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The stunning golden autumn in the Northwest

(#wanderlusttips #Vietnamnorthwest) If you have travelled to the mountainous Northwest of Vietnam during autumn you will have experienced the beauty of its people, the landscape, the golden terraced fields covering the mountains from their top down to the streams in the valleys.

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Road 32 has been expanded upward to Binh Lu junction, perfect for travellers wanting to discover the beauty of the Northwest. Every autumn, the scenery and the roads running through it exude a golden glow mixing with the colour of the sky and the rice fields below. The rice fields during harvest season are lit up, as are the expressions of travellers getting ready for their next adventure. After doing a careful maintenance check on their bikes and filling the gas tank, they are ready for their next trip. The smell of the season’s milkwood-pine flowers filling the air is the cue for them to start riding.

We chose a familiar route to explore the beauty of the mountains in autumn. Starting from Hanoi, we passed the tea hills in Thanh Son, and then found ourselves amid the golden rice fields of Mu Cang Chai, travelling up north to the legendary O Quy Ho, the ancient town of Sapa, and then along the difficult mountain roads in Muong Hum, passing Y Ty peak to return to Lung Po – where the Red River enters Vietnam.

The intoxicating aroma of rice in Mu Cang Chai

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | The stunning golden autumn in the Northwest

Mu Cang Chai is located about 300 kilometres from Hanoi, but seems much further away. It is a destination popular with visitors from both Vietnam and abroad. We have become familiar with the place as we visit it every harvest season. Despite having been here a few dozen times, this trip still made our entire group nervous and excited. We bid farewell to Hanoi, which was subdued in the soft sunlight of mid-autumn, while crowds of people rushed into the city centre for work. During the early sunshine, we quickly passed the immense green tea hills of Thanh Son, and then Khe pass and Ach pass. If you fancy a hot cup of Shan Tuyet tea stop at Suoi Giang, the ideal place to sip the hot beverage. Ancient tea trees with trunks as wide as an arm span grow atop a misty mountain and provide the finest tea. We travelled down Bo Hon hill toward Nghia Lo. When we could smell hay and ripe rice in the wind, we knew we had arrived in Muong Lo.

Despite being early autumn, Tu Le valley was chilly with cold air from the surrounding Khau Pa, Khau Than and Khau Song mountains, filling the valley. When we reached the valley, it was twilight. The last sunlight of the afternoon shone down on the rice fields, and we could smell glutinous rice. The Northwestern region is famous for its Tu Le rice, which is not available anywhere else and only planted during one season every year by the Thai and the H’Mong people. When cooked, the sticky rice needs no added flavours of beans, peanuts or coconut, but has its own tender sweetness that only this mountainous region can add. Its stickiness is not too wet and not too dry, satisfying even the pickiest eater.

The path to Lim Mong nestled among the rice fields is dyed a bright gold colour that make the earth and the sky shine during autumn. A stream runs through the middle of the valley, which adds a delicate touch to the magical landscape. We drove slowly towards Khau Pha pass (its name meaning “heavenly horn”) – one of the four greatest mountain passes in Vietnam, the sun had just retreated behind the mountains, leaving only a soft light on the road. From the top of the pass, we looked down to the valley to fully comprehend the prosperous life here. One can only praise the hands of the farmers who have lived here for generations and painted a beautiful image between the earth and the sky. Amid the golden glow of the rice fields pop up the beautiful, multiple colours of the traditional dresses. H’Mong girls in multicolour dresses were harvesting, and a Thai girl wearing white was threshing with some young men. The picture of harvest season has been colourful since ancient times.

We travelled down the wide Road 32, with nothing to rush us. We bid farewell to our bus at Kim junction, and rented motorbikes to go down La Pan Tan, and then followed the dirt trails of farmers to visit Ta Chi Lu. The steep, small dirt roads, which crossed small streams at some points, were extremely slippery. The small dirt trails were quite challenging for us. However, the Gods are always fair. Making up for the tiring travel is the beautiful scenery. Ta Chi Lu valley lit up under the sunlight, reflecting a golden sky. We were speechless in front of this landscape, and stopped by the roadside to admire its beauty. A travel companion of mind is a photographer, and after taking a few photos, he sat down quietly. It is simply impossible to fully capture this beauty, and even he could only retain a mental image. During this season, Mu Cang Chai is illuminated with the colours of sunlight, the golden rice fields, the dresses and the simple lives lived in this mountainous region.

Tu Le, Khau Pha, La Pan Tan, Ta Chi Lu are just small corners and if time allows, I recommend you ride deeper into Chu Cu Nha, Thao Chua Chai, De Xu Phinh to fully soak in the beautiful landscape and the talented hands of the H’Mong. For generations, they have painted and coloured the prosperous picture of the Northwestern region. Do not hesitate to stop by a home you pass on the roadside. The H’Mong are very hospitable. A bowl of freshly harvested rice will make it hard to stop eating, and even more impossible to forget.

Sunny Than Uyen

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | The stunning golden autumn in the Northwest

Our group started making the journey to Y Ty. We bid farewell to Mu Cang Chai, covered in golden rice fields, and visited Than Uyen. The recently renovated Highway 32 can make inexperienced riders “road sick”. This gateway into Lai Chau province does not have as many rice fields as Mu Cang Chai, but still fascinates travellers when its illuminated by sunlight. Those who have visited this place in autumn will understand why. The golden afternoon sunlight dyed our path and the surrounding paddy fields beautiful shades or yellow. The sunshine was not too intense. It was gentle and had the golden colour of honey. If you stand by the roadside pond at the border between Than Uyen and Tan Uyen, you can fully comprehend the beauty of autumn in the mountains.

This pond is not too big, but large enough to satisfy the thirst of passers-by. The peaceful atmosphere is evident on each branch of the trees and each blade of grass. A few groups of small rocks stand in the middle of the pond, and children play together in the clear waters. On the other side of the pond is a grassy hill where a few buffalos roam. A scene that we thought only existed in a meadow somewhere outside Vietnam, now appeared before our eyes. Everyone was surprised and silenced once again, and we could only admire the view and exclaim: “It is so peaceful!” We quickly unpacked our folding chairs and started boiling water on our travel stove. The smell of the Suoi Giang tea trees, enhanced by the autumn weather and the atmosphere, made us forget about having to journey home. It was only until my companions started rushing that I sluggishly started riding again.

The turning wheels brought us to more sun-filled places in Lai Chau Province, and the tea hills in Tan Uyen saw us off to Binh Lu. From there, we turned right and prepared to conquer O Quy Ho Pass. This is the highest mountain pass in Vietnam, with an average altitude of 2,000 meters and over 40 kilometres long. We slowly travelled on the pass in the late afternoon. Most of us had to use 2nd gear or even switch to 1st gear on our motorbikes to climb the hills. O Quy Ho Pass is known for its hills and curves. Despite the smooth road, the ride is still a difficult one for inexperienced riders, because a little mistake can mean driving off a cliff.

When we reached Heaven’s Gate, the sun was starting to set behind the mountains. We made a rest stop by a few roadside barbeque shops run by ethnic peoples, where we looked down onto the road we had driven. Looking back at the paths winding up the hillside we had just passed, we truly got a glimpse of time and space. My travel companions had already started a fire to make coffee and grill some dried food that we had. There is nothing more awe-inspiring than sitting atop a mountain pass in the twilight, enjoying a view of the magnificent Fansipan mountain range, sipping on a cup of coffee and chatting with travel companions. Life, as the late composer Trinh Cong Son said, “is too short to be indifferent”.

The golden Y Ty and the sacred Lung Po

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | The stunning golden autumn in the Northwest

Sapa welcomed us with the chilling breezes of early autumn, and the smell of grilled corn and sweet potatoes emitting from streetside shops. This small town, situated between the mountains and forests, is a frequent stop on our journeys. We stopped by a restaurant we knew and enjoyed the typical dishes of Sapa, along with a few sips of Thanh Kim rice wine to warm up, and relax after a tiring trip, followed by a dreamless sleep in Sapa.

Sapa tourism is now more developed, with more services for travellers. You can spend 2 – 3 days around this town and still not be done exploring. We travelled down the hills to Ta Van and May bridge to admire the view of the golden rice fields, and visited the homes of the Dao people in Ta Phin village to see the stitching of their colourful traditional dress. If you love history, the ruins of the church in Ta Phin can take up your whole afternoon. If you prefer adventure, you can conquer Fansipan’s peak – the rooftop of Indochina at an altitude of 3,413 metes. If you are feeling lazy, taking a cable car across the Hoang Lien Son mountain range is a worthwhile experience.

We travelled 10 kilometres backward on O Quy Ho pass and turned right to Ban Xeo village. We then passed Muong Hum towards Y Ty, and travelled back on the Khu Chu Lin – Lung Po path. Can Quy Ho pass greeted us with its gentle curves glistening in the morning sun, which seemed to lull us back to sleep. I still remember the path around Muong Hum a few years ago. Floods and landslides have made the dirt road bumpy. Motorbikes, despite being more mobile and flexible, still struggle to climb each hill. Cars and buses have an even harder time, because the road is only big enough for the width of one car. And of course, only four-wheel drives with strong enough engines can conquer this road.

The stones, rubbles, and sand made the bikes skid when turning. Often times, the passenger had to push the motorbike through the hills and the areas where subsidence was too dramatic. If you enjoy off-road travel know that Muong Hum used to be considered an interesting off-road path, before the road was renovated. Now, after it has been connected to Khau Pha and O Quy Ho, Muong Hum path is no longer difficult for riders.

If you are tired, you can open your car window and let the refreshing air in, the view of golden rice fields covering the hillside from Den Thang, Y Ty to A Lu will amaze you. Muong Hum Lake seems like a giant mirror, reflecting everything. The bustling atmosphere of the harvest season is evident in each rice field. Y Ty rice is different from Mu Cang Chai rice, because it ripens two or three weeks earlier, and usually covers a larger area. We followed this small winding road, and were once again captivated by the stunning natural landscape. It was a cloudless day in Y Ty, which was unfortunate for us, but perhaps not everything can be perfect. The dirt houses of the Ha Nhi people, made of dirt walls as thick as 50 centimetres, roofed with dried grass and green moss, which seem to only appear in cartoons depicting a wonderland, appeared before our eyes.

From Y Ty, we travelled to A Mu Sung and then turned to the border patrol path. The road runs through rice fields and heads straight upstream along the Red River. The golden rice fields along the roadside hug the winding road we drove along. China is only a river away, covered in highways full of roaring cars. On the Vietnam side, there’s only small dirt trails, with a few concrete parts. Anyone who has travelled this road will see the beauty of the border region during the afternoon. Not many people live near the patrol path, all you can see are banana tree fields and containers filled with their harvest waiting to be distributed throughout the country and exported.

Several parts of the road are eroded, and other parts covered in weeds, so we did not travel too quickly. We rode slowly to fully revel in the love for our country. Lung Po – where the Red River enters Vietnam – is the junction of a small stream from Vietnam and a big river from China. The two streams meet to carry their water into the Red River delta. We stood silently by Milestone 92 and conducted a small flag ceremony for our homeland. Our country has been invaded many times, but is now at peace. The milestone stands silently in this scared and noble land.

On our way back, we encountered Milestones No. 93, 94 and 95. Back in Lao Cai province, we followed Vietnam’s longest highway to get back to Noi Bai (Hanoi) in just five hours, concluding our mountainous journey. Mu Cang Chai filled with the sweet scent of rice, Than Uyen illuminated with the hue of golden honey provided by the sunlight, mighty O Quy Ho pass towering between earth and sky, quiet and peaceful Sapa, fairy-tale Y Ty, and sacred Lung Po on the border, all will leave us with a lasting impression and follow us through our next trips. Simply put, life is filled with journeys.

TIPS

Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi – Thanh Son – Van Chan – Tu Le

Day 2: Tu Le – Mu Cang Chai – Than Uyen – Binh Lu – Sapa

Day 3: Sapa – Muong Hum – Y Rat – Lung Po – Lao Cai

Day 4: Lao Cai – Hanoi

Do not forget to pack well

If you are a travel enthusiast, you are familiar with the required necessities of a long trip. Warm clothes to protect you during chilly autumn evening in the mountains, a first-aid kit with basic medicine to prepare you for unexpected circumstances. Do not forget to bring personal IDs, because this journey takes through many border areas and you will need to report to the border police for guidance. A small pot to boil water for coffee, and a small notebook to document your journey. Do not forget your camera and charger. You will need to wear comfortable travel outfits, and trekking shoes, which allow you to comfortably explore every destination. If your group travels in several cars and buses, it’s best to be equipped with radios to communicate with each other quickly and easily.

Travel in your beloved car

Unlike motorbikes, a car can be more troublesome when it breaks down on the road. Thus, vehicle inspection and maintenance is required before any long journey. Do not ignore worn tires or think “I’ll change them after this trip”. You should change tires, engine oil, and check the coolant. Do not park too close to a cliff or weak spots. You should make a rest stop when you’re too tired. Do not drive when you’re tired and sleepy, as a few careless moments can cause you your life.

Article & photos: Tran Giap

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Hoi An Beach Resort appoints new Western Cuisine Master Chef

(#wanderlusttips #Hoianbeachresort) Chef K.M.Denzil Prasanna has been appointed to be Western Cuisine Master Chef of the resort who will oversees all F&B Kitchens on Western Cuisine of Hoi An Beach Resort such as River Breeze Restaurant, Sunset Grill Restaurant, as well as private dining services and the resort’s catering operations.

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Denzil comes to Hoi An with over twenty years of experience in F&B with his expert major in kitchen, he used to be an Executive Chef in the Golden Princess vessel in USA (a five-star cruise with 3500-Guest and crew members 1200), Chef Denzil has also gained remarkable knowledge and experiences of European cuisine recipes and secrets, therefore he will deliver a comprehensive culinary experience to local and visiting guests.

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Known for his unrelenting creativity in the kitchen, Sri Lanka national Chef Denzil started his culinary career in the beginning of 90’s after graduating from hotel school in Sri Lankan and Germany hotel school Vier Jahreszeiten. With an accomplished culinary background that includes positions at some of the most celebrated dining destinations, Denzil is known for blending exquisite technique with modern cooking methods and artistic plating, creativity and innovation. He will bring deft artistry and a solid understanding of European taste to his new role.

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We’re delighted to have Chef Denzil join our team. With his international experience and deep understanding of European insatiable demand for delectable fare, I think our discerning clientele are in for a treat,” said General Manager – Mr. Tony Vatthanatchai.

Hoi An Beach Resort

  • Add: 1 Cua Dai, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province
  • Tel: (+84510) 3927 011

Wanderlusttips | Cinet

Windsor Plaza to host Oktoberfest Vietnam 12th

(#wanderlusttips #windsorplaza #Oktoberfest) Oktoberfest, the famous German beer festival, will be celebrated at Windsor Plaza from October 6-8 and continuing on October 12-15, marking the consecutive 12 years of the hotel’s hosting for this effevescent event.

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Windsor Plaza Hotel brings in the authentic atmosphere of the traditional Oktoberfest from Munich with an opening ceremony featuring the tapping of the first beer keg. Guests wear traditional Bavarian attire while dancing to favorite Oktoberfest songs. Throughout the event, there is an expansive buffet of traditional German specialties including sausages, sauerkraut, crispy pork knuckles, pretzels and much more. In addition, guests can indulge with freeflow imported German beer including Krombacher pils and Schneider Weisse. Partake in delightful activities, exciting games, prizes, and many other surprises.

New to Oktoberfest Vietnam this year at Windsor Plaza Hotel is the arrival of Partenkirchner Musikanten, a traditional Oktoberfest band from Germany which has played concerts worldwide. From beer tents to banquet halls, Partenkirchner Musikanten Band is famous for their beer-toasting medleys.

Last but not least, guests will be presented with a collectible Oktoberfest Vietnam beer stein and will have a chance to win the biggest grand prize yet, a Mercedes C200 worth of 1.4 billion VND and Vespa LX125 motorbike from the nightly lucky draws alongside many other exciting prizes.

Oktoberfest originally began as a celebration of the marriage of Crown King Ludwig and Queen Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen in the Bavarian city of Munich, Germany in October of 1810. Today, it is a festival featuring beer tents, entertainment, performances, and booths of gastronomic delights in cities across the world.

In Vietnam, the Windsor Plaza Hotel has been hosting the event since 2005. Oktoberfest Vietnam has been recognized by Reuters as one of the Top 10 Oktoberfest celebrations outside Germany, and has also been featured in the Chicago Tribune.

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Moscow to open a booth at the 12th International Travel Expo

Moscow to open a booth at the 12th International Travel Expo

(#wanderlusttips #Moscowtourism) The Department of national policy, interregional relations and tourism of Moscow will open a booth at 12 th International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City 2016, which will be held from September 8 to September 10, 2016 at the Congress and Exhibition Center Saigon (SECC).

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On the first day of the exhibition on September 8, the representative of the Department of national policy, interregional relations and tourism of Moscow city will give a presentation about tourism opportunities in the Russian capital. In addition at the stand all guests will find out how to travel and relax affordably and comfortably in the Russian capital.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Moscow to open a booth at the 12th International Travel Expo

Eventful business program is scheduled for all three expo days. Tourist companies and sightseeing tour agencies shall present their original projects and routes for Moscow (including water routes). Hotel spokesmen will acquaint visitors with comfortable and diverse infrastructures of their complexes.

Such famous companies as Intourist, Metropol Hotel, Tourist Hotel Complex Izmailovo, Tzar Voyage and City Sightseeing are announced to be presented at booth.

Various films about tourist and culture opportunities of the megalopolis are to be shown at the booth, multiple business meetings between co-exhibitors and partner agencies, hotels and other companies involved in tourist infrastructure shall take place.

For the past years Vietnam and Russia have been actively cooperating in tourism development. In 2015, Vietnam was visited by 321,000 Russian tourists. And the interest of Russians for Vietnam is increasing every year. According to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), for the first half year of 2016 the country was visited by over than 204,000 Russians, which is 21% higher than year before.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Moscow to open a booth at the 12th International Travel Expo

Vietnam and Russia actively interact in the framework of relevant international organizations – forum “Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation” (APEC), the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and others, implement joint programs aimed to increase tourist flows, for example the language program “Russian language course for ASEAN tour operators” In 2016, the National Tourist Office Visit Russia has been opened in Vietnam. It is focused on the entire macro- region of Southeast Asia – in addition to Vietnam its area of responsibility includes Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, the Republic of Korea.

International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City 2016 – is one of the largest exhibitions in Asia in the field of tourism and travel. It covers a wide range of services; it is supported by various Ministries of Tourism in South-East Asia, including the Kingdom of Cambodia, the Lao People&Democratic Republic, the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, the Kingdom of Thailand and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. 250 companies and brands from around the world had participated the Expo in 2015, the number of visitors were over 25 thousand people.

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

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Aman offers guests three private experiences

(#wanderlusttips #Amanresorts) Aiming to bring the most special and exclusive stay to all guests, Aman has launched three new private experience program in Aman Venice, Aman Sveti Stefan in Montenegro and Amanjena in Marrakech which ranges from watching an enlightening Italian opera to an exclusive experience of wine tasting to arouse your taste buds and learning the organic herbs to empower your health in a natural way.

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Aman Venice Opera Series at Teatro La Fenice

Aman Venice has launched its Opera Series for 2016, which provides guests with exclusive access to seats in the hotel’s box at the Teatro La Fenice, one of the most renowned landmarks in the history of Italian theatre. With tickets something of a rarity, many claim that a night at the Teatro is an experience like no other.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Aman offers guests three private experiences

As well as seats in the private box, guests will enjoy an aperitivo and either late afternoon tea or dinner at the hotel before or after the performance including round trip boat transfers in the hotel’s private boat.

Aman Venice is housed in a 16th century palazzo on the Grand Canal with its own private jetty. The hotel has 24 rooms with breathtaking architectural and artistic details including ceilings by the 18th century artist Tiepolo.

www.aman.com/resorts/aman-venice

Wine Tasting at the Home of Montenegrin winemaker

Aman Sveti Stefan, the iconic islet in the centre of Montenegro’s Adriatic coast is offering guests a private visit to the house of the Masanovics who have been making wine for generations from the Montenegrin indigenous grape variety Vranac. Grown for centuries in Crmnica, Vranac is just one of the ingredients used in the premium dry red wine produced by Mr Masanovic which has aromas of burnt oak, ripe raspberries and fresh cranberries. Guests will taste the vintages of 2009 and 2010, and the vintage of 2010 directly from the barrels as well as a dessert wine all of which will be paired with local Montenegrin cheese and served with dried figs and walnuts grown in the gardens of the house. Mr Masanovic will then take guests on a tour of the family vineyards and fruit orchards where they will have the opportunity to sample homemade plum, grape, kiwi and apple and pear brandies.

Aman Sveti Stefan was once a fortified village dating back to the 15th century. The island became a hotel in the 1950s and was a high profile destination amongst celebrities from the worlds of fashion and film. The island has 50 rooms, and eight suites at Villa Milocer over the causeway as well as three beaches.

www.aman.com/resorts/aman-sveti-stefan

Organic Herb Garden Tour in the Foothills of the Atlas Mountains

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Aman offers guests three private experiences

Guests of Amanjena can discover Morocco’s first biological herb farm at the foot of the Atlas Mountains where the resort sources its bespoke organic bathroom products.  Located in the valley of the Ourika River, guests will be led through the deeply aromatic organic garden by the owner and chief gardener and learn about the 50 species of aromatic and medicinal plants that are cultivated.

The visit also includes a tour of the distillery to learn about the processes used to produce the essential oils used in the bath and massage oils, soaps, salts and shampoos. The trip concludes with an organic lunch prepared by the farm owners.

Amanjena lies 15 minutes outside the Medina and central to the resort is a basin inspired by Marrakech’s 12th century Menara Gardens. Surrounding the basin are 40 pavilions, pool pavilions and two bedroom maisons.  The resort’s gardens are filled with olive and citrus trees, soaring date palms, orange-flame bougainvillea, hibiscus and pomegranate.

www.aman.com/resorts/amanjena

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Paradise Suites Hotel doubles its inventory

Paradise Suites Hotel doubles its inventory

(#wanderlusttips #Paradisesuiteshotel) Paradise Suites Hotel, the first luxury boutique hotel in Halong, has introduced its latest extension with two additional blocks named as Hue and Saigon, doubling its inventory, with a total of 156 rooms covering 4 blocks of both classical and contemporary styled interiors, a shelter of grandeur lifestyle and sustainable living.

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Named after two iconic cities of Vietnam, Hue and Saigon, both rich in history, culture, and traditions, the two new blocks completely differentiate themselves with a trendier interior setting, inspired by the contemporary tastes of both the modern city and the imperial city. In this context, the additional buildings come as a perfect completion of the elegantly classic Hanoi and Halong wings. Rooms and public areas have been designed to provide a trendy atmosphere that blends Western modern style with Vietnamese cultural arts. Guests will feel this authentic combination of materials and textures through subtle touches like canvas painting Vietnamese most typical landscapes and living scenes, or traditional tile patterns, pairing with an inspiring selection of wooden furniture and a stylish blue dominant ambiance.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Paradise Suites Hotel doubles its inventory

We are delighted to be able to welcome more guests to experience our services here at Paradise Suites Hotel”, shares Mr. Edgar Canayan, General Manager for Paradise Vietnam, “we hope to exceed their expectations with this innovative expansion and that our wide range of upscale facilities along with our dedicated team will bring them the greatest time in Halong Bay.”

Indeed, Paradise Suites Hotel area also proposes many event spaces (including indoor, outdoor, by the beach, by the pool), boldly designed bars and pubs, great dining options (hotel restaurants, 1958 Vietnamese Restaurant), travel fashion shops and a warm beauty spa.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Paradise Suites Hotel doubles its inventory

Paradise Suites Hotel

  • Add: Ngoc Chau, Halong City, Quang Ninh
  • Tel: (+8433) 3815 088

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Celebrate the September with InterContinental Hanoi Westlake

Celebrate the September with InterContinental Hanoi Westlake

(#wanderlusttips #InterContinentalHanoiwestlake) A wide range of activities will be held at InterContinental Hanoi Westlake this September to submerge you in the delighgtful savour and vision feasts to celebrate the festive month.

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Cafe Du Lac

Vietnam’s National Day Treat – September 2

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Celebrate the September with InterContinental Hanoi Westlake

To celebrate the Vietnam’s National Day of September 2, a sumptuous buffet dinner will feature a great selection of international dishes in an idyllic lakeside setting, complemented with understated service. The special occasion will soon become the joyful moment of family and friend gathering for all the coming guests.

Price starts from VND1,100,000 net/adult excludes beverage

Mid-autumn Festival dinner – September 15

The fullmoon season will be the chance to delight your taste buds with irresistible buffet dinner, including fresh seafood, sizzling grilled meats and a mouthwatering range of desserts.

Price starts from VND 1,100,000 net/adult excludes beverage

Sunset Bar – Liquid Laboratory – September 9

The hotel’s first “Liquid Laboratory” night is the special chance to experience an unusual experience in Hanoi: scientifically created cocktails and culinary delights. Modernist cocktails maker Richard McDonough, or better known as a “Mood therapist” and the hotel’s executive chef Jeremy Lasserre will take you on their journey to sample 5 cocktails complemented with a mini 5-course menu.

Price: VND 2,500,000 net/person

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Celebrate the September with InterContinental Hanoi Westlake

Dilopmat Lounge – Pret-a- portea – September 10

As usual, Diplomat Lounge will become a elegent runway for contemporary fashion and classic afternoon tea.

a deliciously gourmet selection of fashionable treats inspired by your favorite designs, while sipping on the finest range of tea. On this occasion, you will be treated to a glamorous parade that showcases the latest collections by Chula và Luala Atelier. The event start at 3PM.

Price: VND390,000 net/adult

InterContinental Hanoi Westlake Hotel

  • Add: 1 Nghi Tam, Yen Phu, Tay Ho District, Hanoi
  • Tel: (+844) 6270 8888

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

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323 reindeers killed by lightning strike in Norwegian national park

(#wanderlusttips #Nationalpark) A single lightning strike killed  323 carcasses scattered across a small, isolated area  in Hardangervidda National Park, a plateau-like park in south-central Norway, home to Europe’s largest herds of wild reindeer, according to its website.

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One of the agency’s inspectors discovered the dead animals over the weekend after a storm passed through.

Wild animals are occasionally struck by lightning, but the agency has never seen so many killed at once, informed spokesperson Kjartan Knutsen.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 323 reindeers killed by lightning strike in Norwegian national park

We have never experienced such numbers before. This is very large,” Knutsen said. He said the wild reindeer were huddled together because of heavy weather on Friday, when the strike occurred,” said Knutsen. “That’s why it’s possible for the lightning to kill so many,”

Humans rarely visit the remote area. The dead reindeer were found by one of the agency’s inspectors because Norway is in the midst of its annual wild reindeer hunting season.

Knutsen said five reindeer were still alive when the inspector came across the scene, but they had to be euthanized.

He said the agency has now begun taking samples from the dead animals as part of a health survey.

The dead reindeer were still on site Monday. While the agency usually does not remove animals when they die in the wild, it is currently considering other options because of the large numbers, Knutsen said.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 323 reindeers killed by lightning strike in Norwegian national park

It’s not the first time a large herd of animals have been killed by lightning. In 2005, 68 cows were killed in Australia by a single bolt.

The park, which is located on the area of over 3,000km2, is the largest natural reservation in Norway and is known as the favourite destination for many hikers with many interesting hiking routes and stunning landscapes.

CNN | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

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Indonesia to impose “surf tax” in Mentawai Island

(#wanderlusttips #Indonesia #Mentawai) Tourism officials in Indonesia’s Mentawai Islands has imposed on foreign surfers a £60 pay-to-surf fee to enjoy the world-famous waves.

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Once riders pay the “surf tax”, they are given a wristband that they are required to wear and can stay for 15 days. This law hasn’t come as a surprise – the latest version has been a year in the making and previous attempts have been enacted but fallen flat – and the Mentawai surf industry says it will benefit locals.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Indonesia to impose "surf tax" in Mentawai Island

Despite how popular surfing is here, Mentawai Islands Deputy Regent Rijel Samaloisa told the Jakarta Post last year that tourism and surfing don’t contribute much to the islands’ revenue. “We only get the name, garbage and environmental damage,” he said. Exactly how the law will be executed and how much will flow through to the locals remains to be seen.

I think it will definitely be difficult to enforce,” Sean Murphy, President of Waterways Surf Adventures, told Surfline. “How long will it take for people to counterfeit those wristbands? Will it regulate the number of surfers at any spot at any one time? I am not against the idea in principal, but in practice it is very difficult to coordinate, regulate and enforce.”

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Dubrovnik’s plan to protect its historic Old Town

(#wanderlusttips #Dubrovnik #Croatia) The Croatian city has proposed a plan to protect its historic Old Town by setting the tourist limit into the area at one time after the number broke the record this summer with 10,000 visitors in just one day (11 August).

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According to the proposal announced this week, a maximum of 6000 tourists will be allowed into the Old Town at any one time. Dubrovnik residents will still be allowed in with a special pass. Mayor Andro Vlahušić said the plan came from Unesco who recommended a maximum capacity of 8000 in the Old Town at any time. In order to manage the crowds, cameras with counters would be installed which can easily establish the number of tourists inside the walls at any time.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Dubrovnik's plan to protect its historic Old Town

The new proposal must still be passed before it is implemented, but Vlahušić is enthusiastic about the idea, saying it would be hugely beneficial to tourism in Dubrovnik and help battle overcrowding. Ticket prices to enter and walk the city walls are also expected to rise in 2017 by 20-30 kuna, depending on the type of ticket bought.  Dubrovnik has experienced a surge in tourism in recent years, helped in part due to its starring role as King’s Landing in HBO’s Game of Thrones. It’s also become a hugely popular cruise destination, pushing the limit of day trippers exploring the Old Town. Croatia recently topped the list for most searched for travel destinations so it seems unlikely the tourism boom will slow down anytime soon.

Lonely Planet | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet