The 10 most charismatic monuments -Part 1-

For centuries, man erects monuments as colossal as beautiful, looking alternately to defy nature and honor him. 

1 Big Ben (England) 
Big Ben is the nickname given to the bell and clock tower of the Palace of Westminster in London, but we still wonder how "big Benjamin" it must. Maybe it was Ben Hall, who was Commissioner of Public Works during its construction in 1888, Or Ben Caunt, a heavyweight boxing champion, just as the bell tower, which weighs 13 76 tonnes. Big Ben is slightly inclined (22 cm to the northwest), due to the topography of the site.




2 Chrysler Building (United States) 
To ensure the element of surprise, it is in the Chrysler building itself in New York, the architect William Van Alen called together his sumptuous round. Stainless and inspired hubcaps decorating the Chrysler cars from the late 1920s steel, it is topped by a spire which was set up in just 90 minutes. Completed in 1930, this Art Deco building of 77 floors was then the tallest structure in the world, piercing the sky at 319 m.

It is from the Empire State Building that measures the beauty of the Chrysler building, day or night.



3 Eiffel Tower (France)
How many electricians does it take to change the bulbs on the Eiffel Tower? Probably a sacred number, given that some 10,000 bulbs light up this monument of 324 m. Built in 1889 for the Universal Exhibition commemorating the centenary of the French Revolution, the famous Parisian tower was designed by Stephen Sauvestre and named after Gustave Eiffel, specializing in metal buildings, originally also from the Statue of Liberty and countless bridges.

In summer, cool off with elegance in the champagne bar on the top floor.




4 Mount Rushmore (United States) 
In the Black Hills (South Dakota), this colossal monument was erected to commemorate 150 years of American history. Senior faces 18m four presidents of the United States, Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt and Lincoln were carved in the rock (between 1927 and 1941). The initial project was to immortalize the great figures of American folklore. However, the sculptor Gutzon Borglum thought too trivial to spend what would be his life's work with popular figures, where the busts ...

You'll struggle to find the monument with the sun and without the crowds ...




5 Great Wall (China) 
For centuries and until today, hordes of barbarians assail the Great Wall. Built between the late fifteenth and early sixteenth century (on an earlier fortification old 2000 years), it covers no less than 6350 km away. Its jagged, sinuous line winding through the mountains between China and Mongolia shows the mad zeal that put men in their warlike and defensive companies. The most tourist section at Badaling, is to avoid: prefer a hike between Jinshanling and Simatai.

Cambodia, a popular destination

Cambodia: Why travel to Cambodia? 
Country long plagued by the dark years of the regime of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge, the country has been rebuilt over the past 20 years. Recall that between 1975 and 1979, the Khmer Rouge wiped out more than 2 million Cambodians from for most of the elite.
Despite tourism and textile industry as the engine of growth, Cambodia remains a poor Asian countries and remains dependent on international aid.
Compared to Thailand, Cambodia, is sparsely populated, 14 million people (including 1.5 million in Phnom Penh) and an area of ​​181,035 square kilometers. Since the mid-90s, tourism in Cambodia has grown exponentially. We must also say that the majestic temples of Angkor Wat contribute much to the amusement of the destination power.

Recognizing that tourism would be the economic engine of the country, the Cambodian government has encouraged the development of tourism and resorts.

Thus the major holiday has allowed the country to accommodate the many tourists around the world. Each market has a hotel suited to the characteristics of its customers. Thus found in Siem Reap hotels specializing in large capacities Asian customers (Korean, Chinese) or even boutique hotels more suited to European tastes.
Sites and landscapes Cambodgen were made available to visitors until the late 80s The Angkor was still partly covered by jungle in the 70s there was still nowadays roads and sites mined and remaining inaccessible. To access the site of Preah Vihear (classified World Heritage by UNESCO), is through Thai territory to avoid mines. What is the cause of conflict between Cambodia and Thailand to the ownership of the site.
Named to the election of the new wonders of the world, Angkor Wat temple alone is worth the trip.

With over 2 million annual visitors in 2010, Cambodia has become one of the Southeast Asian countries, is the most visited.
Today, Cambodia can smile again thanks to tourism, though its inhabitants have never lost despite the misery, the years of civil war and genocide over 90% of people in Siem Reap depend on the tourist. industry We now understand better why people speak almost all English.



CAMBODIA, COMPLETE DESTINATION TO VARIOUS LANDSCAPES:
Summarize Cambodia Angkor Wat and Siem Reap would be simplistic. Phnom Penh, the present capital of the Land of Smiles also has some architectural jewels such as the Royal Palace and National Museum. Ratanakiri Province and the city of Ban Lung (north-east) and jungles full of many many natural wonders such as the volcanic lake Yeak Lom, a circular lake that dates from 700,000 years which some attribute to the fall a meteorite. This abundance of forests makes the province of Ratanakiri an ideal place for hiking or even ride an elephant.

A dozen ethnic groups still live in traditional villages in this part of Cambodia.
Kratie area located near the Laos will allow you to observe the rare freshwater dolphins Irrawaddy (a species endangered and threatened Asia).

What about the west coast of Cambodia, which has numerous islands and beaches still untouched by mass tourism
Khoh Rong Island (reached by boat from Sihanoukville) remains today the most beautiful island in Cambodia with its beautiful deserted beaches.
Seafood lovers, do not miss Sihanoukville and its islands. This area is known for its abundance of fresh crabs.
Destination combining both a cultural aspect with the temples of Angkor and a beach party with tropical unspoilt islands in the region of Sihanoukville, Cambodia is a destination in its own right that will appeal to even the toughest of you.
Your stay in Cambodia, you will keep in mind the majestic temples of Angkor, the Cambodian smile, Lake Tonle Sap and floating houses or stilt or beautiful white sand beaches away from mass tourism .
But one thing is for sure, you will not leave indifferent Cambodia.

TOP 5 REASONS TO VISIT CAMBODIA:
- The temples of Angkor
- Archaeological sites listed as World Heritage by UNESCO
- Beaches in Sihanoukville preserved
- Choice of major hotels
- Low Rates

                                                                           Source : avant-de-partir.fr

10 Lights and unforgettable sunsets -Part 2-

6 Stonehenge (England) 
In the third and second millennia BC, men and transported skyward these 50 ton rocks, presumably to make a shrine dedicated to the Sun. However the site keeps its mysteries, and the megaliths, arranged in a circular plan and horseshoe always exert the same fascination. It sometimes gives rise to the most wacky pagan rituals, the site comes into its own during the summer solstice: the best time to see the sun's rays reach the heart of the circle of stones, and the Heel Stone ("heel stone") is then aligned with the rising sun.

 


7 Wadi Rum (Jordan) 
The romantic "Moon Valley" is also beautiful day and night. This land Bedouin entered the Western imagination with TE Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) who with Prince Faisal had his headquarters during World War II. Lawrence sang the beauty of Wadi Rum in Seven Pillars of Wisdom - named after a large boulder stone desert. Dominated by towering sandstone mountains, Wadi Rum is enhanced by the changing light at sunrise. This austere expanse becomes an unforgettable environment.



8 Sun Gate of Machu Picchu (Peru) 
Freeze frame: you are on top of the Andes on the Inca Trail (the road that connects the city of Cuzco to Machu Picchu) and get up in the camp at dawn to reach Intipunku (Sun Gate) at dawn. You then walk to discover the "lost city of the Incas", dispersed over the green terraces, under the sharp peak of Huayna Picchu. You recognize the remains of palaces, baths and temples, many of which are dedicated to the worship of the sun god, Inti. The light becomes more intense and brings out the green of the plain and the details of the citadel. Your morning starts well!

The quota of visitors is limited to the Inca Trail; must apply for a permit at least six months in advance.




9 Cape Sounion (Greece) 
Surely you will not be alone, but how can we forget the rays of the setting sun caressing the ruins of Cape Sounion? It is 70 km from Athens that the ancient Greeks began building in 444 BC. AD, the temple of Poseidon. Today, 16 Doric columns of dazzling whiteness enthroned on the rocky outcrop 65 meters which supports the site and plunges steeply into the sea. Hence, the prospect embraces the islands of Kea, Kythnos, Serifos and Aegina. Bewitched, the poet Lord Byron carved his name on one of the columns, but it is unclear whether it was at dusk ...

It takes about 1h30, along the Apollo coast, reaching Cape Sounion from Athens.

10 SVALBARD (Norway) 
The extreme north of Europe is a fabulous country of glaciers and icebergs, whale kingdom, reindeer and polar bears. For four whole months, this icy region is immersed in the winter darkness. Summer (late April to late August) is replaced by contrast the late nights under the midnight sun. The star does not disappear below the horizon, but continues to describe an arc decaying surprising colors. Combine your sunset midnight with a hike on a glacier or kayak ride.



                                                                                        Source: lonelyplanet.fr

10 Lights and unforgettable sunsets -Part 1-

This is the greatest magic trick that we offer the world: the sun appears and then disappears. Depending on the location, you can watch the best shows! 

1 Swayambhunath, Kathmandu (Nepal) 
This stupa, impressive with painted eyes (Buddha looks all!) And prayer flags, overlooking Kathmandu. Make the effort to climb the hill and staircase, which enjoys a group of mischievous monkeys (hence the nickname "Monkey Temple") for the sunrise: it is a magical experience. According to legend, the Kathmandu Valley was once a lake, and the hill on which stands the stupa is "appeared alone" (swayambhu), like a lotus on the water. This Buddhist sanctuary always seems to float above the mist and the noise of the Nepalese capital. When the sun appears, veiled pink tintinnabulent bells, prayer wheels turning and wishes rise.

The temple is accessible by a short ride.



2 Grand Canyon (United States) 
Some focus twilight eyes skyward, other incentive to observe the surrounding nature. It is difficult to imagine a more exquisite than that offered by the sun sinking into the Grand Canyon, whose walls are adorned with striped cream, lavender and ocher table. Linger to admire the latest iridescent on the summits and the first stars in the firmament. Sulk Hopi Point, famous but crowded site, to join the Yaki Point, just as beautiful and peaceful.

The best way to get there for sunset is to take the free shuttles.


3 Mount Kilimanjaro (Tanzania)
Also called Uhuru ("Freedom" in Swahili), this snow capped summit is the highest point (5,895 m) in Africa. After some early explorers and adventurers writers, he now conquered thousands of hikers every year, drawn by the spectacle of the sun rising over the shimmering plains and the opportunity to observe the "birds of the sun" and colobus. Access to the top is through cultures, tropical forests and alpine meadows to the lunar landscapes of heights. This climb requires no hardware, but it can be very dangerous, so be in excellent physical condition and choose serious guides.

Easier: Follow the hiking trails that connect communities along the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro.



4 Angkor Wat (Cambodia) 
Decorated with sculptures of celestial nymphs, these sumptuous arrow-shaped lotus stand out against the blue sky and reflected in a lake. They belong to the largest of the temples of Angkor, built in the twelfth century by a Khmer king in honor of Vishnu. Abandoned in the fifteenth century, the area was invaded by the roots of giant banyan trees and the thick forest. At sunset, all Angkor is adorned with golden shades. At dawn, the temples are bathed by the amber color of the rising. Magic!

Stay after sunrise to see Angkor Wat almost deserted when the tour groups go breakfast in Siem Reap.



5 Cable Beach and Broome (Australia) 
The red Pindan (dust rust), the blue-green of Roebuck Bay and the pearly white beach of Cable up a palette of colors that makes the landscape of Broome unforgettable. Napping on the beach and watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean are among the highlights of a lifetime. There are often crowd, but on this stretch of 22 km in length, you'll have no trouble finding some privacy. If the silky sands provide a nice comfort, vary the pleasures admiring the sunset camel.

7 unforgettable boat trips in France and Europe

Visit an area through its rivers offers a unique perspective on the landscapes. Ten river walks not to be missed in Europe.

1 The Venice Lagoon 
It is well known, discover the city of the Doges in terms of its channels is the most mesmerizing way to soak up the atmosphere of Venice. Real fragmentation of small islands and archipelagos - 118 in total - in the middle of a lagoon of 550 square kilometers, Venice seems to have been placed on the waters of the Adriatic basin spacious with refined god ... and devious. For the maze of 177 channels, but also for its fragile environment, including the largest floods raise concerns the disappearance of Venice under water as an evanescent dream. Navigation is peaceful in the lagoon, where there is little fear that the tidal currents; in the city, you have to be careful to stay inside the posts tagging channels ... and do not forget that the gondolas always come first!




2. Saône in Burgundy 
Saône has a slight slope to it, a fairly high speed and length (482 km), making a beautifully navigable reach. But do not consider to artificially speed on this river which calls primarily to linger. Navigable from Corre (Franche-Comté), the Saone to Auxonne is an attractive meandering river and the Vosges; downstream Auxonne she grows and the pace becomes properly epicurean. One does more than go through Saint-Jean-de-Losne, Chalon-sur-Saône and Mâcon: the one stops to feast on snails washed down with wine which we have seen the hillsides scroll earlier, the one connects to a Bresse chicken or Charolais beef, which was terminated by a beauty Chevreton Macon and chocolate marc de Bourgogne ... Finally? Digestive navigation.


3. canal from Nantes to Brest 
To the west, just west of France, the political will to connect the Loire Brest harbor dates back to the sixteenth century, but it is a book that finally doubly imperial link to the city of Nantes Ponant Between initiating work by Napoleon and his inauguration by Napoleon III, the channel will be more than half a century in the making. Taming eight streams and allowing ships to cross a vertical drop of 555 meters by 236 locks, the waterway that brought prosperity fertilizer and slate allows carriers today to discover inside the Morbihan and Finistere over water, kayak or bicycle.

The towpath, across the tarmac third finistérien, offers cyclists a feasible way on all the 360 km evolving amid valleys Breton, with a picturesque lake deserved break Guerledan born hydroelectric dam that cut the channel two in 1928.



4 The Camargue
To become master of the Camargue and its wetlands, man has used two perennial solutions that have forged the identity of the Rhone delta: horses, and canals. The first to cross this moving world where water, earth and sand dancing together for 10 000 years; the latter made ​​these winding waterways incursions of the sea without breaking the wild beauty, and punctuated with splendid structures such as the old lock of Bourgidou, Aigues-Mortes, or drawbridge of Grau the king. Saline, rice fields, bulls, flamingos and many other species of migratory birds draw a landscape midway between western and around the world, that we discover between two moorings in adorable ports fishing.



5 The Canal du Midi 
Two suns are reflected on the waters of most famous French channel, that of Languedoc and Midi - as its name suggests - and that of the king who decreed the ambitious project, Louis XIV. The 360 km waterway linking the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, from Toulouse to Sète, are a real coup for the engineer, Pierre-Paul Riquet; Malpas tunnel that pierced to get the "Two Seas Canal" was a world first, the staircase of eight locks that he imagined to Fonserannes, a technical feat without further precedent. The entire book, interspersed with canal bridges and aqueducts, listed since 1996 at the Unesco, but these are the 80% foreign tourists traveling each year its reach and its beautiful avenues of plane showing the special place it holds in the world of heritage and river tourism.




6 THE SHANNON (IRELAND) 
The Shannon, the longest river in the British Isles, divides its course 360 km Irish territory between East and West, as it brings together the Irish, who love and sing. In short, a backbone river, the importance and seaworthiness was noted in antiquity by Ptolemy. It must be said that its low altitude - 76 meters on the journey - and its powerful flow facilitated the loan and subsequently need some accommodations for a river of this size, but also of this magnitude. Because what makes the majesty of the Shannon, in addition to its shores dotted with small, well-protected harbors, it is the loughs - lakes, six in total - are strung along its progression towards the Atlantic, like beads on a necklace.




7 CHANNEL  BURGUNDY 
The Canal of Burgundy fate and charm of these masterpieces of French superannuated civil engineering work: ordered by a king - Louis XV - abandoned during the Revolution, taken under Napoleon then barely completed and beginning to be exploited already exceeded by the railway. In the end, there is a walk. But what a ride! Some 242 miles of navigation between the Seine and the Saone, along shores where the bucolic atmosphere household delicately the appearance of medieval buildings, including the fortress of Châteauneuf, and beautiful villages of Côte-d'Or. It is not to be enjoyed by train to admire the scenery; we rejoice to pass slowly through a tunnel, the arch of Pouilly-en-Auxois, 3333 meters long, and is traversed by water walk.

                                                                                  Source: lonelyplanet.fr

Reasons for the success of Thailand as a tourist destination

Thailand, a destination accessible to all budgets: 

Thailand has the advantage of offering a range of accommodation options: guesthouse, hostels, standard hotels, deluxe or luxury, apartment rental, etc. You will always find what suits you best, and depending on your budget or your style vie.Routard (s), couple (s), friend (s) or traveler (s) luxury, each will benefit from a wide selection to find the formula adequate residence.

If young backpackers opt mainly for hostels 7 euros a night, the newlyweds are choosing to reside in a 4 or 5 star. All major hotel chains are present in the land of smile. Proponents of ACCOR group will certainly be delighted to learn the presence of IBIS, Novotel and Sofitel.

The position that will cost the most expensive on a trip to Thailand will undoubtedly be your ticket (a return ticket Paris / Bangkok ranges on average between 500 and 800 euros in low season and around 900 euros in high season ). For life in the land of smile is on average 5 times cheaper than in France. Only import products such as cheese, wine ... are more expensive than in Europe. For example, a Big Mac at McDonalds menu will cost 135 baht (about 3.13 euros) in Bangkok against 6 euros in Paris. A standard 3 * hotel will cost you on average between 1000 to 1500 baht a night (25 to 35 euros). A can of Coca-Cola 15 baht (0.25 euro cents). pass a day in the BTS (200 baht or 4 euros) You will be easily possible to eat for less than 10 euros per day in Thailand. Gourmet restaurants are available from 40/50 euros per person.

Whichever way you travel, the standard of living in Thailand will allow you to browse and discover the country without breaking the bank too. Thailand is a destination for cheap travel.

Thailand, a new destination for medical tourism 

Thailand becomes a destination increasingly popular for certain medical treatments. Brand new private hospitals which sometimes resemble four star hotels (The Bumrungrad Hospital and Bangkok International Hospital), with services tailored to international customers (visa service, multilingual staff) It is not surprising that hospitals Bangkok welcome massively each year Australians, Europeans and Americans. Bangkok hospitals have incorporated the direction of legendary service of the Thais in the modern technologically advanced facilities, offering a very attractive medical offer.

With its latest generation of hospitals and doctors trained in the United States, the land of smiles turned into a real medical tourism destination called.

Hospitals in Bangkok are comparable to a city within a city. Thai hospital complexes are enough to thrill the greatest Parisian hospitals:

Ultra modern facilities, hotels inside the hospital, supermarket, bookstore, restaurants, sandwich shop, golf cart to transfer patients from one building to another, computers with internet connection to make patients wait between two consultations ... such is the description of the Bangkok Hospital ...

Care in Thailand are cheaper than in European countries (about 50% more). For example dental surgery (crown) will cost less than 200 euros.

Thailand is now attracting many retirees, European and American tourists who come combine cultural visits and appointments with the doctor in Bangkok.

The most popular among foreign tourists in Thailand procedures are dental care, cosmetic surgery, and vision correction.

Thai dentists are considered among the best in the region, with those of Singapore. Teeth whitening, pose veneers, crowns, bridges, dental implants, you will find the same services in the West with competent teams used a customer internationale.La Thailand is also known for his expertise in cosmetic surgery (prosthesis breast, face lift, hair implant ...), many practices plastic surgery populate upscale neighborhoods of the largest cities of the country.

Apart from attractive prices, it is the technical and anonymity that attracts many tourists to come for surgery by Thai plastic surgeons expertise.

                                                                                   Source: avant-de-partir.fr

A TRAVAL TO BANGKOK

We must get to the heart of Bangkok to enjoy the capital of Siam. The outward appearance is unflattering and revealing little of its beauties. Noise, traffic, pollution and heat will welcome you at the airport exit. 

Do not be surprised by the endless avenues, the many ways of air or ground traffic and huge concrete buildings.

10 million people live in Bangkok more than 10% of the national population. The capital attracts Thais with its economic growth but also because everything is concentrated: the government, big industry, the political and cultural heart of the country.

Many tourists coming every year. The city is distinguished by its double identity: tradition and modernity that fit into each other forming lifestyle Thai.

The capital of Thailand is divided into two parts by a railroad. On one side are the old Bangkok surrounded by the river Mae Nam Chao Praya district temples and markets. On the other side, it's very concrete modern city, with rows shopping centers and business districts.

The city has many monuments including 400 lavish Buddhist temples: Wat Phra Kaeo in the Royal Borough or Wat Pho, magnificent palaces, museums and interesting especially the National Museum in Bangkok for a historical overview of the Thai art .

Take the time to take a walk on the klong, the waterways that run through Bangkok from one end to the other and on the Chao Praya River, the "River of Kings".

Spend half a day in Chinatown and imitate Thais: go shopping!

                                                                                         Source: linternaute.com/