Adventure Outdoors in Turkey’s Cappadocia

On December 14, 2010, In Archeology & Culture, Eastern Mediterranean Adventures, By Sylvia Arad

Far from Turkey’s seaside in central Anatolya, Cappadocia is a vast region where volcanic activity has resulted in bizarre, undulating landscapes and “fairy chimneys” – tall tapering spires of rock sculpted out of soft volcanic tuff by wind and water.  The region features some of the most spectacular scenery and topography in the world, and is an ideal destination for family vacation adventures.

Cappadocia's Fairy Chimneys

Besides its topography, Cappadocia is known for its unique dwellings of rock-carved homes and churches built by Greek Christians who inhabited the region until the early 20th century, and for its troglodyte villages – underground cities created to escape persecution.

Rock Carved Dwellings

Goreme Valley

At the center of Cappadocia, Goreme, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to the most remarkable of these sights.  Molded   from a combination of volcanic tuff, basalt, wind and water, Goreme’s fairy chimneys, fantastic meringue-like shapes with tapering columns thrusting skywards, house entire dwellings which were chiseled into the soft rock – rooms, doors and windows – some inhabited to this day.  A part of the Roman and Byzantine empires, Cappadocia was home to a thriving monastic Christian community who carved churches and monasteries into the same soft earth and decorated them with pigments made of local plants and minerals. The Goreme Open Air Museum  is witness to some thirty of the most impressive of these rock-cut churches, whose vividly colored frescoes depict stories from the bible. Key-holed shaped doors, leading into arched and domed spaces and split-level structures with stairs running up and down characterize these edifices, and shrines tucked around corners with ornate frescoes adorn the interiors.

Frescoes in Church Cave

Derinkuyu, a small town between Goreme and Nigde, houses the most outstanding troglodyte village , an entire city constructed underground. A labyrinthine network of chambers and passages, carved beneath the earth, it was created to avoid religious persecution and marauders’ raids. As time went on, the complex became more and more elaborate, stretching down some eleven levels to a depth of 85 m and sprawling out over an ever-increasing area.  At its height, this underground city sheltered between 3000 – 50,000 people.  Though some 200 similar cities have been discovered in Cappadocia, Derinkuyu proffers to being the most extraordinary example.

Underground City at Derynkuyu

Beyond the scenery and topography, Cappadocia caters to adventure outdoors  and activities fitting  adventure travel holidays.  Hot air ballooning over the fairy chimneys in the early mornings is an experience not to be missed.  Hop across rivers, scramble up hills or simply stop to enjoy the scenery here – this is a great destination for a hiking vacations  combining superb and peaceful nature with history.  This is also the region for horseback riding, quad biking and jeep safaris – just some of the most popular activities to be had.

Ballooning in Cappadocia

Cappadocia exhibits the sheer scope of what man can do and leaves you marveling at the ingenuity of its people.  At the same time, it offers up  vacacation adventures galore in a region packed with outdoor activities for every age and level.

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Adventure Travel Holidays in Spain’s Pueblos Blancos

On November 9, 2010, In From Rails to Sails: Europe Go Travel Direct with Kids, Outdoor Adventure Travel, By Sylvia Arad

 Inland from Spain’s heavily developed southwestern coastal strip, the Pueblos Blancos sit loftily on Andalucía’s hillsides.  These charming “White Villages” acquire their name from their pristinely whitewashed buildings, resplendent and sparkling brightly against the dazzling sun.   Perched high on the hills between the coast on the west and the Ronda Mountains on the east, these towns offer an escape into natural surroundings, a glimpse into traditional Spanish life and lots of active adventure.  Settled by Berbers during the eight centuries of Moorish rule, these villages, which were under the constant threat of attack were easily defensible and served as the border between Moors and Christians.  

Towards Arcos de la Frontera

Winding slowly east into the mountains,  high peaks, jagged crags, gorges, chasms and caves, and an occasional goat grazing on the hillsides take the place of beaches and crowds, with breathtaking views at every bend.   Heading inland, Arcos de la Frontera, one of the prettiest towns in Spain, comes into view.   Situated near the Guadalate River, high above a precipitous gorge, the town was an important Moorish stronghold and boasts spectacular vistas of olive groves, vineyards and bull and horse farms. Possessing an old-world charm, this lovely village is packed with history.

Arcos de La Frontera

The National Parks in the Region

Picturesque Zahara de la Sierra, a typical fortified White Village, straddles a hilltop overlooking the wide, blue waters of the Embalse de Zahara, a man-made reservoir more like a natural lake.   The town lays claim to a Moorish castle sitting high above on a rocky crest, which overlooks a lovely baroque church.   From Zahara de la Sierra, a narrow mountain road winds and twists its way up to Grazalema, an idyllically  beautiful, well-kept small town.  Renowned for its many bubbling fountains, Grazalema has a wetter climate than its neighbors, its reward being its setting in the heart of the verdant Parque Natural Sierra de Grazalema.  To the south and west of the Grazalema National Park, the National Park of Los Alcornocales, one of the world’s largest cork oak forests, forms the backdrop of an area of outstanding beauty and is home to rare species of Andalucian wildlife including mountain goats, red deer and wild boar.

Parque los Arconocales

Ronda’s Dramatic Setting

Snaking a way up past panoramic views of silvery green olive groves en route to Ronda , the small charming towns of Montijaque and Benaojan boast  ancient caves with great Paleolithic cave drawings.  Ronda, the largest of the Pueblos Blancos, sits on a limestone plateau, split by the El Tajo Gorge.  Its dramatic setting above the enormous gorge, which drops over 100 m. below, made Ronda one of the last Moorish bastions to fall.  Spanning the gorge are 3 exceptional bridges, the most spectacular of these being an 18th century construction standing on two massive pillars built at the bottom of the gorge.

Crossing the bridge to Ronda

Breathtaking Ronda

On the edge of the crevice, dazzling white Moorish buildings with intricate window grilles of metal decorate Ronda’s Old Town.  In this setting, the Palacio de Mondragon, used by kings as a palace and the most important building in town, features amazing views from its gardens.  Located in the Mercadillo (“Little Market”) in the newer part of town, Ronda boasts one of Spain’s oldest bullrings, and the nearby Church of Santa Maria la Mayor, originally a mosque converted to church, is an interesting blend of Moor and Christian architecture. With its fascinating history, Ronda is a city well worth exploring.

Mondragon Palace Courtyard

 

In addition to a relaxed respite into local Spanish culture, this Andalucian region features a multitude of   activities:  Walking and hiking, horseback riding, caving, paragliding, wind and kite surfing are just some of the many adventures on offer.  The countryside is   stunning,  the  white cobbled towns charming, and the easy-going, warm and friendly locals   mark the Andalucian character.  Life’s leisurely pace is infectious here and is  like a breath of cool, fresh air in Spain’s sizzling climate.

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Get Ready for an Adventure Travel Holiday on Spain’s Costa Brava

On October 19, 2010, In Archeology & Culture, City Breaks, Outdoor Adventure Travel, Water Adventures, By Sylvia Arad

Spain’s ruggedly beautiful Costa Brava, the sunny “Wild Coast” stretches for 160 km along Catalonia’s northeastern shores from Port Bou on the Franco-Spanish border to Tossa del Mar just north of Barcelona.  Lined with green hillsides, craggy, wild cliffs, sandy inlets and caves, this is an adventure travelers paradise, where all manner of water sports, cycling and hiking are found.

 The rugged coastline is dotted with lovely resorts interposed with unspoilt fishing villages and vibrant marinas.  Exploring the hidden delights of the craggy coastline by boat, you discover deserted pine and citrus scented coves, ancient castles and fortifications. 

L"Estartit

On this jagged coast, L\”Estartit is a diver’s heaven with an abundance of wrecks to explore in the crystalline waters.  Just a mile offshore, the Medes Islands, a small archipelago of seven islets and a few reefs, features one of the richest marine reserves in the Mediterranean. Here, snorkelers and divers of every level delight in the thousands of fish and plant species that inhabit the submarine caves and crevices.   To the south, Tossa del Mar, with its 12th Century walled town, its narrow, twisting streets and its lovely sandy beaches is one of the most attractive of the coastal villages and offers excellent opportunities for windsurfing, sailing, snorkeling and boating.

Diving in the Medes Islands

Tossa de Mar

 

On the northern coast, Figueres, the birthplace of Salvador Dali, houses a most unique museum created by the artist – a surrealistic fuchsia building topped with gigantic golden eggs.  Dali is buried here in an unmarked crypt.  Just a few miles away, Cadaques, Dali’s childhood home, is the epitome of a postcard-perfect Catalan seaside village, with its striking white houses with tiled red roofs, its splendid old church and winding cobblestone streets to the backdrop of towering mountains and the cobalt blue sea.  Situated on a breathtaking bay, Rosas, Catalonia’s oldest town was a Greek trading post over 2000 years ago.  Across the bay, the village of Empuries is the site of many ancient, romantic cultures: Originally a small Phoenician trading post, it was replaced by the Greek colonial village of Emporio in the 6th century BC and 4 centuries later it had become a Roman naval port.  The ruins of an acropolis and of beautiful Greek and Roman villas dot the area.

Empuries

Away from the coast, a very different Spain greets you.  Here, you’re deep in Catalonia, with its ancient traditions and ambiance.  Banyoles, a historic lakeside town north of Girona dates from 812, has developed around a Benedictine monastery.  Its old town is crammed with fascinating ancient buildings centered on a lovely arcaded square, and its lake offers every kind of boating, from rowing to pedal boats.

Giron on the Onyar River

En route from the Pyrenees to Barcelona, Girona, an unspoilt, more intimate urban center than its sister, Barcelona, is a quaint ancient city founded by the Romans which later became a Moorish stronghold.  The meandering Onyar River runs through the town, flanked by pastel-colored houses from the Middle Ages perched on the site of the old city walls. This charming, medieval   town, with its genuine Gothic character, has a present-day personality rooted in the Middle Ages.  Wandering around its winding, old cobblestone streets, you suddenly discover a section of ancient Roman ramparts, or at another turning a magnificent 12th century cathedral or the ruins of the 12th century Arab baths.  The “Call”, the old Jewish quarter, is a wonderful characteristic labyrinth of steep streets and ancient buildings, a perfectly preserved enclave which was the heart of Jewish life in the  north and the seat of the Iberian Hebrew intellectual,  Rabbi Moses Maimonides.

The Call in Girona

A trip to the Costa Brava is a trip through time, from the ancient ruins and castles of Roman, Greek and Moorish prominence through the medieval towns like Banyoles and Girona to the modern seaside resorts splashed with charming picturesque fishing villages.

From watersports to relaxed cycling, to wandering the gently rolling hills, this is a region for family adventure travel at its best.

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Short City Breaks: Hanoi Vietnam

On October 5, 2010, In City Breaks, Family Vacation Adventures in Asia, By Sylvia Arad

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam for nearly 1000 years, possesses an eclectic East-West blend.  A city with a backdrop that breathes history, Hanoi provides a fascinating kaleidoscope – an empire that absorbed the Cham and other cultures, a Southeast Asian Colony followed by a French colony and finally home to a Communist regime.  Hanoi’s diverse neighborhoods reflect its history and lend it much of its flavor and charm.   Its tiny, local colonial cafes, its numerous noodle soup stalls everywhere, its group of exercising elders by the lakes – all are scenes that greet you here.   

 

The Red River, a part of Vietnam’s heritage, is the setting for Hanoi.  Known as the “city of lakes”, Hanoi’s center and outskirts are interspersed with lakes.  Set between the city’s Old Quarter and its French Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, in the city’s center, houses the Turtle Tower Pagoda and a lovely park surrounding its banks. Known as the “Lake of the Restored Sword”, it takes its name from an ancient legend where the emperor Le Loi returned a magic sword to the golden turtle god who resided in its depths, the pagoda honoring the swords return.  On the lake, the Water Puppet Theater is held.  A traditional   form of art, puppeteers stand waist-deep in the water performing a variety of traditional plays with wooden marionettes.  Near the lake’s northern shores, Ngoc Son, the Jade Mountain Temple, can be reached via a magnificent red bridge.

Red Bridge

Ngog Son Temple

Ho Tay, West Lake, is Hanoi’s largest lake, spanning 17 km along its shores.  Located in the very heart of the city, the lake is surrounded by manicured gardens, elegant villas and palaces and temples including Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest in Vietnam, and Quan than Temple, on the ancient Hanoi’s four sacred temples. A central part of Hanoi life, it is a popular place for recreation. Other lakes, including Thien Quang Lake and True Bach Lake dot the city and include historic sites such as the Vien Truc Lam Palace, originally a place of worship and later a women’s prison, the Holy Mandarin Temple and the Chou Long Pagoda.

More than 2000 years old, Hanoi’s Old Quarter, or 36 Streets Market, is the vibrant center of life here.  The hustle –bustle begins at dawn here and slows down at around 10 pm. The first area settled in Hanoi, the Old Quarter adheres to the guild concept, where artisans gathered together in an area to share resources.  As such, many of the streets here are named after the products sold – s bamboo is sold on Bamboo St., and on Silk St. silk is sold and so on.  Life here spills out to the streets from the tunnel homes, long, narrow buildings, which line the streets and extend deep beyond the store front, housing an inner courtyard and behind, residential quarters.

Lively Old Quarter

The House on stilts

The Old Quarter is also home toHo Chi Minh\’s Mausoleum , a replica of Lenin’s mausoleum, and the House on Stilts, Ho Chi Minh’s simple home representing his communist ideals. The  Van Mieu or Temple of Literature is probably the most impressive site here.  Considered a most important spot, it originally functioned as an elite university.  One of Hanoi’s holiest sites since its beginnings in the 11th century, the complex houses 5 interconnected courtyards, manicured lawns and ancient temples and monuments of Confucius scholars and is  undoubtedly one of Hanoi’s most beautiful  landmarks.

St. Joseph's Cathedral

The French Quarter teems with beautiful colonial buildings and wide boulevards.  Many French buildings from the 19th century remain.- the Opera House, a replica of the Palais Garnier in Paris; the Governor’s Palace, an ornate colonial style building, the Presidential Palace and St. Joseph\’s Cathedral to name just a few.

Hanoi, at its best at dawn, is a hive of energy, the markets ablaze with color and movement, armies of women doing aerobics and early morning wedding parties posing for photos.  As the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi’s lovely tree-lined boulevards, lakes and parks, its French colonial buildings and elegant squares all meld to lend  Hanoi a  distinctive ambiance  that makes it unique in this region.

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Get Ready for Off-The-Beaten-Path Adventures in Vietnam’s Best Eco Lodges

On October 2, 2010, In Biking & Hiking, Family Vacation Adventures in Asia, Outdoor Adventure Travel, Uncategorized, By Sylvia Arad

Renowned for hiking, highly qualified local guides, stunning backdrops and a rich cultural heritage, Vietnam’s northwestern highlands are a prime destination for travelers looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure like no other.  Making the region even more attractive are the spectacular eco-friendly accommodations built on a vision of community sustainability.

Mai Chau Valley

Mai Chau Lodge

Nestled in the stunningly beautiful mountainous region of Hoa Binh Province, 135 km south of Hanoi, Mai Chau Lodge strives to preserve local traditions, culture and the natural surroundings of its lush valley setting.  The lodge is built from a socially and environmentally responsible vision.   Using sustainable local materials, Mai Chau Lodge boasts a natural beauty, blending perfectly into its surroundings.

Mai Chau Lodge

Set among rice fields, misty mountains and fascinating hill tribe people, this community-minded gem boasts 24 immaculately maintained rooms.  The thoughtfully appointed quarters offer unique charm with cozy wood furnishings and local décor, some offering private verandas which open onto views of the lily pond and the setting sun.  Waking to the scene of lotus flowers and farmers grazing their water buffalos in the nearby rice fields is an unbeatable experience which reflects the authentic character of the region.

Activities at Mai Chau

In addition to sustainable building practices, Mai Chau Lodge offers excellent adventure trips.   Local qualified guides lead travelers to Thai hill-tribe communities in the region for a highly authentic experience, immersing them in the traditions and lifestyles of natives.  A community effort, the well-designed tours to Pu Luong Reserve, one of 5 natural reserves in the area, for wildlife and bird watching, a visit to nearby White Thai village, or to the lodge’s Mo Luong Bat Cave and to the local Black Hmong market, fishing at Mo Luong Lake, kayaking, cycling the green countryside and returning in the evening after a fun-filled day to relax in the sauna, jacuzzi or steam room – all round out the activity offerings at this unique lodge.  

Set amongst some of Vietnam’s most stunning scenery, a trip to the northwestern highlands of Mai Chau Lodge offers a mix of off-the-beaten-path eco adventure and culture in an up-close encounter with some of Vietnam’s most colorful inhabitants and traditions.

Native Dancing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Victoria Sapa Resort

Verdant Views from the Resort

High in Vietnam’s remote northwestern highlands near the Chinese border, the former hill station of Sapa, famous for its pristine verdant environment, unparalleled scenery and cool climate is home to more than 30 colorful ethnic tribes and to Vietnam’s highest peak, Mt. Fansipan.  Perched on a hill overlooking the valley, the Victoria Sapa Resort provides an excellent base for those seeking adventure on a road less traveled in close harmony with nature and an authentic cultural experience.

The Resort

Built as a traditional mountain chalet with warm wooden décor and a cozy stone fireplace, the Victoria Sapa Resort perfectly blends into its natural setting, surrounded by lush green gardens, rural terraces and breathtaking mountainscapes.  Guests feel at ease in the mountain chalet atmosphere where welcoming accommodations bring together the elegance of traditional local ethnic handicraft with the comfort of French colonial style in earthy tones, hardwood floors and vibrant embroidered native tapestry.  Each unit features a private terrace with spectacular views in all directions.   This child-friendly resort offers spacious studios ideal for families of 4-5 as well.

The most exciting adventures at the resort center on mountain trekking, cycling and excursions to the foothills of Mt. Fansipan, and to the area’s authentic hill tribe villages and markets.  Russian jeep safaris to the more remote markets and ethnically diverse areas, boating on the Chay River, trekking around Ta Van area and overnight homestays in local villages are also on offer. 

Trekking in Mt. Fansipan Foothils

Reserved for in-house guests, the romantic overnight train rides from Hanoi to Lao Cai (Sapa) aboard the resort’s own Victoria Express train is an experience in itself. Kids will especially enjoy the sleeping carriages with berths, the plus-red dining carriage, comfortable seats and exotic landscapes en route.

Victoria Express Train Berths

Committed to environmental protection and local tourism sustainability, the Victoria Sapa Resort served as an ideal base for exploring the wonders of Sapa’s enchanting surroundings and very authentic hillside tribes.

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Halong Bay: A World of Mystery Awaits You

On September 29, 2010, In Family Vacation Adventures in Asia, Water Adventures, By Sylvia Arad

If you were to fall asleep and wake in an Asian brushstroke landscape, Halong Bay is probably where you would find yourself.  Majestic and mysterious, Vietnam’s Halong Bay is a breathtaking location with over 2000 incredible jagged islands and islets rising from the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin.  This superb panorama of limestone peaks enshrouded in mist, tumbling into the gently lapping sea and enclosing within its folds striking hidden caves is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 

The near-perpendicular pinnacles conceal the remains of many grottos and caverns, created over millions of years ago through a complex process of erosion whereby water trickled through limestone cracks enlarging them to create spectacular caves and resulting in the distinctive towers seen today.

About a 3 hour ride south of Hanoi, Halong Bay draws a steady stream of travelers year-round, who mostly opt for several days of cruising on a typical Vietnamese junk.  Beyond the breathtaking seascapes on a boat trip through the bay, an amazing range of adventure travel opportunities are on offer:   Travelers to Halong come to explore the spectacular caves, among them the amazing “Surprise Cave” with its 3 enormous caverns, where illuminated stalactites grow down to touch the rising stalagmites;  to kayak and scuba dive around the islands and in and around some of the more remote,  less accessible caves, such as the Dark Cave;    to get to know “real-life” Vietnam, cycling through farm fields and remote tiny villages,  where self-reliant locals raise and prepare their own food;  to experience one of Vietnam’s most fascinating cultural features – the floating villages, nestling in the sheltered bays, where houses are set atop barges and year round, inhabitants catch and cultivate fish. 

Surprise Cave

Cruising on a typical junk is in itself an adventure, and experiencing the star-studded night sky and lapping sea waves with the outlines of dozens of  limestone towers silhouetted in the backdrop makes for a surreal picture. Halong Bay’s breathtaking splendor, enormous scale and unique geomorphology make it one of Vietnam’s most spectacular experiences.

 

For an off-the-beaten-path adventure, Ninh Binh, or “Inland Halong Bay”, north of Halong is a paradise of lotus-covered ponds, meandering waterways and lush green rice paddies where contorted limestone pinnacles, caverns, spires and hills, shaped like mythical creatures provide the setting.  Here, ornate temples, pagodas and Buddhist shrines rise from the center of small lakes and rustic homes perch under natural overhangs or nestle into the living rock.  The steady rhythm of traditional Vietnamese village life continues here as women tend to the rice fields while men in wooden boats cast nets into the tranquil waters.  A motorbike ride into the nearby mountains is a great adventure and a half-day boat trip to Tam Coc or Trang An into caves and old temples is well worth the journey.

On the Way to Tam Coc

What make this entire region unique are not the towering cliffs themselves, but rather their sheer number and unique shapes.    Halong Bay, translated as “where the dragon descends into the sea” is the stuff of myths.  Legend has it that the islands were created by a great dragon that lived in the mountains.  As it charged towards the sea, its tail gouged out valleys and crevasses, and as it spat out jewels and jade, these turned into ,the dramatic towering pinnacles for which the bay and its surroundings are renowned

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Da Lat: A World of Romantic Adventure Awaits You

On September 25, 2010, In Biking & Hiking, Family Vacation Adventures in Asia, Outdoor Adventure Travel, Water Adventures, By Sylvia Arad

Le Petit Paris

Perched high in the Southern Central Highlands amidst valleys, lakes and waterfalls, Vietnam’s Dalat is known for its mountain scenery and delightfully cool weather.  Originally inhabited by the Lat and Ma Hil tribes (Da Lat meaning “stream of the Lat People”), who now live in nearby Lat and Chicken Villages, Dalat became a holiday resort for commanders who tired of the tropical Vietnamese climate during the French Colonial era.  It remains Vietnam’s “Le Petit Paris” and its “city of eternal spring”, its colonial mansions and over 2000 remaining French villas still reflecting its French influence.

Dalat has a lot to offer travelers interested in trekking, motorcycle trips and natural sights – its surrounding lakes, waterfalls, and parks offer boating and windsurfing.  This is a great place to get to know Vietnam’s highlands.

Around Dalat

Dalat is home to Emperor Bao Dai’s summer palaces.  Built in 1933 and set in a lovely pine grove near Lake Xuan Huong, this art deco style palace houses portraits and sculptures, and   royal living quarters of the deposed imperial family.   Nearby, Lake Xuan Huong stretches for nearly 5 km., offering windsurfing and boating adventures, though long walks around the lake seem to be most popular.

Emperor Bao Dai's Palace

Crazy House

Dalat features several interesting buildings and lovely pagodas, among them the Lin Phuoc Pagoda , a contemporary structure with a gold Buddha and a spectacular garden.  The Hang Nga House and Gallery, nicknamed “crazy house” by locals, is probably one of its most fun sites, especially for youngsters.  The house is designed with cave sitting rooms, a concrete giraffe tea room, helter- skelter hallways and stairways and fish heads containing guest rooms for overnight stays.    Its bustling, lively central market is unlike most Vietnamese markets, characterized by a highly unusual open promenade for shoppers and passers-by. 

Crazy Houe

Just out of town, a lovely park, Thung Lung Tinh Yeu Park , known as “The Valley of Love” is a popular spot for honeymooners and lovers who stroll through its paths or sail on its small lake.  The region around Dalat is punctuated with coffee farms and colorful small villages.  Lat Village and Chicken Village are home to several hill tribes who were enticed down from Dalat.  Chicken Village, where peoples of the Koho minority reside, is famous for its giant concrete chicken, caught mid-strut, in the village center.  In the highlands, there are opportunities to visit coffee farms, sing karaoke or just enjoy local drinks at some of the small inns perched on the valley’s hills.

Indoor Market

Further afield, there is much to see and do for nature lovers.  Several scenic waterfalls dot the area:  Prenn Falls, located about 10 km. from Dalat, at the foot of the dramatic Prenn Pass, is a great spot for enjoying a brief hike, its breathtaking waterfalls cascading from above to create a silver sheet pouring into a pool below.   Behind the falls, a bamboo bridge enables visitors to cross the waters.  Gouganh Falls, some 40 km. from Dalat offers an amazing view of waters splitting at the center to create numerous falls, each streaming in a different direction.  Lan Bien Mountain, its five volcanic peaks rising to 2100-2400 m., is a trekker’s dream, as is Tuyen Lake, known for its emerald green waters and backdrop of mountains.

 

Dalat and its off-the-beaten-path surroundings and many wonderful natural sights are very different from Vietnam’s popular coastal areas and are well worth the visit for the countless adventures and natural sights it has on offer.

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Hoi An : The Legacy of the Champa Kingdom Revealed

On September 21, 2010, In Archeology & Culture, Family Vacation Adventures in Asia, By Sylvia Arad

Rich in history and culture, Hoi An has remained a well-preserved model of a traditional Vietnam port city of an earlier era.  Named a UNESCO World Heritage site, Hoi An remains a charming, small riverside town with its history intact.

Historically, Hoi An was the commercial capital of the powerful Champa Kingdom, who built the city in the 1st  century AD and ruled it until the 15th century.  Hoi An quickly became the largest harbor in Southeast Asia and one of its most important seaports. From here, the Champa gained control over the highly-lucrative spice trade,   generating great wealth for Hoi An.  A key stop on the silk road, Hoi An became the dominant power in the spice and silk trade spreading its influence as far as Baghdad.

French Influence in Hoi An Architecture and color

The Japanese Bridge

In the 15th Century, when the Champa Kingdom fell to the northern Viet people, Hoi An gradually lost its primacy as a seaport, though in the next century it was briefly restored to its glory by the Nguyen Dynasty, following the settlements of Japanese, Chinese, Dutch and Indian merchants in the city.

Chinese Pagoda

Today, Hoi An is a popular travel destination.  Its beautiful old buildings and architecture, its quiet narrow lanes (cars and motorbikes are mostly banned from its streets), its many craft shops including local ceramics and fabrics and its history as a central ancient seaport all draw travelers to this lovely city.  In addition, Hoi An is renowned as the tailoring capital of Vietnam, with its hundreds of skilled tailors whipping up custom-made clothing at great value.

My Son Ruins

Not far from Hoi An, the Champa’s commercial capital, lies My Son, its spiritual capital.  Once a holy valley of impressive Hindu temples and burial grounds of the Champa kingdom’s royalty, My Son is often compared to Cambodia’s Angkor Wat and Egypt’s Valley of the Kings.

Temple at My Son

My Son dates back to the 4th century AD when the Champa King Bhadravornan created the first temple on the site and appealed to following generations to honor the temple and respect the site.  Over the centuries, more temples were erected and at its peak, My Son embraced more than 70 temples and monuments.  With the disappearance of the Champa Kingdom in the 15th century, My Son gradually deteriorated and fell into ruins.  In the 1930’s, the French restored the site only to have it destroyed during the Vietnam War.  In spite of that, the site remains an impressive monumental site of the Champa Kingdom and an icon of the early heritage, history and culture of Vietnam.

Centered around Hoi An, this is a region to enjoy life at a slower pace than elsewhere in Vietnam.  Nearby, the Marble Mountains offer a taste of adventure, where hiking and cycling opportunities abound,  and the long stretch of lovely China Beach close by features white sands and turquoise waters for the best water adventures around.  Most of all, walking around Hoi An’s  quiet streets, visiting the city’s museums, merchant houses and neighboring My Son, and sitting quietly by the banks of the river in the relaxed atmosphere here make Hoi An a top destination in any Vietnam adventure.

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Nocturnal Adventures: Shopping in Saigon’s Night Market

On September 14, 2010, In City Breaks, Family Vacation Adventures in Asia, Uncategorized, By Sylvia Arad

One of the best parts of traveling abroad is the opportunity it gives us to be adventurous.  This includes doing usual, everyday things in unusual settings – shopping, for instance.  Nothing compares to shopping in Saigon’s night market, where the setting is definitely unusual.

Saigon Night Market

Saigon’s largest night market is located next to its iconic Ben Than Market, one of the city’s landmarks established by the French in 1859.   Around sunset each day, when the doors of the Ben Than Market close, the night market comes alive.  Open till midnight, this open air market is an out-of-the-ordinary shopping experience.   As dusk approaches, vendors scramble to set up their vibrant stalls; out of nowhere, tents, shelters, display racks and colorful wares appear quickly to create a brightly vivid, extensively decorated riot of color, displaying anything and everything.

Spilling over into the neighboring streets, the night market is filled with clothes, fabrics, souvenirs, kitchenware, handbags, spices and produce, and jewelry – these are just some of the colorful items on offer.  While the night market may not be as glamorous as malls or supermarkets, these markets have a distinct character of their own and are popular both with locals and travelers.  For travelers, the cooler nights present an ideal time to do some shopping while for locals it is a good time to meet friends and socialize.

Shoes, Shoes and More Shoes

The enormous variety of goods on offer make this a shoppers’ haven where great bargains are to be had.  To boot, the market features numerous semi-permanent restaurants and a great range of food stalls, with many street vendors setting up shop to take advantage of the passing trade.  At sunset, the area is transformed into a roadside eatery that won’t disappoint.   A wide range of some of the best Vietnamese food, from the far north to the tip of the south is churned out nightly here.  Artistically-presented delicious local delicacies, barbeques and fresh seafood are served by professionally attired workers.  Without the frills and prices of a posh setting, food connoisseurs here can experience the 5-star quality of exotic dishes at reasonable prices.  In fact, food here is a downright bargain!

Saigon’s night market is a vibrant, lively place whose sights, sounds and scents awaken the senses after the heat of the day.  Here, you can rest in the cool evening air, try some Vietnamese food and unwind after a long, hard adventure-packed day.

Vietnamese Delicacies

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Floating Markets of the Mekong Delta – Get a Glimpse into Vietnamese Culture

On September 10, 2010, In Archeology & Culture, Family Vacation Adventures in Asia, Water Adventures, By Sylvia Arad

Vietnam is incredible and still authentic – it’s not “spruced up” for tourists.  Nowhere is this more obvious than in the Mekong Delta, with its floating markets, where locals live, work and earn a living from the many tributaries of the river.  You can easily get a feel for the real workings of this country and how things are done.  Here, everyone is an entrepreneur of sorts!

Planting Rice in the Mekong Delta

As the food basket of Vietnam, the Mekong Delta covers an immense area winding its way over 3000 mi. from Tibet through Cambodia to Vietnam’s Peninsula, where it spills into the South China Sea.  It is marvelously fertile, and views here are all related to riverside life, orchards, rice paddies and any food-related small industry.  From snakes swimming in whisky to coconut candy, everything here reflects the flavors of Vietnamese culture.

The floating markets  in the Mekong highlight the shape of life here, where people live, shop, sell and eat from and in their vessels and homes on the water.  Getting to the area involves a lot of boat/bus/ferry/foot combinations, but its well worth the effort.  We arrived from Saigon on our 3-day trip, which included Can Tho and Vinh Long.  The journey down was a long, hobbling, creaking bus ride, passing paddy fields and other fields with every variety of food being grown here.  We stopped for lunch in Vinh Long.  We walked around the “land” market of local shops with their goods set up in baskets on the street, where all kinds of colors and scents greeted our senses.    A small motor launch took us along a peaceful tributary (away from the madding crowd of the main river) where each bend brought a new surprise and gorgeous scenery before we reached the home of a local farmer for lunch.  

Can Tho Riverside

 

We arrived in vibrant Can Tho, the delta’s largest city, in the late afternoon and spent the time exploring this busy and lively port city.  We rose the next morning at 4 am in raw anticipation.  The day on the river begins at the crack of dawn and floating markets are held every morning from about 5 am till noon.  We got into a small motor boat and made our way up the river to our first “stop” – the Phung Hiep market, the largest of the floating markets, located at the crossroads of 7 major canals.

The picture that greeted us was like laundry hanging out to dry.   A maze of hundreds of sampans spread out on the busy river, hoisting samples of their wares on towering bamboo poles, to be seen from a distance.  Coconuts, melons, mangoes, a heap of turtles, snakes, vegetables, fish, urns and vases and so much more all piled high on the vessels.  A beehive of activity where traders snapped up everything by the bushels to resell at local markets; where smaller merchants weaved their way between larger boats and suddenly, a spectacle of pineapples or cabbage flying through the air between vendor and shopper.  In between, floating restaurants, floating bars, floating gas stations and many other floating shops winding deftly between the boats.  The lively, near –frenzied pace here was an unmatched view into local culture.

Snakes in Whisky

We made our way to land for an afternoon cycling trip through the quiet lanes near Can Tho, biking through small villages and beautiful countryside, and in spite of the language barrier, meeting some very pleasant and friendly people. 

Early the next morning, we visited the Cai Rang floating market for a second taste of this experience.  Primarily a produce market, it is always busy, bearing all the characteristics of local life. After the market, we visited some small home industries where villagers made everything from coconut candies to rice paper.  We ended our trip with a trek through lush orchards and bee farms.  The highlight of the afternoon was a visit to the Dong Nam snake farm, where over 20 varieties of venomous snakes are used in drinks and food for medicinal purposes – some soaked in large flasks of whisky!

Making Rice Paper

 

The Mekong Delta, with its hustle-bustle, its genuine locals, its overgrown streams and great scenery, and above all, its characteristic floating markets is one of the most fascinating parts of this fascinating country and a springboard for getting to know Vietnamese culture and its people up close.

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