Udon Thani

       The Vietnam War transformed the sleepy provincial city of Udon Thani into a booming support center for a nearby American airbase. And since the withdrawal of American troops in 1976, it has continued to grow as an industrial and commercial center within the region. Located on an elevated plateau, the province is blessed with numerous forested hills and tributaries, but the Phu Pan mountain ranges and the Songkhram River are the province�s 2 main natural resources. The province�s main attraction is its archeological sites that date back over 5,000 years, particularly the one at Ban Chiang.

           Located 564 kilometres from Bangkok, the province is a prime business centre of I-San. It stands the world heritage site for the prehistoric culture of Ban Chiang. It covers an area of 11, 730 square kilometres and is divided into the following districts: Muang, Kumphawapi, Nong Han, Phen, Ban Phue, Ban Dung, Si That, Nam Som, Nong Wua So, Kut Chap, Non Sa-at, Wang Sam Mo, Chai Wan, Nong Saeng, Sang Khom, Thung Fon, Na Yung, Phibun Rak, Ku Kaeo, Prachaksinlapakhom.

 

Travel Information

Ban Na Kha and Ban Men
Ban Na Kha and Ban Men is situated 16 kilometres from town on Nong Khai route. It is a centre of cotton, silk, and khit silk trading.

Huai Luang Reservoir
Huai Luang Reservoir is located on Udon Thani-Loei Highway.The huge reservoir under the Irrigation Department offers beautiful scenery.

Krom Luang Prachaksinlapakhom Monument

Krom Luang Prachaksinlapakhom Monument, built to commemorate the founder of Udon Thani, is located in the centre of the town.

Nong Prachak
Nong Prachak is located within the province and an islet arranged as a public park with a great variety of trees and flowers centres the lake. It is a popular place for recreation among the townspeople.

San Chao Pu �Ya
San Chao Pu �Ya is a chinese-style shrine located near Nong Bua market within the provincial town. It is a large beautiful Chinese shrine nearby the pond. The shrine keeps a 99 metre-tall replicated golden dragon, which is used in the annual festival at Thung Si Muang in December.

Udon Saeng Tawan
Udon Saeng Tawan (Sunshine) Orchid Garden is located in Soi Kamol Watthana on Udon Thani-Nong Samrong route (Highway No. 204). The garden produces and puts on sale a new species of Thai scented orchid called �Udon Sunshine�. It is the only know vanda hybrid which is fragrant between the early morning hours and about 2 p.m., and it is the first orchid in the world to be made into a perfume.

Wat Ban Tat
Wat Ban Tat is located off the centre of the province. Take Highway No. 2 (Udon Thani-Khon Kaen) and make a right at Ban Kong Keng for 9 kilometres. The temple is teeming with trees and small, wild animals. A numbers of Thais practise meditation at this temple.

Wat Matchimawat
Wat Matchimawat is a temple located within the province, renovated in the reign of King Rama V. The temple houses a white rock Buddha image.

Wat Phothi Somphon
Wat Phothi Somphon is located within the province, built at the end of King Rama V era (around the early of 20th century).


Chiang Rai

The northernmost province of Thailand, Chiang Rai is situated on the Kok River basin 416 metres above sea level. With an area of some 11,678 square kilometres. It is about 785 kilometres from Bangkok. Mostly mountainous, it reaches the Mae Khong River to the north and borders on both Myanmar and Laos.

The province is rich in tourism resources in term of natural attractions and antiquities, evidence of its past civilisation. It is also home to several hilltribes who follow fascinating ways of life. Chiang Rai is also a tourism gateway into Myanmar and Laos.

Chiang Rai is rich in handicrafted items such as hand-woven cotton materials, dresses and hilltribe silver ornaments, as well as wood-carving products. Certain food items are quite popular such as Naem and Mu Yo ( preserved and fermented pork sausages). Agricultural products include lichee (April-May), pineapples and tea, as well as other cool-climate produce from various royal projects.


Ho Watthanatham Nithat
Located at the former townhall, Ho Watthanatham Nithat is a museum exhibiting ancient artefacts and written records on history, literature and indigenous intelligence as well as exhibits on royal activities by the late Princess Mother at Doi Tung. It is open to the public Wednesday-Sunday from 8.30 am. until 3.30 p.m.

Kok River

The Kok River flows through the town of Chiang Rai and is 130 kilometres long. Long-tailed boats can be rented from town to travel along the river, on both sides of which are lovely sceneries. Stops can be made at hilltribal villages of the Akha or Iko, Lisu, Karen, etc. Elephant rides are also available to see the surrounding area. Another river routed starts from Tha Ton in Chiang Mai going northward to Chiang Rai town. The trip takes about four hours. Trips by bamboo raft takes 3 days and 2 nights.

Nam Tok Khun Kon Forest Park
The Nam Tok Khun Kon Forest Park can be reached by taking Highway No.1211 from town. After 18 kilometres turn right and proceed on for another 12 kilometres. Or go along Highway No. 1 (Chiang Rai-Phayao) for about 15 kilometres where there is a right turn to proceed further another 17 kilometres, then a 30-minute walk to the waterfall. The highest and most scenic waterfall in Chiang Rai, the Khun Kon is some 70 metes high. Along the route to the site are cool, shady natural surroundings eminently suitable for relaxation and nature walk.

Oub Kham Museum
Oub Kham Museum is located near Den Ha market, 1 kilometre from the centre of town. The collection embraces objects from the areas once belonging to, or affiliated with, the Lanna kingdoms: present north Thailand and some parts of northeast Myanmar, southwest China and Vietnam. Apart from ritual objects the collection mainly consists of objects used at the royal courts. Originally starting with lacquerware, silver jewelry and clothing. A golden bowl used by royals, is a masterpiece. It is open daily from 9 am.-6 pm. Admission fee is 100 baht per person. Call 0-5371-3349 for more information.

The King Mengrai Stupa
The King Mengrai Stupa in front of Wat Ngam Muang atop Doi Ngam Muang in Muang district was built by King Chaisongkram to contain the remains of his father (King Mengrai).

The King Mengrai the Great Memorial
The King Mengrai the Great Memorial is located in the town on the intersection leading to Mae Chan. Originally, King Mengrai was the ruler of Nakhon Hiran Ngoen Yang (an ancient town on the bank of the Mae Khong around Chiang Saen) before Chiang Rai was established as the administrative centre in 1262. He consolidated his power by merging the different city-states in the North and founded the Lanna Thai Kingdom in 1296 with Chiang Mai as the capital.

The Wat Phra Sing
The Wat Phra Sing ,on Singhakhlai Road near the townhall used to house a major Buddha statue, the Phra Buddha Sihing which is now enshrined in Chiang Mai. A special feature is the Lanna-style Ubosot and the wooden door panels carved by Chiang Rai contemporary craftsmen.

Wat Phra Kaeo
Situated on Trairat Road in town centre, Wat Phra Kaeo was where one of Thailand's most important Buddha statues was discovered in 1444. The statue had been moved by various state rulers to be placed in their respective capitals as a symbol of dominance, including Lampang, Chiang Rai and Vientiane before finally begin enshrined in Bangkok's Wat Phra Kaeo during the reign of King Rama I of the Rattanakosin Period. The temple also houses a 700 years old bronze statue, Phra Chao Lan Thong, which is housed in the Chiang Saen-style Ubosot.

Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong

Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong, located on Doi Chom Thong on the bank of the Kok River within town area, contains what is believed to be the oldest Holy Relic even before King Mengrai built Chiang Rai. A major religious site in Chiang Rai, it was from here that King Mengrai spotted the strategic location on which to establish the town. The Chedi containing the Holy Relic was probably renovated at the same time the town was being built.

 
Hat Yai : Songkhla

Songkhla is a southern border province, adjacent to the State of Kedah (Sai Buri), Malaysia. It is an important port and coastal province of Thailand since the old days with Amphoe Hat Yai as the southern centre of commerce, transportation and rapid economic growth. The province is ideal for tourism because of its two distinct characteristics: the old buildings of Amphoe Mueang Songkhla, and the developed Amphoe Hat Yai, separated by only about 30 kilometres.

The old part of Songkhla is located at the presentday Amphoe Sathing Phra. Indians, Persians, and Arabs came to trade and called the place �Singhla�. The name came from two islands with the shape of crouching lions at the mouth of Songkhla lagoon. The islands are presently called Ko Nu and Ko Maeo.

Songkhla occupies an area of 7,393 square kilometres, and is administratively divided into 16 districts: Muang Songkhla, Ranot, Krasae Sin, Sathing Phra, Singhanakhon, Khuan Niang, Rattaphum, Bang Klam, Hat Yai, Na Mom, Chana, Thepha, Na Thawi, Saba Yoi, Sadao, and Khlong Hoi Khong.


Travel Information

Ban Sattha

Ban Sattha is situated on a hill slope overlooking the Tinsulanond Bridge to Ko Yo. It is surrounded by coconut plantations. The city people had it built for H.E. Prem Tinsulanond, the Privy Councilor and Statesman, when he was the Prime Minister. Construction was completed on 26 August B.E. 2534. In B.E. 2539, H.E. Prem gave the house back to the people of Songkhla. There is a public library nearby.

Khao Kao Seng

Khao Kao Seng is located about three kilometres to the south of Hat Samila. It can be reached via the road to The National Coastal Aquaculture Institute. It is one of the beautiful beaches of Songkhla, dotted with large boulders one of which is on a rock, the locals call it �Hua Nai Raeng�. It was said that underneath this boulder there used to be treasures stored by the people as funds for the construction of the Nakhon Si Thammarat Chedi and had protecting spirits.

Khao Noi

Khao Noi , near Laem Samila, has a road to the hilltop for paying homage to the statue of Prince Lop Buri Ramet (The Southern Viceroy), and to view the city. On the east is a public park with food services and tennis courts. On the northeast is Suan Seri, another park with ornamental plants in animal shapes. Tamnak Khao Noi, on the south, was built in B.E. 2454 as the residence of Prince Lop Buri Ramet and was used by His Majesties the King and Queen on their visit to the south in March B.E. 2502. Today the mansion is the residence of the Songkhla Provincial Governor.

Khao Tang Kuan

Khao Tang Kuan at Laem Samila has the Sala Vihan Daeng, the royal pavilion built during the reign of King Rama V. On the hilltop is a Dvaravati chedi housing the Buddha�s relics that was built during the Nakhon Si Thammarat Empire. In October there is a festival to clad the chedi with a cloth, to pull the Buddha�s image, and to offer alms to monks. A panoramic view of the city and the Songkhla Lake can be enjoyed on the hilltop.

Ko Nu and Ko Maeo

Ko Nu and Ko Maeo well-known symbol of Songkhla, is situated off the shore of Laem Samila. A legend says that a dog, a cat, and a mouse, on a Chinese sampan stole the merchant�s magic crystal and tried to swim ashore but drowned and lost their lives. The mice and cats became the islands in the Songkhla Lake while the dog died on shore and became the hill called Hin Khao Tang Kuan near the bay. The crystal was totally destroyed and became the white sandy beach called Hat Sai Kaeo.

Ko Yo

Ko Yo is a small island in the Songkhla Lake but is the important tourist attraction of Songkhla. The island, covering an area of 9,275 rais (3,710 acres), can be reached via Tinsulanond Bridge The coastal plain is suitable for agriculture, resulting in famous fruit-growing such as a special kind of jackfruit called Jampada. Another famous product is the hand-woven fabric.

Laem Sai Estuary Fortress
Laem Sai Estuary Fortress was constructed in the reign of King Rama III, at the time of the city�s establishment. Today this fortress is behind the Songkhla Provincial Police Headquarters.

Laem Samila

Laem Samila is in the City Municipality, about 2.5 kilometres from the fresh market (Thalat Supsin or Thalat Sot Thetsaban). This peninsula is well-known for its white sandy beach, shady pine groves, and the statue of a mermaid that is Songkhla�s symbol. It is serviced by Hat Yai-Songkhla buses. From within the city, one can take a minibus to the beach.

Laem Son On

Laem Son On is situated to the northwest of Laem Samila. It is well shaded with sea pines. At the end of the peninsula stands the statue of Prince Chumphon Khet Udomsak. This peninsula is the best spot to view Ko Nu and the Songkhla Lake.

Phathammarong Museum

Phathammarong Museum on Chana Road near the Songkhla National Museum. It was constructed in a Thai style to resemble the birthplace of H.E. Prem Tinsulanond, the former Prime Minister and Statesman who is a Songkhla native. The construction was based on his testimony when his father was the prison warden.

Songkhla Lake

Songkhla Lake , the only natural lake in Thailand is about 80 kilometres long and 20 to 25 kilometres wide. It is a freshwater lake with brackish water near the mouth. There are several islands across from its mouth, the major ones include Ko Yai, Ko Si, Ko Ha, Ko Kaeo, Ko Mak, Ko Rai, and Ko Yo. Boats are available for touring the lake. The port behind the post office or the fresh market has all-day long-tailed boat services.

Songkhla Zoo

Songkhla Zoo is an open zoo, on the Songkhla-Chana Highway, Tambon Khao Rup Chang. It was established for the preservation of Thai wildlife and to return them to the wild. The zoo covers a hilly area with an asphalt ring road. The various animals have been grouped separately, such camels, birds, red gaur, tigers, crocodiles, and others. One of the highlights in the zoo not to be missed is the viewing point for the city where food stalls are available. For more information please call 0-7432-5037-8.

Songkhla�s City Pillar

Songkhla�s City Pillar ,on Nang Ngam Road, is a revered site to Songkhla�s population. The Chinese architectural style building was constructed together with the city itself. Nearby dwellings, especially on Nakhon Nai and Nakhon Nok Roads also bear the same influence. The Chinese immigrants who came to settle there at the beginning of the 24th Buddhist Century had a major role in the establishment of Songkhla, hence, the distinctive Chinese lifestyle of the area.

The Institute for Southern Thai Studies

The Institute for Southern Thai Studies is situated on Ko Yo, near the foot of the second part of the Tinsulanond Bridge. It was established in B.E. 2521 for the studies of southern art and culture. Its museum has comprehensive exhibits on local art and culture, and southern lives as well as artefacts echoing local wisdom accumulated through several generations. The systematic exhibits cover more than 30 rooms displaying history, religion, tradition, occupation, folk play, handicrafts, and various artefacts. Viewing points for the Songkhla Lake and aquaculture farms should not be missed. Admission fee is 50 baht. Call 0-7433 -1185-8.

The Songkhla National Museum

The Songkhla National Museum on Chana Road, was originally built in B.E. 2421 as Songkhla ruler�s mansion in Chinese style. It became the domicile of Songkhla�s upper administrative officers and finally the City Hall. It was converted into a museum in B.E. 2496 to exhibit lower southern artefacts. Today it is the source of local archaeology, history, and folk art and culture. It has a notable collection of the artefacts of the �Na Songkhla Family� that used to rule the city. It is opened to the public, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., except Mondays, Tuesdays, and public holidays.

Tinsulanond Bridge

Tinsulanond Bridge spans the Songkhla Lake and is part of Highway 408. It is the longest concrete bridge in Thailand, with two parts: the first part connects the coast of Amphoe Mueang Songkhla at Ban Nam Krachai to the southern coast of Ko Yo, this part is about 1,140 metres long; the second part connects the northern shore of Ko Yo to the coast of Ban Khao Khiao, a length of 1,800 metres. It was opened to traffic on 25 September B.E. 2529.

Wat Chai Mongkhon

Wat Chai Mongkhon , on Phetmongkhon-Chaimongkhon Road, has a chedi that was built to house the Buddhist relics brought back from Langka by a monk named �Na Issaro� who was teaching Pali there in B.E. 2435.

Wat Matchimawat or Wat Khlang

Wat Matchimawat or Wat Khlang , on Sai Buri Road, is a large temple and the most important in Songkhla. It is about 400 years old. It was said that Yai Si Chan, a millionaire of Songkhla donated a large sum of money to construct the temple. Later on Wat Liap was built on the north, and Wat Pho on the south. The people then changed the name of the temple from �Wat Yai Si Chan� to �Wat Khlang� or �Wat Matchimawat�. This temple also has the Phattharasin Museum that houses various artefacts gathered from Songkhla, Sathing Phra, Ranot, and elsewhere.

 

 
Bangkok

           Bangkok is one of Asia�s most cosmopolitan cities. Created as the Thai capital in 1782 by the first monarch of the present Chakri dynasty, Bangkok is a national treasure house and Thailand�s spiritual, cultural, political, commercial, educational and diplomatic centre.
           Bangkok exceeds 1,500 square kilometres in area and is home to one-tenth of the country's population. Major tourist attractions include glittering Buddhist temples, palaces, timeless �Venice of the East� canal and river scenes, classical dance extravaganzas, and numerous shopping centres.

          Bangkok is a city of contradictions: A buzzing metropolis with a laid back attitude, elegant temples and palaces stand side by side with Romanesque concrete skyscrapers and charming wooden houses. And while the main thoroughfares are choked with traffic and fumes, nearby side roads contain tranquil houses nestled among lush gardens. Love it and hate it, you can�t ignore or forget it. City Layout The metropolis always makes an impression: traveling from Don Muang Airport, visitors are overawed by skyscrapers, chaotic traffic and confusing road systems. With no real center it is hard to know exactly where to go, but a quick look at a map in the comfort of your hotel should give a clearer perspective.

 


Take the Sky Train
          Bangkok has little green space, but Lumphini Park on Rama 4 Road and the Queen�s Park on Sukhumvit Road provide a nice break from the city streets. Chatuchak Park is farther north, but all are easy to reach on the new sky train. Dusit Zoo is especially popular with children.


Cultural Heritage
         Despite the modern skyline, some districts retain their old-world charm. The Grand Palace and Wat Pra Kaew have dazzled visitors for over 200 years, and no visitor should miss a tour around the teak masterpieces of Vimanmek Mansion, Suan Pakkard and Jim Thompson�s House. The Chao Phraya River hosts a number of inspiring sights. Long-tail boats take sightseers past famous landmarks like Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) and through adjacent canal communities.

Shopping Mecca
         For shoppers, large department stores offer VAT refunds for tourists, and market traders bargain with grace. Narayanaphand stocks beautiful handicrafts, Pratunam Market is great for garments, and Patpong Road and the Weekend Market (beside Chatuchak Park) sell almost everything imaginable.

City Never Sleeps
         With a selection of restaurants, pubs and discotheques unrivalled in Asia, Bangkok�s nightlife holds endless possibilities. The free and widely available Guide of Bangkok carries an informative list of establishments.
Phuket

          Phuket is Thailand's largest island, and is approximately the size of Singapore. Phuket nestles in balmy Andaman Sea waters on Thailand's Indian Ocean coastline 867 kilometres south of Bangkok.
Phuket formerly derived its wealth from tin and rubber, and enjoyed a rich and colourful history. The island was on one of the major trading routes between India and China, and was frequently mentioned in foreign traders' ship logs. The Portuguese, French, Dutch and English traded with Phuket. Other visitors were less friendly. Phuket's most famous monument is the memorial statue of the heroines Thao Thepkasattri and Thao Sisunthon, who rallied islanders in 1785 to repel Burmese invaders.
Phuket is blessed with magnificent coves and bays, and powdery, palm fringed beaches; sparkling island dotted seas; sincerely hospitable people; superb accommodation and seafood; delightful turn of the century Sino Portuguese architecture; numerous sporting and leisure opportunities; a lush tropical landscape all of which combine to create a delightful ambience for truly memorable holidays.


Climate
Phuket has two major seasons: the Rains' Season from May through October, and the Hot Season from November through April. There are many sunny days throughout the Rains Season: showers customarily last little more than 2 or 3 hours. September is the wettest month. The best months are November through February. Average temperatures range between 22 and 34 degrees Celsius.

Phuket Town
The compact provincial capital serves mainly as a dormintory and commercial and shopping centre. Splendid colonial style residences built by late l9th century tin and rubber barons, and shophouses from the same period, with shaded walkways, provide distinctive character.

Rang Hill
This provides a pleasant view of town while dining, and has a Fitness Park, a series of hillside sculptural tableaux which enhance calisthenics.


The Thai Village
Also on Thepkasattri Road, the village serves daily a typical southern Thai lunch that is followed by a spectacular Cultural show including Thai dances, sword fighting, Thai boxing, southern customs and elephants. Handicrafts are also on display.
Thalang National Museum
Located near the Two Heroines Monument, this museum contains permanent exhibition of life in old Phuket, ancient artifacts and remains discovered on the coast and, materials used during war with Burma (Myanmar).

Island Attractions
Phuket's glory is its magnificent coastline. Beaches range from gentle crescents of white sand with calm waters to rocky headlands pounded by raging surf. Counterclockwise, from Phuket's northern tip, where the Sarasin Bridge connects the island with the mainland, Phuket's major .beaches (and temples and botanical gardens).

Chiang Mai

       Chiang Mai is Thailand's principal northern city. Chiang Mai is the provincial capital of a largely mountainous province, also called Chiang Mai, which is some 20,000 square kilometres in area.
       Chiang Mai city is 700 kilometres north of Bangkok, was founded in 1296, and is located in a fertile valley some 300 metres above sea level.

        Chiang Mai was the capital of Lanna Thai (Kingdom of One Million Ricefields), the first independent Thai kingdom within the fabled Golden Triangle. Chiang Mai flourished as a major religious, cultural and trading centre until 1556 when a Burmese in vasion reduced it to a vassal state. The Burmese were expelled in 1785, whereupon Lanna Thai once again became part of northern Thailand.

        Many lowland Thais regard Chiang Mai city and province as being someting of a national Shangri-la, thanks to its beautiful women, distinctive festivals, historic temples dating from the 1300s, arresting scenic beauty, temperate fruits such as apples peaches and strawberries, and a crisp, invigorating cool season climate.

Local Culture
         The people of Chiang Mai enjoy one of the most distinctive cultural identities in the whole of Thailand. Largely farmers and artisans, they have their own lilting dialect, their own customs, their own festivals, their ownarchitectural traditions, their own distinctive cuisine. Hilltribes also lend a great deal of character and colour to the crisply beautiful mountaions landscape.

City Attractions
         Wat Phra Sing Sam Lan Road This lovely temple dates from 1345 and is one of the focal points of Songkran festivities each April 13-15 when people bathe the revered Phra Buddha Sihing image. The temple compound includes the lovely Lai Kham chapel with its exquisite woodcarvings and northern-style murals, and a magnificent scriptural repository with striking bas relief.
Wat Suan Dok Suthep Road This temple was built in a 14th century Lanna Thai monarch's pleasure gardens and is a favourite spot for photographers, particularly for striking sunsets. Several of the white chedis contain ashes of Chiang Mai's former royal family. The 500 year-old bronze Buddha image in a secondary chapel is one of Thailand's largest metal images.
Wat Chedi Luang Phrapokklao Road

         This temple is the site of an enormous pagoda, originally 280 feet high, and which was partially destroyed by an earthquake in 1545. At one time, Wat Chedi Luang housed the revered Emerald Buddha image now enshrined in Bangkok's Wat Phr Kaeo. A magnificent Naga staircase adorns the chapel's front porch.
          Wat U-Mon Suthep Road This delightful meditation temple is completely different from Chiang Mai's other major temples and enjoys a bucolic forest setting. The ancient chedi is of particular interest.
Chiang Mai National Museum Beside Wat Chet Yot
The museum houses a collection of Lanna Thai works of art, ancient Buddha images, and war weapons. The museum opens daily, except Mondays, Tuesdays and official holidays, from 9.00 AM until noon, and 1.00 until 4.00 PM.

Hong Kong

         Hong Kong is truly an international city which blends in the best from the East and West, creating a unique personality. A city of paramount sophistication, Hong Kong sets trends for the world to follow. Hong Kong leads the global resurgence of Chinese culture, and stands at the forefront of an exciting new era where every moment in this exciting city is an unforgettable experience.
Hong Kong offers plenty of options, ranging from a junk cruise to remote islands with century-old Chinese traditions to a breathtaking hike over rolling green hills to stunning white beaches, a trek to charming Chinese fishing villages or a fascinating city tour of art, history and modern museums.
Hong Kong is not just Hong Kong. Hong Kong comprises 235 islands including one with the largest Buddha in the world. There's the Kowloon peninsula teething with shops, temples, markets and restaurants; the New Territories which offers a contrast of scenic beauty and man-made achievements, it's unique gardens and parks bursting with birds, wildlife and plants. Hong Kong offers visitors a motley of options including shopping, swimming, hiking, golfing, sightseeing, dining in world class restaurant, horseracing, within its compact geography.

Resources:

An official website of Hong Kong Tourism Board which contains all aspects of information on tourist destination in the country

http://www.e-hongkong.com/
A website providing information of all-you-need- to-know in Hong Kong including society, sports, government, business and travel

http://www.hongkong.org/tourism.html
A Hong Kong tourism guide with comprehensive information for visitors

http://hong-kong.tourism-asia.net/
A Hongkong travel guide providing information on tourism in Hong Kong

http://www.hkstreet.com/
Hong Kong Streets guides to shopping and restaurants and provides links for tourist bookings as well as events listings

http://directory.google.com/Top/Regional/Asia/Hong_Kong/Travel_and_Tourism/Travel_Guides/
A portal site linking to other websites on travel and tourism in Hong Kon




Seoul

         Seoul has been the capital of Korea for about 600 years, since the time of the Joseon Dynasty(1392-1910). Seoul was referred to as �Han Yang� during the Joseon Dynasty, but after the liberation from Japan, in 1945, the newly founded Republic of Korea officially changed its capital city�s name to Seoul.

         Seoul has developed into a bustling metropolis, acting as the hub for political, economic, social, and cultural matters. The Han River runs through the heart of the city. The river divides the city in two; the northern part of the city is a focal point for culture and history, while the southern part is well known for its business district.

          Seoul has hosted many international events including: 1986 Asian Games, 1988 Olympic Games and 2002 Korea/Japan FIFA World Cup. The success of these events has shown people that Korea is truly an international city.

           In Seoul you can find ancient palaces and Royal Shrines of the Joseon Dynasty, as well as Seoul World Cup Stadium, 63 Building, Lotte World, Han River, Namsan, Bukhansan Mountain National Park, Daehangno, Insa-dong, Itaewon, Myeong-dong, Apgujeong, Namdaemun and Dongdaemun Markets.

Resources:
http://www.visitkorea.or.kr/
http://english.tour2korea.com/
An official website of Korea National Tourism Organization which contains all aspects of information on tourist destinations in the country
http://english.seoul.go.kr/
The Seoul Metropolitan Government�s website
http://www.seoulhotel.org
A website provides latest information on events in Seoul and a variety of tourist information. The site also provides visitors to Seoul with online hotel reservations, offering the last minute availability, and discounted rates


Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur (or "K. L.," as it's known to locals) is the center and symbol of Malaysia's rapid rise as an economic powerhouse. The rocket-like Petronas towers soar above a city built to impress, from the modern buildings of the Golden Triangle to massive shopping malls to driverless trains that glide across the bustling city. Yet nestled amid the high-rises you'll find remnants of the city's past: enchanting temples and mosques, small white-washed colonial churches and British Tudor-style clubhouses. At night, markets and lantern-lit streets ring with the sound of Malay, Chinese and Indian hawkers selling tantalizing dishes. While running hard toward the future, K. L. still offers a glimpse of its colorful heritage and a taste of traditional, exotic Asia.


Resources:

http://www.tourism.gov.my/
An official website of Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (Malaysian Ministry Of Culture, Arts And Tourism) which contains all aspects of information on tourist destination in the country
http://www.geographia.com/malaysia/
An official guide to Malaysia provided by the Malaysian National Tourism Office in New York City providing most complete on-line guide on where to go and what to do in Malaysia with map included
http://www.virtualmalaysia.com/
A Tourism portal featuring maps and 360 degree views of sights, articles on culture, traditions and tourist interests � which information includes special interests such as bird watching, caving, diving, mountain biking, offroad driving and homestay
http://www.malaysiamydestination.com
An official portal website of the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism providing information aimed at the tourists and visitors


Singapore

          Singapore is both an island and a country, but perhaps its best description is that of city-state. Like the great city-states of the past, it offers civilization and order in the highest degree. Its combination of Western-style development and Eastern-style calm seems to present the best of both hemispheres: It's a modern metropolis where you feel safe walking the streets, and it's an Asian business center that's a model of efficiency. Singapore is also a multicultural city, and close to one-quarter of its population are expatriates or foreign workers from all over the world. Known for its desire to become the technology hub of Asia, Singapore is the most wired country in the region.
          Singapore shares another trait with historical city-states: Its authorities strongly believe that they can safeguard the status quo with regulations against almost anything and everything that -- in their view -- could possibly upset the sense of tranquillity. In reality, visitors will find the place is not as restrictive as the long lists of hefty fines for such things as littering and jaywalking suggest. Some visitors to Singapore leave singing the praises of a society that "works," while others feel the government's near-compulsive fixation on cleanliness and order makes Singapore sterile in every sense of the word.
Shopping, eating, the Singapore Zoological Gardens and Night Safari, Sentosa Island, cultural events and festivals are considered to be the country's main attractions.


Resources:
http://www.visitsingapore.com/
Singapore Tourism Board's comprehensive official tourist information site providing information on tourist attractions, food, entertainment and other tourists-must-know information
http://www.tourisminsingapore.com
The official travel resource website for Singapore for trip planner to find a suitable airline, hotel or even an all-inclusive tour package, and Red Hot Deals!
http://www.singapore-hotelsonline.com/
Accommodation Directory of Singapore providing a listing of all hotels in Singapore with good prices

 



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