Wanderlust Tips Team – Page 192

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

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

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

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

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

Le Méridien Saigon to open new spa

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

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

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

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

Le Meridien Saigon

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

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Palawan: Diving paradise in Philippines

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Minh Hang | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Phu Quoc: Vietnam’s diving paradise

(#wanderlusttips #Phuquoc) There are many ways to hide from the tropical summer heat. You can find refuge in the green valleys filled with grass and flora, the windy mountains, or the stunning yet tranquil beaches. For adventurers who love the ocean, why refrain from visiting some diving paradises in Vietnam and neighbouring Southeast Asian countries.
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Dubbed the pearl island, Phu Quoc is a popular destination both for Vietnamese and international holidayers. Phu Quoc island is a part of Phu Quoc District in Kien Giang Province. The island is home to pristine white sand beaches, green forests, crystal clear water, a unique ecosystem and many beautiful resorts.

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

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

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

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

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