Manila & Bangkok trip - Kunal Kukreja

About the destination: Manila is the biggest city and the economic and business hub of the Philippines. It is situated on the eastern coast of Manila Bay on Luzon, the nation's largest island. Manila is a contemporary metropolis with Filipino heritage and a unique ambiance created by the fusion of Spanish, Chinese, and American cultures. The city is dotted with numerous temples and worship places of various religions. Baroque colonial churches, Buddhist and Taoist temples, and the stunning Golden Mosque exemplify the city’s diverse cultural heritage. Rizal Park, also referred to as the Luneta, is the city’s primary attraction. The park houses many significant sites to visit such as the Chinese and Japanese Gardens, the National Museum of the Philippines, The National Library of the Philippines, the Planetarium, an Orchidarium, an open-air auditorium for cultural events, and the monument and final resting place of the nation’s hero, José Rizal. At the northern tip of Manila Bay is the old walled Spanish settlement of Manila, Intramuros, which translates to within the walls. Unfortunately, much of it was destroyed during the war, but it still holds some of the city's most intriguing museums, ruins, and churches including the Manila Cathedral, the country's most significant church. Vibrant and lively, Manila is a city rich in history, cutting-edge galleries, thrilling nightlife, delectable restaurants, and modern shopping centers. Once referred to as the Pearl of the Orient, Manila continues to be a tourist attraction in its own right.

About the destination: Bangkok, a city renowned for its cosmopolitan vibe in Asia, serves as the capital of Thailand. Despite its hot and crowded nature, Bangkok maintains a relative cleanliness and offers a plethora of enjoyable activities. The city boasts excellent shopping opportunities, a rich cultural scene, stunning temples, delectable cuisine, and a respectable art scene. The majority of Bangkok's attractions are located on the island of Rattanakosin, commonly known as the Old City. The Grand Palace is an absolute must-visit location. The Grand Palace complex is also home to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Phra Keow, which is the most revered Buddhist temple. Other notable temples in Bangkok include the Wat Pho and Wat Arun temples. Bangkok is a shopper's paradise, with a multitude of shops, shopping centers, and markets to cater to every desire. The nightlife in Bangkok is as diverse as the city itself, ranging from beer bars and exclusive clubs to night shopping markets, discos, and bohemian parties. Bangkok, a vast, bustling metropolis, manages to maintain a sense of tranquility and elegance amidst the noise and crowds. It is one of the world's premier destinations that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime.