Archive for the ‘Guide’ Category

Experiencing a Kaiseki Feast: The ultimate in Japanese cuisine, kaiseki is a feast for the senses and the spirit. Consisting of a variety of exquisitely prepared and arranged dishes, a kaiseki meal is a multicourse event to be savored slowly. Both the ingredients and the dishes they comprise are chosen with great care to complement the season. There are hundreds of exceptional kaiseki restaurants in ... Full story

Japanese Cuisine Altogether, there are more than a dozen different and distinct types of Japanese cuisine, plus countless regional specialties. A good deal of what you eat may be completely new to you as well as completely unidentifiable. Sometimes Japanese themselves don't even know what they're eating, so varied and so wide is the range of available edibles. The rule is simply to enjoy, and enjoyment ... Full story

Traditional Theater Kabuki -- Probably Japan's best-known traditional theater art, Kabuki is also one of the country's most popular forms of entertainment. Visit a performance and it's easy to see why -- in a word, Kabuki is fun! The plays are dramatic, the costumes are gorgeous, the stage settings are often fantastic, and the themes are universal -- love, revenge, and the conflict between duty and ... Full story

The Wall's most easily visited sections are Ba Da Ling and Juyong Guan, while Mutianyu, Jin Shan Ling, and the vertiginous Simatai require a full day's outing. Appealing options for overnight stays are The Red Capital Ranch at Mutianyu and the more basic Simatai YHA. On the Wild Wall -- Travelers with time and the inclination to explore beyond the typical tourist haunts are strongly encouraged ... Full story

Getting There If you were hoping to soar over the Andes to Machu Picchu in a helicopter, you're out of luck: All flights have been suspended indefinitely, due to very real environmental concerns. By Train -- The 112km (70-mile) train from Cusco to Machu Picchu is a truly spectacular journey. It zigzags up Huayna Picchu and then through lush valleys hugging the Río Urubamba, with views of ... Full story

Breeze (Bangkok; tel. 02651-3537): The skyscraping seafood experience on offer at Breeze will amaze anyone who braves the giddy heights of this new alfresco restaurant in State Tower. The fusion-inspired menu is guaranteed to blow you (and your wallet) away, while the views of Bangkok below are irresistible. Advance reservations are obligatory. Mei Jiang (Bangkok; tel. 02253-4683): Authentic Cantonese cuisine served in elegant surroundings makes this ... Full story

Ibrik Resort (Bangkok; tel. 02254-8500): Tucked away in the arty quarter of Thonburi district near the historic Wat Rakhang, Ibrik's three airy rooms are decorated in a charming and vivid Thai palette. The vibe is intimate and homely, and the river-life views evoke peaceful contemplation. It's both beautiful and boutique. The Tivoli (Bangkok; tel. 02249-5858): This fresh new hotel oozes style from the word go. Slick, ... Full story

Study weather information, as an ill-timed trip can mean pouring rain, debilitating humidity, or seas too rough for diving or beach activity. The high season for tourism throughout the kingdom is the North American/European winter period, mid-October through late February. Prices skyrocket and hotels fill up then, so be sure to make advance reservations. Off-season weather, however, is not intolerable, and some travelers report ... Full story

Food is one of the true joys of Thailand. If you are not familiar with Thai cooking, imagine the best of Asian food ingredients combined with the sophistication of fragrant spices, sweet coconut or citrus, and topped off with ripe red and green chilies. You can find all styles of Thai (and international) cooking in Bangkok, from southern fiery curries to smooth northern cuisine. ... Full story

Active tourism is in its relative infancy in Cuba. Still, the island offers myriad opportunities to add a bit of adrenaline and adventure to your vacation. Watersports are the main draw here, and Cuba abounds with outstanding opportunities to fish, sail, snorkel, and scuba dive. For those looking for some dry-land adventure activities, there are great options for biking and rock climbing, and you might ... Full story