Asian News on Travel and Hotels

Tea soothes the palette and brings serenity to a person’s inner being. Its curative properties, gentle aroma and taste has made it a popular drink most especially in Asian countries, where tea leaves are cultivated. Even the seemingly simple tea ceremony has its own underlying meanings and techniques and varies from one culture to the next.

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Prepare to be revitalized! Here is a wonderful list of the most famous tea varieties in Asia.

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Posted in Asia, Food |

Seoul

Busy Seoul street – Photo credit

South Korea’s mad, feverish capital competes with Tokyo for the title of the most populous (and addictively chaotic) metropolis on the planet. Wildly frenetic Seoul is home to 25 million people – a few million more than all of Australia – and is a mega alpha city par excellence.

While here, visit four UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Changdeokgung, Hwaseong Fortress, Jongmyo Shrine and the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty. Shop in Dongdaemun Market, Namdaemun Market, Insadong, COEX Mall and the Yongsan Electronics Market. Culture hop between the city’s over 100 museums and chill out in massive urban parks.

Discover the best, affordable Seoul hotels. Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Asia, Featured, Korea |

Macau’s economy is primarily driven by a combination of tourism and gambling.  In fact, it is considered the ultimate gambling destination in Asia and is known all over the world as the “Monte Carlo of the Orient.”

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Keep those pockets in check and prepare to roll the dice. Here’s a list of heart-stopping casinos in amazing Macau.

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Posted in Attractions, Macau |

Perfect for business, pleasure, leisure or all of the above, our top 15 luxury hotels in Hong Kong evince the very best in the category and, indeed, match up with the very best in the world.

Hong Kong skyline – Photo credit

Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong
8 Finance Street, Central

With so much to swoon over, the one feature that stands out at the singular Four Seasons is the open-air, infinity pool terrace, with WiFi, butler service and expansive views of Victoria Harbour. Two three-star Michelin restaurants help too.

Grand Hyatt Hotel Hong Kong
1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai

Plush suites with top-to-bottom windows and contemporary décor make stays at the Grand Hyatt most enjoyable. The Plateau Spa is a Hong Kong oasis. Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Asia, Hong Kong |

Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is a gastronomic roller coaster ride.

Check out some of the best and most typical chain restaurants close to the best Metro Manila hotels.

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Andok’s
Makati, Las Pinas, Makati, Manila, Paranaque, Pasay, Pasig, Quezon City, San Juan, and Taguig

Andok’s is primarily known for litson manok (roasted chicken) prepared on rotating skewers behind piping hot grills enclosed in glass. The juicy chicken is the main draw but fried chicken, barbequed pork, roasted pork, and even breakfast, is available.

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Posted in Food, Philippines |

Do not even ponder a trip to Thailand without so much as a cursory gander at our list of the top 20 beach hotels in the country. From Krabi to Phuket, Pattaya to Hua Hun, this line-up of hot resorts is must-see stuff.

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Sofitel Centara Grand Resort & Villas Hua Hin

Romance on the Gulf of Thailand comes in many forms but few as spectacular as the Sofitel Centara Grand Resort & Villas Hua Hin. Colonial era architecture, impeccable service and plush privacy round out the premier property.

Yaiya Boutique Resort Hua Hin

A boutique beach resort par excellence, the Yaiya combines stylish décor and smart service to provide a sumptuous Hua Hin experience.

Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa Hua Hin

A star property in the ample Sheraton arsenal, this Hia Hin gem is a popular deluxe choice on the Gulf of Thailand. Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Thailand |

Visit Thailand this April and beat the heat by getting soaked to the skin. How? Songkran Festival!

Songkran is a Sanskrit word which means “passing through” and refers to the sun’s passing into Aries. Basically, Songkran is the celebration of the New Year in Thailand. It’s also referred to as the Water Splashing Festival.  The specific dates vary but generally the festival takes place the first two weeks of April.

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The festival is an opportunity for Thais to strengthen bonds with peers, colleagues, neighbors and their Buddhist faith. It’s a time to set new resolutions and correct all past bad conduct. At the start of the first day, Songkran adherents visit different wats to offer prayers and food to the monks.

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Posted in Events, Thailand |

There are hidden gems destinations and then there are hidden gem destinations in Japan, a country that still doesn’t court foreign visitors with reckless abandon. Feigned enthusiasm is more like it. As a result, stumbling around the four main islands of Nihon can be a slightly frustrating but, indeed, richly rewarding experience. The discovery of an off the beaten track jewel? Even more delicious.

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With that in mind, may we introduce Shikoku. The most diminutive main island in Japan contains just over 4 million people – pretty much the same as your average Tokyo neighbourhood – and a cavalcade of terrific nooks to explore. Check out our top 20 must-sees and must-dos in Shikoku. Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Japan |

The Lion King
Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
March 3 – April 30

The Lion King is a Broadway musical adaptation of the hit Disney film, which features a smooth combination of exceptional talent and impressive production.  Join Simba and his friends in this all-in-one entertainment spectacular.

Buddha’s Footprint Parade Festival
Ta-Porn District Cultural Centre, Kloong, Chantaburi, Thailand
April 1-30

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This activity in Thailand involves the important ceremony of pouring water in order to ask for blessings from a family’s esteemed leader. Another essential ritual is what the Thais refer to as the Praying for Ghosts Ceremony. Basically during this time, the people make it a point to pay their respects to Buddha’s footprint and ashes. Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Asia, Events |