text:
Ranong

Ranong (ระนอง) is both a town and a province on the Northern Andaman Coast in the south Thailand.

Understand

A small border town with limited tourist magnetism and hence still quaintly Thai. Border access via boat to Kawthoung in Myanmar allows visas to be renewed.

Ranong is the northernmost province on Thailand's west coast, 568 km from Bangkok. It is also known for its long rainy season, which lasts for 8 months each year. Ranong occupies an area of 3,298 square kilometres, with the Kra Isthmus which is the narrowest part of the Malay Peninsula, and is bordered by Myanmar and the Indian Ocean to the west. Within its compact area, Ranong contains various natural attractions and is blessed with hot springs and relatively unspoiled mangrove forests.

Train
The nearest train station is in Chumphon.

Minibus
Minibuses to Chumphon leave from the bus station, cost 180 baht, and take around 3 hours. They drop off in most parts of Chumphon. You can minibus it all the way to Bangkok from Ranong.

By bus
The bus from Chumphon's central bus terminal stops some 6 km out of town at the booking agency for this particular bus company (Rangsit Tours). There is little in the vicinity, and you will be approached by drivers who will take you wherever for a price.

The city centre (Ruangrat Rd) can be reached by songthaews 2 or 6 (15 baht). Be prepared to walk if you arrive later than 21:30 as there are no songthaews anymore at the bus station (low-season, April 2015). You can also travel directly to the pier for boats to Ko Chang or Ko Phayam by songthaew (15 baht).

Hotels are nearby or 10 min by motorcycle taxi to the main street.

Numerous and relatively frequent full-sized buses of various classes connect with Chumphon and Bangkok and all major points in between; with Phuket and Krabi via Takua Pa and Khao Lak and other key points in Phang Nga Province (most direct route to Trang and Satun is via Krabi); and with Surat Thani which acts as the gateway to just about everywhere else.

By boat
Hundreds of longtail boats connect Ranong with Kawthoung in Myanmar, and take about 20 minutes to cross. They can be chartered individually or shared with other travellers and/or locals. Prices are negotiable, so bargain hard or you might get ripped off. Some operators might try to hustle you onto the boats before you find the immigration office, but do not let them, or you would be departing the country illegally. Make sure you find the immigration office and get stamped out before getting on the boat.

Hourly boats (a little larger, also 20 min) ferry gamblers to and from Thahtay Kyun, a small island adjacent to Kawthoung where the Andaman Club casino and golf resort has its own immigration facilities. Kawthoung is also the point of access to the islands of the Mergui Archipelago which offer excellent diving.

The islands Ko Chang and Ko Phayam can be reached by longtail boat or ferry several times per day (high season) from the ferry terminal 4 km west of the town center. Take the red number 3 songthaew which leaves the market on Ruangrat St and travels west along the main road.

Get around
Several songthaew lines offer transport in the city. They have numbers and are easy to recognize. Services stop at about 21:00, so you might have to walk later in the evening, e.g. when visiting the hot springs until late.

See

 * Wat Hat Som Paen (วัดหาดส้มแป้น) This temple is on Khlong Hat Som Paen and provides a sanctuary for a shoal of soro brook carp.
 * Namtok Ton Phet (น้ำตกโตนเพชร) Surrounded by moist evergreen forest with Ranong's highest Phota Chong Dong Mountains being the source of water, each tier of the falls cascades down boulders all year round.
 * Namtok Chum Saeng or Namtok Sai Rung (น้ำตกชุมแสงหรือน้ำตกสายรุ้ง) In the rainy season, a lot of water cascades down the boulders creating rainbows in the mist. This is why it is called "Namtok Sai Rung" or "Rainbow Waterfall".
 * Namtok Bok Krai (น้ำตกบกกราย) At the end of the road, a 20-metre walk through farmland and a moist forest will lead to this enormous waterfall that runs throughout the year.
 * Japanese Shipwreck (ซากเรือรบญี่ปุ่น) Approximately two kilometres beyond Chao Fa Chi, a wreck of a Japanese freighter used in World War II between a pier in Tambon Pak Chan, Kra Buri District and Burma is visible at low tide.
 * Namtok Ton Phet (น้ำตกโตนเพชร) Surrounded by moist evergreen forest with Ranong's highest Phota Chong Dong Mountains being the source of water, each tier of the falls cascades down boulders all year round.
 * Namtok Chum Saeng or Namtok Sai Rung (น้ำตกชุมแสงหรือน้ำตกสายรุ้ง) In the rainy season, a lot of water cascades down the boulders creating rainbows in the mist. This is why it is called "Namtok Sai Rung" or "Rainbow Waterfall".
 * Namtok Bok Krai (น้ำตกบกกราย) At the end of the road, a 20-metre walk through farmland and a moist forest will lead to this enormous waterfall that runs throughout the year.
 * Japanese Shipwreck (ซากเรือรบญี่ปุ่น) Approximately two kilometres beyond Chao Fa Chi, a wreck of a Japanese freighter used in World War II between a pier in Tambon Pak Chan, Kra Buri District and Burma is visible at low tide.
 * Namtok Chum Saeng or Namtok Sai Rung (น้ำตกชุมแสงหรือน้ำตกสายรุ้ง) In the rainy season, a lot of water cascades down the boulders creating rainbows in the mist. This is why it is called "Namtok Sai Rung" or "Rainbow Waterfall".
 * Namtok Bok Krai (น้ำตกบกกราย) At the end of the road, a 20-metre walk through farmland and a moist forest will lead to this enormous waterfall that runs throughout the year.
 * Japanese Shipwreck (ซากเรือรบญี่ปุ่น) Approximately two kilometres beyond Chao Fa Chi, a wreck of a Japanese freighter used in World War II between a pier in Tambon Pak Chan, Kra Buri District and Burma is visible at low tide.
 * Namtok Chum Saeng or Namtok Sai Rung (น้ำตกชุมแสงหรือน้ำตกสายรุ้ง) In the rainy season, a lot of water cascades down the boulders creating rainbows in the mist. This is why it is called "Namtok Sai Rung" or "Rainbow Waterfall".
 * Namtok Bok Krai (น้ำตกบกกราย) At the end of the road, a 20-metre walk through farmland and a moist forest will lead to this enormous waterfall that runs throughout the year.
 * Japanese Shipwreck (ซากเรือรบญี่ปุ่น) Approximately two kilometres beyond Chao Fa Chi, a wreck of a Japanese freighter used in World War II between a pier in Tambon Pak Chan, Kra Buri District and Burma is visible at low tide.
 * Namtok Chum Saeng or Namtok Sai Rung (น้ำตกชุมแสงหรือน้ำตกสายรุ้ง) In the rainy season, a lot of water cascades down the boulders creating rainbows in the mist. This is why it is called "Namtok Sai Rung" or "Rainbow Waterfall".
 * Namtok Bok Krai (น้ำตกบกกราย) At the end of the road, a 20-metre walk through farmland and a moist forest will lead to this enormous waterfall that runs throughout the year.
 * Japanese Shipwreck (ซากเรือรบญี่ปุ่น) Approximately two kilometres beyond Chao Fa Chi, a wreck of a Japanese freighter used in World War II between a pier in Tambon Pak Chan, Kra Buri District and Burma is visible at low tide.
 * Japanese Shipwreck (ซากเรือรบญี่ปุ่น) Approximately two kilometres beyond Chao Fa Chi, a wreck of a Japanese freighter used in World War II between a pier in Tambon Pak Chan, Kra Buri District and Burma is visible at low tide.
 * Japanese Shipwreck (ซากเรือรบญี่ปุ่น) Approximately two kilometres beyond Chao Fa Chi, a wreck of a Japanese freighter used in World War II between a pier in Tambon Pak Chan, Kra Buri District and Burma is visible at low tide.

Eat
The central market on Ruangrat Rd has food stalls during the day. The night market is a short walk from the centre: at the bottom of Ruangrat Rd, turn left onto Permphon Rd. Follow this street for a few hundred metres. After the CAT building, the night market is on the right-hand side.

Mid-range

Go next

 * Kawthoung, Myanmar
 * Khao Lak
 * Ko Chang - not to be confused with the larger Ko Chang in Eastern Thailand
 * Ko Phayam
 * Krabi
 * Bangkok - there are several night busses bound for BKK leaving approx. between 7pm and 8pm from Ranong, including by The Transport Co. (บขส) (Jan 2022: 437 THB), Sombat Tour and Choke Anan Tour

title: Ranong


text:
Rantau Panjang

Rantau Panjang is a town in Kelantan, Malaysia. It is the major border crossing between Malaysia and Thailand for the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The town on the Thai side across the Golok River which forms the boundary between the two countries is Sungai Kolok.

The town has a duty-free shopping area where you can find electronic goods, cigarettes and clothes.

Visa
Rantau Panjang is a major road crossing between Malaysia and Thailand. For visa requirements to enter Malaysia, please see Malaysia | Get in section.

By road
Rantau Panjang is about 40km from Kota Bharu, the state capital of Kelantan. The road between Kota Baru and Rantau Panjang goes via Pasir Mas. Rantau Panjang and Sungai Kolok are linked by the short "Harmony Bridge" over the Golok River. See below section for details.

By bus
Bus No. 29 operated by Syarikat Kenderaan Melayu Kelantan (SKMK) (which is owned by the same owners as Transnasional, hence the names on the buses), runs between Rantau Panjang and Kota Bharu every half hour and also stops at Pasir Mas in between. The journey takes about an hour. The bus leaves from the back of the Kota Bharu Bus Station, and the fare is RM5.10 as of May 2019. If you're going directly to Thailand, don't get off at the Rantau Panjang bus terminal - the next stop is much closer to the border crossing.

There are no cross-border buses into or from Thailand.

By taxi
Shared taxis also run between Rantau Panjang and Kota Bharu as well as other destinations in Kelantan, or even further. Establish the fare before getting in. Again, taxis do not cross the border into Thailand.

By train
Although there is a railway line linking Rantau Panjang and Pasir Mas where it joins the main East Coast line, there are no passenger train services. The nearest station is Pasir Mas on what is known as the Jungle Railway. The town can be reached by bus or taxi.

To/from Thailand
A bridge links Rantau Panjang and Sungai Kolok. The Malaysian immigration is right in the middle of town just before the bridge. Most people without their own transport walk across the border. See Sungai Kolok page for connections to destinations in Thailand.

Get around
Rantau Panjang is small enough to be covered on foot. The bus station is located about 100 meters from the Malaysian immigration complex.

See
There is not much to see in town. If borders fascinate you, take a walk down to the Golok River near the bus and taxi station (walk in between the rows of shops). You will be right on the border between Malaysia and Thailand and you will be able to see how many people, and goods (rice from Thailand, consumer goods from Malaysia), cross the border without the hassles of immigration and customs. All this goes on under the watchful (or not-so-watchful) eyes of the border guards. Non-locals are NOT advised to cross the border unofficially.

Do
To acquire some Ringgit just walk into the town square (see 'sleep') where there are plenty of ATMs.

Buy

 * Shopping at the duty-free zone in town. Numerous shops offering items like electronic goods, clothes, cigarettes and others.

Sleep
If you walk past the immigration office you have to take a right turn to enter the town. Keep on walking until you reach the main square. In the evening time there are eating stalls there and the guesthouses are also on this square, just ask. Single room RM15 and double room RM25. No luxury but clean.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Rantau Panjang


text:
Rantepao

Rantepao is the main town in the Tana Toraja region of South Sulawesi.

Get in

 * See also Tana Toraja.

By bus
The bus terminal for local transportation is not in Rantepao itself, but in Bolu, 2 km further northeast. A bemo ride between central Rantepao to Bolu costs Rp 5,000 (as of 2016). There are daily buses to/from Makassar (10 hours, Rp 200,000) and Palu via Tentena. The bus from Tentena takes about 13 hours (Rp 250,000). Note, the road between Rantepao and Palopo is prone to landslides. Road can be blocked for hours or even days.

Get around
Rantepao is small enough to be walkable. Otherwise, riding an ojek or becak or bemo is easy.

Scooters are easily arranged for in homestays. There are also several rental places but they will usually require the motorbike be returned by 17:00 if you rent per day. Price is around Rp 100,000 per day (Sep 2018).

Do not expect to relax in the middle of nature. Rantepao is a bustling small town. The main road (crossing the city from south to north) is packed with vehicles. Some locals wear masks or scarfs to protect from the dust and pollution.

See
Rantepao is not particularly pleasant in itself, but most touristic facilities (hotels, restaurants, transportation) are located there.

Do
Use Rantepao as a base to visit the region of Tana Toraja.

Buy
The market in the center of Rantepao sells many clothes and some souvenirs.

There are plenty of ATMs in town.

Rantepao has many Indomaret and Alfamart shops, mainly located along the main road, and that act as mini supermarkets. In addition, many street shops sell food and... gasoline virtually everywhere in (and outside) Rantepao.

Connect
All the city is served by Edge network. Some parts of Rantepao also benefit from 3G or 3G+.

Go next

 * Makassar
 * Tentena (Ketty Bus and Batutumonga Bus are the main bus operator to Tentena / Palu. Avoid Rappan Marannu Bus).
 * Palu (Litha & Co. Bus is one of the reputable operator)
 * Palopo
 * Wotu
 * Poso
 * Soroako

title: Rantepao


text:
Ranthambhore National Park

Ranthambhore National Park, also spelled Ranthambore, is a national park and tiger reserve in the Sawai Madhopur district in Rajasthan state in western India. The park is one of the best places in India to see tigers in the wild.

Understand
The 275-km2 park is one of the most filmed wildlife reserves in the world and is also home to animals such as jackal, mongoose, sloth bear, leopard, sambar, chital deer, nilgai, gazelle, boars, mongoose, Indian Hare, monitor lizards, and plenty of birds. It includes 300 species of trees, 50 aquatic plants, 272 birds, 12 reptiles including the Marsh Crocodile & amphibians and 30 mammals. It also contains abandoned fortresses and lakes. Ranthambore was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1955 and became part of Project Tiger in 1973. The number of tigers living in the park has increased from 25 to 61, but remains low, primarily due to poaching.

Its deciduous forests were once a part of the magnificent jungles of Central India.

Ranthambhore National Park is closed for visitors during the monsoon season between July and September of every year.

Get in
There are no direct air, bus, or train connections to the park; however, there are train and bus stops in the nearby town of Sawai Madhopur, where connections can be made to most of the major cities in Rajasthan and beyond.

Get around
The only way to get around the park is to arrange a vehicle-based safari. Vehicle based safari prices are fixed by the forest department. The 2 vehicle options are Jeep and Canter. Jeep can accommodate six guests, apart from driver and guide. Canter, a cheaper option, accommodates 20 guests. The vehicle, guide and driver is allotted by the forest department on the day of the safari, based on the rota system.

One can take the help of agents to the booking on your behalf at an additional fee. Certain premium resorts have also tied up with the forest dept to permit their vehicles (meeting the required standard ) to be used for the safari. This option is available at premium pricing and the resorts do the booking on behalf of the guests. The agents and the resorts do not have any influence on the booking or the zone allotment process. So do not fall for such claims.

Online booking opens 90 days in advance. Pl check the official Rajasthan tourism ( official government sites ending in "gov.in" or "nic.in" ). The site will have information and the address or link to the forest department site for official booking. There are several similar official looking sites masquerading as official site, these belong to agents and therefore prices will be higher & negotiable.

See

 * Bakula: Ranthambore wildlife sanctuary is mostly covered with thick forest. Bakula is one of the thickly forested regions. Bakula region has various pools and water holes as well as a dense forest part, due to the forest cover and easily available water, abundance of wildlife is easily found in the Bakula Region. Tourists can easily see tigresses with their young cubs near the water holes. Bakula dense forest is an excellent place for tigresses and their young cubs to hide.
 * Jogi Mahal: This fort is among the must watch places in Ranthambore national park. This fort is located near to the park and offers amazing facilities to the tourists, to make their journey more comfortable.
 * Kachida Valley: Kachida Valley has many outcrops and low hills. This valley is located near to outskirts of Ranthambore national park. Tourists should go through Jeep Safari, while exploring this area. Panther population of Ranthambore National Park is found here, they avoid venturing in the main area of jungle, which avoids their conflicts with tigers. Beers are also found in a good number here.
 * Lakarda Anantpura: Lakarda Anantpura is located in the north and north-west part of the Ranthambhore National Park. This area is an ideal location to visit Sloth Bears. Tourists can also find lots of ant hills, which are a favourite of bears. It's a rare chance to visit these bears, but Hyenas and their pugmarks can be easily seen over here.

Wildlife safaris
To enter the park, you must have an approved guide and vehicle. Safaris are available either in the morning (6AM to 10:30AM) or in the afternoon (2PM to 7PM).

The park is divided into 10 zones. There is a quota for how many vehicles and visitors are allowed in each zone at any given time. The majority of the tigers live in zones 1 through 5. Zone 6 has a few tigers, but limited other wildlife, and Zone 8 (Balas) does not contain much wildlife, but it does include some beautiful temples. It is advisable to book ahead to make sure you get a ticket for zones 1–5. Safaris can be booked either online via the websites of various tour operators, at area hotels, or at the ticket window at the park entrance, which opens every day at 5AM (although prepare for long queues). You will have to show your passport when booking a safari, unless you are an Indian national, in which case your identification card will suffice.

There are two types of vehicles used for safaris, both of which are open-top, all wheel drive vehicles:
 * Gypsys seat up to 6 people.
 * Canters seat 16-20 people and operate on either diesel or petrol.

Expect to pay ₹500-600 per person for the safari. There is an extra charge for using videography equipment, but no extra charge for camera use.

Buy
There are many places to buy locally produced handicrafts in the nearby town of Sawai Madhopur.

Eat
There are no eating options within the park. However, there are plenty of places to eat in the nearby town of Sawai Madhopur.

Drink
There are no bars or cafes within the park. However, there are plenty of places to drink in the nearby town of Sawai Madhopur.

Sleep
There are no accommodation options within the park itself. Visitors to the park typically stay in the nearby town of Sawai Madhopur.

Stay safe
It is necessary to take warm things (including gloves, caps, fur-coats and blankets) for the safaris in winter since it is very cold before sunrise and after sunset and you will drive in an open vehicle.

Go next
Sawai Madhopur is the town directly outside of the park and connections can be made from there to most of the major cities in Rajasthan.

title: Ranthambhore National Park


text:
Rantoul

Rantoul is a town in Central Illinois.

Get in

 * I-57
 * Rantoul Amtrak

Do

 * Willow Pond Golf Course
 * Bill Seeber Memorial Soccer Complex

Buy

 * Maple Grove Plaza Shopping Center
 * County Market
 * Walmart Supercenter

Sleep

 * Holiday Inn Express and Suites
 * First Heritage Inn
 * Super 8 by Wyndham

title: Rantoul


text:
Ranua

Ranua is a municipality and a town of the same name in southern Finnish Lapland. The Ranua Wildlife Park is the second northernmost zoo in the world, and having over 100,000 annual visitors it is by far the biggest attraction in Ranua. Many travel packages from overseas to the Santa Claus attractions in Rovaniemi also include a day trip to the zoo.

Understand

Over half of the Ranua area consist of mires and bogs shattered around, the rest being temperate lowland forest. The landscape is fairly flat and the highest peak reaches just 277 meters above sea level. Waters from the over 30 km long lake Simojärvi flow into Baltic Sea through river Simojoki, which is notable as it is one of those very few rivers still having their original Baltic Sea salmon population breeding.

Ranua had been inhabited by semi-nomadic forest Sámi until the 1600s when the first Finnish settlers arrived. There has been some kind of settlements by the lake Simojärvi for ages, but until the early 1900s the area has been very sparsely populated, and even nowadays virtually all the people reside by the river banks and lakesides. Many islands in Simojärvi appears to have been used as a graveyards. People have traditionally got their income from rural activities – first from hunting, and later also from reindeer husbandry and farming. Today tourism is the main business.

During the Lapland War of 1944–1945 (against the German former allies) Ranua suffered heavy battles, especially the one at Ylimaa. Most of the population was evacuated to Ostrobothnia.

Today Ranua has got 3,900 permanent residents of which about half reside in the parish village. The population trend is slightly declining even though the birth rate here is very high related to the rest of Lapland. The young move to study either in Rovaniemi or Oulu. The municipality is heavily bound with Rovaniemi and nearly one fifth of workers have their jobs there. The unemployment rate is relatively high though. Ranua is a popular "summer cottage municipality" and the summer residents almost double the population.

The main attraction is Ranua Wildlife Park, which opened in 1983. It is the second northernmost zoo in the world and specializes on (sub)arctic species. The municipality is also famous for the cloudberry fair in early August.

Climate
Ranua has one of the heaviest snowfalls in Finland and masses of frozen snow may cause problems such as fallen trees and blackouts. Mean temperatures vary between in January and  in July. Extreme temperatures ever measured are in February 1953 and  in July 2010.

By car
Ranua is situated 80 km (1 hour) south of Rovaniemi and 160 km (2 hours) north-east of Oulu, and is thus a possible day or half day trip destination from these cities. It is very likely that you will see reindeer crossing or walking next to the highway so you need to be vigilant not to crash into one, especially in the winter when the roads are slippery.

By bus
Ranua is connected to Rovaniemi and Oulu by Matkahuolto long distance bus and shuttle bus YourBusRovaniemi from Rovaniemi to Ranua Zoo.

Do

The Arctic nature offers you excellent opportunities for hiking, berry picking, fishing, hunting and bird watching.

Buy

 * Ranua Cloudberry Fair (Ranuan hillamarkkinat), held in the first weekend of August, is a major event.
 * Ranua Cloudberry Fair (Ranuan hillamarkkinat), held in the first weekend of August, is a major event.

Eat
See also Sleep below.

Connect
As of Nov 2023, Ranua and its approach roads have 4G from DNA and Telia, but no signal from Elisa.

title: Ranua


text:
Rapa

Rapa is a remote atoll in the Austral Islands of French Polynesia with a population of about 500. It is also known as Rapa Iti or Oparo. It is not to be confused with Rapa Nui (Easter Island).

Understand
The culture and lifestyle of the Rapans is described in the book Rapan Lifeways (1970), by F. Allan Hanson.

Settlements

 * . The main population center, located on Haurei Bay. Ha'urei is also known as Ahurei

Get around
The roads consist of mostly dirt and the weather is for the most, tropical.

See
Archeological sites
 * Morongo Uta, which was developed c. 1450–1550 AD

Do
Rapa is home to the Tahitian Choir in which one third of the island's population sing traditional songs.

title: Rapa


text:
Rapallo

Rapallo is a coastal city in Liguria, south of Genoa and about an hour north of the Cinque Terre.

Get in
Rapallo can be reached by regional trains from Genoa, which run several times a day from Genova Principe and Genova Brignole stations.

Get around
From the train station, much of the town can be walked. Many sights, restaurants, and cafes are along the seafront promenade.

See

 * Porta delle Saline
 * Tower of the Fieschi
 * Ruined monastery of Valle Christie

Do
Take a trip by boat to Santa Margarita or Portofino and see how the other half lives!

Buy
Be sure to visit the farmer's market which is held most weekdays and has the most astonishing array of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Eat
Most of the restaurants in Rapallo are clustered along the sea-front and many of them are attached to hotels, but there are also many very good trattoria and gelateria in the back-streets. The quality of the food varies but most are of a reasonable standard, but as with many things, you get what you pay for. If a pizza is all you're after, you'll be pleasantly surprised at the excellent variety and quality on offer in most restaurants. Many of the more popular eating places will be extremely busy in the evenings at the height of the season so expect a wait if you haven't booked. Lunch-time is much less hectic.

 * Lord Byron restaurant, Via San Michele di Pagana 8.
 * Eden Roc restaurant, Via San Michele di Pagana 8.

Splurge
While retaining all its elegance and nobility, this historical residence also offers a wide array of services and comforts to satisfy even the most demanding customer.
 * Hotel Europa, Located in the heart of prestigious Rapallo Hotel Europa is the perfect place to spend a vacation and discover all the wonders of this characteristic Ligurian town.
 * Hotel Europa, Located in the heart of prestigious Rapallo Hotel Europa is the perfect place to spend a vacation and discover all the wonders of this characteristic Ligurian town.

 *  Grand Hotel Bristol - with stunning views of the bay, this hotel is located about 15 minutes walk away from the centre of Rapallo, but is well served by buses too. The rooms are as luxurious as you would expect for the price but make sure you ask for one with a sea view.

Go next
Rapallo has easy access by train to Genoa, Cinque Terre, La Spezia, and onward down to Pisa.

title: Rapallo


text:
Rapid City

Rapid City is in the Badlands and Black Hills region of South Dakota. It is a convenient base for travel on to the Mount Rushmore National Memorial, the Crazy Horse Memorial, the Badlands, and the Black Hills National Forest.

Rapid City is often referred to as just "Rapid" by the locals, and the name Rapid City originated from Rapid Creek. In 2020, it was home to 75,000 people.

It is known for its convenient tourist attractions located near city services. Reptile Gardens, Bear Country, and Cosmos are just a few.

By plane

Non-stop services offered:
 * United Airlines (operated by SkyWest) Multiple daily flights from Denver, Colorado, multiple weekly flights from Chicago (O'Hare), Illinois, and seasonal flights from Houston, Texas.
 * Delta Air Lines (operated by SkyWest) Multiple daily flights from Salt Lake City, Utah and Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota.
 * American Airlines has nonstop flights from Dallas/Fort Worth and seasonal service from Chicago.
 * Allegiant Air (Budget airline) has nonstop flights from Las Vegas and Phoenix/Mesa.

Connecting an overseas flight to Rapid City is often relatively cheap. Flights to Amsterdam start at $500.

By car
I-90 is the main highway that passes through Rapid City, South Dakota. The highway is more scenic coming from the west, however the Badlands lies east of Rapid City, which has a scenic highway for more aesthetic appeal.

By bus
Rapid City can be reached from almost anywhere in the US with two or less connections. There are daily services aboard Jefferson Lines from the Twin Cities, Sioux Falls and on to Wyoming. Jefferson lines contracts with Greyhound, while offering a superior service to Greyhound one can book them in connection with Greyhound quite economically. Powder River Lines (Operated by Coach USA) offers service to Wyoming and on to Denver and the West Coast.

Get around
Many people choose to use a personal vehicle, but it is not necessary. All of downtown Rapid City's attractions are walkable.

To reach other places, such as the Rushmore Mall, one can use the Rapid Ride System from the Milo Barber Transit Center. There are four loop routes featuring buses going in both directions about every 70 min around each loop. Fare is $1 and includes a transfer.

If you want to travel before 6AM or after 6PM, you will have to take a taxi, there are plenty in Rapid City for your needs. Also, there are several travel services that are available for the "night life" to ensure a safe and inexpensive ride home, Scooters and Jonesy's Party Bus.

Do

 * - located in Rapid City
 * Go antiquing.
 * - located in Rapid City
 * Go antiquing.
 * Go antiquing.
 * Go antiquing.
 * Go antiquing.
 * Go antiquing.
 * Cool off at one of the water parks.
 * Talk to the locals.
 * Taste the wonderful coffee at any local coffee shop

Eat
Rapid City is one of South Dakota's culinary centers.

There is a gelato stand on Mount Rushmore Road with excellent Italian ice cream. Baken Park (at the intersection of W Main St. and Mountain View Rd.) offer several fast-food chains. North Rapid, the area around Rushmore Mall, offers several sit-down chain restaurants as well.

Sleep
For easy access to I-90, look up the many hotels off LaCrosse St in North Rapid. Hotels and motels in Rapid City tend to have substantial seasonal variations in room rates, as Rapid City is a busy jumping-off point for the Black Hills in summer but frozen into torpor in the winter.

Campgrounds are strewn all along Mount Rushmore Highway.

Go next
Rapid City is the gateway to all the attractions and beauty of the Badlands and Black Hills. Simply start driving south.

 * Black Hills National Forest
 * Deadwood is possibly America's most storied small town from the wild frontier days.
 * Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a short drive away, as is the larger (though incomplete) Crazy Horse Memorial.
 * Sturgis, roughly 12 miles to the East of Deadwood, is the home of the famed Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in August.
 * Wall has Wall Drug, whose ubiquitous signs will be more than familiar to any visitor driving on Interstate 90.
 * Keystone if you love trinket shopping, or looking that perfect piece of jewelry, visit Keystone, SD. Close to all the Black Hills attractions, a town that you cannot pass by without wanting to stop.

title: Rapid City


text:
Rapolano Terme

Rapolano Terme is a city in Tuscany near Siena. The presence of the archaeological spas and other places of interest makes the town a necessary stop not to miss for those who prefer a type of tourism based on art and culture. In that sense, there are many monuments and places of interest that deserve a visit: in addition to the remains of the original spa structures, the castle, the church of San Lorenzo, the church of mercy and the Palazzo del Podestà which has a small adjoining medieval chapel, the archaeological zones of Campo Muri, near the area of the spas of San Giovanni and the Etruscan necropolis, important finds are kept in the Etruscan Museum of Asciano. Finally the thermal spas of San Giovanni and the spa complex, Antica Querciolaia.

Do
Thermal Baths

title: Rapolano Terme


text:
Rapperswil

Rapperswil is a city that borders Northeastern Switzerland & Central Switzerland and lays direct at the end of Lake Zurich and Obersee. Rapperswil merged lately with the city of Jona and is a picturesque town and popular destination for hikers, bikers and families at the weekend in the vicinity of Zurich.

The municipality includes Jona, Bollingen, Busskirch, Curtiberg, Kempraten-Lenggis, Wagen, and Wurmsbach.

Get in
Rapperswil is located in the Zürich metropolitan area and served by its suburban trains (Zürich S-Bahn). The S5, S7 and S15 lines all offer 2 trains/hour, with S5 and S15 taking 36 min from Zürich city centre and S7 40 min along the lake. All connections are listed on the website of the public traffic ZVV. There are trains to Rapperswil from Lucerne and Saint Gallen.

A very scenic way of travelling to Rapperswil is with the steamship boats of the Lake Zurich navigation company. The ships have a more limited schedule in winter.

Get around
Rapperswil is a very compact city and can easily assessed by foot or bicycle. The tourist center rents out electric bikes. There is a public bus system if you want to go a bit further.

Do

 * Watch a game of the ice hockey team
 * Walk across the Seedamm to the other side of lake to Pfäffikon
 * Take the train Voralpen-Express from Rapperswil to Arth-Goldau or in the opposite direction to Saint Gallen if you like very scenic train rides

Buy
There are many boutiques in the old-town and many clothes shops in Rapperswil and Jona.

Eat
There are many nice restaurants by the lake-side and in the old-town. You will find Swiss food, Spanish, Indian, Italian, Thai and Chinese restaurants, kebab shops and McDonald's.

Go next

 * Zurich is about 20-25 minutes away
 * direct trains to Zurich main station every 10-15 minutes. Trains take around 38 minutes.

title: Rapperswil


text:
Rarotonga

Rarotonga is by far the most populated of the Cook Islands and contains its capital Avarua. It's in the southern group of islands, and is known as Raro.

Get in
The following airlines operate regularly scheduled services to and from Rarotonga.
 * Air New Zealand operates nine weekly flights from Auckland.
 * Jetstar operates three weekly flights from Auckland and 3 weekly flights from Sydney.
 * Hawaiian Airlines operates one weekly flight from Honolulu.
 * Air Rarotonga operates one weekly flight to Papeete, Tahiti.
 * Air Tahiti operates two weekly flights from Papeete, Tahiti (codeshared with Air Rarotonga).

The most up-to-date schedules including arrival and departure times are available from the airlines, in addition to the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation.

The most frequent service is on Air New Zealand, which offers arrivals both during the day in the dead of night, with good reasonable connections to their international route network. They have codeshare arrangements with other Star Alliance members including United Airlines, and Rarotonga is a popular stopover on round-the-world flights.

There is a Westpac ATM at arrivals after you pass through immigration and customs. There are two duty free stores open to meet all incoming international flights. There is a cafe open in the departures area for departing flights, but don't expect to be able to get anything to eat or drink if arriving on one of the late night flights.

Get around
Rarotonga is made up of districts containing several villages located mainly around the coastal fringe of the island. Avarua is the main village on the northern side of the island and has most of the population and services. People tend to refer to it as the town. Muri on the eastern side is probably the main tourist centre, with apartments and the Pacific Resort scattered around the lagoon. Aroa is on the western side is a protected lagoon and beach, and home to the Rarotongan. The airport in Nikao, is close to Avarua, about 2 km anti-clockwise.

Rarotonga's main island is encircled by a 32-km, two-lane (one each way) bitumen road that is in good condition. There is also an inner road that is paved, but narrow, and doesn't quite go around the entire island due to property owners.

Expect a remarkable number of chickens to cross the road. It is hard to understand why they do this, but they do. Dogs, walkers, children, and coconuts provide other obstacles on the roads that keep driving interesting. The speed limit is 50 km/h, with 30 km/h in some towns. Allowing 30 minutes should really get you to the furtherest point on the island, provided you start off in the right direction.

The main road is called Ara Tapu. The inner road, Ara Metua, links side roads between the inner and outer roads. Addresses with just the village name in the address can be assumed to be on the main road, or not far from it. The local free maps available at the airport and tourist information are quite detailed, and list the villages, and most places of visitor interest.

If you head off on any of the unsealed roads that start off heading inland, expect them to quickly peter out to narrow unsealed roads, with stream crossings often more suited to quad bikes.

By car
If you have a driving licence from Australia, New Zealand, US, Canada, the UK or anywhere else in the EU, you can use it for up to six months. Everyone else needs a Cook Islands driving licence, which can be purchased from the police station in Avarua for $20 upon presentation of your home driving licence and passport. The licence is laminated, with your photo, so think of it as a souvenir; 10-year validity ones cost $100 and are accepted by most rental agencies worldwide. Rental car companies issue a temporary licence that is valid until noon the following day, for a fee of $2. If you are in a group of drivers, the rental car companies can issue a temporary licence to each driver, each valid until noon the day following issue. This may work for you. If you are travelling to Aitutaki it is wise to get your licence there, because it costs $2.50 instead of $20!

There are plenty of rental car choices around the island. Some operate from multiple locations. Expect to pay $50-60 per day for a small car, and $15-20 extra to pick up or drop from the airport. The opening hours, like everything else on Rarotonga, can be limited. Expect many to open around 09:00 and close again before 16:00 on weekdays; expect some to be open for very limited times on Sundays, if at all.

By motor scooter
To drive a scooter you need a Cook Islands driver’s licence. If you don't have a motorbike licence, be prepared to do a short test, which requires you to zigzag between cones to demonstrate that you are able to control a bike. The licensing section at the Police HQ in Avarua is open from 09:00 until 12:00; and between 13:00 and 15:00. The driver's licence office stops administering the tests at 14:30. It is best to arrive in the morning or as close to 13:00 as possible to ensure that you can get your licence. Pay $20 for the licence, and $5 for the test. If you are travelling to Aitutaki it is wise to obtain your licence there, because there are no queues and it costs $2.50 instead of $20. On the other islands, nobody asks for a licence.

It is not compulsory to wear helmets, unless the speed for motorised scooters and motor bikes is exceeded beyond 40 km/h.

There are lots of motor scooter hire options. You will find a couple in most villages. Expect to pay around $20 per day or $100 a week for scooter hire.

By bus

Buses circle the island clockwise and anti-clockwise every hour. Clockwise buses leave town on the hour, and anti-clockwise at 25 minutes past the hour, and take around 55 minutes for the trip. The locals all own scooters, so it is usually visitors using the bus service. The anti-clockwise buses break for lunch, and don't run Saturday afternoons, Sundays, early mornings or in the evenings. The clockwise buses do not run on Sunday evenings either. The sign on the front of the bus states its direction. If you're going to use it regularly, you can buy a day pass or a book of 10 tickets.

The bus has designated stops on the map, and there are a few bus shelters around to wait in. However the bus will pick up and drop off almost anywhere on the round island route, although the drivers prefer spots where they can pull off the road to let traffic pass. Single trips are $5, return trips are $8, a day pass is $16. All-day family passes cost $26, for two adults and an unlimited number of children in the one family (children are 15 and under). A pass for 10 one-way trips is $30.

Some buses have buttons to request a stop, but these are just for show. Pressing them will probably see you doing another lap of the island. Simply stand up and tell the driver when you want to get off. Phone number is: 25512 from 09:00 until 16:00. After 16:00, call 20349.

By bike
Bicycles are a very practical way of getting around. Road speeds are slow, and taking the inner road is also an option for cyclists. It is illegal for bicycles (and scooters) to travel two abreast, and you must ride single file at the left of the lane.

Bicycle hire is available widely, most rental places and resorts have them. Don't expect them to be very high in quality.

By foot
The villages tend to be around 15-20 minutes walk from each other. Most places on the island are within walking distance to a beach, an ATM or small convenience store. There aren't many footpaths outside of Avarua & Arorangi, but traffic is slow and walking on the main road isn't a problem. Walking along the beach between villages is usually possible, especially at low tide.

See

 * Rugby Union is the primary sport here, as in New Zealand. Check out a game at the National Stadium, or one of the other rugby fields around the island.
 * Maire Nui Gardens, is the botanical gardens of the island, around 3 km clockwise from Muri, about 600 m past the Fruits of Rarotonga. The gardens are nicely laid out, and contain many samples of much of the fruit and flora of the islands.  Admission is $3.  There is a cafe in the gardens, selling coffee ($4) and light homemade quiche and focaccia ($15-20).  Pineapple cheesecake is amazing ($9).

Scuba diving
The diving in and around the reef is breathtaking. With warm tropical waters of around 27 °C in summer time, only a short 3-mm wetsuit is required. If you are a certified diver, you can book a dive with one of many dive operators on the main island. A two-tank boat dive costs about $140 with all equipment provided.

There are wrecks (well broken up) to explore, small cave systems and plenty of fish. In August you should be lucky enough to experience diving with whales that are passing by the island.

Black Rock, on the west coast of Rarotonga, is great for snorkelling.

Fish life is varied and includes Hawksbill and Green turtles, White Tip and Grey Reef sharks, Napoleon Wrasse, Giant Moray, Giant Clams and the myriad of reef fish and invertebrates you’d expect to see on a coral reef.

Events

 * Te Maire Maeva Nui (Cultural Festival of music and dance). Each year, performing artists from Rarotonga and the outer islands gather at the National Auditorium to present traditional dances, songs, chants, drum beats and costumes expressing the cultural theme chosen for that particular year.
 * Vaka Eiva (Canoeing Festival). The Rarotonga Steinlager Vaka Eiva has to be rated as one of the most fun outrigger canoe festivals in the world.

Snorkelling
Snorkelling in Rarotonga is easy, and a great variety of tropical fish and corals can be seen snorkelling off the beaches in calm waters all around the island. Not all beaches are suitable, some rocky beaches are not so pleasant but head for the coral lagoons and sandy beaches.

Muri beach offers beautiful clear, shallow water - it remains shallow very far out so is ideal for beginners, and perhaps a bit better on the high tide. You can also book on a snorkeling cruise around this lagoon in a glass-bottomed boat, stopping off to snorkel by a small island, and a barbecue lunch and cultural show on the other side of the lagoon, however this doesn't really take you anywhere a competent swimmer with fins can't get to from the beach. Watch out for the currents between the island and the beach on the tide.

Snorkelling can be done at the Aroa Lagoon Marine Reserve directly in front of the Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa, you can access the lagoon either side of the resort. The Aroa Lagoon Marine Reserve has been continuously operating as a dedicated marine reserve in Rarotonga as well as being a breeding ground for several hundreds of species of tropical reef fish. The result is that you will be able to see hundreds of fish with metres of the white sand shores of Aroa Beach. There is no need to feed the fish! and please avoid standing on the corals.

Snorkelling equipment, lessons and guided snorkelling tours (night and day) are complimentary to guests of the Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa or are available at the Dive Centre 200 m up the road. Expect large schools of trevally, moray eels, butterfly fish, sea bream, wrasse and many other fish. Also expect to see octopi, clams and eels.

Also try the beach in front of the Fruits of Rarotonga, which is where the first permanent marine reserve was established on Rarotonga.

In front of Fruits of Rarotonga the snorkeling is quite good, also try in front of the Dive Centre which is next to the Rarotongan.

Game fishing
Rarotonga boasts some of the best big game fishing in the Pacific. Catch marlin, tuna, wahoo and mahimahi.

Tramping

There are several inland walking tracks that can be followed for a pleasant few hours in the bush. The Needle & Cross-Island Walk crosses the island from Uruau Drive to Wigmore's Waterfall, and the Raemaru track goes up to Raemaru Peak (350 m).

Rarotonga was formed by a giant rocky volcano. Just a few thousand years ago it collapsed, forming a beautiful round island teeming with wildlife. There are lots of small peaks around the area and waterfalls hidden in mini-sanctuaries around the jungle. They are easy to tramp to and to bike to. There are walks along streams providing opportunities for freshwater swimming.

Local guidebooks recommend a guide for the more difficult treks, which cost around $60 and include lunch and transportation to and from the trail heads. For experienced hikers this is not the case. The Needle trail is marked with green markers. Guides are good for information on local flora and fauna. A guidebook is available at the Treasure Chest which has topographical maps along with information on flora and fauna.

Airport jet blast
The sea wall is relatively close to the airport, you can stand on the sea wall and when the jets come in it's about ten feet above your head. Check the wind sock to see which direction the planes will land. The locals call this getting jet blasted. If getting jet blasted during landing is a bit too tame, head for the eastern end of the runway: Getting jet blasted during takeoff is much more exciting (and deafening if you live dangerously and forgo the reasonable precaution of earplugs).

Windsurfing
Muri lagoon is a great place to windsurf, although the winds are never really that strong, great for beginners. You can rent them in the building right beside the sailing club.

Buy
There are ANZ and Westpac ATMs scattered at regular intervals along the villages of the main road. All the supermarkets accept credit cards for supplies purchased above $20 minimum. Currency exchange is available at the ANZ, Westpac banks and Western Union in Avarua, and the fees for exchange are around $8 per transaction.

Due to import of supplies, non-local foods and groceries are expensive, therefore it is worth the trip into Avarua to shop at the large grocery outlets. Expect the range available to be limited to service the small island population.

Black pearls are local produce, and there are several shops selling these in Avarua and other villages.

The resorts at the Rarotongan and Pacific have their own resort shops, as do some of the smaller accommodation providers.

Every Saturday (8AM to noon) there is a growers' market in Avarua, called Punanga Nui, where you can listen to live music buy music, local fruits, vegetables, fresh fish, souvenirs and cooked food platters. It ends at noon, make sure you get there before then. There is also a variety of food stalls at the market.

Eat
Local produce tends to be seasonal. Mangoes grow wild, and are plentiful and cheap during summer. Avocados are also plentiful in summer and autumn. Outside of season, however, these fruits can be hard to come by. Passionfruit, guava and paw-paw and oranges are other seasonal fruits freshly available in season. Starfruit, pawpaw and coconuts tend to be plentiful year round, and these can be just as cheap at the village convenience stores as they can be in Avarua. Fresh reef fish is available daily near the harbour in Avarua, but not in the supermarket. Taro, kumura (sweet potato), and breadfruit are also grown locally, and make delicious island fries. Island spinach known as Bele is popular, as are the leaves of the Taro, and which are commonly available.

There is an Island Night on every night at one of the resorts. Ask at tourist information for the roster for the resorts.

There a selection of more than 30 restaurants and cafes on the island to choose from. Making a booking can be a good idea, if you want to be sure not to end up hungry. Pacific Rim, Italian, pizza, Mexican, are all options, or try the seafood platter at the Sailing Club on the lagoon at Muri, with reef fish, octopus, and rukau (taro leaves). The resorts and some of the other accommodation all have a choice of restaurants.

Expect to pay $18-25 at a restaurant for a main course. Burgers at Fruits of Rarotonga cost $6. There are takeaway hot meals in Avarua for $7. Espresso coffee is available widely, expect to pay $4, look for some blends of Atiu coffee to try the local produce or coffee from the Cook Islands Coffee Company, imported beans locally roasted.

Drink

The island has major problems with waste management, so consider using the available refilling facilities for water and beer. Drinking coconuts also produces no waste.

Vaima drinking water is locally produced. It is available in many supermarkets and can be refilled on the backroad in Avarua.

There are 2 microbreweries on the island, so before you buy imported beer and produce even more waste on the island it's a good idea to try the local beer which you both can refill:

Imported alcohol can be purchased in the supermarkets and convenience stores until 21:00, but not on Sundays.

Sleep
There are a few backpacker type places, many villas, from large complexes to one or two villas in a group. There is also resort-style accommodation.

Consider where on the island you want to stay, and pick a location near a beach or lagoon if you are looking for the beach and snorkelling activities. The accommodation providers are used to people arriving and departing at odd hours, according to the flight schedules. Don't expect any discounts for arriving at accommodation at 02:00, and expect to pay extra to check in early or to get a late checkout. Resorts like the Rarotongan and the Pacific have their rates for early and late checkout by the hour on their website.

Budget

 * Backpackers International Hostel. A family-run place with internet access (but slow), kitchen facilities and, it's close to the beach. The hostel also offers pick-up (and drop-off) service at the airport. Bill is a great source of information about the island and its history.

Connect
Mobile phone towers are at regular intervals around the island, and mobile reception is good. Roaming or picking up a prepaid SIM card are both options.

Payphones are available at the airport and in Avarua.

Wi-Fi hot spots are available in Avarua, and now widely found at the resorts, hotels, and many restaurants. You are never more than a few minutes from one, but there is no free access. Internet terminals are located in Avarua, in the resorts, and at the airport.

With the arrival of O3b the internet access price is comparable to price on continents. Telecom Cook Islands (Bluesky) offers Wi-Fi Hot spots at their office, in some hotels and restaurants, and at the airport (beware, it works only before security checks, once you're in you have no more reception and cannot finish the rest of your credit) Prepaid cards in various denominations can be purchased from the hotels and the post office. 200 MB costs $5 and 3 GB costs $50.

Go next
Rarotonga is the gateway to all the other islands in the group.

The uninhabited islands of Takutea and Suwarrow can be visited by private yacht, or with a research vessel stationed at Rarotonga.

 * Aitutaki

title: Rarotonga


text:
Ras Abu Galum

Ras Abu Galum (also Ras Abu Galoum, Ras Abu Gallume) is in the Sinai region of Egypt.

Get in
To get there from Taba, take a bus or shared taxi from Israeli Border to Nuweiba (LE 50-100 per person), then jeep off road for hour and a half (LE 100-200 per person).

To get there is more easy from Dahab, taxi to Blue hole (LE 100, then walk north along camel path for 1½ hours along the coast, then you arrive at the Bedouin camp, Sala and Sabah are one of the last ones furthest north. You can also take a boat from Blue hole (60LE one way per person)

Fees and permits
There is a fee to pay before entering Blue hole (150LE for foreigners). You can avoid it by entering very early before they open or ride your bicycle without stopping.

Do
Dive! Ask one of the dive operators in Dahab to arrange a camel dive safari to Ras Abu Galoum and you won't regret it. Leaving Dahab at sunrise, you journey by Jeeps till reaching the famous Blue Hole. That's where you meet the team of Bedouin guides and camels. Once the dive equipment is loaded on the camels, the 90 minutes camel ride starts to the first dive site. After the dive, there’s time to chill out on the beach. Lunch is served then the second dive begins. As the sun starts to go down over the mountains you ride the camels back to the Blue Hole and return to Dahab by sunset. .

Sleep
On the edge of the National Park of Ras Abu Galoum is a bedouin Village on the beach of Ras Abu Gallume, On the North end of the beach there are two brothers Sala and Sabah who rent huts, give you three good full meals a day, all water and tea - for LE 100 -120 per 24 hours.

Stay safe
Because of the threat of attacks by militants associated with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, the UK Foreign Office recommends against non-essential travel to southern Sinai, other than Sharm el-Sheikh (as of Sep 2020).

Go next
Abū-Gālūm-Schutzgebiet

title: Ras Abu Galum


text:
Rasht

Rasht is a city in the north of Iran around 40 km from the shore of the Caspian Sea. Rasht is known in Iran for its beauty and its parks. People for all around the country come there to experience much wetter and colder climate than the rest of the country. It is the capital of the northern Iranian province of Guilan. All in all Rasht and its surroundings offer a starkly different experience from southern Iran.

By bus
Like everywhere in Iran, Rasht is well connected with Tehran and neighboring towns by bus. Two main bus stations in Tehran which connect the capital to Rasht. There are several buses all day long and it costs only about €2 for normal buses to €4 for VIP bus services (such as Royall Safar Iranian which has a high quality bus service). Having an Iranian bank card, it is possible to buy tickets online from some companies, such as Royall Safar Iranian. you can also buy bus tickets inside two bus terminals of Tehran and bus terminals of other cities or buy it from travel agencies inside the cities. The journey usually takes 6 hours.

 * . You can easily find shared taxis to city center, it costs around 30,000 rials. there are also private taxi companies in bus terminal and they take you to everywhere in city or neighbour towns. Pay attention to ask the price before taking the private taxis. Going to the city center will not cost more than 100,000 rials.

By shared taxi
Shared taxis (Savaris) plow the Caspian coast, so getting to Rasht from anywhere in that area is easy. A good choice for a trip from Tehran would be a shared taxi or bus to Chalus, a spectacular route through the Alborz mountains and then a savari from Chalus to Rasht.

By train
There are daily train departures from Tehran to Rasht, leave Tehran at 07:45 and arrive Rasht in 13:10. The non-reduced ticket price costs 430,000 rials (May 2019) and can be bought either online from the Iranian railway website or in travel agencies. The railway passes through Alborz mountains and then Sefidrood river valley and stops in Karaj and Qazvin on its way to Rasht.

See

 * The Shahrdari is Rasht's most identifiable landmark, its colonial style tempered by a token mini-dome topping a distinctive whitewashed tower. It looks great when floodlit at night.
 * Rasht Museum is small, but well presented in a 1930s house. Its mannequin displays illustrate Gilaki lifestyle, amid a selection of 3000-year-old terracotta riton drinking horns in the shape of bulls, rams and deer. Supping from such vessels supposedly endowed the drinker with the powers and skills of the animal depicted.
 * Golsar is a high-class district with many shops, restaurants, boutiques, and coffee-shops, and is a very popular neighborhood for teenagers and young adults to meet and socialize with peers, particularly on Thursday and Friday nights. The suburb used to be a very small town, which had a chain gate and security guards at its entrance until 1979. During the past couple of decades the demand for housing in Golsar has increased and the area has grown rapidly. It is now the most expensive place in Rasht to purchase a house or apartment.
 * Shahre-yaran urban district
 * Manzariyeh urban district
 * Traditional Bazaar
 * The excellent Gilan Rural Heritage Museum is 18 km south of Rasht (2 km off the Qazvin highway). Six full homesteads complete with rice barns are already ‘active’ in 150 ha of woodland. On open days, local crafts (thatching, mat-making, cloth-weaving) are displayed and there are tight-rope walking mini-shows.
 * Mirza Kouchak Khan Tomb
 * Mirza Kouchak Khan House The horseman statue is Kuchuk Khan, the Jangali leader of 'Soviet Iran'. A steady flow of well-wishers visit his mausoleum on Manzariyeh St, sheltered by a contemporary brick gazebo with intricate wooden roof.
 * Danaye Ali Tomb is topped with a faceted pyramid of blue tiling.
 * National Library was the first public library of Iran.
 * Sabz-e Meydan square
 * Park-e Shahr City Central Park
 * Saravan Natural Park
 * Imamzadeh Hashem Tomb

Do
Firstly you must see the Golsar area in the north of the city. It's the most modernized section of the city, you can find the youth roaming over there, beautiful shops and restaurants. You find yourself in a European country in the middle of an Asian civilization.

Golsar, pronounced golsâr (Persian: گلسار), is a suburb of Rasht. Golsar used to be a very small neighborhood so that a chain gate had been put at the entrance before 1979. A few security guards were always monitoring and taking care of this gate. During the past couple of decades the demand for living in Golsar raised so that the area of this neighborhood started to grow rapidly. This area of Rasht is now the most expensive place in the city to purchase a house or apartment.

Golsar is filled with shops, restaurants, boutiques and coffee shops, and is the most popular place for teenagers and young adults to meet and socialize with peers. This crowd is due to an opportunity for young girls and guys to meet each other and exchange their phone numbers for either long-term or short-term relationships.

 * Masouleh historical village is a spectacular little village built on such a steep slope that the roads inside the village lie on the roofs of the houses below. A walk around town is very pleasant.
 * Bandar-e-Anzali is Iran's main Caspian port. You will see fish markets and large ships from the countries around the Caspian. For 200,000 rials per hour for an entire boat you can go on a motorboat ride through the harbor and into the large lagoon. The boat drivers often suggest that since you are in "Lagoonland" women should be allowed to remove their headscarves. It is a good opportunity since after wearing the scarf for long a breeze through the hair on a motorboat is most welcome!
 * Rudkhan Castle medieval castle made of brick and stone. It is located 50 km southwest of Rasht and driving there takes about 1 hr. From the parking area you hike up to the castle (1 hr) through the forest passing waterfalls and tea shops. 200,000 rials entrance fee is paid at the castle.

Eat
Rasht and the surrounding towns of the Caspian province are a great place to try still-warm, walnut-filled koloocheh cookies. Look for stores selling cookies with round patterns embossed on them (they say the best ones are sold in nearby Fuman). You can buy some kind of dooghs, the traditional drink of the area. Sara is the most famous doogh in Iran. A traditional breakfast is cooked cow head.

Due to the fertile soil northern Iran offers a great variety of food. In Rasht this includes Shami Rashti, Ardabij (Anar Bij) and Baghala ghatogh.

Budget
There are a cluster of cheap, centrally-located mosaferkhanehs clustered just south of Shahrdari Square, off Emam Khomeini Street. As with other such establishments, many of them suffer noise and cleanliness problems.

Stay safe

 * See also the information at Iran.

Emergency services

 * Police: 110
 * Fire department: 125
 * EMS: 115
 * Road EMS: 115 or 112

Go next

 * Buses go to Tehran, Tabriz, Mashad and many cities along the coast.

title: Rasht


text:
Rastatt

Rastatt is a city in Baden Württemberg, at the northern end of the Black Forest region.

Get in
Rastatt is situated on the A5 motorway and on major railway lines that connect Frankfurt with Basel. The nearest ICE high speed train stops are in Karlsruhe and Baden-Baden.

A free-of-charge ferry (Rheinfähre Plittersdorf – Seltz / Bac Seltz – Plittersdorf or Bac de Seltz) crosses the Rhine in the vicinity of Rastatt. On the French side, you can take a regional (TER) train from Strasbourg, get off at the station of Seltz and walk through the picturesque village to the ferry.

title: Rastatt


text:
Ratak

Ratak is an island chain of the Marshall Islands.

Cities and Atolls

 * Atoll

Get in
Amata Kabua International Airport is occasionally served by flights.

Go next

 * Nauru

title: Ratak


text:
Ratchaburi

Ratchaburi (ราชบุรี) is a town in Western Thailand, which is full of various geographical features. For example, the low-lying land along the fertile Mae Klong Basin, fields, and Tanao Si Mountains which lie to the west and stretch to the Thailand-Myanmar border.

Understand
Ratchaburi is the land of the Mae Klong Basin civilization.

From legend and historical evidence, it is assumed that Ratchaburi used to be one of the civilized kingdoms of Suvarnabhumi in the past, from the reign of the Great King Asoka of India, who proclaimed the Lord Buddha's teachings throughout this land around 325 BCE. The central town of the ruling power of Suvarnabhumi was Nakhon Pathom which was called "Dvaravati" at that time. In addition, Ratchaburi was also the meeting point of ancient tradesmen and the gateway to Burma. Thus Ratchaburi is a melange of differing ethnic groups.

Ratchaburi is full of many interesting things: history, ruins, ways of life, culture, handicrafts, and mountains.

Ratchaburi Province has an area of 5,196 km².

By car

 * Old route: Take Petchkasem Rd (Hwy 4), passing Bang Khae-Om Noi–Om Yai–Nakhon Chai Si–Nakhon Pathom–Ratchaburi.
 * New route: Take Hwy 338, from Bangkok–Phutthamonthon–Nakhon Chai Si and turn onto Hwy 4 near Nakhon Chai Si, about 16 km before arriving at the city of Nakhon Pathom. Then, drive along Hwy 4 straight to the city of Ratchaburi.

By bus
The Transport Company Ltd., provides buses from the Southern Bus Terminal to Ratchaburi everyday. The first-class and second-class air-conditioned buses depart many times a day, taking about 2 hours to get to the province. For more details, contact the ticketing at Tel. +66 2 8946122 or, or contact Ratchaburi Group 76 (Ratchaburi) Company Limited at Tel. +66 32 338439. For first-class air-conditioned buses (Ratchaburi), call Tel. +66 32 337787. Buses depart every 20 minutes. (The first trip from Bangkok leaves at 06:00 and the last trip leaves at 23:00) (The first trip from Ratchaburi leaves at 04:00 and the last trip leaves at 21:00).

In addition, buses from Ratchaburi Bus Station to other neighbouring provinces, such as Nakhon Pathom, Kanchanaburi, Samut Songkhram and Phetchaburi, are available.

By train
The State Railway of Thailand provides trains leaving Bangkok Railway Station Hualamphong and Thonburi Railway Station (Bangkok Noi) everyday, which takes about 2 hours. For further details, contact the Travelling Service Unit, Bangkok Railway Station at Tel. 1690, +66 2 2204334, +66 2 2204444 or call Thonburi Railway Station at Tel. +66 2 4113102 and Ratchaburi Railway Station at Tel. +66 32 337002 or.

See

 * Wat Phra Si Ratana Mahathat An ancient temple, locally called Wat Na Phra That, is on the west bank of the Mae Klong River in town. Its elegant prangs or pagoda remains in good condition and was probably copied from Cambodia's Angkor Wat. The prang made of bricks and a stone stands on a rectangular base with pathways around the cloisters. The outer stucco designs were made in the reign of King Borommakot of Ayutthaya. Buddha images of Dvaravati, Lopburi, and Ayutthaya periods are placed around the pagoda.

 * Murals of Wat Khongkharam At a Mon monastery over 200 years old and originally called "Wat Klang" or "Phia To". King Mongkut gave it a new name as "Wat Khongkharam". It is Photharam, some 22 km from Ratchaburi.

 * Bo Khloung Hot Stream - Five kilometers beyond Suan Phung. The stream is full of mineral water. The water flows all year round from the Tanaosi Range. Its temperature ranges between 50-68 °C. On the route to the hot stream, a three kilometre branch road leads to Namtok (waterfall) Kao Chon, which consists of nine cascades. The waterfall is plentiful during the late rainy season.

Pong Yub, Ban Tha Kheay. The subsidence of the ground has created a steep cliff similar to the one in Pae Muang Phi in Phrae Province.

Festivals

 * Ratchaburi Tourism Fair (งานเที่ยวราชบุรี) Held every year during February–March on the ground of the city hall. Activities include demonstrations of famous handicrafts, such as jar making and "Sin Tin Chok" cloth weaving, the selling of OTOP (One Tambon, One Product) and agricultural produce, and folk art and cultural performances by local tribal groups.
 * Sweet Grape and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market Week Fair (งานเทศกาลองุ่นหวานและตลาดน้ำดำเนินสะดวก) - is held around March–April of every year to introduce agricultural produce to the market, especially grapes which most people grow in Amphoe Damnoen Saduak. Damnoen Saduak Grape is famous for its sweetness and good taste. This fair features the beauty contest of Thida A-ngun Wan and the competition of quality agricultural products.
 * Khao Ho or Ang Mi Thong Festival (ประเพณีกินข้าวห่อ หรือ อั๊งหมี่ทอง) A Su Khwan ceremony or the blessing ceremony for happiness and longevity in life, held around the ninth lunar month. Karens believe that the ninth lunar month is a bad time when ghosts and evil hunt and eat "khwan", the spirit of people, so those people may get sick or die. Normally, this ceremony is often held on the full moon day of the ninth lunar month, but if some families are not convenient, they can change to any day in the ninth month. In the ceremony, people boil "khao ho" which is sticky rice molded and wrapped in a cone shape; then they will boil it like khanom chang. They used to eat khao ho by dipping it in honey but now they often dip it in sliced coconut. On the day they boil khao ho, the Su Khwan Ceremony will be held. It starts with poking a wooden plate and blowing a khaen for entertainment. Then the elders in each family will tie red threads on children's wrists and give a blessing for good luck.

title: Ratchaburi


text:
Rathen

Rathen is a spa town in Saxon Switzerland, Germany. It is close to the Bastei, the most famous rock formation and spectacular viewpoint in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains.

By plane
Dresden Airport is about  away. The local train connection (S2 from airport to Dresden-Neustadt, then S1 to Rathen) takes 1 hour and 15 minutes.

By train
By suburban train (S-Bahn line S1) from Dresden (33 minutes from main station) or Bad Schandau (9 minutes). The train station is on the opposite side of the Elbe River which you have to cross by ferry (Gierfähre). Don't worry, it has very long operating hours, however the ferry does not accept normal VVO transport tickets.

In total, the train ride from Prague takes 2½ hours, from Berlin just under three hours (change in Bad Schandau).

By bus
For travelers heading directly to the Bastei, the OVPS public bus route 237 links the Bastei with Pirna and Sebnitz railway stations. Alternatively, the Frank Nuhn company operates tourist bus services linking the Bastei with Wehlen, Bad Schandau (old town), and Königstein under the Bastei-Kraxler brand name. Normal local transport tickets are not valid on the Frank Nuhn services. All these buses call at the main Bastei parking lot, about 500m away.

By boat
There is also a seasonal (tourist) steamer service from Dresden (prices and travel time are significantly higher than by train).

By bicycle
The town is a stop along the Elbe Radweg.

Get around
The village is absolutely walkable, and the stiff ascent up to the Bastei may only be done on foot.

See
The walk from Rathen is steep, there are about 150 metres in altitude difference, but well worth it. Paths are signposted and well-maintained and the steeper sections have steps.

There is no direct road route or public transport service from Rathen to the Bastei, although if you don't want to walk uphill you can take the bus routes from other towns mentioned above. The small access road to the Bastei branches off from the Lohmen- Rathewalde road. It is about 3 km from the main road. There is a parking lot about 500 m from the Bastei rock formation (parking fees apply). If that is overcrowded, as can easily happen in summer or any sunny weekend, there is another parking lot at the crossroads from the main road (parking fees). Walk or shuttle bus, €1.50 per person.

Do

 * Hiking: Many hiking trails start or pass through the area.

Buy
Souvenir shops have only the typical mass-produced tourist scrap on offer.

Eat
Once you step off the ferry various restaurants and small food stands (selling Bratwurst and the likes) line the road up the hill.

Drink
There is a beer garden on the Bastei opened in summer.

Sleep
Information available on the town website.

Go next

 * Königstein, 16th-century mountain fortress, one of the biggest in Europe (7 km to the south)
 * Bad Schandau, idyllic spa town (8 km to the southeast, 9 minutes by train)
 * By suburban train or car to Dresden (40 km, half an hour by train)
 * The Czech Republic is close by. Eurocity-trains connecting to Prague and Brno stop in Bad Schandau as well as in Dresden. Some regional trains also cross the border. The next city on the Czech side is Děčín (30 km, 45 minutes by train)

title: Rathen


text:
Rating systems

A vast array of incompatible rating systems purport to evaluate restaurants, hotels and travel accommodation in individual countries or worldwide. The value of these systems, much like the criteria used to generate the ratings, varies widely.

In their original format, establishments were visited by professional reviewers on behalf of guide book publishers; an establishment which met a reviewer's minimum expectations under established criteria received a very brief printed description and a shorthand rating as a number of stars (some automobile associations use diamonds). In most reputable guides, an establishment of poor quality simply didn't get listed at all. The latter is also (for the most part) policy here at Wikivoyage.

Understand
The original star ratings were introduced by the Michelin Guides for restaurants in 1933. There were only three levels, defined in terms of how a driver might reach them since Michelin is a tire company: As of 2019 there were only 137 Michelin three-star restaurants in the world.
 * one star: worth a visit ; you should eat there if you are in the area
 * two star: worth a detour ; consider going out of your way to eat there
 * three star: worth a special trip just to eat there.

Later, the ratings were applied to hotels and attractions as well as restaurants, and other guides started using more than 3 star levels. While criteria varied, most respected printed guides set a high bar before awarding multiple, additional stars. The Mobil Travel Guide (now the Forbes Guide) awarded five stars in 2006 to 32 hotels in all of North America (US, Canada & Mexico); more recent editions award five stars to just a handful of US hotels (10 in California, 7 in New York, 2 each in Hawaii and Illinois, 1 each in Texas and Washington DC, many states zero).

The ratings are a shorthand intended to accompany (not replace) the short textual commentary on each venue in a printed guidebook.

As anyone can publish their own ratings or even their own guidebooks, reviewing based on any arbitrary criteria, the use of a "star rating" on its own has substantial limitations:
 * Marketers began to dilute these terms, with dozens of hotels claiming to be "five star" even if most merely met Mobil's definition of three star "Well-appointed establishment, with full services and amenities" or (at best) four star "Outstanding-worth a special trip".
 * Rating systems designed for traditional restaurants and hotels performed poorly when assessing bed and breakfasts or non-conventional properties. The availability of each item from a check-list of desired amenities is easily quantified; the quality of the provided services and the hosts themselves is subjective and difficult to assess in a repeatable manner. At most, a professional reviewer might be afforded discretion to award an additional half-star (★+) if a property is better than others in its class.
 * Travel organisations (agencies, tour operators and transportation services) fell through the cracks; there are either no ratings or ratings based primarily on a self-selected sample of user-supplied reviews. The little-used TripCook rates travel companies on multiple criteria, but quite clearly brands itself a "travel business promotion agency".
 * Some rating systems were operated by organisations representing travel industry vendors. One star in le guide Michelin means a property is not only one of the select few good enough to be listed by le bonhomme Michelin at all but also one of the even fewer to receive such an imprimatur. One star in a guidebook which lists every member of the local innkeeper's association, conversely, doesn't mean "actually good enough to join this very select list" but instead "possibly the worst hotel in the city".
 * On-line reviews are prone to inconsistent standards and vulnerable to manipulation. Instead of employing professional reviewers using established criteria, websites opened the floodgates for a self-selected sample of users to submit their own subjective reviews. As those who felt most strongly were the most eager reviewers, most lauded (five stars) or scathingly despised (one star) any given venue. Website owners routinely exercised heavy-handed control over which reviews were published, despite an inherent conflict of interest: many sites were funded by adverts from the very vendors they purported to objectively review.
 * The status of the rating organization is often unclear, or the ratings vague or non-descriptive. There is a virtual jungle of rating systems in the world. Even where an official system rates properties on a clear, published set of criteria, its ratings co-exist alongside multiple other "star" ratings, everything from le guide Michelin to some random Yelp user. As all use differing criteria, direct comparison of ratings between systems is meaningless.
 * Unless the voyager knows why and how a specific rating is given under specific criteria, a star rating on its own is just a number.

Some countries have carefully implemented one standard, established rating system with well-defined criteria. In this system, an official guidebook issued by a province or state will consistently use one rating system across all listed properties. While this does not eliminate the inherent loss of data when reducing observations like "good room service, but badly dated décor" to one arbitrary number rating the hotel as a whole, it at least allows comparison between properties in the same market.

A travel rating system that is impartial, contains no marketing affiliations and uses well-constructed algorithms paired with customer reviews could certainly make the travel industry more efficient, caring and responsible.

Conversely, an innkeeper giving themselves five stars (or six, or seven...) is completely meaningless.

South Africa
Establishments in South Africa may choose to have themselves graded by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa on a 5-star scale. Many establishments make use of this service; the star grading is displayed on most advertising material.

Canada
Canada Select, an industry-based organization, is the largest Canadian rating agency. During periodic inspections, properties are evaluated for physical quality, content of facilities, services and amenities provided, only taking service into account at the higher star levels. Each category and star level has distinct criteria which must be achieved; where the quality of facilities is superior a property may be awarded a half-star above its criteria rating. This system was devised to rate hotels.

Canada Select also rates cottage cabins, bed and breakfast and camping facilities, using different criteria for each. A B&B room must include an en suite bath and a full breakfast (not merely "continental breakfast") to receive three stars or above.

A rival group, Canadian Star Quality Accommodation, operates its own star system and inspection process. The programme is voluntary, but these ratings appear to be in use in tourism guidebooks published by three of the Western provinces.

In Canada, as in the US, automobile associations (CAA/AAA) have long published their own guidebooks for members with a rating scheme based on diamonds instead of stars.

United States of America
The best known standardized rating system is the AAA (American Auto Association) Diamond Rankings. These ratings appear in a long-running series of printed state or regional guidebooks which are offered free to AAA and CAA (Canadian Automobile Association) members.

It is quite reliable and meaningful in describing the level of service, i.e., what amenities to expect at a hotel. The vast majority of motels and hotels in the U.S. are rated two or three diamond, while four diamond properties are upscale/fancy—often the best hotel in a city. Five diamond properties are super-lux and usually found only in the most major cities.

The guidelines are meticulous, interesting and available (pdf). To find top-rated hotels by city, see the four and five-diamond lists which are updated annually.

AAA also provides ratings for campgrounds and restaurants, but these are less referred to. The star attraction or event for a locality may be designated by AAA as a "GEM" or "great experience for members" with no numeric rating. There is also an "AAA Approved Auto Repair" designation for garages, but these listings do not appear in the TourBook with the hotels and restaurants and do not use a star or diamond rating system.

Star ratings for hotels in the US are not in any way standardized or regulated, and are generally best ignored. In certain cities, some people may find local star ratings for restaurants, such as those by the New York Times for New York restaurants, to be of some use.

Europe
The Hotelstars Union seeks to harmonize hotel rating standards and criteria among its member countries: Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Slovenia, Sweden and Switzerland.

Italy
Hotel star ratings can only be taken as a broad indication of what you will get for your money. There are many marvellous 2-star hotels that you will want to return to every year and many 5-star hotels that you will never want to set foot in again. The star rating, as in all countries, is based on a bureaucratic assessment of the facilities provided and does not necessarily relate to comfort. Often the only difference between a 3-star and 4-star hotel is that the latter offers all meals while the former only offers breakfast.

United Kingdom
The primary organizations for rating are the Automobile Association (AA) and tourist boards (VisitBritain, Visit Wales and Visit Scotland).

Royal Automobile Club (RAC) inspectors provided their own ratings from 1905-2006.

The various organisations cooperate when it comes to rating, which makes it easier for the traveller.

There is a consistent set of standards; as of 2011:

The VisitBritain Silver & Gold Awards are awarded to establishments with the highest levels of quality within their rating. While the overall rating (in stars) is based on a combination of the range of facilities, the level of the offered services and the general quality, the gold and silver awards focus solely on the quality of service.

Different (typically less restrictive) criteria apply to guest accommodation, self-catering and serviced apartments, parks, holiday villages and hostels.

Restaurants
The Automobile Association uses rosettes to evaluate eateries ranked in the top 10% of all British restaurants. The higher levels (three or four rosettes) are difficult to obtain; when a restaurant at these levels changes to another chef, it is re-evaluated. The AA typically adds only one restaurant a year at the four rosette level.

Australia
Star Ratings Australia is a 1–5-star system operated by Australian Tourism Industry Council.

There are separate criteria for hotel, motel, serviced apartment, self-catering, hosted accommodation and caravan-holiday park (so a "five-star motel" can't be compared directly to a "five-star hotel"). The process for an innkeeper to get their accommodation accredited involves their business meeting a standard to be an Accredited Business with the council, followed by an internal assessment and site visit by the council. It is rated on three groups of criteria ("Quality and Condition", "Cleanliness" and "Facilities and Services") and inspected at roughly three-year intervals. Half-stars may be awarded.

Innkeepers are under no obligation to participate in the scheme; many choose not to do so due to the fees involved. A star rating may be upgraded if a property is renovated or revoked entirely in response to consumer complaints.

New Zealand
Qualmark, owned by Tourism New Zealand, a government organisation, provides the official rating system and uses a 1–5 star system; half-stars may be awarded for properties better than the others in their class.

title: Rating systems


text:
Raton

Raton is a town in northeastern New Mexico, United States of America.

Get in
Raton is on Interstate 25, a main north-south artery in the Rocky Mountain region, just south of Raton Pass. Access from the south is usually straightforward, but the pass can be rough going during winter storms, with the possibility of closures for short times.

Raton is a stop along Amtrak's daily Southwest Chief line. The depot is located at 201 South First Street. This stop has no ticket office and no Quik-Trak ticket machine so tickets must be purchased at another station or online.

See

 * Raton was a waypoint on the Santa Fe Trail, and there are some historic sites in town. Check out the town museum at 216 S. First St., +1 575 445-8979, not only for exhibits and artifacts at the museum itself, but also for guidance to other historic sites.

Do
Raton is the main gateway to the Philmont Scout Ranch and the city of Cimarron.

Raton is also the gateway to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

Buy
Raton has fantastic antique shops along 1st and 2nd Streets in the downtown section of town.

Go next

 * Trinidad (Colorado) is on the Colorado side of Raton Pass, with more Santa Fe Trail points of interest.
 * South of Raton, the Santa Fe Trail follows US 64 for several miles en route to the small town of Cimarron. While the Trail itself isn't much to look at on this segment (few authentic ruts are visible), the drive is scenic, and west of Cimarron the highway enters the beautiful Sangre de Cristo Mountains with many fine views and hiking opportunities on the way to Taos.
 * Sugarite State Park

title: Raton


text:
Rattanakosin Tour

Rattanakosin Tour is a one-day tour through the Old City of Bangkok.

Morning
The first attraction is the most important: the gigantic Grand Palace. It is near the Chao Phraya Express Boat's Chang Pier stop.

If your accommodation is in Sukhumvit or Silom, take the BTS Skytrain to Saphan Taksin. The Taksin Pier is just below the Skytrain station. The boat trip to Chang Pier will take around 30 minutes

If you're heading from around Khao San Road, you can just walk to Phra Athit Pier (N13). Head through Soi Rambuttri, then take a right through Soi Chana Songkram. From there, a nearby little alley leads to the pier. The trip to Chang Pier will take about 10 minutes. Alternatively, if you have a lot of energy, the Grand Palace is around 35 minutes' walk from the Khao San Road area.

From Chang Pier, walk straight onto Na Phra Lan Road, and you will see the white Grand Palace fortress walls. It's not easy to find your way in, but just keep on walking till you see the gigantic Ministry of Defense. Check out the City Pillar Shrine (Lak Muang) first and then head your way to the entrance.

The Grand Palace is a huge royal ground, and a strict dress code applies. Most important part is Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha). You will be amazed by all the golden shiny buildings. Admission is 500 baht.

Afternoon
When done, it's probably time for lunch. There are barely any classy restaurants here, so it's best to eat the way the locals do. A mid-range restaurant on a short walk from the Grand Palace is Elle Tha Phra Chan, opposite from Silpakorn University at Maharat Road. Order some of Thailand's most typical dishes, like Tom Yam Goong, Tom Kha Kai or Pad Thai, for about 70 baht each. Budget travelers can eat plenty of cheap rice and meat dishes for 40 baht at the Tha Chang Market. It's a nice food market with plenty of fruit to choose from. It's also a nice place if you're just looking for a quick snack, like meat on a stick or Takoyaki.

Head up north onto Maharat Road, which is an interesting Amulet Market. If you want to get lucky, buy an amulet for as cheap as 5 baht. Besides the amulets, some remarkable products are for sale here, such as ready-to-use dentures! Walk onto Phra Chan Market, which is mostly a clothes market. Most popular here are the t-shirts in pop-art style.

If you're up for the National Museum, walk into Phra Chan Road and take a right at the massive Na Phra That Road. The museum is a good introduction into Thai history, culture and religion. Admission is 40 baht, expect to be here at least two hours. You can also skip it, and go to the National Gallery later.

When done, walk back to the Phra Chan Market, and take a right into the Thammasat University complex. Keep on walking till you leave the complex and get onto 16th August Road. You might want to sip a cup of coffee at Ta Chang Cafe, or just walk on to the Bangkok Information Office under the Phra Pinklao Bridge. As it's probably your first day in town, get some leaflets and detailed maps of the area. If you want to visit the National Gallery, walk into Chao Fa Road and it will be on the left in about 5 minutes. If not, walk past the Old City Moat and onto the boardwalk. It's a nice and breezy walk along the Chao Phraya river.

After about 10 minutes, the boardwalk will lead you to Santichaiprakarn Park. As the sun is blisteringly hot, just take some time off here in the shadow with a cool beverage. Check out the Phra Sumen Fortress and enjoy the jugglers and other performers in the park. If you want to take the Chao Phraya Express Boat back to your accommodation, you will have to do it before 17:30. If not, your evening will be centered on Khao San Road.

Evening
Khao San Road is where all of the backpackers go. Tourists are everywhere, but also locals go here for a good night out. To get there from the park, walk onto Phra Athit and take a left onto Soi Chana Songkhram, the little alley next to 7-Eleven. You can get a Thai massage around here, or try to buy some clothes or books you have been looking for. When you walked through Soi Rammbutri, take a right and make a short walk on the big Chakra Bongse Road. On the right side, you will see Wat Chana Songhkram. Be careful when crossing the street to Khao San Road.

Khao San Road is a great place for eating cheap dinner. One of the best medium priced restaurants in the area is Tom Yum Kung Restaurant. It might look sleazy when judging from the big neon sign outside, but its square is actually very classy in traditional Thai style. An obvious treat here is Tom Yum Goong, but try some of their delicious seafood. If you're on a budget, just go to one of the carts selling Pad Thai for 50 baht.

Plenty of locals go to Khao San Road just for its nightlife. There are plenty of sports bars, Irish pubs and clubs here, so there must be something of your liking. A popular place is Brick Bar, in the alley behind McDonald's (where you can also find the toilets). Be sure to bring your passport with you, as identification is compulsory. Inside, you'll find an old fashioned Western style bar with performing bands.

Families could sit outside in one of the numerous sidewalk cafes. At Mulligans Irish Pub, you can chill outside and drink a beer for 80 baht. It's a good place for conversations, as they do not have any loud music outside. Yet, the bar at the other side does have loud music, so the atmosphere is still fine. Khao San Road is a great place for just watching people go by.

Getting back to Sukhumvit or Silom at night is a bit of a pickle. Your best bet is to take a metered taxi, which will cost you around 150 baht.

title: Rattanakosin Tour


text:
Raub

Raub, is one of the oldest towns in the State of Pahang. It began as a gold mining town in the early 19th century. Remnants of its colonial past are evident in the old buildings around the town.

By car
Raub is along Federal Route 8 which runs from Bentong to Kota Bharu, the capital of Kelantan state. From Kuala Lumpur, the best way to reach Raub is via the Kuala Lumpur-Karak Expressway (Route E8) to Bentong, and then onto Route 8 at the expressway's Bentong East interchange. Route 8 also allows you to get to Raub from Kota Bharu. From Kuantan, you can reach Raub by using the East Coast Expressway (Route E8) to Lanchang interchange and then proceed along the Lanchang-Raub road.

There is an alternative route to get from the West Coast trunk road (Route 1) to Raub via the winding Route 55 from Kuala Kubu Bahru across the Main Range past The Gap and the turn-off to Fraser's Hill. Cars can use this road at the end of holidays to by-pass jams on the Kuala Lumpur-Karak Expressway.

To get from Taman Negara, get to Jerantut and head weat towards Benta where you will join Route 8. Head south to get to Raub.

Raub is about 80 km from Kuala Lumpur.

By bus
Raub is a major bus interchange for the western part of Pahang state and there are connections to Kuala Lumpur, Fraser's Hill, Bentong, Kuala Lipis and Jerantut for Taman Negara. The bus station in the centre of town one block west of the main road.

 * To/from Bentong: Frequent Central Pahang Omnibus (red bus) air-conditioned buses run between Raub and Bentong. Most of the buses continue to Kuala Lumpur.
 * To/from Fraser's Hill: There are no longer any buses to Fraser's Hill. You'll have to catch a taxi.
 * To/from Jerantut: Pahang Lin Siong buses operate between Raub and Benta where you can change buses to head to Jerantut. The buses pass Jeram Besu between Raub and Benta.
 * To/from Kuala Kubu Bahru: There are no longer any buses to Kuala Kubu Bahru. The journey can only be done by taxi.
 * To/from Kuala Lipis: Several direct Pahang Lin Siong buses travel between Raub and Kuala Lipis daily. Alternatively, you can catch a bus to Benta and change there for another to Kuala Lipis. The buses pass Jeram Besu along the way.
 * To/from Kuala Lumpur: There are several options to travel between Kuala Lumpur and Raub and journey time is about two and a half hours. Central Pahang Omnibus (red bus) is very frequent and run older air-conditioned buses. Fare is RM7.60 one way. Pahang South Union uses newer buses and just take one hour and forty five minutes to reach Kuala Lumpur. RM7.10 one way. Central Pahang buses will stop to pick up and let down passengers along the way. Maraliner (RM7.40) runs a direct bus with a brief stopover in Bentong. In Kuala Lumpur, buses to Raub depart from the Pekeliling Bus Terminal to the northeast of the city centre.

Get around
Some of the major villages in this District

 * Sempalit
 * Sungai Lui
 * Bukit Koman
 * Sungai Ruan
 * Tras
 * Sungai Chetang
 * Cheroh
 * Sang Lee
 * Dong
 * Sungai Klau
 * Sungai Chalit
 * Felda Tersang
 * Felda Krau
 * Batu Malim

Felda Tersang is actually a palm oil plantations area, been established back in the 60s under the scheme called FELDA, to develop rural areas as well as to curb the Communist threat during that era. Until 1982, there was still some danger from Communist guerrillas, and most of the road entrances were closed (on curfew), from 0000hrs to 0600hrs, by the army and the district police.

These days, you can see a totally changed Felda Tersang, with a population of more than 3000, mainly palm oil settlers, as the government has given the best possible amenities for the people of Felda Tersang, as a token of their willingness to settle there and their contributions to the state of Pahang and Malaysia, especially in palm oil productions.

Nowadays, new generations of Felda Tersang are doctors, engineers, chefs, offshore personnel, and also still some of them are farming, but with modern techniques.

Attractive places:

Well known for its jungle and vast tracks for 4x4 enthusiasts. Used to have a few mines (gold mines), and some places within the jungle are so peaceful and interesting, if you prefer to try a jungle adventure by 4x4. It can be hardcore or semi, or even light 4x4 trips here in Felda Tersang. Some people claim they have found an old track that was used by the Japanese army during the occupation and that they found Japanese planes wreckage.

Do

 * Lata Jarum Waterfall is just 30 kilometres from Raub.
 * Pulau Chekas is near Lata Jarum waterfalls (approximately 3km). It is set in a calm and fresh surrounding with adequate amenities such as chalet and camp site. Suitable for family-day gathering and training program.
 * Jeram Besu Rapid is only about 20 minutes' drive from Raub. Jeram Besu is fast gaining popularity as one of the most challenging white-water rafting areas in the country.

Eat

 * Durians
 * Dragonfruits
 * Fresh River fishes
 * Curry fish head and chicken at bus station nearby restaurant

Sleep
Various budget hotels are available within walking distance from the bus and taxi station.

Budget
RM50 to RM300

7 Seven Days hotel has queen rooms starting at RM85, including breakfast. Most others start heading towards RM90 after this for the same package.

Go next

 * Take a trip to Fraser's Hill
 * Kuala Lipis is the next destination to the North
 * Take a trip to Genting Highlands
 * Take another exit to Cameron highland via Felda Sungai Koyan.It is an 80 kilometres of a very nice and smooth driving from the first junction in Felda Sungai Koyan till you reach Ringlet, Cameron Highland. Expect a very quiet road, beautiful scenery (pristine jungles, mountain area, wild life; as some area has elephants and deer, probably crossing the roads.)

title: Raub


text:
Rauland

Rauland is in Telemark, Norway. Rauland, with its 700- to 1100-metre elevation, has for many years been a snow classic for the whole family, in short distance from Larvik, Oslo, Kristiansand and Haugesund. Here you find an excellent combination of alpine slopes, 140 km of varied cross-country ski trails, fun winter activities, and a ski bus connecting the ski centers together. It also has a summer and autumn season in the villages by the foot of Hardangervidda. You can walk along kilometers of marked tracks, go cycling and riding, fish in the clear mountain lakes, hunt for small game or take part in exciting activities for young and old alike.

Understand
Rauland has given priority to families with children, but also have deals with challenges both to advanced skiers and snowboarders, as well as several good powder run areas. There are four diverse, good children's areas with both ski bands and ski lifts, shapes, tunnels and igloos, guaranteeing you challenges no matter how good they are with skis or snowboards on their feet. All three cooperate with common lift pass and a free ski bus that brings you back and forth.

Rauland consists of three ski resorts offering a variety of winter sports, each with their own character. At the same time, all three offer activities adapted to different age groups and different level of proficiency Cross-country tracks prepared daily throughout the season, stepping machines have GPS info for the guests. There is an artificial arena with floodlights for cross country at six kilometers round trip between Rauland and Vierli Tourist Center, and in addition, a lighted ski trail in the center of eight kilometers.
 * Rauland Ski Resort / Holtardalen. The largest ski center, and has slopes to suit the entire family.  There is a new 4-seater chairlift in and a network of trails that allow you to use all day to explore new slopes.  This ski resort is also associated with Rauland Høgfjellshotells lift
 * Raulandsfjell Alpine. The toughest challenges you get here, with steep, black runs, combined with red trails and children slopes. Raulandsfjell has its own off-piste area, so here is the first man to the mill principle when we have powder alarm.
 * Vierli Tourist Centre. Provides challenges regardless of skill level. Kid-friendly slopes including Vierli Winterland and one of Norway's largest sled trails.  SWAG Vierli Terrain park is one of Norways best snowboard/twin tip parks.
 * Cross-country skiing in Rauland. Offers 150 km of groomed cross country trails in varied terrain. Approx. 60 kilometer skate route with a classic track, the rest are prepared with two double classic tracks. There are approx. 70 kilometer mountain trails and 80 kilometer forest trails.

title: Rauland