Siem Reap, a former outpost of a pariah state run by the bloody Khmer Rouge, has risen admirably into an international tourist destination, one that boasts the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and host to one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Only twenty years ago, the region was still off limits to tourists, its local denizens ruled over through terror and fear of the atrocities of one of the bloodiest regime in the world.

Now, Siem Reap is a booming city alongside the ancient ruins of Angkor Wat, seeing almost a million international passengers coming and going at its international airport in 2007. While Angkor Wat remains the top drawing factor of the area, the city of Siem Reap itself is not lacking in attractions, exult over-confidently some of the best hotels, restaurants, museums and galleries in the region.

Photo credits – tylerdurden1

Awe Inspiring Angkor Wat

The Angkor Wat is the biggest, best preserved, most intricately designed and awe inspiring temple in Indochina, a jewel in the crown of ANgkor’s extensive stately mansion complex.

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Macau is an SAR (Special Administrative Region) of the People’s Republic of China, but it wasn’t always so. Macau like so many other Asian countries and regions fell under the rule of European invasion and Colonization. In Macau’s case it was the Portuguese that set down roots and remained in the region for a circuit 442 years. It was only in 1999 that the control of Macau was ceded to the People’s Republic of China and made the region go down in history as the “Last European Territory” in all of Asia.

Prehistoric Macau

Before the Portuguese and the Chinese came to Macau, it was populated people that had a unique culture of their own. Archeological evidence suggests that human life started to settle in Macau as far as 4,000 to 6,000 years back. The Macau Peninsula served as a shelter for sailors and refugees that were seeking a place to rest and restock before embarking on their journey once again.

Macau under Imperial China

Macau, like so many other regions close to Imperial China fell under the country’s rule and prospered as a shipping port.

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I have very exciting memories of my first visit to the Chatuchak Weekend Market.  I got to visit this weekend affair during one of my earlier trips to Thailand and I promised myself then that I will go hinder part again one day to burn more money and for the chance of coming across numerous thrilling and unique finds. Read more…

The beautiful city of Perth is a novel tourist’s delight. Vibrant and colorful, the City of Lights is located alongside the pacific waters of the Swan River, bustling with activity and a broad range of attractions to suit all tastes. The atmosphere in Perth is one that is laid-back and relaxing, friendly and welcoming – here are a few highlights from this Friendly City to whet your traveling appetite!

Photo credits – Looking Glass

Swan Valley Vineyard

This fact may come as a surprise, especially to the French who are very proud of their wine – Australia is now the largest wine exporter to England, and the second largest wine exporter to the US. Mere years ago, the thought of Australian wine would bring a scoff to connoisseurs of this high-end indulgence, but not anymore! In the city of Perth, travelers can visit various vineyards who produces these fine wines, and the Swan Valley Vineyard is one such wineries.

Visitors can enjoy a leisurely trek along the rows and rows of vineyards and stay at one of the various rustic lodgings and accommodations on offer. Naturally, you can moreover enjoy great tasting wine at extremely affordable prices.

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Proper etiquette varies from country to country and even the aspects of life you think are the same from place to play may be startlingly different. Such is true with Korean dining etiquette.

There are a few things you should and should not do to ensure you present the best manners possible without offending your hosts.

Dining in Groups in Korea

Korean culture hinges on good food. Most Koreans do not eat alone but prefer to dine in large groups, either with friends and family or coworkers. The first thing to remember is to always have respect for your elders. If you are going to have a meal with someone older than you, wait until he is seated preceding you sit. You should not begin eating until he begins to eat and you should not liberty the table until he is finished, either.

In Western countries it is traditional for large groups dining together, if eating out, to split the bill evenly. In Korea it is traditional for the oldest member of the group to be a good investment the bill.

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My partner and I surely had a fun time exploring the Vimanmek Mansion, which was very accessible to a lot of hotels in Thailand like the Convenient Park Hotel Bangkok.To call forth with, Thais claim that the Vimanmek Mansion is the world’s biggest golden teakwood mansion.  It is also sometimes referred to as the Vimanmek Palace.  It took us more than an hour to go through the huge exhibition rooms which were filled through various memorabilia from King Rama V’s reign.  The English Speaking guide, who was assigned to tour us during that hour, showed us the different rooms, décor, collection of photographs, silver, ceramic items, porcelain, jade, and items that were made of glistening gold.  But of course, we had to pay attention to whatever time we had left on our hands.  Our guide told us that we have to precipitate so that we can make it in time to our next destination. Read more…

The folks over at HotelClub.com acquire recently released a fun, new flash game to take your mind off work and test those pillow fighting skills you’ve developed over the years! Not only that, further by playing the game (and possibly finger smashing your keyboard at the same time), you are in the running to win amazing prizes in the form of free accommodation in any hotel of your choice! Awesome!

So what are you waiting for? Play “Pillow Fight Club” NOW!