Destinations 2 - RMC Asia

10 Best Places to Visit During FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

Destinations, Qatar, Travel Guide / By Khudoyor Rakhmatov

Qatar has long been one of the most popular tourist destinations not only in the Middle East but also in the world, and we can safely say that the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 has renewed its status on the top places to visit list. Despite being such a small country, Qatar has a lot of tourist attractions ranging from long-rooted history with a colonial footprint to a hyper modern city — Doha — with jaw-dropping skyscrapers and architectural marvels. If you have plans to visit Qatar ahead of or during the FIFA games, you may consider our 10 best places to visit in Qatar to make the best out of your trip.

The Pearl Qatar — This is what luxury feels like
Souq Waqif — Visit to medieval marketplace
National Museum of Qatar — Where the real treasure is kept
State Grand Mosque – Transcendent Islamic architecture
Katara Cultural Village — Enjoy Qatar’s cultural heritage
Lusail Iconic Stadium — Centerpiece of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
The Doha Corniche — There is something for everyone
Khor Al Udaid Beach — Harmony between desert and sea
Film City — Mystery lies ahead
Qatar National Library — Bookworm’s heaven

1. The Pearl Qatar

The Pearl Qatar, Doha.

Filled with luxurious hotels, residential buildings, world-class restaurants as well as cafes, The Pearl is one of the largest man-made structures in Qatar built on reclaimed land from the sea. The area welcomes anyone who enjoys feasting their eyes on extravagant lifestyle, spoiling themselves or loved ones with luxurious items or simply wants to grab a bite and have a sip of coffee in a tourist-friendly neighborhood. What’s more, the harbor shelters tons of expensive yachts – something that superyachts fans may find attractive during their stay in Doha.

2. Souq Waqif

Souq Waqif market, Doha.

Thanks to its traditional architecture and mud-daubed buildings, the Souq Waqif remains one of the most popular places to visit in Qatar for both tourists and locals. Although the market boasts its gold, garments, herbs and all sorts of retail shops, this place offers a lot more activities than just trading merchants. Let’s count a few things that everyone enjoys doing at Souq Waqif:

Dining – what kind of marketplace would it be if there are no eateries at people’s service!
Hanging out – If you want to chill like locals, coffee shops and diners are the first choice.
Festivities – If you haven’t watched any local or regional street performances, the Souq Waqif got you covered.
Falcons – Yes! Owning and training falcons are a Qatari tradition which locals take pride in, and they are very good at it. You have a chance to witness these majestic birds’ special bond with humans while being the ruler of the skies.
Visiting Fanar – Once the largest mosque in the city, the building has a spiral shape with a lighthouse on top that attracts people to the market area day and night.
Souvenirs – If you would like to share your wonderful trip experience with friends and family, don’t forget to grab a souvenir or two when you visit the Souq Waqif.

3. National Museum of Qatar

The National Museum of Qatar, Doha.

If we were allowed to describe only one place with the word “unique” among all other tourist attractions in Qatar, The National Museum of Qatar would definitely be the winner. Designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, its structure is meant to symbolize the combination of desert and modernity which is embodied remarkably. Both exteriors and interiors of the building evokes a feeling of otherworldly design that is beyond expectations of any visitor. Apart from its extraordinary structure, the museum displays exhibits from all that are considered historic, rare and artistic including archeological artifacts as well as limited car models.

4. State Grand Mosque

The State Grand Mosque, Doha.

When talking about a Muslim majority country, it is impossible to turn a blind eye on astonishing mosques that are not only places of worship but also tourist attractions, and Qatar is no exception. The State Grand Mosque has always been one of the must-see places to visit in Qatar for a reason as it represents a perfect blend of traditional and modern architecture with gleaming patterns. These patterns become even more mesmerizing when the mosque along with its minaret and huge front yard glows under the dim lights from different angles at night.

5. Katara Cultural Village

Amphitheatre in Katara Cultural Village, Doha (Source)

Don’t let the title “village” discourage you, before you read this one! The Katara Cultural Village is brimful of many architectural jewels that demonstrate the combination of culture, religion and modernity. Nestled between the gleaming financial district of West Bay, and the half-moon towers of The Pearl residential neighborhood, most of Katara edifices are designed and built by acclaimed architects such as Zeynep Fadilloglu that will leave you astonished. This place is huge and one or two days may not be enough to cover them all so here are our honorable mentions that you should definitely check out in case you are time-constrained:

The Gold Mosque
The Amphitheatre
21 High Street
Al Thuraya Planetarium

6. Lusail Iconic Stadium

Lusail Icon Stadium, Doha (Source)

Expected to host 10 games, the Lusail Iconic Stadium is one of the amazing gifts that has come along with the World Cup 2022. Apart from its awe-inspiring outer appearance, it can accommodate 80,000 seats and is cooled with solar power, following the zero carbon emissions policy set by the Qatari government. SInce the arena is located in Lusail City that is specifically designed to attract and entertain tourists during and after the World Cup games, visitors can keep themselves busy all around while they wait for the matches or simply go sightseeing.

7. The Doha Corniche

The Doha Corniche, Doha

If you have searched Qatar or Doha on the internet, then you have probably come across this place before. That panoramic city view from the Doha Bay captures the entirety of the Doha Corniche — the splendid 7-kilometer palm-lined promenade. The area attracts all sorts of visitors such as Qataris, tourists and expats alike – there is something for everyone to take part in. The wide boulevard is a haven for morning joggers and strollers while restaurants, clubs and parks around are an ultimate attraction to spend some quality time. If you want to go for a sail to enjoy fresh sea air and see the famous city view for yourself, you can hire or rent a boat nearby at Dhow Harbour as well.

8. Khor Al Udaid Beach

Khor Al Ubaid Beach, Qatar (Source)

Contemporary high-rise buildings of modern cities often overshadow the true beauty of nature that surrounds them, and we can speak similarly of Qatar and its unexplored vicinity such as Khor Al Udaid Beach. If you ever get bored of the hectic and fast-paced Doha life-style, then this is a perfect place to take some time off. Less than a hundred kilometers to the south east of Doha, you can find a dazzling landscape where opposing elements of nature – desert and sea – meet in harmony and peace. The view gets even more spectacular when water tides crawl towards the desert in the morning and form what is called “the inland sea”. In the afternoon, sand dunes reflect the light with magical colors while the sun sets beyond the sea.

9. Film City

Film City, Doha

The following location has gained quite popularity in recent years and is becoming one of the top places to visit in Qatar. Film City — a few also call it Cinema City — has a mysterious backstory and it is probably one of the reasons why people are drawn to this place. According to some people, this small town was built as a set to shoot movies and TV series a while ago, however everything was halted in the middle and all equipment was moved out. Here comes the full disclaimer: no one really knows what was and is behind this whole story. Nevertheless, the so-called city hasn’t been explored by many yet and has an intriguing vibe, something that tourists chase after.

10. Qatar National Library

Qatar National Library, Doha (Source)

What better place can there be than a library to spend your vacation if you are a book lover! The Qatar National Library has a massive collection of rare documents and manuscripts, books and periodicals in many European and Asian languages while being equipped with an automated book sorting system that allows patrons to find and access books conveniently.

Wrapping Up

Mathieu, RMC Asia’s Key Account Manager, with participants of University Campus Visit & Career Fair in Mediterranean School in Bali, Indonesia.

Aside from the FIFA World Cup 2022 coming up, Qatar is a beautiful country with a lot to offer, and it is definitely worth visiting at least once if not more. Hence, we have established partnerships with 5-star hotels such as Mondrian Doha and The Outpost Al Barari Resort to create opportunities for current and newly graduated students to work and explore Qatar in person. As always, our partners are renowned hotels with a strong reputation in the hospitality industry and their expertise as well as their knowledge will certainly have a positive impact on the professional and personal growth of any individual who wishes to join them. So we highly encourage young, passionate and enthusiastic talents to check out our Work & Travel Asia, Hospitality & Business Internship and Management Training programs although they have to fulfill certain requirements to be selected. Who knows, maybe you will be the lucky one to participate in our programs and learn valuable hospitality skills while enjoying Qatar to the fullest!

boats near the beach in phuket_landscape

6 Best Places to Visit in Thailand

Destinations, Thailand, Travel Guide / By Khudoyor Rakhmatov

With the ease of COVID-19 restrictions, Thailand – one of the most if not the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia – once again welcomes visitors from all around the world to be guests in the Land of Smiles. Thanks to its exotic nature, tropical beaches, vibrant culture and tourist-friendly people, Thailand undoubtedly holds a special place in hearts that long for adventure and excitement. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a regular traveler, there is always plenty to explore and revisit in Thailand, and sometimes it’s a bit overwhelming to pick the top ones among many wonderful choices. Hence, we decided to take that burden off of you and came up with 6 best places to visit in Thailand so that you can add them to your bucket-list and prepare for your dream trip ahead with peace of mind.

1. Bangkok

The Grand Palace at sunset, Bangkok.

You might be wondering why we would even include Bangkok in this list as it is the first place any tourist sets foot in Thailand and probably they already have it in mind, right? Not quite! A lot of people come to the country planning to visit beautiful beaches, secluded islands and vast national parks, which is absolutely great, however some tend to skip the hidden gems of the capital right under their noses. Believe it or not, Bangkok and its immediate surroundings are packed with fascinating sites and spots that you could spend days roaming around and still have more to explore. Here are a few mentions to give you an idea of what places to check out during your stay in Bangkok:

The Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew
Floating Market
Wat Arun
Khaosan Road
Dream World Amusement Park
Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World
Ayuthaya

2. Phuket

Morning traffic on the streets of Phuket Town, Phuket.

It’s hard to find someone who loves traveling and hasn’t heard of Phuket. Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and located to the southern end of the country, in the Andaman sea. If you are seeking after crystal clear waters and dazzling scenery, Nai Harn Beach and Kata Noi Beach are the first places to suggest whereas Surin Beach is the best choice for those who love luxury resorts and high-end restaurants.

If you wish to explore the spiritual side of Phuket, Nakkerd Hill is quite a site to take a trip to as it features 45-meter-tall Big Buddha towers and Wat Chalong – the biggest temple on the island. The history of the temple is a whole other story to look up as well.

Another captivating side of the island is its Sino-Portuguese architecture that reflects on buildings in Phuket Town thanks to Thailand’s long friendly relations with Portugal. These buildings line up on the Thalang Road where hundreds of shophouses, coffee shops and eateries attract tourists day and night.

3. Koh Samui

Palm-fringed beach and azure waters, Koh Samui.

Situated on the east coast of Thailand, Koh Samui is the second largest island in the country and home to countless tourist attractions including luxury resorts, immaculate palm-fringed beaches, tropical rainforests and unforgettable sunset that takes your breath away!

If Koh Samui’s attractions are not enough to satiate your hunger for adventure, then a shouting distance away from the main island lies Koh Tao – a small island famous among water enthusiasts. Whether you are a professional scuba diver or a newbie snorkeler, you get to take a glimpse at the true beauty of sea life and its mesmerizing colors.

Meanwhile, Ang Thong National Marine Park unveils other diverse natural treasures of Thailand such as rare exotic animal species, thick canopy jungles and pristine shores that haven’t been littered by human activities.

4. Krabi

Mystic fog sits on the mountainous valley, Krabi.

Although Thailand is all about stunning beaches and serene waters, one place stands out among many and that destination is Krabi! Made up of more than 200 islands, Krabi is located in the west of southern Thailand and most of its area is declared national parks, which shows its significance as a top tourist attraction. Its coastline is unique in formation due to the rugged steep limestone cliffs that draw rock climbers to Railay Beach all year round while further from the sea, there are tons of natural caves that are definitely worth taking a look.

In addition to Krabi’s endless charms, Phi Phi Islands – about 50 km away from Krabi – offer visitors even more activities including snorkeling, sailing, kayaking and birdwatching. If you want to get more adventurous, then you can head to the Thung Teao Forest Natural Park where you can hike through lush rainforests, and bathe in natural warm-water pools to refresh your body and soul.

5. Chiang Rai

Wat Rong Khun temple, Chiang Rai.

Chiang Rai is a province and also a city located in the northern part of Thailand, bordering both Myanmar and Laos. Unlike Phuket or Koh Samui, Chiang Rai boasts soaring mountains, dense forests and majestic waterfalls such as Khun Kon waterfall that plunges from 70 km height in Lam Nam Kok National Park. According to some, Khun Kon is the most beautiful waterfall in all of Thailand and that’s probably true. Why not venture into Chiang Rai and figure it out for yourself!

As any other provinces, Chiang Rai is also proud of its magnificent temples, Wat Rong Khun or the White Temple being one of the most visited among others. Although the building no longer serves as a temple after redesigning and reconstructing by the famous Thai visual artist, Chalermchai Kositpipat, its current grand appearance leaves you awe-struck.

6. Khao Lak

Light Beacon at Nang Thong Beach, Khao Lak.

Sitting between the Takua Pa District and Thai Mueang District in the south of Thailand, Khao Lak is a less known and visited area that is brimful of virgin sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. Going unnoticed for so long, Khao Lak has now come alive unveiling its gems to tourists from around the world.

Bang Sak Beach stands out with its gorgeous strip of white sand that seems to last for eternity and provides visitors with the ultimate escape and seclusion they look for when they withdraw from their loud and hectic urban lives. There are several resorts that are established along the coastline for those who wish to make the best out of their stay in Khao Lak.

Wrapping Up

RMC Asia’s CEO, Mike, with our hospitality internship participant, and hotel supervisors in Thailand.

Thailand has long been a popular tourist destination in the world and certainly has the most amazing attractions that everyone deserves to see and experience. Therefore, we encourage visitors to extend their vacation and explore the country at their own pace. There are many ways to do so and one of them is to take part in our internship programs at 5-star hotels in Thailand such as Le Méridien Phuket Beach Resort, Le Méridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa or Vana Belle, a Luxury Collection Resort, Koh Samui. If you are a young, adventurous and enthusiastic student or a fresh graduate, you have a chance to gain solid experience from top experts of the hospitality industry while discovering Thailand’s utmost beauty for yourself.

beautiful thai woman wearing traditional clothes and strolling with red umbrella in her hand_large

Thailand – The Land of Smiles & Beauty

Destinations, Thailand, Travel Guide / By Rukaiya Kamardeen

If you’re looking for something a bit different from the normal tourist destinations, why not venture to Thailand?

You can experience two different worlds in one destination and it might just be the best trip you take all year!

Thailand – the nation that serves as the Gateway into the Heart of Asia -is one of the most popular Southeast Asian destinations for tourists. One may find a blend of rich cultural heritage, with its ancient and ornate palaces and temples, as well as modern facilities.

The “Sandbox Scheme” and the “Test and Go Policy” was implemented by the Thai Government in July 2021, as a means of allowing fully vaccinated international travellers from any country around the world to enter Thailand without having the need to undergo quarantine.

The list of destinations within Thailand stands at 12 locations, as of 23rd of February 2022. Each location has something unique to offer to its visitors. Therefore, in order to make things easy for our readers, we have provided you below with a list of activities or locations that you may wish to make a part of your cultural experience in Thailand!

The Night Market at Phuket

Phuket is highly recognized for its night market. It’s the best place to get souvenirs at a bargain able price or try some of Thailand’s infamous spicy food! It’s usually very colourful and bustling with people.

Coral Diving in Krabi

Krabi is widely known for being home to one of the world’s most beautiful coral reefs. The archipelago offers breathtaking scenery with its white-sand beaches, great for lazing around in the sand, and its amazing coral reefs.

Limestone Formations & Caves of Phang-Nga

Several tourists tend to opt for a boat tour of the bay to explore its glorious limestone rock formations. Did you know? That one of the formations was featured in a James Bond Film, thus earning the title of “James Bond Island”.

Surat Thani – “City of the Good People”

Also known as “The Province of a Thousand Islands” is an archipelago that houses three main locations; Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. Each location has much to offer. Tourists visit to either sunbathe on its sandy beaches, go snorkelling, or visit the Khao Tha Phet Wildlife and Nature Education Station which is situated at a 210-meter height above sea level.

The Elephant Reserve at Bang Lamung

Bang Lamung is a community village situated in Northern Pattaya. Visitors can witness elephants perform logging tricks and respond to commands.

The Pattaya Floating Market

This is a riverside attraction that displays the culture and local products from 4 major regions of Thailand.

Khao Kheow Open Zoo at Si Racha

Si Racha, also known as the town which became the reason behind the name of the world’s most famous hot sauce, the Sriracha, is home to Thailand’s largest open-concept zoo. The zoo is committed to providing a spacious and humane environment for its animals. It is home to over 8000 animals and over 300 species. Visitors shall be able to feed and touch animals, witness a penguin parade, and ride an elephant.

Si Chang – The Fishing Island

A fishing island, visited by many for its regard for the Buddhist culture. The island is home to a Chinese temple, also known as Saan Chao Pho Khao Yai, which is the Shrine of the Father Spirit of the Great Hill.

Conservation Center & Theme Parks at Sattahip

Visitors to Sattahip can explore the city via Tuk Tuk tours, explore the night market, & enjoy the environmental efforts of the Royal Thai Navy at the Sea Turtle Conservation Center.

Mu Ko Chang National Park

Ko Chang is the largest Thai island containing a deep jungle. The Mu Ko Chang National Park is a nature preserve with a hiking trail and waterfalls.

So, if you’re looking for a tropical paradise, Thailand is the place for you. The country boasts all the diversity and beauty of its natural surroundings, from pristine beaches to incredible wildlife preserves and lush jungles. With such a wide variety of options on offer here, it shouldn’t be hard to find something to love with a vacation in Thailand.

The one place on everyone’s bucket list!

UAE Year of the 50th: The Golden Jubilee

Destinations, UAE / By Donna Mae Ocmeja

The year 2021 marks the 50^th year since the unification of the seven Emirates under one flag – the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The president of the UAE, his Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed said that the ‘Year of the 50th’ represents a historic, defining moment in the UAE’s journey which started immediately after the declaration of the country’s union in 1971. The ‘Year of the 50th’ has been officially underway since the 6^th of April 2021.

A yearlong of activities, which will run until the 31^st of March 2022, is spearheaded by the UAE Golden Jubilee Committee. The Committee aims for all those who consider the UAE to be their homeland to have a festive spirit. UAE nationals are encouraged to remember and acknowledge the achievements of the Founding Fathers while the youth are expected to be inspired to envision their ambitions for the future.

The celebration also includes a series of initiatives to contemplate the UAE’s much-appreciated history, values, and unique achievements. Late in August 2021, one of the initiatives by the Committee was “Letters to the Future”. This encouraged people to write a letter to their future selves, which would then act as a time capsule reminding them of how far they have come in life. Another major activity that is currently being held in Dubai is the Expo 2020. The Expo, which commenced in October 2021 and is set to continue until March 2022, is the most anticipated expo consolidating international partnerships and highlighting the latest technological developments from around the world.

With sustainable spaces that will last long after the Expo, it focuses on architecture, gastronomy, arts and culture, business entrepreneurship, country pavilion and exhibitions, innovation, mobility, opportunity, sports and fitness, and hospitality as the main features. The UAE possesses a major responsibility in hosting this important event. The hospitality industry is expected to provide new employment opportunities to many professionals with different backgrounds. This could also be a great experience for many young hoteliers.

Moreover, his Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai) together with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and the Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces), announced in September the launching of a series of national strategic projects, which are designed to establish the UAE’s status, both regional and international, as a major economic hub. The project will involve the continuous development of the country’s successes in the past 50 years, all while building a plan for the coming 50 years as well.

As the year ends and as 2022 is coming, more exciting news awaits those who call the UAE their home as well as those who are interested in visiting the country. This means that there is plenty to look forward to in the United Arab Emirates!

Photo Credits: Sasha Pritchard, Gim42 Getty Images Signature, & Olgaozik from pixabay

Hospitality Internship Opportunities – Indian Ocean Island-nations

Destinations, Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles, Sri Lanka / By Donna Mae Ocmeja

RMC is an agency providing services for Cultural Exchange Programs in Asia and the Middle East. We are proudly promoting internship program opportunities in some of the most popular Indian Ocean Island-nations destinations. We are recruiting Hospitality Internship Program participants on behalf of our Host Organizations (luxury hotels and resorts) in the Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius, Zanzibar (Tanzania), and Sri Lanka.

JOB DETAILS

HOST: luxury hotels/resorts
DESTINATION: the Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius, Zanzibar (Tanzania), or Sri Lanka
PROGRAM: Internship Program
START: between September and December 2021
LENGTH: 3-month, 6-month, 9-month, up to 12-month

AVAILABLE POSITIONS

F&B service, Bar & Restaurant operations intern
Front Office, Guest Services intern
Guest Relations, Island-Host intern
Recreation, Leisure Department intern
Spa & Wellness Department intern
Culinary Arts (F&B/Kitchen) intern

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

enrolled & recent graduate students from a post-secondary institution (vocational professional, diploma, certificate, University studies)
accepted major of study (not limited to): hospitality & hotel management, business management, marketing, international business, restaurant management)
at least 18 years of age
available for a period of at least 12 months
fluent in English (multilingual candidates are most welcome)

PROGRAM BENEFITS

Full board and living expenses
Other benefits: host company and full program details vetting; placement prior to arrival at destination; 1-on-1 individual support through the application; pre-departure orientation; support for health, travel, accident, and/or liability insurance; and in-country support and services

This is the perfect opportunity for enrolled students or recent graduates wanting to experience an unforgettable Cultural Exchange and Educational Travel experience. Interested applicants may send their resume to apply@rmcasia.org.

For more information about our programs and services, you can check our e-flyer 2022 or visit our website.