Wanderlust Tips Team, Author at WANDERLUST TIPS • Page 152 of 195

Famous food in Danang

Stands and storefronts line the streets of Da Nang selling all manner of local delicacies. Central Vietnamese food, prepared fresh by vendors and enjoyed by locals on Vietnam’s signature low stools and plastic chairs, offers surprising variety in both tasteand presentation.

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Banh xeo

These are Vietnamese crepes. The name literally means “sizzling cake” and the sound and smell of banh xeo frying can be found all over the city. They have a flour base and colored with turmeric, and are filled with pork belly, shrimp, sprouts and mung bean. It’s got a savory taste.

Just south of the Dragon Bridge, down a narrow alleyway, Banh Xeo Street is hidden gem in Da Nang. Local vendors compete to perfect the dish and its signature peanut sause.

Banh xeo street: K280 Phan Chau Trinh, Da Nang

My Quang

This is an iconic Central Vietnamese dish that has a lot of family recipes and secret ingredientes.

Each vendor has a unique take on it, but the main ingridients are always flat rice noodles, a zesty peanut and chicken broth base topped with all manner of meats, fish or even frog, and served with a side of rice crackers, herbs, and blossoms meant to be mixed in the bowl.

Mi Quang Bep Trang: 441 Ong Ich Khiem, Da Nang

Banh Mi (Vietnamese bread)

A relic of French colonialism and probably Vietnam’s most famous culinary export, the banh mi sandwich can be found at street stalls and bakeries nearly anywhere.

The baguette is cut and spead with pate, mayonnaise, cucumber, daikon pickles, and a pepper sauce then filled with either cold cuts, roast pork, or fried eggs to other.

The rich meats and light vegetables lend a nice balance to this famous sadwich. Banh mi vendors can be found on most streets in Da Nang.

Bun Mam

Anchovy sause vermicelli, this robust and filling soup originated somewhere south of Da Nang in the Me Kong River delta and as such features a diverse range of meat, seafood, and herbs.

It consists of thin rice noodles in anchovy fish sauce from Nam O fishing village flavored broth topped with pork belly, squid, shrimp, eggplant, and both fish and fish cake.

The meaty dish is served with a side of herbs and blossoms to add dimension to the savory broth and toppings.

Trang Ke Xuong Food Court: 23 Tran Ke Xuong, Da Nang.

Bun Cha Ca

A rice vermicelli based soup in a tangy broth served piping hot, Bun Cha Ca originally hails from the north, but can be found all over Da Nang.

This dish is simple, but delicious in its simplicity. Steam noodles are topped with fish cakes and balls of all shapes and sizes served alongside special nuoc cham sweet and sour fish sauce. The light and tangy soup sometimes garnished with soy cakes as well.

Ba Phien Restaurant: 51&63 LeHong Phong, Da Nang.
Ong Ta Restaurant: 97 Nguyen Chi Thanh, Da Nang
109 Restaurant: 109 Nguyen Chi Thanh, Da Nang

Com Ga (Chicken Rice)

Cultures the world over have some variation on this dish, the classic chicken and rice. The Central Vietnamese take consists of roast chicken, fried rice, pickles, vegetables and hot soup. It’s simple, hearty, and filling.

Pham Hong Thai Food Court: Whole Pham Hong Thai Street.

Bo Ne (Vietnamese Beef Steak)

This beef dish is a rich and filling take on the banh mi that originated in Saigon. An iron plate is filled with all kinds of meat – beef, sausage, pate, and whatever else is on the menu. The cook cracks an egg over an open flame, grilling the ingredients together in their juices. The sizzling plate is dropped off right at the table and served with a toasted baguette.

3 Ngon Restaurant: 20 Nguyen Van Linh, Da Nang, 17 Nguyen Van Thoai, Da Nang, 244 Nguyen Cong Tru, Da Nang.

Nam O Sashimi

Originating in the Nam O fishing village that lies at the foot of Hai Van Pass, the outskirts of Da Nang, this traditional Vietnamese raw fish takes advantage of the constant influx of fresh seafood.

There are two varieties of this sashimi. The first is soft fresh fish (what most would be familiar with) and the second is a fried jerky. It’s served with a spicy sauce and a fish sauce and carries the distinct clean flavor of just caught fish.

Thanh Huong Restaurant: 1029 Nguyen Luong Bang, Da Nang, Vinh Restaurant: 960 Nguyen Luong Bang, Da Nang.

Banh Trang Cuon Thit Heo

Pork wrapped in rice paper, this Central Vietnamese take on the spring roll is a hands-on experience.

Grilled pork is served with local greens and, sometimes, some banh xeo thrown in the mix. The most important ingredient, rice paper is laid out in long square sheets.

Diners arrange the ingredients on rice paper held flat, rolled with the other hand, and eaten. It’s fresh light dish especially popular around Tet.

Seafood and Hotpots

Seafood restaurants can be found along the seafront. Tanks full of fish, shellfish, shrimp, lobsters and crabs are arranged in front of restaurants where you can choose what youwant to eat and how it is cooked.

Vietnamese hot pot is also popular at the seafood restaurants.

Sliced meat or seafood, leaf vegetables and mushrooms are cooked in a pot of simmering soup and then dipped in fish sauce or soy sauce mixed with ginger.

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Cool Tropical Summer

Sipping a cup of simple, icy mango Granita by the sunlit pool or enjoying the deliciousness of a chocolate brownie makes a harsh tropical summer more pleasant. Blow away the heat with the five cool drinks and desserts below to make your summer more colourful and vibrant.

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This is a cool summer drink for which the main ingredient is a yellow mango that gets blended with ice and lime. The special feature is the panacotta at the bottom, which perfectly harmonises the dense flavour with the pleasant tart of lemon, and the sweet aroma of a Thai mango to create the irresistible flavour of this dessert.

Preparation

Kit: glass or cup, mango blended with ice, small tray, bar spoon, blender,
Ingredients: ripe mangos, limes, sugar, mint leaves, panacotta, dry ice.

Instructions

Place 300g ice, pieces of a ripe mango, lime juice and sugar into a blender, stir for three minutes. Then, use the bar spoon to pour the mixture into glasses filled to one third with panacotta, decorate the drink with ½ lime and small slices of ripe mango. Finally put all the Granite glasses on a tray and add dry ice for a special finishing touch.

♦ Adam’s apple

Preparation

Kit: cocktail shaker, high rock glass, vent cap, wooden chopping board
Ingredients: apple juice, soda water, cinnamon, honey, rosemary leaves.

Instructions

Add all the ingredients in a shaker and shake it steadily then pour the cocktail into a rock glass, decorate with a slice of apple, cinnamon and rosemary leaves. Inspired by the Garden of Eden – when this two-for-one cocktail is served at the table mysterious smoke rising from the glass will increase the curiosity of the couple ordering the drink. While the acidic Adam has the aroma of rosemary leaves making for an unforgettable experience from the first sip, the romantic sweet pink Eve has a lychee flavour that awakens the taste buds of even the pickiest lady.

♦ Eve’s rose

Preparation:

Kit: glasses or cups, spoon bar, shaker
Ingredients: fresh limes, sugar, mint leaves, lychee juice, dry ice.

Instructions

Add all the ingredients in a shaker and shake it steadily then pour the cocktail into a rock glass, decorate with rosemary leaves and dry ice.

Mango sticky rice is a unique, delicious and delicate dish of Thailand. This dish is on the menu of every Thai restaurant and available at street food stalls in Thailand’s markets. The aroma of sticky rice with the fat of the coconut milk and the sweetness of tropical fruit create a special attraction. This classic deserves to be the top dessert of the country of the Golden Pagoda.

Preparation

250 grams of glutinous rice, 400ml of coconut milk, 2 to 3 ripe mangos, 130 grams of sugar, 1 tablespoon of corn starch, toasted sesame seeds and a little white salt

Instructions

Soak glutinous rice in cold water overnight then wash the rice thoroughly and drain it. Place the steamer on the stove and boil the water, then add the sticky rice.

Note:

It is recommended to place a large fabric towel in the steamebefore adding the sticky rice. It helps the rice stay in the steamer, and when the rice is cooked, it is also easier to remove.

Pour the remaining 250 ml of coconut milk in a small saucepan with 50 grams of sugar and add little white salt, put it on the stove and stir the sugar so that it dissolves. Mix the corn starch with a little water and then pour slowly into the pot of coconut milk. Stirlightly until coconut milk boils, the sugar dissolves and the corn starch is cooked. Peel the mangos, cut two halves of the mangos into small slices, but try to retain the shape of mango half. Finally, place the sticky rice onto the thin plate, then sprinkle coconut milk on the top, add a little toasted sesame, place mango slices next to the sticky rice. Thai mango sticky rice should be eaten when it is hot to enjoy their full flavour of the dish.

Toast with coconut ice-cream is a dessert derived from Shibuya – Tokyo – Japan but experienced a strong trend in the Thai food community when it was adopted in Bangkok. The greasy toast with butter flavour combined with the special aroma of coconut cream will surely charm any sweet foodie.

Preparation

Kit: plate, oven
Ingredients: bread, French butter, honey, syrup, ice cream, dried coconut, fresh cream.

Instructions

Coat the toast with butter and honey then put the bread into the oven, toast until it is hot then place it on a plate. Then place a scoop of ice-cream next to the toast and add some cream, sprinkle with coconut flakes and enjoy.

One of the most famous desserts of Italy is a brownie with many different creams like vanilla, chocolate or strawberry. The sweet, soft and warm flavour of a chocolate brownie combined with cool cream makes for a great summer experience.

Preparation

Kit: plate, oven
Ingredients: brownie mix, ice-cream, chocolate sauce, fresh cream.

Instructions

Bake the brownie mix until it is hot enough, put it on the plate and then sprinkle the hot chocolate sauce on the cake, place a scoop of ice-cream next to the cake, finally place some fresh cream on the cake.

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Jean Verly: Experience rock climbing

Born in Paris in 1981, Jean Verly is a professional climber and the founder of VietClimb, a bouldering gym and climbing club based in Tay Ho, Hanoi. When he does not climb, run ultra trails or send e-mails, he likes to read inappropriate classic books, listen to quality electro, or follow emerging subcultures in Hanoi. Wanderlust Tips had a talk with this young but experienced rock climber to find out why he loves extreme sport so much.

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Please tell us at what age you started climbing and why do you love this kind of sport?

I was 10 years old the first time I tried rock climbing during a youth field trip. From 10 to 21 I climbed with friends mostly during holidays in the Alps, the South of France and Fontainebleau. I quickly got stuck with this activity as I’ve liked the way climbing teaches you to challenge and control your body and your mind in a vertical dimension, while it brings you to some beautiful and remote places in the great outdoors. Indeed, cliffs and mountains are usually located in areas with difficult access, which preserves them from the environmental pressure usually brought by massive influxes of tourists.

Is it true that you conquered many mountains in France such as Mont Blanc, Baire des Eccrius, and Roche Codier at the age of 15?

France has a long mountaineering history and alpine tradition, so climbing these mountains at an altitude of more than 3,000 metres is nothing extraordinary, even for teenagers. The summits you mentioned (Rocher Cordier, Barre des Ecrins) are technically not difficult. A mind-set that doesn’t fear effort and sweat and a decent alpine guide are helpful.

What do you think about letting children be involved in sport activities at a young age as opposed to keeping them safe in parents’ arms?

I believe solid physical activities are necessary for a child’s development. They teach them resilience, autonomy, and give them tools to overcome challenges. I don’t think it’s related to safety as everyone knows that traffic is much more dangerous in Vietnam than any sports, it’s more about conservative attitude.

What do you think about letting children be involved in sport activities at a young age as opposed to keeping them safe in parents’ arms?

Please tell us about the time and reasons of coming to Vietnam. Why did you come up with the idea of founding VietClimb?

Following my graduation in Comparative Literature at la Sorbonne then Business Management at Rouen, I visited Vietnam in 2005. I liked it so I decided to stay longer than planned. I started working in the public sector of the French Embassy, then switched to the private sector in an architecture and engineering company. In 2009,I felt a need to gain autonomy and direct impact of my daily work, so VietClimb got created with four main activities: bouldering gym, outdoor trips, climbing wall construction and work in high gear retail.

What difficulties have you had to face in the founding and operating of VietClimb?

When you create a market and put together a community, there are always highs and lows, megalomaniac moments alternating with depression. But at the end of the day, sport and health awareness keep developing.

As mentioned earlier, VietClimb has 4 main business lines. There is the bouldering gym located in An Duong (Tay Ho, Hanoi). Related to our construction line, we have done climbing walls for Vingroup, Ecopark or international schools such as BVIS. We organise outdoor trips also, and we import European climbing and work-at-heigh gear for sport or industrial purpose.

Beside macro-policy related difficulties such as poor infrastructure and foreign investment policies, indoor climbing in Hanoi is a very new activity which was unknown a few years ago. Most of foreign climbers rotate every 1 or 2 years so the half of the climbing community renews in shorter cycles than other countries. However, there is a growing core of Vietnamese climbers who are really committed and motivated.

How often does VietClimb organise outdoor climbing and where are the perfect outdoor spots for it in Vietnam?

We usually organise outdoor trip once or two weekends a month in two main destinations we have developed: Quoc Oai, located 25km from Hanoi to get familiar with sport route, top-rope and lead climbing and Huu Lung located 100km away which offers more than 60 quality routes and a few multi-pitch ones. In Summer, we do some boat trips in Cat Ba to escape the heat and practice deep-water soloing.

Deep-water soloing is considered an extreme sport. What is the necessary skill set for it?

Deep-water soloing (DWS) or psicobloc is a form of solo rock climbing that relies solely upon the presence of water at the base of a climb to protect against injury from falls from generally difficult routes. As with every outdoor activity, the most important thing is your ability to fix yourself a limit between your skills and the objective risks of such activities. For DWS, you need some basic climbing, swimming, paddling and jumping skills.

Besides climbing you love backpacking to the mountainous regions of Vietnam too. What are your regular destinations on such trips? Why do you love to travel to these places?

As mentioned, I like to travel to places where human activities are low. I like Ha Giang, Binh Thuan or Binh Dinh Provinces for example. Poor but very hospitable. I like mountain children because they have something especially interesting. I remember the anniversary of my first visit to Ha Giang. I had a great time with my friends and we brought little presents for the kids. We thought they would fight each other for it, but they were very friendly to each other. When we handed them the candy, they looked at each other and there was no need to tell them what to do they split everything evenly and we ate together.

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Yogyakarta: The Soul of Indonesia

If Jakarta is the bustling trade and financial centre of Indonesia, then Central Java has historical and cultural features that are likened to the soul of this country. The journey to explore Yogyakarta has opened up to me a corner of Indonesia that is not only a vibrant city with fabulous blue beaches, but also a place full of history, with rich cultural, religious, and architectural values still present today.

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Jogja – Follow the Sultans

Jogja (the common name of Yogyakarta) – a Central Java city – welcomed me at 8pm with a gentle rain, quiet traffic in not-too-crowded streets, and closed one-storey roof-tiled houses. The marble blocks of the Tentrem Hotel, along with the sweetness of local specialty snake fruit, had cooled off from the heat of the tropical summer.

Be warned of the rains in Jogja. We woke up very early. Although quit eager to explore the area, I have to admit I was ecstatic and overwhelmed by the buffet of local cuisine and Japanese and European dishes, which Tentrem served for diners.

After 8am, sunshine blazed on the quiet streets of Jogja. Just a 10-minute drive from the hotel, I found myself embraced by the cool shadow of keben trees in Kraton – the royal palace that was once the home of the legendary Sultans – the rulers of Java. One side overlooks the Indian Ocean, while the other faces the Merapi Volcano. Even today, the Kraton Royal Palace is an invaluable religious, historical and architectural heritage recalling the golden age of many generations of Sultans. From the symbols engraved on the walls and splendid pillars, to Gamelan – the traditional bronze instruments used for the royal family – what impressed me most are the precious rituals of the royals that would be carried out from birth to adulthood, marked by many important milestones associated with the holy number 7: 7 months in the womb, 7 months after birth, 7 years old and 17 years old.

The life of each Sultan is encapsulated in a picture of a lush tree. According to our tour guide, Ms. Amieroel, age 45: in this palace, each branch of the tree represents a wife, leaves represent the daughters and fruits represent the sons. When asked about the traditionally dressed old men who were gathered sitting cross-legged silently as though they were practising meditation, Ms. Amielroel said that this day was also the Sultan’s birthday (gebyokan). “On Sultan’s birthday, these people will sit facing the Sultan’s residence and pray to the gods,” she said. The tranquillity of Kraton’s immense expanse made me realise the depth of Jogja’s history and its citizens’faith. I sensed a deep contemplation of the spiritual values and strong beliefs that have flowed in the hearts of Java’s islanders. Although it is a pity that the busy schedule did not allow me to stay longer, I look forward to returning.

Not far from Kraton to the West is Taman Sari – also known as Water Castle. This is a unique architectural complex built to serve the leisure and spiritual life of the royalty. The pool area includes Umbul Panguras (for Sultan), Umbul Pamuncar (for Sultan’s wives), and Umbul Kawitan (for Sultan’s children). At the entrance, there is a dome pavilion, the place where the royal family would sit and enjoy performances. Next to the swimming pools, there is a resting place with low arches that makes people keep their heads down when going through, to remind them of respect for the Sultans.

Under each fixed bed, there is a dish of dry herb to create a natural aroma for the room. There is also a souvenir shop here. Right outside the entrance, there is an old artisan who manipulates the wayang kulit and other drawings of batik motifs on the fabrics. It is known that the puppetry artisan, Jumakir, has 40 years of experience in this career, as it is his family’s traditional craft. Watching the artisans engrossed in engraving tiny details on a piece of buffalo skin, it is difficult to describe just how meticulous this work is – not to mention the previous steps of processing then painting on the carved skin.

To reach the pool area, there is a royal passage built as a tunnel that is considered a temple. This area is known as Sumur Gumuling (Gumuling Well). In my first visit here, I sensed that this place was ideal for praying or walking meditation because of circular structure with dome windows where natural light pours down from the oculus. Here, you will have the chance to admire the unique architecture of the four staircases meeting at one point. The architecture of every place I visited all express a Javanese philosophy of life: respect of the balance and harmony between the interior and the exterior.

Borobudur sunrise

We continued to travel through the era of the Sulans the next morning, following Javanese dreams from ancient times. Leaving our hotel at 3am, we arrived at Magelang at almost 5am. In the thick darkness and the cold atmosphere of Magelang in early morning, we started our journey with a small backpack and a flashlight. We began to explore the legendary Buddhist temple – Borobudur. The road is narrow but not too steep. In the darkness, my feet followed the rhythm of the praying chorus, which echoed everywhere and blended into the darkness, giving me the feeling that I was being embraced in a brilliant and unshakeable faith. With each step, I diverted my thoughts to the faith of the industrious men who patiently brought each stone to the top of the hill to build this legendary nine-storey Buddhist architecture with 2,672 bas-relief panels carved into stone and 504 Buddha statues. The top dome is surrounded by 72 Buddha statues, each statue is placed in a Stupa. It is said that Borobudur is not just a temple, it is a Buddhist University where all the philosophies of this religion are depicted in the stories on the bas-reliefs.

This is an unforgettable experience of a lifetime, from the moment you touch Borobudur’s dewy misty stones in the dark, until you see the stone carvings that appear in the early morning light. As you get to the highest floors, there are quite a lot of tourists, mainly Western visitors, all seated in silence, facing the horizon. We put down our backpacks and sat at the foot of Stupas. Some had opened their cameras, some had already pressed their camera buttons, hoping capture the most impressive time-lapse footage. We were all looking forward to the same magical thing: the sun.

The sunrise in Borobudur is perhaps the most gorgeous scene I have ever seen, not only because of the beauty of the sun pouring its first rays as it emerged from the summit of Merapi volcano, but also because it is a sacred moment when the brilliant light shines through the architectural masterpieces surrounding me.The strange thing about Borobudur is that, when you are here, everything makes you think of contrast. Outside the temple, in the vast sky, there is a splendid, breathtaking dawn that lasts only a few moments; on the contrary, here is a rough mass of stone from the 9th century and countless moral lessons passed down through Javanese generations. You can set foot on Borobudur for a moment but you must spend your lifetime absorbing the religious philosophy of this beautiful stone architecture. We always stay in the middle of these extremes. “Everything is nothing” – these were the words of the native guide that came to my mind as I strolled under the bright sunlight and fresh air covering the lawns and trees around Borobudur Temple.

Wanderlust Tips

♦ Weather

In Central Java there are two seasons, rainy season (October – April) and dry season (May – September). Central Java has tropical weather with high temperature and humidity, so the weather is quite hot and the average temperature is 21-32°C. In the rainy season (when I went to Java), in the afternoon, there may be thunderstorms, and it is usually rainy. There are heavy rains from late afternoon to late evening and in the evening the weather is cool and a little bit chilly at times. Be sure to pack jeans, a T-shirt, a thin coat, and a raincoat or an umbrella.

♦ Transportation

Jogja is only 1 hour flight away from Jakarta. The main transport in Yogyakarta is motorbike or car. Note that you must drive on the left-hand side of the road in Indonesia. You can rent a motorbike at your hotel for IDR100,000 per day, and a bike for IDR30,000 – IDRUSD50,000 per day. Car rentals cost from about IDR500,000. If you rent more than 1 day, you can negotiate with the owner of the hotel or rental service. Do not forget to take a cyclo (trishaw) or horse-drawn carriage (around Kraton or Burobudur temple area). You can also take 2 different bus routes to Borobudur (ask for local advice).

♦ Notes when visiting the Royal Palace

In the royal palace you can walk comfortably, but you also need to stay quiet because the current Sultan is living there. In addition, there are many halls with open-air space that you are not allowed to step on so pay close attention to Kraton’s warning signs. The schedule of Gamelan performance is Mondays and Tuesdays, from 4am to 4pm; the wayang kulit performance is on Wednesdays and Saturdays, from 9am to afternoon; the Javaness recitation is on Fridays (10am – 11 am); and the traditional dance performance is on Thursdays (from 10am) and Sundays (from 11am). Around the royal palace there are many souvenir shops and street vendors, and you will be welcomed very enthusiastically. Remember to bargain before buying anything like bamboo trumpet or paper fan.

♦ Shopping

There is so much to buy in Central Java: bright and sophisticated batik clothing, elaborate puppets, wooden masks, or ceramics. There are many places to buy batik clothing, and if you do not hesitate to travel a long distance, you can explore the history of textiles and how to make batik at the Batik Museum (Solo City just about 1.5 hours drive from Jogja) and buy directly at Batik shops there.

♦ Cuisine

Compared to Vietnam, Yogyakarta does not have many vendors selling food on the streets. Sometimes you will see few parlours selling ice-cream or satay skewers. For those who are unfamiliar with hot and spicy foods, chicken or beef dishes are marinated with spice, and many dishes are rich in sugar or fat. Prepare in advance any fruit or bread. For those who are used to Hala food, this is truly a gastronomic paradise with countless tempe (traditional cereal loaf), gudeg wijilan (green jackfruit stewed with chicken, eggs, coconut and other spices served with rice), and tahu bacem (fried tofu).

♦ Notes when visiting Borobudur temple

USD22 or IDR280,000 for a foreign adult, USD10 or IDR110,000 for a foreign student, and IRR30,000 for an indigenous adult or foreigner working in Indonesia.
Local tour guides for the Borobudur tour is about IDR50,000 – 100,000 per tour. The guides speak English fluently.
Note that when visiting Borobudur, you are not allowed to sit from the 3rd level up to higher levels on the Stupa. Also, you are not allowed to climb on the Stupa (according to the native guide, there was an accident when a child poked his head in the holes of the Stupa and got stuck in there).

Hong Nhung | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

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Beautiful hiking spots near Hanoi

Pick the best sights and create your daily travel itinerary, an overview of the most amazing tourist attractions near Hanoi, Vietnam.

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Ham Lon mountain

The Ham Lon (Pig Jaw) is a mount in the range of Doc Ton in Soc Son District, Hanoi. This is a quite familiar place to young people, particularly those who are intending to conquer the Fansipan – the highest mountain in Indochina.

Located only 40km from Hanoi towards North Thang Long – Noi Bai expressway, so it is not too hard to go here, just taking approximately one hour. You can start immediately climbing Ham Lon Mount or visit the Nui Bau Lake first. Nui Bau Lake is a lake located at the foot of the mountain, amid the hills of green pine and acacia trees.

There are two paths up to the mountain. The first path is a fairly flat trail, easy to go and does not have many bushes. To reach the peak, it will take you only two or two and a half hour. The second route is along streams, which suits those who like adventure and discovery. Near the top of the mountain is a fairly flat area. After conquering the height of 462m of Ham Lon, visitors can return to this flat area for camping and resting to prepare for leaving the mountain or waiting for sunset or sunrise.

Ba Vi National Park

Ba Vi National Park is one of Vietnam’s most famous areas of outstanding natural beauty, and is centered around a three-peaked mountain jutting steeply out of the landscape. The national park offers a great escape from the city with cool fresh mountain air in a mystical atmospheric backdrop of clouds, jungle and tropical rainforest.

The three mountain summits are Dinh Vua which is the highest at 1,296m, Tan Vien which is 1,226m and Ngoc Hoa the smallest at 1,131m. Together they form a three humped crest which is often obscured by clouds at the highest point due to the varied climate at the park. There are also superb tropical forest views and vistas all the way to Hanoi to be enjoyed from this peak. The fast-flowing Da River is located on one side of the national park…

Originally created as a hill station during the French Colonial era, Ba Vi National Park has always been an excellent source of medicinal plants for the Dao ethnic group. Walking and hiking opportunities are popular in this area of lush tropical foliage with plenty of forest trails and mountain slopes. It takes about 30 minutes of hard climb to make it to the temple but you are additionally well rewarded with panoramic views of the Red River Valley and beyond.

Thien Son Mountain – Nga River

Located in the east of Ba Vi Mountain Range in Ha Tay District in Hanoi, Thien Son – Suoi Nga (Son Mountain – Nga River) is famous for splendid sceneries with silver-carpet-like waterfalls and misty, dense forests on the mountain slopes.

One hour’s drive from Hanoi, the site is currently the weekend rendezvous for many Hanoians and tourists. It is said to be an ideal tourist destination for this summer. Thien Son – Suoi Nga, tucked in the protection belt of Ba Vi National Park, is divided into three areas, with each area about two kilometers apart from the others.

Villas on the mountain slopes are said to be good accommodation to live among the wildlife. There are also some restaurants to provide wild specialties to trekkers. The next area, Trung Son, is considered to be the playground for people of all ages. Tramping along winding paths around lakes and on stone paths in the shades of seasoned green trees are nice experiences to escape the scorching heat of the summer in the city.

The highlight of the area that tourists should not miss is the 100-meters-high Cong Troi Waterfall. Around the area scattered some guest houses nestled under dense groves that tourists can take a rest and enjoy the fresh air in the forest. The last area is Ngoan Son with a panoramic view of Ba Vi Mountain. Shaded winding paths and bridges reflect themselves in the lake surface, decorating the surrounding area. The lakes there also attract many fishing lovers.

Tam Dao Town

Located 90km from Hanoi, Tam Dao tourist area in Tam Dao Town, Vinh Phuc Province, is an ideal getaway for tourists to. In summer, people rush to Tam Dao which is considered the Dalat of the North with its fresh cool air, mist and romantic scenery.

At an altitude of over 1,000m, Tam Dao was once home to over 200 French villas, a collection of hotels and restaurants, a swimming pool and even a dance auditorium all coming together to form northern Vietnam’s first hill station and health spa. The area offers some easy hiking in and around its tree-covered summit, and while some of the trails tend to see more goats than backpack-wielding tourists, the hill station is popular with Vietnamese tourists.

Tam Dao – a familiar name to Hanoi people and also the wonderful address for people who love for tourism. This is the suitable place for Hanoi people to find a near destination which can help them run away from the hot weather of the summer.

Young people in groups have a different interest, they can take a long walk through the forest, discover nature with so much strange things as well as the fauna and flora in the forest. Go there with your friends and Tam Dao is really the ideal destination for you at the weekends.

Cuc Phuong National Park

Located about 100 km South of Hanoi, Cuc Phuong is the first and one of the most impressive national parks in Vietnam. The primary rainforest is coated with layers of fauna and flora, caves and hot springs. Trees that have lived for the millennium are not rare, and it is striking how they survived the numerous battles that Vietnam has gone through.

At the rear entrance gate to the park, there is a center for preserving endangered species sponsored by a German development agency. Within the forest itself, bird-watching is a popular activity and as you walk or bike the trail, it is possible to catch sight of many reptiles or animals.

At the entrance gate, there is an information center where you can obtain a map of the trails. There are also restaurants, souvenir shops, and a mini hotel at affordable rates ($10 per room). You might also consider renting a bike from the information center instead of taking the car option. As you approach the park, there is another accommodation facility with more authentic natural feel. Staying the stilt house is a memorable experience but not recommendable for those who do not tolerate mosquitoes and biting insects.

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Food destinations around the world

If you love food and travelling, you will be watering at the mouth over a new list of top food destinations around the world. It has compiled a round-up of the best local foods on offer, which is likely to be the perfect way to complete your foodie bucket list.

Hong Kong

Taking the top spot is Hong Kong, famous for its vibrant urban centre, skyscraper-studded skyline and of course the variety of foods on offer. Travellers will be in awe of the variety of dishes available, such as dim sum, kau kee beef brisket, wonton noodles and poon choi (Chinese casserole). Hong Kong Island was endorsed as the top neighbourhood in Hong Kong for food.

Sao Paulo

The city of Sao Paulo, Brazil is a world-renowned foodie haven, and with offerings ranging from smart bistros to gourmet restaurants, there is something for everyone. Sample the nation’s signature dish, the Brazilian feijoada (black bean and meat stew) and take a trip through Itaim Bibi, which was voted as the top foodie neighbourhood in Sao Paulo.

Tokyo

The fusion of ultramodern meets traditional is widely regarded as Tokyo’s focal point; take in the neon-lit skyscrapers and historic temples and sample the Japanese nation’s diverse offering of foods. Its top restaurants have accrued more Michelin stars than both Paris and New York combined and its signature cuisine of sushi continues to take the world by storm. Be sure to visit Chiyoda Ward, which was endorsed by Booking.com travellers as the top foodie neighbourhood in Tokyo.

Athens

Discover the culinary revolution of Athens’ street food and stop by Plaka, which was voted the top foodie neighbourhood in Athens. Be sure to sample the capital’s signature dishes, Souvlaki (grilled meat and vegetable skewers) and Koulouri (tasty sesame bread rings).

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is best known for its modern skylines, glass and steel-clad skyscrapers, sandy white beaches, lush rainforests and colourful food stall-lined streets. Travellers will love the fusion of contemporary meets traditional and the beautiful mixture of Malay, Chinese, Indian and European cultures and cuisines. Booking.com travellers have endorsed Mid Valley as the top foodie neighbourhood in Kuala Lumpur.

Melbourne

Known for its gorgeous beaches, sun-kissed city centre and vibrant bars and restaurants along the Yarra River, Melbourne is the place to be. Embrace the true Aussie lifestyle and tuck into delicious barbecue dishes with friends and family while watching the sunsets. Take a trip to South Yarra which was endorsed as the top foodie neighbourhood in Melbourne.

Bangkok

Go on an adventure and sample the exotic street food stalls of Bangkok. Take a culinary exploration and try the Thai capital’s signature dishes of chicken satay, sukiyaki (sliced beef soup), khao gang (curried rice) or gai yang (grilled chicken). Along your travels make sure to take a trip to Siam, which was voted as the top foodie neighbourhood in Bangkok.

Granada

For any foodie fan, a trip to Granada is a must. Sample the city’s staple dishes of piononos (small sweet pastries glazed with syrup and filled with cream) or try the olla de san antón (a typical stew containing beans, rice and sausage) or jamón de trevelez (ham that is cured naturally). During your stay make sure you pass through Centro which was voted as the top foodie neighbourhood in Granada.

Las Vegas

Arguably one of the most famous party hotspots in the world, Las Vegas has a lot more to offer than vibrant nightclubs and 24-hour casinos. The boulevard is home to the widest choice of restaurants and cuisines, including swanky rooftop bars, lavish restaurants and intimate and budget diners. Booking.com travellers endorsed west of the Las Vegas Strip as the top foodie neighbourhood in Las Vegas.

Buenos Aires

A trip to Buenos Aires is the perfect opportunity to indulge your senses, from the sight of the stunning mountainous views to the taste of the mouth-watering foods. Treat yourself to the country’s legendary steak and the dulce de leche sweet treats. During your travels, pass through Palermo which was voted as the top foodie neighbourhood in Argentina by Booking.com travellers.

Lonely planet | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

How to plan your trip to Cat Ba Island

Nestled on the periphery of Vietnam’s fabulous Ha Long Bay, Cat Ba Island is big — more than 350 square kilometres — but most tourists see but a sliver of it. Put ashore as part of a three-day tour of Ha Long Bay, time is spent on organised treks or bike rides in the national park and tours of Monkey Island, or eating at one of the many seafood places around the harbour.

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Things to see and do

♦ Cat Ba National Park

Avid hikers should not hesitate to check out this beautiful national part, noted for its mangroves, subtropical evergreen forests, freshwater lakes and even some coral reefs down along the coast.

While rich in flora, hikers often report seeing little in the way of fauna, though there are reportedly some animals running about — we only saw goats.

All the hikes here are pretty challenging to some degree, and a guide is highly recommended to make the best of the experience. There is one short hike, to Dinh Kim Gial, which is only two kilometres and takes two hours, which is the best one to try on your own. You can buy a ticket at the gate.: entrance is 15,000 VND and a guide is 100,000 VND per group for this short trek. The more challenging hikes include a trip up to Ao Ech (Frog Lake) and over the hill to a tribal village inhabited by the Viet Hai – six kilometres, takes four hours, and costs 35,000 VND to enter. Prepare well for any of these treks, as they are not easy — really and truly, spring for a guide if you can. Any hotel in town that arranges tours can help you sort out which trek to take and hook you up with a guide.

Most three-day boat tours will include time in the park – quite often a climb to the top of the highest point in Cat Ba, which is a steep but doable climb.

♦ Beaches

Cat Ba town has three beaches within walking – or golf buggy – distance.

The first beach is called Cat Co 3 — you can reach it by following the harbour road west until it ends, and then going over the headland (if you’re on a motorbike, they’ll charge you 5,000 VND to park it at the base). Here you’ll find Sunrise Resort, but the beach in front of it is open to the public.

If you head west on the harbour road but turn up the hill on the left before the Harbour View Hotel, you’ll reach Cat Co 1 – straight ahead – and Cat Co 2 by turning left towards Cat Co Beach Resort. Both are quieter than Cat Co 3.You can also walk to Cat Co 1 from Cat Co 3, and it’s worth the walk, with fantastic views over the bay and the beach from the cliff-edge path. All beaches have umbrellas, loungers and chairs for rent and drinks are available. Cat Co 2 also has a small restaurant. You can rent a kayak from Cat Co 3 for 200,000VND per hour.

♦ Cannon Fort

Build atop a 177 metre-high hill overlooking Lan Ha Bay, the historical side of Cannon Fort may not appeal to everyone but it’s worth the trek up there for the views alone.

The fort was built during the French era as a look-out point and you will find the cannon bunkers and rooms containing memorabilia and a selection of paintings, photos and propaganda photos. Entry is 60,000 VND payable at the foot of the hill.

To get there, head up Nui Nuoc (west) and turn left. The walk from the ticket office to the top is a steady climb. Free parking is available at the top.

Transport

♦ Boat

The only way to get to Cat Ba is by boat. If travelling from Hanoi your best bet is to buy a bus-boat-bus ticket from Luong Yen bus station (240,000 VND). Hoang Long is the main operator and has buses leaving Hanoi at 05:20, 07:20 and 11:20. The bus to Haiphong city takes 2.5 to 3 hours then you’ll have a 25-minute ride on a hydrofoil followed by an hour in a bus at the other end. It’s generally painless. If you’re arriving from elsewhere and making your own way to the harbour, the hydrofoil costs 150,000 VND and you might be able to hitch a ride on the bus into Cat Ba town upon arrival at Phu Long pier. Otherwise you’ll have to negotiate with taxis or motorbike taxis.

Most hotels and tour operators on Cat Ba will be able to book you on a bus-boat-bus back for the same price. They run from 06:00 until 16:00 on the return journey.

Another option – only really advisable if you’re staying in Ha Long City — is to get the ferry from Tuan Chau island. Tuan Chau is the departure point for some of the cruise operators, such as Bhaya, and you will see signs for it as you head along the highway into Ha Long City. The ferry takes 45 minutes, costs 60,000 VND and docks at Gia Luan pier. Apparently a bus meets each ferry to go into Cat Ba town but if it doesn’t show you should be able to take a taxi – one of the ladies selling snacks at the pier will be able to help. Heading back the bus from Cat Ba town leaves at 08:00 from the square by the pier, or you can try and hitch a ride on a tourist bus. From May to end of September ferries depart Tuan Chau at 07:30, 09:00, 11.30, 13:30 and 15:00 and return at 09:00, 11:30, 13:00, 15:00, 16:00. Outside of these times they run less frequently: 07:30, 11:30 and 15:00 from Tuan Chau and 09:00, 13:00 and 16:00 from Cat Ba.

♦ Getting around

Once you’re in your hotel on the harbour, everything is accessible on foot, including the beaches. You can tour the island by motorbike taxi — rates are very negotiable, but think in terms of 100,000 VND per hour. You can also rent a motorbike yourself for 80,000 to 100,000 VND a day from numerous places in Cat Ba town. Mountain bikes are also available.

Eat and meet

Cat Ba is known for its seafood, and several large places to eat lie along the harbour road and Nui Nuoc with tanks full of live seafood and bowls of shellfish. Your best bet is forget about the menu and point at what you want, although you could end up with a hefty bill at the end of it as prices are worked out on a per kilo basis.

If you’re not bothered about seeing your dinner swimming around in a tank before it ends up on your plate, the options are endless: every building is either a hotel, restaurant or, more likely, both. Menus are similar though, offering mostly Vietnamese dishes with an occasional Western option. The Good Bar — underneath Noble House — has a wide range of Western dishes, as does the more upmarket Green Mango, which is highly recommended, particularly if you want a decent glass of wine or a cocktail. Most of these places are open for breakfast.

For dining with a difference, head out to one of the floating restaurants on the harbour. Call the numbers displayed on the signs for a pick up. If you have a sweet tooth you’ll be excited by the ice creamery opposite the pier, but we were disappointed with our “fresh” ice cream — more sugar than cream. Over the road, overlooking the harbour, a number of drink places open up at night serving — among other things — sugar cane juice.

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

“Bleisure”: A lifestyle or a neccesity?

Along with the development of information technology, aviation and other modern means of transportation, mixing vacation — or leisure — with business has become a familiar activity, making bleisure travellers a significant revenue stream for the tourism domain.

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More comfortable business trips

In 2014, I went to Myanmar for the first time to attend a one-day seminar. I proposed to the organiser to book my flight ticket for a broader period than the schedule for official business. On the first day, the plan was for the delegates to gather in Yangon, then spend the whole day at the seminar on the second day and return home the day after. I thought it best to book the tickets with the departure date one day earlier and return a day after the original pln. Of course, I would take care of the expense for food, accommodation and travel for those extra days. I could of course have returned immediately after the seminar, but I wanted to stay a few days in Myanmar to explore this fabulous country of tower pagodas and visit some of my friends and find material for some articles. My boss facilitated my plan, as he likes this kind of business trip.

When it comes to business trips, people often visit and leave a country before having learned about the culture and features of the place they have travelled to. With me, it is different. Not only did I accomplish my work, but I spent the rest of my time in Myanmar talking with my old friends to better understand where I was. I made new acquaintances with native speakers and they gave me a lot of interesting details about Myanmar. Other than the day of hard work, I was extremely relaxed and felt the work did no strain or stress me out.

Before I knew about bleisure, I flew from HCMC to Vientiane in August last year to attend a seminar. I arrived in Vientiane in the evening and only had little time to relax prior to attending the stressful meeting the next morning. On the last day, I hurried to the airport and was exhausted. It is challenging to travel and then attend meetings continuously. If you compare my two trips, of course, bleisure is the way to go. Mixing business travel with leisure is not new to the travel community, however recently it has become a popular trend known as “bleisure” – a combination of “business” and “leisure”.

Service industry grashs the trend

A few years ago, bleisure emerged as a travel trend, perhaps due to the need to balance work and leisure, or as a result of a lifestyle of people who like to take advantage of the small amount of time they have outside their busy schedule.

According to a report on the trend on a travel website called Skift published in 2015, mixing business trips with leisure emerged as a lifestyle rather than a neccesity for some people. Half of bleisure travellers said they usually brought family members or some important persons with them on their business trips.

FoundersCard, a membership-based program that offers perks like discounts on hotels, travel and shopping, conducted a survey of its members and provided interesting information. The FoundersCard survey in late 2016 found that 81% of respondents said they had combined business trips with leisure. An additional 51% said they were planning a bleisure trip at least once in 2017. Interestingly, 23% of respondents said they intended to travel to change the worksetting, which the FoundersCard calls “Workcation”, coming from “work” and “vacation”.

Trung Nguyen, manager of marketing and communications at a luxury resort in Phu Quoc, said he often combines leisure with a business trip. “The time for work can fall on weekends and I usually stay for one or two more days if the company does not have too much work at that time,” Trung said and he thinks it is a common trend, especially for young people. He thinks with the development of social networking, finding tourism information at the place you go for work is really easy.

Grasping this trend, many companies actively prepare tours for their visitors to visit the local region. Trung said when he had a business trip in Korea and Singapore, the partner company had sent e-mail in advance to inform him about a tour the day after work would be finished so that anyone who wanted to join could register. “This proves that the combination of business trip and leisure has become more and more popular,” he said.

Ms. Maria Du, a marketing director with plenty of experience in travelling and working with many domestic and foreign hotel partners, said that with high working pressure and busy work schedules, it is difficult to arrange time for a long vacation: “So, every time I go on a business trip, I always try my best to combine it with leisure to help balance work and life.” She said many hotels are now aware of this trend, so they design state-of-the-art facilities to serve the needs of work combined with leisure.

“The concept is getting more and more popular,” she said: “Every place I went to, I thoroughly investigated some particularly interesting things and destinations that I wanted to explore. Then I talked to the concierge department of the hotels where I stayed so they could help me arrange tours that would fit my schedule the best. “

As a busy woman with a busy schedule, she thinks work is always a top priority, but relaxation also helps her get plenty of energy to keep up with her work.

Tran Viet Phuong | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

9 Exciting Travel Sports

Wanderlust Tips suggests to readers 9 travel sports to satisfy even the most thrill thinking adrenaline junkies.

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You will have boring trips no more once you discover sport travelling. You will experience all the gamut of emotions from anxiety, nerves and even fear and then burst with excitement.

ATV riding is a common activity for adventurers; my first ATV ride was in Dahab, Egypt. Wadi Qunai is surrounded by desert and canyons and it is a splendid for ATV riding adventures. I still remember that time when it was only me doing the activity until my guide joined to accompany me as he was worried about my safety.

An All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV), also known as a quad, quad bike, three-wheeler, four-wheeler, or quadricycle is a vehicle that travels on low-pressure tires, with a seat that is straddled by the driver, along with handlebars for steering control. As the name implies, it is designed to handle a wider variety of terrain than most other vehicles. The rider sits on top and operates these vehicles like a motorcycle, but the extra wheels give more stability at slower speeds.

I first thought ATV riding was boring and non-adventurous, but realised I was wrong when my guide showed his skill with his ATV. During the journey, we stopped at beautiful spots for pictures and enjoyed the spectacular views of desert and mountains. Easy to use electronic gear-change quad bikes are suitable for anyone over the age of twelve.

ATV riding in Wadi Qunai was tough because the path was full with of big stones. Even though I know how to ride a motorcycle, I needed some time to familiarise myself with handling the ATV as it was a little bit heavier and harder to control – especially when you need to take turns. But once you are familiar with ATV riding, you are sure to enjoy the ride at the fullest.

ATV riding is actually a great way to exercise. It demands strength and mental acuity. Overtime however, those bumps, jumps and tight corners wear down even the strongest dudes. If you can feel fatigue setting in, ask your guide to stop riding and take a break. Even if you don’t feel tired, if you’ve been riding all day, take a break, rehydrate and fuel up with some lunch.

Wanderlust Tips

>> It does not matter whether you know how to drive or not as ATVs are easy to handle.

>> Always wear safety gear. Helmets, goggles, boots, gloves – the works. There are no seatbelts on an ATV and flipping over is a lot easier than you might think. Be prepared and go home intact.

>> Do a pre-ride inspection every time. Check the tires for wear and rims for damage. Look over your controls and make sure connections and cables are intact. Check the chain for worn links and sprockets for broken teeth and ensure there’s enough lubrication.

The idea of engaging in extreme adventures is fun and exciting. After all, who wouldn’t be excited at seeing breath-taking scenes, experiencing adrenaline-pumping activities, or sharing death defying experiences with friends? However, based on our experiences, many people find out the hard and painful way that the world of adventure is not as easy as described in blogs or seen in photos and videos.

I still remember my guide shouting at me to jump from a 10-metre cliff. It was the best jump ever in my life. I was worried that I would fall on the rocks but I needed to trust my guide, as he was very experienced. If you’re not used to jumping from cliffs into deep water pools then you would definitely be fearful when faced with jumping off a cliff. The more you wait looking down, the more fear will conquer you. If you work well under pressure, you can ask your guide to do a countdown for you with a commanding voice before you jump. This worked with one of my travel buddies.

Canyoning is travelling in canyons using a variety of techniques that may include other outdoor activities such as walking, climbing, jumping, abseiling (rappelling), and swimming. During canyoning at Kawasan Fall in Cebu, Philippines, you need to jump around 6 cliffs and one time, they asked me to jump upside down, meaning that my head went first instead of my legs. The whole journey took about six hours. We started with hiking the hill for about an hour before the canyoning adventure started.

Even though the downstream river trekking was considerably easier than upstream trekking, it was still quite a challenge since we had to brace ourselves to avoid being swept off our feet. The rocks were quite slippery, and many parts of the river were obscured by foam or sediment.

All I can say is that that journey was tough and adventurous, but any feeling of fear disappeared immediately when taking a deep breath to enjoy the scenery. Amazing waterfalls with a refreshing turquoise colour of water made you not wanting to end your journey. In my group, there were six participants including two guides and myself.

Your safety is the priority in this activity. You will be provided with a lifejacket and safety helmet and you are required to wear it all the time. The main things during the activity is always listen to your guides.

Wanderlust Tips

>> Shoes are compulsory.

>> Some of the cliff jumps are compulsory. For those who have a fe of height, it is advisable to consider the activity before signing upunless you want to fight the fear factor.

>> Only bring a waterproof camera, make sure it is secured on yourbody part and will not limit your movement. You can bring your phone if it is sealed with a waterproof case.

>> Do some stretches before the activities begin, as you will need strength of your hands and legs.

>> It is advisable to use long trousers as many sharp edges await along the way.

There are tons of water sports to choose from and a very good example is jetskiing. This is one of the most popular and exciting water sports that you can participate in and I can tell you that it is a whole lot of fun!

To be honest, jetskiing had never crossed my mind during my travels as I heard some of the bad stuff about scams by jetski companies around the world that would claim that you had damaged their jetski and ask for ridiculous amounts of money from you. But fortunately, while I was in Palawan Philippines, after observing people for a few hours and getting positive feedback from my guide and people around, I gave my first jetskiing experience a try. And that was the best choice I ever made.

Jetskiing is a sport packed full of fun and adrenaline rushes, which is why a lot of people get hooked. If you are a beginner, don’t be afraid because this is a safe activity. Keep in mind that all professional jetskiers have been in your shoes at one point. Take necessary precautions, practice, and follow the instructor’s guidance. Before you know it, you will be on your way to enjoying the sport without any professional assistance.

The only way you will be able to practise your speed is by moving away from the shore. As you increase the speed of a jetski, its nose rises slightly above the water level. This marks the beginning of fun and adventure as you ride through the waves with some water splashing into your face. If you are lucky enough, a dolphin might be swimming next to you showing off their acrobatic jumps. Additionally, the best thing about jetskiing is that you can stop wherever you want for swimming, snorkelling or taking some photos of beautiful scenery.

If you have never ridden on a jetski, safety is probably your biggest concern at this point. You might be asking yourself, “Is it really safe? Can I do this? What if I lose control?” Don’t worry, everyone was once a beginner who asked those questions, and now those beginners are out there jetskiing all they want!

Wanderlust Tips

>> You will be provided with a life jacket in case you find yourself in the water. This is an essential gear that will keep you afloat and even some of the most experienced and professional swimmers wear one. Once you have it on, make sure that it is fastened properly.

>> Before you start jetskiing, you will have to make sure that the engine shut-off clip (safety key) is securely attached to your life jacket. If you ever lose balance and fall into the water, this will ensure that the engine is switched off automatically so that your jet ski will stop next to you.

Have you ever wanted to know what it’s like to fly like an eagle? Every year from April to November, the wind from the Indian Ocean blows from through the South of Bali. This gift from God provides perfect conditions for paragliding in Bali! People from all over the world come here to have an unforgettable date with Bali’s beauty.

The ocean breeze were a welcome relief, blowing the heat from my skin, as I looked over the cliffs of Nusa Dua in tropical Bali. I was ready. I leaned my chest deeply into the gentle wind, threw my arms up and let my feet leave the ground. Empty space opened up beneath my toes but rather than fall, I allowed myself to fly.

My childhood dreams of soaring across blue skies became reality. My new bird’s eye view revealed a spectacular coral reef meeting a roaring surf break, a traditional temple perched atop a rocky outcrop hosting a Balinese ceremony and monkeys scampering and hollering in the trees below.

The tandem paraglider was flown by one of the service providers who are fully qualified pilots. During the flight the pilot explains to you what s/he is doing, and if conditions permit, you are allowed some hands-on control of the glider. While you are thrilled, flying in the sky with your “newfound wings”, you have awesome views across the unbelievable green-blue sea, stunning beaches with white sand, romantic cliffs bathing in the afternoon sun and maybe even see a breath-taking sunset. Escape from the gravity of earth and just enjoy the peaceful freedom of the beauty of the Balinese sky.

Paragliding is a special experience; whether it’s your first time, your 50th or your 500th – there is something deeply moving about relying on nature’s breath to carry you. It’s a freedom that comes from flying without an engine, the thrill of taking off into empty space, a deep sense of joy and playfulness that comes from gliding like a bird.

A paraglider is essentially a nylon wing, which works by inflating cells to create pressure and an aerodynamic shape that generates a lift. Be it riding a sea breeze or a rising thermal, this giant piece of fabric is designed to fly, and fly it does, often for hours and for many hundreds of kilometres.

Wanderlust Tips

>> Having a good paragliding instructor is rather important.

>> For beginner paragliders, it is important that you do not make any flights in steady winds of twelve miles per hour or less. When winds get heavy during a flight, it can be verydangerous. The wind can twist the cables in the unit as weas cause the pilot to steer off course.

>> Whichever canopy you choose to use for paragliding be sure to read the manufacturer’s recommendations for use. Beginner canopies are much simpler and allow the new pilot to simply focus on practicing with steering and not going too high up in the air.

My favourite activity of all times is snorkelling. I have snorkelled in most of the parts in the world where this is possible. The best snorkelling ever to me was on Maldives as I can’t think of anywhere else I’ve been where such prolific and beautiful wildlife and underwater scenery is so easily accessible. One of the most wonderful experiences you can have while snorkelling on the Maldives is to swim with a sea turtle. Even at the most shallow and easy of Maldives snorkelling sites, you can come across something surprising and amazing at any time. Sea turtles, reef sharks, rays and some incredible and unusual fish will often be close to shore when you least expect to see them.

For people who are afraid to go deep out into the water, well you don’t have to! Snorkelling is done without leaving the surface of the water and you will not be afraid to sink because the mask keeping you afloat. You do not need to know how to swim to go snorkelling as you will be provided with a lifejacket. What you need to do is be calm when you enter the water. Some of the snorkelling group tours, have a guide. Follow the guide’s instructions and never go far away from the guide. Fins are very helpful, but it is very uncomfortable for first timers.

If you are only watching underwater episodes of the National Geographic Channel or Youtube videos, then once in your life you must try and experience seeing it for yourself before your very eyes. What’s more beautiful underwater than above the surface are amazing and beautiful corals. They come in different shapes, sizes, colours and textures. You can see a brain-like coral, a mushroom, a plate, noodles, branches and much more. You will see lots of beautiful and colourful fish of different kinds, shapes, sizes and behaviour. Some come in groups and others are solo. There are fishes might be familiar to you (NEMO!) and others will remain a wonderful mystery.

Wanderlust Tips

>> Relax, breath and float. Your natural setting is to float if you are breathing and relaxed.

>> Choosing a mask. You preferably want a tempered glass and a soft silicone mask, brands are not such a big deal here, the fit is most important. To find out if the mask is the correct size, simply put the mask on your face and breathe in through your nose. If the mask sticks to your face it’s sealing up just fine. If the mask falls off, try another.

>> Your fins should fit comfortably. Try closed heel fins unless you have boots. If your putting on your fins in the water to golden rule is to make sure you clean all the sand out before you go as sand in your fins can cause horrible blisters.

In Chiang Mai, Thailand, one of the memories that I will never forget is a white water rafting trip. The flow of the river got stronger and stronger until our raft did not balance. Our raft was upside down and everybody was out from the raft just as had imagined would happen before I started the activity. Everybody was shouting. Luckily, all of us managed to hold the securing rope of the raft. We listened to our guide and we managed to get our raft back into a normal position and everybody got up one by one. This is the challenge of the white water rafting. The higher the level, the bigger the chance of raft to going upside down.

Whitewater rafting was amazing fun and I might repeat the activity. I loved the experience. I’d been worried that we’d be paddling furiously for four straight hours during our four-hour excursion, but we paddled only intermittently, enjoying the lush scenery, dramatic canyons, and lovely waterfalls as the current carried us.

When we boarded the raft, I could feel the relentless water wanting to throw it down the stream along with us. When we started moving towards the rapids, that’s when the real adventure started to kick in. It got me panicky and I lost the grip of the paddle. I got my first scolding for violating the most important rule of safety by losing grip of the grip! It got me more frustrated with myself but we were nearing the 1st set of rapids with their ferocious teeth pointed at us impatiently waiting to devour us whole. There was no time for brooding over my mishap so I collected myself and started to paddle forward upon hearing our raft captain’s first set of instructions.

Bubbling rapids that sometimes soaked us completely punctuated the trip. Once, during a stretch of level 4 rapids, with two “get down” commands, I did very skilfully smack myself in the face with my paddle, bite my lip and hurl my paddle out of the boat (a replacement was in the raft so I could get back to paddling quickly). Other than my brief lack of coordination, I completed the trip with flying colours.

Overall, it was bouncing excitement, physical exercise with postcard-perfect natural scenery and tranquillity, followed by a deep sense of accomplishment.

Wanderlust Tips

>> Choose reliable and licensed professional rafting service providers.

>> Always wear a lifejacket

>> If your raft capsizes, do not panic.

>> Wear clothes that can get wet

>> Don’t bring anything that’s not waterproof — or that you would mind losing.

>> Wear water-friendly shoes. I wore sneakers and they got completely wet, which was fin, but you may want to wear more appropriate shoes.

>> If you bring a camera, make sure it’s waterproof and secure.

>> Don’t bother with a hat. You’ll be wearing a helmet.

>> Be clear regarding levels of difficulty. Inexperienced or fearful rafters should stick to lower levels

If you love paragliding, but do not have the courage to fly into the air from the height of hundreds of meters, parasailing can be a perfect solution. Although you may not be able to enjoy the breathtaking scenery from great height – as you would with paragliding – the feeling of flying over the sea and landing on the white foamy surface of water will be an unforgettable experience.

Although parasailing is one of the most adventurous sea sports, participants will be attached to a canopy wing, then towed behind a canoe. Protected by straps at the belly and hip, you will fly at a height of 45 to 100 meters. In addition to being equipped with life jackets, there is a protective canoe beneath you. If you should fall into the sea when landing, people in the canoe will come assist you. You will fly for 10 to 15 minutes. During this time, the canoe will slow down gradually to let you descend to the water surface once or twice, with your feet contacting the water, before being lifted up again.

Experience the feeling of flying in the air, the power of the wind, and the waves when landing. This is a sport that brings a special kind of excitement for participants. Often, parasailing tours are sold all day, but the best time is when the sun begins to set on the vast ocean.

Wanderlust Tips

>> This is a sport that does not require any technical skill; it is a fun and exciting activity on the sea that enhances your trip.

>> You will be instructed by the service vendor on how to gain momentum when you start to fly and during the duration of your flight. You will be instructed to run at the speed of the canoe until your feet touches the water, so as to avoid falling forward. At the same time, you will learn how to grasp the straps to ensure good balance in the air. You will be provided a life jacket for emergency situations.

>> Currently, parasailing services are available at many beaches throughout Vietnam, such as Ha Long, Da Nang, Hoi An, and Nha Trang. There are two types of popular services: single person parasailing and tandem parasailing. Rates range from VND500,000 per person to VND800,000 for two people.

When observing steep cliffs, some people admire the beauty of nature and others look forward the challenge of conquering rough rocks. Physical strength, skills, and a few tools are all you need to conquer this rather adventurous sport. Climbing on cliffs – from a few meters to tens of meters high over the sea – comes in two forms: rock climbing (using ropes) or deep water soloing (only by hand).

Generally speaking, this terrain of cliff rock climbing is dangerous, so before you conquer cliffs, you need a long period of physical training, endurance, and climbing skills. Rock climbing, whether indoor or outdoor, on less dangerous terrain may be experienced using supportive equipment such as protective belts, ropes, descenders, and deluxe links. This differs from deep water soloing.

With deep water soloing, the water surface acts as a protective mattress if you have reached your “endurance limit,” when you are unable to climb further and have no choice but to fall. However, it is not advisable to jump from the cliff during a low tide or in heavy seas. Just as important to the climbing technique of deep water soloing is the water landing technique. If one lands improperly (horizontally, for example), the consequences are extremely serious. When jumping, set your arms and legs free in mid-air until you are vertical when you enter the water – like a pencil. This minimizes water drag on the body.

Wanderlust Tips

>> Never go alone, and let someone know about your climbing plan before you go on the trip, to prepare for emergencies.

>> Be mindful of the difficulty level marked by signs on each climb unless you discover a completely new route yourself.

>> Necessary equipment includes: specialized climbing shoes and powders to help cling to slippery surfaces.

>> Always go in the summer, as you will often jump into water from cliffs of several meters to tens of meters high. Be careful, because when water temperature is below 15°C, you may experience shock from the cold water. Of course, you will also need to be good at swimming.

>> In Vietnam, there are two groups that organize mountain climbing: Catbaclimbing (Cat Ba – Hai Phong), Vietclimb (Hanoi), and Pushclimbing (Saigon). Travel expenses usually range from 1 million to 2-3 million VND, depending on the destination and service.

Surfing, kite surfing, windsurfing, and SUP-standup paddleboards are all sports that use surfboards. Sea lovers will definitely be enchanted by these sports. You will learn how to master the body, gain balance, use wind power and conquer the waves. Participants will experience excitement when passing a large wave that has fallen, as though it has swallowed the participants, or somersaulting in the air with their surfboard in the white foam with a pull of the kite, or glide on the surface of the water by controlling the sails in the wind.

Each type of surfing on the sea requires a different set of techniques. For example, with windsurfing, the surfer needs to start with a surfboard that is perpendicular to the wind direction, with his back facing the wind and the sails heading outwards. After balancing on the surfboard, tilt the sail to the back if you want to go with the wind, and tilt the sail to the front if you want to divert. The larger the wind and the smaller the board, the more experienced the surfer needs to be in order to sail. When falling, try to avoid falling on the surfboard; rather, try to fall in the water to avoid injury. One thing for sure: surfing is not just a sport for recreation or physical training. It is also a bridge that helps you get closer to nature, listen to every breath of the sea and its waves, and listen to your own body. As such, surfing is considered one of the most powerful water sports in the world.

Wanderlust Tips

>> There are countless paradises for surfers around the world, such as Hawaii, Sirgao Island (Philippines), North Maldives, Manu Bay (New Zealand), and countless other spectacular beaches.

>> In Vietnam, the ideal places for surfing are Mui Ne and Nha Trang. Surfboard or sailboat rental is about USD20; kite surfboard rental is about USD60 per hour, including protective equipment. Buying a surfboard could cost several thousands of dollars.

Abang Fadli | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Sport tourism: Journey of passion

Sports tourism is not only an interesting marriage between sport and tourism for travellers who love physical activities but for many countries, it is also a lever to revive the non-smoking lifestyle.

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Travel to feel alive

Tourism trends are changing every day. As activities such as sunbathing or relaxing at a resort’s swimming pool are becoming tedious, travellers are seeking more dynamic and challenging journeys to bring new experiences to their trips. For example, participating in mountain climbing, diving, surfing, paragliding, or immersing yourself in the atmosphere of sport festivals, going to the 2016 Summer Olympics in Brazil, travelling to Singapore to observe F1 Racing… This is precisely the prerequisite for sports tourism to take the throne.

Recently, on forums of travel enthusiasts, the most mentioned name is Hoang Le Giang – a Vietnamese guy who has infinite passion for sports tourism, especially climbing, he has travelled through more than 30 countries and territories, and seven timesconquered Asia’s highest mountains: the Himalayas in Tibet. People talk a lot about Hoang Le Giang’s trips, and wonder what makes travel enthusiasts like Giang have the motivation to start and finish such arduous journeys. And the status of this Vietnamese traveller on Facebook is the answer for all those questions: “On the mountain peak, under the vast sky, I find myself to be so tiny … The tinier I feel, the more courageously I desire to move forward, I always wonder what is waiting under the corner of the sky, on the other mountain. The obstacle is nothing when the risk makes me feel alive, not just surviving in this world.” Hoang Le Giang’s words are also the thoughts of many other sports tourism lovers. “Travel is a way of life, sport is a passion, the combination of these two is like a drug that travel enthusiasts cannot give up,” says Jonathan Lin, a sports travel blogger. The temblor of extreme emotions caused by the exciting experiences that sport brings on a trip is bound to be a milestone that you cannot forget, and marks an opportunity
for you to explore new limits.

Thanks to the value it brings, it is not difficult to explain why sports tourism is such a hot trend. Compared to many other forms of tourism, the advantages of sports tourism is that it is not limited by any factors such as culture, gender and social status. The market for sports tourism is broad and targets all people. The activities and events of sports tourism are increasingly popular, which can attract all social status, all ages, gender, culture, and nationality.
According to the world’s largest travel survey – TripBarotemer 2015 conducted by the world’s largest travel site TripAdvisor, an analysis of over 44,000 responses from travellers and hotel managers worldwide, 15% of travellers tried their first extreme sports tourism in 2016. This trend is particularly evident among visitors from Asia as 20% of the more than 5,000 respondents said they book an extreme sports travel experience.
And it’s no coincidence that many nations are racing to host major sporting events like the Olympics and the FIFA World Cup. Because there are many people who will not leave the house if the destination is not the host of sport events they love. Just like Jane Kim, a Korean girl with a passion for F1 Racing: “I came to Singapore because I wanted to see the F1 Racing; the other activities was just additional.” The F1 Racing alone attracts 300,000 international visitors to Singapore each season. Similar to Singapore, Brazil is also receiving huge profits from hosting the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics. There were more than 380,000 visitors in Brazil combining travel with watching summer sports in 2016. According to the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB), the country welcomed more than 550,000 visitors in 2014 for sporting events.

Sports tourism – when the giant wakes up

Until the mid-1990s, sports tourism was considered the sleeping giant of the tourism industry, however with the way sports tourism has grown since then, this giant really has woken up. The combination of tourism and sports not only makes it an exciting journey for travellers, but also gives many countries great opportunities of economic growth and national image advertising opportunities. Taking advantage of the growing trend of sports tourism, many countries have made use of this giant to help boost tourism after political issues.
Thailand is a noticeable example. At the end of 2015, Erawan Temple in Bangkok was bombed, with 20 people killed and 120 injured. This incident had a very negative impact on the tourism industry of the Land of the Golden Pagoda. Immediately, Thailand’s government made an action plan which seemed risky but was extremely effective. The Association of Tennis invited the two world stars Djokovic and Rafael Nadal to compete in Thailand. The game named “Back to Thailand” lasted just over an hour, but the money received by the two athletes was USD 4.1 million. Through this effort, many economists said Thailand “gained twice as much as what it paid” because the match not only influenced national sport, but more importantly, it communicated a message to reinforce tourists‘ belief that Thailand is still a safe destination, thus the tourism industry of this country has been revived.

Since then, The Sport Authority of Thailand (SAT) and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) have launched a global campaign with the slogan “Discover Thainess”, in which besides cultural activities, they focus on Muay Thai – a traditional martial art as well as a popular sport in Thailand. They also use athletes who gained many international awards to be ambassadors for their country. Given the charm of sports tourism, there is nothing surprising about its growth in the last 10 years. In some countries, sports tourism accounts for 25% of the total tourism revenue, especially in Australia and in some parts of New Zealand this figure is 55%. However, compared to other countries in the world in general and in the region in particular, such as Thailand, Singapore and Philippines, Vietnam is still slow in the sports tourism domain. Provinces and cities in the Northern mountains and along the Central coast have the great potential of mountains and islands, which could become a haven for trekking, mountain climbing or surfing and diving.

Although the potential of the waking giant has not been fully exploited in Vietnam, it is not difficult for tourists to find diving spots to see coral reefs or go to paragliding destinations to admire Northwest terraces, or go windsurfing or kite-boarding in the coastal regions of Central and South Vietnam.

Thu Hoai | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet