Thailand has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and you should definitely visit them if you have time to explore this wonderful country. If you’re planning your trip or already know where to go, here are 5 of the top beaches in Thailand that you simply can’t miss!   1) Koh Tao With its gentle waves and sandy shores, Koh Tao is the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun. The island is also home to a variety of marine life, making it a popular spot for snorkeling and diving. On the other hand, if you're looking for nightlife there are plenty of bars around town. If you want an island with an active nightlife scene that won't break the bank, then this is your place. Koh Tao has the right balance for those seeking both.    2) Koh Samui Koh Samui is an island off the east coast of Thailand and is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. From the white sand beaches of Chaweng and Lamai to the secluded bays of Bophut and Maenam, there is a beach for everyone on Koh Samui.  If you're looking for a little more adventure while you're exploring this gem of an island, check out the James Bond Island Tour where you can see where 007 was filmed or go on a guided tour through Taling Ngam National Park with its lush rainforest and mountain views.   3) Pattaya Situated on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand, Pattaya is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. The city is renowned for its beaches, which are some of the best in Thailand. With crystal clear water and soft white sand, Pattaya is a paradise for beach lovers. Most visitors head to Pattaya's Jomtien Beach where they can enjoy an evening drink at any of the numerous seaside bars and restaurants that line the shoreline.  After dark, tourists can catch a glimpse of the famous nightlife scene or continue to enjoy the evening meals and drinks at the nearby bars.   4) Phuket Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. The island is home to many beautiful beaches, including Patong, Karon, and Kata. If you’re looking for a place to relax and capture amazing beach photos, Phuket is the perfect spot.  There are great hotels with beautiful pools and spas if you want to stay on the island for your entire vacation. The best time to visit Phuket is during their rainy season from May-October as this provides more comfortable temperatures than their hot season from November-April.   5) Krabi Krabi is a province on the west coast of southern Thailand. It's known for its dramatic landscape, with towering limestone cliffs, dense mangrove forests and more than 150 offshore islands. Some of the most popular beaches in Krabi are Railay Beach, Ao Nang Beach and Tubkaak Beach.  These beaches offer some of the best snorkeling and diving sites in Southeast Asia. The water here is crystal clear, making it one of the best places to go swimming or scuba diving.   Whatever way you enjoy spending a day at the beach, you can do that in Thailand. Don’t forget your sunscreen and towels!  

Kaiseki dining, or traditional Japanese cuisine served in small portions over several courses, has been practiced for centuries and continues to be an integral part of the culture today. Though kaiseki dining was once reserved only for the wealthy, it has become increasingly popular among tourists and Kyoto locals alike in recent years. If you’re traveling to Kyoto with the intention of experiencing authentic kaiseki dining, or if you live in Kyoto and want to visit one of the many restaurants in the area that serve kaiseki cuisine, there are several steps you’ll need to take in order to do so successfully. A Brief History of Japanese Cuisine Japanese cuisine has a long and storied history, with roots that can be traced back centuries. The country has seen a number of different influences over the years, from other Asian countries to European traders and missionaries. These various influences have helped shape Japanese cuisine into the unique and delicious cuisine that it is today. There are three main categories of Japanese food: cooking styles (yoshoku), regional cooking styles (kyushoku), and culinary imports (shokyu). Yoshoku dishes are heavily influenced by Western foods like pasta, while kyushoku dishes draw their influence from Chinese cooking styles. Shokyu items are things like soy sauce or vinegar imported from China or Southeast Asia. Things You Should Know About Kaiseki Kaiseki is a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner that is typically served during special occasions. The meal is usually composed of small, delicate dishes that are designed to showcase the natural flavors of the ingredients. Kaiseki also emphasizes seasonal ingredients, so the menu changes depending on the time of year. For example, if you go in December then you will probably get seafood like squid and oysters as well as vegetables like winter squash and daikon radish. If you go in March then you will most likely be able to order matsutake mushrooms and chestnuts or kabocha squash blossoms. Kaiseki is traditionally eaten with your fingers, although some restaurants may provide chopsticks or forks for customers who don't want to eat with their hands. Why Is Kaiseki Important? In Japan, kaiseki is more than just a meal – it's an art form that dates back centuries. Kaiseki meals are designed to be a balance of different flavors and textures, and they're often served as part of a tea ceremony.  What Are the Components?: To give you an idea of what you can expect at a traditional kaiseki dinner, here are some dishes that might be on the menu: soup, appetizer, sashimi, cooked dish with rice, boiled dish with vegetables or soup; cold dish (fish); rice; dessert. Pick a Restaurant Wisely If you want to have a authentic and memorable kaiseki dining experience in Kyoto, it is important that you pick the right restaurant. Do your research beforehand and look for restaurants that have good reviews. Once you've narrowed down your options, call the restaurant to make a reservation. Make Reservations Early Kyoto is known for its traditional kaiseki cuisine, and if you're hoping to enjoy this type of dining while in the city, it's important to make your reservations well in advance. The most popular restaurants can be booked up months ahead of time, so it's important to plan ahead if you're hoping to enjoy a kaiseki meal during your trip. Enjoy your authentic kaiseki experience! Doing this on your own may seem overwhelming. The planning of an itinerary and purchasing of tickets to Japan is a lot to handle. Allow us to do this for you! Our Best of Japan tour will show you the most sought after areas of the country. The 10 day vacation will not disappoint. And you will be able to experience an authentic kaiseki dinner without having to plan it on your own!   

Saraswati Temple (also known as Dewi Saraswati Temple) is one of the most beautiful and stunning Hindu temples in Bali, Indonesia. This temple has been recognised as an official tourist attraction by the island’s government, which means that it’s now legally protected from disrepair or destruction by anyone other than the temple staff and its leadership. The grounds of the temple are also no longer accessible to tourists, so you can be sure that your visit will be respectful to the local Balinese people who hold this temple dear to their hearts. The History Behind the Saraswati Temple The Saraswati temple is dedicated to Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, art, music, and literature. The goddess is depicted with four arms that represent the various aspects of human personality — learning, mind, intellect, alertness and ego. The temple was built in the 14th century by a famous Javanese priest, Nirartha. It is said that he had a dream in which the goddess appeared to him and told him to build a temple in her honor. When he woke up, he immediately went to work on building the temple. To this day, all Hindus living on the island visit the temple at least once during their lifetime to receive blessings from Saraswati. Visitors are welcome to go inside the temple to worship but they must wear appropriate clothing (women should cover their shoulders and knees).   What To See When You Visit When you first enter the temple, you'll be in awe of the beautiful architecture. Take a moment to explore all of the intricate details of the temple before making your way to the main shrine. There, you'll see a statue of the goddess Saraswati. Offer her a flower and a prayer; yellow is her favorite color so if you can, bring a yellow flower for her. After making your offering, take some time to sit and reflect in the peaceful atmosphere. As you leave, don't forget to pick up a souvenir from one of the many shops nearby!   How to Get There The temple is located in Ubud, and the easiest way to get there is by hiring a driver or taking a taxi. If you're feeling adventurous, you can try renting a scooter, but be aware that traffic can be chaotic. Once you arrive in Ubud, look for the signs leading to the temple - it's hard to miss! However, when you travel with Ritz Tours, the transportation to the temple is provided for you. We pride ourselves on providing reliable and comfortable transportation for our travelers. You will not have to navigate the busy roads nor worry about getting lost on your way to the temple.   Eating Out in Ubud (or your destination) If you're looking for a delicious and affordable meal while in Ubud, be sure to check out Warung Ibu Oka. This local warung, or restaurant, is known for its babi guling, which is roasted pork served in a variety of ways. Be sure to order the nasi campur (mixed rice plate), which comes with a variety of meats and vegetables. If you don't eat pork then try sambal ikan (fish), fried chicken, or ayam goreng bumbu kari (fried curry chicken). The foods of Bali are full of flavor and you will find that with the variety of options there is something for everyone!  The magical Saraswati Temple has been standing since the 1950s and welcomes thousands of visitors each year. You will be delighted to count yourself in the number of happy visitors to the temple. Ready to book your Bali trip? Click here