Once in a life time opportunity!!!

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The world’s biggest Bell, the world’s largest book, Gravity defying rock, one legged rower and vegetable plantation floating above the water and one of the world’s earliest civilization can all be found in one place. That is Golden Land, Myanmar!!!

Would you believe you can travel around in Myanmar with US $99?

Grab this golden opportunity!!!

Our recommend schedule to travel around in Myanmar.

Routing		Approx. Departure Time	Approx. Arrival Time	Duration	Places
From	To
Yangon	Nyaung Shwe (Inle)	12:30PM	9:00 AM	3–days/ 2–Nights	Taung Gyi, Inle, Kalaw, Pindaya
(Inle) Kalaw	Mandalay	6:00 PM	8:00 AM	5-days/ 4-Nights	Amayapura, Sagain, Mingun, PyinOoLwin
Mandalay	Bagan(By Boat)	6:00 AM	7:00 PM	3 –days/ 2-Nights	Around Bagan
Bagan	Yangon	3:30 PM	7:00 AM	1–day/ 1-Night	Around Yangon

* If you want to travel around with your own schedule, we can also arrange for it.
Our services include:
- Airport pick up
- Arranging your Itinerary
- Providing free necessary information to make your trip a satisfying one.(Hotels & Guest House,Restaurant, Transportation, Currency Exchange & others)
-Accidental Insurance

*If you want to rent your own vehicle, we can also arrange with the cheapest price.
1pax - US $1440 1 pax -> Saloon
2pax - US $720 2,3, ...,10 -> Wagon
3pax - US $590 Above 10 -> Air-con bus
4pax - US $442
5pax - US $354
6pax - US $300
6 pax and above - US $300

*If you want to travel around in Myanmar conveniently, we also have the package tour with the cheapest price.

For Further Information:
Contact Person : Henry
Website : www.gracemyanmar.blogspot.com
Address : Room 555, 20/2 Seree 4 Rd. Praram 9 Soi 43, Suanluang,Bangkok 10250, Thailand
Mobile Phone : 04 1288250
Home Phone : 0-2718 2631 - 9, Ext: 555
Email : grace_tt06@yahoo.com

Booking:
Please provide the following information to us.
-Your Full Name
- Your Passport Number
- No of person who accompany with you
- Flight No
- Arrival Time & Date to Myanmar's Airport

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The world's biggest book - Kuthodaw Paya - Myanmar

The Kuthodaw Pagoda or Maha Lawka Marazein Paya is often called the world's largest book. It is a large walled complex situated at the base of the southeast stairway to Mandalay Hill and was built by King Mindon at the same time he was constructing the Royal Palace. Its central stupa is modeled on the Shwezigon at Nyaung U near Bagan.

The Kuthodaw Paya (Pagoda), or Maha Lawka Marazein Paya, contains what often is called the world's largest book. It is a large walled complex situated at the base of the southeast stairway to Mandalay Hill and was built by King Mindon at the same time he was constructing the Royal Palace. Its central stupa is modeled on the Shwezigon at Nyaung U near Bagan. An on-site carved tablet indicates that the pagoda's height is 187 ft 9 in, high, while some guide books list it at 100 ft (30 m). The former includes the platform in the measurement.

The stupa itself, connected to the outside entry by means of a long corridor, is set in the middle of a thirteen acre field of 729 pitaka pagodas or shrines (Dama Cetis). Each shrine contains a marble slab, inscribed on both sides with the Pali script text of a portion the Tipitaka (Pali spelling, or Tripitaka, in Sanskrit), Theravada Buddhism's sacred texts. Taken together, they contain the entire text of the Tipitaka and thus form? the world's largest book. The slabs were carved from white Sagyin Hill marble found just a few miles north of Mandalay. The work of carving began in October 1860 and was carried out in a special hall within King Mindon's Royal Palace. Each slab is 5 ft ((1.5 m) by 3.5 ft (1.1 m) wide and 5-6 in. (12.7 15 cm) thick. The Buddhist scholar/carvers completed their task in May 1869. If spread out horizontally, the slabs would cover a third of an acre (.1 ha); stacked vertically, the pages would rise 340 ft (103 m). Originally the lettering also had a gold leaf veneer. The statistics given here are those given by U Tun Aung Chain, retired Professor of History, Yangon University.

Several sources suggest the important role of the Fifth Buddhist Synod, which King Mindon called in 1872, in the development of the Kuthodaw. It perhaps was at this meeting of 2,400 monks from throughout the country that both authenticated the texts and began the construction of the encasing shrines.

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Myanmar Chinlone - Mystic Ball

A team of six players pass the ball back and forth with their feet and knees as they walk around a circle. One player goes into the center to solo, creating a dance of various moves strung together. The soloist is supported by the other players who try to pass the ball back with one kick. When the ball drops to the ground it’s dead, and the play starts again.

Chinlone means “cane-ball” in Burmese. The ball is woven from rattan, and makes a distinctive clicking sound when kicked that is part of the aesthetic of the game. Players use six points of contact with the ball: the top of the toes, the inner and outer sides of the foot, the sole, the heel, and the knee. The game is played barefoot or in chinlone shoes that allow the players to feel the ball and the ground as directly as possible. The typical playing circle is 6.7 meters (22 feet) in diameter. The ideal playing surface is dry, hard packed dirt, but almost any flat surface will do.

Chinlone is over 1,500 years old and was once played for Myanmar royalty. Over the centuries, players have developed more than 200 different ways of kicking the ball. Many of the moves are similar to those of Myanmar dance and martial art. Some of the most difficult strokes are done behind the back without seeing the ball as it is kicked. Form is all important in chinlone, there is a correct way to position the hands, arms, torso, and head during the moves. A move is considered to have been done well only if the form is good.

Myanmar is a predominately Buddhist country, and chinlone games are a featured part of the many Buddhist festivals that take place during the year. The largest of these festivals goes on for more than a month with up to a thousand teams. An announcer calls out the names of the moves and entertains the audience with clever wordplay. Live music from a traditional orchestra inspires the players and shapes the style and rhythm of their play. The players play in time to the music and the musicians accent the kicks.

Both men and women play chinlone, often on the same team. Adults and children can play on the same team, and it’s not unusual to see elders in their 80’s playing.

In addition to the team style of chinlone, which is called “wein kat” or circle kick, there is also a solo performance style called “tapandaing”. This solo style is only performed by women.

To play chinlone well, the whole team must be absolutely in the moment – their minds cannot wander or the ball will drop. All serious players experience an intensely focused state of mind, similar to that achieved in Zen meditation, which they refer to as jhana.

Chinlone is one of a family of football games played throughout the world. It is related to similar games in Southeast Asia known as takraw in Thailand, sepak raga in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia, sipa in the Philippines, kator in Laos and da cau in Vietnam. A competitive variation of the game played over a net, called sepak takraw was developed in Malaysia in the 1940’s. The origins of chinlone may be related to the ancient Chinese game of cuju or tsu chu, which is acknowledged by FIFA as being the oldest form of soccer. A similar game is also played in Japan where it is known as kemari. Chinlone is also related to the family of sports played by kicking a shuttlecock, know as jianzi in China and Taiwan, and jegichagi in Korea. And there is some evidence to suggest that a variation of these games traveled across the Bering Straits and influenced Native Americans, who also played a variety of games keeping a ball up with the feet. These games are thought to be the origin of footbag, also known as hacky sack. Another game that shares elements of sport and dance is bossaball.

However, nowhere in the world has the level of extraordinary foot skills and dexterity been combined with artistic expression and spirituality as in the Myanmar game of chinlone.

Reference : en.wikipedia.org

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Inle lake Virtual Tour - Myanmar

Click here to watch Great Inle Virtual Tour

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Mandalay Virtual Tour

Mandalay Palace, Moat, Hill and Maha-muni pagoda

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British Airways offers Flights to Europe from Singapore for Sin$898

British Airways has launched its pre-holiday online sale with return fares to London, Paris and five other European destinations from just Sin$898. Customers can also enjoy a special return fare of Sin$998 when travelling to Barcelona, Madrid, Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Newcastle.

The special rates are available on ba.com for departures from Singapore until 29 November 2006; bookings must be made by 20 November 2006.

In addition and for a limited period only, passengers booking flights and four nights accommodation in the UK with British Airways will each be entitled to a free Great British Heritage Passes worth nearly Sin$100. Each four-day pass allows free access to nearly 600 attractions such as Edinburgh Castle, Stonehenge and the newly restored Roman Spa in Bath.

Return economy flights and four nights’ accommodation in the UK start from Sin$1,286 per person.

Rob McDonald, regional marketing manager for British Airways South East Asia said, “As the holiday season draws nearer, British Airways wants to entice Singaporeans to visit Europe ...... This has to be the best time to take a break, see some of Europe or get some Christmas shopping done.”

Reference : http://www.asiatraveltips.com

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Internet Pioneer to Speak at Wired Travel Asia 2006 in Singapore

Jim Donnelly, founder of one of the world’s most popular online travel communities, IgoUgo, will be a keynote speaker at Wired Travel Asia in Singapore next week.

Supported by the likes of Cynthia Francis, founder of social networking tech provider, Reality Digital, and Bill Black, Managing Director of the Bed Management Company, Donnelly will explore the User Generated Content phenomenon that has become known as Travel 2.0.

It’s something that Donnelly – a former Global Brand Manager for Coca-Cola and Vice President of Market at Citibank – knows an awful lot about, having started IgoUgo in 2000 along with Tony Chen.

It was one of the world’s first online travel communities – a place for travelers to swap images, anecdotes, itineraries and tips – and now has more than 350,000 members plus around four million site visits every month.

Not surprisingly, building online communities has become an essential part of online travel marketing, with Donnelly recognized as one of the world’s leading exponents in this emerging field.

Online communities is one of several key issues that will be addressed at Wired Travel Asia, a leading online marketing and travel distribution event in Asia, which features more than 40 expert speakers from Asia, Europe and the United States.

Wired Travel Asia is being held at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel in Singapore next Thursday, October 26, and Friday, October 27, and will be attended by more than 200 delegates from around Asia Pacific.

Every delegate will get the latest online Asian travel industry report from Hitwise, plus a report on 'Trust Based Commitment' from MarketShare and HarrisInteractive.

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A Hindu festival of lights, and, increasingly, of meals

An Aurora temple braces for Diwali and the hungry multitudes who gather to celebrate it

By Russell Working
Tribune staff reporter
Published October 20, 2006

It is one thing to tend to the gods, to offer oranges and bananas to Shiva and the elephant-headed Ganesha, to chant the mantras that greet the deities every morning, to burn sweet incense before their statues and bathe them in milk.

It is quite another to deal with some 7,000 hungry mortals from throughout the Midwest who drop in once a year, expecting to be fed on blessed Indian food.

Yet such is the calling of Aurora's Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple, 1145 W. Sullivan Rd., as the holiday of Diwali--the festival of lights--arrives Saturday amid sacred rites and a fireworks show. A Hindu New Year follows on Sunday.

One of South Asia's major festivals, Diwali has drawn increasing crowds to Aurora as Illinois' Indian population has risen.

The Hindu temple is expecting to see record numbers Saturday, more than last year's estimated 7,000 worshipers and perhaps 10,000 over the weekend. And with that comes the responsibility to feed the multitudes.

Between 2000 and 2005, Illinois' Asian Indian population grew by 32,000 to 157,126, the U.S. Census Bureau reports. Many were drawn by opportunities in education or employment, often involving computer technology, local Indians say. And greater numbers means a deeper pool of Indian culture to enrich festivals like Diwali.

Diwali represents the victory of light over darkness, and Hindus commemorate this by lighting lamps at home.

As part of Diwali rituals, many Hindus make an offering to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. People visit friends and relatives' homes, where children receive a blessing from their elders, along with some sweets and perhaps a gift of money.

Traditionally, temples in India serve rice dishes to visitors throughout the year, and on an ordinary weekend, the Aurora temple's staff chef and volunteers cook up food for 1,500 worshipers, who pay a donation of $2 to $3 for the fare.

On Diwali, however, the crowds multiply as people come from as far afield as Ohio and Minnesota, following a custom of visiting a circuit of temples on the holiday.

Although many Indians are vegetarians, even Hindus who eat meat abstain on days when they are visiting a temple, which serve only vegetarian fare.



Blessed offerings

Visitors expect to sample food that priests have blessed in an offering to the gods. Thus the temple has found itself in the food preparation business.

The cooking is overseen by Srinivasan Venkadesan, a temple staffer who once worked as a cruise line chef. He and his crew prepare the vast quantities of food to be eaten by the pilgrims.

They cook 2,000 sweet rolls made of lentils and brown sugar and prepare 4,000 servings of spicy tamarind rice, stacked in Styrofoam bowls. Thousands of servings of yogurt rice are made and hundreds of plastic bags get filled with fried spicy crackers. Rice cakes, sweet buttered pancakes and mango lassi--a mango-buttermilk treat popular with kids--also are prepared.

The dishes must be offered to the deities before they are distributed.

On an ordinary day, food offered to the gods can't be stored and is thrown out if nobody eats it. What little is left at Diwali is given to the crowd at the end of the day.

Another challenge of the day is handling the crowds. The halls and worship areas in the temple can handle 2,000 people, but visitors will cycle through to pay their respects to the deities, said executive officer Azad Sunkavalli.

Volunteers are also setting up tents outside.

"These two or three days will be crazy," Sunkavalli said.
For more detail click here

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Shopping in Bangkok

Bangkok Shopping Malls

Bangkok is a shopaholic's paradise! Explore the city's impressive shopping grounds and discover a wealth of modern, multi-storeyed shopping malls. From the legendary Mah Boon Krong (MBK), to the sophisticated Emporium, the trendy Siam Discovery or Siam Paragon, and Southeast Asia's biggest lifestyle shopping complex CentralWorld, Bangkok accommodates everybody's taste, pocket and style. The latest addition to the city's 'mallscape' is the newly and fabulously revamped CentralWorld, which is officially the largest mall in Southeast Asia. These malls are where you'll find the city's finest fashion stores, global brands, book shops, speciality stores, accessories stands and all kinds of luxury designer lifestyle goods. Not only are you spoiled for choice; it's all super easy to navigate. Shopping malls are modern and air-conditioned, thus a pleasant alternative to the bustling hot markets, and most complexes are easily accessible via the city's modern and efficient Skytrain (BTS) system. Just don't forget to sport comfortable shoes!

CentralWorld Shopping Complex, Bangkok

The battle of Bangkok's mega shopping malls to be the biggest and the best has a new outright and undisputed winner: the supermodern, newly launched, revamped and rebranded CentralWorld. With 550,000 square metres of retail space and a total area size of 830,000 square metres that is 30% larger than any other shopping centre in central Bangkok, CentralWorld is now officially the largest lifestyle shopping complex in Southeast Asia, with an unrivalled mix of products and services at prices that put the fun back into shopping for Thai consumers and tourists. (READ MORE)

Siam Paragon: The Pride of Bangkok

From a sporty yellow Ferrari to a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes straight from the set of Sex and the City, Siam Paragon is a shopping mall without rival in Southeast Asia when it comes to luxury goods. This shopping and entertainment complex is an upmarket, five-storey colossus with 500,000 square metres of retail space. The gleaming, modern mall opened in December 2005 at a cost of 15 billion baht (US$ 375 million), and is home to more than 250 famed international and local luxury brands. Let's take a closer look... (READ MORE)

MBK Shopping Center Bangkok (Mah Boon Krong)

Short-named MBK, the multi-storey Mah Boon Krong is probably Bangkok's most legendary shopping mall, popular with both tourists and locals. Eight floors packed with 2,000 shops that sell everything from clothing, fashion accessories, handbags, leather products and luggage to furniture, mobile phones, electric appliances, cameras, stationery and DVD's (and then some). MBK (launched in 1986) is a beehive of activity, especially on weekends, when half of Bangkok converges to shop for bargains. And plenty of bargains are to be found here! (READ MORE)

Siam Discovery

This trendy shopping complex is still a favourite among Bangkok's younger and fashionable crowds. Opposite Siam Square, this modern centre adjoins Siam Centre and showcases a good selection of shops, restaurants and designer fashion outlets. Expect popular local fashion designers and global brand names as well as European established names, as well as a number of home décor and hip interior design stores. Guess? DKNY, Shiseido, Mac, Swarovski and many more. Asia Books and Habitat have branches here too. A huge cinema complex is located on the top floor, while the ground floor houses popular coffee hangouts including Starbucks and Au Bon Pain. Open: 10:00 - 22:00 Location: Siam, Pathumwan BTS: Siam

The Emporium

In the heart of Sukhumvit, The Emporium Shopping Complex is an upmarket centre showcasing designer shops, an exclusive department store, beauty salons and a number of other little stores. Contemporary design, plenty of space, a state-of-the-art cinema, cafes, restaurants and a great food court complement the elegant and air-conditioned shopping experience at one of Bangkok's most posh shopping complexes. Check out the Emporium's newest addition, the Park Food Court. Though following the conventional idea of a food court, namely a wide selection of different cuisines under one roof, the Park Food Court stands out from others. Not only is the ambience more elegant and chic, but instead of purchasing coupons - as is the case with most food courts - visitors receive a card worth 3,000 baht. Expect great views of adjacent Queen's Park, excellent service and delicious food. Regular sales (discounts between 15-80%) occur from time to time (often coinciding with Thai festivals) on brand name clothing and furniture. A tourist card (which you can apply for at the department store) gives 5-10% discount off regular priced items in selected shops. Open: 09:00 - 21:00 Location: Sukhumvit Soi 24/26 BTS: Phrom Phong

Gaysorn Bangkok

Gaysorn is a luxurious, upmarket white marble and gleaming chrome complex housing exclusively high-end luxury goods and designer labels. Its contemporary design and an innovative retail concept create a very exclusive shopping experience. Expect to find a wide range of highly desirable international brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada and Hugo Boss, to name but a few, as well as a selection of Thailand's most innovative designers such as Fly Now, 'Senada Theory and Kloset Red Carpet. (READ MORE)

Erawan Bangkok

Located on the corner of the prestigious Ratchaprasong Square, you'll find the stylish and elegant Erawan Bangkok. On four floors, you'll find fine dining from fourteen different international cuisines, a collection of ultra chic shopping boutiques and total pampering for the mind, body and soul. Shop for world-class designer labels and accessories such as Burberry, Coach or Mulberry, or check out Club 21, the exclusive importer of luxury names including Alexander McQueen, Helmut Lang, Miu Miu, Dolce & Gabbana, and many more. Pamper yourself at the Wellness & Beauty Center on the fourth floor. Here, you'll also find Hydrohealth, a popular spot among Bangkok's health-conscious that is highly recommended for colonic hydro therapy. Open: 10:00 - 21:00 Location: Chitlom Skytrain: Chitlom

Pantip Plaza (IT Mall)

The mother of them all. Walking through the main entrance of this multi-storey IT complex, you'll be greeted with the latest copy software for sale (100 - 150 baht), along with DVD's, MP3 CD's, and anything else that can be put on disk. If you're looking for a new wireless mouse, USB stick, CD-Rom drive, or whatever you can think of, sift your way through as many vendors as possible to compare prices and find the best deal. Most IT brands are well-represented, and the safest places to buy from are credible and established outlets. The secret is to take your time, and to compare prices. To put it simply, Pantip is a must, especially if you' re shopping on a budget. Even just for the experience, it's well worth your time to explore the sheer variety of IT products on offer, packed from floor to ceiling.

Open: 10:00 - 20:30 (every day)
Location:Petchaburi Road, directly across the street from Pratunam's City Complex and close to the Baiyoke Market and stylish Amari Watergate Hotel. To get there, take the skytrain (BTS) to Ratchathewi station, and then either hire a tuk-tuk / taxi, or just walk ten minutes down Petchaburi Road.

For more IT malls, have a look here.

Reference : www.bangkok.com

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Spas in Bangkok - Thailand

Thailand is a haven for relaxation, rejuvenation and regeneration. Ancient healing knowledge passed down over generations, exotic and tropical surroundings, lots of sunshine and legendary hospitality provide the ideal setting for the continuous pursuit of inner and outer beauty.

Nowadays, many high-end hotels and luxury serviced apartment residences in Bangkok take pride in their own lavish in-house spas, often celebrated brands like Mandara or Aspara. Private spas are just as abundant and luxurious. Set in plush and tastefully designed environments, spas offer anything from a choice of different style massages, to body scrubs and wraps, facial and cosmetic treatments, herbal baths and aromatherapy.

Thailand's spas not only give magnificent pampering sessions, they offer a perfect way of recreating the balance of body, mind and spirit that is often lost in our frantic, modern-day lifestyles. Blending Western and ancient Asian techniques, a session at a spa will help you release stress, regain inner balance and rejuvenate your spirit.

Make sure you complete your perfect holiday, or business trip, with an exotic and indulgent experience at one of Bangkok's heavenly spas, a blissful and pleasurable experience that promises to give you a new lease on life. Retreat from the city's hustle and bustle and seek the tranquillity in any of the following hotel or private spa retreats:

Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok (Chi Spa)
Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa (Mandara Spa)
President Solitaire (Ananda Spa)
Plaza Athenee Bangkok (Spa Athene)
Banyan Tree Hotel (Banayn Tree Spa)
Dusit Thani Hotel (Devarana Spa)
Swissotel Nai Lert Park (Amrita Fitness & Spa)
The Westin Grande Sukhumvit (The Vareena Spa)
Pathumwan Princess Hotel (Tantara Health Spa)

Reference : www.bangkok.com

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Bars in Bangkok

"One night in Bangkok………" the song sings, well Bangkok will not disappoint. Below we cover, some of the most fashionable places to be seen and some of the places where you hope you won't be seen, so really the question is will one night be enough?! We are not going to talk in great detail of the 'girlie bars' as we are aiming these reviews more at people who are looking for good quality bars in Bangkok where the women are not half naked and swinging around a pole!

Have you voted yet for your favourite bars in Bangkok yet? Premier Travel Awards for Excellence - Vote Now ! We also have extensive photo galleries offering different images from around the world. Have a suggestion for a bar we have missed contact us here.

Please note that due to stricter laws in Thailand on smoking in public air-conditioned restaurants many of the bars which serve food, are now non smoking up to a certain time. This however does keep changing, and to be frank we have no idea how it works as one week you can smoke the next you can't! If smoking is that important to you we suggest you call the bar in advance and check. Another unusual and rather annoying trend for many of the top bars and clubs is they have started asking for ID upon entry, as with the smoking this also keeps changing so it can be worthwhile calling the bar in advance and asking whether a photocopy of your passport will suffice, if in doubt then just take a copy with you and leave the original document at home or in the hotel safe.

Spasso - This restaurant come bar/disco is located at the Grand Hyatt Hotel (Erawan). Definitely one of the 'in' places to be, with a lot of so called 'high society' Thais coming. The restaurant is mainly from 19:00 onwards and the live band begins rocking at around 22:00 when they clear tables off the dance floor to allow for the serious fun to begin. Excellent band and the atmosphere is lively. Food and drinks are on the steep side, with a Heineken costing around 269 Baht after tax and service charge etc. A Premier Travel Award of Excellence winner.

87 Plus - Conrad's new bar/club opened 11 March 2005. Definitely worth a visit. Thursday is Ladies night so a popular night to go.

Hard Rock Café - As with all HRC's they are open for dinner and have a live band that starts at 22:00/30. The restaurant is on three floors with the second looking down on the bar area and stage below. Although slightly cramped around the bar area especially when the band begins, over the weekends it is a great place to meet people and have a great time. One of the greatest things about this bar is the bartenders who actually seem to enjoy their work unlike in some other establishments we could mention and also that the band is so close to the bar you feel a part of it. Beer is very reasonably priced and you should also check out their bottle promotions, recently a bottle of Jack Daniels was on for just over 2,000 Baht. The first mixers and ice are free of charge and if you don't finish the bottle they will keep it for six months, so you can return at any time within that period present your card and all you pay for is the mixers. This can save you a lot of money. This bar was a winner as one of the best three bars in Asia in the Premier Travel Awards for Excellence.

Diplomat Bar - At the Conrad hotel is a great place to go for some early drinks, the drinks are average price for a five star hotel and the ambience and feel of the bar is very elegant. A great place to meet for some pre-dinner or club drinks.

V9 - WOW - A MUST - Located on the 37th floor of the Sofitel Silom Hotel this stunning bar offers some amazing views of Bangkok. The restaurant / bar specialises in wines and because of the novel concept of combining a wine shop with the bar, you can enjoy these wines from all over the world at some of the best prices in Thailand. A bottle of wine starts at around 500 Baht and if you are unsure of what to choose (the choice is very large and varied) then there is a resident Sommelier on hand to give you tips and suggestions. Open from 6pm to 1am this is an excellent place to entertain or just go for a nice relaxing drink, live music is played nightly. The bar is not just about wine though, as there is also a small and spacious restaurant within which serves some excellent food. V9 is a wonderful place to go out, enjoy excellent food, great wines all at very reasonable prices, and enjoy the night lights of Bangkok some 37 floors beneath you. A great place to go as a couple.

Distil - opened in June 2004 and is located in the State Tower on Silom Road close to the Chaopraya River. The bar claims to offer the best of everything - best whiskies, best wines, food etc. They do live up to this claim to some extent although it is by no means a haven for the finest whiskies in the world, as the selection is quite limited. What does make this bar special are the views, as it is located on the 64th floor of the hotel and offers some of the best views of Bangkok available in the city. The bar itself is very nicely decorated with comfortable seating, a small but cosy wine cellar and an outdoor seating area. Unlike some of the other bars that we review here, this bar has a feel of a stopping off place, somewhere to go before dining in one of the hotels restaurants or perhaps for a nightcap after dinner before heading off home. As this bar is still very new we will be re-reviewing it very soon.

The Bed - Located on Sukhumvit 11 this is a very fashionable place to go for dinner, and or drinks. This is regarded as one of the hottest clubs in Bangkok and is worth going to if only to take pictures of the space ship like building in which it is housed. The club is split into two sections, one aimed more at drinking and dancing and the other are for dining and chilling out with friends. As the name suggests the whole concept the club is based on is a bed, they actually have waitresses in rather skimpy but elegant nightwear, and there are actual beds for customers to relax and enjoy. A very unusual but highly enjoyable club, definitely worth a visit.

The Met Bar - Located at the Metropolitan Hotel on Sathorn Road, this new bar we have been told by the hotel is strictly members and hotel guests only. For that reason there is little point in us reviewing it.

Hu'u - Forget trying to work our how to pronounce the name as unless you are in the area this is a bar you could easily miss. Yes, they have very cool advertisements but we find it is more of a restaurant bar than a fully fledged club / bar. Pricey, and chic in design but very little real character.

Face Bar - Located on Sukhumvit Soi 38, skytrain Thonglor. full review to come soon.

Bulls Head - Very popular among expats and locals alike. A great pub with a very 'Olde Worlde' feel to it. They have two floors with the upper floor serving mainly food, and the lower drinks. The closest skytrain station is Prom Phong and the pub can be found on Sukhumvit 33/1 which is almost opposite the Emporium. Not such a good place to watch sporting events, as they only have the one television upstairs, but otherwise a great place.

The Londoner - on the corner of Sukhumvit Soi 33, this enormous pub serves food as well as imported and some of its own locally brewed beer. A pint of their own 'bitter' costs 129 Baht (but be forewarned you get what you pay for when it comes to taste). They have lots of televisions which makes the Londoner a first choice for many sports fans. If there is a very big match get there early as they sometimes operate on a ticket on the door system.

Cm2 - After the HRC above gets too busy most people head over to CM2 which is at the Novotel Siam Square. It is a disco, which also offers karaoke, food, and good music. It is very popular and reasonably priced with a Heineken costing around 180 Thai Baht.

Rivas - Great bar and disco located at the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, ground floor, prices are slightly more reasonable than at Spasso. The disco/bar will get busy from around 10/11 pm but the crowd is quite irregular and depends on the band that the hotel has in at the time. Has great potential but is up and down with the in crowd.

Paulaner Brauhaus - This microbrewery is located on Sukhumvit Soi 24. They serve their own beer and serve up some wonderful if not rather heavy food to go with it. For some reason though it does not get that busy. Good Beer.

Planet Hollywood - has closed down.

El Nido - Located at the Royal Meridien Hotel and just opposite the Grand Hyatt where Spasso's is this very large bar is popular for those that enjoy a little more space and Latin music. Very enjoyable and nice bar/disco.

Nana Entertainment Plaza (NEP) - On Sukhumvit Soi 4 this is, in our opinion, a more user-friendly version of Patpong. It is quite a sight to behold and definitely not somewhere to take your wife, although people do! The girls are a lot friendlier here than in Patpong and they (as in the bars) are all safe, without the famous "come in for show" rip off that you get in Patpong. We have been informed that Carnival on the third floor is a very interesting place to be at 10:30 onwards, but as this is a family site I will not say anymore. A good night out can be had here. One word of warning when entering and leaving NEP, watch out for pick pockets on the street just outside, some claim its "katoeys" or lady boys, personally I reckon it could be anyone so just take a little extra precaution. (perhaps that is double advice !!)

Soi Cowboy - Many years ago this was indeed the spot for locals or expats living in Bangkok to go to if in need of 'alternative' entertainment, such as go go bars etc. Since then it seems to be slowly retreating off the scene. It still though is very much worth a trip down to this small street of bars between Sukhumvit Soi 21 and 23. Unlike Patpong all the bars here are pretty safe in that you do not get overly ripped off with "show" fees etc.

Thermae - On Sukhumvit road between Soi 13 and 15. If all else has failed and even if it hasn't, most people will not believe Thermae. The beers are reasonably priced with a Heineken costing 85 Baht. Thermae is a large bar that only gets busy when everything else, namely the other bars, are closed..... Or at least that is how it was. With the new laws on closing in place Thermae now closes at 2am just like everywhere else. It can be jam packed full of women. Well not to go on but...... the food here is good, especially after a long hard night, although most people do not come for the food.

Lucifer - Is on Patpong 1 and is one of the most popular discos in the area. It gets very busy and is open till late. The drinks are well priced and it is definitely worth a visit. The music played is mainly dance and trance (if that is what you call it) with some excellent DJ's mixing it up for you.

Delaneys changed to Shannigans and then and now Irish Xchange - Forget trying to remember the name of this popular Irish style bar as it seems to change an awful lot. It is located on Soi Convent just off Silom road and only two minutes from Patpong. This is one of the first Irish bars to have opened in Bangkok. It serves all the typical Irish fare including some very good food. This bar has an excellent Happy Hour. It is a good place to go to watch sporting events or to have an after work drink. The clientele is a mixture of locals and expats living in Bangkok. Watch out for the price of the Guinness and the other imported draught beers, they are not cheap. The pub also plays most live sporting events.

O'Reillys - on the corner of Silom Road and Thaniya Plaza has become very popular with tourists and local expats. They have some excellent promotions such as Happy Hour Heineken pints at 99 Baht on Tuesdays and even John Smiths Bitter at a ridiculously low 95 Baht / pint on Saturdays. Live music is played most nights and they have quite a few television sets including a central massive screen which makes it a popular venue for live sporting events.

Taurus - Is a very in place and is found on Sukhumvit Soi 26 just next to the Four Wings Hotel. It is made up of different sections, and offers, a bar, disco area, karaoke and restaurant. It is frequented by Thai's and expats a like with a lot of the Thai film stars and young high society strutting their stuff.

Witches Tavern - On Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor) is a popular bar for expats and locals that live in the area. It is a reasonably priced pub that has live music on some nights, and a generous Ladies Night on Wednesday evenings from 5 to 9pm. Ladies night offers women the chance to have as many whiskies, rums, gins, etc as they would like for free!!

Q Bar - opened its' doors on Sukhumvit Soi 11, December 17, 1999 and is owned by the same person that opened the famous Q Bar in Saigon, Vietnam. It is the quite probably the hottest spot in town at the moment and very fashionable. Drinks are reasonably priced, and they have one of the widest selections of spirits available in the 'city of angels'. You may have a little difficulty finding it, so from Sukhumvit main road go all the way down Soi 11 and turn left at the last available road on the left, the Q bar is just at the end there on the corner. The bars itself gets busy around 10/11 and closes late. Great place to meet others and if you like 'fashionable' bars.

Barbican is a modern style pub/restaurant that is very popular with the expat community in Bangkok, especially early evening and for lunch. It can be found along Thaniya Plaza (the Japanese Patpong area reviewed below). They serve some very good food.

Thaniya Plaza - between Silom Road and Suriawongse Road is the Japanese Patpong strip, where the bars start from the ground level and contnue up to the third of fourth floor. The women are very beautiful and all the clubs are set up in the traditional Japanese way. While the prices may be cheaper than in Japan, they are high by Thai standards, however if you are Japanese and are looking for a club scene such as the one back home this will probably be a good place. Please note and do not take offense that many of the clubs here will not allow western looking people inside. This small street has some excellent Japanese restaurants where everyone is allowed in some are open almost all night so is handy for a late night snack.

Royal Haufbrauhaus - is a microbrewery that is very large and a popular haunt. They serve good German beer, and food, and they have a live band. It can be found on Silom Soi 1.

Silom Soi 4 - is the gay street in Bangkok. Most of the bars and clubs down this small strip are gay clubs. Interestingly, a lot of "Farang" straight women frequent this area, especially resident expat women. The beginning part of the soi also has some regular (read non gay) bars such as Tapas and a few others which are very popular among the hip and trendy. There is a new gay area which is almost opposite the Wall Street Tower on Suriawongse Road - we have not tried it yet, but newspaper reports say that it is popular among such clientele.

Calypso Cabaret - The most famous and possibly poplar transvestite/transexual Cabaret in Bangkok. Now housed at the Asia Hotel the show is professional and popular with couples, definitely worth a visit. See Pictures of the Calypso Cabaret.

Dubliner - A new Irish Pub between Sukhumvit Soi 22 and 24, and pretty much opposite Soi 33. The pub is in three levels with the third offering 1 pool table and 1 table football, the second level is in a kind of mezzanine that looks out onto some of the ground floor. It is quite an unusual pub, with a little more of a coffee shop feel to it, than most regular pubs. The beers are reasonably priced at 90 Baht for a bottle of Heineken, 90 Baht glass of house wine and 130 Baht for a pint of Heineken. Unless you are desperate for a Kilkenny which they do have on tap, AVOID it, unless you enjoy spending 285 Baht (roughly US$ 7.5) for a pint of beer !

Mambo Cabaret - Right next door to the above Dubliner pub, so between Sukhumvit Soi 22 and 24 is a transvestite Cabaret show. Two shows a day one at 8:30 pm and one at 10:00 pm. More to come on this later.

Narcissus - A very nice disco that gets very busy. It is next door (towards the back) to the hostess bar Pegasus which can be found just off Sukhumvit Soi 23. Worth going to around midnight onwards.

Sukhumvit Soi 33 - This is the chic, and slightly more expensive variety of Nana Plaza or Soi Cowboy. Numerous bars with beautiful ladies in cocktail dresses, to entertain you. Similar to Thaniya Plaza for the Japanese but for foreigners.

Reference : www.asiatraveltips.com

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Best Place to Visit in Asia - Golden Land - Myanmar

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YANGON

Yangon, the capital city is the gateway to Myanmar. Having many shady parks and beautiful lakes, Yangon has earned the name of " the Garden City of the East".

When King Alaungpaya captured the riverside village of Dagon from the Mons in 1755, he renamed it Yangon - " the end of war". In 1851, the British annexation of Yangon resulted in getting the town refounded and became the capital. The new city was remodelled and constructed by Lieutenant Fraser, a British Officer of the Engineering Corps who also designed and constructed Singapore.

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MANDALAY

The City lies in the heartland of Myanmar 620 kilometres north of Yangon. It is the second largest city that stands as a pride of Myanmar where characteristics closest to genuine Myanmar can be found.

Mandalay was founded in 1857 as the capital by King Mindon and remained the capital city of the Konboung, Myanmar's last dynasty. The Mandalay Palace boasts finely built palace walls and a beautiful moat surrounding this fortress. Moreover, Mandalay is not only an important city for Myanmar culture, but also the principle centre for Buddhism studies in Myanmar. Mandalay's monasteries and pagodas are of great religious significance to all Myanmars.

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BAGAN

Known as "the city of four million pagodas", Bagan is one of the richest archaeological sites in Asia. This enchanting city is situated on the eastern bank of the Ayeyarwaddy River about 193 km south west of Mandalay. Bagan Dynasty lasted from (849-1287) A.D. King Anawrahta (1044-1077) A.D unified the whole country and founded the first Myanmar Empire. The ruins of the ancient capital cover an area of 42 sq. km. containing more than 2,000 edifices. The majority of these well-preserved and pagodas offer a rich architectural heritage from the 11th to 13th centuries era. Visit to Myanmar would not be complete without seeing the 11th century capital and cradle of Myanmar civilization.

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KYAIKHTIYO ( THE GOLDEN ROCK )

Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda well known as the Golden Rock located 160 km from the east of Yangon, in Kyaikhto Township, Mon State. It is one of the famous pagodas in Myanmar and is about 3,600 feet above sea level. The hill on which the Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda stands is also called the Kyaikhtiyo Hill. On the Kyaikhtiyo Hill, there is a huge and steep rock. A big boulder the circumference of which is about 50 feet, rests on top --- to be exact --- on the edge of the rock. At a glance, it seems that the boulder will fall at a slight push.

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MRAUK-U

Also known as Dannyawady, is the town in which generations of Rakhine kings built their palace. It is situated some fifty miles from Sittway on the banks of Shwenatpyin Tributary of the Kispanadi or Kaladan River. Mrauk-U was built by King Min Saw Mun in 1430 A.D. Mrauk-U is a town where there are many ancient cultural works and the pride of Rakhine State. Unlike the temples of Bagan, the temples in Mrauk-U are constructed with stones rather than the traditional bricks in a truly unique style.

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INLE LAKE

Inle lake, a picturesque lake, 900 meters above sea level and nestled among hazy, blue mountains, is one of the main tourist attractions in Myanmar. The lake dwellers live in houses built on stilts, grow vegetables on floating gardens and sell them in floating markets. The fishermen have a unique way of rowing their boats by their legs

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NGAPALI BEACH

Ngapali Beach, the beauty of the beach is unspoiled and visitors can enjoy a peaceful and relaxing holiday. It is free of noisy beachside bars, large crowds and hawkers. The blue sea, white sand and the sun combine to present a scene of picturesque beauty. The sea is cobalt blue, without any dangerous marine animals, clean and clear with a gentle breeze. Ngapali is 35 minutes by air from Yangon. Overland, it is a 14-hour drive along narrow winding roads over the Rakhine Mountain Range.

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NGWE SAUNG BEACH

This is a newly opened beach about 45 km from Pathein. This beach in its pristine state is 15 km long. Ngwe Saung can be reached by car from Yangon, a journey taking nearly seven hours over bumpy roads to Pathein and then across the Pathein River by Z craft and then continue by car. Newly constructed bungalows provide modern facilities for visitors. Ngwe Saung is the latest emerging beach destination in Myanmar and is ideal for travelers seeking quietude, ocean, sun and sand.

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