Crystal Do, Author at WANDERLUST TIPS • Page 2 of 3

World premiere of the Mercedes-Benz Style luxury yacht

Maiden voyage on the Côte d’Azur: with the “Arrow460-Granturismo” Mercedes-Benz is establishing a totally new boat concept.

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Silver Arrow of the Seas

The luxury motor yacht “Arrow460–Granturismo” designed by Mercedes-Benz Style embarks on its maiden voyage off the coast of Nice. The first example of this new yacht model is named “Mercedes”, and true to the tradition of the name it founds a completely new boat concept. The 14-metre-long, 706 kW (960 hp) “Silver Arrow of the Seas” combines the performance of Mercedes-Benz sports cars with unique innovations from the boat industry. The yacht has classic automobile proportions that bring the hallmark Mercedes design idiom of sensual purity onto the water in a highly emotional and dynamic form. The yacht also combines the advantages of an open boat with those of a hull cabin cruiser in unique fashion. Its crossover design offers the ultimate in variability, resulting in a boat that is equally suitable for day trips and overnight stays on board. It was developed together with Silver Arrows Marine.

Sculptural character

The luxury motor yacht “Arrow460–Granturismo” can accommodate up to 10 persons. The large side windows are retractable, and the windscreen can be raised. This means that passengers can sit comfortably in the interior while enjoying an all-round view and the feeling of sitting in the open. As standard the yacht is equipped with every feature an owner might wish for. Wood serves to line the entire interior, rather than this material being used as a conventional floor covering. As a result of this three-dimensional application of wood, the fine grain of the eucalyptus follows the overarching forms of the interior lining, underscoring the overall flow of the interior.

The luminous transmittance of the glazing can be controlled electronically, along the same lines as the Mercedes-Benz MAGIC SKY CONTROL technology; at the same time, the silver-shimmering glazing blends apparently seamlessly into the overall profile, as on the Mercedes-Benz concept vehicles F015 and Concept IAA. This avant-garde appearance underscores the sculptural and innovative character.

Modern luxury beyond the automobile

“In developing the new motor yacht, we have transferred our expertise to the marine industry, creating something never seen before in the process. The ‘Silver Arrow of the Seas’ stands for modern luxury, avant-garde style and comfortable elegance. The yacht embodies the Mercedes-Benz’s progressive, dynamic design philosophy of sensual purity on the water,” said Gorden Wagener, Vice President Design Daimler AG. With its long foredeck, a flowing, arched roofline and a slightly descending rear, the yacht has classic automobile proportions. The sides of the hull are structured with a feature line descending gently towards the stern. The concave and convex interaction along the entire flank creates a hull that conveys both dynamism and serenity. The overall composition is accentuated by elegantly styled yet functional details. Mercedes-Benz Style makes the modern luxury for which the brand is known tangible beyond the world of the automobile. Since 2010, Mercedes-Benz designers working with selected partners have been developing exclusive products which have transported the high quality standards and unmistakable design philosophy of sensual purity into other mobility and lifestyle areas.

Mercedes-Benz | Wanderlust Tips

Explore the luxury amenities inside A380 – Emirates Airline’s super aircraft

From Private Suites and Shower Spas in First Class to flat-bed seats in Business Class to extra room and custom lighting in Economy Class, and inflight Wi-Fi throughout the aircraft, the Emirates A380 is as close as it comes to flying in your own private jet.

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Walk through the Emirates A380 below, and experience the first ever aircraft to appear on Google Street View.

Reawaken your senses in the onboard Shower Spa: Indulge in a refreshing shower at 40,000ft

There’s nothing quite like a rejuvenating shower to leave you feeling inspired. Prepare for your arrival in our A380 Shower Spa, using our selection of Bvlgari toiletries and signature Timeless Spa products.
Once you’ve finished pampering, replenish your energy with one of our detoxifying fresh juices. Just the boost you need to feel ready to take on the day.

Meet the world at 40,000ft: Join the conversation in our A380 Onboard Lounge

Take a break, stretch your legs and meet some of the most interesting people on the planet in our A380 Onboard Lounge – exclusive to First Class and Business Class customers.

Make new friends as you delve into a selection of canapés and sip a refreshing cocktail. Choose from premium spirits, exclusive wines, champagne, cocktails and beers alongside hot and cold beverages served by our dedicated bartender.

Master the art of me-time: Take time to yourself in your own Private Suite

Slide the privacy doors closed and unwind in your own world. Enjoy a glass of exclusive wine or champagne, or help yourself to your personal mini-bar.

Turn down the ambient lighting, choose your entertainment, and relax in your private cinema. Convert your seat into a fully flat bed with mattress and drift into a restful sleep. Your vanity table and mirror help you prepare for the day ahead, to arrive feeling refreshed.

Fly in your own First Class Private Suite on all our A380 and on most Boeing 777s.

Arrive inspired: Remix business with pleasure in Business Class

Whether you’re flying to your next meeting or enjoying your latest adventure, our lie-flat Business Class seats help you arrive inspired.

Send emails, write the next chapter of your book or upload your latest blog post. There’s in-seat power for your laptop and a side table for space to work. Choose a drink from your personal mini-bar and sit back to award-winning entertainment. Recline your seat into a fully flat bed to arrive feeling refreshed.

Our lie-flat seats are on all of our A380 aircraft.

Savour the freshest ingredients, beverages and wines: Enjoy award-winning meals created by internationally renowned chefs

With our signature Healthy Options menu, multi-course meals and kid-friendly offerings, we offer a robust variety of dining choices. Our chefs design dishes to reflect cuisine from different regions around the globe and prepare them with locally sourced ingredients. Our sommelier selects wines uniquely suited to withstand the rigours of air travel. And extras in First Class like High Tea, hors d’oeuvres in the Onboard Lounges and on-demand dining mean you can satisfy all kinds of culinary cravings during your journey.

Stay as connected as you need to be: Keep in touch using Wi-Fi

Emirates’ Wi-Fi in the sky service lets you connect to the internet while in flight. Select A380 flights also offer mobile phone use and data roaming using GPRS/EDGE. If that’s not enough, every seat on board the Emirates A380 has a satellite telephone and onscreen email/SMS services.

Our ice entertainment system offers the best views on the plane: Movies, TV shows, games, music, news and more, all at your fingertips

Whatever you’re in the mood for, the ice system’s over 2,500 channels will deliver on-demand entertainment for as long as you wish. Enjoy critically acclaimed movies and TV programmes as well as endless music choices, video games and news from around the world. There’s always something on, so relax and enjoy.

Emirates | Wanderlust Tips

Explore Phong Nha National Park 3 Days / 2 Nights

The UNESCO-listed Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is one of Vietnam’s most incredible natural draws. On this electrifying journey, guests will explore a massive network of caves, grottoes and underground rivers that make it one of the most outstanding limestone ecosystems in the world.

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Day 1. Dong Hoi – Phong Nha

On arrival at either Dong Hoi Airport or Train Station this morning you will be met by our local guide and then private transfer to the Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003. The Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is one of the world’s two largest limestone regions and is the oldest major karst in Asia. This National Park contains and protects over 104 km of caves, grottoes and underground rivers making it one of the most outstanding limestone karst ecosystems in the world. Many of these are still unexplored and so far only a total of 20 caves with a total length of 70 km have been surveyed. The karst landscape is not only complex but also ancient (more than 400 million years old), with high geo-diversity and geomorphic features of considerable significance in the world.

On arrival in Phong Nha area, begin exploring with a half day easy biking adventure exploring Bong Lai village and the surrounding peaceful countryside with your local guide. Cycle on quiet village paths and roads past rice paddy fields and small hamlets, and along the way stop for plenty of photos and to enjoy the scenic landscape. At lunchtime relax and spend quiet time having some tasty local style dishes and cool drinks.

After finishing the cycling route, your vehicle will pick-up to transfer to begin a relaxing boat trip on the Son River to explore the most popular Phong Nha Water cave. Board your private boat for the 2.5 km cruise down the Son River to the mouth of the cave. Pass by the entrance to the ‘Cave of Teeth and Wind’ and enter the mystical tunnels, filled with giant stalactites and stalagmites and crystal clear waters.

NOTE: Average length cycled can vary between 8-20 kilometers The cycling route is adjustable depending on the energy levels and fitness of the clients as well the season and local conditions.

Overnight in Phong Nha Lake House.

Distances and journey time: Dong Hoi to Phong Nha (60km): 1 hour

Day 2. Phong Nha

After breakfast, depart early morning when the weather is still cool to visit the Wine Cave. Here you will enjoy the peaceful morning walking through a village and see local daily activities, enjoying the fields and picturesque rural landscapes along the way. The smaller Wine Cave, while not nearly as large and spectacular as the other caves in this area, has stories and historic significance as a place where the VC made wine during war times. It also served as bomb shelters for local people hiding from the bomb raids during the 1960s – 1970s. A symbol of love and peace still remains in this cave.

After visiting Wine cave, transfer to the Paradise Cave area where guests can enjoy a simple local style lunch. After lunch we have time to visit the Paradise Cave. Here you have a chance to see one of the larger and most impressive accessible caves in the entire area. Paradise Cave is one of the most famous caves in Phong Nha as well, and only opened to the public in 2010. After climbing approximately 400 stairs, you will arrive at the entrance of this cave. Descend into the cave on stairs and a wooden walkway, made to protect and preserve the fragile cave formations. This walkway continues for 1 km through the enormous, well lighted cave, past many impressive stalagmites and stalactites.
Overnight in Phong Nha Lake House.

Day 3. Phong Nha – Dong Hoi

Enjoy breakfast at the Lake House before transferring back to Dong Hoi Airport or Train Station. Alternatively guests may transfer by road south to Hue stopping to visit the DMZ and places of interest along your journey (surcharge is payable for transfer to Hue – price on application)

Distances and journey time: Phong Nha to Dong Hoi (60km): 1 hour

For further information or Reservation, please visit here

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Novotel Danang Premier Han river celebrates 3rd anniversary

The 5 star internationally managed hotel is celebrating its 3rd anniversary this May. To commemorate the event, Novotel Danang will launch a series of promotional activities highlighting and celebrating the hotel’s position as an iconic landmark in Danang’s tourism.

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3 years of rapid growth

Strategically located in the heart of Danang city centre, Novotel Danang Premier Han River has become a home away from home for business and leisure travelers from around the world. Since its opening, the hotel has played host to numerous high-profile events, such as the Mekong Tourism Forum or the Future of Vietnamese Banking Forum. Novotel Danang has been always the choice made by multiniational corporations for conferences and events; names of some are IBM, Daikin or Intel.

As part of AccorHotels, Novotel Danang Premier Han River emphasizes the tagline ‘Feel Welcome’ on every day of its operations; and the hotel has opened its door to spread the warmth of hospitality. Every guest from politicians, such as Prime Ministers of Cambodia and Bulgary, to celebrities, businessmen, have been welcomed by the utmost friendliness and service passion from managers to staffs.

3 years is the length during which Novotel Danang Premier Han River performs the continuous development. The hotel has expanded from 204 rooms in 2013 to 369 rooms in 2016. This year is also highlighted by the launch of Novotel’s new product – Serviced Apartments ranging from Studio to 1, 2 or 3 bed rooms, which is offered to accommodate better the demand for medium and long term stays in Danang city.

Come and celebrate with us

The hotel will celebrate its 3rd anniversary with a special Cocktails & Canapes event organised at Splash Pool Bar on the evening of May 19th. Next to the stunning swimming pool with a nice view of Han River, Splash Pool Bar is the ideal venue for an outdoor party, and has been marked by the successful organisation of many private events. Not only the perfection of this venue, but also the tasty foods and signature drinks prepared by Food and Beverage team will play a key part to make the night memorable. What more to make this birthday party special is that in-house guests will receive complimentary invitation to enjoy the event at no entry fee.

3rd anniversary special promotions

In addition, Novotel Danang Premier Han River is launching a series of irresistible deals throughout May. There’s food and beverage, spa and room packages which are thoughtfully designed and offered by the team to make this moment more exciting:

– Wellness Special: Guest purchases 1 hour body massage and get the second treatment at just VND 330,000 nett. The promotion is valid from 20th to 30th in May, 2016

– Buffet Special: Only once in this year, guest can enjoy the signature BBQ Buffet at Novotel Danang with the discount of up to 33% of the public price. Public Price is VND560,000++/person including free flow of beer, wine, soft drinks and juice. The Buffet will be organised at the Pier36 terrace of the hotel on the evening of Saturday, May 21st.

– Beer333 Promotion: Get more fun when gathering with friends at Novotel, guests can enjoy 33% discount for every order of locally brewed Beer 333. This promotion is offered throughout May 2016

– 3 Day Room Special Offer: Book between 21st and 23rd in May to stay at Novotel Danang Premier Han River from May to December 2016, guest can enjoy a discount of room rate up to 33%. Breakfast will be included in the accommodation. Terms & Conditions : This offer is valid for booking period between 21st and 23rd May, and only applicable for booking made directly to our Reservation team (H8287-RE@accor.com and +84 511 392 9999)

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Five-Star experience at Wyndham Legend Halong Bay

Halong Bay’s first five-star hotel by a global chain will soon open in the charming province of Quảng Ninh. The USD$40 million Wyndham Legend Halong Bay, owned by Ha Long Star Service & Tourist Joint Stock Company, is scheduled to open on June 2016 and will be managed by Kosmopolitan Hospitality.

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Barry Robinson, President and Managing Director of Wyndham Hotel Group South East Asia and the Pacific Rim said the hotel is bound to be highly sought after by affluent travellers looking for a distinctive local experience along with the comforts and familiarity of a world-class brand such as Wyndham Hotel and Resorts®.

“Tourism is on the rise in Vietnam and Halong Bay is gaining more attention from tourists who are interested in seeking out the town’s natural beauty and local culture. This is a well-timed opportunity for us, as the first global hotel chain to enter the market with a five-star property to meet the growing tourist demands for a premier hospitality product. I am certain that Wyndham Legend Halong will be a shining star in this tranquil coastal town.”

Kosmopolitan Hospitality will work in collaboration with Wyndham Hotel Group and the property owner for a complete hotel management solution including branding, sales, marketing and revenue management. Glenn de Souza, CEO of Kosmopolitan Hospitality, added, “Wyndham Hotels and Resorts® is a distinguished brand with a wonderful upmarket concept that will appeal to discerning travellers. We are confident of delivering the brand’s world renowned Count On Me! service promise to our guests and establishing Wyndham Legend Halong as a leading icon for hospitality in Vietnam.”

Location
The Quảng Ninh province is situated along the north-eastern coast of Vietnam and is home to Hạlong Bay, a World Heritage Site known for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands topped by lush rainforests. The hotel is strategically located close to the Halong Bay Pier providing travellers with easy accessibility to explore the nearby attractions either by land or by sea.

Rooms and Suites
The hotel comprises 217 guest rooms including a luxurious Penthouse Suite. The rooms are spacious and sophisticated with breathtaking views of the ocean and Bai Chay Bridge. Features include polished Macassar trimmings, plush fabrics, flat-screen satellite televisions, mini-bars and a selection of luxury amenities.

Wine and Dine
Wyndham Legend Halong boasts a collection of six restaurants and bars offering a sumptuous array of dining options for every occasion. Blue Bay Restaurant is an all-day dining space offering Vietnamese cuisine, an international buffet and a la carte options. An authentic Japanese dining experience, Sakura Restaurant’s sushi bar offers the freshest seafood in a traditional setting. For a gastronomic insight into Vietnam’s rich heritage, modern French fare and European classics can be savoured at De Medici amidst views of the stunning sunset on Halong Bay.

All day light refreshments are available at La Terrasse, an alfresco café serving delectable snacks and freshly brewed coffee. To wind down in the evening, guests can indulge in an extensive selection of wines and spirits at Vivino Bar or at the Pool Bar for canapes and cocktails.

Fitness and Leisure Facilities
The five-star hotel is equipped with a range of leisure and fitness facilities suitable for guests of all ages. Guests can unwind with a refreshing dip in the outdoor swimming pool or work up a sweat at the hotel’s well-equipped fitness centre. Families travelling with children can revel in the Kids’ Club with an array of activities for children to learn and play. For a truly pampering retreat, spa and sauna facilities are available with a selection of massages and body therapies to ease away tension and revitalise the body.

Meetings and Events
Wyndham Legend Halong offers over 1,055m² of flexible function space with two ballrooms and two smaller function rooms for tailored meetings and events. The largest grand ballroom is able to accommodate up to 1,280 guests for a seminar or 650 persons for a gala dinner or wedding. The event halls are equipped with state-of-the-art audio visual facilities and a team of dedicated banquet professionals will be at hand to perfectly execute every event right down to the finest detail.

Throughout South East Asia and the Pacific Rim, Wyndham Hotel Group currently has more than 60 hotels open and operating under its Ramada, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts®, Days Inn®, TRYP by Wyndham® and Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham® brands.

All Wyndham hotels participate in Wyndham Rewards®, the simple-to-use, revolutionary loyalty program from Wyndham Hotel Group that offers members a generous points earning structure along with a flat, free-night redemption rate. To learn more and join for free visit www.wyndhamrewards.com.

ABOUT WYNDHAM HOTELS AND RESORTS
Part of Wyndham Hotel Group, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, LLC, offers upscale hotel and resort accommodations at more than 200 properties throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, Europe, the Middle East and China. Most Wyndham® hotels are franchised by Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, LLC or its affiliate. Certain Wyndham hotels are owned or managed by an affiliate of Wyndham Hotel Group, LLC. Additional information and reservations for all Wyndham hotels are available by visiting www.wyndham.com. Travelers have the opportunity to earn and redeem points through Wyndham Rewards®, the brand’s guest loyalty program, which can be joined for free at www.wyndhamrewards.com.

Wyndham Grand® Hotels and Resorts are an ensemble of distinguished hotels within the Wyndham Hotels and Resorts® brand that represent one-of-a-kind experiences in key destinations with refined accommodation, attentive service and relaxed surroundings.

ABOUT WYNDHAM HOTEL GROUP
Wyndham Hotel Group is the world’s largest hotel company based on number of hotels and is one of three hospitality business units of Wyndham Worldwide (NYSE: WYN). As both a leading hotel brand franchisor and hotel management services provider, the company’s global portfolio consists of over 7,800 properties and 678,000 rooms in 72 countries. under the following brands: Dolce Hotels and Resorts® (acquired February 2015), Wyndham Grand® Hotels and Resorts, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts®, Wyndham Garden® Hotels, TRYP by Wyndham®, Wingate by Wyndham®, Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham®, Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham®, Ramada®, Baymont Inn & Suites®, Days Inn®, Super 8®, Howard Johnson®, Travelodge® and Knights Inn®. Wyndham Rewards, the company’s guest loyalty program offers more than 44 million members the opportunity to earn and redeem points at thousands of hotels across the world.

For more information visit www.wyndhamworldwide.com.

Wanderlust Tips

What should you know during your first time in Kuala Lumpur?

Watch the roads, not the traffic lights

This may seem simple, but we saw a few tourists step out onto the road when the pedestrian light was green only to be beeped at by a car that’s run a red light or pulled a random u-turn. Watch for cars on both sides and be aggressive when crossing the road. Indecisiveness will see you standing on the sidewalk for hours or getting yelled at by angry drivers screeching to a halt. If in doubt, cross when the locals do.

Haggle, haggle, haggle

Kuala Lumpur is famous for it’s markets. Whether you’re heading to Petaling St or the stalls at the Batu Caves, there are many bargains to be found. The shop owners will always start high, so bring down the price. A good method is offering half the price, and working up from there. If they don’t respond to your requested price, there will be plenty of other shops that are selling the exact same stock. I’ve never seen so many pairs of “Beats by Dre” headphones, wallets, or watches in my life. As a last resort, walking away from a shop can sometimes be the push that’s needed to get the price down. Jo got some harem pants down from 45 RM to 30 RM just by saying that she was going to have a look around.

Everybody speaks English

This is what makes Kuala Lumpur a great place to start traveling. Pretty much every Malaysian we talked to spoke fantastic English. Don’t be afraid to ask the locals for help, they are happy to oblige. On more that one occasion Jo and I had somebody come up to us and ask if we needed help. Although you can speak English with almost everyone, make sure you use simplified English and don’t talk too fast. I asked someone if there was a Fish Spa nearby and they sent me to the Aquarium in the Petronas Towers.

It’s not as conservative as people think it is

If you read about Kuala Lumpur you are probably going to come across a lot of blogs or articles that say you need to dress conservatively because of the varied cultural and religious backgrounds. We were surprised to find that people didn’t seem to care what we wore. I dressed in singlets and shorts the whole time, and Jo wore tank tops, harem pants, and sandals. A lot of the female locals were wearing shorts and singlets as well. I checked with one of the hostel staff what the dress code was for the annual Thaipusam Festival. Hundreds of thousands of people travel from India, Thailand and other parts of Asia to attend and pay respect to their gods. It’s an intensely religious festival and we didn’t want to offend anyone. I was surprised when he told me that “nobody cares what you wear, they only care about your mind and your heart,”. The only real exception to this is if you’re going into temples or mosques. People were more concerned with my height than what I wore. So don’t worry too much, you can dress comfortably in KL.

Eat the street food, it’s amazing

One thing Jo and I agreed to do on this trip is limit the amount of fast food we eat. We want to push ourselves to try new and weird things. That being said, you haven’t felt true terror until you’ve stood in line at a place you’ve never seen before, looking at food you’ve never heard of before, being talked at in a language you don’t speak, and trying to order a meal. Our tactic is to point at things, to use our fingers to indicate quantities, and to nod at any questions we don’t understand. This technique has lead to us eating some epically spicy, but tasty, food. A lot of people have difficulty with eating street food as it seems unsanitary to have raw meats on display outside. As a rule of thumb, try and eat at the places that are popular with the locals. They’ll know which foods will make you sick.

Markets are great for your self-esteem, sometimes…

We found a consistent theme when walking through the markets. Everyone is your friend. Just like those universally hated leaflet distributors in your city, the stall owners will hang out the front of their shops, spruiking their merchandise and trying to herd you in. Flattery is the name of the game in Kuala Lumpur markets. Everywhere I went I was met with greetings like “hello handsome”, “good looking watches for a good looking man”, and “you’re tall, you play basketball, I have basketball jerseys”. Jo received similar treatment. Of course they do it to everyone, but I felt like the man every time a stall owner yelled “Hey bro! Bro! You need these wallets, bro!”. That being said, it’s not smooth ego sailing all the time. After haggling at a stall, I was asked by the owner if I was English, to which I replied “Nah, I’m Australian,”. He said “No, you can’t be Australian. Australian’s are nice, you must be English,”. My initial impulse was to immediately buy everything in his store to show him that I am nice, but as I was originally born in England, I laughed it off and walked away… While crying a little on the inside.

See the Petronas towers at night

The Petronas towers are a big tourist destination in Kuala Lumpur. Unfortunately, it’s the first stop for most out-of-towners, making it very difficult to get to the observation deck. We settled for the ground view of the towers, first in the day, the second time at night. I was stunned by the towers at night. The lighting perfectly highlights every feature of the two buildings and helps to create magnificently stark contrasts. It’s infinitely better to see them at night. In addition to this, out the front of the KLCC Shopping. Centre is a vibrant and colourful water fountain. Coloured streams of water coordinate into patterns as they shoot into the sky. It’s quite entertaining and makes for a great photo op.

Trains are all you need to do anything

The train system in KL is amazing. One could assume quite easily that the railways were built first, and then everything else was developed around it, such is it’s convenience. Coming from either of the airports, you will most likely arrive in Sentral, whether it be by bus or train. From Sentral, it’s only one stop to Pasar Sani, where the Petaling St and Central Markets are. From Pasar Sani, it’s only a few stops to KLCC shopping centre and the Petronas Towers. The train literally drops you right underneath the towers. You can even catch a quick train ride to the Batu Caves, and it’s only about 500 meters from that station to the cave entrance. Trains run every few minutes and cost as little as 1 RM.

Have you been to Kuala Lumpur? Did you have similar experiences? Feel free to leave a comment or send us an email at contact@wanderlusttips.com

Wanderlust Tips

What should you know during your first time in Dubai?

From its glittering skyscrapers to its sweeping sand dunes, this multi-cultural metropolis is as awe-worthy as ever. Once a small fishing village, Dubai has emerged recently as a truly cosmopolitan city.

It has world-class shopping – and the world’s largest shopping mall to boot – as well as snowy indoor slopes for skiing, the world’s tallest tower, beautiful beaches, and even man-made islands. Plus, you can always access the untamed desert, where you can drive or ride camels along the glittering dunes.

We will point you to the major attractions as you explore this fascinating and vibrant city. Read on to learn more about this traditional-meets-futuristic emirate before its ever-evolving skyline shifts once again.

Best Time To Go

Keep in mind that it will be hot no matter when you visit Dubai. Between November and March the weather is milder (think a balmy 73 degrees). The world’s richest horse race, the Dubai World Cup, takes place in March. Avoid going in July and August, when the heat feels unbearable and temperatures clock north of 103 degrees.

Weather

August is the hottest month, with an average high of 96°F (36°C). January is the coldest month, with an average high of 66°F (19°C).

Currency

United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED)

Transportation

Don’t plan to walk; in this city, metered taxis are the most popular and ubiquitous mode of transportation. There’s a mandatory flat rate of $3 (ladies-only cab services are also available). The Dubai metro, divided into four cars that include ladies-only and “gold class,” will get you to all the most popular neighborhoods.

Know Before You Go

The city essentially shuts down for the holy month of Ramadan (dates change each year). Restaurants are closed in order to respect muslims that are fasting, and it’s illegal to eat, drink, or smoke in public during this period.

Electric

Type L three-prong plug

Travel & Leisure

What should you know during your first time in Bangkok?

Bangkok, Thailand is a cacophony of sights and sounds that handsomely rewards urban explorers willing to get a little lost in the city. Filled with non-stop action, grit, character, and some of the best cheap eats in the world.

This is a frenetic jigsaw puzzle of towering skyscrapers, colorful taxicabs, motorcycle taxis, and busy pedestrians. When you visit Bangkok you discover what this diverse city—an amalgamation of old and new—has to offer. It may be a busy metropolis, but at dawn you can see Buddhist monks clad in yellow robes filling the streets. Like the rest of Thailand, there’s a lot of negotiation and bartering: haggling at markets is the norm, and a language of its own. Come here and you’ll find a wide range of activities to amuse yourself, from the historical and religious to shopping, galleries, and spas.

No matter when you plan your Bangkok trip, it will be hot. Note that there are three defined seasons here. During the rainy season, which spans from May to November, the weather is warm and humid, with afternoon showers. Strong rains fall periodically, with the occasional dramatic thunderstorms. The best time to visit Bangkok is from late November to mid-January. During this time, the climate is a tropical cool: humid, yet comfortable. The least ideal time to go is between March and May, when the city reaches its highest temperatures.

While you’re here, don’t miss the city’s serene temples, including Wat Pho and Wat Arun, which are two of the city’s holiest sites. By contrast, Lumphini Park, the city’s answer to New York’s Central Park, is filled with a large lake brimming with monitor lizards. And, even conservative eaters shouldn’t hold back from enjoying the city’s 24-hour street-side food stalls, which really are unique to Bangkok. And if haggling at the markets, puzzling out what you’re eating at the stalls, or the chaos in general leave you weary, don’t fret: the city’s plush hotel offerings and world-renowned spas will give you just the quiet getaway you’ll need to refresh.

Best Time To Visit

The short window of winter lasts between late December and early January, and these cooler temperatures coincide with peak tourist season. November and February are cooler with (typically) fewer people.

Bangkok Weather

April is the hottest month, with an average high of 95°F (35°C) with humidity adding an extra layer of heat. December is the coolest month, with an average high of 79°F (26°C).

Bangkok Weather

April is the hottest month, with an average high of 95°F (35°C) with humidity adding an extra layer of heat. December is the coolest month, with an average high of 79°F (26°C).

Know Before Visiting

The hottest season runs from March to August. Rainy season is unpredictable and varies, but normally runs from June to early October. While it is classified as monsoon season, the rains infrequently last more than an hour or two at a time.

Travel & Leisure

Hanoi’s ‘banh mi’: An unexpected evolution

When it comes to ‘banh mi’, Hanoi doesn’t follow any pattern. Elsewhere, it’s a race among those producing the same, traditional forms of the classic sandwich, but in Hanoi, it’s an exhibition of mutants.

If Hoi An chooses to stick with the old stuffing that earned it the best ‘banh mi’ title, Hanoi goes in the opposite direction, replacing all the famous pate and floss with things like grilled skewered pork or fries and fried ‘nem chua’.

‘Banh mi nem khoai’

Already bored with the old ‘banh mi’? Try ‘banh mi’ with fries (khoai) and fried ‘nem chua’, a recent street food trend that’s developed in Hanoi. The strange fillings originally came from junk food sold around schools in Vietnam, fried potatoes and ‘nem chua ran’ – fried fermented minced pork. But now they are used as the main ingredients. The ‘banh mi’ is crispy with out-of-the-pan hot fried potatoes, “nem chua rán” and salad. This popular dish isn’t complete without a mixture of mayonnaise and chilli sauce. If you want to eat like young Hanoians, “banh mi nem khoai” along with peach tea is the perfect choice.

Price: VND20,000

Address: 6, Lane 28 , Huong Vien Street, Hanoi

‘Banh mi thit xien nuong’

Another type of filling that resembles the Western barbecue style is ‘thit xien nuong’ skewered on bamboo sticks and grilled over charcoal. The marinated meat here has stronger flavor than the ‘thit xien nuong’ found elsewhere thank to the family’s secret recipe. ‘Thit xien nuong’ topped with pickled cucumbers inside the bread makes the perfect combination. Highly recommended by both foreigners and locals.

Price: VND23,000

Address: 31 Quang Trung Street, Hanoi

Modern fusion: ‘banh mi’ Minh Nhat

‘Banh mi’ Minh Nhat was founded by Minh Nhat – winner of reality show MasterChef Vietnam 2014. Different from other bread stalls, Minh Nhat designed her fast food chain in a modern style, catering for office workers and young people. The BBQ sauce that covers the roll and slices of toasted chicken or beef is the secret that drives food lovers crazy. The chain also features another filling that usually disappears when high-end stalls put ‘banh mi’ on their menus: the simple fried egg. Though similar to each other in terms of meat, all ‘banh mi’ need various herbs and pickles to balance the taste, and Minh Nhat’s is not an exception. Though the price is higher than other places, it is still trying just to experience the different flavors and the time that goes into making them.

Price: VND32,000

Address: 13 Hang Khay Street, Hanoi | 113 Trang Dang Ninh Street, Hanoi

Traditional tastes: Banh mi Mrs Dan

Founded by Mrs Dan in 1979, it’s the fillings that attract customers to this stall. A loaf of grilled, crunchy bread stuffed with creamy pate and pickled vegetables to take the edge off the fat is the breakfast of choice for many Hanoians. You can easily find deli-style pork like sausages and roast pork. Another plus point is its location in the center of Hanoi.

Price: VND25,000

Address: 34 Lo Su street, Hanoi

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Cultural activities on Liberation Day in Central region

Many cultural and tourism activities will take place in the central region to mark in the 41st anniversary of the liberation of South Vietnam and national reunification (April 30) and the 130th International May Day (May 1).

The highlight event of the series is the ninth Hue Festival 2016, to be held from April 29 to May 4 at Hue imperial city, Thua Thien – Hue province.

In Thua Thien Hue, the ninth Hue Festival 2016 will be organized on April 29-May 04 at Hue imperial city, Thua Thien – Hue province. The festival will bring to the stage artistic performances of Vietnamese and foreign artists across five continents, including France, Russia, the US, Denmark, Poland, China, Japan, Australia and Morocco.
In Da Nang, a sea tourism week will be staged at Bien Dong (East Sea) Park will be staged from April 29 to May 5.

Visitors to the programme are free to take part in sporting events, a fishing net weaving competition, a boat race, a kayak race, and underwater tug-of-war. A dance sport event, a flash mob performance, and a photo exhibition boasting Da Nang’s beauty will also be held during the programme.

A festival featuring revolutionary-themed songs is underway in Hoi An city, Quang Nam province. The local authorities have also made tours to offer incense and flowers to war heros martyrs at the city’s cemetery.

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet