TRAVEL IN SOUTHEAST ASIA (II) (UNIT 13)

UNIT 13

TRAVEL IN SOUTHEAST ASIA (II)

 

Read the passage.

 

The following are descriptions of the tourist attractions of five more countries in Southeast Asia.

 

Myanmar 

Myanmar, known as “The Golden Land”, is famous for its glittering pagodas, vast tracts of timber forests and huge mineral resources, as well as for the hospitality of its people. Nay Pyi Taw is the capital city of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. The commercial city is Yangon. One can find many famous historic pagodas such as the Shwedagon, museums, parks and many places of recreation. 

The Ayeyarwady River is the life-blood of the Myanmar people. Along its banks stand many ancient capitals of Myanmar kings - Tagaung, Mandalay, Amarapura, Sagaing, Inwa, Bagan and Pyay, where many existing old monuments and buildings reveal the greatness of their time of glory. Among others, Bagan with its thousands of old pagodas is recognized by the world’s travellers as one of the world’s wonders. This 1,200-year-old city, with over 2,000ancient pagodas is proof of the rich cultural heritage of Myanmar and is one of the archaeological treasure houses in Asia. 

Just 50 kilometres southeast of Bagan lies Mount Popa, an extinct volcano. It is a unique place for those who would like to enjoy half a day or a day hiking and trekking in the mountain.

If one has a taste for mountains and hills, one can take a trip to the Shan hills where the weather is cooler, and the smiles of the various ethnic groups in their colourful traditional costumes create an atmosphere of warmth and friendliness. Besides, it is here that one will see the famous leg-rowers of Inlay Lake.  

Other major tourist attractions in Myanmar are long, white, sandy and unspoilt beaches such as Ngapali, Maungmakan, Chaungtha, Kanthayar, and Ngwesaung where one can study marine life, and enjoy peace and tranquility, as well as view nature at its best.

 

The Philippines 

The Philippines offers a wealth of entertainment, from classical plays to cultural show and show and show bands. The people like to celebrate life and their festive spirit is renowned.

Manila, the capital, is a particularly lively entertainment Centre and at night the city Centre comes alive with discos and the rhythms of Filipino bands and pop groups. 

For a taste of Filipino festivity, one can check out the performances of the many cultural dance troupes. The most famous are the Bayanihan Dancers, whose performance can be enjoyed at the Manila Restaurant of the Manila Hotel.

The Philippines is a predominantly Catholic nation and no country in ASEAN can rival its centuries-old churches, with their antique religious objects. Fascinating churches to be found around Metro Manila are: the Malate Church with its images of entirely of bamboo; and San Sebastian Church built in 1981, the only Gothic steel church in the country.

 

Singapore 

Singapore comprises one main island and several offshore islands. Sentosa, an island resort of Singapore, offers a collection of the country’s finest attractions. These include the 37-metre tall Merlion, Images of Singapore, Fort Siloso, the renowned Musical Fountain, Underwater World, Fantasy Island, Volcanoland, Butterfly Park/Insect Kingdom Museum, Sentosa Orchid Gardens and Asian Village. 

While fun seekers can delight in its many theme attractions, nature lovers can discover the charm of Sentosa’s Nature Walk or Dragon Trail. History enthusiasts can bask in historical enclaves scattered throughout the island while beach lovers can relax and enjoy sea sports along the 3.2 kilometres stretch of Siloso, Central and Tanjong Beaches.

The Merlion, a statue with a lion’s head and the body of a fish, is a major tourist attraction. Here, visitors get a breath-taking view of Sentosa, the city skyline and the surrounding islands from two viewing decks - on the 9th level at its mouth and on the 12th, its topmost level.

Visitors should not miss the beautiful 20-hectare Jurong Bird Park which is the largest bird park in all of Southeast Asia. Home to over 8,000 birds from 60 species, the Jurong Bird Park holds the distinction of having the world’s tallest man-made waterfall.

 

Thailand 

Thailand is situated on the gulf of Siam, bounded on the east by Laos and Cambodia, on the south by Malaysia and on the west by Myanmar.

Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and is regarded as a shopper’s paradise. Some of its restaurants stage cultural shows where one can enjoy the twin pleasures of Thai cuisine and classical dance. The dancers use their movements to interpret the stories of the “Ramakien”, the Thai version of the Ramayana. While in Bangkok, culture lovers can watch dance or drama at such venues as Thailand’s National Theatre, the Thailand Cultural Centre and the Monthienthong Theatre.  

There are many opportunities for sports too. The beach resorts at Pattaya and Phuket offer a wide range of activities from scuba diving and windsurfing to golf. Thai boxing has gained increasing worldwide popularity in recent years. A Thai boxing match is noisy and exciting, accompanied by orchestral music and is well worth experiencing. 

 

Vietnam 

Vietnam is long and narrow, and it widens in the North and South. Along the Vietnamese coastline from North to South, there are many beautiful beaches. Vietnam boasts primitive forests with precious flora and fauna, and high mountains with a temperate climate which are very attractive to tourists. A great number of lakes, rivers, streams, waterfalls and grottoes make up wonderful beauty spots of the country. 

Those who visit Vietnam with its “age-old culture” should go to Hanoi first. Although the citadel, temples and palaces constructed by various royal dynasties have been seriously destroyed, there are many cultural monuments still existing in Hanoi. The city is also the place where many museums, theatres, exhibition halls, national libraries, and scientific libraries are concentrated. 

Other outstanding places of historical-cultural significance are the old citadel, the Presidential Palace, the Mausoleum of President Ho Chi Min, the Ba Dinh Square and the Memorial Monument of Combatants.