Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Adrian Anh Tuan: Grasp your chance for travel as time will pass very quickly

Adrian Anh Tuan: Grasp your chance for travel as time will pass very quickly

Despite a busy work schedule; Adrian Anh Tuan always makes others admire him for his travelling to gorgeous places. Especially, during his travels, there is always an appearance of his companion and soul mate entrepreneur Son Doan. The most wonderful thing is travelling the world with the person you love.

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Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Adrian Anh Tuan: Grasp your chance for travel as time will pass very quickly

Hello Adrian, what has helped you to have such great passion for travelling?

I think that everyone has a passion for travelling; they all desire to travel around the world and discover new things outside of their daily life. What matters is whether you want to follow your heart and have the financial ability or not. In my opinion, going with a soul mate is always more wonderful than going alone. The soul mate you have mentioned here must be Son Doan – who has created a beautiful love story with you. Son and I are lucky enough to share the same passion for travelling. We go to learn more about the outside world, to broaden our horizons, to explore other cultures, and to try out the local dishes at those destinations.

Though being busy at work, we always try to arrange the time to travel together. Time goes by quickly, and before you notice you will be in your old age and may not be able to do what you want. So for me, I always attempt to make more room in life to have greater experiences.

Could you name the destinations that you have been to together?

There are too many places to tell. In Vietnam, we have been to all the places that we want to, many of which we even had to return dozens of times because of the beauty and our preferences. In Asia, we have been to Thailand, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, China, Singapore etc. Furthermore, we have come to America, Canada, France, Switzerland, Italy etc..

Son and I are in our late thirties, so backpacking or hiking is not something we can do anymore. For me, travelling should be combined with relaxing leisure so that you can enjoy everything around you. That is why we always choose the most affordable and beautiful places, as well as try out as many local dishes as possible, which is also one of our hobbies and interests when arriving in a new place.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Adrian Anh Tuan: Grasp your chance for travel as time will pass very quickly

Can you share some of your most unforgettable memories during the trips?

For me, the memories are always enjoyable because I forget every sad memory from my mind. Of course, we occasionally encountered some unfortunate situations while travelling such as missing luggage, wrong hotel bookings, flight delays or stolen belongings, etc. but they did not make us upset. They were just funny experiences that we have gone through.

We have too many happy memories to mention. And we always try to retain the joyfulness in memory by capturing our happy moments. Son Doan and I are very fond of visiting new places where we have local friends, so we can discover more interesting things which a typical tourist may not have the chance to experience. Recently, we visited Aix En Provence (France) and stayed for a few nights at beautiful mansions, enjoyed food grown in the garden, as well as sipped the wines produced in the vineyard right in those mansions. We were also told many interesting stories that even the tour guides here might not even know.

As a designer as well as a travel blogger, are there any connections between your two passions for fashion and travelling?

The fact that most of my collections were inspired by travelling happened as I became a travel blogger. That is the reason why I have travelled to so many places in the world. Fashion also gives me more opportunities and conditions to travel and broaden my knowledge. Furthermore, travelling is my spiritual remedy and creative source, which inspires me to create beautiful collections for my clients. It can be seen that these two passions, two jobs complement each other perfectly.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Adrian Anh Tuan: Grasp your chance for travel as time will pass very quickly

It is known that you and Son Doan are quite successful with your Youtube channel Away We Wow. Could you tell us more about this work?

Away We Wow is a channel about travel and cuisine. Although Away We Wow was established less than a year ago, it has received lots of love and attention from travel enthusiasts, the media and many commercial brands with offers for cooperation. We made this Youtube channel to find more opportunities to travel together and share beautiful pictures as well as interesting information about the trips with other people.

Could you share with the readers your upcoming plans?

Away We Wow is going to have some clips of new interesting trips, including our trip to Japan later this year with a friend who we have specially invited to participate in Away We Wow team. Besides, there are also trips to famous places in Vietnam such as Hanoi, Halong Bay, Quy Nhon and other provinces in southern Vietnam. We hope more people will subscribe Away We Wow channel. As for my fashion designing career, I’m going to hold a special event in November to celebrate my 10th anniversary, which will be a secret and a surprise for everyone.

Thank you, Adrian Anh Tuan, for sharing your interesting information with us. Wish you and your life partner wonderful trips ahead!

Van Ly | Wanderlust Tips

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Travel bloggers: How much a dream cost?

Instead of travelling several times per year, travel bloggers turn their life into a long trip. And it is definitely not a path strewn with roses.

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Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Travel bloggers: How much a dream cost?

1. TRAN VIET PHUONG

Create your own path

More than a year ago, I published my first book and decided to give up my career as a journalist to become a full-time travel blogger. I am so fed up with the stability, so tired of the restrictive and constrained working environment, and so bored with a repeated working routine, so I made a decision to give up the job that could be a dream to many people to create my own path. Why did you have to live a monotonous life while you were capable of living a more diverse life?

Make money for travelling

There are many ways for me to make money the trip: Income from writing, my savings for years, extra money from part-time jobs outside my main job as a travel blogger, earnings from advertising on Facebook and Google when posting videos on YouTube, and also the contract, agreement of posting product and service reviews on my own website or social networks.

A path not strewn with roses

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Travel bloggers: How much a dream cost?

I had anticipated difficulties that I had to face. However, those difficulties were much harder than I had expected. Being a freelancer means that you will never have a stable income. It is all insecure and I have to work every day, every hour to maintain my income. In addition, being a travel blogger, you have to travel a lot to gain experience, experience to share with the readers. If you do not travel regularly, your experience is tedious, then nobody will want to follow your blog. Furthermore, your experience must be in depth and interesting, which means you are required to have an ability to observe, perceive and interact with local people in the destination.

Finally, you have to build trust with your readers because they will watch your journey and contribute to your success. Sometimes, there were readers that felt uncomfortable when I posted or advertised a product, without understanding that it was also a way I could earn money for travelling. Sometimes, I felt frustrated with my decision to become a full-time blogger when I did not see any progress, I did not know what I needed for improvement, and what I had done wrong.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Travel bloggers: How much a dream cost?

All achievements need time

I had to face a lot of difficulties, but I always thought that as I decided to go this way, I have to go to the end. I have a strong belief that I will succeed in the path I have chosen. Later, when I get married, we will travel together to explore the world and learn from interesting things in life.

But do not rush to work as a full-time travel blogger when you have not gained the financial ability, comprehensive knowledge, communication skill and foreign languages. All achievements need time. If you want to become a travel blogger, you can start the journey now; start writing and sharing; practice taking photographs, recording and editing video; learn English, and especially read a lot.

2. TRAN DANG DANG KHOA

There will be no other long journey

Regarding the long journey around the world, if I do not work as a travel blogger, I cannot afford the travel cost. I needed to send my savings to my parents because I am the oldest in my family. Being a travel blogger helps me to earn money for travelling.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Travel bloggers: How much a dream cost?

Working while travelling

Previously when I had a full-time white-collar job, sometimes I wrote advertisements for several companies. Nowadays, I mainly write advertisements for some brands such as tires or mobile phones, work as a copywriter, take photographs for some brands to pay for travel expenses. Currently, I do not have any stable income, either. Nothing in life is free and perfect, everything needs a trade-off. “Traveling career” is sometimes very stressful with deadlines, occupational risks, and also unemployment. The working schedule is not fixed with 8-hour shifts; you will have to work at any available time.

It is hard to succeed without renewing yourself

Travelling is not a magic medicine or a beautiful Eden Garden. Just like everything else in life, it has two sides: the openness to strangers will be narrowed gradually by the vigilance and caution, while awaiting new experiences will also be exposed to hidden risks. The happiness and excitement when coming to a new land will then bring you a sense of regret and emptiness when coming back home and realizing that travelling will be traded by your time, health, and money. The first difficulty of a full-time traveller is maintaining income. Sometimes I got into serious financial difficulty due to late payment. However, I still have many other sources of income to manage and overcome difficulties.

When travelling, you should always keep the optimism and excitement in your heart because if you get bored, you can do nothing. Sometimes, the beautiful photos or bright smiles are somehow to hide the sadness inside, while some other melancholy pictures are actually just for a concept. Perhaps because no one wants others to lose inspiration or ruining a beautiful day by seeing their boring and monotonous photos.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Travel bloggers: How much a dream cost?

Another great challenge for travel bloggers is to constantly renew themselves and share useful tips to attract readers. I always think about new unique aspects or exploit less-known viewpoints to make my page more interesting. Because it will be hard to succeed as a travel blogger if you do not travel often or have interesting and unique travel writings.

And when do you get ready?

Working as a full-time travel blogger requires preparation. First of all, you need to have the passion for travelling. Then you need to have writing skill, photography skill and others to earn money to cover your expenses. Moreover, as you may encounter a series of unexpected situations during your journey, you need to have the ability to endure hardships, the desire for life experience as well as the willingness to take on any challenges. If you are ready, just take the first step to experience a travelling life.

3. TAM BUI

A job of travelling

When I still worked for companies, my travel buddies and I said to each other “Our hobby is travelling. Why don’t we turn it into a career? Then we do not need to work anymore and just spend all day going out.”I do not think having a stable 8-hour-shift and fixed monthly salary job is something unfavorable. However, I was not happy working like this, so I had to look for a new path. Fortunately, I found the happiness on travelling.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Travel bloggers: How much a dream cost?

There is no time to be sad

In the early days, I spent my savings on travelling. But just two months later, I started making money when working as a travel blogger. I received sponsorship from some brands to bring their products during the trip. I wrote reviews of destinations for travel agencies or airlines. In addition, I also set up a team specializing in commercial photography in Saigon. I focus on taking travel photos while on the journey, and advertising photographs for brands while at home. With this huge amount of work, I even feel that I do not have time to be sad.

Do not make your journey lose its significance.

Finance is always a headache for freelancers. A common fear of so many young people is whether they can survive or not when they give up a stable job to work as a freelancer or start their own business. The lack of preparation and this invisible fear has made them intimidated. Up to now, financial issues do not bother me anymore because I know how to throw the burden away to focus on work. You make money while travelling, but if you turn your journey into a business trip, it means you have failed. The trip is no longer adventurous, full of surprises and thrilling but it is commercialized. There are too many significant stories like this on social networks that readers do not need to read anymore.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Travel bloggers: How much a dream cost?

They need a completely personal experience which is may be impulsive or stupid, yet unique and authentic, so that readers can find themselves in those stories. Because I am a “time billionaire”, I can stay as long as I want so that my senses can work at full capacity, and then I will write and take photos later. For me, I can only have great writings and photos when spending 80-90 percent of travel time for pleasure.

Your final destination is…?

I do not intend to stop, even when I get married. I think I can build my own family and choose a soulmate to share the aspirations for travelling, so we can be accompanied all over the places. Find out what you really want in life is the key to success. But the goal of life is not succeeding, but experiencing. It is new experiences that help us find ourselves, bring memories and makes us different and unique.

4. MAI HUONG

Travel to find a real life

I used to be a public relations specialist for a large university in Central Vietnam with a good salary. I am the pride of the family. However, I still did not feel happy and satisfied with my life. Therefore, I decided to give up that safe and stable life to take my backpack and step forward to experience the world outside, simply because I wanted to find out who I am, what I can do and where I can go. And that is the life I want to live.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Travel bloggers: How much a dream cost?

Working to afford my dream

My main job is writing, taking photographs and filming. I have trained myself to have enough skills to work in some fields such as photojournalism (photo-essay, photo categories), journalism (journey diary, documentary, and journal) and television (TV report). I will produce a work on the basis of 2-3 days, and the royalty is from
300.000 VND to 2.5 million VND per work. Averagely, in a month I can earn from 10 to 15 million of royalty.

Besides, I sometimes get extra income from working as a Key Opinion Leader (KOLs) for reviewing and promoting some products on my social networking sites such as Facebook, fan page, and website. I am usually paid a minimum of 500.000 VND for a product review or a promotion posted on my personal channel. Not to mention, some of my trips are 100 percent sponsored. Some people are willing to pay the travel cost for me to travel with them to the land they want to go, for example, a trip to the Apatani tribe in Ziro, India.

Did I make the wrong choice?

I used to have an illusion about writing, but when it comes to the reality, money is a matter that needs to be considered besides your dream and passion. To nurture my passion, I had to write a lot, even while travelling; sometimes I had to write in a hurry. The articles sometimes were just a simple introduction with some photos, which I did not even want to read again. I also hoped the reader would not recognize that the author was me. It was one of the broken-hearted things I had to experience.

During the last 1 year, there were at some points when I really had financial problems. The worst crisis was when I lost my camera in the sea. It was impossible for me to collaborate with media companies and agencies because I did not have professional equipment and lost all the photographs taken on the journey. My income was just enough to spend on travelling, and I could not afford to buy new equipment. There was a time when I had only 900.000 VND in my account, and I wondered myself how I could manage to live. I was really stressed and financially troubled. So many times I doubted myself about whether I made a wrong choice.

Should I give up?

Despite difficulties, I am still not ready to stop to live a stable life. Because I still miss the feeling of freely running across the prairie, crossing the desert or snow mountains. That would be the best experience in my life.

Take reality into consideration

It is great to pursue your passion, however, if you do not want to fail miserably, you must take reality into consideration. Before deciding to give up a safe and stable life, you must be able to answer the question: What skills do you have? Can your skills help you to maintain when you give up the safe path to go outside?

5. CHRISTOPHER HEIL

I don’t have to ask for any days off to travel anymore

I have spent all of my time travelling since September 2014 after quitting my job as a Technical Consultant in Online Advertisement Industry in London. I travel every month with a small break in Germany in between. Before that, I took every single day off and a couple of unpaid months off to travel, roughly about 3-4 trips. Working in London as a Consultant in Online Advertisement enabled me to save enough money for my trips until 2018 and even have some left after that.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Travel bloggers: How much a dream cost?

Keep expense low and energy high

Giving up the normal life means that I cannot meet my friends, play guitar or climb the mountains frequently. And for me, it is not easy to give up these hobbies.I started to use Amazon Affiliate Program and earned around 40 EUR, enough to maintain the website for at least one year. However, I mostly live off of my own savings. I am thinking
about selling my photos, which I have never done before.

It will be better for you to find some cheap places to eat rather than buy food in a supermarket, catch a bus instead of taxi as well as find a cheap airfare. I often have to spend hours researching for the most economical journey. And in two years, this has helped me save about 2,000 EUR.

Adaptation is necessary

I have to face a lot of challenges during my journey. When being given a lift, you may not know whether and when you can arrive in your destination. Sometimes I have to sleep in my tent next to the road, which seems to be too risky for some people to do. Sometimes people invite me to their house and tell me about some mysterious stories. In general, we will constantly need to change the plans and have to adapt to the situation. I used to feel so confused when my host was not showing up and I had to solve all the problems without any help and prepare a backup plan. Now I have become familiar with all these things, but for the beginners, they might be big challenges.

Clear vision for the future

Some people don’t really know what they want to do, and how they want their trips to be. But I do, I want to live on my organic and self-sustaining farm in England in the next 5-10 years, provide accomodation and food for travellers, and work as a freelancer in Online Advertisement Industry for at least 4-6 months per year. I will spend the rest of time with my family and on traveling. Preparing carefully for the trips can help you discover the world more safely.

Hong Nhung | Wanderlust Tips

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Experience extensive services at Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts

Experience extensive services at Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently operates over 95 hotels with a room inventory of over 40,000 all over the world. Recently, it announced to open Kerry Hotel in Hong Kong and Shangri-La Hotels in Colombo.

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KERRY HOTEL, HONG KONG

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts unveiled the first Kerry Hotel in Hong Kong and its fourth property in the city. The new 546-room Kerry Hotel, Hong Kong opens its doors to guests as the city’s first urban resort, inspiring lifestyle pursuits with its outdoor living spaces and family activities whilst setting the tone for world-class business and meeting services. The debut of the hotel is an important milestone for Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts as it marks its fourth property in the city and the new flagship hotel of the Kerry brand.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Experience extensive services at Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts

Conceived by internationally renowned interior designer André Fu and award winning architect Rocco Design, the new build 16-storey hotel is the first to open on the Kowloon waterfront since 1995. Providing guests with uninterrupted views over Victoria Harbour, the hotel’s multi-level podium design with extensive outdoor landscaped gardens connect the hotel seamlessly to public areas and physically embodies the hotel’s approach to “More Room For Life”and relaxed luxury.

SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, COLOMBO

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts announced that Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo is set to open on 16th November 2017. The hotel will begin taking bookings from 1st September 2017 for stays from 1st December 2017. Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo will be the second property in Sri Lanka for the luxury Asian hospitality group – joining Shangri-La’s Hambantota Golf Resort & Spa and is anticipated to be one of the most prominent hotel launches in Sri Lanka in nearly 30 years.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Experience extensive services at Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts

Located at One Galle Face along the Galle Face Green promenade, which is the most exclusive address in Colombo, Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo will offer uninterrupted Indian Ocean views in most of its 500 guestrooms and suites and 41 serviced apartments. The hotel sits on 10 acres of land that will also soon accommodate an office tower, two residential buildings and a high-end shopping mall, bringing a new level of luxury to the thriving, metropolitan city of Colombo. The hotel is a 40-minute drive from the Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport.

SHANGRI-LA’S VILLINGILI RESORT & SPA, MALDIVES

Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives has recently announced their star-studded festive programme for 2017, which promises to delight and inspire all guests with some of the world’s best dining hotspots and performers. Buddha-Bar Beach has taken a gastronomic stroll to Villingili island to offer a unique culinary experience along with expert mixologists, while world renowned artists the Gipsy Reyes, Saxokid, and DJ Mario from Buddha Bar will set the festive mood and keep guests dancing until the early hours.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Experience extensive services at Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts

One of the many highlights of the season includes the arrival of Buddha-Bar, one of the most recognised restaurant brands with fourteen Buddha-Bar venues and three Buddha-Bar Beach around the world. The Buddha-Bar Beach pop up at Dr Ali’s Restaurant from 20th December 2017 to 20th January 2018, will allow guests to taste pan-Asian and Japanese specialties from the tantalising Buddha-Bar menu, as well as experience the bar’s mixology corner headed by Buddha-Bar worldwide Executive Bar Chef, Matthias Giroud.

Other activities during the festive season include:

22nd December – Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

Accompanied by the warm and wholesome chorus of the Villingili Voices, a local choir on the island, guests are invited to start the festive season with the traditional lighting of the Villingili Christmas Tree located right at the heart of the resort. The Christmas tree is made entirely of materials found on the island, with the main component of the towering tree being drift wood found along the peaceful shores.

24th December – Christmas Eve, Santa’s Arrival

As chimneys are few and far between in the Maldives, Santa Claus’ much anticipated arrival for the hotel’s younger guests on Christmas Eve will be via parasail. Serving as a sleigh, the parasail will be piled high with gifts and treats for the resort’s guests. This once-in-a-lifetime spectacle will delight both little ones and their parents and become a cherished Christmas memory.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Experience extensive services at Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts

25th December – Christmas Day

For the big day, Javvu Restaurant at Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa will host a magnificent Christmas Brunch from 1pm – 4pm including Iberico ham and caviar stations, accompanied by live music from internationally acclaimed performer, SaxoKid. Set to be a spectacular celebration, the hotel will also arrange for festive themed children’s activities to ensure families have a Christmas Day filled with laughter and lasting memories on the resort’s crystalline waters.

22nd December 2017 – 5th January 2018: Master in Residence Programme

Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa has partnered with world renowned celebrity personal trainer Faisal Abdalla, for a two week residency from 22nd December 2017 to 5th January 2018. Ranked on Ask Men’s Flex 50 as one of the most influential people in the world of sport and fitness, alongside Andy Murray, Usain Bolt and Conor McGregor, Abdulla is an ambassador for Men’s Health and an internationally sought-after master trainer for both Nike and Barry’s Bootcamp.

26th December and 3rd January – Winemaker Dinners

An exclusive experience awaits in Javvu’s private dining room, as guests can enjoy a gastronomic 5-course Mediterranean set menu paired with five 100 pointers wines, some of the best wines in the world, at USD1,000 per person.

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | AccorHotels keep pace with Vietnam phenomenal tourism growth

AccorHotels keep pace with Vietnam phenomenal tourism growth

Along with the growth of Vietnam tourism industry in 2017, AccorHotels Group has a remarkable development, said Ianic Menard, Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Distribution, Upper Southeast and Northeast Asia.

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2017 has also been a remarkable year for AccorHotels in Vietnam,” says Ianic Menard,“and the tremendous growth of our hotels – in terms of both sheer number of rooms and the expansion of our brand portfolio to cover every market segment from luxury to economy – has no doubt played a part in the extraordinary growth of Vietnam’s tourism industry”.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | AccorHotels keep pace with Vietnam phenomenal tourism growth

According to an August report from the United Nations World Travel Organization, Vietnam is now the world’s sixth most popular destination and number one in Asia in terms of tourism growth. This year, the country aims to attract 13 million international travellers – a projected 31.2% rise over 2016.

AccorHotels currently manages 24 hotels in Vietnam with 5,448 rooms across a wide brand spectrum that includes Sofitel, MGallery by Sofitel, Pullman, Grand Mercure, Novotel, ibis and ibis Styles in eight key cities. The group will be opening another 15 properties in the country by 2020, bringing its total portfolio there to 39, and is growing its presence in such rising-star destinations as Phu Quoc, Hai Phong, Sapa, Nha Trang, Yen Tu, Ninh Binh, Quang Binh and Hanoi.

while international travellers remain the main source of guests at our upscale hotels, we have been welcoming an increasing number of domestic guests, and are reinforcing our commitment to the highest level of service at our luxury brands, that is, Sofitel, Pullman, MGallery by Sofitel, and Grand Mercure, as well as placing greater emphasis on our food & beverage offerings”, added Mr. Mernard.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | AccorHotels keep pace with Vietnam phenomenal tourism growth

To express its appreciation to the business and media partners who have played such an important role in the successes of the past year, AccorHotels hosted an Appreciation Night on 19th October at Pullman Saigon Centre welcoming more than 200 guests including international company heads, representatives from embassies, consulates, travel agencies and the media, as well as celebrities.

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

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Enjoy great food and wine above the city at Pullman Saigon Center

Mad Cow Wine & Grill is where the combination of an edgy grill and a casual urban wine bar meet to create a very stylish restaurant. When the sun goes down and the city lights turn on, Maddie is the perfect dinner host set with the back drop of a vibrant city.

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Pullman Saigon Center’s menu is perfect for steak aficionados, they work closely with some of Australia’s finest beef producers to bring the best quality chilled beef, from paddock to plate. Woodward range grass fed beef and Wagyu are sourced from premier cattle regions around Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Enjoy great food and wine above the city at Pullman Saigon Center

If you are Looking for a place to hang out with your friends after work, head over to Mad Cow Wine & Grill and unwind with our mad happy hour from 4pm to 6pm. Treat yourself to a buy one get one of Maddie’s favourite wines, spirits, cocktails and beers.

Maddie is hosting a wine fair. This November, daily from 4pm to 12am, go mad with some of Australia’s favourites from the Deakin and Katnook collection:

Deakin Estate Chardonnay – VND460,000 net bottle / VND95,000 net glass
Deakin Estate Pinot Noir – VND460,000 net bottle / VND95,000 net glass
Katnook Shiraz – VND1,000,000 net bottle / VND210,000 net glass

Mad Cow Wine & Grill, 30th floor – Pullman Saigon Centre

THANKSGIVING BURGER

Urbane Lounge is celebrating Thanksgiving. This month, you will be offered a signature burger combining all the best parts of the holiday in one savoury meal. Thanksgiving burger ties the natural flavour of ground turkey breast stuffed with cream cheese topped with eggs, Serrano ham, lettuce, tomato, and red cabbage.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Enjoy great food and wine above the city at Pullman Saigon Center

Celebrate this year’s Thanksgiving with a twist and come to Urbane Lounge at Pullman Saigon Centre. Thanksgiving burger is available at VND355,000 net including one beer or soft drink, sweet potato chips and free flow French fries.

At Urbane Lounge Pop-up Burger Bar, G floor.

FLAVOURS OF ASIA

Inspired from the art of Asian cuisine, Pullman Saigon Center created a place where traditional culture meets a modern tempo. Their talented chefs create a variety of Asian dishes to serve the most authentic Asian food. All ingredients are hand-selected from quality producers and made from the heart.

Food ConneXion is an elegant chic space for all diners; providing guests with dishes like Mango salads, Chinese grilled pork rib and Vietnamese fresh prawn spring rolls. Thai green Mango salad is a favourite must-try at Food ConneXion – “The green salad is so delicious. It is so good and my family could not stop eating it” a diner expressed. Chinese BBQ pork rib offers you common cuts of grilled pork in a unique contrast to the salty and sweet savour of popular Chinese dishes. And fresh prawn spring rolls is a signature Saigon summer time dish. And when enjoying steamed snapper fish Hong Kong style, you will see homemade Hong Kong soy sauce poured gently over a steamed fresh snapper fish.

Only VND800,000++ per person (food only)

At Food ConneXion – 3rd floor, from Monday to Wednesday.

EXTRAVAGANT SEAFOOD BUFFET

Food ConneXion will satisfy your seafood craving for lobster. Reserve every Thursday, Friday and Saturday for our Extravagant Seafood buffet at Food ConneXion. While you are at it, spoil yourself with a whole Boston lobster tailored your way: grilled, baked or steamed. This is perfect for family or business partners over a good dinner time.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Enjoy great food and wine above the city at Pullman Saigon Center

Only VND1,111,000++ per person (food only)

At Food ConneXion – 3rd floor, from Thursday to Saturday

DETOX OR RETOX BRUNCH

Take a deep breath and forget the Monday to Friday alarm. Take yourself, your friends and your family on a treat and come to Food ConneXion for Detox or Retox brunch. The culinary team provides a variety of dishes focused on nutrient-dense foods so going out for brunch won’t have to rhyme with heavy and unhealthy. Have a leisurely brunch with a variety of juices, salads, salmon, live cooking stations, raw stations, gluten-free desserts and maybe a glass of Prosecco or two! Beer and wines are available.

Price from VND950,000++/per person (including free-flow of juices, soft drinks, beer, Bloody Mary and Prosecco)

At Food ConneXion – Level 3rd from 12pm to 3pm every Sunday.

TAPAS ON THE ROOFTOP

Take in the view of Ho Chi Minh City at our Rooftop Bar enjoying exceptional drinks and delicious tapas throughout the evening. The rooftop bar resides on the 31st floor featuring a laid back, comfortable atmosphere to make the most of a night out in Saigon. It’s perfect for pre and post-dinner drinks offering several choices from our tapas menu, 50 brands of wine, beer and signature cocktails.

Pullman Saigon Center

Address: 148 Tran Hung Dao, Nguyen Chu trinh, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
Tel: +84 (0)28 38388686.
Website: http://www.pullman-saigon-centre.com/

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

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Sunrise Premium Resort & Spa Hoi An wins All-inclusive Resort Awards

It’s the award season for luxury hotels around the world and Sunrise Premium Resort & Spa Hoi An is thrilled to have received a number of prestigious awards this year including Asian Lifestyle  Tourism Awards, Luxury Travel Guide Awards. The hotel proudly has recently awarded the World Luxury Hotel Awards and The Guide Awards.

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Established in 2006, World Luxury Hotel Awards is the pinnacle of achievement in the luxury hotel industry. Besides, Sunrise Premium Resort & Spa Hoi An won Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resort at The Guide Awards 2017 which were given by Vietnam Economic Times basing on surveys of tourism and hospitality products and services conducted in 2016-2017.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Sunrise Premium Resort & Spa Hoi An wins All-inclusive Resort Awards

Mr. Sven A. Saebel, General Manager of Sunrise Premium Resort & Spa Hoi An shared: “It is thanks to the votes and shares of our valued customers that Sunrise Premium Resort & Spa Hoi An has won double prestigious awards. World Luxury Hotel Awards provided us with international recognition for world class facilities and service excellence offered to guest. Moreover, as we have moved into the all-inclusive market, the Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resort recognizes our continuous efforts to provide our guests a holiday – not just a room with breakfast.”

Stunningly designed and perfectly positioned along the popular Cua Dai Beach stretch, Sunrise Premium Resort Hoi An offers enchanting views to one of the most breathtaking coastlines in the world, as well as the perfect mix of luxury, serenity and adventure. Featuring 222 luxury rooms, suites and oceanfront villas with private pools, Sunrise Hoi An Resort is designed to help you explore, relax, recharge and make the most of your vacation.

Each accommodation is thoughtfully designed with an emphasis on intimacy, luxury and the conveniences of home. Relax near our signature pools or private beaches, unwind through the healing treatments of Bliss spa, and enjoy the culinary delights.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Sunrise Premium Resort & Spa Hoi An wins All-inclusive Resort Awards

Savor the fresh seafood and casual cuisine of The Pool House, delight in Vietnamese delicacies and Asian fusion at Spice Garden, or enjoy afternoon tea and creative cocktails at The Lounge. There’s no shortage of enticing culinary offerings at our hotel’s stunningly designed restaurants and lounge.

Sunrise Premium Resort & Spa, Hoi An

Wanderlust Tips  | Cinet

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | South Africa - the rainbow of the continent

South Africa – the rainbow of the continent

I received a business trip notification to South Africa just one week before the departure date, which made me thought “oh no, going to africa? I’m going to live in poor living conditions with some Africans that appear on TV?” Feeling desperate, i was hopping my visa wouldn’t be approved by the embassy. However, seven days later, as an interpreter, i accompanied the delegation to Cape Town – the first destination of the journey full of surprises and luck.

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Wanderlust Tips Magazine | South Africa - the rainbow of the continent

CAPE TOWN – WHERE TWO OCEANS MEET

Francois – a Dutch local guide welcomed us at the airport with his radiant smile and friendly handshake. Being one person of the 9 percent of whites in South Africa, he is proud that his ancestors were the first immigrants to set foot in Cape Town, beginning the process of exploiting the continent.

Cape Town is known as the legislative capital of the only country in the world that has three capitals. However, what makes Cape Town the most attractive tourist destination in South Africa is its unique natural geographic location – where the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean meet. Therefore, it is not difficult for me to feel the harmony between the natural landscape, the abundant flora and fauna, and favorable climate of the place.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | South Africa - the rainbow of the continent

June, though not the season of purple Jacaranda flowers blooming on the streets, is the time of early winter. A little cold but still sunny weather, and places are not too crowded with tourists. This is the ideal time to enjoy the feeling of freedom on the wide roads between two rows of trees scattered with golden light filtering through the leaves, which feels like a sweet resonance of autumn to welcome and mesmerize us.Contrary to my “preconceptions” about a poor country, Cape Town appeared with 4-lane roads, luxury villas along the beach, and streets covered with green trees. From the airport, we headed straight to V & A Waterfront and felt overwhelmed at Cape Town’s most famous shopping complex in front of Table Bay. This is the place where any shopaholic definitely wishes to go; there are over 450 booths with loads of famous brands’ products. Our delegation spent the whole afternoon here; the women went shopping, so the men took the children to Two Ocean Aquarium to learn about the sea creatures living in the place where two oceans meet. For a person who is not keen on shopping and does not have children like me, watching the fishing boats coming in and out of the harbor for loading and unloading goods as well as carrying tourists, and enjoying street magic performances was enough to make an autumn afternoon in Cape Town unforgettable. When the lights came on, the streets became more crowded and busier. We, like many people, chose a restaurant right opposite the harbor to enjoy the luxury of this place before going back to the hotel. Contrary to the modern but crowded city visit the day before, we decidedly to visit historical sites on the next day. These sites are associated with the historical African faith and their journey to reclamation.

Table Mountain is one of the symbols of Cape Town, as you can see the mountain from anywhere in the city. Just by looking at the mountain, you will understand the origin of its special name. For the fisherman, seeing Table Mountain appear behind the clouds from the distance means that they have arrived home safely. Fortunately, when our car arrived at the foot of the mountain, it stopped raining and the fog disappeared, making the cable car service operational again. From the top of the mountain, I was overwhelmed by the splendor of the city embracing the coast from above, surrounded by the two sides of the mountains. Along with Signal Hill, Lion’s Head on the left and Devil’s Peak on the right form an arched shape, “Table Mountain embraces the city, protects the people from the storms from the two sides of the ocean.” – Francois proudly said. Also at the top of Table Mountain, Francois showed me a Protea – the national flower of South Africa. This flower was chosen as a national symbol because it survives despite the aridity of the granite and sandstone layers here, like the South African nation which has gone through many ups and downs to become the richest country in the continent.

When visiting Cape Town, you should definitely go to the Cape of Good Hope – the point where the two oceans meet. On the way to the Cape of Good Hope, Francois showed me Vasco da Gama, memorial – the statue of the first Portuguese to discover the Cape of Good Hope in the 15th century. Then the Dutch got the information and brought immigrants here to set up a stopover for cargo ships from Netherlands to India in the 17th century. Arriving at the Cape of Good Hope, I felt so fortunate to be able to reach the meeting point of the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean, also the first place of Africa to be discovered. This land has witnessed many great discoveries of humanity. After many steps, we reached Cape Point – the southernmost point of Cape Town, where located at the top of the hill is a lighthouse leading the way for fishingboats. We rode the last cable car to the lighthouse, touched thesignpost, and measured the distance from here to London, Riode Janeiro, and New York.

The highlight of Cape Town is the visit to the home of rare animals. From Hout Bay, the boat took us to the Seal Island, where thousands of seals were swimming and sunbathing, without the fear of human encroachment. Passing by the million-dollar villas of Hollywood stars in Simon town, we stopped at Boulders Beach and walked to the colony of penguin – the kind of birds that is on the Red List of Threatened Species and preserved only in this region. From a few ten thousands five years ago, there are now only a few hundred due to climate change. I was so lucky to see them with my eyes, these cute little birds fluttering on the beach.

PRETORIA – HISTORICAL CAPITAL

As soon as we landed at Johannesburg airport, we were taken to Pretoria – the important administrative capital with many historic vestiges. South Africa is also known as the rainbow Nation because of its cultural and ethnic diversity. On the way to our first destination, the Union Buildings, Sonet – a tour guide in Pretoria – told us about the continuous effort of the people here to have a better life. In order to become a developed country, South Africa has undergone a period of persistent struggling: Breaking free from the domination of the British and the Dutch, and overthrowing the Apartheid.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | South Africa - the rainbow of the continent

As her story came to an end, we arrived at the Union Buildings – where the Presidency office is located at. This is the place where the inauguration of Nelson Mandela – the first president to be elected after the end of Apartheid – took place in 1994. Also in this place in 2013, hundreds of thousands of people gathered for his funeral. Our attention was paid to South Africa’s highest statue of Nelson Mandela in front of the building. The statue with two hands stretching out, linking the two wings of the Union Buildings is the symbol of the spirit of national unity for the country of the legendary president.

Continuing our journey, we visited the Voortrekker Monument – built to commemorate the Dutch who died during the eight-year Great Trek from Cape Town to Pretoria to escape the British sovereignty. The city of Pretoria was named after a Voortrekker leader. Stepping into the Monument, I was especially impressed with the handmade tapestry in the basement, which depicts several events that took place during the Great Trek. It is said that nine women had worked for eight years to complete this masterpiece. Another interesting factor is that the dome of the Monument has a hole that is only open for the sunrays penetrating every year at noon on December 16th – the Day of Reconciliation – to guide the people who had enlightened this land in the past.

GOLDEN CITY OF JOHANNESBURG

Coming to South Africa, you should definitely buy gold or diamonds. But if you cannot afford such an expensive item, you can still have a great experience exploring a gold mine like me.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | South Africa - the rainbow of the continent

We asked to go to Gold Reef City Theme Park instead of the historical relics. As this park was built on an old gold mine and the mines still remain under the ground, we could observe the mining process which was imitated perfectly. A ticket for entry includes a gold mine tour for the price of ZAR190 for adults and XAR120 for children under 1.3 metres height. We were given helmets and flashlights. The iron-cage-shaped elevator took us down to the depth of 13 metres to the first floor where trams were filled with rocks, which inner layers were solid gold. Going deeper, we saw the drills and machines used for exploitation. It is said that this mine had a depth of 50 metres and there is plenty of gold still remaining right under my feet. Going out of the mine, the tour guide took us to an auditorium that showed how to make a 1-kilogram gold bar. We were encouraged to touch this gold bar then touch our earlobes before leaving the room to pray for luck. Just like gold spreading throughout the rocks and soil, the wealth of South Africa is still accompanied with poverty.

Johannesburg is one of the cities that has an enormous gap between the rich and the poor. When in Sandton, I could wander between skyscrapers, a busy commercial centre, and beautiful modern streets. However, when I travelled only seven miles to Alexandra, I felt like I was in another country. It took nearly 50 years for South Africa to overthrow racism, so it may also take a lot of time and effort to narrow the gap between the rich and the poor. I believe if they have enough courage and persistence, South Africa will achieve it.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | South Africa - the rainbow of the continent

W.TIPS

VISA

It is recommended to apply for a visa one month before the trip at the South African Embassy at Level 3, Central Building, 31 Hai Ba Trung Street, Hanoi. The processing time at the Embassy is 10 working days and the visa fee is 57 USD. Note: For children under 18, you need 02 certified copies of their birth certificate, one to submit to the Embassy and the other to bring along during the journey customs will always require this document to let you pass through the border gates.

TRANSPORTATION

Two prestige and low-cost airlines flying from Hanoi to South Africa are Emirates (transit in Dubai) and Kenya Airways (transit in Nairobi, Kenya).

CURRENCY

The currency of South Africa is Rand (1 USD = 13.3 ZAR), and you are recommended to exchange currency at the airport or trade centre. However, remember that you cannot change back to the US Dollar when needed. Also, because South Africa has the highest crime rate in the world, it is advisable to make payment with a credit card instead of carrying cash. Almost all restaurants and shops accept card payment.

SOME GUIDANCE NOTES ON SAFETY

Do not wear expensive accessories and put cash in the back pocket. Do not withdraw cash at ATMs at night or go to the attractions alone. Be wary of strangers who ask you to exchange money, and absolutely do not respond to offers for banned things in South Africa such as ivory or rhinoceros horns.

Important documents, cash or valuables belongings should not be left in the hotel room but should be deposited at the hotel reception to prevent theft.

IDEAL TRAVEL TIME

The best time to visit South Africa is in the spring (from September to November) when the weather is cool, and the streets are filled with purple Jacaranda blossoms. Or you can travel here in the winter (from June to August) when it is cold but not freezing. Cape Town is also recently ranked by National Geographic as one of the top 10 amazing destination in autumn. However, you should bring a jacket or a scarf because of the big difference in temperature between day and night.

OTHER NOTES

♦The standard voltage and sockets in South Africa are 220V to 250V and 3-pin type respectively, so it is recommended to carry a travel adapter and a multi-purpose outlet.

♦ It is advisable to prepare a photocopy of your passport and other necessary personal Identity documents; in the case of missing, the embassy may issue a new passport or travel document in the shortest possible time.

♦ It is advisable to travel to Kenya or Tanzania because the flight route is quite convenient and you can apply for a visa of these two countries at the border gate. Moreover, do not forget to take the vaccination against yellow fever and bring it along if you go to African countries where this disease is detected. You will be required to be checked at the immigration desk.

♦ Do not take photos of local people, the police or animals being fed, without permission, especially at local attraction sites where you will be hassled for money.

Huong Thao  | Wanderlust Tips

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in The Mekong Delta in the evening

8 must-see places in The Mekong Delta in the evening

Travel to The Mekong Delta in the evening, where to go and what to do to have the most enjoyable experiences? Here are eight suggestions from Wanderlust Tips.

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NINH KIEU QUAY – THE SYMBOL OF CAN THO CITY

Located at the confluence of Hau River and Can Tho River, Ninh Kieu Quay is in Tan An Ward, Ninh Kieu District. This is a river wharf at the entrance of Can Tho Market. In 1876, the French troops occupied Can Tho, and the wharf was built with brick and stone along the banks to prevent waves, similar to Northern Vietnam’s wharf, where there was busy trade. The beauty of Ninh Kieu Quay was described in poetry. Today, Ninh Kieu Quay is anticipated to become a tourism site with an area of   7.000m², attracting a large number of locals and visitors who want to enjoy a view, take a stroll and get some fresh air.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in The Mekong Delta in the evening

Top tips: Hai Ba Trung Street along the river is planned as a walking street and night market. Here, every 100 metres, there is a range of stalls selling different items such as food, fruit, and souvenirs.

Cuisine: Enjoy many attractive dishes at the restaurants at Ninh Kieu Night Market.

CAN THO PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE – CHECK OUT THIS INTERESTING SPOT WHEN VISITING CAN THO

Can Tho Pedestrian Bridge is also known as Love Bridge, crossing Khai Luong Canal, connecting Ninh Kieu Quay and Cai Khe Islet. The bridge is made of semi-permanent reinforced concrete. It is nearly 200 metres long and 7.2 metres wide, with the total investment capital of VND 50 billion. The bridge is designed in a S-shape symbolising country’s shape. On the bridge, there are two lotus statues. The bridge is equipped with coloruful LED system creating lively and modern beauty. By the railing of the bridge, there is an abundance of green trees and flowers, which create an impressive sight from the bridge.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in The Mekong Delta in the evening

Top tips: The pedestrian bridge is a favourite destination for locals as well as tourists. People come here for sightseeing, taking check-in photos or taking part in many cultural events of the city organised here.

Cuisine: Right next to the pedestrian bridge, there are restaurants such as Ninh Kieu.

CAN THO BRIDGE – THE LONGEST MAIN SPAN BRIDGE IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

Can Tho Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge over Hau River, connecting Can Tho City and Vinh Long Province. In 2010, this bridge became the longest main span bridge in Southeast Asia. With 216 cables, it looks like a long hair of a young woman on Hau River from above. The distance between two banks of Hau River is larger than Tien River, so it was built longer and higher. Bridge piers are placed on Au Islet, so from a distance it has gentle bends. Looking up from the bridge, the spreading orange cables at the top look like they are interwoven with the blue sky. Hoa Su, and Tay Thanh Tay Do.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in The Mekong Delta in the evening

Top tips: In the evening, Can Tho Bridge is lit up in the middle of the night. You can drive on the bridge, then pass the beautiful bridge to feel the cool breeze and watch the Can Tho city sparkling at night.

Cuisine: Quang Trung Restaurant (A3 Road, Hung Phu 1 Residential Area), Bien Dong 2 Seafood Restaurant (168, 30 April), and Vinh Ky Restaurant (2 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai).

YACHT ON THE HAU RIVER – ADMIRE CAN THO CITY’S SCENERY AT NIGHT

One of the favourite evening activities of visitors to Can Tho is travelling on a yacht along Hau River. The yacht departs from Ninh Kieu Quay and takes tourists for a trip on the water, where they can admire the gentle and poetic river and Can Tho City lights shimmering at night. In particular, visitors enjoy many “Don Ca Tai Tu” shows and enjoy the attractive specialties of Southern Vietnam during the trip.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in The Mekong Delta in the evening

Top tips: River cruises usually open around 7:30pm – 9pm daily, on weekends or public holidays, yachts have 2 additional tours: 6:25pm – 7:45pm and 8pm – 9:30pm. Ticket is free.

Cuisine: Culinary services are available on the yacht with plenty of options.

CAN THO ANCIENT MARKET – 100-YEAR-OLD MARKET WITH THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ARCHITECTURE IN THE MEKONG DELTA REGION

Can Tho Ancient Market, over hundred years old, is next to Ninh Kieu Quay. Local residents also call it Hang Duong Market or “Six Provinces Market”. Can Tho Ancient Market was built at the same time with Ben Thanh Market and Binh Tay Market (HCMC) in 1915. This market boasts the most beautiful architecture in the Mekong Delta and is the place people gather to trade goods in the Southern region. However, this market became degraded over time. In 2005, it was repaired and restored with a total investment capital of billions of Vietnamese dong to met the needs of trade and commerce, and to preserve the traditional and cultural details. Its harmonious and poetic combination of ancient and mordern architecture always leaves good impressions with visitors.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in The Mekong Delta in the evening

Top tips:

The market is located on Hai Ba Trung Street, Tan An Ward, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho City. It opens daily from 6am – 9pm. Besides shopping here, visitors also can admire the impressive architecture of the ancient market, watch the poetic Hau River winding behind the market.

Cuisine: Enjoy the snacks along the road from Ninh Kieu Quay to Ancient Market.

TRAN PHU NIGHT MARKET – PARADISE OF DELICIOUS AND CHEAP SNACKS

Located at the end of Tran Phu Street, Cai Khe Ward, Ninh Kieu District, Tran Phu Night Market or Can Tho Night Market is another one of the most popular bustling night markets for tourists in Can Tho. The market is divided into two zones: Trade and Service, and the Food Court. Between the two, the food court is more crowded and attractive. Countless stalls are close by, with plenty of options: baked foods, fruit juices, milk tea, fruit, and ice cream. Prices are very affordable.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in The Mekong Delta in the evening

Top tips: Tran Phu night market operates from 5pm-11pm daily.

Cuisine: Enjoy countless tempting dishes at the market.

XANG THOI LAKE – SAILING ON THE LAKE FULL OF SHIMMERING LIGHTS

Once used as a landfill by citizens, nowadays Xang Thoi Lake (also known as Bo Ho) is a famous attraction in Can Tho, especially in the evening. With an area of   6.5 hectares, visitors will have to spend a lot of time to walk around the lake. Although it is an artificial lake, the water inside the lake is still quite clean because it is changed regularly.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in The Mekong Delta in the evening

Top tips:

Here, visitors can walk around the lake to feel the fresh air. The lights from the surrounding buildings reflect on the water, creating a sparkling and fanciful scene. Besides tourists and many photographers often come here to “hunt” for impressive moments. When tired, you can visit a café by the lake to enjoy a cool drink and enjoy a view of the peaceful lake.

Cuisine: Around the lake there are pubs, garden cafés, and karaoke at reasonable prices.

LUU HUU PHUOC PARK – SIMPLE LIFESTYLE OF CAN THO PEOPLE

Next to Hoa Binh Avenue, Luu Huu Phuoc Park is located at the beginning of Ly Tu Trong Street, An Cu Ward, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho City. The park was built in the shape of a guitar, and was named after Can Tho’s famous musician named Luu Huu Phuoc. This is the place where important events of the city and cultural activities, such as celebrations and festivals, take place. In the evening, the park atmosphere is even more bustling with older people practicing Tai Chi and the youths playing guitars, with many groups gathered to sing.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in The Mekong Delta in the evening

Top tips: The park is clean, airy and motorcycles are not allowed to drive inside. Visitors can walk around, enjoy the open space and watch the idyllic lifestyle of the locals.

Cuisine: Nam Bo Restaurant (1 Ngo Quyen), Duck Hotpot (13B Ly Tu Trong), Lumos Coffee & Cake (10 Ly Tu Trong), Mat Cua Café (54 Le Lai), and Tiny Corner Café Self-Respect.

Wanderlust Tips

wanderlust-tips-8-must-see-places-in-the-mekong-delta-in-the-afternoon00

8 must-see places in The Mekong Delta in the afternoon

Travel to The Mekong Delta in the afternoon, where to go and what to do to have the most enjoyable experiences? Here are eight suggestions from Wanderlust Tips.

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LONG TUYEN ANCIENT VILLAGE – TYPICAL BEAUTY OF SOUTHERN VILLAGE

Far from Can Tho’s city centre about 5 kilometres is Long Tuyen Ancient Village, which is considered as a place of  convergence of cultural values, symbolising the beauty of the waterland, and it is one of the five Vietnam ancient villages recorgnised by Vietnam Record Association. Although over 100 years old, surviving the test of time, Long Tuyen Village still retain its ancient beauty and unique cultural identity.

Long Tuyen’s scenery is as beautiful as a painting with a crossing river called Binh Thuy. Binh Thuy River is 15 kilometres long, seperating the village into two symmetrical halves and from the village it is divided into 30 interlacing canals. To this day, Long Tuyen Ancient Village has preserved many old architectural works bearing historical and cultural values: Binh Thuy Ancient house, Binh Thuy Communal house, Nam Nha Pagoda, Hoi Linh Pagoda, Long Quang Pagoda.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in The Mekong Delta in the afternoon

Must see: Bui Huu Nghia Historical Monument.

Cuisine: The ancient village has many cafés such as Hong Nhung, Khanh Ly, Loc, Pho Xua, Tuyet Hang Anh My …

MY KHANH TOURIST VILLAGE – AN ATTRACTIVE ECO-TOURISM SITE

Located between Cai Rang and Phong Dien Floating markets, My Khanh Tourist Village with an area of 8ha belongs to My Khanh Commune, Phong Dien District, Can Tho City. This ecotourism site attracts visitors with its beautiful gardens in the waterland and a variety of exciting entertainment activities.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in The Mekong Delta in the afternoon

Top tips:

Coming here, visitors can explore, and learn about the local life when visiting Southern ancient houses, enjoying “Don Ca Tai Tu” show, working as a farmer for one day, visiting the traditional cultural village, visiting fruit gardens, travelling by horse-drawn carriage or electric taxi, boat rowing, watching pig and dog racing, monkey shows and crocodile fishing. In My Khanh Village, you can find homestays with fully equipped bungalow for guests. Admission fee: VND50,000 per adult and VND30,000 per child.

Cuisine: The restaurants in the tourist village: Da Da, Luc Giac, Ancient House, Nha Xua, Bat Giac, Thuy Ta, My Khanh.

CAN THO GARDENS – ENJOY THE FRUITS OF THE MEKONG DELTA

One of the experiences that can not be missed while visiting the Mekong delta is to visit the orchards. The gardens often have an area of a few hectares, with luxuriant orchards with a variety of fruit: mango, rambutan, mutant coconut, green skin pomelo, dragon fruit, mangosteen, … Here, visitors to the garden can enjoy fruit all year round. In addition, visitors can also try working as a farmer when fish catching at the canal or harvesting fruit. Through these activities, visitors will somewhat learn more about the idle working life of the locals.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in The Mekong Delta in the afternoon

Top tips:

Can Tho has a lot of fruit gardens for tourists to visit such as Lung Cot Cau Tourism Site (Nhon Nghia Commune, Phong Dien District), Con Son (Binh Thuy Ward, Binh Thuy District) Vam Xang Orchard (My Khanh Commune, Phong Dien District), Muu Cuong Tourist Garden (My Khanh Commune, Phong Dien District), Bao Gia Trang Vien Eco-Park (Thang Thach Ward, Cai Rang District).

Cuisine: Enjoy the specialties of the Mekong delta Vietnam in the garden.

SA DEC FLOWER VILLAGE – A TOURIST ATTRACTION IN DONG THAP

Sa Dec Flower Village is located in Tan Qui Dong Commune, Sa Dec City, Dong Thap Province. This village is windy, fertile, and full of sunshine all year round and is home to hundreds of exotic species of flowers. The flower village has an area of about 60 hectares, with 600 households and 3,600 workers specialising in growing flowers and ornamental plants. In every month of the year, visitors can admire a forest of flowers, mire ysillage a forest of flowers featuring various colours and aroma. Along with typical plants, such as starfruit, areca nut, carmona retusa, cluster fig trees, banyan, and apricot, there are rare plants over a hundred years old.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in The Mekong Delta in the afternoon

Top tips: From Can Tho’s inner city, follow National Highway 1A, then cross National Highway 80 to Tan Qui Dong Commune, Sa Dec City, Dong Thap Province. The distance is more than 60 kilometres.

Must see: Sa Dec Flower Village Park.

Cuisine: Restaurants in Sa Dec City: Sadec Riverside Restaurant (397 Tran Hung Dao), Hai Lua Restaurant (Ton Duc Thang Street), and the Sa Dec Flower Village Café.

PHUONG NAM ZEN MONASTERY – THE LARGEST MONASTERY IN THE MEKONG DELTA

Located in Lo Vong Cung Historical Site, Phuong Nam Zen Monastery was inaugurated on 17th May 2014 in My Khanh Commune, Phong Dien District, Can Tho City. The monastery was built on an area of   nearly 4 hectares, with a total construction cost of VND145 billion. The building of the monastery restored the monastery of Buddhist Monk Tran Nhan Tong.The main hall and ancestral house were built in the cultural architectural style of the Ly and Tran dynasties. The bell tower and drum tower resemble the bell tower of the Keo Pagoda in Thai Binh. In particular, these four structures are made of ironwood, from about 1,000 logs imported from South Africa. The Shakyamuni Buddha statue in the main hall is made of bronze, weighing 3.5 tons; the great bell weighs 1.5 tons. The statue of Bodhisattva and Patriarch of Zen Buddhism is carved from 800-year-old coniferous evergreen wood. The interior is well-proportioned with Guanyin Hall, Maitreya Buddha Hall, One Pillar Pagoda, Lecture Hall, Guest House, a prayer hall, a library, and the Oriental medicine room.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in The Mekong Delta in the afternoon

 

Cuisine: Along Province Road 923 in Phong Dien District, there are restaurants such as Ha Chau Restaurant, Riverside Café, and SaKe Garden Café.

ONG PAGODA – 100-YEAR-OLD PAGODA CHARACTERISTIC OF THE CHINESE ARCHITECTURAL STYLE

Ong Pagoda was built by the Chinese community of Guangzhou and Zhaoqing (Guangdong Province, China) in Can Tho from 1894 to 1896 on an area of over 500m² for religional purposes. Therefore, the pagoda is also called Quang Trieu Hoi Quan. The pagoda boasts a unique Chinese architectural style.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in The Mekong Delta in the afternoon

Top tips:

The pagoda is located at 32 Hai Ba Trung, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho City.  Ong Pagoda has three main ceremonies of worshipping Guan Gong (on the 24th of the 6th Lunar month), Holy Mother (on the 23rd of the 3rd Lunar month), and the most quintessential activity of Ong Pagoda Festival: the lantern auction ceremony (auction of six-sided lanterns) that takes place every 10 years with the belief that the lantern will bring luck and success to the owner.

Cuisine: Southern Restaurant (1 Ngo Quyen), Royal Palace Restaurant (55 Phan Dinh Phung), Hoa Cau Café (4 Hai Ba Trung), and V18 Club (Hai Ba Trung Street).

CAN THO’S KHAM LON PRISON – NATIONAL HISTORIC RELIC SITE

Kham Lon Prison is also known as the Prison Provinciale, built by French colonialists in 1878-1886 for the colonial government. Surviving more than a hundred years, it is evidence of cololonial and imperial crimes, as well as honourable evidence for the indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese people.Can Tho’s Kham Lon Prison is divided into two locations, with 21 collective cells (with a capacity for 30 people but in fact there were more than 100 people kept in each cell) and many small cells for solitary confinement. In addition, there are other structures such as pagodas, churches, kitchens, a supervisors’ department and vocational hall. Additionally, there are also displays of torture tools, artifacts made by prisoners, pictures, and precious documentation.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in The Mekong Delta in the afternoon

Top tips: Address: No. 8 Ngo Gia Tu Street, Tan An Ward, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho.

Cuisine: Ninh Kieu Restaurant and Ninh Kieu Sky Bar (2A Hai Ba Trung), Rooftop Bar (16 Tran Quoc Toan), and Senior Coffee (36 Ngo Gia Tu).

CAN THO BEACH – RELAX WITH THE WAVES AND ESCAPE HEAT IN CAN THO

In fact, Can Tho Beach is an artificial beach by Hau River in Bai Cat Area (Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho City). About 400 metres of the riverbank were covered with 1 million cubic metres of sand to create an artificial beach. From here, visitors can admire Can Tho Bridge nearby.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in The Mekong Delta in the afternoon

Top tips:

The ideal time to visit Can Tho Beach is about 14:30pm – 10pm because it is cool, mild and not intensely sunny. Entrance fee: VND20,000 per person. Here, visitors can swim in the cool water and participate in many exciting underwater games such as water motorbike, kayaking, banana floats and high speed boat trips along the beach. Especially, by Can Tho Beach, there are magic shows, exciting dances.

Cuisine: Prince Restaurant and beverages stalls by the beach.

Wanderlust Tips

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in The Mekong Delta in the morning

8 must-see places in The Mekong Delta in the morning

Travel to The Mekong Delta in the morning, where to go and what to do to have the most enjoyable experiences? Here are eight suggestions from Wanderlust Tips.

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CAI RANG FLOATING MARKET – GOING TO THE MARKET ON THE RIVER

Cai Rang Floating Market is located in Cai Rang District, Can Tho, about 30 minutes by boat from Ninh Kieu Quay. There are many floating markets in the Mekong delta, and Cai Rang is the largest and most famous one. The market specialises in the sale of local fruits and agricultural products. In the morning, hundreds of boats are in close proximity to one another. The seller hangs the products on poles from the nose of the boat, so buyers would know what kinds of products they sell.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in The Mekong Delta in the morning

Top tips:

Cai Rang Floating Market is often open fairly early in the morning until about 8 or 9am. Due to the needs of the buyers, besides fruit and agricultural products, many other things are offered: noodle, hu tieu (noodle with seasoned and sautéed beef), coffee, and floating pubs. Guests rent boats to explore floating market with prices from VND350,000/boat.

Must see: Take a boat trip to visit the floating market, fruit garden or hu tieu factory.

Cuisine: Enjoy local specialties on the boat in the market.

BANG LANG STORK GARDEN – THE LARGEST BIRD SANCTUARY IN NINE DRAGON RIVER DELTA

About 60 kilometres away from Can Tho’s city centre, Bang Lang Stork Gardens is located in Thoi Thuan Ward, Thot Not District, Can Tho City. This place attracts hundreds of thousands of storks (white storks, gray storks, black storks, little cormorants) from many regions migrating to find places to nest. They land on the mid-sized bamboo branches, swinging with the wind, calling for each other. Visitors have the opportunity to explore the interesting living habits of crowded storks amidst the peaceful countryside of the Mekong Delta.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in The Mekong Delta in the morning

Top tips:

To see the vibrant living rhythm of the garden, visitors should go from August to January according to the lunar calendar. Especially, if you want to admire the cattle migrate, you should come here from February to April according to the lunar calendar. From 5am to 6am, the flocks will fly away to find food; at about 5pm, they will fly back. These are ideal times of the day to visit the stork garden, enjoy the moment of beautiful stork wings in the dawn or sunset. Ticket price: VND10,000 per person. Opening hours: 5am-7pm daily.

Cuisine: Along the National Road 91, in Thot Not District, there are many restaurants such as Phuong Nam (Thuan An Ward), Loc Phat (Long Thanh Ward).

TRA SU CAJEPUT FOREST – BEAUTIFUL PAINTINGS OF GREEN NATURE

Tra Su Cajeput Forest is located in Van Giao Commune, Tinh Bien District, An Giang Province, about 20 kilometres from Chau Doc City and 130 kilometres from Can Tho City. This is a typical riparian forest in the Mekong delta area of the Hau River, home to many waterbirds, wild animals and aquatic species in Vietnam’s special-use forest. Moreover, visiting cajeput forest, you have chance to learn about the unique cultural value of the Khmer and Kinh communities living along the forest with many traditional handicrafts such as brocade weaving, jaggery making, cajeput essential oil distillation and beekeeping.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in The Mekong Delta in the morning

Top tips:

To explore cajeput forest, visitors can rent tandems to ride around the forest or travel on small boats or canoes threading through the canals. The green of cajeput covers the space, and dozens of singing birds will make visitors feel like they are getting lost in the wonderland.

Cuisine:

Enjoy specialties: roasted siamese mud carp, snakehead fish steamed with gourd, rice field crab served with tamarind fish souce, tamarind sauce, sesban flowers salad … at the restaurants in the residential area along cajeput forest.

TRAM CHIM NATIONAL PARK – EXPLORE THE DIVERSE ECOSYSTEMS OF WETLAND

Tram Chim National Park is located in 7 communes of Tam Nong District, Dong Thap Province. The national park has an area of 7,588 hectares, home to many species of flora and fauna, of which there are nearly 200 species of waterfowl, accounting for about a quarter of all bird species in Vietnam. Visiting Tram Chim National Park, visitors will be guided through waterways on the lagoons, passing through the Melaleuca forests and immense grasslands, experiencing firsthand the beauty and interesting activities of the birds.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in The Mekong Delta in the morning

Top tips: From Can Tho’s inner city, go along National Highway 1A then turn left, and then follow the National Highway 30 to Tram Chim National Park. The distance from Can Tho to Tram Chim is about 120 kilometres.

Must see: If you have a lot of time, you can visit the attractions of Cao Lanh District, Dong Thap Province: Xeo Quyt Relic (Hamlet 4, My Hiep) and Gao Giong Ecotourism Park (Hamlet 6, Gao Giong Commune) are located on the road from Can Tho to Tram Chim National Park.

Cuisine: Enjoy country-style dishes with authentic flavours at the food court in the national park.

TAN LAP FLOATING VILLAGE ECO – TOURISM SITE – IMMERSE YOURSELF INTO THE NATURE

Located in the centre of Dong Thap Muoi, Tan Lap Floating Village (Tan Lap Commune, Moc Hoa District, Long An Province) is a wetland with a typical cajeput forest, lotus, water lilies, water hyacinth, and wild rice lakes. It is home to many kinds of animals (birds, storks, fishes, etc.). The forest canal runs through Tan Lap Floating Village, in front of which, there is the gentle river called Vam Co Tay. Here, visitors can stroll on the path through the forest, or sail through the forest canal, enjoy a panoramic view of the vast forest from the observation tower, explore the cultural identity of local residents with traditional handicraft, the art of Don Ca Tai Tu (music of talented amateurs), and special festivals.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in The Mekong Delta in the morning

Top tips:

From Can Tho’s inner city, tourists can follow National Highway 1A, cross Can Tho Bridge and go straight. Then you will pass through Vinh Long City (Vinh Long Province) and Cai Lay Town (Tien Giang Province) to Long An Province. Continue to drive along National Highway 62 to Tan Lap Floating Village. The distance is about 120 kilometres. Ticket price: VND55,000 per person.

Cuisine: Bring food to the eco-tourism site or enjoy specialty food in the Tan Lap dining area.

VINH TRANG PAGODA – A COMBINATION OF ASIAN AND EUROPEAN ARCHITECTURE

Vinh Trang Pagoda is located on Nguyen Trung Truc Street, My Phong Commune, My Tho City, Tien Giang Province. This is the largest Buddhist temple in Tien Giang Province, and it was also ranked a national historical-cultural relic in 1984. Vinh Trang Pagoda was built in the shape of “Nation”, a Chinese character that resembles a pagoda. The temple also includes elements of the Renaissance, a Romanesque style, French decorative flowers, and Japanese enameled tile. Chinese characters are written in the ancient style, but the national language is written in Gothic characters. On the exterior, the architecture of the pagoda is an unusual yet harmonious combination of Asian and European aesthetics. However, the internal architecture of the temple still features the traditional Vietnamese sculptural style.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in The Mekong Delta in the morning

Top tips: From Can Tho’s inner city, tourists can travel along National Highway 1A through Vinh Long Province, Tien Giang Province to My Tho City. The distance is over 100 kilometres.
Must see: Along the way from Can Tho City to Vinh Trang Pagoda, tourists can visit Dong Tam Snake farm in Binh Duc Commune, My Tho City.

Cuisine: Right on Nguyen Trung Truc Street, there are many restaurants such as: Bo De, Sy Gia, and Ta Hien Restaurant.

THE FAMOUS PAGODAS IN SOC TRANG – PRESERVING TRADITIONAL CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL VALUES

Soc Trang Province is home to more than 200 pagodas of three ethnic groups: Kinh, Khmer, and Chinese (the Khmer ethnic group accounts for nearly 29%). Therefore, it is not strange to see, in almost every district and commune, the presence of different pagodas, creating a beautiful and holy architectural complex honouring traditional cultural and historical values of Soc Trang in particular and the Mekong Delta in general.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in The Mekong Delta in the morning

Top tips:

From Can Tho’s inner city, follow the National Highway 1A to Hau Giang Province, passing through Nga Bay Town (Hau Giang Province) to Soc Trang Province. The distance is about 60 kilometres. Soc Trang Province has many pagodas, but top the four must-see pagodas are: Doi Pagoda, Dat Set Pagoda, Kh’leng Pagoda (in Soc Trang City) and Chen Kieu Pagoda (My Xuyen District, 10 kilometres from Soc Trang city centre).

Cuisine: Enjoy famous Soc Trang cuisine: fish broth with rice vermicelli, da salad vermicelli, coóng cakes, blotched snakehead porridge, Vietnamese pancakes, grilled beef, grilled pork skewer, and hu tieu noodle.

PRINCE OF BAC LIEU’S HOUSE – THE MOST PROMINENT HOUSE IN SOUTHERN VIETNAM IN THE EARLY 20TH CENTURY

Prince of Bac Lieu’s House was built in 1919. The two-storey building is distinguished by its luxurious white colour and magnificent French architecture. This place is associated with the Prince of Bac Lieu, Tran Trinh Huy, the most famous male patrician of Southern Vietnam in the early 20th century.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must-see places in The Mekong Delta in the morning

Top tips:

The house is located at 13 Dien Bien Phu, Ward 3, Bac Lieu City, Bac Lieu Province, near Bac Lieu river bank. From Can Tho’s inner city, follow National Highway 1A through Can Tho Bridge, then go straight and pass Nga Bay Town (Hau Giang Province) and Soc Trang City (Soc Trang Province). Exiting Soc Trang Province, you will arrive in Bac Lieu Province. The distance is over 100 kilometres.

Must see: Visitors can visit the famous sites of Bac Lieu City, such as Xiem Can Pagoda which has typical Khmer architecture, the Bac Lieu wind farm, Bac Lieu Beach, and the Bac Lieu Salt Field.

Cuisine:

Enjoy Bac Lieu’s specialties such as fish sauce hot pot, Ngan Dua thick noodles and creamy coconut milk, Pungent rice vermicelli with beef, Vietnamese pancake, xa bau (salted and sweetened radish), bulrush, seafood, etc.

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