Wanderlust Tips Team, Author at WANDERLUST TIPS • Page 104 of 197

Quang Binh: A hidden gem in Central Vietnam

After many trips, I have fallen head over heels with the coastal roads, the melodious tunes carried on the gentle breeze and the sound of the waves crashing against the shore. Most notably, I still feel nostalgic for Quang Binh as this beautiful undiscovered land beholds such a marvellously unique identity.

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QUANG BINH – THE LAND OF STRIKING NATURE

My friends and I arrived in Quang Binh at nightfall when the sun had not yet risen for the day and there were still thousands of little stars still sparkling in the sky. The central land captivated us with its modest beauty. My friend told me, “There is nothing new to discover in Quang Binh”. That is true. Quang Binh still bears its unique identity, an old yet thrilling beauty. Until now, retreating to this beautiful land was probably the most peaceful trip for me.

At Nhat Le Beach I wanted desperately to run barefoot across the smooth sand at the break of dawn. On that day, we sat and enjoyed the gentle sea breeze together. The clouds stretching out to the horizon in the distance. The dazzling rays of morning sunlight gradually shone through the clouds casting glorious sunlight onto the sand. Although the sun only shone briefly, its stunningly brilliant beauty was unforgettable.

After watching the picture-perfect sunrise, we moved to the Jumping Rock Beach, located about 25km from the city centre. This beach was even more beautiful than the last, with crystal-clear waters, fluffy white sand and the rocky mountain formations standing tall alongside the ocean in the sunshine. The wind and sunshine have eroded the rocks day by day, forming a marvellous sculpture at the hand of Mother Nature. The rocks are scattered along the shore, dancing with the waves through the four seasons of spring, summer, autumn and winter. If you take a closer look, you will feel that the inanimate rocks suddenly come alive. They bear a peculiar resemblance to buffaloes grazing leisurely or toads jumping on the waves.

The beach in Quang Binh is still untouched with white sand and clear azure sea. The dazzling sunshine shone through the water surface, creating a stunningly serene seascape. Sitting down on a ledge and letting my emotions drift away, I heard the gentle waves crashing against the cliffs. Additionally, Jumping Rock Beach left a strong impression on me.

Waving goodbye to the sea, we visited Quang Phu Sand Dunes. Around a 20-kilometre walk from the Jumping Rock Beach, a picturesque sub-desert landscape appeared before our eyes. The white sand dunes stretched across the coastline under the sparkling sunshine, sometimes dotted with wild greenery and trees. The sea breeze blows all day and night, so the sand formations change their shape every day and the colour of the sand also changes hourly. I could not hide my surprise as I had the opportunity to witness this miracle first-hand. When the sun climbed higher in the sky, the sand glistened a pure white but had turned bright yellow by noon. By dusk, the vast sand dunes were blanketed in a soft grey.

Don’t miss the super-fun sandboarding activity when taking a visit to Quang Phu. Sitting on a board and sliding from the top down to the bottom through the layers of smooth white sand is an excellent way to spend your day. Feel like you are flying whilst listening to the sound of the gentle breeze. Firstly, I felt a little scared and screamed loudly but the second time I quickly adapted and wanted to conquer the higher sand dunes.

We returned to the hotel as dusk fell and the sun was hidden behind the sand dunes. Standing in the opposite direction to the light and taking a look into the distance, I spotted some little shadows frolicking on the high sand dunes. The vastness of the sky and the sand dunes made me feel very small.

TESTING THE BOUNDARIES OF COURAGE

My Quang Binh trip continued in Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park – one of the most infamous destinations of the North Central region. From Dong Hoi City, we travelled to Ho Chi Minh Road about 40km to the Northwest, we arrived at the Son River Wharf for an adventure around the natural masterpiece hidden amid the lush green mountains and forests.

The Son River boasts a peaceful and serene beauty. The undulating mountain ranges are silhouetted against the crystal-clear water. It is said that the emerald river water is likened to the rich green of the grasslands, but it is called the Son River because, in the rainy season, the rain has eroded the rocks from the mountainsides and crashes down forming an ocher colour.

The azure-painted boat took me on a thrilling journey. I could not take my eyes off the breathtaking natural surroundings. Thanks to the charmingly mysterious beauty of the arid and harsh land, travellers seemingly leave their heart in Quang Binh. The Son River is the main route to take visitors to the Phong Nha Cave. The magnificent caves are nestled in the limestone mountains and sheltered by an array of tropical forests.

It seems that Mother Nature has carved out the untouched structures in an amazing variety of shapes. Phong Nha was recognised by UNESCO as the most magnificent and magical cave in the world. I was blown away by the sight appearing before my eyes as the boat started to enter the cave. The cave gate is about 20m wide and about 10m high the impressive stalactites. The further the boat went, the cooler the air got. The light faded and then disappeared, leaving only the rhythmic sound of the paddles and the tourists’ voices on the boat. Sometimes, droplets of water from the stalactites fall, making everyone both surprised and excited.

The stalactites hanging from the roof of the cave and the stones protruding from the bottom are as dense as a lush green forest. The large stalactite blocks in countless unique shapes have inspired the human imagination, for instance, people argue that there are lion-shaped blocks or giant colourful chandeliers. This exhilarating cave adventure inspired a different outlook on this multifaceted and colourful world. If you want to test your courage, Quang Binh offers plenty of opportunities. I vividly remember the moment when I took the leap and went on the zipline. My heart seemed to skip a beat with fear and my legs flailed in the empty space. Only when I came out over the Chay River, did I fully relax. I not only admired the panoramic view of the Chay River from above but also took a dip in the cool stream.

I thought that I would never have the opportunity to admire a stunning emerald river like the Chay River. The watercolour at each river section is strikingly different with a myriad of turquoise and green. The riverbanks are home to many limestone beaches. The water flowing tirelessly through the limestone ranges year on year has created plenty of peculiar shapes. The ancient trees are reflected in the stunning river. Amidst such an impressive surrounding environment, we broke the silent atmosphere by howling with laughter whilst kayaking on the Chay River.

A WAVE OF NOSTALGIA

Quang Binh has the simplicity of the salty sea, the scorching sun and the friendly people. I still remember when dusk fell on the sandy beaches, the river seemed to be more striking than the sky as we sat together and shrieked with laughter. I was filled with longing for my fulfilled and unforgettable days in Quang Binh.

W.Tips

CLIMATE IN QUANG BINH

Quang Binh is divided into two distinct seasons. The rainy season begins from September to March, mainly in September, October and November. Notably, there are many storms in September and October. The dry season starts from April to August with an average temperature between 24oC and 25oC. June, July and August have the highest temperatures. During this time, the weather in Quang Binh is influenced by the Southwest wind which brings a hot and dry feeling.

TRANSPORTATION TO QUANG BINH

>> You can take a flight from HCMC or Hanoi to Dong Hoi City by Bamboo Airways, Vietnam Airlines or Jetstar Pacific Airlines.

>> Dong Hoi Railway Station is the main station of the Thong Nhat Railway, so travelling by train is also a great choice. The tickets are reasonable for VND300,000 to VND700,000.

>> The buses usually depart between 5 pm – 6 pm from Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi and arrive in Dong Hoi the following morning. If departing from Hanoi, the ticket costs between VND200,000 and VND250,000. If departing from HCMC, the ticket costs between VND500,000 and VND550,000.

POPULAR SIGHTS

>> Jumping Rock Beach is home to many unique rock formations.

>> Quang Phu Sand Dunes host sandboarding. Each board costs VND30,000.

>> Phong Nha Cave: The admission ticket costs VND150,000 per adult and is free for children under 1.3m. The Phong Nha Cave boat tours cost VND360,000 per boat with a life jacket and the boats can carry up to 12 people including children. In the high-water season, the water level of the Son river will rise, as a result, the cave entrance could be obscured and tourists may not be able to take the boat tours.

>> Chay River – Dark Cave: There are two tours for you to choose. Firstly, the Discovery Tour includes the zip line, taking a mud bath, exploring the Dark Cave, kayaking and an array of thrilling underwater games. The tour costs between VND250,000 and VND450,000. Secondly, the Universal Tour includes the zip line, kayaking and plenty of thrilling underwater games for VND170,000 to VND270,000. Notably, the fares may vary according to the tourist season.

>> If you have a lot of time, you can explore many other attractive places in the Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, including Paradise Cave, Mooc Spring, Tien Son Cave, En Cave, Va Cave and Nuoc Nut Cave. Alternatively, if your budget allows and you are in good health, you can take a visit to Son Doong Cave. Additionally, Quang Binh is home to a variety of famous landmarks such as Vung Pagoda – Yen Island, Quang Binh Gate and Than Dinh Mountain.

Thi Thi | Wanderlust Tips

Embarking on a road trip through western USA

A few years ago, I went on a road trip around the United States, Arizona was one of the destinations on my travel bucket list. My three-week road trip departed and ended in Los Angeles. I spent my time wandering around an amazing variety of beautiful national parks in the Southwest desert, also known as the Grand Circle.

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PAGE – A JUNCTION BETWEEN NATIONAL PARKS

From Monument Valley, the classic backdrop for Western Cowboy movies, I left the territory of Navajo Indians in Utah and entered Arizona, stopping at Page. The page is a small city with a population of over 7,000 and was established in the middle of the last century to serve the construction of Glen Canyon Dam. Today, it is home to a lot of hydropower plant personnel and welcomes nearly 3 million tourists to the surrounding area each year.

Tourists have such a special impression of Page because of the exotic Lake Powell Boulevard. The place is home to twelve churches of twelve different religions standing side by side, which people often call “Church Row”. However, anyone travelling along the Grand Circle must-visit Page because this is a place where the roads connecting Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Arches National Park, Monument Valley and Grand Canyon National Park all intersect.

The deserts surrounding Page are not as famous as the national parks, but they still boast an undeniable beauty. The Vermilion Cliffs National Monument bordering Page to the west is famed for hundreds of layers of the stunning rocky stratum. Bordering to the north the Grand Staircase-Escalante, National Monument possesses a wild beauty and is home to an array of bizarre and vast stone pillars. Located in the Northeast, Lake Powell is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the United States. It is derived from the Colorado River and the Glen Canyon Dam. Located within a stone’s throw of Page, you will find Horseshoe Bend – a magical stretch of the Colorado River and Antelope Canyon which has been dubbed the most orange and red rocky canyon in the West.

ANTELOPE CANYON AND ITS INCREDIBLE BEAUTY

True to its name, people often encounter many antelopes around the Antelope Canyon in the winter. Antelope Canyon is divided into two separate parts, including Upper Antelope and Lower Antelope. The Navajo name for the Upper Antelope is Tsé bighánílíní, which means “the place where water runs through rocks”. The Lower Antelope Canyon is also known as Hasdestwazi or “The Corkscrew”. Both canyons are considered wonderful natural masterpieces, proving that the creativity of nature is far beyond human imagination.

The Antelope Canyon is made up of several layers of interwoven sandstone and limestone. The water derived from the flash floods and the tiny grains of sand carried by the winds have made the cliffs erode away, creating a diversity of curving stone stratum which resembles a soft silk scarf of a graceful dancer.

It is best to visit the Antelope Canyon on a sunny day. Rays of sunlight cast over the sandy floor in the valley, space light up in the dazzling sunshine and the light reflects on the surface of the pink stone. The rock, sand and light mix together to create an unbelievably magical scene before your eyes.

It can be said that the Antelope Canyon is the emerging star of the American West. In the 1980s, many people had not heard of the Antelope Canyon. Adventurous travellers could comfortably enjoy their haunting beauty for many hours. Today, the Antelope Canyon is proud to be one of the most attractive destinations in the Southwest due to its beauty. Thus, the number of tourists is increasing day by day, making the narrow canyon buzzing with crowds.

A far cry from the national parks under the control of the US government, the Antelope Canyon is owned by the Navajo Indians and has been a Navajo Tribal Park since 1997. Therefore, the sightseeing tours of these two canyons are constantly changing and the fares are growing exponentially in response to the number of travellers here.

UPPER ANTELOPE OR LOWER ANTELOPE

The Upper Antelope was formerly more famous than the Lower Antelope. The Upper Antelope is the one you will see plastered across postcards. Identified by their striking colours and the light bouncing down from the top to the bottom of the sparkling sand streams. Measuring a 200-metre stretch, the Upper Antelope is an unrivalled wonder.

Taking stunning pictures in the Upper Antelope can be easy yet a little difficult. Classic shooting angles are quite easy to achieve. However, the Upper Canyon is quite dark because it is formed in an inverted V-shaped structure. Thus, when the midday sun shines through a gap in the canyon, hordes of tourists follow. So even if you spend a lot of money on photography tours, you only have a very short time to capture those distinctive frames without interruption from others.

Located a stone’s throw from the Upper Canyon is the Lower Antelope Canyon. It is called Lower because the canyon is submerged underground, distinguishable from the Upper Canyon which is at ground level. Compared to the Upper, the Lower has a V-shaped structure, the top is wide and the bottom is much narrower, but it is bright enough to take beautiful pictures.

When the Lower Antelope was a lesser-known destination, it was truly a smart choice for those interested in getting away from the crowds and admiring the mystical beauty of the red sandstone canyon. However, the spiral stone arches of the Lower Antelope have become an exotic attraction. Tourists come to the Lower Canyon increasingly, but the canyon is too narrow, so from 2018, tour operators have completely removed photography tours in the Lower Antelope.

Although the Lower and Upper Antelope are not far apart and they are similar in structure, they boast their peculiar beauty in different colours and shapes that Mother Nature bestowed. It is best to choose which of the canyons you want to visit as visiting both these canyons takes a substantial amount of time and money.

HIGHLIGHTS

Upper Antelope Canyon

– The V-structure is upside down, its bottom is wide and flat, so it is easy to move around.

– Children under 7 years of age are not allowed for the General Tour and children under 13 years are not permitted on the Photography Tour.

– For photography enthusiasts, it is best to visit at noon.

– The space is very dark, so it is difficult to take stunning photos by smartphone.

– In 2019, only the Upper Canyon has a Photography Tour, but the price is expensive and it must be booked many months in advance.

Lower Antelope Canyon

– The terrain is narrow, bumpy and difficult to move, but it is truly an interesting experience for adventurers.

– Children are allowed to visit.

– Inside the canyon is tight so it can easily get crowded.

– There are many tours, so tourists need to queue up.

– It is easier to take pretty photos because the V-shaped structure receives a lot of light. Personally, I find the Upper Antelope better suited to the public and families with children. The Lower is suitable for those who are passionate about landscape photography and those who have a large budget.

DISCOVERY TOURS

Upper Antelope Tour

A few years ago, when I first came to the Upper Antelope, tourists only needed to drive to the gate and buy tickets on the spot and they could freely choose the time to visit during the day. In 2019, in order to visit the Upper Antelope Canyon, you will have to book online. The best time is between 11 am and 1 pm from April to October.

There are two tours that take place at the Upper Antelope including the General Tour (USD66 and USD77 for the golden hour) and Photography Tour (USD158). The prices are applicable to 2019, excluding taxes and other fees.

The Photography Tour costs twice as much as the general tour, but you will be able to visit with a small group of 8 people during the best hour, have more time to take pictures and appreciate this natural wonder whilst staff help you prevent other tourists from standing in your frame. However, the Photography Tour also has stricter requirements for photographic equipment and the age of participants, so you remember to read carefully before booking. Two reputable tour companies for the Upper Antelope include:

– Antelope Slot Canyon Tours – the General Tours.

– Adventurous Antelope Canyon Tours (AACT), for the General Tours and Photography Tours.

Lower Antelope Tour

There are two types of the Lower Antelope Tour. Firstly, the General Tour for 10 people (USD40/ adult, USD20/child, free for children under 7 years old) and the Deluxe Tour for 4 people (USD80/pax), excluding taxes and other fees.

With regards to the Deluxe Tour, there is a smaller number of people but you will still have to queue with other tours, there are no additional priorities, so you should consider this when booking this tour.

The two companies that offer tours into the Lower Antelope Canyon include:

– Dixie Ellis ’Tours – the General Tour.

– Ken’s Tours – the General Tour and Deluxe Tour.

Before travelling to the Lower Antelope, you should note that:

– The Lower Antelope is very cramped and there is only enough space for 1 person to enter, so be in good health and check that you will be able to move around easily in the space.

– Do not bring selfie sticks, bags or backpacks.

– During peak seasons, you may have to wait for a long time in the desert heat, so you should pack hats, towels and drinking water.

– Absolutely do not enter the Lower Antelope by yourself without a local guide, as this is a canyon slot. If it rains within a radius of 15km around the canyon, the water will rise extremely fast and it is very dangerous.

PHOTO TIPS FOR THE ANTELOPE CANYON

Capture RAW files

Always shoot in RAW. Especially in the Antelope Canyon with low light conditions and the significant difference between the light and dark areas, the RAW file will be very effective in postproduction. Try it and see the difference right away.

Tripod or no tripod?

You can only use a tripod if you take the Photography Tour. If not, you will have to move with a huge crowd. Inside the Antelope Canyon is extremely narrow and there are many people, if you do not have a guide, you do not have time to mount a tripod and take pictures.

Choosing your lens

Inside the two canyons is very tight, so for interchangeable-lens cameras, you should choose a wide-angle lens or an ultra-wide-angle lens of 14 – 35mm. All the photos in this article were taken with two lenses including Samyang 14 mm f/4 lens and Canon 17-40 mm f/4 on 2 full-frame cameras.

Adjust ISO and aperture

If you have a tripod, you can close the aperture to f/8 and set the ISO as low as 100 – 200 for an automatic speed.

If you do not have a tripod, you should open the aperture all the way (f/2.8 or f/4 depending on the lens), set the shutter speed in the range of 1/30s to 1/40s so that the image will not be blurred and ensure that ISO is set to an automatic mode.

Manual focus or automatic?

The Antelope Canyon, especially the Upper Canyon, is very dark and cameras can often not focus on the light conditions. Therefore, if you find it difficult to focus, you should completely switch the camera or lens over to manual focus mode.

Equipment preservation

The Antelope Canyon is very dusty inside. Fine sand is carried in the air. Thus, you should wrap your camera in plastic bags or a rain cover to prevent sand from making its way into any small gaps. Make sure not to change the lens inside the canyon unless both the camera and lens are switched off.

POPULAR SIGHTS AROUND ANTELOPE CANYON AND PAGE

– The Vermilion Cliffs National Monument is renowned for its spectacular rock formations of The Wave.

– The vast and wild Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

– Lake Powell, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the United States, emerges from the NCL Colorado River and Glen Canyon Dam and is home to many underwater activities.

– Stud Horse Point is home to the odd Hoodoo rock formations.

– Horseshoe Bend is the most beautiful bend of the Colorado River.

Bui Huyen Chi | Wanderlust Tips

Self-drive and see the world

Travelling by car, motorbike or bicycle allows you to explore beautiful roads freely. Take a meander around the bustling streets, vast forests and stunning valleys under bright blue skies. Self-drive really makes the world your oyster and with your own mode of transport, all of these tours will be at your fingertips.

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1. A SELF-DRIVE ADVENTURE IN SOUTH AFRICA

In a classic 4×4 pickup truck, you and your companion can travel across the beautiful land of South Africa. Departing from the charming city of Cape Town, the journey will take you to an amazing variety of destinations, for instance, the coastal fishing villages, the high passes, the ancient towns of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, the Western Cape wine region stretching endlessly along Route 62 and you will have the chance to enjoy many exhilarating games at Jeffreys Bay Addo Park. What’s more, during this long journey, you can also sample a whole host of fine wines whilst admiring the splendid flower fields.

Itinerary: Cape Town – Stellenbosch – Franschhoek – Garies – McGregor – Die Hel – Addo – Cape Town

Duration: 28 days

Price: ~ AUD12,535

Website: selfdriveadventures.com

2. FROM NEW YORK TO LOS ANGELES ON THE LEGENDARY ROAD 66

This is a tour designed to take you on an exciting adventure through important American cities by car along the legendary Route 66 while visiting impressive historical sites along the way. The most special thing is that you can make the most of independent travel, you will not have a fixed tour guide (you can opt for a local guide) or team leader and you can experience the freedom of travelling alone. You can go where you want to go, meet the people you want to meet and do what you want to do. The tour also includes an overnight service at four-star hotels, meals and many other professional services.

Itinerary: New York – Chicago – Springfield – Tulsa – Las Vegas – Los Angeles

Duration: 14 days

Price: ~EUR2,199

Website: discoverynomads.com

3. CROSSING THE WINDY MOUNTAINS AND RIVERS IN HIGH HIMALAYA

The tour will take you from the bottom of the Himalayan Range, near Shimla – the capital of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh to the spectacular Spiti valley by a stylish Royal Enfield 500 motorcycle. The journey will continue taking you through the windy passes of Khardung La and Chang La which are home to an amazing variety of stunning natural landscapes, for instance, charming lakes, cold deserts nestled amidst the towering snowy peaks and ancient monasteries standing out against the blue sky. The motorbikes are able to deal with the remote terrain and many challenges to be able to meet nomads with white sheep or rare camels in the distance. With such special experiences, the tour promises to help you fully explore the natural and cultural beauty in Northern India.

Itinerary: New Delhi – Narkanda – Kalpa – Tabo – Kaza – Sissu – Sarchu – Leh – Nubra – Delhi

Duration: 16 days

Price: ~USSD4,350

Website: extremebiketours.com

4. A SPECIAL CYCLING TOUR FOR BEER LOVERS IN BELGIUM

This special journey is a gathering of Belgian beer and sports enthusiasts. You will be provided with high-quality bicycles before starting your self-drive journey to explore the cool taste of beer from at least 8 breweries and monasteries with the famous Trappist beer. On this tour, you have the chance to share inspirational stories of your true passion for beer with other beer enthusiasts. Meeting traditional and creative brewers will help you better understand the brewing process and the beer culture that is associated with the unique local tradition, whether a vibrant city or an idyllic small village. All of these will definitely captivate and fascinate you. The accommodation is also enhanced to ensure its quality and comfort. The tour groups stay in three-star hotels located a stone’s throw from the breweries. The participants’ luggage will be transported on a truck to each place, so you can be more comfortable on your bike ride.

Itinerary: Antwerp – Westmalle – Hasselt – Leuven – Mechelen – Aalst – Ninove – Buggenhout

Duration: 8 days

Price: ~USD2,650

Website: beercycling.com

5. A BIKE RIDE ACROSS HA GIANG – CONQUERING THE NORTHERMOST POINT OF VIETNAM

From Ha Giang – a remote land located in Northern Vietnam, you could begin a thrilling adventure on a compact bike. This place will bring you a plethora of interesting experiences allowing you to get the best insight into nature and the unique culture of ethnic minorities. Cycle through the breathtaking winding roads with different terrains to discover the picturesque natural beauty at Quan Ba Heaven Gate before reaching the magnificent Dong Van Stone Plateau or visiting the unique mansion of the H’mong King. Additionally, you can enjoy delicious local specialities during the self-drive adventure.

Itinerary: Ha Giang City, Yen Minh, Meo Vac, Tam Son, Ha Giang City, Vietnam.

Duration: 5 days

Price: ~USD1,590

Lan Anh | Wanderlust Tips

Travel around Vietnam: Discover the simple beauty from behind the windscreen

One afternoon on our journey, we passed through an unexpected thunderstorm which hit the coastal area of Tuy Hoa City. The highway snaked through a small fishing village with colourful roofs and boats scattered across the beach. The speedometer ticked down gradually as I slowed down to admire the town and the sky after the rain. One side was crystal-clear blue sky, but the other was adorned with a myriad of colours as the sunset stretched across the horizon filtering through the windows of my car.

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During our two-week adventure, we travelled almost 1500 kilometres. We realised that the most magnificent memories were, in fact, the most fleeting moments of the trip. For instance, capturing a stunning photo whilst driving through an unknown village at sunset.

A BRILLIANT BLEND OF BLUES

When I speak of the journey across Vietnam, people think of my trip as a once-in-a-lifetime experience to discover many special landmarks. However, our journey was not arduous or anything out of the ordinary. We simply enjoyed sitting in our familiar little car every day, listening to our favourite songs on the radio whilst soaking up the serene atmosphere and marvelling at the lush green scenery.

Following Highway 1A, we travelled along the central coast with many roads swooping down towards the sea. On the other side of the slope, we passed many well-known beaches on the tourist trail, for instance, Nhat Le, Lang Co, Non Nuoc, Vinh Hy, Bai Rang and Cam Ranh. Before departing, we were worried that we might get bored of long days just watching the sea as we travelled through popular destinations. However, I soon realised that I had been worrying unnecessarily because each destination has a unique beauty. The sea beheld an astonishing array of blues before the horizon.

The Da Nang Sea glistened under the iridescent sunlight. In the morning, a number of rays of dazzling sunshine danced gracefully on the water. The azure shade of blue rippled through the waves and broke against the shore of the Da Dia Rapids in Phu Yen a little like the shade of blue that children would use to paint the sky in their art classes. In Nha Trang, the sea appeared turquoise. My friend suggested that the magnificent colour was thanks to a unique layer of black sand reflecting the gentle sunlight on the Southern Central Coast. When leaving from a destination on our coastal journey, the thing that I was most excited about was not the delicious food or the next famous tourist destination but which shade of blue was hiding in the depths of the sea.

I once read a novel about a painter obsessed with barley fields in his hometown. Thus, all the paintings in his gallery focused on the fields adorned with barley in various environments. For instance, under the moon or the sun, in the heavy rain, during the harvest, when the rice begins flowering and the fields after the harvest. The splendid paintings placed next to each other created a seamless panoramic view of the field during the four seasons. Every stage of the day was reflected in his art. I felt nostalgia for the gallery when I compared the vision of the barley to my vision of the sea and its many shades of blue. My car would stand out against the different layers of blue in the picture. I had to admit that the azure of the ocean is the most beautiful colour that an artist can mix.

LESSER-KNOWN DESTINATIONS ON THE MAP

Not every famous destination offers an experience worthy of its fame. Contrastingly, there lies undiscovered beauty in lesser-known places and it amazes me that no one has yet discovered it. With the maps on our phones and satellite navigation in the car, our self-drive adventure took us through destinations that are hard to find on the pages of travel reviews. Self-drive adventures open up a world of opportunities that plane or train journeys cannot.

A few people have told me that the shortcut from Tuy Hoa City to Mang Lang Church takes the form of a beautiful road running through the vast casuarina forests. Just a few steps from the road, you could end up lost in surroundings that resemble Alice’s enchanting wonderland. Layer upon layer of dusty white sand and row upon row of casuarina trees towered into the sky. During the changing of the seasons, the trees are bare, creating a rather unique scene. We spent more time here than on the famous Da Dia Rapids and then traversed through the ancient trees, inhaled the pleasant smell of dry leaves and let the fine sand nestle between our toes.

On this pretty epic road, I experienced a big problem when my car hit a pothole and two tyres burst. It took three hours and a fair bit of courage to find a way to change the tyres in the middle of the road in the pitch black. We cracked jokes and told funny stories in an attempt to overcome our fears and pass the time. At least we could change the tyres whilst admiring the beautiful starry sky.

The casuarina forest in Phu Yen is truly beautiful, but the most alluring scenery throughout the journey is along the Dran Pass running from Dalat Plateau to Phan Thiet. If people think that it is difficult to seek out beautiful scenes like the European countryside in Vietnam, they have not driven through the Dran Pass during ripe persimmon harvest. In early October, Dalat is home to many ripe persimmons, so you can find an array of red persimmons everywhere. The garden persimmons are large and colourful standing out against the dark green foliage. The bunches of yellow-orange persimmons were dangling on top of mountainous slopes.

Driving through the bends on the Dran Pass, I saw a small colourful house enclosed with white wooden fences. In the garden, there was an old persimmon tree laden with ripe fruits. Under the golden sunshine of the highlands, I could almost taste the sweetness of the fruits in the persimmon garden. There is a roadside station in the middle of the Dran Pass offering picture-perfect views overlooking the charming valley. From here, you can indulge in the fresh Dalat air and be invited by the host to eat ripe and fragrant persimmons before travelling to Phan Rang – the land of sunshine and winds. I said to my friends that driving through this pass was dangerous and we could easily be distracted not only because of the hair-raising bends but also because of the charming mountainous scenery.

The Dran Pass follows the Ngoan Muc Pass – its name bears a close resemblance to its shape. The pass is truly a great challenge for drivers because it is home to countless terrifying bends. The lush green pine forests also lay at both sides of the mountain. If you have an excellent observation ability, you could explore the endlessly magnificent beauty of the Dran and Ngoan Muc Passes when travelling to Dalat by bus. However, these “hidden gems” are not always easy to find. We were fortunate to find another exhilarating destination, which is not well known on the tourist trail while wandering around the Western rivers.

Hong Ngu Town is located a stone’s throw from Chau Doc City which is famous for Ba Chua Xu Temple and the unique fermented fish stalls. Passing the So Thuong River, we saw the beautiful town of Hong Ngu before our eyes and then immersed ourselves in the buzzing atmosphere. Located close to Hong Ngu market, there is a crowded neighbourhood. At the end of the afternoon, the market is bustling with long lines of street vendors selling fragrant food. A wide array of street food was on offer, spread out on the street stalls, for instance, salted chilli bread, grilled rice paper, skewered chicken wings and legs, roasted duck, roasted pork, rice vermicelli served with fermented fish, Pha Lau and grilled fish.

There was a joyful atmosphere with laughter buzzing from every corner as traders and shoppers went about their business. The gentle smiles of Western women and the pungent smell of delicious local delicacies are just two reasons why I adored this land. Wandering along the vibrant streets, savouring street food and watching the hectic surrounding environment made me realise the exquisite beauty of Hong Ngu. Sometimes you can find joy in the simplest of things and the most ordinary goings-on can easily captivate you.

FOND MEMORIES OF OUR TRIP

At a coffee shop in District 1, Saigon, we enjoyed a relaxing moment together whilst reminiscing about our journey. My friend said we should camp by the sea one night, take a photo of the beautiful milky way, spend two days trekking, take a boat to the island, drive at night and continue to have many more amazing adventures.

Everything we mentioned is worth trying, but no one can tell you which moment is the most valuable. Every road passing by the window of the car is unique. Each natural masterpiece we catch a glimpse of is beautiful in its own right. For instance, the shimmering silver sea stretching to the horizon, the long rows of towering trees forming a dark-green dome, the ancient tower silhouetted by a spectacular sunset, the houses with sloping roofs and climbing roses nestled amidst the pine hill, an impromptu thunderstorm or the deserted fields at night. Who dares to say that each of these things is not miraculous wonders.

USEFUL TRAVEL TIPS TO QUANG BINH, VIETNAM

PRIOR TO DEPARTURE

>> Check your car thoroughly, change the oil, adjust the tyre pressure, update the map system, check the lights and petrol gauge, install the Black Box and sensors and check the spare tyres.

>> Plan your itinerary thoroughly, be aware of the distance between locations to arrange travel and rest times appropriately.

>> Divide the driving shifts fairly.

>> Prepare some snacks and coffee to have in the car.

>> Be sure to take medication if you suffer from motion sickness.

>> Pack cold food and instant noodles in case the local cuisine does not match your taste.

>> Search in advance and save phone numbers of rescue teams and repair-shops on long routes far away from residential areas.

DURING THE JOURNEY

>> Only drive a maximum of 400km/day to have time to visit, rest and recover.

>> Limit driving in the evening because there are many potholes which are very hard to see and can cause tyres to pop.

>> The navigation map always shows the shortest and fastest route. However, some detours are close to the coast with beautiful panoramic views. You should check every route in advance for the best option.

>> The warning signs of the speed-limited routes set on the car are not 100% accurate. Pay close attention and follow the signs on the roads.

>> Combine discovery and relaxation to ensure that you are healthy for the duration of the trip.

>> Look up the road penalties nationwide at website vr.org.vn by vehicle registration number.

>> For the return journey, you can send your cars via railways or container trucks. In spite of the high cost, this means of transportation saves a lot of time after a long trip.

Khiet | Wanderlust Tips

Be captivated by the roads in Vietnam

Travel through Vietnam and take the scenic route all the way from the North to the South. The surroundings along the roads are very rich with bustling towns, peaceful villages, vast plains, sea views, majestic mountains and forests. After each leg of the journey, we feel our worries begin to evaporate making room for more memories. Every region that passes leaves a unique impression on us. This adventure through our country made us realise how fond we are of our homeland. Accompany Wanderlust Tips to discover the most spectacular roads in Vietnam.

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HA GIANG – YEN MINH – LUNG CU – DONG VAN – MA PI LENG PASS – MEO VAC

Ha Giang Province – the northernmost point of Vietnam, is home to picture-perfect panoramic views of majestic natural landscapes. For instance, Yen Minh Pine Forest, Tham Ma Slope with nine hair-raising bends, the jagged mountain ranges shaped like cat’s ears, the spectacular Ma Pi Leng Pass, the towering Tu San Alley and the alluring Nho Que River or the legendary Happiness Road. The 300-kilometre journey departs from Ha Giang City to the Lung Cu Flagpole promising to bring an array of unforgettable experiences.

THANH SON – PHU THO TEA HILL – NGHIA LO – MU CANG CHAI – KHAU PHA PASS

Looking for the beautiful terraced fields that stretch as far as the eyes can see then you should plan a trip from Thanh Son Town in Phu Tho Province to Mu Cang Chai District in Yen Bai Province. In particular, the early rainy season or ripe rice season is the best time to take a trip to Mu Cang Chai. In May, the rice terraces filled with water reflect the glistening sunlight creating a captivating and magical picture. When the fields are ready for the harvest in September, the terraces boast a picturesque beauty as the green and yellow layers of rice intertwined with the hillsides. Taking a drive along the zigzagging 100-kilometre road, you can admire the stunningly beautiful scenery. For instance, the green tea hills in the gentle breeze, the magnificent mountains and forests, the vast blue sky with fluffy white clouds and the idyllic villages nestled amongst the rice terraces.

SAPA – O QUY HO PASS – MUONG HUM – LAO CAI CITY – Y TY

Located in Lao Cai Province, the 70-kilometre route running from Sapa to Y Ty is very rugged and difficult to travel. However, the scenery here is totally worth it. There is a fantastic variety of idyllic villages shrouded in mist adjacent to the undulating terraced fields. Commencing from Sapa, you can drive an additional 12km to reach O Quy Ho Pass – one of the four great peaks of the Northwest. Afterwards, you should continue your trip through the mountains and forests to visit the Y Ty cloudy paradise. The clouds here swirl thickly around the villages, pass over the lush fields, the winding roads and fill the hearts of travellers. The following day, the 80-kilometre road from Y Ty to Lao Cai City brings an entirely different experience. You can take a drive along the border road between Vietnam and China where the Hong River is considered the natural boundary.

HUE – LANG CO – HAI VAN PASS – HOI AN – DA NANG

Commencing from the charming Hue Imperial Capital, your itinerary will take you through Lang Co Beach, the Hai Van Pass – an unrivalled wonder, modern Da Nang, finally stopping at Hoi An – an ancient town famous for rows of quaint yellow houses, tiled roofs and brilliant paper flowers in the sunshine. There are many surprises along the 120-kilometre stretch that will allow you to admire beautiful and majestic nature, valuable historical heritage sites and impressive architectural structures.

HOA BINH CITY – CUN SLOPE – MAI CHAU – DIEN BIEN PHU CITY – PHA DIN PASS – MOC CHAU

November is the time when white cauliflower blooms along the Moc Chau Plateau. This is also the best time to pack up your belongings and set out to conquer the road from Hoa Binh Province to Son La Province finally reaching Dien Bien Phu City in Dien Bien Province. This journey is a pretty epic route at nearly 500km. Be prepared for a hair-raising journey with the bends of the Cun Slope winding through the abyss. Indulge in the tranquil atmosphere when passing through the peaceful green Mai Chau Valley. Moc Chau has made a great impression on every traveller with its beautiful rows of white cabbages. After crossing the Pha Din Pass – the “four great passes” of the Northwest region, you will feel victorious.

QUY NHON – TUY HOA – DIEN CAPE – DOI CAPE – CA PASS

The 100-km coastal road from Quy Nhon City in Binh Dinh Province through Phu Yen Province to Doi Cape in Khanh Hoa Province will captivate every driver. One side is the verdant mountains and forests, the other side runs beside the sea. Before your eyes, the road runs straight to the horizon where the sky and the sea intersect. Along the way, you can stop to visit the Ghenh Rang Tien Sa with many mysterious legends, the Ky Co – Eo Gio beach paradise, the mysterious pristine Da Dia Rapid, the Nhat Tu Son Island with its unique passage in the middle of the sea, the alluring Xep Beach associated with the famous movie “I see yellow flowers on the green grass” or the magnificent Dien Cape. After conquering the spectacular Ca Pass, you can continue trekking through the Doi Cape – the Easternmost landmark in mainland Vietnam.

CAM RANH – VINH HY – CHUA MOUNTAIN – NINH CHU – PHAN RANG-THAP CHAM – PHAN THIET – LA GI

Dubbed as the most spectacular coastal road in Vietnam, the 300-kilometre road runs through the three provinces of Khanh Hoa, Ninh Thuan and Binh Thuan. Commencing in Cam Ranh City, you can follow the road towards Ninh Thuan through the pristine Vinh Hy Bay and explore the beautiful Nui Chua National Park with the winding mountain roads and picturesque beaches. You can also drive along the crystal-clear Ninh Chu Beach then stop to rest in Phan Rang Thap Cham City. Over the course of the following days, head to Bau Trang (White Lake) with rolling sandhills swooping down to the sea, then go straight to the vibrant city of Phan Thiet, through the pristine Ke Ga Cape and end up in peaceful La Gi. Along the road, an array of lush natural surroundings appears before your eyes. The magnificent shades of blue, intertwined with the grey of the mountain rocks, the brilliant red of the sun or the yellow and white sand dunes, creates beautiful scenery that is hard to describe in words.

CAM RANH – NGOAN MUC PASS – DA LAT – NHA TRANG

Nha Trang and Da Lat are both on the list of famous tourist destinations, so many people opt to visit these two places on their itinerary. With a 300-km stretch between Khanh Hoa and Lam Dong Provinces, travellers will have the opportunity to admire the fascinating natural surroundings. In particular, the experience of conquering Ngoan Muc Pass – the most beautiful mountain pass in Vietnam promises to bring countless unforgettable moments.

DA LAT – BUON MA THUOT – PLEIKU – KON TUM

To fully appreciate the beauty of the sunny and windy Central Highlands, nothing is more wonderful than a self-drive adventure. The 500-kilometre road along NH20 – NH27 – AH17 running through the four Central Highland Provinces of Lam Dong, Dak Lak, Gia Lai and Kon Tum is a long journey on the basalt red soil roads. The more you travel, the more you love the stunning land which is home to wild mountains and forests, the immense coffee hills and quaint little houses in the sunshine.

LONG AN – TIEN GIANG – VINH LONG – CAN THO – CA MAU – KIEN GIANG – AN GIANG – DONG THAP

Starting from Tan An City in Long An Province then My Tho City in Tien Giang Province, your journey continues travelling through Vinh Long City in Vinh Long Province to Can Tho City – the capital of the West. Afterwards, you will move to Hong Ngu Town in Dong Thap Province then take a ferry to Vam market to admire the Mekong River. From Chau Doc City in An Giang Province, you will have two options. Firstly, taking a visit around Ha Tien, Rach Gia in Kien Giang Province and then move to Ca Mau. Secondly, travelling straight down Rach Gia and enter Ca Mau. The 600-kilometre journey travelling across 8 western provinces and conquering Ca Mau Cape – the southernmost point of the country will make for countless fulfilled and unforgettable moments. The immense fields full of storks, lush fruit gardens on the islets, interlaced canals, floating markets with bustling boats and the ancient green forests are truly remarkable. Throughout the journey along the river, you will not forget the warm and friendly smiles of the locals with nicknames such as the Biggest brother, the Second sister, the Third uncle, the Fourth aunt or the Fifth uncle.

Ly Nguyen | Wanderlust Tips

Appreciate the tranquillity in Chiang Mai

I have always thought that the infamous lantern festival held annually in November was the only reason that my friends had fallen in love with Chiang Mai. Only when I actually arrived in this city, dubbed the “northern rose of Thailand”, did I realise that I was completely wrong. Chiang Mai does not boast the bustling atmosphere with dynamic shopping and entertainment centres, instead Chiang Mai offers spectacular natural surroundings and a peaceful way of life. I certainly fell in love with its exquisite beauty. Sometimes, the simplest things in the daily life leave us feeling mesmerised.

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A PEACEFUL STROLL AROUND THE STREETS IN CHIANG MAI

After two days in vibrant Bangkok, I moved to Chiang Mai early in the morning. As the plane was coming into land, the panoramic view of the serene city appeared before my eyes. The weather was very cool and pleasant on that day. The Tuk Tuk drove me through the tree-lined streets. An amazing variety of quaint shops was built side by side with modern buildings. Taking a stroll around the city and you can easily encounter a whole host of anciently sacred temples. The more I discovered, the more I was surprised by how deserted Chiang Mai was. Definitely it was not the thing what I imagined of a famous tourist destination in Thailand.

A far cry from the bustling Bangkok where traffic is chock-a-block with cars, the streets in Chiang Mai are quiet and sparse. Most of the beautiful houses only have three or four storeys, the vast rice fields dotted with wires and the peaceful Mae Ping River reflected the vast blue sky. During the daytime, the pace of life in Chiang Mai played out almost in slow motion, gently passing me by. When the brilliant orange sunset spread across the horizon and the streets lit up, Chiang Mai put on a different show that was a little more hectic than the daytime.

My friends and I decided to visit the walking street where we both shopped for trinkets and souvenirs whilst immersing ourselves in the buzzing nightlife of this beautiful city. Chiang Mai night market boasts a hectic ambience with an amazing variety of stalls and items, for instance, souvenirs, clothes, shoes and especially street food draws the tourist’s attention. Wandering from stall to stall made us lose track of time.

Just as I was looking to buy some more colourful T-shirts and try some delicious snacks, my friend reminded me that it was 10 pm and it was the time to return to the hotel. The Tuk Tuk took us away from the market and only a short distance away the houses had closed their doors and turned out their lights. We headed back to the hotel for a rest so that we could wake up early the following morning. At sunrise, I was sure that Chiang Mai would welcome us with more interesting things on the roads we had just passed through.

AN ADVENTURE TO THE PEACEFUL LAND

When travelling to Chiang Mai, be sure to visit the temples imbued with ancient cultural values. We began our adventure by visiting Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep or Doi Suthep – one of the most sacred temples in Thailand. The temple was constructed in 1383 on the summit of Doi Suthep Mountain and towered 1,676 metres above sea level. Standing on Doi Suthep Temple, visitors have a great vantage point and can admire a breathtaking panoramic view of Chiang Mai city spanning out under the bright sunlight.

Legend has it that Doi Suthep temple was constructed by King Nu Naone of the Old Lanna Kingdom with the aim of enshrining Buddha’s relics. Upon arriving at this sacred temple for the first time, I was completely overwhelmed by the monumental architecture and the exquisitely golden structures. Most prominently, the largest gleaming golden Chedi located in the central area is a real masterpiece standing out against in the bright sunlight. Visitors here are truly amazed and mesmerised by its impressive design. Additionally, the golden statues in an amazing variety of sizes and colours are placed all around the temple, making visitors feel that the Chedi stupa is being guarded carefully. The beautiful bells produce an enchanting and relaxing melody allowing visitors to indulge in a tranquil atmosphere.

Taking a wander through the zigzagging roads to the bottom of the city, I visited Wat Umong temple. We meandered along the tree-lined path to the temple gate, the peaceful and serene space seemingly took us back in time. A far cry from the sparkling Doi Suthep, Wat Umong located at the bottom of well-known Suthep mountain boasts an idyllic and ancient beauty. The 700-year-old temple is considered one of the oldest temples in Thailand.

Wat Umong is imbued with ancient imprints hidden in the crumbling façade and green moss of each stone wall. I took a stroll around the ancient brick tunnels leading the way to the temple’s main hall. The deeper I went inside, the quieter it became. The space here is shrouded by a faint smell of smoke and there are statues hidden in the stone walls. Without the tour guides’ guidance, it might take a long time to find the exit. One of the most prominent places at Wat Umong is the stupa at the top of the mound.

The stupa is home to many precious statues in an array of amazing shapes. They were designed skillfully and deftly due to the cultural and religious beliefs of the Thai people. More interestingly, I had the opportunity to hear many historic stories about the establishment as well as the thriving development of Buddhism in Thailand. There are many other sacred and beautiful temples in Chiang Mai that I have not yet had the chance to visit. I will definitely come back not only to discover more of the stunning landscapes but simply to fall further in love with the peaceful and charming land. I waved goodbye to Chiang Mai but I hope to return one day.

W.Tips

TRANSPORTATION

From Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, you can take a direct flight to Chiang Mai. Alternatively, you can visit Bangkok first because it is easy to travel to Chiang Mai from Bangkok. You can opt for Bangkok Airways with a wide selection of flexible flights. In Chiang Mai, you can opt to travel by taxi, motorbike, bicycle or Tuk Tuk.

CLIMATE

Chiang Mai is an ideal tourist destination because the climate is cool and pleasant, suitable for visitors to have an exhilarating adventure.

CURRENCY

The official currency in Thailand is Baht, symbolised by THB. THB1 = VND752,69. You can exchange money at the airport or major shopping centres in Thailand. However, you should exchange money before travelling to Thailand to save time.

CUISINE

In addition to the traditional culinary delicacies, Thai cuisine in the Northern provinces is blended with the rich flavours of spices and the distinctive tastes of neighboring countries such as Laos, China or Myanmar. In Chiang Mai, you should try some delectable delicacies including Khao Soi, Sai Qua, grilled chicken and Khanom Jeen Nam Ngeow.

Thu Ha | Wanderlust Tips

Share the love with travel: Colours of the markets

[Wanderlust Tips September 2019] With the theme “Colours of the markets”, Share the love section in September 2019 will take you to an amazing variety of famous markets in Vietnam and around the world.

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LE HONG QUAN – BANK CLERK, HCMC | VAKIL BAZAAR IS NOT JUST A TRADITIONAL MARKET

Wanderlust Tips | Share the love: Colours of the markets

In the Iranian dictionary, the term “Bazaar” refers to markets featuring vaulted ceilings in a sophisticated architectural style. A bazaar is a commercial exchange centre in urban cities and one of the typical ancient cultural features in Persia. When people think of bazaars in Iran, the Grand Bazaar in Tehran – one of the largest bazaars in Persia often springs to mind. Additionally, Iran has many other unique markets, notably Vakil Bazaar in the west of the country – a not-to-be-missed destination when travelling to Iran. The Vakil Bazaar has beautiful courtyards, fountains, public baths, old shops and a number of mosques in the vicinity. According to the locals, many tourists cannot discover the bazaar completely and find it a tough nut to crack because of the labyrinth of interlaced stalls and aisles.

From my perspective, Vakil Bazaar is not simply a bazaar but also an exhibition centre for countless diverse and high-quality goods from the Middle East. For instance, delve into a treasure trove of woven carpets, antiques, jewellery, gemstones, perfumes, vegetables, dried fruits and spices. Each stall is arranged methodically and professionally. In Iran, it is commonplace for the salespeople to be male, with the notable absence of females throughout the bazaar. Traditionally, merchandising is reserved for men. Be sure to pick up some souvenirs of your trip, the merchandise on offer is worth every penny and the Iranians are always hospitable, happy and thankful for your custom and intrigue.

LE THUY – KINDERGARTEN TEACHER, SWEDEN | AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE AT LA BOQUERIA MARKET, SPAIN

When setting foot in a new place, I often head to the local markets after visiting the bigger tourist attractions as I think they showcase traditionally cultural characteristics. I have a true passion for enjoying local delicacies, admiring lovely artisanal crafts or simply strolling around to absorb the hectic atmosphere. I have to say that Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria, known as La Boqueria is one of the best markets I have had the opportunity to visit. Located along La Rambla in Barcelona, La Boqueria is one of the most distinguished food markets in Spain.

When I walked into the market, I was completely mesmerised by a diversity of stalls bursting with an array of produce from delectably pre-cut fruits to signature jamón serrano. It can be said that travelling to La Boqueria is to enter the world of food and you can find everything at La Boqueria. There is a wealth of options to sample including noodles, seafood, lamb, cakes, delicious jams, nuts and dry ingredients. Additionally, there are a wide array of unique cafes and bars meeting the entertainment needs of visitors. Located in the heart of the city, the market is always bustling and crowded with people toing and froing. Due to the hectic nature of the market, be mindful and keep an eye on your belongings to ensure a pleasant trip.

LE BINH – ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE, HANOI | EXPERIENCE THE MORNING AND NIGHT MARKETS IN LUANG PRABANG, LAOS

Nowadays, shopping malls are becoming more and more popular and I am afraid that markets will gradually be forgotten over the course of time. Hence, I always try to spend a lot of time perusing the markets during my travels. Among the markets I have visited around the world, I was most impressed with the Luang Prabang market in Laos.

I woke up at 5 am to experience the early morning buzz in Luang Prabang. The morning market here does not sell many souvenirs, instead, there are many different foods for sale. You can easily buy vegetables, meat, fish and shrimp for instance. It is similar to self-established markets in Vietnam; however, the food was very rich, to name a few, whole grilled fish, barbecued meat, noodles and Pho. Moreover, there were a variety of fresh vegetables which made me extremely excited.

There is also a night market in Luang Prabang. Although it is called the “night” market, trading actually began at 4 pm. At this time, you will see people arranging goods along both sides of the road. The food available in the evening is more diverse than that in the morning, I also discovered a small alley selling typical Lao cuisine. Luang Prabang night market also has many unique souvenirs for visitors to buy for their friends and relatives.

NGUYEN VAN THANH – TRAVELLER, HANOI | VISITING DONG BA MARKET IN HUE ON A RAINY DAY

A friend once told me that when travelling to a new place, we should visit the central market to better understand the local culture and people. Thus, I popped by Dong Ba market in Hue on a rainy day. Dong Ba market made a great impression on me as the authentic scenes of life in Hue in the early morning were extremely peaceful. The vans got wet and sparkled in the headlights; people wearing red, blue and yellow raincoats walked quickly through the shops adorned with all kinds of brilliant colours; the muscular rickshaw-pullers greeted me with a friendly smile rather than yelling or getting annoyed when we held up our cameras to take pictures.

All of these things made me appreciate the familiarity and kindness of Hue people. People would often prefer it not to rain on their trips, but for me, the rain is precious. In other words, the fleetingness of nature and how suddenly it can change are something really rather magnificent. It is during this time that I can experiment with perspective, movement and the ability to capture ephemeral moments through photography. I often find these photographs full of emotions, like those of the Dong Ba Market on a rainy day.

Wanderlust Tips

Mr Carl Gagnon crowned as General Manager of the year 2019

[Best Hotels – Resorts Awards 2019] With over 16 years of working experience for Accor Hotels – one of the world’s leading corporations in high-class hotel management, Mr Carl Gagnon has won over the guests’ heart due to his exceptional dedication and talent.

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Mr Carl Gagnon is a passionate global hotelier with a particular interest in the “Art de Vivre”, lifestyle, with strong endearment for the F&B scene and anything relevant to it. He has built his hospitality career in North America, the Caribbean, and then the Asia Pacific and Southeast Asia. A notable turning point was when he became a member of Accor – one of the world’s leading hotel corporations nowadays. His first appointment was in his native Canada at the Sofitel Montreal Golden Mile in 2003.

After some years, he landed in Vietnam and likewise played a pivotal role in the re-positioning of the Metropole Hanoi into the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi – the first hotel worldwide under the Sofitel Legend brand in their series of legendary hotels. During more than 16 years working for Accor, Mr Gagnon has held several essential positions in major properties across the globe such as the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila in the Philippines – the largest Sofitel property worldwide; the Sofitel Grand Resort & Villas Hua Hin in Thailand.

In late June 2016, he was appointed as a General Manager at Hôtel des Arts Saigon in Ho Chi Minh City – flagship hotel of MGallery brand in South Vietnam. MGallery is comprised of high-end boutique hotels all around the world with each hotel as a singular different world. Hôtel des Arts Saigon depicts a signature travel concept that relives the time when a voyage to the Far East was a luxurious privilege reserved for the most distinguished and sophisticated of society. The hotel is known for its bespoke “service from the heart” delivered by its polished and devoted personnel.

Wanderlust Tips

Emeralda Ninh Binh Resort and Spa received the Leading Eco-Friendly Resort and Spa 2019

[Best Hotels – Resorts Awards 2019] Located in the middle of the lush green natural surroundings, Emeralda Ninh Binh Resort and Spa provides an array of high-class rooms overlooking the stunningly beautiful natural scenery. Additionally, its professional service and dedicated staff promise to bring the most refreshing moments to guests.

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Nestled by the majestic limestone mountains of the Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve, Emeralda Ninh Binh Resort and Spa is likened to an ancient Northern village with lush green surroundings spreading over an area of 16 hectares along with 172 luxurious rooms and featuring classically elegant Vietnamese architecture.

Emeralda Ninh Binh has deftly recreated the scenery of the ancient villages of Tonkin with lotus ponds, water wells, temple yards, bright red tile roofs and wooden window frames, evoking an ambience of nostalgia and imbued with emotion. The resort boasts the serene beauty of villages with small yards set in splendid natural surroundings of hedges of green Malabar spinach lining the paths, blooming hibiscus flowers, rice fields stretching into the distance and flocks of white storks flying freely.

During their stay at Emeralda Ninh Binh, guests can immerse themselves in the beauty of nature and temporarily forget all the pressures of daily life. Emeralda Ninh Binh also features a full spectrum of amenities including conference rooms accommodating up to 1000 guests along with advanced equipment, an outdoor swimming pool, opulent spa sanctuary, fitness centre, mini-golf course, countryside market and kid’s club, meeting all the needs of guests from relaxation to meetings, solo travellers to family vacations.

Less than 30km from the resort, you can also easily visit the renowned cultural attractions of Ninh Binh Province including Trang An, Tam Coc – Bich Dong, Cuc Phuong National Park, Phat Diem Cathedral and Bai Dinh Pagoda. Only a 90-minute drive from the buzzing city of Hanoi, a serene paradise nestled in the beautiful nature of the Northern Delta and a colourful space filled with grass and flowers will allow you to enjoy the slower moments in life, Emeralda Ninh Binh.

Address: Van Long Reserve, Gia Van Commune, Gia Vien District, Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam

Website: www.emeraldaresort.com

Wanderlust Tips

Ana Mandara Villas Dalat Resort and Spa won the Leading Luxury Mountain Resort 2019

[Bets Hotels – Resorts Awards 2019] Featuring a luxurious and artistic architecture imbued with distinctive imprints of history and culture and nature, Ana Mandara Villas Dalat Resort & Spa brings guests the most relaxing and peaceful moments when coming to the mountains and forests.

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Only a five-minute drive from the heart of Dalat City, Ana Mandara Villas Dalat Resort & Spa is separate from all the hustle and bustle of the hectic city and surrounded by a magnificent lush green pine forest. The resort is not only an opulent resort and spa sanctuary in this highland city but also a witness to history with a complex of 17 nearly-100-year-old villas, built in the 20s and 30s of the previous century which were formerly the official residences of powerful families and French officers.

Meticulously preserved and bursting with character, the graceful beauty of the lavish villas at Ana Mandara Villas Dalat aims to bring you back to bygone years and forgotten times. The distinctive yellow walls and classic French architectural differences in every villa transport guests into a charmingly peaceful world. The characteristic elements of French architecture also feature in each layout and interior of the rooms. They exude a nostalgic beauty, from the light switches, window frames, fireplaces and wooden floors, delighting all guests as if they are enjoying the life of the French elite of the early 20th century.

In the chilly air of the highlands, guests can stroll around the resort and indulge in the fresh air during the morning. Not to be missed during your stay is a visit to the Le Petit restaurant to savour delectable French cuisine as well as treating yourself and unwind with divine wellness therapies at La Cochinchine Spa or take a dip in the smooth water of the only heated outdoor pool in Dalat. If the city is a buzzing cacophony of noise, Ana Mandara Villas Dalat is a mysterious, sweet and smooth melody that is exclusively for the ears of guests.

Address: Le Lai Street, Ward 5, Dalat City, Lam Dong Province, Vietnam

Website: www.anamandara-resort.com

Wanderlust Tips