2. Sentosa Island is a well-known island resort in Singapore. It has a beautiful theme park and it is estimated that at least 5 million tourists visit this place every year. The attractions here are museums, beaches, underwater world, dolphin lagoon, Butterfly Park, tiger sky tower, songs of the sea, 4D Magix, and numerous joy rides. Fort Siloso, golf courses and hotels are its other attractions.

3. The Singapore River is lined by three quays – Boat Quay, Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay. Boat Quay and Clarke Quay are the more happening and popular of the three. The quays are known for their general celebratory ambience with restaurants offering local and varied cuisines, stalls, eateries, pubs, clubs and carts selling knick-knacks and souvenirs.

4. Chinatown in Singapore is a major tourist attraction. This is a native Chinese area. The place is resplendent with its own colours and flavours. This is a must visit place during the Chinese New Year celebrations. It has many eateries, tea-places, bars, bakeries, stalls and it is one of the oldest places in the world showcasing an eclectic combination of Oriental, Italian and Victorian architecture.

5. The Civilian War Memorial is another place worth visiting. This is dedicated to the people who lost their lives during the 2nd World War.

6. The Hajjah Fatimah Mosque was built way back in 1846 and is situated at Beach Road. It stands out for its architecture which is a combination of local and British features.

7. Geylang is Singapore’s red light area. There are many buildings here depicting old architecture. Local food in this part of town is very good. Geylang is also an ideal place to find cheap Singapore hotels.

8. The Singapore Flyer is a 165 metre high Flyer and one of the world’s biggest observation wheels. A 30-minute ride costs about S$29.50. A ride in the night when the city’s downtown is completely lit is the best time.

9. Jurong Bird Park is another must-see attraction. It is a 20.2 hectare open-model park. It is the biggest in the Asia Pacific region and is considered one of the best bird parks in the world. It has more than 8,000 birds from about 600 species and tourists can find the visit an encounter that is enjoyable and enlightening. There are many bird shows that would be a delight for children.

10. The Thian Hock Keng Temple – one of the oldest temples and Sri Mariamman Temple are two places of worship.

This travel pass can bring you to South-East Asia includes Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Brunei, Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos. You can travel to all those destinations if you want, but you can’t fly to a country that is outside this zone and then come back to visit another one belonging to the zone. You need to finish the countries you want to see in this zone before going on, and North Asia has the same rules as the one before, and the countries included are Hong-Kong, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and China. Finally, the South-Pacific area includes only Australia and New Zealand.

There exist two options, one for 15,000 miles and the other for 18,000, with different prices and also depending on the class you prefer when flying. The minimum stay allowed is 3 days and the maximum is 6 months, taking into account that you need to do at least 2 stopovers during your route, you are allowed to land only once in each city. In the end, taking a look at all this, the plan seem very interesting for all Asia and South Pacific lovers, as this offer comes together with reduced prices and allows great flexibility, adapting to the needs of almost every passenger. If it has only one negative point, is that you must travel within the 3 sectors, drawing a circle, so in case that you have very few days, probably the price will not be worth and a local ticket that could apply to only one of the regions or to one country alone could be more price-saving. Of course you are allowed to visit the three regions in three days but… Do you really think you will enjoy a trip like this one?

Here are some insider tips to money matters for those who will travel in Asia, beyond the metropolises like Singapore and Hong Kong.

Travelers Cheques

Whilst these are the regular staple for travels to Europe, in Asia, they are somewhat less convenient. As a rule of thumb, they are not as widely accepted in Asia (outside of larger cities), as they would be elsewhere in the world.

If you are taking any travelers cheques with you, plan to change these at bigger cities like Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok.

Of course, the rate you will get for changing travelers cheques will be less than hard cash.

Also, once you are off the beaten track, expect people to look at you as if your are offering them Monopoly Money, when you put your travelers cheques forward.

ATMs/Cash Machines

These are increasingly available across Asia, and now a days have penetrated well beyond the big cities, into second/third tier cities, as well as most of the main Asian holiday resort destinations, such as the Bali Island, Phuket, and Langkawi.

Whilst in bigger cities, you will spot ATMs with ease, at many other destinations you will have to actually go looking for them. In Bali, for example, many cash machines are located at Circle K outlets (convenience store chain), or petrol/gas stations. In other more remote places, you will need to try your luck at the local mini-market and even the chemists!

However, ATMs are by far one of the most convenient ways of accessing cash easily in Asia, without having to carry huge amounts in person.

However, again, similar to travelers cheques, you will have to pay for the convenience/service in an incremental way. Banks and credit card companies will make money from you in two ways.

Firstly, because you are withdrawing at a foreign currency, there are exchange rates involved. For ATM withdrawals you will almost certainly end up getting a poorer exchange rate than if you were changing cash.

The second area of payment, is in the form of foreign currency withdrawal charge that will be imposed on your transaction. Given that this charge is often a flat fee, you are better off making fewer withdrawals of bigger amounts of money, than many withdrawals, each of which resulting in a separate charge.

Money Belts

There is no two ways about it, keeping your cash and valuables in a money belt is a safer way than carrying a big wallet, or a handbag which may be snatched with ease.

However, keep in mind that, unless you are traveling to Beijing or Seoul in the winter, your Asian travels will inevitably take you to hot tropical destinations.

As those who have had to carry money belts in the tropics will attest, they can very quickly become very uncomfortable (and wet!). Also, when at more humid environments, a money belt easily becomes very visible when perspiration sticks your clothing onto your body, or you remove your top for a swim. All of a sudden, what once was a discrete security measure becomes a bill-board advertising that you are carrying valuables on you, in the process pinpointing the location too!

So, as they say, horses-for-courses. You will need to decide on the best method of carrying your valuables depending on the environment. Or even better, if you feel like you are in a high risk situation, it is probably best to leave most of your valuables under the protection of a reputable hotel safety box.

Money Exchange

As a general rule of thumb, you will get a better exchange rate for your money at your Asian destination, than back home, regardless of where you change your money. Of course with the exception of larger international hotels, where the exchange rates on offer match the nightly room rates! So, it is well worth doing your homework before your leave home, and check the prevailing exchange rates for your currency, at some of the bigger banks’ internet sites for your destination(s).

Once you are in Asia, the best and safest way of changing money is to visit one of the local banks. It is worth noting that, in Asia banking office hours will vary substantially from country to country. For example, in Bali, most banks will open at around 9 am, where as in Singapore, some bank branches will not open their doors till 11 am. If your need is time sensitive, it will pay to plan ahead the day before. The good news is, most banks in Asia will accept many different currencies, and often offer fair rates, and provide official receipts. (Of course, some currencies such as the US Dollar, the Euro, and the Japanese Yen, are more readily accepted by more banks than currencies from some other countries.)

If however, you wanted to squeeze a little more from your money, or you have no other choice, you may be tempted to use an Exchange Services/Kiosks, found throughout Asia. Typically, these should offer slightly better rates than banks.

If you are going to use this option, here are a few tips and tricks.

You will probably get a fair rate, and be treated fairly in cities like Singapore, where local laws and enforcement will help protect you.

However, in some other cities/resorts you do need to take care, and be on the guard.

In many countries, most of these exchange kiosks are no more authorised than the handwritten (or nowadays printed) authorization sign they carry!

Some are blatantly unscrupulous, and will successfully short change even the most worldly-wise of travelers.

If you decide to use an exchange kiosk, here are some best practice tips:

Never change money on your own – don’t be alarmed, in most places there is usually no risk involved to the individual, but you are better off with 2-3 pairs of eyes than just your own

Change small amounts at a time – reduces your exposure and their greed!

Agree on the rate, and the amount you are going to change before taking out your money – unless of course you want to see your real $100 bill change into a recently printed fake in front of your very eyes!

Count the money given to you, and then when you are finished – hand it over to your partner to count again. (You should never count at the same time together, as you need that 2nd pair of eyes to observe the transaction

If at any point you are in doubt – just smile and walk-away

In a Nut Shell

1 – Make a Travel Money Strategy before you leave home

2 – Ensure that you have sufficient funds/credit on your cards

3 – Do take some travelers cheques with you, just in case

4 – Take some cash with you, even if a small amount

5 – Decide where and how you want to use you money belt

6 – Do use reputable hotel safes

7 – When exchanging money, try to stick to official banks

8 – If changing money elsewhere, try to make sure there is more than just you overseeing the transaction

9 – Make sure you never loose sight of your money at exchange kiosks

10 – If you feel uncomfortable during a transaction, just smile and walk away

As they say, prevention is better than the cure. If you decide to use these tips, please also observe your environment, and apply common sense. Just don’t forget, in many of the Asian destinations you will be traveling to, what you pay for a hamburger or a Skinny-Late is probably almost equal to someone’s local wage. Always carry the minimum amount of money with you, and apply caution when at remote parts of the developing world.

Can you count on getting a bargain at the last minute? With costs going up for all the international airlines, it seems that the odds of getting cheap international flights to Asia at the last minute are very slim.

If at all there is a cheap air fare, you can be sure it will be snapped up quickly; most likely on the first hour of the first day itself. Deals are available, but last minute deals are rare. Airlines are encouraging people to book in advance through discounted offers and very often cheap international flights to Asia are available a couple of months in advance. Airline budgets are getting tighter and the number of flights going out to destinations is being reduced to maximize profit.

The Early Bird gets the Cheap International Flights to Asia

In general, booking early will get you a good deal; booking a summer flight in January or February will be far less costly than booking the same flight in March or April. With the reduction in capacity, half empty planes are becoming less and less common. This means that the chance of snapping up a last minute deal is low.

However, you should never say never. In the event that you cannot find cheap international flights to Asia, one of the options you can explore when travelling in Asia is the low cost carriers that operate within the major hubs in the region. Singapore’s Changi Airport could be considered a hub for many of the major air carriers, much like Atlanta in the United States.

Low Cost Carriers and Cheap International Flights to Asia

There are many low cost, no frills airlines around the world. However, they mostly operate in a given region and rarely travel between continents. This means that even if you cannot find cheap international flights to Asia, you can still avail of bargain prices on domestic flights between the cities of the same country. Some low cost carriers will also operate between Asian countries.

If you are travelling around Asia, it might be an idea to consider booking flights on the low cost carriers between the countries that you intend visiting. Long haul flights offered by low cost airlines are only now being introduced between London and some parts of Southeast Asia. However, travel between south eastern Asian countries such as Singapore and Vietnam can be accomplished relying mainly on the low cost air carriers. There are also a handful of domestic airlines operating in Asian countries.

For example, if India is on your travel itinerary, you should note that there are half a dozen low cost airlines competing in India, so you may get a good deal on domestic flights on the subcontinent.

1. Visiting the Zoo. The Singapore Zoo is the place that you cannot afford not to visit. It is very safe as bigger animals are kept in enclosures. Moreover, there is also Night Safari where you can see the nocturnal animals.

2. Local delicacies. Local delicacies such as Laksa, Chicken Rice, Chili Crabs make every tourist drools. In Singapore, you can easily find food courts, restaurants, and street stalls that sell delicious food that you can enjoy with your friends or family. You can find a range of Asian cuisines from Thailand Tom Yam soup to traditional Chinese delicacies.

3. Safe city. Singapore is a very safe city as its security is tight. There are many police patrol cars around and you can walk on the street at night without any worry.

4. Clean city. Heavy fines are enforced to anyone who litter in Singapore. This makes the country a very clean city that makes tourists feel comfortable.

5. Shopping paradise. If you are into shopping, you are at the right place. There are many shopping centres in Singapore. Popular shopping destinations are Orchard Road, Suntec City, Marina Square, Vivo City, Chinatown, Arab Quarter and more. Also, every year, there is a Great Singapore Sale period where you can find discounts up to 75% for goods in major shopping centres.

6. Visiting Sentosa. If you are into beach and sun, Sentosa is a place you must visit. Walk along the beach to enjoy a day of sun tanning and volleyball games. Also, you can visit the Underwater World where you can walk through a transparent tunnel to see sharks and other sea animals swimming outside.

7. Taking a cruise on the Singapore River. Enjoy a relaxed ride along Singapore River and see the city’s famous buildings and landmarks. This is the time for you to take some memorable photographs to bring back home!

8. Clark Quay. If you love night scenes, you can visit Clark Quay. There are many restaurants, pubs and clubs for you to enjoy the whole night.

Thailand’s geographical region is divided into four parts:

The mountains and forests are in the north. You can find fascinating handicrafts and multicolored orchids.

The central part where you will find paddy field, farms and all kinds of fruits.

The northeast plateau is famous for its rich archaeological and anthropological heritage.

You will find tropical islands in the southern peninsula. The people on this place are involved in fishing, rubber cultivation and tin mining.

The people of Thailand are very friendly and hospitable. This place is rich in monumental heritage and famous for its beaches. Thailand is an ideal holiday destination for all, from those who are looking for a romantic holiday, to shoppers to the food lovers as you get to taste varieties of sea food, down in the street to the most expensive restaurants. It offers something to every traveler.

Many travelers also come here for adventurous holiday. As this place offer all kinds of sport for all ages like scuba diving, snorkeling, wind-surfing and water-skiing. After all these activities you can simply relax by lounging on the beautiful beach sipping your favorite drink with a good company.

Bangkok is the capital of Thailand. Bankok means “city of angels”, it is a small Thailand in itself. It is the centre of commercial, industrial and cultural activities. If you are looking for peace and simplicity you can visit the Buddhist temples and the amazing part is it stands by side by side with nightclubs and café. You can see monks walking in their red robes all over the place and one can only wonder how they can attain such peacefulness in this rush and hectic world.

Another main attraction in Thailand is Phuket known for its exotic island. The nightlife there is lively with its multicuisine restaurants and bars always filled with tourists. But of course if are looking for a quite meal you can do that by going to the right place.

Chiang Mai is another place which is a combination of modern city life and the old village charm. There are elaborate temples and cultural relics some of which are very old close to 700 years. On the top of the mountain is Doi Suthep monastery which overlooks the fertile valley embracing Chiang Mai.The local night bazaar is the favorite shopping place for tourists where you can get hand made local stuff, tribal wears and also latest modern junks for a good bargain.

You will have no problem communicating as most of the hotels, restaurants and tourist places speak English and other European languages. There are various modes of transportation. You can either hire a taxi to go around the city, or take the city bus .There is also something called Tuk-Tuk, a three wheeler. You would definitely enjoy the open air ride on this three wheeler and for longer destinations there are trains always running to all the places.

Thailand is blessed with three seasons – summers from February to May, Rainy season from June to October with plenty of sunshine and the cold season from November to January. A lot of people go for holidays in Thailand during December and January as it is the perfect season to relax and party. Thailand becomes a mini world as people from all over the world come here for holidays during this season.

Surely now you know what your next holiday destination is – God’s very own creation Thailand! Let’s come with Azure Travel providing package tours in Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, hotels reservation, vacation throughout Thailand and South East Asia. Azure Travel, based in Bangkok tour operators and travel agent, is entering the hospitality business with valuable experience. This enables it to provide the best services for clients. The staff has many years of experience behind them.

You can sign up for one of the popular package tours or work with Azure Travel to design a tour to your own specifications. Either way, Azure Travel guarantees your satisfied vacation.

Once you are in Thailand, all you need to do is relax and enjoy your holidays with the exotic Thai cuisine, the breathtaking natural beauty and the magnificently architectured temples.

Beach holiday in Asia are popular for many Westerners. When you visit the countries of Southeast Asia particularly, your holiday will never be complete without surfing and beach party. You will certainly enjoy the natural beauty of the white sand, which are rare in these parts of the world.

These travel pages offer amazing photographs of Thailand destinations and each picture is clickable to provide a clear version of the photo so you may more fully enjoy the experiences through the photos of Thailand. These Thailand travel ideas also provide Thailand tips and customs to help you have a more pleasant stay.

Being the Philippines, the undisputed “King of the Road” is the Jeepney, which has become the most common fixture on the roads throughout the whole country. The jeepney is the Philippines’ version of American jeep which first emerged in the country after the Japanese occupation and has now become a symbol of national pride. Every jeepney you will see is adorned with colorful designs, with each design or theme different from the other, and uniquely Filipino.