10 Things To Do In Singapore

Singapore is such a great country full of culture, entertainment, scenery and industry. Even though the country is small and just has the once city, it is packed with interesting things to do. The nice thing is that several of these things are free and who doesn’t love free?

                                              1.Sri Mariamman Temple



Build in 1827, Sri Mariamman is Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple and it has been designation a National Monument. Several festivals and celebrations are held here each year.

                              2.Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum



This Buddhist temple has the distinct honor of housing a tooth relic from the Buddha that was found when a stupa collapsed in Myanmar. You will also find the Eminent Sangha Museum and a theater that holds cultural performances, talks and film screenings in the temple complex.

                                                       3.Gardens by the Bay



Gardens by the Bay is a 250-acre landscaped garden full of themed gardens, flower market, event center, scenic walkways, conservatories and the elevated Skyway. The neat thing about the skyway is that it is built on vertical gardens. The vertical gardens were still relatively new when we were there, but they are going to be amazing when they finish growing in. In the evenings you can enjoy a light and music show called the OCBC Garden Rhapsody.

                                                             4.Singapore Zoo



This 69-acre zoo first opened in 1973 and contains 315 different species of which 16% are threatened. The zoo display animals in naturalistic, ‘open’ exhibits with hidden barriers, moats, and glass between the animals and visitors. Along with numerous other awards and distinctions, Singapore Zoo houses the largest captive colony of orangutans in the world.

                                                              5.Underwater World



This mostly underground oceanarium is home to more than 2,500 marine animals of 250 species from different regions of the world. Visitors can ride on a travelator that carries them through 272ft of glass tunnels where they will view coral reefs, stingrays, moray eels, turtles, sharks and many other marine animals. Interactive exhibits include a touch pool, a stingray feeding pool, an anti-gravity fish feeding tank and a shark feeding pool.

                                    6.Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery



This Buddhist monastery was established in 1920 and still holds the title of the largest monastery in Singapore. The grounds cover 246 acres and contain stupas, prayer halls, bell towers, drum towers, a crematorium and a columbarium which houses over 200,000 niches. An outdoor statue of Avalokitesvara, the  bodhisattva who embodies the compassion of all Buddhas, stands between the Dharma Hall and the Pagoda of 10,000 Buddhas, which is pretty fascinating. As is customary with Buddist temples, there is a Bodhi Tree on the grounds which had its sapling brought from the sacred Bodhi tree at Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, which was itself brought as a sapling from the sacred Bodhi Tree of Bodh Gaya, India, where the Buddha was said to have attained enlightenment. The main feature of the monastery is a 42-foot tall Buddha statue, one of the largest in Asia.
NOTE: This is a functioning place of worship. Shoulders and knees must be covered and no shoes are allowed in the buildings. Behavior needs to be quiet and respectful.

                                           7.Tiger Sky Tower



At a height of 360 feet, Tiger Sky Tower is the tallest observation tower in Singapore. This attraction is different from other observation towers in that it starts at ground level. The large disc-shaped air-conditioned cabin is fitted with glass windows all round and revolves slowly as it ascends the tower up to 299 feet. From the top one can view the entirety of Singapore’s skyline and a panoramic view of the island. On a clear day, one may even be able to see at part of Johor Bahru and Indonesia.

                                                       8.Peranakan Museum



This museum boasts the distinction of housing the world’s most distinctive and comprehensive Peranakan museum collection of artifacts and wares. What are Peranakan? Peranakan are the descendants of Chinese immigrants who came to British Malaya (now Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore) between the 15th and 17th centuries. The museum houses ten permanent galleries showcasing the main themes of Peranakan life during that time period along with interactive and hands-on exhibits.

                                               9.Universal Studios Singapore



The name pretty much tells what this place is about. Universal Studios Singapore is a movie-themed adventure park where you can ride roller coasters, float down water rides, see shows, hang out with your favorite movie characters and eat a variety of foods geared towards the seven different themed sections of the park.

                                                             10.Sentosa Island



This island resort boasts a plethora of activities to keep you busy. On this island you’ll find a 2 km (1.2 mi) long sheltered beach, Fort Siloso, two golf courses, MegaZip Adventure Park, Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom, Madame Tussauds Singapore, iFly Singapore, a 23-foot Merlion, 14 hotels, and the Resorts World Sentosa, featuring the theme park Universal Studios Singapore. There is plenty of nature walks, as well, since 70% of the island is covered by secondary rainforest, the habitat of monitor lizards, monkeys, peacocks, parrots as well as other native fauna and flora.

As you can see, Singapore has so much to offer visitors.

Thailand’s Grand Palace

The Grand Palace of Bangkok is one of Thailand’s crowning jewels. It was the home of the country’s rulers from 1782 until 1925. Once a fully functioning city within a city, the Grand Palace now used for various government offices, royal ceremonies, state functions and, of course, a tourist attraction.

Construction on the Grand Palace began in 1782 and continued off and on until the late 1800s. The original Grand Palace was hastily thrown together after General Chao Phraya Chakri staged a coup and took over the government from the previous king, King Taksin. King Taksin had resided in Thonburi, which is about 2.5 miles from the Grand Palace. When Rama I took over, he changed his name to King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke (Rama I). His desire was to create a new palace for his new dynasty, the Chakri Dynasty, and moved the royal court from the east side of the river to the west side. The old palace, a simple structure which had only been in use for about 15 years, then became a residence for various members of the Chakri Dynasty before being converted into a naval academy in 1900.

The location of the Grand Palace was carefully chosen as one that was easily defensible, had room to expand and was in a beautiful location. Unfortunately, there were already residents living in the area where Rama I had chosen for his palace. That problem was easily solved by Rama I’s order for that Chinese community to remove themselves and relocate to outside the city walls. The area where those people moved to is now known as Yaowarat, or Chinatown.

When the Grand Palace was first built, there were not sufficient funds to make anything grand or elaborate, so it was made solely of wood and completed in about 30 days. After the completion of the simplified palace, Rama I held a simple coronation ceremony to solidify his rule. He planned to hold off an a full-scale coronation celebration until he had a palace worthy of such an occasion. The original ‘palace’ was a simple complex comprised of a handful of wooden structures surrounded by a log fence. Over the next 200 years, various monarchs would upgrade, add and expand the buildings on that site to create the vast Grand Palace that we see today.

In order to prepare for his grand coronation ceremony, Rama I needed to upgrade his palace. Since the treasury was pretty low on funds, he chose to begin his upgrades by scavanging materials from the ruins of the nearby Ayutthaya Kingdom. Over the next three years, Rama I’s workmen completely decimated the former Ayutthaya royal palaces and built up a new palace worthy of a King. In 1785, Rama I felt his palace was grand enough to host his coronation and held a full-scale coronation ceremony proclaiming himself the ruler of all Siam.

As it stands today, the Grand Palace is made up of four areas: the Outer Court, the Middle Court, the Inner Court and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Each of these areas is separated by walls and gates. The Outer Court is where the royal offices are located. The Middle Court was where the royal household lived and where the king’s ceremonial throne halls were located. The Inner Court was solely for the king’s wives and concubines and their all-female households. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, as it sounds, is the temple that houses the revered Emerald Buddha.

Unfortunately, not all of the palace grounds are open to visitors. There is an alleyway of shops, a few small museums and a lot of grounds. In the above picture, only one area is fully open for the public to roam: the group of buildings on the bottom left surrounded by a red gate (Temple of the Emerald Buddha Complex). Other than that, the public can go in the museums, which are buildings 32 and 35 at the bottom right, the outdoor area around building 31 and the grounds in front of building 26. Everything else is blocked off and guarded.

When you first enter the palace grounds, you get a great view of the chedi, mondop and royal pantheon just beyond the wall. They’re just beautiful.



                Temple of the Emerald Buddha complex (Wat Phra Kaew)

To get into the area with the chedi, you’ve got to go through a gate,



Phimanchaisri Gate, the main entrance from the Outer Court to the Middle Court. This is one of the most elaborate gates of the palace complex because this is where the king came in and went out during ceremonial processions.

Which leads you down an alley



Alley leading to Gate No. 4, Hermit Gate: Entrance to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha Complex.

Where you’ll go through another gate and then you will be inside the Temple of the Emerald Buddha Complex.



Phra Phothi That Phiman behind the statue of the Seated Hermit, flanked by Ho Phra Ratcha Koramanuson and Ho Phra Ratcha Phongsanuson. This is just inside the entrance and on one side of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. According to legend, this statue is said to be of the Hindu hermit who invented yoga. Behind the hermit is a consecrated tower holding a ringed chedi that Rama IV brought back from one of his journeys to the north.

As you walk along the wall surrounding the temple complex, one of the fascinating things you’ll see is a mural. The murals tell the Thai version of the Ramayana, which is a Hindu epic that “depicts the duties of relationships, portraying ideal characters like the ideal father, the ideal servant, the ideal brother, the ideal wife, and the ideal king”





The next thing you’ll notice, or probably the first because they’re kinda hard to miss, are the giant 16.5 ft tall statues.

    





Phra Si Ratana Chedi was built by Rama IV in the mid 19th century. While part of the reason it was built was to balance the layout of the structures on the upper terrace, it was also created to remind the people of the magnificent chedis built in Ayutthaya during the reign of that kingdom. The Phra Si Ratana Chedi has been designed with small mirrored tiles made of gold to make is shinier and more magnificent that other chedis.                  The reason being that this chedi houses a piece of the Buddha’s breastbone.



Phra Mondop. This was the first building built on the upper terrace in the Wat Phra Kaew complex. Another building, Ho Phra Monthien Tham had originally stood there, but it burned down during a fireworks display shortly after being built. Rama I had this building put in its place and it houses the revised editions of Buddhist literature. Phra Mondop is modeled after the mondop shrine over the sacred site of The Buddha’s Footprint in the Saraburi province. Phra Mondop is made up of green mirrored tiles inlaid with gold medaillions that depict the Buddha. At the base of the walls are two rows of small golden guardian angels, no two of which are alike. At each of the four corners of the building are stone Buddhas carved in the 9th century Javanese style. Twenty twelve-cornered, glass-inlaid stucco pillars topped with lotus capitals support the intricate seven-tier roof. This building is closed to the public at all times.





Scale model of Angkor Wat. This model was created during the reign of Rama IV, which was also the time when Cambodia was a vassal state of Siam. In order to show off the grandness that was under Siam’s rule and to be able to enjoy the beauty of Angkor Wat without having to leave the palace grounds, Rama IV had this model constructed. As an ironic turn of events, during the rule of Rama V, rule of Cambodia was given over to the French in order for Siam to retain their independence during the French occupation of that region.



Steps leading down to Phra Sawet Kudakhan Wihan Yot. This building is made of cement embellished with bits of Chinese porcelain. According to the traditions of Thai hramostroitelstva, this building was designed for storing various images of Buddha, the most important of which is the Phra Nak Buddha that was rescued from Ayutthaya during the reign of Rama I. This Buddha is made of gold, silver and copper. Unfortunately, this building is closed to the public, so only the royal family has access to the Buddhas stored therein.



As a side note, the Temple is not actually a temple. By definition, it is a chapel since it does not have living quarters for monks. Were there living quarters for monks, then it would be a Buddhist temple. It is still commonly known as, and called, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha because that is what most people know it as.

After leaving the temple complex, you’ve finished with the biggest part of the Grand Palace. What’s left are the few buildings you can wander around the exterior of in the Middle Court.



Phra Thinang Dusit Maha Prasat is a throne hall that was built during the reign of Rama I and is one of the oldest buildings in the entire palace complex, though it is not the original. The original building on this site was started in 1782 and completed in 1784. That was where Rama I held his formal coronation ceremony. In 1789, though, the building was struck by lightening and burned down. Rama I then had an entirely new building put in its place.
Interesting tidbit, because of what happened, Rama I predicted that his dynasty would only last for 150 years. This prediction was recorded in the diary of one of his princesses. Interestingly, 3 months after the 150th anniversary of the Chakri dynasty, the Siamese Revolution of 1932 occurred and absolute monarchy was replaced with a constitutional monarchy.
This hall used to be used for coronations, but after the revolution, no coronations have been held there. Though, the tradition of housing the remains of the king, queen and high-ranking members of the royal family for a period of mourning is still observed.

Dress: As for requirements to get into the Grand Palace, the dress code is quite strict. No shorts, tank tops or short skirts. Men must wear pants and a shirt with sleeves. Women must wear a long skirt and a shirt with sleeves. Short sleeves are okay, but sleeveless is not. Women wearing pants will be turned away, but you can rent a sarong outside the entrance if you don’t have one with you. There are people outside the palace who will rent clothing, as well, but be warned, they may run off with your deposit money. That happened to us.

10 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Thailand

Thailand, also known as the Land of Smiles, is a jewel of Southeast Asia. Developed enough to provide most comforts yet still wild enough to offer off-the-beaten path adventure, Thailand is a country ripe with opportunity for once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences. Whether you start with the world-class beaches in the south or the mountain villages in the north, Thailand will not disappoint.

Cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai are bustling hives of activity and commerce, but you haven't really seen the country until you've trekked in the mountains or enjoyed some face-time with elephants or the bold monkeys (who will steal your lunch as soon as look at you). Thailand's attractions are diverse and each provides a rewarding and memorable experience in its own way.

1.Railay Beach

 

Krabi province is home to some of Thailand's most famous beach destinations, and Railay is the cream of the crop. Widely considered one of the best beaches in the country, Railay delivers on promises of white sand beaches, clear blue water, and a feeling that you've found a slice of paradise. You have to take a boat to reach the island getaway, with services available from Krabi town and Ao Nang.

The beaches are the main reason to visit Railay, but it's also a rock-climbing hotspot. Railay's karst peaks draw adventurers both experienced and novice to try their hand at climbing the towering limestone cliffs. Among the many other active things to do, you can go elephant trekking, whitewater rafting, kayaking, and snorkeling, or take on some lighter options such as cooking classes and indulging in a massage. There's also the tourist-friendly Diamond Cave, with a convenient walkway to accommodate curious visitors looking to do some exploring between stretches of sunbathing.

2. Koh Phi Phi

The Phi Phi Islands, also in Krabi, are one of Thailand's most popular resort areas for a reason. Only Phi Phi Don is inhabited, with day trips available to the surrounding islands. One of the fun spots on Koh Phi Phi is Monkey Beach, where you'll come face-to-face, literally, with the namesake creatures. You can hire a guide to take you out on a small wooden boat or rent your own kayak. There's also a small stand where you can buy snacks and fruit shakes, but hang onto your treats. If you leave them unguarded, the monkeys will brazenly dig in and chow down right in front of you. Long Beach is another nice spot on the island; it's not a secluded place, but is great for watching the sunset. If you're lucky and the tide is out, it's a beautiful walk back toward the main part of the island.

Tour operators offer packages for snorkeling and diving trips, as well as excursions to the infamous Maya Bay, where the Leonardo DiCaprio movie The Beach was filmed. Because Koh Phi Phi draws so many tourists, there are plenty of tour companies arranging tickets to other beach destinations, such as Phuket, Koh Chang, and Koh Lanta. Though you would hardly know to see it now, Phi Phi Don was one of the areas hit hard by the 2004 tsunami. Guesthouses, restaurants, and markets have been rebuilt and crowds still come in droves to the resort island. There is a small, somber memorial park to honor those who died in the tragedy, yet the resort areas appear otherwise revived.

3. The Grand Palace, Bangkok

Even if your plans for Thailand mainly involve frolicking on a beach, cozying up to elephants, and eating as much Massaman curry and tom ka gai as humanly possible, you'll probably spend at least a day or two in Bangkok. There's plenty to see and do in the capital, but it's perhaps best to start with the Grand Palace. This is the number one sightseeing attraction in the city, and it's staggering in historical significance and craftsmanship. The grounds are a maze of royal halls, temples, and ancient relics, the most important being Wat Phra Kaeo, Temple of the Emerald Buddha. A relic within this temple is said to be a piece of bone or hair from the enlightened Buddha himself. Allow several hours to do the Grand Palace justice, but if you're up for more walking afterward, you can easily take in some of the city's other major landmarks. The famous Wat Po and Wat Arun, the Temple of the Dawn (a great place to watch the sunset), are also nearby. And as Bangkok is a main hub for international travel, it's a great starting point for excursions throughout the country.

4. Sunday Walking Street, Chiang Mai

Every Thailand visitor looks forward to cheap and delicious food, and it can be found in abundance at Chiang Mai's Sunday Night Walking Street. Vendors sell all kinds of treats: pad Thai, chicken satay, samosas, crab cakes, fried bananas, sweet rotees, and fresh fruit shakes - often for less than $2 a piece. When you've satisfied your culinary cravings, you can peruse hundreds of stalls selling an array of unique goods such as all-natural soaps, hand-dyed textiles bearing the unique patterns of local hill tribes, incense and essential oils, musical instruments, paintings, wall hangings, and more.

The market gets crowded every week without fail, no matter what time of year you're visiting, so brace yourself and try to enjoy being part of the throng. This is a must-do in Chiang Mai, and is an essential part of the Thailand experience. If you're not around for the Sunday market, or just want to get a taste of other market experiences in Chiang Mai, check out the Saturday Night Walking Street or the Night Bazaar on Chang Klan Road, a daily event. For something less touristy, check out the daytime Warorot Market, near Mae Ping River.

5. Pai

Thailand's reputation as a country of beautiful landscapes and friendly people is thanks largely to the world-renowned southern beaches. Most people don't realize that the vast north is also home to breathtaking landscapes, though these are of a different nature entirely. Northern Thailand, particularly the western region near the Burmese border, is marked by mountainous jungle terrain that is both rugged and beautiful. Pai, in Mae Hong Son province, is a perfect place from which to enjoy the country's natural beauty as well as the famed Thai hospitality and cooking. This small town has developed a reputation as a mecca for hippies and backpackers, though you will see locals and families here as well. There is a small nightly walking street market, a variety of local and Western foods, and easy access to nearby temples, waterfalls, and the impressive Pai canyon. There is an air of cheerfulness and relaxation as you walk through the tiny town center, and it is this vibe that continues to draw crowds season after season.

6. Khao Yai National Park

Elephants are revered in Thailand, and statues and paintings of them can be seen everywhere you go. There are many tour groups and elephant camps throughout the country allowing you to spend a day or more with the creatures, trekking through the jungle, bathing them, and even getting to help out with their morning feedings. But perhaps more exciting is the chance to see them in their natural environment, and Khao Yai National Park provides a great opportunity to do just that. You'll see elephants roaming near waterfalls, exotic birds of prey, monkeys, and plenty of other tropical creatures that call the park home. If a one-day stay isn't enough to take it all in, it's possible to camp out at the park and get up early enough to watch the sunrise over the lush landscape.

7. Sukhothai Old City

This is a favorite stop for history buffs and photography enthusiasts, as there are many lovely photo ops in this ancient capital of Thailand. Ruins of this old city still stand proud despite enduring centuries of battle and exposure to the elements. Sukhothai's Old City is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and much has been invested to restore and preserve one of Thailand's most significant historical sites. Attractions here include many wats, which speak to the country's long history of Buddhist devotion. Each structure tells its own story of the old society, with relics and influences from other ancient civilizations appearing in the design of each.

8. Historic City of Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya presents a glimpse into the glory of ancient Thailand, where visitors can wander the haunting but romantic ruins of the former capital. After the Sukhothai period, the city was the most important in Thailand, and the old palaces and temples stand as a testament to this. There are also several foreign settlements, where you can gain a greater understanding of the influence other countries had in Thailand at the time. Ayutthaya is located only a short bus trip or train ride from Bangkok, making it convenient for a day trip if you're pressed for time. If you're on a more leisurely schedule, plan on spending a few days in the ancient capital and rent a push-bike to tour both the old city and the new.

9. Doi Suthep

Perhaps the best-known wat in Chiang Mai sits atop Doi Suthep, a mountain overlooking Thailand's northern rose of a city. In a crowd of monks, devout Buddhist followers, and fellow travelers, you'll have a chance to marvel at intricate religious carvings, observe worship rituals, and gaze out over the ever-growing sprawl of Chiang Mai city. Just be sure to bring a bottle of water and your walking shoes - the staircase to the temple is steep. At the base of the stairs, vendors hawk everything from tasty local treats to goods handmade by villagers from the surrounding mountains. There's also a shop selling masks, elephant carvings, and home furnishings so you can do some shopping while recovering from the trek up and down the stairs.

You can combine your trip to Doi Suthep with excursions to Doi Pui, a small Hmong village in the mountains. It's far more touristy than other villages, but if you're on a tight schedule, this will give you a taste of Hmong culture and a chance to learn more about the hill tribe communities in the region, not to mention purchase some beautiful hand-woven textiles. The Bhubing Palace, open to tourists, is on the way to Doi Pui from Doi Suthep as well.

10. Floating Markets

A visit to one of the floating markets is a fun way to do some shopping and eating while supporting local vendors and observing local commerce in action. Some do seem to cater more to the tourist crowds than to be part of the fabric of local Thais' daily lives, but there are others that make for a nice authentic travel experience. You'll need to get up early to visit a floating market, as vendors are out in their long wooden boats first thing in the morning with their goods, fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, and tasty dishes.

There are several floating markets near Bangkok, Amphawa and Damnoen Saduak being among the most popular. You can go it alone or join a guided tour, which can include visits to local houses and shops.