Forget everything you have ever heard about Syria; it is a surprising country. Anyone who has been there can tell you the ancient ruins are beautiful, the food delicious, and the natural scenery very attractive. The nightlife is lively and the daylife intriguing. What more could you want on a holiday?
TRAVEL TITBITS
Resorts, restaurants and bars on Boracay Island in the Philippines have joined hands with Greenpeace to implement energy-efficiency measures and use renewable energy.
STAY
Zeavola Resort, Krabi
FACES & PLACES
I met these two friendly ladies selling taro at a market in Alotau, the capital of Milne Bay in Papua New Guinea.
DREAM CHASER
Today we continue our journey east on highway NH6 which connects Siem Reap to the capital of Phnom Penh, the total distance being 315km. The ride on the narrow two-lane road was terrible with many potholes and speeding taxis that showed no regard whatsoever for motorcyclists. Between the NH67 (that we traversed last week) and now the NH6, I would have to say my ride in Cambodia so far had been disappointing and uninspiring.
AT LEISURE
Arut Hoimook is living out a long-cherished dream by running his own tour agency in Prachuap Khiri Khan, the province where he was born 28 years ago to a family of orchard owners.
BEEN THERE, DONE THAT
Not far from Hua Hin is a gem of a boutique hotel which first carved out a reputation for itself, some five years ago, as a restaurant. Run by three childhood friends, it has 40 rooms covering an area of a tad over four rai next to a peaceful stretch of beach. The architecture is modern but sensual, with a Zen-like simplicity and sense of aesthetics.
BEEN THERE, DONE THAT
Business travellers, in particular, will find the Plaza Athenee a delightful experience. Aside from its five-star food outlets, there's a spa, health club, squash courts and a range of other facilities to relax guests and make them feel truly pampered. An added bonus is that one can enjoy some of the spa facilities, including a traditional Thai massage, in the privacy of one's own room.
THAILAND'S TOP DESTINATIONS : WWW.BANGKOKPOST.COM/9DESTINATIONS
Besides being the highest peak in Thailand that's nourished by cool mountain breeze all year round, Doi Inthanon National Park in Chiang Mai is an exotic destination that lures nature lovers to return and enjoy its beauty time after time.
AWAY
Dubai's success as one of the world's most exciting shopping destinations is legendary. This gulf city is a year-round shoppers' paradise due to its abundance of tax free shops.
