Wanderlust Tips Team, Author at WANDERLUST TIPS • Page 144 of 197

Beauty tourism & experiencing a new wind blowing through the land of Kimchi

Besides experiencing the tourist attractions and traditional culture, now visitors travelling to Korea to transform their appearance and become more beautiful, dive into a paradise of natural cosmetic or comfortably show the immortal spirit of girl fandom to their idols.

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TRANSFORMING YOUR DREAM IN KOREA

South Korea is famous as a place where tourists come with the hope for beauty transformation. Along with the development and infuence of the Hallyu wave all over the world, foreign visitors travel to Korea not only to visit, but also to adjust their appearance to become more beautiful, like Korean stars.

Although, the cost for such transformations is not cheap, it cannot stop the desire for beauty of women and men. To get double eyelids, customers have to pay USD700-1,500. The price for a high nose is from USD1,500 to USD4,500. Not to mention those who want to have a completely Korean-looking face, they will have to pay a huge fee to conduct more complex surgery such as grinding and cutting off part of the facial bone structure.

Lan Yu, 33, from Hunan, China, feels unhappy with her slowly aging body. “I came to Seoul this time to visit the natural scenery of Korea, and also to get belly fat removed and stretch my facial skin. If the results are good, I will do more surgery,” she said. The cost for Lan Yu’s beauty journey is estimated at USD8,000.

In Seoul’s Gangnam District, a place famous for the Gangnam Style song, it’s usual to see many Chinese women with bandages wrapped around their head and faces. They are the new trendsetters: beauty tourism in Korea. These women believe that the quality of health care in Korea is safer and more reliable than in China.

According to the Korea Tourism Organisation, the number of tourists entering Korea for cosmetic surgery tripled in the period 2010-2014, from 81,789 to 266,501 people. The increase in beauty tourism has created a huge wave, bringing great revenue to the country. Bloomberg estimated that South Korea’s medical tourism industry (including beauty tourism) in 2012 brought in USD453 million to the country. It is predicted that by 2020, the figure will increase to USD3.2 billion.

In addition to the demand for travelling and plastic surgery, one of the simple but important reasons attracting many people to Korea is cosmetic products. In the country of Kimchi, cosmetics have become a necessity, like carrying a purse when leaving home. On the streets of Korea, you rarely see anyone without make-up, from middle school students to middle-aged men and women.

Korea’s cosmetic industry has been completely transformed in recent years. From low-priced and low-quality cosmetics, Korean cosmetics are rising both in quality and design, comparable to the products of famous Western brand names. The most popular Korean cosmetic brands are The Face Shop, Innisfree, Laneige, Skin Food and Etude House.

In Korea, cosmetic shops are everywhere, from the subway stations, to the streets, from the common markets to the crowded commercial centres.

Yeongdeung shopping mall in Seoul is a popular shopping destination not only for Seoul residents, but also for tourists when they arrive in Korea. Thanks to the global K-Pop infuence, the 100 stalls in this shopping centre are always crowded with visitors. At other shopping malls in Seoul such as Myeongdong, Garosugil, and Apgujeong-dong, there are always crowds of visitors focking from all over the world to buy beauty products.

Like the United States or France promoting fashion through famous movies, K-Beauty also penetrates into people’s lives through K-Pop (Korean music) and K-Drama (Korean film). Every music and movie star is a model promoting Korean cosmetics, such as the movie “The Descent of the Sun”, thanks to the promotion of actress Song Hye Kyo in the role of a beautiful doctor, the two-tone lipstick of Laneige was bought by many people. Not only Korean girls, but also many foreign tourists coming to this country want to own this hot lipstick. In addition to the two-tone lipstick, Laneige’s BB Cushion, which Song Hye Kyo used in the movie, also became widely known. Laneige is one of the famous cosmetics brands of the Amore Pacifc Group.

According to a report by the Hyundai Research Institute, the number of foreign tourists visiting Korea for shopping has increased from 2.64 million (equivalent of 36%) in 2011 to 4.76 million (equivalent to 47%) by 2015. The estimated amount of money visitors spent on shopping in 2015 was nearly USD9.8 billion, double the USD4.1 billion in 2011. According to a survey by the Korea Tourism Agency, when asked about the products being bought, 60% of foreigners say that perfume and cosmetics are what they look for the most.

Among foreigners, Chinese and Japanese tourists spend the most money to buy beauty products from Korea. According to Amore Pacifc, the country’s largest cosmetics company made up 40% of the gross market share and Chinese tourists accounted for 40.1% of gross revenue in 2011, while Japanese visitors contributed 9.1%.

Although most of the Korean cosmetic brands are already available overseas, Korean travel combining leisure with shopping for cosmetics is a trend that many visitors choose. It is not diffcult to explain this. First, if you buy directly in Korea, the price will be much cheaper than in your country. In addition, stores of Korean cosmetics brands in Seoul also regularly offer promotions, discounts and freebies.

“There are a lot of Korean cosmetics in Vietnam, but I do not feel it is reliable and am afraid of buying fake products. During the trip to Korea, in addition to the time to visit the famous places, the rest of my time I went shopping for cosmetics. At that time, cosmetics companies had big sales programs, sometimes the discount was up to 70% ,” said Minh Anh, who just returned from a Korea tour.

FOLLOW THE HALLYU WAVE

About 15 years ago, Korea became the “Hollywood of the East”, producing a series of movies and idol groups stirring the Asian entertainment market. This country is also home to the phrase “Hallyu” (Korean wave) – the popularity and infuence of Korean culture rising throughout the world in the 21st century.

The Hallyu Wave not only helps Korea spread its art and culture to the world but also promote the cosmetics, fashion and tourism industry of this country.

“Many people come to Korea because they like culture, people, food, or shopping for cosmetics, but I’m sure there are plenty of people like me coming to Korea to meet our idols, to at least one time in life see the work place of our idols, and when wandering on the streets, we may come across our beloved idols, and indulge in calling their names out loud.”

The story of the young girls who come with the nickname TUGARU.VIV is one of many stories of other young girls who come to Korea with the main purpose being to live in the atmosphere of the place where the Hallyu Wave started, and to meet K-Pop and K-Dramas stars.

It sounds impossible, but actually it is quite practical. There are countless things for girl fans to experience in the country of Hallyu. If you manage the travel yourself, you can go to the headquarters of entertainment agencies like JYP or SM Entertainment and wait, if you’re in luck you may fnd the idols you are looking for. One way to be sure to meet an idol is to attend fan meetings or concerts, but the ticket price is not cheap and the way to get it is not easy. The best and easiest way to get into the Hallyu Wave is to visit some of Korea’s Hallyu cultural highlights such as SMTOWN COEX ARTIUM COEX Complex (COEX Trade Centre) and K-Star Road. Here you can comfortably take pictures with giant posters of your idol or buy everything related to your favourite stars from albums and jackets to lovely chibi statues. You can even try to become an idol through a one-day dance class taught by back-up dancers or record at professional studios with vocal training, recording, music mixing, MV shooting and CD publishing.

Currently, the Korea Tourism Organisation (KTO) coordinates with tour operators to build Korean tours for tourists – especially young people, based on the effects of the Hallyu Wave. Coming to Korea, visitors not only visit the famous attractions, enjoy food, learn about traditional Korean culture but also explore the selected places like the flming locations of Famous TV dramas such as N Seoul Tower, Dongdeamun Design Plaza (Man From the Stars) and Samtan Art Mine (The Descendants of the Sun) or enjoy K-Pop night music at Hologram or The Show and you cannot miss a journey to explore the centre of flm and music production – the cradles of training Korean singers and artists such as KBS, YG Entertainment, JYP Entertainment and SM Entertainment, who the top stars of the Hallyu Wave such as Big Bang, TVXQ, Girl’s Generation, 2PM and Super Junior work for.

“Together with the Korea Tourism Organisation (KTO), we have organised a number of new tours combining sightseeing with the experience of Korean culture (Hallyu). Travellers are all excited about this new travel trend. We are planning to organise more tours like this to explore the market for young travellers who love Hallyu,” said Vu Thi Bich Hue, Deputy Manager of Marketing – Communications Department, Hanoi Redtours Tourism Joint Stock Company.

Whether for beauty purposes, buying cosmetics or experiencing the Hallyu Wave, a trip to the land of Kimchi will always be memorable to visitors. The trend of beauty tourism and Hallyu tourism also promises to bring a new wind to the smoke-free industry of Korea in the future.

SM TOWN COEX ARTIUM – HOLY LAND FOR K-POP FANS

SM TOWN Coex Artium – the cultural complex of SM Entertainment – is located at Coex Mall (Samseong-dong, Seoul). SM Entertainment is one of the three largest entertainment groups in Korea, others are YG Entertainment and JYP Entertainment. The SM was originally understood to be the abbreviation of Soo Man (the founder of the company) but later people called it the Star Museum. This place has produced many famous stars and music bands, leading the Hallyu Wave such as TVXQ, SNSD, EXO, Super Junior, BoA, SHINee, F (x) and Red Velvet.

As one of the most popular companies in caring for fans and giving them more opportunities to approach their idols, SM Entertainment has built SM TOWN Coex Artium, where the images of idols appear everywhere from the candles to the food. It can be said that this is a paradise for K-Pop fans especially foreign fans who are visiting Korea for the first time.

SM TOWN Coex Artium opened on 13th January 2015 and consists of 6 foors, divided into many unique entertainment spaces for fans. Here, fans can enjoy a true experience relating to their idols in four areas: SUM, SMTOWN STUDIO, SMTOWN LIVERESS CAFE and SMTOWN THEATER.

SUM is a shopping area, including a chain of souvenir shops. Here, there are a lot of CDs and second-hand objects of SM idols available like hats, balloons, masks, blouses, Bluetooth speakers or cute souvenirs such as artist chibi and idol images.

SMTOWN STUDIO is a cyberspace, bringing experiences relating to idols’ activities. Here, you can record your favourite songs, be made up beautifully and dance and shoot music videos like real idols. The awards that SM’s idols have achieved over the years are also on display here.

SMTOWN LIVErary CAFE is a café for resting and energy recovery. This is like a mini supermarket selling food and drinks presented by idols such as snacks, instant noodles, confectionery and canned goods. Most impressively the tables here all signed by SM idols.

Finally, the SMTOWN THEATER – the multiplex cinema projects a variety of formats and content. There is the Surround Viewing projection – for which the audience is sitting in the auditorium surrounded by three giant screens and Hologram – with images that make the audiences feel like they are watching the real idols on stage. In addition, the SMTOWN THEATER has the Hologram Musical School OZ with the participant of SM artists performing a storyline about an adventure in the magical world called OZ.

♦ Address: 513, Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea
At the Samseong Staton (Seoul Subway, Line 2), take exit No.5 or 6. Go to COEX Mall via the underground road connected to the staton.
♦ Open hours: 10am-10pm/all year round
♦ Website: www.smtownland.com
♦ Tel: SUM: 02-6002-5811, SMTOWN STUDIO: 02-6002-5820, SMTOWN LIVErary CAFÉ: 02-6002-5838, SMTOWN THEATER: 1670-6330.
♦ Surrounding Atractons: COEX Artum, COEX Aquarium, Megabox COEX.

AMORE PACIFIC – A GIANT GROWING NON-STOP

Amore Pacifc (아모레퍼시픽) is one of the largest beauty corporations in Korea, founded in 1945 and after more than 70 years of development, Amore Pacifc ranks 7th among the top 100 beauty companies in the world voted by Women’s Wear Daily’s Beauty.

The group currently has more than 30 cosmetic brands and personal care and health care products including:

– Cosmetics: Amore Pacifc, Laneige, Innisfree, Etude House, Espoir, IOPE, Aritaum, HERA, Sulwhasoo, LIRIKOS, Verite, Mamonde, Hanyul, TeenClear, Primera, Lolita Lempicka, Odyssey, MIRAEPA, Annick Goutal and RYOE.

– Personal care products: Mise-en-Scène, Rye, Happy Bath, Dantrol, Median, Songyeum and Illi.

– Health Care: O’Sulloc, VB Program.

With a domestic market share of 35.1% and an annual revenue of 49 billion Won, Amore Pacifc is one of the largest cooperation in the Korean cosmetic industry. At Myeongdong – the shopping paradise of Korea with shopping centres and retail stores of international brands, every few hundred meters, customers pass by a cosmetics store owned by this corporation.

Amore Pacifc’s export revenue to other countries accounts for about 25% of their total revenue. With ambition to dominate the global market, Amore Pacifc’s business strategy is focused on China, Asia and North America. For Asia, the giant is consolidating their presence in developed markets such as Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand and Vietnam.

To maintain the unique element of its products, Amore Pacifc spends an average of 3.5% of its revenue on research and development. They focus on exploiting oriental aromas such as ginseng, green tea and herbs to pander to the nature-oriented tendency of consumers.

Since the establishment of the frst cosmetics laboratory in Korea, Amore Pacifc has become a historical contributor to the beauty industry in Korea. The group is constantly pioneering in product improvement, bringing a variety of beauty values to consumers. Its cosmetic categories that are contributing to the beauty culture are: skin essence, sleep masks, BB cushions and two-tone lipstick from brands of Amore Pacifc.

Currently, Amore Pacifc is building a research and production complex in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Expected to be completed by 2020, this will be the centre of research and production in the Asian region.
To fnd out more about Amore Pacifc, you can visit the Story Garden building opened in 2013, which recalls the past, present and future of Amore Pacifc as well as showcases Amore Pacifc products.

STORY GARDEN

♦ Address: AMORE PACIFIC SCM, 37 Gajang Industrial Dong-ro, Osan City, Gyeonggi-do. Visitors can go to Sema Staton on Line 1, take bus No.31 and get of at Amore Pacifc Bus Staton or you can go from Osan Staton Line 1, take bus No. 31, and get of at Amore Pacifc Bus Staton.

♦ Tel: +82 31 8047 1481
♦ Website: storygarden.amorepacifc.com/MainIntro.do
♦ Open hours: 10am-6pm/Closed on Saturday, Sunday and holidays
♦ Language: English, Korean, Chinese.

Wanderlust Tips

Bangkok Airways launches Bangkok – Phu Quoc air route

Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited will launch the new direct route between Phu Quoc and Bangkok on 29^th October 2017 in attempt to bring the best flying experiences to customers and meet the rising demand between vibrant Bangkok and up and coming holiday destination in Vietnam – Phu Quoc.

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Following the success of Bangkok – Danang direct route, Thailand-based boutique carrier Bangkok Airways announces its new service connecting Suvarnabhumi Bangkok Airport and Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam.

Bangkok Airways is the first airline operating direct flights to Phu Quoc Island, with four flights weekly using ATR 72-600 70-seat capacity aircraft. The aim of this new launch is to provide better flight connections for European, Thai and Vietnamese customers as well as offering regional connecting routes to Phu Quoc Island for its long-haul codeshare partners.

Varong Israsena Na Ayudhya, Bangkok Airways’ vice president for sales said, “With the launch of new direct service between Phu Quoc and Bangkok, I believe there is mutual benefit in terms of tourism and businesses between the two countries. Fast growing economy in Phu Quoc sees potential of travel demand from the local and expatriate travelers, while Phu Quoc, as a paradise island in Vietnam will attract tourists from around the world.”

Beautiful Phu Quoc – known as Pearl Island, is Vietnam’s largest island with an area of approximately 600 square kilometres. Phu Quoc is known for being the center of tourism in Southeast Asia and it is appointed as a special economic zone with the expected annual economy growth up to 25 – 30 per cent.

In 2016 Phu Quoc attracted over 1.45 million tourists all over the world. With the 30-day visa free policy for foreigners, Phu Quoc now is one of the most popular tourism destination in South East Asia for European travelers, especially Germany, England, France, Switzerland and Russia.

Bangkok, the Golden Temple capital, rated as one of the best shopping destinations in Southeast Asia, which is now considered as the ideal stopover for five – continent travelers who wish to explore Asian culture. With Bangkok Airways’ new route, passengers can now enjoy a direct flight to Bangkok, without transit at Ho Chi Minh City and Danang airports.

Not only will it save time, Bangkok Airways’ passengers will experience great services such as free snacks, wi-fi access and parents can play comfortably with their children at the children’s corner in the lounge at Suvarnabhumi Airport. For those who have a Flyer Bonus Premier card, they can also use the services available at the Blue Ribbon Club such as: hot luxury meals, private bathrooms, massage, using private reading rooms as meeting rooms. In addition, you can receive more privileges such as check-in at the Blue Ribbon counter.

“Phu Quoc is a rising star of tourism destination, attracting a great number of Southeast Asia and European customers to come and wish to visit again every year. The new direct route between Bangkok and Phu Quoc will support the growing tourism demand, and provide better flight experiences for travelers. We believe this launch will bring sustainable benefits for the tourism development of Thailand and Vietnam in the future,” Songkrot Palakawong Na Ayuthaya, corporate communications director of Bangkok Airways said.

New flights Bangkok – Phu Quoc

Flight PG991 departs at 11:30am, arrives at 1:10pm on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday.
Flight PG992 departs at 1:50pm, arrives at 3:35pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and Sunday.

Special offer:

One-way ticket from Phu Quoc to Bangkok: USD88 (including all charges)
Round-trip ticket from Phu Quoc to Bangkok: USD166 (including all charges)
Reservations start from 5^th October until the end of April 2018

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Wanderlust Tips travel magazine’s September issue 2017: Old place, new vibe

September issue of Wanderlust Tips will be a journey to discover familiar places which bring new perspectives, new feelings for the travellers.

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How long does it take to fill a heart with the soul of a place, to fully discover every corner and wonderful things along with experiences that are less spectacular than expected? This question recalls in my mind a famous quote of the French writer Marcel Proust: “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.“

Whereas, in previous issue of Wanderlust Tips we discovered the remote Everest region, bone chilling Polar exploration in Fjällräven and magnificent aurora in Iceland in the September issue we explore voyages finding the strange in the familiar.

Like in the United States, where unlike in the movies, besides super tall skyscrapers and busy traffic, the country also offers the best ice cream in the world, immense forest-like parks and flower-filled winding paths. Travel with Travip to explore such amazing experiences when wandering in this beautiful country through the article THE UNITED STATES – JOURNEY TO A DREAM COME TRUE in the Destination Category.

Or dreaming of PHOENIX ANCIENT TOWN (Destination Category), then, you will be amazed when visiting Phoenix Ancient Town, which has both urban-like bustling, and moments of quiet that feel like the time is trapped.

Like discovering that in Ziro women not only have tattooed faces and nose plugs – here you will be treated to smoked meat preserved for decades and tapyo salts not found anywhere else in the world. Let’s turn to the Culture Category to travel with the young girl Mai Huong to learn how to LIVE HEALTHY LIKE THE APATANIS.

There are trips – not holidays – that you want to experience again. Because it is a VOLUNTOURISM – TRAVELLING FOR A GOOD CAUSE (Trend Category). Through the practical experience of the volunteers, readers will have the opportunity to understand more about this type of tourism and the impression, good meaning it leaves to the participants or its downsides.

Wherever you go, the journeys ahead will always bring you new experiences and discoveries, when you travel with an open heart and broad vision.

Lastly, the article HOW TO SURVIVE A DESERT OR SEMI-DESERT DRIVE shared by the guy who is riding a motorbike around the world Tran Dang Dang Khoa in transportation category will be valuable experiences for you to to conquer the upcoming journey.

Wanderlust Tips

A beautiful carpet of Mexican tournesol near Hanoi

You do not need to travel to Da Lat to admire bright yellow flowers; near Hanoi, Ba Vi National Park also has beautiful Mexican tournesol.

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The Mexican tournesol in Ba Vi begin to bloom around October, but flourishing in from 10 days to 2 weeks in November. When Mexican tournesols bloom, it means that the dry season has come very close. This flower has the noble yet powerful beauty of the mountain woodlands.

Mexican tournesol is not as big as sunflower, but because it grows in dense thickets, so when it blooms, it creates a bright golden carpet under the sunlight, and become more prominent on dark green leaves. Mexican tournesol is most beautiful in the morning, when the air is bathed in winter sunshine, the dew still on the leaves and the flowers.

Taking a walk in the middle of the flower carpet, enjoying the magnificent colours of nature and the wind bringing the lovely scent makes us feel ecstatic. Although not as large as in Da Lat, but Ba Vi Mexican tournesol garden still has its own beauty, especially when admiring the flowers in the majestic cloudy Ba Vi mountain.
A guide to the flower viewing spot in Ba Vi National Park:

You have to pay VND40,000 per ticket for adult to Ba Vi National Park. Tickets for students, children, the elderly, and the disabled are VND20,000 per ticket.

From Ba Vi National Park’s gate, you reach the outpost 400 (The swimming pool), continue to go 1 kilometre to the crossroad, then head to the historic area at the outpost 600, then you will meet a guard. You ask for permission to visit the hill area 700 to take photos. From the guard station, you go about 1 kilometre to the crossroad again, turn left to come to the hill 700. When you come to the Forest Fire Observatory, continue to turn left to flower hill of Ba Vi National Park.

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Banyan Tree and Angsana Lăng Cô welcomes new area general manager

On 25^th September, Banyan Tree and Angsana Lăng Cô, under the management of the Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts, has appointed Mr. Brett Burton as the Area General Manager of the two beachfront resorts located within the world-class integrated resort Laguna Lăng Cô in Central Vietnam.

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In his new appointment, Brett is responsible for the successful management of 62 private pool villas of Banyan Tree Lăng Cô and 229 contemporary rooms and suite of Angsana Lăng Cô.

Prior to joining Banyan Tree and Angsana Lăng Cô, Brett was the Area General Manager and General Manager of Vinpearl Danang, Hoi An and Nha Trang and held senior positions with Mandarin Oriental and Hyatt International.

Brett has a Bachelor of Leisure Management degree from Griffith University and an M.B.A. from the University of New England, both in Australia. He is also a certified Bikram hot yoga instructor.

With his expertise of over 20 years in the hospitality industry across the globe in different departments including Operations, Marketing, Commercial Innovation, Guest Satisfaction, Project Management and Brand Development, Brett believes in continual learning and upgrading by listening to people, understanding the desires of high-end travellers and adapting to various cultures.

“Since its opening five years ago Banyan Tree and Angsana Lăng Cô has become one of the most luxurious resorts in Central Vietnam and enjoyed many successes. I am excited and look forward to leading the exceptional team, and to welcoming guests to experience the incredible culture Vietnam has to offer,” said Brett.

Banyan Tree and Angsana Lăng Cô strongly believe that Brett will contribute to the resorts’ service excellence and Banyan Tree’s signature hospitality standards and working closely with the team to deliver continual success to the two resorts.

Banyan Tree and Angsana Lăng Cô beachfront resorts

Address: Cu Du Village, Loc Vinh Commune, Phu Loc District, Thua Thien Hue Provine
Tel: +84 234 3695 888 | Fax: +84 234 3695 999
Website: langco@banyantree.com

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Run for a cause in Quang Nam province with run to give 2017

Marriott International today announced that its ‘Run to Give’ charity run took place in over 100 locations with the participation of associates working at over 550 hotels and resorts across Asia Pacific on 24^thSeptember, 2017. As part of this Asia Pacific-wide initiative, Sheraton Danang Resort, Sheraton Hoi An & Tam Ky and Fourpoints by Sheraton Danang joined hands to organize the event.

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Run To Give 2017 held in Tam Ky gathered more than 100 associates from 3 pre-opening teams including Sheraton Danang Resort, Sheraton Hoi An & Tam Ky and Fourpoints by Sheraton Danang. It took place in Tam Tien Beach, Nui Thanh District, Quang Nam Province, in the morning of 24^thSeptember, from 7:00am. Funds raised through the charity run in Danang City and Quang Nam Province will go towards Ngo May Elementary School to support renovating school toilets, building a reading corner, and planting trees & flowers.

Now in its fourth year, Marriott International has dedicated the entire month of September to encourage additional volunteer efforts and also celebrate its associates’ volunteer work that takes place year-round throughout the world, making a positive impact in their communities.

Run to Give underscores Marriott International’s commitment to drive meaningful impact to the local communities as we recognize that the vitality of our business is directly linked to the vitality of the places where we operate. Last year Marriott International hotels in Vietnam organized the charity run nationwide to immense response, raising over USD6,700; this year with the continued support from our associates, we are confident that Run to Give will accomplish more than we ever could alone.

Started in 2014 as Hotel Charity Run, the inaugural event saw an overwhelming response of over 20,000 runners take part in over 100 locations across Asia Pacific; raising a total of close to USD300,000. Associates from Marriott International hotels all over the region organized these unique runs to raise funds for a local charity in which their hotels operated in.

Sheraton Danang Resort

Add: 35 Truong Sa Street, Hoa Hai Ward, Ngu Hanh Son District, Danang City
Tel: +84 236 3988 999
Fax: +84 236 3981 988
Website: www.sheraton.com/danang

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

InterContinental Hotels & Resorts opens Vietnam’s Highest Hotel in Hanoi

InterContinental Hanoi Landmark72 brings together the InterContinental life with unprecedented views of the Vietnamese capital & boosts Hanoi’s MICE profile.

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InterContinental Hotels Group, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has announced the opening of InterContinental Hanoi Landmark72 in Hanoi, Vietnam. Perched atop the towering Keangnam Landmark72 from the 62^nd to 71^st floors, InterContinental Hanoi Landmark72 is now welcoming guests to enjoy one of the 359 sophisticated and luxurious rooms.

The capital’s newest stand-out luxury hotel is within the wider Landmark72 complex, which comprises retail, commercial, and entertainment offerings, including a variety of meeting spaces ranging from 70 to 920 square metres. It is situated close to some of Hanoi’s major landmarks and attractions such as Hanoi Museum, Vietnam National Convention Centre, Garden Shopping Centre and the headquarters of many Vietnamese multinational corporations. The hotel is less than 40 minutes from Noi Bai International Airport, promising guests a smooth transit when visiting the capital city.

ADDING LUXURY

The hotel’s sophisticated and luxurious rooms, include 34 spacious and well-appointed suites, all offering panoramic views of the city skyline through floor-to-ceiling windows from the 62^nd to the 70^th floors. Club InterContinental guests can also enjoy exclusive access to the Club InterContinental Lounge a quiet sanctuary on the hotel’s 71^st floor – one of the largest in South East Asia. Club InterContinental guests can start the day with a la carte breakfast, enjoy all day refreshments, take an afternoon tea service as well retreat for evening canapés and drinks while soaking in the view of Hanoi from over 300 metres above the city.

Commenting on the hotel opening, Leanne Harwood, Vice President, Operations, South East Asia and Korea, IHG, said: “Hanoi is truly a booming travel destination in the region, with double-digit year-on-year growth in international arrivals and attracting over four million visitors in 2016 alone. Opening our second InterContinental hotel in Hanoi puts us in even better position to offer top-notch luxury accommodation for travellers in the country.”

“The launch marks an exciting time for IHG and for the InterContinental brand as we have made history by welcoming guests to the highest hotel in Vietnam. The InterContinental brand has been offering luxury travel for over 70 years, and we are looking forward to our guests experiencing the sophistication of the InterContinental life at the new InterContinental Hanoi Landmark72,” she said.

MICE BOOST

Harwood added that the capital’s MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibition) profile is boosted by the new hotel opening. The new hotel’s MICE offering comprises state-of-the-art and versatile meetings spaces, totalling 2,861 square metres with eight function rooms ranging from 70 to 920 sqm. The hotel boasts one of Hanoi’s largest pillar-less ballroom that accommodates up to 1,000 people, which is complemented by the largest ballroom foyer (1,020 sqm) in Hanoi, perfect for large conferences, exhibitions, and glamorous social events.

SKY-HIGH DINING

The hotel’s enviable sky-high location has rocketed Hanoi’s restaurant and bar scene to new heights. Located on the 62nd floor are the hotel’s showpiece restaurants and bars including 3 Spoons, with triple market-style kitchens each serving unique cuisines, Hive Lounge, an exquisite lounge and centrepiece of the hotel’s lobby, the vibrant Q Bar and Stellar, the hotel’s signature restaurant and steakhouse.

Stellar is a contemporary and multi-concept steakhouse embracing timeless traditions with a modern twist, serving only the best and most premium cuts of beef. It features private dining rooms including a cooking studio, wine, and cheese room and a separate teppanyaki micro restaurant offering premium cuts from Japan. Stellar’s standout highlight is its in-house meatsmith service – a first for Hanoi – where the restaurant’s resident butcher and meat expert guides diners through the cuts of in-house-aged meat, from the butchery. Similar to a sommelier recommending suitable wines, the meatsmith will give diners one-on-one and personalised attention, guiding them through the intricacies of the cuts, the provenance of the meats and marble grading followed by on-the-spot carving and grilling the meats to perfection right by the dining table.

John Kim General Manager, InterContinental Hanoi Landmark72, said: “The InterContinental Hanoi Landmark72 is one of the most impressive InterContinental hotels in the region. Our position at the Landmark72 lets us offer the finest facilities and amenities for both business and leisure travellers to truly experience the glamour of the InterContinental life and we are confident that the hotel will soon become one of the city’s icons of modern luxury travel.”

Furthermore, InterContinental Hanoi Landmark72 guests will benefit from IHG’s latest connectivity offering, IHG Connect, which makes its regional debut in Vietnam. Recently launched in the US, IHG Connect delivers a faster, more reliable and consistent hotel Internet guest experience by combining significantly increased bandwidth and state-of-the art, cloud-based Wi-Fi technology. A key component of IHG Connect is the auto recognition feature for IHG’s loyalty members, where guests only need to sign in once to access hotel Wi-Fi at all IHG Connect-enabled hotels. They will automatically be connected for all future visits and will roll-out in the rest of South East Asia in the coming months.

To celebrate the opening, guests can benefit from a special rate of USD108++.

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Kazan: Where Europe meets Asia

If you had visited the ancient metropolis of Kazan in the Russian Republic of Tatarstan a decade ago, you would hardly recognise it if you were to return today. The city’s signature white-and-blue kremlin with minarets and Orthodox onion-shaped domes still stands majestic, elevated on the bank of the Kazanka River, but an infrastructure overhaul has added whole new neighbourhoods to the city in a little more than half a decade.

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1. LEATHER SLIPPERS AND KAZAN CAT SCULPTURES

Statues of Kazan Cat – one of the most popular heroes of the Russian folk – is a popular print for lubok of XVII-XIX centuries: “Kazan Cat, Astrakhan mind, Siberian wit” – is a popular display object. The Cat has its own folklore and literary ancestors and relatives. A sculpture of this legendary Kazan Cat has been placed in the capital of Tatarstan at the intersection of Bauman and Musa Jalil Streets. The producer of this metal composition is the famous artist Igor Bashmakov. Every year in the Kremlin’s Hermitage Kazan an exhibition titled “Walking with Kazan Cat” is organised.

Address: Bogema Shop, 66 Moskovskaya Street

2. THE TEMPLE OF ALL RELIGIONS

The complex consists of several cupolas, minarets and spires representing the religious architecture of the 12 major religions of the world. There is a Christian cross, the Muslim crescent, the Star of David and the Chinese dome. However, no ceremonies are performed inside because it is not a functioning temple. The building is just a cultural centre, which also served as the residence of its owner – the local artist and philanthropist Ildar Khanov, and his assistants who practice spiritual healing. Khanov believed that all religions are equal, and the Temple of All Religions was his way of bringing them all under one roof.

3. BAUMAN STREET

Kazan’s main pedestrian street is popular for both residents and guests of Kazan, as a meeting point for people in love, perpetually buzzing with life and fooded each day with musicians, artists, and an incredible range of street performers from folk dancers to fre-shows. Souvenir shops, charming cafés, lively bars, and fascinating museums, are just a few of the entertainment options available on this vibrant street. Fountains and statues adorn the street, making for a beautiful backdrop to the colourful hustle and bustle of Kazan life. When you are in Kazan a walk in Bauman Street – on of the oldest streets in the city – is a must and cannot be missed.

4. KAZAN KREMLIN

Inside the gleaming white walls of this former Tartar fortress is Kazan Kremlin, a UNESCO‘s world heritage site. It is the offcial residence of the President of the Republic of Tatarstan. The Kazan Kremlin includes many old buildings, including highlights of the old Annunciation Cathedral (1554-62) – the only 16th century Russian church to have six piers and fve apses, the leaning Suyumbike Tower, the Spasskaya Tower and the Kul Sharif Mosque. The Kremlin also offers a spectacular vista of both Kazan’s historic centre and the enormous Volga River.

5. SAFYAN

Tatar national handicrafts are especially known for their unique leather art and tanning. This kind of very soft, yet long wearing leather is called safyan. Using ancient technologies, craftsmen make amazing items from leather, including shoes, bags, slippers and keyfob.

Address: Safyan Shop, 14 Gladilova Street

6. KUKMOR VALENKI

In Russian, “valenki” refers to the famous felt boots with elegant prints made of natural combed and washed sheep wool from Kukmor Village in Kazan. Felt boots are a kind of traditional Russian footwear, usually worn for walking on dry snow when the weather is frosty. An embroidered felt boot appeared for the frst time in 1880. The felt boots, made by the Kukmor masters, are as attractive as ever before: wonderful boots with coloured fowery embroidery patterns on both sides, are known to be beautiful, well-designed and health-friendly felt boots.

Address: Kazan Souvenir Shop, 15/25 Kremlyovskaya Street

7. THE STARO-TATARSKAYA SLOBODA

After the army of Ivan the Terrible captured Kazan in 1552, Tatars had to stay outside the inner city, settling in a suburb across the Bulak Canal. Eventually there arose a community that came to be known as Staro-Tatarskaya Sloboda, or Old Tatar Sloboda. People come here to partake in the authentic local cultural favour. To do so you can visit the Märcani Mosque – one of the oldest mosques in Kazan built in the 1770s, the museum of the great Tatar poet Gabdulla Tukay and the Galiaskar Kamal State Academic Theatre.

8. HOUSE OF TATAR CULINARY

Here diners can enjoy traditional Tartar cuisine in the comfort of the restaurant’s plush environment. The luxury of the décor is reflected in the luscious food. Prices are high but thankfully matched by the level of care and dedication put into each and every dish. Guests pay for the quality of their ingredients, and the resulting food is always impressive. For the true Tartar experience, try the delicious echpohmak pastries with goose and beef or the balish pies, followed by succulent horsemeat with stewed vegetables, and for dessert, the famous chak-chak (pastry coated in honeyed sugar syrup and often served with raisins or walnuts). However, the service is quite slow. It often takes about half an hour for a dish to arrive.

Address: 31/12 Baumana Street

Price range: USD21-44 per person.

9. TATARSKAYA USADBA

One of the most popular Tatar restaurants in the city. This is the place most people choose to try Tatar cuisine for the frst time. This is a tourist place with slightly overdone estate colours, but the cuisine is really good. The cook is especially good with pastries, horsemeat, and mutton dishes. Portions are large. Because of the big turnover of customers, the service is not very attentive. The wood stove is a great part of the interior decoration, but do not choose a table near it as it is very hot.

Address: 8 Shigabutdina Mardzhani Street

Price range: USD17-35 per person.

10. PRIYUT KHOLOSTYAKA

Being tired of the nourishing Tatar cuisine, you can come here to try delicious mushroom cream soup, strudel, and the best crème brûlée in the city. The contemporary atmosphere fts harmoniously with the international menu, a fusion of food incorporating everything from sushi to spaghetti. The elegant and carefully crafted menu features delights such as duck breast in honey crust, sea scallops in wine sauce, flet mignon, and grilled trout. What’s more, the deliciously smooth lattes here are some of the best coffee Kazan has on offer.

Address: 27A Chernyshevskovo Street

Price range: USD21-52 per person.

11. BILYAR

A small chain offering Kazan’s traditional Tartar cuisine to eat in a delightfully authentic atmosphere and at affordable prices. A truly Tartar experience is created by the rustic décor which gives the restaurants the feeling of a peasant’s hut. The Tartar music and Tartar waiters ensure that every part of the dining experience here is authentic. A whole host of local treats are available at great value for money: Plates are piled high with the warm, nourishing secrets of Tartar home cooking. For those travellers feeling more intrepid, local favourites such as horsemeat and horse milk are on offer, and particularly raved about. Traditional Russian specialties feature too on the diverse menu at Bilyar, with classic dishes such as mushroom Julienne, and salad Olivier.

Address: 31 Butlerova Street

Price range: USD9-12 per person

12. SVIYAZHSK ISLAND

The island is located in the picturesque estuary of the Sviyaga River on a high hill. The history of the island is full of events that relate to critical moments of national history. To dive even deeper into the past, you can visit workshops where blacksmiths, tanners, potters, and wood carvers work. The skilled craftsmen create not just beautiful items, but they also symbolise a link across time and the continuity of traditions.

13. KAZAN TSUM

One of the oldest city shops founded in 1940. Beside clothes shops, there are many sports and souvenir shops and the kid’s department lures the small visitors. However, the prices are a bit exaggerated. If you have bad luck with the shopping, you can pamper yourself with something delicious from the food supermarket Bahetle, which sells homemade Tatar food. Reportedly the food at Bakhtele is so good that many Tatar women have actually stopped cooking traditional pies, stews, pelmeni and the like altogether because even they can’t compete with the perfection of local dishes that this supermarket has achieved.

Address: 1 Moskovskaya Street

14. SUVAR PLAZA

A luxury shopping centre aimed at customers with high incomes as prices are high even in the season of sales. 33 thousand square metres accommodate over 70 shops of the best international brands such as Dior, Channel, Louis Vuitton, Prada and Gucci, but customers go there mainly for expensive shoes of reputable brands. Like any self-respecting hypermarket, the shopping centre has a cinema, many cafés, and even a ftness centre.

Address: 6 Spartakovskaya Street

15. TUBETEIKA

It is known as Tatar’s national male headwear and a special art form. The history of the tubeteika is centuries old. Evidence of headgear similar to the tubeteika, worn in ancient times, has been found in sculptures, numismatics, wall paintings, terracotta statuettes, and book miniatures of the 15th and 16th century. The oldest of the known embroidered tubeteikas, stored in museum collections, date back to the middle of the 19th century. Most tubeteika designs are symbols of imperishable human values or talisman images. A ram horn, for instance, symbolises a man’s vigour; a fsh represents women’s fertility. Sometimes they include decorative inscriptions in Arabic in the designs, such as ‘let the tubeteika stay on the head and enemies disappear’.

Address: State Universal Shop,51/50 Bauman Street

16. KOLTSO MALL

It is probably the main shopping attraction point in Kazan, located in the heart of the city close to Bauman Street and Peterburgskaya Street. On the fve foors and 23 thousand square metres, there are shops of over 120 international brands of the medium price category. Here you can buy everything – from clothes and cosmetics to food and household appliances. Due to the central location, the place is always busy with customers varying from leisure students to enthusiastic shopping addicts. You can have a meal at the food court with over 10 fast serving cafés.

Address: 1 Peterburgskaya Street

17. ALAFUZOVSKAYA FACTORY

In a time of new Russian tradition, buildings of former factories are often transformed into creative clusters. The old Alafuzovskaya Factory is no exception. Now it is the home of a new and very fashionable youth place where photo sessions and parties take place in the dark industrial interiors and on Saturdays markets are organised where you can buy some interesting Soviet time souvenirs or modern ethnic craft for real bargains (depending on your luck). Currently, young designers of unusual clothes and accessories who are still establishing themselves are at the premises of the plant and it is nice to walk there.

Address: 55 Gladilova Street

Le Diem | Wanderlust Tips

Get lost in Dalat: A wonderful land

Whenever thinking of the sea, most people in the South think of Vung Tau; when they miss the mist of the mountain, the cold and green of the forest, people will recall Dalat, the sweet valley with its fragrant fowers located on the highest altitude in the Southeast.

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FASCINATING GREEN PLATEAU

Located about 300 kilometres Northwest of Saigon – not far enough to take a fight, not close enough to go by motorcycle. But travelling on the road from Saigon to Dalat is an interesting experience. Let’s start at Dau Giay crossroad, the turning point from National Highway 1A to National Highway 20 leading West. The scenery changes gradually along the way, houses are sparse and smaller, the sky looks broader. Do not get annoyed by dust and bad roads, just continue going on National Highway 20 for over 100 kilometres to reach Bao Loc Pass. The vegetation changes from rubber trees to tropical plants and the temperature drops.

Just up Bao Loc Pass, you will feel a cool breeze from the valley, see green forest trees and hear melodious singing of the birds. Here, visitors can begin their trekking journey. The tea hills, rice paddies and cornfelds intermingle with rural houses. Travelling 100 kilometres further, to go over the Freen Pass, remember to open your eyes to admire the pine forest and enjoy the cool mist. Dalat is at the end of the road, where the wind turbines intervene with peaked-roof houses.

Going to the Northern outskirts of Dalat, towards the Golden Valley, passing through the winding mountain roads, and heading to an unknown trail, here, visitors can immerse into the fresh atmosphere of the pine forest. In the evening, you can set up a fre, eat grilled chicken or grilled fsh and enjoy the cold air of this vast land, sometimes the wind bursts into the tent, sounding like a rain storm. When waking up in the forest, if lucky visitors will see sparkling early morning frost cover the grass like snow.

A TASTE OF FRANCE

The central area of Dalat is at the roundabout of Hoa Binh Market and dubbed the heart of Dalat. In the frst half of the 20th century, the French developed the Lam Vien Plateau to become a resort. A market built of trees was erected in 1929 but burned down in 1937, after that it was rebuilt with bricks and is currently the location of 30 April Cinema. In 1958, the empty land in the valley next to the Tree Market was planed and built into the frst foor market in Vietnam at that time, including two foors and a terrace. By 1993, Hoa Binh Market had been upgraded and became the main commercial centre in Dalat.

Hoa Binh Market is located on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street. The space around and behind the market is full of food stalls and accommodation. On those streets of Le Thi Hong Gam, Nguyen Chi Thanh, Bui Thi Xuan and Phan Boi Chau, there are hotels and lodging-houses close together with very affordable rent. In the centre of Dalat just walk down the street to see a lot of people, cars, food, and live music (from young people gathering and singing). In general, like in other cities in the morning, the traffc is busy and at night all the lights are turned on. Visitors living on the high foor of a hotel can admire Xuan Huong Lake, and the top of St. Nicholas Cathedral in the early morning fog.

If you feel intimidated because of the crowds, just go out of the central area. Along Tran Hung Dao Street, there is the isolated and quiet Cadasa Villa Resort. When stepping in the resort, visitors will feel a taste of France. Remaining with the spirit of French architecture of the frst half of the 20th century, the restorers of Cadasa Resort wanted to bring the old memory and history of Dalat in the hearts of tourists.

Every item, piece of furniture, freplace, towel hanger and chandelier looks like they got lost in this villa in another century. Tran Hung Dao Street is wide and quiet, every spring, the peach flowers bloom beautifully along the road.

If allies are a special feature of Saigon, then slopes are Dalat’s equivalent. There are many slopes like Lo River, Nha Lang, Tin Lanh (Protestant), Anh Sang (Light), Nha Bo Slope, there are rocky slopes, slopes full of blossoms, foggy slopes and sunny slopes which have become unique features of this wonderland. Slopes in Dalat are often compared to staircases in the middle of heaven.

Some people come to Dalat to stay in the heart of the city and because of the cold nights, they need another person’s warmth. But for some other people, they choose to leave the city to try a ride through the pine forest, walk down the unmarked slopes, sit in a street café on an old leather bench, close their eyes, listen carefully, take a deep breath and get lost in this wonderful land.

TRANSPORTATION

♦ From Ho Chi Minh City, you can go to Dau Giay intersecton, turn lef and follow Natonal Highway 20 to Dalat. Travelling by motorbike can take from 8 to 12 hours.

♦ If you are not planning to travel by motorbike, you can take a passenger car from Thanh Buoi, Phuong Trang, Thinh Phat Limousine, or The Sinh Tourist (tcket prices range from VND170,000 to 250,000, depending on the season). Travelling by car can take from 6 to 8 hours.

♦ If you live in other provinces, you can catch a fight from your local airport and it will land at Lien Khuong Airport, Duc Trong.

♦ Along the central roads like Nguyen Chi Thanh and Bui Thi Xuan, there are places for rentng motorbikes, ranging from VND90,000 to 150,000/day, depending on the type of vehicle.

♦ If you like the nostalgic feeling in Dalat, you can contact@nhacuasuadalat to rent a Honda 50 Cub motorcycle to travel along Xuan Huong Lake. When rentng a motorbike, remember to ask how to handle common problems on the road such as a punctured tre or broken motorbike.

♦ Get your motorbike owner’s phone number and the phone number of a motorbike repairer, when you go to the suburbs it will be very difcult to fnd a place to patch tres.

WEATHER

♦ Dalat is most beautful from the end of October to March. This is the tme when the rainy season fnishes and a new season begins. The rainy season in Dalat is also very poetc, though it slightly cold.

♦ Dalat has a temperate, mountainous climate, with annual temperatures ranging from 18°C to 25°C, it’s colder at night and early morning. Warm clothes and scarves are extremely important for keeping warm and taking beautful photos.

SHOPPING

The main shopping area of Dalat is Dalat Market in Hoa Binh Area. In additon, there is a second-hand market in the evening, open daily from 5pm to afer 9pm, selling a lot of hats and used clothes at bargain prices. You should ask about prices before buying or eatng anything.

ACCOMMODATION

You can stay in luxury resorts for several million VND per night, or common hotels or a homestay for a few hundred thousand VND per night. Dalat has many places to stay, but if you visit Dalat in peak season, you should book in advance. Dalat is always out of rooms and prices are much higher in the holiday seasons of Vietnam.

Mai Dong | Wanderlust Tips

Nepal: The Himalayas’ hidden jewel

Many years ago, when it came to Nepal, many Vietnamese did not even know where the country is. Nestled in the majestic Himalayas, home to Mount Everest – the highest mountain in the world, Nepal is a great destination for those who love adventure travel, cultural exploration or just a place to retreat in peace.

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A LAND OF WORLD HERITAGES

I always thought I was driven to Nepal four times by fate. I came to Nepal for the frst time in June 2010 for a simple reason: visiting old friends. What I could not understand at frst is the reason for such a poor and dusty capital existing in this world. As the plane was about to land at Tribhuvan Airport, I saw the capital Kathmandu featuring a russet colour of the local houses. The houses are pretty low. Even the international airport looked crummy. “Oh, is there anything interesting in this poor country?” I thought to myself as I stepped out of the airport.

But Kathmandu gave me an ineffable sense of pleasure. It was the feeling of going far away and experiencing different landscapes and cultures that were sometimes beyond my imagination. I felt like I had travelled back in time about two decades. I saw people in traditional clothes walking on the streets lined with old buildings that looked like they had been built decades ago and had never been repaired. Nepal was poor, really poor! But it is also in undeveloped countries like Nepal that many relics remain intact. In Kathmandu alone there are countless monuments.

On a hill in Kathmandu valley, there is an ancient place where visitors can catch a panoramic view of the capital and retreat in peace. The temple Swayambhunath is also known as Monkey Temple because monkeys appear everywhere. Swayambhunath is one of the oldest religious sites in Nepal. It was built in the early 5th century and has been restored 15 times. Slowly taking step-by-step to reach the temple is a really good time to no longer be bothered by anything else and simply focus on your steps.

Similar to Swayambhunath, Boudhanath also has a stupa complex, but it is more accessible as it is in the middle of the busy streets of Kathmandu. Here, you can meet Tibetan Lamas or other Tibetan people living in Nepal. And if you have time to pray inside the temples around the stupa, you can also be blessed by the Lamas and receive a thread bracelet with a wish of good luck.

In Nepal there are many UNESCO World heritage sites, not only Buddhist monuments but also relics of other religions. Pashupatinath is such a place. It is not only a temple but also a crematorium and a place to conduct funerals for Hindus. Pashupatinath is located on the banks of Bagmati River. Here, you can observe death cremations. Then, the ashes are pushed down the river, drifting downstream. Men finally returned to dust. And surprisingly, in such a sorrowful place there was no crying. Everything was very quiet and peaceful, as if people penetrated and accepted the cycle of creation as a natural course. My frst trip to Nepal, witnessing this rather strange thing made me more curious about this Himalayan country.

But Nepal in general and Kathmandu in particular offer more than that. Here, we also found many historical monuments, which can make anyone envision a glorious period in the past. When getting to Kathmandu, do not miss Durbar Square. After the earthquake in April 2015, many of the towers in this square collapsed, but it is still a beautiful must-see destination in Kathmandu. There are still many other towers and relics around for you to find out more about.

History does not tell us when Durbar Square was built, but it is believed that construction began around the 11th century. From that time up to now, this architectural ensemble continues to be built and it was once used as the royal palace for the kings. By the 19th century, the Royal Palace of Nepal was moved to another place, but Durbar Square in Kathmandu remains an important place for celebrations. The monarchy in Nepal has collapsed nearly 10 years ago but Durbar still attracts many visitors to visit and learn about history.

IMMERSE IN NATURE

Besides Kathmandu, what I enjoy in Nepal is the countryside and other less crowded cities. The frst place after Kathmandu I went to visit is Pokhara, a city in Western Nepal. My Nepalese friend convinced me to go to Pokhara. “It is my hometown, it is very nice!” my friend said.

Pokhara is beautiful in a different way. It is quiet and dull but the nature is wonderful. Pokhara Lake extends over a vast area and when the sky is a clear blue, you can see the distant snow mountain peaks refecting on thelake like a land of fairy tales.And if you want to admire the mighty Himalayan mountains, visit the summit of Sarangkot in Pokhara. It is ineffable when climbing to the summit of Sarangkot in the early morning and enjoying the fresh air and then watching the frst rays of the day shining on the snow mountains. In this vast land, there is nothing that prevents your emotions from fooding when taking in the majestic nature.

If you want to fnd a place to rest and admire nature, Nagarkot is another great place not far from Kathmandu. Nagarkot is a village in Bhaktapur, less than an hour’s drive from Kathmandu. In addition to enjoying nature, this is also a wonderful spot to admire the Himalayas.

WARM-HEARTED NEPALESE PEOPLE

I went to Nepal, then left and then came back again as if I have special connection to this land. It is like fate makes me return to this country, witnessing both its peacefulness and hard duration. The second time back to Nepal, I went to Lumbini where the Buddha was born. Peaceful nature and good people in Lumbini have left a wonderful impression on me. And then unexpectedly, I was forced to return to Nepal for another reason: the earthquake. This disaster has shown me how incredible Nepalese people are.

I returned to Nepal for the third time in April 2015 with a great nervousness as I witnessed the aftermath of the devastating earthquake. Everything collapsed. Nearly 9,000 people were killed and nearly 22,000 were injured, millions lost their homes. Coming to Kathmandu at that time, I was struck to see the beautiful relics I had admired destroyed or severely damaged. Houses had collapsed. A painful and sorrowful scene covered this small country. And that was when I learned that the people here are, not only kind and sincere but also extremely calm and stable when facing diffculties. After the disaster, people still kept order. People lined up quietly on the streets waiting for gas, getting on the bus back home, and even waiting to receive relief supplies. No hustling, no fghting, no looting, and they were not greedy either.

Once they had enough relief supplies, they did not take more but left it for the others. Even in the ruins, in the unpredictable pain that the Nepalese had suffered at that moment, if you visited them, hot milk tea was always offered. This gentle and warmness was still intact when I returned to Nepal for the fourth time, just six months after the earthquake, as the poor country experienced an oil crisis.

At a time when many places may have become chaotic, bewildered, Nepalese were still optimistic, calm and still rising from difficulties. And their steady spirit always makes me fnd peace in my heart when coming back here.After the wonderful experiences I had on my many incidental occasions leading me to Nepal, I always think to myself, that in addition to beautiful scenery, rich nature, challenging trekking paths and precious heritage, people are an invaluable asset of this country.

W.TIPS

♦ Travelling to Nepal, you just need to apply for and get a visa at Kathmandu airport. Prepare a 4×6 photo and visa fee (USD25 for 15 days, USD40 for 30 days and USD100 for 90 days). It is recommended to print out a round-trip tcket and hotel booking when you travel to any country.

♦ You can bring Dollars to Nepal and change them to the local currency. Credit card payment is available but not as popular as in Vietnam.

♦ There are many routes to Nepal via Bangkok (Thai Airways), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Malindo Air) or Singapore (Silk Air).

♦ If you need to travel between places in Nepal, you should go by plane. You can take a bus but the road is bad and the state of the busses is not good.

♦ In Kathmandu, you can travel by taxi or bus. If you take a taxi, the driver may ask to negotate the fare with you.
♦ In Kathmandu the air is quite polluted and dusty. Get your gauze mask ready.

♦ 3G in Nepal is prety good. You can buy a sim-card at airport counters or in the city.

♦ In Nepal, from the end of September to late November, the weather is pleasant and not too cold. In December and January, it is also beautful and clear. Spring from February to mid-April, it is also nice when the weather is warming up. In summer it starts to rain. Except during summer, it is ofen clear in other seasons, so in some places you can even see the snow covered mountains.

♦ You can travel to India from Nepal because the trafc is convenient, and there are relics related to each other, so you can make this a journey to discover Buddhist monuments.

♦ If you like the bustle in addition to the old and ancient look of Kathmandu, you can go to Thamel – “Travellers’ Street”.

♦ If your health does not allow for it and time is limited you can buy fight tickets to admire the world’s highest peak – Mount Everest and the Himalayas. Guna Airlines provides a one-hour fying tour at USD160-200/person. When flying to Nepal, you can also see Everest from the plane as you arrive.

♦ Saigon Pho and Pho 99 owned by the same person: Ms Vo Thi Kim Cuong. Talking to her, you will understand more about the country and people of Nepal. She also has Pho 99 Restaurant in Pokhara.

♦ If you choose a resort in Nagarkot then Hotel Country Villa is a great suggestion. This hotel is not too expensive, located on a mountain slope and overlooks the high snow-covered Himalayas. This well equipped hotel offering a great view costs USD80/night, while for a comfortable room in Kathmandu you have to pay around USD25-30 per night.

♦ Dahlia Boutique Hotel is located in Pokhara, 1.1 km from Fewa Lake and 2.1 km from the World Peace Pagoda. Guests can enjoy various activities in the surroundings, including golfng, horse riding and cycling. The hotel also offers bike hire. Add: Lakeside Rd, Kaski, Nepal 00977

♦ Maruni Sanctuary Lodge . Managed by Nepal’s leading hotel chain (KGH Hotels), Maruni Sanctuary Lodge is located on the edge of Chitwan National Park. The park is also known as a World Heritage Site and is the home to the endangered one-horned rhinoceros. Add: Chitwan National Park, Sauraha, Nepal

♦ Bhojan Griha – An ethnic Nepali Restaurant. It dates back over 150 years. A renovated 4-storey building, it originally belonged to the royal priest of the king of Nepal. It is the perfect place to taste authentic organic Nepalese food among fascinating Nepalese cultural décor and artefacts. Price for a dinner for foreign guests is
USD20/person. Add: 536, Dillibazar, Kathmandu, Nepal

♦ Traditional Comfort. Located in the heart of Kathmandu, this 25 year-old hotel features well-decorated rooms with delightful traditional and international meals. The hotel also offers car hire. Add: Krishna Pauroti, Kamalpokhari, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal

♦ You can bring Dollars to Nepal and change them to the local currency. Credit card payment is available but not as popular as in Vietnam.

♦ There are many routes to Nepal via Bangkok (Thai Airways), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Malindo Air) or Singapore (Silk Air).

♦ If you need to travel between places in Nepal, you should go by plane. You can take a bus but the road is bad and the state of the busses is not good.

♦ In Kathmandu, you can travel by taxi or bus. If you take a taxi, the driver may ask to negotate the fare with you. In Kathmandu the air is quite polluted and dusty. Get your gauze mask ready.

♦ 3G in Nepal is prety good. You can buy a sim-card at airport counters or in the city.

♦ You can travel to India from Nepal because the trafc is convenient, and there are relics related to each other, so you can make this a journey to discover Buddhist monuments.

Tran Viet Phuong | Wanderlust Tips