Forgive me for interrupting the expected, but I've been so busy getting things ready for my odyssey through south-southeast Asia, in spring through the birth of summer (two or three months of traveling). I know I have lovely readers worldwide, so for those who live or have lived or traveled in India, Nepal, Thailand, Laos, or Vietnam (or surrounding areas), could you please recommend me any must-sees or tips? I'd especially love to see some traditional performing arts, music, dance. (I wish I'd seen more arts when I was in Africa and Europe!)
I can’t wait to be on the road again and to be among the beautiful lands, cultures, and peoples of Asia! I'm so excited, I could burst into tears. A dream come true.
5 comments:
Where exactly are you going to in India? If you are really into performing arts you must visit two states: Rajasthan and Kerala. Rajasthan on the whole is a vibrant, colourful living museum of experience and equally rich in fine arts and dance. My favourite dances to watch are the Ghoomer (Mainly performed by Rajput women on all the auspicious occasions), Sapera (the snake charmer's dance) and Manjira (Gypsy dance). You must also watch the Kathputli, a traditional puppet show.
Kerala has about 150 different folk dance forms but the one you must see is the Kathakali is a ritual, dance and theater all rolled into one, much like Japanese Kabuki.
I lived in Thailand for the majority of my life and I would definitely recommend:
Chiang Mai to see the elephants and go trekking
Koh Chang, or Koh Tao
Chutchuchak weekend market (Bangkok)
Ayuttyah for thai history and more rural culture
and the obvious ones are phuket, krabi, phi phi etc...
I'd recommend taking an overnight train from bangkok to chiang mai and then from there, there are sometimes mini buses to get to Phnom phen or to get into Vientiane. South east Asia is so beautiful, I wish I could go back there soon. Have a great trip!
Forgot to mention in Chiang Mai you can experience a dinner with entertainment which is usually traditional thai shadow puppet art and a northern thai dance which is stunning as well as good food as you'd expect in thailand haha.
Also in Bangkok there are common lady boy entertainment shows in hotels, definitely worth a look if you aren't offended by it. I think the most famous show is called "Calypso"
Halong bay in Vietnam is a must see and you have to try the Pho!
Nepal: i know for sure u won't miss Pokhara, city of 7 lakes, if u visit Nepal. It is magnificent beauty nature can offer u in easily accessible visits to Davis' fall(Non-perenial), it's flow inside the cave, fish-tail mountain panorama, Bat cave and many more. If u want some adrenaline rush u can fly down the Sarankot hill paragliding.
As for traditional art, music and dance u gotta be lucky because there is no regular show or threater performance(that i know of in grand scale) but different festivals and processions which includes all of them do take place frequently in culturally blessed capital city- Kathmandu. Newars, the native people of the city, majorly participate in these festivals and rituals with their traditional musical instrument and dances. If u get lucky u might catch the procession of dragging chariot with living Virgin goddess- Kumari on it which is held around spring. And also do taste Newari dish set, it might appeal your palate.
Other sites: Lumbini- birthplace of lord Buddha;
Chitawan- elephant safari.
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