Wanderlust Tips Team, Author at WANDERLUST TIPS • Page 123 of 195

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Oriental Sails: Shined by love and belief of guests

Established on March, 2009, Oriental Sails supplied from three-star to five-star overnight services in Halong Bay which was one of the best quality services of Vietnam Cruises, recognized by Vietnam Ministry of Tourism and international guests as well as domestic guests.

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CLIENTS HELP ORIENTAL SAILS TO BE SHINED MORE BRILLIANTLY

Oriental Sails goes towards to the high requests for the quality of services from guests. Clients felt to be satisfied, want to come back and give recommendation to friends and beloved people when they come and stay with Oriental Sails.

Aline Hagemeire was so excited and said in the email to Oriental Sails: “Oriental Sails is very convenient, thank for bringing to me an unforgettable trip. I was really excited, the foods were great, I surely give recommendation about this trip to my best beloved friends”.

With the luxurious and modern appearance of five-star cruises, Oriental Sails brings the satisfaction of foreigner guests by the different services. “Your services are very good. How a great trip, a really exciting experience. I shall share and encourage people to come and visit by ship the destination which recognized by UNESCO. I will come back with my friends” – Alam Monsurul said after the trip on five-star cruise of Oriental Sails.

Moreover, guests were satisfied by the well prepare meals on cruise. Many kinds of seafoods, plenty of dishes, even vegetarian foods for your choice. The decoration and demonstration of the dishes, quality of foods and the behavior of staffs during the meals are cared by guests. “Your services are really good, great foods, nice cabins” – Warne Karen said on 18th June 2018. “Could you give us the ingredients of the food that you made at the cooking demonstration so we can do it at home” – David C Hubble said on 9th June 2018. That are how happy we are.

Not only that, massage service, entertainments of Oriental Sails are also make guests enjoy. “How great services”, “We were so happy”, that are the beautiful words feedback us after the trip.

Especially, the behavior of staffs, tour guides are determinants make clients come back with Oriental Sails. This is very challenge but Oriental Sails won. This is also make Oriental Sails different from others. Clients always remember Oriental Sails by the smiles and friendly, the specially take care, enthusiasm and warmly welcome guests back.

“We had a great time during the trip. Tour guide is very friendly and open, answer all the questions. I will recommend this trip to my friends and my family for these great experiences. Thank you very much. How a wonderful trip” – Mss. Abigail Brett said on 5th June 2018.

The recommendation of the guest made their trade mark – Oriental Sails in Halong Bay. On 8th August 2018 – Grateful season, Oriental Sails Co., SJC has a special policy for guests who book the trip in advance 5 days before departure.

ORIENTAL SAILS

Address: Floor 8, Building 2, Yen The Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
Tel: + 84 24 3926 4009/ +84 24 39264010
Email: sales@orientalsails.com
Website: www.orientalsails.com

Thai Airways launched LIVE TV on Board to enable broadcast programs

Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI) received approval from the Office of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission Board to broadcast “LIVE TV on Board” which allows THAI to broadcast streaming television programs on its aircraft.

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Mrs. Usanee Sangsingkeo, THAI Acting President, said that digital era helps viewers to keep abreast of the latest news through various online media. THAI is fully aware that passengers need to keep informed of the latest news while traveling on board and has launched a new “LIVE TV on Board” service that enables passengers to watch broadcast television programs, such as news channels and sports competitions. Available television channels are CNN, BBC, NHK, and Sport 24. Passengers can watch real time news with viewers around the world and enjoy exciting live telecast sport matches just as they did at home.

In addition, “LIVE TV on Board” will be in service beginning on 14h June 2018 on twelve Airbus A350-900 aircraft that operate flights to and from Chiang Mai, Singapore, Seoul, Tokyo, Osaka, Beijing, Shanghai, Rome, Milan, and Brussels and on eight Boeing 787-8 and Boeing 787-9 aircraft that service flights to and from Tokyo, Taipei, Dubai, Vienna, Brisbane, Auckland, and Manila. Panasonic Avionics Company is entrusted to provide inflight connectivity via satellite transmission from the ground.

Mr. Wiwat Piyawiroj, THAI Acting Executive Vice President, Commercial, said that “LIVE TV on Board” makes it possible for THAI, a premium national carrier, to offer more products and services for passenger comfort and satisfaction. Passengers can watch real time news and sports competition for free, while some airlines may require additional payment for such services. This service helps strengthen THAI AIRWAYS marketing strategy and increases ticket sales. Passengers who board THAI’s flight can enjoy the added convenience of keeping abreast of world news.

For more information of LIVE TV on Board, please ask the cabin crew on THAI AIRWAYS flight.

Wanderlust Tips

Enjoy Mid-Autumn Festival 2018 at Hôtel Des Arts Saigon

The Mid-Autumn festival, named “Tết Trung Thu” in Vietnamese, celebrates full-moon event calendar. Traditions and myths surrounding the festival are formed around the concept of family reunion, occasion to show gratitude for well-being, longevity and prosperity.

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Hôtel des Arts Saigon escalates the festival spirit by choosing the concept that depicts the essence of culture preservation from generations to generations. Each detail of the MoonCake box design highlights the timeless elegance of the Vietnamese traditional costume, Ao Dai. Moreover, the detail of the jade handle provides the elegance touch for the box.

While all crystals promote harmony between the mind, body and spirit, the Jade crystal is a superstar in the world of crystal healing thanks to its powerful connection to the heart chakra and its varying degrees of intense, piercing shades of green. When it comes to bringing prosperity and abundance into your life, the Jade crystal stone is the ultimate good luck charm.

This Mid-Autumn festival, let’s celebrate the occasion and magnify your taste with the exquisite Mooncakes heart-picked by Hôtel des Arts Saigon.

The Hotel offers guests an exquisite selection of Mooncake with four flavours:

Pandan Royal: A creamy white soft crust blending the ever popular Pandan with the Truly and uniquely Malaysian coconut concoction makes this mooncake an unforgettable delight.
Golden Harmony: Enjoy mouthful of moisture Salted egg Yolk Custard mixed with aromatic Custard, pleasant smell hold your taste until the next bite!
Heaven Delight: Made from 100% lotus seeds with single egg yolk, added with an aromatic presence of pure peanut oil, giving you refreshing fragrance and delicate taste.
Imperial Pearl: A mixture of varieties of nuts like Almond, Walnut, melon seed, white sesame, and more that brings a great biting texture.

**Pricing

Mooncakes come in boxes of four priced at: VND1,588,000 per box (this price does not include 10% VAT). Exclusive 10% discount for AccorPlus members.

HOTEL DES ARTS SAIGON – MGALLERY COLLECTION

Address: 76-78 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Tel: +84 (0) 28 39 898 888.
Email: h9231@accor.com
Website: www.hoteldesartssaigon.com

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Sheraton Grand Danang Resort elevates central Vietnam’s restaurant scene with launch of The Grill

Sheraton Grand Danang Resort elevates central Vietnam’s restaurant scene with the launch of The Grill

Sheraton Grand Danang Resort, the stylish beachfront destination on central Vietnam’s golden coast, has launched The Grill – an impressive new restaurant that is set to raise the bar for international dining in Danang and the entire central coast region.

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Located in heart of the resort, The Grill will deliver a delectable selection of sumptuous steaks, sublime seafood and social shared platters in a casual yet lively setting.

The Grill is bright and contemporary, with panoramic windows overlooking the landscaped gardens, beach and azure East Sea. The main restaurant features an interactive open kitchen, central bar and towering wine “cellar”, creating an unsurpassed setting for memorable evening meals. Alternatively, the expansive outdoor terrace and four exclusive private dining rooms provide options for all occasions. The menu at The Grill focuses on the finest ingredients, including prime imported beef and fresh local seafood, with a creative à la carte selection complemented by a series of daily specials written on a large chalkboard. Chefs use a charcoal oven grill to ensure that every cut of meat is cooked to perfection.

Signature dishes include The Grill Cold Seafood Tower – a stunning selection of lobsters, oysters, scallops, king prawns, crabs’ legs, whelks and razor clams, which is perfect for sharing. Vietnam’s marine delicacies are showcased throughout the menu, including indulgent whole Nha Trang lobster served in a choice of styles.

The Grill is set to become one of Vietnam’s leading steakhouses, offering a choice of premium meats from top global producers. Guests can choose from USDA prime cowboy or sirloin steaks, or the finest tenderloin or rib-eye cuts from Australia. For the ultimate feast, the Australian tomahawk steak is a spectacular prime beef rib that is likely to be “Instagrammed” by delighted diners time after time.

Other notable dishes include Australian black angus beef tartare, seared black cod and clams, grass-fed New Zealand lamb rack, and wagyu beef cheek bourguignon, plus a selection of vegetarian options, side dishes and cheese and charcuterie boards that are perfect for sharing.

Guests can choose from a wide assortment of beverages to accompany their evening meal, including an extensive wine list. More than 120 labels are showcased in a transparent wine tower that rises from the center of the restaurant, and guests can learn more about the origins of these vintages from chalkboards that illustrate the world’s leading wine regions. Guests can also visit the restaurant’s own wine tasting room, which can be used for pre-dinner drinks, private events or tasting classes.

Alternatively, diners can choose from a range of local craft beers, creative cocktails, premium spirits and other drinks. Finally, the dessert menu features a series of unique sweets such as Café Vietnam panna-cotta and a “reinvented” carrot cake, plus delectable desserts for two people to share. Whether you’re seeking an intimate table for two, a memorable venue for an evening meal with friends, or a celebratory setting for your next family feast, The Grill is the perfect choice. Discover this dynamic new culinary destination only at Sheraton Grand Danang Resort.

“The Grill’s modern concept and mouth-watering menu are set to transform the culinary scene on Vietnam’s Central Coast. I look forward to welcoming our hotel guests and local residents alike to this exceptional new restaurant and raising the bar for upscale dining in Danang,” said Didier Guiaux, Director of Food and Beverage, Sheraton Grand Danang Resort. The Grillis open from 6pm to 10pm, Wednesday to Sunday. For more information and to book your place at this exciting new restaurant, contact danang.grandgrill@sheraton.com.

THE GRILL | SHERATON GRAND DANANG RESORT

Add: 35 Truong Sa, Hoa Hai, Ngu Hanh Son District, Danang
Tel: +84 236 3988 999
Email: Sheraton.danang@sheraton.com

Wanderlust Tips

5 unusual wedding customs around the world

[Wanderlust Tips July 2018] A wedding is among the most sacred ceremonnies, making a milestone in human life. However, customs and wedding ceremonies vary unusual traditional 5 depending on cultures and countries. From weddings customs introduced by wanderlust tips, you can learn about special customs preserved and handed dowm from generation to generation in traditional wedding ceremonies around the world.

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1. SAN-SAN-KUDO – DRINK SAKE IN THREE CUPS

Japan is the country of the oldest Oriental rituals and customs. At a wedding ceremony, the bride and groom will perform many traditional rituals. One of the oldest and most important rituals is San-San-Kudo – the bride and groom take three sips of sake from three cups.

In Japanese, San-San-Kudo means “three, three, nine times”. The first 3 sips represent three couples – the bride and groom, and their parents. The next 3 represent three human flaws: hatred, passion, and ignorance. The final 3 sips are to get rid of those flaws. This ritual is meant to create a bond between the two families and deepen the couple›s relationship.

Accordingly, “san” in Japanese is number 3, “ku” is number 9, while “do” is a deliverance from the 3 flaws. Thus, San-San-Kudo means “three, three, nine times”. The Japanese chose number 3 because they believe that this number has a sacred meaning and brings good luck, according to Buddhism. For the Japanese, 9 is believed to bring good luck and happiness, a wish for the couple to live together forever.

When drinking, the bride and groom will stand apart from each other at a distance of a table’s width, looking straight into each other’s eyes. Each of them will sip sake and place the cups on the table at the same time.

After the first sip, they will be officially considered as wife and husband. There are also specific cups used to drink sake during this ceremony called “sakazuki”, which are three sets of two small sized, two medium sized and two large sized cups. The bride and the groom will sip three times from each cup starting with the smallest one. San-san-kudo is one of the oldest rituals in the Shinto marriage, dating back to the 8th century and was derived from noble families. Today, this ritual is considered a standard in traditional wedding ceremonies in Japan.

2. BEING FORCED TO BE OVERWEIGHT TO GET MARRIED

A big overweight girl with a large waist, a short neck, big breasts, and broad shoulders is considered beautiful, seductive, and the most valuable bride who is the dream of any man in Mauritania. Mauritanian men at the age of getting married prefer overweight women as their wives.

For them, the woman’s fatness symbolizes wealth and social class. They only want women who meet the standards such as a large waist, a short neck, big breasts, and broad shoulders. And any man will feel proud to marry a wife who has all of these standards.Therefore, overweight brides are the most desired ones for Mauritania men, and the bride’s family can rely on this standard to demand a large dowry. As a result, skinny girls usually feel pressured. That’s why at the age of eight until getting married, girls are carefully taken care of by their mothers with a nutritious diet, and they are forced to consume up to 15,000 calories every day – more than four times that of a male bodybuilder – to prepare for marriage.

For breakfast, girls have breadcrumbs soaked in olive oil and washed down with camel’s milk. They then have frequent meals throughout the day with goat’s meat, bread, figs, and couscous (wheat cooked with meat or meat soup), all with camel milk to drink. Following this diet for 2 days, the girls may gain nearly 6.5 kg. The girl who does not finish the fattening meals that her mother prepares will be punished, and many families would even tie the girl’s toes to sticks and if she does not eat, pressure is applied to the sticks to send shockwaves of pain through the girl’s feet. For a girl who has a slim body and cannot pick up weight, it means she will not be able to get married. And for the Mauritians, slim girls bring shame to their families and are often treated in disgrace.

This practice has been handed down through generations and is strictly abided by in Mauritania. It is said that the practice dates back to pre-colonial times when all Mauritania›s white Moor Arabs were nomads. The richer the man was, the less housework his wife had to do. Rich wives only sat still all day and left all of the household chores to black slaves. Gradually, they became fat. Therefore, a fat wife was a symbol of a man›s wealth. In addition, stretchmarks called “tebtath” are considered “jewels” of a woman and “lekhwassar” fat around the waist became the pride of ladies.

Therefore, the size of the body of a wife is considered a sign of her husband›s wealth. Today, women in Mauritania try to eat as much as possible to become fatter. The fatter they are, the more likely they could marry wealthy men, because they are the symbol of thehusband’s wealth.

3. POLTERABEND SMASHING PLATES

The Germans have a very interesting wedding custom. Before the wedding, a couple will hold a party called Polterabend – “the evening with lots of broken porcelain”. This is a rather exotic custom in German weddings. In Polterabend, relatives and friends will bring household items such as bowls, cups, plates made of ceramics and porcelain to the party, not to give to the bride and groom, but smash in front of them. The Germans believe that the more they smash, the happier the young couple will be. After that, the bride and groom are expected to clean up the shattered plates. Cleaning the pile of shards means clearing away all of the troubles for only love to remain. Accordingly, the higher the number of bowls and plates are smashed before the wedding, the more the bride and groom have to clean up, the happier their marriage will be.

The custom of smashing plates is the way of Germans saying farewell to the single life to start a new chapter after marriage. It is also said that broken dishes symbolize the conflicts in the married life of newly married couples. And cleaning up the shattered plates together symbolizes that married couples will stay together through difficult conditions and situations in life. This ritual is also a way to familiarize them with the difficulties and challenges ahead in order to quickly overcome them.

The origin of this unusual custom is still unknown, but it has been handed down from generation to generation and has become indispensable at weddings. Polterabend is just a small part of the wedding, but it shows the spiritual significance of every traditional wedding in Germany – a country with rich history.

4. THE BLACKENING OF THE BRIDE

In some regions of Scotland, before a woman can get married to the man she loves, she and her groom must undergo an extremely interesting ritual called “The Blackening of the bride”. This custom originated in Balintore village, Scotland where the family, close relatives, neighbors, and friends will cover the bride and groom in all manner of disgusting things. To carry out this ritual, they will prepare dead fish, spoiled food, flour, sausages, sauces, mud, even sour milk, eggs, honey and many other things, then mix them together and pour over the couple. After that, the bride and groom will be driven in the truck and carried around the village for several hours in cheering screams, drum beats, and honks as wishes for the lovebirds. Finally, they will be hung onto a tree for a long night.

The Scottish believe that this ritual will help the young couple ward off evil spirits. If they can undergo and suffer such torture, they will overcome all problems of marriage. Then, the young couple will be happy for a long time and overcome all kinds of difficulties to live together until the end of life. This is a way to help them be stronger and face the challenges of life. Today, this ritual has still been preserved by modern couples as a specific cultural feature, but it can be carried out more gently. Some brides and grooms just blacken their feet with ash or slag, not the whole body.

5. MEHNDI DRAWING PATTERNS ON THE BRIDE’S HANDS AND FEET

Drawing patterns on the bride’s hands and feet is an Indian traditional ritual, called Henna or Mehndi. Henna is an indispensable part of the Indian wedding celebrations. Henna is a type of tattoo drawn on the body, especially the palms of the bride-to-be. For an Indian bride, Henna tattoos are considered as precious as jewelry and a very important part of the wedding, and to enhance the brides’ own natural beauty.

Previously, the Henna ceremony used to take place in the morning before the wedding day and was only meant for the bride, female relatives, and friends, men were not allowed to take part. Today, it is organized at the wedding venue with the participation of both the bride and groom. People use dried henna leaves for Mehndi drawing. The green powder is made by drying, milling and sifting the leaves, then it is mixed with other ingredients and soaked overnight. Finally, the Henna is ready to use. People who paint the bride with henna may be her relatives, friends, or a professional artist. The drawing can be simple or complex depending on the bride’s preferences. Henna is drawn on the front and back of the palms, forearms, soles, and on the knees.

The elaborate henna designs are very diverse; the most common designs include floral, peacock, and paisley patterns. Each design signifies its own meaning and is associated with luck, nobility, and elegance. The peacock represents beauty, the flower means joy and happiness, and paisley signifies fertility and luck. In addition, there are many other motifs of birds, butterflies, vine trees and leaves, buds and moiré patterns. These colorful designs are thought to be good for health because the henna powder has a body cooling and muscle relaxing effect. This is why henna is drawn on the hands and feet where many nerves run through. The name of the husband will also be skillfully blended in these designs to show the deep bond between the husband and wife. It is commonly believed among Indian traditions that the darker the color of the Bride’s Mehndi, the more her husband will love her, the less it fades, the more stable their bond will be.

With henna on the hands, the bride will not have to do any housework and be taken care of until it fades, for at least 1 to 2 weeks. For an Indian bride, the honeymoon is a time when she does not get into any trouble with her husband’s family, and she is as happy as the henna on her body expresses. But when the Henna fades away, it is also a sign that she is actually entering a new life, new relationships, and new contradictions. Mehendi is not required for the groom, but if he wants, dots or simple designs can be drawn on his hands and feet. Henna is not simply about beauty, it also signifies hope for the long-lasting happiness of an Indian girl when she gets married, as well as the Indian beliefs handed down from generation to generation.

Kim Ngân | Wanderlust Tips

Siberia: Extreme yet majestic

For me, Siberia is one of the harshest countries in the world; not only is it covered by ice and snow year-round, it also has a majestic history. However, that’s just the “tip of the iceberg”, only when i actually arrived here could i get a deeper understanding of this wonderland. Because of the extreme harshness that makes it seem impossible for anything to survive, nature becomes even more alluring, more fascinating, and siberian people get more persevering. A beautiful siberia will always remain in my mind with a lot of nostalgic memories.

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SIBERIA: THE LAND OF NATURAL RECORDS

We should not dismiss Siberia when talking about lands with the most records in the world. With an area of 13.1 million square kilometres, Siberia accounts for 77 percent of Russia’s land area, and is approximately as large as Canada – the second largest country in the world. This land stretches across many geographical regions; it extends eastward from the Ural Mountains to the Pacific Ocean and stretches southwards from the Arctic Ocean to the hills of north-central Kazakhstan as well as to the national borders of Mongolia and China.

Siberia is also home to the world’s lowest population density with an average of 3 people per square kilometre. The area of Siberia is nearly 50 times larger than that of the UK, while the population is about half of the UK’s population. It is easy to understand why the population density here is low; the climate of Siberia varies dramatically at different periods of the year. The summer lasts only 1 to 3 months while the winter spans almost all year round. The average temperature of the year is about 0 degrees Celsius and the temperature difference between the two seasons may be up to 100 degrees Celsius. But the climate is mostly cold all year round; it even snowed during the summer days that I stayed here. The record temperature was -71.2 degrees Celsius in Oymyakon which is considered the coldest town in the world, while summer temperatures in some areas rise to above 35 degrees Celsius. Living in such extreme weather, herbs and many rare plants and animals still flourish and become the symbol of Siberian vitality.

In addition, Siberia holds many records, such as Lake Baikal – the world’s oldest and deepest freshwater lake, the four longest rivers in the world, or the largest swamp in the northern hemisphere.

LAKE BAIKAL – A PRISTINE AND MAGNIFICENT BEAUTY

I was overwhelmed by the stunning wilderness and beauty of Lake Baikal, which features a diverse ecosystem, vegetation and terrains. For me, two of Siberia’s most fascinating natural attractions are the Taiga and Lake Baikal.

Located in the south of Siberia, the 25 million-year-old Lake Baikal is the largest, deepest, and oldest freshwater lake in the world, holding 20 percent of the world’s fresh water. Travelling on the clear vast water by a ship hanging the Russian flag, I could not help but get immersed in the fascinating story of the young guide about the lake that was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lake Baikal is in a rift valley, formed by the Baikal Rift Zone, where the Earth’s crust is slowly pulling apart so that every year the movement still changes the size of the lake. Scientists often refer to Baikal as a growing baby. Lake Baikal, which is 23,766 square kilometres (twice as large as Sydney, Australia) and about 1,637 metres deep, is home to more than 2,500 rare species, two-thirds of which can only be found here. Some of the rare species in Baikal include the Nerpa Baikal; the unique Golomianka with translucent bodies, females do not lay eggs, they give birth to larvae.

With 328 sunny days each year, Lake Baikal always puts on a breathtaking and romantic charm. The water is crystalclear as a large mirror reflecting sparkling sunshine; even scientists have discovered a phenomenon caused by small water particles lifted up from the lake surface by the pull of the moon. The average water temperature in the summer ranging between 5-10 degrees Celsius is appropriate for many types of fish and freshwater organisms. With the naked eye, you can see plants and animals at 50 metres deep.

When the winter comes, Lake Baikal bears a wonderful and extremely appealing beauty. The ice is 3 to 15 metres thick and can withstand trucks that weight tens of tons, but you can still see all the fish swimming underneath. The creatures still survive under the thick ice thanks to the ice cracks; sometimes it was up to 30 kilometres in length and 2-3 metres in width, which allows them to breathe oxygen. The ice cracks and freezing bubbles create a variety of exotic and beautiful shapes into the lake surface. When the sunlight is reflected on the ice, making the whole surface sparkle in abundance of colours, it creates a magical and gorgeous scene that is thought to be found only in Hollywood movies really happens in Baikal.

A mysterious legend about the “sacred lake” is that the lake possesses a supernatural power that can extend human life. That’s why many people are ready to immerse themselves in the water at 5 degrees Celsius in the hope of becoming immortal.

TAIGA – A VAST AND MYSTERIOUS FOREST

If Lake Baikal looks like a charming and mysterious girl, Taiga is like a tall and handsome Northern European guy. This forest has fascinated me since I learned about it through movies like “Backcountry” and “Lost”, or the famous Russian survival gameshow “Game 2: Winter.” But only when arriving here could I understand why the Taiga was called “the world’s largest biome apart from the oceans”. The forest appears vast and immense with large coniferous trees growing in rows, while on the ground there are a lot of species of lush green wild plants, moss, lichen, and some beautiful flowers. It is also possible to find some species such as birch, alder, willow, and yew, but the most popular is the pine grown in the region that features the cold winter of Eastern Siberia.

Like the typical climate of Siberia, the Taiga’s climate varies dramatically between seasons, with temperatures ranging from minus 50°C to 30°C, but in each season, Taiga has its own beauty. Summer, when the weather is warm and humid, is a chance for many species to sprout, bloom, and produce fruits after a cold winter. Autumn is the favorite time of many tourists because it is when the trees turn yellow, streams flow gently through flourishing forests, and distant mountains are somewhat covered by snow. The scenery is picturesque like the works of an artist.
Taiga is also home to a large number of animals ranging from large herbivores to small rodents. In the process of evolution, they try many ways to adapt and survive in this harsh environment. Some species try to feed in the summer to accumulate energy for long dormant periods. Others try to have a thick coat to endure the cold winter.

The story of Lake Baikal and Taiga was told while the ship took us to admire the nature. On riversides, looking at dense woods, rocky cliffs, and deep blue water made me feel like I was in the middle of a distant land in the fairy tales of Northern Europe.

LONG HISTORY AND CULTURAL DIVERSITY

Thanks to the extremely cold climate of Siberia, many unique archaeological relics dating back to primitive times still remain intact, enabling people to discover the mysteries of human history.

Visiting the Museum Retro Park in Listvyanka, I learned more compelling stories about the land that is thought to have been covered in ice and snow. Just a few people know that it used to be a large, rich, green land before the asteroid hit the Earth, causing the extinction of dinosaurs as well as climate and geographical changes in the world. The first people to live in Siberia were from 45,000 BC, during the Stone and Bronze Age; the area was quite crowded with ethnic people who left a lot of precious monuments and objects which are still kept in museums in Siberia and around the world.

Not far from Irkutsk, the Taltsy Museum of Wooden Architecture and Ethnography is also a must-see destination for visitors. It was founded in 1966, opened in July 1980, and since then has become a popular stop on the way to Lake Baikal. There are 40 historic architectural monuments and over 8,000 different exhibitions where you can learn about the life of the Siberians over the centuries.

Siberia is a large geographic area and has a long history of development, so it used to be home to many groups of humans. The majority of them are Russians and Slavs, and mostly live in the south, along with the Trans-Siberian railway. Some Mongolian ethnic groups have lived here for a long time, and there are some other ethnic minorities such as Ket, Evenk, Chukchi, Koryak, and Yukaghir. Today, there are still a number of ethnic groups from a few dozens to several hundred people, gathering in small groups in the forest, steppe, mountains, or on the islands. Many ethnic groups are in danger of extinction like the Evenki, Tofalar, Nanai, Ulchi, Dolgan, Udege, Tazy, Uilta, and Sakha tribes.

They belong to many races, bear a lot of unique cultural features, and have their own language; they hunt and gather for living. In Siberia, I was very interested in learning the culture and habits of indigenous people. They always wear colorful clothes made from many kinds of fabrics and leather, along with elegant jewelry. They are very open, optimistic, and have high adaptability to the extreme life in Siberia.

AN EPIC AND HEROIC HISTORY

Siberia was invaded, divided and occupied many times by Mongols, Chinese, and Turkistan from the 13th to the 16th centuries. In 1661, when Khanate of Sibir began to weaken, the first Cossacks from the West crossed the rivers by wooden boats to Siberia and laid the foundations for the invasion and domination of Russia to this land. Thanks to the Cossacks soldiers, the Russian army began to grow and took control over the east, then reached the Pacific coast in the mid-17th century.

The Cossacks came from the south of Eastern Europe and the Asian part of Russia, famous for their independence, military skills and more particularly, excellent horse riding abilities because they lived on the vast grasslands. They later played an important role in the peacekeeping and development of Siberia.

Siberia is also known as the land of exile where prisoners of Russian, Polish and ethnic descent were sent. In 1940, hundreds of thousands of Poles were exiled to the labor camps and the “Gulag Prison” in Siberia by carriages packed with people; they had to walk on foot to freezing cold land. Many said that only one-third of the Poles survived and arrived in Siberia to continue the harsh life here. Besides doing forced labor and enduring hard life, they also had to cope with the harsh weather and confronted countless dangers from the Taiga. Wild animals, blood-sucking insects, or poisonous plants could have taken their lives anytime.

Referring to the exile of Russian prisoners, it related to the event of Decembrist revolt 1825 – a protest against Tsar Nicholas I’s assumption of the throne. After the failure of this spontaneous uprising, 121 nobles and relatives of the royal family who joined the protest were banished to Siberia. It was a time of suffering in Siberia which taught many Russian intellectuals their sense of perseverance to survive which also created new occupational opportunities which contributed to building a new life in Siberia.

Today, there are many museums, churches, prisons, historical monuments, and heroic stories handed down through generations. Inspiring stories of those who were exiled but still strived to exploit and develop the land of grief, left me in admiration of the Siberian’s desire to live. They have motivated and inspired me to continue living, working, exploring, and conquering a life which seems to be so hard yet still full of hope and belief in a good and promising future.

W. TIPS

Visa

There are many types of visa to enter Russia, but the most typical one for tourists is the popular visa. You will need an invitation letter from licensed travel companies or hotels, who will send the visa application to the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Hanoi and Consulates General of Russia in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang. The visa fee is VND460,000per person and VND920,000per person.

Transportations

The fastest and most economical way to travel from Siberia to Vietnam is flights with transit in Bangkok, Thailand. There are many low-cost flights from the cities of Vietnam to Bangkok. S7Airlines offers direct flights from Bangkok to Irkutsk with reasonable ticket prices. You can fly from other countries to Irkutsk; it is also very convenient to travel from here to other cities in Siberia. This city has two airports: Irkutsk International Airport and Irkutsk Northwest Airport.

Visit

Siberia is very large; you will need a planned itinerary to visit each region. Some must-visit attractions are Lake Baikal, Taiga, and Altay Mountains. Irkutsk is the most developed and fascinating city in Siberia. You should take a city tour to visit the parks, museums, and exhibitions such as Listvyanka, Taltsy, or beautiful architecture and especially the churches such as Kazanskaya, Epiphany. You should also try Siberian cuisine at restaurants and cafés.

Shopping

Big cities like Novosibirsk and Irkutsk all have shopping malls and many local markets where you can buy souvenirs. You should buy scarves, leather products, clothes, handicrafts, and jewelry made by ethnic minorities. They are relatively cheap compared to other tourist cities, ranging from VND500,000to more than VND1,000,000.

Wanderlust Tips

Durban: The most beautiful seaside city in South Africa

[Wanderlust Tips July 2018] Durban is the third most populous city in South Africa, situated in the Ethekwini metropolitan municipality. This largest city in Kwazulu-Natal province is not only one of the busiest port cities in South Africa, but also known as the best city to live in, in the country, surpassing both Cape Town and Johannesburg (according to the survey by Mercer). Thanks to its subtropical climate and beautiful beaches, Durban is also a popular destination for South Africans. Due to its turbulent history of being colonized by the british, Durban is a multicultural and multiethnic city featuring houses in british royal architecture, a bustling Indian town, afro-dutch people and Zulu indigenous people. This city has many to offer and countless interesting destinations.

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ACCOMMODATION

The Oceanic

If you are looking for accommodation near the centre, 3 minutes to the sea, with affordable prices, The Oceanic is a perfect choice. Ideally situated for easy access to the city›s major attractions, the hotel features 37 luxury apartments with full amenities including living room, dinning table, TV, kitchen, refrigerator, and oven microwave to make you feel at home. In addition, there is a children’s area, swimming pool, library, games lounge, Jacuzzi, and sauna.

Add: 20 John Mcintyre, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Tel: +27 31 355 1800

Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani

Situated on Durban’s North Beach, the Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani offers excellent facilities for visitors. The hotel is close to the city centre and the convention centre, making it convenient for visitors to go to work, travel, or go sightseeing. From the room, you can watch the Golden Mile beach stretching for 6kilometres and the vast Indian Ocean. With 734 luxurious rooms all overlooking the sea, a spa salon, 2 fitness centres, 6 restaurants, bars, lounges, and 3 heated swimming pools, this hotel is definitely worth the price.

Add: 63 Snell Parade, North Beach, Durban, South Africa.
Tel: +27 31 362 1300

The Oyster Box

The hotel is located on Umhlanga beach, overlooking the famous lighthouse and the deep blue Indian Ocean. Renowned for its convenient location, it takes only 15 minutes to go from The Oyster Box to Durban center, the airport, and the region›s attractions. The hotel offers a choice of 62 rooms, 16 suites, and 8 luxury villas, all of which are elegantly designed and luxurious. There are two restaurants for you to choose from, an outdoor grill room and outdoor terrace overlooking the ocean. The hotel also has a movie theater, a library, and a private beach.

Add: 2 Lighthouse, Umhlanga Rocks, Umhlanga, South Africa.
Tel: +27 31 514 5000

RESTAURANTS

The Cargo Hold Restaurant

The restaurant located in uShaka Marine World is one of the most famous places in Durban. The restaurant has an extremely unique space housed in The Phantom Ship (a ghost ship); its dining tables are positioned near a large aquarium where many marine species, including sharks, are swimming. You will feel as if you are sitting in an ocean submarine while enjoying delicious South African cuisine with local specialties. Because of those unique features, visitors have to book early, especially tables next to the large aquarium must be booked 2 or 3 weeks in advance. If you want to go to this restaurant with children, you should note that children under the age of 12 years are not permitted for lunch and dinner seating except for Mondays.

Add: 1 Bell St, Point, Durban, South Africa.
Open hours: Noon – 3pm and 6pm – 9pm daily. Sunday from noon – 5pm

The Piggly Wiggly

Located in the heart Of the Midlands of KwaZuluNatal, Piggly Wiggly is home to local products shops, restaurants, cafés, boutiques, and home appliances amidst the quiet countryside. You should definitely try the delicious pizza with local specialties at Pizza Place, buy a fine wine at Meander Fine Wines, or enjoy the delicious food on the green lawn in a fresh atmosphere that is full of sunlight and cool winds of the Midlands. Last but not least, you should not miss the opportunity to visit Highgate Farm, which is home to a large vineyard and a 350-year-old winemaker, the first place to produce Chardonnay White Wine in KwaZulu Natal. There is also an outdoor children’s play area and a variety of recreational activities for the whole family.

Add: 1 Dargle Road, Lions River, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Open hours: Monday to Sunday, 8am – 5pm.

VISIT

Golden Mile

Africa’s most famous beach which stretches for 6kilometres features sandy sloping beaches, warm water from the Indian Ocean, and shimmering waves. This is an ideal place for all kinds of water activities such as swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and kayaking as the weather here is nice all year round. But it is aslo known as a crowded beach in Durban in particular and South Africa in general, so it is recommended to avoid peak season in June, July, December, and January when South Africans go on vacations. Besides the stretching beach, this area has an entertainment space extending to the coastal road that is full of cool breezes and golden sunshine. You can take a stroll along the beach, stop at a café, then continue to stroll, ride a bike, or go rollerblading. You also should try colorful rickshaws and talk with friendly and humorous drivers who will help you learn about Durban as professional guides. Golden Mile is home to many hotels, resorts, and restaurants, so you can easily find a suitable accommodation here to enjoy the beach with many activities from morning until night.

Ushaka Marine World

Located in KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, on the South Beach of Golden Mile, the 40-hectare uShaka Marine World is divided into five zones: uShaka Sea World, uShaka Wet ’n Wild, uShaka Beach, uShaka Village Walk, and uShaka Kids World. Like other water parks in the world, this place has a water play area, adventure games, and is very close to the beach. uShaka Sea World is the 5th largest aquarium in the world, featuring many kinds of rare marine life and huge glass tank. You can dive to watch the sea creatures swimming around you; children aged 5and older can participate in this activity. If you want to try the thrills, take part in the challenging games in the water park, try the zipline, or visit some of the world›s most dangerous aquatic animals.

The park offers many packages for visitors when visiting individual areas from ZAR141per person, and a combo to mutiple areas from ZAR210per person. Children and elderly people are offered a discount.
Open hours: 9am – 5pm Monday to Sunday, Wet’n Wild is only open from Wednesdays to Sundays.

Nelson Mandela Capture Site

This is a historic cultural site located in Howick, KwaZuluNatal, Durban. This cultural and historical exhibition will help you better understand the life and work of Nelson Mandela – the Great Man of the world and the National Hero – who established racial, social, and political equality in South Africa that had been ravaged by the Apartheid regime.

You should visit The sculpture at the Nelson Mandela Capture Site that is comprised of 50 steel columns between six and 9.5metres in height. Long Walk to Freedom, the path leading to the sculpture, features metal panels that mark important milestones of his life. At the beginning of the path, there is a small gallery which exhibits pictures and artifacts about the life of Nelson Mandela.

From here, you can visit other tourist attractions in the Midlands Meander that feature a variety of beautiful terrains and natural scenery, museums, restaurants, and many recreational activities for both adults and children. Another place to visit is the 95-metre Howick Falls, a famous beautiful waterfall in the wilderness in KwaZulu Natal, where the Zulu people live.

Add: R103, Howick, KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
Open hours: 9am – 6pm, Monday to Sunday. At present, admission to the exhibit is free, but visitors are encouraged to donate a voluntary fee for maintenance and upgradation.

Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park

The park was formerly known as the Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve, one of Africa›s oldest nature reserves. The -96,000hectare park is located in KwaZulu-Natal, northern Durban. It is famous for “The Big Five”: lions, elephants, buffalos, leopards, and rhinoceroses (including black and white rhinos that are on the verge of extinction). The park is home to many other animals such as crocodiles, monkeys, zebras, snakes, and more than 300 bird species. There are a number of activities for visitors such as sightseeing by specialized vehicles, walking and exploring with tour guides, picnicking in a private area, going on boat trips with 2 trips per day. This park also offers accommodation including small houses on Hilltop Camp and Mpila Camp hill slopes. This is a rare opportunity for you to get close to and admire the wildlife, which is just 100metres away. You can choose a halfday tour that lasts for about 4 hours, or one to two-day tours to visit the main sites in this park.

ZAR110per day per person, children under 12 years old and South Africans get a 50%discount.
Tents or houses in Mpila Camp and Hilltop Camp at the park cost from ZAR690 per night.

SHOPPING

Victoria Street Market

The Victoria Street Market is located on the corner of Queen and Victoria Streets in Durban. You will find yourself in a world of tastes and colours with all products from India and Africa. There are more than 170 shops selling not only traditional Indian spices and flavors, but also South African souvenirs such as scarves, handicrafts, baskets, and pottery.

Add: 151/155 Bertha Mkhize St, Durban Central, Durban, South Arica.
Open hours: Monday – Saturday: 8am – 6pm, Sundays: 10am – 6pm

The Shongweni Farmers & Craft Market

Built in 1998 with just over 12 small stalls, Shongweni Agricultural Market now hosts over 150 stalls. More than half of them offer delectable food and outstanding fresh products such as milk, meat, cheese, vegetables, bread, and cakes. As this is a wholesale market, the prices of the goods are also cheaper than in other places in Durban, South Africa. Moreover, this market is also designed to provide maximum convenience for the disabled with wheelchairs, and has a free play area for children under 4years of age so that parents have time for shopping.

Add: Lot 457, MR551, Shongweni, South Africa
Open hours: Saturday morning: 6.30- 11.30am.

Morning Trade Market

The Morning Trade Market sells local products and artisan goods in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The market provides a platform for local farmers and producers of artisan and organic products every Sunday morning from 8am to 1pm. Many people and tourists come here not only to buy fresh food but also to enjoy breakfast made from local vegetables and fresh products sold in the market.

Add: No. 15 Station Drive Road (The Plant), Durban City, KwaZulu-Natal Province.
Open hours: 8am – 1pm Sunday

Ardmore Ceramics & Design

Ardmore Ceramics & Design, founded in 1985 by Fée Halsted ceramic artist, is a well-known and reputable ceramic brand in South Africa. The ceramic products are artistic masterpieces inspired by African culture, wildlife, and folklore. There is a reason that the pieces cost a pretty penny, a lot of moving pieces come together to manifest just one piece. Because of its complex hand-drawn design process, a medium-sized piece usually takes six weeks to complete. Since 2013, besides creating the ceramic products, Ardmore Ceramics & Design has showcased and provided luxe furnishings, interior design offerings, contemporary fabrics, and dining accents. Visiting Ardmore Ceramics & Design, you will see how an artisan creates a work of art and give you an option to choose from and buy exquisite South African-style ceramics products.

Add: Caversham, Lidgetton, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Open hours: 8am – 4.30pm Monday to Sunday, including public holidays.

EXCLUSIVES

Africa’s Travel Indaba

If you visit Durban in May, do not miss the INDABA Expo that takes place annually. It is considered one of the largest exhibitions in the African tourism industry and a top “mustvisit” exhibition in the world. The exhibition will be held at Inkosi Albert Luthuli (Durban ICC) and Durban Exhibition Center (DEC) in KwaZulu-Natal. The exhibition brings together many companies operating in the field of tourism such as tour agencies, airlines, hospitality, and other related fields. Every year, the exhibition welcomes thousands of visitors from countries all over the world to learn and experience Africa’s spirit, and traditional culture in exhibition booths of African countries. Visitors will have access to the most impressive products from “hidden gems” in South Africa to luxury experiences across Africa. This is a rare opportunity for you to get information about travel and services, which could be very useful for your journey in Africa.

Add: Albert Luthuli (Durban ICC): 45Bram Fischer Rd, Durban, South Africa
Durban Exhibition Center (DEC): 11Walnut Rd, Durban Central, Durban, South Africa
Tel: +27 31 360 1000
Website: www.indaba-southafrica.co.za

Moses Mabhida Stadium

Visiting Moses Mabhida is a must-try activity when exploring Durban. The stadium with a capacity of 70,000 was built for three years from 2006 to 2009 with a budget of USD450 million. The stadium is named after Moses Mabhida, the former General Secretary of the South African Communist Party.

It was one of the host stadiums for the 2010FIFA World Cup. Moses Mabhida hosts not only football matches but also many other events. You can visit the football museum and the indoor sports centre in this stadium. Inspired by the South African Flag, the arch is designed to bend along the length of the stadium symbolizing the love for football, and its two legs on the southern side of the stadium join together on the northern side, representing a once-divided nation now unified. You should try the Skycar, a cabin on the rails that brings you from the north to the south of the arch, and take you to a 106m-high vantage point to admire the whole stadium, city, and a beautiful beach. Besides the Skycar, you can try the segway travelling in and out of the stadium.

After 15 minutes guided by an instructor, visitors can easily and flexibly drive the 2-wheeled segway. If you are adventurous, try the Big Rush Big Swing, an adventure and unique activity: jumping from the arch. You will climb to a certain height where there is a jump point with instructors and a lot of safety equipment. Most people experience feelings of fear, adrenalin and excitement when jumping down and swinging from a height of 220metres to the centre of the stadium.

Moses Mabhida Stadium is open from 9am to 4pm Monday to Sunday.ZAR50per adult, ZAR40per elderly, and ZAR25 per children from 6-12 years of age, free of charge for children under 6. Price for a Segway ride (not for children under 10years old): there are many tours offering a variety of time frames and routes (to uShake or Blue Lagoon) with prices ranging from ZAR250-510 per person.

Mạnh Hùng | Wanderlust Tips

Interview with Mrs Walailak Noypayak: The TAT director of South Asia and South Pacific region

[Wanderlust Tips July 2018] Talking to Wanderlust Tips Travel Magazine, Mrs. Walterak Noypayak has listed Thailand’s top destinations and shared the tourism development strategies of Thailand in the international market.

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Thailand’s largest annual B2B event Thailand Travel Mart Plus has long been well-known around the world. Especially, this June, the 2018 TTM+ with the theme “Million Shades of Romance” was held successfully in Pattaya and left a significant, positive impression on visitors. Why did Thailand choose Pattaya as the venue for TTM+ this year?

At present, the Thai Government is promoting the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) development plan as one of the key measures to realize the Thailand 4.0 vision. Meanwhile, Pattaya is part of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), so it is not a coincidence that Pattaya was chosen as the venue of TTM+ 2018. Specifically, Pattaya is an ideal city for visitors to travel from Thailand to Cambodia (in the north) and Vietnam (in the south), whether by road or air. Visitors can easily visit all three countries on their journey.

Besides geographical advantages, what does Pattaya have to offer visitors?

Travellers will have the chance to enjoy abundant exciting experiences when going to Thailand. They can visit Cartoon Network Amazone Waterpark, Silverlake vineyard, Tiger Park, Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden, and many more. If you want to visit temples, the Sanctuary of Truth is certainly worth your visit. The temple is the combination of Hindu, Khmer, Chinese (Taoist and Confucianism), and Thai influences. Buddha Mountain (Khao Chi Chan) is also a very popular spiritual destination. In addition, travellers can watch Pattaya’s famous shows including Tiffany show, KAAN show, to name a few.

And do not forget that we can provide you the best experiences and services for MICE tourism featuring best convention halls at the Royal Cliff.

MICE travel is getting a lot of interest in many countries around the world. What are the potentials of this type of tourism to develop in Thailand?

Thailand has hosted many major international events, so if you want to host MICE travel meetings and incentives, we have the best Convention center and luxury accommodation featuring classy services. The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau TCEB will assist you thoroughly with a lot of information about destinations, attractive promotions, and connect you with various organizations and service providers in Pattaya, in particular, and in Thailand, in general.

It is also known that Chiang Mai is among the most famous destinations for MICE travel in Thailand. Is that right?

Definitely. Last year, TTM+ 2017 was held in Chiang Mai. This city has many convention centers which are suitable for various needs to organize international events or exhibitions. In addition, we also offer sightseeing pre- and post-tours to many of Chiang Mai’s famous attractions.

Currently, there are direct flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Chiang Mai, so it is very convenient for Vietnamese tourists to come here and then back to Vietnam. If you want, you can combine a visit to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Golden Triangle, Bangkok, Pattaya, and many other beautiful destinations in Thailand.

Does Thailand government have any plans to attract international visitors, especially Vietnamese tourists?

Thailand currently offers visa-free travel to citizens of 57 countries and territories, including nine member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Vietnam, The Philippines, and Singapore. We want to focus on safety and security, so we only exempt visas for the countries whose citizens do not cause any security issues to Thailand. All the countries of ASEAN are exempted from visas when travelling to Thailand, so there are many Vietnamese tourists to Thailand and vice versa. Thai tourists often love to visit Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City.

Also, we will focus on both quantity and quality in the tourism industry. We promote to increase the number of visitors to Thailand, especially young travellers. In addition, we will launch luxury services to satisfy different targets of customers.

In the next five years, we will continue to improve our highstandard services and focus on family and female travellers.

Thailand is a safe destination for solo female travellers. These are also long-term strategies for the Vietnamese market. According to statistics, Vietnam is now in the top 20 countries that have the largest number of tourists visiting Thailand.

Follow current travel trends, young people love selfplanned tours so they can explore and experience by themselves. What is your opinion?

Visitors can download and install a variety of applications such as Thai-Vietnamese translation app for better communication, or travel advisory applications. In particular, young people are born at the age of the Internet and technology, so finding information is extremely easy for them.

What we are aiming to do is to greatly facilitate our visitors on their journeys, focusing on safety, security, and mobility. In the near future, we plan to put into operation a bus to transport visitors from the airport to the city center.

Thank you for sharing meaningful information with us. We wish you success with your future plans and for Thailand’s tourism industry to flourish.

Vân Ly – Phương Chi | Wanderlust Tips

Stand-up Paddle boarding being adrift a faraway land (part 2)

[Wanderlust Tips July 2018] In recent years, I have come up with the idea of celebrating my birthday in a different faraway land every year. In the past few years, i used to take a paddle to celebrate my new age in a unique way like sup at new destinations or rafting on white water rapids. Mo Chu river (Bhutan) and Phuket (Thailand) are two of the places that have given me the most memorable birthdays.

[rpi]

BHUTAN – WHITE WATER RAFTING TO TEST THE LIMITS OF YOURSELF

People often think that when visiting Bhutan, they should spend time exploring mountains, climbing the Tiger’s Nest, or going to a pagoda to pray for luck. I have already tried a lot of activities such as trekking, visiting pagodas, meeting the Dalai-Lama, going to the village and admiring terraced fields, camping on the banks of Mochu river, or driving on the mountain roads to reach the sacred valley of Bumthang as well as the fortress Trongsa where the present king was born. However, the memory of white water rafting and SUP on my birthday two years ago was the most nostalgic to me.

At a certain age, you will feel bored with activities which you do regularly and want to try something “crazy” to stimulate the amount of adrenaline in your blood. When trying white water rafting at an average degree of difficulty on Mo Chu river in Punakha, I told Kinley, a very experienced leader of the raft team, that I was happy but it did not really impress me. Kinley looked at me in disbelief. Maybe my words made the raft guide with brownish skin and deep-set eyes feel offended, Kinley thought for a while and told me, “I can let you try a more dangerous and difficult rafting at level 4 and 5 in which we have to go upstream for 30 kilometres, then row down the falls to the Mo Chu river, would you dare?”I stared at him for a few seconds then nodded and laughed, “I will go! It is exactly what I want”. So Kinley gathered the participants, told me to prepare well and get an early night’s rest because it would be extremely tough, and it was only for experienced people.

Early the next morning, I neatly put on my clothes and had breakfast before Kinley came to pick me up upstream of the Mo Chu river. Mo Chu means Female river (Mo means “female” and Chu means “river”); it features gentle and rough river bends. Mo Chu river merges into Pho Chu river (Pho means “male”) which is more downstream where Punakha Dzong Fortress is covered in the purple colour of jacaranda in the spring, from April to May. The road upstream was in bad condition; Kinley drove a small truck carrying a raft, 5 rafters and 2 professional kayakers as navigators. We had to get off the truck and walk many times because the road was so bad that if the truck carried too many people and equipment, it could not pass through. It took us almost two hours to reach the final spot.

Rafting is a team sport; its main equipment includes a large raft and paddles. Kinley was the captain who controlled two large paddles at the back, while we sat on either side holding medium paddles. The team must follow the instructions and signs of the captain to direct the boat passing through the cliff, whirlpool, and waterfall rapids. Higher degree of difficulty requires greater trust and discretion, and each member must be able to cope with the situation if they fall into the water. We all wore life jackets and helmets to ensure safety.

We crossed a 30-kilometre stretch of the river, passed through a lot of huge cliffs and rapids. At some points, there were too many rocks, so we had to walk on the riverside and carried the raft together. At other points, the raft hit a huge stone and fell into the whirlpool; all of us fell into the water and drifted to different points on the fierce Mo Chu river, which looked like a furious, beautiful, young woman. I also fell off the raft, but thanks to my SUP paddling and situation handling skills, I quickly managed by bringing my knees up to my chest like a big ball, which made me float. This posture helped avoid my legs from getting stuck in the rock and my face up to observe rocks so I may stretch out my legs to avoid hurting myself when hitting any obstacles. I also tried to drift close to the bank so I could get out of the water, waited for the raft and continued the journey. As I was considered a “guest of honor”, the whole team was extremely nervous when I fell into the water. So was Kinley; he kept shouting, “Be calm! Do not panic. I will save you. Calm down”. I replied, “Thank you. I’m fine. Do not worry too much”. It looked as though we were quarrelling on the roaring Mo Chu river.

It was so tough and we all got wet, but we could still enjoy most of the stunning sceneries along the banks of Mo Chu river. Kinley showed me rare plants which were only grown on high mountains, and occasionally I saw mountain eagles hovering in the sky. At some points, the water was so clear that we could see the bottom of the river full of round rocks, which were believed to come from mountain landslides, according to Kinley. Sitting on a raft, with mountains on either side covered covered by lush green trees, I realized that no matter how intelligent human beings were, they were still so tiny and fragile in comparison to nature. When we saw Punakha Dzong, Kinley looked at me with his bright shining eyes and said: “Happy Birthday! I think you have had a really amazing birthday.”

KOH YAO NOI, PHUKET – A BIRTHDAY ON THE SEA

Another birthday and I was on the road again, carrying my beloved SUP board. My destination this time was Koh Yao Noi, a small quiet island in Phuket, Thailand.

I was not in the mood to party anymore at this age, so I chose a small resort nestled on the island, which had beautiful white sand and a lot of green trees. This resort was built to resemble the architecture of a Thai Temple; its straw and tile roofs were soaring, making the room cool and airy. The thing I love the most about this resort was that it had an abundance of familiar trees planted for shade and nature-oriented decoration. Near Koh Yao Noi island, there were many smaller islands dedicated to water play areas with many activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, paragliding, jet skiing, kayaking, and yachting. So, not only could I stay in a quiet and green place, but also take part in water sports.

That morning, it was really pleasant and sunny, but my SUP plan was busted due to the low tide which revealed a dead coral reef covered with moss. So I went to see the resort’s manager and asked for the tide times to calculate the time to SUP. After the conversation, I concluded that I could paddle from 8.30 am to 1 pm and from 3 pm to sunset.I planned to SUP around the island, through the wharf, then went back to my resort. I carried a waterproof basket filled with two cans of carbonated soft drinks, mineral water, snacks, and a bag of nuts. The total length of the trip was about 15 kilometres, and the weather was ideal for a weekend with gentle breezes, bright sunshine and clear blue water. I changed my swimsuit, brought my life jacket, hat, sunglasses, waited for the tides, and jumped on the SUP board to begin the journey around the island.

After 10 minutes offshore, I suddenly came up with an idea of paddling to the small island opposite to my resort, where there were two small yachts and some visitors playing and snorkeling. I turned the SUP board but as I was paddling against the wind, it took me quite a lot of time to reach this small islet. After more than 15 minutes, I came to the nearest yacht. The guests on the yacht, who were mainly from Europe, looked at me with surprise. They asked me where they could rent the SUP boards because they also liked SUP, but unfortunately for them, there were only kayak services available on the island. I talked to them for a while, provided information about SUP teams in Phuket that they could contact, then continued the journey. Before leaving, a German man told me that the small island I was aiming for was a public beach; it was extremely crowded with tourists and lots of jet-skis and motorboats so it would not be safe. After thinking for a while, I changed my mind and went back to my original plan: paddling around Koh Yao Noi.

I paddled with the flow towards the pier and the public beach on Koh Yao Noi. On either side of the pier, there were fishing boats or passenger boats designed in Phuket’s typical style which we often see in stock images of sea travel industry in Thailand. The pier was not built from cement but made from a series of hollow plastic containers connected to each other like huge lego blocks. This was a very smart way to make a durable pier without wasting too much effort. When climbing on the pier to go to the shore, it feels like you are walking on clouds due to the movement of the pier moving with the waves.

Travellers to Koh Yao Noi are mainly Westerners. On the island, there are several dozens of guest houses ranging from USD5 to USD10 per night, and resorts with a price range of about USD80 per night in peak season. When I paddled to the guest house area, I saw a lot of tiny wooden houses painted in blue, pink, purple, and yellow, which looked like house toys. At these lodges, there were only some basic items such as a mosquito net, a wall fan, a window, and a hanging stand. Bathrooms and toilets are often shared. Around the lodge, there were many hammocks hung on the trees; you can lie there comfortably to read a book or take a nap. Each guest house has a communal kitchen and dining area where guests can order simple dishes or buy drinks. Most backpackers prefer to stay here because it is extremely cheap and comfortable. They also do not need luxury amenities because they spend a lot of time diving, kayaking, or trekking in the green hills on the island. I stopped at the beach for a while, let the board drift, and then enjoyed the soft drink and snack while looking at these lovely wooden houses.

The sun was rising and the temperature was getting higher. I put the trash in a paper bag, put it in a waterproof bag, and jumped into the cool blue water to “cool down”. I swam along my SUP board with a coil spring tied to my ankle and the board so that the SUP board would not drift too far from me, or if I fell into the water, I could quickly find and cling to the board as a life jacket. After getting bored of swimming, I started to paddle back to my resort at 11 noon.

I reached the resort at about 12 noon but I did not go to the shore. I sat on the SUP board, took out my phone to take some pictures, and then enjoyed the last can of soft drink. It was a comfortable trip with beautiful sceneries, blue sea water, and even a colorful coral reef and fish swimming around. Thanks to the cool sea breeze, I could still endure the burning heat of the land. I looked at the blue colour of the resort, adjusted my sunglasses, and shouted: “Happy Birthday to ME!!!”.

I had a tan for months afterwards.

W. TIPS

What is Rafting?

Rafting is a type of dangerous water sport in which 5-7 people including a captain who is responsible for navigating the boat and guiding the members, control a large raft crossing rapids. All of the members must wear life jackets, helmets, and waterproof jackets if they are rafting in cold and hot weather.

Rafting has many levels of difficulty. If you are a beginner but adventurous, you can try level 2-3 featuring small whirlpools, medium sized rocks, and relatively calm water. If you have some experiences, you can try level 3-5 with larger whirlpools and more intense water currents.

Tips for rafting

Rafting requires high level of teamwork; you must believe and follow the captain’s instructions. If you encounter a large whirlpool, you had better cling to the cables on either side of the boat when the captain orders, or even lean to the other side of the boat to keep balance of the raft. When falling into the water, you have to keep calm because you have a life jacket and a helmet. Do not try to swim or stand in the water because it is easy to get stuck in the rocks; instead, you need to roll back like a ball, lie on your back to see and avoid the rocks, try to reach the shore as soon as possible, and wait for the boat to pick you up. Be calm and trust your teammates.

Cost

Depending on the level of difficulty, rafting may cost you from USD80 to USD250. You need to contact the rafting service to ask about the weather to avoid rafting in the rainy season, as floods in rainy season could be very dangerous.

Lê Hà | Wanderlust Tips

Beachu Kimchi: Deeply rooted in memories

[Wanderlust Tips July 2018] The first thing that made me get excited when going to Korea was to learn more about Kimchi. There are more than one hundred kinds and I also got inspiration from learning about it in movies I have seen. This is the reason why South Korea is called “the land of kimchi”. To put it more clearly, we need to travel through a time machine.

[rpi]

The first thing that made me excited when going to Korea was to learn more about Kimchi. There are more than one hundred kinds and I also got inspiration from learning about it in movies I have seen. This is the reason why South Korea is called “The land of kimchi”. To put it more clearly, we need to we need to travel through a time machine.

Legend has it that kimchi has a long history, tracing back to 2,600-3,000years ago when it was called by the Hanja name “chimchae” (pickled vegetables), which was simply processed from cabbage and salt water to preserve cabbage after harvest. This method of preservation was also quite popular in other countries. However, in the 12th century, Koreans began to add other spices to create to create a richer tasting kimchi, turning it into an indispensable dish in everyday meals.”Baechu kimchi” is the most popular kind of kimchi to Koreans today. In the past, the cabbage was only marinated with a lot of hot red chili peppers and garlic, and then underwent the fermentation process. In the summer, when this process took place quickly, kimchi was made and eaten in one day. In the winter, large jars of kimchi were wrapped in straw and put underground to keep them warm. In this way, the fermentation would last for several months. Kimchi is hot but rich in vitamins, minerals, and lactic acid. It is good for the intestines and is believed to prevent cancer.

Today, besides chili and garlic, cabbage is marinated with many other spices such as green onions, celery, sesame oil, rice wine, and soy sauce because the essence of Korean cuisine is that dishes should be full of flavors: sweet, salty, sour, spicy, and bitter. Up to now, many families still make kimchi in the traditional way. Some modern families store kimchi at a temperature of 4degrees Celsius in a small refrigerator. The cultural importance of gimjang was recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2013.

In addition to adding more diverse marinated ingredients, Koreans have also created various kinds of kimchi. In Seoul, we had a chance to try kimchi baek (it is also made from napa cabbage without using chili powder which helps to keep the cabbage white), kkakdugi (diced radish kimchi made from radish cut into small cubes), oisobaegi (stuffed cucumber kimchi), yeolmu kimchi (young summer radish kimchi), pa kimchi (green onion kimchi), buchu kimchi (garlic chives kimchi), nabak kimchi (water kimchi – a special kind of kimchi served with the refreshing broth that is plain, pure, and less spicy tastes, which is used as soup and a suitable dish to cool off on hot summer days).

In addition to eating kimchi as a side dish, Koreans also use it as an ingredient to create other signature dishes such as kimchi soup, kimchi pancake, kimchi fried rice, kimchi fried eggs, Kimchi mandu, and slow cooked Kimchi Stew with Beef.

Every year, from the 24th to 28th of October, the Kimchi Festival in Korea is held by having a kimchi making competition, a kimchi seminar, and cultural performances. Raw materials are carefully selected and made in the contest. Tourists can choose from over one hundred types of fresh kimchi or order through local websites. Koreans are so admirable when they are able to turn an ordinary dish into a signature one, capture the soul of the country, as well as be a great food ambassador.Have you ever seen the famous Korean film Le Grand Chef 2: Kimchi Battle? The film tells the story of two sisters being raised by a mother but they were always in disagreement with one another. Taking part in a kimchi competition held by the Korean government, in the first two rounds, the older sister chose to make kimchi by using a new method, bringing the breath of modern life into the traditional kimchi; while the younger sister chose to make the best kimchi from traditional materials.

In the final round, with the theme of “Make a kimchi that is loved by the whole world”, the two sisters chose to make the traditional and most popular baechu kimchi which took the judges by surprise. They remembered the taste of the kimchi made by their mothers. I was impressed by one judge›s statement: “How can the whole world welcome kimchi that is not even familiar with us?”. The message of the movie is very clear: baechu kimchi is the one that creates the strongest feeling of connection; it is like the roots intertwined deeply in the memory of people, helping them remember the smell of their mothers, their childhood, and their homes.

Personally, after trying a variety of unique and delicious types of kimchi, baechu kimchi is still my favorite. How about you?

Lê Ngọc | Wanderlust Tips