pond Ta pa hill temple Tra Su forest Tri Ton Town

 An Giang Province's Ta Pa Hill, about 20 kilometers from the famous flooded reserve Tra Su Cajeput Forest, is not that impressive if we only consider its height, which is less than 200 meters. Photos: Hachi8/VnExpress

   

But thanks to the rock cliffs, rice fields and a pond nearby, the hill has attracted many Vietnamese travelers, especially those who love photography. 

 At the top of the hill is a Khmer temple built more than 150 years ago. 

 Not far from the temple is a pond which was created about 10 years ago from rock mining activity. The artificial pond is as deep as 17 meters. 

With surrounding rock cliffs, the jade-colored pond is especially inspiring for those who love taking reflection photos.

 Regardless of its humble height, Ta Pa is high enough to provide travelers a good view of Tri Ton Town, especially surrounding vast rice fields. 

Due to different harvest seasons, rice fields' colors alternate between yellow and green.


source: thanhniennews

Unknown 0 Comments

coffee and bar in laos foood kouangsi waterfall laos Luangprabang market night market temple Unesco world heritage

1.Spend a day visiting some of Luang Prabang’s 32 shimmering temples, most notably Vat Vixoun, Vat Xieng Thong (pictured below), and Vat Sene.
2.Climb Mount Phousi for sweeping panoramic views of this World Heritage City. Mount Phousi is located in the center of town. Climb the 300 steps to the summit, where golden-spired Wat Chomsi sits, in the late afternoon to watch the sunset over Luang Prabang and the Mekong.

3.Visit the stunning Kuang Sii Waterfalls and Bear Rescue Cente

4.Eat by candlelight with friends, exploring some of LP’s many cafes and bars with lovely outdoor spaces. Some of our favorites include: JoMa Bakery Cafe, Lao Lao Garden, Tangor, and Hive Bar.

5.Channel the Hmong and other mountain tribes at the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center. As you exit through the gift shop, be sure to pick up some really cool hand-made gifts. The proceeds go to the hill-tribe people who crafted them.

6.Spend the day (or half a day) washing, riding and learning to train elephants at the Elephant Village.

7.Shop till you drop at the local markets while cruising the streets of LP. Markets include the Phousy Market and the Hmong Night Market. 

8.For the actively inclined: Cycle, Kayak or Trek. Some local outfitters include: Green Discovery Laos, White Elephant Adventures, or Action Max Laos.

9.Get your grub on at the night street food market. This food is no-joke. Fill your plate up, all-you-can eat for $1.00 USD!!!


10.Wake up before dawn to pay homage to the monks, young and old alike


11.Tour the Royal Palace Museum to see an impressive collection of Buddhist art and royal Lao artifacts.
12.Visit the famous Pak Ou Caves.
s stated in the title, the entire city of Luang Prabang is protected as a World Heritage Site (#479).


As I write this post, I am itching to go back to this jewel-like town in Laos to do all the things I didn’t have time to do. I yearn to spend weeks there, just relaxing and taking in the laid-back, magical atmosphere, like so many people we met decided to do when they came for a week and stayed for six… or more!

writen by Lindsay, traverlusters

Anonymous 0 Comments

botanic garden Esplanade free things free tour hotel live music Mariana Bay Merlion mountain plan Singapore temple ticket trip

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that Singapore is an expensive city to visit. One of the most lavish and upscale cities in all of Asia, Singapore is certainly a pricey destination that would challenge the budget of any type of traveler. From accommodations and food to theme park tickets, prices for nearly everything in Singapore have been creeping uphill lately. As a matter of fact, Singapore has the most expensive rates for hotels in the whole Asian continent, according to TTG Asia

Strangely, though, Singapore has a cornucopia of free things to do and see, to ease the pressure on your travel wallet. Indeed, you will be surprised and amazed by the sheer amount of gratis offerings in Singapore.  With these freebies, Singapore can surely be a terrific destination for budget travelers and backpackers.
1. A spectacular light show at Gardens By the Bay
You will have to spend a few bucks to enter the treetop walkway and conservatories at Gardens by the Bay, but it won’t cost you a dime to wander around the Bay South’s eye-catching Outdoor Gardens. Make sure to drop by this place around 7:30 in the evening, to get the best vantage point for the mesmerizing light and sound show.

2.The Esplanade’s live music
The Esplanade, Singapore’s celebrated durian-shaped icon, has a plethora of freebies in store for its pilgrims, such as theatrical performances, live concerts and exhibits. But in my book, the best freebie from this stunning architectural gem is its nightly live music. As you spend a few hours at night by the riverside near the Esplanade, you get to listen to a variety of music under the lovely open sky.  Sounds romantic, right?

3.Pay homage to the city’s temples
Speaking of temples, don’t forget to pay homage to the breathtaking and historic sacred sites in Singapore, such as the Sultan Mosque, Sri Mariammam Temple, and Thian Hock Kheng Temple. You will be in utter amazement, as you take a look at the exquisite, intricate and gorgeous craftsmanship put into creating these landmarks.

4. Marvel at the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is an imperial religious site that you must swing by during your trip to this destination. After all, it is one of the top tourist attractions in Singapore. And besides, you can gaze on this architectural beauty for free.
By the way, the building is said to be the home to Buddha’s tooth relic.

5. Trekking at Mount Faber
Feast your eyes on the awe-inspiring cityscape vistas of Singapore by taking a trek up to Mount Faber.

6. Watch the physical formation of Singapore unfold
If architectural wonders are your cup of tea, visit the Singapore City Gallery. Here, you can discover how Singapore, originally a backwater village, transformed itself into a burgeoning metropolis with state-of-the-art technology and lofty skyscrapers.

7. Take a selfie with the MerlionTake a couple of selfies or photographs with the Merlion, which is the most iconic sculpture in Singapore.  After taking pictures of this famous sculpted beauty, take a leisurely stroll around the Marina Bay.

8. Free vegetarian lunch
Skip the fancy restaurant chains in Singapore, and fill your stomach with a healthy and hearty vegetarian meal at the Buddhist Lodge. Every day, the Buddhist Lodge serves nutritious meals to anyone (whether rich or poor) for free.

9.A cool respite amidst a bustling city
If you are looking for a soothing respite in this buzzing metropolis, make your way to Botanic Gardens, one of the oldest and most breathtaking gardens in Singapore. A treasure trove of orchids and plants, the garden will also give you a sneak peek of the country’s colonial days

10. Free walking tours
Planning on exploring Singapore on foot? Operated by the city’s friendly and dazzling student volunteers, Singapore Footprints offers walking tours on the Bras Basah and Singapore River for free every weekend.

Make a plan your trip to singapore with Touching indochina
- booking hotel ask Ms Yen Hoang via skype: yen.hh/ phone:0904 830800
-booking flight tickets ask Ms Van Nguyen  via skype: vannh1301

Anonymous 0 Comments