Travel News - Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos - activetravel asia

Travel to Vietnam – Top 10 Things to do

noreply@blogger.com (Active Travel Asia) — Thu, 17 May 2012 08:02:00 +0000

1.Take a tour around the legendary Halong Bay

Paddle around Halong Bay in Quang Ninh which is similar to the islands found along the , this is one of Vietnam’s most beautiful areas, Halong Bay has fascinating limestone formations, coves for night-time excursions, sheer cliffs, grottoes, arches and scores of small islets. There are plenty of activities such as Kayaking that are well worth taking time out for as this is one way to really appreciate the beauty of the area as well as a good way to see the fauna and flora without disturbing the nature around one.

2. Get your shirts and suits tailor-made at Hoian

Visit Hoian. From the 16th to 18th centuries, Hoian was a thriving international commercial port for Chinese, Dutch, French, Japanese, Portuguese and Arab traders. These people came to trade primarily for the high-grade silk, which is still produced in the area, and ceramics. The area is now one of four world heritage listed sites in Vietnam and there are lots of interesting things to see and do in the area.

3. Visit Hanoi for an insight of Vietnamese’s past and present

Hanoi has lots to offer the tourist but if you are in the city you can’t afford to miss the History Museum that includes artifacts from Vietnam’s prehistory: proto-Vietnamese civilisations (1st and 2nd millennia BC), the Dong Son civilisation (7th century BC to 3rd century AD), the Oc-Eo (Funan) culture of the Mekong Delta (1st to 6th century AD); the Indianised kingdom of Champa (1st to 15th century), the Khmer kingdoms, various Vietnamese dynasties and their resistance to Chinese attempts at domination, the struggle against the French, and the history of the Communist Party. It gives the visitor an excellent understanding of Vietnam’s past and a better understanding of the present.

4. Shop at Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City

This large market is close to the backpacker area of Pham Ngu Lao in Ho Chi Minh city. The market was formally established by the French colonial powers after taking over the Gia Dinh citadel in 1859. This market was destroyed by fire in 1870 and rebuilt to become Saigon’s largest market. In 1912 the market was moved to a new building and called the New Ben Thanh Market to distinguish over its predecessor.

5. Explore the Imperial City of Hue

Hue is one of the most popular destinations for visitors to Vietnam. Straddling the Perfume River, this mysterious, somber city is a historian’s dream come true, with numerous 19th century ruins, royal tombs and an excellent museum.

6. Join the hiking and trekking tour up in Sapa

A perfect Sapa tour will give you a fun experience with combination of trek and journeys away from the crowds. More interesting if you have time with staying at traditional Dao home with local people. Learn and participate in village life and truly feel the warmth and hospitality of these incredible people, or visit the most colorful tribal market in Sapa

7. Enjoy a hillside retreat at Dalat

Dalat is the place to be if you want to visit interesting tribal villages. Although most are located further out of town, you can visit the villages of some of the hill tribes, such as Lat Village and the Chicken Village (with a huge statue of a chicken) close to Dalat itself. Don’t forget your camera as the photo opportunities are endless!

8. Relax by the premier beach resort in Nha Trang

Nha Trang is Vietnam’s beach resort town. A major face-lift in 1995-96, and the opening of two upscale hotels later in 1996, vaulted Nha Trang onto the playing field with places like Phuket, Thailand, and Cancun, Mexico. Today, it’s a popular destination for both foreign and domestic tourists. In addition to sun bathing, popular attractions include boat trips to the nearby islands and tours of Nha Trang’s historic sites. If you like typical beach resort towns, then Nha Trang is for you.

9.Cruise in Mekong Delta:

Meander along the Mekong on one of the many boat trips that are available taking you across the water or through the local canals on many interesting sightseeing excursions that definitely require a camera. Larger boats venture up the Mekong River and this is a definite MUST DO if you are in the area of Cantho or one of the other cities or villages that rely on this massive sourse of water for both transport and food. Climb Sam Mountain near Chau Doc if you want to see dozens of temples, pagodas and the like as it is well worth visiting. Located about 6 km from the city, temples abound and the trek to the top of the mountain is also popular…though one can go by motorised vehicle if you so desire.

10. Experience the historic Cu Chi tunnels

Crawl through the Cu Chi Tunnels This extensive network of nearly 500 km of Viet Cong tunnels used in the French Indochina and American wars. The tunnels have complete facilities, from kitchens to printing presses and even street signs, all of which were used to aid the NLF (National Liberation Front) military. Tours involve a description of the tunnels, after which tourists are allowed to crawl about the maze. Located in Tay Ninh a suburb it is 39km northwest of central Ho Chi Minh City.

So you think you can ride in Vietnam?

noreply@blogger.com (Active Travel Asia) — Thu, 17 May 2012 07:58:00 +0000

When I landed in Hanoi, Vietnam, motorcycles immediately stole my attention. Motorcycles in Vietnam are everywhere and they are used to do just about everything. Streets in Vietnam are like rivers, but instead of water, motorcycles flow in continuous streams of traffic.

You think you could ride like this?

Though I wasn’t able to ride any motorbikes while visiting Vietnam, nearly all my most interesting memories of the country (like single motorbikes transporting as many boxes as a normal pick-up truck) have to do with motorbikes!

I thought to myself how cool it would be to travel through Vietnam on a motorcycle. For me it would be the flexibility of being able to stop at will, or being able to go to a completely off-the-beat destination in the country. I remember riding in a bus from Hanoi to Halong Bay. During the ride I peeked out the window and saw countless little local Vietnamese restaurants that appeared to be serving amazing unique food – and if I had been on my own motorcycle I could have stopped and enjoyed it.

I was amazed by the motorcycle traffic in Hanoi!

After reading the guide to motorbiking in Vietnam, I realized that touring Vietnam on a motorcycle isn’t quite as easy as just jumping on a bike and heading out – there are a few things to think about and organize in order to ensure your journey is a success.

Choosing a Motorcycle: Great tips on finding a motorcycle that best suits your interests and how to go about fully checking it over (condition of the bike) before committing to purchase it.

Riding Tips and Suggestions: Not only does the guide provide useful tips on how to ride like the Vietnamese (using your horn, focusing forward, accelerating on traffic gaps), it’s also packed with valuable tips on what gear to take and what to wear.

Licensing, Permits, Registration, Insurance (both yourself and bike): No, this stuff is not the most interesting, but it really is the most important information you need to think about when organizing a motorcycle trip in Vietnam

Where to Go: When you’re past the logistics of riding a motorcycle, it’s time to figure out a rough itinerary of where you want to go. Sure you can drive around aimlessly, but since you’ll probably be on a tourist visa, you’ll want to have some sort of rough plan. The guide suggests a few amazing rides and routes that you may want to add to your travel itinerary.

Resources Section: From useful Vietnamese language phrases to a motorcycle specific packing checklist, the resources section is really useful. The guide really made me think through a lot of things I would have never thought of (and that are really important).

For instance, I never would have known to keep my motorcycle gas tank always 1/2 full or more to avoid clogging the gas filter.

“A memorable first visit to Viet Nam”

noreply@blogger.com (Active Travel Asia) — Wed, 16 May 2012 08:23:00 +0000

As their name suggests, ATA is at their best doing active travel; take advantage of it to get away from the crowds and experience Vietnam in a more direct and authentic way.

We arranged a private, two week, multi-tour package in Vietnam with ActiveTravel Asia (ATA) in October 2011. ATA staff, especially Sunny, worked with us to put together a customized itinerary that met our needs and interests. The result was a remarkable and challenging vacation of dramatic landscapes, intense cultural exposure, physical activity, great food, and beautiful people. Our trip had three major components: a 5D/4N sea kayaking tour of Ha Long Bay (including Cat Ba Island), a 3D/2N trek with homestays in the Sa Pa area, and a 2D/1N bicycling tour with homestay in the Mekong Delta
. Between tours we spent time exploring Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and took day trips to Trang An (ATA) and Cu Chi (not ATA). ATA provided different guides (with the appropriate knowledge and skills) for each area we visited, skilled drivers, all accommodations (junk, hotels, homestays, bamboo hut), train travel between Hanoi and Lao Cai, and air travel from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. While the trip did not precisely follow all details of the 6 page itinerary, ATA delivered on what was promised. Our experience was well worth the cost of the trip. We would recommend ATA to friends and would use them again.

Ha Long Bay richly deserves its reputation for natural beauty, but we wanted to see it by kayak and away from hordes of tourists on big tour boats. We initially selected ATA because they could give us full day kayaking, with guide and support boat, rather than the hour paddling among the tour junks that most other operators seemed to be offering. We did see Ha Long Bay from the deck of a junk, shared with only two other couples. (The seafood prepared on board was delightful.) But we also were able to spend most of two days kayaking among the karsts and through the sea caves with few, if any, other visitors in sight. We also spent a day hiking through the jungle over the rocky spine(s) of Cat Ba Island. When we had some down time on our final day on Cat Ba, our guide Hue arranged for a last minute motor bike tour of the island, including the Hospital Cave, a hospital built into a cave during the American War. Out guide Hue was with us for the entire Hanoi/Ha Long Bay portion of the tour and was excellent. Also deserving our praise were Hiam, the local guide who joined us on Cat Ba, our most excellent driver who navigated the chaotic streets and highways of Hanoi and the Red River Delta, and the crews of the junk “Jewel of the Bay” and our kayaking support boats.

Our experience of Sapa differed, in a good way I think, from that of other travelers we spoke with. We chose to spend two nights in the hill country instead of only one, and, when Sunny asked us how many hours of backpacking we were up for in a day, we told her 6 to 8. As a result, we did a lot of hill walking, saw almost no other tourists outside Sa Pa town, and were not pestered by street sellers once we left Sa Pa town. The local people we met were going about their own lives in the misty green hills. The homestays were remarkable, especially watching the guides and residents preparing delicious, multi-course meals over an open, bamboo fueled fire, with a single pan. At one homestay we pampered ourselves with a soak in a Red Zao herbal bath in a wooden soaking tub with greenery freshly gathered from the surrounding forest and steeped in a large cauldron over an open fire. Then there were the after-dinner toasts of home distilled-rice liquor (“happy water”) shared with guides and host. In addition to our young and enthusiastic guide, Huy, we were accompanied by a trainee guide and a cook/porter, Pho. Pho was a local from the Black Hmong community and the picture of calm serenity, leading the way over muddy hillsides in cheap plastic sandals while we slipped and skidded about in our hiking boots.

The Mekong Delta is ideal for bicycling as it is largely flat and interlaced with paths just wide enough to meet and pass a bicycle or motor bike. ATA provided solid Trek bikes, a driver and van to and from Saigon, boat transit between biking legs of the route, and a homestay in the delta. The route was well chosen. The food, whether cooked and served on a river boat or at an open air riverside restaurant, was excellent. Our guide, Ahn, was a delight – knowledgeable and helpful without pushing or hovering.

If you go, be prepared to rough it, especially in the hill country. (The plumbing there, where there is plumbing, is fascinating, but not what Westerners are accustomed to). Unless you travel very light (one modest backpack) clarify what you will need to carry yourself for each leg of your tour and how you can stow the remainder. ATA can accommodate you but you have to ask.

ATA is a Vietnamese company; that is one of its strengths, but unless you speak Vietnamese expect the occasional language/cultural confusion. Just roll with it and remain flexible and polite. The ATA folks we worked with were extremely conscientious and reliable.

Visited October 2011

Recommended tour:

Sapa Trekking & Homestay

My Ha Long Bay Visit

noreply@blogger.com (Active Travel Asia) — Fri, 11 May 2012 08:03:00 +0000

May 7, 2012

Before I moved to Vietnam, one of the things that most impressed me about the country were pictures I had seen of Ha Long Bay. The beautiful pictures showed romantic views of limestone islands sitting in gorgeous blue water, and I knew this would be a place that I would have to visit!

Much to my surprise, when I arrived in Ho Chi Minh City I realized that this magical place was pretty far away. Unfortunately, after a year of working in, and traveling around, this impressive country I had yet to accomplish my goal of visiting the bay. Recently, while on a business trip to Hanoi, I took a few extra days and finally got to Ha Long Bay.

I booked a tour with a local Hanoi travel agent recommended by a friend. I knew that I didn’t want to go for a cheap, low budget tour on my first visit to the bay so I decided to go for one of the nicer, but still affordable, options. When I had everything booked I could barely sleep because I was so excited.

A bus picked me up in Hanoi in the morning and we made the long drive to the boats. I was surprised how long the drive took as I originally thought that Ha Long Bay was closer to the city. Still, the ride was comfortable and we made it to the water with few complaints. Plus, while we drove along, we got the chance to introduce ourselves to the other travelers who would be joining us on our adventure.

We boarded a small boat at the somewhat chaotic and crowded marina and rode out to the larger boat we would be spending the night on. The boat was beautiful with a rustic, wooden exterior that fit perfectly with the timeless location that surrounded us. Although the boat looked like a more traditional vessel, inside it was equipped with all the modern amenities that you would expect in a modern hotel room. The beds were comfortable and the rooms were surprisingly large for being on a boat.

Slowly, the boat moved into the area of the towering islands. Although I had seen many pictures I was unprepared for how truly impressive the rock formations are in real life! They were truly amazing to look at and compared to nothing else I had ever seen.

Eventually, the boat came to a stop where the rocks formed a kind of natural harbor. Here we exited and got the opportunity to check out a large cave toward the top of one of the large islands. The inside of the cave was massive, bigger than any other cave I had been to and I was surprised that it was in as good of shape as it was, considering the amount of tourists that pass through it daily. While I thought the cave was nice, the best part was the view it afforded from its high location. The boats resting on the calm water next to the islands were truly a sight to see, it reminded me of something you would see in a ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ movie!

After exploring the cave, we had a couple of hours to kayak around in the clear, blue water. I had really been looking forward to the kayaking and it didn’t disappoint. Although the outside temperature was cooler than in HCM city I was surprised by how warm the water was as I paddled along.

Once we were finished it was time for dinner on the boat. We ate some delicious seafood as the sun sat around us and the rocks were bathed in an orange light. Once night fell I retired to my room where I peacefully went to sleep. I rested peacefully as the water was gentle and there was barely a sound outside.

In the morning we watched the sun rise over the landscape, had a simple breakfast and cruised out of the bay. Overnight, clouds had crept into the area and we got the chance to see a more mystical, foggy side of the bay. This was charming in its own way and I felt like an early explorer discovering a new land.

Finally we made it back to the mainland, boarded a bus and returned to the city. I didn’t want to leave such a magical place but I knew this would be the first of many trips as I don’t think I could ever spend enough time in this picturesque land that is truly a natural wonder.

Angela Schonberg

Source: Tuoi tre news

Destination: Vientiane, Laos

noreply@blogger.com (Active Travel Asia) — Thu, 10 May 2012 09:26:00 +0000

SITUATED on the banks of the mighty Mekong River, sleepy Vientiane is one of the world’s smallest capital cities. To say Vientiane is relaxed is something of an understatement. This is a city that rises late, sleeps early and is lethargic in between.

Monks in Vientiane, Laos.

However, this is the charm of the Laos capital. Known for its shady streets and crumbling French architecture, people still cook with charcoal and you’ll rarely see a multi-storey building breaking the horizon.

Vientiane has long been a popular stop-off on the Southeast Asia backpacker trail. It also has its fair share of expats who have succumbed to its charms, as well as many expats from neighboring Thailand who travel there to renew their Thai visas. Another large contingent of westerners you’ll see in Vientiane will be NGO or embassy workers.

A Day in the Life

Morning –Early morning Vientiane is, on the face of it, just what you’d expect – sleepy. It’s a great time to wander the streets before the heat of the day sets in and sit back and enjoy a quiet, relaxing coffee. However, if you want to see the other side of Vientiane in the morning visit one of the large, open air, wet markets in town, which are a hive of activity.

Afternoon – Many of Vientiane’s best sights and attractions are all within walking distance of the tourist quarter. The area is dotted with beautiful temples, while the palace and the national museum are also worth a look.

Evening – Watch the sun go down while sitting on the banks of the Mekong with a bottle of the surprisingly good local brew – Beer Lao. Many lazy hours can be happily whiled away ‘Mekong watching’, but it’s worth making that extra effort to sample some of the many excellent eateries around town.

Best of the Rest

Patuxai, or ‘Victory Gate’, is Vientiane’s answer to the Arc de Triomphe, and the highest point in the city. The monument honors the people who died during the fight for independence from France. Patuxai was built in the ‘60s using funds donated by the US to build an airport. Laos used the cash to build the monument instead.

Arguably the pick of the temples in Vientiane is Tat Luang. This is regarded as the most important temple in the country and is the national symbol of Laos. It’s located about a mile north of the city centre.

Hidden Gem - Take in the beautiful countryside surrounding Vientiane with a trip to Buddha Park. This unique spectacle is full of stone statues and offers some great views across the river of neighboring Thailand.

Accommodation - Rooms for the night can be scarce by the early evening so it’s best to get there early or make a reservation. Prices for budget accommodation, like much of the region, are modest. Fifteen or 20 dollars will get you a passable mid-range room, for 40 can get you something a little more luxurious. Most hotels and guesthouses will accept US dollars and Thai baht, as well as the Laos kip.

Vientiane at Night

Dining - Lao food can be a goal well worth pursuing and not as easily obtained as one might think. The food sold in the English language restaurants is often an imitation, dumbed down for the western pallet even in those restaurants professing to specialize in Lao food. For the real thing, go to street vendors and sawdust-on-the-floor type establishments. It’s much cheaper too. If Western food is more your thing, Vientiane has become much more cosmopolitan in recent years and you will have plenty of international food options.

Nightlife – Vientiane is sleepy by day and sleepy by night. By law most bars shut down very early – 11.30pm. There are places to go out and have a drink, maybe even listen to music, but compared to the likes of Thailand, it’s fairly dead at night.

A young Lao girl takes a ride in a vegetable cart in one of Vientiane's many morning markets

Retail Therapy - The most famous market in Vientiane, Dalat Sao, or Morning Market in English, is slowly succumbing to the wrecking ball and the plate glass, air conditioned shopping mall, so it’s well worth a look before it’s gone. Downstairs are row after row of small shops selling traditional Lao silk weaving and some very good handicrafts. Upstairs are the gold stores and cheap clothing. Morning is a misnomer in this case as the market doesn’t even really open up until after 8am and shuts down at 4pm.

Across the street to the south (next door to the central post office) is the Ethnic Handicrafts Cooperative. Mostly Hmong owned and orientated towards the visiting overseas Hmong, it has the largest selection of hill-tribe handicrafts of all ethnicities for sale in Laos. Don’t expect colorful displays or friendly English speaking sales people. It is not tourist-oriented, but that only adds to the fun.

Transport

Getting there & away – There are regular flights into Vientiane from many of the major cities in the region and the rise of the budget airline has made these a whole lot cheaper. If you are traveling by land, there are regular services to and from cities in China, Vietnam and northern Thailand.

Getting around - To get around most people use tuktuks. They tend to overcharge and bargaining isn’t as important as knowing the going rate in the first. Probably the best option is to rent a motorcycle ,though beware; the rules of the road are not enforced with any real gusto. In truth, the town is so small many people simply walk to wherever they are going.

Top Five Places in Vietnam That Are Not Hanoi or Saigon

noreply@blogger.com (Active Travel Asia) — Tue, 08 May 2012 09:37:00 +0000

Sure, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) are spectacular, but there’s much more to Vietnam than just those two destinations. Vietnam is filled to the brim with exotic sandy beaches, untapped cultural landmarks and all the rural culture you can handle, from the absolutely stunning beaches and growing nightlife of Nha Trang, to the historical old town of beautiful Hoi An. For those with the adventurer’s sense of traveling, there are more than enough reasons to extend your stay in Vietnam. Here are our top 5 places to go in Vietnam that are not in Hanoi or Saigon.

1. Hue

Hue - Vietnam

One of the best regarded cultural landmarks in the country, Hue is packed with wonderful temples, palaces and pagodas, a true delight for those who want to soak in the country’s rich history. Head over to the Imperial Citadel for Hue’s prime attraction and explore its moats’ gates, shops and pavilions. Then follow up the Citadel with the Tombs of the Emperors, also located along the banks of the Perfume River. Cost aside, the walls of the tombs of Thieu Tri, Gia Long and Minh Mang, surrounded by warrior statues and opulent mosaics are a tribute to Vietnam’s great past leaders.

2. Nha Trang

Nha Trang, Vietnam

If white sandy beaches and island hopping are the name of the game for you, then look no further. Nha Trang is an increasingly popular destination for those looking to catch a little rest and relaxation while taking in the exotic backdrop of gorgeous Vietnamese coast. Take yourself on a full day boat tour for just $6 that includes lunch, music, snorkeling and trips to the local aquarium, before whisking you away to an island beach. The town has also become more and more developed over the years, with a respectable nightlife, including an interesting night market, an ice bar and delicious sea fare all around.

3. Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam

It is no wonder why the 16th and 17th-century former port city of Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site — it is one of the most picturesque places on the planet. Filled with breathtaking Chinese-style shop houses, each building is as unique as the next. The small but winding city is packed full of great places to do all of your shopping, including garment shops that will hand design pants, shirt, coats, shoes and dresses for pennies on western retail prices. And for the icing on the cake, a 30 minute bicycle ride gets you to a pristine beach with the bestseafood fare around.

4. Sapa

But Vietnam is more than just beaches and cities, take the mountainous and rugged beauty of Sapa. Known for its ethnic heritage and tremendous views, Sapa is a trekker’s paradise. First things first when you go, get to the mountainous view point of Heaven’s Gate – you will never see anything like it ever again. If you go via tour group, it takes about half a day to get there, but the journey is lovely. Afterward, take a tour of the village of Cat Cat, very close by Sapa itself. Here you will get a great sense of the local Vietnamese that inhabit the area, as well as natural sites including art shops and a waterfall – a lovely little hike.

Sapa, Vietnam

5. Dalat

Located in the South Central Highlands of Vietnam, Dalat is quite different from any of the other hotspots in Vietnam, as it essentially Vietnam, but built by a Frenchman, a virtual cross between both worlds. The city itself is charming, with a small lake at its core and great peaks in the background. The best way to go here is to take buy a packaged day tour, but if not, make sure you take the cable car to Thien Vien Truc Lam Monastery, see the palace of the last emperor, Bao Dai, and take a ride out to the inspiring countryside

Dalat, Vietnam

10 of the most beautiful places to visit in Laos

noreply@blogger.com (Active Travel Asia) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 03:07:00 +0000

One of the most rugged, unspoiled countries on earth, Laos is like a lost world that has breath-taking mountain vistas, colorful mountain tribes, and majestic Buddhist temples around every corner. And yet even with its isolation and challenging terrain, it has also inherited a rich, tragic history as the most bombed country in the world.

Whatever you’re looking for on your trip to Southeast Asia, you can find it in Laos – but where to start? Let’s take a stab at identifying the most beautiful places to visit in

Laos

1. Luang Prabang

A trip to Laos is simply not complete without a visit to one of the most well-preserved cities in all of Asia and a visit to the beautiful Luang Prabang is like stepping into another century. A treasure trove of old Buddhist temples and lush landscapes the city is elegantly nestled between the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers in the Northern Laos mountains.

The real draw – however – is the overall feel and the pace of life. Stroll through the town just soaking it in, as villagers transport goods on bicycles, or rise to the early morning bells and watch processions of saffron-robed monks collecting alms.

2. Si Phan Don

Otherwise known as 4000 islands, this huge riverine archipelago is located at the southernmost point of Laos before the Mekong River flows over the Khone Falls and into Cambodia. The watery terrain provides a great landscape to explore on four-wheelers, bicycles or kayaks as you take in a land seemingly cut off from civilization.

Go off in search of the nearly extinct Irrawaddy Dolphins (some of the last pink dolphins in the world) or just hang around your bungalow, swinging in a hammock while enjoying the peace and quiet with a ‘Beer Laos’ in your hand.

3. Bokeo Nature Reserve

By far the best way to see Bokeo Nature Reserve is by participating in the increasingly popular Gibbon Experience, a conservation project meant to raise awareness and preserve this magnificent wilderness and the animals who reside there.

The Gibbon Experience brings you right into the rainforest canopy where treehouses, footbridges, and zip-lines all come together to create an adventurous stay in the trees you’ll never forget.

4. Tham Kong Lo

Float through another world at Tham Kong Lo Cave, where the Nam Hin Bun River flows for 7 kilometers underground and the ceilings rise to over three hundred feet. Boats can be hired at the river villages in the Phu Hin Bun wilderness.

They load you up and you tour the cave by flashlight, stopping from time to time to get out of the boats and walk around in the pitch darkness. Not for the faint-hearted.

5. Kuang Si Waterfall

A day trip from beautiful Luang Prabang, the Kuang Si Falls is one of the most stunning water displays in water-soaked Laos and indeed one of the most beautiful collections of waterfalls you’ll see anywhere on Earth. A large 50 metre fall drops from the mountainside and is a sight to behold.

What really sets this fall apart are the series of smaller falls and pools that continue on downstream – ideal for swimming. A surreal and magical collection of waterholes that gleam a turquoise-blue colour – you have to see with your own eyes to appreciate.

6. Vang Vieng

Most people know of Vang Vieng as a backpacker destination where young twenty-somethings from all over the world congregate to drink happy shakes or float down the river on tubes in a drunken stupor. For the kind of traveler who avoids Khao San Road when slipping through Bangkok, the madhouse of Vang Vieng might be tempting to skip.

But as annoying as the crowds that populates this little riverside town can be, its backdrop is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Laos. The limestone karsts and amazing different shades of green that creep up to the water’s edge are the gateway into a wilderness well worth exploring.

Get a guesthouse at the edge of town, take a motorbike across the river, and cruise the dirt roads to find ample opportunities for caving and riding through quaint mountain villages. Vang Vieng is as much a heaven to the outdoorsman as the party-hard backpacker, so suck it up, combine the two, and enjoy it for what it’s worth.

7. Muang Ngoi Neua

Quite a bit more on the map than it was in the past, Muang Ngoi Nuea has embraced its place on the Southeast Asian traveling circuit. But it’s still well worth a look for its natural beauty and isolation. Muang Ngoi Nuea is an hour up the river north of Luang Prabang.

You won’t find much to do here besides hiking through the mountains or just laying back with a book, but if you’re looking to get away, you won’t find a more peaceful place to do it. There are no vehicles or even bicycles, and the only electricity is provided by generators for a short time after dark.

8. Pha That Luang

Pha That Luang is the most important monument in all of Laos and a source of great pride for the Lao people. A large golden stupa that presents a glistening sight from a distance as you make your way across Vientiane, the quiet capital city, Pha That Luang is steeped in history and is definitely worth a visit.

This large, golden stupa was first erected over the remains of an old Khmer temple during the 16th century but was later destroyed in the 1800s after the Siamese invaded and overtook the city. It was rebuilt by the French in 1900, but due to popular disapproval was redesigned and rebuilt again in 1931. Aside from the history, Pha That Luang is just a beautiful landmark. Take a quiet stroll within its surrounding walls, and be sure to check out the temples off to its left to study the colourful, intricate pictographs on the walls and ceilings.

9. The Mekong River

Too large to be a single destination, the Mekong River is nonetheless one of the country’s most beautiful and awe-inspiring attributes. It is the largest river in Southeast Asia, stretching for 2,703 miles, and cuts through some of the most rugged, untouched terrain in the world. While overlooking the muddy Mekong is a great way to enjoy a meal in town, many say it is best enjoyed by taking the boat trip from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang.

I highly recommend, however, renting a motorbike and driving off into the countryside and detouring to the river through a quaint country road. There’s nothing like the sight of the empty Mekong River cutting through the forest on the quiet off-beaten track to make you appreciate its raw power.

10. Vieng Xai

Want to set your eyes on a different kind of beauty? Catch a glimpse of the human spirit on a trip to Vieng Xai, where the Communists hid underground to escape bombs dropped by the US military during the Vietnam War. An elaborate hidden city built beneath the Earth, the caves were home to 23,000 people during the war and boasted military barracks, a movie theatre, a hospital, shops, and more. If this doesn’t strike you with wonder, I don’t know what will.

So those are some of the most amazing and beautiful sights to behold in Laos. But don’t restrict your trip to just these because there truly is something breath-taking to find around just about any corner. Be adventurous and get off the beaten track.

Laos

is a place of adventure – embrace it!

Vietnamese food for beginners

noreply@blogger.com (Active Travel Asia) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 03:32:00 +0000

Take a gastronomic tour of Vietnam, but be warned – do not read this article if you are even slightly hungry.

1. Pho

They call it beef noodle soup, and such it is, but it is also so much more. It is Vietnam in a bowl. Pronounced like "fur" without the "r", it is beef noodle soup raised to the nth degree. You can have pho everywhere in Vietnam, but it is almost a cult in Hanoi. Try it Pho Gia Truyen in Hanoi's Old Quarter for a taste of the really good stuff.

From the garnish tray, add a squeeze of lime juice. Nibble at the bean sprouts to test their crispness. If they pass the test, add a few to the soup. And a dash of chilli sauce and garlic sauce or fish sauce. Lastly, sprinkle it with coriander leaves, mint leaves, or basil. Or all of them. With your chopsticks, thrust deeply to the bottom of the bowl. Lift the noodles above the surface and let the dressings you have added subsume into the body of the work. Lay the noodles back to rest. In the next minute the flavours will marry.

The more traditional beef variety of pho is called “pho bo”, while the chicken is “pho ga”.

2. Mon cuon (Rice rolls)

Rice rolls are produced everywhere in Vietnam, with the most well-known being “goi cuon” (known elsewhere as Vietnamese rice paper or summer rolls). But those that are made in Hanoi have their special characteristics. The wrappings of banh cuon are as thin as a sheet of paper, appearing as edible alabaster, soft yet offering something to the teeth. Ingredients may include grilled pork, fried bean curd or vegetables, which are served on top. If you are really lucky, they will add a drop of coleopterous essence (a highly aromatic secretion from the gland of a type of beetle).

Do not miss Hanoi's Banh Cuon Gia Truyen (located in the Old Quarter) for delicate and incredibly tasty banh cuon.

The basic tenets of the north's cookery are more closely aligned with China than that of other local regions. Fewer spices are available than in the south, but the people could not do without black pepper. They use a superior grade that is mild, yet intensely aromatic, and with a sweetness that is unique to this land. Equally important are the sweet and pungent herbs - basil, mint, coriander, spring onions and several other tasty leaves.

3. Bun cha

Bun cha is simply grilled pork served on a bed on of cold rice noodles and dressed with a few herbs. The meat is always cut from a piece of well-marbled pork and must be grilled with a pair of fresh bamboo tongs.

It is marinated in a mixture of sweet, hot, sour and salty, and the resulting product tastes like none of its constituent flavours, yet more than the sum of its parts. But, like so much of the north, what gives the bun cha its characteristic taste and smell are the minty herbs, most often from nearby Lang village.

Pay a visit to Hanoi's Bun Cha - they do the one dish, and they do it extremely well.

4. Snail dishes

In Hanoi there is a type of snail living in ponds and lakes that grows to the size of a golfball, has a streaked colour, and, while chewy, is very tasty. They are called "oc". Bun oc are boiled snails dipped in nuoc cham, placed in a bowl of rice vermicelli and snail consommé poured over. You can also get bun oc in many seafood restaurants.

Oc ngoi are minced snails mixed with onion, garlic and mushroom; rolled in ginger leaves and stuffed in the shell of the snail, then stewed. Pull the ginger leaf out and the rest comes along. Oc hap bia are snails are steamed in beer. Try alsooc xao ca vo (shelled stir-fried snails), oc cuon cha (rolled snail) and bun oc kho (dried noodle and snails).

Hue: empezando un festival lleno de colorido.

noreply@blogger.com (Bobby Nguyen ATM) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 05:15:00 +0000

A las 8 por la noche del 7 de abril de 2012, el festival Hue y el ano de turismo nacional para la costa Norte de Centro inauguró en la plaza Ngo Mon (El internamiento Hue). Miles de personas han ido a la plaza para disfrutar la mostración específica.

El escenario se diseña antes de la puerta Ngo Mon. Un espacio magnífico de oro del superior piso Ngu Phung ha sido el derecho y el papel pintado del escenario, lo que provocó la noche inaugural más maravillosas por diversos colores.

En el discurso de bienvenida, el Sr. Nguyen Van Cao, el presidente del Comité Popular Thua Thien - Hue, confirmó la posición y el papel importante de Hue - la ciudad festival de Vietnam - para la integración y el intercambio cultural. Esta es una oportunidad de convergencia de diversas culturales, también es la puente entre la cultura vietnamita y la cultura internacional.

Al dar palabras en la inauguración, el Primer Ministro Nguyen Tan Dung subrayó que el turismo es un clave para el desarrollo económico de Hue, ya que esta es una tierra de mucha potencia, tiene la cultura única que no está en ninguna tierra.
Durante los años pasados Hue pasó a convertirse en el centro económico y cultural típico de Vietnam, pero los resultados conseguidos no se han adaptado a las exigencias y potencialidades. Por eso, Thua Thien - Hue necesita las estrategias innovadoras para aprovechar este potencial, promocionar el desarrollo económico, y rápidamente convertirse en una ciudad nacional.
Especialmente, en este festival, Hue recogió 15 delegaciones de alto nivel las que asistieron a la inauguración, entre ellos cuatro delegaciones son extranjeros. Policía provincial se han movilizado más de 700 oficiales y soldados para proteger la seguridad de la plaza Ngo Mon y regular el tráfico.
Con el programa de apertura durante casi dos horas, los invitados y los participantes impresionaron sobre "Patrimonio Cultural con la Integración y Desarrollo"- un programa colorido.
En primer, mezcolanza de las canciones :" El canto en las orillas de Rio Ma", "el ritmo de vida en las orillas de Lam", "Phong Nha-paisaje maravillosa"," el eco del río Thach Han " y " la noche festival en la capital antigua" y bailares sobre seis provincias del Centro - una área con diversas paisajes, la gente amistosa y poseyendo diversas culturas.
Concierto "La huella en el horizonte " es el primer programa de arte en la inauguración del Festival de Hue 2012. Los siguientes son los espectáculos únicos de grupos artísticos internacionales de Rusia, Korea, China, Australia, Francia, Filipinas.
Fuegos artificiales durante tres minutos realizados por el artista internacional Pierre Alain Huber se considera el punto culminante de la noche de apertura. Cuando la luz del escenario se apagaron, el cielo de Hue se brillaba por los fuegos artificiales mágicos, los modelos aparecieron en el escenario Ngo Mon, empezando un festival lleno de colorido prolongado hasta el 15 del abril.

Halong Bay in Asia's top five tropical island paradises

noreply@blogger.com (Active Travel Asia) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 08:34:00 +0000

CNN (USA) recently listed Vietnam's Ha Long Bay ito the Asia's top five tropical island pradises where have the most beautiful sunsets that visitors should not miss. Accordingly, five sites were selected including Anambas Islands (Indonesia), Langwaki (Malaysia), two islands of Koh Chang; Similan (Thailand) and Ha Long Bay (Vietnam).

The results are given based on survey and evaluation of tourism professionals, academics, journalists credibility of tourism in Asia. "Halong Bay in northwestern Vietnam is one of the most stunning destinations that visitors can travel by boat to watch sea, take kayak, better than anywhere else in the world" McDonald - editor, and founder of the Asian travel site travelfish - on CNN said.

Kayaking to explore the wonderland of karst

Fishing squid in the evening

Relaxing on junk and enjoy the sunset

Comprising a vast coastal waterway of roughly 2,000 islands spread over an area of 1,500 square kilometers, carving out your own sailing space shouldn't be too much of a problem. While tranquil waters year round make sure going for a swim is always a pleasure

In Touch with the Real World: Vietnam Bicycle Tour

noreply@blogger.com (Active Travel Asia) — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 04:19:00 +0000

Because the technology makes traveling easier than it was hundreds years ago, today people fly from places to places to experience the different cultures in various countries. Vietnam, however, is one place that people think it is the place left in the world that is so close to the “reality.” Many destinations have not yet been explored by travelers.

Vietnam is a bicycle-friendly country. Many people use bikes to commute in Vietnam. Bicycle travelers, Bill Fridl, Patrick Morris and David Foster chose their ways to discover the country. They cycled in Vietnam between 1995 and 2000. If you choose this method to sightsee in Vietnam, time can be the issue. Plan a trip with time flexibility to ensure a good quality trip. Cycling in Vietnam, time and energy are what you need. Knowing basic techniques to take care your bike would be a plus, and you can usually find some locals to help you with the bicycle problems. However, the language barrier could be a challenge.

The bicycle brings more adventure excitments

People who had traveled to Vietnam agreed that it was an interesting experience in general, but the bicycle tours definitely brought more adventurous excitements. There are two directions you can go. From north to south, you can visit Hanoi, Hue, Danang and Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) in that order. Or choose the other way travel from south to north. You can fly to Saigon and bike to Danang, Hue and Hanoi. I figure that if I am biking from place to place, I don’t want to go back and forth. Additionally, I want to at least visit and spend some time at the four big cities in Vietnam.

According to some experienced bicycling travelers, it will take about three weeks to finish the route, but it really depends on how much time you want to spend in these places as a tourist, meaning sightseeing and just hanging out to relax. The benefit and disadvantage of the bike tour is that you might feel the cultural shocks sooner than regular “tourists” because you are so close to the locals.

Be prepared for the cultural clashes

Beginning from national capital Hanoi, a city called the “Paris of the Orient” because of the beautiful lakes and shaded streets. The beauty of the bike tour is that you can meet the locals and observe what they are doing every day. Friendly smiles, sunshine beaches and yummy food, they are all the amazing things to attract biker’s attention on the way to their next destination. While hanging out near Hanoi, Frenchtown, Ho Chi Minh Museum, Presidential Palace, Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple are hot spots to visit. Hanoi is a historical town where visitors can find evidence of the history.

Hearing so many people’s stories about visiting Hanoi, Bat Trang sounds like an attractive place. The town specializes in making large pottery and porcelain using traditional methods. The history dates back since the 16th century. This destination might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I am usually attracted by the things like that. Besides, Bat Trang is located in the southeast of Hanoi about 17 kilometers away.

Hue, known as one of the most beautiful cities in Vietnam, is the royal family’s former residence. Hue is also the heart of culture, religion and education. After days of biking, visiting the Thien Mu Pagoda is a peaceful journey. When you feel like a little bit of sunshine and salty water, the Thuan An Beach connects to the South China Sea and is about 13 kilometers from Hue. The beach has a protected lagoon. Although foreigners need to pay the fee to enter the area, it is still a popular location.

Along the Perfum River (Huong Giang), there are many places to see such as Hon Chen Temple, Minh Mang Tomb and Gia Long Tomb. They are solemn locations with great masterpieces of architecture. Other things such as people’s activities on the streets and the view at the Trang Tien Bridge can also be appealing to visitors as well.

Start from Hue and bike 108 kilometers south, you arrive at Danang. It might sound like a long way, but you will enjoy the view of Lang Co Beach and Hai Van Pass. In 1965, Danang became one of the biggest US military bases in Southeast Asia.

The China Beach (Non Nuoc) is about 15 kilometers from Danang and about one kilometer away from the Marble Mountains. The beach is a popular surfing and swimming resort from March to August. Sponsored by the Vietnamese government and other various organizations, there is a surfing contest held in the area every year. Danang is also the third biggest city in Vietnam.

Finally, you reach Saigon. The city had been through so many times of name changes. Today, it is known as the Ho Chi Minh City worldwide although not many Vietnamese use it. Saigon is probably the most famous city in Vietnam due to its frequent media exposure.

In Saigon, I won’t miss the water puppet theater for the world. The show is only 20 to 30 minutes long. It is for the children’s entertainment, but it will please all ages. There are two fixed venues, History Museum and War Crimes Museum. It requires many difficult techniques to make a great water puppets show. There are also fixed venues for water puppet shows in Hanoi. Planning the trip, I would probably include the shows at the two cities and called it a Vietnam Water Puppet Tour.

Some people think Saigon is a dangerous city because of the aggressive drivers, prostitutes, child beggars and other criminals. Experienced travelers recommend being aware of the bui doi (street kids). Vietnamese called them the dust of life. They sell random goods for a living and sometimes steal from tourists. Foreign bikers also think that it is the most confusing place to ride a bike. There are not many traffic lights in the district. Most of the roads seem to be one-way, but not many people follow the signs so be prepared for the chaotic situation.

Move slowly and prepare for the chaotic streets

Today, the Internet is so convenient that there is so much information about traveling. Use the search engine leads you to many travelers’ unique stories.

Visit the following links to read about cycling in Vietnam: Active Travel Asia

9 coolest adventure travel items

noreply@blogger.com (Active Travel Asia) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 07:49:00 +0000

Calling all Bear Grylls wannabes – you could try and “take on the wild” like the Chuck Norris of the outdoors, but you will probably only end up with frozen toes and a shattered ego.

Instead, kit yourself out with some super-cool adventure travel products; it’s not cheating, it’s winning.

1. Scuba cam

Save the underwater cameras for snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef. This Wide Angle Scuba Cam is for researchers or extreme divers who want to take stunning panoramas beneath icy deserts like the North Pole or close-ups of jaws during a too-close-for-comfort Shark Dive. This camera is embedded in the apex of the snorkel which is handy for anyone trying to swim for their life.

Perfect for getting a shot of your own bubbles.

This Wide Angle Scuba HD dive mask records HD 720P video (1280x720) with 5-mega-pixel still images. It’s equipped with a micro SD card slot. The mask has lever-style buttons, which eases changing modes while wearing diving gloves.

2. Flint and knife bracelet

If James Bond wore bangles ...

Unless you’re a Boy Scout, you’re going to need some basic survival tools. This “gadget” may seem like a jewelry accessory borrowed from a downtown metrosexual, but it’s actually a three-part survival kit.  The size-adjusting toggle is a 2.5-centimeter flint fire starter, and within the cord is a concealed stainless steel sharp-eye knife with a unique 2-centimeter blade and circle handle. The paracord also unravels to 4.6 meters if you ever fancy a little extra rope.

3. Emergency inflatable snowshoes

Let’s say the heli-skiing trip in Siberia went wrong and you’re somewhere between a tree, a rock, and an endless stretch of sinking powder that can’t take the weight of your exhausted lump of a body. Now would be a good time to have a pack of 1) biscuits 2) snowshows.

The most fun emergency ever.

Get to that mirage of a Burger King with the Airlite inflatable emergency snowshoes, which can be pumped up from their tiny portable package. They aren’t meant to replace snowshoes, and are for emergencies only. Tested in extreme Alaskan winters, these puncture-resistant shoes with traction pads can be blown up by mouth, and for best results, further pumped up with a quick shot of CO2 to give better firmness.

4. Tent-hammock

Unless you’re Bear Grylls, improvising a hammock out of bamboo and banana leaf will only end in failure. Plus, if you’re in a horsefly-infested jungle, you’re going to need some exterior protection. Go prepared with an all-in-one tent hammock. Tent Hammocks offer four-walled, elevated protection for winter sports, expeditions, wildlife filming or even safaris.

Hanging out in the jungle

This UV proof, water resistant Tent Hammock by Tenstile has a collapsible frame with webbed straps that need to be hooked up to three anchoring locations at a high level.

5. Water-based power

The one time water and electricity do mix

A highlight of the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this year was the fuel cell smartphone recharger, which can use any water-based liquid ( i.e. urine, stream water, tap water) to make hydrogen, which is run through a fuel cell to generate electricity. The portable device is about the size of a hard-shell sunglasses case and can charge mobile devices like GPS receivers, smartphones or radios.

6. The ultimate satellite phone

This phone is for the commitment-phobe remote traveler. Its GSM and satellite function allows adventure-seekers to use just one phone between urban and far-reaching locations.

E.T.? Stop your whining.

The casing is water-resistant, shock-, and dust-proof, yet remains light. The battery gives an 11-hour talk time, and a stand-by time of 160 hours in GSM mode (more than 700 roaming partners worldwide). And forget squinting, there is also an advanced outdoor display with a brightness sensor for better readability when you’re being blinded by snow or sunlight.

But for the loner who should have thought twice before going on this “soul-searching trip” he or she can get an Internet connection. The Thuraya XT-DUAL has a built-in Internet Micro Browser so you can browse through the phone or hook it to a laptop.

7. Mosquito-repelling shirt

Just don't get it mixed up with your third-date tee.

OK, this one might not be the most “adventurous” item since the material is made of American Apparel cotton and not some meshy flame retardant Gortex number, but you’ll want it on your back if you’ve just dropped out of an airplane and into a mosquito-infested Amazonian jungle. The shirt is made with an EPA-registered insect repellent material. It’s been proven to repel mosquitoes, ticks, ants, flies, chiggers and midges. The odorless repellent lasts 70 washes.

8. Updated hydration pack

Outdoorsy bloggers have raved about this pack. Reason being, its ability to shoot water into your mouth, rather than having to suck it in -– which is the last thing you feel like doing while panting in the hot sun.

World's most serious water pistol.

It’s also great for sharing, since you never want to swap spit with your sweat-drenched friend, even when he looks like he’d murder you for a drop. The bag also has strong heavy-duty, eight-coil zips and the exterior is made of 100 percent Ballistic Nylon, meaning you won’t worry about where it lands while tossing it over an icy river.

9. Pint-sized mountable HD camera

Poor little thing doesn't know what it's got in store.

With the ability to live-stream video footage live to a smartphone, computer or tablet, it’s allegedly for “extreme athletes” who feel like they haven’t really accomplished anything unless the world can see it. Less than six centimeters all-round, it has a 2-inch LCD with two control buttons, three meters of water resistance, a 136-degree lens and an HD video camera with built-in Wi-Fi.

8 easy ways to be a healthy traveler

noreply@blogger.com (Active Travel Asia) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 07:29:00 +0000

Make sure all of your 2012 adventure holidays get off to a great start by arriving in top health! Follow our tips and advice for staying germ-free whilst on board your flight

1. Always carry disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer and wet wipes, which will come in handy when travelling with children and are great if you have an accident at 35,000 feet!

2. Bear in mind that the blankets and pillows on your aircraft might not be regularly cleaned so take your own.

Trekking on moutain

3. Same goes for your aircraft seat and tray table, just think how many people could have sat there since they were last disinfected! Minimize contact with your face and use your own pillow for sleeping, especially if you sleep with your mouth open!

4. Put your shoes on for a visit to the toilets, do not go in barefoot or in just socks. Just think about it, four toilets for a couple of hundred passengers!

5. Eat plenty of fruit and veg before your trip and if necessary stock on vitamins and supplements as well. Clear your fridge before you leave and whip up a tasty smoothie or veg juice with your leftovers.

6. Don’t drink alcohol just before or during your flight (even if it is complimentary) as this will dry you out and alcohol is an immune-suppressant.

7. If you are germ-laden then be a considerate traveler and keep your germs to yourself.

Explore Son Doong Cave

8. Carry a first aid kit and include some cold remedies, painkillers etc as your destination may not sell what you need.

Staying Safe While Travelling in Asia

noreply@blogger.com (Active Travel Asia) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 07:29:00 +0000

Asia still seems to be the top on the destination list for backpackers and gap-year aficionados. And why not? Nowhere else on Earth has the variety and scope of this remarkable region with pristine beaches, dramatic mountain ranges and lush rain forests. It’s also a perfectly safe area to travel around, as long as you plan well and use a modicum of common sense. Here are a few tips for your trip.

Before you go

Research, research, research. Don’t just take the word of one internet source, but investigate thoroughly the area you are planning to visit and make sure you are fully aware of all the entry requirements, visa needs, inoculations and have organised sufficient travel insurance. From there look into your local transport options, currency types and potential accommodation. If the price and location of an establishment seems too good to be true, it probably is. While user led review sites such as Trip Advisor can focus on the negative, you can usually surmise if a certain hotel or hostel is best avoided.

Trekking/hiking Asia

Take a look at the customs and tolerances of the countries on your itinerary. Some areas may be more lax on soft drug use for instance, while the next country over may view such things as worthy of a long prison stay. Be wary at borders and airports, with drugs being such a lucrative business in that part of the world, the last thing you want to become is an unsuspecting drug mule. Keep your luggage with you at all times and make sure it’s locked securely.

Staying Safe

While crime against westerners is fairly rare in Asia, it always pays to be alert. Scams and pickpockets can operate in the big cities when renting scooters and motorcycles, as more disreputable firms have been known to ‘steal’ the vehicle rented to you, forcing you to pay for a replacement. And if you are paying someone to drive you to a location, be sure of the price before you set off.

The region is one of the safest for female travelers, but be aware of local customs, especially in rural areas, where displaying too much flesh is frowned upon. The same rule applies when visiting Buddhist temples and Mosques, ensure you are appropriately dressed. And, as everywhere including at home, don’t accept drinks from people you don’t know. Not that you ever would.

Staying Dry

While crime and political upheavals are easy to avoid if you use common sense, the weather can’t be relied upon so readily. The region features a vast array of temperaments and while extreme conditions such as typhoons are rare, they can occur. May to November is the rainy season and monsoons can conjure up high winds and heavy rain. Don’t pack your suitcase with thongs and flip-flops only. Ensure you have adequate clothing to deal with any eventuality.

A beautiful day on road (Motorbiking Ho Chi Minh trail tour)

Ba Be – one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world

noreply@blogger.com (Active Travel Asia) — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 04:53:00 +0000

Ba Be Lake is part of Ba Be National Park with 21 famous eco-tourism and cultural sites in the north-east region.

Ba Be Lake

Formed more than 200 million years by three big tributary lakes: Pe Lam, Pe Lu and Pe Leng, Ba Be now covers around 500 hectares, 178m above sea level. It is 17-23 m deep, and even 29m at some points.

At the World Freshwater Lake meeting held in the US in 1995, Ba Be was listed among 20 freshwater lakes that need protection.

In 1997, Vietnam asked UNESCO to recognise Ba Be as a world heritage site and in 2004 it became an ASEAN heritage park.

In 2011, Ba Be received a UNESCO certificate recognising it as Vietnam's third Ramsar site – designated wetlands of international importance.

Source: VOV

ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA kicks of summer promotion 2012 - Book and get 1 night FREE at 3 star hotel.

noreply@blogger.com (Active Travel Asia) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 08:23:00 +0000

Accommodation is one of biggest concerns before traveling? It is turning to dust now with ATA’s Summer Promotion 2012

Travelers will get 1 night at 3 Star Hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter (Calypso Boutique Hotel) for FREE. Double room with luxury equipments and services are designed to ensure that you will have the unforgettable trip with ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA.

In case you cannot visit Hanoi and enjoy 1 night at the hotel or you would like to arrange accommodation on your own, we offer you a meal FREE for 2 people at every destinations on your tour.

How to get this great promotion ?

So easy, just make your decision and book tour with us.

This promotion is valid from May 01, 2012 to Sep 31, 2012, applied for tours in Vietnam and costs from $500 only.

The promotion provides all travelers real experiences in Vietnam without concerning about accommodation, food, and activities. This makes it suitable for all types of groups and those who love any kind of adventure tours.

We hope to meet you there!

Please access our website to discover all the great tours which have been dedicated just for you.
http://www.activetravelvietnam.com/

http://www.activetravel.asia/

In case you need further information about the hotel, please find more details follow this link: (http://www.hanoicalypsohotel.com/vi-VN/home.aspx

ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA, offers a wide selection of Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia adventure tours, including hiking and trekking, biking, motorcycling, kayaking, overland tours and family travel packages. Our tour packages and custom itineraries will take you through exotic destinations to really experience the culture, history and nature of Asia. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy an unforgettable active vacation. We run the most adventure tours available in the area. Our active trips are designed for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts

Tram Chim becomes 2000th Ramsar site

noreply@blogger.com (Active Travel Asia) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 04:18:00 +0000

Tram Chim National Park in Dong Thap Mekong Delta Province has been recognized by Ramsar Convention as the 2000th Ramsar site of Wetlands of International Importance in the world.

Ananda Tiega, general secretary of the Ramsar Convention, has just informed Vietnam’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the recognition, says Nguyen Duc Tu, Water and Wetlands Coordinator of the International Union for Conservation of Nature in Vietnam.

The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971, and has continued to provide a national framework for wetland preservation ever since.

The convention embodies the commitments of its member countries to maintain the ecological character of their Wetlands of International Importance and to plan for the "wise use", or sustainable use, of all of the wetlands in their territories.

The Tram Chim National Park has become the country’s fourth Ramsar site after Xuan Thuy Natural Wetland Reserve in the northern province of Nam Dinh, which was recognized in 1988; the Bau Sau (Crocodile Lake) Wetlands and Seasonal Floodplains in Cat Tien National Park, selected in 2005; and Ba Be National Park in Bac Kan northern province, recognized in 2011.

Tram Chim covers an area of 7,588 hectares, which is home to 130 species of plant, 100 species of vertebrate animals, 40 species of fish, and 147 types of water birds – of which 13 are listed as endangered.

The most distinguished resident bird is the Sarus Crane (Grus antigone), which has been recognized as threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red Book.

Source: Tuoitrenews

How to survive when your luggage is lost

noreply@blogger.com (Active Travel Asia) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 03:59:00 +0000

There’s nothing worse than waiting at the luggage reclaim carousel after a long vacationflight and realising that your baggage is a no-show! Follow our tips for how to survive when you become parted from your luggage.

Choose wisely – Don’t opt for a standard black suitcase that 99% of other travellers have; go for something brighter and more noticeable. Or customise your black baggage with ribbons, stickers or sew-on patches.

Insurance – Make sure you have adequate travel insurance that covers you against luggage loss.

Swap clothes – Swap a couple of changes of clothes with your traveling companion and if your luggage does go missing, at least you have a change of outfit.

Essentials – Keep any medications and travel essentials with you in your hand luggage to avoid any inconvenience.

Check in – When you are given your baggage identification labels at check in, keep them in a safe place as you may need them later!

What to do if your baggage is lost

Seek help – Head to the baggage service area where staff will take all of your details and ask to see the baggage labels.

Wait – Your details will then be stored on a central database and you may get access to a baggage tracking website.

Chase – Be persistent in contacting the airline and in most cases you should be reunited with your luggage pretty quickly. Make sure the airlines have your full accommodation address so your bags can forwarded to you with no delay.

Claim – If your baggage doesn’t appear you might be able to claim from your own insurance or from your airline. Check the individual policies.

When traveling

Shop local – If your luggage is lost or delayed for a while then go shopping locally to replenish your clothing supplies. Hit the local markets and department stores to create your new local capsule wardrobe.

Don’t stress – As long as you have any medication required and other essentials from your hand luggage, just try to enjoy your holiday and don’t get stressed!

Source: Puretravel

Motorbiking in Southeast Asia

noreply@blogger.com (Active Travel Asia) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 03:16:00 +0000

Southeast Asia is home to some of the greatest adventures on earth. Throw a motorbike into the mix and you will have the time of your life. Here is our guide to a two-wheeled adventure in the Mekong region.

Vietnam

and Laos: Sublime scenery from mountain to coast

To kick off, the infamous HoChi Minh Trail has been upgraded into a major highway that runs along the spine of the country and offers some sublime scenery. The stretch from the old US airbase of Khe Sanh north to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is a beauty, including a wide section that was apparently a secret jungle landing strip for MIG fighters during the war.

Motorcycling adventure in Northen Vietnam

Elsewhere in Vietnam, Ha Giang is the final frontier for motorbiking aficionados in Indochina. Like Halong Bay on high, karst peaks protrude from the top of rolling mountains and secluded villages are home to a colourful mosaic of ethnic minorities. The gorge road from Dong Van to Meo Vac is the stuff of biker yore, its towering cliffs looming high above and plummeting to the Nho Que River in the distance below. Just remember to keep an eye on the road, despite the breathtaking scenery.

A word of caution, however, Ha Giang still requires an official permit to visit more remote areas. Choose to travel without one and accidentally stumble upon military exercises in the mountains and you may find yourself a guest of the local Vietnamese police, as I did for one unforgettable night in Meo Vac.

If the coast is more your cup of tea, then try the Top Gear thing and ride notorious Highway 1 between Saigon and Hanoi. The traffic can be daunting around major cities, but there are some remote and desolate stretches with empty beaches. Aim high over the Hai Van Pass, ignoring the tedious tunnel that has been conveniently burrowed through the mountain.

Take the Top Gear theme further and team up with some friends to ride a Minsk, a Vespa and a Honda Cub. Buy each other ridiculous presents along the way, but try not to have a major accident on the road to Halong Bay like Jeremy Clarkson. Converting the bikes to amphibious vehicles to explore Halong Bay might be a step too far for a holiday.

Back to the Ho Chi Minh theme, for experienced dirt bikers, it is possible to explore remnants of the old Ho Chi Minh Trail across the border in Laos. Rusting tanks and forgotten field guns litter the jungle of Southern Laos. Combine a ride through the region's recent history with some of the most remote and wild regions of the country in Salavan and Attapeu.

Cambodia - the other Route 66 (and more)

Cambodia

has long been the holy grail for dirt bike enthusiasts thanks to its network of crumbling roads. Many of these have been upgraded in the past decade, but there remain many parts of the country where potholes are the size of golf bunkers and tarmac is an endangered species.

Cambodia Adventure Tours

Get your kicks on Route 66, an ancient Angkorian highway that runs due east from Angkor via Beng Mealea to the vast temple complex of Preah Khan. Ancient stone bridges from the time of Jayavarman VII acts as historical waymarkers along the route, including the dramatic Spean Ta Ong with more than 20 arches.

Or follow in the tyre treads of Charley Boorman who biked across Cambodia in 2008. Meander along the Mekong River through traditional villages in Kompong Cham and Kratie before making a diversion east to the elevated provinces of Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri. Still linked together by the infamous "Death Highway", many an experienced biker has come unstuck on the sandy, muddy trails "linking" Koh Nhek in Mondulkiri with Lumphat in Ratanakiri.

And let us not forget the Cardamom Mountains in southwest Cambodia for remote jungle; the dramatic northeast of Laos, home to the Plain of Jars and the Vieng Xai Caves, a sort of Cu Chi Tunnels cast in stone; and the rural Mekong Delta, a gentle two-wheeled adventure set against a patchwork of emerald green.

Beach gems tucked away in Lan Ha Bay

noreply@blogger.com (Active Travel Asia) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:28:00 +0000

Lan Ha Bay is part of the Halong Bay community but unlike its more famous neighbor it boasts some amazing sandy beaches.

Tourists take a kayak trip in Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba Island.

Located east of Cat Ba Island, a World Natural Heritage site which is famous for its dreamlike and fresh beauty, tourists cannot ignore a pit-stop here when visiting Haiphong Province.

Lan Ha has an astonishing 139 sandy beaches. Some of them are tucked between giant rock mounts and thus are more quiet spots without big, crashing waves and are ideal places for a quiet swim.

The bay is over 7,000 hectares wide, of which 5,400 hectares is managed by Cat Ba National Park. This is a peaceful bay with 400 islands and islets of varied sizes.

The bay is endowed with limestone mountains which give the sea small islands and islets as well as fascinating caves. Some caves have wonderful stalactites in diverse colors and shapes in Ham Rong, Do Cung and Ca grottoes.

There are also hundreds of rocks in various shapes such as Guoc Islet (shoe) or Doi Islet (bat).

Diving to admire colorful corals is a must in Lan Ha with Van Boi and Van Ha beaches, Sen, Cu and Khi islands as good choices.Tourists can also drift along canyons and small islets by kayak or wooden boats. There are also some pearl farms in Cat Dua Beach to discover.

Lan Ha Bay also features a scattering of fishing villages which are also must-see places for travelers to learn more about the daily life, culture and customs of fishermen.

Source: SGT

Recommended tour:

Trekking Cat Ba National Park and Kayaking Lan Ha Bay

ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA completed the survey of responsible tourism project in Pu Hu Nature Reserve, Thanh hoa province, Vietnam.

noreply@blogger.com (Active Travel Asia) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:08:00 +0000

The survey team spent 3 days 2 nights on exploring the jungle Pu Hu by trekking. This marked the first steps to discover and develop the potential tourism in this area.

This is the next step of responsible tourism project called “Protection of the forest and
wildlife” implemented by GIZ Vietnam. This project encourages tourists come to Pu Hu.

The tourists not only explore the wild-life beauty of Pu Hu but also discover illegal cutting of trees, hunting and other illegal activities in the forest. Their movement in the forest will help to keep these illegal activities under control and is therefore very important!

“With the distinguishing nature, diversity of plants and animals Pu Hu has great potential in trekking” said by Mr. Tony Tran, product manager of ATA.

Pu Hu has a plentiful floristic composition which creates interesting trekking routes. Tourist may see waterfalls from height of 50m-100m flowing down at any time on the way. The green of trees, the eco of forest bring the fresh experience for explorers during the trip.

After the trip, ATA inspection team will proposal a formal program tour and suitable routes which would make Pu Hu nature reserve to be a tourist site. ATA also works with GIZ Vietnam to run and manage the potential trip tours here to complete one of the most important parts of project.

ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA launches New Year Promotion 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Active Travel Asia) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 02:52:00 +0000

Human Christmas and New Year approaching, ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA (ATA) should send to all travelers of the faithful, heartfelt words to wish a peaceful Christmas and New Year exuberant grace of God. With the approaching of Christmas and New Year 2012, ATA is providing discount up to 7 % for all loyalty customers to buy ATA’s tours during the period from Feb, 1 2012 to Apr, 1 2012.

ATA runs the most adventure tours available in Indochina and Asia. ATA’s active trips are designed for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts, real people seeking real fun and adventure. Of course, a reasonable level of personal fitness, good health, and interest in outdoor activities is advisable, but the customers don't need to be a tri-athlete or be an expert in any of the activities you will undertake. There are variety kinds of adventure tours ATA’s customers can choose from: motorbiking, trekking, hiking, biking, kayaking…

About ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA:

ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA is one of the Indochina's leading adventure travel companies. ATA offers a wide selection of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia adventure tours, including hiking and trekking, biking, motorcycling, overland touring and family travel packages. ATA’s packages and tailor-made private itineraries will take you through exotic destinations to really experience the culture, history and nature of Asia. Visit more, go to www.activetravel.asia.

There be dragons – Halong Bay

noreply@blogger.com (Active Travel Asia) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 04:21:00 +0000

The legend goes that the islands of Halong Bay were formed by dragons who spit out jade and jewels into the sea to help the Vietnamese build a barrier to defend against would be invaders. After attempts to conquer the area were thwarted, the dragons fell in love with the bay and took eternal residence there. One look at these giant, limestone karsts, and I couldn’t help but be overtaken with the sense that we were sailing among the sleeping beasts.

Traveling three hours east of Hanoi, we arrived in Halong City and boarded a traditional Vietnamese junk for a three day, two night tour of Halong Bay. Words can’t described how ethereal the bay is – emerald waters… giant, jungle topped islands… ancient boats… it was a different world.

Off the boat, we got to explore the bay and travel to island caves by kayak. Our main boat pulled into a small sheltered “lagoon” between the karsts that served as protection for some floating homes that had kayaks available for us.

Swimming in the Pacific, on the other side of the world, proved absolutely magical. Splashing around in Halong Bay, I couldn’t get it out of my head that I was swimming on the other side of the world.
And that I was swimming with dragons. Words really can’t explain how out-of-this-world it was. And the salinity of the water was so strong that you couldn’t sink if you tried (and I tried… so much so that I got a double ear infection – but prepared travelers that we were, the antibiotics we brought cleared them right up).

The second day had us heading off to a different section of the bay for more exploration in kayaks. Halong Bay is huge, and we would just as easily run across a small fishing boat as we would a globe trotting cargo ship. Being in the middle of it made the current tensions that are arising that much more real. Still, it was easier to turn off the current events and just enjoy being in this different world.

We toured secluded lagoons that were straight out of a “best-of” tourism book. One can really see why Halong Bay was recently voted one of the “new seven wonders of nature.” I am so grateful that we got to experience it firsthand. And as if that wasn’t enough, we spent the rest of the day on a secluded island, complete with a view of the bay, and a white sandy beach to lounge upon. Then we still had the sunset to enjoy back on the boat.

Our final day on the bay was spent visiting a floating village. Four villages dot the area, totaling about 1600 residents that sustain themselves on fishing, and now with a boon from the tourism industry (the government subsidizes the villages, and our floating village tour guides were employees of the national park system).

Though we were less than a week into our trip, I had an inkling at the time that Halong Bay was to be my favorite part of Vietnam. Reflecting upon, and writing about, the entire experience now, Halong Bay really was my favorite part of the trip. Though I have yet to tell, all of our amazing adventures, Halong really set my spirit right. It turned out to be a really deep connection to something that was beyond imagination that I, personally, needed.

Source: saypdx.wordpress.com

Zooming Through Vietnam

noreply@blogger.com (Active Travel Asia) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 11:06:00 +0000

The Vietnamese bus tout are convinced they’ll get business from us. “Bus to Sa Pa” they call as we tuck away our passports, re-attach helmets and roll bicycles down a short but sheer ramp from border control into Vietnam proper. “We go by bicycle,” we reply. They shake heads. “No…. you go bus.” I look the youngest and most hopeful tout in the eyes and assure him that we’re very strong. He shakes his head in response: “Sa Pa? You go by bus?”

Cat Cat village rice fields

We cross into the country with Mirko, an Italian cyclist who is also headed up to Vietnam’s premier hill top town. He (perhaps wisely) opts for the bus, leaving us to conquer the 28km climb alone. Pedalling away from the river, the border town of Lao Cai passes by in a blur of motorcycles and baguette stalls before the climbing really begins about 5km in. We’re soon in thick jungle interspersed with roadside shacks selling beer and food, following a road which heads relentlessly up. The heat is a new challenge and almost instantly the sweat factor is so high that the water is rolling off my cheeks.
Three hours later, just as our legs are threatening to turn to jelly, we hit the outskirts of Sa Pa and our incredibly disproportionate reward of a five day break.

A tranquil hill-top village with stunning views of rice terraces and Vietnam’s highest peak, Fansipan, Sa Pa’s stretch of swank hotels and 5-star dining options is about as far from Vietnam-proper as Invercargill is from London. A mist hangs over the valley for much of the week, only occasionally clearing to reveal the rice terraces below. A constant throng of woman from local villages cluster together in small groups along the main street. In a swirl of brightly embroidered garments, they’re in town to sell local handicrafts, but we suspect the bigger business is taking visitors on tours to the villages. Hundreds of camera-toting tourists follow a parade of brightly clad villagers past our hotel pied-piper style every morning, leaving us envisaging their village destination as a vast factory of souvenir manufacturing.

We’re up early one morning to take advantage of an “all you can eat” breakfast buffet in town, and burn off the calories by hiking past Cat Cat village, which lies at the other end of Sa Pa. We’re quickly away from the well-maintained paths lined with souvenir stalls and find ourselves on a path which eventually leads to Fansipan peak. Taking a steep off-piste ‘short-cut’ back to the main path, I get a little too close to nature, resulting in three impressive leech bites, though we never saw the little blighters.

Unusual cloud halo

Arriving in Dien Bien Phu after a few days where our diet has been dominated by rice based products, we enjoy its slightly bigger town feel, staying for a couple of nights and stocking up on Vietnamese coffee.

Justin is cleaning bicycles in the courtyard when a couple of Austrian cycle tourists check in. Philipp and Valeska are also heading home after a long period away and we had a lot to talk about in our last evening in Vietnam. With a big climb ahead of us to the border it made sense to team up to cross into Laos.

Source: http://www.rolling-tales.com/

EXPERIENCE SAPA

noreply@blogger.com (Active Travel Asia) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 08:29:00 +0000

Attractive eco-friendly valleys, terraced slope attributes as well as tribes nevertheless subsequent their own historic customs — encouraged in order to Sapa.

Situated 350kms north-west associated with Hanoi, simply timid from the Chinese language edge may be the Lao Cai Land exactly where you’ll discover Sapa. It’s environment as well as amazing scenery tend to be about the reduce inclines from the Hoang Lien Boy hill variety, that additionally features Vietnam’s greatest hill Fansipan, having a elevation associated with 3142 metre distances.

Sapa is actually filled with a varied number of cultural minorities like the Hmong, Yao, Tay as well as Giay organizations. Considered to possess lived on the region because the 1800′s, these types of Sapa slope tribes continue to be close to these days ongoing their own life-style as well as customs because they did for hundreds of years.

The elements is extremely periodic, throughout the summer time it is very reasonable as well as wet. Throughout the winter season it may be chilly, misty as well as obtain the unusual compacted snow. Suggested occasions to visit tend to be 03 via Might as well as middle Sept in order to earlier Dec to obtain a hotter as well as better encounter.

Arranging your own go Sapa ahead of time via a journey professional is actually recommended. The easiest method to reach Sapa is actually through immediately teach, exactly where vacationers may rest the actual trip aside. Through Hanoi the actual trip requires around 10 several hours and also the locomotives go away every day. You will find 14 locomotives that offer the actual come back trip in between Hanoi as well as Lao Cai, just about all supplying air-conditioning as well as comfy cabins along with several berth choices. You will awaken rejuvenated as well as prepared for the Sapa experience to start whenever you appear in to Lao Cai earlier the following early morning.

Place your own strolling footwear upon as well as discover the actual valleys providing breathless surroundings top you to definitely nearby towns. The actual closest town associated with Kitty Kitty is just 3kms through Sapa, an additional choice is actually Ta Phin town house in order to Red-colored Dzao around 10kms aside. The majority of vacationers looks for helpful information as well as has a Xe Om (motorcycle) to some starting place 8kms through Sapa, after that journey the 14km cycle round the region going to towns on the way. There is lots of walking as well as hiking choices in the region for those health and fitness amounts, going to slope group towns as well as waterfalls. For that severe mountaineer why don’t you undertake the actual 19km trip towards the peak associated with Fansipan, Vietnam’s greatest maximum?

An additional appeal associated with any kind of Sapa journey may be the marketplaces. You will find several marketplaces kept round the region usually about the weekend break upon whether Sunday or even Weekend. The well-known marketplace may be the Back ‘Weekend marketplace, the industry buying and selling center as well as conference location with regard to family and friends. You will discover the neighborhood minorities putting on their own conventional clothes, the actual Hmong tend to be recognized through their own indigo stitched garb and also the Red-colored Dao through their own red-colored headdresses along with hanging cash as well as waistcoats which are intricately stitched as well as put on through the ladies. The actual Adore Marketplace is actually an additional famous marketplace — typically it had been a location in which the youths from the nearby slope tribes might arrive to locate a partner.

If you have fulfilled the actual local people, trekked the actual valleys as well as marvelled the actual sights associated with significantly terraced grain areas, shopped in the marketplaces and also have your own cherished times taken, you’ll return in order to Lao Cai train station for the immediately teach to Hanoi. The Sapa journey experience is really a particular emphasize associated with any kind of day at Vietnam.

Source: wannawatch.info