TOURISM ASEANI N C O R P O R A T I N G M . I . C . E . A N D B E Y O N D A S E A N

Yo u r g u i d e to e xo t i c d e s t i n at i o ns Issue 1 Vol 28

48 hours in BangkokTop Places To Visit Within 48 Hours

UNIQUE ATTRACTIONS IN HONG KONGGreat Things To Do In Hong Kong

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Ngong Ping 360Ngong Ping 360 is one of Hong Kong’s newer attractions, which combines a stunning 5.7km cable car journey with an impressive cultural themed village and easy access to the famous Tian Tan Buddha Statue, the world’s largest outdoor seated bronze Buddha statue. Sitting 34 metres high and facing north to look over the Chinese people, this majestic bronze Buddha draws pilgrims from all over Asia. The eyes, lips, incline of the head and right hand, which is raised to deliver a blessing to all, combine to bring a humbling depth of character and dignity to the massive Buddha, which took 12 years to complete. Climb the 268 steps for a closer look at this remarkable statue, and to enjoy the sweeping mountain and sea views that can be seen from its base. The journey begins with a 25-minute cable car ride from Tung Chung. Give the amazing Crystal Cabin a try. Its glass bottom offers an astonishing bird’s eye view of the magical deep blue sea and lush green mountainside underneath your feet.

As you step out of the cable car, you will be greeted by the culturally themed 1.5-hectare Ngong Ping Village, where a wide variety of shops, restaurants and attractions awaits you.

Unique Attractions in Hong Kong

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Don’t miss the Walking with Buddha multimedia presentation and the educational animated fable Monkey’s Tale Theatre. Walking with Buddha is an entertaining attraction exploring and explaining the life of Siddhartha Gautama (the man who became buddha), and his path to enlightenment. Monkey’s Tale Theatre will delight kids, as the story is presented in a fun, engaging, and immersive environment. The other attractions like the renowned Big Buddha, Po Lin Monastery, Ngong Ping Piazza and Wisdom Path are only a fi ve-minute walk from Ngong Ping Village.

Harbour Cruise BauhiniaVictoria Harbour is irrefutably Hong Kong’s heart, and climbing onboard the Harbour Cruise – Bauhinia is the best way to see the city from its symbolic centre and tour the most famous harbour that has connected Hong Kong to the world for over 160 years. Harbour Cruise – Bauhinia, operated by the Hong Kong Ferry Group, provides guests with a unique and delightful sightseeing and dining experience onboard. Since 1998, vehicular ferries have been converted to become bright and colourful Harbour Cruise Bauhinia fl eet. There are a total of four vessels, Man On, Man Kim, Man Foo and Man Lok, each vessel can accommodate up to 300 guests at any one occasion.

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� e Peak

One of the ‘must-go’ places in Hong Kong is The Peak. Even for the frequent visitor to Hong Kong, the view from The Peak beckons them to come back for more. The highest point on Hong Kong Island, this has been the city’s most elusive neighbourhood since colonial times. Perching on The Peak at 396 meters above sea level, The Peak Tower is the most stylist architectural icon and landmark in Hong Kong.

The best way to get to The Peak is to take the Peak Tram. Riding the tram is a visual experience in its own right -- Hong Kong Island’s skyscrapers slide past the windows at what appear to be impossible angles as one make the ascent to The Peak on the city’s historic, funicular railway. The Peak Tram started operating on 30th May 1888, the double reversible funicular railway, as it is technically known, rises from 28m to 396m above sea level along a 1.4 km

track with a gradient of between 4 to 27 degrees.

Before heading to take a ride on the Peak Tram, located at Lower Terminus is The Peak Tram Historical Gallery. Its purpose is to pay tribute to the Peak Tram, its heritage and the history of Hong Kong. The Gallery is like a time tunnel that brings visitors back to the last century. The Peak Tram Historical Gallery is divided into fi fteen showcases. Major highlights are the reconstructed haulage room and the replica of a fi rst generation Peak tramcar. In addition, more than 200 memorabilia including conductor uniforms, old ticketing devices, tram tickets, track inspectors’ tools and themed toys and posters are displayed. Visitors can also see costumes from Edwardian times and the love letters written by the British engineer who built the Peak Tram. It is a must visit place in order to make the visit to the Peak more memorable.

The incredible view from The Peak

is breathtaking and stretches across impressive skyscrapers, Victoria

Harbour and the New Territories. The Peak is now not only known for its stunning view, it has transformed and become a complex fi lled with shops, dining outlets, and fun-fi lled attractions.

The anvil-shaped Peak Tower has a large viewing platform called Sky Terrace 148. It is the highest viewing terrace in Hong Kong offering a stunning 360-degree panoramic view across Hong Kong. Also located on Sky Terrace 428 is the Sky Gallery. It displays 17 historical photos of the old Hong Kong and shows how Hong Kong has transgress over the years. More breathtaking views can be had at Lugard Road Lookout, Lions View Point Pavilion and the viewing terrace at The Peak Galleria. For the adventurous, one can take the 3.5-kilometre Peak Circle Walk to enjoy the stunning vistas enveloping the Peak, and the tranquillity of the lush tropical forests around it.

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Madame TussaudsHong Kong

The Peak Tower presents world famous entertainment specialists – the Madame Tussauds Hong Kong. It is a unique celebrity-inspired attraction that connects guests with famous people, events and times. Featuring fi ve themed areas, Madame Tussauds Hong Kong provides guests with the opportunity to meet their idols and experience some activities that celebrities enjoy doing. The attraction features over 100 local and international celebrity wax fi gures with exciting audiovisual effects and interactive experiences to create a truly magical moment. Scream, the fi rst permanent scare attraction of its kind in Hong Kong, is next to the World Premiere section of Madame Tussauds. Daring and brave guests can take a perilous journey through a darkened asylum for the criminally insane, in which the inmates have broken free. Filled with dark corridors, intense gore and rampaging psychopaths, guests will have to use their mental and physical abilities to escape the asylum.

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Located in the heart of Causeway Bay, the hotel provides convenient access to the best of tourist attractions, shopping and business complexes, with convenient access to the MTR, trams and buses.

Much about the hotel’s 263 guest rooms and suites is remarkable, with a plethora of innovations that makes it hard to decide what should take centrestage. It might be the intelligent technology available at guest’s disposal. Or it might be the fl awless bathroom fi ttings, fully marbled with bathtub and

shower combined together behind glass doors. Guests who miss the comforts of home may fi nd the generous room sizes to be their best attribute, ranging from 34 to 84 square meters. In fact, Crowne Plaza Hong Kong Causeway Bay boasts of having the largest guest rooms amongst other hotels in the area.

The rooms provide a startling and welcome contrast. Sleek modern lines coincide with a minimalistic approach to interior design. Warm wood surfaces, luxuriously soft fabrics and soothing dashes of beige and brown harmonize

Crowne Plaza Hong Kong Causeway Bay

to create chic, urban spaces. Its fl oor to ceiling windows allows spectacular views of the city and the famous Happy Valley Racecourse.

Among the high-tech fi ttings offered are ipod docking entertainment center, citywide in-room mobile phone, 100% Wi-Fi and wired broadband internet coverage, and audio-visual entertainment system.

After a long day in the city, it may be benefi cial to pay a visit to the swimming pool which is located on the 28th fl oor

Rooftop Swimming Pool with panoramic views Catwalk entrance at Club@28

Hotel FacadeSuite Living Room

and offers a magnifi cent view of the city. It is defi nitely an oasis to relax and unwind. For the fi tness buff, the fi tness center also located on the same level as the swimming pool is fi tted with state-of-the-art Life Fitness equipment. Guests can enjoy the view of Happy Valley Racecourse whilst working up a sweat.

Enjoy the hotel’s dining outlet at Kudos which features sumptuous international cuisine and offers asian and international buffet for both lunch and dinner. The other dining outlet is Victoria City Restaurant which specializes in Chinese nouvelle cuisine, dim sum and exotic seafood.

After an exquisite meal one of its dining outlets, adjourn to Club @28, the hotel’s rooftop bar for a professionally concocted cocktail. Accentuated by vibrant lighting and modern classic chandeliers, the highlight piece of this lounge bar is the under lit catwalk which stretches from the entrance to the end of the room. This ultra-swanky bar is very popular amongst the locals, as it provides a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the streets below.

Discerning shoppers can take their pick of premium items at Exclusivites, which showcases unique tableware, crystal, porcelain and collectibles from world-class brands like Hermes,

Lalique, Rosenthal and M.I. Hummel. With comprehensive entertainment and health facilities that include restaurants and bars, Crowne Plaza Hong Kong Causeway Bay is no stranger to accolades either. Named IHG’s Best New Hotel Award 2010, Golfers’ Choice Award 2010 and World Luxury Hotel Award 2011, this fi rst-rate establishment continues to win the hearts of both business and leisure travelers alike. TA

Guest Room with racecourse view

Open air pavilion

Kudos

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48 hours in Bangkok

There’s no better way to explore Bangkok than by taking advantage of the multitude of attractions, events, tours, and outdoor activities happening throughout the city, every single day. Whether one is

here for business or vacation travel, they’ll never be bored with so many things to do in Bangkok.

Story: Gillian Lee Photography: Tourism Asean

BANGKOK

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Time is a luxury, and it’s one we’re often short of when we travel. Here, we’ve pack the most of Bangkok into two days and narrowed down what one can do within 48 hours in this thriving city.

Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall

Since 1912, this impressive and grand Italianate building once housed the parliament. Ananta Sanakorn Throne Hall stands tall at the end of Ratchadamnoen Avenue behind the Chulalongkorn Equestrian Statue in the parade ground, where December’s Trooping of the Colors ceremony is being held.

His Majesty King Rama V had this throne hall built on the grounds of the Dusit Palace in 1907. The domed shaped architecture is built in that of Italian renaissance and neo classical style. It’s exterior is resplendent with Carrara marble from Italy. Famous Italian artist, Galileo Chini, painted its fresco domes. The two storey throne hall is made up of a large dome in the centre surrounded by six smaller domes.The throne hall is a National Treasure and serves as a venue for the Kingdom’s Royal and governmental pageantry.

Some of the exquisite masterpiece highlights are the Busabok Mala. It is a royal regalia of rank; crafted in gold nielloware, damascene, enamel, gold and silver with wood carvings. It is embellished with cut iridescent green beetle wing and intricately woven Yan Lipao vine. The Sappagab Phragajatarn is a howdah used to carry the king on the back of a royal elephant when going forth to battle. The howdah has a silver inner frame, crafted in embossed gold fl oral designs embedded with diamonds. An interesting piece is the Sivikakarn, a covered palanquin for high-ranking members of royalty, with layered saddle roof and gable of perforated gold with enameled patterns.

Wander out in the beautifully manicured gardens surrounding the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall for a great photo opportunity, or have a coffee at the cafe within the grounds and take in the tranquil surroundings.

Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall opens from 10am to 6pm from Tuesday to Sunday. Entrance fees are at 150 Baht.

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Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall

Solid Gold Buddha in Wat Trimit

Exquisite architecture within the grounds of Wat Trimit

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Siam Niramit Show

If you are in the mood for a cultural extravaganza, then book for the nightly show at Siam Niramit. The show takes spectators back in time on a fascinating journey to the magical kingdom of ancient Siam, unravelling a rich history, cultural heritage and customs, as told by what seems to be a cast of thousands, dressed in lavish costumes

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Architectural splendour at Wat Trimit

Performance at Siam Niramit

Temple of the Reclining Buddha

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and performing against a backdrop of elaborate props. This celebration of Thai culture and history is a perfect introduction and provides a memorable experience for fi rst-time visitors to Thailand

Wat Trimit

Also called the Temple of the Golden Buddha, Wat Trimit houses the world’s largest solid gold Buddha. The gleaming 3 meters high 13th-century Sukhothai image is made of 18-carat gold and weighs fi ve and a half tons. The Buddha was discovered by accident in 1955 by a group of East Asiatic Company worker. At that time, the Buddha was covered by stucco, and kept at Wat Trimit. Two decades later, whilst being moved to a different location within the temple grounds, the crane dropped the Buddha and the stucco cracked under revealing the gold Buddha underneath.

Wat Trimit is made up of three levels presenting visitors with some of the best exhibits. An excellent overview of Chinatown and its history, as well as a presentation on how the Buddha came about are located on the lower two levels in the Chinatown Heritage Centre.

Canal Tour of Chao Phya River

The two rivers of the North, the Ping and the Nan, join at Nakhon Sawan in the Central Plains to form the Chao Phraya, Thailand’s most important waterway. The trip along Chao Phya River is an eye-opening one, as one can catch a glimpse of the livelihood of people living by the river, and also enjoy the sights of the Grand Palace, temples, churches, colonial buildings, and the famous Wat Arun - Temple of Dawn. The trip can be made by taking the ferry, tourist boat or for an exciting experience, try the long-tail boat. To enjoy the river sights at night, there are many dinner cruises available. Many of the cruises can be found at River City Pier.

Chinatown (Yaowarat)

Bangkok’s Chinese residents originally lived in the area where the Old City is today. When Rama I decided to move his capital across the river in 1782, the entire community was relocated. Since then the district around Yaowarat and Sampeng roads has been the focus of a Chinese life in the city. Between the two great traffi c-choked

thoroughfares of Yaowarat Road and Charoen Krung Road lies a maze of narrow alleyways packed with market stalls. The most accessible are the wholesale fabric and trinkets market of Sampeng Lane. This lane is at its most atmospheric before festive seasons like Christmas, when most vendors will be selling Christmas ornaments and gift items. A walk along Yaowarat Road is intriguing with gold shops, herbal sellers, restaurants, street food, fresh and preserved food stalls lining this bustling road.

Terminal 21 (Asoke)

Bangkok is a veritable shoppers’ paradise with its profusion of retail outlets, high quality goods, and surprisingly low prices. Terminal 21 located in the Sukhumvit stretch is one of the newer shopping mall in Bangkok. Its unique design which replicates an airport terminal leads the way in the race to be Bangkok’s best mall. The mall houses a total of approximately 600 retail shops, restaurants, a Cineplex and gourmet market.

Khao San Night Market

Markets are a fundamental part of Bangkok life. Both specialty and general markets provide great browsing, whether you are interested in fl owers or fabrics, sarongs or stamps. Khao San Night Market may take up only one tiny road, but it has become a legend among backpackers as a source of almost anything imaginable. In addition to rucksacks, hiking boots, and other travelers’ equipment, it is good for second-hand books, jewelry, clothes, bags and printed cassette tapes

Buddy Tram Tour

Buddy Tram is the only night tram service which takes people to see old Bangkok’s attractions. The tram experience is an interesting one which takes allows one to take in the sights of Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, the Golden Mount, Ratchanaddram Temple, Democracy Monument, the Grand Palace, and the City Pillar Shrine. On the way to its last stop, they will stop by The Temple of the Reclining Buddha, where one can admire the four great pagodas of the four great kings from King Rama I to IV from the tranquil surroundings of the temple courtyard.This is a ride not to be missed! TA

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Beautifully trimmed gardens within the grounds of Ananta Samakhom

Temple of the Reclining Buddha

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LIT Bangkok Bangkok has caught up with the

trend of snazzy hotels sprouting out around different parts of the Thai capital in recent years. LIT Bangkok Hotel managed to stand out amongst them in its visual feast of design aesthetics. In the midst of a bustling city, the hotel is located in a quaint and quiet neighborhood off the main street. It is a mere 5 minutes walk away from the nearest BTS Skytrain station, major shopping centers, and in close proximity from the city’s main commercial districts. LIT Bangkok aesthetic makes itself felt as soon as one walk in their rooms. Modern lines and a minimalist-inclined decor with a splash of acid pink and a shot of lime green lighting accentuates the mood of the room. There are a total of 69 rooms and 10 luxurious suites. Notably, the ‘Different Degree Room’ is unique in its design with different angled corners connected by a corridor which leads to a glamourous bathroom in marble, with a deep tub and a shower. If you are thinking of a typical standard hotel room, you are in for a surprise.

Hotel Fascade and Fiesta Steppe

Hotel’s high ceiling and airy lobby

Diff erent Degree Room

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The addition of BCDE, which stands for Bistro of Creative Drinking, a contemporary restaurant enhances the dining experience with its inventive fusion Thai and international cuisine. Guests can choose from an extensive list of cocktails from martinis to mojitos at the hotel’s bar, Fiesta Steppe. As the name suggest, an interesting fl ight of steps from the main entrance leads to an open air terrace where the bar is situated. It is an ideal spot for people-watching, relax and enjoy the tranquility of the neighborhood. After a surfeit of the toothsome delights on offer at the restaurant, guests may repair to the Kiriya Spa to enjoy the benefi ts of the available massages and treatments. The combination of scented incense, music, and clever lighting contributes to a serene atmosphere. Guests can choose from therapeutic sessions that is inspired by the Thai dance form from the different regions of the country. A popular treatment is the Calm Massage treatment hailed from the north part of Thailand, the massage is gentler with long strokes, combined with the therapeutic qualities of aromatic essential oils. The highlight of the hotel is it’s impressive glass-edge infi nity pool and fully equipped gym cater to the active, with steam rooms and jacuzzi to wind down in. For business functions and events, there is a function room and boardroom available. The boardroom has a total fl oor area of 22 square meters and accommodates 12, whilst the function room has a fl oor area of 85 square meters and can accommodate up to 60 persons depending on the room setup. But what would dazzle guests the most is it’s commitment to service. The warmth and friendliness of the hotel staff makes one feel at home, especially when guests are greeted by name. The intricate details that have been put in place to make a guest’s stay even more memorable like the Après shopping cream placed in the room for the avid shopper to enjoy a 15-minute complimentary foot massage at the spa; the coffee machine placed at the lobby for guests to indulge; the 110 Baht worth of free mini-bar goodies;free internet station at the lobby foyer;a bright pink ‘tuk tuk’ to shuttle guest to the main street;a library of DVDs for guests to rent and a sundown candle lighting ceremony held at it’s lobby with free champagne to go around!

The full complement of services, classy architectural highlights and dedicated hotel staff creates an urban oasis experience worth cherishing…and reliving at your next visit to Bangkok! TA

Meeting and Function Room

Infi nity Pool

Fitness Center

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