Monthly Archives for September 2013

Traveling in Bangkok

Stories and Travel Info, World Travel - Amanda - September 30, 2013

A city like none other Bangkok has an intriguing mixture of old world Asian heritage and modern, sometimes seedy, diversions. Each year, thousands upon thousands of visitors descend upon this city to enjoy its monuments, parties, and temptations. For those not as interested in Bangkok’s legendary party scene there are so many different museums and wonderful old buildings to visit. Things for all personality types are here to do, you just need to know where to look. A few more things to do in Bangkok include.

grand-palace

Grand Palace
Th Na Phra Lan | Bangkok, Thailand
The Grand Palace was built in 1782 as the home of the Kings of Siam. The palace is am immaculate structure that possesses several wonders that include its European and Thai fused architectural style and the 18 inch Emerald Buddha. All first time visitors to Thailand must see the Grand Palace, though other tourists warn that it is often heavily crowded and there are scam artists working. The palace complex is open from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm daily except when it is hosting special events. The cost of admission is around $11 US dollars.

Siam Paragon
1 Pathum Wan | Bangkok, Thailand
Once you have enjoyed the more traditional fairs of Bangkok perhaps you fancy a day of shopping. Especially on a hot afternoon the air conditioned halls of the Siam Paragon shopping centre may be calling to you. There is pretty much everything here with all types of restaurants, plenty of jewelry shops, interior design shops, clothes shops and any kind of shop you can think of. The mall even has an aquarium in it, as well as a great food court.  Travelers say it is easy to spend an entire day at this massive mall. The mall hours are from 10 am to 7 pm and it can be found out metro BTS SIAM station.

Siam Ocean World
991 Rama 1 Road | Bangkok
Located inside the Siam Paragon is the Siam Ocean World aquarium which has more than 30,000 different sea animals. Some of the aquarium’s locals include penguins, jellyfish, and even hammerhead sharks. The aquarium has plenty of special options as well like taking a fish spa, or a glass bottom boat rides, and even – if you have the nerve for it – swimming with sharks. Perhaps these add ons are a little expensive, so if you are on a budget it may be wise to skip out on those. Regular admission costs about $20 US dollars.

Continue Reading

Things to do in Dubrovnik

Best Destinations, World Travel - Amanda - September 21, 2013

The small Croatian coastal city of Dubrovnik fits in a lot to do in a little space. A lovely city that is filled with historical things to do, perhaps none better than walking the fortified inner city’s walls, as well as great beaches and even a nearby island to explore. Minus the hustle and bustle of larger European cities Dubrovnik brings ample opportunity for its visitors to take some time to relax and just enjoy themselves. A few of the best things to do while in Dubrovnik include.

Dubrovnik-Cathedral

City Walls
Built and rebuilt 3 times between the 13th and 15th centuries the Dubrovnik city wall were constructed to protect this beautiful city from foreign invasion. At some points the walls are 20 feet thick. There are also outpost towers and forts around the whole periphery. In modern times the threat of foreign invasions is waning so the walls now just act as a great vantage point to look down upon the old town of Dubrovnik and out into the Mediterranean Sea. During the summer certain festivals, like the Shakespeare Festival, even take place in some of the wall’s towers. Be sure that you have a hat and some water while you walk the walls circumference as the Croatian sun can and will take its toll. The wall is open to walk from 9 am to 5 pm (7pm in the summer) and costs around $9 US dollars.

Dubrovnik Cable Car
Twenty years after its bombing back in 1991 the cable car has been re-opened in Dubrovnik during that year’s Summer Festival – the biggest yearly event in Dubrovnik. There is universal agreement that the best views over Dubrovnik are from Srd Hill, which the cable car delivers people to after a scenic ride in the car itself. Some travelers suggest saving some money, and adding to the experience, by just purchasing a one way ticket on the cable car then enjoying a lovely downhill walk back to Old Town Dubrovnik soaking in the wonderful views over the Southern Dalmation coast. Re-fuel before the walk back at the hills elaborate snack bar. Cable car rides are available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets for a round trip cost around $14 US dollars.

Dubrovnik Cathedral
Kneza Damjana Jude 1 | 20000, Dubrovnik
Often called the Church of the Assumption Dubrovnik Cathedral is actually the third church that has been built on this site. Previously there had been a Byzantine style building in the 7th century before it was replaced by a Romanesque Church in the 12th century. When an earth quake destroyed that church in 1667 the present structure, in its Baroque style, was erected. The most noteworthy element of the church is its collection of art which features Titian’s The Assumption at the main altar. Visitors are welcomes to the church from 9 am until 5:30 pm, with the exception of Sunday morning during mass. For a small fee, of around $2 dollars US, visitors can explore the cathedral’s treasury as well.

Continue Reading