As sad as it sounds to discuss, funeral customs really do vary significantly from country to country. If you should ever find yourself in a position where you must attend a Chinese funeral it will be helpful to understand exactly what the traditions entail as the customs are much different than those found in the west or even in surrounding European countries.
The city of Tokyo, Japan is constantly bustling with activity. Fashion and cultural trends come and go quickly here - in a city that represents both ancient history and modern advances. The citizens of Tokyo honor and respect some of Japan’s most ancient traditions while at the same time embracing the fast paced nature of change.
Fortunately, there are dozens of opportunities for visitors to take a break from the constant movement. Stepping inside one of Tokyo’s fine dining establishments will afford you an opportunity to relax while at the same time enjoying true Japanese cuisine. Make sure you stop by at least a few of these incredible restaurants during your stay. Read the rest of this entry »
The city of Singapore offers visitors from around the globe a unique opportunity to explore the culture that has molded the city and country as it stands today.
While visiting, be sure to include at least a few of these attractions on your itinerary so that you, too, can gain a better understanding of this city’s diverse cultural history. Read the rest of this entry »
We already know that each Asian country has its own set of incredibly diverse social customs and traditions. These traditions stem not only throughout their daily lives but to special events as well. One of the most important, of course, is the union of two individuals in marriage. Wedding customs in Asian countries are distinct and in most cases very beautiful. Join us as we explore the traditions celebrated on Asian wedding days.
Image Credit: gwaar
While those in the west tend to lean towards the traditional white wedding gown, women in Japan lean towards beautifully colored silk kimonos instead. They are often embroidered with purple iris flowers because in Japan the color purple represents love. The wedding ceremony itself is traditionally either Shinto or Buddhist. During a Shinto ceremony the earth’s natural spirits are asked to bless the newlyweds. During a Buddhist ceremony two strings of beautiful beads are woven together to symbolize the union of two into one. Read the rest of this entry »
Still exploring the beauty that is India? There are a few more sites to add to your list of India’s most beautiful beaches before you return to your homeland. White sandy beaches? Check! Crystal clear waters? Check! The only thing missing right now is you, so make sure you head towards one of these amazing Indian beaches for even more fun in between sightseeing tours throughout the country.
The islands of Andaman and Nicobar are some of the most beautiful and unique in all of India. Here you’ll find beaches that are relatively untouched by modern civilization - on tropical islands where commercial beach resorts and damaging crowds are very few and far between. These secluded islands will afford you a number of opportunities to relax in solitude or, if you choose, get to know some of the area’s colorful marine life.
Some of the most popular beaches on the islands include:
The beaches at Guajarat sit along what is known as the longest coastline in India. Start your journey here with a trip to the beaches on the island of Diu where you’ll enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery on the west coast of India. Head back over to the mainland for over 1,600 kilometers (approximately 994 miles) of warm sandy beaches, cliffs, and wildlife.
Some Gujarat Beach favorites include:
If you’re traveling with children you’ll want to make a special effort to find some of the area’s most family friendly beaches. While it’s easy to book a room in a resort hotel you will find that there are dozens of other cheap hotels in India, many of which are within walking distance of the coasts and their beaches.
Not sure where to start? Begin by exploring some of the beaches in Mumbai. Here you’ll find several popular beach resorts on Marine Drive, Juhu, and Chowpatty Beach. All are located in safe areas and are the perfect place for you and your family to enjoy the waters by day and take leisurely walks on the beach under the evening moonlight.
The beaches near Orissa, featured in the first part of our journey, are also great for families. The beaches at Puri and Konark will afford you and your family the opportunity to not only relax in the sun but to visit some of India’s most important temples as well.
No matter where along India’s coasts you end up you’re bound to find at least a handful of beaches to keep you occupied throughout your journey. Make sure you leave some time in your busy schedule to relax and enjoy some of the beautiful coastlines Mother Nature has to offer in India!
Malaysia is a culturally diverse atmosphere, to be sure. The country’s population represents a distinct mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian, Javanese and several other ethnic groups. With so many rich heritages represented it’s no surprise to find that there are so many incredible festivals and activities happening throughout Malaysia year round. Make sure you time your trip to correspond with one of these fantastic celebrations.
Image Credit: mylifestory
During the 10th month of the Muslim calendar, immediately following the month of fasting that represents Ramadan, the streets of Malaysia burst into activity as Muslims celebrate and honor the lives of those that have passed on before them. During Hari Raya Aidilfitri, houses are decorated with colorful adornments and each entrance is lit with a traditional lantern. During this time groups of people gather all around the country for prayers and fun family reunions. Read the rest of this entry »
Finding decent cuisine in a foreign country need not be difficult. Throughout your travels you’ll find that most major cities and towns feature not only local cuisine but foreign and international fare as well. This means finding a food you enjoy should be relatively easy.
So where in Vietnam will go for the best meals? We’ve got an astounding variety of restaurants for you to choose from in cities all over the country. Check out some of these amazing Vietnamese eateries for decadent cuisine you’ll never forget.
The city of Guilin, named after the scent produced by the Osmanthus tree, has long been regarded as one of the most beautiful and most picturesque areas in China. Two sparkling rivers cut straight through the center of the city which is also surrounded by magnificent rock formations, mountains, and simply breathtaking landscape.
Guilin sprang into existence more than 2,000 years ago and has been fortunate enough to survive through not only the Qin Dynasty but through the Tang, Qing, and several others. The city is now home to over 1.26 million people including those from at least a dozen different nationalities.
Considered one of the best tourist destinations in China, Guilin has much to offer. Make sure you adhere to local customs and visit some of the following local attractions while you’re there. Read the rest of this entry »
There’s not a reason in the world why you should visit Asia, or any other country, and find yourself in a hotel with nothing but terrible service. You should be greeted with a smile, treated like royalty, and given undivided attention throughout the duration of your stay.
While some hotels are better than others in this regard, you’ll find that others simply stand out from the crowd. We’ve taken it upon ourselves to put together a list of some of the most popular Asian hotels, ranked in terms of service. Consider adding one of these to your next itinerary. Read the rest of this entry »
AsiaHotels.com Travel Blog is your central source of news bits, amusing experiences, funny observations, and helpful tips and guides to travelling around Asia. For easier browsing, check the Categories section for topics you are interested in. Every month, we also highlight an Asian destination with quick links to the travel guide and best hotels in [...]
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Melbourne, The second largest city in Australia, Melbourne has a passion for sports, good coffee and a razzle dazzle of cultural events.
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