Showing posts with label Expat Travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Expat Travel. Show all posts
Monday, February 15, 2010
Mountain escape
Nestled up in the mountains near the Chinese border, Sapa was built by the French almost a hundred years ago, and is now a favourite amongst Hanoians escaping the summer heat, cultural enthusiasts and climbers. Sapa lies at the foot of Mt Fansipan, the highest mountain in Vietnam at 3143m. Surrounding valleys sport terrace-farmed rice paddies, waddling buffalo and pigs and ethnic villages. The two largest of the local ethnic minorities are the H’mong and Dzao peoples, whose traditional dress and culture transports you back to a time seemingly forgotten by the rest of Vietnam.
Women wearing brightly coloured woven head dresses and clothing and carrying babies strapped to their backs can be seen all over town, eclectic and picturesque. Visiting the local markets, we bought masses of hand woven cushion covers and throw rugs, lamenting and bemoaning prices in basic Vietnamese while the shop keepers laughed at our accents and promised us discounts if we buy more.
Even in summer, the weather is much cooler than Hanoi and the air crisp and clean. Sudden fog and rain are not uncommon though, as we found out, after renting motorbikes and driving up muddy roads and sheer cliff faces to Tram Ton mountain pass near Lao Cai. Just as we got to the pass, anticipating the promise of spectacular views, the road disappeared into dense fog. After several cups of local tea from a solitary tea stand, we climbed back on the bikes and bumped our way back down to Sapa.
Labels:
Adventure,
Culture,
Expat Travel,
Travel Stories,
Vietnam
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Elephant Festival in Remote Laos February 2010
Get truly off the beaten track in Laos into the heart of the local community and raise money for a good cause!
Last year a total of 60 elephants turned out for the festival and 80,000 people! It was a huge, two-day celebration that included logging demonstrations, markets, ceremonies and river crossings.
The Elephant Festival (http://festival.elefantasia.org/ ) will be happening again in Sayaboury, a remote region in North West Laos in mid February 2010.
Last year a total of 60 elephants turned out for the festival and 80,000 people! It was a huge, two-day celebration that included logging demonstrations, markets, ceremonies and river crossings.
The Elephant Festival was created by the same team that help rescue elephants from the logging industry, ElefantAsia.
Sayaboury Provincial authorities believe the festival raised approximately two million dollars last year through handicraft, accommodation, transport and food and drink sales. That’s a huge amount for one of Laos’ most rural and poorest districts.
Buffalo Tours recommends you book now as accommodation in this area is limited. Email info@buffalotours.com for a customized itinerary.
Labels:
Adventure,
Elephants,
Expat Travel,
Festivals,
Laos
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Hanoi to Quy Nhon Direct Flights Now Operating
Vietnam Airlines is now offering direct flights from Hanoi to Quy Nhon, in addition to the HCMC route. Flights depart from both Hanoi and Quy Nhon on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays in the early morning. Return flights for non restrictive fare is US$218 per person including taxes but subject to availability.
Quy Nhon is a beautiful and undeveloped coastal town between Hoi An and Nha Trang. We highly recommend the Life Wellness Resort on a private beach surrounded by lush forests. Perfect for those who want to get away from it all, enjoy trekking and relaxing on a pristine empty beach.
For more information contact us!
Labels:
Aviation,
Expat Travel,
Hotels,
Quy Nhon,
Vietnam
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