human atrocities under the government of Khmer Rouge (Red Khmer) during 1970s. The despotic communist government, ruled by Pol Pot, established the Reign of Terror which exterminated approximately one million Cambodian in 1975. The remembrance of this terror can be found in the Choeung Ek where tourists can view the Killing Fields. There one can catch a sight of more than 8,000 skulls of females, males and children victims tortured to death during the terror. Another region of the Killing Fields is in Tuol Sleng.

For the historical debris, Cambodia had been very famous in history during twelfth century when it was ruled by Suryavarman II (1113 – 1150). Under the so-called the Khmer Empire, Suryavarman II built the Angkor Wat Temple that was dedicated to his image as the incarnation of Hindu deity, Vishnu. The Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom,are very magnificent remainders of the world’s heritage site. These sites are paramount to Borobudur in Indonesia, the Pyramids in Egypt, and Machu Picchu in Mexico. The northern compound of the Angkor Wat is the Angkor Thom which had been erected to exalt Jayavarman VII (1181 – 1219) who was a Buddhist King of Cambodia.

Battambang, the second largest city of the country, is in the northern Cambodia accessible by road. There are many old-fashioned French colonial buildings that can be the wonderful sights to remember the colonial era. It also offers the spot of rural typical Cambodian life. The former Red Khmer fortress in Anlong Veng, where in it lies the grave of Pol Pot, is another destination for the tourists to take.

Another tourism spot is Kompong Som (Sihanoukville) on the South Coast where white sand beaches covered by palm trees are the haven for the foreign tourists.

Cambodia has three seasons, namely: a cooler season from November to January, the dry season from February to April and the rainy season from May to October. Temperature ranges from 21 to 35 degrees Celcius.

Motodops, the typical calling for motorbike taxi in Cambodia, serve as the main transportation. Also one can choose a boat for his journey along the river in Cambodia. The boat route is between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, Siem Reap and Battambang, Sihanoukville and Koh Kong. It would take longer to take boat trip from Siem Reap to Battambang in the dry season. Taking the boat in the late dry season (April and May) is not recommended that someone transfer to smaller boat in mid-river because of low water levels.

When one gets to Cambodia, one reaching by road must be very careful as many landmines can still be found. These landmines are the remains of the Red Khmer regime. However, many landmines have been defused to guarantee the tourists comfort during their stay in Cambodia. One can ask the locals to ensure the existence of the landmines and take a heed of warning signs of red paint and red rope, which indicate the possibility of this hazard.

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Brunei Darussalam

This small country on the northwest tip of Borneo island is an Islamic sultanate with high standard of living among another countries in Southeast Asia. Reigned by the current king, Sultan Hajji Hassanal Bolkiah, the citizens of Brunei enjoy free education, housing, and healthcare. Even the pilgrimages to Mecca are also subsidized. As the oil and natural gas exporter, Brunei has been one of the affluent countries in the world. This condition makes the Brunei citizens very prosperous with the income per capita is much higher than any other citizens in Southeast Asian country. No tax on personal income is imposed to the Brunei citizens. The Sultan of Brunei is reported to be one of the wealthiest person in the world with an estimated personal wealth of 40 billion dollars.

Flanked by Malaysian state of Sarawak around the country and South China Sea, Brunei has marvelous beaches and mountains towards the east. The country is divided into eastern part and western part. More citizens reside in the larger western part including the capital city, Bandar Seri Begawan, than the citizens who live in the countryside and mountainous region in the smaller eastern part. This mountainous region with heavily forested state is available to those who love natural adventure like hiking.

Bruneian culture bound together by the law regulating that no nightlife and alcohol are allowed. One can bring in up to two liters of alcohol or wine plus up to twelve cans of beer every 48 hours. Nevertheless, an alcohol permit must be attained in arriving in Brunei.

The cuisine of Brunei contains Malayan, Indian, and Chinese cookery relying on rice and noodles. The cooking served here is famous for its spicy food. The luxurious hotels also offer western food so that pizzas, hamburgers, pastas, and sandwiches are all available around the country, except alcohol.

In spite of the fact that many people live above averagely income per capita, there is a group of people who settles in the water in Kampong Ayer, a district in Bandar Seri Begawan. Many small villages here are connected at this district by foot bridges extending about 30 kilometers away. This district is a home to 30,000 individuals.

For those who like enjoying the natural preservation in Brunei, they can visit the Ulu Temburong National Park in Batu Apoi Forest that can be accessed by a long boat. Here the tourist will be presented wildlife such as monkeys and exotic birds.

The Brunei Dollar is pegged to Singapore Dollar at 1 : 1. Both currencies are interchangeably used. If someone comes to Brunei from Singapore , he does not have to change his Singaporean currency as his cash will be accepted.

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The Philippines

As a country extending over southeast coast of Asia between Taiwan and Borneo island in the Pasific Ocean and South China Sea, the Philippines consist of 7,107 islands and islets. The Philippines was named after King Philip II from Spain. Luzon is the biggest island among another islands where the capital city, Manila, is located at the east coast of the island. The inception of Manila dates back to 1571 where the Spaniards founded Manila as the hegemony center in Asia. The remnant of the Spanish colonialism is the oldest part of the city, the Intramuros (meaning within the walls), which was built as a stronghold. Previously, the border of the city was within the Intramuros. As the city had grown in years, new buildings were erected outside these walls. The foreigners can watch a traditional dance similar to that of flamenco style and costumes much influenced by Spanish tradition. Inside the Intramuros lies San Agustin Church, giving a marvelous sight to the harbor.

Manila is included to what is called Metro Manila which comprises 17 cities and municipalities. Makati is the complete opposite face of the Intramuros. Makati is one of the cities and municipalities of Metro Manila. It has been a major financial and economic center of the Philippines. Being a highly cosmopolitan city, many international standard shopping centers are attractive to the foreigners. Makati also has the skyscrapers in the Philippines like PBCOM Tower and G.T. International Tower. The Philippines Stock Exchange is also in Makati as well as five star hotels such as Shangri-La Hotel Makati, the Intercontinental Hotel Manila and the Peninsula Hotel Manila.

The famous intercity transportation is a jeepney which will convey the local and foreign tourists along the streets in Manila. This colorful-painted bus was inspired by the US Army vehicles during World War II in the Philippines. There are no jeepneys alike one after another. The chauffeurs have competed one another to make their vehicles blatantly different in colors. MRT (Metro Rail Transit) and LRT (Light Rail Transit) are also available to cater the travelers needs of sightseeing around the city.

The Visayas, a cluster of several islands and thousands of islets, are reachable about 320 kilometers from Manila. Each of them is embroiled by white sand beaches and palm trees. Among islands in the Visayas, the one the tourists must visit is Cebu island. There lies Cebu City which is the second largest city in the country and the most densely populated island. As the island is encircled by coral reef, it is recommended that one snorkel and dive. The historical site here includes a Magellan’s wooden crucifix that was fixed to the ground over 450 years ago to celebrate the Catholic baptism of an infidel king. Ferdinand Magellan was one of the Spanish conquistadores that noticed and landed in Cebu in 16th century when Spaniards came for the first time in the Philippines.

Bohol island lying across the straits from Cebu is a haven of the most dazzling natural wonders. It has Tagbilaran City as the capital. The limestone hills, some 30 meters in height, appear like gargantuan chocolate drops and possesses a nickname of Chocolate Hills. The spectacular natural wonder can be discerned where hills arise from the flatlands. These hills enveloped by thin green grass that withers and turns brown in summer season are located at approximately 55 kilometers northeast of Tagbilaran City. White sand beaches present a good looking scene with the typical coconut trees. The locals there are talented in making coconut woven material such as: baskets, hats, and mats.

The province of Palawan is a small island southwest of Manila. Although it is difficult to get to, once the travelers come into the island, they will not forget the natural experiences there, i.e: hiking to the mountain, swimming in the lake, and discovering the coral reefs. Palawan is also a natural gas resource at the northeastern part of the island.

The second largest island, Mindanao, located at the south of the country consists of several mountain ranges and the highest volcanic mountain in the Philippines namely Mount Apo (2,954 meters). At the southwestern tip of Mindanao lies Zamboanga City. It is regarded as an interesting, favourite resort where one can find uncontaminated tropical scenery. As the major population is Muslim, many Muslim potteries and miscellaneous wares are available there. Davao province with its city, Davao City, is an industrial city. Mount Apo is in the province’s area.

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Thailand

As a country in Southeast Asia, Thailand or Muangthai becomes one of the most popular tourist destinations. Thailand was formerly recognized as Siam. Supported by a long and historical story, Thailand is a constitutional monarchy ruled by people loved-king, Bumibol Adulyadej or Rama IX. He has been reigning for 52 years as of 2009. The King has little political power but he is worshipped, even his photograph is worshipped instead of his presence. Almost 65 million people dwell in Thailand, 90 percent of them are Thais ethnic, the rest are ethnic Chinese, ethnic Malay, and another Southeast Asians. The state religion is Buddhism. Unlike another nation in Southeast Asia, the nation of Thailand can be proud of itself as Thailand was never occupied by any other Western or Eastern nations.

The capital city, Bangkok, is one of the world’s amazing, attractive city where old and new are mingled with Eastern and Western atmosphere. People around the world can enjoy the hospitality of Thai people and luxurious superb hotels, foods, and glittering nightlife in Bangkok. Bangkok provides either cosmopolitan atmospheres or cultural attractions. Vacation in Thailand is really enjoyable and fascinating.

Through the Bangkok runs the Chao Phraya River. Several international standard hotels can be found along the edges of Chao Phraya River. A journey along the river is somewhat called an amusement for tourists as it is often referred to The Venice of the East.

Grand Palace is about 1.5 square kilometers for total area of the building, open to visitors who are politely-attired. This palace is an official residence of Kings of Chakri Dynasty from 1782 to recent days. It is a compound of royal shrine, the royal weapon collection, the coin pavilion, and a royal museum. A royal shrine complex, Wat Phra Kaew, that is a veneration place for Emerald Buddha. Although it is named an emerald, this Buddha statue is not made of a whole emerald, it is transparent green jade instead. There are over 400 temples in Bangkok and over 30,000 in Thailand. One temple of the most important tourist destinations is Temple of Reclining Buddha that has a gigantic statue, 47.5 meters (156 feet) in length and 15 meters (49 feet) in height. Thailand is a famous Buddhist country in the world.

Upriver is the old capital of Ayutthaya, a kingdom capital from 1350 to 1767, can be reached as historical site. Many ancient and art debris can still be observed in the city which was founded in 1350 by King U-Thong.

The second largest city in Thailand, Chiang Mai, which is located far north offering a center for excursions to the historical journeys, elephants trekking, and the teak forests. The fortified gates together with amiable people can remind the tourists to the mixture of old and modern world. Especially when foreigners purchase handmade earthwares and woodcarvings, they will be brought to the old situation in a modern world as the goods are being made through old methods for generations. For historic attraction, one can visit Doi Suthep temple topping on a hill. One can count 400 steps over to reach the temple.

Chiang Rai, situated at the northern point of Thailand in the heart of the Golden Triangle, enables the spectators to see both historical and natural scenery. Especially the Golden Triangle itself keeps the former notorious Opium route among three countries: Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos that join together. Nowadays, the Golden Triangle is just a memory to the past. The tourists can see historic sites, remainders of ancient settlements as well as splendid mountainous panorama and elephant back-riding tours.

An exotic Pattaya beach is two hours and a half drive by car from Bangkok. This white sand and blue sky always occupy the special place among them who have enjoyed this extraordinary beach resort. There are three main bays within the Pattaya: Pattaya Beach is the most famous, Jomtien Beach at the south, and Nakula Bay at the north. Nightlife in Pattaya is always an attractive-mesmerizing tourism spot.

Taking leisure in Thailand is not complete without visiting Phuket Beach in the Andaman Sea. The resort of Phuket beach can be accessed in the west coast of Thailand. One can do canoeing under the stars and uncover the beauty of Phuket by day and night as explore the limestone cliffs and turquoise waters of Phang Nga Bay. Across the bay lies Krabi, mountainous region with wonderful beaches namely Ao Nang and Hat Rai Le. Those who love diving sport and climbing can satiate their hobby here while both land and sea fascinations are prepared.

For the sport lovers, the tourists can sightsee the Thai traditional sport at the stadiums all around the country. Thai boxing matches recognized as muay thai are done after elaborate ceremonies and lively music.

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