#Cambodia - Battambang province shows off attractive tourism destinations

Tourists watch bats fly out of a cave in Phnom Sampov mountain, Battambang province.

 Well-known as an agricultural land, Battambang province has lured tourists both from Cambodia and overseas with its unique attractive spots – from ancient temples and other buildings to ecotourism.

Located some 300 kilometres north of Phnom Penh, the province is hosting this year’s annual river festival next month at which tourism products and services as well as locally made-products will be promoted widely.

More and more foreign tourists, particularly those from Western countries, have visited the province, viewinging the old buildings from the French colonial era, local people said.

As mentioned, ancient temples including Ek Phnom and Banan, as well as Phnom Sampov mountain, famed for its bat cave, are the most attractive spots for tourists, they said.

Soeun Ratha, owner of Holiday Guesthouse, located in Battambang town, said: “The number of foreign tourists visiting Battambang province has increased in recent years. Foreign tourists, mostly French, Spanish and Russian… like sightseeing the old buildings from French colonial era and their numbers keep increasing.”

Leaflets from the provincial tourism department of Battambang province show that among the tourism spots in the province is Prek Toal bird sanctuary on Tonle Sap lake.

Phoeung Than, a tourism police officer at Ek Phnom temple, said the number of foreign tourists is still not too many, but there are daily visitors from Cambodia and beyond, not in tour groups but as individuals.

He also said foreign tourists mostly stay in the province for a short while for an individual tour to explore the architecture styles of French-colony buildings and also to experience local people’s way of life, including agricultural practices.

Source - Khmer Times

#Vietnam - Son Doong voted among world's seven wonders for 2020

British magazine Conde Nast Traveler has named Son Doong, the world's largest cave in central Vietnam, one of seven must-explore wonders of 2020.

Son Doong, a fast-emerging tourist destination in Quang Binh Province, joined six awe-inspiring spots on the list published on Tuesday.

These included Mosquito Bay in Puerto Rico, Barringer Meteor Crater in Arizona, Marianna Trench in Marianna Islands, Don Sheldon Amphitheatre in the U.S., International Space Station in low Earth orbit, and Caracol, a large ancient Mayan site in Belize.

"Nestled deep in the jungles of Phong Nha Ke-Bang National Park, Son Doong Cave features the planet’s largest chamber measuring 600-feet high, 300-feet wide, and over 2.5-miles long," the magazine wrote.

"The scale of the site’s interior is so massive it could fit an entire New York block inside, including skyscrapers, or have a Boeing 747 comfortably fly through without its wings being in any danger," it added.

Son Doong opened to tourists in 2013 with the five kilometer-long system, 150 meters high and 200 meters wide, containing at least 150 individual caves, a dense subterranean jungle and several underground rivers.

.

.

Due to limited space, registration for Son Doong tours must be made well in advance with Oxalis, the only company licensed to run the service.

A four-day expedition costs $3,000, with buses running from Hanoi to Dong Hoi, capital of Quang Binh, and on to the Phong Nha Ke-Bang National Park.

Quang Binh’s government recently increased the number of tourists allowed to visit the cave in a year from 640 to 900.
World famous DJ Alan Walker recently unleashed an MV depicting a young archaeologist on a quest to discover a place of mystery and wonder. After uncovering a hidden secret in a painting, she finds Quang Binh to be just the destination, mesmerized at the marvels of Son Doong, the largest natural cave in the world.

Early last year, U.K.-based travel guide publisher, Lonely Planet, named Son Doong Cave among the best places to visit in 2019.

 In Britain, a Son Doong expedition was among the greatest adventures ever, according to British TV channel Dave, a panel of travel experts and editors of U.K. tabloid Daily Mail that polled 2,000 people aged 40 or under last September.

CNN in September said exploring the world’s largest cave, eating pho in Hanoi and cruising down Mekong Delta are among the 13 most memorable experiences in Vietnam.

Of the original seven wonders of the world, only the Great Pyramids of Giza remain. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, Lighthouse of Alexandria, Temple of Artemis, and Colossus of Rhodes have all faded to dust and memory, according to Conde Nast Traveler.

The U.K. magazine every year selects a new set of seven wonders, the most awe-inspiring places on the planet for star-gazing, wildlife spotting and astonishing panoramas.

 

Source - VN Express

Five top reasons you can never go wrong visiting #Vietnam

 Ha Long Bay, Sa Pa, Hoi An, Son Doong Cave and Mekong Delta offer ironclad guarantees for a highly memorable Vietnam visit.
These places offer overnight cruises and stays in spectacular natural wonders, treks through terraced rice fields, encounters with ethnic minority people and their culture, a trip back in time and a slice of tropical paradise.

And all this is served with consummate traditional Vietnamese hospitality. Hesitate no more. Just pack your bags and come to Vietnam. You will want repeat experiences.

Halong Bay - a natural masterpiece

A UNESCO natural world heritage site, Ha Long Bay is always on top of the must-visit destinations list of any tourist to Vietnam, and for good reason. The magnificent karst topography rising out of emerald green waters, mysterious caves, gorgeous beaches and quaint floating villages make this a place like no other.

An overnight cruise of the Ha Long Bay offers the opportunity to lie on the deck and gaze at the moon and the stars in all their cosmic splendor.

.

.

 Hundreds of cruise operators in Ha Long Bay cater to all budgets, from the basic, to the mid-range and the luxurious. The price will vary, depending on the standard and length of stay.

The most popular Ha Long Bay tour options are a day tour, a 2-days-1 night tour or a 3-days-2 nights tour.

Here are some suggestions:

Luxury cruises: Alisa Cruise, Era Cruise, Signature Cruise, Au Co Cruise, or Paradise Cruise.

Deluxe cruises: Paloma Cruise, Royal Palace Cruise, Gray Line Cruise, La Pinta Cruise or Syrena Cruise.

Superior cruises: Garden Bay Cruise, Apricot Cruise, Majestic Cruise, Oriental Sails or Bai Tho Junk.

Sa Pa - a singular trekking experience

Located at an altitude of 1,600 m above sea level, Sa Pa, with picturesque small towns and cool climate year-round, is a dreamy tourism destination. 

It has many famous attractions like the Fansipan Peak - the roof of Indochina, Ham Rong Mountain, Sa Pa Ancient Church and the villages of the Red Dao people. All this beautiful scenery comes with delicious local dishes like salmon hotpot, grilled meat, and rice cooked in a bamboo section.

Another awesome experience that Sa Pa offers is a trekking journey from the town to the villages of Hau Hao Commune.

.

.

 A typical trek starts from Sa Pa Town at around 8:30 am and follow the village trail cross many hills. In about 30 minutes after, the town starts getting smaller and smaller.

At around 12:30 pm, have lunch at a local restaurant for a while and continue on the road.

Upon arrival at the homestay in Hau Thao Village at about 4:30 pm, visitors can rest and enjoy the dishes prepared by the Red Dao people.

Hoi An - a step back in time

Another one of Vietnam’s most attractive tourist destinations is Hoi An in central Vietnam. It presents an unusually rustic and poetic picture with most buildings still standing as they did 100 years ago.

The town has centuries old structures like the famous Pagoda Bridge, diverse architecture, distinctly delicious cuisine, and many cultural attractions including traditional customs, religious rituals, folk art and festival celebrations.

.

 .

The best time to travel to Hoi An is from February to April when it rains less, and the climate is pleasant. Summer at high temperatures is also a good time to visit. The rainy season lasts from October to November.

An ideal day to be in Hoi An is the 14th day of the lunar month - the full moon. The town glows throughout with red lanterns, an unforgettable sight.

Son Doong Cave - a world unto itself

First discovered by a local in the 1990s and officially rediscovered in 2009, Son Doong Cave - currently the largest in the world – is a world unto itself. It has surprised the world with its incredible size and unique features.

The cave, located in the Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park in Quang Binh Province, is one of the most amazing places in the world and a UNESCO world heritage site. Its vastness gives visitors the sense of being on another planet.

Over 6 km long and several cave arches up to 200 m high and 150 m wide, Son Doong is large enough to accommodate a New York 40-story skyscraper. 

.

.

With a total estimated volume of 38.5 million cubic meters, Son Doong Cave easily overcomes Deer Cave in Malaysia to become the largest natural cave in the world.

If, as assumed, Son Doong links up with Hang Thung Cave with a volume of about 1.6 million cubic meters; it will further consolidate its position as the world's largest cave, with many of its mysteries yet to be fully explored.

Mekong Delta - tropical delights galore

With its interlacing river systems, vast paddy fields, fruit laden orchards and floating markets, the Mekong River Delta is another highly favored  destination among both local and international visitors.

The best way to discover this exciting region is to take a Mekong cruise on its many waterways. Topping the experience of floating quietly and gently through water coconut groves and mangrove forests is the region’s fresh and brackish water cuisine, traditional music, quaint villages to explore on bicycles, boating, drinking honeyed tea and/or local liquor, and buying beautifully made handicraft items of bamboo and coconut stems. 

The delta’s floating markets are not to be missed, be it Cai Be, Cai Rang, Phung Hiep, Nga Nam, Nga Bay or Tra On. The daily life of local people, including buying and selling all kinds of agricultural, aquacultural and horticultural produce, happens at a hectic pace, and is fed with a stable supply of food and drinks by floating eateries.

Source - VN Express

This Tiny, but Mighty, Asian Island is Seriously Under-Hyped

Yes, Taiwan is a wallet-friendly destination, but so is Southeast Asia at large. And while most travelers crowd into Thailand and Bali, this island sitting just off China’s eastern coast remains seriously overlooked.

Amateur move, frankly. If you’re looking to boost your travel street cred, you need to put Taiwan on your hitlist.

Think: A culinary scene defined by Michelin Stars and street food in equal measure. A geographical profile that ranges from mountainous to beachy with a whopping nine national parks. Locals who haven’t yet been burned out by an influx of tourists (the nation is regularly ranked among the friendliest countries in the world). If there’s a defining keyword here, it would be “opportunity.” To surf. To explore. To experience a multi-faceted culture that hasn’t already been hashtagged to death. 

Of course, it also doesn’t hurt that Taiwan, from city to countryside, is straight-up beautiful. While no list is exhaustive, here’s a few of the island nation’s finest features to get you going.

.

.

Dragon and Tiger Pagodas

To the untrained eye, the sheer number of pagodas in Taiwan can be difficult to keep straight. However, you’ll never forget a visit to the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas of Zuoying District, Kaohsiung. Situated on the banks of the man-made Lotus Pond, the staircases and walls of the twin seven-story towers depict stories about heaven and hell, among other prominent figures in local lore. Once inside, spiral staircases deposit you in an overlook above the lotus-covered water. Best practices suggest entering via the dragon’s mouth (dragons are a symbol of power and independence) and out the tiger (a symbol of courage and nobility) to maximize your good fortune.

.

Ho Ping Island

Take the Ho Ping Bridge (Taiwan’s first reinforced concrete bridge) to Ho Ping Island for a first-hand lesson at just how cool erosion can be. Here, the land is a series of jagged cliffs, rugged coastlines, and crazy-cool geological patterns. Pairs perfectly with an island sunset and romantic view.

.

.

Taipei 101

If Blade Runner was set in Taiwan, Taipei 101, the 10th tallest building in the world, would be where all the action takes place. Sure, you could skyrocket up to the observation deck on the 91st floor and be rewarded with crazy views of the city (at least on a clear day). But the real prize here is a view of the building itself. For the best vantage point, hike the nearby Elephant Mountain. Brace yourself -- those stairs are steep, but you’ll be well-rewarded for your effort with a sweeping sight of the futuristic district and Taiwan’s most iconic landmark.

.

.

Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum

Located in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum opened in 2011 as a home for one of the most prized relics in Buddhism, one of the Buddha’s teeth. Open and free to everyone, its visually stunning grounds include one of the largest Buddha statues in Asia (seated on a black platform to look like it’s floating at night), and eight large, multi-story pagodas. Even for non-practitioners, walking the grounds is a calming (dare-we-say) zen-like experience.

.

.

 Jiufen’s Shuqi Road

Spirited Away wasn’t a documentary, but you’d be forgiven for thinking so after visiting Jiufen, Hayao Miyazaki's inspiration for the iconic 2001 film. Along the Shuqi Road, the former gold rush town’s main drag, you’ll find colorful food stalls, red lanterns, and winding staircases that led Chihiro on her epic journey.

.

.

 Xiaoliuqiu

You’re going to want to visit this beach in the south of Taiwan for Flower Vase Rock, a large, floral-shaped outcropping just offshore. But if you’re eager for more geological adventuring, swing by Black Dwarf Cave after your swim. The limestone cave is thought to be haunted -- but even if you don’t spot a specter there’s always coal growths, scuttling crabs, and even an exhibition of wooden sculptures to enjoy.

.

.

Taroko National Park

With its dramatically sharp cliffs and the emerald-colored water of Taroko Gorge, this national park gives you a true sense of Taiwan’s tropical side. And if the area’s abundant greenery leads you to cracking jokes about Jurassic Park, know that you’re not alone. Take in the breezes at Qingshui Cliff, or take in the bucolic scene at Eternal Spring Shrine, a memorial built over a waterfall dedicated to those who died during the local highway’s construction.

.

Source -  Laura Studarus a Thrillist contributor

Thailand’s Ang Thong National Marine Park, the ‘new’ Maya Bay

With Thailand’s Maya Bay in Koh Phi Phi Ley remains closed indefinitely to allow the tourist-magnet some much-needed time to recover, it’s time to look for another natural wonder.

One of Thailand’s astonishing natural wonders, not as well known as Maya Bay, is the Ang Thong National Marine Park, located about 40 kilometers north west of the coast of Koh Samui. Some would argue it’s even more spectacular and worthy of at least a full day visit. 

There are many tours available to the National Park.

The Ang Thong National Marine Park is made up of 42 islands spread over 102 square kilometers. Travelers will find beautiful beaches, limestone cliffs, caves, rock formations and countless photo opportunities. Enjoy some views from the air…

.

.

It will take you about an hour to travel there from either the Surat Thani mainland or from Koh Samui by speedboat. There are slower ferry-style boat trips as well but you’ll lose a lot of time travelling there (usually for day trips) and the speedboats can get into much shallower waters.

Tours usually also squeeze in a visit to Koh Phaluai, the park’s biggest island, where there’s a popular  stilted restaurant in the island’s fishing village, serving a delicious seafood lunch.

Another popular island worth visiting is Koh Wua Talap, famed for wildlife spotting and what might just be the most beautiful viewpoint in the entire park.

FUN FACT: Though the 2000 movie “The Beach,” starring Leonardo DiCaprio, was filmed in Koh Phi Phi’s Maya Bay in the Andaman Sea, the book by Alex Garland upon which the film was based was actually set in Ang Thong in the Gulf of Thailand.

.

Source - The Thaiger 

#Vietnam a top holiday draw in Southeast Asia

South China Morning Post has listed Vietnam among six Southeast Asian countries whose beauty is largely undiscovered.

The Hong Kong newspaper said "from stunning beaches and elephant sanctuaries to adventurous underwater activities, much of the region’s beauty has yet to be discovered" and Vietnam is recommended for those seeking "authentic travel experiences".

It described Hue, the country's ancient imperial capital that witnessed the glories and collapse of the Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945), the last feudal rulers of Vietnam, as a must-visit place for more historical activities.

"Visitors can embark on tours to explore the old temples and pagodas that make up most of the city and explore central Vietnamese cuisine with a street food tour." 

To the north of Ho Chi Minh City is the mountain town of Da Lat where adventure lovers can indulge themselves with canyoneering, white water rafting and a high ropes course, it said.

Da Lat, situated 1,500 meters above sea level in the Central Highlands, was a summer getaway for French officials who built villas to escape the heat and humidity of the lowlands during colonial times. It is now a top holiday destination providing cool respite from the year-round hot weather.

.

.

"In the mountains northwest of Hanoi lies Sapa where nature lovers can embrace the serenity of the mountains with a tour to the Love and Silver waterfalls and the historic Cat Cat village," SCMP said.

Tourists can also visit the Saturday night "love market," the Gothic stone church at the town center which is a reminder of the French missionary influence. Cat Cat village, two kilometers from Sa Pa, is home to the H’Mong ethnic people.

The SCMP list also includes Thailand, where elephant sanctuaries for rehabilitation and enticing cooking classes await visitors, the Philippines, famous for its dolphin watching, paddle yoga and mountain biking, and Cambodia, which offers travelers a snorkeling tour to see bioluminescent marine life and scuba diving.

Myanmar "is home to shiny gems that are rarely visited," the newspaper said. It also has UNESCO heritage sites and centuries-old temples.

Laos, "often overlooked when it comes to travel within Southeast Asia," it said, urging holiday-goers to visit the town of Vang Vieng north of Vientiane to experience bike tours and zip lines in the hills, cave exploration and rock climbing.

.

Booking your Flight, Hotel or Resort now

.

Southeast Asia is composed of 11 countries, namely Brunei, Myanmar, Cambodia, Timor-Leste, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Earlier this year, British travel magazine Rough Guides included Hue in its list of six lesser-known Asian destinations.

The New York Times recently recommended Da Lat among 52 places to go in 2019, describing it as "an agricultural El Dorado" with unique scenes of pine forests, locally grown avocados, and artichoke tea.

Vietnam received 7.3 million visitors in January-May this year, up 8.8 percent from a year ago, putting the country on track to meet its annual target of 18 million arrivals this year, according to the General Statistics Office.

.

Sourse - VN Express
.

#Vietnam - Ha Long Bay: Nine must-visit places

The Ha Long Bay region in Vietnam comprises nearly 2,000 islands, 59 discovered caves, as well as grottoes, undisturbed beaches and old fishing villages. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a dream come true for nature lovers, photography aficionados or anyone who loves stunning scenery and crystal blue waters.

For those of you who are planning a visit, here are the nine most important landmarks that you should not miss out on seeing:

1. The Chopstick

The Chopstick will certainly be pointed out to you if you are taking a boat trip through the bay.

Possibly Ha Long Bay’s most famous landmark, the Chopstick is a karst peak that protrudes from the water at a height of around 40 meters. Its long, thin shape is what gives it its moniker.

It is worth checking out, if purely for the fact that, in recent times, coastal corrosion has caused its base to shrink dramatically, so who knows how long it will stay upright for.

2. Ti Top Island

Located in the heart of Ha Long Bay, Ti Top Island has been long regarded as one of the premier landmarks of the region. Named after Ghermann Titov, a former Soviet Union hero in the second World War, Ti Top Island boasts a white sandy crescent-shaped beach, as well as a partially paved route up to the top of the karst, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the bay.

Due to its increased fame in recent times, Ti Top is often busy during peak times (summer afternoons). Arriving in the morning will give you a head start on the 400-step ascent to the top of the mountain, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful view without a thousand selfie sticks in the way.

.

FOR THE BEST GLOBAL HOTEL & FLIGHT BOOKINGS

.

 3. Bai Tu Long Bay

Sitting to the northeast of Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay is its lesser known but equally staggering neighbor. Bia Tu Long has all of the coveted caves, beaches and islands that Ha Long Bay is known for, but without the crowds or congestion.

Highlights of the area include the ancient Thien Canh Son Cave, the colorful houses at Vung Vieng floating village, the untouched paradise of Ban Chan Beach and the Cong Do area.

4. Lan Ha Bay

As with Bai Tu Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay could easily be described as a quieter, lesser-known version of Ha Long. Lan Ha Bay itself boasts nearly 400 limestone karsts, as well as 139 quiet beaches that pepper the landscape. Lan Ha Bay actually belongs to the larger Cat Ba archipelago, and like with everywhere in the region, is best explored via sailboat.

Cat Ba Island is just a stone’s throw away and boasts many vendors that rent out vessels.

5. Co To Island

Co To Island is truly one of Ha Long Bay’s best-kept secrets. You will have to hire your own boat to get there but it is more than worth it. Co To Island district consists of 40 islands varying in size. Three of the largest islands are Co To Island, Thanh Lan Island and Tran Island. They boast white sandy beaches, sparkling azure water and craggy cliffs, all with the peaceful seclusion of an undiscovered paradise.

Cheap, fresh and delicious seafood can be found at seafront restaurants and the district's larger islands offer beach activities, trekking and motorbike road trips.

6. Vung Vieng fishing village

What makes Ha Long Bay such a unique tourist destination are the people that live and work there. Small communities have lived by the waters of the bay for centuries, and four of these floating villages remain today, with its residents predominantly serving the community as fisherfolk. The most famous of these is Vung Vieng village, with its colorful houses that stand against blue waters and towering karst peaks.

The community is happy to open their homes to tourists and offer workshops and displays depicting traditional Ha Long culture. Visitors can try their own hand at traditional fishing techniques, net weaving and even learn a few things about pearl harvesting.

7. Tuan Chau Island

This newly developed area just outside of Ha Long City is perfect for those with children, or those looking for a break from relaxing on a boat or a beach.

At only 2.2 square kilometers, Tuan Chau is tiny, but it is packed full of exciting recreational activities for all ages. Attractions include dolphin, sea lion and seal shows, an animal circus, a golf course, a cultural sports center, a beach, a rural market and an ornamental fish lake, as well as villas and restaurants.

The Ho Chi Minh memorial is one of the island’s most important features, built in honor of the man himself who used to visit Tuan Chau on his holidays.

.

.

 8. Ban Chan Beach For those who prefer to travel off the beaten track, Ban Chan Beach rivals any beach in Southeast Asia in terms of beauty and seclusion. Peeking out behind Bi Tu Long Bay, Ban Chan is unlikely to be busy at any time of year, as it sits right off the traditional boat routes of the region.

Although it is isolated and quiet, activities such as snorkeling, kayaking and beach volleyball are still offered.
 

9. Sung Sot Cave

The Sung Sot Cave complex is home to the most coveted caves and grottoes in Ha Long Bay, and possibly the whole country. There are a total of 59 discovered caves documented on the official registrar; however, experts estimate that the number could be close to eight times that. Sung Sot Cave is the largest cave in the complex, and the most famous.

The cave itself is incredibly wide, tall and lofty, so those with claustrophobia need not worry. Stalactites and stalagmites adorn the cave’s interior, some of which have formed enormous limestone columns of different shapes over the millennia.

Take a guided tour of the cave and you will hear about the legends associated with each of its pillars, from dragons and demons to dwarves and everything in between.

Useful information

When should I go?

Ha Long Bay, much like the rest of northern Vietnam, can get surprisingly cold during winter months. Temperatures regularly drop to below 10 degrees Celsius between the months of December and February, and many homes and businesses do not have central heating.

Summer months, between June and September, can see exceptionally heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, so try to stick to the months of March and April or from late September through to early November for warm temperatures of around 25 degrees Celsius and clear skies.

***
Lana is a freelance writer from the UK currently residing in Hanoi, Vietnam. She has won several awards for travel writing by National Tourism Board of Vietnam. At the moment she is the editor-in-chief for a travel website about Halong Bay: Halongbay.com 

Sourse - TheJakartaPost

Thailand - #Phuket named second best beach in the world

Phuket is celebrating its most recent award after being named the ‘Second Best Beach in the World’ by business publication US News & World Report.

It continues to win accolades from major international media for its white sands, aquamarine waters and limestone cliffs that attract millions of travelers every year. This island was hailed as “a little piece of paradise” according to the magazine.

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Governor, Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, said everyone in Phuket, both public and private stakeholders should take pride in this achievement as it demonstrates the island’s appeal as one of the world’s most desirable beach destinations.

“Obviously we are delighted to win this important award. The fact the honour comes from the US News & World Report is even more gratifying given its target audience and readership.

 “In the past, Phuket has won several other prestigious awards for its beaches as well, so we are very grateful for the continued recognition.” Mr. Yuthasak added.

Phuket continues to expand its appeal as it tries to shift upmarket. It is also quickly established itself as one of the super-yacht hubs of Southeast Asia, a tropical playground for various groups of tourists who enjoy the island’s charms.

Along with its tropical appeal, Phuket beckons travellers wanting to experience its world-famous cuisine. Phuket was listed by UNESCO as a Gastronomic City in 2015 and will be included in the Michelin Guide Bangkok, Phuket and Phang Nga 2019.