dmcoe1975

Hong Kong is a very modern, fast paced city. With land prices at a premium, the only way to build is upwards and the famous Hong Kong skyline is the result of this. One of the best viewpoints is from Victoria Peak aka 'The Peak'. A tram ride up the mountain is the best way to reach the top, a return ticket costs about HK$36. The tram gets very busy but it is definitely worth it. Once you reach the top of the mountain, you can then climb further within The Peak Tower to reach the observation deck. To get to the top of the tower you have to pay an additional fee. Alternatively you can leave the tower and go to the shopping mall across the street. It is not as high as the tower ... read more

Tet is the biggest celebration in the Vietnam calendar. This is Christmas, New Year and everything else all rolled into one. Tet is not until February though. More and more western holidays are starting to have their influence as well. It is not surprising with western movies, television and music being so popular, Vietnamese culture has integrated increasing amounts of western customs into their own. Halloween is becoming almost as big as in the States, but it is Christmas where we really see the impact. From the start of December you see the decorations going up, with shops trying to out do each other with their displays. The lights in the street are much more impressive than in the UK, a lot of effort is made to fill the streets with colour. The people drive around ... read more

I took a trip up to Hanoi for a long weekend. Although Hanoi is the capital city of Vietnam, Saigon is still seen as the big city being the commercial centre. Hanoi is the complete opposite to Saigon, at this time of year it is 20 degrees cooler (I even had to wear a jacket), it is a lot quieter and much of it could be considered ancient in comparison. The people are more groomed and although there are the same problems with poverty and begging, more so in fact, in general it feels like a cleaner calmer city. Think Edinburgh compared to Glasgow and you get the idea. I stayed in the Old Quarter very close to Hoan Kiem lake, which is effectively the heart of Hanoi. It is said a magical sword was sent ... read more

Ayuthaya is the former Thai capital and was the seat of power for the Siamese kingdom for over 400 years. The city was destroyed in 1767 by the Burmese and the surviving Thai army fled to form a new capital in Thonburi and later Bangkok. The attack of the Burmese hit the city hard but many of the ruins of the temples remain today. Visiting Ayuthaya is like playing a game of Tomb Raider as you wander around the ruins that are scattered throughout the city. Many are free to get into, but some of the better kept have a small 50 baht fee. Getting to Ayuthaya is quite simple. Most people visit as part of a tour which takes in the main sights of the city. I decided not to go as part of a ... read more