Wanderlust Tips Team, Author at WANDERLUST TIPS • Page 166 of 195

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Alexis Toh Mu Qin: I’ll know I’ve led a fulfilling life

Come from Singapore, the girl has exchange a stable 5-to-9 job in a multinational company to be a wanderer who travel the world with her wholeheart. Let’s look at what she shared on Wanderlust Tips Magazine December issue.

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About me and my passion for travel

I’m Alexis Toh Mu Qin, a food and travel writer and photographer for www.misstamchiak.com from Singapore. I have my own travel blog at www.alexisjetsets.com. I love capturing moments with my camera so when I look back at the memories I will have created thirty or fifty years down the road, I’ll know I’ve lead a very fulfilling life.

2017 plan

I’ll be travelling to Seoul at the end of this year to celebrate a white Christmas and join in their exhilarating yet traditional sunrise countdown parties to welcome 2017. I aim to enrich myself with more Asian cultures in 2017 as I’ve always travelled to European countries and Oceania previously. So, I’ll be venturing nearby to Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Japan. Japan is wonderful in April thanks to their cherry blossoms and spectacular in August, due to the fireworks competition, as well as, in November as they get the freshest sashimi then.

In Vietnam, I want to experience local traditions and street food in Hanoi, Halong Bay and Ho Chi Minh City. Myanmar would be more adventurous for me as I want to explore the unknown mystical caves and hike its diverse landscapes. As for Cambodia and Laos, their historical architecture never fails to amaze me so I want to see it with my own eyes.

2016 trips

This year (2016) held many surprises for me as I visited Bangkok twice, indulged in Peranakan culture in Malacca and Penang, feasted at the World Street Food Congress in Manila and did a 1.5months solo trip to a few parts of Europe including Munich, Berlin, Copenhagen, Bergen and Reykjavik.

Travelling style

My itineraries are planned according to what I feel like doing and who my travel companions are. Bangkok and Taipei are my favourite destinations for shopping and feasting. For relaxing weekend getaways, I find places with beautiful beaches. I’m more adventurous in Europe and love hiking up the highest peaks for panoramic views. I enjoy communicating with locals and staying at AirBnBs to discover more about their lifestyles as they will show me off-the-beaten tracks, which excite me more than touristy spots. To make the best out of my trips, I always allocate time to learn the history, culture and traditions of the destinations I travel to. Learning never stops for me!

Travel Luggage

Toiletries, clothes, medicine, power adapters. In my carry-on bag: camera, cash, laptop, portable charger, passport, phone, and valuables. I always wear a vintage ring I bought from a flea market a couple of years back. It’s a little heart shape with the initial “M” which represents my Chinese name, “MuQin” and it has been bringing me lots of good luck so far!

Tech gadget

I can’t survive without my iPhone 6S as I use the map to navigate, I book Grabcar or taxis with it, I even take pictures when I’m too lazy to carry my DSLR. I can google for places and keep track of my finances using my apps. I also use it to pen down my notes and thoughts; it’s kind of like my travel diary.

Memorable moment

I have a few interesting stories but my most memorable one was during my days as a student in Germany. I made friends with some really nice German girls and one of them invited me to stay over at her house in her hometown, Fulda. What I didn’t know was the surprise she planned for me! It was amazing beyond words when she gave me a ride on her horse carriage. We rode into the forest during sunset with a few other friends around the end of winter so we were all snuggling under thick blankets while popping champagne to welcome the start of spring!

Hong Nhung | Wanderlust Tips

Ngo Tran Hai An: The passion for travel has changed my life

Sharing on Wanderlust Tips December issue, the wellknown travel blogger Ngo Tran Hai An (Quy Coc Tu – Gui Guzi) revealed his love for travel led him to his soulmate.

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About me and my passion for travel

My passion for travel has changed my life and given me many exciting opportunities. It has also led me to my soul mate and ‘partner in crime’. Life is a journey, and the more I travel, the more I realise how small I am, but my confidence grows. I travel to open my heart and learn about empathy.

2017 plan

I hope to return to Northwestern Vietnam in the spring. It’s the time when heaven and earth are in perfect harmony, flowers bloom and the white clouds are endless. I will travel deep into the villages of Ha Giang province.

I also hope to discover Northern Thailand. I’ve had the chance to discover about 44 provinces in Thailand, and in 2017, I want to fill my travel map by visiting the rest of the country in the North.

Of course my plan will include the mysterious and charming Myanmar.I will also visit Dubai thanks to the invitation of a friend, who owns a tourism company in HCMC. And of course, destinations where I can enjoy the season of yelloweyed grasses, the season of sarus crane, the rainy season and the season of sunflowers. I also want to try skydiving and scuba diving.

2016 trips

2016 was the year of travel for me. I discovered the North of Vietnam with fellow travel enthusiasts. I discovered Southern Thailand, New Zealand and France thanks to the kind invitation of different embassies. I also had over ten trips to the Highlands and South Central Vietnam.

Travelling style

Passion has no limit, and I’m a spontaneous guy. However, in 2017, I want to focus on skydiving and scuba diving experiences. I plan to go scuba diving in Malaysia.

Travel Luggage

In addition to the essentials and survival necessities, I also bring photography equipment, and equipment for special trips such as scuba diving or skydiving.

Tech gadget

My Cannon camera (I plan on purchasing a better one), a GoPro, a Mavis Drone. 2017 will be the year of drones for travel enthusiasts.

Memorable moment

My most memorable journey was to France. Since childhood, my mother has fostered my love for French literature and culture, so I have always dreamed of visiting this place.

I visited places that I had only read about: the grave of Chopin, La Fontaire, Alexandre Dumas, La Dame aux Camélias, Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower.

I lived and breathed French culture, and I discovered the snowy mountains with a professional mountaineer. I regret not being able to visit Mont Blanc – the roof of Europe due to unfavourable weather.

The most emotional journey, however, was when I visited the East of Northwestern Vietnam with a few young travel enthusiasts, I learned and gained so much energy from them, and realised there’s new things to learn every day.

Ngoc Anh | Wanderlust Tips

Nhi Dang: Travelling help finding material for my work

“I love travelling to find more material for my work, try new things and make friends everywhere”, that is what Nhi Dang shared on Wanderlust Tips December issue.

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About me and my passion for travel

I graduated from the University of Economics with a degree in marketing, but I decided to follow my passion in motion graphic and video editing. I love travelling to find more material for my work, try new things, and make friends everywhere. The more I travel, the bigger my heart grows, and the more I learn about myself.

I used to work hard to earn money to travel, until one day, I asked myself: “How do I combine work with my passion, how do I travel and earn money at the same time?” I travelled everywhere and filmed things that I liked, posted videos on videom and Facebook, and many people contacted me for partnerships and to buy my footage! I’m currently building a video – travel – food blog to share my passion and will hopefully find sponsors for my travels!

2017 plan

I always love to experience savannahs, and I’ve been planning to visit people who lead nomadic lives in Mongolia for a long time. After seeing documentaries on National Geographic about the last tribe that hunts with eagles and reindeer herders in deserted lands.

2016 trips

2016 ended with three exciting journeys: Myanmar in February (this was my second time visiting Bagan, Mandalay, Inle lake, Yangon and Hsipaw); Bangkok, Thailand in May (a culinary trip for our blog Hate to Eat); Ladakh and West India in August.

I am inspired to visit Iceland after seeing the film “The secret life of Walter Mitty”. Iceland seems like heaven on earth with its long silky roads and glaciers contrasting with majestic volcanoes.

Travelling style

I love visiting new and impressive places, both in terms of landscape and culture, rather than beautiful and luxurious places. Taking photos and filming are always the most important, so before each trip I search for photos and information to find the best location and plan my trip.

Travel Luggage

In addition to personal belongings and a first aid kit, passport, cash, VISA card and smartphones are important. Equipment like camera, battery, memory card, two back up hard drives and a tripod are also indispensable for me.

Tech gadget

A camera and an iPhone are must-haves for me on every journey; they help me quickly record every beautiful and spontaneous moment. A smartphone is also useful to find information, get directions, accommodation, dining, shopping, travel tips, and connect with my friends and family through Facebook and email.

Because I’m filming and photographing, I also need a small 11 or 13-inch laptop to store and edit things during the journey.

Memorable moment

The first time I visited Indonesia, upon arriving at the airport, I immediately got on a local bus for a 12-hour journey to visit the Ijen volcano complex. The weather was extremely hot, but an entire day on a bus was exciting. Every time the bus stopped, street vendors got in and started handing things to tourists, and came back around to see if anyone wanted to purchase or return them. They were smiling happily even if you didn’t purchase anything.

Every time the bus stopped, street musicians got in and performed, chasing away the heat on a bus without air-conditioning. I checked in at the hotel at midnight, and only got three hours of sleep because I had to get up early for a hike the next morning. None of us were tired because we were pumped with energy for the trip.

In Myanmar, I was impressed because the people there were so friendly. When we got lost, we would pull up to a small street vendor to ask for directions. We asked one person, but several people came to help, one even drove somewhere and returned with a map to give to us.

Ngoc Anh | Wanderlust Tips

Tam Bui: I love telling story with pictures

Being stunned by worldwide landscapes, Tam Bui or Pu Gung Ying loves to tell his journeys by capturing beautiful photos.

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About me and my passion for travel

I love telling stories with pictures. Travelling gives me more photographic material for my stories. I’m a world wanderer who loves to explore every corner of this wonderful world.

2017 plan

2017 promises to be filled with new and exciting adventures. My first trip will be to visit the Holi Festival in India this April. My next destinations will be Egypt in May, Sala De Yuni (Bolivia) in July, Mongolia in September, Loi Krathong festival in Chiang Mai, Thailand in November. I also hope to finish my second travel book, to be published in early 2018.

2016 trips

2016 ended with four exciting trips for me: exploring the mysterious country of Myanmar, a thrilling journey to Larung Gar (Tibet) and autumn in Northwest China (Guangxi, Yunnan, Beijing). China was also the final destination in 2016 for me to complete my first travel book, to be published in April 2017.

Travelling style

I travel to photograph, so most of my destinations have rich ethnic culture. I want to first explore destinations in Asia like India or China, before exploring other continents like Africa or South America to visit Egypt, Bolivia and Madagascar.

Travel Luggage

I love photography so camera equipment is a necessity; everything else needs to be as light and compact as possible. My luggage usually consists of 3 outfits, my kindle, laptop, smartphone, camera, outlet, bankcard, and passport. I have to go everywhere with my North Face climbing shoes, it is my lucky charm.

Tech gadget

My camera and laptop are must-haves on every trip for me. I also want to use a portable Wi-Fi router on my future journeys to stay connected and upload my photos regularly.

Memorable moment

My most memorable and thrilling experience was my journey to Larung Gar (Tibet) where I was detained at a police station. After spending almost an entire day on the bus, only 30 kilometres away from the destination, my bus was stopped by border patrol, only Chinese nationals could enter, and foreigners were detained at the police station and forced to return home the next morning. I did not give up.

When I was escorted to the nearby hotel to stay for the night, I sneaked out and asked locals to put me in the back of their car and travelled at night to avoid the police. After one hour of waiting anxiously, I reached Larung Gar and got some of the most beautiful photos I’ve ever taken.

Ngoc Anh | Wanderlust Tips

Tran Thuong: I want to experience many things and capture every moment on the road

From the manigicent Nothern moutains to the stunning Southern islalnds, Tran Thuong has set his footsteps on many beautiful Vietnamese landscapes as well as legendary spots worldwide. Wanderlust Tips December issue has shared his experience about his unique journeys.

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About me and my passion for travel

My greatest passions are travel and photography. I want to experience many things and capture every moment on the road. Besides taking photos of nature, I love to explore and discover the local lifestyles and cultures at every destination.

2017 plan

I have plenty of plans for the new year: conquer the mountains in the Northwest Vietnam; visit Southern islands like Cu Lao Cau, Phu Quy, Tho Chu; visit seasonal destinations during flower season, harvest season, rainy season; visit Japan during cherry blossoms season; and discover Europe in autumn.

2016 trips

Two of my longest trips this year were my motorcycle road trip around Ladak, India and my journey to Larung Gar Buddhist Academy in China. I also spent a few short trips visiting familiar destinations and had some new experiences in Vietnam.

Travelling style

As a photography enthusiast I love visiting places with beautiful scenery and unique culture. I also love mountain climbing and trekking because it helps me improve my physique and conquer my fears.

Travel Luggage

For a travel enthusiast like myself, luggage is always light because I only bring the necessities. Must-haves for me include my camera and for some trips my drone. If I’m riding of course I need a bandana, a multifunctional scarf, gloves and quick-drying clothes.

Tech gadget

Must-have tech for me is a camera and I want to bring a compact drone on every journey.

Memorable moment

My most memorable trip was a motorbike road trip around Ladakh, India with my friends. We drove over some of the highest mountain passes in the world, covered in thick snow and biting cold, and we saw some of the most magnificent scenery at the foot of the Himalayas. The other memorable moment was when I watched the sunrise at Pango lake on the border between India and Tibet, which gave me an indescribable feeling. Or when my bike fell on a sandy hill. These are unforgettable memories.

Ngoc Anh | Wanderlust Tips

Nguyen Hoang Bao: My biggest passion is to discover new destinations

Discovering corners of 70 countries, spanning over 5 continents, Nguyen Hoang Bao, who is known as Foot Steps, has spreading the spirit of travel too all people around him. He has shared his love of travel with readers of Wanderlust Tips December issue.

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About me and my passion for travel

I am currently a lecturer at the Ho Chi Minh City University, but my biggest passion is to discover new destinations. My ‘fortune’ is the stories I’ve acquired after visiting 70 countries, spanning over 5 continents.

These stories are documented in my book “Doc Hanh” (Lone Travel), my brainchild, conceived after wandering along the Silk Road.

2017 plan

In early 2017, I will take a long trip – from late winter to the end of spring – starting from cold Hokkaido, Japan and ending in Southeast Russia. On this journey I will experience the cold in different regions, riding on a train across the prairie of Siberia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Turkey and Eastern European countries, and I hope to welcome the spring in Greece.

I am intrigued by train rides across the Eurasian continent, some of the most spectacular train routes in the world, spanning over 9,000 kilometres from Vladivostok to Moscow.

My stops are numerous countries with diverse cultures, religions and rare natural landscapes; this is a three-month journey I cannot resist and it is happening very soon.

2016 trips

In 2016, my enriched my fortune with two long trips. The first was to wild East Africa, home to amazing national parks. The second was to the autonomous region of Xinjiang Uyghur in northwest China, where there are still relics of the first arduous journeys of the traders on the Silk Road.

Travelling style

My passion is exploring new cultures on every journey. In every new place, I learn more about unique cultures that are new to me and that I’ve never seen or heard of before. On these journeys, I collect knowledge that helps me piece together a colourful world.

The world is multidimensional with its many different cultures, religious beliefs, languages and customs, but what everyone has in common is love.

Travel Luggage

My suitcase or backpack is always light, with only necessities like clothing, a first aid kit, survival tools, smartphones, my laptop, a small notebook to log the journey and a tape recorder to help me store every feeling on the road. Travel guidebooks are my companions on every journey, and they have helped me through many problems when I needed them.

Tech gadget

My long trips would not be possible without a smartphone, equipped with a variety of features: Internet connection, a camera, and several travel apps.

Memorable moment when discovering amazing lands

Travelling the Silk Road was a journey that gave me many valuable experiences. Each country made me feel like I was in a different world.

Kuwait is a wealthy country torn between modernity and tradition, between religious practices and modern luxuries; Iran, a land filled with touching stories contrary to the stories you see on the news.

Persian culture is clearly told through the eyes of an Iranian girl in strict religious clothing.

Turkmenistan represents a land unfamiliar to the amateur tourists but is rich in history; or Uzbekistan’s Bukhara citadel, filled with the hallmark of an ancient paradise. I was mesmerised by nomadic festivals held in Song Kul Lake, where snow mountains challenge every visitor.

I experienced haunting roads and met people who have overcome the toughest climate on the divine Pamir road. These stories are never-ending, and my journeys, hopefully, will be never-ending as well.

Ngoc Anh | Wanderlust Tips

Rosie Nguyen loves to be embraced in nature

Get inspiration for your next adventure from the passion and 2017 travel plans of a selection of travel bloggers. Nguyen Hoang Nguyen or Rosie Nguyen has been wellknown among Vietnamese. She has share with Wanderlust Tips December issue her plans for 2017 journeys.

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About me and my passion for travel

I’m an author, facebooker, culture and travel blogger, and a yoga teacher. Beside spending time writing and teaching yoga, I love backpacking and wandering to new places, preferably with a book. I’ve been to 20 countries.

2017 plans

2017 will be full of new adventures. I want to explore more countries in South Asia: the Valley of Flowers, a national park in Uttarakhand, India with heavenly scenery, Nepal, home to colourful Kathmandu and the Everest Base Camp, a destination for trekking lovers. I also want to visit Tibet, home of the Dalai Lama, with secluded temples on hillsides and spectacular natural scenery. This place is special for me because I would love to meditate on Mount Kailash, one of the most sacred places of Tantric Buddhism. Tibet is on of the places I must visit before I die, and 2017 is the year I will make this dream come true.

2016 trips

2016 was the year that I was determined to spend more time focusing on my personal projects, but my feet could not stay still. Along with carrying out some personal projects, I did manage to visit quite a few places: I visited Kyoto on a trip sponsored by the Japanese government; I visited Chiang Mai in Thailand thanks to the invitation from the Tourism Authority of Thailand; I went diving in Phuket in Thailand to celebrate my birthday; I visited Jakarta to attend the Asean Blogger Conference.

I realised that I only travel to foreign countries, and have never even seen many places in my own country. 2016 was the year that I visited the most places in Vietnam. In August, I visited Ly Son island to participate in a project for waste management and coastal protection. In September, I participated in “Chuyến Xe Tuổi Trẻ” (Journey of Youth) and travelled across Vietnam to meet, talk to, and inspire youths and encourage them to read. In November, I visited Da Nang and Hue to organise a reading.

Travelling style

I love nature and outdoor activities. Mountains, beaches and forests have a special appeal to me. Therefore, I always choose wild destinations so I can be at one with nature and fulfil my love for mountain climbing, hiking, or scuba diving.

Travel Luggage

I have a habit of keeping my bags light on every trip. With some quick-drying and light yoga clothes and walking shoes, I can conquer the world. A sarong given to me by an Indonesian friend, who bought it on Bali. It’s extremely useful, I can use it as a wrap when I visit temples, use it as a mat to sit on when I’m at the beach, or as a towel when I go swimming, as a yoga mat, or as a scarf when it’s cold.

Tech gadgets

A portable Wi-Fi router, the size of a backup battery, which can automatically connect to mobile networks when you’re aboard, lets you connect to the Internet wherever you are. As a blogger/facebooker, my work depends largely on social media and I need to constantly update my online presence. This device helps me work and connect with my friends and family while I’m moving.

Memorable moment

I’ve been to many places in the world, but the most memorable for me was one in my motherland. It was a 100-kilometer long trekking trip along the Ta Nang – Phan Dung road, known as the most beautiful road for trekking in Vietnam. My companions and I walked in the forests for 5 or 6 days, every day we travelled over 30 kilometres wearing a 20-kilogram backpack.

We didn’t have enough food, didn’t shower for a few days, and even had to drink water sparingly, but we had some wonderful memories too. We slept under the starry sky, embraced the entire universe, collected bamboo by the river to kindle a fire and cook some rice and dried fish, and played games with friends and send our laughter as echoes into forest. The trip allowed me to see that I can achieve things I thought were impossible, and I was so proud to have overcome my own fears of this thrilling experience.

Ngoc Anh | Wanderlust Tips

Wanderlust Tips travel magazine’s January issue 2017: Flavours of Tet

January issue 2017 of Wanderlust Tips Magazine will bring the warmest flavors to Tet holiday and suggest great journeys for a new year.

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Tet (Lunar New Year) comes bearing gentle sunlight reflecting on fragile peach blossoms. Children delight with new clothes and toys, their faces lit up with a constant smile. The skilful hands of the women of the house prepare traditional feasts…

And these Tet feasts are not merely food, but wishes for a full and prosperous new year. With a little twist the indispensable traditional ingredients renew the flavours of Tet. Everyone who’s been away from home during Tet has surely missed gathering with their family for the Tet feast, sharing memories from the year passed and looking forward to a blissful new year.

Nobody knows when it happened but the definition of ‘Tet’ has been expanded beyond the borders of one’s own home and the traditional Tet values. Modern Tet can mean travelling with one’s family, spending time together, enjoying a new spring and relaxing after a long year. To prepare for a perfect journey, do not forget to plan your budget so you can comfortably enjoy your vacation without having to worry about money.

There’s nothing better than to enjoy a relaxing vacation with your family during the new year celebration. Spring vacation is a unique experience with its unique tastes, refreshing your mind and body, so you can return feeling fully refreshed and ready to take on the challenges of a new year.

We wish you a wonderful, inspiring new year with endless journeys!

Wanderlust Tips

Indulged in the most romantic spots around the world

Whether you’re in the first flush of love or have a ruby wedding anniversary approaching, 50 destinations shown up in the latest book of National Geographic would grant you an option.

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The World’s Most Romantic Destinations: 50 Dreamy Getaways, Private Retreats, and Enchanting Places to Celebrate Love, by National Geographic – has revealed the spellbinding locations to enchant your partner with. They range from cobbled streets of Italy to the sand-kissed beaches of Hawaii, from Paris in springtime, to Victoria Falls in the summer, you and your loved one will never stop being amazed by the breathtaking landscapes.

Daily Mail | Wanderlust Tips

Quest Festival – Art, music & revelling in nature

The quiet forest awakens with the burning passionate sound of music and beautiful artistic performances that resonate deeply with everybody.

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Thu Phuong, a marketer in Hanoi, has heard about big and exciting music festivals being held in nature in the West, but she never thought she would have this experience in her own hometown.

Quest Festival is a world-class, premier music festival in Asia, put on by event organiser from around the world. When Quest first released information about its return, Phuong’s friends quickly shared it with her, and invited her to this exciting getaway.

It took just a few clicks and they received their tickets to the festival, alongside bus tickets and their tent allocation. Located only 40 kilometres from Hanoi’s city centre, the event is hosted at Son Tinh Camp. This unique eco-friendly camp is located next to a romantic lake, surrounded by forest and overlooks the majestic Ba Vi mountain. It is an ideal place for camping, an indispensable part of the Quest Festival experience.

Right after their arrival, the group eagerly went out to discover everything this festival has to offer. They started with rope games right by their tents, and everyone had a great time trying to walk on a tightrope.

Though having fun with the games, the sound of music drew the crowd towards the Emperor Stage. The stage had eye-catching décor of a face wearing a crown representing Van Lang culture, reminding people of the Hung King. The theme of this year’s festival was the myth of Son Tinh – Thuy Tinh.

The Emperor Stage provided alive and diverse musical experience, from funk, jazz, hip-hop, beatboxing, rock, country to traditional Irish and Celtic music. Meanwhile, Thuy Tinh Stage and Quest Embassy Stage were the places for EDM fans to go revel. The white ice representing the angry heart of Thuy Tinh dramatically changed colour over the course of the performances. The dome and arches of the stages transformed thanks to the lighting effects in sync with the beat of the most talented DJs from Hong Kong and Thailand, fanning the flames of passion for music lovers.

After seeing numerous musical performances by both Vietnamese and foreign artists, Phuong was completely overwhelmed by the performances at the Quest festival. “Performances combine music and lighting, igniting the entire forest. There’s never been such a grand musical event in Vietnam, with the participation of 150 artists from Vietnam and abroad: Say Yes Dog from Luxembourg, Windstar Soul, Squideye from the USA, Phaze from France, Matt Montez Duo, Jon Kennedy from the UK, Aqatuki from Japan, Hazard Clique, Kimmese, Phuc Tap and Saigon Soul Revival from Vietnam. Every stage looked and sounded amazing,” Phuong said.

Ha My from Ho Chi Minh City thought that the performances at Quest Festival were diverse, providing options for the audience and satisfying music fans with different tastes. “Music is played non-stop for three days straight. You can ‘rock’ at night-time, in the morning, and even in your dreams, if you’re up for it,” My said enthusiastically: “I hope that Quest will soon come to Saigon so that Saigonese can enjoy this amazing cultural event.”

In addition, to live music, the Khong Sao Commune theatre (the name represents all those people who had ‘no problem’ during the battle of Son Tinh – Thuy Tinh) showcased diverse performance arts including theatre, improv, contemporary dance, fire dance, slam poetry, magic, and circus acts.

In addition to watching, the audience could also discover their artistic talent by participating in workshops for improvisational theatre, juggling, yoga, face painting, colour painting with special materials and installation art with artists.

There was also an outdoor cinema for movie fans to enjoy short 3 to 10-minute films by Hanoi Doclab, one of Vietnam’s leading independent film producers, showcasing the latest from the indie film movement in Vietnam and the South East Asia. The myth of Son Tinh – Thuy Tinh was also retold in an independent film here. “Not only was I able to discover the novelty of Western culture, but we also revisited the fascinating culture of Vietnam, in a whole new light. Our foreign friends, in their creative ways, have made me realise the beauty in our traditions and legacy, and we need to appreciate and preserve them,” Phuong said.

When you need to take a break from the music and the bustling activities, you can discover European, Indian and Vietnamese cuisine without using cash. Your cashless wristband allows you to deposit money and pay electronically in seconds.

Or you can enjoy nature by swimming in the lake, sitting on a swing hanging from a tree or joining your group of friends out in the green to enjoy a cold beer, or simply watch the clouds. “I love the atmosphere at Quest. It’s so crowded and loud but so fun and freeing. I have made so many new friends from different countries,” said My: “one thing I learned from them is to work hard and play hard, in the most spirited way, and to be yourself without any hesitation. You’ll see that life’s so beautiful.”

Jin Nguyen | Wanderlust Tips