Taste the unique cuisine in Ha Giang, Vietnam

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Traveling to Ha Giang will offer visitors many exciting experiences because Ha Giang owns not only majestic natural landscapes, endless winding roads but also the beauty of flowers, the hospitality of local people and a lot of culinary specialties.

Thang Co

Referred to as the must-try food in Ha Giang, Thang Co, carrying an unforgettable flavor will be an interesting experience for your Vietnam package tour. It is believed that Thang Co is derived from China, and later it was spread towards the mountainous areas of northern Vietnam.

Looking at the pot of the food, you probably find it difficult to recognize ingredients used to cook it, but simply, there are just pork (beef or horsemeat is an alternative), its organs, some herbs, and seeds. It is very stimulating sit around the pot and savor a hot bowl of thang co while talking to the locals about their culture.

Tam Giac Mach Cake

The cake is made from Tam Giac Mach grains dried and ground into flour. Many people have not ever thought about the use of this grain kind, but the cake from it is actually amazing to try. You will see the cake is shaped in rounds and grilled on the light fire. Its smell will attract anyone around. It is quite cheap to savor one when you are traveling to Ha Giang; it just costs about VND 10,000.

Reu Nuong

As a unique dish of Tay ethnic people in Ha Giang Province, reu nuong has its own taste. For a delicious grilled moss, Tay ethnic people often choose the youngest moss patches, skillfully separate the slime on the outside then mix them with some spices as salt, season, eryngo leaves, etc. All are wrapped in leaves then grilled. This dish is good for health, so it is loved by many people.

Banh Cuon Trung

As a type of rice wrapper rolls, but rice wrapper rolls with egg in Ha Giang is not eaten with sauce as usual. Instead, rice flour paste pouring in the stove is added to egg, and then using the paste layer to wrap the egg. After preparation, eaters will use it with a bow of bouillon added lean pork paste. This dish can be eaten when hot or cold, but the delicious taste is always kept thanks to the fat taste of egg and the bold flavor of bouillon.

Com Lam

Com Lam is a special gift of Ha Giang, and also a food that tourists often choose to buy. Like other types of rice across the country, this one is cooked with bamboo and neohouzeaua on rose fire. It is both delicious and flexible and hard to break. So many people here often bring it to work on the farm.

It is not too difficult to cook, or expensive. People use delicious sticky rice soaked, washed and sprinkle with a little salt. After the preliminary processing, they put glutinous rice into bamboo tubes and bamboo then pour water just right, cover it and burn it on charcoal. When burning, the cook must rotate it to radiate heat around the bamboo. If you split bamboo pipes, you can enjoy the wonderful rice balls inside.

Thang Den

Do not hesitate to try a bowl of thang den when you make a Vietnam package tour to Ha Giang. It will surely give you a great experience. It is easy to realize some ingredients inside the food as it includes balls made from sticky rice flour and ground peas as the filling and is boiled in water. This is a sweet soup, so you will see some related items, such as coconut milk, peanuts, and sesame. To those who love sweet soups in Vietnam, trying thang den is definitely a must.

See more: What to do in Ha Giang, Vietnam

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5 best multiple-country trips in Asia

Asia is without doubt one of the best regions of the world for an exciting multi-country holiday. With so many countries relatively close together, it seems almost like a wasted opportunity to see only one.

Cultural tour of Southeast Asian capitals

A tour that traverses the capitals of Thailand, Laos and Cambodia is a great way to delve into local history and culture. There are many similarities between these three countries at surface level, but a multi-country trip like this can expose the nuances of each culture to reveal three proudly distinct nations. Compare modern capitals with ancient kingdoms, see how Buddhist temples differ, cruise the countries’ rivers, see their museums and learn about their local handicrafts.

This 12-day, 11-night tour begins in Bangkok, giving you time to take in the capital’s most famous sights – the Grand Palace and the home of the reclining Buddha, Wat Pho – getting you around the city via river ferry, canal boat and tuk tuk. Next it’s off to Luang Prabang, where you swap bustling streets with serene mountainscapes, before heading to Vientiane, the smallest capital city in the world. In Cambodia, you’ll be charmed by the capital, Phnom Penh, before heading to Siem Reap to see an ancient capital on the grandest scale at Angkor Wat.

Mekong River journey

This epic journey begins in picturesque Kengtung in the mountains of Shan State, in the far eastern reaches of Myanmar. From here, you’ll make your way down through Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, traveling on the Mekong, overland and by taking short flights. You’ll stop in myriad little towns and some big cities along the way, meeting local communities, enjoying cultural activities and even taking part in sustainability projects. Temples, markets, ancient ruins, palaces, museums, serene countryside and idyllic shores are all part of this amazing multi-country trip.

An Indochine foodie trip

This tour from Vientiane, Laos through Cambodia to Halong Bay in Vietnam, combines must-see sights with must-eat dishes. Certain Vietnamese dishes have already won worldwide acclaim but on this trip you’ll also learn about Laos food. For instance, did you know that many of your favorite Thai dishes originated in Laos? Add in the influence of French gastronomy and you have a foodie tour with true breadth – and good wine. Eat through seven cities and three nations on this multi-country Asia holiday, peppered with iconic experiences: a meal at Angkor Wat, dinner about a private boat on Halong Bay, a Hanoi city tour by Vespa, a cooking class in Luang Prabang.

A short trip from Bangkok to Angkor Wat

For many travelers to Southeast Asia, Thailand is at the top of the list of must-see places. Bangkok itself is worthy of indepth exploration, and this tour gives you a couple of days in ‘the Big Mango’ to see the main sights such as the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. You’ll also have some time for choice of different urban expeditions, from cruising the canals of Thonburi to exploring vibrant Chinatown.

Next, it’s off to Siem Reap, where you’ll waste no time getting to the most famed of ancient temple complexes, Angkor Wat. You’ll explore the site with a guide, who can explain the building’s intricate architecture and countless bas-reliefs. The next morning, you’ll rise early to see another famous local landmark, Ta Prohm, wreathed in vines and roots and tinted green with moss. The smaller Banteay Srey and the famous Angkor Thom are also part of the day’s travels. In the evening, you’ll enjoy a unique performance by local troupe, Phare Circus, whose lithe acrobatics tell a deeper story about Cambodian society.

On the final day of your trip, you’ll enjoy a boat cruise on the Tonle Sap lake. You’ll cruise to an local village where the school, temple, houses and even an ice factory are all over water. You’ll have lunch in traditional stilt house over the river then return to Siem Reap in time to do some souvenir shopping before your onward transfer.

See more: 7 perfect day trip in Thailand

Source: Internet

A 3-day itinerary in Phu Quy Island, Vietnam

Phu Quy, 120 kilometers (74 miles) from Phan Thiet resort town in the south-central province of Binh Thuan, is not big or crowded like its better-known counterparts Phu Quoc and Nam Du. If you have this thing for lovely islands but are worried about accommodation, food and transport, here’s an itinerary from seasoned travelers for a three-day trip to Phu Quy for a castaway-esque experience.

Day 1: Trieu Duong Bay – Bai Nho – Ganh Hang

Trieu Duong Bay, just a kilometer from Phu Quy Harbor, is touted as one of the most beautiful beaches on the island and indeed one of the few beach gems in Vietnam not yet overrun by tourists. Be prepared to be mesmerized by the beauty of its crystal blue water and soft white sands surrounded by lines of evergreen poplar trees glittering in the warm sunshine.

For beach enthusiasts, there’s nothing better than wearing shades and lying on the sands and listening to the sweet melody of the waves until the sun goes down. A few miles from the beautiful bay is Bai Nho (Small Beach) – Ganh Hang, a crescent-shaped beach with rocks protruding into the sea. Some tipped that there are little fishing boats anchoring along the beach, which means that you can feel free to go deeper into the crystal blue waters before diving to see the amazing coral reefs.

Since it is still off the beaten path, tourist services are somewhat scanty. Don’t expect a fancy world of restaurants and bars, but instead try a BBQ buffet on a deserted beach.

Day 2: Van An Thanh – Linh Son Pagoda – Cam Mountain

The island is home to around 28,000 people, most of whom are traditional fisherfolk. It is little surprise therefore that whales are venerated here and considered sacred guardians with magical powers who protect fishermen from dangers at sea.

To dig deeper into long-held local traditions, you should spend your second day visiting Van An Thanh Temple, where the skeletons of over 100 whales, dolphins and turtles are worshipped by locals. The temple, built in 1741, is a repository of legends about whales saving fishermen from rough seas and enabling them to return home safely.

Besides, Linh Son Pagoda, which sits at the top of Cao Cat Mountain at 106 meters above sea level, also carries a divine and mysterious aura that has stood the test of time for more than a century. You have to climb 100 steps to reach the pagoda, but it rewards you with tranquil and holy atmosphere, highlighted by a statue of Guan Yin, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, standing solemnly and facing the sea.

A tougher climb, one that challenges even young visitors but leaves them with an unforgettable experience, is up the country’s highest lighthouse at 108 meters above sea level on top of Cam Mountain. The only way up is over 120 winding stone steps up. From the top of Cam Mountain, you can get a breathtaking view of the amazing scenery below. Make sure you take a camera along.

Climbing down of the mountain after dusk is slightly dangerous, so you are encouraged to stay overnight and wake up at the crack of dawn to see the first rays of sunshine.

Day 3: Windmill farms

The isolated island has three giant windmills that provide electricity to its residents. One experience not to be missed is standing on the top of Cam Mountain and watching the giant blades, a unique symbol of the island. The route to the windmills is also stunning, with the blue ocean on one side and a row of trees along the road.

Food list

If you’re a fan of food fresh from the sea, leave your stomach empty and try some of the signature seafood dishes of the island such as king crab and star crab. You might need to make advance reservation with your hotel owners.

Take your time and savor the treats of the beachside place like rice spaghetti cooked with fresh shrimp, crab or meat, crispy pancakes that go with fish sauce and fresh herbs, and Vietnamese fermented fish rice noodle soup.

See more: Reasons to visit Phu Quy island

Source: Internet  

Spend 2 days in Da Lat, Vietnam

Both foreigners and Vietnamese tourists alike flock to Da Lat for some cool fresh air and beautiful sights. If you travel through Vietnam, you really should try to spend at least a couple of days in Da Lat, and here’s how to spend your time.

Day One: Motorbike Tour

You’ve just arrived by bus or plane and your legs probably feel a bit like jelly, so let’s save the hikes and walkabouts for day two. For day one, get on a motorbike and have a look around. You could rent one for yourself and head out to explore, but why not let a trained guide do the driving while you relax on the back? There are numerous reputable tour companies that would love to plop a helmet on you and show you around town.

Crazy House

After you’ve rolled around Da Lat and the surrounding hillsides, head to Hằng Nga Guesthouse—more commonly known as Crazy House. It’s a weird and wonderful piece of expressionist architecture that will both amaze and confuse you. Crazy House is the brainchild of architect Đặng Việt Nga, built with just cement, rebar and creativity. It will only take you about an hour to explore this unique place, and it’s also a great spot to watch the sun as it sets. You can even book one of the themed rooms to stay in for the night!

Head to the Night Market

This one will depend on which day you’re in Da Lat, since it’s only open on Saturday and Sunday nights. Even if the full-blown market isn’t available, the area still has plenty of shopping and street food on the other nights. The air is filled with chatter and the smells of delicious snacks. We recommend you try Dalat Pizza. Look for signs that say “Bánh Tráng Nướng.”

Day Two: Get some coffee

Some of the best coffee in Vietnam comes from Da Lat. The beans that grow at these high altitudes need to be robust—hence the name of the strain that grows here: Robusta. Try your brew with some ice and condensed milk like they do in Ho Chi Minh City, or have an egg coffee. You’ll need some caffeine in you before heading out for the day.

Go on a canyoning excursion

Disclaimer: This is only for fit, physically capable people. If you aren’t comfortable abseiling down cliffs and waterfalls, then skip right on ahead to the next section.

For those of you still here, this is a wild adventure through ravines, rivers and waterfalls. It’s certainly not for the faint of heart, though, because you’ll be putting a lot of trust in lengths of thin nylon ropes. Your heart will probably try to thump its way out of your chest more than once as you take ‘trust falls’ into dark caverns of gushing water.

Finish the day off around Xuan Huong Lake

This lake is the focal point of Da Lat. For a great experience, walk around the lake and see what’s happening. Usually you can find some authentic street food stalls set up, and it’s a great chance to meet locals and talk with them about their lives. Groups of friends and family gather around the lake to relax and spend time together. As you roam around, don’t be surprised if some of them want to speak with you. They’re often curious to learn more about foreigners and their countries. We recommend you bring the drink of your choice and find a nice spot around the lake to watch the lights flicker off the water. It’s a great way to finish your trip, especially if you spent half the day hiking into deep ravines.

See more: The best foods for the cold weather in Da Lat

Source: Internet

Things to do in Ha Noi during Tet Holiday

Here are the top things to do during Tet Holiday in Ha Noi. Lunar New Year is probably the most-awaited eve of the year when people in the country finally get to lay down their back after a full year of hard working.

If summer is “the time for holiday” to most people, Tet in Vietnam is just like another “party time” when people eventually find themselves good places to make a getaway. Now follow us to discover your own Tet in the capital.

Explore Ngoc Son Temple

At Hoan Kiem Lake, you can find Ha Noi’s most visited temple Ngoc Son temple, meaning “Temple of the Jade Mountain”. Ngoc Son Temple was built in the 18th century in commemoration for General Tran Hung Dao, scholar Van Xuong and Confucian master Nguyen Van Sieu. It is located on a small island on the lake, and is connected to the shore by the iconic Rising Sun Bridge. The bridge is often lit at night. Also, the pagoda has two towering posts decorated with Chinese writing.

Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake is a popular place for a weekend hang out, especially at Tet. Annually, there will be big flower festival around the lake at Lunar New Year. There is also Tet Flower Market in Hang Luoc Street if you want to enjoy the beauty of peach blossoms or buy some to bring to your hometown. Tet in Ha Noi always bring home to mind, especially to Hanoians, this is the time when they can truly return to their childhood. Hoan Kiem Lake’s Flower Festival will not be a bad choice if you want to find the breath of Tet around the capital.

Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda

The Tran Quoc Pagoda is a Buddhist center located on the East side of the West Lake. It has a history of more than 1500 years. Although it is definitely worth a visit, it is crowded there during Tet. It was busier at Tran Quoc Pagoda than at Ngoc Son Temple. A lot of local people went to say their prayers, which creates a walking line to get in. If you are interested in seeing the praying, it is definitely worth a visit. However, if you are a bit claustrophobic, go early and avoid the crowds.

Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Started in 1973, the construction of the mausoleum was modeled on Lenin's mausoleum in Russia and was first open to the public in 1975. The granite building meant a great deal for many locals as it ensures that their beloved leader ‘lives on forever’.

Security is tight and visitors should dress with respect (no shorts, sleeveless shirts and miniskirts) and everyone has to deposit their bags and cameras before getting in. Visitors are not allowed to stop and hold the constant queue up as the place is constantly busy. Uncle Ho’s remains are sent yearly to Russia for maintenance therefore the mausoleum is closed usually from October onwards. It’s best to recheck with your hotel tour desk before visiting. Admission is free but donations are accepted.

Enjoy street food

It is one of the things Ha Noi is known for awesome street food. A good way to spot a good street food restaurant is if you see a lot of (local) people eating there. Simple as that. Also, if a lot of people are sitting there, you can also sneak peak how the food looks like.

During Tet there are still enough street food vendors open, although less than normally. However, this really was not a problem, because there were enough options.

See more: Discover Ha Noi through its famous structures

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Top 5 best rooftop bars in Saigon, Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is one of the most genuine cities in Asia with great culture, friendly people and superb prices. The rooftop bars also have all these criteria’s. There are also many great rooftop swimming pools here. So, which is the best rooftop bar in Ho Chi Minh? Just scroll down and find the Saigon rooftop bar best suited for you.

Rex Rooftop Garden at Rex Hotel Saigon

Rex Rooftop Garden at Rex Hotel Saigon makes up for its modest height with breath-taking views of Vietnam’s French colonial structures such as Saigon Opera House and People’s Committee Hall. Set on the fifth floor, it is also fitted with an elevated stage and dancefloor, hosting live Latino bands and salsa performances at 20:00 onwards. The price range here is fairly in line with most rooftop bars in Ho Chi Minh City, but you can enjoy selected alcohols at about 20% off from 17:00 to 19:00.

Address: Rex Hotel Saigon, 141 Nguyen Hue Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

EON Heli Bar 

EON takes the crown as Saigon’s highest rooftop bar, and it does it by a long shot, it is located on the 52nd floor of Bitexco, up until recently Saigon’s tallest building. Maybe it is because the bar is so high up that the owners felt the need to make it indoors. Picture windows that make up the walls still allow for phenomenal vistas of practically the entire central city, but you may not feel quite so “at-one” with the city as in a rooftop bar where you can feel the outside air on your skin.

Perhaps making up for that fact, though, is a huge drink menu that includes all manner of wines and cocktails. There are also popular DJs and live acoustic acts that pay at EON regularly. The prices are not as stratospherically high as the bar itself, but they will run you at least $10 per drink unless you go during the happy hour at 1:00 to 4:00 PM.

Address: 2 Hai Trieu, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Chill Sky Bar

This is probably one of the few bars which has the most romantic and prime position in Saigon. The whole city looks vivid and colorful in front of your eyes when you stand in Chill Sky Bar that sits on the 25th floor of Saigon’s AB Tower. It is hard to find any minus point of this bar because it is completely fine in all aspects, ranging from the food to the services. Everything is all lavish and perfect. The cocktails here have always been ranked as “10 quality points” by stylish customers. The bar also has cool and stylish DJs. The music they play is good and even a little mysterious, making you just want to dance and have yourself sunk into it.

Chill Sky is truly suitable for couples, friends, tourists who like coming here to enjoy great views and take photos. Please remember that before any arrival, you need to wear courteous clothes because the bar can refuse to serve you if you wore flip flops.

Address: 76A Le Lai Rooftop of AB Tower, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

OMG Rooftop Bar

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Not energetic like Chill Bar and monumental like Shri, OMG Rooftop is simply a place to admire Saigon’s night. Located in the rooftop surrounded by Saigon crowded streets, OMG emerges like a jewel with a bar beautified by an Asian style in the 90s. It brings to you an interesting experience when contemplating the whole area around Ben Thanh market, which is very colorful and lively. OMG has soft and warm interior design in which the light is cleverly integrated. The bar also offers you a subtle, youthful and dynamic Saigon. The food and drink here is very good with a reasonable price.

Stepping inside OMG, chatting with friends or just sipping a glass of Virgin Plum Mojito is a smart choice. You can simply sit here and then enjoy the comfortable seating, cool breeze and an amazing view, of course. Staffs in the bar are very friendly and enthusiastic that will be always present when you call. That makes OMG little by little become a well-known rooftop bar in Saigon.

Address: 15-17-19 Nguyen An Ninh, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar

Opened in 1959, Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar is an iconic landmark in Ho Chi Minh City as the setting for daily war correspondents briefing during the Vietnam War. The bar is set on the ninth floor of the Caravelle Saigon, featuring fairy lights, wooden furnishing, plenty of foliage for a cosy ambience, and views of Lam Son Square. Daily happy hour promos at Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar are between 16:00 and 19:00 where you can enjoy 50% off your total bill. All drinks are also served with a selection of snacks such as nuts, dried fruits, and shrimp.

Address: 19 Lam Son Square, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

See more: Best places to spend your Christmas in Saigon

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Discover Hue: Bach Ma National Park

The Bach Ma National Park is located in the south of Hue city. This region is nature lover's paradise, when you come here, you will be surrounded with all sorts of plants, trees, and wild animals.

What to bring along?

It is a mountainous journey so make sure to keep your backpack light. You should not to carry all your luggage with you. Except for you are travelling from Hue to Da Nang, Hoi An and then your next trip is Bach Ma. So some necessary things for the trip are:

• Mineral water and much water for cooking if you have camping
• Rain coat
• Sun cream
• Swimming suit and towel
• Map
• Lighter
• Anti-bug spray
• Some snack

Best time to visit Bach Ma National Park

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You can visit Bach Ma at any time of the year. However, early fall and summer is the best time to visit here. This is because the cool air in Bach Ma will make your journey of exploring become much more poetic during this time.

What to discover

• Five Lakes

Situated about 5 km from Sea Observation Post (Hai Vong Dai), Five Lakes (Ngu Ho) is a collection of five lakes in five different high points. It is a system of large lakes which has cool and clean water. This is a great place for bathing, outdoor activities, and camping. The third Lake is said to be the most charming and beautiful by the clarity and cool water.

• Ocean Viewpoint (Vong Hai viewpoint)

It is situated on majestic Bach Ma peak at an altitude of 1,430m. You need to conquer the Vong Hai trail to reach this top. You can adore four sides of Bach Ma, Lang Co bay, Cau Hai Lake, Canh Duong beach, Truoi lake, Hue city hidden in the cloud, and endless mountains, etc.

• Do Quyen Waterfall

Spring is the best time to visit Do Quyen waterfall. With a height of around 300m, the falls are beautiful all the year with white water foam. You will notice the endless mountain hills when looking from above. The fall is named Rhododendron (Do Quyen) because many rhododendron flowers are growing around and blooming in March.

• Truc Lam Monastery

Truc Lam Bach Ma monastery is situated in the Loc Hoa Commune, Phu Loc District, Thua Thien Hue Province, surrounded by Truoi Lake. You must take around fifteen minutes by ferry to go through Truoi Lake to reach the monastery. Truc Lam is a complex of the picturesque landscapes becoming an attractive destination for tourists all around the globe when visiting Hue ancient city. You can look at the panoramic view of Truc Lam Bach Ma and Truoi Lake from the top of Bach Ma National Park. Besides, the mountain is covered by clouds all year round so that the climate here is always fresh and cool. Many arrivals flock to Truc Lam monastery to offer incense and take sightseeing.

Where to eat in Bach Ma National Park?

There is a restaurant at the middle of the mountain nearby villas, so you can have lunch and dinner here. However, when you have full day trek, it is better you should bring picnic foods to have on the way.

See more: Visit Hue, an ancient city in Vietnam

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Top coffee shops in Hoi An

Vietnam is known for its incredible coffee and is a strong exporter of it. Iced coffee, ca phe da, is a must-try; it’s a dark roast coffee brewed with a small filter and added to sweetened condensed milk. Here is a list of the best coffee joints in the ancient town of Hoi An.

Mia Coffee

Mia Coffee has been praised for offering the best non-Vietnamese coffee in all of Hoi An, if not Vietnam. The coffee shop is small, with porch-style seating in the front, and a balcony from which you can get a great street view. There are plenty of fans to keep you cool and Wi-Fi is also available. Should you desire to take some house-roasted coffee back with you, the staff will help you grind and package their beans.

May Concept

Hidden away on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai is May Concept, the ideal retreat for enjoying a quiet cup of coffee. May Concept is a small Franco-Vietnamese shop-house filled with dark wood furniture. The coffee lounge area exists beside a handicrafts shop and garden, in which there is a lily pond. The coffee here is freshly roasted in-house and Vietnamese. Emphasize that you like your coffee strong if you want a true Vietnamese experience – locals tend to think Westerners drink weak coffee.

GAM

GAM is a private museum containing unique Vietnamese stones and has a fantastic coffee shop situated at the back. Consisting of a shady courtyard garden cafe, GAM is another idyllic retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the streets of Hoi An. Their ca phe da is delicious, so be sure to try that here if you don’t do so anywhere else. Should you wish to move on to stronger drinks as the day progresses, there is also a wine bar on the second floor.

Bep Truong

Situated above Hoi An’s largest bookshop lies Bep Truong – one of Hoi An’s hidden secrets. There is plenty to keep you entertained here – they offer Wi-Fi, their shelves are lined with coffee table reads, and there is a rooftop from which to view the entire town. They serve traditional Vietnamese coffee and Western options so there is something for all coffee lovers.

Reaching Out Tea House

Reaching Out Tea House is a beautiful space where great coffee meets great social work. The shop employs speech and hearing impaired Vietnamese people, with the profits working towards training and employing more disabled people. Reaching Out started as a shop and expanded to build a tea house. Their Fair Trade policy makes their coffee ethical and delicious.

See more: A day to experience the glorious Hoi An

Source: Internet

The ideal places to hunt snow for winter lovers in Asia

If you are not looking to escape the chill of winter, but instead want to take in wondrous snow-covered views while exploring some of Asia’s best destinations, you will find that and more by heading to one of these spectacular places.

Photo @fswildvet

Sapporo, Japan

There are many places in Japan to experience snow, but one of the most popular is Sapporo. This city has a lot of ski resorts only 20 to 60 minutes ride away by car, so, adding that to your day trip itinerary would be bearable.

If you are a beginner, you could try sledding or snow-tubing, on the other hand, if you are not interested in snow games, you may want to time your visit during Snow Festival which usually takes place in February. Despite the freezing cold temperatures, more than 2 million people go to the Hokkaido capital to witness the snow come alive annually and Japan is well-known as one of the snow countries in Asia.

Mongolia

Looking for a snowy place that is unique and far the flocks of tourists? Why not pack your bags, and head to Mongolia in winter? With its majestic landscapes and countryside covered in white, snow seekers will absolutely find their bliss in this pristine and untouched land. For bona fide adventurers, Mongolia can help you unleash your wild side with its mishmash of outdoor thrills, such as canoeing, horseback riding, mountain climbing and skiing.

Harbin, China

The “Ice City,” as Harbin is known, hosts one of the world’s largest snow and ice festivals, the Harbin International Ice Festival. Held throughout much of January and into February, it features some 1,500 larger-than-life ice structures that shimmer with multi-colored lights. Every year there is a different theme, varying from mythical beasts to famous landmarks from across the globe. Harbin and the surrounding area also offers some of the best winter sports opportunities on the planet, including skiing and snow boarding.

Lhasa, Tibet

If you do not mind, or perhaps even revel in, extreme winters, by heading to Lhasa you will enjoy the breathtaking beauty of one of the world’s most jaw-dropping snowy wonderlands with fewer crowds and cheaper hotel accommodation. While it will be cold, it will not be nearly as chilly as you might think, particularly as December and January are dry months and the high-altitude sun is almost always in abundance, making it feel warmer than the temperature would have you believe.

You can also enjoy festivals, like the Monlam, or Great Prayer Festival, in which monks and artisans create colorful butter sculptures for burning during the Butter Oil Lantern Festival. If you are here for the Tibetan New Year, Losar, you can celebrate with the locals by watching dance performances at Potala Palace and even hanging up prayer flags on the temples and mountain tops.

Sapa, Vietnam

Being surrounded by many top summer destinations like Bali, Phuket, and Boracay, it may come as a surprise to you that Vietnam also experiences snow! Even though snowboards and toboggans are not commonplace to Vietnam, you will surely fall in love when what used to be green fields of rice in summer turn to white during the winter.

Beijing, China

Traveling to China during winter? China’s capital gets pretty cold in December, with the average temperature sitting around negative 2 degrees Celsius. Besides being a low-tourist month (you can enjoy super affordable fights and hotels in December in Beijing), you likely find snowfall in this city during Yuletide getaway.

Most of the city’s ski resorts open their doors, when December sets in, meaning you can try your hand at tobogganing, snowboarding and skiing. If you are lucky to catch some snow during your visit, make your way to The Summer Palace, for breathtaking snow views. And do not forget to check out the world renowned Great Wall of China, to enjoy elevated view of its snowy surrounding landscapes.

Shimla, India

Fabulous for a nature retreat, Shimla is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, while monkeys roam freely along the overhead cables, casually watching the shoppers below. It enjoys snowy winters thanks to its northern latitude, making it an ideal place to escape the intense heat that so many other cities in India endure.

Nearby at Wildflower Hall, you will find a haven for ski enthusiasts seeking refuge from crowded, overly commercialized resorts. This premiere mountaintop resort will make you feel as if you are stepping into the pages of a fairy-tale with its gorgeous vistas of endless forest and snow-capped mountain peaks. Spend your days taking part in whatever winter sport suits your fancy, and indulging in holistic spa treatments, complemented by more extraordinary views.

Read more: 7 Asian dishes you will love during winter

Source Internet