wanderlust-tips-saigon-a-city-of-dazzling-features

Saigon: A city of dazzling features

Saigon is the Audrey Hepburn of South East Asia – luxurious, magnificent and beautiful, it will take your breath away at first sight. And what will really make you fall more and more in love with this city is the hot warm heartbeat of daily life flowing like an endless stream of excitement and perfectly harmonizing with the generous characters coming here from all corners of the world. All this rightly gives Saigon the reputation of a city of dazzling features’. One of its unique and adorable quirks is that all who unexpectedly fall in love with the place will find it hard to forget.

[rpi]

Saigon – A maze of alleys

If you are acquainted with Dong Khoi, Nguyen Hue, Le Loi, and Ham Nghi Avenue you will know that they are crowded and full of colorful lights, but if you take one of the many corners leading into Saigon’s countless alleys you can enjoy some of the best features Saigon has on offer!

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Saigon: A city of dazzling features

Hanoi is associated with its thirty-six trade streets, where small alleys and lanes nestle between peaceful lush rows of trees; Hoi An is home to old long winding streets covered with moss, evoking its taciturn and poetic characteristic and Saigon to sports an interesting maze of streets, which often surprises people who do not live here. Numerous small meandering alleys connect to each other like an interlacing chessboard.

I got lost once in the maze of allies in District 4. Here small back streets shaped like tree branches, connect endlessly with one another. Miss only one step and you find yourself in a strange alley or as a musician once put it in his lyric: “Getting lost in Saigon means losing each other” – probably not only alluding to losing love but to actually getting lost.

But these countless alleys are full of attractions, endlessly entertaining visitors who love wandering and exploring unique features – and that is just “so very Saigon”. Like Luoi Alley in District 1 with tons of restaurants, kiosks, fashion shops, and services available for lazy feet, which want to stay in one place for a day. Thien Alley has five pagodas enveloped in incense smoke in a small area of Go Vap District. The ‘coffee alleys’ are home to many cafés sitting right next to each other varying in style from retro to simple but lush hanging gardens.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Saigon: A city of dazzling features

If you get lost in ‘celebrity alley’ – one of the most open-air alleys in Saigon located next to Duc Ba Church, prepare for pure joy upon seeing the blue and green walls, in front of which celebrities often take hip photos.  To discover this alley, of course, you must spend time wandering, seeking, and…. getting lost.

But, don’t you worry; Saigon’s citizens are very enthusiastic. If asked for help they will not hesitate to give you careful directions until you get out of those sinuous alleys. And that might leave you pondering whether getting lost in Saigon is a troublesome or lovely experience.

Saigon – The enchanting sound of street vendors 

The most exciting city in Vietnam isn’t only filled with traffic noise. If you dip your mind into the flow of life, you will hear sounds that evoke the peaceful and faithful soul of Saigon: the street vendor’s cries!

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Saigon: A city of dazzling features

This Southern city full of sunlight nurtures uncountable numbers of people from all over Vietnam and combines all their dialects throughout the allies. The soft vowels of Western Vietnam can be heard from the vegetable and fish sellers in the early morning, followed by the tired husky cries of old men sharpening knives from the Centre of the country during the hot midday. The unique cries of the afternoon ticket sellers seem difficult to assign to any region, and there are the monotonous industrial cries advertising for mousetraps or “Saigon bread, thick with the flavor of butter” from old cracked speakers attached to bicycle saddle.

After a busy day, the cries at night are Saigon’s particular specialty. They often start to echo at the last light of the day, when the noise of the busy streets slowly fades off. Wandering through the alleys at night, you will encounter the clip-clop of two bamboo bars knocking against each other hanging from a mobile noodle soup stall – a sound that makes the night become more sad and lonely.

When I was a student living in a labor hamlet, at about half-past one in the morning I longed for the melodious cries announcing sweet porridge: “Anyone for coconut cubes wrapped in sweet potato flour?” to wake up the peaceful hamlet at night. A little emphasis and a long vibration make the cries sound more melodious, both warm and lovable like a lullaby. And the women selling the sweetened porridge of the South are graceful, they do not cry too fast or too slowly, each sentence following the other melodiously, the passionate sound of the cry blending with the dark night.

As the workers finish their shift late at night, some who guys will have been drinking since the afternoon suddenly feel hungry, and even if not, they still crave the taste of sweet potato flour blending with a little coconut water. A bowl of hot sweet porridge handed to them at night reminds them of the close and simple sentiments of the Saigon people.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Saigon: A city of dazzling features

Saigon – A foodie’s paradise

Saigon people know how to enjoy their food”. My foreign friend does not hesitate to say that she is very surprised when seeing office girls with pretty clothes sitting at the stalls of girdle-cake sidewalk hawkers to buy food that she describes as a “must-eats”. Saigon people seem addicted to enjoying an abundance of all kinds of tasty foods and crave to sit at the stalls and enjoy all the flavors from every region in Vietnam and all over the world. You only need a map or just follow a local food lover and you will soon know many ways and routes to find special cuisines from everywhere without ever leaving Saigon.

The Saigonese can eat in generous manners at any time of the day: in the morning, at lunch, when it is raining or in the heat. Expensive restaurants, bars, lounges as well as cheap sidewalk hawkers with all kinds of Western and Chinese food are always open and serve hungry customers day and night.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Saigon: A city of dazzling features

In the morning, eat Hue beef rice noodles and then drink a glass of Ban Me coffee, at noon enjoy Hanoi spring rolls, and in the evening taste a dish of Saigon broken rice that is so ordinary, yet so delicious. In this city of the best sidewalk hawkers, you will wake up in the morning and feel the alluring smell from the start of the street to the end of the market. Many kinds of snacks like mixed rice paper, shellfish, beef jerky salad, raw fish and vegetable rolls, three-region sweet porridge, smoothies, milk tea…are always sold in a rush n the street and alleys.

It is said that Saigon does not have a particular cuisine, but instead it transforms all flavors into new and original foods. With a desire for good food, the imagination of Saigon’s citizens is unlimited. A paradise for foodies from all over the world who can quaintly enjoy a shisha lemon tea, cold milk coffee with flan cake, mango shakes with salt and sugar, Vietnamese pizza created from girdle-cake, fried milk cake, or exotic roasted bread with salt and pepper.

In the nonstop flow of life, Saigon with its magnificent beauty is developing quickly, however, it has remained harmonious and you can wander on your own to discover new experiences, interesting little things every day. You only need to come, live and feel and Saigon will soon become a love you long for.

Wanderlust Tips

wanderlust-tips-8-must-visit-places-in-hue-in-the-evening

8 must visit places in Hue in the evening

After a day traveling to discover attractions in Hue, where  you should go in the evening, what to do to have a new experience? Here are the detailed suggestions from Wanderlust Tips for so you to have a journey to discover the perfect land of Hue.

[rpi]

Folk songs on The Perfume River – Daydreaming to the tunes of Hue

Listening to folk songs performed on The Perfume River is a unique offering of Hue, a tradition that has been preserved and developed over hundreds of years. Every visitor to Hue will seek to sit on a dragon boat and listen to the sweet tunes of Hue folk songs in the midst of The Perfume River. Those who love Hue and wish to see into the soul of Hue can find it here in this delicate art form.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must visit places in Hue in the evening

♦ Top tips: Tickets are 100,000VND for Vietnamese and 150,000VND for foreigners. During the daytime, there are also boat tours of The Perfume River, visiting famous sights along the river and listening to Hue folk songs. The price depends on the tour company and the number of guests.

♦ Dining: Restaurants located along the river: the floating restaurant on The Perfume River (Park 3/2 Le Loi), Old Town Restaurant (Nguyen Dinh Chieu), Hoa Vien Restaurant (4A Vo Thi Sau), Dao Nguyen Ice-cream (11 Le Loi).

Imperial City – Shimmering, mysterious beauty

Several places in the Imperial City are open to visitors at night, from Ngo Mon Gate to Thai Hoa Palace – The Temple – Dien Tho Palace – Truong Sanh Palace – Tu Suong Vo Su Pavillion – Hoa Binh Gate. The Citadel is also decorated with flickering lights, which gives it a mysterious beauty that is completely different from in the daytime. In addition, other tours and activities are also on offer here, such as a “Night at the Citadel” which offers cultural activities on Doan Thi Diem Street. An Dinh Palace seeks to offer high-end royal services, and Hien Lam Cac (Citadel) has a centre for royal worship practices.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must visit places in Hue in the evening

♦ Top tips: Hue Citadel will officially open at night starting in the second quarter of 2017, opening from 6:30pm to 10 p.m. every night, prices will remain the same as daytime prices.

♦ Dining: Huong Sen Restaurant (Nguyen Trai), Les Jardins de la Carambole CIUDADELA (Dang Tran Con), Banh Khoai Hong Mai (65 Nguyen Table), Phi Yen sweet tea shop (40 Le Thanh Ton), Di Nhien Ta That (Nguyen Thien Thuat).

Nguyen Chieu Walking Street – A hub of entertainment, shopping and dining at night

Located in Hue city centre, along The Perfume River and the shining Trang Tien Bridge, Nguyen Dinh Chieu Walking Street is the ideal destination for sightseeing, walking, shopping for cute souvenirs, and enjoying the specialities of Hue.

The walking street is divided into 11 houses with different kiosks for small businesses to sell souvenirs and specialities of Hue. Young people also come here to perform street music, acoustic music, flashmob, or street painting. This is a place filled with fun and excitement at night.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must visit places in Hue in the evening

♦ Dining: At the end of the walking street, you’ll see many restaurants offering specialities of Hue such as water fern cake, tapioca dumplings, mussel rice, thick noodle soup, and sweet soup.

XQ Co Do Gallery – The soul of Vietnamese embroidery

The XQ Co Do Gallery is at No. 49 Le Loi Street. This is an impressive gallery combining installation and performance art. XQ embroidery fuses the characteristics of painting with traditional Vietnamese embroidery techniques, breathing life into traditional Vietnamese stories. This is the brain-child of artisans Vo Van Quan and Hoang Le Xuan, who seek to restore and preserve traditional embroidery. This can also make for a meaningful souvenir visitors to Hue can purchase.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must visit places in Hue in the evening

♦ Must see: After visiting the gallery, you can get a tailor-made ao dai from a nearby tailor. In the space of just  one day, you can possess the signature costume of Hue.

♦ Dining: Am Phu Restaurant (51 Nguyen Thai Hoc), Hanh Hue Restaurant (11 Pho Duc Chinh), Little Italy Restaurant (10 Nguyen Thai Hoc), Golden Rice Restaurant (40 Pham Ngu Lao), Tea Lane (17 Hung Square).

Tour the city on trishaw – An exciting cultural experience in the ancient capital

The trishaw is a popular vehicle that fascinates many tourists to Hue. A trishaw can take you through the streets, the citadels, the rivers and the quiet gardens, allowing you to get lost in the tranquility. At night, the view is even more intriguing.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must visit places in Hue in the evening

♦ Top tips: A tour by trishaw will allow you more freedom to stop and take photos, or even stop at a streetside teashop for a cup of tea while your driver waits. Some trishaw drivers in Hue seem like professional tour guides, they speak English and even French, and they have a rich knowledge of the local history and culture. Some of them will even recite a poem for you. Don’t miss an opportunity to talk to your trishaw drivers to hear some interesting stories.

♦ Dining: Ba Do Restaurant (8 Nguyen Binh Khiem), Hang Me Restaurant (12 and 16 Vo Thi Sau), Nam Pho Restaurant (54 Nguyen Cong Tru), Ba Phung Noodles (5 Nguyen Du), mussels rice and corn tea (Con Hen, Vi Da), Imperial tea of Hue (31 Nguyen Hue).

Cafés with a view of the Perfume River – Enjoy a quiet moment and the vanity of the ancient capital

Hue is home to many beautiful cafés with charming views and great coffee. After dinner, you can visit a quiet café and watch the city after dark. On The Perfume River, folk songs performed on dragon boats echo through the air. You will be immersed in the true tranquility and beauty of Hue.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must visit places in Hue in the evening

♦ Top tips: There are many cafés in Hue with a stunning view of The Perfume River, including the Café on the 16th floor of the Imperial Hotel (8 Hung Vuong), Sky Café inside Midtown Hotel, Co Huong Café (2 Tran Hung Dao), Black And White Café (17 Le Loi), Song Trang Café (8/27 Nguyen Sinh Cung), Vi Da Xua Café (131 Nguyen Sinh Cung)

♦ Dining: Most cafés offer a wide variety of drinks to choose from.

Pham Ngu Lao Street – An exciting atmosphere in the tranquil city

Pham Ngu Lao Street is located on the south bank of the Perfume River. Nobody knows when, or why this street became the gathering place of westerners in the city. This is a small street filled with ancient homes mixed with modern tube-shaped houses.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must visit places in Hue in the evening

♦ Top tips: Along this street, you can find many souvenir shops, restaurants, cafés, bars, hotels, and tour operators. This street becomes most crowded after nightfall. This neighborhood, including nearby streets like Chu Van An, Le Loi and Vo Thi Sau, is now a hub for foreigners.

♦ Must see: There’s a folk group that performs here at the home of writer Buu Y (No. 9 Pham Ngu Lao) every Saturday. This place regularly welcomes tourists to enjoy and learn about the art of Hue folk songs.

♦ Dining: Missy Roo Restaurant (11 Pham Ngu Lao), Golden Rice Restaurant (40 Pham Ngu Lao), La Carambole (19 Pham Ngu Lao), Gecko Pub (9 Pham Ngu Lao), T’House Coffee (2 Scope Ngu Lao), Kangaroo Hue Restaurant & Cooking Class (31 Vo Thi Sau).

Bars – Exciting music and nightlife

If you wish to find some cheap thrills in this quiet city, visiting a bar or pub at night is your best option. This is where you can let loose with friends and fill your night with great music and drinks.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must visit places in Hue in the evening

♦ Top tips: Most popular bars are: the bar at Cherish Hotel (59 Ben Nghe), DMZ Bar (60 Le Loi), Brown Eyes Bar (56 Chu Van An), Tipsy Pub n ‘Bistro (16 Pham Ngu Lao), Why Not Bar & Restaurant (26 Pham Ngu Lao), Cococlub (53 Ham Nghi), Le’s Garden Bar (14 Pham Ngu Lao), Hangout Coffee and Bar (48 Nguyen Tri Phuong).

♦ Cuisine: These bars offer a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Van Ly | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must visit places in Hue in the afternoon

8 must visit places in Hue in the afternoon

You have three days to explore Hue, where you should go and what to do to have enjoyable experience? Here are the detailed suggestions from Wanderlust Tips  for you to have a perfect journey in Hue.

[rpi]

Tomb of Minh Mang – Tomb of Gia Long – Relics from the first two kings of the Nguyen Dynasties

The Tomb of Minh Mang, also known as Hieu Lang, is located about 15 kilometres from Hue city centre. This is a campus of over 40 buildings which includes palaces, castles and temples, distributed symmetrically along the 700-metre Than Dao Path. The Tomb of Minh Mang displays his character and talents from when he was alive.

The Tomb of Gia Long, also know as Thien Thu Lang, is located about 17 kilometres from the City Centre. The Tomb of Gia Long is a beautiful mix of nature and architecture, which showcases the extravagant life of the first king of the Nguyen dynasty.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must visit places in Hue in the afternoon

♦ Top Tips: The two tombs are located in Huong Tho Commune, Huong Tra Town. They are open from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. every day. A ticket for Minh Mang Tomb is 100,000VND for adults and 20,000VND for children aged 7 to 12. A ticket for Gia Long Tomb is 40,000VND for adults and free for children.

♦ Dining: Follow Highway 49 heading towards Hue city centre and visit Biet Phu Thao Nhi Restaurant, Tra Dinh Vu Di, La Pines Restaurant and more.

Tomb of Khai Dinh – Tomb of Thieu Tri – The sublimation of art and architecture

The Tomb of Khai Dinh covers a very modest area compared to the tombs of other kings, but it is artistically and architecturally significant. The work combines architectural styles from Asia, Europe, and Vietnam, and is the pinnacle of visual arts that combine both porcelain and glass. The Tomb of Thieu Tri is also known as Xuong Lang, and is located about 6 kilometres from Hue city center. Thieu Tri Tomb is quiet and tranquil, displaying the king’s calm and reflective character.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must visit places in Hue in the afternoon

♦ Top tips: Both tombs are located in Thuy Bang Commune, Huong Thuy District. Opening hours: 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. every day. The entrance fee for The Tomb of Khai Dinh is 100,000 VND for adults and 20,000 VND for children aged 7 – 12. The entrance fee to The Tomb of Thieu Tri is 40,000 VND for adults and free for children.

♦ Must see: Dan Nam Giao, located on Dien Bien Phu Street, was where Nguyen kings paid tribute to the Gods. Thien An Monastery and Thuy Tien Lake are also nearby.

♦ Dining: Biet Phu Thao Nhi Restaurant (Cu Chanh 1 Village), Ngoc Linh Restaurant (Cu Chanh 1 Village), Tra Dinh Vu Di (Minh Mang Road), Tinh Tam Vegetarian Restaurant.

Tomb of Tu Duc – Tomb of Dong Khanh

The Tomb of Tu Duc is designed in a romantic style, displaying the character of the compassionate king. The tomb of the 4th king of the Nguyen dynasty is situated inside an immense pine forest. There are 50 buildings inside the campus, including the Minh Khiem Theatre, considered to be the oldest existing theatre in Vietnam. The Tomb of Dong Khanh (the 9th king in the Nguyen dynasty) is a mix between the ancient style of Tu Duc Tomb and the modern style of Khai Dinh Tomb.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must visit places in Hue in the afternoon

♦ Top tips: Both tombs are located in Thuy Xuan Ward, Hue. Opening hours are from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. every day. The entrance fee for The Tomb of Tu Duc is 100,000VND for adults and 20,000VND for children aged 7 – 12. The entrance fee for Dong Khanh Tomb is 40,000VND for adults and free for children.

♦ Must see: Vong Canh Hill, Thuy Xuan incense village, Vien Quang Pagoda, Ho Quyen, Voi Re (Long Chau) Temple.

♦ Dining: Moc Vien Restaurants (No. 2E Hoai Thanh), Thien Lam Vegetarian Restaurant (No. 110 Le Ngo Cat Street), Chan Doi Restaurant, (No. 65/16 Le Ngo Cat Street).

Hue City Centre – City of heritage

Hue possesses many historical buildings with deep cultural significance. Spend a morning or an afternoon strolling leisurely through the ancient streets, visiting attractions in the city centre, and soaking in the rhythm of life. Famous attractions include: Truong Tien Bridge, Gia Hoi Chi Lang old town, Dieu De Pagoda, Princess Ngoc Son Temple, the National School of Hue, Ho Chi Minh Museum – Hue, Hue Cultural Museum, Le Ba Dang Art Center, Diem Phung Thi art exhibit, Tung Thien Vuong Temple, Lac Tinh Vien, Anh Dinh Palace and Dong Ba market.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must visit places in Hue in the afternoon

♦ Top tips: You can tour the city by motorbike, bicycle, trishaw or on foot. Most attractions are open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and some charge an entrance fee.

♦ Cuisine: Com Nieu Khai Hoan (94 Le Loi), An Dinh Vien Restaurant (7 Pham Hong Thai), Huong Restaurant – An Dinh Palace (148 Kiet Nguyen Hue), beef porridge (1 Nguyen Cong Tru), beef noodles by The Journalists Association (22 Le Loi), Ti Hon mussels restaurant (3 Han Mac Tu).

Garden Houses – Prominent architecture in Hue

The garden houses in Hue combine landscape and architecture, displaying cultural and historical values, which are both considered to be important parts of the heritage of Hue. Famous garden houses like Phu Mong or An Hien are located on the banks of the Perfume River. An Hien garden house (No 58 Nguyen Phuc Nguyen Road) is the most prominent with unique architecture and landscape. An ancient house, with intricate carvings, designs and interior design, it sits among a beautiful garden. At An Hien garden house, you will feel like you’ve entered a different world, a world that is strangely peaceful.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must visit places in Hue in the afternoon

♦ Top tips: From downtown Hue, follow the northern bank of the Perfume River for about 2 kilometres and you’ll arrive at the homes of the aristocrats of ancient Vietnam.

♦ Dining: Ancient Hue Restaurant (104/47 Kim Long), Tha Om Restaurant (12/12 Nguyen Phuc Nguyen), Thao Trang Vien Restaurant (34 Phu Mong), Banh Uot Huyen Anh (52/4 Kim Long)

Conical hat craft village – Finding the famous poem hats of Hue

For generations, the conical hat has served as a practical item to shade Vietnamese people from the sun and the rain. For Hue people, it has become a cultural speciality, and the poem hats have become attached to the image of Hue women in purple ao dai. Making conical hats has been a traditional craft in Hue for hundreds of years, with many famous craft villages like Da Le, Doc So, Trieu Tay, Kim Long, Sia, and the most famous – Phu Cam Village (Phuoc Vinh Ward, Hue).

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must visit places in Hue in the afternoon

♦ Top tips: To make a “poem hat”, Hue artisans have to meticulously and diligently follow many steps. Visitors to the village can witness them being made and maybe even try their hand at making their own conical hat. They are of course available to buy as souvenirs for relatives and friends.

♦ Cuisine: Nam Phuong Restaurant (57 Hai Ba Trung), Tai Phu Restaurant (2 Dien Bien Phu), Zdach Lau Restaurant (55 Ben Nghe), Bun Hien (29 Ba Trieu), Mr. Luong eel porridge (43 Ba Trieu ), Tinh vegetarian restaurant (2 Tran Cao Van).

Tam Giang – Cau Hai lagoons – The largest brackish lagoons in Vietnam

The lagoon system in Central Vietnam is over 68 kilometres long and covers the territory of some 5 districts in Thua Thien, Hue. The most prominent are Tam Giang and Cau Hai Lagoon (also known as Chuon Lagoon). Located about 12 kilometres from Hue city center, Tam Giang Lagoon is about 25 kilometres long, with a surface area of about 52 square kilometres, stretching from O Lau River to Thuan An Bridge and converging with the East Sea via the Thuan An Estuary. This is famous for being the largest brackish lagoon in Southeast Asia. Chuon Lagoon is located about 10 kilometres from Hue city centre. Follow Highway 49 toward An Truyen and Chuon Lagoon will appear gracefully before your eyes across the green fields.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must visit places in Hue in the afternoon

♦ Top tips: From February to July is the ideal time to experience the lives of the fishermen in the lagoon.

♦ Dining: floating restaurants on the lagoon with fresh seafood caught by the fishermen.

Thuan An Beach – A place for relaxing and fun

Thuan An Beach is located in Thuan An Town, Phu Vang District, about 15 kilometres east of Hue city centre. This is a great place to relax after spending a day discovering the tombs, temples, and landscapes in Hue.

Thuan An Beach attracts both locals and tourists, especially in the months from April to September, when the weather is the hottest. Here, you can enjoy the taste of the famous rice wine from Chuon Village, fresh seafood grilled over choarcoal fires at the beach, and the traditional dishes of the locals.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must visit places in Hue in the afternoon

♦ Cuisine: Ana Mandara Hue Resort & Spa serves dishes from street food to royal court cuisine, Asian and European dishes, An An’s restaurant specializes in fresh seafood (Road 1 to Thuan An Beach).

Van Ly | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

wanderlust-tips-mothers-day-celebration-at-hotel-nikko-saigon00

Mother’s day celebration at Hotel Nikko Saigon

Mother’s Day is coming and it is the great time for us to convey love and gratitude to our supper Moms. Hotel Nikko Saigon is preparing epicurean dining offers to celebrate the beloved Mothers on this special Sunday.

[rpi]

Seafood buffet dinner – La Brasserie

La Brasserie offers an epicurean seafood buffet dinner to celebrate the powerful women. The epic seafood buffet features premium quality rock lobsters, imported oysters from France, delectable mud crabs and blue crabs, fresh prawns, mouth-watering salmon, and a wide assortment of shellfish. It also boasts of authentic Japanese delicacies from sushi, sashimi and shabu shabu counters specially prepared by our in-house Japanese Chef.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Mother's day celebration at Hotel Nikko Saigon

Guests will be impressed with the daily special dishes inspired by international favourites such as foie gras, lamb, duck, beef or seafood. Furthermore, live music performance will ensure guests truly unique dining experience.

Time: Sunday, 14th May 2017, 6 p.m – 11:30 p.m

Price: VND1,200,000++ / person

All-you-can-eat Dim Sum Brunch at Ming Court

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Mother's day celebration at Hotel Nikko Saigon

Treat your Mom a Sunday brunch with delectable all-you-can-eat dim sum with buffet lines at Ming Court, a perfect place to share family time.

With an emphasis on unsurpassed quality, a wide range of delicate All-You-Can-Eat Dim Sum with chef’s signature dishes such as pecking duck, deep-fried mixed meat flower, sautéed pork belly with mantou, prawn rice roll,.. will please the taste buds and make this special day to remember.

Time: Sunday, 14th May 2017, 11 a.m – 2:30 p.m

♦ Price: VND550,000++ / person

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Mother's day celebration at Hotel Nikko Saigon

Hotel Nikko Saigon

  • Tel: (+84) 8 3925 7777 –  Ext: 5025
  • Email: prm@hotelnikkosaigon.com.vn

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | A family vacation at Sunrise Premium Resort & Spa, Hoi An

A family vacation at Sunrise Premium Resort & Spa, Hoi An

Relax at the outdoor swimming pool with enchanting views to one of the most breathtaking coastlines in the world, experience exquisite cuisines at The Lounge or Spice Garden or play with your little angel at Kid Club…. A perfect summer holiday awaits you and your loved ones at Sunrise Premium Resort & Spa.

[rpi]

Time for being together

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | A family vacation at Sunrise Premium Resort & Spa, Hoi An

Make the most of the best family time of the year and treat your little ones to loads of fun at Sunrise Premium Resort & Spa, Hoi An. Your children are sure to enjoy playing with creative toys and engage in interesting activities at our Kid Club including painting and playing puzzle games. Watch the amazement in your child’s eyes as he or she becomes a small cook or craftsperson in our classes.  Let your little one embark on an adventure as they participate in our cultural exploration programs.

Time for culinary exploration

A perfect holiday couldn’t be completed without fine dining. Savoring the fresh seafood at Sao Bien restaurant while indulging in the stunning view of Cham Island, delighting in local delicacies at Spice Garden, or enjoying signature cocktails at The Lounge are just some of top suggestions for your holiday. Don’t miss our elegant tea buffet at The Lounge to turn your afternoon into a delightful one.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | A family vacation at Sunrise Premium Resort & Spa, Hoi An

Time for pampering and relaxing

Catch a breath of fresh air by the sea and sip on summer in a glass under lush green palms at Sunrise Premium Resort & Spa, Hoi An. Our two stunning pools allows guests to take a refreshing dip or playing with kids. Massage treatments performed by experienced therapists at Bliss Spa will bring you absolute relaxation.

The Family Escape Package comprises of 2 nights stay at Ocean Deluxe Room, buffet breakfast at Spice Garden, 01 set lunch or dinner for the family, 60 – minute spa treatment for 2 adults at our Bliss spa, swimming class or bakery class for children, complimentary 1 hour baby sister service per day at kid club. The special rate is at VND8,900,000++ and valid from 3rd May 2017.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | A family vacation at Sunrise Premium Resort & Spa, Hoi An

Sunrise Premium Resort & Spa, Hoi An

  • Tel: +84 (0235) 393 7777
  • Email: resa@sunrisehoian.vn
  • Web: sunrisehoian.vn

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

wanderlust-tips-8-must-visit-places-in-the-morning-in-hue00

8 must visit places in Hue in the morning

You have three days to explore Hue, where you should go and what to do to have enjoyable experience? Here are the detailed suggestions from Wanderlust Tips  for you to have a perfect journey in Hue.

[rpi]

Imperial City – A once magnificent citadel under the Nguyen dynasty

The Imperial City of Hue is the common name for the Citadel and the Forbidden City. In modern times, it is located in Thuan Thanh ward.  The Imperial City is made up of over 140 buildings of various sizes. The site used to serve as the office of the central government and served as home to the King and the royal family. The campus is resplendent with nature, with lakes, gardens, stone bridges, small islands, and ancient trees shading the campus year round. The Imperial City was recognized by UNESCO as a World Hertiage site in 1993.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must visit places in Hue in the morning

♦Top tips: The imperial city is open daily from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Ticket price: 150,000VND for adults or 30,000VND for children aged 7 to 12.

♦Must see: Duyet Thi Duong Theatre (Royal Ancient Theatre) which offers performances of traditional opera (Tuong), court music, and court dances.

♦ Dining: Tinh Gia Vien Restaurant (7K/28 Le Thanh Ton), Y Thao Garden Restaurant (3 Thach Han), Banh Khoai Lac Thien (6 Dinh Tien Hoang), Han Thuyen Street with many banh canh restaurants, Mrs. Minh vegetarian restaurant (4 Han Thuyen), Che Ba Mien (86 Mai Thuc Loan).

Thien Mu Pagoda – The most ancient pagoda in the Imperial City

Located about 5 kilometres West of Hue city centre, Thien Mu is the oldest and most beautiful pagoda with the most impressive architecture in Hue. The pagoda was built in 1601. Legend has it, when Nguyen Hoang became the guardian of Thuan Hoa, he personally scouted the location to expand his landrights. When he arrived at Ha Khe Hill, he saw that the land was shaped like a dragon turning its head. Locals have also said that at night, there was often an old woman dressed in red standing on top of the hill to tell passerbys: “A lord will come here and build a pagoda, to gather the spirits, stabilize the dragon, and make our country more powerful.” Nguyen Hoang’s ideas seemed to be in tune with the will of the people, and to honour the good omen, he built a pagoda on the hill, overlooking the Perfume River and named it “Thien Mu Tu” (Pagoda of the Heavenly Woman).

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must visit places in Hue in the morning

♦ Must see: Temple of Literature, Huyen Khong Son Thuong Pagoda (about 6 kilometres from Thien Mu Pagoda).

♦ Dining: Tha Om Restaurant (12/12 Nguyen Phuc Nguyen), Nam Chau Hoi Quan Restaurant (7 Van Xuan), Huyen Anh Restaurant (52/4 Kim Long), O Le Restaurant (104/17/9 Kim Long).

Phuoc Tich Village – Ancient homes made of jackfruit wood and traditional pottery craft

Phuoc Tich Village is located on the shores of Lau River, Phong Hoa Commune, Phong Dien District, Thua Thien in Hue Province. The village was formed in 1470 under the reign of King Le Thanh Tong. Currently there are 100 ancient homes in this village still standing, including 30 classified as the most unique among all the ancient villages in Vietnam. In days gone by, without machinery, homes like these would have taken years to build. Phuoc Tich Village perfectly preserved the pristine beauty of rural Vietnam, with its charming and tranquil scenery. Phuoc Tich Village is like a beautiful painting that mesmerises each and every visitor. The village is also famous for its 500-year-old traditional pottery craft.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must visit places in Hue in the morning

♦ Must see: Thuy Lap bamboo and rattan village (Phong Hoa Commune, Phong Dien District) on the road towards the city centre.

♦ Dining: Following Highway 1A back to Hue city centre, you can visit: Co Do Restaurant, Phu Lanh Restaurant, Thuy Truc Vien Café, or Diem Hen Café.

Thanh Toan Tiled-roof Bridge – One of the most beautiful ancient bridges in Vietnam

Thanh Toan tiled-roof bridge crosses a canal that runs through Thanh Toan Village, Thuy Thanh Commune, Huong Thuy Town, located about 8 kilometres east of Hue city center. Thanh Toan Bridge is among the rarest in Vietnam and with the highest artistic value. The arched wooden bridge is 18.75-metres long and 5.82-metres wide. Both sides of the bridge have wooden railings and seats for visitors to sit and enjoy the view. The bridge is covered with a tiled roof, and is divided into 7 rooms. The middle room is dedicated to the worship of Mrs. Tran Thi Dao.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must visit places in Hue in the morning

♦ Must see: Farm equipment exhibition, Cau Ngoi Market

♦ Dining: Gio Que Restaurant, or return to Hue city centre for more choice.

Mount Ngu Binh – The soul of Hue

Mount Ngu Binh, formerly known as Mo Islet or Bang Mountain, is located on the right bank of the Perfume River (between Con Hen and Con Gia Vien), 4 kilometres South of the city centre. On either side of it are two smaller mountains, Ta Phu and Huu Bat. From a distance, Mount Ngu Binh and the two smaller mountains look like a phoenix, opening its wings to shelter the citadel. Along with the poetic Perfume River, Mount Ngu Binh is a priceless gift that Mother Nature has presented to Hue. Together, they create the classic beauty of Hue. This is also the reason why Hue is dubbed the land of the Perfume River and Mount Ngu.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must visit places in Hue in the morning

♦ Top tips: You can hike here, or book a cycling tour of the mountain. From the top of the mountain, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Hue and the Imperial City.

♦ Must see: Tran Hung Dao Temple – Ngu Binh, Ban Mountain – Quang Trung Monument.

♦ Dining: Khong Gian Xua Restaurant (205 Dien Bien Phu), Hiep Thanh Restaurant (101 Ho Dac Di), or return to the city centre for more choice.

Lang Co Bay – Breathtakingly beautiful

Lang Co Bay is located in Phu Loc District, at the foot of Hai Van Pass. With charming natural scenery, it was named one of the most beautiful bays in the world in 2009. Lang Co has almost everything that nature has to offer: tropical forests, white sand, blue sea, and sunny weather all year round.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must visit places in Hue in the morning

♦Top tips: Lang Co bay is located 60 kilometres from Hue city centre, and 40 kilometres from Phu Bai International Airport. It’s only 25 kilometres from Danang City via Hai Van Pass Tunnel. Lang Co Beach is the ideal destination for those seeking a relaxing vacation, where you can lie on the beach and enjoy the greenery, play in the cool, crystal-clear water, or enjoy exciting beach activities.

♦ Must see: Lang Co fishing village, Lap An Lagoon, Chan May Bay.

♦Dining: Famous seafood restaurants in Lang Co: Nhu Ngoc Restaurant, Thanh Tam Restaurant, Thien Ly Restaurant, Trieu Vy Restaurant, Sao Bien Be Den Restaurant and many more.

Bach Ma National Park – Explore the wonderful nature

Covering both Phu Long and Nam Dong District, Bach Ma National Park has beautiful natural scenery, fresh air, and rich, diverse flora and fauna. Here, visitors can explore natural trails such as Do Quyen Trail which leads to Do Quyen Falls, Tri Sao Trail which leads to Tri Sao Falls, home of the elmeted guineafowl, Ngu Ho Trail which leads to 5 consecutive lakes, formed from a large stream, and Vong Hai Dai Trail which leads to the gazebo on top of Bach Ma Mountain, a 300-metre trail which leads through a White Seraya forest. In addition, Bach Ma National Park also has an orchid garden, which is home to hundreds of types of orchids of various shapes and colours.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must visit places in Hue in the morning

♦Top tips: From Hue, take Highway 1A, travel south for about 40 kilometres to reach Cau Hai Town (Phu Loc District), turn right and drive for another 19 kilometres to reach Bach Ma National Park.

♦ Must see: Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery

♦ Dining: You can bring your own food or eat at the dining area inside the National Park.

Hai Van Pass – The most scenic mountain pass

Hai Van Pass (also known as Ai Van) is the natural boundary between Thua Thien and Danang. The Pass is 21 kilometres long, crossing majestic mountains and overlooking the vast ocean. Hai Van Pass is considered to be the most dangerous but also the most beautiful and scenic mountain pass in Vietnam. The top of Hai Van pass is cloudy year-round. At a height of 490 metres above sea level, it is a historical relic from the Nguyen Dynasty. The military architecture was built by King Ming Mang in 1826. The front of the building says “Hai Van Quan” and the back says “Thien Ha De Nhat Hung Quan”. In modern times, it has been a popular attraction because from the  top of Hai Van Quan, you can see Hai Van Pass running along the mountainside.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 must visit places in Hue in the morning

♦ Dining: You can dine at restaurants in Lang Co Town – located at the foot of Hai Van Pass.

Van Ly | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 things to remember when trekking in the Himalayas

8 things to remember when trekking in the Himalayas

In order to successfully conquer the roof of the world – the Himalayas, trekkers need to prepare carefully before they leave. Here are 8 small tips Wanderlust Tips wants to introduce to readers on the journey to discover and conquer the highest mountain in the world.

[rpi]

  1. Visa

 

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 things to remember when trekking in the Himalayas

You can get a Visa to enter Nepal quite easily and quickly at the immigration office in Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. You will need: a 4 x 6 photo, a visa application (you can get one on the plane or at the airport), an immigration declaration, cash to pay the visa fee (15-day tourist visa: US$ 24; 30-day tourist visa: US$ 40, 90-day tourist visa: US$ 100).

  1. Weather

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 things to remember when trekking in the Himalayas

Each season brings different beauty to the Himalayas.

April is the warmest month in Nepal, but the weather is still extremely cold in the Himalayas. At an altitude of over 4,000 meters, the temperature is easily below 0. Even at 5 – 6 degrees Celsius, with high humidity, the cold still cuts to the bone. 10 degrees Celsius here is much harsher than at freezing point in Europe. Most of the shelters are not insulated.

June to September is the rainy season, which sees a lot of flowers blooming in the area. Avoid visiting from December to February if you don’t want to freeze. If you visit during this season, you’ll get to admire the beauty of a snow-white wonderland.

  1. Costs

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 things to remember when trekking in the Himalayas

A tour costs around US$ 2,000. If you’re traveling independently, the cost will be much lower, but there will be additional expenses such as: toilet paper, a charger for your electronic items, wifi, hot water and drinking water. The higher you climb, the higher the cost because everything needs to be transported by porters. For example, a toilet paper roll costs 100 RB (US$ 1) in Namchebazar, but can cost four times as much in Lobuche.

Cost reference:

+ Guide: US$ 20 – 50 per day

+ Porter: US$ 15 per day (do not make them carry more than 15 – 20 kilograms)

+ Permit: about US$ 20 (walk-in) and US$ 10 (group travel)

+ Meals: about US$ 15 per day

+ Flights from Kathmandu to Lukla: US$ 300 (return flight)

=> The total cost is about US$ 70 per day. You can save more by traveling in a large group, but it also increases your risks.

  1. Physical ability

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 things to remember when trekking in the Himalayas

During your 15-day trek, you will climb from an altitude of 2,600 metres to over 5,000 metres. You will need to train to adapt to this altitude. Endurance is much more important than strength.

  1. Medications

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 things to remember when trekking in the Himalayas

Bring some medications for altitude sickness, brain tonic, pain killers (to take when your headache is overwhelming, diarrhea medicine, cold medicine, antibiotics and vitamins (bring 21-mineral multivitamins because Nepalese cuisine is lacking in vegetables), it’s also a good idea to bring a water purifier.

  1. Food

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 things to remember when trekking in the Himalayas

Food in restaurants and hotels in the Himalayas are transported here by porters, and refrigerators are not common here, so you will rarely find fresh food. Stick with vegetarian dishes and get your protein from eggs, mushrooms and cheese. If you want to eat meat, bring dried meat or ham as they are relatively light and can provide a great protein source for the journey.

  1. Must-have items

Waterproof hiking shoes (ankle-high); two pairs of gloves: one regular and one waterproof to keep your hands warm; 6 pairs of thick socks (waterproof is better), one pair of wool socks to keep your feet warm.

Shirts: two short sleeved and two long-sleeved turtlenecks (preferably sweatshirts for insulation); a down-filled coat to keep your body warm; a wind-proof coat (soft shell or hardshell); a waterproof outfit.

Pants: two pairs of trekking trousers and fleece leggings.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 8 things to remember when trekking in the Himalayas

Backpack: one small bag to carry basic items such as cameras, water, toilet paper and candy; One main backpack (with a hip belt) to carry supplies, which can be carried by your porter, and rain-covers for your backpacks.

One pair of regular sandals, sunglasses, a beanie hat, a mask to protect your face from the elements, head lamps, sunscreens and snacks which can help you avoid hypoglycaemia when too tired. A solar charger is recommended, so you don’t have to pay for charging.  Also bring a book to read and a log book because you will stop frequently.

Things that can be rented in Nepal: trekking poles, sleeping bags, heating pads, trekking clothes, life jackets and trekking shoes.

  1. Risks:
  • Altitude sickness.
  • Food poisoning
  • Natural disasters such as avalanches and earthquakes.

Pamahu | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Everest Base Camp: An unfinished dream

Everest Base Camp: An unfinished dream

“For me, Everest Base Camp is an unfinished dream, but will always be a beautiful dream…”

[rpi]

A land of mysteries

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Everest Base Camp: An unfinished dream

I have dreamed of Everest Base Camp for a while, longing to visit the immortal land of the highest mountain in the world, to soak in the quintessence of the earth and the skies. Hoping to turn this dream into reality, I worked hard to train my physical endurance in preparation for this journey of a lifetime.

I chose to trek from Lukla to Everest Base Camp (at a height of 5,364 metres) – half the height of the mighty Mount Everest. I also intended to stop by Gokyo Lake on the way home. The 115-kilometre, 15-day trek is among the top 10 most beautiful treks in the world, according to Lonely Planet and other travel magazines. This trek is popular because it suits the time and physical abilities of many. Anyone who climbs Everest from the Nepalese side will have to endure this trek before ever setting foot on Everest.

The most dangerous route in the world

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Everest Base Camp: An unfinished dream

At the start of my journey, I had to fly from Kathmandu to Lukla, known as one of the most dangerous routes to one of the most dangerous airports in the world. I was terrified at first, but eventually managed to reassure myself.

Lukla is a small airport located in Lukla town, Eastern Nepal. The airport stands at an altitude of 2,800 metres. One side faces the mountains and the other, a cliff. The runway is only 800-metres long, and there’s no space to maneuver. The slightest error, or even just cloudy weather, can result in the plane crashing into the mountains.

It should come as no surprise and certainly does not help that this place is regularly cloudy. The pilot lands the plane based on vision alone, and he must accurately judge the cloud-cover surrounding the mountains. Most flights are therefore conducted when the sky is at its clearest. The weather in Kathmandu can be beautiful, but if Lukla experiences bad weather, a week can pass without a single flight. If you’re out of luck, you’ll have to wait until the weather is more favourable.

The flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is only 40 minutes, and the time from landing to coming to a standstill is so short, it can be counted in seconds. I remember seeing the short runway for the first time, I could not take my eyes off it because I was so terrified. My hands gripped tightly to my Bodhisattva pendant, praying that the plane would land safely. After only 10 seconds of tension, the other passengers and I burst out in happiness and relief.

Looking at it now, getting to experience one of the most dangerous routes in the world was an extraordinary once in a lifetime experience.

Dream realized

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Everest Base Camp: An unfinished dream

During the first days of the trek, I realized that Everest Base camp was not as much of an impossible dream as I used to think. Despite having to conquer many long and painful slopes, if you have the strength and endurance, it really isn’t such a difficult trek. However, what worried me most was the cold and humidity, the burning sun and the low oxygen levels, which caused me fatigue because I had not yet adapted to the environment.

I tried not to go too fast, choosing a pace that suited my physical abilities, because I knew that going too fast could strike me down with altitude sickness. Going slower also allowed me time to live in the moment and soak up the beauty along the road.

The scenery that welcomed me during the first few days was vibrant greenery adorned by small villages set on the banks of the Dudk Kosi river, with fields of bright gold flowers, green potato stalks, romantic trails covering the mountain slopes and tiny, yet beautiful homes situated on the mountainside adorned with floral terraces.

Along the way, I encountered a few stones, large and small, carved with the prayer “Om mani padme hum” and Buddha eyes statue that calmed every passerby.

In the days following, once I had ascended past an altitude of 3,500 metres, the landscape changed remarkably. The greenery disappeared, and a wild, barren landscape replaced it. What was left were the dry bushes of lichen, imposing snowy mountains, and white glaciers. The Himalayas still mesmerized me with their striking snowy mountains – Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Taweche, Nuptse and Lhotse, to name but a few. The mountains were often covered by clouds, and the brilliant sunshine gave them a strangely magical and seductive aesthetic.

The image that followed me throughout the journey was the five-color Lungta prayer flags fluttering in the sun, beside the headstones. “Nepalis believe that the prayer flags will bless the departed soul and help them reach heaven, and mantras will be blown by the wind to spread goodwill and compassion into all pervading space.” – Janak, my guide answered my curious eyes. Whenever I walked past a gravestone, I stopped to pick up the surrounding small stones, and placed them on the graves to show my respect. Never have I felt that such small, insignifcant stones could feel so magical.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Everest Base Camp: An unfinished dream

Throughout the journey, I continually found myself at the receiving end of the warm smiles and the, ‘Namaste!’ greetings of the porters, who were sweating in spite of the freezing cold. I also witnessed yaks – a kind of long-haired bovine – climbing the mountains, stopping frequently to catch their breath, which made everyone feel sorry for them.

Contrasting images along the journey reminded me that the Himalayas are not as poetic as one often imagines. Bright sunlight burns faces, darkening them to a deep brown from the solar radiation, and the freezing cold chaps lips.

Learn to face and accept the risks

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Everest Base Camp: An unfinished dream

Getting lost twice turned out to be a good opportunity for me to explore more interesting stops, unseen by many. Thanks to this, I learned to deal with unforeseen circumstances.

Altitude sickness is a life-changing experience that I will never forget. It overwhelms you and hinders your progress unpredictably. I began to feel that my destination was within my reach, but then at the last rest stop at Gorakshep (A height of 5,129 metres), my body started to show the symptoms of shock, and after only 3 hours, I was at stage 3. I was forced to abandon the remaining trek and descend the mountain in the freezing cold of night.

Later, I found out that altitude sickness can be experienced by people of all ages and physical condition. At first, my symptoms were only mild headaches and shortness of breath, but they became progressively worse with a pounding headache, nausea, vomiting, fever, and loss of consciousness. These symptoms would continue to get worse if I were to climb higher. In this situation, the best solution is to descend the mountain as soon as possible. You have to leave the journey of your dream, but you will live to fight another day and it is always wise to listen to your body. At its most severe, altitude sickness can lead to death and this is certainly not a risk worth taking. When you start the journey, you need to accept that this may happen. However, one thing I learned from this experience is that you should always drink plenty of water. I was advised to drink at least 4 liters of water per day, but I failed to listen. As a result, I had to face the consequences: giving up the dream right at the final hurdle.

As I stood on the edge of a cliff in Gorakshep, before leaving a weak and feeble patient, I felt so small among the immense mountains and skies. With blurry eyes, I realized at that moment, that I was small, weak, and inept. The Himalayas presented me with the contrasts in my own character: me at my strongest and bravest, and also me at my smallest and weakest. Above all, I realized that the great Himalayan mountain range was real. It’s not just a beautiful and romantic destination where people can easily go to relax. Despite not reaching my end goal, the journey gave me wonderful experiences with people, life, and the world around me.

For me, Everest Base Camp is an unfinished dream, but it will forever be a beautiful dream…That’s how I marked my 25th year on earth.

Pamahu | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | What are we looking for during our travels?

What are we looking for during our travels?

Sometimes we hit the road without needing to know where it leads, it is enough just to know that we would wake up in the morning under a different sky.

[rpi]

Maugham, a famous English writer, traveled to the Pacific to collect stories about the life of the artist Paul Gauguin, and to write “The Moon and Sixpence”. At 17, Paul Gauguin travelled around the world for a year, and throughout his life, continued to travel and painted many invaluable works of art, including “Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going?” A representation of the philosophy of life.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | What are we looking for during our travels?

My favorite author is Dr. Nguyen Phuong Mai, who wrote “I am a donkey” and “Islamic Roads”. When asked why she is often absent from her university teaching job, her answer was memorable: “My job is to travel so I don’t fill up with moss because who would want to be taught by me then?”

***

Besides journeys that were intended to benefit other people; like those of Dr. Phuong Mai, Maugham or Gauguin, young women are often fascinated by journeys for a personal reason, such as embarking on a solo trip to mend a broken heart.

Sometimes people hit the road without needing to know where it leads, it is enough to just know that they would wake up in the morning under a different sky. I was impressed by the two main characters; Amanda and Iris, in the movie “The Holiday”. They are polar opposites, sharing only one common bond – their broken relationships and a wish to escape their current locale. I still remember an online exchange they shared:

Amanda and Iris are two totally different characters. The only things they have in common is that they both feel like failures and are both looking for a new place to live. After one of them expressed some interest in an online exchange, they had a conversation that I will remember forever.

Amanda: Are there any men in your town?

Irish: Honestly? Zero. 

Amanda: When can I come?

Irish: Tomorrow too soon?

Amanda: Tomorrow’s perfect.

***

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | What are we looking for during our travels?

Using their breakups as a landmark, single women often use this as a starting point to travel down a new path. They may visit Barcelona to learn Spanish to achieve their goal of speaking the U.N.’s 6 official languages, they may visit Cuba before the Americans start pouring in, or they might visit Africa to fulfill their sense of adventure in the world’s widest lands. Too many destinations call their names, and all are so tempting.

***

One of the best things about solo travel is that you don’t have to compromise. You can be completely yourself – you can wake at noon if you wish, you can wear exactly what you want, you can lie around reading all day in a hotel, or you can set aside your planned itinerary to stop for a while longer at an inspiring café.

The most interesting thing about solo travel is that you never know where the road will lead you.

Here’s a story about my friend who met a foreign tourist on Tinder during his time in Vietnam.

After only about a week of talking, they found themselves spending time together every day, despite their busy schedules. From a small restaurant in the Old Quarter, he shared a photo of his “bun cha”, which he calls a “snack”, and she sent back a photo of her black coffee, which she was enjoying at small café near her home.

She answered his questions: “What is the long pipe that Vietnamese men smoke on the streets?”, and in return, he taught her the slang from his home country. One day, he confessed to her that he no longer wanted to continue his journey, but wished to travel to her city, simply because he felt that he needed to see her before he went home.

Every girl will be moved by words like this. Myself, I always hope for love confessions like the one from Bobby to Vonnie in “Café Society”: “If I was your boyfriend, I would not travel, or if I did, I would take you with me.”

Wanderlust Tips

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Spring awakening

Spring awakening

The same street, which once appears familiar and calm can sometimes seem distant and nostalgic. A familiar dress that once seems fresh and colourful, can often seem quiet and gente. The same familiar face and pink cheeks, can transform from dreamy to thoughtful.

[rpi]

Silk dresses with carefully selected fabrics and sophisticated tailoring go though many intricate steps of decoration, from embroidering, printing, hand-painting, to embellishments, to finally fulfill their purpose to ardorn young women during their spring journey. The dresses are decorated with familiar folk motifs, such as chicken, lotus, cherry blossoms. The beauty of traditional ao dai is adorned by the background of ancient Phuket architecture on a sunny day.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Spring awakening

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Spring awakening

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Spring awakening

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Spring awakening

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Spring awakening

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Spring awakening

  • Photography: Hoang Dang
  • Makeup: Loan Love.
  • Model: Yen Tran.
  • Stylish: Huyen Tran Le.
  • Costumers: Thuy design house.
  • Location:Phuket, Thailand.

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet