Wanderlust Tips Team, Author at WANDERLUST TIPS • Page 156 of 195

Bangkok Airways and Hong Kong Airlines enter into codeshare agreement

In Bangkok, on 1st June 2017, Bangkok Airways, the Asia’s boutique airline and Hong Kong Airlines, the Hong Kong based full-service carrier, have entered into codeshare partnership, giving travelers enhanced connectivity between Hong Kong and Thailand.

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Under the agreement, Hong Kong Airlines customers can now travel with Bangkok Airways to Koh Samui directly from Hong Kong or via Bangkok using its domestic flights between Bangkok and Koh Samui.

Mr. Puttipong Prasartthong-Osoth, President of Bangkok Airways said, “This new codeshare agreement with Hong Kong Airlines is yet another important milestone and an exciting development in the continued growth of Bangkok Airways. It allows us to give passengers a convenient and seamless access to and from Samui, either on our non-stop twice daily service from Hong Kong to Koh Samui or on multiple daily domestic flights between Bangkok and Koh Samui. Moreover, Hong Kong Airlines’ passengers traveling on Bangkok Airways will enjoy the boutique airline’s unparalleled services such as lounge access and in-flight meal.”

Mr Li Dianchun, Chief Commercial Officer, Hong Kong Airlines said, “We are very glad to welcome Bangkok Airways as our latest codeshare partner. Hong Kong Airlines launched the route to Bangkok since 2010 and now the city has become one of our best connected destinations with 37 weekly flights currently. The codeshare provides more flexible travel options by enabling our passengers to travel to Koh Samui, another hot destination in Thailand, directly from Hong Kong or through our flights between Hong Kong and Bangkok and connect their journeys to and from Samui.”

The codeshare flights has opened for sale on 1st June 2017 and for travel effective from the same day. Flight tickets under the codeshare agreement can be purchased via your preferred travel agents.

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Holi Festival: Spring, Love and Forgiveness

I went to India for the first time in 2014, so I already had backpacking experience in the most populous and chaotic country in the world. With curiosity, my friends and I planned to return to New Delhi on the occasion of Holi this year, to witness this famous festival – a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

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The Holi legend

There is a symbolic legend to explain the origins of Holi as a “colour festival.” The word “Holi” comes from “Holika,” the name of an evil sister of the Demon-King, Hiranyakashipu.

Hiranyakashipu, according to legend, was the king of the Multan and had earned a boon from Brahma that made him virtually indestructible. He grew arrogant and thought he was God, and demanded that everyone worship only him.

However, his own son Prahlada, was always loyal to Vishnu. This made Hiranyakashipu very angry, and he thought of a cruel punishment for the child. Finally, Holika, Prahlada’s aunt, tricked him to sit on a pyre with her while she wore a robe to avoid being injured by fire. As the fire flared up, miraculously, the robe flew away from Holika and wrapped around Prahlada to help him survive, while Holika was burned alive. Upon seeing this, Hiranyakashipu could not control his anger, and smashed a pillar with his own stick. At that moment, Vishnu appeared and killed Hiraynakashipu. As such, fire is a symbol to remind us of the triumph of good over evil, of the righteous over the wicked, of faith over the betrayer. The next day, when the fire died out, people put ashes on their foreheads, as a reminder of good direction. And today, the ashes of the pyre have been released by brightly coloured powders.

Holi Festival is held to signify the arrival of spring (same as the traditional Tet holiday of Vietnam). It is an occasion for people to play and laugh together, smear each other with colours, forget and forgive, and repair broken relationships.

Rituals of Holi

Arriving in New Delhi two days before the Festival, we visited the city, enjoyed cuisine, and shopped at New Delhi’s central markets. During this time, people began selling coloured powders everywhere. Traditionally, these colours are blended from natural plants, such as saffron, sandalwood, and rose, which can easily be removed. But for about 10 rupees (3,500VND) a bag, I was a bit sceptical about their origin. However, I decided to put aside my suspicions to enjoy India’s most glorious festival.

One day before the Festival, in the afternoon, as I strolled around the small streets near New Delhi Railway Station, I heard the rhythm of music on the street. People opened the Festival with a small parade around the market. In this parade, beside the statue of the gods in a carriage, there are many people dressed beautifully in colourful costumes. We followed the procession, seeing people around us fighting for fortunes from a noble sitting in a carriage. The rhythms from trumpets and drums are so vibrant, and the massive influx of visitors made the streets very crowded. That night, everywhere from small alleys to major roads, people painted a circle using coloured powder, and firewood was piled in heaps with flowers to burn as the singing and dancing begin.

Brilliant festival days

If anyone expects a chaotic and vibrant setting in New Delhi during the main festival days, they will be disappointed. The next morning, when our group eagerly went out the street was empty and all of the shops and restaurants were closed. It’s because it’s festival time – nobody works, every store is closed, and people are at home to enjoy meals and fun, or they go on trips with their families. It is unlikely that people would rush into the streets, throw colour powder and give each other hugs. I have never seen this kind of calm in the streets of New Delhi. This is actually a pleasant surprise for me, because New Delhi always bothered me with hurrying, hurrying, and jostling.

However, after enjoying the rare tranquillity of the city, we tried to find a place with to experience the excitement of the colourful festival. We headed back to Main Bazar Road, new the New Delhi Railway Station, and saw many locals and tourists gathering. People gathered in a few other places, especially markets or crowded tourist areas. Without hesitation, our group began to join in the flow of people with ready-to-use powder. My friends had fun, while I took pictures and tried to avoid the powder sticking to the camera (even though I had a layer of nylon to protect it – better safe than sorry!).

People played from dawn until 12 noon, when the police began to disperse the crowd. About two hours later, all the shops, streets, and markets began to operate as usual.

A few tips if you plan to participate in the festival

Avoid coloured powders flying into your eyes, nose, and mouth. It is recommended to put oil on your body and face so that it does it attach to your skin.
Wear a lightweight outfit and sports shoes to facilitate easy movement.
With electronic devices, such as phones and cameras, use nylon bags or protective bags to avoid damage by powder and water (some local people love to splash water on their friends).
Holi takes place in New Delhi, and other regions of India, such as West Bengal, Mathura, or Vrindavan, however the festival in New Delhi is the most special.
Holi is not a festival where thousands of people gatherat one single place. People usually scatter all over the streets. You’ll have to try to find the right location for yourself.

Tam Bui | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Green tour: collecting trash while kayaking on Hoai River

Green and responsible tourism has become the focus of many discussions. However, there is not enough action being taken to protect the environment. Wanderlust Tips in April had a conversation with Mr. Nguyen Long, who has had the well received idea of using kayaks to collect trash on the Hoai River in Hoi An.

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Hello Mr. Long. Recently, the community has heard a lot of stories about Kayak tours to clean up Hoai River. Could you introduce this tour to Wanderlust Tips’ readers?
Our clean-up tour is implemented along the route from Cam Thanh Coconut Forest to Hoi An Ancient Town;starting at 8.30am at the kayak tour office. After being instructed how to kayak for about 10 minutes, visitors know how control the kayak very well. On the waterway, similar to other boat tours on the river, visitors have the chance to see
the green coconut trees and admire the daily life of the local fishermen. Seeing the ancient town of Hoi An from kayaks is a really wonderful experience.

Moreover, kayaking to clean up the waterway is an extremely thought-provoking activity, it makes the river become greener, protects its aquatic species, and raises awareness among local people and tourists about the responsibility
they have for the surrounding environment. Each boat is equipped with bags and prongs, so that visitors can pick up bottles, plastic bags or indigestible garbage whenever they spot any and when the racket is full of trash it is transferred to other boats. Tours end at the Ancient Town at 12 noon and everyone is happy because the tour has contributed to the community. The experience is so much more special.

What made you come up with the idea for clean-up tours on the river?
Previously, I worked as a tour guide in Hoi An for a short time. When sailing along with visitors on the river, I often heard themcomplain when they saw lots of trash floating on the river. I felt really ashamed and did not know how to explain this to them.

Working in the tourism industry, I always think that Hoi An’s picturesque beauty is what keeps visitors coming and my career stable. So I came up with the idea of protecting Hoi An from pollution, while raising awareness among people about environmental protection.

Between the time when the idea arose in my mind and mid February this year, I was able to make it come true. I hope Vietnamese as well as international visitors will enjoy this activity so that people will be aware of rubbish more properly and that the project will spread sustainable and practical values for the whole community.

What are the difficulties when implementing clean-up tours on Hoai River?

Our most challenging is how to get travellers to spend money on a clean-up tour. Someone even asked: “Why must I pay money for cleaning up the river?” Changing this perception may take a long time.

In my opinion, if you pay for a normal rowboat tour with the price of 600,000 VND/person, why not buy one for only 220,000VND/person. You can still enjoy the beautiful scenery of Hoi An and contribute to the environment at the same time. That is sustainable tourism.

We are currently free of charge for all children or Vietnamese students who wish to participate.

How do visitors respond to the clean-up tour?
Regarding foreign tourists travelling with their kids or foreign students, they enjoy the tour because they can enjoy
sightseeing, while watching the daily life of local fishermen as well as participate in a significant activity. Foreign parents are fond of such educational activities because it is a very good way for them to communicate a message and set an example for their children. It’s a practical education activity, which creates a civilized way of living environmentally friendly in their community.

Although this is not their home, many visitors are really concerned when local people throw garbage into the river. Someone even asked me why people ruin their environment.
Do you plan to launch similar environmental protection tours to spread the message of sustainable tourism? What exactly will they entail?

Up to this point we have just been conducting sustainable tourism activities in Quang Nam and I hope to launch this project in many other provinces. Kayaking is a sustainable tourism model, as the kayak is run by manpower so it has no waste like emissions, and does not endanger marine species.

Another tourist model named Sleeping Camping is also under consideration. This is a model of nature-friendly tourism, without the need for permanent infrastructure that destroys the ecosystem as well as the beautiful nature of Hoi An.

How do you assess the impact of tourism on the environment today? How do you take concrete actions?

Tourism is called the green industry, the smoke-free industry, so many people mistakenly assume: “It does not affect the environment.” Yet it has direct impacts on our environment in many ways, in many ways such as garbage and emissions from traffic.

To improve this issue, I think the government should have modern machinery to handle the waste in a scientific way and nurture the sense and lifestyle of environmental protection of the younger generation.

Thank you and we hope you come up with even more great ideas for the community!

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Sheraton Danang Resort supports blood donation

On 30th May 2017 – As part of its CSR activities for the year, Sheraton Danang Resort recently organized a blood drive outside its modest Pre-opening office in Danang City. On the same day, they also held the very first teambuilding activity to celebrate team spirits on the beautiful beach of Whale Park Danang.

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On 27th May 2017, Sheraton Danang Resort staff together with staff from neighbouring Marriott International properties in Central Vietnam were encouraged to donate blood at Danang University of Foreign Languages campus, cooperated by the Vietnam Red Cross association in the support of an extensive range of medical conditions as well as major operations and other medical interventions.

Frank Bochmann, General Manager at Sheraton Danang Resort said: “At Marriott, living our culture philosophy of putting people first, we believe very strongly in coming together to help people in need. We hope that by uniting today to contribute to a cause like this we can really make a difference no matter how small. This Blood Donation event underscores Marriott International’s commitment to drive meaningful impact to the local communities as we recognize the vitality of our business is directly linked to the vitality of the places where we operate”.

The blood donation event gathered more than 20 Marriott International associates from three properties including Sheraton Danang Resort, Sheraton Hoi An – Tam Ky and Fourpoints Danang. Funds raised through the donation will go towards local orphanages to support the underprivileged children.

Following the Blood Donation, on the same day, Sheraton Danang modest pre-opening team gathered on the beautiful beach of Whale Park Danang for its very first teambuilding activity. This is part of the global Marriott’s Associate Appreciation Week (AAW) initiative taken in all Marriott International properties around the world. Marriott International marks the anniversary of its founding, 20th May 1927, by setting aside a week every year to express appreciation for our global family of associates.

This is an annual celebration. But 2017 is a special year. Not only do many new Marriott International associates have the opportunity to participate in their first-ever Associate Appreciation Week, they also get to join in on Marriott’s 90th Anniversary celebrations. This year is even more memorable for Sheraton Danang Resort as 2017 will mark the very birthyear milestone of the resort.

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Behind the Venetian masks: Giving Souls to the Masks

If you have been mesmerised by the splendid, mysterious and sophisticated masks that flood the streets of Venice do not hesitate to wander around the alleys to admire the making of them – here talented artisans give souls to the beautiful artworks. Venetian masks, as well as many other traditional handicraft products, are the quintessence of the culture, created by the hands and minds of skilled craftsmen.

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I was quite surprised to learn that among the thousands of masks that flooded the streets of Venice, only a handful were made in the traditional method. According to Davide Belloni, a young artisan, Venetian masks used to be handmade with natural materials such as paper, glue, pastels, and fabric. Now, most of the masks you see on the streets are machine-made, with pressed paper or plastic, and produced in China, Albania, Romania, or Bulgaria.
As a young artisan who inherited his family’s long-standing mask-making tradition, Davide found it difficult to accept the plastic products, a result of the globalized era. “Imagine, traditional Venetian masks made in areas dozens of kilometres away. Maybe it’s cheaper, maybe I will make more money that way, but one thing is for sure, it’s going to lose its soul and inherent meaning.”

Just like every other craft, mask making requires the artisan to have astounding and meticulous skills. Participating in a three-hour workshop with the artisan, which costs around 60 USD, you will be guided through the steps of making an artwork of your own.

The masking process begins as soon as you think of a person’s face. From your imagination, it will be initially shaped by clay mould and then plastered with loose plaster. After drying, the plaster cast becomes a model for the mask. After the plaster cast hardens, it is removed from the clay mould, and the absorbent paper – called cartalana – is placed on the cast. All layers of paper will be dipped in glue and placed tightly over the cast. Over 20 hours after the paper layers dry, a perfect mask appears, waiting for decorations from a skilful hand. However, not every mask is created from the same mould. Sometimes, it is the result of many different parts pieced together.

Davide’s shop has about 65 molds to make masks. Each of these molds can create masks with dozens of different decorations, making hundreds of unique masks. “Some take only a few hours to complete, some take days. Depending on the difficulty and material, prices range from 21 to 106 USD a mask,” Davide says. The most sophisticated and expensive mask is one with real peacock feathers, worth about 235 USD (about 5 million VND).

Contemporary influence

You have probably now realized that Davide Belloni is the heir of the Belloni family. His father, Mario Belloni, was one of the pioneers to bring back the wonderful Venice Carnival after nearly 200 years. Ca’maca is the family’s famed mask shop that every tourist must visit when coming to Venice.

However, following his family’s footsteps was not the first career choice for this young man. After 10 years studying and working all over the world – in England, Italy, Russia, Lithuania, and Germany – his passion for mask-making, imparted by his parents from his childhood, and his desire to have his own creative space, brought him back home. “I learned to paint the masks when I was a child in my parents’ workshop,” he recalls. “During my younger years, my father taught me a lot of mask-making skills when I worked there during the summer to earn my allowance.” His artistic root is both a blessing and a challenge for young Davide. Only a few weeks after coming home, he opened his own small workshop to recreate the traditional craft with a more contemporary approach. “My vision is to have a creative space where visitors can discover how to make a traditional Venetian mask. I also want to prove that it is possible to open a traditional handicraft business in Venice.”

Challengling traditional values

“Having parents in the industry is a blessing, but it is also a challenge for me,” Davide says. “While my parents take the safer route with their well-established shop, I want to invest in a company; while they want to keep the original motifs, I want to incorporate new elements, like contemporary motifs and shapes, or hold makeup and masquerade events with professional photographers.”

This means that visiting Mario Belloni’s Ca’maca and Davide Belloni’s Ca’maca are two completely different flavors of traditional Venetian masks. What makes this so special is that they continue to support one another in their own ventures, while respecting each other’s point of view. Perhaps it is because both the old artisan and his son are on the same side in the fight against the invasion of cheap, plastic, industrial masks. These comrades are on a higher mission, with a message to the public and foreign visitors about the uniqueness and originality of the traditional masks that are the soul of Venice. The added value of our masks is only in the awareness of their meaning and the deep connection to the very history of the place. If you displace that, you are going to have a poor result for sure.

Hong Nhung | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

10 reasons you should travel to Taiwan

If you’ve been following any of the various lists of “top destinations you need to visit in 2016,” then chances are you’ve seen Taiwan at top the list. That’s why I decided to take my parents there, even though I travel solo most often. Predictably, they still have not stopped talking about how amazing Taiwan is since we’ve returned home. Taiwan, for many reasons, is truly a bucket-list worthy travel adventure.

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Food Galore

From exotic yet delicious tropical fruits that quench your thirst to amazing street food that serves you on the run, Taiwan does not fail to impress with its never-ending supply of unbelievably good eateries, literally, everywhere.

You don’t have to be a foodie to appreciate mouth-watering Taiwanese cuisine. Street food is where the city truly excels, ranging from grilled squid to fried chicken to oyster omelettes, from stinky tofu to beef noodle soup.

What you will find is plenty of dumplings, beef noodle soup, and steamed buns. You will find plenty of delicious delicacies around every corner!

Amazing Temples

Taiwan is a primarily Buddhist country, and it has more than 5,000 temples, ranging in size from single room shrines to vast multi-story complexes. All of these temples are not simply museums or relics of bygone era, but active places of worship. Some of them are located in the middle of mountain ranges, offering a stunning view of the Taiwan landscape. Taiwanese people worship a variety of deities, so you will often see many different statues of gods and goddesses in the temples.

Don’t miss Xingtian Temple, which is dedicated to Guangong, the god of war and martial arts. Visiting Longshan Temple, one of Taipei’s oldest, was an awesome experience, watching people chanting and praying, and smelling the incense in the air.

We are stunned by Chinese architecture, the rainbow of colours on the roofs, and the most awesome looking dragons and wise men decorating the temples. The oldest temple in Taiwan is in Makung, in the Pengu Islands, and has been in existence for over 300 years.

Night Markets

A trip to Taiwan isn’t complete without a visit to one of its famous night markets, a gathering place for tourists and locals alike. In addition to cheap bargains, Taiwan’s night markets are vital destinations to experience some of the country’s best small eats.

It is good to have a Taiwanese friend by your side to help explain what everything is. However, sometimes not knowing what you are eating is more fun! Night markets can be found in every town, and in major cities like Taipei, there are literally dozens! A few that I can recall include Shilin, Rao He Night Market in Taipei, Fengjia in Taichung, Huayuan in Tainan and Liuhe in Kaoshiung.

Mountains & Landscape

Taiwan is endowed with steep mountain ranges; therefore, great altitude differences occur throughout the island. The mountains mostly run from north to south.

One of most outstanding sights I witnessed in Taiwan is a roadside view of Hohuansan (“Harmonious Happiness” Mountain), from northern Chiayi County. Get up early enough on a clear morning and you will be greeted with views that turn Taiwan’s mountain scenery into glimpses of what might be called “paradise.”

And when the wildflowers are blooming across the meadows and valleys, mountain tourist designations in Nantou, Taichung, Hsinchu, Hualian, Yunlin, and Chiayi counties are full of vivid colours and plants and flowers that you’ve most likely never heard of or even seen before.

Taipei 101 – An Icon of Modern Taiwan

Taipei 101 is a landmark skyscraper located in Xinyi District, Taipei, Taiwan. The building ranked officially as the world’s tallest from 2004 until the opening of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai in 2010. Fireworks launched from Taipei 101 feature prominently in international New Year’s Eve broadcasts and the structure appears frequently in travel literature and international media.

Taipei 101 comprises 101 floors above ground and 5 floors underground. Its postmodernist approach to style incorporates traditional design elements and gives them modern treatments. A multi-level shopping mall adjoins the tower houses to hundreds of fashionable stores, restaurants and clubs.

Aboriginal Culture

For me, traveling is about learning the culture. There are many celebrations of aboriginal culture in Taiwan. Taiwan’s original inhabitants belong to Malaya-Polynesian ancestry. There are a total of 12 aboriginal tribes in Taiwan: Amis, Atayal, Bunun, Kavalan, Paiwan, Pinuyumayan or Punuyumayan, Rukai, Saisiyat, Thao, Truku, Tsou, and Yami. Each tribe has its own respective language, manners, customs and tribal structure.

Aboriginal people can be found almost everywhere in the mountains or along the East Coast. Each time you enter a village adorned with colourful geometric patterns or with a church – aboriginals are mostly Christians – you can be sure you are on aboriginal land.

Hot Springs

One of the most popular things to do in Taiwan is to immerse yourself in a hot spring with rich water that isn’t commonly found anywhere else in the world. If you’re surprised that Taiwan has hot springs, you might be interested to learn that it actually has one of the highest concentrations and greatest variety of hot springs in the entire world. There are over 100 hot springs in Taiwan and a few spots that offer stunning mountain scenery and nature as well.

Taiwan’s location next to an oceanic trench and volcanic system has allowed for an environment that produces hot springs naturally. The hot springs are also believed to raise energy levels while possibly treating chronic fatigue, eczema, and arthritis. The neighbourhood of Beitou is one of the best spots to enjoy both public and private hot spring baths. If hot springs are separated by gender, most people will opt to bathe nude.

The People

My parents and I agreed that the Taiwanese are some of the most kind and generous people we’ve ever met. Taipei is an extremely safe city, and the locals are always more than willing to ensure you have a trip to remember. Don’t be surprised if asking for directions results in someone actually escorting you to your destination, or if making small talk at dinner leads to sharing beers long into the night.

The Taiwanese are so friendly that it’s almost off-putting. After traveling through Japan and Korea, we had gotten used to people welcoming us into their store or restaurant, or trying to help us if we asked for directions. In Taiwan, though, people would help us without needing to be asked, going out of their way to see that we did not have any trouble. We were regularly blown away by their kindness, which was all the more shocking due to the precarious situation of their quasi-nation.

Hiking

It would be a shame to miss out on the stunning natural attractions just outside of the city. Taiwan, especially the northern half, has scores of outrageously good day hikes, most of which are free of such irritating hassles, and there are enough hikes of all grades to satisfy all but the most demanding of hikers. Long Dong is world-renowned for its rock climbing on dramatic cliffs that tower above the ocean. Alternatively, head to Teapot Mountain or Yangmingshan National Park for excellent hiking opportunities.

Taiwan’s finest hiking is in its astonishing high mountains, but with a very few exceptions (the peaks of Hohuanshan and the Southern Three Stars, which are still out-of-bounds over half a decade after Morakot destroyed the road leading to the trailheads).

The Memorials and National Museums

To view the world’s largest collection of Chinese art, head to Taipei’s National Palace Museum. Some of the museum artefacts date back thousands of years, including Buddhist pieces inherited from the Forbidden City. Most of the collection is high quality pieces collected by China’s ancient emperors. In 2008, it was the 15th most visited museum in the world. The National Palace Museum houses the world’s largest collection of priceless Chinese art treasures and has a permanent collection of over 650,000 pieces of ancient Chinese artefacts and artworks, making it one of the largest in the world.

Visit the stunning Chiang Kai Shek Memorial to see the National Theatre and National Concert Hall, and then climb the steps to the colossal statue and tribute to the late Chiang Kai Shek. Additionally, drop by the Sun Yat Sun Memorial to view the changing of the guard and learn more about the man considered founder of modern China.

Abang Fadli |Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

The secret for responsible tourism

Responsible tourism takes the effort of a whole community. Tourism has the responsibility not only to protect the environment but also to maintain and preserve indigenous culture.

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However, not all travellers are ready to behave environmentally sound and the knowledge is still limited. Here are some tips from Wanderlust Tips to help you have a destination-friendly holiday.

Before leaving

Choosing destinations and transports are the first two things that you have to consider seriously. Air travel is the most powerful way of carbon emissions. So it is recommended to avoid destinations that require getting there by the plane. In case travelling by plane is a must, remember to prioritise flights with fewer transit times or changing airplane times because carbon dioxide is generated the most in the process of take off and landing. You can measure your carbon footprint on

http://www.nature.org/greenliving/carboncalculator/index.htm?ref=www.nature.org.

If you buy a tour, ask your service provider if they have a commitment to responsible tourism.

If you are looking for a hotel to stay in, ask them simple questions to find out if they have a balanced development strategy with a mission to protect the environment.

The 10 simplest questions for hotels are:

Is this hotel a member of the Green Hotels Association?
Can visitors choose not to wash towels and bed linen daily?
Does the hotel employ local workers?
How does the hotel handle waste? Is it effective? Do they recycle and compost?
What is the hotel’s business plan for saving energy (electricity, water)? Does the hotel use solar energy to heat water and recycle water, which is not completely dirty, use slow-running showers or save toilet water?
Is your produce from local sources?
Does the hotel use 100% cotton? As using fabric from industrial materials is not sustainable.
Does the hotel try to cultivate on its premises?
Does the hotel’s system save energy? Are electric lights used in unnecessary areas or at suitable times?
Does the hotel provide guidance for employees and guests to participate in the environmental protection program?

Keeping your bag as light as possible, leaving everything unnecessary at home. Remember, the heavier the load, the more fuel the plane, train, boat, car and other transportation means burn. At the same time, it is recommended to bring reusable products such as tote bags and water bottles.

Choose to be a traveller instead of a tourist. People have pointed out the many differences between these two concepts, the most fundamental of which is that a traveller will place himself or herself in the flow of indigenous cultures, lifestyles and activities of local people rather than standing separately. For a traveller, travel is to explore a different culture, habits and lifestyles, not just for leisure or superficial visiting.

Turn off the fuel consumption equipment before leaving home.

On the itinerary

Use of public transportation. It is best to use buses to travel because bus routes always connect the main attractions. If there is no bus, consider walking or cycling before using other motorised vehicles. If you have to drive, avoid stopping the vehicles for a long time when the engine is still on, avoid stopping or starting suddenly, it is recommended to carry lightweight luggage and travel in groups to take advantage of a vehicle for many people.

Hire local guides. It’s a way for indigenous people to get involved in tourism, helping them to increase their income from tourism, and a great way to get to know the local people. Local guides will help you learn more about the culture, customs and traditional values at your destination. You should have your tour guide tell you what you can do and what programs you should participate in to protect the environment with indigenous peoples.

Follow a green lifestyle in the hotel: turn off the power when leaving the room, do not pour the water for shower from too high a position, and keep the towels clean so as not to wash daily.

Buy local products and food. Be sure to ask whether the products are illegally traded, or are in danger to avoid buying or selling these products. And remember to use recyclable or reusable containers.

Adhering to indigenous culture means that you need to know the culture of your destination, and participate in activities such as traditional festivals, holy places of worship, rituals, and local customs and understand the profound roots of the formation of these customs, practices, or beliefs.

Give back

Make up for the carbon emissions you caused when you made the journey, such as picking up rubbish, recycling garbage or planting trees. (This can be done before and after the journey, at any convenient time).

Introduce good services, saving fuel travel for visitors who are planning to travel.

Understand responsible travel

Responsible travel / tourism is a concept that emerged in 2002 in the Cape Town Declaration that was later recognised and widely used. Responsible tourism is a very broad concept and not limited to the impact of tourism on the environment.

Commonly speaking, responsible tourism is about “making better places for people to live in and better places for people to visit.” Responsible Tourism requires that operators, hoteliers, governments, local people and tourists take responsibility and take action to make tourism more sustainable.

Responsible tourism as defined in the 2002 Cape Town Declaration:

Minimises negative economic, environmental, and social impacts;
Generates greater economic benefits for local people and enhances the well-being of host communities, improves working conditions and access to the industry;
Involves local people in decisions that affect their lives and life chances;
Makes positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage, to the maintenance of the world’s diversity;
Provides more enjoyable experiences for tourists through more meaningful connections with local people, and a greater understanding of local cultural, social and environmental issues;
Provides access for physically challenged people; and
Is culturally sensitive, engenders respect between tourists and hosts, and builds local pride and confidence.

The declaration concludes with a commitment ‘to work with others to take responsibility for achieving the economic, social and environmental components of responsible and sustainable tourism.

Wanderlust Tips

Crowd-free Paradises on Earth

When summer comes, everyone dreams of an idyllic blue beach under the sunlight, smelling the warm sea breeze, washing away all daily worries, and dipping their feet into the soft sand dunes to feel the passionate sense of the sea. And that’s where we are alone with the vast ocean. Here are 10 Wanderlust Tips for true paradises, for the ocean lover.

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Dam Trau Beach – Con Dao

Recently, Con Dao Islands (Ba Ria, Vung Tau Province) have been consistently listed at the top of beautiful and fascinating beaches of Asia, as well as worldwide. Con Dao Island has been chosen by Travel + Leisure, Lonely Planet, and most recently, CNN. CNN voted for Con Dao as one of the top 10 most peaceful islands in Asia. The fascinating place offers visitors beautiful nature, idyllic white sand beaches, colourful coral reefs, exotic rainforests, and fresh seafood.

Among the impressive beaches of Con Dao, Dam Trau Beach is considered one of the most beautiful, with never-ending stretches of smooth golden sand, and calm blue waters embraced by old-growth forests. Some people have compared Dam Trau to a piece of soft silk across a green carpet, half forest, half sea. Along the beach there are countless cliffs with abundant formations. On a rocky outcrop extending into the sea, there are two huge boulders that look like a couple of birds. Legend has it that this is the meeting spot of Ms. Trau and Mr. Cau, characters in a sad love story that has been told by Con Dao people for many generations.

Cay Men Beach – Nam Du

Na, Du (Kien Giang Province) is an archipelago located in the Gulf of Thailand – 65 nautical miles from Rach Gia. This beautiful archipelago is the favourite destination of Northern travellers. Nam Du has not developed much in tourism and is still idyllic with 21 islands and countless stunning beaches. Among them is Cay Men. The specialty here is coconut. The beach offers lush green coconut palms stretching endlessly along smooth sand, with the crystal clear water nearby and abundant coral reefs with colourful fish. Cay Men Beach is located in the Gulf of Thailand, so the water here is calm and clear blue, and at first glance it looks like a giant lake surrounded by solid cliffs. Few tourists have come to Cay Men and other beaches on Nam Du Island, so it still remains wild and poetic. Southern travellers who are especially concerned with protecting the environment have contributed to the preservation of the beauty of this place.

Phu Thuong Beach – Tuy An

Phu Yen is associated with Xep Beach, Mon or Vung Ro Beach, but there are still many beautiful beaches that have not been frequented by visitors, like Phu Thu Beach (An Hoa Commune, Tuy An District). The beach is located in the bow-shaped coastal area, which is bordered by two Northern rocky capes in the North and the southern cape of Yen Island, in the west of the land, Phu Quy Fishing Village, where fishermen are very nice and hospitable.

If Phu Yen’s famous beaches have become popular tourist destinations, Phu Thuong is still quite primitive, with no signs of being touched by human hands. The beach is far away from the residential area, so the water is absolutely clean. The sea is calm and quiet, and it is an ideal spot for you to relax in the cool water. Then, you can walk along the beach to the North or back to the Cape of Yen Island to the South. From the tops of the Cape, we can capture the whole view of Phu Thuong Sea. Admiring the majestic natural beauty will make you feel so tiny.

Ky Co Beach – Quy Nhon

It is surely no coincidence that people have given Ky Co many beautiful names, such as “Paradise Island of Quy Nhon” or “Forgotten Paradise.” The beach here is as beautiful as any of the famous ones in the Central region.

Located about 25 kilometres from Quy Nhon City, Ky Co belongs to Nhon Ly Island Commune. Ky Co Beach recently became famous and attracted tourists with the pristine beauty of clear water, calm waves, and smooth sand stretches. The crescent-shaped coastline with three sides bordering the mountains and one side bordering the sea makes Ky Co more impressive. Indeed, at first sight of Ky Co, anyone would want to rush into the sea immediately. Interestingly, large and small boulders are naturally arranged to form several “mini” saltwater pools that could hold about 5 to 7 people, so that a whole group of family or friends can soak in the cool blue water. In addition, Ky Co also offers a series of beautiful caves when tidal water recedes. If you have the opportunity, experience the feeling and thrill of exploring these mysterious cool caves.

Ho Coc Sea – Xuyen Moc

Far from the offshore islands of Central Vietnam, about 175 kilometres from Ho Chi Minh City, there is a beautiful and pristine beach that attracts many visitors: Ho Coc Beach in Bien Bien Commune, Xuyen Moc District, Ba Ria, Vung Tau Province. Although it has been known of for a long time, Ho Coc Beach, with clear blue water, white sand, light waves and interesting rock formations, is still quiet and peaceful. Therefore, when arriving in Ho Coc, tourists can completely immerse in their own world with the waves, the sound of the sea in the wind, and all is calm and quiet. Come here – you can soak yourself in the blue water, take part in many exciting underwater games, explore the mysterious deep forest, or simply take a leisurely stroll along the white sand beach to admire the magical beauty that nature gave Ho Coc. When the sun begins to glow red on Ho Coc Beach, we can sit back with friends and family to enjoy a cosy seafood dinner and fully feel at peace in the Southern Sea. Indeed, Ho Coc is the ideal place for you to hide away from the crowds of your daily life. Coming here, you will find your heart calm before the lyrical scene of the ocean.

El Nido – Philippines

If you want to go to an ideal beach for summer parties, do not go to El Nido. You should only come here when you want to relax and explore one of the planet’s most pristine wilderness sceneries. There are bays, black cliffs, gorgeous waterfalls, rich vegetation, and crystal blue beaches. There are places where the sea is as calm as a reflective surface, with no ripples, and so clean that you can look at the colourful reefs or swimming fish while you are on a boat.

El Nido is not only famous for its abundant underwater ecosystems, but also for the stretches of white sandy beaches – truly a captivating paradise. It’s Nacpan, Seven Commando, Payong-Payong, Hidden Secret, and Las Cabanas. If you are an adventurous person, you will definitely enjoy exploring the mysterious white sand beach where they have to sail through a small cliff. Sometimes you will find a beautiful landscape beyond imagination: sea-lined lakes covered by 30-metre tall cliffs. This is the most beautiful destination of the archipelago around El Nido.

Gili Meno – Indonesia

Gili Meno Island of the Gili Islands is a mysterious wonder on this list – not Bali! Located in the Lombok Strait, about 35 kilometres West of Bali, the Indonesian island of Gili is surrounded by breath-taking landscaped beaches, cool blue water, and magnificent coral reefs.

Located between Gili Trawangan and Gili Air, Gili Meno is the smallest and most pristine. The sea is gorgeous in green, with an endless stretch of horizon. These are the most unforgettable days. In the quiet space, it is only you and the vast ocean, soaking in the clear water, watching colourful coral reefs or sea turtles swimming in daytime. This is another impressive feature of Gili Meno. This tiny island, where there is no dock or roads, is a paradise that every traveller dreams of visiting.

Anse Soleil – Seychelles

Perhaps you’ve heard the name Seychelles, the archipelago with more than 100 large and small islands, considered to be the jewel of the Indian Ocean, near vast East Africa. The small island nation offers white sandy beaches stretching 491 kilometres along coral reefs, and marble and palm tree forests. The Seychelles are on conservation lists and is a Natural Heritage Site of UNESCO. Among the beautiful beaches of Seychelles, the most memorable is Anse Soleil, located in the South West of Mahe Island of Seychelles. This place exudes tranquil beauty with long sandy beaches and crystal blue water. It is an ideal place for those seeking peace and relaxation in the soul. You just take a walk along the beach, enjoy the gentle sea breeze, golden sunshine on the soft sand dunes, and all of your worries will disappear. When tired, you can stop at a small beach café that caters to all of your dining needs.

One thing to keep in mind is the cost of the Seychelles. It is extremely expensive, perhaps because the island is far from the rest of the world and there are not many flights here.

Hidden Beach – Mexico

Located just off the Mexican coast, in Banderas Bay, is the beautiful Marieta Islands. These islands are better known – until people discovered a beach hidden beneath a deep hole. Known as Hidden Beach, or Playa del Amor (Love Beach), it is surrounded by hilly cliffs. The only way to see the entire beach is to look from above, and the only way to get there is through a 2.5 metre water tunnel heading to the sea. Going through the hard way and get to Hidden Beach is worth all of the effort because you have touched heaven. Hidden under the “hole” are smooth white sands and cool clear water.

Most of the Marieta Islands have never been inhabited, which is probably a great condition for nature to create this beautiful landscape. Protected against any intrusion, Hidden Beach retains the pristine nature for the visitors to experience a paradise of their own.

Baia do Sancho – Brazil

It is no coincidence that Baia do Sancho is one o the names featured on the list of the world’s most beautiful beaches in 2017 by Trip Advisor. Located on the island of Fernando de Noronha in Brazil, Baia do Sancho attracts visitors with blue water, magnificent cliffs, and cute dolphins playing in the bay. The best thing here is the peace and quiet. Unlike the vibrant beaches of Rio de Janeiro, Baia do Sancho is an ideal destination for those seeking relaxation in the soul. The island immerses all of the senses of the visitor in nature: breezes of the sea, lapping waves, the salty flavour of the water, and a vast ocean scene farther than the eye can see. Explore by taking a stroll. Visitors will be amazed with the reality that they are walking in a paradise, and cannot begin to imagine how many more interesting things are waiting.

Although just a few names are listed, there are countless beautiful beaches all over the planet. This may be enough to inspire a soul to head to the sea and to inspire a heart yearning for exploration.

Van Ly | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Diamond Sea Hotel Danang welcomed the 150,000th guest

On 22th May 2017, Diamond Sea Hotel Danang – a luxury hotel in Da Nang – marks its significant milestone by welcoming the 150,000th guest.

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On this afternoon, 22th May 2017, Diamond Sea Hotel Danang welcomed its 150,000th guest, Mr. Nguyen Huu Son and his family. This event is a milestone, marking the continuous development of Diamond Sea Hotel over the past 2 years. In an ever evolving destination like Danang Diamond Sea Hotel strives to keep delivering exceptional service and is looking forward to the next milestone.

Through this special event, Diamond Sea Hotel also expressed sincere thanks to their customers and hopes to welcome all the guests in the future

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Night Market Cuisine: Flavour of Taiwan

“Young people in Taiwan don’t cook very often. They eat lunch at the office and dinner at the night market with their family, leisurely walking around to enjoy the rich cuisine in these markets”.

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There’s a good reason that Taiwan has long been regarded as a culinary paradise and a wonder to tourists. Taiwanese cuisine is sophisticated, rich, and diverse, and showcases the creativity of its influences, a perfect blend of Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and even a bit of Western, culture.

Thanks to well-developed agriculture and fishery sectors, Taiwanese cooks often use fresh, local ingredients, spiced with a bit of creativity, to create exquisite dishes for diners.

Taiwan is famous for its night market cuisine. You must stop by a food cart that sells the oyster omelette, the best representative of Taiwanese cuisine. This dish combines the seafood flavour of oysters, fatty flavour of eggs, as well as vegetables and sauces. Oyster omelette is always a popular dish for both locals and foreign tourists alike.

Walking around the market, you’ll be greeted by the faint stench of stinky tofu. Many people won’t dare to try it, but if you do, you will be addicted t this unique scent and enjoy its rich, sweet taste. It will surely be an unforgettable experience.

At food carts that sell fried and baked dishes, you will enjoy the creativity of ingredients in Taiwanese cuisine. You will encounter many strange dishes, that even after tasting, you will not be able to guess the ingredients. Tian-bu-la (tempura) is fried or baked fish paste of different shapes, served with a sweet brown sauce. Another odd dish is zhu-xue-gao, made from glutinous rice and pork, and popular among Taiwanese, thanks to the sticky rice and sweet taste of pig’s blood. The snack is covered in a layer of peanut powder and cut into slices.

Another dish worth trying at the night market is Jipai – fried chicken steak, made from chicken breast coated in a layer of flour and fried until the crust is crispy. You can enjoy the sweet taste of fresh chicken meat, juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside. Each food cart has its own marinade, so the taste of this dish will vary.

If you’re not fond of fried snacks, you can stop by a street cart that serves fresh beef noodles. Hand-made thick noodles are cooked with tenderloin beef and vegetables. The best part of this dish is the soup stock, with rich flavours thanks to ingredients used in traditional Chinese medicine.

Ribs stewed in medicinal herbs are a great dish for cold winter days. Goat or pig ribs are cooked with roots, herbs, and dried fruits until tender. This is a healthy dish that helps nourish the body. The sweet taste of bone broth combines with the aroma of medicinal herbs will surely warm up diners.

If you do not enjoy the busy atmosphere of the night market, you can visit Lu-Wei Restaurant, which serves hundreds of dishes made from pig ears, legs, and hearts, chicken intestines, vegetables, and noodles. You will get a basket to choose your ingredients, and the chef will cook your ingredients in a pot. The flavours of this dish come from the broth that cooks the ingredients, and each selection will have its own flavour. These flavours are the secret of the restaurant, which also makes this dish appealing.

Visiting Taiwan, you must try hot pot, especially spicy hot pot (Ma la). The spice is not made from fresh chilli, but from six types of seeds and herbs to create a strong and rich taste: anise, cinnamon, garlic, ginger, dried chilli, and pepper. The aroma of anise and cinnamon adds to the unforgettable taste of the soup. The hot broth combines seafood, beef, meatballs, fish balls, vegetables, and mushrooms, stimulating all of your senses.

Finally, have some douhua for dessert, a combination of green beans, red beans, and taro, or a glass of boba milk tea will be a perfect finale for your culinary journey.

No matter how many times you visit Taiwan, walking in the culinary paradise, the night market is always a memorable experience.

Wanderlust Tips