Sydney Fish Market

Vietnamese Adventures Part 2

Vietnamese Adventure Part 2

As we headed North up the coast, we were constantly surprised by the friendly locals, delicious food and busy atmosphere. However our expectations were exceeded when we saw some beautiful landscapes. Beautiful beaches and almighty caves left us breathless and lost for words.

Hoi An

Located in central Vietnam, Hoi An is a beautifully preserved old town. With cars and motorbikes banned from many of the streets there is a relaxed atmosphere. The narrow streets are full of art galleries, souvenirs shops and dress-makers. Located on a river and just 4km from the beach, Hoi An is an ideal holiday destination, but one unknown to most tourists.

The entrance sign to Hoi An, and like many posters and signs, the meaning is lost in translation

Traditional Vietnamese lanterns make for great, personal souvenirs, and every month at full moon candlelit lanterns replace electric lights.

The River and Fish Markets

The river not only makes a stunning view at sunset, but it is the main transport link for many outlying villages. Fish and seafood are also staple parts of the Vietnamese diet and the supply of fish relies on the river, making it busy with traffic in the early hours of the morning for the daily fish market. 

Sunset photos of colourful boats on the river

The selling of goods at the markets is generally done by women, while the gaining of supply is the man's role.

Colourful personalities at the fish and produce markets

Hanoi

Hanoi, like Saigon, is bustling and chaotic yet fascinating. From early in the morning when everyone seems to be exercising by the lake, until late, there is plenty to see and do.

Shops like these are common, selling all kinds of spices and dried fruits.

It is incredible to see the weight and array of goods that bicycles and motorbikes are used to transport

Halong Bay

Halong Bay is absolutely amazing with stunning scenery at every turn. We cruised for two days, climbed to a high lookout, kayaked in secluded bays and explored an underground cave.

The views were spectacular and it was truly an awesome experience. If you're ever in that part of the world, Halong Bay should definitely be in your plans.

So here are my experiences of Vietnam I hope that you can take this and go and create your own.

Vietnamese Adventures Part 1

Vietnamese Adventures Part 1

Vietnam is an amazing country of contrasts from busy cities to quaint villages and farmlands, from tropical rainforests to beautiful beaches and spectacular bays. The people are hard working, friendly and welcoming. I’ll take you on a journey from sunny Saigon to pristine Hanoi by plane, train, car, boat and Vietnam's favourite form of transportation the motorbike.

Saigon

Although officially called Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon proved to be lively, chaotic and fun. We visited the Reunification Palace, the War Remnants Museum and the the Cao Dai Temple by means of motorbike taxi. 

Reunification Palace

Is the former headquarters of the South Vietnamese government during the 60’s and 70’s until the end of the Vietnamese war.

The Reunification Palace

Cao Dai Temple

Cao Dai is a Buddhist sect with elements of Confucianism, Taoism and Christianity. The temple is ornate and colourful, with services held often. 

Vietnamese Food

The variety of flavours used in traditional Vietnamese food is matched by the intricate work put into the presentation, making all meals a "Kodak moment!"

Ice cream sundaes at “Fanny’s” Restaurant. A must go for any food lovers, Saigon has some of the most decadent restaurants and street food to keep you smiling.

The Mekong Delta

Life in the Mekong Delta is much slower and more peaceful. We travelled by boat to a village where a variety of products and crafts are still produced in traditional ways - everything from bricks to toffee, knives, roof thatching and even coffins!

Village life in the Mekong Delta

The Floating Markets

The Mekong River is essential to the Vietnamese' way of life, from travelling to purchasing food and clothing. The floating markets at Gai Be in the Mekong Delta make for congested and bustling waterways.

This is contrasted with the quiet backwaters which we used to reach our home-stay.

At our traditional home-stay we were greeted by our friendly host and served beautiful food. The traditional, stress-free life of the Vietnamese and their kind personalities are truely impressive. 

Travel for Cheap!! [tips and links]

Ever wondered how people travel so often ? Or envy the fact people travel so much ?

Today I will share with you a few great sites and a few tips on how you can travel for cheap.

One of the first tip would be to DO YOUR HOMEWORK.
If you are looking around for best air fares, it is best to look at as many resources as you can. What I mean by this is that don't just look at one place. Look at multiple websites or asks your local travel dealer for advices and then compare your best options you are happy with.

One website that is really convenient to compare a few multiple deals at the same time is using www.webjet.com.au/. It allows you to compare the lowest and highest airfares, boarding times and what the air ticket includes - baggage, movie, meal etc.

 

 

The next tip would be to SUBSCRIBE, SUBSCRIBE and SUBSCRIBE.

Many travel companies on their websites allow you to subscribe which you will be sent regular updates or travel deals. If you are a person who regularly checks their email, being a subscriber will allow you to be informed about the latest deals or deals of the day which is a benefit for you as this information becomes available before the people who did not subscribe.

 

 

There are many options to consider when travelling. Such as choosing comfort, service or simply going from destination A to B as cheap as possible. If you plan to take airflights no more than 3-5 hours, it is best to take notable cheap airlines such as Jetstar or AirAsia.

 

AirAsia goes by the slogan "Now Everybody can Fly". If you plan to go Malaysia, or travel from Malaysia to other countries, AirAsia is the best flight to choose to go somewhere nearby. They offer flights from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore from about AUD$20 one way. It is important to check whether air tickets from different sellers include taxes or whatsoever. On the other hand, you can just picture how cheap Air Asia is!!

 

 

Lastly, after planning on what tickets you would like to buy, it is also important to look at hotels to stay out if you don't plan to stay at ur friend's or relative's place. Many travel airline sites such as Jetstar and AirAsia offers you to browse through hotels. Another great thing is that, you can also get package deals. For small and short trips, it is best to consider looking at a package deals that include hotel stay and air tickets.

 

A great website to look at for considering which is the best option of accomodation is http://www.agoda.com/. Agoda  includes ratings, many reviews, pictures of the accomodation and pricing.

 

 

Although looking online is a great way to make choices but it is also important to seek advice from a professional, friends and families to assist you to making your choices. Consider the days you are travelling as different seasons have different pricing. Avoid purchsing during Christmas or New Years as prices may skyrocket high!! If you are lucky, try purchase during off-peak seasons that allow you travel during a set period. Like they always say, for the best outcome always do your homework!

 

Happy travelling y'all!! :)

 

 

 

 



How to be a smart traveller?

Some important destination-specific information that you need to know when planning an overseas trip.



                                               
Check that your passport has at least t six months' validity from your planned date of return before you go. Most countries require passport valid for six months or more.



                                     


Plan your journey before you go. The local tourist information can be obtained from travel books.







                                          




 Take out comprehensive travel insurance and ensure it covers you for the places you plan to visit and the things you plan to do in order to reduce some unexpected expenses and losses.
                                            
 
Check the weather conditions before you go in order to prepare enough clothes.
                                             
Bring some medicines such as panadol, mosquito repellent, motion sickness pills, eye drops, stomach pills and so on.
                                                                              
Organise a variety of ways of accessing money overseas, such as debit and credit cards, travellers' cheques and cash in easily convertible currencies.
                                       
Leave a copy of your passport, itinerary and tickets, visas and insurance policy with your family or a friend and take a copy with you. 
                                                         
 
Arrange options for staying in touch with family and friends while overseas, and give them an indication of how often they will hear from you.                                                      
Keep your receipts. If you purchase over a certain amount, you may be able to claim a refund of the tax paid on goods.                                          
Visit a doctor at least six to eight weeks before you travel to allow time for any vaccinations or other medical treatment or tests required for your trip. Remember that some vaccines require a long period to take effect and more than one dose may be needed.

Around the world: Kpop, Jpop and Fashion

Today's blog post will be slightly different from the usual travelling posts but will be about music and fashion that travels around the world.

As we move around the world, the American music industry has always been influential to us. Apart from the American music industry, I will focus on discussing with you two very influential music industry around the world, Jpop and Kpop.

Although many Jpop and Kpop music has been influenced by American music, they both have their unique style of music. One that is very creative, interesting and has their own sense of culture.

Sometimes music can divide the society into different "stereotypical" types of people or divide us based on our personal views. However I feel Jpop and Kpop is capable of drawing the world together.

Recently, on the big hit song "Gangnam Style", I feel as though that song has brought people together around the globe. Everyone who recognises the song always seem to just get happy and start dancing to it. Whether we understand it or not, young or old, Asian or non-Asian the song has brought people together.

Jpop has a wide variety of genres such as pop, rock, rnb, jazz, you name it!! Japanese music and culture has definately brought fashion around the world as well. When we look at J-rock for example, especially Visual Kei, they have a very unique sense of music and style that is very influential to J-rock lovers. Fans of J-rock can even go to the extent of cosplaying like their idols and looking like them on a usual basis.

 

For the girls interested in fashion and make-up, in Japan the subculture, Gyaru can be found. Gyaru (ギャル) meaning "gal" is a growing trend around the world. A great place to travel to for Japanese latest trend is Shibuya109 in Shibuya. Originally found in Japan especially around Shibuya and Harajuku, I've seen online on many forums and blog communities that girls around the world are coming together to discuss about their fashion, Gyaru Idols and their journey. I've seen girls coming together around the world from Malaysia, America and Europe to establish their own group of belonging. In the Gyaru world, Tsubasa Masuwaka is famously identified as a popular Gyaru around the world. She also has her own music which shows the modern style of Japan.

 

 

Both Jpop and Kpop has spread around the world quiet dominantly as technology becomes useful for socialising. Places in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, America and as far as Europe have Japanese and Korean music and fashion lovers! Although it may not be new to some but the Asian music scene is growing each day and is new to those who are not yet exposed to it. The spread of the Asian culture has allowed many to be encouraged through music and allowed people from different subcultures to belong in a group.

Tokyo Tokyo

What would you think about Tokyo? Happy shopping paradise! Expensive imported goods imports, consumption goods cheap cheap 100 yen or commodity-rich choices, convenient transportation, with a comfortable shopping environment.

This is Tsukiji Market. It is a large wholesale market for fish, fruits and vegetables in central Tokyo. It is the most famous of over ten wholesale markets that handle the distribution of fish, meat, produce and flowers in metropolitan Tokyo. Tsukiji Market is best known as one of the world's largest fish markets, handling over 2,000 tons of marine products per day. 

 

Vising the tuna auction

Shibuya is a center for teenagers. Major department store branches can be found around the area catering to all types of shoppers.

 Hello Kitty-One of the most popular cartoon character in Japan

Tokyo skytree opening in May 2012. It is its two observation decks which offer spectacular views out over Tokyo.

Most can not miss Tokyo shopping: drug and beauty shops! Unique cosmeceutical concept, so all the people of Japan are all “cosmeceutical crazy.” Drugstore is close female fashion magic. 

Tokyo Disneyland is a theme park based on the films produced by Walt Disney.

 Tomorrowland

Toontown

 Fantasyland

Critter Country

 Westernland

Adventureland

 World Bazaar