Oriental Dream

Pattaya in Thai means the name of the north-easterly wind at the beginning of the rainy season. Contrary to the name, it doesn't rain much, and is conveniently sunny most of the year. An extremely popular resort, infamous and beautiful, Pattaya is located on the North Gulf Coast of Thailand, and is 150 km from of Bangkok. It is one of Thailand's best locations for sun, sand and surf, as well as all manner of sports and adventure activities. Pattaya is very popular with locals and tourists alike, as it is has quick and easy access from the capital, and a assortment of hotels with reasonable rates. It caters to over 5 million tourists yearly, and offers an excellent range of eating choices and a wide variety of things to do and see.

Weather:
Spring: March to May 26-33 C
Summer: June to August 26-31 C
Autumn: September to November 25-31 C
Winter: December to February 23-31 C

Shopping:
In Thailand, good shopping is never a rarity, and there are numerous malls, and bazaars in Pattaya. Though there isn't an endless variety of things to buy here, but what is on offer is of good quality and craftsmanship. Try Mike Shopping Mall on Beach Road for clothing and souvenirs. For those who love a bargain, try Thepprasit Market, Soi Buakhao Market, and The Market Pattaya. Jewellery, especially gold, is a Thai speciality, and you can find a lot of shops in Pattaya, mainly on South Pattaya Road, and Central Pattaya Road as well as the south end of Beach Road.

Must Do:
Go to the beach, scuba-dive, jet-ski, and do the million other things that you can do at the best beaches in the world. You can also visit the nearby islands of Ko Laan, Ko Saak, Ko Khrok, and Ko Phai, where you can snorkel around the coral reefs or just lounge on the beaches, in relative isolation. Pattaya's nightlife is known the world over, and is infamous. However, it is not too hard to find good bars and discos where you can dance, drink, or just chill out, and remain untroubled by offers and sights that might not be of interest. Moving on, in terms of food, Pattaya is very much a part of Thailand, and shows us why the Thai are said to love food in all its flavours. Pattaya offers some of Thailand's choicest seafood, and has several specialty restaurants.

Travel Tools
ISD Code: +66
Currency: Baht (THB) 1 THB is approximately 1.50 Indian Rupee (INR)
Time Zone: GMT +7 hours. IST +1:30 hours
Voltage: 220V - 240V

More than just the political, commercial, and cultural capital of Thailand, Bangkok's skyline gives you an idea of its unique personality; which is a vibrant conglomeration of chrome and cane. All through the city, flows the beautiful Chao Phraya River, filled with traders and boats. Bangkok's bustling atmosphere, though distinctly modern, has a sense of heritage found within urban tangle, for soaring skyscrapers can be found alongside tranquil temples. However, the sense of order within this chaos is quite evident, and the congestion of people and traffic is alleviated by the slick overland metropolitan railway, cheap river boats and air-conditioned taxis, all of which allow you to see the city as it really is.

Weather:
Spring: March to May 27-34 C
Summer: June to August 26-33 C
Autumn: September to November 25-32 C
Winter: December to February 23-32 C

Shopping:
Shoppers in Bangkok have a wide choice of areas in which to pursue their search for bargains and luxuries, most of them located within walking distance of the major hotels. Souvenir markets, luxury malls, and Thai handicrafts stalls are all jumbled up together, always giving you a variety. For souvenirs, visit the Amulet Market in Ko Ratanakosin, and the Chatuchak Weekend Market at Th Phahonyothin Lat Phrao. Also try the Orient Plaza and the River City Shopping Complex, which are adjacent to the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel, to find antiques and decorative items. Siam Square is home to many malls and antique shops also. The Floating Market is also a must visit. If you are interested in jewellery, visit The Jewel Fest Club, where quality craftsmanship and reasonable price are assured.

Must Do:
There are over 300 Buddhist shrines and temples within the city, and there is no excuse a tourist to Bangkok can have for not visiting some of these beautiful places. The most famous are Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple), Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) and Wat Trimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha). You should also try to visit Wat Phra Kaeo, where the Emerald Buddha (made of translucent green jade) resides. Bangkok also offers an assortment of restaurants that is staggering in its variety. In Bangkok, you are never more than a few feet from a restaurant or sidewalk food vendor and each one of them is different. Sukhumvit, Siam Square, Silom, and Bang Rak are the areas where you can find the best Thai cuisine. There is a lot to entertain you in Bangkok, with some of the best nightclubs, bars, cafes and discos in Asia, liberally sprinkled all over the cityscape.

Travel Tools:
ISD Code: +66
Currency: Baht (THB) 1 THB is approximately 1.50 Indian Rupee (INR)
Time Zone: GMT +7 hours. IST +1:30 hours
Voltage: 220V - 240V

The capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is a thriving city of soaring high-rises, bustling urban landscapes, and friendly locals. The site of rapid development over the last 100 years, Kuala Lumpur has an interesting melange of architecture: elegant colonial styles fused with modern steel and glass. Despite all this change, the city has not lost its colour and cultural diversity, and Kuala Lumpur is alive with vibrant night markets and street vendors. Kuala Lumpur means "muddy confluence", as it was formed on the confluence of the Klang and Gombak rivers. This name serves as an appropriate metaphor even now, as the city has an enticing mix of cross-cultural influences, traditions and cuisine, filled as it is with communities of Chinese, Malays, Indians, Thais, and Indonesians. The city therefore radiates a whirlwind vitality, and brims over with energy and excitement. In other words, Kuala Lumpur does not disappoint, and provides something for everyone, whatever their mood.

Weather:
Spring: March to May 23-32 C
Summer: June to August 24-33 C
Autumn: September to November 23-32 C
Winter: December to February 22-31 C

Shopping:
A shopper's paradise that is known the world over, Kuala Lumpur offers everything from street side trinkets to haute couture, a variety also seen in the city's kaleidoscope of cultures. A must visit is Bintang Walk, in the heart of Kuala Lumpur's Golden Triangle. Also perfect for people watching, Bintang Walk is filled with many shopping centres, which provide a large range of products and souvenirs. Berjaya Times Square is the largest shopping mall in Malaysia with over 3 and half million square feet dedicated to retail therapy. Apart from more than 1000 shops, Times Square also has the largest indoor theme park in Malaysia. An air-conditioned way to explore Malaysian arts and crafts is at the Central Market, a tourist friendly treasure trove. Local artists also show their artistry with live demonstrations. The world-famous Royal Selangor Pewter products are also sold at Central Market. Another famous shopping area is Petaling Street, in the centre of Kuala Lumpur's original Chinatown. A fantastic spot for bargains, Petaling Street has a traditional atmosphere, and the allure of this night market is in wandering about and enjoying its sights, sounds and energy. Also visit Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman and Jln Bukit Bintang, popular shopping destinations, and Kuala Lumpur's consumer cores.

Must Do:
A city that rewards exploration, Kuala Lumpur excites and intrigues you. There so much on offer here, that the city is best experienced by walking, shopping, and eating your way randomly through it. However, do try to visit the following places, to truly get a slice of the Kuala Lumpur life. Take a look out from Menara KL Tower's viewing deck, a great vantage point from which to get a sense of the city's layout. The panorama as seen from here is better than from the sky-scraping Petronas Twin Towers, as the KL Tower is on Pineapple Hill, in the centre of the city. Also visit the Lake Gardens, an oasis in the middle of the city, which also contains butterfly, deer and bird parks. Also try to visit the colossal Putra Mosque, which leaves both worshippers and non-worshippers in awe, and also the sprawling National Mosque. There are many world class museums in Kuala Lumpur, the best being the National History Museum, the Islamic Arts Museum, and the Maybank Numismatic Museum. Try the roadside stalls and what Malaysians call coffee shops, for some of the best food for in Kuala Lumpur, at great prices. The greatest concentration of these coffee shops and roadside stalls are in Chinatown, Little India, and the Golden Triangle. Malay food is found in Jalan Masjid India, Chow Kit and the Kampung Baru areas in Tuanku Abdul Rahman district. You should also try Mamak stalls and shops, which are food outlets run by Indian Muslims, serving various hot beverages and light snacks. The Golden Triangle is also a must visit, predominantly a shopping and nightlife district, it is also home to the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) and the Petronas Twin Towers, once the world's tallest building.

Travel Tools
ISD Code: +60
Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) 1 MYR is approximately 13 Indian Rupees (INR)
Time Zone: GMT +8 hours. IST +2:30 hours
Voltage: 220V - 240V

Two thousand meters above sea level, Genting Highlands offers a respite from the hot and humid climes of Kuala Lumpur, which is only 50 km away. Situated amidst a lush green tropical rainforest, a magnificent city is usually shrouded in mist, and resides on a hilltop. Crisp invigorating mountain air complemented by majestic scenery spreads out before your eyes. The city is famous for its efficiently planned infrastructure, and its theme park and casino, which is the only casino in Malaysia. Genting is considered as an ideal getaway location by many Malaysians, and is popular among locals and tourists alike.

Weather:
Spring: March to May 16-23 C
Summer: June to August 17-25 C
Autumn: September to November 16-24 C
Winter: December to February 14-22 C

Must Do:
A city designed as retreat, it is planned to provide the best to vacationers from around the world. It is an entertainment city, and has cinemas, boutiques, restaurants, cafes, food courts, indoor and outdoor theme parks, and a snow park, amongst many other attractions. A tour through the amazing 100 million year old rainforest is essential, you should also try to visit the animal sanctuary. The casino at Genting is the city's biggest attraction, and has been featured in many films produced by Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Hollywood. There are also many concerts, shows, and exhibitions that happen throughout the year. Also try to visit Gohtong Jaya, a small township within the city, named after the founder of Genting, and home to some of the best and cheapest food in Malaysia. In short, there is no shortage of things to do and experience, and a trip to Genting can be a vacation within a vacation.

Travel Tools:
ISD Code: +60
Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) 1 MYR is approximately 13 Indian Rupees (INR)
Time Zone: GMT +8 hours. IST +2:30 hours
Voltage: 220V - 240V

Full of amazing and colourful contrasts, Singapore is arguably the most heterogeneous city in the world. A veritable melange of cultures and eras - everything collides and ends up in one piece: the potpourri city of Singapore - all seemingly symbolized in the half-fish half-lion Singapore icon called The Merlion. A spotless and efficient city, it is also home to modern architectural marvels and historical splendours. Singapore is known for its shopping, an acknowledged national pastime, and one that brings the world to its shores. From the Thieves Market to the Esplanade, Singapore is a truly cosmopolitan city, unforgettable in the extremes it encompasses.

Weather:
Spring: March to May 25-32 C
Summer: June to August 25-31 C
Autumn: September to November 25-31 C
Winter: December to February 24-30 C

Shopping:
A Singaporean obsession, shopping is what most of the city is dedicated to, and you will find unmatched expanses containing some of the best labels and brands in the world. With Orchard Road's malls and souvenirs; Colonial District's electronics; and Thieves Market's bargains and Chinese Baroque shop houses - there is something for everyone, even if you are just window shopping. You should also try to experience the thriving commerce in the backstreets of Chinatown, Little India and Arab Street.

Must Do:
There is a lot to do in the truly cosmopolitan city of Singapore. Amazing food, vibrant nightlife, and beautiful parks are all to be found. You can just walk around the city for a good time, or swim in one of the beaches or swimming complexes. Try your hand at the dragon boat racing. Head out to Chinatown's bars, dance at a Mohamed Sultan Road club, or just visit the multi-million dollar cultural centre: The Esplanade. Singapore is a city dotted through with beautiful parks, such as the National Orchid Garden, Ann Siang Hill Park, and Mandai Orchid Garden. Imbibe history at "Forbidden Hill" (Fort Canning Park) and Pulau Ubin, which is a small island off the northern coast of Singapore, dotted with rustic villages. To sample Singaporean cuisine, try Bumbu restaurant in Kampong Glam, and Baccarat restaurant in Colonial District. Take a cruise down the Singapore River on a bumboat, or walk along it to truly explore Singapore. Also, try the flower juice.

Travel Tools
ISD Code: +65
Currency: Singapore Dollar (SGD) 1 SGD is approximately 36 Indian Rupees (INR)
Time Zone: GMT +8 hours. IST +2:30 hours
Voltage:220V - 240V