Author Archives: pushpitha

International Kite Festival in Thailand – A colourful spectacle

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The festival which is organised in Cha-am City, Hua Hin is one of the most sought after attractions where visitors can witness the pomp and pageantry of local and international kite designs. The ‘Chula’ and ‘Pakpao’ are the two variants of kites that are part of the competition. Out of the Hua Hin hotels on offer, Anantara Hua Hin Thailand Resort with its well furnished suites and tropical gardens will be the perfect place for you to experience the best of beach hotels Hua Hin Thailand.

A highlight of the festival is the competition that takes place between the Chula and Pakpao teams. The objective is to drag your opponent’s kites to your territory. Capture the finest of kite flyers from the world commune at the festival to put their skill levels to the test. A number of exhibitions and souvenir stalls further add to the glamour and excitement.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

Kiep Bac Festival in Vietnam – The colours of tradition

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Kiep Bac is a scenic village in Vietnam, a dream like valley surrounded by green mountains and canopies of white mist. This place is mostly known for its association with national hero Tran Hung Dao. He used Kiep Bac as his hideout during the 13th century. Vietnam’s supreme commander during the Tran Dynasty, Dao is acclaimed for his military tactics and has won victories against the likes of Kublai Khan. Because of such feats as well as his loyalty, humbleness and simple qualities, he is considered a saint and worshipped by many Vietnamese.

The Kiep Bac Temple is a place of worship for those who want to pray to Tran Hung Dao. In fact the temple has a festival occurring on the 20th day of the 8th lunar month and a pilgrimage to the temple during this time is a centuries old Vietnamese tradition that still continues with the same kind of participation.
The temple was built during the 14th century and holds bronze statues of Tran Hung Dao and his family including his wife and two daughters as well as his four sons. After the main festival the commander’s ancestral tablet is brought out on a golden procession chair and taken towards the river with much grandeur and celebration. On reaching the river, the tablet is placed on a royal barrage and after a procession and ceremonies that last for more than two hours the tablet is brought back to the temple.

A key element of the festival is also the boat race. Boats shoot through the once calm waters of the lake, urged by the pounding beats of drums and the encouraging cheers of those watching. Fighting a battle of their own, they recreate an atmosphere of the battles fought by the supreme commander.

As one of Vietnam’s oldest festivals, the Kiep Bac Festival attracts hordes of tourists and locals every year. Accommodation can be arranged for visitors at any of the luxury hotels in the vicinity. Owing to the natural beauty and cultural importance of Kiep Bac and its surrounding areas, there are plenty of luxury hotel resorts to choose from. Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas seems to be the most preferred option though.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

Camel Racing in Abu Dhabi – An interesting affair

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Popular is an understatement to use for camel racing in Abu Dhabi. UAE known for its veneration for these magnificent creatures prepares in great festivity to witness these ships of the deserts compete against each other in these highly competitive races. As many tourists from all parts of the world trickle in to catch a glimpse of this extraordinary event, it is always wise to reserve a suitable Abu Dhabi city hotel well in advance of your trip here. One of the most preferred Abu Dhabi hotels located in the region is the Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi known for its generous service as well as the ultimate Arabian charm it exercised upon its guests. Loved and cherished by the Emiratis, 5the camel is a symbol of protection, food and friendship during hard times. The Al Wathba Camel Race Track is the place to catch the action where the camels compete against one another in an epic battle of the hooves. Make sure you pack several bottles of water when visiting the arena as the excitement coupled together with the desert heat is bound to drain you quite easily.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

Koh Phangan Festivals – The essence of entertainment

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Found in the Gulf of Thailand and located in the province of Surat Thani, Koh Phangan is fascinating island that attracts many a holidaymaker to its exciting and beautiful shores. The area is famous for a range of parties and festivals and is a constant buzz of activity. Out of the Koh Phangan resorts stay at the Rasananda Koh Phangan Villa Resort & Spa famed for its luxury villas and is one of the most sought after Koh Phangan hotels.

The annual Phangan Film Festival serves as an ideal opportunity to capture an open-air cinema experience that showcases independent filmmaking from around the world. However nothing quite beats the pomp and pageantry of the Half Moon Festival that takes place twice a month and is celebrated amidst the hottest DJ music and fire show performers. If you happen to be in the area, this would be the time to party.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

Big Game Fishing – Rewarding Patience!

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Known for its thrilling water sports, the Maldives has much to offer adrenaline junkies. However, those looking for recreational pursuits that need patience and skill and one that can result in truly unique rewards should definitely look to try their hand at big game fishing. Visitors in search of Maldives resorts that offer such excursions can consider Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas. One of the leading Maldives spa resorts it also offers a range of other water sport activities as well.

Big game fishing gives you the chance to set sail on an unforgettable adventure amidst he azure waters of the Indian Ocean. It is an activity that requires patience along with some luck too and gives you a chance to experience the serenity that this island paradise is known for. Set off on a speed boat or maybe even a traditional ‘dhoni’ as the captain of your vessel takes you to areas known for being frequented by big game fish. Wahoo, giant trevally, sailfish and tuna are among the species one may have the fortune of catching, though the thrill lies in the ‘chase’ as you try outmanoeuvre and outlast these incredible fish.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

Suzhou International Silk Festival- a breathtaking experience

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Suzhou, the city famed as the “silk capital” attracts thousands of people in September for an astonishing festival. That is none other than the vibrant Suzhou International Silk Festival. It is an annual fest celebrated from the 25th of September to 20th of October. During this time period Suzhou celebrates hosting temple fairs, cultural and art festivals, silk garment exhibitions, fashion performances accompanied by a distinguished symphony orchestra and many more lively activities that are linked with the art of silk.
For centuries the area has been appreciated for its high quality silk, so no visit to the town is complete without stopping at a silk shop. It still remains as the hub of the national silk industry.

This extravagant festival would definitely give you the perfect opportunity to have a glimpse of the traditional culture for all the events of this series are infused with local culture and charm. This festival plays a very functional role for attracting foreign investments and promoting sales while keeping it fun and enjoyable for the public.

The Suzhou embroidery takes a prominent place in the international silk fest as a traditional form of art. The talents of the local people combined with the rich soil, moderate temperature are the forces that have been contributing toward the thriving production of silk fabrics and threads for centuries and their output is simply breathtaking.

To witness the local talent in the silk industry and to explore the exotic cultural customs head over to the amazing Suzhou International Silk Festival. With an array of stunning attractions and entertaining activities you will not be disappointed. Also while you discover this wonderful festival and experience the beautiful country, reside at a place known for heavenly pampering.

Are you looking for the ideal place to reside while you stay in Suzhou? Well then a good choice would be a serviced apartment Suzhou. With myriad options of luxury serviced apartments in Suzhou, an ideal place would be the Somerset Emerald City Suzhou. It is a luxury residence that would ensure your privacy and security while you relax and enjoy the cultural experience.

Uncover Muscat’s Retail Mecca at Salalah Tourism Festival 2013

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Popular as one of the most coveted tourist festivals in the region, the Salalah Tourism Festival is a compelling reason to head down to the heart of Oman this Khareef Season. The 2013 edition of the red letter event is set to take centre stage once more come the month of June. The 2012 installment of the highly successful tourism festival kicked off Khareef Season in style last year with a host of engaging attraction to suit shopaholics and culture buffs alike. Conducted at the Municipality Fair Grounds from June 21st to July 18th the festival was hosted by the Dhofar Municipal Council as in previous years. Described by visitors as a shopaholic’s dream come true the retail opportunities at the festival highlighted local produce as well as regional specialties and well-known brands. Stocked to the brim with products hailing from China, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Syria, Pakistan, Oman and Thailand shoppers had the widest possible choice on offer.

Taking place for an entire month the Salalah Tourism Festival’s retail fair caters to every type of visitor offering everything from fashion items to specialty and exotic produce that are scarce in the mass market. The 2012 edition of the shopper’s Mecca was open to all visitors on Saturdays, Tuesdays and Thursdays while Sundays were especially reserved for female visitors. Families were also welcome on Family Days which fell on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays while the Salalah Tourism Festival’s prestigious book fair was open to visitors for the duration of the festival. Offering readers the opportunity to peruse and purchase books of literature, research, language, media, history and even astronomy the fair featured the best publications from renowned authors and volumes available through libraries, cultural centres and well-known publishers.

Another highlight of the 2012 festival was of course the exclusive exhibition space devoted to products manufactured in Oman. The special pavilion exhibited an impressive array of goods made in Oman ranging from textiles, handicrafts, perfumes, electronics and food to furniture, appliances, decorative arts, agricultural produce and fashion.

Well-known thinkers, leaders and scientists in the region were also on hand to conduct lectures on the important issues of the day for the Middle East at the 2012 Salalah Tourism Festival which will surely be catapulted in size, scale and significance by the 2013 edition this June.

Travellers on the lookout for a luxury Oman Muscat hotel should look no further than the stylish Millennium Resort Mussanah for the best guestrooms in town. Ideally located in a convenient location this Muscat hotel offers every luxury when it comes to unforgettable vacations in the desert.

Kathu Festival Phuket – A Celebration of Culture and Tradition

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Phuket has risen from its lazy traditional village to become a popular tourist hub in the east with its pristine beaches and warm waters drawing tourists from around the globe to bask in and enjoy the sun, sand and surf in this tropical paradise. Kathu is actually one of the three districts of Phuket Island. Muang and Thalang are the other two and Kathu includes the popular Pantong Beach and Kamala Beach as well as the island between Pantong and Phuket. Kathu used to be a tin mining industry based village especially in the 19th and early 20th century and although the tin industry is not flourishing as it used to, the little town has retained its traditional cultures and practices. The Kathu Festival is one such that celebrates the old ways and the rich cultural diversity and vibrancy of the land.

Usually celebrated in the month of July, the festival lasts around three days when street parades are organised with locals dressed in elaborate costumes and dancers glide to the thump of age old tunes. With the years the festival has built its reputation as an elaborate festival of colour and music and builds in size and eloquence each year. Apart from the flamboyance, historical information regarding the mining industry can be learnt at the parade from the great tin mining exhibit as well as discovering the different costumes and the background story of these vibrant garments and twinkling headdresses.

The land of smiles it truly is with the locals beaming from ear to ear, dancing and eating and simply enjoying themselves in the streets. The main roads on which the parade goes is blocked off during those few days in the evening hours and vendors selling local delicacies from fire breathing spicy to sticky sweets line the sides from end to end. The tantalising aromas, the scintillating sounds of the thousands of trinkets that make up the headdresses and ornament the garments as well as the thumping beat of drums and seductive traditional music will leave you entranced in cultural finery.

Millennium Resort Patong Phuket is a renowned Pantong beach resort for its luxurious surroundings and pristine setting, ideal for the perfect vacation at a Phuket resort.

Celebrate Ramadan in Dubai this Holiday Season

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Known to be the holiest month of the year according to the Islamic calendar, the period of Ramadan is a sacred time of the year for all Muslims. With a mostly Islamic population the city of Dubai is at the heart of the celebration as millions of devotees observe the customs and rituals associated with the holy period with great religious fervour and devotion. Ramadan for the year of 2013 will officially commence on the 10th of July and conclude on 9th August this year, precisely a month and one day in duration. Marking the revelation of Islam’s holy text, the Quran, the festival begins with weeks of fasting that culminate in the Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr.

The Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing in Dubai plays a special role in the organising of festival related events during the season. Known as a festival during which Emirati traditions and customs come to the forefront, many Iftar ceremonies are conducted across Dubai in private residences as well as institutions where locals and expatriates as well as visitors unite in the spirit of the holy month.

One of the chief highlights of the event for visitors includes the Iftar organised by the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding where a special banquet is laid out in the courtyard of a conventional Emirati wind-tower home in Bastakiya, an ancient city based in Bur Dubai. Beginning in the evening hours with a communal prayer guests can break fast with locals and enjoy dates and steaming cups of coffee and enjoy an Iftar meal. Hosts at the Centre will educate visitors on the customs at play during Ramadan and invite the guests to visit the nearby Bastakiya Mosque before returning to consume delectable desserts.

Another must-witness tradition in Dubai during Ramadan includes the cannon firing which dates back to 1803 when the custom was first performed in nearby Sharjah. Having taken place in Dubai since 1912 the cannons placed in locations throughout the city fire amid crowds to announce the start of Iftar. Those who wish to gain a better understanding of Ramadan and its cultural significance can head to the famed Jumeirah Mosque where tour guides will be more than happy to inform tourists of the proud Islamic heritage of the country and its connection with Ramadan.

Travellers in search of Middle East hotels in strategic locations should look to the Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Middle East group for all their accommodation needs. Managing a variety of UAE hotels in tourist hotspots across the Emirates, this renowned name in hospitality is the best option for holidaymakers and corporate visitors.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

Beijing International Beer Festival- for all the beer lovers

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What if there is a place where you could drink an endless amount of beer and enjoy a carnival like atmosphere? Well then there is one such amazing fest happening in Beijing, China. That is none other than the Beijing International Beer Festival and the best part is that visitors can drink as much as they like.

This unique celebration takes place annually during the warm weather of summer. This beer festival originated from Germany generally happens from July to August. If you head over to Beijing do not miss this truly remarkable opportunity where you could simply savour authentic beers from Schottenhamel, enjoy various shows and socialise with others for free of charge. The objective behind this beer festival is to provide people with an opportunity to enjoy the fun of drinking beer.

With the sound of clinks of beer mugs and the laughter of the people along the long tables, this beer festival is truly enticing. Food is also served for the people who take part in this exciting event and if you come here you can experience the pure Oktoberfest atmosphere in Bavaria, Germany where this concept originated. Also waiters and waitresses are dressed in traditional German attire, giving visitors a special cultural experience.

Despite the enormous budget the organisers have pledged to continue with this beer festival as they believe it has long term potentials.

There is much more to the beer festival than simply tasting these refreshing beverages. Amidst the Bavarian style tents you will come across tempting food stalls, wonderful exhibitions, live entertainment and many more fun-filled activities. There is also a place where you could buy souvenirs like T-shirts, Mascots and many more. Clearly there is no better way to cool off in the hot summer and enjoy the excitement than with a glass of chilled beer.

The city of Beijing is truly a fabulous destination with its vibrancy. If you are looking for accommodation in China there is a vast range of hotels in china starting from luxuriant and finest to small funky places. Beijing has greater china hotels that are designed to delight the travellers. Millennium & Copthorne Hotels China is one of the finest hotels if you are searching for a perfect vacation. It is located in the business district of China’s capital pffering easy access to all that’s best in this fascinating city.