A trip my friend mum is going on. I was impressed by the coverage and movement over Vietnam.
Covers a lot of interesting sites and cities.
Day 1 (Monday 12/1/2012) Depart Perth for Saigon
Perth 7.30am - Singapore 12.45pm Singapore 5:40pm - Saigon 6.45pm Stay overnight in Saigon at www.shapphirehotel.com.vn (hotel address:
32A - 34 Bui Thi Xuan Street, District 1, HCM City; Tel:(84-8) 3925 3291 / 39253292
Day 2 (Tues 03/1/12) Saigon
Breakfast.
This morning we shall explore Vietnam's largest and busiest city by visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral, built between 1886 - 1890 by the French Missionary, the Reunification Palace (former Presidential Palace of South Vietnam) Vietnam War Museum. Finally, stop at Ben Thanh Market, the central market of Saigon for some shopping. Lunch.
Stay overnight in Saigon at the Sapphire Hotel 3*www.shapphirehotel.com.vn
Day 3 (Wed 04/1/2012): Cu Chi - orphanage- Can Tho
Breakfast at hotel then we shall depart to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, a communist guerrilla tunnel system. Here at Cu Chi Tunnels we will have an in depth look at the determination and ingenuity of the Vietnamese. Constructed by Viet Cong fighters during the Vietnam War. The network, which is several storeys deep in some parts includes trapdoors, living areas, storage facilities, weapon factories, field hospitals, command centres and kitchen. These tunnels ran directly under military bases and were used both as shelters and to stage surprise attacks.
After Cu Chi we shall visit the orphanage run by the Dominican Sisters and have lunch with the sisters and the orphan.
Transfer to Can Tho. Stay overnight in Can Tho. Ninh Kieu 2 Hotel 4* www.ninhkieuhotel.com (address: 03 Hoa Binh St., Ninh Kieu district Cantho city)
Day 4 (Thur 05/1/2012): Can Tho- Saigon
After breakfast at hotel, take a boat cruise to visit Cai Rang floating market. The market is filled with small boats darting through the water as vendors buy and sell their wares. Cruise through small canals and stop at a fruit orchard to taste some of the succulent fruits of the Mekong Delta. Transfer back to Saigon. Stay overnight in Saigon. Sapphire Hotel 3* www.shapphirehotel.com.vn
Day 5 (Fri 06/1/12): Saigon - Vietnamese cooking class. Breakfast at hotel and then we shall head to the Vietnam cookery Center for Vietnamese cooking class. After the class, we will "enjoy???" lunch with the food we cooked.
River cruise with dinner on Saigon River. 19:00 board the cruise for dinner. www.indochinajunk.com.vn Stay overnight in Saigon. Sapphire Hotel 3* www.shapphirehotel.com.vn
Cooking class at Vietnam Cookery Centre (address: Ml Cu Xa Tan Cang, 362/8 Ung Van Khiem St., Binh Thanh, HCMC) CFM 36pax
- Time: 09:30 - 12 : 30 Menu:
1. Vietnamese spring rolls
2. Caramel pork in clay pot
3. Sour clam soup with dills
4. Steamed rice in coconut juice
5. Banana with coconut milk Person in charge: Ms. Linh 0909 226 204
Day 6 (Sat 07/1/2012): Saigon, Thu Due, Bien Hoa Ho Nai, - Vung Taii/Long Tan, Nui Dat
After breakfast we shall head to Thu Due where Fr Tai will celebrate his Thanksgiving Mass. We shall have lunch with Fr Tai's family. After lunch we shall head toward Vung Tau via Nui Dat and Long Tan Battlefield, the former Australian army base. Here, at Long Tan Cross, we will have time to pay our respect to the Australian Soldiers who laid down their lives to provide peace for the Vietnamese people. Dinner at a local restaurant.
Stay overnight in Vung Tau. Sammy Hotel 3* www.sammyhotelvt.com (address: 157 Thuy van St - Thang Tam Ward - Vungtau City)
- Arranged 1 local guide in Ba Ria to help the group to visit Long Tan & Nui Dat
Day 7 (Sun 08/1/2012): Vung Tail - Phan Thiet
After breakfast at hotel, visit Statue of Jesus. Drive to Phan Thiet for beach relax. Stay overnight in Phan Thiet.
Doi Duong Hotel 3* www.doiduonghotel.com (add: 209 Le Loi str, Phan Thiet city)
Day 8 (Mon 09/1/2012): Phan Thiet city
Free in Phan Thiet for beach relax. Stay overnight in Phan Thiet. Doi Duong Hotel 3* www.doiduonghotel.com (add: 209 Le Loi str, Phan Thiet city)
Day 9 (Tiies 10/1/2012): Phan Thiet - Nha Trang
After breakfast, we shall head to the long sandy beach of Nha Trang. Free at your own leisure along the sandy beach of Nha Trang, go for a swim or a mud bath.
Lunch - somewhere along the road. Dinner and then overnight in Nha Trang. Camelia Hotel 3* www.camelianhatrang.com.vn (address: 11 Le Loi St - Nha Trang City)
Day 10 (Wed 11/1/2012): Nha Trang - Vinpearl
After breakfast we will take the cable car to Vinpearland.
http ://www. vinpearlland.com/vi-Vl\T/NhaIranff/coiigviengiatri/games/2008/l 1/13 .aspx
Afternoon, the bus will pick up the group at the cable station to hotel. Stay overnight in Nha Trang. Camelia Hotel 3* www.camelianhatrang.com.vn
Day 11 (Thur 12/1/2012): Nha Trang - Hoi An - by plane
Free at your leisure until transfer to the airport for flight to Danang. Our driver welcomes you at the airport and transfer to hotel in Hoian. Free time in Hoian. Southern hotel & Villa Hoian 3* (Add: 224 Ly Thai To str, Hoian)
Flights NHA-DAP issued 36pax VN942 12JAN N HAD AD 16h20-17hl0 Day 12 (Fri 13/1/2012): Hoi An
Let's spend our full day visiting the town of Hoi An today. We'll walk over the tile-roofed Japanese Bridge, visit taciturn Chinese Assembly Halls, visit ancient houses and Trading Houses, pagodas and stroll into the market located by Thu Bon river, where we may find out the same feelings of the artists, who see the rooftops of Hoi An, a magical old world of Oriental feel and source of inspiration. This is also a wonderful town to shop for lanterns, soft silk, raw silk, or get your clothes tailored within a day. Late afternoon, optional tour by boat to a small ceramic village in Thu Bon River, or relax at Cua Dai (the "Big Beach"). Overnight in Hoian. Southern hotel & Villa Hoian 3* (Add: 224 Ly Thai To str, Hoian)
Day 13 (Sat 14/1/2012): Hoi An - Hue
On the way from Hoi An to Hue via the magnificent "Ocean Cloudy" Pass today, we can stop to visit the China Beach and Marble Mt., and contemplate wonderful seascapes from the mountaintop halfway through the Pass. Arrive at our hotel in Hue at midday. After lunch, let's go to discover the Royal Citadel, Forbidden City and Hue Royal Museum - where traces of the last Vietnam feudal dynasty are well-preserved, and intermingle with Hue people at their Dong Ba bustling market. Royal dinner, while having dinner you may wish to dress up as a king, queen etc. Stay overnight in Hue. Hue Queen Hotel 3* www.huequeenhotel.com (29 Tran Quang Khai St. Hue City) Confirmed(CFM) 19rooms (T0DBL+2single+7twin) Royal dinner, while having dinner you may wish to dress up as a king, queen etc with traditional music at local restaurant. »> CFM 36pax Restaurant address: Menu:
1. Nem Cong cha Phung
2. Sup hoa xuan
3. BanhHu§
4. Nem lui Kim Long
5. Tom ngu thuyen hoa
6. Ca chien s6t thorn ca
7. Bo nirong Cung Binh
8. Rau xao Hoang hau
9. Cam chien An Dinh Vien
10. Trang mieng : Trai cay.
Boan co nghe ca Hue va mac trang phuc Cung Binh.Thcri gian an se do khach va hirdng din thu xep,thuong cac doan tdiach se an vao khoang tir 5g chieu den 8g toi.
Day 14 (Sun 15/1/2012): Hue
With a boat ride along the poetic Perfume River, you can reach Thien Mu Pagoda, the centre of Buddhism of the city, whose 90% are Buddhists, and the extensive Tomb of King Minh Mang, which is reachable from a river pier. After lunch we shall visit the shrine of Our Lady of La Vang. Who appeared to the Vietnamese People over two hundred years ago. Overnight in Hue. Hue Queen Hotel 3* www.huequeenhotel.com
Day 15 (Mou 16/1/2012): Hue - Hanoi city tour
Transfer to Hue airport for flight to Hanoi. You will be welcomed at Hanoi Airport and transferred to the city centre (45minutes driving).
We will have city tour in Hanoi - Vietnam's artistic and intellectual capital.
Explore the fascinating Old Quarter and its hundreds of specialty shops selling silk clothing, lacquer ware, embroidered linens, furniture, bamboo, stylish cafes. Shopping for impressive modern art in many galleries in the city. Also visit Hanoi's main cultural attractions, including the One Pillar Pagoda, the Fine Arts Museum and the Temple of Literature. Late afternoon we will enjoy a unique fascinating show of Water Puppetry, a traditional stage art of Northern Vietnam. Overnight in Hanoi at the Viet Hotel 3*
www.viethotel.vn (61 Hang Than Str, Ba Dinh Dist)
We will buy Water puppet show ticket for 36pax.
Flights HUI-HAN Issued 36pax VN540 16JAN HUJHAN 08hl0-0920
Day 16 (Tues 17/1/2012): Hanoi - Lang Son - Hanoi - Lao Cai
Transfer to Lang Son. Your adventure trip to Sapa begins with an overnight train from Vietnam's capital city to the border town of Lao Cai. Overnight on the train. Wooden cabin, soft berth, 4pax/cabin. Booked 36 train tickets, Livitrans 4pax/cabin. Day 17 (Wed 18/1/2012): Lao Cai - Sapa
The train arrives at Lao Cai train station at approximately 05:00. The driver welcomes us and drive to Sapa is only 33 km but it takes around 1.5 hours. Once at Sapa, leave your bags at hotel. We can freshen up and have breakfast. Free morning to explore around town. At 10:00 from the hotel there will be a walking tour to the hill tribe villages of Cat Cat, home to the Hmong hill tribes minority peoples. As we walk to the villages nestled in the valley below Sapa, we will meet some of the local minority people on their way to and from Sapa. Here we have the opportunity to share cultural experiences with the families that live in the area. Overnight in Sapa. Holiday Sapa Hotel 3* www.holidavsapa.com (No 016 Muong Hoa Street, Sapa)
Day 18 (Thur 19/1/2012): Sapa - Lao Cai - Hanoi by overnight train
Following breakfast, we explore the Sapa Market and then set out on our 3-4 hour trek that will take us along buffalo paths and trails and through several hill tribe villages of Lao Chai and Ta Van, home to Hmong, and Dzay people. This is an absolutely spectacular walk through stunning scenery inhabited by some of the friendliest people you can meet. We will stop for a picnic lunch on the way to Ta Van village. We transfer back to Lao Cai for train journey back to Hanoi. The train departs at about 21:00. Overnight on train.
Booked 36 train tickets, Livitrans 4pax/cabin. Day 19 (Fri 20/1/2012): Hanoi - Halong
Arrive in Hanoi around 05:00, our guide picks us up at station, transfer to local restaurant for breakfast and morning coffee. Leave Hanoi by private vehicle at 08:30 for Halong Bay. Arriving at the jetty around 12:30, our crew welcomes you on board. Enjoy a welcome drink, check-in to your cabin. A fresh seafood lunch will be served at 13:00. At that time, we will begin our 3.5 hour cruise through mystic Halong Bay to see the amazing karsts with different formations: Mat Qui (Monster's face) islet, But Moc islet, Cap De islet, Trong (Drum) cave, Trinh Nu cave, floating fishing village, with its unique way of life. Then head to Luon cave, enjoy swimming, sun bathing at Ti Top beach or climb the peak of the mountain for a breath-taking panorama view of Halong Bay. Enjoy another seafood dinner and for the night owls, there is an option of night fishing. Overnight on the Junk in double deluxe cabin. Bai Tho Junk 3* www.halongsails.com
Day 20 (Sat 21/1/2012): Halong - Hanoi
Rising to the sound of lapping bay waters, we have time for an early morning dip followed by breakfast. Sitting on the upper deck, you can relax while taking in the breath-taking beauty of the rocky islands rising from the Emerald waters of the bay. After breakfast, explore Sung Sot cave (08:00 to 09:00), swim and relax at Soi Sim beach. At 09:30, our boat cruises back to the jetty while brunch is served from 10:30 to 11:30. We continue cruising through the bay, along the way seeing more of the fascinating formations. Checkout is at 11:45. Our boat arrives at the harbor by noon for our drive back to Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi at the Viet Hotel 3* www.viethotel.vn
Day 21 (Sun 22/1/2012): Hanoi - Transfer to Noi Bai airport
Hanoi 01.15pm- Singapore 5.40pm Singapore 7.45pm - Perth 12.50am Day 22 (Monday 23/1/2012): Arrive at Perth airport
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Perth to Margaret River Timelapse Drive
Left Perth around 430AM to reach Mandurah by 8.
Approx 300km
8000 shots via my Contour+
Lightly edited via LightRoom
Lightly edited via LightRoom
Compiled with QuickTime Pro
Touched up by Windows Movie Maker
Video can be viewed here:
or my Contour Channel
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Perth Sunset - Sunset PTog Hunterz
Perth Sunset Shots! Went as a 2nd on a Wedding preshoot @ the Cot.
Had a chance to grab a couple shots as the sun dropped.
Sunset shots taken by Nikon D700, 10.5 Fisheye
Above pose: Nikon D3 and 70-200 F2.8
Sunday, October 2, 2011
The Overview of the first Adventure
User google earth to calculate the KM we covered...I was quiet impressed with what we did in 20 days...Didn't feel stressed at all except in Hanoi when they stole our passports...and finding accommodation in Phnom Penh
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Sydney River Cruise - Back to Base
Love fish eye!
Baby is so comfy!
Gettin creative ;)
Some pens we found at the markets ^_^
Opera house @ Sunet
Sydney Harbour bridge at Sunset
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Brainstorming Flights Routes
///Friday, 30 March 2012 - Perth (PER) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL)
D7 237
0650 (PER)
1230 (KUL)
=290AUD
WITH ROUND TRIP
***Saturday, 28 April 2012 - Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Perth (PER)
D7 236
2350 (KUL)
0525 (PER)
(+1 day)
=199.00 AUD
///Friday, 30 March 2012 - Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Chengdu (CTU)
D7 326
1800 (KUL)
2240 (CTU)
=87.86USD
///Saturday, 28 April 2012 - Vientiane (VTE) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL)
AK 1413
1705 (VTE)
2045 (KUL)
=73.00 USD
USING THE ROUND TRIP
***Saturday, 28 April 2012 - Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Perth (PER)
D7 236
2350 (KUL)
0525 (PER)
(+1 day)
///Flights from Lhasa to Daqing (Yunnan)
Main China Airlines - www.airchina.com
China Eastern - Only fly Tues and Monday & Friday - http://en.ceair.com/mu/
///Could fly from Bangkok to Laos ~$200AUD oneway, then will need to get to Bangkok and figure out how to get back to Perth e.g. China > Bangkok or China > Singapore?
Hence a reverse route
{KL}>[fly]>
{CHINA-SICHUAN}Chengdu>[bus]>Huanglong>[bus]>Jiuzhaigou>[bus]>Chengdu>[train]>
{TIBET}Lhasa>[fly]>
{CHINA-YUNNAN}Zhongdian>[bus]>Lijiang>[bus]>Dali>[bus]>Kunming>[bus]>Mengla/Jinghong>[bus]>Mohan(Border town)>
{LAOS}Luang Namtha>[bus]>Oudomxai>[bus]>Luang Prabang>[bus]>Vientiane
#Visa Info from: http://www.laos-guide-999.com/from-China-by-road.html
*NOTE: due to reverse route have to get Visa at Lao border...Little bit harder
Only Mohan/Boten (Mengla in Yunnan province / Luang Namtha province) border crossing point is an international crossing where travellers can get Lao visa on arrival
**NOTE: China to Lao by Water
It is also possible to travel to Laos by boat from Kunming or Xishuangbanna, China, through the Mekong river straight South to Xieng Kok river port in Luang Namtha province.
At this stage Xieng Kok river port checkpoint does not issue Lao visa on arrival. I'd recommend you get visa for Laos from the Lao embassy beforehand if you plan to enter Laos at this checkpoint.
#Visa info from Australian Embassy: http://www.laos.embassy.gov.au/vtan/AEV0001.html
Tourist visas valid for 30 days can be obtained on arrival at Vientiane and Luang Prabang International Airports, and at the Friendship Bridge between Nong Khai Thailand and Vientiane Laos
Passport photographs are required for a visa on arrival. All other crossing points require a valid Lao visa already in the passport, which must be obtained from a Lao Embassy abroad.
NOTE:
Travellers are remined to check their passports, when entering and leaving
Laos, to ensure they have received a correctly dated entry/exit stamp. Penalties can apply for entering Laos without an entry stamp and for crossing the border at non authorised crossing points.
#Visa info from: http://projectvisa.com/visainformation/Laos
---as off Jan/2011
China [type L - visa info via http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/hzqz/zgqz/t84246.htm]:
Mohan - Boten.
Xiengkok riverport. (No visa on Arrival)
Sohun Checkpoint. (No visa on Arrival)
Researching Tibet
Continue of:
------------------------------------------------------
How to Travel Cheaply in Tibet via http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/thread.jspa?threadID=1878944
by lobsangy
There are a few things you cannot avoid when you travel in Tibet. First, as matter of government policy, you need a Tibet Entry Permit, which is only arranged through locally-registered travel agencies. Second, while you are travelling in Tibet, you must be accompanied by a licensed tour guide, which must also be arranged by a local travel agency.
Having said that, there are ways to reduce the overall cost of travel to Tibet, which are not always advertised by travel agencies:
(1) Travel Permits: As a traveler, the first thing you should ask is how the travel permits are arranged and how much you will be charged. If the travel agencies are based in Lhasa or are locally registered with TTB, they will often charge less than those based in Chengdu, Xining, or elsewhere. You can call travel agencies in Lhasa directly to see how much they charge and how quickly they can do it for you.
(2) Accommodations: As mentioned above, most travel agencies will book you in their own contracted hotels, which are not necessarily better or cheaper. Most travel agencies will tell you or imply that only travel agencies can book hotels or get good deals for you. This is not true. As long as you have a permit and tour guide, you can stay in any hotel or guesthouse that has been designated for foreign tourists by TTB.
As a small hotel owner in Lhasa, I am often frustrated with travel agencies for their unfair commissions for hotels. For example, they may take 50% or more of the rate given to customers, which not only overcharges customers, but also underpays hotel owners.
You can tell your travel agency that you will arrange your own accommodations. It will require a little more research on your part, but you can definitely find many interesting, comfortable, and affordable hotels online or in guidebooks and contact them directly.
(3) Hiring Cars: This is bit tricky because it involves several issues. First, there are no clear rules and regulations regarding this matter. TTB simply states that all tourist vehicles must have insurance and all drivers must be qualified as tour drivers. While there are transportation companies, at the moment, most people still go through a travel agency to arrange transportation because these transportation companies are not easily accessible to the average tourist. However, if you wish to put in the extra effort, you can ask around for transportation companies and compare rates. If you are lucky, you may find a good transportation company offering a good rate.
(4) Tour Guide: As a matter of policy, as mentioned before, all foreign tourists must be accompanied by a licensed tour guide and the tour guide must be arranged through a travel agency. The cost of a tour guide depends on the travel agency. In order to reduce the cost of a guide, many tourists join groups to share one guide. By joining a group, the cost can then be shared by several people.
(5) Meals: Again, many travel agencies will direct you to restaurants where they receive the best commissions for themselves. These restaurants do not necessarily reflect better quality or price. So if your travel agency offers to arrange meals for you, just smile and say thank you! If you aren’t sure where good restaurants are, you can ask your tour guide (but sometimes your tour guide may also take you places in their own self interest), your hotel staff, or a travel guidebook. After all, you have come to Tibet, so please try some Tibetan food.
(6) Entrance Fees: Tourists are required to pay entrance fees for most monasteries, temples, and other tourist sites in Tibet. For example, during the peak tourist season, it costs 100rmb for a ticket to the Potala and 85rmb for a Jokhang Temple ticket. Because tickets to the Potala Palace are limited to 2,000 per day, many travel agencies will charge a fee to book this ticket. However, if you are willing to go to the ticket office in Lhasa the day before (during the highest peak season there may be a line), you can book your own ticket, and thereby avoid the booking fee. During the off-peak tourist season, you can usually purchase the ticket the same day. Your tour guide can also help you with purchasing this ticket.
(7) Off-Season Travel: The peak tourist season for Tibet is approximately late June to October and prices for air tickets, rail tickets, hiring cars, hotels, and entry tickets to tourist sites are considerably higher. If you plan your trip during the off-peak season, you may find that costs for the above may be cut in half.
------------------------------------------------------
Traveling in Tibet: What do foreign tourists need?
Foreign travelers often wonder why traveling to the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) is so expensive and inconvenient even though Tibet is one of poorest regions in the world. First of all, needless to say, there are several policies to safeguard stability in the region. In addition to these policies, which are regulated by various government agencies, private enterprises such travel agencies and the hotel and transportation industries also shape tourism in Tibet. We can better understand the cost and procedures for travel in Tibet by looking briefly at each item needed.
Tibet Entry Permit
The first thing needed (after you obtain your China tourist visa) is the famous Tibet Entry Permit for foreign tourists traveling to the TAR. This is issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB), which is a government agency responsible for basic policies related to tourism in the TAR. This permit is needed even to purchase an air or train ticket to the TAR.
Tour Guide
According to the most recent TTB regulations, all foreign tourists must be accompanied by a licensed tour guide.
Alien’s Travel Permit
If you plan to travel to “closed areas” in the TAR, such as the Mt. Everest area and Mt. Kailash, you need an Alien’s Travel Permit, which is issued by the Foreign Affairs Section of the Public Security Bureau. This is usually done only after arriving in Lhasa. Your travel agency can help you with this.
Military Permit
If you plan to visit Ngari, Nyingtri, and Nakchu, which are regarded as sensitive military areas in Tibet, you need the Military Permit issued by the Military Office in Lhasa. This is usually done only after arriving in Lhasa. You will need to provide your passport to apply for it, which will take around 2-3 business days. Your travel agency can help you with this.
Travel Agencies
Locally registered travel agencies in the TAR are the only ones who can arrange for tour guides and the Tibet Entry Permit. They can also arrange for the Alien’s Travel Permit and Military Permit if needed. Because of the long and complicated process of registration, there are currently only about 50 registered travel agencies in Lhasa. Travel agencies based in other cities such as Chengdu, Beijing, and Xining are not registered in the TAR, and therefore cannot apply for your permits directly. They are able to make these arrangements only through the TAR-based travel agencies. For example, if you pay a travel agency in Chengdu or Xining to get your permit, those travel agencies have to ask a registered travel agency in Lhasa to apply for the permit for you. Thus, if you arrange your permits and tour guides through travel agencies based outside of the TAR, you are paying extra for intermediary fees.
Transportation
Air
To purchase your air ticket to Lhasa, you will need your passport and Tibet Entry Permit. You may purchase this yourself at any air ticket sales office, or your travel agency may do this for you. At the moment, the original copy of the Tibet Entry Permit is also required to board the plane.
Train
To purchase your train ticket to Lhasa, you will need your passport and Tibet Entry Permit. You may purchase this yourself at any rail ticket sales office, or your travel agency may do this for you. You need the original copy of the Tibet Entry Permit to board the train.
Hiring Cars
Most travel agencies do not own their own ground transportation but have contracts with transportation companies. The drivers and vehicle must be approved for tourists by TTB. The cost of hiring cars (including driver) is usually calculated per kilometer, and is currently approximately 4-8rmb/km during the peak tourist season.
Accommodations
Most travel agencies do not own hotels or hostels but have contracts with hotel owners. Because of this, different travel agencies will prefer to book you in different hotels according to their contracts. There are no regulations requiring foreign tourists to book hotels through travel agencies. If you wish to book your own hotel, you may do so by contacting the hotels directly. The only requirement is that they are approved for foreign guests. Currently, the star rating system is more arbitrary than not and is not a reliable factor for selecting hotels. In Lhasa, there is a reasonable selection of higher end hotels, and more recently, there is also a greater selection of various types of hotels, from family-style guest houses in the old Tibetan quarters to boutique hotels and hostels
Monday, September 19, 2011
Visa Research China and Tibet and Laos
Hardest bit of any trip is Visa issues
Trying to figure out how to go to/from these difficult countries.
///Foreign Embassy Information For Australians
List of Embassy - http://protocol.dfat.gov.au/Mission/list.rails
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
///Travel Advice China/Tibet
http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/advice/china
///Visa Info for China
China visa can be divided in to a few kinds, but the "L" kind which means travel visa.
When you come to China via Nepal (Kathmandu) and come to Tibet, you have to have the China visa issued in Kathmandu no matter if you already have it or not. This is the agreement between China and Nepal.
Apply for a China Visa within your country. Do not mention Tibet otherwise it will take much longer.
Single entry will suffice if visit Tibet and returning to China.
Forms and Prices - http://www.chinatravel.com.au/download
Australia China Embassy - http://au.china-embassy.org/eng/ls/
Perth China Consulate - http://perth.chineseconsulate.org/eng/bgxz/
Travel Advice - http://www.travelcentre.com.au/travel/asia/China/china_visa_requirements.htm
More Visa stuff - http://www.traveltibetguide.com/tibetpermits.html
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
///Visa Info for Tibet (Tibet Travel Permit) - Part I
Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB) Permits are necessary for entry to Lhasa or any other part of the Tibetan Autonomous Region, and are obtained through tour operators as part of arrangements for travel; A T.T.B. permit does not obviate the need for an Aliens' Travel Permit for any closed areas that may be visited. But you can get them easily from Travel Tibet Guide.
Here is a note from Lonely Planet:
"Lhasa PSB will not issue travel permits to individuals and will direct you to a travel agency. Agencies can arrange a travel permit to almost anywhere but only if you book a Land Cruiser, driver and a guide."
TTP Info - http://www.traveltibetguide.com/tibet-entry-permit.html
Do I need double/multi-entry visa if I come to Tibet from China mainland and return China mainland after the trip? [via http://www.traveltibetguide.com/faq.html]
No, because Tibet is a part of China, if enter Tibet from other cities in China mainland and after the trip in Tibet, get back to China mainland again, only a single entry visa is required.
For example:
Beijing→Tibet→Shanghai
For this, a single entry visa is okay
///Visa Info Tibet - Tibet Travel Permit - Part II
Quote from [http://www.tibettrip.com/essential/documents.htm]
Overseas tourists to Tibet must hold a valid passport issued by his or her homeland and a visa issued by a Chinese embassy or consulate. However, tourists from a country that has agreed upon a visa-free protocol with China can visit Tibet without a visa, but the stay usually can't exceed 30 days.
Tibet Tourism Bureau:
Tel: 0086-891-6835472/ 6834315
E-mail: webmaster@xzta.gov.cn
Address: No.3 Norbulingka Road, Lhasa, Tibet
Outside of Tibet:
1. Chengdu Office
Tel: 028-8555171
Address: No.3 Wuhou Hengjie, Chengdu
2. Zhongdian Office
Tel: 0887-8229028; 0887-8227892
Address: Room 2206, Xiangbala Hotel, Shangri-La, Yunnan
///Getting to Tibet via a Tour Agency - Part III
Registered tour agency withing Chengdu:
http://www.chinatouronline.com/china-travel/chengdu/chengdu-tourism/tourism-services.html
Possible head from Yunnan into Sichuan (Chengdu) then travel around Sichuan.
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, and the mirable Sanxingdui Museum. Visit to Kuan Zhai Xiang
Chengdu>Huanglong>Jiuzhaigou
Jiuzhaigou Scenic Spot > Nuorilang Waterfall > Long Lake and Pearl Beach.
///Other Links
Brief breakdown - http://wikitravel.org/en/Tibet
From Chengdu/Kunming to Tibet - http://wikitravel.org/en/Overland_to_Tibet
To/From Zhongdian To/From Chengdu via http://wikitravel.org/en/Yunnan_tourist_trail & Train To/From Kunming/Chengdu
Tour agency to/from Lhasa - http://www.china-travel.nl/english/tibet.htm
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
///Travel Advice Laos
http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/advice/laos
///Visa Info for Laos
---Entry and Exit Requirements---
Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Laos for the most up-to-date information.
You should ensure you obtain an entry stamp on arrival. Failure to do so may result in a fine.
You should use only official border crossing points to enter Laos.
Make sure your passport has at least six months' validity from your planned date of return to Australia. You should carry copies of a recent passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas.
---Australia Visa---
Tourist visas valid for 30 days can be obtained on arrival at Vientiane and Luang Prabang International Airports, and at the Friendship Bridge between Nong Khai Thailand and Vientiane Laos. Passport photographs are required for a visa on arrival. All other crossing points require a valid Lao visa already in the passport, which must be obtained from a Lao Embassy abroad. Tourist visas may be extended for 30 days at the Bureau of Immigration (Bureau of Aliens and Foreigners Protection) opposite the morning market in Lane Xang Ave, Vientiane. Fines for overstaying are imposed, they can be paid at the Bureau of Immigration or at the Friendship Bridge on departure. Fees apply for visas.
Lao Immigration require passports to have at least 6 month's validity remaining. Travellers have been refused entry into Laos when holding passports with less than 6 month's validity.
Travellers are remined to check their passports, when entering and leaving
Laos, to ensure they have received a correctly dated entry/exit stamp. Penalties can apply for entering Laos without an entry stamp and for crossing the border at non authorised crossing points.
http://www.laos.embassy.gov.au/vtan/home.html
Australians Entering Laos - http://www.laos.embassy.gov.au/vtan/AEV0001.html
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Watsons Bay Part 1
Circular Quay > Watsons BaySydney Ferries on a nice Sunday cruise.
Walking around the lil streets of Watsons Bay
My little travel companions :) They have travelled to many countries and cities with me!
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
2012 Trip Plan
And so it begins, the biggest trip I am about to embark adventured is starting to grow.
My previous trips included:
2009# Singapore > from Saigon through south Vietnam andup into Cambodia by boat via Chau Duc > worked our way up from Phnom Penhinto Siem Reap by bus, we then flew back into Vietnam (Hanoi) and made our wayinto Sapa by train > then fly back to Saigon for a few more nights till Iflew back to Singapore and into Perth.
2010# KL to meet some Siti and the Hubbi> Taiwan (Taichung)and explore the rural lands of Taiwan > Singapore for a few more days to partyup and eat
2011# KL to meet some Siti and the Hubbi before the bigwedding > Korea (Seoul) > Busan by KTX > Japan (Fukuoka) by high speedferry > Kagoshima by Shinkansen > Osaka by Shinkansen > Kyoto by car> Hamamatsu by Shinkansen > Tokyo > Seoul by plane > KL for awedding
My goals are to fly from Bangkok into Laos and from theretravel north into China (Yunnan) and make my way into Tibet (originally it wasNepal, but I am planning to save that for when I tour India).
I have 1 month to cover some 4000km across 2.5 countries(Tibet belongs to China, kind of?)
From Tibet I will have to create away back to Perth? I wantto do as little flying as possible!
My goal is to always use local transport to the MAX and thethree day train from Tibet to Beijing might just do it :) I will be using anumber of buses through Laos and various boats along the way.
I might have to fly from Yunnan into Tibet L the car journey cantake up to 8 days!
Route Options I am thinking of:
--- Laos --- approx 8 days
01# Bangkok > Vientiane > Vang Vieng > Phonsavan> Luang Prabang > Oudomxai > Luang Namtha
02# Bangkok> Vientiane >Luang Prabang > Phonsavan> Oudomxai > Luang Namtha
03# Bangkok > Vientiane > Phonsavan > Luang Prabang> Pakbeng >Houayxai > Luang Namtha
04# Bangkok> Luang Prabang > Phonsavan > Oudomxai> Luang Namtha
05# Bangkok > Luang Prabang > Phonsavan >Pakbeng>Houayxai > Luang Namtha
--- China (Yunnan) --- approx 8-10 days
01# Laos > Mengla > Jinghong > Kunming > Dali> Lijiang > Zhongdian > Tibet
02# Laos > Mengla > Kunming > Dali > Lijiang> Zhongdian > Tibet
03# Laos > Mengla > Kunming > Lijiang > Baishuitai> Zhongdian > Tibet
04# Laos > Mengla > Kunming > Lijiang > Liming >Weixi > Deqin – Zhongdian (Shangri La) – Baishuitai > Tiger Leaping Gorge> ?
--- Tibet --- approx 8 days
*** need to find suitable trek***
--- China (Beijing/Chungdu) --- approx 2-3 days
Lhasa > Chengdu > Jiuzhaigou Valley > ?
Monday, September 12, 2011
Sydney Harbor Bridge...Meh!
Went to the bridge. Lucky for the good weather. It was ok haha
Needed to see it as a tourist, i guess.
Streets of Sydney & 2 Oxford St
Hyde Park View of St Mary Church
Pie Face!
Lemon Juice on Oxford St
Paddington markets.
Opera House!
Only the fisheye can cut it! Its to vast
Looked like a KL singer on the stairs taking photos
Didn't have a tripod but it turned out okHarbour front? I forgot what it is called
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Wacky Asian Store - Streets of Sydney
A really groovy shop. Has a bit of everything inside. It is like stepping back in time into parts of Asia.
http://www.maoandmore.com/tour.htm
Shop 267-271 Cleveland Street Surry Hills Sydney
Definitely worth a walk through. Even maybe a small purchase
Luke Nguyen Restaurant - Red Lantern
I don't know about this place. The ambiance is nice, the service is great but the food is avg and price is expensive.
I think I expected to much. I was hoping for a taste of Vietnam. But this is just another fusion restaurant that fails to kick start the taste buds.
Should have guessed by the customer demographics.
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