Wanderlust Tips Team, Author at WANDERLUST TIPS • Page 81 of 196

Wanderlust Tips Travel Magazine | Explore Vietnam on a tranquil and soothing day

Explore Hoi An, Vietnam on a tranquil and soothing day

Hoi An is world-famous for its unrivalled ancient beauty, making it a popular tourist destination amongst both locals and travellers. The town is increasingly becoming busy and dynamic, making you want to take a step back and appreciate the nostalgic, peaceful charm that still runs deep through the streets of Hoi An. It exudes an elegant and gentle ambience with idyllic street corners and an alluring river.

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A SERENE, PICTURESQUE AND SOOTHING BEAUTY

A far cry from a buzzing metropolis, Hoi An has a historical twist and its unique ancient beauty oozes from every corner. When thinking of “an ancient beauty”, many people would assume that it is old-fashioned and cramped like cities tended to be in the past. However, Hoi An is completely different as it is an excellent infusion of stunning ancient colours and eclectic architecture.

Wanderlust Tips Travel Magazine | Explore Hoi An, Vietnam on a tranquil and soothing day

For those who are passionate about finding a relaxing ambience in Hoi An, then going out at sunrise is a must. At the crack of dawn, Hoi An sparkles in the gentle morning sunshine. There is not the typical cacophony of sounds and hustle and bustle on the streets. Instead, you will have the chance to enjoy a serene and hassle-free atmosphere. Looking out over the road alongside the fantastic Thu Bon River, you will get a view of cyclists jingling their bells and flocks of birds basking in the morning rays.

Taking a stroll around Hoi An at sunrise is truly the most joyful experience when travelling to Central Vietnam. The town’s streets are deserted at dawn, the wooden houses are still closed up and you are free to wander through the maze of beautiful yellow walls. While meandering around the quiet jigsaw puzzle of streets, you might also see a glimpse of young couples snapping photos and videos. Their gentle smiles and obvious chemistry add a heartwarming sense of romance to this little town. An amalgamation of old and new, serene and charming, Hoi An is the perfect destination for many couples. It has been said that Hoi An draws endless inspiration for love, literacy and nostalgia.

MAKE THE MOST OF THE PEACE AND QUIET IN HOI AN

If Hoi An is not teeming with throngs of domestic and foreign tourists, how does it sound? Pure, calm and gentle. Instead of hoards of visitors and their subsequent noise make the most of the natural sounds of this quaint little town. Listen as the leaves rustle in the gentle breeze, hear the murmur of the Thu Bon River flowing gently or the melodious birdsong sounding from the sun-drenched ancient houses. Aside from the array of natural sounds, Hoi An whirs with a variety of joyful and familiar sounds of life – the signature culture of the local residents. There are lots of interesting sounds, for instance, traders hawking or simply the pitter-patter of footsteps on the alleyways. This colourful blend of sounds pulses with vitality and brings an interesting insight into the daily lives of the locals.

It is hard to put into words what I heard during my time in Hoi An. I just know that the peaceful sounds and the humdrum of people going about their daily tasks was heartwarming and comforting. My heart tells me that there is no other place that exudes such an exquisitely serene ambience mixed with timeless architecture. Travelling to this scenic town on a tourist-free day will bring endless joy and comfort to your heart. There is no high street shopping stores or throngs of people like in a modern city; instead, keep an eye out for the Thu Bon River and listen to the magical sounds of Hoi An.

BATHED IN YELLOW AND CLAD IN LANTERNS

The brilliant colour of yellow is the signature feature that contributes to the quintessential uniqueness of Hoi An. A fantastic plethora of colourful lanterns hung on the moss-grown walls also adds a sparkling elegance to the town. The distinctive shade of yellow in Hoi An is different from that in other places as it is a sophisticated reflection of long-standing history. An epic and nostalgic beauty, this sunny colour has people falling in love with this little town. Your trip to Hoi An would not be complete without marvelling at the yellow-coloured houses and moseying along the winding alleyways to take some stunning photos.

Aside from the signature yellowness, Hoi An is adorned with a vast array of brilliantly-painted lanterns hung all over the town. You will be captivated when meandering around the ancient streets decorated with an abundance of reds, oranges, yellows and blues. As dusk falls, Hoi An boats an unparalleled romantic beauty with illuminated traditional lanterns. There is nothing more wonderful than taking a walk under the starry sky, marvelling at the shimmering lanterns and indulging in the idyllic sound of the ancient town. The staggering landscapes and serene ambience of Central Vietnam will definitely fill your heart. Do not wait to visit Hoi An as it is beautiful all year round whether it is sunny or rainy, at dawn or dusk, on holidays or any day. Pack your bags, travel to Hoi An and appreciate its exquisite beauty and tranquillity.

W.TIPS TO HOI AN

TRANSPORTATION

Travelling by plane is a popular choice to reach this little town. However, if you are keen to marvel at the gorgeous natural landscapes en route, a trip by coach or train is a good idea. Additionally, when you arrive, you should rent a bicycle to get around the peaceful roads in Hoi An.

CLIMATE

There are two distinct seasons in Hoi An, including dry and rainy season. The dry season from January to July is an ideal time for a getaway to Hoi An. Between February to April is the best time to visit Hoi An as the weather is cool and mild. However, you can also visit Hoi An in the rainy season to enjoy its unrivalled peaceful ambience.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Hoi An is home to an amazing variety of ancient architectural structures, for instance, Cau Pagoda (Japanese Covered Bridge), Chua Ong, Fujian Assembly Hall, Old House of Tan Ky and Hoi An Handicraft Workshop. If you want to explore and experience the local life in Hoi An, hanging out at a rooftop café is a must to add to your bucket list.

HOI AN CUISINE

Hoi An cuisine intrigues a large number of foodies with its exquisite and impressive flavours. You will be spoilt for choice with a plethora of gourmet dishes such as chicken rice, Cao Lau (a kind of rice noodles), Hoanh Thanh (fried wontons), noodle soup, Quang noodles, Banh Mi Phuong and sweetened gruel. The roadside stalls are an ideal place to embark on a traditional culinary journey.

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Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 7 incredible adventures around the world

7 incredible shark adventures around the world

As one of the most ruthless hunters in the ocean, sharks bring terrifying but fantastic experiences for most. If you are looking for breathtaking shark experiences, these excursions will definitely leave you in awe.

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FIVE-DAY GREAT WHITE SHARK CAGE DIVE, GUADALUPE ISLAND, MEXICO

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 7 incredible shark adventures around the world

Located in the Pacific Ocean approximately 210 miles west of San Diego, California, Guadalupe Island has become the world’s best location for diving with great white sharks. By booking a trip with Horizon Charters, a professional cage diving operator at Guadalupe Island since 2000, you will be transported from San Diego to Guadalupe Island in a liveaboard shark diving boat for five days. Food and drink will be offered. There are two giant shark cages and 16 shark diving guests on board. You will get to drop below the surface of the water and see great white sharks close up from the safety of a specially designed cage system that is built for beginners and non-divers.

OPEN-WATER SHARK SNORKEL, OAHU, HAWAII

If you get annoyed by overcrowded tourists blocking your view or hampering your experience, the North Shore of Oahu is a fantastic destination for you to swim with sharks in the open ocean. One Ocean Diving provides small dives with six to eight people at most and plenty of time to swim alongside sandbar, Galapagos and tiger sharks. Submerge below the blue Hawaiian waters as these awe-inspiring creatures of the ocean gracefully swim around you. Furthermore, you will have the chance to learn about the creatures, how to interact with them in the water and how to help with conservation efforts.

SCUBA DIVING WITH TIGER SHARKS, GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND, BAHAMAS

For underwater photographers and adventurers who are keen to get up close and personal with tiger sharks, Tiger Beach in the Bahamas is a must on your bucket list. The waters are known for their resident tiger sharks and hammerheads, depending on the season. Here, you will have the opportunity to get close to these giant beauties and enjoy cage-free shark dives when booking a trip with Jim Abernethy’s Scuba Adventures. Trips are capped at 10 divers and the liveaboard boats depart from West Palm Beach, Florida. Additionally, you will need a scuba certification and a little planning.

FIVE-DAY SCUBA DIVE IN A SHARK SANCTUARY, PALAU

As a smattering of tiny islands off the coast of the Philippines, Palau intrigues shark lovers with the world’s first shark sanctuary, Palau Shark Sanctuary. This destination is home to over 135 species, including grey reef, leopard and whitetip reef sharks which are all protected from commercial fishing. Here, you can dive in these protected waters with Palau Dive Adventures and take on a five-day excursion including 13 dives alongside just 10 other lucky visitors. Make sure you get a scuba certification before trying the most overwhelming experience in your life.

GREAT WHITE SHARK CAGE DIVE, SIMON’S TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

Having a good reputation as the spot to see great white sharks in their natural habitat, South Africa is an ideal destination for those looking for amazing shark experiences. Taking a trip with African Shark Eco-Charters, you will come within inches of these giant creatures from the safety of a cage with their “first do no harm” approach. To get the most of this once-in-a-lifetime experience, groups are capped at 18 with only four to five people in the cage at a time.

SCUBA DIVING WITH 50 SHARKS AT ONCE, PACIFIC HARBOUR, FIJI

Created to study the resident sharks and support conservation efforts, Fiji’s Shark Reef Marine Reserve will blow your mind of the dives with Beqa Adventure Divers. Visiting here, you will have the opportunity to see up to eight different species, including bull, tiger, sicklefin lemon and silvertip sharks. An intimidating and awe-inspiring experience of diving with as many as 50 at a time will definitely leave you in awe.

MULTIDAY DIVE WITH HAMMERHEAD SHARKS, COCOS ISLAND, COSTA RICA

No shark adventure would be complete without travelling to Cocos Island, Costa Rica, known for its hammerhead shark population, in addition to tiger, Galapagos and silvertip sharks. For the most breathtaking shark experience on the stunning island, make sure you book a spot on a liveaboard boat with an excellent dive crew and check out Bajo Alcyone, an area that attracts dozens of hammerhead sharks.

Wanderlust Tips

6 sweet Chinese sesame desserts you will love

As a staple ingredient in the diverse cuisine of China, sesame seeds are toasted and used as a topping for cakes and dim sum snacks. Thanks to the slightly bitter flavour of sesame, it can balance out the sweetness of desserts. Here are six Chinese desserts with sesame seeds you should try on your travels.

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BLACK SESAME SOUP

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 6 sweet Chinese sesame desserts you will love

Black sesame soup or tong sui, also sometimes known as black sesame paste is one of the healthy and traditional Chinese desserts. Typically served warm, toasted black seeds give this soothing soup a nutty, earthy flavour. It is usually served as a cap to a meal, but it can also be served in a dim sum spread. This Cantonese dessert is a popular treat when winter comes. If you are strolling along the streets of Sheung Wan in Hong Kong, you will find small restaurants making these traditional desserts.

BLACK SESAME ROLLS

No Chinese food tour would be complete without trying a piece of black sesame rolls. Known as a popular dish in Hong Kong, these black rolls are a common dim sum dessert. This treat has a smooth, jelly-like texture, achieved by creating a thin paste from black seeds. It is often shaped into a thin sheet that is then refrigerated before being rolled into a cylindrical shape. The recipe is very simple, so you can make it at home.

BLACK SESAME DUMPLINGS

Many Chinese people believe that round food symbolises completeness and family gatherings. Commonly called tang yuan, these sweet rice balls are made with a glutinous rice outside that is filled with black seed paste and submerged in liquid. It is often prepared and eaten during the Lantern Festival on the 15^th day of Chinese New Year, which is usually a raucous celebration that symbolises the revelers’ hopes for a prosperous new year.

NIAN GAO

Typically eaten around the Chinese New Year, Nian gao is considered good luck and prepared as an offering to the kitchen god Zao Jun. The texture is similar to other food made with glutinous rice flour. It can be flavoured in different ways and used in sweet or savoury dishes. This sticky rice cake is either steamed or pan-fried with an egg. Nian Gao is then commonly covered with sesame seeds or other toppings such as dried dates.

JIAN DUI

Jian Dui, sometimes also known as mu tuan, is a popular dim sum snack and is also eaten for breakfast in China’s Guangdong Province. These fried sesame balls are believed to have originated during the Tang Dynasty from 618-907 when the snack was often enjoyed by members of the royal court in the imperial palace. The crispy outside is covered in sesame seeds and fried, while the chewy inside is often filled with red bean or lotus seed paste.

MOONCAKES

When it comes to the Mid-Autumn Festival in China, mooncakes are always high up on the list. Although mooncake flavours can range from green tea to red bean paste, one popular filling is black sesame. Some people usually combine the sesame seeds with mung bean to create a smooth, fragrant paste while others combine the black bitter seeds with nuts for a crunchy texture. There is also a version with a salted egg yolk filling surrounded by black sesame paste.

Wanderlust Tips

Eco-floating hotel in Dubai generates its own electricity

Not only does the luxury hotel design generate its own electricity, but the eco-floating hotel in Dubai also collects and reuses rainwater and food waste, making it very unique when it comes to sustainability.

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The eco-friendly concept in Dubai, from the Turkish design team at Hayri Atak Architectural Design Studio (HAADS) adopts a strategy “minimum energy loss and zero waste”. This floating structure will utilise the water current with wind turbines and tidal power to spin on itself and convert energy into electricity. Its movement is to be controlled by a computer-controlled system used to maintain the position and direction of ships, as well as propellers and thrusters. However, guests will not be able to feel any dizziness as it takes 24 hours for the hotel to spin a full 360 degrees.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Eco-floating hotel in Dubai generates its own electricity

According to the designers, the floating hotel will initially be located in Qatar. When it is completed in Dubai, the project can also be located anywhere with the right current due to its movable feature. The hotel also aims to treat any used water it produces so that it will not harm the environment as well as develop waste separation units for the recycling of substances.

Measuring over 35,000 square metres, the hotel in Dubai will include 152 rooms and can be accessed via a floating pier connected to the mainland, helicopter or boat. What’s more, the hotel will have luxurious amenities typically found at five-star hotels such as indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, gym and a mini-golf course. The project has been in the works since March 2020 and is still in the design phase but is estimated to be completed in 2025.

Floating hotels are popping up everywhere, creating a boom in the tourism industry. In addition to the eco-floating hotel, Sea Palace Floating Resort near Dubai Marina, built by Seagate Shipyard, a ship-building company, is currently in the final stages of its construction. The resort will be a floating luxury hotel surrounded by six floating houses, each of which can detach and sail independently.

Wanderlust Tips

A magical Dr. Seuss exhibit will open in the US this year

If you are interested in the fantastical worlds of Dr. Seuss exhibit, make sure to check out the magical immersive experience this summer that will allow you a chance to magically step into the pages of famous books like Oh, the Places You’ll Go!, The Lorax, Horton Hears a Who and The Sneetches and more.

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Designed to be an incredible experience in the Seuss universe, the Dr. Seuss exhibit includes completely immersive spaces, where visitors could take on an awe-inspiring journey through nine different books. Visitors will feel like they are one of the characters as they head through a balloon-filled maze from Oh, the Places You’ll Go!, listen for Whos in a field of clovers from Horton Hears a Who! and walk under Truffula Trees from The Lorax.

The Dr. Seuss exhibit is not just about promoting literacy but about the pro-social messages in Dr. Seuss’s books. “The Lorax” teaches environmental stewardship, while “The Sneetches and Other Stories” teaches tolerance and individuality.

Apart from living your favourite childhood stories, there will be a lot of Instagram opportunities within the interactive 15,000-square-foot-space. After the Dr. Seuss exhibit was debuted in Toronto, Canada in 2019 and 2020, it is now making its way to the US in 2021, starting with Houston, Texas from 15^th May to 15^th August. There are plans to take it to Boston and Seattle, but specific dates and locations have yet to be announced.

Another aspect is that the Dr. Seuss exhibit will change in every city. Some rooms will be flipped out to be replaced by rooms based on other Seuss classics. The rooms will even change based on the time of year, with a How the Grinch Stole Christmas room planned for the holiday season. The Houston exhibit will take place at George R. Brown Convention Centre and tickets will be on sale starting 17^th April 2021.

Wanderlust Tips

What are the best coconut desserts around the world?

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

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | What are the best coconut desserts around the world?

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.

Wanderlust Tips

Explore 7 weird attractions in Nevada, the US

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

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Explore 7 weird attractions in Nevada, the US

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.

Wanderlust Tips

Check out 7 adorable museums in Japan

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

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Check out 7 adorable museums in 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.

Address: 2930 Asakurakami, Imabari, Ehime 799-1607, Japan
Opening hours: 9am – 5.30pm

OMIYA BONSAI ART MUSEUM

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.

Address: 2083-17 Fukubecho Yuyama, Tottori, 689-0105, Japan
Opening hours: Monday – Friday, Sunday: 9am – 4pm / Saturday: 9am – 6pm

ZAO KOKESHI MUSEUM

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

Wanderlust Tips

5 Olympic places from the past that you can still visit

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

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | 5 Olympic places from the past that you can still visit

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.

Wanderlust Tips

Sa Pa, Vietnam: A symphony of magnificent mountains and forests

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.

Wanderlust Tips Travel Magazine | Sa Pa, Vietnam: A symphony of magnificent mountains and forests

THE ANCIENT HISTORY OF SA PA

The first people living in Sa Pa left their trace in the ancient rock formations in the 15^th 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

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 7^OC. 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.

QUYNH Mori | Wanderlust Tips