Whether it is shredded, turned to custard or jelly, whipped into ice cream or sprinkled onto a cookie, coconut holds a reserved status in the realm of dessert. Here is the list of the best coconut desserts worth trying as you travel the world.
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ALFAJORES FROM ARGENTINA, CHILE, URUGUAY, COLOMBIA, PERU, BOLIVIA
These butter cookies are popular throughout South America, especially Argentina, Peru and Uruguay. Two cookies sandwich a layer of creamy filling which is then topped with powdered sugar and rolled in coconut or dipped in dark chocolate. Rumour has it that the name for this cookie probably comes from the Arabic word al-hasú, which means “filled”. This dessert is both made at home and sold in supermarkets or convenience stores around South American countries.
ES TELER FROM INDONESIA
Originated in Jakarta, where the idea for the drink came to its creator in a dream, this fruit cocktail could also be considered Indonesia’s national beverage. The refreshing concoction combines coconut flesh, chopped jackfruit and avocado in a dish filled with shaved ice, coconut milk and sweetened condensed milk. Today, many sellers modify this drink with other ingredients such as cincau, cocopandan syrup and kolang-kaling. You can also easily find this drink anywhere on the street, especially in Java or in any food court.
ONDEH-ONDEH FROM MALAYSIA
Ondeh-ondeh is one of the traditional dishes in Malaysia. This mouth-watering dessert in Malaysia is bright green glutinous rice balls wrapped in a furry coat of grated coconut. Each bite into the small dessert brings the sensation of liquid palm sugar bursting in your mouth. Variations are also made in Brunei and Singapore. In Indonesia, these sweet balls are called klepon.
BUKO PANDAN FROM THE PHILIPPINES
A popular summer treat, buko pandan is a Filipino cold dessert that features vibrant green cubes of pandan-flavoured jelly, young coconut meat and sweetened condensed milk. Buko pandan is typically served during a Filippino salu-salo, a dinner party or gathering amongst friends and is especially popular around Christmas. Buko panda is a version of samalamig, which are sweet beverages featuring jelly ingredients.
ITIM KATI FROM THAILAND
For all ice cream lovers alike, this Thai-style ice cream will blow your mind. Itim kati is made with rich young coconut cream and is served in a coconut shell. It can be customised with many types of toppings such as peanuts, sliced mango, condensed milk, red beans, corn and sticky rice. Aside from itim kati, Thailand also serves coconut ice cream in sliced bread buns as a treat, called itim khanom pang. This dish is widely sold by roving street vendors throughout the country.
QUEIJADINHA FROM BRAZIL
Originated in Portugal, but queijadinhas are now very popular in Brazil, especially in the Northern region. Known as one of the most delicious Brazilian sweets, queijadinhas look like a firm coconut custard. The inside of the queijadinha has a looser, pudding-like texture from the parmesan cheese, coconut and condensed milk filling. If you want to get an insight into traditional Brazilian desserts, make sure to try this sweet favourite as you are in Brazil.
COCONUT BURFI FROM INDIA
A popular dessert in India, these bite-sized coconut rectangles have a texture similar to fudge. Instead of chocolate, coconut burfi is often made with milk and sugar, then flavoured with cardamom. Coconut burfi is a popular treat to serve at celebrations like Diwali. On such special occasions, burfi is often topped with edible silver leaf. The name for this dessert might derive from the Persian word barf, which means “snow”, due to the fact that the primary ingredient is shredded coconut.
Aside from pristine scenery, world-class cuisine and picture-perfect niceties, Nevada intrigues with its weirdness and its sheer diversity of attractions. From art installations in the desert to ghost-themed towns, there is a whole other side to Nevada that does not involve roulette wheels and strip clubs.
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WARD CHARCOAL OVENS STATE HISTORIC PARK
Perched in the Egan Mountain Range in eastern Nevada, Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park is a scenic, forested retreat. The park features a collection of six historic beehive-shaped charcoal ovens that were used between 1876 and 1879 during the silver boom and served to produce charcoal. Once mining ended, the ovens were used to shelter travellers and rumour has it that bandits used them as hideouts. Visitors can enjoy camping, picnicking, hiking and viewing wildlife such as mule deer, grouse and elk.
LAKE MEAD NATIONAL RECREATION AREA
A trip to southern Nevada cannot be complete without visiting Lake Mead, the nation’s largest man-made reservoir. A world apart from the lights and sounds of Las Vegas, Lake Mead National Recreation Area offers an array of diverse views of lakes, rivers, mountains, valleys and deserts. There are also plenty of opportunities for hiking, climbing, camping, boating and swimming. From the sparkling waters of Lake Mead, you can see the imposing Hoover Dam, a legitimate modern marvel of the world.
THUNDER MOUNTAIN
When travelling near Winnemucca and Lovelock in Nevada, it is impossible to miss some of the giant, oddly shaped structures that will leave you scratching your head. Created by the late Fran Van Zant, aka Chief Thunder, over the course of several decades, these unique roadside structures are inspired by Van Zant’s American Indian heritage. He used the materials including bottles, hubcaps and guardrails to build several surreal-looking structures and dedicated them to the Great Spirit. Thunder Mountain is open 24/7 from sunrise to sunset for free. All donations go toward maintaining and improving the structures.
RHYOLITE GHOST TOWN
If you are planning a Nevada adventure, Rhyolite, one of the most photographed ghost towns in the West, should be on the list. Initially settled in 1905, this old gold-rush town used to be a busy hub. However, the town fell into ruin and was abandoned entirely by 1920. Today, you can check out its remains, including forsaken houses and an old jail, bank and railroad station. There are many movies filmed here like The Reward (1965) and The Island (2005). Walking the empty streets makes you feel like you are walking through an elaborate movie set.
GOLDWELL OPEN AIR MUSEUM
Goldwell Open Air Museum in Nevada is ranked amongst some of the world’s most unique places to experience art. Created by a group of well-known Belgian artists, the museum features seven colossal sculptures, an on-site visitor centre with regular exhibits and events, as well as a small gift shop. The centre is open on weekends during the summer, but visitors are welcome to explore the sculpture park anytime.
FLY RANCH GEYSER
Situated off State Route 34 about 30 minutes north of Gerlach on the edge of the Black Rock Desert, Fly Ranch Geyser features a 1.5-mile loop amongst the historic property at its lush, spring-fed wetland ecosystem. Its formation began around 1964 when a geothermal power company drilled a test well there. However, the well was not plugged properly and burning hot water shot from the hole regularly, resulting in the formation of calcium carbonate deposits that grew several inches each year. Those deposits have now become three otherworldly-looking mounds, multicoloured and filled with quartz.
RACHEL AND THE LITTLE A’LE’INN
When traversing the buzzing Extraterrestrial Highway, your trip would not be complete without paying a visit to the Little A’Le’Inn in Rachel, Nevada. With a population of 54, Rachel is well-known amongst the UFO and aviation community for its Little A’Le’Inn hotel. Visitors can peruse photos of alleged, first-person UFO accounts, sip on Alien Amber Ale and purchase quirky swag that would be hard to find anywhere else. If you are interested in trying to spot some little green men, the Little A’Le’Inn has got you covered there too with several lodging options for extended stays.
When it comes to museums, people usually think about exhibitions that showcase similar items such as paintings, sculptures and historical artefacts. Known as one of the most creative and innovative countries, Japan is home to a variety of wacky exhibition halls that go beyond the concept of a museum. If you are looking for something unique and adorable, check out these seven museums on your trip to Japan.
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TOWEL MUSEUM OF ART – JAPAN
Located in the backwoods outside the city of Imabari, the Towel Museum of Art is the world’s first museum dedicated to towel manufacturing. There are exhibits on the towel-making process, displays of various traditional towels and a section that focuses on works of art made out of towels. There is also a garden with some nice displays of citrus trees and Moomin statuary and a restaurant. If you are looking for something to take home, you will find plenty of reasonably-priced options.
Opened in 2010, the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum is the world’s first publicly run museum dedicated to bonsai art. It boasts more than 120 bonsai masterpieces and other bonsai-related artefacts such as bonsai pots, miniature landscape stone called suiseki, books and woodblock prints. If you are a bonsai art aficionado, make sure to check out these seasonal exhibitions throughout the year in the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum.
Address: 331-0804 Saitama, Kita Ward, Torocho, 2 Chome−２４−3, Japan Opening hours: 9am – 4.30pm during March – October / 9am – 4pm during November – February
CUP NOODLES MUSEUM
Known as the museum dedicated to Japan’s ubiquitous instant noodles, the Cup Noodles Museum was built to honour Ando Momofuku who first invented instant noodles in 1958. Here, you will learn about the history and the development of the food through “Traces of Momofuku Ando” with visual images, testimonials and personal effects. What’s more, this interactive museum also allows guests to make their own chicken ramen from scratch at the Chicken Ramen Factory and create personal Cup Noodles packaging and then fill it up with one of the soups available in the Cup Noodles Factory.
Address 1: 8-25 Masumicho, Ikeda, Osaka 563-0041, Japan Opening hours: 9.30am – 4.30pm except for Tuesday Address 2: 2 Chome-3-4 Shinko, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0001, Japan Opening hours: 10am – 6pm except for Tuesday
THE SAND MUSEUM
Based specifically in Tottori, the location of Japan’s largest dune system which spans nearly 10 miles of coastline, the Sand Museum is the world’s only indoor museum dedicated to sand sculptures. Found in 2006, the museum boasts an excellent collection of sand sculptures that are centred around the theme of travelling around the world. The museum’s first exhibit was focused on Italy and the Renaissance, with sand sculptures of famous Italian buildings and statues, while the most recent one took visitors to South Asia, with sculptures of Gandhi, the Taj Mahal and Hindu mythology.
Located a stone’s throw from Togatta Onsen, the Zao Kokeshi Museum boasts an enormous collection of 5,500 kokeshi wooden dolls on display – the largest in Japan. Known as a traditional Japanese craft that originated in the hot springs regions of northern Japan, kokeshi generally have no arms or legs, the overall shape and facial features vary from region to region. Visiting this adorable museum, you can have the opportunity to witness kokeshi artisans at work and paint your very own doll.
Address: Shinchinishiurayama-36-135 Togattaonsen, Zaō, Katta District, Miyagi 989-0916, Japan Opening hours: 9am – 5pm
CAT MUSEUM
If you are a cat lover, not to be missed to visit the Cat Museum in Japan which was established as a place to study cats while playing with them. Here, you will have the opportunity to learn about the evolutionary progression of the species with skeletal recreations of different types of cats, from saber-toothed tigers down to the domesticated house cat. Additionally, cat toys, dolls and other cats that appeared in Japanese culture like the lucky cat are also displayed for visitors to explore. It is certain that you will be excited with a myriad of real cats roaming the premises, all of which can be interacted with.
Address: Ito, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan Opening hours: 9am – 5pm
GHIBLI MUSEUM
No Japan museum list would be complete without a mention of the Ghibli Museum. Inspired by the well-known animation studio for films like Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle and Princess Mononoke, the museum showcases the work of the esteemed Studio Ghibli. Here, you will find a range of exhibits that detail the studio’s history as well as film and animation techniques. Remember that visitors are not allowed to take photos or videos inside. There is also a cafe, a children’s play area, a rooftop garden and a theatre where original short films created exclusively for the museum.
Address: 1-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka-shi, Tokyo 181-0013, Japan Opening hours: 10am – 6pm
If you are an Olympic enthusiast and want to sample some of the game’s history, then check out these five former Olympic places on your upcoming trip.
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ATHENS, GREECE – OLYMPIC 1896, 2004
As the first host of the modern Olympic games in 1896, Athens, Greece is considered the cradle of the Olympic tradition with a long history of several millennia. Thousands of years ago, athletes from across the ancient Greek Empire congregated in Athens to compete in its Panathenaia celebrations. In tribute to its storied past, every four years the Olympic torch is lit at the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens before beginning its long journey to the new host city. Here, you can walk through the Olympic Velodrome in the Olympic Sports Complex and step back in time at the 50,000-seat stadium, the only arena made entirely of marble.
ROME, ITALY (1960)
Thanks to the 1906 eruption of Mount Vesuvius, the Italian capital was forced to pass the 1908 Summer Olympics torch to London. 52 years later, the Eternal City was given another chance with the 1960 Summer Olympics. Built between 1928 and 1938 in an early Fascist architectural style, Foro Italico, formerly the Foro Mussolini or Mussolini Forum, is a popular sports complex that was used during the 1960 Olympic games. Here, you can visit the marble indoor pool area, some of new venues purpose-built for the games and many other Rome’s historic structures.
BARCELONA, SPAIN (1992)
Occupying some prime waterfront property along the Port Olympic Marina seaside, Barcelona’s 1992 Olympic Village is hard to miss. Aside from being one of the most visited cities in the world, Barcelona, Spain has a good reputation when hosting the 1992 Summer Olympics. Today, its Olympics stadium regularly hosts A-list musical acts like The Rolling Stones, Madonna and Beyonce. Furthermore, the city intrigues many travellers with beautiful beaches that are lined with spots to share some fresh seafood tapas. The telecommunications tower built for the games by Spanish architect Calatrava is also an iconic fixture of the city’s skyline.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA (2000)
Designated the “Green Games” by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Sydney Games were an example of sustainable Olympic development which aims to introduce a more environmentally conscious way of hosting the event. Originally able to accommodate 118,000 opening ceremony attendees, the ANZ Stadium was intentionally designed to be downsized after the games to a more sustainable 85,000 seating capacity. Today, the stadium remains one of the most environmentally friendly arenas in the world and continues to play host to major international sporting events like the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
THE BIRD’S NEST STADIUM: BEIJING, CHINA (2008)
Beijing National Stadium or the Bird’s Nest was originally designed as one of the 31 venues built for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics. Resembling a modern art take on a bird nest, the structure is primarily used as a soccer stadium and is also open to the public for a small entrance fee and available for tours. After the 2008 Summer Olympic Games, the stadium will witness the start of the 2022 Winter Olympics and become the first ceremony venue for both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games in the world.
Sa Pa is not particularly glamorous, but I was absolutely fascinated by its magnificent maze of winding roads. The thatched roofs and small villages nestled in the misty valley really won over my heart. I was totally mesmerised by Sa Pa amidst the mountains and forests with its distinctive ethnic minority culture.
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Known as a small mountain town in Lao Cai Province, Sa Pa is located about 350km northwest of Hanoi and shares its border with China. It is home to Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range, which includes Fansipan, the country’s highest peak. Uniquely nestled among the mighty mountains, the peaceful town is inhabited by a variety of different ethnic minorities. There are five main ethnic minorities, including the H’Mong, Dao, Tay, Giay and Xa Pho. It is said that Sa Pa was first occupied by one group of ethnic people. After that, the Kinh or lowland Vietnamese colonised this mountainous town. Today, the town has become a popular tourist attraction thanks to its awestricken natural beauty and distinctive ethnic minority cultures.
THE ANCIENT HISTORY OF SA PA
The first people living in Sa Pa left their trace in the ancient rock formations in the 15th century. According to archaeologists, hundreds of stone carvings depict deftly and meticulously the local lives and folklore cultural activities of ancient generations. Among the ethnic minorities, the H’Mong and Dao people first colonised Sa Pa. The valleys in Sa Pa are so secluded and remote. It was only when the French arrived in highland Tonkin in the late 1880s that Sa Pa or Chapa, as the French called it, began to appear on the geographical map. After that, the French military parties, as well as missionaries, also paid a visit to the town. From the 1890s onwards, Sa Pa came under French colonial military administration.
In the decades that followed, French civilians and residents arrived in Sa Pa to settle, which changed it significantly. During a period of hostility in Sa Pa, nearly all of the large buildings and French architectural structures were destroyed. It was not until 1960 that the government encouraged the Kinh to move to Sa Pa. As a result, since 1993, this town has gradually become a famous tourist destination that attracts a huge number of tourists due to its stunning landscapes and fresh atmosphere.
FALL IN LOVE WITH SA PA
Sa Pa is not particularly glamorous, but I was absolutely fascinated by its magnificent maze of winding roads. The thatched roofs and small villages nestled in the misty valley really won over my heart. I was totally mesmerised by Sa Pa amidst the mountains and forests with its distinctive ethnic minority culture. It is undeniable that Sa Pa is a very different travel experience for both Vietnamese and international tourists.
The ethnic minorities form and enhance a unique national identity for local cultural heritage. A far cry from other famous tourist attractions around Vietnam, this little town has visitors falling head over heels in love thanks to its one-of-a-kind beauty. For instance, it is easy to encounter the different ethnic groups dressing in traditional clothing and selling their own handmade products at the local markets in Sa Pa. From time to time, you can also witness a local wedding or celebration. If you were to hear about the White Dao people, would you assume that they have white skin? At first, I thought so, but the truth is that whiteness is the iconic colour in their local culture and traditional costume. The name White Dao is to distinguish from other Dao ethnic minorities.
From Sa Pa, tourists will depart to Muong Hoa Valley by following the main road. From above, Hoa Stream flows gently along the valley, making it a magnificent natural picture. Several dark brown wooden houses, dotted on the immense paddy fields, form a poetic and somewhat secluded environment. There is a small path passing through the small villages located in the middle of the alluring valley, the smooth paddy fields are nestled in the rugged mountainside. Due to the cold temperatures, the covering of fog still swirls around the hillsides after midday. I was immersed in both poetic and fascinating natural ambience. If you are passionate about trekking, then Sa Pa is the place for it.
THE 8 BEST THINGS TO ADD TO YOUR SA PA BUCKET LIST
TASTING FOOD
It sounds quite simple, but if you are not a foodie, you may miss a whole host of delicious and attractive delicacies in Sa Pa. During my previous trips, I explored so many tourist attractions that I forgot to enjoy their local cuisine. Additionally, because of such fleeting visits, packing a lot into my time left me feeling somewhat exhausted. Hence, on this trip to this town, I tried my best to try the popular local food, for instance, Thang Co (horse meat soup), smoked buffalo meat, Mam Da (a kind of vegetable served with eggs), salmon, brook fish and pork.
CONQUERING FANSIPAN
Fansipan, located in Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range, is currently the highest mountain in Vietnam. Taking a trek through the mountains requires you to have excellent endurance and good health. For your comfort and safety, I recommend taking the cable car so that you can both admire the landscape through the cabin and go sightseeing after reaching the top. Standing at 3,143-metre and casting your eyes over the horizon will be truly unforgettable. Most interestingly, you will have the chance to get a view of the snow which is unique to Sa Pa in the winter.
VISITING CAT CAT VILLAGE
Cat Cat Village should always be a must-visit destination on any Sa Pa travel itinerary. Known as the earliest established village in Sa Pa, the village is home to the H’Mong people. Here, aside from admiring the picture-perfect wooden houses or strolling along the cool murmuring stream, you can learn about the traditional weaving techniques of the locals.
CHARMING LOVE WATERFALL
Before the trip, I had no idea about Love Waterfall or Silver Waterfall in Sa Pa. Due to my lack of knowledge, I departed quite late, it was 2.30 pm when I was standing at the gate to buy tickets. It was a very cold day, the temperatures dropped to between 6 and 7OC. Seemingly, there was only my friend and me. In the afternoon, Sa Pa was blanketed in thick fog, so it took more than 30 minutes to travel on foot. We were exhausted and it was getting darker, so we considered returning.
However, we struggled through as we were so desperate to catch a glimpse of the falls. We were ecstatic when we finally reached the water’s edge and heard the thunderous tumble of the falls. The sound of the water crashing down brought me a great deal of joy and comfort. In the fresh air of the mountains and forests, I began to imagine beautiful fairies dipping in the cool water.
MEANDERING AROUND SA PA STONE MONASTERY
After Man Coi Church in downtown Sa Pa, I decided to visit the 100-year-old stone monastery located in a peach garden in Ta Phin Village. In the spring, the monastery will blow you away with its beauty, thanks to a blanket of peach blossom covering the mossy ground. Due to the ancient architecture of the walls, the monastery is an extremely historic structure.
O QUY HO PASS
O Quy Ho Pass is dubbed the “Heaven Gate” where you can admire a panoramic view of Sa Pa. Here, I caught a spectacular glimpse of the lush green valley and majestic mountains stretching across the horizon. You can opt for a motorbike or taxi to reach O Quy Ho Pass, but riding a motorbike on a beautiful sunny day will definitely be the most memorable option.
RELAXING IN SPLENDID SPACE
Aside from strolling around the breathtaking natural surroundings, pop into a restaurant or cafe to enjoy its elegant décor and good service. Treat yourself to gourmet meals or delicious drinks whilst socialising with your friends. If you are a solo traveller, you will have much more time to relax for your next destination.
VISITING THE LOCAL MARKETS
It is particularly necessary to visit the local markets and experience the colourful life of Sa Pa people. On weekends, you will be excited to see new and unique local products. Additionally, tasting the local specialities, for instance, Northwestern corn wine or smoked buffalo meat is a must. Especially, forest vegetables stir-fried and served with grilled meat is an iconic flavour which is unique to the local markets in the Northwestern province.
W.TIPS
BEST TIME TO TRAVEL
Between late November and early February, winter arrives in Sa Pa. Occasionally, the weather is slightly drizzly, so it is necessary to pack suitable clothes. The plum and peach blossoms are in full bloom between late February and late March. During this time, Sa Pa boats an unrivalled charm with hundreds of beautiful blossoms. If you are interested in taking photographs of the terraced paddy fields, between June and August is the best time for smooth greenness, however, it is important to note that this is also the rainy season, so it is not the most convenient for travelling. You can experience the yellow ripe terraced paddy fields usually from early October to November.
TRANSPORTATION
From Hanoi, there are many options for your journey to this town, for instance, train, sleeper bus or car. Travelling to Sa Pa may be smooth and easy due to the controlled-access highway. It is advised to depart for Sa Pa around 7 am because you will arrive at noon which is very convenient for check-in at hotels.
ACCOMMODATION
There are various types of accommodation in Sa Pa. You can stay in a five-star hotel, a homestay room overlooking the rice paddy fields or experience the local lifestyle in a stilt house.
Nature has bestowed many gifts upon Vietnam, making it the ideal destination for tourists. The country is home to stunning landscapes, majestic mountains, crystal-clear waters and peaceful villages. Hop on a train and get the most out of your trip through the magnificently unspoilt countryside around Vietnam.
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HAI VAN PASS: SPECTACULAR VIEWS THROUGH PANORAMIC WINDOWS
There is a range of picturesque train lines passing through Vietnam, but the Hai Van Pass – known for being one of the most glorious views in the world – has always made a good impression on passengers. Sit inside the carriage, cast your eyes out of the window and enjoy the views over the tree-capped mountains and iridescent turquoise waters that stretch endlessly towards the horizon. Running from Hue to Da Nang and passing by the sparkling waves, the train offers some of the most fantastic scenery.
The Hai Van Pass is a 21-kilometre coastal strip which snakes through the mountainside, 18 bridges and 6 tunnels with a maximum width of 200m. The pass is tucked between a rugged cliff and a deep abyss, making it a hair-raising and challenging route for any type of vehicle. However, because of this, it has become an adventure attraction for travel enthusiasts. If you travel through the Hai Van Pass by train at least once in your lifetime, the image of the breathtaking landscapes will be imprinted in your mind forever.
Dubbed as the precious gem in the central provinces in Vietnam, the lush green forests and sparkling beaches will gradually appear before your eyes. Whenever the train snakes along the mountainside, an abundance of joy and happiness fills your heart. Your train journey through the Hai Van Pass to get a glimpse of Vietnam’s glorious countryside will be an unforgettable and fun-filled experience.
Ticket prices: VND70,000 – VND210,000/turn from Hue to Da Nang (Vietnam)
Duration: 2 – 3 hours
HANOI – QUANG BINH: MARVEL AT POPULAR TOURIST DESTINATIONS
Where can you see the dense forests, vast azure waters and magnificent caves in Vietnam? The answer is in Quang Binh. The peaceful land has people falling head over heels in love due to its mystifying beauty. Departing from Hanoi – the thousand-year-old capital of Vietnam and crossing the serene villages and cities, Quang Binh Province gradually appears in front of your eyes, making you feel extraordinarily peaceful. As you first arrive in Quang Binh, you will certainly appreciate its historical values.
“From the blue sea to the green mountains and forests, you will see the splendid scenery during four seasons, the locals are playing Le Thuy Chantey on Kien Giang River.” These melodious lyrics express special love for Quang Binh. Despite experiencing many difficulties and challenges over the years, it has only flourished and become more beautiful. Aside from the natural tourist spots and famous historical sites en route, for instance, Paradise Cave, Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, Nhat Le Beach and Dong Hoi City, the train journey to Quang Binh will definitely bring endless joy to your heart.
Once you have reached your destination, you can participate in a wide range of exhilarating activities at the Chay River – Dark Cave, slide on Quang Phu Sand Dunes and soak in the refreshing water at the Bang Mineral Hot Springs. After these interesting experiences, hop on a train to return to the capital. In addition to any souvenirs that you may pick up or local delicacies that you try, you will definitely have a great time and leave with valuable stories about the local history in this beautiful area of Central Vietnam.
Ticket prices: VND300,000 – VND900,000 VND/turn
Duration: ~ 10 hours
HANOI – SA PA: CATCH A TRAIN TO THE MOUNTAINS
At nightfall, the Hanoi Railway Station teems with many people toing and froing, socialising together and waiting for the train to Sa Pa – the most attractive tourist destination in Northern Vietnam. As people begin to board the train, happiness and excitement may get the better of them. Many passengers may not be too enthused by the journey as the train to Sa Pa departs at night and they cannot appreciate the beauty of the natural scenery.
However, travelling by train at nighttime is also an amazing experience. At night, the sky is illuminated by dazzling lights, making the scenery a bit more fanciful. There is nothing better than enjoying a memorable night with your friends on a train as you prepare to reach nostalgic and peaceful Sa Pa.
When summer comes, many people want to take a dip in the cool seawater and treat themselves to a break on a white sandy beach. Nha Trang – the busiest coastal city in Vietnam, has always been the top destination to temporarily get away from the bustle and intense heat of the urban areas. Departing from the magnificent metropolis of Saigon, the train to Nha Trang will definitely bring endless joy and excitement to your mind.
It would be a shame to pass through an abundance of magnificent scenery en route quickly, so this train takes nearly ten hours to travel through the exquisite natural landscapes in Binh Duong, Ninh Thuan – the land of sunshine and wind and Nha Trang that captivates you with its crystal-clear azure waters and smooth sandy shores. Additionally, the coastal city has attracted a large number of domestic and foreign visitors due to many interesting experiences on offer. Walk by the vast sea, scuba-dive deep into the ocean to explore the mysterious underwater world or simply rest in a luxurious resort and enjoy the peaceful coastal atmosphere.
The five-star train from Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang is a good chance to treat yourself to a little luxury with its state-of-the-art facilities, cleanliness and dedicated service on every train carriage. Gliding through the beautiful scenery of Vietnam, the train will allow you to capture each wonderful moment, enjoy nature and chat with new friends. Plane or car may be a more efficient means of transportation, but travelling by train has always been an incredible experience as you have plenty of time to appreciate the natural surroundings in Vietnam.
If you are looking for something unique as you pass through Utah, then make sure to treat yourself to Yonder Escalante which provides a scenic place to relax and unwind whilst enjoying some of America’s great western landscapes.
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Situated within the magnificent Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and near Bryce Canyon National Park, Yonder Escalante is the embodiment of the best of The American Experience in a place that is as familiar as it is unique. Here, guests can be afforded an immersive connection to nature and the opportunity to partake in new experiences to explore the outdoors while staying true to a well-appointed lifestyle.
Built on the grounds of a former drive-in movie theatre in Utah, Yonder Escalante is complete with 32 different accommodations, including 22 custom-designed A-frame cabins made out of exposed birch plywood and glass walls to look out to the desert views and take in the starry skies at night, 10 vintage renovated airstreams and 67 RV sites, all of which include private fire pits and access to the property’s common areas such as lounge pool and hot tub and comfortable amenities like shower and laundry facilities.
Classic cars are also parked for guests to attend a “drive-in” movie on certain nights. Aside from providing guests the luxury of experiencing the American West, Yonder Escalante, just a three-minute drive from the town of Escalante, is home to a variety of cafes, diners and shops full of artisan goods for guests to take home.
What’s more, Yonder Escalante includes the indoor-outdoor clubhouse offering flexible spaces to read a book, meet new friends or enjoy breakfast while viewing the extraordinary landscape beyond. Equipped with indoor fire pits, a vintage record player, board games and a curated library, the clubhouse is the heart of the property and available for all to enjoy.
Opened its inaugural property in Utah, Yonder is a collection of modern hybrid resort concepts designed to provide travellers with a new way to experience America’s most beautiful national parks. It comes complete with 20 acres to roam, several accommodation types to choose from and access to some of the most stunning outdoor destinations of the American West.
Rocky Mountaineer is introducing a new route from Colorado to Utah in the Southwest United States in 2021 to bring its luxury train journeys to more travellers.
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Called Rockies to the Red Rocks, this new train route will be a two-day rail journey between Denver, Colorado and Moab, Utah, with an overnight stay in Glenwood Springs which is known for its hot springs in Colorado, America. It can be said that travelling from Colorado to Utah is going to be more adventurous than before as you can now travel in a luxury train that runs through magnificent mountains, desert cliffs, scenic canyons and rock formations. The route is operated by Rocky Mountaineer and will be in operation from 15th August to 18th November 2021, an expansion of its originally scheduled season due to demand.
With the goal of expanding its routes to bring its train travel experience to showcase new destinations, Rocky Mountaineer is working with local tourism organisations, hotels and tour operators to curate custom vacation packages that feature tours, activities and stays in Denver and Moab, so guests can experience even more of the region. This route will be in addition to the three rail routes that run in Western Canada, between Vancouver and the Canadian Rockies towns of Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper.
The Rockies to the Red Rocks route offers unparalleled journeys in its spacious glass-domed train coaches thanks to the incredible scenery, delicious cuisine, attentive service and social atmosphere. The two-day rail journeys, including one-night hotel accommodation in Glenwood Springs, will start from $1,250 plus tax per person.
Founded in 1990, Rocky Mountaineer has offered luxury train journeys between Vancouver and the Canadian Rockies, showcasing the best scenery for over 30 years. Until now, it has welcomed more than 2.2 million visitors and become the largest privately owned luxury tourist train in the world.
From thundering cascades to fairytale trickles, it is no secret that the USA is home to an amazing variety of stunning waterfalls. Check out our list of the best waterfalls, all worth a stop on your next adventure.
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BURNEY FALLS IN REDDING, CALIFORNIA, USA
Located in the McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park near Burney in Shasta County, California, Burney Falls was so well-loved that even President Theodore Roosevelt Jr. referred to it as the “Eighth Wonder of the World”. Aside from its fairly impressive dimensions at 132 feet in height, this cascade in the USA boasts timeless scenes of deep sapphire blue. Moreover, it has a rather unique characteristic where most of its 100 million gallons of flow came out from the middle of the cliff. You can opt to traverse a quarter-mile path to the base or take the one-mile Burney Falls Loop Trail to ogle the waterfall from multiple vantage points.
RAINBOW FALLS IN WATKINS GLEN STATE PARK, NEW YORK
If you are making your way to the Finger Lakes region in the USA, do not miss the chance to see Rainbow Falls that was once a part of the incomparable Yosemite National Park. This classically shaped block waterfall intrigues many explorers with the presence of basalt columns beneath the waterfall’s vertical drop. If you want to cool off, go down to the San Joaquin River right in front of the waterfall where the river would be calm enough for a soak or swim. Also, hikers can extend the hike by pursuing the much quieter Lower Falls or going upstream towards the Minaret Falls.
PALOUSE FALLS IN WASHTUCNA, WASHINGTON, USA
Located in Palouse Falls State Park in southeastern Washington in the USA, Palouse Falls is amongst the last active waterfalls on the Ice Age floods path. This 200-foot wonder was carved more than 13,000 years ago and named Washington’s state waterfall in 2014. Here, you will see clouds of mist billowing past its sheer rock walls. Many photographers have set up a camera and tripod to capture the falls in the changing light.
SHOSHONE FALLS IN TWIN FALLS, IDAHO
Known as the Niagara Falls of the West, Shoshone Falls located at the edge of Twin Falls is 212 feet high and around 900 feet wide, making it one of the largest waterfalls in the USA. The falls offer a unique blend of recreational facilities, including playgrounds, hiking trails, picnic areas, a boat ramp, swimming and a scenic overlook. The flow of the water varies by season, spring is the best time to visit, but you should check the Shoshone Falls live feed before setting out.
WAILUA FALLS IN KAUAI, HAWAII
If you have ever fantasised about seeing a double-tiered waterfall in the USA, then get ready to turn your fantasy into reality at the gorgeous Wailua Falls that was featured in the opening scene of the long-running TV show Fantasy Island. Running at the southern terminus of the Wailua River, the double falls spill from an 80-foot cliff into a 30-foot pool and sometimes merge into one raging cascade after heavy rains. This waterfall can be seen from the parking lot, only 15 minutes north of Kauai’s Lihue Airport.
ST. LOUIS CANYON FALLS AT STARVED ROCK STATE PARK, ILLINOIS
Nestled amidst rural cornfields, just two hours southwest of Chicago, Starved Rock State Park is catnip for waterfall chasers. The St. Louis Canyon falls is one of Starved Rock State Park’s big waterfalls and a favourite amongst visitors. The falls offer a great glimpse into the dramatic splendor of nature as well as a little bit of awe-inspiring adventure. It can be quite busy in high season, so make sure to plan before you travel.
DRY FALLS NEAR HIGHLANDS, NORTH CAROLINA, USA
Located a few miles outside of Highlands, Dry Falls is a very famous waterfall in the USA. This 75-foot waterfall plunges from an overhanging rock outcrop, creating beautiful white flowing water tendrils that dive into a rocky riverbed below. There is also a short, paved trail that arcs down to the falls and dives behind the tumbling waterfall, exploring a small cave and catching some breezy mist from the falls. Note that slippery rocks can be extremely dangerous, so do not climb, stand on or jump from any waterfall.
Germany has a fascinating history that can be explored in countless places around the country. Whether you want to unfurl the pages of the Roman era or go way back to the Stone Age, these five travel routes will give you a profound insight into German history.
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GERMAN HALF-TIMBERED HOUSES ROUTE (3000KM)
Founded in 1990, the German Half-Timbered Houses Route showcases the various styles of half-timbered architecture in some 100 quaint towns along almost 3,000km from Stade on the River Elbe to Meersburg by Lake Constance. Here, you can embark on a journey through 1,000 years of history, with every region boasting its own distinctive style of half-timbered architecture. On the journey along the route, you can also admire the Medieval witches’ towers, Germany’s northernmost vineyard and stunningly restored monuments.
ROMANESQUE ROUTE (1200KM)
For history buffs, culture vultures and art lovers, the Romanesque Route has got to be the most exciting route in Germany. Known as part of the Transromanica European Cultural Route, this route spans 73 towns and 88 Medieval buildings which offer insights into the early days of German history and Romanesque art and architecture. What’s more, Medieval sites, stunning fortresses, palaces, cathedrals and monasteries are amongst the sights to be marvelled at.
GERMAN LIMES ROUTE (550KM)
With 900 sentry posts and 120 fort sites, the outer Upper Germanic-Rhaetian Limes is one of Central Europe‘s most impressive archaeological monuments. The term ‘Limes’ means ‘frontier’ in Latin, the Roman Empire’s common language. Covering around 550km from Rheinbrohl on the Rhine to Regensburg on the Danube, the German Limes Route offers fascinating insights into the Ancient Roman sites of Germany. The route meanders through beautiful countryside, leading to pretty towns, idyllic villages, cultural and historical points of interest, ramparts and living quarters.
ROUTE OF MEGALITHIC CULTURE (330KM)
Launched in 2006, the Route of Megalithic Culture aims to promote, preserve and provide visitors a deep dive into Megalithic culture across Germany. The route runs around 330km through the Osnabrücker Land and Weser-Ems regions, connects some 33 remarkable megalithic cultural sites and more than 70 megalithic tombs from the Neolithic period. Just a stone’s throw away from picturesque villages and quaint little towns, these megalithic tombs bring to life 5,000 years of local history amidst the idyllic wooded moors and heathland.
SAAR-PALATINATE BAROQUE ROUTE (100KM)
Paying testimony to the Baroque era, this exciting route spanning some 100km takes in the former royal seats of Saarbrücken, the former Baroque residence of Blieskastel, ducal Zweibrücken and Ottweiler, a small Baroque town. The Saar-Palatinate Baroque Route takes visitors on a journey through the wonders of Baroque architecture and gardens, secluded places and culinary delights that simply cannot be forgotten.
