A trip to Ayuthaya

There are many markets in Ayutthaya, but none is a floating market as such.

Q: I'm planning a trip to visit temples in Ayutthaya and hear there's a floating market in town. Can you give me some information and directions to get there. Thanks, Vichai.

A: There are many markets in Ayutthaya, but none is a floating market as such. While some may call themselves "floating", this refers to a section set up to draw tourists. Here's a list of those that I think are worth visiting.

lAyutthaya Khlong Sa Bua Floating Market and Water Theatre: This newly opened market, not far from Wat Na Phra Meru and the Elephant Kraal Pavilion, is open weekends and public holidays only from 10am to 5.30pm. Apart from food, the highlight is the Water Theatre where dancers perform such traditional folk tales as Phra Suthon & Manohra, Kraithong & Chalawan and Phra Aphaimanee in ankle-deep water. Buffet-style Thai food is available during the five daily shows that run from 11 am to 4.30pm. Admission to the theatre plus the Thai buffet is Bt159 per person and Bt99 for children while the theatre only costs Bt50.

Ayothaya Floating Market: This floating market was flooded for a few months and only recently reopened. It's open daily from 10am and 9pm and is popular on weekend when all the stall holders don traditional Thai outfits. There's traditional Thai architecture, old wooden boats and a replica of Ayutthaya's old city wall. You across a wooden bridge to the market, which has a big pond at its centre surrounded by shops and walkways with wooden bridges linking each zone. Several of the food and desert stalls have been recommended on television shows and in magazines. Elephant rides are also available. Admission is free.

lLa Chado Market: This market is outside town in Pak Hai district and away from the main tourist area. It's an old riverside market with wooden shophouses run by and frequented by the local community as well as weekenders from Bangkok. Pak Hai is a popular location for many period Thai films and TV series. The heyday of the market was more than 50 years when people still commuted along the waterways. There's also a museum displaying old farming equipment.

Q: I'm going to Pran Buri with friends and plan to prepare a seafood barbecue on the beach for dinner. Where can I buy fresh seafood in the area? Thank you, Sannipa

A: Go to Pran Buri estuary (Pak Nam Pran) and continue along the beach road from there and you'll see stalls packed with squid and other seafood that the vendors buy from local fishermen. Along the road towards the resorts, there are also seafood stalls run by the wives of the fishermen, where they cook the seafood and sell it with spicy dips. If you want to buy freshly-caught seafood straight from the sea, you'll need to go the beach early in the morning. You can wait anywhere from Banpran Resort to Khao Kalok and you'll see the small fishing boats gradually return to the shore with their catches of squid. If you don't fancy beach road, head to Pak Nam Pran market where you'll find a good choice of seafood and other fresh ingredients.

Maldives Travel Guide is a happy for Holiday

Maldives is famous place among many as one of the best location in the world to spend their holidays. People rate Maldives so high not without any reason, but it is because Maldives really is one of the superb holiday locations in the world. Even at very first time you see the Maldives, you surely will fall in love with the small islands and its surroundings. Also the quality facilities and the services you get from the resort islands will leave memorable marks in your heart for sure.

Paradise awaits you... If your idea of paradise is a pristine tropical sland with swaying palm trees and pure white beaches surrounded by crystalline lagoons of varying shades of blue – then the Maldives Islands will definitely fit the bill.

Indeed, it is not without reason that the Maldives Islands has been described as ‘(the) flower of the Indies’ by Marco Polo and ‘one of the wonders of the world’ by Ibn Batuta.

It is no wonder that a large percentage of tourists who come to the Maldives Islands are repeat visitors – people who came once and fell so in love with the place that they simple had to come again. The beauty of Maldives is indeed addictive. Once you sample the heady mixture of secluded serenity, thrilling water sports activities, soothing spas, relaxing beaches all wrapped in the luxurious comfort of modern amenities – you are bound to want the experience again.

Sunny, unique and unspoiled, the islands of Maldives offers you sunshine, no matter what time of the year you decide to visit the Maldives – islands that are truly heaven on Earth.

Maldives Atolls

Maldives Islands is an archipelago comprising 1,190 low-lying coral islands scattered across the equator, in groups of 26 naturally occurring atolls which are divided into 20 for administrative purposes.
The atolls of Maldives are in fact part of a greater structure known as the Laccadives-Chagos Ridge, which stretches over 2000 kilometres. The islands of Maldives are very low lying with the highest point at approximately 8 feet above sea level. 'Faru' or ring-shaped reef structures form the atolls and these provide natural defense against wind and wave action, on the delicate Maldives islands.

An indication of the perfection of Maldives atoll structure is the fact that the word ‘atoll’ in the English Language – meaning ‘ring-shaped coral reef enclosing a lagoon’, is a borrowing from the Maldivian language ‘Dhivehi’.

Of the more than 2000 tropical islands that make the paradise that is Maldives, only about 200 are inhabited. Of the remaining islands about a 100 have been developed into exotic resort islands that offer tourists their own hideaway – hidden away from all the hectic hustle and bustle of city life.

The capital of Maldives – Malé, the seat of government and the centre of trade, commerce, business, health and education, is located in the middle of the atoll chain, a small island buzzing with the sounds and activities of more than 150,000 people which is more than one third of the population. Malé is perhaps the smallest urban capital in the whole world.

Where is Maldives

The Maldives lies between latitudes 4 degree 17 North and longitudes 73 degree 50 East – a position where there is an abundance of sun all throughout the year, every year. The Maldives has always been a popular destination for travelers, especially seafarers because of its prime position en route to many trade destinations.

The total area of 90,000 square kilometers over which the islands of Maldives are spread, consists of sparkling sun-kissed beaches, palm-fringed islands, crystalline lagoons studded with multi-coloured corals and warm, azure seas with exotic marine life – a mesmerizing mixture that remains the same throughout the year, continue to enthrall visitors from far and wide.

Map of Maldives

Map of the Maldives. Maldives is located below India.

 

Where to go on holiday in January

Beat the January blues with our line up of the hottest travel destinations for holidays in January. From a city break escape in Italy to a lazy desert-island getaway in the Maldives, book your next holiday now.

Best January holidays for… cities

Short haul: Palermo, Italy

One city you can comfortably explore on foot in January is the Sicilian capital Palermo, which offers average January temperatures of 15°C (59°F). The city’s architectural jumble of head-turning Arab domes, Norman cathedrals and baroque facades owes everything to its history of invasion. However the result today is an alluring cocktail that will satisfy most culture vultures. Be sure to stroll around the Old Quarter and the Kalsa district for the best architectural gems.

If you have time, make a day trip to Erice (Eryx), the oldest city in Sicily, offering picturesque old stone streets, medieval churches and two hilltop castles.

When you tire of sightseeing, go shopping. Check out Palermo’s colourful local markets around Vucciria and Piazza del Carmine which sell good value handicrafts.

Long haul: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

What better way to start 2011 than with a holiday to one of South America’s sexiest cities? From the skimpily-clad, bronzed bodies frolicking on the crowded beaches of Copacabana or Ipanema to the sizzling samba-fuelled nightlife that have earned Cariocas (as the locals are known) a well-deserved reputation for partying, Rio de Janeiro positively sizzles with energy.

If that’s not enough to raise your temperature, the weather certainly will. The mercury can hit a sweltering 40°C (104°F) in January meaning the beaches are packed with Cariocas on their annual summer break. However there are tons of things to see and do apart from bronzing yourself on Rio’s beaches. Gawp at stunning city views from beneath the outspread arms of the statue of Christ the Reedeemer, take the cable car to Sugar Loaf Mountain, try and catch a local football match at the legendary Maracanã Stadium or take a stroll through the city’s botanical gardens. Whatever you do, Rio de Janeiro is sure to leave an indelible impression.

Best January holidays for… beaches

Short haul: Malta

Just over three hours away from the UK, Malta is one of the hippest places to escape for a sunny winter break. Whilst the rest of Europe is freezing, including usually sunny destinations like Portugal, Spain and France, Malta in January still enjoys splendid, unforgettable sunny warm days, with 20°C+ (52°F) temperatures.

Malta exudes character, from its vibrant blue waters and secluded bays, to medieval walled citadels and splendid baroque churches. Take a dip in Comino's sparkling Blue Lagoon, where Hollywood actor Brad Pitt was filmed in the blockbuster Troy. Boat trips operate from harbours all over Malta to this tiny island, strewn with small, sandy beaches. Or take a short boat trip to the Blue Grotto at Zurrieq on Malta's south coast where you can dip your hand into the crystal waters and watch it turn an electric blue.

Long haul: The Maldives

Escape the depressingly cold shores of Britain for the ultimate tropical island getaway, with a holiday in the Maldives. With average January temperatures of 28°C (82°F) and warm turquoise waters year round, the beautiful string of Indian Ocean islands offers all the romance, luxury and tropical bliss you could ask for. Many islands embrace enormous lagoons, where bright blue-green water laps gently on brilliant white-sand beaches.

Not just a paradise for beach-lovers, the Maldives also offers an array of watersports, from canoeing to windsurfing, and some of the best diving sites in the world. An enthralling underwater world of coral reef and colourful fish awaits snorkellers and divers. For an unforgettable underwater experience, dive to the Maldives Victory Wreck, which sank in 1981.

Whether you want to get active in the Indian Ocean or just simply unwind and soak up the sun in some of the world's most beautiful scenery, book your holiday to the Maldives now.

Best January holidays for… outdoors

Short haul: Lapland, Sweden

Winter in Sweden means snow and lots of it, so for outdoor enthusiasts and thrill-seekers it truly is a winter wonderland. Go ice skating on frozen lakes, head out on a snowshoeing tour or mush your own team of Siberian huskies through the wilderness of Lapland on a dog-sledding adventure. With miles of snow-drenched hills, pistes and forests to discover, adventure-seekers can head out on a cross-country skiing expedition to discover the delights of Sweden’s great outdoors as they glide across the untouched plains. For those wanting to seriously master the wilderness, experienced guides are on hand to teach all the survival techniques required, including a turn in a storm simulator to practice combating the elements ready for adventure.

January is also the perfect time of year to witness the stunning natural phenomena of the Northern Lights, with Swedish Lapland being one of the best locations in the world for watching the spectacular dancing lights.

Long haul: New Zealand

If you are looking to escape the snow, New Zealand is the place to head for a fantastic choice of outdoor activities and adventure sports in sunny climes. With summer in full swing in January, New Zealand experiences average temperatures of a warm and comfortable 24°C (75°F) - making it the perfect time of year to hit the outdoors. Having earned a reputation as nature’s theme park, there is plenty to keep thrill-seekers entertained, from the craggy coastlines, golden beaches and rolling grasslands of the North Island to the bubbling rivers, majestic mountains and lush rainforests of the South Island.

One great way to see the country is by taking to the air, and New Zealand offers a plethora of airborne activities to keep the adrenaline pumping, including hot air ballooning, paragliding and skydiving. Explore the mountains and forests with abseiling, cannoning, caving, climbing, cycling, trekking and horse riding, whilst the waters offer a whole host of fun from kayaking along quiet rivers to surfing the shores.

Queenstown has been dubbed the “Adventure Capital of the World”, whilst nature-lovers should head to Kaikoura, on the east coast of the South Island, where orca whales and dolphins can be seen regularly in the waters in January.

An active volcano of great appeal awaits travellers to Surabaya in Indonesia

Surabaya _ the provincial capital of East Java _ is one of Indonesia's most captivating cities blessed with pristine natural beauty, traditional way of life and modern-day sophistication to make it a city worth taking the time out to explore at length.

A sojourn to Surabaya is exciting right from the moment you pass immigration and customs procedures at Juanda International Airport and enter its arrivals hall thronged with locals in traditional garb jostling for space while waiting in anticipation of the arrival of their loved ones.

Tourists bundled in winter clothes on Mt Penanjakan, the popular scenic view point for watching sunrise over Mt Bromo, 2,392 metres above sea level and the seat of an active volcano. Early morning the mercury can dip to 10 degrees Celsius. Mt. Penanjakan is 314 metres taller than Mt.Bromo, presenting visitors with a panoramic sweep of the surrounding landscape and innumerable photo opportunities.

Elbowing my way through the crowd, I could read the excitment on their faces that shone through their eyes, bright and bulging in their sockets, tobacco-stained teeth and smiles that ran from ear to ear.

Among them was our tour guide, a vivacious woman with an infectious smile, standing with a tray of garlands in hand who came forward in a greeting and presented one to each of us.

''You must be from Thailand,'' she said. ''I am Yonie...welcome to Surabaya, the City of Heroes. I hope you will enjoy your stay with us.''

And with that she ushered us to a coach that delivered us to Pondok Tempo Doeloe, a restaurant famous for its fried chicken, soups and salads, our dinner that day, after which began our arduous journey to Mount Bromo, Indonesia's most visited active volcano located in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park.

During the three hours it took to navigate Surabaya's notorious traffic and up the winding mountainous terrain, Yonie regaled us with stories of the heroes of the past who played a significant role in Indonesia's independence struggle.

Arriving at the national park at midnight, we went to bed soon after checking into Bromo Cottages because we had to be up by 3am when a jeep would be waiting to take us to watch the sun rise over Mt. Bromo.

This boy selling wild flowers to tourists is a Tenggerese, an ethnic group whose roots can be traced to the Majapahit empire. With tours to the volcano slated later in the day, tourists buy flowers that they toss into the volcanic crater, meant to bring them good luck.

Unfortunately, the conditions were overcast that morning so we didn't quite enjoy the view at sunrise, but were still rewarded with breathtaking vista of Mt. Bromo and its surroundings.

For a cultural and traditional experience, we were taken to Trowulan, the capital city of the former Majapahit kingdom that flourished from the 13th-15th centuries, but today finds itself reduced to a rural community.

Excavations in and around the city have shown that parts of the old kingdom still lie buried under several metres of mud and volcanic ash.

We visited a museum and handful of archaeological sites, concluding our trip at a typical village restaurant where we sat on the floor and ate rice and fried fish with our hands.

Exploring downtown Surabaya was also an eventful experience. Weaving through its horrendous traffic reminded me of Bangkok, with the exception of colonnaded facades bordering wide, tree-shaded avenues. Over the years, the city has grown into a commercial hub boasting trendy restaurants, department stores, championship golf courses, night clubs and entertainment complexes, catering to families as well as love couples.

Surabaya, a bustling metropolis of three million, is only second in size to Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital. Founded in 1293, it’s come a long way from having been a trading port for much of its history. Today it is a destination with all the trappings of a modern city. Flight information  Singapore Airlines (Bangkok office) at 02-353-6000, website: www.singaporeair.com/th; and SilkAir (Chiang Mai office) at 053-904-985/6 and (Phuket office) at 076-304-018 to 20, website: www.silkair.com.  Aneka Kartika Tours based in Surabaya offers travel packages around Indonesia. It can be reached at 62-31-592-9000 or by email: akasub@indo.net.id. Accommodation  Surabaya Plaza Hotel: Plaza Boulevard, Jalan Pemuda 31-37, Surabaya 60271; tel: 62-31-531-6833, fax: 62-31-531-6393, www.sby.pphotels.com.  Hotel Majapahit: Jalan Tunjungan 65, Surabaya 60275; tel: 62-31-545-4333, fax: 62-31-531- 0611, www.hotel-majapahit.com.  Bromo Cottages: Desa Tosari, Pasuruan, East Java; tel: 62-34-357-1222, fax: 62-34-357-1333, www.bromocottages.com.

Souvenirs such as T-shirts, hats and mufflers can be bought at reasonable prices. A T-shirt with a photo of Mt. Bromo only cost me 90 baht. Always bargain hard because the prices are inflated. Most vendors accept US dollars, but also carry local currency; it comes handy when purchasing drinking water and finger food.

Breakfast usually consists of noodles and dumplings, grilled corn on the cob and soya milk. There are also shops serving buns and tea/coffee to sleepy-eyed tourists arriving at the scene before the crack of dawn.

A majority of the Tenggerese people are followers of the Hindu faith, but they mix it freely with animist beliefs. The man you see in the photo (left) is making an offering of food wrapped in leaves to his ancestors and spirits believed to wander the area.

At the foot of Mt. Bromo is this Hindu temple, Pura Agung Poten Bromo, where visitors pay their respects before setting on the taxing journey up a steep slope to the volcanic crater, on foot and on horseback. Hindu faithfuls congregate at the temple to commemorate religious festivals and pray for peace and prosperity. The horse ride starts at the temple and leads to a steep and narrow staircase where visitors have to dismount and walk up to the narrow rim of the volcano. The man you see here is waiting for customers at the footsteps of the temple that overlooks Mt. Batok, which is 2,440 metres above sea level.

Despite pleasant weather, climbing the 245 steps it takes to reach the top needs a lot of effort. Before you commit, make sure you are physically fit as the path leading there is very narrow, leaving no room for a stop for rest along the way. The exercise is worthwhile once you peer down the edge of the crater from whose belly billow plumes reeking of sulphur. Though the eruptions have become less frequent in recent years, volcanic ash collecting at the foot of the mountain was indication enough how active it must have been one time, and that sent a chill down my spine. The vista from this vantage point, however, is sublime every way you look.

Hindu priests in traditional Javanese attire, the jarik cloth and beskap, they wear with regular trousers. The head gear is called ‘udeng’.

Trowulan city is home to the archaeological ruins of Candi Tikus, also known as the ‘rat temple’, restored during the mid-80s. It was the venue of an ancient bathing ritual that dates to the Majapahit period. The rather strange name of the temple is associated with circumstances of its discovery in 1914, when the area was infested with rats. Every time an effort was made to eradicate its nesting areas, the creatures would disappear down a hole on a nearby hill, which was subsequently dug up to destroy their breeding ground, a large pit underground, as you see in this photo. Today it has been turned into a recreational park, with a number of school and university students coming here on field trips to enjoy the gardens surrounding this archaeological landmark.

Opening in 1987, the Trowulan Museum is a repository of Hindu and Buddhist artifacts and ruins dating back to the Majapahit kingdom. Covering approximately 57,625 square metres, its boasts priceless items such as the statue of Lord Vishnu on a Garuda excavated at Candi Belahan; a winged character said to depict the fabled king of Blambangan, Menak Jinggo; a section of a temple from Ampelgading and numerous ancient stone sculptures.

Cheng Ho Mosque and its Chinese architecture are the pride of Indonesia’s Muslims of Chinese descent. Built seven years ago, it sits in a plush upper-middle class community in downtown Surabaya. Its design was inspired by the Niu Jei, a mosque in Beijing built in 996 AD. Islam, Javanese and Chinese cultures fuse perfectly in this truly awesome structure that is open to people of all religious faiths.