Wanderlust Tips Team, Author at WANDERLUST TIPS • Page 168 of 195

Mauritius: Better than heaven

Whatever lesson you learn from the book and film “Me Before You” and its theme song “Photograph” by Ed Sheeran, the one message that is delivered most clearly is that of the immortality of good memories in a person’s heart. Mauritius, the backdrop to the wonderful days Will and Clark spend together, is also a favourite destination among many couples in love.

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We keep this love in a photograph

We made these memories for ourselves

Where our eyes are never closing

Hearts are never broken

Time’s forever frozen still

Perhaps this is why Jojo Moves sends her protagonists Will, a handsome disabled young man with failing health and his wholesome caregiver Clark, to Mauritius for a final vacation. Although the trip does not change Will’s decision to find a peaceful death through assisted suicide, it helps the two find love and create unforgettable memories, in a land where time stops.

Mauritius, the backdrop to the wonderful days Will and Clark spend together, is also a favourite destination among many couples in love.

Mauritius – Better than heaven

Mark Twain once said about this island located in the Southwest of the Indian Ocean: “Mauritius was made first, and then heaven, and that heaven was copied after Mauritius.” This quote alone captures the surreal beauty of this island, beautiful beyond people’s imagination.

What is it about this place that mesmerised Mark Twain, and made him compare it to heaven?

Located in the southern hemisphere, Mauritius is blessed with pleasant weather, making it the perfect hiding place for Northerners who seek refuge from the cold.

During a swim in the iridescent blue water of the ocean glistening in the sunlight, you can see the coral reefs protecting the coast. If you have been looking for the perfect destination to go snorkelling or scuba diving, look no further as there is an abundance of species here, including the moray eel, triggerfish, scorpion fish, parrotfish, saurels and sharks.

If you are a fan of plants, don’t miss a visit to the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden, the most beautiful of its kind in the world and home to the talipot palm. It is said that the talipot palm originated from India, and only blooms once during its lifetime, which lasts 30 to 80 years, before withering.

If physical activities are your thing, numerous exciting activities await you amidst spectacular nature. Explore the seven-coloured earth of Chamarel or go hiking in Black River Gorges national park.

What makes this peaceful island truly mesmerising is the harmonious mixture of three cultures originating from Asia, Africa, and Europe. The multi-cultural villages like Petite Julie or Queen Victoria are vestiges of the heritage of French and English culture.

Besides Creole, the official language of the country, which is a mix between French and a number of African and South Asian languages, you hear people of Indian, Chinese, African and European ancestry speak a few Asian languages.

Charming stories

Mauritius is home to the imposing Le Morne Brabant mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The magnificent mountain is a historic reminder to the slaves’ struggle for freedom, as it used to serve as a hiding place for slaves who escaped their suffering. The capital city Port Louis used to be the docking place for slave trafficking across the Indian Ocean.

Today, Mauritius is rich with tea fields, and sugarcane, spices and tobacco plantations. These agricultural products created the prosperity of the island, which is one of the riches on the continent.

To see a model sugar plantation, make sure to visit Le Domaine de Bel Ombre, which covers 2,500 hectares of land nestled between mountains and turquoise lagoons. Built in 1765, this place was cared for by famed Irish botanist, sociologist and scientist Charles Telfair. His heirs breathed new life into Bel Ombre with modern equipment. This created jobs and developed the capacity of the local sugar industry.

Similar to other remains of colonial times on the island, Bel Ombre castle sports long, smooth canopies and is surrounded by a French-style garden, creating a romantic atmosphere for the restaurant that is now situated there.

Enjoy lunch under the shades of trees, have dinner in a room filled with old artefacts, or simply enjoy a cocktail made from locally produced rum.

And in moments like this, think about Mark Twain’s remarks about this island, made over a hundred years ago, and know that you have set foot on one of the greatest paradises on earth.

Must-know

Mauritius Turf Club (M.T.C.) is the second oldest equestrian club in the world, after the U.K.’s Jockey. Champ de Mars racecourse is still the host of the most prestigious races on earth.
Dodo is Mauritius’s national bird. This flightless bird was spotted by Dutch sailors around 1600, and became extinct less than a century later. The existence of the dodo bird is only known through drawings and descriptive writing.
Visitors from Vietnam can apply online for a visa, and receive it at immigration upon arrival.
There is no direct flight from Vietnam to Mauritius. You can transit in Hong Kong, Johannesburg, or Paris. Alternatively, you can book flights from Vietnam to Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur or Singapore, and then fly with Air Mauritius to the island.
Mauritius is home to 150 resorts, and each one covers numerous hectares.

Wanderlust Tips

The Bahamas gained its independence in 1973. The majority (80%) of its population is black, and are descendants of slaves. The current population is nearly 400 thousand people, with an income per capita of US$ 43,000 – an enviable number. Thanks to its beautiful landscape, the Bahamas welcomes over 2 million visitors annually, which makes tourism a key sector for the country’s economy. If you’re not interested in shopping, you can visit the administrative area, with the pink Government House, Parliament Street with the Independence Square, Supreme Court, and National Library. All these buildings have a simple architecture, which fits the friendly nature of the people here.

A journey to realize a dream to Bahamas

I dreamed that one day, I would witness the sunrise on this paradise island, walk peacefully on long dreamy beaches, and swim in the turquoise water with my loved one.

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The first time I learned about the Bahamas was when the 2009 Miss Universe aired on live television. The white sandy beaches complemented by the most beautiful women on the planet, the clear blue water and the tropical coconut trees mesmerised me. Ever since then, I dreamed that one day, I would witness the sunrise on this paradise island, walk peacefully on long dreamy beaches, and swim in the turquoise water with my loved one.

This great desire grew stronger and stronger, until, on a sunny summer day, my dream finally came true. The moment I arrived, I understood why the Bahamas is known as a honeymoon paradise – surrounded by blue sea and full of white sand, blessed with sun, wind and love. After a lot of consideration, we opted for an all-inclusive four-day and three-night cruise amid the immense Atlantic Ocean for our honeymoon, which marked the beginning of our life together as husband and wife.

The cruise departed at 4 pm from Miami, Florida, USA. We wasted no time, and checked in early, much like for a flight. After having been shown our room, we leisurely checked out the swimming pool, ate and discovered the ship before it left the dock.

Majesty of the Seas is one of the smallest ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet, but to us, it seemed giant. The ship sports 12 floors, accommodating up to 2,000 passengers, in addition to 1,000 staff and crew. It takes days to explore all areas of this ship. The big ship and its modern amenities eased my wife’s nervousness and fatigues, despite being prone to seasickness. We immediately gravitated towards the pool area, with its live music, fun hosts and dancers who were performing in flashmobs to Latin music.

Dinner was served in a few different areas to please all passengers. Those who enjoy comfort were best suited with the buffet on the 11^th floor, while the 3^rd and 4^th floor offered sitting dinners for those who prefer class and table service. We chose a quiet spot on the 3^rd floor, as I wanted to have a private, romantic dinner with my wife, who also preferred this atmosphere. The melodious music, exquisite food, and fine wine would have pleased any couple in love.

After dinner, we walked on the deck to enjoy the ocean at nighttime. A little wine at dinner had made her eyes sparkle under the starry sky. During our first night on the cruise, we were surrounded by the deep ocean and felt so peaceful. When we woke up in the morning, we had reached the Bahamas.

Nassau, Bahamas – Paradise Island

Without the sunlight dancing on the windows, I probably wouldn’t have known a new day had broken. We could see Nassau – the capital city of the Bahamas – appear in the distance. I woke up my wife with a light kiss. We didn’t hurry to get to breakfast, but took a walk along the deck to enjoy the fresh ocean air. If you’re luckier than us, you might see a rainbow as an early rain often falls just before dawn. It is believed that couples who hold hands while witnessing a rainbow will be happy together forever.

At around 7:30 am, the ship docked at Nassau port. We took time to enjoy our breakfast, and then got off the ship to explore the city. Nassau is located on New Providence Island, in the northeast of the Bahamas. Despite covering an area of only 5 – 6% of the Grand Bahamas, the city accounts for two-thirds of the entire population, which perhaps explains why Nassau is the capital city.

A bustling shopping area is located on the main street, with goods including jewellery, perfume, ceramics and wine on offer. Tourists can discover and shop at their leisure. Souvenirs such as decorative plates or heart-shaped glasses decorated with photos of the Bahamas are priced at around US$ 12 – 15. My wife was fascinated by the island’s specialties, so we visited the straw market on Bay Street.

The market sells famous handicraft products including hats, baskets, and bags made from palm tree leaves. Both of us love seafood, so before we left, we managed to fill our stomachs with food from the market. “Conch” is a favourite dish of the people here; it resembles oysters but has firmer and whiter meat, and is fried, steamed or served as part of a salad. It is said to be beneficial to men’s health.

The Bahamas gained its independence in 1973. The majority (80%) of its population is black, and are descendants of slaves. The current population is nearly 400 thousand people, with an income per capita of US$ 43,000 – an enviable number. Thanks to its beautiful landscape, the Bahamas welcomes over 2 million visitors annually, which makes tourism a key sector for the country’s economy.

If you’re not interested in shopping, you can visit the administrative area, with the pink Government House, Parliament Street with the Independence Square, Supreme Court, and National Library. All these buildings have a simple architecture, which fits the friendly nature of the people here.

When in Nassau, swimming in the ocean is a must. Nobody can resist the velvety sandy beaches here. Paradise Island is famous for its endless beaches. It’s very convenient to travel from the pier to the island; it only cost us a US$ 4 taxi ride. Beaches here are divided into private and public areas. Public beaches are of course, free, while for access to private beaches, a charge of US$ 50 applies, which includes various services.

The island also has an underwater amusement park – the Atlantis – one of the biggest in the world. However, if you are easily scared, it’s best not to go. We wanted to learn more about the local culture, so we chose to visit a public beach.

Paradise Island is worthy of its name, as even the public beach here is stunning, with smooth white sand, warm and clear blue water. The beach is not as crowded as one would imagine. If you want to rent lounge chairs and umbrellas, you only need to pay US$ 10 for each. The sand was smooth and clean, so after taking a dip in the ocean, we lay on the beach to enjoy the ocean wind and watch the seagulls. Time passed by slowly that afternoon.

After a whole day of sightseeing and swimming in the ocean, we walked back to the cruise for dinner, after which we joined the crowd at the pool for some exotic Latin dancing and fun activities. At 11:30 pm, the ship left Nassau to set sail for another island in the Bahamas.

The night turned the day’s experiences into memories.

Cococay, Bahamas – under the playful shade of the coconut trees

Cococay is a small island in the northwest of the Bahamas. On a map it resembles a small dot alone in the Atlantic Ocean. It is about 7 hours away from Nassau. The large cruise ship could not dock on Cococay Island, so it had to anchor a mile away. Guests were then transported to Cococay on small ferries. Cococay lies on the apex of a triangle, the base of which is the line connecting Nassau and Grand Bahamas. “Cay” probably means island, while “Coco” definitely is derived from coconut, as there are countless coconut trees on the island. At least this was my speculation.

Surrounded by the ocean, the whole island is covered by smooth white sand, with lounge chairs line up under the shade of coconut trees, and no one can resist swimming in the ocean. The beaches are designed in different shapes, including scallops, and are divided into different areas for snorkelling, parasailing, water skiing and kayaking.

When on Cococay, do not miss the chance to relax with your loved one under the canopy of the coconut trees, as the sunlight bounces off your tanned skin and the tourists and locals pass by. Latin Americans are famous for being passionate, and you will see couples entwined, touching lips and sharing romantic moments together.

Lunch was served on the beach, with a BBQ where all kinds of food was served: ribs, chicken, salads, burgers, soft drinks and fruit. I was particularly impressed with the seagulls that were bold enough to sing as they passed by the people on the beach. They were also very disciplined, only eating the leftovers once people had finished their meal.

We were lucky enough to witness a wedding of a local couple, an incredible chance to learn about their culture. The wedding was a mix of European formality and liberal Latin American style. It took place at noon, with six bridesmaids and six groomsmen. They were so friendly, pulling visitors around the beach to join the wedding and take photos with them.

On a holiday like this, time is all yours. Enjoy the sun and the wind on Cococay Island to get the perfect Bahamian tan before leaving and the ship setting sail for another adventure. Our life turns a new page, but our memories of the endless white sand beaches, clear blue water, rows of coconut trees swaying in the wind and my wife softly singing “under the playful shades of coconut trees, say you love me forever…” will remain in our hearts.

W.Tips travel to Bahamas

The best time to visit: The Bahamas has over 300 days of sunshine every year, so you can visit any time. However, to avoid peak season, the time between May to October is the best. The weather is usually warmer from December to April.

Getting there from Vietnam: There is currently no direct flight from Vietnam to the Bahamas. You need to fly to the United States, and fly from there to Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas. If you choose a cruise, you need to fly to Miami, Florida. You should combine a trip to the US with a trip to the Bahamas to save time and cost.

Cost for two people: The all-inclusive five-day and four-night tour for two people (three nights in the Bahamas, one night in Key West) is US$950. The cost of reaching the US depends on the season, airline and ticket.

Cruise activities: If you prefer leisure over moving around, the cruise offers numerous activities, including swimming, yoga, gym, live music and dancing. A theatre is open every night showing theatre performances and variety shows and there are shopping, a casino, or photography studios on board.

What to bring: Swimwear, light and convenient clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, umbrellas, walking shoes, flip-flops or sandals for beach days. A credit card is required for check-in on the cruise, to ensure payment for incurred expenses and a tip for the whole tour (US$50).

Other: You only need a US visa (multiple entry) to enter the Bahamas. English is the country’s official language. The official currency is Bahamas Dollars (BSD); the exchange rate is similar to US Dollars.

Wanderlust Tips

Honeymoon Booking a tour vs. travelling independently

After exchanging wedding rings on the happiest day of your life, the honeymoon that follows is the time to share romantic, unforgettable memories before starting a life together. Some people find immense joy during this romantic getaway with their soul mate, while others find a rough start in their marriage during a troubled journey.

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Should you book a tour or travel independently? This question is one that troubles a lot of couples, as it will impact the experiences had on this special vacation.

Honeymoon tour

It’s not difficult to find tour geared towards honeymooners. Hundreds of travel agents post destination information, schedule and costs online, making it easy to find, compare, and consider the options most suitable to your needs.

Who are tours for?

Couples with little travel experience, for whom the honeymoon may be the first trip the two take together, may be best served with a tour. To minimise the risks of having their high expectations for this trip disappointed, it is ideal that they only have to discuss the destination and budget and leave the rest of the planning to professionals. International trips especially require a lot of preparation, from paperwork, exchanging money to language and cultural barriers, which can befuddle newlyweds if they don’t regularly travel overseas. A tour that includes travel insurance and a knowledgeable guide is the best choice, as it will minimise any confusion.

It is also possible that the happy couple does not have the time to prepare for a honeymoon, due to being busy at work, not having enough vacation time, or being rushed with wedding preparation. They do not want to spend time researching and worrying about the trip, and would rather enjoy an all-inclusive service. With a tour, they do not have to worry about the choice of transportation, which hotel is the closest to the attractions they want to see or which restaurant offers the best local experience and the most romantic atmosphere, with candlelight and live music, to celebrate their love. And when it comes to photos of the two of them, they can simply ask their guide and not have to worry about finding a stranger each time they want to capture a memory.

Disadvantages of honeymoon tour

There are many advantages to booking a tour, but there are also undeniably disadvantages. If you want to sleep in after a tiring day of activities, you’ll probably waste the buffet breakfast and several other planned activities that you have already paid for. The cost of a honeymoon tour is often high, so many couples try to savour every minute, following the detailed plan of the tour regardless of their health or spontaneous desires.

On a crowded tour, it will be more difficult for you to enjoy your privacy. Passionate kisses, intimate gestures, moments gazing into each other’s eyes will undoubtedly be interfered with by the awkwardness of travelling among strangers.

Tips

A helpful tip for finding the perfect honeymoon tour is to ask acquaintances for advice, seek out reputable sources, and check online reviews of your tour and the tour company. Travel websites often blind you with big words and impressive PR tactics, but reality may not meet your expectations. For the same destination and duration, different tour companies can vary in cost and activities offered.

Recommended tours

Check out the four-night and three-day tour to Nha Trang – Dalat for Newlyweds offered by Tripi at a reasonable price of 4,890,000VND per person. This exciting tour has destinations like Vinpearl Land Nha Trang (ticket to the park is excluded), the city park, Datanla waterfall, or the Valley of Love in Dalat on its itinerary. There are other domestic tours in the price range from 3 – 5 million Vietnamese Dong, including Danang – Hoi An, Ly Son – Bai Rang and Hanoi – Quy Nhon. Four days and three nights is plenty of time for a couple to relax and not too long to get bored.

If you can afford a honeymoon overseas, check out romantic destinations include tours to Seoul – Nami Island – Jeju Island – Everland Park (South Korea), cruise tours along the Volga River and tours to Greece – Santorini Island – Turkey. Big travel companies such as Vietravel or Vietrantour regularly offer discounts during the honeymoon season. You can find out more information on the company’s website.

Independent travel

If you do not want to be constrained by tight schedules and rules and hope to create a unique journey for your first getaway as husband and wife, you will definitely enjoy an independent trip.

Advantages

One option is to visit popular tourist destinations in Vietnam like Dalat, Phu Quoc or Ha Long Bay. Other foreign destinations are the ones dubbed “heaven on earth” such as Jeju Island, Bali, the Maldives, or the happiest country in the world: Bhutan. A trip to one of these places can make for a unique and exciting experience and one that a tour cannot give.

The cost for a trip like this is not necessarily lower than buying a tour. However, if your budget requires it, you can design a trip that minimises the cost. This getaway will be the start of your new life together, so the most important thing should be your happiness, and not how much money you spend. If you’re on a tight budget, you can plan your honeymoon after your wedding. This way, you can better judge your financial situation and decide how much you can spend on your honeymoon. Do not let this happy trip become a financial burden.

Disadvantages

You can be in charge of every situation during a self-planned trip, but it will also require more planning to create the perfect honeymoon. You may not have to follow every step in your plan, but careful research will save you time and energy during your journey. Of course, like any other trip, you should bring common medicine, your ATM card, cash, cameras, and get travel insurance.

The key to a successful self-planned honeymoon is to stay calm when things don’t go as planned. There are common risks when travelling, including getting scammed, pickpocketed, lost, or sick on the road. Do not let unfortunate events like these ruin the first few days of your marriage. Not blaming your partner and working on solutions together is essential to enjoying your honeymoon regardless of any misfortune. Did the restaurant you wanted to visit run out of tables? Don’t get angry with your partner for forgetting to make reservations. Instead, walk to the beach, start a bonfire and enjoy some seafood together in front of the beautiful ocean under the stars. For a bit of extra romance order roses to be delivered to your hotel room the next morning to surprise your partner when he or she wakes up.

The recipe for happiness

Truth be told, no trip will be totally perfect. However, the ups and downs of travelling provide the colours to the painting you’re starting to create together. During your honeymoon, you will discover more about the person with whom you’re planning to spend the rest of your life. This can be good or bad, but most importantly, you’ll learn more about each other and work together to deal with the ups and downs of life. This will not only be useful during your travel but also in keeping the passion alive in your marriage.

Five must-haves for a road trip

Imagine spending your honeymoon on a road trip traveling all over the country; spontaneously stop by a lake or spend the night camping after a barbeque. All of which makes for much more exciting than staying at a hotel or being served at a restaurant.

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Doing road trips has recently gained popularity. There is nothing more wonderful than spending a weekend or a holiday with your family on the road, discovering places you have never been to before. Singles can travel alone, or with a group of friends. Your road trip could take you North to visit the terraced fields or to the coast to sunbathe on beautiful beaches.

Set up chairs in a meadow, listen to the wind, and start a bonfire to have a barbeque and make a cup of coffee. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can camp overnight. A car is necessary but definitely not all you need for a trip like this. Below are some of Wanderlust Tips’ suggestions for what you need to bring on your adventure on the road.

1. Mini fridge or cooler

A portable mini fridge that you can plug into the cigarette lighter of your car is a must to keep your food fresh and delicious. If you traveling to the middle of nowhere with your family or a group of friends, it ensures the meat for your barbeque is fresh and the drinks cold. If you have a small car that cannot fit a mini-fridge, a mini cooler might also suffice.

There are many options and sizes, and you can easily fit the cooler in the back seat or the trunk. You can buy a mini-fridge or cooler for prices starting from 1 million VND. The price varies depending on the size, capacity, and features. You can buy them at auto accessory stores, or online shopping sites like Lazada or Sendo. Prominent brands include Mibicool, Deepact, Free cool, and NFA.

2. Inflatable car mattress

Inflatable mattresses specifically designed for cars will turn your backseat into a comfortable bed for a good night’s sleep. You can also use this inflatable mattress outside to sleep in a meadow, or as a pool mattress if you want to sunbathe in the middle of a lake. When not in use, you can fold it up to the size of a laptop. When you need sleep again, it only takes five minutes of inflating before you have a comfortable bed.

An inflatable mattress costs between 800,000VND and a few million VND, depending on the material, brand, and size. You can buy them at auto accessory stores or online at demhoioto.com, demhoioto.us, thanhbinhauto.com, or phukienxehoi.net.vn.

3. Camping tents

For couples that want to enjoy their honeymoon on a road trip, sleeping in a tent in nature can be a refreshing experience. During peak season when it’s impossible to book a hotel, a tent can come in handy. The experience can be romantic, wild, and exciting. If you don’t know how to put together a tent, you can buy a pop-up tent in the appropriate size. Don’t forget to buy the water-resistant kind, and set it up steadily to avoid it being swayed or blown away by the wind.

You can buy tents at outdoor camping stores for prices from 300,000VND to a few million VND depending on the brand, material, and size.

4. Folding chairs

For road trips, folding chairs are must-haves as they provide comfort when you need a rest stop outside. You can use folding chairs while eating, fishing, or simply reading in the poetic landscapes of the mountains. You can use lightweight chairs with backrests and cup holders. Travel stores or fishing equipment stores are where you can find folding chairs, priced from 150,000VND.

5. Roof-bag or cargo carriers

For longer road trips, when your trunk and backseat are already full, rooftop cargo carriers can be lifesavers, especially if your car has roof racks. For clothing and shoes, you can pack them in small bags, and put them in a big water-resistant roof bag, and strap them securely on your roof. For heavier items such as travel stoves, gas cans, or smelly food, it’s best to have a cargo carrier. Roof bags are priced from 1 million VND, and cargo carriers are priced from 3 million VND. You can buy these items at auto accessory stores.

Get packing for your adventurous road trip and start driving!

Wanderlust Tips

honeymoon-experience-discover-and-love02

Honeymoon: Experience, discover and love (Part 2)

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Wanderlust Tips’ recommendations are not guidelines, just tips that may make your honeymoon a unique and unforgettable experience.

Remarkable homestays

Auberge de Meovac – Chung Pua

Auberge de Meovac – Chung Pua, located in Meo Vac town in Ha Giang Province. This place is rich with H’mong culture. The house was reconstructed in the style of traditional architecture with earthen walls, tiles, platforms carved with poppy flowers, and Sa Moc wood from the rocky plateau. Chung Pua has H’mong architecture but is equipped like a luxury hotel, which makes for a unique experience.

Lavie Vulinh

Lavie Vulinh is located in Ngoi Tu Village of Vu Linh Commune in Yen Binh District, Yen Bai Province, by the poetic Thac Ba Lake. Vietnamese-French Fredo Binh in the style of traditional Dao architecture built the place. The eco-friendly area is green and filled with artistic touches.

Puluong Retreat

Puluong Retreat located inside Pu Luong Nature Reserve in Thanh Hoa Province. It is not a local homestay, but everything here leads you to closer to nature. There is no air conditioner or fridge, only fans. The bungalows are located by the terraced fields, and the pools on the mountainside will make you forget about the worries of life.

Phori’s House

Phori’s House is a small homestay located in foggy Sapa. This place is rustic and friendly and will make you feel like you’re in the comfort of your own home. In the afternoon, you can enjoy the view of the sunset on the terraced fields, or enjoy the morning view of Fansipan Peak covered in clouds.

Tre’s House

Tre’s House is a familiar name for visitors who seek an artistic experience in dreamy Dalat. The house is furnished with an antique wooden interior, which has a refreshing fragrance. It has a beautiful European-style back garden.

There are many other notable homestays including Topas Ecolodge, The Haven Sapa Camp Site, Eco Palm House in Sa Pa, Lao Cai Province Mai Chau Ecolodge in Mai Chau valley, Hoa Binh, or the romantic Moc Chau Arena Village in Moc Chau, where you are surrounded by the tea plantations.

Ideal campsites

There are many locations where you can camp on the windy hills or on a peaceful beach. Dong Cao in Bac Giang Province with its immense grass hills, the windy Yen Minh pine forest in Ha Giang Province, and the terrace fields in Hoang Su Phi are great choices. Sapa, Y Ty, or Moc Chau are places where you can camp freely. Others are Son Tra Peninsula in Danang, Tay Giang mountains in Quang Nam, and the Central Highlands by the coffee plantations or in the rubber forests.

If you love the ocean, islands like Co To, Quan Lan, Ngoc Vung, Lang Van at the bottom of Hai Van Pass, Ganh Bang, Cham Island, Ly Son, Mui Doi, Dai Lanh, Ganh Da Dia, Mui Dien, and Binh Ba are places where you can camp and enjoy the ocean. If you’re more adventurous and healthy enough, you can choose a campsite that not many have experienced: inside Son Doong Cave, the largest cave in the world. You will have to travel over 20 kilometers across forests and rivers, passing En Cave to reach Son Doong, a natural wonder. This will be the most unique honeymoon that few Vietnamese couples have experienced.

Halong Bay Cruise

Ha Long Bay is one of the wonders of the world thanks to its stunning natural landscape. You can cruise on the peaceful ocean, enjoy the sunrise and sunset, and sunbathe on deck. There are many cruises on offer including:

A signature, Victoria Star, Au Co, Emeraude, Bhaya, but the most impressive is Paradise Luxury Cruise. Paradise is specially designed for honeymooners, with wine, flower petals decorating the bed, dinner for two, and endless relaxing experiences.

Honeymoon: Experience, discover and love (Part 1)

Wanderlust Tips

Honeymoon: Experience, discover and love (Part 1)

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A homestay in the misty mountains

Imagine a young couple in love, on their honeymoon. It’s early morning when she is woken by a smell that takes her back to her childhood, that of glutinous rice and smoke from the stove. The sun shines on her bed, where she lies next to her new husband, the man she loves most in the world. She gives him a kiss on the forehead, and gently opens the window to let in the sun and the birdsongs. She takes a deep breath of the mountainous morning air filled with dew as if to chase away the dust filling her lungs after years of living in the city. Her husband wakes up, wraps his hands around her, and gives her a passionate kiss. The two stand together by the window and watch the sunrise over the mountain. It’s no wonder that backpackers often advise couples to spend their honeymoon at a homestay in the mountain, rather than visiting a crowded tourist area.Wanderlust Tips’ first recommendation for readers looking for a unique and exciting honeymoon: stay at a homestay in the mountains.

Unlike many think, a homestay does not have to mean poor facilities and sleeping on the floor next to strangers. There are homestays, which make for the perfect lovenests for newlyweds. Some do a great job of representing the local culture while providing modern European-like facilities.

Wake up next to your spouse in an unfamiliar home, in a warm room filled with the smell of freshly cut wood, surrounded by a garden alive with birdsongs. Enjoy a delicious breakfast made on a makeshift wood stove complemented by the laughs and stories of the owner. If you’re into Vietnamese cuisine, dozens of specialties await Glutinous rice grown on weathered rice terraces, dried in Thai wood buckets, which has a sweet taste, fish marinated with wild pepper and grilled over a charcoal fire wrapped in leaves, which you will be tucking into impatiently. If you prefer Western cuisine, the owners will treat you with toast, omelets, eggs, pate, or wine and fruits.

There are plenty of options when it comes to mountain homestays, but most provide the luxury of modern facilities while still incorporating local art and culture. Breakfast here is vastly different from your daily life, as here you can take your time to read and enjoy a cup of coffee or take a walk down the mountain, go swimming, visit a waterfall or stream or simply lay in bed lazily with your spouse to enjoy the birdsongs. You can lie in the hammocks hanging in the sun-filled garden and imagine your future together.

Do not forget to watch the sunset on the mountainside, while listening to bells echo and seeing the smoke rising from people’s kitchens lending the mountain a mysterious feel. Stand together by the window and enjoy the moment. During the quiet nights on the mountains, flickering lights in houses afar reflect the cries of the crickets. A little wine will bring color to your cheeks, and the alcohol will add flavor to your evening. Leave everything behind and go to the mountains, spend a few nights in a homestay and enjoy lifelike curious children.

Cruising on the ocean

If your budget allows boarding a luxury cruise in Halong Bay for your honeymoon. A destination unlike any other. Like a floating castle, luxury cruises have the facilities of an international five-star hotel complete with the staff, crew, and professional chefs to make you feel like royalty. Your needs will be fulfilled every wave of the way.

Imagine yourself enjoying a delicious breakfast on the deck at dawn, surrounded by stunning rock formations. In this atmosphere, there is nothing more intoxicating than a kiss between lovers. The whirr of the ocean, like a lullaby, whisks you away from your busy life. Take the time to enjoy a book and a cup of coffee, or simply sunbathe on the deck after swimming in the pool. You will feel revived, full of energy, and eager to fall in love more deeply. An evening on a luxury cruise is truly romantic. Under the starry sky, a glass of wine will be a great start to an exciting night. Similar to a luxury hotel, you can enjoy spa and beauty services, play sports, or dance to lively music at the onboard club. A great start to your future together!

Discover a mini Europe on Ba Na Hills

If you love art and architecture but lack the time and budget to travel far, Ba Na Hills is a good alternative. Dubbed the Dalat or Sapa of Central Vietnam, Ba Na Hills was explored by the French and turned into the most luxurious resort in Indochina. Today Ba Na Hill is a not-to-be-missed destination for anyone who visits Danang. Traveling on the record-holding cable car, a most beautiful painting of nature appears framed by clouds. On clear days, you can see the entire city of Danang in Vung Thung with its arc-shaped highway connecting Hai Van Pass to Son Tra Peninsula all the way to Marble Mountain and the Cham Islands in the middle of the ocean.

Designed like a mini European city, each small road and square is built in the style of classical European architecture. Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate in the Parisian café, or step into the colorful Le Jardin d’Amour (the garden of love). Wake up during a misty morning after a night filled with love. When the morning sunlight fills your bedroom breakfast will be served in bed. There’s nothing better than to enjoy a special moment in a tropical country filled with a European atmosphere.

You will not run out of things to do in Ba Na. If you have read the novels “Journey to the Centre of the Earth” and “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea” by French author Jules Verne, Fantasy Park will be a great experience for you as it offers over 100 free games. It is one of the five largest indoor theme parks in Asia, inspired by these famous novels. There is also a wax museum with dozens of wax figures of world-famous singers, actors, and politicians, so you can take photos with figures like President Obama, Jackie Chan, or Albert Einstein, which promises to be a fun and exciting time.

If you prefer tasting fine wine, and exploring wine cellars that are hundreds of years old you have also come to the right place. De Bay wine cellar was built in the mountains by the French in 1923, was destroyed during the war, and later rebuilt. Keeping temperature between 16 – 20 degrees Celsius, De Bay stores the finest wines, which the French considered their national spirit and brought to Vietnam to be served at parties. Take a tour of this wine cellar, and visit the distilling bunker, the bar, and the fireplace. Why not enjoy a glass of fine wine at the bar of De Bay and write a beautiful love story together during your life’s most special getaway?

Enjoy four seasons in the mountain

If popular destinations for honeymooners like a beach or an island are not your thing, then visit the mountains. And to avoid crowded tourist destinations like Dalat or Sapa, opt for and experience of ecotourism in Mang Den, Moc Chau, Mai Chau, or other untouched mountain areas. Mang Den mountain, for example, is beautifully unspoiled and simple. The pleasant weather, pine forests swaying in the wind, and the poetic landscape full of lakes and waterfalls, and the rich culture of the Xe Dang Kdoong and Mo Nam ethnic people, all promise an exciting adventure.

The Moc Chau plateau, blessed with cool weather year-round, is a great choice to explore green meadows and tea plantations covering the hills. Here peach and plum blossoms decorate the love stories of H’Mong couples. Moc Chau on the other hand changes its outfit every season. During spring, it sports the colors of peach and plum blossoms, in summer, it’s the green of tea, autumn dies the area golden with the color of sunflowers and the red of poinsettia and when winter arrives it’s the endless hills of colza flowers that lend Moc Chau its charm.

Traveling means happiness

For couples who share a passion for traveling, a journey of discoveries is just what they need on their honeymoon. With a motorbike or car, two people in love can find happiness on the road. There are many itineraries for an exciting journey, from the Northwestern mountains filled with golden terrace fields in the fall to the majestic beauty of Ha Giang’s stone plateaus. You can drive and explore beauty anywhere in the country. You can drive South, from Chi Lang Pass to Central Vietnam to see stunning beaches, and then head to the Central Highlands to explore the Gong culture and coffee plantations. Yet a different ride will take you to the magnificent Saigon, before heading West to set foot on the cape of Ca Mau. Don’t hesitate, just go, and collect the treasure these experiences offer that you can then share together for the rest of your lives.

On a road trip, you can prepare everything together. Study a map to plan your route, and together learn about the culture and customs of every place you visit to create treasured memories for your married life. One car, and two people riding into the sun, the wind, the wild. You can stop spontaneously, and everywhere will be home, everyone will be family when you’re together.

During a golden sunny autumn afternoon, you can chase after the clouds, your hearts filled with happiness. At each turn, you are greeted by a new culture and interesting stories from the locals. When you make a rest stop on the road, you can prepare a small pot and a fire to cook dinner, and the flames will complement the heat of your love. Enjoy a cup of coffee and a barbeque together under the blue sky, and watch flocks of birds returning to their nests. Lean into each other, sing a little song and leave the whole world behind.

There is no word to describe how enriching a road trip can be unless you have experienced this adventure yourself. One day, you’re sitting in the middle of a colorful mountain market, the next you’re sitting on a stool in a small shop, drinking corn wine. Outside an old brick house, a H’Mong guy plays his best songs on his panpipes, searching for love. If you’re used to crowded supermarkets, this is a time to be quiet, enjoy local specialties, drink corn wine and soak in the local culture. Once, I saw a H’mong guy pass out drunk on the side of the road, his wife, carrying his child, sat beside him covering him with an umbrella, and continued knitting, waiting for him to wake up. In the afternoon, the two returned home together.

You can stop your car by a small beach in the West, pristine and beautiful in the sunshine, where you’ll enjoy freshly caught seafood. On the other side of the river, lullabies echo to become the soundtrack of your love story. Together, you can boat along canals and enjoy local delicacies, and at night, stay at the Lover’s home in the peaceful Sadec District. This house witnessed the love story of the young French author Marguerite Duras and Huynh Thuy Le at the beginning of the 20^th century, a story that was later captured in Duras’s world-famous novel “The Lover”. In the morning, you can wake up to the noises of the floating market, surrounded by a Lai Vung mandarin garden. Heading down south towards the Southern cape, you can visit An Giang to see the immense Palmyra palm fields. Your footprints will be imprinted along with the country, which will be a witness to your love story.

Camp amid majestic nature

A final recommendation for an unforgettable honeymoon is camping in a meadow or on an island. You can combine this experience with your road trip, or travel by other means and then experience life as a nomad once you reach your destination. A small tent is enough for two lovers. Making love in this atmosphere will truly be unforgettable. In a tent in the middle of an endless meadow or on a white sand beach, you can lie together and listen to the whirr of the waves and the wind. It will feel like there are only the two of you in the world.

It has been said that happiness is not a destination, but a journey. As long as you are together, every experience will be happy and fulfilling. Do not let yourself be affected by what the world says, go a little crazy, and you will feel happier. Wanderlust Tips’ recommendations are not guidelines, just tips that may make your honeymoon a unique and unforgettable experience.

Honeymoon: Experience, discover and love (Part 2)

Wanderlust Tips

Special fusion Tet dining at Mercure Bana Hills French Village

(#wanderlusttips #MercureBanaHillFrenchVillage) Embark on the Year of Rooster, Mercure Bana Hills French Village offers 2 food and beverage promotions starting from January 28, 2017 (The First Day of Tet) to February 5, 2017 (The 9th Day of Tet).

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At La Crique Restaurant, guests can enjoy the prosperity buffet which features from a lunch meal on your day trip to a festive dinner if you stay over night. Prosperity Buffet is perfect choice to share Tet moments with family or friends at the French Village. The package is priced at VND350,000 net/person, VND450,000 net/person (including free flow of beer &soft drinks).

At the different venue, L’Etable Restaurant, Reunion set menu await to surprise all diners featuring Vietnamese authentic cuisine. Delicious traditional flavours, Tet decorated setting and unique spring climate of Bana Hills, all are blended to inspire family bond.Price: VND350,000 net/person, VND450,000 net/person (including free flow of beer &soft drinks)

Mercure Bana Hills French Village

Add: An Son, Hoa Son Commune, Danang city.
Website: mercure-danang- banahills-french- village.com
Tel: +84 511 3 799 888

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

The Reverie Saigon: Indulge in food gastronomy

From exclusive foie gras recipe to the Italian twist with lobster risotto and a lot more food delights, The Reverie Saigon will acompany your cuilinary journey to tropical spring.

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Café Cardinal

From delightful hors d’oeuvres of foie gras cromesquis to the favorite pan-seared foie gras with caramelized onion cream, guests will enjoy unforgetable experience a refined selection of imported foie gras. The specialty a la carte menu presents dishes starting from VND288,000++. A foie gras tasting menu is also available with five portions of foie gras for VND988.000++.

One of Southeast Asia’s most distinctive, all-day dining venues, Café Cardinal delivers stunning views of Saigon from level 6 of The Reverie Saigon and features decidedly French cuisine with deliberate detours into complementary Western and Asian cuisines.

R&J Italian Lounge & Restaurant

Bountiful assortment of fresh seafood prepared in authentic Italian recipes will exhilarate your sense. From risotto with Boston lobster to Granchio with Alaskan king crab, the delightful a la carte menu features seven seafood recipes and is available through January with dishes starting fromVND238,000++ per serving.

The Royal Pavilion

An authentic Lunar New Year of traditional Chinese dishes in two specialty set menus will feature from January 27, 2017 to February 3, 2017.

For intimate meeting, you can choose a six-course set menu featuring bird’s nest soup, wantons with vegetables, braised abalone, deep-fried fish fillet, fried rice, and dumpling in creamy cashew sweet soup. This unique set dinner is VND2,388,000++ per person.

And for grand occasions, gather family and friends for a ten-person set dinner featuring nine courses of sliced abalone, braised bird’s nest soup, pig’s tongue with dried oysters and sea moss, steamed garoupa with homemade soya sauce, bamboo mushroom rolls, crispy chicken, fried glutinous rice with Chinese sausage, trio of bird’s nest delights, and seasonal fresh fruit platter. A delightful feast is at VND16,888,000++ for ten persons.

The Reverie Saigon

Add: B1 – Times Square Building 22-36 Nguyen Hue Blvd. & 57-69F Dong Khoi St., District 1, HCMC.
Tel: (+848) 3823 6688
Email restaurant@thereveriesaigon.com.

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Stunning Christmas tree at Grand Mercure Danang

(#wanderlusttips #GrandMercureDanang) Grand Mercure Danang has drawn great attention when it present the magnificent Christmas tree which lightened up the heart of beautiful Danang city.

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6-metre Christmas tree has been decorated by 798 coconut hats in different sizes and colors. With 3 primary colors – Red, Yellow & Silver, this tree is being one of the most special and unique Christmas trees in Danang and reaches out to the many guests staying at the hotel during the holiday period.

Oon December 22, 2016, the hotel also carried out a Charity Bazzaar collecting second hand stuffs and selling coconut hats right beside the tree to raise fund for HIV children of Smile Group in the festive season.

Grand Mecure Danang

Add: Lot A1, Green Island, Hoa Cuong Bac, Hai Chau, Danang City, Vietnam
Tel: (+84511) 379 7777
Fax: (+84511) 379 7797
Email : h7821-mk1@accor.com

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

The bountiful new year feasts at InterContinental Hanoi Westlake

(#wanderlusttips #InterContinentalHanoiWestlake) As usual, InterContinental Hanoi Westlake never fails to amaze you in the special time of a year. For the coming of 2017, InterContinental Hanoi Westlake will immerse its guests in the endless and lavish feasts to celebrate a new delightful beginning.

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At Café Du Lac on the first day of 2017, indulgent New Year’s Day Brunch will feast your mouth and eyes with live cooking stations, fresh seafood and a delectable range of local specialties especially available for this special occasion. Price starts from VND 1,100,000 net/adult excluding beverage. Unique International Buffet will be served from 6-10:30PM on the same day granting a journey of culinary creations from around the world at VND 999,000 net/adult excluding beverage.

On the same venue, on January 8 , 15, 22, 2017, the exclusive Tet gastronomic dining experience will satisfy your taste buds with the hotel’s signature buffet brunch every Sunday in January.

To celebrate a vibrant Vietnamese traditional Tet from January 27 to 31, guest can enjoy authentic traditional Vietnamese delicacies which are promised to satisfy the most discerning palates.

At Saigon Restaurant, guests will have the joyful moment with family and friends with a celebration of Tet boasting an array of signature dishes our culinary team.

At Sunset bar will turn into a traditional market on January 14, 2017. InterContinental Hanoi Westlake offers a cozy Tet Market above the West Lake waters showcacsing a range of cultural activities including food stalls and traditional crafts.

InterContinental Hanoi Westlake

Add: No.1 Nghi Tam str., Quang An ward, Tay Ho Dist., Hanoi
Tel: (+844)62708888

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet