Ninh Binh is sometimes referred to as “Halong Bay on land,” since its landscape is dotted with limestone mountains that are also found in Halong Bay. When visiting Ninh Binh and its towns of Tam Coc and Trang An, the main attractions are the nature and historical temples.

This Ninh Binh two-day itinerary highlights the places and activities that are a must when visiting. Each day features three to four things to do, although you don’t have to get to all of them if you prefer to travel at a more relaxed pace. You’ll also find a map below that marks the location of everything mentioned in the itinerary. Whether you decide to follow this itinerary exactly or customize it, you’ll have a great time exploring all that Ninh Binh has to offer.

Day 1

Rent a motorbike or bicycle

In order to fully take advantage of your two days in Ninh Binh, you’ll need some mode of transportation. The best way to get around is either by driving a motorbike or biking. Ninh Binh’s main attractions are all located fairly close together, so it’s not a problem if you don’t know how to drive a scooter. Plus, the roads are flat and there’s not much traffic. Seeing Ninh Binh by bicycle will just take a bit more time and physical effort.

If you’re staying in Tam Coc or Trang An, there are several places to rent a scooter or bicycle. Your accommodation may even offer rentals.

Hannah Bike Rental, Motorbike Rental Ha Tien, Tam Coc Motorbike Rental Center, and Ninh Binh Motorbike are all highly-rated motorbike rental places that are located in the center of Tam Coc or nearby. Ninh Binh Bicycle Rental and Mr Phong Bike Rental & Coffee offer bicycle rentals in Tam Coc.

Take the Trang An or Tam Coc boat ride

After renting your scooter or bicycle, your first destination is either the Trang An or Tam Coc boat ride. Both of them are very popular, which is why you want to get there early in the day. (Alternatively, the boat rides are lovely at sunset if you don’t mind more people.) The Tam Coc boat ride is right in the center of Tam Coc town, while it’ll take you about 10 to 15 minutes by motorbike to reach the Trang An boat ride.

Both boat rides will take you through the rivers and caves of Ninh Binh. The Trang An boat ride also includes temples, where you can hop off the boat in order to visit the temple.

The Tam Coc boat ride is shorter than the Trang An one and less organized, but you can’t go wrong with either since they’re both great ways to experience the beauty of Ninh Binh.

Get lunch in Trang An or Tam Coc

If you want to have lunch in Tam Coc, check out my list of some of the best restaurants in Tam Coc and Ninh Binh for ideas on where to eat. Some of my favorites from this list are Ngoc Linh Restaurant, Banh mi Hanoi, and NGON Vegan Restaurant.

As your first proper meal in Ninh Binh, this is also a good opportunity to try some of the local foods that Ninh Binh is known for, like goat meat or rice crust (cơm cháy).

Step back in time at Bich Dong Pagoda

Although Bich Dong Pagoda isn’t large, it was my favorite temple/pagoda that I visited in Ninh Binh. The pagoda is set against a beautiful backdrop, as it’s surrounded by limestone mountains, trees, and water. It’s also conveniently close to the town of Tam Coc. In fact, you can even walk to it.

It’s free to enter the pagoda, although you’ll need to pay a small fee to park your motorbike/bicycle. You can avoid this fee by either going toward the end of the day or by parking on the side of the road before you reach the pagoda and then walking the rest of the way.

Climb up to the Hang Mua viewpoint

Hang Mua viewpoint is a scenic place to catch sunset, as you’ll climb up 500 stairs to the top. If you’re visiting Ninh Binh when it’s hot, you may want to visit Hang Mua early in the day instead. There isn’t any shade on the way up, so it’ll be more comfortable if you go in the morning.

Although the viewpoint is the main attraction at Hang Mua, you can also visit the Mua Caves. The small park at the base of the viewpoint is well taken care of and decorated, making it a nice place to take photos and sit.

Day 2

Wander around Bai Dinh Pagoda

Start your second day in Ninh Binh by driving or biking to Bai Dinh Pagoda, which is a complex that contains several temples, pagodas, and Buddhist statues. In addition to the admission fee, you can pay extra to take the electric shuttle and save yourself some steps. Since the place is huge, expect to spend around three hours there if you want to see everything.

Get lunch nearby

After several hours of walking around, make a stop for lunch to fuel up before your afternoon adventures. Since Bai Dinh Pagoda is a major tourist attraction, there are many restaurants immediately outside it. Thien Son Lounge, Family Organic Restaurant, Nhà hàng minh khôi, and Viet’s Choice are all top restaurants in the area that serve typical Vietnamese dishes.

Discover Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Just a 15-minute drive from Bai Dinh Pagoda is Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. The site used to be Vietnam’s capital during the 10th and 11th centuries. Now, you can explore the grounds and its temples, pagodas, and tombs.

Enjoy either Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve or Thung Nham Bird Park

As your last activity in Ninh Binh, you’ll need to decide whether to visit Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve or Thung Nham Bird Park. The two are located in opposite directions. Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve is farther from Tam Coc, while Thung Nham Bird Park is close to Tam Coc and near Bich Dong Pagoda.

Both places show off Ninh Binh’s scenery. Since it’s farther from town, Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve is extremely quiet and less touristy than other places that you’ve visited so far in Ninh Binh. You can also take a serene boat ride to see birds, flowers, and even monkeys. On the other hand, Thung Nham Bird Park is closer to town and busier. Yet it’s still a lovely place to birdwatch, and a short boat ride is included in your ticket.

More resources for traveling Vietnam

• How Long to Stay in Ninh Binh
• The Best Time to Visit Ninh Binh and Tam Coc
• 13 Best Things to Do in Ninh Binh and Tam Coc
• 13 Best Restaurants in Tam Coc and Ninh Binh: Where to Eat
• 10 Best Foods in Ninh Binh and Tam Coc You Have to Try
• How to Get to Ninh Binh From Hanoi, Sapa, Hue, and More
• 5 Complete Itineraries to See North Vietnam in 7 Days

The post The Perfect 2 Days in Ninh Binh and Tam Coc Itinerary appeared first on flcchn Staging.

Whether you’re only doing the Salkantay trail for two days or a longer version that lasts over a week, surviving the trek and having a great time largely hinges on how prepared you are. During the trek, you’ll experience all types of climates, including cold, windy mountain passes and humid, tropical forests. You’ll also go without electricity, wifi, and showers. If you’ve never camped or done multi-day hikes, this packing list for the Salkantay trek will be extremely helpful in making sure you’re fully prepared. And if you’ve done something similar to Salkantay, this packing list will help you narrow down what to pack so that you’re not carrying more than you need.

I did the five-day Salkantay trek in late December, which is the start of Peru’s rainy season and summer. This list reflects what I packed as well as what tour companies recommend bringing. If you’re hiking Salkantay during the dry season and winter, follow my clothing modifications for winter to make sure that you’re packing enough layers to keep you warm.

Where to store your luggage

Multi-day hikes are the norm in Cusco, which is where most people stay before starting their trek. Accommodations like hotels and hostels are used to storing luggage for travelers while they’re away for an extended period of time. Ask your accommodation if they can store your luggage while you’re doing Salkantay. Alternatively, tour companies also offer luggage storage.

Bags

• Daypack – When hiking Salkantay with a tour company, porters will transport your belongings from campsite to campsite each day. You’ll just need to hike with a daypack that contains your valuables (passport or ID card and wallet) and anything you need during the day (sunscreen, bug spray, sunglasses, rain jacket or poncho, water, toilet paper, a rain cover for your backpack, snacks, and extra clothing to layer up). All your other belongings will only be available to you once reach the campsite. I hiked with the Osprey Daylite Plus, which holds 20 liters. I thought this was the perfect size and wouldn’t go larger than 25 liters.
• Duffle bag (provided by the tour company) – If you’re going with a tour company, they’ll provide you with a duffle bag to transport the items that you don’t need access to while hiking. This mostly consists of clothing and toiletries. There is a weight limit to the duffle bags, which the tour company will tell you when they provide you with the bag. It’s also important to know that the duffles are not waterproof. In case it rains, it’s recommended that you put all your clothes in a plastic bag and then put the plastic bag into the duffle.
• Rain cover for your daypack– Just as you want to protect yourself from getting wet during the rainy season, you should also protect your daypack and its contents. If you’re hiking during the dry season, you’re less likely to need one. When I did Salkantay with Alpaca Expeditions, they provided bag covers, but they weren’t waterproof so I chose to use my own.

Baggage modifications for doing Salkantay self-guided

It’s possible to do Salkantay on your own without a tour. Since you won’t have porters to carry your extra stuff, you’ll need to adapt the list above. Instead of having both a daypack and a duffle bag, bring one larger backpack that’s 30 to 40 liters. That should be enough capacity to carry everything you need during your trek. Don’t forget to also get a rain cover for your backpack.

Clothing

• 2 to 3 t-shirts
• 1 long-sleeve shirt
• 1 pair of shorts
• 1 to 2 pairs of leggings or long pants
• Puffer jacket – Even if you’re hiking in Peru’s summer, it’s going to be chilly at times. In particular, a puffer jacket will keep you warm in the mountains and at night.
• Rain jacket or poncho – If you’re doing Salkantay during the rainy season, bringing a high-quality rain jacket or poncho is a must. You’ll definitely encounter some rain, whether it’s light showers or a downpour. In the rainy season, it tends to rain in the afternoon. As you reach higher elevations, there’s also a greater chance of rain. Although Alpaca Expeditions provided everyone with a poncho, I brought my own rain jacket too.
• 2 to 6 pairs of socks – When deciding how many pairs of socks to pack, figure out whether you want to change your socks every day or less often. For a five-day trek, I brought three pairs of socks since I only changed my socks every other day. Make sure to also bring the right type of socks for your hiking boots. If you’ll be wearing high-cut hiking boots, you’ll want longer hiking socks. I also recommend bringing a variety of thick and thinner socks so that you’re prepared for all temperatures. If you’re prone to blisters between your toes, bring some toe socks.
• 2 to 6 underwear – Pack enough underwear for the number of nights that you’ll be away. If it doesn’t gross you out to wear the same underwear for more than one day, you can cut down on how much you bring. I was okay changing my underwear every two days, so I only brought three pairs for my five-day trek. If you opt for quick-dry underwear like ExOfficio, you can even hand wash your underwear as you go.
• 2 sports bras (for females)
• Hat – If you have the room, I recommend bringing two hats: a beanie to keep your head warm at night and at higher elevations, and a baseball hat to protect your face from the sun. I recommend the Minus33 Merino Wool Ridge Cuff Beanie for a thin yet warm beanie that’s made out of 100% merino wool. Instead of an actual baseball hat that’s usually made out of cotton or polyester, I recommend going with a running cap since it’s breathable, lighter, and washable.
• Sunglasses
• Flip flops or sandals
• Waterproof hiking boots – Even if you’re hiking Salkantay during the dry season, I recommend wearing waterproof hiking boots since you’ll likely cross some streams. Either low- or high-cut hiking boots will work since there are rocks that you can step on to get across the water.
• Nice clothes for Machu Picchu (optional) – You might want to get some nice photos of yourself (not in hiking clothes) at Machu Picchu. If that’s the case, bring an outfit that’s reserved solely for when you go to the ruins. Many people who visit Machu Picchu are in activewear, so you’re also perfectly fine showing up in the same clothes that you’ve worn throughout the trek.
• Rain pants (optional) – I packed rain pants and never wore them, which is why you may also find them unnecessary. I found that a large poncho kept my legs dry enough when it rained, and ankle-length leggings were enough to keep me warm in December.
• Gloves (optional) – Based on my experience, I would bring gloves regardless of whether you’re hiking during Peru’s summer or winter. I did Salkantay in late December, which is the start of the country’s summer. I didn’t need gloves the vast majority of the time, but I was super glad that I did have them when we climbed up to Salkantay Pass because the temperature dropped and rain turned into snow. If you run warm though, you’ll likely be fine without gloves during the summer. When hiking Salkantay during the winter though, you should definitely bring gloves. I used the Smartwool Liner Gloves, which are made of merino wool and work with touchscreens.
• Buff (optional) – A buff can protect the back of your neck from the sun, and it can double as a handkerchief for wiping away sweat.
• Pajamas (optional) – I liked having a change of clean clothes to sleep in at the end of each day, especially on days when I was actually able to shower. If you’re okay sleeping in the same clothes you wore during the day though, you don’t need to bring pajamas.
• Bathing suit (optional) – There are hot springs at Aguas Calientes. If you’d like to go for a dip, bring a bathing suit. My tour guide rated the hot springs a four out of 10 (and Google reviews are mixed), so no one in my group went.

Clothing modifications for the winter

• Scarf
• Fleece zip-up
• 1 to 2 thermal tops
• 1 to 2 thermal bottoms

Toiletries

• Travel size bottles
• Toiletry bag
• Body wash or soap – I recommend bringing an all-in-one cleanser like Campsuds that doesn’t just work as a body wash, but also can be used as shampoo.
• Toothpaste
• Toothbrush
• Floss
• Hairbrush
• Hair ties and/or hair clips
• Lotion
• Sunscreen
• Deodorant
• Baby or body wipes – Just because you won’t be able to shower every night doesn’t mean that you have to feel dirty and grimy. Bringing a package of baby or body wipes means you’ll be able to wipe yourself down, which is the next best thing to actually showering and washing your face. Although the YUNI Large Body Wipes are more expensive than regular drugstore baby wipes, they worked perfectly when I was camping for a week at Burning Man – a place where I was much dustier and dirtier than the Salkantay trek.
• Quick dry towel
• Hand sanitizer
• A roll (or two) of toilet paper – At the minimum, you need to bring one roll of toilet paper since bathrooms on the trail do not have toilet paper. There will usually be toilet paper at your campsite though. Be sure to carry your toilet paper in your day pack – do not put it in the bag that goes with the porters.
• Travel size pack of tissues – Aside from using tissues to blow your nose, they can also be used as toilet paper if you run out.
• Vaseline or chapstick
• Bug spray
• Feminine pads, tampons, or a menstrual cup (for females) – If you know that you’ll be on your period during the trek, bring all the feminine hygiene supplies that you’ll need until you reach Aguas Calientes. I actually started my period on the third day of the trek. It’s possible that some of the stands along the trail may sell pads or tampons, but I didn’t ask since I had brought my own. Once I got to Aguas Calientes, I then looked for a pharmacy to buy some more.
• Shampoo (optional) – On a shorter trek, you don’t need to bring shampoo since you can just wash your hair once you get back. For longer treks though, you’ll probably want to wash your hair at least once.
• Conditioner (optional)
• Face wash (optional)

Electronics

• Headlamp and batteries – It’s preferable to use a headlamp at night, instead of your cell phone’s flashlight. You don’t have to hold a headlamp, making it easier to go to the bathroom and brush your teeth. I use the Black Diamond Astro 3000 headlamp, which is cheap without sacrificing quality. It’s rainproof and you can dim the light.
• Phone and charging cable
• Portable power bank – During my Salkantay trek, the longest period where we couldn’t charge electronics was two days. If I didn’t have my portable power bank, my phone and Garmin watch would’ve died. If you need a portable power bank, I recommend the Anker PowerCore 1000. It’s as small as a deck of cards and charges my phone two to 2.5 times.
• Headphones
• Travel adapter – Peru uses plug types A, B, and C. If you’re coming from a country that uses different types of plugs, don’t forget to bring a travel adapter. I recommend this universal travel adapter that also has USB charging ports.
• Smartwatch or fitness tracker (optional)
• Camera (optional)
• Tablet or e-reader (optional) – Load up a book or two on your tablet or e-reader so you can do some reading in your downtime. Alternatively, you can bring a physical book – just keep in mind that you’ll need a light source at night.

Miscellaneous

• Passport or ID card – To enter Machu Picchu and take the bus from Aguas Calients to Machu Picchu, you’ll need to show some sort of identification. For international visitors, this will be your passport. For Peruvians, you can use your national ID card instead. It’s important that your passport matches the identification information that’s on your Machu Picchu ticket.
• Wallet – Before you set off on your trek, make sure you bring enough cash to cover tips and any additional purchases like water and snacks. There aren’t any ATMs along the way until you reach Aguas Calientes. When I went on my five-day Salkantay trek, my guide recommended bringing 400 soles in cash, which ended up being more than enough for me since I didn’t buy anything along the way.
• Reusable water bottle or water bladder– You’re responsible for carrying your own water, and it’s recommended that you bring two liters with you each day. However, you can carry less if you know you don’t drink much water while hiking. If you’re hiking with a tour company, they’ll also usually provide water to fill up your water bottle during breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Along the way, there are also a few rest stops with snack stands where you can buy water (as well as other beverages and snacks) if needed. Some people use a reusable water bottle, while others use a water bladder for easier access. I also like collapsible water bottles since you can tightly roll them up and attach them to any bag with carabiners.
• Hiking poles – You can certainly do Salkantay without hiking poles (and someone in my tour group did), but I don’t recommend it. The trek has a lot of uphills and downhills, and having hiking poles really helps with hauling yourself up inclines and putting less pressure on your knees when going down. You don’t need to bring your own hiking poles, since they can be rented in Cusco or through your tour company.
• Plastic bags – Any trash that you produce during the hike needs to be carried with you. This includes snack wrappers, apple cores, banana peels, and toilet paper if you decide to go in nature. Carry some extra plastic bags to hold your trash until you can dispose of it in a trash can. These bags can be plastic grocery bags, Ziploc bags, or even dog poop bags.
• Diamox (optional) – Even if you’ve acclimated in Cusco for a few days before starting your trek, you don’t know how the higher altitudes will affect you. Some people in my tour group felt the effects on the first and second days of hiking, which is when we were at our highest elevations. If you’ve never spent extended periods of time over 4,000 or 5,000 meters above sea level, it can be a good idea to bring some diamox to relieve any altitude sickness you might experience. If you end up being fine, maybe someone else can use your Diamox.
• Compeed or bandaids (optional) – Tour companies carry a first aid kit, but if you’re doing Salkantay on your own, you should at least bring some bandaids and/or Compeed for blisters.
• Journal and pen (optional) – You’ll have some downtime during the trek, and since most campsites don’t have wifi or cell signal, it’s the perfect time to do some journaling.
• Sleeping bag (optional) – While you can bring your own sleeping bag, it’s also easy to rent one – either through the tour company or through a rental store in Cusco. Renting is cheap, so I recommend doing that instead of bringing a sleeping bag that takes up a lot of space in your luggage.
• Sleeping bag liner (optional) – The tour company I went with provided a sleeping bag liner when you rented a sleeping bag from them. However, if you plan on doing a lot of camping on your trip and will be renting sleeping bags from various stores, it’s better if you bring your own liner. Silk sleeping bag liners, like the Sea to Summit one that I use, are lightweight and pack down very small.
• Pocket mirror (optional) – A small mirror is the one thing that I forgot to bring but really wish I had. None of the bathrooms on the trail had mirrors. This meant that I was stuck using my phone’s front camera as a mirror, which was okay but not as detailed and clear as a mirror.
• Ear plugs (optional) – If you’re a light sleeper who gets woken up by the sounds of nature or roosters crowing, then you may want to bring ear plugs to ensure you’re well rested.

More resources for traveling Peru

• Rainbow Mountain in Peru: Complete Travel Guide
• Red Valley in Peru: Complete Travel Guide

The post Complete Salkantay Trek Packing List: Everything You Need appeared first on flcchn Staging.

I had the luxury of being in Indonesia for a month and chose to spend six days in Nusa Lembongan. I absolutely loved the small, relaxed island. In fact, I prefer it over Nusa Penida. While I think that Nusa Lembongan is absolutely worth visiting, I recognize that it may not be worth it for everyone. To help you decide, use the questions below to determine whether it’s worth it for you.

Do you have at least one night to spare?

One night is the minimum that I recommend for Nusa Lembongan. You can take one of the morning ferries from Bali to Nusa Lembongan and then have an entire day to explore the island. Getting around Nusa Lembongan is easily done via scooter, bike, foot, or golf cart. I recommend renting a scooter for the most cost- and time-efficient way to see all the sights in one day. If you don’t know how to drive a scooter, you can still hit up all the sights by walking the entire island. It’ll just be a long, hot day.

After a night in Nusa Lembongan, you can take the first half of the following day to see anything you didn’t get to. If you managed to get to everything though, you can head to your next destination.

Do you plan on staying on Nusa Penida?

If you know that you’ll be making a stop at Nusa Penida, staying at least one night on Nusa Lembongan can be worth it since Nusa Lembongan is on the way to Nusa Penida. This breaks up the journey and gives you more time to see Nusa Lembongan than a day trip from Bali or Nusa Penida does.

On the other hand, it may also be worth just going straight to Nusa Penida and skipping a night on Nusa Lembongan. You may want to do this instead if you don’t want the hassle of having to pack up after one night and you’re happy to experience Nusa Lembongan via a day trip.

Do you want to get away from tourists and traffic?

If you had visions of empty beaches and dirt roads with hardly any cars, then you might have been disappointed when landing in Bali. Depending on where you go, the province of Bali is notoriously touristy and busy. This is the case in Nusa Penida, which attracts lots of tourists with its Instagram-worthy landscapes. However, Nusa Lembongan offers a much quieter, tranquil environment. You’ll still find other travelers on the island, but the roads aren’t filled with scooters and people. You can also be one of a few people on the beach or at a beautiful viewpoint. In some cases, you might even have it all to yourself.

The quietness of Nusa Lembongan is a big reason why I really enjoyed it. As a solo traveler, I was able to meet people, but I didn’t have to wait in line to take photos of famous spots or be surrounded by many tourists. So if you want to escape the crowds, Nusa Lembongan is one of the best spots to do so while still having plenty to do, see, and eat.

Do you scuba dive or want to learn to dive?

The Nusa islands (Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida, and Nusa Ceningan) are a hotspot for incredible dive sites, with most being drift dives. Divers come here to see the manta rays at Manta Bay or Manta Point and spot the unique mola mola (ocean sunfish) from July to September. Although most dive sites are located around Nusa Penida, they’re easily accessed via a short boat ride from Nusa Lembongan.

While you can stay on Nusa Penida to dive, I chose to stay on Nusa Lembongan to do my diving because it was easier to get around the smaller island and I found that prices were generally cheaper. For example, I chose to dive with Tamarind Divers, which charges 1,500,000 IDR (~$92.84 USD) for two dives and offers discounts if you dive multiple days with them. Meanwhile, Purple Dive Nusa Penida charges 1,800,000 IDR (~$111.41 USD) for two dives.

If you’re a scuba diver, I highly recommend staying at least two nights on Nusa Lembongan so that you can get a day of diving in. For those who want to learn to dive, Nusa Lembongan is also a great place to do so that’s a little bit cheaper than learning on Nusa Penida.

Do you surf?

Nusa Lembongan attracts more experienced surfers due to all of its reef breaks, but it’s well worth it for those who can handle it. There are several surf breaks located off of Jungutbatu Beach: Playgrounds, Lacerations, Shipwrecks, and Razors. You can also venture to Ceningan (also known as Mahana Point), which is located off of the lower-left side of Nusa Ceningan.

For surfers who want to do more surfing across Bali, spending a few days to experience the waves around Nusa Lembongan can be worth it.

More resources for traveling Indonesia

• How to Get Around Nusa Lembongan: 7 Transportation Options
• How to Get to Nusa Lembongan
• How to Get to the Gili Islands From Bali
• 16 Fun Things to Do in Gili Air

The post Is Nusa Lembongan Worth Visiting? 5 Questions to Decide appeared first on flcchn Staging.

Nusa Lembongan is only a 15- to 30-minute boat ride from Bali, making it a popular destination for people traveling in Indonesia. Although some people choose to do Nusa Lembongan as a day trip from Bali, the island is a wonderful place to spend a few days on. Once you’re there, getting around Nusa Lembongan is very easy and there are a few transportation methods that you can choose from. Here’s a breakdown of all the different ways to get around Nusa Lembongan and what you should consider in order to choose the best option(s) for you.

Scooter

Renting a scooter is the most popular way to get around Nusa Lembongan. It gives you the most flexibility to go where you want to, and it’s cheap at about 70,000 to 100,000 IDR (about $4.32 to $6.17 USD) per day. The main roads on the island are well paved, but you may have to navigate dirt and rocky paths when turning on to side streets.

There are many scooter rental companies on Nusa Lembongan, and many will deliver and pick up the scooter. If you plan in advance, you can even arrange to have the scooter delivered to your arrival location (usually either Mushroom Bay Beach or Lembongan Beach). Scooters come with helmets and are typically delivered with a full gas of tank.

Golf cart

There aren’t any cars on Nusa Lembongan, except for the occasional truck. Instead, golf carts or buggies are used to transport larger groups of people. Renting a golf cart is ideal if you’re traveling in a group of four to six people, whether that’s family or friends. However, golf carts are much more expensive than scooters. For example, renting a four-person golf cart for one to five hours from Ricky Raja Buggy costs 800,000 IDR (about $50 USD) and prices go up from there if you want to rent for longer or rent a six-person golf cart.

Walk

Nusa Lembongan is a small island, only covering an area of about eight kilometers. This means that you can easily walk around Nusa Lembongan. Depending on where you’re going, it’s a fast walk along paved or dirt roads. You can even walk the entire island in several hours, if you’re up for the adventure. There are only a few main roads that span across the island, so you can simply follow them.

When I visited Nusa Lembongan, I hadn’t learned how to drive a scooter yet so I walked nearly everywhere. This included a two hour-long walk from Jungutbatu to Mushroom Bay and back. While it was a sweaty walk, I really enjoyed being able to slowly take in all the sights.

Bicycle

If you don’t know how to drive a scooter, then you may want to rent a bicycle or pushbike instead. Biking around the island is mostly easy, although you’ll face some hills. To overcome those uphills, there are some rental places, like Bold Electric Bikes, that offer electric bikes.

You can also e-bike the island with a guided half-day tour in either the morning or afternoon.

Shuttle or truck

Hotels and businesses like dive shops may have shuttles or trucks to transport customers. These vehicles are essentially pickup trucks that have been outfitted with benches in the trunk, and they’re offered at no additional charge for customers.

Private driver

While Grab or Gojek can be used in other areas of Indonesia to order a private mototaxi or car, these apps don’t operate on Nusa Lembongan. If you need a private driver, the easiest way is to arrange one through your accommodation. Locals will also offer their services when they see you walking around the island, but you’ll need to negotiate a rate with them.

Since private drivers aren’t commonly used and require negotiation, I didn’t use any when I was on Nusa Lembongan.

Guided tour

You can experience Nusa Lembongan through a guided tour. These are typically full-day tours that depart from Bali, and they include visiting some of the best beaches and viewpoints on Nusa Lembongan and snorkeling. Since Indonesia is known for Instagram-worthy spots, there’s even an Instagram tour of Nusa Lembongan that brings you to the most picturesque places on the island. Although pickup for these tours is usually in Bali, you can message the tour operator to see if you can meet them on Nusa Lembongan instead – it usually isn’t a problem.

More resources for traveling Indonesia

• How to Get to Nusa Lembongan
• Is Nusa Lembongan Worth Visiting? 5 Questions to Decide
• 16 Fun Things to Do in Gili Air
• How to Get to the Gili Islands From Bali

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The Red Valley in Peru is a unique and spectacular sight that doesn’t see many tourists but is slowly increasing in popularity. It’s an incredible natural phenomenon, as the valley gets its bright red color from the iron-rich soil. Visiting the Red Valley is usually combined with a trip to Rainbow Mountain (also known as Vinicunca), which sits right next to the valley and sees many more tourists. But this doesn’t mean that you should skip Red Valley. If you’re already planning on doing Rainbow Mountain, I highly recommend also seeing the Red Valley.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about getting to the Red Valley and how to have a successful hike. Pair this with my guide on the Rainbow Mountain, and you’ll have a great time seeing both of these beautiful natural wonders.

Where is the Red Valley in Peru?

The Red Valley is located in the district of Pitumarca, which is southeast of the city of Cusco, and lies behind the Rainbow Mountain.

What is the altitude of Red Valley?

Red Valley’s elevation is 5,000 meters above sea level. Some sources say it’s 5,053 meters, while others say 5,200 meters.

How long is the Red Valley hike?

There’s one trail that leads up to both the Red Valley and Rainbow Mountain, and then the trail splits into two. At that point, veer left to go to Red Valley or continue straight to go to Rainbow Mountain.

If you’re with a tour group, you’ll go to Rainbow Mountain first and then you have the option to visit Red Valley. If you’re doing the hike on your own, I would still recommend going up Rainbow Mountain first. That’s because Rainbow Mountain is much more popular than Red Valley, and it gets busy as more tour groups arrive.

From the base of the mountain, it takes about one to 1.5 hours to reach Red Valley, depending on how difficult or easy you find it to hike at altitude. Since you’ll most likely go to the Rainbow Mountain lookout first and then Red Valley, it’s about a 30-minute hike from the Rainbow Mountain lookout.

How do you visit Red Valley?

It’s about a three-hour drive from Cusco to Red Valley. You can visit on your own either by hiring a private driver or by taking a two-hour colectivo (shared van/car) to Checacupe and then hiring a taxi to get you the rest of the way there. Otherwise, you can go with one of the many tours that run daily to both Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley.

There are pros and cons for each option. Getting your own driver for the entire trip is comfortable, but it can be expensive depending on how many people you’re splitting the cost with. Using a colectivo and a taxi is cheaper, but it’s less comfortable and you’ll need to be confident in your ability to negotiate and communicate in Spanish with drivers. Going with a tour is the easiest option. Everything is taken care of for you, you’ll be with a knowledgeable guide in case anything goes wrong, and tours include breakfast and lunch. However, a tour can be more expensive than organizing your own transportation and all tours to Red Valley pick up between 3 AM and 4 AM.

As a solo traveler, I chose to go with a tour. I liked that it included breakfast and lunch, which meant that I didn’t have to worry about properly fueling for the challenging hike and looking for restaurants. While I’m fairly in shape, I don’t do a lot of hiking at elevation, so it was also comforting to know that I had a guide who would look after the group and make sure everyone was okay. Joining a group also meant that I would meet other travelers, which is something that I always enjoy when solo traveling.

Is there an entrance fee to Red Valley?

Yes, you’ll need to pay if you want to see the Red Valley. It costs 30 soles (about $8 USD), and only cash is accepted. You’ll pay the admission fee at the beginning of where the trail splits between the Red Valley and Rainbow Mountain.

Book your Red Valley tour

If you’ve decided to visit the Red Valley (and Rainbow Mountain) with a tour, I recommend the tour that I did with Inka Altitude. You can book your spot through GetYourGuide.

The tour is available in both English and Spanish. If you’re staying in Cusco’s historic center, you’ll get picked up some time between 3 AM and 4 AM. My pickup time was 3:45 AM, and when I boarded the van, it was mostly full.

Once everyone was picked up, our guide gave us a quick overview of what to expect for the day. Then he let us catch up on some sleep, since it would take 1.5 hours to get to the place where we would have a buffet breakfast. The breakfast was delicious and had a lot of options, including fruit, cereal, eggs, pancakes, tea, and coffee. After a quick breakfast and bathroom break, we got back on the van for a two-hour drive to the base of Red Valley and Rainbow Mountain. There’s a bathroom here, as well as closer to the top of the mountain.

You’ll hike, take a motorbike, or ride a horse up to the lookout point for Rainbow Mountain. If you want to keep on going, you can climb the stairs up to the very top of the mountain. I recommend getting your photos of Rainbow Mountain first before doing anything else, since there will only be more people making their way up as time goes on. Aside from hiking to the summit, you can also buy snacks, drinks, and photos with alpacas from the vendors at the viewpoint.

After hanging out at Rainbow Mountain for a bit, find your guide to get directions on hiking to Red Valley. From the Rainbow Mountain lookout point, it’s only about a 30-minute hike.

I enjoyed Red Valley much more than Rainbow Mountain because it isn’t as popular, and as a result, it hasn’t been commercialized yet. Unlike Rainbow Mountain, Red Valley doesn’t have any vendors or crowds. When I hiked it, there was less than 10 people on the trail. I also found Red Valley to be much more vibrant than Rainbow Mountain, which made for more impressive views.

More resources for traveling Peru

• Rainbow Mountain in Peru: Complete Travel Guide
• Complete Salkantay Trek Packing List: Everything You Need

The post Red Valley in Peru: Complete Travel Guide appeared first on flcchn Staging.

Rainbow Mountain in Peru, also known as Vinicunca or Montaña de Siete Colores, is an incredible natural wonder that’s one of the most popular day trips from Cusco. The colorfully striped mountain is the result of the many different minerals that it’s made up of. However, Rainbow Mountain only started attracting attention in 2015, when the snow covering it melted and exposed the beautiful colors underneath.

This guide lays out everything you need to know about visiting Rainbow Mountain, including how to get there, the best time to visit, what to wear and bring, and whether you should go with a tour group.

Where is Rainbow Mountain located?

Rainbow Mountain is part of the Andes mountain range and a bit more than a three-hour drive southeast from Cusco.

What’s the altitude of Rainbow Mountain?

Rainbow Mountain is at over 5,000 meters above sea level – some sources say it’s at 5,200 meters. This is higher than Cusco, which sits at 3,399 meters.

When is the best time to visit Rainbow Mountain?

The best time to visit Rainbow Mounta is from April to November, which is Peru’s dry season. Although temperatures are a bit lower than wet season, you’ll enjoy clear skies with little to no rain. You’ll need this in order to get the best pictures of Rainbow Mountain.

Dry season is also high season in Peru. So if you want to visit during that time but also want to avoid the many tourists that visit Rainbow Mountain, it’s best to visit from April to May or October to November.

Is Rainbow Mountain worth it?

For me, Rainbow Mountain was worth it because I had never seen anything like it before, found the hike challenging in a good way, met some great people in my tour group, really enjoyed the option of also seeing Red Valley, and thought it was a great way to spend a day. To figure out whether it’ll be worth visiting for you, ask yourself these questions.

• Have you seen or will you see something similar? – If you’ve seen something similar to Rainbow Mountain, then it may not be as impressive or worth your time. There’s also Palccoyo, an alternative to Rainbow Mountain in Peru that’s less well-known. If you’ve already booked a tour to Palccoyo, then you most likely don’t need to also see Rainbow Mountain since the two are similar.
• Do you have time? – Because of the long drive to Rainbow Mountain from Cusco, it’s a full-day trip. I was picked up by my tour group at 3:45 AM and I didn’t get back to Cusco until 4 PM. Because of Rainbow Mountain’s elevation, you’ll also need to get acclimated in Cusco first. It’s recommended that you spend at least two days in Cusco to do so. So if you can’t spare a day or don’t have enough time to acclimatize, then it won’t be worth going.
• Do you get altitude sickness? – If you’ve never been at such a high elevation, you won’t know. However, how you feel when you get to Cusco should give you an idea of how you handle altitude. If you experience altitude sickness in Cusco, you’ll likely have it worse when hiking Rainbow Mountain since it’s more than 1,500 meters higher.
• Are you in good physical shape? – Rainbow Mountain is an entirely uphill hike. When you add in the elevation, it’s even more challenging. While I don’t think you need to physically train to hike Rainbow Mountain, you’ll most likely have an easier time if you walk, hike, or workout regularly. If you’re not confident in being able to hike up, there’s also the option to pay extra to take a horse or motorbike up to the viewpoint.
• What is the weather going to be like? – You can still do Rainbow Mountain in the rainy season and come away with a great experience and photos. I did it in December and had lovely weather. However, there’s a higher chance of cloudy skies and rain. Plus, there may be snow covering all or some of the mountain. If you’re dead set on getting the perfect picture of Rainbow Mountain with sun and clear skies, it’s more likely to be worth going during the dry season.

How to get to Rainbow Mountain

There isn’t any public transportation that goes all the way to Rainbow Mountain, since it’s in a remote area. Instead, most people make the long journey there with a tour group.

To visit Rainbow Mountain on your own, you can take a two-hour colectivo (shared van/car) to Checacupe and then take a taxi the rest of the way. Alternatively, you can get a private driver for the entire drive. If you’re traveling with others and can split the cost, this option may be cheaper or about the same price as going with a tour. The only downside to going on your own is that breakfast and lunch are not provided.

Can you hike Rainbow Mountain without a guide?

Yes, you can hike Rainbow Mountain without a guide since there’s only one trail that goes up to the mountain’s viewpoint. You’ll also be hiking alongside many other tourists, especially if you go earlier in the day when the tour groups arrive. This makes it impossible to get lost.

There are a couple of benefits to going with a guide though. The biggest issue when hiking Rainbow Mountain is getting altitude sickness, and guides are experienced in helping tourists deal with the elevation. They’re also able to tell you more about Rainbow Mountain and the surrounding region, if you prefer having context or information about what you see. Lastly, they know when you shouldn’t summit the mountain based on the weather. While hiking Rainbow Mountain is perfectly safe (as long as you don’t push past your limits and altitude sickness), a few people have been killed by lightning.

What to wear to Rainbow Mountain

The key to being prepared for Rainbow Mountain is to wear layers. When you first start hiking up the trail, you’ll likely get hot and start shedding layers. On a warm, sunny day, people typically wear a t-shirt and pants or leggings. However, the temperature drops and the wind picks up as you get closer to the top. Once you reach the viewpoint or summit, you’ll be standing around a lot and will start cooling off. At this point, you’ll want to have layers, like a puffer jacket or fleece, that you can easily put on. Here’s what I recommend wearing for the hike:

• T-shirt or lightweight long-sleeve shirt
• Leggings or pants
• Light zip-up or fleece
• Puffer jacket
• Hat – Either wear a baseball cap to protect your face from the sun or a beanie to keep your head warm.
• Hiking boots or athletic shoes – Most people wear hiking boots, but it isn’t necessary. The trail is primarily made up of dirt, so athletic shoes (or even regular sneakers) will work.
• Rain jacket or poncho (optional) – While I wore my puffer jacket, I also brought a rain jacket with me. Luckily, I never had to use it, but you can never be sure of what the weather will be like at the top of the mountain and how it’ll change while you’re there.
• Rain pants (optional) – I wore rain pants on top of my leggings, and I’m glad I did. The rain pants blocked the wind, which helped keep my legs warm.
• Gloves (optional) – Depending on what time of year you visit Rainbow Mountain, you may want to bring gloves to keep your hands toasty up at the top.

Aside from dressing properly, there are some things that you should also bring:

• Water – You can purchase water once you reach Rainbow Mountain, but you should bring some with you for the long car ride.
• Cash – Whether you go with a tour group or not, you’ll need to pay the entrance fee to Rainbow Mountain (and Red Valley) in cash. Also, if you need to go to the bathroom when you’re there, it costs two soles. It’s best if you bring small bills and coins.
• Hiking poles (optional) – The tour group I went with provided everyone with a single walking stick, and you also had the option of renting hiking poles. I did so and thought that it really helped in tackling all of the uphills and downhills.
• Snacks (optional) – Depending on how hungry you get, it can be a good idea to bring snacks with you. They also sell snacks at the base of Rainbow Mountain and at the viewpoint, so you won’t go hungry if you decide not to bring any.

Booking a Rainbow Mountain tour

There are many tours that go to Rainbow Mountain, which makes it easy to book. You also don’t have to book far in advance. I booked mine the afternoon before through GetYourGuide.

Rainbow Mountain tours include pickup at your accommodation (if you’re staying in the historic center of Cusco), drop-off in the center of Cusco, breakfast, and lunch. It typically doesn’t include your entrance fee to Rainbow Mountain (and Red Valley, if you choose to do it).

Expect a very early pickup some time between 3 AM and 4 AM. Once they’ve gathered everyone, you’ll drive to breakfast, have about 30 minutes to fuel up and use the bathroom, and then head to the base of Rainbow Mountain. From there, you’ll hike up to the viewpoint. Alternatively, you can pay an additional fee to ride a horse or take a motorbike there. While those hiking will start together, everyone separates pretty quickly based on their pace. Once you reach the viewpoint where you take the iconic photo of the Rainbow Mountain, you can then climb the steps up to the summit.

Rainbow Mountain tours also give you the option of going to Red Valley, which is about a 30-minute hike from the viewpoint. Although it’s so close, very few people go. I highly recommend doing Red Valley as well, as long as you’re feeling okay. I actually enjoyed it more than Rainbow Mountain because it was far less touristy and the colors of the Red Valley were brighter.

Once everyone descends and is back at the van, you’ll head to lunch. After that, you’ll return to Cusco.

More resources for traveling Peru

• Red Valley in Peru: Complete Travel Guide
• Complete Salkantay Trek Packing List: Everything You Need

The post Rainbow Mountain in Peru: Complete Travel Guide appeared first on flcchn Staging.

Take the Trang An Boat Tour

The Trang An boat tour is one of the most popular things to do in Ninh Binh and Tam Coc, and there’s a good reason why. You’ll take a boat through several caves, float along a serene river surrounded by limestone cliffs, and discover beautiful temples.

When buying your ticket, be prepared to pick between three routes. Each route brings you to a different number of caves and temples, and lasts anywhere between two to three hours. While Route 3 goes through the longest cave in the area, you can’t go wrong with any of the routes.

Note that each boat fits four people. If you don’t have enough people to fill the boat, you’ll need to wait until they find others to join you. Alternatively, you can pay for any empty seats in order to set sail right away.

Visit Bich Dong Pagoda

Bich Dong Pagoda is one of the closest attractions to Tam Coc’s town center. It’s so close that you could walk there – it’d just take about 40 minutes. Although Bich Dong Pagoda is made up of three pagodas, it’s small. Despite its size, it’s the most memorable pagoda I visited in Vietnam because it’s nestled into the side of a mountain. Also, the entrance requires you to cross a small pond, making it feel like you’re walking up to something special.

Climb the stairs up to Hang Mua Viewpoint

Hang Mua viewpoint is another popular site that attracts a lot of visitors. Climb up 500 stairs and you’ll be rewarded with an amazing bird’s eye view of small limestone mountains and rice fields. Because Hang Mua can get busy with tourists, I recommend either going as early as possible or within the last few hours before it closes. If you time it right, you may even be able to watch the sunset from the top.

Explore Bai Dinh Pagoda

Bai Dinh Pagoda is an enormous complex covering 700 hectares that’s filled with temples, pagodas, and Buddhist statues. To help visitors get around faster, Bai Dinh Pagoda offers electric vehicles that come at an additional cost. If you decide to explore every corner of the complex, it’ll take a few hours. When visiting, make sure you go up Bao Thep Tower to see the entire complex from above.

Since Bai Dinh Pagoda is 12.8 km from Tam Coc or about a 32-minute drive, it may not be worth it for everyone. If you like cultural attractions over nature though, make sure you visit this impressive site.

Go birdwatching at Thung Nham Bird Park

As northern Vietnam’s largest natural bird park, Thung Nham Bird Park is home to 40 species of birds. While it’s now a successful ecotourism project, you’d never guess that the area used to be a wasteland and farm. Even if you’re not into birdwatching, Thung Nham Bird Park is worth a visit due to its serene gardens, caves, and boat rides.

Enjoy a boat ride through Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve

Although you can enjoy Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve by taking the road that runs alongside it, it’s better experienced through a boat ride. While the views are slightly less spectacular than the Trang An boat ride, Van Long is much less touristy. You’ll most likely be one of a few tourists there, or you might even have the entire lake to yourself.

Tour Thien Ha Cave

Thien Ha Cave, also known as Galaxy Grotto, is yet another boat ride through a cave. However, Thien Ha Cave isn’t widely known, which means you may be the only tourist there and need to communicate with your tour guide using Google Translate.

Go back in time at Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

As Vietnam’s capital during the 10th and 11th centuries, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital still houses some of the buildings that once stood there. The site is slightly less than half the size of Bai Dinh Pagoda, making it a much faster activity. There’s several temples, pagodas, and tombs that you can visit, aside from simply walking around the grounds.

Hike through Cuc Phuong National Park

Cuc Phuong National Park is worth either a half-day or full-day trip. Not only does it take 1.5 hours to get there from Tam Coc, but the national park is also huge. Established in 1962, it’s Vietnam’s oldest national park and houses an impressive number of plants, species of animals, and species of birds. Since hiking in Cuc Phuong National Park is a popular activity, you shouldn’t have any issues going alone. However, you can also book a tour to learn more about the park and wildlife.

See Thai Vi Temple

Thai Vi Temple is just outside of Tam Coc’s town center, which means you can either walk or bike there. It’s also free to visit. Although Thai Vi Temple isn’t as grand or large as other temples, its understated appearance, mountainous backdrop, and surrounding greenery are charming. The road that leads to the temple is quiet and picturesque. In fact, some people prefer the journey to Thai Vi over the temple itself.

Take the Tam Coc Boat Tour

The Tam Coc Boat Tour is just as well known as the Trang An Boat Tour, but there are a few differences. It’s immediately accessible in the center of Tam Coc, which makes it quick and easy to get to. The boat ride is shorter by about 30 minutes to an hour depending on which Trang An route you compare it to, it’s cheaper, it doesn’t bring you to any temples, and the ticketing process is less organized.

Visit the Ninh Binh Bear Sanctuary

Run by FOUR PAWS, a global animal welfare organization, the Ninh Binh Bear Sanctuary will delight any animal-lover. When visiting, you can take a guided tour or explore their skywalk on your own. Either way, you’ll be able to see and learn about the Asiatic black bears that are being cared for there.

Bike around the countryside

When you’ve exhausted all your options or want a relaxed day, there’s nothing better than simply renting a bicycle and riding around Tam Coc, Trang Ang, and the surrounding countryside. The area is peaceful with not a lot of traffic, so you don’t have to be worry about sharing the road with lots of cars or motorbikes. See how far you can go and feel free to veer off to see anything that interests you. This is one of the best ways to take in Ninh Binh’s nature and truly see the area.

More resources for traveling Vietnam

• How Long to Stay in Ninh Binh
• The Best Time to Visit Ninh Binh and Tam Coc
• 13 Best Restaurants in Tam Coc and Ninh Binh: Where to Eat
• Ninh Binh 1 Day Itinerary: Top Sights and Activities
• 5 Complete Itineraries to See North Vietnam in 7 Days

The post 13 Best Things to Do in Ninh Binh and Tam Coc appeared first on flcchn Staging.

The ideal amount of time is three days, but you only need two days to see most of the attractions. I’ve laid out what you can expect to see based on the number of days that you spend in Ninh Binh below, which will help you decide how long to stay depending on how little or how much you want to experience.

One day

Ninh Binh can be done as a day trip from Hanoi or as a one-night stop. From Hanoi, you can get to Ninh Binh in two to three hours by bus or train, or you can get a private driver to reduce the travel time to 1.5 hours.

Many of Ninh Binh’s attractions are located close to each other, so you’ll be able to do a lot in 24 hours or less. But first, you’ll need to either rent a motorbike or bicycle to get around once you arrive.

I recommend starting your sightseeing with either Bich Dong Pagoda or the Trang An boat ride. Bich Dong Pagoda is the closest attraction to Tam Coc (2.9 km), while the Trang An boat ride is a must-do. The boat ride is extremely popular, so I suggest going as early as possible to avoid having to wait and crowds. After that, you’ll probably only have time for one more activity, so hike up to the Hang Mua viewpoint to get a bird’s eye view of Tam Coc.

If you’re only spending a day or less in Ninh Binh, get my one-day Ninh Binh itinerary for more details on these attractions and where to eat.

Two days

With two days, you can do everything mentioned in the one-day plan above at a much more relaxed pace. Plus, you’ll also be able to explore the huge complex of Bai Dinh Pagoda. Although Bai Dinh Pagoda is a bit far from Tam Coc (12.8 km), it’s an impressive, sprawling cultural attraction that contains Buddhist statues and multiple temples and pagodas.

You can also bird watch at Thung Nham Bird Park, which is much closer to Tam Coc. In addition to walking around and keeping your eyes open for birds, there are also several caves that you can visit.

Three days

Three days is the perfect amount of time to stay in Ninh Binh, since it’ll allow you to see nearly everything that the region has to offer. Aside from everything listed above, you’ll have time to take in the beauty of Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve through a boat ride. Van Long is much less touristy than the other sites mentioned above, so it’s extremely peaceful and one of the best places to enjoy Ninh Binh’s nature and wildlife without other people around. If you’re lucky, you might see Delacour’s langur, an endangered monkey that’s native to northern Vietnam.

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital was once the capital of Vietnam. Now, you can visit what remains of the capital to see several temples dedicated to Vietnam’s past emperors. Although Hoa Lu is nice to walk around, I found it to be the least interesting of all of Ninh Binh’s cultural attractions, which is why I suggest making it one of the last things you do.

Four days

There isn’t much more to do in Ninh Binh after three days. But if you decide to stay for four days, you won’t be bored. Take a day trip to Cuc Phuong National Park, which is about a 1.5-hour drive from Tam Coc. Cuc Phuong is the oldest national park in Vietnam, and it’s home to hundreds of types of plants and species of reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. While you can explore the national park on your own, you might want to go with a tour guide who can share more information about the plants and animals in the park.

Depending on how much you like hiking, Cuc Phuong can either be a half-day or full-day trip. If you decide to only spend half a day there, you can spend the rest of your time in Ninh Binh biking through the rice fields. You can also go on the Tam Coc boat tour, which is similar to the Trang An boat tour but shorter. If you really enjoyed the Trang An boat tour, you can even go back and choose a different route.

Five or more days

I only recommend staying in Ninh Binh for five or more days if you’re on a long, multi-month trip or a digital nomad. You’ll be in less of a rush to simply sightsee and move on to the next location.

In my opinion, Ninh Binh (more specifically, Tam Coc and Trang An) is a good place to hang out for a while. I really enjoyed the slower pace of life there and the quieter roads. There’s also lots of good food and it’s easy to get around by either bike or motorbike.

More resources for traveling Vietnam

• 13 Best Restaurants in Tam Coc and Ninh Binh: Where to Eat
• How to Get to Ninh Binh From Hanoi, Sapa, Hue, and More
• The Best Time to Visit Ninh Binh and Tam Coc
• Ninh Binh 1 Day Itinerary: Top Sights and Activities
• 5 Best Hostels and Homestays I Stayed at in Vietnam
• 5 Complete Itineraries to See North Vietnam in 7 Days

The post How Long to Stay in Ninh Binh appeared first on flcchn Staging.

Chiang Mai’s rainy season, also known as monsoon season or wet season, usually runs from May to October. The wettest month is August, which sees an average rainfall of 7 inches. Given that you’ll have to deal with a lot of rain in Chiang Mai during this time, is it actually a good idea to visit? And if you do decide to visit, what can you expect and how can you prepare for the rain?

What to expect

You might get a lot of advice to not travel to Chiang Mai or Thailand from May to October due to it being rainy season. But is it really bad enough to avoid these months completely or to change your travel dates? For the most part, no. However, it depends on how much you dislike the rain and whether you mind potentially adjusting your plans as you go.

To help you decide whether to visit Chiang Mai during rainy season, here’s what you can actually expect. Although there is a lot of rain, it doesn’t last long. Rain showers usually last an hour or so, and it’s rare for it to rain the entire day.

The weather forecast isn’t accurate during rainy season. So while it’s still a good idea to check, you should go about your plans whenever it’s not raining. Always bring an umbrella and poncho/rain jacket in case you run into light showers. If you get caught in a downpour, hide out in a café or check out indoor attractions, like a museum or temple, until the rain is over.

Pros of visiting during rainy season

• Lush greenery: All the rain results in beautiful green landscapes and roaring waterfalls. If you want to see or photograph the nature of northern Thailand at its finest, visiting during the rainy season is the perfect time.
• Fewer tourists: The rainy season turns most tourists away, which means you’ll enjoy a quieter Chiang Mai. You can have temples all to yourself and wander through night markets without feeling like you’re bumping into other people.
• Cheaper prices: Since rainy season is the low season, it’s cheaper to travel during this time. Accommodations and tours often offer lower prices, which makes visiting Chiang Mai more budget-friendly.
• Cooler weather: After the temperature peaks in April, it starts decreasing throughout rainy season. In May, the average high is 93°F (39°C) and the average low is 76°F (24°C). By the time it reaches October, the average high is only 88°F (31°C) and the average low is 72°F (22°C). Although the rain brings cooler temperatures, it also comes with humidity.

Cons of visiting during rainy season

• Unpredictable weather: The most difficult part of visiting during rainy season is probably dealing with the unpredictable weather. There are unexpected downpours and outdoor activities may get canceled if there’s heavy rain or flooding. You can still have a great time in Chiang Mai during the rainy season, but you’ll need to be flexible and have backup plans.
• Muddy roads and trails: Hiking and driving conditions can quickly turn into a muddy mess during rainy season. If you plan on hiking, be prepared for muddy, slippery trails. And if you’re not an experienced motorbike driver, you may want to rethink renting a motorbike.
• More mosquitoes: The rain brings out more mosquitoes, so come prepared with plenty of bug spray. Although it’s easy to find bug spray in Chiang Mai, I like to bring some with me. If you’re like me and moquitoes love you, get something strong like DEET. Picaridin is also a great option since it doesn’t smell and isn’t sticky.

Tips for traveling during rainy season

• Always bring an umbrella. A small umbrella in your daypack can save the day when there’s unexpected rain.
• Pack a poncho or rain jacket. When all else fails, a poncho will keep you dry during a downpour. You can also bring a rain jacket. I like Columbia’s lightweight, packable rain jackets. They work well and can be folded into themselves, but they’ll eventually soak through if you’re facing heavy rain.
• Wear flip flops. Instead of trying to dodge the rain, sometimes it’s best to just embrace the wetness. Wearing flip flops or other sandals that allow water to easily drain out can be better than trying to (unsuccessfully) keep your sneakers dry. Since streets can get flooded during the rainy season, it’s easiest to just wade through them with flip flops and then wash your feet when you get home.
• Be flexible with your plans. Even if you come prepared to face the rain and check the weather in advance, there may be times when you can’t move forward with your original plan. It’s important to be open to making changes if needed. There’s so much to do in Chiang Mai too, so it shouldn’t be hard to find an alternative activity. You can also take rainy days as an opportunity to slow down – get a massage, have a spa day, or sit at a café.

More resources for traveling southeast Asia

• How Many Days to Spend in Chiang Rai
• 5 Complete Itineraries to See North Vietnam in 7 Days
• How to Solo Travel Vietnam
• 13 Best Places to Visit in Cambodia

The post What You Need to Know About Chiang Mai’s Rainy Season appeared first on flcchn Staging.

Although Chiang Mai gets the most attention from travelers when it comes to northern Thailand, there are many other places in the region that are worth visiting. Chiang Rai is one of them, as it has some of the most striking temples and architecture that I saw during my three weeks in Thailand. You’ll also find stunning scenery, delicious food, and fun night markets.

As you plan your Thailand trip, how many days should you spend in Chiang Rai? Although it’s possible to see some of Chiang Rai’s most famous sites in one day, I recommend spending three days to truly experience all that the city and region has to offer. To help you decide, I’ve outlined what you’ll be able to see in one, two, and three days below. Based on your interests, you can then figure out how many days you should devote to Chiang Rai.

One day

If you want to see the three attractions that Chiang Rai is most known for (White Temple or Wat Rong Khun, Blue Temple or Wat Rong Suea Ten, and the Black House or Baan Dam Museum) and nothing more, you can fit them all into one busy day. The three sites are close to each other (at most, a 30-minute drive) but not within walking distance, so you’ll need to have a driver or rent a scooter.

Depending on how fast you go through each attraction and the number of breaks you take, you may also have some time to spare to wander around Chiang Rai’s city center. You can swing by the Chiang Rai Clock Tower, walk through the Chiang Rai Night Bazaar, or take a 15-minute drive to Wat Huay Pla Kang to see the Goddess of Mercy.

Is it possible to do a day trip to Chiang Rai?

You can do a day trip to Chiang Rai, depending on where you’re coming from. Most people go from Chiang Mai, but I don’t recommend it due to how long the travel is. It’s a bit over a three-hour drive one way, which means you’ll spend a total of six hours on the road. If you’re set on going though, you can either hire a driver for the day, rent a car if you’re comfortable driving in Thailand, join a group tour, or take the bus.

Taking the bus is the cheapest option and pretty comfortable, although it does take slightly longer. GreenBus is the company that runs this route, and you can either book your ticket online in advance through 12Go.Asia or show up at Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 and buy your ticket there.

Two days

If you have the time, spend at least two full days in Chiang Rai. You’ll see everything that you would in one day, but you won’t feel rushed. You’ll also have time to explore Singha Park, Thailand’s largest eco-tourism attraction. Spanning over 1,376 hectares, the park contains a tea plantation, zoo, sports like rock climbing and zip lining, and restaurants. With so many things to do and see there, Singha Park makes a great afternoon activity.

You can also soak in nearby hot springs or take a dip in a waterfall. Huai Mak Liam Hot Spring is about a 40-minute drive from the city center, Pong Phrabat Hot Springs is a 16-minute drive, and Huai Kaeo Waterfall is a 45-minute drive.

Three days

Three days is the ideal amount of time to spend in Chiang Rai because you’ll be able to get to all the attractions at a relaxed pace and have much more time to explore the city center. In addition to seeing everything listed above, you can watch the sun rise at Phu Chi Fa, a mountain range and national forest park located along the border between Thailand and Laos. It’s about a 2-hour drive from Chiang Rai, so you’ll need to wake up early if you want to catch sunrise. Otherwise, you can visit at any time and still see spectacular views of the surrounding valley and mountains.

You can also visit the Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar (Burma) meet and the Ruak and Mekong rivers converge. The Golden Triangle has become a popular tourist attraction where you can take a boat ride, get a view of the Golden Triangle, see a large golden Buddha statue, and learn about the opium trade at either the House of Opium or Hall of Opium. It takes a little over an hour to drive from Chiang Rai to the Golden Triangle. You can either drive yourself, hire a private driver, or join a tour group.

If you manage to power through everything listed here and still have extra time, you can always take a cooking class if you haven’t already done so. Cooking classes are a popular activity in Thailand. They’re fun and filling. Plus, you’ll be able to take the recipes that you learn with you, so you can later recreate classic Thai dishes at home.

More resources for traveling southeast Asia

• 5 Complete Itineraries to See North Vietnam in 7 Days
• How to Solo Travel Vietnam
• 5 Best Hostels and Homestays I Stayed at in Vietnam
• Cambodia Travel Guide – Planning and What to Know
• How to Solo Travel Cambodia and Stay Safe
• 7 Days in Cambodia Itinerary

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