1USD = 30 THB and 1 THB = approx. 2.50 INR

August 25^th, 2007, I took flight Indigo at 2:30 PM from Bangalore Airport and arrived at Bangkok at 00:30 AM. Non-stop Flight from Bangalore to Bangkok cost me INR 14,762 and returning flight I got in INR 12,810. The Airport was small, crowded and congested. The line for Thai Visa on arrival was long. I had already filled my visa form given by the hostess inside the airplane. To dodge the long wait line, I took the express visa that cost me THB 2000, THB 1000 extra, (double than normal visa) but the wait time was less- just few minutes. Less than 10% of the total visa seeker were in express line. Cheapest way to reach from Airport to hotel in Thailand is not a taxi, its public bus. Came out and took a pre-paid taxi at 700 THBfrom Airport to my hotel. The taxi driver was rude and was trying to fleece more money and wasn’t returning 300 change when I gave him 1k THB. I had to threaten him to get the money. Reached hotel in an hours’ time and crashed onto bed.

Most of the international hotels have 2PM check-in time. So, I had booked hotel from 25^th itself and had informed them in advance that I will be arriving mid night. I saw few guests sitting on the sofa and waiting for the morning. To save money - do NOT do this mistake - save couple of thousands on hotel and spoil your day 1 without sleep. Now here is the best 8 days itinerary for Thailand. However, this is not the cheapest way to see Thailand

Day 1 – Bike rentals in Thailand – Next morning and what a view from my window. I took up a taxi and went to market and picked up a bike on rent. There are many Bike rentals in Bangkok - That cost me INR 2k (or THB 800) per day. The rate varies from Bike to bike but most of the bikes are in range of THB 700 to THB 1200. Now the sequence of “Bangkok had me” started.

Day 2 – How to go to Ayutthaya from Bangkok is here - I went from Bangkok to Ayutthaya approx. 100 km. from my Bangkok hotel. I loaded my phone with map and started the journey. It was extremely difficult to follow map and I ended up couple of times on wrong lanes and had to reroute myself asking people. Once I ended up at some place which had no active civilization and was kind of settled amidst back waterways. Riding through the waterways over small bridges was fun but exhausting too. Communicating with countryside people was little difficult as most of them do not understand English. City area was better though. I somehow moved back on express lane and was flagged by the cop. I wasn’t sure if that was for me and I didn’t stop my bike racing above 100 km/hr. I was flagged again and this time I realized I was the only biker in the non-biking express lane. I was Flagged again, chased and fined ☹. Bangkok almost had me.Well, finally I reached Ayutthaya. Now another task was to understand how to start seeing this widespread Ayutthaya. Nevertheless, after lunch in an eatery, I started from one corner and started exploring. It was sad to see that 100s of headless buddha statue. The head was cut, stolen and sold in the antique market. Ayutthaya was also famous for the golden buddha statue which was hidden and disguised inside a layer plaster of Paris, however when by mistake the layer got broken labourers found tonnes and tonnes of gold somewhere in 1950’s. Elephant ride was famous over here however under the blazing sun I gave it a pass. After exploring Ayutthaya 4-5 hours I left and somewhere on the way 30 km before Bangkok I had a flat tyre. Bangkok had me again.Thankfully after pulling the bike for around 2 kms I got the puncture repaired. A repair cost me 100 THB. And the adventure didn’t end here. I was flagged again on the expressway biking by cop named Hui. How much did it cost me – THB 1000. Bangkok was not ready to let me go. It had me again.

Reached back Bangkok at around 7 PM, ate stomach full of fish and slept for another early morning trip.

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Day 3 – How to go to Pattaya from Bangkok – You can take a bus or a taxi. Taxi will cost THB 2000 and bus will cost TBH 300 to 500 depending upon quality. I rode from Bangkok to Pattaya which was approx. 140 km and took 3 hours to reach because of the city traffic. Pattaya was costal town however nobody was interested in the sea or in the beaches. I checked in noon and went for an early evening walk and to watch cabaret.

I went to ALCAZAR CABARET. However, this entire show was more than cabaret. It was about different country’s culture as well as a little drama. The song which they used for Indian Cabaret was - Sakira, mai Sakira- and had mention of places like Banaras, Bihar, Munger and the music was exciting on the highest beat. The fee was THB 1000, but every penny was worth it. On the down part – the show was full of Indians on low budget holiday laced with Rasam Sambhar and sweat smell + few had opened their shoe for 1-hour show;I almost puked. At one point I almost gave up and wanted to move out of the show. It was chocking.

After the show people are allowed to click pic with the dancers on an agreed amount, however there were many Indians who were trying to kiss those dancers or forcefully trying extra advantages. They looked nothing but potential rapist (I know this is controversial statement however this is how they looked like forcing themselves to max what they could achieve in full public view, i have no idea how would they behave if there was no public.)

While walking back to my hotel on the coastline, Pattaya made me realize why it was famous for its amazing bar and pub lined coast and wonderful girls. Beach area was notorious however most good hotels are around the coast.

Day 4 – How to go to floating market in Pattaya – It was hot sunny so I hired a full day Tuk-Tuk. They charged THB 500. The driver and I guess his wife were sitting in front. They had lot of eatables and the women was knitting a sweater. We went directly to Pattaya floating market. The entry fee was high. THB 300 but it was a good covered market. Moving around and eating was fun in the noon for few hours. From there I went to Pattaya Aquarium and Sanctuary of Truth (Prasat SutJa-Tum)and returned to hotel. I spent evening at the beach which was just across the road and had food in a nice restaurant overlooking the ocean.

Day 5 – How to go to Bangkok from Pattaya - Today I left Pattaya to Bangkok. Coming back was easier.Checked into the hotel, freshen up and ready for another night. Today was an exciting day. I went to Soi Cowboy. The entire street was much more than I expected. I never had ever imagined something out of a fairy tale. The entire street was blood red. Pole dancing was just going on in every alternate deck with girl covering barely enough. No open bar or pub serves eatables. They only serve drinks. I spent around 3 hours on this blood red street. Make sure you are not abducted for a happy ending.

Day 6 – Best way to explore Bangkok - Today I decided to explore Bangkok riding. Started with palace and Wats. No not that Bombay wala “waatlagadiya”. Wat means temples and most of them are Buddha Wats

A trip to Bangkok is not complete without a visit to one of the famous floating markets.

Due to the vast network of canals and waterways, Bangkok and the surrounding area, were formerly known as the Venice of the East. People relied on canals for transportation, and therefore people would tend to sell things directly from their boats, and thus giving rise to many floating boat markets.

These are the perfect places to immerse yourself in a whole new shopping experience, and taste some of the best local cuisines!

Here are the list of floating markets in Bangkok, mentioned in the order of their popularity.

• Damnoen Saduak Floating Market (94 kms)
• Amphawa Floating Market (96 kms)
• Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market (15 kms)
• Taling Chan Floating Market (9 kms)
• Bang Nam Pheung Floating Market (23 kms)
• Tha Kha Floating Market (86 kms)

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Distance from city center - 94 kms
Opening Hours - 7 AM - 11 AM (Morning market)
Highlights:

• Largest and most colorful market of all (making it usually crowded).
• It is a best place for photographers, as the place is exteremely lively.
• You need to leave the hotel early in the morning to see the charm of this place.

Amphawa Floating Market

Distance from city center - 96 kms
Opening Hours - Fri, Sat and Sun from 12:00 PM until 8:00 PM (Afternoon market)
Highlights:

• Wonderful boat tours to hidden temples for just 50 baht per person. The main attraction is Wat Bang Koong temple - which looks as if it has been swallowed by a tree!
• The famous Maeklong Railway Market is at a distance of 17 kms from this place.

Khlong Lat Mayom floating market

Distance from city center - 15 kms
Opening Hours - Sat and Sun from 9 am – 4 pm
Highlights:
Food paradise. It is one of the best places to taste local food. Some of the must try items are:

• Pla pao – Thai salt crusted grilled fish
• Gai galae - Thai grilled chicken
• Khao lam - flauvored rice stuffed into a pole of bamboo.

Khlong Lat Mayom is close to the city and is situated in a lovely green lush area with an abundance of good food to eat. Here there are less of floating boats, but more of solid structures next to the waterway, selling stuffs.
You can take a boat ride and explore the nearby villages in just 50 THB.

Taling Chan Floating Market

Distance from city center - 9 kms
Opening Hours - Sat and Sun from 8 am – 5 pm
Highlights:
Close to city and has good food options
Option for Thai foot massage

Bang Nam Pheung Floating Market / Bang Phli Floating Market

Distance from city center - 23 kms
Opening Hours - 8 am – 5 pm
Highlights:
One of the oldest and traditional floating markets
Perfect place to try thai noodles, fresh fruit, seafood and other local delicacies.

In China, newly wed employees are entitled to marriage leave – extra days of paid leave. There is no such leave in many other countries like India for example

Every region in China offers employees who get married at least three days of leave. Many other regions in China offer additional marriage leave, with Gansu and Shanxi – which offer 30 days – the most generous.

An employee is eligible for marriage leave once he or she has registered the marriage with the relevant authorities, including divorced individuals who get re-married and foreign employees.

China is relatively stingy when it comes to statutory annual leave. Employees with less than a year of work experience are not entitled to any leave, and those with 1-10 years of experience are entitled to just five days.

“Marriage is a very important event in Chinese culture,” said Jessica Huang, Senior Brand and Marketing Manager at Dezan Shira & Associates. “Marriage leave is a way for the government to recognize its significance.”

There are no concrete guidelines on the time period during which marriage leave must be used. Employers can include rules on marriage leave in their company handbook to determine how and when it can be used, and which documents must be submitted as proof. Usually, employers stipulate that marriage leave must be used within a year of the marriage registration.

Previously, China offered additional “late marriage leave” as an incentive for couples to get married at an older age and postpone having children, as part of its One Child Policy. However, late marriage leave was abolished in late 2015 with the introduction of the Two Child Policy, except in Tibet.

Faced with a rapidly aging population, China is now encouraging couples to have children. Yet, marriage and birth rates are slowing. In 2016, there were 11.4 million new marriages in China – a 6.7 percent year-on-year drop, and the third consecutive year of decline.

The government is expected to develop new policies to encourage population growth and counteract these demographic trends, including the relaxation of existing family planning laws.

Click here for the complete guide to marriage leave in China.

The water festival called Thingyan

For visitors, Myanmar New Year or known as water festival is one of the most amazing times to experience the long reserved tradition of the country as well having fun with the local national wide.

In the Burmese language, the new year is called ‘Thingyan’ means “moving from one year to another”.

According to the ancient tradition, a human has committed sins the whole year and these sins could be only washed away by the water that thrown on others with Thingyan water.  People believe that their mind will be purified after this important festival.

During 2 weeks of Thingyan which often takes place from 12 to 17th April, Buddhist’s religious activities are held to bless pilgrimage as well local villagers. 

The water festival is also celebrated as Songkran in Thailand and Laos, ChaulChnamThmey in Cambodia. A similar festival is played in India with water and color and is called Holi

Go mad in water fest with water everywhere. You will be drenched in water, fun, and love. Enjoy with the locals, it's amazingly safe. People splash water on everyone including animals

Kids use water guns to drench their friends, and everyone in the range - only monks and the olds are safe.

During the festival, do not miss the chance to fill your stomach with special sweet foods: rice balls with jiggery topped with grated coconut, assorted jelly, bread and sticky rice in coconut milk and many other delicious curries that you will not taste in a normal day.

PhaungDawOo Pagoda Festival

Every year once, by end of October, pagoda festival is celebrated during which the 5 Buddha images are rowed around the Lake in a colorful barge.

It is held on a large scale for 18 days, usually in October (sometimes in September). 4 Buddha Images out of 5 from Phaung-Daw-oo Pagoda are carried on the royal barge and conveyed around 14 villages on the Lake.

The barge is towed by the boats of leg-rowers and hundreds of boats follow the procession. The large crowd gathers on the lake-shores to celebrate this festival. It is really an amazing sight.

Among the dance shows and fun-fairs, the most interesting event of the festival, especially for foreigners, is their boat race - due to their unique leg rowing. It is the one and only place in the world that one can see such marvelous act.

The Buddha images were believed to have been brought by King Alaungsithu of Bagan. King Alaungsithu or Mani Sithu reigned from A.D 1112-1167, one of the longest rulers of Bagan Dynasty. The King was a great builder of pagodas and monasteries and an avid traveler. He spent much of his time on water journeys. Legend has it that the Barge he used was built of the wood that contained a philosopher’s stone. This stone gave the Barge the supernatural power of turning into the water any place the king pointed at. So once, during one of his journeys, he came to the Inle Lake and the royal barge stopped at a place. That place was marked as a sacred place and a pagoda was built. That pagoda is now known as PhaungDaw U Pagoda. Some local tribes from Dawei requested the King for their stay at the lake, due to their liking of the pleasant lake, and also for looking after the pagoda. The King granted their stay and now, there is mysterious Inle Lake.

The PhaungDaw U Pagoda Festival isheld annually for 18 days. It is one of the most famous festivals in Myanmar. Both locals and foreign visitors come to visit this traditional festival in Inle Lake, Shan State. Annually, during the Myanmar Month of Thadingyut, usually between September and October, the 18-days festival is held. The festival is held with the dates according to the Lunar Calendar of Myanmar. It begins on the first Waxing Moon day of Thadingyut and ends a couple of days after the Full Moon. (For 2015, 14 October to 31 October)

A large boat with a Golden Hintha (Hamsa) Bird creation is built. The Buddha Images tour around the Inle Lake from village to village taking the whole 18 days on the way. During the festival, only four of the Buddha Images are moved onto the royal barge. One image always remains at the temple. The decorated royal barge is towed by several boats moving by leg-rowers of Inle. The barge is towed from village to village along the shores of the lake in a clockwise fashion, and the four images reside at the main monastery in each village for the night. The high point of the festival is on the day when the images arrive at the main town of NyaungShwe, where most pilgrims from the surrounding region come to pay their respects and veneration by boats. There are hundreds of floating boats from near and far.

A Great country with multicultural diversity, well you can see lot variety mix   like European ,Asian and not to forget about  indigenous Australians referred as Aborigines , first immigrants to Australia dating many century ago . I was mesmerized about the culture, art and belief they carried. if you are lucky enough you can find some street music  with unique  instrument  called didgeridoo,  I got literally  carried away by  captivating  unusual sound. Their Art is entirely different from regular nevertheless very fascinating must visit Art Gallery in Sydney. I factually spent almost a day in gallery. 

'

Darling Harbor 

Darling harbor  is an ideal  place to hang around .my sister had invited couple of her friends  we all ended up in an Italian restaurant for lunch .it’s quite an amazing place to party out , surrounded by beautiful restaurants. Huge bay to walk around and walkable distance to the Sydney aquarium. Definitely place for sea lovers ,be it adults or children’s and very closer view to  sea life from glass tunnels one can see  variety  of underwater  species  like sharks, octopuses, dugongs, turtles  etc. For very first time have seen penguins in real and was totally surprised to see their size as I had always imagined penguins are bigger creature.

Another pleasant place came across was Chinese garden of friendship, beautiful landscape with theme, handpicked tree, plants and miniature mountain. Manmade marvel ponds with connecting small bridge feel serene. Exquisite Chinese pavilions with connecting   Path way around the garden are very soothing for any Strollers.

Queen Victoria building is very iconic and spectacular monument turned to be splendid shopping mall with restored Beautiful stained glass ,old fashioned metal stairs  and  also  the display of Great Australian Clock  was  very mighty ,well designed and functional . 

Most awaiting place and always been looking forward to visit was Sydney opera house and Sydney Harbor Bridge. As these both landmarks were representing Australia .Majestic architecture of opera house worthwhile to visit .Glad we visited on right time during sunset it was truly romantic.  It can’t be anything more fabulous than watching glorified illuminating lotus petal monument from restaurants while dinning. There were plenty of enjoyable restaurants around. Also I found good time to see night life in city as well. 

Thailand has long been the destination at the top of traveller’s bucket lists. The country is brimming with sights to see and a culture to experience, so it’s no wonder so many tourists flock there in their masses every year. If you’re planning on doing the same, here’s what you’ll need to bear in mind during your Thai experience.

Explore to your heart’s content

Source - flic.kr/p/nZWeEx

It’s no secret that Thailand boasts enough wondrous sights and incredible places to last a lifetime. As a traveller, you’ll likely already be up for exploring, but Thailand won’t allow you to hold back for a second – whether it’s exploring the bustling towns and cities or island hopping, you’ll be overcome by the amount to see and do.

Although Bangkok and Phuket are obviously incredible places to see, the former boasting the Chao Phraya River flowing through the heart of the city, it’s sometimes the quieter places hiding the best surprises. Krabi, for example, is one of the country’s most secluded spots – but its jutting limestone rock formations and luxurious beach beckon for you to visit.

Some places aren’t as safe as you think

With that being said, it’s important you don’t stray too far off the beaten track or put yourself in a potentially vulnerable situation. Remain vigilant and careful, and don’t go anywhere you feel you shouldn’t – 1Cover suggests you should use your head and avoid the dodgier-looking places, as well as the shady-looking tuk-tuks and taxis.

So long as you stick to what you know and don’t try to visit an area of uncertainty, you’re in for a safe and smooth trip.

The culture is prevalent

Source //flic.kr/p/Unh1ic

One thing many travellers may not realise is just how important and prominent the culture is. Whether it’s stopping for the national anthem every day in the morning and evening, or taking your shoes off before entering certain buildings of importance, you’ll be expected to respect the cultural norms whenever you’re needed to.

Another important thing to bear in mind is the importance of the monarchy here in Thailand. Disrespecting the King or another royal figure is so frowned upon that it could end in a jail sentence – not a great end to the holiday, I’m sure you’d agree.

Try the street food

Source flic.kr/p/8gA5Rd

Although it may seem daunting, street food in Thailand is some of the safest, most diverse and most delectable in the entire world. Whether it’s a portion of satay in Chinatown – skewered meat and vegetables slathered in the moreish peanut sauce – or the ever-popular khao gang (curry rice), be sure to get your hands on some traditional Thai dishes.

Thai cuisine gives you an opportunity to challenge yourself, too. Snacks such as silk worms and waterbugs are incredibly popular with locals – will you discover your new favourite delicacy?

You need to stay vigilant

As previously mentioned, you’ll need to stay incredibly vigilant in certain areas of Thailand. Despite its undeniable beauty and wonder, within it lies opportunities for you to be stolen from. Bag-snatching is increasingly popular in Southeast Asia, and tourists are often the number one target.

To combat this, consider investing in a cross-body bag so that it won’t be easily removable from your person should you fall victim to attempted theft. Make sure you’re not flashing your valuables in public, too – you’ll stand out very easily to the people who are looking for you.

It’s the place to go to have fun

Source //flic.kr/p/eGz67S

Overall, though, Thailand is the perfect destination for the fun-seeking traveller. Whether it’s frolicking in the waves on Krabi Beach or partying the night away under the full moon on Koh Phangan, you’re in for an unforgettable experience however you decide to see Thailand. Let your hair down and dive right in – awaiting you is a world of sheer wonder.

Do you have your own tips for travellers heading to Thailand? Let us know in the comments below!

Visa requirement for Myanmar

From December 2016, Singapore passport holders can visit Myanmar for 30 days without a visa. This
exemption is not applied for foreigners who live or work in Singapore. The mutual signed by Singapore
and Myanmar government also allows Burmese tourists to visit Singapore without a visa.

A similar agreement amongst Asian countries including Vietnam, Laos, Brunei, Philippines, Thailand,
Cambodia and Myanmar indicates that the citizens of these countries can travel to Myanmar for 14 days
for purpose of tourism without a visa.

The restriction of the agreement shows that free visa is only for those who arrive by Yangon, Mandalay
or Naypyidaw international airport.

Accordingly, travellers from America, Europe, Africa and other countries in Asia need to obtain Myanmar
Visa.

From late 2014, Myanmar Government has created a new system which enables travellers to obtain
an electronic visa for Myanmar. This system supports citizens from more than 100 countries to obtain visa
easier for their travel to Myanmar. Please contact us if you want to apply for Myanmar visa

Myanmar e visa can be applied if you are entering from these airports / Ports / Checkpoints

1. Yangoon
2. Mandalay
3. Nay Pyi Taw
4. Tachileik Land Border checkpost
5. Myawaddy Land border chekpost
6. Kawthaung Land border chekpost

Visa Fee

The total Government fee is US $50/ person or application. There is no discount or a cheaper price if you
apply for a group. Navigers processing fee is $25 per visa forex and 5% government tax. Pls fill the visa
form or call us

The visa is single entry and you are not able to travel to Thailand then return without having a second
visa. We strongly advise you to study their website carefully before you apply since the visa fee is
nonrefundable.

Special notices

1. E-Visa is good for both tourist and business Myanmar Visa
2. This visa is not for all border gates or airports, please check the latest update Myanmar Visa News
3. Your passport must be valid for 6 months from the time you enter the country.
4. Tourist visa is valid for 28 days from the date of arrival, business visa is for 70 days
5. Payment should be done by credit, visa card, no cash or banking option.
6. Visa fee is non-refundable
7. Contact the government support team on phone if you need more information
8. You should apply for the visa at least 1 week before arrival and no sooner than 3 months prior to your
travel date.

Requirement

1. Your full name in the passport :
2. Your father`s full name:
3. Your date of birth and place of birth:
4. Passport number, issued date, expired date

5. Your address, telephone and email.
6. Your occupation:
7. Date of arrival and flight number:
8. Date of departure and flight number:
9. Your visiting plan: at least the name of the first hotel
10. Your photo in jpeg, pdf, word extension

E-visa is applicable for 100 countries including

I loved my Singapore holiday and here is the snapshot of my 5 days in Singapore

Day 1 - On our first day in Singapore, I kept it low-key and was exploring the historical parts of the city. Travelling is exhausting even if you're only in the air for a few hours. A little jet-lagged and travel-weary. We went to Singapore Art Museum. Opened in 1996, the museum houses the largest collection of modern Southeast Asia artworks. From there, it's just a short walk to the National Museum of Singapore, Singapore's oldest and largest museum and the keeper of the 11 National Treasures.

Day 2 – We could have theoretically spent our entire Singapore vacation on Sentosa Island and never run out of things to do. Sentosa - crystal blue water lapping against the white sandy beach, while coconut trees sway in the gentle breeze. Tanjong beach on Sentosa is the best spot for relaxing "peace and tranquility"on Sentosa Island. We played volley ball there. 

Silosa Beach is for the sporty types who like to play beach volleyball, and Palawan Beach is great if you want to stay close to all the action. EAT "must-have" Black Pepper Crabs. And Hainanese Chicken Rice.

I took a tram to Siloso Point and walk into Sentosa Underwater World and Dolphin Lagoon. "Meet the Dolphins and Fu Seals" show. We were a little adventurous type and spent the rest of the afternoon at the MegaZip Adventure Park, where I flew above the tree canopy on a zip line. I didn’t try Sentosa CineBlast. - virtual rollercoaster. Later We went for dinner at Silk Road on Palawan Beach. The neatest thing about this contemporary restaurant is that its menu is based on the places along Marco Polo's route from North and South China to Venice, back in the 13th century. I finished by 7:30pm, as I didn’t want to miss Wings of Time.

Day 3 – We went to Marina Bay for some popular tourist attractions and  a bit leisurely. I strolled along the Waterfront Promenade, I could see iconic Marina Bay Sands. I later went to Esplanade Theatres for a show and later went through the shops of the Esplanade Mall.

We went to The Banyan Tree Gallery and it is a neat store that sells handcrafted goods made by local artisans. Afternoon We went to Singapore Flyer. Although it’s known for being the world's largest observation wheel, there is so much more to do than just soar high above the city in one of their special capsules. I did fly a plane..na na not the real one but almost real, in an awesome flight simulator and zipped around the track used by drivers for the famous Singapore GP F1 Night Race in a super-classy, super-fast sports car.

Late evening, I spent at Merlion Park when the sun is about to sat. This is the best place to take a few shots of the beautiful Marina Bay with the iconic Merlion and Marina Bay Sands in the background.

I took Boat Quay, a historical strip along Singapore River. Clarke Quay, not far away, is typically more popular among tourists, but Boat Quay has just as much to offer. Its less noisy.

Day 4 - The Chinese Garden, also known as Jurong Gardens, provides a stunning array of traditional Chinese gardens set against the architectural beauty of a 7-storey Pagoda and a gorgeous arch bridge. In the Gardens of Abundance section, one of the newest gardens, you'll marvel at the 100-year old pomegranate trees nestled among statues representing the 12 Chinese Zodiac animals.

Admission to the main garden and Bonsai garden are free. However, ticket prices for entrance to the Garden of  Abundance and Live Turtle & Tortoise Museum are $2 for Adults, $1 for Children and $5 for Adult, $3 for Children respectively.

We went for Night Safari riding a tram through the Himalayan Foothills, Indian Subcontinent, the Burmese Hillside and more before getting out and walking along the interconnected trails under the moon light. You also won't want to miss the highlight of this tour - Creatures of the Night Show.

Day 5 - Singapore is a shopping paradise, from massive malls to open-air boutiques.

I headed to Orchard Road to empty our wallet. For full, cultural experience, head to Chinatown.

Little India – Just like India

I skipped the large common-goods shopping malls and went to Yue Hwa Chinese Products Emporium, just a block away from the heart of Chinatown, selling Chinese goods ranging from traditional medicine to porcelain figures. Visit the second floor lobby for an amazing selection of Chinese tea, from the inexpensive loose-leaf teas to costly teapots.

I picked up some bak kwa (barbecued meat). Wander along the vendor-packed Pagoda, Sago and Trengganu streets , and pick up some gorgeous fine silk, jade jewellery and Singapore souvenir t-shirts.

Departure :(

Thailand is one of the favorite holiday destination for tourists from India.

You can avail 2 types of Visas for travelling to Thailand.
(1) Take Visa on Arrival on Thai airports
(2) Apply for Thailand Tourist Visa for stay more than 30 day

The VISA ON ARRIVAL allows passport holders of 19* countries to enter Thailand under this rule provided that they meet these requirements:

(1) The visit is strictly for tourism purposes.
(2) The passport must be genuine and should be valid for at least 30 days.
(3) You must have a valid address in Thailand whether a hotel or apartment that can be verified. (Atleast 1 day of hotel booking is mandatory)
(4) You must have a confirmed return ticket to show that they are flying out of Thailand within 15 days of entry
(5) It will also be necessary to prove that you have funds of at least 10,000 THB (250 USD) per person and 20,000 THB (500 USD) per family during your stay in Thailand.
(6) A fee of 1,000 THB (decreased from 2,000 Baht) is payable upon entry and is subject to change without notice. It must be paid in cash and Thai currency only.
(7) Submit one 4 x 6 cm. headshot photo taken no longer than 6 months.  

Apply For Visa before You Travel
If you’re in Thailand for longer than the 30 days, then you can pre-emptively apply for Visa to the Royal Thai Embassy. The regular tourist Visa can be obtained from the Royal Thai Consulate General present at New Delhi, Chennai and Kolkata.

It takes 3 to 5 working days for visa processing.

Here is the list of Thailand's international airports were Visa on Arrival service is available:
• Don Muang Airport, Bangkok
• Phuket International Airport
• Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK)
• Samui Airport, Surat Thani
• Chiangmai International Airport
• Hatyai International Airport, Songkla

And here is the list of countries eligible for the Thailand Visa on Arrival (VOA):
• Andorra
• Bulgaria
• Bhutan
• China
• Cyprus
• Ethiopia
• Fiji
• India
• Kazakhstan
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Maldives
• Malta
• Mauritius
• Papua New Guinea
• Romania
• San Marino
• Saudi Arabia
• Taiwan
• Ukraine
• Uzbekistan

I really like the punch line of Navigers - "World is outside home, come travel with us"
This line made me think why should one travel? And what is the reason, that some people (like me), are always eager to pack the bag and set out travelling...

After think alot, I conculded on the these 6 reasons on why one should travel

(1) Traveling helps you learn who you are
When we are at home - at our self built comfort zone. We carry on to live a systamtic life; where we know how to carry on with the daily stuff without much hazzle.
Travel puts you out on a open space, with nothing much to predict. All the challenges and opportunities travel lays at your feet help you discover who you are and what are your true potentials and desires.
Sometimes it’s only far from home that you realize you you’ve got skills you’ve never used.

(2) Life is not all about work and career goals

If you think of working every inch today and hoping to have more time when you retire - think again!!!
Life has never guaranteed us 'old age'.
Experience this gorgeous mighty planet in which you are born. Because traveling open ups to more opportunities - beyond your set goals.

(3) Chance to be a part of a story

There are numerous stories associated with every place - stories that are much more exciting than the breaking news that media covers.
Travelling lets you learn and discover about the history and current affaris of a place and gives to a chance to be part of that story.

(4) Be generous to your taste buds

There is so many types of food in the world. Traveling to different places and tasting the local food prepared by the local chefs opens up a spirit of being part of that region's culuture.
It is much more fun to experience how different people enjoy different food; than eating at a continental restauarant at your city.

(5) Cherish on what really matters

Every airline penalises the extra baggage - and thus traveling forces you to learn on how much to carry, and what is the one that is really needed and what is ‘extra’.
This is a good lesson in life too - to drop the extra baggages of life.

(6) Pamper yourself - Relax and rejuvenate

A restful vacation is just what you need to renew yourself.
You need to pamper yourself more often and take a break from the stressful life - A new place, good weather, and bright colours of mother nature is the best rewarding gift that you can give yourself.

Travel and live the moment. World is generous with wide range of things it can offer. Just put a step forward and explore a new place of this vast universe - Travel pays back :)