Tourism

The 10 Best Things to Do in Taif Saudi Arabia

Al Faisaliah Garden

Taif is the famous ‘City of Roses’ in Saudi Arabia. Surrounded by scenic views of mountains, and rose fields; it’s a must visit with your Umrah Package after the performance of holy rituals in Makkah. The fragrant rose flowers that grow here in mountains and valleys are world famous.

The city of Taif also shares a history with the beginning era of Islam. That’s why pilgrims arriving with 4 star 12 nights Chicago Umrah packages often opt for the exploration of this city after completing the holy rituals.

When you are visiting Taif, here are the 10 best things to do in the city.

Rose fields.

Taif is one of the largest producers of rose flowers in the world. Annually, more than 900 rose farmers grow around 300 million famous 30-petaled Damask roses here. These roses fill up the atmosphere of Taif with their sweet and captivating scent. These flowers are then either exported as it is or used to manufacture the rose oil (‘Attar’ in the local language) that serves various poses. In fact, Taif-produced rose oil is among the most expensive perfume oils in the world.

You can take a guided tour of these rose fields on your day trip to Taif and go to the local markets to purchase these purchase aromatic oils, water, perfumes, and rose-scented soaps at a much cheaper rate!

The best time to visit Taif rose field is during the spring season i.e. from Late February to early March. During this time, roses are in their full bloom season, portraying a sight worth seeing.

Saiysad National Park.

Located 13 km away from Taif city, Saiysad National Park is an ideal destination to go for a picnic with your family, especially when children are also accompanying you. Though this park has many gates, only one is open for the tourists. You can spend the day here with your family, go for little hikes and relax in its calming atmosphere. When travelling with friends, don’t forget to do camping at Saiysad National Park.

Al Shafa Mountain.

Present at a distance of 35 kilometres southwest of Taif city, Al Shafa mountain is the highest peak in the region that you can reach via a paved road.
Mount Dhaka Park present on the top of the mountain offers tourists a stunning view of the local mountain range that spans over an area of ten thousand square metres.
Spa treatments are also available to help you relax and unwind if you are planning to stay a bit longer here.
This place is the perfect spot for family picnic and barbeque that you can reach easily within 40 minutes.

Taif Central Market.

Taif Central Market brings you the best shopping options for silver and gold jewellery. However, you can also find a variety of other local products here. Such as;

Arabic Perfumes.
Rose water and oil.
Islamic clothing.
Jewellery.

During your trip to the central market you will also come across the suppliers of roasted milk, wood, knives, and herbs here.

Al Faisaliah Garden.

Possessing a number of water fountains, slides and swings for children as well as seating areas for adults; Al Faisaliah Garden remains one of the best tourist spots near Taif. Not only the garden has exceptional landscaping and maintenance but also is popular for the tasty barbecue it has to offer

You can witness the dancing fountain here as well to entertain kids and adults alike.
You can visit Al Faisaliah Garden throughout the week at different times excluding Tuesdays.

Al-Wahba Crater.

250 km from Taif city, you can plan a day trip to the Al-Wahba Crater. It is a volcanic crater in the Hejazi region of Saudi Arabia, just on the edge of the Harrat Kishb basalt plateau. With a depth of 250 m and a 2 km diameter, you will see that the bottom of the crater contains white sodium phosphate crystals. Thus, making it one of the top tourist destinations nearby Taif. You can easily reach Al Wahba crater by road.

Shubra Palace.

Just a distance of 3.1 km from the city centre, you can visit Shubra Palace. Built during 1905 on the order of Sheriff Ali Pasha, Shubra Palace is a beautiful residence with Carrara marble interior, lattice windows and balconies.

King Abdul-Aziz also used to live here before it became the residence of King Faisal.
Shubra Palace is open to the public 24/7 with a free entry. Therefore, it’s a must visit on your trip to Taif.

Al Hada Mountain.

Al Hada mountain is home to a number of adventures that you can do. With its playful baboons, pink fields, and pristine open spaces, the winding paths perfectly depict the ancient camel trails like in a desert of KSA. The longest cable car in Saudi Arabia is at the Al hada mountain that is connected from the top of the mountain to the valley below.

Green Mountain Resort.

When in Taif, stay at the Green Mountain Resort.

This resort also has a theme park and is present on Al hada Street in Taif.
Green Mountain resort is a popular attraction among families because of the quite exciting and fun activities it has to offer for children aged 5 to 15 years.
The Roller Coaster and 7D / 9D movie zones also add to the immersive entertainment that kids can enjoy here.

The Taif Souq.

If you want to buy traditional Taif Souvenirs, The Taif Souq is the only place that you should consider. As one of the largest and oldest traditional markets in Taif, it also serves as a historical centre. The visitors can stroll through the streets of this souk and shop for things like;

Handicrafts.
Locally sourced honey.
Premium rose water prepared from Taif’s famous rose field.
Refreshing mint tea.

Taif’s weather.

Taif has moderate weather where summers do not exceed 35 degrees Celsius and winters don’t go below 10 degrees Celsius. However, the desert climate of Taif speaks for its zero precipitation throughout the year. You can also spot occasional snowfall in Taif. Therefore, we can say that you can visit Taif anytime of the year because neither the summers here are too hot nor winters are too cold.

Things to know when visiting Taif Saudi Arabia.

When visiting Taif, carry your travel documents along that include your passport, visa permissions, travel itinerary, hotel information and return flight ticket. This is to make sure that you don’t get in any trouble upon inquiry by the officials.
Carry a sufficient amount of cash with you i.e. Saudi Riyals. This is because when you are shopping in the local markets of Taif, every shop might not accept credit/ debit cards.
Wear clothes that are weather appropriate, comfortable and airy to offer you ease during travel.
Respect the local customs and traditions when visiting Taif. Be respectful to everyone and don’t make fun of anything that you find strange or don’t understand.
Travel in private cars for maximum privacy and comfort. You can either rent a car and drive it yourself or get it with a driver that knows the area well and can save your time and money during the trip.
Try the local cuisine, street food and traditional Saudi meals to get the complete essence of your trip to Taif.
Know of the nearby health facilities and police stations for your personal security and safety.
Buy local SIM cards for better connectivity and internet availability.

Tourism

Interior Ministry Introduces New 180 Day Destination Thailand Visa

People from more nations will be now able to enter Thailand without a visa beginning Monday. This is part of an effort to increase tourism and encourage visitors to stay longer, Interior Ministry spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul said on Friday.

According to Ms. Traisuree, Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has signed four documents that will make it easier for foreigners to travel. These modifications will all take effect on Monday, provided they are published in the Royal Gazette.

The instructions include 93 more nations on the list of individuals who can visit Thailand without a visa, up from 57 previously. People from these countries can stay for a maximum of 60 days. Additionally, from 19 to 31, nearly twice as many nations will be able to obtain visas on arrival in Thailand.

To attract digital nomads, artists, and tourists interested in learning or practicing skills such as cooking and Muay Thai, the country will also introduce the Destination Thailand Visa service.

The new form of visa, which is valid for five years, allows travelers to stay for up to 180 days.

According to Ms. Traisuree, students holding visas for master’s degrees or higher will not be required to leave Thailand immediately upon graduation. They will be able to stay for an additional year to hunt for work or vacation.

In order to enhance the economy and tourism, the cabinet took a general decision on these additional measures in May. The statement was meant to be released in June, but it was pushed back.

Ms. Traisuree believes that this is the greatest sort of visa for persons who want to work from home in the Land of Smiles and explore the nation without the various restrictions and complications that come with conventional tourist visas.

Getting a DTV will give you a 5-year multiple-entry visa that lets you stay in Thailand for a total of 180 days a year, with the opportunity to stay for another 180 days.

Ms. Traisuree said that the Destination Thailand Visa is great if you want to work from home in the Land of Smiles and see the sights without the many restrictions and problems that come with a regular tourist visa. The Destination Thailand Visa will cost 10,000 THB.

Qualifications for the Thailand Destination Visa (DTV)

According to Thai Embassy, to be eligible for the visa, you must fulfill the following conditions (which could change):

You have to be 20 years of age or older
You have to be able to afford the cost of the visa
To sustain your stay in the nation, you must demonstrate that you have at least 500,000 THB in your bank account
Proof of your employment with a recognized company is required.

For digital nomads or remote workers who want to make the most of their travels and yet have the opportunity to work while they’re there, the Destination Thailand Visa is designed just for you. Additionally, it is ideal if you are traveling to Thailand in order to partake in any of the following activities:

Thai food prepared with Muay Thai
Instruction and conferences
Sports medicine therapy
International talent International music and art events

Thailand DTV Visa Benefits

Additionally, there is uncertainty about these details and they could change:

In comparison to other Southeast Asian nations that provide comparable visas, Thailand has less stringent income requirements and charges for the visa. For another 10,000 THB, you can extend the visa once, for a maximum of 180 days.
There are ninety-three foreign nations that qualify for the Thailand DTV Visa.
With this visa, you can lawfully operate remotely for foreign clients and companies while in Thailand.
Your spouse and any children under the age of twenty may accompany you.
You are exempt from paying taxes on your foreign income because the visa allows you to stay in Thailand for up to 180 days.

Drawbacks of a Thailand DTV Visa

You are unable to work for a Thai company that needs a Thai work visa, even though you are still able to engage in some activities and make money. Your DTV will end if you decide to change the kind of visa you are currently on.

Additional information on the visa’s release date and application process will be available in late June or early July of 2024. You will most likely be able to apply for it via the Thai immigration office, a Thai embassy, or a Royal Thai Consulate.

Tourism

Hotels in Thailand Fret as German Itravel Group Files for Bankruptcy

Thailand’s Hotels Association (THA) reports that another German tour operator has gone bankrupt, but that this will have a far less effect than the recent bankruptcy of FTI Touristik.

Following notification from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Thai Hotels Association has now confirmed that the Cologne-based luxury tour operator Itravel Group has formally filed for bankruptcy.

Southern Thailand is home to numerous high-end resorts, which Itravel aims to attract, according to Thai Hotels Association president Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun.

As a result of Itravel’s bankruptcy, he said, the hotels association is currently collecting data from its members.

On Monday, the organization wrote to the TAT and the Foreign Ministry, requesting that they assist hotel operators in keeping up with legal developments surrounding the bankruptcy of the German tour operator FTI, which resulted in a loss of almost 111 million baht for hotels around the country.

Hotels having issues with Itravel

On Monday, during the THA monthly meeting, Mr. Thienprasit noted that they also emphasized the case’s urgency to Minister Sermsak Pongpanit of Tourism and Sports.

In response to allegations that hotel operators with business partnerships with Itravel were experiencing issues with financial transactions, the agency issued an alert to the industry, according to Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, TAT deputy governor for Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Americas.

He speculated that the losses might be lower with Itravel, an online travel agency that focuses on the niche luxury market, than with FTI, the third operator.

According to the Bangkok Post, at Monday’s THA meeting, Mr. Sermsak stated that the ministry will look into measures to assist hotels, especially since the goal of 3.5 trillion baht in tourism earnings for this year is still very ambitious.

According to Mr. Thienprasit, the organization is opposed to the government’s plans to increase the legal foreign ownership of condominiums from 49% to 75%. This, he added, might lead to an increase in unlawful accommodations and make other condo residents feel uneasy about having more guests around the clock.

Unscrupulous investors

He said that some international investors are already breaking the law by renting out their rooms to day guests, even though the Hotel Act only permits rentals of at least 30 days.

An increase in the foreign ownership quota for condos, according to Mr. Thienprasit, could entice unscrupulous investors and lead to the construction of even more unlawful rooms, which now exceed the number of registered hotel rooms by a factor of two.

The success of Thailand’s hotel industry is highly dependent on the business of tour operators. These collaborations bring in a constant flow of visitors, particularly during busy seasons.

It is more convenient for passengers to book comprehensive packages offered by tour operators, which include hotel accommodations and activities. Because of this arrangement, hotels may anticipate a specific amount of bookings without having to spend a lot on advertising.

Additionally, hotels are able to provide more affordable rates, which appeals to guests who are mindful of their budget. But if tour operators go through slumps or start focusing on other places, this dependence might be disastrous.

Source: Bangkok Post, Thai PBS

Tourism

Embracing Paradise: Your Guide to an Unforgettable Vacation in Los Cabos

Nestled at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, Los Cabos emerges as a paradise where the desert meets the sea, offering a unique blend of natural wonders, luxurious accommodations, and vibrant culture. Whether you seek serene relaxation, thrilling adventures, or cultural explorations, Los Cabos promises an idyllic escape that exceeds expectations.

Discovering Pristine Beaches

Los Cabos is renowned for its stunning beaches, each with its own charm and allure. Sink your toes into the soft sands of Medano Beach, a bustling stretch perfect for sunbathing and people-watching. For a more secluded experience, explore the rugged beauty of Santa Maria Beach, ideal for snorkeling amidst vibrant marine life in crystal-clear waters. Enhance your beach experience with guided tours and snorkeling excursions offered by https://boattripsloscabos.com/, where you can explore the coastline and underwater wonders with expert guides.

Embarking on Aquatic Adventures

Venture into the azure waters of the Sea of Cortez and Pacific Ocean for thrilling water activities. Dive into snorkeling or scuba diving expeditions to discover underwater treasures like colorful coral reefs and curious sea creatures. Set sail on a whale-watching tour during the winter months to witness majestic humpback whales breaching against the backdrop of the Pacific horizon.

Exploring the Baja Desert

Beyond its pristine coastline, Los Cabos boasts dramatic desert landscapes waiting to be explored. Take an ATV or jeep tour through the rugged terrain of the Baja desert, where towering cacti and unique rock formations paint a striking contrast against the deep blue sky. Visit the Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere Reserve for hiking trails that lead to hidden oases and panoramic vistas of the surrounding desert.

Indulging in Culinary Delights

Los Cabos is a culinary paradise, offering a fusion of traditional Mexican flavors with international influences. Sample fresh seafood tacos at local taquerías or dine on gourmet cuisine crafted by world-renowned chefs at upscale restaurants overlooking the ocean. Savor authentic Baja cuisine with dishes like fish tacos, ceviche, and grilled octopus paired perfectly with locally produced wines and craft cocktails.

Experiencing Vibrant Nightlife

As the sun sets, Los Cabos transforms into a lively nightlife destination. Explore the vibrant nightlife scene in Cabo San Lucas with its array of beachfront bars, live music venues, and pulsating nightclubs. Dance the night away under the stars or enjoy a sunset cocktail overlooking the marina, where the atmosphere buzzes with energy and excitement.

Relaxing in Luxury Resorts

Los Cabos boasts a plethora of luxurious resorts and boutique hotels that cater to every traveler’s desire for relaxation and indulgence. Unwind in infinity pools with panoramic ocean views, rejuvenate with holistic spa treatments inspired by ancient Mexican traditions, or tee off on world-class golf courses designed by golf legends amidst stunning coastal landscapes.

Immersing in Local Culture

Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Los Cabos with visits to historic landmarks like the Mission San Jose del Cabo Church or art galleries showcasing local and international artists. Browse through vibrant markets selling handmade crafts, textiles, and souvenirs, or attend cultural festivals and events celebrating Mexican traditions, music, and dance.

Planning Your Los Cabos Escape

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, Los Cabos offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion. With its breathtaking landscapes, diverse activities, and warm hospitality, Los Cabos ensures a memorable vacation that leaves you rejuvenated and inspired, promising a return to its paradise shores time and again.