The capital city, Taipei, is located north of Taiwan. The mountainous island of Taiwan is quite large, spanning three major climatic zones. Taiwan’s capital, Taipei, is known for its unique combination of business vibe and leisurely beauty. Taipei city itself boasts a population of almost three million but Greater Taipei is populated by about double the city’s population.
The people of Taipei are fighters. They did not settle for the poor quality of life that used to describe the city despite its wealth. The people of Taipei had made demands that led to the improvement of their formerly squalid environs. Though the basic vibe of the city remains as can be seen from night markets, painted umbrellas, and snake soup, the overall effect is more organized. You will now experience the benefits of both a rich culture and a welcoming, dynamic environment. This will make you feel right at home in Taipei without missing out on the exotic. Moving about the city is now comfortable but still immensely exciting.
You can go in and out of Taipei through the Taipei Chiang Kai Shek International Airport (now known as the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport). While inside the city, you can make use of the high-speed railway system or of the bus transport system. Buses are available right at the airport. Once inside the city, be careful of your belongings as you would in any place. However, Taipei is a fairly safe place for both locals and tourists. Still, if you do run into some trouble, you can call the Office of Foreign Affairs, where you can speak with an English-speaking officer. Taipei is a great place to visit at any time of the year as long as you avoid the typhoon season. The city’s climate is semi-tropical.
Regulations for visas to Taiwan can be changed so it is best to consult Taiwanese embassies for the latest updates. For Americans, no visa is required for stays of up to thirty days. You must present proof that you are planning return or further travel. Your passport must be valid for at least six months.
The Vietnamese know that they can make a lot of money with kitsch and small things. Therefore for a long time they forgot about traditional art handwork. Fortunately this craft is beginning to come back again. The Vietnamese souvenir business is still small compared to neighbor countries. There is limited offer expect for cities as Saigon, Hanoi and Hue.
The most important craft for the Vietnamese is pottery art and lacquer work. These handwork crafts are centuries old. All kinds of products as cupboards, plates and vases are being lacquered with resin. Wooden or bamboo objects get eleven layers of resin. The last layer is polished with chorister powder and limestone. Sometimes people engrave ornaments into the resin layers.
In souvenir shops you will also find many silk painted products. The fine scars and blouses, rags or postcards are less than what you should pay for them at home. Most beautiful are the special aodai, traditional clothing of Vietnamese women. Silk weaving is also very popular. You should go to Hanoi for good tailors.
In the north of Vietnam they make jackets or coats of heavy, shiny velvet, stitched with silk and fitted with sequin or gold stitching. When you would like to buy such a jacket or coat, you should take your time for fitting!
Other crafts in Vietnam are embroidery, lacework, painting and woodcraft. Embroidery and lacework is mostly offered in Hanoi. There are also more and more art galleries in Hanoi. In Hoi An, a place south of Danang, almost all streets are covered with art galleries. In Saigon there are artists who are experts in copying famous paintings. So you could get your Van Gogh, da Vinci or Gauguin from them.
Don’t buy antique and products made of turtles and ivory or protected animals and plants! Also make sure you are well informed about which products you can’t import to your own country.
If you think of Nepal, images of spirituality and cloud-covered mountains may arise. Temples and even the mountains may still serve as backdrop in its capital city of Kathmandu, but the capital has a character all its own. Kathmandu is more of a snapshot of a developing country, complete with the chaos and pollution. It is found northwest of Kathmandu Valley. Being in the midst of Nepal’s largest city can be very overwhelming to the senses; there are many things going on around. According to the latest measurement, there are 675thousand living in and contributing to the activities of bustling Kathmandu.
Unfortunately, tourist numbers have declined lately. Those who do come to Nepal’s capital city are no longer just interested in finding enlightenment. The place can already offer modern entertainment and Western dishes. When you do get there, however, remember that you are there to see Kathmandu not another familiar corner you can find near your own home. Remember that it is hailed as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Explore its unique cultural spots and natural wonders. Still, look out for your things. Though violence is rare in Kathmandu, you are still in danger from pickpockets.
You can reach Kathmandu through a stop at the Tribhuvan International Airport. It is actually Nepal’s only international airport. From the United States, you have to stop at one of the nearby Asian cities to get connected to Kathmandu. In the city, you can get around fast by bus or taxi. However, you may also enjoy getting around the city on foot. You may have to wear a sweatshirt if walking around during winter; the temperature can dip as low as 36 degrees Fahrenheit. Summer temperatures, on the other hand, range from 66 degrees Fahrenheit to 81 degrees Fahrenheit. On average, Kathmandu experiences mild temperature.
To get into Nepal, you will need both a valid passport and a visa. Multiple-entry tourist visas can allow you up to 90 days of stay in the country. Visas are, however, generally valid up to 60 days that is if you are on your first visit for the year. A second visit within the same year can only last up to 30 days.
Phnom Penh is the capital, wealthiest and the largest city of the Kingdom of Cambodia. Its located at the confluence of the Mekong and the Tonle Sap rivers. The capital city of Cambodia has a population of one million people. Phnom Penh is a great introduction to Cambodia since its almost as dirty, dusty and chaotic as the rest of the country.
Travelers to Phnom Penh / Cambodia must understand, even for those who visited other Asian countries that there will be a culture shock. Forget about convenient stores, 7-11′s or a supermarket near your guest house. Once arrived in at the airport, a taxi ride in town with the airport taxi service will cost you $9 US. Since large or international hotel chains are rare it’s most convenient staying at a guesthouse. Cambodia does not seem to have many laws, for example it’s local gun range where tourists can fire a large variety of guns isn’t further than a few minutes from the Phnom Penh International Airport landing strip.
Transportation within the city is widely available. Choose to travel by motorbike, rickshaw, tuk tuk or a regular car taxi. It’s recommended to hire a taxi driver by the day rather than per individual ride. Cambodian people are referred to as Khmer. Khmer people love to be outside therefore the city has several spacious parks and markets, one of the most famous parks is Wat Phnom referred by tourists as “monkey park” where, as you can guess monkey walk freely in city center. There’s also a boulevard which goes along the Mekong river with several small restaurants and bars where both local Khmer & European food can be ordered. A specialty being served here is Marijuana Pizza which can be ordered in three “sizes” named, happy, super happy and super super happy pizza.
For travelers that enjoy cultural and spiritual Phnom Penh offers several museums, for example the National Museum of Cambodia, which is the country’s leading historical and archaeological museum. The museums houses the world’s largest collection of Khmer art, including ceramic, bronzes, sculpture and ethnograhpic objects. In total the museum’s collection is greater than 14 thousand items, from prehistoric times and periods before, during and after the Khmer Empire, swhich was strechted from Thailand, across today’s Cambodia, until southern Vietnam.
Travelers to Phnom Penh need a valid passport and visa. American Citizens will receive a visa upon arrival valid for 30 days in exchange for $20.00 US. There’s also an exit fee of $25.00 US when leaving the country. As petty theft and crime are common.
A 700-year old city, Chiang Mai is the capital of Thailand’s Chiang Mai Province. Its name can also be written as Chiengmai. The largest city in Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai also offers the most cultural and historic importance. This does not mean, however, that Chiang Mai is restricted to past influences; the city has also become quite modern. This modernization is appropriate to the meaning of its name: new city. Chiang Mai is a new city for 700 years already though. According to the latest measurement, it is home to 148 thousand people.
Beunos Aires is the capital and largest city of Argentina. It is situated on the southern shore of Rio de la Plata, on the south eastern coast of the South American continent. The Argentine capital has been the political center since the beginning. About 3 million people live in Buenos Aires.
Buenos Aires is often referred to as “Paris of South America”, a city full of romance, passionate tango and rocky politics. You can taste the fiery passion of Latin America, streets are as wide one can imagine, fancy and old cars pass by through the streets. Where music is the tango can be found, occasionally riffs of rock and roll. Cafes and restaurant are rife with lively flowing conversations.
The capital of Argentina has grown large, nowadays it covers 125 square miles and is an exciting mix of communities and cultures. The streets come alive at night once offices close down and employees on way to home stop by the bars, cafes and theaters. Stalls selling greasy pizza and faena abrupt the scene’s view.
Travelers to Buenos Aires require a valid passport and visa. American citizens will receive a visa upon arrival at Ministro Pistarini International Airport. The best period to visit Buenos Aires is in its summer months from December till February.
Dhaka (ঢাকা), formerly spelled as Dacca and formerly named as Jahangir Nagar, is the capital city of Bangladesh. The City of Mosques, as Dhaka is known as, is Bangladesh’s largest and also known as the top producer of quality muslin. Despite all of this, Dhaka continues to be considered as one of the most difficult places to live in. It must be because of the continuous chaos that pervades the city. If the movement only involved only pretty things, it might have been a power house. However, Dhaka is all about a mix-clash of everything. Its 60 square miles is filled with 6.7 million people according to the latest measurement.
Chaos should have been Dhaka’s name. Though considered practically unlivable, the city is definitely unforgettable. Set your foot in it and you probably will experience something different from a previous visitor: there is just too much activity going on. You see both the ugly face of poverty and the charming accents of passion and intelligence in just one vibrating city. It can be overwhelming, maybe even completely appalling, but definitely interesting. As with any other place, make sure you keep your belongings close to yourself. Bag snatchers do exist and can run away with your things via taxis.
You can reach Dhaka via the Dhaka International Airport. When you are in the city itself, you can get around by bus or tram. You can also go by rented car or motorcycle. It is not that easy to drive yourself around Dhaka, however. Some locals can drive around dangerously. You can go around by taxi; note though that taxi drivers do not really want to put their meters to use. Add to the chaos is Dhaka’s hot and humid weather having a monsoon climate. Expect the temperature to vary from 58 degrees Fahrenheit to 89 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you are from the United States, you need not just a passport which is valid for three months but also a return ticket and a visa. You can obtain a 30-day or even a 90-day visa upon your arrival at the airport.
Hamilton, located in Pembroke Parish, is Bermuda’s capital and largest city. It is also Bermuda’s main port. You should not mistake it for Hamilton Parish because though the city and parish have the same name, the city of Hamilton belongs to the parish of Pembroke. Unlike the parish, Hamilton is named after its governor Sir Henry Hamilton (1778 to 1794). Founded in 1790, the city of Hamilton is part of the United Kingdom’s Caribbean territory of Bermuda. It is home to approximately thousand people. There are times, however, that Hamilton’s population is estimated at more than a thousand.
Though tiny, the city of Hamilton is home to several parks, including the popular Victoria Park, named after the late Queen of Britain. Hamilton is also the island territory of Bermuda’s center. This means that it has enough energy to keep you interested. The city has managed to keep up with modern times without discarding its traditional roots. It is up to you if you’d rather gaze at the ships at the harbor or to take part in the restaurant scene. Have a unique taste of Hamilton by sampling rockfish or by having a horse-carriage ride.
You can reach Hamilton easily from other parts of Bermuda. You can fly over to Bermuda to its only airport, Bermuda International Airport. The Bank of Bermuda is found at the ground floor of the airport. In Hamilton, you can get around by taxi though you can easily get by on foot. The Bermuda climate is tropical, with temperature rising to as high as 82 degrees Fahrenheit. There are milder, cooler seasons when you experience temperatures in the fifties.
If you are from the United States, you need a passport valid for at least six months. Though you are not required to present a visa, you need to show an onward or return ticket.
George Town in the Grand Cayman is the capital of the Cayman Islands in the Caribbean. It is the center of the financial industry of the Cayman Islands, which is evident in its 600 banks. George Town is also the seat of government in the Cayman Islands. It is home to an estimated 20 thousand people.
A worthy cruise ship stop, George Town offers one of the best lengths of beaches in the world, the Seven Mile Beach. If you want the ultimate fun in the sun, visit this capital city for snorkeling, diving and other explorations. You can also commune with nature by touching underwater creatures, such as stingrays. Make sure you do not touch a stingray’s tail, however, if you want the sea creature to remain gentle. Underwater photos can bring you home memories of not just fish and other active sea creatures but also of gorgeous corals. If you are not much for diving, you can visit the Conch Shell House; you’d be amazed by this structure mad of purely trumpet shells. If you are an avid shopper, George Town can offer you huge bargains on well-known brands through duty free shopping.
Book a flight to Owen Roberts International Airport to reach the Cayman Islands. The airport is only 1.5 miles away from George Town. If you visit via cruise ship instead, George Town will just be one of many Caribbean stops. In George Town itself, you can get around by bus or by rented car. To rent a car in George Town, you have to be at least 21 years old; you must also be comfortable with left-hand driving. The climate in George Town is tropical so you can enjoy outdoor activities all year round.
To enter the Cayman Islands, you need a passport valid for at least six months. You also need to present your return ticket though you are not required to have a visa.
The capital of the Falkland Islands, Stanley is actually the only real city found in the area in the first place. Founded in 1843, the city was formerly known as Port Stanley. It has had several names through the years, both in English and Spanish. It was known as Port Jackson, Puerto Soledad and Puerto Rivero among others. Right in the middle of East Falkland, Stanley is considered shopping central. Stanley has a population of 2.000.
If you love staying near the water’s edge, you may like Stanley. Stanley is, after all, a seaside town. It is colorful and interesting because it retains signs of British heritage. Stanley may be considered a city but it is the perfect place for communing with nature, especially for bird-watching. You will see a variety of birds, including geese, ducks, vultures and cormorants. Stanley is also very rural in the sense that it does not have any traffic lights. The place may be a great place to hang out especially if you are good at chatting with the locals; most Stanley residents come from families who have lived in the area for up to six generations. You may get some interesting insights into how life changed through the years in Stanley.
You can reach Stanley either by boat or by plane. If you decide to fly to Stanley, you may have to stop at the Mount Pleasant airport. From there, you have to take a domestic flight to reach Stanley itself; the airport and Stanley are 35 miles apart. When in Stanley, you can choose between walking and taking a taxi. Taxis may be convenient but walking will give you a better look at what Stanley can offer.
If you are visiting the Falkland Islands, you need to present a passport that is valid for at least six months upon entry. You will also need to present your return ticket from the islands. However, you are not required to get a visa if you are from the United States. Visit extensions should be negotiated at immigration upon arrival.
