Culture and History Travel Tour to Tunisia

The list of interesting places in Tunisia would do justice to a country twice as big. From the villages of the stone age, near the oasis of Kebili up scenarios where they filmed part of Star Wars (in Matmata), its landscapes, lush or moles, have seen more action than all the countries of Africa together. After traveling a few days, anyone would agree to let the imagination in the famous Roman ruins of Carthage and El-Jem is almost as immersed in the Aeneid of Virgil and have a drink with Dido, while a day holgazanea the beaches on the north coast were asking what Hannibal was looking away from Tunisia.
Whether the cultural mix of French and Arabic capital or vast extension of the Sahara, which is impressive in Tunisia. After all, three thousand years of history to convince any visitor.

Tunisia best time

In January and February, a period of cold weather and rainy, the hotel prices down. During the warm season from June to August, prices of hotels are increasing, a shortage of rental cars and markets and museums are packed with tourists.

Tunisia Mean festivals and Holidays

The Islamic calendar (which begins with AH, ie, the flight of Mohammed to Medina) is 11 days shorter than the Gregorian. Over the next few years Ras as-Sana, the celebration of Islamic New Year falls in April. Moreover, Moul an-Nabi celebrates the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad around June or July. The festivities include parades in the streets, feasts, drummers and special sweets. Ramadan, commemorating the month when it was revealed to Muhammad the Koran, is held during the ninth month of Islamic calendar (now in December). In deference, the faithful do not eat or drink until after the sun. At the end of Ramadan (Eid al-Fitr) the fasting breaks with visits to friends, feasts and gifts.
Eid al-Adha is the time of the pilgrimage to Mecca that every Muslim must undertake at least once in life. The streets are decorated with colored lights and children wear their best clothes.                                                                                                          As a secular festivals, July and August are the months to remember. The main event of the calendar of Tunisia is the Carthage International Festival, which offers performances of music, theater and dance at the restored Roman theater in Carthage. The International Festival of Symphonic Music El Jem is held each July. Festival of classical theater Dougga happens in July and August. After the summer heat, it's International Film Festival of Carthage (the films focusing on African and Middle East), which takes place in October of odd years.


Secular holidays

January 1 - New Year
March 20 - Independence Day
March 21 - Youth Day
April 9 - Day of the Martyrs
May 1 - Labor Day
July 25 - Republic Day
August 3 - Fiesta official
August 13 - Women's Day
October 15 - Day of Evacuation
November 7 - Anniversary of access to the chairmanship of Ben Ali

Tunisia Most Attraction Places to Travel

Tunis  ( medina )

Compared to the great metropolis of the world, Tunisia is not too impressed. The center is compact and easy to navigate, it is essential for travelers located in the medina and the Ville Nouvelle.
The medina is the historical and cultural heart of modern Tunisia and a place to get an idea of life in the city. Built during the seventh century, it lost its privilege as the center of the capital when the French took over and built their new city by the end of the nineteenth century. One of the oldest attractions of the medina, Zitoun mosque was rebuilt in the ninth century on the original structure of the seventh century. Its builders recycled two hundred columns of the Roman ruins of Carthage for the central prayer hall. Non-Muslims can come dressed in modesty into the yard. The smell will help translate the name of the nearby Souq el-Attarine, the perfumer souk, where shops were fed with aromatic oils and spices. West, the Mosque of Youssef Dey was the first Ottoman-style was built in the City (1616). In nearby Souq el-Berka Muslim corsairs sold slaves.

Also in the medina, the Tourbet el-Bey is a huge mausoleum that houses the remains of many Beysen, princesses, pastors and counselors husseinitas, the guard is an enthusiastic guide. Not far from the Dar Ben Abdallah Museum houses the Center for Popular Arts and Traditions, where the exhibits seem mediocre in contrast to the majestic backdrop of the building. The area is Dar el-Haddad, one of the oldest houses. The Medina was declared Patrimony of Humanity by UNESCO in 1981.

The streets of the ville nouvelle are flanked by buildings full of imprint French wrought iron gates and window slats, elements that give it a European air, accentuated by the terraces of cafes and bakeries. After admiring the colonial architecture, it is worth visiting the Cathedral of St Vincent de Paul, which presents an extraordinarily bizarre amalgam of architectural styles (Gothic, Byzantine and North Africa).

After about 4 miles west of downtown lies the essential Bardo Museum, in the former Bardo Palace, official residence of Beysen husseinitas. In the interior, the collection is divided into sections covering different periods: the Carthaginian, Roman, early times of Christianity and the Arab-Islamic. The Roman part contains one of the best exhibits of mosaics and statues from around the world. You can reach the museum by taxi or tram.

Carthage

Despite the fascinating history of Carthage and the dominant position it held in the ancient world, the Romans were such demolition work that remains today are somewhat disappointing. Almost all that remains is of Roman origin; any other Punic. There are six areas of interest, and most annoying for the visitor is that they are scattered and far apart from each other. To overcome this problem, you can take line TGM (light rail), which crosses the area, but cautions that, even so, one must walk a lot.

The best starting point is Byrsa hill, which dominates the area and provides an overview from the top. At his feet is the St Louis Cathedral, visible from several miles around. It is a staggering proportions, which was erected by the French in 1890 and dedicated to the king-saint of the thirteenth century, who died on the shores of Carthage, in 1270, during the Eighth Crusade. Although it was deconsecrated and closed for years, has now been restored and opened to the public. The National Museum is the large white building located at the rear of the cathedral, and its exhibits, refurbished, deserve a look. The Punic displays, on the top floor is highly recommended.

The Roman amphitheater in West Byrsa, 15 minutes walk from the museum, was one of the largest in the Empire, but today it is little of its luster. Most of its stones were removed for other construction projects in the following centuries. The set of huge tanks located northeast of the amphitheater was the main water supply for Carthage during the Roman era, is now in ruins and the difficulties of access, among spiny prickly pear, make little effort deserves.

The Baths of Antoninus is located to the south, in the seafront, and primarily impressed by its size and location. The Magon Quarter is another archaeological site near the sea, a few meters south of the baths. Recent excavations have revealed an interesting residential area.

Tofet the sanctuary has attracted considerable interest since it was first excavated in 1921. The Tofet was a place of sacrifice with a cemetery annex, where the children of Carthaginian nobles were killed and burnt to appease the deities Baal Hammon and Tanit. He is currently little more than a plot full of weeds with a few graves.

Sidi Bou Saïd

Sidi Bou Saïd is a whitewash village situated high on a cliff overlooking the Gulf of Tunisia, about 10 km northeast of the capital. It is a delightful place to stroll through its narrow cobbled streets. Its glittering walls are fitted with bars on every window, decorated and painted in an intense blue color, and eye-arched entrances that provide access to patios sprinkled with geraniums and bougainvillea. No one would blame you think you have encountered a tiny Greek island.

The center of activity of the population is its main square, Place Sidi Bou Saïd, lined with cafes, put candy and souvenir shops. The lighthouse, which overlooks the village, stands on the site of a fort of the IX century. There is a small beach nearby and relatively empty.

Cap Bon Peninsula

This fertile peninsula penetrating into the Mediterranean from the north-eastern Tunisia. Geologists speculate the possibility that in the past came to Sicily, forming a land link with Europe is plunged into the sea 30,000 years ago. At present, Cap Bon (especially the beaches of the Southeast around Hammamet and Nabeul) is the leading destination Tunisian tourists arriving with package holidays.

In a summer stroll through the streets of Hammamet is likely to discover ten tourists each neighbor of the people, and the pace never loose, except in the winter and for a short time. Its location on the northern edge of the Gulf of Hammamet is his great asset, and its old medina, which dominates a large area of sandy beach is undoubtedly one of the attractions. It is also a city filled with life, full of nightclubs, restaurants and colorful shops. Everything a visitor could want, except isolation.

The biggest difference between your neighbor and Hammamet, Nabeul, is that the latter has a variety of accommodations, including camping area better organized in the country. The market in Nabeul Friday is one of the liveliest in the country, even though not having an excess of bargains or items of quality.

When it comes to Kelibia have been behind the most popular tourist destinations in Tunisia. In its place will be a tiny town that survives mainly on its fishing fleet, with a few modest and resorts, fabulous beaches and a strong protection of the sixth century which dominates the port.

Halfway between El-Haouaria Kelibia and is Kerkouane town of Carthage, a city founded in the sixth century BC finally destroyed by Roman forces. Was excavated in 1962 and houses a museum these findings, as the princess of Kerkouane, the lid of a wooden coffin carved in the shape of the goddess Astarte.

The small town of El-Haouaria is located below the mountainous tip of Cap Bon. It is a passage with several quiet beaches acceptable, especially in Ras El-Drek, but its main attraction are the caves in the Roman coast, 3 km west of the city. Much of the stone that was used to lift Carthage was extracted from this remarkable complex of yellow sandstone caves. The quarrymen discovered that the quality of the stone was much better at the base of the cliffs on the surface, so it opted to open tunnels. After nearly a thousand years removing sandstone caves are the result today.

Dougga

The Roman ruins of Dougga, 105 km southwest of the capital, is considered the most spectacular and best preserved of the country. Occupy a prominent position on the edge of the mountains of Tebersouk, overlooking the fertile valley of Oued Kalle, where wheat is grown. The site was occupied until the early 1950, when residents were evacuated to help preserve the ruins.

In Dougga there'sa lot to see and it is worth hiring a licensed guide. The first monument to be seen is the theater, with capacity for 3,500 spectators on the hillside and built in the year 188 AD by one of the wealthy inhabitants of the city. Has been rebuilt and is ideal for light classical theater Dougga Festival which is held in July and August. A little beyond, a trail leads to the temple of Saturn, erected on the site of an earlier temple dedicated to Baal Hammon. Southwest of the theater, a winding road leads to the square of the Winds, where the surface is prepared as an enormous bar and lists the names of twelve winds. Another temple along the plaza to the north, while the market and the capitol are located south and west, respectively.

The Capitol is one of the most remarkable monuments of the country, which was erected in the year 166 AD Six striated columns supporting the portico, which is about eight meters above the ground. The frieze has eroded a little sculpture, rare indeed, which shows the emperor Pius Antonio between the claws of an eagle. Inside there was an enormous statue of Jupiter, whose fragments are now in the Bardo Museum in Tunisia. Near the house of Dionysus and Odysseus was once a sumptuous residence in it was a mosaic showing the last mesmerized by the sirens (now part of the Bardo Museum in the capital).

El-Jem

There are few sights more dazzling that El Jem, the well-preserved ancient coliseum and almost as large as that of Rome, which dwarfs the buildings of the modern city. Built on a plateau halfway between Sousse and Sfax, about 210 km south of the capital, El-Jem can see from several miles around, dominating the entire area.

The coliseum, built between the years 230 and 238 AD, has been used as a defensive position on many occasions. Suffered severe damage in the seventeenth century, when the troops of Mohammed Bey opened a hole in the Western Wall to the departure of members of the local tribesmen who had rebelled against the taxes required. The gap widened further during a rebellion in 1850, but, fortunately, it is now attaches great importance to conservation and has been declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco.

With a capacity for 30,000 people (a figure that exceeds that of the city's population), is one of the most impressive Roman monuments in Africa. Still be higher up the bleachers and watch the sand, or explore the two long subterranean passages that once housed gladiators, animals and unhappy convicts.
Tozeur

Tozeur is one of the most popular stops for passengers, and has been since the period capsiense (around 8000 BC). Its main attractions lie in a labyrinthine old town, an interesting museum and a vast palm grove on the northern tip of Chott el-Jerid. At about 435 km southwest of the capital, the road becomes exciting: the road crosses a Kebili Chott (dried salt lake) for a flyover.

The evocative old part of town, Ouled el-Hadef, was built in the fourteenth century AD to house the El-Hadef clan, which was enriched by the trade caravans. It is a maze of narrow alleys and tiny squares covered and has gained fame for his methods of real brick. There is a small but notable archaeological museum is worth a visit.

In addition to the Bardo Museum in the capital, Dar Charait Museum is another great museum in the country by the worth of the diverted route. It displays a large collection of pottery and antiques. Has an art gallery and rooms made up as replicas of Tunisian life, past and present. Include room for the last bey, a palace decorated, the baths (hammam) and a Bedouin tent. The guards of the museum, dressed as servants of the Bey, they collaborate with their appearance into the environment.

The palm groves of Tozeur is the second largest of Tunisia, with nearly two hundred thousand palm trees on an area of 10 km ². It is a classic example of oasis agriculture on the terrace and is stocked by over two hundred springs, which produce about sixty million gallons of water a day. The best way to explore the palm grove is on foot or by bicycle, which can be rented at the entrance.
Susa

Sousse is the third most important city in Tunisia as well as a prominent port. Is also the most popular tourist destination. The long beach that extends north from the town to the tourist enclave of Port el-Kantaoui is its main hook. However, Susa is not limited to the row of hotels that surround its shores.

The old medina contains quite a number of monuments. The walls are impressive, with an area of 2.25 km and a height of 8 m, fortified with a series of solid square turrets. The Ribat, a strong small square, was built at the end of the eighth century AD Presents a vantage point round which allows uploading and is an excellent viewpoint over the city. The austere Great Mosque, with its towers and crenellated walls, more reminiscent of a strong to a mosque. The Museum of Susa, which occupies the citadel (Kasbah) in the southwest corner of the medina, shows several of the most beautiful mosaics in the country.
Matmata

Anywhere else in Tunisia organized tourism is so excessive as in the village of Matmata, 400 km south of the capital, on the southeast coast. The houses of this village troglodyte underground have proved an irresistible claim for tourists or travelers who access the site in vehicles after a safari through the desert.

It is not difficult to understand why coaches do not let go of. The passage follows an almost surreal air, with both a lunar environment. Surely that is why it was chosen as a filming location for scenes from the movie Desert Wars. Berbers built houses on the ground over a thousand years ago to escape the extreme heat of summer. All the houses are virtually identical, with a courtyard excavated to about 6 m deep in tunnels and rooms open on the sides. The larger with two or three yards and are accessed via a narrow staircase from the courtyard to the surface.

If you want to see Matmata self (there are always guides available), it is appropriate to visit the hotels. It should arrive in late afternoon, after the tourist buses have departed, and a walk beyond the hotel Ksar Amazigh. From there, there are good views of Matmata, which is behind, and the valley of Oued Barrak, to the north. In return, we must quench the thirst in the Sidi Driss hotel bar (the famous cantina in Star Wars) and I look to the hotel and the hotel Berbere Marhala. This will have seen the most notable of the city.

Bizerta

The port city of Bizerte, 65km north of the capital, is the largest in the north of Tunisia. Yet undiscovered by mass tourism, is one of the reasons why it deserves a visit. Acceptable has beaches close to town, but its attraction lies in the architecture of the neighborhood's old port.

The huge citadel (Kasbah) is the most imposing structure of the old town with its massive walls descollando on the northern entrance to the port. Was originally a Byzantine strong built in the sixth century AD, the present was erected by the Ottomans in the seventeenth century. The strong small (ksibah) is the southern bastion of defense of the port, was built by the Byzantines and changed over the centuries. At present has its interesting Oceanographic Museum.

Bouchoucha Place, which is really more a street than a square, is located in the heart of the Ottoman city, flanked by the Old Port to the east and west Medina. The area offers lively fish markets, the Grand Mosque, built in 1652 with a striking octagonal minaret, and the source of Youssef Dey, inlaid with beautiful, dates from 1642. The so-called strong Spanish dominates the city from the hill that comes north of the medina, is actually Turkish, and was built in the year 1570 AD
Ichkeul National Park

Classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, this national park, 30 km southwest of Bizerte is a sanctuary for birds of passage, especially in winter when the lake Ichkeul and surrounding marshes are home to over two hundred thousand migratory waterbirds across Europe. These include a considerable number of coots, mallards silbones, various species of ducks and lesser-known birds such as red and purple Ansar common, the emblem of the park.

Ichkeul is the only national park in Tunisia with facilities for visitors, but does not have lodging and camping is prohibited.
Mahdia

Mahdia is one of the few cities in the central Tunisian coast that has not yet been exploited tourism. It is a quiet enclave, founded in the year 916 AD and located on a small peninsula about 200 km southeast of the capital. Medina has a fascinating, and when founded the famous historian Ibn Khaldoun visited during the fourteenth century and described as Mehdia the richest city on the coast of Barbary.

Walking tour take about two hours. The el-Skif Kahla, solid fortified gate access is all that remains of the original city and has some incredible views from above. This opens the narrow, cobbled main street, Rue Ali Bey, who was formerly the souk and now collects an increasing number of tourism jobs. Heading east to the Place du Caire, the passenger will be presented with a square shaded by trees, vines and cafes. The ornate arched entrance and the octagonal minaret in the south of it belong to the mosque of Mustafa Hamza, built in 1772, when the plaza was the center of the Turkish quarter.

Continuing east on the Rue Ali Bey, is the Great Mosque. Built in 1965, is a replica of the original, in the year 921 AD, which was destroyed in 1554 by Spanish troops who beat a retreat. Non-Muslims can enter the courtyard outside the hours of prayer. Nearby, you can admire the tiny minaret of the mosque Slimane Hamza, and if it continues eastwards, towards the Borj el-Kebir, is a sixteenth century fortress situated on the highest point of the peninsula. Leaving the fort are a cemetery and a lighthouse near the remains of the original port.

Tunisia activities

The recommended beaches of Tunisia are around the northern towns of el-Ghar Melhado, Tabarka and Bizerte, preferable to the crowded tourist areas. Those further south are theoretically good, but not suited for swimming, the most recommended is in Aghir.

The country is beginning to discover the possibilities of outdoor recreation. The forest in the mountains of Kroumirie around Ain Draham, has enormous potential, but not yet drawn detailed maps. Most popular at the moment are the camel tours, for which you are advised to move Zaafrane, 12 km southwest of Douz, where you can negotiate from a walk one hour to eight days of a trip to the oasis. If the traveler is caught in the charms of the desert in some places you can go skiing in the dunes and racing yachts in the sand.

Birding is a popular activity, although the country has few resident species, but it is an important stop for migratory birds during spring and autumn. Ichkeul National Park in the north is the best site to contemplate.

Upload balloon and seaplane flights are two relatively new options to see the country from the air which can be conducted in Tozeur and Aghir respectively.

Tunisia history

Tunisia may be the smallest country in northern Africa, but its strategic position has ensured a rich history. Phoenicians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, Arabs, Ottomans and French have spoken in the region at some time in their history. The first to appear were probably a group of Homo Erectus make a few hundred thousand years. Accessed by the Northwest through the Sahara from East Africa. It is believed that what is now arid desert was covered in those days of forest, scrub and grass savanna, similar to the plains of Kenya and Tanzania at present. The first clear sign of human habitation was discovered near Kebili, located south of town near an oasis, and dates back some two hundred thousand years ago.

The first of Tunisia today that Utica was settled by the Phoenicians in the twelfth century BC Used it as a stopover en route from its port of origin, Tire (in the current Lebanon) to the Iberian Peninsula. They established a chain of docks along the North African coast, including Hadrumnetum (Sousse) and Hippo Diarrhytus (Bizerte). But the port that occupies a prominent place in history books is Carthage, arch in Rome. It became the most important city of the western Phoenician world in the seventh century BC, especially after the decline of Tire, and the most powerful African Mediterranean early V century BC His power continued until the Punic wars, which pitted Rome (263-146 BC). But Carthage was completely wiped out after the defeat of Hannibal to Scipio, its inhabitants were sold as slaves and the region became a province of the Empire.

The emperor Augustus consolidated Carthage city in 44 BC as Julius Caesar claimed his predecessor, proconsular Design Capital of Africa. The region served as a granary for Rome, to the first century AD, the plains of Tunisia met over 60% of the wheat Empire. The Romans founded cities and colonies on the plains and the coast of Tunisia, the region experiencing its period of greatest prosperity of the Flavian dynasty and severe, its ruins are the main attractions today.

At the beginning of V century, when the power of Rome was in a state of irreversible decline, the Vandals decided that it was ripe for conquest. In ten years, made his capital in Carthage. Dispossessed of their practices away from the native Berber population, which formed small kingdoms and began assaulting the colonies vandals. The Byzantines of Constantinople, who seized the territory in 533 and kept it over the following 150 years, also clashed with the guerrillas Berbers. During the Byzantine period there was an artistic and economic renaissance.

Islam made its appearance in the seventh century when Arab armies spread from Arabia and Egypt conquered quickly. His first foray dates from 647. The Muslims defeated the Byzantines in Sufetula, Kairouan make up their base camp in the year 670. In Kairouan as its capital, the region became a province of the Islamic empire.

Berbers adopted Islam, but they rose up against the cruel to them Arabs. The uprisings continued until 909, when a group of Berber Shiites, the Fatimids, regrouped and snatched the Berber tribes of North Africa to the Arabs. Cairo was founded in the year 973 and established his capital in Mahdia, but the unit was soon broken, the tribes began fighting among themselves and North Africa was slowly reduced to ruins. This weakness was exploited by the Normans, who occupied the island of Jerba in 1134.

Conflicts arose again when the area was involved in the rivalry between Spain and the Ottoman Empire in the mid-sixteenth century. Tunisia changed hands half a dozen times in about fifty years before the Turks finally conquered in the year 1574 and become part of Ottoman territory until the nineteenth century, when France became the new power of the western Mediterranean.

In 1881 France, under the pretext of responding to attacks on the border of its Algerian colony, sent 30,000 troops to Tunisia, which were soon to occupy the capital and force the bey ruler to cede power. Were gradually seizing the best land in Tunisia. The defeat of France early in World War II allowed the Tunisian nationalists intensified their campaign for independence. One man in particular, Habib Bourguiba, leader of the nationalist Neo-Destour, undertook the task of putting the country at the forefront of international politics.

Tunisia gained independence officially March 20, 1956, with Bourguiba as prime minister. The following year, the country became a Republic and Bourguiba became its first president. The president promoted political and social changes of far-reaching: considering religion as a brake on progress of the country undertook to reduce their role in society outside of the Orthodox influence in their traditional fields such as education and justice. The Shariah courts (Islamic law) were abolished, and lands that had funded the mosques and religious institutions seized.

Bourguiba was president of the country until 1987, when his Interior Minister Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali, won the presidency and Bourguiba was declared mentally incapacitated to govern and that he had "retired" to a palace on the outskirts of Monastir .

Ben Ali appease the Islamic opposition, making a pilgrimage to Mecca and ordered to observe the fast of Ramadan. Currently the opposition parties remain in hiding and there is censorship in the media. In the October 1999 elections, Ben Ali won by an absolute majority. After the death of Bourguiba in April 2000 raised widespread and obvious discrepancies in the regime of Ben Ali and the riots are becoming clearer.

Tunisia culture & people

The Berbers were the first settlers in Tunisia but, over the centuries, successive waves of migrants settled Phoenicians, Jews, Romans, Vandals and Arabs in the country. In addition there was a considerable influx of Muslims from Spain and the Ottoman Turks also contributed their bit for the ethnic mix.

Islam is the official religion of the country. Despite an undeniable religious revival, particularly among youth and the unemployed, the nation is still fairly liberal. There is a small community of practicing Jews in the capital and the island of Jerba, and about twenty thousand Roman Catholics.

Thanks in large part to the efforts of secular and socialist former president Habib Bourguiba, the conditions for women are better than the other countries of the Islamic world (in the eyes of Westerners, at least). This agent outlaw polygamy and divorce by repudiation, and also placed limits on the tradition of the wedding subsidies, establishing a women 17 years of age to marry and giving them the right to reject the proposals of marriage. Your opinion on the veil ( "an odious rag"), explains its insignificant presence in the moment.

Yet, traditions are not easily lost, and is recommended for travelers to dress discreetly. Men shorts are considered to be in underwear and in specific situations can cause outrage. Public demonstrations of affection between couples are frowned upon in most parts of the country.

Today the nation is virtually bilingual: Arabic is the language of government, but nearly everyone is fluent in French. This was the language in which teaching is conducted in the early years of Bourguiba and still is taught from age six. At school is also studied English and German, but it is difficult to read in either language outside the main tourist areas. Berber dialect chelha or tachelnit only heard in the villages isolated.

The hammam (public baths) are one of the centers of life in Tunisia, as in all of northern Africa and the Middle East, and are considered places indicated not only for washing but for relaxing and chatting. All cities have at least a hammam, with separate sections for men and women (sometimes in completely separate buildings). Men need not take anything, they are given a Fouta (Cotton towel) to move in the hammam. Women are expected to bring your own towel (and are in their underwear when washing, so it is recommended to bring dry clothes to change afterwards). A session includes access to the bath, a sauna and steam Kassa, a vigorous scrub with a coarse mitten.

In Tunisia, the art has been greatly influenced by the cultural mix of the country. Architectural styles, for example, range from Punic and Roman contributions to the houses of alpine red tiles Ain Draham, the Islamic architecture of the Arab medinas and underground dwellings of the Berbers in the south.

Malouf, which means normal, is the name given to a form of traditional Arabic music, which has become a kind of institution in the country. Among the principal styles of classical music include the Tunisian Nouba (the oldest of Andalusian origin), the chghoul and bachraf (of Turkish origin). Musicians, singers and composers include all known El-Azifet (a rarity in this part of the world, because it is a group composed exclusively by women), Khemais Tarnane, Raoul Journou, Saliha, Saleh Mehdi, Ali Riahi, Hedi Jouini and Fethi Khairi, although it will be hard to find outside the country.

Tunisia have been discovered in large number of tiles in an excellent state of preservation due to its warm and dry. Dating from the sixth century A.D. II and come mostly in private houses and public baths. The Bardo Museum in the capital, has a magnificent collection and the Museum of El-Jem.

Introduced by the French, the painting is a very contemporary art in Tunisia, with styles that run from the shapes of Hedi Turki and free up the intricate Arabic calligraphy of NJA Mahdaoui. Under the French mandate, the Europeans moved to Tunisia in North Africa under the sun paint, perhaps the most famous was Paul Klee, who visited the country for the first time in 1914. The art galleries are located in the capital and the surrounding area, and highlights the artists' haven of Sidi Bou Saïd.

culture and History Travel Tour to Fiji

Fiji islands overview

Fiji were known as the "cannibal islands" because they believed that their people were fierce and unfriendly. Unfortunately, its recent political history of coups d'etat has helped many travelers to change their minds. Despite this, Fiji is a beautiful place that enjoys a pleasant tropical climate. Here you can enjoy the practice of various activities such as scuba diving and snorkeling, and it has excellent tourist facilities, both for travelers with limited budget and for those seeking more luxurious vacations.

The history of the islands is unique in the spectrum of the Pacific, which has led to the current melting pot of influences Melanesian, Polynesian, Micronesian, Indian, Chinese and European. For almost fifty years until the military coup of 1987, the indigenous people of Fiji represented only a minority in their own land. During the nineteenth century, the islands became the commercial center of the South Pacific and in 1874, were claimed by the British as a colony. During the approximately one hundred years that Fiji remained under the control of the British colonial government, some ten thousand Indian workers were recruited to work in sugar plantations. Nevertheless, the indigenous Fijians managed to maintain their traditional rites and practices, such as mekes (narrative dances), constructs Bure (home), kava ceremonies, and the development of tissues and ceramic lid.

Fiji Best time Travel to

The mild tropical climate of Fiji became the tourist destination throughout the year and the perfect place to escape the winter in both hemispheres. Probably the best time to visit is during the dry season or "winter" from May to October, offers cooler temperatures, precipitation lowest, a lower degree of humidity and less risk of tropical cyclones.

Fiji Mean festivals and Holidays

The New Year is celebrated in Fiji with particular enthusiasm in some people, the party can last for almost a week, or even a month. In February or March, they celebrate the Hindu Holi (festival of colors), in which people of color thrown water at each other. In March or April, we celebrate the Hindu festival Ram Naumi (Birth of Lord Rama), a religious festival and various parties on the beaches of the Bay of Suva.

During May, the country honors, Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna with a national holiday. Considered one of the most important men of state of Fiji, as well as a great soldier, leader and scholar, his day was commemorated with exhibitions of regional culture and games. In late July, there are two national holidays: the day of the Constitution and the birthday of the prophet Muhammad. The Sugar Festival is celebrated in September at Lautoka, and early October is the day of Fiji (Independence Day). Among the Hindu festivals, Diwali is the festival, or festival of lights, which takes place in October or November and the Fijians worship the goddess of wealth and prosperity, Lakshmi, decorate their houses and settled their accounts business.

Fiji Most Attraction Places to Travel

Suva

Suva is the capital of Fiji, is located on the southeast coast of the big island of Viti Levu. While Nadi, west of the island is the center of the country, Suva holds the position of administrative and political center and the main port of the islands. Half the urban population lives in Suva in Fiji and its surroundings, making it one of the largest and most advanced in the South Pacific. Home to the University of the South Pacific, the fascinating museum in Fiji and many buildings from the colonial era. It is a multicultural city in which are mixed mosques, temples, churches and cultural centers. The Roman Catholic cathedral in 1902, is one of the most prominent of the city.

We recommend a walk around the dock area, the Suva municipal market is also a must, for the variety of exotic fruits and vegetables offered, and kava, fish, seafood and spices. In the market there is a multicultural environment with stalls offering snacks and Indian sweets colorful, and fruit drinks in glass containers.

Nadi

The third largest city in Fiji stands on the west coast of Viti Levi, with the mountains in the background. The local economy depends almost entirely on tourism and, although not the most attractive part of the country, it is a good place from which to organize the visit to the island. The tourist offer is very wide: from real economic places to sleep and eat to luxurious hotels like the Sheraton and the Regent. In the city there is a high rate of Hindu population, most are descended from four generations of workers who came to Fiji to work the sugar plantations.

Among the places of interest, stands the temple of Sri Swami Siva Subramaniya in the extreme south of the main street. Visitors are welcome, and the only requirement is to visit that day was not consumed alcohol or non-vegetarian food. There is also a market for quality, offering the usual eclectic mix of Melanesians, Chinese and Indians. The main street of the market is crowded with restaurants, clothing stores, souvenir and duty-free. Nadi is a good place from which to organize other activities such as diving, golf to horseback riding, rafting, ride a motor boat or a microlight.

Mamanuca Group

The Mamanuca Islands are a handful of tiny islands, located near the west coast of Viti Levu, which can be reached by boat from Nadi to make a trip or to stay a few days, as provision of accommodation includes luxury hotels attractions typical backpackers. The island is very popular among tourists who want to practice diving, scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing or just want to lie on any of the extensive white sand beaches. The beautiful reefs and colorful fish make scuba diving snorkeling is one of the main attractions. Only a few islands, such as Monument and Monuriki, preserved areas of native forest, home to large numbers of birds and reptiles.

Sigatoka

Sigatoka is a small village on the southern coast of Viti Levu and 61 km south of Nadi and 127 km west of Suva. Situated on the banks of the second largest river in Fiji, its people live mainly on agriculture, but also acts of service to people of coastal hotels Reef. Among the attractions is the large market and a mosque, there are few places to sleep and eat economic. The most striking aspect of the people is the view of the strange dream mansion that stands on the hill behind the village. Sigatoka is the ideal place from which to visit the giant sand dunes of Sigatoka, a short distance, the south coast and the valley of Sigatoka. This valley is a particularly fertile strip of land on which they are about two hundred sites, including Fort Tavuni formed by a series of defensive fortifications built on the land they were built in the eighteenth century by the village chief Maile Tonga Latemai. Also lie in the valley some of the best potters in Fiji.

The highlands of Nausori

In the interior of Viti Levu Island, heading east from Nadi, lie the remote villages of the Nausori Highlands, with beautiful landscapes. The people of Naval is perhaps the most picturesque of Fiji. At present, most of the Fijian people are inclined to the use of precast concrete and corrugated iron for the construction of their buildings, but in Naval virtually all homes and buildings are traditional Bures, which rose about avenues and have a central promenade leading to a river.

This is not an area much visited by tourists, so it is advisable to ask the village chief and ask permission to walk through the place and take some pictures. Sunday is the day of worship and often happens in families, it is appropriate to leave the tour for another time. Another place to make a worthwhile stop is the village of Buku, located further west. There is the possibility of staying overnight in villages, but much care is recommended forms.

Levuka

Levuka is located on the island of Ovalau, west of Viti Levu. During the British colonial government was the country's capital, but in 1882 it was moved to Suva, because of the limited area of Levuka, surrounded by mountains on one side and the sea to another. This city was the first European settlement in Fiji, and in 1806 she lived in sandalwood traders. Throughout the nineteenth century, Levuka has grown thanks to the visiting sailors and whalers, the arrival of settlers and the establishment of administrative centers of the colony. At the time of greatest splendor, there were 52 hotels in the city along Beach Street and the city had become a wild and lawless place. Today things have changed a lot, and Levuka is not what it was. Still, very well preserved colonial buildings and the state looks like a Wild West town. The population is comprised mainly of descendants of Fijian mixed with Europeans. The Pacific Fishing Company employs 1,000 people, almost one third of the local working population. At the southern end of Beach street, lie three huge rocks marking the place of assignment where the deeds were signed with Britain in 1874. Following the tour of the wharf, we came to the church of the Sacred Heart (1858), the convent of the Marist School (1891), the City Council (1898), and the Masonic lodge Romance (1924). In the area can practice scuba diving and snorkeling, as well as rent bicycles.

Lovoni village, west of Levuka and Ovalau center, stands in the midst of a spectacular extinct volcanic crater. From Levuka, organizing guided tours to the people who cross the forest and pass by the tomb of a chief and by the strong Korolevu on a hill.

Lau Group

Located halfway between the main islands of Fiji to the west and the kingdom of Tonga, islands grouped most of the islets in the area. The islands, due to the proximity of Tonga, Polynesia there is a strong influence, as reflected in names, language, cuisine, decor, architecture and factions of its inhabitants. Southeast winds make the trip easy boat Tonga to Fiji, but not return.

Vanuabalavu

is the largest island in the northern Lau group. In it, there is an upscale resort and an airstrip. The closest thing that exists in the island town is a Lomaloma, which has an economic house. Vanuabalavu to travel, it is necessary to apply for a permit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Suva. The island is an ideal place to practice diving, which may be engaged in vacation packages. On the island of Kiabu, surrounded by a reef which it shares with the neighboring island of Yacata, there is also an upscale hotel. Kiabu is a private island for up to six people, offering activities such as windsurfing, sailing, hiking and visits to caves.

Between the islands of the southern Lau group highlights Lakeba, former meeting place between the people of Fiji and Tonga, also very popular in Europe before the establishment of the settlement of commercial Levuka. On the island there are several caves, among which Nabukete Oso, which means "too narrow for pregnant women." Tubou, on the southern tip of the island, is the provincial administrative center of Lau. It has a post office, a hospital, a telephone office and an economic government pension. Here lies the tomb of the powerful chief Elena Ma'afu Tonga, as well as the son of Fiji, Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna, the first Fijian to obtain a university degree from a foreign university.

Vanau Levu

Vanua Levu ( "long land) is the second largest island of the archipelago of Fiji, with the second highest rate of population of the country. It is a little island and urbanized, with the exception of around Savusava not have much infrastructure or services. This makes it the ideal place to get a clear picture of the traditional li festyle of Fiji. As a volcanic island, it will be difficult to find a beach to lie down, but offers the possibility of other activities such as scuba diving, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking in the fall or just bird watching. The interior of Vanua Levu, remote, wild and rugged, and rugged coastline are perfect for hiking. In addition, there are some archaeological sites of interest in Nabouwalu near Savusava and Wasavula near Labasa.

Tunuloa Peninsula, also known as Natewa or Cakaudrove peninsula, has been linked to Vanua Levu by a narrow isthmus that forms the bay of Natewa west. We can see many birds, and hiking in the local bus or SUV. A gravel road crosses the peninsula to reach Darigala in the extreme northeast, crossing copra plantations, old villages and stretches of forest. Buca Bay, on the eastern flank of the peninsula, it is common place to stop for ferries arriving or leaving the nearby island of Taveuni, for that matter, is a rather quiet island.

South of the Buca Bay, lies the village of Dakuniba, home to some petroglyphs inscribed on a rock, of unknown origin and meaning. The small island of Rabi, located on the northeast tip of the peninsula is inhabited by Micronesians from Banaba (Ocean Island) in Kiribati. The beaches and reefs are unique to swimming or diving with a snorkel.

Fiji Activities

Fiji offers the opportunity to practice most outdoor activities, although some tourists prefer to simply lie idle on the beach and enjoy tropical cocktails. However, most passengers who travel to Fiji in mind leads to bathe, dive or snorkel diving or other activities such as surfing, rafting, windsurfing and sailing. All the islands are surrounded by coral reefs that are ideal for scuba diving and snorkeling, however, sparse breaks for surfing, and there are too remote from the coast. Mamanuca Islands have some centers and surf good waves, but you need a boat to reach the reefs where they break. On the coast of Viti Levu, there are a few good breaks, like they have near Sigatoka and the Suva lighthouse, and the island of Yanuca.

The options on land are also varied, such as cycling, mountaineering and horse riding; other "activities" are more cerebral birding and visiting archaeological sites. Fiji are highly focused on tourism and therefore abundance of them in places that rent equipment and provide courses or routes a day.

Fiji History

By the year 1500 BC, arrived in Fiji the Lapita people, early settlers of the islands and mostly from other parts of Melanesia. At first, living on the coasts and subsisted on fishing, however, back in 500 BC began farming, which caused a significant increase in population and development of a tribal feudalism.

Around the year 1000 AD saw the invasion of the islands by Polynesians from Tonga and Samoa, involving the Melanesians in large scale wars. Cannibalism was common. The population was divided into large family groups called mataqali, who lived in fortified towns and were run by polygamists chiefs, whose office was hereditary (turaga-ni-koro). Marriages between members of different tribes were a very important link between communities. However, rivalries and disputes were not uncommon, and fighting between various clans faced members of one family.

The first European to sight the Fijian islands was Abel Tasman, on his way to Indonesia in 1643. Tasman managed to avoid the treacherous reefs northwest of Vanua Levu and Taveuni, but his stories about the dangers kept other sailors away for another 130 years. In 1774, James Cook led the next visit to the islands, specifically vato, Lau group. Fifteen years later, he arrived on their shores Lieutenant William Bligh, having sailed to drift in a small boat with 18 crew after the mutiny occurred on board HMS Bounty. In his journey, crossed the Lau group of islands and large islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, whose waters are still known today as the "waters of Bligh."

In the early nineteenth century, several traders landed in Fiji for sandalwood and beche-de-mer, very succulent sea cucumbers prized in Asia. Thanks to them, the Fijians had access to metal tools, to snuff, the cloth and weapons. The consequences were dramatic: violent battles between clans and a rapidly changing society of the islands, which also played a key role the survivors of shipwrecks, sailors and deserters who had been convicted of escape in British penal settlement Australia. Many had the misfortune of knowing first hand why the islands were known as the "cannibal islands", but a few, including the Swedish Charles Savage, managed to fully integrate into the highest grade of the feuding Fijian clans, working as interpreters of heads, brokers, carpenters or soldiers.

Other prominent invaders of the mid-nineteenth century were the military and missionaries from Tonga England. The latter sought to turn the heads of tribes, without much success. In 1867, Reverend Thomas Baker was eaten, your foot is on display at the museum in Fiji. The people of Levuka on the island of Ovalau, became an important commercial port in the South Pacific that are disputed by the Americans, French and British, and each country where suspicion of the intentions of the other imperialist. Levuka became a lawless town in 1847, relations with the villagers came to his most critical point, which culminated in the burning of the settlement.

In 1871, Cakobau, proclaimed King of Fiji, it was proposed the creation of a Western-style government which failed after only two years of existence. In 1873, the British Consul in functions J. B. Thurston laid the foundations for the annexation of the islands to his country, which finally took place on October 10, 1874, the date on which Fiji was proclaimed a British colony, with its capital in Suva. Governor Sir Arthur Gordon sought out the colony self-sufficient in economic terms through plantation crops such as cotton, copra and sugar cane. Productivity has skyrocketed thanks to the recruitment of workers from India to Fiji saw a way to escape poverty in their country. However, life on the plantations was a mixture of abuse, murder, suicide, rape and disease. Was abolished in 1919 when this type of recruitment, had more than 60,000 Hindus in the islands. The Indian community, who had been forbidden to own land, was devoted to small business, trade and bureaucracy, and long-term leased farms. The Australians managed to dominate the local economy through sugar production and gold mining, while Europeans manipulated the racial tensions between Fijians and Indians in an effort to maintain the complete dominance of the economy and the politics of islands.

After World War II, to which Fiji has sent 8,000 soldiers to fight against Japan in the Solomon Islands, Fijians and Indians assumed a greater political awareness, despite the continuing racial segregation. On October 10, 1970 Fiji gained independence, established a British-style political system and organized political parties in their racial lines. In the 1987 elections, won a victory unstable coalition accused of being dominated by Indians, despite the fact that both the prime minister as the majority of his cabinet were Fijian government. Followed a series of demonstrations and in the meantime, the extremist movement Taukei was devoted to destabilize the new government. Indian business owners suffered a wave of attacks, while the Indian community was the victim of violent attacks. A month later, on May 14, 1987, Colonel Sitiveni Rabuka seized parliament and took power after a bloodless coup. In October of that year, Fiji was expelled from the Commonwealth. The 1991 elections to give the victory to Rabuka, who left his military career to devote himself exclusively to politics. To soften the hard image of his government conducted a series of concessions to workers and unions.

In elections held in 1999, won for the first time in history, a descendant of Indian prime minister, Mahendra Chaudhry. Among its measures include land reform, which indigenous Fijians interpreted as a threat to their possessions, and a bill on social justice, which reduced government programs for indigenous people. Resentment of Fijians are concentrated around the Taukei movement and, after months of protests against the government, a coup led by George Speight's mandate ended with Chaudhry in May 2000. Backed by a private army of 100 men, Speight stormed parliament and took hostage more than thirty parliamentarians to demand a new constitution that would guarantee political supremacy for indigenous minority. Finally, Speight and his followers were arrested, thanks to the weight of international pressure and the country itself. After the parliamentary elections in 2001, Laisenia Qarase was appointed prime minister. Whilst the economy begins to improve and tourists back to Fiji, and continuing racial problems do not seem to be solved in the short term.

Fiji Culture and People

Fijians still have many forms of traditional arts and crafts, some have endured the destructive impact of Western influences and the relentless campaign by the Christian missions, and others have been modified and embellished to satisfy the demand of tourism.

The dance is still very important in the islands, and the narrative meke performances are based on strong oral traditions. The dances have been passed down from generation to generation, and said that the bodies of the dancers are occupied by spirits of another world. The mekes are interpreted during special events such as births, deaths, calls to war, marriages and exchange of properties. In wartime, men represent cibis with spears and clubs, while women represent or give Wates, dances humillarían sexually enemy captives. In Indian communities, are still taught the traditional dances.

Fijian missionaries introduced hymns and choral singing, so the church singing in the islands are really beautiful. Among the best known local music contained Seru Serevi, Danny Costello, Michelle Rounds, Karuna Gopalan, Laisa Vulakoro, freelancers and the Black Roses. In stores you can buy tapes of local music. Among the Indian population of Fiji is very popular music of the movies known as "Bollywood", which are nothing other than Indian melodramas, the music of local bands tend to interpret these songs. In the Indian cultural centers, both representations as music lessons are taught in traditional music india, formed by a group of vocal, harmonium, tabla and sitar.

Fiji has been famous for its pottery since the Lapita people began to market their products by the South Pacific, thousands of years ago. The most famous contemporary potters are Tugea and Dian Taraivini Wati, whose works are exhibited in the museum in Fiji. The wood carving remains critical, largely due to strong demand for tourist souvenirs to take home. These pieces stand out war clubs, spears and forks of cannibals; containers for drinking or tanoas still part of daily household use of the Fijians. The size in the areas of influence Polynesia (settlers from Tonga or Samoa) is characterized by inlays of shell or bone. The tissue of bark, known as Fiji masi was traditionally produced around the Pacific with the name of cover. Ceremonial clothing, belts, adhesives and turbans are made of masi and formerly decorated with motifs symbolic ocher oxide and carbon black. The fabric is made from the bark of the mulberry, and production is very laborious. Traditionally, the mass was given away at very ornate ceremonies, and who had one sample had high prestige within the community. Also, the making of mats and baskets made from the leaves of the breadfruit tree (pandanus) is a deeply rooted tradition that still learning and developing the girls from the villages. There are a variety of styles and colors, which are obtained using techniques such as scraping pandanus leaves, his burial in mud or cooking with other plants. The edges of the mats were decorated with parrot feathers, now they have been replaced by strands of wool yarns and bright colors.

Fiji has a small but strong community of writers, among them Joseph Veramu, which has published a collection of short stories under the name The Black Messiah, and a novel about teenagers in Suva, Moving Through the Streets. Among the playwrights include Jo Nacola, with works like I Native No More, and Vilsoni Hereniko. Also noteworthy is the writer of short stories Marjorie Crocombe. There are Fijians of Indian authors who write both in Hindi and in English as Subramani, Satendra Nandan, Raymond Pillai and Prem Banfal; the central theme of his works is unfair and difficult situation of workers recruited for the plantations.

Fiji map

Culture and History Travel Tour to Thailand

Thailand overview

No country in Southeast Asia to house so much historical as Thailand so this is the ideal place for people interested in ruins, temples and deserted cities. If the traveler gets to ignore the multi acechantes hotels, islands and beaches in Thailand are a true paradise on earth. As for the urban wonders, the huge metropolis of Bangkok, with its energy and cultural treasures, despite its impressive size and the chaotic, often in a way to entice visitors can easily bypass the thick oil that evaporated call in the city air. Thailand is a country in which you can travel easily and enjoy an efficient transportation, affordable accommodation and a wonderful food. Thais are famous for their kindness and hospitality to strangers. Despite being defined as a carefree revelers are also characterized by its strong and have fought for centuries to preserve its independence. Best time Travel to Thailand The best time for visiting most of Thailand is between November and February, during these months it rains least and is not so hot. The best time to visit the south is where the rest of Thailand supports truly sweltering temperatures (from March to May), the north is best visited from mid-November to early December, or when the heat returns in February. If visiting Bangkok should be prepared to burn in April and soaked in October, probably the worst months in the capital as it relates to climate. The months of most tourist are December and August, the quietest, May, June and September. Thailand Mean festivals and Holidays

Many festivals are linked to Buddhist or Brahman rituals and are governed by the lunar calendar. New Year, Songkran, is celebrated in mid-April bathing Buddha images, spraying the hands of monks and elderly as a way to revere water, and generally throwing liquid element air for fun. If you do not want to end up soaked, it is best to stay in the hotel room. The cultivation of rice has caused a cycle of festivals: In early May, to open the season by official planting rice, the king participates in an ancient Brahman ritual in a large field located in the city of Bangkok. Northeast of the country are celebrating a festival of rockets: it convinces the sky to send rain to the new season using a volatile mixture of bamboo and gunpowder. During the rice harvest, which begins in September and lasts until May, a series of lively local festivals throughout Thailand. The vegetarian festival in Phuket and Trang, during which devout Chinese Buddhists eat only vegetarian food, lasts nine days, from late September until early October. The most striking forms of expression of this festival are processions, but can also be ceremonies at Chinese temples. In November, the Rodeo is famous Surin elephant. Thailand Most Attraction Places to Travel Bangkok To enjoy one of the most exciting cities in Asia, there are monuments to endure traffic jams, pollution, annual floods and a muggy heat, but it's worth. Since the late eighteenth century, Bangkok has dominated Thailand's urban hierarchy as well as its political, commercial and cultural. Bangkok is located east of the Chao Phraya River, and the most important railway line which runs from north to south, divides the city into two parts: the Old Bangkok , where almost all the ancient temples, shines in the enclosed by the river and the train, the new Bangkok , much bigger than the old, which houses the main business districts and tourist areas (which have resulted in a chaotic urban growth) and is located east of the rail line. To be a city of similar size, Bangkok surprised tourists for its many quiet spaces. A few steps from a noisy street, the calm of a fleet of 400 wats (temple-monasteries) or some place close to river. The most essential are the Wat Phra Kaew, Grand Palace, the Wat Pho and Wat Traimit. This is the Temple of the Golden Buddha, and hosts an impressive image of three meters high and five and a half tonnes of the metal. The Jim Thompson House, the employer of silk, is a paradise of traditional Thai art and architecture. Thompson, an American expatriate, he was commissioner and tireless promoter of Thai culture until his mysterious disappearance in 1967. Other interesting attractions include the Wat Sai floating market in Thonburi, the boat rides on the extensive network of canals (klongs), the Snake Farm Saovabha Institute, and the famous Oriental Hotel. The entertainment ranges from classical dance and Thai boxing to the unfortunate go-go bars of Patpong. For a fun alternative to delivery by the night, we must venture into the night markets behind Ratchaprarop Street in Pratunam. Bangkok is a good place for shopping, where one is not exceeded and buy too many shirts and imitations of designer clothes. It's the perfect place for economic garments equipped for the journey, or even to buy stylish clothes. The most popular place for budget travelers is the Khao San road in Banglamphu, but the area around the street Sukhumvit offers a greater selection of medium-price hotels. The best places to eat for little money and the district are Banglamphu neighbor Thewet. To enjoy a stroll through the city and their daily lives, we need to go to Chinatown and Pahurat, districts Chinese and Indian market, high activity. As expected in a major Asian transportation to Bangkok or leave it is an adventure. All major bus routes and train Thailand ends in this city, which is also a place to get interesting offers to travel locally or internationally. Travel by river or canal is much more desirable than road transport, although the road becomes more and more occasions when the only available option. The bus system in Bangkok is pretty easy to use, but the low fluency experiencing the traffic in this city (half of 13 kilometers per hour at peak time) prevents it to be an efficient system. Almost all taxis have taximeter and not very expensive. The tuk-tuks (motorized tricycle) are much more affordable but have the advantage of risky way between the chaos of traffic. The best connection to the airport is the train, as it only takes half an hour compared to the three bus or taxi.

Nakhon Pathom

Nakhon Pathom, 60 km west of Bangkok, is considered the oldest city in Thailand. Houses the Phra Pathom Chedi, a Buddhist construction tiles orange has the title of world's tallest (127 m). The original building, now buried under the enormous orange dome was erected by Theravada Buddhists in the sixth century. The Chedi has endured various incarnations in the hands of restorers khmer, Burmese and Chinese. There is a floating market near the area in Khlong Damnoen Saduak.
Ayuthaya

The ruins of the temples of Ayuthaya, the sixteenth to the eighteenth century, 86 km north of Bangkok, dating from the time the most flourishing of Thai history. Ayuthaya was the capital of the country since 1350, and 33 kings reigned here Siamese dynasties, until the Burmese conquered the city in 1767. The old capital was, in the eyes of the whole world, a magnificent city that was courted by Dutch merchants, Portuguese, French, English, Chinese and Japanese. At the end of the seventeenth century, Ayuthaya's population had reached one million inhabitants, and all foreign visitors said that this was the most elegant city that had never visited.

The architectural ensemble of Ayuthaya was declared a World Heritage Site. The formidable list includes Wat Phra Sanphet If, from the fourteenth century, the largest of its time Ayuthaya, which houses a Buddha standing 16 meters covered by 250 kilos of gold. Unfortunately, the Burmese conquerors merged. The monument of the sixteenth century, Wat Phra Meru, shaped fortress was saved from destruction in 1767 and has an impressive carved wooden ceiling, a magnificent six-meter Buddha, seated and crowned, in the Ayuthaya period, and a green stone Buddha in Ceylon, posing on a chair in European style, dated 1300. The Wat Phra Chao Choeng Phan was probably built by the khmer early fourteenth century, before it became capital Ayuthaya. Contains an image of Buddha 19 meters highly revered, from which comes the name of the wat. An elephant kraal restored supposed great relief to which he is tired of visiting temples. The huge lurch wood, built with teak logs driven into the ground at an angle of 45 degrees was used previously for the annual rodeo wild elephants. The King had a special flag high, built so that he could make the most of this exciting event.
The northern terminal of Bangkok buses depart frequently to newspapers Ayuthaya, which takes about two hours to arrive. Trains, a little faster, come up with enough regularity to the station of Bangkok, Hualamphong.

Chiang Mai

The second largest city of Thailand, which represents the gate leading to the north, was founded in 1296. Even today you can see the moat that surrounded the original city. There are about three wats, including the Wat Chiang Man, which houses the Buddha glass ten inches and a length of 1800 years, the Wat Phra Singh, built in the style of northern Thailand, and Wat Chedi Luang, partially collapsed by earthquakes, gunfire and attempted restoration. The Doi Suthep, one of the holiest wats in Thailand, stands with its 1676 m, west of the city, providing spectacular scenery and providing wonderful views of the city.

The Chiang Mai is a modern city where the traveler will feel at ease and you will not find problems. It is famous for its restaurants and also has many good pensions (although their safety deposit boxes are not so much). Compared with Bangkok, Chiang Mai night is calm, relaxed and conducive for strolling by the middle of the night bazaar. To make the most money, you have to haggle with patience but merciless: it gives the usual. Once abandoned, the attitude of a warrior market, Chiang Mai is a good base for mountain hiking. Almost all houses advertised excursions to visit the hill tribes living in the surrounding areas. If you have scruples, and prefers not to hinder the lives of these people should refrain from taking part in these excursions. This area of Thailand is over-exploited by the lovers of hiking, and some of the villages of the tribes have become something like human zoos.

Chiang Mai is connected by air with eight other cities with a few Thai and Asian cities. A large number of bus services make the journey of ten to twelve hours from Bangkok. Fast trains from Bangkok to Chiang Mai takes between twelve and thirteen hours.

Ko Samui

This beautiful island in the Southeast is covered with Thai coconut plantations and beaches surrounded by palm trees, although it seems a cliché. Was once the mecca of untapped backpackers, but at the moment is about to become a full member club of the resorts. The coconut is still currently the mainstay of the local economy.

The most popular beaches are Hat Chaweng and Hat Lamai, both can enjoy a good swim and snorkelling, but are increasingly full. If you want a little more peace and quiet should be made to Mae Nam, Bo Phut and Big Buddha, on the north coast. The main town of the island is Na Thon.

Many of the beach bungalows are rustic, but it is difficult to get accommodation in high season from December to February and July to August. The best time to visit the island during the hot and dry, between February and June. From Bangkok, there are direct flights to the airport Don Sak to Ko Samui. Some shipping companies and ships fast ship propulsion operating from Surat Thani, the fast boats take two and a half hours, and the ships propulsion and a half hours. Local transport are songthaews, although in some places you can rent motorcycles.

The northern neighbor of Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan, it's more quiet, and its beaches are equally good, they can also enjoy diving tube. A lot of backpackers like the famous beach of Hat Rin parties, although the local police, unfortunately, is not of the same opinion. This island is about half an hour by boat from Ko Samui.

Phuket

Phuket, dubbed by the tourist industry the "Pearl of the South", is the largest island of Thailand and is located in the Andaman Sea, off the coast southwest of the country. The island is connected to mainland by a bridge, but has maintained its own culture, a merger of Chinese and Portuguese influences, combined with the culture of the chao naam, an Indian fishing village. Approximately 35 percent of the island's population are Thai Muslims.
The terrain ranges from sandy and rocky beaches to extensive limestone cliffs and forested hills. The island is also home to beautiful beaches, tropical vegetation and the atmosphere is relaxed and pleasant, but their environment and ecology are experiencing the pressure of an irresponsible and excessive development. The complexes are more important Patong, Karon and Kata, but the best beaches are scattered throughout its length. The roads leave from Phuket Town, southeast of the island, making this population the ideal starting point from which to explore. We must not underestimate the hinterland, with rice fields and rubber plantations, cashew, cocoa, pineapples and coconuts, as well as the last jungle stronghold in Phuket.

There are many flights to Phuket from Bangkok. The first class buses, equipped with air conditioning, take about fourteen hours to reach the island from the capital. Local transport are songthaews, which operate many beaches of the island, and motorcycle-taxis can be found. You can rent bikes and SUVs. It is recalled that a law was passed in 1996 requires you wear a helmet when on a motorcycle, it should ensure that the rental company provides one, the fines for noncompliance is 500 baht

Chachoengsao

This provincial city, hidden in the countryside east of Bangkok, only receives foreign visitors, mainly because it is not on the main road or the rail network of the capital. Hosts one of the most sacred Buddha image in Thailand, Phra Phuttha Sothon, which is located in Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihaan. The origins of this humble Buddha was 198 cm, are shrouded in mystery: the image that have been associated with a famous monk who had holy powers and predicted the exact time of death.

Chachoengsao is a good destination for a day to escape the bustle of Bangkok and experience life in provincial Thailand. Buses depart frequently for Chahoengsao terminal east of Bangkok , and so do the trains leave the station Hualamphong of Bangkok. It takes an hour and a half to reach Chachoengsao, whether you go by train and bus.

Ko Chang

This island of only one population, located on the shores of the province of Chonburi on the Gulf of Thailand, is almost deserted, so it is worth exploring. Among its attractions include a meditation center with hermit caves, fine beaches to enjoy snorkelling, a ruined palace, limestone caves and a Chinese temple perched on a cliff overlooking the sea. Most of the inhabitants are sailors, fishermen, customs officers and employees of fish farming projects. Camping is allowed on the island, but for those who do not want there are many hotels and bungalows.
To get there, take a bus from the eastern terminal of the bus station in Bangkok, Pattaya or until If Racha, about 105 kilometers from Bangkok. From here, boats leave every hour to If Ko Chang.

Mae Sot

Mae Sot, in the northern province of Tak, near the Burmese border, has a reputation of being a border town outside the law. It has a thriving black market trade (guns, narcotics, teak and precious stones) and an official of jade and gems that grows daily in importance. Attracts an interesting mix of ethnic groups: Burmese Muslims, members of local tribes karen, Chinese and Indian shopkeepers, and Thai soldiers dressed in red. It is fascinating to observe the flow of trade and crafts Burmese food.
Phanom Rung Historical Park of Prasat Hin Khao
The temple complex at Phanom Rung khmer, northeastern Thailand, is the monument belongs to the biggest and the best culture of Thailand restored. It was built between the X and XIII centuries. Most of the work was carried out under the reign of Suriyavarman II (from 1113 to 1150 AD) and was the highlight of Angkor architecture.

The monument is located in an extinct volcano and dominates the surrounding countryside. It has a beautiful promenade that goes to the front door, many galleries and theaters, and the only wooden bridge that Naga is in the country. The craft represents the pinnacle of the artistic achievements of the khmer, and is equivalent to the reliefs of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. The best time to visit Phanom Rung is up to ten o'clock, when still fresh, the light is good for photographs and they are few tourists around.

It is not easy to Phanom Rung, but worth the effort. Buses and trains depart from Bangkok to Khorat, also known as Nakhon Ratchasima, take four to five hours. From Khorat, there is a connection by bus to Surin, once in route, we stop at Ban Ta Ko, where it will take the songthaew that runs up the complex.
National Park Thaleh Ban

This park of 101 km ², situated in the Malay-Thai border, south of the province of Satun, hosts one of the forested areas of white meranti best preserved of Southeast Asia. In its mountainous terrain, there are caves, waterfalls, limestone cliffs, lakes, and animals such as gibbons and macaques, as well as many rare species of birds. Once inside the park, you can camp or sleep in one of the berths of the houses on the shores of a lake.

The nearest town is Satun to Bangkok for 15 hours by bus. One option is to share a taxi from Satun to place near the park entrance, Praja Wang, about 40 km from Satun. From here, there is hitchhiking or riding one of the rare songthaews going towards Thaleh Ban. It is accessible by road from Malaysia.


Thailand Activities

Both coasts and many islands in Thailand attracts huge numbers of fans of water sports. Diving and scuba diving are very popular tube in the areas of Phuket and Pattaya, and also the similar and Surin islands. The islands of the province of Chumphon, Surat Thani to the north are less exploited, and the reefs are virtually untouched. One activity is increasingly popular inflatable canoe ride to the islands and limestone formations of the coast around Phuket and Ao Phang Nga. On these routes, is looking for underwater caves where travelers can go paddling at low tide. You can also go rafting on the Mae Klong River, which is located in the province of Kanchanaburi in central Thailand, and the Pai River in Mae Hong Son province.

The main attraction of northern Thailand is its unspoiled nature. The main trekking Chiang Mai is in a mountainous region inhabited by various tribes, but also can be found walking around areas of Chiang Rai and Mae Hong. Cyclists prefer flat terrain and lush landscape of the Mekong River area in northern and northeastern Thailand.

Meditation is an activity that requires less physical effort and enjoys great popularity among all who visit Thailand. There are dozens of temples and meditation centers scattered throughout the country, which accept visitors who are really motivated. Tuition and lodging are free, but donations are expected. In Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Chachoengsao, among other places, can be found teaching in English. Those who prefer to direct their energies outward can follow courses in Bangkok and Thai boxing in Naklua, North Pattaya. One should keep in mind that training is hard and requires absolute dedication. Chiang Mai has also become a center for cooking classes and Thai traditional massage.

Thailand History

It is believed that one of the first civilizations of Thailand were the mons, who lived in the center and brought the Buddhist culture of the Indian subcontinent. In the eighth century the state became more important Srivijaya, with population from Sumatra, which expanded from the North. The Khmers, moreover, came from the East and dominated the country since the ninth century until the XI. Thai of the Nan Chao, which originated in southern China, defeated the Khmers in the thirteenth century and created the kingdom of Sukhothai and later centers of Chiang Mai, especially Ayuthaya.
The Burmese invaded Siam, former name of the country, in the sixteenth century, conquered Chiang Mai and destroying Ayuthaya. Shortly thereafter, Thais expelled the Burmese. Another new offensive again with fierce Ayuthaya in the eighteenth century, but Thailand was once again alive and leave the capital was moved to Thonburi. In 1782, King Rama I founded the present Chakri dynasty, and the capital moved to Bangkok again.
In the nineteenth century, Siam retained its independence by skillfully getting rid of a European power after another, and many of their sovereign had opted for progress and modernization of the country. In 1932, a peaceful coup converted the country into a constitutional monarchy and, in 1939 Siam became Thailand. During WWII, the Thai government was allied with Japan and allowed his troops to occupy the country. After the war, Thailand was dominated by the military and experiment a little more than twenty coups and counter, with short intervals of democracy. After that, in 1962, the communist revolution to triumph in the north, United States collaborated with the government in Bangkok, helping to strengthen the army and police and military bases, which were evacuated in 1976. Thus, Thailand was increasingly involved in the Vietnamese conflict, just shortly before he had suffered numerous brushes with Cambodia.
The democratic elections of 1979 gave the country some stability and prosperity, as power passed from the hands of the military to the business elite. Later, the military coup in February 1991 ousted the government of Chatichai Choonhavan, but bloody demonstrations in May 1992 led to the restoration of civilian government, headed by Chuan Leekpai. This coalition collapsed in May 1995 by a scandal over land reform, but the new prime minister, Banharn Silpa-Archa, it did not much better. ATM nicknamed by the press Andante Thai, was forced to resign a year later, after a spate of scandals. His successor, Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, a former general and former deputy capitaneó a dubious coalition until late 1997 when the pragmatic veteran Chuan Leekpai again took the reins. Thai Cynics will say that despite all these ups and downs of leadership, things never change. The widespread practice of buying votes and corruption are immovable mock democracy, and until this is rectified, the demands for democracy and political stability in Thailand will remain so vivid as ever.
In 1997, the Thai baht collapsed, dragging the economy of noise and many others in Southeast Asia. In August, the International Monetary Fund intervened with a package of austerity measures despite dramatically slow the development of Thailand and making the poor even poorer, it seems that managed to turn the tortilla in early 1998. With the advent of the century, the Thai economy has stopped its free fall, but the country's reconstruction has only just begun. They also appear to loom strong indications for the eradication of corruption, but the hardest hit by poverty in Thailand look askance at these promises and campaign reform.
Recently, the relatively new Thai Rak Thai Party (Thailand Patriots), led by Thaksin Shinawatra, emerged with force in Thai politics, and many members joined their ranks. In the parliamentary elections of January 2001, Thai Rak Thai Democrat defeated prime minister and formed a coalition government in the first elections under a new constitution created to reduce electoral fraud. However, allegations of corruption led to the Electoral Commission had to repeat the voting in 62 electoral districts.
In 2003, the industry suffered a major crisis due to the impact of atypical pneumonia (SARS), which suffered from some Asian countries, however there were no cases of this disease in the country.
In 2004, following the tsunami there were thousands of victims in most tourist areas of the country.

Thailand culture and people

The two sacred cows in Thailand are the monarchy and religion: Thais tolerate it all, unless it is insulting to any of these two estates. The country's dominant religion is Buddhism, so it is common to meet with monks dressed in orange and gold Buddhas, marble and stone. The type of Buddhism prevailing in Thailand is the Theravada school, which emphasizes the potential of individuals to attain nirvana without the aid of saints or gurus. A visit to one of their temples mean come properly dressed: no shorts and shirts.

The Thai language is a complicated one that has its own alphabet, but if only for fun, it is worth learning a few words. The greatest difficulty lies in the Thai language is a tonal language: the same word can be pronounced with a rising tone, low, high, low or medium, and theoretically you can have five meanings!

Thai art, based on the sculpture and architecture, is divided into numerous historical styles, which are as follows: Mon (VI-XIII centuries), the Khmer (VII-XIII centuries), the Peninsular (VIII-XIV century) The Lan Na (XIII-XIV centuries), the Sukhothai (siglos XIII-XV), the Lopburi (siglos X-XIII), the Suphanburi-Sangkhlaburi (siglos XIII-XV), the Ayuthaya A (from 1350 to 1488), the Ayuthaya B (from 1488 to 1630), the Ayuthaya C (from 1630 to 1767) and Ratanakosin (since the nineteenth century to today). Other art forms are classical Thai music and dance theater.

Thai cuisine is spicy and very spicy, seasoned with lots of garlic and chilies and a peculiar mixture of lime juice, cilantro, lemon and fresh herb. Other ingredients are: galanga, basil, peanuts, tamarind juice, ginger and coconut milk. The mainstay of the Thai dishes are the fish sauce, shrimp paste, and of course the rice that is eaten with almost everything. The main dishes of this cuisine include fish stew spicy and sour, the red and green curry, and several noodle dishes and soups. The Thai food is seasoned with a variety of condiments and sauces, and fried peanuts, chicken, sliced ginger, peppers and slices of lime are some of the appetizers and snacks are served. Another delicacy is the wide variety of fruits offered by the land, whether fresh or in juice. The sugar cane juice and, if you want something stronger, rice whiskey Favorite local beverages.

Thailand Map