Reasons why you should visit Hokkaido

Boasting unspoiled natural sights, festivals, coastline and the freshest seafood in the country, Hokkaido is sure to impress even the most seasoned traveler. There are many reasons to visit Hokkaido, but we have narrowed it down to these best reasons.

Hot Springs

Hokkaido is home to some of the most peaceful and luxurious onsen (hot spring) locations in Japan. Traditionally thought to be a cure for just about every type of injury or sickness, locals and visitors alike go to the onsen to rest, recharge, and relax.

Skiing

Home to the 1972 Winter Olympics, the mountains here boast some of the best ski conditions in the world. It comes as no surprise that skiers and boarders from all over flock to Niseko, Kiroro, and Rusutsu resorts to experience Hokkaido’s finest powder snow.

Hiking

Hokkaido’s mountainous terrain, green landscapes, and deep valleys have earned it the reputation of being the ultimate hiking destination. Guaranteed to satisfy thrill seekers and adventurers, several mountain trails will take hikers across still active volcanoes.

Street Markets

Known as the “Kingdom of Food” among the Japanese, Hokkaido offers the freshest seafood, produce and dairy products in the country. The curbside markets in Sapporo provide locals and tourists a chance to buy locally (and at wholesale prices). There are also several sushi and sashimi restaurants stationed throughout the markets for visitors just looking for a quick lunch.

Jingisukan (Ghengis Kahn)

Any dish named after a Mongolian warlord is bound to pack a punch; diners can enjoy a hefty portion of lamb/mutton and vegetables grilled over an iron dome skillet. Legend has it that the shape of the skillet represents the helmets of Mongolian soldiers. This may or may not be true, but that doesn’t make it any less delicious.

National Parks

With its rich biodiversity, pristine lakes and rivers, and active volcanoes, Hokkaido features some of the most impressive parks and world heritage sites in Japan. Daisetsuzan, the island’s largest park, covers over 2,300 square meters, while the other five national parks offer hiking, hot springs, animal sanctuaries, and the famous Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival.

Local Farms

The rolling hills, lush greenery, fresh produce and dairy farms of Hokkaido are a must for travelers in need of some fresh air. Cycling enthusiasts should pay a visit to the “Road of Patchwork” in the small town of Biei, a wide field where the flowers are grown in alternating colors.

Coastal Towns

The small fishing towns and port cities that run along the coast of Hokkaido make lovely places to visit for couples, families, or anyone looking for a bit of relaxation. The town of Otaru is a quaint and comfortable place known for its local charm and romantic atmosphere.

Sapporo Beer

The Sapporo Beer Factory and Beer Museum offers tourists a behind-the-scenes look into the history of brewing in Japan as well as how the beer is made. Of course, the tour ends with a 30 minute all you can drink session, so guests are advised to have lunch before taking the tour.

See more: The most breathtaking regions in Hokkaido, Japan

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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

Photo Journey Vietnam

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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Explore the most spectacular caves in Thailand

Decorated with the brilliant toned sanctuaries and immense places of worship of Buddha, Thailand is nation honored with perfect shorelines, rich culture and inviting subjects. Supplementing the wonderful amalgamation of the over a significant time span, stand these superb Thailand caverns which add to the magnificence of this Asiatic heaven.

Tham Khao Luang

Amidst the beautiful beaches and scenic beauty, rests the Tham Khao Luang cave which is one of the best caves to visit in Thailand. Just like many cave temples in the country, mystically this cave was also converted into a temple by King Rama V in honor of his predecessors.

It is an impressive cave stuffed with stalactite. Accessed via an array of steep stairs, this cave shrine is Rama IV's favourite. Deep inside the cave, there is supposedly a rock formation of Jesus on the cross. The central Buddha figure is sometimes illuminated by the sunlight glow that enters through the skylight.

Tham Lot

Another heaven for the experience searchers is the Tham Lod buckle which is arranged scarcely 40-minutes from south of Pai in Sappong. These holes hold incredible archeological significance for the teak boxes cut by the Lawa individuals, which are the reminiscents of thousand years. There are two different ways to investigate the buckle which requires the assistance of a specialist control.

Crazy Horse Cave

For the adventurous junkies, the crazy horse cave is the best place to start the caving journey. This cave has sheltered the live features of Stalactite and Stalagmite formations complementing the wide range of flora and fauna. A quick training session is given which is followed guided excursion through the caves.

Tham Chiang Dao

Explore the wonders of the limestone temple caves in Chiang Dao. There are over 100 caves in the complex that extend over 10 kilometres into the mountain range. Many of the caves have shrines, statues and Buddha images. There is a small entrance fee and to explore deeper into the caves it is expected that you hire a local guide to lead the way. Chiang Dao is also famous for its hiking trails.

Viking Cave

If you have ever wanted to feel like a part of a pirate crew then this place is perfect for you, although many people feel cheated because local operators sell this off as an entire day event. You are only allowed to view this cave from afar while the boat drives by.

Phi Hua To Cave

Locally known as the “big-headed Ghost cave”, this ancient place is one of the famous caves in Krabi. Located just close to the Than Bok Khorani National Park, these limestone caves are surrounded by Mangrove forests, while the interiors are adorned with prehistoric paintings.

Mae Lana Cave

Extended over a district of 12 kilometres in length, the Mae Lana buckle is viewed as the longest traversable collapses Thailand. There is a waterway framework inside the give in which is required to be secured by bamboo pontoons, much the same as local people. Not at all like different hollows, this one needs an expert manual for investigate the in-profundities of the give in.

See more: Explore the mysterious caves in Asia

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