Paris, France

Paris, France is a destination that almost everyone should want to see in their life time. It is a place where history breeds romance, and where old world charm meets modernity. Paris France has only one downfall; there are so many tourist destinations and attractions to see in one vacation. Just taking in the beauty of the natural landscape could take up your entire vacation therefore I will recommend a few must see attractions. Perhaps this is one trip where an air tight itenarary will make the most of your vacation.

The Louvre makes first on my list as it is a great starting point when visiting Paris, France. The Louvre is the world's largest and most diverse collection of historic paintings, sculpures and other art objects. Here, you will get to see the Mona Lisa, indulge in the gardens which are adjacent to the breath taking palace itself and learn about much of the history of Paris from themedieval period through today. Since this is the world's largest collection, this should take up an entire day of your fully packed schedule.

Now that you have seen the romantic and awe-inspiring architecture of the Louvre, the next stop should very well be the Notre Dame Catherdral. Here your imagination will be swept away as you take in this beautiful and stunning gothic masterpiece. Complete with dramatic towers and stained glass, this medieval marvel took over 100 years to complete. This is medieval Paris at it's finest and an absolute must see.

Not that I have to tell you to see the Eiffel Tower, as it is the Paris tourists staple, but it did make my top list of must see Paris attractions.  I will give you a bit of history on this must see landmark. While it was the center of discontentment among France natives when it was first unveiled, today it represents Paris as the elegant, romantic, historic and contemporary city that it is. The tower, made of iron, was built in 1889 for the World Exposition by Gustave Eiffel. While most have seen pictures and movies with the Eiffel tower in the background, seeing it in person will most certainly take your breath away. It gives a glow to the night sky and a hopeful light during any storm. Perhaps this is why it has now reached more than 220 million visitors since it's humbling arrival.

The next attraction is viewed as a timeless peice of art today but the era it was built in, during the reign of Emporer Napoleon, didn't view it as such. Arc de Triomphe was deisgned to portray a France that was overflowing with military power and triumph. The 164 foot Arc, commemorating Napoleon's generals and soldiers, leads to Avenue des Champs-Elysees. Both the Arc and the Avenue will leave you feeling the splendor that the Emporer once felt.

This is a tiny list of attractions in a city that is wall-to-wall with historic monuments, grand buildings, art displays, timeless artifacts and cultural finds. Paris is a city where you can indulge in just about every fancy of the vacationers dream. Paris, France literally has hundreds of years waiting for your eyes to feast on and even more diverse attractions awaiting your arrival.

Bangkok Trave, City Guide, Vacations

Bangkok is arguably one of the most robust cities in all of Asia, and is certainly diverse. This city of style has sparking malls just outside of the historic homes more than 200 years old. There is a plethora of malls, boutiques, shops, attractions and museums, making this city a top destination for people of all nations.

The city is broken down into fifty precincts. This city has expanded over the recent years to connect what was once a spotty mix of small cities to a connected and metropolitan mecca. This expansion has led to the development of some of the finest modern architecture and the plushest of all luxury and boutique hotels being erected around the city. You can stay waterside, in the city next to a green and environmentally friendly park or in the historic district. Either way, your stay in Bangkok is sure to be one of the most beautiful vacations you have ever taken.

While most city guides will talk about museums, history and architecture, here in Bangkok, there is so much diversity that we have chosen to show you the unique pleasures this robust city has to offer. The Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall is a royal building like no other. King Chulalongkorn, who was the first Thai Monarch to visit Europe, commissioned the Throne Hall which has in interesting East meets West approach. With it’s western interior and Thai exterior, this is a must see attraction.

The Ancient Cloth Museum is an interesting find and fit’s well in a city that is well known for it’s shopping district and boutique hotels. This museum isn’t like the same mundane museums found in other towns. Here, you can browse around a well-annotated collection of royal cloth and other fine fashion collections of historic precedence. Another fascinating museum like none that you will find elsewhere is the Bangkok Doll Factory & Museum. The antique dolls in national costumes and the onsite factory-made dolls will carry you through Thai tradition. This unique museum will compliment the personalities of the boutique and luxury hotel lovers. The last museum to make the list is the Bangkokian Museum. This museum has three main wooden houses which portrays Bangkok’s history to perfection. The first house was constructed in 1937 as a home for the Surawadee family and the quarters situated to the right as added as a boarding house to cover rising costs. The last of the three buildings was built in 1929 as a surgery hall for a British doctor. This is a definite must see and will give you a vast understanding of a modern city’s history in one fell swoop.

The Baiyoke Ii Tower is one of the most architecturally attractive tower’s and certainly the tallest, making Bangkok rise with a beautiful sky-scape. This 88-story building flaunts some of the most innovative advertising in the city. The attraction here is the 77th floor observation deck where the views are impressive. It is suggested that you try the rooftop bars rather than the ones on the observation deck.

The democracy monument holds a special place for Bangkok’s political history. It was built to commemorate the nation’s transition from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy in 1932. Today, the monument serves as a rallying ground for pro-democracy groups. It is also the site of the 1992 tragic demonstrations that turned bloody at the hands of the military. A beautiful monument with some dramatic historical events makes this a must see. You will appreciate the luxury hotels that Bangkok has today after learning about the culture of the past.

The Benjakiti Park as the latest addition to the green-scape that the Thai culture is completely embracing in the 21st century. This beautiful 130-rai park encompasses a large lake where a former Tobacco Monopoly stood. This natural beauty is behind the Queen Sirikit Convention Centre and celebrated the queen’s sixth cycle or 72nd birthday.

This city is diverse, offering any traveler a completely unique experience. Bangkok has risen to a city that is compared to Washington, DC., Beijing China and even New York with it’s diverse culture, modern architecture, and exciting nightlife. The parks, museums, restaurants, monuments, history and shops will leave you in awe. Come experience a truly fascinating vacation where luxury meets humbleness, modernity meets history and tradition meets innovation.