Im trying to reason my trip and the ‘quest’ for my poor attempt to see what’s out there in the Hue Festival. After being on the bike trip outside, time to get back to the main purpose, joining the Festival itself.  For a duration of 2 weeks ish, tourists particularly the French are flocking over to Hue, increasingly Russian.

I cant get my head around the way it’s being so poorly organised given the facts that it’s their 7th time doing it, some of the management also get trained, I was told, by sponsored French govt to know how to run these things, there’s support from the sponsors side as well. Yet my friends and I are confused about the way it’s being communicated. She’s been to Hue Festival a few times and me the first. We tried to get hold of the brochure with program listing from the Hue Festival Center, airports, and the street volunteer team.

Interesting line up includes the Ao Dai festival, Oriental Night, Vanessa Jousseame red pillows (which we missed – we arrived after mishaps of direction from various groups of people including locals and taxi drivers, they decided to end 30min before its ending time), Forbidden City Night – where they recommend a 600.000vnd royal banquet which we skipped the food but went to observe the odd show of the royal city at night, and other music shows.

To be well-prepared in dealing with the organiser’s incapability, for my next trip if it happens here are some tips:

1. Take a good and study the schedule you have in hand, go to the main center to get the big booklet.

2. Try to prioritise the performances you want to see. Some great local artists like Le Cat Trong Ly, Pho An Nhien they dont show consecutively.

3. Look for the public shows, which require no money or little.

4. Ao Dai show and the Oriental Night repeat twice so focus on the smaller show and performance first

5. Carry a wide angle lens camera

6. Be prepared to pay tourist price. Even if you’re a Vietnamese. We get at least 10 – 20% charge more for our southern ascent.

7. Use bike to travel around and you can find parking space easily.

8. Do visit the Children’s Painting Gallery and purchase a painting there, showcased near the Hai ba Trung school. Sales will get delivered to the Children School and cost around 1,000,000 for one.

9. Tackle the Dong Ba market with ease. Things to buy are Vietnamese hats, handmade paper fans locally produce, chopping boards unprocessed.

10. Try local cuisine as much as possible. Also there’s some french resto in various areas.

Caption: Le Ba Dang infamous art work took over the street of Le Loi.

Going with an sort of artist friend is a plus. I kinda get some of the vibe in me too. We visited a new art space – New Space Art Foundation house in the second level of bookstore and met with Thanh & Hai twin artist called themselves Le Brothers. They’re bound to have a July exhibition in Saigon. Also some DJ alternative music is being played here, several workshops.

And guess what? this is us trying to disguise as performance artists with our badge – although we paid for all our ticket entries.

At LE BROTHERS’ studio (one of the 2 I think), I sat on this face

The old City id lidded up at night and looks prettier than daytime, just because I think at night you cant really see the broken arches, the peeled walls, pale and old-aged decorative figures and art work that has stood there for so long.

On the Oriental Night performance, all must sit on the bamboo sheets to watch the what so call representative culture in outfit, traditional costumes of nations around Asia. Perhaps with the exception of China.

The Oriental Night are probably for those who have not traveled overseas and get to see the typical ‘traditional’ outfits, most performed by the actual group from the guest country. Other areas of the space dedicated to other stages, mainly music.

On the main road, there’s parade, beer festival, folk song performance, all packed with a heavy festive spirit. The whole city dwellers anticipated the festival in a very serious way. I dont however see a lot of southerners taking part of the festival. One night when we were at a DJ station, we actually spotted a 70years old ish Hue local man, who been sitting there before we arrived and stayed until 10pm listening to the heavy drumming the bass sound and the entire crowd’s yelling. He got balls!

We left after 4 days being in the Hue and scratching the surface of the Festival. Maybe we will be back. Who knows.

It was out of the blue, my designers friend Dieu Anh popped the question of going to Festival Hue, and we Vietnamese pronounce ‘festival’ the French way. Funny.

My 30th bday party ends early to catch the 5am flight to Hue. She booked us into this Vina Hotel with a water view over looking one of the stream running to Perfume River Sông Hương on Nguyen Trung Truc street. The nearby cafe become our regular hang out for after breakfast heavy coffee and chill in the morning, directly by the river.

Caption: This is the view from our room window. Not too bad for the price.

Amazed by the expensive charge for motobike renting from the hotel offer (300.000VND per day), we called our friend and asked for another quote (100.000VND per day) and we headed out to become ‘tourist’. Minh Mang tomb was our destination on bike, various stops along the way to ask for direction, passed the Khai Dinh – a more popular tomb, people were super friendly but beware of their ascent.

Caption: Khai Dinh from afar

Minh Mang tomb is a bit further away, feel more private and quiet. I love the lake are, a more spacious area. Cant image what it would have been like back in the day.

More photos and description of the tomb check on this site. Me and my friend both felt it’s not being kept well and look like little proper conservation has been put into the tomb. Not a s grand as the Khải Định tomb but it feel ‘cozy’ in a big place. I guess for those who ‘ve been to China this is really nothing. We joked around the fact that people might have been very small back then maybe 1.4m and walking around such a big space would have been tiring. 12km away from Hue is worth it. We took our time at the area to take the nature and surroundings in a bit more. The bridge inside the tomb seemed broken and crumbling. Maybe we’re just not very good at marketing our effort in restoration. At least I’ve never heard of such national campaign. It took the people 4 years to build and how many to maintain? Tough question.

We left for our next impromptu location on the bike to Jade Cup Temple (Điện Hòn Chén). You need to park the bike on one side of the river, ask the tiny boat man and pay him small cash to take you to the Temple. We saw a Hue old style massive red boat, looked like some party, a wedding perhaps? with traditional Hue folk songs melody. What a nice way to celebrate a wedding. The boat made a stop to greet the chef and food on board then started to cruise.

As I study the material about the place I’ve been, it turned out to be a mountain area called Ngọc Tản, the boatman putting on his best outfit for the customer right in front of our faces as we started to cross the Huong river, took 1 min. The temple pays worships to a female goddess. Look a bit spooky the place. Tiny and apparently very holy. As we arriving on the land, a small girl took off her pants and started to pee, right at the well-respected location.

Legend said Minh Mang King (the guy’s tomb we visited) dropped a jade cup in the river and was returned by the mighty Turtle. There’s also a festive season at the Temple with all the offerings and rituals. People flock here to pay respect and all their wishing.

Our second day attempt to visit a Paper Lotus making village in Phú Mậu province, around 30min ride. What so called the village is not how we would desire it to be. ‘Village’ of course taken by the modernisation of society is a term that in the past. The rural houses and road lead to the area called Thanh Tiên, at an artist house. Entered Artist Huy home and the paper lotus made by the kids in the neighbourhood, the guy is proud and arrogantly greeted us with nothing but his room filled with certificates, metals and all. There’s a video on Google about Mr Huy and his awarded paper lotus.

Dieu Anh bought a bunch, and we were so worry on how to transport the paper without crushing it. We decided to take off to the Thuan An beach and relax a bit. Have a Huda beer.

We knew we would fall into the tourist trap here, paying 50.000VND for a place by the beach, in the western country would be ridiculous, nobody owns the beach! We also splurged on ordering seafood snack ‘steam clams’ costing us 100.000vnd. They’re juicy, fresh, and wickedly nice. Worth it!

Caption: Statue at reception area.

40min away from the airport, taxi ride around 500.000vnd, you are now at the tranquil of the Lagoon territory. Reception and check in area is not stunning but greeted by the cute and genuinely nice accent of the Hue staff, even a super spicy Ginger tea wouldn’t hurt. And I mean it, for some Western taste, the tea is very spicy.

Overlooking the lagoon, our villa is not on the water (aqua view) but up in the tiny hill side with a grander outlook at the space, of course next time I will definitely try the aqua villa among their 29 units. The spacious room with the balcony to die for isn’t bad.

What I like the most at this Lagoon resort is its geography and surroundings. Front facing me is the lagoon, far away on the other side are landscape with villages, the water is still and the villa on the aqua rested perfectly still on the calm water. In the back and both far right hand side are mountain and hills. This place got it all, much better atmos than the Nam Hai. I feel at ease here.

It looks a bit wild and raw, not even intrusive the way the villa sits on the water.  And the plantation in the resort is plenty, laying on the back side fitting in with the hill behind. On the way in, you wouldn’t expect this kind of view and modern sophistication as the neighbour places are still very old, messy, and not resort looking.

We started to venture around the resort. I personally think it’s silly to have tennis course whereas they should offer some fishing activities, since we’re in a huge lagoon, there’s plenty of fresh water fish and can even throw in a romantic dine in on boat style after the catch. There are fisherman boats in the water, just not belong to the resort. I wonder why.

Facilities wise, the resort has a pool looking pretty serene next to its primary restaurant with huge table and human looking chairs. Spas are further along the resort, hidden behind the curve of the hillside. We spent the first night relaxing, chilling at the bar and woke up with a gloomy rainy day so spa time is deserved.

I cant help but commenting on my overall experience at the resort not because of it physical being but what potential it could bring and improved. Since its claim on soft opening, not all restaurants are opened for business. Food menu from the resort is severely poor. The menu has very small selection of Hue food – which was disappointing for me as I was expecting the local specialties. While the western dishes sounded a bit weak, we ended up eating the same dish. On the menu there’s a recommendation of local catch seafood and you must order a day in advance.

This seafood salad quite unconventional, actually we ordered it twice. It has crunch, softness from the seafood, and the herbs and veg mix of cucumber, pineapple and  local minty tangy herb. Highly recommend.

The menu is small and wine selection is very basic. Even Allan Scott is on the list. Cocktails and Mocktails should also be avoided, stick with freshly squeeze orange juice, I tried the apple and pineapple juices they all tasted funny. While attempting to try local seafood offering, we selected some local clams, crabs, squid and fish. The crab costs 30$, which is really ridiculous and the squid isnt that good. We had them steam and same with fish. However the clam steamed with lemon grass and chilli, local herbs was really good.

The next day as I glanced at the menu, I was shaking my head. Breakfast menu also small, so try to order everything! haha. They made some attempt to make their own jams and bakery basket. A few warning, things are very oily and the pho noodle isnt good. try to porridge if soup/liquid is involve. The dry pho is ok however.

In conclusion of the food menu: bad. Luckily we brought our Cloudy Bay and enjoyed it on the balcony. Next time we will probably bring our own snacks unless their menu is improved. Usually I would get cranky and complained at such poor food menu, the staff are so nice and acted very genuinely, I let them of the hook. I will probably email the manager directly.

The resort is owned by a Hue local and managed by Vietnamese, so I would say for this, it’s a great start. Spa menu is pretty standard. Their staff and massage technique are ok, probably still new to the job.But there’s jacuzzi and steamer rooms.

The location of the resort is not only magnificent in view, but it feels peaceful and private. On the romantic side itsnt bad as I got asked to be married there, pretty thơ mộng I’d say.

Unfortunately our 6 hours drive was in a bad weather condition as we were approaching closer to New Plymouth, huge layers of cloud blocking the view, rain non stops until we reached the center. SeasprayHouse comes highly recommended and we settled ourselves right on the front room. I wasn’t too impress despite its rave review. The place is too obvious a converted big house, I think they should not use the ‘lounge’ and turned into rental room because you feel like you sleep in the living room too close to the street, could have been a common area. Yes the gas stove is professional but as cheap eats and travelers go, they wont make the most our of that stove – no banquet will come out of that place.

Caption: Drive to Visitor Center

Patiently we waited for the next day, hoping the clouds would clear up so that we can pay a visit to the Mount. And it did! Luckily, even so it was not the clearest day in summer. Driving up to the Center, visitors park their cars and choose their walks. Unfit couple like us with no proper gears no way able to conquer the 8- 10 hours walk up to the summit. At certain point during the walk, there was even a danger warning. We were ashamed of all the old couples finishing their day walk and smilingly shared their wonderful stories. Haizz

Caption: Mt Egmont covered in the cloud.

Spider web and moisture.

Caption: Mount Egmont Vegetation

In contract with the walk at the Coromandel area, the area up the mountain here is super moist, wet, damp, and muddy. I was intrigued by the vegetation grown along the walk. We did the 1 – 2 hour loop and listened to an old English couple to advance a bit further at the ‘base’ before the summit walk, 2 km from the visitor center.

Caption: Morning at the harbour

Breakfast at Bach on Breakwater overlooking the harbour, seeing locals taking their boats out for a fishing trip while I’m enjoying fresh catch of the day – pan fried snapper on the simple mesclun salad, proper latte and a quiet calm water truly made the day. Some harbour visitors are already being extremely active, padding away on their kayak.

Caption for below: I dont know why people eat the traditional breakfast by the sea, I would make a sea breakfast menu if I was a chef there haha

Or better, fish by the sea, fresh catch of the day snapper.

Apparently the region is not as popular with tourists as others, often overlooked by all other attractions which we find a bit silly. We really love the place, it’s very livable and have both of what each of us want: I go for the sea while my boyfriend prefers the mountain. Taranaki has both.

Caption: I will be back to climb ya Egmont!

Caption: View from far

Caption: Leaving Taranaki Region

Caption: Taupo Huka falls

Từ hồ Taupo đến đường cao tốc sa mạc đến núi Taranaki. Cả hai đứa không ai muốn rời Coromandel, mặc dù không đi câu cá, một trong những họat động du lịch chủ chốt của vùng này, chỉ muốn thoải mái, ‘lười’ nằm trên biển, đọc sách, đi picnic, ra siêu thị đi chợ tối nấu cơm, sáng nấu đồ ăn sáng tại băng công. Đời sung sướng! Nhưng những con đường trên bản đồ đảo bắc đã bắt đầu kêu gọi 2 chúng ta.

Hồ Taupo rộng gần bằng cả đất nước Singapore nhỏ bé, đến Taupo nhằm lúc có sự kiện, cả thành phố đông nghẹt người, gọi mãi không có khách sạn nào, chui vào backpackers Blackcurrant.

We didnt want to leave Coromandel to be honest, although we didnt go out of our way to go fishing but we were drawn into the concept of being in a small town, near the city, doing walks and lying on the grass reading our books or chewing our picnic and having dinner at the lodge out in the balcony. Life was good. But the road was calling.

Initially we wanted to have options, I actually researched for the Desert Road as I remember in previous drive I was on the passenger side as always, on the way to Wellington via a scenic road it was desert looking. So choices were:

1. Taupo to Wellington via Desert Road

2. Skip Wellington and off to Napier Hawkes Bay – the region with 2 of my fav white wine: Cloudy Bay and Oyster Bay

Wellington was eventually out of the list due to a big ruby game, and from Napier to the west coast Taranaki region would take way too much of our time and we didnt have a lot. Eventually decision was made, we totally skip Welly and took the Desert Road to Wanganui for a break to lunch then to New Plymouth, estimate 6 hours drive.

lake Taupo, the biggest fresh water lake, or dare I say in Scotland it would be a loch, has the surface of 616 square kilometres, knowingly popular tourist and local location was in fact had a big public event is packed with families. Last min accommodation from all the travel books with cheap stays were fully booked.  Luckily Blackcurrant backpackers still available or if you have 1,608NZD to spend per night on accommodation, you can ‘crash’ at this properties below at the heart of the famous Huka falls just before you enter the Taupo Central City called Huka Lodge Taupo. If fishing is someone you’re after, on the way out of Taupo along the lake, you’ll find the trout fishing communities , perhaps the biggest, gather along some of the smaller places with camping sites available.

Caption: Huka Lodge Taupo.

The weather was horrid, totally cloudy which beats out planned scenic drive, would have cost around 300NZD or so where they would take you around the lake and to National Regional Park Tongariro, the mount of Modor in LOTR trilogy. The park has 2 mounts to climb, relatively big size and great for camping – if the weather holds.

Caption: A tiny part of the Lake, from city centre perspective.

We took the Huka falls walk, not particularly challenging and the fall was not impressive but do bring swimsuit when you get to the hot water area, much like Rotorua with thermal water and hot spring, you might find some young hot looking guys there taking a dip or families kayaking along the stream and camping. 

We soon found ourselves back on the road again and heading or New Plymouth after a night at Taupo.

Caption: Desert Road

While the thick cloud continues to cover all the sky and our view, we pursuit the Desert Road as planned. The GPS told us we were on the road so call Desert Road very early on from mid of the regional park. Local road authority claim its State Highway no 1, aka part of Desert Road, is the highest at 1074 meters above sea level, second only to the highest road in New Zealand near Queenstown (1076 meters) and you do see the changes in vegetation here. From green and farm land, the colour shade started to turn into yellow, golden, brown, alpine semi-desert where the military uses to practice their well military activities. Some road shoulders provide enough space for a short break for photo purpose. On a clear day, the view is probably better and colour of the desert would have picked up more, its dullness on the day we were there reminded me of Scotland. The straight road quite vast and awfully quiet, no sound of the sea, tree just cars on the highway doing 120km per hour.

Caption: Desert Road closes in winter season.

Now behind us was the park and we were heading towards Wanganui for a short break, but before we now it, we were off to another lonely road, it was really is lonely, off the printed New Zealand map! Moto Moto, our nick name for the GPS Tom Tom decided to take us on a journey through Valley Road, a shortcut, not to mushroom like in LOTR. I was puzzled to find the maps dont match up. We we reaching Waiouru at the end of the Desert Road, going off State Highway no.1 to enter no 49, a sharp turn took us down a different path.

Caption: Whangaehu Valley Rd

Valley Road was off my printed map, I was doubtful but not worried, we both seemed to trust the GPS and just stick to the guided route. There was nobody but us on the valley road until I counted 2 cars half way through the journey. It was narrow, very hilly, hills piles onto hills, sheep and cows comfortably gripping onto steep ups and downs pieces of land, road were partly unsealed and one side of the road was a volcanic aftermath green well valley. We were not sure if we are on the right way. No sight of any other 4 wheel drives but the occasional farm houses until an old man on his biking gear riding up the hill.

I was determined the Moto Moto was crazy. Extremely winding road with breath taking view and certainly noone can feel asleep on these stretch, there were parts I kept wondering what if there were another vehicle from the opposite direction, we would have the situation of 2 sheep trying to cross the river on that one way bridge.

Eventually the road joins the State Highway and we’re back once again onto the 100km restriction. When I google the visual for the road now, nothing really come up. It was obviously a very local route as we finally caught up with that man on the bike.

Caption: When I relook into the terrain view, I realised it was pretty damn hilly.

Wanganui is not a city where you want to stay over, it is known for gangster and we didnt think the locals were particularly friendly. We continued to drive a much longer road to reach to Taranaki region on the west coast, New Plymouth was the destination, the cloud and rain did dampen our spirit. We arrived late but summer lights still on, we took a walk on the bay. It was a long drive and we’re back with the sea yet again.

Now, those memories are relived with the constant iphone4 snaps.

As you turn left onto the Coromandel road and start driving, the Range view begins to show, the road is quiet and narrow, here we go again.

All the road allowed our view is the sea, a bit of land pointing out, while on the hill side houses are chasing to be facing the sea. This is where the local kiwi called their holiday batch, summer house. What a fabulous idea to live by the sea facing the ocean and your back to the hill. Almost my favourite location for a home.

This is a one of many true tests of a good driver. The road is very narrow and not forgiving, also a frequent and only road for logging trucks, even parts of the road can only cater to one lane and of course one way bridges. I was feeling half scared half thrilled.

Occasional road shoulders give us a glimpse of this rugged nature, a bit raw and untamed although not too wild but a feeling of hidden, closed in and almost isolated. Dont expect the ocean or that wave to be a Phuket sand, there’s rocks pieces along the shore. But when you do have the chance to stop at a viewing point, it took your well my breath away. As I stepped out of our Rav4, I just feel at ease, looking down and out onto the mixed landscape of the sea, hill, green and the farm land filled with those sheep eating away. This is worthy it. Sadly my Canon lens are not wide enough, but my eyes caught this spectacular view.

The peninsula felt like a curvy part of one of North Island land that is proud to stand out and make itself noticed on the map. The area and region is known for being environmentally friendly and sensitive, scattered but not overwhelm with tourist like its Bay of Island ‘competitor’, the population in the small town areas are humble and almost no noise. We settle in Coromandel township with a center literally consist of a tiny areas with small shops. People here love to fish!

We decided to take the comfortable lodge Anchor for our Coromandel stay. The manager/owner is a lovely lady who also an addicted global travelers, learning to speak Thai and super friendly. The lodge room has self-contained unit and a dedicated balcony where we have our little home-made meals. If you dare, enjoy your catch on a day out from the sea and cook it up! Coromandel town has a shop selling smoke fish varieties called The Smoking Company, our perfect lunch break goodies.

The town is awfully quiet but plenty to do, walking track down to the Range is just behind our lodge and nearby beach is perfect for more walks while the sea calling for those baits experts. Dont eat anything at the restaurants in town, just go to the local super market and cook up something.

Venture out to other township in the region, we drove 40km to Cathedral Cove for a bit of a outdoor sphere. Walking track from high hill down to the Cove bottom is around 30 – 40min and it’s not one flat walk ladies, there’s ups and downs, steep steps and gravel surface. Down at the bottom is a beach.

Caption: Half way through the walk

Caption: Viewing point

Caption: See the white big stone, the second one is the destination.

Here is a cute couple strolling along, water down here is rough but white sand, no swimming guards to save any soul so people tend to stick closer to the shore.

Caption: Haha, more tourists!

While back on that winding land, the area leads you to mini attractions hidden away along smaller areas. The next big town after Coromandel is Whitianga township, much bigger than Coromandel. We were not interested in hot water beaches but one can visit and try to dig their way through the sand for something warm. We found the peace and quiet we need in this little area filled with nature and the ocean. The drive that make us dizzy physically but also amazed at what we saw.

Nature got us!

Caption: Seagul dances.

Bay of Islands, well they dont call the name for no reason. After our departure from Cape Reinga, our final stop for the day with additional 2 hours drive is Bay of Islands, another well known tourist site and of course for the local as well. My friends and even my dad have been there and when you google top attraction in New Zealand, it wont slip top list. If you love dolphin and boats, get on board GreatSights they will show you around. Or something a bit more active, team up with fishing boats, pay some money and you will have a great catch, with guide provided, baits and a caption.

Of course we were lucky enough to travel in summer, the water is relatively not freezing and the sun stays bright until 8pm (day light saving). We followed our travel books (Lonely Planet and Bugs) to MouseTrap hostel and booked ourselves in this cozy, rustic yet full of character twin bed rooms for 2 nights in the town of Paihia where the manager/owner lives just next door. Two-level hostel with dorm and private rooms, wooden floor, spacious outdoor seating area and even a BBQ machine, while upstairs balcony let you catch the sun and glimpse of the beach, the MouseTrap is indeed very cute.

There’s about 144 little islands in the bay area for all who love to be near the near, like the smell of the ocean and sea salt on their hair, catch their dinner or just enjoy the slow beach life, this is the place. Paihia is of course tourist friendly town, in fact the area is not populated by many residents, mostly senior citizens haha but it has that laid back countryside feel. Across Paihia is town of Russel, smaller and too touristy for us. The bay also has an important historic meaning to the entire country, it’s where the Treaty of Waitangi taken place and guess what we were there just a few days before the Waitangi Day, could have ‘caught’ the Prime Minister and officials.

Our mission is simple have beach picnic, I put my head into finishing reading a book while my boyfriend enjoying the cold water, dipping in and out and just be lazy.  We were in no mood to fish or bother with the dolphin, minimal is our thing after long day drive and living in the city for a long time, this is our urban escape. The day is simple, head to the beach and just be there.

As night fall, we hit the local restaurant for some food, have local produce, walk back to hang with travelers in the hostel and go to bed, next day the same. Although we admit we could be more active but it’s charming enough to be lazy around here and Russel, the town is just lame.

Certainly anyone who do not wish to be lazy, there’s plenty of things to do, just ask the hostel manager, he will get 10.00NZD off almost all of the advertised stuff on his notice board. One might need to wake up early for the day out activities though. Check out some info website to choose your activities.

Dining out here is pretty simple, restaurants are lined up along the beach front just pick and choose. We prefer the Swiss Cafe & Grill for some freshly cooked New Zealand green lips mussels, served with light coconut cream sauce, local wine from the winery in the area or the Vinnie fish&chips takeaway shop along the shops.

Caption: Bowl of New Zealand green lips mussels.

Caption: You do need to buy tomatoes ketchup or aoili sauce.

Or feeling like you can make use of the hostel kitchen, there’s a countdown supermarket at the beginning of Piahia township entrance from motorway, a kilo of mussels cost around 3.50NZD, all you will then need are garlic, onions, parsley, lemon, and a bottle of your favourite white wine, mine is Oysters Bay, cook it up and drink all the wine.

Caption: Captured by iphone4 (from all and below)

Or take this picnic menu down to the beach and chill. For more of the food dishes you see from WhatToEatToday@ series, check us out on Google Plus & Facebook Page

Whatever you do, dont eat at the place called MAKO, I thought it was good, well at least looked interestingly enough, but the fish&chips were not fresh, so much batter, chips were also tasteless and pricy.  The staff is rude and filled with gangster lookalike guests, we left after a few bites. Paihia was lovely, perhaps a bit touristy but the beach and the bay won us over, by day it’s packed with the sun ray, seaside atmos that all of us lying on the sand cant resist and by night the sea is quiet yet still warmth in the air and filled with laughters from those who visit and stay-on the place. Some tourists fell in love and decide to work at MouseTrap in trade off with their free accommodation and able to set sail everyday. Jealous!

After spending roughly 6 days in Auckland visiting friends, taking in all the familiarities of places, we are on the road. Before the trip, I did a quick research on car rentals in Auckland and in the past had tried Avis before. We stumbled upon gorental, looked at their online reviews and took a ‘risk’ to go with them. The package includes 11 days on the road, full tank at pick up, GPS at 8.00NZD per day but then got discounted to 5 upon arrival, and maximum insurance coverage for the total of roughly around 1.200++ NZD. Staff was nice and friendly yet on the road we also saw a few more options: Juicy Rental for more of a campervan but they paint their vehicle in the signature look and I didnt feel like a fan for them. Another option we later saw is Apex and the price is similar to GoRental, plus point would be their pickup location is downtown whereas with GoRental you have to take the bus to Penrose yet Apex had their bumper ticker on the vehicle as well.

6 hours drive to Cape Reinga, note that all roads are sealed and pretty safe and descend to drive on.

Caption: Cape Reinga

Such a tourist trap, sadly. 10 years ago when I visited the place, we can park real close and just poke our necks outside of the car window with the occasional visitors. Now its’ a proper walking track and guided way to the lighthouse. Funny in such a peaceful place, almost holy, a young Chinese tourist couple yelling at each other for a long time. We had our little picnic by the sea. The ocean is calm underneath the cliff and one can see the meeting point of the two oceans: Pacific and Tasman Sea. Find a spot on the grass on the little hill, just cover your skin with sunscreen every so often and enjoy the Cape serenity.

If one shall wish to venture more than just being at ease with the sea, there’s a few walking tracks down to 90miles beach and to other nearby area. Once stomach is filled and too much sun, jump back onto the car and park at the parking no.2 where nobody really stay here, minimal view but can take a good nap. Road to Cape is quite tough, there’s extremely winding roads and as you get closer to the northern area, the land become tougher, rougher, uglier houses/farm, and smaller trees and shrugs.

Even though the car park is full, there isn’t much noise here, maybe the ocean and the land are too powerful in their own way, doesnt matter how loud we are, the only sound is the footsteps and the summer wind blowing behind my ears.

Caption: From the above photos down are all captured by Iphone4.

There arent that many waves but one can see the more ‘aggressive’ white heads are from Tasman Sea while the Pacific remain pretty much very calm. Not sure if I believe the whole legend about Maori spirit but I do feel this is somehow a holy place, there’s a vibe to it, so quiet, so calm and high up, plus it feels like the end of a known world and anything out there beyond what the eye can see out to the ocean is just vague. Almost no shadows in the area and summer heat started to kick in. Time to leave, well everyone began to do the same as the clock points 2pm.

As the Maori always stress the importance of their land, sea, water and everything comes within, Cape is a must see ‘tourist’ attraction in the northern region.

Du lịch New Zealand – Tân Tây Lan: 10 ngày vòng quanh đảo bắc New Zealand, hành trình bao gồm: đến mũi Cape Reinga, nơi không còn đất liền chỉ thấy biển khơi, tiếp tục bám biển tại Bay of Isla bắt đầu đi về phía nam đến khu biển Coromandel, thăm hồ Taupo, bỏ qua thủ đô Wellington, ‘leo núi’ biển Đông vùng Taranaki và quay về thành phố Auckland.

Cặp tình nhân quyết định du lịch thỏai mái, hơi sang nhưng không xa xỉ, gọi đùa là flash travelers với mục tiêu ở những chổ thường không phải khách sạn, ở thường nhưng ăn ngon/sang. Sau khi tham khảo một số trang web về thuê xe, quyết định chọn gorental, 11 ngày thuê xe, bao gồm bảo hiểm 100% (lưu ý thường họ không bảo hiểm dưới gầm xe hoặc trên nóc xe), chiếc Toyota Radạng 4 cửa, máy GPS.

Sau khi thăm Auckland 6 ngày 2 đứa gói đồ bắt đầu hành trình ‘road-trip’ và có 6 tiếng đồng hồ đến mũi Cape Reinga. Mũi Cape Reinga là nơi ‘tận cùng’ của New Zealand, điểm đầu phía bắc của xứ kiwi, cũng là nơi 2 đại dương gặp nhau: Biển Tasman và Châu Á Thái Bình Dương, cũng là nơi đất linh thiêng của người bản địa Maori. 10 năm trước khi mình đến thăm nơi này ngắm mặt trời mọc, lúc đó mũi Reinga còn chưa bị các tour bus chiếm lĩnh, có thể gọi là một mình với thiên nhiên, rất tiềc hiện nay mũi được quản lí chặt chẽ và xe cộ khách du lịch phải đậu vào bãi, và đi bộ qua đọan đường trải nhựa ngăn nắp đến ngọn hải đăng.

Người Maori tin rằng đây là nơi các linh hồn trở về với tổ tiên và đi ngang qua biển 90 dặm gần bên cạnh, họ cho rằng đây là nơi khá linh thiêng. Chặng đường đến mũi đã được tráng nhựa khá tốt, chẳng như xưa tòan đá lỏm chỏm, hai bên đường rải rác nhà nông và những cánh đồng vàng úa. Càng gần phía bắc cảnh vật càng hoang hơi và heo quạnh, những chú cừu bị cạo sạch bộ lông mùa đông cặm cụi gặp cỏ, chúng lúc nào cũng ăn mặc dù nhà nông nơi đây trông khá nghèo, nhà cửa còn có vẻ lụp xụp.

Đến nơi, sau khi đi hết một vòng hai đứa tìm cho mình khỏang không gian vắng trên đồi, bày hàng ‘pinic’ ăn trưa giữa trời nắng chang chang và không gian vắng lặng, mặc dù có khá nhiều khách tourist và giữa nơi sóng biển yên lặng tiếng cãi nhau vồ vả của một cặp trẻ người Trung Quốc. Có thể sức mạnh của biên cả và thiêng nhiên đánh quật cái ồn của con người tạo nên. Mũi Cape Reinga không nhiều cây cao nên chả có bóng râm nào che mát, chỉ có chiếc nón, kem chống nắng và chai nước lọc NZ Natural giữ  mát.

Nếu ai kiên nhân hoặc máu phiêu lưu, khu vực xung quanh mũi có những khu vực và đường đi bộ dài mấy tiếng đồng hồ, một ít leo trèo xuống dọc biển 90 dặm hoặc xa hơn và những khu trại (camping site) dành cho các lọai xe và khách du lịch theo kiểu xe lưu động, thuê tại Juicy Rental với đủ kích cỡ thích hợp cho nhiều đối tượng.

Mũi Cape Reinga tật tĩnh lặng, ngồi cao lên đồi nhìn xuống biển sâu ai cũng có thể thấy đợt sóng cuộn tròn từ phía biển Tasman và biển Thái Bình Dương thì cứ  im lặng không thèm trả lời, nó có vẻ an phận hơn. Nhìn chung đừng hy vọng cộc ẩu đả  nào giữa 2 đại dương khổng lồ, cũng khá thất vọng, cứ tưởng sẽ có nhiều màng hùng vĩ, nhưng ngược lại nó lại tao cảm giác yên bình hơn cho khách du lịch, cứ như ‘chùa’ haha, chỉ có con nắng gắt hè là ‘hung dữ’ nhất mà thôi.

Đến tầm 2 giờ trưa thì các đòan du lịch bắt đầu rời bước, 2 đứa chuyển bãi đổ xe lên bẵi vắng vẻ số 2 trên mảng đồi khuất đại dương, nằm chợp mắt hứng gió và đọc sách. Ở đây thật yên tĩnh.

Core Activities: Night Safari, City Tour on a breeze afternoon on the red City SightSeeing Bus. Downloaded the Singapore Guide aps (crashed a lot), ate Chinese food throughout the entire journey, since the gals love Chinese food, and packs our time with shopping on Orchard Road.

Food: Chinese resto visit: we’re a frequent visitor of Crystal Jade chain, Din Tai Fung dim sum place so good we went twice and almost ordered everything on the menu.

Knowing the Chinese, they weight everything, this is the working station of the Dim Sum crew.

In contrast to the Crystal Jade resto in Hong Kong, the infamous Xia Long Bao here have crabmeat, something my boyfriend would never be able to enjoy! Poor Christian. While my sister is addicted to her Suan La Tang, I kinda dig the chicken soup, so sweet of the meat, light, and is known for better your skin, dont bother with the meat, just drink the soup.

A note, the hotel might is 5 stars but their room service really bad. I was feeling sick and ordered the pork congee and it’s almost inedible.

Food aside, shopping is as great as ever. And of course the latest skyline in Singapore the infamous Marina Bay Sand. I couldnt get enough of snapping away while on the bus.

The financial district/area is still being built.

Singapore skyline by day

I think I must confess, Singapore still has its shopping madness feel especially when the newly launched H&M store crowded with shoppers of all ages or the ION on Orchard, my friend went nuts. Sitting on the top deck of the bus as the city drive showoff Singapore different areas, including all the new apartments along the canals – remind me of Amsterdam.

And nothing is better then hanging out with your friend and family. My sister became Uyen’s heroine of the Safari night that gave her the chill!

Packing 3 cities in less than a week is tough especially if it’s your first! Bangkok – Chiangmai – Chiangrai – Bangkok

The hotel in Chiangmai really not great. Opposite the ‘magnificent’ Le Meridien is the hotel’s name slipped my mind but the charming atmos outside and the sun shining through our room window. Night fall time to explore the city. Next to the hotel is the bustling night life of the bazaar night stall.

Come from Saigon, the night market resembles what we do have back home so no big surprise but the fact is just being there and walking around, being on the street and walking again is a great feeling. The market filled with many Buddha statues from wood to stone, bronze and gold among all other regular items such as tshirt, spices, souvenirs and of course the food area. Chè in the food court section was generous and cheap. We enjoyed the market so much we came back for the second night. This time we were not disappointed in the seafood fest available. We ordered 4 grilled crabs, massive ones served straight from the BBQ about 1 mill VND, impressive for anon coastal town. And when you’re tired from walking, opted for the 30min foot massage in the market. Or better, take a tuk tuk ride around town, enjoy the cooling breeze,  little cafe on both sides of the canal, reminds me of Siem Riep.

Morning called, 6:30am time to get ready for some temple visiting, well when you’re with 40 ish other people, time is scared. First visit the most popular elephant camp Maesa holding more than 90 elephants in the area.

Tip: dont over feed them or they will ‘cuddle’ you and it was half scary, half funny.

(Credit: Phuc Nguyen)

Regardless of how entertained the show was, I kept thinking it’s pretty sad how these creatures are ‘forced’ to survive and depend on such income to live and are made into ‘amazing’ painters, circus like performers. I bought the cute apron at the gift shop to show my contribution for the likelihood of these elephants. There’s good gifts actually.

A trip to Thailand will not be completed without a trip to a temple.

This temple’s popularity means it’s pretty packed, well people said it’s old and have great influence. I dont know its impact but I do know it’s a dangerous place, many western tourists flock here and some are pretty good looking. Ahem!

Caption: Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep

Leaving Chiangmai behind for the city of Chiangrai on the bus ride, we traveled pass an odd white temple titled Wat Rong Khun. Read more & view wacky photos on TripAdvisor and Google. The ‘artist’ creation has not totally finished but he surely made some heads turn with pop art decor inside the temple, you’ll find popular of today western culture familiarities such as Star Wars, Kungfu Panda, M.Jackson.

and here some of its prayers

Along the road we drive towards the Gold Triangle by the Mekong River meeting Thailand, Laos and Burma. To be honest, there’s nothing to see here including the boat ride to the tiny island across the river in Laos side that offers its tourist some yummy coconut juice and fake handbags of international label alike. Enjoying the riverside simple lunch is probably the best.

Back to Bangkok with little time to spare, the perfect way to relax is joining the ChaoPhraya river cruise mixed with the local groups, buffet and outlook to the side lights on river, great company and the live band performance closed the night behind.

Rain fall putting me off more sight seeing and I quickly resorted to the perfect ritual of a comos city: shopping. When you’re not on the tour bus and walk around, exploring the city at your own pace, acquaint yourself with the public transport system you feel like you starting to understand or at least being a true visitor of a new city.

I have to admit, I skipped on purpose some of the usual tour must have activities just to blend in some time to adsorb it all in. When you’re in the new city, military holiday style gives you a glimpse and invites you to a second visit of things, places you like to explore further it’s almost like an espresso!