Wanderlust Tips Team, Author at WANDERLUST TIPS • Page 108 of 195

Markets are at the heart of Vietnamese culture

When wandering around Vietnam, I always love traversing the local markets. I am fascinated by the flow of people toing and froing, the strange yet familiar sounds, the signature smells and I love to observe the quirks of native Vietnamese cultures hidden in the most simple of things.

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A STRONG BOND BETWEEN MARKETS AND TRADITION

When I was a child, I always expected to receive small gifts from my mom every time she returned from the market. Sometimes, she gave me some ambarella fruits or a pack of sweet gruel made from cassava and rice flour dumplings. The markets are an important and very familiar place in the daily lives of the Vietnamese. From childhood through to adulthood, we have all visited markets at some point or another, whether that is a market in a poor village or a busy market in a vibrant city.

However, we do not often appreciate or value these somewhat mundane activities. Although, if we take a step back and think for a moment we begin to understand and acknowledge the importance of these day-to-day happenings. Markets are a good example of this, as there are not many scientific works or historical documents that can explain the nature and role of the market in the material and spiritual life of Vietnamese people.

Now, if asked about the definition of a market, few people could answer assuredly. For instance, they might simply say that a market is a place to “buy or sell something”. Alternatively, you could consult academic literature for a more detailed definition, for example, “A market is an occasion of regular economic, cultural and social exchanges between localities to meet the daily needs of the people. Additionally, they have strengthened the community bond between residents from many localities in Vietnamese society for hundreds of years”.

There is no fixed definition of a ‘market’ but the question of the chronological origin of markets is even more complex. Historical stelae and early Chinese-written documents provide unclear and generic information about the conception of markets. Kim Lu Thi Bi Ky – a stone tablet located at Chu Market, Ngoc Lu Commune, Binh Luc District, Ha Nam Province depicted that scheduled markets assembled a long time ago. With regard to the ancient Chinese-written documents, “Hong Duc Thien Chinh Thu” – a list of laws under Le – Mac dynasty, recorded an array of rules and regulations on the opening of markets. For example, newly opened markets could not be assembled on the same day as already established markets.

Furthermore, “Kien Van Tieu Luc” is a journal that includes miscellaneous stories about culture, geography, history, tradition, procedures and people written by Le Quy Don. The stories documented the commercial progress and establishment of the East gate market during the Thai Tong period of the Ly reign after the construction of Thang Long City. Overall, these historical documents often record how best to manage the markets, nevertheless, they were rather ambiguous and not particularly precise. Interestingly, markets were often discussed more after large fires or when they played host to public judicial proceedings.

It was not until the French came to Vietnam that records of markets began to be clearer and more detailed. In an article about a rural market in the Red River Delta, P. Gourou said: “Their products are really poor; a female peasant sat in front of a basket with only a few vegetables and some fish inside. Aside from agricultural products such as fruits, vegetables and fish, there are only a very small number of market traders specializing in other specific services. For instance, there were several mechanics repairing agricultural machines and selling small knives and machetes. There were also some people selling peanut candy, dry rice pancakes, tofu and fabric.” Additionally, the colour scheme of the markets was mentioned, as most of the coverings were black or brown with only the occasional white, red or blue highlight.

It can be said that the influence of the French did not change the Vietnamese economy or the nature of the markets. In comparison with the mentioned descriptions from P. Gourou, rural markets today still maintain their former nature. The book “Song Doi Cua Cho / The life of a market” written by Nguyen Manh Tien mentioned that “Vietnamese markets have a strong bond with tradition. Markets in every form are still preservation and development of tradition”.

MARKETS ENRICH CULTURE

Along with communal temples and churches, markets are one of the important public spaces that make up Vietnamese culture. Up to now, there have been many different types of markets, most of which are very familiar. There are Eastern markets, Doai markets, Southern markets and Western markets. Authorities classify markets to include village markets, commune markets, district markets, and provincial markets. If classified by spatial region, there are urban markets, midland markets, mountainous markets and floating markets.

The markets usually comprise of an array of stalls arranged in an indoor or outdoor space. Sometimes, even a basket or a bicycle carrying goods can easily become a mobile market. In bigger markets, the stalls are usually divided into different zones such as meat, fruits and vegetables, fish and dried produce to make it easy for buyers to find things. For the smaller markets, the layout of the stalls is a little more haphazard and produce does not tend to be organised so militantly. You will find rice stalls next to fruit stalls and junk food stalls by the vegetables. For market newbies, they may need to wander around to find what they are looking for whereas regular visitors will know where to go for their goods.

Different from the static markets with adjacent rows of stalls, floating markets take place on the rivers. Besides Cambodia and Thailand, Vietnam is one of the most famous countries in the world for its markets. Vietnam is renowned for intertwined rivers and canals distributed mainly in the Southwest. It is undeniable that Vietnamese people are smart and deft when they take advantage of natural resources to earn a living and enrich their local culture. In the middle of a vast river area, you will find hundreds of boats full of goods, mostly fruits. The fresh, vibrant colours of fruits and vegetables stand out against the stunningly beautiful landscape and idyllic countryside.

Besides a variety of fruits such as rambutan, mangosteen and durian, you can also find shrimp, crab, fish and countless delicious local delicacies. On each boat, people usually dangle a bamboo pole with their products attached on top to show off their products to potential buyers. However, there are a few exceptions. For example, you will often see clothes hanging on the boats but they are not products for sale. Floating marketers liveaboard, thus, they hang garments from their boats. What’s more, food and drinks are often sold on the boats, though they cannot be strung up or hung. Alternatively, if you come here and see a boat draped in coconut leaves, it actually means that they want to sell their boat, not the coconut leaves.

Adrift on the gentle waves, enjoying a bowl of rice noodles, sipping a cup of coffee and listening to a traditional tune whilst observing women buying and selling on the busy boats makes for an unforgettable experience. Some floating markets that you should visit when coming to the Western region are Nga Bay floating market (Hau Giang); Nga Nam floating market (Soc Trang); Cai Rang floating market (Can Tho); Cai Be floating market (Tien Giang); Long Xuyen floating market (An Giang) and Tra On floating market (Vinh Long).

If classifying according to time, there are self-established markets which are small, temporary, unstable and often assemble in a short time. Daily markets are markets which are operated every day. Morning markets, afternoon markets and night markets are assembled depending on times of the day. Weekly and monthly markets are called scheduled markets or fairs, usually lasting between three to ten days. When thinking of scheduled markets, Bac Ha fair is a must, one of the most famous and largest markets in Northwest Vietnam. The market is located on a high mountain in Bac Ha District, Lao Cai Province. Every Sunday morning, it is easy to find colourful brocade dresses in the morning sunshine. Locals carry and sell their hand-crafted products. People come to buy necessary items and others simply come to get a feel for the colourful and buzzing ambience. No matter where they come from or their reason for visiting, every person contributes to the unique culture of the market.

The fairs usually assemble according to specific weeks or months, but yearly markets are also popular such as New Year markets and love markets. You can visit the Sa Pa and Khau Vai love market, but Khau Vai love market is more popular. Khau Vai love market, also known as Phong Luu market has a long history spanning over 100 years. Like Bac Ha fair, Khau Vai love market is also located in the high mountainous region of Northern Vietnam, in Khau Vai Commune, Meo Vac District, Ha Giang Province.

The market only assembles once a year on the 27th of the lunar calendar. The place does not have an abundance of space for displaying many products like other markets, people mainly sell food and drinks. Khau Vai love market is a place for estranged lovers to share bygone memories. They are often couples that have once loved each other but could not get married and now lead separate lives. There is no jealousy or anger, when you come here you will only feel the warm love of life.

Aside from space and time, markets are categorized by many other criteria. For example, they can be classified by the scale of goods exchange, thus, there are wholesale markets, retail markets and general markets. In comparison with general markets that sell all kinds of wares, there are also markets that only sell one specific item such as flower markets, fruit markets, cloth markets or mat markets. Dinh Yen mat market in Dong Thap is the most famous mat market.

Dinh Yen is home to the famous traditional mat weaving village. The craft has existed for hundreds of years and has overcome many ups and downs throughout history. Dinh Yen is renowned for the mat market, also known as the ghost market because the market usually only assembles at night as the villagers spend daylight hours weaving mats. While the traders often sit and sell their products at a specific place in a market, Dinh Yen market is completely different. At night, under the glimmering light of the kerosene and tamanu oil lamps, buyers often find a place to wait for formats while sellers carry the mats on their shoulders through the crowds to advertise. Thus, the mats have been closely linked to the culture and life of Dinh Yen people.

MARKETS TODAY

It can be seen that the Vietnamese markets are diverse, rich and colourful compared to other markets in the world. However, nowadays the variety in markets is ever developing and due to the demands of modern-day life, traditional markets are gradually being replaced. People are now more familiar with supermarkets built-in modern buildings and striking shopfronts where the products have been arranged systematically, brands are easily identifiable and prices are clearly labelled. Subsequently, more and more people are choosing to shop at the supermarkets instead of going to the markets although the prices of goods in supermarkets are somewhat more expensive than those at the markets.

Additionally, the development of e-commerce has led to the launch of online markets which sell all kinds of products that can be found in both traditional markets and supermarkets. With the world quite literally at your fingertips, you do not need to go anywhere, you can just sit at home, shop online, pop in your card details and the items will be shipped to your front door. Internet shopping is easy, convenient and saves time which is something that people want in modern life. In addition to eBay, Amazon, Tiki and Lazada, social networks like Facebook and Instagram are now popular places to shop. Supplies of goods are tantamount to the demand of consumers. The market is ever-changing in tune with our trends and desires.

Besides the threat of “competitors”, the markets are being changed by the needs of people and the development of life and culture. Today, when arriving in Khau Vai, you will not have a chance to visit an original love market. Tourists are coming here more and more and as a result, many shops have opened. Coming to Dinh Yen mat market, you will no longer feel the bustling atmosphere of the past because people are now able to buy mats from the comfort of traders’ home. Or look at Chuong village located a stone’s throw from Hanoi, renowned for Chuong market with hat-making and hat-selling tradition. Although Chuong Market still assembles, it is not busy with traders and shoppers buying hats, instead, the traders sell the materials to make hats, and hat products are sold at home.

Even so, the market has always been an imperative part of the culture and daily life for Vietnamese people. It is easy for us to see the markets scattered around the S-shaped land including big markets across the wide streets or spontaneous markets in the small alleys. They resemble a miniature society where people not only merchandise and exchange goods but also date and share old stories of love and life. Markets are a distinctive feature that makes up the culture of the regions and have now become an attractive destination for tourists to immerse themselves in the native culture.

These days I go to school and work far away but every time I return home, I go to the market with my mother in the early morning, not only to help her carry things but also to relive some of those childhood memories. Every time I return from the market, I give my nephews some ambarella fruits or packs of sweet gruel. From their hopeful eyes, I feel nostalgia for my childhood.

Lan Anh | Wanderlust Tips

Taste the sweet and spicy flavour of clausena berries

According to the native mother tongue of Tay and Nung ethnic minorities in the northern highlands, clausena berries fruits are “sweet berries” and they are also considered a speciality in the region. Their light aroma intertwined with their spicy inside and sweet taste of the “mountain wampee fruits” makes for countless exceptionally delicious delicacies. Throughout the season of the newly ripe fruits, the clausena berries fruit trees sway gently in the autumnal breeze.

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FROM THE HOSTS IN THE HIGHLANDS
Situated next to the Chinese border, the cuisine of the Tay and Nung ethnic minorities in the northern highlands also has similar characteristics. Khau Nhuc – Mei Cai Kou Rou meaning steamed pork belly with preserved mustard greens is a fine example. Derived from the Guangdong region, introduced into Vietnam by the Tay and Nung ethnic groups in Lang Son Province, the dish has gradually become a Vietnamese dish cooked locally with signature spices, including the clausena berries seeds.

Khau Nhuc flavoured with clausena berries seeds is not as greasy as the original recipe. People make many holes in the pork belly skin and then fry until the skin turns a crisp golden brown. However, interestingly, the unique sweetness of the fresh berries blended with the meaty aromas of braised pork belly has brought diners a rich flavour of wild nature. The dish is glorious with a sprinkle of milled pepper and best enjoyed with a bowl of white rice.

PERFECTLY INFUSED WITH SEAFOOD

The exotic sweetness of the clausena berries seeds is not only perfect for highland dishes but comes into its own when cooked with seafood, especially delicious fillets of fish.

Grilled grouper served with a sauce made from the unique sweet berries is the most delicate culinary delight. The flesh of fish is tough and firm, so each piece of grouper is carefully marinated in the sweet berries.

The jelly-like flesh of the fresh berries is ground with salt, its seeds and pods are slowly baked until they turn dry and golden and finally they are milled. Afterwards, all of these ingredients are marinated with fish and roasted on an open fire. Food connoisseurs will be mesmerised by the sweet and spicy aromas that these signature fruits exude.

This fish dish is often served with hot rice or noodles, and most importantly, it must be dipped in the sweet and sour sauce made from the clausena berries seeds.

THE BEST SPICE FOR EVERY DISH IN THE DELTA

It can be said that due to their exotic and delicious flavour, clausena berries seeds have won over many diners from, those in the highlands to those living by the sea. However, the fruits need to be combined with the best meat from the delta – grilled pork ribs, to achieve the most perfect levels of deliciousness.
A vital ingredient to make the perfect grilled ribs is lard, due to its excellent osmotic and aromatic properties. To make grilled ribs with milled clausena berries seeds, cooks often opt to take ribs that have both a lot of flesh and a high amount of fat. The ribs are marinated with the seeds and spices overnight and then slowly roasted over charcoal.

The exotic aroma of the peel of the clausena fruits intertwined with the meaty, smoky taste of ribs is best enjoyed with a handful of freshly-cooked sticky rice.

In the culinary world, the clausena berries fruits deserve not only the title of a traditional sweet and spicy product of the northern highlands but also for the fact that they are the perfect spice for every delicious dish in Vietnam. The subtle aroma of the clausena berries fruits in the breeze is a clear signal of autumnal arrival.

The article features exclusive content from Vietnamese Luk Lak Restaurant

Address: 4A Le Thanh Tong, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Phone: 0943 143 686

Wanderlust Tips

Share the love with travel: Autumn falls

With the theme “Autumn falls”, Share the love section in August 2019 will take you to the stunning autumnal destinations in Vietnam and around the world.

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TRAN LE NGOC THANG – RETURNING TO CHIANG MAI IN AUTUMN FALLS IN LOVE

From my perspective, the difference with autumn trips is fewer tourists and cheaper services than in peak seasons. Families mainly opt to take vacations in summer or spring. When autumn arrives, people often have to head back to work and school whilst still yearning for those long summer days but this means that fewer people opt to travel during this period.

When thinking of the autumn trips, I have visited some places in Vietnam such as Sa Pa, Moc Chau, An Giang and Can Tho, and I have also travelled internationally to Thailand and Taiwan. Out of these destinations, I was extremely impressed with a trip to Chiang Mai, in Thailand. In Chiang Mai, Yi Peng – the Lantern Festival and Loy Krathong – the Floating Lantern Festival are celebrated annually, according to the ancient Lanna lunar calendar, on the full moon day of December. The sight of thousands of sky lanterns simultaneously being released into the night’s sky was a real spectacle and made the surrounding space sparkle.

My biggest regret of the trip is that my girlfriend did not accompany me. I really want to witness such an incredibly spectacular moment with my beloved. Therefore, my love and I will return to Chiang Mai this autumn.

NGUYEN ANH TU PHAP – THE ROMANTIC AUTUMNAL SCENERY IN BERLIN

Saigon is hot and sunny all year round, thus, it is difficult to see the typical autumnal characteristics. However, the city of Berlin in Europe, where I am living and working, bears an array of striking features when autumn arrives. During this season, yellow leaves fall throughout the city, so it is a seasonal photo haven with “autumn” oozing from every street corner.

The autumnal landscape in Berlin makes the city more romantic in people’s eyes. Because of the pleasant weather, I enjoyed strolling in Tiergarten Park and Grunewald which are dubbed the lungs of the city. Additionally, I admired a panoramic view of the whole city by taking a train ride along the Spree River and visited Sanssouci Palace – the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in Potsdam, which is just a 1-hour train journey from the city centre, these experiences were extraordinary.

Berlin is also famous for its nightlife, so I often meet up with my friends or colleagues after stressful studying and working hours. In the autumn, I like to drink German beer served with hot dogs, French fries or warm bread. So delightful!

DANG VU HIEP – NINH BINH IS MY FAVOURITE AUTUMNAL DESTINATION

As an art enthusiast, I often make travel plans to seek new inspiration. I have acquired useful resources and broadened my horizons by visiting new destinations. I am particularly excited about travelling in the autumn because the cool weather and mild sunshine during autumn are convenient for me to take beautiful pictures.

Ninh Binh is not a new “undiscovered” destination, but here each visitor will get a different feel for the place. From my perspective, autumnal Ninh Binh is not adorned with ripe yellow rice fields like in the Northwest, but most significantly, the peaceful and gentle ambience that emanates across the landscape is perfect for shooting countless exquisite images.

I still remember the beautiful moments from my previous trip to Ninh Binh during the autumn. Sitting aboard a boat whilst admiring the majestic caves and the lush green moss under the water. I could not express my feelings in words, but I felt at peace and free from the stresses and strains that come with the daily grind. I was also extremely impressed with the Mua Cave, a favourite destination for young tourists, located at the foot of Mua Mountain. Following the white stone steps leading up to the top of the mountain, the spectacular scenery really took my breath away. I will definitely return to Ninh Binh again this autumn.

NGUYEN CAM NHUNG – MESMERISED BY AUTUMN IN MU CANG CHAI

I have a true passion for autumn, mainly thanks to the pleasant weather, the fresh air and the gentle sun. The season of ripe rice starts from September to November, so a trip to the Northwest and Northeast of Vietnam is a must for those passionate about travelling. Just seeing the images of the ripe yellow rice terraces had me mesmerised. Additionally, travelling along the mountain roads is always appealing to young people like me. Thus, when suggested that I visit Mu Cang Chai, I could not say no.

Perhaps the most impressive thing about Mu Cang Chai trip is the image of farmers harvesting ripe rice in a small village in Tu Le. On the road from Mu Cang Chai to Nghia Lo, my whole group stayed at Tu Le and the leader stopped at a remote village, which is not a famous tourist destination. Nevertheless, thanks to this, we had the opportunity to get a real feel for the authentic life of the local people. While the adults were busy with the harvest season, children grabbed us intrigued by their strange guests. All these images that spring to mind, are truly beautiful and treasured memories.

Wanderlust Tips

Strolling around windy Wellington

After days of high winds and nonstop rain, the sun eventually came out, allowing for a spontaneous trip on a glorious winters day. As the aeroplane made its gradual descent in Wellington, the striking mountains, lush green landscape and the immense waves of the ocean came into view.

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Nestled amongst all of that, you will find wellington, a city which connects the past, present and future stories of Aotearoa in New Zealand.

With a population of nearly 450,000 which is considerably less than that of Auckland’s 2.5 million, Wellington – although the small capital of New Zealand is really rather prosperous. In addition to the financial centre along Queen Street, Auckland boasts the beautiful Westgate in the west, East Tamaki a land imbued with the imprints of Māori people, and Manukau in the south surrounded by vast farms and a thriving economy in the developing north. Wellington is also divided into smaller areas including Wellington City – the central district, Upper Hutt, Lower Hutt and Porirua. Nevertheless, most residents opt to work in the central district, where they get to see the sparkling blue Wellington Harbour every day, stroll along the serene waterfront and around the park which surrounds the infamous “beehive” Parliament House – the working office of prime minister Jacinda Ardern.

The small city also goes by a unique nickname, “Windy Welly”. Located amid layer upon layer of spectacular mountains, Wellington Harbour and Fitzroy Bay, the city gets the brunt of the strongest winds. As soon as I left the airport, I had to hold on to my jacket and scarf for fear of losing them, it was indeed a first-hand experience of “Windy Welly”. The taxi took us to the hotel via the road running through the bay. The white seagulls were beating their wings in the air. The crystal-clear water ripples like a velvet veil caught in the chilly sea breeze. The scene could very much be mistaken for the middle of summer until the door swung open and the icy winds whistled through the cabin to remind us that July was in actual fact the coldest month of the year and winter was nowhere near over.

GET LOST IN “FAIRYLAND” MOORE WILSON’S

Our trip was not meticulously planned. Everyone followed a separate schedule with only two nights in Wellington, so we parted after having a quick lunch and a cup of aromatic coffee together at The Hangar – a famous Welly cafe. What a pity it was Sunday! Wellington night market would not be open until next Friday, so I insisted on visiting Moore Wilson’s or the “Ikea of kitchenware” as I like to call it, my professor recommended it to me as the must-see place for those who are passionate about cooking.

At first, I planned to buy bus tickets in the city but I appreciated that Wellington centre is small and I could walk from the northern end to the southeast end in nearly an hour. For residents here, Sunday is both a day for family and recuperation. The city also becomes more serene, the bustling streets make way for gloomy winter nights when the last of the sun’s rays disappear.

Moore Wilson’s is located a stone’s throw from the end of the southeast end of the city. Behind the corroded iron wall is a “supermarket” boasting all the fresh and dry ingredients that you can dream of. The vast amount of winter fruits and vegetables was simply overwhelming. National markets do not exist in New Zealand culture like that in other countries. Mostly, you will see small markets on weekends, supermarkets, or Asian stores like Taiping, Fresh and Save, or Lim Choi. Despite being a supermarket, Moore Wilson’s probably bears a resemblance to the “markets” that I’ve been accustomed to during my years in Melbourne. Like Alice, I stepped into a wonderland with refrigerators filled with wheels of cheese, every kind of spice, fresh lobsters and signature wine bottles stacked up to the ceiling. I bought a set of three types of honey produced in New Zealand, a bottle of local black trufﬂe oil, a chocolate bar made in Wellington and 2 bottles of freshly brewed beer for the bargain price of just USD15 for 1.5 litres. Wellington always knows how to make people fall in love.

Night fell and the city sank into a deep sleep. The birds ﬂying back to their nests generated a peaceful and melodic humming sound on a frosty winter evening.

VISIT THE PARLIAMENT HOUSE

The following morning, I got up early and decided to visit the Parliament House in the north of Wellington. New Zealand Parliament House dubbed “The Beehive” is famous for its distinctive architecture. Commencing to be built from the 60s, this project was designed to expand the original Parliament House built in the early 20th century. Despite being a young country, New Zealand draws attention to its native culture. Materials for the construction of “The Beehive” were sourced locally, including granite taken from volcanic eruptions and wooden panelling made of wood types to the island and not to be found anywhere else. As a member of the Commonwealth, New Zealand follows the original statute of Westminster and considers the British Royal Family as the head of state. In 1977, Queen Elizabeth II unveiled “The Beehive” despite the building taking many more years to complete.

I decided to take a free tour of the Parliament House. The one-hour trip leads visitors through 3 of the 4 Parliament Buildings including “The Beehive”; the Parliament House containing debating chamber, speaker’s office; The Parliamentary Library is the predecessor building but its function has been converted. The fourth building, which is not included in our trip, is the Bowen House an office building connected to the rest of the parliamentary complex by a tunnel. Because of security, visitors are not permitted to take videos or photos, but this trip offers an array of thrilling experiences. If you visit the beautiful city of Wellington, this free tour is not to be missed.

The New Zealand Parliament may be considered a special parliament because it does not include the Senate (which once existed but was abolished). The progressive electoral system here is similar to that in Germany, it allows small parties to participate in politics instead of being completely overruled. Due to the inclusion of smaller parties the percentage of representatives from ethnic minority backgrounds and Māori people from all indigenous tribes has increased. New Zealand is also one of the few countries that allow tourists to visit the Parliament on their working days. This policy also includes the registration of auditions of Parliament’s working days, which account for about a third of the year, making New Zealand one of the most transparent political systems in the world. On top all of that, New Zealand was the first country to allow women to vote.

On leaving the Parliament, I decided to stroll along the waterfront towards the Museum of New Zealand – Te Papa Tongarewa. On a sunny day, Wellington Harbour boasts a blissful beauty. Wandering around the harbour not only reminded me of meandering along the docks in San Francisco but also made me think of Melbourne with its tranquil ambience and dynamic lifestyle. It was midday, and I saw young people sitting on the steps, park benches or at public desks. I saw the surface of the bay – the dazzlingly silver waves lapping as the seagulls swoop by hopeful to snatch a morsel from a hopeless passer-by. I saw children with their parents and friends playing excitedly in the winter sun despite the cold sea breeze. I saw old people walking slowly and leisurely. Life here was so serene that I felt a tad jealous. Don’t get me wrong, I am lucky to have spent half of my life in Saigon – The Pearl Of The Far East, lived for many years in Melbourne – one of the most liveable city in the world, climbed the slopes and trekked through the forests of Auckland’s North Shore, spent the days wandering around the peaceful River Leith in Dunedin, spent time in vibrant New York, thriving San Francisco, dynamic Los Angeles, but strolling along the waterfront in Wellington on a sunny afternoon really made me long for the elegant and peaceful ambience here.

SEE WELLY AGAIN ON A WINDY DAY

The next morning, the wind began to pick up in Wellington. The winding streets were battered by the strong gusts of wind blowing the last remaining yellowing leaves from the trees. That sounds so intense, but the winter mornings here are charmingly beautiful, you can admire
surrounding lush green hills in the distance or Wellington residents hustling for the new day in the centre. Watch them as they walk with briefcases, clothed bags, Blunt umbrellas (the world’s best product designed by New Zealand and advertised with the slogan “tested with the gales in
Wellington”) and reusable coffee cups in hand. Bringing a reusable plastic cub or glass thermos to buy morning coffee is just second nature in Wellington, but this has yet to catch on in Auckland. The Wellington residents are surprisingly gentle and hospitable.

I decided to spend the last morning by taking a cable car to the hills in Kelburn. Wellington cable car is the tourist destination of the capital, though it is not as famous as that in San Francisco you can still experience an exhilarating journey. The 15-minute trip consisting of a few stops took me to the top of the slope by the red cable car, where you can cast your eyes over the harbour. From there, you can buy a round-trip ticket to return Wellington centre but I opted to troll along the mountain road.

Just a few hundred metres away from the cable car station, you can visit Kelburn Campus of Victoria University of Wellington – the only university here. However, I instead decided to explore a small forest located a stone’s throw from the school. This is probably one of my favourite places in New Zealand. Even in a residential area, you can sometimes see a small forest called a “sanctuary”, usually no bigger than a small park featuring trees planted in a meticulous way that I have never come across in other countries. New Zealand is home to these natural “sanctuaries” with native plants and native animals (including birds and insects because New Zealand has no reptiles or native mammals). In these beautiful spaces, people’s lives seem to be slowed down and less competitive. There to remind us that no matter how much humans evolve; they are also children of Mother Nature.

We stopped by Spruce Goose – the café with the best view in Wellington to sip a cup of wine before boarding. The sea that day was dappled in gorgeous golden sunlight. In Wellington, there are so many destinations with restaurants and beaches for you to experience. I have not climbed Mount Victoria yet, I have not visited director Peter Jackson’s studio or factories making chocolate and draft beer, I have still not caught a ferry across the strait separating the South Island and the North Island. Let’s go again when Welly is still windy, the traveller’s heart is still full with love and my legs are still crazy with the uncertainty of wandering.

W.TIPS

GEOGRAPHY

New Zealand is an island country containing two main islands, the North Island and the South Island. Located at the end of the North Island, Wellington – the capital of New Zealand has a ferry crossing the sea to the South Island.

LANGUAGE

English is the most predominantly spoken language in New Zealand. However, its national language is Māori. Aotearoa is the Māori name of New Zealand – the land of the long white cloud.

CLIMATE

New Zealand features a temperate maritime climate. Summer is not too hot and winter is not too cold. However, although the temperature is not too low, the winter in New Zealand (from June to late August) is as cold as that in the North of Vietnam.

CURRENCY

New Zealand uses the New Zealand dollar. Other common currencies can be easily exchanged at airports or private exchange counters. Card payment is available, even at the stalls in ﬂea market. However, credit cards are not accepted in some locations.

AIRPORTS

Wellington has an international airport, but most ﬂights to New Zealand arrive at Auckland airport. It takes one hour to get from Auckland to Wellington.

TRAVELLING AROUND WELLINGTON

Buses are the main mode of public transportation in Wellington. However, the city centre is quite small, you can travel on foot instead of taking a bus. In New Zealand, they drive on the left-hand side of the road. In addition to traditional taxis, Uber service is also available.

Alex Tran | Wanderlust Tips

Accor Super Sale gives you 30% off plus free breakfast to make your next break even better

It’s that time of year when everyone is dreaming of their next holiday so thankfully, Accor’s Super Sale is back, with rates from as little as USD $25 per night and 30% off across more than 3,300 hotels and resorts globally. Members of Le Club AccorHotels loyalty program also receive free breakfast, making this an offer too good to refuse.

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With hotels and resorts in the world’s best destinations from the beaches of Bali to the pristine islands of the Maldives, and from a romantic break overlooking the Eiffel Tower to hiking the majestic mountains of New Zealand, this is the sale travellers wait for.

Some of the great deals on offer include ibis Styles Bali Petitinget from USD$25, Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort from USD$99, Muse Bangkok Langsuan – MGallery from USD$103, Pullman Nadi Bay from USD$124, Sofitel Mumbai from USD$144 and Fairmont Jakarta from USD$146.

The Super Sale features a huge range of Accor brands from luxury to economy, including Raffles, Fairmont, Sofitel and MGallery, Pullman, Swissôtel, Grand Mercure, The Sebel, Novotel, Suite Novotel, Mercure to ibis, ibis styles and ibis budget hotels worldwide.

It pays to be loyal, with Accor Plus and Le Club AccorHotels’ members enjoying early access to the savings, while rates to the public go on sale on 8^th October 2019. The Super Sale is valid for stays from 15 December 2019 until 14 November 2020 across Asia Pacific and until 1 March 2020 in other parts of the world. Accor Plus members even get an additional 10% off.

For those who have not yet joined, membership to Le Club AccorHotels is simple and free of charge. Just go to website to start earning points towards hotel stays and other great benefits including advance access to future Super Sales.

Accor Plus is the group’s subscription lifestyle program, which offers significant discounts on dining and accommodation plus exclusive events and offers throughout the year. To join this program visit www.accorplus.com

Reservations are subject to availability and conditions apply. Visit accorhotels.com to book your dream holiday.

Wanderlust Tips

Wanderlust Tips Magazine in September 2019: Colours of the markets

A trip to the local market is a ‘must-do’ on every travel itinerary. A far cry from the luxury shopping malls or the tidy supermarkets with their systematic shelving and aisle arrangements, markets are completely different. Wanderlust Tips magazine September Issue 2019 with the theme “Colours of the markets” will take you to the exotic markets around the world.

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The Market is what can only be described as organised chaos. Nevertheless, if you research extensively, you can find the rules and regulations. They provide a unique snapshot of daily local life and have a strong bond with the Vietnamese people. The markets are also home to distinctive cultural features. The article MARKETS ARE AT THE HEART OF VIETNAMESE CULTURE (Culture section) will explain more details about the markets.

Since childhood, markets have been special and meaningful places for many Vietnamese people. They have provided a sentimental and comforting space whilst living in a new country. The article NOSTALGIC TALES FROM THE MARKETS (Travel Inspiration section) will take readership to indulge in the distinctive flavours through the markets in various countries all over the world.

There are a whole host of markets around the world, all with their unique features and differing methods of classification. For instance, you could peruse the farmer’s markets, flower markets, food markets, spice markets, floating markets, central markets, weekend markets or even love markets. Thus, one of the most authentic ways to experience the native culture is to visit a local market. You could spend hours wandering the thousands of stalls at the infamous Chatuchak market in Thailand and still not have uncovered half of what the market has to offer. Alternatively, hop aboard a boat and get in amongst the hustle and bustle of a floating market in Western Vietnam. Get lost in the labyrinth of exotic spices in the Khari Baoli market, India. Or perhaps a nighttime stroll through Taiwan night market to devour delicious local delicacies would be more up your street? Whichever market you visit be sure to take it all in, the combination of sights, colours, smells and sounds will make for an unforgettable experience through the article GET LOST IN EXOTIC MARKETS AROUND THE WORLD (Top Destination section).

Additionally, Wanderlust Tips will take you to a beautiful country which is home to the captivating landscapes and ancient architectural works through the article SPLENDID SLOVENIA (Destination section).

Discover the stunning Taiwan island and embark on a unique culinary journey through the article EXPERIENCE TAIPEI CUISINE AT THESE MICHELIN STAR RESTAURANTS (Cuisine section). These four popular restaurants are honoured in the Taipei Michelin handbook 2019.

Afterwards, return to Vietnam and explore Ha Giang through the article FULFILLING MY DREAMS IN THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS OF HA GIANG (Discovery section). Travelling to Ha Giang, though not at the time of rice harvest or when the buckwheat flowers are in bloom, Ha Giang is still surprisingly splendid.

Interestingly, readership could admire Tuyen Quang Hydropower Lake through the article MAGNIFICENT SCENERY IN TUYEN QUANG (Destination section). The lake is like a giant mirror reflecting the vast blue sky and fluffy white clouds, imposing cliffs dotted with greenery and flowers.

Let read Wanderlust Tips magazine September 2019 issue for more interesting and useful travel tips articles.

Wanderlust Tips

From Tokyo, seeking out those autumn vibes through postcards

Many tourists opt for Hakone and Nikko over Kyoto and Nara, as the perfect destinations for a short trip from Tokyo to experience the “autumn myths” of the land of Japan.

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My Japanese friend jokingly said that Japanese people have almost no concept of “Pictures being for illustration purpose only”, and advertised products are equivalent to that in reality. It is hard to believe sometimes that the places we see in spectacular travel photos on the Internet are real, but Japan truly is “a real life wonderland”. I can vouch for its beauty, so I visited Japan and brought some popular autumn destination postcards in the land of the rising sun. Discover the exquisite vision that is the Katsura River in Kyoto, where the brilliantly red trees cast incredible silhouettes on the crystal-clear water, Irohazaka – the snazzy sloping road that zigzags through Nikko, or on a dry autumn day take a wander around Ashinoko Lake – the infamous lake in the Hakone mountain region. My friend suggested that I should visit to experience autumn in Japan and prove that it’s not just a “myth”. So, I made the decision to go.

HAKONE: THE AUTUMN OF COMICS AND HAIKU POETRY

Hakone is located on the western side of Honshu and takes 1.5 hours from Tokyo by train. In mid-November, the Kanto region experiences hot, humid weather that is sometimes overcast and prone to outbreaks of drizzle. Although the weather is not always pleasant, it is the best time of year to admire the red leaves of autumn in Hakone.

Hakone is a small town with a very pleasant atmosphere, even in the peak tourist season. Nestled on the rolling slopes, the beautiful Japanese houses with their traditional bamboo doors harbour such a tranquil beauty amidst the dense crimson canopies, the gravelled garden will be gradually covered with a layer of fallen maple leaves. From the centre of Hakone, you can use a free pass which allows you to take a tour to the most famous tourist attractions. Not to be missed during this tour is a ride on the Tozan mountain train. The train departs from Hakone-Yumoto Station to Gora Station. Interestingly, “Hakone Tozan Train” topped the leader board as the most beautiful railway in Asia.

The trains play a signifcant role in Japanese culture and tourism. The Japanese are interested in the images of beautifully coloured electric trains on the zigzagging railways. I wondered if whether because of the abundance of stunning trains in Hakone or because of “Train Otaku” culture, the Tozan Train becomes so special. In June, many people want to travel to Hakone to take the Tozan Line to marvel at the hydrangea forest from the train’s windows. The red painted locomotive running through beautiful hydrangeas in the rain bears a resemblance to the scene I saw in an anime that has long been a symbol of Hakone. Summer and late autumn are the best times to fully experience this special train journey. The train is tinted by the momiji (meaning red leaves), making its mark on the mountainsides, and the Tozan Train is covered with crimson maple leaves, as passengers immerse themselves in the breath-taking surrounding scenery. Hakone-Yumoto is around 400m lower than Gora compared to the sea level, so you will feel like you are climbing the mountains when crossing the forests. The foliage stretches out adjacent to the railway, so close that you could reach out of the window to touch the dewy red leaves. When the train crosses the iron bridge connecting the two hills, where the fallen maple leaves rustle in the breeze, many will fully understand the reason why Hakone’s autumnal beauty is so idyllic, yet the most vivid in Japan.

From Gora Station, it is easy to take a bus to the cable cars. Hakone Ropeway passes through Kami Mountain to reach Ashinoko Lake. I am not interested in taking the ropeway as much as a bus, but this is the best opportunity to admire the Mount Fuji, even in the gloomy weather. Looking down from the cable car, the colours of the Kami mountains and trees along with the grasslands of Sengokuhara are entwined like a striking oil painting. Notably, Mount Fuji asserts a whimsical beauty, seemingly elegant and majestic on a foggy autumn day.

At the end of the cable car station is the most famous scene when you picture Hakone – Ashinoko Lake, with ancient three-storey boats leisurely drifting on the calm water. Despite the slightly frosty air in late autumn, many gather on the deck to admire the magnifcent beauty of the endless rows of red maple trees that embrace the cerulean water like a precious stone covered with a soft layer of velvet. I think the best time to see Ashinoko Lake is in the afternoon. The last rays of sunshine dance with the layers of mist on the surface of the water, making the remote maple forest and even the giant torii gate of Hakone Shrine seem even more enchanted. It is a scene of such beauty that the impressive pictures on postcards can not do justice. I don’t remember clearly, but I must have blurted out: “Wow, here is it.”

I could feel my ears stinging due to the frosty air from the sightseeing tour on the lake. Starting from the Haya River, I took a stroll along the slopes. In Hakone, the buses only operate until 5pm and almost all shops will close at 7pm. The shiny cars on the busy streets also disappear, making the alluring town fall into a sense of bizarre contemplation. On the serene slope, each stream of smoke rising from the drainage ditch on both sides of the road is illuminated by the beige lights. It is a natural hot mineral or onsen. The town of Hakone is renowned for an abundance of onsens. Hot water ripples through every winding slope of the town merging into the Haya River. As I sat on the roadside bench, amidst the slight smoke that was growing from the cold night and lifted my head, I saw the dense foliage of momiji with its signature red colour, I then thought of Shiki’s haiku poem printed on the Japanese autumn postcard: “A strange beauty / Everyone feels jealous / The fallen red maple leaves”. Perhaps the “autumn myths” of Japan also began from such an acquainted and astonishing view.

NIKKO: AN UNUSUAL ADVENTURE

Many people know of Nikko as a “religious capital” with a massive pagoda and temple complex located among an array of hundred-year-old trees. However, autumn is indeed the most distinctive season that makes Nikko a magical tourist destination. The Japanese once said “You cannot say that you have seen everything until you visit Nikko” or more specifcally, it may be “until the autumn falls on Nikko”.

Unlike the sweet, romantic vibe in Hakone, Nikko is even more magnifcent on a map, the tourist sites include waterfalls, forests, lakes and vast grasslands that are scattered around Nikko. In my opinion, it takes at least a few days to explore this beautiful land thoroughly. However, because of time constraints, I could only visit Oku-Nikko and the renowned Irohazaka Slope.

From Nikko Station, I bought a free pass for the bus to visit Lake Chuzenji in Oku-Nikko. Tourists could buy round-trip bus tickets depending on your destination, the popular tourist spots are located on a route, so you should buy the return ticket to the furthest bus stop that you want to go to. Senjogahara – the botanical forest and the beautiful trekking grassland of Nikko is the last point on my trip and my departure point is obviously the 48 “divine” windings on the Irohazaka Road.

The name of Irohazaka is combined of “I”, “ro” and “ha” – the frst three letters of the former 48-character Japanese alphabet and “zaka” refers to the “slopes”. There are two different roads in Irohazaka. If you want to admire Kegon Waterfall and Ryuzu Waterfall, you could opt for the old road and walk towards the foot of the mountain. Akechidara Plateau on the new road is the perfect choice for those who love to admire the breath-taking panoramic view of the 48 windings nestled in the crimson leaf forest. Both options bring surprises that can confuse everyone, even those who are familiar with the Japanese autumn.

The best time of autumn in Nikko is at the end of October, so sooner than that in Hakone. During this time, the Oku-Nikko area is covered with original, golden red. Sitting on the bus traversing the winding roads of Irohazaka made me feel like I was drifting in another world with vast crimson scenes gliding past the windows. Many likened “climbing” this infamous slope by bus to a wonderful adventure to heaven. Just as passengers have familiarised themselves with the sharp windings, the bus reaches the top of the pass. Looking down from above, all 48 winding roads appear gracefully like colourful lines spread out in the middle of a golden red mosaic. Anyone standing on the top of the Irohazaka slope in autumn can snap their own impressive masterpiece like my favourite travel postcard. In the opposite direction, a group of people were admiring another stunningly beautiful landscape. The majestic Kegon Waterfall passes through the mountain, thunderous streams of water crash down, creating white foam on the colourful valley. In just a second, everyone will understand why Nikko has been dubbed the “autumn paradise” of Asia.

Unlike any other land in Japan, Nikko is truly a paradise for spectacular visual experiences, but it sometimes seems a little remote, making us feel like we are part of an excellent artistic masterpiece. If you are interested in watching the stunningly beautiful landscape whilst contemplating how nature graced the land of the rising sun, stroll along the trekking road that runs through Senjogahara Marshland. The shallow marshland is usually dry in the autumn and is covered with waist high yellow grasslands. Under the bright sunshine in the autumn afternoon, the blades of dried grass become iridescent. The silvery mountains embrace each other silhouetted on the horizon and the long row of yellow cedar trees stand out against the blue sky and lush green mountain ranges.

The Senjogahara grasslands boast a peaceful ambience in the afternoon, sometimes the sun cast long shadows of trekkers in white sportswear and high boots across the narrow road, amid the vast grasslands. While I was following their footsteps, I thought we might actually go to another planet, where its surface is ﬂattened peculiarly and covered with the yellow felds along with strangely shaped mountains and hills. The suction here is low, so everyone had quite a bounce underfoot.

After returning from Nikko, I didn’t see the red leaves elsewhere in Japan. Nikko changed my feelings about autumn. I mean this is fathomable because I am sure that anyone would also change their mind after such an epic expedition.

W.TIPS

BEST TIME TO TRAVEL

In Japan, the leaves start to turn from late October to late November. However, each destnaton with diﬀerent landscapes will have diﬀerent coloured leaves. Follow the weather forecast in Japan to check out the best tme to view the red leaves.

MOVING

The popular tourist destinatons ofen have free pass tckets for daily use. For the famous areas where the small atractons are located on a road, you should buy a free pass to move comfortably and save tme each way. (For example, Hakone has a 2-day or 3-day free pass from Shinjuku Staton, in Tokyo; Nikko has a 1-day or 2-day free pass from JR Nikko Staton).

FOOD AND DRINK

In Japan, restaurants are available in almost all the tourist areas, with an array of popular and scrumptous Japanese dishes such as ramen, eel rice, beef rice in stone bowls, udon and rice balls. Additonally, 24/7 convenience stores are very popular, even in small towns. It is important to note that in the mountainous cites and towns such as Hakone and Nikko, shops and eateries close very early, ofen before 7pm. Thus, organise your tour itnerary to have dinner before their closures.

SHOPPING

In Japan, each tourist destnaton will have souvenir shops that sell regional specialtes such as milk cakes, lemon sweets and packaged soba noodles in Nikko. In Hakone, you can visit the souvenir shops with products specializing in the famous Evangelion cartoon brand, Hakone was also the background to many scenes in flms. Local souvenirs and cuisine are really the perfect gif afer such the trips.

Wanderlust Tips

Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi features the flavours of the Mediterranean this autumn

Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi is inviting international guests and local residents to come savour the tastes and flavours of the Mediterranean this autumn with the launch of its latest global menu – ‘Pesto and Pistou’.

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Marking another gastronomic triumph for a brand synonymous with culinary excellence for more than 70 years, the expert chefs at Mövenpick have perfected a new innovative range of pestos (Italian) and pistous (French) to create seven experimental dishes, available at Mangosteen Restaurant from October to November 2019.

Chef Nguyen Ngoc Quyen, who heads the culinary team at Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi, will lead the kitchen in preparing the pesto and pistou based dishes. These two classic European sauces are both based on the aromatic herb, basil, which is harvested in late summer. Savoury favourites will include seared Ahi tuna with olive and eggplant pesto and seafood soup with tarragon pistou. For dessert, a sweet treat with a real difference – Bundt cake with chocolate-mint pesto, served alongside a frothy Mövenpick Espresso.

“We are excited to work with these luscious basil-based sauces, introducing them to guests in ways they have not likely experienced before,” said Executive Chef Nguyen Ngoc Quyen. “The seasonality of using pesto and pistou is important to us, as basil is traditionally harvested in late summer and preserved into these rich, oil-based sauces that are full of colour, flavour, and healthy omega-3s – perfect for brightening up our cuisine, and our spirits, amid the cooling weather.”

Nicolas Josi, Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi’s General Manager, added: “While our guests and our local fans love to return for their favourite classic Mövenpick dishes, we always seek to surprise and delight with seasonal offerings or special food related events. We are certain that our Pesto & Pistou menu will excite the palates of even the most experimental foodies, while providing a fitting send-off to summer with a tribute to the flavours that conjure up Mediterranean sun and sea.”

Pesto and pistou are two versions of a flavourful sauce based on basil, olive oil and cheese. Italian pesto, which originates in Genoa, the capital city of Liguria, Italy, is blended from garlic, basil, pine nuts, grated pecorino cheese (or sometimes parmesan) and olive oil while its French cousin, pistou, is a Provençal cold sauce with similar ingredients, but without the pine nuts and with or without cheese.

Mövenpick’s versions add new surprising ingredients to the blend, while preserving the essence of both Mediterranean specialty sauces to create seven pesto/pistou-inspired dishes:

Ahi tuna with olive and eggplant pesto: pan-seared yellowfin tuna fillet with a modern interpretation of ratatouille, pine nuts and black tapenade;
Seafood soup with tarragon pistou: a touch of tarragon and a unique blend of sweet aniseed and mild vanilla bring this specialty seafood dish to life;
Tagliolini with walnut-basil pesto: walnuts replace pine nuts to create an imitable new pesto blend that is smooth, sweet and deliciously buttery;
Black cod with pesto rosso: accompanied with risotto made from aged Acquerello rice to absorb every ingredient and flavour in full;
Beef fillet with red cabbage pesto: a traditional winter vegetable with a sweet edge gives this pesto dish punch;
Corn chicken breast with bell pepper pesto: with peas, snow peas, egg, a basmati rice galette and sublime bitter-sweet yellow-red pesto;
Bundt cake with chocolate-mint pesto: a timeless German cake with a cool mint and rich chocolate pesto twist, served with a Mövenpick Espresso.

For reservations at Mangosteen Restaurant, please contact us at +84 24 3822 2800 extension 6201.

For more information on Mövenpick’s Pesto, Pistou menu, available throughout October 2019, please visit: movenpick.com/pesto.

About Mövenpick

Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts makes moments by doing ordinary things in an extraordinary way. Providing an upscale, relaxed and uncomplicated guest experience, Mövenpick recognises that small gestures make a big difference. Whether it is chocolate hour every afternoon, customised sleep technology to ensure a restful night or specially created fun and healthy kids’ menus, Mövenpick creates a human and warm environment for guests, business partners and employees. Committed to sustainable practices and caring for its local communities, Mövenpick is the most Green Globe certified hotel brand in the world. Founded in Switzerland in 1973, but with a heritage of food and beverage excellence stretching back to the 1940s, Mövenpick holds a growing portfolio of more than 85 hotels in 25 countries. Mövenpick is part of Accor, a world-leading augmented hospitality group offering unique and meaningful experiences in 4,800 hotels, resorts, and residences across 100 countries.

Wanderlust Tips

Experience Balinese culture at the Padma Resort Ubud

Situated in an untouched river valley and just 13km away from Ubud, five-star Padma Resort Ubud overlooking the enchanting bamboo forests promises to be a wonderful stay for discerning travellers.

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Padma Resort Ubud will allow you to immerse in the distinctive Balinese culture and architecture. Taking a luxury getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city, Padma Resort Ubud is a serene paradise providing comfortable villas with tiled roofs and stairs. If you have had enough of Indonesian temples then take a break and lounge around the stunning villas.

At this luxurious resort, visitors can really appreciate the artistic lifestyle and culture of the Balinese people. Hop on a classic convertible and take a stroll around Ubud and the surrounding areas such as Ulun Danu Batur, Tirta Empul Temple, coffee plantations and Tegalalang terraces. Additionally, you can meander around the lovely gardens and observe colourful flowers, herbs and shrubs. You also participate in a traditional Balinese farmer experience, wander along the lush green forests in the early morning through the Simaruta village and meet the hospitable locals.

After a long day of fulfilled experiences, return to your beautiful room, take a dip in the tub with a stunning natural view, unwind by opting for an Asian ritual-inspired treatment in the private spa sanctuary. You can also spend time looking after your health at the state-of-the-art fitness centres, private yoga rooms, outdoor pools or wander around the fresh natural surroundings.

On top of that, Padma Resort Ubud features an 89-metre infinity swimming pool overlooking the lush green forests to ensure the finest stay for all travellers. Take a dip in the cool water whilst admiring the charming natural scenery and the crystal-clear blue sky, you will feel like you are getting lost in a magical wonderland. This pool provides endless inspiration for travellers to take stunning photos.

Padma Resort Ubud is perfect for families as it provides a spacious play area for children where the whole family can enjoy a wonderful experience together. While the adults enjoy their leisure time, children can freely show off their creativity and play safely at the kid’s club or take a swim in their exclusive pool.

It is undeniable that cuisine is one of the must-try experiences during your stay at Padma Resort Ubud. When the first rays of morning sunshine shine, you can enjoy a buffet breakfast with a variety of Asian and European tastes whilst admiring the vast forests from a distance. More interestingly, a party on the yacht will bring new levels of excitement and an amazing experience of leisure as delectable delicacies are served. If you prefer to relax in your room, the resort’s helpful staff are ready to serve breakfast in bed for you.

At Padma Resort Ubud, guests are provided with the best service and amenities including 24-hour room service and security. Free wifi is available in all rooms.

Padma Resort Ubud:

Address: Banjar Carik, Desa Puhu Payangan, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Phone: +62 361 301 1111
Email: reservation.ubud@padmahotels.com
Website: www.padmaresortubud.com

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

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Treat yourself to a stay at Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl – Doha

Located at The Peal – Qatar, the recognizable man-made island of Doha, Marsa Malaz Kempinski is one of the first luxury resorts that has been dubbed a holiday paradise with excellent services.

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Marsa Malaz Kempinski showcases the finest European architecture blended with traditional Arabian elements in all of the 281 luxurious rooms. Each spacious room is home to the latest technology and amenities along with personalized service from butlers catering to your every need 24 hours a day.

This relaxing paradise provides guests with an array of exciting experiences. Be the first to experience the private beach and outdoor pool where guests can bask in the cool water under the bright sunshine or get involved in interesting underwater games. The resort also offers a unique opportunity to do sports at the state-of-the-art gym or tennis courts. Additionally, children can spend time exploring the Kempinski Playroom or the water park at the private Palace Beach.

Additionally, there is a glorious wedding space at Marsa Malaz Kempinski which if selected for your ceremony will definitely make for an unforgettable experience as well as a starting point for a happy married life. Picture a romantic wedding setting in the palatial venue, timeless architecture blended with exquisite decorations where couples will receive blessings from their family and friends.

Marsa Malaz Kempinski features 6 restaurants, 4 Lounges & Cafes, a stylish bar and nightclub located on the large outdoor terrace where guests are able to opt for a diverse and rich culinary experience, savour signature delicacies from Qatar and beyond.

Comprising of a 3,000sq. m area, Spa by Clarins provides 20 treatment rooms, a health club, an indoor pool, a sauna and a steam room. All of this promises to be a great retreat for the body and soul. The heavenly treatments and the latest technologies operated by highly specialized spa personnel promise to delight and de-stress all visiting guests.

Marsa Malaz Kempinski has received the highest praise for impeccable services, luxury facilities, friendly personnel, restaurant reservations, gift reservations and travel guides for discerning travellers to Qatar to ensure they experience the finest moments.

Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl – Doha: