Wanderlust Tips Team – Page 129

Explore the beauty of Taiwan

This september, 6 Kols of hello world: Diem My 9x, singer – travel blogger quang vinh, food blogger – influencer Phan Anh Esheep, travel blogger Nhi Dang, photographer – travel blogger Tam Bui, and model Ngoc Anh Thu will travel to Taiwan, the pearl island in the blue ocean. This journey will take you to Yilan county, Miaoli county, and Taichung city to admire the stunning natural scenery, marvel at buildings with one-of-a-kind architecture, learn about local culture and history, as well as enjoy countless delicious fresh dishes. It promises to be their most beautiful days in Taiwan.

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YILAN COUNTY

Located in Northeast Taiwan, only 70 kilometres from Taipei City, Yilan is entirely separated from the urban life. This county features a peaceful beauty of nature and the lives of local people

VISIT

1. DONGSHAN RIVER WATER PARK

Although only 24 kilometres long, the Dongshan River has a beautiful setting and a diverse entertainment area located by the riverbank. Therefore, many visitors choose to visit this place during their trip to Yilan. The most famous tourist attraction by Dongshan River is Dongshan River Water Park. This park features underwater activities, an ecological conservation area, and an open-air theater. In addition, there are also bike lanes along the river for visitors to enjoy the poetic scenery of the riverside while riding bikes. Dongshan River Water Park is also home to major events such as the International Children’s Folklore & Folkgame Festival and the Dragon Boat Festival.

Address: No.2, Sec. 2, Qinhe Road, Wujie Township, Yilan County

Opening hours: 8am – 8pm daily

2. GUISHAN ISLAND

Guishan Island is the top part of a high conical volcanic mountain formed by several layers of lava, pumice, and volcanic ash sprayed from the sea. The island is called Guishan (Turtle Mountain) because its shape looks like a turtle floating on the sea when seen from a distance. It is even more impressive that the island is covered by an endless green carpet of plants, surrounded by the immense ocean, creating beautiful natural scenery. Beside the green ambience, Guishan Island is also home to a rich marine animal ecosystem including the Pacific whales and dolphins.

Address: Toucheng Town, Yilan County. About 10 kilometres to the east of the town

Transportations: To get here, from Wushi harbor, take a boat or ferry to the island for about 40 minutes

3. NATIONAL CENTER FOR TRADITIONAL ARTS (NCFTA)

Another popular attraction, also located on the banks of the Dongshan River, is the National Center for Traditional Arts.The center was established in January 2002 on a total area of 24 hectares. This is an agency of the Ministry of Culture(initially called the Council for Cultural Affairs), which aims to conduct research, preserve, and develop the traditional arts. The center is one of the most important tourist spots recommended for visitors when visiting Yilan. Here, visitors will have an opportunity to attend seminars, events, or programs about traditional Taiwanese arts. Besides the head office in Yilan, the center also has other subordinate units located in Taipei City and Kaohsiung.

Address: No. 201, Section 2, Wubin Road, Wujie Township, Yilan County

Website: Visit https://www.ncfta.gov.tw/ for more information on upcoming events, time, locations, and ticket prices

4. LANYANG MUSEUM

It can be said Langyang Museum is one of the highlights of Taiwanese architecture. The museum has unique exterior design and structure, which creates a wonderful harmonywith the natural surroundings. The overall architecture of the Lanyang Museum was inspired by the local natural elements, especially the Cuesta. Inside, visitors will find the reconstructed historical scene of Wushi harbor. In the Qing Dynasty, Wushi was a prosperous port, but now it only remains as a wetland. The museum also introduces a variety of local natural landscapes.

Address: No.750, Sec. 3, Qingyun Road, Toucheng Township, Yilan County

Opening hours: 9am – 5pm, from Thursdays to Tuesdays, closed on Wednesdays. Tickets are sold from 9am – 4.30pm.

Ticket prices: TWD100 (~ VND75,000) per person, or TWD80(~VND60,000) per person for a group of more than 20 people

Website: http://www.lym.gov.tw/eng/index_en.asp

CUISINE

1. CANG JIU WINERY

The land where the Cang Jiu factory is located is blessed with countless precious resources. Stream water flowing from the mountain side is clear and pure. The natural scenery is beautiful all year round; cherry blossoms bloom in the spring, the landscape is covered in green in the summer, maple leaves turn red in the autumn, and winter is the time kumquats ripen and turn yellow. Therefore, tourists visiting the Cang Jiu Winery at any time of the year will always have the opportunity to see the romantic nature while enjoying the wonderful wine. In addition, the restaurant also offer delicious local specialities.

Address: No. 126-150, Gēngxīn road, Toucheng Town, Yilan County
Website: https://www.cjwine.com/

ACCOMMODATION

1. HOTEL ROYAL CHIAO HSI

Surrounded by the beautiful nature of Yilan featuring picturesque hills and hot springs, the Hotel Royal Chiao Hsi offers visitors the most relaxing and wonderful time. Royal Chiao Hsi promises to bring you interesting experiences, services, and facilities including the infinity pool, herbal pool,open-air spa, hot springs, and luxurious restaurants. All of these are awaiting you in Yilan.

Address: No.69, Wufeng Road, Jiaoxi Township, Yilan County 262.

Ticket price: From USD531 (~VND12.4 million) per night

Website: https://www.slh.com/hotels/hotel-royal-chiao-hsi/

MIAOLI COUNTY

Located in Western Taiwan, Miaoli county impresses visitors from the first moment they arrive by its green rolling mountains. The more you explore the cuisine of the mountainous town Miaoli, the more you will be attracted.

VISIT

1. RIDING BIKES BY THE ANCIENT RAILWAY ON THE MOUNTAIN

This is a very interesting experience for visitors to Miaoli county; it has just been officially launched in August this year. Visitors will beable to ride on the ancient 100-year-old railway to admire Miaoli’s peaceful scenery and famous landmarks, for example, Shengxingrailway station bearing a nostalgic beauty or the remains of Longteng Bridge after two major earthquakes in 1935 and 1999.

Address: Sanyi Township, Miaoli County.

Transportations: The journey is about 12 kilometres long and lasts for about 1.5 hours.It costs TWD280 (~VND212,000) per turn. Each bike can carry up to 4 people and include electronic sensors to support bicyclists to ride on the sloping mountainside, GPS navigation device, and guided tours who can speak Chinese, Japanese, and English.

2. HUOYAN MOUNTAIN (HUOYANSHAN) NATURE RESERVE

Located in the north of the Da-an River, the nature reserve features breathtaking natural scenery of jagged mountains and green vegetation. Huoyan Mountain (Huoyanshan) Nature Reserve has an interesting geological history. Its geological structure was formed by dramatic tectonic movements and consists of mainly conglomerate and sandstone layers with very weak cohesion. Natural forces such as wind and rain have eroded these mountains, causing large sections to break off, creating jagged peaks and rock-strewn slopes and valleys. The best view of the mountains is from the south; they are especially magnificent at sunset. In addition, every March and April, Mt. Huoyan serves as a stopover for migratory birds coming from the south, adding biodiversity to the reserve.

Address: No.73, Zhongzheng Rd., Sanyi Township, Miaoli County.

CUISINE

1. ZHUOYE COTTAGE

Many visitors dream of being immersed in the green countryside and enjoy the fresh local food. The rustic and simple Zhuoye Cottage offers such a wonderful dining experience. And after enjoying the food, do not miss the Indigo dying class to learn more about their unique culture.

Address: No.1-5, Bengshanxia, Sanyi Township, Miaoli County.

Opening hours: 11.30am – 2pm from Monday to Friday; 11am – 1pm and 1.30pm – 3.20pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

2. CRESCENT PHOENIX

Hakka migrated to Taiwan from the 17th century and occupied about 15% of the population. In Miaoli county, Hakka are the major group of people here. Therefore, Miaoli culture is strongly influenced by Hakka. To enjoy their signature dishes, the Crescent Phoenix restaurant is an ideal choice. Moreover, Crescent Phoenix also has a learning area where guests can practice cooking popular local dishes.

No. 1-3, Shengxing, Sanyi Township, Miaoli County
Address: 10am – 10pm everyday
Website: http://theme.net.tw/

ACCOMMODATION

1. ONSEN PAPAWAQA

The Taiwanese township of Miaoli county is located on the mountain and is famous for wellness tourism in hot springs. One of them is the luxury Onsen Papawaqa. This hotel has 68 rooms featuring modern facilities, a swimming pool, and attractive restaurants. In particular, it also offers hot spring bathing services to improve health. In addition, it has a convenient location which allows visitors to travel to attractions in the neighboring area.

Address: No.58, Yuandun, Taian township, Miaoli County.

Ticket prices: from TWD7,500 (~ VND5.7 million) per night.

Website: https://www.papawaqa.com.tw/

2. GRAND ROYAL HOTEL

Another great accommodation for travellers to Miaoli is the Grand Royal Hotel. It is designed and built in accordance with international standards and promises to offer visitors whole new and wonderful experiences. The location of the hotel is right in the center of Toufen in the north of Miaoli, and it also connects to the shopping center Shang Shun and the entertainment area Shang Shun World, which is very convenient for visitors to participate in entertainment activities.

Address: No. 103, Zhongyang Road, Toufen City, Miaoli County

Ticket prices: From TWD7,000 (~ VND5.3 million) per night

Website: http://www.groyalhotel.com/en/index.php

TAICHUNG

This west-central city is Taiwan’s third largest one, promising to bring an abundance of experiences to visitors. It features modern buildings, romantic nature, delicious cuisine, and enjoyable shopping experience.

VISIT

1. THE CALLIGRAPHY GREENWAY

Calligraphy Greenway extends for 3.6 kilometres, ranging in the north from National Museum of Natural Science, Civil Square, Park Lane by CMP, a food court to the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts in the south. It is an urban space structure shaped in a long and wide stripe. That is why this urban space is named Calligraphy Greenway, and owing to that, the atmosphere, tempo, and movement of those events within it are free and flexible just like the cursive writing of Chinese calligraphy.

Address: West Zone, Taichung City

2. GAOMEI WETLANDS

Gaomei Wetlands is one of the most well known and wellpreserved wetland habitats in Taiwan. Standing over 300 hectares, this is an excellent location for bird-watching. The breathtaking scenery during the sunset is truly a must see while visiting Taiwan. The colour of the sunlight is constantly changing from orange, purple rose, to red, some days it is covered with brilliant yellow. Therefore, many people are willing to go a long distance just to catch this unforgettable beautiful moment.

Address: Qingshui Dist, Taichung City.

3. NATIONAL TAICHUNG THEATER

Taichung National Theater was designed by Japanese architect Toyo Ito in collaboration with Cecil Balmond at Arup AGU. The theater was built for four years, officially opened in 2016, and became a unique architecture in Taiwan. All buildings are designed with strange tubes and rolling walls, together with the harmony of colors, which makes the theater space bright and glowing. Explaining this new architecture, “The architecture of this opera house is created in such a way that the inside and outside are one continuous (surface), in a similar manner to how bodies are connected to nature (outside) via orifices such as the mouth, nose, and ears,” he said.

Adress: No. 101, Section 2, Huilai Road, Xitun District, Taichung City

Opening hours: 11.30am – 9pm from Sunday to Thursday; 11.30 am – 10 pm on Fridays, Saturdays and holidays.

Refer to the theater website for artwork and ticket prices: http://en.npac-ntt.org/

CUISINE

1. CHUN SHUI TANG

Taiwan, the birthplace of the famous bubble tea, you can not miss an opportunity to enjoy the famous bubble tea in the country of its origin. Among hundreds of milk tea brands in Taichung, Chun Shui Tang is the oldest, largest, and most favourite brand. This is also where bubble tea was born. You can find many branches of the Chun Shui Tang in Taichung and easily order your favourite tastes favourite flavors, using their English menu. In addition to enjoying the milk tea, visitors can also participate in the bubble tea training class at Chun Shui Tang Tea House. Then they can learn about the famous history of drinks in Taiwan, and are taught how to make the best bubble tea by the most famous baristas.

Address: In order to learn how to make bubble tea, you can go to the Chun Shui Tang Tea House (No. 9, Dadun 19th st., West district, Taichung city). Classes often last for about 50 minutes with 2 to 8 students. The class starts at 10am/3pm/5pm from Mondays to Fridays.

Website: To enjoy Chun Shui Tang milk tea, there are up to 40 branches for you to choose from. You can visit its website for more details: https://chunshuitang.com.tw/

ACCOMMONDATION

1. THE LIN HOTEL TAICHUNG

It offers luxurious and deluxe accommodation in the heart of Taichung city. The golden-ratio-based design lends a sense of balance and comfort to the guest rooms, while the Dubaistyle outdoor swimming pool, wellness center, and the healthy culinary buffet contribute to the body and soul of every guest.

Address: No. 99, Chaofu Rd., Xitun Dist., Taichung City

Ticket prices: from TWD12,000 (~ VND9 million) per nigh

Website: https://www.thelin.com.tw/index.php?lang=en#sao

2. FULLON HOTEL LIHPAO LAND

Located at a convenient location with quick access to popular spots in the city, Fullon Hotel Lihpao Land is your best choice for accommodation whether you are on a business or tourist trip. The hotel also draws up services and facilities to satisfy the needs of both parents and kids. One of the most impressive attractions is that it is also connected to the Lihpao Land, promising to bring the most enjoyable entertainment experiences.

Address: No. 88, Furong Road, Houli Dist, Taichung City.

Ticket prices: TWD9,800 (~VND7.4 million) per night.

Website: http://www.fullon-hotels.com.tw/ym/en/

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Sky Tower revealed at InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort

The new InterContinental® Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort in Vietnam is delighted to announce that the resort’s Sky Tower, which offers some of the most spacious and luxurious accommodation in Phu Quoc.

Grab officially launches on-demand food delivery service GrabFood in Hanoi

On 2nd October 2018, Grab, Southeast Asia’s leading O2O mobile platform, today officially launched its on-demand food delivery service GrabFood in Hanoi. This not only marks an important milestone in Grab’s journey towards becoming the leading everyday super-app that offers Vietnamese and Southeast Asian consumers.

Hanoi Daewoo Hotel announces new executive assistant manager

Hanoi Daewoo Hotel, the city’s leading 5-star luxury hotel, has recently strengthened its operational leadership team with the appointment of Mr. Sunny Ghaiee as the new Executive Assistant Manager.

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Indian born, Sunny Ghaiee has held senior positions for several Indian & international hotels including JW Marriott, Chandigarh and Marriott Hyderabad Hotels in India. He joined Hanoi Daewoo Hotel in 2015 with more than 18 years experiences in hospitality industry and has taken the reigns from his previous role as Director of Sales & Marketing position.

In his new position, Ghaiee will be responsible for the entire hotel operations at Hanoi Daewoo Hotel, support the General Manager to ensure operational excellence, focus on maintaining the hotel’s renowned service and elevating the guest’s experience.

“Sunny is an exceptional & visionary leader who has helped driving both revenue and ADR. This newly created role also recognizes the focus on product & service alignment as Hanoi Daewoo Hotel continues to expand national & international footprint” says Mr. Erwin R. Popov, General Manager of Hanoi Daewoo Hotel.

Surrounded by lush green spaces and wide, tree-lined boulevards, Hanoi Daewoo Hotel provides a quiet escape in the city center. Easily accessible from Noi Bai International Airport and close to major roadways that link to all parts of the city, our neighborhood is in a convenient position both for conducting business and for sightseeing.

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Launch of new fragrance cocktails at Social Club Saigon

Social Club Saigon is proud to introduce its new cocktails list crafted with a blend of vintage and French chic modernity, inspired by the perfume notes of YSL Beauty fragrance. This collaboration between the two luxury artsy brands awaits huge excitement from their discerning customers.

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Remember your travels and it is the tastes and scents that bring them back to life. As Mixology is one of the key brand pillars of our MGallery brand, we dont just make cocktails, we craft memories for the future.

Every single city where an MGallery hotel situated, there is a significant mixology component that awakes your senses and leave you mesmerising feeling about the place. The concept behind this new cocktail list has been inspired by YSL Beauty perfumes representing young, edgy, luxury liquid and unique aroma.

8 French Classic fragrances have been reproduced with their tasting notes to seduce “HER & HIM” by the Saigon City light. Each cocktail has its own character that will suit each guest’s personal preference. This 2018, the MGallery Brand is celebrating its 10 year Anniversary and this mixology event is one part of the global scaled attention that will pay tribute to the celebration.

MGallery is comprised of high-end boutique hotels all around the world. Its opulence is dedicated to lovers of life, literature and culture. Each MGallery hotel depicts a singular different world: a bygone era, a hidden haven or even a spectacular natural landscape. By embodying the style, stories and allure of the destinations they represent, each MGallery hotel evokes and shapes memorable moments for everyone of its guests, praising with exclusive experiences that inspires lifelong memories.

Each hotel in the Collection brings to life with talent a unique personality and story, experienced by guests through its architecture, interior design and services. They are inspired by one of the Collection’s three hallmark atmospheres: “Heritage” hotels charged with history reflecting their historic roots, “Signature” hotels that mirror an aesthetic universe and style inspired by a personality who contributed to their creation or decoration, and “Serenity” hotels that offer guests a haven of relaxation in a seaside, rural, mountain or urban setting. All the hotels in the Collection invite guests to experience “Memorable Moments.”

SOCIAL CLUB RESTAURANT AND ROOFTOP BAR

Stylish and sassy, vibrant and vivacious, Social Club Restaurant on the 23rd floor is poised to make its mark on the city’s dining and nightlife scene, bringing a new sense of sophisticated and swagger entertaining spirit to the city. Conceived by the internationally-acclaimed Super Potato design firm of Japan, Social Club’s gorgeous sumptuous interior is reminiscent of Europe in the 1930s. Here guests can enjoy delicious casual European cuisine, paired with an array of spirits, fine wine and Champagnes as well as artful, handcrafted cocktails from the stunning Victorian vintage oak wood bar. The alchemy of Social Club Restaurant extends to the stylish Social Club Rooftop Bar, an outdoor lounge one floor above Social Club Restaurant, featuring breathtaking views of the city.

HÔTEL DES ARTS SAIGON, MGALLERY COLLECTION

Hôtel des Arts Saigon, a member of MGallery Collection is designed for those who love to live and travel independently. This boutique hotel is a haven of art, style and culture in the heart of energetic Ho Chi Minh City. Combining the classical charm of “Indochine Française” with a sense of timeless chic that only MGallery can provide, Hôtel des Arts Saigon is perfect for people who travel with style and seek a hotel that exudes local character. Passionately independent, this exquisite Boutique Hotel fuses distinctive local flavor with classical charm and contemporary facilities to create memorable stays. With five distinct venues, Hôtel des Arts Saigon is the perfect place to enjoy exquisite cuisine and socialize in the company of friends: sample authentic Vietnamese flavors at the Saigon Kitchen, raise your taste buds to new heights at the Social Club Restaurant and Rooftop Bar, soak up the culture at Café des Beaux-Arts, overlook the bustling city below in the city highest infinity pool or relieve the stresses of life at Le Spa des Artistes. Guests are invited to experience “Memorable Moments” at Hôtel des Arts Saigon, MGallery Collection.

YSL BEAUTY BRAND

“I have led the fight for elegance and beauty” – said Yves Saint Laurent.

This masterful art of the paradox, which characterizes the designer’s work, has created, shaped and built YSL Beauty since 1978. The beauty runs from one extreme to the next. The possibility of straddling all horizons: embracing life and love in Paris, embodying an androgynous, fatal heroine, being crazy about black but wildly adoring vibrant colors at the same time; bridging the gap between decency and boldness, the subversive and the classic; engaging with art and the street, never betraying the absolute abundance of contradictions contained in this way of being at once unique and multiple. Because this beauty can only be expressed as an irreverent fusion. YSL Beauy is a radical statement of independence.

YSL Beauty officially launched in Vietnam April 2018 at Takashimaya Hochiminh Department Story 1st floor, 92 – 94 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, D1, HCMC.

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

AccorHotels Vietnam World Masters Golf Championship returns to Danang

AccorHotels announces the return of the AccorHotels Vietnam World Masters Golf Championship in Danang for the fourth consecutive year from 9th to 15th September 2018.

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The week-long tournament gives more than a hundred amateur golfers the opportunity to enjoy a game of golf, mingle at social events and experience the cultural charms of Danang, Hoi An, the ancient capital of Hue and a tour at the UNESCO World Heritage site My Son Sanctuary.

Launched in 2015, this year’s tournament has attracted avid golfers from fourteen countries including Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, The Philippines, Malaysia and Hong Kong.

“AccorHotels is honoured to co-host the annual Vietnam World Masters Golf Championship with GolfAsian for the fourth consecutive year. The tournament highlights Danang as a world-class golf destination, where golfers can enjoy a game of golf at the award-wining golf courses that overlook our wonderful beachfront and riverside hotels,” said Patrick Basset, Chief Operating Officer for AccorHotels Upper Southeast and Northeast Asia.

This year’s official hotel venue is Pullman Danang Beach Resort, a pristine beach front property perfect for guests looking to unwind and enjoy an idyllic beach getaway with major tourist attraction sites located nearby.

AccorHotels currently has 26 properties ranging from economy to luxury brands across Vietnam. Seven of them are located in Danang including Pullman Danang Beach Resort, Hotel Royal Hoi An-MGallery, Grand Mercure Danang, Novotel Danang Premier Han River, Mercure Hoi An, Mercure Bana Hills French Village and Premier Village Danang Resort.

The tournament is jointly hosted by GolfAsian and Australia-based Go Golfing Travel, specialist operators who have been staging golf tours for more than 20 years.

“We are thrilled to be hosting the 4th AccorHotels Vietnam World Masters with more hotel sponsors than ever. Golfer feedback from the past three years has been great and a lot of customers are returning golfers. What beats getting a free massage on the golf course?” said Mark Siegel, Golfasian’s Managing Director.

During the golf tournament, participants will play rounds at BRG Danang Golf Resort, Montgomerie Links Vietnam and Bana Hills Golf Club. The event is co-sponsored by fifteen AccorHotels properties across Vietnam and Thailand under the Sofitel, Pullman, MGallery, Novotel, Mercure and ibis brands.

The tournament package includes six nights accommodation at Pullman Danang Beach Resort, four rounds of golf championships with caddies and carts, nightly social events with food and beverage, a welcome dinner, a player’s pack with tournament shirt, personalised caddie bib and a country flag. Participants will also stand a chance to win lucky draw prizes worth over USD10,000 and more. Daily programme events and day tours are available for non-players.

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Spa indulgence package at Sheraton Grand Danang Resort

Danang is a wonderfully diverse destination, filled with activities and attractions for all types of traveler. Guests who simply wish to relax and be pampered however, can discover world-class wellness at Shine Spa for Sheraton™, the serene sanctuary at Sheraton Grand Danang Resort.

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The new “Spa Indulgence Package” allows guests to soothe their senses on Central Vietnam’s stunning sandy shores with a daily 60-minute body treatment and a signature appetizer and a glass of house wine at La Plage, the resort’s stylish beach club.

Guests enter a world of wellbeing at Shine Spa, with its calming interiors inspired by classic elements of the Regency period. An extensive menu of treatments ranges from blissful body scrubs and revitalizing wraps to invigorating eye treatments, firming facials and of course soothing massages, including a traditional Vietnamese version with warm coconut oil.

Whatever your wellness goals, the skilled therapists at Shine Spa ensure sublime experiences for all guests, on the shores of the East Sea. For more information and to book the Spa Indulgence Package at Sheraton Grand Danang Resort.

For more information, please contact reservation team at danang.reservations@sheraton.com or call 84 236 3988 999.

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Sapa autumn gold

Sapa is a small ancient town in the heart of the Hoang Lien Son range – a magnificent mountain range of Vietnam hidden many miracles of the natural scene. The scenery in Sapa with natural beauty combined with the creativity of the people create unique beauty. Especially in the autumn, Sapa is beautiful as a painting of aquatic beings are arranged in a harmonic layout to create a charming poetic scene.

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SAPA COLORED PICTURE IN AUTUMN

If the beginning of the season is the two-color harmony of the main color blue – yellow, the season of the season, the yellow color is spreading will dominate the eyes of visitors. At the foot of Fansipan is the majestic mountain, so many people “delusion”, “drunk” conquered countless fields in Trung Chai, Sa Pa, Ta Phin, Lao Chai, Ta Van … yellow as a dream Make a captivating picture. People like it is the endless wave of gold, someone said it like raspberry gold or sky ladder. It seems all visualizations are meaningless when one has the opportunity to conquer this place.

Conquering Mount Ham Rong does not make people proud as Fansipan peak but makes people feel more satisfied and happy. By this place can see the beauty of Sapa in the best. The small town of Sapa drowned in fanciful mist, immersed with the sight of the hiding place. Each small road, each village, each tourist resort is small but beautiful strange, beautiful as a full color picture. Here you will only feel the beauty is pristine, untapped, no artificial hand so it still has a real beauty of itself.

Along the way, every few kilometers, the Mongolian and Dao ethnic minority people can be seen in their colorful costumes, carried on their back, walking, riding buffaloes to the mountains for sale. At times, some motorbikes carry people, the goods rushed to time to time.

Sapa enjoy many delicious dishes such as sprouts, salmon, spring fish, Ban, … with cold weather, sip a glass of corn wine to enjoy some charcoal grilled dishes are moments unforgettable in life.

RICE TERRACES, AUTUMN CARPET

Those who come to Sapa are also enthusiastic, admiring the beauty of terraced fields in Sapa, Lao Cai. The terraced fields are considered as the giant ladder connecting the sky became the attraction many tourists in Sapa. Sa Pa terraced fields have existed for hundreds of years and are built by industrious farmers of ethnic minorities. Terraced fields, large or small, are “carved” look good and easy to cultivate. There are hundreds of hectares of terraced fields in Ta Van, Lao Chai, Ta Phin … like huge landscape paintings with soft curving lines that “painter” painted.

In 2009, the famous travel magazine Travel and Leisure (USA) voted Sa Pa terraced fields as one of the seven most beautiful terraced fields in Asia and the world.

Coming to Atravelmate, 39D Dinh Tien Hoang, Hanoi, you buy 2 tours are offered private car to the airport or free 02 tickets puppet water.
Contact details hotline: 024.3926.3370
Website: http://www.atravelmate.com/sapa-tours/

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Bangkok street food guide

Street food in Bangkok (Thailand) becomes famous among travellers by the variety of many delicious dishes, which can be found everywhere along the streets. However, many visitors may feel like they are getting lost in a maze of a food paradise when being surrounded by countless good choices and do not know where and what to eat. That is why Wanderlust Tips suggest some of the best food and reliable addresses for you to enjoy.

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Wanderlust Tips

The White Lady, 70 years of street food history in the land of the kiwi

Auckland, the biggest city in New Zealand is still a young city with less than 200 years of history since the european settlement when they made truces with the indigenous Māori. Within the short history of the city, every night in the last 70 years, when nights fall, the true Aucklanders gather at the white lady – the iconic pie-cart of new zealand. This pie-cart is the salient icon of street food culture of this island country.

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HOW DID I FALL IN LOVE WITH THE WHITE LADY

Just like many generations of Aucklanders, I have fallen in love with her, The White Lady at first “bite”. I first discovered the pie-cart on a summer’s night two years ago when the breezing wind from the Haruki Gulf was wandering through many of Auckland’s silent streets. Despite the fact that Auckland is the biggest city in New Zealand where hundreds of bars and restaurants are operating through the night, its nightlife is nothing compared to New York’s, or only to Melbourne’s – its neighbour from across the Tasman Sea. That night, the city came into its peaceful silence albeit the supposed festive summer’s vibe. I was having my walk at a late hour along the harbour where the waves gently laps the docks. Turning to Commerce Street, a big white mobile and its warm light caught my eyes. Along the pavements, there was a group of people purchasing burgers from the white mobile. Some were leaning against the building’s wall; some were sitting on plastic milk racks turned upside down to make casual stools. Some were chatting; the others were silently enjoying their delicious supper.

Intrigued by the vibe, I went and bought myself a burger. The White Lady didn’t disappoint me. No pale and squishy sandwich from any of the fast food chains which were only a few hundred metres away from the spot could compare to the burger I had that night. Between two freshly toasted pieces of bun were layers of green crunchy veggies, a juicy beef patty, soft fried egg with a crispy base, and melted Colby cheese. Who would have known that when night fell, at this very corner, there was a street food vendor that could make burgers taste like heaven?

To an Asian, street food means those small stalls or mobile carts that always move all over town. However, street food can also mean different things. It can be those fish and chips vendors in Great Britain. It can also be the hot dog carts found at many corners in the East Coast of the States. Here, in New Zealand, it is the pie-carts which entail many fascinating stories of how they came and have been developed during all those years.

There was a time when pie-carts like The White Lady were the centre of every town and city in New Zealand. Foreigners usually mistake it with an American food truck, but here, mobile food vendors like The White Lady are called pie-carts. An American food truck is normally an innovative mini-truck, whereas a pie-cart is more like a caravan which is carried by a stand-alone engine.

New Zealand’s pie cart first appeared during the Great Depression in the 1930s. Pie-cart culture was blooming during the afterwar era. In the first half of the 20th century, Auckland was still very much isolated due to its geographical location, as well as the constraint of intercontinental travelling at the time. In the city, the Depression was consuming everything, including the city’s lifestyle. All streets were lined with gravel; no vehicles could travel fast; and electricity was a luxury. During this dark era of the modern time, New Zealand’s pie carts became the spotlight of every town. They often parked in front of the town’s post office and were selling coffee, along with the working-class’s legendary food trio which gave the pie-cart its name, “pea, pie, pud” (pud was the word used for mashed potato). Pie-carts become the icon of New Zealand’s street food culture, but also of people who grew up in he 1940s and 1950s. Everybody back then had been to one of their local pie carts for a quick bite during the day.

However, there is nothing that lasts forever. As time changes, New Zealand’s pie-carts have been dying out. After the second world war, many of the workingclass’s icons like the pie-cart started to disappear. Air travel had brought people from around the globe to this little country at the rear of the world, while those people had also brought new and exotic culinary cultures and trends into New Zealand. The younger generations have been consuming the newer versions of food and dining cultures day after day ever since. On the other hand, the government has started cracking down many issues related to food hygiene and waste management of food premises. Only a few pie-carts are still operating in every town across the country. And the most remarkable of them all is The White Lady, the oldest pie cart of New Zealand which has survived since the afterwar era till the 21st century.

70-YEAR HISTORY OF THE WHITE LADY

The White Lady started to operate in 1948 and is owned by the Washer family. The founder of it was Brian Washer (also known as ‘Pop’). Before The White Lady, Pop, like many of his generation, had deeply embraced the youth culture of his time which included rugby games, racing tracks, and beers. After some time spent at a detoxication centre, Pop ran a beverage caravan at the race tracks. Unfortunately, he was caught running illegal gambling activities along side his beverage business. Pop was banned from the race tracks as his business came to its doom. However, Pop did not loose faith.

During this hard time, Pop met is future wife, Joyce. They soon got married, and the newly wedded couple went to Christchurch for the honeymoon where Pop also had ordered a new pie-cart to be made for his future business. When the honeymoon ended, returning to Auckland was not only the two love birds but also Pop’s (later legendary) pie-cart: The White Lady. According to Joyce Washer, they wanted the pie-cart to be named in a feminine way, as it was very common expression at the time to refer to an automobile as “baby” or “her”. Joyce decided to name it The White Lady because it was painted white. “There were no racial overtones in those days”, Joyce recalled.

The City Council finally agreed to grant Pop a trading license and allocated the pie-cart to be operated on Fort street, a short street which intersects Queen street – Auckland’s main street, near the Britomart Transport Centre and the Queens Wharf on the Auckland waterfront. The pie-cart had stayed there from 1950 to 2006. It was relocated due to the city’s innovation and construction. The current location of The White Lady is near the corner between Customs East Street and Commerce street which is a few hundred metres from its original location. The city has organised power and water sources for The White Lady’s operation at the spot it parked every night.

After the failure at the race tracks, with his new pie-cart, Pop Washer finally came to his success. During the 1950s and 1960s – the beginning of The White Lady, New Zealand was still seeing the effects of an alcohol restriction which had been on since the first world war in 1917. According to this restriction, all alcohol must stop being served at six o’clock every night. People called it the “six o’clock swill” to refer to the fact that most men who had worked all day went rushing into the local bars straight after work in order to enjoy their drinks before six o’clock everyday. It was way before the thrive of the café culture. Once alcoholic drinks were stopped, food premises also closed their doors. In many years before the restriction was lifted in 1967, The White Lady was the only place in Auckland CBD (central business district) that served hot meals after six o’clock. For this particular reason, the pie-cart had become a critical part of Aucklanders’ nightlife since the day it first opened.

In the beginning, Pop was operating the pie-cart since nightfall till the early next morning while Joyce was in charge of all the precooked dishes which she was making at their home – an old bach (wooden beach house) with holes on the walls in Kohimarama, an eastern suburb. Mid 20th century, food hygiene was still loose, which allowed homecooked foods to be traded commercially. Joyce recalled that besides “pea, pie, pud”, they were also selling other items like bread, egg, tomato sauce, and glasses full of chopped onion, cucumber and sliced tomato (side dish). “But no fancy serviettes. We used a communal tea towel, and the customers were all happy with that”.

Eventually, the craving for pies of Aucklanders has faded. Nowadays, The White Lady’s menu features a list of gourmet burgers and nonalcoholic drinks. These days, food legislation is taken very seriously and all ingredients are now prepared in a professional and licensed environment, which has prohibited the existence of New Zealand’s street food culture. Street food vendors now only appear at a few weekend farmers’ markets or some annual festivals. In contrast, fast food premises can now be found everywhere. However, for some reasons, despite the fast growing fast food industry, they could not harm The White Lady. The legendary pie-cart is still there, being proud of herself as a queen of all street food vendors which have ceased to exist. The White Lady has been trading every single night in the last 70 years with the exception of one night in the summer of 1998 when a blackout affected the whole city. The power crisis put Auckland CBD in complete darkness during the nights of the next five weeks. And again, since the “six o’clock swill”, The White Lady was the only place open during this time, except for only the first night.

Nowadays, despite the effort of the city council in eliminating street food vendors like The White Lady and many of its sister pie-carts, pie-cart culture, though descending, still exists. All the surviving pie-carts are a living reminder of New Zealand’s street food culture. The White Lady’s food is anything but a disappointment, doesn’t matter if it was Joyce Washer’s “pea, pie, pud”, and steak and kidney stew made at their home during the 50s, or the current gourmet burger combining a thick freshly grilled beef patty, pieces of crispy bacon, melted fatty cheese, and crunchy lettuce. Peter Washer and his son, Max Washer, who inherited the pie-cart from his parents, ensure consistent and high quality food, which is also the utmost motto of the White Lady. Despite the fact that The White Lady is just a street food vendor, the Washers has never hesitated to price their burgers according to the quality they promise to deliver. The competing burger market in which many casual eateries and fast food chains are joining more and more every day seems to have no effect on their business philosophy. To them, it is just like what Henry Royce, one of the two founders of Rolls Royce, said, “the quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten”.

Inspite of the current upholding nightlife in Auckland with fast food chains and bars, there has never been anything as good as The White Lady’s food. The Lady and her beautiful gourmet burgers have never failed to bring joy to her customers who, for whatever reason, ever find themselves wandering the streets and habour of Auckland CBD at night. It is hard to say how long this three-generation pie-cart will still stand, but its is certain that The White Lady will go down in the culinary history of New Zealand, and of Auckland – the city of sails, land of a thousand lovers.

W.TIPS

♠ HIGHTLIGHTS

There are no indigenous mammal animals in New Zealand. There are also no snakes, lizards, or venomous spiders found in New Zealand. The indigenous animals of this island country are birds and insects. New Zealanders often refer to themselves as Kiwis, the iconic flightless bird of the country.

♠ CLIMATE

Auckland is a harbour city. It rains all year round. Light rains and drizzles are normally seen during spring and summer, while heavy rains which can last for days are common during autumn and winter. Located in the Southern Hemisphere, New Zealand’s seasons are different from the Northern Hemisphere’s. Spring starts from September to the end of November. Summer is from December to February. Autumn is from March till the end of May. June, July, and August are winter months.

♠ LANGUAGE

English is mainly used to communicate in New Zealand. However, the Māori language (te reo Māori) of the indigenous Māori people is the first de jure official language.

♠ CURRENCY

New Zealand’s currency is New Zealand dollar. NZD1 = VND15,683.3 (according to current exchange rate). Foreigner notes can be exchanged easily at many foreign exchange counters in the CBD area.

♠ TRANSPORTATION

In addition, public transportation only run till midnight. Therefore, you should arrange your schedule beforehand. You can also use many taxies around the area or Uber service (only credit card payment via Uber app is accepted).

♠ MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE WHITE LADY

Location: The White Lady pie-cart is located near the corner between Customs Street Eats and Commerce Street, across the road from a major bus station. If hungry, you can try the enormous burger called “The white lady” or The Aucklander burger. You should also accompany your sandwich with a can of L&P, the famous lemonade of New Zealand. Alcoholic drinks are banned in public places.
Operating hours: The White Lady opens from 7pm from Monday to Thursday till 4 pm the next day. They open from 7pm on Friday nights to 3am on Monday mornings. You should visit the White Lady late at night to try the authentic pie-cart experience. However, from late till early morning is the busiest time at The White Lady, you are expected to wait from 15 to 20 minutes.

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