Chiang Mai, "Elephant Bush Camp", Pai, Hanoi & Baden in Quy Nhon

About the destination: Chiang Mai is the hub of Northern Thailand and the Capital City of the Province of this name. With a population of over 170,000 in the city proper, it is Thailand's fifth-largest city. Located on a plain at an elevation of 316 m, surrounded by mountains and lush countryside, it is much greener and quieter than the capital, and has a cosmopolitan air and a significant expat population, factors which have led many from Bangkok to settle permanently in this "Rose of the North". Chiang Mai's historical center is the walled city. Sections of the wall remain at the gates and corners, but of the rest only the moat remains. Inside Chiang Mai's remaining city walls are more than 30 temples dating back to the founding of the principality, in a combination of Burmese, Sri Lankan and Lanna Thai styles, decorated with beautiful wood carvings, Naga staircases, leonine and angelic guardians, gilded umbrellas and pagodas laced with gold filigree. The most famous is Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, which overlooks the city from a mountainside 13 km away. Modern-day Chiang Mai has expanded in all directions, but particularly to the east towards the Ping River, Mae Nam Ping, where Chang Klan Rd, the famous Night Bazaar and the bulk of Chiang Mai's hotels and guest houses are located. Loi Kroh Rd is the center of the city's night life.

About the destination: Pai is an attraction where tourists can find interesting activities both day and night. During the day visit Phra Thad Mae Yen temple, soak in mineral water from Tha Pai natural hot spring and see the historical bridge, which is not far from the hot spring. If you enjoy taking photos, you can walk to coffee in love, eat delicious pork shank at the Chinese Yoon Nan village, you can ride an elephant or at sit at your leisure and see Pai canal on a bamboo raft. A highlight of the evenings that tourists never miss is going to Pai walking street. Here, crowded with tourists browse the souvenirs including original works of art from top grade artists gathering in this small town. The night atmosphere of Pai is cool. Walking street is decorated with hanging lamps to add color to the dark sky. The traders here are cheerful and friendly to tourists. There are various products sold all along the two sides of this street such as clothes, accessories and chic designed postcards. The side shops are also decorated nicely so that some people cannot help taking photos of these buildings as a keepsake. On Pai walking street, gather various types of art and culture together. There is local music such as fiddles and a show of teenagers presenting the Fon Nok sword dance from the Shan ethnic group. There are also shows from the hill tribes dancing to their own songs. This would not be Thailand without a delicious array of food and Pai does not disappoint. There are many tasty foods such as Ka Nom Jin Nang Yong. If it is cool, there is also hot Kao Pook Nga from the oven that is different taste from others. There is refreshing herbal juice in a bamboo flask, you can walk while drinking. Pai although a small town has such a lot to offer and an evening stroll at the walking street offers fun, relaxation and a host of interesting products to tempt the visitor.

About the destination: Chiang Mai is the hub of Northern Thailand and the Capital City of the Province of this name. With a population of over 170,000 in the city proper, it is Thailand's fifth-largest city. Located on a plain at an elevation of 316 m, surrounded by mountains and lush countryside, it is much greener and quieter than the capital, and has a cosmopolitan air and a significant expat population, factors which have led many from Bangkok to settle permanently in this "Rose of the North". Chiang Mai's historical center is the walled city. Sections of the wall remain at the gates and corners, but of the rest only the moat remains. Inside Chiang Mai's remaining city walls are more than 30 temples dating back to the founding of the principality, in a combination of Burmese, Sri Lankan and Lanna Thai styles, decorated with beautiful wood carvings, Naga staircases, leonine and angelic guardians, gilded umbrellas and pagodas laced with gold filigree. The most famous is Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, which overlooks the city from a mountainside 13 km away. Modern-day Chiang Mai has expanded in all directions, but particularly to the east towards the Ping River, Mae Nam Ping, where Chang Klan Rd, the famous Night Bazaar and the bulk of Chiang Mai's hotels and guest houses are located. Loi Kroh Rd is the center of the city's night life.

About the destination: Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, and also its second largest city, is one of the most charming cities in Asia with a unique character. Years of foreign occupation have left a mark on this city as it is shown in the interesting museums, the historical buildings, the pagodas, the mausoleum, and its own French quarter give the city a very distinctive atmosphere. The best way to get to know Hanoi is to walk around. The historical center is not very extensive, many places to visit are there or in the immediate surroundings, and walking is the best way to have some contact with the friendly people of Hanoi. Hanoi is known as a city of lakes as there are many lakes and trees all around the city, the biggest being the West Lake, Ho Tay, and the most famous in the city center being the Lake of the Restored Sword, Ho Hoan Kiem. The beautiful thing about Hanoi is the interesting contrasts of architecture, ranging from the traditional old buildings of the Old Quarter to the European style huge buildings of the French Quarter to the Communist monuments at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and surrounding areas, not to mention the beautiful traditional architecture of its temples such as the Quan Su Pagoda. Hanoi is a peaceful and hectic city, buzzing with street life and exotic markets yet serene around the tranquil pagodas and temples. The City of the Soaring Dragon is the place to be in Vietnam.

About the destination: In Vietnam, there is one place that deserves to be visited by more people: Quy Nhon. Even though it is not considered as a tourist destination, this medium-sized town is bordered by stunning beaches and the countryside that surrounds it is also breathtaking. Quy Nhon is the capital of Binh Dinh Province and was acknowledged as a city as early as 1898. However, the town has been in existence since the 11th century, in the time of the Kingdom of Champa. In the 15th century, it also served as the ruling centre of Emperor Le Thanh Ton. Quy Nhon was also relevant during the Vietnam War. Not only was it a site for intense battle, but it also was an important US military and naval base. At present, Quy Nhon is a developing port city with a population of more than 260,000 people with plans to build infrastructure that would encourage more tourists to visit. Naturally, fishing is the main industry in Quy Nhon, making it a great source of exceptional seafood. This destination is highly recommended for all seafood lovers. Quy Nhon has a couple of attractions worth seeing and one of them is the Binh Dinh Museum. The right gallery is devoted to the struggles of the local Communist Party during the Vietnam War. The centre gallery features items from the French Colonial period and the left gallery showcases Cham sculptures. The Thap Doi Cham Towers is another Quy Nhon attraction. It is unique because of the number of towers as well as its location. Most Cham towers are in odd-numbered groups and usually found on the hilltops, while this one consists of only two towers and is located in town. Anyone would be impressed with the relief on the sculptures, since they are still in good shape after all these years. Long Khanh, which is Quy Nhon's main pagoda, is also worth the trip. Built in the 18th century, this attraction is notable because of its 17-metre high Buddha. Other remarkable attractions are the picturesque Queen's Beach and the Quy Hoa Leper Colony. The former was named after the wife of Vietnam's last emperor and the latter consists of a hospital surrounded by gardens and homes of former patients. Aside from sightseeing and eating seafood, swimming is the next best thing for Quy Nhon visitors and anyone who visits Quy Nhon is expected to go swimming at least once. After all, the city is flanked by gorgeous beaches. Queen's Beach and Quy Hoa Beach are popular hang outs of both locals and expats. Those who want a more upscale and sophisticated experience should head on out to either (or both) of the two resorts in Quy Nhon: HAGL Resort Quy Nhon and Life Resort. HAGL Resort is one of the best places to stay in the city and is an exclusive establishment which boasts an enormous pool, as well as a spa, fitness centre and tennis courts. Life Resort, meanwhile, is the fanciest place in Binh Dinh. Set on a private beach, this resort offers other activities aside from swimming to its guests. Here, visitors can take a boat, snorkel, relax in the spa or do t'ai chi.

About the destination: Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, and also its second largest city, is one of the most charming cities in Asia with a unique character. Years of foreign occupation have left a mark on this city as it is shown in the interesting museums, the historical buildings, the pagodas, the mausoleum, and its own French quarter give the city a very distinctive atmosphere. The best way to get to know Hanoi is to walk around. The historical center is not very extensive, many places to visit are there or in the immediate surroundings, and walking is the best way to have some contact with the friendly people of Hanoi. Hanoi is known as a city of lakes as there are many lakes and trees all around the city, the biggest being the West Lake, Ho Tay, and the most famous in the city center being the Lake of the Restored Sword, Ho Hoan Kiem. The beautiful thing about Hanoi is the interesting contrasts of architecture, ranging from the traditional old buildings of the Old Quarter to the European style huge buildings of the French Quarter to the Communist monuments at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and surrounding areas, not to mention the beautiful traditional architecture of its temples such as the Quan Su Pagoda. Hanoi is a peaceful and hectic city, buzzing with street life and exotic markets yet serene around the tranquil pagodas and temples. The City of the Soaring Dragon is the place to be in Vietnam.