Wanderlust Tips Team, Author at WANDERLUST TIPS • Page 111 of 196

Qatar: The precious pearl of the Middle East

[Wanderlust Tips August 2019] Landing at Hamad International airport amidst the sunny and windy desert of the Middle East, i was surprised to see the raindrops on the plane window. In my mind, the rain rarely fell in the desert lands or had i just been lucky. Anyhow, i was wrong, it turns out that the desert also has a winter, in recent years the winter temperature in Qatar has dropped below 10°c and heavy downpours have flooded the streets. My Qatar experience started with such a wonderful surprise.

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DOHA: PAST AND FUTURE

The capital of Doha is likened to a picture reflecting the stages of time: past and future. Find yourself wandering through every period along several kilometres stretch through Doha Bay. The residents’ traditional wooden boats used to be a means of economic development for fishing and catching pearls, but now they are mainly to serve tourists who want a different kind of experience, one that means they can float peacefully in the bay and listen to the waves gently lapping whilst enjoying Arabian musical melodies – a rich blend of Doha’s ancient and modern ambience. Sitting on the boat and looking at the towering skyscrapers built in different shapes and colours – many believe that they resemble Hong Kong, Shanghai or New York! From my perspective, they bear a distinctive beauty of Doha, Qatar and I was honestly mesmerised to think that this skyline of soaring buildings was only built around 20 years ago. The place was formerly a vast arid desert, so it is undeniable that Qatar is indeed a thriving country, where “wise investment” is key with the construction industry moving at a dizzying pace.

The ancient market of Souq Waqif – a former representative of Doha, is dubbed the most beautiful ancient market in the Middle East, featuring an archaic Arab architecture that has been thoroughly preserved and remodelled. The Souq Waqif has deftly recreated the scenery of the ancient Persian market, taking visitors on a mysterious journey through “The Arabian Nights”. The countless intersecting lanes boast an array of grocery stores with souvenirs, antiques, indigenous clothing, Arab spices and pets. The Souq Waqif is most beautiful at night when the shops light up, creating a sparkling space.

If you are a Hanoian, you might fully be able to appreciate the feeling of sipping a cup of coffee and a cigarette whilst observing the surrounding streets of Ho Guom in the evenings. In Doha, you can enjoy the Arab aroma of shisha and devour a cup of karak, a type of Arabian milk tea, on the old streets of the Souq Waqif while indulging in the buzzing atmosphere of the Persian market and the traditional dance on the street.

THE GREAT PRIDE OF QATARI RESIDENTS

I went to a place that only exists in rich Middle Eastern countries while getting lost in the pristine small alleys. It was the Falcon Hospital, which embodies the life of luxury for Qatar’s upper classes, the thobe-shirt-wearing boys were holding proud falcons on their hands. Having falcons is both an expensive hobby and a pride of Arab boys passionate about the falconry. A fully grown falcon could set you back around QAR250,000 (about VND1.5 billion). The falcons have exceedingly good hearing and can see 10 times further than humans, hence their eyes are always covered to prevent any reaction to visual stimulation and only taken off when they are ready to hunt. For falcons, hunting is innate. The falconry came from Iran over 5,000 years ago and was then brought to Qatar by the Bedouin tribe living in the desert.

In addition to the pride of the pet falcons, the Qatari menswear – Thobe, is the great pride of Qatari residents. The Thobe is a white long robe or tunic with a tailored collar like a shirt. The shirt collar is not only a distinctive feature of the traditional Qatari Thobe but also an important factor so that you can distinguish between the Qatari Thobe and neighbouring countries’ Thobe’s such as Oman (round neck), UAE (round neck), or Kuwait (square neck).

CROSSING OVER THE SAND DUNES

You can not visit Qatar and not visit the desert. You must experience the feeling of driving on the sand dunes – both a kind of adventure sport and a popular tourist activity in the Middle East. Ali – the Egyptian tour guide took us to Sealine Beach 70km away from Doha on a sunny afternoon. While waiting for Ali to pump up the wheels to be able to race on the sand dunes, we took the opportunity to take a 15-minute camel ride for QAR20 (= VND120,000). I sat on the back of the camel watching as the most breath-taking sunset silhouetted the horizon where the sky meets the sea and the last rays of the sunset bathed the sand dunes in a sparkling yellow. It was indeed one of the most peaceful natural scenes I have ever had the opportunity to enjoy.

When Ali’s Land Cruiser was ready to go, we began our journey to explore the desert. We climbed the towering white sand dunes, which are so tall that we couldn’t see the top, but it did not take too long to reach the highest point. From its towering top, we took in the spectacular views over the desert with sand dunes stretching endlessly like waves lapping on the mainland.

Ali is an excellent four-wheel driver. He controlled the car skilfully at a breakneck speed and darted straight through sand dunes which are taller than 10-storey buildings to sand basins. He drove the car at a tilt of 45 degrees, with the towering sand dunes on one side and the crystal-clear Inland Sea on the other side, it made our hearts skip a beat as we screamed with excitement. Ali stopped the car by the top of the highest dune, so that we could take pictures of the sunset standing out against the deep blue sky and the magnificently vast Inland Sea. The Inland Sea or Khor Al Adaid is the only sea in the world created thanks to high sea level and marine transgressions from the Arabian Gulf.

Our footprints made their mark in the smooth white sand, but a gust of sandy wind blew them away after only a few seconds. This was the first time I had seen the sunset from such a close distance, the purple and pink rays of sunshine at dusk spread across the enchanting horizon. I grabbed a handful of sand and let the wind whisk the grains through my fingers towards the bright red sun.

DOHA AND THE HOMESICK DRIFTERS

My last experience in Doha is not really like that of a tourist. Two Vietnamese friends drove me across the Corniche – a 7km coastal road that features almost all of Qatar’s iconic architectural masterpieces such as the Emiri Diwan Royal Palace, the National Museum, the Museum of Islamic Art and Doha Tower to name a few. The car then turned into a lightless street, we stopped at a mobile tea shop to buy three cups of karak tea and a chapati cake (the Arabic-styled bread is different from Indian style). The car continued towards a crowded place at the end of the road. This is essentially an abandoned jetty, which is now waveproofed by concrete embankments and only known by people living in Doha.

We climbed the breakwater and looked for a position. People here sit in groups, in pairs or simply alone. Most of them are foreigners who are living and working in Qatar (more than 94% of Qatar’s population is foreign settlers). Deriving largely from European countries and North America, the foreign population have moved to Qatar – the land of the desert, because of the opportunities to work and live in a better environment and earn higher wages. Although wherever they come from, they surely feel a sense of longing for their hometown and for their family. When they do, they will come to this embankment on the deserted island surrounded by waves, they can sit and chat while sipping a cup of karak tea with the signature aroma of ginger and the exquisite taste of tea. They will immerse themselves in the darkness and admire the dazzlingly colourful landscape of the vibrant city of Doha – the city they now call home despite feeling homesick for the place in which they were born.

W.TIPS

GENERAL INFORMATION

In the early 20th century, Qatar was a poor country where residents mainly lived off the local industry of hand-crafted pearl catching from wooden boats. In the 1950’s and 60’s, under the rule of Britain, Qatar began to get rich thanks to oil exportation. In 1971, Qatar was granted independence. Since becoming an independent country, Qatar has progressed staggeringly to have the highest GDP in the world. From a rudimentary white pearl, Qatar has gradually become a precious gem possessing a great value amongst the Middle Eastern countries, thoroughly deserving its position as the perfect destination for tourists to visit and explore.

CLIMATE

The best time to travel to Qatar is in winter from November to March respectively. The average temperature ranges from 18°C to 28°C, making it suitable for city tours. In winter, temperatures in desert areas drop below 10°C at night, so please ensure to wear warm clothing if you stay in camps in the desert. Tourists should consider that when travelling to Qatar in the height of summer (from June to July) the daytime temperatures rise above 50°C.

TRANSPORTATION

>> Travelling to Qatar: Currently, from Vietnam, you can take weekly flights from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to Qatar. Flight time is approximately 7 hours.

>> Travelling around Qatar: Taxis or Ubers are popular in Qatar. The bus service is quite modern, but people don’t opt for use due to the outdoor waiting station and few bus stops, which can be quite inconvenient in the summer. From the airport to the city centre, you can take a taxi or Uber for around USD15 to USD20 depending on hotel location.

CURRENCY

The currency used in Qatar is Riyal Qatar with a rate of QAR1 = VND6,500, USD1 = QAR3,65. Exchanging money is easy as long as you have your passport. You can exchange money at the airport, hotel or tourist destinations for a good exchange rate. Additionally, you can use credit cards at many tourist destinations, restaurants, or shopping centres.

SHOPPING

The shopping centres are considered the pièce de résistance in Qatar. Due to the hot summer, Qatar has built a wide range of shopping centres integrated with entertainment and dining venues around Doha to serve residents as well as tourists.

>> Villagio Mall: built to simulate the Italian city of Venice with colourfully-decorated houses and a canal located within the commercial centre. Villagio is a large shopping centre containing an array of fashion brands ranging from high street to luxury. This is also a hot spot for tourists.

>> Being a member of a chain of French commercial centres, Galeries Lafayette is located in Katara Cultural Village with high-end fashion brands. In particular, Galeries Lafayette is fully equipped with state-of-the-art outdoor air conditioning system that makes the temperature around this area less than the actual temperature by 5°C to 7°C, creating favourable conditions for tourists to shop on unbearable summer days.

>> Al Hazm is a shopping and dining centre built entirely from marble in a European style. The place is a melting pot for high-end fashion brands and is considered Qatari elite’s shopping venue.

>> Doha Festival City houses IKEA.

>> Some other shopping venues include Mall of Qatar and Ezdan Mall.

CUISINE

Qatari cuisine bears resemblance to the cuisine of Islamic Arab countries in the Middle East with delicacies such as grilled lamb thighs, stewed lamb rice and salads.

If you are passionate about sweets, please try a kunafa – a scrumptious Arabic cheese cake.

TOURIST DESTINATIONS IN DOHA

Some famous museums for tourists visiting Doha are named as below:

>> Katara Cultural Village is a complex of cultural architectures from different regions in the world such as Arab, Roman and modern European there is also an array of exhibition rooms housing pictures, art and culture.

>> The National Museum of Qatar is one of the most unique pieces of architecture in the world and is modelled after a rocky rose in the desert. The museum was completed after nearly a decade of construction for an estimated USD450 million. National Museum of Qatar will give visitors an insight into Qatari cultural exchange, inheritance and future development.

>> The Museum of Islamic Art brings an impressive collection of Islamic culture and art. Interestingly, the museum is located in the middle of Doha Bay, so visitors here can admire the stunningly beautiful scenery. On one side is a modern city with skyscrapers while the other overlooks an ancient market preserving the distinctive beauty of the traditional culture.

>> Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum is one of the largest private museums in the world with collections of unique artefacts. It takes around 30 minutes from the museum to the city centre by taxi.

ACCOMMODATION

There are many hotels around the Souq Waqif with affordable prices. From here, tourists can easily walk to the antique market.

For those who prefer to stay in high-class hotels, the City Centre will be ideal with various five-star hotels.

Ha Nguyen | Wanderlust Tips

Discover the tale behind the Chuong conical hats

[Wanderlust Tips August 2019] I visited the Chuong village one day in June, the warm sun was shining, the road through the village was so silent that i could almost hear the breeze whistling through the conical hats.

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CHUONG MEANING “BELL” IS SIMPLY THE VILLAGE’S NAME, CONICAL HAT MAKING IS ITS TRADITIONAL CRAFT

Located in Phuong Trung Commune, Thanh Oai District, Hanoi, the Chuong village is the largest amongst the villages I used to visit. Due to it not only being the largest area in Thanh Oai District but also it is the only commune of Phuong Trung, it is said that Chuong is the only place that is “both a village and a commune” as according to administrative structure, a commune is an amalgamation of many villages.

According to the local people of the Chuong village, there is a phrase that “Bureaucracy comes first and sewing the conical hats is second”. Thus insinuating that making the hats is as much of an honour as becoming a dignitary or government official.

The Chuong villagers do not necessarily know about the origins of conical hat making, they simply pass on their expertise to generations to come. In the past, the villagers made many types of ancient conical hats such as three-ring hats, flat palm hats with fringes, Muoi hats and pineapple conical hats. The village’s hats are famed for their idyllic beauty and are in fact sold everywhere. This is a product fit for the queens and princesses of the imperial palace. However, conical hat makers also have difficulty finding a better business method. In the 1920s, artisan Hai Cat was the very first to bring Xuan Kieu hats (or Ba Don hats) to the village to produce and replace the ancient hats. Hence, the revival of Chuong hats after many hard years where it felt that they would never make another hat again.

The Chuong villagers have been through many ups and downs with their conical hat making. It is indisputable that they would not exist today without all of the hat-making over the years. The village crop yield was not sufficient to provide for all family members, therefore, hat making became the main occupation. In the Chuong village, hat making is a family affair as each generation is in the know. Everyone is involved, with five-year-olds straightening palm leaves and six-year-olds needling hats and even 80-year-olds can still make hats if their eyes are still sharp and their hands are still fast. For the villagers, sewing the hats was an ancient tradition and they worked all hours until tiredness crept in and they could sew no more.

During the harvest, people make the most of the opportunity to make hats in the evening. Though, from July to September, with children on summer holiday and adults having a break from farming, they work all day making hats. Every family in the village concentrates on making hats. They work constantly until the Kitchen Gods’ Day and when the village festival ends they will return to their daily grind.

Wandering around the Chuong village, observing the villagers making hats, I felt bizarrely joyful and happy. Whether it is because the hat makers have faced countless difficulties in their lives or just simply because the conical hat has been a national symbol of Vietnam for generations, whatever the reason – there is no hustle and bustle. The hat makers exude peaceful and gentle energy.

THE HATS FILLED WITH AN ENDLESS LOVE

A remarkable feature of the Chuong conical hats is the thickness and durability because there is a layer of spathe between the two layers of palm leaves. In the “most thriving” days of hat making in Chuong village, the villagers only import and take the spathe to the village once per year in the volume of 500 tons. After being bought, the spathe will be dried and put in the kitchen for gradual usage. The spathe is taken from the high mountains of Tan Lac (Hoa Binh) and planted on the mounds and hills by the locals. It takes each spathe about 2 months to grow and fall out. The best time to harvest spathe is at the end of spring / early summer. The standard spathe has a width of around 25cm and a length of 30-40cm. The spathe to make the hats must be old, thin and light. The spathe usually sells in kilograms, one thick kilogram of spathe contains around 60-70 pieces while one thin kilogram of the spathe has nearly 120 pieces. The price ranges from VND35,000 to VND60,000 per kg. The number of hats produced has recently decreased, so the villagers only import around 200-300 tons per year.

To make a hat, the spathe must be cleaned and cut at both ends, when sewing the hat, the locals will use a wet towel to soften and flatten it then place it over the frame covered by a layer of palm leaves and then sew together by the snells. Thanks to the sharp eyes of the skilful villagers, the spathe is smoothly and beautifully sewn and cut. The spathe layer in the middle helps the hats become steady and durable, so the Chuong hats can be used for 3 years or more.

The Chuong hats are not only famous for their durability but also their beauty, a unique beauty formed through the meticulousness and carefulness of artisans. The spathe makes the hats more durable whilst the outer leaves make the hats look more beautiful. The Chuong villagers use palm leaves and “Lui” leaves to make the hats. Palm leaves are also called lake leaves or old leaves, bought in various provinces such as Phu Tho, Yen Bai or Nghe An. The fresh green leaves are laid to dry in the sun. Afterwards, they are put in a bundle, 10 leaves at a time and left to soak in water for 3 hours before being removed and dried again. The flattened leaves become tough and durable, meaning they will not break when sewing. Compared to the palm leaves, processing the “Lui” leaves requires a few more steps. The leaves are fresh and succulent, so the villagers have to rub them in the sand to start the drying process and then they are smoked to dry out completely.

In a time gone by, when there was no electricity, the villagers still sewed the hats under the flickering light of kerosene. Despite working in such conditions, they still preserve the traditional craft for future generations, especially their seams – so accurate and beautiful. The villagers said that they did not sew the hats by looking but that they sewed solely based on their intuitions and feelings, and perhaps the hats’ soul is derived from that. They did not sit down alone to make the hats, they gathered to sew the hats together whilst cracking jokes and telling stories about farming, children and daily life. The hats have brought people together, men and women even got married thanks to their craft. The image of the girls with graceful smiles and ingenious hands working tirelessly had men weak at the knees, so it is thought that the hat is indeed a bridge to connect hearts.

THE ORIGINAL THE CHUONG VILLAGE HATS AND THEIR PROGRESS

When the girls in the Chuong village get married far away, they took the secrets of the traditional craft with them. There is an array of villages famous for making the hats located a stone’s throw from Thanh Oai District, but the original hats derive from the Chuong village.

The villagers still make the hats and they are still as beautiful as ever. The only difference is that the hats are produced in smaller quantities, mainly by the old people or by the elder merchandisers. It is not that the villagers are not interested in making the hats, but times change and these days their lives are burdened with too many other things. The younger generations have more choices for their career; tailors, traders, workers, builders and mechanics. The income from hat making is not sufficient to sustain their lifestyle, but that does not stop the Chuong villagers from looking at the hats with thoughtful and earnest feelings.

I asked whether the villagers were sad or not, they said yes. But they tried to lighten the mood with a glimmer of hope. The hats were durable and carved on the Dong Son Bronze Drum. They play an important position in the hearts of the villagers such as poem conical hats of Hue, diligent Quang Binh conical hats and even the Chuong conical hats. The residents of the Red River Delta have become accustomed to the image of the Chuong hats over the years. I strongly believe that the symbol will stay in their hearts.

The process of making the hats involves many stages. The frame is one of the pivotal factors. The frame is very durable, talented craftspeople only used one frame during their lifetime of hat-making, there are also the frames that people pass from generation to generation as a way to preserve and maintain their craft as was once said “The curse was put for a thousand years / The dignitary is first, the conical hats are second and they have preserved for a long time” (Nguyen Sinh Thuy).

To bring the conical hat into the 21st century, people have composed more new models for the hats. The flat palm hats with fringes add beautiful details and patterns; Xuan Kieu hats have one more outer layer of silk. In addition to the function of avoiding rain and sun, the hats are also used for decorations and furniture. During my days in the village, I was lucky to witness those who travel to the village to buy 100cm-diameter hats or 2m-flat palm hats with fringes for interior decoration, the villagers were excited. The dance schools and dancers are very keen on buying conical hats in the Chuong village. There were also delegations visiting the village, they sought to study industrial hats and mass production, it is said that these hats could cover the trees. There are also people who are overseas and the Vietnamese want to bring their hat-making craft to other countries.

The villagers were happy, they did not expect to be richer due to the hats and their only hope is that the hat continues to be sought after.

W.TIPS

HOW TO TRAVEL TO THE CHUONG VILLAGE

The road to the Chuong village is quite easy to reach. From the centre of Hanoi City, take the National Highway 6 to Hoa Binh, go to Ba La crossroads, turn left to follow the direction of Huong Pagoda through Kim Bai Town and around 2km on the right, you will see the beautiful Chuong village located on the Day River.

CHUONG FESTIVAL

Chuong Festival was formerly held periodically on January 10th at the temple yard. The celebration includes sacrifices, holy processions, chess games and rice-making. Today, the festival is celebrated on the 10th day of the lunar March with the Hung Kings’ death anniversary to express their gratitude to their ancestors. The festival still retains the spiritual elements as well as traditional beauty, but the cumbersome and sophisticated procedures have been removed.

CHUONG MARKET

In the past, the Chuong market assembled every day, but there were only 6 sessions per month for the conical hat market on the 4th, 10th, 14th, 20th, 24th, and 30th of a lunar month. The market began as early as 5 am and then finished at 9 am. The gathering still occurs today, but the locals mainly sell materials to make the hats, complete hats are usually placed in their homes and people come to pick them up.

SIGHTSEEING ACTIVITIES IN THE CHUONG VILLAGE

>> Take a visit around the village and indulge in the idyllic beauty of the traditional village of Tonkin.

>> Visiting the Chuong market or locals’ homes to learn how to make a beautiful and durable Chuong hat.

>>Additionally, you can stroll along the gentle Day River and visit some places located around 15km away from the Chuong village such as Tram Pagoda or Long Tien Pagoda. For those who love climbing, you can conquer Tram Tu Son Mountain with its gentle terrain and stunningly charming scenery.

Dai Trang | Wanderlust Tips

Grand ceremony for the Best Hotels – Resorts Awards 2019, an impressive affair

[Wanderlust Tips August 2019] The award ceremony for the Best Hotels & Resorts Awards 2019 took place in international style on july 17th at Lotte Hotel Seoul in Korea.

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The award ceremony welcomed the presence of representatives from the Vietnamese Embassy in Korea, the Korean Tourism Organization, leading Korean travel companies, domestic and foreign hotels and resorts, KOLs and the Vietnamese and Korean media channels.

At the Best Hotels & Resorts 2019, 18 award categories were awarded to 10 excellent individuals and 18 international quality brands. They were awarded based on the results assessed by a panel of prestigious experts in the luxury travel market. The panel includes highly experienced editors from the English-Vietnamese bilingual travel magazine Wanderlust Tips, affluent travellers and a board of senior international advisors, who respected the transparency of the awarding process and followed specific criteria. Thus, the awards for the Best Hotels & Resorts are recognized all over the world and affirm the continual efforts made by those working in the luxury travel industry. All award-winning individuals and groups at the Best Hotels & Resorts Awards 2019 were honoured and published in Wanderlust Tips: Best Hotels & Resorts 2019 special issue.

Ms Do Huyen Trang – Managing Director of the Bilingual Travel Magazine Wanderlust Tips and Head of the organizing committee of Best Hotels & Resorts Awards 2019

Speaking at the ceremony, Ms Do Huyen Trang – Managing Director of the Bilingual Travel Magazine Wanderlust Tips and Head of the organizing committee of Best Hotels & Resorts Awards 2019, said: “The Best Hotels & Resorts Awards always focuses on objective and realistic evaluation criteria to choose the most deserving names in the tourism and hospitality industry. These individuals and groups have made constant efforts to offer high-quality services to guests, contributing substantially to the development of the tourism industry locally, countrywide and even worldwide. As the list of the award-winning hotels and resorts was officially published in the prestigious travel magazine Wanderlust Tips and promoted internationally, readers as well as travel enthusiasts have access to useful information allowing them to make the best choices for a perfect and unforgettable holiday.”

In addition to the Best Hotels & Resorts Awards 2019 ceremony, the B2B meeting program (Business-to-Business) between award-winning hotels and leading Korean buyers aims to create a strong link between prestigious hotels and resorts in Vietnam and their partners. In conjunction with this, the Korean Destinations Survey program provides opportunities to help award-winning hotels and resorts to experience Korean cultural activities in Seoul and its surrounding areas. This is in order to promote a better understanding of Korean culture and landscapes, as well as providing an insight into how tourism services operate in Korea.

Southeast Asia’s Large Private Hotelier Brand 2019 – Muong Thanh Hotel Group

Best Hotels & Resorts Awards are prestigious annual awards, presented by the English – Vietnamese bilingual travel magazine Wanderlust Tips, based on results collected from objective reviews and votes from the knowledgeable readership of Wanderlust Tips. The English-Vietnamese bilingual travel magazine Wanderlust Tips is one of the leading prestigious magazines in the luxury travel community, winning over readers’ hearts with quality articles in which respected, influential people from the travel community share their experiences through a variety of exhilarating trips. In addition to this, Wanderlust Tips is a highly valued partner of tourism organizations around the world, winning esteemed awards including Best Media 2018 from the Korean Tourism Organization.

The awards for Best Hotels & Resorts honour hotels and resorts worldwide for their efforts and performance in offering wonderful holidays to guests. Hotels and resorts can be awarded in one or more award categories.

The award ceremony welcomed the presence of the representatives from the Vietnamese Embassy in Korea, the Korean Tourism Organization and KOLs

After the success of the Best Hotels & Resorts Awards 2019, the Best Hotels & Resorts 2020 promises to bring new surprises to celebrate the most deserving hotels and resorts in the hospitality industry. The announcement and award ceremony for the Best Hotels – Resorts Awards 2020 will be held in Tokyo City in Japan – a leading tourist destination in recent years.

Wanderlust Tips

Wanderlust Tips Magazine in August 2019: Autumn falls

[Wanderlust Tips August 2019] August is a time when Heaven and Earth interweave with charming seasonal melodies. While the sweet aftertaste of summer still lingers, the fresh flavours of autumn make their mark on every street corner. With the theme “Autumn falls”, Wanderlust Tips publication August Issue 2019 will take readers to stunningly beautiful destinations.

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Appreciate the flavour of guava

Its scent wafting in the wind

Dew droplets gathering across the lanes

It seems autumn has arrived.

(An excerpt from the poem “Autumnal Arrival” by Poet Huu Thinh).

Fluffy white clouds float across the infinitely blue sky in harmony with the sparkling golden sunshine. The gentle breeze cools the skin and the changing colours of the leaves on the trees make the landscape all the more enchanting.

While autumn arrives and says goodbye to the sweltering summer days in the northern hemisphere, spring is knocking at the door after icy winter days in the southern hemisphere. Because of the differences in terrain and climate across the world, travel enthusiasts have opportunities to explore the seasonal magic brought by nature. Through discovering 10 “stunningly unparalleled destinations” in the article “AUTUMN ISN’T JUST ABOUT THE CHANGING COLOURS OF THE LEAVES!” in the Top destinations section, you will see how beautifully exquisite this autumnal life truly is.

What’s more, not to be missed during your journey is to seek “autumn myths” of the land of the rising sun via the article “SEEKING OUT THOSE AUTUMNAL VIBES THROUGH POSTCARDS FROM TOKYO” in the Travel inspiration section. 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”.

Additionally, you sit and watch the world go by on a clear autumn morning whilst sipping a cup of hot tea and leisurely devouring delicious local delicacies on your balcony to “INDULGE IN AUTUMN DELICACIES” (Cuisine section).

Wanderlust Tips will also take you to “STROLL AROUND WINDY WELLINGTON” (Discovery section) the striking mountains, lush green landscape and the immense waves of the ocean came into view, or the past, present and future stories of the beautiful city.

In the Destination section, you will have opportunity to travel to “QATAR – THE PRECIOUS PEARL OF THE MIDDLE EAST”. The land makes you extremely surprised, notably the desert has a winter and heavy downpours have flooded the streets.

Finally, you will return to Vietnam – the beautiful S-shaped land to immerse the idyllic ambience. “DISCOVER THE TALE BEHIND THE CHUONG” in the Culture section will help you feel peace of the village that you seem to almost hear the breeze whistling through the conical hats.

Wanderlust Tips

Autumn isn’t just about the changing colours of the leaves!

[Wanderlust Tips August 2019] Autumn – the season of melodious love songs intertwined with hazy afternoon sunshine. Not only is autumn adorned with carpets of golden yellow and burnt orange leaves but autumnal trips also allow travellers to be transported to remote lands, making for countless unforgettable experiences. Travelling in autumn is just a sweet dream. Close your eyes and inhale deeply to feel the spirit of the land and sky. Through discovering 10 “stunningly unparalleled destinations”, you will see how beautifully exquisite autumnal life truly is.

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APPRECIATE THE LIVELY ATMOSPHERE OF THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL IN BEIJING

Travelling to Beijing in autumn, you will not only get lost in the magnificently colourful scenery of the vibrant landscape but you can also reminisce over childhood memories at MidAutumn Festival. The traditional Mid-Autumn Festival often falls in September promoting a wonderful cultural atmosphere. Meander along the buzzing streets clad with colourful lanterns and take a moment to take it all in. If you are looking for a more peaceful way to enjoy the festival then hop on a boat and silently float on the lake in Beihai Park, whilst watching the full moon silhouetted against the water. In this moment, you will feel at peace, the trials and tribulations of daily life will feel like a distant memory.

The next destination on your journey is the eastern part of Marco Polo Bridge. Here you can immerse yourself in the unique religious fairs, watch the excellent lion dance performances or take part in traditional arts and crafts. Of course, you cannot forget the infamous Great Wall of China, Forbidden City, Summer Palace and Yangtze Mountain to learn about the unique Chinese history and culture, and marvel at the beautiful autumnal scenery.

Be sure to taste sweet moon cakes – a truly unforgettable culinary experience for any traveller.

KYOTO – THE QUEEN OF JAPANESE AUTUMN

For those who fell in love with autumn in the land of the rising sun, a trip to Kyoto – the queen of Japanese autumn is not to be missed. The miracles of mother nature provide autumn with a marvellous brush to create a zealous painting of life and Kyoto makes for a marvellous picture. When autumn arrives in the historic city of Kyoto, the beauty of the temples is only amplified with a spectacular array of colourful maple leaves in all shades of green, yellow and burnt orange. It really is a sight to behold, one which tourists can not resist.

Visiting from early October, you will not be able to resist the realm of beautiful temples awash with colourful leaves. Particularly noteworthy is Tofuku-ji – the city’s oldest and largest temple; Ginkaku-ji – The UNESCO Japanese authentic architectural Heritage Site; Takao Village, nestled in the mountains, is renowned for its idyllic scenery with the dense foliage standing out against the vast cerulean sky; or marvel at the magnificent autumnal scenery whilst sipping a cup of green tea at Eikando Temple. All of these landmarks will make your autumn journey through Kyoto more memorable than ever.

ENJOY THE AUTUMNAL SCENERY ON THE BOSPHORUS STRAIT IN ISTANBUL, TURKEY

September is a time when autumn begins to “captivate” travellers in Istanbul. After the burning summer days, the gentle autumnal atmosphere oozes out and spreads across this beautiful city. The fresh breeze and gentle sunshine make the city seem more charming and poetic. Not to be missed when travelling to Istanbul in autumn is to sail on the illustrious Bosphorus Strait. With a length of 33km connecting the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus Strait – the soul of Istanbul is considered a boundary dividing Asia and Europe. Wake up for breakfast in Europe and watch the sunset on Bosphorus Bay before devouring dinner in Asia.

Boating on the Bosphorus Strait is an extremely popular activity for tourists when visiting Istanbul. It takes 2 hours to get from the Golden Horn Seaport to the Bosphorus Bridge. You will have the opportunity to enjoy the stunningly beautiful scenery on both sides of the strait in the cool autumnal weather. Discover the spectacle that is the towering Topkapi Palace, the Maiden Tower nestled on the turquoise ocean, and the Great Mecidiye Mosque located within the beautiful Ortakoy Old Town. The city of Istanbul is a harmonic melange of Eurasian styles, which has conquered the heart of travellers because of its idyllic and distinctive beauty.

THE FERVENT TASTE OF WINE IN THE DOURO VALLEY, PORTUGAL

If you are dreaming of a leisurely autumnal holiday with captivating views, the Douro Valley is exactly what you are looking for. Situated on the crystal clear Douro River, the beautiful terraced vineyards stretching over the rolling slopes and curving elegantly around the dreamy hillsides will leave any tourist mesmerised when visiting this area. Notably, autumn in the Duoro Valley is also the grape harvest season, sample succulent ripe grapes in the gorgeous natural surroundings and bask in the gentle rays of autumnal sunshine.

The Douro Valley has long been a famous land for grape cultivation across the world. Over the past two thousand years, the Porto wine region has gained a worldwide reputation for its quality products. Visiting the Douro Valley feels like you are getting lost in the world of wine, sipping glasses of delicious wine at the large factories of Quinta do Popa and Quinta das Carvalhas – the exquisite tastes make you not want to leave. When the journey ends, the sweet grape aftertaste and delectable aroma will follow you everywhere you go.

OKTOBERFEST – A BEER TENT PARADISE IN MUNICH, GERMANY

Your autumnal trip will be more colourful as with a stop at Oktoberfest Beer Festival, which runs from late September to the first week of October in the beautiful German City of Munich. When thinking of Oktoberfest, the first thing that springs to mind is the giant beer tents. Each beer tent can accommodate up to several thousand people, so this is a great festival for those who love a buzzing atmosphere. Moreover, here you will have the opportunity to enjoy countless types of freshly brewed beer from the world renowned breweries in Munich.

During Oktoberfest, you will see many women dressed in traditional dirndl dresses and men dressed in lederhosen, all wearing the same joyful expression on their faces. This is not a compulsory costume, but almost everyone at the festival sports the traditional dress to match the lively atmosphere of the festival. Standing in the enormous tents, enjoying steins of delicious beer and celebrating with the crowds will certainly have you forgetting about the everyday burdens back home.

TRUFFLE HUNTING IN THE AUTUMN IN ALBA, ITALY

Travelling in autumn is not only about marvelling at the changing colours of the flora, but also brings the exhilarating opportunity to hunt for truffles in Alba. The truffles are amongst the most expensive foods in the world, thought of as an endless inspiration for chefs worldwide and dubbed the ‘diamond of the kitchen’.

Located in the Italian region of Piedmont, Alba is the perfect town for hunting white truffles that grow mainly in the lush green forests during the autumnal months. During this hunt, it is essential to have truffle-sniffing dogs which help hunters seek out the white truffles that have a signature spicy flavour, hidden in the ground.

Additionally, you can participate in the Fiera del Tartufo Truffle Fair which is held every weekend from early October to late November. Enjoy an array of distinctive dishes made from prized mushrooms along with other featured products such as honey, olive oil, cheese and chocolate.

Experiencing autumn in Alba will be enough to make you want to return here next autumn.

“MEETING” GRIZZLY BEARS IN BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA

The North American grizzly bears are quite shy among the species, so it is difficult to detect them if there are lots of people present. However, when autumn falls in Canada, the flocks of salmon migrate into British Columbia for the breeding season. During this time, the grizzly bears will go in search of food, so you will easily have the opportunity to get up close with this wild animal.

Swing by the Great Bear Rainforest in the autumn. You will not only be able to see grizzly bears, but you can also admire wolves standing along the river; large eagles spreading their wings and swooping high in the sky; sea lions, dolphins and whales making the most of the fresh cool water. The autumn here is really both a paradise for wildlife lovers and a great opportunity for you to get up close and personal with Mother Nature.

Stepping out of your comfort zone and plucking up the courage to take part in these unique experiences, will allow you to achieve marvellous things in life. If you have never explored the natural world, this is your chance to experience the most fascinating and memorable things.

PERITO MORENO GLACIER IN ARGENTINA

While autumn falls in northern countries from September to November, the southern hemisphere countries say goodbye to the winter and welcome the spring with the most intense energy. This is also a good time to begin your trip to Argentina and admire the beautiful Perito Moreno Glacier located in the Glaciers National Park, in Santa Cruz Province – a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981.

Imagine a refreshing morning, the crystal clear blue sky dappled with sparkling rays of sunshine spreading over the peaks of the mountains and shining on every leaf, stand in front of the white river full of ice and snow, in that moment it will feel like time is standing still. The ice here is not flattened, it is smooth yet rugged with the surrounding channels entrenched with ice. The ice sparkles in the sunlight like pearls, leaving people dumbfounded by the magic of nature. Moreover, when stopping at the Glaciers National Park, you also have the opportunity to marvel at the magnificent scenery, which is blended with an array of bright colours of the turquoise ice, the azure water and the lush green of surrounding trees, all forming a unique painting. One great experience not to be missed during your trip is a stroll around the glaciers, leaving you fascinated by the remarkable capabilities of ice.

WATCH WHALES IN HERMANUS, SOUTH AFRICA

When picturing South Africa, people often think of an adventure safari or a majestic sunset that captures the last glorious rays of sunshine on the vast savannah. Nevertheless, when you arrive on this splendid continent, don’t hesitate to come to Hermanus – a charming little beachfront town to see another miracle of nature – the giant Atlantic whales.

The gentle breeze carries the saltiness of the ocean, lightly skimming the faces of travellers urging them to take a closer look, maybe even a dip. Watching the whales glide smoothly through the water, you undoubtedly will be stunned at their gargantuan size. They sometimes disappear from view, leaving only a giant propeller-shaped tail mark on the vast ocean. The whales arrive in Hermanus to catch the breeding season, find their partners, mate and eventually give birth. Therefore, Hermanus is dubbed the “mecca” for those who love admiring this giant marine creature – a real once in a lifetime experience.

DISCOVER KARIJINI NATIONAL PARK IN AUSTRALIA

The Karijini National Park is an ideal destination for any traveller who desires a true adventure. Nestled behind Hamersley Range, Karijini boasts enormous canyons that create beautiful water holes and otherworldly waterfalls. It is said that the Far West region of Australia is home to the most raw but striking beauty and only when you travel there will you really understand these feelings lodged in the depths of the gulfs and in the unique reflections of the towering red cliffs. At each canyon, there are roads running from the top of the cliffs, to the bottom of the hundreds-of-meter gulfs. Over the course of the ages, the rock surface close to the bottom has been worn away due to the crevices in the sediments, allowing it to form spectacular terraces. You can hike through the ancient canyons and hear the echoes of times gone by. To explore Karijini, you need to have good spirit and health, because climbing and conquering slippery canyons is quite dangerous and requires a lot of concentration. However, the sense of achievement that you feel after this adventure will be truly special.

Lan Thi | Wanderlust Tips

How does Mid-Autumn Festival differ across asian countries?

The Mid-Autumn Festival is a festival to celebrate the successful rice harvest. It is a time when farmers can kick back and relax after working hard. The festival falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month and has gradually become an important and meaningful occasion in the cultural life of many Asian countries.

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Indulge in autumn delicacies

When autumn falls, it makes its mark on every street corner. Trees adorned with a mixture of deep sparkling red and yellow, a gentle breeze stirring up the fallen leaves and an early frost, chilly enough to have you yearning for a warm drink by a cosy open fire. There is no need to hurry on such a clear autumn morning. Just sit and watch the world go by whilst sipping a cup of hot tea and leisurely devouring delicious, local delicacies on your balcony. Feel your senses come alive with the sights, sounds, smells and flavours of autumn.

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JAPANESE FRIED MAPLE LEAVES

In Japan, autumn food is diverse and abundant with an array of signature delectable dishes such as Matsutake, grilled Sanma (or saury), Oden hotpot, pumpkin pie, ripe persimmon and sweet potato. Nevertheless, the most notable dish has got to be the fried maple leaves. In the land of the rising sun, falling maple leaves not only make the autumn landscape more romantic but also make for a unique, aromatic and crispy dish.

People often think that this maple leaf dish is simple and easy to cook, but it actually takes around one year to make this typical autumn snack. Firstly, people have to collect the leaves. Not all maple leaves can be used to cook and the Japanese only choose the leaves from certain locations to ensure cleanliness. Additionally, only the yellow maple leaves are selected as they are soft, easy to eat, and their yellow colour still remains unchanged after the process, making the dish more eye-catching. Next, each leaf is soaked in salt and left in a big tank for a year. Afterwards, people will remove the maple leaves from the tanks that had been prepared from the previous season, cut off the stalks and then wash them with water to remove any remaining salt from the leaves. Finally, the leaves are dipped in tempura that is sweetened with sugar and sesame and they are then fried until golden brown.

After this process, the cakes still retain the natural shape and colour of the maple leaves, a delicacy enjoyed by many foodies. Strolling along the peaceful Japanese streets awash with signature autumnal colours, whilst enjoying a piece of crispy fried maple leaf is indeed a wonderful and unforgettable experience.

DRIED PERSIMMON A STAPLE AUTUMNAL SNACK IN KOREA

The ripe and succulent persimmons are signals of autumn arriving in Korea, and it is the best time for you to taste the signature dried fruit. The unique yet attractive dish will definitely give you a feel for the land famed for its kimchi.

Making delicious dried persimmons is not easy because the process requires many sophisticated stages.

Ripe persimmons are picked, peeled and hung up for about 2 months until they have dried. Next, the persimmons have to be dried out again at a high temperature before being finished. Korean dried persimmons are often served with tea. The tea’s mild acrid taste blends with the sweet fragrance of the persimmons, making the autumn days more pleasant.

PORCINI MUSHROOMS THE ITALIAN DELICACY IN AUTUMN

Italy is the most charmingly beautiful country in the world, so autumn here not only boasts a stunningly spectacular landscape but also brings an assortment of beautifully flavourful dishes. In particular, you have to try Porcini mushrooms, this delicacy is only available in autumn and and does not appear again in winter. Because of the fleetingness of the seasonal ingredients, Porcini mushrooms play an important role in Italian meals and they are certainly made the most of in the autumn.

Italians encourage everyone to try Porcini mushrooms whether they like mushrooms or not because of their exquisite taste. Porcini has a peculiar aroma, and you can feel their subtle flavours melting when devouring this tasty fungus. There is an abundance of Italian Porcini mushroom-infused delicacies that are not to be missed such as stir-fried mushrooms, grilled mushrooms, smooth spaghetti topped with grated mushrooms, and scrumptious Risotto rice with Porcini mushrooms.

Thu Ha | Wanderlust Tips

Share the love: Careers in Tourism

With the theme “Careers in Tourism”, the Share the love section of the Wanderlust Tips travel magazine July Issue 2019 will share inspirational trips and unforgettable memories of travel enthusiasts. The readership will have opportunity to meander around the untouched lands around the world through an array of tremendous real-life stories.

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TRAVEL HAS OPENED UP SO MANY OPPORTUNITIES TO EXPLORE THE WORLD AND DEVELOP MY BUSINESS

NGUYEN HUY TAM – A CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND AUTHOR | HCMC

As is the case with a lot of young people, I have spent many years feeling extremely skeptical about my capability in my youth. My French friend, Julia told me many fascinatingly bizarre stories of her travels around the world. She talked so passionately about how stunningly gorgeous the world is and raved about the importance of getting out there and broadening your horizons instead of sitting pondering the unknown! So, that is where my journey began. The further I ventured, the further the doubts of my youth were from my mind. Travelling allowed me to become self-aware, to understand how to move forward and the importance of sharing and loving everyone around me. Travel not only broadened my mind, by enhancing my geographical knowledge but also opened up a wealth of business opportunities. The cities I travelled to, the books I wrote, the articles published in magazines, it all helped me to express my personality clearly. I met many attractive, positive and inspirational people with the same perspective. Thanks to this journey, my job opportunities have taken a more positive direction.

In recent years, travel isn’t merely a hobby, many young people today consider it a developable career. Every career has its difficulties but as long as you are always serious, invest in your work and are driven by constant innovation and creativity you will go far.

THE HAPPINESS AND HARDSHIP OF A TOUR GUIDE

NGUYEN THANH DANH – A TOUR GUIDE | HCMC

I have been working as a tour guide since 1991, so 28 years up to now. Deriving from my true passion for travel and exploration, I opted to pursue this career and it is a decision that I have never regretted. Being a tour guide makes me happy because I have the opportunity to go everywhere.

Usually, I lead tours for foreigners travelling to Vietnam. I enjoy introducing, promoting or simply telling short stories about Vietnam to new international friends. Each and every trip provides a wealth of valuable experiences, whether travelling far away or near HCM City, I am always engrossed in my current job. Of course, as a tour guide I have had to “sacrifice” a lot. I am not very well acquainted with weekends or holidays and there have been occasions where I have had to lead tours during the peak season without a single days leave.

Being a tour guide, I get to travel a lot through the provinces and cities in Vietnam. The most unforgettable memory was when I was a tour guide for a 10-person tour around Dalat. On the way, we encountered a landslide in Bao Loc, the rocks and soil blocked the path so the driver and I got down from the bus to clear the road and get things moving. Luckily, all of our visitors helped us and we were on our way a lot quicker.

WORKING AS AN MC ALLOWS ME TO VISIT MANY REGIONS AND MEET INTERESTING PEOPLE

DO NGOC SON – AN MC | HANOI

The role of MC is a truly interesting job. Son have the opportunity to travel to many places, meet many people and gain a lot of valuable experience.

In addition to the role of host in Hanoi, where Son live and work, I have to visit various attractions regularly. For instance, the role has allowed me to visit more than 30 provinces and cities across Vietnam including Ha Long, Sa Pa, Thai Binh, Nam Dinh, Ha Tinh, Nghe An and Phu Yen and HCM City, to name a few. Each destination evoked different emotions, but my most memorable destination would have to be Sapa. The trip made me lose most of my strength as I was constantly on the go and battling the inconvenient conditions caused by unpredictable weather and terrain. On that day, we filmed “S Vietnam” a program at Fansipan peak where the fog swirled thickly around us. It was not until late morning that the sun rays burnt off the worst of the flog. My clothing was not warm enough, so I caught a chill. However, I had a burning desire to ensure that the audience had the most realistic views of the beautiful country so I did my upmost to perform well. After a long day, I thawed out and chose to forget about the chilly cold winter by indulging in a fantastic array of delicacies local to the region, including fragrant grilled meat skewers and scrumptious hotpot.

I DESIRE TO TRAVEL TO MANY PLACES AND RECORD LIFE’S HAPPY MOMENTS!

NGUYET NHI – A PHOTOJOURNALIST | HCMC

There was a time when I did not care much for travel and never thought that I would be yearning for adventure. That was until I started taking part in remote volunteer trips with my friends, including “Voluntary Spring” for 10 days or a whole month at “Green Summer”. Going on those trips made me realize how much I love adventure, new experiences and even meeting new friends. What’s more, after each trip, I am more mature, I appreciate what I have and have come to realize just how lucky I am.

I aspire to become a photojournalist, I want to explore many places and record life’s happy moments in the hope I will inspire others.

At this point, I have not yet travelled to many places but I am making countless plans for the near future. By the end of the year I am going to make a trip to the North, to take a photo collection for the highlands. Additionally, a visit to a few Southeast Asian countries next year, will be a great opportunity for me to learn more about religion and spirituality, thus, I think Thailand and Myanmar might have to be the first two countries on my travel list.

Wanderlust Tips

Việt Nam ơi!: A journey to promote the beauty of Vietnam to the world

Hello World #5: Việt Nam ơi! – the travel program to discover new destinations will be organised to promote the phenomenal beauty of Vietnam to the world. The program will officially launch from 3rd to 10th September 2019 with 20 famous guests from around the world.

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Hello World #5 has invited famous guests from many countries around the world to travel to Vietnam. They will introduce the beauty of Vietnam through exhilarating adventures across the Can Gio District in HCMC; ancient Hue City and charming Lang Co Beach in the Thua Thien Hue Province.

The new travel exploration program Hello World #5 has been organised by the English – Vietnamese bilingual travel magazine Wanderlust Tips, under the leadership of Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Department (Vibrant Ho Chi Minh City) and sponsored by Banyan Tree Lăng Cô – Vietnam’s leading luxury resort located in Lang Co Beach (Thua Thien Hue Province).

Hello World #5: Việt Nam ơi! will welcome 20 celebrity guests from many countries around the world, known as influencers in the travel community, including travel bloggers, photographers and authors to discover Vietnam. To name a few; Miss World Myanmar 2017 – Ei Kyawt Khaing; French Travel Photographer – VuThéara Kham who has an impressive Instagram following; American Travel Blogger – Cherrie Lynn; American Travel Couple – Xavier & Katie Ritzi (xkflyaway). Additionally, with the participation of many other distinguished guests, Hello World #5: Việt Nam ơi! promises to bring exhilarating and unforgettable adventure in “distinctive” destinations throughout the splendid S-shaped land.

This trip will take guests to uncover hidden gems that even the Vietnamese have not discovered yet. It is said that travellers are filled with longing for Vietnam’s lush green nature, diverse regional culture and the hospitality of the local people. Thus, this adventure promises to bring worthwhile and breathtaking experiences to guests and our readership. More importantly, Vietnam’s reputation will be enhanced in the global travel community through renowned travel bloggers’ stunningly beautiful photos after the Hello World #5: Việt Nam ơi! What’s more, the number of international tourists coming to Vietnam will hopefully increase year on year.

In addition to the itinerary lined up for our esteemed guests, the new travel exploration program Hello World #5 will also offer many interactive activities to global travel lovers. The guests will share their useful information and tips for travelling to Vietnam and they will share their practical experiences and thoughts through photographs on social media, such as Facebook, Instagram and Youtube. Following the trip, the articles related to Hello World #5: Việt Nam ơi! will be published monthly in the Wanderlust Tips travel magazine. Wanderlust Tips will be released for free to nationwide libraries, travel businesses, resorts and hotels and program coordination units. Readers can subscribe to Wanderlust Tips travel magazine for its monthly release or read the E-book version on the website: wanderlusttips.com or on e-newspapers (Issuu, Alezza, Magzter).

For further information, please contact the organizers:

Do Huyen Trang (Ms.) – Managing Director of Wanderlust Tips magazine

Mobile: (+84) 911 068 883 | Email: trang.dh@wanderlusttips.com

Information about the organisers

Hello World is a series of programs exploring new destinations with unique types of tourism, launched and organised by the English – Vietnamese bilingual travel magazine Wanderlust Tips. The program is dedicated to promote the tourism potential of popular domestic and international attractions. Each trip will bring completely different experiences and will be honestly evaluated by travel enthusiasts. Through thrilling experiences and practical reviews from celebrity guests, Hello World promises to provide the most useful tourist information and authentic destination photos for travel enthusiasts. Additionally, the program promises to be a bridge to boost tourism, multi-dimensional interaction and promote high-end products and services of prominent brands at destinations across the world.

Wanderlust Tips is a leading travel magazine specializing in providing great travel tips and useful experiences to help readers enjoy the perfect holiday, not only in Vietnam but also in other beautiful countries around the world. The magazine’s articles always strive to be brief, practical and useful. These are the three goals which help Wanderlust Tips gain the love and a warm welcome from the community of travel enthusiasts. Wanderlust Tips magazine is published on the 5th of every month with 30,000 copies in print. The magazine is released in business class airport lounges, 1,500 hotels, resorts, luxury cruises and bookstores nationwide.

Information about the leadership:

Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Department is a specialized agency of HCMC People’s Committee, taking charge of managing the state tourism in the city; under the direction and management of the organization, personnel and work of the HCMC People’s Committee as well as under the direction, guidance and inspection of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Information about the sponsorship:

Banyan Tree Lăng Cô – The resort received the “Leading Luxury Resort” award at the prestigious award ceremony for Best Hotels & Resorts Awards 2019. A stay at Banyan Tree Lăng Cô will allow guests to immerse in an idyllic green paradise nestled among the crystal clear waters of the East Sea and the majestic Truong Son Mountain Range. Banyan Tree Lăng Cô is like an entirely separate world, where the ancient meets the modern and unspoilt natural beauty is complimented by unparalleled luxury. The vast space is perfectly located overlooking the sea and the spectacular lagoon, the resort’s villas are fully equipped with exceptional amenities and state-of-the-art decor. There are four extraordinary restaurants with four distinctive culinary styles leaving guests spoilt for choice when it comes to dining. Additionally, natural aromatherapy treatments available at the exceptional spa sanctuary will awaken all of your senses and leave you relaxed and refreshed. An array of exemplary facilities including private infinity pools, stunning beaches and exquisite gardens will allow guests to indulge in a life of luxury and have a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Location: Cu Du Village, Loc Vinh Commune, Phu Loc District, Thua Thien Hue Province

Wanderlust Tips

Vietnam Hotelier of the year honoured General Director of Muong Thanh Group

Thanks to Ms Le Thi Hoang Yen’s excellent and visionary management style, General Director of Muong Thanh Group has been gaining increasing popularity and reaching new heights in the international hospitality industry. Notably, Ms Hoang Yen was awarded an honour the “Vietnam Hotelier of the year” in the award ceremony for the Best Hotels & Resorts Awards 2019.

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Taking a position as the General Director of Muong Thanh Group at the age of 26, Ms Le Thi Hoang Yen earns people’s respect and admiration by her excellent leadership style. Thanks to this, Muong Thanh Group has been gaining increasing popularity and reaching new heights in the international hospitality industry.

“Muong Thanh Group has been established and developed in the spirit of Vietnamese culture, the unique identity of the wet rice civilization and the warmth and openness of the Vietnamese people. And the most distinguishing feature of the Muong Thanh Group is its purely Vietnamese name.” Ms Hoang Yen revealed.

In her 6 years leading Muong Thanh Group, Ms Le Thi Hoang Yen has been continuously expanding Muong Thanh hotel brand from 13 hotels up to nearly 60 hotels and hotel projects in 2019. Up to this time, Muong Thanh brand has been present in a variety of famous tourist destinations around Vietnam as well as in international markets, creating stable jobs for over 12,000 employees. The Group also pays thousands of billions of dong in taxes annually. Besides that, under Ms Yen’s management and development, the quality of services has been greatly improved, and hotels in the chain have been renovated and adjusted to suit the social and economic development of their individual localities.

Thanks to her effective strategies that are in line with market trends, Muong Thanh Group has made impressive progress, deserving its position as the largest hotel chain in Southeast Asia.

Wanderlust Tips