Phoebettmh Travel

(Taiwan) - Volcanic island – Lanyu – Orchid Island

Lanyu (蘭嶼) or the Orchid Island is a tiny island located 60 km off the south east of Taiwan. Though stretching for merely 45sq km, the small island with its serene locale, is one of the most popular destinations of Taiwan. It is called Orchid Island because of the butterfly orchids that once grew there in abundance. It is a wonderfully interesting, friendly and unspoiled weekend destination and well worth a visit.

Lanyu - Orchid Island - Taiwan

There are no beaches of note and much of its rugged mountainous hinterland is inaccessible, but the island nevertheless boasts a verdant picture postcard beauty. Orchard Island was once populated by just the Yami tribe, which made its living raiding villages and breaking heads in Taiwan, as well as in China's Fujian Province. Orchid Island is home to around 3,200 people, most of whom are Yami, or are descendants of the tribe. Islanders rely on farming wet and dry taro, yams and millet and they also rear pigs and goats. Sinicization programs, which ran from the mid-1950s until as recently as 1980, have been responsible for the collapse of much of the traditional Yami way of life.

How to get there

Lanyu - Orchid Island - Taiwan

The island is accessible by sea or air.

Daily Air (德安航空) is the airline to offer flights to Orchid Island. The flight duration is half an hour and the daily frequency (six flights per day) is dependent on weather conditions. Purchasing tickets for these flights is problematic, however, as unless visitors have an exceptional amount of political clout the company doesn't take reservations.

Ferry trips to the island is available from Taitung's Fukang harbor. Two boats run daily trips to and from Orchid Island, and both are based out of Fukang Harbor in Taitung. Roundtrip tickets cost between NT$2,000 and NT$1,550 and are available on the boat before sailing time.

Hotels

Lanyu - Orchid Island - Taiwan

There are a couple of hotels on the island but neither the Lanyu Ocean International Hotel (蘭嶼海洋國際飯店) or the Lanyu Hotel (蘭嶼別館) could be described as four-star in quality. And their prices are not cheap.

The best way to enjoy a few days is to stay at one of the many smaller hostels run by locals. Costing from NT$300 to NT$500 per night the hostels are clean and offer both single and dorm rooms. Guests are allowed to use the kitchens and some owners will even offer to cook for their visitors.

There are hostels in five of the island's major townships, but if you're looking for a picturesque and rustic setting, then one of the best villages to stay in is Yehyin (野銀村). Located on the west side of the island, it's home to 100 people and is the only place on the island where village elders still reside in traditional Yami underground housing.

How to get around

Lanyu - Orchid Island - Taiwan

Visitors can circumnavigate Orchid Island on foot in a couple of days, but the best way to see it is to rent a scooter. The condition of the scooters isn't that great and chances are that either the speedometer, gas gauge, or both, will not work. But with daily rental costing an average of NT$300 per-day you can't really complain.

Helmets are not mandatory, but do take care as gravel trucks, cement mixers and buses can cause problems for the unwary. In addition to large vehicles, sections of the road are in pretty bad shape and there are plenty of blind corners.

Visitors can also explore the island by bus. It traverses the island every hour from between 8:30am and 4:30pm.

Some necessary information for Lanyu travel:

Yehyou village (椰油村): The Lanyu Ocean International Hotel (蘭嶼海洋國際飯店), call (089) 229 482.

Hongtou village (紅頭村): The Lanyu Hotel (蘭嶼別館), call (089) 342 226.

Hostels:

Yehyin village (野銀村):

The Fuyin Hostel ( 恩民宿), call (089) 732 763.

The Yinhui Hostel (恩惠民宿), call (089) 732 979.

Yehyou village (椰油村):

The Lanshang Hostel (籃翔民宿), call (089) 732 236.

Hongtou village (紅頭村):

The Lanyu Hostel (蘭嶼民宿中心) (089) 731 601.

Yuren village (魚人村):

The Mingyun (明霞民宿) (089) 732 554.

Air transport

Daily Air Corporation (德安航空), call (089) 362 489.

Sea transport

The Golden and Common Star Ferries (金星/恆星), call (089) 281 477.

(Wiki, Taiwan and Taipei)

(Vietnam) – Nha Trang - One of the most beautiful bays in the world

Nha Trang Bay, lying between the other two bays, has been acknowledged as one of the most beautiful bays of the world. With such natural gifts as the position, landscape, climate, together with its rich background in culture and humanities, Nha Trang - Khánh Hòa is fully capable of developing many diverse forms of tourism.

Nha Trang - Vietnam

How to get there

- By plane: Cam Ranh Airport built on the grounds of an old American airbase in 2004, is located 30km from the city and serves only domestic destinations

- By train: Nha Trang is a stop on the main railway-line connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC or Saigon). The railway station is close to the cathedral in the northern part of town

- By bus: Most open tour buses arrive from Ho Chi Minh City in the south (10-12 hours) and Hoi An to the north (10 hours). North to Qui Nhon 4-5 hours.

- By car: Private car rental with a driver are usually modern air-con cars and can be rented. Car rental prices (as mostly anything in Vietnam) usually increase during holiday seasons especially around Tet (Vietnamese’s New Year). Make sure to avoid high prices by booking it beforehand with the car rental services.

Nha Trang - Vietnam

How to get around

Tran Phu is the backbone of the city, accompanied by a pleasant waterfront promenade, palm trees and the nearly 6km of beach.

- Nha Trang has a reliable and easy to navigate public bus system, where the ticket fare does not exceed 3000 dong for a ride on a modern, air-conditioned bus with Vietnamese music. You will find buses nr. 3 and 2 the most useful, since they pass through the southern quarters.

- Alternatively, you'll find the usual selection of taxis, cyclos and motorbikes. Taxis are a good option, but be sure they turn on the meter to get the cheapest price.

- A wonderful option for seeing the sites is to hire a cyclo-driver for the day.

- Its also easy to get around by bicycle. Nha Trang is quite flat and bicycles are easily found for hire.

Hon Mun - Nha Trang - Vietnam

See

- National Oceanographic Museum of Vietnam: 01 Cau Da (on the left of the commercial port entrance). This is like an aquarium with popular and rare species of the sea. A perfect place to bring kids as they will get to see sharks, turtles, coral reefs, lionfish, sea horses, and many other creatures.

- Alexandre Yersin Museum: 10 Tran Phu St. This is a scientific museum of a Swiss-born, Dr. Alexandre Yersin (1863-1943), who arrived in Vietnam in 1891 to study infected animals. He then later on produced a serum from horses and buffaloes. In this museum, you will be able to view all of his work as well as his equipment. Yersin never went back to Switzerland as he spent the rest of his life in Nha Trang. Don’t try to take pictures. Do respect the rules since they're quite serious here.

- Long Son Pagoda: Thai Nguyen St. At this pagoda, you will see a 79 ft. tall white Buddha. The pagoda was established in 1963 to honour the monks and nuns who died demonstrating against the Diem government.

- Po Nagar Cham Towers: 2 April St. These towers were built by the Cham civilization between the 7th and 12th century to honor Yang Ino Po Ngar, mother of the kingdom. The local Buddhists of Nha Trang occupied this place for prayers and worshipping, and there are many incense lighted giving the place an interesting aroma. The Po Ngar Kalan is a very glorified structure with amazing architectures filled with stunning colors. It is a 20-25 minute walk from the main beach strip, however be prepared to wander through the 'real' Nha Trang, quite a shocking change from the showy built up beach side resort.

- Bao Dai Villa:. The Bao Dai Villas are located on top of a small hill. You have a beautiful view of the Nha Trang bay from there.

- Vinpearl land: you can take the cable car over to the island where Vinpearl resort and Vinpearl land is located. There are underwater World (aquarium), Water Park complete with many exciting water slides and wave pool, Amusement Park with roller coaster, pirate ship, bumper cars, 4D cinema and many modern arcade machines and musical fountain and laser show at night time.

- Doc Let beach, (around 40 km north of Nha Trang). Doc Let beach is more tranquil, cleaner and beautiful than the beach in Nha Trang. It is well worth taking a tour there. Local fishermen families sell and prepare seafood which they will cook for you on the beach for a very reasonable price.

Doc Let beach - Nha Trang - Vietnam

- Yang Bay Waterfalls, (40 km west of Nha Trang). You can swim there, and walk around in the area. You should probably bring your own food and drink when you go there though.

- Thap Ba Hot Springs and Mud baths, On the north side of Nha Trang. for hot and cool swimming pools and thermal waterfall.

- Nha Trang Cathedral. Located on a hill overlooking the city, the cathedral shows the influence of French Catholicism. It's a Quaint, free and quick sight to see. The Nha Trang area still has a strong Catholic population.

Things to do

- Boat Cruses: The going rate for a one-day multi-island tour with snorkeling, fishing, and many other activities among the possibilities. Tours may provide lunch with drinks on board. Booking agents abound, so compare itineraries to find the best fit for you.

- Sailing : Get a group together and rent out a captain for a best sailing experience.

- Biking and Rafting Tour: Combination fast 30km downhill biking passing through minority village and meeting Raglai people. Then a 12km rafting trip down the Cai River.

- Relaxing – Thap Ba natural hotsprings: Located on the outskirt of the city, this place provides the most relaxing services you can imagine (hot mud bath, mineral water bath and hot water pool and massages also available).

- Live music at the cafes: Many cafes in Nha Trang have live music at night time. They vary in type and quality, so ask around.

- Enjoy the fresh sea food. The sea food in Nha Trang is famous in Vietnam. All kinds of cuttle fish shell fish, fresh fish etc can be found and it is very delicious

- Cooking Classes - Lanterns Vietnamese Restaurant: Half day cooking classes for visitors to Nha Trang. It is a great experience and a must do for someone looking for variety to their trip to Nha Trang and something a little different. It involves travelling to the local market in a cyclo, a guided tour of the marketplace, where you get involved in buying the food. You then return to the restaurant where you prepare 3 dishes as chosen by the guests.

- Diving & snorkeling: Close off-shore from Nha Trang sit a series of islands that offer decent diving and snorkeling, easily accessible by day trip. The city has about two dozen dive shops, making for fierce competition and great value. For certification training, Nha Trang offers perhaps the best value in the world.

Yang Bay Fall - Nha Trang - Vietnam

Hotels

- Yasaka Saigon Nhatrang Hotel:

Located right on the beachside,Yasaka-Saigon-Nhatrang Hotel is an international four star Hotel with 201 luxurious guest rooms, facilities and services that meet to the requirement of both leisure and business travelers. With a swimming pool and a Jacuzzi on top, a tropical garden, and other services like massage, steambath, tennis court, fitness center, we would like to say : Yasaka-Saigon - Nhatrang is a Beach Resort Hotel and Spa.

Add: 18 Tran Phu, Nha Trang City, Viet Nam

Tel: (84-58) 3820090 ; Fax: (84-58) 3820000

- Nha Trang Lodge Hotel:

Guest staying in Nha Trang Lodge Hotel will be pleasant by the well skilled & professional staffs.In fact , from its opening in July 1996, our hotel has been the center of important events in the city.

Add: 42 Tran Phu Street, Nha Trang City, Khanhhoa, Viet Nam

Tel: (84-58) 3521500/521900 ; Fax: (84-58) 3521800/522922

- Hai Yen Hotel:

Hai Yen hotel was built with french style architecture. It is located right in the heart of Nha Trang city and 5 minutes from the airport and train station. Especially, it is just opposite the white sandy beach.

Add: 40 Tran Phu Street, Nha Trang City, Viet Nam

Tel: (84-58) 3522422 ; Fax: (84-58) 3522252

- Que Huong Hotel:

Que Huong - an international standard hotel stands right in the heart of Nha Trang city. It is situated on the most picturesque and romantic Tran Phu Boulevard of the municipal beach. The hotel consists of 56 international standard and comfortable rooms with fully well-equipped facilities, excellent services and courteous hotel staff.

Add: 60 Tran Phu St., Nha Trang City, Viet Nam

Tel: (84-58) 3827365 ; Fax: (84-58) 3825344

(Nha Trang Travel and Wiki)

(India) – Golden Triangle Tour - Delhi-Jaipur-Agra

India, a vast country with amazing landscapic diversity, rich history and culture, and multh-ethnic society has long list of tourist destinations to present. Golden Triangle Tour is the most popular tourist circuit in India. This incredible Golden Triangle Tour Itinerary comprising the three famous cities of India-Delhi, Agra and Jaipur having grandeur, glory & history.

Bahai Temple - Delhi

Delhi

Delhi, The political capital of India, Delhi , makes up one of the cornerstones of the golden triangle in the country's north. Finding its genesis in the great Indian epic the Mahabharata, as Indraprastha, Capital of the Pandava princes, today the city has transformed itself into a new incarnation. Reflecting the many colors and flavors of India's eclectic composition, contemporary Delhi is one where you will be inspired, amazed, fascinated and impressed at every corner. The India Gate, Red Fort, Jam Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Kutub Minar, Jantar-Mantar, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Akshardham Temple, Bahai Temple and many more are worth seeing in Delhi. The city is the perfect mix of the old and the new. From the colonial pillars of Connaught Place to the lanes of Chandni Chowk and the malls of South Extension, you will find discover a whole range of experiences here. Delhi is also a paradise for shopping, eating and sight-seeing.

India Gate - Delhi

Kutub Minar - Delhi

Laxmi Narayan Temple_Delhi

Red Fort - Delhi

Agra

Agra is a medieval city on the banks of Yamuna River was founded by Sultan Sikandar Lodi in 1956. It achieved fame as the capital of the Mughal emperors from 1526 to 1658 and remains a major tourist destination because of its many splendid Mughal-era buildings, most notably the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri, all three of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Taj Mahal_Agra

Agra Fort_Agra

Fatehpur Sikri_Agra

Jaipur

Jaipur, the picturesque capital of Rajasthan also known as the Pink city was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Sing II. It was first planned city in India, beautifully laid out gardens and parks, attractive monuments and marvelous heritage hotels, which were once the residence of Maharajas, are worthy of admiration. Visit to Amber fort, City Palace, Jantar-Mantar, Hawa Mahal, the ambling camels and cheerful people in multi-hued costumes will make your trip to the pink city a memorable one.

Jantar-Mantar_Jaipur

Amber fort_Jaipur

Hawa Mahal_Jaipur

(Golden Triangle Tour India)

(Chile) - The mystery of Easter Island tour - (Isla de Pascua)

Easter Island is one of the most isolated islands on Earth. Officially a territory of Chile, it lies far off in the Pacific Ocean, roughly halfway to Tahiti. Known as one of the world's sacred sites, it is most famous for its enigmatic giant stone busts, built centuries ago, which reflect the history of the dramatic rise and fall of the most isolated Polynesian culture.

The mystery of Easter Island tour - (Isla de Pascua) - Chile

How to get there

The island is accessible by regular commercial air service, and tourism is the main industry of the island.

The mystery of Easter Island tour - (Isla de Pascua) - Chile

- Still, it is rather "out of the way" for most people, with a minimum of more than 5.5 hours in the air from the nearest continent, and very limited routes to get there. The only regular flights are via LAN Airlines, several times each week on the route between Tahiti and daily to Santiago de Chile.

The mystery of Easter Island tour - (Isla de Pascua) - Chile

- If you want to take the intrepid route Tallship Soren Larsen sails to Easter Island from New Zealand once a year. The voyage takes 35 days, crossing the point on earth furthest from land.

How to get around

Easter Island is extremely small, so it is possible to get around fairly easily. There are rental cars, generally jeeps, available from a few rental agencies in Hanga Roa, as well as a few dirtbikes.

The mystery of Easter Island tour - (Isla de Pascua) - Chile

- With a car, it's possible to see most of the sites on the island in a few hours.

- Most hosts will also rent out their jeep to you (at a very competitive rate) if you simply ask. Be aware, you will not get insurance with your car hire.

- Bicycles can be hired on a daily basis.

The mystery of Easter Island tour - (Isla de Pascua) - Chile

For those on a tight schedule, a rental car is really quite advantageous, and sometimes not much more expensive than other options and offering more independence for more curious or adventurous visitors than an organized tour. Bicycling may be tried, but note that aside from the main paved roads in Hanga Roa or the single smooth paved road to Anakena, roads to many main sites are of dirt and sometimes quite uneven and potholed, so the benefit of a car cannot be overstated for some parts of the island. Note that for motor scooters and motorbikes, a valid driver's license specifically for these vehicles is required. Otherwise, driver's licenses for cars will allow the use of cars or 4x4 quad bikes.

The mystery of Easter Island tour - (Isla de Pascua) - Chile

Food & Restaurant

There are around 25 restaurants catering to tourists on the island:

The mystery of Easter Island tour - (Isla de Pascua) - Chile

- Te Moana - Quite possibly the best restaurant on the island. The Tuna Sandwich is particularly good. A live band is often playing on Wednesdays and the weekends. Get to Te Moana early or it is likely that you will not get a table.

- La Taverne du Pêcheur - A small restaurant in the port section of the village held by a resident of Rapa Nui who lived for some time in the French Polynesia. Very good seafood, the most expensive restaurant on the island. Some consider it to be a lot of money for not much of value.

- Varua, Atamu Takena. A new restaurant with all the classics to be found on the island at good prices, plus an excellent value Menu del dia. Service and food both excellent.

- A bout du Monde - A nice restaurant overlooking the sea. Pretty expensive but the seafood is really good. During certain nights, you can also watch a Polynesian dance for a hour or so.

Guest houses

Some of the accommodations on Easter Island are "guest houses". A number of guest houses describe themselves as hotels, and certainly would pass for them elsewhere in the world as well. These hotels frequently have restaurants offering at least breakfast, and often dinner as well.

The mystery of Easter Island tour - (Isla de Pascua) - Chile

- Inaki Uhi , Atamu Tekena, Hanga Roa, Tel: (56 32) 2100231. A great place to stay, located on the main street in the centre of town, close to restaurants, supermarkets, pubs and services

- Tekarera Kainga Ora, Tel: (56 98) 134 5757. Excellent accommodation close to the center of the town, but not on the main street.

- Tauraa Hotel, Atamu Tekena, Hanga Roa, Tel: (56-32) 100 463. Very clean guest house, less than 5 minutes from the airport.

- Kona Tau, Avaraipau, Hanga Roa. Tel: (56-32) 2100321. A very nice hostel, and quite cheap taking the island in mind

- Tupa Hotel, Sebastian Englert, Hanga Roa, Tel: (56-32) 2100 225, A larger 30 room hotel with a spectacular ocean view, two blocks from the main street

(Wiki)

The mystery of Easter Island tour - (Isla de Pascua) - Chile

(Vietnam) - Dong Van plateau – Ha Giang One of the 77 geological parks in the world

Located at the highest latitude in Vietnam, Ha Giang is surrounded by Cao Bang on the east, Tuyen Quang on the south, Lao Cai, and Yen Bai on the west. It shares a border with China in the north (274km boundary).

Dong Van plateau – Ha Giang - Vietnam

Ha Giang's complicated topography is divided into 3 areas. The area on the south has rocky mountain, separated rivers. The west area has sloping mountain side, high pass, valleys, and narrow springs. The low land area includes hills, valley of Lo River, and Ha Giang Town.

Dong Van plateau – Ha Giang - Vietnam

The climate is divided in two distinct seasons, rainy and dry, although it tends to vary depending on altitude. The annual average temperature varies between 24 and 28ºC. In winter, the temperature is sometimes down to -5ºC.

Dong Van plateau – Ha Giang - Vietnam

Tourism

Mountains in Ha Giang are quite high, in which the highest Tay Con Linh point with 2,419m in height. There are good woods, over 1000 kinds of valuable drug trees, animals (tigers, peacocks, phoenix, pangolin) in primitive forests.

Dong Van plateau – Ha Giang - Vietnam

Coming to Ha Giang, tourists are attracted by poetic Dong Van Highland, Love Market of Khau Vai. They can buy embroidery such as handkerchief, haversack, and dress with colorful, fine pattern. They also take part in enjoyable market-day of local ethnics. The people and natural scenes here are unlike anywhere in Vietnam.

Dong Van plateau – Ha Giang - Vietnam

Especially, the Dong Van plateau was recognized by the UNESCO as one of the 77 geological parks in the world and the second in Southeast Asia. The park covers four districts of Meo Vac, Dong Van, Yen Minh and Quan Ba, totaling over 2,300sq.km, with nearly 250,000 residents. Up to 80 percent of the plateau is covered by limestone.

Dong Van plateau – Ha Giang - Vietnam

Scientists have discovered 40 locations which have special values in terms of natural resources in Dong Van.

Dong Van plateau – Ha Giang - Vietnam

Dong Van is home to nearly 20 ethnic groups, with diverse cultures and traditions, which make the plateau an interesting destination for tourists/visitors.