From Bangkok to Bali

Buzzing, humid and energetic, Bangkok is the city where magnificent temples, historic markets, skyscrapers and rooftop bars create an intoxicating vibe that's hard to resist. The city is a mesmerizing blend of old and new, East and West, and dizzying contradictions. Historical sites next to vibrant nightlife areas, bustling markets near modern shopping malls, and street food vendors close to world-class restaurants. Hence, the city is still fascinating for its traditional culture. Saffron-robed monks weave among the morning rush hour to collect alms; communities dwell in stilt houses by the Chao Phraya River, eking out a living using centuries-old skills. A city tour in Bangkok often begins in Rattanakosin, drawn by the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. It's here the Chao Phraya River separates the city proper from its old capital Thonburi, a spot where quitet, narrow canals and floating markets illustrate why Bangkok was once called 'Venice of the East'. East of the canals is modern Bangkok, a hive of activity with countless businesses, markets and shopping malls handily connect by the BTS Skytrain. As a city that feels alive day and night, Bangkok is the destination for all, from foodies, shopaholics, culture seekers, history lovers, urban explorers, even party animals. That makes the well-known Southeast Asian gateway one of the world's most visited cities.

Ayutthaya, short for Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, was once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Siam. It not only plays an important role in Thai's history but was also made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. Founded in 1350 and became the biggest city in the world by 1700, its wealth generated by trade with countries from all over Asia, the Middle East and Europe. However, it all came to an end in 1767 when war with Burma led to the devastation of the city. It was almost burnt to the ground and the capital of Siam moved to Bangkok. Nowaday, most of the ancient remains are on the western half of the island called the Ayutthaya Historical Park. There are temples, royal palaces, museums and more which are easy to explore on foot, by bike or tuk tuk. The most iconic sight of Ayutthaya resides in Wat Mahathat or the Temple of the Great Relic. Its signature is the tree root with a Buddha head embraced in it and no one knows exactly how it was made. Also worth a visit is the royal temple of Wat Phra Si Sanphet which was the original home of the Emerald Buddha, now located in the Grand Palace in Bangkok. Wat Phra Si Sanphet is the largest and one of the most famous temple in Ayutthaya which was once used for royal ceremonies and contained the ashes of royal family members. For an overview of Ayutthayan-style art, visit the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum, which holds well-preserved statues recovered from the ruins. There are beautiful bronze Buddhas dating from the 13th and 14th centuries, 17th- and 18th-­century door panels with religious, traditional or floral carvings, and a hoard of 15th-century gold jewellery.

Denpasar is Bali's capital and the island's main gateway. The city serves as a hub for neighboring cities in the Lesser Sunda Islands. With the fast rise of Bali's tourism sector, Denpasar has fostered and promoted commercial activities and endeavors, resulting in the province's highest growth rate. Denpasar's population was 897,300 in 2017, up from 788,445 in the 2010 census. The neighboring metropolitan region contains around 2 million persons.

Ubud is a town located in the central part of Bali island, known for its rich arts and culture, as well as its lush landscapes of rice fields and tropical jungle, offering a contrast to the southern beach areas.

Kintamani is a village on the western border of the bigger caldera wall of Mount Batur (Gunung Batur) in Bali Island, Indonesia. It is located on the same north-south route as Penelokan and has served as a rest point for visitors to observe the Mount Batur region. Kintamani is also notable for Pura Tuluk Biyu's 1,000-year-old 'Rites of Peace' stone tablets, as well as the Kintamani dog breed. It is located adjacent to Mount Batur.

Southeast of Bali sits the seaside town of Sanur. Shallow waters can be found on its extensive beach. With a paved bike path behind them, vibrant jukung fishing boats are laid out on the sand. The 10th-century inscriptions in the coral-built Pura Blanjong temple date back to that time. Restaurants and art galleries line Jalan Danau Tamblingan, the lush main boulevard.