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Travel experts highlight their tips for where to head in Vietnam and nearby
countries in the coming 12 months.
Where’s
HOT
For the year 2014, I think the most
attractive destination is still Halong Bay
with its amazing limestone islands, rock
formations and caves. Whittled away
over centuries by wind and water,
they’re breathtaking. For a longer tour
(around 3 days 2 nights) on traditional
wood junks and cruises, you can under-
take more activities there like kayaking,
rock climbing, or fishing.
The ancient town of Hoi An is the
next most recommended place, espe-
cially on the 14th day of each lunar
month. This is when the town trades its
electric lights for traditional coloured
lanterns. Getting an insight to the life
of a farmer at Tra Que vegetable village
also creates amazing moments, espe-
cially for a family.
Elsewhere in Asia, I suggest Siem
Reap in Cambodia with the famous
ruins of Angkor Wat. The ancient
structures are contained within one
of the largest religious complexes in
the world. The complex and the 12th
century Angkor Thom royal city are
considered the main reasons to visit
Siem Reap. You can spend time trek-
king and cycling to explore different
Angkor Wat temples as well as kayak-
ing along Tonle Sap lake.
Another interesting place in Asia
is Luang Prabang in Laos. The former
capital of Laos is highlighted with gold-
en-roofed temples and colonial French
architecture. Buddhist monasteries
abound in Luang Prabang and early
every morning monks proceed through
the streets collecting alms. You can trek
or cycle the outskirts of Luang Prabang
to explore beautiful landscapes, local
villages and waterfalls.
SPECIAL
FEATURE
BOBBY NGUYEN
Director of Active Travel Asia
NGUYEN YEN
Managing director of
ANNAM TRAVEL
Beaches and big cities are getting
too predictable, so for 2014 I tip the
beautiful untouched Northern provinc-
es. In the north east, you can discover
Ba Be Lake in Bac Kan Province as well
as the splendid Nguom Ngao cave, the
Lenin stream or the Ban Gioc waterfall.
More well known among tourists is the
north west, with its glorious shades of
yellow canola flowers and pink peach
blossoms. Boating on the Son La hydro-
electric lake, you may feel like you are
floating on poetic Ha Long Bay.
Travelling to those provinces, you
also have chance to experience the lives
of ethnic people and try their speciality
foods, such as the grilled fish of the Thai
people. Tourists who wish to get a more
local taste and interact more with local
people can choose to join vibrant local
fairs on a tour of Bac Ha, Can Cau and
Ximacai. The fairs are held every Satur-
day, selling everything from food and
household things to work outfits. Expe-
riencing the life of local ethnic people,
their daily routines and their cultural
customs and habits is a very different
and interesting option for every tourist.
Halong Bay
Ban Gioc waterfall