Activities - The Adventure Travel Site

Explore the Chu Chi Tunnels

A day at the Cu Chi Tunnels is considered one of the best things you could do during your stay at a hotel Hanoi has to offer such as Pan Pacific Hanoi. Combined with a visit to the nearby War Remnants Museum, it also makes for a great learning experience.

Overview

Chu Chi Tunnel Entrance|Image by Lars Curfs (Grashoofd) via Wikimedia Commons,CC BY-SA 3.0 NL

The Cu Chi tunnel network spans across an extensive network of underground tunnels, running as far as toward the Cambodian border. It was built over two decades and its construction was commissioned in 1948. The tunnels were originally intended to pass communication between villages and help the locals evade French soldiers.

Tunnels to Visit

At present, only two sets of tunnels can be visited by the public – Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc sections. The former served as Cu Chi District Party Committee’s base while the latter also served as headquarters.

Getting Around

There are several options when it comes to getting to these tunnels from Saigon – motorbike, speedboat, car, or bus are several of them.

Things to Do

As you enter the caves, you will be shown a video detailing the lives of the Viet Cong and locals who lived nearby during the war. After that, you can see the exhibits, take photos, explore traps, and even shoot a gun!

Best Places to Picnic in Melbourne

As the demand for al fresco dining increases, picnics have become fashionable again! Here are some of the all-time favourite local spots for a picnic.

Royal Botanic Gardens

Nestled on the outskirts of the city on approximately 100-acre land is the popular Royal Botanic Gardens. Throw your blanket next to a historic building – or, even better, on the banks of the Yarra River.

St Kilda Botanical Gardens

Located within an 11-minute drive from properties like WRAP on Southbank via State Route 3 is St. Kilda Botanical Gardens. These gardens have charming lawns overlooking an ornamental pond. You could even have some fun on their massive chessboard after eating.

Lysterfield Park

Home to a gorgeous lake with striking views, Lysterfield Park is a splendid location for a picnic – there are a plethora of places to settle cosily with your basket of treats.

Werribee Park Formal Garden

During your stay at one of the Melbourne CBD hotels, you could head down to Werribee Park Formal Garden. Here, you could easily find a place to comfortably have your picnic thanks to its well-maintained grounds and shaded spots.

The Ultimate Ski Guide

Skiing is no easy walk in the park. But for those who with a craving for adventure, mastering this sport shouldn’t be much of a challenge. Here’s what you should know before you try your hand at skiing during your stay at a Whistler hotel.

Learn the Rules

Look out for the figures on trail markers! Particularly in North America, you will find that a green circle marks an easy trail for first-timers whereas a black diamond with an exclamation mark would mark a trail that should only be attempted by highly-skilled skiers.

Know the Basics

A practical skiing lesson might be the best way of familiarizing yourself with skiing basics. Some properties in Canada, for instance, Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside, offers lessons that will help you master the basics.

Test out the Bunny Slope

A bunny hill includes ski lifts – a carpet lift or rope tow would help you discover skiing with its support mechanisms.

Hold Yourself Correctly

Skiing in Whistler|Image by Scott Hughes via Flickr

If you lean too far behind, you’ll note how it becomes increasingly difficult for you when it comes to taking a turn, making you lose control. Keep your knees bent as needed and your hands in front to maintain balance.

Namibia’s Skeleton Coast: Explore the ‘End of the Earth’

One of the loneliest stretches of shorelines in Africa, Skeleton Coast is one of the few untouched wilderness regions in Nambia. If you think you can stomach its evocative atmosphere, it is indeed a must-visit area during a holiday spent at one of the hotels in Namibia the likes of Avani Windhoek Hotel & Casino.

Location

Skeleton Coast can be found on the distant northwestern portion of Namibia. It is part of the northern Namib Desert and most of it is protected by the eponymous national park.

Meaning Behind Name

Skeleton Coast most likely received its name due to the number of whale and human skeletons as well as the remains of ships that could be found scattered along its shoreline.

Attractions

Swakopmund is the southern gateway to the Skeleton Coast. It lies toward the south of the National West Coast Tourist Recreation Area that runs northward toward the Ugab River Mouth starting from the Swakop River.

Sand Dunes

Wherever you go on the Skeleton Coast, you’ll be met with sand dunes – an integral part of this region’s landscape.

Thai Phrases to Learn Before Your Visit

While those who do not speak Thai can fully enjoy a holiday in Thailand, it always helps to know some local phrases to use with the people you meet.

“Khap” and “Kha”

Before getting into phrases to use be it in Bangkok or at a hotel Khon Kaen has to offer, you need to differentiate between “Khap” and “Kha”. They are used at the end of sentences and denote a sign of respect; the main thing to keep in mind is that “Khap” is only used by male speakers and “Kha” only by females.

Typical Greeting

From meeting locals to interacting with staff at properties like Avani Khon Kaen Hotel & Convention Centre, the greeting you should learn is “Sawasdee”, which is the equivalent of “hello”. As mentioned, depending on the gender, the ending will differ; males will say “Sawasdee Khap” and females, “Sawasdee Kha”.

General Phrases

Also learn phrases such as “Sabai Dee Mai?” which is like asking “how are you?”, “Khop Khun Khap / Kha” the equivalent of “thank you” and “Mai Pen Rai” when you need to say “you’re welcome”. This phrase can also come in handy; say “Haawng Naam Yuu Tee Nai?” when you need to find the bathroom!

Other Phrases

Here are some other phrases that can be useful on your travels in Thailand; keep in mind, a big part of conversing here is to be polite and non-confrontational too.

• Ni Tao Rai? – How much is this?
• Paeng – Too costly
• Mai Khao Jai – I don’t understand
• Aroy – Delicious
• Kor Tot – Excuse me

Guide to Adventure and Do Fun Things in Dubai

Dubai is a highly-sought destination by luxury holidaymakers and adventure seekers. Here are some of the best things to do in Deira Dubai.

Skydive at iFLY Dubai

Skydiving is a thrilling activity, which can be terrifying for some. Why not take it slow by opting to skydive indoors at iFLY Dubai in Mirdif City Centre – the largest indoor adventurous-activity centre in the UAE.

Experience a Hot Air Balloon Ride

Soar over the glistening desert of Dubai with the help of a serene hot air balloon ride – witness a glorious bird’s-eye view of these spectacular desertscapes of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.

Enter a World of Illusions

Do you simply love tricks and illusions? Then don’t miss a visit to the Museum of Illusions in Dubai, which is located within a 17-minute driving distance from Avani Deira Dubai Hotel via Tariq Bin Ziyad Road.

Be Part of a Camel Safari

If you want to explore the desert in the most authentic way, Camel Desert Safari would be the way to go! Enjoy a 45-minute journey on these calm, breathing ships of the desert after which you could get entertained with cultural shows such as traditional Emirati dances and drumming sessions.

Exploring the Ruins of Ancient Carthage

Found in present-day Tunisia, Ancient Carthage has a rich history and though many of its once grandiose structures are in ruins, this UNESCO World Heritage Sites still offers much to discover.

Archaeological Park

Amongst the key sites in Ancient Carthage, the Archaeological Park offers insights into the city’s history including when it was under Roman rule. Within easy reach of properties like The Residence Tunis by Cenizaro, this site is home to graves from the 5th century BC, an underground burial chapel, Roman cisterns and more.

Baths of Antonine

Dating to the 2nd century AD, these ruins of an expansive Roman bath complex overlooking the Mediterranean is also worth visiting from a Tunis hotel. While only several columns and the foundations are to be found, you can imagine what it would have been like in the days when Romans used these baths.

Theatre & Roman Villas

Overlooking the ocean and constructed on a hillside, this ancient Roman theatre offers a captivating sight on Avenue Reine Didon. Nearby, is a park in which one can see ancient Punic shaft graves as well as the restored 3rd century Villa des Volières, which features fragments of sculpture and lovely views from the terrace.

Carthage National Museum

A great place to learn more about Ancient Carthage, the Carthage National Museum showcases key artefacts that were found at the historical sites and ruins. You can get a clearer idea of what the city would have been like as well as view a wide range of exhibits from sarcophagi and jewellery to sarcophagi.

Diving in Salalah

Salalah is a city of wonders. With many attractions, dining spots, and shopping hubs, Salalah has already won the hearts of many travellers. But what about water adventures? Does Salalah have good diving spots?

The closest diving spot to Salalah

If you have thought of holidaying at Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara or any other similar place, Mirbat is just 70km away from where you are. With many Oman attractions including China Wreck, Rocky Beach, and Eagle Bay, it’s indeed a paradise for those who love underwater explorations.

What to pack for the tour

The relevant equipment will be offered by the licensed diving instructor you choose. But make sure you take a hat, sun protection cream, towels, and sunshades with you for the tour.

Diving experience

The total diving experience may go on for around 5 hours. It’s a beautiful experience to meet the underwater creatures and plants during your exploration under the guidance of the instructor.

When to enjoy this experience?

Diving sessions do not function when it’s the high tide. So, make sure you schedule your tour somewhere from January to April or October to December. Happy Diving!

Top Outdoor Activities in Hong Kong

After spending time indoors due to lockdowns, nothing beats enjoying the great outdoors; in Hong Kong, there are plenty of places to do this along with some adventure-filled activities.

Surfing at Big Wave Bay

While the one to six-foot waves at Big Wave Bay may not be as challenging for seasoned surfers, they still offer plenty of fun. Those staying at Tsim Sha Tsui properties like Park Hotel Hong Kong can easily plan a visit here; to add to the excitement, access the beach by hiking along the Dragon’s Back Trail.

Hiking the Lantau Peak Trail

Adventure enthusiasts staying at budget or 4-star hotels in Hong Kong can hike the trail of the second-highest mountain here, Lantau Peak. Located on Lantau Island, the trail features a climb of around 3,054 feet and it takes around 2.5 hours; mesmerising views await be it of the Big Buddha or a magical sunrise.

Wakeboarding in Sha Kiu Tau

One can take a cruiser or junk boat to Sha Kiu Tau to enjoy the speed-filled thrills of wakeboarding. The sheltered area is perfect for this activity while sunbathing on the shore and swimming in the ocean are added allures; you can find operators which offer boat hire and wakeboard equipment for this excursion.

Canyoning in the New Territories

Set amidst mountain landscapes, the New Territories is ideal for canyoning in Hong Kong. A popular spot for this is the Ping Nam Stream which has various plunge pools and waterfalls. It takes around two hours to reach the point where you can begin a descent that will feature bum slides and waterfall abseils.

Best adventure experiences in Quy Nhon

Vietnam is always great for adventures as a whole, and Quy Nhon is indeed greater! Water adventures and other outdoor adventures are all possible here, and you just need to have the will to undertake all these experiences.

Go beach hopping

Quy Nhon is a paradise for those who love beaches. It’s not just about the Quy Nhon Beach located right near the city centre. But also, about the Ky Co Beach, Queen Beach and the Bai Xep!

Outdoor adventures to try

Since the coastline is adorable, you may opt for cycling along the coast with your family members. Diving, snorkelling and kayaking are some of the other water adventures that you can try out. If you want to relax some more, you may also say yes to a sunrise yoga session.

Explore the Cham sites

Cham sites include the four Cham Towers and the Thap Doi Towers. They date back to the 11th-13th centuries and reveal exciting stories about ancient Vietnam.

Holidaying in Quy Nhon

Holidays spent in Quy Nhon are sure to be wow if you opt for one of the beach resorts in Vietnam. There are many great options such as Avani Quy Nhon Resort for you to choose from.