Wanderlust Tips Team, Author at WANDERLUST TIPS • Page 179 of 190

Everywhere I go, there is love

(#wanderlusttips #sharethelove) In the Wanderlust Tips August Issue, Tran Giap, a backpacker and a writer has shared his great travelling love for the moutainous region of Vietnam. Below is what he felt about his trips to explore the hidden charm of A Pa Chai.

[rpi]

“I still clearly remember the feeling of green grass against my skin, the taste of raspberry and sips of cool spring water which resuscitated our whole group during our quest to conquer Vietnam’s most western point – A Pa Chai – five years ago. The pride for my country and the majestic scenery of the mountains gave me strength to cross three grass hills under the 40-degree (Celsius) sunlight. We had to swing, crawl and climb to reach the sacred border of our country. Milestone No. 0 marks the border junction between Vietnam, Laos and China, located atop Khoang La San mountain at 1,900 meters above sea level. People often say that here, when a rooster sings, people of all three countries can hear it. Standing here, facing East and stretching my arms, I felt like I was seeing the entire country of Vietnam.”

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Tips for scuba diving

(#wanderlusttips #scubadivingtips) Scuba diving in order to see coral reefs and explore the underwater world is a popular sport, especially among adventurous youngsters. To have a safe and inspiring scuba diving trip, you will need to prepare proper equipment and be aware of the following tips.

[rpi]

Necessary equipment

– Life jacket, which will help you to float in the water. Wearing a life jacket has several other benefits too, including avoiding injuries or damage when waves cause you to hit reefs or corals. Choose a bright colour, so others can easily spot you from afar, if you need help.

– Diving goggles, which will help you, see clearly underwater. Choose ones with clear glasses and high impact resistance.

– Flippers enable movement underwater when swimming offshore or diving deep underwater. Choose flippers that fit your feet, if they are too small they will hurt you, and ones that are too big easily slip off or cause your legs to tire.

– A wetsuit that keeps you warm, protects you from minor injuries and fits snuggly. If the fit is too loose the wetsuit will soak up more water, causing your body to lose heat, but if it’s too tight you will have difficulty moving and might get blood congestion. Wetsuits are the most common diving attire and they have insulation capacity in both cold and warm water, ranging from 10 to 30 degrees Celsius.

– A snorkel enables breathing while facing downwards in the water. During you first use, you should try facing down in the water and breathing evenly. After getting used to the device, hold your breath and dive in. While diving, do not inhale with your mouth, as the breathing tube is filled with water and could choke you.

– A diving knife is not a weapon. While diving, if you get caught in a fishing net or a mooring line, you can use the knife, kept on your arm or leg to cut yourself free.

– Other diving accessories include gloves, hoods, pressure gauges and can keep you warm and protect you from minor injuries and diving watches are suitable for deep scuba dives.

Weather

Nice weather, a calm sea, moderate waves and clear water are the most suitable conditions for the perfect dive.

Time

Diving is a sport so you should not dive after a full meal or when you are hungry. Diving after a full meal will cause nausea and diving with an empty stomach can easily wear you out. The ideal time for this exciting activity is an hour after eating. In addition, if you are depressed or scared, do not go diving. Only dive when you are in a comfortable state of being.

You can dive without knowing how to swim

Many people believe that diving is a difficult sport that requires many skills. In reality, diving is fairly simple and very exciting. According to Bui Duc Thang, Director of the Vietnam Diving Center, who has had over 30 years of experience in the field, even non-swimmers can dive. The one thing required for diving is confidence. Divers only need to take three diving lessons at a pool to familiarise themselves with the handling of equipment and procedures.

Avoid some ocean creatures

The oceanic world is shimmering, beautiful and mysterious. Sometimes, you can get caught up in this world, and you might encounter creatures that are poisonous. You should avoid contact with jellyfish, urchins and lionfish.

Important notes for diving

Always follow the instructor, always dive with a group, swim slowly and never dive too deep. Do not drink alcoholic beverages before diving. Consciously protect the ocean, do not litter, do not destroy corals or harm marine animals. Once back ashore, to avoid tinnitus, close your mouth and cover your ears and breathe out gently through your nose. After diving, you have to let your body recover for 24 hours before traveling on a plane, so take into consideration your travel time when you are thinking about whether to dive or not.

People who should not dive

This exciting sport is not for people with cardiovascular diseases, as they cannot adapt to the sudden change in pressure and temperature between the air and the water, which can lead to panic and forgetting to follow the instructor. This is extremely dangerous, as they could get sever earaches or even suffocate or choke.

Minh Hang | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

The most spectacular view hotels around the world

(#wanderlusttips #spectacularviewhotels) UK-based travel agency Exsus has listed some places in the world which boast stunning views from a plush suite in a skyscraper hotel, a treehouse in the middle of nowhere to a room beneath the surface of the sea.

[rpi]

Daily Mail | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Amigo Grill to be recognized as best restaurant of Vietnam

(#wanderlusttips #Amigogrill) Amigo Grill Restaurant, a member of the WMC Group, has been listed among Vietnam’s Top 10 Best Restaurants for Tourists in “Vietnam Tourism Awards 2016” organized by Vietnam National Administration of Tourism.

[rpi]

The “Vietnam Tourism Awards 2016” is the most prestigious awards of the tourism industry aiming to honour organizations and businesses which have positively contributed to the development of Vietnam&tourism and improved service quality and tourism branding, as well as to recognize their reputation, service quality and business performance in 2015.

Following last year’s The Guide Award for “Great Steaks, Great Location”, this award has once again affirmed Amigo Grill Restaurant’s position on Vietnam’s food and beverage map, and is recognition for the restaurant’s service and food quality as well as exquisite style.

Located on Nguyen Hue Boulevard in downtown Ho Chi Minh City, Amigo Grill Restaurant has long been a favorite for those who love grilled cuisine in a traditional steakhouse setting. The restaurant serves a fine selection of imported US, Australian and premium Wagyu beef cuts. The family-friendly menu also includes fresh seafood, salmon and Australian lamb to satisfy a wide variety of tastes. A fully-stocked bar and international wine list complements any main course.

Amigo Grill Restaurant

Address: 55-57 Nguyen Hue Boulevard, Dist. 1, HCMC.
Tel: (+848) 3824 1248

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

wanderlust-tips-le-meridien-saigon-to-open-new-spa

Le Méridien Saigon to open new spa

(#wanderlusttips #LeMeridienSaigon) Explore Spa has been newly open at the 9th floor of Le Méridien Saigon offering a range of expert services from aroma therapy to signature massages using marine-based products and a selection of local ingredients across signature treatments.

[rpi]

Explore Spa features a wide array of invigorating therapies in seven treatment rooms with glow lighting, together with relaxing saunas and separated Jacuzzis for male and female, all of which invite guests to unlock a memorable spa experience in soothing atmosphere. The Spa menu offers guest a range of unique experiences, and highlights include the signature Four-Hand Choreography – giving the feeling of waves flowing across the body by using the graciously choreographed movement of two therapists perfectly in-sync.

To enhance the ultimate relaxation, Explore Spa uses marine-based products from France – Phytomer to deliver exclusive experiences to guests of all ages. In addition the spa combines Oriental Medicine’s philosophy, using organic herbs and plants that are often used in Vietnamese home remedies, and a selection of local ingredients such as lotus hearts, cocoa seeds, sesame seeds, coconut flakes, orange zest, and coffee beans for effective detoxification and beauty care.

“We are absolutely thrilled to launch our new perspective on Spa experiences. Together with our talented team, signature crafted rituals that emulate the movement of the ocean, and our handmade signature blends I’m very confident we’ll provide a new meaning to the term mini vacation”, said Mr. Justin Malcolm – General Manager of Le Meridien Saigon.

Le Meridien Saigon

Address: 3C Ton Duc Thang Str., HCMC.
Phone: (+848) 6263 6688

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Palawan: Diving paradise in Philippines

(#wanderlusttips #Palawan) Nothing defines Palawan (Philippines) more than the water around it. And sea diving is the best way to witness the mesmering beauty of underwater life.

[rpi]

Palawan is the largest province in the Philippines. The province is comprised of 1.780 islands of varying size and its capital city is the bustling Puerto Princesa. The main island is Palawan, which has maintained its pristine landscape of forests, mountains, white sandy beaches and clear blue water. Thanks to its mesmerizing beauty and great biodiversity, Palawan island is considered “the ultimate ecosystem in the Philippines”. National Geographic and CNTravelers have also rated the island as one of the most beautiful in the world.

Most tourists come to the north, to El Nido or the town of Coron, which serves as the departure spot for sightseeing and diving tours to Bacuit and Calamianes. The most popular destinations for tourists in Palawan are Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and Coron. Each place has a distinct attractiveness. Puerto Princesa is the culinary hub, and the main gateway to numerous beautiful destinations in Palawan. The area has a bustling town featuring attractions such as the ancient church Immaculate Concepcion, an underground river in Sabang, museums, vibrant neighbourhoods and night markets. The cuisine of Puerto Princesa is highly praised for being cheap, fresh and unique. Tourists can dine at popular restaurants such as Kalui, Captain Ribs, Kinabuch Bar & Grill and La Terrasse. Accommodation is relatively affordable, prices range from 400,000 to 1,500,000 VND per night. There are many motels that offer cheaper prices. Around Puerto Princesa Gulf there are many beautiful diving spots, where divers might see bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, stingrays, many types of fish and colourful coral reefs. Reliable companies that organise diving tours here are Dive Puerto Princesa (No. 1 and 2) and Let’s Dive. Prices for scuba diving tours range from 400 – 500 USD. Regular diving tours cost between 80 and 100 USD.

From Puerto Princesa, visitors can take a bus to El Nido, which is about 200 kilometres away. El Nido fascinates visitors with its majestic limestone cliffs and stunning underwater world. Bus tickets to El Nido range from 230,000 – 330,000 VND with travel time of five to seven hours. Visitors have a range of options when it comes to accommodation, from cheap motels at 250,000 – 400,000 VND per night to hotels and luxury resorts costing 1,000,000 – 5,000,000 VND per night. Food here is abundant, with mainly rice, seafood and other traditional dishes on offer at affordable prices ranging from 40,000 VND for a standard meal to 70,000 – 150,000 Vietnamese Dong at restaurants and coffee shops. Do not miss out on the chance of a BB on the beach for about 100,000 – 200,000 VND per person.

In El Nido, visitors can rent kayaks for about 400,000 VND per day and explore the small islands in the surrounding area by themselves, or visit the two beautiful beaches, Nacpan and Dagmay, to relax in the shade and play in the crystal clear blue water. Sightseeing and scuba diving tours are the most popular activities in El Nido, with four types of tour (A, B, C, and D) that each visit different destinations. The most popular is A and C with prices ranging from 550,000 – 700,000 VND. During the tour you visit beautiful lagoons and swim in crystal clear water. Scuba diving enthusiasts can book tours with diving centres like Palawan Divers, Submariner Diving or Deep Blue Dive Seafari to enjoy the splendid underwater world at El Nido, with its great variety of coral reefs, fish, and marine animals.

El Nido has enough on offer to mesmerise any ocean enthusiast, but if you have more time go to Coron as well. This is a group of islands that possess an impressive beauty that makes for a paradise on earth. Coron is about an 8-hour boat ride away from El Nido. There is one trip available per day, with a 700,000 Vietnamese Dong fare. If you want to visit Coron by yourself you can catch a plane from Manila. You can stay in Coron for a whole week without getting bored, as there are many tours that explore the islands, lagoons, white sandy beaches, diving to see coral reefs and see a ship wreck in Lake Barracuda. You should rent a private boat if you have a large group to enjoy the scenery to the fullest. Hotels, motels and resorts in Coron are relatively expensive, with the lowest price being 350,000 VND for a bed in a dormitory. Tour prices are affordable at about 300,000 – 600,000 VND excluding equipment rental fee.

The best time to visit Palawan is from October to May, when the weather is not too hot or rainy and ideal for ocean activities. The peak tourism months are in the summer, and low season is around September to October. From Vietnam, visitors can fly to Manila the capital of the Philippines from where they can take a flight to Puerto Princesa at affordable prices or directly to El Nido.

Minh Hang | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Phu Quoc: Vietnam’s diving paradise

(#wanderlusttips #Phuquoc) There are many ways to hide from the tropical summer heat. You can find refuge in the green valleys filled with grass and flora, the windy mountains, or the stunning yet tranquil beaches. For adventurers who love the ocean, why refrain from visiting some diving paradises in Vietnam and neighbouring Southeast Asian countries.
[rpi]

Dubbed the pearl island, Phu Quoc is a popular destination both for Vietnamese and international holidayers. Phu Quoc island is a part of Phu Quoc District in Kien Giang Province. The island is home to pristine white sand beaches, green forests, crystal clear water, a unique ecosystem and many beautiful resorts.

Phu Quoc features numerous attractions. The north of the island is covered in primary forest; there are pristine beaches and an abundance flora and fauna. Visitors can tour pepper farms to discover a Phu Quoc specialty, enjoy fresh seafood, relax in the waves at Ganh Dau beach, visit the tranquil Tranh stream, walk in Bai Dai and watch the sunset from Cape Dinh Cau. At night visitors can roam around Dinh Cau night market and shop for souvenirs for their family. The locals live in the south and east of the island where there are many beautiful beaches and peaceful fishing villages. Bai Sao beach is known for its white sand, crystal clear water, and shade from the coconut trees. Khem beach is still pristine and delicious fresh seafood is on offer here. Ham Ninh fishing village is worth a visit to enjoy sweet and fresh steamed crabs and learn about the fishermen’s lives. For those interested in history a visit to the remains of Phu Quoc prison is a must.

Phu Quoc is known for its diverse ecosystem and stunning diving spots. Diving spots are mainly located in the south of the island; with a depth of 10 – 12 metres they are suitable for inexperienced divers. Tourists will get a chance to see coral reefs, colourful fish, sea turtles, shellfish and octopus in their natural oceanic habitat. In the north of the island, popular diving spots include An Thoi archipelago where Hon Doi Moi and Hon Mong Tay are located. In the south, there are Hon Ban, Hon Thay Boi, Ganh Dau, Ong Quoi Cape and Cua Can. Snorkelling tours cost about 350,000 – 800,000 Vietnamese Dong per person per trip. Scuba diving tours are more expensive, with prices ranging from 1,100,000 to 3,300,000 Vietnamese Dong. Companies that offer these tours in Phu Quoc are Flipper Diving Club and Phu Quoc Diving Centre.

Phu Quoc restaurants serve delicious specialties mainly made from seafood like herring salad, Ham Ninh crabs and grilled snails at reasonable prices ranging from 30,000 – 200,000 Vietnamese Dong per meal. On 30/4 street there are many restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy these dishes.

Accommodation on Phu Quoc is diverse. Many hotels and resorts are located on Tran Hung Dao Street with prices starting from 350,000 Vietnamese Dong per night. In Dong Duong Town there are a number of affordable motels and hotels for budget travellers with cheaper prices. The most suitable time to visit Phu Quoc is from October to September, with peak season from April to September. From Ho Chi Minh City, you can travel on land to Rach Gia and Ha Tien and then take a boat to the island.

Minh Hang | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Sheraton Nha Trang Hotel&Spa to launch wedding package

(#wanderlusttips #Sheratonnhatranghotel) From the elegant ballroom, stunning table decorations, extraordinary dishes to dedicated team providing the care and attention to details will ensure to create the dream wedding of your life.

[rpi]

You can choose for your remarkable moment a beachfront romantic wedding on the sand by the witness of the mighty ocean, or luxurious wedding in the classy and splendid indoor venue of Sheraton to joyfully start a new life together. Package price ranges only from VND3,880,000nett/ table.

What’s more, to ease the heat of tropical summer, the hotel offers a new take on ice cream sandwiches, called Ice Maca-ream. This is the combination of two great desserts: French macarons and ice cream in 4 flavors: Strawberry, Chocolate, Vanilla and Coconut.

Shine Spa for Sheraton, a heaven of wellness located on the hotel’s 7th and 8th floor overlooking to beautiful Nha Trang bay, indulges yourself in peace and relaxation. You can enjoy the tranquility for a truly calm afternoon with a very special discount. Accordingly, guests will receive 15% off for individual treatment, or get the 4 th complimentary at the same value if buying 3 treatments. The validity is till August 30, 2016.

Sheraton Nha Trang Hotel&Spa

Add: 26-28 Tran Phu Street, Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa
Phone: (+8458) 3880 000

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Eastin Grand Hotel Saigon appointed new executive chef

(#wanderlusttips #eastingrandhotelsaigon) In endless efforts to bring and expand the authentic cuisine experience to guests, Eastin Grand Hotel Saigon has appointed William Ong as its new Executive Chef.

[rpi]

Specialized in Modern European and South East cuisine over twelve years of culinary experience culled from his various posts in various hotels and restaurants, he believes in continuously refining the art of cooking through improvisation and experimentation.

Born in Singapore, Chef William started as an apprentice cook at the age of 16. As his creativity began to flourish, he started moving up through the ranks and was last employed at Novotel Bangkok Bangna Hotel as the Director of Food and Beverage cum Executive Chef. Before working in Thailand, he had been working in some other Asian countries: China, Oman and Japan. Chef William imparts the same coaching he has received and mentors the kitchen staff, encouraging them to engage their jobs with a sense of passion and ownership. This is the philosophy he lives upon everywhere he goes.

“Café Saigon – Our main restaurant will feature dishes inspired both by the Mediterranean and South East Asia region alongside a few carefully chosen Vietnamese specialties” said Chef Ong. “We will also feature a selection of prime cuts of meats and seafood cooked over an open flame on our hot stones grill. At the same time, we will have a selection of luscious offerings such as Wagyu beef, foie gras and lobsters. The concept will be ‘elegant yet simple’, focusing on the best possible ingredients and natural, organic keeping flavors.”

Understanding the vital role of chefs to bring the finest dining experience to guests, at Tung Garden, Eastin Grand Hotel Saigon has 30 year experience chef Chau Chan Fun with 4 Hong Kong chefs who bring to the table a unique menu ranging from sumptuous choice of delicacies in Dim Sum menu and A La carte menu from the Chinese tradition of gastronomy.

Eastin Grand Hotel Saigon

Add: 253 Nguyen Van Troi Str., Phu Nhuan Dist., HCMC.
Tel: (+848) 38449 222

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

London City Airport’s expansion plan gets approval

(#wanderlusttips #londoncityairport) The airport has received its planning permission for an expansion that will include seven new aircraft stands, a parallel taxiway and a passenger terminal extension.

[rpi]

The expansion will enable the airport for bring in 6.5 million passengers per year by 2025. Last year, the airport welcomed a record-breaking 4.3 million passengers.

London City Airport is located at the Royal Docks and is the closest to central London among five major ones of the city. It’s about ten kilometres form the city centre, compared to Gatwick, which is 45 kilometres south of the city, or Heathrow, which is 32 kilometres to the west. Gatwick has been billed the most efficient single runway airport in the world, while Heathrow handles more international passengers than any other airport in the world.

However, London City Airport remains popular with business travellers, due to its proximity to the city centre. The changes will also open up opportunities for longer haul destinations like the Middle East, Turkey, Russia and the Eastern United States, according to a statement. London City Airport says the development will allow the airport to welcome quieter, next generation aircraft in addition to adding more space, more flights and more destinations.

Lonely Planet | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet