(#wanderlusttips #underseadining) Minus 6 Meters (M6m) restaurant in OZEN by Atmosphere resort which has opened in July on Maadhoo island has added another option to the list of undersea dining place for all tourists, besides the first one Ithaa of Conrad Maldives.
[rpi]
Daily Mail | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet
(#wanderlusttips #Sheratonnhatrang #mooncake) The exquisitely crafted mooncakes of Sheraton Nha Trang Hotel & Spa will be a delight this fullmoon season festival with the beautiful theme “Autumn in me”.
[rpi]Selecting only premium ingredients to ensure perfect authenticily and a delicouse taste, the hotel retains all the traditional flavors – Low Sugar White Lotus, Pandan Lotus, Green Tea and Assorted Nuts. Moon Cakes, are as precious as gems and are filled with silky smooth and fragrant paste with creamy egg yolk, encased in a golden-hue crust baked to perfection. Each box of four selected moon cakes is priced at VND890,000 net per box are a harmonuous blend of complenetary cultures.
Early bird orders from now till 31 st August 2016 will get a discount of 10%.
Sheraton Nha Trang Hotel & Spa
Wanderlust Tips | Cinet
(#wanderlusttips #streetfood) CNN has revealed a list of cities around the world which boast the best street food selection, including Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) where you can find the best banh mi (bread), pho (traditional noodle) and BBQ pork and rice. The list will help you find out where and how to spend your time walking around the street, learn the culture and enjoy the local culinary journey.
[rpi]Sidewalk vendors, push carts, holes in a wall — even in cities with rich reputations for fine dining, some of the best meals are on the streets.
Places like Hong Kong have blurred the line between haute cuisine and quick comfort food, as humble dim sum diners win Michelin stars.
That’s still the exception, but most chefs on the street aren’t looking for that kind of recognition.
They’re cooking for crowds who pack around their stands day after day.
Here are the 23 best cities in the world for street food, from quick snacks to moveable feasts.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Perched on a plastic stool on the sidewalk, with a steaming bowl of pho, watching the chaotic traffic on the streets all around — it’s a perfect afternoon in Ho Chi Minh City.
There are other options than pho, of course, but the clear broth and warm noodles are one of the world’s great comfort foods.
Banh mi sandwiches are another Vietnamese street food exported successfully around the world.
Here the baguette could be filled with a diverse selection of meats including pate, sausage and shredded pork skin.
For top-notch people watching, Pham Ngu Lao Street has a place that serves BBQ pork and rice, close to many popular sites like the Ben Thanh Market and the Ho Chi Minh Fine Arts Museum.
Bangkok, Thailand
It’s impossible to avoid street food in Bangkok, where sidewalk vendors in different parts of the city operate on a fixed rotation.
Some take care of the breakfast crowd with sweet soymilk and bean curd, others dish up fragrant rice and poached chicken for lunch.
The late-night crowd offers everything from phad thai noodles to grilled satay.
Chef Van, of the French brasserie 4Garcons on Thong Lor Soi 13 in Bangkok, favors street food in Chinatown — known locally as “Yarowat.”
He recommends hoy tod nai mong, a crisp fried mussel pancake: “The chef and owner makes them one by one on the charcoal stove.”
Another favorite: Kuay tiew kai soi sai nam phung: “It is noodle soup with chicken wing stew with young egg and pork intestine! I’ve had it since I was a kid.”
Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo is home to more Michelin-starred restaurants than any city in the world, but Japanese cuisine often gets reduced to one thing: sushi.
Tokyo food lover Taro Namekawa likes to bring guests somewhere different, Teppen: Nakameguro, for grilled food.
“They are very famous for grilling extremely fresh ingredients in front of you, with special kinds of charcoal that can grill fresh ingredients with high heat quickly to trap all the goodness of them inside.”
They serve sushi too, but the grilled meats and vegetables draw in young and old Japanese diners, especially workers on their way home.
“I like this place because it gives a surprise element to my foreign guests when they visit town.”
It also has the benefit of being near the Meguro River, one of Tokyo’s most beautiful spots for flower watching.
Honolulu, Hawaii
Hawaiian food is a creative mishmash of cuisines, combining local traditions with the culinary tastes of successive waves of migrants from the mainland United States, Asia and Latin America.
The result includes an array of raw fish salads known as poke (poh-kay), as easily available as a sandwich in other cities.
Tuna and octopus are the two most typical options, prepared with flavors inspired by everything from kimchi to ceviche.
The city also has a thriving food truck culture.
The best is a bit of a drive.
On the Kamehameha Highway in Haleiwa on the North Shore, a shaded parking lot full of trucks gives a culinary tour of Hawaii.
Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck covers shrimp in a sauce filled with chunks of caramelized garlic.
It’s so good that it’s become a cliched place to visit — except that Giovanni’s really is delicious.
Opal Thai churns out phad thai that would make a Bangkok vendor jealous, while Mike’s Huli Huli Chicken schools visitors in the right way to prepare a Hawaiian classic.
Durban, South Africa
Perhaps it’s because of Durban’s lovely year-round weather, or maybe it’s the Indian influence, but the city is southern Africa’s reigning street food champ.
Local culture and cuisine is a blend sourced from Zulu, Indian and white South Africans, who each bring a little something to the mix.
The city is known for its curries, which over the generations have adapted to South African ingredients and tastes.
Little Gujarat, on Prince Edward Street downtown, is a humble but revered institution that remains true to the classic Tea Room takeaway, says Louis Foerie, a Durbanite and tireless advocate for the city.
It’s vegetarian-only, and offers the distinctly Durban bunny chow — a hollowed out half-loaf of bread filled with curry, like an edible takeaway container.
Sunrise Chip & Ranch, better known as Johnny’s Rotis, is open 24 hours a day for comforting rotis.
“It’s great to soak up the munchies, said Foerie. “The ultimate Durban street food experience supported by generations.”
Afro’s Chicken, which sits by the beach, grills up its poulet to order and offers shaded seating with an ocean breeze.
New Orleans, Louisiana
There’s a saying in Louisiana that the gas stations serve better food than some of the country’s finest restaurants.
For locals, street food first conjures images of the once ubiquitous Lucky Dog cart, made famous (or more aptly, infamous) in “A Confederacy of Dunces.”
That’s certainly an experience, but closer to the mark is a plate lunch, served up at gas stations and convenience stores.
Debates over where to get the best plate lunch can rival the passions reserved for truly important things — like football.
Traditionally plate lunches meant comfort food like red beans and rice, served with andouille sausage and a heavily buttered slice of French bread.
Or perhaps a muffuletta from Central Grocery, famous for the sandwiches brought in by Sicilian immigrants.
More recent waves of migration have helped entrench taqueria trucks and pho noodles just as firmly into the city’s street food scene.
For visitors seeking something distinctly New Orleans, chef Gigi Patout recommends fried alligator from Acme Oyster House.
“We always said it tastes like chicken,” she said.
For something sweet, she suggests the New Orleans School of Cooking for pralines.
“They’re made in front of you, it makes you want to buy them.”
Istanbul, Turkey
The most recognizable Turkish street food is probably simit — like a cross between a bagel and a pretzel.
Freshly baked, dipped in molasses and crusted with sesame seeds, they entice snackers from push-carts all over Istanbul.
Istanbul’s street food offerings stretch far beyond.
Because so many people from around Turkey and the region migrate here, the city’s sidewalks are a walkable sampler platter.
Durum are basically kebabs turned into wraps.
They can appear on menus of fine restaurants, but just as easily on street corners.
Turkish pizza, properly called lahmacun, presents a simple but satisfying meal at all hours of the night.
Under-appreciated overseas, Turkish ice cream is ubiquitous and immensely satisfying, especially in pistachio.
Hong Kong
For a city where scouring an entire district and eating street foods — or sou gaai (street-sweeping) in local lingo — is considered a preferred weekend activity, it’s no surprise that Michelin decided to launch its first-ever street food guide in Hong Kong.
Hop Yik Tai (121 Lam Street, Sham Shui Po) serves some of the most silky cheong fun (steamed rice rolls soaked in soy, sesame and hoisin sauce) in town.
Fei Jie’s (Shop 4A, 55 Dundas Street, Mong Kok) braised turkey kidneys and pig intestines attract a line of fans every day.
Indoor corridors beneath the Tai On Building, a residential complex, come alive every evening as it’s turned into a vibrant late night food market.
Shau Kei Wan Main Street East and Kowloon City are two popular sou gaai destinations.
They’re home to the city’s best sweet tofu custard (Kung Wo Soy Product Factory, 67 Fuk Lo Tsun Road, Kowloon City) and Cantonese egg waffle (Master Low-Key Food Shop, Shop B3, 76A Shau Kei Wan Main Street East).
Paris, France
Dining in Paris can be an experience in itself.
The haute cuisine is, of course, the subject of entire books, schools and libraries.
But the city’s humblest food also inspires.
On a cold day, nothing’s more welcome than the appearance of street vendors roasting chestnuts.
And crepes, oh crepes.
They can be restaurant fare, but finding one on the streets around Montparnasse is even better.
A buckwheat crepe with gruyere, ham and egg — crispy around the edges, soft in the middle — satisfies at any time of day.
As does a simple spread of Nutella with a sliced banana.
Mexico City, Mexico
People used to Tex-Mex north of the border often don’t know what to expect when they order Mexican food in Mexico.
It’s practically a different cuisine.
Even the humblest taco stand in Mexico City has fresh tortillas and grilled meats, or tlacoyos (fatter than tortillas) topped with favas, cheese and a dollop of green salsa.
In recent years interest in native Mexican cuisine has exploded, making use of indigenous ingredients and methods for flavors impossible to experience anywhere else.
Tours like Eat Mexico guide newcomers through it all, from atole drinks of rice and masa for breakfast to late-night tacos and mexcal.
Cairo, Egypt
Some Egyptian street food has become takeaway fare internationally, with falafel, shawarma and kofta evolving into part of the global urban snack experience.
In Cairo there’s still a world of other dishes to sample that haven’t yet made their way overseas.
Koshary mixes rice, pasta, lentils and chickpeas, topped with a vinegary-tomato sauce.
Throw some fried onions on top for good measure and it’s the tasty essence of street food: warm, flavorful, cheap and filling.
For dessert, hot tea helps wash down the kunafa, crystallized honey that’s better than any of Willy Wonka’s confections.
Marrakesh, Morocco
Smells of food fill the streets of Moroccan cities, and nowhere is the quality or diversity greater than in Marrakesh.
“Marrakesh is all about street food,” says Anna Koblanck, who writes a blog on African food travel. “In the evenings, the city gathers among snake charmers and musicians at the Jemaa el-Fnaa square to taste the incredible spread of Moroccan delicacies that are on offer from the street stalls. You’ll find everything from freshly squeezed fruit juices to snail soup and sheep heads. It’s a full-on feast for all the senses, and not particularly pricey.”
“My favorite Moroccan street snack is the Meloui, a kind of pancake made of folded pastry that you buy hot off the stove” said she. “I had one in the market in Fes that was made with a spicy onion-based filling that was simply divine. It’s a very heartwarming bite, a sort of comfort street food. You see these sold everywhere in Morocco, often in the food markets.”
“Moroccans have a serious sweet tooth, and you find a lot of cookies and pastries sold in the stalls in the souks. It’s a pretty, colorful and very tempting spread of sugar and calories — mountains of delicately shaped and beautifully decorated creations.”
Cartagena, Colombia
Walking through Cartagena is like wandering through one postcard after another, and the abundance of street carts, food trucks and kitchen windows make the journey so much better.
Almost every plaza has someone serving arepas, sort of like cornbread, sort of like a pancake, filled with cheese or eggs — and always butter.
Open grills fire up skewers, chorizo, and other carnivorous delights.
On the lighter side, ceviche comes in little cups drenched in a red cocktail sauce reminiscent of old hotel restaurants.
Towards the end of the day, when it’s time to cool off and relax, the Plaza de Trinidad has a stand serving mango pulp and vodka.
Portland, Oregon
Portland occupies a particularly privileged spot, near the ocean and surrounded by fertile green lands that produce excellent wine and the kind of small farms that make any straight-to-the-table business a viable option.
With an abundance of fresh and local ingredients, this is a city where street food rivals the finest restaurants.
“One of my ultimate favorite cheap eats is khao man gai at Nong’s,” said longtime Portland resident Chika Saeki. “For USD8.75 you get a large plate of poached chicken (you can choose white, dark or both), jasmine rice, her special sauce and a side of clear soup. It’s perfect, and hits the spot every single time.”
“Another spot that I frequent is Lardo. As the name implies, all wonderful things made of pork can be found here. But given it’s Portland, there’s a vegetarian option as well”, she recommended. “My favorite is the pork meatball bahn mi sandwich (USD9). The bahn mi is made with French bread made fresh from the bakery next door and the meatballs are packed with flavor. Combined with picked vegetables and Sriracha mayo, it’s my all-time favorite sandwich.“
Dakar, Senegal
Early in the morning, vendors appear on street corners with freshly baked baguettes, ready to be brought home for breakfasts or enjoyed on the sidewalks with simple fillings like deliciously greasy eggs.
Or with Chocoleca, the Senegalese version of Nutella that combines chocolate and peanuts instead of hazelnuts.
It’s like a jar of melted Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
For lunch, it’s time for thiebou dieune, the national dish with many spellings but a singular devotion.
The thieb is rice and the dieune is fish, which can have a spicy stuffing, accompanied by veggies like carrots, potatoes or eggplant.
The dish is cooked in a broth that makes it rich and flavorful.
The intensity of the spice is usually not too heated, but the chilies on the side must be added gingerly.
Bali, Indonesia
Ok so this one isn’t a city.
But as a destination, Bali has an almost mythic quality.
It’s entranced writers for decades with its mix of spiritual retreats and surfing, stunning geography and relaxed culture.
The food is as wide-ranging as everything else on Bali.
“Traditionally the best Balinese food is ceremonial, with these days some of the best dishes served in streetside restaurants,” said Bali-based Samantha Brown, co-founder of Travelfish.org, an independent guide to Southeast Asia.
“One not to be missed dish is babi guling, a Balinese take on suckling pig, where various dishes using the entire pig are served. Nothing goes to waste.”
“While Ibu Oka’s in Ubud is the usual recommended place to go, Warung Babi Guling in Sanur is my pick (and doesn’t attract the tourist hordes).”
Port Louis, Mauritius
Food in Mauritius is a mix of African, Indian, French and Chinese.
The emphasis, understandably, is often on seafood and beaches.
Food trucks set up tables near popular spots like Grand Baie with quick Asian fare and fresh seafood.
Most bakeries also offer “gateaux napolitaines,” a Mauritian pastry that is essentially a jam-filled biscuit (made with only the good stuff, butter and flour) and then covered in pink icing.
But in the capital Port Louis, people head to the sidewalks for dhal puri, Indian crepes made with ground split peas and filled with veggies, coriander and as much (or as little) chili as a human can take.
One of the best is at the corner of Sir William Newton and Remy Ollier roads, between noon and 1 p.m. Latecomers leave hungry.
When the vendor runs out, he scoots off on his moped.
Mumbai, India
The eateries on Mohammad Ali Road don’t all have menus, or even signs, but the crowds show where to go and what to eat.
The fancier options like Janata have an air-conditioned room to escape the heat or the rain while tucking into colorful kebabs or delicate partridges.
Farther along are hearty biryanis, sweet mango lassis and malpua pancakes.
For a smaller snack, Anand’s stall fries up golden vada pav, essentially seasoned balls of mashed potatoes jazzed up with garlic, chili and herbs.
And the caramel custard known as firni satisfies even the most jagged sweet tooth.
Miami, U.S.
Miami is home to amazing Cuban food, none more so than the humble Cubano sandwich.
Ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard, toasted like a Panini to fill the mouth with crunchy, chewy, savory goodness.
This is the sandwich Jon Favreau makes playing the title role in “The Chef.” In the movie, the sandwich is so good it revitalizes his career.
Rome, Italy
Italian food has traveled so widely and become intertwined with other cultures around the world that tasting the original is a revelation.
The pizza at Pizzarium, near the Vatican, aka Bonci pizza rustica, carefully concocts slow-leavened doughs from stone-ground flour that gets topped with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
They also bake breads that will convert even the staunchest low-carb acolytes.
Chef Gabriele Bonci also has a patisserie called Panificio Bonci, a perfect spot for an espresso and exploring ancient methods of bread-making with heritage grains being grown again on small farms.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Life on the beach in one of the world’s most beautiful cities is exhausting.
Which is why Carioca cuisine includes treats meant for eating by the water. Empada pastries are filled with savory bits of chicken or cheese and make a great lunch.
For cooling off, Brazil’s wealth of tropical fruits have been juiced and frozen into popsicles called sacoles.
Tapioca branches into new frontiers in Rio, where it’s fried into a crepe that’s crunchy on the outside and soft in the middle.
The savory options usually involve cheese or chicken, but it’s the sweet ones filled with bananas and coated with sweetened condensed milk that shouldn’t be missed.
Sydney, Australia
Street food is one of the many ways in which Australia has benefited from Asian and Middle Eastern immigration.
New flavors and new ways of eating have taken hold in the streets of Sydney.
The Sydney Fish Market remains a wonderful place to get fresh seafood, which Peter’s Seafood Cafe will cook from their shop window.
Served simply but expertly, there’s fish and chips as well as BBQ octopus and soft-shell crab.
But Vietnamese, Chinese and Middle Eastern food are what’s really being served up across a city that embraces banh mi, noodles and babaganoush.
The global fare shows up in neighborhood dives but also in the Carriageworks Farmers Market, which offers local breads and cheeses as well as Chinese dishes by TV chef Kylie Kwong.
Beijing, China
Much of Beijing’s street food is now available off the streets and in organized food courts, where customers buy a card that they load with cash and swipe at each vendor.
The Jiumen Snack Street, surprisingly well-hidden among the narrow paths of the hutongs around Houhai lake, hosts many of the vendors who once shouted at patrons on the sidewalk.
Now they shout at patrons in a building.
They claim to offer 200 kinds of snacks, drinks and desserts, but that could be a low count.
Many of the same dishes are on offer on Wangfujing Snack Street, a pedestrian way that includes a night market and lots of food on sticks, including unusual nibbles like scorpions and seahorses.
Both places offer foods from all over China, including spicy Sichuan dishes and steaming bowls of noodles.
Wangfujing also sells souvenirs, making it popular with both foreign and domestic tourists.
CNN | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet
(#wanderlusttips #windsorplazahotel) From Malaysian delicacies, Vu Lan’s favourites to BBQ buffet at the rooftop bar, all of these will get you into the savour feast to end the summer.
[rpi]Café Central An Dong, level 4
It is the time to partake in the festive vibe of Malaysias nights to celebrate Malaysian culture featuring a selection of culinary favorites at Windsor Plaza Hotel’s Café Central An Dong throughout August. During this period, the hotel’s Malaysian executive chef will be adding to the Cafe’s international dinner buffet spread authentic Malaysian delicacies including mango squid salad, banana flower with dried shrimp salad, beef satay, chicken curry, meegoreng, char kwayteow, roti murtabak, and much more. Live interactive shows will highlight each stage of the cooking process, where guests can explore the journey from the raw ingredients to the pan and plate of gastronomic delights from this land of gourmet fusion.
Dinner Buffet (6pm – 10pm) is priced at VND558,000++ per person (Monday – Friday) and VND628,000++ per person including free flow beer (Saturday and Sunday)
Ngan Dinh Restaurant, level 5
Vu Lan Festival will be cheerfully celebrated with a wide range of vegetarian food to satisfy the most discerning palate including steamed wild mushroom and vegetable roll, braised taro with red pumpkin in coconut milk, and pan-fried vegetable bun. Prices start from VND68,000++/portion.
Top of the Town Bar & Restaurant, level 25
The BBQ buffet is a fantastic culinary highlight every Saturday night (from 6pm – 10pm) at this rooftop bar, featuring everything that a real BBQ lover can desire – from seafood, beef, lamb, pork, chicken to vegetables – all grilled to your liking.
You can pick the finest imported beef and lamb from the mouthwatering menu including Greek Marinated Lamb Rack, Marinated Beef Sirloin Steak, Adobo Marinated Pork Chops, Roasted Chicken Dump Stick, Marinated Squid, Grilled King Prawns with garlic butter, Marinated Sea-bass Medallions in chili lemon grass, Whole Crab, German Sausage and much more. All will be complemented with choices of freshly-prepared salads and soups as well as irresistible desserts. Price is just VND 780,000++ per person. In this August, guests can enjoy 30% off a la carte menu items and 20% off BBQ buffet.
Windsor Plaza Hotel
Wanderlust Tips | Cinet
(#wanderlusttips #audible #britishtraveltrend) A survey commissioned by Audible reveals a fact that British holidaymakers spend more time sorting out digital entertainment for a trip than they do on packing their suitcase.
[rpi]According to the survey, in preparation for a week-long break, the average person spends four hours and 16 minutes “digitally packing” – sorting out music playlists, downloading TV shows and books – compared to two hours and 30 minutes packing a physical suitcase.
More than two in five (42%) of British holiday makers actively start organising the digital entertainment they will be taking on their week-long holiday before even thinking about packing their physical bags.
The focus on digital packing is greater among younger people, with a third (33%) of under-35s usually or always packing their digital suitcase before the real one, which is almost double the figure for over-55s (17%).
The average UK consumer supplements their existing digital entertainment portfolio by buying 13 songs, one audiobook, one e-book, one film and one TV episode ahead of a week-long summer holiday, according to the survey.
Tracey Markham, country manager at Audible, said: “Our packing habits for holidays now include ensuring we’re set up to relax with our favourite entertainment, and perhaps because it only takes a few minutes to download digital entertainment, a growing number of Brits choose to create their perfect holiday multimedia list even before packing clothes.”
Audible said the top five audiobooks British holiday makers would choose to listen to this summer are:
Lonely Planet | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet
(#wanderlusttips #Virginatlantic) 2,000 copies of the self-published book “Great Hot Air Balloon Adventure” have been bought by Virgin Atlantic to offer its young passengers on night flights.
[rpi]It is part of the larger introduction of games, competitions and story books on board flights aimed at keeping children happy while travelling. During the month of August, cabin crew and pilots will also be running games and on board drawing competitions on day flights.
Stephen Holmes, who works in data management, has been telling his daughters Madison and Ella a tale about two children who go on a magical balloon ride for years. Madison, who is now seven, finally convinced him to publish it earlier this year.“My eldest had said we should make the story into a book as a keepsake – I thought we had better do it this year or she’ll be 12 and have no interest,” said Holmes.
They found an illustrator, Kev Payne, online, and Holmes ordered a print run of 1,000 copies of “The Great Hot Air Balloon Adventure”, thinking he would sell the book to family and friends, and at local fairs and fetes.
Holmes has now sold around half of that number, but after he decided to “try his luck” and send the book to Virgin Atlantic, he was shocked to discover that the company loved it, and ordered 2,000 copies to give away on night flights.
Matt Webster, Senior Customer Experience Manager at Virgin Atlantic said,“We were instantly charmed by Stephen’s endearing book, as well as the story behind it, and felt it would be a great hit with families on night time flights. It was the icing on the cake that Stephen is based in Haywards Heath, just around the corner from Virgin Atlantic’s HQ. We always like to support up-and-coming local talent where we can”.
The story tells of best friends Tom and Jessica – the names chosen by his daughters – who are taken on a night balloon ride by a “very well spoken” rabbit. They drink hot chocolate and bounce on clouds, before meeting a friendly owl and flying home to bed.
(Photo credit: The Guardian).
Lonely Planet | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet
(#wanderlusttips #Dananghoian) From splendid bridges in Danang to ancient temples and houses in Hoi An, the coastal cities seem to be more attractive in evening. 8 places to go in evening by Wanderlust Tips Magazine will give the tourist more options for their journey to the beautiful cities of the Middle of Vietnam.
[rpi]1. Festival Temples in Hoi An
Hoi An’s Chinese festival temples were built by overseas Chinese. Phuc Kiem Festival Temple on 16 Tran Phu Street, worships Thien Hau Thanh Mau, the saint of trades in charge of helping to overcome difficulties on precarious sea routes. A number of restoration mainly funded by overseas Chinese of Phuc Kien, have expanded the temple its intricate design add a distinct feature to Hoi An’s architecture. Trieu Chau Festival Temple on 92B Nguyen Duy Hieu is unique in its architecture. Its wooden frame are sculpted and decorated beautifully and the altars feature intricate wooden and ceramic works. In Quang Dong Festival Temple on 176 Tran Phu Quan Cong and Tien Hien of the guild are worshipped. The use of wood and stone in the bearing structure and decoration lend the temple a majestic and distinctive beauty. Hai Nam Festival Temple and Thuong Duong Festival Temple are also worth a visit.
Must see: Hoi An Museum of ceramics trading on Tran Phu, Sa Huynh Culture Museum on 149 Tran Phu, History – Culture Museum on 13 Nguyen Hue, Kazik Park on 138 Tran Phu, Tran Clan Church on 21 Le Loi, Truong Clan Church on 69/1 Phan Chau Trinh.
Cuisine: Van Loc Restaurant 27 Tran Phu, Mi Quang at the end of Tran Phu Street, Hai Café on 111 Tran Phu, Cao Lau Trung Bac on 87 Tran Phu, Chicken rice Ba Buoi on 26 Phan Chau Trinh, Cocobox on 94 Le Loi, Reaching Out Tea on 131 Tran Phu, May Concept on 8C Nguyen Thi Minh Khai.
2. Hoi An’s ancient houses
Tan Ky ancient house on 101 Nguyen Thai Hoc is some of Hoi An’s oldest houses were built 200 years ago, in the typical architectural style of the time. It’s divided into multiple structures each with a different function. The front of the house is used for shops while the back opens onto the river for easy access to goods being shipped in or shipping our products.
Phung Hung Ancient house (4 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Str.,) not far from Tan Ky ancient house on the other side of Cau Pagoda on where the birthplace of eight generations of the Phung Hung family, which dates back 200 years. It is the most beautiful example of Hoi An’s ancient architecture.
And then there is the ancient house on no. 104 Thai Phien that, though flanked by modern houses, is an outstanding example of traditional architecture.
Must see: Hoi An crafts workshop in Phi Yen ancient house on Nguyen Thai Hoc Street. Gemstone Art Museum at no. 130 Nguyen Thai Hoc is a museum and café with hundreds of precious stone on display.
Cuisine: Cargo Club on 107 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Mango Rooms Restaurant on 111 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Dive Bar & Restaurant Hoi An on 88 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Hoa Dao Restaurant on 119-121 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Gia Dinh Restaurant on 108 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Tam Tam Cafe on 110 Nguyen Thai Hoc.
3. Full-moon night in Hoi An’s ancient town
To get a feel of Hoi An’s atmosphere during the height of its history as a trading port visit the town on the night of the 14th of every month of the lunar calendar. When the full moon is out the electricity in Hoi An’s ancient town is turned off and is only illuminated by the soft and colourful light of uncountable lanterns. The people of Hoi An revive what once was in this way and turn each full moon night into a mini culture festival. Mi Quang and Cao Lau vendors sell their hot, delicious dishes by flickering candle light, riverside bars get a romantic glimmer, ho khoan melodies waft over the river, and bai choi poems can be heard. Blended together they create a truly special experience of this already extraordinary town. Make use of the occasion if you are in town and release a floating flower light on Hoai River.
Top tips: The best place to experience the above is in the roads along Hoai River in the ancient town: Tran Phu, Le Loi, Bach Dang, Nguyen Thai Hoc, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai… At 8.00 pm, lanterns are lit and electric lights turned of.
Cuisine: Try the local dishes prepared by vendors along the streets.
4. The colourful world of Hoi An’s night market
Located along Nguyen Hoang the night market is made up of about 50 kiosks. During a stroll along the various stalls you won’t just find souvenirs but also get to enjoy a leisurely walk along Hoai River. From lanterns, to pieces of art and pottery, clothes, hand-made craft items to local specialities you will find everything at the night market. The most impressive feature is the colourful lanterns of all sizes, shapes and shades hanging along the street giving the world a mysterious shine. Their light making the ancient town truly irresistible.
Top tips: The market is held from 17.00 to 23.00 every day. You should visit Hoi An on the14th and 15th of every month of the lunar year. On these days you can send a floating flower light down the river, listen to traditional songs join in a local game.
Must see: An Hoi Statue Park, Hoai River.
Cuisine: Numerous local specialties are on offer at the market including: Mi Quang, Cao Lau, Nem Lui, Banh Dap, Che Bap.
5. Danang’s unique bridges – A sparkling night.
Danang is known for its beautiful bridges. The most unusual of all is the Rong Bridge with its 666m dragon shape striving to the sea. The dragon’s head and tail follow the design of the Ly dynasty and its head can release water and fire. Tran Thi Ly Bridge stands like a sail over Han River. The rotating bridge spans Han River with a length of nearly 500m and a width of 12m, connecting the two central roads between Hai Chau District and Son Tra District. At 1.00 am every day, the middle section of the bridge rotates 90 degrees to open and make way for ships. It makes for a popular spectacle for locals and visitors alike. Located right by the waterfront is Thuan Phuoc Bridge the largest suspension bridge in Vietnam. It is equipped with a light system than shines through the night. Between Tran Thi Ly and Rong Bridge is the historical Nguyen Van Troi Bridge its arch made of rare Vietnamese Poni. The bridge has become one of Danang’s historic relics.
Cuisine: Enjoy specialties of the Quang region in Han market or in any of the restaurants or simple eateries in Bach Dang, Tran Phu, Hung Vuong, Tran Hung Dao Streets.
6. Asian Park – A ride on the fairies wheel
Asian Park is made up of four areas. There is a cultural section where you get to know the culture of nine Asian countries. The amusement part of the park is dynamic, lively and features the latest in entertainment including adventure rides and modern arcade games. Visitors can get their thrills on roller coasters, elevated trains and a free-fall tower. The huge fairies wheel is one of the 10 highest in the world and the largest in Vietnam. It has become one of Danang’s landmarks and is known as “Danang Vision”. At night, the wheel lights up with 13,000 led lights, adding some sparkle to Danang at night. For further information, please visit: www. Asia-park.vn
Must see: Tran Thi Ly Bridge, the swing bridge over Han River, Han Market, Hai Chau Communal House.
Cuisine: Enjoy Asian cuisine at the food section of the cultural space in Asian Park.
7. Sky36 – the highest sky bar in Vietnam where elegant and stylish VIPs meet.
Stretching over the 35th and 36th floor of Novotel Danang Premier Han River Hotel, Sky36, with its sophisticated design and state-of-the-art sound system, is a luxurious nightspot perfect for visitors wanting to relax with a perfectly mixed cocktail after a day of discovering Danang. Sky36’s is a elegant and luxurious combination between outdoor bar, comfortable sofas and cushy VIP lounge inside. The outdoor bar features a stunning view across Danang City with its famous bridges and Han River leisurely snaking its way underneath them. Another impressive highlight of Sky36 is the view towards the sea you have from the sofa area. From here you can watch the sun set over the city centre. Must see: Swing Bridge over Han River, Hai Chau Communal House.
Cuisine: Enjoy a wonderful dinner in any of the hotel restaurants on Bach Dang Street.
8. Helio Centre entertainment centre – The perfect spot for a family night out.
Spanning an area of more than 35,000 m2 and located in the city centre southeast of the Monument park on street 2/9, Helio Centre offers visitors the perfect selection of entertainment to be enjoyed with friends and families. Helio Centre opened in 2015 and includes three main areas: a play area for children, Helio Play with an array of fun, new and unusual games and a food court offering dishes from various countries around the world. Helio Centre has enriched the nightlife in Danang with its state of the art facilities, novelty factor and young visitors. Features like accumulating your score to exchange for gifts have made Helio Centre a popular spot to spend your free time.
Must see: Museum of Cham Sculpture.
Cuisine: There are various eateries close to Helio Centre.
Ngoc Anh | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet
(#wanderlusttips #Dananghoian) Stunning beaches and beautiful historic architecture draw tourists to the beautiful coastal city of Danang and Hoi An. Below are 8 places to visit in afternoon, which are suggested by Wanderlust Tips Magazine.
[rpi]1. Hoi An Ancient Town – Where time stopped
Chinese, Japanese, Dutch and Indian influences have all left their mark on Hoi An’s unique old town. The former port has maintained its ancient features over the centuries and beckons with its tranquil atmosphere. Get up early to witness the leisurely morning rituals of the residents. During these hours the small streets are almost deserted with only the occasional person going for a stroll or bike ride. Old houses with distinctive dark yellow walls line the streets of the town centre lending Hoi An its distinct charm. Beautiful tiles, colourful balconies with flowers and the handmade lanterns add a homey atmosphere. At dusk the town glitters in the glow of hundreds of colourful lights. For further information visit: www. hoianworldheritage.org.vn.
Must see: Cau Pagoda also known as the Japanese Bridge built by a Japanese businessman mid 16th century.
Cuisine: Le Fê Cafétéria (Phan Chau Trinh Street), Ms. Buoi chicken rice (22 Phan Chau Trinh), Mi Quang CT (Thai Phien), Cao Lau Trung Bac (87 Tran Phu), Banh Dap (Ba Gia store, near Cam Nam Bridge), Banh Beo Hoi An (Cam Chau, Cam Nam), Banh Uot with grilled meat (cuisine street by Hoai River), Che Bap (Tran Phu, Le Loi Streets)…
Shopping: Custom-made silk dresses, lanterns, To He earthenware, leather handbags and wallets with brocade patterns.
2. Hoi An Market – Get a taste for Hoi An’s best known specialities
Escape from streets busy with shoppers and get a glimpse of local life at Hoi An market in the centre of the ancient town. From catch of the day seafood in the morning to every and any food item you can imagine you’ll find an incredible assortment of products here. Introduce your taste buds to a wide range of local specialties on offer at the food stalls in the market, which is the perfect destination if you are looking to try as much variety as possible.
Must see: Randy’s Book Xchange (Cu Lao Cam Nam) selected by Travel Wire Asia as one of the 10 most interesting book stores in Asia and the only book store in Vietnam raked featured in the selection.
Cuisine: Banh Dap Ba Gia Restaurant (Hamlet 1, Cam Nam Commune). The food area in the market where you can try local specialties including Mi Quang, Cao Lao, Hoanh Thanh, and various kinds of Che.
3. Tra Que vegetable village – Be a farmer for a day
Tra Que Vegetable Village is located 3 km outside Hoi An’s ancient town to the northeast. Witness the whole process of growing vegetables that meet the standards of ‘green-clean-beautiful’. The village farmers show visitors how to plant, care for and harvest vegetables. After working the field you can enjoy dishes made from local Tra Que vegetables and relax in a hammock or bamboo bed in the garden with a book and simply enjoy the leisurely atmosphere in the quiet space of this peaceful village.
Top tips: If you are looking for a guided tour to Tra Que Vegetable Village you’ll find all the information you need here: www.vietnambookingtours.com.vn.
Cuisine: Enjoy local dishes like Mi Quang, Cao Lau or Banh Xeo made from ingredients grown in the village.
4. River excursion in Hoi An
Enjoy a sunset cruise on Hoai River, which flows straight through Hoi An’s ancient town and is considered one of the city’s most beautiful sights.
During the day this gently flowing river is bustling with boats and ships, but once night falls countless floating lanterns turn it into a sea of light, especially during full moon nights. From the marina in Bach Dang Street a boat journey down Hoai River will take you to Thu Bon River. Both rivers are lined with picturesque sand dunes, rice fields and mountains. The sun setting over Thu Bon River is an especially breath-taking sight. During the trip you will stop at Kim Bong Carpentry Village, Thanh Ha Pottery Village, Duy Vinh Mat Village to discover the intricate products made by the highly skilled artists of the Quang region.
Top tips: Join a river excursion with stops in traditional craft villages – Hoi An International Travel Centre, No. 10 Tran Hung Dao, tel: 0510. 910400, website: www. hoiantourism. info
Cuisine: Enjoy local specialities including Mi Quang, Cao Lau or Chicken Rice in the ancient town.
5. Cham Sculpture Museum in Danang – Discover the unique world of Cham culture.
Known as Co Vien Cham (No. 2, Street 2/9), this is the only museum in the world dedicated to Cham culture. The museum houses thousands of precious artefacts, three of which are recognised as national museum pieces: My Son E1 Temple, Tra Kieu Temple and the Tara Bodhisattvas statue. When visiting the Cham Sculpture Museum, take a moment to revel in the tranquillity of its statues, embossments and temples. In the presence of the stone, copper or terracotta artefacts, you can feel a breath of the ancient time hidden in the sophisticated patterns and each sculpture.
Top tips: The museum is located 4km away from Danang Airport and 6km from the train station and easily accessible by taxi. Opening hours: 7. 00 – 17. 30 every day. Ticket price: VND40, 000/adult; VND 5, 000/student. Free admission for children under 16.
Cuisine: Danang rice paper with meat: Tran eateries on Le Duan Street, Ms. Huong eateries on street 2/9, Phu My Hung Restaurant 44 street 2/9. Floating Restaurant: cruise ship on Han River, Phi Lu III Restaurant (Lot 1+2+3 street 2/9).
6. Han market – Con Market
Han and Hon market are two crowded shopping areas in the heart of Danang. Han Market is located near Han River lined by four of the city’s main streets: Tran Phu, Bach Dang, Hung Vuong and Tran Hung Dao. The market has an astonishing assortment of goods, but is best knows for its fresh seafood, juicy fruits and specialty stores selling fish sauce, dried fish that make for popular souvenirs. Con Market is located on the crossing of Hung Vuong and Ong Ich Khiem in on of Danang’s busiest squares. For first time visitors to Danang Con Market offers a place to enjoy and discover delicious, local snacks. Thanks to its colourful features and lively atmosphere Han and Con Market are not only places of local business but have become a tourist attraction in of itself. Visitors can simply immerse themselves in local life and do a little shopping of their own.
Must see: The swing bridge crossing Han River, Hai Chau Communal House, Da Nang Art Museum (78 Le Duan).
Cuisine: Try some of Danang’s local specialties including rice paper with meat, banh xeo, mi quang, bun mam, veal on Mong Bridge, oc hut (a type of snail) in the food areas of Han and Con Market.
7. Tuy Loan ancient village
Tuy Loan has kept its traditional features. The village is over 500 years old and located about 15 km southwest of Danang’s city centre in Hoa Vang District. The original village entrance remains and is covered in moss, the communal house is built in the architecture of times long passed and sits under an ancient banyan tree. The paths winding their way through the village are lined with rice paddies on both sides. The old houses have witnessed time come and go and continue their watch silently. Tuy Loan Market in the village centre has local products on offer including Cam Ne mats and hats, rice paper Mi Quang and Central Vietnam delicacy: dried fish with an earthy taste.
Must see: Cam Ne Mat Village is famous for the traditional pattern of its mats that date back to the dynasty of the Nguyen Kings. Phong Nam ancient village. Phuoc Nhon hot stream resort in Hoa Vang District about 25 km from Danang.
Cuisine: When in Tuy Loan do not miss the chance to taste their famous rice paper and Mi Quang.
8. Hai Van Pass
Famous for the best panorama of Danang Hai Van Pass is the highest pass, towering 500m above the sea, of the craggy Truong Son mountain range. The curvy road leading to Hai Van Pass winds its way along dense forest on one side and a stunning view over the sea on the other side. The mountain peaks are often hidden in the clouds lending it its nickname: Cloud Pass. Hai Van Pass has long been a popular trail for cross-country travellers looking to find Vietnam’s most stunning stretches of road.
From Danang the national highway 1A leading north passes Nam O before starting the to climb to Hai Van Pass. It winds its way up the mountainside in tight curves, like a silk ribbon tying earth to the cloudy sky. If the sky is clear at its highest points awaits a stunning panorama of Danang, Son Tra peninsula, Cu Lao Cham, and seemingly never-ending beaches bordering the endless clean and green sea.
Must see: Nam O Reef, Xuan Thieu Beach, Van Village.
Cuisine: Return to Danang for local specialties of the Quang region or continue your journey and enjoy fresh seafood at Nam O Reef or Xuan Trieu Beach.
Ngoc Anh | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet
(#wanderlusttips #Ascott) CapitaLand’s wholly owned serviced residence business unit, The Ascott Limited (Ascott), is acquiring its first serviced residence in Docklands, Melbourne as part of its AUD500 million (USD380 million) strategic partnership with Quest Apartment Hotels (Quest), one of the largest serviced apartment operators in Australia.
[rpi]The 221-unit property will be acquired for AUD71 million (USD54 million) through a 50:50 joint venture between Ascott and Qatar Investment Authority (QIA). Quest will lease the serviced residence, which will be named Quest NewQuay Docklands, and operate it under Quest’s franchise when the property opens in 2019. Quest NewQuay Docklands will be Quest’s largest property in its network.
Through the Ascott-Quest alliance formed in late-2014, Ascott will invest up to AUD500 million in new properties that Quest will secure for its franchise in Australia until 2019. Ascott has a right of first refusal to acquire the properties sourced by Quest. Quest will provide a lease for the properties, which will be operated under franchises using the Quest brand. In addition, Ascott acquired a 20% stake in Quest, with an option to increase it to 30%. At the same time, Ascott’s real estate investment trust, Ascott Residence Trust, also acquired three operating serviced residences in Greater Sydney from Quest. Quest Sydney Olympic Park, Quest Campbelltown and Quest Mascot are being operated under franchises by Quest.
“Ascott is a global serviced residence leader that owns and manages over 46,000 units worldwide and we have a strong base of customer accounts that are multinational companies, while Quest is a leading operator in Australia with more than 80% of its customers from Australia’s top companies” said Mr Lee Chee Koon, Ascott’s Chief Executive Officer. “Forging strategic alliances globally with partners such as Quest and QIA, as well as industry leaders from land owners to property developers, construction firms, online platforms and tech companies; enables Ascott to deepen our presence and build scale in key cities.”
According to him, this property in Melbourne is Ascott’s first acquisition in Australia in partnership with QIA and our fourth within a span of seven months. The four acquisitions have expanded the company’s portfolio across four gateway cities.
Ascott’s serviced residence global fund was set up through a 50:50 joint venture with QIA in July 2015 with each contributing USD300 million of equity funds to the joint venture. The fund invests in serviced residences and rental housing properties with an initial focus on Asia Pacific and Europe. Ascott’s four acquisitions made in partnership with QIA have a total investment amount of USD270 million and would be funded partly by debt.
Wanderlust Tips | Cinet
August issue 2016 of Wanderlust Tips is a journey back to the roots to learn about historical marks and traditional cultural customs.
[rpi]
“A people without knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.” – Marcus Garvey
After an eventful summer, exploring off-road tracks and swimming in the deep blue ocean visiting sea creatures, a gentle autumn is upon us, with journeys inspired by the plentiful heritage our ancestors have left us with.
The August issue of Wanderlust Tips will accompany you on your journey to the past, during which you will experience the sounds, the colours, the languages, and the vibrant nature, of the history of numerous cultures.
Together, we will roam through ancient markets in Morocco that over 1,000 years old, to visit small booths selling local produce and exquisite handicrafts. We will travel across the Golden Ring in Eastern Russia for a magnificent view of ancient architecture that has witnessed the country’s rich history. And we will explore the endless meadows of East Africa to see the wildlife and the colourful culture of Kenya.
While at home, we will taste the sweet flavours of rice while driving through the poetic passes of Northwest Vietnam. The countryside greets us with the beauty of golden rice fields, of the rolling mountains in Tu Le, Khau Pha, or La Pan Tan.
These journeys will fill you with love, with nature, with life and energy. What’s more, you may discover your own roots in the masterpieces created by nature and history. With a newfound vigour, you can grow stronger with every step of the way towards your future.
Wanderlust Tips | Cinet
