Wanderlust Tips Team, Author at WANDERLUST TIPS • Page 117 of 195

Fashion collection December 2018 issue: Meaningful journey

Crossing faraway routes, vast green fields, streams, and mountains, you and I, accompanied by Ford Everest, have created beautiful memories which can be cherished for a lifetime. These memories were made on a journey to Ca Mau – the southernmost land of Vietnam.

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The journeys granted us the opportunities to admire the magnificent and poetic scenery of Vietnam. It was an early morning when we enjoyed the fresh air when we stopped by the roadside, or the time we crossed fruitful fields and vast green forests with the blue sky above. And then, the southernmost land of Vietnam appeared in front of our eyes. Such a beautiful and sacred moment!

And Ford Everest is an indispensable part in creating such beautiful memories on our journeys. The Ford Everest 7 Seater SUV which features modern technology and an impressive engine promises to offer any driver great “off-road” driving experiences along with the best comfort and safety when driving on rough roads.

Happiness is not just about the destination, it is also about the journey. You, I and our friend Ford Everest will turn every ordinary day into a special one, and each journey will become a sweet and meaningful memory.

Wanderlust Tips

Tips to score deeper shopping discounts while travelling

Are you a true shopaholic? Do you want to buy your favourite items at discount prices? The greatest discount seasons have just begun, do not hesitate to travel to shopping paradises around the world. Wanderlust tips will suggest some useful tips for shopping wisely in major discount seasons at the end of the year.

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Wanderlust Tips

Share the love: Shopping tourism

Some travelers get to know a place through its museums and monuments, others through its scenic landscapes or traditional cuisine. But for globetrotters who love to shop, there’s no truer way to experience a place than by haggling with merchants in a bazaar, browsing the handcrafted wares of local artisans or sampling designer duds at the poshest boutique in town.

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1. TRAN THI NGOC HUYEN – SALES STAFF, HANOI – I OFTEN SPEND TIME SHOPPING WHILE TRAVELLING

It can be said that I devote my life to travelling because it is when I can be myself, indulge in cultural exploration and experiences. In addition, shopping is what I always spend time on during my trips. Besides rewarding myself with favourite items from a new land, I often try to find exotic souvenirs for my family and friends.

Among the many countries I have travelled to, I love the time I spent shopping in Thailand the most. Known as the “tourism country”, Thailand astonished me with trading culture. Locals here are really friendly because professional service is their first priority. Friendly smiles and hearty handshakes make customers feel comfortable. When shopping in Thailand, you only need to spend more than THB1,000 per invoice in order to get a tax refund, get tax refund at the airport.

When buying things in a foreign country, the biggest difficulty many visitors encounter is communication. People often use English to exchange information; however, not many locals can speak English, so sometimes it is really difficult to understand each other. In addition, you should bring more money than your expected expenditure as you may spend more than what you have planned.

2. TRAN DOAN DAT – FREELANCE MODEL, HCMC – EXPLORE THE SHOPPING PARADISE IN SINGAPORE

If you are a shopping devotee, you should definitely visit Singapore. Many items such as perfumes, clothes, shoes in Singapore are often 30-50% cheaper than those sold in Vietnam, while the quality is still good.

My journey of exploring the “shopping paradise” in Singapore started in Little India area. Here, they sell embroideries, gems, handbags, oils and natural perfumes, which feature Indian cultures. Then I visited Haji Lane; it is home to many shops which offer a wide variety of good quality items sold at reasonable prices. This street is full of products which originate from China and Korea. I also found unique customized items designed by young fashion designers from Singapore. Orchard Road is well known for countless luxury stores from clothes, cosmetics products, to electronics and furniture.

While going shopping, do not forget to carefully check items and bargain before buying. There are some places that sell products for original prices, but there are also some stores where you can negotiate to get a better deal. In addition, you should also ask the staff about the store’s discount policy, especially during the discount season as each store offers a variety of incentive programs.

3. PHAM KHANH LINH – OVERSEAS STUDENT, UK – A RELIABLE AND FRIENDLY SHOPPING EXPERIENCE IN THE UK

In the UK, I feel a sense of calmness; sometimes the pace of life is so slow and really different from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi. People here highly value the queue culture; you can easily see a long queue of people waiting in front of a restaurant, a dressing room, waiting for payment or for the bus. Nobody seems to rush. People in the UK also value personal time. Shops, restaurants, and shopping malls here often close very early. At about 7pm, streets become very quiet because only few places are still open at that time. On the weekends, most of the stores close early or do not open on those days. Therefore, if you want to go sightseeing or shopping, it is recommended to arrange your itinerary accordingly.

In the UK, there are many kinds of products that range from affordable to luxury brands so you can easily find the products that fit your budget. The attitude of British staff and services are really good as well. When visiting a store, you can browse products without being accompanied by staff. If you have any question, the staff will promptly respond to you. And it is noteworthy that after purchasing a product, and it is has not yet been used or is still in good condition (often called sale-able), you are welcome to return the product for a full cash refund. Regarding the quality of the products, there is nothing to complain about because the products in the UK are judged according to European standards, and excellent quality is strictly guaranteed.

4. HOANG TRINH – OVERSEAS STUDENT, GERMANY – SHOPPING EXPERIENCE IN GERMANY

As an overseas student studying in Germany, I have the opportunity to experience an interesting life in a country that has a completely different culture from Vietnam. Regarding the culture of shopping and consuming, in Germany, there are a variety of stores that meet the demand of any buyer.

In Germany, you can find pharmacy stores called “Drogerie markt”, in which Dm and Rossmann brands are the most famous. People can visit these stores to buy cosmetics and home appliances at affordable prices. While the Dm chain usually sells a lot of products at slightly lower prices than those at Rossmann, Rossmann often launches discount programs every two weeks. And if you want to buy products of luxury cosmetics brands, you should go to the Douglas chain stores, which have branches in most of German cities or in major shopping centers such as Kaufhof and Karstadt.

If you are a fashion devotee, then shopping malls which are home to many brands from affordable to luxury products are places you should not miss. Besides discount days such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and shopping week, at the end of the season, the largest discount program offers discounts of up to 70%. What impresses me is that though these items are sold at discounted prices, they still look very nice and good; there are rarely faulty products here.

Wanderlust Tips

Share the love: Religious diversity

Miriam Beard, a famous Historian from USA, said: “Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.” The world is wide and travel gives us the chances to experience religious diversity.

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PHAM QUANG TUAN, NHAN VIEN MARKETING – BHUTAN HAS CHANGED MY CONCEPTIONSOF LIFE

Every month, I always spend time on my passion for travelling while staying away from work, that’s why people lovingly call me “Tuân Cuồng Chân” (Tuan loves travelling). I love nature and everything it brings to my life, and it is the initial reason for my travelling passion. Furthermore, the religious culture of every country I have been to always arouses my curiosity by its thrilling, magical elements and enables me to broaden my horizon.

Among many countries I have been to, Bhutan brought me the greatest surprise, and the trip to that land also changed a lot of my conceptions of life. Faith and belief in Buddha is one of the major factors that leads Bhutan to use GNP (Gross National Product) instead of GDP (Gross Domestic Product) to evaluate the development of the nation. In this small nation, the number of pagodas and monasteries are more than that of residents’ houses. People here hold an unshakeable belief in Buddha. Meeting people who live a life of peace and dignity, not driven by greed for money and power, has changed my view of life and strengthened my belief in goodness. Their sincere smiles and friendly handshakes have broken the barrier I built when setting foot in this faraway land.

THUAN NGUYEN, NHAN VIEN PR – MARKETING – THE APPRECIATION FOR RELIGIONS OF BURMESE PEOPLE

Of the many countries I have visited, Myanmar is the land that has left me with a lot of emotions. It was so wonderful that from the first moment when I arrived, I felt peaceful and safe. There are thousands of Buddhist sites around the country. And one of the must-see attractions is Bagan – the ancient capital and the holy land of Burma (The previous name of Myanmar). I came to Bagan on a summer’s day; the weather was so hot that our tour, which aimed to admire the sunset and sunrise in the hot air balloon, was cancelled.

However, like “The Old Man of the Frontier Loses his Horse”, I had more time to visit and learn about the temples and pagodas in Bagan. 2,000 Buddhist sites remaining until the present in Bagan amazed me by its architecture and the harmonious features of magical sites.

Burmese people highly respect and preserve their traditional culture. That is why they not only hold their strong faith in religion but also fully appreciate Buddhist works. They keep their custom of going on foot to temples, pagodas, and stupas; when meeting monks on the road or in pagodas, they will stop and bow their head. They send their children to the monastery to learn the sutra and attend courses. Living in a country bearing a culture influenced by Buddhism, Burmese people are very kind and friendly.

NGUYEN HIEP, AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEER – EMOTIONS AROUSED IN THE HOLY LAND OF CHRISTIANITY

I have travelled to many European countries, of which there are three destinations bearing the prominent features of Christianity: Notre-Dame de Paris, Sagrada Familia, and last but not least, the most impressive one, the Vatican. Notre-Dame de Paris is located on Île de la Cité by the Seine in Paris. The feeling when admiring this work in the late afternoon was so peaceful; every fabulous carved line of the architecture appeared more surprisingly beautiful under the sunset.

The Sagrada Familia bears a very different structure. At first, the church looks incredibly powerful and prominent. Situated amidst the square structures in Barcelona city, the church with huge soaring diamond-shaped towers reaching the sky exuded a gloomy atmosphere, though the sun was so bright in Barcelona city.

The Vatican is where the religious culture has left its mark. It is not only a massive structure but also the symbol of belief and prosperity of a major religion in the world. Although I was not a religious devotee, when coming here, immersing myself in the flow of Christians performing rituals and singing out of their Prayer-Books in Italian, the language I did not understand, I suddenly felt a belief and respect for God rising in my heart.

DIEM PHAM, RETIREE – CULTURE AND RELIGION INFLUENCE THE LOCAL CUISINE

I love travelling and have been to many countries in Asia, Europe, and America. During the trips, besides visiting historical relics, majestic natural attractions, I also got chances to enjoy and find out about the local food. I think it is one of the special features of different destinations. The cuisine of each country has distinctive flavors, but neighboring countries’ food culture often influence each other. In Asian countries, rice is considered the staple food in a daily meal.

Meanwhile, in Europe, people prefer cheese and it appears in many dishes. Islam countries in The Middle East do not eat pork, while Hindu nations do not eat beef. Geography, culture, and religions have contributed to the process of forming the characteristics and flavors of food in different destinations.

However, among those food cultures, I still love Vietnamese food the most; it is the food of the country where I was born. As a Buddhist, I love vegetarian food. Though there is no fish and meat, the vegetarian meals on the full moon day or the 1st day of the month are always adequate and nutritious. It brings my soul a sense of peace and serenity.

Wanderlust Tips

Share the love: Street Cuisine

Street cuisine is as much a part of the local culture as the people and if you want to feel like a local your curiosity can pay off. Sweet or savory, small snack or full meal, the variety alone can be a draw for anyone adventurous whose on unfamiliar turf.

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1. BUI HUYEN CHI, SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS ENGINEER, FRANCE

EXPLORE CUISINE IS TO LEARN ABOUT CULTURE OF A COUNTRY

I was born in a family that shares a passion for travel, so travelling is always in my blood. Till now, I have visited 40 nations, most of which are in Europe. Every year, I also try to spend time exploring other famous destinations like Cuba,Morocco, Jordan, and Israel.

Having travelled to many countries, besides Vietnamese cuisine, I have a true fancy for French food, maybe because France is where I am currently living and working. France is known to have a diverse culinary; all the senses are aroused when we enjoy the food which is not only delicious but also fragrant and beautifully decorated. The French are picky when choosing drinks that are suitable for different kinds of food and mealtimes. They will use different kinds of wine for apéritifs, main course, and dessert.

Besides food, drinks are another strong cultural aspect of a country. When in Cuba, a Cuban cocktail is what you need while listening to the local vibrant and passionate melodies, sensing the intercultural intersection of Africa and Europe in this land.When in Jordan, sitting with the nomads and enjoying a cup of black tea mixed with the thyme that grows wild in the desert,we will understand more about the sincerity and hospitality of the local people and their country.

2. TRAN XUAN BACH, POST-GRADUATE, NEW ZEALAND

MELBOURNE IS THE LAND OF MANY CULINARY CULTURES

Every country I have travelled to left me with different impressions, but when talking about food, Melbourne (Australia) stays in my mind as the most impressive country.I have lived in Melbourne for such a long time that it seems to be my second hometown. Also, it is the place where I started my career of researching about food culture, so it has left me with so many memories. In my mind, Melbourne is the land of many culinary cultures, from the East to the West,from the North to the South. Each region features its own distinctive cuisine characteristics. In Sunshine, Footscray, and Springvale where the Vietnamese live, you can find many kinds of Vietnamese food, even balut (food). In Fitzroy,where Italians live, there are many Italian restaurants and famous cake shops. Or St. Kilda is where people create the most unique cuisine; you can find an abundance of amazing food. Melbourne is the original place of Australian coffee, and I am really into coffee.

I lived in Australia for 5 years and in New Zealand for nearly 2 years; therefore, I have acquired quite a lot of knowledge about New Zealand’s cuisine. Though New Zealand’s food is not as diverse as Australia’s, people there often useing redients originated from natural products. New Zealand’s lamb is held in high esteem throughout the world, while Bluff oysters have earned a reputation as some of the finest in the world. In addition, Pāua is not only delicious and nutritious, but its shell is also considered the most beautiful in the world. New Zealand’s wine is well-known for its special and distinctive flavours.

3. PHAM PHUONG THANH, TV EDITOR, HANOI

THE TIME SPENT IN DA LAT AND ITS CUISINE’S FLAVOURS STILL REMAIN IN MY MIND

Working as a journalist and having a strong passion for travelling, i have visited many provinces in Vietnam. Among all of the destinations i have travelled to, da lat is the place that has brought me the most interesting experiences and left me with the deepest memories. Early this year, my close friends and i travelled to da lat; it was the first time i came to the city of thousands of flowers and poetic Xuan Huong lake.

Da Lat amazed me from the first moment i came to by its fresh air, hospitable people, and diverse cuisine. Until now, i still feel great nostalgia for da lat, i miss the hot soy milk, sweet-smelling grilled corn, and spicy crispy girdle-cake at the street vendors in da lat. I still remember the fresh strawberries. I picked in an organic garden and the BBQ party with my beloved friends at a pretty homestay. They were such beautiful memories; a sweet feeling comes into my mind whenever those memories flood back.

I am pretty sure that those who visit da lat will have nostalgia for it when leaving. And i want to tell those who have not been there that: “while you are still young and enthusiastic, do not hesitate to take your bag and go to Da Lat”.

4. NGUYEN THUY LOAN, OFFICE STAFF, HANOI

WHEN IN BANGKOK, YOU REALLY SHOULD TRY STREET FOOD!

Bangkok is a paradise of street food, which is tasty and cheap. I was really fascinated by the array of street food stalls and vendors along the road. The food attracts visitors by its diversity of ingredients, decoration, and appealing flavours. Above all, it is sold on the streets, so it is very easy to find and enjoy the food.

Familiar yet exotic, it was the first feelings that arose when I enjoyed Pad Thai. Though being an ordinary street food, it is also considered as the symbol of Thailand. The blended flavour of fresh peeled shrimp, bacon, chicken,boiled egg, and different kinds of vegetables (bean sprouts, bok choy, Gai lan, or broccoli) makes this dish stand out among various kinds of Thai cuisine. Up to now, Pad Thai is not only a favourite food in Thailand, but has also become popular in many countries in Asia.

In general, Pad Thai and many other street foods in Bangkok feature simple yet elegant and strong flavours of the Eastern culinary culture. Visitors can feel the familiar tastes of their hometown when enjoying Thai dishes, and it is one of the reasons why Thai cuisine has become so famous in Asia.

Wanderlust Tips

Exotic market fairs around the world

Markets located in different regions often have distinctive features, which contributes to their culture and identity. Travel to exotic markets with wanderlust tips to explore the cultural diversity of the world.

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THE WITCHES’ MARKET IN BOLIVIA

Mercado de las Brujas is the witches’ market which can be found in the capital La Paz of Bolivia. This market is located at an altitude of 3,600 metres above sea level, specializing in providing wizard products used to make amulets. Mercado de las Brujas is a special feature of the religious and cultural life of the Bolivians.

The market opens daily from 9.30 am to 7 pm. Here, you can find one-of-a-kind items such as llama fetuses, dried frogs or toads, to name a few. Among those exotic items, the llama fetus is the most favourite one because locals believe that it is able to protect humans by dispelling evil spirits. In addition, students who want to wish for luck during their exam will buy stone amulets with a carving of an owl on it – the creature which symbolizes wisdom, or the sun – the symbol of energy. Products are also used to cure diseases; for example, coca leaves are said to be effective on a wide range of ailments such as headache, stomachache, or nausea.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Exotic market fairs around the world

Aymara women wearing the traditional dress, black hat, and gown while doing their business is another Bolivian cultural feature of this market. People call these women Yatiri, medical practitioner, and believe that they have the power to connect to a different world. Therefore, when someone is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, they find Yatiri and these medical practitioners use different parts of an animal to make an amulet to pray to God to cure the disease.

GO TO THE MARKET TO BUY…BRIDES IN BULGARIA

The bride market fair in Stara Zagora takes place 4 times per year on different religious holidays during spring and summer. The bridal market has been passed through many generations, and it is a special custom of the Kalaidzhi people who have nomadic habits from ancient times. They believe that it is an occasion for them to meet, exchange thoughts, and is an opportunity to find their soulmates. Today, the majority of Kalaidzhi people do not follow these nomadic habits, but the bridal market still survives as a unique and distinctive cultural feature that draws the attention of many visitors.
Young men and women who take part in this fair are very young, ranging from 16 to 20 years old. People often say that this is a vibrant and colourful market which is always filled with music. Girls apply their make up carefully and wear beautiful clothes to attract the men they like, while men also dress politely and concentrate on finding their true love in the crowd.

In addition, some girls try to draw attention by climbing on a car hood or a high stage to show their singing or dancing talents. If they feel their hearts flutter, they dance together to get to know each other better. And without much delay, some couples even get married at the end of the fair. The grooms are supposed to pay GBP2,200 – 4,300 (approximately 72 to 140 million Vietnam dong), and the cost may go up depending on the number of guys pursuing the girl.

GET LOST IN THE SPICE MARKET IN INDIA

People often call Khari Baoli the biggest spice market in Asia. This market is located near the Red Fort of Old Delhi. On narrow streets, the dim light covers the whole space of the market, creating special ambiance which makes it even more special. In the stalls, there are many kinds of cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, anise, turmeric, and many other spices.

The atmosphere filled with the fragrance of countless spices sometimes confuses visitors while looking for the spices needed. However, visitors should not worry as hospitable store owners will help you select exactly what you need.

If you are in love with the colourful stalls and want to take photos, you can ask for permission to stay a little longer on the narrow path between these opposite stores filled with all kinds of attractive spices.

When visiting Khari Baoli, wandering on long streets, smelling countless wonderful aromas mixed together, and listening to the noise of the crowd, you will be fully immersed in the special cultural feature of India.

In addition to famous spice stores, Khari Baoli provides many kinds of food, fruits, and well-known local cuisine.

THE CONTAINER ARTBOX MARKET IN THAILAND – A PARADISE FOR THE YOUTH

The Artbox market in Bangkok, Thailand originally took place on one single occasion. However, thanks to its unexpected success, organizers decided to turn it into a mobile market. Artbox is a top choice for energetic people, and visitors are attracted by its vibrant atmosphere. Shopping and food devotees can find an abundance of exotic accessories and clothes, or indulge in many delicious food options.

In addition, the Artbox market is also where many exciting live music performances take place regularly. Young artists of Bangkok often come here just to show their talents, not to earn money. Or you can visit artistic booths have your portrait drawn, and create lifelong memories.

The container Artbox market opens from Friday to Sunday, from 4pm to midnight. However, it is still recommended to check their website for updates before travelling to Artbox because it only opens on selected weekends of the month.

Its location also changes regularly but often only a few walks from train stations.

DUBAI GOLD SOUK – WHERE GOLD IS SOLD IN KILOGRAMS

The Gold Souk is known as one of the most famous destinations for tourists in Dubai, UAE. This market is located along Sikkat Al-Khail road in Deira and home to 500 booths that are only several tens of square metres. It has become famous due to the splendid, sparkling space filled with a thousand kinds of precious stones and metals displayed in stores. Visitors can find all kinds of luxury jewellery made of pure gold such as rings, bracelets, necklaces, and exquisitely designed items to order.

The Gold Souk is always bustling with visitors because the gold price here is said to be the lowest in the world. Gold is often sold in grams or kilograms instead of mace or tael like in Vietnam.

The best time to visit this market is the evening as it is much cooler. It is when stores turn on their lights which shine and make all the countless jewelry items sparkle.

Wanderlust Tips

The season of Silver: Back Artocarpus

The golden silver-back Artocarpus with rosy flesh grown in Quang Binh is the most well-known across Vietnam. It not only can be served as fresh fruit but also cooked with many ingredients to create surprisingly perfect food.

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The northeast monsoon rustles the tree leaves on the branches which are covered in sunrays. The shadow of the silver-back Artocarpus tree was so huge that no midday harsh sunlight could reach the village’s small path. Gathering to play under the tree’s shadow, bareheaded muddy children tried to use a rod to pick the ripe silver-back Artocarpus. After tasting the tartness of this fruit, they would put them into their T-shirts and take them home to their moms, who use the fruits to cook a delicious soup, despite that the fruit sap may stick to their clothes.

The most famous silver-back Artocarpus is the one grown in Quang Binh. The fruits with soft fuzz grow in small pretty clusters, have yellow peels and rosy flesh when they are ripe. In the traditional cooking method, people often crush silver-back Artocarpus in Vietnamese water spinach soup, or use it for the fish cooked with sauce to create the sourness, saltiness, and greasiness, which is suitable to eat with cooked rice. The sliced silver-back Artocarpus is placed at the bottom of the pot, then a layer of fish is put on it, and again a layer of silver-back Artocarpus on the fish. For the next step, people add spices including galangal, lemongrass, chili, pepper, and Vietnamese caramel sauce. Finally, a layer of silver-back Artocarpus is put on top. The water is poured into the pot; you cook until there is only a little water left in the pot, and you smell the fragrance of the fish rising in the air. Fish cooked with sauce and silver-back Artocarpus tastes best when it is served with hot cooked rice. With white aromatic soft cooked rice, a salty slice of fish, and the sour greasy silver-back Artocarpus full of fish taste, the dish is so delicious that it can only be compared to some of the best cuisine in the world.

Due to the love of silver-back Artocarpus, people create many dishes in which these fruits are used as an important ingredient, such as the sweet and sour sliced silver-back Artocarpus served with flat and brittle sliced pig ears, crystal-eyed catfish cooked with silver-back Artocarpus, or spare ribs cooked with silver-back Artocarpus, to name a few. Each dish has its own attractiveness, but all have a fresh cool flavour which features the sweet and sour taste of the silver-back Artocarpus which ripens in the golden sunshine.

The article featuring exclusive content contributed by LUK LAK VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT

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

Wanderlust Tips

Interview with Mr. Varong Israsena Na Ayudhya: Vice President-sales of Bangkok Airways

In an interview with Wanderlust Tips magazine, Mr. Varong Israsena Na Ayudhya shared the prominent development plans of bangkok airways and gives his opinion about the mice tourism potentials of Chiang Mai, Thailand.

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So far, Bangkok Airways has operated flights to more than 20 destinations in Asian countries including Vietnam, where the direct service from Chiang Mai to Hanoi has just been inaugurated. Why did Bangkok Airways decide to launch this flight?

Chiang Mai has a lot of potential and advantages to develop tourism. It has good tourism services bearing local identities, which is suitable for travellers who love to explore. Initially being the capital of the ancient Lana Kingdom, Chiang Mai has preserved many Buddhist architectural sites and temples which feature unique cultural values such as Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phan Tao, and Wat Chiang Man. In addition, this city has various beautiful natural sceneries, diverse cultural history, and delicious cuisine. Chiang Mai also has many ideal places where young people can follow the trend of taking selfies and share these moments with family and friends.

Another special reason for us to launch direct flights from Chiang Mai to Hanoi is that Vietnam is now considered one of the three fastest growing economies in Asia, with the GDP growth expected to be 7.1 percent in 2018. It has a large population, and many middle-class people earn between USD1,500-2,000 per year. Moreover, Vietnam is experiencing a period known as the golden population structure, which means that more than 66% of the population is considered to be of working age. Also, young Vietnamese people are extremely interested in exploring the world and have a great passion for travel.

After Bangkok Airways opened the direct route between Hanoi and Chiang Mai, the number of tourists travelling to Chiang Mai has increased significantly. In line with this momentum, how does Bangkok Airways plan to expand and develop the Hanoi – Chiang Mai route?

We are really honoured to witness the success of the direct flight between Hanoi and Chiang Mai. The number of passengers is a very positive indication even more so because it is still in the initial stages. Bangkok Airways is currently operating a 70-seater ATR72-500/600 aircraft to serve daily direct flights from Chiang Mai to Hanoi. In the near future, we intend to increase the number of flights because the frequency of flights is more important than the size of the aircraft. If the deployment of direct Hanoi-Chiang Mai daily flights is successful, we will certainly put the Airbus 320s and the Airbus 319s in use, which is larger in size and features more amnesties, reducing flight time and providing the best comfort for passengers.

Besides the advantages of beautiful nature, diverse culture, and great cuisine, Chiang Mai is also highly evaluated to develop MICE tourism. What do you think about this?

Chiang Mai is a convincing showcase of a destination where long-standing tradition, ancient cultural roots, and fertile ecology are incorporated into the development of MICE products and services, while modern world elements are adopted and adapted to make their products and services more sophisticated and unique for MICE visitors. The city’s gentle pace provides a perfect platform to become a creative city, drawing the attention of young and fresh talents to incorporate their future perspectives. A strong MICE community with active collaboration between public, private, and academic sectors in Chiang Mai also presents an even brighter prospect for the city to become an attractive MICE destination.

One example of such new and dynamic development of Chiang Mai is its remarkable 110%-growth in hosting international meetings in just 5 years. From a mere 10 events in 2013, the number grew to 21 in 2016 and 2017, according to the statistics of International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA).

In addition, one key strength of this city is convenient access. Chiang Mai International Airport is the country’s third largest one, handling 10 million passengers a year and serving 31 scheduled airlines. It operates 50 daily flights between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, with a flight duration of only one hour. Moreover, it serves direct flights to China, Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore, Myanmar, and Vietnam. In December last year, Chiang Mai began to serve directs flight to Doha (Qatar), raising its international access for MICE visitors.

Why did Bangkok Airways and Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau – TCEB select the 4 CLMV countries (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam) to implement a MICE tourism promotion strategy?

The economy of CLMV countries is growing rapidly with the total population of almost 200 million people. They are also open economies which facilitate foreign investors. Importantly, as the economy grows, the number of people who are capable of paying for high-end MICE tourism services will increase, and the demand to travel through Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam will also increase. Meanwhile, Bangkok Airways is a long-standing and well-known airline in the CLMV travel market, with a large regional network in CLMVs featuring 200 flights a week. Therefore, we believe that Bangkok Airways can contribute to the development of MICE tourism by utilizing the network of connecting between Thailand’s MICE cities: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, U-Tapao (Pattaya) with CLMV countries.

Thank you for sharing this meaningful information with Wanderlust Tips. We wish you only success with all future endeavors.

Wanderlust Tips

Ninh Thuan: Nostalgia for the land of golden sunshine and dry wind

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The bright golden sunshine, crystal clear turquoise water, and hospitable locals evoke a sense of nostalgia to those who have visited Ninh Thuan. I fell in love with the land at the end of the central coast after days of exploring and creating beautiful memories of a harsh yet beautiful and extremely peaceful land.

PHAN RANG, NINH THUAN – STRONG WIND AND EXTREMELY HOT SUNSHINE

I visited Ninh Thuan in the early days of September. Arriving at Cam Ranh airport, I picked up a taxi to travel to Phan Rang – Thap Cham, the capital city in Ninh Thuan province. It is about 70 kilometres from the airport. The land located near the end of Central Vietnam welcomed me with its golden sunshine, which was a little hot yet not uncomfortable. When the sun went down, the city suddenly became so tender, as if the dazzling sun at noon had never ever existed. The wind blew gently and the air was cool until early in the morning. Occasionally, the rain poured down for a few moments, just enough to dispel the heat, but not too much to disturb people from walking and working. As it is located in the South Central region, Ninh Thuan often has sudden rainfall much like the weather in Saigon and the southern provinces of Vietnam.

During the few days I spent in Ninh Thuan, I was very interested in the energetic and harsh weather of this land. The locals here burst out laughing when I mentioned this to them. They said I was lucky to visit at the time I did, when the peak season of Ninh Thuan ended not too long before I arrived. For a long time, this place was called “the land of strong wind and extremely hot sunshine”, because from the beginning of summer to August, Ninh Thuan’s weather is always hot, while rain is scarce.

Though the summer weather is extremely harsh, the people of Ninh Thuan are not hot-tempered or difficult; they are really sincere and nice. Renters, food vendors, taxi drivers, and even passersby are willing to help or simply smile nicely at us as a way of greeting a visitor from a faraway land. The cost of living here is quite affordable; prices are much lower than in large cities in Vietnam. I remember one night, my two colleagues and I visited a famous restaurant. We only spent VND150,000 for a delicious dinner which consisted of three duck noodle dishes served by a kind waiting staff.

Phan Rang – Thap Cham is a small city, mainly considered as a transit place for travellers passing through to larger, more popular tourists destinations in the province. The outskirts of the city are surrounded by white salt plains, sparkling in the sunshine. Visiting the residential area, it is common to see many mossed houses which feature yellow walls, green doors, and the architecture of more than half a century ago. Vast vineyards that stretch over many miles with ripe fruit hanging on the truss are a particularly attractive feature here. In the midst of a sunny afternoon, we visited a vineyard, went under leaf-covered grape trellis, held scissors to cut each cluster, and then put them into a trolley. Occasionally, we picked a few fruits and put them in our mouths, which helped dispel the heat of the weather.

In Phan Rang – Thap Cham, there is only one famous tourist attraction, which is The Po Klong Garai Towers. The monument which is located on a hill looks prominent amidst the industrial streets of the 21st century, thanks to its isolated position and extremely eye-catching red bricks. Three main towers, the fire tower, and the gate tower built in the late 13th and early 14th centuries were devoted to worship Po Klong Garai (1151-1205) – the king who has a lot of merit in the ancient Cham kingdom. Not much restoration has been done to the tower, as the people want to keep it intact. Therefore, until now, it is still in the original shape which bears the imprints of time and history. Tourism is not really developed in Ninh Thuan, which is also an ideal aspect which helps to maintain the classical beauty of The Po Klong Garai Towers. The locals, especially Cham people, often come here to worship, pray, go for a walk, or record traditional dance performances.

Arriving in Ninh Thuan because of work, I was privileged to be immersed in the pace of everyday life in Phan Rang – Thap Cham. For me, this is the best city to live in, in all of Vietnam. Though it is modern enough to look like a young, urban city; it doesn’t have the same hustle and bustle as Saigon or Hanoi. I loved the evenings when the cool breeze blew in Phan Rang. After dinner, people often flocked to the city square. Kids ran around, adults walked or found a place in the roadside bar, drank a glass of water, and listened to live music. Time seemed to stop or elapse slowly; people relaxed and temporarily forgot all of their worries.

W.TIPS

CLIMATE

Ninh Thuan is hot, dry, and windy. The dry season lasts all year round from December to August; from June to August is the harshest period. The rainy season is only from September to November.

TRANSPORTATION

Ninh Thuan does not have its own airport. In order to travel there, you can fly to Cam Ranh – Khanh Hoa airport or Lien Khuong – Da Lat airport, then continue to travel by car or taxi.

ACCOMMODATION

Phan Rang – Thap Cham city is a convenient place for you to visit famous tourist spots of Ninh Thuan. Hotels and hostels are the preferred accommodation with a variety of options ranging from affordable to luxury.

VISITING

In addition to the famous sites of Ninh Thuan mentioned in the article, you can visit many other beautiful places of the province such as Rai cave, Vinh Hy Bay, Ninh Chu beach, and Nui Chua National Park.

SOUVENIR

In Ninh Thuan, you can buy grapes, products made from grapes, handicrafts, or pottery made by the Cham people as gifts for your family and friends.

Varadero: The ocean paradise

The Cuban girl looked at me and gave me the nametag, necessary information, and she said:
– Nĭ Hăo. (“Hello” in Chinese)
As usual, I responded very quickly:
– I am not Chinese, i am Vietnamese.
She raised her eyebrow, looked at me, and gave me a bright smile:
– Vietnam, very nice. Welcome to Cuba!

[rpi]

I arrived in Varadero in the afternoon when the last rays of sunshine still lingered on the branches of Delonix regia in the airport. The airport where I arrived looked really small, and I was a bit nervous because it was the first time I went to a country which was not popular with Vietnamese tourists. However, the anxiety could not wash away my excitement for the journey ahead.

In all of Cuba’s travel guides, Varadero is a must-see place to enjoy sunny summer holidays and the immense blue sea. It is a small town featuring a 20-kilometer long headland stretching out to the sea. This town is in the perfect location to develop tourism, I think. On the headland, people have built many resorts. It is so wonderful when you can stay on the land amidst the sea. The ocean view is what you will definitely be offered in Varadero; just open your eyes and you can admire the sea. Even when sitting in the carriage, traveling along the road to the central market, stopping at any place, you can admire the beautiful public beach. Or you can see muscular young men or topless girls sunbathing and enjoying the sea breeze on the beach, or hear the Lambada music in the air bringing a sense of excitement to any visitor.

There is a word I have not mentioned until now – The Caribbean Sea. The world’s most beautiful beaches are located in this area. Cuba, an isolated island of the world surrounded by lush green beaches, will be an ideal place for you to experience summer days. The color of the sea looks very magical; it is light blue and clear along the beach, turns into emerald green when traveling to further locations, and covered in dark blue on the horizon. Honestly, I was a true Vietnamese, I also did not have much passion for the sea, but for the first time, I did not want to leave the sea. The water was cool and crystal clear, and the color of the water looked really beautiful. During the days in the resort, I often woke up late in the morning, then went bathing, eating, reading, sleeping, then eating again, and walking. One evening, I made an exception, I went to the small dance floor of the resort; everyone from children to adults went up to the stage. Here, dancing was in their blood. Seeing me standing alone, a group of young men pulled me in. Drinking cocktails and listening to Latin music, I was really in the mood for a dance.

However, you should not hold too much expectation for this small town amidst the sea. You can hardly find anything but the blue ocean, and you might not find many places or historical places to visit. I got out of the resort and boarded an old taxi to get out of town. In this little town along the sea, you can find many horse carriages on the road. Some Cubans curiously looked at me, an Asian girl. Services in Havana are much better than Varadero’s. People in Varadero often try to overcharge tourists. Maybe they think that visitors have a lot of money, while they have nothing except for their blessed blue beaches. But the way they harried and overcharged sometimes made me uncomfortable. On the way, I met an Australian named Kathy and a Russian couple; they all had the same thought.

Almost everyone was overcharged when riding the horse carriages, overcharged exchange rates, or taken on a longer route by the taxi. I think it is the consequence of the long-term embargo.

In the afternoon, I admired the sun diving into the sea and the water covered in orange. Every afternoon was as beautiful as a dream, but somehow it was quite monotonous. At that time, I just wished that people would provide more exciting services for visitors. One summer, I was in Cuba, lying on a blue chair at one of the most famous beaches in the world, watching the sunset. That was my most wonderful summer.

W.TIPS

WEATHER IN VARADERON

Like many other islands in the Caribbean Sea, Cuba has a tropical climate with two seasons. The dry season is the best time to visit because of low rainfall, moderate humidity, and excellent temperatures for visitors to visit the long coastline. May to October is the rainy season, the temperature is approximately 30 Celsius, but the Cuban sea still shimmers on sunny days.

TRANSPORTATION TO VARADERON

At present, most visitors to Cuba are Canadian, followed by tourists from European countries such as Italy, France, Spain, England, Germany, and the United States. Although the United States is located next to Cuba, due to some political issues, it takes a lot of transits to fly from the United States to Cuba. For example, when I was in Miami, only 530 kilometers from Cuba, I could not buy a ticket. That was a few years ago. It has changed since then and the good news is that for those who travel from the US to Cuba, the ticket price for a flight from Miami to Cuba is around USD200 per a round-trip flight, the fare to other cities may be higher.

If you cannot find flights to the US, flying from Canada is a great solution, you can find flights from most major cities such as Toronto, Montreal, or Vancouver.

TOURS IN VARADERO

Sunwing, a travel company, has its own airline in the United States that offers very affordable tours. This means that the travel company will provide you with airline tickets, visas, meals, and sleeping place. And visitors will take care of the rest expense. And I chose a Toronto – Varadero 7-day tour that cost about CAD700 (Canadian dollars – CAD. CAD1 ~ VND17,831 current exchange rate). This is a very affordable price, and it is also possible to get a discount. Generally, you will have many options.

ACCOMMODATION IN VARADERO

5-star hotels in Cuba are very expensive and there are not many options for you to choose from. Most hotels do not offer free wifi, and internet codes are sold hourly. If you book Sunwings’ tour packages, room rates and air tickets are very attractive. But it is recommended to stay in an Airbnb, hosted by locals, to have a better understanding of the lives of the Cubans.

VARADERON CUISINE

Cuban cuisine is diverse, influenced by Spain, the Caribbean, and neighboring United States. You are offered a variety of choices like the typical bugger Frita, the grilled corns with cheese Elote, the Spanish-inspired Paella cooked Cuban-style, and other famous dishes.

Tam Nguyen | Wanderlust Tips