165 Search Results for "rural"

• ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA recommends f ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA recommends for customers when riding in Vietnam

  • From: acitvetraveasia
  • Description:

     

    Vietnam is a frontier destination and a motorbike ride on a motorcycle through its rugged mountains is an unparalleled adventure. Be amongst the first to explore a land steeped in natural beauty and rich cultural heritage and experience face-to-the-wind just what this wonderful country has to offer.
    

    Motobiking Vietnam
    Riding in Vietnam is not for the feint of heart. It has the second highest rate of traffic fatalities in the world and is the second most dangerous place on earth for motorcyclists, just after India. There are approximately 40 traffic fatalities per day in the country. The way people ride in Vietnam is very different from yours : no rules! To ensure an authentic taste, make sure to ignore any Traffic Rules you know. This should help to achieve a fine balance between two-wheeled fun, fine roads, beautiful landscapes and complete and utter chaos.
    1. Do and don't
    
    
    These following rules are practical and informal:
    Do:
    
    
    - The traffic looks very crazy at first, but it’s not that bad. It’s like a river and when you are in it you have to flow. First rule is no rules.
    - Larger vehicles have right of way. Avoid anything bigger than you and slow down.
    - Use signal and the most important thing is the horn. People don’t care about the noise of horns.
    - Use both brakes at the same time with more back brake as if you apply more front brake it slips
    - Our guides were born and grow up in Vietnam, so they understand Vietnamese traffic. Follow the guide, ride behind him for safety.
    Do not:
    
    
    - Speed limit in Vietnam is very low (25-80km/h). Don’t break the speed limit.
    - Don’t ride on one wheel (free wheelie).
    - Animals are everywhere in the country or mountain roads. Dogs and chickens are the most then come water buffaloes, cows, pigs and horses…If you kill a dog or a chicken don’t stop, cry and feel sorry, it’s not your fault. Slow down and don’t hit water buffaloes, cows, pigs and horses, simply they are too big!
    - Do not drink and drive.
    Important:
    
    
    - Be careful with spilt oil from trucks and buses at curves on the mountain roads, extremely slippery and we have had at least four small accidents related to this matter.
    - Your guide leads the group and he gives you hand/body language if there are big pot holes, trucks, blind curves or any danger. He can see you in the mirrors and if you want to stop use the signal or simply pull off but be careful with riders behind you. If you got lost, just stop and wait for someone to find you or call us.
    - If the police stop you (this rarely happens), your guide will not come back. He will wait for you, out of sight up the road. Just keep talking English or whatever you want and they’ll soon give up and let you go in less than five minutes.
    - If a bike is technically broken, we will replace with the same type of bike or the next available model.
    2. What to bring:
    
    
    You don’t need to bring everything with you on the trip, pack essential things in a small bag (medium size, max 10kg) and put it on the back of the bike.
    Here are items we suggest for motorcycle touring:
    - Clothing: rain gloves, Wellington boots (rubber boots for rainy season from April to September), summer gloves, balaclava, T-shirts, socks & underwear, long sleeved shirts, turtleneck shirts, extra jeans, a light jacket, leather chaps, zip-lock bags, riding boots, bandannas, sunglasses, goggles, and contact lens solution.
    - Personal items: basic toiletries, emergency cash, sunscreen and earplugs.
    - Emergency items: a first aid kit, emergency contact number, list medical conditions, list medications, a flashlight, chargers and a duct tape.
    - Miscellaneous: a small towel, a bath towel, trash bags, camera and cargo net…and probably some gifts for children.
    3. Group Size
    
    
    

    Motobike Vietnam
    The maximum group size for rides in the north is from 5 to 8 people per group (limited to 6 motorcycles), riders or pillion passengers. This will enhance your experience and ensure a high degree of personal attention. Rides down the Ho Chi Minh Trail, however, can accommodate much larger groups because we use a support vehicle at your request (extra fees applied). Small groups enable us to trek into remote areas with minimal intrusion to the local cultures. Riding in a large convoy with all the inherent complications and delays is just not our way.
    The best group size is from three to four riders, not too many and not too little. More people means more fun but too big a group means less information the guide can provide as he needs to take care of your safety. Our largest group ever was 12 riders but we divided into two groups and two guides came on the trip.
    Recommended Vietnam motorcycling tours by ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA
    - Motorcycling Northwestern Trails
    
    
    Discover Vietnam’s rugged and scenic northwest and its people first hand. By taking to the roads and riding from the capital Hanoito the remote area of the northwest we can see life as it truly is for the Vietnamese. The perfect itinerary and the support crew ensure you get the most out of the trip in terms of comfort, enjoyment and adventure. Along the way we encounter dramatic landscapes and sweeping panoramas as the rural population goes about its business. Highlights include the terraced valleys ofSapa, challenging roads, stunning scenery and many different colorful minority groups.
    Highlights
    Stunning scenery
    Challenging roads
    Stunning Pha Din Pass and Tram Ton Pass
    Terraced valley of Sapa
    Colorful ethnic minorities
    Details program are available here
    - Taste of Ho Chi Minh Trail
    
    
    This trip offers a stunning motorcycling route with great exploration of nature and culture of northern Vietnam. The trip is organized for first time rider and easy adventure.
    Highlight
    Awesome scenery
    Homestay in villages
    Beautiful quiet road
    All inclusive
    Details program are available here
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• Ba Be Lake And National Park P Ba Be Lake And National Park Private Tour (3 Days/ 2 Nights)

  • From: khuongvn
  • Description:

    
    Ba Be National Park is located in north-east Vietnam in an area of hilly and picturesque landscape. Together with diverse ethnic cultures, we experience the intrigue of tribal life in charming villages and seeing their traditions and cultures, explore the riches of the national park and get away from the tourist trail – discover it all on this adventure.

    
    Tour code: BB02
    
    Day 1: Ha Noi - Ba Be Lake (L,D).
    Departing from Hanoi, we embark on a route up into mountain areas north of Hanoi, today we visit (Đền Đuổm ) Duom Temple is majestic temple was built during the Ly dynasty to memorize the national hero Duong Tu Minh, onwards to Ba Be National Park, one of the largest natural lakes in Vietnam, home to many kinds of birds, scenic valleys, towering rocky outcrops, underground river tributaries, a gigantic cave and local ethnic minorities, including the Tay, Red Dao and Hmong.
    Following an exploration of a spectacular cave, we hike around small villages and along the riverfront. The night is spent with a local family in the traditional house of a Tay family to experience their way of life.
    
    
    Day 2: Boat Trip and Easy Trekking  (B, L, D).
    The day begins with a morning trek in the park, we descend into the scenic valley, home of the Tay minority people and encircled by rock formations. In the afternoon we cross the rolling hills and pass Hmong and Red Dao villages.
    
    The scenery is extraordinary, with rural farmland, and rugged mountains jutting out of the tangled jungle growth. We end our day in the same local family for the night.
    
    Day 3: Ba Be Lake - Ha Noi (B, L).
    This is a spectacular boat trip on the lake. We stroll along the riverfront, visit some lovely villages and hike the upper reaches of the lake, in an area marked by massive limestone cliffs and mountains. After lunch in a local restaurant we also pay a visit to the Thai Nguyen Minority and Culture Museum where we can learn something about the culture and traditions of the different minority groups in Vietnam, it is our journey back to Hanoi, arriving there at around 6pm. (Breakfast and lunch are included).
    
    The facts…
    Physical activities:
    
    Hiking and trekking with:
    - a 3-7 km hike on Day 1.
    - a 4-6 km trek on Day 2.
    - a 5-7 km hike on Day 3.
    
    From July to September, the climate is usually humid and hot.
    From October to June brings cooler and more pleasant weather.
    
    Transport:
    - boat.
    - vehicle.

    
    Tour Guides:
    Our experienced and friendly Tour Guide(s) speak excellent English or French.
    They are extremely knowledgeable about local cultures, history and the environment.

    
    Meals:
    - 2 breakfasts.
    - 3 lunches.
    - 2 dinners.
    We choose local ingredients, typical of the way people eat in the area, at local restaurants, markets or homes.
    We also cater for Vegetarians but please request this at time of booking.

    
    Accommodation:
    - home-stay (2 nights).
    A clean and comfortable home-stay with mosquito nets provided.
    
    Tour price: please contact us
    
     
    Tour price includes:
    + Private door-to-door pick-up & -off services.
    + All private transfer and transportation
    + Home-stay with daily breakfast
    + Experienced English or French speaking guide.
    + Private boat trip
    + Meals as stated in the itinerary (B: Breakfast ; L: Lunch ; D: Dinner)
    + All sightseeing tickets.
    + No extra charge after confirmation
    + 24/7 hotline support guaranteed
    
    Tour price excludes:
    + Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
    + Travel insurance
    + Beverage
    + Other services not mentioned above.
    
    What to take:
    + Pack essentials, including light comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activities, comfortable walking shoes. Take a small day pack for hiking and trekking.
    + It is essential to bring your passport on this trip. We also recommend packing: insect repellent, sun cream, raincoat and sun hat...

     

     

    For further information, don’t hesitate to contact us:.

    Hotline:

    (+84) 1676 161 008

    Email:sales@thebtourist.com

    Website:

    www.babenationalpark.com.vn

    www.thebtourist.com

     

     

     

    THE B-TOURIST TOURISM SERVICE AND TRADING COMPANY LIMITED

     

    Head office: No. 03, Lane 150/141, Giap Nhi Street, Thinh Liet  Ward, Hoang Mai District, Hanoi, Vietnam

    Tel: (+84) 4 3 6425 420

    Fax: (+84)4 3 6425 421

    Email:info@thebtourist.com

    Website: http://thebtourist.com 

     

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• Morven Park at Christmas Morven Park at Christmas

  • From: mswag2nh
  • Description:

    Morven Park, Leesburg, VA.  It's all at the park . . . Morven Park!

    Historic House, Carriage Museum, and Equestion/Sports Fields in Leesburg, VA.  Great Christmas display, complete with a huge Christmas tree inside.

  • 5 months ago
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• Vietnam is home to some of the Vietnam is home to some of the best spots in the world for adventure travel

  • From: acitvetraveasia
  • Description:

    Imagine a country where the major cities are dynamic but not polluted, the people are genuinely friendly and the rural areas are still unspoilt?  Vietnam with unique climate, fascinating history, stunning coastal getaways, majestic mountains and tempting food is definitely the country for you !

    Your first stop is Ha Noi, the city with the history of roughly 1,000 years. Must see destination is the Old Quarter which eventually retains most of its ancient charm since French colonial period. Let’s enjoy the quite time with a cup of Vietnamese iced coffee in a very unique way which is served on the balcony of the coffee shop and be prepared for up-coming challenge!

    Leaving the major city, cycling routes across the Karst plateau of Ha Giang will amazed you. The route is very tough and tricky, and the mountain pathways are almost vertical in places. The landscape and natural conditions across the 1,600m above sea level area offer the perfect conditions for memorable experiences. 

    Different from classical travelling tour, you will experience it in an untypical way. Local cuisine will astonish you! Ethnic men are also willing to teach you cooking their special food. As for accommodation, you will surely love to stay with a local family on their colorful tribes. To pass through place to place, you are going to do as a local person on your own foot or bikes. Be reminded that the area’s landscape is Karst plateau with numerous limestone mountains!

    Remote track can’t pass through mountains so that you will have to cross 45-km- pathway to Viet Nam yourselves by cycling. With the emergency backup for water, lunch and first-aid, you will ride through secluded valleys, verdant hills, hidden waterfall and switchbacks, which flows seamlessly into some sinuous riverside single track making for fantastic riding. Eventually emerge onto rough tarmac and climb before finally dropping down again to the hot springs of Viet Nam, where you can ease our aching muscles. 

    Not for everyone, not forever

    From the madness of Hanoi to the untamed beauty of Ha Giang -- each of our destinations offered a unique glimpse into Vietnamese culture. It's not for everyone, but for those willing to brave the unknown, the country is ripe with untapped adventures.

    Hurry though. Sprawling resorts are popping up, and the booming tourism business has many young people learning how to cater to the nuances of Western culture more often than celebrating their own. Vietnam is a country on the cusp. In another decade, it may be a cookie-cutter tourist oasis. But for now, the spirit of Vietnam remains.

    About ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA:

    ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA (ATA) offers a wide selection of Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia adventure tours, including hiking and trekking, biking, motorcycling, kayaking, overland touring and family travel packages. For more information, please contact us for tailoring your very own tour via :

     

    ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA (ATA)

    Telephone: +844 3573 8569

    Fax:  +844 3573 8570

    Email: info@activetravel.asia

    Website:     http://www.activetravelvietnam.com      http://www.activetravelcambodia.com

    http://www.activetravellaos.com

    Address: Floor 12 Building 45 Nguyen Son Street, Long Bien district, Hanoi, Vietnam.

     

    ACTIVE TRAVEL SHOP

    Telephone: + 84- 9798- 00588.

    Email:shop@activetravelshop.com

    Website: http://www.activetravelshop.com

    Address:No 9 Hang Buom Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Viet Nam. 

    http://www.activetravelvietnam.com/tour.php?op=detail&tourId=20 

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• 11 Days Experience China Tour 11 Days Experience China Tour to Beijing-Xian-Guilin-Shanghai

  • From: topchinatravel
  • Description:

    Day 1

    Arrival Beijing
    Arrive in Beijing, the capital city of China. Be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Free at leisure for the rest of the day.
    Meals: No Meals 
    Accommodation: In Beijing
    
    Beijing, China capital and one of the great travel destinations of the World, offers sights and cultural relics found no where else on Earth. The city has a character all its own; there are quadrangles, small alleys, tricycle, boiled mutton, roasted duck, arts and crafts, Peking Opera, The Great Wall, the 2008 Olympics venue and a vibrancy that is the distinctive flavor of Beijing.
     

    Day 2

    Beijing
    Depart from your hotel in the morning to visit Tiananmen Square, the World largest urban square and the Forbidden City, the largest and most complete ancient imperial palace in the world. Then visit the Temple of Heaven in the afternoon. Peking Opera is available for your optional night entertainment.
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
    Accommodation: In Beijing
    
    As the biggest city center square in the world, Tiananmen Square covering 44 hectares in the heart of Beijing. It is the place where history-changing events and ceremonies occurred. A few steps away, come to visit the Forbidden City, which was the Imperial Palace for 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing Dynasties and, it is one of the largest, and certainly the most completely restored, ancient architectural complex in the world. Walk in the footsteps of Emperors; come to the museum and see with your eyes, and feel with your hearts; you'll begin understand what life in this richest of feudal realms was like for the Imperial Rulers, their concubines and their slaves.
    
    After enjoying a delicious lunch, continue on to the Temple of Heaven. Departing from the Imperial vermilion and gold hues of the Forbidden City, The Temple of Heaven is decorated in blue, the color of the Heavens. The perfect harmony between the architectural environment and nature can be felt here; you might easily imagine the vivid spectacle of a great sacrifice to the Heavens for a good harvest. The magnificent Hall of Prayer of Good Harvest is one of the most important and impressive building in China.
    
    In the evening, we offer you an opportunity to enjoy Peking Opera as an optional activity. Expert performers convey powerful emotions to the audience through song, dance, facial make-up, exquisite masks and costume, skilled use of body language and sympathetically integrated musical accompaniment.
     

    Day 3

    Beijing
    Today you will have the opportunity to traverse the ancient steps of Mutianyu Section of the Great Wall first, then Ming Tombs (Changling Tomb), the once lavish burial chambers of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty. Peking Roasted Duck is available for your optional dinner.
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
    Accommodation: In Beijing
    
    Mutianyu Great Wall was first built in the mid-6th century during the Northern Qi, making it older than the Badaling section.  It is connected with Jiankou in the west and Lianhuachi and Jinshanling in the east. In 1569, the Mutianyu Great Wall was rebuilt, mainly with granite and is one of the best-preserved sections with the largest construction scale and best quality among all sections of Great Wall, being 7-8 meters high and 4-5 meters wide with 22 watchtowers on this 2,250-meter-long section. It served as the northern barrier defending the capital and the imperial tombs.
    
    Then, you will have chance to visit the Ming Tombs which located in the northern suburbs of Beijing. Altogether there are thirteen tombs of Ming Dynasty Emperors from the period after the capital was moved from Nanjing to Beijing. You visit the Changling Tomb, burial site of Emperor Yong Le, the biggest and first built at this historic site. The Lingsi Palace in Changling Tomb's second yard really deserves a visit. This is unique, a magnificent palace made of camphor wood. The ceiling is colorfully painted and supported by sixteen solid camphor posts. The floor is decorated with gold bricks.
    
    For today dinner, how about taste the famous Peking Roasted Duck, as it is the best-known dish in Beijing. It is very tender and unforgettably delicious. You will visit a local restaurant to enjoy a full meal and learn the proper way to experience Peking Roasted Duck. From the whole roasted duck to the soup of duck bones, you will enjoy a banquet made from every part of the duck. Moreover, the chef will demonstrate his skill of cutting the skin of the duck for your entertainment.
     

    Day 4

    Beijing    Xian
    In the morning, take a Hutong Tour by rickshaw to visit the ancient lanes and alleyways of Beijing. Be transferred to the airport for the flight to Xian in the afternoon.
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
    Accommodation: In Xian
    
    If exploring the Forbidden City has improved your understanding of the lifestyles of China ancient Imperial Court, then this relaxing Hutong Tour will give you an insight into the lives of ordinary Chinese people and reveal their social culture in today Beijing City. The narrow streets of old Beijing are known as Hutongs. You will take a pedicab tour along the Hutongs and see the 100-year-old houses, courtyards and a vanishing way of life in today's Beijing.
    
    Wonderful time always passes so quickly, in the afternoon, you have to take a flight to Xian, the city that steeped in history and still giving up secrets, is your gateway to ancient Chinese civilization. In its 3,100 recorded years of evolution, it has been home to 13 dynasties. Xian was also the end of civilization for those setting out on the famous Silk Road. Today Xian is a vibrant, modern city, but surrounded by history, even underfoot! So there can be no underground railways due to the obligation to preserve the wealth of ancient treasure still awaiting discovery.
     

    Day 5

    Xian
    Enjoy your full day visit to the Terracotta Warriors, one of the world most important archaeological finds, with troops, horses and carriages in battle formation and the massive City Wall. Before dinner, have a nice walk in the North Square to view the fully illuminated Big Wild Goose Pagoda. There is also the option to attend fantastic Tang Dynasty Show (dinner included).
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
    Accommodation: In Xian
    
    As an ancient capital city to 13 dynasties, Xian has a rich recorded history, frequently enhanced by the evidence of new discoveries, like the 1974 unearthing of the fabulous Terracotta Warriors, the long forgotten army created to guard Emperor Qin Shihuang's tomb. In accordance with ancient beliefs, this grand project was mounted at enormous cost by the cruel and tyrannical Emperor, only to be attacked, plundered, burnt and buried after his funeral by the peasants who'd labored under the whip to build it. Then, over two thousand years later, this 'Eighth Wonder of the World' was rediscovered by farmers digging a well. The fine troops, horses and carriages in battle formation are a National ancient art treasure. Three excavation pits are now opened to the public and a fourth is nearing completion. You can, like US President Clinton, now gaze in wonder upon this historic site, listed by UNESCO in 1987 as a world cultural heritage.
    
    The first landmark visitors will encounter in Xian is the ancient City Wall, which stretches round the old city. Xian was always a walled city, and today wall represents one of the oldest and best preserved Chinese city walls, as well being one of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world. The first city wall of Chang'an was begun in 194 BCE. The existing wall was started during the Ming Dynasty in 1370; it is massive, measuring 13.7 km in circumference, 12 m in height, and 15–18 m in thickness at the base. The South Gate and North Gate are the two main entrances to the inner city. The city itself is neatly arranged along the city wall. This impressive structure is just a precursor to the remarkable discoveries awaiting visitors to Xian. 
    
    The Big Wild Goose Pagoda was built in 652 during the Tang Dynasty and originally had five stories, although the structure was rebuilt in 704 during the reign of Empress Wu Zetian and its exterior brick facade renovated during the Ming Dynasty. One of the pagoda's many functions was to hold sutras and figurines of the Buddha that were brought to China from India by the Buddhist translator and travelers Xuanzang. Now this well-preserved holy place for Buddhist has been the symbol of Xian. 
    
    Tang Dynasty Show with Dinner that was created for "emperors only" in ancient China. You can enjoy the sumptuous dinner while watching a fabulous dancing and singing performance of the Tang Dynasty. This is not only a performance of Chinese traditional dancing and singing, but a re-enactment of Chinese ancient ceremony and culture.
     

    Day 6

    Xian    Guilin
    Finish up your Xian tour by visiting the famous Shaanxi History Museum. After lunch, you will be transferred to the airport to board a short flight to Guilin.
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
    Accommodation: In Guilin
    
    As the regional capital and doorway to the Silk Road, Xian was one of the richest, most well-protected cities in all of China. The famous Shaanxi History Museum introduces the visitor to area rich culture, from Emperor Qin Shihuang to the present day in this walled city. The museum is house in a striking Tang Dynasty-style pavilion and features an enormous collection of 113,000 historic and cultural relics. This is where you experience history, with chronological dynasties exhibits that take you through the ancient dynasties.
    
    After the tour in Xian, you will have a different experience for the visiting in Guilin, which is famous for its serene landscape, Karst limestone formations, mist-covered hills and bamboo groves. It is home to more than ten ethnic groups. On the way from the airport to your hotel, you will find dozens of pretty hills everywhere in the city of Guilin. It is a city of hills and green trees and boasts one of the most photographed areas of China.
     

    Day 7

    Guilin      Yangshuo
    In the morning you will be driven to the Pier for the Li River Cruise (about 4 hours, lunch served on board). Savour the fairy-tale scenery while cruising down the meandering river to Yangshuo. After disembarkation, have a walk along the famous West Street. In the evening you can enjoy the optional night show of Impression of Liu Sanjie.
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
    Accommodation: In Yangshuo
    
    In the morning, be driven to Pier for your Li River Cruise. A double-decker river boat is waiting for you. The landscape from Guilin to Yangshuo is truly a masterpiece of nature. The crystal waters, straight-out-of-a-painting mountains, peaceful farm fields, hard-working-but- ever-smiling fishermen and wandering water buffaloes inspire poetic musings of Guilin charming life. Under the blue sky, your river boat transports you in an unending daydream.
    
    You will end up your cruise in Yangshuo, is a small oriental but Western-influenced town with a history of 1000 years. The West Street in the town earns its name since almost every one in West Street can speak fluent English and every restaurant or bar offers menus in several languages. You will feel no borders or distance here and will soon fall under the spell of this charismatic, welcoming small-town atmosphere. Moreover, West Street is flanked by fascinating little shops and vendor stands selling a broad variety of superior quality souvenirs, perfect gifts for friends and relatives. West Streets charms increase when night comes; countless bars, cafés and bistros open till midnight with dynamic music and live bands to ensure you can have a really memorable night with your new-found friends.
    
    Some guests may also hear about the night show- Impressions of Liu Sanjie performance. The site is only one mile from West Street in the world's largest natural theatre which utilizes the waters of the Li River as its stage, flanked by twelve mist shrouded hills and the heavens as its backdrop. Mist, rain, moonlight, the hills and their inverted reflections in the river all become the ever-changing natural background, so you will enjoy a unique experience each time you attend. In the 'Impressions of Liu Sanjie', you will be presented with stylized scenes and events from the daily life of the Zhuang people living around the Li River. From these pageants, you will gain a realistic sense of Sanjie's birthplace and appreciate the beauty of the folk songs. If you are able to take photographs under low-light conditions, you are assured of some stunning images from this performance.
     

    Day 8

    Yangshuo    Guilin
    In the morning, have an excursion (if you are interested, can have a biking) around the countryside of Yangshuo to admire some of the most stunning scenery like the Moon Hill and the Big Banyan Tree. Drive back to Guilin after lunch
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
    Accommodation: In Guilin
    
    Yangshuo's scenic and quiet countryside- flora, fauna, rice paddies, small bridges and so many awaits you to see. Taking mini van or bicycle is an ideal way. Besides the beautiful rural scenery, you can also enjoy farm food and explore the ancient way of planting rice, which has been practiced by Chinese for thousands of years. 

    Day 9

    Guilin    Shanghai
    Before flight to Shanghai, you will have a half day city tour to Elephant Trunk Hill, the symbol of Guilin City and then the colorful Reed Flute Cave, the showcase of distinctly-colored stalactites and stalagmites. After lunch, be transferred to Shanghai in the afternoon by air.
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
    Accommodation: In Shanghai
    
    Return to the city center for the next tour attraction, pagoda-capped Elephant Trunk Hill, or Xiangbishan, the symbol of Guilin. Observed from a distance, you will see an elephant-like form standing majestically at the confluence of the Li and Yang Rivers, with its trunk arching into the clear waters, a fantasy elephant eternally quenching a gargantuan thirst; lifelike in shape and energetic in posture.
    
    Reed Flute Cave is named for the special reeds, used for making flute instruments that grow near the cave entrance. The caves are a feast for the eyes. The natural beauty of a profusion of stalactites and stalagmites, stele, stone pillars, stone curtains and stone flowers creating an infinite variety of extraordinary scenes, creatively illuminated, is bound to evoke gasps of admiration. It is fitting then, that Reed Flute Cave is commonly praised as Nature's Grand Art Palace.
    
    Wonderful time always passes so quickly, in the afternoon, you have to take a flight to Shanghai. From scenic place Guilin to that modern city, you have a lot to expect. It is the bustling economic heartbeat of China that enjoys all of the comforts and amenities of a fully modern metropolis. But at the same time, it still has scenic ancient sites reminding the rich history of old Shanghai
     

    Day 10

    Shanghai
    Today, enjoy your full day city tour that start with the visit to the Jade Buddha Temple, then move to Yuyuan Garden, a Chinese classic garden in city downtown, and the nearby old street. Next have a bird-eye view of the city after ascending Oriental Pearl TV Tower, which is the third tallest TV and radio tower in the World. The highlight of the day is perhaps the stroll along Shanghai's famed waterfront promenade, the Bund, to admire the illuminated buildings lining the Huangpu River.
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
    Accommodation: In Shanghai
    
    Today you'll find a Buddhism shrine - Jade Buddha Temple, which is located in a crowd of Shanghai City. It was first built in 1882 in Jiangwan on the southern outskirts of Shanghai. In order to make it convenient for the adherents to visit, it was bodily moved to Shanghai City at the present sire in 1918. It is named for its two bejeweled white jade Buddha. It receives thousands of visitors and worshipers everyday while keeps its sanctity and charming. Carved from a whole piece of white jade, the sitting jade Buddha statue is translucent with a solemn expression, displaying the excellent skill and extraordinary art of Chinese people.
    
    Yuyuan Garden has a lot of stories for it was severely damaged in the 19th century and was restored in 1961. This garden was first built in the 16th century by provincial governor, Pan Yunduan, in honor of his father who was the then government minister. It has many scenic courtyards decorated with baroque rockery, pools, and flora that are all connected by corridors and passageways. The delicate design and exquisite layout of the whole garden reveals a strong impression of 'garden in the garden, whole in the part.
    
    Completed in 1995 to a highly innovative design, Shanghai Oriental Pearl TV Tower has become a symbol of excellence in architecture and is a favourite sight for tourists in Shanghai. At 468 meters, it is the third tallest TV and radio tower in the World.
    
    The tower is composed of the tower base with three batter posts, and three standing pillars, within which are elevators, holding 11 steel-structures creates the poetic conception as described in the old line "large and small pearls dropping onto a jade plate".
    
    The Bund is the showcase with the old buildings of colonial-era leftover along Huangpu River. The renowned waterfront district is the city's most famous landmark. The word BUND is of Anglo-India origin meaning embankment on the waterfront. It is also the popular site to enjoy the night view of the city
     

    Day 11

    Departure Shanghai
    Your China Experience is over all too soon as you transfer to the airport and board the homebound international flight, bidding a fond farewell to this ancient land.
    Meals: Breakfast
    
    Service Ends

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  • 7 months ago
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• Floor to Ceiling Color Floor to Ceiling Color

  • From: njk1951
  • Description:

    Layers of late autumn color and texture in rural southwestern Pennsylvania.

  • 8 months ago
  • Views: 269
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• Winter Sunset Light Winter Sunset Light

  • From: dbrown1793
  • Description:

    This photo was taken just as sunset light was breaking through the clouds of a passing snow squall. The location is Shelburne, Massachusetts, a lovely rural community in the Berkshires whose claim to fame is that comedian Bill Cosby owns a home there. Nearby is the quaint tourist draw of Shelburne Falls who boasts the Bridge of Flowers and the Glacial Potholes.

  • 8 months ago
  • Views: 874

• Pumpkin Patch Pumpkin Patch

  • From: jfenson
  • Description:

    Pumpkins are the epitomy of Fall.  This patch is in rural Ohio.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • 9 months ago
  • Views: 885
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• Classic Maine View Classic Maine View

  • From: spurdog
  • Description:

    One of the many fantastic views to be had in rural Maine.

  • 9 months ago
  • Views: 783
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• Trekking in Nepal Trekking in Nepal

  • From: asiantreks
  • Description:

    The Himalayan of Nepal is well known as one of the best destinations in the world for enjoying the real beauty of nature through trekking. The trail in to the center parts of the country follows ancient footprint, which meander through scenic riverbanks, intricately terraced fields and the forested ridges connecting charming rural community and mountain villages. Trekkers can walk along the rough but beautiful trails or virgin tracks in the lap of green and friendly looking hills. The Rhododendron-filled, Green, Dark and Deep forests with different seasonal flowers blossoming can catch anyone's eye as can the scattered residential cottages, domestic and forest animals, variety of birds, both Hindus and Buddhist temples, mountains, breathtaking landscape, and above all warm greetings from charming faces of the local people. The highly developed and well-defined trails have been used for centuries. Trekking in Nepal is an all season activity. It is possible at any time of the year depending on where one wishes to go. However, the most popular season is spring (February-May) and autumn (September-November). Even during the monsoon season (June-August), you can trek in the rain-shadow areas north of the Himalayan like Mustang, Upper Manang and Dolpo.  

     

    
    

  • Blog post
  • 10 months ago
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• Claude Monet's home in Giverny Claude Monet's home in Giverny, France

  • From: hjafar
  • Description:

    Claude Monet lived in his home at Giverny for forty-three years, from 1883 to 1926. During this very long time, he layed out the house to his own tastes, adapting it to the needs of his family and professional life.

    At the beginning, the house called House of the Cider-Press (an apple-press located on the little square nearby gave its name to the quarter) was much smaller. Monet enlarged it on both sides. The house is now 40 meter long per 5 meter deep only. 

    The barn next to the house became his first studio, thanks to the addition of a wooden floor and of stairs leading to the main house. Monet, who mostly painted in the open air, needed a place where to store and finish his canvases.

    Above the studio, Monet had his own apartment, a large bedroom and a bathroom. The left side of the house was his side, where he could work and sleep. 

  • 10 months ago
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• French village on the bank of French village on the bank of Seine River

  • From: hjafar
  • Description:

    La Roche-Guyon is a French village in the Val-d'Oise department in Île-de-France in northern France. The present of Chateau de la Roche-Guyon, which was built in the 12th century, controlling a river crossing of theSeine, itself one of the routes to and from Normandy. 

  • 10 months ago
  • Views: 840
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• Traditional farm house in Zaan Traditional farm house in Zaanse Schans, Holland

  • From: hjafar
  • Description:

    The Zaanse Schans on the bank of River Zaan in North Holland has a collection of authentic 17th and 18th century green and white painted wooden houses, ancient windmills and warehouses.

  • 10 months ago
  • Views: 663

• Rural Jamaican Road Rural Jamaican Road

  • From: isthatitsme
  • Description:

    Rural road leading to a local farm in rural Jamaica, December 2011

  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 337
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• bschenck

  • Points:652
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  • Since: 1 year ago
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• Halong is magical no matter th Halong is magical no matter the weather

  • From: indochinasails
  • Description:
    I’ve been haunted by Halong Bay for years. This beautiful spot on the north coast of Vietnam screams ‘dream holiday’ from every photo, with its famous blue skies, clear seas and towering limestone columns.
    We ignored the hundreds of touts offering organized tours and arranged an independent trip from Hanoi. Our reward was a personalized, cheap and flexible weekend, minus the crowds.
    
    Transport was easy to arrange. We bought a local bus-boat-bus combination ticket from Hanoi’s Luong Yen Bus Terminal to Cat Ba Island. To return, we organized a speedboat and bus trip which took us directly to Ninh Binh. Our bumpy bus rides passed beautiful rural scenes and we felt like pirate explorers when our boat approached Cat Ba Island - the first views of around 1,600 islands and islets are dreamlike.
    Budget accommodation was readily available on the sea front and our evenings were spent exploring the many restaurants which sell delicious sea food and Vietnamese dishes at low prices.
    On our first day we hired scooters and traversed the length of Cat Ba Island. We stopped off at the national park and went hiking for hours, listening to the call of monkeys and tropical birds. At sunset we went to the public beach - a glistening expanse of white sand and turquoise waters.
    The second day was water based, with a boat tour round the islands by a local fisherman. We stopped off at a floating village to marvel at life-lived-on-water and share some rice wine with fishermen.
    Did I mention the weather? Sadly, it being January, there were no blue skies and not a drop of sunshine. Testament to the wonder of the place, the poor weather did not detract from our experience. Whatever the conditions, Halong Bay is one of the most beautiful places on earth to visit.
    Source: thesaigontimes
    Supported by Indochina Sails - The most luxury and safest cruises in Halong Bay

    INDOCHINA SAILS

    Hanoi Office

    Add: 27 – A6 – Dam Trau Quarter – Hai Ba Trung District – Hanoi – Vietnam

    Tel: +84 – 4- 39842362

    Fax: +84 – 4 – 39844150

    Email: info@indochinasails.com

    Website: www.indochinasails.com
  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
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• Desert Safari of Rajasthan: A Desert Safari of Rajasthan: A Large Flow of Tourists Attraction

  • From: rajasthantourbooking
  • Description:

    Rajasthan is one of the loveliest tours and travel destination in India.Viewed as having every necessary holiday destination, Rajasthan is a one come to a halt destination for the tourists are it children, youngster and years. The exciting atmosphere, enforcing marvels and colored experiences make this aparagon getaway for holidays, patterns and also guided tours.Rajasthan Travel assures a large number of foreign and inbound tourists to a large point and this year has been no unlike. They are also famous for the 6 nights and 7 days on Rajasthan tour attraction destination of India.
    
    Rajasthan has been anapproval for India as far as tourism point is pertained. Rajasthan tour packages have been in great requirement among the foreign traveler and have always obtained a positive response from the traveler. The fairs, festivals, jungle safari, forts and palaces, heritage hotels, etc. are important scenes of Rajasthan. If you thought Rajasthan is all about forts and festivals, then there is also other important distant view of a wide area to it.
    
    The Camel or Desert safari is an important component of holiday in Rajasthan. The camel safari among the golden sands of Rajasthan is an outing of a lifetime. The Camel Safari Tour takes you through the remote villages of to get close and personal with the rural lifestyle and culture. The Rajasthan Hotels have seen a wonderful growth in terms of spending and large flow of tourists.
    
    For further information contact Go Heritage India Journeys. We will assistance you throughout your journey to enjoy holidays experienced.

  • Blog post
  • 2 years ago
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• Moss Glenn Falls Moss Glenn Falls

  • From: woobiecat1
  • Description:

    Moss Glenn Falls, right by the roadside, in rural Vermont.

  • 2 years ago
  • Views: 460

• Rural Northern India Rural Northern India

  • From: jpcool
  • Description:
  • 2 years ago
  • Views: 207

• My Russian Trip My Russian Trip

  • From: hbwoods
  • Description:

    My sister and I booked our Russian river cruise through a company called Travel-All-Russia. We picked this company because of their reasonable rates and the fact that they were the only company that seems to process Visa applications with the Russian Consulate and include the processing fees in the price. All the other companies we checked only provided a letter of invitation which is needed with the application. We left the US on September 5, 2011 and arrived in Moscow on September 6^th. A driver met us at the airport and took us directly to the ship we were sailing on. The first day was just getting settled on the ship and resting from our flight. At the docks was a small park with some food vendors that we walked around to see.

    On our second day we took a tour of the Moscow Kremlin. My sister and I marveled at the fact that 20 years ago we would have never thought just a regular American tourist would be standing in the middle of the Kremlin. It was amazing. We walked around the outside of the Kremlin also and came across a guarded memorial to the dead from the Great War (WWII) and observed the changing of the guard. That night we were offered optional tours of Moscow by Night or a tour of the subway system. Although we took neither optional tour we did see Red Square at night and traveled on our own through the subway system. The subway stations are a work of art all on their own. When built the Soviets wanted to build a beautiful place for the common man and since workers used the subways every day to go to and from work it was decided that these stations would be a beautiful pleasant experience.

    The third day we took an optional tour to Sergiev Posad (St Sergius Monastery). The ride through the country-side gave us a glimpse of rural living which didn’t seem any different than any place else in Europe. The Monastery was beautiful and we were able to witness a Russian Orthodox service. I found it interesting that Russian Orthodox churches don’t have pews or seating and the stand throughout the entire service. I was told it is because they are there to serve God not there to be comfortable. This evening we left the docks and were headed north towards St Petersburg.

    At this point I have to tell you that the crew and service staff on the ship (MS Chernishevskiy) were simply marvelous. The food was fantastic and you were just made to feel like you were at home the whole trip.

    Our first stop on the journey was in the village of Uglich. In 1591, 10 year old Prince Dmitry was murdered here by Boris Godunov before Godunov claimed the throne of Russia. Then Godunov was himself murdered. The Church of St. Dmitry-on-Blood stands on the location of the 10 year olds murder. The icons in the church depict the story of this tragedy. While in Uglich there are some shops that sell Russian made watches at very reasonable prices and make great gifts for people at home.

    The next stop was in Yaroslavl the site of the first Russian Theater. We learned upon our arrival that a couple of days earlier a plane had crashed nearby and killed the whole hockey team from this town. It was a national and local tragedy that affected the whole town. The day we arrived was the day of the funeral. Despite the sadness the town was feeling, they still made us feel very welcome and showed us the sites of the town. Our guide told us that in the 1970’s during the Soviet era, the local theater put on a production of “Jesus Christ Superstar” but had to call it something different. He said they had a sold out crowd every night and that the patrons sang, in English, along with the cast. About two weeks later the “Party” found out what the production really was they shut it down. Yaroslavl is where I was introduced to Smokey Cheese. It is wonderful and is kind of the string cheese of Russia. It comes in a braded knot and you just pull off pieces to eat. About a ½ pound knot cost me the equivalent of about $1.20.

     Goritsy was our next stop and is the home to Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery which was built in 1397. We toured the Monastery which included St. Cyril-on-the-White-Lake and a museum of icons. This is a working Monastery and school. Just walking around the grounds was beautiful. Outside the Monastery there was a gentleman selling jars of honey from the back of his vehicle. He had several different flavors and let me taste them all before deciding on which I would purchase.

    Kizhi Island on Lake Onega was our next stop. The massive Transfiguration Church with its 22 onion domes can be seen way before you get to the island. The island has been made into a museum of sorts of wooden buildings after the Bolsheviks moved the church to the island so it could not be easily accessed or used.  We were treated to one of the guides playing the bells in the bell tower of a smaller church on the island.

    Mandrogi was our last stop before reaching St. Petersburg. This village was built by a company that wanted to show hand-made crafts being made and how buildings used to look long ago. There were picnic pavilions on the grounds where our ship’s chefs and wait staff fed us a traditional Russian picnic lunch called Shashlik.

    Our last stop with three days still left on the ship was St Petersburg.   It is a very beautiful city with lots of canals and boat traffic. On our first day in the city we started our tour with a stop at the Church of our Savior on Spilled Blood which was erected in honor of Alexander II after his assassination. The interesting thing about this church is that the pictures are all done in mosaic instead of paints.

    Peter and Paul Fortress was next. It was designed to defend the city from naval attacks but was used as a political prison by the tsarist regime and as a museum during the Soviet era. The fortress now stands as the tomb for the Russian Imperial Family.

    We then stopped at St. Isaac’s Cathedral which is now a museum. It is very impressive because of its rich decorations, and gigantic golden cupolas.

    In the afternoon we made it to the Hermitage Museum housed in the Winter Palace of Catherine the Great. The palace itself was amazing but the artwork was something else. We were treated to Rembrandt, DaVinci, and so much more. They say that if you spent 3 minutes by each exhibit in the Hermitage it would take three years to see everything.

    Our second day in St Petersburg was a free day. A friend, who we met on the ship, my sister and I walked around the town most of the day going into places we had seen on the driving tour. It was an enjoyable time to leisurely see the sites we wanted to go back to. The subway system was as easy to use in St. Petersburg as in Moscow. There were optional tours this evening for Catherine’s Summer Palace or St Petersburg by night.

    Our last day in St Petersburg was spent at Peterhof Palace on the banks of the Gulf of Finland. Peterhof was the official summer residence of the Russian Tsars. The fountain park was just fantastic. All the fountains are gravity fed from a spring and travel down to the Gulf from one to the next. Even without pumps, the fountains shot up into the air to give a spectacular display.

    On our last morning we had to say goodbye to new friends as they headed out to the airport to go home. My sister and I were the only ones to stay in Russia an extra couple of days. We headed out to the train station headed for Moscow. We booked our tickets ahead of time and only had to use our passports as our tickets. We took the bullet train which got us back to Moscow in 4 ½ hours. We were picked up at the train station and taken to our hotel. We stayed in the Novotel Moscow Centre. We also booked that room over the internet and got a price (including full breakfast) for a third of their regular rates. The room was clean and located right behind one of the subway stations. We could get anywhere from there. We walked around the hotel area that evening to the shops and neighborhoods. We heard some bells being played and went to investigate. About a block off the main street was a church and a woman was playing the bells in the church’s bell tower. It lasted about 15 minutes and was a splendid display of music. That night we found a restaurant right across the street from the hotel that had English speaking waitresses. It was the best beef stroganoff I think I have ever had. Our last full day in Moscow was spend locating souvenirs to bring home, taking more pictures (968 in all) and seeing sights more up close than a few days earlier when we arrived in Moscow.

    All in all, it was a wonderful trip that I would recommend to anyone.   

  • Blog post
  • 2 years ago
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