If you happen to be based in Hanoi and been wanting to take a quick breather over the weekend, Ninh Binh would be an ideal place to go. From the capital, it only takes less than two hours to get to this paradise. If you're a fan of amazing natural landscapes and underground rivers, this is the perfect getaway for you.

awesome view at Trang An Valley Bungalow

Places to see

TRANG AN

another mandatory shot when taking the boat tour in Trang An

Ninh Binh is known for its karsts formation amid rivers and plains. This unique beauty garnered much attention as the iconic film Kong: Skull Island was shot here. So you'd know that the itinerary would include the Kong Island shooting locations but the only way to see them is by boat.

COST

This tour costs 200k VND with different choices based on durations and locations. Each boat must carry at least 3 passengers so if you happen to go alone, you'd have to wait for the slots to be filled in or you can pay for the rest of the seats.

DURATION

Since I didn't have much time, I chose the 4-hour tour which highlights boating through the underground rivers and caves and passing by the famous Kong Island. Several temples were also part of the tour by which time local tourists would pray or light some candles.

SITES

At each stopover, refreshments and snacks are sold but there are no restaurants where you could sit down and enjoy a full course meal but you do have ample time to grab some snacks and walk around.

There were some parts of the tour when I just chose to stay in the boat because there wasn't really so much to see and do. Instead, I enjoyed a chat with the boatwoman who spoke Vietnamese all throughout our conversation. I mostly used translator app to respond to her but luckily I picked up some of the words she said. Most locals are really friendly and accommodating.

Here's some relaxing shots of my boat tour in Trang An.

TIPPING

Don't forget to tip your boatman/woman before ending the tour. Tipping is considered polite and a manifestation of gratitude and appreciation.

HANG MUA

This is also a must-see! It's like a vast mountain resort with an overlooking view and an easy hiking trail. I was even wearing my platform sandals going up to the peak.

It only costs 100k VND for the entrance fee. You could also enjoy local food served in the restaurants and cafes within the place.

Hang Mua Peak

There are 2 peaks with a small viewing deck that could get crowded during peak seasons. Summer seasons in Vietnam tend to be really hot and humid and most of the trails are not shaded so be ready with some sun gears.

panoramic view | Hang Mua

Also, before leaving don't forget to drop by the lake with huge water lilies. This place is panoramically amazing.

a conversation with the frogs | Hang Mua

Getting there

The cheapest way to go if you're on a DIY tour is either by bus or by train. Unless there's a national holiday, it would be convenient and cheaper to buy tickets at the bus or train stations but this might be a little challenging if you don't know basic Vietnamese.

In this case, booking tickets online might be a better alternative. As for me, I also find it convenient to book a train ticket on the website because I can pick a seat and pay using my card.

Another popular option is the limousine because it could take you directly to Trang An where the major attraction is located. You can also book for this online.

If you're on a tour package, the transportation is the last thing you'll worry about. That's pretty much covered with your package most of the time. There are many travel agencies in Hanoi that offer great deals for a day trip in Ninh Binh.

Where to stay

Again, booking websites could be your bestfriend in finding a great accommodation. There's a good range of options from boutique to luxury hotels in Ninh Binh but should you want to stay near the main attractions, pick a place somewhere in Trang An or Tam Coc.

I had an awesome stay at Trang An Valley Bungalow. I loved how the cliffs are also your bathroom walls so you're literally sleeping at the foot of enormous rock formations.

loving these cliffs at Trang An Valley Bungalow

Check out some random videos I took during this trip

Lapu-Lapu City is a one-stop tourist destination for all seasons of the year. With its strategic location, it is definitely the most-visited city in Cebu. The island is a haven of five-star hotels, luxurious resorts, sizzling party events, delectable international cuisine, exotic delicacies, and a whole lot more.

The hottest summer party featuring the best of international DJs has hit the island this summer. Over the weekend, Jpark Island Resort and Waterpark hosted one of the most exciting beach parties happening this year. The event happened at Jpark's newest party destination called the Havana by the Sea - a grand floating club with lofty designs and exquisite lounges.

Pretty sight!

Drinks served!

House-Kissed Summer Land 2017 - Havana Ultra Beach | Pool Party is a nonstop shindig of the best house and all other mixes of electronic dance music by the best international DJs. While the music was really impressively ear-piercing, there were also other awesome presentations that highlighted the event.

The party crowd just couldn't resist to get wet and giddy with the foam party. With the striking shifting colors of the background lights that tend to keep up with the beat, everyone just can't stop dancing and stomping while getting soaked.

From the wet sand and the misty bodies, there came a total temperature outbreak when the fire dancers stepped in with their fiery moves that literally put the dance floor on fire. The girl in flaming hula-hoop absolutely brought down the house.

courtesy of AldrinLesPhotos | AldrinVids | It's Me Aldrin

Watch full video here!

The night skies were also lit with the fireworks display.

Steaming beach bods also lit the dance floor inside the Havana. The party mood intensified as they made their way to the party area and started shaking their booties.

*wink - abs everywhere- woah-mode*

Fun. Wild. Crazy. Epic.

Havana Ultra Beach Party that is!

If you want to see more, then watch this!

The best is yet to be at Jpark Island Resort and Waterpark.

XOXO,

Travelsome Chic

The 10,000 (white) Roses Cafe recently made a fuzz in the local online community. Aside from it is the first in Cebu, it became an instant hit because it was absolutely budget-friendly! Just a month later, Cordova Home Village made an intriguing marketing strategy when they launched Liza's Little Garden with 2,000 red LED roses sprouting from the stony ground along the resort's entrance. Because of the existing 10k white roses cafe, many people think that the red roses were made to compete with the former; however it seems more of a marketing stunt for the resort.

Paint the town red!

Cordova Home Village has been there for years and this new attraction within the place is basically driving people to visit or come back. Since this little artificial garden is part of the home village, visitors have to pay Php 100 which is the standard rate for day use / adult entrance fee. This means that you could go ahead use their amenities such as the swimming pool. Gazebos / open tables and food bought outside are charged differently.

In my case, I only went there (with Aldrin) to see the red roses but we were still asked to pay for the regular entrance fee. We were able to get inside and tour around the pool area.

The place is quite easy to locate since it has been there for years now. There are two possible routes in getting there. One, turn right as soon as you reach Gaisano Cordova or turn right at Cordova Park, a famous landmark alongside Sr. San Roque Parish Church. Upon reaching the main entrance of the home village, the security personnel may ask few questions before you could park or enter.

As you draw near the next entrance, you could immediately see the red roses growing under 'real' trees. Indeed, there was a touch of authenticity amid the artificiality. The pathway is a bit craggy and really uneven so you have to be careful in treading it especially at night. Liza's Little Garden is obviously a work in progress as there are still corners or spaces not filled with the led roses yet.

Contrary to what was seen on Facebook, there were only 2,000 red LED roses and not 51,000. I admit, the overwhelming wrong info urged me and probably others to visit.

It was short and sweet but if I had to choose between the White and the Red, I would suggest you read my next blog; 10K White Roses vs 2k Red Roses

Watch this video to see the real glow of these fabulous red roses!
Courtesy of AldrinVids

Till our next laag!

XOXO,

Travelsome Chic

We can't help but compare these two recently opened attractions in Cordova, Cebu. Both basically have the same feature except for its colors. I am talking about the 10,000 White Roses Cafe and Liza's Little Garden with the red LED roses. Due to its identical characteristic, people can't help but compare or probably wonder which one is better or worth the visit? The following are my personal thoughts based on three criteria so comments, differing opinions and violent reactions (lol) are perfectly fine and welcomed.

10k White Roses Cafe

Liza's Little Garden - 2k Red Roses

ORIGINALITY

The 10k Roses Cafe was the first to launch and it is in fact, the first in the entire Cebu. Approximately after two months, Cordova Home Village also lighted their 2k red LED roses alongside its main entrance but the roses are only a part of a bigger resort and villa. It is somewhat a marketing strategy for the home village which has been there for a few years now. On the other hand, the white rose garden is the ultimate charm of the 10k Roses Cafe. The idea of using LED flowers is not originally Pinoy (Filipino) since this was brought by a Korean businessman who is currently residing in Cebu. Similar LED flower garden has also been lit in Seoul, Korea and another in Hongkong.

STRUCTURE / DESIGN

There is nothing much to compare with in terms of structure of the artificial flowers since they are identical except for its colors. Red roses would surely melt your heart when set in a bouquet; even a single stem of real rose could make someone blush; only if it is real. The lit roses in red LED is not as flattering as the white ones. The reddish lights somehow gave me a horrific aura instead of a romantic mood. The red glare is similar to that of the Halloween 'feels' and the gruesome trees in the dark background do not compliment with the red glow. Maybe it could look better on broad daylight; however, the banana trees are quite distracting and the pathway and ground need paving so it won't look rough and uneven. The place may potentially be impressive since the flowers seem to grow in a natural environment with all those trees and shrubs.

WORTH

It all boils down to the question, "Is it worth it?" Its worth may be gauged by its ability to impress people with a reasonable price. The entrance fee for the red roses is more expensive given that it includes the use of the amenities in the villa. On the other hand, the 10k white roses cafe has free admission. The Php 20 collected at the tourism building is a mandate of the barangay or the town and not coming from the management. Considering all these, which would you prefer, a frappe with the white roses or a summer staycation with the red roses?

And the winner is...