Ghost Cave

Hang Ma, or Ghost Cave, is located in the highlands, Coc Village, Nam Xuan Commune, Quan Hoa District. It is sandwiched between the two imposing mountains of Pha Phung and Pha Hang.

Close to the Luong River, the 500-metre deep cave is located in an rough terrain, with only one access way. It was ideal for combat during wartime.

According to local elderly people of the village, the cave took it’s name because of the large number of soldiers who died there.

In order to pay tribute to the many anonymous men who gave their lives for their country, the local government decided to build a temple there, and recently it was opened to tourists.

Despite its disturbing history, the cave is quite charming, at the base of a range of limestone mountains. Visitors can take a footpath over the Luong River during the dry season to discover its beauty.

Ha Dinh Ta, Chairman of the communal People’s Committee, said that the cave is believed to be a last resting place of a number of soldiers who fought during the Lam Son Revolt during China’s Minh Dynasty, and was also used to flout the French between 1946 and 1947.

The communal government got approval from the district authorities to make the cave into an eco-tourism site in 2008, Ta added.

Some photos taken from Ghost Cave:

Sheer clifs

source form: dtinews

The tours have become particularly popular in spring, the best season to visit the mountainous area. But Sa Pa is popular from August to April, with foreign tourists flocking to the region.

Ta Giang Phinh is 25km from Sa Pa and is home to the Mong and Dao people. The 3,000m-tall Mt Ngu Chi Son is nearby and the second highest peak in the area, after famed Mt Fansipan.

The village connects with Sa Pa on a narrow road which snakes through the mountains, past native chayote. The mountains and valley of maize and terraced rice fields are seen on sunny days when the clouds clear.

“The village is a very new site that we included among our destinations last year,” said Green Sa Pa Tour Co director Dao Van Phong. “We want to introduce an isolated village where the lifestyle has yet to change. People living in the village are always hospitable, and visitors can take break at any house during the two-hour walk around the village.”

Phong said his company brought 500 visitors to the village last year.

As the village is nudged in the large Sin Chai Valley , 500m above sea level, tourists can easily find the local Mong people farming the terraced fields or trek through forests of cardamon. Locals often invite visitors with maize and perform the khen (bamboo pan-pipes) dance as they express their hospitality.

The women often stay at home to weave brocade for clothing. With families scattered in isolated spots around the valley and no means of transportation, the only way to get visitors to explore the village is by walking.

“We set up the village to represent the typical lifestyle of the Mong and Dao people,” said Green Sa Pa product manager Phung Gia Cao. “Tourists can explore the interesting culture of the Mong and Dao themselves.”

Nam Tam Village , in Lai Chau’s Binh Lu District, is another hour’s drive from Ta Giang Phinh and is in the heart of one of the largest granaries in the northwest of Vietnam . The village of ethnic Lao, Thai and Lu people, with a population of 2,600, sits on a bank of the Nam Mu River on low terrain and amid fertile paddies.

The scenery along the 45km route from Sa Pa to Nam Tam fascinates tourists. On sunny days, clouds dot the blue sky over the mountain ranges.

“Our van often takes many stops along the roadside for tourists to grab a quiet moment on sunny days,” said Phong.

As Nam Tam lies along a 20km stretch of the Nam Mu River, rafts are the most popular vehicle for locals to fish or transport rice during the harvest.

“You can easily find a raft on the river as the locals often fish in the daytime,” said Phong. “We have already set up a local service, so tourists can board a raft as soon as they arrive in the village. They can paddle themselves along the river and stop at any village along the bank.”Phong said his agency can also arrange rubber rafts instead of bamboo.

After a short stop on the river bank, visitors can mount bicycles for a 20km ride around the area.

“The cycling is a change after a few hours of rafting,” said Nguyen Anh Manh, a guide from a Hanoi-based travel agency. “Tourists can stop at several points in the village. They can even leave their bikes and keep walking if they want.”

“I’ve been assigned to take tourists to Sa Pa town for years,” Manh added. “Nam Tam and Ta Giang Phinh are actually the best places to stay the night.”

Nam Tam Village , which includes three hamlets, is a recognised place to make a homestay. Tourists can spend the night in a hamlet of the Thai ethnic group and view traditional folk dances around a campfire at night. The Thai people hosting the visitors offer grilled fish and meat as the tourists relax after a hard day of rafting and cycling.

“Travellers can dance with the locals, and roast fish over a wood fire for dinner,” said Manh. “A night in a stilt house will refresh you for your next day’s journey.”

Many tourists making a homestay in the village during the Lunar New Year when Thai people flock in with food and wine to celebrate the new year festival.

source form: dtinews

While planning for a vacation to India and Amritsar especially, you need to decide on a budget that you will be willing and able to spend comfortably during your stay in the country. The best thing about India is that is has every kind of holiday packages to offer; there are special packages for the Sikh people who come to Amritsar for religious purposes – these packages have discounted prices of hotel stay and transportation to facilitate the stay of the “Religious Yatrees” in the city. People coming to Amritsar for tourist purposes may not get as low price packages as the locals yet there are many two star and three star hotels in the city to accommodate those low budgeted tourists. So you do not have to save for years to plan a good trip to this city of wonders.

Accommodation in Amritsar is not very expensive – the average hotel fair for one night stay varies between dollar 30 to around dollars 100. The hotels near the golden temple can be a little expensive since they give you a direct view of the temple; the average cost per one night of these hotels is around Rs 500 but since almost all costs are negotiable, you have a fair chance of reducing your total cost as long as you have good bargaining skills.

The hotels in Amritsar are of international standards and provide the best of facilities to their customers – from spas to swimming pools to the traditional cuisines of the country – these hotels have everything to offer.

In addition to this, most of the hotels in Amritsar have especially trained guide and transportation facilities for the tourists that are included in their initial cost, these facilities can be a great help for tourists coming to the city for the first time. It may be a good idea to consult a number of travel agents or travelling websites to get a rough idea about the total amount of expenses that you will be incurring during your trip. These travel agentscan also guide you about the best of deals and offers available in the city – Amritsar can be a great place for shopping for traditional sarees and souvenirs etc for your friends and family back at home. So make sure that you that you have proper guidance while you are in the city. A vacation in Amritsar is going to be the one that you will never regret making, so plan your trip today and come to the city of Golden temple to have a time of your life.

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Khajuraho monuments in the Chattarpur district are one of the most visited tourist spots in the country. The temples are famous throughout the world. Thesculptures on the walls of the temples depict scenes from the Kama Sutra and are unique. The temples were built during the reign of the Chandela dynasty.

There are many budget hotels in Khajuraho, here’s a glimpse of some of them.

Hotel Siddharth Khajuraho

The hotel is located at a distance of just 1.5 and 3 kilometers from the bus stand and airport respectively. If you are looking for a place which wouldn’t burn a hole in your pocket and would provide you with a comfortable stay, Siddharth Khajuraho is one of the best option amongst the other Khajuraho hotels. There are 25 rooms in this hotel which are air conditioned, have an attached bath, TV with satellite connectivity and good room service round the clock.

• Other facilities in the hotel are • Yoga and meditation hall • Body message with ayurvedic oil • Safe box deposits • Terrace restaurant

Hotel Jhankar Khajuraho

Jhankar Khajuraho is located very near to the world heritage temples and provides guests a standard accommodation with a variety of services. The hotel is fairly a popular place among all the budget hotels in the city. It is at a distance of four kilometers from the bus stand and 500 meters from the bus stand.

The hotel has 19 rooms which are fully furnished and have amenities like Satellite TV, Channel music, air conditioning, attached bath and round the clock room service. It has a multi cuisine restaurant which serves Indian, Chinese and Continental dishes; a full bar with cocktails is also present in the hotel. A travel desk arranges tours and travels around the city for you.

Hotel Payal Khajuraho

The Hotel Payal is a budget hotel in Khajuraho that has a cozy ambience surrounded by temples. The hotel has an attached bath, channel music, telephone and cable TV. The in house restaurant is well decorated and has beautiful interiors; it also has a separate lounge bar. The travel desk in the hotel organizes sightseeing around the city. The other facilities available in the hotel are laundry, conference facilities, satellite TV, business halls and medical facilities.

The hotel is nearby the Khajuraho temple. Trips to even the remote parts of Khajuraho are organized by the hotel. You wouldn’t lose out on the fun factor once you are in Hotel Payal.

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A scintillating ecumenical city/state with the history attached by means of nails, a genteel playground for all abilities of adventure-seekers and a melting pot blending manifold cultures, Singapore is rightly crowned by the title of the ‘Tourism Capital of World’. Located in the southeastern region of Asian Continent, this vibrant city/state makes the perfect getaway for travelers of all profiles. Relish the charms of past in the Colonial District, dig into the vivacious art scenes and architecture elegance at Marina Bay, explore play-some activities at Sentosa Island, or get your daily dose of shopping along the Orchard Road, come Singapore and collect some wonderful memories to cherish in future.

Trance in Singapore is not confined to its natural beautyor cultural variations, but the world-class lodging facilities in the state do also leave the travelers enchanted with their superb customer services and firs-class amenities. Singapore hotels cater to a wide range of styles, from boutique guest houses to colonial inspired estates, and luxury five star hotels to mesmeric beach resorts, and ensure the tourists to find their desirable accommodation in a high-enchanting environment. The best part is that accommodation in Singapore is available in every price category. If luxury services can be enjoyed in pricey 5 star hotels or resorts, reasonable accommodations including 2-3 star hotels and even the bed & breakfast types of hotels are also there to offer cost-effective stay.

Luxury Hotels in Singapore: Talking about luxury Singapore hotels, they are really an exclusive experience to stay in. Lavish rooms equipped with comprehensive amenities, unsurpassed level of personal and business facilities and warm, adorable hospitality, they are worth against your payment. In the list of luxury accommodations in Singapore, following hotels come on top:

•Mandarin Orchard, Orchard-Bukit Timah •Somerset Bencoolen, City Center •Bintan Lagoon Resort nearSingapore •Marina Mandarin, City Center •Hotel Inn, Orchard City Center •Value Hotel Thomson, City Center •Royal Plaza on Scott, Orchard Road

Budget Hotels in Singapore: Comfy apartments, all necessary facilities and pleasing room service, budget hotels in Singapore offer delightful stay in cost-effective manner. Usual facilities provided to guests include elegant rooms, TV/DVD access, separate cozy bathrooms, air conditioning, internet connection and safety deposit box. However, what you will get largely depends upon what you pay.

Among popular budget hotels in Singapore, there are:

•Le Grove Apartment, Orchard Bukit Timah •Hotel 81 Selegie, Orchard Bukit Timah •Santa Grand Hotel, Chinatown •Harbor Ville Hotel, Chinatown •Aqueen Hotel Lavender •Value Hotel Balestier •Perak Hotel, Little India

So, next time around when you’re on Holiday to Singapore , you can choose a hotel that perfectly suite your profile. However, it’s recommended to reserve your facility well ahead. Searching on web, you would find some reliable travel portals offering hotel deals forholiday in Singapore. You can also opt for customizedSingapore tour packages which include accommodation, transportation and major sightseeing on the island. That would surely give you a hassle-free and enjoyable holiday experience in Singapore.

Writer of this article is currently associated with Hungry Bags, a reputed travel site that offers a range of tour packages Singapore , Singapore packages and the best hotel deals for holiday in Singapore at very reasonable prices.

source form: articleslash

Nicknamed the pearl of the Orient, Sri Lanka is a dazzling gem in the cobalt blue indigo sea. Known to the outer world for its beautiful beaches, ancient heritage sites, prevailing Buddhism, Botanical gardens, captivating lagoons, pure Coral Reefs and much more, Sri Lanka is total bliss. It’s history and origin dates back to the times of the epic Mahabharata. It used to be called Ceylon but now is known to world as Sri Lanka, recognized for its beaches, architectural heritage and Buddhist influences.

Tourism in Sri Lanka has emerged as one its leading industries. Beaches have played an integral role in pulling in crowds seeking undiscovered tropical destinations. There are numerous tourist attractions in Sri Lanka that are popular with the people. Beaches in Sri Lanka are sprawled out on the western, southern coast mostly. Amongst the famous ones are Negombo, Mount Lavinia, Kalutara, Bentola, Ambalagoda, Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna, Weligama, Arugam Bay, Trincomalee etc. The beautiful beaches are not only a paradise for relaxing, diving, sun-bathing, walking on the long strips of sand but also for snorkeling, diving and other water sports.

Srilanka Travel Packages Industry has found itself a spot on the global charts. In the Negombo city, relax in the sun, walk on the beach, live your fantastical vacation. Visit the city of ruins of ancient capitals Anuradhapura in the north central province of Sri Lanka. See the incredible ruins of Bodhi Tree Temple, Ruwanwelisaya, Archaeology Museum, Folk Museum, Jetavana, Citadel, Moonstone, Lovamahapaya, and Western Monasteries. Capture the old world marvels on rolls and take the memories home with you, buy souvenirs from Mihintale and Anuradhapura. Splurge in shopping in the Anuradhapura New town.

Several Srilanka Tour Operator organize Sri Lanka trips that include visit around the beaches and an introductory homage to the archaeological sites. After Anuradhapura, hop on the bus for next destination which is Pollonnaruwa, check out the Royal Palace, Gal Vihara(where the enormous images of Buddha are carved), Alahana Pirivena Complex, Lankatilaka Gedige, Siva Devale, Demala Maha Seya and many more temples. Give yourself a break from the ancient sites and venture out in the beach resorts and hill towns of Beru wela and Haputale. Unwind at the beaches of Trincomalee, Arugam bay, kitugala. At arugam Bay, adventure sports enthusiasts can go for surfing and kitugala offers naturalists pristine panoramic views of the landscape and adventurers white water rafting.

For more wild experiences, take a wildlife safari in the yala National Park. Wander in the streets of Colombo and Ella and see the Museums and get astounded by well preserved sites. Visit the National Museum of Colombo, natural history museum and the Dutch Period museum etc. Get tranced in the sleepy, country town of Ella, witness the langurs on the either sides of roads. See the gorgeous Rawana Ella Falls, 5 km form Ella. Visit the Kalutara Temple, Seenigama temple in Galle. Walk around in the town and see the Dutch fort’s walls. Say a prayer at the Peace pagoda and see the railboat rallies arriving in Galle. Shop for gems and antiques at the Fort.

Sri Lanka is where Buddhism still superfluities, a true paradise for archaeology lovers and for the ones looking for calm and serene beaches. So, book your Sri Lanka holiday today to have the experience.

source from: articlesfactory

Arab world, Cairo is referred to as the city of a thousand minarets. Cairo is the heart and largest city of Arab world. It is the capital of Egypt. It is also the largest city of African continent and 16th largest city of the world. Because of the soaring Islamic architecture, Cairo is called City of a thousand minarets. The city was founded during the rule of Fatimid Dynasty in 10th century. The meaning of the word Cairo is ‘the conqueror’ and ‘the victorious’. The city was named al-Manckriyyah at first, but when Caliph Al-Muizz arrived in the city from the old Fatimid Capital, the city was re-named al-Qahira in reference to the victorious Caliph. Cairo is located on the bank of river Nile in Northern Egypt also known as Lower Egypt.

Because of the constant change in direction and tide of River Nile, the city has grown into many districts and islands. The newer parts of city include Garden City, Zamalek and Downtown Cairo which are nearest to the bak of the river. Most of the embassies are present in this part of the city. Old Cairo resides at the South of the city and is home to the Coptic Christian community. Boulaq district lies at the Northern side and is dominantly an industrial area of the city. Islamic Cairo is located to the eastern side of the city and holds Islamic architecture of Fatimid and Ottoman period. The city is subjected to a desert climate but with high humidity because of the river. The city experiences extreme weather. In winter the highest temperature can reach 17C and lowest can reach 4C especially at nights. In summer, the highest temperature can touch to 40C extreme and lowest can reach 20C. Wind and dust storms are common in the city. Rainfall is not frequent but sudden rain brings flood in the river. Cairo is the oldest hub of education in Africa and houses many famous universities. It is the center of Egyptian Education and holds the largest number of educational institutes of the country. Al Azhar University and Cairo University are world famous and renowned universities.

These universities have produced highly polished minds that have altered the course of the world. The long list of high standard universities specializes in all fields of education. The famous sights of Cairo include Tahrir Square, which is located at the heart of the city and is surrounded by important government buildings. Its central location makes it an ideal place for protestors to reach government. Egyptian museum is also located around the Tahrir Square and houses ancient collection of antiquities in thousands. Old Cairo houses buildings like Coptic Museum, Hanging church, Greek Church and other churches. The Islamic buildings include Al Azhar mosque, Al-Hakim Mosque, Juyushi Mosque, Lulua Mosque, Imam Husayn Mosque, Mosque-Mausoleum Zaynab, Sayyidah Ruqayya Mashhad, Sayyeda Nafisa Mosque, and Mohammed Ali Basha Mosque. The culture of Cairo is diverse because of its subjection to rulers of different civilizations. From Egyptian Pharaohs to Greeks, Babylonians, Romans and Muslims, Cairo has been influenced by world’s famous ancient civilizations. Their landmarks still embed in the streets and surroundings of the city.

source from: articlesfactory

Djanne is one of oldest city of Sub Saharan Africa.Djenne was founded in 800AD.If you are interested to look many mosques with deferent style, Djeene is the best place to visit.Djenne is located on an island in the Nigger River delta.Basically Djenne was a natural center for traders who import and export their goods between the Sahara desert and a forest of Guinea.Djenne was famous for center of Islamic center.Thousands of people come to Djenne for the learning of Islam. The Djenee beautiful Grand Mosque is located in market square.The Grand Mosque is the biggest attraction for tourists.If you are planning to visit Djenne, the best time for visit is at the end of drizzling and rainy seasons.

After the end of rainy season Djenne turns into an island.This time is more enjoyable and many of visitors choose this type for exploring Djenne.Djenne is situated a little hundred miles away from Timbuktu. The market in Djenne is very popular among tourists and locals. Many of people used to buy different things from here. The prices in this market are very reasonable and controlled by government. This market in djenne is detained every Monday. This market in Djenne is very appealing and vigorous in Africa. if you don’t go to this market your trip to Djenne is incomplete.The famous Great Mosque in Djenne is popular destination among many tourists. This Great Mosque is build of mud brick. It is one of the largest adobes building in the world. The architectural style of this Great Mosque of Djenne is Sudano Sahelin with specific Islamic power.

The Great Mosque of Djenne is situated in the Mali the city of Djenne . The first area of this Great Mosque was construct in about 13th century. The current structure of this Great Mosque was designed in 1907. The Great Mosque of Djenne is the most well-known familiar sight of Africa.The French administration reconstructs the mosque. The walls of the Great Mosque in Dejenne are made of sun parched mud bricks. The walls of the Great Mosque were adorned with bundles of rodier which are called toron.The Great mosque of Djenne is marked as one the best and important Islamic center in whole Africa. In 1988 a UNESCO elected the historic areas of Great Djenne as a World Heritage Site.

Many changes occur in the structure of the Great Mosque but still it is remain a best symbol of Djenne city and nation of Mali.If you are planning to visit the city of Djenne, it’s important to know about the climate conditions. The climate is dry and hot throughout much of the year.The hottest month with maximum temperatures are April and May. The temperatures in these months are around 40 centigrade. Weather changes from June through September. It becomes little cool not very hot.The cold weather is December and January.The temperature in these months are only below 32 centigrade.

source from: articlesfactory

Villas are synonymous to exotic stays and luxurious holiday sojourns. If you are globetrotting and are looking for that lavish pleasure that plush life has to offer, then you must rent a high quality villa. No matter in which part of the world you are, you shall feel enamored and enchanted by the splendor and grandeur that these majestic villas can provide.

If you are looking for Villas in Florida or Kefalonia villas or Lanzarote villas or villas in nearby regions, you can have them very cheaply. The great thing about these villas is that despite being imposing and impressively luxurious, they are affordable which makes them accessible to ordinary citizens and common men.

Features of villas in Florida:

The villas in Florida or those of other regions are of extremely high class. The management ensures that the clients have access to all the basic & modern-day amenities and are completely satisfied with their stay. Some of the exciting features of Florida villas are enumerated below:

a. Exotic stay: Villa holidays provide everyone a glimpse into the life of a really pampered royal person. Staying in these enrapturing villas is synonymous to walking on a verdant garden in paradise. Everything around you is so exotic and strikingly beautiful, that you are bound to feel enthralled. These quaint villas conjure up an ideal ambience for honeymooners, newly wedded couples, young lovers, elderly people seeking solitude and even for family get-togethers.

b. Modern day luxuries: While the villas, just like any other resort, do provide all the basic facilities, there are some very posh services like the massage services, spas and parlors. These rich spa services are titillating, even erotic and are seductively pleasing. They relax your muscles and soothe your nerves; a perfect way to rejuvenate those tired limbs and wearied minds. The swimming pool with its crystal clear turquoise waters seems as inviting as the exotic beaches of Florida or Thailand. And the dewy grass of the green gardens seems to kiss our feet as we walk on them.

c. Hygienic surroundings: The villas are extremely clean and hygienic. The management pays special attention into ensuring that everything is dust-free and there’s no breeding ground for mosquitoes, viruses, bacteria, etc. The staffs are efficient and keep the villas well-maintained. Everything right from the furniture to the pool’s rippling water seems to glitter and shine.

d. A space to relax: There are custom-made places for allowing you to relax and get away from the cluster of the outside world. While the spas provide you physical pleasure, the lawns, lounges and gardens fill you up with that elusive spiritual bliss. The interiors, right from the paneled ceilings to the polished mirrors, radiate a sense of luxury and relaxation.

e. Top-class services: The services of Kefalonia villas, Lanzarote villas and the Florida villas are of top-notch ones. Every need of the customer is looked after adequately and grievances, if any, are immediately addressed.

f. High savings: Lastly, you also save a lot of money since these villas, despite being stunningly luxurious, are extremely pocket-friendly.

source from: articlesfactory

Holidays give the time to renew bonding with the family and friends; holidays can be enjoyed alone also. One gets a chance to get away from mundane daily work and worries; for some time at least there is a pause. The body and mind need it. Have you ever dreamt of putting up bag and baggage in a villa? Here you do not have lock yourself within the confined walls of a hotel room where you are not free to do as you wish.

Holiday villas are available nearly everywhere across the globe. Spending a vacation in one of these is a romantic dream. It is a cozy home but away from home without your privacy being infringed upon. It’s ideal for those who are close to each other for sharing intimate private moments. A villa by the seaside would be a great treat – if you are lucky enough to get one. Dawn will break across the vast expanse of water for both to share. Then you can swim and sunbathe as you feel. In the evening you can stroll along the beach for hours seeing the sun set across the horizon; you can wind up the day with a candle-lit dinner.

Children will also lap up seaside villa holidays. They will experience unending moments of joy that they will always remember – building castles in the sand, swimming, rolling in the sun etc. The right choice of villa holidays with the children will be Walt Disney Creations – Disneyland in California and alternatively Disneyland in Florida.

Remembering your elderly parents and grandparents? Thinking of their failing powers and feeling for them because they too want to spend quality time with their children and the grandchildren? The holiday villas would be one of the best experiences in their twilight years. Perhaps their ageing sensitive skin will not enable them to sunbathe or they might find swimming too exhaustive but otherwise they can enjoy the bounty that Mother Nature has to offer – the peaceful green and the ceaseless waves. Villa holiday is ideal for the elders. If budget is tight you can book cheap villa holidays. Such a holiday will renew the vigour of the old and tighten the bonds that bring together family members.

After a busy week crammed with hectic activity you will love to relax somewhere where there is peace and calm. Soothing villa holidays would be ideal for you. A warm massage and spa would bring back vitality to your body and refresh your mind. You can take evening strolls as you take in the sights and sounds of the new locality. It will bring joy as will shopping in the plazas. Returning to the villa there will be an intimate dinner waiting. All told – your weekend will be a special one. Do not delay – select your destination and start packing. It can be the best time of your life till date and only on a villa vacation you will know the difference and your heart will want to keep coming back!!

source from: articlesfactory