Share the love: Explore Asia

The Asian continent is blessed with its rich natural landscape and unique culture, creating a strange attraction for all visitors. The four special characters appearing in the June 2018 issue of Wanderlust Tips magazine will share their impressive experiences on the exciting Asian journey.

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EXPERIENCING ADVENTURE SPORT ACTIVITIES IN PHILIPPINES

MAI ANH DUY, MANAGER OF EASY TRIP TOUR OPERATOR, HO CHI MINH CITY

I have visited many Asian countries, especially those in Southeast Asia such as Cambodia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia. Among those journeys, my first trip to El Nido, Palawan, Philippines is the most memorable one. That day, there was a storm, so all of the tours on the island were cancelled, and boats were not allowed to go offshore. In such weather conditions, my team of 4 people made a very daring decision, which was hiring a kayak to explore the island with the hope of avoiding a meaningless day on the island. El Nido was often busy with boats and ships sailing in and out, now there were only two kayaks of four daring people. Only with a mobile phone installed with GPS and some tips from the kayak owner, we successfully reached extremely beautiful water areas.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Share the love: Explore Asia

Also on this trip, I discovered Cadlao Lagoon – one of the most beautiful destinations in El Nido, the place that a lot of visitors usually miss out on. The storm was a blessing in disguise; we would not have been able to have such a special day if it hadn’t been for the storm. On the way back, sometimes the waves were so big that they made our kayaks flip out, the rain was so heavy and the winds were so strong. In the evening, after 8 hours of rowing the kayaks, our muscles in both hands hurt like never before, but it was an experience that I would never forget.

THE MIDDLE EAST IS VERY DIFFERENT FROM THE REST OF ASIA

TRAN MAI HUONG, BANK STAFF, HANOI

As a backpacking devotee, I often like to travel by myself to explore new places, new people and follow my passion. However, on a trip to Dubai only, I chose to book a tour from a local travel company because Dubai is located in West Asia; the Middle East Islamic countries have cultures and lifestyles that are very different from the rest of Asia.

When you arrive in Dubai, the first thing you will feel is the heat of the desert climate; there are not many trees while the leaves are covered by a pale brownish colour of sand. People who live here, in the midst of a hot desert all year round, both men and women have white skins as they are Arabs, and because of Muslim rules, girls have to wear Hijab covering their head and shoulders, even the whole face.

In Dubai, I have had many memorable experiences like camel riding, nighttime in the desert, and driving a jeep through sand dunes. Besides nature, when I travelled to each place, I also enjoyed meeting new people and learning about their lives; it made me feel happy to have become a part of life there.

I WANT TO GO BACK TO JAPAN AND THAILAND

DAO THU VINH, COMMUNICATION STAFF, HANOI

Due to my passion for travelling and the nature of my work, I have had many chances to visit a lot of countries in Europe and Asia. There are two places that I really want to return to in Asia, which are Japan and Thailand.

Japan is probably well-known for its special features from nature, culture to sophisticated and expensive cuisine. And the time when I travelled to this country, I could feel it fully. The way Japanese people respect each other, appreciate their culture and nature, taking care of themselves was so impressive to me, even though the custody and sense of “appreciation” sometimes tied them up in extremely stressful and busy lives, especially in big cities.

Thailand is a safe and pleasant destination when you need a short vacation; you can travel without thinking too much. I can find a relaxing space that is close to nature and extremely convenient anywhere in this country. In addition to friendly locals and good food, Thailand will definitely bring you the feeling of being at home.

ENJOY LOCAL DISHES IN THE COUNTRIES WHERE THEY WERE ORIGINALLY MADE

HUYNH BICH NGOC, MARKETING STAFF, HANOI

I have visited many European countries such as France, Italy, Greece and other Asian countries such as Cambodia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, China, and Korea. During the trips, I especially love exploring the food. I find that Asian cuisine is very different from European cuisine. If European dishes are often the combination of butter, eggs, milk, meat, seafood, and fruits, Asian dishes focus on using a variety of vegetables and spices to make the food becomes less strong but still retain a special flavour.

I like Tom Yum from Thailand. This dish is a harmonious combination of fresh seafood, spices, and coconut milk to create sour, spicy, greasy and rich flavour, bringing a lot of sensations to diners when enjoying it. I was also impressed by the famous Peking duck when visiting China. This is a very typical dish in Chinese cuisine with crispy crust from duck skin, soft fat of the meat, which will surely leave an unforgettable impression on those who eat it for the first time.

Certainly, Asian cuisine has many other rich and fascinating dishes that we cannot name at once. I think when travelling far away and enjoying the local food in wonderful scenery, we can feel the ultimate sense of the taste.

Wanderlust Tips

Touching the dream of Baobab trees

The first time I heard about baobab trees was in my biology class when I was a child. From that initial knowledge acquired in my childhood, the name “Baobab” has intrigued me and nurtured an interest in these legendary thousand-year-old trees, inspiring me to explore extraordinary lands across the globe.

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RELIVING CHILDHOOD DREAMS

I gradually forget my dreams of baobab trees and the story of The Little Prince (by French writer – Antoine De Saint-Exupéry) and got stuck on the treadmill of life. Until one day, I saw a picture on Instagram of my Puerto Rican friend, he was walking barefoot on a dirt road with 2 rows of giant trees on either side at the Avenue of Baobabs. At that moment, I felt an electric shock run through my body and the dream of hugging the giant trees and whispering: “Hey you, you are so special, I have waited so long for this day” was awoken in me.

Without hesitation, I quickly searched for information about the journey to touch my dream of baobab trees at The Avenue of Baobabs located in Morondava, Madagascar. It would take quite a lot of time to fly to from Vietnam and I didn’t have many options in terms of different flight routes either. I was only sure that the capital of Antananarivo would be my first destination in Madagascar, then I would travel to Morondava. I had visited Egypt once before, a country in North Africa, but I had never made my way to any countries in West Africa. Therefore, this time, I decided to make plans to travel from HCMC to Nairobi – the capital of Kenya then to Antananarivo – the capital of Madagascar and on to Morondava – my final destination where the baobab trees were waiting for me.

After a 3 hour flight from Nairobi, I arrived in the capital of Antananarivo. Only staying for 1 night, the next morning, I was on my way to the land of the magical baobab trees. My car brought me through hills, villages and towns and on Friday afternoon, I arrived in Morondava. In the dry season, baobab trees shed their leaves and look as if they have been planted upside-down, as from a distance, the bare and spreading branches of the Baobab look like roots sticking up into the air.

The car kept moving, suddenly, I saw the giant baobab trees standing on the roadside, right next to my car. At that moment, I was bursting with happiness as after such a long journey, for the first time, I saw a real baobab tree. Nature rewarded me with a beautiful sunset as the red sun slowly went down beyond the horizon. The road was empty and the baobab trees appeared so majestic in the golden honey sunset, it was a natural light spectacle I’ll never forget, washing away all of my tiredness. However, on that afternoon, I could only see a few baobab trees along the national highway before darkness came and I had to save the Avenue of Baobabs for the next day.

THE GREAT PERFORMANCE OF THE BAOBAB TREES

I hardly slept at all that night as I got so excited when thinking about walking in the middle of the two rows of giant African baobab trees. I woke up early and left the hotel at 4am, it was still dark except for the streak of light coming from my car. The road to the Avenue of Baobabs was little bumpy and I was filled with anticipation. Then, I gradually saw one and then two baobab trees on the roadside.

When we arrived at the Avenue of Baobabs, stopping in the parking lot, I got out of the car and ran straight to the Avenue. I breathed in the cool air of the early morning and waited for the first light of the day to reveal the great performance of the baobab trees. 10 minutes passed and in the thin shimmering mist which appeared like a sparkling performance gown, the baobab trees were the stars of the stage, they were magically spectacular and imposing. I have never seen anything so magnificently gorgeous! I felt like I had found an incredibly precious treasure and that I was a passionate explorer.

The Avenue of Baobabs is 250 metres long, lined by over 25 giant baobab trees on each side and surrounded by many other kinds of trees though not standing in line. I kept walking along the road over and over again like a curious kid visiting Jurassic Park for the first time, touching the trees, hugging and caressing them. In the dry season, the joke of the ancestors of the Malagasy people seemed to come true: the Creator planted the baobab trees upside down with their roots sticking up in the air. From a distance, the green-brown velvety pod-shaped fruit at the top of the trees made them more vivid and strange looking. I admired them from one side to the other for a while. How beautiful! How stunning!

There are eight species of baobab tree in the world, and 6 of them only grow in Madagascar. Depending on their age, the baobab trees have different sizes and heights and locals say that the trees only grow 8 centimetres every 10 years. Therefore, some baobabs may look small but they are already many years in age while the giant ones which are about 30 metres have to be a thousand years old and even some can live to be 3,000-4,000 years old. Their roots are 50 metres long, but only lie 2 metres underground and they spread as widely as possible to increase their chances of absorbing the little amount of rainwater that soaks down into the soil. This water is then stored in their trunks, an ordinary tree can only consist of about 27% water while the baobab tree reaches 76-79%, which is a lot! However, the trunks of baobab trees are soft, so they are used to make strong fibres and dye and for firewood while the bark is used to make rope.

I returned to the Avenue of Baobabs several times to watch the sunset. Though a lot of baobab trees can be found in Morondava, only on the Avenue of Baobabs do they grow in rows, creating its beautiful scenery. The Avenue of Baobabs is a hidden gem which is arousing the interest of travellers and becoming a “new destination of the year” and attracting more travel enthusiasts and those who have a passion for exploring extraordinary destinations. Witnessing the sunrise and sunset on the Avenue of Baobabs has been the most stunning experience in my long voyage to 60 countries. And how about you, are you willing to make the long journey to admire this generous gift from nature?

W.TIPS

TOURIST VISA

Madagascar issues visas on arrival for Vietnamese passport holders. The tourist visa fee for a 30-day stay is about USD37 (~VND860,000).

TRANSPORTATION

There are many ways to travel from Vietnam to Madagascar, but I chose to fly from Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) to Nairobi (Kenya), then take a flight to Antananarivo (Madagascar).

From Antananarivo to Morondava where the Avenue of Baobabs is located, you can take a one-hour domestic flight or travel by car for two days and one night. The road is not too bad, but it is quite zigzagging and undulating through the hills and there is no electric street lighting along the road. Travelling the 660 kilometres from Antananarivo to Morondava in the above conditions can be quite challenging and hence why it is a two-day and one-night journey. The most common itinerary is Antananarivo – Antsirabe (170 kilometres) on the first day and Antsirabe – Morondava (490 kilometres) on the second day. Madagascar’s towns are relatively rudimentary and far from each other, and the roads do not allow for cars to travel at high speeds, so it is reasonable to divide the trip and take a break in Antsirabe. I wanted to admire the nature and the daily life of the people in Madagascar, so I decided to hire a car, a driver and travel on the road.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Madagascar has a subtropical climate and every season bears its own beauty. However, it is recommended to visit during the winter time which is also the dry season when the weather will be more predictable and there are fewer storms.

Winter is from May to October, at this time the road is dry and the sky is clear, meaning we can watch the beautiful sunset and sunrise. This is also the time when the baobab tree is bare of leaves and may have fruit. The Avenue of Baobabs is a dirt road and during this season there is no rain so it is only dusty and not muddy. The lake by the Avenue of Baobabs is dry during winter, so you can walk out onto it and in September the view of the sunrise is very beautiful when watching from the lake. However, in September, looking from the lake across the highway, the sun goes down to the left side of the Avenue (behind the roofs of a few houses and groves) and does not fall behind the baobab trees.

Summer lasts from November to April. At this time, the road at the Avenue of Baobabs may be muddy on rainy days. The Baobab trees are green in this season and the nearby lake is full of water, so visitors can capture impressive images of the reflections off it. In particular, this is the most beautiful time to witness sunset as the sun sets directly behind the baobab trees.

CHOOSING SUITABLE CLOTHING

It is recommended to wear bright-coloured clothing with large colour patterns. You can wear accessories such as hats made of environmentally friendly materials, especially the typical Madagascar raffia hats that you can buy in shops along the road.

If you want to look like a true local, you can buy the baskets which people here often carry on their heads. In addition to the baskets, the stores also sell lengths of cloth shaped into a ring or ball which is needed to carry loads using the baskets. With all the necessary tools, you can act like a local, carrying a basket on your head.

TIPS TO CAPTURE THE AVENUE OF BAOBABS IN THE DRY SEASON

To capture the moment of sunrise, you should arrive from 5am. At this time it is still foggy and the avenue is almost deserted. At about 6.15am, the sun starts to rise up over the lake, the early morning light splashed over the baobab trees. At this moment, you should be standing at the lake to capture the rows of baobab trees and avoid a silhouette. Around 7.30am, the sun is high and though the view from the beginning to the end of the avenue appears ethereal, it is opposite the sun. Therefore, the best time to take photos is from 5.15am to 7.15am, after that time, a lot of tourists and locals will arrive making it hard to take beautiful pictures.

To capture the sunset, you should go to the Avenue of Baobabs from 6pm. However, at this time, the avenue is often quite crowded with tourists and local people, so it is relatively difficult to have photos taken between the two rows of beautiful baobab trees.

CUISINE

Try the fruit of the baobab trees but don’t eat too much because the high vitamin content of this fruit can upset your stomach. The fruit is brown and as big as a large melon with a hard smooth outer shell. Malagasy people use a piece of hardwood or a wooden statue of the baobab tree (the souvenir) to break open the fruit. Inside the hard shell, there is the white part but only the flesh surrounding the seeds is edible or can be used to make soft drinks. One fruit has many seeds which are a little tangy with an almost citrusy kind of flavour. The Malagasy people in the Morondava region love the baobab fruit and they buy and sell a lot of baobab fruit in the market.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS

There are many other interesting attractions near the Avenue of the Baobabs such as the Baobab Lovers – two enormous Adansonia za baobabs which have grown to become entwined together.

On the way from Antananarivo to Morondava, you can visit Lake Tritriva – a lake at the mouth of an extinct volcano near the city of Antsirabe.

Watching Lemurs is also very interesting. This is a typical animal native to Madagascar found in national parks and private reserves.

Duong Thanh Tu | Wanderlust Tips

Share the love: Couples and honeymoon

With the theme of “Destinations for couples” in the July issue, Wanderlust Tips will introduce impressive destinations on the exhilarating journey of four couples with readers. This is a truly meaning trip because they overcame up and down moments and gained memorable lessons helping them become maturer and then love their partners more than ever.

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YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE

NGUYỄN NGỌC DŨNG – IRENE HOÀNG HẢI YẾN, JUST GOT MARRIED

We met each other when working together on a project, since then we have admired each other’s views on life and achievements. We fell in love and decided to get married and held the wedding in June.

During our time together, my wife and I travelled to the United States, Spain, Malaysia, and Thailand. The most impressive cities to us are probably Los Angeles and Las Vegas in the United States, where we registered our marriage and took wedding photos. The way people take wedding photos in the US is very different from that in Vietnam. They do not want us to pose in order to look beautiful, they do not edit photos, either. They just want us to talk and play with each other naturally. Then they capture our sweet moments that feature our true feelings.

I am pretty happy now because I have achieved about 80% of the goals I set for myself 3 years ago. I dared to come out and live with my true feelings, got married to my lover, and could travel with her anywhere. Those are all of my great dreams of life and we will continue to pursue them. I only want to tell everyone that “You only live once”, so be strong, dare to dream, and dare to act to get what you want because we only live once.

AFTER MANY TRIPS, WE ARE EVEN MORE IN – LOVE WITH EACH OTHER

DONG THI HUYEN THU – LE CONG THANH, BEEN MARRIED FOR 4 YEARS

Over eight years together, we have travelled to all parts of Vietnam, China, Malaysia, Philippines, Japan, and Turkey, and the trip to Tibet (China) was the most emotional. Tibetan scenery is so beautiful that no words could ever describe or no camera could ever capture. Conquering Everest Base Camp and facing altitude sickness left us many unforgettable memories.

On those trips, we had many happy times together, and we quarreled a lot as well; we argued several times on almost every trip. However, both of us always tried to forget the words we told each other when we were angry. When we calmed down, whoever found themselves at fault will apologize. When travelling together, it is easier to forgive because we both appreciate the moments we spend together and do not want to waste time by focusing on the sad feelings, and we always try to make the most of the trip.

After many trips, we are even more in love with each other than before getting married, because we have more opportunities to be together and care for each other. Also, the trips have brought us a lot of beautiful memories and pictures. Every time we fight or get angry at each other, looking at the pictures and remembering the beautiful moments will help us make up easier.

HOLDING HANDS, WE UNDERGO BOTH JOYFUL AND SORROWFUL MOMENTS

NGUYEN NGOC DUNG – NGUYEN TRONG NGHIA – BEEN IN LOVE FOR SIX YEARS

Since the time we fell in love, my sweetheart and I have travelled to a lot of places together. In Vietnam, we went to Ninh Binh, Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang, Buon Me Thuot, Sa Pa, Ho Chi Minh City, and Vung Tau. We have also travelled abroad to Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and Taiwan.

Our most memorable trip was the time to Thailand in 2016. At that time, my lover forgot to write the hotel address as well as buy 4G sim at the airport, so finally, we got off at the wrong station. It was raining heavily, I could not find my way back to the hotel. Getting scared and anxious, I scolded and blamed my lover while he was looking very guilty and just kept listening.

Whenever thinking about such moments, I feel so sorry for him. Fortunately, we got some help to get to the hotel. After many trips and handling such situations, we got to know each other more, we learned to to live together and keep calm to solve problems.

My boyfriend and I intend to get married at the end of this year 2018. And we have decided to choose Korea for our honeymoon. The reason is that my lover used to study abroad in Korea; at that time, he wished to take his lover to Korea to visit his school. For me, I am a fan of Korean cosmetics and food. There are so many reasons for us to wait for this fun and memorable trip to Korea.

AT THE AGE OF RETIREMENT, WE FIND IT AN IDEAL TIME TO TRAVEL AND EXPLORE UNKNOWN PLACES TOGETHER

NGUYEN TRONG HAI – VU DIEU HUYEN, BEEN MARRIED FOR 38 YEARS

My husband and I love to travel, this passion comes from the desire to experience and explore the world, admire natural scenery, wonders, and historical relics around the world. We also want to check our knowledge and broaden our horizon as the world with many civilizations and cultures is changing every day. Up to now, we have visited 45 out of 64 provinces in Vietnam, 31 countries in the world, and have been abroad nearly 50 times. And we are planning to travel to South Africa and Egypt in the near future.

Each trip leaves us different impressions. This may be the mysterious beauty of nature, modern civilization, or the oldest culture in the world. Such different and exotic things have brought us so many indescribable emotions. Maybe not just us, most people love to travel and explore the world. However, to fulfill this passion, we also need to have time and money. That’s why at the age of retirement, we find it an ideal time to travel and explore unknown places together.

Wanderlust Tips

Share the love: Hello 2019!

2019 has just begun and many travellers will begin their journeys to find happiness and meaning in life. At this time, famous personalities share with us their passion for travel and plans for the new year.

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QUANG DAI TRAN – MODEL, TRAVEL BLOGGER – TRAVELING CHANGES YOU AND HELPS YOU GROW

TRAVEL INSPIRATION

I’ve had a passion for travel for such a long time. Since I was a child, I had a hobby of watching foreign films and cherished the dream of visiting the places in the movies. Places like Juliet’s Wall in Italy, the crowded streets and bustling boulevards where people start their dreams in New York, the gleaming lights of the highways in Wong Karwai’s movies which were an integral part of my childhood, or the scenery of a forest covered in white snow in the Norwegian Forest film directed by Anh Hung Tran evoking in us a sense of loneliness and sadness that I believe many young people experience.

When we get older and have chances to travel to where we want, from the provinces of Vietnam to countries in Asia and Europe, we experience more emotions and feel life more fully than we have ever felt it before. It is not just about the beautiful scenes, but also the life, people and cultures of different countries. I realize my childhood dream of travelling is always there, and it grows even stronger through journeys and gained experiences.

TRAVELLING TO MANY REGIONS OF VIETNAM AND MORE THAN 25 COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD

I feel like when every day passes, every country that I have travelled to has helped me grow up in very different ways. You can find out how many fine wines there are in France on Google, or how majestic Myanmar temples are through photo pages, but when you really arrive in these places, you realize the grandeur and romance of a country that never can be fully expressed in a few simple words. I still remember the hustle and bustle of the trendy stores on the boulevards of New York, the peaceful tranquility in Bhutan, or a moment of absolute silence while watching the stream of people crossing the U Bein wooden bridge in an afternoon in Myanmar, where I sat on a small boat and felt like I was melting into the peaceful and gentle atmosphere of Taungthaman lake and my Traveling changes you and helps you grow heart was released of burden in the red sunset. Every place has left me with so many emotions from different beautiful and authentic experiences, so choosing the place I like most is so difficult.

However, perhaps after all, Saigon is always the place I choose to return to. Although I was not born and raised in the city, like many other people who have the opportunity to visit and grow up there, Saigon to me is always the closest and the most familiar of cities. It is where I feel: “Finally, I’m home” after every long journey when I see the sparkling lights of Saigon from the window of the aeroplane.

EXPECTATIONS IN 2019

Currently, I am nurturing many new projects which will be soon released. In 2019, I hope to visit more places and discover more interesting things which make life more worthwhile and complete. Thanks to everyone who always supports my new products as well as my trips and I hope I will have the opportunity to tell you many more interesting stories!

VY HUYNH – MISS TOURISM QUEEN WORLDWIDE 2018 – EVERY DAY I ALWAYS MAKE MY BEST EFFORT AS MISS TOURISM QUEEN WORLDWIDE

TRAVELLING MAKES LIFE FLOURISH

Like many other people, travelling around the world is my dream. When visiting different destinations, not only can we admire the fantastic landscape, learn about their unique cultures, but also enjoy many attractive local specialties, which make our lives flourish.

When I had just left Dong Thap to seek a career in Sai Gon, I was still young and didn’t have much money. However, I always took time to travel and explore the many regions of Vietnam. With a limited budget, I often travelled by myself and tried to manage to have economical yet enjoyable trips. Then when life got better and due to nature of my work, I had more opportunities to visit more places, not just in Vietnam, but many other countries around the world.

Up until now, I’ve visited more than 50 provinces in Vietnam, as well as some countries in Asia and Europe. Every place has left a different impression on me, however, the Philippines brought me the most cherished and beautiful memories. The Philippines is where I took part in Miss Tourism Queen Worldwide and stayed the longest in a foreign country. At first, everything was really new to me, but I realized the Filipinos were very kind and friendly. And of course, the Philippines was the place where I achieved my dream, where I had a chance to express myself and all my efforts were rewarded by the title of Miss Tourism Queen Worldwide 2018.

THE ROLE OF A NEW QUEEN

As I’ve only held the role of Miss Tourism Queen Worldwide 2018 for little more than 1 month, I’ve only just begun to make a contribution to the tourism industry of Vietnam and the world. However, before participating in the contest, I always took advantage of every opportunity possible to introduce Vietnam to international friends and learned about the culture of other countries to share with Vietnamese people. I think these were just small and simple acts yet they carried great meaning behind them, and though we won’t see the effects of these actions immediately, I believe when I stay patient and persevere in my role as an ambassador of Miss Tourism Queen Worldwide, these will bear fruit in the near future.

BEAUTY TIPS AND SECRETS

I don’t have many secrets (said with a smile). I’m quite busy and travel frequently, but I still spend 1-2 hours every day doing Yoga or going to the gym. I also choose a high-protein diet including chicken, beef, salmon and vegetables, limit my intake of sugary and starchy foods, and drink 2 litres of water per day. And you should make sure you get enough sleep instead of staying up late to keep your skin young and healthy.

PLANS FOR 2019

I always work with detailed plans, therefore, I have quite a lot in store for 2019. First of all, in my role as Miss Tourism Queen Worldwide 2018, I will continue to undertake work relating to tourism promotion as well as sustainable tourism development, and promoting Vietnam Tourism to the world is definitely one of those activities. Along with this, I want to develop myself and try to become an MC, it is really new and appealing to me. I also want to say thanks to everyone I get support from when I undertake any endeavor and I will always try my best to accomplish my mission and complete my responsibilities.

KHAC TIEP VU – BUSINESSMAN – I WILL TRAVEL TO MANY BREATHTAKING AND LUXURIOUS SIGHTS IN THE WORLD

A PASSION FOR LUXURY TRAVEL

At present, luxury travel is one of my priorities in life. I dearly love this travel trend and I even have a plan to pursue this passion. I often don’t choose easily accessible and popular destinations, and instead I love to conquer challenging ones, and of course, luxury is a must and fashion is also a priority.

PLACES I ALWAYS WANT TO COME BACK TO

I’ve visited and explored all the famous and beautiful sights of Vietnam. I have also travelled to about 50 countries including many famous tourist attractions in Europe.

Every city has its own unique beauty, but the land that left the deepest impression on me was Cappadocia in Turkey. The weather, the nature, and the local people here were so beautiful and harmonious, which touched my heart so deeply. In particular, the picturesque scene of hot air balloons floating up into in the sky at sunrise made a lasting and unforgettable impression in my mind. I hope to come back to Cappadocia once again and admire its scenery when it is covered in white snow. Besides Cappadocia, the beautiful island of Bali in Indonesia and the tranquil country of Switzerland are where I would love to revisit in the not so distant future.

PLANNING FOR JOURNEYS

Fortunately, I can run my business from a distance, so I have much more time and opportunities to carry out my travel plans. I always do careful research about the best time to visit, the location, and the most beautiful moments of the day in a different destination to make detailed plans for every trip. All of this I do to achieve my goals to enjoy, relax, and capture the rare and beautiful moments of where I visit. I love to keep these images as beautiful memories of my youth that I will be able to look back on.

PLANS FOR 2019

On 9th March 2019, I will hold the 12th Viet’s beauty on Sentosa island, Singapore. This is also the last show marking the ending of my evergreen youth, and that is why I’m pouring all my heart and soul into it. Everything promises to be truly spectacular and worth the wait as it has received the largest ever investment in comparison with previous shows. Then in May, I will organize the second Vietnam Night at the Cannes Film Festival. This is one of the major events I’m devoting my time to develop, with the expectation of building a new image for the Khac Tiep Vu brand.

Besides my work, I’ll spend time on my passion for travelling to explore the world. Every day, I search for special tourist attractions on Instagram and update my list of upcoming destinations. Every month, I plan to visit two places, one in Europe and one unique remote location. I hope to be a Vietnamese person who makes a lasting positive impression when travelling to beautiful and luxurious sights across the globe.

HA TRUC LE – MODEL, TRAVEL BLOGGER – LOVE OF BEAUTY AND PERFECTION

I HAVE A STRONG DESIRE TO BEAUTIFY MY SURROUNDINGS

There are 3 reasons which drive me to do a fashion photo shoot. First of all, I have admired some international travel bloggers for years, especially the way they adjust a picture’s colour and tone to make it more beautiful. They have both good taste and greatly invest their time and energy. Secondly, I pursued a major in art at university as I have a strong passion for colour and composition, and I wanted to indulge in the creation of art. And finally, I have a passion for making my surroundings more beautiful through every frame.

The first motivation which drives me to do fashion photo shoots is to satisfy my passion for beauty. Every single place I visit, the clothes that I choose or items I use, are all important elements in creating the most perfect pictures. I believe in order to satisfy others, we must try our best.

FAVOURITE FASHION STYLE FOR TRAVEL

Maxi dresses are always my first choice as they are made of thin and light weight material which will lend you a beautiful and gentle look to have the best photos in any location. Also, I often mix bright-coloured clothes with accessories. Before travelling to any destination, you should do your research carefully, especially about the main colour of the background so you can choose the most suitable outfits with more outstanding colours. For example, in a location where there are many green trees, you should choose yellow and red clothes. And don’t forget to choose suitable accessories, as for me, the beauty of an outfit depends 70% on the accessories. If you don’t want to bring too many accessories, you can simply take wide-brimmed hats and a variety of bracelets, with these two accessories you will always look outstanding whether in a close-up or wide angle shot.

MOST IMPRESSIVE DESTINATION

When anyone asks me about this, my answer is always Japan. I really admire the culture, people, art and cuisine of this country. In the past, when I got to know about Japan through newspapers, books and films, I fell in love with the country and its people. And when I actually got the chance to come to the land of the rising sun, I was even more surprised and fell deeper in love. Japanese people are really hard-working, patient, and have good taste in fashion.

In Vietnam, Ninh Binh is where I want to come back to the most. Even now, when closing my eyes, I still remember the sense of happiness when exploring Trang An by boat and admiring the majesty of the breathtaking Bai Dinh pagoda.

NEW DESTINATIONS IN 2019

I’ve always wanted to discover many other cultures. And in 2019, I will try to travel to more places to capture their beauty in pictures. One of the destinations I’m hoping to visit in 2019 is Mongolia, home of yurt and vast green plains.

Wanderlust Tips

Colmar on the Alsace wine route

When referring to romantic cities and villages in Europe, especially in France, Colmar takes the cake. Colmar, the capital of haut Rhin department, and Strasbourg in Bas-rhin department are the two most beautiful cities of Alsace region in the northeast of France. Colmar features vineyards grown for winemaking and fairytale villages. The picturesque and peaceful green scenery of the village will bring a deep sense of peace to your soul.

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Alsace wine route is 170 kilometres long, stretching from north to south, running through rolling hills covered in green grape leaves and 70 prosperous craft villages. Alsace is home to a wide range of wines, of which the most famous are Muscat, Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Gewurztraminer. The wines have delicate aromas, with lots of juicy fruit flavours. While Muscat wine is often served with Asian spicy foods, Riesling and Pinot Gris are a great match when paired with fish, seafood, and white meat. Gewurztraminer- sweeter and more aromatic – pairs well with appetizers and desserts.

If you like wine with a sweeter flavour than the 4 mentioned above, Vendange Tardive (which translates to “late harvest”), made from overripe grapes which fully absorb the warm sunshine and moderate wind, has a sweeter and stronger taste. Personally, I am a fan of Pinot Gris vendange tardive which has a delicate fruit flavor that helps it maintain a fresh and natural acidity.

On the Alsace wine route to Colmar, make sure not to miss Petite Venise, the “Little Venice” of France. As the name implies, Petite Venise is a little old town located in the city centre, from Marché couvert, stretching through Quai de la Poisonnerie to Saint-Pierre street. In this town, there are small canals and pretty modest houses. These small houses and canals are what make visitors, including me, fall in love.

Though I used to find it amusing whenever I read articles with titles such as “If you haven’t been to Colmar, you haven’t been to France”, I had to admit that Petite Venise looks really beautiful in pictures. Small, traditional, and colourful wooden houses reflect off water from the gentle canal. They are decorated with red geranium flower trusses in the summer and covered in white snow and early morning mist in the winter. Petite Venise’s scenery is picturesque. Perhaps that is why Colmar is home to many poets and painters; the most famous ones are Auguste Bartholdi, a French sculptor who is best known for designing the Statue of Liberty, and painter Jacques Walz, also known as “Hansi”, who often paints the scenes of village life and family life in Alsace.

The early train at 8am took me from Strasbourg to Colmar as the dawn was gradually breaking. After arriving at the train station in Colmar, it took me fifteen minutes to walk to Petite Venise. The early morning was my favourite time of a day because the whole city was still asleep and Colmar appeared so peaceful and quiet. The small roads were getting more crowded as locals were slowly emerging from their homes to go to work. Some owners were opening their stores, and several elders were taking out their bicycles to bike to the local market. A pristine and authentic Colmar.

The Christmas market in Colmar opens from late November to the end of December. Here, visitors will find many little stalls on small paths at the city centre. In the cold air of the early winter, it is really interesting to breathe in the aroma of orange mixed with cinnamon from a mulled wine pot. Mulled wine is the most signature alcoholic beverage during the Christmas season in Europe. Alsace is famous for white wine, therefore beside hot red wine, it is also possible to find mulled white wine; it is really hard to find it anywhere else.

When the night falls, stalls selling candies, cakes, toys, and handmade ornaments light up brightly. The bright lights, vibrant music, and the crowds of people laughing happily warm up the atmosphere. In a mere instant, a few white first snowflakes fall down on the steps of the wooden houses. Winter, a season of love, is coming.

WTIPS

HOW TO GET TO COLMAR

Visitors can travel from Paris to Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace, in less than 3 hours by the most modern high-speed train in France.

Colmar is merely 64 kilometres away from the large city of Alsace. Every hour of everyday, there is a train that travels between the two cities. Travel time is about 30 to 40 minutes. Train ticket prices are around EUR9-EUR13 (VND238,000-VND345,000).

Tickets can be purchased on the website of SNCF or at vending machines at the railway station. You do not need to buy tickets in advance because there is not a big change in prices. In addition, in Alsace, you can buy Alsa+ tickets which allow unlimited access to a set of transportation services such as regional trains, buses, tramways, and cars for individuals or groups of 2 to 5 people. Thanks to the distribution of difference zones, you can determine the perimeter within which you wish to travel. Ticket prices range from EUR3.5 to EUR37.6 (VND90,000-VND1,000,000). This is very beneficial when travelling in groups or by trains which travel long distances, for example from Strasbourg to Colmar and vice versa.

CHRISTMAS IN COLMAR

Colmar Christmas market is open from 24th November to 30th December, from 10am to 7pm on Mondays to Thursdays, and from 10am to 8pm on Fridays to Sundays. On 24th December, it will open from 10am to 5pm, and on 25th December, it will open from 2pm to 7pm.

Markets in small villages near Colmar: During Christmas, you can visit any of the Noel markets which can be found in the small beautiful villages in surrounding neighbourhoods such as Kaysersberg, Éguisheim, Münster, Neuf-Brisach, Ribeauvillé, Riquewihr, Rouffach, and Turckheim. It is called “Pays des Etoiles de Noël” (the Land of Stars) by the people of Alsace. Each village’s Noel market has its own theme that bears traditional features, and the theme is changed every year.

ATTRACTIONS NEAR COLMAR

During the Christmas season, there are three bus routes added to the regular bus routes from Colmar, which also includes Sundays. Ticket prices range between EUR8 (VND208,000) per person per day for the weekends, and EUR5 (VND130,000) per person per day from Monday to Friday. Tickets are available for purchase on the bus or in the Eguisheim, Ribeauvillé, and Riquewihr tourist offices.

– Route 1: Colmar – Kaysersberg – Riquewihr – Ribeauvillé – Colmar.

– Route 2: Colmar – Ribeauvillé – Riquewihr – Kaysersberg – Colmar.

– Route 3: Colmar – Eguisheim – Colmar.

TAKE PHOTOS OF COLMAR DURING CHRISTMAS

The best time of the day to take photos of the streets covered in shimmering lights is during the blue hour, 1 hour before sunrise and 1 hour after sunset. In Alsace, in December, the blue hour is from 6.30am to 7.30am and from 5.30pm to 6.30pm. However, before Christmas, many tourists flock to Alsace, so it is really difficult to capture the broad view of the beautiful empty streets in the evening. So, it is recommended to take photos in the morning. At this time, decoration lights are still on, so you can take the most romantic and magical photographs.

Some beautiful sites in Colmar: Rue des Marchands, the small bridge on Turenne street, Quai de la Poissonnerie, to name a few.

Bui Huyen Chi | Wanderlust Tips

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Zanzibar: The jewel island amidst Africa

Featuring unspoilt wilderness, tranquil and gentle beauty, Zanzibar is a precious jewel close to the graceful continent of Africa.

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Located in Tanzania by the Indian Ocean, Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous region with an area of 2,650 square kilometres. It consists of two major islands, which are Unguja and Pemba. The word “Zanzibar” comes from the Persian language, ultimately meaning “land of the Blacks”. However, another theory showed that it may be Arabic meaning “a beautiful country”.

IMMERSED IN A SEA OF TURQUOISE WATER

Zanzibar is famous for its colourful coral reefs, marine biodiversity, long smooth sandy beaches, and appealing turquoise sea water. In Zanzibar, the most well-known beautiful beaches are Nungwi and Kendwa beaches in the North, Pingwe and Paje beaches in the South East.

Each beach has its own characteristics and beauty. If you arrive and leave on the same day, you should visit Nungwi first. In Nungwi, the tide is not too high, so there is a lot of space on the beach for you to enjoy sunbathing, relaxing, and taking part in sports activities. You can hire a small boat for 2-4 people, and the fisherman will take you about 5 nautical miles offshore. The boat anchors at a rock cluster, where you can spend time swimming and admiring colourful coral reefs spread throughout the area. Under the crystal water, some colourful schools of fish swim happily, contributing to the vibrant sparkling beauty of the underwater world.

Paje in the Southeast is a little different from Nungwi; this beach has many coral reefs and a higher tide. During a visit to Paje, all your fatigue and troubles from daily life will disappear. Time seems to unfold simply yet extremely significantly.

Under a night sky in the desert

[Wanderlust Tips December 2019] There was not a moment of hesitation when I said yes to Adrian’s call, “Hey, do you want to go on a road trip?”. Soon enough, four of us got on the road. With Adrian as the main driver, the trip started from Southern Cross station in Melbourne, passed through the Great Ocean Road at Adelaide, then followed the Stuart highway to Alice Spring in the Northern Territory and came back. Apart from the route decided beforehand, we didn’t have any plan to stop for any specific tourist spot. The trip was a crazy moment of our youth – full of energy, enthusiasm, and even madness which led us to almost end up in the middle of the desert with a nearly-empty-fuel-tank car and a steaming hot pot on a cold early winter night.

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TRAVELLING FAR

It was past midday on the second day of our trip and our white car was nearly out of fuel. Adrian hid his worried face behind his cool black sunglasses. Saying a swear-word, he regretted not filling the tank when we stopped at a McDonald’s toilet to clean ourselves this morning. Last night, with sleeping bags, we slept in our car and felt the harsh Australian winter with every breath we took. This morning, taking Augusta highway, we entered the great desert of South Australia.

Entering the desert, everything outside of the windows quickly became strange. All those green and tall trees disappeared; instead, there were red and yellow dirt hills which ran far to the horizon. Even bushes became rare. Like other plants growing in the desert, those bushes were low, with spiky leaves covered in dirt and dust.

We drove over a bridge, under which was a dried-up river, and far away there was a puddle. Even in the rainy season, this desert is an arid zone.

The highway became less crowded with vehicles. There were times we did not see any cars for 45 minutes. However, if you looked close enough, there were some resting spots where caravans were parked. Some people only stopped for short breaks, some would stay there for weeks.

Suddenly, the trip became silent. Outside the windows, there was only red dirt, yellow sand, and a clear burning sky. Except for Adrian, we gradually fell asleep. When I woke up, the fuel indicator had already hit the Empty gauge. We were in the middle of nowhere, meaning no petrol stop. We knew that there would be a small town of opal miners along the highway, but were afraid of not getting there in time. I turned on the GPS map and found out that we needed to drive 80 kilometres further before we would reach the town. Everyone was worried that our car wouldn’t get that far.

The red dot on the GPS map moved slowly. There was nothing new about the scene around us besides bushes and red dirt. There was no one around. The winter’s sun was shining harshly upon us; though unlike the flaming inferno summer, it was still too unpleasant to bear. We moved steadily on the deserted highway, hoping for a miracle.

Luckily, we arrived in Coober Pedy, the opal mining town, just in time. The fuel indicator had flashed red some time ago. We stopped at the biggest petrol station, filled the car’s tank, and went to the rest room. It had already been late afternoon, and the sun was setting down in the west while the cold desert winter’s wind started blowing. The town fell into its own silence despite its name “the opal mine of the world” – a used-to-be crowded touristic spot in the 80s when Stuart highway had just been completed.

We kept moving north for a little while, the sunset turned the horizon into a dramatically beautiful zone of red and purple colours. This reminded me of my favourite comic character: Lucky Luke, the lonesome cowboy. At the end of all episodes, he rode his white horse into the dramatic sunset of the west and sang his song:

I’m a poor lonesome cowboy. I am a long long way from home…

THE WARMTH ON A COLD DESERT NIGHT

We stopped at a resting spot to get rest and dinner. It was an area where caravans and small trucks came to rest. Scattered around were wooden tables under a roof for people like us to sit. Our white Toyota, covered in desert’s dust, looked so small when parked next to RVs and SUVs. Adrian had a quick nap inside the car as we needed him to stay awake that night to drive us all the way to Alice Spring after dinner. We planned to arrive there at midnight.

The sky turned into a dark purple colour with a hint of red. The clouds floating by the splendid sunset seemed to carry a loneliness along with it into the silent night of the desert. The great desert’s sun, which was nearly set with last rays turning weak, looked as beautiful as ever. Cold winter’s wind started to take over this land. For those who had never been to a desert before, it would be difficult to imagine the harshness of the weather here. Though the sun might shine brightly and warm all day, you could still catch a cold at night. The desert night was a different territory of cold wind and darkness, which slowly claimed all to its merciful void.

We turned on our torches. The white little light was not strong enough to fight the darkness of the land during a night like this. We did not have much time to complete this trip, so an ideal perfect camping trip with campfire and tents shown on TV or Instagram was not possible.

While Adrian was taking his nap inside the car, we started making dinner by turning on our mini gas cooker to boil some water. I brought some carrots and cabbage which I chopped into small pieces on a small chopping board. Kaz started cutting the Spam (canned cooked meat) into cubes and dropped them into the pot. Chilli powder was added too. The hot pot was ready. We put instant noodles in the bubbling and steaming pot. It was an interestingly delicious combination between the sweetness of carrot and cabbage with the saltiness of Spam and the spiciness of chilli powder.

The night got colder and colder every minute. The temperature dropped to below 10 degrees Celsius and would go even lower later. The white steam rising from our hot pot was dancing in front of our torches’ light. We sat close together, fought for each strand of noodles and hot pot broth, and of course, any bit of warmth from the flame and the boiling pot. The howling wind tried to sneak through us, causing our blue flame to begin to recede at the moment of dark and light.

No matter if it was in our kitchen in the city or in the middle of this dark and fearful desert, the warmth of the stove was a miracle of life. It reminded me of some cold winter mornings when the stove’s flame was heating

a coffee pot in the kitchen. The steam escaped the boiling pot, making a pitching sound which broke the winter’s silence. And now, at that every moment in the desert’s night, the flame, again, danced a marvellous dance through the darkness and cold to boil our hot pot of simple yet such delicious ingredients. Perhaps, there wouldn’t be any better restaurant in this world that could provide us with these feelings while dining: the excitement of an unknown adventure, the fear of a night in the wilderness, and the desert’s cold loneliness. All these feelings combined and created some of the most unforgettable experiences in life.

AFTER ALL, WHAT REMAINED AFTER OUR TRIP?

We resumed our journey after cleaning up. The white car looked like a bright strange spot crossing the desert’s night. Sometimes, there were some kangaroos jumping out of nowhere, crossing the highway, scaring us to death. Resting my head on the passenger window, I looked up and started watching all those shiny stars in the sky. When we lived in the city, it was difficult, even impossible to see those little twinkle stars sparking up there. Many stars from afar, millions of lightyears, may have disappeared. What we were seeing were only their lights that had been travelling alone for all eternity to reach our eyes at that very moment in history. I suddenly had a cold feeling running down my back. Was it the amazement? Or was it the fear of the wild beauty of this land? Or was it just the cold of this night? I wasn’t sure. I wondered if there were some eyes watching us among those twinkle stars up there.

The journey continued, over 5,200 kilometres in 4 days and 3 nights sleeping in our car, fighting the cold winter of Australia. From Melbourne, we drove along the Great Ocean Road, watched all those giant rock formations out in the blue ocean, walked down Adelaide’s CBD at midnight, slept on the car next to the road, crossed the great desert of South Australia, slept in the car again, visited the legendary red rock Uluru, stayed awake all night to cross the desert back to Adelaide, took a nap in a motel, then finally got back to Melbourne when the sun started coming up on the fourth day.

After all, what I had left from this trip wasn’t any pictures but simple memories of a mad youthful time of my life, with an unexpected trip crossing the great desert without proper rest, which seemed too good to be turned down. And among all those memories of standing on the cliff looking towards the great ocean, standing at Uluru’s feet looking up the history it beared, or the loneliness of the cold desert’s night, there was the image of young kids gathered around a steaming hot pot with cheap ingredients to enjoy its deliciousness under the starry night.

The Mexicans have a strong belief that true death only comes when all memories are lost.

What remains after our long journeys, some of which are as long as our life itself? Nothing but memories. We should keep those smiley faces and the warm memories of those times in our heart, because whenever we travel to an unfamiliar place, we will not ever get lost if we have those in our hearts.

W.TIPS

LANGUAGES

Australia uses English as the main language.

GEOGRAPHY

Australia claims the whole mainland of Oceania (other countries are islands). The centre of it is the vast desert. Most of Australia’s population live in coastal areas where many rivers from Northern tropical jungles meet the sea. On the other hand, the Southern area is more of the temperate zone with forests and snowy mountains. The capital of Australia is Canberra in the East coast, South of Sydney and North of Melbourne.

CLIMATE

Because of its broadness, Australia’s climate is diverse, varying from one region to another. While the North is of the tropical climate, the South is of the temperate zone. Snow is rarely seen in the urban areas in winter. However, many Southern snow mountains are famous tourist destinations, as the ski season starts from June every year. Located in the Southern Hemisphere, seasons in Australia are in reverse of what’s in the Northern one. The best time to visit the country is in spring (from September to November) and autumn (from March to May).

CURRENCY

Australian dollar. Other popular currencies can be exchanged easily at many exchange counters in the airports or in any city.

TRANSPORT

Australia has a fairly developed public transportation system, especially in big cities. Each city and state has their own system. Australians drive on the left side of the road.

NOTE WHEN CLEARING BORDER

Australian border force is very strict in all manners of speaking, especially when it comes to bringing food into the country. No fresh food is allowed. Forbidden, except for some dried seafood, fruits and products from land animals’ meat are strictly forbidden. You should discard any food left in your cabin luggage when arriving at international airports in Australia to avoid getting into trouble when entering the country.

Alex Tran | Wanderlust Tips

The unique yurt tent of the Mongols

For thousands years, yurt – a portable, round tent covered with skins or felt – has been used as the traditional dwelling of nomadic families in Mongolia. It has travelled with them through their history through war as well as peaceful times.

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HISTORY

Yurt (called Ger by the Mongols) is the traditional dwelling of nomadic families in Mongolia. It is considered a basic element in the development of the traditional Mongolian architecture. According to archaeological research, the Yurt originated in Turkey and then was adapted throughout Central Asia. The development of different forms of Yurt represents the ways of life of different nations and races.

However, the Yurt tent was not the first form of the architecture of Mongolia in ancient times. A lot of archaeological evidence shows the existence of quadrilateral tombs dating back from the 4th-5th century across Central Mongolia has been found. Works built with structural bricks still exist in Mongolia, and are even developed to a certain level.

So what is the origin of the Mongolian Yurt?

During the Mongol Empire, Genghis Khan used his Yurt as the area of central command. On the move, it was mounted on a huge, wheeled cart hauled by oxen. When stationary, it was guarded by his soldiers and cavalry.

In addition, the Yurt was also used as the living place of the Mongolian nomads. In the 14th century, an Italian merchant, Marco Polo while staying in Mongolia said: “… they have circular houses made of wood and covered with felt, which they carry about with them on four-wheeled wagons wherever they go. For the framework of rods is so neatly and skillfully constructed that it is light to carry. And every time they unfold their house and set it up, the door is always facing south.”

THE UNIQUE STRUCTURE OF YURT

Many Mongolians live as nomads and raise cows in vast steppes. They move seasonally in search of good pasture and water sources for their herds. Therefore, they need a sturdy yet lightweight and movable living structure which is also large enough for many people to live together.

As a result, the Yurt has a simple and compact structure engineered to collapse, pack, and assemble quickly for easy transport by camels or horses. It consists of wooden unfolding wall-sections that are covered with felt and topped with a roof. The lattice of a traditional yurt is divided into sections, called khana. The crown is a ring to which roof poles, called uni, are attached. The circular ceiling window formed by the crown is called the toono, and there are columns to support the heavy crown. Most yurts have three layers. The first layer is a decorative white cotton cover that is fitted to the outside of the roof and walls. The second layer is often made of thick cloth from goatskin or sheepskin, its thickness depends on the weather of each season. The third layer is the waterproof layer made of white thick canvas, covering the roof and the walls.

Contrary to the simple exterior, the inside of the yurt is beautifully decorated. Men are assigned to set up the tent, while women are responsible for decorations. Depending on the financial conditions and preference of each family, the interior decorations will be different. However, most of the objects are derived from sacred symbols in Mongolia. The most common ones are symbols that represent the power of Four Holy Beasts of the Mongolians (Lion, tiger, graduga Bird Gods, and dragon). In addition, the decoration style is inspired by the Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water). The local people here believe that these are the five basic elements of the universe which grant them the power to protect their family.

Apart from symbols associated with nature, religious decorations are also very popular in Yurt decor. Since the 16th and 17th century, Buddhism has become one of the major religions in Mongolia. Toono is said to have the shape of the Wheel of Reincarnation, as it has 2 concentric circles and eight axes in the middle.

Regarding the colours of the interior, furniture is decorated with eye-catching colours such as red, orange, blue, and green; the most common being red. Red symbolizes great power; it is the sun that represents the bright red colour. Yellow symbolizes light, blue is the colour of a large river, and green is for vast grasslands.

The Yurt has a variety of forms, it can be in the shape of a cylinder or cube. However, today, Yurt is mainly made in the shape of a cylinder. Each Yurt usually has a diameter of 5-6 metres, some may reach up to 8-9 metres. Depending on the size, the number of toono and uni will change.

In Mongolia, depending on the season, people may not use wooden panels to make the floor but directly set up Yurt on the ground or grass platform, then use large leather panels to cover the platform. The Mongolians believe that directing South brings good fortune, so the doors of their houses often face South.

FLEXIBLE AIR-CONDITIONING AND LIGHT SYSTEM

Although the frame and cover is not as sturdy as in a brick house, Yurt is still resilient enough for people to stay in. Thanks to the design which skillfully distributes weight evenly around the structure, it can naturally disperse any stress received down to the ground. The ends of khana are attached to the door, creating a circle to distribute the weight. The outer canvas is also tightened to the frame so that the wind cannot enter the tent. In addition, the round shape of the yurt makes the wind go around and above, while the air hole on the roof and low shape help the Yurt stay grounded. All of these features help the Yurt stand firmly amidst the vast grassland despite strong winds.

The temperatures in Mongolia are very harsh, especially in the winter. Therefore, keeping warm is extremely important. However, it is not easy to keep the yurt warm yet not stuffy inside. Yurts have been optimized to comply to both these requirements. The outside air can enter the yurt through the door or small gaps at the foot of the yurt. Meanwhile, there is a fireplace inside to keep the air at the right temperature. When entering the yurt, the cold air outside meets the hot air from inside, then escapes through the toono, merge with the cold northern wind and blow to the south. This cycle is repeated, making the atmosphere inside the yurt warm and comfortable yet not stuffy.

Though the Yurt has only one door and one air hole, light is still sufficiently provided to meet living needs. When staying in the Yurt, people can still identify the time of the day thanks to the movement of light in the Yurt. For example, in the middle of the day, the light will fall on the alter which is placed to face north. At night, the light source is provided by the fireplace or the stove. Today, Mongolian people use solar cells which collect natural light, providing electricity to the family.

DAILY LIFE OF THE MONGOLIANS ASSOCIATED WITH THE YURT

For the Mongolians, the Yurt is not only a place to live but also a symbol for the close bond between Mongolian people and the harsh nature here, demonstrating their spiritual belief and awareness of the universe. The roof represents the sky with an open circular hole named “toon” at its centre which symbolizes the sun. The fireplace in the centre of the yurt represents five elements of the universe. Therefore, the Mongolians believe that the fire is their god. That is why they do not burn garbage on the fire, and strangers are not allowed to take fire directly from the fireplace.

Yurts are often divided into four different spaces, including the altar and 3 other areas for the men, women, and the “poor”. The altar always faces the door, also known as khoimer. This space is used not only to worship but also to keep items of religious value or pictures of relatives and friends. Honoured guests are invited to sit in the area of khoimer. When sleeping, every member of the family goes to the north chamber of the yurt to express their respect to the ancestors. The centre of the yurt is a fireplace, a stove, or a low table to welcome guests. The West space is for men, male travellers, and honoured guests. It is also the place where men keep their belongings such as saddles or hunting tools. Women and children use the space in the east. This is also a place to keep rugs, food, crockery, water, and other stuff. The space near the entrance is for civil servants, poor visitors, and sick or young animals.

Each Yurt can accommodate a three-generation family, symbolizing the sense of community and unity of the Mongolians. However, newlyweds will be given a private yurt by the bride’s parents; it is often located near the large Yurt of the family. When winter comes, blood-related families often gather and form a group of yurts linked together, with all doors facing south.

One downside of the Yurt is the limitation of personal space and daily needs, especially with regard to water. The water in the grassland is usually transported by horses or camels to stock in the Yurt. Therefore, using water effectively is an imperative requirement when living in a Yurt. The Mongolians rarely drink water; instead, they drink traditional goat’s milk and alcohol.

The Mongolians are very hospitable; they are willing to welcome any visitors. However, when entering Yurt, there are some rules that guests should adhere to and take note of before entering or visiting a yurt. All weapons must be left outside. People are not allowed to do any of these activities: step on the doorstep or cling to the string at the door, turn their feet to the fireplace, burn garbage on the fireplace, sit with their back to the altar, or point a knife at anyone. You cannot walk where elders are facing towards.

Mongolia is one of the few remaining nomadic nations in the world today. In the process of their history, the Mongolians have gradually improved the structure of their yurts to suit the harsh living conditions of the steppes. In particular,

the architecture of the Yurt is often used for Glamping, a combination of luxury and comfortable camping style with luxury facilities, which are popular to many visitors.

Lan Lan | Wanderlust Tips

Glamping amidst nature

Different from the traditional way of camping with simple tents, glamping grants us exotic experiences where we can enjoy beautiful nature in luxury tents full of modern facilities while immersing ourselves in the wilderness.

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SO, WHAT IS GLAMPING?

Glamping is a portmanteau of glamorous and camping, and describes a style of camping with amenities and, in some cases, resort-style services. Glamping has become particularly popular with 21st-century tourists seeking the luxuries of hotel accommodation alongside the escapism and adventure recreation of camping.

The word “Glamping” first appeared in the United Kingdom in 2005 and was added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2016. The word is new, but the concept that “Glamping” connotes, that of luxurious tent-living, has appeared for a long time.

In the 16th century, the Scottish Earl of Atholl prepared a lavish experience in the Highlands for the visiting King James V and his mother. Here, the Duke pitched lavish tents and filled them with all the provisions of his own home palace.

Probably the most extravagant example of palatial tent-living in history was the Field of the Cloth of Gold, a diplomatic summit in northern France in 1520 between Henry VIII of England and Francis I of France. Some 2,800 tents and marquees were erected, and fountains ran with red wine.

At around the same time, the Ottomans had ostentatious, palatial tents transported from one military mission to the next. In order to conquer new lands, the Ottoman army had to travel long distances, which required discipline and great organization. In this respect, the experience and traditions of ancient Turkish nomadic culture proved valuable. Therefore, the military encampment was extremely well-organised for maximum convenience, from the palace-like tent complex down to the tents of the lowest ranking soldiers.

Besides military purposes, tent culture was of crucial importance in the daily life of the Ottoman. The tents were richly decorated in ceremonies, celebrations, or long trips of the Sultan. Some 400 years later, in the 1920s, an African safari became “the thing to do” among wealthy Britons and Americans. However, wealthy travellers, even those in search of adventure, were not willing to sacrifice comfort or luxury. From electric generators to folding baths, and cases of champagne, travellers were afforded every domestic luxury while on adventure in Africa.

This way of camping became increasingly popular, and 100 years later, Glamping has officially appeared and become a popular travel trend.

THE MODERN GLAMPING TREND

Glamping provides the most luxurious personalized services in order to offer the best comfort for customers. The facilities of Glamping are similar to those of luxury hotels, which is far more incredible in comparison with normal camping. When customers book the most professional services, they can fully enjoy the trip as a team of chefs, mates, tour guides, stewards and therapists are always available to bring them the best services. Along with modern facilities, essential elements of a camping experience are still maintained. The tents are still put up amidst the beautiful wilderness, under a sky full of stars.

Glamping can give visitors all kinds of experiences. They can admire the breathtaking scenery of the African desert while lying in a comfortable large bed. They can also soak in a hot tub while watching the deer walking leisurely on the grass. Enjoying spa services amidst the greenery, or looking at the magnificent night sky while staying overnight in an igloo are also some experiences that Glamping can offer visitors.

Currently, there are many types of Glamping such as safari tents, the yurts of the Mongols, the tipis of Indigenous peoples of the Americas, domes, igloo, caves, tree houses, or cabins.

The idea of safari tents appeared hundreds of years ago. Today, safari tents are the premier lodging for upscale African safari organizations, and have been adopted by many glamping site owners in other parts of the world. Safari tents are large, rebuilt in a huge rectangular form, supported by a framework of aluminum or fiberglass poles. The walls and peaked roof are typically made of a light but weather-resistant and durable fabric-like canvas. Spacious and quadrangular interiors allow for simulation of home spaces and almost no limit to the potential for luxury.

Historically built to withstand the long winter of Mongolia, today, the Yurt has become a popular type of Glamping.

Staying in a Yurt, tourists will have a chance to be immersed in nature while enjoying a good sleep in cozy pretty tents bearing cultural imprints.

Meanwhile, cabins or tree houses are no longer tiny spaces like those in our childhood memories. They are adapted to Glamping style and become 5-star luxury accommodation with beds, tables, chairs, cabinet, tubs, and 24/7 services. Here, tourists can sense the smell and sound of the forest in every single moment. Just by looking out of the window, they can admire the beautiful scenery and the vast sky.

Another type of Glamping – staying in caves – will transport you back into ancient times and enable you to experience historical space while enjoying the modern facilities of an authentic vacation.

Besides, an igloo is a more special option; instead of using common materials such as canvas, wood, or metal, people build igloos from ice. It is quite cold while staying inside the igloos, but if dressing properly, you can still enjoy a wonderful and unforgettable night.

There are many other types of Glamping which are becoming increasingly popular and chosen as favourable accommodation for tourists to enjoy nature. And in some cases, Glamping is a style of luxury retreats which is totally different from the traditional camping, but the environment-friendly aspects are still valued and considered as priorities.

Van Ly | Wanderlust Tips

Wanderlust Tips Foundation: Meaningful Journeys to Ca Mau community college

On 12th December, Wanderlust Tips travel magazine and Wanderlust Tips Foundation tourism development fund, under the sponsorship of ford Vietnam, held “meaningful journeys”, a program to students from Ca Mau community college who have achieved great academic results despite poverty and organized a talk show on “responsible tourism” with the participation of two guests: Helly Tong and Vuong Thien Minh.

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Wanderlust Tips English Vietnamese bilingual travel magazine has always done their absolute best to provide authentic information, useful experiences, and vibrant images of famous destinations in Vietnam and across the globe. In addition to being a useful information channel, Wanderlust Tips also owns Wanderlust Tips Foundation Tourism Development Fund with the aim to develop sustainable tourism as well as bring positive benefits to the local community and society.

Ford Vietnam, one of the leading car manufacturers in Vietnam’s market, has strengthened its position in the development of the whole sector with safe, smart, and strong models such as Ford Ranger, Ford EcoSport, Ford Everest, and Ford Explorer. In addition to its contribution to the automotive industry of Vietnam and the good relationships with Vietnamese customers for 25 years, Ford Vietnam always shows great concern and invests in community activities. It has run many programs for students across the country.

Working towards common goals for the community, Ford Vietnam, Wanderlust Tips and Wanderlust Tips Foundation held “Meaningful journeys” to give 30 scholarships, each worth VND1,000,000, to 30 students who have, despite their difficult circumstances, gained excellent academic achievements at Ca Mau Community College. The scholarships are given with the hope to give support to the students with difficulties in life and encourage them to be confident to go forward in their journeys ahead.

In the framework of the program “Meaningful journeys”, two famous guests, the young entrepreneur and Model Helly Tong and photographer Vuong Thien Minh, had a very interesting talk with students of Ca Mau Community College on “Responsible tourism”. Stories about life, passion for travel, and the journeys of guests have strongly inspired the students to think about the passion of the youth, daring decisions, and the awareness of their responsibility to protect the environment and preserve valuable cultural heritages.

After the journey to the Southernmost land in Vietnam – Ca Mau, Wanderlust Tips travel magazine and Wanderlust Tips Foundation Tourism Development Fund will continue to visit many other regions of Vietnam to create more beautiful journeys for the community and develop sustainable tourism.

Wanderlust Tips