The best restaurants in Sapa, Vietnam

Visit Sapa, no matter what your goal is, your needs and expectations will be met as it is such an amazing place that offers you a chance to experience all the sights, sounds and tastes of northwest mountains of Vietnam. Sapa cuisine is also one of the most outstanding features that appeal to visitors. For those who are keen on local dishes of this mountainous area, paying a visit to best restaurants in Sapa to indulge in mouth-watering dishes is an ultimate experience.

Hill Station Signature Restaurant

A showcase of Hmong cuisine with cool Zen decor and superb views. Dishes include flash-cooked pork with lime, ash-baked trout in banana leaves, and traditional Hmong-style black pudding. Tasting sets of local rice and corn wine are also of interest to curious travelling foodies. Do not miss to try the delicate rainbow-trout rice-paper rolls, think of them as 'Sapa sushi'.

Address: 37 Fansipan Street, Sapa

Paradise View Restaurant

Located in the center of Sapa town, Paradise View Restaurant is a perfect spot for awesome meals with great ambience and beautiful view. Here, tourists can have a chance to enjoy a number of scrumptious dishes including bean soup seasoned with mountain herbs, banana flower salad, crème brulee as well as salmon hot pot. Moreover, staff of the restaurant is lovely, hospital and friendly who offers outstanding customers services.

Address: 018 Pham Xuan Huan, Sapa

Nature View

Another location in which you can dine with a fantastic view of the hilly surroundings, Nature View, stays true to its name. On the menu are a mix of delicious Vietnamese and Western food items, and the dining experience is only further enhanced by the lovely service. It is also a great place to take some time to yourself, sit outside, above the clouds, and sip some local Lao Cai coffee as you enjoy a great book. The chicken sautéed in lemongrass and basil, grilled salmon, and the yoghurt sautéed chicken are worth a special mention. It is opened 24 hours.

Address: 61 Fansipan, Sapa

Good Morning Vietnam

Good Morning Vietnam is has attractive wooden furniture and you can observe the beautiful landscape from the window. The menu includes vegetarian food, Vietnamese food, and a little bit of Western food. The recommended dishes in this restaurant are coconut chicken curry and honey duck. The amazing views are also complemented by the professional and friendly staff of the restaurant.

Address: 63B Fansipan, Sapa

Anise Sapa Restaurant

As a mid-range restaurant, Anise Sapa has a varied menu of Vietnamese food, Western food, and vegetarian food. The restaurant has a brick fireplace and is decorated with ethnic items and pictures of Sapa on the wall. Chicken schnitzel and smoked sausage are the most recommended dishes. The chef and staff are friendly, professional, and they even speak good English.

Address: 21 Xuan Vien, Sapa

Read more: What to do when you are in Sapa

Le Gecko

With Le Gecko, you can identify the integration of French classic option and Vietnamese ingredients. Being renowned for awesome French cuisine, Le Gecko is always proud to offer best aromatic food with best drink at a reasonable price. Here, you can also have a lot of choices for your meal ranging from burgers, breakfasts, steaks, salads, pork, seafood, chicken, beef and so on.

Address: 04 Ham Rong, Sapa

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Top 8 attractions in Tokyo, Japan

With so much to see and do in Tokyo, the list of must-sees is potentially endless. Narrow your search with these top 8 Tokyo attractions.

Tokyo National Museum

The Tokyo National Museum is enormous, spread across multiple galleries and structures in Ueno Park. If you’re tight on time, make your way to the Main Gallery (Honkan) for a chronological exploration of Japanese history and art.

Takeshita-dori

Colorful and lively Takeshita Street is located in Harajuku and is one of the district’s most iconic attractions. The shopping area is packed with small shops and vendors selling offbeat fashions, quirky souvenirs, and everything kawaii.

Senso-ji

Senso-ji is one of Tokyo’s most visited temples. Not only because of its sheer size and cultural significance but because it claims to be the oldest of the city’s temples. The surrounding historic district and shopping street, Nakamise-dori, also contribute to Senso-ji’s popularity.

Hamarikyu Onshi Teien

This traditional Japanese strolling garden was once the property of the Tokugawa Clan, the former shoguns of Edo. Don’t forget to visit the antique teahouse located within its walls, Nakajima no Ochaya, for the full experience.

Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya Crossing is known as the busiest pedestrian scramble in the world in terms of foot traffic. It’s the perfect starting point to any exploration further into the district.

Tokyo Dome

The Yomiuri Giants, Japan’s oldest professional baseball team, call the Tokyo Dome home. But the multipurpose structure also hosts concerts and other sporting events as well. Catch a game rain or shine, or spend an hour browsing the nearby Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame.

Golden Gai

Golden Gai is a collection of narrow alleys and two-story bars, a rare sight in the metropolis of Shinjuku. Most are so small they can only accommodate a handful of customers, which is the reasoning behind the hefty seating charges. It has mostly been taken over by visitors in recent years, but you’ll still encounter the odd locals-only signage or chilly reception now and then.

Read more: Things to do in Asakusa, Tokyo

Tokyo Skytree

Located in Sumida Ward, Tokyo Skytree is the tallest structure in the entire prefecture and a popular attraction among locals and visitors alike. Shop and dine at the Skytree Village, or make your way to the observatories for a new perspective on Tokyo.

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Illegal things to avoid when traveling to Singapore

Singapore is known for having very strict laws and a zero-tolerance policy, which is why the country has one of the lowest crime rates in the world.

But some of the things that are considered illegal are, well, kind of normal, especially to a visitor. Avoid getting fined or arrested by NOT doing the following things.

Chewing gum

One of the most well-known items banned in this list, Singapore has taken a strong stance against chewing gum since its ban in 2004. Unless it is used for medical purposes (like nicotine gum, for example), chewing gum is generally banned in Singapore. Furthermore, if you are caught selling chewing gum, you could face a penalty as high as SGD 100,000.

Nudity

Not only is it illegal be nude in public, you can be fined up to $2,000 and be put in jail for up to three months if you are nude in your own home and someone catches a glimpse of you through the window.

According to the government website, “Any person who appears nude in a public place or in a private place and is exposed to public view, shall be guilty of an offense.” Make sure the curtains are closed before changing into your pajamas!

Connecting to someone else's wifi 

Using a Wifi signal, even if it is an open signal, is considered hacking unless you have permission to use it. This is a serious offense that is punished with a $10,000 fine and even jail time.

Annoying someone with a musical instrument

Singapore's statutes state that playing an instrument in a public place in "a manner as to cause or be likely to cause annoyance to any person lawfully using a public road or in any public place shall be guilty of an offense" that includes a fine of up to $1,000.

E-cigarettes

Despite various reports of e-cigarettes being less harmful than actual cigarettes, Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has maintained its stance on the cigarette substitute, arguing that it could be a gateway for non-smokers to get addicted to tobacco. It has been banned in Singapore since 2011, with a penalty fine of $5,000 imposed if you are caught importing or distributing it.

Vandalism 

This is a serious offense in the country but does not just refer to the destruction of property or graffiti. Hanging posters advertising a concert, banners for a festival, or flags is also prohibited. Penalities include fines and even jail time in more extreme cases.

Taking durian onto public transportation

Love it or hate it, the durian splits opinion with many disagreeing when it comes to the spiky fruit. Some people find the stench so unbearable that it prompted the government to ban the king of fruits on all public buses and trains. How bad is the stench? While some laud it for its pleasantly sweet and creamy scent, others have described it to have a pungent, almost sulphur-like stench.

Drugs

This is not a surprise, right? Drugs are illegal in most countries. But Singapore takes things up a notch.

The country's police are authorized to run a random drug test on both locals and visiting foreigners wherever they want to. If you are in the country and you test positive, even if you did not take the drugs in Singapore, you are looking at some serious jail time.

Read more: 6 food centres to visit in Singapore

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Most underrated destinations in Dubai

Dubai is a major tourist stop to see the world’s biggest, tallest, and richest. But there is so much more than this to Dubai, and for those who want to experience the more historical and residential parts of Dubai; here are a list of some of the most underrated places to visit in Dubai.

Souq Naif

While many tourists rush to the Gold or Spice Souq for shopping in Dubai, Souq Naif is the market for the more adventurous traveler. From sparkling Arabic inspired dresses to Persian carpets, from local sweets and dates to Indian run snack shops, this enormous souq will give you a glimpse into the local market life for the residents of Dubai.

Mirdif City Centre

This shopping center is one of those underrated places that all travelers should stop by. It has a friendly, family atmosphere, and is the perfect place for people watching the local Emirati families and Arab residents of Dubai do their shopping. Mirdif City Centre also has enough brand name shops, cute cafes, delicious restaurants, and touristy shops to fulfill all your mall needs.

Al Mamzar Beach Park

Many tourists will stick to the glitzier beaches of Jumeriah and JBR, but Al Mamzar Beach Park is just as wonderful for a relaxing soak in the sun or walk along the corniche. Here you won’t be bombarded by tourists trying to squeeze in a spot on the sand, but instead enjoy a clean beach, green park, local families, and even delicious food stalls. For those who wear the hijab or would rather enjoy the beach without the prying eyes of men, Al Mamzar Beach also has women-only days.

Dubai Desert Conservation Centre

A trip to Dubai is not complete without an excursion into the desert, however it can be hard to choose which tour or which experience you want to pay for. Instead of paying for a tourist-trap trip, why not support the Dubai Desert Conservation Centre, which aims to educate about local wildlife in the desert as well as provide guided tours into the desert to experience the authentic desert and culture of the Emirates. You’ll be able to ride camels, hold a falcon, and even spend a night in the desert while learning about the traditional ecosystem of Dubai.

Dubai Museum

While many tourists see Dubai as a modern and even futuristic city for the most globalized of citizens, many forget that Dubai has a historical and traditional past that all Emiratis are proud to protect and treasure. Instead of getting trapped in the materialistic aspects of the city, why not stop by the Dubai Museum located in the ancient Al Fahidi Fort for an educational experience, find out about the life of Emirati Bedouins, and traditional local culture. You won’t regret this experience and will walk away with a whole new appreciation for the history of Dubai.

See more: 5 best shopping malls for shopaholics in Dubai

Source: theculturetrip

Best beaches in Koh Samui, Thailand

Koh Samui is one of Thailand's largest island, and also popular for its beachgoers looking for long stretches of white sand and clear water stretching to the horizon. The island is reachable by ferry from the mainland, and there’s also an international airport that receives regional flights from large urban centers like Bangkok.

Lipa Noi

Lipa Noi’s proximity to the island’s ferry port makes it a great choice for visitors who want to hit the beach without wasting valuable time traveling all over the island needlessly. Lipa Noi is one of the islands best swimming beaches due to its white sand and the lack of underwater dangers, like jagged chunks of rock and coral found on some of the island’s other beaches. The water is shallow and increases very gradually, making it possible for an adult to stand with their head above water more than 100 meters out.

Lipa Noi is home to some of the island’s most popular seafood restaurants. Likewise, the lodging options run the full range to fit nearly every travel budget. The waterfront sports a few ritzy seaside villas, but there are inexpensive bungalows available that are just a hop, skip, and jump from the beach too.

Silver Beach

Characterized by the majestic boulders jutting from its aquamarine water and stretches of ruggedly beautiful beaches reminiscent of Tom Hanks’ island sanctuary in Castaway, Silver Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches you’ll likely ever see no matter where your travels do. By the size, Silver Beach is one of the smallest islands and it’s also home to a few of the island’s original resorts that have been catering to foreign travelers for decades.

Crystal Bay Beach Resort and Silver Beach Resort are a few of the most popular, sporting private stretches of beach that are typically reserved for their guests, but rumor has it that it’s really a public beach and that they just post the no trespassing signs to keep the riff-raff out.

Snorkeling is particularly fun in the clear, boulder-strewn waters, and depending on the tide, you’re likely to see a variety of fish and marine crustaceans.

Bophut Beach

Known for its alluring Fisherman’s Village, exotic local markets, and swanky, comfortable seaside resorts and restaurants, Bophut Beach has a little something for everyone. Bophut Beach is a narrow arc filled with white sand and framed by majestic clusters of palm trees. For those interested in doing some cultural sightseeing, the Big Buddha Temple just inland is a magnificent place that’s well worth the trip, especially for those who’ve never seen a real-life Buddhist Temple up close and personally.

Dining and lodging options abound, and unlike many other nearby beaches, there’s plenty to see and do to fill your time if you can only stand laying on the beach for an hour or two at a time.

Taling Ngam

Due mainly to its proximity to the Anthong Marine National Park, Taling Ngam is one of the cleanest and most picturesque of all of Koh Samui’s beaches, and it probably won’t be overdeveloped anytime soon. It’s located on the island’s southwest corner nearest to the mainland, making it a convenient option for those who’d rather get their fill of quality beach time instead of exploring.

Taling Ngam’s remoteness is its greatest asset for many visitors, but for those who prefer to be close to town, it’s probably not a good choice. Nathon is the largest nearby town and is about 20 minutes away by taxi, and Chaweng is about an hour.

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Things to know before visiting Nepal

Nepal is largely a very conservative and traditional society. It has deep cultural roots in Buddhism, Hinduism and a complicated tribal and caste system. As a result, there are many customs and taboos that you should try our best to observe. Many of the following guidelines would come under a general banner of polite subtlety and respect.

Do not mess with them yaks

You are bound to come across several yaks acting as caravans for locals in the alpine regions. These yaks are also called Bos Grunniens. Make sure to steer clear of their paths as they can be rather hostile at the slightest hint of intimidation. This can be attributed to them having weak hearing and visual abilities. They more than make up for that with a weight of 400 kg, heavy and strong enough to take on even bigger animals than themselves. So if you come across some yaks on your way, step aside and let them pass by.

Hand etiquette

Most Nepalis, especially Hindus, consider the left hand to be unclean. You should always therefore shake hands, offer and receive with the right hand. This is generally a good idea quite apart from the cultural aspect as the left is the one they will have used for nasty jobs like those immediately before exiting the long drop. An additional mark of respect or gratitude is shown by touching the right elbow with the left hand whilst giving or receiving with the right.

Do not carry equipment by fake labels

Another important thing to not do is to be tempted by cheap prices and as a result, carry or use defective equipment or gear when going to treks through the mountains of the Himalayan ranges. Along with carrying probiotics, it is also incredibly important to carry with you. May it will be trekking shoes, walking sticks, sweaters, windcheaters, thermals, etc. Do not be fooled by cheap prices, instead buy products by certified brands and labels. The defective products may look exactly like the original ones but these ultimately prove their worth when they fail the test of austere weather and terrain conditions.

Environmental and social issues in Nepal

Nepal is a developing nation that can struggle to keep up with the influx of tourists. Be aware of the waste you create while on your trek. Try to unwrap new kit and supplies while at home, where it can be properly disposed of. Also, filter your water instead of buying disposable plastic bottles. There is no way for disposable plastic bottles to be recycled in Nepal and the tourism industry accounts for millions of plastic waste each year.

Do not trash the trail. Pack out your trash, or dispose of it in provided waste bins. If you really want to do your part, pick up a few items of trash that you spot along your way. A little goes a long way in protecting a high alpine environment. Try to be conscious of purchasing items with a lot of packaging. Also, do not ever put trash in the teahouse stoves.

Shopping and souvenir

Nepal is paradise for the shopaholic. Unique, handmade products are always the best kind of souvenir for your family and friends.

Shopping can be very rewarding and exciting in Kathmandu. There are plenty of street vendors that sell interesting gifts, as well as large commercial areas with malls. Nepal has some particularly popular areas for shopping in its major cities

Learning Nepalese languages

Local languages give you excitement during your visit to Nepal. Learning a few words and local dialogue will help you communicate with the locals and help you understand their languages and lifestyles. As travelers, you will find the locals are the most informative people when traveling around in Nepal.

Read more: 10 best places to visit in Nepal

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Top 5 classic Singaporean street foods

Singapore may be among the world’s smallest countries, but what it lacks in size it makes up for with an astonishing culinary variety. Here are 5 street food items that shouldn’t be missed.

Frog porridge

Don’t be put off by the name – frog porridge is one of the cleanest dishes you’ll ever eat, and far from a tourist-baiting piece of grotesquery. Frogs are marinated in soy, spring onions and wine, with spicy chili and milder ginger variations common. Cooked well, the frog meat is succulent, sweet and unbelievably delicate. Rumors that it tastes just like chicken may be exaggerated, but there are some similarities. The porridge that accompanies it is gloopy yet light. It often comes with a green onion sauce in most hawker stalls.

Hainanese chicken rice

Hainanese chicken rice is one of the most popular Singaporean dishes and often considered as one of their national dishes by locals and foreigners. Although it’s just a simple combination of boiled chicken, paired with flavorful rice and sauce, this Hainanese influenced dish, ranks as one of the most popular and beloved dishes to eat in Singapore.

Bak kut teh

Bak kut teh, literally means "meat bone tea", is a Chinese soup that is one of those most-wanted dishes in Singapore. This dish consists of meaty pork ribs simmered in a complex broth of herbs and spices. This dish is usually coupled with tea in the belief that tea will help dissolve a large amount of fat in the soup.

Curry laksa

If you try only one dish in Singapore, make it laksa. The hallmark of Peranakan cuisine, which melds Malay and Chinese influences, laksa is a creamy coconut sauce filled with vermicelli noodles and fried bean curd. Slices of fish, shrimp and cockles are added for a hearty yet healthy meal. Like fish head curry, it can be enjoyed in a tamarind-filled asam variant which adds shredded mackerel and pieces of mangosteen.

Satay

Listed at number 14 on the World’s 50 most delicious foods, compiled by CNNGo in 2011, satay is a must-try dish in Singapore. The satay dish includes skewers of grilled meat, sliced cucumbers, sliced onions, pressed rice cakes, served with thick, sweet, and hot peanut sauce on the side.

See more: 5 best places to eat Hainanese chicken rice in Singapore

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Top snorkeling spots in Malaysia

After monsoon season has passed and the waters become still, Malaysia transforms into an exotic getaway of white beaches and waters filled with rainbow-colored coral reefs. Several of these lively reefs are close the surface of the water, making them easily accessible to snorkelers.

Sipadan Island

Sipadan Island's blue water is 500 meters deep. It has become a hanging garden filled with radiant corals. It is ideal for Wall Diving. For starters, we suggest diving within the 3-6-meter area. Swim with the turtle friends and bumphead parrot fishes at the Turtle Tomb. Be amazed with a school fishes at the Barracuda Point; visit the Mid-Reef, home to hard corals and reef fishes.

Langkawi Island

Snorkelling is a ‘must-do’ recreation activity when holidaying at Langkawi Island to explore marine life. The best places to snorkel around the island are at Datai Bay Beach and Chabang Island (a near 10-minute walk from Tanjung Rhu Beach). Since Datai Bay Beach is a private beach, we recommend staying at the Andaman Resort and the Datai Resort. We also recommend taking boat rides to Pulau Payer Marine Park and Pulau Dangli Beach. Ask the boat operators when the best time is to dive and explore the reefs.

Redang Island

All the resorts in Redang Island offer snorkelling trips for travellers. The guides will be there to assist you in your snorkelling adventures. Explore Tanjung Tengah, known as the Shark Bay, where you can see a group of baby black-tip sharks between April and August. Ensure to snorkel carefully to avoid damages to the corals. Make your way to Tanjung Mak Cantik which is along the rocky outcrop on the right. The left side of rocky outcrop is for experienced divers. Visit the Marine Park Centre that leads to the vast barrier reef filled with wondrous marine life.

Tioman Island

Snorkelling in Tioman Island is popular among tourists. There are plenty of snorkelling sites, including holiday resorts for you to rent the gear. Coral Island and Malang Rocks has plenty of marine life to explore. Renggis Island is one of the best spot to snorkel in this tropical island. Its shallow waters provide a magnificent view of corals in the vast reefs. Have fun with the turtles, puffer fishes and clown fishes at the Salang Beach.

Perhentian Island

Perhentian Island is one of the recommended tropical islands to learn diving. We suggest taking either the PADI Open Water Diver course at Anti-Gravity Divers Dive School. Guided by professional instructors, you will be taken to the beautiful underwater world of marine life and natural corals. The popular diving sites to explore are Tokong Laut, Romantic Bay and Sugar Wreck. Alternatively, you can go snorkelling near the jetty pier at Long Beach or join the snorkelling trips at Sea Sport Centre.

See more: 6 best beaches in Malaysia

Source: theculturetrip