Wanderlust Tips Team, Author at WANDERLUST TIPS • Page 183 of 195

Getting lost in Keukenhof garden

(#wanderlusttips #Keukenhof #tulipgarden) If you find yourself in The Netherlands, the country of windmills and tulips, make sure to visit Keukenhof Garden and immerse yourself in its stunning floral beauty.

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What is Keukenhof?

Keukenhof is the second largest garden in the world and the largest in Europe. It is located 25km southwest of Amsterdam in a small town named Lisse. Keukenhof is the brainchild of Mr. WJH Lambooy who founded it in 1949 and later became Lisse’s mayor. Keukenhof only opens to visitors for two months every year during tulip season.

Be prepared to have your breath taken away this floral paradise spanning 32 hectares. Attend a shimmering flower exhibition or simply contemplate the flower garden’s beauty. Slip into a fairy tale world filled with unique floral art works and numerous wonderful events. Keukenhof is a children’s paradise. The little ones can delight in treasure hunts, petting farms or simply get lost in play on one of the green lawns and playgrounds. It will certainly make for a memorable family day out.

Keukenhof’s 2016 Flower Festival

This year Keukenhof’s flower festival is due to take place from March 24 to May 16. The slogan for 2016 is “The Golden Age” and celebrates the years of Netherland’s growing prosperity thanks to commercial activities across the world.

The highlight of Keukenhof 2016 is a flower street next to Oranje Nassau Pavilion. It will be covering Delft Blue Street where marine trade activities took place and worldly estates line the canals connecting the town to Amsterdam. The flower street covers an area of 250 m2 with more than 100,000 flowers including tulips, muscari and lilies. It will be a new feature of the Flower Festival in 2016.

Tips

Keukenhof is situated in Lisse Town, 25km southwest of Amsterdam. Travelling there by car is the most simple and convenient way from Amsterdam. However using public transport will cut costs and save finding a parking space.
During the opening ceremony, traffic around Keukenhof can get difficult to navigate. It is best to park in Zandvoort, Noordwijk or Leiden and cycle from there to Keukenhof along tulip fields, all the while enjoying the unique landscape of the Netherlands.
The best time to visit the garden is in the middle of April – when the flowers are in full bloom and at their most beautiful. If you have enough time, you can enjoy the landscape at your leisure by hiring a bicycle right at the garden entrance at about 10 Euros including a detailed map. Or you can stroll through the immense colourful flower field on foot to Keukenhof’s opposite entrance.
To buy tickets online or get more information on means of transport, hotels and festival events please visit the official website: www.keukenhof.nl

HanHan | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Hoi An’s nightly serenates

(#wanderlusttips #Hoian) When the sun sets, and night falls Hoi An fills with the sound of romance. As dusk gently envelopes it, the ancient town unfolds its charm and inspires any- and everyone wandering through this historic space. Hoi An at night is a serenade filled with the sounds and lyrics of history, culture, architecture, people and life.

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Hoi An’s ancient town is a world cultural heritage site. It differs strongly from other relics of historic significance in Vietnam. Often history is associated with spaces that no longer have an everyday use, but are corded of to be admired from afar. However, Hoi An is a town alive with the hustle and bustle of daily life. It is not a demonstration, reproduction or representation, rather Hoi An is a living museum, containing great spiritual value, cultural significance and physical heritages. These are the biggest value of Hoi An and are being maintained by the town residence themselves.

And at night, people can feel the spirit of those who inhabit it the best. During the day Hoi An is busy and all about the joy and bustle of modern life. But at night a peace and quietness settles mixed with a nostalgic melancholia typical of ancient towns. Night evokes something that is hidden in the day and the bright spirit of the day turns more blurry and mystical. And the magic of twilight lends street corners, mustard yellow facades and the tiny allies even more charm.

If Hoi An’s nights were songs they would be sweet serenades. Romantic but not sad and hopeless, songs with easily understandable lyrics and beautiful instrumental parts. Serenades are not for the masses, but rather they poses delicacy and the high standard of classical music, yet they evoke simplicity and the comfort of everyday life. Serenades harmoniously merge voice and piano tunes. The lyrics are carried by piano tones, delivered like a poem. But serenades emphasise the accompanying instruments they are more than just background noise. When at their most perfect these songs leave nothing that could be changed as they posses an equilibrium of music and lyrics. They are the perfect harmony, conjuring up history, culture, architecture and human life. Much like Hoi An’s night which are so perfect precisely because all parts of the little town are in balance.

Hoi An’s small scale lends the town much of its charm. Much like serenades are best performed and listened to in intimate settings with only few listeners the town is best explored when quiet settles at night. Romantic feelings are stirred by emotional tunes when they are not restricted by beats and rhythm. Sadness and happiness are equally soft and deep or to quote a musician: Serenades are easier to listen to than instrumental pieces but they are not simple and unsophisticated like mainstream music tends to be. It requires listeners to have life experience and focus on the song.

For Hoi An’s nights the same holds true. In order to fully appreciate it a sensitivity of the soul is required!

For me, visiting Hoi An always feels like a return. When I am away I miss Hoi An town as if it were my lover. Whenever I see her again feelings of expectation, longing, anxiety, happiness and wanting to burst into tears all mix bubble up simultaneously. Whenever I come to town, I am at my happiest when I fully immerse myself. And Hoi An town seems have grown more beautiful, more marvellous, more gentle, more charming and more mysterious every time I visit. Wandering its streets I never feel bored as I every time I turn around I notice something new, a change, something I have never seen before. Time has changed Hoi An and keeps doing so. Dark brown tile roofs exude an air of sophisticated silence; doors are quiet invitations and shadows move slowly. I like to wander through the small lanes filled with quietness and peace. Time has left its marks here and each shadow of an ancient house, each tree, a puddle of water by the well left by someone fetching water late at night tell their own story. And when you tilt your head back to look up into the beautiful sky you may just glimpse the lonely moon modestly illuminating the small town like it has done for centuries.

The night draws people closer together, friendly faces, smiles and affectionate voice remove all sadness. Each street corner offers me familiar images: an old woman selling Thanh Ha pottery in Tran Phu Street, a woman selling tea in Hoang Van Thu Street, a man playing the violin in front of an ancient house. The tanned smiling faces of cyclo drivers always remind me that I both want to stay for a little while longer and am rushing to leave.

Cau Pagoda is as colourful as a rare jewel. It is located by the Hoai River, which flows slowly past in the sparkling lights. Streets corners, houses, doors, tree canopies, the rivers and people always in motion create an emotion of an endless warm romance like the breath, the kiss of a sweet love. And all steadily becomes more quite and slow when the lights are turned off in the doorways, when no more foot steps can be heard in the street and a certain magical atmosphere fill the quiet air. One last bass tone quietly raises like a dream beckoning the little town to sleep.

TIPS:

Hoi An is a coastal city in Quang Nam Province, located 30 km southeast of Danang, and 70km northwest of Tam Ky City.
Getting to Hoi An is easy by railway, road or air. Almost all open tour busses stop in Hoi An. Travel to Danang by air or rail and then take a bus or taxi to Hoi An. If you travel by rail from the south, stop in Tam Ky and then take a bus or taxi to Hoi An.
The best time to travel to Hoi An is from February to April, when it there is little rain and the weather is at its best. In summer, the temperatures tend to be very hot. The rainy season lasts from October to November and is high in humidity due to heavy rain.
You should travel to Hoi An on the 14^th and 15^th of a lunar month to see the ancient town during a full moon. The glow of lanterns lighting up the streets to create the cityscape Hoi An is famous for is at its best during those nights as the electricity is turned of. This is also the best time to release a floating flower light on Hoai River.
Hotels in Hoi An are diverse, ranging from affordable to luxurious. Most of them are near the ancient town and beautiful Cua Dai beach, located about 5km from the town.
Motorbike and bicycle rental places are plenty and both are convenient to get around. Cyclos are also available in the ancient town.
Hoi An is rich in attractions: The ancient town in Minh An Ward with Tran Phu, Nguyen Thai Hoc, Le Loi, Nguyen Hue, Hoang Van Thu, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai streets. There are many ancient houses and architecture to be explored in the form of churches, and temples. The Hoi An Cultural and Historical Museum and the Pottery Museum are located in the ancient town. Don’t miss Cau Pagoda and visist Hoi An Market located near the ancient town, on Hoai River bank.
You can hire a boat for an excursion down Hoai and Thu Bon River. At night, many activities are held in the ancient town including releasing floathing flower lights on Hoai river, traditional music performance Bai Choi stage and traditional games.
There are many destinations close to Hoi An that make for a great day trip. These include Kim Bong carpentry village, Thanh Ha pottery village, Tra Que vegetable village, and Cam Thanh coconut forest. You can also visit Cu Lao Cham Island by departing from the pier of Cua Dai beach. And if you want to explore more visit My Son – a world heritage site located in Duy Xuyen District, 40 km from Hoi An.
Stores and shops in town close after 10.00 pm but if you want to continue discovering Hoi An by night, put on an extra layer and board a restaurant boat near Cam Hoi Bridge. On these boats drinks are served and ba trao song performed by the boat owner, sometimes accompanied by a guitar from a traveller passing through.
During the early morning hours Hoi An is empty and tranquil and you can leisurly start your day in a café by the river watching the town’s morning. It will be during this time of day that without the tourist bustle and the voices of vendors promoting their products that you will experience the Hoi An you read about.
Hoi An has a lot of local food specialties, which are offered in the town centre and the surrounding areas. The best known dishes include: chicken rice, mi Quang, cao lau, hoanh thanh, banh beo, banh dap-hen xao and che bap.
Souveniers are also abundant, with lanterns being the most typical one. Lanterns are sold widely in Nguyen Phuc Chu Street on the An Hoi Island side, and in shops all over the ancient town. Clothes and scarves are also popular in Hoi An. And there are numerous traditional handicraft products from the villages and trade associations in Hoi An. Green bean cake, banh in, banh it la gai (traditional cakes) are popluar snacks and presents from Hoi An.

Ha Thanh | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Nha Trang travel tips: 8 recommended places for evening visit

(#wanderlusttips #Nhatrang #traveltips) Among hundreds places to go in Nha Trang, 8 listed below are the best for evening visit, as suggested by Wanderlust Tips Travel Magazine.

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1. Water Musicals

The most prominent among the recreational activities in Vinpearl Land is its water musical stage, with a capacity of 5,000 visitors. It is the largest and most modern water musical stage in Vietnam. This is a special art form, a magical combination of motion effects of sound, light, fire and water. Every day, the Vinpearl water musical stage delivers sparkling and colourful performances, satisfying everyone who loves to explore technical perfection. Enjoying unique symphonies of water, fire and light make for an unforgettable experience.

Top tips: To reach Vinpearl Land, you must take the cable car or speedboat from Nha Trang city. Cable car tickets are 555,000VND per adult; 450,000VND per child (1 – 1.4 meter tall). Ticket includes games on the island.

Food: Vinpearl Land food court

2. Pedestrian street and night market – The charm of the coastal city

Nha Trang Night Market (Nha Trang Pedestrian Street Service Centre) is a hub for shopping and exploring local beauty, which you shouldn’t miss out on during your visit. The night market recreates the ancient rural villages in Vietnam, with horse carriages, banana trees and bamboo bridges across canals. The night market has over 100 booths selling souvenirs, fashion, marine products, and handicraft items from Central and Southern rural villages. The night market is also a gathering place for the culinary quintessence of Nha Trang and Vietnam serving abundant and diverse dishes.

Top tips: The pedestrian street and night market is located next to the Cultural Centre at No. 46 Tran Phu Street. The market is open from 3 – 11 p.m. every day.

Food: There are many dish choices at the food stalls at the night market.

3. Cathedral of Christ the King – Western architecture in the heart of the city

Nha Trang locals have several nicknames for this church, including stone church, mountain church, Nha Trang church or Nga Sau church. From a distance, the church resembles an ancient Roman castle. The cathedral is built in the unique French architecture of the Gothic era. This scenic spot is beloved by many tourists, photographers and videographers. Couples often choose the church as the backdrop for their wedding photos. A unique feature of the church is its bronze bell in the bell tower, with a big clock mounted above, with four sides facing into four different directions. The cathedral’s interior is vast and immense, flooded with light.

Top Tips: The church is located in the centre of Nha Trang city on Thai Nguyen Street, and can be reached on foot.

Food: After visiting the church, you can walk to the night market and enjoy the specialties here.

4. Squid fishing at night – Experience the wonder of foraging your own food

Nightfall is the perfect time to depart and explore the sea. A beach at night appears more endless, strange and fascinating.

You can get on a boat and sail out and see a different side of Nha Trang city, illuminated by sparkling and magical lights. After a while, the ship will moor in areas with the largest population of squid. Attracted by the lights, the squid will gather around the boat and take the bait. The most interesting thing about squid fishing is that you can gather and enjoy your harvest right on board. Delicious, freshly steamed or grilled squid, dipped in chilli, will be difficult to resist.

Food: You can order supper from the ship-owners. Or even better you can enjoy dishes made from your own catch after squid fishing.

5. Sailing Club – Experience the vibrant atmosphere at night

Sailing Club is a resort complex made up of hotels, bars and famous nightclubs. Sailing Club’s unique feature is that it changes to suit the time of day. From sunrise to sunset, you can enjoy yourself here. When the sun disappears behind the beautiful hills, Sailing Club becomes a romantic and luxurious setting where great food is served. When you think about returning home, Sailing Club remains attractive as the lively atmosphere of its bars and clubs beckons the night owls. Sailing Club is open until the early morning hours, and becomes more crowded the later the night.

Top tips: Sailing Club is located in the city centre right by the ocean, so you can walk there.

Food: Enjoy a romantic dinner on the beach with delicious dishes offered by Sailing Club.

6. Altitude Rooftop Bar – The highest bar in Nha Trang

Altitude Rooftop Bar is the harmonious combination between low indoor seats, and outdoor high chairs and comfortable sofas, so you can enjoy yourself in an open space. Altitude Rooftop Bar offers a wide-angle 270-degrees view offering a panorama of the city. Sunset is the most perfect time to visit Altitude Rooftop Bar, if you want to be immersed in the twilight, and witness the glamour of the city when the lights are on. The vibrant sounds spun by a DJ will add to the endless fun and memorable experience for you and your friends. Altitude Rooftop Bar is open daily from 4 – 11 p.m.

Top Tips: Altitude Rooftop Bar is located on the 28^th floor of the Sheraton Nha Trang Hotel. It is easily reached on foot.

Food: You can enjoy food at the restaurants located in the hotel.

7. Lunar Lounge – Enjoy a cup of coffee and a view over Nha Trang

Lunar Lounge is a combination of bar, restaurant and café on the 4^th floor terrace of Nha Trang Centre and offers a lovely view. From here, you can see Nha Trang at night, which is no less magnificent than Paris. Enjoy the most delicious steaks and Spanish cuisine in the city, while taking in the charming ocean view from the terrace. Live music, fire dancing performances, and fascinating weekly events always attract visitors. You can also shop, go the movies or play arcade games on the lower floors of Nha Trang Centre.

Top tips: Nha Trang Centre is located on Tran Phu Street, which is in walking distance.

Food: You can enjoy Spanish cuisine at Lunar Lounge, or enjoy Nha Trang cuisine at the food court inside Nha Trang Centre.

8. Rocky Club – Be uplifted with colourful parties and modern music

Rocky Club is one of the largest clubs in the coastal city of Nha Trang. With a capacity to welcome 500 guests, Rocky Club attracts both young people and visitors to Nha Trang. In addition, its unique interior design and modern sound and lighting equipment, lively music performed by professional DJs, you will be uplifted at colourful parties with modern music. Rocky Club regularly organises parties to celebrate major holidays, and weekly meet-and-greets with famous actors and singers.

Top tips: Rocky Club is located in the city centre at No. 75A Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street and you can simply walk there.

Food: Before stopping by Rocky Club, enjoy a meal at Nha Trang Night Market.

Ngoc Anh | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Nha Trang Travel Tips: 8 places to visit in afternoon

(#wanderlusttips #Nhatrang #traveltips) There are numbers of attractions in the coastal city Nha Trang ( Khanh Hoa province, Vietnam). Below are the best of them, which are highly recommended for all tourists by Wanderlust Tips Travel Magazine.

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1. Vinpearl Land – Fascinating world of entertainment on Vietnam’s Pearl Island

Located on Hon Tre Island, Vinpearl Land is one of the most popular features attracting visitors to Nha Trang every year. Immerse yourself in world-class entertainment experiences. For only 550,000 VND, you can experience a variety of services including a ride on Vinpearl cable car (one of the longest over-water cable cars in the world), fun games at the waterpark, indoor games such as arcade games, go karts, 4D films, an outdoor area with adventure games, the biggest and most modern water musical stage in Vietnam and a massive Vinpearl aquarium home to over 300 rare and exotic marine species.

Top tips: To reach Vinpearl Land, you will need to take the cable car or canoe from Nha Trang city. Cable car tickets are 555,000 VND per adult and 450,000 VND per child (1 – 1.4 meter tall). Tickets include games on the island.

Food: Vinpearl Land food court

2. Institute of Oceanography – Find your way back to the ocean

This is the most interesting cultural tourist attraction in Nha Trang. Visiting the Institute of Oceanography, you can see and learn about more than 20,000 specimens of over 4,000 types of marine and freshwater animals, and admire the beauty of more than 10,000 species from the East Sea and neighbouring countries. Experience the largest glass aquarium in Nha Trang. Nha Trang Institute of Oceanography is the largest maritime research agency in South East Asia.

Top tips: Nha Trang Institute of Oceanography is located 6 kilometres southeast of the city centre. You can reach it by taxi or motorbike.

Food: After touring the institute, you should return to the city centre to enjoy some of the specialties of Nha Trang including seafood, fishball noodles, Lac Canh grilled beef, mini pancakes, grilled rolls, thick noodle soup, Dam Market poached squid and jellyfish noodles.

3. Hon Chong – Hon Vo Islands (Husband – Wife Islands) – Witness a magical sunset

About three kilometres northeast of the city centre, Hon Chong (Husband) Island is compiled of large rocks of various shapes, stacked together and running from the shore to the sea. A smaller group of rocks, located to the east of the hill, is known as Hon Vo (Wife) Island. The atmosphere on Hon Chong is entirely different from the bustling atmosphere of the city. On Hon Chong island, you can visit Thanh Phong Club art gallery, drink coffee by the ocean and learn about the legend of the islands, amidst the charming natural landscape. This is a beautiful spot to watch the sunset.

Top tips: You can rent a motorbike, or catch a taxi. Follow Tran Phu Street to the North and then follow the road signs and you will see Hon Chong Island.

Food: Hon Chong Café is located on the island, with an ocean view and cooling atmosphere, offering food at reasonable prices.

4. Po Nagar Temple – A unique Cham architectural masterpiece

Po Nagar Temple showcases the beautiful ancient architecture and rich history of the Cham civilisation. This is a religious complex located on a small hill, compromised of three main levels. The main tower worships Po Nagar, the Goddess of beauty, art and creativity. The tower has four main floors, each with doors, statues and rock sculptures. Inside the tower is a 2.6-meter-tall goddess statue, carved from black marble stone. The goddess sits on a solemn lotus-shaped pedestal, and her black lies against a large leaf-shaped stone. This is a Cham sculpture masterpiece, striking the perfect harmony between sculpting and carving. The other towers worship Siva, Sanhaka and Ganeca.

Top tips: Po Nagar Temple is located two kilometres from the city centre. You can rent a motorbike or catch a taxi to follow Tran Phu Street to the North and turn left after crossing Tran Phu Bridge.

Food: There are many specialties available in the city centre including thick noodle soup, jellyfish noodles, pork rolls, seafood, mini pancakes and grilled rolls.

5. Thap Ba Hot Springs – Relax in a paradise of mud and minerals

This is the first mud bath in Vietnam. A mud bath therapy is on offer as both relaxation and beauty regiment. There are many services to choose from: sauna massage, private or group hot mud bath and Spa Mountain. Spa Mountain is a new service located on Ngoc Son Mountain. Here, you can fully enjoy the tranquillity and relax in a tub of mud minerals or herbal minerals. The only pool and waterfall in Vietnam using entirely natural hot spring water will make for a relaxing day in a paradise of mud and minerals. Visit their website http://tambunthapba.vn to check out the prices.

Top tips: Thac Ba Hot Springs is located five kilometres from the city centre. You can rent a motorbike or taxi to follow Tran Phu Street, and then turn left on Thap Ba Street to continue to Ngo Den Street. You can also book a shuttle bus offered by the Hot Springs.

Food: You should return to the city centre to enjoy the seafood and other specialties of Nha Trang.

6. Dam Market – Shopping spree in a cultural space

This beautiful structure is located in the centre of Nha Trang city. From above, Dam Market looks like a blooming lotus flower. Dam Market is the major commercial hub of Nha Trang city and Khanh Hoa province. The market boosts unique architecture with rich history. This tourist attraction is popular with visitors from Vietnam and abroad and a symbol of this coastal city. Khanh Hoa provincial authorities have put into operation a new Dam Market, while still maintaining the old market as an exhibition and tourism promotion centre. The new Dam Market sells many souvenirs and local produce and seafood, especially dried seafood.

Top tips: Dam Market is located in the city centre. You can walk or catch a taxi to reach the market.

Food: Dam Market is where you can enjoy most of the specialties of Nha Trang.

7. Fishing Village – Experience the lives of fishermen and enjoy fresh seafood

The Fishing Village is a residential part of Tri Nguyen Island Village, with many shrimp and fish farms, similar to a floating village. Local ship owners often invite visitors to the Fishing Village for lunch or dinner, offering fresh seafood and leaving good impressions with every visitor. During a hot summer afternoon, when you wish to enjoy the atmosphere of a fishing village, you can rent a canoe to visit and enjoy the natural scenery and soak up the romantic and idyllic lives of the locals. You can take a basket boat to visit offshore fish farms and buy fresh seafood. These fish farms mainly function as tourist spots.

Top tips: You can rent a boat or canoe to get to the fishing village, which only takes 10 minutes from Cau Da Port.

Food: At the fishing village, there are several restaurants serving made-to-order dishes or you can fish for fresh seafood.

8. Phu Vinh Ancient Village – Immerse yourself in an ancient village in Central Vietnam v

Phu Vinh Village has a 200-year-old history, and has managed to keep intact many of its ancient houses. The most prominent and often a stop on tours is Mr Nguyen Xuan Hai’s house. The house has been passed through six generations and is located within a large garden covering an area of 4,000 square metres. The house was built in a traditional Vietnamese style, with three chambers, five interconnecting compartments and tiled roofing. The house is surrounded by a lush garden shaded by fruit trees. In addition to the ancient houses, Phu Vinh is also a handicraft village. Horse carriages can take you on a tour along the ancient roads shaded by trees and lined by moss-covered walls.

Top tips: Located about four kilometres from the coastal city of Nha Trang, Phu Vinh ancient village is a part of Vinh Thanh commune. You can reach the village by motorbike or taxi.

Food: You can relax and enjoy a cup of tea with the hosts in their cooling garden, before heading back downtown to enjoy dinner.

Ngoc Anh | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Nha Trang travel tips: 8 places to visit in morning

(#wanderlusttips #nhatrang #traveltips) If you are wondering where to spend time in Nha Trang – the beautiful coastal city in the south of Vietnam, 8 recommended places from Wanderlust Tips Magazine will be helpful.
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1. Hon Mieu Island – a living maritime museum

Hon Mieu Island is closer to shore than most other islands in Nha Trang Bay. The aquarium on the island is a popular destination; built to resemble a sunken ship, and showcases live sea creatures. After a visit there, head to Tri Nguyen aquarium, which was built in 1971 thanks to a unique initiative of the local people. It is considered a living maritime museum. The aquarium is home to hundreds of valuable sea creatures including rare fish and sea turtles. If you have time, you can cross the island from the aquarium to reach Gravel Beach (Bai Soi Beach), which is only a few hundred meters away. Gravel Beach faces Hon Tam Island and you can dive or snorkel along the cliffs near the beach to admire coral reefs and sea urchins.

Top Tips: Take a boat from Cau Da Port (near the Institute of Oceanography). From it takes only 10 minutes to reach Hon Mieu Island.

Food: You can buy fresh seafood from the nearby fishing villages and hire locals to prepare it for you. Do not miss out on the lobsters!

2. Hon Tam Island – for sport and ecotourism lovers

Hon Tam Island impresses visitors with its lush tropical forest, home to thousands species of sea birds, and skinny beaches nestled under the cooling shades of green. Hon Tam Island is the ideal destination for lovers of ecotourism. Hon Tam Island is being turned into a tourism destination featuring Hon Tam Resort, Sparkling Waves Adventure Sports, and Sunset Villas built to preserve the eco-green environment. Sparkling Waves offers many activities such as kayaking, beach volleyball and at the Floating Park adventure games await including flyboard, jet skiing and parachuting. You can also explore the underwater world while snorkelling or seawalking.

Top tips: You can reach the island from Hon Tam Port, a canoe ride takes about 10 minutes, and a boat takes only 5 minutes.

Food: Garden View Restaurant located inside Hon Tam Resort serves Asian and European dishes, while Ocean View Restaurant located inside Sparkling Waves serves seafood dishes.

3. Hon Mun Island – home to the best marine biodiversity in Vietnam

Hon Mun Island is one of the most romantic Islands in Nha Trang. The island is called Hon Mun because raised cliffs and dangerous precipice and cave formations form the area southeast of the island. The stones here have the black colour of ebony wood, rarely seen anywhere else. WWF has rated Hon Mun Island an areas with one of the best marine biodiversity ecosystems in Vietnam. It is especially rich in corals. The island is not only attractive because of its clear blue sea, long white sand beaches, pristine rugged cliffs home to many swift nests, but it is also famous for its floating bar, tours to explore the underwater world on glass bottom boats, and diving and snorkelling to explore stunning coral reefs.

Top tips: To reach Hon Mun Island, you will need to take a 45-minute boat ride from Cau Da Port.

Food: The floating bar is one of the most popular tourist attractions on Hon Mun Island, serving a variety of unique drinks.

4. Nha Phu Lagoon – Immerse yourself in nature

Visitors to Nha Phu Lagoon can be fully immersed in wonderful nature, amidst the mountains, forests, waterfalls and the ocean of three romantic and peaceful oases: Hon Thi, Hon Heo and Hon Lao Islands. Here, you must take a dip in the clear blue sea, witness the wildlife on Hon Thi Island, visit Suoi Hoa Lan Ecological Tourism Resort in Hon Heo and visit the mischievous monkeys on Hon Lao Island. You can also participate in some exciting sports including parachuting, jet skiing and kayaking. You can try seawalking with professional guides to explore the ocean floor filled with colourful coral reefs and exotic and mesmerising marine animals.

Top tips: From Da Chong Port, it only takes 30-minute by boat to get to Hon Thi Island. From here, you can start exploring Nha Phu Lagoon.

Food: In addition to seafood, you should try local specialties only available in Nha Trang like Ninh Hoa rolls, Lac Canh grilled beef, jellyfishball noodles, fishball noodles and mini pancakes (banh can) on Hon Heo Island.

5. Yang Bay Waterfall – Unusual experiences and unique services

After a visit to the ocean and touring famous sights in Nha Trang city, it might be time to conquer and explore the beauty of the surrounding mountainous region, with its green and fresh atmosphere. Yang Bay Waterfall is one such exciting destination, about 45 kilometres from Nha Trang city. Here, you can enjoy unique tourist attractions including pig racing, crocodiles fishing, touring a bear farm, riding an ostrich or take a bath in a hot spring. If time allows, you can learn about the local culture through exhibitions of unique instruments and household items or watch traditional musical performances with lithopone, flute, or t’rung by the Raglai tribe.

Top tips: You can travel by motorbike or taxi to the waterfall.

Food: Outdoor dining area serving specialty dishes from ostrich to crocodile.

6. Ninh Van Bay – Get lost in a fairytale oasis

When you step foot in the bay, the first impression will be of its pristine, tranquil beauty. Let yourself get lost in this fairytale oasis, with endless green forests, pristine white sand beaches, surrounded by the clear turquoise sea. Here, you can participate in leisure activities like walking along the beach to enjoy the cooling sensation of seawater on your feet, boating, fishing, or following local fishermen to the ocean to watch the sunset. If you enjoy adventures and wish to explore the ocean, you can go diving to visit beautiful coral reefs, surfing, windsurfing or kayaking.

Top tips: The only way to get to Ninh Van is across the ocean via an 18-minute speedboat ride from Nha Trang.

Food: There are many choices of food, from budget to luxury restaurants located inside the resorts around the bay.

7. Van Phong Bay – Pristine and charming

This is truly a natural wonder with a mild climate, beautiful beaches filled with fine sand, surrounded by majestic mountains and pristine tropical forests. Van Phong Bay is not only beautifully poetic, but also suites the more adventurous travellers. Visitors to Van Phong can go swimming, snorkelling, and sightseeing or visit villages including Dam Mon, Ninh Dao, Khai Luong, Vinh Yen and Diep Son. The most stunning is Dam Mon Village, with over 30 pristine beaches including Son Dung, Bai Tay, Bai Bua, Bai Nhau and Bai Lach. Beaches in Van Phong can satisfy even those who cannot swim. You only need to wear a life jacket and goggles, and swim along with a guide to enjoy the delight of seeing colourful coral reefs.

Top tips: You can travel by car or motorbike from Nha Trang to Dam Mon Port, and then take a boat to Van Phong Bay.

Food: Enjoy the seafood and local specialties at Dam Mon Fishing Village.

8. Bai Dai Beach (Long Beach) – Cinderella is about to become a princess

The untouched, idyllic scenery is what makes Bai Dai Beach charming. The long, sandy and flat beach makes Bai Dai Beach the ideal location for picnics or sports. The ocean is quite shallow, which makes it safe for those who cannot swim. Oceanic sports parks are in operation here, offering sports such as parasailing, snorkelling, diving and windsurfing. In addition to swimming or walking along the beach to enjoy the fresh air, the most attractive thing about Bai Dai Beach is its seafood. There are a number of resorts currently being built here. So this Cinderella is about to turn into a princess and you should visit Bai Dai Beach to enjoy the blue sea and white sand.

Top tips: From Nha Trang, you can follow Nguyen Tat Thanh Road to Cu Hin Pass. On your left, there will be numerous paths leading to Bai Dai Beach.

Food: Any restaurant along Bai Dai Beach offers seafood and hospitable service at reasonable prices.

Ngoc Anh| Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Bagan: Natural beauty blended with history

(#wanderlusttips #sharethelove) “Some of these places, I visited just to know what they were like, and some of them I cannot wait to revisit. When I was asked where I want to revisit the most, my answer was Bagan (Myanmar), no question,” said ThaiDzuy, a Vietnamese travel lover. ThaiDzuy shared with Wanderlust Tips August issue about his memorial experience in this beautiful land.

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I cannot say I was born to travel, but I often feel compelled to wander. The places that I have visited, from the most luxurious cities in America, to remote villages in Africa, from the most beautiful beaches in the world to the most dangerous roads, all left me with unforgettable memories. Some of these places, I visited just to know what they were like, and some of them I cannot wait to revisit. When I was asked where I want to revisit the most, my answer was Bagan (Myanmar), no question. This ancient city is over a century old, and home to tens of thousands of temples, pagodas, stupas and Buddhist ruins of the ancient Burmese kingdom. Time, historical events, conflicts, wars and people have made these massive heritages fade into oblivion, leaving only about 2,000 structures across this 42,000-kilometer area. More enough to attract travellers though, no?

There are thousands of attractions in this city, but one cannot miss exploring the unique architecture, the ancient Buddha statues and the time-worn Buddhist paintings at Thatbyinnyu – the tallest pagoda, Ananda – the holiest pagoda, the famous temple Shwezigon, or daydream in the silvery sunset on top of the Shwesandaw pagoda. There are countless other pagodas you can only reach by horse carriage, through the winding, peaceful dirt roads under the shades of ancient trees.

But Bagan is so much more than its temples. The Buddhists here are kind, honest, gentle and hospitable and provide travellers with comfort even though the temperature in Bagan can sometimes reach 40 degrees Celsius. Do not forget to pamper yourself during the pure morning hours by the gentle Ayeyarwady River, or simply lie on the grass and listen to the birds chirping by the river flowing past the Bagan Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort.

Now, after four years, I still cannot explain why I was so impressed and fell in love with Bagan. Perhaps because it was easy to find empathy and see into your own soul in this quiet, spiritual and tranquil space. Whenever I close my eyes, I can still hear the echo of the rattles in the Bagan twilight.

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

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.

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“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.

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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.

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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.

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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