Bøker av Ibrahim Lloyd

Koh Chang Island Travel Guide. Asia, Thailand Tourism. Koh Chang is Thailand's second largest island and the primary destination for those visiting Koh Chang Marine National Park, which includes dozens of unspoiled islands. Located in Trat Province, about 300 kilometers East of Bangkok and not far from the Cambodian border, Koh Chang is 70% covered by unspoiled rainforest and the island's 5000 permanent residents are only gradually becoming more involved in tourism as development has increased in the past decade. Koh Chang is more easily accessible than ever before. Drawn to Koh Chang's pristine beaches and sparkling water, more well-to-do Thai and international travelers have been discovering Koh Chang and numerous luxury spas and resorts have sprung up to cater to them. Nonetheless, the island is still a dream destination for budget travelers and families, with a wide variety of affordable accommodation options and numerous gorgeous and tranquil beaches surrounded by crystal clear water. While the number of tourists has increased, particularly among middle class Thais, Koh Chang is still predominately unspoiled forests and pristine beaches. In addition to natural beauty, the island is also home to a wide range of wildlife, including native birds, snakes and even a number of elephants. As for activities, Koh Chang and the nearby islands that make up the national park are great for snorkeling, diving, camping, jungle hiking and elephant trekking. The majority of tourists stay at White Sand Beach, Kai Mook Beach, Kai Bae Beach, Ta Nam Beach and Bang Bao Bay, all of which are linked by a single road running down the west coast. Access to the island is via Bangkok Airways service to Trat or buses that connect to shuttle service to the ferry docks at Laem Ngop near Trat

Taipei Tourism, Taiwan. The History, Travel Guide for Business, Vacation, Honeymoon, Tour. Taipei is a tough little city whose beauty lies in its blend of Chinese culture with a curious fusion of Japanese, Southeast Asian and American influences. In many ways this 300-year-old city is like a living museum. The Taoist temples buzz with the prayers of the hopeful; the wooden boards of Japanese-era mansions creak under the feet of visitors; and the pilfered treasures in the National Palace Museum date back 5000 years. Merchant villas to military barracks have been restored, reworked and now live again as a museum or a shopfront. From the heirlooms of a tea merchant to the memories of a cemetery for the victims of the White Terror, Taipei is a city that takes great pride in celebrating its history the triumphant and the tragic. Taipei's oddness is one of its charms. It may be inspired by the kawaii (cutesy) culture of Japan, but there's a lot of home-grown humour in there too. In the puppet museum you will find a strip-tease marionette oozing knock-kneed naughtiness; the idea of chocolate sauce on a steak is accepted; themed restaurants transport you to a world where you eat hotpot from a toilet bowl or in a hospital ward for dinner; and one of the top souvenir items of the city is a larger-than-life cock-shaped pineapple sponge cake. Dining out is so popular that many studio apartments in Taipei don't have kitchens: eating is cheap, casual and tasty. Indeed going out to eat is the best way to understand the Taiwanese. Whether you're getting your fingers greasy sampling snacks at one of the night markets or sharing Chinese dishes at a Taiwanese rèchǎo (stir-fried) joint, the defining characteristic is the element of fun. Yes, that is an invitation to try stinky tofu. While you're at it, you might as well have some Taiwan Beer too! With its lanes of blackened walk-ups and countless shopfronts, the city may look like it was thrown together in a hurry, but look again. Great care has been taken to make it a truly liveable place for people: public transport grids the city well and is fast and cheap; every few blocks there's a park with a generous supply of benches, shelters and flowers; good (and sometimes great) coffee is everywhere; the MRT has courtesy umbrellas free for rainy days; and a clean and free public toilet is never far away.

Sitges Travel Guide, Spain. Tourism Information. With over three miles (5km) of golden shoreline, Sitges is the perfect weekend break for tourists wishing to experience Spanish resorts without straying too far from Barcelona. One of the most popular holiday resort towns south of Barcelona, Sitges is 21 miles (45km) from the city. With more than 17 sand beaches, many of them with EU Blue Flag status, it is easy to see why Sitges has been called 'the playground of Barcelona'. Renowned for its swinging nightlife, Sitges attracts thousands of holidaymakers, including day-trippers from Barcelona, many of them young and well-heeled. The city has a reputation for being gay-friendly, expensive, and decidedly arty, said to be the town where the modernist movement began when it attracted artists such as Bohemian mystic Santiago Rusinol and later the likes of Salvador Dali. Rusinol's home in the town has been turned into a museum, displaying some of his works. Beachgoers and holidaymakers in Sitges can enjoy a number of activities and sights in and around the town. Sitges also plays host to the popular Sitges Film Festival, which specializes in fantasy and horror film genres. Most people, however, visit Sitges primarily for the beautiful sandy beaches. Between the church at one end of the town and the Terramar Hotel at the other extremity there are nine breakwaters, each sheltering gently sloping golden beaches equipped with showers, refreshment kiosks and sun-loungers for rent

Ko Phi Phi Islands Travel Guide, Thailand. Tourism. One of the most unique and attractive clusters of islands in the world, Koh Phi Phi is an idyllic island retreat that features a number of beaches that feature a variety of accommodation options and many outdoor activities. Koh Phi Phi is the collective name for a small archipelago in Krabi Province just an hour boat ride from Phuket. Known as the 'jewels of the Andaman Sea', there are six islands in Mu Koh Phi Phi-Nopparathara National Park: Phi Phi Don, Phi Phi Ley, Bamboo Island, Yung Island, Bida Nok, and Bida Nai. Only Phi Phi Don is inhabited; all others are undeveloped and protected by their National Park status and are frequently visited as day trips from Phuket, Krabi, and Phi Phi Don. Phi Phi Ley was featured in the Hollywood blockbuster movie The Beach, a story about the ultimate secluded island beach. Maya Bay was a suitable choice as it epitomizes the stunning beauty of these islands: a bay of pellucid aquamarine water surrounded by towering limestone cliffs that harbors an arcing, white sand beach. The waters surrounding the Phi Phi Islands are filled with exotic marine life, including docile leopard sharks, and snorkeling and diving day trips rival lounging on the beach as top activities on Koh Phi Phi. Koh Phi Phi also features a vibrant nightlife, with Tonsai Beach containing dozens of beach bars and restaurants and lively Tonsai Village consisting of a maze of shops, bars, and restaurants. Smaller beaches around the island are alternatively ideal for honeymooners, families, those on a budget, and those looking for the ultimate luxury resort retreat. Krabi, a province in the Andaman Coast, owns many popular attraction including an island listed one of the top ten must-see places in the world, Koh Phi Phi. Koh Phi Phi or Phi Phi islands are located in the middle of the Andaman Sea, 42 km away from Amphoe Mueang. It is a part of Nopharat Thara Beach Phi Phi Islands National Park which contains 2 big islands Koh Phi Phi Don and Koh Phi Phi Le, and 4 smaller islands nearby Koh Yung, Koh Mai Phai, Koh Pida Nok and Koh Pida Nai. Koh Phi Phi Don is the center of Phi Phi Islands where there is the pier at Aow Ton Sai. There are also restaurants, shops, and other facilities provided. Travellers can walk from Aow Ton Sai to the viewpoint at the peak of the mountain where they can see the stunning flanks of a narrow isthmus of Aow Ton Sai and Aow Lo Dalam. Around the island is one of the world's popular dive sites and snorkeling sites. Travellers can admire emerald sea of Koh Phi Phi Le and the beauty of Aow Maya which is best-known for the shooting place of the movie 'The Beach'.

Sicily Travel Guide, Italy. Tourism in Italy. Eternal crossroads of the Mediterranean, the gorgeous island of Sicily continues to seduce travellers with its dazzling diversity of landscapes and cultural treasures. Classical Crossroads: Seductively beautiful and perfectly placed in the heart of the Mediterranean, Sicily has been luring passersby since the time of legends. The land of the Cyclops has been praised by poets from Homer to Virgil and prized by the many ancient cultures Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Elymians, Romans and Greeks whose bones lie buried here. Whether in the classical perfection of Agrigento's Concordia temple, the monumental rubble of Selinunte's columns or the rare grace of a dancing satyr statue rescued from Mazara del Vallo's watery depths, reminders of bygone civilisations are everywhere. Mediterranean Flavours: A delectable layer-cake of culinary influences, Sicily's ancient cuisine continues to rely on a few key island-grown ingredients: shellfish and citrus, tuna and swordfish, pistachios, almonds and ricotta. Talk to the septuagenarian chef at a Catania restaurant and she'll confide that she still uses her grandmother's recipe for pasta alla Norma, joyfully sharing the poetic imagery that links it to Mt Etna: the tomatoes are lava; the aubergines, cinders; the basil, leafy greenery; the ricotta, snow. Modern chefs may play with the details, but Sicily's timeless recipes from the simplest cannolo to the most exquisite fish couscous live on. Sparkling Seas, Restless Mountains: Sicily's varied landscape makes a dramatic first impression. Fly into Catania and the smoking hulk of Etna greets you; arrive in Palermo and it's the sparkling Golfo di Castellammare. This juxtaposition of sea, volcano and mountain scenery makes a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities. Hikers can wind along precipitous coastlines, climb erupting volcanoes and traipse through flowery mountain meadows; birders benefit from the plethora of species on the Africa-Europe migration route; and divers and swimmers enjoy some of the Mediterranean's most pristine waters. Whatever your personal predilections, Sicily and its dozen-plus offshore islands offer enough activities to build an entire vacation around. Byzantine to Baroque: As if its classical heritage weren't formidable enough, Sicily is bursting at the seams with later artistic and architectural gems. In a short walk around Palermo you'll see Arab domes and arches, Byzantine mosaics and Norman palace walls. Circle around to southeast Sicily and you'll find a stunning array of baroque architectural masterpieces, from the golden-hued domes and palaces of Noto to the multi-tiered cathedral facades of Ragusa and Modica. Meanwhile, throughout the island you'll find yourself stumbling upon the evocative remains of Arab and Norman castles. This embarrassment of cultural riches remains one of the island's most distinctive attractions.

Sintra, Portugal. The History of the City Travel Guide. Sintra is a jewel set between the mountains and the sea, waiting to be discovered by all who dare lose themselves in its majestic historical heritage, luxuriant nature, cosmopolitan cultural offer and opulent gastronomy. Sintra exudes a romantic aura that left a deep impression on the soul and work of the writers who, in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, pioneered the Romantic spirit and celebrated subjectivity and the emotion of the human drama. It left its deepest mark on Eça de Queirós, Sintra's romantic atmosphere can be sensed in his most important works, such as when he evokes moonlit walks around Seteais, long quiet rests at Penedo da Saudade and evenings in the village of Várzea de Colares. Or then he recalls "a mild serenity of parks and woods", "the silence of delicate repose and idle existences". Or when he portrays the mountains as the "illustration of a beautiful fable of chivalry and love".Almeida Garrett, Camilo Castelo Branco, Fernando Pessoa, Aquilino Ribeiro and Vergílio Ferreira shared the same sense of wonder. And what to say of Ferreira de Castro, buried at his own wish on one of the mountain paths? And of course Lord Byron, the English poet, who described Sintra as a "glorious Eden" Sintra is truly the capital of Romanticism. It is a place to experience! With its rippling mountains, dewy forests thick with ferns and lichen, exotic gardens and glittering palaces, Sintra is like a page torn from a fairy tale. Its Unesco World Heritage listed centre, Sintra-Vila, is dotted with pastel-hued manors folded into luxuriant hills that roll down to the blue Atlantic. Celts worshipped their moon god here, the Moors built a precipitous castle, and 18th-century Portuguese royals swanned around its dreamy gardens. Even Lord Byron waxed lyrical about Sintra's charms: 'Lo! Cintra's glorious Eden intervenes, in variegated maze of mount and glen', which inspired his epic poem Childe Harold's Pilgrimage. It's the must-do side trip from Lisbon, which many do in a day, but this can feel rushed and, if time's not an issue, there's more than enough allure to seize you here for a few days

Stockholm, Sweden. Travel Guide. The History of Stockholm. Stockholmers call their city 'beauty on water'. But despite the well-preserved historic core, Stockholm is no museum piece: it's modern, dynamic and ever-evolving. Cultural Riches: When it comes to cultural assets, Stockholm is scandalously rich. Take Gamla Stan. The city's oldest district is the stuff of storybooks. Complete with prerequisite royal palace, gabled buildings and razor-thin cobblestone streets, it's hands down one of Europe's most enchanting, impeccably preserved historic centres. Across the city, world-class museums and galleries inform and provoke, harbouring everything from glittering Viking treasures and an ill-fated warship, to Abba props and subversive contemporary art. It's a stimulating, inspiring mix, where the past, present and future constantly merge, converse and engage. Impeccable Style: Stockholm's sense of style is legendary. Here, good design is not a luxury, it's a right even the humblest coffee shop is usually design literate, from its lighting right down to its cups, bowls and cutlery. And while industrial design is a theme at several city museums, a fix of retail therapy can be equally enlightening. From cult-status local threads, bags and textiles, to delicate handmade ceramics, local objects reveal much about the Swedish love of understatement, functionality and harmony. If it's time to redesign your life, this is the city to do it in. Food, Glorious Food: Given the bounty of prime ingredients drawn from Stockholm's surrounding waters, fields and forests, it's not surprising that food is a serious passion. This is a city with a curious, open-minded palate. Whatever the global culinary trend, Stockholm is on it, from raw food and açai breakfast bowls to sustainable, locavore dining. Old-school, homegrown classics are equally revered. Whether it's fried herring, succulent meatballs or buttery toast skagen, traditions are both faithfully adhered to and cleverly tweaked, the latter by Stockholm's legion of young, ambitious, forward-thinking chefs. Easy Town: Stockholm is easy in all the right ways. Despite being spread across 14 islands, it's a relatively compact creature, and walking is often the best way to get around. Bridges connect most of the islands, while ferries and the tunnelbana (metro) link the rest. Public transport is safe, smooth and efficient, covering every corner of the city and its bucolic surrounds. It's also well adapted to wheelchair travel. Nearly all signs are written in Swedish and English, and you'll be hard-pressed to find a local who doesn't speak near-perfect English.

Singapore Travel Guide. Tourism Information. Singapore is a thriving cosmopolitan city with a history deeply rooted in trade and commerce. Although a long favourite destination for the more affluent of travellers, the Lion City's roar is beginning to be heard by the masses. An abundance of world-class, affordable attractions are springing up on a regular basis, whilst the vast variety of restaurants and nightlife options cater for everybody, from budget backpackers to high rolling billionaires! This tiny island-state is also remarkably culturally diverse. Where else could you marvel at the charms of yesteryear in the historic Chinatown, then tuck into a delicious curry in Little India, before ending the night atop of the iconic Marina Bay Sands sipping a cocktail? There are lots of areas and places to go shopping in Singapore. No matter if you are into fashion or if you are looking for fresh food, or traditional arts and crafts, there is something for everyone. Immaculate, efficient Singapore is a miraculous sight, particularly for travelers familiar with modern Asian metropolises. The city maintains a remarkable balance of green space and skyscrapers, in addition to sustaining substantial ethnic enclaves like Little India and Chinatown. This motley group of cultures has brought to this former British colony something special a common mindset. Singaporeans are determined and patriotic; they are proud of what they have achieved (just look at Marina Bay and you might get jealous). But while their skyline accumulates monumental peaks and troughs, Singaporeans have not forgotten about their past or the importance of their natural surroundings. Museums stand tall and welcome amateur historians to explore their vast interiors. Plus, on an island (also named "Singapore"), large wetland preserves quietly rest in stark contrast to Singapore's modern achievements. This tiny nation with its massive city embodies a cosmopolitan aggregation in a manner that few others can. So leave your chewing gum at home (as it's illegal to import or sell), and hop on a flight to the pristine Singapore

Taormina, Sicily, Italy. Tourism. Taormina Travel Guide. Spectacularly perched on the side of a mountain, Taormina is one of Sicily's most popular summer destinations, a chi-chi resort town popular with holidaying high-rollers and those wanting a taste of Sicilian dolce vita. Granted it's unashamedly touristy and expensive, but the town merits a couple of days for its stunning ancient theatre, people watching and breathtaking vistas. Founded in the 4th century BC, Taormina enjoyed great prosperity under the Greek ruler Gelon II and later under the Romans, but fell into quiet obscurity after being conquered by the Normans in 1087. Its reincarnation as a tourist destination dates to the 18th century, when northern Europeans discovered it on the Grand Tour. Among its fans was DH Lawrence, who lived here between 1920 and 1923. Taormina gets extremely busy in July and August and virtually shuts down between November and Easter. Ideally, head up in April, May, September or October.

Koh Phangan Island Travel Guide, Thailand. Information and Guide, Tourism, Vacation, Honeymoon. Koh Phangan has long been "the" favorite destination for backpackers and ravers from all over the world. They still gather on the island all year long to join the different parties that made it famous, like the Full Moon Party happening every month for 20 years on Haad Rin Beach. But the magical spirit of Koh Phangan makes it also perfectly suitable for those travellers looking for tranquil and wilder surroundings in a preserved environment. The island also has heaps of quieter and undeveloped spots that will remind you of Koh Samui as it was 15 years ago. With a pinch of luxury, if you're in the mood, as many new resorts offer for just a few years now, new services like swimming pools, air conditioned rooms and even Spas and health centers, bringing them closer to the hotel standard of Koh Samui. Just like Samui, Koh Phangan has numerous heavenly white sand beaches all along its coastline, some of them reachable only by boat. But it differs from its elder sister with its wide mountainous jungle in the center of the island, a large part of it being actually classified "national park" by Thailand. This preservation of almost half of its surface allows the island to keep its natural and untamed character and, above all, to avoid spoiling its wonderful land-scapes by an excess of buildings. So, whether you like beach or jungle, silence or heavy party sound, Koh Phangan will satisfy you and your soul, and you will easily find out for yourself why this island is perfect for making the vacations of your dreams.

Syracuse, New York, USA. The City History, Travel and Tourism. Enjoy fun-filled days of outdoor activities, shopping and cultural pursuits in the geographic heart of New York State. Syracuse has old roots as the primary supplier of salt for the United States. The modern presence of Syracuse University and numerous attractions give it a youthful vigor. Kick-start your visit with outdoor activities at local parks. Spend half a day or more at Onondaga Lake Park. Walk along 7 miles (11 kilometers) of shoreline, rent a boat, visit the butterfly garden and play ball games on the sports fields. While you're there, investigate the Salt Museum on the lake's eastern shore to learn about the industry that built Syracuse. Many of today's Syracusans, especially those who have lived here for a bit, might recall that our city's namesake is an ancient town on the Italian seacoast in Sicily. The Italian immigrants that settled in Syracuse, New York, however must have wondered how this upstate locale wound up with the name of that Sicilian town. In some regards, it is not surprising, but in the case of Syracuse, it has an interesting tale and a bit of a twist. Today, names of communities like Lysander, Pompey, Cicero, or Marcellus are second nature to local residents. No one usually ponders their origin. But, on occasion, an area student studying ancient history or literature, will be surprised that the name of his or her town was being used by some Roman or Greek citizen centuries ago. In fact, classical history and localities formed the identity for many Onondaga County place

Stuttgart, Germany. Tourism Information. The German city of Stuttgart's tourism slogan is 'Stuttgart is More', an apt description of this great city which combines culture, events, museums and a fascinating history with state-of-the-art tourism facilities. Stuttgart is a mega-city surrounded by satellite towns, but beyond its massive conurbation are vast swathes of forested land. The city itself holds some of the greenest suburban and urban locations in the whole of Europe, including the lovely Neckar Valley. Tourism in the entire area forms a useful adjunct to its industrial and financially-based economy, and is supported by its many historic buildings, lakes, pleasure parks, events and places of interest. Tourist information about the city itself and Baden-Wuttemberg, the German state of which Stuttgart is the capital, is readily available from the official i-Punkt Tourism Office on the Konigstrasse, or the travel agencies on the Theodor-Heuss-Strasse and the Tubinger Strasse. Boasting such a long history, Stuttgart comes with many heritage attractions and old buildings. Tourists will enjoy strolling around the Bohnenviertel and its cobblestone alleyways, where a pleasant mix of old and new awaits. Located in the very centre of Stuttgart is the Old Castle (Altes Schloss), which dates back to the 10th century and remains in an excellent state of repair, after extensive restoration work. Built in the early part of the 19th century, the New Castle (Neues Schloss) adds further character to the city. Families on holiday usually find themselves paying a visit to the Wilhelma Zoological and Botanical Gardens, the Palace Garden (Schlossgarten) or the Carl Zeiss Planetarium

Taiwan Travel Guide. Information Tourism. Taiwan's landscape lends itself to wet and dry activities, with lots on offer for visitors to do. Whether it's hiking through breathtaking gorges, saddling up a horse, or rafting down river rapids, there is a multitude of activities to keep visitors occupied. Taiwan's ecology can be appreciated through activities like whale watching at Hualien or snorkeling at places such as Kenting National Park. Other natural wonders include the many hot springs of different types that dot the cities and countryside. The tropical waters off Taiwan are known for snorkeling and diving. Tours that include snorkeling and diving amongst colorful tropical fish and reefs of Green Island can be organized through Green Island Adventures. Another popular spot for snorkeling and diving is Kenting National Park, with tours being offered by a number of operators, including In Motion Tours. A good way to experience Taiwan's natural beauty is by hiking through it. Toroko Gorge is popular with hiker, with Edison Travel Service offering day tours from Taipei. Highlights include the Taroko Gorge Gateway, Eternal Spring Shrine, Tunnel of Nine Turns and Swallow Grotto. Yushan Mountain, Taiwan's highest peak, is another popular challenge. A one day guided ascent can be booked through Taiwan Adventures. Taiwan is a good place to try horseback riding, with many clubs, such as Hannover Equestrian Club in Taipei, offering instruction in English. Besides clubs, visitors can visit a ranch for the day or stay over for an extended horse riding experience. The popular Houli Horse Ranch at Taichung City is one of Taiwan's best, and offers a range of horses and activities for all abilities. Taiwan's rivers are ideal for white water river rafting, with Xiuguluan River at Hualien and Laonong River at Kaohsiung being two of the most popular spots. Rafting can be organized through the Xiuguluan River Rafting Center or tour operators such as Hsiang Sun. Taiwan has many tropical sandy beaches where visitors can relax. Green Island and Kenting in the South or Fulong beach in the North and are considered some of the nicest. Chi Hsing beach can be reached by day trip from Taipei, through organizations such as Viator or Tourcorp.

Phuket Islands Travel Guide, Thailand. Information Tourism. Phuket is among the world's finest beach destinations, with fine white sands, nodding palm trees, glittering seas and lively towns. It has something for any taste and budget, with hundreds of hotels to choose from, a wide choice of dining and partying options. Aside from visiting the fantastic attractions of Thailand's biggest island, you can take an exhilarating speedboat trip to the many nearby tropical paradises, including the famous Phi Phi Islands, or enjoy a serene cruise around the mystical Phang Nga Bay. Phuket is blessed with more than 30 amazing beaches to choose from. Patong Beach, Kata, Karon and Kamala have always been the most popular, but the north of the island reveals some hidden gems for travellers searching for a more romantic atmosphere. What comes into the mind of travellers when we talk about sea, sun and sand? Phuket must definitely be one of the answers. A number of exciting activities can be found on this island. In the early days of regional maritime trade, the cape of Phuket was locally referred to as Jung Ceylon, while locals called it Thalang, which evolved to be the name of the main town to the north of the island. As the perfect stopover sheltering traders from monsoons, Jung Ceylon welcomed merchants from India, Persia, Arabia, Burma, China, and also Siam. During the 16th century, the island was a popular trading port for tin. In 1785, Thalang town was surrounded by Burmese troops who invaded the coastal area. It was under the leadership of Chan, the widow of the governor, and her sister, Muk, who united the local residents and successfully fought and drove the invaders out of Phuket. It took over 30 days for the defending troops of Phuket, under the command of Chan and Muk, to claim their victory. As a result of such heroic deeds, noble titles were granted to Chan and Muk as Thao Thep Kasattri and Thao Sri Soonthorn, respectively. They are still highly respected by Phuket residents even today. When the city was in a peaceful state, the development of mining was so unprecedented. Chinese businessmen and miners later migrated to Phuket and soon enjoy thriving wealth. The island's long history has shaped the Phuket of the present with its diverse ethnic groups, culture, architectural influence, and fine cuisine. These attributes have made Phuket a complete tourist destination that offers a lot more beyond its natural heritage of sea, sand, forest, and world-renowned diving sites. Sino-Portuguese architecture casts its spell delighting travellers to the city, while Phuket style of hospitality has never failed to impress visitors from all walks of life. Phuket Province is located in Southern Thailand. It is the biggest island of Thailand and sits on the Andaman Sea. The nearest province to the north is Phang-nga and the nearest provinces to the east are Phang-nga and Krabi. Phuket has a large Chinese influence, so you will see many Chinese shrines and Chinese restaurants around the city. A Chinese Vegetarian Festival is held there every year. While the Chinese community is quite big, there are many other ethnicities bringing all their traditions and festivals from all over the world to Phuket. Being a big island, Phuket is surrounded by many magnificent beaches such as Rawai, Patong, Karon, Kamala, Kata Yai, Kata Noi, and Mai Khao. Laem Phromthep Viewpoint is said to feature the most beautiful sunsets in Thailand. It isn't all just beaches though, there is also fantastic classical architecture such as the Goom Restaurant. That and the very welcome atmosphere and the famous Phuket nightlife, you can see why the island is a hotspot for tourists in Thailand

Koh Lanta Island Travel Guide, Thailand. Koh Lanta Island Travel Guide, Thailand. Long stretches of sunset beaches combined with the laid back hospitality of the locals create an experience which often penetrates deep into the hearts of visitors, leading them to return to the islands time and time again. Koh Lanta Yai is the main tourist island here and is approximately 30km long and 6km wide with 11 sweeping, white sand beaches along the west coast, set against a backdrop of rubber trees, palm trees, mountains and jungle. Most of the available accommodation, restaurants and bars have grown around seven of the beaches, leaving four secluded beaches almost untouched. The bays generally become quieter and more secluded the further south you go. There really is something for everyone on Koh Lanta. For couples and families to the wildest party-goer the island offers a wide range of activities, night life and accommodation, drawing a unique mix of tourists each year. There's plenty to do on Koh Lanta, but first we recommend the following: find a quiet, picturesque spot where you can chill out and recharge your batteries. Koh Lanta is blessed to have many beautiful and tranquil spots so take your pick, crack open a Singha beer and relax... Choc Dee Kap (cheers)! Koh Lanta is the name of an entire archipelago of around 52 islands, of which this island Koh Lanta Yai is just one. Some of the surrounding islands are inhabited, and a few also have limited accommodation for tourists.Koh Lanta Yai was previously known by the Malay name "Pulau Sa-Tuk" meaning "island with a long mountain range", but in 1917 the King of Thailand officially named the island Koh Lanta, and the archipelago as Koh Lanta District. The origin of the name is unclear, but it may originate from the Javanese word 'lantas', meaning a type of grill for fish. A more romantic suggestion is the direct translation of the Thai words "Koh lan daa" the island of a million eyes.

Split, Croatia. Travel Guide for Tourism, Vacation, Honeymoon. Croatia's second-largest city, Split (Spalato in Italian) is a great place to see Dalmatian life as it's really lived. Always buzzing, this exuberant city has just the right balance between tradition and modernity. Step inside Diocletian's Palace (a Unesco World Heritage Site and one of the world's most impressive Roman monuments) and you'll see dozens of bars, restaurants and shops thriving amid the atmospheric old walls where Split has been humming along for thousands of years. To top it off, Split has a unique setting. Its dramatic coastal mountains act as the perfect backdrop to the turquoise waters of the Adriatic and help divert attention from the dozens of shabby high-rise apartment blocks that fill its suburbs. It's this thoroughly lived-in aspect of Split that means it will never be a fantasy land like Dubrovnik, but perhaps it's all the better for that.

Koh Lipe Island Travel Guide, Thailand. Tourism Info. Koh Lipe is a kind of standard Paradise beach vacation in the style of "bounty" in Thailand. Tourists here a little while, the place is not spoiled (although every year it becomes more and more developed and crowded). Therefore, most importantly, why tourists go here relaxing beach vacation. Also on Koh Lipe often going to explore underwater life, diving and snorkeling. Equipment here you can find a rental. Around it are many small Islands that you can go for snorkeling or diving with an organized tour, or to live on one of them "savage" in the tent. Another fun fishing: in the vicinity of the island is inhabited by representatives of almost a quarter of all species of tropical fish in the world. The main promenade there is only one. It is possible to find currency exchange, gift shop, café, post office, pharmacy, travel Agency. But everything here is pretty expensive, and the exchange rate is extremely favorable, so for budget travellers it is best to buy everything you need to change money on the mainland. ATM is not here. Some hotels accept credit cards and offer cash with your credit card for the Board that is obtained is extremely profitable. Change in the exchange office can both dollars and Malaysian ringgit, which is handy if you came from the island of Langkawi. Internet on the island has Wi-Fi in many hotels, and Internet cafes. On the island there are many bars and restaurants located within 200 metres from the sea or directly on the beach. This is the main evening entertainment on the island, the discos and Nightclubs here. No attractions on Koh Lipe, in addition to its beaches, nature and a small Buddhist temple

Strasbourg, France. Travel Guide and Tourism. Strasbourg is the perfect overture to all that is idiosyncratic about Alsace walking a fine tightrope between France and Germany and between a medieval past and a progressive future, it pulls off its act in inimitable Alsatian style. Tear your gaze away from that mesmerising Gothic cathedral for just a minute and you'll be roaming the old town's twisting alleys lined with crooked half-timbered houses à la Grimm; feasting in the cosiest of winstubs (Alsatian taverns) by the canals in Petite France; and marvelling at how a city that does Christmas markets and gingerbread so well can also be home to the glittering EU Quarter and France's second-largest student population. But that's Strasbourg for you: all the sweeter for its contradictions and cross-cultural quirks. In the year 840 AD, on the death of the Emperor Charlemagne's son Louis the Pious, the great Frankish "Holy Roman" Empire was split into three parts. West Francia in the west became the heartland of modern France. East Francia in the east became Germany; and between them lay Middle Francia an area today made up of small states, Luxembourg Belgium, the Nether-lands, and Switzerland. Between Luxembourg and Switzerland middle Francia included the duchies of Alsace, Lorraine and Burgundy, which are today part of France. But this was not always the case. Alsace, and with it Strasbourg, only became French in the 17th century. Alsace was French from 1648 to 1871, but during this time it remained Germanspeaking. From 1871 until 1919, and again from 1940 to 1944, Alsace was annexed by Germany

Koh Samui Islands Travel Guide, Thailand. Information Tourism. Thailand's second biggest island, Koh Samui is also one of its most popular holiday destinations. It is less crowded compared to the other islands, and though it has been through a lot of transformation since the 80s, it still retained everything idyllic about an island holiday. From stretches of gorgeous beaches and clean, cool ocean air to relaxing spa treatments and yummy seafood Koh Samui has it all. The main beaches are Nathon, Laem Yai, Bophut, Chaweng, Samui South Coast and Lamai. The other prominent tourist attractions are Nathon (seafront settlement), Namtok Hin Lat (waterfall), Ban Lipa Yai (village with great fresh produce), ld House (200-year old Chinese house), the coral beds at Thong Takhia and Laem Set. There are also snake farm, butterfly garden, Big Buddha Temple, Bophut Elephant Camp, Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks and many more. The crystal-clear waters and stunning corals have brought an increasing number of divers to Koh Samui. It is also considered as one of the safest diving and snorkeling destinations in the world. The island is also great for shopping and dining. It has an exciting nightlife with plenty of beach clubs.