Travel In Style - 10th Issue - March 2016

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A: 24 Moo 4, T.Koh Yao Noi, A.Koh Yao, Phang Nga 82160, Thailand P: +66 76 584 450 W: https://www.paradise-kohyao.com/

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Exotic Voyages . Travel in Style

Greetings from Exotic Voyages!

March has come and now is the time for us to plan our upcoming beach getaway. If you’re still short of ideas, don’t worry, this issue of Travel in Style will got you covered with lots of exciting activities as well as travel ideas and tips throughout.

Travel in Style will feature some of the most unique summer activities in Asia, as well as some insights on traveling to Asia in the rainy season. Here we will also give you a list of our favorite luxury boutique hotels in the region. And for those who fancy for an underwater exploration, don’t miss out the top diving sites in Asia as suggested by our Travel Expert Team.

Asia Insight will welcome you back with a quick guide to summer festivals in Asia. But of all these festivals, Songkran, the Thai New Year may be the most famous. Let’s hear a story of our writer who has experienced the Water Festival itself. We’ll be staying in Thailand to discover the floating markets, an indispensable part of the local culture.

Food Experiences is also highlighted with the summer vibe. Cool down the intense heat with some of the most exotic summer drinks in Asia, then discover the tropical taste that cannot be found anywhere else outside of Southeast Asia, the taste of “rambutan”.

The 10th issue will also introduce a brand new section, called Women & Travel. Yes, this is reserved for the traveling girls and ladies themselves. Let’s hear some tips for a natural-looking tanned body as well as how to dress fashionably but comfortably for this summer holiday.

As you will see throughout this issue, we at Exotic Voyages are already thrilled with beaches the summer vibe. We hope our summer spirit and ideas will give you some travel inspirations and tips.

Thank you so much for supporting Travel in Style and Exotic Voyages, we will look forward to welcoming you with beaches, sunshine and summer drink soon…

Exotic Voyages Team

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 05

TRAVEL IN STYLE Unique Activities For A Wonderful Summer Vacation..................................................06 5 Best Diving Sites To Go For 2016 Summer........................................................................12 Small But Sensational Our Favorite Luxury Boutique Hotels ...........................................22 Traveling to Southeast Asia During Rainy Season ...............................................................................34

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ASIA INSIGHT Top 5 Summer Festivals in Asia ...............................................................................................................46 One Day Experiencing Thailand Floating Markets ........................................................................................52

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Food Experiences Rambutan A Taste of Tropical ....................................................................................58 Cool Down The Heat With These Exotic Summer Drinks ..................................................60

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WOMEN & TRAVEL Quick Tips For A Natural-Looking Tan ............................................64 Cool Down The Heat How To Dress Fashionably But Comfortably On Vacation .............................................................66

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Travel In style

It’s all about NEW! New hotels . hot destinations . trendy activities and experiences Be inspired by our latest travel ideas and inspirations.

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Are you looking for ideas to make your summer holiday unforgettable?

Are you searching for highlights in your summertime journey?

Check out some of the most unique activities and experiences you can have in Asia this summer, from climbing the Himalayas to a private yacht in the Andaman Sea.

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Hiking in Bhutan Not only famous for its breathtaking natural beauty of majestic mountains, holy lakes, stunning valleys and lush forests but also untouched unique Buddhist culture, Bhutan is indeed one of the most worthy destination to visit on Earth. Crossing Bhutan’s west-to-east central valleys by hiking, you will be given the chance to admire the superb view of the distant Himalaya range, visit remote villages that are well-known for its artistry and sacred ornate temples while immersing yourself in the beautiful purity of the landscape, “Happiest Nation On Earth� - Bhutan will absolutely never make you disappointed.

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Witnessing the phenomenon of bioluminescence in Maldives Lighting up the sky is the cerulean color all over the shoreline of Vaahoo Island; you would not be the only one who is astonished with this magical side of the amazing Maldives. The glittering blue glow caused by numerous phytoplanktons that generate marine bioluminescence when they make their movement in the water brings this area a spectacular display together with a fantastic nickname: The Sea of Stars. If you are actually a child in disguise that have always been looking for real life fairy tales like me, the spectacular display created by thousands of glowing single-cell organisms will provide you a fairy scene of your own.

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Camel Riding in Dubai The love for the “ship of the desert� has begun way back in the olden days when camels were mainly used for transportation. The harmonious relationship between the desert tribes and dromedaries that helped them to overcome the harsh living conditions has been built up strongly since then till today. There is a wide range of distinctive experiences in Dubai to help you appreciate these lovely creatures, one of which is an unforgettable ride across the splen-

did landscape of golden dunes at Heritage Camel Safari. Each ride takes around 30 to 45 minutes and requires riders to be at least moderately fit. Once settled in, you will be able to enjoy Arabic cultural music and dance, have yourself an exclusive henna temporary tattoo or learn how to cook a traditional meal and finishing it with an authentic dinner under the mesmeric open night sky.

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Yachting in Thailand A sailing vacation last summer in Phuket, Thailand will probably be an awesome ideal for your family to bask in the tropical climate and to make our way to explore the incredible islands as well as the outstanding beaches of the Andaman Sea. Why stay jailed in a narrowed resort when you and your beloved ones can get out there under the sunshine and discover the natural beauty on a stylish and luxurious yacht?

Whether you are not familiar with sailing or you are an experienced professional helmsman, a yachting charter at Phuket will definitely offer your family the journey of a life time.

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For adventurous people, going for a beach holiday is not simply lying nicely on the sunny white sandy beach, they also want to spend some time in the holiday for exciting water sports. Scuba diving stands as one of the most popular water sports in the world since our will of the world discovery is nonstop. Now let’s take my tour suggestions for the place you will go in this summer for new exalted dives!

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Exotic Voyages . Travel in Style

1.Koh Tao (Thailand) Koh Tao is a small, enchanting island hidden away in the Gulf of Thailand. The treasure of this island lay deep under blue sea with an extraordinary variety of marine life. The average sea temperature of Thailand is 28oC, the ideal figure for you to explore the endless underwater world. For scuba diving, what it offers is far more than you expect because the diving sites here are visited by the mighty Barracuda and Grouper, and seasonally by the majestic Whale shark. Certainly every diver wants to see these special creatures in their marine wildlife trips and Koh Tao deserves to be in every diver’s top destination.

Popular diving sites: Sail Rock, South West Pinnacle, Chumpon Pinnacle Best time to go: between May and August Accommodations: the Haad Tien Beach Resort, Beach Club Resort.

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2.Con Dao (Vietnam) Situated south from Ho Chi Minh City in the South China Sea, Con Dao is considered to be the heaven of resort and nature discovery in the eyes of several international travelers. This island will give you an unprecedented experience of a night dive. Life on the reef changes amazingly at night when some fish are sleeping and some start to hunt. Night time is the ideal time for divers to see Bamboo sharks and other creatures which stay hidden during the night. Wreck diving is also of interest to many divers when going for dives in Con Dao. Fish Highway is a Steel Boat with many artifacts scattered around sitting in 28m that is now a haven for a large amount of marine life such as Grouper’s Grotto.

Popular diving sites: Hun Trung, Canada’s Reef, Celtic Circuit & Remoras Romance Best time to go: from April to September Accommodations: Six Senses Con Dao Resort 15

3.Maldives Maldives - the paradise island far from the continent on the central of Indian Ocean offers divers around the world over 200 featured diving sites of the-one-and-only coral reefs deep in underwater life. What make this diving attraction different are its current swept channels and the pinnacles that act like magnets for marine. Divers are able to explore several caves, caverns, overhangs along with myriad amazing colorful sponges, invertebrates and gorgonian. The best way to enjoy Maldives is on a liveaboard boat which means you will have a 4-5 day life-on-boat excursion visiting a lot of sites.

Popular diving sites: Ari Atoll, North Male Atoll, Vaavu Atoll Best time to go: from November to May Accommodations: Ayada Resort, Kurumba Resort.

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4.Mergui (Myanmar) Off the southwestern coast of Myanmar in the beautiful Andaman Sea, Mergui Archipelago mesmerizes its guest divers in one or even hundreds of dives because of its originality and diversity in several spectacular diving sites. First opened for diving and other tourism activities in 1997, this archipelago has remained its mystery to many explorers and travelers. Diving sites of Mergui satisfy divers by its wilderness since most of them are relatively unexplored and uninhabited. Shark Cave, Black Stone are some sites renowned for the appearances of mighty big fishes such as whale shark, white tip shark and others.

Popular diving sites: Black Rock, Burma Banks, Cockscomb Island Best time to go: from October to May Accommodations: Myanmar Andaman Resort.

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5.Trincomalee (Sri Lanka) Trincomalee is one of the finest deepwater harbors in the world that travel lovers and divers cannot miss. Thanks to its huge sandbank of shallow sand and rock bottoms, stunning diving sites around Trincomalee is the best choice for novices to take the first dives. For experienced divers, you will feel hard to resist from booking for an adventurous dive to see wreck ships along with picturesque marine wildlife. One of the most famous ships is that of the British aircraft carrier Hermes which was sunk of the east coast during the World War II.

Popular diving sites: Swami Rock, Uppuveli House Reef, Eel Rock.

Best time to go: from April to October Accommodations: Chaaya Blu Trincomalee Resort, Palm Beach Resort.

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1. Belmond Governor’s Residence Yangon - Myanmar

As its name suggests, the hotel used to serve as the official home of the governors of the British Clown of Colony of Burma as early as the 1920s.

But it was not until the 21st century that the property transformed itself into a top luxury hotel

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and is managed by Belmond. The hotel design is not awe-inspiring but you will appreciate the timeless details such as the old teak chairs or the fan-cooled verandas. For leisure travelers, there might not be a better location to stay than the Governor’s

Their rooms may not be the most spacious. Their pool may not be the largest. But we still love them.

Characterized by chic style, unique location and of course excellent service, the boutique hotels offer their guest memorable experiences. And while the concept of boutique hotels was born and became popularized in Europe and North America, there are now more choices for this branch in Southeast Asia.

That’s why our Travel Expert Team put together a list of our favorite boutique hotels in the region.

Residence as the Shwedagon Pagoda, the Bogyoke Market and the National Museum all within walking distance. Plus, the hotel is within the Embassy Quarter thus privacy and tranquility is always ensured.

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2. Heritage Suites Siem Reap - Cambodia

The Heritage Suites finds itself nestled away from the hustle and bustle of Siem Reap. This is a true boutique hotel of its style. There are only 20 suites and 6 rooms, however, each and every single one of them are delicately designed, with the combination of state-of-theart facilities and intricate local interior decorations. The moment when you walk in your room at the Heritage Suites, you will feel engaged with the cozy and intimate space topped with impeccable service that keeps the hotel on top of the ranking for best hotels in Cambodia year in and year out.

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3. Rachamankha Chiang Mai - Thailand

You would not recognize the Rachamankha as a hotel if you just walked right by it. Enveloped inside the old city of Chiang Mai, the hotel resembles a traditional mansion that takes its guests back in time. In fact, the layout of the building is inspired by the courtyard of traditional Chinese house whilst many decoration details were inspired from the Lanna Kingdom that ruled Northern Thailand centuries ago. Simplicity and authenticity, that’s what you will find each and every step in this great architectural work. After a day exploring the city of Chiang Mai, back to the hotel for an afternoon tea while reading a book at the hotel’s famous library before indulging with an opulent Thai dinner.

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4. The Siam Bangkok - Thailand

The Siam Bangkok offers a real retreat by the poetic Chao Phraya River. The hotel design integrates lots of use of trees and plants thus make the interior space very refreshing, serene and tranquil. Here your senses will be both awakened and spoilt by the hotels amenities and their tasteful design and

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Exotic Voyages . Travel in Style

demeanor. This luxury boutique hotel in Bangkok are all-suites (38), plus one river-facing cottage that showcases traditional Thai design encompassed by modern luxury topped off with a four poster bed that is absolutely perfect for couples.

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5. Bai Tram Hideaway Resort Phu Yen - Vietnam

This has caused a real controversy among our team.

Some say that this luxury resort would make a perfect addition to the list; others say it is not a traditional boutique hotel although it consists of only 6 lavish villas. But anyway, all of us would at the end agree that Bai Tram Hideaway Resort (BTHR) is one of the most underrated places to stay in Vietnam. Unlike those beach resorts in Nha Trang or Mui Ne, BTHR is located almost in the middle of nowhere as you have to go through one or two kilometers of twisting trail to get there. But let’s really think about it! Is that exactly what we would love to have for our dream getaway as couple or even family?

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6. 3 Nagas MGallery

Luang Prabang - Laos

Located right in the center of the UNESCO-designated town of Luang Prabang, 3 Nagas offers only 15 rooms which are divided into 3 restored historical houses.

The contemporary style of a chic boutique hotel is blended with a feel of heritage running through the corridors and staircases. In between these houses where guests stay is a gorgeous courtyard garden which is amazing for sitting back and relaxing. And when the night falls, you don’t have to look far for a lovely dinner since the 3 Nagas Restaurant was awarded “Best Lao Restaurant”. And if you want to travel around the town and the surrounding areas, take a ride in the vintage Citroen 1952 or the Mercedes-Benz 1956.

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While summer might be a more favorable season for travelers coming to Southeast Asia, rainy season, however, need not to stop you from going off on your great adventures. Though you might have to be specifically cautious and make sure you are aware of all the necessary precautions, showery season actually still has a lot of available options for you. Lower prices for most services, less-crowded destinations and more available staffs, this time of the year indeed has a lot of advantages for your personal traveling plan.

Thailand Generally, the rainy weather in Thailand will start earlier in the North and finish later in the South prolongs from June to September with the highest amount of rainfall concentrates on August. Common problems for rainy season travel are that there would probably be some restrictions for your outdoor activity planning; the usage of local transportation could possibly be less comfortable; hiking or trekking

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Exotic Voyages . Travel in Style

at the mountainous areas might need to be carefully considered as in these areas, it can get pretty slippery during or after the rain.

On the other hands, there are quite a few advantages that will make it worthy to stop by Thailand in this upcoming rainy season. Firstly, weather tends to be cooler and air will get fresher, which will make the countryside in Thailand becomes extremely lush,

fresh and vibrant. Secondly, accommodations are going to be cheaper and discounts will be easier to get. Moreover, if you prefer not to be surrounded by a sea of people, this time is the perfect time for your amazing private journey.

An idea destination for monsoon season I would suggest you to check it out coming here is Koh Samet - the driest area of Thailand with tranquil and

stunning turquoise beaches. Remember that for some particular reasons known only to the mother nature of Earth, Chiang Rai often gets a violent rainstorm, strong winds and hail so do be prepared to get a shivering, awe inspiring experience if you are planning to go here someday between June to September.

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Cambodia It’s understandable for many travelers to avoid visiting Southeast Asia during the monsoon season assuming that the rain will absolutely ruin their trip. Though, personally, it’s my favorite time of the year in Cambodia.

There will be fewer tourists; the temples will be less crowded and the prices of services will be reduced, during this time.

Practically speaking, in Cambodia, it does not rain everyday during wet season. Rain usually starts around 2 to 3pm and will normally last for a couple of hours. The frequency of the rain will get far less towards the beginning and the end of the season hence making it much easier to plan your itinerary around in most cases.

For this time, the temples of Angkor are noticeably at their most beautiful and most photogenic. The reflecting pools and moats are full, the trees and bushes are deep green, the wet stones of the temples are colorful together with rain-washed fresh air compared with the hazy, smoky and sweltering skies of dry season. In addition, the river and lake levels are high making boat and cruise travel pretty easy. Thus, it’s the best time of the year to take the boat from Siem Reap to Battambang, reputedly one of the most picturesque boat trips in the whole country.

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Laos Travelling to Laos during rainy seasons can be incredibly challenging as some roads in Laos aren’t in its great conditions even in the best weather and downpours wreak havoc on the infrastructure making the travel time for road trip double as well as creating landslides, craters, washed out roads and plenty of mud.

Usually starts from May to September, the wet season gives Laos those lovely green landscapes all over the country. The rain won’t last all day every day and there will always be clear skies after the rain. Sometimes, even with the appearance of a mesmeric rainbow proving Laos travel is not all doom and gloom during monsoon weather.

At the end of the long journey, throw down your pack, stretch out your body and have a BeerLao while admiring the enchanted green beauty of the nation will definitely make your vacation worthwhile.

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Sri Lanka Sri Lanka is a year-round tropical destination with two monsoon seasons: Yala and Maha Monsoon. Maha monsoon in the South-West starts from May to August while Maha - a weaker monsoon in the North and East drags from October to January.

During these seasons, rainfall will occur across the island. When it does rain, it’s unusual for the rain to last all day with downpours often being short and sharp. At times, it can lead to flooding thus requiring last minute alternations to your travel plans.

Nevertheless, the plus side of monsoon is that whenever you come to Sri Lanka, you will usually be able to find good weather on some other parts of the island with clear blue skies and calm beaches. Even though you might often be surprised by the changing weather in Sri Lanka, there will never be any dramatic changes that will stand in the way of your brilliant holiday with plenty of warm weather and sunshine.

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Myanmar Myanmar’s rainy season is from May to early October. Despite the not-sonice weather, there are still some compelling reasons to make your journey here on that time.

Firstly, it’s the low prices of most services. Many hotels, resorts offer big deals with amazing discounts. Even domestic airlines also sometimes launch numerous sales promotion campaigns. Secondly, if you are terrified about long queue on tourist sites; crowds of tourists walking in the front blocking your sight; bunches of people spoiling your photo moments; worry not as this is the season for you. Less tourists; more staff members available to help you out with the service you merit and expect; great sense of peace with inherently slow lifestyle of Burmese people; if your aim is to discover the authentic life and unique culture of Myanmar, let go there on the monsoon season! Last but not least, coming to Myanmar during this time, you will have the chance to join in exotic full moon of Waso Festival.

Usually falling in June or July, the full-moon day of Waso marks the beginning of the Buddhist Lent of three months. This is the occasion for ordination and novitiation for young boys, known as Shinbyu ceremony.

Many religious and cultural traditions also takes place giving the great opportunities for travelers indulging in Buddha and Burmese belief to immerse themselves in the festival to acquire special understanding about this beautiful country.

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Loy Krathong: Festival of Lights and Magic

Experience Hoi An Lantern Festival

NEWEST TOURS FROM EXOTIC VOYAGES Contact us at inquiries@exoticvoyages.com or visit www.exoticvoyages.com for more details

A: Ly Thai To office building, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam T: (844) 39 33 62 60 F: (844) 39 33 62 61

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The Gold en Lands o Myanma r and Tha f iland

Asia Insight Dive deep to listen to the sounds catch the sights and feel the soul of Asia A close-up look into Asia’s local life . giving you insights of unique customs . culture . spirit and the rhythm of life.

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With thousands of festivals taken place every year, Asia is the ideal destinations for those who love exploring and getting on an exciting cultural journey.

Now many people believe that summer is not a nice time to travel to Asia but in fact, this is when many fascinating festivals going around. There are so many that an article alone cannot cover them all, but here’s my own favorite.

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Songkran - Thailand

2016 Dates: April 13th - April 15th If you want to exhaust stress and literally get soaked in a real festival atmosphere, “Songkran” is the ideal occasion for you to visit Thailand. Called “Water festival” by Westerners, Songkran is one of the most important celebrations in “Golden Temple Country”. Participating in this, you will be poured water by local people with many kinds of water containers on hands, such as: dippers, tanks, buckets. According to their conception, pouring water is as part of the cleansing rituals to welcome the New Year. So, let’s them pour more and more, you will have more luck. This occasion is not only for everyone can perform the friendship spirit but also symbolize the luck, the happiness and their expectations in the New Year.

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Duanwu - China 2016 Dates: May 5th

Many Asia countries celebrates similar festivals, however, perhaps no place which has it associated with historical anecdotes as in China. Also called Dragon Boat Festival, “Duanwu” is when you get to experience plenty of exciting and traditional activities.

You will not forget the taste of “zongzi”(Chinese cake made of rice and bean) and realgar wine. However, the climax is always the racing dragon boats where people including travelers and locals gather along the riverside cheering. All of these activities were regarded by the ancients as effective in eliminating disease or evil and treasuring health and well-being.

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Exotic Voyages . Asia Insight

Boryeong Mud Festival - Korea 2016 Dates: July

To some travelers, July can be an unpleasant time to go to the tropical region in Asia.

So, to escape from the high temperature or the high noon, let’s move to Daecheon beach in Korea. Travelers who have interests in mud-bathing cannot miss attending the Boryeong Mud Festival. Held since 1998 by a cosmetic company to promote product advertising campaign, over almost 2 decades, it has become one of the most favorite festivals in Korea. Many exciting activities are waiting for visitors such as fighting in the mud, mud slides, mud-baths, mud-wrestling or marathon.

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Phi Ta Khon - Thailand

2016 Dates: June 24th to June 26th When setting foot in Thailand in summer, you should not miss the chance to take part in one of the most “culturally scary” festivals that you will ever participate - Phi Ta Khon. Phi Ta Khon is the biggest attraction to the sleepy farming villages of Dan Sai nestled in the mountains of Loei province of Northeastern Thailand. It is better known as the ghost festival reflecting indigenous people’s spirits and beliefs on ghosts. Men dress up as spirits in bright colorful costumes and masks. Along with the costumes, there’re plenty of dancing and rejoicing.

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Exotic Voyages . Asia Insight

Asakusa Samba Carnival- Japan 2016 Dates: August 29th

Instead of traveling to Brazil, you can still join a colorful and musical festival in Asia: Asakusa Samba Carnival. Japan is famous for the import of Western culture, and converted into the old character of its own. The largest samba carnival in Asakusa Japan is a perfect finale in summer. The event attracts authentic samba dancing teams from every corner of Japan. The highlight of this carnival is the colorful, gorgeous costumes - along with the beautiful dancers who wear them.

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Asia is the land of wonders embracing countless amazing things hidden far on the peaked mountains or blended right in the normal bustling life of Asian residents. Criss-crossing rivers and canals have been the base of Asian community over the scale of time. Today you will take a novel shopping at a floating market in Thailand, one of the attractions in Asia to see how the powerful rivers here have formed their unique local culture.

A floating market is located at the banks of rivers and canals where vendors sell things directly out of their boats. Floating markets are one of the things that make Southeast Asia countries like Thailand unique as it cannot be seen outside of the regions.

Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand had once called ‘Venice of Asia’ for its various rivers and canals with some famous floating markets such as Amphawa, Damnoen Saduak, or Bang Nam Phueng.

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Exotic Voyages . Asia Insight

History Several floating markets in Thailand have the history of centuries. Originally, most communities of Thailand were formed at the sides of rivers, especially in the Chao Phraya River Basin and the areas adjacent to rivers which soon become populated. In the past, waterways served as the main means of transportation and Thailand people started to gather in a particular section of canal for exchanging their home-made produce. That is how floating markets were formed in the early year of Thailand communities.

Floating markets were once the hubs of Thailand in the Ayutthaya Period (13501767), however when many cities and areas of Thailand began to develop their road and rail networks in place of canals. Therefore, some of the floating markets were moved onto the ground or closed down.

Nowadays, many of such markets have been brought into revived as a sign of the fine culture of Thailand that young generations and foreign visitors can have the authentic experience of riverside shopping.

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Sunrise on the canal Now let’s embark on a long-tail boat journey passing by a floating market in Bangkok to explore the hidden attractions of this place. The first thing to notice not to miss a floating fair is that you will have to wake up really early in the morning and pack up some stuffs (and money, of course) because time of a fair are usually from 5 to 11 in the morning.

Right from the start you would be impressed by the sound of oars splashing the sparkling water on the canals when your boat serenely passes by every lighted shop at the banks. Far from the water to river section of market, I can hear the bustling of the crowd, and just come a little closer, an abundance of boats loaded with colorful goods appeared in front of me. The voices of those who were in a trade conversation in their local language grabbed my attentions watching over to see how they end up their trade. I was surprised by myself being appealed by such little things. However, honestly I found it was really fascinating.

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Exotic Voyages . Asia Insight

A curious riverside shopping Products sold here are mainly fruits, vegetables and plants which were just harvested from nearby gardens. These exotic and colorful tropical fruits and vegetables are fully loaded on a countless number of vendor boats available for sale. For some other stuffs, the locals just have a pillar on the prow of boat to hang what they sell. It is the sign for shoppers to go for what they want to buy quickly. Just remember to look for a bowl of ‘boat noodles’, a trademark of Thailand floating market for its appetizing look and superb flavor. Besides, there are a lot of other bizarre edible foods and snacks for me to try such as Pad Thai, fresh coconut juice, ice-cream sandwiches. On the riverbanks, plenty of colorful souvenir shops are all crowed with customers hanging around looking for some interesting toys and bracelets.

Like a step back in time among the hustle and bustle of modern cities, floating markets offers the primitive and priceless scenes that we hardly find anywhere else. It is not only where you can shop but also unwind, and partake in a lovely meal watching the vibrant riverside scenery and savor the flavor of life by the river.

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Address: 326 Ly Thuong Kiet, Tan An W, Hoi An, Viet Nam Phone: +84 510 3666 888 Contact: reservation@almanityhoian.com Website: www.almanityhoian.com 56

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Food Experiences Taste the world in your way Dining experiences by gourmet travelers . sharing addresses for good food and authentic gastronomy.

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Southeast Asia is home to some exceptionally exotic, at times funny-looking, tropical fruits challenging your guts to savor. Let’s go for a culinary trip over the immense orchards of Vietnam to figure out and taste one of the most favorable featured summer fruits in Southeast Asia- Rambutan.

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Exotic Voyages . Food Experiences

What a ‘weird’ looks!

You might ask yourself ‘What on earth is this thing?’ when first seeing bunches of rambutan hanged over the trees or on a local market shelf. The oval shape of this tropical fruit is about 3-6 cm in diameter and looks like a furry strawberry from the outside with vibrant pink and myriad hair-like ‘spines’ on the skin. The peculiar look of rambutan easily arouses the curiosity of travelers wondering how this fruit tastes like when coming across this tropical fruit in a Southeast Asia country.

Do you know how to eat it right?

Many people get confused of how they should eat rambutan at their first try because of its slightly hard skin.

A small knife is the simple solution for you: just cut a slit in the skin and then tear the rambutan apart along the slit. After that you have to squeeze to pop out the fruit flesh and enjoy. Just remember that there is a small nut in the center, so don’t choke on it!

Amazing health benefits It has been proven that rambutan brings 15 health benefits to us. Rambutan is highly rich in iron, Vitamin C, phosphorous that provides source of iron to blood circulation, boosts the immune system. Additionally, the skin and roasted nuts of rambutan can be used to treat chronic ailments, diabetes, or dysentery.

The name ‘Rambutan’ Rambutan (scientifically termed as ‘Nephelium Lappaceumis’) would definitely feature on the list of ‘Most Exotic Fruits of Our Planet’. The name ‘rambutan’ is derived from the Malay-Indonesian languages word for rambut or “hair”, a reference to the numerous hairy protuberances of the fruit. In Costa Rica, a smaller ‘wild’ version of rambutan is found in the name ‘Mammon Chino’ or “Chinese Sucker” after their method of eating and their relation to lychee, a Chinese fruit.

Tasting Originally native to Indonesia and Malaysia, rambutan has spread throughout Southeast Asia and is certainly worth your guts to savor because its taste is far from bizarre but palatable on earth. The inside succulent white meat is the blend of slight sweet and sour tinge, much like a grape: oval, slightly translucent, and white or pale yellow. The delightsome Rambutan is the beloved fruit of the locals and foreign visitors coming to South East Asia as well. Many Western friends of mine have become big fans of this lovely fruit and even often look for it in supermarkets in their countries.

Where to go to see rambutan orchards?

In Southeast Asia countries, bumper harvest of rambutan is on mid-summer, usually from June to August when bunches of rambutan is red ripen and the ‘spines’ turn black. Well- adapted to warm tropical climates, Rambutan now has been widely cultivated to many tropical parts of the world such as Africa, the Caribbean islands, Costa Rica and so forth. However, it is safe to say that the best place to discover and savor this exotic fruit is in Southeast Asia.

For travelers, to contemplate lush green view of rambutan gardens, find interesting time joining local farmers in harvest festival, the most outstanding destinations in the homeland of rambutan such as Binjai city (Indonesia), Vinh Long province (Mekong Delta region, Vietnam), Rayong city (Thailand). One thing for sure is that the tours to tropical orchards would become unforgettable memories for every visitor to have a taste of mellow tropical life.

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Summer is here and people everywhere will be cooling down with refreshing drinks. Before you reach for a sugar-loaded soda, consider changing things up with some Asian alternatives that are delicious and far healthier.

Bandung

Malaysia The fresh drink with lovely pink color is so popular in Malaysia and Singapore. Generally, Bandung is the best choice for wedding party. Being the blend of rose syrup and milk, it attracts all drinkers thank to not only the beauty of appearance but also the cool sweet taste.

Thai Iced Tea

Thailand Thai iced tea is a real treat. While regular iced tea can be somewhat mild, and served with the option of sweetened or unsweetened, Thai iced tea is more concentrated and flavorful. This special drink is infused with star anise and cloves, which add a warm and distinctive aroma. It’s sweetened with a touch of sugar, and then topped off with a spoonful of sweetened condensed milk.

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Sakura Tea

Japan

Inspired by cherry flower - the Japan typical flower, Sakura tea has the perfect blend to keep the gentle aroma of cherry petals. Drinking this tea is not only a form of relaxation, but it also helps rejuvenate cells and strengthen the immune system. Lots of water bars and restaurants in Tokyo and some other big cities are selling this tea. You can enjoy a cup of Sakura tea to feel its mix of the sweetness and mild fragrance.

Ca phe sua da

Vietnam

When walking along narrow streets in Vietnam, you can easily catch a picture of local people sipping on a cup of coffee in the morning. As a major coffee producer in the world, the Vietnamese know how to process coffee beans in various kinds of drinks. The two most popular ways to drink local coffee are “cà phê sữa đá” (iced coffee with condensed milk) or “cà phê đá” (iced black coffee). Note that unless you specifically request “không đường” (no sugar) or “ít đường” (a little sugar) in coffee shops, the black version will come up with four or five teaspoons.

Fruit tea

China Having one of the most famous tea cultures in the world, Chinese know how to create various drinks from tea leaf. And, the idea of the adding fruit in tea is the best way to cool down the heat when summer coming. Ingredients for a pot of tea including tea bags, lemon and indispensable fruits, besides if you wish, add a few more tablespoons of honey. In some tea houses in China, you can also have your own customized tea from which you pick the kind of fruits you wish to add in. Fruit tea will become much more delicious if being cooled in refrigerator or adding some ices before enjoying.

Sour Plum Soda With the typical savory taste, a fizzy cool drink - Sour Plum Soda - is very popular in all tropical countries when the hot days coming. Lemon is preserved by salt; combining a little sugar and water, you will have a delicious drink to offset the losing water for hot weather. Adding some ices to cool down the heat in summer!!!

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ADDRESS: Point Yamu by COMO 225 Moo 7 Pa Klok, Talang, Phuket 83110 Thailand CONTACT: +66 (0) 76 360100 EMAIL: pointyamu@comohotels.com WEBSITE: http://www.comohotels.com/ pointyamu/

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WOMEN & Travel

Travel tips and ideas exclusively for traveling women around the world

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Quick Tips For A Natural Looking Tan Girls always look ‘hotter’ with a honey healthy tanned skin. Therefore, the perfect holiday destination for them is certainly a sun-soaked white sandy beach resort where they can enjoy the whole treatment of relaxing and get a sweetly perfect tan at the same time. However, to make sure you will have a sun-kissed glow after a tropical summer vacation, let’s do your tanning with my little secrets!

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Feed your skin first You definitely want to get a tan, not to get yourself burned in the tropical sunshine, so let’s wear a sun-proof coat of sunscreen unless UVA and UVB rays will probably harm your skin. The secret is that before applying sun block to your skin, just exfoliate the part you want to tan. That way your skin will be smooth, like a blank canvas ensuring a seamless, streak-free glow.

For sunscreen selection, you should look for the term ‘broad spectrum’ or the UVA logo plus the word ‘high’. SPF30 over SPF50 are suggested, they filter 97 to 98% UVB rays and take effects for around 2 hours.

Slow and steady you will win the race You need to be aware of the time limit when your skin reaches tanning cut-off point, (ordinarily 2- 3 hours) means it actually cannot produce any more of melaninthe skin protective dark pigment. Therefore, don’t lounge by the pool all day or you will get burned by UV damaged rays.

Tanning in the sun is always better than in any kinds of sunbeds (or tanning beds). A bulk of salons tells the myths of a healthy natural-looking tan with their stateof-the-art sunbeds. In fact, sunbed pumps out a myriad of UVA rays with nearly no UVBs (which stimulating Vitamin D). That wrong UVs poses you up to 75% of skin cancer.

A slow and regular tan is healthier and last longer because you need to let your skin rest before starting to absorb more melanin.

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e to nsitiv s as e s r o ndy f as les rily ha y to wear a s s e e nec uld tr d to b t, you sho e erie e n no rotiss sunny alm f “ i b , k s p i n s l i ite and ndre st th ng, ju along a wh d also asses better to u i l n g n w u o S A jog ng, an ver br n. It is , all-o le tanning. e of tanni g the su . n i k le l-loo whi e tim possib hat natura our move kill the idl e. Yummy! t y to t im To ge ” and be on ise choice he same t t n w t e a a k be chic ody would m, toned b h c a e i b sl you a gives

Cheat a little just a little!

Using tan accelerator is actually no fake tan at all. Tan-accelerating creams containing bronzer can improve your skin’s ability to produce melanin. Natural plantbased creams with various flavors seem safer and more relaxing to your skin.

Lastly, let me quote a very funny and true principle: ‘Be good to your skin, and your skin will be good to you!’

Happy holiday! Happy tanning!

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For those stylish wanderers, going on vacation does not simply mean just to travel but also to travel in style. So how to dress modishly yet still conveniently enough for your wonderful summer trip?

Worry not by taking a look at a few of my quick tips below!

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Know your body type For this summer season in particular, it’s crucial to wear clothes that match your body type.

Either you belong to the pear, apple, inverted triangle, hourglass or rectangular shape category; there are always several clothes that are able to beautify your body better than others. Nevertheless, the point is to find out in which type of body forms you are and to choose your outfits that can cover the flaws and magnify the strong points. For example, if you are under the apple-shaped body category, you will look best in tops that are fitted around the bust and wider around the tummy or if you fall into the pear-shaped sector, a V-line top with accessories such as necklaces and scarves will draw further attention to your upper half.

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Stick to basic solid colors Though it might be fun at times to play with colors and patterns, I would say it is usually better to stick with basic solid colors such as black, white, beige or red if you are not keen on matching and mixing. Basic solid colors can go great with almost every skin colors as well as give you that elegant look without having to put in too much of efforts. One extra reason about why basic solid colors should be your best of choice is that they are always pleasant to the eyes of people whenever people drop a look at you, whether it is on the street or from the corner of your favorite bar. Do not think of trying to “shine like a rainbow” by mixing hot colors with each other if you don’t have any clues yourself of how much suitable they would be.

Keep it simple Being fashionable doesn’t mean you need too much of the bling.

Sometimes, all you need is just a simple little flower dress or a jumpsuit to gain you that chic look. Remember not to wear too much layers during this season as you definitely will wish to keep it convenient enough while travelling around. In this case, a 9 inches high heel or a luxurious heavy-layered dress won’t do.

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Avoid religiously immodest clothing Even when you want to show off your newly purchased ripped jeans or your sexy cut-out tank top, it is wiser to dress conservatively in any countries that holds deeply religious views.

For some countries in Middle East and Southeast Asia, female travelers should avoid miniskirts, sleeveless tank tops, cut-out bra tops or shorts. Revealing outfits and cleavage-bearing necklines are totally a huge no when you enter sacred sites, including pagodas, temples, churches, mosques and monasteries if you don’t want to be denied for entrance or to gain unwanted frowning stares. For this, I would suggest you to go along with pants and long skirts or long sleeves as they could probably be your safest choices. Always remember this little tip “When in doubt, stick to long sleeves!” You never know when it might come in handy.

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Your shoes need your attention People have been saying “Shoes are said to be a girl’s best friend” and I myself can’t agree more. A good pair of shoes can get you to anywhere, even to conquer the highest peak of a majestic mountain or to walk all the way down that stunning hill. Based on my own personal experiences, wearing the right walking shoes can either bring you the best comfort or make your journey hell by giving you terrible leg pain. So know what you need to look for shoes that provide excellent support and cushioning to prevent your feet from getting unwanted blisters will not only grant you with flexibility but also partly contribute to offering you a wonderful journey.

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