Top 5 Places to Visit in Vietnam

Fun, energetic and beautiful, Vietnam is a must-visit destination in Southeast Asia. With world class cuisine, a truly breath taking coastline and stunning National Parks, holidays to Vietnam have it all.

If you are planning a Vietnam holiday and are after some inspiration on where to go and what to see, we have rounded up the top five places to visit during your trip. Together, these offer a broad introduction to Vietnam.

Halong Bay

Halong Bay was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1994 and is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations. Translated as 'where the dragon descends into the sea' the waters of Halong Bay are punctuated by thousands of humped islands topped with mini forests that are alive with birdsong and weather-worn caves and grottoes to explore. Boat cruises offer tours around the myriad of mini islands.

Hoi An

This delightful town is full of historic architecture and charm, almost totally untouched by traffic or pollution. In the past, Hoi An was a major port, but silting of the Thu Bon River meant that larger ships could no longer dock here, preserving the town's provincial character. There are some outstanding street food restaurants to sample here and the Japanese covered bridge first constructed in the 1590s is a popular landmark to spot.

Paradise Cave

This incredible cave system is said to be the largest dry cave in the world and has only been open since 2011. The cave extends for more than 31km, although only the first 1,000m is accessible to the public. Wooden staircases take you down 500 steps past gigantic glittering crystal stalactites and stalagmites into a vast open space that needs to be seen to be truly appreciated.

Cat Tien National Park

This 72,000 hectare landscape of tropical lowland rain-forest is one of the country's most precious national treasures. You can enjoy hiking, mountain biking and tours through the National Park and it's one of the best bird-watching and wildlife-watching spots in Southern Vietnam. Visits to this national park are extremely popular, therefore advance booking is advised.

War Remnants Museum

A trip to Vietnam wouldn't be complete without at least glimpsing this country's wartime history. There are displays of artillery, weaponry, bombs and personal accounts of war experiences. It is not for the fainthearted though; the museum does display a large amount of sensitive material including photographs documenting the UD bombing and napalming.

Top 4 Tourist Cities In Greece

Greece is a scenic country located at the crossroads of Europe, Western Asia and Africa. This particular position gives it an uninterrupted access to a wide range of cultures that reflects on its rich history. The landscape is mountainous, making it a heaven for cross country skiers and adrenaline seekers. This European country is highly developed and is blessed with a high standard of living. The wine produced here are globally famous. If you are planning to visit Greece, read on to find the top cities which are a tourist attraction.

Four tourist cities in Greece:

1. Athens

Long known as the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy, Athens holds a special place in Greece and in world history. It is the capital and the largest city in Greece. It is home to ancient structures such as the UNESCO World Heritage sites Acropolis of Athens and Daphni monastery. A visit to Greece is incomplete without a visit to Athens. It also boasts of the National Archeological Museum, which features the oldest Greek antiquities alongside the Acropolis Museum.

2. Thessaloniki

The capital of Macedonia, Thessaloniki has a special status in Greek history. It is an important commercial and economical centre of Greece and in some cases is referred as the cultural capital of Greece. The place has a rich history spanning 2300 years and it is reflected in their architectural structures. Thessaloniki even has a mention as the World's best party place. Greece package tour providers help you to include Thessaloniki in your itinery.

3. Patras

Patras, the lesser known cousin of Thessaloniki, is known as the European platform for hosting the largest and the most boisterous carnival festival. It even rivals Brazil as the carnival capital. Ancient structures related to the Greek and Roman era litter the Patras landscape. The region has its own Patras Carnival which includes huge satirical boats and parades. The pleasant Mediterranean climate adds to the allure of the region. It has a rich history spanning over four millennia and was an important region since then. Holiday packages to Greece will be incomplete without taking a stop at Patras.

4. Heraklion

Heraklion is a major archaeological excavation site boasting of ancient ruins which are still visible today. It is a heavenly abode for ancient structural lovers. The panoramic harbor and warm climate make it an ideal hotspot for vacationers. Many professional Greece holiday service providers make it a point to give their patrons a tour of Heraklion.

The above four cities encompass the whole cultural and heritage aspect of Greece. Visit Greece for a memorable experience.

The 6 Best Beaches in Turkey That You Should Never Miss to Visit

The sunny Turkey is home to a great number of amazing beaches. To have a wonderful holiday here, you need not have to be necessarily bound to the hyper popular and therefore too crowded all-inclusive resorts. Instead you can choose the Turkey beaches that have been alluring visitors for long. Let's take a look beyond the overly touristic beaches of Marmaris and Kusadasi resorts and reveal Turkey's other top destinations for sunbathing, swimming or surfing.

Pantara

Pantara is located in Xanthos Valley. It has fine, white sand and a total length of 15 km. This makes it one of the longest Mediterranean beach strands. The entrance area is well crowded, but if you go past the dune region in the northwest you will enjoy more solitude. The summer season has good waves for surfing, while autumn and spring are ideal for swimmers.

The Butterfly Valley

This spectacular area bordered by two tall cliffs hides a pristine sand strap that can be reached by boat from Oludeniz. It is a wild place for trekkers and campers, untouched by modern developments. If you stay in Faralya, you can gaze down at the spectacular rock formation.

Kabak

Kabak is the name of a village that is located on the Lycian Way. Tourists love its cosy wooden huts and the general tranquility of the place. The valley has lush pine forests, features bits of mountainous relief and the beach is rather filled with pebbles than with sand. The landscape is thus very different from the usual sandy beaches of Turkey and definitely enchanting. The only downside is the large mosquito population.

Iztuzu

Situated in Dalyan, this is probably the best beach to bring your children to. It is an all-sunny spot where large crowds gather. Also, it is a place for turtles to nest. On this sandy beach you will frequently encounter turtle tracks, as these animals come ashore to lay their eggs. Beyond the beach, there is a marshy area which hosts a rich wildlife.

Oludeniz

Frequently photographed, the beach in Oludeniz is a long sandy strap that leads to a wonderful blue lagoon. Besides the natural beauty of the area, the beach is also famous because of the varied and affordable accommodation in the area. Para-sailing enthusiasts find Oludeniz the best spot to practice. They are thrilled with the aerial views.

Bodrum

A well known name to tourists, Bodrum is on the Turquoise Coast, as it's called. The south of the peninsula in the Aegean Sea is home to numerous resorts with lovely beaches, all bordered by the bright blue sea waters. Moreover, Bodrum is a place of ancient history, of beautiful mountain views and Mediterranean flora. It is a preferred destination for the rich visitors and thus one of the luxury areas on Turkey's touristic map.

Top 4 Tourist Cities In Phuket

The largest island in Thailand is home to warm climate, tropical beaches and prides itself as the top vacation spot of South Asia. Millions of people throng the place for a peace of mind and amazing surfing experience. The sunset watch is something that nobody can miss. As with any other tourist region, Phuket is home to many cities which are abundant with culture and artifacts attracting the tourists. Phuket is also known as the party capital of Asia.

Four tourist cities in Phuket:

1. Chalong Bay

The largest bay in Phuket, you will find many amazing yachts hosting great parties. You will find many scuba companies offering pay as you go rides for reasonable fees. You will also get to taste amazing varieties of seafood and drinks at Chalong Bay. The stay and company are pleasant and family friendly. Delicious bakery dishes are available at this location.

2. Kamala

A distance away from the hustle and bustle of Chalong Bay, Kamala offers a quieter alternative for relaxation. If you are of a private type, head to Kamala. It is peaceful and quiet all year around. The village is tourist-friendly and a wide variety of restaurants and bars can be found at this location. This place is ideal for low and medium budget travelers with limited pockets.

3. Karon

It is one of the most developed beaches in Phuket and is littered with white sands. Popular as an upscale beach resort, it is the preferred location of many high class fliers. No trip to Phuket is complete without a visit to Karon. Phuket tour package providers offer unrestricted access to Karon beach. Once in Karon, you should definitely visit the Dinos Park Mini Golf that is located inside the marina Phuket Resort. It has an authentic dinosaur era feel and will help you to enjoy the environment immensely.

4. Kata

The clear waters in the beaches of Kata are surrounded by aesthetic hills and picturesque environment. Despite being a global and international attraction, Kata still retains a village feel in its atmosphere. The prices are reasonable and cuisines offered are great. The place is packed with hotels with good customer service and family atmosphere. You can also buy great memorabilia from the local market, which are open on Thursdays. As the place has no drop offs, it is a great place for swimming for children and non swimmers alike. You should take advantage of Phuket holiday packages offered by reputed travel agencies.

The above four places highlight the great draw of Phuket and why it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South Asia.

An Introduction to Travel in China

In recent years, China has gained a lot of international recognition. While still technically communist and also a third world country, the number of tourists and expats that set foot in the country each year has skyrocketed.

One of the biggest reasons of this sudden surge in popularity is China's emergence in the global economy. With a population of over almost 1.5 billion people and a rapidly growing middle class, it only makes sense that the amount of money flowing through the country is increasing in staggering amounts. GDP has already surpassed that of Japan, which had long cemented its place as the world's second largest economy. Now, it seems it will only be a matter of time before it surpasses the United States as well.

Depending on where you decide to go, China can offer a wide range of wondrous experiences for the typical traveler.

Shanghai, sometimes considered the world's next "Super City", is the financial center of the country. Now officially the world's largest city proper by population, and sporting more skyscrapers than any other city in the world, this thrilling metropolis is certainly something to admire. The city changes by the day, and it is not uncommon to stand in one spot and see three to four skyscrapers going up around you at any one time. The rush hour is hectic, as you would imagine, but the city also sports one of the most modern and efficient public transport systems in the world. The underground subway system reaches the far corners of the city and is being upgraded by the day. Some common favorites are The Bund; a glamorous waterfront with a deep history, Nanjing Road; the busiest shopping street in the world, and The French Concession; a charming and affluent area lined with boutique shops and fine dining restaurants.

Beijing is considered the country's cultural capital. The air quality here can often upset travelers, it more than makes up for it with its many historical wonders and architectural sites. One popular attraction here is the "Bird's Nest"; the epic Olympic stadium from the 2008 Summer Olympics. For a more historical sight, many travelers spend a day at Tiananmen Square and the nearby Forbidden City. These were integral sites of the ancient Ming Dynasty, which served as the home for Emperors and their families. Of course, one can also not leave Beijing without seeing the incredible Great Wall of China, famous for being one of the original Seven Wonders of the World.

One last major city to visit is the southern metropolis of Guangzhou. Guangzhou is often considered the manufacturing capital of the world, and almost all products that have the label "Made in China" originate from here. The city is a mecca of factories and warehouses, and obviously a business center for any companies that deal with manufactured goods. However, with the amount of money that flows through this city, it's no wonder that the city has become incredibly wealthy. The city center is modern and developed, and could rival most major cities throughout Asia. One also mustn't forget the incredible food here. The Cantonese roots that run through this city's population make the cuisine absolutely divine, reminiscent of the best that nearby Hong Kong has to offer.

Why 2014 Is a Great Year to Holiday in France

The opening of the channel tunnel, making travel even quicker and easier was a revelation. These days though, France isn't at the forefront of our minds when booking a holiday. It is so cheap to travel by air that we might book to go anywhere in Europe, or even head further afield, with long haul destinations such as Australia and New Zealand becoming particularly popular.

This year though, the French tourist board have decided that it's time we wound the clock back and started thinking of France first when booking a holiday abroad. With the Tour de France starting in Yorkshire this July, the sports fans among us will already have France at the forefront of our minds. Many people will even be following the Tour across the channel, having watched the start in Yorkshire. The French tourist board are looking to expand on this, aiming to get more of us to head across the channel this summer. They are launching an advertising campaign with the strapline "What's Your Tour de France?" showcasing the main themes of French holidays.

The themes that are put forward are being outdoors, enjoying the food and drink, taking part in sports and activities, going on city breaks and exploring the culture and history. Adverts will show the different experiences that people have had on their holidays to France, from wine tasting to sunbathing to visiting iconic art galleries. The aim is to show that the country really does have something to offer for everyone, and going abroad on holiday doesn't have to involve long haul flights or exotic destinations. Many big companies will be getting involved with the campaign, which should lead to some great opportunities to get bargain prices on flights, accommodation and visiting attractions.

If you're not sure whether a holiday to France is for you, what better way to dip a toe into the water than to try a week in the South of France? An apartment in a village such as Ille-sur-Tet will allow you to experience rural life, without being too far away from the vibrant city of Perpignan. You will be able to enjoy the beautiful Languedoc sunshine whilst exploring the stunning landscape and nearby attractions. Many holiday apartments in this area are owned by British people, who love their holidays to the area so much that they decided to stay. They will be delighted to tell you about the most exciting things to do in the area. And of course, the cuisine and wine in the South of France is second to none.

5 Things You Must Pack for Your Jungle Safari

Your next vacation is a jungle safari and you are not really sure about what you need to take with you. Packing your bags for a jungle safari is definitely different from packing your bags for a holiday by the sea.

A jungle safari can take you to remote locations with limited access to the civilized world. You will probably stay in a place where access to communication media such as phones or the Internet could be impossible. Packing for this kind of trip will depend to a great extent on how many days you will spend in the forest.

While there are many things you may wish to take along, here are 5 very important things you cannot do without on your jungle safari.

Clothes

Do a bit of research about the place you are traveling to. If you are going to a forest that has hot and humid weather, there is no point taking sweaters and woolen wear. Raincoats and caps are extremely useful when you face unpredictable weather. You also need to carry extra clothing with you.

Get yourself a good pair of binoculars

The first thing you need is a good pair of binoculars. When you are out in the jungle, looking out for wild animals or you are up a tree house, waiting to glimpse a tiger or elephant, you need sturdy 8x42 binoculars to help you see everything clearly. Binoculars that are waterproof and shockproof are highly recommended.

Don't forget the repellent creams

You never know what insects you will find in the new place. It is highly likely that you need to dab on repellent creams and lotions to keep pests and mosquitoes away. Many marshy jungles are full of both harmful and harmless leeches, snakes and other creepy crawlies.

Shoes and many pairs of socks

Sturdy, solid shoes must form part of your protective gear in the forest regions. In addition, you must carry along a good number of pairs of socks. In rainforests and marshy forest areas, it is likely that mud and grime soil your socks. Pairs of disposable socks are helpful in keeping your feet clean and dry.

Keep those important medications handy

Since you are not likely to find a chemist anywhere near the forest, you could do with keeping all your necessary medications with you. Keep a first aid kit in your bag always.

You can look forward to an exciting jungle safari expedition for yourself and your family if you prepare beforehand. Pack your bags wisely, travel light and you will truly enjoy the entire experience.