Saigon Images

Though named Ho Chi Minh City officially since 1975, nobody calls the city anything but Saigon, especially not the Saigonese. Even state-run Vietnam Railways refers to it as Saigon rather than Ho Chi Minh City on the train platforms. Saigon is noted for its variety of cuisine, and vast array of dishes, thanks to its location near the abundance of fresh ingredients in the Mekong Delta. Though busier and more hectic than the capital Hanoi, Saigon hums with life and pizazz. It's hot, tropical climate also gives Saigon a more sultry anything-goes atmosphere.
Saigon Images - Images by John Lander

Hunky Jesus Contest with the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence

Every Easter the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, San Francisco's beloved sect of cross-dressing nuns, host The Hunky Jesus Competition in Dolores Park. The sisters believe all people have a right to express their unique joy and beauty and use humor and irreverent wit to expose bigotry and ignorance. The Hunky Jesus Competition is the highlight of the Sisters' Easter party that's been going on in the Mission's Dolores Park for over three decades. These events bring all all the drag queens in town and even a few designers because of special features such as the bonnet contest and drag performances.. One of those only-in-San-Francisco events.... The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence is a protest and street performance organization that uses drag and religious imagery to call attention to sexual intolerance and satirize issues of gender and morality. At their inception in 1979, a small group of gay men in San Francisco began wearing nun attire using high camp to draw attention to social conflicts and problems in the Castro District. The Sisters have grown throughout the US and are currently organized as an international network, made up of non-profit charity organizations that raise money for AIDS, LGBT-related causes and mainstream community service organizations, while promoting safer sex and educating others about the harmful effects of drug use and other risky behaviors. In San Francisco alone, where they continue to be the most active, between 1979 and 2007 the Sisters are credited with raising over $1 million for various causes.
Hunky Jesus Contest - Images by John Lander

Tokyo Architecture Gallery

Nobody would accuse Tokyo of being a great beauty. Part of the reason is that the whole city was practically flattened during the fire-bombing by Allied forces during WWII. However, Tokyo's modern architecture, even after the economic bubble, shows an extraordinary for great design, albiet sometimes bizarre, extravagant or just plain nuts. Odd? How would you like to live in the Reverse Destiny Apartments, or adjacent to Tire Park?
Tokyo Architecture - Images by John Lander

Dumaguete Images

Dumaguete is the capital of Negros Oriental with the nickname "city of gentle people". Ideally located in the center of the Visayas Island Group, it's the perfect hub to explore Bohol, Cebu, Negros, and Siquijor with frequent ferry connections. Dumaguete's friendly people, the local market at Malatapay, the nearby diving sites and plentiful nature in the wild that make the town and area worthwhile.
Dumaguete Images - Images by John Lander

Baguio Images

Due to Baguio's cool mountainous weather the city is a treat compared to hot, sweltering lowland Luzon. Baguio was established by the Americans in 1900 at the site of an Ibaloi village. At an altitude of 1600 meters or 5200 feet the climate is cool and temperate. Baguio's nickname is the "City of Pines" and has become the center of commerce and education in Northern Luzon and so the seat of government of the Cordillera Administrative Region.
Baguio Images - Images by John Lander

Sukhothai Images

Sukhothai Historical Park is all about the ruins of Sukhothai, ancient capital of the Sukhothai kingdom in the 13th and 14th centuries.  The ruins and temples in a park-like setting, making them ideally viewed on a cycle tour.  Sukhothai Historical Park is located near the modern city of New Sukhothai, capital of the province of the same name.  Within the UNESCO listed park there are 193 ruins on 70 square kilometers of land.  Inside are the remains of the royal palace and twenty six temples, the largest being Wat Mahathat. The park is maintained by the Fine Arts Department of Thailand and UNESCO. The park sees thousands of visitors each year who marvel at the ancient Buddha figures and ruined temples.



Sukhothai Images - Images by John Lander

Champasak Images

Pakse is the most important town in Southern Laos and nerve center for Champasak Province. Situated at the confluence of the Xe Dong and Mekong rivers. Apart from the Mekong and some beautiful, if crumbling, French colonial buildings - Pakse itself has little of interest to the visit. However, it is the gateway to to magnificent Boloven plateau, a very fertile plain where Coffee and Durian are grown. UNESCO World Heritage Site Wat Phou was built in the same style as Angkor Wat and exudes the same atmosphere of an ancient city lost in the jungles for centuries. While the structures themselves are overpowering, it's the jungle overgrowth that creates a particular charm. Wat Phou stood unused for centuries because it was been built as a Hindu, not a Buddhist temple.
Champasak Images - Images by John Lander

Big Island Images

The Island of Hawaii is the youngest island in the Hawaiian chain and is also by far the biggest, with a variety of environments to discover. This is the home of one of the world’s most active volcanoes. All but two of the world’s climate zones generate everything from lush rain forests to volcanic deserts...
Big Island Images - Images by John Lander

Khao Yai National Park Images

Khao Yai was Thailand's first national park established in 1962. In 2005, Khao Yai National Park was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The rich diversity of plants with about 2,000 species give biodiversity a new meaning. Towering trees draped in moss, epiphytes, strangling figs, rattan palms, delicate ferns, lichens..
Khao Yai Images - Images by John Lander

Malacca Images

Malacca straddles the Melaka River which feeds into the Straits of Malacca. Originally the town was the capital of the Malacca Sultanate and was the centre of the Malay world in the 15th and the 16th century after the Malays moved over from Sumatra and was the most prosperous port city of the Malay Archipelago before it fell to the hand of Portuguese. Centuries of colonization by the Portuguese, Dutch and the British as well as development of Straits Chinese Peranakan culture have influenced the architecture of the town, notably the Portuguese A Famosa, Dutch Stadthuys and the Chinese - British influenced traditional town houses. Modern-day Malacca is a vibrant old city that belies its wealth of history. Visiting Malacca is a unique experience. Malacca was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with George Town Penang in July 2008.
Malacca Images - Images by John Lander

Shanghai Images

Shanghai has always been the most developed city in mainland China and in much of modern history East Asia itself. In recent history Shanghai has become an attractive city and seems to ignore its communist central government. Shanghai hosted the 2010 World Expo recording the greatest number of visitors in the event's history. Shanghai s a fascinating mix of East and West with houses that blend the styles of Chinese houses with European design flair. The city is proud of having the richest collection of Art Deco buildings in the world. As there were so many concessions to Western powers during the turn of the 20th century, ithe city has a cosmopolitan feel. There is everything from classic Parisian style, to Tudor buildings that give an English flair and 1930s buildings reminiscent of Hollywood.
Shanghai Images - Images by John Lander

Suzhou Images

Suzhou is famed for its beautiful gardens and traditional waterside architecture. The Classical Gardens of Suzhou were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997. Suzhou has become a core city of the Yangtze River Delta economic zone, Suzhou has long been a heaven for scholars, artists, and skilled craftsmen and this is still the case today. In its many beautiful gardens Suzhou's ancient heritage has been preserved. Suzhou has grown into a major center of joint venture high-tech manufacturing and boasts one of the hottest economies in China.
Suzhou Images - Images by John Lander

Inle Lake Images

Inle Lake - is a freshwater body of water located near the Nyaungshwe in Shan State, and the second largest lake in Myanmar with an estimated surface are of 45 square miles. During the dry season, the average water depth is only 7 feet or 2 meters but during the rainy season this can increase by 5 feet (1.5 m). The watershed area for the lake is to a large extent to the north and west of the lake. There is a hot spring on its northwestern shore. Although not a large lake, there are a number of species of birds. Over nine species of fish are found nowhere else in the world. The people of Inle Lake are called the Intha who live in four villages bordering the lake and on the lake itself. The population consists predominantly of Intha, with a mix of other Shan, Taungyo, Pa-O, Danu, Kayah, Danaw and Bamar ethnicities. Most live in simple houses of wood and woven bamboo on stilts and are largely self-sufficient farmers.


Inle Lake - Images by John Lander

Mandalay Images

Mandalay - the very name evokes the splendors of Old Burma though most people are surprised to learn that Mandalay is not at all an old city but rather a new city created in 1857. Most of its former magnificence is gone, destroyed by fire that consumes wooden structures and by intensive bombing by the allies during the re-conquest of Burma in the Second World War. Mandalay is ethnically diverse with Burmans forming a slight majority as well as a sizeable population of Chinese forming up to 40% of the population. Other prevalent ethnic groups include the Shan, who are ethnically and linguistically related to the Thais and Laotians, and the Karen. There is also a sizable ethnic Indian population, including Nepalis and Sikhs.


Mandalay - Images by John Lander

Pyin U Lwin Images

Pyin U Lwin or Maymyo is a scenic hill station located in the Shan Highlands some 67 kilometers east ofMandalay at an altitude of 1070 meters or 3500 feet. Because of its cool climate it became a hill station and the summer capital of British Burma. The establishment in Burma: civil, commercial and military would move to the town during the hot season to escape from the heat and humidity of Rangoon. Pyin Oo Lwin is the centre of the country's principal flower and vegetable production. The most important flowers grown intensively are chrysanthemum, aster and gladiolus which are exported to every corner of Myanmar throughout the year. In recent years the town has become the centre of Myanmar's rapidly growing coffee industry. During the British colonial period the town was named Maymyo after Captain May who established the township.



Pyin U Lwin - Images by John Lander

Yangon Images Gallery

Yangon, formerly Rangoon, was the capital of Myanmar until it was superseded by Naypyidaw in November 2005. Today with a population of over 5 million people, Yangon remains the largest city, nerve center and main economic hub of Myanmar. The city is a combo of British, Burmese, Chinese and Indian influences, and is known for its colonial architecture which although decaying, remains an evocative hotspot in Southeast Asia. The greatest highlight is of course Shwedagon Pagoda - the single most important religious site in all of Myanmar. The pagoda stands on the top of Singuttara Hill, and, according to legend, that spot has been sacred since the beginning of time, just before our present world was created.



Yangon - Images by John Lander

Bagan Images

Bagan is home to the largest area of Buddhist temples, pagodas, stupas and ruins in the world with many dating from the 11th century. The shape and construction of each building is significant in Buddhism with each component taking on a spiritual meaning of some kind. Bagan became a central powerbase in the mid 9th century under King Anawratha, who unified Burma under Theravada Buddhism. As many as 13000 temples and stupas once stood on this plain in central Myanmar. Marco Polo once described Bagan as a "gilded city alive with tinkling bells and the swishing sounds of monks robes". Approximately 2200 remain today in various states of repair or disrepair. Some are large and well maintained, such as the Ananda Pahto. Others are tumbledown relics in the middle of overgrown grass. All, however, are considered active sacred sites,
Bagan's golden age ended when the Kingdom and its capital city was invaded by the Mongols.



Bagan - Images by John Lander

Qinghai Tibet Railway Images Gallery

The Qinghai Tibet Railway is the world's highest railway. Nearly 1000 kilometers of its tracks are located 4,000 meters above sea level The Golmud-Lhasa section zigzags more than 1000 kilometers across the Kunlun and Tanggula mountain ranges. Astonishingly, about 500 kilometers of the tracks run on frozen earth, considered a marvel of train technology and engineering. The maximum train speed can reach 100 kilometers per hour in the frozen earth areas and 120 kilometers per hour on regular terrain but you’ll want it to slow down to take in the majestic landscape when passing from Beijing to Lhasa on one of the world’s great train adventures.


Qinghai Tibet Railway - Images by John Lander

Singapore Images

Stepping outside Changi, Singapore's award-winning airport, you are not greeted with the usual concrete sprawl, but tidy landscaping and swaying travellers palms. On the way into town, your taxi whizzes along a road, which in any other city in the world, would be called a parkway. Many visitors come to Singapore as a convenient layover between continents or cities or for its world-class shopping. Even regular visitors tend to think of the city-state as a huge, modern shopping mall. But just beyond the sparkling malls lie nature preserves, innovative zoos and parks and one of the world's most renowned botanical gardens. These, together with the artfully landscaped streets, sidewalks and esplanades have earned Singapore the nickname 'Garden City' making it the envy of many cities around the world.


Singapore Images Gallery - Images by John Lander

Trans-Siberian Images Gallery Slideshow

The Trans Siberian Railway - The endless Siberian landscape is punctuated, now and then, by a gingerbread village. But no matter how alluring the scene, you will soon forget its charm as the gentle rocking of the train is about to lull you back to sleep once again. Life on the world's greatest railway results in a blur of images - sepia birch forests, rural station platforms, massive rivers and bridges. Notions of time and space melt away as you cover one quarter of the way around the earth, especially as all clocks on board are set on Moscow time, never mind the eight different time zones you will be passing through....


Trans-Siberian Railway Images Gallery - Images by John Lander

Chiang Rai Images

Chiang Rai is the main commercial centre serving the Golden Triangle region of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos. It is an excellent base for exploring the region as trekking areas are nearer and more accessible to town. Often compared to Chiang Mai, the city has a more relaxed small-town atmosphere than most other Thai cities, including Chiang Mai. Area attractions, apart from the Golden Triangle are boat excursions on the Kok River, unique temples such as Wat Rong Khun, Wat Phra Kaew and elephant rides all surrounded by nature.


Chiang Rai - Images by John Lander

Manila Images

Once known as the "Pearl of Asia" for its beauty, Manila was almost completely destroyed during WWII. Yet Manila still has its charm especially along Roxas Boulevard running along Manila Bay. Here, every evening, the miracle of Manila begins with its famous sunsets, turning Manila Bay and the city itself golden for a few moments. New developments on Manila Bay, such as Mall of Asia and the refurbishing of Manila Bay Walk promenade along Manila Bay gives residents and visitors a venue to take in the sunset, mingle and get some fresh air from the sea. Intramuros, the old walled Spanish-Colonial city is also another major attraction, as are the friendly and exhuberant Filipinos themselves.



Manila Images Gallery - Images by John Lander

Angkor Wat Images

Angkor Archaeological Park - the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia -stretches over 400 square kilometers. Angkor contains the magnificent remains of several capitals of the Khmer Empire, from the 9th to the 15th century. These include the famous Temple of Angkor Wat and the Bayon Temple with its countless sculptural decorations. The Angkor complex itself has no accommodations and few facilities - the nearby town of Siem Reap is the tourist hub for the area. Together with Tonle Sap Lake and its "floating villages", Siem Reap and the area are packed with interesting attractions not to mention the UNESCO World Heritage site Angkor.


Angkor Wat Images - Images by John Lander

Siem Reap Images

As interesting as Angkor Wat may be, the archeaological park has no accommodations and few facilities. The nearby town of Siem Reap is the tourist hub for the area. Together with Tonle Sap Lake and its "floating villages", Siem Reap is an interesting attraction in itself with colorful markets, friendly people, local crafts especially at Artisans d'Angkor - a self-supporting craft and silk workshop.


Siem Reap Images - Images by John Lander

Phnom Penh Images Gallery

Phnom Penh is the largest city in Cambodia, located at the confluence of the Mekong and the Tonle Sap rivers. In recent years, Phnom Penh has become far more pleasant and has tidied up, though perhaps not "The Paris of the East" pre 1970s, the city's French colonial buildings are beautiful, and its streetscapes make for a pleasant walk especially along Sisowath Quay down by the Tonle Sap River - in many respects the heartbeat of the city.


Phnom Penh Images Gallery - Images by John Lander

Ayutthaya Images

Originally founded by King U-Thong in 1350 along the Chao Phraya river, Ayutthaya was the capital of the Thai kingdom in its heyday. Conquered by the Burmese in 1767, today only the ruins of its splendor remain. Thanks to its history as former capital of Thailand, the former base of Thai Buddhism and original home Siamese royalty it is steeped in Thai culture. Ayutthaya Historical Park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.


Ayutthaya Images - Images by John Lander

Chiang Mai Images

Chiangmai, "the Rose of the North" is Thailand's second biggest city after Bangkok. Well known for its vibrant markets, ancient temples such as Doi Suthep and numerous chedi scattered throughout the old part of the city make Chiang Mai one of Thailand's most popular destinations for both Thai and foreign visitors.


Chiang Mai Images - Images by John Lander

Asakusa Images

Asakusa was the origins of ancient Tokyo, and is most famous for Sensoji Temple dedicated to the bodhisattva Kannon. For many years Asakusa was the major entertainment district in Tokyo but has been surpassed by Shinjuku and Roppongi in its role as a pleasure district. Nowadays it is happy to bask in its retro charm and revel in its colourful festivals.


Tokyo Asakusa Gallery - Images by John Lander

Tibet Images

Lhasa, which means "Land of the Gods" is the heart of Tibet. Over 1,300 years old, it sits in a valley right amidst the Himalayas. The Eastern end of Lhasa is more prominently traditional Tibetan, focusing on the area around Jokhang Monastery and Barkhor Square. Traditionally dressed Tibetans engaged on a kora (a clockwise journey around Jokhang Monastery, often spinning prayer wheels) is all very much part of the local scene.


Tibet Images Gallery - Images by John Lander

Bangkok Images

There is nothing to compare with the breeze in your hair and the spray in your face as a boat ferries you to your destination in Bangkok. Life here has always centered around the river and the network of canals spreading through the city. Board an express boat bound for the Grand Palace or charter a longtail and meander up the canals north of the city and you will soon see why Bangkok was once called "Venice of the East." The further upriver you go, the better the scenery becomes with teak houses on stilts, orchid farms, fresh air and greenery. As luck would have it, most of Bangkok's major attractions lie along the river, making it not only easy to get around but a pleasure besides.


Bangkok Images - Images by John Lander