Venture to the Far East – Singapore and Bangkok
For East Asian travelers, the thriving nation of Singapore and the bustling city of Bangkok, Thailand are two must-see gems. Singapore, a small tropical country of five million people, three-quarters of whom are of Chinese descent, borders Malaysia. The country is well developed and stable, with a low crime rate. Independent since 1965, the nation is a parliamentary republic. Prominent religions include Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Christianity, and Hinduism. The main languages spoken throughout Singapore are English, Mandarin, other Chinese dialects, Malay, and Tamil. The country has an excellent literacy rate, almost 96%. The average lifespan is also impressive, 79 for men and almost 84 for women. Singapore is truly a modern nation.
Singapore is an ideal tourist destination. Numerous attractions, all with a unique cultural flavor, await you. There is something for everyone! Visit the natural gardens, see the myriad varieties of animals at the Singapore Zoo, and marvel at the landmarks and monuments, many of which date back to Singapore’s colonial era. For the player, there are several casinos including the new Marina Bay Sands Casino. The temples and churches of the great religions of both the East and the West invite the pious traveler to worship. Festivals throughout the year provide another draw. Other entertainment destinations include Resorts World Sentosa, the Esplanade Theaters and Universal Studios Singapore. Singapore’s nightlife also offers more opportunities for excursions. For a cross-cultural experience, visitors can spend time in Singapore’s Chinatown and Little India. The architecture, music, food, and merchandise of the respective nations can be found in these two popular areas.
There are various ways to travel for those staying in Singapore or just visiting Singapore. Visitors have the option of traveling on SBS Transit buses, MRT trains, or taxis. Walking around Singapore at a leisurely pace is also always a welcome option. For those staying overnight, there are hotels located throughout the island country. Visitors with any budget and taste can find the right accommodation.
Bangkok is the capital city, the largest city, and the main port of Thailand, a Southeast Asian country that borders Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia. The Thai capital since 1782, Bangkok now has a population of over 9 million people. The official language of Thailand is Thai, which is also the dominant ethnic group. English is also used regularly. More than 90% of people have a religious background in Buddhism. Thailand is overseen by a constitutional monarchy. The capital is not only the political, cultural and economic center of the nation, it is a hotspot for tourism.
Bangkok, known as the “City of Angels”, rivals Singapore in terms of attractions. Visitors should check out the Grand Palace and its accompanying chapel, known as Wat Phra Kaeo, which houses the Emerald Buddha. Other historical destinations include the National Museum, the Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall, and the temples of Wat Pho, Wat Traimit, and Wat Arun. Art connoisseurs would enjoy a visit to the National Gallery of Art and the National Theatre. Bangkok also has a large number of modern attractions: dance clubs, shopping centers, restaurants, street entertainment and a lively nightlife. Bangkok has something for everyone!
Like Singapore, Bangkok has multiple travel routes in and around the city. Taxis, buses, ferries, the BTS Skytrain and the MRT Underground offer efficient and affordable means of transportation in Bangkok. Also like Singapore, the City of Angels has accommodation everywhere.