Visiting Asia Combined Feed

Hong Kong Rugby Sevens

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 16:11:49 +0000

The Hong Kong Rugby Sevens is an annual event. The rugby takes place every year in March.

The events take place at Hong Kong Stadium in So Kon Po, Hong Kong. The stadium has a capacity of 40,000, and usually sells out during the sevens. The rugby is a great event, and visitors from all over the world come to watch the teams compete.

If you plan on visiting Hong Kong during the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens, make sure to book your travel or rugby sevens package holiday well in advance, as it is a very popular event.

Octopus Card for Hong Kong Subway

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:27:16 +0000

Octopus Card

The Octopus card for the Hong Kong subway is a great way to save money on public transport in Hong Kong.

An Octopus card costs 50 HKD as an initial deposit, most of which you will get back at the end of your trip when you return it.

You can purchase an Octopus card in any Hong Kong subway station. The deposit for an Octopus card is 150 HKD. The card will allow you to get a discount on a regular fare on the Hong Kong subway.

The Octopus card can also be used on the famous Star Ferry between Kowloon Bay and Hong Kong.

Octopus cards can be used for non-transport purposes as well. For example, you can use your Octopus card to pay for small items in many coffee shops in Hong Kong.

Google Maps of Hong Kong

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 00:36:16 +0000

Google Maps of Hong Kong are available for visitors or anyone going to Hong Kong.

Google Maps Hong Kong shows street and road maps of major and minor streets and roads in Hong Kong.

See below for Google Maps of Hong Kong.

View Larger Map

W Hotel Hong Kong

Sun, 16 Aug 2009 21:17:00 +0000

Tallest Building Hong Kong

W Hong Kong
Address: 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon Station, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
Phone: +852 3717 2222

Opened in 2008, the W Hong Kong is the hottest new addition to the Hong Kong hotel scene and the first W hotel in China.

With rooms designed by world famous Australian interior desiger Nicholas Graham and Japanese designer Yasumichi Morita, the W Hong Kong is at the peak of sleek Contemporary design.

With its West Kowloon location in the heart of the financial district and its signature W service, the hotel has quickly become one of Hong Kong’s best hotels.

Featuring 393 guest rooms, gourmet restaurants FIRE and KITCHEN, the sleek Liquid lounge and Living Room areas, a refreshing pool, and top-notch spa and fitness center, the W Hong Kong is the perfect place to call home during a visit to the city.

Book your room at the W hotel in Hong Kong now to make sure your room is ready and waiting for you while you’re visiting Hong Kong.

Free Maps of Hong Kong on Google Maps

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 13:52:00 +0000

Google has free maps of Hong Kong and Asia inside Google Maps.

These now include road and street maps of major cities.

Check out Hong Kong Google maps below.

View Larger Map

Hong Kong International Art Fair

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 17:38:00 +0000

The Hong Kong International Art Fair is an annual event that takes place every spring.

The fair, which is also known as Art Basel in Hong Kong, is a modern art exhibition featuring the works of both Eastern and Western artists from 100 visiting galleries from 20 countries.

Works on display at the Hong Kong International Art Fair will range from paintings by Picasso and Warhol to photography, and will also showcase emerging Hong Kong artists.

Admission prices for the Hong Kong International Art Fair start at HK$250.

Opening hours for the Hong Kong International Art Fair start at 12 noon most days.

Happy Valley Racecourse in Hong Kong

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 19:39:00 +0000

Happy Valley Racetrack

Happy Valley Racecourse
Address: 2 Sports Rd., Happy Valley, Hong Kong
Phone: (852) 2895 1523

Happy Valley Racecourse Schedule

Races at Happy Valley are held between September and June on Wednesday nights (7:30pm-10:30 or 11pm) and some weekend afternoons.

Happy Valley Racecourse Admission

Racecourse admission is HK$10.

About Happy Valley Racecourse

If you like going to the horse races, Happy Valley Racecourse in Hong Kong is the perfect spot for you.

Built in 1846, Happy Valley is a rare example of an in-city racecourse.

A Wednesday night or weekend afternoon at Happy Valley Racecourse is a lively event, and rumor has it that more money changes hands here in a single night than during the Kentucky Derby.

Hong Kong City Escalator

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 19:29:00 +0000

Hong Kong Escalator

The mid-levels escalator in Hong Kong is the world’s longest covered escalator.

The escalator runs from Des Voeux Road in the Central district to Conduit Road in the Mid-levels.

The Hong Kong city escalator is a great way to get around the city and avoid the traffic in the streets below.

Raised one level above the street, the Hong Kong city escalator has great views of the bustling shops, restaurants, and roads below.

The escalator has regular gaps to let people on and off at popular streets in Central and SoHo.

Dragon I Bar in Hong Kong

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 19:24:00 +0000

Hong Kong Drinking in Soho

Dragon I Bar in Hong Kong
Address: The Centrium, 60 Wyndham Street, Hong Kong
Dragon I Phone: + 852 3110 1222

Located in Hong Kong’s hip SoHo district, Dragon I bar is for those who want to see and be seen.

The bar’s swanky interior is matched by its upscale patrons, so if you go, make sure to look your best.

Wednesday night at Dragon I is model night, so be prepared to come face-to-face with the beautiful people.

NY Times: 2008 Summer Olympics in Hong Kong

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 11:16:00 +0000

Full Article: Seeing the Summer Olympics, but Not Bejing

Seeing the Summer Olympics, but Not Beijing
By KEITH BRADSHER

IF your favorite Olympic events involve horses, then the place to go next summer is Hong Kong, not Bejing.

The International Olympic Committee has decided to hold all six equestrian events of the 2008 Summer Olympics in Hong Kong, after veterinarians raised concerns about equine diseases in mainland China. That decision is expected to bring throngs of horse lovers to Hong Kong, mainly from North America, Europe and Australia.

Continued on nytimes.com

Governor’s Residence Hotel Yangon

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 13:19:40 +0000

Yangon

Governor’s Residence Hotel, Yangon
Address: 35 Taw Win Road, Dagon Township, Yangon, Myanmar
Phone: +95 (1) 229860

The Governor’s Residence hotel in Yangon is one of the best Yangon hotels. The property is a luxury hotel that allows guests to enjoy the Burmese capital in elegance and style.

The Governor’s Restidence is located in the former diplomatic neighborhood of Yangon, which became residential after the government was relocated several years ago.

The Governor’s Residence is housed in a a beautiful historic colonial-style house. There are lush gardens surrounding the hotel, as well as a large, tranquil pool.

Rooms at the Governor’s Residence hotel in Yangon are spacious. White linens are accented with teak and other woods, and large windows give rooms a light, airy feel.

The hotel restaurant, bar, and lounge serve good Burmese food and drinks, and guests can enjoy in-room dining.

On-site cooking classes as well as spa and massage treatments are on offer every day. The friendly staff can also arrange excursions for guests.

Room rates at the Governor’s Residence hotel in Yangon start at 154 USD per night for standard rooms in the low season.

Flights to Yangon from Singapore

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 10:20:57 +0000

Downtown Yangon

There are a number of airlines that offer flights to Yangon from Singapore. The airlines differ by price and number of flights per week, so do some research before booking a flight to Yangon from Singapore.

The following airlines have flights to Yangon from Singapore:

Jetstar Asia
Jetstar Asia has flights to Yangon from Singapore (4 flights per week)

Myanmar Airways
Myanmar Airways has flights to Yangon from Singapore (5 flights per week)

Silk Air
Silk Air has flights to Yangon from Singapore (16 flights per week)

Getting a Myanmar Visa in Bangkok

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 19:12:47 +0000

Monastery, Naungshwe, Myanmar

It is possible to get a tourist visa for Myanmar in Bangkok. The Myanmar visa office in Bangkok is right around the corner from the Myanmar embassy in Bangkok.

To get a Myanmar visa in Bangkok, you must go to the visa office.

Make sure to get there early, as lines can be very long by mid-morning.

When you get inside the Myanmar visa office in Bangkok, you will fill out Myanmar visa forms.

In addition to the forms, you must provide two identical passport-size photos and your passport.

Once you have paid for your Myanmar visa in Bangkok, you must leave your passport at the Myanmar visa office for two business days.

Your Myanmar visa will be ready for pick up at 15:00 two business days after you apply for your Myanmar visa in Bangkok.

Inle Lake View Resort – Best Hotel in Inle Lake

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 11:18:00 +0000

Inle Resort

Inle Lake View Resort
Address: Kaung Daing Village, Nyaung Shwe Township, Southern Shan State, Myanmar
Phone: +95 (81) 29332 29483

The Inle Lake View Resort is the best hotel in the Inle Lake area in Myanmar (Burma).

The Inle Lake View Resort is a luxury hotel in Myanmar with all the amenities.

The resort features nearly 40 deluxe rooms, all with their own private balconies overlooking the lake.

The Inle Lake View Resort has a one of the best restaurants in Myanmar, as well as a bar, a spa and other luxury facilities.

Inle Lake Airport

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 11:12:00 +0000

Heho Airport on the way to Mandalay

If you are planning to visit Inle Lake in Myanmar, the airport you should fly into is Heho airport.

Heho airport for Inle Lake is located approximately 22 miles from Inle Lake.

Heho airport is the closest airport to the lake.

There are regular flights to Heho airport from Mandalay and Yangon.

Best Time to Visit Inle Lake, Myanmar

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 11:06:00 +0000

Inle Lake Fisherman

The best time of the year to visit Inle Lake in Myanmar is the autumn.

The months of September and October in particular are good times to visit Inle Lake because of the ceremonies that take place during these months.

The Hpaung Daw U festival, which takes place over the course of serveral weeks in the fall, is known for its boat races.

Burmese people dress in traditional costumes and row in competitions on the lake.

The other festival that makes autumn the best time to visit Inle Lake is the Thadingyut festival.

The Thandingyut festival is the festival of lights.

Myanmar Disaster Relief Trip Report

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 09:03:00 +0000

A trip report from a travel agency providing Myanmar disaster relief:

Dear Friends,

Here again the report of the last weekend’s trip to the Delta. My office went back to Bogalay township, an area which was not as badly hit as Labbuta, but is getting much less aid than other areas.

06.06.08 (Friday)
MTL left for their 4^th trip (third trip to the delta) 8 pm, Friday night and arrived early Saturday morning at Bogalay at 4:30 am.

07.06.08 (Saturday)
They slept a little bit at a small guest house and at 7 am started to organize where to buy the goods we have to buy the goods in this very limited time.

As you might know, it is not advisable to come with full load of trucks to the delta, so we found our way how to successfully supply to the people in need.

Among the goods we bought was: rice ( 50 bags ) + blanket ( 500 ) + mosquito net ( 500 ) + water container ( 300 ) + glasses (300 ) + water filter ( 300 ) + plates ( 600 ) + bowls ( 300 ) + instant noodle soup ( + potatoes + onions + chick pea + beans + chili + salt

First Village ( Kyone Sein ) Raining time

before 512 people – now 311 – 2 hours boat ride (2^nd donor)

MTL has chosen this village because it is so far away and after 5 weeks we were the second time donors… Only 6 days ago this village was accessible – When MTL came they were out of stock for 3 days already and there meals consisted only of coconut meat and coconut liquid…They all stay in the monastery till their village will be rebuilt.

It took the villagers 3 days after the cyclone to finally be able to leave to Bogalay. (Most of the people were naked and did not dare to leave the village immediately). It took 3 days to get them dressed, partly with plastic bags, so they could finally leave to Bogalay for help.

The monk and the villagers left either to the monastery in Bogalay or to a refugee camp. Most of the villagers were sent back from the refugee camp 12 days ago.

They got rice + clothes + 10000 Kyats (US$ 8.70) per person from the government. Shortly after they arrived back to their village they got food + blankets from one local NGO (Mon Myat Myattar group) MTL was the second donor.

When MTL arrived they were trying to build up some huts with the woods remained from all the damage left after Nargis hit.

Second Village ( Ma Ku ) Raining period
before 549 – now 185 – another 2 and 1/2 hrs. boat ride (3^rd donor)

This village had not one single big house nor a big monastery, meaning that the whole village got destroyed. (remember in my first report I described how our water tank in Yangon flew like a feather – now imagine people living in huts…) This village was and is one of the poorest in this area.

All the novice monks and monks except of one monk died (before 2 monks and 3 novice). The surviving monk sat for hours on a tree and waited for the cyclone to end.

The villagers got a bit supply from the Government.

In one family only the grandmother survived. During the cyclone she was flooded into another village and was holding for 7 hours on a piece of wood.

From there she was brought to a refugee camp but she has been back to her village since last week.

Third Village ( Ngwe Thaung Yan ) (4rth donor)
before 590 – now 299 – One hour boat ride

245 of the 299 survivors left to a refugee camp and the remaining 54 stayed with relatives in Bogalay. However, they had to leave the camp 12 days ago and returned to a village which was completely destroyed. Everybody of them lost at least one family member.

There is an old well from which they are using dirty water but they boiled the water. We are 4^th time donors. They got some help from government, monks and a local NGO.

Fourth village ( Ye Kyaw Kauk )

before 360 – now 171 – Half and hour boat ride (2^nd donor)

MTL was told that nobody knew that there is a cyclone on the way. They only heard rumors of a cyclone, but nothing to be worried. As to thousands of others this disaster came with full surprise. This village has many coconut trees where they could hold on. After the disaster they left to Bogalay as all was gone. They were also sent back ‘home’ 12 days ago. The government supplied them with plastic sheets to cover the frame of the existing huts.

There are many people out there who now live in a kind of blackout, do not connect to their surrounding any longer and do not know how to build up their future as many of them are the only survivors of a family of 8 to 12 people.

They got enough food from their first private donor so we just came in time for the next supply.

Fifth village (Kyone Sein Gyi)

Before 446 persons – now 146 persons

Here the villagers left only after one week of the cyclone, eating spoilt rice and drinking coconut milk. A government boat discovered them and took them to a refugee camp to Bogalay. 12 days ago they were sent back ‘home’. On the way back they got some rice and 2 yards of plastic sheet (per family) in order to help to restore their lives.

Now they started building small huts out of wooden pieces from damaged houses. The only building which did not collapse was the monastery, however, it is not safe any longer as it also suffered damages and now ‘leaning to a side…’

At 5.30 pm MTL returned to Bogalay and went early to bed. In the middle of the night heavy monsoon started up to 7 am in the morning.

08.06.08 ( Sunday ) – 5 hrs boat ride (FIRST DONOR)

01. Aye Yar Tan ( before 512 – now 123 )
02. Kone Tan Pauk ( before 459 – now 185)
03. Da Ni Poat ( before 700 – now 195)

Only at 9:15 am MTL was able to start their trip to the villages as it was too dangerous to drive by boat. The people of the village number 2 and number 3 stay at the moment on the monastery compound of village number 1. Even the boat driver did not exactly know where the villages were located and did not know that 2 villages joined another one. The arms of the river were very narrow and it was very difficult to find the remaining huts behind the coconut trees. Finally MTL discovered a monastery and stopped there with our supplies. According to the monk they did not get any information about a cyclone coming to their area. All 3 villages are located west of Bogalay town and very close by the sea.

They survived because of their monk who went to Bogalay town and asked the township authorities to get food for them and bring to his village. He also told village number 2 and 3 to join his village although one third of his monastery roof was missing, he considered it a safer place to stay with him.

He asked MTL to personally distribute to everybody the goods and he wants to see with ‘his own eyes’ that people came to help. Although this took over 3 hours, MTL accepted his request. The villagers were in this moment so happy that they started clapping. They were given a name list of all the villagers in order to not give someone twice. In the middle of the donation Soe Soe saw a boy and a girl in the corner who did not move and who did not dare to ask for the donation. Nobody really knew abt them and they were not on the name list. (It is not easy to find parents and relatives as there is no such as family name in Myanmar culture.) Now the monk is taking care of them and they are finally on the name list. The last to receive the donation was the monk and he asked MTL to pray for the dead to arrive to their peaceful destination.

So they did in front of the monk all the villagers behind them said Thardu, Thardu, Thardu (well done, well done, well done – which is a blessing given by monks and people who got donations). After the blessings all of a sudden the dogs started to howl and the monk believed that this was a message sent by the dead that they now are free and can go to their next destiny. For our Buddhist staff it was one of their biggest blessings they achieved as they helped to release the souls from the damaged villages.

7^th village ( Myin Ga Oak ) (FIRST DONOR)
Before 570 people – now 63.

… only 3 women survived. Ko Aung, our young guide told them to rebuild their life with a family. One man answered, that how can they rebuild without women? For a short while there was laughter as MTL was asked to bring next time as a donation some women.

In this village MTL was told many times that they saved their lives and came in last minute. MTL replied that without the funds of our clients and friends as well as our sources for getting the funds and supplies safely to Myanmar we would never had been able to do so. All the villagers want to let everybody know that they will never forget what you have been doing for them and want to express their deepest gratitude.

11 year old boy in village number 7

This weekend MTL pick up a boy (together with his mother) and bring him to Yangon. (When his mother leaves with him, then only 2 women left in the village). His eye was so badly injured that it still pops out… He was first brought do Bogalay but the doctors sent him back to the village as they did not know what to do with him. His mother has no money for sending him to Yangon.

He is still under lots of pain and yesterday when I heard this story I decided to bring him to Yangon and give him medical treatment. We still have donation money left and are still getting funds – meanwhile we have enough funds for his medical treatment.

Soe Soe and our staff

I want to thank Soe Soe and our staff again for their tremendous help and capability to cover so many villages in this short time during their weekend.

Here are Soe Soe’s own words to me (at the end of her report):

“I am writing to you with full of so sadness. If I told you about all the families – there will be 100 pages more. Everybody has the same experience and they will never forget NARGIS till to the end of their days.

Really they still need food for their long life, so we are helping whatever we can. We will go together to the heaven.”

Thank you.

Myriam Grest

P.S. Finally the water purification pills together with the JAICO (mosquito repellent) arrived and are (today) on the way to the Delta. Thanks to NIST, the International school in Bangkok and friends living in Bangkok we were able to buy the purification pills and JAICO.

We have at the moment pills for 455000 liter of drinking water

NY Times on Myanmar Cyclone Crisis

Sat, 10 May 2008 10:10:00 +0000

Full Article – Myanmar Seizes UN Food for Cyclone Victims and Blocks Foreign Experts

Myanmar Seizes UN Food for Cyclone Victims and Blocks Foreign Experts
By SETH MYDANS

BANGKOK — The military leaders of Myanmar seized a shipment of United Nations food aid on Friday intended for victims of a devastating cyclone, declaring that they would accept donations of food and medicine but not the foreign aid workers international groups say are in equally short supply there.

The ruling junta continued to permit a small number of aid deliveries and promised to allow the first air shipment from the Pentagon on Monday, a significant concession because the United States has been Myanmar’s leading critic, imposing sanctions and lobbying for a United Nations resolution condemning the nation’s generals for human rights violations.

Continued on nytimes.com

Traders Hotel in Yangon, Myanmar

Thu, 01 May 2008 18:27:00 +0000

Traders Hotel in Yangon, Myanmar
Address: 223 Sule Pagoda Rd., Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar

A 22-story behemoth, the Traders Hotel is visible from many areas of Yangon.

Traders Hotel in Yangon is located in the heart of the downtown area near Yangon’s Bogyoke Market.

Rooms at the Traders Hotel are large, simple, and clean.

The hotel offers welcome drinks, buffet meals, a business center and a swimming pool.

The Strand Hotel in Yangon, Myanmar

Thu, 01 May 2008 18:27:00 +0000

The Strand Hotel in Yangon, Myanmar
Address: 92 Strand Rd., Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar

Perhaps the most well-known hotel in Yangon, The Strand hotel is one of the best hotels in Yangon.

The Strand is located in the downtown area, close to the Yangon River.

Originally opened in 1901, The Strand itself is a renovated colonial-era building and is renowned for its history and service.

Ho Chi Minh City Sightseeing Map

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 14:36:13 +0000

Below is an interactive Ho Chi Minh City sightseeing map.

The map shows the highlights of the city, all of which are great places to go when visiting Vietnam.

You can click on the blue teardrops to find more information about each museum, monument, market, cultural destination, or other site of interest on the Ho Chi Min City sightseeing map.

Ho Chi Minh City Massage

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 17:08:20 +0000

Ho Chi Minh City Spa

Ho Chi Minh City massages are a popular activity with people visiting Vietnam.

Massages are much less expensive in Vietnam than they are in the West, but the quality tends to be just as high. This makes getting massages in Vietnam a great bargain for visitors.

Ho Chi Minh City massages are offered at spas all across the city. From luxury hotel spas like the one at the Park Hyatt Saigon, to smaller, independent boutique spas like Glow, there are a lot of options.

Massage therapists are trained in various kinds of massage therapies, from Swedish massage to Thai massage. Make sure to ask for a spa menu to peruse all of your options, and don’t be afraid to ask if the spa has a specialty.

Your options aren’t limited to just Ho Chi Minh City massages, either. Many spas in Vietnam also offer manicures, pedicures, facials, and other treatments as well.

Mekong Delta Tours

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 14:54:42 +0000

Mekong Delta Tour

Mekong Delta tours are a popular activity for people to do when visiting Vietnam.

The Mekong Delta is located near Ho Chi Minh City, so most Mekong Delta tour companies can arrange pick up and drop off at any hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

Once at the delta, Mekong Delta tours can last anywhere from a day to multiple nights.

Day tours are great for those that want a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City, while longer tours offer visitors a chance to get a more in-depth picture of life along the Mekong Delta.

Most overnight Mekong Delta tours offer visitors the chance to spend the night on a traditional Vietnamese boat. The quality of accommodation ranges from basic to luxury, so there is something for every taste and budget.

While in the delta, most tours take visitors around by boat. Some offer trips to villages as well as other side excursions.

Whatever you choose for your Mekong Delta tour, make sure to shop around and compare prices before making a booking.

Best Restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 17:11:01 +0000

Restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City

Below is my list of the best restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City:

Pho 2000

If you’re looking for simple, no-frills pho, Pho 2000 is the best restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City. The food is fresh and cheap, and the pho is delicious. Try the coffee, too.

L’Usine

Part fashion boutique, part art gallery, and part cafe, L’Usine is an expat enclave in Ho Chi Minh City. The food is delicious and will leave you wanting more. Although it belongs on the list of best restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City, don’t expect to see much Vietnamese cuisine on the menu.

Cuc Gach Quan

Located in a renovated old home on a quiet street, Cuc Gach Quan is easy to miss. But it shouldn’t be, because the home-style Vietnamese food is excellent, and the decor is funky and unique. Climb the ladder across the small pond to sit at one of the cozy tables upstairs.

Tib

Tucked away behind a busy street, Tib is known for its beautiful atmosphere more than for its food. Service can be slow and food so-so, but still the multitudes flock to Tib and call it one of the best restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City.

Taxis from Ho Chi Minh City Airport to the City Center

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 16:58:02 +0000

Ho Chi Minh City Taxi

Taxis from Ho Chi Minh City Airport to the city center are the easiest and fastest way to get from the airport to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

There are official taxi ranks outside of the arrivals halls at Ho Chi Minh City Airport. Taxis are metered and controlled by law, and you will receive a card with your taxi’s number on it when you get inside.

The average cost of a taxi from Ho Chi Minh City Airport to the city center is 85,000 to 120,000 dong, depending on where you final destination is located.

Taxis from Ho Chi Minh City Airport to the city center take anywhere from 10 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic and where you alight. If you arrive during busy commuting hours, your journey will take longer than if you arrive late at night or very early in the morning.

Best Luxury Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 15:36:25 +0000

Park Hyatt Saigon

Looking for a luxury hotel in Ho Chi Minh City? Here are some of the best:

Park Hyatt Saigon

Situated in what is arguably the best location in town, the Park Hyatt Saigon is one of the best luxury hotels in Ho Chi Minh City. With French colonial decor, five star service, spacious guest rooms, two restaurants, a lobby bar, a large outdoor pool, a gorgeous spa, and a state of the art gym, the Park Hyatt Saigon is a great hotel option for Ho Chi Minh City.

InterContinental Asiana Saigon

Opened in 2009, the 21-story InterContinental Asiana Saigon hotel is located right on the hip Hai Ba Trung Street in the heart of the embassy district and near Ho Chi Minh City’s most famous museums. The 305 well-appointed guest rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, and the hotel offers several dining options, a spa, and a fitness center.

Sheraton Saigon Hotel

The Sheraton Saigon Hotel is located on the fashionable Dong Khoi Street, which is known for its luxury shopping and good restaurants. The Sheraton in Ho Chi Minh City offers 470 hotel rooms and suites and eight restaurants and bars. Its swimming pool, fitness center, spa, and location near the city’s best sightseeing make it one of the best luxury hotels in Ho Chi Minh City.

Caravelle Hotel

Located right across the street from the Ho Chi Minh City opera and around the corner from the great shopping on Dong Khoi Street, the Caravelle Hotel offers 335 luxurious guest rooms and six restaurants. Stylish and in a great location, the Caravelle Hotel is one of the best luxury hotels in Ho Chi Minh City.

Viking River Cruises in Vietnam

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 15:21:12 +0000

Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Viking River Cruises operates cruises in Vietnam.

Viking’s Vietnam river cruises are a great way to see Vietnam’s sightseeing highlights without having to pack and un-pack while traveling through the country.

Viking River Cruises in Vietnam take passengers along the Mekong River. Cruises go through parts of Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam before ending in Ho Chi Minh City.

The boats for Viking River Cruises in Vietnam are modern river cruise ships with comfortable rooms, good food, and high-end amenities.

Guided tours are included in Viking River Cruises itineraries in Vietnam and the surrounding countries, and guides speak good English and are very knowledgeable about local history.

Vietnam River Cruises

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 15:09:38 +0000

Vietnam River Cruise

Vietnam river cruises are a popular way to see Vietnam’s sightseeing highlights.

Many visitors to Vietnam take river cruises along the Mekong River. Many of these river cruises start in Ho Chi Minh City and end in the Mekong Delta. Others start elsewhere in Vietnam or Camboida or Laos and end in Vietnam.

There are different types of Vietnam river cruises, including hourly cruises, day cruises that cost around US$15, and longer cruises that can last several days to a week.

The boats for Vietnam river cruises vary by what type of cruise you take. Shorter cruises are usually done in small boats, while longer cruises take place on historic junks or modern river cruise ships.

Whatever Vietnam river cruise you choose to take, make sure you do some research on pricing and what is and is not included in the cruise.

Top 10 Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 15:00:06 +0000

War Remnants Museum

There is no shortage of things to do and see in Ho Chi Minh City. To help you plan your trip, here is a list of the top 10 things to do while you are visiting:

1. Visit the Reunification Palace to learn about the history of the Vietnam War and see how the presidential palace was preserved as it was the day the war ended in 1975.

2. Go to the War Remnants Museum to learn about Vietnam’s interpretation of historical events during the Vietnam War.

3. Hone your bargaining skills at the many market stalls at the Ben Thanh Market. Return at night for the famous night market.

4. Get a massage, pedicure, or spa treatment at one of Ho Chi Minh City’s many inexpensive spas.

5. Shop for luxury goods and high-end silks on Dong Khoi Street.

6. Learn about the life and history of the city’s namesake at the Ho Chi Minh Museum.

7. Go on a river cruise to the Mekong Delta.

8. Have an expat lunch and shopping spree at the fashionable L’Usine.

9. Eat dinner at the quirky Cuc Gach Quan restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City.

10. Dodge traffic as Ho Chi Minh City’s famous motorcycles weave to avoid you as you cross the street!

Google Maps of Vietnam

Sat, 15 Sep 2007 01:04:09 +0000

Google Maps is available for Vietnam.

Google has free maps of Asia inside Google Maps. These maps now include road and street maps of major cities in Vietnam.

You can check out Google maps of Vietnam below.

View Larger Map

Best Places for Cherry Blossoms in Japan

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:45:49 +0000

Sakura Cherry Blossom in Tokyo

Cherry Blossom season in Japan lasts from March through April, with the blossoms (sakura) usually in full bloom by April 1.

The best places for cherry blossoms in Japan are as follows:

Best Places for Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo
Chidorigafuchi
Shinjuku Gyoen
Sumida Park
Ueno Park

Best Places for Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto
Daigoji Temple
Maruyama Park
Philosopher’s Trail

Best Places for Cherry Blossoms in Osaka
Expo 70 Commemorative Park
Kema Sakuranomiya Park
Osaka Castle
Osaka Mint Bureau

Park Hyatt Hotel in Tokyo

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:10:08 +0000

Park Hyatt, Tokyo

Park Hyatt Hotel
Address: 3-7-1-2 Nishi Shinjuku, Tokyo, 163-1055, Japan
Phone: +81 3 5322 1234

The Park Hyatt Hotel, which was made famous by Sofia Coppola’s 2003 film Lost in Translation, is one of the best hotels in Tokyo.

Not located in the most convenient location in Tokyo, the Park Hyatt Hotel more than makes up for its out of the way premises by being an ultra luxury hotel.

Guest rooms at the Park Hyatt in Tokyo are decorated with neutral colors and clean lines, with stark white linens and luxury amenities. Rooms on higher floors have amazing views over Tokyo and all the way to Mount Fuji.

The Park Hyatt hotel features a swimming pool and gym on the top floor. Guests can enjoy panoramic views through the expansive windows while they work on getting fit.

The lobby area and lounges at the Park Hyatt are elegantly decorated and the restaurants and bars serve great local and international food and cocktails. The 52nd floor New York Grill is worth a visit for the city skyline views alone, but do stay for the food.

Room rates at the Park Hyatt Hotel in Tokyo start at 48200 yen per night (around 525 USD). The hotel offers special deals and discounts throughout the year, so room rates are often lower.

Google Maps Tokyo

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 13:57:00 +0000

Google Maps offers maps of the Japanese city of Tokyo.

Google has maps of Japan and all of Asia inside Google Maps. These include road and street maps of major cities like Tokyo.

You can check out a Google map of Tokyo below.

View Larger Map

Link to Google Maps

NY Times: Japan’s Onsen Ryokans

Sat, 19 Jan 2008 18:24:00 +0000

Full Article: A Relaxing Tradition Dips a Toe in the 21st Century

A Relaxing Tradition Dips a Toe in the 21st Century
By DANIEL ALTMAN

WHAT happens when Japan’s deeply rooted traditions and its insatiable appetite for new technology collide? The results are on show in a recent wave of hot spring hotels, or onsen ryokans, that merge ancient ideas with concepts from modern design.

Though some Japanese might shudder at the idea of tampering with their age-old retreats, the new features may help ensure the survival of onsen ryokans.

Continued on nytimes.com

Japanese Garden at Hotel New Otani in Tokyo

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 19:06:00 +0000

Garden at Hotel New Otani

Japanese Garden at Hotel New Otani
Metro: Nagatacho (Exit 7)

The Japanese garden is located in the back of Hotel New Otani in Tokyo on the lower ground level.

If you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy a traditional Japanese garden in Tokyo, the Hotel New Otani garden is one of the best in the city. The garden and its grounds are well manicured and beautifully maintained. There are footpaths all along the garden, making it easy to explore and enjoy the features.

The Japanese garden features large coi ponds that are spanned by beautiful bridges. There is also a stunning waterfall as well as hedges and sculptures.

The Japanese garden at Hotel New Otani is a great place to explore and enjoy some peace in the heart of Tokyo.

Ginza, Tokyo

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 19:00:00 +0000

Ginza, Tokyo

Ginza in Tokyo is the city’s premier shopping district.

Home to the great luxury brands of the world, Ginza attracts both shoppers and admirers of architecture and design.

Many of the high fashion houses have commissioned buildings for their flagship Tokyo stores.

Visitors can go to Ginza and be wowed by the glowing Hermes rectangle, the stunning Dior cube, and other luxury retailers.

Ginza has its own stop on the Metro so you can step out right into the heart of it all.

Meiji Shrine in Tokyo

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 18:54:00 +0000

Entrance to Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine in Tokyo
Metro: Harajyuku

One of the few places you’ll see green space and feel at peace in Tokyo is at the Meiji Shrine.

The shrine is situated in the heart of a large park and is open to visitors.

The Shinto Meiji Shrine was built to honor the souls of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken, who died in the early 20th century.

The original shrine was destroyed in WWII, and the current one was built in the late 1950’s.

Le Meridien Pacific Hotel in Tokyo

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 18:47:00 +0000

View from Le Meridien Pacific Hotel

Le Meridien Pacific Hotel in Tokyo is conveniently located near the Shinagawa metro station in central Tokyo.

Rooms are surprisingly spacious for a Tokyo hotel, and feature modern decor and those great Japanese toilets.

Le Meridien Pacific Hotel houses several restaurants (Japanese, Chinese, American) and a top-floor bar with great views over all of Tokyo.

Breakfast at Le Meridien in Tokyo is a large buffet that includes both Western and Japanese cuisine.

Rooms at Le Meridien Pacific Hotel cost around $135/night, depending on the season and the number of guests.

How to Get from Narita Airport to Tokyo

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 18:43:00 +0000

Narita Express – Shibuya Station

The best way to get from Narita Airport to the Tokyo city center is to take the Narita Express.

The Narita Express runs regularly throughout the day and into the early nighttime, and takes just over an hour.

The Narita Express stops at major Tokyo stations such as Shibuya, Shinagawa, and Tokyo.

Tickets for the Narita Express can be purchased at the airport or at a station in the city center.

Tickets for the Narita Express cost around $30 USD.

Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 18:39:00 +0000

Sushi for Breakfast at Tsukiji Fish Market

Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo is the largest and most famous fish market in the world.

The Tsukiji Fish Market is well worth the visit, not to mention the 5am starting time.

Make sure to get there on time if you want to see the fish auctions (frozen fish auctions at the Tsukiji Fish Market are open to visitors).

Once you’ve had your fill of the auctions, wander through the endless rows of fish and shellfish in the Tsukiji Fish Market itself.

The Tsukiji Fish Market has some of the best and freshest sushi in the world.

Make sure to stop by the rows of restaurants near the back to eat your fill of great fish.

The popular restaurants fill up quickly so make sure to get there before 6:15am if you don’t want to wait in endless queues.