The must-visit destinations in Hue

Hue lies in the center of Vietnam and has remained as the capital city for a considerable period of 143 years. There are a lot of places to visit in Hue as it is a hub of museums, tombs, rivers, and pass. It has a reputation of a more popular tourist destination in comparison to any other province or capital in Vietnam.

Hue Imperial City

This walled fortress and palace were once the home of Vietnam’s emperors. Also called “The Citadel” the palace grounds are surrounded by an impressive moat filled with waterlilies. Much of the structure was damaged in battles, but the restoration is ongoing. Once inside you can see different buildings in their original, restored and damaged stages.

Make sure your taxi driver drops you off at the correct gate. There is only one entrance to the Imperial City but some taxi drivers like to pretend that they do not know that tourists wish to be dropped off at the main gate.

The Thanh Toan Bridge

One of the main attractions of the ancient Hue city, this archetypal sumptuous footbridge is situated in the countryside. One of the beautiful places to visit in Hue, this bridge was constructed in the 18th century and consists of both Japanese and Chinese features. The core aim of this bridge is to unite the two villages. This bridge also becomes the point of congregation for the villagers thereby making it an adequate place to sit and observe the life, chat with the local people. This bridge is surrounded by lush greenery and some rice fields also.

Thien Mu Pagoda

The Thien Mu Pagoda, overlooking the Perfume River, is an iconic Hue backdrop and a symbol of the ancient city. The 7 story pagoda was originally built in 1601 but, as a site of political demonstrations, has been destroyed and rebuilt many times in the years since. The pagoda is still a religious site today and it is common to see monks wandering around the grounds.

The Austin car which Thich Quang Duc, the infamous burning monk, used to drive himself to the Ho Chi Minh intersection where he burned himself to death in an attempt to demonstrate that Buddhism needed martyrs is also housed on the grounds.

The Perfume River

Through the center of Hue flows the Perfume River. Many tourists choose to take a boat tour along the river. Passengers can enjoy the river views, have a meal and visit some of the major tourist sites around the area that are accessible by boat.

Another way to take in the river is to stroll along the walkways along the river’s edge. In the morning’s joggers take their morning runs here and in the evening the area becomes transformed. Little shops and restaurants that were closed during the day open at sunset and lanterns are lit.

Dong Ba Market

Visiting a market is an essential part of any Vietnamese sightseeing adventure and Dong Ba in Hue is a decent option. The market is a mix of local Vietnamese produce and souvenir shopping and it’s fascinating to witness market life.

Be prepared: it is dirty and grimy and a tourist tax is inevitable.

Read more: The quintessence of cuisine in Central Vietnam, Hue

Elephant Springs

Lying amidst Hue and Da Nang, this place is still under recreation zone if seen from the tourist viewpoint. This place is located at a distance of 17 km from Hai Van Pass and poses as one of the best places to visit in Hue for a refreshing break from the journey. Amidst the cold water, plenty of small and big size stone give it a look of elephants. Especially a large stone portraying the elephant, situated next to the waterfall, depicts continuous water flowing from its nose making it an interesting scene.

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How to travel safely in India

India is an incredible and unforgettable country to travel. But there is no doubt that the initial thought of visiting India raises some questions even in the most seasoned traveler's head.

Don’t trust strangers, even youngsters

Never trust strangers, not even a young person, as harmless as they might seem to you. A lot of people use juveniles to commit crimes as they look less threatening and in case they get caught, the penalties they receive are considerably less severe. In a shameful incident in October 2017, three underage boys were among five arrested for assaulting a Swiss couple in Fatehpur Sikri, near Agra. An argument had ensued after the boys demanded a selfie with the woman.

Be careful with what you eat

Staying safe does not just include defending yourself against criminal activities but also taking care of your health. When in India it is important to watch what you eat and drink. Any vendor using tap water should be strictly avoided, such as street-side juice shops. You do not have to completely stay away from delicious street food, but check basic hygiene before you indulge.

Don’t go out alone at night

Indian cities now have some great nightlife. From concept restaurants and themed bars to a line-up of acclaimed performing arts, options are aplenty. However, a solo night out in India is never a good idea. It is always better to have someone with you when you go out.

Learn to say “no”

Taxi drivers, tour guides and street hawkers will come at you with full intensity to try to sell their services. Firmly saying “no” without being rude is the easiest way to get out of such situations. Be confident in your tone as well as your body language instead of flustered. The more unnerved you look, the more these people are going to pursue you. Being outright rude can also give rise to unwanted circumstances.

Get a local sim card

In India, it is not very easy to find wi-fi connectivity. That is why getting a local sim card should be a priority if you want to have constant Internet connection. While all mobile networks work well in the cities that is not the case in the smaller towns. Find out which network has the best connectivity in your area and get a sim card to suit.

Use the women’s compartment of trains

If you are a woman and travelling on the Delhi Metro, the Mumbai Local or any other train, you should use the coach or compartment reserved for women, especially at rush hour. It is not that the public transport is totally unsafe, but travelling in the women’s compartment is much more comfortable, you can evade the occasional gawking of men, and generally less crowded. While the Mumbai local has first and second class ladies’ compartments, the first coach in every Delhi Metro train is reserved for women. The Kolkata Metro has designated seats for women.

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The most beautiful paradise islands to visit in Asia

With crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches, palm trees and lush green hills, surfing spots, incredible underwater life and some of the best diving sites, Asia’s beautiful islands are close to being heaven on Earth. They are the perfect answers for those seeking moments of relaxation and freedom out of the hustle and bustle of the city.

1. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam

Located in Northern Vietnam, the stunning Cat Ba National Park is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site: Ha Long Bay. Cat Ba Island is the largest island in the park, and the town itself is rather touristy, with many karaoke bars attracting Vietnamese weekenders. But take a little ride out of town, and find the many golden beaches, boat ride options, dense jungles and lush green mountains offering plenty of treks with incredible views of the famous karst scenery of Cat Ba National Park.

2. Komodo, Indonesia

If you thought dragons didn’t exist, think again. Komodo National Park is home to the Komodo Dragon. Located between the islands of Flores and Sumbawa in eastern Indonesia, Komodo is a secluded and untamed Jurassic Park-like island part of the National Park. Besides being well known as the home to the giant lizard, Komodo is also known as a paradise for nature lovers, with numerous mountains to climb and amazing diving sites around the stunning coral reefs.

3. Jeju, South Korea

Considered the Hawaii of South Korea, Jeju Island is a long-time favorite amongst South Korean travelers and honeymooners. Iho Beach stands out in the region with its combination of grey and yellow sand. It is a shallow beach, perfect for a good swim. Downtown Jeju is also a great spot for people watching and having a beer at one of the numerous bars.

4. Baros Island, Maldives

Baros Island is part of the North Malé Atoll and home to the luxury Baros Maldives hotel. The peaceful and stunning beaches circling the perimeter are perfect for relaxing and sunbathing. With facilities such as a dive center (courtesy of the hotel), tourists can make the most of the clear, warm ocean lapping the island. Or guests can simply submit to pure relaxation through the variety of spa treatments, complimentary morning yoga classes and infinity pools offered by the resort.

5. Akajima, Japan

Akijima, often referred to as ‘Aka’, is part of Okinawa’s Kerama Islands in Japan. In the summer, it becomes popular with Japanese tourists, but even in peak season, Akajima retains its charm with spotless beaches and welcoming locals. Offshore, it is possible to snorkel, dive and kayak in waters rich in tropical sea life.

6. Cebu Island, The Philippines

Located in the Visayas region of the Philippines, Cebu consists of a beautiful, long and narrow island with upland areas offering stunning views of mountains and seas and 167 surrounding islets. There are high-end resorts in tourist areas such as in Malapascua, Badian and Camotes, but also more modest resorts in fishing villages such as Moalboal.

7. Similan Islands, Thailand

Consisting of a group of 11 archipelagos located off Thailand’s west coast in the Andaman Sea, the Similan Islands are stunning islets protected by the Thai government. Under the crystal-clear waters of this marine nature reserve lies a paradise for divers and snorkelers. With warm weather all year, this is the perfect spot to see gorgeous corals, imposing boulders and beautiful tropical fish in a peaceful setting.

Read more: The most spectacular dining locations in the Maldives

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