THE BUZZTHE WORLD UPDATED

Hong Kong beware! The new hub for Asian movie industry is the fertile, mountainous landscape of Southeast Asia. Monsicha Hoonsuwan checks out the region.

Even Hollywood can’t resist the beauty of the North. The verdant terrains bejeweled by the antediluvian ruins of ancient kingdoms – Lanna and Lan Xang – have captured the heart of the Los-Angeles based entertainment company Creative Kingdom Inc. Who, with eight-billion-baht (about USD 234 million) investment, plans a construction of “Chiangmaiwood,” a film production town comprising of six studios in Chiang Mai, to feed the Mekong production needs. And it will, of course, offer the placid north a chance to shine, as a record number of tourists are expected to pour into the area due to this new development. We reveal the region’s best kept secrets, so that you can hit the region before the movie-loving crowds.

Named after and founded by King Mengrai, the founder of the Kingdom of Lanna, Chiang Rai was the centre of the kingdom during the 13th century, and is also home to the Golden Triangle where Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos meet. To date, this northernmost province of Thailand has not seen the massive influx of tourism that has graced the rest of the country. But lack of skyscrapers and railroads shouldn’t bar anyone from visiting this awesome province. Indeed, it was here that Thailand’s most revered Buddha statue – the Emerald Buddha – was found. And it’s here that you can fully savour the serenity of life enveloped in lush mountain ranges, slow-pace hill tribal lifestyles, and Doi Tung’s colourful flower garden – 2,000 metres above sea level.

What to doPerhaps, Chiang Rai’s most unique structure isn’t the ruins of ancient Lanna, but the temple that has been under construction since 1998, designed by one of Thailand’s most respected artists Master Chalermchai Kositpipat – Wat Rong Khun. For those easily bored by religious sites, this temple isn’t just any temple. With the desire to build a temple at his birthplace as heaven within the reach of humans on earth, Wat Rong Khun emerges as a majestic all-white stucco, Lanna-style architecture decorated with silver scintillating pieces of mirrors, representing the immaculate Buddha and his wisdom. The temple lies just 13 kms from the city of Chiang Rai. And if nothing else, this place is an architectural masterpiece.

What to buyAmong the famous Lanna-style ceramics, Wiang Kalong ware is the cream of the crop. It is light, thin, with the fine-grain white clay body that reflects the quality of clay used. Which is very delicate and can only be found around the ancient town of Wiang Kalong, Chiang Rai.

Where to stayAnantara Resort & Spa Golden Triangle (goldentriangle.anantara.com)

It’s Thailand’s Switzerland. The City of Three Mists. Mae Hong Son, a Thai province nestled in deep valley enclosed by high mountain ranges, profuse with florae, is shrouded by mist all year round. The name of the city is derived from the original Mae Rong Son, referring to a channel where a group of pioneers settled, as it was deemed suitable for elephant training. This place is so exclusive that more than half of the population belong to numerous hill tribes, having lived here since ancient times. And their style of life remains largely unchanged. Enchanting and bewitching, many visitors find themselves rather reluctant to leave.

What to doGo where the locals go, and you won’t be disappointed. In Mae Hong Son, there’s a small district called Pai, where morning dews never fail to greet visitors as a sea of mist romantically blankets lofty mountains. Here the Pai River runs, the biggest waterway in Mae Hong Son that eventually merges with the Salween River in Myanmar. During the dry season it’s about one metre deep, perfect for a relaxing sightseeing trip. But during the rainy season, it turns in to a level-three rapid that offers great rafting experiences.

What to buyForget the Dead Sea and Romanian volcanic mud, Phu Klon – approximately 10 km from the Mae Hong Son – is a source of quality natural mineral clay. The clay found here is known as Phu Klon, hot spring mineral mud or Phu Klon mineral clay, and is pure black and suphur-less. Phu Klon Country Club provides visitors with a series of age-defying spa services. Plus, assorted beauty products made of Phu Klon’s clay wrapped in eye-catching packages are available for sale.

Where to stayThe Quarter Hotel, Pai(www.thequarterhotel.com)

As Chiang Rai’s successor, Chiang Mai was Lanna’s centre of culture and religion for more than 400 years. But what distinguishes this “New City” from its predecessor is the fact that it fell under control of the Burmese during the mid-15th century. And for about 200 years, Burmese influences crept into the city, blending itself with the local cultures, and changing Chiang Mai forever. Although not much is left to see today, you can still spot some signs written in Burmese, the super out-of-place Mandalay-style temples, and several other Burmese-inspired chedis and Buddha statues that contribute to Chiang Mai’s everlasting appeal.

What to doChiang Mai may have many wonderful temples. But that’s not all there is. Apart from being culturally rich, Chiang Mai is located on top of Thailand’s geothermal hotspot. That’s right, you can take a big gulp of sulfur-filled air and watch as boiling water shoots 20 metres above the ground at Chiang Mai’s own hot spring – the San Kamphaeng hot spring – 36 kms from the city. Before recent attempts to turn this hot spring and its surrounding area into an ecological tourism site, this place was only good for boiling an egg. Now, it’s fully equipped with resorts, mineral bathhouses, and a mineral swimming pool, surrounded by shady flower gardens and mountain ranges. It’s worth going even just to sit down by the bank of a meandering hot stream to dip your feet in the water and rejuvenate your tired skin.

What to buyThe burst of colour is noticeable even from a kilometre away. Bor Sang Village in San Kamphaeng, is where you can buy Chiang Mai’s famous Bor Sang umbrellas, while observing the secret of their production. Made either of silk fabric, cotton, or mulberry paper, these umbrellas are best used for protecting yourself from the sun, since rainfall might well cause a real washout.

Where to stayMandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi Resort(www.mandarinoriental.com/chiangmai)

Chiang Rai Chiang Mai Mae Hong Son

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THE BUZZTHE WORLD UPDATED

Bu Tinah ShoalsUNITED ARAB EMIRATESLying 35 kms north of Marawah is a small archipelago, joined or almost so at low tide, in the midst of extensive coral formations and seagrass beds that thrive in the extreme temperatures of the Gulf. It’s a protected natural reserve, which means no fishing and collecting of turtle eggs and thus marine life galore.

MaldivesMALDIVESThe archipelagic country is made up of a chain of 1,192 small coral isles grouped into 26 atolls. Only 200 islands are occupied. Due to high levels of salt in the soil near the beach, vegetation is limited. But what is lost above water is more than made up by the teeming marine life below.

Komodo INDONESIAIf you’ve seen the Komodo dragons, you’d certainly understand why the Komodo National Park, with a total area of 1,817 sqkms, deserves to be a wonder. Here, the ecology, and more specifically the massive carnivorous monitor lizards, are fully protected and cherished.

Halong BayVIETNAMMore than a thousand little isles and limestone karsts fill the 120 km-long coastline of Halong Bay, creating one of the most astounding spectacles in the world. Some of the islands are hollow with giant caves and vast lakes. Others are home to fishermen’s floating villages. And because of their rugged nature, a lot of these islands are free from human influence.

YushanTAIWANHere, the environment ranges from sub-tropical forests to alpine landscapes in a reserve that rises at its highest point to nearly 4 kms above sea level. It’s spectacular primarily because of the immense number of species of flora and fauna that make Yushan National Park, Taiwan’s central mountain range, their home.

With the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World confirmed by popular vote in 2007, it’s now time to vote for your favourite natural landscapes,

with the final Seven Natural Wonders of the World being announced in 2011. With the 72 contenders having been whittled down to a pool of 24,

every vote counts as millions across the globe decide on their favourites. Thanks to a rich diversity of landscapes, Asia, with 11, has more than its fair

share. Monsicha Hoonsuwan gives you the list to help you decide.

Jeju IslandSOUTH KOREAAlthough it’s South Korea’s smallest province, it’s the country’s largest island dominated by the tallest, inactive volcanic mountain in the country. Two million years ago, volcanic eruptions gave birth to this island that’s treasured thanks to its impressive network of lava tubes.

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Dead SeaISRAEL, JORDAN, AND PALESTINEYou’ll never drown in the Dead Sea. This hypersaline lake has 33.7% salinity, 8.6 times saltier than the ocean. With this rate, it’s practically uninhabitable by animals and marine life. But what’s toxic to animals is a God-send for acne-ridden skin, with the minerals from the Dead Sea a supposed miracle cure for wrinkles.

SundarbansBANGLADESH, INDIARoyal Bengal tigers love the tangle of mangroves that span the extensive mouth of the Ganges Delta, and why wouldn’t they, with a name that translates as “beautiful jungle”? Stretching across Bangladesh and India, The Sundarbans forms the world’s largest tidal mangrove forest.

Puerto Princesa THE PHILIPPINESAt the heart of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is the reputed longest navigable underground river in the world, flowing through an impressive limestone-filled cave system.

This 8.2 km. long system was given World Heritage status in 1999 and is a major tourist site.

Amazon: South AmericaAngel Falls: VenezuelaBay of Fundy: CanadaBlack Forest: GermanyCliffs of Moher: IrelandEl Yunque: Puerto RicoGalapagos: EcuadorGrand Canyon: United StatesGreat Barrier Reef: Papua New Guinea, AustraliaIguazu Falls: Brazil, ArgentinaKilimanjaro: TanzaniaMasurian Lake District: Poland Matterhorn/Cervino: Switzerland, ItalyMilford Sound: New ZealandTable Mountain: South AfricaUluru: AustraliaVesuvius: Italy

Jeita GrottoLEBANONJeita Grotto is a compound of two crystallised caves in the Valley of Nahr al-Kalb, 18 kms north of Beirut. The two are connected through a 6.2 km-long river, creating cathedral-like vaults full of enormous curtains and interesting rock formations as well as stalagmites and stalactites – one of them among the biggest in the world.

Visit www.new7wonders.com and register to vote for you favourite Asian treasure, now!

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1Get off your couch and do a simple walk-through of your house; you’re going to have an energy audit. This is a very important first step since it’ll bring some

problems to your attention, such as air leaks, insulation, heating, and cooling issues. While you’re at it, make a check list so you know where to start.

2One can’t stress enough how crucial it is to get rid of those more-than-100-watt light bulbs. They’re simply inefficient. Solution: switch to CFLs (compact

fluorescent lamps) and watch your electric bill go down.

3Pretty much everything has moved to the Internet, folks. There’s no need to buy print copies of newspapers, magazines, and even books. Visit www.lifestyleandtravel.

com now to subscribe for the brand new e-magazine.

4Now, to bust the myth, bottles of water aren’t necessarily purer. Besides, you’re polluting the earth with billions of empty plastic bottles, which take millions of barrels

of oil to produce and forever to decompose. The key is to install your own water filter and carry a reusable container that’ll keep you hydrated as you go.

5Talking about plastics, there’re some kinds you just don’t want to hang around with. They’re #3 PVC, #6 PS, and #7 PC, which are harmful both to your health

and the environment. Opt for #2 HDPE, #4 LDPE and #5 PP, which are the safest types because they don’t release deadly chemicals and are generally recyclable. The #1 PET is common for water bottles, but they’re good for single use. Flip you bottle over and look for the number now!

6If you hate mosquitoes with passion, steer away from most insect repellants that contain DEET-based ingredients. And choose more natural alternatives

made from citronella, lemongrass, peppermint, cedarwood – and even Vodka. They might not be as long-lasting, but they’re sure green.

7Why would you choose a desktop over a laptop anyway? Laptops are nicer, smaller, and most of all, they use less electricity – only 15 to 25 watts during normal use

– while a desktop uses 150 watts. Downsize to save the earth.

8Leave those so-called magical cleaning supplies on the supermarket shelves. They won’t be as good as simple household equipments like baking soda and vinegar.

These guys can handle everything from tiles to wood floors. And they aren’t toxic.

9It might be a little tricky messing around with your toilet, but here’s the deal: you use 10 litres of water in one flush. A rural African villager can survive an entire

day with that. So, step back. Fill up a plastic container, and suspend it inside your toilet tank. The volume of the bottle is how much you can save on every flush.

10If your electronic devices are battery-suckers, you might want to consider investing in some rechargeable ones. Instead of adding to the 15

billions batteries that are thrown away each year.

And of course, turn off all appliances, the tap, and unplug when you’re not using them. See? A piece of cake.

Hate global warming but have neither the time nor the money to go green? With household carbon emissions going through the roof right now, Monsicha Hoonsuwan gives you 10 tips to cheaply and effectively make your home a green machine.

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North AmericaKing Kong (1933) The Empire State is famous for once being the tallest building in the world. But it only became iconic when a massive gorilla was filmed jumping around on top ofit while gripping Fay Wray. The film has had such an impact that the tower’s observation deck on the 86th floor is generally regarded as being as legendary as the buildingitself.Sex and the City: The Movie (2008) Urbanism and romance: the perfect combination, every woman’s fantasy, and the primary reason for so many girls wanting to move to NewYork. But, after all, who wouldn’t want to meet a guy that could afford a lifetime stay at the Four Seasons like Mr. Big? Right?Sunset Boulevard (1950) No film better captured the tragiclives of fading film stars. And Norma Desmond remains the epitome of faded fame. The character could be a metaphor for Hollywood itself, as it battles from prominence againstother global cinematic strongholds.Twilight (2008) Forks, Washington was small unknown and rainy until the Twilight craze began. And with so many fansflocking to the town in which both the book and the film is located, the town has gone from economic slump to a financial bump.

Happy-go-lucky Lucy works as a ticket seller at Chicago’s elevated railway station. A merenarrative fact until the film hit the silver screens transformingthe city’s public transport system into an international icon of the city.

EuropeMamma Mia! (2008) My my, how can I resist you? And no, no one can resist the blue-and-white colour that just screams Greece. MammaMia! sends tourists down to the land of many stunning islands, wherethe line between heaven and earth is a thread thin.Notting Hill (1999) The obsession with Notting Hill continues eventhough the film came out more than a decade ago. Because WilliamThacker’s bookshop in Notting Hill, England – an antique shop in reality – is still a popular tourist stop.Paris, Je T’aime (2006) Admit it. The commercialised view of Paris is old and boring. That’s why these eighteen short films, set in differentdistricts of Paris, are telling the story of an unusual encounter in eachneighbourhood. Another look at Paris that still makes it, well,charming.Vicky Christina Barcelona (2008) Barcelona is a city for artists, loversand adventure seekers – a notion emphasised in Woody Allen’s recentfilm. Even the most jaded person is tempted to book a flight after being bombarded by two hours worth of Barcelona’s breath-takingvistas.Roman Holiday (1953) Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck take you on a whirlwind tour of Rome: from Vespa riding past the Trevi Fountain to the flowering romance of and in the Eternal City. This movie shot Hepburn to superstardom and gave Rome a second wind.

AfricaCasablanca (1942) Morocco’s biggest city Casablancaattracts tourists who want to explore the legacy ofimperialism and WWII as depicted in Casablanca, manyof whom go out of their way searching for Rick’s Café. Hotel Rwanda (2004) Though the film was largely shot in South Africa, Hotel Rwanda spotlights Hôtel des MilleCollines in Kigali, where Paul Rusesabagina savedthousands of Tutsi refugees from the hostile hands ofthe Hutu militia.The Last King of Scotland (2006) Chronic coups and political unrest might intimidate some travellers heading to Africa. But not those on the trail of the The Last Kingof Scotland, a film that put not only Idi Amin on the tourist map, but also the capital city Kampala.Cleopatra (1963) The queen of ancient Egypt didn’t only capture the heart of Caesar. Even though her palace has been submerged in water, tourists still pour over the city of Alexandria, just to get a first-hand touch of her greatness.The Gods Must Be Crazy (1980) The film is smartlyfunny. But the primitive lifestyle of native bushmen of the Kalahari Desert in South Africa is more than entertainingIt calls for direct exploration. And that’s why the world can’t leave them alone anymore.

Australia and OceaniaAustralia (2008) The city of Darwin has not had much to celebrate in the last century: bombed by the Japanese, blown to hell by cyclones and tornadoes and full to the brim with deadly creepy-crawlies. And then came Australia: the chance to presentitself as one of the most history-packed cites down under. It might not be true, ofcourse, but that doesn’t stop the tourists flocking here.The Lord of the Rings (2001) The Lord of the Rings has turned the dull town ofMatamata, New Zealand, into the imaginary Hobbiton. It’s here that fans can pretend they’re Mr. Frodo and Samwise Gamgee.The Thin Red Line (1998) Possibly the most underrated battle in WWII. TheGuadalcanal Campaign’s significance fades with time, taking with it the name ofSolomon Islands where the combat took place. Thanks to the film, Guadalcanal is now once again a part of world history.The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994) Three drag queens, a host of outback hell holes and a bunch of Abba songs never proved so fruitful. Thanks to the film transvestites all over the world head to Australia’s drier climates in searchof inspiration.The Blue Lagoon (1980) When people start calling the filming location of the main lagoon, which is in Champagne Bay, Vanuatu, the Blue Lagoon, you know that romance isn’t the only highlight of this movie.

AsiaThe Beach (2001) Who would have known that such solitary beachparadise exists – in Thailand – without the help of Leonardo DiCaprio and his mysterious map. Now, crystal clear water and sandy white beaches ofPhi Phi Leh are just too tempting for anyone to resist.     Memoirs of a Geisha (2005) It takes a Hollywood movie to show the world that Japan isn’t all about Tokyo. And tourists now crowd Kyoto in order to ascertain whether or not the city is worth all that was promised on screen.The result: it’s even better.The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957) Nearly everybody knows the brutali-ties the Japanese committed during WWII. But not many know about the tragedy at River Kwai. Though the entire film was shot in Sri Lanka, it is the actual bridge in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, that takes in all the tourists.Apocalypse Now (1979) The Vietnam War has become a notorious exampleof the crude expansionism of American ideals. But it was Apocalypse Nowthat made it even more infamous. Now tourists just can’t stay away from this curiously “communist” country.Slumdog Millionaire (2008) Drawing attention to the slums of Mumbai doesn’t defer anyone from visiting the second most populous city in the world. In fact, since the movie has become a global sensation, Mumbai has become one of the hottest destinations on the planet.

Central and South AmericaCentral do Brasil (1998) The friendship between a shoeshine boy and a weather-beaten hag does not sound like the ingredients for cinematic success, but never has there been a Brazilian hit like it. Putting not only Rio butalso the beautiful coast of Brazil on the map, Central doBrasil did more for Brazil than a million ad campaigns would have done. Motorcycle Diaries (2004) Che Guevara had a life-changingexperience during a road trip across Argentina, Chile, Peru,Colombia, and Venezuela. Now, thanks to the book, the film and the legend, thousands of other disaffected youths arefollowing in his footsteps hoping for the same touch ofsopcial greatness.Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl(2003) Lots of people have been cruising around St Vincentand the Grenadines, where the film was shot, hoping to meet Captain Jack Sparrow. Good news for these little jewels of the Caribbean: the country’s tourism industry is now golden.Amores Perros (2000) Translation: Love Is A Bitch, AmoresPerros thrust not only the Mexican film industry into the limelight but also Mexico City, a hitherto unknown metropo-lis to most of the world’s movie-going public.Evita (1996) When Evita hit box office, the reputation of EvaPerón was resurrected overnight, along with the idea of the culturally-rich Buenos Aires. And with the glamour of the woman and the city merged, it is no wonder Argentina’scapital is now abuzz with adoring fans.

Thanks to cinema, most of us are armchair travellers, traversing the globe from the comfort of our own homes. Monsicha Hoonsuwan checks out the 30 films that have inspired the intrepid.

BY FILMDESTINATION

While You Were Sleeping (1995)

North AmericaKing Kong (1933) The Empire State is famous for once being the tallest building in the world. But it only became iconic when a massive gorilla was filmed jumping around on top ofit while gripping Fay Wray. The film has had such an impact that the tower’s observation deck on the 86th floor is generally regarded as being as legendary as the buildingitself.Sex and the City: The Movie (2008) Urbanism and romance: the perfect combination, every woman’s fantasy, and the primary reason for so many girls wanting to move to NewYork. But, after all, who wouldn’t want to meet a guy that could afford a lifetime stay at the Four Seasons like Mr. Big? Right?Sunset Boulevard (1950) No film better captured the tragiclives of fading film stars. And Norma Desmond remains the epitome of faded fame. The character could be a metaphor for Hollywood itself, as it battles from prominence againstother global cinematic strongholds.Twilight (2008) Forks, Washington was small unknown and rainy until the Twilight craze began. And with so many fansflocking to the town in which both the book and the film is located, the town has gone from economic slump to a financial bump.

Happy-go-lucky Lucy works as a ticket seller at Chicago’s elevated railway station. A merenarrative fact until the film hit the silver screens transformingthe city’s public transport system into an international icon of the city.

EuropeMamma Mia! (2008) My my, how can I resist you? And no, no one can resist the blue-and-white colour that just screams Greece. MammaMia! sends tourists down to the land of many stunning islands, wherethe line between heaven and earth is a thread thin.Notting Hill (1999) The obsession with Notting Hill continues eventhough the film came out more than a decade ago. Because WilliamThacker’s bookshop in Notting Hill, England – an antique shop in reality – is still a popular tourist stop.Paris, Je T’aime (2006) Admit it. The commercialised view of Paris is old and boring. That’s why these eighteen short films, set in differentdistricts of Paris, are telling the story of an unusual encounter in eachneighbourhood. Another look at Paris that still makes it, well,charming.Vicky Christina Barcelona (2008) Barcelona is a city for artists, loversand adventure seekers – a notion emphasised in Woody Allen’s recentfilm. Even the most jaded person is tempted to book a flight after being bombarded by two hours worth of Barcelona’s breath-takingvistas.Roman Holiday (1953) Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck take you on a whirlwind tour of Rome: from Vespa riding past the Trevi Fountain to the flowering romance of and in the Eternal City. This movie shot Hepburn to superstardom and gave Rome a second wind.

AfricaCasablanca (1942) Morocco’s biggest city Casablancaattracts tourists who want to explore the legacy ofimperialism and WWII as depicted in Casablanca, manyof whom go out of their way searching for Rick’s Café. Hotel Rwanda (2004) Though the film was largely shot in South Africa, Hotel Rwanda spotlights Hôtel des MilleCollines in Kigali, where Paul Rusesabagina savedthousands of Tutsi refugees from the hostile hands ofthe Hutu militia.The Last King of Scotland (2006) Chronic coups and political unrest might intimidate some travellers heading to Africa. But not those on the trail of the The Last Kingof Scotland, a film that put not only Idi Amin on the tourist map, but also the capital city Kampala.Cleopatra (1963) The queen of ancient Egypt didn’t only capture the heart of Caesar. Even though her palace has been submerged in water, tourists still pour over the city of Alexandria, just to get a first-hand touch of her greatness.The Gods Must Be Crazy (1980) The film is smartlyfunny. But the primitive lifestyle of native bushmen of the Kalahari Desert in South Africa is more than entertainingIt calls for direct exploration. And that’s why the world can’t leave them alone anymore.

Australia and OceaniaAustralia (2008) The city of Darwin has not had much to celebrate in the last century: bombed by the Japanese, blown to hell by cyclones and tornadoes and full to the brim with deadly creepy-crawlies. And then came Australia: the chance to presentitself as one of the most history-packed cites down under. It might not be true, ofcourse, but that doesn’t stop the tourists flocking here.The Lord of the Rings (2001) The Lord of the Rings has turned the dull town ofMatamata, New Zealand, into the imaginary Hobbiton. It’s here that fans can pretend they’re Mr. Frodo and Samwise Gamgee.The Thin Red Line (1998) Possibly the most underrated battle in WWII. TheGuadalcanal Campaign’s significance fades with time, taking with it the name ofSolomon Islands where the combat took place. Thanks to the film, Guadalcanal is now once again a part of world history.The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994) Three drag queens, a host of outback hell holes and a bunch of Abba songs never proved so fruitful. Thanks to the film transvestites all over the world head to Australia’s drier climates in searchof inspiration.The Blue Lagoon (1980) When people start calling the filming location of the main lagoon, which is in Champagne Bay, Vanuatu, the Blue Lagoon, you know that romance isn’t the only highlight of this movie.

AsiaThe Beach (2001) Who would have known that such solitary beachparadise exists – in Thailand – without the help of Leonardo DiCaprio and his mysterious map. Now, crystal clear water and sandy white beaches ofPhi Phi Leh are just too tempting for anyone to resist.     Memoirs of a Geisha (2005) It takes a Hollywood movie to show the world that Japan isn’t all about Tokyo. And tourists now crowd Kyoto in order to ascertain whether or not the city is worth all that was promised on screen.The result: it’s even better.The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957) Nearly everybody knows the brutali-ties the Japanese committed during WWII. But not many know about the tragedy at River Kwai. Though the entire film was shot in Sri Lanka, it is the actual bridge in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, that takes in all the tourists.Apocalypse Now (1979) The Vietnam War has become a notorious exampleof the crude expansionism of American ideals. But it was Apocalypse Nowthat made it even more infamous. Now tourists just can’t stay away from this curiously “communist” country.Slumdog Millionaire (2008) Drawing attention to the slums of Mumbai doesn’t defer anyone from visiting the second most populous city in the world. In fact, since the movie has become a global sensation, Mumbai has become one of the hottest destinations on the planet.

Central and South AmericaCentral do Brasil (1998) The friendship between a shoeshine boy and a weather-beaten hag does not sound like the ingredients for cinematic success, but never has there been a Brazilian hit like it. Putting not only Rio butalso the beautiful coast of Brazil on the map, Central doBrasil did more for Brazil than a million ad campaigns would have done. Motorcycle Diaries (2004) Che Guevara had a life-changingexperience during a road trip across Argentina, Chile, Peru,Colombia, and Venezuela. Now, thanks to the book, the film and the legend, thousands of other disaffected youths arefollowing in his footsteps hoping for the same touch ofsopcial greatness.Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl(2003) Lots of people have been cruising around St Vincentand the Grenadines, where the film was shot, hoping to meet Captain Jack Sparrow. Good news for these little jewels of the Caribbean: the country’s tourism industry is now golden.Amores Perros (2000) Translation: Love Is A Bitch, AmoresPerros thrust not only the Mexican film industry into the limelight but also Mexico City, a hitherto unknown metropo-lis to most of the world’s movie-going public.Evita (1996) When Evita hit box office, the reputation of EvaPerón was resurrected overnight, along with the idea of the culturally-rich Buenos Aires. And with the glamour of the woman and the city merged, it is no wonder Argentina’scapital is now abuzz with adoring fans.

Thanks to cinema, most of us are armchair travellers, traversing the globe from the comfort of our own homes. Monsicha Hoonsuwan checks out the 30 films that have inspired the intrepid.

BY FILMDESTINATION

While You Were Sleeping (1995)

Craving beer, bratwurst and Bavarian culture in the middle of China? It may sound crazy, but one of China’s best cities is a mini Munich

FINAL DESTINATION

So, you’re cruising the coast of China and you suddenly find yourself in, er, Germany? It may sound potty, but the scenario is not as far fetched as it sounds. Qingdao, formerly known as Tsingtao, a coastal town in the east of the country, spent

99 years under German rule. As a result, quaint stone houses with red tiled roofs line the streets, pine trees, crabapples, and crape myrtle fill the gardens, and street vendors flog bratwurst. Perhaps not surprisingly, they also have one of the best beers in Asia, Tsingtao. Since the city’s incorporation back into mainland China, unlike that of Hong Kong and Macau, came in 1922, the city’s Chinese growth has engulfed its Germanic heritage, but the coastal city is still renowned as China’s Switzerland owing to its alpine ambiance. Although now decorated with the skyscrapers and towers that have become synonymous with modern China, the city remains a holiday hotspot and to many is considered the Chinese Riviera. And with a unique mixture of foreign and local, ancient and modern, fast paced and truly relaxing, Qingdao might well become China’s first truly tourist-friendly city. – Monsicha Hoonsuwan /

WHEN TO GOJuly to September is the best time to enjoy the weather at Qingdao.HOW TO GET THEREThere are direct international flights to Qingdao Liuting International Airport from Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea. Or you can fly to Beijing, where connecting flights to Qingdao operated by several domestic airlines are available. Other options include a six-hour bullet train ride and a long-distance bus ride from China’s capital.WHERE TO STAYShangri-La Hotel Qingdao www.shangri-la.comHai Tian Hotel Qingdao www.hai-tian-hotel.comCrown Plaza Qingdao www.ichotelsgroup.comGrand Regency Hotel Qingdao www.regencyhotelqd.comMORE INFORMATIONFor all you need to know about Qingdao, click on www.thatsqingdao.com

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