Cambodia - a hard path for an outstanding country

One of the most ambiguous countries in Asia is Cambodia. Torn apart by an authoritarian regime after prominent centuries of building a prosperous kingdom, it is now gaining its way up to the position of developing country and attractive region for tourism. The noticeable sights of this country are both inspiring and depressing, as you may feel like you’ve touched the realm of the gods in all those temples and spiritual places, and still be overwhelmed by the reproachful memorials of the Khmer Rouge rule. The country is presently forming its international image and building a decent future for its entire people, who are by the way relatively young – half of the population is not more than 22 years old. One of the perspective means of the country development is tourism, and that is why there are some Cambodia apartments available. A great part of the world’s history can be found in the country, where the first inhabitants are believed to exist as early as 6000 BC.

Cambodia is becoming friendlier to visitors with every year, but there are some things to be remembered for a safe and easy journey through its wonderful places.

The coastline of Cambodia counts about 443 km, and no wonder there are a lot of nice beaches. Several provinces are facing the Gulf of Thailand. One of the youngest and attractive resorts is Kep city. Fresh seafood is available here in any time of the year. Other distinctive coastal places are Cham Yeam, Sihanouk Ville, Kep Thmey, Bokor Hill Station, which offers a stunning view of the coast, and some others. The southern coast of the country is surrounded by many tropical islands, still none of them being inhabited. But a great opportunity for wildlife observation and ecotourism is provided by this locality, along with Cardamom Mountains. The Mekong River is the one to run through all the country, and it is a home to freshwater dolphins. And if you go farther north, you will find picturesque regions with mountains and waterfalls, inhabited by ethnic minorities of Cambodia.

Probably the most outstanding attraction in Cambodia and truly a symbol of the nation is the Angkor complex. It represents the art, civilization, spirit and power of the Khmer people. The 400 square kilometers of Angkor complex built in early 12th century comprise 200 monuments, Angkor Wat being the greatest and best-preserved of them. Furthermore, it is the largest religious building in the world, representing the main beliefs of the people of that time – Hinduism, and switching to Buddhism in the 14th century. Words can hardly describe the majesty of the temple, so it is absolutely better to experience it by yourself.

One of the most popular destinations in the country and even in the world is the town of Siem Reap. Providing a support for the Angkor temples, Siem Reap does not feel a lack of visitors by itself. The center of the town is still looking old and dormant because of the French architecture houses, slowly flowing river and boulevards lined with trees. But it is expanding quite rapidly, and new houses and resorts are being erected in the vicinity of the town. The only thing that can be a drawback now is an ever-increasing number of tourists, which often causes traffic jams and crowding, but nevertheless it is very good for the locals, as they have the opportunity to get their Siem Reap vacation rentals to use and avow their newly acquired status of hospitable nation.

Though you may have not heard from Cambodia for long, now it is time to learn more and visit it. Every country deserves to be rated highly by foreigners for its natural beauty and wonderful people, and Cambodia is not an exclusion.

Pakistan - a cradle of the ancient civilizations

One of the most outstanding countries of the Asian region is Pakistan. The country has emerged as a result of political separation of the Indian subcontinent in 1947 and gaining an independence from the British Empire. A further split-up of the newly transpired state led to the appearance of Bangladesh from the eastern part of Pakistan and the western one to become what we now know as properly Pakistan. A number of ancient cultures have resided on the territory of Pakistan. Moreover, as time passed, different dynasties and empires took possession of the region; among them were the Persians, the Mongols, the Sikhs and the British. Nowadays Pakistan is an active member of the international community and a very popular destination for tourism. Check our section for houses in Pakistan and see how it influenced the availability of inexpensive and comfortable accommodations.

Being friendly and hospitable as any Asian country, Pakistan still remains an Islamic republic. Read some useful information we picked for you to feel at ease when visiting this wonderful country.

The diversity of cultures, peoples and landscapes is the main reason tourists come to Pakistan. The mountain system of the country offers quite a variety of challenges for mountaineers and cave-lovers. Five of world’s fourteen mountain peaks that surpass 8000 meters belong to the mountain chains of Pakistan, the famous K2 being one of them. The highest mountain pass is Shandur Pass, which is often referred to as the Roof of the World. If you prefer to go deeper rather than higher, see the Mangocher Cave, which is a place of natural decoration. The provinces which have the most mountain passes are Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. But don’t think that Pakistan means only mountains and caves, as there are other attractions too.

One of the best places to see in Pakistan is Mohenjo-Daro. It is one of the earliest urban settlements in the world and a heritage of the Indus Valley civilization. It has been presented in the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1980. It is also worth saying that the fourth highest temperature on Earth was recorded in Mohenjo-Daro. In the times of the ancient civilization it was one of the administrative centers, and even the most developed city presumably in the world. It was carefully planned and built, as it was of the highest importance to the people of the Indus Valley. Nowadays it is a developed archaeological site, which is extremely preserved and protected mainly from the floods.

Punjab, the second largest province in Pakistan, will marvel you with religious diversity and well-preserved legacy of the ages. A lot of sights are scattered throughout its territory. This region was a witness to one of the greatest and most fearsome battles of Alexander the Great – The Battle of the Hydaspes River. And the city of Lahore is known as the Cultural Heart of Pakistan due to a plethora of architectural and cultural heritage. Guru Nanak - a founder of Sikhism – was born in Nankana Sahib, which is a great place of worship these days. The area of Punjab tends to become more desert from north to south. The southern city of Multan is a home to the mausoleum of the Sikh saints. And finally there is Lal Suhanra National Park on the outskirts of the city of Bahwalpur. Consider all the places of attraction and see if you like any of Punjab vacation rentals offered on our site.

While being highly cultural and traditional, Pakistan is a poor country, and the tourism industry is yet to show its best. But there is still much to enjoy now, so don't hesitate to plan your Pakistan vacation!

Sri Lanka - a preserve of tranquility

Being an island country, Sri Lanka, also known as Ceylon, is an important center of the ancient Buddhist religion and culture and is one of the few remaining upholders of Buddhism and Hinduism in South Asia. It is located in the path of major sea routes and consequentially represents a strategic naval link between the West Asia and South East Asia. The most remarkable fact about Sri Lanka is that it is the first Asian nation to have had a female ruler in the I century BC - Queen Anula, and in the modern times it has also had the first female Prime-Minister - Sirimavo Bandaranaike. The name of the country ‘Sri Lanka’ is translated from Sanskrit as ‘Venerable Island’, and it seems to be completely fair. Its outstanding history, as well as valuable export products, has led to the world renown of this small piece of dry land in the Indian Ocean. Sri Lanka villas are now a convenient way to arrange your stay on the island.

There is much to see, taste and experience in Sri Lanka, but still an adjusted journey will provide the best impressions, so read on to learn some interesting details about this country.

One of the main attractions of Sri Lanka is its beaches. Totaling about 1340 km of the coastline, there are beaches for every season in the country. So no matter what time you prefer for your visit, you can still choose a place to enjoy the ocean! By the way, there are many ways you can diversify your beach vacation. The wide coral reef surrounding the shoreline provides a lot of opportunities for diving and snorkeling. You may even come across some historic wrecks at the bottom of the ocean. The waves are great for surfing, and if you seek for the calm waters, you may like windsurfing in such places as Bentota and Negombo. The main tourist destinations include the southern beaches, but there are less visited (and nevertheless attractive) territories to the East and North.

The island is very rich in abundant nature. Hills, parks and waterfalls are a wonderful place to get away from the urban noise. The spellbinding hill country is situated at the distance of 125 km from Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. It rises over 2500 meters in the central region of the island. Charming little villages and tea plantations can be found there. The waterfalls of Sri Lanka are much varied. There are more than 100 of them, and yet some can remain undiscovered. The tallest is Bambarakanda (263 m). And the exclusive biodiversity of the country can be observed in its 12 National Parks and 52 Sanctuaries. Along with seven UNESCO World Heritage sites all this makes Sri Lanka a magnetic region for tourists.

You can find the sweetest cinnamon in Negombo – The village of honey, according to the Sinhalese. It has been the main place for cinnamon growing from the early centuries, and the town often was an object of dispute and even conflict between the nations. Nowadays Negombo is the biggest fishing market in the country. A lot of vessels bring their catch to the port in the early morning. You can even arrange to go out to the sea in one of the boats! Just browse our Negombo vacation rentals section to find a nice accommodation. There is also a plethora of wonderful shrines and churches in Negombo, since the great part of its population is Catholic.

The diversity of Sri Lanka is unique without exaggeration. You can observe every kind of landscape and enjoy almost any activity you like.

Nepal - Himalayas and a lot more

The beautiful Nepal, the world’s recent state to become a republic, is a unique country by its location, culture and traditions. The only fact that there are eight of ten highest peaks of Earth in Parbat, the Mountain Region of Nepal, makes it an exceptionally attractive place to visit. The other outstanding information about the mountain system of the country is that over 240 crests which are over 6 096 meters, or 20 000 feet above the sea level, belong to it. So if you are a professional or amateur mountaineer, Nepal must be a place of worship to you. With our Nepal accommodation it will be easy to find a nice place to stay for conquering even the Everest! But be aware that climbing such extreme routes by yourself is very undesirable, so find a fine group of ramblers and surmount the impregnable heights!

Even if you are not keen on mountains, there is still a lot to see in Nepal. Be sure to read our travel tips for the country compiled for you.

The rich nature and the diversity of landscapes is the reason why so many tourists visit Nepal every year. And the best way to enjoy all of it is trekking. You can start in any region, whether Central or Eastern, and you are sure to experience the natural beauty of the country.

The capital of Nepal is Kathmandu, which is an extraordinary place for visitors. It is a starting point for many tours and trekking routes. And furthermore, it lies in the Kathmandu Valley, that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, and more than 130 monuments of architecture and culture are scattered throughout the valley. Among them are The Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath, or Monkey temple, Kathmandu Durbar Square, to name only a few.

Nepal is one of the Asian countries which progressed rapidly during recent years. Large-scale political reforms which started in 1990 led to forming of a federal democratic republic in 2008. Nepal also voted for the abolishment of the death penalty within the country and the acceptance of the full rights of the LGBT individuals and same-sex marriages which is unprecedented for Asia.

If you wish to see the most mixed country of the Asian region, then Nepal is the place for you. Combining the spirituality and modesty of the East with the freedom and modernity of the West, it offers the most tempting allurenesses for any vacationer, no matter what the preferences are. And it is up to you to discover what is there for you in Nepal. It can be easily done with the variety of Nepal vacation rentals available on our website. Just check it and start your journey!

Iran - eastern splendor and amiability with a centuries-old history

One of the most mysterious and ancient countries in Asia and in the world is Iran. The people of Iran are one of the oldest continuous major civilizations. And as you have already known for sure, Iran is a cradle of poetry and science, which gave the modern world a good deal of existing knowledge. The history of this territory is tremendous; it conquered other kingdoms and was conquered by stronger foes, has gone the way from prehistoric empires to an Islamic republic. The historical name of Iran is Persia, so when you hear that, don’t get confused, because now you know where it is. And if you notice the Iran accommodation section of our website, you will also know how many opportunities are there to find a nice place to stay.

While you shouldn’t encounter any problems when visiting Iran, we still provided some useful tips for you to maximize the pleasure from your vacation.

You may think that Iran is very unfriendly towards foreign visitors, especially Americans, but that is one of the biggest mistakes. People are very forthcoming and genuinely interested in your country and experience. A crime rate is quite low in Iran, but you must not be careless. Just use your common sense and be attentive and everything will be fine. The only thing that is recommended to avoid is talk on politics. And always check if the place you are about to photograph allows doing that, as it can be a strategic or military object, and violating the rules can lead to undesirable consequences.

One of the most popular attractions of Iran is its Caspian coastline. Very admired among the locals and the tourists, it is always full of people. It lays just about four-hour drive from Tehran, and you can witness a lot of beautiful places on your way to the Caspian Sea, such as green forests, paddy fields, orchards and the ruins of the old Mongol castles in the mountains, which are now ruled by bears and tigers. The tropical climate and wonderful beaches make the three coastal provinces of Iran a great location for your holiday. And you can also check our Mazandaran vacation rentals to find an accommodation close to the sea.

Tehran, the capital of Iran, deserves at least couple of days of your stay. It has more than 800 parks, and all of them are in a well-conditioned state. The city is almost a mile high above the sea level, which makes it cooler than the other cities of the region. Of course, the history left a lot of its possessions in Tehran, and the most prominent of them can be seen in the Treasury of the National Jewels, the National Museum of Iran, the Mausoleum of Ayatollah Khomeini and in a great number of other museums. The capital is full of landmarks, so make sure you have a nice guide or a good edition of any printed travel advisor.

There is simply an unimaginable amount of attractions in Iran, and one trip will definitely not be enough to comprehend them all. But the openness and sincerity of the natives will convince you to come again!

Vietnam - from royalty to socialism

One of the only five socialistic republics left nowadays in the world is Vietnam. Stretched greatly on the coast of the South China Sea, it is a home to many resorts and lovely beaches. In Vietnam you can find everything to escape from the routine and tension and make you feel at ease and fill you with fresh impressions as well. Nature has remained intact for ages and the ancient forests still can amaze you with their majesty. And the historic sites, which are the heritage of the Vietnam royal dynasties, are simply an astounding view. Just check if there are any Vietnam vacation rentals nearby your desirable vicinity and set forth for the adventures!

The country is gracious towards tourists, but it is worth to remember that there can be confusions anywhere, so pay attention to the travel advices which are given here.

The climate of Vietnam is much variegated, with the north being tropical, south enjoying the mildness and warmth of the subtropics and the center showing off with a wobbly weather. The northern mountains often get snowy and frosty, so if it is your foible, you should consider visiting this country. And the deserted red or white sand beaches, such as Bai Sao or Mui Ne, offer great swimming and kayaking.

Some simple behavior rules will help you be warmly greeted in any region of Vietnam. Always show respect towards the people and their cultural and historical values. Ask if it is ok to photograph anyone. Don’t be surprised or offended when you are asked about your personal life, it is normal in Vietnam. Be decently dressed, especially at religious sites, and do not swim or tan nude. And learning a couple of commonly used words in Vietnamese will make your stay in every area easier and more enjoyable.

Hanoi has been the capital of Vietnam for almost 1000 years. Though it has witnessed a lot of wars and occupations, it has retained its historical originality and incomparable atmosphere, which is enriched by French and Chinese infusions. Almost every street has preserved its name from the thirteenth century, when every guild owned one. The most outstanding sights of Hanoi are the Old Town, the French Quarter, the Temple of Literature, the One-Pillar Pagoda and many others. A variety of Hanoi vacation rentals makes it possible to stay as much as you need to observe every place of interest.

Vietnam has accumulated great legacy during its peace and struggle periods. Once you visit it, there will be no other similar trip in your life.

South Korea - where past and present unite

South Korea, a country of great history and rapid economical development, is a fascinating tourist attraction nowadays. Its palaces, temples and city gates have been the silent witnesses for years which have passed from the foundation of Joseon to becoming one of the world’s largest economic powerhouses, the “Asian Tiger”. It is situated on the Korean peninsula, and that is the reason the geography and climate conditions of the country are very diverse. Mountains cover over 70% of South Korea’s territory. The eastern coastline consists mainly of sandy beaches, and the western one presents by itself rocky shores and mud flats. There is an exclusive transportation system in Korea, which can deliver you to any corner of the state. And furthermore, there are a lot of South Korea vacation rentals, so every part of the country can be explored with no difficulties.

It is a very special place to visit, and here are some advices for you if you decide all this is worth to see by yourself.

The main thing is not to confuse South and North Korea! While the southern part of the peninsula is a democratic and tourist-friendly country of South Korea, its northern part is occupied by a socialistic North Korea. The border between them is one of the most heavily guarded and fortified in the world. And it is not likely for you to get inside North Korea, because the country is closed for foreigners. Just make sure you’ve made correct inquiries, bookings and planned itineraries before the departure.

Another significant thing about Korea is its architecture. It is an outcome of the country’s turbulent history, which often caused both creation and destruction. Now there is an exciting medley of designs and styles. Traditional Korean architecture is known by its aspiration to a harmony with nature. It can be observed in temples, palaces, old houses – hanok, and, of course, at nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The end of the nineteenth century brought western architecture, with churches, schools and universities being built in a new way. And finally, in the late twentieth century the main task of the architects was to preserve the original nature-friendly manner while handling the fast urbanization of the country.

One of the best places to enjoy all those architectural fusions is Seoul – the capital of South Korea and one of the largest metropolises in the world. The past and the present are introduced by numerous sights, such as royal palaces of the Joseon Dynasty, Insadong, museums, art centers and much more. To use your time wisely and see as much as you can during you stay, Seoul vacation rentals are sure to be handy. When your accommodation is arranged, there are no more impediments for exploring the wonderful South Korea!

Mix diversity, fusion, contrast - and you will have Malaysia

A country of pure diversity, Malaysia is one of the favorite tourists’ destinations in the world. Multicultural heritage of the native Malays and the Indian and Chinese immigrants has formed a unique environment of peaceful attitude and colorful culture. As the descendants of the nations are coexisting, the processes of forming new customs are still underway. Not only is the culture of Malaysia a distinctive feature of the country, but its geography is outstanding too. Two parts of the country which are separated by the South China Sea share almost similar landscape. Warm, sandy beaches and rich mangroves rise to the mountains and hills, often densely forested. All this makes accommodation in Malaysia very attractive because it provides you with a possibility to see any part of the country’s nature in any time of the year.

And before you start off, make sure you read the brief travel information which was carefully picked for you.

The equatorial sun of Malaysia makes it truly attractive for vacations all year long, but in the same time it is very strong. Along with warm and humid climate it guarantees the beaches to be simply wonderful places for relaxing. But be careful, because sunburns can be received if you will be too exposed to the sun. Also drink a lot of water to compensate your loss of salt and liquid. Do not let anything spoil your Malaysian holiday!

All the prices are displayed in ringgits – the currency of Malaysia. It may still be called ‘dollar’ sometimes, as it was done 35 years ago, but it is still a ringgit. Be confident that no one can claim dollars as a payment from you. And always be attentive, because a dollar can still mean a dollar in some places. Just trust your eyes and don’t let anyone lead you into misunderstanding. But also don’t expect everyone to be eager to trick you because people are usually friendly and open-hearted.

The capital of the nation, Kuala Lumpur, is a modern metropolis and a cultural centre of Malaysia. It serves as a gateway for almost all tourists who come to experience the exotic in various locations of the country. The old buildings and the modern ones form a unique look of the city. Even if you are unaccustomed to the East, it will not be a problem to socialize because the locals are quite helpful and will gladly fulfill your requests. The hospitality of the people is unmatched as well, just check our Kuala Lumpur vacation rentals section and see for yourself!

So if you are looking for a perfect place to spend your vacation, then consider Malaysia as #1 on your list! Being a land of contrasts, it will leave you pleasantly surprised, amazed and strongly wishing to come again. Oh, and the cuisine is just wonderful and exquisite, so both your body and soul will be completely satisfied!