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vietnamtour-blog · 4 years

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A young and enquiring mind takes to travel

Were it not for the pandemic, my daughter Wolf and I would have spent the summer travelling to Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Chongqing. But with borders closed, we came up with Plan B: visiting five national parks from Vietnam’s north to south: Cat Ba and Cuc Phuong in the north, Phong Nha and Bach Ma in the central region, and Nam Cat Tien in the south.

THROUGH A CHILD’S EYES: Ten-year-old Wolf loved Lan Ha Bay and the ‘secret valleys’ surrounded by limestone karst mountains. VNS Photo Thu Quynh

The return of COVID-19, however, also put a stop to that. But not before we had at least enjoyed the beauty of Cat Ba National Park.

Cat Ba National Park

Every summer we plan to go somewhere, so little Wolf can experience the life, culture, and people of different places and pick up the skills needed to live close to nature.

We embark upon a trip whenever possible, and Wolf’s first was when she was just a few months old.

Spanning more than 150 square kilometres, Cat Ba National Park is one of the best protected areas in the country in terms of biodiversity, with the tropical and sub-tropical ecologies common to Asia. It also has the karst geology typical to the region — a vast area of rainforest on limestone karst structures, with mangrove forests, large coral reefs, tidal zones, and salt water lakes.

The park has all that’s necessary to become a global geopark: beautiful pristine beaches, unique caves with stalactites and stalagmites, and a diverse biological gene pool. It’s a whole world for nature lovers to explore.

Tours and treks are available, and no entry tickets are required, despite what many people think.

But it is, however, a protected zone, for it contains protected flora and fauna, and you need a ticket to get in.

On Cat Ba Island you can walk from one ecological zone to another within a day. You can move from rainforests on limestone karsts to mangrove forests in mountains (at Ao Ếch). You can also walk from a mangrove forest by the seaside for a swim around coral reefs near the shore. You can then explore caves to search for the home of thousands of bats or take a walk through fields of crops grown in valleys by local farmers.

Such biodiversity makes Cat Ba National Park worth a visit any time of the year.

IDYLLIC SURROUNDINGS: The ‘butterfly valley’ is the best spot to explore nature. VNS Photo Thu Quynh

When little Wolf was six years old, I started to let her do a little web searching to choose where we would stay on our trips. She always looked for somewhere with distinctive features and attractions, and even decided where we would eat.

To avoid busy Cat Ba Town, we stayed in chill bungalows in a pine forest 15km away, which felt like another world.

Each bungalow is hidden under tall pine trees, with dried pine needle making a soft carpet for you to step on. In front of each is a hammock, where you can lie and look up at the sky through the foliage.

The back of our bungalow looked out over a small stream, where it was possible to bathe in the cool water. There was also a little trekking route, for those keen to stretch the legs but wary of the harsh sun.

TAKING CARE: Beware of whirlpools when kayaking around ‘Three Giant Peaches’ on Lan Ha Bay. VNS Photo Thu Quynh

Green island, white clouds

After some thought, we decided to get around Cat Ba by motorbike, which is the best way of doing so. Though we rode around under the scorching July sun, the sea breeze kept us cool.

Walking up Mt Ngu Lam turned out to be more challenging than we expected. It was only a kilometre and a half, but there were no steps. It was so steep we had to grab on to rocks to climb. It turned out to be too much for ten-year-old Wolf. The surface was slippery and more dangerous than she or even I could handle. Though she wanted to give it a try, I decided we should turn around.

We stopped at a café shortly after, where the owner told us we had made the right decision. Just a few days prior, a young girl older than Wolf had slipped and ended up in hospital. Needless to say, I felt quite lucky. I always want my child to take on a challenge, but only if it’s actually within her abilities.

Having missed out on the peak of Mt Ngu Lam, Wolf learned what she could about rare and precious wood trees like lát hoa (Chukrasia tabularis A.Juss), which provides a beautiful finish thanks to its wavy grain. She also learned about ironwood and menghundor, which are just some of the many valuable woods found in tropical jungles.

She had a fun time trying to poke at the bushes. Whenever she touched them, the leaves would slowly fold. When they opened up again, she made them fold again. She also came across a butterfly with quite strange colours.

For those of you who like a bit of a thrill, there’s a peculiar sight in the park — an abandoned house near the entrance. Park employees used to live there, but they had to move elsewhere out of respect for the protected zone.

Under a rotting roof, all doors and windows had long since been lost and the paint on the walls had faded. It had a vintage yet gloomy feeling, like a haunted house in a ghost story. It would have served well as a background for ghost-themed photos too, but those rotting tiles could literally come crashing down at any time.

Later that day we found ourselves lost in a “butterfly valley”. Located in Lien Minh Commune, the valley was exceptionally tranquil — a large flat expanse surrounded by tall karst mountains. Thousands of butterflies fly about around noon, creating a beautiful and appealing scene for a curious child like Wolf.

It’s also a popular spot for expats and foreign tourists keen on rock climbing. Wolf also got to see cattle drinking water for the first time, and enjoyed watching buffaloes take a cool bath. If you ever find yourself in Cat Ba, remember to spend a few hours or even an entire afternoon just hanging out in this wonderful valley. It has a distinct vibe and aura not found elsewhere.

Reaching it requires navigating a few steep slopes, which always gets the heart racing. But I’d taken on steeper slopes in the northwestern mountains, so these were quite manageable.

The path leading to the valley starts out in Cat Ba’s main street, stretching for 35km and connecting the town with Cat Hai. We fell in love with the beautiful landscapes we encountered along the way, and came to the conclusion that motorbike is by far the best way to take in everything the island has to offer.

Once in a while, we had a bonus — giant white clouds fluttering overhead like enormous cotton candy. It felt like heaven!

During our days on Cat Ba we had cloud parties, with white cloud dawns and pink cloud sunsets. We felt like rubbing our heads in these soft bundles of joy and wanted so much to somehow reel one in and keep it. It might seem silly, but we’re not ashamed to say it out loud!

Seas around Cat Ba and Lan Ha Bay

Cat Ba’s beaches are known for their spectacular white sands, crystal clear waters, and soft waves lapping ashore. But the island has so much more to offer than just lazing on the beach.

SERENE SPOT: The Cat Ba Ecolodge, where we stayed while exploring the national park. VNS Photo Thu Quynh

We decided to rent a small boat and set sail. The sky was a deep blue at some point, but quickly turned to grey and then became quite dark. The sea began to swell, but retained its beauty.

The waves were making it a rough ride for Wolf. She became tired and a little bit seasick. But the sight of Cai Beo Village — one of Vietnam’s oldest and largest fishing villages and still fit for purpose — lifted her spirits.

Boats have bobbed up and down in the waters here for, historians say, as long as 7,000 years. Their different colours make Cai Beo simply beautiful. As our boat approached, it felt as though we were heading towards a 3D image.

Wolf got to see lives different from her own, all happening on the limited space of a boat’s deck. Her jaw dropped at the sight of kids her age swimming like fish or rowing boats with such skill and ease. The kids jumped quickly from one boat to another, each of which seemed to have one or two dogs, who barked cheerfully when the visitors — Wolf and I — arrived.

After passing Cai Beo Village we were in Lan Ha Bay. The karst islands that dot the bay come in more shapes and sizes than you could possibly imagine and are a true wonder of the world. Nestled on some of the karst islands were small beaches that have remained untouched by tourism all these years.

It’s also heaven for rock climbers and those who like to dive into water from great heights. The most famous rock — known as the Leaning Tower — has a steady stream of people climbing up and then plunging into the sea. A group of bungalows nearby house the rock climbers and other adventurous types.

TRIED & TRUE: Cai Beo fishing village, one of the country’s oldest, where you can enjoy giant garupa. VNS Photo Le Thu Quynh

Some of the karst islands have “secret valleys”, which can only be accessed by passing through caves. When the tide is high, though, grottos can also become submerged, and our destination, Coca rocks, became out of reach. So we rowed into one of these secret valleys instead.

There you can keep rowing or stop and take a break. There was a tree high above in full bloom, its white flowers exuding a sweet fragrance. Wolf fell asleep after the rough boat trip, perhaps dreaming of new destinations to come.

I lay down, contemplating our surroundings. It was like being in a place with no connection at all to the “real world” we occupy every day of our lives.

(Source: VNS)

Le Thu Quynh* (Le Thu Quynh is known among the travel community in Vietnam as Kìn Còi, the influencer)

Source: https://blog.evivatour.com/a-young-and-enquiring-mind-takes-to-travel/

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wikitopx · 5 years

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Here are the best cheap hotels in Fresno!

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1. Garden Inn and Suites

Small unique courtyard condominium setting hotel. Surrounded by flowers and fruit trees. It feels like a home away from home.

2. TownePlace Suites Fresno

The TownePlace Suites by Marriott near Woodward Park and the upscale RiverPark Shopping Center are behind us this is your perfect place to stay! Designed with you in mind! We are an all-suite hotel!

Each room has a fully equipped kitchen - microwave, fridge, oven, and dishwasher. Room services like hairdryer, in-room coffee service, ironing board, free internet access, and wi-fi.

3. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Fresno North, CA

The Country Inn & Suites By Carlson®, Fresno North, CA, offers a family-friendly get away from the bustle of the city without sacrificing easy access to nearby attractions. Enjoy shopping at River Park, live performances at the Tower Theatre for the Performing Arts or hands-on fun at Discovery Center.

Just 10 minutes from the city center and only seven and a half miles from Yosemite Fresno International Airport (FAT), the hotel's convenient location off Highway 41 makes business and entertainment fast throughout. city.

4. Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Fresno (River Park) Hwy 41

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Fresno-River Park is located near the River Park shopping center. Just around restaurants like PF Chang's, Ruth's Chris, famous Dave, Slate's and more.

We are located only from the Big Fresno Fair, SaveMart Center, Grizzly Stadium, Fresno State University, Old Town Clovis and downtown Fresno. Easy access and on the highway.

5. Residence Inn by Marriott Fresno

Enjoy modern style and a great location at the Residence Inn by Marriott Fresno, a full-room hotel in Fresno, California that provides home-like accommodation for long stays. Our suites feature full kitchens so you can prepare meals while on the road.

We provide an ideal setting near Shaver Lake, Kings River, Yosemite National Park, and Sequoia National Park.

6. Comfort Suites Fresno River Park

Comfort Suites Fresno River Park is located next to Costco near River Park Shopping Center in the heart of the medical community off Highway 41.

Hotel amenities include a full hot breakfast buffet, evening Manager's Reception (Happy Hour) with beer, wine and appetizers (Mon-Thur), fitness center with a weight machine, treadmill, Free weights, Elliptical, 2 types of bikes, high-speed internet, and 50" flat-screen TVs.

7. Piccadilly Inn Airport

See why so many travelers make Piccadilly Inn Airport their hotel when visiting Fresno. Offering an ideal blend of value, comfort, and convenience, it offers a range of amenities designed for tourists like you.

Nearby landmarks such as St James' Anglican Cathedral (2.5 mi) and St George Greek Orthodox Church (3.1 mi) make Piccadilly Inn Airport a great place to stay when visiting Fresno.

8. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fresno Riverpark

See why so many travelers make La Quinta Inn & Suites Fresno Riverpark the hotel of their choice when visiting Fresno. Offering an ideal blend of value, comfort, and convenience, it provides a family-friendly setting with a range of amenities designed for travelers like you.

When your home is away from home, the hotel rooms offer flat-screen TVs, refrigerators, and air-conditioners, and online access is easy, with free wifi. Guests have access to a 24-hour front desk and express check-in and check-out while staying at Fresno La Quinta.

9. Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Fresno South

Welcome to the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Hotel Fresno-Jensen Ave. The hotel is conveniently located off the HWY-99, just minutes from Fresno Airport, Fresno City Center, and Convention Center.

We are in the heart of the central valley near Selma, Sanger, Hanford, and Tulare. Imagine having all the space and tools you need for business: high-speed Internet, a specialized work area in your room and a complimentary business center.

10. Radisson Hotel Fresno Conference Center

Fresno Convention Center Hotel Fresno is a luxurious and modern hotel located in the heart of downtown Fresno. The 197-room hotel is just a half-mile from the IRS Building, the AAA baseball complex Chukchansi Park and home of the Fresno Grizzlies, and blocks from the Fresno Convention and Entertainment Center.

Within an hour and a half to California National Parks like Yosemite and Sequoia National Park, the adventure begins here in Fresno.

More ideals for you: Top 10 Cheap Hotels in Omaha

From : https://wikitopx.com/hotels/top-10-cheap-hotels-in-fresno-711123.html

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topfygad · 5 years

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An Ideal 5-Day Chubu Itinerary for Exploring Some of Central Japan’s Best! – I am Aileen

Touchdown to Nagoya and Gujo City

Nagoya, the largest city in Chubu region, was my starting point for this journey — and it will be my end point by the end of this 5-day trip. It helps to note that I first arrived in the area by flying in to Chubu Centrair International Airport.

From there, it’s very easy to reach the city by riding 2 trains: Meitetsu-Limited Express and then Meijo Line (both takes about an hour in total at a price that starts from ¥1,410.)

◘◘ Explore the dynamic city of Nagoya

Nagoya is predominantly a manufacturing and shopping hub in Honshu. With that, some would notice the lack of ample historical buildings in the area… and well, that’s mainly because most of them were destroyed in the air raids back in 1945. Nevertheless, the city still has SO much to offer to its visitors and the #1 attraction that would most likely come to your mind is the towering presence of Nagoya Castle which also becomes a spectacular hanami (sakura or cherry blossom watching points) in the spring. Other notable sights in the city would be:

Railway Museum: featuring the advances in Japan transportation like world-record setting experimental shinkansen and more

Atsuta Shrine: one of the Shinto faith’s most important shrines because it has the Sun Goddess, Amaterasu, as well as one of the 3 imperial regalia, the sacred sword Kusanagi.

Korankei: a valley near the city which is a terrific place to visit during autumn season.

Toyota sights: as Japan’s leading manufacturer, Toyota has its headquarters in Nagoya and they have various areas in the city where you can either do plant tours or museum visits.

Nagoya City Science Museum: houses the world’s largest planetariums.

If staying in Nagoya for a long time, I would recommend the following: Budget: Fushimi Mont-Blanc Hotel / Mid-Range: Hotel SunRoute Plaza Nagoya or AirBnB / Luxury: Nagoya Marriott Associa Hotel

Come and check out this list of the top tours in Nagoya which features the best activities to do in the city!

• • •

◘◘ Walk around Gujo Hachiman’s highlights & try your hands at making Japan’s famous sampuru

Gujo Hachiman is a charming old castle town that’s actually famous for its food and dishes called as ‘sampuru‘. And well… these are actually inedible and they are those fake food or food replicas that you usually see in front displays of Japanese restaurants. It is said that 80% of Japan’s sampuru are made in Gujo; and because of this, there are workshops in town where you can try your hands on making your own. If you want to experience this unique activity, head over to my guide…

READ: Making Unique ‘Sampuru’ in Japan’s Fake Food Capital: Gujo Hachiman!

TIP: For a hassle-free experience you can take a trip to this location from Osaka with this day tour (that also makes stops to Shirakawa-go and Lake Biwa!

Once you’re done with making sampuru, you can explore the rest of Gujo’s sights such as: Sogisui Source (to witness Gujo’s famous water system), Jionzenji Temple (a Zen temple with a beautiful Tetsuso-en Zen garden), Hachiman Castle (with a gorgeous hilltop location), and so much more!

For a complete travel guide on things to do in Gujo:

READ: Top 10 Things to Do in Gujo Hachiman City (Gifu, Japan)

• • •

◘◘ Visit Bokka no Sato

This is basically a picturesque farming theme park that provides its visitors with an array of hands-on experiences such as dairy farming, horse riding, milking of cows, baking bread, and so much more! You can also witness their vast 4.5 hectare flower gardens in full bloom during Green Season which is from mid-April to mid-November. But just take note: tulips are in the spring, lavender in the summer, and cosmos in autumn.

While you’re here for your Chubu itinerary and you eventually finished admiring the fields and the animals, you can refresh yourself in their open-air onsen (hot spring) facility called as Makihana.

WEBSITE: https://ift.tt/2mCWyAX ADDRESS: 2756-2 Takasucho Washimi, Gujo-shi, Gifu ADMISSION: without onsen = ¥1,130 for adults, ¥930 for junior and high school students, and ¥610 for 4-year-olds to elementary students DIRECTIONS: From Gujo-Hachiman train station, ride the Nagaragawa Tetsudo (heading to 各停 Mino-Shirotori) and then get off at Mino-Shirotori Station. You can then take a taxi to Bokka no Sato which will take about 30 minutes.

• • •

◘◘ Travel to Takayama City and check-in to Hida Hotel Plaza To get to Takayama, check the transportation route that you’ll have to take on Google Maps (fastest is to go by bus with Nohi Bus, Meitetsu Bus and JR Tokai Bus). Once in Hida Hotel Plaza, enjoy a delightful dinner meal in one of the hotel’s restaurants (you should absolutely try Hida beef). Afterwards, you can enjoy the hotel’s amazing hot springs.

For other accommodation options: Budget: J-Hoppers Hida Takayama Guest House / Mid-Range: Best Western Hotel Takayama or AirBnB / Luxury: Honjin Hiranoya Kachoan

All about Takayama, Shirakawa, and Tonami

This day is all about old places and natural spots that are brimming with history and beauty; therefore, do make sure that you wear comfortable shoes and that you ready your camera!

◘◘ Enjoy the picturesque old streets and markets of Takayama City

If you’re looking for a thoroughly old and authentic traditional village, stepping in to Takayama is a must. When I was strolling through this city’s Old Town, I truly felt like I was walking through Kyoto — but unlike Kyoto that is dominantly a modern city, Takayama rather retains its traditional touch. In fact, there are buildings here that date back to the Edo period (200 to 300 years ago) which all still remained intact. Some of my favorite places are:

Sannomachi: this is the southern part of the Old Town where Edo period houses still exist. Due to its unique beauty and history, this area has become a protected sector by the Japanese government. Anyhow, as you go around, you will find several merchant houses that sell anything from food, sake (rice wine), miso (Japanese seasoning) and more. If I may share a tip, please make sure to try the Hida beef buns at Gyuman Kihachiro (喜八郎)!

Morning Market: this market started more than 300 years ago and there are a ton of shops that sell unique products and ingredients daily. It typically starts at 7:00AM up till noon and you can find them at 2 spots: Jinya-mae Market in front of the Takayama Jinya, and the Miyagawa Market along the Miyagawa River in the Old Town.

Hida Folk Village (Hida no Sato): this is an open-air museum that is a 30-minute walk away from the city (or a 10-minute bus ride from Takayama Station via Sarubobo Bus for ¥210 per ride). You can find over 30 traditional houses here from the Edo Period that are still being carefully preserved today.

Read more about my Takayama explorations here:

READ: Exploring Takayama: Japan’s “Little Kyoto of Hida”

• • •

◘◘ Travel to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shirakawa-gō

Lying beside the Shogawa River Valley in the remote mountains of Toyama prefecture are the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Shirakawa-go (白川郷, Shirakawagō) and the neighboring Gokayama (五箇山) village. Both of these places are famous worldwide for their traditional gassho-zukuri style farmhouses that are styled like “hands in prayer”.

It’s said that some of the houses in these villages are over 250 years old and that the best way to experience the town is to stay overnight at one of the farmhouses. In the end, we didn’t manage to stay a night, but we did have a free schedule for the day. Henceforth, we opted to go to Ogimachi (Shirakawa-go’s largest village and main attraction) mainly because it was easier to access than Gokayama. We also wanted to see the inside of a typical gassho-zukuri farmhouse, so we made a stopover at Wada House (entrance fee at ¥300 for adults and ¥150 for children) where such is possible.

Wanna tour to Shirakawa-Go?

Learn more about Shirakawa-go here:

READ: Discover the Historic Villages of Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama in Japan

WEBSITE: https://ift.tt/2ogeXz4 DIRECTIONS: From Takayama, you can take a regular bus that takes 50 minutes and costs at about ¥2,450 (round trip at ¥4,420). To see the timetables, see here. You can also go by English-guided tour buses and you can do so by choosing either iSite Takayama or Nohi Bus (costs start at ¥4,400 roundtrip).

• • •

◘◘ Stop by Tonami and experience the Shogawa Pleasure Boat

This is a 1-hour lake cruise that travels from the Komaki Dam to the Omaki Spa in the Shogawa River valley. I highly recommend doing this leisurely cruise on your way to Kurobe area especially when it’s spring, autumn, and winter season because it’s the BEST time for witnessing the surrounding landscape’s stunning beauty!

WEBSITE: https://ift.tt/2g6f8xF ADMISSION: 1-hour rides are at ¥2,800 for adults and ¥1,400 for children. For shorter cruises, it’s at ¥1,000 for adults and ¥500 for children. DIRECTIONS: Address is at = Japan, 〒932-0304 Toyama Prefecture, Tonami, 庄川町小牧27, and it’s best reached by car or taxi from Takaoka City (about less than an hour).

• • •

◘◘ Be enamoured by the colorful flowers in Tonami Tulip Gallery

This is arguably the only place in the world where you can find tulips growing all-year round due to the technology that the establishment has developed. I’m so glad they discovered such a technique because when I stepped inside the gallery, it was a wonderful surprise when I found their Wonder Garden that was full of blooming colored tulips! After all, it wasn’t the season anymore for tulips when I visited. Nevertheless, as you go further in, you’ll also find the ‘Under Farm’ section where there are more exhibits that explain the history and research of these colorful flowers.

TIP: Visit sometime around late-April to early-May and you can be a part of the famous Tonami Tulip Fair wherein the nearby park will transform into a wonderland that’s filled with varying set-ups of tulip flowerbeds (and even a wall of tulips)! …And oh, make sure to try their Tulip ice cream too when you visit.

To learn more about this place, read:

READ: Tonami Tulip Gallery: Where Tulips Bloom All Year Round!

WEBSITE: https://ift.tt/2g5ILz5 ADMISSION: for the gallery, ¥300 for adults and ¥150 for children. For the Tulip Fair, ¥1,000 for adults and ¥300 for children DIRECTIONS: If coming from Takaoka Station, ride the Johana Line heading to Johana and then stop at Tonami Station. From there, the Tulip Gallery is just a 10-minute walk away.

• • •

◘◘ Travel to Kurobe City and check-in to Unadaki Suginoi Hotel From Tonami Station, ride the Johana Line heading to Takaoka. Get off at Takaoka Station and ride the Ainokazetoyama Tetsudo line heading to the direction of Tomari. Stop at Kurobe Station and then check in to Unadaki Suginoi Hotel.

Other accommodation options in Kurobe are: Budget: Green Hotel Kisen / Mid-Range: Entaijiso or AirBnB / Luxury: Ryokan Enraku

Exploring the Cities of Kurobe, Imizu, Takaoka and Toyama

This will be more of a relaxing day as you go through several cities in order to eventually arrive at Toyama.

Now of course, once you go through the itinerary below, it’s understandable that some activities would not be up to your fancy, so feel free to substitute them with other Chubu destinations as discussed under the tab ‘Extra Days’ later on in this post.

◘◘ Ride the sightseeing train: Kurobe Gorge

The Hida Mountains or Northern Alps are one of the finest when it comes to natural beauty in Japan’s Chubu, so if you ride the Kurobe Gorge sightseeing train, you’ll surely be witnessing the best of such mountainous landscapes!

A bit of trivia: this railway was built to originally aid the construction of the Kurobe Dam; but today, it has become an 80-minute journey through Japan’s deepest gorge (narrow valley between mountains) that leads you through wonderful panoramic views, bridges, and tunnels. Take note that there are several stations that you can stop at, and they are…

Unazuki: this is the departure station in Kurobe Gorge. Before you get on the train, you can explore some parts of the town such as the quaint Tochinoyu (a small public onsen), the great view over Shin Yamabiko Bridge (red bridge that marks the entrance to Kurobe Gorge), a few museums (Selene Museum of Art documenting the surrounding nature and Kurobe River Electic Memorial Hall feautirng the history of electricity production in Kurobe River), and several walking trails to the direction of the gorge.

Kuronagi: this station offers marvelous views over the blue Atobiki Bridge. If you walk for 20 minutes away from the station, you’ll reach the Kuronagi Onsen ryokan (Japanese traditional inn).

Kanetsuri: you will find a riverside onsen bath just down the trail from this station as well as semi-permanent snow bank called as Mannen Yuki. The snow there can often pile so deep that it can last through summer!

Keyakidaira: this last station has a lot of amazing spots namely Sarutobikyo Gorge (a gorge cutting into a rock by the Kurobe river), Okukane Bridge (an Instagram-worthy red bridge), Ashiyu (a foot bath below the Okukane Bridge), and Hitokui Iwa (a path found over the Okukane Bridge that has been cut into the steep cliff).

TIP: It’s best to come during late-October to early-November to witness the incredible autumn foliage around the gorge WEBSITE: https://ift.tt/1g3fpvY HOURS: 8:00AM to 4:30PM (last departure at 3:40PM) ADMISSION: ¥1,710 yen (one way from Unazuki to Keyakidaira; you can purchase tickets going back to Unazuki at Keyakidaira) DIRECTIONS: From Kurobe city, go to Dentetsu-Kurobe Station to ride the Chitetsu Line heading to Unazukionsen. Stop at Unazukionsen Station and then walk for 2 minutes to the direction of Unazuki Station.

• • •

◘◘ Feast on fresh seafood at Shinminato Kitokito Market If you’re driving a car, you can stop by this seafood market for lunch. Though… if it is possible for you to visit in the mornings, you can witness the unique and exciting auctioning process in the market as they sell the day’s freshest catch (famous of which are their King Crabs and Snow Crabs.)

ADDRESS: 1 Kaiomachi, Imizu, Toyama, 934-0023

• • •

◘◘ For Doraemon-lovers, stop by Fujiko Art Gallery If you happen to grow up watching the famous Japanese cartoon/anime, Doraemon, this art gallery would be quite an interesting stop along the way so that you can learn more about the artist behind it all.

WEBSITE: https://ift.tt/2iszfXA ADMISSION: ¥500 for adults, ¥300 for high school students, ¥200 for 4 years & older or primary students, and FREE for 3 years & below ADDRESS: 〒933-0056, Takaoka Art Museum 2F (1-1-30　Nakagawa, Takaoka, Toyama) DIRECTIONS: From Unazukionsen Station, head to Shin-Uozu via the Chitetsu Line. Afterwards, transfer to Uozu Station to get to Takaoka Station via the Ainokazetoyama Tetsudo line.

• • •

◘◘ Stroll through the rows of latticed houses in Kanaya-machi

Take a trip back in time during the Meiji and Taisho periods as you visit this townscape that often appears in Japanese film and dramas. After all, it’s amazing how this 500m-long stone road is still preserved magnificently along with the surrounding old latticed houses.

DIRECTIONS: This is just a 20-minute walk away from Takaoka Station.

• • •

◘◘ Have some coffee and snacks and lounge at Fugan Canal Kansui Park This vast park is a beauty especially during spring (sakura or cherry blossom season). In fact, we were told that this is the most beautiful Starbucks coffee shop in the world during that season. Nevertheless, it’s definitely a great spot to relax in and to enjoy the nearby park and sights.

DIRECTIONS: From Takaoka Station, ride the Ainokazetoyama Tetsudo line heading to Toyama. Get off at Toyama Station’s north gate and it will be just a 15-minute walk to Kansui Park.

• • •

◘◘ Travel to Toyama center and check-in to Toyama Dai-ichi Hotel From Kansui Park, head to Toyamaeki Station and ride the Chitetsu Toyama Line heading to the direction of 各停 Minamitoyamaekimae. Get off at Sakurabashi Station in which the Toyama Dai-ichi Hotel Hotel is just a 4-minute walk away.

Other accommodation options in Toyama are: Budget: Toyoko Inn Toyama Ekimae / Mid-Range: Toyama Excel Hotel Tokyu or AirBnB / Luxury: River Retreat Garaku

• • •

◘◘ Try a Toyamawan-Sushi set for dinner

It’s a MUST to try Toyama’s seafood because given the city’s location, everything is always freshly caught! Costing at only ¥2,000 to ¥3,500 for a 10-piece Toyamawan-Sushi set (this is a fixed price across all sushi shops), this meal will offer you the finest sushi made from fresh local fish and the delicious Toyama Prefecture rice.

Alternatively, you can also try the Toyamawan-Sushi Kaiseki Hospitality set menu that offers fresh sushi and the restaurant’s finest dishes. For a list of restaurants that you can get these standard sets from, see here.

Snow and Wasabi

For this day, make sure that you dress accordingly since we’re going closer and UP to the Northern Japan Alps’ famous Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route!

◘◘ Experience Japan’s famous mountain sightseeing route: Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

Known as the “Roof of the Japan”, this unique route goes through the lush scenery of Mt. Tateyama for 90km long as you traverse through several stops on various vehicles (a bus, a cable car or a train) — with the highest elevation at Murodo station (at 2,450 meters high).

A lot of people actually go through this alpine route for days as they make the most of the mountain scenery and hiking trails; but since we’re pressed for time, we went from Tateyama Station (the start of the route) up to Shinano-Omachi station (the end of the route) within just a day as we made stops along the way to see:

Snow Corridor or “Yuki-no-Otani” (Snow Wall Walk): as the name implies (and as what the photos above show you), this is an AWESOME place where you can walk through a road that’s surrounded by 20-meter snow walls on both sides (the road is from Bijodaira to Murodo — with the one around Murodo as the most spectacular). This is only open from mid-April to mid-June though, so make sure that you time your visit well! This was made possible because the region has one of the heaviest snowfalls in the world.

Tateyama Ropeway: this is a breathtaking 1.7km ropeway that does NOT operate with any support towers, making it Japan’s longest one-span ropeway! Due to its design as well, you can have grand views over the landscape as you go down (it looks exhilarating especially during autumn and winter).

Kurobe Dam: With a height of 186 meters, this is Japan’s tallest dam! The main reason why this is a fantastic place to hang out in is because during late-June to mid-October, the view from when the water gets discharged is quite incredible.

TIP: For a hassle-free experience you can take a trip to this location from Nagoya or Kanazawa with this day tour!

To see a detailed narrative of what we did, you can read:

READ: The Roof of Japan: Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route!

If you rather want to spend days to fully explore Tateyama Kurobe, head on to their main website to get a full list of activities to do.

TIP: Note that the Alpine Route is inaccessible from December to mid April. WEBSITE: https://ift.tt/2mZPJET TICKETS: It’s best to buy the Alpine-Takayama-Matsumoto Area Tourist Pass which covers all transportation on this alpine route. DIRECTIONS: From Toyama city, go to Dentetsu-Toyama Station. Ride the Chitetsu Line and get off at Tateyama Station (which is the start of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route).

• • •

◘◘ Visit Japan’s largest wasabi farm: Daio

Before the day ends, as you make your way to Matsumoto, there’s a place that you should NOT miss out: Daio Wasabi Farm which is the largest wasabi farm in Japan (at 15 hectares)! In this venue, you will not only learn more about how wasabi is grown and made (which mind you, has a very interesting science behind it that’s worth knowing about!), but you will also get to enjoy its beautiful terrain that’s filled with lovely watermills and rivers backdropped by the Alps. You could even buy freshly picked wasabi in their store and taste their wasabi-flavored ice cream(among other wasabi-themed products).

ADDRESS: 1692 Hotaka, Azumino, Nagano ADMISSION: FREE DIRECTIONS: From Shinanno-Omachi Station, take the Oito Line heading to Matsumoto. Get off at Hotaka Station. From there, you can take a taxi to the farm (takes 10 minutes) or you can rent bikes in front of Hotaka St. for ¥200 per hour.

• • •

◘◘ Travel to Matsumoto and check-in to Hotel Buena Vista Matsumoto From Hotaka station, get on the Oito Line again and drop off at Matsumoto Station. It will be just a 7-minute walk to Hotel Buena Vista Matsumoto.

Other accommodation options in Matsumoto are: Budget: Southern Cross Inn Matsumoto / Mid-Range: Richmond Hotel Matsumoto or AirBnB / Luxury: Gosenjaku Hotel

From Matusmoto and Ina, and back to Nagoya

It’s now the last day and you’ll be slowly making your way back to Nagoya. Don’t forget to buy souvenirs back home!

◘◘ Enjoy the alluring city of Matsumoto

This mountain city is actually famous for its Matsumoto Castle which is said to be one of Japan’s most beautiful original castles given that it is one of the most complete up to today. So before leaving the city, make sure that you make a stop to this landmark for your Chubu itinerary. Besides, this castle is unique because of its black wood paneling, making it a nice contrasting figure to the surrounding sakura or cherry blossom trees during spring season.

While you’re at it, walk over to the nearby Nakamachi-dori which is a street full of old buildings that have been nicely preserved over the years — notable of which are the kura or warehouse-type buildings that have white painted walls.

TIP: For a hassle-free experience, you can book tickets online to ride the Matsumoto hop-on hop-off bus tour!

To get more ideas on what to do in Matsumoto, read my post:

READ: Top 10 Things to Do in Matsumoto

• • •

◘◘ Make your own soba and have it for lunch at Miharashi Farm

Miharashi Farm is one of the largest agricultural farms in Nagano prefecture and you can enjoy fruit-picking goods like strawberries (from January 1st to the middle of June), blueberries (from early-September to late-October), apples (from late-August ot late-November) and so much more! There are also an array of other food experiences that you can do in the farm and one of my favorites would be the making of soba (Japanese buckwheat) noodle.

Read all about my soba-making experience here:

READ: Fruit Picking & Making Soba Noodles at Nagano’s Miharashi Farm (Japan)

ADDRESS: 3447 Nishiminowa, Ina City, Nagano 399-4501 DIRECTIONS: From Matsumoto Station, ride any of the following lines: Shinonoi, Chuo, Iida — in order to get to Inashi Station. Hail a taxi and it will only take you 15 minutes to get to the farm.

• • •

◘◘ Go back to Nagoya

From Matsumoto Station, you can easily reach Nagoya in just 2 hours by riding the JR Shinano Line to Nagoya Station. At this point, you can prepare for your flight and explore places in Nagoya city that you didn’t manage to visit on the first day.

As for me, what I did for this time was to go shopping at Don Quijote for souvenirs (the branch here in Nagoya was HUGE!) as well as dine at Sekai no Yamachan — a famous izakaya (Japanese pub) in the city that serves flavorful “legendary chicken wings”!

Substitute Destinations

In case you want other destination ideas for Chubu region, I would highly suggest the following…

◘◘ Go back in time and walk the old Nakasendo Road along the scenic Kiso Valley

Back in the olden times, there was an ancient 70km trade route called Kisoji that was made along this valley. Later on, it was combined with other routes thereby forming the 500km-long Nakasendo (“path through mountains) which was one of the important means of transportation for old Edo and Kyoto. Over time, ‘post towns’ were developed because travel was mostly done by foot (due to strict rules by the shogunate). Today, there remains 3 preserved post towns on Kiso Valley and they are Magome, Tsumago and Narai. As a visitor, you can explore these historic paths as well as enjoy the authentic ancient feel of these wooden towns.

I had the pleasure to go through this valley myself and you can read about my journey here:

[ COMING SOON ]

• • •

◘◘ See the resort town of Karuizawa If you’re looking to escape the summer heat, heading to this mountain resort town of Karuizawa should be up on your list. Truth be told, due to its prime weather and location (just an hour away from Tokyo by shinkansen), a lot of wealthy people live here. Come and learn more about this place here.

• • •

◘◘ If you’re into hiking and nature, visit Kamikochi With wondrous mountain sceneries, you can enjoy a day in Kamikochi by hiking along one of its many trails along the Azusa River. Just remember that access here is closed from mid November to mid or late April. For things to do, see here.

• • •

◘◘ Visit the wild snow monkeys at Jigokudani Monkey Park in Yamanouchi

Have you ever seen those adorable photos online of monkeys bathing in a natural onsen (hot spring)? Well you can visit it yourself in Jigokudani Monkey Park! Those monkeys are called as Japanese Macaques or ‘Snow Monkeys’ and they are very accustomed to humans so you can watch them play up close in this park (which is their natural habitat). The park is open all year but if you want the best photos of the monkeys, come during January to February when the park is covered in blinding white snow and the monkeys come bathing in the hot spring.

ADMISSION: ¥800 TOUR: You can do this as a day tour from Tokyo by booking online.

• • •

◘◘ For a typical Japanese hot spring or onsen town, go to Okuhida One should NOT leave Japan without experiencing an onsen town — if not a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn). If you’re already at Takayama area, getting here will only take you an hour by bus.

• • •

◘◘ Go to Kanazawa Kanazawa is yet another town that has some well-preserved landmarks from the olden times of Japan, some of which are: Nagamachi (a former samurai district) and Higashi Chaya District (one of the many chaya or teahouse entertainment districts where geisha perform). Another attraction that you could stop by is Kenrokuen which is said to be one of Japan’s 3 best landscape gardens.

TIP: For a hassle-free experience, you can take a guided Kanazawa Sightseeing Tour.

• • •

◘◘ Explore Niigata and Sado Island

I did a separate trip before to Niigata prefecture and I instantly fell in love with it! So if you’re up for tasting the best Japanese sake and sushi (I’m NOT kidding about this) and meeting REAL geisha (Japanese entertainers) at an affordable price among many others, then you MUST make a stopover to this area. For detailed travel guides on what you can do in Niigata, read my posts here:

READ: Niigata travel guides

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tripstations · 5 years

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Luxury travel to Ecuador – A Luxury Travel Blog : A Luxury Travel Blog

For many luxury tourists, Ecuador travel means only one thing: Galapagos cruises around the islands. While a small ship cruise in the Galapagos Islands is a fantastic tour, the rest of the country deserves more than a quick stopover!

Ecuador is improving its number and quality of luxury travel offerings each year and investing a tremendous amount in infrastructure, including one of South America’s few working train lines. Besides small pampered yacht cruises for a Galapagos vacation, there are now more and more luxury hotels in the Galapagos for those who don’t want to spend a whole week on a ship.

Luxury travel in Ecuador embraces the authentic adventures found within the four regions of the country and the stunning terrain within their borders. Most of the top luxurious hotels and lodges are focused in the two largest cities of Quito and Guayaquil or the jungle, though Ecuador probably has the largest concentration of hacienda hotels anywhere in South America. As travelers explore the country on vacation, they will have a memorable stay each night.

Out of the way retreats beckon to those who want to celebrate the finer things in life, while immersing themselves in the outstanding natural reserves in the cloud forest, the Galapagos Islands, along with the coast, and in the jungle.

What makes luxury travel in Ecuador stand out is the level of commitment that goes into respecting the natural assets in the country. In the jungle, lodges are built using traditional materials, in the Galapagos Islands land-based hotels are involved with conservation and preservation projects, in the cloud forest-hotels are part of large nature reserves where naturalists are part of the staff.

Astonishing wildlife, smoldering volcanoes, picturesque colonial towns and colorful markets are just the start of what Ecuador has to offer. It is the second smallest republic in South America and contains everything an adventurous visitor could wish for, from fascinating towns to explore, to dramatic scenery and biodiversity in the Amazon Basin and highland cloud forest. The cultural highlands of Ecuador are a fantastic mixture of Spanish colonialism and Amerindian influences, best seen in the architecture and markets of places such as Quito, Otavalo and Cuenca. The Galapagos Islands, home to the world’s most fascinating wildlife, helped shape Darwin’s theory on evolution. Here you can come face to face with giant tortoises, catch a glimpse of a blue-footed booby or swim with playful seals and penguins. Taking a cruise is the best way to become intimately acquainted with the very different islands in the archipelago, making shore landings, snorkeling, kayaking or diving by day, and enjoying first rate amenities in the evenings.

Mainland Ecuador is the home of the Panama hat, impressive Andean peaks, quiet beaches, and a jungle full of diverse wildlife. This country on the Equator is blessed with an impressive variety of natural attractions. Massive mountains and volcanoes attract casual hikers and serious climbers, while the Amazon jungle basin and rainforest of Ecuador attract a different kind of explorer. In much of the country, get a nice mountain view out the window and find one of the highest concentrations of volcanoes in the world.

Quito’s compact Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is undoubtedly the place to begin exploring. Climb rickety ladders up the spire of the impressive Basilica del Voto Nacional, marvel at the intricate gold detailing in the San Francisco monastery and settle down to dinner in one of the pleasant, colonial plazas. A striking statue of the Virgin Mary watches over the city from neighboring hill El Panecillo, colorful market stalls spill out onto the cobbled streets and smiling stall holders welcome you in whilst lively bars draw a mixed crowd of locals and travelers, creating an infectious buzz and a city that welcomes you back with open arms after ventures to the Amazon and Galapagos Islands beyond. C cobblestone plazas, ornately decorated churches and neo-gothic buildings sit side by side with glass-fronted restaurants and a thriving nightlife scene in Ecuador’s enchanting capital. Quito’s distinct neighborhoods create a beguiling city of contrasts, where the urban sprawl is hemmed in by sweeping volcanoes and some astonishing hilltops from which to enjoy the views.

Central Highlands

Towering volcanic peaks form a dramatic, snow-capped corridor through the center of Ecuador, an area brimming with Andean tradition and a hub for outdoor excursions. The Avenue of the Volcanoes is synonymous with high octane adventures, whilst traditional haciendas and charming colonial towns dotted throughout provide a welcome and relaxing contrast.

Bustling markets showcase a riot of colorful artesian crafts and folklore abounds, while a patchwork of fields zig-zags its way up the steep inclines as age-old agricultural traditions prevail. Spend your days on horseback or exploring on foot, speed down the slopes of Cotopaxi on a mountain bike, stock up on traditional souvenirs at the famous Otavalo Market or simply enjoy spectacular scenery as you peer into the endless azure waters of the Quilotoa crater lake.

Southern Ecuador

As the drama of Ecuador’s Andean spine ends, lofty volcanoes make way for the misty grasslands and rugged lakes of the paramo. Open plains break up quaint towns and the fertile valleys and lowland forest welcome visitors as though from the pages of a fairy-tale. The chief urban areas here, Guayaquil and Cuenca, form the gateways to more magical climbs from the Galapagos to the Ingapirca ruins.

Hiking trails through this mystical landscape, as well as the fascinating Inca ruins at Ingapirca, can be reached from nearby Cuenca, a pleasant town famed for its colorful flower market and traditional panama hats.

Further west, the vibrant coastal city of Guayaquil forms the gateway to the Galapagos. Having recently undergone a complete revival, Guayaquil’s waterfront malecón makes for a pleasant stroll with its gardens, museums, galleries and shopping centers, and is the beating heart of this bustling metropolis. Colorful barrios rise up on the hillside creating a toy-box like feel and this fun and infectious energy extends right through the city’s parks and plazas to the restaurants and bars which make up its lively nightlife scene.

The Ecuadorian Amazon

Ecuador’s Amazon rainforest is a rich tapestry of meandering rivers, riotous waterfalls and vibrant flora which overwhelms the senses and offers invigorating adventures to those intrepid enough to venture into its depths. A true wilderness, the Amazon is home to elusive indigenous tribes and all manner of weird and wonderful creatures, offering a completely immersive and educational experience.

Deep within this steamy jungle lie habitats suited to some of Ecuador’s most astounding wildlife; a high concentration of weird and wonderful creatures from giant otters to howler monkeys can be found shrouded in dense vegetation, living in harmony with the indigenous communities that call the Amazon home, such as the Huaorani and Kichwa tribes.

Activities abound within the realms of this pristine wilderness; accompanied by experienced naturalist guides, visitors can enjoy a varied program of wildlife spotting excursions, engage in traditional tribal activities such as blow-pipe hunting, partake in invigorating night safaris or even just laze away some hours swaying gently in a hammock, listening to the enchanting chorus of the rainforest and its inhabitants.

Galapagos

Famous for its unique and fearless wildlife, the Galapagos Islands, just off the coast of Ecuador, are best experienced by cruise. You can swim with sea lions, float eye-to-eye with a penguin, stand next to a blue-footed booby feeding its young, watch a giant tortoise lumbering through a cactus forest and try to dodge the iguanas scurrying over the lava.

The wildlife is truly phenomenal and the scenery, which is barren and volcanic, is hauntingly beautiful. Diving here is thought to be some of the best in the world, but even just by snorkeling or kayaking you will encounter an abundance of endemic wildlife species and come face to face with harmless white-tipped sharks, sea turtles and giant manta rays. Volcanic landscapes provoke explorations on land, reaching crumbling craters and eerie lava fields, mangrove swamps and black sand beaches. Although well geared up to cater to tourists, any visit here will feel as though you are stepping back into a land before time; a truly unforgettable experience.

Wherever travelers choose to visit, the country of Ecuador will cater to the luxury guest with upmarket accommodations, food, activities and culture guaranteeing a great holiday.

Marcel Perkins is CEO at Latin Trails. Latin Trails is an incoming destination management company specialized in bespoke tours, with a focus on offering unique experiences throughout Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands, and Peru.

If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

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supergurugramlove-blog · 8 years

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Central Park Launched a Luxury Projects Lake front towers in sector 32-33, Sohna Road South Gurgaon. Central Park Flower Valley premium township Spread over 500 Acres area.

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gurgaonproperty927-blog · 8 years

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Call- 9250404178 Central Park Flower Valley Luxury Lake Front towers located in Sector 32-33 South of Gurgaon, Gurugram. Central Park 3 Lake Front towers offer 3 BHK and 4 BHK + Study Lake facing luxury Apartments.

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louisonurmark · 5 years

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Banff National Park is an incredibly gorgeous national park in Canada located along the Alberta-British Columbia border in the Rocky Mountains, and only one and a half hours from Calgary. The park features pristine wilderness, incredibly gorgeous natural beauty (tall snow-capped mountains and beautiful dense forests), lots of wildlife, a wide variety of hiking trails, stunning lakes and mountain views, and the charming mountain town of Banff, with historic buildings, unique local souvenir shops, a wide selection of restaurants, and beautiful scenery surrounding the town. The atmosphere was relaxing and serene. This national park is truly a breathtakingly beautiful and stunning gem in Canada!

I had camped and explored in Banff twice when I was younger during a road trip with my family, but last summer I decided to re-visit this beautiful national park on a road trip with my mother. Starting in my home province of Manitoba, we drove for 14 hours (stopping overnight in Medicine Hat, Alberta) and finally arrived in the town of Banff on our second day, shortly before noon on a beautiful, warm and sunny afternoon. We ate a delicious vegetarian lunch at Nourish Bistro and spent the afternoon wandering the town of Banff and browsing the cute souvenir shops.

Although our accommodations were in Canmore, another charming and peaceful town situated just 20 minutes south of Banff, we spent our three days exploring lots of beautiful places and going on amazing hikes in the nearby Banff National Park.

Further Reading: Banff or Canmore: Where Should You Stay?

Here is my guide to Banff National Park and the town of Banff – what to see and do and where to hike – based on my three days of explorations there. I hope this article is helpful for your travel planning and inspires you to explore the stunning beauty of Banff!

Location Banff National Park is located in the Canadian province of Alberta along its western border with British Columbia in the Rocky Mountains. The town of Banff is situated 128 kilometres west of Calgary and is about an hour and a half drive.

What To See and Do in Banff Banff National Park is a gorgeous Canadian gem and there are so many interesting and unique things to see and do while you’re there. Here were some of my favourite things to do during my three days in Banff.

Explore the Charming Streets and Beautiful Nature in the Town of Banff

The town of Banff is a pleasant, bustling and charming town with tall and beautiful mountains surrounding it on all sides.

This town is the tourist hub in Banff National Park and it is where most people choose to stay. You can find stunning natural beauty and landscapes around and within the town and it’s a beautiful place to explore. There are pretty views of the Bow River while standing on the bridge that crosses over it in town.

The streets in the downtown area are lively and usually full of people and activity. It is a pedestrian-friendly town with lots of fantastic restaurant options, a variety of accommodations, clothing boutiques, uniquely local souvenir shops, small grocery stores, gas stations, and other interesting attractions and sights to see. Much of the buildings in town have a rustic yet chic appearance and the streets are very pretty and beautiful to wander and explore.

Check Out the Cascade Gardens in Banff

The Cascade Gardens are a small, beautifully landscaped and peaceful garden area on the south side of Banff Avenue, behind the historic stone Parks Canada building. If you’re feeling slightly overwhelmed by the crowds in Banff, this is the perfect place to escape and enjoy a tranquil area while getting a little off the beaten path.

The gardens feature pretty pathways that lead through trees and flower beds with a variety of vibrantly coloured flowers. There are also some wood shelters and gazebos where you can sit back and relax for a little bit, as well as ponds of water, cute bridges and nice rocks. Located beside the gardens is the historic Parks Canada office building where you can find an amazing view looking down Banff Avenue while standing in front of the building.

These gardens are a lovely place to take photos and I thoroughly enjoyed discovering this hidden little area and taking the time to explore it.

Location – 101 Mountain Avenue – At the south end of Banff Avenue after crossing the bridge over the Bow River (the gardens are situated behind the Parks Canada Administration Building).

Shop for Unique Souvenirs

The streets in the central area of Banff are lined with lots of local shops where you can find unique and authentic souvenirs to remember your trip or bring home to your family and friends. In addition to the smaller shops, there are also quite a few larger brand-name stores selling outdoor gear like Patagonia, North Face, and Helly Hansen; clothing shops like Lululemon; jewelry stores; small grocery stores and health food shops and others.

I spent a few hours doing some souvenir shopping after arriving in Banff and loved browsing the shops and finding some great items to purchase!

Go for a Short Hike

There are a number of short and easy hikes that are conveniently located in the town of Banff.

I hiked the Fenland Trail on my first afternoon in Banff. The scenery was gorgeous as the trail passed through dense pine tree forests, crossed a river, and provided lovely views of the surrounding mountains. Walking this 2 km round-trip loop trail was very peaceful and lovely and there’s a good chance that you will spot some wildlife there. I felt lucky that I got to see a female elk up close and personal as she grazed in the forest!

You can find a list of the other trails within town at this link. There are some really gorgeous looking ones that I have added to my list of hikes to do during my next visit to Banff!

Lake Louise

Lake Louise is probably the most popular lake to visit in Banff National Park and it is so pretty. This gorgeous turquoise-coloured glacier lake is surrounded by tall mountains and is situated just a ___ minute drive north of the town of Banff. Despite its popularity, Lake Louise is definitely still a must-see in Banff. The natural beauty and landscapes of the area are simply incredible. If you arrive to the lake early in the morning (like around 7 am), you will able to experience a more peaceful and less crowded environment. While you’re there, you can canoe on the lake or go for a hike along one of the trails that begin at the shoreline (I hiked the Plain of Six Glaciers and would highly recommend it, despite it being really challenging and exhausting! The views were absolutely stunning, especially as we climbed higher in elevation).

Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake is one of the most beautiful places that I have ever visited. Like its neighbour, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake is a vibrant turquoise-coloured glacier lake that is surrounded by mountains. The colour of the water is so blue that it almost doesn’t look real. It is located just a short drive from Lake Louise and is a MUST-VISIT when in Banff.

The scenery and landscapes around Moraine Lake are absolutely breathtaking and I was in complete awe of the incredible natural beauty there. Although this lake doesn’t see quite as many visitors as Lake Louise, it’s still a good idea to arrive there early in order to really enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.

A short hike along the Rockpile Trail starts at the shoreline of the lake and leads up a giant pile of rocks. At the top, you will find the most amazing views overlooking the entire lake and snow-peaked mountains and it’s a fantastic place to take lots of photos. Standing on the rock pile and looking to the opposite side of the lake, you will witness the gorgeous landscapes of densely forested valleys and towering mountains all around you.

While you’re at the lake, you can canoe on the peaceful waters or go for a hike along one of the trails that begins there. I also recommend taking a leisurely walk along the Lakeshore Trail which follows along the shoreline of the lake and passes through lovely pine-tree forests and allows you to get different perspectives and views of the lake. There is a good chance that you will spot some wildlife in this area as well as it is prime bear habitat – I saw a large grizzly bear walking along the highway when I arrived to the lake!

Location – 14 kilometres from Lake Louise along Moraine Lake Road.

Read More: A Visit to the Breathtaking Moraine Lake in Banff National Park

Other attractions in Banff that I didn’t personally experience and thus are not mentioned in detail here include: The Banff Gondola, Banff Upper Hot Springs, The Mount Norquay Chairlift, The Banff Park Museum, The Cave and Basin National Historic Site, The Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum, Horseback Riding (here is another tour operator that offers them).

Note: Make sure to always check the updated trail conditions report at this link before you venture out for a hike in Banff. Also, remember to pack a canister of bear spray with you, as you are in bear territory.

Hiking In Banff National Park Banff National Park is a gorgeous Canadian gem and there are a variety of amazing hiking trails in the park ranging from easy to challenging. Here are the ones that I completed and would recommend.

Plain of Six Glaciers

The Plain of Six Glaciers is a physically challenging but incredibly rewarding 12 kilometre round-trip hike in Banff that begins from Lake Louise and offers breathtaking views of the spectacular scenery including mountains and glaciers.

The hike starts by following along the shoreline of Lake Louise and then begins the steep ascent up into the mountains. The trail is a constant uphill climb almost the entire way and it leads to a rustic, charming and secluded tea house with no electricity located high up in the mountains and then continues a little ways further to the glacier fields. The scenery and views along the way are absolutely stunning and dramatic as it passes through a variety of landscapes including dense pine tree forests, narrow mountain ledges and rocky barren terrain with views of the Victoria Glacier. One section of the trail follows along the side of a mountain on a narrow ledge with a steep drop-off on one side, which was quite exciting to walk on! As you climb higher and higher, you get a bird’s eye view of Lake Louise way in the distance which provides a great perspective of how far you have climbed already.

Arriving at the Tea House was such a satisfying feeling for me and my legs were burning from all the climbing! Make sure to bring cash if you plan to buy a beverage or the meal of the day there, as they do not have electricity and cannot take cards. While I was relaxing at the Tea House, I witnessed an avalanche in a nearby mountain which was incredible to see. I was completely exhausted by the time I reached the Tea House, but you can continue another 1.3 kilometres further to an area overlooking the six glaciers. This is something that I plan to do during my next visit.

In total, the hike took me around 4.5 hours from start to finish so make sure you plan your day accordingly and don’t start the hike too late in the day. Even though the terrain was difficult and it was a challenging hike, this trail was my favourite one in Banff and I would highly recommend it.

Location – The trailhead is located along the shoreline of Lake Louise in front of the Fairmont Chateau Hotel.

Read More: Hiking the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail in Banff National Park

Johnston Canyon

Johnston Canyon is a fantastic and beautiful place to go for a hike in Banff. It is easily accessible and located along the scenic Bow Valley Parkway.

This is a popular hike in Banff so I recommend arriving to the trailhead early in the morning in order to experience solitude and serenity during your hike (around 7:30 am is a good time to start).

The hike starts out on a wide and well maintained paved pathway which follows alongside the deep and gorgeous canyon, with water flowing through it and a number of small waterfalls over the rocks. There are some sections of the trail where you walk along metal catwalks fixed to the side of a vertical cliff wall, which is exciting! The trail also passes through beautiful forested sections and it is very scenic along the entire way. There are some gradual inclines but is overall, a pretty flat and easy hike.

There are two really gorgeous waterfalls along the trail – the Lower Falls and Upper Falls. The Lower Falls are kind of hidden behind the tall rock cliffs but you can get great views of them by standing on the bridge which crosses the canyon to the other side. You can also walk through a tunnel in the cliff which leads to a small viewing area where you can get up close and personal to the waterfall. Be prepared to get wet though!

From there, the trail continues to the Upper Falls. The scenery along this section of the hike is absolutely gorgeous. There is a metal catwalk which extends over-top of the canyon leading to a small platform at the end, which is where you will be able to see the incredible and tall Upper Falls as the water flows off the edge of a cliff. From these falls, you can choose to either continue hiking a ways further to see the unique Ink Pots (water bubbles on the surface of the ground) or hike back to the parking lot along the same trail.

Whichever option you choose, hiking along the Johnston Canyon and checking out the waterfalls and amazing natural scenery is very rewarding and this hike is well worth it.

Location – The trailhead and parking lot for Johnston Canyon is located along the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A) which runs parallel to the Trans-Canada Highway through Banff National Park. The trail is well-signed along the highway.

Other hikes that I plan on completing on future trips to Banff include: Tunnel Mountain, The Cave and Basin Trail, Johnston Canyon to the Ink Pots, Sulphur Mountain Trail, Consolation Lakes, Lake Agnes (and Little Beehive), Larch Valley, and Eiffel Lake.

Where to Eat (Vegetarian & Gluten-Free) Banff has a fantastic vegan and vegetarian restaurant that I have visited multiple times and I also found some great options for places to eat in the nearby town of Canmore, located just 20 minutes from Banff.

Aroma Mexican Restaurant

Nourish Bistro

Communitea Cafe

Mountain Juice

Getting There Banff is conveniently located only 90 minutes from Calgary and its international airport, making this beautiful park very easily accessible.

Car

Car rentals are available at the Calgary Airport and elsewhere in the city or you can take a road trip (like I did!) and drive you own car to Banff from wherever you are in Canada. I highly recommend having a car to explore Banff as it will allow you the freedom to access to areas of the park where public transportation does not go.

There is a combination of street parking and a few larger parking lots in the town of Banff, all of which are free. Check out this document to see where you can park in Banff and click here to view a list of the parking lots in Banff and how many spaces they currently have available.

Bus

Greyhound operates buses from Calgary to the town of Banff leaving from the Calgary Greyhound Bus Terminal and arriving at the Banff Greyhound Terminal, which is centrally located in the small town. There are four buses daily which leave Calgary at 7:30 am, 12:45 pm, 6:45 pm, and 10:30 pm with the journey taking 1.5 hours (make sure to check the official website for updated schedules before you go). If you take a bus though, your options for exploring further in the national park are very limited as there are few options for public transport to some of the attractions and hikes. There are also Greyhound buses which travel between Banff and Lake Louise with a travel time of between 45 minutes and 1 hour.

There are also regular public buses which travel throughout the town of Banff called “Roam,” however their service is limited to various destinations within the park.

Shuttle Bus

The Brewster Banff Airport Express offers service between the Calgary Airport and Banff (as well as Canmore and Lake Louise) on a large bus. You can find the schedule and prices on their website. You can also take a comfortable shuttle van with Banff Airporter which travels from Calgary to Banff and offers an extensive schedule.

Things To Know Before Traveling in Banff National Park

You will need a Parks Canada Pass to enter the national park. You can choose to pay for daily passes or a weekly pass and can purchase them at this link or when you arrive to the park.

Make sure to stop by the Visitor Centre in Banff (located at 224 Banff Avenue) to pick up brochures, maps and information about the park and town and ask for advice and tips from the staff there.

Overall

Banff National Park is an absolutely gorgeous national park in Canada and has some of the most beautiful scenery and natural landscapes including mountains, glacier lakes, forests and rivers, that I have ever seen.

If you’re traveling to Alberta, Canada, this park is definitely a must-visit. I thoroughly enjoyed my three days of exploring there during this past summer and cannot wait to return again to discover more!

MY TRAVEL GUIDE TO ALBERTA’S BANFF NATIONAL PARK: WHAT TO DO AND WHERE TO HIKE Banff National Park is an incredibly gorgeous national park in Canada located along the Alberta-British Columbia border in the Rocky Mountains, and only one and a half hours from Calgary.

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bradbdormanus · 6 years

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A Singapore Icon – Gardens by the Bay (Pics, Tickets, Hours, & Tips)

Recently I wrote about the great fun that we had visiting Sentosa Island in Singapore, but that wasn’t the only amazing place we had the opportunity to visit while in this beautiful Asian city-state. Our visit to the Gardens by the Bay Singapore was breathtakingly beautiful, full of riotous color, and left us in awe with its festival of lights created by the metal supertrees.

I thought I’d tell you about this must-see green development that lies on the bay in Singapore.

About the Gardens by the Bay, Singapore

What Is Gardens by the Bay?

Well, if you ask me Gardens by the Bay is a national treasure, but technically it’s a modern public garden space that represents plant species from most of the world’s countries and endeavors to “present the plant kingdom in a whole new way.” Which I can attest that it certainly does.

The gardens themselves are composed of three different venues along the waterfront. Bay South is by far the most popular, as it contains the two cooled conservatories and the Supertree Grove. Bay Central is a 3-kilometer waterfront promenade and green space, and Bay East is a green space open to the public with additional plans to develop it over the next few decades into a waterfront garden.

There are over 1,500,000 plants in the Gardens, representing over 20,000 species from around the world. And the number continues to climb in their efforts to enrich the permanent displays and their rotating attractions. This makes it a truly one-of-a-kind place in Asia, and probably the world. Almost 9 million people made their way through the gardens (FY 2016/17), and we were so happy to add to their count this year. I promise you will be too if you get the chance.

Where is Gardens by the Bay?

Gardens by the Bay is located in Marina South and fronts the Marina Bay, which is just off the Straits of Singapore. It’s actually just outside the downtown core and a few miles east of Sentosa Island. Here is a link to the map!

Tickets

While these are public gardens, there is a fee to enter the Cooled Conservatories (Flower Dome and Cloud Forest). Adults are charged $28 per person, while children can gain admission for $15. (Children under 3 years of age are free.) Tickets may be purchased in advance online here or in person at the Canopy Ticketing Counter or Bayfront Plaza Ticketing Counter. There is an additional fee of $8 ($5 for children) for the OCBC Skyway. Passes are good for both indoor venues and for one day only. The Outdoor Gardens and Far East Organization Children’s Garden are free.

Gardens by the Bay Hours

Hours vary based on the venue:

Cooled Conservatories are open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily

Outdoor Gardens are open from 5 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily

Far East organization Children’s Garden open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday (Closed Monday)

OCBC Skyway is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily

How to Get to Gardens by the Bay

Public transportation is the preferred method for tourists and citizens alike. Given the size of Singapore and its lack of garages, parking spaces, and highways, cars are a luxury item that is outrageously expensive, compounded by the high price of gas, road taxes, electronic road pricing, and pretty high daily parking fees—both inside and outside the central business district. Add in congestion on most every roadway as you’ll be a convert to public transit in no time.

That being said, your best bets are to take the bus, train or to walk to the Gardens by the Bay. There are three bus/train lines that will get you within proximity of the Gardens: The Circle Line and Downtown Line will deposit you at the Bayfront MRT Station and you walk across one of two bridges to the park, or take the East-West Line and get off at the Tanjong Pagar MRT Station, hop on the 400 bus and get off at bust top 03371 along Marina Gardens Drive. The Gardens are accessible by foot via the Helix Bridge or from the Marina Bay Sands Hotel across the Lions Bridge.

Alternately, you can take a taxi. Since we were staying downtown at The Fullerton Bay Hotel, we walked to the Gardens. Since downtown Singapore is relatively small you can usually get around by walking to your destinations.

Gardens by the Bay Attractions

Okay, this is where things get really good. I mean, just look at the pictures. Walls of green, towering metal trees, waterfalls, and the flowers (those tulips were unreal)! This really is a place of beauty, and each exhibit—both inside the cooled conservatories and out—is worthy of your time.

Cloud Forest

A soaring mountain of greenery lives within the glass dome that is the Cloud Forest Conservatory. Shrouded in mist, the plants that live here come from the tropical regions of the world. This cooled conservatory runs at about 80-90% humidity with a very comfortable temperature of about 75 degrees.

Within this venue is the Secret Garden, Crystal Mountain, Tree Top Walk, The Cavern, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall and—at the very top of the mountain—the Lost World, which you can access via the Cloud Walk.

The Secret Forest replicates species that can be found in limestone forest and caves, primarily orchids, ferns, and other lush greenery. With the mist, I thought it looked almost ethereal, something out of a fairy tale. But my favorite part of this exhibit was the Tree Top Walk to the Lost World. You can walk inside the mountain of plants, under archways and make stops at various vista points, including one where you can enjoy the cool mist of the indoor waterfall as it rains down the mountain.

Flower Dome

It’s safe to say that the Flower Dome is the largest glass greenhouse in the world, measuring in at 2.5 acres. You’ll find the humidity here is a bit less than that of the Cloud Forest, usually around 60-80%, with a similar temperature of 75 degrees. The plants here are from the Mediterranean and subtropical regions of the world.

The Flower Dome consists of the Olive Grove, California Garden, South America Garden, South African Garden, Mediterranean Garden, Australia Garden, The Baobobs, a Succulent Garden and the Flower Field.

The Flower Field is a rotating floral display that can last from a few weeks to a few months. While we visited it was based on tulips, while the current event is Orchid Extravaganza. As you can see from the photos, there were tulips everywhere, in every color imaginable. We saw single tulips, double tulips, fringed tulips, variegated tulips, lily tulips, and the list goes on….

The succulent garden looked like it came right out of the Arizona desert, and we really liked the Australian Garden, having visited that country earlier this year. Having lived in the Central Valley of California, we were curious about the California Garden, but the plants featured there were more tailored to the lower Sierras than the farmland we’re used to. Still, made us a bit homesick.

The most dramatic exhibit, after the Flower Field, of course, is the Baobabs and Bottle Trees. The baobabs, native to Africa, Arabia, and Australia, are huge and weigh as much as 32 tons. They’re gigantic umbrella-looking trees that flower only at night. There was also the unusual Palo Borracho, with its bulbous trunks and sparse greenery. Definitely worth a look.

Supertree Grove

The Supertree Grove is unlike anything we’ve seen anywhere in the world. It is composed of 12 trees, with the tallest among them reaching 16 stories into the sky. (Six more supertrees are located elsewhere in the outdoor gardens.) Eleven of these supertrees feature environmentally sustainable features like solar cells to harness energy for the gardens and nightly light show.

There are four parts to each of these supertrees: the concrete core, a trunk and canopy made of metal, and planting panels that allow plants to grow within the supertree. Within the 18 supertrees are over 160,000 plants, as well as huge series of colored lights.

Visitors are allowed to climb the trees, which provide a great vantage point (and photo op) to view much of the city. Alternately, you can pay to venture out onto the OCBC Skyway (see below), which spans two of these superstructures. You can even grab a bite to eat at the bistro located at the top of one of the supertrees!

These structures are certainly larger than life, providing brilliant color with their orchids, ferns and tropical flowers growing vertically up the trunk. But even more colorful is the evening Garden Rhapsody light show—with musical accompaniment—that enchants visitors. There are two showings each night (7:45 and 8:45 p.m.) with the show changing every few weeks, with topics like Opera in the Gardens, Garden Waltz, and Enchanted Woods (perfect for children with its magical beings and mythical beasts).

OCBC Skyway

This is a good a place as any for a photo op within Gardens by the Bay. The OCBC Skyway sits 72 feet in the air, spanning 400 feet between several of the towering supertrees. This aerial walkway allows you to get a bird’s eye view of the structure of the supertrees, as well as the Marina Bay skyline, the Bay itself, and the rest of the Gardens.

These four are the main attractions at Gardens by the Bay, however, there are additional sites available for visitation, including:

World of Plants

Sun Pavilion

Heritage Gardens

The Canyon

Dragonfly and Kingfisher Lakes

Far East Organization Children’s Garden

Sculpture Garden

Gardens by the Bay Travel Tips

Arrive around 7:15 p.m. to get a spot to watch the light show that starts at 7:45, as it can get very crowded, the photo above is from everyone lying on the ground to see the show. There is no designated seating so as you see people gathering around the main big tree find a spot!

Plan on spending 1-2 hours each in the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome. Time will depend upon the crowds and how many photos you want to take. If you want to visit the OCBC Skyway, you can walk it in 5 minutes nonstop, but you’ll want about a half hour to really take in all the sites that are viewable from this high up. Allow another 30-45 for the Supertree Grove.

If you want to visit when there is the least amount of crowds arrive before they open on a weekday. We arrived about an hour before they opened to get an idea where everything was and to buy our tickets. We didn’t wait at all and we were able to get as many pictures as we wanted without the huge groups of people.

Deneding on how many days you are visiting Singapore, you could go to Gardens by the Bay conservatories in the morning and then come back another night for the light show or do them both on the same day. There is not enough to see to spend the entire day here so spend the morning here then come back at night.

There are a lot of dining options within the Gardens, from fine European cuisine and seafood to simple cafes, and even a McDonald’s. For a fun street food experience, head over to Satay by the Bay, with their 20 stalls, featuring all manner of satay, rice and noodle dishes, snacks, you name it. You can also satisfy a sweet tooth by popping into Bakerzin, featuring decadent European and Asian cakes, cookies and pastries.

Stylish Travels, -V

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