Puerto La Cruz beachside
Photo by: Reindertot, Creative Commons

There are reasons Puerto La Cruz is attractive that it would not be easy to name each and every one of them. It has fast become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the whole of Venezuela because of its resorts. Their resorts have all these luxurious hotels that provide service fit for kings and queens. The hotel windows have great views of the beaches, ocean, and the mountains.

Other than this, Puerto La Cruz also has shopping centers that would wow every tourist that goes inside. These shopping centers are scattered around the popular streets in the area so almost everywhere you go, you would see one that would catch your attention.

The shopping centers are all worthy of boasting but the must-go-to places in Puerto La Cruz do not stop with just the shopping centers. Once you get tired from shopping, you may choose to eat one of their restaurants and have the time of your life. Puerto La Cruz is famous for its empanadas so make sure you do not miss out in tasting one.

You can even choose to just walk around and still see amazing sights that you would not find anywhere else. The Paseo Colon is one of the most popular examples of places like these. Just a brief walk around the area and you will surely feel satisfaction surge within you and you will instantly feel that your trip was really worth it.

Omayyad castle ruins
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To a lot of people, Safita is a small nondescript town in Syria where you have absolutely nothing to do and nothing to see. But that impression of the town is not entirely true. Yes, the place is not that big, it also has a small population but like other popular cities in Syria, it too has a special story to tell and it has a several sites to showcase. And if you are interested to find what those are, then read on as we provide you some facts and a list of attractions that you should visit here.

Short History:

According to some archaeological findings, Safita has been inhabited since the time of Phoenicians. For those of you who do not know, Phoenicia is an ancient civilization that was established in the heart of Canaan – the Promised Land. The people of this civilization were known to be involved greatly in maritime trading with nearby Mediterranean countries.

By the 1100’s, Safita was used by the Knights of Templar as a stronghold for their Crusades.

Sites to See:

Chastel Blanc (White Castle) – built on a hill, this massive structure was one of the Templar’s fortresses in Syria. Its location was strategic for the Knights because the view from the roof enables them to see their other holds that were scattered around the area. Apart from being a fortress, the White Castle also doubled as a chapel. In fact if you visit it today, you can still find a small church that is especially dedicated to St. Michael.

Al – Arima Fortress – this site is famous for its two towers that were dated back from the 12th and the 13th centuries respectively. This citadel is said to be one of the better strongholds that protected Chastel Blanc.

Sleiman Castle – a castle built in the middle of the wild mountains in Safita. This structure was said to be built by the old inhabitants of Arwad to honor Baal and Astarte – both of which were ancient Phoenician deities.

Those are some of the things you have to know and sites that you have to see in Safita. Once you visit the place, you will find that even if the city is small and even if it has fewer attractions, the trip there will be worth it.

Contadora Island
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Contadora Island is also known as Isla Contadora to some natives. Panama’s largest beach provider will certainly give you the perfect accommodation you can ever experience during your vacation. You can choose from a wide range of hotels and inns without worrying about traffic. The only means of transportation you will see here are golf carts, motorcycles, bicycles and four-wheelers tagging along each other in the open boulevard.

CBS media holds their famous television show, Survivor, at this very place. The surrounding water bodies of the island are mostly warm but gets cold in February. You can swim, snorkel or even dive your way down to the bottom part of the water and see stone fishes and cone shells that are quite lethal. In which case, caution must be observed. The beautiful sites of whirling sting rays are also seen underneath the Island.

The place is recommended for people who want to get a sun-kissed skin after summer. If you don’t want to see the sights of the waters, you can just lay down the white, sandy beaches of the island and read a couple of good books for relaxation. You can also shop around their grocery stores otherwise; eat different scrumptious cuisine in their top of the line restaurants. But here’s the catch, ATM are not available in this city so you have to bring your money with you in case of emergency.

Contadora Island is definitely a unique place for leisure. Over ten exhilarating beaches are offered in this place and you can only choose one. Don’t worry because each step you take is a journey that will never keep you jaded.

Ngapali Beach
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What could be better than experience an unspoiled beach for a vacation. With the freshness of the air and the clearness of the water, this kind of experience is one thing that can surely provide a total satisfaction. Talking about this kind of beach, Myanmar’s seaport city Thandwe has this great experience in store for you.

Called the Ngapali Beach, this is the most famous of all the Myanmar beach houses. Though this beach is not well publicized like that of the other beaches in Southeast Asia, more and more tourists are being captured by this unspoiled stretch of sand year after year. To indulge your imagination, just think of a crystal clear beach with mountains in the background. Add to this a peaceful and serene environment without much visitors being entertained. Indeed, this is one place in the world in where you can find great privacy in one of the best gifts of Mother Nature.

Moreover, aside from catering a great fresh beach to the tourist, Thandwe’s Ngapali Beach also houses several hotels to accommodate tourists like you. If you have a kick of sports in yourself, you can complete the treat in the golf course just near the beach.

However, being an isolated land, the airfare to get here in Thandwe can be pretty much expensive. But, when you come to experience the place, every cent that you spend here will be all worth it. Hence, you will have a great time on your summer vacation in a crowded beach. The goodness of this beach in Thandwe can give you a different definition of a summer vacation.

Harisa coastline from the peak
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Experiencing early dawn in Adma is like no other. You will have a chance to glimpse the cityscape covered with mist and to witness how the people in this unique city welcome the new day with so much enthusiasm and sanguinity.

The overwhelming sounds of merchants overcrowding the narrow streets are just like reminiscing the rich history of the place. Moreover, the smiles of the local folks will make you feel more comfortable. Adma undeniably has its own exceptional beauty that tourists around the globe will truly be grateful for.

Your day-to-day schedule is jam-packed with visits to some of the historical landmarks. There are places that are so remarkable that you do not want to shut your eyes away from it even for just a second. You will also discover some noteworthy facts about these landmarks, especially how they fair in the city’s past.

Al Jabal is one of the top tourist’s sites in the city. It is a medium-sized church made from lime bricks. It has a dome at the center and its windows show the simplicity of Lebanese architecture. It houses some of the religious affairs in the city.

The Harisa Mountain serves as a beautiful backdrop of the urban center in Adma. Although there are establishments built around this magnificent mountain, it still remains a natural wonder for many people living in the city; especially that it reminds them of simple living.

The night life in this city may be incomparable to that of the Bahamas or Thailand, but it remains unique in its own terms. A passionate Arab music coupled with a glamorous dance performance is perfect to stir up any beer cheer. There are also live band concerts and theatres in some notable entertainment hotspots of the city.

One of the most memorable experiences you can get from Adma is the dining moments in some of the most luxurious hotels and restaurants in the city. Lebanese cuisine is oozing with flavour that you will not stop craving for it. One of the foods that this city is known for is the Lebanese Rice Pudding. It is very rich in vanilla flavor topped with orange marmalade. Another delicious dish is the Baked Kibbeh, which is a spiced ground lamb. This is a favorite food of the locales. Ahweh or the Arabic coffee is also unique in this place and it is oozing with orange blossom and cardamom aroma.

Carpathian Mountains
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It may be hard to pronounce for visitors, but going at Liptovsky Mikulas, Slovakia is definitely worth a try. This town is located on the Váh River at the northern part of Slovakia. It can be spotted at the Liptov region along the Liptov Basin, which is very near in the Low Tatra and the mountains of Tatra. The town, which means Liptovský Saint Nicholas, was heralded as the town of culture and guilds. This used to be part of the Kingdom of Hungary until the year 1918. It was first heard of when its name was mentioned on King Ladislaus IV’s royal deed in 1286.

The town became very important in the Liptov region in terms of crafts. The craftsmen ever created guilds, the oldest of which was the shoemaker’s guild that was founded in 1508.It then became the seat of the local district and the Liptó county in 1677. Another historical impact of the Liptovsky Mikulas was in 1713 when Juraj Jánošík, also known as the local’s legendary Robin Hood, received his sentence and was executed after he was hung on a hook by his ribcage.

It colorful past contributes a lot to its tourism industry. This is why this place is now known to be one of the most famous tourist spots in the whole Slovakia. Aside from its culture and history, it also helps that it is situated at an area where it can be easily accessed. Once there, you may want to see popular caves like the Demänová Ice Cave or the Western Tatras. For recreation, you can try and visit the Liptovská Mara. There is also an aqua park that was only opened in 2004, which is the Aquapark Tatralandia.

Potaro River
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Holmia is a community located in the Potaro-Siparuni region of Guyana. The major industries in the region are forestry, gold and diamond mining, and of course, tourism. The region takes its name from the Potaro and Siparuni rivers, which are tributaries of the Essequibo, the country’s longest river. The Potaro River is a major draw for eco-tourists as nine waterfalls can be found along its length, including the celebrated Kaieteur Falls, recognized worldwide as one of the most powerful waterfalls, due to the combination of its height of 251 meters and great volume of 663 cubic meters a second. Looking upriver, tourists can enjoy the spectacular sight of the Pakairama Mountains, which share a common border with Brazil and Venezuela.

The Kaieteur Falls is located within the Kaieteur National Park, where tourists can take nature hikes and luxuriate in the wide species of indigenous flora and fauna that can be found in the park. The more adventurous can also try walking across the Garraway Stream Bridge, a suspension bridge built in the 1930s which spans the river and then visiting the ‘two islands’ which can be found on the River. The small community of Menzies Landing, which is around 20 miles upriver from the Kaieteur Falls, is the gateway and staging area for travel to places up the river.

Holmia is relatively accessible despite the remoteness of the area, since there are now frequent flights between the airstrip of Kaieteur Falls and the Cheddi Jagan International Airport and the Ogle Airport in Guyana’s capital city of Georgetown.

Landmark in downtown Les Cayes
Photo by: M Eriksson, Creative Commons

Are you tired of the same overcrowded beach that you and your family go to every year for a vacation? Looking for something more exciting other than the road trip to the countryside? Why don’t you go to Les Cayes in Haiti for a quiet and relaxing getaway, then! Formerly known as Aux Cayes, Les Cayes is a seaport in southwestern Haiti. One of the major ports of the country, it is home to the trading industries of sugar and coffee as well as bananas and timber. The people are generally warm and friendly as the environment.

In Les Cayes, there is no evidence of the hustle and bustle of the daily life in the city. There are no honking cars and air pollution in this cozy little town is low. If you want to be able to relax and forget your worries, Les Cayes is the perfect place to be. World renowned hotel Port Morgan is located in this town where you and your family can have a relaxing stay for several days. While in the area, you may want to engage in the different water sports activities that the resort has to offer. Aside from swimming, diving and snorkeling, you can also go sailing and windsurfing with your family. The resort can even take you to famous Cow Island where you can marvel at the different flora and fauna that has been astonishingly preserved.

When in the town of Les Cayes, you can be guaranteed that not a minute of your time will be wasted. There are virtually so many things to do and places to discover so just enjoy and have fun during your trip!

Lake Khövsgöl
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Mongolia is not a popular tourist destination yet it has lots to offer when it comes to natural resources, scenery, landscapes, rock formations, cultural, and historic sites. Many Mongolians are nomadic while some are herdsmen.

Few of the things that Mongolia can offer are jeep tours, fishing, camel and horse riding.
One of the interesting images tout to be the Switzerland of Mongolia is Khövsgöl. This aiming is rich in gushing rivers, glistering lakes, furrowed mountains, and thick forests. It is thought of as the most beautiful province of Mongolia. Tarialan is one of the most visited towns in Khövsgöl. It profusely rains during summer which adds a beautiful sight to the sceneries because of the rainbow formation.

The land is divided between arable land and for pasture. The sum of Tarialan was founded along with Khövsgöl aiming. It was then a place for hay production and later expanded into an arable state farm.

Tarialan economy is base on arable farming and raising livestock which consists of goats, sheep, and yaks.
Uriankhai, Khotgoid, Darkhad, and Buriat tribes are what constitute the population of Tarialan. The Tsaatan who live in the northern part reside in teepees just like the Native Americans.

The province’s main tourist attraction is Khövsgöl Nuur. Chandman-Öndör, and the valley of Darkhad, are all interesting sights. This spots are perfect for activities such as trekking, fishing, hiking, and cycle tours. A reminder though that fishing in Khövsgöl Nuur requires a permit in Ulaanbaatar’s Ministry of Nature.

A mosque in Kandi
Photo by: Sam Woodworth, Creative Commons

When planning where to go, you must include the glorious land of Africa. At first, this place was just farm lands that produced crops for the entire city. Now, Kandi, Benin has turned into a farming center. The tourism activities in the area have attracted thousands of tourists to visit this place on top of other destinations you might think of.

It is suggested you choose light fabrics for your clothes. It is hot and humid in Kandi, but during the evening, cool winds soothe your sun drenched skin. There are other beaches to visit which can be reached by car, train or boat. There is exactly 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of night in Africa, it is best to schedule your travel wisely when there is still light so you won’t loose your way back. Several hotels with 5 Star distinctions are available so that your board and lodging will not be a problem during your trip to Kandi, Benin.

You could ask other travelers who have visited the beautiful land of Kandi, they will tell you how pleasant their travel experience had been, getting to see wildlife up close and personal. Yes, you will be able to see how it is to run with the lions – not chasing you, but lounging under thick bushes and resting until their next meal.

Port Alfred neighborhood
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A great little vacation spot in the Eastern Cape of South Africa is Port Alfred. This small town was established in the early 1820s and is part of the Ndlambe municipality. Port Alfred, South Africa is great place to visit when you want to learn new adventurous skills. There are many things to do here. And as with other port cities in South Africa, this town thrives on anything and everything water-based.

Port Alfred is great place to learn water sports. This is a great alternative to Port Elizabeth, as the Port Elizabeth is usually jam packed with people when peak season comes. Port Alfred has the exact same weather as Port Elizabeth and is online a few miles away. The waters are as good, and sometimes even better. There are beaches in Port Alfred with tamer waves for beginner learners, and bigger waves for experts.

The Kowie River is the center of all adventure sports in Port Alfred. For water sports, the mouth of the River makes a good venue. Examples of popular water sports here are surfing, canoeing, kayaking, water skiing, scuba diving and the like. Less extreme water activities are available here. There are great beaches that are safe for swimming here. You can also do spear fishing and surf angling here. The rich indigenous forests are great for nature trail trekking, horseback riding, family picnics, farm visits and country drives.

If you want to experience the real African wild, you can go on an African Bush experience in nearby Thandweni Lapa. Here, you can stay overnight in a traditional African tree house. You can also do some game viewing and see African animals in safaris in Shamwari, Great Fish, Addo Elephant Park, Kariega Game Reserve and Emlanjeni.

Amidst their simplicity, the community here is very warm and friendly. You can go to local pubs and restaurants to relax after a long day in the beach. Port Alfred is a great place to chill out and get away from it all. At the same time, you can also go wild with adventure here.

One the many squares at Bishkek
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Summer is fast approaching and your friends insist you take a vacation with them. So, how about going to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan for a unique journey? Bishkek is the capital of Kyrgyzstan in close proximity to Chuy Province.

The moment you step into this city, you will notice tall trees that are smartly surrounded by irrigation channels which will serve as very good landscape for relaxation. For those who appreciate buildings, every street is composed of uniquely crafted private homes, elegant marble buildings, apartments and courtyards with just enough vegetation to flatter the whole area.

You can start your tour by visiting Bishkek’s main square, Ala-Too Square, with a beautiful façade. The statue located at the middle is the statue of Lenin, a historical figure for their country. Most of the Kyrgyzstan’s ceremonies and big events are held here since it is open area and a lot of people can be assembled all at once. Just beside the square, you can see the State’s Historical Museum with lots of treasures inside. You will definitely take pleasure in each step you will make in this town.

Next attraction would be the capital’s Orthodox Church. Orthodox Churches can be seen in other countries as well. However, the Kyrgyz’ church is more enticing and captivating when it comes to the selection of colors placed on the edifice. The different shades of blue with a combination of white paint will attract you to enter this priceless heritage.

Now that you know this, include Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan to your list of probable destination and have a great time with your friends.

Taedong River at Pyongyang
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Songnim is known as the largest iron and steel center in North Korea. It is also known as a river port in the Taedong-gang River. Known initially as a poor riverside, the establishment of the iron center in 1916 during the Japanese colonial period in Korea helped immensely in development of Songnim.

Formerly known as Kyŏmip’o, Songnim is also called Kenniho, Kenziho, and Kenjiko among many of its variations. It is located in Hwaenghae-bukto. It has been destructed by a bombing during the Korean War and was later rebuilt.

Buddhist Temple

In Songnim, there is a temple at the foot of the hills in the Palgong-san Provincial Park. It is a brick pagoda standing at almost a meter tall and is believed to have been in existence since the 9th century. The pagoda was ruined in 1959 and upon its reconstruction, several items of value such as a Buddhist statue and a sarira case was found inside. These items are now in the National Museum of Korea in Seoul. This is one of the places that you need to visit in Songnim. It is open to visitors during daylight where you will be able to see the beautiful temple.

The Taedong River

The Taedong River can also be seen in Songnim. It is a large river that runs from the capital Pyongyang to Songnim. It is known in Korea as the cradle of its civilization. It is widely used for river transport.

Upon your visit to Songnim, make sure to view this places in order to make your vacation worthwhile.

Cotacachi
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Cotacachi, Equador is a charming little village which can be reached via a 30 minute ride from Otavalo. Unlike Otavalo, which is a highly busy and indigenous market, Cotacachi is less crowded and parking is easy. The village provides a number of local handicraft products sold in numerous stalls set up in the village plaza. These include a variety of colourful textiles & leather products. Cotacachi’s narrow streets are filled with shops that offer all kinds of leather goods at a surprising bargain. Here you can find the latest fashion styles in leather boots, bags and jackets. Despite its low prices, the quality is not sacrificed. Any type of leather good, name it. They have it all here in Cotacachi.

There is great misconception with Cotacachi weather. Because the country lies right in the equator, many people believe that Ecuador is hot and humid. This may be true in some locations, but not so in Cotacachi. Since it lies in the Andes Mountains, the temperature is quite cold. Some days are warm, but nights are generally cold. Don’t forget to bring a jacket or sweater if you plan to visit Cotacachi.

Parque la Martiz

Found beneath the towering sculpture of Jesus, Cotacachi’s main plaza is ringed by flags of different nations. This is a display of the city’s numerous international awards. Cotacachi is awarded with a large glass plaque stating the status of the village as a UNESCO World Heritage Sight. Another monument honors Cotacachi’s democratization of municipal management.

Here, you can find a statue of the notable Santa Ana de Cotacachi donning strings of local beads. Walk a little further to find the beautiful Iglesia Matriz Church to see its magnificent exterior and several statues of local religious figures.
To get to Parque la Martiz, just follow the towering sculpture of Jesus, which stands on top of the cathedral.

Mercado de los Andes

The Mercado de los Andes is Cotacachi’s main food market. It includes a large produce section, and sells every type of fruit imaginable—those you are familiar of and those you haven’t heard of before. It’s a great place to get lost into.
The market also has a few cheap clothing stores, and is known for its Ecuadorian hats and leather goods.

Mercado de los Andes is the city’s main food market and includes a large produce section, with every type of fruit you’ve heard of and likely a few that you haven’t. There are also some cheap clothing stores, notable for their variety of typical Ecuadorian hats. To get there, you can walk five blocks from the main plaza, located right next to the city bus station.

Kaunas War Museum
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Kaunas, Lithuania is a romantic and understated city with quite an interesting city. It is as charming and sweet as an old B&W movie. At Kaunas, Lithuania, there’s so much to like! Kaunas was founded in year 1030. People have long fought for the place—the location is perfect, located at the intersection of 2 rivers and trade routes, an ideal place for transportation and trading.

Fast forward to a few centuries, Russia took hold of Vilnius and Kaunas was became the capitol of Lithuania until 1939. During the World War II, the Germans invaded and wiped out the city’s rich Jewish population at once, disappearing overnight. Until now, the tragic history of Kaunas, Lithuania can still be noticed. This adds to its mystical and romantic charm, in a somewhat haunted way.
Things to See While in Kaunas
1. Ninth Fort – initially built as a fortress on 1902 to 1913. During the WWII Nazi Occupation, more than 50,000 people were killed here including some 30,000 Jews.
2. Devil’s Museum – An interesting collection of devil sculptures and carvings from around the world. An interesting must see.
3. Siauliai Hill of Crosses – The Hill of Crosses is covered in crosses of all sizes. Some are merely 5 feet, while some are over 10 feet tall! Some have tiny little rosaries hanging on the crosses. The first crosses are said to have been planted in the Middle Ages. It is located some 100 miles away from Kaunas; the long distance is definitely worth it.

Tegucigalpa from El Picacho
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Originally founded under the name of Real Villa de San Miguel de Heredia de Tegucigalpa in 1578, Honduras’ capital and largest city, Tegucigalpa is not just a gold and silver mine center, but also the capital of the Francisco Morazan department of the country. The Choluteca River separates Tegucigalpa with its nearby city Comayaguela, which in some way is legally considered as the other capital.

Tegucigalpa has a tropical climate that is very pleasant because of its altitude. Hills and surrounding mountains tend to trap pollution. The city boasts of many scenic areas, the Tegucigalpa main square in the day time, and the Juan Pablo II Boulevard at night. But the city is famous for the Basilica of the Virgin of Suyapa and the Statue of Jesus Christ in El Picacho City Park. The famous statue is very large and overlooks Tegucigalpa. There are also many great cultural and historical sites within the city such as the Museum of National Identity, the former Presidential Palace (now a museum too), the National University of Honduras and the 18th century Cathedral.

Families and adventurous people will definitely enjoy La Tigra National Park, Pichaco Hill, as well as the Chiminkee Science Park, which is also a museum for children. Tegucigalpa’s Spanish speaking citizens are very friendly. The city is composed of mainly barrios and colonias. A very interesting city tour would be at the wealthy neighbourhood of Colonia Palmira, where many upscale restaurants and foreign embassies are located. The MetroMall and the Multi-plaza offer some great shopping as well as really good restaurants and a movie theatre complex.

You will also enjoy the Historia Natural and Galeria de Arte Nacional as well as the Centro Cultural de Espana en Tegucigalpa for occasional art exhibitions.

Patuxay monument
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Vientiane, Laos, a fair-weathered destination has various tourist spots that will make you come back for more. Aside for being the country’s capital, it is also the largest city with a population of 200,000. Because of its unique setting, the 25th Southeast Asian Games was seized here in lieu of its golden anniversary.

Buddha Park – The artistic paradise of Laos’ culture and belief, includes Hindu lore and Buddha’s cement statues that are carefully bounded with flowers and vegetation. Within the area, you will find a ten-foot demon head where you can enter its mouth and navigate yourself by climbing the staircase.

Wat Sok Pa Luang – The Buddhist temple that offers not more than $5 of relaxing massage is a must-see and must-try for tourists.

Talat Sao – The morning market at the east, is now a four-storey high building. You can shop for CDs here, eat a wide variety of Laos’ delicacy, purchase souvenirs and take pictures from diverged tourists.

Ha Phra Kaew – Enjoy shopping at a museum in this temple. While looking around, you can also see the bronze statues of Buddha and monks in real life.

Lao Museum – The two-storey building has artifacts which illustrate their valor in protecting their country with a small souvenir shop for buying their goods.

Patuxay Monument – The only one of its kind, is situated at the heart of this town. It is well respected and considered as a historical gateway and reminder in defending their country.

More sites are coming your way when you decide to stay here. You don’t even have to worry about accommodation because hostels and upper-class hotels are available in this city. Now, you have a complete guide on your tour to Vientiane, Laos.

Marmaris residential district
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Marmaris is a port city in the southwest Turkey. It is a major destination for sailing and for cruise ships. It has captivating scenery of pine filled mountains and that of the sea. Marmaris’s diverse culture go all the way back to the ancient Byzantine, Ottoman, and Roman days. It once was a sleepy fishing village before the development of the area took place in the 1980s. It is a vibrant resort that still possesses country side charms. The beaches along this sea port has earned it the title of the Turkish Riviera.

The weather in Marmaris is temperate in the months from May through October. Summers are long while the winter is mild. People of Marmaris are friendly, not to mention the abundance of fast foods, restaurants, and bars in many places. Planning a trip to Marmaris? You can reach it by land, sea, or air. If you are traveling by land, buses are available. As a lively port there are numerous choices for sea travel, there are catamarans that sail daily, Turkish cargo boats that sail weekly, and the cruise ships that stop over at its port. There’s the Dalaman airport 120 kilometers east of the city. From there, airport buses are available for transfer to Marmaris.

The castle of Marmaris is in the town center. This is an important historical structure that was originally built by the Ionians. It was ruined in 1914 by the constant shelling from a French battleship. In the 14th century, the Ottomans used the castle as base for the navy, they remodeled the to meet their specifications and enable them to accommodate the needs of the navy. Today it has been converted to a museum and is open to the public. Its entrance opens to a garden courtyard with a fountain at the center of it. It showcases an ethnography section of a Turkish house, archaeological displays, and a room of the castle commander.

A walking city tour is the best way to experience Marmaris. There are plenty of Ottoman structures sustained or reused that have varied designs that can be quite appealing for those who appreciate architecture. There’s the Hafza Sultan Kervansaray which was a previously used as a travelers inn, it has been converted into a market place. In the Kemeralti district there’s the Ibrahim Ağa Camii mosque. There are also the bridges of Tashan and Kemerli Köprü.

The marketplace of Marmaris is bustling with a variety of souvenirs and different wares. You’ll be sure to find Marmaris’ famous pine honey, spices, healing herbs, and handmade woven rugs and carpets as irresistible finds. And for those who enjoy a more leisurely pace, Marmaris’s rugged coastline is idyllic and a relaxing place to explore.

Hanoi at street lights
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Hanoi is considered as one of the oldest cities in Vietnam. It has been the center of political issues since 1100’s and established as a city for almost a thousand years. Although it is a city, Hanoi still remained in its rural landscape. Various old landmarks still stand in this old city and this is the reason why many tourists visit it oftentimes. Currently, it is considered as the main cultural center of Vietnam because of its well preserved cultural landmarks.

Because of Hanoi’s provincial landscape, it is good to visit first the lakes around the city. These lakes provide very relaxing scenery with the Vietnamese style old bridges. Among these lakes are the West Lake, Truc Bach Lake, and Hoan Kiem Lake. On the other hand, there are many tourist destinations as well in the heart of the city. The most popular is Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum where the remains of the independent Vietnam’s first president are kept. The Grand Opera house is also a great destination to visit where various stage plays are conducted. Moreover, the Temple of Literature is the oldest school university in Vietnam. Its structure is in old Vietnamese style of architecture with a luscious garden upon its entrance.

If you want to experience shopping in the old streets of Hanoi, then, the Old Quarter is the right place for you. It is home for various merchants and artisans, specializing mainly in silk shops. Authentic Vietnamese restaurants can also be found here. But if you want to purchase cheap items, it is recommendable to go for the night market which is open from the evenings of Friday up to Sunday. You can purchase a lot of souvenir items and textiles here as well as Vietnamese delicacies. So whenever you managed to tour around Hanoi, guide yourself with the abovementioned guidelines in order to get the best from this old city.

Old City of Sana’a
Photo by: mcmay, Creative Commons

Sana’a is one of the cities in Yemen that dates back to the sixth century BC, when the Sabaean dynasty was still at the height of its power. The earliest written reference to this ancient city was discovered in inscriptions that go back to as early as the first century AD. Researchers suppose that it is the capital city of the Himyarite kingdom at the beginning of sixth century AD. It has also been known from studies that Sana’a is connected with the spread of Islam from 628 (during the initial part of the Hegira). The entry point to this historic city is the Bab al-Yaman (Yemen Gate) which is over 700 years old.

The Old City of Sana’a has over 2,500 years of history and is a showcase for architectural jewels. The old city is surrounded by ancient walls made of clay that stand 20-30 feet (6-9 meters) high, and has over 6,500 houses, 12 hammans (baths), and 100 mosques. Each of the houses has been designed in such a way that their combination articulates integral splendor. The details of the houses are simply exquisite. Several of them look a lot like skyscrapers, standing several stories high and crowned with flat rooftops. Windows of stained glass and ornate wall paintings with elaborately carved frames decorate these houses.

One of the primary attractions in the Old City of Sana’a is the city of Al Madina, a commercial area where development is quickly advancing. Here you would find a lot of restaurants, shops, warehouses, three amusement parks and three large hotels. This is also where the President’s palace is located.

One attraction is the extremely popular Suq al-Milh or Salt Market where you can buy not just salt but also silverware, pottery, cotton, copper raisins, spices, bread, antique items (both genuine and fake) and formerly, even slaves.

In 1986, the United Nations Organization declared the Old City of Sana’a as a World Heritage Site.

Rock Palace at Whadi Dhahr
Photo by: Ai@ce, Creative Commons

Whether you are a tourist or a draftee in the Yemeni army, Whadi Dhahr is a perfect spot for a leisurely walk or some sightseeing. The Whadi is located roughly fourteen kilometers northwest of Sana’a, ten kilometers out of town, you will find a rocky highland region on the road’s right-hand side. From here, you can get an excellent view of the entire Whadi, with the renowned Rock Palace situated at the valley’s heart. Friday mornings, at around 10:00 o’clock till noon, this plateau area is usually used as a pre-wedding dance practice area for grooms and their entourages who are enthusiastic about being photographed in the area.

Perhaps the most photographed structure in all of Yemen is Dar-al-Hajar, more commonly known as the Rock Palace. Located over a rocky protrusion, it was constructed as a summer residence by Imam Yahya in 1933. Standing five stories high, the Rock Palace is open to visitors from 8 o’clock in the morning until six o’clock in the evening for a fee. Although not many of the rooms are furnished, the interior of the Palace has windows of fine stained glass and the views from the rooftop are outstanding making the climb worth it.

Subterranean wells can be found underneath the Palace, one supposedly more than 250 meters deep. Findings also suggest that the Palace had been occasionally inhabited since the prehistoric era.

The Palace also marks the point of entry into al-Qabil, a small village with verdant gardens and some unusual buildings. You will also find an ancient and rather large hamman (bath) inside the village that will give you a very steamy tour when not in use.

Although there are no restaurants or eating places in Whadi Dhahr, visitors can still stop to rest and eat as there are a lot of locations perfect for picnics.

Shibam – Here and Beyond
Photo by: mavlimon, Creative Commons

Shibam Hadhramaut, or simply Shibam, is an ancient Yemeni town with roughly 7,000 inhabitants. The earliest written reference to it is found in an inscription that dates back to third century AD. It was then the capital of the Hadramawt Kingdom.

Shibam, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site today, owes it fame to its diverse architectural design. All the houses in this town are made of mud brick. Five hundred of these houses are towers that reach five to eleven stories high, with one or two apartments in each floor. The tower houses have been designed this way so that the inhabitants would be protected from Bedouin attacks.

One of the most popular attractions in Shibam is its big and ancient mosque. This mosque is also one of the oldest in all of Yemen and was constructed during the Ya’afuride Dynasty making Shibam its capital city. It was Mohammed Bin Ya’afur who, in ninth century AD (third century of Hegira) ordered the construction of this mosque. At later stages, it was made bigger and many of its parts were destroyed eventually until the first Ottoman rule of Yemen, when renovations began to take place. Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the mosque; they can get the best view of it, particularly of its minaret, right under the mountain, from the edge of town.

Another must-see in Shibam is the series of rock cemeteries on the face of the mountain overlooking the town. These cemeteries have been carved by hand. Basically, they are holes that were formerly used as the traditional burial grounds.

Although it has been estimated that Shibam has been in existence for almost 1,700 years, majority of its houses stemmed from the sixteenth century. However, several of them have been rebuilt many times during the last few centuries.

Do you want to get the best out of your vacation time? Then spend it in a place where you can find lounge and leisure at the same time. One of these places is in Alaqadari Daman, Afghanistan that can offer you with picturesque view of mountain ranges and valleys, as well as excitements and surprises from various activities you can do in this city.

There are marvellous sites to see in this place. Some of them can be considered as true gifts of nature, while others are ingenious products of Afghani creativity. Some of the best places you can visit in Alaqadari Daman, Afghanistan are the ruins of fortresses and base camps used during the war centuries ago. You will notice in these ruins the detailed patterns carved on the stones and the flamboyant arch designs.

The mosque is the next spot on your list. Here, you will see the colorful tile work and some paintings and sculptures of famous Afghani artist in the city. Moreover, you will witness here how the local culture embrace and preserve the Islam religion through their practices and norms.

There are also national parks. You can have a walk in these spots or chill out with a picnic basket together with your family and friends. You can even play some games of chess or Chinese checkers, or totally relax your mind by listening to calm music under the shade of the tree.

A tour in Alaqadari Daman, Afghanistan will not be complete if you do not go shopping in some of the local bazaars in the city. You can purchase various products, such as glass wares, gold jewelries, potteries, statuettes, handmade carpets, brass wares, and many more.

Your trip to this city will be a worthwhile experience you will never forget. So do the most of your time to relax while you are here.

While this small town used to be missed by a lot of tourists, it is a different story nowadays. Though Selebi-Phikwe is not a tourist destination by itself, it gives tourists access to a lot of tourist spots in the country.

From a simple mining town, Selebi-Phikwe has gone a long way already. Today, it is held as the center of the regional industrial development of the country and a house to a lot of industries. This situation made this mining town grow successfully. In fact, there are already shopping malls, golf course, sports clubs, and a lot of establishments that are housed here today.

The roads in Selebi-Phikwe extend to various towns that serve as great destination for tourists. This is especially helpful to those traveling to and from eastern Botswana. The town has car facilities already that can aid the tourists to go wherever they wish to go. There is also an internal airport, which is the Selebi-Phikwe Airport, in town that serves as a better transportation means to the country’s tourists. Moreover, the town houses several hotels and guest homes to welcome tourists traveling the country.

Though Selebi-Phikwe is a small town, it is still worth the time to visit the place. This is not only because of its connectivity to various tourist destinations. It is also because this little mining town has a story to contribute to tourists like you to better understand Africa. So when you happen to be in Botswana, don’t miss this little place just Southwest of Francistown.

Sunset at the Serrengeti
Photo by: Noel Feans, Creative Commons

From the Maasai dialect, Serengeti literally means “endless plains.” The Serengeti National Park is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is popular for its sheer number of wildlife species. The main attraction of the site is the yearly migration of more than a million wildebeests and hundreds of thousands of zebras.

The park is about 5700 square miles, consisting of savannah and woodlands. It is at the north of Tanzania, bordering to Kenya. The region has a warm-equatorial climate. Other than the migration of ungulates (zebras and wildebeests) there are many other species too. Visitors and hunters have labeled the lions, leopards, black rhinos, elephants and buffaloes as the “Big Five.” Like other Tanzanian National Parks, Serengeti has hundreds of bird varieties. These include the ostrich, Kori bustard, crane, stork and some 500 species more.

Visitors can enjoy on-foot safari trips. They may also opt to ride hot air balloons and explore from the heights. The Serengeti is also located near the historically rich Olduvai Gorge. It has museums with artifacts from early hominids. The Ngorongoro Crater is also accessible for the Serengeti National Park.

People can come to the park anytime in the year. But to watch the migration of the million wildebeests, it is best to visit during December to July. On the other hand, predators like lions and cheetahs are more visible during June to October.

Several campsites and lodges are scattered within the park, including the new Bilila Lodge. There are luxury camps and tent camps too. They offer rock music parties and world class foods. They can even arrange lunch or meals on the plains too.