Thailand - Go Dive!

Thailand has so many world class dive sites, it can be difficult deciding which ones to visit. Here's a quick overview to help you make your choice.

I was flicking through Paul Lees' excellent book The Dive Sites Of Thailand recently and marvelling at the literally hundreds of dive sites around Thailand's coastline that are worth visiting. It's a pretty overwhelming selection - and for first time visitors to Thailand, it can be a bit confusing about which areas to make sure you dive, particularly as you have to be here at the right time of the year to go diving in some parts of the country.

Here, then, is my completely subjective, thumbnail guide to the best dive sites in Thailand, in order of priority:

1) Similan Islands (October to May each year)

The Similans are renown as one of the best scuba diving destinations in the world. Whale sharks, manta rays, reef sharks, leopard sharks, barracuda, octopus, cuttlefish, lionfish, clownfish - you name it, you'll probably find it here. The sheer abundance of life out around these remote, uninhabited islands is breathtaking, as is the visibility - 20 metres viz is the norm. Virtually all liveaboards go beyond the Similan Islands proper and take in Koh Bon, a cleaning station for mantas, Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock, a hot spot for whale sharks. [See my previous post on the best dive sites to see whale sharks in Thailand]. The remoteness of the islands means that most liveaboards typically last 4 days. For some people this is too much time to commit to diving, but I'd say it's perfect - 4 days on the boat lets you completely relax and do nothing but eat, dive and sleep, with maybe a little sunbathing too.

I wrote a complete report about diving in the Similan Islands in early 2005. I'm going back there in May this year, for my fourth time. I can't wait to see it again. The Similans really are a magical place to dive.

2) Hin Daeng / Hin Muang and Koh Haa (October to May each year)

Accessible on day trips from Phuket, Koh Lanta and Koh Phi Phi, these two dive sites rival anything the Similans have to offer. Koh Haa is a collection of 5 enormous rocks that forms a natural lagoon in the middle of the ocean - and is also a haven for marine life to gather around. There are so many amazing little critturs around here, which an experienced dive guide can point you towards. Hin Daeng and Hin Muang are two pinnacles close to one another and are a manta ray cleaning station. The mantas here are not shy of divers and if you are lucky enough to dive here when they are present, you are in for an unforgettable experience.

I wrote a complete report about diving at Koh Haa, Hin Daeng and also Koh Bida Nok last year. I'm going back there in April, just before the Similans, so am really hoping I might see the manta rays again.

Both the Similans and Hin Daeng are only accessible during October to May each year - the rest of the year is monsoon season when conditions are too rough in the Andaman Sea for safe diving (or boat travel, for that matter).

3) Koh Tao (All year round)

The most popular place to learn to dive in all of Asia Pacific, after Cairns in Australia, Koh Tao has some great dive sites and some great apres-dive action. If you want to dive and party, then this is the place to come. The short travel times from the shore to the dive sites - typically half an hour or less - make diving extremely convenient. While the diving is not quite as spectacular as the Similans, (no manta rays here), there are some amazing encounters with sharks to be had at Chumphon Pinnacle and also, if you're very lucky, whale sharks too.

Because Koh Tao is in the Gulf Of Thailand, it's possible to dive all year round. The weather gets a bit crappy around October/November, but it's pot luck really - last year whale sharks were arriving at Koh Tao during November.

I wrote a comprehensive guide to Koh Tao on Divehappy a few weeks ago that runs through learning to dive and also the various dive sites.

4) Pattaya (All year round)

Pattaya is not somewhere that gets much coverage as a dive destination. Thailand's second biggest city after Bangkok, Pattaya is a sprawling mix of sun, sea and sand. Visibility is pretty poor and a lot of the coral has been damaged on most sites. However, there are two excellent wreck dives, on the Khram and the Hardeep, which definitely make diving in Pattaya worthwhile if you're interested in wreck diving.

I wrote about Peter Walker's new DVD about the Hardeep recently here on Divehappy.

So there we have it - my top four picks for Thailand diving. There are lots more sites in Southern Thailand I have yet to explore - or even know about - and Koh Chang, also in the Gulf Of Thailand, is meant to be nice with some pleasant diving. But these four are the ones I've dived a fair bit myself, and the ones I keep going back to.

Source: divehappy.com

Top 5 Places to Visit in Venice

There is no doubt that Venice is one of the most beautiful places in the world and one of the top ten vacation spots in Europe.

Whether you’re visiting Venice on a day trip, a week-long vacation with the family, or a romantic weekend break abroad, one thing is for sure, you’ll fall in love with this unique and romantic place.

There is truly no other place like Venice. From a gondola ride along the Grand Canal to marveling at the beautiful mosaics of St. Mark’s Basilica, there are a ton of attractions and things to do in Venice to keep you occupied. Here it is my list of top 5 places to visit in Venice and I hope you have a great time there!

1. San Marco District

San Marco district is certainly one of the top 5 places to visit in Venice, and also one of the most popular tourist destinations in Venice because it’s one of the easiest districts in Venice to navigate. If you’re visiting Venice on a short day trip, San Marco district is the first place to head, not only because of the stunning St. Mark’s Basilica (pictured), but also because of the many attractions surrounding the area such as Palazzo Ducale . St. Mark’s Square, along with the Clocktower, is the focal point of Venice and a also home to many historic buildings and museums such as the Correr Museum where you’ll find interesting paintings of Venetian life. For great views, don't miss the beautiful St. Mark’s Clocktower which offers great vistas of Venice and the Grand Canal..

2. Islands of Venice

Exploring the islands of Venice is without a doubt one of the most popular things to do and places to visit in Venice, especially if you’re interested in purchasing genuine Venetian goods. There are around ten Venetian islands, though the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello are three of the most popular ones, and worth devoting 2-3 days of your vacation. The islands of Murano (pictured) and Burano are two of my top places to visit in Venice to purchase the fabulous Murano glassware and lace. If you’re interested on how glass is made, you can visit Murano’s glass museum and tour one of the Murano glass factories to learn about the glass process and glass making techniques. In Burano, you'll also find a couple of lovely lace museums where you can find great home ware pieces such as Venetian table cloth laces and Burano dress laces.

3. Cannaregio District

Cannaregio is located on the northern shore of Venice and it’s one of the top historic districts in Venice to visit during your Venice vacation. Two of the top attractions in Cannaregio are the:

- Ca’ d’Oro Palace, which houses a small art museum.

- Oratorio Crociferi, which houses beautiful 16th century paintings and interesting artifacts such as the clothing worn by notables of the day.

For me, the Cannaregio district is one of the top 5 places to visit in Venice because of the charming and beautiful streets and the great views you can get walking by Cannaregio Canal (pictured). Cannaregio is also one of the most pleasant places in Venice to enjoy an unspoiled Venetian atmosphere with fewer tourist crowds.

4. Castello District

Castello district is the largest district in Venice and it’s another great place to visit to explore beautiful churches and fine art such as the fine paintings by Vittore Carpaccio at San Giorgio degli Schiavoni. One of the top things to do in Castello has to be visiting the interior of Venetian Arsenale (pictured), which is definitely one of the top 5 places to visit in Venice.

The Arsenale used to be an old shipyard in the 1600’s, and today, you can marvel at interesting art exhibitions and old military machinery and machinery used for building ships. Not far from the Arsenale, you’ll also find the Historic Maritime Museum which is a great place to learn about Venice’s maritime past and check out interesting artifacts like boat cannons, gondolas and a vast collection of model ships.

5. Santa Croce and San Polo

Both Santa Croce and San Polo districts are located in the heart of Venice and are my other two top 5 places to visit in Venice because of their easy location. Santa Croce and San Polo are two of the most enjoyable districts in Venice to explore on a walking tour because of the large open spaces, beautiful small squares and charming narrow streets. There are plenty of outdoor markets on Santa Croce and San Polo where you can admire food stalls, as well as many tourist sights such as the oldest bridge and church in Venice - Rialto Bridge (pictured) and San Giacomo church.

Source: mytravelguideposts.html

What to Wear in Paris, France

At Paris Escapes, we are frequently asked "How do the Parisian woman dress" and "What should we wear in Paris?"

Paris is a large, cosmopolitan city and you'll see people on the street wearing all ranges of clothing - from men in power suits, women who have mastered the art of walking on cobblestones in short skirts and stilettos.

However, Parisians are renowned for their style and fashion forwardness. After all, this is the city that founded "haute couture" and supports a vibrant designer "knock-off" industry. Parisian chains like Naf Naf and Carroll crank out low-cost versions of the latest designer trends literally overnight. The result is that the average Parisian is usually flawlessly put together for a relatively few euros.

Even if you are fashion-oriented, pack your most comfortable clothes from home. However, if you'd like your appearance to not scream " I am an American Tourist", follow these classic five tips listed below:

1. Neutrals are Key - If you're from a climate that sports a lot of florals and bright colors, aim for the subdued approach. You can never go wrong wearing black in Paris - in fact, you'll notice that this is the color scheme that most of the locals live in. You've heard it all before - black is slimming, always in style, and versatile - a flattering black sweater or pants/skirt can be dressed down for daywear and easily spruced up for a night on the town.

As a traveler, black has the added benefit of not showing the "wear and tear" of a trip. And if you can't stand wearing black, try other neutral colors - like beiges, browns, and creams.
2. Leave Leisure Wear at Home - Leave your hoodies and matching sweatpants, white tennis shoes, shorts and bright colored nylon windbreakers at home. The comfortable clothes that suburban American women live-in, are not seen on Parisians outside of their homes.

Elisabeth Fourmont of La Coquette, a Parisian fashion blog, says it best, 'Most countries fetishise styles only young people look good in, whereas in Paris there are interesting women dressing their age. 'That's why designers find Paris so inspiring.' And always, always look neat: 'There's a lot you can't get away with here,' continues Fourmont. 'Wearing a tracksuit and flip-flops to the post office is a form of disrespect.'

Bottom line: Dress your age and dress nicely - you'll be rewarded with better treatment in cafés, shops and restaurants
3. Make a Statement with Accessories and Scarves - Don't over pack with too many outfits. Bring basics that travel well and that you can mix and match. Dress up your outfits with accessories - necklaces, earrings and scarves. Scarves are ubiquitous in Paris - Parisian women know they are a quick and easy way to pull an outfit together.

They also make great souvenirs. You can usually purchase a few silk scarves in the season's hottest colors and patterns (usually, a year ahead of trends in the US) for 5-10 euros at the stands outside the Galleries Lafayette or Printemps. Or, splurge at Hermes for a scarf that will last a lifetime (and at 300+ euros/scarf it should).
4. Wear Comfortable Shoes, Not White Tennis Shoes - Paris is a city made for walking and you'll be on your feet more than you can imagine. You will see the trendy, flat "puma" like tennis shoes on young Parisians, but if you want to blend in, leave at home your white/tennis running shoes. We know that these shoes are comfortable and built for mileage, but white tennis shows are the tell-tale sign of "American Tourist". Truthfully, when we see white shoes in a sea of black, we know that it is a fellow American in Paris. Unfortunately, many unsavory types that prey on tourists also know that this is the case. Don't make yourself an easy mark for pickpockets - leave the white tennis shoes at home.

Invest in shoes designed for walking (Recommended brands are Ecco, Mephisto, or Dansko). One day of climbing steps up monuments and navigating cobblestoned corridors and you'll understand why these sturdy European brands are so popular among Parisians . Or, wear a pair of flats, loafers or short-heeled boots that have been battle-tested at home for walking. (View the trend for shoes for Spring/Summer 2011 here)

Remember: Paris is not the city to "break-in" a new pair of shoes.
5. Jeans are OK - Five years ago, we never saw anyone in Paris wearing jeans except teenagers. Today, denim is a growing Paris trend. Jeans are everywhere - upscale restaurants have even lessened their dress codes to admit designer jean clad customers.

Before you toss your favorite Levi's in a suitcase, remember that we're talking about Paris, and the jeans you see on Parisians contain certain stylistic elements - dark, slim fit "skinny jeans", or slight flare - paired with low-heels or ballet flats for daytime walking and stilettos for going out at night. If your jeans can be described as high-waisted or pleated, you'll feel more comfortable wearing black pants or a skirt - especially for dining in the evening. (View the trend for jeans in Spring/Summer 2011 here).

6. Don't Worry About Your Hair and Make-Up - A bonus about visiting Paris is that you don't need to obsess over your hair and make-up. It seems like a contradiction in terms, but Parisian woman tend to favor the "au natural" look more than their American counterparts. Hairstyles are more unstructured and air dried. You'll see more long hair pulled back into a casual chignon than elaborately straightened and styled like in the US.

Make-up is minimal with an emphasis on glowing skin (visit any French pharmacy and you will be stunned by the amount of products promising "prefect, pore-free, blemish-free radiant" skin). To quote Laura Mercier, the French creator of a line of cosmetics, "French women are not flashy. They must be subtle. The message must not be, 'I'm spending hours on my face to look beautiful."

Parisian cosmetologists caution restraint by choosing one area to highlight - shadowed eyes mean neutral or no lipstick, wear lipstick and keep your eyes untouched, and let your natural skin show by wearing minimal foundation and little blush. For an example, pick up a copy of French Elle and be amazed to see unairbrushed models with minimal make-up. So, "embrace your inner beauty" and spend your time exploring Paris instead of styling your hair and making-up your face.

Source: parisescapes.com

Top 10 Sights in Budapest, Hungary

Boasting two World Heritage Sites, Budapest is the only capital in the world where nearly one hundred thermal springs and twelve spas can be found, and where Roman ruins, Turkish baths still in use, the heritage of the Gothic and Baroque styles and amazingly rich Art Nouveau architectural masterpieces attract tourists. Become acquainted with the...

1. Buda Castle

1. Buda Castle is the most famous and one of the most frequently visited tourist attractions in Budapest. The World Heritage Site has many places of interest, museums, streets and squares with a special atmosphere, restaurants and shops. The Royal Palace, where many battles and wars took place, is one of the country’s symbols. Three churches, five museums, and many buildings, memorials, streets and squares of historical interest and a theatre can also be found here. Visitors can enjoy a marvellous view from the Fishermen’s Bastion and from the little path in front of the National Gallery on one of the most beautiful sections of the Danube.

2. The Chain Bridge

2. The capital’s first bridge monument, with decorative lights at night and the Buda Castle in the background, is a fascinating spectacle and has already attracted many tourists to Budapest. The bridge was built upon the request of Count István Széchenyi between 1839 and 1849, with the contribution of the designer, William Tierney Clark and the engineer, Adam Clark. (The two Clarks were only namesakes.) The Danube bridge did not survive the ravages of the world war, so it had to be re-built in 1949, on its 100th anniversary. On the Buda side one can walk onto the top of the tunnel, where an excellent panorama over the Danube and the bridges embracing it can be enjoyed.

3. The Parliament

3. The largest building in the country, which is the permanent location of the national assembly, is situated on the bank of the Danube, and its entrance is faces Kossuth Square. The Neo-Gothic building complex was built between 1884 and 1904 according to the plans of Imre Steindl. The building has 691 rooms, it is 268 m long and the height of its dome is 96 m. Since 2000 visitors can see the Hungarian coronation symbols in the Parliament: St. Stephen’s crown, the sceptre, the orb and the Renaissance sword.

4. Heroes Square

4. The capital’s most spectacular square can be found at the entrance to the City Park. Already from afar, visitors arriving from Andrássy Avenue can see the middle column of the Millennium Memorial, on the top of which archangel Gabriel is holding the Holy Crown and the apostolic double cross. The architectural pieces surrounding Heroes’ Square are amazing: on the right we can find the Hall of Art, and on the left there is the Museum of Fine Arts – both buildings are compelling. The City Park, which is a favourite weekend destination for families, also starts from here and hosts other famous places of interest, such as the Zoo, the Circus of Budapest, the Amusement Park, the world-famous Széchenyi Baths and Vajdahunyad Castle.

5. Stephen's Basilica

5. It is the largest church in Budapest, the dome of which can be seen from all points in the city. It was built between 1851 and 1905. The Classicist basilica houses Hungary’s most sacred relic: the Holy Right, which is the mummified right hand of St. Stephen, after whom the basilica was named. Among the famous masterpieces in the church we can find the statues by Alajos Stróbl and the painting by Gyula Benczúr of St. Stephen offering the country to the Virgin Mary. The dome of the building offers a wonderful, 360° view of the city.

Andrassy Avenue

6. In spite of its clearly separable units, Andrássy Avenue and its neighbourhood are the results of the unique architectural style of the end of the 19th century. The most beautiful buildings in the eclectic style can be seen here, for example the outstandingly beautiful Opera House and many old flats with wonderful and intimate inner courts, statues and fountains. One of the features of Andrássy Avenue can hardly be seen on the surface. Only the descending stairs with wrought iron banisters still warn us that Europe's first shallow subway, the underground railway that is more than 125 years old, is underneath transferring its passengers on a track that is only slightly lengthened since the old times.

7. Matthias Church

7. Matthias Church or the Main Coronation Church in the Buda Castle district, which stands on the Szentháromság (Holy Trinity) Square, is a monument with a long history. Religious tradition has it that the church was founded by St. Stephen in 1015. The royal cathedral, which was officially named as the Church of Our Lady Wicha, was built in several stages. Its present Neo-Gothic form is the result of a large-scale reconstruction in 1896, led by Frigyes Schulek.

8. Margaret Island

8. The history of the thin island between the Margaret Bridge and the Árpád Bridge dates back to the 11th century. The capital’s most beautiful park can be found here and, while walking on the island, visitors can see many buildings with a special atmosphere: the Water Tower, which was declared as a protected building by UNESCO, a music fountain, an open-air stage, St. Michael’s Church and many ruins several centuries old (for example those of the nunnery, where Margaret, the daughter of King Béla IV, lived, and the ruins of two churches of monastic orders). On the island there is a beach, a swimming pool, two hotels, various restaurants and fast-food outlets.

9. Budapest Spas

9. Budapest is the city of spas. The Széchenyi Baths, which have a very prestigious position on the list of Budapest sights that are not to be missed, are not only the largest bath complex in Europe with their 15 pools, but also the most pleasant baths in the capital. The most famous characteristic features of the baths are the groups playing chess, submerged in the steaming water up to their necks, as well as the outdoor pools embraced by the beautiful building. Gellért bath is the most popular bath among tourists arriving in Budapest. The original equipment and furniture, in an Art Nouveau style, has been preserved in most of the baths: artistic mosaics, colourful stained-glass windows and statues decorate the buildings.

10. Gellert Hill

10. Gellért Hill is a popular excursion destination due to its superb panoramas from the viewing terraces. The sights on the hill recall individual periods in history: the statue of Bishop St. Gellért that of pagan times, the Citadel that of Habsburg oppression after the 1848-49 War of Independence, and the Liberty Monument towering over the city the period after the Second World War. The 14-m-high statue was raised in 1947 in memory of the country’s liberation. And even though the post-war period also marked the start of Soviet rule, the statue on Gellért Hill was not removed even after the change of regime since it had become an indelible part of the cityscape. Bus no 27.

Source: budapestinfo.hu