The Bang Pa-In Palace

Among the line-up of well-known tourist spots in this ancient province is the Bang Pa-In Palace which has a history dating back to the 17th century. According to a chronicle of Ayutthaya, King Prasat Thong (1630-1655) ordered the construction of a palace on Bang Pa-In Island in the glorious Chao Phraya River. The King founded a monastery, Wat Chumphon Nikayaram, on the land belonging to his family estate on Bang Pa-In Island and then had a palace built to the south of that monastery and in the middle of the island where he could occasionally dwell. Wat Chumphon Nikayaram and the palace, encircled by a lake 400 meters long and 40 meters wide, are the remains of King Prasat Thong's construction work at Bang Pa-In.Historically speaking, the Bang Pa-In Palace served as a summer residence for royal members after King Prasat Thong. But when the new capital was instituted in Bangkok,

Bang Pa-In was no longer in use and left uninhabited for 80 years. It was demolished with the fall of Ayutthaya and was restored in the mid-19th century by King Rama IV, who was really fond of the place and periodically spent his summers there. Most of the buildings that can be seen today date from the reign of King Rama V (King Chulalongkorn). Today the palace is used occasionally by Their Majesties King Bhumibol Adulyadej (King Rama IX) and Queen Sirikit as a residence and for organizing receptions and banquets. The palace is currently located just a few miles down the Chao Phraya River from Ayutthaya.

The palace structures give a picture of various architectural styles, set in a large park around ponds and waterways. The only royal residence open to the public is the Chinese-style Wehart Chamroon Palace that was built entirely of materials taken from China. Moreover, there is an Italian-style palace, a circular pavilion with steps leading down to a pool, the refined Thai-style Aisawan Tippaya Asana Pavilion in the middle of a lake and, across one of the waterways, a Buddhist chapel in the Neo-gothic style with stained-glass windows. Within the extensive gardens are European statues and monuments commanded to be erected by King Rama V in memory of members of his family, one of them a dearly loved Queen who drowned in a boating mishap.

Some sites of interest in the Bang Pa-in Palace include Phra Thinang Wehart Chamroon, Phra Thinang Utthayan Phumisathian, Wat Niwet Thammaprawat and Memorial to Queen Sunandakumariratana. Phra Phra Thinang Wehart Chamroon is the Chinese-style two-storey mansion constructed by the corresponding of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and bestowed to King Chulalongkorn in 1889. The ground floor consists of a Chinese-style throne; the upper storey houses an alter enshrining the name plates of King Mongkut and King Chulalongkorn with their respective queens. This Chinese-style mansion was the much preferred residence of King Vajiravudh or King Rama VI (1910-1925) when he visited Bang Pa-In Palace.

Phra Thinang Wehart Chamroon is so beautiful and astonishing that Prince Ookhtomsky, a personal escort of the Czarevitch, the future Czar Nicholas II of Russia, praised on a visit in 1890 that "It is really a palace of romance, with ornamented tiled floors, massive ebony furniture, gold, silver and porcelain freely used for decorative purposes and delicate fretwork on the columns and on the windows. Evidently we have before us the principal sight of Bang Pa-In. The Emperor of China himself can scarcely have a palace much finer than this!"

Phra Thinang Utthayan Phumisathian is situated to the east, opposite the pond. It is a two-story ornately erected building, which is painted alternately in dark and light green. Its balcony is the same in design as that of a Swiss chalet. Before being devastated by fire during the restoration in 1938, the entire building was built from wood and adorned with mahogany furniture imported from Europe. It was the favorite residence of King Chulalongkorn when he resided at Bang Pa-In Palace. Prince Ookhtomsky extolled it was "furnished luxuriously and with refined taste and comfort." Unluckily, it was burnt down by chance in 1938. The new building which replaced it was constructed in 1996 at the expressed wishes of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. The water tank, disguised as a Neo-gothic tower, is only part of the original structure still existing.Built by King Rama V, Wat Niwet Thammaprawat looks more like a Gothic Christian church than a Thai monastery. Tourists can reach the temple by crossing the river in a small trolley-like cable car, which is free of charge. Meanwhile, the Memorial to Queen Sunandakumariratana is another place of high interest in the palace compound. In 1881, Queen Sunandakumariratana drowned when her boat sank in the Chao Phraya River while she was on her way to Bang Pa-In Palace. King Chulalongkorn was so grief-stricken and thus set up a marble obelisk as a cenotaph to her memory. The King also composed the dedication himself in both Thai and English.

The Bang Pa-In Palace is nestled in Tambon Baan Len, Amphur Bang Pa-In, which is 18 kilometers south of Ayutthaya. It lies 58 kilometers north of Bangkok by rail and 61 kilometers by road. To get to Bang Pa-In from Ayutthaya, one can go by Phahonyothin Road and make a right turn at Km. 35 for another distance of 7 kilometers to Bang Pa-In Palace. The palace is open to the public everyday from 08.00-16.00 hrs. The admission fee is 50 Baht.

http://www.iguidebangkok.com A gateway to Bangkok or the "City of Angels", iguidebangkok.com is an attractive portal website accentuating the outstanding concept "where to go & what to do in Bangkok" with clear guide map.

Hawaii Honeymoon

Your Hawaiian honeymoon is about to begin. Holding your beloved's hand, you sit back and close your eyes as the airplane lifts into the sky. In a few hours your honeymoon begins--for real--in Hawaii.

Perhaps it is tranquility you seek, wandering along trails or gardens amidst the fragrant smells of tropical flowers. Or perhaps it is exquisite food in a romantic restaurant that excites you.

With its warm weather and the beauty of its tropical scenery and pristine beaches, Hawaii is the most popular honeymoon destination in the United States. The four main islands are Oahu, the Big Island (Hawaii), Kauai and Maui.

For those who desire a more active time together in Hawaii, you can swim, snorkel, surf, sail or scuba dive. You can golf at some of the world's top golf courses. There are many tourist activities to be seen, including Polynesian cultural events, dinner cruises, helicopter
sightseeing tours and submarine rides. You can also sea kayak and mountain bike and hike through lush vegetation or volcanic hillsides.

The diversity of Hawaii is so great, that you could spend weeks on these islands and still not see all of its wonders. Knowing that your time will be limited, I have included a brief summary of each island along with two of the most highly rated honeymoon hotels or resorts on each island.

Oahu

Honolulu's Waikiki beach is perhaps the best-known beach in the U.S. Honolulu has many excellent restaurants, cultural and historic sites, fine hotels, nature trails and beaches. This is an exciting place if you want to be active during your stay.

Many people who visit Hawaii for the first time choose to arrive via Honolulu. By Hawaiian standards, Honolulu has reasonably priced accomodations and many opportunities for inexpensive flights or all-inclusive packages. Also, on Oahu's North Shore, some of the best surfing in the world can be found.

Two of the best honeymoon hotels on Oahu are in Honolulu.

The Halekulani, is a modern, airy hotel--a refuge, really. It has been operating since 1917, and is the only hotel in the state that has received a five-star rating from AAA. Outstanding service and excellent dining are the hallmark of the Halekulani.

The Hyatt Regency Waikiki across from Waikiki beach has excellent views of the beach, the surfers riding the waves, along with views of Diamond Head. You will be in the center of the action.

Big Island (Hawaii)

The Big Island has the most diverse ecology of all the islands. In the Waipio Valley, you can ride horseback, viewing huge waterfalls, thousand foot cliffs and black sand beaches. At Volcanoes National Park you can see the world's most active volcano, Kilauea.

The Kona coast (west side) is a seventy mile stretch of black lava-covered coastline, noted for its coffee and world-class deep sea fishing.

The summit of Mauna Kea, the tallest mountain in Hawaii, offers stargazing opportunities unlike any other place in the world.

As for honeymoon hotels, here are two of the best:

The Kona Village Resort on the island's west side is a nearly perfect honeymoon destination. Located on the beachfront, this hotel offers thatched-roof bungalows. You can swim, snorkel, explore marine life, attend a traditional luau or get a massage, all within this resort. Travel and Leisure Magazine has rated this as one of the world's top 50 romantic getaways.

Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows in Kohala offers many unique features. Palm trees and flowing pools greet you as you enter the atrium around which the hotel is centered.

Oceanfront rooms have dazzling views. With its accomodating staff and many services, this resort is exquisite. It features two of the island's best golf courses. The South course, built on a lava flow, has spectacular views.

Maui

Maui has both world-class resorts and rental condominiums to choose from amidst natural wonders.

Here you will find Haleakala National Park, Maui's main natural attraction. Hawaiians recognize the mountain as a sacred site. Many people drive from sea level to the 10,000 foot summit of the crater to watch the sunrise.

Along with the natural beauty on the road to Hana, Maui boasts some of the best beaches on the islands. It also has several top-rated (PGA Tour) golf courses. Snorkeling and scuba adventures abound on the west and south shores of the island.

If your vision of the perfect Hawaii honeymoon is to get away from it all and still have many comforts and conveniences, Maui is the place for you.

Hotel Hana-Maui, on the east coast of the island, is noted for its seclusion and luxury service, so if you want to slow-down and relax, this hotel is sure to please you.

Hotel Hana-Maui is a long drive from Kahului airport over twisting roads. If you wish to forego this adventure, flying into Hana airport from Honolulu is your best bet.

The Four Seasons Maui at Wailea is an exquisite property with an open courtyard of reflecting ponds, fountains and gardens. Nearly all the rooms have ocean views and lanais where you can watch the sunset and see whales in winter.

You can have a massage in the privacy of your own cabana, listening to the waves rolling in on Wailea Beach. Also, surrounding the hotel are great restaurants and shopping, in addition to the beach.

Kauai

Kauai, the Garden Isle, is covered with flowers and tropical vegitation unlike anywhere else.

There is no nightlife on this island, simply the magic and beauty of tropical paradise with emerald valleys and golden beaches.

The natural beauty of the island can be found along the NaPali coast or in Waimea Canyon. Called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, Waimea Canyon, with its reddish lava beds bursts with ever-changing color throughout the year.

This island offers miles of trails through tropical forests and along ocean cliffs, and has many opportunities for watersports and outdoor adventures.

Priceville Hotel on the North Shore's NaPali coast is richly furnished in a casually elegant style. It sits on a cliff between the crystal-blue waters of Hanalei Bay and the volcanic mountains. Most rooms have ocean views. With access to Puu Poa Beach, spas, tennis, river and
ocean kayaking, you can do as much or as little as you like. Private dinners on the beach are available if you desire a romantic evening together, and money is not a concern.

The Hyatt Regency Kauai Resort and Spa is on the South Shore. The grounds are exotic, and the multiple pools are incredible, meandering through diverse vegetation and terrain. With a golf course, multiple spas and five restaurants, you will never have to leave this resort if you don't want to. Of course this all comes with a high price tag, but if you are looking for luxury on your Hawaiian honeymoon, this is the place.

I hope your honeymoon in Hawaii is all that you want it to be. Remember: "There is only one happiness in life, to love and be loved." -George Sands

Bob Freer shares his love for travel through his writings. His current passion, Hawaii travel, is described on his website, Hawaii-Travel-Online.com [http://www.hawaii-travel-online.com]

Singles Cruise Vacations

It is not always possible to find a partner to accompany you for a cruise vacation. So, instead of going on a cruise vacation all alone, it is better to join one of the many singles cruise vacations that are organized by tour operators. These singles cruise vacations have only single people on the cruise who have come to have a good time and to meet new people.

Different cruise lines offer different singles cruise vacation packages; there may be black singles cruise vacations, Christian singles cruise vacations, or maybe Jew single cruise vacations. The reason for this theming is so that singles of a similar category get to mix and know each other. So before you actually join a singles cruise vacation, it is better to check out these specialty cruises.

One of the benefits of a singles cruise vacation is that you will not be penalized by the cruise line. Most of the cruise liners tend to penalize the single traveler by making them pay more than half the amount a couple has to pay for a cruise. This rule is usually applies to hotel rooms too. However, on a singles cruise vacation, nothing of the sort occurs; the solo passenger stands to save money on these vacation packages.

These cruises provide many activities for the solo passenger to enjoy. There are introductory cocktail parties, games, icebreakers and get-togethers. Some cruise vacations even organize wine tastings and group shore excursions. With these activities, the singles get to meet each other and get to know each other on a social basis. However, those who don't actually want to meet others have other amenities to keep them busy like swimming pools, Jacuzzis, elegant dining, spas, etc.

Cruise Vacations provides detailed information on Cruise Vacations, Caribbean Cruise Vacations, Discount Cruise Vacations, Family Cruise Vacations and more. Cruise Vacations is affiliated with South America Cruise Travel [http://www.e-CruiseTravel.com].

Places to Stay in Punta Cana

Punta Cana lies in the most eastern point of the Dominican Republic. Because of its beautiful white sand beaches, Punta Cana has become one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean.

Ranked in the top five by the Traveler's Choice Awards in 2006, The Excellence Punta Cana is a prime example of the type of lodgings available in Punta Cana. The Excellence has laid claim to 1.5 miles of pristine, white sand beaches. In addition, there is a large swimming pool with a swim up bar. A standard spa is available on the premises, as well as a hair salon. Each of the over 400 rooms has a private balcony with views of the garden, the mountains, or the beach. In addition to 24 hour room service, a casual buffet, and a complimentary breakfast, the Excellence also offers 5 fine dining restaurants, serving Italian, pan-Asian, Continental cuisine, Tex-Mex/American cuisine, and Mexican/Dominican cuisine. Sports and adventure programs are available. The Excellence is an adults-only all-inclusive resort. For reservations, call 1-809-685-9880.

Also ranked in the top 5 is the Majestic Colonial Resort of Punta Cana. The Majestic is located on Bravaro Beach, another pristine, white sand beach. There are also pools for the family, for children, and for adults. While parents go to the nearby golf course or gamble away their time in the onsite casino, the kids can do a variety of activities with the kids' clubs. Parents can also make use of their time away from the kids by partaking in the spa services. For more details, contact the Majestic Colonial at (888) 774-0040.

Also located on Bravaro Beach and also ranked in the top five by Traveler's Choice awards in 2006 is the Gran Bahia Principe all-inclusive resort. Gran Bahia offers a children's program that can include various sports. There are many sports options available for adults, too, from windsurfing to dance lessons. For reservations, call (888) 774-0040.

There are three high-end golf courses available to tourists no matter which Punta Cana resort you stay in. All of the resorts have an active nightlife, but you can also come into town to mingle with the locals at the dance clubs. A full array of water sports are available through most of the resorts or at least can be found somewhere in Punta Cana.

Because Punta Cana is a resort town and each resort runs different specials, it may be helpful to go through a resort planner to find your best deal.

Find more resort spa destinations at ResortSpaDestinations.com.

Planning a California Vacation

California is blessed with sandy beaches, dense forests and snowcapped mountain peaks. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the US. It is popular among natives as well as foreign travelers. The key to having a wonderful and memorable vacation is planning. With proper planning, California vacations will make your holidays relaxing, enjoyable, and affordable.

Planning a California vacation is quite easy. If you are planning a vacation in California, then there is a wide assortment of wonderful destinations to choose from, each offering a unique holiday experience. Los Angeles, San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, San Diego, California Wine Country, Death Valley, Big Sur, Palm Springs, and Joshua Tree National Park are some of the most popular tourist destinations in California.

Before planning a California vacation, check out the various vacation packages. For those planning a vacation in California, there are excellent travel guides that provide handy information on hotels, restaurants, activities, attractions, and much more. They provide a wealth of information on when to go to California, what to do, where to stay, and how to get there. They help you in budget management at new and unfamiliar destinations. No matter where you travel in California, these travel guides offer useful tips.

While planning a vacation in California, the foremost thing to consider is the type of vacation experience you seek. It is very important to choose the best California vacation destination that meets your special interest. Other important things to consider are the duration of the vacation plan, and the travel mode such as air, rail or cruise ship. Plan a budget as soon as you decide on the vacation destination to avoid financial burden

Choose the hotel or resort you would like to stay in at the earliest as this is where one spends the maximum. Hotel reservations can be made online or by contacting the hotels directly. If you are a foreign traveler, then apply for visa and passport prior to planning a California vacation.

California Vacations [http://www.e-CaliforniaVacations.com] provides detailed information on California Vacations, California Vacation Rentals, California Spa Vacations, California Beach Vacations and more. California Vacations is affiliated with San Diego California Hotels.

Useful Travel Tips To Get Affordable Disney Vacations

Looking for tips and advice on affordable Disney vacations could help to plan a family vacation a lot easier by helping the travelers to find out what activities they would like to do before they ever leave their home. By doing a proper research, visitors are able to see what accommodations are available they can afford, where are the best eating places, and what places of interest will be a must see on their trip. It is really important to be well prepared when going on vacations to Disneyland, to avoid all the hassles that may happen when traveling to an unknown destination.

Disney World seems to be a really magical spot, filled with several of the most beloved characters known in the United States. Yearly hundreds of thousands of families visit Disneyland, making it one of the most popular vacation spots in the United States. It is really a memorable experience, full of atmosphere, sounds of levity, and entertainment not available at any other place around the globe. Because there are so many things to do and see, most families taking advantage of knowing some travel tips before they get started their vacation.

The Walt Disney World website itself is one of the best resources for getting helpful travel advice. This website is full of valuable information about everything Disney World has to offer, from resorts to all kind of entertainment to the places of interest at the parks themselves. It is really easy getting tips for your trip to Disney World on that website, because you can find there whole sections related to what other people favored the best about their visiting. In many cases at that place you will get the most currently updated and most exact information about Disney World.

Disneyland has opened the doors in 1971. Since that time so many information was written about that place. There are a lot of resources including websites targeted traveler reviews. There are also several travel guides that can be found in bookstores, travel agencies, or may be got off by the Disney Company themselves. Most travel guides come with information about hotels, resorts and campgrounds, eating places, theme parks, and points of interest close to Disneyland. On the travel guides you should look at publishing dates to make certain the information they come with is up to date.

Another great resource for getting travel tips when considering to go on affordable Disney vacations are web sites that allow people to express their honest opinions about destinations that they have visited. These websites provide useful information what other tourists did or did not like about their holidays. On the traveler's review site many things will be unfold, if an establishment is not clean, the service is poor or an eating house systematically over cooks its dishes. Then again, if someone has found an exciting place off the beaten track close the theme parks, she will allow other people to know about this place. No matter if the reviews are either good or bad, travelers get an honest opinion not spun by marketing. If a review site says many times that something is really advisable, there is a good chance it will be even as good as qualified.

For further information about affordable vacation packages Disney World check out also bestvacationtip.com to get more tips and advice on choosing affordable Disney family vacations.

Butterfly Watching in the Tropics

Traveling to the tropics, one encounters a considerably greater diversity of species, both plant and animal, than we find in the temperate regions. What that means, you'll see a lot more different kinds of birds, butterflies, flowers than at home. Butterflies in particular are fun to watch as they flit from flower to flower sipping nectar, and chasing each other as part of a courtship dance. Tropical butterflies will dazzle you their flamboyant and exotic colorations, from iridescent blues to a kaleidoscope of colors.

Butterfly gardens have become a very popular attraction for the tourist crowd; in a controlled environment, one will encounter a great variety of these beautiful insects and learn about their life history including their choice of larval (host) and nectar plants.

What I mean by controlled environment is that a fine cloth mesh encloses most of these gardens, to keep the colorful tenants from escaping and also to protect the butterflies from larger predators such as birds. Most of these facilities have dedicated butterfly-feeding stations as well as enclosed growing quarters for the butterfly's larvae replete with the larvae's favorite host plant. Butterfly gardens have proliferated especially well as an eco-attraction in many tropical destinations

In Costa Rica, in particular, there are many butterfly gardens throughout the country. The most popular and largest butterfly gardens are the La Paz Butterfly Observatory at the La Paz Gardens [http://www.waterfallgardens.com/lapaz-butterflies.html], the Monteverde Butterfly Garden and Butterfly Botanical Gardens at Manuel Antonio. In Thailand, butterfly gardens are also becoming quite popular. In Phuket, Pattaya and Ko Samui, three major resort destinations, these type of gardens have sprung up. In Mae Sa Valley, just outside of Chiang Mai in northern Thailand, many of the orchid farms and nurseries also feature small butterfly gardens.

For me personally, while I love to visit butterfly gardens, what really turns me on is either observing butterflies in the wild or in someone's private garden. In a private garden setting, in order to attract butterflies, there will have to be a representative sample of the butterflies favorite nectar plants and as well as species-specific host plants planted in the garden. Usually butterfly nectar plants will also attract pollinators such as different species of wasps and bees as well. And what will make the garden really interesting, is if it has been set up to attract hummingbirds in addition to seed-eating and carnivorous birds. In gardening parlance, this what we call "a wildlife garden".

In the mountains of Northern Thailand, in the small market town of Chiang Dao, I have a lady friend who has the most beautiful private wildlife garden that I have ever encountered in my travels. What makes this scenario even more fascinating is that my friend, Khun Lek, did not consciously design her garden as such. Khun Lek has a lovely Thai teak house set amidst a large tropical garden replete with a frog pond, fountains, gazebos and an assortment of tropical plants, flower and trees. And to sit on her outdoor terrace on a sunny morning, having a cup of green tea and Thai breakfast while watching "the show" in her garden unfold is a quite an experience.

Bus Goldberg is a seasoned world traveler and the director of Calypso Island Tours, a travel company that specializes in botanical adventures and nature tours to such diverse destinations as Costa Rica, Thailand and the Caribbean. He also maintains his own travel blog, Calypso Island Chronicles