Tag Archives: Thailand

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365 Days of Summer: 12 Sun-Soaked Destinations for Each Month of the Year

Boat on water with fish underneath

Got the winter blues?

That’s easy to fix…

Simply pack your bags, pick the month that you’re currently in from the list below, and book yourself a getaway to the corresponding destination.

January: Mexico

Although the weather in Mexico varies quite significantly between each region, January is usually the driest month across the entire country, making it a great time to visit. The temperature in January is still warm, but not unbearably hot, and you also won’t need to deal with the hoards of tourists that flock to Mexico later in the year.

Wondering where in Mexico you should go?

Here are some of the country’s best spots:

  • Jalisco – home to tequila and mariachi
  • Cozumel – this island is home to some of the best diving spots in all of Mexico
  • Coyoacán – located in Mexico City, this district is wonderfully bohemian in nature, with cobblestone streets, numerous sidewalk cafes and plenty of art
  • Puebla – this historic city is famous for its colonial architecture, culinary heritage and traditional pottery

If you need a skincare fix while you’re away, you will find an OROGOLD store in each of the Mexican locations listed above.

Road and beach in Mexico with palm trees and horses

Minichka / Shutterstock.com

February: Goa

Located on the southwestern coast of India, Goa, for a long time, used to be a Portuguese colony, giving this state an intoxicating blend of Indian and Portuguese heritage. Goa is famous for its sun, sand and sea, along with its incredible seafood and its love for spirituality.

With so many new luxury hotels and villas now operating all over the state, Goa is a great place to go for a relaxing, indulgent vacation.

Why February?

Because December and January tend to be pretty busy in Goa, but March is when the waters become rougher and the temperatures more humid, making February the ideal month to visit.

March: Dubai

If you haven’t yet visited Dubai, make this the year you do so. Dubai really is unlike anywhere else in the world – its futuristic architecture, unbelievably large shopping malls, and general opulence and glamor really need to be experienced.

Of course, Dubai has a lot more going for it than just its city life…

Venture further afield for everything from camel safaris to camping under the stars, giving you an authentic taste of life in the desert.

Dubai experiences warm temperatures throughout the year, with November to April being its winter months. While this may be the case, this is still the best time to visit the city, with the weather being comfortably warm and dry.

April: Thailand

Ok, so Thailand in April can get pretty hot, even uncomfortably so.

So, why the recommendation?

Because April also happens to be the month of Thai New Year, as well as the Songkran festival, which marks the beginning of the summer season. Otherwise known as the national water fight, the festival runs for five days across the country, and features friendly water fights along with plenty of street parties.

If this doesn’t sound like your type of thing, there are many other places in Thailand where you can head to in April for some rest and relaxation. Try Railay for some truly epic beaches, which you can only reach via a 20 minute boat ride from Krabi, or, if you would prefer tropical yoga and Buddhist temples, head to Koh Samui.

Temple in Thailand in the mountains

May: Peru

With Peru’s rainy season ending in March, and the busy tourist season beginning in June, May is the perfect time of year to visit.

Most visit Peru for its awe-inspiring natural features, with the Amazon rainforest being a must-see for all visitors. This part of the rainforest is believed to be the most prolific and diverse section, and is also one of the most bio-diverse parts of the world.

Peru is also where you will find the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu, another area well worth a visit. If you are feeling adventurous, give the Inca Trail a try – this four-day hike is famed for being one of the finest trails on the entire planet.

June: Athens

Greece’s summer season begins in June, meaning that you are likely to experience peak tourist rates when booking your trip, but the overall experience will be more than worth it. The capital of Greece, as well as the heart of Ancient Greece, Athens has an amazing history behind it, with the city dotted with numerous 5th century landmarks that are open for public exploration. The most famous would be the Parthenon, a former temple dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena.

In addition to checking out all of the historic architecture around the city, you will find plenty of other things to do in Athens too, such as:

  • Visiting the National Gardens, featuring 16 hectares of landscaped grounds along with a small zoo
  • Checking out the Varvakios Agora, a food market featuring local vendors from around the country
  • Hiking to the top of Lycabettus Hill, one of Athens’ highest peaks
  • Touring some of the city’s museums, including the National Museum of Contemporary Art in Athens and the Museum of Cycladic Art
  • Watching a movie at Cine Paris, one of the city’s 90 outdoor film venues

July: New York

If you want to experience the summer months in one of the most important cities in the world, then head to New York in July. Yes, the temperatures can sometimes get a little too warm, but the thunderstorms that you will experience will also help to cool you back down. However, usually, the New York in July is comfortably balmy, making it a pleasure to explore the city’s many sights.

Even if you have never been to New York before, you are probably well aware of some of its major attractions. Everything from the Empire State Building to the Statue of Liberty to the Brooklyn Bridge are famous world-over, but, no matter how many times you may have seen these landmarks in the movies, there is nothing quite like experiencing them for yourself.

If you’re a first-time visitor to the city, the best way to begin exploring it is by signing up for a guided tour. Yes, this may seem a little cheesy at first, but this brief tour will take you to areas that you can then delve deeper into in your own time.

Does your skin not handle the heat too well?

Don’t worry, OROGOLD has several stores in New York, where you will be able to enjoy some product demonstrations, and even a VIP facial – anything your skin needs to be happy and healthy again.

August: Northern Spain

Street in Northern Spain

Some parts of Spain can seem stiflingly hot in August, with many areas pretty much shutting down at this time. Due to the heat and the inability to comfortably go about day-to-day activities, this is when most people take their annual leave, with some companies closing down for the entire month.

However, since the temperatures in the north of Spain are just about perfect in August, this area continues on as normal, making this month a great time to visit.

Not sure exactly where you should go?

Just about anywhere near to the Atlantic coastline will be ideal, such as:

  • San Sebastian – if you consider yourself a foodie, this food-obsessed resort down will seem like paradise to you. Make sure that you give pintxo, the local version of tapas, a try
  • Oviedo – famous for its medieval town and its 9th century Gothic cathedral, this historic city will teach you so much about the region’s past
  • Santiago de Compostela – a small city with narrow, winding alleyways, quaint architecture and a rich sense of culture

September: Croatia

If you want to avoid the crowds, then September is a great month to visit Croatia, since this is when the summer season is just about winding down. However, the temperatures are still warm, but make sure that you visit during the first half, rather than the second, of September.

Why?

Because, towards the end of the month, many of the seasonal attractions, including island bars and restaurants, begin to close down for the year.

Don’t know much about Croatia?

It is located in Southeast Europe, next to Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia and a couple of other countries. Unlike some of the other destinations on this list, Croatia may not seem like an immediately obvious place to visit, but this country really does have so much to offer.

Not only is it packed with stunning pebbled beaches, atmospheric Roman ruins, sprawling national parks and soaring peaks, but you will also find quirky museums, trendy cafes, and a fascinating culture.

Plus, if you happen to be a Game of Thrones fan, many parts of the country will instantly seem familiar to you, from the city of Dubrovnik to the Fortress of Klis.

October: Hawaii

For the best chances of dry weather, visit Hawaii in early October, when it is still pleasantly warm, but before the rainy season hits. Of course, the specific island you pick will influence your experience too – Big Island tends to be the driest, while Kauai experiences the most rainfall.

When people think of Hawaii, they imagine palm-lined beaches, lush vegetation and a unique culture – all of this could not be more true. The islands are synonymous with paradise, and there are few that would disagree.

Can’t decide which island to visit?

Try Maui, which is consistently ranked as the best island in the world. In addition to the island’s rich natural beauty and amazing cuisine, this is also where you will find an OROGOLD store that will cater to all of your skin’s tropical needs.

November: The Canary Islands

View of Canary Islands beach at sunset

The Canary Islands are a Spanish archipelago that lies just off the coast of north-west Africa. There are eight main islands here, and several smaller ones, each dominated by their rugged, volcanic landscape.

Each island has a distinct personality to offer, with some of the most popular being:

  • Tenerife – the largest of the islands, Tenerife is also the most developed, and is home to the second-largest Carnival in the world
  • Fuerteventura – this island is one of the least-developed, with a desert-like landscape that makes wind-sports especially popular
  • Gran Canaria – this round island is packed with so much biodiversity, making it perfect for those who enjoy exploring the great outdoors

December: Australia

Australia experiences their summer towards the end of the year, which is why many choose to visit during these months. Of course, the temperatures you experience will depend on where about in the country you choose to visit.

If you’re seeking out the hustle and bustle of city life, there are plenty of major cities to pick from, including Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide.

Of course, many prefer to experience Australia’s wilder side, with the Daintree Rainforest, which is around 180 million years old, never being a disappointment. Fraser Island, with its 75-mile long beach, is also popular, as are the white beaches on the Whitsunday Islands, which are located just off the famous Great Barrier Reef.

For those of you who prefer to relax by enjoying some fine wines, Australia has you covered there too, with this country producing some of the best wines in the world. Check out the Barossa Valley for some big-name vineyards, including Wolf Blass and Penfolds, or head to Margaret River for some truly exquisite reds.

If you’ve just about had enough of the winter cold now, then why not treat yourself to a warm getaway? These 12 destinations each have so much to offer, not only in terms of warm temperatures, but also history, culture, natural beauty, and everything else that makes a vacation truly memorable.

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Escape the Crowds: The 6 Best National Parks in Asia

Ba Vi National Park

Feeling stressed out? Need a break from your chaotic schedule? 

Nothing beats the tranquility of lush, untouched nature, which is exactly what you will find at these six Asian national parks. 

Khao Yai National Park, Thailand

Just a two and a half hour drive north of Bangkok lies the Khao Yai National Park, the third largest national park in Thailand. Having been established back in 1962, the park is also famed for being Thailand’s oldest national park, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sprawling out for around 300 square kilometers, the park primarily features tropical forests and grasslands, and is home to: 

  • 66 mammal species 
  • 320 bird species 
  • 3000 plant species 

This is one of the last remaining places in Thailand where you will still find wild elephants, not just surviving but truly thriving. In 2017, it was confirmed that there were also 18 tigers living at the park, along with: 

  • Gibbons
  • Muntjacs
  • Sambar deer 
  • Pig-tailed macaques 

One of the most unique features of the park are its ancient caves. Back in the day, the largest was used as a Buddhist monastery, and, today, the caves are home to millions of bats. If you arrive at the right time, you will be able to see them stream out of the cave for their nightly feeding. 

Visiting the Park 

The best way to explore the Khao Yai National Park is with a tour guide, as they will be able to take you to the park’s very best features. Don’t worry about having to deal with crowds of tourists on your tour though – the tours through Khao Yai National Park are usually personal, and you are unlikely to see anyone else as you make your way through the park. 

Unlike some of the other national parks in Thailand, which are known for being tourist traps, Khao Yai is wonderfully quiet, making it well worth visiting. 

Jiuzhai Valley National Park, China

Located in south-west China, in the Sichuan Province, the Jiuzhai Valley National Park consists of a long valley that runs north to south through around 180,000 acres. Not only is this park a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but it is also a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. 

What makes this park so special? 

Well, it is most famous for its colorful lakes and multi-tiered waterfalls, but there are a number of unique features here, such as: 

  • The seven Tibetan villages located within the park’s boundaries, which tourists are able to visit 
  • The endangered giant panda that live in the park, of which there are only around 20 left 
  • The endangered golden snub-nosed money 
  • Its 140 bird species 
  • In the winter months, the ice that freezes over the waterfalls and lakes takes on a mystical shade of blue, which is a rare phenomenon that only happens for a couple of weeks in January or February 
Visiting the Park 

The Jiuzhai Valley National Park isn’t as easy to access as some of the others on this list…

You can either take a ten hour drive from Chengdu, along a very precarious road, or fly to Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport, which isn’t easy to get to, and then take a 90 minute bus ride. 

Now, due to earthquakes, as well as over-tourism, only 5000 people are allowed to visit the park each day. You will need to book your ticket well in advance, especially if you plan on visiting during the fall – this is the park’s peak tourist season due to all of the magical colors that transform the park into a living fairytale. 

Ba Vi National Park, Vietnam 

Vietnam’s Ba Vi National Park is famous all over the country for its outstanding natural beauty. Not only is this park home to three impressive mountain peaks, along with dense tropical rainforests, but this area used to be a French hill station, meaning that it is now dotted with a string of French ruins. 

In addition to its historic sites, some of the other highlights of this park include: 

  • The Cactus Garden, where you will find more than 1200 species of cactus 
  • Trekking to the three mountain summits
  • Visiting the Upper Temple on the Tan Vien Peak 
  • Visiting the Thien Son Waterfall and Waterpark, which is usually filled with other tourists but is still worth checking out 

If you really want to treat yourself…

Book yourself in for a stay at the Tan Da Spa Resort, which is located in the national park. This luxury resort has been designed to look like an ancient Vietnamese palace, and provides: 

  • Natural hot springs 
  • Mud baths 
  • Herbal baths 
  • Many other traditional spa treatments 
Visiting the Park 

With the Ba Vi National Park being located just 60 kilometers from Ha Noi, it only takes a couple of hours to drive there from the city. Of course, if you do happen to be spending some time in Ha Noi, don’t forget to stop by at the OROGOLD Ha Noi store to treat your skin to a VIP facial, or even just for some expert skin care advice. 

Since the Ba Vi National Park offers a pleasant climate throughout the year, you can plan your visit for any season that suits you. 

Taman Negara National Park, Indonesia 

Encompassing over 4000 square kilometers and being home to all of the country’s forest habitats, the Taman Negara National Park was first established in 1938. Although the park has many standout features, it is internationally recognized for being home to the oldest deciduous rainforest in the world, believed to be more than 130 million years old. 

If that doesn’t impress you, then perhaps some of the park’s other highlights will, such as: 

  • The rare mammals that call this park home, including the Malayan tiger, the Asian elephant and the Malayan gaur 
  • Sign up for a night jungle walk to see some of the park’s nocturnal animals come out to feed 
  • Climb the Canopy Walkway, which is the longest suspension bridge in Malaysia 
  • Visit the local villages, which are home to Taman Negara’s indigenous people 
  • Go rapid shooting along the Sungai Tembeling River 
  • Visit the Kelah Sanctuary to feed some freshwater fish 
  • Explore the large caves in the park 

As you can see, there is so much variety at this park, making it worth staying in one of the local guest houses so that you can really explore everything on offer. 

Visiting the Park 

It isn’t easy to get to the Taman Negara National Park, with the easiest way being a three hour boat ride up the Tembeling River. 

If you’re the adventurous type that likes to do things yourself, making your own way there is possible, although will require some extra organization. Alternatively, if you book yourself in for a guided tour, transportation from major cities is usually included, but keep in mind that prices for these tours tend to be quite high. 

Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is home to 22 national parks, but the Yala National Park is the most famous. Located around 300 kilometers from the capital, the park spreads out for 979 square kilometers, and is home to six smaller national parks, as well as three wildlife sanctuaries, within its boundaries. There are a number of different ecosystems here, from freshwater wetlands to monsoon forests, making it no surprise that the park is famous for its incredible variety of wild animals. 

Want to know which animals you may be lucky enough to spot at the Yala National Park?

Well there are 44 mammal species living here, including: 

  • The Sri Lankan elephant 
  • Leopards, with the park being home to the biggest leopard population in the world 
  • Wild water buffalo 
  • Sri Lankan sloth bear 
  • Fishing cat 

The leopards tend to be one of the park’s biggest attractions, and although more than 25 individual leopards have been spotted at the park, getting a glimpse of these rare creatures is quite difficult. If this is something that you are keen on, it would definitely be worth signing up for a tour, but make sure that it is one provided by a reputable operator. 

Visiting the Park 

A guided tour of this park is usually advised if you want the best chance of spotting the park’s rare animals. However, if you would like to explore the park on your own, this is possible too, with 4WD safari jeeps being available for hire at the park’s entrance. 

One tip to keep in mind…

Try to get to the park as early in the morning as possible – it will really pay to be first in line this time. You will notice many of the animals are still hanging out by the trail that the cars drive on early in the day, which you will miss if you arrive later on. 

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, Philippines

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, which can be found near the island of Palawan in the Philippines, is a little different from the other national parks on this list. 

How? 

Well, this one is located deep underground. It consists of a long river that passes through some impressive caves, including some of the largest cave chambers in the world. In fact, the river itself is famed for being the longest navigable underground river in the world, making it no surprise that the national park has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also listed as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, along with the Amazon rainforest, South Africa’s Table Mountain, and other one-of-a-kind natural features. 

The river and the caves within the park are home to an incredibly diverse ecosystem, one that has slowly been forming for hundreds of years. There are several types of animals here, from certain snakes and fish to giant spiders, that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. 

Boat tours to take you through the cave system are well worth signing up for. You will be able to see everything from fossils that date back 20 million years to cave chambers studded with glittering crystals to waterfalls cascading down cave walls. Although all of these boat tours have a guide, the audio is usually played through headphones (due to language barriers), meaning that you can take these off whenever you want to experience the mysterious silence that takes over the river. 

In addition to exploring the park’s caves, there are several other activities that you can do in the area, such as: 

  • Island hopping around Honda Bay 
  • Relaxing at one of the many beaches 
  • Try your hand at some water sports, from banana boats to parasailing to fly fishing 
  • Sample local Filipino specialties at the many traditional restaurants and cafes 
  • Visit the Palaweno Brewery to taste some local craft beer 
Visiting the Park 

Since the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is such a highly protected part of the country, anyone hoping to visit the park will first need to apply for a permit. These are easy to acquire, but you will need to apply for yours at least a few days before you plan on making your journey. If you decide to go with an organized tour, your tour operator will help you to apply for your permit. 

Asia is home to so many fantastic national parks, many of them offering up a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Whether you want to go hiking through lush, untouched tropical jungles, or would prefer some rest and relaxation on one of the most gorgeous beaches in the world, these six national parks promise not to disappoint. 

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Plan a Sleep Vacation

Woman sleeping in a spa

Sleep deprivation is becoming increasingly problematic, which is why hotels, resorts and spas around the world have begun to create custom sleep packages for travelers who desperately need some quality shut-eye. From packages that involve a medical component to rooms that contain special sleep-inducing facilities, the ultimate goal is to help you to maintain beneficial sleep patterns, significantly improving your quality of life in the long term.

Kamalaya, Koh Samui, Thailand
Kamalaya, in stunning Koh Samui, offers a fantastic Sleep Enhancement Wellness Program to their guests, aiming to re-establish healthy sleep patterns while addressing any sleep issues and imbalances. Their treatments and therapies incorporate everything from Chinese herbal medicine to massage therapy to preventative programs to acupuncture. Guests are also encouraged to make use of the plunge pools, steam cavern and fitness center, and enjoy complimentary access to the wide range of scheduled daily holistic fitness activities. The sleep package can be booked as a stand-alone, or it can also be incorporated into a 5, 7 or 9 night stay, the latter of which is usually the most popular option after guests first witness the spectacular natural beauty of Koh Samui.

The Milestone Hotel, London, UK
The Milestone Hotel in Kensington has teamed up with an internationally recognized sleep and stress therapist to come up with a Sleep Experience Package for sleep-deprived guests. To begin with, guests enjoy an hour-long consultation with a deep sleep coach, who will then create a customized sleep plan based on everything that they have learned about you. The package also includes a relaxing massage session, an Alpha Sleep pod, aromatherapy oils, a pillow menu and a detox breakfast in the morning.

The Benjamin, New York, USA
Headed up by a highly esteemed sleep medicine expert, the Rest and Renew package at The Benjamin in New York promises to provide guests with all of the tools and solutions that they may need in order to experience a deep sleep. The boutique hotel’s 24/7 sleep team is available whenever you may need them, and they have each been trained in sleep medicine, as well as the promotion of healthy sleeping habits. The package also includes in-room pampering and spa treatments, sleep-inducing bedtime snacks, a top ten curated pillow menu, a lullaby music library and, if guests desire, a special breakfast created by Iron Chef Geoffrey Zakarian. This $10 million hotel has won an impressive array of awards and accolades, and, with a primary aim of personally caring for the individual needs of each guest, you can’t really go wrong by choosing The Benjamin as your sleep vacation destination.

There are many studies that have proven a connection between poor sleep and a variety of health issues, including high blood pressure, depression, weight gain and diabetes. It has also been shown that an adequate amount of sleep will not only improve alertness and productivity, but also memory and overall mood. If you frequently suffer from insomnia, or are eager to develop healthier sleeping patterns, then a sleep vacation may be just what you need.

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Globe Trotting Without Leaving California

Chinatown, LA.

The freedom to move around the world and experiences cultures is a prized possession. Sometimes you just don’t feel like getting on a plane for hours on end to experience another country. Fortunately, you can travel the world just within a single city in some parts of the United States. A number of California’s cities are no different in that respect. Everyone knows about the Chinatowns of the United States, and they enjoy an interesting place in American culture as a whole. OROGOLD would like to highlight some lesser known ethnic neighborhoods that you can visit when you’re in California though. Chinatown may not be making this list, but these neighborhoods remain dedicated and vibrant examples at fostering a more international flair in some of California’s cities.

Little Arabia, Anaheim
Little Arabia offers a distinct slice of the Middle East to visitors in a variety of ways. Some buildings offer a visual flair in keeping with the theme of the area, but the real treats are in the stores and restaurants in the area. They focus on providing authentic ethnic cuisine and goods. You can stroll along the street browsing a jewelry store and than pop into a bakery for a snack while you discuss what particular style of Middle Eastern good you’d like to eat with any friends you’re traveling with. Of note to would-be visitors, the area is particularly known for its hookah establishments and the internal variety of them within the area. This kind of flexibility generates a distinctly regional flare even though Little Arabia is ultimately part of the general Los Angeles area.

Belden Place, San Francisco
Europe has an old world charm that is hard to beat and capture without wandering the ancient, narrow streets of some of Europe’s longest standing cities. Belden Place does its best to try to bottle the experience of France into a small area. The focus of the area is on food. Multiple restaurants all compete to offer French cuisine in its many forms from the high cuisine to the simpler fare of the average French person. Restaurants use both their food and their space to create the atmosphere. Many make extensive use of their street facing sidewalks to set up outdoor eating areas to draw on the air of French cafes and the time honored past time of people watching. There may be no ancient buildings around you here, but the spirit of France certainly has a home away from home in the area.

Thai Town, Los Angeles
Thai Town has the distinction of being the only ethnic neighborhood of its kind in the United States, and it isn’t afraid to let everyone know how proud it is of its heritage. Decorative elements are scattered through the area that bring a bit of the visual of Thailand to Los Angeles without entirely overriding the nature of the city itself. Plenty of restaurants exist in the area to satisfy anyone looking to sample the cuisine of the country. The area truly shines in its other venues though. Various stores exist importing authentic clothing and materials from Thailand as well as traditional Thai spas for people who need a bit of relaxation in their day.

Not only does California enjoy a diverse landscape geographically, but it also enjoys it ethnically. The history of the state combined with its many port towns have given the opportunity for various enclaves to spring up and stake their own claim in America. Each area integrates into the cities, but, like every American, they also remain proud of all of their heritage rather than just one part. OROGOLD believes any of these areas will make an interesting step into another culture without ever needing to even leave California.

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Floating Markets Around the World

While your weekly shopping trip may involve driving to the grocery store and walking down the many aisles, others around the world are rowing to their local market, which happens to be floating on the local river, with vendors selling items straight out of their boats. Although many of them are now more tourist attractions than community markets, they are still an experience not to be missed. OROGOLD takes a look at some of the best floating markets around the world.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Thailand.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Thailand
Located about 100km to the southwest of Bangkok, the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is probably the most famous in the world, and you are likely to have already seen photographs of it in many travel magazines. The market is a huge tourist attraction in the region, so OROGOLD would recommend that you visit early in the morning, before the crowds, and the scorching heat, arrive. A boat can be hired from the nearby piers, and these will take you into the market, where you can browse the goods on display and haggle for the best price. Beyond the market, you will find the residential canals, which are much more peaceful if you want a relaxing boat ride after the bustle of the market.

The Mekong Delta, Vietnam.

The Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Since canals in the Mekong Delta region are the most convenient form of transportation, floating markets are extremely popular. The biggest one in the Mekong Delta is Phung Hiep, which is usually open from 4am to 11am, and by sunrise, the waterways are clogged with local sampan boats selling their goods. As shoppers make their way through the boats on their own sampans, they stop along the way to sample bowls of fresh noodles cooked over an open flame on some of the boats. Cai Be is another floating market in the area, with over 400 boats selling fresh fruit, vegetables and other produce. The biggest wholesale market in the region, many of the traders live on their boats, and there are also many ‘taxi’ boats for tourists who want to further explore the area.

Floating Market, Curacao

Floating Market, Curacao
Although it may be called a floating market, the Curacao floating market stalls are actually all firmly on land, but all of their produce is brought over daily from Venezuela by boat, which is where the term floating market comes in. These traditional wooden boats have been serving the market for generations, and the market is still as vibrant and bustling as ever. OROGOLD recommends visiting some of the stalls right by the waterfront, where they will not only sell you the catch of the day, but also clean and fillet the fish in any way you desire.

With regular grocery stores on the rise all over the world, traditional floating markets are, unfortunately, quickly becoming a thing of the past. However, in Asia in particular, you will still be able to find quite a few that are still used by locals, and there really is no better way to experience another culture’s lifestyle than to visit their local floating market.

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Best Destinations for a Family Vacation

It can often be difficult deciding where to go for a family vacation, especially if you are hoping to keep children of different ages occupied and entertained. To help you in your decision, OROGOLD has put together some of the best destinations around the world for a family vacation that will leave you with plenty of fond memories.

Beach chairs on beach in Thailand.

Soneva Kiri, Thailand
A beach vacation is usually quite a safe bet with children of any age, and, from the minute that your boat arrives at Soneva Kiri, children are greeted by staff from The Den, a brilliantly run kids’ club. Divided into different age groups, the club offers a variety of activities, from arts and crafts to snorkeling lessons. Adults can enjoy their child-free time at the Six Senses Spa, with a variety of treatments as well as yoga and ta’i chi classes. The sea is always warm, and free of jellyfish, so the family can enjoy fun in the sand together. When you want to cool down, adults and children alike love the Chocolate Room and Ice Cream Parlour, and relaxing evenings can be spent watching a family movie at the outdoor cinema.

Family going for a road trip

USA Road Trip
Since being trapped in a car for hours with screaming toddlers does not sound too appealing, this is a better option for those of you with older children. Some of you may prefer to travel in a traditional RV, spending the night at the many campsites dotted around the country, while others may appreciate a tailor-made trip organized by a boutique travel company, offering activities that you wouldn’t have thought of yourself. From chefs teaching children how to forage for food in the woods, to a slight detour to a fun-filled water park, to spending a hot day white water rafting, the USA is full of great family activities.

Navagio Beach, Zakynthos, Greece

The Peligoni Club, Greece
Located on the untouched coastline of north Zakynthos, Greece, this is an ideal destination for families with thrill-seeking teenagers. A family run hotel, parents can opt for the water sports package for unlimited windsurfing and sailing lessons, aimed from beginners through to the experienced. The enthusiastic kids’ club staff organize an array of activities, from volleyball games in the pool to mocktail making lessons. The village of Alykes is just a short boat ride away, ideal for teenagers who want to do some independent exploration. Twice a week, there is a beach barbecue for children of all ages, while parents can linger over a long meal at the bamboo-shaded Greek restaurant.

When choosing a destination for your next family vacation, OROGOLD recommends finding somewhere that specifically caters to the ages of your children. Every hotel kids’ club also offers different activities, so it is worth finding out what these are in advance, to ensure that they are activities that will interest your children. Whether you road trip through America, or relax on a sandy Thai beach, OROGOLD’s top family vacation destination picks will no doubt provide you with an unforgettable vacation.