Wanderlust Tips Team, Author at WANDERLUST TIPS • Page 159 of 195

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.

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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.

♦ 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.

♦ 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 4^th 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 9^th king in the Nguyen dynasty) is a mix between the ancient style of Tu Duc Tomb and the modern style of Khai Dinh Tomb.

♦ 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.

♦ 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.

♦ 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).

♦ 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.

♦ 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.

♦ 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

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.

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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.

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, 14^th May 2017, 6 p.m – 11:30 p.m

♦ Price: VND1,200,000++ / person

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

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, 14^th May 2017, 11 a.m – 2:30 p.m

♦ Price: VND550,000++ / person

Hotel Nikko Saigon

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

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

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.

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Time for being together

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.

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 3^rd May 2017.

Sunrise Premium Resort & Spa, Hoi An

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

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

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8 must visit places in Hue in the morning

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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.

♦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).

♦ 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.

♦ 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.

♦ 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.

♦ 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.

♦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.

♦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.

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

Van Ly | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

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.

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Visa

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).

Weather

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.

Costs

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.

Physical ability

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.

Medications

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.

Food

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.

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.

– 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.

Risks:

Altitude sickness.
Food poisoning
Natural disasters such as avalanches and earthquakes.

Pamahu | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Everest Base Camp: An unfinished dream

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

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A land of mysteries

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

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

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.

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

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 25^th year on earth.

Pamahu | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

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.

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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.

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.

***

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

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.

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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.

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

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Discovering the unknown in Bhutan

Nestled among the mighty snow-capped Himalayas, Bhutan is thought by many to be a strangely unique kingdom, blending ancient features with legend, making this hypnotic land even more mysterious and seductive than ever before.

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Even though Bhutan is a frequently mentioned name on social media, this country is still clouded in mystery. Many know Bhutan as a small, isolated country with rugged terrain, well-preserved traditions, an untouched environment, many taboos, and the highest, “Gross National Happiness” in the world. But how much of this is true?

A fairy-tale kingdom

I have friends in Bhutan who appear to be quite modern-thinking and energetic. Some of them are also royalty, which is how I came to learn that Bhutan is still a monarchy, ruled over by a king and queen, both of whom are highly respected in the country. My Bhutanese friends had often told me tales of their country, from more recent stories, to the now extinct practices, like the prohibition of internet and television. These stories have always fascinated me.

What interests me most is the well-preserved traditions, well-protected environment, and the fact that it considers the Gross National Happiness (GNH) to be more important than the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) – Completely different to every other country in the world. Being the happiest country in the world, Bhutan attracts curious tourists from all over the globe, who come to eagerly seek out why.

My dream of visiting Bhutan finally came true. My invitation from royal friends smoothed my entry to the country. As I boarded the royal airline, Bhutan Druk Air, I could already feel the charm of this enigmatic kingdom. The gentle, sashaying stewardesses in traditional kira dresses only added to this illusion.

The first thing that impressed me in Bhutan was the airport terminal and its traditional architecture, built in a style you can see everywhere in this country. One stalwart of this tradition is the dzong architecture (a type of fortress). As I arrived, Bhutanese people in traditional gho or kira outfits seemed to magically appear before my eyes, as if entering a fairytale land.

Well-preserved traditions

In a country with mostly traditional architecture, where most people still wear traditional costume, I found myself fascinated and sought to find out just how magical the, “no-button” traditional Bhutanese dress can be.

If you’re lucky enough to book a hotel room in a place like Gangtey Palace in Paro, an ancient royal palace which was renovated and turned into a hotel, you’ll feel like you have stepped into an ancient time, a time when the landscape was dotted with forbidding castles and people donned uniquely Bhutanese clothing. A complete absence of the modern world.

Throughout Bhutan, from Paro Valley, Thumphu capital city, Punakha Valley and other places, it was hard to ignore the dzong architecture. It was everywhere and was very well-preserved. Tourists who wish to enter the dzongs are required to wear traditional attire, donning a light outer jacket to show respect for local traditions. Regular clothes are allowed, but one should not wear shorts or short skirts to temples or dzongs. Some places even prohibit the use of cameras.

When visiting Bhutan, most tourists will make the effort to do the 3 hour hike to Taktsang monastery to see how the Bhutanese have preserved their traditional way of life. Taktsang Monastery nestles in the Paro Valley, at an altitude of 3,000 metres above sea level. Dubbed the Tiger’s Nest, this is a symbol of Bhutan. The monastery was built in 1692, and was most recently renovated in 2005.

Although this is one of the must-see tourist attractions in Bhutan, those who wish to admire its beauty must prepare for a hike. Horseback riding is a less tiring option, but can be more dangerous because people sometimes lose control of the horses. There was a proposal made to build cable cars to get to Taktsang, but it was denied because in accordance with local beliefs, it is thought that valuable things should always be difficult to achieve.

Strangely delicious cuisine

In Bhutan, you’ll get the opportunity to enjoy the special local cuisine, which despite the county being sandwiched between India and China, is exquisitely different. At times, it seems like they have their own ‘school of cuisine’. Dishes are served in small wooden bowls. The most famous dish is Ema datshi, which is made of peppers and home-made fresh cheese. This is the pride of the Bhutanese people.

Local people eat a mainly plant-based, or vegetarian diet. You can enjoy unique vegetables, which are only available in Bhutan. Stir fried dried chili is one of the strange traditional dishes served here. It speaks volumes about the local food. Dishes are always served with rice, so don’t worry too much about your appetite.

Don’t forget to try out the special tea in Bhutan. Suja is a traditional drink made of tea, butter and salt. It’s more like a soup than a tea, but sampling it will definitely be a memorable experience.

If you visit a local Bhutanese house, you will likely be welcomed with milk tea; brewed in a style similar to that in South Asia, fried rice and biscuits.

Great environment

Before coming to Bhutan, I was advised that the first thing I should do upon arrival is to take a deep breath. The air here is so fresh! This was great advice. As a small, isolated country, the environment here is totally unpolluted, the air is pure and clean unlike the air thick with contaminants that we are so used to breathing.

This is not a coincidence. The country’s constitution requires that forests must cover 60% of the country’s total area. Smoking is prohibited. Living close to nature rewards the Bhutanese people with clean, fresh air with which to fill their lungs. Prohibiting auto vehicles on certain days, or only allowing certain license plate numbers to drive on certain days, may seem ridiculous in the modern metropolises in which most of us live, but it is a policy currently implemented in Bhutan. We should maybe take note, as it appears to be having the desired effect.

In Bhutan, whether you’re hiking or driving, the breathtaking scenery often leaves the desire to want to take pause and drink in the view. Don’t hesitate to ask the driver to stop for rest periods to enjoy the nature to its fullest. Nobody will ever refuse.

In the capital city of Thimphu, you can experience the only capital city in the world without traffic lights. Everyone seems to walk in a serene manner, and every intersection has traffic police, so your commute will always be smooth.

Bhutan is not for everyone

Bhutan is still less developed than its neighbors, and compared to Southeast Asian countries, is much less developed economically. However, don’t assume that just because the country is underdeveloped, it is flinging open its doors to tourists. In actual fact, they vet all visitors very carefully. Bhutan is not a place for backpackers, and it does not offer adequate services to satisfy this style of traveller.

The careful scanning of visitors ensures that everyone who comes to Bhutan will enjoy the perfect experience, it helps to protect the environment, and the country enjoys revenue from a more high-brow, upmarket form of tourism.

To come to Bhutan, visitors must purchase apack age from a licensed travel company, with a minimum spending per day of 200USD during the low season (January, February, June, July, August, December) and 250USD during peak season (March, April, May, September, October, November). This will cover all of your expenses, including accommodation, three meals, taxi rides, guides and entrance fees to tourist attractions. After buying a tour from a licensed tour operator, there will be no added fees except for your airfare and a Visa fee of 43USD. You can only get a Visa after paying for the tour, and the tour operator can take care of the Visa procedure for you.

Only two airlines currently offer flights to Bhutan and both are Bhutanese carriers. Flights currently operate out of Thailand, Singapore, India and Nepal. The airfare is prohibitively expensive and there are few other options. Compared to airfares from low-cost carriers, the prices of Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines are intimidating. In addition to proprietary reasons, Paro Airport (the only international airport in Bhutan) sits precariously at the bottom of a valley, which makes it hard for foreign airlines to access. Few pilots are even licensed to land here, and only aircraft specifically built for the purpose – with specially designed engines, can land in Paro.

Flying from Bangkok or Singapore can be expensive (650USD and up) but you can also fly from India or Nepal. With this option, you can explore India or Nepal as well as Bhutan.

Despite the difficulty in getting there, flights to Bhutan are always full. During the peak season, you need to book early to have any chance of exploring this mysterious land. Maybe it’s a combination of these difficulties, the magical environment, the traditional culture and the seemingly strange policies that ensure happiness for the locals that have turned Bhutan into the perfect fairytale nation – a country that people from all walks of life and all four corners of the globe aspire to visit at least once in their lifetime.

Travip | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

10 must-see shows in Southeast Asia

Thanks to the internet, performers today have to compete with dozens of other performers and about 5,000 marketing messages trying to get viewers’ attention. Today, buying a ticket to be immersed in one performance can be a special experience. For travellers, seeing a show in a new destination is not merely entertainment, but can also help them learn about the local culture.

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MALAYSIA

MUD Kuala Lumpur

MUD Kuala Lumpur is an impressive show, telling the story of Mamat, Meng and Muthiah, three friends who move to a small town in Kuala Lumpur together to find new opportunities. Along the way, they meet many people, each with a colourful personality and life story. This is the story of people who came together to create the modern-day Kuala Lumpur. MUD show takes place at Panggung Bandaraya, the city’s 113-year-old theatre.

Address: Panggung Bandaraya, Jalan Raja, City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.

Time: There are two shows a day at 3 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

Tickets: 84,8MYR (about 19USD).

THAILAND

Phuket FantaSea

It’s truly a fantasy when you can enjoy a performance and the local cuisine at Southeast Asia’s largest buffet, with a capacity of 4,000 people. Phuket’s most spectacular show features incredible set design, sound effects, lighting, smoke, fire and a cast of hundreds. The show brings to life the traditional colours of Thailand, with circus and acrobatic acts, elephant acts, carnival performances, and impressive ballet dances. You’ll be mesmerised by the traditional dances from different regions of Thailand, shadow puppet acts and the splendid costumes of the artists on stage. In addition to the human performers, the show also sees the participation of elephants, tigers, buffalos, chickens, and pigeons. After the show, you can pay a small price to take photos with the performers, both humans and animals!

Location: Golden Kinnaree buffet restaurant, Kamala Beach.

Time: 9 p.m. every day

Tickets: to watch show: 1,800THB (50.7USD), to watch the show with buffet: 2,200THB per adult (62USD) and 2,000THB per child aged 4 to 12 (56.4USD)

Siam Niramit

Siam Niramit, (Siam’s Dream) is a traditional Thai art show that mesmerises its audience. It recreates the entire history of the Kingdom of Thailand in three acts. It takes places on a massive stage and features over 100 actors and 500 costumes. The show is 80 minutes long without an interval.

Location 1: Siam Niramit Phuket Theatre, 55/81 Moo 5, Chalermprakiet Road, Rassada, Muang, Phuket 83000. Time: 8:30 p.m. every day (except Tuesday). Starting at 8:05 p.m. the theatre provides pre-show activities like elephant riding and feeding, visiting traditional villages, seeing outdoor dances and buying souvenirs. If you wish to enjoy the buffet before watching the show, you should arrive at 5:30 p.m.

Location 2: Siam Niramit, Ratchada Niramit Co., Ltd., 19 Tiamruammit Road, Huaykwang, Bangkok 10320. Time: 8 p.m. every day, pre-show activities start around 7 – 7:30 p.m.

Ticket prices: to see the show: 1500 – 2,000THB (42.3 – 56.4USD), with dinner: 1,850 – 2,350THB per adult, (52.22 – 66.3USD), 1,710 – 2,210THB per child (48.2 – 62.3USD) depending on seating.

Khon-Thai classical masked dance

Sixty masked dancers wearing splendid costumes perform on the brilliant stage of the 80-year-old Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre, one of the four biggest theatres in Bangkok. “Hanuman Chankamhaeng” is a compelling, surreal story featuring the traditional hundred-year-old Khon dance, which can fascinate anyone.

Location: 66 Charoen Krung Road, Phra Nakorn District, Bangkok 10200.

Time: 7:30 p.m. every Thursday and Friday.

Ticket prices: 1,200 / 1,000 / 800THB (33.9 / 28.2 / 22.6USD) depending on seating location.

MYANMAR

Zat Pwe

Zat Pwe is not the name of a show, but a style of traditional performing art in Myanmar that has existed since the 19^th century. It is a combination of song, dance, theatre and comedy. It is said that you need to understand the culture of this country before understanding the meaning of a Zat Pwe play. Actors (mintha) will lead the stage, accompanied by actresses (minthamee) and clowns, to the music of hsaing waing – a set of traditional percussion instruments. Previously, a traditional Zat Pwe play did not take place on a stage. It usually started around 2 – 3 a.m. and lasted through the night until dawn. Zat Pwe plays feature royal dances and traditional string puppets to tell the legends in history, the teachings of Buddha in the Jataka stories, or modern-day problems like family conflicts, addictions and corruption.

Location: Karaweik Palace, Kandawgy, Mingalar Taung Nyunt, Yangon.

Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. every day.

Tickets: 30USD per adult, 15USD per child age 5 – 12.

You can also see Zat Pwe performances at festivals hosted at temples or cultural centers, performed by traditional Zat groups like Shwe Man Thabin – which currently has two touring companies and regularly hosts free performances.

String puppets

Thailand is famous for shadow puppets, Vietnam is known for water puppets, Myanmar also offers specialities in string puppets, which you can see at many different places. Previously, puppetry was only performed for kings and royalty. Now, it’s a way to tell the audience about literature, history, religion, customs and social events in Myanmar.

A performance begins with gongs playing along with ceremonial dances performed by the medium to show respect to the nats and the spirits. With only a few strings, artists can perform complex movements, with the puppets moving rhythmically with the music and singers. Artists need extremely good memories to perform a long show with many detailed dances.

Address: Mandalay Marionettes Theater, 66th Street, Mandalay / Htwe Oo Myanmar Puppet Theater, No. 12, Yama Road, Ahlone, Yangon.

Time: 8:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Ticket price: 8USD per person.

CAMBODIA

Smile of Angkor

Smile of Angkor tells the stories of the history, culture, and spirit of Cambodia. The 75-minute show is divided into six acts, including “Dialogue with God”, “Glorious Kingdom”, “Resurrection of the Gods”, “Churning the Sea of Milk”, “Prayer for Life and “Smile of Angkor”. The Bayon temple in Siem Riep has 54 statues with 216 faces of Avolokitesvara, but only one is smiling, and it is also the symbol of Cambodia. The show sports impressive lighting effects, water effects, fire and smoke effects, and sound effects. You’ll see traditional Cambodian dances such as shiva, apsara, the warrior dance, the peacock dance, the monkey dance, bokator (traditional Khmer martial arts) and the royal candle dance.

Address: Smile of Angkor Grand Theatre, Siem Reap (located 10 minutes away from Angkor Wat by bus).

Time: 7:30 – 8:45 p.m. every day (If advance tickets for the 7:30 p.m. show are sold out, organizers will host another show from 6 – 7:15 p.m.)

Tickets: 30 – 40USD depending on seating location, excluding buffet; 38 – 48USD depending on seating location and including buffet. Children under 1.4 metres can get a 50% discount.

VIETNAM

A O – My village – The mist – Teh Dar

Vietnam has many traditional art forms, but it is difficult for a foreign visitor to fully understand them because of the difference in language, culture, and medium. However, Lune Production performances are unique performances that can mesmerise the audience, both Vietnamese and foreign. The three shows by Lune Productions (A O, My village and The mist) are contemporary circus performances, but in the theatre, you’ll see that it’s not merely a circus act. Sure, the performers excel in the difficult stunts and amazing circus acts. But more than that, you’ll be stunned by the traditional Vietnamese sets that feature materials made from bamboo and also by the traditional costumes. The stories, adorned by the lighting and sound effects, will recreate the Vietnamese spirits on stage. This is the story of Vietnam told in a contemporary way.

Address: A O, The Mist, Teh Dar are performed at HCM Opera House, No. 7 Lam Son Square, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, HCMC. Tickets start at 630,000VND. The Village is performed at Hanoi Opera House, No. 1 Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, tickets: 530,000VND.

Time: 6 p.m. on scheduled days. To see performance schedule, visit luneproduction.com

Ionah

The performance features primarily circus acts, combined with contemporary dance, belly dancing and hip hop dancing performed with impressive lighting and sound effects and even 3D presentations.

The show starts at the modern-day setting in Hanoi, but quickly changes when the protagonist is caught up in a surreal world of her own emotions: jealousy, anger, struggling to find the true meaning and values of life and love. This struggle is expressed in impressive body language, lighting and 3D effects, offering an enchanting visual feast for the audience.

Location: Star Galaxy Theatre, 87 Lang Ha Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi

Time: 8 p.m. every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Ticket price: 750,000 – 950,000VND depending on seating location.

Four Palaces

This cultural and spiritual show, “Tu Phu” (Four Palaces) was introduced in February 2016, and has wowed both Vietnamese and foreign audiences. The show offers a great experience of a unique ritual performance of Vietnam’s ‘len dong’ (to mount the medium) of Dao Mau, a Vietnamese mother goddess religion. The show takes place on the spectacular stage of the Workers’ Cinema in Hanoi. The outstanding visuals, music, colourful customs and lively dance performance have brought to life this unique custom of Vietnam, that was recently recognized by UNESCO as an “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity”.

Address: Workers’ Theatre, 42 Trang Tien Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Time: Two 45-minute showings take place at 6 & 7 p.m. every Thursday and Saturday.

Ticket price: 125,000 – 295,000VND

Nhung Nguyen | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

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

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

Tomb of Tu Duc – Tomb of Dong Khanh

Hue City Centre – City of heritage

Garden Houses – Prominent architecture in Hue

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

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

Thuan An Beach – A place for relaxing and fun

Seafood buffet dinner – La Brasserie

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

Imperial City – A once magnificent citadel under the Nguyen dynasty

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

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

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

Mount Ngu Binh – The soul of Hue

Lang Co Bay – Breathtakingly beautiful

Bach Ma National Park – Explore the wonderful nature

Hai Van Pass – The most scenic mountain pass

Visa

Weather

Costs

Physical ability

Medications

Food

Must-have items

A land of mysteries

The most dangerous route in the world

Dream realized

Learn to face and accept the risks

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.

A fairy-tale kingdom

Well-preserved traditions

Strangely delicious cuisine

Great environment

Bhutan is not for everyone

MALAYSIA

THAILAND

MYANMAR

CAMBODIA

VIETNAM

Ionah