Places to get off the tourist trail Undiscovered

1. Trek the path less followed in Umphang, Thailand

Want to trek Thailand in peace? Head to Umphang, a spectacular drive south of Mae Sot, and spend a few days walking around the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary, spotting gibbons and giant lizards. The highlight is a dip in Tee Lor Su waterfall, a three-tiered thunderer that is at its best in November, just after the rainy season. There’s accommodation at Umphang Hill Resort, who can also take you trekking and rafting.

2. See dolphins in colonial Kratie, Cambodia

Tiny Kratie (pronounced kra-cheh) was largely unscathed by war and retains its appealing mix of French colonial and traditional Khmer buildings, strung along the Mekong river. It is also the best place to see not only some of Cambodia’s beautiful watery sunsets, but also the rare freshwater Irrawaddy dolphin. A pod lives upriver at Kampi and sightings are more or less guaranteed if you take a boat trip. Take a dip afterwards at the nearby Kampi rapids.

3. Have seafood and stunning views in Quy Nhon, Vietnam

Few tourists stop in Quy Nhon, where the main industry remains fishing and the long sandy beaches remain (largely) the preserve of the Vietnamese. During Cham rule this was an important commercial centre (and during the American War a US supply centre) and evidence of this remains in the imposing Banh It towers on a hilltop just north of town. Head up here by xe om (motorcycle taxi) for sweeping views over the unspoiled countryside before returning to town for a seafood supper.

4. See spell-binding Khmer ruins in Champasak, Laos

Champasak may be sleepy now but it was once the capital of a Lao kingdom that stretched as far as Thailand. Grand colonial-style palaces share the streets with traditional wooden houses – and even the odd buffalo. From the town’s central fountain it’s just a few miles to Wat Phou, the most bewitching Khmer ruin complex you’ll find outside Cambodia. Little restoration has taken place here, and the half-buried ruins that fill this lush river valley are an unbeatably romantic backdrop to a stroll.

5. Get haggling in Hsipaw, Myanmar (Burma)

It’s worth getting up early in the tranquil Shan town of Hsipaw (pronounced see-paw), where the atmospheric market opens as early as 3am, the shopkeepers handing over their local produce by candlelight. There are numerous monasteries surrounding the town, as well as some truly off-the-beaten-track trekking, to hot springs, waterfalls and local villages. Don’t miss the area locals jokingly call Little Bagan, where crumbling stupas sit photogenically beneath the trees.

6. Get active in Camiguin Island, Philippines

Ivory sandbars in an electric blue sea, and more volcanoes per square mile than any other island on the planet. Yes, Camigiun Island is ridiculously beautiful, and yet it has remained largely untouched by large scale tourism – so you might just find a hot spring, waterfall or offshore beach to call your own. Divers shouldn’t miss the submerged cemetery near Bonbon, which slipped into the sea following an earthquake, while the (literal) high point of any visit is the climb up active volcano Mount Hibok-Hibok.

Camiguin

7. Go monkey spotting Tanjung Puting National Park, Indonesia

Want to see the orangutans in Indonesia? Avoid the worst of the crowds by heading deep into unspoiled forest in the Tanjung Puting national park for the best chance to see one in the wild. Take a boat from Kumai to the Rimba Ecolodge to sleep among the macaque monkeys and gibbons on the edge of the Sekonyer river and join their tour out in search of orangutans. If you don’t see any in the wild don’t worry, tours call at Camp Leakey rehabilitation centre for close-up encounters.

8. Explore the ocean in Perhentian Besar, Malaysia

Skip livelier Perhentian Kecil in favour of its twin, the sedate Besar, or “large”, island with its roadless jungle interior and white-sand beaches. The diving is superb here, with reef sharks and turtles darting through towering underwater rock formations and around the Sugar Wreck, a wreck dive suitable for relative beginners. Hop aboard a speedboat to Three Coves Bay on the north coast for some land-based turtle spotting; the secluded beach is a favoured egg laying spot of local green and hawksbill turtles.

Perhentian Besar

9. Chill out on Ko Adang, Thailand

An undiscovered Thai island? Well, largely. Ko Adang sits inside Tarutao National Marine Park, which has saved it from development and kept its jungle untamed. The flat white sands of Laem Sone beach lead up to a cluster of beach bungalows, owned by the national park, while the island’s interior is criss crossed by forest trails leading to waterfalls and lookout points over the neighbouring islands.

The top beautiful beaches along coastal line of VietNam

In a long time, you didn’t rest, relax and travel in some special destinations. Why don’t you put your work and enjoy your time in some best beach in Vietnam or it’s very simple that you step out of this bustling city and take part in the most beautiful beaches. 

1. Nhat Le beach- Dong Hoi- Quang Binh province

Sunrise on Nhat Le beach

From a long time, Nhat Le’ beach have been famous with a sky region, water, air windy, sand and salt sea air. Nhat Le’ beach have a long white sand, the cold breeze at the outdoor, beach is clean as a new mattress, smooth and glitter sand where you can walk into, sun-bathe fully stretched out on the beach, biking or play soccer in a relaxed manner. 

2. Mỹ Khê beach, Da Nang city

My Khe beach

Da Nang is one of the major port cities in Vietnam and the biggest city on the South Central Coast of Vietnam. And Da Nang is considered as the commercial and educational center of Central Vietnam. Today, Da Nang is becoming a “hot destination” of domestic and foreign tourists in terms of cleanness, safety and order, great beach resort.With the stretch of smooth sand, its fresh atmosphere and blue water, Da Nang beach has been voted one of the six most attractive beaches on the planet by American Business Magazine Forbes. Also, the Australian Magazine, Sunday Herald Sun, ranked the 900m-long My Khe Beach in Da Nang in the top 10 Asian beaches

3. Bai Tram, Phu Yen province

Bai Tram beach in Phu Yen

Located on undulate sand dunes and rocky mountain reaching to the seashore, Bai Tram appears tranquil and splendid with smooth beaches in arch shape covered by two mountains. This is a new exotic destination that Phu Yen offer tourists to get away today.

4. Lang Co beach, Hue province

Lang Co beach at Hue city

With its 10 km in length, Lang Co beach bordered a section of the 1A National Highway, nearly Hai Van pass, and 24 km from Bach Ma area. With its gradually slopping, white sand beach, the average depth of under 1m and the average temperature in the bathing season of 25°C, Lang Co is an ideal beach for tourists who want to travel to the private spaces.

5. Cua Dai, Hoi An town, Quang Nam province

Cua Dai beach at Hoi An city

Literally mean the “big sea mouth”, Cua Dai Beach is only 4km far from Hoi An Ancient Town which is used to be as the busiest trading port in the South of Vietnam in the past. Stretching 3 kilometers in length, Cua Dai Beach is blessed with fine white sand, clear turquoise water, moderate slopes and calm waves, which make it ideal for relaxation as well as recreational activities like swimming and other water sports.

6. Cu Lao Cham island, Hoi An town, Quang Nam province

Cu Lao Cham island, Hoi An town

Cu Lao Cham is a large island consists of several small islands distance 25 nautical miles off the coast from Hoi An. In the summer, if guests reach for the island by normal boats, it takes 2 and half hour, but only 30 minutes by speed boats. Cham island has total 7 islands including Hon Lao, Hon La, Hon Kho me, Hon Kho at the area of 16 sq. meter, whereby the largest island is Hon Lao.

7. Mui Ne beach, Phan Thiet

Mui Ne beach, Phan Thiet

Mui Ne beach is a popular tropical beach. Strong sea breezes make it very popular for kite surfing and windsurfing. The tourist season is from December to May. The average temperature is 27°C, and the climate is hot and dry for most of the year.  Mui Ne sees only about half the rainfall of nearby Phan Thiet. The sand dunes help protect its unique microclimate, and even during the wet season (from June to September) rains tend to be fairly light and sporadic.

8. Mun island, Nha Trang city, Khanh Hoa province

Moon Island Nha Trang

Mun island, Nha Trang is the best location for diving in Viet Nam with the beautiful coral cover floor that can been seen just 5 meter below the water. In Hon Mun, visitors can dive or take grass-bottom boat to admire the colour coral and sea creatures. Visibility is always excellent there and there is an impressive variety of corals of all colors, with numerous pretty tropical fish. Beside Mun island is also a great place for honey moon and a couple to travel, relax and enjoy the beach activities together.

9. Phu Quoc island, Kien Giang province

Phu Quoc Island

Phu Quoc island is called “pearl island”, is the biggest island in Vietnam and location in Thailand bay. The island features pristine tropical forests, undamaged coral reefs and great beaches. One of its beaches, named Bai Dai (Long Beach), was chosen by the ABC News as one of five beautiful and clean beaches. Phu Quoc is famous for producing the best nuoc mam or fermented fish sauce in the world.

10. Con Dao island

Con Dao island beach

The last beach and ocean, I want to mention in this article is Con Dao island. If you travelled here once, I have sure that you will want to come back many times in the future. The island is famed for its grizzly past: due its remoteness, the French used the main island of Con Son (the largest island in the group) to keep anti-colonial protestors prisoner. Despite these considerable assets and its proximity to the mainland, the islands are still largely untouched by mass tourism.

Most delicious Vietnamese foods you need to try in Life

Vietnamese food is distinct and unforgettable. The cuisine relies on a balance of salty, sweet, sour and hot flavours, achieved through use of nuoc mam, a fermented fish sauce, cane sugar, the juice of kalamansi citrus fruit or tamarind and chilli peppers. Dishes use plenty of fresh herbs but tend not to be overly spicy, as chilli sauces are served separately.

Goi cuon

Vietnam’s most famous dish: translucent spring rolls packed with greens, coriander and various combinations of minced pork, shrimp or crab. In some places they’re served with a bowl of lettuce and/or mint. A southern variation has barbecued strips of pork wrapped up with green banana and star fruit, and then dunked in a rich peanut sauce – every bit as tasty as it sounds.

rice paper roll

Banh mi

This baguette sandwich filled with greens and a choice of fillings, including paté and freshly made omelette, is so good it’s been imitated around the world.

banh mi

Banh xeo

These enormous, cheap and filling Vietnamese pancakes translate (banh xeo means “sizzling pancake”) pancake contain shrimp, pork, bean sprouts and egg, which is then fried, wrapped in rice paper with greens and dunked in a spicy sauce before eaten.

Bun cha

A Hanoi specialty, you’ll find bun cha at food stalls and street kitchens across the city. Essentially a small hamburger, the pork patties are barbecued on an open charcoal brazier and served on a bed of cold rice noodles with assorted foliage and a slightly sweetish sauce.

Pho

Vietnam’s national dish a the country’s great staple is pho (pronounced “fur”), a noodle soup eaten at any time of day but primarily at breakfast. The basic bowl of pho consists of a light beef or chicken broth flavoured with ginger and coriander, to which are added broad, flat rice noodles, spring onions and slivers of chicken, pork or beef.

Cao lau

Central Vietnam does it best. Among Hoi An’s tasty specialities is cao lau, a mouthwatering bowlful of thick rice-flour noodles, bean sprouts and pork-rind croutons in a light soup flavoured with mint and star anise, topped with thin slices of pork and served with grilled rice-flour crackers or sprinkled with crispy rice paper.

Cao Lau

Cha ca

Seafood dishes are among the standouts of Vietnamese cuisine. Cha ca, reportedly devised in Hanoi, is perhaps the best known. It sees white fish sautéed in butter with dill and spring onions, then served with rice noodles and a scatering of peanuts.

Fish and dill – Cha Ca La Vong

Mi quang

This unheralded and affordable noodle dish is a Hanoi specialty. Ingredients vary by establishment, but expect to see a simple bowl of meat noodles enlivened by additions like flavoursome oils, fresh sprigs of leaves, shrimp, peanuts, mint and quail eggs.

Nom hua chuoi

Vegetarians rejoice. Nom hua chuoi, or banana-flower salad, is a great meat-free option.
Lime and chili are the key flavors and add a refreshing punch to the shredded veg.

Com tam

Com tam, “broken rice”, is a street-stand favourite. Recipes vary, but you’ll often find it served with barbecued pork or beef and a fried egg.

com tam dac biet

Asian Customs and Etiquette

With Asia being such a huge continent, knowing the language for this destination can be daunting. However, if time is short then instead of learning the lingo why not make sure you know the customs and etiquette of the country you are visiting to make sure you don’t make a faux pas. Here are some customs and etiquette to get you started:

Cambodia

• A traditional greeting in Cambodia isbowing with hands that are clasped together like you are praying. This is a little and understated bow, however, the bow will be slower and deeper for a person that is more highly respected.
  
• Public displays of affection of the romantic kind are not appropriate and many people consider it to be rude and offensive.
  
• Make sure that you...
  
  • Don’t touch anyone on the top of the head (a sign of disrespect)
  • Don’t point your feet at anyone (including Buddha statues)
  • Don’t wear shorts in a temple – legs should be covered up!
  • Take your shoes off if you are invited into someone’s house

Thailand

• A traditional greeting in Thailand involves saying ‘Wai’ and having your hands in the prayer position and raised with your head bowed
  
• Make sure that you...
  
  • Don’t make any derogatory comments about the country
  • Don’t point your feet towards a Buddha statue
  • Don’t pass anything with your left hand
  • Don’t wear shorts in a temple
  • Take your shoes off if you are invited into someone’s house
  • Treat any Buddha statues or images with the greatest respect

Vietnam

• A traditional greeting in Vietnam is through handshaking and a vocal greeting
  
• Make sure that you...
  
  • Don’t leave chop-sticks sticking out of a bowl as this is considered bad luck
  • Dress smartly and appropriately – again, take your shoes off when entering someone’s home and make sure you don’t wear shorts in any temples
  • Ask before you take photographs as it is prohibited in certain places to take photographs of people

Seasons in Vietnam

Representing the typical weather of tropical monsoon type in Northern Vietnam, Hanoi has the hot summer with high rainfall and the dry cold winter. The city also receives a large amount of sunlight and a relatively high humidity all throughout the year. Although the weather is divided into two main seasons: rainy season (from January to September), and dry season (from October to April), thank to transition months, Hanoi still experiences all four seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter.

Hanoi Average Temperature by Month

SPRING

Lasting from February to April, Hanoi’s spring is humid and wet with drizzles. The average temperature normally ranges from 15 to 20 Celcius degree. As this kind of weather is suitable for the plants to grow and flowers to blossom, spring will be the best time for tourists to witness the vitality of tropical nature. Spring is also the time for Tet holiday- the most essential and longest Vietnamese festival of the year.

SUMMER

Hanoi’s summer is very hot with the average temperature of 32 degree (and has risen up in recent years), lasting from May to August (July is the hottest month). Since global warming has become a more and more serious problem, some summers are dry while others may be extremely wet with high humidity. Heavy rain is one feature of Hanoi’s summer, so don’t forget to bring a raincoat or an umbrella with you whenever leaving home. Moreover, be ready to be sweat under the sun during the day and a thunderstorm in the afternoon or evening!

FALL

Fall is considered the most beautiful and romantic time for travellers to visit Hanoi. This season is quite short, typically from middle of September to the end of November. With the average temperature is 25 degree, Hanoi’s autumn is charming with warm sunlight, cool breeze and dry atmosphere. If you love seeing the leaves change color, enjoying some local autumn specialties such as young green rice, living slowly for a to appreciate the beauty of your life, you definitely should come to Hanoi in autumn. 

WINTER

The cold weather of Hanoi will start from December and may last until late February, with the average temperature of 17.2 degree. However, sometimes it may drop to below 10 degree, and the high humidity will lend a hand in making the weather bitter cold. Bring some serious warm clothes is necessary, if you do not want to get a cold when visiting a tropical country! Hanoi’s winter is also famous for many delicious street foods which can warm you up in a chilly day.

The steep ladder to heaven wanderous "pulled a face"

Designed with high slope, some stairs are steep, challenging the conquest. Whether to pass uncomfortable feeling when strenuous climb, but almost no one regretted having witnessed spectacular scenery below.

Giant spiral stairs, enough c

Works breeze shimmering beauty in darkness.

Giant twisted ladder is famous works in Duisburg, Germany. Inspired by the bridge roller, twisted ladder called "Tiger and Turtle", was built in the mountains Magic. Jump up the stairs, watching the scene below will give visitors completely new experience.
Well Chand Baori, India

Chand Baori well is one of the unique works in India with 13 rungs, ladder 3500. The well was built in 800 AD, with a depth of about 30 meters, with the aim of addressing the needs of water shortage for the local people.

System built stairs serial, twisted together in the form snail is way down the well. Until now, because of sanitary problems, people do not use more water sources and wells in town Chand Baori become popular tourist attractions.
Road to Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Road to the main tower at Wat Angkok almost vertical that visitors want to climb up by hand. For those afraid of heights, while climbing should not turn down look by altitude can stop you.
Stairway to heaven, Hunan, China

Including 999 stair steps, climb strike at an altitude of 1500m God is like the road to heaven. This area of ​​the national park Tianmen Mountain, Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, China. Thien Mon in mountain caves were formed in 263 BC.
Natural world beautiful with spacious surrounding space as place Elysium forget that visitors tired after the journey to conquer.
Scale coastal road in San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, Spain

Want to St. John island, visitors must travel along the coastal stairs. Protruding cliff path but hardly few people frustrated by ecstatic scenery around the sea air. Traditionally, if you set foot on the island, you should go to church and ring the bell three times.
Montagne de Bueren ramps in Belgium

Steep stairs were built in 1881, is one of the toughest stair world with an average slope of up to 30%. Including 374 stair steps. Journey over steep stairs was not easy so at landing, visitors can relax on the benches.

ASIA's Top Attractions by VIP Tourasia

The largest continent in the world, Asia is still considered as one of the most exotic destinations for most US travelers.

KO NANG YUAN, THAILAND: Located in southern Thailand these lush islands are connected by a three-way stretch of powdery white beach. Ko Nang Yuan boasts a variety of coral formations and marine life making it ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving.

MOUNT KINABALU, BORNEO: This climber-friendly mountain stands at 4,095 meters and is the highest summit on the island of Borneo. The five-mile ascent isn't an especially technical climb and takes just two days but the views from the mountain-top at sunrise are unforgettable.

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, BRUNEI: Bandar, or BSB as everyone calls it, is a quiet town seemingly unspoiled by Brunei's vast oil wealth. An exciting 45-minute water taxi ride down the Temburong River is the starting point for a tour of the spectacular rainforests of Ulu Temburong National Park.

BOTANIC GARDENS, SINGAPORE: Started in 1859, the 157-acre gardens are famous for their orchids and historically for introducing rubber seeds to Asia from South America. There are 700 orchid species in the National Orchid Garden.

TAJ MAHAL, INDIA: Comprising elements of Persian, Turkish, Indian and Islamic architectural styles, the white domed marble and tile mausoleum in Agra is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built in the 17th century as a Mughal emperor's love testament to his late wife.

MOUNT FUJI, JAPAN: To the west of Tokyo is the snow-capped and
picturesque Mount Fuji. On clear days it can be seen 100km away in Tokyo, but the preferred spots to take those picture-perfect snaps are Hakone, or Fuji Go-Ko which offer similar views.

YANGTZE RIVER, CHINA: Take a boat trip along the Yangtze River — at nearly 4,000 miles long it's the third longest river in the world. Along the banks of the East China Sea is the Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest hydroelectric power station.

TAAL, PHILIPPINES: One of the country's most active volcanoes is Taal, its large crater holding a lake with an island in the middle, which in turn has its own crater and lake. The walk up to the main inner crater takes just an hour, although day hikes are also possible.

GUNUNG BATUR VOLCANO, BALI: Bali has a tropical climate with an average
temperature around 86F all year. Lush green rice terraces, magnificent volcanoes and
beaches lapped by the Indian Ocean have long attracted tourists to Bali's shores. Hike
to the top of Gunung Batur volcano for spectacular views.

HIMALAYAS, INDIA: The majestic Himalayas are wonderful for summertime treks, but come winter you'll find the region is a little-known skiers' paradise. Gulmarg in Kashmir boasts the highest gondola in the northern hemisphere, with almost limitless access to phenomenal off-piste adventure without the crowds to be found in Europe. There are also many hill stations across the country to escape the heat of the plains.

The Himalayas

EVEREST NATIONAL PARKS, NEPAL: For those seeking natural beauty and a trekking and mountaineering experience, head to the Everest National Parks of Sagarmatha, Annapurna Conservation Area, Dolpo Region, Langtang and Helambu

HA LONG BAY, VIETNAM: A boat trip is the best way to get up close to the beautiful grottoes and rock formations of the thousands of jungle-banked islands.

Awaken Your Five Senses with Culinary in Southeast Asia

Culinary Travel in Southeast Asia: Awaken Your Five Senses

Let your stomach lead the way to Asia's most delightful smorgasbord of fragrant herbs and spices, tropical fruits, crisp green vegetables and fresh peppers. From dawn until dusk, devour the inimitable tastes and experience the extraordinary culture found in this exotic corner of the world. The journey here will leave an impression that will make you crave for more. Chinese takeout noodles and fried rice will never taste as exhilarating as dining in a Vietnamese café or enjoying your own hand-made spring rolls.
With the widespread interest in celebrity chefs plus our growing affection for eating, it's no secret that culinary travel is sweeping the tourism industry by land and sea. In fact, more leisure travelers are picking destinations based on food and/or wine interests. Just imagine, what would a trip to Italy be without the fine wines of Tuscany or sweet cannolis? Or a Spanish vacation without the bursting, sensational flavors of tapas, deep-fried churros and paella?
Culinary travel takes you off the beaten path and into the heart of the country's unique way of life. A cooking tour through Southeast Asia takes you into the kitchen of the top chefs, the daily food markets and the culinary treasures of the local cities and villages. You'll never dine the same again once you've had the authentic experience in Asia's most delicious destinations.
Spice Up Your Palate in Vietnam
Discover hundreds of new flavors and sensations in Vietnam, which is in the center of Asia's popular culinary travel stops. A celebration of tantalizing spices and fusion of Vietnamese, Chinese and French traditions, the experience will simply sweep you off your feet. A Vietnamese culinary tour is your ticket inside the time-honored customs of preparing and cooking the region's famed cuisine.
Start in Ho Chi Minh City, a bustling metropolis excited by numerous shopping areas and sidewalk cafes. At the break of morning, visit the daily floating markets that meet at the Mekong Delta, where you'll find the most vibrant, ripened fruits and vegetables. As you explore out into Vietnam's timeless sceneries, you'll see the endless patchwork of rice paddies stretching into the distance. Gaze up towards the mountains in the north towering over tiny villages, where life continues much as it has for centuries.
Embrace Hue, the former capital of Vietnam during the last dynasty, a somber city of 19th century ruins and royal tombs. The bustling Dong Ba Market invites new visitors with delicacies such as "nam" (spring rolls) and "pho" (noodle soup). Get an inside peek at the imperial city's culinary scene with a tour of a rice noodle factory or a boat ride down the Perfume River to learn how the monks farm rice and vegetables. A private Vietnamese cooking tour teaches you about local ingredients and how to cook the refined meals important to Vietnam's coastal culture.
Encounter the softer side of Vietnam through the old world charms and stylish surroundings of Hanoi, Vietnam's capital city. Ride a "cyclo" (Vietnamese man-pulled carriage) around Old Quarter, passing by the contrasting lifestyles of urban Vietnamese residents. At a glance, everyday life in Hanoi seems quite like Paris, with its striking signature of French colonial architecture, women selling French baguettes and flowers at every corner and a fascinating street life busy with the commingling of people.
Love at First Bite in Cambodia
The sweet companion to Vietnam, Cambodia offers culinary travelers a plethora of sweet dishes including sticky rice cakes and succulent tropical fruits such as bananas, coconuts and pineapples. The culinary tours in Cambodia will present you with the opportunity to visit the food markets, get familiar with Khmer herbs and spices and learn to cook alongside the area's top chefs.

Cambodian Temple Photo by Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia

Broaden your experience beyond Cambodia's ancient temples, and you'll discover the more intimate side of Southeast Asia that many visitors miss. Through a Cambodian culinary tour, you'll wander off the main roads and discover the hill tribes around Banlung, the unspoiled countryside around sleepy Sen Monorom and the charming town of Battambang with its faded colonial architecture. Phnom Penh, which sits on the confluence of three rivers, is said to be the most beautiful of Indochina's French capitals. Indulge in the vibrant riverside café and restaurant scene or wander at your leisure through the Central Market and Russian Market for bargains.
In the southern part of the country, travel by boat to explore the picturesque tributaries of the Lower Mekong River and visit the region's original floating markets. Roam into the local riverside villages and see how the Vietnamese vermicelli soup is made or learn how to pass a "Monkey Bridge," which is built by only one bamboo. And be sure to watch the spectacular sunset down the Vietnamese-Cambodian border from the summit of the mountain over the flat rice fields.
The Decadent Dining Haven of Singapore
A dynamic island nation rich in contrast and color, Singapore contains a harmonious blend of culture and cuisine. In every corner of the island, you'll discover that Singaporeans are very passionate about eating — as there's always an endless variety of food, served hot or cold, at any hour of the day. Find pleasure in a unique culinary travel tour in Singapore, which embodies the finest flavors of East and West in a celebration of the country's multicultural heritage.

The Lively City of Singapore Photo by the Singapore Tourism Board

A breakfast of Roti Prata, or Indian pancakes, and a strong cup of Singapore-blend coffee will be the perfect way to start out your journey through the mainland. Make your way down Club Street and Fast East Square, one of Singapore's unique dining precincts combining a mélange of culinary influences from around the globe. Expect only the finest dishes from France, Italy, Israel, Vietnam and Japan as well as local favorites such as satay and fish head curry.
Visit Little India at Serangoon Road, a district symbolizing the vivacious culture of the Indian community. You'll be struck in amazement as you stroll through this borough and watch the intricate weaving of jasmine garlands with banana tree fiber or pick up a packet of curry powder and other spices from one of the outdoor markets.

40 Unforgettable Experiences to Have in Vietnam

From must-do activities like cruising around Halong Bay or crawling through the Cu Chi Tunnels to brag-worthy feats like drinking snake wine or scuba diving in the South China Sea, here are 40 unforgettable experiences to have in Vietnam by VIP Tourasia. See how many you can check off on your trip.

1. Ride a classic cyclo, Vietnam's ubiquitous three-wheel bicycle taxis.

2. Tuck into a bowl of steaming pho at a street-side restaurant.

3. Light incense at the famous Perfume Pagoda, one of Vietnam's most famous Buddhist shrines.

4. Take a bike tour of Hoi An's charming Old Town.

5. Hire a motorbike and zoom along the city streets.

6. Attend one of Vietnam's unique festivals like the Elephant Racing Festival in Tay Nguyen, the Huong Pagoda Festival or the Le Mat Snake Village Festival.

7. Take a hill tribe trek through the Sapa Valley.

Cu Chi Tunnels, Vietnam

8. Get a suit or dress tailor-made in Hoi An.

9. Learn about Vietnam's turbulent war years at the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City.

10. Watch a traditional water puppet show in Hanoi.

11. Take a street food tour of Hanoi.

12. Ride a dug-out canoe around Lak Lake.

13. Visit the Cai Be floating market on a cruise along the Mekong Delta.

14. Try scuba diving in Nha Trang.

Hiking through the Sapa Hills

15. Crawl through the famous Cu Chi Tunnels on a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City.

16. Check out Vietnam's tallest temple, the seven-story Tien Mu Pagoda in Hue.

17. Top up your tan at the white sand beaches of Phu Quoc island.

18. Go sandboarding down the Mui Ne sand dunes.

19. Experience Vietnam's rich cultural heritage with a show at the Saigon Opera House in Ho Chi Minh.

20. Hunt for bargains at the markets of Ho Chi Minh City.

21. Enjoy wildlife spotting and bird watching in the UNESCO-listed Can Gio Biosphere Reserve.

Eating out in Vietnam

22. Savor the unique flavors of Vietnamese cuisine with a cooking class.

23. Visit the UNESCO-listed ruins of My Son.

24. Attend a traditional Vietnamese wedding.

25. Ride the scenic Reunification Express train all the way from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh city.

26. Hike through the Cuc Phuong National Park.

27. Get off-the-beaten-track and explore the natural grottoes of Tam Coc.

28. Take a cruise around Halong Bay on a Junk boat.

29. Purchase some typical Vietnamese souvenirs, like a conical hat, a tailored silk blouse or local handicrafts.

30. Discover Hue's UNESCO-listed Imperial City.

31. Pay your respects to the founder of unified Vietnam at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex in Hanoi.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

32. Photograph the spectacular rice terraces surrounding Sa Pa.

33. Ride a seaplane over Halong Bay.

34. Look down over Ho Chi Minh City from the Saigon Skydeck.

35. Join the festivities at the vibrant Tet Festival, the Vietnamese New Year.

36. Scale Vietnam's highest peak, Fan Si Pan.

37. Try Vietnam's scariest beverage, Snake Wine - if you dare.

38. Stroll through the spectacular Paradise Cave in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.

39. Take a steamy bath in the Thanh Tan Hot Springs.

40. Enjoy a traditional foot massage while lounging on the beach.