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Asia

Hill Tribes of Myanmar’s Shan State

September 27, 2017

The mountains in Shan State in the far east of Myanmar, near the borders with China, Laos, and Thailand, is home to several hill tribes including the Wa, Wa Ann, Palaung (Ta’ang), Akhu, Akha, Lisu, Lahu, Loi, Ann, and the Pa O. Base yourself in the pretty town called Kyaingtong (also referred to as Kengtung or Keng Tung), and from here take day trips in almost all directions. The hikes are challenging but not difficult. Spending time with these hill tribes is such a special experience. While Kyaingtong has much to offer and can easily keep you occupied for a few days, the main reason why [MORE...]

Thailand Monkey Buffet (Photo Essay)

July 9, 2017

Once a year, on the last Sunday of November, it’s time for the Monkey Buffet in Lopburi, Thailand. Located about 150 km north of the national capital, Bangkok, the history of Lopburi dates back almost 1,000 years. While under control of the Khmer Empire from Angkor (Cambodia), around the 13th century, many temples were constructed here, many of which are still standing today. One of them, built as a Hindu shrine, is Phra Prang Sam Yot. Over the years, hundreds of crab-eating macaques moved in, hence the temple is commonly known as the “Monkey Temple”. These monkeys are cared for by the [MORE...]

The Long Road to Shwesandaw – Bagan, MYANMAR (by Nathan James Thomas)

June 25, 2017

Words by Nathan James Thomas Photos by Globerovers Magazine The Shwesandaw Pagoda was built almost 1,000 years ago, by order of King Anawrahta, the founder of the Pagan Empire. It’s one of over 2,000 temples that still stand in the ancient city of Bagan, in the centre of Myanmar. This particular pagoda is distinguished by its five terraces leading up to a cylindrical stupa, and is said to contain sacred hairs of the Gautama Buddha. More pertinently for the tourist however, it’s also tall, stable, and easily climbed. We thought it would be an ideal spot to catch the famous Bagan sunrise, [MORE...]

Boat Journey down Myanmar’s Ayeyarwady River

October 15, 2016

Myanmar is one of the new cool travel destinations. A place that certainly will not disappoint you. One of the most memorable trips is to take the slow and shaky train from the city of Mandalay to the northern town of Naba from where a bus goes to the town of Katha where you go on board a large ship for the 16-hour sailing (in your private cabin) down the mighty Ayeyarwady River back to Mandalay. It's a great trip as the boat stops at many villages along the way. [MORE...]

China’s Xinjiang Province: Land of the Uyghur People (Photo Essay)

September 23, 2016

Part of Central Asia but controlled by China, these are the Uyghur people living in the far western China province of Xinjiang. Spend time in the city of Kashgar, known for its colourful markets so reminiscent of Central Asia. We go out of town to the Sunday Livestock market to see the farmers bartering their sheep, goats, cattle, yaks, horses, donkeys, and camels. It is a rugged area with some fascinating scenery of desert, mountains, and moonscapes! [MORE...]

Japanese Festivals (Photo Essay)

December 14, 2015

The Japanese sure know how to do great festivals. Here are photos from the 2015 festivals in the Tohoku Region on northern Honshu Island. Included are 1) the Kanto Matsuri festival in Akita, 2) the Nebuta Festival in Aomori, 3) the Neputa Festival in Hirosaki, 4) and the Tachineputa Matsuri festival in Goshogawara. Which one is the best? They are al totally incredible, though I did like the Kanto Matsuri in Akita most! [MORE...]

Terracotta Warriors of Qin Shi Huang Di

November 17, 2015

The old walled city of Xi’an, China, is filled with historical buildings and a very authentic Muslim Quarter with bazaar and mosque. However, the most spectacular attraction is the Army of Terracotta Warriors [MORE...]

Winter Wonderland of Northern Japan

October 20, 2015

Tancho Cranes and Whooper (or Hooper) Swans annually migrate from upper Siberia in Russia to the relatively less harsh winters of eastern Hokkaido Island of northern Japan. Watch as these cranes do their love dances in the snow and feel free to join the swans in the thermal spring waters of the lake. When bird spotting in the deep freeze gets too tiring, soak in one of the many romantic outdoor natural thermal springs while your surroundings get covered in snow. End the day with Japanese cuisine around the fireplace, and sleep on your tatami mat after sipping on a cup of green tea. Sounds good? It is! Lets go JAPAN! [MORE...]

Myanmar’s Mon and Kayin States

January 18, 2015

The Mon and Kayin States in southeastern Myanmar (Burma) offers great off-the-beaten-track adventures.  Head down to Mawlamyine, Set Se Beach, Kyaikhto, as well as Hpa-An (in neighbouring Kayin State) and Bago (in neighbouring Bago State), and return to Myanmar’s largest city, Yangon. This region is off the “standard tourist trail” so in some areas you may travel for many days without seeing another foreign traveller.  The tourist infrastructure is rather insignificant, but there are hotels and guesthouses mainly focused on local tourists and business people. Public [MORE...]
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