Travel is always awesome, but travel with your besties would be even more awesome and exciting than a solo journey. Share the love section themed “Friendmoon” in February and March 2020 will share the best memories and experiences of friendmoon holidays around the world.
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MY FRIENDMOON TO DA LAT WAS BOTH FUNNY AND SAD
HO TRUONG THANH | ARCHITECT | HCMC
My friends and I had an amazing childhood for 18 years in Hue. Although we are currently doing different jobs and living in different countries, whenever we get the chance to see each other, then we always plan to find somewhere to travel. Da Lat has always been a popular destination on our bucket list due to its pleasant climate similar to that in Hue. We all enjoy the cooler air. When I first came to Da Lat, I was most impressed with the Tran Le Xuan Palace. Strolling around the palace and hearing its interesting stories made me feel as if I was getting lost in a time gone by.
I shall never forget the trip to Da Lat as it was our farewell trip. After this trip, we went our separate ways to Japan, Singapore, Saigon and Hue. Therefore, during our days in Da Lat, no matter where we went, what we did or what we ate, we just simply wanted to have some fun and chill somewhere together before returning back to our work and private lives. We sat down, played cards together, reminisced about our childhood and discussed our future plans until late into the night. I have to say that my getaway to Da Lat with my friends was truly both funny and sad.
BALI WAS THE APPLE OF MY EYE
TRINH THU TRINH | ACCOUNTANT | HANOI
After our failed holiday plans to Korea, Hong Kong and El Nido, we were reluctant to travel to Bali because we just were not sure where was best to go. My friends and I love meandering and exploring bustling cities, so Bali did not appeal to us at first. However, when we arrived, I realised that we had made the right choice. Bali is truly beautiful beyond my imagination and it showcases a very distinctive culture. The city impressed us with a vast array of sacred temples, shrines and friendly locals.
Bali is home to an amazing variety of attractive tourist destinations, but I fell head over heels in love with Nusa Penida. It took us 45 minutes to reach the island by ferry and then we explored the surrounding sights by car. The roads are winding, steep and quite tight, which made for many hair-raising moments. We arrived at Kelingking Beach and only when the dinosaur-esque icon of Bali appeared before our eyes, did our fatigue vanish. We followed the wooden staircase running along the back of the T-Rex and then the mesmerising view of the majestic mountains and vast azure sea took my breath away and brought joy to my heart. There is no doubt that Bali has captivated many travellers due to its breathtaking natural scenery and peaceful life of the locals. My nostalgia for the Bali trip again filled my heart.
LADAKH IS A PURIFYING AND INSPIRATIONAL FRIENDMOON ADVENTURE
TRAN BINH KHANG | COMMUNICATION EXECUTIVE | HCMC
In late September, five friends and I took a trip to Ladakh, India. It was an incredible trip, we had the chance to immerse ourselves in untouched nature, escape from negative thoughts, find new thrills and set personal goals. For those, like me, who are passionate about peaceful surroundings, it is the ideal place to mull over your thoughts. I stayed in the village of Korzok, nestled at the foot of the majestic snow-capped mountains.
If you sit in your hotel room and take a look through your window any time during the day, you will be captivated by the picture-perfect surrounding landscapes and admire a fascinating panoramic view of the rolling yellow fields and the peaceful Tso Moriri (Lake Moriri). We woke up at 6 am and took a stroll to appreciate the fresh air, tranquil pace of life and friendly residents. As well as its incredible beauty, Ladakh paints a peaceful and elegant picture, allowing me to temporarily forget the troubles and sadness in life.
Ladakh appealed to me a lot, there was no Internet, the daily essentials were sparse and the destinations on our itinerary were tied in with nature. Although we did not know each other before the trip and each of us have different personalities, we did our utmost to get along and be in-sync with each other. Thus, the friendmoon journey was a fun-filled and memorable experience.
SINGAPORE HAS ALWAYS FILLED ME WITH NOSTALGIA
PHAM THI QUYNH VAN | CONTENT REVIEW | HCMC
I celebrated New Year’s Eve 2020 in Singapore. Known as Lion Island, the country has always attracted a large number of domestic and foreign tourists due to its vast array of shopping malls and commercial centres, convenient traffic systems and clean roads. Singapore is a melting pot of culture inhabited by Chinese, Indians and Malaysians, all of whom are extremely hospitable and friendly to tourists. It was the first time I welcomed the New Year in Singapore and for me, admiring the magnificent fireworks in the sky was definitely unforgettable.
I have travelled to Singapore many times and every year I fall more in love with the beautiful island, so much so I would like to be able to visit once every year. I cannot attribute my love for the city to one thing, perhaps it is the Michelin-starred food, large cups of KOI Thé – bubble milk tea or incredible sites for the best photos. We had so much fun at Universal Studios Singapore and experienced all of the roller coasters and attractions with my friends. So, if you are looking to take a friendmoon holiday after working hard and want to enjoy the fresh air and delicious food, then pack your bag and visit Singapore for a one-of-a-kind experience.
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