Ha long Bay Vietnam

Ha Long Bay is in the Gulf of Tonkin and includes some 1,600 islands and islets, making spectacular seascape of limestone pillars. Because of their abrupt nature, most of the islands are uninhabited and unaffected by human presence. The great biological interest is situated in the Gulf of Tonkin.

 

The smaller islands are fenglin towers of 50m to 100m high. Many have vertical walls on all or most sides and these continue to evolve by rock falls and large slab failures. A distinctive feature of Ha Long Bay is the abundance of lakes within the larger limestone islands.

"Ha Long" means "Bay of Descending Dragons" (Chinese: 下龙湾; Xiàlóngwān), though prior to the 19th century this name was not recorded in any document or archive. When mentioning the present-day Quang Ninh Sea or Ha Long Bay, old historical books often referred to them by the names of An Bang, Luc Thuy or Van Don. Not until the late 19th century did the name of Ha Long Bay appear on a French Marine Map. The Hai Phong News, a French newspaper of the time, had an article, Dragon appears on Ha Long Bay, reporting the following story: In 1898 a sub-lieutenant named Lagredin, captaining the Avalanse reported seeing a huge sea snake on Ha Long Bay. This was also witnessed by many of the crews. Thus emerged the European image of the Asian dragon. Whether this appearance of a strange animal looking like a dragon resulted the name of Ha Long Bay is not known.

The Ha Long Bay archipelago is made up of 1969 islands, both settled and uninhabited. These can be accessed from various ports, though in the special case of Cat Ba you can also arrive either by car, motorbike or bus (via Haiphong) or combined bus/boat (from Hanoi via Halong City). 

Get in

There are a huge number of domestic connections, particularly to the ports of Halong City and Haiphong.

From Nanning in China's Guangxi province, the Nanning International Tourist Distribution Center (有爱南路10号(中华路口); Yǒuàinánlù shí hào (zhōnghuá lùkǒu); #10 You'ai Nanlu on the corner of Zhonghua Lu) provides daily buses to Halong City (170元, 8 hours) at 7:30AM.

By tour

There are many package tours from Hanoi, but these are best avoided and characterized by long and crowded bus rides, tourist-oriented rip-off trips on boats so slow you could swim faster (to get you to buy more food and drink on board), and other shady practices.

Get around

The islands can be accessed from various ports.

Ports

• Haiphong, a large historic port city at the mouth of the Red River that and the fourth largest city in Vietnam
• Halong City, spanning a portion of the northern part of the archipelago. Note that there are multiple ports within this town, in that at least one port exists that is wholly distinct from that of the tourist boat piers.
• Cai Rong, a small port serving the north-easterly part of the archipelago.

Airports

Helicopter trips can be taken from Gia Lam Airport in Hanoi.

Islands

• Ban Sen, a thickly forested, almost uninhabited island reachable by ferries to Quan Lan from Cai Rong.
• Cat Ba, the home of the endangered Cat Ba langur, a national park, numerous caves and the most popular destination in Ha Long Bay for tourists. It can either accessed by local bus and ferry from Hanoi's Lương Yên bus station (recommended), by tourist boat from Halong City (a five hour 'hard sell' ordeal; this is what the hordes of Hanoi package tourists do), or by local bus or ferry from Haiphong (less scenic).
• Quan Lạn, a historically significant outlying island with the beginnings of some tourism infrastructure and some beautiful beaches. Reachable by ferry from Cai Rong or also (reportedly) from Halong City.
• Van Don, a large island that is well inhabited, little visited by tourists and connected by road to the mainland near Cửa Ông.

Sri Lanka; A Land Like No Other !

Mainly named as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka as a small island has many names which people call; Serendib, Ceylon, Teardrop of India, Resplendent Isle, Island of Dharma, Pearl of the Orient are some of those beautiful names. This colorful collection reveals its richness and beauty, and the intensity of affection which it has evoked in visitors.

Head for the rolling hill country to escape the heat of the plains in the cool of tea plantations. The entire island is abundantly filled with bird life, and intriguingly unusual animals like Elephants and leopards are not uncommon. The most important thing is, the people are friendly, very hospitable, the food is delicious and costs are low.

?Sri Lanka the finest island of its size in the entire world? ? Marco Polo

This will be true to you if you explore the country?s authentic ecstasies. What ever it takes to amuse you in you?re your holiday in Sri Lanka is just a breath away. If it is, Beaches; the coastal stretch south of Colombo offers palm-lined sandy expands as far as the eye can see. If it is, Culture; Try the Kandyan dances, a procession of elephants or the masked devil dances. Or if it is the Ruins; you?ll find enough ancient and inspiring architecture in the cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa to satisfy that inner archaeologist. 

 

Poya Festival

A long line of lights illuminates the path to the summit of Adam's Peak during the Poya Festival in the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka. This mountainous, mist-draped realm has long been popular with backpackers and other adventurers for its tea plantations and rain forest preserves. The Central Highlands recently were added to UNESCO’s World Heritage list.

Dambulla Cave Temple

The cave monastery of Dambulla, a World Heritage site, has five sanctuaries and is the largest, best preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. 

Temple of the Tooth

In the northern part of the Central Highlands lies the historic town of Kandy and its 18th-century Temple of the Tooth, an important Buddhist shrine.

Leopard

A leopard (Panthera pardus) rests in tree in Yala National Park. Located on the southern coast of the island, Yala is Sri Lanka's most visited and second largest national park.

Grand Hotel

Pristine grounds surround the Grand Hotel in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka.

15 things you can’t miss in Australia

15 spots that nobody visiting the land down under should miss.

1. Trek Through the Daintree Rainfores

Some to one of the most diverse variety of plants and animals on earth, the Daintree Rainforest is an epic destination north of Cairns in Tropical Far North Queensland. There’s plenty to do in this world heritage listed rainforest, including bushwalks, early morning river cruises, 4WD tours and crocodile-spotting expeditions.

2. Helicopter Ride Over Great Ocean Road

Zoom along Victoria’s Great Ocean Road on a helicopter ride for an unforgettable perspective on iconic landmarks like the magnificent Twelve Apostles, historic Glenample Homestead, ill-fated Loch Ard Gorge and breathtaking 70m high Gibson Steps.

3. Charter a Yacht from Cairns

Aussies dream of Tropical Queensland the same way New Yorkers dream of Hawaii. There’s no better way to see the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands than to charter a fully crewed luxury yacht — like the 52 ft. Marcrista.

4. Burn a hole in your pocket, Crown Casino Melbourne

You’ll need to whip out your credit card if you’re gonna enjoy Australia’s largest casino. Players will find all the usual roulette and blackjack tables, but the Crown Casino is also a major venue for international performers. It’s a plush affair that’s open 24 hours and has around 25 restaurants and 11 bars.

5.Swim at Lake McKenzie, Fraser Island

Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island and undoubtedly the most amazing spot on the island is Lake McKenzie — a serene, crystal-clear, blue lake with soft sandy beach surrounded by forest. And what makes this beautiful tropical spot even more mesmerizing is its location – the lake is perched 100m above sea level, deep in the sand dunes.

6. Wine Tour Through The Hunter Valley 

 Two hours north of Sydney lies Australia’s oldest wine growing region, renowned for its Semillon and dotted with over one hundred wineries. One of the best ways to discover the vineyards and olive groves of the Hunter Valley is to join a tour. Kick back, enjoy the view and the tastes of each vineyard sip-by-sip.

7. Climb The Sydney Harbour Bridge

Scaling the 134 meters up Sydney’s iconic Harbour Bridge might not be physically demanding, but you’re not doing it for the exercise. Safely tethered to the bridge at all times, climbers get a spectacular view of Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, and the city in all its beauty, a view most Aussies have never seen.

8. Brave the Waves at Bondi Beach

Australia has many beaches, but among the thousands, this half-mile stretch is the most famous. Located a short commute from Sydney’s central business district, nestled among the urban sprawl, it’s no wonder Bondi gets so busy.

In summertime, as many as 25,000 locals and tourists can invade the silver sands hoping to get a tan, learn to surf or just people watch. It’s not without drama; swimmers get into trouble, children go missing, sharks interrupt beach life as they cruise the lineup; and the odd fight erupts on the beach between drunks. Some people will like Bondi; others will be disappointed.

9. Climb Mt. Kosciuszko in Summer or Snow 

Standing at 7,309 ft (2228 m), Mount Kosciuszko is Australia’s highest mountain and it makes for a refreshing-but-serious climb from the sweltering heat of the Australian summer. In the old days, prior to 1974, slackers could drive most of the way to the top. Today, around 30,000 people trek to the summit each year. Guided tours are available from Thredbo.

10. Ride The Ghan Train

Slink northward through the 1,851 miles (2,979 km) from Adelaide to Alice Springs in the ‘Red Centre’ and then onwards to Darwin in the ‘Top End.’ Passengers are treated to the evocative Australian landscape from the comfort of this legendary train –whose name is derived from the Afghan camels which trod the route in the early days.

  

11. Watch Sunset Over Uluru

 Also known as “Ayers Rock”, this famous sandstone rock is plunked right in Australia’s Red Centre. The enormous rock formation and the whole area are designated as a World Heritage Area and take about 2 – 3 hours to circumnavigate. The local Aboriginal people prefer you don’t climb the mountain, but of course many people still do. Just make sure you wake up early enough to take in the spectacular site of sunrise over Uluru.

  

12. Trek and Tour The Kimberley

 Rugged, forbidding, full of snakes and much larger in size than the entire United Kingdom, the Kimberley region of Australia is amazing wilderness. The wet season is largely impassable thanks to the tropical torrents. The dry season, from April to September, can be intensely hot during the day, but the heat is preferable to the rain. Visitors can take tours around the Bungle Bungles, Geike Gorge, Fitzroy Crossing, Mitchell Falls and many more places of interest.

  

13. Pet the Wild Crocodiles in Kakadu

 More of Australia’s remote Top End is waiting to be explored. This is the other face of Australia, about as far away from the usual Aussie urban life as you can get. Traverse this wondrous landscape escorted by Mick Dundee-esque tour guides and the traditional Aboriginal mob you’ll be sure to spot plenty of crocodiles and snakes, traditional rock art and breath-taking vistas.

  

14. Swim With Dolphins at Monkey Mia

 Monkey Mia is a small West Australian town, one day’s drive from Perth, with good roads all the way. Despite the name, there are no monkeys at Monkey Mia but you’ll be delighted to swim and frolic with wild, bottle-nosed dolphins when you visit the town’s tranquil shallow beach. Just turn up to the beach between 8am and 1pm, sit around, relax and wait for the friendly visitors to show up — and dolphins do turn up almost everyday.

  

15. Cradle Mountain, Tasmania

 The World Heritage listed Cradle Mountain is ideal for a short escape, bushwalking by day and holed up in a wooden cabin by night. It can be freezing and is blanketed by a good fall of snow in the winter months, yet the peak is sunny and as warm as 30c in the summer. Cradle Mountain has some of Australia’s most stunning scenery and the iconic national park teams with native wildlife such as Tasmanian Devils, wallabies, wombats, brush tail possums and currawongs.

Sri Lanka Travel Guide

Sri Lanka OVERVIEW
The list of Sri Lanka delights is far from short. Palm-fringed beaches and sun-glittering sea pamper with golden basking moments in the sun, aquamarine waves caress not only the shores but also the ear of a tired traveler and fresh coconut sipped in the shade of wind-whispering palms quenches the thirst for a blissfully calm holiday.
No doubt then, that spiced up with contemporary tourist attractions such as luxurious Ayurveda spas and broad-based shopping opportunities, Sri Lanka has become one of the world's most desired destinations to forget about the everyday troubled life and switch to a ‘relax' mode.

And again, it is not size that matters. This small teardrop-shaped island cast adrift in the Indian Ocean brims with cultural and natural diversity. As Sir Arthur C Clarke once remarked, "The island of Sri Lanka is a small universe" and the sky-high imagery best illustrates a place so compact. Once a British colony with Indians, Portuguese and Dutch past inscribed in its history, the land is a delightful mix of ancient cities like Anuradhapura and Pollonaruwa, monuments and atmospheric colonial architecture. You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to nature wonders and truly delighted with miles long stretches of sand, laidback lazy lagoons, cotton wool clouds over misty wetlands and verdant tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya. 

But there are scars too, and the teardrop shape is not inappropriate. Sri Lanka has suffered its fair share of political turmoil when, after becoming a republic in 1972, the separatist Tamil Tigers stirred fierce riots undermining the country's stability. And then, in 2004, came the big water, a tsunami which devoured more than 30,000 Sri Lankans and wiped out many coastal communities. With the Tamil conflict smothered and finally ended in 2009, the hard-hit country is opening up to tourism and you can be sure that the healing force lies within it, as the outstanding beauty of the land matched by its people's hospitality are heart-winning.

World's Best Natural Spas

The peoples of the ancient world already knew that bubbling mineral waters and gurgling mud pools are good for the body and the sprit. Yeah, there is nothing more relaxing than immersing your body in the hot, thermal waters that soothe away your worries and pains. Thanks to our generous nature there are hot springs all over the world, and some of the countries are truly blessed with hundreds of amazing natural spas.

Here they are: 

1. New Zealand

If you are an eager bather, head for New Zealand, home to absolutely amazing nature and natural wonders. The country can boast hundreds of thermal hot pools, from bubbling mineral hot springs to mud pools. Known as waiariki in Māori, the hot springs have been used for therapeutic purposes for ages in New Zealand. Among the most popular geothermal areas is Whakarewarewa near Rotorua, which has around 500 pools.
New Zealand has such enormous thermal activity that in many places the hot waters are located just beneath the ground and all you need to do is to dig your own pool and relax.

2. Iceland

The ultimate destination for geothermal bath lovers is, of course, Iceland. This isolated land of geysers, glaciers and volcanoes (what a mix!), is home to about 250 thermal areas forming around 800 hot springs.
The famed Blue Lagoon, a huge natural spa, is one of the most visited attractions in the country. Rich in minerals, the waters of the Lagoon are reputed to have a number of therapeutic uses.
Besides, the geothermal waters heat about 85% of the households in Iceland - apparently, a supply of hot water is cheaper than a supply of cold water in the country.

 3. The Czech Republic

Have you ever heard of the Czech Republic being one of the most popular balneological destinations (by the way, balneology is the science of the therapeutic use of thermal baths) in the world? This little landlocked country in the Central Europe is home to more than 30 health retreat resorts where you can find an array of spa centers, thermal baths and mineral pools. The West Bohemian region has the highest concentration of spa treatment resorts in the Czech Republic where five most important spa centers are: Karlovy Vary, Marianske Lazne, Frantiskovy Lazne, Lazne Jachymov and Lazne Kynzvart.

4. Turkey

Turkey is a heaven for natural spa addicts. With around 1,300 thermal springs throughout the country, Turkey is one of the richest states in the world in terms of geothermal activity. This is thanks to the country's strategic location above a geothermal belt and seismic fault. The country, dotted with marvelously located hot springs and spa resorts, will not disappoint even the most demanding bathers. While ‘spaing' in Turkey, do not forget to visit one of the traditional Turkish steam baths called hamam that can be found in every town of the country.

5. Costa Rica

A part of the Pacific Ring Fire Circle, Costa Rica is home to around 200 volcanic formations. Thanks to the volcanic activity, the country has become one of the world's most rewarding hot spring destinations. Be it mud baths, mineral pools or thermal hot springs, spa facilities can be found throughout the country. Among the most popular destinations for thermal retreat are Arenal, Rincon de la Vieja and the Miravalles Volcano.

6. Hungary

Bathing culture, brought to Hungary by the Romans and then developed by the Turks in the 16th and 17th century, has become an essential part of the Hungarian tradition. Today, Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is often called the Spa Capital of the World. It is the only city on the globe with natural hot springs within the city's limits.
Among the absolutely stunning and amazing spa areas is also Lake Hévíz, which is the largest thermal lake in Europe. Hévíz, the famous town of spas that emerged on the shores of the lake and surrounded by picturesque hills, has been a spa destination throughout the ages. The healing power of the lake's water was known even to the ancient Romans.

7. Japan

A trip to Japan would not be complete without visiting an onsen - a Japanese term for a hot spring. As a volcanically active country, Japan has literally thousands of hot springs scattered along its islands. The thermal baths can be found in many types and shapes, including outdoor and indoor baths. Every town and region has its share of hot pools, often accompanied by ryokan, traditional Japanese style inns where one can experience traditional lifestyle of Japan.

Best Places For Trekking and Hiking

Ice climbing in Iceland or a jungle trek to ancient ruins in Colombia? The spectrum of the world's trekking and hiking opportunities is unlimited so let us help you select some of the most rewarding destinations that best suit your preferences. From more travelled countries to absolutely remote and wild states, this list will help you choose your next ultimate trek adventure.

 

1. Colombia. The Andes.

Chingaza National Park.

After years of civil conflict, Colombia is now back on the travelers' map, luring backpackers and holidaymakers with spectacular nature and cultural achievements. Among the country's highlights are its trekking possibilities - Colombia offers some of the best destinations on the continent for hiking and trekking addicts.
Among the most rewarding mountain zones are Pargue Nacional El Cocuy and Los Nevados. Sierra Nevada Del Cocuy is a stunning mountain range, with 20 spectacular peaks (most of them higher than 5,000 meters), waterfalls, glaciers and crystal lakes.  Los Nevados, located in the central area of Colombian Andes, is a great, though a bit more demanding, destination for mountain lovers. It is home to the famed Nevado del Ruiz, the northernmost volcano of the Andean Volcanic Belt. In turn, the trekking beginners should consider a 5-day hike through Colombia's rainforest to fascinating Ciudad Perdida, a lost city founded about 800 A.D., some 650 years earlier than Machu Picchu in Peru.

Ciudada Perdida.

2. Tajikistan. The Pamir.

Pamir Highway.

If you are looking for a wild, remote and off the beaten track trekking destination, Tajikistan should be your choice for the next adventure trek. This mountainous landlocked country in Central Asia, bordering with Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan and China, is covered by the spectacular Pamir range known locally as the Roof of the World. In fact, 50% of Tajikistan's area lies over 3,000 meters (10,000 ft) above the sea level so the high-altitude landscape is right at your fingertips.
The country is home to the Pamir Highway, one of the Asia's most spectacular road trips, and it also contains three of the four highest peaks in former USSR. The highest is the Communism Peak (now renamed as Koh-i-Samani) - the mountain of 7495 m  discovered only in 1928. Of course, climbing the latter would be an option for the advanced trekkers. Still, the country has hundreds of outstanding routes of different difficulty levels on offer.

Trekking in Tajikistan.

 3. The USA. California.

California. Alabama Hills.

It may not be the most unspoiled destination on Earth, but California certainly is home to some of the most amazing trekking and hiking routes in the country. This third largest state (by area) in the USA offers something for every type of trekkers, from mountain addicts to desert lovers. Besides such iconic natural sites as Death Valley, Yosemite National Park and Sequoia National Park, California also contains an array of mountain ranges: coastal mountains in the west, the Sierra Nevada to the east, the Cascade Range in the north and the Tehachapi Mountains in the south.
Be it hiking along the famous High Sierra Trail to the Mount Whitney, the highest peak (4,421 m) in the contiguous forty-eight states, popular wine treks, or a hiking tour in the spectacular scenery of California's national parks, the state has plenty of rewarding trekking destinations.

Hiking on the trail from the Little Lakes Valley up to Mono Pass.

4. Argentina and Chile. Patagonia.

Shared by Argentina and Chile, Patagonia is a must for every avid trekker and mountain lover. Though it is now being visited by more and more travelers, Patagonia remains a land of wild nature, large spaces, pristine lakes and unconquerable peaks. Among the Patagonia's most spectacular treks are the Fitz Roy Range trails, Torres del Paine National Park, and Glacier Perito Moreno as well as Tierra del Fuego, an archipelago off the southernmost tip of the South American mainland, perfect for lone wolf type of trekkers. Whether you follow more popular tourist trails or venture more isolated stretches of the region, Patagonia is a place not to be missed while in South America.

Trekking over Perito Moreno Glacier.

5. Iceland.

The absolutely stunning landscape of Iceland creates a perfect scenery for some of the world's best hikes and treks. Be it glacier trails leading through the labyrinth of glacier tongues, hot spring hikes, ice climbing or mountain climbing, trekking Iceland is like walking on the moon. If you search for an ultimate adventure, don't miss hiking Hvannadalshnúkur, the country's highest peak of 2110 m (6,900 ft). The trail offers jaw-dropping views of Vatnajokull glacier (one of the world's largest), though it is a long and physically challenging climb. On the Iceland's hike odyssey, you will discover much more than the highlands - the country is home to fantastic waterfalls, geysers, volcanoes, hot springs and steaming waters of thermal pools, where you can relax and give your muscles the rest they deserve after the treks.

Trekking Iceland.

6. Slovakia. The Tatras.

Sunrise over High Tatras peaks covered with the first snow.

This tiny country in Central Europe is a paradise for trekkers and hikers. While the trails of the Alps and the Dolomites are well-worn and crowded, Slovakia offers amazing, pristine mountain land of crystal lakes, snow-capped peaks and wild forests. The Carpathian Mountains extend across most of the northern part of the country and amongst these mountain ranges are the Tatra mountains - shared by Slovakia and Poland. Slovakia is home to Gerlachovský štít (2654m), the highest peak in the Carpathian range and around 600 km of hiking trails that will take you to  beautiful alpine valleys and high summit ridges.

Central part of the Nízke Tatry National Park.

 7. Kazakhstan.

Altai Mountains.

The travelers are still rare in Kazakhstan, so the vastness of its highlands is literally all for those who decide to venture into this remote state in Central Asia. This huge country, the ninth largest in the world, contains two grand ranges: the Tian Shan and the Altai Mountains, where Russia, China, Mongolia and Kazakhstan come together. The beauty, remoteness and wilderness of the country go beyond imagination. Although the mountain areas cover around 10% of the Kazakhstan's territory, their untouched and breathtaking landscapes make it one of the world's most rewarding trekking and hiking destinations.

Where four countries meet.

8. The USA. Alaska.

Down the valley towards Denali National Park.

It goes without saying that Alaska is one of the world's most beautiful and wildest destinations. Home to Denali and Glacier Bay National Parks as well as Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska has so much to offer for trekkers and hikers that one could spent a lifetime venturing the state. Alaska's iconic area is Denali National Park, home to Mt McKinley, the highest peak in North America. The park offers loads of off-trail trekking opportunities where nature lovers can admire absolutely stunning wildlife such as marmot, brown bears and moose, which are, fortunately, quite easy to spot. Though expensive and difficult to access, Alaska is a heaven for outdoor enthusiasts.

View of Eklutna Lake from the Twin Peaks trail, near Anchorage, Alaska.