Around the World in 100 Countries

South Korea's capital city Seoul is a sprawling metropolis of 20 million people including the surrounding cities. It's a fascinating mix of old and new, with ultra-modern apartment complexes mixed in with 1000 year old temples and palaces. Koreans love to eat and drink, and tucked away in every corner are delicious, cheap restaurants and Hofs (beer and chicken pubs) that stay open to the wee hours of the morning. A semi-tropical island south of the mainland, Jeju is indeed a paradise. The highest mountain in South Korea, Hallasan is a challenging one-day hike. Awaiting you at the top are spectacular views and an extinct volcano crater. White sandy beaches abound at every corner. There are mountains all over Korea, and hiking is the most popular weekend activity. One of the most spectacular mountains is Songnisan National Park in central Korea. Beopjusa Temple, with a huge Gold Buddha statue is a good start to any of the hikes. At the mountain village, there are hordes of restaurants and home-stays where you can sleep the night.

Heeren Street which is also known as the ‘First Class Gentlemen Street’ or the ‘Millionaires Row’, is a road with double storey houses similar to that of the modern terrace houses, but much longer. The houses portray a rich and detailed mix of Chinese, European and Peranakan architecture. Second, Khoo Kongsi, reputedly known as ‘The Heritage Jewel of Penang’. The grand architecture is said to resemble that of the Emperor’s palace in China. Myth explained that this was the reason that the clan house was burnt down only 29 nights after its completion as a wrath from the Gods. Visiting Malaysia is never complete, if one never visits this twin towers…. and that include Malaysians, be it from KL or any other parts of the country. The 88-storey Petronas Twin Towers is one of the world’s tallest buildings in the world, soaring to a height of 452 metres above the city skyline. Designed by Cesar Pelli in 1997 and mostly constructed with steel and glass, the towers were the world’s tallest when completed.

If you are in Singapore you need to visit this place which is located in the southern part of Singapore. Marina Bay is one of the busiest and populated places in Singapore because there are thousands of people here looking out for some kind of entertainment. This location is not only popular with foreign and domestic tourists but also with local people who come here for work and for living. Hence, you will find that there are lot of hotels, restaurants, shopping malls and other lifestyle events happening here all the time. You can even watch the popular iconic Merlion structure here which symbolizes Singapore in its own way. Hence, Marina Bay is among the top places to visit in Singapore. If you want to break free from all kind of stress and worries then you need to visit Sentosa Island which is a premier island resort that will take care of all your holiday events. You can enjoy staying here and use different facilities that are provided. The island is highly rated by most foreign tourists because they get an excellent combination of high class facilities and comfort. Interestingly, the white sand that you find on the beach is entirely imported from different countries. Sentosa Island also has other facilities like Underwater World and Songs of the Sea. There is no doubt that Singapore is a melting pot of different cultures and therefore you will find people from different communities blending their culture at all time. Chinatown should definitely be on your must-see list when you are in Singapore because this place will virtually take you in Chinese world where you will find the best Chinese cuisines and shops. It is a unique combination of Singapore-Chinese heritage that you won’t find in China as well. You should not miss out this one.

Bangkok is a restless and chaotic metropolis and an essential part of a trip to Thailand. Although not everyone’s cup of tea, the culture-shock inducing capital has some incredible places of interest that you would be foolish to miss. The impossibly bejeweled Grand Palace should really be visited and if you have time, take a trip to Wat Arun and Wat Po which is home to a huge reclining Buddha. The more adventurous head for the notorious backpacker’s road Khao San, the bazaars and alleyways of Chinatown and the infamous Patpong Night Market, located in the city’s red light district. Also, The Floating Market- made famous by the James Bond classic “The Man with the Golden Gun” – can be found on the Damneon Saduak Canal. Although now a major tourist attraction, the market is highly photogenic and visitors can get an idea of what trading was like in Thailand before the modernization of the city. It’s also tonnes of fun. If you want to buy something here you will have to hail down a narrow long boat piled high with produce (which is quite an experience in itself). The region also has plenty of vineyards, orchards and thriving local businesses which are great to view by canal boat on route to the market. Lastly, The spiritual city of Chiang Mai is a much calmer city than Bangkok but still an essential visit on the travellers trail if you want to see the best of Thailand. Dotted with temples, craft shops, great restaurants and plenty of Thai massage and cooking schools, the city has a somehow relaxed and comparatively tranquil atmosphere. Many travellers often mention Chiang Mai as their favourite Thai city and once visited it’s easy to see why the city is so popular. It’s location high in the north mountainous region of Thailand also makes it a perfect base for the popular mountain treks. Organised treks can be arranged very easily here with almost every other shop offering them. The trails from Chiang Mai are although interesting are often a well-worn path and many backpackers now head for the nearby small town Pai. Pai is a gorgeously located traveller’s mecca popular with artists and musicians. It also offers less touristy and more ‘rustic’ treks and visits to hill-tribes.

Halong Bay, Bay of Descending Dragons, is a UN World Heritage site, and it is one of the top sites to visit in Vietnam. Halong Bay is a four-hour drive east of Hanoi, Vietnam in the Gulf of Tonkin. It is spectacular with almost 2,000 limestone islands that rise like monoliths over the bay. The largest island in the bay is Cat Ba Island and is 87 square miles. There is a hotel on the island where many tours spend the night. In these islands are many caves with at least 20 of them open to visitors. Do Go (Cave of the sticks). This is where in 1288 General Tran Hung Dao stopped the invading Mongol ships by placing steel-tipped sticks in the water. Hue, pronounced (hway) is the ancient capital of Vietnam and has many historical sites as well, though many have been damaged through war, they are still very much worth visiting. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hoi An can be a side trip in the Hue area. Hoi An was major international port from the 15^th to the 19^thcenturies. Hoi An’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Ho Chi Minh City formerly known as Saigon is also a good place to visit.

TO DO:

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   Merge info with must see.
   
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   Add the blue countries.
   
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   Add the other info I am e-mailing you tonight.
   
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   Choose photos.