The diverse, mystical and golden land of Thailand is Asia’s most popular tourist destination. It’s reputation for hedonism attracts thousands of backpacker’s and it’s outstanding areas of natural beauty and idyllic beaches attract an increasing amount of holiday-makers. It’s a country rich with culture, history, smiling locals and some interesting quirks. With so many tourist attractions on offer, how does a first timer to this far-flung land know where to start? Here is my personal Top Ten list of places to visit in Thailand:

1. Bangkok

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Bangkok is a pulsing, exciting and often chaotic metropolis and an essential part of a trip to Thailand. Although not everyone’s cup of tea, this fumy and noisy city has some incredible places of interest that you would be foolish to bypass. The exquisitely bejewelled Grand Palace should not be missed and if you have time also try to visit the beautiful Wat Phra Kaeo and Wat Po where a huge golden reclining Buddha resides. The more adventurous head for the infamous backpacker’s paradise Khao San Road, Chinatown’s alleyways and bazaars and the Patpong Night Market (set in the city’s notorious red light district).

2. The Floating Market

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The Floating Market located on the Damnoen Saduak Canal in the Bangkok region was made famous by the James Bond film “The Man with the Golden Gun.” Although a major tourist attraction, the market is a fun and photogenic experience where visitors can get an idea of what trading was like in Thailand before the modernisation of the city. Here if you want to buy something you can hail down a narrow long boat piled high with local produce. The region is also abundant with vineyards, orchards and local businesses which are great to view by canal boat on route to the market.

3. Chiang Mai

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The spiritual city of Chiang Mai is a much calmer city than Bangkok but still an essential visit on the travellers trail. Dotted with temples, craft shops, delicious restaurants, Thai massage and cooking schools the city has somehow a relaxing and comparatively tranquil atmosphere. Many travellers often cite Chaing Mai as their favourite Thai city and once visited it’s easy to see why it’s so popular. It’s location high in the north mountainous region of Thailand which also makes it’s a perfect base for the popular mountain treks and organised treks can be arranged very easily here. The trails from Chiang Mai are although very interesting are often a well-worn path and many backpackers now head for nearby Pai – a gorgeously located traveller’s mecca popular with artists and musicians. Pai also offers less touristy and more ‘rustic’ treks and visits to hill-tribes.

4. San Kamphaeng Hot Springs

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San Kamphaeng is located 36km from Chiang Mai and it’s popular hot springs set in beautifully landscaped 40 acre parkland are well known for their restorative properties. The springs come from a deep source, are over 100 degrees centigrade and high in sulfur. You can also camp, dine, bath in the mineral rich waters or boil some eggs!

5. The East Coast Islands

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Koh Samui and Koh Phangan are islands on the east side of Thailand that are very popular with tourist and backpackers. Both have gorgeous palm tree lined white sandy beaches, clear turquoise beaches, a diverse range of places to stay and a laid back attitude. Koh Phangan also plays host to the world-famous monthly full moon parties and bohemian style bars and cafes. Nearby Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan are much less touristy due to their more isolated location and are perfect for those looking for peace and world class snorkelling and diving.

6. Mae Hong Son

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Mae Hong Son is the capital of Thailand’s northwesternmost province and it’s close proximity to the Burmese boarder gives the city a very different feel to the rest of Thailand. Very quiet and isolated this mountainous city is often shrouded in an atmospheric mist. Visitors come here for the unusual and beautiful natural scenery, the mountain trekking and the hill tribe communities – one of which is the famous Karen long neck tribe. The Thanon Thongchai range between Myanmar (Burma) and Thailand is popular for trekking and so is the impressive Pha Sua waterfall. Handicrafts and artworks of the hill-tribe people can be purchased at the local night market-ideal for unique souvenirs.

7. Ayutthaya

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Only an hour outside of Bangkok, Ayutthaya was a Siamese kingdom existing from 1351 to 1767. The ancient city is now ruined but the remains of the elegant, extraordinary and often towering temples and buildings are now classed a UNESCO world heritage site and should not be missed. Hiring a motorbike to cover the surrounding areas is recommended and don’t forget to bring your camera!

8. Railay

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Railay and the coast of the Krabi province located in the South of Thailand is a tropical paradise characterised by towering rugged limestone cliffs, turquoise water and powder white sand. From this area it’s also easy to take a trip to the iconic “James Bond Rock” in neighoubouring Phang Nga. Railay is a beautiful secluded beach accessible only by boat and attracts backpackers, well-heeled tourists and enthusiastic rock climbers. Surrounded by lush vegetation and mountains the area is also popular with trekkers and water sports lovers. Completely cut off from the daily grind it’s a place many travellers choose to stay for a lot longer than originally planned.

9. Koh Phi Phi

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The tiny but idyllic island of Koh Phi Phi is seen by many as the ultimate island paradise. Even though it has now fully recovered from the tsunami, the island has suffered from rapid tourist growth especially since the release of the popular film “The Beach”. Having said that it still manages to retain a relaxed vibe which seems to keep the backpackers and vacationers happy. Koh Phi Phi highlights include climbing the high viewpoint to watch the sunset and hiring a long tail boat to snorkel the beautiful surrounding waters.

10. Hin Daeng

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Diving enthusiasts shouldn’t miss Hin Daeng in Andaman Sea. Literally meaning the Red Rock, this area is often thought to be one of the top diving spots in Thailand. Hin Daeng features large underwater pinnacles, incredible carpets of anemone and colourful coral. It’s also teeming with wildlife including large shoals of fish, round batfish, manta ray, barracuda and the odd whale shark.

Before travelling to Thailand please check The Foreign Office website for safety updates.

by Kelly Nolan and Becky Padmore

Kelly Nolan is a published travel writer and has written articles ranging from surfing in Hawaii to UK car hire

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The Red Sea is seen as one of the most spectacular diving destinations in the world and it certainly lives up to its reputation. With year round crystal clear and warm water it has something to offer everyone. Whether you are a complete beginner or a seasoned diver, an underwater world of adventure awaits you.

The Worldwide Wildlife Federation has even labelled the Red Sea as an area of conservation, according it the status of “Marine Ecoregion”. It’s easy to see why when you consider the 1,200 different species of fish, some 1,000 invertebrates and 200 hard and soft water coral species that call the sea home. The latter forming a vibrant patchwork quilt of breathtaking structural formations playing host to some of the most exotic inhabitants of the ocean.

Let’s take a look at the top 5 Red Sea dives off the coast if Egypt:

1. SS Thistlegorm wreck

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This military vessel sank in October 1941 in the Gulf of Suez carrying jeeps, armoured gun carriers, trucks, rifles and sizeable cargo of Wellington boots (still to be seen). One of the world’s most popular diving sites and a spectacular underwater adventure. The ship is accessible through a huge explosion hole in the 120 metre hull giving you views of the giant tuna and schooling barracuda that now frequent the wreck. One to see before it’s too late as she is deteriorating fast.

2. Giannis D wreck

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This cargo ship sank in the Straits of Gubal in April 1983 after striking a reef. Resting at a shallow 27 metres in depth this is an easily accessible wreck which is largely intact.

You can still access the engine room and accommodation which is now home to a variety of marine life including the rather prickly Crown of Thorns Starfish. Nearby a reef abundant with fish (many of which have crossed over to the wreck too) and spectacular coral makes for an interesting diversion.

3. Steamship SS Dunraven wreck

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This 80 metre long Victorian sail and steam ship sank in 1876 in the Gulf of Suez, coming to rest in 28 metres of water upside down. Her cargo consisting of cotton, timber and spices from India and bound for Liverpool.

The cave like hull of the ship is still intact allowing you to enter and swim through, observing the collapsed metal work which is now home to Yellow Goat fish and Giant Morays. Outside the wreck you’ll find a large variety of marine life which includes the Bat fish and very rare Ghost pipe fish, making for a brilliant underwater photo opportunity.

4. Carnatic wreck

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This P&O passenger ship sank on the Sha’ab Abu Nuhas reef in September 1869. Measuring 90 metres long the ship was also carrying a precious cargo of cotton bails, wine and over £40,000 in Royal Mint gold, although you won’t find any gold now as this was recovered immediately afterwards.

Despite the length of time this wreck has been submersed it will not disappoint and, for its age, is one of the finest examples in the world. The wreck has been colonised over time by various species of coral and has her own indigenous reef fish population including Lion fish and Grouper. The interior has also been colonised by Glass fish making this wreck a dream come true for photographers.

5. Ras Mohammed National Park

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Finally, no diving experience in the Red Sea could be complete without visiting the spectacular reefs within this area of protection. The striking tapestries of colour provided by the marine life and abundant coral make a stark contrast to the barren desert which borders the park on land.

Easily accessible from Sharm El Sheikh, the park includes an Eel garden along with a large stretch of vertical coral walls (”Main Beach”) and a newly opened reef (Marsa Bareika) which contains superior coral specimens along with barracudas and snappers (with the odd shark or two). The calm, clear water makes this an easy diving location for the beginner.

The above represent only a few of the beautiful and awe-inspiring diving hotspots that are waiting to be experienced in the Red Sea. No visit to Egypt could be complete without a visit to what has to be one of the best diving locations in the world.

Author: Chris Rowlands from the Egypt holidays team (travelsupermarket)

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A trip to Paris is not complete without a visit to the Louvre or the popular Musee d’Orsay but the city is also home to so many other museums, big and small, which are also very interesting, historical, enlightening or just plain fun. Check out our guide to the less famous museums in Paris.

Musée National Du Moyen Age
(The National Museum of the Middle Ages)

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Located near the Sorbonne, the Museum of the Middle Ages is located at two important historical sites and is worth a visit just for these. The first is the beautiful Hotel de Cluny (from the late 15th century it was the town residence for the abbots of the Cluny Abbey). Also on this site are the remains of the ancient Gallo-Roman baths, dating from the 1st-3rd centuries. The frigidarium or cold room is actually incorporated into the museum itself.

Beautiful Tapestries
The museum collections include  sculpture, paintings, miniatures, gold and ivory work and textiles. The most famous of their tapestries is the spectacular “Lady and the Unicorn” series. You will probably have likely seen reproductions of these tapestries, as they show up  everywhere (I’ve even noticed them copied as the wallpaper in the common room in the “Harry Potter” movies). Still, it’s well worth seeing the originals. You can’t help but be in awe of the artistry of the women who created these very large masterpieces one little stitch at a time.

Historical Collections
The collections of simple everyday items from the Middle Ages are also fascinating. There are combs, games, boxes, toys and even real shoes. As we dispose of mostly all our old shoes in our own lifetime, I always wonder who these centuries-old shoes belonged to and how they could possibly have survived.

Musée National Du Moyen Age 6, place Paul-Painleve, 75005 Paris

Musée Carnavalet

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This is a great destination in the Marais district. The collections in this museum tell the story of the history of Paris. And again, speaking of location, the two mansions housing the museum are architectural beauties in their own right. One of the houses belonged to the famous Madame de Sevigne, whose preserved letters to her daughter have left us a detailed and personal  description of the aristocratic life in 17th century France.

Unique Collections Across the Centuries
The permanent  collection here includes paintings, sculpture, furniture, ancient artifacts, coins, period rooms, decorative arts, old shop signs and a large collection of  photographs, drawings and prints. On display are even some personal  items belonging to the ill-fated French Queen, Marie Antoinette. The Museum courtyard also has a beautiful and very decorative maze and an  added bonus here is that viewing the permanent collection is free.

Musée Carnavalet 23, rue de  Sevigne 75003 Paris

Musée de la Curiosité et de la Magie
(Museum of Curiosity and Magic)

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This quirky museum is located at the Academie de Magie, also in the Marais district. This is a great visit for adults and kids as well. The collection includes interactive exhibits and interesting magic memorabilia, even from the great Harry Houdini. Remember that like love, magic is a universal language and the frequent live shows can be enjoyed by anyone-even if you don’t speak a word of French! You can also purchase magic tricks to take home.

Musée de la Curiosité et de la Magie 11, Rue Saint-Paul 75004 Paris

Le Museé des Egouts de Paris
(The Museum of Sewage from Paris)

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Yes, it’s the Sewer Museum- definitely a place to talk about when you get back home! The museum entrance is located on the Left Bank side of the Pont de l’Alma. Crude sewer construction was begun in Paris in the 1300’s but when it was very much expanded and improved starting in 1850, it truly became an engineering triumph that eventually helped greatly with the control of disease. “Les egouts” are even written about extensively in the novel “Les Miserables” by Victor Hugo (whose house in the Place des Vosges is also a museum).

Interesting Tour
Now you can tour the operations of today as well as see some from the past. And there’s even a gift shop! When we visited, the smell wasn’t bad, though I’ve heard that this can depend on the weather, so decide for yourself whether you’re up for it or not. Still on view are giant wooden balls, from those earlier days, that men pushed by hand, rolling them slowly through the tunnels to clean them out. And this makes for an added bonus to visiting this interesting little alternative museum.

No matter how much you may get fed up with your own job on certain days, chances are that at least you don’t have to struggle and strain to push walls of sewage away with giant wooden balls!

Le Museé des Egouts de Paris Pont de l’Alma face au 93, quai d’Orsay 75007  Paris

Article by Sean McCarver please also check out Sean’s site Villa de Loon -Tales of a family, the mind-boggling strangers they allow in your  home

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by guest writer Aldo Singer

Nightlife in New York is legendary. There are endless museums, art galleries, restaurants and bars. The problem with visiting so many places that New York has to offer is that it might leave a big hole in your wallet on your flight home. Nobody wants that, no matter how much fun you try to have.

Well here are some travel tips that just might help you make it to the end of your trip without making it to the end of your wallet. We’ve all heard of happy hour and there are a few great places in the Big Apple that are just as fun as the trendier places but won’t cost you an arm and a leg.

Photo: Ross2085

If you booked your air tickets and were able to save some money than you should have extra money in your travel budget to go a little crazy during your excursion. Here are five bars in New York with great happy hours:

Kabin

Located on 2nd Avenue between 5th and 6th street, it’s a great place to start the savings trail. Kabin actually has a happy hour Monday, and Wednesday through Friday. On Tuesday nights, the happy hour is a little different – just a little longer. It’s the night you want to be there. It’s got a happy hour from 5 to 10pm. That’s hard to beat.

Bull’s Head Tavern

This placing for imbibing is located on 3rd Avenue between 22nd and 23rd street. During the NFL season, it’s got the NFL ticket, meaning it has every game available for your viewing pleasure.  It’s also got a wonderful happy hour that goes from Monday all the way through Sunday. The happy hour lasts from 1pm to 8pm, all draft beer only costs $3. You’re bound to be saving quite a few dollars while you enjoy a piece of New York City.

McKenna’s Pub

If you’re located on the west side of New York City. It’s got a happy hour that goes from 1pm to 7pm, Monday through Sunday. This particular bar offers some tasty treats as well. You can get the classic burger and fries to go along with your delicious beer. (It’s located on 14th street, between 7th and 8th Avenue)

Dempsey’s

Located on 2nd Avenue between 3rd and 4th street

Coyote Ugly

Photo: NickStarr

Located on 1st Avenue between 10th and 11th street.

by Aldo Singer

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