Hiển thị các bài đăng có nhãn Vietnam Destinations. Hiển thị tất cả bài đăng
Thứ Năm, 24 tháng 12, 2015
Five most popular trends of Hanoi cafés
Mentioning Hanoi, people may immediately think of a cultural space with various etiquettes and customs from the old time. Although tea is a big thing, coffee and the way people enjoy it are also among the most recognizable characteristics of this ancient capital city. Beginning a day with a cup of hot coffee is an indispensible hobby of many working Hanoians, though each one has his or her own way in his or her own favourite place. And unlike major capital cities elsewhere in the world, coffee in Hanoi is hardly found in chain with standard menu, but very versatile and unique. Coffee houses spread anywhere from sidewalk to office building, from being colorful to attract teenagers to offering more human-animal interaction in the busy Hanoi.
Sidewalk cafe on Nguyen Du Street is a popular gathering place
Appearing in Hanoi since the first years of 19s, during colonial time, street café is undoubtedly the most popular choice of Hanoians to enjoy a cup of coffee. Here, there is no light, no candle, no flower nor beautiful bartenders; people can only see simple installation with little chairs and even no tables, a lot of noise and even dust.
However, drinking coffee on pavements has gone to the heart of coffee holics in this city, where people can watch the busy life of Hanoi and express any feeling or laugh out loud carefree of interruption, since everyone coming to such coffee shop with the same purpose. Frequent customers of street cafe is also the most diverse, with both office staffs, students and sometimes housewives.
Ones may doubt about the quality of coffee on pavement shop but don’t worry because these shops have appeared long enough to prove their stable position. From subjective view of a coffee holic, I can say confidently that street coffee is the cheapest but the best quality of this drink in Hanoi. Most famous street café shops are Giang on 39 Nguyen Huu Huan, café Nguyen Du, Tonkin, café Dao Duy Tu or café Thai Phien.
Ciao Cafe on 2 Hang Bai street is a good option for hanging out with colleagues
This category is named “Office Café” because besides coming to drink coffee, customers of these shops seeking for a professional decorated ambiance; beautiful view; excellent service to work, read newspaper or books; discuss serious or business matters; or simply to have quiet moments for a cup of coffee fleeing from the hustle and bustle of social life.
Most of the upmarket coffee shops in Hanoi follow this style, usually on top or inside a high-star hotel with stunning overview from the above of Hanoi of lying silently inside the lush green of a garden giving relaxing glimpse to its customers.
In addition, for such high quality coffee shops, there are live music performances daily or weekly is another plus point for ones’ consideration.
Cookie Jar - 79D Ly Nam De - is hot spot for Hanoi teens who love romance
This type of coffee shop has been expanded dramatically in recent year which is especially invented for teenagers and the youth. Coffee is no doubt the main course of these shops but their menu usually composed of vitamins, yogurt, cocktails and fast-foods. The interior of teen café is well decorated by wall painting with animated themes creating a hilarious but cozy ambiance for teenagers to either gossiping or studying effectively. To comment, this coffee style is more entertaining than enjoying coffee. Things to do in Vietnam sapa
Cat Cafe - One of the many themed cafes in Hanoi
Pursuing market demands and standing out from the others, coffee shops in Hanoi are now designed in specific themes. Those themes are very diverse which may vary from an address for people with the same interest like pets’ coffee for animal lovers or antique coffee for ones who are interested in collecting antiques.
To select out the most unique theme cafés shop in Hanoi, Bird Cafés on Nguyen Du Street is no where can be found in the world. Here, thousands of rare species of birds creating melodious orchestras are displayed in front of the very eyes of customers. Besides sipping a cup of coffee to power up oneself, contemplate beautiful birds and listen to their songs is another way to dismiss stresses.
Another very special coffee shop in Hanoi is Art Coffee on 76 Quan Thanh Street, whose theme is antiques. The shop seems to be a small stadium preserving antiques of all regions in Viet nam of different dates. Art coffee is really a meeting-place of all archaeology lovers in not only Vietnam but also foreigners with the same interest.
Sidewalk cafés
Sidewalk cafe on Nguyen Du Street is a popular gathering place
Appearing in Hanoi since the first years of 19s, during colonial time, street café is undoubtedly the most popular choice of Hanoians to enjoy a cup of coffee. Here, there is no light, no candle, no flower nor beautiful bartenders; people can only see simple installation with little chairs and even no tables, a lot of noise and even dust.
However, drinking coffee on pavements has gone to the heart of coffee holics in this city, where people can watch the busy life of Hanoi and express any feeling or laugh out loud carefree of interruption, since everyone coming to such coffee shop with the same purpose. Frequent customers of street cafe is also the most diverse, with both office staffs, students and sometimes housewives.
Ones may doubt about the quality of coffee on pavement shop but don’t worry because these shops have appeared long enough to prove their stable position. From subjective view of a coffee holic, I can say confidently that street coffee is the cheapest but the best quality of this drink in Hanoi. Most famous street café shops are Giang on 39 Nguyen Huu Huan, café Nguyen Du, Tonkin, café Dao Duy Tu or café Thai Phien.
Office Cafés
Ciao Cafe on 2 Hang Bai street is a good option for hanging out with colleagues
This category is named “Office Café” because besides coming to drink coffee, customers of these shops seeking for a professional decorated ambiance; beautiful view; excellent service to work, read newspaper or books; discuss serious or business matters; or simply to have quiet moments for a cup of coffee fleeing from the hustle and bustle of social life.
Most of the upmarket coffee shops in Hanoi follow this style, usually on top or inside a high-star hotel with stunning overview from the above of Hanoi of lying silently inside the lush green of a garden giving relaxing glimpse to its customers.
In addition, for such high quality coffee shops, there are live music performances daily or weekly is another plus point for ones’ consideration.
Teenagers’ Cafés
Cookie Jar - 79D Ly Nam De - is hot spot for Hanoi teens who love romance
This type of coffee shop has been expanded dramatically in recent year which is especially invented for teenagers and the youth. Coffee is no doubt the main course of these shops but their menu usually composed of vitamins, yogurt, cocktails and fast-foods. The interior of teen café is well decorated by wall painting with animated themes creating a hilarious but cozy ambiance for teenagers to either gossiping or studying effectively. To comment, this coffee style is more entertaining than enjoying coffee. Things to do in Vietnam sapa
Themed cafés
Cat Cafe - One of the many themed cafes in Hanoi
Pursuing market demands and standing out from the others, coffee shops in Hanoi are now designed in specific themes. Those themes are very diverse which may vary from an address for people with the same interest like pets’ coffee for animal lovers or antique coffee for ones who are interested in collecting antiques.
To select out the most unique theme cafés shop in Hanoi, Bird Cafés on Nguyen Du Street is no where can be found in the world. Here, thousands of rare species of birds creating melodious orchestras are displayed in front of the very eyes of customers. Besides sipping a cup of coffee to power up oneself, contemplate beautiful birds and listen to their songs is another way to dismiss stresses.
Another very special coffee shop in Hanoi is Art Coffee on 76 Quan Thanh Street, whose theme is antiques. The shop seems to be a small stadium preserving antiques of all regions in Viet nam of different dates. Art coffee is really a meeting-place of all archaeology lovers in not only Vietnam but also foreigners with the same interest.
Thứ Sáu, 18 tháng 12, 2015
Saigon’s Parks & Open Spaces
Saigon viet nam used to be best places to visit in vietnam for its lush street vegetation and abundant greenery. Visitors during French colonial times would comment on the towering tropical trees that graced the city’s parks, the shaded boulevards that fanned out from the banks of the Saigon River, and the rich and varied botanical gardens. Now days, Saigon is known for its concrete and air pollution: a thriving and dynamic city it may be, but a green one it’s not. Or is it? There are still a great many parks and open spaces in this city, many of which date from French colonial times, and some of which have been born out of the city’s recent economic boom. With the sweltering months of April and May upon us, I wanted to find out what kind of respite Saigon’s green spaces could offer. As always, the city didn’t let me down.
The following parks and open spaces are scattered around the city. Unless otherwise stated, they’re all open from dawn till dusk and they’re all free. There are many more parks in Saigon than you might think, and they are all great places to escape the heat, noise, and pace of the city. Apart from peace and quiet, these parks offer opportunities to let off some steam: dancing, jogging, hula-hooping, tai chi, badminton, fishing, swimming and much more. Dripping with tropical foliage, these green spaces are a reminder that Vietnam is still one of the most biodiverse places on the planet; where everything and anything can grow, even in the middle of Saigon. All of these parks are best visited in the early mornings and evenings, when locals partake in myriad exercises, temperatures are relatively cool, and the aroma of grilled pork and coffee fills the air. Read more the temple of literature
Address: Hoàng Văn Thụ and Phan Đình Giót streets, Tân Bình District
Hoang Van Thu Park, SaigonFilling the triangle formed by the intersection of three of the busiest thoroughfares in the city, Hoàng Văn Thụ Park is an oasis of calm, cool, and quiet in the midst of a tide of traffic and a cloud of exhaust. One of my favourite and most unexpected parks in this list, it underwent renovation a few years back, and they’ve done a marvellous job. The beautifully maintained gardens are bursting with bright foliage, humming with birdsong – there are even squirrels in the trees – and filled with the smells of damp earth and flowers. Straddling either side of Phan Đình Giót Street, the lush grounds are big and well-kept, but not so manicured and neat that they become rigid and ornamental. A great variety of flora is on display here: screw pines, traveller’s palms, coral trees, casuarinas, tamarind, sago palms, copperpods, bamboo, heliconia, African mahogany, and bougainvillea to name but a few.
The pathways are cool and the dense canopy muffles the sound of the surrounding traffic, turning it into a monotonous and almost soothing murmur; a lulling background noise. Huts and gazebos, covered in creepers and epiphytes, dot the park, under which people read, study, and make out. There’s very little of the kitsch ornamentation which blights so many other Saigon parks. Several small mounds of earth provide some height, and there’s a lake which you’re allowed to fish in, but it could do with a clean and some more water. Cool at any time of the day, this is definitely a place to while away some hours with a good book. I love it.
Address: Cây Bàng Street (above Thủ Thiêm Tunnel entrance), District 2
Thu Thiem Tunnel Park, SaigonA fabulous new open space for Saigon, the small park above the east entrance to the Thủ Thiêm Tunnel, in District 2, offers superb views back over the river to the high-rises and colonial hotels of District 1, especially at night. Destined to become like The Bund riverfront walkway in Shanghai, one day the promenade park will extend along the length of the riverbank here. When the tunnel opened in 2011 and people first started to gather above the tunnel entrance at dusk, the police didn’t like it much. However, now that there’s a parking space, trash cans, and public toilets, local authorities seem to leave the groups of picnickers, lovers, and families alone, as they bask in the cool air and river breezes, taking in the views. The large, paved square by the river is an excellent place to lay down a blanket, take out some sandwiches, and watch the lights flickering across the Saigon skyline. Boats ply back and forth along the black river, behind them the old and new icons of Saigon: the Majestic Hotel, the Bitexco Financial Tower, Nhà Rồng Warf. Young couples embrace on their motorbikes under gigantic advertising billboards on the riverbank, street vendors sell candy floss and ice cream to excited children, and teenagers engage in gossip and games between mouthfuls of food and drink. Great atmosphere; great views.
Address: Nguyễn Du, Trương Định, and Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai streets, District 1
Tao Dan Park, SaigonCompeting for the title of most impressive canopy of tropical trees in Saigon, Tao Đàn Park is a vast space in the city centre; the green lungs between the exhaust-stained arteries of downtown. Towering, century-old, African mahogany trees cast a welcome shadow over this park. Their columned trunks rise a hundred feet before exploding in foliage, filtering the heat, noise, and pollution of the city. Far beneath this leafy umbrella, hundreds of locals shake the lethargy of dawn from their bones by joining in communal dance classes, shadow boxing with friends, hula-hooping on the pathways, or swinging like a pendulum on the exercise apparatus. Unlike the rest of Vietnam, the average age here in the mornings is upwards of 50 years old: early morning exertion in the open air is a tradition which seems unlikely to pass down to the younger generation.
Tao Đàn Park also displays some arts and culture: There’s an interesting sculpture garden to the east, a miniature re-creation of a red brick Cham temple at the centre, and a shrine to the Hung Kings, legendary founding royal dynasty of the nation.
Address: Tôn Dật Tiên Street, District 7
Crescent Walk, SaigonNew Saigon’s ultra-modern showpiece, The Crescent Walk is a traffic-free, paved promenade along the arcing bank of one of the city’s many waterways. It’s been developed over the last few years into the perfect package of high-end residences, prime office space, public outdoor recreational areas, and a string of international dining and drinking chains with outside seating overlooking the water. It’s a quiet, clean, and slightly surreal space to unwind at the end of a busy day in Saigon. Why surreal? Well, because this is supposed to be Saigon; steamy, chaotic, noisy, and exotic.
The Crescent is none of the above. The waterside architecture is all glass and curves, and there’s a definite impression that everything is orderly and under control. This is Saigon’s future; this is Singapore. And very nice it is too, even if it does lack a certain ‘Vietnamese-ness’. The Crescent Walk spans a couple of kilometres along Tôn Dật Tiên (Sun Yet Sen) Street, and is a particularly beautiful place to watch the sunset. A sleek and slender bridge connects The Crescent Walk with the green pastures of Hồ Bán Nguyệt Park – great for a weekend picnic.
Address: Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm Street, District 1
Botanical Gardens & Zoo, Saigon The only park in this list that requires a fee (50,000vnđ per adult), Saigon Botanical Gardens and Zoo is one of the oldest in the world. Opened in 1865 in the early years of the French colonial period, the gardens were created by Jean-Baptiste Louis-Pierre, who is also responsible for many of Saigon’s other green spaces. A dense enclave of vegetation along the banks of the Thị Nghè Channel, these sprawling tropical gardens are impressive in scale and variety. The giant trees, with gnarled trunks like elephants’ feet, are all labeled in Vietnamese and English. The air is scented with jasmine and other blossoms and natural perfumes. Louis-Pierre is commemorated by a sculpted bust at the gardens’ entrance. The shaded benches along the quiet, meandering pathways are a favourite spot for young lovers. However, there’s a fair amount of tat, including concrete fairytale castles, sorry-looking, miniature amusement park rides, plastic monkeys, and painted brick toadstools, all of which, I’m guessing, weren’t part of Monsieur Louis-Pierre’s original plan.
The zoo receives a lot of negative press, but perhaps it’s not quite as bad as people make out. That’s not to say it isn’t bad – indeed, I’m not sure if a ‘good’ zoo exists, at least ethically. Elephants, giraffes, rhinoceros, tigers, primates, peacocks, porcupines – they’re all here, and you will actually see them. Conditions are cramped, run-down, and in need of maintenance, and animals look bored if not unhealthy. On weekends it belongs to the children, who love the open spaces and the animals. The Saigon Botanical Gardens and Zoo make for a relaxing stroll amongst nature and, even if the zoo is not a showcase for animals or zoo standards, at least it makes you think about the nature of zoos in general, and our place in the animal kingdom.
The following parks and open spaces are scattered around the city. Unless otherwise stated, they’re all open from dawn till dusk and they’re all free. There are many more parks in Saigon than you might think, and they are all great places to escape the heat, noise, and pace of the city. Apart from peace and quiet, these parks offer opportunities to let off some steam: dancing, jogging, hula-hooping, tai chi, badminton, fishing, swimming and much more. Dripping with tropical foliage, these green spaces are a reminder that Vietnam is still one of the most biodiverse places on the planet; where everything and anything can grow, even in the middle of Saigon. All of these parks are best visited in the early mornings and evenings, when locals partake in myriad exercises, temperatures are relatively cool, and the aroma of grilled pork and coffee fills the air. Read more the temple of literature
1. HOÀNG VĂN THỤ PARK
Address: Hoàng Văn Thụ and Phan Đình Giót streets, Tân Bình District
Hoang Van Thu Park, SaigonFilling the triangle formed by the intersection of three of the busiest thoroughfares in the city, Hoàng Văn Thụ Park is an oasis of calm, cool, and quiet in the midst of a tide of traffic and a cloud of exhaust. One of my favourite and most unexpected parks in this list, it underwent renovation a few years back, and they’ve done a marvellous job. The beautifully maintained gardens are bursting with bright foliage, humming with birdsong – there are even squirrels in the trees – and filled with the smells of damp earth and flowers. Straddling either side of Phan Đình Giót Street, the lush grounds are big and well-kept, but not so manicured and neat that they become rigid and ornamental. A great variety of flora is on display here: screw pines, traveller’s palms, coral trees, casuarinas, tamarind, sago palms, copperpods, bamboo, heliconia, African mahogany, and bougainvillea to name but a few.
The pathways are cool and the dense canopy muffles the sound of the surrounding traffic, turning it into a monotonous and almost soothing murmur; a lulling background noise. Huts and gazebos, covered in creepers and epiphytes, dot the park, under which people read, study, and make out. There’s very little of the kitsch ornamentation which blights so many other Saigon parks. Several small mounds of earth provide some height, and there’s a lake which you’re allowed to fish in, but it could do with a clean and some more water. Cool at any time of the day, this is definitely a place to while away some hours with a good book. I love it.
2. THỦ THIÊM TUNNEL PARK
Address: Cây Bàng Street (above Thủ Thiêm Tunnel entrance), District 2
Thu Thiem Tunnel Park, SaigonA fabulous new open space for Saigon, the small park above the east entrance to the Thủ Thiêm Tunnel, in District 2, offers superb views back over the river to the high-rises and colonial hotels of District 1, especially at night. Destined to become like The Bund riverfront walkway in Shanghai, one day the promenade park will extend along the length of the riverbank here. When the tunnel opened in 2011 and people first started to gather above the tunnel entrance at dusk, the police didn’t like it much. However, now that there’s a parking space, trash cans, and public toilets, local authorities seem to leave the groups of picnickers, lovers, and families alone, as they bask in the cool air and river breezes, taking in the views. The large, paved square by the river is an excellent place to lay down a blanket, take out some sandwiches, and watch the lights flickering across the Saigon skyline. Boats ply back and forth along the black river, behind them the old and new icons of Saigon: the Majestic Hotel, the Bitexco Financial Tower, Nhà Rồng Warf. Young couples embrace on their motorbikes under gigantic advertising billboards on the riverbank, street vendors sell candy floss and ice cream to excited children, and teenagers engage in gossip and games between mouthfuls of food and drink. Great atmosphere; great views.
3. TAO ĐÀN PARK
Address: Nguyễn Du, Trương Định, and Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai streets, District 1
Tao Dan Park, SaigonCompeting for the title of most impressive canopy of tropical trees in Saigon, Tao Đàn Park is a vast space in the city centre; the green lungs between the exhaust-stained arteries of downtown. Towering, century-old, African mahogany trees cast a welcome shadow over this park. Their columned trunks rise a hundred feet before exploding in foliage, filtering the heat, noise, and pollution of the city. Far beneath this leafy umbrella, hundreds of locals shake the lethargy of dawn from their bones by joining in communal dance classes, shadow boxing with friends, hula-hooping on the pathways, or swinging like a pendulum on the exercise apparatus. Unlike the rest of Vietnam, the average age here in the mornings is upwards of 50 years old: early morning exertion in the open air is a tradition which seems unlikely to pass down to the younger generation.
Tao Đàn Park also displays some arts and culture: There’s an interesting sculpture garden to the east, a miniature re-creation of a red brick Cham temple at the centre, and a shrine to the Hung Kings, legendary founding royal dynasty of the nation.
4. THE CRESCENT WALK & HỒ BÁN NGUYỆT PARK
Address: Tôn Dật Tiên Street, District 7
Crescent Walk, SaigonNew Saigon’s ultra-modern showpiece, The Crescent Walk is a traffic-free, paved promenade along the arcing bank of one of the city’s many waterways. It’s been developed over the last few years into the perfect package of high-end residences, prime office space, public outdoor recreational areas, and a string of international dining and drinking chains with outside seating overlooking the water. It’s a quiet, clean, and slightly surreal space to unwind at the end of a busy day in Saigon. Why surreal? Well, because this is supposed to be Saigon; steamy, chaotic, noisy, and exotic.
The Crescent is none of the above. The waterside architecture is all glass and curves, and there’s a definite impression that everything is orderly and under control. This is Saigon’s future; this is Singapore. And very nice it is too, even if it does lack a certain ‘Vietnamese-ness’. The Crescent Walk spans a couple of kilometres along Tôn Dật Tiên (Sun Yet Sen) Street, and is a particularly beautiful place to watch the sunset. A sleek and slender bridge connects The Crescent Walk with the green pastures of Hồ Bán Nguyệt Park – great for a weekend picnic.
5. BOTANICAL GARDENS & ZOO
Address: Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm Street, District 1
Botanical Gardens & Zoo, Saigon The only park in this list that requires a fee (50,000vnđ per adult), Saigon Botanical Gardens and Zoo is one of the oldest in the world. Opened in 1865 in the early years of the French colonial period, the gardens were created by Jean-Baptiste Louis-Pierre, who is also responsible for many of Saigon’s other green spaces. A dense enclave of vegetation along the banks of the Thị Nghè Channel, these sprawling tropical gardens are impressive in scale and variety. The giant trees, with gnarled trunks like elephants’ feet, are all labeled in Vietnamese and English. The air is scented with jasmine and other blossoms and natural perfumes. Louis-Pierre is commemorated by a sculpted bust at the gardens’ entrance. The shaded benches along the quiet, meandering pathways are a favourite spot for young lovers. However, there’s a fair amount of tat, including concrete fairytale castles, sorry-looking, miniature amusement park rides, plastic monkeys, and painted brick toadstools, all of which, I’m guessing, weren’t part of Monsieur Louis-Pierre’s original plan.
The zoo receives a lot of negative press, but perhaps it’s not quite as bad as people make out. That’s not to say it isn’t bad – indeed, I’m not sure if a ‘good’ zoo exists, at least ethically. Elephants, giraffes, rhinoceros, tigers, primates, peacocks, porcupines – they’re all here, and you will actually see them. Conditions are cramped, run-down, and in need of maintenance, and animals look bored if not unhealthy. On weekends it belongs to the children, who love the open spaces and the animals. The Saigon Botanical Gardens and Zoo make for a relaxing stroll amongst nature and, even if the zoo is not a showcase for animals or zoo standards, at least it makes you think about the nature of zoos in general, and our place in the animal kingdom.
What to eat in Ben Tre?
Coming to Ben Tre Viet nam, you will be amazed by the simplicity, yet beauty of the region. For miles the coconut trees cover the land, the gardens with fruits ripe on the trees, the people are friendly, simple, and adorable. And last but not least, the foods are just incredibly amazing.
Coconut juice – Dừa Xiêm
The first thing to talk about Ben Tre is to talk about coconut. The coconuts are everywhere, in the daily lives of the people, in the food, in the mind and the soul of the locals and in the memory of the visitors. There are many types of coconuts: the Vietnamese coconut, berry coconut, fire coconut, grass coconut, wax coconut, but the most grown and probably the most well-known is the green coconut.
The first thing to talk about Ben Tre is to talk about coconut. The coconuts are everywhere, in the daily lives of the people, in the food, in the mind and the soul of the locals and in the memory of the visitors. There are many types of coconuts: the Vietnamese coconut, berry coconut, fire coconut, grass coconut, wax coconut, but the most grown and probably the most well-known is the green coconut.
The juice is elegantly sweet, a bit sour, but not too much, and because of that, the locals dub it it the “sugar coconut.” The fresh coconut juice is a superb beverage, which will help you cool down in a summer day. It also helps treat constipation and fever. It also helps pregnant women to increase the amniotic fluid in wombs, which are good for babies.
Coconut candy – Kẹo dừa
Accompanying with the green of the coconut is the sweetness of the coconut candy which has become the icon of this delightful wonderland. To create a chewy, yet sweet and irresistible coconut candy, it is required a little bit of secret. Choosing the right coconut and adding the special ingredients, the people of Ben Tre consider making candy as an art and tradition more than as a business (although it is a very flourishing one).
Accompanying with the green of the coconut is the sweetness of the coconut candy which has become the icon of this delightful wonderland. To create a chewy, yet sweet and irresistible coconut candy, it is required a little bit of secret. Choosing the right coconut and adding the special ingredients, the people of Ben Tre consider making candy as an art and tradition more than as a business (although it is a very flourishing one).
Nowadays, there are so many types of coconut candies with so many different flavors: cacao coconut candy, durian coconut candy, peanut coconut candy. Each has a distinguish flavor but retain the most important factor: the flavor of the coconut. Read more thing to do in dalat
Coconut core salad – Củ hũ
The “Củ hủ dừa” is the name of the core of the coconut. It can be found at the top of the tree, hidden inside the roots of the branches. The core is white and sweet, covered by a thin layer of capsule, and is big quite big. There are many ways to cook the core, and there are also many delicious dishes which have the core as main ingredients. Some dishes such as fried Củ hủ dừa with chicken organs, fried Củ hủ dừa with Vietnamese pancakes, fried Củ hủ dừa with shrimp, Củ hủ dừa salad, stew Củ hủ dừa with pork, Củ hủ dừa with meatball soup, or just simple eat it raw.
The “Củ hủ dừa” is the name of the core of the coconut. It can be found at the top of the tree, hidden inside the roots of the branches. The core is white and sweet, covered by a thin layer of capsule, and is big quite big. There are many ways to cook the core, and there are also many delicious dishes which have the core as main ingredients. Some dishes such as fried Củ hủ dừa with chicken organs, fried Củ hủ dừa with Vietnamese pancakes, fried Củ hủ dừa with shrimp, Củ hủ dừa salad, stew Củ hủ dừa with pork, Củ hủ dừa with meatball soup, or just simple eat it raw.
The coconut core is sweet, fresh, cool and highly nutritious, especially minerals, and it is good for digestive system. Don’t forget to try the Củ hủ dừa when you have the chance to visit Ben Tre.
Lava – Đuông dừa
Coconut worm is a type of lava feeds on the roots of the coconut trees. The lava is as big as little finger, white, and very fat. Not many people have the gut to try the raw lava.
Coconut worm is a type of lava feeds on the roots of the coconut trees. The lava is as big as little finger, white, and very fat. Not many people have the gut to try the raw lava.
Very easy to cook and delicious to eat, the lava is best served live inside a bowl of chili fish sauce. Before dropping the lavas into the fish sauce, the chef will drop them into a cup of rice wine first so to remove any dirt and contaminants. After washing the lavas, the chef now can put them into the fish sauce and serve. The lava is extremely fat, and the taste is very similar to the melting yolk in your mouth.
Explore best places to visit in vietnam with Hivietnam: find out when to go, view itineraries and read
about lakes, bays, street food and water puppets.
To many who don’t want to eat the lava alive but still want to try one of Ben Tre’s finest cuisine, there are many other choices for you. There is the fried lava with butter, which is rich, fat and delicious. There is also the grilled lava with salad, lettuce, and basil. When eating the grilled lava, you can use the salad leaves to wrap around the lava and dip the combination into the tamarind sauce. The sour of tamarind, the fresh and bitter of the herbs and the fat of the lava will make you want more. There is also the lava with steamed sticky rice, which is soft, chewy and fat.
Coconut wine – Rượu dừa
Coconut wine is a special cuisine of Ben Tre. Unlike other wines, the coconut wine will not make you drunk but just a special taste. The wine is more like a strong, sweet and elegant cocktail.
Coconut wine is a special cuisine of Ben Tre. Unlike other wines, the coconut wine will not make you drunk but just a special taste. The wine is more like a strong, sweet and elegant cocktail.
Coconut wine is now a very famous product. The wine “bottle” made of the coconut shell, hanged in a basket is a perfect gift for anybody. Not only the wine is a part of Ben Tre, the wine also extends the long list of alcohol beverages of Vietnam.
Coconut rice – Cơm dừa
Coconut rice is a unique dish which is nowhere to be found but Ben Tre. The rice is cooked using the coconut juice, which makes eating each grain is like eating the coconut itself.
Coconut rice is a unique dish which is nowhere to be found but Ben Tre. The rice is cooked using the coconut juice, which makes eating each grain is like eating the coconut itself.
The rice used to cook has to be soft, aromatic. After washing and letting the rice to dry, the cook will use a sharp knife to cut the top of the coconut to let the water out and use the coconut as the cooking pot. The hardest part is to measure the right amount of coconut juice, if there is too much water, the rice is wet, too little and the rice is dried. The best time to eat the rice is when it hot. If it is put too long in the air, the rice, because of the oil from the coconut, will turn yellow.
One essential dish to eat with the coconut rice is the fried shrimp. Any kind of shrimp: dirt shrimp, round shrimp, green legs shrimp is good to eat with the rice. After removing the legs and washing the shrimps, the cook now will marinate them with sugar, salt. The shrimps have to fry with the coconut milk to increase the boldness. After putting the shrimps in the frying pan, the cook will pour the coconut milk into it, and turn the fire down. When the shrimps have absorbed the milk and turned into the brick-red color, it is ready to serve. The shrimps, thanks to the coconut milk, are chewy and flavorful, combined with hot and sweet coconut rice is a delightful experience that you should defiantly try sometime.
Roasted snail with coconut milk – Ốc Xào Nước Cốt Dừa
There are many types of snails which you can use to cook the delicious roasted snail with coconut milk. The fat and rich of the coconut milk blend with the elegant sweet of the snails are exceptionally enchanting. In all of the phases of making the dish, marinating is the most important one. While the snails and the coconut milk are indispensible, the lemongrass, garlic, chili, sugar, salt, and fish sauce are the key to success.
There are many types of snails which you can use to cook the delicious roasted snail with coconut milk. The fat and rich of the coconut milk blend with the elegant sweet of the snails are exceptionally enchanting. In all of the phases of making the dish, marinating is the most important one. While the snails and the coconut milk are indispensible, the lemongrass, garlic, chili, sugar, salt, and fish sauce are the key to success.
Eating the snails and sipping the coconut milk, you will encounter the richness, the spicy, and the fatness from all of the ingredients.
Coconut mice – Chuột dừa
The coconut mice have the sizes like the paddy field mice, but this type of mice has sharper teeth and they are harmful to the coconut trees. Using the sharp teeth, they open the coconut and eat the meat inside. Their meat is fatter than chicken and better than the regular paddy field rice mice thanks to the coconut.
The coconut mice have the sizes like the paddy field mice, but this type of mice has sharper teeth and they are harmful to the coconut trees. Using the sharp teeth, they open the coconut and eat the meat inside. Their meat is fatter than chicken and better than the regular paddy field rice mice thanks to the coconut.
There are many ways to cook the mice. You can grill, steam, roast, curry. However, the best is the steamed coconut mice. After washing the mice and removing everything but the meat, the cook will put the meat on banana leaves, and put everything into the rice cooking pot. The meat is white and has a special smell. When eating, you can also use a bowl of salt-n-pepper lemon sauce to dip the meat and some cilantro. Visiting Ben Tre, you should write down in your check-list to try this peculiar yet amazing dish.
Roasted shrimp with coconut milk – Tép rang dừa
Roasted shrimps with coconut have a very beautiful red. The best type of shrimp to make the dish is any type of shrimp available. The coconut milk will do the heavy-lifting. After washing the shrimps, the cook will marinate them using salt and sugar for half an hour. The coconut to cook is dried and small. Scrubbing the meat off the shell of the coconut, adding in bit water, the cook has to squeeze the milk off the mixture to create the coconut milk. Pouring the coconut into the shrimps, the cook will start to roast the combination until all the milk has gone. The dish can also use a bit of cooking oil to make the shrimps shinning.
Roasted shrimps with coconut have a very beautiful red. The best type of shrimp to make the dish is any type of shrimp available. The coconut milk will do the heavy-lifting. After washing the shrimps, the cook will marinate them using salt and sugar for half an hour. The coconut to cook is dried and small. Scrubbing the meat off the shell of the coconut, adding in bit water, the cook has to squeeze the milk off the mixture to create the coconut milk. Pouring the coconut into the shrimps, the cook will start to roast the combination until all the milk has gone. The dish can also use a bit of cooking oil to make the shrimps shinning.
The shrimps usually come in the big water from August to January of the lunar year. The best time to catch the shrimp is right before Tet. If you like the shrimp to be soft choose silver shrimp, or if you like it to be crunchy, choose any kind of shrimp. The roasted shrimp with coconut, eaten with porridge is the best. The daily meal of a local family will consist of the roasted shrimps, rice, and the stew pumpkin soup.
Stewed Gobies with coconut milk – Cá bóng kho nước dừa
Ben Tre is a region which has plenty of rivers; therefore, a lot of gobies nested themselves under the roots of the riverside coconuts. The gobies are soft, but a bit chewy, sweet, less fat and bone, and have distinguishing smell.
Ben Tre is a region which has plenty of rivers; therefore, a lot of gobies nested themselves under the roots of the riverside coconuts. The gobies are soft, but a bit chewy, sweet, less fat and bone, and have distinguishing smell.
After washing and cleaning the fish, removing the fins, the cook can now stew them on the pot of coconut milk on top of a small fire. When there is no milk left, the fish is ready. The fish’s bones, after cooked, are easily removed.
Coconut jam – Mứt dừa
Coconut jam is a traditional cuisine in Tet, anniversary of the Southern people, and also the people in Ben Tre as well. To make the jam, the coconut has to be ripped and taken only of the meat inside. Scrubbing the meat, removing the shell which might still stick on it, the cook will also need to chop the meat into long, thin pieces, rewash the coconut meat, mix the meat with sugar, put the mixture on small fire, and fry until the coconut meat is all dried up.
Coconut jam is a traditional cuisine in Tet, anniversary of the Southern people, and also the people in Ben Tre as well. To make the jam, the coconut has to be ripped and taken only of the meat inside. Scrubbing the meat, removing the shell which might still stick on it, the cook will also need to chop the meat into long, thin pieces, rewash the coconut meat, mix the meat with sugar, put the mixture on small fire, and fry until the coconut meat is all dried up.
The coconut jam has to be dried, and also sweet. The jam can also use some colors from pineapple leaves or beetroot.
Coconut porridge – Cháo dừa
Not only using coconut to make jam, rice, stick rice but the people in Ben Tre also like to use it in their pots of porridge. There are many ways to cook this dish, like after washing and cooking the rice until the rice is all broken, then the cook can pour in the milk. However, the pouring only should take place after the first water of the porridge (unlike rice, the porridge needs more water). The coconut porridge can eat with sugar, or with snakehead to increase the nutrition. The rich of the rice, the sweet of the fish and the fat of the coconut is a wonderful combination.
Not only using coconut to make jam, rice, stick rice but the people in Ben Tre also like to use it in their pots of porridge. There are many ways to cook this dish, like after washing and cooking the rice until the rice is all broken, then the cook can pour in the milk. However, the pouring only should take place after the first water of the porridge (unlike rice, the porridge needs more water). The coconut porridge can eat with sugar, or with snakehead to increase the nutrition. The rich of the rice, the sweet of the fish and the fat of the coconut is a wonderful combination.
The porridge should be used cold to be able to fully appreciate the fat of the coconut. The dish is simple, after a few water times, and a cup of coconut milk, and then the porridge is ready to be served. Depends on yours references that you add salt or sugar should be added in. Besides from snakehead, the porridges can use gobies, catfish, and mussels as replacement. The porridge also requires some herbs to eat with such as minced cilantro, banana branches, and a bowl of fish sauce.
My Long rice paper – Bánh tráng Mỹ Lồng
In the Mekong Delta, the My Long rice paper is very well known. All will know about the rice paper because of its softness, fatness and the wonderful smell when grilling the paper on fire. There are three types of rice paper: rice paper with milk, or with eggs, or with coconut. And there is not combination of the two.
In the Mekong Delta, the My Long rice paper is very well known. All will know about the rice paper because of its softness, fatness and the wonderful smell when grilling the paper on fire. There are three types of rice paper: rice paper with milk, or with eggs, or with coconut. And there is not combination of the two.
When grilling the paper, you need to make sure both sides are equally grilled. The paper is best to be served hot, and the diverse flavors will make like no other snack in the world.
Son Doc floppy cracker – Bánh phồng Sơn Đốc
Floppy cracker is the pride of the people in Son Doc District, Ben Tre. The smell of the sticky rice and the coconut embedded in every cracker that will make you linger for more. Son Doc floppy cracker is famous for the strict rice selecting process. In order to have a perfect cracker, the rice has to be purely sticky rice, not the regular rice. The grain also has to be removed of all the shells; otherwise the cracker will not be very smooth. How to cook the coconut is also important. To wet and the cracker will be less fat, too dry and the cracker will have the smell of coconut oil.
Floppy cracker is the pride of the people in Son Doc District, Ben Tre. The smell of the sticky rice and the coconut embedded in every cracker that will make you linger for more. Son Doc floppy cracker is famous for the strict rice selecting process. In order to have a perfect cracker, the rice has to be purely sticky rice, not the regular rice. The grain also has to be removed of all the shells; otherwise the cracker will not be very smooth. How to cook the coconut is also important. To wet and the cracker will be less fat, too dry and the cracker will have the smell of coconut oil.
The cracker is smaller but thicker than the regular cracker. The best type of fire is from the straw or from coal. The Southerners usually chop a part of the coconut branches to use as a fan, and they also have to be quickly turning the cracker so it can be well-baked and crunchy.
My Long noodle – Hủ tiếu Mỹ Lồng
My Long noodle is a bucolic, yet elegant of the people in My Long District, Ben Tre. The noodle includes pig’s stomach, liver, boiled thick, yet sweet slices of pork. The dish also has some delicious boiled squids with the size of three fingers, a yellow crunchy fried shrimp roll, and the soft, long and sweet noodle.
My Long noodle is a bucolic, yet elegant of the people in My Long District, Ben Tre. The noodle includes pig’s stomach, liver, boiled thick, yet sweet slices of pork. The dish also has some delicious boiled squids with the size of three fingers, a yellow crunchy fried shrimp roll, and the soft, long and sweet noodle.
You should also need some chives, sprouts, chili into your bowl, a slice of lemon and a bit of soybean sauce to increase the flavor. Oh, and also remember to mix everything before you eat. The stomach is crunchy, the liver is soft, the meat is sweet, the roll is salty, and the broth is sweet and spicy thanks to the chili and others ingredients. A combination likes no other.
Termites Mushroom – Nấm mối
Coming to Ben Tre, people tend to think about the coconut tree more than anything else. Well, Ben Tre also has more to offer. One special cuisine is the termites mushroom. The mushroom grows on a termite soil extrusion, and usually edible since April of the lunar year until the mushrooms die on about July. The best time to collect the mushroom is May. The mushroom is rich, sweet, and a bit chewy, which is a feature of this mushroom. The mushroom is highly nutritious, and could help fight aging.
Coming to Ben Tre, people tend to think about the coconut tree more than anything else. Well, Ben Tre also has more to offer. One special cuisine is the termites mushroom. The mushroom grows on a termite soil extrusion, and usually edible since April of the lunar year until the mushrooms die on about July. The best time to collect the mushroom is May. The mushroom is rich, sweet, and a bit chewy, which is a feature of this mushroom. The mushroom is highly nutritious, and could help fight aging.
The mushroom is easy to make: make soup with pork leg, roll to make salad, fry with coconut core, hot pot, core of the traditional pancake… One simple formula which is favored by the locals is to grill with chili salt. The sweet of the mushroom combines with the hot of the chili is just strange, yet worth trying.
Rice snail with Vietnamese pancake – Bánh xèo ốc gạo
The pancake is a very simple dish, yet many from far away have to come and try out this wonderful cuisine of Vietnam. The best place to have a delicious dish of pancake is Lach Market.
The pancake is a very simple dish, yet many from far away have to come and try out this wonderful cuisine of Vietnam. The best place to have a delicious dish of pancake is Lach Market.
In the entire Me Kong delta, there is only Phu Da Island has the rice snail, only from April to July, lunar year time. The smell from the cake, combined with the coconut milk, sliced cassava, sprouts, and the snails will make you order a second.
Chicken with sweet taro salad – Gỏi gà trộn môn ngọt
Mentioning the chicken salad, many will think about the common chicken with banana branches, with lemon leaves, with lotus, with cucumber… but fail to imagine how delicious the chicken salad with sweet taro is.
Mentioning the chicken salad, many will think about the common chicken with banana branches, with lemon leaves, with lotus, with cucumber… but fail to imagine how delicious the chicken salad with sweet taro is.
The sweet taro looks like peppermint tree, which is short and solid. The top of the tree there will be some brown dots. The taro is sweet, and it suitable to go with any dish: fried with pork, with pancake, make sour soup, salad. The best one is with chicken. When eating, you should feel free to use the rice paper as a wrapping device for you dish. Putting the chicken, the herbs, and rolling in, dipping the roll in the fish sauce, and slowly chewing, you will instantly recognize the sweet of the chicken, the sour and sweet of the taro.
Danio dangila sour soup – Canh chua cá linh
When choosing the dangila, the cook will consider the bigger one to have more meat. Cutting the under-fins away, and squeezing the guts out, the cook will marinate the fishes with salt and sugar. The first dangila of the season is usually the fattest. Also, the chopstick flowers are crucial. The best time to collect the flowers is in the early period of the season, when they are sweet and crunchy.
When choosing the dangila, the cook will consider the bigger one to have more meat. Cutting the under-fins away, and squeezing the guts out, the cook will marinate the fishes with salt and sugar. The first dangila of the season is usually the fattest. Also, the chopstick flowers are crucial. The best time to collect the flowers is in the early period of the season, when they are sweet and crunchy.
The dangila sour soup is cooked on only one fire, which means there is no leftover and reheat. If you reheat it, the fish will usually be crushed. The herbs are also important. Some coriander, cilantro will do the work. Also, you will want to eat the soup with some chili, sugar, salt or fish sauce. When the soup is boiled, you can drop the fish in and cover the pot. Watching the soup, when it is boiled again, you drop in some chopstick flowers. The soup has to be neutral, not too sweet or to sour. And don’t forget to drop in a few slices of chili.
Paddy field crab hot pot – Lẩu cháo cua đồng
After washing the crab, removing the shells, you will have to grind the meat, and add in some other ingredients. With the shell, you also grind it, pour in the water, and take the water only to make the broth. The hot pot also needs some mushroom, beans, and green onions. After trying the initial broth, you can pour in the shell water. Lastly, you drop the meat in.
After washing the crab, removing the shells, you will have to grind the meat, and add in some other ingredients. With the shell, you also grind it, pour in the water, and take the water only to make the broth. The hot pot also needs some mushroom, beans, and green onions. After trying the initial broth, you can pour in the shell water. Lastly, you drop the meat in.
Tasting the hot pot, you cannot forget the key feature of the South land, the herbs. There are five herbs: katuk or sweet leaf, Malabar spinach, centella, Egyptian cucumber or Vietnamese luffa and Corchorus. A few more slices of chili, fish sauce will be perfect.
Thứ Sáu, 11 tháng 12, 2015
Monkey Temples of Lopburi Thailand
Monkey Temples of Lopburi
For an experience slightly off the beaten tourist trail, spend a morning exploring the temples of Lopburi. The town is located 150 kilometers northeast of Bangkok and is known for its many ancient ruins, most of which are have not been restored. Unlike the historical parks of Ayutthaya and Sukothai, the ruins of Lopburi are more spread out and will require more effort to see them all. The temples draw visitors, however Lopburi’s resident monkeys are the main reason people stop here. The town is literally overrun with hundreds of feisty, rambunctious crab-eating macaques. Most of them are concentrated around the two main temples – Phra Prang Sam Yot and Phra Kaan Shrine (across the street from one another).
- A comprehensive list of things to do in hanoi. Includes all the major sights and activities in and around Hanoi.
For an experience slightly off the beaten tourist trail, spend a morning exploring the temples of Lopburi. The town is located 150 kilometers northeast of Bangkok and is known for its many ancient ruins, most of which are have not been restored. Unlike the historical parks of Ayutthaya and Sukothai, the ruins of Lopburi are more spread out and will require more effort to see them all. The temples draw visitors, however Lopburi’s resident monkeys are the main reason people stop here. The town is literally overrun with hundreds of feisty, rambunctious crab-eating macaques. Most of them are concentrated around the two main temples – Phra Prang Sam Yot and Phra Kaan Shrine (across the street from one another).
Picture hanoi opera house
The macaques are everywhere! Dangling from the light poles, crossing the street, scaling the temple walls, and constantly on the lookout for scraps of food. The monkeys are fed regularly at Phra Kaan, which is where many like to hang around. Across the street at Phra Prang Sam Yot, the monkeys have more space to play and bully tourists out of their snacks. You can’t leave anything on the ground that you wouldn’t want a monkey to grab. Locals will try to sell you juice and food to feed to the monkeys, but I would not recommend this. If you’ve got food, pandemonium will ensue, and these monkeys are not scared to jump on people’s shoulders or snatch food right out of your hand. The best thing to do is come an admire the monkeys… from a distance. Find things to do in danang: temple, museum, pagoda those places should not be missed when travelling to Da Nang.
The macaques are everywhere! Dangling from the light poles, crossing the street, scaling the temple walls, and constantly on the lookout for scraps of food. The monkeys are fed regularly at Phra Kaan, which is where many like to hang around. Across the street at Phra Prang Sam Yot, the monkeys have more space to play and bully tourists out of their snacks. You can’t leave anything on the ground that you wouldn’t want a monkey to grab. Locals will try to sell you juice and food to feed to the monkeys, but I would not recommend this. If you’ve got food, pandemonium will ensue, and these monkeys are not scared to jump on people’s shoulders or snatch food right out of your hand. The best thing to do is come an admire the monkeys… from a distance. Find things to do in danang: temple, museum, pagoda those places should not be missed when travelling to Da Nang.
A Day at Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai
Earlier this year I had the opportunity to get up close and personal with Asian elephants at Chiang Mai’s fascinating Elephant Nature Park in Northern Thailand. This amazing rescue center is home to over 40 distressed elephants with backgrounds as street attractions and workers in the logging trade. A visit to Elephant Nature Park is a fantastic day trip from the city of Chiang Mai, and perfect for animal lovers of all ages interested in interacting with these gentle giants. Here is some information about the park, how it came to exist, and visitor information.
If you have ever visited Thailand you know that elephants are used for street begging, riding, and street shows, and while this seems cruel, there is a much more sinister practice going on in Asia’s logging industry. In Laos and Myanmar Asian elephants are used alongside machines to pick up and haul heavy logs across challenging terrain. These “timber elephants” are oftentimes abused, maimed, and severely injured on the job.
The symbiotic relationship of the gentle yet stern mahout and his obedient elephant has given way to aggressive handlers employing any brutal means necessary, including chaining and beating the elephants in order to get them to work. Elephant Nature Park is one of few rehabilitation centers in the world that take in aging, overworked, and crippled timber elephants that have somehow managed to survive this dangerous work.
This is where Sangduen “Lek” Chailert comes in. Lek helped found the sanctuary in 1996. She advocates for the rights and welfare of Asian elephants in Thailand. Lek has been honored for her work by Time Magazine, the Humane Society of the United States, and by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton as one of six Women Heroes of Global Conservation in 2010. She spent about an hour with me during my visit explaining why she began the Save Elephant Foundation and why visiting the Elephant Nature Park is a rewarding, exciting, and unforgettable experience for people traveling in Northern Thailand.
I saw first-hand why they call Lek the “Elephant Whisperer.” While most of us would be scared to approach a herd of adult elephants, some of which are completely blind, Lek does it with as much ease as we would walk up to a litter of puppies. She has no qualms about being prodded by several colossal trunks at a time, squeezed between two enormous pachyderm bodies, or sniffed up and down by hungry elephants that know she has snacks in her backpack. Not once did they hurt her, and not once did she have to tell them not to.
Elephant Nature Park is the largest elephant rescue and rehabilitation center in the country, and they have plans to expand the park boundaries so the elephants have more room to roam. Currently there are over 40 elephants residing here, most of which were rescued from the logging industry. Visitors can come for the day, one night, or a full week to volunteer. The park is also home to several dogs, cats, birds, and buffalo.
I did the single full day visit ($77), which included pick up and drop-off to my hotel in Chiang Mai, buffet lunch at the park, and an incredible day spent amongst the world’s largest land animals. Elephant Nature Park is very protective of their location, so it isn’t possible to drive there yourself. You must get picked up and dropped off by them.
Find things to do in danang: temple, museum, pagoda those places should not be missed when travelling to Da Nang.
Upon arrival we were split intro groups and escorted onto a long L-shaped concrete platform. Large plastic buckets of fresh fruits were there waiting, and so were the elephants. Feeding these massive giants gave me the opportunity to admire their strength and see them eye-to-eye for the first time. I also saw the physical trauma many of these elephants experienced during their days as timber elephants. Many are blind due to slingshots used to subdue them. Others limp and shuffle because of too much physical strain.
Explore best places to visit in vietnam with Hivietnam: find out when to go, view itineraries and read about lakes, bays, street food and water puppets.
While I was there I noticed volunteers helping out around the park. They can stay for up to two weeks to help feed, clean, and care for the elephants and other resident animals. Elephant Nature Park relies on the good will of its volunteers and donations from the public to help sustain their operation.
After lunch (a delicious buffet spread of Thai and international foods) we were led down to the river for bath time. Each group of visitors gets to bathe a pair of elephants as a park keeper feeds them. Afterwards they had a good long dust bath to keep the insects at bay.
The Dark Side of Working Elephants
If you have ever visited Thailand you know that elephants are used for street begging, riding, and street shows, and while this seems cruel, there is a much more sinister practice going on in Asia’s logging industry. In Laos and Myanmar Asian elephants are used alongside machines to pick up and haul heavy logs across challenging terrain. These “timber elephants” are oftentimes abused, maimed, and severely injured on the job.
The symbiotic relationship of the gentle yet stern mahout and his obedient elephant has given way to aggressive handlers employing any brutal means necessary, including chaining and beating the elephants in order to get them to work. Elephant Nature Park is one of few rehabilitation centers in the world that take in aging, overworked, and crippled timber elephants that have somehow managed to survive this dangerous work.
Meet Lek, the Elephant Whisperer
This is where Sangduen “Lek” Chailert comes in. Lek helped found the sanctuary in 1996. She advocates for the rights and welfare of Asian elephants in Thailand. Lek has been honored for her work by Time Magazine, the Humane Society of the United States, and by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton as one of six Women Heroes of Global Conservation in 2010. She spent about an hour with me during my visit explaining why she began the Save Elephant Foundation and why visiting the Elephant Nature Park is a rewarding, exciting, and unforgettable experience for people traveling in Northern Thailand.
I saw first-hand why they call Lek the “Elephant Whisperer.” While most of us would be scared to approach a herd of adult elephants, some of which are completely blind, Lek does it with as much ease as we would walk up to a litter of puppies. She has no qualms about being prodded by several colossal trunks at a time, squeezed between two enormous pachyderm bodies, or sniffed up and down by hungry elephants that know she has snacks in her backpack. Not once did they hurt her, and not once did she have to tell them not to.
About Elephant Nature Park
Elephant Nature Park is the largest elephant rescue and rehabilitation center in the country, and they have plans to expand the park boundaries so the elephants have more room to roam. Currently there are over 40 elephants residing here, most of which were rescued from the logging industry. Visitors can come for the day, one night, or a full week to volunteer. The park is also home to several dogs, cats, birds, and buffalo.
I did the single full day visit ($77), which included pick up and drop-off to my hotel in Chiang Mai, buffet lunch at the park, and an incredible day spent amongst the world’s largest land animals. Elephant Nature Park is very protective of their location, so it isn’t possible to drive there yourself. You must get picked up and dropped off by them.
Find things to do in danang: temple, museum, pagoda those places should not be missed when travelling to Da Nang.
Upon arrival we were split intro groups and escorted onto a long L-shaped concrete platform. Large plastic buckets of fresh fruits were there waiting, and so were the elephants. Feeding these massive giants gave me the opportunity to admire their strength and see them eye-to-eye for the first time. I also saw the physical trauma many of these elephants experienced during their days as timber elephants. Many are blind due to slingshots used to subdue them. Others limp and shuffle because of too much physical strain.
Explore best places to visit in vietnam with Hivietnam: find out when to go, view itineraries and read about lakes, bays, street food and water puppets.
While I was there I noticed volunteers helping out around the park. They can stay for up to two weeks to help feed, clean, and care for the elephants and other resident animals. Elephant Nature Park relies on the good will of its volunteers and donations from the public to help sustain their operation.
After lunch (a delicious buffet spread of Thai and international foods) we were led down to the river for bath time. Each group of visitors gets to bathe a pair of elephants as a park keeper feeds them. Afterwards they had a good long dust bath to keep the insects at bay.
Read more hanoi opera house
If you’re into feel-good stories with happy endings, then Elephant Nature Park is for you. Responsible tourism isn’t always convenient, but in this case it is. A day spent here is a wonderful way to get acquainted with these incredible creatures, which for centuries have been an integral part of Thai culture symbolizing royalty, religion, and power.
Not only will you get to feed, bathe, and touch them, you’ll learn so much about their species, their plight, and what steps we can all take to help save them. For one, we learned not to support working elephants in the street. As cute as the baby elephants are begging for food or standing by for a photo opportunity, don’t fuel their mistreatment by supporting the people who exploit them. Elephant riding is also a common tourist activity in Thailand, but one that is actually abusive and cruel. Elephants aren’t made to work for us. People have exploited their strength for their own benefit, and now the species is suffering tremendously. It is unlikely their keepers are using your money to properly feed or care for their elephants. Each elephant requires several dozen kilos of fresh produce each day, but chances are they are not getting what they need. Elephant Nature Park teaches tourists what signs to look for to recognize elephants in distress so that we don’t unnecessarily cause them more pain or suffering by supporting their cruel owners.
Luckily people like Lek are changing things for the better and inviting all of us to have an incredible day with free and happy elephants.
Davidsbeenhere
Why Should You Visit Elephant Nature Park?
If you’re into feel-good stories with happy endings, then Elephant Nature Park is for you. Responsible tourism isn’t always convenient, but in this case it is. A day spent here is a wonderful way to get acquainted with these incredible creatures, which for centuries have been an integral part of Thai culture symbolizing royalty, religion, and power.
Not only will you get to feed, bathe, and touch them, you’ll learn so much about their species, their plight, and what steps we can all take to help save them. For one, we learned not to support working elephants in the street. As cute as the baby elephants are begging for food or standing by for a photo opportunity, don’t fuel their mistreatment by supporting the people who exploit them. Elephant riding is also a common tourist activity in Thailand, but one that is actually abusive and cruel. Elephants aren’t made to work for us. People have exploited their strength for their own benefit, and now the species is suffering tremendously. It is unlikely their keepers are using your money to properly feed or care for their elephants. Each elephant requires several dozen kilos of fresh produce each day, but chances are they are not getting what they need. Elephant Nature Park teaches tourists what signs to look for to recognize elephants in distress so that we don’t unnecessarily cause them more pain or suffering by supporting their cruel owners.
Luckily people like Lek are changing things for the better and inviting all of us to have an incredible day with free and happy elephants.
Davidsbeenhere
Thứ Năm, 10 tháng 12, 2015
Top 10 Reasons to Visit Hoi An, Vietnam
For global travelers, Asia aficionados and Indochina enthusiasts, there’s one destination that is constantly popping up on “The Best” lists: Hoi An. Southeast Asia’s favorite port town, this ancient hub wins a place in every visitor’s heart from its stunning coastline to its mango-colored alleyways. Why visit Hoi An over the other 980 UNESCO World Heritage Sites around the world?
Here are ten reasons to visit Hoi An, Vietnam
Hoi An is home to one of Southeast Asia’s best beaches. Un-crowded, clean sands, warm, inviting waters, unobstructed island views and tiny restaurants serving delicious food and cold, local beers. What else can a traveler ask for? With a “tourist” beach and a “local” beach, whatever experience you’re looking to have, Hoi An’s beaches can deliver.
Off the coast of Hoi An are the gorgeous Cham Islands. A chain of tiny islets loaded with ancient Champa history and beautiful marine life, visitors can dive, snorkel, boat tour or overnight on this quiet, secluded slice of paradise.
One of Hoi An’s ancient trades, still going strong today. Hand crafting clothes for centuries of Champa, Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese and Western merchants… the locals haven’t lost their touch. Get that dress, shirt, 3-piece suit, pair of shoes or matching couples onesie jumpsuit that you’ve always wanted. It will fit perfect, look exactly the way you want it, and cost a quarter of what you’d imagine.
Taking a cooking class in Hoi An is one of Lonely Planet’s Top 10 Iconic Travel Experiences… so it’s obviously one of the top reasons to visit Hoi An. Cook with some of the world’s freshest ingredients, learn the secrets behind each Hoi An Viet Nam specialty, and try your best to memorize and bring home those unique Hoi An flavors.
You take a cooking class in Hoi An for one reason: because you’ve tried the food. While Vietnam as a whole is known for its delicious cuisine, Hoi An specifically has some of the best. With local dishes (Cao Lau & Mi Quang) that are strictly made within the region, you will fall in love with Hoi An’s food as quickly as you did with the Old Town. Read more thing to do in dalat
When you think about Vietnam, Hoi An’s countryside is what you’re picturing. Sprawling green rice paddies, swaying bamboo and coconut trees, farmers donning the iconic conical hats, water buffalos trotting along the road and quiet riverside villages that look like they’ve never even heard of tourism… this is Hoi An and Vietnam at its finest.
A stark contrast to the maddening streets of Saigon and Hanoi, Hoi An enjoys a slow-paced lifestyle. Rent the local’s favorite mode of transport (a bicycle) for a dollar a day, and pedal your way through the Old Town, beaches, rice paddies and tiny villages.
Despite spending upwards of 1,500$ USD to fly roundtrip to Southeast Asia, once you get to Hoi An, your wallet can relax. With accommodation options ranging all across the board, most attractions free of cost and food putting you back as little as 5 dollars a day (for three meals)… you can enjoy an unforgettable trip without having to take out a second mortgage.
Stories circulate all throughout travel books and websites about the Vietnamese making travel difficult for foreigners. Though you may be charged an extra 5 cents for parking a bicycle (ouch, I know), locals in Hoi An are some of the friendliest, helpful and most hospitable in the country. It’s often meetinglocals that makes one’s Hoi An experience so amazing.
This is the main reason over a million tourists visit Vietnam’s central coast each year. Petrified in time as the ancient trade port that it once was, Hoi An’s Old Town looks today the same way it did 200 years ago (minus the obvious additions). The streets are painted mango-yellow, the nights are lit by traditional, colored lanterns and the architecture, river life and historic sites remain entirely unscathed. Read more the temple of literature
By far the most unique, well-preserved site in Vietnam and one of Asia’s most memorable destinations, Hoi An should be on every traveler’s must-visit list.
Daniel Robbins
Here are ten reasons to visit Hoi An, Vietnam
10. The Beaches
Hoi An is home to one of Southeast Asia’s best beaches. Un-crowded, clean sands, warm, inviting waters, unobstructed island views and tiny restaurants serving delicious food and cold, local beers. What else can a traveler ask for? With a “tourist” beach and a “local” beach, whatever experience you’re looking to have, Hoi An’s beaches can deliver.
9. The Diving
Off the coast of Hoi An are the gorgeous Cham Islands. A chain of tiny islets loaded with ancient Champa history and beautiful marine life, visitors can dive, snorkel, boat tour or overnight on this quiet, secluded slice of paradise.
8. Tailoring
One of Hoi An’s ancient trades, still going strong today. Hand crafting clothes for centuries of Champa, Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese and Western merchants… the locals haven’t lost their touch. Get that dress, shirt, 3-piece suit, pair of shoes or matching couples onesie jumpsuit that you’ve always wanted. It will fit perfect, look exactly the way you want it, and cost a quarter of what you’d imagine.
7. Cooking Classes
Taking a cooking class in Hoi An is one of Lonely Planet’s Top 10 Iconic Travel Experiences… so it’s obviously one of the top reasons to visit Hoi An. Cook with some of the world’s freshest ingredients, learn the secrets behind each Hoi An Viet Nam specialty, and try your best to memorize and bring home those unique Hoi An flavors.
6. The Food
You take a cooking class in Hoi An for one reason: because you’ve tried the food. While Vietnam as a whole is known for its delicious cuisine, Hoi An specifically has some of the best. With local dishes (Cao Lau & Mi Quang) that are strictly made within the region, you will fall in love with Hoi An’s food as quickly as you did with the Old Town. Read more thing to do in dalat
5. The Countryside
When you think about Vietnam, Hoi An’s countryside is what you’re picturing. Sprawling green rice paddies, swaying bamboo and coconut trees, farmers donning the iconic conical hats, water buffalos trotting along the road and quiet riverside villages that look like they’ve never even heard of tourism… this is Hoi An and Vietnam at its finest.
4. The Pace
A stark contrast to the maddening streets of Saigon and Hanoi, Hoi An enjoys a slow-paced lifestyle. Rent the local’s favorite mode of transport (a bicycle) for a dollar a day, and pedal your way through the Old Town, beaches, rice paddies and tiny villages.
3. The Price
Despite spending upwards of 1,500$ USD to fly roundtrip to Southeast Asia, once you get to Hoi An, your wallet can relax. With accommodation options ranging all across the board, most attractions free of cost and food putting you back as little as 5 dollars a day (for three meals)… you can enjoy an unforgettable trip without having to take out a second mortgage.
2. The Locals
Stories circulate all throughout travel books and websites about the Vietnamese making travel difficult for foreigners. Though you may be charged an extra 5 cents for parking a bicycle (ouch, I know), locals in Hoi An are some of the friendliest, helpful and most hospitable in the country. It’s often meetinglocals that makes one’s Hoi An experience so amazing.
1. The Old Town
This is the main reason over a million tourists visit Vietnam’s central coast each year. Petrified in time as the ancient trade port that it once was, Hoi An’s Old Town looks today the same way it did 200 years ago (minus the obvious additions). The streets are painted mango-yellow, the nights are lit by traditional, colored lanterns and the architecture, river life and historic sites remain entirely unscathed. Read more the temple of literature
By far the most unique, well-preserved site in Vietnam and one of Asia’s most memorable destinations, Hoi An should be on every traveler’s must-visit list.
Daniel Robbins
Đăng ký:
Bài đăng
(
Atom
)