Backpackers hoping to enjoy the real Asia without the frills should definitely consider a trip to Vietnam.
The country’s tourism industry is relatively new, so it offers visitors a more authentic experience than many Asian nations.
Tag: Asia travel
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Backpacker’s Guide to Vietnam – Budget Traveling Around Asia
These are also not publicized as well as they might be in other countries, so a Vietnam guidebook is a good investment for making the most of your stay. Vietnam is a very affordable destination, with one American dollar equaling approximately 18, 475 Vietnamese Dong (VND). It's easy to find meals for around 15, 000 VND, so travelers can easily eat on in Vietnam for a week for less than $20 US. The biggest temptation for travelers is shopping. While there are bargains to be had, it's easy for them add up once you get started! Vietnam has accommodation to suit all budgets, from luxury resorts to hostels. These hostels offer the best value for backpackers who don't mind forgoing some creature comforts. Hostel Vietnam is a useful website for backpackers researching hostels near their chosen destinations. Another affordable alternative is Hill Tribe living. This authentic Vietnamese experience takes travelers to remote communities to live with the locals. The basic accommodation makes the hostels look luxurious, but tours with companies like Handspan Adventure Travel offer backpackers an unparalleled cultural experience. Vietnamese people are very friendly to tourists and happy to speak English if they can.However, it's worth learning a few basic phrases, especially if you're planning to visit the villages. In these rural communities many people do not speak English, so some simple sentences are helpful for communicating. This website has an excellent and comprehensive guide detailing basic phrases and more specific words for food and drink, getting around, and other relevant areas. The cities should not be avoided though as they do offer plenty for tourists looking to meet other travelers. Nightclubs and cafes are ideal for meeting other people, as are internet cafes. To learn more about the best places to go, consult the staff in your hotel or hostel. -
Green Thailand Stay at Evason Eco-Friendly Resort in Phuket
Luxury and an eco-friendly ethos go hand in hand at Evason Resort in Thailand’s tropical paradise, Phuket.
It was even built inside the unused shell of an old building, making its creation the ultimate in recycling! The 64-acre property was designed to make the most of Phuket's natural surrounds. It's set amongst tropical parklands and gardens, while the luxury suites capitalize on the views of the nearby Andaman Sea. The deluxe environmentally friendly accommodation focuses on sound waste and water management, energy efficiency, and social responsibility. The resort has its own environmental staff member, who oversees the property's organic gardens and energy consumption, and liaises with the community about environmentally-friendly practices. The rooms are located in five low-rise buildings scattered around the resort's gardens. There are 260 rooms in all, ranging in price from the standard guest rooms to the honeymoon villa at Bon Island. Each has a private balcony, while most have a unique open-style bathroom. [caption id="attachment_3258" align="alignright" width="150" caption="A pool villa at Evason Resort in Phuket, Thailand"]
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There is so much to do at Evason that you don’t really have to leave the resort. You can take a dip in one of three swimming pools, play volleyball or tennis, unwind in the spa, or browse the WiFi-equipped library. If you do feel like venturing out you can take the shuttle bus to Phuket Town or Patong Beach, or explore the area at a more leisurely pace with a bike tour.
Evason is family-friendly, but you don't need to have the rugrats hanging off you all the time. The kids club is designed to give mom and dad some private time, with activities and games for four to 12-year-olds.
Evason was South-East Asia's first Green Globe certified resort, and the recipient of the Wild Asia Award for Responsible Tourism in 2006.
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Sail Down The Ganges River – Indian Tour to Holy City of Varanasi
At 2507 kilometers long The Ganges, which stretches from the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal, is nowhere near as long as the Nile, the Amazon, or the Mississippi. But its might comes from a much deeper place. The river is regarded as the lifeblood of India, a water source which gives the Asian nation its economic freedom, its spirituality, and its cultural identity.
Sunrise on the Ganges River near the holy city of Varanasi One of the greatest ways to experience the splendor of The Ganges is to get on it. Several touring companies, including Adventure Expedition Travel and Shikhar Travels, offer sailing journeys down the river. These sailboats are not like those familiar to Western travelers. The rustic vessels are propelled by the sail if weather permits, or bamboo poles when conditions are still. A canvas awning offers crude shelter from the elements, and there is room for just a small number of passengers and their luggage.
The sailing expeditions travel to the holy city of Varanasi.
The sacred city is home to ghats, a row of stone steps along the Indian coast. Tourists can see many Hindus here bathing, practicing meditation and yoga, making offerings to the gods, and cremating the dead. It's thought that anyone who dies in Varanasi will travel straight to heaven. To truly experience Varanasi, tourists should take a walk around the Old Town, or Vishwanatha Khanda. This area's shrines and temples, stalls and shops, are a hive of activity all year round. For their own comfort, tourists are advised against traveling to The Ganges in the middle of the year. In June temperatures soar as high as 39 ºC, while July is the area's wettest month. -
Sanya, the Hawaii of the Orient – China’s Luxury Beachside Spot
Just as the British sent its criminals to Australia, Chinese emperors punished its lawbreakers by sending them to Sanya, on the southernmost tip of the Hainan Province. How ironic that both sets of delinquents were banished to paradise.
The beautiful beach at Sanya, China The coastline is covered in pristine white sand bordered by sparkling blue sea. Palm trees thrive in this tropical climate, which seems more like a Hawaii vacation spot than anywhere in Asia. Perhaps it’s little wonder then that both holiday destinations are at the same latitude.
Sanya offers plenty of water activities designed to take advantage of its famous harbors and bays. Visitors can go banana boating, surfing, scuba diving, and jet skiing. Those preferring to enjoy Sanya on land can try their hand at beach volleyball or kite flying.
Sanya does not offer as many tourist attractions as many Chinese cities, but families should love the butterfly museum, the tiger and crocodile center, and the shell aquarium.
The Nanshan Temple offers a glimpse into the area's culture, while the Daxiao Dongtian, or fairy caves, have picturesque ocean views and mountain scenery. Sanya is home to around 20 different ethnic groups which make it a food lovers paradise. Seafood and tropical fruits are plentiful, and these fresh delicacies can be found in many different dishes. Brazilian barbeques, Italian pizzas, and Cantonese and south-east Asian cuisine is all on offer from Sanya's many restaurants. While Sanya was originally founded on fishing, today international tourism is the area's most important industry. The city is home to many of the world's largest tourist chains who offer luxury on a grand scale. This is not a holiday spot for budget travelers. One of the newest hotels in the region is the plush Sanya Hilton Resort and Spa. Guests stay in suites overlooking the sea or local forests, and enjoy first class facilities like a spa retreat, opulent pool with its lagoon and waterfall, children's play area, and fitness zone. Sheraton Sanya Resort has hosted Miss World competitors for the last three years. It's little wonder these international glamourpusses choose to make the Sheraton their home away from home, with its 18 and 6-hole golf courses, tennis courts, night club, and six international restaurants. Each room has beautiful views from its own private patio and the Sheraton's patented Sweet Sleeper beds. -
Hong Kong Dining for Less – Inexpensive Eats in Asia
We’ve looked at how to manage your money in Hong Kong, and even how to save cash on a night out in the city.
Now we'll turn our attention to eating well in Hong Kong for less. Hong Kong has a reputation for being one of Asia's most expensive tourist centers, but your stay doesn't have to cost the earth. You simply must learn to live like a local. There are bargains to be had by stepping off the tourist trail and exploring hole in the wall noodle shops, Chinese fast food stores, wet market food courts, and small restaurants known as "cha chan tan." While you can easily spend $200 HK ($26 US) in a hotel or Westernized restaurant, you're likely to have change from $50 HK ($6.50 US) in one of these smaller establishments. If you don't speak Cantonese, it can seem intimidating to approach these tiny eateries. However, the helpful staff will do their best to accommodate foreign travelers. Remembering basic words, including "bah fan" for steamed rice, "chow fan" for fried rice, "mein" for noodles and "cha" for tea, will prove useful.
When this fails, you can always point to something which looks good on the menu or market stalls!
Unlike the tourist frequented restaurants, these eateries will not have credit card facilities so it's important to have cash at the ready to settle the bill.
You'll find these small restaurants and open-air stores in side streets and alleys throughout Hong Kong. So leave the well-trodden paths of Lan Kwai Fong and Knutsford Terrace behind and experience Hong Kong the way locals do. With all the cash you'll save, you can afford a lavish meal at one of Hong Kong's most luxurious restaurants later in your stay!
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Unspoiled Paradise of Nine Village Valley, China
In this world of global tourism, there are very few unspoiled areas. One spot that can boast such a title is Jiuzhaigou Valley, or Nine Village Valley as it is commonly called.
This picturesque alpine location lies in the Sichuan province, around 450 kilometers from the capital, Chengdu. Its English name comes from the nine traditional Tibetan villages scattered throughout its 240 square kilometers. The local villagers live in harmony with the land's thick forest, 114 sparkling lakes, bubbling springs, and waterfalls. Agriculture and private vehicles are forbidden in the spot, which is protected as a World Heritage site. As you might imagine, the Nine Village Valley is a haven for native wildlife. It's home to giant pandas, white-lipped deer, golden monkeys, and around 140 kinds of birds. There are also many beautiful species of rhododendrons and panda's favorite treats, bamboo. The area is steeped in mythology. One story suggests that a mountain deity gave a goddess a mirror as a token of his affection for her. When the devil appeared to her she dropped the mirror, and the shattered pieces became the area's many lakes. Skeptics suggest the lakes and waterfalls were instead formed by earthquakes and landslides, but the first explanation is much more romantic! [caption id="attachment_3011" align="alignright" width="150" caption="The colors of fall at Nine Village Valley, China"]
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As agriculture is forbidden, villagers rely on tourism and government subsidies to live. Guests are encouraged to spend $3 on a photo of the locals in their traditional dress.
While Nine Village Valley is beautiful all year round, autumn is perhaps the best season to visit. Snow lingers on the mountain tops, but the red, orange, and yellow tones of fall are everywhere.
As personal vehicles are prohibited, tourists take the bus from Chengdu along the Minjiang River canyon. The journey generally takes 10 hours, although rock and mudslides in bad weather can add hours to the trip. It sounds daunting, but the unspoiled beauty of this area makes the long journey worthwhile.
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From Rice Barges to Luxury Lodgings – Thailand’s Imperial Boat House
The Imperial Boat House isn’t just one of the most unique hotels in Thailand.
It's actually one of the most unusual in Asia. This five-star resort, located in tropical Koh Samui, gets its name from the old rice barges which have been converted into private two-storey bungalows. The boats are now moored on land, but water isn't far away. Guests have just meters to walk to the Choeng Mon beach. Each suite is lavishly appointed with a living room, dining area, sky-lit bathroom, luxury bedroom, and a sunbathing deck for soaking up the region's famous rays. The Imperial Boat House also offers more traditional rooms in a three-storey building near the gardens. These are a little smaller than the maritime themed rooms, yet still luxuriously furnished. The private balconies allow guests to enjoy the garden and seaside views.
Sports lovers are well catered for at the resort. Guests can take a dip in the pirate boat-shaped pool (complete with cannon style water jets!) on site, or enjoy sailing, canoeing, snorkeling, and windsurfing in the bay. Land activities include table tennis, volleyball, and fun in the games room. Trips to the neighboring islands can also be arranged at the travel desk. When you need to wind down, soak in the jacuzzi, sweat it out in the spa, or indulge in a gourmet meal at the beachfront restaurant.
The kitsch nature of the Imperial Boat House may turn off serious travelers, but it's worth a look for those who enjoy their luxury served with a side order of humor.
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Transport Tips for Traveling Around India
A vast number of transport options make getting around India easy.
Few tourists take self-driving vacations in India. While India’s largest cities have international car rental companies like Budget and Hertz, the challenging urban driving conditions are a deterrent.
//It’s more common for visitors to hire a car which comes with its own driver.
While inner-city driving is not recommended, India is ideal for long motorcycle journeys. Motorcycles handle the country’s pitted roads better than four-wheeled vehicles do, and there’s the freedom to stop when something catches your eye. Many people begin their motorcycle journey in Delhi and travel to Rajasthan, South India, or Ladakh. Providing you have the correct paperwork, you may also like to ride to Nepal, Bangladesh, or Bhutan. When hiring a motorcycle, look for bikes covered by third-party insurance. It’s not unusual to leave your passport, airline tickets, or a large cash sum as a security deposit. While solo touring holds a certain appeal, many tourists prefer to join an organized group. Companies including Wheel of India, Classic Bike Adventures, and Himalayan Roadrunners all offer tours including support vehicles, mechanics, guides, and bike hire.
Buses are India’s most inexpensive transport option. While services are fast and regular, the country’s perilous roads and the risk-taking nature of many drivers can make bus travel a harrowing experience. Government buses are the safest options, but seats can be booked months in advance. Private buses are less expensive, but they are often overcrowded and their drivers regularly exceed recommended speeds. Luggage may be stored underneath the bus or on the roof. If your bags are on the roof, make sure they are closed tightly and secured to the metal baggage racks as the bumpy roads may send suitcases flying.
While it is regarded as risky in many Western countries, hitch-hiking is an established part of Indian culture. Truck drivers stand in for bus services in remote areas including Ladakh, Lahaul, and Spiti. They charge a small fee for this service, which can be negotiated. But this can often prove difficult as few drivers speak English. While hitch-hiking is common, women are cautioned against doing it alone.
Train travel offers a more luxurious experience for tourists. The network is extensive and prices are affordable. Major cities also have suburban networks, although these trains can become overcrowded in peak times. While the ticket buying process can seem confusing, most stations have English speaking staff to assist foreign travelers. The Indian Railways site offers timetables of all major train lines.
A variety of water transport options help travelers make their way across and down India’s waterways. Wooden canoes and primitive coracles are inexpensive passenger options, while larger ferries can transport guests and their cars. Most boats will accept an extra fee to transport bikes and motorcycles.
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An Ancient Army at Terracotta Army Museum in China
On your trip to China you must allow time to see the terracotta warriors and horses, which are regarded by many historians as the most significant archaeological discovery of the last century.
You’ll find them at the Terracotta Army Museum in Lintong, Xi’an in the Shaanxi Province. It lies 1.5 kilometers east of Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s Mausoleum. This ruler, known as China’s first emperor, commissioned the creation of this model army during his reign from 211 to 206 BC.
The life-sized figures, carved from terracotta and poised for battle, are the museum’s star attractions. Each is completely unique, with his own facial expression, hairstyle, clothes, and gestures. Many of the figures are armed with weapons of the time, including bronze swords, longbows, dagger-axes, and spears. They are arranged in faithful battle formation, recreating a real army designed to protect the emperor in the afterlife.
The Chinese Terracotta Warriors The museum is divided into three sections or pits, which are numbered in order of their discoveries. The first pit, the largest, was opened in 1979, five years after the incredible unearthing. It houses rows of soldiers at the front, numbering around 6000, followed by impressive war chariots. The second pit was unveiled in 1994. It is home to more than a thousand warriors and almost 100 wooden chariots discovered in 1976. The third pit features the discoveries of 1976. Here you’ll see more than 7000 pottery armed soldiers, horses, and chariots carefully restored to their former glory. This large section was opened in 1989. As work is ongoing at the original site, we can only hope more treasures will be added to the collection in the years to come.
The Terracotta Army Museum is open daily from 8 am to 6 pm. Tourists should allow three hours to see the museum’s attractions. Getting to the museum is easy. Trains run from all major tourist centers to Xian Railway Station. Once there, visitors can take the #914 bus or tourist bus 5 directly to the museum.
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Hit Hong Kong’s Bars and Nightclubs on a Budget
Hong Kong has some of the most exciting after dark entertainment on the planet, but it can get expensive to enjoy a big night out.
But that doesn’t mean you need to spend your Asian vacation holed up in your hotel room. You just need to know where to go to enjoy Hong Kong’s nightlife on a budget.
To entice people out through the week, most bars in Wan Chai have special ladies nights. If you’re of the female persuasion you won’t pay a door charge and you’ll enjoy free standard drinks all night. The area has a reputation for being a red light district, but you shouldn’t be bothered if traveling in a group. For your security, avoid the strip joints and opt for upmarket bars like the Agave.
Lan Kwai Fong in central Hong Kong isn’t generally as inexpensive as Wan Chai, but if you visit the bars midweek this isn’t a concern. The popular Beijing Club slashes its regular $300 HKD entrance fee to $220 HKD for men and absolutely nothing for ladies on Wednesdays and Thursdays. If you’re planning on a big night, you may want to visit Cliq across the streets. You’ll need to pay the $200 HKD cover charge, but it always has an open bar for girls. Men enjoy the same privileges on Thursdays.
While most drinks promotions benefit women, everyone can enjoy happy hours. Between 5 pm and 9 pm, most restaurants and bars in major Hong Kong business districts will offer discounted drinks and two-for-one deals.
To ensure you’re not drinking on an empty stomach, look for cheap eats before you hit Hong Kong’s bars. Cul-De-Sac and Ebeneezer’s Kebabs & Pizzeria serve up inexpensive pizzas and kebabs, while the country’s first 24-hour breakfast diner, The Flying Pan, dishes up authentic English bacon and eggs.