The Thai Army is dabbling in soft adventure tourism, linking up with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to offer tourists an adrenalin boost with a twist. Royal Thai Army Jungle Adventure includes a dive from a 10-metre tower, skydiving from a hot air balloon, jungle survival training, trekking, rock-climbing, rowing and shooting. Three itineraries are available in programmes lasting from one to three days, until the end of the year. Contact the TAT, Tel 2868 0732, fax 2868 4585.
The Houses of Parliament will be open for public tours for the first time while the British Government is in recess from August 7 to September 16. Until now visitors have been confined to the public gallery when Parliament is in session. A 75-minute guided tour will pass through the chambers of the House of Commons and the House of Lords and the room where Queen Elizabeth dons her robes for the opening of Parliament. Tours will start at 9.30am, with the last one at 4.15pm, Monday to Saturday, and must be booked through Ticketmaster at (44 207) 344 9966. Tickets are available up to five days before a visit, and cannot be bought on the day of the tour.
Stressed out? Thomas Cook has a couple of health resort holidays on offer in Thailand. Three- to five-night breaks are available at Chiva Som International Health Resort, Hua Hin, from $8,910. The deal includes round trip with Thai Airlines, one night in Bangkok with breakfast, transfers to Chiva Som, where accommodation includes full board and daily massage and use of health facilities. The offer is open until October 31. Then there is the three-night stay at the Banyan Tree Phuket health resort with breakfast, also with the first night in Bangkok, from $6,410.
Meanwhile, the Malaysian island of Langkawi looks good at $4,690 for four nights including breakfast, round-trip with Cathay Pacific. That offer is open until August 21. Phone 2853 9933, or fax 2545 7477.
Sofitel Hotels are offering up to 50 per cent discount at their three properties in China - Jinan, Shanghai and Zhengzhou - until August 31. Rates start at US$72 including American breakfast for two. Call the Hong Kong toll free number: 800 96 25 09.