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Category: Vietnam

  • Stunning National Parks in South East Asia

    There are many stunning national parks in South East Asia that are brimming with a rich diversity of flora and fauna as well as varied landscapes and terrains. There are also lots of different activities available too, so if you love spending time in the great outdoors whilst on holiday, South East Asia has plenty of choices.

    Some of the top national parks in South East Asia include:

    Khao Sok National Park, Thailand

    Khao Sok National Park is a lush and thick area of beautiful jungle within easy reach of the popular holiday spot of Phuket. There is plenty of accommodation right outside the park, and you can spend the night in a delightful tree house bungalow for amazing views and something different. There are many different types of plants and flowers within the park, and if you are lucky you may see the incredible and rare rafflesia. The rafflesia is the biggest flower in the whole world, but it is only in bloom for a couple of days out of the year. Staff can generally advise if there are any in bloom and guide you in the right direction. Creatures that live in the park include elephants, bears, and tigers, leopards, although the chance of actually seeing any of the large animals is rare. Just knowing that you are walking through their home though can be a thrill! You will see many different types of birds, insects, and butterflies, and might see monkeys and rodents. There is a good number of walking trails through the park, and you can visit cascading waterfalls and enjoy the amazing views from the various viewpoints.

    Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park, Indonesia

    Located on the island of Java, Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park is a gorgeous UNESCO protected area. There are steep ridges and gaping ravines, and the views are breath taking. Including two mist-shrouded volcanic mountains, the landscapes are diverse and interesting. There are verdant tea plantations nearby, adding to the overall scenic outlooks. Leopards roam the national park, and you will see many different birds. Some rare species call the park home too. When it comes to plant life, the national park contains some species that are completely unique to the area.

    Taman Negara National Park, Malaysia

    Taman Negara National Park lays claim to being the oldest primary rainforest on the whole planet. There are jungle lodges where you can spend a night or two surrounded by nature at its very best, falling asleep to the sounds of the wild. There are a number of charming floating restaurants in Kuala Tahan. Within easy reach from the country’s capital city of Kuala Lumpur, it is a popular spot for tourists. There are lots of walking trails where you will see an array of plant life and creatures, and the waterfalls at Lata Berkoh are a favourite place. As well as being a very pretty sight you can also swim in the crystal clear and refreshingly cool waters. Night walks and boat trips are available, and you can visit nomadic settlements and learn some traditional skills, such as shooting a blowpipe. There are caves to explore, and dare-devils can raft along the raging rapids or tackle the longest canopy walk in the world.

    This is just a small selection of the stunning national parks in South East Asia. If they have whetted your appetite, start planning your great adventure soon! There are amazing national parks throughout Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines … and other countries too!

  • The Best Bars in Vietnam!

    Vietnam is a great place to enjoy a lively and varied night scene, with plenty of bars and clubs around the country that cater to the tourist crowds. Realising the potential in attracting the tourist dollars and pounds, Vietnam’s bar scene offers cool interiors, funky tunes, a fun atmosphere, and a wide selection of drinks to keep you happy long into the small hours. Although places are meant to close at midnight, many places stay open longer, meaning that you needn’t head home like Cinderella as the clock strikes 12.

    Sorted into areas, some of the best bars in Vietnam include:

    Ho Chi Minh City

    Known as the Street of Foreigners, Pho Tay, Ho Chi Minh City’s streets in District 1 and around Pham Ngu Lao, Bui Vien, De Tham, and Do Quang Dau, are awash with fantastic watering holes. Bright lights shine and loud music roars, offering a lively time at both day and night – although night times are, of course, a lot more raucous!

    For a drink with a view, head to the top of the Caravelle Hotel where you will find the chic Saigon, Saigon. Offering a sophisticated vibe and amazing panoramic views of the city below, it is a great spot to unwind with your favourite tipple. Another place to enjoy sweeping city views is in the swish and swanky Chill Sky Bar.

    For a touch of North Africa, check out Le Taj; housed within Tama Sago Castle and done up to resemble Marrakesh, it is exotic and exciting. Drinks don’t come cheap, but the experience provides great value. MZ Bar attracts a more mature crowd, with live music keeping the punters more than happy, and a cocktail in the sumptuous Boudoir Lounge can add a real touch of class to your stay in the city.

    Hanoi

    Whilst not technically a bar, one of the best drinking and socializing experiences in Hanoi is the Old Quarter’s Beer Corner. Attracting a mixture of locals and foreigners, pull up a plastic chair, sit on the streets, and enjoy a cool and refreshing beer in the balmy evenings.

    In the French Quarter, Bamboo Bar sits next to the sparkling pool at the Sofitel Metropole. The atmosphere is both chilled out and sophisticated, and it is a really pretty place to unwind at the end of an active day. A lively and youthful atmosphere can be found in both Voodoo Bar and T-Bar, and La Casa Bar’s slogan of “sleep all day – party all night” gives you a hint of what is in store! Treats attracts visitors by the bucket load.

    Head to the well known Rooftop Bar for incredible cityscape views, and find something a bit different at Taboo; designed to look like a glamorous yacht, it offers a feeling of blissful luxury and romance.

    Sapa

    Sapa is more known for its cooler climates and picturesque mountain scenery than for its party scene, but there are a few friendly bars catering to visiting tourists. One of the best is Hmong Sisters Bar, which offers a laid back atmosphere, perfect for getting to know other travellers, a pool table, and a darts board.

    Danang

    A favourite foreigner haunt in Danang is Bamboo Bar. Sitting close to the ocean, it offers a friendly and relaxed vibe, cheap food, and a decent selection of drinks. Red Hot is the best spot for some late night action, with the party continuing long after most places have locked up for the night. Hai Van Lounge offers some Asian elegance, and is a great spot for couples.

    Other top bars to check out in Vietnam include the Sailing Club in Nha Trang, King Kong Bar on Cam Nam Island, and Dalat’s cheerful Hangout Bar and Larry’s Place.

    Have fun seeing the sights and checking the best bar in Vietnam off your travel list.