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Binh Thuan is a South Central Coast province, with a provincial city Phan Thiet which is 200 kilometers away from Ho Chi Minh city in northeast, 250km from Nha Trang city in the south, 1518km from Hanoi. Binh Thuan has a coastline of 192km from Chet Rock of Ninh Thuan to Binh Chau mudflat of Ba Ria Vung Tau. Mui Ne which is about 20 kilometers away from Phan Thiet City, is one of the most popular tourist destination in Vietnam.
The terrain is mostly low hills and narrow coastal deltas with 4 main kinds – sandy soils and coast dunes; alluvia plains; hills and mounds; and low mountains. Binh Thuan climate is characterized with equatorial tropical monsoon kind which makes the land very sunny, windy and the driest region of the country. Wet season starts from May to October, dry season from November to April. Average temperature is around 26 degree. The ideal time to visit Binh Thuan is from August to December because the waves and winds at this time are calmer.
1. How to get there
Phan Thiet Railway Station
By train: there is a train that starts at Ho Chi Minh to Phan Thiet city everyday at 7:05; at weekends, one more train in afternoon. After the new train’s upgrade, the traveling time from Ho Chi Minh from Phan Thiet is lessened to 4 hours.
The price ranges from 150,000 VND to 200,000 VND. The freight for scooter and motorbike transit by train is 155,000 VND and 145,000 VND respectively. From Hanoi, the price is varied from 500,000 VND to 1,5mil VND.
By coach: from Hanoi, you can catch straight route to Phan Thiet with Mai Linh express at Nuoc Ngam bus station for 700,000 VND to 800,000 VND; or if you want to save time and energy you should take flight to Ho Chi Minh or Da Lat then take a bus to Phan Thiet.
From Ho Chi Minh, reliable brands are Phuong Trang, Mai Linh, TheSinh Café, Kim Travel… having coaches to Phat Thiet everyday. The price is only 85,000 VND per person. From Da Lat, the distance is around 250km and it takes you 5 or 6 hours to reach Phan Thiet city. The price is from 100,000 VND to 250,000 VND.
By plane: From Hanoi, you can take flights to either Cam Ranh (Khanh Hoa), Da Lat, or Ho Chi Minh City then take a bus to Phan Thiet. Da Lat is closest major tourist destination to Phan Thiet.
2. Attractions
Phan Thiet City: along the Ca Ty river banks there are many game centers and restaurants for you to spend your nighttime in the city. Not far from city center, Doi Duong beach gently lies facing the beautiful Phan Thiet bay. The sea is calm and the water is blue clear, very suitable for swimming.
Duc Thanh school located in city center is the school where Ho Chi Minh president was teaching in his twenty (1910) before he crossed the ocean to find the way to release the country from invaders.
Ong pagoda is a largest religious construction of Hoa community in Phan Thiet worshiping Duc Quan De Quan Saint.
Van Thuy Tu Palace is built in 1762 to worship God of South Sea or Whale God due to the belief that when the land is hit by fierce storms, the Whale God will shield and protect the people and keep them safe.
Phu Hai fishing village is a very interesting place to visit. The village lies on Ba Nai hill foot, close to God of Land’s stone with white sandy banks. Also on Ba Nai hill, Po Sah Inư temples stand so solemnly, are relics of ancient Champa kingdom. These temples are 7km away from city center, is dedicated for Shiva God and Po Sah Inu princess. Despite the small scale, this construction represents for the glorious and defined architecture and culture of Cham people.
Mui Ne or the so-called “foreigner village” attracts many foreign tourists because of its special location and landscapes. This site is known for the blue water, white sandy banks and curvy sand dunes. The sand dunes here change their colors in every hour under the sunlight effects.
Bau Trang: It is like an oasis in the middle of desert. Bau Trang is actually a large freshwater lake located 62km from Phan Thiet city on the northeast. This is the only freshwater lake of Binh Nhon commune. According to the legend, this was a very large lake in the past, local people made a dike crossed over diving the lake into 2 smaller lakes – small lake and big lake. At the time, locals only call this site “Bau” because in local accent, “Bau” means lake.
In 1867, Nguyen Thong a notoriety and a government’s official was passing by this area, enjoyed the beauty of the lake, gave the name “White Lake” (Bach ho); since then, people combined the “Bau” (Lake) in their own accent with “Trang” (White) as the name Nguyen Thong gave. The two lakes are named Bau Ong (Mister Lake) and Bau Ba (Lady Lake).
Bau Ba has more water, larger, 19 deep in wet season. People plant lotus in Bau Ba lake making the scene so beautiful and poetic. The landscape here is quite surreal – white sand dunes embracing the lotus lake like a gentle trait to soften the harshness of the endless deserts. In Bau Trang, visitors can rent boats from locals to go sightseeing or fishing. There isn’t much of service in Bau Trang. You can spend 400,000VND to rent a jeep car to go to Bau Trang from Hon Rom or to conquer the sand dunes in the north of the lake.
Ghenh island: is 1km from Mui Ne, a new destination for travelers to Binh Thuan. To get to Ghenh island, you can use service from Siva tourist village or take a round-trip boat of fishermen for 200,000VND per boat with capacity of 10 persons. It only takes you 10 minutes to the island. The water here is so clear that you can see the coral reefs from the beach. There are rocks lying around the mountain, to reach the top, you must conquer them. On mountain top, a magnificent view of sea, sky and land lying there waiting for you. If you have time, fishing in morning is something you should try. You might catch big fishes in this sea area.
Mui Ne: In no where else you can find the sea that blue and the sand that white (and red). Sand-sledding at Doi Hong (Red Sands Dunes) and Bau Trang (White Sands Dunes) is a common activity. It cost 15,000VND-20,000VND to rent a sled. An annoying thing here is the picpocketing, so beware and do not hand over your things to anyone.
Mui Ne beach is a great place for swimming and other water sports and activities, famous for kitesurfing. The water here is warm, blue-colored and the sand shore is quite clean and white. The wind waves are perfect for any kind of surfing. Not far from Mui Ne town is the Fairy Stream with unbelievable sight of scenery. Other beaches near by are also worth your visit such as Suoi Nuoc or Hon Rom.
3. Festivals
Dinh Thay Thim Temple’s festival: takes place in 15th and 16th September lunar calendar yearly in Dinh Thay temple, about 70km from Phan Thiet.
Cau Yen Festival of Cham people: is traditional festival of Cham people which takes place every first month of the year according to Cham calendar, in Cham Ba Ni people’s villages. The festival’s meaning is for people to chase away the bad and unlucky things of the previous year. They dance and sing to their traditional folklore songs. There is also game like boat racing.
Nghinh Ong Festival: this is a common festival of many provinces in central and south coastal regions. Fishermen have a custom of whale worshiping and each year the festival takes place to pray for a year of safety, peace and wealth from the sea. Nghinh Ong is the biggest water festival in Vietnam and recognized as National Intangible Cultural Heritage. In Binh Thuan, this festival is held in July lunar calendar.
Boat racing festival on Ca Ty river: happens in the second day of every new lunar year. The boats are decorated colorful with flags, flowers and banners come from all the districts of Binh Thuan. Local people will stand on the banks of the river to cheer for the racers. This festival is an activity to welcome a new year in Binh Thuan and a very common custom in coastal regions.
5. Foods
Grilled rice cake with shrimp sauce: this is a very common dish in Binh Thuan. Quail eggs, chicken meat, or fermented pork, pork roll green onion, oil are place on a rice paper. The shrimp sauce is put on the meat and eggs. Take the whole paper and put it on a wood fire. Use a pair of chopsticks to roll the rice paper while grilling it until it’s crispy and brown. The dish is served with sauce or chili sauce.
See more: cooking class melbourne
Thu Khoa Huan and Tuyen Quang are two streets where you can find a lot of Phan Thiet’s delicacies.
Your trip around as well as in foreign countries will be easier with Vietnam airtravel promotions. Early booking online to to save money for your trip! Please call our hotline: 09047 66668 for more information!
The terrain is mostly low hills and narrow coastal deltas with 4 main kinds – sandy soils and coast dunes; alluvia plains; hills and mounds; and low mountains. Binh Thuan climate is characterized with equatorial tropical monsoon kind which makes the land very sunny, windy and the driest region of the country. Wet season starts from May to October, dry season from November to April. Average temperature is around 26 degree. The ideal time to visit Binh Thuan is from August to December because the waves and winds at this time are calmer.
1. How to get there
Phan Thiet Railway Station
By train: there is a train that starts at Ho Chi Minh to Phan Thiet city everyday at 7:05; at weekends, one more train in afternoon. After the new train’s upgrade, the traveling time from Ho Chi Minh from Phan Thiet is lessened to 4 hours.
The price ranges from 150,000 VND to 200,000 VND. The freight for scooter and motorbike transit by train is 155,000 VND and 145,000 VND respectively. From Hanoi, the price is varied from 500,000 VND to 1,5mil VND.
By coach: from Hanoi, you can catch straight route to Phan Thiet with Mai Linh express at Nuoc Ngam bus station for 700,000 VND to 800,000 VND; or if you want to save time and energy you should take flight to Ho Chi Minh or Da Lat then take a bus to Phan Thiet.
From Ho Chi Minh, reliable brands are Phuong Trang, Mai Linh, TheSinh Café, Kim Travel… having coaches to Phat Thiet everyday. The price is only 85,000 VND per person. From Da Lat, the distance is around 250km and it takes you 5 or 6 hours to reach Phan Thiet city. The price is from 100,000 VND to 250,000 VND.
By plane: From Hanoi, you can take flights to either Cam Ranh (Khanh Hoa), Da Lat, or Ho Chi Minh City then take a bus to Phan Thiet. Da Lat is closest major tourist destination to Phan Thiet.
2. Attractions
Phan Thiet City: along the Ca Ty river banks there are many game centers and restaurants for you to spend your nighttime in the city. Not far from city center, Doi Duong beach gently lies facing the beautiful Phan Thiet bay. The sea is calm and the water is blue clear, very suitable for swimming.
Duc Thanh school located in city center is the school where Ho Chi Minh president was teaching in his twenty (1910) before he crossed the ocean to find the way to release the country from invaders.
Ong pagoda is a largest religious construction of Hoa community in Phan Thiet worshiping Duc Quan De Quan Saint.
Van Thuy Tu Palace is built in 1762 to worship God of South Sea or Whale God due to the belief that when the land is hit by fierce storms, the Whale God will shield and protect the people and keep them safe.
Phu Hai fishing village is a very interesting place to visit. The village lies on Ba Nai hill foot, close to God of Land’s stone with white sandy banks. Also on Ba Nai hill, Po Sah Inư temples stand so solemnly, are relics of ancient Champa kingdom. These temples are 7km away from city center, is dedicated for Shiva God and Po Sah Inu princess. Despite the small scale, this construction represents for the glorious and defined architecture and culture of Cham people.
Mui Ne or the so-called “foreigner village” attracts many foreign tourists because of its special location and landscapes. This site is known for the blue water, white sandy banks and curvy sand dunes. The sand dunes here change their colors in every hour under the sunlight effects.
Bau Trang: It is like an oasis in the middle of desert. Bau Trang is actually a large freshwater lake located 62km from Phan Thiet city on the northeast. This is the only freshwater lake of Binh Nhon commune. According to the legend, this was a very large lake in the past, local people made a dike crossed over diving the lake into 2 smaller lakes – small lake and big lake. At the time, locals only call this site “Bau” because in local accent, “Bau” means lake.
In 1867, Nguyen Thong a notoriety and a government’s official was passing by this area, enjoyed the beauty of the lake, gave the name “White Lake” (Bach ho); since then, people combined the “Bau” (Lake) in their own accent with “Trang” (White) as the name Nguyen Thong gave. The two lakes are named Bau Ong (Mister Lake) and Bau Ba (Lady Lake).
Bau Ba has more water, larger, 19 deep in wet season. People plant lotus in Bau Ba lake making the scene so beautiful and poetic. The landscape here is quite surreal – white sand dunes embracing the lotus lake like a gentle trait to soften the harshness of the endless deserts. In Bau Trang, visitors can rent boats from locals to go sightseeing or fishing. There isn’t much of service in Bau Trang. You can spend 400,000VND to rent a jeep car to go to Bau Trang from Hon Rom or to conquer the sand dunes in the north of the lake.
Ghenh island: is 1km from Mui Ne, a new destination for travelers to Binh Thuan. To get to Ghenh island, you can use service from Siva tourist village or take a round-trip boat of fishermen for 200,000VND per boat with capacity of 10 persons. It only takes you 10 minutes to the island. The water here is so clear that you can see the coral reefs from the beach. There are rocks lying around the mountain, to reach the top, you must conquer them. On mountain top, a magnificent view of sea, sky and land lying there waiting for you. If you have time, fishing in morning is something you should try. You might catch big fishes in this sea area.
Mui Ne: In no where else you can find the sea that blue and the sand that white (and red). Sand-sledding at Doi Hong (Red Sands Dunes) and Bau Trang (White Sands Dunes) is a common activity. It cost 15,000VND-20,000VND to rent a sled. An annoying thing here is the picpocketing, so beware and do not hand over your things to anyone.
Mui Ne beach is a great place for swimming and other water sports and activities, famous for kitesurfing. The water here is warm, blue-colored and the sand shore is quite clean and white. The wind waves are perfect for any kind of surfing. Not far from Mui Ne town is the Fairy Stream with unbelievable sight of scenery. Other beaches near by are also worth your visit such as Suoi Nuoc or Hon Rom.
3. Festivals
Dinh Thay Thim Temple’s festival: takes place in 15th and 16th September lunar calendar yearly in Dinh Thay temple, about 70km from Phan Thiet.
Cau Yen Festival of Cham people: is traditional festival of Cham people which takes place every first month of the year according to Cham calendar, in Cham Ba Ni people’s villages. The festival’s meaning is for people to chase away the bad and unlucky things of the previous year. They dance and sing to their traditional folklore songs. There is also game like boat racing.
Nghinh Ong Festival: this is a common festival of many provinces in central and south coastal regions. Fishermen have a custom of whale worshiping and each year the festival takes place to pray for a year of safety, peace and wealth from the sea. Nghinh Ong is the biggest water festival in Vietnam and recognized as National Intangible Cultural Heritage. In Binh Thuan, this festival is held in July lunar calendar.
Boat racing festival on Ca Ty river: happens in the second day of every new lunar year. The boats are decorated colorful with flags, flowers and banners come from all the districts of Binh Thuan. Local people will stand on the banks of the river to cheer for the racers. This festival is an activity to welcome a new year in Binh Thuan and a very common custom in coastal regions.
5. Foods
Grilled rice cake with shrimp sauce: this is a very common dish in Binh Thuan. Quail eggs, chicken meat, or fermented pork, pork roll green onion, oil are place on a rice paper. The shrimp sauce is put on the meat and eggs. Take the whole paper and put it on a wood fire. Use a pair of chopsticks to roll the rice paper while grilling it until it’s crispy and brown. The dish is served with sauce or chili sauce.
See more: cooking class melbourne
Thu Khoa Huan and Tuyen Quang are two streets where you can find a lot of Phan Thiet’s delicacies.
Your trip around as well as in foreign countries will be easier with Vietnam airtravel promotions. Early booking online to to save money for your trip! Please call our hotline: 09047 66668 for more information!
1 Replies
·
3768 views
Hey everyone,
If you are planning a trip to Sri Lanka and looking for reliable yet affordable transport options, local taxi services often work out much cheaper and more convenient than booking through large international tour agencies.
For long-distance transfers or coastal travel (like Colombo Airport to Southern beaches like Weligama, Mirissa, or Galle), using a local eco-friendly provider gives you reasonable rates without hidden fees.
If you're looking for low-cost transfers, you can check out Eco Cab Taxi for direct local bookings and transparent pricing.
Feel free to ask if you need any advice on Sri Lanka travel routes!
If you are planning a trip to Sri Lanka and looking for reliable yet affordable transport options, local taxi services often work out much cheaper and more convenient than booking through large international tour agencies.
For long-distance transfers or coastal travel (like Colombo Airport to Southern beaches like Weligama, Mirissa, or Galle), using a local eco-friendly provider gives you reasonable rates without hidden fees.
If you're looking for low-cost transfers, you can check out Eco Cab Taxi for direct local bookings and transparent pricing.
Feel free to ask if you need any advice on Sri Lanka travel routes!
3 Replies
·
58 views
If you are staying in Barcelona for a few days, I highly recommend making a day trip to Montserrat. It is only about an hour from Barcelona, but the landscape feels completely different from the city.
Montserrat is famous for its spectacular rock formations and the Benedictine monastery built high in the mountains. But one of the main reasons people come here is La Moreneta, the Black Madonna of Montserrat, one of the most important religious symbols of Catalonia.
According to local tradition, the statue was discovered in a cave on the mountain. Today, it is located inside the basilica, and visitors can go inside to see it.
I would also recommend leaving some time to explore the mountain rather than visiting only the monastery. There are several walking routes with beautiful views, and you can take the Sant Joan funicular higher up the mountain. If you enjoy hiking, you can continue towards Sant Jeroni, the highest point of the Montserrat massif.
Another interesting experience is hearing L’Escolania, the famous boys' choir of Montserrat, which has a tradition going back more than seven centuries. The schedule varies, so it is worth checking before your visit.
You can reach Montserrat from Barcelona by train and then continue by cable car or the mountain railway. Going by car is also convenient if you want to explore more of Catalonia afterwards.
For me, Montserrat is one of the best day trips from Barcelona because it combines history, religion, nature and spectacular scenery in one place.
Montserrat is famous for its spectacular rock formations and the Benedictine monastery built high in the mountains. But one of the main reasons people come here is La Moreneta, the Black Madonna of Montserrat, one of the most important religious symbols of Catalonia.
According to local tradition, the statue was discovered in a cave on the mountain. Today, it is located inside the basilica, and visitors can go inside to see it.
I would also recommend leaving some time to explore the mountain rather than visiting only the monastery. There are several walking routes with beautiful views, and you can take the Sant Joan funicular higher up the mountain. If you enjoy hiking, you can continue towards Sant Jeroni, the highest point of the Montserrat massif.
Another interesting experience is hearing L’Escolania, the famous boys' choir of Montserrat, which has a tradition going back more than seven centuries. The schedule varies, so it is worth checking before your visit.
You can reach Montserrat from Barcelona by train and then continue by cable car or the mountain railway. Going by car is also convenient if you want to explore more of Catalonia afterwards.
For me, Montserrat is one of the best day trips from Barcelona because it combines history, religion, nature and spectacular scenery in one place.
0 Replies
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14 views
The year-end market session in Dong Van town (Dong Van district, Ha Giang) is as lively as a festival, filled with the colorful attire of the Dao, Hmong, Tay, Nung ethnic groups... Goods are also more abundant than usual.
Attending the market is an important activity in the daily life of ethnic minorities in the Ha Giang rocky plateau. Especially in the days leading up to Tet, various types of goods and agricultural produce are displayed and sold more abundantly. In Dong Van district, the market meets once a week on Sunday.
The market session is held on a large plot of land next to the old quarter in Dong Van town. The place most frequented by men in the market is the bird-selling area.
Many people who live far away have to leave from 3 a.m., crossing several mountains to arrive in time for the market. Mr. Giang Nhi Dinh from Thai Phin Tung commune led a black pig from his home to the market to sell.
Black pork is very delicious because it is free-range raised by the Hmong people, with each pig weighing only 30-40 kg. Near Tet, almost every family stocks up on some black pork to wrap cakes and prepare feasts.
By 8 a.m., the market is packed with people, and the roads leading to the center of the market are also crowded. Locals come to the market to buy farming tools.
Clothes and daily necessities are of greatest interest to women. Goods are mainly brought up from the lowlands, while a small portion of farming tools and seeds are produced and brought to sell by the locals.
Ethnic minority people often carry woven back baskets to hold goods. For the elderly, money is not kept in pockets but wrapped in a cloth pouch.
Ethnic minorities in the Ha Giang rocky highlands work hard every day, and families live whole hills or mountains apart. Therefore, meeting each other is very limited. The market session is an occasion for them to meet, share the joys and sorrows of life, and raise a glass of wine together.
Drinking wine at the market session is a custom of the Hmong people. After shopping, they often gather in a corner to meet and drink wine. Both women and young girls can drink.
A special feature of highland market sessions is that in addition to buying, selling, and trading goods, the market is also a place for people to socialize. Therefore, almost all family members eagerly wait for the market day to go down to the market together, also known as going to the market for fun. Many young couples also take this opportunity to express their affection.
Hmong youths play the khen and dance in the market session, to the warm cheers of the local people.
This year, many ethnic minority people in the Ha Giang rocky mountains celebrate a prosperous Tet as the weather was quite favorable for agricultural production. Therefore, when coming down to the market, everyone is happy and wearing their newest and finest clothes.
source: https://ola88.com/en/van-hoa-vung-mien/tet-market-in-ha-giang-rocky-platea-21728
Attending the market is an important activity in the daily life of ethnic minorities in the Ha Giang rocky plateau. Especially in the days leading up to Tet, various types of goods and agricultural produce are displayed and sold more abundantly. In Dong Van district, the market meets once a week on Sunday.
The market session is held on a large plot of land next to the old quarter in Dong Van town. The place most frequented by men in the market is the bird-selling area.
Many people who live far away have to leave from 3 a.m., crossing several mountains to arrive in time for the market. Mr. Giang Nhi Dinh from Thai Phin Tung commune led a black pig from his home to the market to sell.
Black pork is very delicious because it is free-range raised by the Hmong people, with each pig weighing only 30-40 kg. Near Tet, almost every family stocks up on some black pork to wrap cakes and prepare feasts.
By 8 a.m., the market is packed with people, and the roads leading to the center of the market are also crowded. Locals come to the market to buy farming tools.
Clothes and daily necessities are of greatest interest to women. Goods are mainly brought up from the lowlands, while a small portion of farming tools and seeds are produced and brought to sell by the locals.
Ethnic minority people often carry woven back baskets to hold goods. For the elderly, money is not kept in pockets but wrapped in a cloth pouch.
Ethnic minorities in the Ha Giang rocky highlands work hard every day, and families live whole hills or mountains apart. Therefore, meeting each other is very limited. The market session is an occasion for them to meet, share the joys and sorrows of life, and raise a glass of wine together.
Drinking wine at the market session is a custom of the Hmong people. After shopping, they often gather in a corner to meet and drink wine. Both women and young girls can drink.
A special feature of highland market sessions is that in addition to buying, selling, and trading goods, the market is also a place for people to socialize. Therefore, almost all family members eagerly wait for the market day to go down to the market together, also known as going to the market for fun. Many young couples also take this opportunity to express their affection.
Hmong youths play the khen and dance in the market session, to the warm cheers of the local people.
This year, many ethnic minority people in the Ha Giang rocky mountains celebrate a prosperous Tet as the weather was quite favorable for agricultural production. Therefore, when coming down to the market, everyone is happy and wearing their newest and finest clothes.
source: https://ola88.com/en/van-hoa-vung-mien/tet-market-in-ha-giang-rocky-platea-21728
0 Replies
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19 views
The best travel trips and accommodations can be booked on a completely pocket friendly way also over a budget:
Katmandu- Nepal
Bali- Bali
Ho Chi Minh City- Vietnam
Kandy- Sri Lanka
Bangalore- India
Da Nang- Vietnam
Hanoi- Vietnam
Pattaya- Thailand
Bangkok- Thailand
These are some trips under 20,000.
Hope you enjoy your trip.
Katmandu- Nepal
Bali- Bali
Ho Chi Minh City- Vietnam
Kandy- Sri Lanka
Bangalore- India
Da Nang- Vietnam
Hanoi- Vietnam
Pattaya- Thailand
Bangkok- Thailand
These are some trips under 20,000.
Hope you enjoy your trip.
23 Replies
·
5227 views
One of the most common questions from travellers planning a Sri Lanka trip is:
“How do I find a reliable driver?”
It is an important question because in Sri Lanka, the person driving you around can have a big impact on your whole holiday.
You may spend 7, 10, 14 or even 20 days travelling with the same person, so I would recommend looking beyond just the cheapest quotation.
Another thing many visitors do not realise is that not every driver offering tourist transport provides the same level of service or qualification.
They are a good option if you already have your itinerary planned and mostly need someone to take you safely between hotels, attractions and destinations.
A good tourist driver will usually know:
This option is usually suitable for travellers who mainly need comfortable private transportation.
This is probably one of the most convenient options for couples, families and small groups doing a round trip around Sri Lanka.
A licensed chauffeur guide can drive you while also explaining Sri Lankan history, culture, traditions and attractions during the tour.
Instead of hiring both a driver and a separate guide, you have one person travelling with you throughout the trip.
This can be especially useful if your itinerary includes places such as:
Sigiriya, Dambulla, Kandy, Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, Ella and other cultural destinations.
National guides generally provide more detailed historical, archaeological, cultural and destination information.
They are often used for:
Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority officially recognises several categories of guides, including National Guides and Chauffeur Guides.
Before booking, ask some basic questions.
Ask for their licence or tourism identification.
If someone says they are a chauffeur guide, tourist driver or National Guide, ask them to show their current identification.
Ask exactly which vehicle you will receive.
Ask for:
Check what the quotation includes.
Two drivers might quote very different prices because one quotation includes everything while another doesn't.
Ask whether the price includes:
Sometimes travellers communicate with one person and later receive a completely different driver.
There is nothing necessarily wrong with a company assigning another driver, but you should know beforehand who will be travelling with you.
Don't just look at the number of 5-star reviews.
Read what people say about:
A quote significantly below everyone else is worth questioning.
Ask why it is cheaper and exactly what is excluded.
CarWithDriver.lk
You can submit your Sri Lanka itinerary and receive quotations from available verified tourist drivers, chauffeur guides and National Guides.
The platform says driver accounts are checked before approval and may require documents such as driving licences, tourism licences, vehicle registration and insurance.
What I particularly like about this approach is that you can compare more than just the price.
You can compare:
Driver type + experience + licence + vehicle + reviews + included services + total quotation
rather than choosing someone from a WhatsApp message alone.
You can submit your trip here:
https://carwithdriver.lk/
Then speak with the drivers or guides who are interested in your itinerary and compare their offers before deciding.
“How do I find a reliable driver?”
It is an important question because in Sri Lanka, the person driving you around can have a big impact on your whole holiday.
You may spend 7, 10, 14 or even 20 days travelling with the same person, so I would recommend looking beyond just the cheapest quotation.
Another thing many visitors do not realise is that not every driver offering tourist transport provides the same level of service or qualification.
1. Tourist Driver
A tourist driver mainly provides transportation.They are a good option if you already have your itinerary planned and mostly need someone to take you safely between hotels, attractions and destinations.
A good tourist driver will usually know:
- Main tourist routes
- Hotels and restaurants
- Good places for rest stops
- Approximate travel times
- Local conditions
- Useful places along your route
This option is usually suitable for travellers who mainly need comfortable private transportation.
2. Chauffeur Guide
A chauffeur guide combines driving and guiding.This is probably one of the most convenient options for couples, families and small groups doing a round trip around Sri Lanka.
A licensed chauffeur guide can drive you while also explaining Sri Lankan history, culture, traditions and attractions during the tour.
Instead of hiring both a driver and a separate guide, you have one person travelling with you throughout the trip.
This can be especially useful if your itinerary includes places such as:
Sigiriya, Dambulla, Kandy, Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, Ella and other cultural destinations.
3. National Guide
A National Guide Lecturer is a more specialised professional guide.National guides generally provide more detailed historical, archaeological, cultural and destination information.
They are often used for:
- Larger groups
- Cultural tours
- Archaeological tours
- Educational trips
- Special-interest tours
- Travellers who want more detailed explanations
Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority officially recognises several categories of guides, including National Guides and Chauffeur Guides.
So how do you find a reliable driver?
My suggestion is don't select someone only because they gave you the cheapest price.Before booking, ask some basic questions.
Ask for their licence or tourism identification.
If someone says they are a chauffeur guide, tourist driver or National Guide, ask them to show their current identification.
Ask exactly which vehicle you will receive.
Ask for:
- Vehicle make and model
- Year
- Passenger capacity
- Luggage capacity
- Air conditioning
- Recent exterior photos
- Recent interior photos
- Luggage-space photos
Check what the quotation includes.
Two drivers might quote very different prices because one quotation includes everything while another doesn't.
Ask whether the price includes:
- Fuel
- Highway tolls
- Parking
- Driver accommodation
- Driver meals
- Airport pickup/drop-off
- Kilometre allowance
- Extra kilometre charges
Ask whether the same driver stays with you
If you are doing a 10 or 14-day tour, confirm whether the person you are communicating with will actually be your driver.Sometimes travellers communicate with one person and later receive a completely different driver.
There is nothing necessarily wrong with a company assigning another driver, but you should know beforehand who will be travelling with you.
Check recent reviews
Look for reviews from travellers who have actually completed tours.Don't just look at the number of 5-star reviews.
Read what people say about:
- Driving style
- Punctuality
- Vehicle condition
- Communication
- Honesty
- Flexibility
- Knowledge
- Whether unexpected charges appeared during the trip
Be careful with unusually cheap quotations
Sri Lanka is affordable compared with many destinations, but operating a proper tourist vehicle still involves fuel, insurance, maintenance, tyres, licences, driver accommodation and other expenses.A quote significantly below everyone else is worth questioning.
Ask why it is cheaper and exactly what is excluded.
One useful way to compare Sri Lankan drivers
Instead of contacting dozens of individual drivers through Facebook, WhatsApp and forums, travellers can also use:CarWithDriver.lk
You can submit your Sri Lanka itinerary and receive quotations from available verified tourist drivers, chauffeur guides and National Guides.
The platform says driver accounts are checked before approval and may require documents such as driving licences, tourism licences, vehicle registration and insurance.
What I particularly like about this approach is that you can compare more than just the price.
You can compare:
Driver type + experience + licence + vehicle + reviews + included services + total quotation
rather than choosing someone from a WhatsApp message alone.
You can submit your trip here:
https://carwithdriver.lk/
Then speak with the drivers or guides who are interested in your itinerary and compare their offers before deciding.
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86 views
Hi everyone! I’m a local host based in Bali, and tomorrow I’ll be doing a live virtual walk around Sanur, taking you to a lovely beachfront café area overlooking the ocean.
It’s a little different from watching a regular travel video because it’s live — you can join from anywhere, chat with me, ask questions, and experience the atmosphere of Sanur with me in real time.
We’ll have a relaxed stroll, enjoy the beachfront views, and I’ll share a little bit about everyday life in Sanur and the places we pass along the way.
If you’re currently dreaming about Bali, planning a future trip, or simply curious about what Sanur looks like beyond the usual tourist videos, you’re very welcome to join!
I’m hosting it through Peekabl, where you can find the tour details and join the live experience.
Live Virtual Tour: Sanur Beachfront Café Walk
Sanur, Bali, Indonesia
️ Tomorrow
If you’d like to see the tour details or join me, here’s the link:
Tap here to join my virtual live tour
Hope to see some of you there!
It’s a little different from watching a regular travel video because it’s live — you can join from anywhere, chat with me, ask questions, and experience the atmosphere of Sanur with me in real time.
We’ll have a relaxed stroll, enjoy the beachfront views, and I’ll share a little bit about everyday life in Sanur and the places we pass along the way.
If you’re currently dreaming about Bali, planning a future trip, or simply curious about what Sanur looks like beyond the usual tourist videos, you’re very welcome to join!
I’m hosting it through Peekabl, where you can find the tour details and join the live experience.
Live Virtual Tour: Sanur Beachfront Café Walk
Sanur, Bali, Indonesia
️ Tomorrow
If you’d like to see the tour details or join me, here’s the link:
Tap here to join my virtual live tour
Hope to see some of you there!
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22 views
Yes, Kufri is definitely worth visiting on a short Shimla trip, especially if you enjoy mountain views, nature, and light adventure. Kufri is around 20 km from Shimla and can easily be covered as a half-day or day excursion.
- Beautiful scenery: Enjoy Himalayan views, pine forests, and fresh mountain air.
- Snow activities: Winter can bring snow and opportunities for skiing and other snow experiences.
- Himalayan Nature Park: A good stop for families and nature lovers.
- Fun activities: Kufri Fun World offers rides and adventure activities.
- Horse riding: A popular experience, particularly outside the snowy season.
- Great for photos: The mountain landscape makes Kufri an easy addition to a short itinerary.
In short: If you have even half a day available, I’d recommend adding Kufri to your Shimla itinerary.
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Finding cheap business class tickets from the NYC to London requires flexibility and careful comparison. Start by checking multiple U.S. departure airports, such as New York, Boston, Chicago, Washington, and Los Angeles, and compare London Heathrow and Gatwick options. Keep your travel dates flexible and compare weekdays, off-peak periods, and different seasons. Compare several airlines, including nonstop and connecting itineraries, rather than focusing on one carrier. Track business class fares and look for airline promotions, discounted fare tiers, and limited-time offers. Compare one-way, round-trip, and multi-city prices because pricing can vary significantly. Check whether Basic Business or lower premium fare options provide the benefits you actually need. Before booking, compare the total cost, baggage allowance, seat selection, lounge access, aircraft, change fees, and cancellation rules. Finally, verify the final fare and ticket conditions directly with the airline before payment.
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Tips to Book Cheap Business Class Tickets: USA → London from TravelLolo.com
- Compare multiple airlines and airports.
- Keep your travel dates flexible.
- Check nearby U.S. departure airports.
- Compare nonstop and connecting flights.
- Look for business-class fare sales.
- Compare one-way and round-trip prices.
- Track fares and set price alerts.
- Check different business-class fare tiers.
- Consider airline miles and reward points.
- Compare the total fare, including baggage and fees.
- Check the aircraft and seat before paying.
- Book when you find a genuinely competitive fare rather than waiting for a “perfect” booking day.
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21 views
City of Lights, City of Love, City of... Champagne Showers at the Eiffel Tower? Get ready travel buddies, because France isn't just about baguettes and berets. I've found that sweet spot for travel falls in the shoulder seasons, those in-between times. May and June, or September and October, are magic. The weather is fantastic, not too hot, not too cold – think 16 to 20 degrees Celsius (around 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit).
The moment I arrived , jet lag momentarily forgotten by the sheer anticipation. We hopped on the metro, a labyrinthine but efficient network, and within minutes, we were standing at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, that iron icon reaching 324 meters towards the sky. But this wasn't just any Eiffel Tower experience. We bypassed the crowds and ascended, not to the top platform, but to a hidden gem – the champagne bar on the first floor.
That, my friends, was just the first day. France is a country that seduces your senses, leaving you breathless and begging for more.
Yes, you read that right. Clinking champagne flutes 57 meters above the Parisian sprawl? Indescribable. The city shimmered before us, a tapestry of golden hues bathed in the late afternoon sun. We sipped our bubbly, the gentle fizz mirroring the excitement bubbling within. Below, the throngs of tourists seemed a world away, their excited chatter a distant hum. It was an exclusive, intimate moment, Paris at our feet, a promise of adventure hanging in the air. That, my friends, was just the first day. France, it seemed, had a lot more stories to tell.
The moment I arrived , jet lag momentarily forgotten by the sheer anticipation. We hopped on the metro, a labyrinthine but efficient network, and within minutes, we were standing at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, that iron icon reaching 324 meters towards the sky. But this wasn't just any Eiffel Tower experience. We bypassed the crowds and ascended, not to the top platform, but to a hidden gem – the champagne bar on the first floor.
That, my friends, was just the first day. France is a country that seduces your senses, leaving you breathless and begging for more.
Yes, you read that right. Clinking champagne flutes 57 meters above the Parisian sprawl? Indescribable. The city shimmered before us, a tapestry of golden hues bathed in the late afternoon sun. We sipped our bubbly, the gentle fizz mirroring the excitement bubbling within. Below, the throngs of tourists seemed a world away, their excited chatter a distant hum. It was an exclusive, intimate moment, Paris at our feet, a promise of adventure hanging in the air. That, my friends, was just the first day. France, it seemed, had a lot more stories to tell.
- Check out my profile for unique list for luxury vacation hotels, resorts and much more .
8 Replies
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2153 views
