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DiscoverTimelessIndochina

Phuket The Land of Thousand Smiles

Laos - Asia’s New Hot Spot Uncover the Gems of Laos

Captivating Cambodia The Kingdom of Wonders

For the FoodiesMust-eats in Cambodia

Travel Health Tips

Top places in Vietnam We source out the must-go attractions

Our Recommendations

Hotel Deals

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Editor’s NoteDear Fellow Travelers,

By the time you read this, hopefully, you had just started planning for your summer vacations or for those of you with children, the June school holidays with your family. Summer. The very word conjures images of sunshine and laughter, of fun and adventures and those are what we hope to offer in this issue of E3.

Get in touch with the Indiana Jones or Lara Croft in you when we bring you to explore the ancient cultures of Khmer (Angkor) where you will explore the ancient temples (or Wat) of Cambodia. Or get acquainted with the monolithic wonders in the Plain of Jars of Laos where the gigantic stone bowls still baffle experts and amaze explorers.

For those who prefer to keep to the beaten track, we will still be able to offer plenty of adventures in the cities of Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand where your gastronomical senses will be fully tickled and leave you wanting for more! But do not forget to check out our travel health tips because we want you to come back healthy and tell your families and friends of all the good things you had seen and eaten on your trip.

Have fun, stay safe and stay healthy!

A fellow avid traveler,

Joe

Copyright © 2012All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or part without permission is prohibited.

E3 is the Online Travel Magazine ofNew Shan Travel Service Pte Ltd.

Cover Photo:Angkor Wat in Cambodia

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The island of Phuket, although small, has much to o�er with

its crystal clear seas, sandy beaches and the warm sun.

Residing in the southern part of Thailand, the island streets

bustle with people, mostly casually dressed tourists. Some of

them would even be spotted wearing t-shirts imprinted with

the words “I ♥ Phuket”!

DAY1. On 24 Nov 2011, I left my house with excitement. I was

going on a business + holiday trip to Phuket. This would be my

�rst independent trip overseas, and with a group of unfamiliar

faces, no less.

My �ight touched down at Phuket International Airport at

around 10:45am. We were given free SIM cards to use during

our stay in Phuket. These SIM cards can be easily topped up at

any 7-Eleven stores around the island at our own expense. Our

tour guide for this 4-day trip would be Prapatsorn Intayot,

whom we a�ectionately call Cat. Cat picked us up at the arrival

hall of the airport and we transferred by a minibus to Patong

Resort. The journey took approximately 1 hour. After checking

in at the resort, we started o� the sightseeing tour with a

scenic drive along Patong beach, Karon beach and Kata beach,

eventually arriving at our �rst stop – Karon View Point.

Karon View Point, located on a hill top, has a beautiful

panoramic view of the three beaches – Kata Noi, Kata and

Karon View Point

Free SIM cards given to us upon arrival at Phuket

Magni�cent view of Kata Noi, Kata & Karon Beach

Beautiful backdrop for a group photo

T h e L a n d o f T h o u s a n d S m i l e s

P h u k e t

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Wat Chalong, renowned temple in Phuket

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Karon Beach. The closest of the beaches is ‘Kata Noi’, followed

by ‘Kata’ with its sister island ‘Koh Poo’ (Crab Island) and the

furthest is ‘Karon Beach’. These three magni�cent bays indeed

make a good backdrop for photo-taking.

After visiting Karon View Point, everyone was hungry. Cat

brought us to Phong Phang Seafood to have our lunch.

Located near the Phuket Zoo, Phong Phang Seafood is very

famous among the locals for its a�ordable seafood and local

dishes. It has a large outdoor seating area with a pleasant view

of the sea. At Phong Phang, one can enjoy the gentle breeze

while savoring the delicious Thai delicacies.

After lunch, we visited Wat Chalong, a Buddhist temple. Wat

Chalong is a three-storey tall building in shimmering gold, and

is one of the most renowned temples in Phuket. On the �rst

and second level, there were many golden Buddha statues

covering the �oor area and paintings depicting the life of

Buddha on the walls and ceilings. As I continued the climb to

the topmost level, our guide told us that the realm contained

fragmented pieces of Lord Buddha’s bones in the glass display.

After visiting Wat Chalong, we proceeded to the Phuket Shoot-

ing Range & Activities Centre. This recreation centre o�ers a

wide range of activities, such as Go-kart, monkey or elephant

shows and a shooting range. We toured round the shooting

range but sad to say, we were only there to explore the facilities,

but not to play. I shall try it the next time I visit Phuket.

Countless golden Buddha statues

The Shooting Range

Are you ready for a game?

Arrow shooting

Put on these ear mu�s and get ready for a shoot!

Locals & tourists come here to pray

Fragmented pieces of Lord Buddha’s bones are kept in the glass display

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The last stop of the day was Laem Promthep, a picturesque

viewpoint at the southern tip of Phuket. According to Cat, that

was the best place to catch the sunset. However, soon after we

reached the cape, it started to pour suddenly and all of us

rushed back to the minibus for cover.

After the brief stop at Laem Promthep, we headed back to the

resort. We were given 1.5 hours to rest before heading out for

dinner at Merlyn Beach Resort. Being my �rst trip to Phuket,

not one minute was to be wasted, hence, I took a walk down to

Patong Beach, which was a mere 5 minutes away. Once there,

the sight of tourists reclining on deck chairs greeted me. There

were also others playing water sports and beach balls. While

enjoying the sound of the waves on the beach, I was momen-

tarily distracted by some screaming in the distance. I lifted up

my head in the direction of the screams and saw that there

were people parasailing, ‘�ying’ high up in the sky!

Relaxing on the deck chairs at Patong Beach

Jet-skiing, the water sport that I have always wanted to try

The bustling road with many tourists

Cute signage warning about drunken people crossing the road

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DAY 2. It’s time to get some work done today. ¾ of the day had

been allocated for the Andaman Travel Trade Show, a

buyers-meet-sellers session held at the Rajahbat University

Convention Hall. Notwithstanding, we managed to �nd time

for shopping after the trade fair at the Phuket Premium

Outlet. The weather was unpredictable though, as it started to

pour when we reached there. Rainy weather did spoil the fun

of shopping, especially when the walkways weren’t sheltered,

but that did not deter us from some serious card swiping. It

was indeed a challenge to move from one store to another, but

almost everyone came back with a bundle of shopping bags

and big wide smiles.

DAY 3. A conversation on Phuket never deviates from the sun,

the sand and the sea. Apart from the main island of Phuket,

there are many other small islands surrounding Phuket, each

with its own attractiveness. The island of Koh Khai was where

we headed out for early in the morning. Our means of

transport: a 20-minute speedboat ride from the main shore.

The journey to Koh Khai is an adventure in itself, with the boat

rocking vigorously due to the high tide. It was as if we were

taking a roller-coaster ride at a theme park, albeit on water.

Adventure soon gave way to excitement as the sandy beach

came into view. As soon as we alighted from the boat, we

parked our belongings on the deck chairs reserved for us, and

went snorkeling in the crystal clear waters. I had always

wanted to try snorkeling and now was the chance! I had great

fun despite the fear of water. It was a beautiful experience

getting up close with the �shes and corals and being

surrounded by all the colorful �shes. We also brought some

bread to feed the �shes and the more we fed, the larger the

number of �shes that surrounded us! I would call these �sh

‘Happy Fish’ with their endless supply of food from the tourists,

won’t you agree? After swimming with the �shes, I took a

break and relaxed on the deck chair, enjoyed the windy breeze

and the warm sun.

Shopping is my greatest love

Phuket Premium Outlet

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Koh Khai Island

Fun time feeding the �sh

Rows of colorful beach umbrellas in the pristine waters of Koh Khai

Everyone felt tired when we got back from Koh Khai island, so

it was a godsend when we were o�ered a complimentary spa

at the Rarinjinda Wellness Spa. A big ‘Thank You’ to the

organizer of this trip for that! The spa was conveniently located

adjacent to the back of Jungceylon Shopping Centre. Its

services and facilities included foot massage, body massage,

facial, colon cleansing and detoxifying infrared sauna. We

chose to take up the aromatherapy oil massage. The therapist

was really good and the massage was excellent and very

relaxing. I felt so refreshed and rejuvenated after the massage.

After sundown, we went to Phuket FantaSea, located on Kamala

Beach. Phuket FantaSea is a 140-arce entertainment theme park

showcasing the charm and beauty of Thailand and its rich

traditional culture. When I entered the theme park, it seemed as if

the clock had been rewound. The games at the theme park

reminded me of the Uncle Ringo Amusement Park back in

Singapore. It was like an old-school fun fair where you’d �nd

games like throwing a ball to hit the cans placed a distance away.

And the prize: cuddly soft toys that come in various shapes and

sizes, just like the good old days. However, there are no

adventurous or adrenaline-pumping roller-coaster rides of the

modern world here so don’t get your expectations up too high

when you hear the words ‘theme park’.

We had dinner at Golden Kinnaree, one of the restaurants in

Phuket FantaSea o�ering Thai and International bu�et. When I

walked into the restaurant, my jaws dropped. The restaurant

was majestically huge, with a seating capacity of up to 4000,

and it shimmered in gold with its exquisite and intricate

architecture. After the bu�et dinner, we took a stroll around

the park. The park turned into a mini Carnival Village at night

with performances and souvenir stores. One of the attractions

– Tiger Jungle Adventure – awed me with the animals I saw in

there. Walking through a magical adventure and catching

glimpses of exotic animals right in your face, it really made me

wonder if the animals were real. This enchanting wonderland

also boasts of the white tigers living in the grand white palace.

After visiting the white tigers and some photo-taking around

the park, we made our way to the much-anticipated theatrical

performance, the main highlight of the theme park. The rules

were strict here: the gate only opens at 8:30pm and we were

required to surrender our handphones and cameras as

recording or photo-taking of the show was not allowed. The

performance was overwhelming, to say the least. The daring

stunts, magical illusions, acrobatics, special e�ects and much

more had the audience trans�xed. What amazed me most

were the animal performances, and I was even startled by the

elephant show! The elephants, birds, chickens and goats all

seemed to know how to do the tricks, and knew where to

enter and exit the stage, just like a human performer. It totally

left us wanting for more when it ended.

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Entrance of Phuket FantaSea

The main stage at Carnival VillageWelcome to wonderland!

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The majestic, shimmering Golden Kinnaree

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Are the animals real?

DAY 4. My last day in Phuket. The morning would be spent

tidying up work-related matters and after lunch, we would

have some free time for more shopping. Junggeylon, the

shopping mall with more than 200 stores, is a place where you

can �nd almost everything you need. I simply love shopping in

the hypermarket, Big C, for candies and food stu� for my dog.

Besides this huge shopping complex, there were also a

number of shopping bazaars across the road, where I bought

most of my spoils. We checked out of the resort at around

4:30pm and headed to the airport for our �ight back to Singa-

pore. Goodbye, Phuket! E3

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All ready for some spectacular performance

White tigers living in the majestic kingdom

LUANG PRABANG

UNESCO inscribed Luang Prabang as the best preserved city

in Southeast Asia, and it is not hard to see why. This place

was �ercely guarded from rapid tourism developments, and

only in recent years have resorts and hotels sprung up all

over town. Even so, it remains a peaceful and culture-rich

place with colonial era architecture and abundant temples.

Visit Khuang Si Waterfalls, a stunning natural three-tier

L a o s - A s i a ’ s N e w H o t S p o tL a o s - A s i a ’ s N e w H o t S p o t

Compared to its neighbours in Indochina, Laos has remained unexplored by many. However, in recent years, this

country has seen much progress in promoting tourism. Despite being war-torn in the past, it has evolved into a

peaceful haven with much of its culture and environment well-preserved. According to the Global Peace Index and

Happy Planet Index, Laos is ranked the 34th Safest Country and 19th Happiest Country worldwide respectively.

Follow us as we explore this up and coming hot destination in Asia!

waterfall that �ows into beautiful turquoise waters. Luang

Prabang has several waterfalls, but this is the most famous

one. Then board a boat to visit Pak Ou Caves. Hundreds of

miniature religious sculptures carved out of wood are

presented in a variety of positions from meditation to

teaching. As with other cities in Laos, Wats (Buddhist

temples) are abundant. Wat Xieng Thong is one of the most

important Laos monasteries and a popular tourist

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L a o s - A s i a ’ s N e w H o t S p o tL a o s - A s i a ’ s N e w H o t S p o t

destination. It was built in 1560 by King Setthathirath and

under the royal patronage during the Kingdom of Laos. Its

roofs sweep low to the ground, a signi�cant representation

of classic Laotian architecture.

VIENTIANE

You may be surprised to know Vientiane is the capital of

Laos, as it is unlike other bustling capitals in Asia. It gives

such a relaxing vibe that the city almost feels like a small

town. Be sure to visit the national symbol - Pha That Luang.

You will be dazzled by the magni�cent golden exterior of

the Buddhist stupa which is considered as one of the most

sacred Buddhist temples in Vientiane. The city’s most

important festival, Bun That Luang, is held here in November

on the night of the full moon. Wat Si Saket is another

must-visit temple, being the longest-standing in Vientiane.

Built in 1818, it houses hundreds of Buddha statues in all

sizes and made of wood, stone, silver and bronze. If you’re

curious about the history of Laos, the National Museum is

the place to go. One of the highlights of the museum is the

people’s struggle against foreign occupation to achieve

freedom.

Clockwise from far top left: Turquoise pools at

Khuang Si Waterfalls; Khuang Si Waterfalls; Luang

Prabang Elephants; Classic Laotian architecture; Site of

Wat Xieng Thong; Pak Ou Caves view; Pak Ou Cave

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Sightseeing aside, you should visit the Talat Sao morning

market. It has practically everything, from food to

non-edibles, wooden crafts to electronic goods. After a

whole day of exploring the city, the next best thing to do is

to stroll along the river and take in the mesmerizing sights of

sunset, with a Beerlao - the Laos national beer- in hand.

VANG VIENG

The laid-back countryside is a huge draw, especially to

backpackers. Anyone who has been here will recommend

river tubing along Nam Song River. Sailing through the town

of Vang Vieng and surrounded by stunning karst formations

is indeed the best way to enjoy the sights. Caves and

mountains are aplenty here, and you may take the

opportunity to visit a Hmong village to see the traditional

tribal way of life.

PLAIN OF JARS

This is an archaeological site with thousands of stone jars

scattered across the landscape of the Xieng Khouang

plateau. Said to be over 2,000 years old, these monuments

have been linked to prehistoric burial practices. Excavation

by archaelogists have uncovered human remains, burial

goods and ceramics at the site to support this theory.

However, much mystery revolves around the main purpose

of these jars. These stones come in all shapes and sizes and

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Clockwise from far top left: Pha That Luang; Watch

the sunset while relaxing by the riverside; Wat Si Saket;

Hundreds of Buddha statues within the compounds of

Wat Si Saket; Children bene�ting from Big Brother

Mouse; A book party that engages children in

activities; Plain of Jars; Go river tubing along Nam

Song River; Laos national beer; The idyllic countryside

of Vang Vieng

are classi�ed under di�erent sites. The Plain of Jars is one of

the most signi�cant and fascinating locations for research

on prehistoric era.

BIG BROTHER MOUSE

Books may be a given to us but in Laos, many children have

not read one before. Big Brother Mouse is a non-pro�t

publishing project aimed at providing books to as many

children as possible in the rural areas of Laos. You can buy a

textbook and donate it to the local community, or sponsor a

book party. Volunteers will visit a rural village to read, play

games and sing songs to the children. These book parties

will hopefully evoke the children’s interest in books, ful�lling

the mission of Big Brother Mouse - ‘books that make literacy

fun for children in Laos’. You can also visit the main o�ce in

Luang Prabang or the shop in Vientiane and do your part to

make a kid’s day too!

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C a p t i v a t i n gCambodia

The artistic architecture of Angkor

Complex beholds the story of the rise

and fall of the Khmer Empire. Located

just outside Siem Reap, Angkor is a

UNESCO Heritage Site. Explore this vast

archeological park starting with Angkor

Wat, the world renowned temple.

Angkor Wat, the magni�cent temple

that is the primary attraction among

tourists. This ancient temple has sparked

the curiosity of people for many ages.

The impressive architectural

masterpiece is one of the largest

religious structures and also the best

preserved temple built by the Khmer

civilization. A massive three-tiered

pyramid, Angkor Wat is dedicated to the

Hindu God, Vishnu. The walls of the

temple display some of the �nest

carvings of Apsara from the Angkorian

era and depict the stories and characters

of Hindu mythology and historical wars

of Suryavarman II. The most prominent

architectural characteristic of Angkor

Cambodia, located in the

heart of Southeast Asia, is

increasingly attracting

tourists around the world

with its rich cultural heritage

and glorious but mysterious

history. Start the adventure

of this mysterious kingdom

with us now.

Wat lies on the upper-most level, where

it unfolds into �ve lotus-like towers. The

third level of the central tower houses

four Buddha images, each facing

di�erent cardinal points. With the

growing popularity of Buddhism, this

Hindu temple also serves as a Buddhist

temple. It is believed that worshipping

these four Buddha images will bring

good luck, so remember to do so before

leaving the premises.

Breathtaking view of Angkor Wat

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In the Angkor area, the perfect place to

catch a sunset will be at Phnom

Bakheng. Phnom Bakheng is the �rst

Hindu temple built in the Angkor area

and is located on a 60m natural hill. A

long steep path leads to the hilltop

where a magni�cent panoramic sunset

view awaits those who make the tiring

climb.

Welcoming tourists on the causeway to

Angkor Thom are statues of Gods

(Devas) o n the right and Demons

(Asuras) on the left. At the end of it lies

the soaring gateway of Angkor Thom,

which stands at 75 feet tall and is

decorated with gigantic stone elephant

trunks and stone faces of the

Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara facing four

directions. Bayon, the �rst temple on

entry, welcomes tourists with its famous

enigmatic smiling faces of

Avalokiteshvara. These life-like stone

carvings, seemingly watching every

move you make, is the highlight of this

temple.

God Vishnu with 8 arms

Apsara carvings Stone carvings depicting Hindu mythology & historical stories

The long steep steps to the hilltop

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Ta Prohm, a temple nested in the jungle,

has photogenic ruins that make it the

most popular attraction among tourists.

The layout of Ta Prohm is considered

rather ‘�at’ as compared to other temples

built in a pyramid shape. It has �ve

rectangular walls enclosing it and

connecting it to the center of the

monument and this area is further

enclosed by three square galleries. It is

best to visit Ta Prohm in the morning and

take a trail down the monument from

the west to the east. The massive roots of

the banyan and kapok trees extending

over the stones, tearing the walls and

terraces apart, are a sight to behold.

Tuol Sleng Museum, a museum in the

capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, was

formerly a high school that had been

converted into a prison during the rule

of the Khmer Rouge communist from

The amazing view of Phnom Bakheng during sunset

Capturing the beautiful sunset

The enigmatic smiling faces of Avalokiteshvara

Terrace of the Elephant, anancient royal viewing platform

Statues of Gods lining thecauseway to Angkor Thom

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1975 to 1979. The detention center,

previously known as “Security Prison 21

(S-21)”, is enclosed by electri�ed barbed

wires to prevent inmates from escaping.

During the Khmer revolution, many

inmates, mainly soldiers, government

o�cials and academics, were repeatedly

tortured here and died. Today, this

building has been converted into an

exhibition area displaying the victims’

photographs, their living conditions as

well as the devices used to torture them.

Killing �eld of Choeung Ek

During the Khmer Rouge days, over

17,000 people held at the S-21 detention

center were executed at an

extermination camp at Choeung Ek.

Those that were executed included men,

women, children and even infants. Upon

entering the killing �eld, there stands a

Buddhist stupa �lled with more than

5,000 human skulls laid out neatly in

rows. A further walk down the shady

orchard, one will see the many burial

pits, once used to bury the people

tortured and killed during the Khmer

Rouge days. Inmates were asked to dig

the pits that would be their own graves

before being tortured to death. These

pits have now been opened and the

remains of the dead removed. Small

children and infants could not escape

from death as well. They were swung

against trees, smashing their heads till

they died and leaving the tree trunk

stained with blood. It is an emotional

experience walking through the killing

�eld, especially on seeing the thousands

of skulls and fragments of clothing still

found on the ground. E3Ta Prohm, the temple nested in the jungle

The detention center enclosedby electri�ed barbed wires

The mass grave at Choeung Ek

Cabinet of Skulls in Tuol Sleng Museum

Gigantic roots of trees covering the temple

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1) Khmer Red CurryIf you love your curry but can’t tolerate intense spiciness, you will enjoy this dish without its overpowering chili. It consists of beef, chicken or �sh, eggplant, green beans, potatoes, coconut milk, lemongrass and kroeung, a curry base used in many Khmer dishes. Khmer red curry is usually served with bread, a practice in�uenced by the French. It is a common dish found at weddings, family gatherings and on religious holidays like Ancestor’s Day.

2) Fish AmokA �sh mousse with fresh coconut milk and kroeung, steamed with a banana leaf, Fish Amok is a traditional Cambodian dish often eaten during the

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Must-eats in CambodiaF o r t h e F o o d i e s :

Water Festival. While it is usually made with �sh, chicken, tofu and snails are sometimes part of the ingredients as well. Some local eateries serve it as a boiled version that resembles a soupy �sh curry.

3-4) Nom Banh ChokAlso known as Khmer noodles, this is typical breakfast food. The dish consists of noodles pounded out of rice, and topped with �sh-based curry gravy made from lemongrass, turmeric root and lime. Bean sprouts, cucumbers and green beans are piled on top, among other greens. The noodles are handmade in provinces and delivered to local markets each morning. Interestingly, there is a red curry version often served at weddings but rarely on the streets.

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Must-eats in Cambodia

5-6) Bai Sach ChroukThis is a simple dish of pork and rice, yet it is one of the most delicious and beloved by locals and tourists alike. Thin slices of pork, sometimes marinated in coconut milk or garlic, are grilled over a coal �re and served with white rice. Pickles and chicken stock soup complete the meal.

7) BugsNo, your eyes are not playing tricks on you. For the dare-devils, try dishes cooked with insects, a common ingredient in menus in Cambodia. At a typical local market, you will �nd wide varieties of insects ready to be eaten. One of the more popular dishes is stir-fried red tree ants with beef and basil. Lots of chilies complete this unforgettable dish.

Photo no.3 credit to Kristina Johnson @ http://www.wired2theworld.com

If you travel in good health, you will have a much more enjoyable trip. It would be depressing to rest in bed because of illness during a holiday trip. Hence, it is strongly recommended that you take adequate preventive measures to reduce the risk of falling ill in a foreign country. Read on to learn some health tips for travelers to the region we feature in this edition - Indochina.

# GET VACCINATED - Consult your doctor for any required vaccinations or health information before your departure. Read up on the di�erent diseases that may break out in the country that you are travelling to. Check out the World Health Organization (WHO) website for more information.

KNOW YOUR BODY - Make sure your body is �t enough to participate in physically-demanding activities such as trekking or mountain climbing. Consult your doctor if you have any medical history before proceeding with these activities.

FOOD - Local delicacies are a must-try, but before you start eating, check that your food is in good condition and not likely to cause a stomach upset. Some tips include:

• Avoid food swarmed with flies. • Do not eat raw meat or seafood if there is no evidence of proper handling of the food. • Do not eat reheated food, as they are likely to contain bacteria. • Check if the food gives out a foul smell or looks strange. Alternatively, take a small bite to taste if the food has gone bad. Return the food if you �nd it strange or if it has not been cooked well.

WATER - Never drink water from the tap and avoid ice cubes made from tap water. For food safety, consume only bottled water and ensure that the seal on the bottle cap is intact before you �rst break it. Use bottled water for drinking and rinsing your mouth.

INSECT BITES - Diseases such as malaria and dengue are prevalent in Asia. These mosquito-borne diseases can be life-threatening, therefore preventive measures are important. Travelers are encouraged to:

• Apply insect repellent that contains DEET.• Wear long, loosely-fitted, light-colored clothing.• Sleep in beds covered with a mosquito net and make sure there are no holes in the net.• Spray the room with insect sprays targeted at �ying insects.

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The charms of Vietnam are irresistible. From its history to natural landscapes, we can’t helpfalling in love with this city. Here are some of the top places you must visit in the country.

TOP PLACES IN VIETNAM

HuếHuế is known for its abundant historic landmarks, making

the city a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A former imperial

city, traces of royal power can still be found amidst the

complex of monuments, tombs and pagodas. The Imperial

City is one of the most massive structures built in the

history of modern Vietnam. It is also one of the best

preserved palaces among the royal quarters. Also a

must-visit is the Temple of Literature, dedicated to

worshipping Confucius. Containing 50 architectural works,

a unique symbol of Vietnam’s educational system during

the feudal times can be seen within the premises. The

temple also represents the value and respect placed on

education in the country. Another landmark not to be

missed is the Thien Mu Pagoda. It is often referred to as an

icon of Huế. The tallest in Vietnam, the prestigious icon is

seven stories high and exudes a peaceful aura with its

charming landscapes surrounding the site.

Thien Mu Pagoda Imperial City

A village in Hoi An

Hoi AnOften referred to affectionately as the Venice of Vietnam, Hoi An

was spared from the destructions of war and the buildings are all

well-preserved, as if time stood still. It is no wonder that the town

was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999.

People come here for various reasons - the tranquil waterfront,

the nostalgic atmosphere, the beautiful palm-lined beach and

the expert tailors. These combinations prove to be so alluring

that it is common for visitors to make return trips. Start your day

by exploring the market along the riverbank, then visit the

Japanese Covered Bridge, the symbol of Hoi An, followed by

various museums that transport you back to ancient Vietnam.

Visit a tailor shop to revamp your wardrobe and then head to one

of the many restaurants for a delectable feast of local food. In the

afternoon, you can rent a bicycle and cycle to Cua Dai beach

where the stretch of sand and vast ocean make for a perfect idle

afternoon. In the evening, take a stroll along the riverfront and be

captivated by the sunset cast upon the serene waters and the

night lights from the rows of shop houses.

Japanese Covered Bridge

Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Colonial-style building

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Junk boats at Ha Long Bay

Sung Sot Cave

The Kissing Rocks

Ha Long BayHa Long, which translates to ‘where the dragon descends

into the sea’, is one of the signature attractions in Vietnam,

and is famous for its scenic rock formations. There is about

1,600 islands and islets in Ha Long Bay, most of which are

uninhabited. One will be awed by the natural wonder of this

seascape, and the diversity of caves and limestone islands.

The abundance of lakes and fog during the cooler season

adds an ethereal beauty to the place. The best way to see

this site, termed as one of the ‘New 7 Wonders of Nature’,

is to take a cruise ride. Discover the splendors of Ha Long

Bay aboard the cruise as you sail through the lakes.

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SapaSapa is a picturesque town rich in cultural diversity and amazing scenery. Many

ethnic minorities live here, including the five main groups of Hmong, Yao, Tay, Zay

and Xa Pho. It will be a memorable experience to meet these locals and

understand more about their cultures and way of living. A must-see is the Love

Market, where youths of the Red Dao tribe gather in a weekly courting ritual,

singing tribal love songs to pursue the opposite sex. You can also join a trekking

tour to explore the tribal villages and mountain terrains, and be treated to views of

steep terraced paddy fields. You will be struck by how beautiful the environment is,

amidst the simple lifestyle the minorities lead. Its geographical location makes it an

ideal habitat for wildlife, some of which can only be found in this part of Vietnam.

This is the place to escape from the city’s racket and enjoy Mother Nature.

Panorama of Sapa

Red Dao minority

Sapa rice fields

Da LatDa Lat is known as ‘City of Love’ and a romantic getaway for the

Vietnamese. The place was transformed when the French made it a

retreat to get away from the heat of Saigon in the early 20th century.

It is not hard to spot the influences of the French in the architecture

of the buildings. Emperor Bao Dai’s Summer Palace is a must-visit

antique villa for all tourists, where you can learn about the royal

family’s life inside the premises. Another attraction is Xuan Hong

Lake, one of the main draws of Da Lat. With its great views, the lake

is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. Be sure to stop by Da

Lat Flower Garden situated at the end of Xuan Hong Lake, a

magnificent garden home to a hundred species of flowers spanning

a total land area of 7000m2!

HanoiAs the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi is a city that you have to step foot

in. This is where East meets West, with a dash of Chinese and

French influences. You may visit the Museum of Vietnamese

Revolution to understand more about the colonial era. But what is a

visit to Hanoi without seeing the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, built in the

honor of the national hero Ho Chi Minh? Due to the compact nature

of the city, the attractions are relatively close to one another. Hence,

you will have ample time to go sightseeing at various museums,

temples and parks. All the walking is bound to tire you out, so be

sure to try out Hanoi’s best foods to recharge your energy and

satisfy the growling stomach. Pho, or rice noodle soup, is definitely

top on the list, having been invented in Hanoi in the early 20th

century. This is a staple of the Vietnamese diet, and what better way

to immerse yourself in the country’s culture than in its local

delicacies?

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City of Hanoi Ho Chi Minh Statue inside the Mausoleum

Museum of Vietnamese Revolution

27

Phu QuocA large tropical island, Phu Quoc is a hidden gem of paradise

with pristine sands, fantastic reef diving spots, deserted beaches

(in other words, peacefulness), and one of the best seafood

places in the country. It is no wonder that the rustic environment

is best for unwinding. Mostly undeveloped for tourism, few have

heard of this beautiful island. But it is also this very reason you

should visit this tranquil place in all its natural beauty before it

gets commercialized by tourism. One of the unique sights

around the island is the racks of drying anchovies and squid,

important ingredients in the Vietnamese cuisine. Phu Quoc is

famous for its production of very high quality fish sauce that is

exported worldwide. Visit the factory to see the production

process.

Mekong DeltaA common sight in Mekong Delta is farmers planting and harvesting rice in the endless rice

fields as it produces half of the country’s agricultural output. Take a cruise along the river and

see the hidden forest temple of Oum Mong and the largest falls in Southeast Asia at Khone

Pheng. Life here revolves around the river, and small boats are the most convenient

transportation for the locals. This is also the best way to see floating markets in action.

Photos credit to: vietnam-in-pictures.com

Peaceful beach in Phu Quoc

Mekong Delta Take a boat ride along Mekong Delta

Floating market at Mekong Houses are built along the riverside

Our Recommendations

Departures:Mar - Sep

From

S$1,388Departures:Apr - Jun

From

S$608

5 Day Hanoi - Hoa Lu -Hai Phong - Ha Long Bay

5 Day Mystical Cambodia –Siem Reap & Phnom Penh

5 Day North Eastern Thailand

8 Day Welcome to theAncient World - Laos MORE MORE

MORE MORE

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Highlights:Wat Sisaket, Wat Prakeo, That Luang Stupa, Patuxay Monument, Royal Palace Museum, Wat Xiengthong, Wat Visoun, Wat Aham, Wat Mai, night market, Phousi Market, Ban Ouay, Ban Ou, Ban Thapene, Pak Ou Caves, Ban Xanghai, Ban Phanom, Hill tribe villages, Site 1 of the Plain of Jars, Plain of Jars, Vang Vieng, Tham Jang, Ban Huai Ngai, Buddha Park, Talad Sao

Accommodations: Luang Prabang: Villa Pumalin Hotel 4* or similar x 2N Vientiane: Sabaidee @ Lao Hotel 4* or similar x 3N Xieng Khouang: Vansana Hotel 3* or similar x 1N Vang Vieng: Elephant Crossing Hotel 3* or similar x 1N

Accommodations: Siem Reap: Allson Paradise or Riviera Angkor Hotel 4* x 3N or similar class Phnom Penh: Naga World Hotel 5* x 1N or similar class

Highlights:

Siem Reap: Tonlesap, Khmea Massage, Angkor

Wat, Bakheng Hill, Les Artisan D’ Angkor, Silk

Farm, Local Market, Cambodian Cultural Village

Phnom Penh: Royal Palace, Toul Sleng Museum,

Independence Monument, Victoria Park

Departures:Mar - May

From

S$798Departures:March

From

S$689

Accommodations: Bangkok: Twin Towers or similar x 2N Khao Yai: Greenery Resort or similar x 2N

Highlights:Khao Yai Winery, Chokchai Agro Tour, Wang Nam Keow, Suan Suai Khun Tor, Village Farm & Winery, Mister Mushroom Farm, Palio Khao Yai, Thai Elephant Research & Conservation Fund, Outlet Village Khao-Yai, National Corn & Sorghum Research Center’s shop

Accommodations: Hanoi: Khan Quang Do 3* or similar class x 3N Ha Long: Bach Dang 3* or similar class x 1N

Highlights:Water Puppet Show, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, The Presidential Palace, Ba Dinh Square, One Pillar Pagoda, Tam Coc Bich Dong, Du Hang Pagoda, Flower Market, Thien Cung Caves, Royal Forbidden City, Dinh and Le Temple

*Prices quoted are average per room per night. Find more hotels at www.newshan.com/hotel

Phuket, Thailand Krabi, ThailandAndaman Seaview Hotel from S$69

MORE MORE

This new resort is located at the southern part of Karon Beach, 3 minutes’ drive from the Phuket Orchid Resort of the same area. It is approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Phuket Airport and 15 minutes from the famous Patong Beach.

Maritime Park & Spa Hotel from S$92The resort is located in town, approximately 20-30 minutes’ drive from the airport. It is beautifully set in the landscaped garden with natural forest and it overlooks the lagoon.

Vientiane, Laos Bangkok, Thailand

Sabaidee At Lao Hotel from S$96

MORE MORE

This contemporary hotel is located in the prime location of Vientiane. Approximately 15 minutes from Wat Tai Airport and 5 minutes to Ta Lat Sao (local morning market). It provides ease of convenience to all major attraction places in town.

Holiday Inn Bangkok Hotel from S$137The hotel is located near the intersection of Rajchaprasong, the central area for all shopping centres, and is a 5 minutes’ walk from Central Chidlom and Central World Plaza. Siam Square is a 15 minutes’ walk from the hotel. It is connected to the Chidlom sky train station.

Siem Reap, Cambodia Phnom Penh, CambodiaPrince D’angkor Hotel from S$120

MORE MORE

Conveniently located in the heart of Siem Reap’s historical, cultural, shopping and business districts. The hotel is only a 15 minutes’ drive away from Siem Reap International Airport and just 10 minutes from Angkor Wat.

Phnom Penh Hotel from S$119The hotel is situated in the heart of Phnom Penh. It is also close to embassies and approximately 5 minutes’ drive from the renowned "Wat Phnom Pagoda". It is 20 minutes’ drive from the Pochentong International Airport.

Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam Hanoi, Vietnam

Liberty Central Hotel from S$133

MORE MORE

Located right in the heart of Saigon's vibrant city and nearby Ben Thanh market. It is a short stroll to entertainment spots and attractions such as City Opera House, Central Post Office, Cathedral, Unification Palace and the Walk (Dong Khoi street).

Bonjour Vietnam Hotel from S$80Hotel is located at Tran Nhan Tong Street. Close to Home Market, one of the biggest local markets in Hanoi. Also near Hale Lake and Thong Nhat Park. Just 2km from Hoan Kiem Lake and Old Quarter and 3km to Giang Vo Exhibition Center. 45 minutes’ drive from Noi Bai International Airport.

Hotel Deals

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www.newshan.com

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