Vietnam Part 2: Mekong Delta

Trena, a Travel Executive from Paveway Explorer Holidays, shares with you about her journey to Vietnam.This is Part 2

The drive towards Mekong Delta really allows us to see the urban transforming to the rural, with rice plantations and cows easily seen on both sides, it is truly one of the more untouched places in Vietnam.

The first thing we did when we arrived in this region is to go on a boat ride to explore 4 islands along the Mekong River.

Unspoiled as it is, Tortoise Island serves up a delicious meal with a surround that embraces the nature around. We then board the ferry once again and head over to another island to take a look at the cultivation of honey bees. With some shops along the road, I managed to get 2 embroidered bags for only about SGD13!!!

After sitting down and enjoying some fruits and traditional Vietnamese music, we get the opportunity to row a boat (something like a sampan) head back to our hotel. A classy hotel located near the heart of Can Tho Island and the iconic Ho Chi Minh statue. Strolling along the evening streets of Can Tho, we could see the many shops setting itself along the side of the roads.

Dinner was delightful, with its variety of dishes. I just love their shrimp and mango; it was so fresh and sweet.
Their dessert also have a unique presentation.

Just a short distance away, from our dinner place is the night market of Can Tho. Just a small row of shops along the street, this night market possess some hidden talents. 

At the other end of this night market, there was a pair of brothers sawing names into woods. This pair of brothers could not walk but their talent was undeniable. Just being given the names, they draw 2 lines to gauge and immediately went down to sawing. This is the result of their art. This beautiful work is only at 25,000VND or SGD 2

We had to wake up at 445 the following day. I know, waking up this kind of timing is practically unheard of in Singapore, I was amazed myself that I was able to wake up at such time. By 530, we were on our way out of the hotel and heading to the Floating Market. As we were walking along the river and heading to our boat, I saw so many local folks exercising. Seeing them waking up and exercising so early makes me feel a little guilty for not doing so.

Feeling the fresh morning sea breeze, we travel by boat to our next destination, the floating market. We see boats coming alongside ours, trying to sell us their products such as drinks and fruits. 

We enjoyed a light snack of sweet pineapples before making our way back to the hotel for some breakfast. 

The famous dish of Vietnam is the Vietnamese Pho, which is exactly what I had on my last morning in Vietnam.

We made our way to view the architecture of the Chinese and Vietnamese Temple. With exquisite details and delicate carvings, these buildings show off the unique and magnificent architecture of the past.

The last lunch we have in Vietnam was at the Mekong rest stop as we head back to Ho Chi Minh City for our respective flights.

Even though I have tasted it so many times, I still love their delicious sticky rice. Sweet and chewy, this could be an ideal dessert. Or in my case, an ideal snack.

I  really enjoyed myself in Vietnam. Hope you can go there and experience it yourself as well.

Exploring Visayas Part 3: Bohol

This is the last part of Thomas' trip to Bohol, Philippines..

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Bohol, calm, rustic and the “tuk tuks” look like cardboard boxes on wheels. I am headed to Panglao island , that’s where you want to go for the beaches, the laid back life and great local food. From the ferry point , its about 30 mins drive to Panglao island and your point of reference is Alona Beach. It’s the happening place, clubs, hotels, resorts, beautiful each. Its not the longest stretch of beach , in fact, after Alona, the rest of the beaches on Panglao are in coves or short stretches but they are pristine, clean, quiet and there’s always a small resort or hotel to entice you to stay a little longer .

Well ,lets not forget Bohol, the main island because that’s where you go to see the Chocolate Hills. Its like those little Hersheys conical chocolates but way larger, just imagine over 1,700 of them stretched before your eyes. Take the LoBoc river cruise, where you will see performances of the villages staged on floating pontoons along the rive banks. Yeah, its commercial , touristy but its nice to see the villagers vibrancy, their warm welcoming looks, their colorful attire.

Then there’s the Phillipine Tarsiers, no bigger than our palms, yet when they are awake (at night) you’ll be lucky to see them due to “ grease lightning” speed.  So, you will see them in the Tarsier sanctuaries in the afternoon, where they will be slumbering, till some tourist wakes one up with a loud voice , hoping to catch them moving. Well they do but due to their speed , where are they huh ????? Oh, these little fellas can rotate their heads 180 degrees and if you think you can bring one home as a pet, they are known to commit “hara kiri” if they are moved from their normal habitat.

If you have the chance drop in to listen the Loboc Childrens choir, world famous but sadly not so well known in these parts. They performed for me in the Loboc church, ( their HQ) it brought tears to my eyes to see poor village children clad in slippers and t shirts sing with a resonance that reminds you of some of the best boy choirs from Europe. They were preparing to compete in a choir competition in Spain. I hope they win, for all their efforts including walking one hour to get home after their daily rehearsals in the church.

Finally, don’t forget the Baclayon church, one of the oldest stone churches in the Phillipines. You can also see all manner of ceremonial robes and paraphernalia used in the church from the 18th century.

Then its back to the ferry for my return to Cebu and flight home.

Did I tell you that the Bohol and Panglao smiles and warmth were even more engaging !!

Vietnam Part 1: Ho Chi Minh City

Trena, a Travel Executive from Paveway Explorer Holidays, shares with you about her journey to Vietnam.This is Part 1

I am definitely not in Singapore anymore.

Evidence 1: all the black wires hanging down,

Evidence 2: the large number of motorcycles along the road

Evidence 3:  the endless honking

Despite all these, Vietnam has changed a lot since the previous time I have been there 4 years ago, traffic in this vibrant city have certainly improved. Arriving there on Mid-Autumn allows us to see groups of young children playing in the parks and gardens, along the fountains.

During the half-day city tour I participated in, we went to visit the War Remnants Museum. Many ruins from the war, such as the vehicles and missiles, were left in this museum, pictures displayed on every wall, all revealing the terror and trauma of the victims of the war. A heavy feeling settled itself in our hearts and some wept, thankful that it didn’t happen in their country. It was truly a touching experience.

The next place we visited is the Reunification Palace. Incorporating fengshui in the architecture, this beautiful palace used to be the seat of the president and prime minister. Huge antique paintings hung on the wall of rooms filled with carefully crafted furniture and unique decorations. This place even has a dance room on the top floor and a helipad.

The French influence could be obviously seen when we went to visit the majestic Notre Dame Cathedral. Standing tall and proud, this cathedral is located just next to the Post Office of Ho Chi Minh City.

One step into the Post Office and I was speechless. It was like stepping into a movie making set, think Harry Potter with boarder hallways.

                   

A well—known market in Ho Chi Minh City is the Ben Thian Market, with souvenirs and other products for sale. One of the must-buys in this market is the lotus seeds that Vietnam is famous for.  I watched on as the group I was with show off their skills when it comes to bargaining for the best price.

We then head over to Saigon Square, one of the more well-known places of shopping for the locals. There, I tried my hands on bargaining for an item but ended up failing miserably. Till now, I have no idea how are people able to successfully bargain for the products to the ideal prices. Bargaining is definitely a skill. Saigon Square houses many shops with products of popular brands such as forever 21 and Beats.

To be continued ....

Exploring Visayas Part 2: Bohol

Thomas, creator of Paveway Explorer Holidays, is an avid traveler and is always on the hunt for undiscovered destinations.  Here he shares his latest trip to Cebu and Bohol. This is the second part.

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Then it was off to Bohol, touted as the next Boracay. Oh, I hope not because Bohol is a true idyllic Phillipine island. I had to take a ferry, is it safe, will it be overcrowded, whats the security like?

I arrive at the ferry terminal, I check in my bag, my bags and I get sniffed at by a guard dog, I go through the metal detectors and I get smiled upon by the officers. Yep, they smile, these security chaps, in fact smiles come so naturally to the Filipinos, I was so impressed with the warmth and friendliness they accord you. In fact, the hospitality staff at hotels are heartwarming in their efforts to make you feel welcome.

Next I board the ferry, it’s a super catamaran, like the ones to Bintan island and I am sitting in the business class upstairs. This “super cat” is clean and super comfortable. It is 1 ½ hours to Bohol so I decided a nap was in good order, with no nightmares of security and overcrowding, and waking up just before we arrive at Bohol.

Exploring Visayas Part 1: Cebu

Thomas, creator of Paveway Explorer Holidays, is an avid traveler and is always on the hunt for undiscovered destinations.  Here he shares his latest trip to Cebu and Bohol.

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Here I am looking forward to Cebu and Bohol only to be told at the airline check in counter at Changi Airport that I won’t be able to board the flight without a return ticket as the Cebu immigration requires confirmation of your return flight. Problem was, as a travel planner, I’m always changing my itinerary so I planned to book a budget one way ticket home when the time was right. So, to cut a long story short, I bought an expensive one way airline ticket to return to Singapore one week later because all other flights earlier were full. Well that was not in my plans but what to do.

So I arrive in Cebu all smug and happy knowing no way I would be stopped from returning home as I now have a ticket. I present my passport and awaited for the officer to demand for my return flight ticket. He smiled and said “welcome to the Philippines”, chopped my passport and waved me through. Now I’m flabbergasted as I just blew a few hundred bucks on my ticket and he didn’t even want to see it.

What cheered me up was mangoes, Cebu has lots of it, everywhere, dried, fresh, in ice creams in cakes, in drinks , its like in your system before long. But that’s not all about Cebu, it’s the festival capital of the Phillipines, it’s a historic town, second oldest in the Philliipines, with the second oldest church. Drive through town and you will see and feel a city steeped in history, with monuments, old but beautiful houses, a historic fort and narrow streets. But modernity is creeping in, with shopping malls and enclaves of watering holes and restaurants. Don’t expect a long street of shops, pubs, restaurants, not yet anyway but that’s why you have to go before they proliferate a city growing in importance and a favored tourist destination.

Then there are the beaches and resorts, all located on Mactan island, just 30 mins from Cebu city. It’s like going to Sentosa. Here are resorts with their little coves of sand and sea. Yes, coves, Cebu is not Boracay with its long stretch of beaches, Cebu’s Mactan island beaches are in coves or in small stretches of beach and on the lovely islands easily accessible from Mactan Island. They are cosy and intimate , not brash and glitzy.


What did I eat? Lots of” Lechon”, Cebu’s version of Singapore’s roast suckling pig and boy was it good. Its grilled, roasted , fried, whatever but it all tastes good. In fact there must be something about the pork in Cebu, even the bacon tastes like crispy German pork knuckle. For dinner, go up into the hills where there is a “chateau” that serves Pinoy and western fare. But it’s not the food that will enthrall you, it’s the view of cebu city at night, twinkling lights, clear night skies and cool mountain air.


(To Be Continued..)

4D3N Krabi: Redefine Chic

Another special package we have prepared for you is a 4D3N stay at Red Ginger Chic Resort in Krabi, Thailand.

About Red Ginger Chic Resort

Located in the middle of Ao Nang and Nopparat Thara Beaches, Red Ginger makes an excellent base for discovering the area.  The property only has 63 rooms, giving it an intimate feel.  It's also well-loved with fellow travelers too.  See other travelers' reviews here.

Our Package

$300 per pax on twin sharing

• 4 days and 3 nights in Red Ginger Chic Hotel
• Daily breakfast included
• Airport transfers
• Krabi 4-island tour (half-day) - exclusive!

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Things to note:

This package expires on 31 October 2011

Rate may vary depending on room availability and season

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Visit Us: Paveway Explorer Holidays 16 Mohamed Sultan Road #02-01 Singapore 238965

Call Us: Tel: +65 6737 7313 Fax: +65 6887 3108

Email Us: info@pavewayexplorer.com

4D3N in Hua Hin: Rest Detail Hotel

Cycling to the train station

Hua Hin is more than just beaches.

Come to think of it, there seems to be everything for everyone in Hua Hin.  Go cycling to the train station, take an elephant ride through the vineyards, (yes, Hua Hin has vineyards and produces Monsoon Valley Wines that are especially good with spicy food) or you can just take a breathtaking ride on a hot-air balloon.

Paveway Explorer currently has a very special package to Hua Hin:  spend a relaxing weekend at 5-star Rest Detail Hotel with the following inclusions:

• Daily breakfast



Rest Detail Pool












• Roundtrip land transfers from Bangkok

Package prices are from $400 per person (twin sharing) for a 4D3N package.. an exceptionally good deal considering that Rest Detail is one of Hua Hin's most talked about hotel and ranks quite high in Tripadvisor reviews.

And for those reading this blog and following us on Facebook, we'll let you in on a little secret: book by 30 August and get $100 off per couple!

Visit Us: Paveway Explorer Holidays 16 Mohamed Sultan Road #02-01 Singapore 238965

Call Us: Tel: +65 6737 7313 Fax: +65 6887 3108

Email Us: info@pavewayexplorer.com

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Things to note:

This package expires on 31 October 2011

Rate may vary depending on room availability and season