Australia Colombia dominican republic extraordinary places Guyana Japan Malaysia Slovakia Tazania USA Vietnam

The world, as we all know, is a big place - alive with wonderful, well-known attractions.
And plenty that are far more invisible to popular perception. For every New York there is a canyon in a corner of Colorado which barely raises a flicker of recognition outside the state. For every crowded marketplace in Marrakech there is a mountain-framed mosque far from the beaten track in rural Morocco. For every Tokyo skyline, there is a Japanese island awash with art, utterly aloof to the noise of the capital.
The images in this gallery represent 15 such places – from the jungle-shrouded back-waters of the Far East to the sandy coastline of Mozambique via the hard edge of Western Australia.
Know some of them already? Then count yourself as a well-informed, questing traveller. Unaware of many of them? They are all waiting to be discovered...
Read the first part of our guide here
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1. Gunung Mulu National Park (Malaysia)

Tucked into the north of Sarawak – the largest Malaysian state on the rainforest-shrouded island of Borneo – Gunung Mulu National Park is home to one of the world’s most spectacular cave systems. In particular, it is home to the Deer Cave (see above), a colossal rock-framed corridor which is ranked among the biggest cave passages on the planet. You could store a fleet of 747s within – but the main residents are the wrinkle-lipped bats who emerge from the main cavern mouth every evening at dusk – and set off, en masse, to find their dinner.
2. Ninh Binh Province (Vietnam)

Pinned to the north of Vietnam, 60 miles south of Hanoi, Ninh Binh Province is an antidote to the crowded confines of Halong Bay. It deals in similar wonders – limestone scenery, lonely karsts rising from the water – but without a million tour boats chugging into the picture. Most striking, perhaps, is Tam Coc canyon, where cliffs and caves are laid out for photogenic reflection along the slow-moving flow of the Ngo Dong River.
3. Aoshima (Japan)

One of Japan’s hidden secrets, the little isle of Naoshima lies just south of the main island of Honshu (roughly equidistant between Hiroshima and Osaka). It is famed for its love of art, to the extent that intriguing sculptures – polka-dot patterned pumpkins among them (see above) – dot the landscape. The Chichu Art Museum, meanwhile, has a surprising range of works by Claude Monet – a long way from the gardens of Normandy which inspired him.
4. Miho Museum (Japan)

Another Japanese wonder, this remarkable institution lies in the town of Shigaraki, near Kyoto. It houses a collection of Western and Asian antiques garnered by textile heiress Mihoko Koyama – but the museum’s most striking facet is its design. It was crafted by the Chinese-American architect I.M. Pei – who effectively injected it into a mountainside. Three quarters of the building is cocooned within rock – large glass walls and a transparent roof allow light to penetrate. A hint of Bond-villain lair? Perhaps – although this is a spectacular structure which should certainly be spared 007’s destructive urges.
5.Kimberley region (Australia)

Australia has its iconic moments – Sydney Opera House, Uluru, the Great Barrier Reef. This we know. But it also has its areas of thrilling remoteness – of which the Kimberley region is certainly one. Roughly three times the size of England, the northernmost portion of Western Australia is difficult to reach – it is a long way from just about anywhere you may decide to drive from. But it rewards those who make the effort to see it in a series of stark landscapes – low-slung mountain ridges, steep-sided canyons, sullen rivers like the Ord and the Fitzroy flowing through a cracked landscape. It also has the Bungle Bungles (known as the Purnululu range by the indigenous Kija people) – rounded lumps of rock, kindred spirits to Uluru, which form the centerpiece of Purnululu National Park.
6.Black Canyon of the Gunnison (USA)

Deep in the wilds of Colorado lies Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Like a mini version of the Grand Canyon, it has sheer walls of grey stone that plunge more than 2,700ft to the thundering Gunnison river – a great fissure so narrow in places that sunlight only reaches to the bottom at midday. Above, ravens and golden eagles float and dip on the thermals. According to the National Parks website, the canyon contains some of the steepest cliffs and oldest rock-faces in North America – yet even in peak season, you may see no other visitors and no RVs. There are marked trails along the north and south rims, and experienced, fit climbers can risk the long scramble down to the inner canyon.
7.Marfa (USA)

Very much the USA’s no-nonsense state, Texas is not a corner of America where you expect to find artworks on the side of dusty highways. So Marfa is a surprise to most visitors. Hidden in the Chihuahuan Desert just 60 miles from the Mexican border, this one-horse railroad town was revitalised in the Eighties by New York artist Donald Judd – who used it as a canvas for his minimalist vision. Cue a series of sculptures and installations, as well as a contemporary art museum, the Chinati Foundation, which make the town a hotspot of visual culture. That all of this exists in a slice of desert that Spanish explorers called El Despoblado (“The Uninhabited”) makes Marfa all the more exotic.
8.Scotts Bluff National Monument (USA)

Nebraska rarely tops the must-visit lists of even the most devoted of US-obsessed wanderers. But it calls to those who love the more rough-shod contours of the American landscape in the form of this grand ridge of rock, which rears to 800ft (240m) above the plains of this less-known state. Utterly majestic, Scotts Bluff might be described as a lost shard of Monument Valley. You can climb to its summit and peer out across a vista that only true Americanophiles ever see, with the North Platte River winding along far below.
9.The Rupununi region (Guyana)

South America is blessed with numerous landmark moments – and even in Guyana, the Rupununi region is lost behind the splash and crash from the country’s most famous site, Kaieteur Falls. But, tucked into the south-west of this little nation, close to the border with Brazil, this expanse of savannah and wetland deserves closer inspection. Not least for the graceful – yet enormous – Victoria Amazonica lilypads which decorate the surface of the Rupununi River, and the otters who swim playfully between these saucers of green.
10. San Agustin Archaeological Park (Colombia)

Slotted into the south of Colombia, in Huila department, San Agustin Archaeological Park was granted Unesco World Heritage status in 1995 – and with good reason. It spreads out as an enclave of grassy clearings, dotted with excavated tombs which may be almost two millennia old. Who was buried here is a mystery – this unnamed Andean civilisation had vanished long before the Spanish conquest of South America in the 16th century. All they left were the “tomb guardians” who protected them in death – slabs of stone carved with faces that, though human, also have the features of birds and jaguars.
11. Los Haitises National Park (Dominican Republic)

The Dominican Republic stands as a mystery to many travellers – with even those who make it to what is the eastern half of the second biggest island in the Caribbean (behind Cuba) being restricted to the beaches of Punta Cana by an absence of viable transport links. Pinned to the north-east coast, Los Haitises National Park can only really be accessed by boat on an official guided tour – but it seduces those who discover it with lonesome rock formations and lush mangrove swamps. This is "Hispaniola" as Columbus found it in 1492.
12. Ibo Island (Mozambique)

Part of the Quirimbas archipelago – a cluster of islands which dots the Indian Ocean, just off the long eastern edge of Mozambique – Ibo was once one of Portugal’s main footprints in Africa. Then the colonial era collapsed in 1974, and this distant outpost was left marooned by the tide of history. Four decades on, its churches, forts and homes are sun-bleached and fragmented – though some of them are being reconditioned as boutique hotels, as Mozambique struggles away from a difficult past into a more promising present.
13. Ruaha National Park (Tanzania)

This glorious expanse of epic vistas and noble wildlife is the largest national park in Tanzania – but it suffers from a lack of profile when placed alongside Serengeti National Park and the annual spectacle of the Great Migration. No matter. Those who venture to this sublime slice of land at the heart of the country – feasible to reach by road, but most easily accessed via the Jongomero airstrip – find a place where elephants roam amid the howls of wild dogs and the calls of more than 500 bird species. That the Great Ruaha River – which dissects the park, often runs dry in parts – only adds to the area’s dusty majesty.

14. Andy Warhol Museum of Modern Art (Slovakia)

You expect to encounter one of the 20th century’s most revered artists in New York, where his Factory studio was a creative whirlwind. You know you can find him in his birthplace, Pittsburgh, where the Andy Warhol Museum (warhol.org) salutes the city’s most famous son. But a town in Slovenia? Medzilaborce has a link to Warhol in that his mother, Julia Warhola, was born 10 miles away in the village of Mikova. It embraces the connection in style via the Andy Warhol Museum of Modern Art, set up by the icon’s family in 1991. It has a fine collection of his works, including a raft of Marilyn Monroe prints (see above).
15. Tin Mal Mosque (Morocco)

Concealed in the High Atlas mountain range – alongside the serpentine road which leads from Marrakesh to Morocco's desert south – lies the Tin Mal Mosque. This is a roofless ruin of a place of worship built in 1156 to commemorate the founder of the Almohad dynasty. The keeper will unlock it for you – it is one of only two mosques in Morocco that non-Muslims may enter. Inside, you will find intricate plasterwork and sculpted ceilings that hint at the glorious building this once was. It is just 60 miles (100km) from Marrakesh, but most tourists never come this far. Be one of the few who do.

Source:Telegraph

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filoating village Ha Long Bay vung Vieng

Far 24km from the mainland, Vung Vieng fishing village is located in the center of Bai Tu Long Bay to the northeast of Halong Bay. This is a peaceful place with the beautiful scenery and features with the traditional culture of fishermen living around the Bay all year round.
 Coming to Vung Vieng fishing village, you will have a chance to learn how to use fishing net or fishing rod from the local fisherman at this area.
Vung Vieng has attracted lots of travelers for years by its beauties like pretty fishing boats, fish’s cages being in front of floating houses of local people, especially friendly and helpful fishermen, children with happiness on their faces on the way to school,… Everything makes this village become an attractive destination in Halong Bay Heritage.

There are only about 60 floating houses meaning 60 families in this village. You will definitely surprise when seeing these small village with only tens of pretty floating houses in which every activities of the day life or important event of the village happen while bobbing in the middle of the bay. The amazing pictures that your eyes can catch here are simple small floating houses, films on old televisions, a woman cooking the dinner while children playing traditional games in front of the houses and the husband preparing for his fishing trip at night,…These pictures will bring you special memories about people here and the sense of peace in your holiday in Halong Bay.
Almost people here live on fishing and aquaculture but there are several people do small business on their boats by selling miscellaneous goods for other ones and tourists. That’s one of the features in Halong Bay maybe you like because you can by something like snack, water,… from them while cruising on the bay but it’s quite expensive. Recently, when tourism has growth, Vung Vieng became famous place that is included in itineraries of travel companies. In order to explore this place, tourists can hire either kayak to discover bu yourself or small boats rowing by local people. These services are provided by cruise company and local people which brings more revenue for their families.

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ancestor worship ghost day ghost festival ghost month Hungry ghost

It’s Ghost Month in Vietnam and that means people are making offerings to any ghosts who may be floating about, including those of dead ancestors who may have popped over for a visit.
During Ghost Month, people make offerings to make the ghosts happy (and therefore ward off any possible bad luck). The offerings can be paper items that are burnt to “send” them to the ghosts and/or food.

There’s a range of special “ghost cakes” that have been appearing in our local market this month (the seventh lunar month), although most of the special items only appeared a few days before the actual Ghost Day, the 15th day of the seventh lunar month. 

It’s apparently not good form to eat the ghost cakes so we didn’t even buy any of these pretty pink and green ones.
The ancestor worship shops in the market also have special Ghost Month items in stock. We bought a couple of Ghost Month bundles so we could learn more about this festival.

When we bought the first bundle, Darling Man asked the shopkeeper to explain the various bits and pieces. Then we took the bundle to a temple and a guy burned it all for us. (Happy Ghost Month, ghosts!)

Then we saw a mega-bundle for sale and I could not resist. However, this time around we didn’t ask for an explanation so we don’t know what some of the things are.

Here’s what the full mega-bundle looked like …

And here’s what the various components look like

Let me explain the bits that I know.

The folded up bits of brown paper on the top left- well, we don’t know what they’re supposed to be.

Underneath there’s some folded up money and folded up pieces of paper printed with images of old Chinese coins. This represents hell money (although no one is quite sure what currency is used in hell/on the other side, so a range of currencies and credit cards are available for the ghosts and the ancestors).

The yellow folded up paper on the left is some kind of lucky paper. It’s got Chinese writing all over it but it’s about 1,000 years since China ruled Vietnam and not many people know the exact meaning of these papers. Still, it’s better to be safe than sorry, so it’s best to include these lucky papers.

The folded up pieces of coloured paper that I’ve fanned out – well, we don’t know what they’re for.


The next group of coloured papers represents clothes. There’s two types of paper clothes in this bundle. (Obviously it’s for the more stylish ghosts and ancestors.)

Next to the first pile of clothes is a red piece of printed paper …

This represents some body guards, who will help make sure the ghosts get to where they’re supposed to go safely.


In the middle of the main picture are fanned out wads of cash – US dollars and dong – more hell money. US$1,000 and VND2 million, to be exact.

And then on the bottom right is a few taels of gold – always a hedge against inflation.

As well as sending these material-type goods to the immaterial, there’s also food offerings.

This morning as we ate breakfast we saw a table full of ghost offerings – fruit, sugar cane, green mango, cakes and the paper offerings.
The lady of the house offered up a quick prayer and lit some incense.

But what happened next absolutely gobsmacked me.

Before the lady had completely finished lighting all the incense, a crowd had gathered around the table. A millisecond after the final stick of incense was lit, people started grabbing at the food offerings. Within seconds it was all gone and only the paper offerings were left

It was as classy as the violent stampedes at the Boxing Day sales.

After the stampede for free stuff subsided, the lady of the house gathered up the paper offerings and burned them in a small metal bucket on the side of the road.

And so it was happy Ghost Month to the local ghosts in that street!

Ghost Month is known as Hungry Ghost Month in Singapore but my Vietnamese friends tell me that here the ghosts are considered lonely rather than hungry, which sounds a lot less scary in my opinion.

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art of vietnam culture day of Hanoi hanoi day Japan Vietnamese water puppet water puppet

“The Hanoi Days” will be held in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan on August 22-28. According to the organizing board, Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre will attend “The Hanoi Days” in Japan.
The Vietnamese water puppeteers will perform seven shows from August 25-27.

The event is expected to be a good opporturnity for the theatre to introduce a special kind of art of Vietnam to Japanese people, and strengthen mutual understanding between Vietnam and Japan.
 
Water puppetry is a tradition that dates back as far as the 11th century when it originated in the villages of the Red River Delta in northern Vietnam. At present, Vietnamese water puppetry is a unique variation of the ancient Asian puppet tradition.


Beside water puppet performances, Vietnamese and Japanese artists will co-perform folk songs and musical instruments during the event

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Bali bar Ho Chi Minh Indonesia jakarta Kualalumpur lounge Malaysia Manila Phnompenh Cambodia Phu ket roof top Singapore Thailand Vietnam

Rooftops bar and restaurants are part of the Asian landscape and offer some unforgettable experience for travellers and locals alike. We selected these 10 must-visit rooftops, where we guess you will enjoy taking a photo souvenir from the top of these fascinating places, or just chill at the top of the city, away from the busy streets. These places should be part of your South East Asian itinerary and will give you a great insight on local lifestyle experiences.1.Ubud Hanging Gardens, Bali, Indonesia
Lying comfortably in the heart of Bali, this boutique hotel is built on the side of a hill. Enjoy there one of the most fascinating views you will ever find in South East Asia.
Located just outside of Ubud, you’ll be welcomed to a picturesque view of a surrounding thick and rich jungle.
Seat back by the infinity pool and relax while getting captivated by the sounds of the nature, in one of a kind sanctuary that will keep you fascinated.

2.The SkyPark at Marina Bay Sands Hotel, Singapore

Feel like you are on top of the world while enjoying a bath in the sky, at the 57th Floor of  the iconic Marina Bay Sands Hotel.
Taking a dip in the wildly famous infinity pool and having your picture taken with the beautiful Singapore skyline as background has somewhat become a rite of passage.
By night, you can also go at the Ku De Ta restaurant and nightclub which is next door and opens until late night on weekends. A 360 degrees awaits you at the restaurant, just make sure you check the weather forecast before your visit!

3. Vertigo & Moon Bar, Banyan Tree Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand

Vertigo Rooftop Bar has recently became a must for party travellers around Asia since its featuring in the Hangover movie and it is also one of the most iconic rooftop bar in Bangkok, along with Sirocco.

This is a great place to start your night and we recommend you arriving early, ideally before the sunset as it is a famous spot for both expats and tourists.

The unusual space shape of the roof top is split into two parts, a fine dining restaurant on one side and the Moon bar on the other end. Enjoy a 360 degrees view from the 63rd floor, and get ready to start your own remake of the Hangover night!

4. Cloud Lounge, Jakarta, Indonesia
Cloud has is one of the recent contender to to Jakarta’s dazzling rooftops bars scene.

Located right in the middle of the city, this bi-level restaurant/bar gives you a superb 360 degrees view of Jakarta’s skyline and hopefully a splendid sunset if the weather permits it.

The place, tastefully designed, is one of the new favourite place to hang out for trendy locals and businessmen alike. Do take note of the dress code,  preferably no flip-flop and shorts.

Lastly, if you want to find more about Jakarta, have a look at our 2 Days Itinerary in Jakarta’s vibrant city post.

5.Rooftop Bar at the G Tower Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Treat yourself to the luxurious “KL Classic” with a view on the iconic Malaysian Twin Towers from the 29th floor of the G Tower Hotel.
Home to whisky connoisseurs and creative bartenders, you will have options between an Al Fresco Bar, Champagne Lounge or Whisky Bar.
What a best way to enjoy the skyline view with a cocktail in the hand ?
Although the atmosphere is laid back, be mindful of your dress code as it is a fancy place. We guarantee you will feel at ease in the modern designed bar while captivated by the stunning view of the skyline.

6.Babanest, at Sri Panwa Resort, Phuket.
Boasting a majestic view and 360 degree panoramic view on the Andaman sea, you will be able to see as far as the Phi Phi islands from this exclusive rooftop in Cape Panwa.
There is no better way to watch the sunset in Phuket than sitting down in these comfy cushions while sipping a cocktail or a glass of wine.
If you want to make the most of the experience, we recommend you to go there from the afternoon and enjoy one of their sensational spa treatments.
This a life-time experience that will make you feel the magic of the Phang Nga Bay.

7.Chill Sky Bar, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
When in HCMC (Ho Chi Minh City), do not miss the chance to visit this luxurious rooftop bar, located on the 27th floor of AB tower.
HCMC’s place to see and be seen, it offers excellence in all levels, from the service, the quality of food and drinks served, the posh design, and of course, the breathtaking view.
Best part of the view is Ben Thanh traffic circle, giving you a perfect bird-eye-view of Saigon’s rush hour.
As you arrive, be prepared to be blown away by the magnificent night view, while having yourself a drink served by the awarded winning German bartender.

8.Eclipse Sky Bar, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Located on the 23rd floor of the Phnom Penh tower, Eclipse Sky Bar offers undeniably the best view of the city from above. With a 360 degree view of the city, this swankily designed bar is also the best spot to catch the sunset over the capital.
In the evening, you will also get to enjoy the performance of a talented local band, making it a sure night full of enjoyment. Overall, visit the Eclipse Sky Bar is not only visually satisfying it is also fascinating as you will see the city from a different perspective.

9. One Altitude, Singapore
Among the numerous options of sophisticated rooftop bars in Singapore, One Altitude stands out as one the best rooftop bar in Asia, and also the highest al fresco bar in the World.
The 282 meters high rooftop bar offers an uncontested view of the skyline and the MBS. Its strategic location makes it the best spot to watch the MBS lightshow, catch a 360 degree view of the Formula 1 races, or just have a drink on top of the world while admiring Singapore’s beautiful skyline.
With its promising view and multi-experience lifestyle joint, One Altitude has became one of the top attraction in Singapore for both tourists and locals making it a must visit in Singapore!

10.Sky Deck on Bayleaf Hotel, Manila

Set on a rooftop with Spanish inspired design, this bar offers a stunning 360 degree view of the Manila city.

Beside the dazzling view of the city skyline, you will also get to enjoy the beautiful sight of the most historical site of the city – the historic walls of Intramuros in Manila.

This cozy rooftop lounge is home to some of the best alfresco dining in town, and also a live band to entertain its patrons throughout the evening.

With such an amazing view, great food and drinks, highly cosy setting, and a superbly chill ambience, Sky Deck is definitely the roof top bar to be when you’re in Manila!

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Binh Thuan Ke Ga cape lighthouse rocks strange beach

A bout 20 km to the east from Phan Thiet, Ke Ga cape is not only  an attractive  destination but also an ideal place for photographer to take impressive pictures.Unlike other beaches that enchant visitors with their smooth sandbanks, Ke Ga is famous for its strange shaped rocks and 100-year old lighthouse.

Ke Ga Cape is one of few beaches which have not  been affected by tourism in Vietnam. The pristine beauty of the nature remains with strange granites surrounded by small streams. At Ke Ga stands a lighthouse considered to  be the oldest existing lighthouse  in Southeast Asia. Set in the imposing landscape of Ke Ga, the lighthouse with its unique architectural style has enchanted a large number of photographers

You can travel to Ke Ga Cape by ship or coracle (small boat made of bamboo). Staying overnight to listen to the waves crashing against the rocks is also an unforgettable experience. You should not miss this extraordinary beach if you want to have great moments and a unique wedding album

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culture exchange Hoai River hoi an Hoi An lantern festival Japan

From 28 to 30 August 2015, in Hoi An Ancient Town (Quang Nam Province), the 13th Hoi An – Japan Culture Exchange Program 2015 will be held by Hoi An City’s People’s Committee in coordination with Japanese Embassy and organizations in Viet Nam.

This is a unique culture – tourism event held annually since 2003 in World Cultural Heritage – Hoi An Ancient Town to strengthen exchange and cooperation between Viet Nam and Japan, whereby introducing and promoting the traditional values of the two countries.
 
The activities of this year’s Hoi An – Japan Culture Exchange Program will take place in some locations in Hoi An Ancient Town, including An Hoi Statue Garden, Hoai River Square, the house in No.106 Bach Dang Street, Duck Café (59 Nguyen Phuc Chu Street), stadium of Minh An Ward, Kazik Park, An Bang Beach, Chau Thuong Van Street and the arc of Pagoda-Bridge.
 
The highlight of the program is the opening ceremony at 19h45 in the stage of An Hoi Statue Garden. Besides, the program will also have other attractive activities, such as: the competition of handicraft carpentry skill; presenting and trying making Hoi An lanterns; displays of Hoi An – Japan handicraft products, Japanese anime and manga, Hoi An – Japan Bonsai; Hoi An – Japan art exchange; cuisine of Quang Nam and Japan; Vietnamese folk games for children (pot breaking, bai choi, stick pushing…) and Japanese folk games for children; sports activities (handball, football, bowling, boat racing…). Of which, many Japanese culture - art activities have become new trend attracting numerous Vietnamese young people, such as anime and manga cosplay, Yosakoi dance, Kendo, Kirigami papercraft, Nerikiri cake making, Yukata photo taking, Haiku poem display…

 

In addition, through the activities of “Tourism development associated with marine environment” meeting, “One hour for cleaner Hoi An” forum, “Hoi An – a smoke free city” parade, this year’s Hoi An – Japan Culture Exchange Program also want to send the massage of health and environment to local people as well as domestic and foreign tourists.
 
In particular, on 27 August (the 14th day of the seventh lunar month, Vu Lan Festival), in Hoai River and An Hoi Statue Garden, Hoi An Flower Lantern Festival 2015 will be held. The festival is expected to create impression with flower lantern installation art and the art program “Roses pinned on shirt” (Bong hong cai ao) to pay tribute the merit of parents.

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da lat dating Ha Long Bay romantic places sapa

Among many romantic destinations in Viet Nam, Sa Pa, Da Lat and Ha Long are the top choices for couples. 

In North Viet Nam, Sa Pa is the most favored place for honeymoons. The year-round cool climate, the cold of the mountains and fog, and romantic landscapes of Sa Pa make people want to be close. With a thin coat, a warm hand, you and your partner can take a stroll along the streets, go shopping, enjoy yourself in the love market on Saturday, visit French villas and Love Waterfall, which is known as the most beautiful waterfall in North Viet Nam, or the villages of ethnic minority groups to learn their unique culture.

The evening in Sa Pa is quite long. Many couples confided that, for them, the most interesting thing to do in Sapa in the evening is getting into a warm blanket. So without any official survey, Sa Pa is still called the tourist destination for love in Viet Nam.

If Sa Pa is the Paradise for Love in the North, it is Da Lat in the South. The two locations have similarities in that they are located at high altitudes and have cool climate all year round.


Like a miniature Paris, Da Lat is famous for European architecture, the vast pine forest and flowers. What could be better than choosing this land as a romantic dating place.
Destinations in Da Lat are also characterized by love. Da Lat night is busy with lots of activities around the market and cafés around Xuan Huong Lake. There are many romantic destinations for couples there.

Night in the Ha Long Bay is wonderful, especially on the day of the full moon. There are many cruises in the bay and they have special rooms for couples to enjoy their honeymoon.

You can sip a glass of wine and watch the sea from the room window, enjoy a special welcome cocktail party at sunset on the deck, or together on a deserted beach, prepare and have lunch with the famous seafood of Halong Bay. All will be unforgettable memories for you and your lover.


Source: VietNamNet Bridge

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adventure tour Oxalis Phong Nha Ke Bang Quang Binh province Son Doong cave

The Quang Binh provincial People’s Committee has extended the period of time for exploration tours in Viet Nam’s Son Doong Cave, the largest cave in the world, and has permitted Oxalis Adventure Tours to continue organising tours to the cave in 2016
Accordingly, the same itinerary and number of tourists and tours will be maintained as in 2015. Each tour will last for five days and four nights with a maximum of ten people; the total number of tourists for 2016 is set at a maximum of 500.

 

Oxalis said that the tours will open for booking in August on its website: www.oxalis.com.vn at VND66 million (US$3,000) per person. Tourists must provide accurate information on their health status for medical consultation before being accepted to join the tour.
 
Tourists also have the opportunity to join tours exploring Tu Lan and Va Caves under lower costs, fewer challenges and less strict health requirements.
 
Oxalis, based in Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park in Quang Binh Province, has been organising tours to Son Dong Cave since August 2013. Oxalis has often sold out limited tours well before they start. Tours in 2015 were sold out by July of 2014.
 
Son Doong, which is 150 metres high and 200 metres wide, became known worldwide in 2009 when it was explored by members of the British Cave Research Association led by Howard Limbert and his wife Deb Limbert, guided by local resident Ho Khanh.

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Cycling in Mai Chau Homestay Mai Chau 2 days 1 night trekking tours

DAY1: HA NOI- MAI CHAU -CYCLING                                                                                                (-/L/D) 

8 am:In the morning, our car and guide pick you up at the hotel, depart to Hoa Binh  province. Mai Chau,The town is situated between tall cliffs and is surrounded by bright-green paddies, making it a sight to behold; the beauty of the place is enough reason for many tourists to stay longer than expected. Stilt houses are a common sight in Mai Chau. In fact, these structures line both sides of the road, with palm leaf roofs, bamboo-slat floors and large, patterned windows. Visitors can stay the night in these houses, especially in Lac, which is the village of the White Thai minority group near the main road. Here, one can live like the locals but with modern facilities.
Arrive in Mai Chau,  having lunch in Lac /Pom Coong village 
2pm: Biking around  and explore the local people's life style 
Relax at homestay and enjoy traditional music and dance , drink" Can wine"

DAY2: MAI CHAU TREKKING- HANOI                                                                                               (B/L/-)                                                                     
 8am: Having breakfast,  go with our local tour guide to the remote rural villages, understand Thai villages's life, their culture and customs
Back the homestay for lunch
4pm: Back to Hanoi

 END OF OUR SERVICES

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breakfast coffee Hanoi old quarters life styles pho

Hanoi has been around for more than a thousand years, and the city is still certainly full of life.

CNNGo explores the Vietnamese capital, taking you beyond the Old Quarter.<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dGtk-BxHcmo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Source: CNN

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4 must see places Ba Be lake Cat Ba island Mai Chau the adventurous destination in vietnam Whale Island Nha Trang

Are you the real adventurers? If your answer is the big YES, be nimble-footed to experience an Adventure Tour in Viet Nam whenever you’re free. Not everybody gets chances to make a tour of lifetime.

If you’re about to be on tours, it’s the very big luck and you should always appreciate what you have while the others haven’t. Budget, time, partner, knowledge, guide, etc., are what every tourist yearns for in order to obtain the most satisfactory tours. As an adventurer, you’re of course can tour solo, but the necessity is the relevant knowledge about the best destinations to stop by. In that sense, have you known the best tourist sites for your Viet Nam Adventure Tour yet? Different adventure-seeking backpackers can provide different answers, but please let us specially draw your attention to four most ideal destinations which seem to be born for the adventurers only!
The 4 Must-See Viet Nam Tourist Destinations for So-Called Adventurers

First of all, Mai Chau successfully convinces the others of its absolute natural beauty. It is the spectacular landscape of terraced rice fields that can lead you to the heaven step by step. Since the charm of Mai Chau is boundless, the adventurers are showered with immeasurable number of chances to go see the actual essentials of the land. Mai Chau tourist destination is the valley of Thai people; it’s dominated with the radiant carpet of green rice fields. Just spend several days to explore the mountain area by trekking and also mingle with the hill-tribe people, you will soon stay highly interested in the daily life activities at the Thai village. 

Ba Be Lake is another excellent spot for the so-called adventurers to try trekking. It’s the largest natural lake in Vietnam which is surrounded by the limestone cliffs and also covered by the original forests. There also stands a large waterfall here. Thanks to the rich collection of flora and fauna, Ba Be National Park is strongly inspirational for trekking. Coming to this destination, the adventurers’ eyes are pleased with a wide array of animals, plants, and natural scenes. 

And if you’re fond of snorkeling, Whale Island Nha Trang is the must-see place indeed. The attractive island provides the best program for snorkeling in the beautiful island. Just stay and discover the Whale Island, the adventure-seeking tourists can freely snorkel and immerse themselves into the crystal clear water. The pure blue scenes fulfill your adventurous spirit. The full-day underwater discovery of Whale Island is very interesting with beautiful coral, colorful fish, and totally pure background. 

How about rock climbing, my adventurers? Do not miss this venturesome activity and great experience in Cat Ba Island. You’re free to conquer various rocky shapes available at the pristine island to show off your bravery. The cool balance between the hard rock climbing and relaxing stay at Cove Beach resort accelerate the success rate of your adventure tour in Viet Nam. Roaming around the island in the early morning helpfully motivates everybody to regain their lost energy and hearten up their adventuresome passion in the most energetic manner. Just being the rock climbers and you will definitely stay pleased with a sense of victory.

Source: Vietnam tourism

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british capital London lunch boxes restaurant in London Vietnam street food young Londoner

A young Londoner was so thrilled by Vietnamese street foods and the convenient way in which they were served that he has opened a shop to sell them in the British capital.
Paul Hopper, 31, visited Vietnam first during a Southeast Asian trip he made in 2012 after quitting his job at a London bank.

Paul Hopper (L) with the owner of a street food shop in Vietnam during his second visit to the Southeast Asian country in August 2014. Photo credit: VnExpress

He visited Hanoi, Hue, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City and they all had one thing that won him over: the sidewalk stops that serve food fast and fresh on colorful plastic tables and chairs.
Hopper said he was “impressed” by the convenience, which is perfect for workers who have a short lunch break, adding it is the kind of fresh fast food that everyone needs.
During the trip, he built up ideas to open a take-away shop like that in London, putting all the servings in boxes.

Staff members at Hộp restaurant in London prepare lunch bags to customers. Photo credit: VnExpress
He spent 18 months planning for the restaurant and came back to Vietnam with several friends a second time in August last year before opening “Hộp” (Boxes) two months ago with one million pounds (US$1.56 million) from savings and loans.
Hopper said since he has never been a professional chef, it was very hard for him to recreate authentic Vietnamese dishes.
So he adopts the principle he believes most street foods in Vietnam follow: flexibility.
He keeps the basic principles of Vietnamese foods, uses seasonings and spices he can find at Asian food stores in London, and adds some local ingredients.
The restaurant’s menu lists around 40 items including phở, the famous noodle soup served with beef or chicken, some dishes based on rice, vermicelli and noodles, bánh mì, and gỏi cuốn (spring rolls). It charges an average of 6.5 pounds per serving.

Fresh spring rolls are among the best sellers at Hộp shop. Photo credit: VnExpress

Fresh spring rolls are among the best sellers at the shop, which offers nine variants.
It has various sauces just like eateries in Vietnam do.
The lunch boxes are placed in paper bags on which information is printed about some daily activities in Vietnam.
He has also tried to design the shop to make it look open and lively like a street shop in Vietnam.
He uses colorful plastic chairs and tables but most of his customers grab the food and return to their offices.
The shop employs 15 workers and it only takes a customer a few minutes to pick something up and go.
Speed is the essence of the place, he said.
He said it gets 650 customers daily and makes 4,000 pounds a day.
He hopes to develop the shop into a chain of around 40 outlets in London and then across the UK.
“I want to share with people my interesting experiences about enjoying Vietnamese street foods.”

Source: Tuoitrenews

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Bach Ma temple cha ca la vong dinh Le Dong Xuan market half day tour hanoi hanoi street food

HALF DAY TOUR: You can start tour from 7.30 am or 9am-/1.30pm to 12.30 am/6pm
Duration: 3-5 hours
If you choose 5 hours, tour itinerary includes breakfast
7:30 / We start tour by having breakfast  with the popular local food such as: Pho, Banh cuon, Xoi Xeo.
8:15 /2:00 pm We go around Hoan Kiem lake visit Ngoc Son temple, for the book lovers  our guide also show you  an interesting place- book street Dinh Le street  ; enjoy  absolutely delicious Trang Tien ice cream
9:30/3:30pm Back to old street  here you understand more Hanoian's life style, visit  Bach Ma temple is said to be the oldest temple in the city, though much of the current structure dates from the 18th century and a shrine to Confucius was added in 183, continue  explore Dong Xuan market, Dong Xuan is mostly reserved for bulk sale and distribution points for many retailers in Hanoi.By the way, you can also sit down some  small stock to eat some nosh: sweat soup, specialities...

11 am/5-6pm: Having lunch  or dinner , do not miss out the special food "  Bun Cha" or " Cha ca La Vong"
After this we walk to some  hot coffee in Hanoi: Cong coffee, Ca fe' Lam, Cafe' Giang...

   Yes, and we believe you got  a wonderful and valuable time!

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Banh cuon Bun thang cha ca la vong local typical food pho popular food typical food in Hanoi Xoi Xeo

A list of most popular local foods that should not be missed in Hanoi, take a look and find out what are they..
1.    Xôi xéo:
Chances are you will encounter this dish in almost every outdoors market. There are even two restaurants dedicated fully to this dish in the Old Quarters. Xoi xeo is sticky rice topped with ground de-hulled mung bean and fried onion. Sometimes it can be served with eggs or steamed chicken breast on request. The serving is really filling and it is good for any time of the day but most Vietnamese have it for breakfast or lunch.

Where to try:
Xoi Yen is a all time local favourite sitting just North of Sword Lake (Hoan Kiem lake) on Nguyen Huu Huan street. Ask anyone in the area and they all know what you are referring to. The price varies, without chicken, a bowl of Xoi xeo costs you about 50 cents. Have it with a glass of soy milk and you have more energy boost than a box of granola bars

2.    Bánh cuốn:
If the French has this famous delicious crepe made of wheat, egg and dairy products; Vietnamese and particularly Hanoian is proud of their steamed crepe from rice flour and water. A savoury meal, the inside stuffing contains ground pork, wood-ear and seasoning. Most street chefs make the dish right at door so look for a place that steams are coming up high. Banh cuon is served with nuoc mam, a mixture of fish sauce, sugar and lime.
Where to try:

Banh cuon Gia An – Ba Trieu street (opposite to Vincom tower) is a more upscale restaurants specializing in Banh Cuon. The price is not that big a difference (about $1.5 for a serving) compared with other street vendors (about 50-70 cents). Banh cuon there is made without preservative and of high hygiene condition. You can ask for a vegetarian option as well
3.Phở (Noodle soup):
This universally famous food is best enjoyed in Hanoi, where it was “invented” in the early 20th century. Pho- or rice noodle soup- is omnipresent in Hanoi, appearing anywhere from street vendors to high end restaurant chain Pho 24. Some is served with chicken and some with beef. Each type of meat entails a variety of sub-dish, using from beef tenderloin to beef brisket, chicken wing to chicken thigh. The tip is, look for the place where locals gather the most and you know where you should order and sit down.

Where to try:
Pho Bat Dan is a famous local restaurants famous for its pho bo (beef rice noodle soup). Located in the Old quarter “jungle”, the store easily stands out for the long line of people waiting to be served. You are highly recommended to join the local, line up for the pho bowl and bring it to a selected table to eat

4.    Bún thang:
If Pho is compatible to linguine in shape, Bun is more like spaghetti. Bun thang is one of the most popular yet hidden fares in Hanoi and one can hardly find it outside of the Old quarters or a few special restaurants scattering across the city. The chicken broth is artistically done and the dish is beautifully served. Bun thang is a harmonious blend of color- the yellow of sliced egg; the white of bun; the off-white of chicken and the green of onions and herbs

Where to try:
Bun thang Ba Duc on Cau Go street is a great place to try the dish. This street vendor has a limited number of seats on the pavement but you will be surprised how many people can fit in the two storey old house behind the stall. Enjoy bun thang in such a setting gives the meal enormous highlights in your trip to Hanoi.

5.    Cha ca La Vong:
You think you have read about this name somewhere and yes, you are right. Cha ca La Vong is listed as one of the top 100 things you gotta try before you die by many cuisine experts. It is exquisitely grilled fish served with bún, peanut, green onions, dills and shrimp paste. The fish is carefully chosen so that there are not too many bones and fishy smells. A glass of bia hoi or tra da will definitely give your meal more flavour.

Where to try:
Cha ca La Vong restaurant on 14 Cha Ca street is renowned nationally and internationally for its tradition and quality of serving the dish. It is much more expensive than other local food but the fact that you are sitting in one of the oldest house in Hanoi, served by the most traditionally styled chef is all worth it. ($6-8, with drink).

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