Archive | Asia

Places to See on a Yangtze River Cruise

By Erica Johansson on in Asia, Cruise Travel

Misty Gorge Reflections. CC Image by Keith Marshall (Flickr).

The Yangtze river in China is the third longest river in the world, so big it comprises such varied landscapes as glaciers, rainforests, cities and sea. It even flows by one of the world’s most hauntingly beautiful places – a ghost town. The best way to experience its full majesty is on a Yangtze River cruise, which, if you’re lucky, will stop off at these amazing destinations.

Chongqing

Many Yangtze cruises begin their expedition here, at the ‘Fog City’, which is also known as the ‘Mountain City’ and, in the summer, the ‘Furnace City’. So that’s pretty much the climate covered. Both a rustic town full of authentic back-streets and a booming, skyscraping metropolis, Chongqing is a dazzling way to start your journey and prepare you for everything that lies ahead.

Fengdu ‘Ghost City’

This really has to be at the top of destinations to demand from your Yangtze river cruise. Thankfully, many tour operators know this and will most likely stop off at this remarkable sight, a city modeled on an ancient conception of the afterlife. With beautifully maintained old buildings and places named things like Helplessness Bridge, this 2,000-year-old site is both eerie and thought-provoking. Perhaps most remarkable is the 452-foot-high statue of the Ghost King carved into the side of a mountain, making it China’s answer to Mount Rushmore.

Three Gorges

The Yangtze River has three gorges so dramatic they’ve been awarded an AAAAA rating by the Chinese tourist board. How scenic does this make the three gorges? It’s the highest mark, so very scenic indeed. Often, Yangtze cruise operators will transfer you from your cruise to a local longboat (sangpan) to feel the full vastness of your surroundings.

Three Gorges Dam Project

Astaple of many Yangtze river cruises, the Three Gorges Dam is the most ambitious building project since the Great Wall over 2,000 years ago. The giant hydroelectric dam is designed to produce power for the booming economy, prevent flooding and enable a greater shipping capacity. But the dam is one of the most controversial topics in recent Chinese history since it was narrowly approved in 1992, as it will submerge 13 cities and result in millions of people being displaced.

7 Reasons You Will Love Cambodia

By Erica Johansson on in Asia

By CHRIS BAILLET

If you are still hesitating where to go for your next holiday destination, Cambodia is a country to put on the top of your list. Here are seven reasons why I think you should come to the “Land of Smiles” and have an unforgettable experience:

1. People

Meeting these warm people is THE reason that will make your stay in this country memorable. Despite all the tragedies during the decades of war, the people of Cambodia have an incomparable kindness. Smiling, tolerant, helpful and honest even if the prices swell a little at the sight of tourists. (Prices do become affordable after a bit of bargaining and a funny and friendly “Tlay na”, translated as “Very expensive!” in Khmer). Throughout your journey you will go from friendly contact to friendly contact, smiles to smiles.

2. Angkor Wat Sites

They have breathtaking monuments, magical and majestic, especially Angkor Wat Temple which is the largest religious building in the world and will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of your trip. They were mostly built between the ninth and thirteenth century, and the majority of them are located in the archaeological park around the town of Siem Reap, where you will have to pay an entrance fee for the day ($20 for one day, $40 for a three-day pass, and $60 the past seven days). You cannot come to Cambodia and miss the ruins of the ancient Khmer civilization.

3. Cambodian Cuisine

Many people consider the Cambodian cuisine as a pale imitation of Thai cuisine, known worldwide for its strength and flavors. It is true that there are similarities, but the art of the Khmer table is a finer taste, less robust for us poor Westerners, which lets us discover its subtle and extraordinary flavors. Traditional dishes, various curry and many other delicious treats will delight your every meal. And the street food, another culinary delight, will offer all sorts of oddities. Over the years cooking classes have become very popular and there are good affordable, ways to learn the secrets of local chefs while feasting and passing a good time.

4. Cheap Destination

Indeed, Cambodia is one of the cheapest countries in Asia. A tasty meal in a small street restaurant will cost you between $1 and $3 depending on the dish you choose, a basic but comfortable room with fan will be charged less than $10 during high season and less than $15 if you prefer air conditioning, and for less than $15 you will find a bus ticket that will take you anywhere you want in Cambodia or even up to one of the top destinations in the neighboring countries. Travelers can easily get by with a budget of $20 per day.

5. The Change of Scenery

During a trip abroad it’s not uncommon to find similarities with your own country, the architecture of a building, a landscape, a specific time in a specific context that makes you say to yourself, “Oh! It seems like… “. There are few chances this will happen in Cambodia. Places and unusual scenes can give you a sense of exoticism and wonderment all day long.

6. The Nightlife

The country is known for its magical landscapes, magnificent historical sites, but much less for its lively life after the sunset. Cambodians like to gather in the evening with a drink and a good meal, so you won’t have trouble to find bars, cafés and bistros, shows and live bands, karaoke, beer gardens and night clubs to go for a crazy “Cambodian party”. It will actually be hard to get back at a reasonable hour as the temptations are great and the evenings exhilarating.

7. People Again

I repeat, I know, but that’s really what strikes you the most throughout your travels, all those unforgettable encounters and spontaneous smiles with those lovely people.

I tried to give you seven good reasons why you should love Cambodia, but the list is endless and everyone will find in his journey his own reason, because this country is fantastic. But like any fantastic country it’s changing (unfortunately) very quickly due to the ever increasing number of tourists, 3.2 million in 2012, but do not worry, there will always be reasons why you’ll love it.

Chris Baillet left his homeland France in 2010 to explore Asia. When he arrived to Cambodia and especially Siem Reap, he really got stuck, fell hopelessly in love with the place and its people. Today he is one of Siem Reap’s biggest fans, through a recently launched web travel guide www.siemreap.net, he is now on a daily basis promoting and sharing with the world the wonders of this enchanting place and their smiling culture.

Goa in the Spotlight

By Erica Johansson on in Asia

Palolem Beach. CC Image by Amit Rawat (Flickr).

Goa is one of India’s top travel destinations, and it’s easy to see why: with white, sandy beaches, fun watersport activities, and well-preserved architectural sites, there’s plenty to see and do in Goa. Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect when you plan a trip to Goa:

The Beaches of Goa

For most travellers, Goa’s biggest draw is its beautiful beaches. Baga and Calangute beaches are the most commercial in Goa, while the isolated shores of Agonda are a great place to relax and get away from it all. The hippie influence can be experienced at the beaches of Arambol and Anjuna, the latter of which is home to a sizeable flea market on Wednesdays. If you’re looking for luxury resorts, the beaches of Varca, Cavelossim, and Morbor are your best bets. Regardless of where you go, check out the opportunities for watersports—water skiing, paragliding, and scuba diving—to give your holiday a bit of added adventure.

Historical Sites

History buffs will be interested in getting a glimpse into Goa’s storied past. Visit the Ancestral Goa at Laoulim and the Archives Museum Goa in Panaji to gain a better understanding of the city’s rich history. Next, pay a visit to Goa’s most important forts – Aguada Fort, Chapora Fort, Terekhol Fort, and Tiracol Fort, all of which were either acquired or built by the Portuguese to protect the city against invaders. Finally, don’t forget to pay a visit to Goa’s most important churches and cathedrals. Bom Jesus Basilica is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which houses the immortal remains of the patron saint of Goa, St. Francis Xavier, while Se Cathedral pays homage to St. Catherine of Alexandria. The Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception is also worth a visit, as it is the oldest church in Panaji.

Natural Wonders

Goa boasts some great nature trails which give tourists the opportunity to get acquainted with the regional flora and fauna. The Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary near Mollem is of particular interest, as it houses a long list of exotic animals which includes black panthers, Bengal tigers, bonnet macaques, wild boars, king cobras, hump-nosed pit vipers, and a wide collection of butterfly and bird species. Other natural attractions that are worth a visit include The Sahakari Spice Farm in Ponda and The Arvalem, Lamgau, and Rivona Caves.

Cuisine

Goa holidays are not complete without sampling the region’s delicious cuisine. As you might expect, the seafood forms a major part of the local diet, however, vegetarians don’t need to go hungry. Finish off your meal with one of Goa’s most famous desserts, bibinca, a multi-layered cake made from pancakes.

Figuring Out the Best Travel Spots of 2013

By Erica Johansson on in Asia

St Clairs, Nuwara Eliya. CC Image by Oshadee Siyaguna (Flickr).

By SOPHIE WILSON

At the beginning of every year various lists that predicts the “top” travel destinations for the year ahead start floating around the web world. Many are completely subjective, based on personal opinions. But some countries recur in many lists and thus are likely to be the hot picks of globetrotters everywhere.

1. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is this year’s top emerging as well as best-value destination for travelers worldwide. Hit tragically by a tsunami in 2004 and torn by civil war from 1983 to 2009, much of the country remained off-limits to visit as a local let alone a tourist. Now that the conflict is over, much of the coast has been rebuilt, more low cost carriers flying there, and prices are affordable, which makes 2013 the time to get ahead of the crowds. A lush tropical island with nothing but the huge expanse of the Indian Ocean surrounding it, Sri Lanka is a country bustling with energy. Visit fifth century forts, learn about the country’s fascinating culture, head inland to the breath-taking Tea Country, and reach south east to the untouched and newly emerging beaches and amazing national parks. Try Sri Lanka’s delicious local gourmet which will blow your senses away. With new boutique hotels and lots to see and do, Sri Lanka is the ideal destination for those looking for a culture similar to India minus the enormous cities and exhausting train journeys.

2. The Philippines

For travelers searching for an unspoilt beach, The Philippines is a nation made up of more than 7,000 heavenly islands, where each one is caressed by turquoise waters and ecstatically white sandy shores. But there’s more to this fascinating country than just glorious beaches, that’s if you know where to look. Unlike much of East Asia, the archipelago nation is relatively inexpensive while still pretty exotic. In Bicol you can swim with the whale sharks. In Palawan you can hang out with locals at markets, meet local tribes in the depth of the jungle, and experience its wildlife. Its BacuitBay is something like Halong Bay in Vietnam, only better because it is minus all the tourist hordes. The Philippines capital of Manila is also not behind with some impressive locales and posh resorts. Stay at some engaging eco-resorts, beautiful boutique hotels or even cozy little village homes. Now is the time to go visit Philippines!

3. New Zealand

New Zealand has emerged from its mighty neighbor Australia’s shadow with the “Lord of the Rings” movie franchise. Anyone visiting this country will be spoilt for choice. But the best part is that the country is so compact that you can visit several of them in a trip. There are gems like Queenstown, Christ Church, Auckland and of course you cannot overlook the capital Wellington. There are 14 National Parks are overflowing with beautiful, natural scenery. Awe inspiring mountain landscapes, glaciers, vineyards and natural wonders are found around every corner. You can also visit Hobbiton, which was shot on a farm in the Waikato region of North Island. Iconic road-trips have forever been the best way to privately explore some of the world’s greatest wonders and the Cook Strait is best for that. So rent a cheap car in New Zealand and drive along the coast to indulge in some of New Zealand’s best coastal lodges and mind-blowing beaches. Being jam-packed with things to do, the only tough part while planning your holiday will be deciding what to do first!

Sophie Wilson has worked in the Travel & the Tourism Industry for 5 years and is lucky enough to get to travel a lot. She writes about every one of those weird, unusual and beautiful experiences. You can visit her website http://www.getacarhire.com for cheap car rentals in over 1000 locations worldwide.

Celebrating New Year’s Eve Abroad: Customs Around The World

By Erica Johansson on in Asia, Europe, North America & Caribbean, On Location

New Year’s Eve in Japan. CC Image by Tom.Bricker (Flickr).

By JASON LALOUX

Looking for an exciting, unforgettable experience? Try spending New Year’s Eve in a foreign country. The festive atmosphere gives everything a magic sheen, whether you’re staying with a family or at a five-star hotel. Also, if you’ve ever dreamed of gathering friends or family and grabbing one of those luxury villa rentals somewhere in Europe, now is the perfect time.

New Year’s customs in different countries are as wildly diverse as the people inhabiting them, and that’s what makes the whole idea so special. Take a look through this list of unique celebrations, and if something excites you, book a ticket. You won’t regret it.

China

Chinese New Year follows the lunar calendar and takes place between mid-January and mid-February. Houses are cleaned and all old debts are settled, symbolizing a kind of purification in preparation for the New Year.

Front doors are also often painted red, as this color brings good luck and happiness. And all knives are stashed away for 24 hours to keep anyone from cutting themselves, as this “cuts” the family’s good luck for the following year.

Japan

The celebration of Oshogatsu is important enough to close down all businesses and shops in Japan. Straw ropes are hung outside of homes to ward off evil spirits, and people begin to laugh hysterically when the clock strikes midnight. This is believed to make old worries disappear and ensure the coming year is a happy one.

Burma and Thailand

These Southeast Asian nations actually celebrate each New Year in mid-April with three-day festivals that are tied to the coming rainy season. Buildings and temples are washed, and people throw water on one another to welcome the heavy rains and hope they will be beneficial to all.

Germany

People drop molten lead into cold water, then read its shape to foretell their future. A bit of New Year’s Eve food is left on the plate until after midnight, as a way of ensuring abundance in the coming year.

Denmark

Throughout the year, people save old dishes in order to toss them at the front doors of dear friends on New Year’s Eve. A large pile of broken dishes outside your front door signifies a happy life full of many friends.

Great Britain

Here they practice the curious custom of first footing. Essentially, the first male visitor to enter a home after midnight is supposed to bring good luck. He is also charged with bringing gifts such as money, bread or coal, to ensure there will be enough of these in the coming year. But this first male visitor will not be allowed in if he is either blond or red-haired, as these supposedly bring bad luck.

Spain, Portugal, and South America

Once the clock strikes midnight, everyone eats twelve grapes to bring good luck for the next twelve months of the New Year.

Several nations in South America have an additional tradition of wearing brightly colored underpants. Wearing red means one is searching for love in the New Year, while yellow underpants are for those seeking money.

United States

Perhaps the best-known tradition in the USA is the dropping of the New Year’s ball in Times Square, New York City. Thousands crowd the square, and millions more watch on television as a giant Waterford Crystal ball makes a one-minute descent at exactly 11:59 p.m.

Jason Laloux is a freelance travel writer. When he’s not planning his next surfing vacation, you might find him being a cosmopolitan hedonist and devouring haute cuisine from around the world. His favorite travel destination include Costa Rica, France, and Las Vegas.

Vegetarian Dishes in Jakarta

By Erica Johansson on in Asia, Food & Drink

By MITZI WILSON

The man preparing my meal looks up from behind the glass and smirks.

“Pedas?” He asks.

I nod, perhaps too enthusiastically as he throws a handful of chillies into a pile of peanuts. Picking up a mortar and pestle, he grinds the nuts together to form a chunky paste. I am about to taste my first Gado-gado, Indonesia’s famous, all vegetable salad.

A plate of arranged Gado-Gado.

A travelling vegetarian is often challenged when the hunger pangs strike, especially when language barriers get in the way. But the good news is, it’s pretty easy to be a vegetarian in Indonesia’s capital, and not just by sticking to the staple meal of fried rice or Nasi. The bad news is that the concept of ‘vegetarian’ isn’t really understood, so when ordering a meal, you have to explicitly say that you don’t want any chicken, beef, seafood or pork.

So what is there to order without any of these in the first place? Here are some of the more vegetarian friendly meals on offer in Jakarta:

Tahu Telor

Tahu Telor or Tofu omelette is often served in a bowl, drowning in sweet soy sauce and sprinkled with curly onion shavings. The tofu, egg and sweet soy sauce marry perfectly and if requested, the spicy hit will leave your lips tingling long after. Add a mango juice, some rice crackers to lap up the remaining sauce and you’ll have a savoury meal worth writing home about.

Jasmine Tea and Kelepon

Translating to ‘Melati’ in Bahasa, Jasmine tea lets off an aroma that is sure to evoke post holiday nostalgia. With a spoonful of honey, it’s the perfect mid morning pick up. While meandering the aisles in the local Carrefour supermarket, I raided the snack section and picked up a plastic container full of Kelepon, green sticky rice balls covered in coconut and bursting with palm sugar. I took my new snack back to my Jakarta hotel and enjoyed with a steaming cup of Jasmine tea.

Nasi Special and Cah Kangkung

I couldn’t bypass a serving of the famous Nasi Goreng. Found at almost every Indonesian restaurant in the city, the Nasi special comes with a fried egg resting on a mountain of fried rice. Combined with Cah Kangkung, a delicious bowl of stir fried green water cress and a frosty Bintang beer, this is the ultimate Indonesian main meal.

Sweet Martabak

Craving dessert? Hit the streets in Menteng in the evening and you’ll notice a gradual influx of red table cloths and mobile cafes on wheels or ‘Warungs’. Here you’ll find Sweet Martabak, a decadent and delicious pancake sandwich made of condensed milk, cheese and chocolate.

Whether you are sitting down at one of Jakarta’s air-conditioned restaurants or pulling up a plastic crate beside a Warung on wheels, the food in this busy city is cheap, colourful and if you ask for it – fiercely spicy.

After a few mouthfuls of Gado-gado, I promptly approached the counter and ordered a bottle of water from the man who served me initially. The combination of fresh veggies, fiery thick peanut sauce and crunchy rice crackers made me realise how much of a chilli amateur I really am.

Next time, I think I’ll hold the ‘pedas’, thanks!

Mitzi Wilson writes for lastminute.com.au, a website that believes that what you put in your memory bank is far more important than the contents of your piggy bank! When she’s not searching for healthy vegetarian meals, she’s people watching, shopping and dreaming of her next trip. Find your hotels in Jakarta here.

Travel Experiences You and Your Children Will Love!

By Erica Johansson on in Africa, Asia, Family Travel

Keeping the kids amused and entertained while you are away shouldn’t be hard work! The options for those with children young and old are limitless and there are plenty of unforgettable holiday experiences waiting that children and adults alike will savour. Here are a few travel experiences that your children are sure to love.

Sentosa island, Singapore

Siloso Beach Travel Experiences You and Your Children Will Love!

Lookout Point at Sentosa. CC Image by William Cho (Flickr).

Singapore’s Sentosa island is the perfect playground for children of all ages. This picturesque entertainment zone features numerous roller coasters and other attractions for children to try, including the recently opened Universal Studios Singapore. You can make the experience truly special by choosing to stay in a luxurious resort at Sentosa such as the newly opened Planet Hollywood Resort and travelling to the island in style by cable car.

Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Orangutan Travel Experiences You and Your Children Will Love!

What’s at Stake in Borneo. CC Image by Rainforest Action Network (Flickr).

The city of Kota Kinabalu is located on the edge of the Borneo Jungle, which are sure to delight nature loving children. There are plenty of luxurious resorts to be found here, and most offer trips to attractions such as the local orangutan sanctuary. Children will also have the chance to interact with animals such as civets, bearcats, slow loris and deer. Special programmes allow children to feed the animals and children can also choose to foster an animal if they wish.

Lampang, Northern Thailand

Lampang elephant conservation centre Travel Experiences You and Your Children Will Love!

Thai elephants conservation centre. CC Image by Loin des yeux (Flickr).

Children are sure to enjoy spending time at the Elephant Conservation Centre in Lampang. Children can take a special three-day training course to learn all about how to take care of elephants through a project that is run the centre along with Thailand’s National Elephant Institute. Skills that children will learn during the course include elephant driving, feeding and river bathing and the kids are presented with a certificate at the end of the course.

Safari, South Africa

South Africa safari Travel Experiences You and Your Children Will Love!

French Kids. CC Image by Kyle Taylor (Flickr).

Going on safari in Africa is an excellent way to capture children’s imaginations. In addition to observing a wide range of wild animals in the natural environment, children are also offered a hands-on approach by several of Africa’s family safari camps. Special activities that are arranged by experienced children-friendly guides include identifying animal poo, tracking paw prints and cooking classes.

If any of these sound like good options for your next family holiday, visit The Ultimate Travel Company website for more information and to speak to the travel experts about where would best suit you and your family.

A Trip to Royal Rajasthan

By Erica Johansson on in Asia

Camping in the Rajasthan desert.

By DIVIJ PASRIJA

Rajasthan, with its many different colors, customs, and traditions, always make for an interesting destination. This desert state has several different experiences to offer to the keen traveler. From the royal to the rugged and everything in between, there is every kind of experience to be had in Rajasthan.

For those planning trip to this royal state of India, here are some pointers to the destination for a wholesome experience.

Visit Udaipur and Jaipur For Their Royal Heritage

If you plan to take such a tour, there is nothing better than a visit to the cities of Udaipur and Jaipur. Udaipur has often been voted as one of the most beautiful cities of India. It has many manmade lakes overlooking picturesque palaces and forts. Most of these palaces have been converted into heritage hotels, but you can still take a tour of these.

And then there is the capital city of Jaipur, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar and several others, which give you a peek into times gone by.

More Rustic Experiences in Jaisalmer

Most of us have dreamt of having a quintessential desert experience, riding atop a camel and crossing sand dunes after sand dunes. Those dreams can come to life in the city of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. The city was once an important royal kingdom of Rajasthan, the proof of which lies in the many forts and palaces of the region. Take a tour of these ancient forts and palaces, and take a camel safari, or an elephant safari, whatever pleases you most.

For Those with Valor, visit Bhangarh

If you have more than just an adventurous streak in you, visit Bhangarh in Rajasthan. This ancient city is believed to be haunted. In fact, visiting the city after dark is prohibited. Explore the many ruins of the city, and hear spooky folklores from the locals. If you are lucky enough (or unlucky), you may even come across a real ghost.

Wild Experiences in Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary

If you thought Rajasthan is home to camels only, you are wrong. Rajasthan has its very own wildlife sanctuary by the name of Sariska wildlife reserve. The forest reserve is inhabited by tigers, elephants and several other species of animals. The reserve is frequented by tourists throughout the year. Take a jeep safari through the reserve. It always makes for a wild experience.

Villages For a Traditional Experience

The villages of India often give you a sneak peek into “real” India, as some prefer to call it. The villages of Rajasthan are no different. Take a tour of the villages of Rajasthan, including those of Mandawa and Bikaner. There are interesting havelis to explore in the villages of the state, apart from a chance to experience the lives of local people.

The above is just a pointer to royal Rajasthan. For a truly wholesome experience, be prepared to take unexplored routes in Rajasthan, and interact with locals to get an insight into the “real” Rajasthan.

Divij is an adventurer, a budding photographer and a writer. He has been to various trekking trails and to many offbeat destinations in India. His passion is to explore all the offbeat destinations in India. Currently, he writes articles on travel for www.Thrillophilia.com

Vietnam: A Top Choice for Adventure Honeymoons

By Erica Johansson on in Asia

Halong bay. CC Image by Nikkodem (Flickr).

After your wedding, you’ll want to jet off somewhere with your other half to relax and enjoy your first weeks as a married couple – but this doesn’t have to mean sitting on a beach and doing little else. There are a host of exciting places you can visit on your honeymoon and Vietnam is a great example of somewhere that combines adventure with relaxation.

Here are just a few of the reasons why Vietnam is an excellent choice if you want to enjoy a tailor-made break that caters for your interests.

Travel Around

Honeymoons don’t have to be about staying in the same resort for two weeks, so if you and your other half love travelling, make the most of your time away and see a bit more of the country. Vietnam is a wonderful place to explore, as it has so many sides to it.

From peaceful rural villages to bustling cities and stunning bays, there’s something to suit everyone here and ensure you have a varied and memorable break. Internal flights make it relatively easy to see both the north and south of the nation, while attractions such as Halong Bay are within driving distance of Hanoi and the Mekong Delta is easy to reach from Ho Chi Minh City.

Romantic Experiences

It wouldn’t be a honeymoon without a bit of romance and Vietnam has some amazing locations just perfect for couples. Halong Bay in the north of the nation is a classic example and enjoying a cruise in a traditional wooden junk will be a highlight of your trip. Halong Bay covers over 1,550 sq km and is dotted with 1,969 islands. The sheer limestone cliffs topped by lush green forest are a beautiful sight to behold – and a wonderful backdrop for a romantic cruise.

Travel south to the Valley of Love – also known as Dalat City – to experience more of Vietnam’s stunning natural landscapes. The plateau spans 242 hectares and is home to pine forests, large meadows and Da Thien Lake, which sits at the bottom of a hill. Stroll to the top for wonderful views of the water and woods below, or wander along the path by the Mimosa Stream, which is surrounded by the vibrant yellow flowers of the same name.

Fascinating Culture

In Vietnam’s cities are numerous cultural attractions for you and your partner to explore as part of your adventurous honeymoon. Hanoi is a treasure-trove of historical and cultural sites, such as the Kinh Thien Palace and President Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum. Visit the city’s Old Quarter, home to more than 600 pagodas and temples, many of which are hundreds of years old. The One Pillar Pagoda and Temple of Literature, for example, date from the 11th century. Another place to see in Hanoi is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel. This impressive fortress was built in the 11th century under the Vietnamese Ly Dynasty on the remains of a Chinese enclave.

Round off your trip with a visit to Ho Chi Minh City in the south of the country, where you can browse the exhibits in the Ho Chi Minh Museum, admire the varied architectural styles that display influences from Vietnamese, Chinese and European culture and explore the vast network of the Cu Chi Tunnels. These underground passageways were dug out during the French occupation in the 1940s and later used by the Viet Cong during the American War. They now provide a fascinating insight into this period of the nation’s history.