Luang Prabang is a beautiful town, and one of the highlights of our trip through the southeast Asian country of Laos. In fact, it was one of the highlights of all of our Asia travel! It has the best night market I’ve ever visited, full of high-quality products at low prices with an excellent array of food on offer. The town’s French-colonial architecture is also a drawcard, and its location on a river adds to its charm.

One of Luang Prabang’s major attractions is the monks. Every morning, lines of orange-clad Buddhist monks walk the streets of the town with their food bowls, asking for alms for the poor. Tourists crowd the streets to see the spectacle, and it really is worth seeing – a sight you won’t find in Western countries. Sadly though, many tourists seem to view the morning parade as a show for their benefit, and fail to respect local customs.

Anyone can see and even take part in the monks’ morning ritual, but acting in a culturally appropriate manner will ensure that the tradition continues as it has for hundreds of years.

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1. Dress appropriately

Laotian people don’t tend to wear shorts or sleeveless tops. To show respect for the monks, wear long trousers or a long skirt and a shirt with sleeves. Please don’t dress as if you’re going to the beach, even if that’s where you’re headed next.

2. Keep your distance

Leave the road free for the monks to pass and don’t block their way. Walk a bit further down the road, away from all the other tourists and you’ll have a clear view. Women shouldn’t touch the monks, as this is very disrespectful.

3. Get down

Many of the people handing out food will be sitting down. This is a sign of respect that you can emulate by making yourself lower than the person you want to show respect to. You can do this in temples too. If you walk past some seated monks, for example, stoop a little to make yourself shorter as a mark of respect.

4. Be clean

If you want to give food to the monks, that’s fine. It’s best to go with a local if possible, or ask at your hotel or hostel for advice about what to give. Some locals have started preparing food to sell to tourists to give to the monks. Whatever you do, make sure you wash your hands and keep them clean, as you will probably be scooping up food from your bowl and placing it in the monks’ bowls. Don’t touch the monks’ hands as you place food in their bowls.

The monks of Luang Prabang have been making their morning journey for hundreds of years. Help keep the tradition alive by treating them with respect.

This guest post was written by Linda Martin from the award-winning indietravelpodcast.com. She’s been travelling around the world since February 2006 and helping others fulfil their dreams of long

Posted in Laos

Incredible India – that’s the tagline spouted by India’s Ministry of Tourism in magazines, TV ads, from sidebars on websites and in newspapers. It is, however, absolutely true – India is incredible. Home to over a billion people speaking hundreds of different languages and dialects, worshipping Gods of several different religions, eating a huge range of cuisines and living in climate extremes, from the snowy peaks of the Himalayas to the humid tropics of Kerala, India is nothing if not diverse. Leave your expectations on the plane – India will surprise again and again. You can travel around the world and not experience anything like India’s frenetic cities, tranquil backwaters, majestic mountains, spiritual temples and topical beaches. India is incredible indeed.

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Mumbai

Love it or hate it, Mumbai won’t fail to leave an impression. The most populous city in India, and the sixth most populous in the world, Mumbai is crowded, loud and full of life and colour. The prospect of earning far more than in their native rural villages has prompted millions to flock to the city from across India, leading to an incredible melting pot of cultures, cuisines, religions and languages.

Kerala

Being smaller than other Indian states, Kerala can seem less daunting, and it is certainly calmer than cities such as Mumbai and Delhi. Famed for its tranquil backwaters, a languid trip down the rivers, canals and lagoons on a houseboat is utterly relaxing and a fantastic antidote to the craziness of the major cities. Kicking back on a chaise longue, watching the fish and the birds and bankside villages come and go is pure bliss.

Goa

Opinion is divided on Goa – some see it as the very worst example of modern travel excesses, but even they can’t deny that the beaches are stunning. Fine white sand, backed by jungle and sloping down to a turquoise sea, Goa’s beaches are the stuff of picture-postcard tropical paradise. And it is possible to get away from the party-mad tourists. Try Arambol, the region’s northernmost beach, which is so vast it is easy to find yourself the only soul in sight. Of course, if partying is your thing, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Darjeeling

This quintessential Indian hill station was the first to be established by the British. Its stunning Himalayan setting and incredible views of Khangchendzonga (the third highest peak in India) are reason enough to visit but of course it is also a Mecca for tea drinkers. Fantastic treks and mountain biking along steep ridges abound so be sure to bring sensible footwear! For something really special, hop aboard the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Built in the 1880s, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in the 90s for its stunning vistas as it climbs 7,000 feet.

Varanasi

India is a deeply spiritual place and nowhere is that more obvious than at the bathing ghats lining the Ganges in Varanasi. One of the country’s holiest cities, Varanasi is where many Hindus come to die or be cremated and pilgrims flock to the holy river in their thousands to wash away their sins. This public display of life and death can sometimes be overwhelming but it is profoundly moving and gives an incredible insight into an ancient religion.

Posted in Asia

Gone are the seasons when vacations are concentrated on certain months of the year. These days, when everyone seems to be always pressured from the daily work grind, holidays are craved anytime and anywhere. This means that most, if not all, of the usual leisure spots are constantly packed with people.  Travellers who are tired of too crowded touristy sites laced with overpriced goods and services must look for hidden gems and do a bit of exploring.

Check out this list of Asia’s untouched island destinations.

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Penghu (Taiwan)

The western coast of Taiwan is home to the 90 isles referred to as the Penghu Islands. These are rich with breathtaking views of the ocean and loads of natural wonders. The most popular attractions are the geological formations referred to as basalt columns, which are shaped by sun and wind.

read the rest of Asia’s Best Untouched Islands

Posted in Asia, Attractions

The modern city of Singapore is synonymous with soaring skyscrapers, adrenalin-pumping adventures, delectable dishes, and a fusion of colourful cultures.  Still, there is so much to see beyond the city’s meticulously clean streets.  When the sun begins to set and the lights are turned down to low, a different face of the metropolis comes to life for the public who is ever ready to party the night away.

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Here is a list of the splendid hotel bars that are perfect for night caps and endless servings of Singapore Slings.

Long Bar
1 Beach Road Raffles Hotel

There is no other best place to try the famous Singapore Sling but at its birthplace, the two-storey Long Bar of the Raffles Hotel.  Guests are treated to a chic and tasteful club atmosphere where alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks abound.  One serving is always never enough most especially when bar-goers are entertained by band performances every single evening.

read the rest of Best Singapore Hotel Bars

Posted in Attractions, Singapore

There are hundreds of dining options to consider in Asia. After trying first class restaurants, fast food fares, and hawker stalls, one can be a tad bit more adventurous and give floating restaurants a try.

Here is a list of the different floating restaurants that are guaranteed to provide a truly unforgettable dining experience in Asia.

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Jumbo Kingdom (Hong Kong)

The Jumbo Kingdom Floating Restaurant in Aberdeen Harbour, Hong Kong has to be the most popular of the lot. It’s also one of the world’s biggest floating restaurants given that it can accommodate a total of 2,300 people each time.

read the rest of Asia’s Best Floating Restaurants

Posted in Asia, Food

Travelers who are working on limited funds can explore Macau without spending a fortune. But, it is also the ideal place for tourists who are looking for a piece of heaven on earth no matter the price. If money is not an issue, then these 12 luxe hotels in Macau will certainly leave the rich and famous in awe.

The Venetian Resort Macau – Photo credit

Four Seasons Hotel Macau
Estrada da Baía de N. Senhora da Esperança, S/N, Taipa

The Four Seasons is described as the most intimate hotel and casino in the city.  It guarantees an exceptional combination of elegance, convenience and utmost privacy for all guests. It even has exclusive duty-free shops with upmarket brands and the very best dining options.

read the rest of Luxe Macau Hotels

Posted in Asia, Macau

It’s perfectly natural to want the best of both worlds when you book hotels in Shanghai. A good spot on the Bund, for one, close to all the hot Huangpu action and handsome architectural monuments in the city. And, if you can arrange it, a glimpse of the sci-fi skyline of Pudong from the comfort of your suite.

Flip that. Pudong hotels in the middle of the hustle high finance bustle with ooh la la panoramas of Huangpu. With that, say ni hao to the best Bund view hotels in Shanghai.

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Pudong Shangri-La Hotel Shanghai
33 Fu Cheng Road

Stay classy at the swish Pudong Shangri-La, where Bund views come at a premium. Still, all that glitz is pretty hard to resist. The pre-eminent property raises the luxury bar with tastefully-appointed rooms spread out over two buildings: the River Wing and Grand Tower. Join the Shangri-La Horizon Club and roll exec-style; late check-out, private club room cocktails, personal concierge, to name just a few benefits. Membership has other privileges too, most notably in the form of River Wing Bund View Deluxe Rooms. Primo, primo stuff. read the rest of Best Shanghai Bund View Hotels

Posted in Asia

The world has to give it to the Japanese for having to face the terrible consequences of the earthquake, colossal tsunamis and widespread fear caused by the rising radiation levels from damaged nuclear power plants in Northern Japan. Even if this is the case, life is pretty much back to normal in other areas.  Contrary to what a lot of people think, there are still a number of cities in Japan that can still be considered for travel.

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Here are some of the places in Japan that are safe for tourists to visit and explore.

read the rest of Japan – Safe Places for Travel

Posted in Attractions, Japan

A lot of people have 24, and only 24, hours in Kuala Lumpur. Think about it. The foremost metropolis is a paragon alpha world city in Asia, let alone Malaysia, and, as such, a global financial pulse point. The result? Hordes of business travellers. Head honcho executives, professionals, entrepreneurs, all in town for a short stay, for a pitch, a confab, a conference, or layover.

Kuala Lumpur is a hub, point. Your travels may well take you to hotels in KL, either on business, leisure, pleasure or all of the above. If you happen to be so fortunate, this 24 hour guide will prove essential.

Menara Kuala Lumpur
2 Jalan Punchak

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KL’s other tower is a made-for-tourism dynamo with all the requisite attractions, from observation deck to panoramic restaurant (yes, it revolves).

Bukit Bintang

Bukit Bintang is one of Southeast Asia’s retail and entertainment district par excellence. Replete with busy pedestrian enclaves, stellar budget eats, spas, malls and nightlife spots, the area is KL’s irrepressible hive of activity.

Where to stay: Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur Hotel read the rest of 24 Hours in Kuala Lumpur

Posted in Asia, Malaysia

Any trip to China is made even more special because of the scrumptious array of culinary delights available. Foreigners need not fret about what to eat as options are definitely not only limited to dumplings, dumplings, dumplings. When it comes to dining in China, the possibilities are truly endless.

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Chinese cuisine makes use of fresh ingredients combined with exotic spices that create the aroma that is only distinct to kitchens ruled by Chinese cooks or chefs. Chinese cuisine is not only limited to dumplings. In fact, Chinese cooking can be further categorized into more specific types wherein the most popular cuisines include Anhui, Beijing, Cantonese, Szechuan, and Shanghai just to name a few. These various cooking approaches are influenced by geography, lifestyle of the people, and the available resources in the region where a particular dish originated.

read the rest of Dumpling Fatigue in China

Posted in China, Food