Monday, October 26, 2009

Alaska Sealife Center

The Alaska Sea Life Center is a non-profit marine science facility dedicated to understanding and maintaining the integrity of the marine ecosystem of Alaska through research, rehabilitation and public education. The Center's research facilities and naturalistic exhibits immerse visitors in the dynamic marine ecosystems of Alaska.
Research
Center-based research projects help scientists discover reasons for declining marine animal populations and environmental changes.
Education
From early education to Elderhostel, the Alaska SeaLife Center educational programs and presentations are designed to expand the public's knowledge of Alaska's marine ecosystems.
Exhibitry
The many exhibits at the Alaska SeaLife Center immerse visitors in Alaskan marine ecosystems and provide opportunities to watch animals in naturalistic habitats as well as research settings.
June 1 - September 12, 2010
Cost: $22.00 per adult / $10.00 per child

Seward Alaska Vacation Tours

Seward is the coastal gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park and is one of Alaska's most popular destinations for Alaska vacation-goers. Explore just a few of the many activities Seward has to offer.
Full Day Cruise This 110-mile full-day cruise travels into Kenai Fjords National Park and to the Chiswell Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Your host will be a uniformed National Park Ranger, who will provide narration on your journey and point out the many spectacular sights while fielding any questions you may have.
Wildlife is abundant throughout the Kenai National Park, and the tidewater glaciers are massive. You'll visit the mighty Holgate Glacier where guests often witness calving - a process by which glaciers shed giant blocks and slabs of ancient ice - from a close distance. With photo opportunities galore, your cruise will be unforgettable.
The full-day Kenai Fjords National Park cruise departs daily from Seward. The drive to Seward from Anchorage is about a three-hour trip and is full of scenery including: mountains, inlets, lakes, rivers, glaciers and more. If you'd rather use your travel time to gaze at the spectacular sights, we can arrange transportation via motor coach or the legendary Alaska Railroad.
The modern Coast Guard-certified vessel features heated cabins, multiple outside decks, a full-service bar and clean restrooms, not to mention our experienced and friendly crew who will assure your comfort and safety at all times.
A delicious Alaska salmon and prime rib meal is served buffet style with guaranteed reserved table seating in a heated cabin for every guest. Free full-color guide to the Kenai Fjords National Park for every paying adult. Large, stable vessels with multiple viewing decks and fog-free windows. See more wildlife with our "cruising restaurant" service, allowing you the comfort and convenience of exploring as you dine. Cost (with meal): $156.00 per adult / $70.00 per child
Cost (without meal): $127.00 per adult / $63.00 per child
Departure: 11:45 am

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Alaska Travel and Vacation Tours in Denali

It is never too early to start planning your 2010 Alaskan Vacation! Take a look at our newly expanded Alaska tour, Alaska hotels, and Alaska vacation packages. Our 2010 selection offers the most Alaska travel options in our history! Alaska Denali Tours is a 100% Alaskan owned company that has been serving thousands of Alaska Travel goers since 1992 with only the highest quality Alaska tours and Alaska vacations. Unique among other Alaska travel and tour companies, Alaska Denali Tours owns and operates our own Denali lodgings and tour buses inside Denali National Park, not to mention a luxurious motorcoach service between Denali and Anchorage. Denali National Park is the number one attraction in Alaska vacations and Alaska travel tours, and we would love to tailor a vacation experience for you. We offer fully customizable Alaska travel and Alaska tour packages where you can build your own itinerary. The options are endless and the choices are all yours. We can customize the Alaska tours, Alaska vacations, or Alaska travel itineraries that you desire and fit your budget, from economical to luxurious. You buy only the Alaska travel components you would like to experience. Every aspect of your Alaska vacation is tailored for you.

Anchorage, Alaska - Elevated Railroad Car

Visitor Tips and News About Elevated Railroad Car
Following are Elevated Railroad Car reports and tips that were sent in by RoadsideAmerica.com visitors. Some tips may not be verified. Anchorage, Alaska - Elevated Railroad Car This is no longer there. I drove by just the other day and noticed they took it down, reportedly, sometime last year. Luckily I got the picture I wanted of it before they took it down. [Kristie, 08/01/2009]
Anchorage, Alaska - Elevated Railroad Car On the south side of Anchorage is a bar/hotel that has a rail car up on pillars, standing guard by the side entrance. [Adam Scott Lankford, 04/15/2008] [RA: Adam has added to the pile of steadily accumulating evidence that Alaska is a really bizarre place. It's perhaps even worth the extraordinary road trip it takes to get there!]

Cantwell, Alaska - Igloo City - Igloo-shaped Building

Visitor Tips and News About Igloo City - Igloo-shaped Building Following are Igloo City - Igloo-shaped Building reports and tips that were sent in by RoadsideAmerica.com visitors. Some tips may not be verified. Submit your own tip or update.
Cantwell, Alaska - Igloo City While traveling to Alaska by motorcycle we couldn't help but stop at this landmark located right on the George Parks Highway. We found out from locals that the "Hotel" has been built for many years, perhaps in the 70's, and has never been open because of not meeting building codes. Different individuals have owned it and yet no one has been able to open it. It is currently padlocked and becoming dilapidated. The RV park adjoining it is also closed and buildings and pumps are gone, leaving only "The Igloo" [Larry Klink, 09/10/2009]
Cantwell, Alaska - Igloo City The attraction, Igloo City, is sadly no longer open. The Igloo is boarded up, the gas pumps are missing, and one of the dormer windows has started to collapse in. [Kenton Henry, 06/01/2007] Cantwell, Alaska - Igloo City - Igloo-shaped Building The 4-story igloo building. I used to live 3 miles from the Igloo -- now live about 100 from there. [DeVonne Koppenberg, 03/20/2005] [RA: DeVonne sent her 1998 photo of the Igloo building in its prime.]
Cantwell, Alaska - Igloo City I just returned from the 49th state and saw a couple of things that you might find interesting. First is Igloo City, approximately 180 miles out of Anchorage on the Parks Highway that goes to Fairbanks. It is a 4-story igloo that is supposed to eventually be a motel, the exterior is done and visible from airplanes at 30,000 feet, so I am told, but the interior is not. The great pleasures of using an outhouse in Alaska in the middle of winter can not be overstated. Unfortunately the Gift Shop doesn't carry any giant igloo t-shirts or other locally relevant stuff, just typical Alaska T shirts that you can get anywhere in the state. They have big plans however, plumbing is being put in slowly and the cashier in the gas station is the CEO of the company! Also on that same road about 30 mile south of Fairbanks is a motel/Bar with a great name -- Skinny Dick's Halfway Inn -- this guy has the Merchandising end down pat, almost as much stuff as a Hard Rock Cafe. Unfortunately there is not much else to see there but every tourist stops to take a picture. I did. [David Everett, 12/

Sendai Travel Guide_in Japan

basic information

With roughly one million inhabitants, Sendai is by far the largest city in the Tohoku Region and one of the country's fifteen largest cities.

The modern city of Sendai was founded around the year 1600 by Date Masamune, one of feudal Japan's most powerful lords. Many of Sendai's tourist attractions are related to Masamune and his family.

Less than an hour northeast of the city center lies the town of Matsushima, whose bay is dotted by pine clad islets and is known for one of Japan's three most scenic views.

Zuihoden Mausoleum

basic information

Zuihoden, the mausoleum of Date Masamune

Zuihoden Mausoleum is the site of entombment of one of the most powerful feudal lords of the Edo Period, Date Masamune. Masamune was the first in a long line of Date lords to rule over Sendai from Aoba Castle. His son and grandson, Date Tadamune and Date Tsunamune, are entombed in nearby mausoleums, while other descendants are laid to rest in less elaborate graves and tombs.

Zuihoden was designed in the ornate style of the Momoyama Period. It features intricate woodwork and a rich variety of vivid colors. Masamune's son and grandson are entombed in smaller mausoleums designed in the same style.

Massive cedar trees surround the paths in the area, and are meant to symbolize the long history of the Date clan. A museum beside the Zuihoden main building shows some of the personal artifacts of the Date family, and even some specimens of their bones and hair.

A Detail of Zuihoden Mausoleum

Any advice or questions? Voice them in the forum!

how to get there

Zuihoden can be reached in about 15 minutes from Sendai Station by the Loople Sendai bus. Get off at bus stop #4. A day pass for the Loople bus costs 600 yen, otherwise one ride costs 250 yen.

How to get to and around Sendai

hours and fees

Hours:9:00 to 16:30 (until 16:00 from December to January)
Closed:December 31 and January 1
Admission:550 yen (100 yen discount to Loople day pass holders)

Autumn Color Report 2009_Japan Tourism

This are the official japan-guide.com autumn color reports for 2009 from our trips to various autumn leaf spots across Japan. Check our page on Autumn Leaves for general information.

Okunikko from Konsei Pass

Today we returned to the Okunikko area of Nikko National Park to update our October 5th, 2009 - Nikko Koyo Report. Okunikko is the Inner Nikko area in the mountains above the famous temples and shrines of Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture. Our first stop of the day was at Konsei Pass overlooking Lake Yunoko. The trees near the very tops of the mountains have peaked, but the view over Okunikko still looks nice as the larch trees are now turning yellow.

Along Lake Yunoko

From the top of Yudaki Falls overlooking Okunikko

We then headed down to Lake Yunoko where along the shore the leaves still look good. Some of the earlier changing trees have dropped their leaves while later changing trees are just coming into color. The view from the top of Yudaki Falls, the outlet of Lake Yunoko, offered a great view over the lower areas of Okunikko.

Senjogahara Marsh

Senjogahara Marsh

Continuing on we took a short hike into Senjogahara Marsh. By now many of the trees surrounding the marsh have dropped their leaves, while the views inside the marsh itself are still good especially as the later changing larch trees are approaching a brilliant yellow.

Ryuzu Falls

Above Ryuzu Falls

Then we stopped by Ryuzu Falls, which we expected to be in decline since it has a slightly faster leaf changing schedule than the rest of the area. Indeed many of the trees have already dropped their leaves and the autumn colors around the falls have clearly passed their peak. Ryuzu Falls remains crowded with visitors, however.

Lake Chuzenji from the Chuzenjiko Skyline

From the Chuzenjiko Skyline

Our next stop was on the Chuzenjiko Skyline which travels into the mountains overlooking Lake Chuzenji. From the skyline we had some great views of the lake which is currently at its peak.

Akechidaira Ropeway

Irohazaka Road

From the skyline we headed to the Akechidaira Plateau which was also at its peak with many oranges, yellows, and reds seen just below the ropeway cars. From up here we could also see the uphill route of Irohazaka Road which was also in full color and had surprisingly little traffic at the top.

Kegon Falls

From the base of Kegon Falls

Continuing on, we went back down to Lake Chuzenji and made a quick stop at Kegon Falls. From our recent trips to Kegon Falls it seems that the free observation deck provides the best views of autumn colors, while the lower observation deck (accessed by a paid elevator) has a better view of the falls but without the volume of colors that would make it truly spectacular.

Irohazaka Road to central Nikko

Irohazaka Road to central Nikko

As the fall colors gradually descend into Nikko as the season progresses, we decided to head down to the shrine and temple area to see what the current leaf situation is around the city. Irohazaka Road, a famous koyo spot in its own right, connects Okunikko to Nikko and during autumn weekends it can become a virtual parking lot. However, as today was a weekday morning it was relatively quiet on the way down, and we got to enjoy a pleasant drive through beautiful trees that were around their peak of color. The uphill section of the road, however, was backed all the way to the town center with visitors from the opposite direction.

Shinkyo Bridge

Because of the difference in elevation, Okunikko has an advanced koyo schedule compared to Nikko, and we didn't expect to see too much color around the town. We found that the leaves around the world heritage area are just beginning to turn but are still mostly green, as could be seen at Shinkyo Bridge, a vermillion and black lacquered bridge said to be one of Japan's three finest bridges. However, we had a pleasant surprise at Shoyoen Garden at Rinnoji Temple where the leaves are becoming quite beautiful and should be at their best in the next 1-2 weeks.

Autumn leaves in Japan_Travel

Japanese maple (momiji)

Autumn Color Report 2009

Colorful leaves (koyo) are to the Japanese autumn what cherry blossoms are to spring. The viewing of autumn leaves has been a popular activity in Japan for centuries and today draws large numbers of travelers to famous koyo spots.

Each year, starting in mid September, the "koyo front" slowly moves southwards from the northern island of Hokkaido until it reaches the lower elevations of central and southern Japan towards the end of November. Some trees around Tokyo and Kyoto remain colorful into early December.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Syria sees 37% rise in tourists in September

Syria has recorded a 37% increase in the number of tourists visiting the country during September, with a total number (including expatriates, Arabs and foreigners) of 518,905, compared to 379,289 in September 2008, the Syrian Arab news agency has reported. European tourists' number during the first 9 months had grown by 24% to 272,402, while Gulf tourists' number increased by 19% to 643,447m according to the country's ministry of tourism.

Cyprus to attract Middle East visitors

The birthplace of the Greek goddess, Aphrodite, the Mediterranean Island of Cyprus, has stunning scenery, friendly people and affordable accommodation - ranging from village farmhouses to luxury hotels. Phil Blizzard reports from the Arabian Travel Market on the marketing campaign set to woo visitors from the Middle East. Hare Krishna Bus Tour - Cyprus Lake 70 foot cliff jumping and back flips The Bus Tour visits Cyprus Lake somewhere in Canada. But you wouldn't think this is Canada due to the tropical looking water and amazing cliffs. Hare Krishna teens travel on an adventure tour around North America every summer, helping to set up festivals, camp at National Parks, hike up mountains, swim wild rivers, surf oceans and have exhilarating fun. They take two buses on this ultimate road trip across the USA, Canada and Mexico, covering 14,000 miles in two months. For all episodes in this series, visit www.Krishna.com/festivals/

Egypt's tourist arrivals beat expectations

Tourist arrivals to Egypt will be higher than expected in 2009 and the numbers will improve in 2010 as Europe rebounds from the economic crisis, Tourism Minister Zoheir Garrana told Reuters in an interview. After months of decline, Egypt saw tourist arrivals advance by 10.7% in September compared to a year earlier, boosted by strong Russian and British arrivals, he noted. Overall, tourism numbers will fall 1-3% this year, but grow 3-5% next year, he predicted.

Emirates' Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa heralds new era of luxury travel in Australia

The much-anticipated Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa, Australia's first luxury conservation-based resort and Emirates Hotels and Resorts' first development outside Dubai, welcomed its first guests today.
The $125m project, built on the same principles as Emirates' acclaimed Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa, combines the expectations of the high-end traveller with a commitment to broader social, ecological and environmental sustainability. Located between two of Australia's most prominent national parks and bordering the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa features 40 individual secluded suites, and is fully integrated into its environment, supporting wide-ranging conservation practices. The resort occupies only 2% of its 4,000 acre land, while the remaining area is dedicated as a wildlife reserve. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group, said: "Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa's combination of iconic location, understated luxury, privacy and outstanding conservation values is unparalleled in Australia. Heralding a new era of luxury travel in the country, the resort actively protects its surrounding habitat and indigenous wildlife species while delivering the first-class standards and quality expected from luxury resorts.""Since the opening of Al Maha a decade ago, we have built our businesses on the basis of being sustainable and environmentally aware; and leading in wildlife conservation, in particular the protection of endangered and threatened species. With the opening of Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa in Australia, we are expanding our unique luxury conservation-based resort philosophy into a different country, a different continent and a different ecological environment," he added.Wolgan Valley was selected by Emirates after an extensive research for a location that lent itself to world-class conservation-based practices. Australia is an important destination for Emirates, and Wolgan Valley is an outstanding example of the Dubai-based airline's long term commitment to the country. "Australia has a fascinating history, heritage, and of course unique wildlife; not to mention some of the most exciting landscapes in the world. We believe Australia has great potential and we are extremely proud that Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa will not only showcase a slice of Australia's heritage, but will also contribute to the country's prospects for developing this calibre of conservation-based, luxury tourism," added His Highness.Wolgan Valley is rich in historical significance. Charles Darwin was a visitor in 1836 and the property's original homestead, which dates back to 1832, has been fully restored to its former glory, providing a fascinating glimpse of the region's heritage for guests.His Highness commented, "The feedback from the travel trade guests who visited Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa during the pre-opening phase is that it is truly unique in Australia. With its world-class facilities, we are already seeing strong local and international interest from both the leisure and business markets."Each suite in the resort has its own indoor / outdoor swimming pool, private verandah, separate living and sleeping areas, luxurious en-suite bathroom and double-sided fireplace. The resort's architecture is progressive in its sustainable philosophy but classic in its aesthetic approach. Its design, inspired by original Federation style, is reminiscent of traditional rural Australian homesteads.Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa incorporates the 'Timeless Spa' branded facility. Originally created at Al Maha, Emirates' own luxury Spa brand is an integral part of the guest experience. The Timeless Spa concepts focus on natural products, and the provision of holistic treatments which revitalize the body and enhance relaxation.A major focus of the guest experience at Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa is the quality of Australia's finest produce - enhanced by the resort's regional, seasonal and organic food philosophy.Activities at Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa will include guided walks to discover wildlife in its natural habitat, four-wheel drive safaris, mountain bike and horse-riding adventures through the spectacular landscapes, stargazing, heritage and Aboriginal interpretative tours, guided photographic excursions and visits to the Wollemi Pine Grove

Watch Beautiful sea-betch on Thailand

Phuket, Thailand - Tourism Guide - A Paradise On Earth - The best home videos are here

72 Hours Amazing Thailand

The Tourism Authority of Thailand together with MasterCard has launched “72 Hours Amazing Thailand” – a dedicated campaign presenting a host of exciting activities and special privileges exclusively for MasterCard cardholders visiting Thailand.
Mrs. Juthaporn Rerngronasa, Deputy Governor for International Marketing, Tourism Authority of Thailand, said, “72 Hours Amazing Thailand offers a new way for tourists to explore the beauty of Thailand within 72 hours. The campaign introduces customized travel routes and activities for MasterCard cardholders, as well as showcases a collection of Thailand’s newest and most stylish resorts and hotels, hip shopping destinations, luxurious pampering hideaways, chic dining outlets and top golf courses.”
“We are targeting the 72 Hours Amazing Thailand campaign at the mass affluent consumer, aged over 25 years old, who enjoys traveling and experiencing new places which are in vogue in Bangkok and its surrounding areas,” Mrs. Rerngronasa added. As part of the campaign, an English language guidebook - “72 Hours Amazing Thailand” - will be produced for tourists.
According to the latest MasterIndex of Travel (H2 2007) by MasterCard Worldwide, Thailand is among the most preferred personal travel destination for Singaporeans. Ms. Eileen Wee, Vice President and Country Manager for Thailand, MasterCard Worldwide said, “The 72 Hours Amazing Thailand campaign launched by Tourism Authority of Thailand enables visitors to fully enjoy and experience the natural beauty of Thailand, as well as the many attractive offerings and exceptional service that this tourism paradise has to offer to the sophisticated, style-conscious traveler of today. The campaign is an example of how Thailand constantly refreshes itself as a travel destination.”
Until the end of August 2008, customers making transactions with their MasterCard cards will receive up to 50% off their purchases at over 200 leading hotels and resorts, shopping centers, beauty and nail spas, fine dining restaurants, golf courses and retail outlets in Thailand, in addition to a range of other privileges.
MasterCard cardholders can also indulge in the best spa destinations such as S Medical Spa – one of only two medical spa retreats in the world with the Hydrotherapy 7 in 1 with Shirodhara – an integrated treatment that cares for the mind, body and soul. Services include purification programs, holistic massage and body work, hydrotherapy and full-day wellness programs. MasterCard cardholders also receive VIP treatment at the Banyan Tree Spa at the Banyan Tree Hotel Bangkok - an ideal sanctuary for physical and spiritual well-being.
More Information:Website: http://www.thailand72hrsamazing.com/

Let's go on a railway excursion...this holiday

For more detail

TAT SEEKS MARKETING ‘BRIGHT SPOTS’ IN DIFFICULT GLOBAL TOURISM ENVIRONMENT

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has unveiled a multi-pronged strategic marketing campaign for 2009-10 that will build on the country’s long-standing strengths such as its geographical location, value for money factor, good image and excellent range of products and services. The strategies range from stepped up online-marketing efforts focussing on social media to short-duration packages targeted at nearby and neighbouring countries and intensive pursuit of new markets and niche-products. The strategies and campaigns were unveiled to the Thai tourism industry private sector at the end of the TAT’s annual marketing plan meeting on June 29. This period is particularly important for the TAT which will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of its founding in 2010. TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing, Mr. Santichai Euachongprasit invited the private sector to help the TAT improve the marketing efforts by presenting ideas and initiatives to capitalise on prevailing opportunities and trends in the wake of one of the most difficult market conditions the country has ever faced. Specific forecasts are being avoided due to the fluidity of the domestic and international situation, but the TAT is projecting a better global and local environment in 2010. Said Mr. Santichai, “Three key factors are impacting on visitor arrivals to Thailand. They are the global economic downturn, the country’s political situation, and the H1N1 flu. People have become more cautious about spending on leisure and business travel.” To reinforce Thailand’s well-entrenched position as a renowned cost-effective destination, TAT will maintain the “Amazing Thailand Amazing Value” campaign. Mr. Santichai said the TAT plans to open new two new foreign offices this year in Kunming and Mumbai. These will tap into the massive potential of two of the world’s most populous countries, India and China, both of which are within four hours flight from Thailand. In 2010, the TAT will open a new office in Jakarta to build on the intra-ASEAN market and also tap the potential of the ASEAN region’s most populous country, Indonesia. “Boosting the activities of the overseas offices as well as all our sales and marketing representatives is going to be a major focus of attention,” said Mr Santichai. A key part of the effort to combat the fallout from media coverage of temporary political developments will be to step up the number and frequency of fam trips for both media and travel agents. This is designed to instil confidence among the opinion-shapers and those who influence decision-making of travellers that Thailand remains a safe and secure destination, momentary disruptions notwithstanding. The TAT will also seek to work with TV stations abroad to boost well-informed and objective documentaries on Thailand. It will also maintain the focus on positioning Thailand as a value-for-money shopping destination. Among some of the other key marketing strategies: Make better use of social media like youtube, flickr, myspace, Facebook, and Twitter. Testimonial interviews will be conducted with visitors to Thailand and posted online. According to Mr Santichai, “This reflects the undeniable change taking place in the tools of marketing.” He said that many of the TAT offices abroad now have their own online websites. Taking advantage of short haul to Thailand based on accessibility and convenience. Thailand will be positioned as a short-break destination for 72-hour trips over long weekends in key markets like China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia. The TAT has introduced 72-hour travel programme booklets for several provinces including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Hua Hin and Pattaya. Boost Customer Relationship Marketing (CRM) efforts by building on the membership of the Amazing Thailand Card. This is based on the understanding that those who hold such cards already have an affinity with Thailand and will appreciate receiving communications about special offers and holiday opportunities. Strategic alliances will be forged with marketing partners such as credit card companies or any others with a large membership database to build confidence and stimulate the market. Invite more celebrities to visit Thailand and capitalise on the positive media coverage that will generate. Boost word of mouth referrals by motivating visitors and Thai residents abroad to recommend Thailand to their friends. Highlight special interest products, like the golfing, wedding and honeymoon, and health & wellness markets. Mr Santichai said Thailand’s unique selection of boutique and poolview properties are perfect for these high-spending markets and enhance the country’s competitive advantage. New products will also be launched such as cycling tours to scenic destinations in the provinces. Seek new markets. Although the TAT has a direct presence in many countries, it will move more intensively into new markets such as the Central Asian Republics, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Syria, Jordan and even Iran. Also this year, a major effort is to be made to boost domestic travel through increased support for local travel shows and trade events. According to Mr. Suraphon Svetasreni, Deputy Governor for Policy and Planning, “We believe that domestic travel will grow in future as it offers relief to people during times of crisis. If they are stressed out, they travel to take a break and relax, and if they are afraid, they don’t travel overseas. “Domestic travel will also be positioned as a means of helping the country during these difficult times by spreading income and creating jobs within the country itself. The government’s policy to hold more of its own meetings and seminars in upcountry destinations will also help,” he said. Contact information: International Public Relation Division Tourism Authority of Thailand Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 4545-48 Fax: +66 (0) 2253 7419 E-mail: prdiv3@tat.or.th Web site: www.tatnews.org

Mun Nork Island - Your Privacy in Rayong

If you are looking for a place … a place … that give you privacy a place that allow you to just laid back … … Doing nothing … and nothing disturbing you.
This is this resort slogan. That’s explain everthing. “Mun Nork Island Resort” S o P r i v a t e and S o P e a c e f u l. This island is located in Klaeng Bay in Rayong Province. 2 and a half hours by car from Bangkok to the pier and another 1 hour by boat to the island. This island is situated about 35 kms. away from “Samet Island” but use different pier.
You can either drive and park at the pier or take a public coach to Samyarn - Klaeng from Eakamai bus terminal in Bangkok then hire a small pick up car to send you to the pier which is about 15 minuites away from the coach station. There you are, the boat normally leave at 13:00 but you need to have confirmed reservation before going
This place has many types of room for you too choose such as … - A/C 1 bedroom with outdoor shower and terrace for 2 people. - A/C 1 bedorrm with 2 big beds for 4 persons, 2 shower and terrace - A/C 2 sperated bed rooms, outdoor shower and terrace for 4 persons. - A/C 1 bedroom with 2 bunk beds, 2 outdoor shower and terrace for 6-8 persons
The price is also included full board meals on the island, retruned as scheduled boat transfer to &
from island and accident insurance. Nothing to pay more when you stay in this island. Is had 1 food house serving setted menu and also sell drinks and icecream. You can have Bar B Q seafood after your dinner but you have to arrange at extra and make your order in advance.
It has many activities to enjoy in this island such as skin diving, walk around the island in the morning, kayak boat and bananaboat at extra or just laid by the beach quietly spending time with someone or yourself. Pack along books and personal necessities. This place is a place for sea lovers who seeks for peaceful vacation. Do not expect night life or five stars faculities there but spending time here is truly comfortalbe and difference. … Mun Nork Island Resort …

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Khum Rak Kaew - An Antique Hotel in Chiang Mai

Khum Rak Kaew - An Antique Hotel in Chiang Mai Filed under: Chiang Mai — admin @ 3:20 pm The limitless imagination mixed with the charm of the city of mist. The embrace of a fresh stream and the fragrance of wild flowers come together to create a place of beauty. By the No.23 kilometer marker on Mae Rim Samoeng Road passing Doi Inthanon. Khum Ruk Kaew lies on tour rai of beautiful hillside surrounded by a big wooden fence that attracts the eye at first glance. Roses of all sizes and numerous flowers blossom together and the moss covered roof set the atmosphere for this place. All eight barns and 300 ox-carts are transformed into Northern-style residences including Ruan Somporn-Uthai, the main house. And Ruan Pum, Ruan Pap, Ruan Por and Ruan Rarin. The smaller houses. When my mind down and my eyes see the details, the amazing scene unfolds in front of me. Every corner and every nook and cranny is tastefully decorated with valuable ancient pieces and every single one reflects the charm and enchantment of the people’s way of life, thoughts and local culture. Khum Ruk Kaew is like a paradise for those who love antiques. The only question is how mush time will be necessary to experience and appreciate all the art at Khum Ruk Kaew. Dr. Somporn Ragrachagarn, the creator of this resort tells us how she began collecting antiques. She came across a small house owned by a merchant and was so impressed by it that she asked the merchant to build another like it. Although the merchant had no experience in architecture, she trusted him and ended up with this beautiful place. After that, she fell in love with antiques because of it’s limitless imagination and principles. Therefore it is not surprising that Khum Ruk Kaew has become as unique and special as it has. Not only is the location interesting. But the food is also. From the look in Dr. Somporn’s eyes, filled with passion for ancient art, and smiles from the cook, as everyone enjoyed their meal, made me realize that “Only passion is enough to create wonderful things Khum Ruk Kaew Resort is full of passion, happiness, and beauty. Maybe because of its charm and enchanting atmosphere, time cannot ruin or reduce the value this place.”

Alaska Sealife Center

The Alaska Sea Life Center is a non-profit marine science facility dedicated to understanding and maintaining the integrity of the marine ...