Myanmar's Kyaiktiyo Pagoda

Travellers and Buddhist devotees will find peace and solace in this asian destination found in Myanmar. Tranquility plus wonder, that's what you will see and experience in Kyaiktiyo Pagoda. A haven for Buddhist worshippers and devotees, this 18 ft. pagoda is situated at the top of the golden boulder. This golden boulder is at the verge of the hill. As you can see it, it is somewhat like rolling down the hill and that adds up to its appeal to tourists.

Located at Mon State, it ages 2500 years and legends says that Buddha's hair prevents the boulder from falling. The boulder is covered with golden leaves by which is believed to bring prosperous future for those who will place it. Men are only allowed to go near the boulder as they cross the short causeway to get access to the temple. Ovelooking the boulder you'll find candles lit as well as worshippers saying their prayers.


In able to reach the pilgrimage site, you need to trek 10 miles so tourists tend to ride a car, jeep or truck to get there. You can test it's ability of not falling down by passing a thread underneath the boulder. People believe that the rock don't touch the base, it's floating miraculously. You won't believe it but you must not miss that chance to see this great religious wonder.

Laos' Plain of Jars

Considered one of the poorest nations in Southeast Asia, you may think that Laos has nothing to offer being a tourist destination. That didn't hinder tourists to discover this archaeological wonder that has the makings of being an asia travel spot. Haven't you heard, there's this historical landmark that consists of thousands of jars scattered in the highlands of Laos called Plain of Jars. Situated at Xieng Khouang plain, this Laos pride consists of thousands of stone jars big and small distributed in the place.



It is believed that this stone jars ages from 1,500–2,000 years and older. According to a local folktale, the emerging of jars began when the king of the giants Khun Jeuam fought and won a battle against the evil ruler Chao Angka. The king, whose fond of throwing parties brew and store huge amounts of lao lao rice wine in this huge stone jars. When the archaeologists studied the jars, they have found burned bones, beads and iron tools leading them to the conclusion that these jars were used as giant urns to bury the dead. Another mystery yet unsolved is how the jars are made. Locals believed that these jars were made from clay, sand, sugar, and animal products mixing together to form a cement-like mixture.


Since the time of Pathet Lao-American war began, most of the jars were destroyed by bomb explosions leaving bomb craters and trench systems in the area. This makes the area dangerous until today due to unexploded bombs that was a result of massive bombardment of the recent wars. In fact only three sites of the plain is safe for visitors and locals alike. Aside from the huge stone jars, you can also found original artifacts like Buddhist statues, colonial items and scraps from the exploded bombs in the US war. Like no other, Plain of Jars is the mute witness of Laos' historical occurrence in the past and in the years to come.

Azerbaijan's Gobustan Petroglyphs

You may think that Azerbaijan didn't exist in your travel destination maps but it is. It has so much to offer and one of which is Gobustan State Reserve who happens to be one of UNESCO's heritage site. Established in 1966, it was declared a protected area since in the caves lies the ancient carvings and rock paintings that is believed to be more than 600,000 in number. The paintings are mostly images of what kind of life early settlers of Azerbaijan had as well as animals, primitive dances, bullfights and others dated from 5,000 to 20,000 years way back.



This nature wonder were only discovered through accident when a group of men go in there to quarry for stones in 1930. Since the area are abundant in boulders and rock formations, one quarry worker noticed the unusual carvings on the rocks. They also discovered these man-made caves where more of the drawings can be found. One of the scientist studied these paintings is the world-renowned anthropologist Thor Heyerdahl.



Apart from petroglyphs, there is also this musical stone known as Gaval Dash. It makes a tambourine-like sound when it is hit in different points. It is composed of big flat stones with 3 supporting stones. There are also cup-like hollows found there which is believed to be used to gather water, a vessel for preparing blood for sacrifice and others not to mention archaeological materials like hunting tools, utensils and animal bones. If you're into history mood, play like an archaeologist or geologist and plan your vacation here at Gobustan State Reserve particulary in it's caves and mud volcanoes. There's nothing like discovering the things we didn't know existed at that time.

Thailand's Siam Ocean World

image from Bangkok.com

The ambience of fishes and marine life relaxes every individual. The problem is, they are only found in seas and lakes. What if these cute marine animals are brought in the city? Well that's possible now that ocean parks are opened in every part of the world. But of course, most ocean parks are here found in Asia such as in Singapore, Philippines and Hongkong. One of which is Thailand's Ocean World.

Opened in 2006, this 10,000 square meter aquarium is filled with over 30,000 species of marine life including fishes, stingrays, penguins, sharks and crabs are living here. It also has the capacity to hold more than 4 million liters of water with a 360 degree view of this underwater oceanarium. Aside from fish-seeing, you can also check their 4D Adventrure Theater which also allows you to experience the excitement and fun while watching the film.


This oceanarium is divided into 7 different environments. They are ‘Weird and Wonderful’, ‘Open Ocean’, ‘Deep Reef’, ‘Rainforest’, ‘Rocky Shore’, ‘Living Ocean’, and ‘Sea Jellies’. You can also dive along with professional divers to take a closer look at the animals. So take your luggages along with your loved ones and experience another great adventure here at this side of Bangkok.