Ninh Bihn: Top Day Trip from Hanoi

It was a Saturday to remember. We started early from Hanoi to go to Ninh Bihn. It turned out to be an auspicious decision. The peaceful boat trip which is the highlight of the visit was a very enjoyable experience without the burning sun. 

Boat Trip in Ninh Bihn. Copyright: aesta1.

The moment we got down of our car in Ninh Binh, we were immediately guided to one of the boats. The centre in Tam Coc, where we took the boat, seemed to be very well organized. No time was wasted. 

We got in the boat and were surprised how relaxed the rowers were. They had padded seats with back support and because they used their feet to row, these men and women were prettier relaxed as they ferry tourists through the river navigating the low entrances in the caves and earning a good sum especially because a few of them have a small stock of goodies to sell to tourists as well.

Cave in Ninh Binh. Copyright: aesta1.

You can see wild goats on the hillsides and restaurants in Ninh Binh offer wild goat dishes as their specialities. We tasted these and they were good, not smelly at all and barbecued well, they were tasty.

A Boat Paddler in Ninh Binh. Copyright: aesta1

The temples were worth visiting because of its history and breathtaking view. In one of these temples, the monk gave a musical rendition from a local musical instrument that sounded hauntingly beautiful.

Lotus grow on the water and its pink blossoms are Buddhist symbols of enlightenment. Along the river banks, other tropical plants grow and you can enjoy their flowers as you cruise along.

Ninh Binh is only a little over an hour from Hanoi so it is an easy day trip. Leave Hanoi early and get into the boat the moment you arrive. This way, you avoid the scorching noonday sun during your boat trip.

Go around the city after you're back from the boat trip and look for a local restaurant that serves mountain goat dishes. Enjoy the taste of this local specialty.

Enchanted Kingdom Laguna Philippines

Enchanted Kingdom. Source: aesta1

Whether you're seeking a place to bring the whole family or you're simply a kid at heart, the Enchanted Kingdom has something for everybody! The Philippines’ only world-class theme park, Enchanted Kingdom is a fantastical, magical wonderland featuring more rides, shows and attractions than can be packed into a single day! 

Zones in Enchanted Kingdom

Enchanted Kingdom is divided into seven distinct and wonderfully different areas, called zones. Each zone is very unique and each focuses on a particular theme. Each zone features dining options, rides and attractions unique to its theme, offering visitors a chance to travel the world! 

Victoria Park offers visitors a glimpse of life in the Victorian era. Entertainers dressed in elaborate period costumes walk the streets of Victoria Park, offering information on this interesting era. Rides and attractions are also Victorian-themed, including the zone's biggest attraction – a huge, elaborately detailed carousel. 

Jungle Outpost gives visitors a taste of life in the jungle. Watch as fire-eaters, dancers and other Central America-themed entertainers walk the streets, take a heart-pounding ride on the Log Jam, or relax and drift across Swan Lake. 

Spaceport brings the dawn of space exploration to life. Experience the thrills of the astronauts on the Space Shuttle as you rocket eleven storeys into the air and zip through six loops – forward and backwards! 

Portabello will take you back in time to Panama during the age of Spanish gold. Portabello is home to the Enchanted Kingdom's largest attraction – the Rio Grande! Paintball and 4-D movies are just a few of the other attractions waiting to be discovered. 

Brooklyn Place invites you to take a step back in time – to 1940's Brooklyn! Stroll down the streets with vaudeville and slapstick entertainers, or take part in the most unique movie-going experience of your life at the Rialto! 

Midway America pays homage to Coney Island, one of the earliest and best-known amusement parks in the entire world. Just like the original, Midway America delivers the largest number of rides in the Enchanted Kingdom, including Bump 'n' Splash, Dodgem and the EKstreme Tower Ride. 

Boulderville takes you even further back in time – all the way to the days of the dinosaurs.  Especially popular with younger visitors, Boulderville has a host of kid-friendly rides, puppet shows and dinosaur mascots to entertain the little ones – and their parents!

Not Just Rides...

In addition to the incredible selection of dining, amusement and entertainment options within the zones, the Enchanted Kingdom also boasts a wide variety of concerts and shows throughout the year. These are held in the 600-seat Eldar's Tent or the 2,000-seat Enchanted Kingdom Place. 

Call ahead or check online to see which shows and events are taking place during your next Enchanted vacation! 

Pico de Loro, Nasugbu, Batangas, Philippine

Pico de Loro

If you're seeking a paradise vacation the whole family can enjoy, then Pico de Loro is just the ticket! Situated around an amazing cove and loaded with activities for each and every member of the family, Pico de Loro is the best of both worlds. 

Accommodations
Spacious and beautiful minimalist-style guest rooms are available to suit any size family or group. Many have gorgeous views of the cove (called 'lagoon view'), and lofts are available for larger groups. 

Pico de Loro

A hugely popular resort, Pico de Loro can become a bit crowded. This is especially true during weekends on popular vacation times. If possible, book a stay during a slower season if possible, or stay during the week.

Things to Do 
The amount of activities in and surrounding Pico de Loro is truly amazing. In and on the hotel grounds, you'll find a wealth of family fun. Couples seeking a romantic getaway won't be disappointed either! 

At, through or near the hotel, you have your pick between indoor or outdoor activities. For the kids, Pico de Loro offers a huge play area to keep them entertained (and supervised) for hours while you explore or have a romantic dinner. Other recreation options include squash and tennis courts, motorized and non-motorized water sports, bowling and billiards. 

Guests of Pico de Loro can explore several different dining options, including 24-hour room service. You can indulge in a relaxing massage right on the beach, go shopping or take advantage of free Wi-Fi in common areas to keep track of things back home. The resort also features a designated, separate smoking area. 

One of the most eye-catching aspects of Pico de Loro is swimming. The cove is truly stunning, and the hotel is built up around it. Beach swimming is available until early evening and lifeguards are on duty. Keep in mind that the sands of Pico de Loro are golden, not white – if you absolutely must experience a white-sand beach, this may not be the resort for you. The swimming is excellent, as the bluffs protect the area from harsh winds and waves. A gorgeous pool is also available, with safety staff on guard. 
For those seeking a more adventurous vacation, the lush natural landscape surrounding Pico de Loro can't be missed. You can rent all-terrain vehicles or bicycles at the resort, or simply take a hike through the dense forests.

Convenience
Boasting all the luxury and the outdoor options of a tropical paradise, Pico de Loro is located just two hours from Manila for the ultimate convenience in travel options!