Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania (19-01-2009 - 15:44:53)
Kilimanjaro is an inactive stratovolcano in north-eastern Tanzania. It is the world's highest free standing, snow-covered equatorial mountain. With its three volcanic cones, Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira, Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in Africa (5,891.8 m - 19,330 ft).

The highest point on Kilimanjaro is Uhuru Peak, on the volcano Kibo, first reached by the Marangu army scout Yohanas Kinyala Lauwo, German Hans Meyer and Austrian Ludwig Purtscheller, on October 6, 1889. On top of Kibo is a 1.5 mile wide crater. While it is inactive, Kilimanjaro has fumaroles that emit gas in the crater on the main summit of Kibo. Two other peaks are also dormant volcanoes: Mawenzi (5,149 m - 16,890 ft), the third highest peak in Africa and Shira (3,962 m - 13,000 ft).

There are several routes by which to climb Mt Kilimanjaro, namely, Marangu, Rongai, Lemosho, Shira, Umbwe and Machame. Though the climb is technically very easy, the altitude and low temperature make this a difficult and dangerous trek. Climbing Kilimanjaro is a must-do challenge for almost every trekker and mountaineer in the world.

A few national parks lie in the Kilimanjaro area:
- Kilimanjaro National Park, located near Moshi, covers 753 km² of the mountain, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987. It includes the moorland and highland zones, Shira Plateau, Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. In addition, the Park has six corridors or rights of way through the Kilimanjaro Forest Reserve.
- Amboseli National Park, Kenya is on the northern side, in Kajiado District, Rift Valley Province. The park is 39,206 hectares (392 km2; 151 sq mi). The local people are mainly Maasai.
- Tsavo National Park, located near the village of Voi in the Taita District of Coast Province, Kenya. It lies to the East of Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Arusha National Park covers Mount Meru in the Arusha Region of north eastern Tanzania.

Luang Prabang, Laos (13-05-2007 - 11:07:16)
Luang Prabang (thai: เมืองหลวงพระบาง, also spelt "Luang Phabang", "Luang Phrabang", "Louang Phrabang" or "Louangphrabang - ลาว") is the former capital of Laos (th: ประเทศลาว) and a UNESCO World Heritage city since 1995.

Luang Prabang is rich in cultural heritage, known as the seat of Lao culture, with monasteries, monuments traditional costumes and it is surrounded by many types of nature's beauty. Luang Prabang (currently 22,000 inhabitants) is located in north central Laos, on the Mekong River about 425 km north of Vientiane (th: เวียงจันทน์), Luang Prabang province has a total population of 365000.

The Royal Palace (Haw Kham), located on the bank of the Mekong River, was built between 1904 and 1909 during the French colonial era for King Sisavang Vong (Sisavangvong) and his family. It houses the Royal throne of Lan Xang and many other regalia and religious treasures.

Wat Xieng Thong was built in 1560 by King Setthathirath. It is situated 300m south of the confluence of the Mekong and Kham rivers. The Buddhist temple is the most stunning in Luang Prabang, richly decorated with coloured glass and gold and represents the typical Lao art style.

The main hill, Mount Phousi, right in middle of Luang Prabang, situated 150m and 328 steps up above the peninsula, from which you have a good view of the whole area. The climb is tiring, but the views from the top are certainly worth it. From the top, you can see the old Royal Palace, now the Palace Museum, the rivers and surrounding villages. On top of the mountain is Wat Chom Si, built in 1804.

Other attractions in Luang Prabang include Wat Pra Bath Nua; Wat That Luang dates to the year 1818; Wat Visoun, south of Mount Phousi, constructed during the reign of King Visounarat around 1520; Wat Mai, built in 1821 A.D., during the reign of King Manthatourath; Pak Ou Caves, the famous "Buddha caves", some km north of Luang Prabang on the Mekong river; Lu village (Baan Lu), located 3 km from the centre of Luang Prabang, famous for cotton and silk weaving.