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14th ASEAN Summit

14th ASEAN Summit
The 14th ASEAN Summit marks a new chapter for ASEAN following the entry into force of the ASEAN Charter last December. Under the theme ‘ASEAN Charter for ASEAN Peoples’, the 14th ASEAN Summit underlines new era of ASEAN with people at the heart of cooperation. Besides, there are three sub-themes, namely ‘Towards More Effective Community-Building’, ‘Enhancing Regional Resilience against Global Threats’, and ‘Reinforcing ASEAN Centrality in the Evolving Regional Architecture’.
‘Towards More Effective Community-Building'
Thailand will use this opportunity to lay the foundation for realising ASEAN Community by the year 2015. In order to make ASEAN a more rules-based and effective organisation, it will push for the operationalisation of new ASEAN organs under the Charter. These include the three ASEAN Community Councils (ASEAN Political and Security Community (APSC) Council, ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Council and ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council) and the Committee of Permanent Representatives in Jakarta. An ASEAN human rights body will also be established by the end of this year to enhance promotion and protection of human rights in the region. The ASEAN Secretariat will also be strengthened, both in terms of budget and personnel, so that it can fulfil its additional responsibilities and functions as required by the Charter.
Efforts will be further enhanced to promote people's participation in ASEAN community-building process. ASEAN Leaders will meet with representatives from various groups, including members of the parliament, youth leaders and civil society organisations. This will be an important turning point to create a sense of ‘ASEAN citizenship' among ASEAN people.
‘Enhancing Regional Resilience against Global Threats'
In order to enhance regional resilience against global threats by strengthening multi-dimensional human security in ASEAN Community, ASEAN cooperation will be strengthened to be able to address and alleviate issues affecting people's well-being in a timely and concrete manner. This includes addressing issues of food security, energy security and disaster management. ASEAN Leaders will also discuss ways and means to mitigate the effects of the financial and economic crisis on the ASEAN Community, based on the recommendations by the ASEAN Finance Ministers' Meeting in Phuket on 22 February 2009.
‘Reinforcing ASEAN Centrality in the Evolving Regional Architecture'
While enhancing ASEAN Community-building efforts, ASEAN Centrality in the evolving regional architecture will also be reinforced. The Summit will be a good opportunity for ASEAN to show to the rest of the world that ASEAN is still very much relevant. The ten Member Countries of ASEAN are integral parts of a wider integrated East Asia community which has been, and will continue to be, the engine of the world's economic growth.
It is expected that at least 25 declarations, agreements and statements will be signed or adopted by ASEAN Leaders, ASEAN Foreign Ministers and ASEAN Economic Ministers during the Summit. These documents reflect ASEAN effort to response to challenges in a more timely and concrete manner. They will cover issues relating to ASEAN community-building, food and energy security as well as economic cooperation. Of all these outcome documents, the Declaration on the Roadmap for an ASEAN Community 2009-2015 will be signed by ASEAN Leaders. This Declaration will be a cover-declaration for the three ASEAN Community Blueprints.

Hanoi Opera House

Hanoi Opera HouseLocation:

The Hanoi Opera House is situated on Le Thanh Tong St., Hanoi; near the Red River and several hundreds meters east of Hoan Kiem Lake. Characteristics: It is an old theatre with French architecture and typical Gothic and Mosaic characters reflected on the door domes and the glassed room respectively.

For a long time, the Hanoi Opera House has been a rendezvous for those who love theatrical performance and traditional songs and music, symphonies, opera and classical opera. It is also a tourist attraction for local and foreign visitors.

The Hanoi Opera House is renowned for its unique architecture and good composition. It is furnished rationally and harmoniously. Since its establishment, the Hanoi Opera House is the largest theatre in Vietnam. Its construction started in 1901 and completed in 1911. Previously the site was a big pond, adjacent to the city gate of Tay Long (also called Tay Luong) of the ancient Thang Long Capital. The construction met with many difficulties, because the foundations of the theatre were built on the pond. Before building a concrete foundation, nearly one metre thick, the pond was emptied and dredged, then 30,000 hard bamboo stakes were placed on its bed.

The Museum in vietnam

The History Museum


The museum is a national museum. It was founded in 1926 and named "Ecole d'Etreme Orient." In 1958 it was restored and renamed the Vietnam History Museum. On display are rich collection of archaeological findings of great scientific and artistic value, illustrating the development of the nation and the State of Vietnam from the dawn of its history to the period prior of the coming into being of the Vietnam Communist Party. Address: 1 Pham Ngu Lao St, Hanoi. Tel:(84-4) 8252835 or 8253518



The Revolution Museum





The museum is a national museum. It was founded in January 1959, It exhibits relics from various phases of the Vietnamese people's patriotic and revolutionary struggle from the founding of the Vietnam Communist Party up to the present day. Address: 25 Tong Dan St, Hanoi. Tel:(84-4) 8253766 and 8254151 or 8254323





The Army Museum



The museum is a national museum which was established in June 1959. War relics and trophies reminisce great periods of the armed struggle of the Vietnamese people. Evolutions of the two recent great historic battles: the Dien Bien Phu battle in 1945 and the Ho Chi Minh Campaign in 1975 are unfolded again on miniature models. Address: 28A Dien Bien Phu St, Hanoi. Tel: (84-4) 8234264

The Fine Arts Museum

This is a national museum founded in June 1966. It displays art works and objects of the various nationalities living in Vietnam in every period. Prominent are collections of painting of great values by such famous contemporary artists as To Ngoc Van, Nguyen Phan Chanh, Tran Van Can and Bui Xuan Phai, etc,. Address: 66 Nguyen Thai Hoc St, Hanoi. Tel: (84-4) 265801 or 233084

One Pillar Pagoda

The original name of the pagoda was Dien Huu pagoda which literally means long lasting happiness and and good luck. The pagoda is situated in the western part of the city. It was first built in 1049 in the reign of King Ly Thai Tong. legend has it that at time King Ly Thai Tong was very old and had no sons of his own. One night he had a dream that he was granted a private audience with Buddha with a male baby on his hands. Buddha seating on a lotus flower in a square-shaped lotus pond in the western side of Thang Long Citadel, gave the king the baby. Month later the queen got pregnant and she gave birth to a male. To repay the gift from Buddha, the king ordered the construction of a pagoda with was supported by only one pillar resembling a lotus seat on which Buddha had been seated. The pagoda was dedicated to Buddha.

Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum

After two years of construction, the mausoleum of President Ho Chi Minh was officially inaugurated on August 29,1975. The facade of the mausoleum faces the historic Ba Dinh Square. The mausoleum is divided into three layers with a combined height of 21.6 meters. The lowest layer forms a terraced stand exclusively used for the presidium of grand meetings organized at the grassy Ba Dinh Square. The second layer is the central piece of the mausoleum where the remains of the president is kept in a chamber accessible through a series of passages and flights of marble staircases. The upper part of the mausoleum is the roof resembling a three terraced steps. The facade of the upper part bears an inscription "President Ho Chi Minh" made of dark violet precious stone. The mausoleum is the place to keep the remains of President Ho Chi Minh, the great patriotic who had been conferred the title "World Cultural Activist" and the national hero. The conferment was made on the occasion of the centenary anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh's Birthday (1890-1990). The mausoleum project was the results of artistic labor of both Vietnamese and former Soviet Union scientists in respect for President Ho Chi Minh.

Quan Thanh Temple

The three ancient Chinese which are still seen today on the top of the entrance to the temple means Tran Vu Quan. That is literally the temple which is dedicated to Saint Tran Vu. A temple is a place for worshipping saints while a pagoda is dedicated to Buddha and faithful disciplines. Saint Tran Vu was a legendary figure which was a combination between a legendary character in

Vietnam's legend and a mystic character derived from China's legend. The legendary character in Vietnam's legend was a saint who had earned the merits of assisting King An Duong Vuong in getting rid of ghost spirit during the King's construction of his citadel at Co Loa. The Chinese legendary figure was a saint who made great contributions in safeguarding the northern border. Quan Thanh Temple was built during the reign of King Ly Thai To (1010-1028). In 1893 the temple was given a grand facelift to have the shape as we can see it today. Special attention should be paid to a black bronze statute of Saint Tran Vu. The giant statute, formally placed in the main hall, was cast in 1677. Another special object is an ancient bronze bell, 1.5 meters high, which is hanged at the top of the three-gate entrance. Another object of no less significant is a smaller black bronze statute of Old Trong, a chief artisan of the bronze casting team who had made the giant statute of Saint Tran Vu and the great bell on top of the tree-gate entrance. To commemorate the great contributions of the teacher Old Trong, his students of bronze casting cast his statute and placed in the temple for their for their younger generations to remember Old Trong for ever.

Ngoc Son Temple

Hoan Kiem lake which had been considered the most beautiful lake in the city was in the 19th century added with another object to make it more beautiful and famous. That was the construction of a temple on the Ngoc (Jade) islet in the lake. Initially the temple was called Ngoc Son Pagoda. Later it was renamed Ngoc Son Temple because in the temple is dedicated to saints. Saint Van Suong was a person considered the brightest star in Vietnam's literature and intellectual circles. Tran Hung Dao was worshipped because he was the national hero who led the Vietnamese people to a resounding victory over the Nguyen aggression. The temple as it is seen today was attributable to the restoration afforts of Nguyen Van Sieu in 1864. A great Hanoi literature writer, Nguyen Van Sieu himself had a large pen-shaped tower (Thap But) built in at the entrance to the temple. On the upper section of the Thap but there are three Chinese characters Ta Thanh Thien which means literally that to write on the blue sky is to imply the height of a genuine and righteous person's determination and will. Behind Thap But is Dai Nghien (Ink Stand). The ink stand is carved from stone resembling a peach, which is placed on the back of the three frogs on top of the gate to the temple. Passing through Dai Nghien visitors are to tread on the wooden bridge called The Huc. The Huc is literally understood as the place where beams of morning sunshine are touching. On the long way that leads to the temple there are several cau doi (parallel sentences) written on the wall. These cau doi are considered part of a traditional ward puzzle entertainment, a lifestyle literally educated persons of ancient Thang Long used to follow.

The temple of Literature- Quoc Tu Giam in Hanoi capital

The temple of Literature- Quoc Tu Giam in Hanoi capital

Temple of Literature-Quoc Tu Giam was the first university of Vietnam where many students
graduated with high flying colors. Some became doctors of philosophy. In 1482 King Le Thanh Tong ordered the erection of steles with inscription of all the names, birth dates and birth places of doctors, and other excellent graduates who took part in examinations since 1442. At present there remain 82 steles standing in the premises of Van Mieu. Aprt from its cultural value, each stele presents an artistic project of stone carving. Each stele is placed on the back of a turtle representing the nation's longevity.

Geography of Hanoi Capital at a glimpse

Geography

Hanoi is located in the Red River Delta, in the center of North Vietnam. It is encompassed by Thai Nguyen Province to the north, Vinh Phuc and Ha Tay to the west and south, Bac Giang, Bac Ninh and Hung Yen provinces to the east and south-east.Hanoi means “the hinterland between the rivers” (Ha: river, Noi: interior). Hanoi’s territory is washed by the Red River (the portion of the Red River embracing Hanoi is approximately 40km long) and its tributaries, but there are some other rivers flowing through the capital, including Duong, Cau, Ca Lo, Day, Nhue, Tich, To Lich and Kim Nguu.

Vietnam tours

Lying on the eastern part of the Indochinese peninsula, Vietnam is a strip of land shaped like the letter “S”. China borders it to the north, Laos and Cambodia to the west, the East Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the east and south.

The country’s total length from north to south is 1,650km. Its width, stretching from east to west, is 600km at the widest point in the north, 400km in the south, and 50km at the narrowest part, in the centre, in Quang Binh Province. The coastline is 3,260km long and the inland border is 4,510km.Latitude: 102º 08' - 109º 28' eastLongitude: 8º 02' - 23º 23' north

Vietnam is also a transport junction from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean.

Laos

Laos Overviews:Laos provides the traveller a chance to truly experience Asia as it once was. Largely undeveloped, devotedly Buddhist and blessed geographically with natural beauty, this country will forever leave a lasting impression on all travellers.

Time - Laos is 3 hours behind Eastern Standard Time in Australia.Language - The official and dominant language is Lao, a tonal language of the Tai linguistic group but English is spoken in the main cities as is French by the older generation. Thai and Vietnamese are also common.Entry Requirements - Passport must be valid for 6 months beyond the length of stay.

Visas are required for all nationalities, the price of which is already included in the fully inclusive price of all our group tours for Australian Passport holders.WHAT'S NEW THIS YEARThis year we have expanded our Laos Encompassed Group tour to incorporate more of Thailand into the itinerary.

Now called Thailand and Laos Encompassed this tour allows you to experience the lifestyles of the hill tribes in the north of Thailand and along the Mekong River in Laos. We have also added more departures to our popular Grand Tour of Indochina which covers not only Laos but Vietnam and Cambodia within the same tour.VIENTIANEWeaving along the Mekong River, Vientiane, is the capital of Laos and the largest city in the country, yet is still small enough to get to know easily.

The tree-lined boulevards and old temples impart an old world charm in spite of passing traffic.LUANG PRABANGSet amidst a striking mountainous skyline, Luang Prabang is a beautiful town retaining its original enchanting character and is perhaps the best preserved traditional city in South East Asia. This UNESCO listed city is the crown jewel of Laos and royal residence of the last king Sisavan Vatthana.VANG VIENGVang Vieng is the Laos equivalent to Guilin with similar limestone mountainous landscape. Once a favourite destination for backpackers, Vang Vieng is fast becoming a destination for more mainstream travellers.PAKSELocated on the confluence of the Mekong and Se Don Rivers, the capital of Champasak Province is the departure point for Wat Phou, Four Thousand Islands and the coffee plantations of Bolaven Plateau. From here you can also visit Khone Pha Pheng Waterfalls, reputed to be the largest waterfalls in Asia.PLAIN OF JARS (Phonsavan)Situated in Xieng Khuang Province, the Plain of Jars is home to the mysterious and reputed 2000 year old stone jars. Phonsavan (Phonsavanh), the official provincial capital is the closest city and airport to the Plain of Jars.CHAMPASAK (Wat Phou)A small and quiet former French colonial town, Champasak is now better known for its Pre-Angkorian temple dating back to the 8th century AD which has been listed as a World Heritage site. Wat Phou is thought to have been the possible capital of the first Khmer Kingdom before they moved south to the Ton Le Sap area.

Samui Travel Guide

Samui is an island located about 80 kilometers from Suratthani, the nearest mainland city. You can fly here with Bangkok Airways directly from Bangkok. They also have direct flights from Phuket, Krabi and Singapore. Pelangi Airlines now offers 2 charter flights per week direct from Kuala Lumpur, with availability subject to demand. Those on a budget can take the trains from any of the above cities for as little as 1/10 the cost of flying. Many people book sleeping berths in the overnight trains from Bangkok. You will disembark at Suratthani station very early in the morning, from where you are taken by bus to the ferry for the 1 to 2 hour crossing from the mainland. Buses are the least expensive option for those on a tight budget. They also travel to Suratthani from all major cities in the region. If you have a car or motorcycle that you wish to bring to Samui, you can drive to Donsak Ferry Terminal and put your vehicle on board.

Air Plane

The direct flight from Don Muang airport in Bangkok to Samui is by far the most convenient way to come. Samui Airport is privately owned and operated by Bangkok Airways and the price of the ticket is high by comparison to other comparable destinations throughout the country, however the airport is a sight for sore eyes (and sore bodies.) This delightful little facility has won International awards for its environmentally friendly design and bucolic charm.
Note: Bear in mind you will be required to pay a 450 baht per person surcharge upon your departure from Samui airport, payable in baht.
An economical option to consider is a flight from Bangkok to Suratthani with Thai Airways. The cost of the ticket is substantially less than the Bangkok Airways direct flight to Samui. However from Suratthani you will still have to take a bus from the airport to the ferry for the 1 hour 20 minute boat ride across. Because of the ferry and flight schedules, this itinerary seems more practical going than coming.

Samui Culture & History

There are two theories as to how the island was named. The first suggests that the name of a commonly-found tree called "mui" was lengthened at some point. The second, and probably more likely notion, is that "Saboey" which is a Chinese word for safe haven (certainly an apt description of the island's largely protected waters) was adopted by Chinese fishermen, and later become the name we use today. Vestiges of the once thriving fishing communities can still be seen in villages such as Nathon and Maenam. Lucrative coconut and rubber farming industries also developed, and harvesting of these crops still takes place in the hills of the island's interior. Samui is home to more varieties of coconut palms than any other place on earth.

Until not much more than a decade ago, folks on Samui had scarcely seen foreigners. With the influx of tourists an industry sprung up, and thousands of jobs were created. Foreign currency flowed in, benefiting many.

Big Buddha Temple in kor samui

Visit to Big Buddha Temple this monumental landmark is placed on the island's northern shore, after that go to Shopping at Island Souvenir then go to Chaweng view point to observe the panorama view of Chaweng Beach the delicately white sandy beach, Then go to the strange rock named Grandfather and Grandmother after that visit to the lagest and the most beautiful waterfall in Samui "Namuang Fall" then last stop at Nathon Town for shopping , and then back to hotel

Sightseeing Tours Day Trip Excursions

Koh Samui Located approximately 700 kilometers south of Bangkok, Koh Samui is accessible by road, train and air from Surat Thani via regular ferry service, and by the most convenient mode - a direct flight from Bangkok, or Phuket.
The island has numerous lovely beaches and bays, and is almost literally an island of coconut trees. Apart from the beautiful beaches, Koh Samui has an interesting variety of natural and man made attractions worth visiting, and they vary from the religious sights to the amusing, for example the natural stone formation of Hinta and Hinyai!

Looking for Geelong Hotels?

Looking for Geelong Hotels?
With our army of squirrels, Wego consolidates the best Geelong hotel deals by searching hundreds of hotel reservation websites simultaneously. Travelers are presented with a wide variety of accommodation in Geelong, Australia.
Browse our list of cheap Geelong hotels or simply compare all Geelong accommodation from luxury hotels (5 star, 4 star) to budget hotels, resorts, hostels and many more. To select your preferred accommodation, just click on the Update Price button or simply conduct a Geelong hotel search.

Asia Hotel Singapore

The Asia Hotel Singapore lies only 28 km (17 miles) away from the airport. This 3-star property offers travelers a choice of 146 pleasant rooms that are equipped with the standard amenities of hotels in its class. This Singapore accommodation contains all of the facilities and conveniences you would expect from a hotel in its class. These top-class facilities are complemented to excellent services to meet the needs of visitors to Singapore. To book a room easily at the Asia Hotel, please submit your travel dates and proceed with our secure online booking form.

South East Asia Hotel

For more than four decades, South East Asia Hotel has been the hotel of choice for many a visitor to Singapore. It's easy to see why.
Run by friendly and helpful folks, South East Asia Hotel offers all guests a cosy, inviting and homey atmosphere at very affordable prices. The rooms are clean and comfortable, air-conditioned and come with attached bathroom, telephone and cable television.
The hotel also operates the Kwan Im Vegetarian Restaurant, one of the finest Chinese vegetarian restaurants in Singapore.
Not only does South East Asia Hotel offer comfort, it also boasts of a first class location. Waterloo Street is smack in the heart of Singapore's civic and cultural district, easily accessible by buses, the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), taxis or simply by foot. It is - like the island republic - a melting pot of cultures, a charming mix of the old and new. Options for dining, shopping, nitelife and cultural explorations are limitless with the area's varied places of worship, interesting neighbourhood shops, HDB flats, modern office buildings, shopping and food centres.
Whether you're a businessman, a tourist or a backpacker, you will find South East Asia Hotel not just convenient but comfortable and very affordable as well.

3 Kms North of Bangkok Airport 99/2 Moo 8 , Phaholyothin Road LamlukkaPathumthanee 12130, Thailand

The Asia Airport Hotel is located in a complex situated 3 kms north of the former Bangkok domestic and international airports (Don Muang Airport) There are many excellent facilities for the weary traveler, including a lounge, lobby ,coffee shop (5.30 am-1.00 am), Room service (24 hr), swimming pool, fitness room, table-tennis, video and music room, study area, snooker room and traditional Thai foot and body-massage. The lower floors of the complex have many shops, local and international restaurants, and two bowling centers.

Facilities : The 234 guest rooms and suites are modern and tastefully furnished with private bathroom with bathtub and shower, remote TV, individually controlled air conditioner. A free shuttle bus transfer is provided to and from Don Muang airport (please advise arrival flight details). Prices : Rates are in Thai baht per room per night and subject 10% service charge and 7% tax. The rate includes a welcome drink, free parking. Guests also receive 10% discount on laundry and free health club facilities. An extra bed is available on request.

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance from Asiatravel gives you comprehensive benefits at a competitive price. Whether you're relaxing in Thailand, shopping in Paris or driving across Australia or America, our policies have been designed to suit your needs and provide you with peace of mind knowing that you have access to 24 hours emergency medical & travel assistance from anywhere in the world, 7 days a week 365 days a year.

Maldives hotels

The Maldives has a very large choice of resorts. They are all "resort" hotels so you wont find any youth hostels or cheap hotels. Most resorts take up their own island ( any thing from 1500m by 1500m down to 500m by 500m) What this does mean that the ratio of beach to guest must be one of the best in the world and it is hard to imagine that you would ever have to struggle to find your own private piece of beach to relax on. The range and themes or the resorts is impressive, most people will find one they like. Starting from bed and breakfast 3* ( European stars) level which none the less benefit from the wonderful water beaches and scenery. All the way up to something like Soneva Gili (in North Male) with its completely water locked stilted bungalows with their personal rowing boat and oarsman to take you to and from dry land. Lots of the resorts have a no shoes policy and with such soft sands it is easy to love this idea. The resorts also vary enormously in distance from the airport on the island next to Male. (Soneva Gili is 10 mins boat ride by and velavaru is 45mins plane ride). Don't let that put you off as the further from Male you get generally the more peacefully the islands and the better the diving.

Nepal hotels

Budget accommodation in Nepal ranges from around 100 NPR to around 250 NPR for a double. Cheaper rooms usually do not have sheets, blankets, towels, or anything else besides a bed and a door. Most budget hotels and guesthouses have a wide range of rooms, so be sure to see what you are getting, even if you have stayed there before. Accommodations will often be the cheapest part of your budget in Nepal.

Myanmar hotels

Accommodation is readily available in many tourist locales throughout Myanmar. Hostels and cheap hotels are available throughout the country. World-class hotels are available in Yangon, Bagan, and Mandalay. World-class resorts are available in many resort cities along the coastline and in Inlay Lake.
Hotels often provide complimentary breakfast.
If you want to be a socially conscious traveler, avoid five star hotels. These are all joint ventures with the government, so you will be providing major monetary bonuses to the regime.

Thailand hotels

Thailand has a plethora of accommodation in every price bracket. Always take a look at the room (or better still several rooms) before agreeing a price.
Guesthouses are usually the cheapest option, costing under 200 baht per night (or less for a dorm bed). This gets you a room with a fan, a squat toilet (often shared) and not much else.
Thai hotels start around 200 baht and go up to around 800 baht. The upper end of this range will be air-conditioned, the lower end will not. The primary difference is that with a hotel room, your bathroom should be private, bed linen and towels should be provided, and there may be a hot shower.
Tourist hotels are generally around 1000 baht and offer the basics for a beach vacation: swimming pool, room service and colour TV.
Business and luxury hotels, 2000 baht and up, offer every modern amenity you can think of and are largely indistinguishable from hotels anywhere else in the world. Some, notably Bangkok's The Oriental and The Peninsula are among the world's best hotels. The most luxurious resorts also fall in this price category, with some of the very best and most private adding a zero to the price.

Malaysia hotels

The choice of accommodation in Malaysia runs the gamut, ranging from RM20 beds in tribal longhouses to Pavarotti's favorite, the US$1000+/night luxury resort of Pangkor Laut. Accommodation is often extremely good value for money, with even top-of-the-range five-star hotels available for as little as US$50 if you book in advance with the right discounts, which makes Malaysia a great place for a little splurge. In cities, avoid any hotels marked Rumah Tumpangan instead of Hotel, as there are typically dodgy boarding houses for foreign workers.

New Zealand hotels

New Zealand offers a wide range of accommodation.
International quality hotels can be found in the major cities. And New Zealanders seem to have perfected the art of the top-end homestay. Hosted luxury lodges are the top-end equivalent of the bed-and-breakfast market and New Zealand has upwards of 40 internationally recognised lodges. Per capita, that's probably the highest in the world. They tend to be situated away from cities, though some are right in the heart of the major centres, and can be difficult to get to. At the very top-end, helicopter transfers and private jets help the luxury traveller move between the lodges they've chosen for their visit.
Motels of a variety of standards from luxury to just adequate can be found on the approaches to most towns. There is a wide range of backpackers accommodation around the country, including a network of Youth Hostels that are members of the Youth Hostels Association (62 in 2004), as well as homestays, farmstays and similar lodgings—some in the most unlikely places. New Zealanders are also registered on hospitality exchange sites, such as CouchSurfing. The CouchSurfing organization has announced its plans to host a Collective in New Zealand for six months.

Hostel, motel and hotel accommodation is readily available in most Australian cities and tourist destinations. Smaller towns usually have a selection of motel rooms available at a number of venues. Accommodation rates are broadly comparable, if perhaps slightly less expensive than their equivalents in Europe or North America. often Pubs in small towns will offer an amount of rooms available
Hostels
Budget hostel-style accommodation with shared bathrooms and often with dormitories is approximately $20-$30 per person per night. Facilities usually include a fully equipped kitchen with adequate refrigeration and food storage areas which allow travellers to stay healthy and save money by cooking their own meals. All hostels also have living room areas equipped with couches, dining tables, and televisions to provide travelers with a cozy and relaxing environment. About 150 hostels are part of , a member of Hostelling International.
Hotels
All state capitals would have at least one major hotel up to 5 stars that is comparable to many other high profile hotels around the world. The majority of Australia's hotels are located in the Central Business Districts (CBD) of the capital city. Hotel services and hospitality are often excellent such as room cleaning services, free morning newspapers, meals to your door and a high-speed internet connection up to 24mb/s (but often with a premium fee twice the cost of the local internet).
All hotels would have a restaurant (or bistro, depending on the type of hotel you are staying in) on the ground floor next to the check in desk. The restaurant or bistro would often serve food that comparable to many other up-market restaurants outside the hotel. Also on the ground floor would normally be a fully equipped bar.

hotels in Singapore

Accommodation in Singapore is expensive by South-East Asian standards, although a recent government push for more hostels and low-priced hotels may alleviate the situation a little.
Budget
Backpackers' hostels can be found primarily in Little India, Bugis and East Coast. Around $20 for a dorm bed.
Cheap hotels are clustered in the Geylang and Balestier districts, where they service mostly the type of customer who rents rooms by the hour. Prices start as low as $15 for a "transit" of a few hours and $40 for a full night's stay.
Dragon Group. A group of seven budget hotels providing cheap lodgings in red-light districts. Double rooms for the night from $40 upwards.
Fragrance Hotel. Chain of 11 affordable hotels and one backpackers' hostel. Rooms from $58, discounts on weekends and for ISIC holders.
Hotel 81. A chain of cheap but sordid hotels that are not a bad option for backpackers willing to pay a small premium for privacy, with rates starting at $49 for two.
Mid-range
Much of Singapore's mid-range accommodation is in rather featureless but functional older hotels, with a notable cluster near the western end of the Singapore River. There has, however, been a recent surge of "boutique" hotels in renovated shophouses here and in Chinatown and these can be pretty good value, with rates starting from $100/night.
Splurge Raffles HotelSingapore has a wide selection of luxury accommodation, including the famed Raffles Hotel. You will generally be looking at upwards of $200 for a room in a five-star hotel, which is still a pretty good deal by most standards. The largest hotel clusters can be found by the riverside (good for sightseeing) and around Orchard Road (good for shopping).

hotels in India

Choices vary wildly depending on your budget and location. Cheap travellers' hotels are numerous in big cities where you can get a room for less than Rs 450 ($ 10). Rooms at guest-houses with a double bed (and often a bathroom) can be found in many touristic venues for Rs 150-200. Good budget hotels in India are hard to find, but Ginger Hotels [30] runs a nationwide chain of 7 hotels in different cities. A cross between a mid-range business hotel and a US motel, all the hotels offer unique facilities such as Self Check-In, Safe Zone, Dial-A-Meal, Smart Space, The Sq Meal Restaurant and Smart Space. At a mere 25 dollars per night, it's some of the best value-for-money accomodation you'll get in the country.
Midrange options are plentiful in the larger cities. The prices vary from $ 50 to $ 100 per night. Breakfast if often included. The international Country Inn chain is expanding its network at a rapid pace. As of December 2006, they have Country Inns and Suites at Bhimtal, Haridwar, Ludhiana and Jammu. Delhi-based Leisure Hotels offers a wide range of accomodation in Uttaranchal at around $ 100 per night. Alternatively, Neemrana offers resorts at Off-the-Beaten-Track locations. If your wallet allows it, you can try staying in former maharaja's residence in Udaipur or modern five-star hotels which are now found pretty much all over the country. The top-end of Indian luxury rests with the Oberoi, Taj, and Sheraton India hotel chains, who operate hotels in all the major cities and throughout Rajasthan. A number of international chains including Marriott and Hyatt also run major 5-star hotels in most Indian metropolises, but due to India's economic boom availability is tight and prices can be crazy: it's not uncommon to be quoted over US$300/night for what would elsewhere be a distinctly ordinary business hotel going for a third of the price. Also beware that some jurisdictions including Delhi and Bangalore charge stiff luxury taxes on the rack rate of the room, which can lead to nasty surprises at check-out time. Five-star hotels in India tend to be pricey, and $ 200 is considered cheap in a Taj or Sheraton. Suites are priced at multiples of 1000!!! dollars per night.
Two important factors to keep in mind when choosing a place to stay are 1) safety, and 2) cleanliness. Malaria is alive and well in certain areas of India - one of the best ways to combat malaria is to choose lodgings with air conditioning and sealed windows. An insect-repellent spray containing DEET will also help.
Dak bungalows exist in many areas. These were built by the British to accommodate travelling officials and are now used by the Indian and state governments for the same purpose. If they have room, most will take tourists at a moderate fee. They are plain - ceiling fans rather than air conditioning, shower but no tub, etc. - but clean, comfortable and usually in good locations. Typically the staff includes a pensioned-off soldier as night watchman and perhaps another as gardener; often the gardens are lovely. Sometimes there is a cook. You meet interesting Indian travellers this way: engineers building a bridge in the area, a team of doctors vaccinating the villagers, whatever.

Hotels in China

Sleeping accommodations for tourists are widely available and can vary in quality from shared dorm rooms to five-star luxury hotels. For the most part, laws in China restrict or ban foreigners from the cheapest hotels, forcing foreign tourist to book rooms in much more expensive accommodations than locals can get into, many of which are still state-run and haven't changed much since the Mao era. That being said, there's a dizzying number of sleeping options in most Chinese towns and despite language and law barriers you should be able to find something in your budget and comfort range.
Looking for a hotel upon first arriving in a Chinese city can be a daunting task: a mob of passengers are pushing to disembark from your train or bus, touts are tugging at your arm and screaming in your face to come with them, everything is in incomprehensible Chinese and you are just looking for a place to put down your bag. It doesn't get any better once you get in a cab because the driver doesn't speak any English and every hotel in your guide book is full or closed! This can be the experience for many travelers in China, but the pains of booking a hotel room can be avoided if you know where to look and what you're looking for.
If you're willing to pay $30 or more for a room, then you'll probably have little problem finding a room. But if you want a cheap yet comfortable room, you'll have to be armed with a bit more knowledge than what can be had in many guide books. The cheapest options include hostels, dorms and extra rooms called zhusu, and there are plenty of hotels charging ?150 and up available in every city. Sleeper trains and sleeper buses can also be a decent option; see the "Get Around" section of this page for more information. If you're in a town and you can't find a hotel try looking near the bus or train station, an area that typically has a larger selection of cheap hotels. Hotels that are not licensed to accept foreigners can be heavily fined if they are caught housing foreign occupants. But enforcement of this law appears spotty and many hotels unlicensed to accept foreigners will find you a room. In the cheapest range of hotels it is important to ask if there is 24 hours of hot water - and check if the shower, sink and toilet in fact work. It is also advisable that you avoid checking into a room next to a busy street as traffic may keep you up late and wake you up early. If you do plan on just showing up in town and looking for a place to sleep it is best that you arrive before 6-7:00 p.m. as the most popular places will be booked for the night.
One secret to keep in mind when booking a room in China is that prices are often negotiable. A sharp reduction from the price listed on the wall can be had by just asking "What's the lowest price?". Note this doesn't work during the busy Chinese holiday seasons, when prices skyrocket and rooms are hard to get.
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Hotels in Japan

In addition to the usual youth hostels and business hotels, you can find several kinds of uniquely Japanese accommodation, ranging from rarefied ryokan inns to strictly functional capsule hotels and utterly over-the-top love hotels.

When reserving any Japanese accommodations, bear in mind that many smaller operations may hesitate to accept foreigners, fearing language difficulties or other cultural misunderstandings. This is to some extent institutionalized: large travel agency databases note which (few) hotels are prepared to handle foreigners, and they may tell you that all lodgings are booked if only these are full! Instead of calling up in English, you may find it better to get a Japanese acquaintance or local tourist office to make the booking for you. Alternatively, for cheap Internet rates, Rakuten's English search tool is an invaluable utility.

When checking in to any type of accomodation, the Japanese are, by law, required to make a copy of your passport. It is a good idea, especially if you are travelling in groups, to present the clerk a photo copy of your passport to speed up check-in. Aside from this, remember that Japan is mostly a cash only country, and credit cards are usually not accepted in smaller forms of accomodation, including, but not limited to, small business hotels. Bring enough cash to be able to pay in advance.

One thing to beware in wintertime: traditional Japanese houses are designed to be cool in summer, which all too often means that they are freezing cold inside in winter. Bulk up on clothing and make good use of the bathing facilities to stay warm; fortunately, futon bedding is usually quite warm and getting a good night's sleep is rarely a problem.