7 lakes in Vietnam that come straight from fairy tales

Vietnam is a country of beautiful lakes. If you are ever lost in these lakes, it is not a reach to assure that you will feel like being lost in real-life fairy tales.

1. Quan Son Lake

Just about 50km southwest of Ha Noi’s centre, Quan Son Lake is the perfect attraction for nature-lovers to enjoy on the weekend. It consists of 100 limestone mountains on its surface, making it an onshore miniature of Ha Long Bay. The best time to visit Quan Son is during the lotus season, which falls between mid-May and June. 

2. Suoi Hai Lake

Suoi Hai Lake, located at the foot of Ba Vi Mountain, is a reservoir built in 1958. It has a 4km-long system of main and supporting dams to reserve water from the Yen Cu and Cau Rong springs, giving the lake its name of Suoi Hai (Two Springs).

3. Dai Lai Lake

Dai Lai is bestowed charming scenery of mountain and water by the Creator. To the north of the lake is Tam Dao Mountain Range with untouched green forests. The harmonious combination between lake and mountains creates a vivid natural picture. Dai Lai area has a mild and cool climate thanks to Tam Dao Mountain Range and mountains of Cot Co, Mo Qua and Than Lan.

4. West Lake

West Lake (Vietnamese: Hồ Tây) is the biggest freshwater lake of northwest center of Ha Noi, Vietnam. One legend suggests that West Lake was shaped after the battle between Lạc Long Quân and a nine-tailed fox spirit, and that's why the lake was once called "Fox Corpse Swamp" (Đầm Xác Cáo). Another folk story claimed that original name of the lake was "Golden Buffalo Lake" (Hồ Trâu Vàng, or Han Viet: Hồ Kim Ngưu) because it was formed from struggle of a buffalo after the disappearance of her calf. As Ha Noi's largest lake, located right in the center of Ha Noi, West Lake is abundant with gardens, hotels, restaurants and other entertainment centers.

See more: West Lake shrimp cakes: the one food you have to try in Hanoi

5. Thac Ba Lake

Regarded as one of the largest artificial lakes in the country, Thac Ba lake was created during the construction of an electrical dam in 1970. Known as "Ha Long Bay in the high mountains", Thac Ba lake is famous for having 1331 islands and islets, which form caves around the mountain. After several hours of sailing on the water, travelers can visit beautiful caves such as: Thuy Tien, Xuan Long, Cao Bien Mount, etc.

6. Ba Be Lake

Ba Be Lake is the largest natural lake in Vietnam. It is located in Nam Mau commune, Ba Be district, Bac Kan Province. Having been formed approximately 200 million years ago, the lake is surrounded by limestone cliffs, which in turn are covered by primary forests. Ba Be Lake is a featured geographical science and is a biodiversity reservoir. It is a part of the Ba Bể National Park. It is home to a range of animals and plants.

See more: Beyond Ha Long Bay, lesser-known highlights of northeast Vietnam

7. Tuyen Lam Lake

Located in the south of Da Lat, Tuyen Lam Lake is the biggest lake in the area. It was created by Tia stream - head water of Da Tam River. Because of its various sources, Tuyen Lam is known as the lake where rivers, springs and forests meeting each other. 1000m above sea level, Tuyen Lam lake is designed to be an ideal destination of highland. Dry season lasts 6 months withour raining, but the lake is still full of water. Anyone going to Dalat, all spend their time to go to visit Truc Lam zen monastery, then buy ticket to go sightseeing around the lake, see some beauty spots such as Da Tien tourist site, Nam Qua tourist site, etc.

See more: Top cool places for taking photos in Dalat

Source: Internet

The most romantic destinations in Jeju, Korea

Each Asian country has its own must-visit off-shore island, Singapore has Sentosa, Thailand has Phuket, and Indonesia has Bali. For South Korea, the top island destination is undoubtedly the picturesque Jeju Island.

Manjanggul Cave

Manjanggul Cave is one of the top ten lava tubes to visit that was formed about 200,000-300,000 years ago. It is one of 7 Geomunoreum lava tubes of Jeju Island and located in the North East area. These lava tunnels have a unique and interesting shape, and the whole cave complex is 13,422 metres, making it one of the largest of its type in the world. The cave is softly lit and filled with rock pillars and stalactites.

Seongsan Ilchulbong

Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak rose from the sea in a series of volcanic eruptions beginning over 100,000 years ago. The site resembles an old fortress on a coastal cliff and is originally a volcanic island but is later connected as sand and gravel accumulated in between. The sunrise from the peak is considered as one of the most fascinated views in Jeju.

O’Sulloc Museum

Korea is famous for tea culture. ‘O’ in O’Sulloc means to appreciate and enjoy, while ‘Sulloc’ refers to a type of green tea. The museum takes the shape of a tea cup, and is separated into at least 6 different exhibitions. Here, you can view the different types of tea cups of Korea and around the world and spruce up your knowledge of tea history. Moreover, you can learn how to categorise tea leaves based on various factors, and especially, enjoy a hot cup of tea by the lotus pond in the indoorgarden, or on the observatory deck, where you can look out into the expanse of greentea fields in the near distance.

Woljeongri Beach

One of Jeju’s main attractions is the clear, emerald-blue sea which laps round its shores. This is set off to great effect by Woljeongri Beach’s white sands and surrounding landscape, making the beach a perfect spot for walks along the waterfront. Woljeongri is also surrounded by a number of very good cafes.

Jusangjeolli Cliffs

Jusangjeolli Cliffs refer to the set of blackish, rock pillars of rectangular or hexagonal shapes on the east coast of Jungmun Tourist Resort. As if carved by stonemasons, the pillars are evidence of nature’s awesome power. They commonly expressed as vertical columnar jointing, the formations are created via sudden cooling of lava that shrinks in mass. The sight of waves crashing against the columns is both serene and beautiful.

Source Internet

Useful tips before going to Bhutan

Travelling to Bhutan is getting more and more popular. This so-called "happiest place on earth" is a dreamland for people who want to seek for true happiness. However, there are some tips to take note if you don't want to end up violating Bhutan's law.

1. Travel during a festival

There are many festivals happening throughout the year in Bhutan, the popular ones such as the Paro and Thimphu Tshechu take place during the high tourist season. Festivals in Bhutan usually showcase colourful dances in elaborate costumes, with Bhutanese dressing to their best and unsurprisingly, it's one of those things turning out to be huge tourist draws.

2. Languages used in Bhutan

The official language of Bhutan is Dzongkha, but most Bhutanese are fluent in English as that is the basic education so communication shouldn't be a problem.

3. Prepare Indian Rupee beforehand

The local currency is the Ngultrum, which is pegged to the Indian Rupee. 

Note: The Indian Rupee in denominations of 500 and 1000 are no longer accepted in Bhutan.

4. Refrain from smoking

Bhutan is the only country in the world that has banned the consumption and sale of tobacco, resulting in smoking being largely disallowed in public places. Having said that, consumption is not completely prohibited in Bhutan so if you want to smoke, bring your own cigarettes and ask your guide where you can light up.

5. Taking photos is not allowed in some areas

When taking photos/filming inside Dzongs, monasteries, temples, or any religious institutions, check with your guide whether it is permitted as some areas do not allow it. 

See more: Bhutan travel guide

Source: Internet