How to Spend 10 Days in Japan

We’ve written a lot about Japan—from its food, to its shopping, to its incredible sights and historic attractions. Conquering all these things can seem wildly intimidating, but the KKday team has come up with a great guide to help you see the best this country has to offer! Here’s a 10 day itinerary for Japan!

Day 1

Don’t waste any time once you land. At the Narita Airport, pick-up your travel essentials, like the 4G Sim Card your Tokyo Metro Unlimited Pass to help you get around.

Check-in at your hotel or Airbnb somewhere in the Shibuya district where you can explore the iconic Shibuya crossing and all the great shops and stores in the area. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, grab lunch at the famous Ichiran Ramen.

Hop on the Tokyo train and see the iconic Meiji Shrine, which was built to honor one of Japan’s most prominent emperors. Pay your respects, then head off to the famous Harajuku Street filled with colourful characters and shops.

Complete your first day with dinner at the Robot Cabaret Restaurant right at the lively Shinjuku District, before heading back to your hotel for the night.

Book Now:

Day 2

Get up early for breakfast at Tokyo’s Tsukiji Fish Market (READ: Your Guide to Visiting Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market). Then have fun taking photos when you can rent your own kimono. See all of Tokyo from the top of the Tokyo Skytree.

If you’re headed to Tokyo in the spring, don’t miss the Cherry Blossoms blooming at Ueno Park. After marveling at the natural beauty, explore another one of Tokyo’s iconic neighborhoods, Akihabara. Here you can find all sorts of tech-related shops and sights, before sitting down for a snack at the famous Tokyo Maid Cafe.

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Day 3

It would be a mistake to skip out on the happiest place on earth. Especially if you’ve got kids in tow, be sure to dedicate a whole day at the wonderful place of Tokyo Disneyland!

Book Now:

Tokyo Disneyland Tickets

Day 4

See Mt. Fuji, Japan’s most iconic symbol. Often called the ‘border between heaven and earth,’ the shy volcano has long been a source of cultural and spiritual significance to the Japanese. Take this Mt. Fuji day tour where you can ride a cable car, see the incredible sights from an observation deck, pick your own fruit, and enjoy delicious wine.

Book Now:

Day Tour from Tokyo: Mt. Fuji Ropeway, Fruit Picking, and Wine Tasting Experience

Day 5

After seeing the bustling capital of Tokyo, head south to Osaka, which is known for incredible food and incredible castles, just like the Osaka castle (READ: 10 World Heritage Sites to Check Out in Japan). Travel with speed and ease with your JR Pass.

Day 6

Hop on the subway and enter a world where all your favorite characters come to life! At Universal Studios Japan, experience thrilling rides, see extravagant parades, and relive the magic of Hogwarts at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

Book Now:

Universal Studios Japan Tickets

Day 7

Explore another one of Japan’s treasures: the deer of Nara Park. See them bow before you before you feed them their special biscuit, and enjoy the cool air and stunning foliage of Nara Park.

Head back to Osaka and see the city skyline from the Umeda Sky Building, before grabbing a bite of the famous Dontonburi Taokoyaki.

Day 8

After feasting on the incredible food of Osaka, head to Japan’s cultural capital: Kyoto. This historical haven is full of shrines and temples that continue to be places of worship, as well as castles boasting their incredible Imperial architecture.

Take the time to try the Maiko Experience Walking Plan before seeing the many sites Higashiyama. Don’t pass up the chance to see the Love Fortune Telling Stones at Jishu-jinja Shrine, or see the spring time cherry blossoms at Maruyama Park. Cap the day with a visit to Gion Street.

Book Now:

Maiko Experience Walking Plan

Day 9

See all of the Kyoto highlights with our easy day tour and explore the top shrines and temples. Check out our guide for Temple Hopping in Kyoto, and enjoy feeling as if you’ve been transported back in time. Immersing yourself in the beauty of the Ancient Capital, before having dinner at Shinkyogoku.

Book Now:

Day Tour from Kyoto: Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ki, and Fushimi Inari Shrine

Day 10

It’s been a wild and exciting ride, but nothing really beats home. Take your JR Pass back to the Kansai Airport and head back home in ease, with all your souvenirs and memories.

For more fun and exciting tours in Japan, check out KKday’s Japan products over here, and tune in for more exciting travel guides!

Conquering Taiwan in 6 Days 5 Nights

The KKday team has heard your cries and we’ve came up with a simple guide to the best parts of Taiwan. Get your tummies and feet ready for a delectable food trip and a killer shopping spree!

Day 1

On the first day, explore the sights and sounds of Taipei. Do not miss out the iconic sights such as Chiang Kai Shek Memorial and Taipei 101. Also, do not forget to indulge yourself with delicious Taiwanese food like the Beef Noodles and Mango Shaved Ice.

Book Now:

Zhong Shan Famous Beef Noodles

Taipei 101 Observation Ticket

Taipei 101 Observation With MangoChaCha Shaved Ice Combo Ticket

Day 2

Start your day with some famous Yong He Dou Jiang, very similar to Singapore’s You Tiao (fried dough fritters). Afterwards, drop by Yang Ming Shan to see the blooming flowers and breathe in some fresh air. (If you visit around March, you’ll get to see cherry blossoms) End your day at Shilin night market and stuff yourself with some 超大鸡排 from HotStar (XL Chicken Cutlet).

Book Now:

Yang Ming Shan National Park & Beitou Hot Springs

Day 3

Get out of the city and journey to Hualien. Here, you can visit the famous Taroko Gorge before heading down to Hehuashan. Another option is to take a full day tour of Hualien and Taroko Gorge to cover most of the scenic spots in this region of Taiwan. Afterwards, head to Taichung to eat local food and rest before day 4 adventures.

Book Now:

Hualien Car Rental

Chartered Tour of Hualien & Taroko Gorge

Day 4

Taiwan is the land of bubble tea. Needless to say, this is the best place in the world to learn how to make this famous drink. You can easily have that experience in Taichung before visiting the Sea of Flowers and Gaomei Wetlands.

Afterwards, pack your bags and head back to the bustling capital.

Book Now:

Visit the Sea of Flowers

Go for the ChunShuiTang Bubble Tea DIY session

Half Day Tour from Taichung: Gaomei Wetlands and Rainbow Village

Taiwan High Speed Rail Discount Ticket from Taichung

Day 5

A trip to Taiwan is never complete without visiting Northern Taiwan’s famous attractions such as Jiufen, Yehliu and Shifen. These are the most photographed places in all of Taiwan so this is a must-see for travelers. Afterwards, visit Shida night market to have one last food trip before leaving the heart of Asia.

Book Now:

Day Tour from Taipei: Jiufen, Yehliu and Shifen

Day 6

You can’t leave Taiwan without the famed pineapple cakes. This is pretty much available in any market or district. Lastly, you can also get a massage to recover from all the eating, shopping and walking.

Book Now:

Kuo Yuan Ye Pastry Museum & Pineapple Cake Making Experience

Massage and Wellness in Taipei

If you want to find more stuff to do in Taiwan, click here to browse our range of experiences.

How to Enjoy Singles’ Day While Travelling

(WilB)

Holler if you’re proud of being single! If you live in a shell, 11/11, also known as Singles’ Day, is China’s version of Black Friday, inviting all single people to celebrate single life with extremely crazy sales annually. If you happen to be travelling during Singles’ Day and don’t have time to camp on taobao, KKday teaches you how to rock Singles’ Day overseas. It’s time to take pride in being single!

1. Korea

Mr. Show in Korea

All the single ladies, all the single ladies~ If there’s any advantage in being a single lady, it’s going to a male strip show without feeling guilty. *breathing intensifies*

Mr. Show in Korea

The roof is about to be set on fire with Mr Show, Seoul’s only male strip show. Watch eight of the hottest Korean men perform right before you — get wild with Mr Show‘s hot dance moves and set your ovaries on fire with their extremely well-defined muscles. If you’re lucky, you could get invited up to the stage with other ladies for a close-up interaction with Mr Show men! Did we mention ladies only? Being single doesn’t sound so bad after all, right?

>> Get your Mr Show tickets here

2. Thailand

Once you hit a certain age, you’ll start to feel stressed out about not being in a relationship. Take this Single’s Day as an excuse to let go of your worries and go for a relaxing spa session in Bangkok.

Spa in Thailand (Dennis Wong)

Spa and massage sessions are said to provide many health benefits like improving overall blood circulation, exfoliating of dead skin to make your skin look brighter and healthier and relieve you of chronic pain. If you’re in Bangkok during Singles’ Day, we recommend a Blooming Life aromatherapy massage. Who knows, your love life might just start to bloom after a revitalising spa session!

>> Book your Thai massage here

3. Australia

With more than 50,000 frosted-glass spheres that starts to bloom once the night falls, Uluru Field of Light art installation in Uluru is the largest Field of Light to date. This monumental artwork was made possible by Bruce Munro‘s and his talented team. You’ll never see sunsets the same way again after you’ve visited Uluru Field of Light.

Okay we admit, this might be a tad bit more romantic if you’re with your significant other. But friends can turn into more than friends when you’re at the right place, geddit geddit?

>> How to get to Uluru Field of Light

4. Japan

Strolling with Kimono (2benny)

Shake things up a little when you’re wandering along Tokyo with a dazzling kimono! Rent a kimono and saunter the streets of Tokyo in an incredibly ladylike manner and relish in the attention of others. With the help of professional hands to doll you up like a noble lady from the Edo period, you’re sure to turn heads on the streets.

>> Renting a kimono in Tokyo

You never know when you’re going to be bogged down with responsibilities, so why not relish a little during singlehood?

Calling all lonely souls! KKday is celebrating this Singles’ Day with 11% + 11% off the abovementioned activities and more selected travel activities in Australia, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia! More information can be found here.

We reckon singles may like these travel guides:
>> 3 Easy Ways to Make Friends While Travelling Solo
>> 5 Adventures Suitable for Single Ladies
>> 4 Reasons Iceland is Perfect for First-Time Solo Travellers

3 Easy Ways to Make Friends While Travelling Solo

Global Panorama

It’s true that travelling solo forces you to learn independence and discover yourself but as much as we relish solitary, there are often times we hope to someone savouring these new experiences in an unfamiliar territory with us. How about when we need someone to take our #ootd in front of that insta-worthy backdrop? KKday shares the three ways we’ve been making friends with locals and how we seek our travel companions when all our friends are too busy!

1. CouchSurfing

Coachsurfing

Coach-surfing typically involves travellers sleeping on whatever spare space available and moving from a house to the next, giving the tenants a cheap form of lodging while allowing them to meet new people. Couchsurfing.com, as the name suggests, is a non-profit organisation that help travelers to build a network with the locals of their destination.

Coachsurfing

Coachsurfing is divided into three main functions: to meet new people, find a host for your free one night stay and organise activities for other members to participate.

To begin, you have to create a profile on Couchsurfing‘s website so other members have a primary understanding of who you are. From there, you can explore more options such as opening up your house to host a guest or choose to meet up with other travellers within the city. All you have to do is to search within Coachsurfing, send a message and then meet up!

Coachsurfing

If you’re intimidated by the thought of meeting up with strangers like that, you can search for activities near your area instead; from cycling tours to language exchange and even locals offering free navigation, there are so many ways to make new friends while travelling!

Tips:

1. Build a honest profile

It’s fine to be excited about meeting your host but you should allow your host to know slightly more about you through your profile before any meet ups. Adding your interest and the countries you’ve been to allows your host to create conversations with you easily. Remember to add a couple of photos into your profile as well — people tend to be more wary of profile without photos.

2. Security

Yes, living in the home of a stranger is a little terrifying and the founders of Couchsurfing understand that fear as well so they came up with a solution to counter this worry. You can check up on a stranger’s profile for a list of references left by other members before confirming your stay, allowing you to read up on the good and bad reviews before deciding if this is the home you want to stay in or if you want to meet them.

>> Couchsurfing’s website

2. EatWith

EatWith

How is it possible for Singaporeans to travel and not indulge in appetising food overseas? When travelling solo, no matter how delicious the food is in the restaurant, you always leave the restaurant feeling like you haven’t had your fair share of the delectable fares because you can only order one dish instead of trying several of your friends’ dishes.

EatWith press conference (TechCrunch)

The founder of EatWith shared the same sentiments while dining on a rooftop in Barcelona, Spain. Believing that the most rewarding experience of a solo trip is when travellers around the world gather in a relaxed atmosphere to converse over delightful dishes, Guy Michlin founded EatWith — a matchmaking website that connects local chefs (or private home kitchens) with diners over the world.

Chefs can publish the time they need to prepare a meal and pricing of their dishes on the website. Diners would then be able to make their reservations on the site. As long as the matchmaking is a success, dinners can enjoy local specialities in a beautiful place and hold meaningful conversations with one another.

EatWith

Tips:

1. Profile

EatWith

Remember to check the chef biography on EatWith for the languages he knows as well as the culinary dishes that he’ll be cooking for a better dining experience. You don’t want awkward silence throughout your meals because you don’t speak the same language or lack praises for his dishes, do you?

2. You may eat with strangers!

(Tim Evanson)

If the chef prepares a meal for four and you book only one seat, you’re probably dining with a few other travellers. Even if you’re introverted, don’t freak out! Dining with other lone travellers in a stranger’s house, on a foreign land may prove to be the unique experience you’re seeking this solo travel!

>> EatWith’s website

3. Meetup

Meetup

Meetup is a straightforward site that helps you meet up with other travellers by letting you browse through a large number of profiles and groups. You can sort members according to interests such as art, culture, sports etc., allowing you to meet like-minded people and experience living like a local during your solo travels.

Meetup

>> Meetup’s website

Bonus: KKday

KKday

If haven’t found any activity or group that interests you, you can always search for unique travel activities through KKday. Be it a Thai cooking class in Bangkok or learning floral arrangements in Tokyo, the classes are good opportunities to meet new friends while gaining novel experiences for yourself.

Tips:

1. Book early

The orders require some time for KKday to process so we recommend you to browse through the activities in advance and book at least two days before your trip.

KKday

2. For convenience’s sake

With an extensive range of more than 6000 travel experiences and trusted partners in 53 countries and 174 cities, KKday is your ideal trip planning platform. Make use of KKday‘s sidebar that classifies our activities into different countries, cities and genres for easy browsing on our website.

>> KKday’s website

Difficulties encountered in the past while travelling solo are now solved thanks to technology readily available within snap of a finger, providing us with convenient solutions to our troubles regarding travelling solo. Take full advantage of these technological advances during your solo trips to create wonderful memories for yourself!

Looking for more solo trip guides?

>> 5 Adventures Suitable for Single Ladies
>> 5 White Lies You Should Tell When Travelling Alone
>> 4 Reasons Iceland is Perfect For First Time Solo Travellers

5 White Lies You Should Tell When Travelling Alone

Photo credit: Flickr/ Rashi Kalra

Exploring the unknown alone is an exceptional experience that every female has to experience in your lifetime. While it’s important to keep an open mind when travelling alone and meet new friends, don’t forget to be aware of your surroundings at all times. Much as we hate lying, there are times when you have to tell white lies to get yourself out of sticky situations or save a couple of dollars bargaining for a better deal. Read on for more tips!

1. “I’ve been here previously”

A photo posted by Jessica Harrigan Price (@patty_mayonnaize) on Apr 2, 2015 at 2:34am PDT

//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js Before riding a tuk tuk, make sure you ask about the price first. You cam also use Google Maps to check on the distance of your destination so you can negotiate with them the price before you board. Doing your homework beforehand and implying that you’re been a regular at the place prevents you from being overcharged! Tip: always ask for the starting meter rate as they can be quite pushy about making you pay more.

2. “Yes, I’ve a boyfriend”

When travelling alone, especially to a developing city, make sure that you are watchful of your surroundings. If needed, casually mention that your “boyfriend” will be around soon if someone asks you out to somewhere deemed unsafe such as the suburbs or a house party that you’re not comfortable with attending. Remember to do so in a tactful manner or it’ll seem like you’re cooking up a lie just to avoid them – which you are, but they don’t have to know!

If you’re still worried about drinking alone, consider pub crawling where you’ll be bar-hopping in groups with a professional party animal guide who will take care of you all night.

3. “The other store is selling it at a cheaper price”
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A photo posted by Angelo García (@gelobeanstalk) on Apr 2, 2015 at 1:16am PDT

//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js We’re sure you’ve used the line “the other store is selling it cheaper” when bargaining for a better price at Bugis Street. Sellers usually give in after a while, especially on slower days and it’s the same logic shopping overseas! It is a great way to negotiate with the sales person. If it doesn’t work, try walking away and the shopkeepers may give in to you.

Here are some places to give your bargaining skills a shot:
>> Classic Bangkok 1 Day Tour
>> Pattaya Floating Market

4. “I love my job”

A photo posted by ralphdegroot (@ralphdegroot) on Apr 1, 2015 at 1:02pm PDT

//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js Okay, maybe you don’t have to go to the extreme of declaring how much you love working. It’s okay to mention your job to the new friends you made, but forget about saying anything negative or complaining about it. Walls have ears and your grumbles may just travel to your office!

5. “I have no plans for tomorrow yet”

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Photo credit: Flickr/ GlobalPanorama

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Don’t share your travel plans in detail especially when travelling alone. That spells trouble! To avoid stalkers and ensure your safety, keep information like your itinerary private and confidential. Some call it paranoia but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Keep these advices and tips in mind, they may come in handy one day!

If you’re a female planning to travel alone,
>> 5 Adventures Suitable For Single Ladies
>> 4 Reasons Iceland is Perfect For First-Time Solo Travellers (Especially Females)
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5 Adventures Suitable For Single Ladies

Photo credit: Flickr/ Chris Ford

Travelling solo as a woman is not something frowned upon anymore. In fact, it’s becoming quite the norm with everyone doing it nowadays! Going on solo trips doesn’t necessary mean you’re all alone in a foreign land – you can easily meet other similar travellers and locals. The adventures you have as single woman will definitely be fulfilling as it gets you out of your comfort zone. Read on for the five countries safe for you ladies to visit alone!

#5 Korea

Photo credit: Flickr/ Emmanuel Dyan

You don’t have to understand or speak even a smattering amount of Korean in order to enjoy Korea. The perceived language barrier shouldn’t stop you from travelling to the land of kimchi. Other than the signage all over Korea, most people are able to understand and communicate in simple English.

This will come in handy in Korea:
>> 20 things to do on your first trip to Seoul
>> 10 must go shopping spots in Korea
>> 7 beauty products you can get for under SGD30 in Korea

#4 Hong Kong

Photo credit: Flickr/ Roberto Trombetta

If you’ve never been to Hong Kong, you are clearly missing out on life! Nothing should stop you from going to Hong Kong, not even if you can’t speak or understand a word of Cantonese. Firstly, the city has similar vibes to Singapore and knowing English is good enough for you to get by and cover the entire city. It’s tourist friendly with English signs all over and the affable locals.

Secondly, KKday has guides prepared for you if you’re neither familiar with Cantonese nor traditional Chinese:
>> Guide to Hong Kong’s cha chaan teng
>> Guide to Hong Kong style dessert

#3 Dubai

Photo credit: Flickr/ Mattharvey1

Contrary to popular belief, Dubai is one of the safest places to visit in the world. However, remember to respect the Islamic tradition by dressing modestly and appropriately there. Shy away from singlets, spaghetti tops and short bottoms. If you do not comply to the dress codes, security guards in the malls or hotels will stop you and tell you to cover up. You don’t want to embarrass yourself overseas!

Check this out if you are heading to Dubai:
>> Helicopter tour
>> Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark Lost Chamber combo
>> Dubai modern city tour

#2 Japan

Photo credit: Flickr/ George Alexander Ishida Newman

Travelling alone in Japan is an eye opening and invigorating experience, something you have to experience yourself to understand. Japan is known to be an expensive city so go for the cheaper accommodations like staying in a capsule hotel or a hostel. Finding bargains in Japan will allow you to channel your expenses on other areas like shopping or more unique experiences!

Some useful guides if you’re going to Japan:
>> 10 tidbits you must buy in Tokyo
>> The Kimono experience

#1 France

Photo credit: Flickr/ WiLPrZ

France is not just a city for love birds. Even if you’re #foreveralone, you should immerse yourself in the French way of living; soak in the rich culture, history and the art. Paris is best explored by foot so bring along a comfortable pair of waking shoes. Who knows, you may even find your Prince Charming in this city of love!

Useful guides before you leaving for Paris:
>> Experiences you shouldn’t miss out in Paris
>> Passes to save you time and money in Europe
>> Montmartre walking tour

These are the five places you could go as a single women if you are itching for some much needed adventure! Don’t forget to share your travel pictures with us by tagging us on Instagram or use the hashtag #kkdaysg for a chance to be featured on our Instagram page.

4 Reasons Iceland is Perfect For First-Time Solo Travellers (Especially Females)

Although daunting at first, travelling solo is a great way to meet other travellers and locals. If you’re looking for an ideal country, look no further! Iceland is perfect for first time solo travellers – built on tourism, its travel infrastructure is impeccable, making the Nordic country extremely easy to navigate around. There’s something mystical and intriguing about the tranquility of Iceland that can’t be found anywhere else. Here’s why you should cross off Iceland on your solo travel bucket list this year!

1. One of the safest country in the world

Iceland is one of the safest country for solo travellers (Flickr/ Bryan Pocius)

As Singaporeans, we tend to take our safety for granted due to the low crime rate in our country. Hence, we often neglect to take care of our belongings overseas, making us easy targets when we travel. However, you’d be glad to know that crime rate in Iceland is equally low too, so you don’t have to worry about being robbed or being harassed on the streets!

In fact, hitching a ride from the locals is a norm in Iceland and you should totally give it a try if you’re comfortable. That said, do trust your instincts and move yourself away from the situation if you feel like something’s wrong.

2. English is everywhere

Almost zero langauge barrier when travelling around Iceland (Flickr/ Moyan Brenn)

Even though the official language of Iceland is Icelandic, majority of the locals are able to speak English, thus making communication and navigation around the country easier than expected. The only difficulty you may face is the pronunciation of street names and the information on food packages.

3. Picturesque scenery and landscapes

Iceland is home to the most beautiful sights on Earth (Flickr/ Nigel Nudds)

Mother Nature is at its finest in Iceland! The raw and untouched wonders here will leave you amazed and mesmerised. Every turn you make takes your breath away, and every shot you take makes an Insta-worthy photo. Go on the Golden Circle drive to experience and take in all the beauty of Iceland! You will be able to catch waterfalls, glaciers, geysers and more on the 300km loop.

4. Great for unwinding

There’s no other place like Iceland for solo travellers (Flickr/ Agustin Sanchez)

There are endless activities you can take partake in Iceland! With the endless day tours and excursions Iceland has to offer, you definitely won’t get bored even when travelling alone! From going on a hike on a glacier to taking a dip in the infamous geothermal spa, Blue Lagoon, to whale and puffin watching, there’s bound to be something that appeals to you!

So what are you waiting for? If Iceland has always been on your bucket list, it’s time to strike it off and book your tickets today!

You may be interested in these day tours and excursions in Iceland:

>> Day trip from Reykjavik (Glacier Hiking & Ice Climbing)
>> Blue Lagoon, Gullfoss waterfall and Strokkur Geysir day trip
>> Golden Circle Day Tour
>> Olgerdin Brewery Tour

6 Reasons Backpackers Keep Returning to Chiang Mai

Bangkok and Pattaya are no longer the preferred destinations today — Chiang Mai, the second largest city in Thailand, has stepped up their game and gained more appeal in the recent years. It’s not hard to see why either! Chiang Mai is jam-packed with endless activities worthy of your bucket list and it’s not hard to see why this is a backpacker’s heaven.

1. The people

The friendly locals of Chiangmai (Aleksandr Zykov)

Most Thais in Chiang Mai are devoted Buddhists leading simple and slow-paced lives. Coming here, you’ll understand why people say “happiness is easy, it’s the people who make it difficult”. Locals here are always full of smiles and quick to warm up to tourists, especially backpackers. Now you know why Thailand is known as the Land of Smiles!

2. Scenic views

Chiang Mai, Thailand boasts scenic views (rusticus80)

Did you know that Doi Inthanon, one of the highest mountain in Chiang Mai, is part of the Himalayas? This explains the pleasant and comfortable climate, making it a great choice of escape from Singapore’s constant heat.

From zip-lining in the rainforest to white water rafting, there are many activities for the adventurer in you to partake in the lush greenery!

3. History and culture

Chiang Mai is rich with the Thai history and culture (Igor)

Although Chiang Mai literally means ‘new city’ in Thai, it is anything but! With over 700 years of history tracing back to the Lanna Kingdom, what makes Chiang Mai stand out from other modernised cities is its distinctive rich background mixed with local way of life, making it a perfect place for backpackers to distance themselves from technology and discover themselves.

4. Authentic local delights

Chiang Mai offers delicious street food (Dietrich Ayala)

Backpackers love the authentic street food in Chiang Mai – not only are they yummy yet affordable, they are comforting as well. One of the highly recommended must-eats is the Kao Soi Curry Noodles. A bowl of this goodness starts from 35 – 50 baht (~ SGD $1.40 – $2). What makes the dish so different is the crispy fried egg noodles served on top of the curry noodles.

5. Shopping

The bustling shopping scene at Chiang Mai’s night market (Fillipe Fortes)

For the shopaholic in you, or if you’re simply looking for a souvenir for your family, you’ll be relieved to find that just like Bangkok, Chiang Mai has many great shopping spots too. If you have limited time for shopping, at least visit two of Chiang Mai‘s weekend bazaars, opened on Saturday and Sunday respectively. At these places known for their handicrafts and local items, you will be able to find something with a added touch.

Chiang Mai Saturday Market is a great place to get handmade souvenirs and clothes. Located opposite the Chiang Mai gate, this market even has a street food market for you to fill your stomach after all the retail therapy.

Address: Wua Lai Rd, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
Opening hours: 18:00 – 22:00 (opened only on Saturdays)

The Chiang Mai Sunday Market (Yuval Haimovits)

Chiang Mai Sunday Market, the more popular weekend bazaar of the two, showcases the many art and craftsmanship of Northern Thais from handmade home decors to jewelry and more. After all that shopping, rest your exhausted feet with Thai massages starting from only 60 baht (~SGD $2.40).

Address: Rachadamnoen Rd, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Opening hours: 18:00 – 23:00 PM (opened only on Sundays)

The Chiang Mai Sunday Market is no lack of shopping variety (Christian Haugen)

6. Join classes

Learn authentic Thai dishes through cooking classes in Chiang Mai (C&M Study Center Koh Phangan)

Travelling is the best time for you to learn! More than just finding more about yourself, there are a variety of lessons for you to learn in Chiang Mai. Cooking is one of more popular classes amongst backpackers. That way, you’ll be able to recreate your favourite Thai dishes for your family and friends when you return home.

Some of the classes we recommend are:
>> Thai Cooking School and Local Market and Farm
>> Baan Hongnual Cookery School
>> May Kaidee Vegetarian Thai Cooking School

There are many places in Chiang Mai waiting for you to discover. If you haven’t set foot in Chiang Mai, go let your wandering heart free. There’s no time better than now!

Guide to Getting 30% Off Your Travel Experiences This June! [GSS Flash Sale 1]

We don’t know about you but June is definitely our favourite time of the year! Other than celebrating us surviving half a year of hard work, it’s the season for school holidays and Great Singapore Sales. While we Singaporeans are naturally attracted to queues like bees to honey, there’s surely an easier way to lay your hands on those sweet deals.

Picture this: you’re itching for a getaway school starts and work piles in. Because of the abundance of budget airlines these days, it’s easy for you to book cheap air tickets, leaving you more money in your pocket for unique travel experiences. It’s GSS and you’re looking for sweet travel deals worth your hard-earned money.

We hear you!

KKday is having a FLASH SALE, bringing you up to 30% off your travel experiences from now to 7 June 2016. With 5000 unforgettable experiences in 170 cities and 53 countries all around the world, there’s surely something for every kind of traveller!

For the busy bees who can only afford a weekend getaway

Thai Massages help one to loosen the tension in their shoulders and neck

Relax with a Thai Massage in Thailand

If you can’t put down your work, at least leave the stress behind in Singapore by easing the tension in your shoulders and neck caused by long hours of sitting down. With the different kinds of Thai massage packages available, there’s bound to be one you’ll like! After restoring your energy, go on an adventure travelling upstream and underneath the waterfalls, a breathtaking ride that passes 14 rapids.

>> Fah Lanna luxury spa packages

>> Pagsanjan Falls upstream adventure

For families travelling together

The skyline lights up upon dark

Looking for something that your parents and kids can all enjoy? Here’s a tip from us: skip the Peak Tram lines by purchasing your tickets online so that your family won’t feel restless from the long queues! there’s something for everyone at The Peak from picturesque views from the observatory to Madame Tussauds. Don’t forget your wifi device so that you can Snapchat those moments or post them on Instagram!

>>【3 in 1 Package】- Madame Tussauds / The Peak / Peak Tramway

>> Octopus card and wifi

For thrill seekers

Everland was ranked 16th in the world for being the most popular themepark

The Everland theme park in South Korea

Regarded as one of the best theme parks in South Korea, Everland was ranked 16th in the world for theme park attendance in 2014. Daredevils will be glad to find numoerous amount of roller coasters in South Korea’s largest theme park!

>> Everland theme park tickets

Zip line through Doi Saketwhere to experience the beauty of Mother Nature

Feel one with nature with zipling activities

Alternatively, zip line through Doi Saketwhere to experience the beauty of jungles and mountains all around, allowing you to get closer to Mother Nature. Located 1300m above sea level, you can be sure that you’ll be able to catch glimpses of giant palm trees and pristine beaches – if you’re not busy closing your eyes and screaming for help on your way down!

>> Dragon Flight Zipline 1 Day Tour

For first time solo travellers

Find transport from a trusted source before travelling

Experience a high-speed rail train when travelling overseas

No matter where you choose to roam, there’s nothing more irritating than when your chartered transport puts you on airplane. Sure, we’re all wanderers but there’s a time and place for everything and it’s not when you’re lugging your 15kg luggage around the airport, trying to look for an alternative! Therefore, it’s important that you get your tickets from a trusted source to ensure that you have a smooth journey to your hotel.

>> KORAIL Pass (KR PASS)

>> Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) 3-day / flexible 3-day pass

>> Hong Kong Airport Express Line ticket

For cultural experiences

Indulge in the authentic local culture by cycling through Bali

Get biking in Bali for a memorable cultural experience

Forget the mainstream soothing massages and hearty meals you can have in Bali! Escape the hustle and bustle of city life as you cycle along ulu alleys and paths unreachable by cars, indulge in authentic local culture in the villages you’ll pass by. While on your escape, be awed by the stunning aquatic landscape near Nusa Lembongan Island, where you’ll be able to catch exotic marine life and colourful corals, and enjoy other water activities.

>> Cycle in the countryside and see the real Bali
>> Bali Hai reef cruise & water sports day tour

How to enjoy the discount?

Enter KKDAYGSS1 before checkout to enjoy 30% off selected activities and
KKDAYWEEKEND10 for selected weekend getaway activities. Keep checking back the whole of June because we promise you the deals can only get sweeter!

Now this is how you enjoy GSS at the comfort of your home!

>> Click here to find your favourite travel experience today.

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Terms & Conditions

GSS Flash Sale 1:

– Enter KKDAYGSS1 prior to checkout to enjoy 30% OFF selected activities.
– Coupon Code is only valid for purchase though https://www.kkday.com/en/affiliate/whlb/gssflashone
– Valid for purchase with a minimum spending of US$30.
– Promotion is valid from 1 June – 7 June 2016.
– Booking must be made between 1 June – 7 June 2016.
– Travel experiences must be completed between 1 June – 30 September 2016.
– Coupon Code is valid for one-time use only.
– If the booking is cancelled, the coupon code will no longer be valid for use.
– Offer cannot be used in conjunction with other promotions, discounts, packages purchased or vouchers redemption.
– KKday reserved the rights to stop this coupon code to be used on certain travel experiences without prior notice.
– If there are any questions/issues, you can contact us at marketing-sg@kkday.com

GSS weekend getaway sale:

– Enter KKDAYWEEKEND10 prior to checkout to enjoy 10% OFF selected activities.
– Coupon Code is only valid for purchase though https://www.kkday.com/en/affiliate/whlb/gssflashone
– Promotion is valid from 1 June – 30 June 2016.
– Booking must be made between 1 June – 30 June 2016.
– Travel experiences must be completed between 1 June – 30 September 2016.
– Coupon Code is valid for one-time use only.
– If the booking is cancelled, the coupon code will no longer be valid for use.
– Offer cannot be used in conjunction with other promotions, discounts, packages purchased or vouchers redemption.
– KKday reserved the rights to stop this coupon code to be used on certain travel experiences without prior notice.
– If there are any questions/issues, you can contact us at marketing-sg@kkday.com

How Travelling Mends Your Broken Heart

Photograph what you fear losing the most

Which stage of a break up do you consider to be the toughest? Living in denial, accepting the fact or moving on? Besides dealing with the pain of losing someone you love, you have to face family and friends bombarding you with endless questions that you can’t find the answers to. We are no Aunt Agony, but we assure you that travelling is the best way to mend your broken heart.

After a break up, you learn to live by yourself again. All of a sudden, there’s nobody to send you cute good night texts, no one asks you what are your day-to-day plans or cares about what you had for dinner. How do you rediscover yourself? Here’s a step-by-step guide on the best way you can heal and bounce back from your break up!

1. Hang out with your friends over a few beers

Mending a broken heart with alcohol

Drink, drank, drunk. I believe everyone’s at least 18 this year and we’ve all been there, done that. The first step to moving forward is facing your vulnerabilities. Instead of being blinded by the pain in your heart, jio a few of your closest friends for a night out! The focus of this social gathering is not to numb your pain with alcohol, but to remember that you still have people who love you by your side.

Of course, we all know that drinking is an expensive habit in Singapore (uh, everything is expensive in Singapore). However, this is when you should take advantage of Japan‘s all-you-can-drink saké (Japanese rice wine) buffet! You can choose from more than 100 types of sakés and you can’t find on your next visit because they are seasonal items! A trip to Tokyo might be just what you need for a rapid recovery.

2. Grow by challenging your limits

Do something crazy like skydiving!

Moving on doesn’t mean forgetting your past mistakes. How do you learn from them and become a better person? In a relationship, we often become reliant on our partners and grow accustomed to a routine thus, wearing ourselves out. Ask yourself this: when was the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone?

Go on an impromptu sky diving trip in Australia! Conquer up to 14, 000 of altitude in Cairns, Queensland, relishing beautiful views of the Great Barrier Reef. Scream your worries with all your might – no one’s there to judge you! After daring yourself, you’ll never tell yourself, “I can’t do it” again. After you’ve experienced 60 seconds of free falling for up to 220km/hr, what’s there left for you to fear in this world?

3. The calm after the storm

Take some time to reflect and rediscover yourself

After recharging, it’s time to rediscover yourself and put the pieces of your life back together. Pamper yourself with a quiet trip away of the hustle and bustle of Singapore life. A slower pace of life might just be what you need to lose and find yourself again. Take a trip around Hanoi to discover the hidden gems that you might never notice travelling with a partner.

4. Begin again

Get to know more people and start afresh!

As Taylor Swift so smoothly puts it, “I’ve been spending the last eight months thinking all love ever does is break and burn and end but on a Wednesday in a cafe I watched it begin again.” While you don’t necessary have to begin dating dating again so quickly, it’s nice to put yourself out there and know more people. Travelling alone gives you the opportunity to converse with strangers and get to know another culture better!

Alternatively, if you like to be surrounded by people, join one of the biggest and most popular beach party in the world! You may have been to Thailand numerous times but nothing beats Koh Samui’s full moon parties. Surrounded by the vibrant nightlife and high-spirited party goers, you’ll forget your heartbreak in no time. Book now and we’ll see you there next Saturday!

Wherever you are in the world, remember that you are never alone because your family and friends will always love and support you. The world’s your oyster and one of these days, you’ll surely find someone who loves you right.

>> Stop fretting, forget your troubles and let your wandering lone heart lead you!