People travel for many reasons. While some travel for the tranquil and relaxing experience, others travel for the luxury of leaving all their beliefs and certainties at home and seeing everything you thought you knew in a different light and from a crooked angle. In that regard, Laos is a country that gives us many rewards from not only the incredible Laos cuisine in our last blog, but also new interesting and sometimes ewww dishes. 1 Pepper WoodIn northern Laos, they use a specific type of wood as an ingredient in soups, which is called “pepper wood” in English. The wood is cut into small cubes roughly 1 square centimeter and cooked in the soup. Not only does the wood enhance the soup with a piquant flavor somewhere in between black pepper and cinnamon, but the bark actually softens to the point that you can chew and eat it. In fact, it has a pleasing flavor – though it briefly numbs your mouth and causes a tingling sensation. The center of the wood is too hard to eat though, and you can spit it out. 2 Giant Water BeetleAlmost foreigners freak out when they see the green papaya salad are served with friend giant water beetle on top in any Laos restaurant. The water beetle had a crunchy toughness that no amount of chewing broke down. Its shell has too tough and chitinious shell that people have to eventually just swallow with some water, having never felt like it was chewed enough. As regard flavor, it not really good or bad, but you will be overwhelmed by the amount of chewing necessary. 3 Silk worm poo teaThis one is clearly tea – how strange can tea be? You may sample this tea at an artisanal cloth making shop in Luang Prabang called Ock Pop Tok Living Craft center. They have a small amount of silk worms which they use to make their own silk and they actually harvest the worm excrement and use it to make tea. They call it silk worm poo tea. The flavor was very mild and pleasantly earthy. 4 Frog meatWhen visiting the capital of Vientiane, you should take chance to have dinner with a fried mixed vegetable with frog meat and an omelet prepared with ant larvae. Frog meat tastes almost identical to chicken, but it has an enormous number of bones that require spitting out, which is really a huge hassle. A hypothetical “de-boned frog would be quite nice but the hassle of bones doesn’t justify the small amount of meat if you’re eating solely for pleasure. 5 Ant larvaeThe eggs are tiny and embedded in the omelet. The flavor of the ant larvae is too mild to describe – Let’s say a very mild earthy flavor. They gave a pleasant pop when chewed. They went well with the egg flavor, and you would happily add them to a variety of dishes if they were available at a reasonable price at home. 6 Water buffalo sausageAdmittedly, sausage in and of itself isn’t really that strange. It was the flavorings that made these sausages unique; they were strongly spiced with kaffir lime, lemongrass, and spicy chilies. Fried water buffalo skin was a dish offered in several restaurants in Laos. While the flavor of the meat was vaguely baconish, and the dipping sauce was tangy and spicy, the meat itself was as tough as tire rubber. You had to let the meat soak in the saliva in your mouth for a minute first and then slowly start chewing. Several minutes later the meat might be starting to loosen. Eventually, and if helped along by a big swig of water, you may be able to swallow the partially chewed meat. 7 Roasted bee larvaeIn Luang Prabang, roasted chunks of bee hive are quite popular at the market. Have a closer look, you may notice that Laos vendors are not just selling roasted honey in the comb, they even sell freshly roasted hive with bee larvae in side. And how to eat bee larvae? The simplest method is just to break off a small piece and eat it, a bit like eating a Brownie, taking care to scoop up any larvae that may fall out. Another method is to wrap pieces of the bees nest in banana leaves and roast them in an oven or on a BBQ, or put them in a steamer. The banana leaves will make the bee larvae aromatic and help stop them from drying out. Many people ask ‘what does it taste like’. The answer is a bit difficult as it doesn’t really taste of much, maybe it is like cow’s milk. 8 PadekPadek is fermented fish. It is used in a lot of Lao food. Sometimes it is used just to add a little flavor to soup and sometimes it is the predominate ingredient to a dish. Once you have tasted and smelled Padek you will always be able to identify it. Padek is enjoyed by all in Laos. It is made by taking whole fish from the river and mixing them with salt, garlic, rice husks and water. After mixing you place the ingredients in a jar. In the countryside this would likely be a clay jar with banana leaves tightly tied by vine around the tops. In the city it is now held in plastic and glass jars and bottles. You then leave the jar in the kitchen area for about 2 weeks. After 2 weeks it is then edible and sold at the markets. The Padek is good for about one year (as long as it is enclosed). 9 Lao Lao with Nok Kwuak (Lao bird moonshine) Lao Lao is homemade rice whiskey or rice wine- basically it is moonshine. Lao Lao is another lovely, pungent fermented delight. When you head into a Lao Lao Whiskey village, you know it. You can’t escape the smell. And if you think the smell is harsh, wait until you taste it! It is like gasoline. It will deliver quite a punch and it only takes a few shots to not be able to walk straight. 10 Bamboo WormsOnce writing the word worm, you must automatically think slimy and gooey. Well, these worms happen to be crunchy and crispy (when fried). You can’t find them everywhere. In Laos you don’t see street vendors selling insects as snacks. They are found only in particular local spots and not all the time. That’s because someone has to go out and find them. Bamboo worms are found in young bamboo stalks. You have to trek out into the forest to find them. You know that the bamboo is infested with theses worms if the stalk is brown at the top and not the normal green. You then cut the bamboo in half and collect the worms into a bag or basket. Then take them home to cook! According to Laos, they are a great source of protein and are the tastiest when coupled with an ice-cold Beer Lao. It’s their equivalent to bar food, but much healthier! The worms are usually served fried with oil, lime leaves and chili. Do you get the courage to try all those dishes in our Laos tour packages?
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Laos cuisine impresses the culinary world with its capacity to transform simple local ingredients into delicious and authentic Laos dishes by using traditional cooking skills. Let’s embark on a delectable journey through Laos that pairs with artfully crafted dishes which showcase the country’s rich culinary heritage and distinct flavors in order to refresh your sense of taste. Khao Niaw – Sticky RiceWhile many people may associate sticky rice with Thai food, the country where sticky rice is more appropriately called national staple is the neighboring country of Laos, they even have sticky rice for any meals of the day. The steamed sticky rice is meant to be eaten with not only hands but also a utensil. (Scoop up a mound of rice forming it into a little cup, and using it to scoop up your food). The reason why sticky rice is so popular in Laos is that it takes longer to digest than regular rice, which makes it great food for monks to eat as their single meal of the day. Buddhist monks in Laos typically eat just one meal a day, and people give rice — typically sticky rice — to monks as donations. Sticky rice is favorable because it will keep the monks fuller, longer. Therefore, take yourself a chance to try this dish. And despite its name, glutinous rice contains no gluten. It’s safe for all you gluten-free folks out there, so have at it! Khao Jee (Baguettes)One of travellers’s most favorite dishes is Khao Jee – A kind of baguette sandwich influenced by French bread and given a Lao twist. Khao Jee is filled with a combination of delicious pork liver Pâté, some kinds of sauces, coriander leaves, radish, carrots, cucumbers, pork floss and a sweet and spicy dressing including mayonnaise, chili sauce, a special brown sauce. This is a quick meal that can be enjoyed on the go for either breakfast or lunch. Tam Mak Houng – Spicy Laos Papaya SaladIt’d be difficult to refrain from tasting this Laos dishes throughout your Laos tour packages. First off, the best place to get it, is at a roadside stall, where you can watch the vendor pound all the ingredients in a large mortar and pestle, and tell them exactly how you like it. Roadside stalls are the cheapest, too, starting at 5,000 kip for a serving; restaurants can perhaps charge up to 25,000 kip. In general, papaya salad is made with green (unripe) papaya, which is distinctly tangy and crunchy. The base is usually salt, sugar, chilies and small limes. The vendor will usually ask how many chilies you want. If you ask for it Lao style, you’re looking at winding up with seven or eight chillies. Good luck eating that without crying and developing a purple facial hue! Larb (Laap, Larp or Lahb)Like sticky rice, Larb is also an essential dish in Laos. This dish is a type of minced meat salad, and widely considered to be the national dish of Laos. You can find Larb made with chicken, beef, duck, fish, or pork. It is usually flavored with fish sauce, lime juice, fermented fish juice, ground rice, and fresh herbs. It will usually come with a few chili peppers, which you can avoid eating if you cannot handle spicy food. Or LamIf you've visited Luang Prabang you probably know aw lahm / or lam, a spicy stew of bone stock, chilli, lemongrass, smoked meat and pounded eggplant, barbecued and then pounded sticky rice, and most crucially, the bark of the sakan tree, also known as pepperwood, which is gathered from local forests and boiled for a peppery tinge, came back to the table. This dish is a truly bizarre sensation for those of us used to the limitations of the usual taste dimensions of sweet, sour, salty, and bitter. Sai Qua (Laos sausage)Laos sausage, also known as Laotian sausage (Sai Oua) usually refers to a popular type of Laos sausage made from coarsely chopped fatty pork seasoned with lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, shallots, cilantro, chillies, garlic, salt and fish sauce. It uses cooked Laos sticky rice as an additional ingredient in the filling, which is then allowed to “sour” at room temperature for a couple of days. Sai Qua makes a pleasant appetizer or snack. Laotian Sausage (shown here in pork, but it also exists in spicy beef) is one of the most eaten specialities in Luang Prabang. Marriages, religious ceremonies, and other festivities normaly have a meal and include this sort of sausage, which is very much appreciated by Laotians and even tourists who have more delicate taste buds. Ping Kai / Kai Yang (Laotian Roasted Chicken)Ping Gai literally means roasted chicken or barbecued chicken, and here the chicken is coated with an aromatic marinade for hours before grilling over low heat over charcoal. You can easily find Ping Gai at stall in street markets. The processing of Kai Yang calls for a lot of skills and efforts. The whole chicken after halved and pounded flat will be seasoned with different ingredients of fish sauce, black soy sauce, hoy sin shallots, garlic, turmeric, cilantro, lemongrass, chilies, ginger, vinegar, palm sugar and white pepper. After chicken absorbed into spices in about 1 hour, it will be grilled without letting it burnt or dry. Kai Yang is soft, aromatic and a bit sweet which would surely satisfy your taste. Khao Piak Sen – Wet Rice StrandsKhao Piak Sen is the Lao version of homemade chicken noodle soup. Literally meaning wet rice strands, this dish is made of slightly chewy noodles and a simple chicken broth. Khao Piak Sen is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for the cold weather, a sick day, or just when a warm, hearty meal is desired. Although the words literally translate to "wet rice strands," this soup is significantly more appetizing than its name implies. The thick round noodles are made from a mix of rice and tapioca flour, which gives them a delightfully chewy texture and usually leaves the broth they're cooked in slightly viscous, too. Meat toppings vary but can range from chopped chicken to fried pork and blood cakes, and bowls come topped with a spoonful of fried garlic. You'll know which vendors have khao piak sen because the noodles, which come in different widths, are dusted with white flour. Khao PunOften sold alongside khao piak sen, khao pun is made with thin fresh rice noodles, similar to vermicelli. They come in a clear broth flavored with herbs, fish-balls and unidentifiable pork parts. Toppings include roughly chopped strands of lean pork, sausage slices and offal, and khao pun is always served with a separate platter of raw vegetables and herbs—less to add to the soup itself and more to snack on between slurps. This a list of Vietnam’s 9 beach hotels and places to stay on budget, which ensures you the most relaxing and unforgettable vacation on Vietnam’s best beaches without lightening your wallet. “Beach-lovers are the happiest people in the world”. That is the opinion shared by many psychologists. They say beach-lovers are utterly happy because they know how to unplug themselves, leave their tons of work behind and be grateful for little things like soaking in the beautiful seascape, feeling the hot sun on their skin, refreshingly swimming or spending an afternoon with friends. So why don’t you spend a trip to Vietnam then become one of those happiest? In Vietnam, there are many “beach hotels and places to stay on budget” right at your fingertips. They all have nice views of the Sea, comfortable accommodation, best reviews, and most importantly, their prices are just under $100/night. 1. Cat Ba Sandy Beach ResortRegarded as the "Gem of Tonkin", Cat Ba island still remains its pure majestic and pure beauty. Therefore, this place attracts a huge flow of visitors to come each year. On visiting this gorgeous natural destination, travellers also have interest in the Cat Ba Sandy Beach Resort which is located on Nam Cat Island, a private island in the middle of Lan Ha Bay. More interestingly, the resort features a range of cozy bungalows built on pillars and decorated with wooden windows, a sandy private beach and a restaurant. In Cat Ba Sandy Resort, dwellers can take part in many exciting outdoor activities such as kayaking around the bay, snorkeling, or simply lazily lying on the beach to sunbathe. The staff here are helpful and always at the reception desk to provide water sport facilities on guest requests. The resort's restaurant impresses the visitors with its local cuisine dishes, especially when they are served with light snacks, cold drinks in a gooey and romantic atmosphere. From here it is a 30-minutes boat to the Halong City. Price range: $62 - $75 2. The Cliff Resort & Residences in Mui Ne, Phan ThietWhoever visiting Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province could not help a journey to Mui Ne – a gracefully seductive sea cape! Tourists can easily be attracted by the deep blue of the sea, the golden of the sun and sand, all converging in warmth and purity. To make your trip become more thrilling, never miss the chance to stay at the Cliff Resort & Residences resort which is the finest one in Mui Ne and showcase the beauty of cristine state, long-lasting sand banks and coconut-palm paths. The resort is inspired by Mediterranean style with modern decorated rooms with wifi, a luxury spa, fine dining restaurant and aquamarine pools. Most especially, the Cliff Resort and Residences have extremely splendid ocean views with stretching sandy beach of Mui Ne, which will mesmerize every visitors at first sight. Rooms at The Cliff Resort & Residences are equipped with flat-screen cable TV, wifi and a minibar. The private bathroom comes with shower facilities and personal hygiene items for free. From the Cliff Resort & Residences, you can drive for 25 minutes to get the White Sand Dunes whose shapes change hourly, daily, monthly, etc. due to the wind, which absorb a number of tourists elsewhere. The dunes are frequently tectonics of different shapes: animal, lying lady, etc. Also, its varied color, such as red, white, pink, whitish grey, and reddish grey, etc. are inspiration of so many artists, among whom is Y Lan, who has created such a new special kind of art – sand painting. This is one of the brand new unique modern kinds of arts in current Vietnam, truly worth your discovery! And after a exhausting activities, guests can relax at the Zest Spa, which features a sauna. Or You can also relax on deck chairs by the pool or splash in the infinity pool with children. Other recreational amenities of the resort include a mini movie theater, karaoke rooms and shops. Address: Zone 5, Phu Hai Ward, Phan Thiet, Vietnam Price range: $67 - $227 3. Richis Phu QuocRichis Beach Resort will indulge you with its outdoor pools, a sun terrace, private beach and a jacuzzi which is next to the Chez Carole Restaurant. The rooms are decorated in neutral colors to soothe the eyes. Besides, guests can relax with a massage, or work out at the fitness center on site. Staff speak two languages are present at the front desk 24 hours / day to help guests arrange shuttle service, tour and ticket bookings, luggage storage, as well as other requirements. Currency exchange service, laundry and dry cleaning services are also provided. The in-house dining options include a buffet menu, a la carte menu and snack bar. You can also request in-room dining. The resort is not far from Phu Quoc Night Market where you can has around a dozen stalls serving a delicious range of Vietnamese seafood, grills and vegetarian options. Moreover, remember to look for a local crowd, as they are a discerning bunch. The nearest airport is Phu Quoc International Airport, just about 5 km away.Price range: $87 - $143 4. The A la Carte Da Nang BeachIt takes just 1 minute to walk from “A la Carte Da Nang Beach” to the My Khe Beach. The hotel offers an amazing outdoor pool with glass walls which trick your eyes and make the pools as if it stretched forever to and emerged with the ocean. Besides, fitness center, spa and free WiFi. The studios and apartments have living-dining areas, flat-screen TV with cable channels, electric kettle and a private bathroom with hairdryer and toiletries. Some rooms have views of the sea. In the hotel restaurant dishes are served a la carte and buffet meals, while the bar serves refreshing drinks. The hotel is about 3 km from Han market, less than 8 km from the mountains of the Non Nuoc Beach and 6km from the International Airport. The hotel also has living-dining areas and provides flat-screen TV with cable channels, electric kettle and a private bathroom with hairdryer and toiletries for each room. Some rooms have views of the sea. Price Range: $94 - $183 5. Hoi An Beach ResortEvery room from deluxe suites to vilas of the Hoi An Beach Resort has an incredible view of the river, the sea or at least the green lush garden. In addition, the resort possesses two lovely swimming pools, which are Pools Bar and Sands Bar. The former will provide you the most cocktails, mocktails and other beverages right at the pool inside the resort. The latter, as its name will serve you the best drinks at the private beach of the resort. The private beach is absolutely one of the most advantages of the resort, because it has smooth, golden and clean sand in front of the blue sea. There you can have a sunbath or play a wide range of water sports such as sailing, water motorcycling and taking a boat on the De Vong River. Furthermore, Hoi An Beach Resort offers several recreational activities such excellent cooking classes, Tai Chi class, BBQ parties or making lanterns. Last but not least, the resort also has a spa called Waterlily, gym class, basketball and volleyball court, a souvenir shop, billlards rooms and free bike rental. Price range: $79 - $138 6. Mia Resort Nha TrangTranslated from Vietnamese, MIA means “sugar cane” and this green, tropical plant is a fitting symbol for the modern, uniquely designed buildings with grass roofs that merge effortlessly into the landscape. Every one of our rooms has a sea view -there is no need to ask for one! This ideal setting of peace and quiet is the ideal place to unwind. There are four choices of Mia accommodation: Villas, Condos, Mia Suites and the 5 Bedroom Beachfront Villas. As with any good design, simplicity is the key. The Villas are identical in design, as are the Condos. The only difference is that some have splash pools whilst others have more garden. All the 5 Bedroom Beachfront Villas have private pools, fully equipped kitchens, and BBQ facilities. All the rooms were built with your comfort in mind, blending contemporary living with luxurious designs. Ample space is offered in all our room categories and each has its own private veranda, which offers the discerning guest the option of experiencing a beach getaway in ultimate privacy, away from other guests.Be warned – You may find our accommodation so comfortable you may not want to leave… Price range: $79 - $1,192 7. Cendeluxe Phu YenWhether you’re traveling on business or on holiday, CenDeluxe Hotel Tuy Hoa has it all providing luxurious accommodation in Tuy Hoa. It provides a distinguishable ambience to the entire property. CenDeluxe Hotel Tuy Hoa is situated in the midst of the Business and sizzling Entertainment district of Tuy Hoa City which offer a vast variety of restaurants and entertainment establishments inclusive. This luxury hotel in Phu Yen has one entertainment lounge with a stunning panorama of Tuy Hoa City as well as four dining outlets where our guests can enjoy a wide variety of Asian, International and Vietnamese Culinary Gourmet Masterpieces prepared to perfection by our skilled Executive Chef and his team of Gastronomic specialists. In addition and only few minutes away, we have a beautiful first class restaurant that serves contemporary Vietnamese cuisine adding to your delightful experience when dining in Tuy Hoa. To ease the pressure of stressful day take a dip in our outdoor swimming pool adjacent to the Lobby Lounge or simply engage in a full-body workout at the state-of-art Fitness Centre. For your meetings in Tuy Hoa, The Convention Gala Hall seats up to 1,500 individuals whereas the Conference venue can host up to 200 guests. Further, our Corporate Meeting venues is capable to accommodate from 10 to 300 participants. Price Range: $54 - $66 8. Seaside Resort Vũng TàuSituated on the most beautiful coastline of Vung Tau, Tran Phu Boulevard, Seaside Resort Vung Tau ideally has a great position - Back Lying on Mountain and Front Facing Ocean. This natural posture is believed to bring good luck, wealth and happiness to residents. Once guests arrive in Seaside Resort, all fatigues of a long route will disappear and rapidly be overcome by the good feeling of serenity created by the tropical garden, which make the resort become a miniature pure, romantic and charming Dalat in full heart of Vung Tau coastal city. Guests can also unwind their mind by sipping festive cocktails with your beloveds in front of the pool bar. Along with modern commodities and facilities, impeccable service, a funny and exciting entertainment schedule will certainly make your vacation more alive and memorable. In the morning, guests can take a lazy sunbath on lounge-chairs around the pool or take a short swim session will vivify and revitalize your energy. The bartender is always at your service to quench your thirst with his cold and fresh Sea Lion bar’s Cocktail Collection. Last but not least, fiesta awaits to cheer you up in the evening. The reserved Terrace with sea view, illuminated VIP rooms or sumptuous À la carte hall ... are ideal venues to light-up your Summer Parties or Special Events. Price range: $47 - $126 9. Lang Co ResortLocated at the foot of the Hai Van Pass, Lap An lagoon in pristine and mystical, a side of the majestic Truong Son mountain range, across the banks of the beautiful South China Sea, Lang is regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam. Lang Co Beach Resort is located in the space that poetic and spectacular, just the Da Nang International Airport 30 km, from the ancient capital of Hue - UNESCO heritage 50 km and is located right on Highway 1A. Lang Co Bay makes captivating landscapes with picturesque mountains, blue coasts and long sandy beach basking in the sun very white. Previously many domestic and foreign tourists have missed the opportunity to enjoy this wonderful scenery. Overlooking the ocean and owns a separate long beaches, Lang Co Beach Resort is the ideal place to relax with the villa bring traditional Vietnamese architecture based on wood and natural rattan, thoughtful service style and the unique local cuisine, rich. LangCo Beach Resort has 124 guest rooms including 97 rooms in the villa are designed in Hue traditional style and 27 rooms for guests with tight budgets. The villa 1 and 2 bedroom villas and rooms have spacious balconies and a courtyard garden where you can look out his panoramic ocean or watching the quiet green garden. Each room is equipped with satellite channels, international telephone calls, WIFI, air conditioning and hair dryer. Price range: $30 - $35 In a nut shell, all of such hotels and resorts have each earned its place and offer extraordinary features ranging from near beaches, all-inclusive service, eye-catching design, seclusion, facilities and sometimes the romance. So let's include them in our Vietnam tour packages to make your trip become better right at the very first time you check in.
Some western foreigners say the Vietnamese mid-autumn festival is nothing that differs from the Halloween or the Thanks Giving. But they are quite different. In the full-moon day, children wear masks but not for threatening somebody to death like those in Halloween, and Vietnamese family gather together but not for expressing their thanks to God like those in the Easter day. In fact, Vietnamese Mid-Autumn Festival will imprint the best memories in your mind that you only find in your trip to Vietnam.
The meaning of Mid-Autumn Festival
To Vietnamese people, Mid-Autumn Festival is the second most important event after the Lunar New Year. Because this is the time the moon can get the biggest and fullest shape. And to oriental conception, a full moon is a symbol of prosperity, happiness, and family reunion. Therefore, Vietnamese people always try to put daily work on the side, or even travel hundreds of kilometers in order to gather with their family, have dinner then spend time on talking with their parents, siblings and relatives. Likewise, children are also overwhelmed with joy when they are given many candies and toys by their parents.
The must-eat Mid-Autumn retreat – Moon cake
Spontaneously, the thing people can think of on saying about Vietnamese mid-autumn festival is moon cake. In general, most moon cakes consist of a pastry skin enveloping a sweet and dense filling inside like green bean or mixing of meat and salted egg for example. Fillings in contemporary style mooncakes has diversified to include just about anything which can be made into a paste like taro paste, coffee, fruits (pineapples, melons or lyches) and even chocolate in order to give a modern twist to the traditional recipes. Moon cakes are usually eaten in small wedges, and shared by family members, generally with green tea with lotus aroma.
Worshiping the moon Ceremony
As usual, Vietnamese people set up a worshiping platform in yard during the night of Mid Autumn Festival, on which moon cakes, a tray of five fruits and snacks are laid. Then family members will sit together to have dinner while admiring the moon. The platform will not be taken down for children to enjoy until the midnight.
It's also a tradition for the Vietnamese to light lanterns during the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival children hold various kinds of paper lanterns and play in the moonlight, while eating moon cakes during the evening of the Mid-Autumn Festival.
At night, groups of children parade through the streets, going from door to door and asking the owners for their permission to perform the lion dance. If it is agreed then the children will put on a show, which is believed to bring luck and fortune. Afterwards, the owners will give the children 'lucky' money for their gratitude.
Suggestions for Expats in Vietnam
If you are in Hanoi, head to the noisy and crowded Old Quarter, to the artery of Hang Ma street which is already drowned in the gaudy colors, mainly red, of lanterns, toys, costumes and accessories in the days leading to the festival. Make-shift kiosks are erected everywhere, and together with the pre-existing brick-and-mortar ones, make sure the festival goers are well-equipped.
Another great place experience the Mid-Autumn festival is Hoi An and Da Nang. There you can chase down a wider road then get lost amid the madness. Aided by the thousands of paper lanterns on the river, it’s possibly the best-lit spot; or work your way to the quieter edge of town, where you will find dozens of kids playing at their own dragon performance for fun, which somehow feels a bit more authentic.
A trip to Cambodia and of course to Angkor Wat will allow you to get familiar with what is a Vishnu Temple which was built in the 12th century by Suryavarman II the legendary Khmer Emperor from 1113 AD to 1145-1150 AD. Khmer emperors used to have a state temple, and till the time of Suryavarman II, the Shiva temple in Baphuon served that purpose. Suryavarman was influenced by the advent of Vaishnavism (believers of Lord Vishnu) in South India and dedicated his new state temple to Lord Vishnu. The second level of Angkor Wat is full of sculptures of smiling Apsaras or Divine Dancers. As many as 1500 Apsaras will enchant you in this part of Angkor Wat. Cosmic influence in the ArchitectureThe architecture of Angkor Wat was influenced by Astronomy, The Calendar and Hindu religion. The Sun was very important for the builders and its movements have dictated the position of the bas-reliefs. The alignment is such that the sun illuminates certain specific elements of the bas -relief Angkor Wat Temple has special observation areas to watch the Moon and the Sun. The axis of the outer wall around the Angkor Wat complex is equal exactly to the solar year in days. The circumference of the wall is equal exactly to the lunar year in days! It is also equal to the 12 waxing and 12 waning halves of the lunar month each year. |
Ask permission before taking photo with locals |
Appropriate dressing
Dress for women is more conservative in Cambodia. While shorts are now acceptable in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, it is more respectful to wear knee length shorts or trousers when outside of these areas. This is important everywhere, but especially at the temples. The temples are sacred places of worship, and although you will see many tourists dressed inappropriately here, this is considered to be extremely disrespectful.Children in Cambodia
Groups of young children can be found everywhere in Cambodia and many travellers feel ‘pestered’ by them to purchase their friendship bracelets and other wares. However, it’s often the case that children enjoy the chance to practice their English on you- and by asking them their names and ages a conversation is likely to develop where the ‘hard sell’ is forgotten.The Political Issue
The Khmer Rouge issue is a very delicate one, and one which Cambodians generally prefer not to talk about. However, if you approach it with politeness, they’ll gladly respond. Going barefoot outside It is a common sense that Asian citizens always take off their shoes upon entering a house. They believe that going bare foot is good for health because it allows the relexology pressure points in your feet be stimulated. However it is also a surprise for me that Cambodia also hate someone go on bare feet then walk back inside their house with dirty feet. Frankly, the streets in Cambodia are quite grotty, so it is understandable to take your shoes off in order not to track all that dirt and grime inside.Never play “Duck Duck Goose” in front of Cambodians
One of my Australian friends told me a story after their trip to Cambodia, which was about a game named “Duck Duck Goose”. In this game, participants sitting in a circle while one person would walk around to tap anyone who said either “Duck” or “Goose”. Well, it seemed to be a harmless game for children, but everyone in the train station looked at them with crooked eyes when they played this game. And then he realized that his family did make a cultural mistake. In Cambodia and other Asian countries, touching anyone on the head, where the spirit is considered to reside, is considered a personal insult to the person that you’re touching and perhaps even to his ancestors.Pointing with your feet
Besides touching others’ heads with your hands, pointing with your foot is another important taboo. As for example, I will tell you my incident when I visited the Killing Fields near Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The Killing Fields are full of so shocked, horrified and sickened that I wanted to observe and shared with my friend, Sarah… with my foot. Our tour guide noticed and just said to me: “The body of my uncle was buried here somewhere” then I realized that I had done something disrespectful to not only his uncle but also someone’s uncle, aunt father or mothers remains in this sombre places. It took me a long time to live in guilty for that mistake.
Pointing with your feet |
Don't offer change, gifts or objects with your left hand
In South East Asia, in general, passing or accepting anything with your left hand is unacceptable. To avoid being taken offence for your thoughtless behaviors, you can keep your left hand go higher than the elbow when receive something. The higher the left hand is resting on the right arm, the more respective you are. Nevertheless, you can also accept with both hands. Thankfully this is one of those customs that you won't get driven out of a shop for not following. But you will gain more respect if you do follow it.Vietnam Tour Pedia
South East Asia is always a great surprise to everyone. Plan your next holiday at Vietnam Tour Packages
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