Southeast Asia is a great place to travel to. A while ago, when I decided to quit my 8 to 5 office job and go travelling for a year, it “won” the competition against South America and Europe. Friendly, safe, cheap — how can you beat that? I’ve been to most of the countries in the region, but in this article I want to focus on one of them — Vietnam.
The whole of Southeast Asia is the choice for travellers on a budget. But no country can beat Vietnam in sense of price / quality ratio of the accommodation. It is cheap, hostels are abundant and the standard is rather good. You can’t ask for a personal jacuzzi when you are paying 7 USD for a room, now can you?
The only beef I had with amenities, were occasional separate hot and cold water taps. 21st century, anyone?

Hanoi

Take an early stroll around the lake of Hoan Kiem, and join the crowds crazy about fitness. Jogging, Tai-Chi, badminton, you name it, they’ve got it. Oh, and did I mention that you’ll have to be there at around 6 AM?

If that is too early, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum for a much more serious experience. Wipe that smirk off your face, as the guards will have none of it.
In the evening, visit a street stall for a dinner, and try to find out what kind of meat is in your soup. Adrenaline guaranteed!

Fansipan mountain

From Hanoi, taking a northbound train, and later a crazy minibus ride up the mountain road will take you to Sapa, a tranquil town with a rich French colonial history.
Ask around for a guide, or visit one of many tour companies that will help you arrange a trek to the Fansipan – highest mountain in Indochina standing at 3,143 metres (10312 ft). Plan for a trip of at least two or three days. And sore muscles afterwards.

Ha Long Bay

Being UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature implies certain expectations.

And Ha Long Bay delivers. Hire a boat and slowly float amongst thousands of beautiful limestone cliffs, mountains and islets, visit the Hang Đầu Gỗ cave (Wooden stakes cave), or just gaze at the daily life in one of the fishing villages comprising of floating houses.

Mui Ne

What good is a trip without spending a few relaxing days on the beach? Take a good rest, soak in the warmth, or be a daredevil and go surfing, kite-surfing or windsurfing, the choice is yours. Just make sure to take it easy with the beer during a seafood rich dinner, as one of the mornings has to be reserved for getting up at 5 AM and driving a rented motorbike to red sand dunes, where the sun is about to rise.

Arriving early will put you ahead of the crowd, and, most importantly — will help you take that stunning photo you always dreamed of.

Saigon

Ho Chi Minh City now, Saigon before — call it what you want, but the name won’t change the place. It is big, dynamic, bustling megapolis, with crowds and crowds of people. If you are up for a challenge, try to cross a never-stopping river of motorbikes flowing along any of the bigger streets. The only way to do it is walking slowly and steadily, without jerky movements.

The lifestyle here is much more business oriented than in the capital Hanoi, but at least a few historical sites, like Củ Chi tunnels, or War Remnants Museum are really worth a visit.

About the Author: Marius has left his well paid office job for a career break in Southeast Asia. Now he is a photographer and blogger. On cringel.com he shares his knowledge and expertise about the region in a witty and straightforward way.

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Few places in the world that are blessed with such spectacular scenery as the North Italian Lakes: olive groves, lush forests and a patchwork of countryside surround clear blue waters and soaring hillsides. Considered by many to be the jewel in the crown, Lake Garda is the largest lake in the country and marks the foothill of the Alps, which lead all the way across the border into Switzerland. Unsurprisingly, the region is great for outdoor pursuits including water sports, sailing, climbing, cycling and walking; check out some of the best spots below, or for more details search for Lake Garda holidays with Inghams.

Lake Garda is a popular water sports destination and families and groups will particularly enjoy days out canyoning in the many pools and streams around the lake. Activities include jumps, slides and abseils down waterfalls, all under supervision from local guides. Depending on how confident you are, there are beginner’s options as well as more advanced routes.

Windsurfing is big news around the northern resort of Riva. Enthusiasts come from all over Europe to experience the early morning winds from the mountains. First-timers may want to wait for the gentler afternoon breeze known as the ‘ora’ and take a lesson or two at their leisure. A more unusual variation is kite-surfing which has seen a surge in popularity recently – the best spots for this are located to the east of the lake around Brenzone and Malcesine.

Back on dry land, there are still a host of activities to try. Lake Garda’s Alpine setting has made it a natural attraction for the mountaineering community, and there are many challenging and varied climbs to crack. The village of Arco in the north is best-known for its limestone crags which offer numerous climbing opportunities, and the cliffs at Marciaga are worth a trip as well. Mountain bikers will love exploring the cycling tracks which surround the lake; head south for easier options among small hills and farmland, or try the western routes Mount Tremalzo for breathtaking views that make the hard work worthwhile.

Walkers will also find a wide choice of beautiful trails. Stroll from town to town, past vineyards and ancient monasteries, or seek out countless lakeside and mountain viewpoints along the shore. The palaces, churches and loggias of Salo make for an interesting culture trail through the town, while the summit of Monte Baldo can be reached by cable car, leaving you to enjoy the vistas as you start the downward hike. Torbole, at the foot of Mount Baldo, is also a picturesque starting point for the casual walker.

Lake Garda has huge appeal for both outdoor enthusiasts and visitors who just want to access the stunning landscape and try their hand at a few activities. With charming lakeside resorts, fine cuisine and local wines to boot, this is a holiday experience which covers all the bases.

Catriona Miller is a freelance writer who particularly enjoys the convenience of package holidays. While many like to get off the beaten track, Catriona prefers to take it easy and pay for the majority of her trips in advance. From soaking up the sun on tropical beaches to exploring hidden villages using organised day trips, she loves getting away from the UK weather!

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