What to do when you are in Sihanoukville, Cambodia

Despite the fact that Cambodia attracts a lower number of tourists than its neighboring countries, Sihanoukville is popular for its natural beauty and untouched beaches. With plenty to see and do, Sihanoukville is one of the greatest cities to explore when in Cambodia.

Wat Leu Temple

Cambodia is known for its Buddhist Wats or temples. They are an absolute must-see when you visit the country. The temples are stylistically diverse, ranging from the green-tinged stone of Angkor Wat to the colorful pointed roofs of temples such as Wat Leu, which resembles a pagoda. Religiously significant and intriguing in its architecture, Wat Leu has several features to note, such as the three-headed carved white elephant, its gold decorations and a huge black statue of the Lord Buddha. This is an attraction representative of Cambodia’s rich spiritual culture.

Beaches

Sihanoukville earns its reputation as Cambodia’s premier seaside resort with an array of beaches to wonder along. The beaches boast white powdery sand, stunning views of the Gulf of Thailand and a calm atmosphere. A few of the famous beaches to explore include Otres, Ochheuteal and Serendipity, each of which has its own collection of beach bars for that necessary mid-afternoon cocktail.

Water Sports

Sihanoukville is an ideal location for a number of water sports activities and adventures, essential accomplishments for any beach holiday. Submerge yourself in the ocean and get a good view of the coral and sea creatures lurking in Sihanoukville’s depths on a scuba diving trip. If diving is too extreme, many places on the beach offer snorkeling trips, fun for having a flipper around. Other water sports activities include kayaking, windsurfing, and for a slightly higher price, you can practice kitesurfing. All of these activities make for a thrilling day by the sea.

Khmer Cooking Class

Learning how to make culinary Khmer specialties is an essential activity for any lover of Southeast Asian cuisine. With experienced chefs giving clear instructions, the use of authentic ingredients and the opportunity to take recipe cards home so that you can replicate the experience, a traditional Khmer cookery class is an original and rewarding way to spend the day. Among the range of dishes, visitors can learn to cook. A few that stand out are the Banana Flower Salad, Lok Lac, and Spring rolls.

Kbal Chhay Waterfall

Kbal Chhay Waterfall is seven kilometers away from the center of Sihanoukville. The trip in a tuk-tuk to get there is reasonably priced, so it is worth venturing out of the city to admire this serene natural spot. If you visit after the monsoon period the waterfall has a spectacularly strong flow. Surrounded by tall green trees this is the perfect environment for witnessing Cambodia’s tropical jungle-like geography.

Golden Lions Roundabout

Hard to miss yet not to be missed, the Golden Lion Roundabout is an iconic landmark in Sihanoukville. Comprised of a lion and lioness coated in yellowy gold paint sporting scary facial expressions and unrealistic proportions, the lions in the roundabout are prominent. A great pointer as to where you are located in Sihanoukville, the roundabout is surrounded by a number of restaurants and bars worthy of a visit.

Mini Golf

Perfect for a laid-back competition, mini golf is a great activity to partake in during a lazy day on the beach. You can find mini golf facilities at Queenco Palm Beach, Ream National Park, and Mollie Golf Mini Golf. Mollie Golf Mini Golf, located near the Ochheuteal beach, offers very good value for money. It costs between $1.50 and $3.50 to play 18 holes. Visitors can have some drinks at the golf course, and they also offer free entry to their gardens.

See more: Top cultural activities in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Source: Internet

5 South Korean must-try dishes in the fall

For each of Korea’s four distinct seasons, a different set of dishes takes center stage in Korea’s culinary scene. Autumn marks the season of the nation’s three most popular kinds of seafood: blue crabs, jumbo shrimp (prawns), and gizzard shad.  Foods are best in terms of taste and nutritional value when they are eaten in season. Read on to see more what’s in for this fall.

Blue crab - Delicious and nutritious

Blue crabs are in season during spring and autumn. The abundant, creamy roe of the pre-spawning female crabs are best enjoyed in the spring, while the flaky, plump meat of the male crabs is a delicacy best enjoyed in autumn. Crabs are prepared in a variety of ways and can be made into spicy crab soup with vegetables and other seafood, or it can also be steamed, shelled, and eaten plain. Another delicacy is gejang, or raw crab marinated in soy sauce or red chili-pepper paste sauce. Prepared in any form, freshly-caught crabs are a true seafood lover’s delight.

Not only are blue crabs tasty, but they are also packed with nutrients. The crab’s shell contains calcium and chitin and the meat has an abundance of essential amino acids and vitamins. In Korea, blue crabs are known to be effective in the prevention of geriatric diseases and aid in alcohol detoxification.

Jumbo Prawns - A feast for the eyes & palate

Jumbo prawn is another seafood that tastes the best in autumn. Filled with sweet flesh from September to December, prawns are enjoyed in various forms, grilled on top of a bed of salts, to name one. In the port cities like Incheon and Busan, you can find the freshest prawns ready to be enjoyed. Some of the street food vendors prepare them as a whole and serve deep-fried, which is available only when fresh.

Gizzard Shad - Soft flesh and bold flavors

In the fall, gizzard shads store up plenty of nutrients for the long, cold winter; meaning they are packed with healthy oils and plenty of flavor. The best months to eat these delicious fish are between late September and mid November. Larger gizzard shads are higher in fat, so make sure to pick a fish over 15cm to enjoy the fish’s true taste.

There are many ways to cook and eat gizzard shads. Slices of raw gizzard shads taste best when wrapped in lettuce and seasoned with chili and garlic sauce. The spicy taste of a seasoned gizzard shad platter mixed with various vegetables and condiments is also a local favorite. However, the best way to cook gizzard shad is to take a whole fish, salt it lightly, and put it on the grill. There’s no need to debone it, so it is ready to be eaten as soon as it is done.

Pine mushrooms - Small in size, big in flavor

Pine mushrooms only thrive on live pine trees and are harvested in autumn. Pine mushrooms are referred to as diamonds in the forest for their high nutritional value and efficacy. The mushroom is great for preventing geriatric diseases and protecting the stomach. More than anything, it is known for its cancer prevention qualities.

Pine mushrooms are expensive as they cannot be grown commercially, but must be collected in their natural environment. Despite the high price tag, it is in great demand thanks to its delicate flavor and nutritional value. The mushroom can be sliced and grilled over a light fire, but it is more commonly cooked with other ingredients. When it is cooked along foods like abalone or beef, it is fortified with minerals and proteins, turning into a great stamina health food.

Persimmon - A sweet and healthy dessert

Fall is the season when many of the fruits grow fully ripened. Among many, apple, pear, and persimmon represent autumn fruits of Korea. As Koreans enjoy fruits as a dessert, people tend to regard the sweetness as the most important thing when choosing a fruit. Fruits enjoyed in fall are not only sweet but also rich in nutrients.

Read more: 7 interesting fall festivals in Korea

Source Internet

A guide to visit Kaohsiung for first-time travelers

Known as a harbor city in Taiwan, Kaohsiung has the biggest port on the island. With year-round fine weather, cheap costs, convenient public transport, and gorgeous beaches, it’s no wonder this city is well-loved by many people.

 As Taiwan’s second largest city after Taipei, Kaohsiung is the lesser known travel destination most people overlook in favor of the capital. But beneath the cover of this sleepy seaside city lies a treasure trove of undiscovered gems.

Experience the local nightlife in Taiwan's famous night market

No trip to Kaohsiung is complete without paying the city’s night markets a visit. The heart of Kaohsiung beats in its night markets where food, shopping, and people come together on one long stretch of road. Prepare yourself for aroma bombs, long queues, awesome shopping, and unbelievable steals. Liuhe night market is the must-visit market in Kaohsiung.

Make a stop at Formosa dome of light

Right by the Liu He Night Market is Kaohsiung’s Formosa station. At first, it may seem like any old station in the world, but there is a secret beautiful gem waiting to be discovered. The station is home to the “Dome of Light”, an impressive glass work display that is the largest in the world. Designed by Italian artist Narcissus Quagliata, the colorful glasses tell the story of four elements: Water, Earth, Light, and Fire.

Explore Cijin Island

Cijin or Qijin Island is a small, narrow strip of an island just a short ferry ride away from Kaohsiung harbor. It’s a popular day trip destination known for its black sand beach, a few historical and religious structures, and the best seafood in Kaohsiung.

Take selfies at Pier-2 Art Center

Pier-2 Art Center is the most notable of which was a giant 20-foot robot. The creative park is spread out over several buildings and warehouses by the wharf, making for a good 1-2 hours of mural hunting and selfie-taking. You’ll find a few interesting shops and cafes here as well.

Visit the Fo Guang Shan Monastery

Fo Guang Shan is the largest Buddhist monastery in Taiwan. It covers an area of over 30 hectares and is comprised of university buildings, shrines, a cemetery, and a 36-meter tall statue of Amitabha Buddha. Tucked away on the top of a hill overlooking the Gaoping River Basin, this 100-hectare religious palace is the gathering ground for all who seek spiritual respite, fortune, and surprisingly, even fun-filled festivities during certain auspicious months.

Reverse your fortune at the Lotus Lake

Some people believe that luck is something you’re born with; others use all sorts of charms and talismans in efforts to change their luck. Even if you’re not one to be taken in by such superstitions, this one ritual is a must-try for all first-time visitors to Kaohsiung. Run into the dragon’s mouth, said no one ever - save for the locals in Kaohsiung. This auspicious custom has got locals and tourists running straight into the mouth of the dragon and out from the tiger’s mouth is said to reverse one’s fortune from bad to good.

Read more: 24 hour culinary experience in Taiwan

Source Internet