A guide to Bagan, Myanmar's hot air balloons

Ballooning season in Bagan runs from the beginning of October to the middle of April. Sunrise is when most rides are offered, as the cooler morning temperatures allow balloons to float closer to the ancient stupas for a more detailed glimpse. Daybreak also tends to bring with it more dramatic layers of haze, dreamily blanketing the landscape for a perfect photo opp.

   

It’s nearly impossible to picture Bagan without hot air balloons beautifully clouding the historical horizon. Bagan’s balloons have become an iconic symbol of the region, and have carried many travelers on soaring adventures of a lifetime. Here’s how to experience an unforgettable birds-eye view of Bagan, Myanmar.

Balloons over Bagan

Perhaps the most established of Bagan’s ballooning providers is Balloons over Bagan. What started out as one hot air balloon and a small crew nearly 20 years ago has grown into a 12-balloon fleet and over 100 mostly local, experienced crewmembers.

Balloons Over Bagan has two balloon flight options – classic or premium. The classic package costs $340 USD per person. Passengers are picked up, then treated to a light pre-flight breakfast while the balloons fill. Classic balloon baskets fit up to around 10 riders each. Complimentary refreshments paired with wine come after floating over Bagan’s stunning immenseness.

Workers inflate hot air balloons early in the morning in Bagan

For a more intimate, in-flight journey, the premium choice ($450 USD per person) has smaller baskets that fit eight travelers at most, with separate compartments for couples. It also includes an interactive tour and a continental breakfast afterward with just as much wine if not more than the classic balloon flight.

Oriental Ballooning

Oriental Ballooning is newer to the hot-air balloon scene in Myanmar. But, for having only been around since 2013, it’s already become another large ballooning operation. Oriental Ballooning advertises many of the same services and extras as Balloons over Bagan. Basket sizes range from as intimate as four up to the capacity to hold 12 passengers. The price is $399 USD per person.

A silhouette of a hot air balloon at sunrise in Bagan, Myanmar 

All hot air balloon rides last approximately 45 minutes. Book far in advance, as spaces fill up quickly – especially during peak tourist season. Prices tend to be higher from mid-December to mid-January. Inquire while booking.

If ballooning over Bagan doesn’t fit your travel budget this time around, or if rising at great heights above the archaeological zone seems a bit too daunting, there’s still a chance to marvel at the hot air balloons as they drift in with the sunrise. For some of the best shots head to Shwegu Gyi Paya to take in a panoramic view of nearby temples and Bagan’s iconic skyline dotted with balloons in the distance.

There are also other hot air balloon companies in Bagan, and ballooning over several popular travel destinations in Myanmar is possible. Search high and low for the best.

Read more: Top things to do when traveling to Myanmar

Source The Culture Trip

Experience the spring festivals in South Korea

Spring in Korea is the time of flower festivals, lantern festivals and more to brighten up the peninsula along with the bright sunshine and warmer breezes welcoming the warmer months to come. Here are the festivals you should seek out to get in the renewal and rebirth spirit that spring is known for.

Cherry Blossom Festival

Spring in Korea is almost defined by the cherry blossom, and this festival is undoubtedly one of Korea’s most popular festivals. People will travel the length of the country, and even from abroad, to take pictures in front of the most photogenic trees during the cherry blossom. The beautiful blooms on Cherry Blossom trees make Korea famous all over the world, so it is no wonder that this festival is one of the most popular springtime festivals in the country.

Although the cherry blossom only lasts in each location for a very short period of time, its spread from south to north takes around a month or more.

Time: April 1- April 10, 2019

Nonsan Strawberry Festival

Strawberries are the spring fruit in Korea. This festival has everything from strawberry jam, chocolate covered strawberries and more strawberry treats to fields of strawberries to pick and eat until your bellies are full. Shuttle buses take festival-goers to nearby strawberry fields to pick up and fill up on as many red fruity pieces of goodness as they can.

Time: March

Jindo Miracle Sea Road Festival

According to many religions, when Moses parted the sea it was a true miracle. A similar phenomenon occurs naturally on the island of Jindo in the south-west of Korea. Once a year, the strong neap tide pulls the sea away revealing a path, almost three kilometers long, from Jindo to the nearby Modo Island. The resulting phenomena is extremely unusual, so people gather from all over the country to marvel at the parting of the sea.

Jindo is a long way from most major cities, so while you visit the festival, make sure that you take the chance to explore the rest of the island. Jindo is famous for the extremely loyal Jindo breed of dogs. It is famous also for the battle of Myeongnyang among lovers of Korean history, where Admiral Yi Sun-Shin defeated the Japanese navy against the odds.

Time: May 16-May 19, 2019

Yeon Deung Hoe (Lotus Lantern Festival)

The Lotus Lantern Festival celebrates the birth of Buddha and in Seoul the celebration is just spectacular. The highlight of the celebrations is a massive parade through the streets of downtown Seoul with thousands of lanterns in the shapes of lotus flowers, elephants, dragons and more Buddhist visuals. Women in Hanboks walk alongside Buddhist monks in robes and it is not just Korean Buddhists that attend. Buddhists from around the world come to stand alongside people of all faiths and walks of life to celebrate life and light. After the parade, the crowds gather with the parade walkers to dance in the streets.

Time: May 11-May 13, 2019

Read more: Best places to travel in Asia in January

Yeongdeok Snow Crab Festival

Yeongdeok is known for its snow crabs, so it is no surprise that this festival occurs every year in the Yeongeok area. If you are a lover of snow crab, this is certainly the festival for you, whether you would like to take a stroll through the public snow crab auction, get on a snow crab fishing boat, or participate in a lively snow crab cooking competition, there is truly something for every snow crab lover at this festival.

Snow crab used to be a delicacy served to Korean kings, and it is still a much-loved seafood featured in many Korean dishes today, check out this festival and celebrate the delicious origins of snow crab in Korea.

Time: March 22 - March 25, 2019

Source Internet

Top must-see destinations to visit in South India

South India really has a distinct culture that sets it apart from the rest of the country. Not only that, each state has managed to retain its own distinct identity. Intricate temple architecture, historical ruins, palm-fringed canals, spirituality and beach will provide you with a varied and interesting trip.

Hampi, Karnataka

One of India's top historical destinations, the laid back village of Hampi was once the last capital of Vijayanagar, one of the greatest Hindu empires in India's history. It has some extremely captivating ruins, intriguingly intermingled with large boulders that rear up all over the landscape.

Varkala, Kerala

The fairy tale setting of Varkala beach is enough to take your breath away, with a long winding stretch of cliff and views that extend over the Arabian Sea. A paved footpath runs along the length of the cliff, bordered by coconut palms, quaint shops, beach shacks, hotels, and guesthouses. Nestled at the bottom of the cliff is a sparkling beach, reached by steps leading down from the cliff top.

Read more: Top 5 amazing temples in India

Fort Kochi, Kerala

Known as the "Gateway to Kerala", Kochi is an enchanting city that's had an eclectic influence. The Arabs, British, Dutch, Chinese, and Portuguese have all left their mark on the city. Most people recognize Kochi from pictures of the famous Chinese fishing nets that line the waterfront. Fort Kochi is full of architecture and historical sites and is a marvelous place to stroll around and explore on foot.

Mysore, Karnataka

Mysore has an impressive royal heritage, with the city's main tourist attraction being the imposing Mysore Palace. There are many other interesting buildings, palaces, and temples to see. Its zoo is one of the best in India. Mysore is also an excellent place to shop for sandalwood and study Ashtanga yoga.

Coorg, Karnataka

For fresh aromatic of south Indian coffee and stunning scenic beauty, head to Karnataka's Kodagu region (often referred to as Coorg, the English version of its name). This picturesque and alluring mountainous area in southern Karnataka, not far from Bangalore and Mysore, is renowned for its plentiful coffee estates. And, you can stay on one! The magnificent Golden Temple, one of the top Buddhist monasteries in India, is not to be missed as well.

Read more: Visit Rajasthan, the Land of Kings in India

Source TripSavvy

Where to have local lunch in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Cambodian cuisine attracts many tourists with its unique taste. If you want to try a great local lunch, here is a list of amazing lunch spots for you.

Friends The Restaurant

Running as one of two training schools for NGO Friends International’s hospitality and chef students, Friends the Restaurant cooks up a range of creative tapas dishes, all centred around contemporary Cambodian cuisine. Dishes include palm sugar and cinnamon braised duck leg with cranberry orange relish, prawn and glass noodle salad with fresh herbs and chilli lime dressing, and sun-dried tomato hummus with crispy wontons.

54 Langeach Sros

Definitely one of Phnom Penh’s culinary bright spots, 54 Langeach Sros is a local Khmer-style barbeque and beer garden that serves a mean plate of ribs, tangy with a hint of sweetness and slightly spicy. Do not bother ordering just one plate. The ribs can take a half-hour to arrive, but they are always worth it. Goat with black ants, “fried fish on the fire lake” and crab with young green pepper are all excellent and remarkably affordable.

Mok Mony Restaurannt

Specialising in authentic Khmer and Asian cuisine, diners can enjoy their food in the tropical garden or air-conditioned glass section. The menu takes in a range of delights, including grilled betel leaf with marinated beef, Khmer red chicken curry, blue Mekong prawns and Kampot pepper squid. It also serves daily and weekly specials.

Tummy Filler Cafe and Pub

If you cannot decide whether you are in the mood for traditional Khmer or Western food, Tummy Filler Cafe in Toul Tom Pong offers the best of both worlds. Their menu boasts Asian soups, fried rice, noodles, and Khmer classics like lok lak and amok. But it also serves up Western salads, sandwiches, pasta dishes and fish and chips. Tummy Filler opens early every day with a range of breakfast foods and specialty coffee drinks. Their bar menu includes wine, beer, and mixed drinks with a selection of unique fruity and frozen cocktails.

Phka Slaa Restaurant

Putting a modern spin on Cambodian comfort food, Phka Slaa presents a range of delicious dishes that are served in style. Offering a range of breakfast options, the cool contemporary setting is a great place to indulge in a leisurely lunch and sits right around the corner from the Royal Palace and National Museum, making it the perfect spot to take a break from sightseeing.

Khmer Surin Restaurant

Spread across three floors, each offering its own atmosphere, Khmer Surin serves authentic Khmer food in sumptuous surroundings. The ground level is a great spot to enjoy breakfast, and people-watch from among the tropical foliage. Traditional Cambodian food can be enjoyed throughout lunch, taking in salads, steamed dishes, curries, soups and fried options.

Read more: 7 reasons why you should visit Cambodia at least one time

Source Internet

Some useful tips for first-time travelers in India

Do you think that India is chaotic, bamboozling, intoxicating, crazy, exasperating, wonderful, squalid, beautiful, daunting, overwhelming or fantastic? How can you possibly prepare yourself? Start with these tips for taking the ultimate travel plunge: going to India for the first time.

Bring a scarf

If you have a scarf handy, cover your head. If you do not have one, you will be offered one. Wear it. This goes for both men and women. India is an inspiring country and for solo female travelers, it is not as scary as you might think.

Indian people are so friendly but they are shy

You absolutely can try to talk to them on trains and buses, they will even let you take photos of them. They might stare sometimes, but it is just curiosity and is not as rude in their culture. On the other hand, if you try to chat to an Indian businessman, you might be surprised to see that he spends half his time abroad and looks down on you.

Place your plate and cup on the ground

Volunteers will come around dispensing food from shiny stainless steel buckets. You should indicate whether you want a small portion. If not, you will get the full serve.

Money matters

Use travel cards, debit cards, credit cards, travelers’ cheques and money wallets for transactions. You can exchange money at the airport, banks or travel companies. Access to international banks and ATMs is quite easy in Indian cities. If you need money and for some reason cannot get it at an ATM, you can have it transferred to you via Western Union.

How to receive your chapattis

For this flatbread treat, cup both hands, raise them to the volunteer with the basket and one will be dropped into your hands with a plop, etc. bring your hands and chapatti close to your forehead in a gesture of thanks.

Read more: Top 5 amazing temples in India

Dress modestly

In India, you should also dress according to the place and customs. Some tourist spots, like a mosque, temple or other holy places require you to dress modestly by covering your head with a scarf and taking off your shoes before entering. In big cities you can wear whatever you want, but when visiting small towns, dress modestly. It is good to aim to blend in with the rest of the population.

Source Internet

Taste of Nepalese cuisine in Kathmandu

Are you traveling to Nepal and curious about what to eat there? Nepalese cuisine bears a lot of Indian and Tibetan influences but has its own distinctive dishes. Below are some of the famous foods in Nepal that you should definitely try.

Dal Bhat

Dal Bhat is probably the most famous food in Nepal, it is such a staple for locals you could even call it Nepal’s national food. If you are going trekking, expect to be served traditional dal bhat at every homestay at least twice a day.

Dal Bhat Tarkari means lentil soup (dal), rice (bhat) and curried vegetables (tarkari). The set is usually served on a metal platter and is “all you can eat”. It is traditionally vegetarian but occasionally you might find it served with chicken or meat.

Momo

The quintessential Nepali food, be it in the home of a local or on the streets of Kathmandu, this is one dish you absolutely cannot leave Kathmandu without trying. To the untrained eye and palette, it could be confused for Chinese dumplings but it is anything but, the spices used in the filling plus the chutney (dip) takes the momo to a whole new level.

Thukpa

Thukpa is a noodle soup that originated in the eastern part of Tibet. It consists of boiled, hand-pulled noodles, vegetables and meat, normally shredded buffalo.
The punchy Nepalese variation features garam masala and chili.

Chatamari

Locals will often refer to dish as the Nepali pizza but it could well be labelled a taco given that Chatamaris are generally folded and served with fillings. However, what sets the Chatamari apart from pizzas and tacos are the distinct Nepali spices used and the crepe which is made using rice flour. The best Chatamaris are served in ‘Newari Khaja Ghars’ and you will find many of between New Road and Thamel.

Sel Roti

Kind of like a doughnut meets bagel, sel rote is a crisp, puffy dough that is been deep fried. You will find this street stall snack along roadsides and during Hindu festivals like Tihar and Dashain. They are best eaten as a breakfast snack with yogurt, or as an afternoon snack with some veggies.

Tingmo and Aloo phing

The influx of Tibetan refugees to Nepal since the exile of the Dalai Lama in 1959 has also brought an influx of Tibetan foods, like this dish.

Tingmo is a steamed, porous bread, designed for dipping into soups and broths. Aloo phing consists of translucent noodles, potatoes and vegetables in a hot broth. Sliced radish and rice are served on the side.

Julebi

This neon snack looks like an orange lattice swirl. It is made from a dough batter drizzled to form a circular shape, then dunked in some sweet sauce. The color was a little intimidating but it tastes very similar to a funnel cake. It is very sweet.

Read more: Cultural destinations in Kathmandu, Nepal

Yomari

These cute fish-shaped treats are steamed rice-flour dumplings containing sweet fillings such as chaku and chocolate. They are normally served with a sweet dip. A popular festive dish, yomari are often eaten around the post-harvest celebration of Yomari Punhi. But you can enjoy them anytime.

Source Internet

Visit 4 best beaches in Cambodia

If you’re planning a trip to Cambodia, don’t forget to check out at least one of these spectacular beaches in Cambodia. Cambodia is also home to a large number of beautiful coastal destinations along the Gulf of Thailand.

Coral Beach

Just off the coast of Southwest Cambodia, near the Ream National Park, is the island of Koh Ta Kiev. While the island has some development, a lot of it is still pristine and natural. There are several beaches to choose from on Koh Ta Kiev, with one of the most scenic being Coral Beach. This tropical beach boasts accommodation as well as food and drinks. This makes it the ideal place to relax and unwind when you want to get away from it all but still remain comfortable. You’ll arrive by boat, and you can choose to rent a hammock for the day. If you visit, you can try out snorkeling, cliff diving or even spearfishing.

Sok San Beach

Koh Rong is an island off Sihanoukville that boasts miles of scenic coastline and pristine beaches. Sok San Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the island. Also known as Long Beach and 7km Beach, thanks to the size, Sok San Beach is accessible by foot or by boat. The television show Survivor was recently filmed on Sok San, which has increased tourism significantly. Nonetheless, it is a beautiful and uncrowded place to enjoy the water or go snorkeling. At night, the phosphorescent water actually sparkles when it is disturbed, which is a spectacular reason to visit after sunset.

Koh Tonsay

Along the coast, and near the Vietnam border, is the island called Koh Thonsáy. In English, this means Rabbit Island. This island is seeing slow development, which means that visitors can expect plenty of seclusions and virtually no crowds. Aside from a handful of local fishing huts, there are only a few bungalows and restaurants catering to tourists. To get to Koh Tonsay, you can take a 20-minute boat ride from Kep. Common ways to enjoy Koh Tonsay include hiking inland, scouting out secluded spots on the beach and taking snorkeling trips.

Koh Pos

Just off the coast of Sihanoukville is Koh Pos, which translates to snake island. There is a small bridge that leads to Koh Pos, making it more accessible than many of the other beaches on Cambodian Islands. The bridge is called Techo Morakat Bridge, and it leads to the lush green island with scenic, rocky beaches. The aptly named Treasure Island Seafood Restaurant is the island’s hub, and it attracts many visitors in search of waterfront dining, beautiful views and plenty of seafood. A short walk from the beach and you’ll get to the jungle, which is home to everything from monkeys to pythons.

Read more: Explore Kampot, Cambodia’s hidden gem

Source Touropia

Come to Korea and eat its best foods

Korea is a foodie paradise, especially for those who like to indulge in local street food to take advantage of flavorful local fare at wallet-friendly prices. Here are essential dishes to try in Korea on your next visit.

Jeon

“Jeon” is a term that basically means a savoury Korean pancake, often eaten as a snack or appetizer. You might be thinking of the syrup-soaked version you might order at brunch in North America, but this is a little different. In this case, meats, seafoods, vegetables and eggs are mixed with flour batter and then pan-fried with oil. Depending on the ingredients of choice, the pancakes are named differently. For example, a pajeon is made with spring onion, and a kimchi jeon is made with kimchi. This is a great between-meal snack to try as you explore Seoul.

Twigim

Who doesn’t like deep fried foods? OK, there are people out there who might opt out, but for the most part, fried things are always a popular choice. Twigim is a popular street food found in Seoul and considered an ideal accompaniment to a cold beer. Often referred to as Korean tempura, this dish is basically items, including sweet potatoes, eggs, shrimp, fish and assorted vegetables, covered with a flour batter and deep fried. In markets and at street stalls you’ll see carts piled high with glistening twigim – a tempting snack at budget-friendly prices. 

Hotteok

Looking for something to satisfy your sweet tooth in Korea? Look no further than hotteok, easily found at many street-food markets and stalls. These sweet, satisfying treats consist of a dough-based pancake filled with sugar and cinnamon and sometimes nuts, or other sweet ingredients that gets fried, resulting in a pleasingly crisp exterior and soft, gooey interior. They can also be found with savory filling. 

Dakkochi

Another popular street food in Korea, dakkochi make for an easy on-the-go snack or small meal when you want something that packs a lot of flavour but that isn’t too heavy. This dish, basically grilled chicken skewers with spring onions in a spicy and tangy marinade, can be found all over the city and makes for a simple yet satisfying snack or small meal.

Japchae

Healthy and packed with vegetables, japchae consists of sweet potato noodles (or glass noodles) stir-fried with nutty sesame oil and thinly sliced vegetables and beef. The noodles themselves are a bit sweet and slightly chewy and the dish is often garnished with sesame seeds. Since the noodles aren’t your typical wheat-based pasta, the dish is refreshingly light yet satisfying.  

Gyeran Bbang

Gyeran Bbang, Korean egg bread, is a comforting street food found all over Seoul and a popular snack in the colder winter months. When you see Gyeran Bbang in food stalls it basically looks like an oblong muffin topped with an egg – and that’s essentially what it is. You get a soft, simply-flavored muffin (as in, not too sweet, not too savory) with a whole egg either inside or sitting just on top. It’s an easy snack to eat on the go for a  quick energy boost while you sightsee. 

See more: Get to know about Anju, foods eaten with alcohol in Korea

Source: tripsavvy