12 days to enjoy beaches of Okinawa and historical sites of Kyoto and night life in Osaka.

After arrival at Naha airport, find some accommodation in the southern part of Okinawa island. From there you can easily reach to interesting sights for one day trips.  I've stayed at Kaiza Okinawa - a small guesthouse, which was more about traditional japanese stay providing delicious breakfast. 

In one day you can combine visit in Seifa-Utaki and Mibaru Beach. 
Seifa-Utaki is a historical sacred place right in the jungle. There is a solid pavement and a visit takes max. 1 hour. Wear shoes with sole preventing slipping, as some wet stones might be slippery.
Entrance fee: 300 JPY/adult

Mibaru Beach is great photo spot and good place to swim and is just 13 min. by car from Sefa Utaki. Visit the beach during high tide as the water level is better for swimming. There is only parking fee to be paid in the box.



Okinawa - south

Sefa-Utaki & Mibaru Beach

Valley of the Gangala is a natural preserve where you can see the ancient caves or a giant banyan tree estimated to be 150 years old. 
Entrance fee: 2200 JPY/adult for a guided tour which takes approx. 1,5hr.

Move to visit of remains of Shuri castle which is 0,5hr from Valley of the Gangala. The Shuri Castle was almost completely destroyed in 1945 and then renovated again. In 2019 it was destroyed by a fire and now you can see how the renovation works of the main building look like. 
Entrance fee: 400 JPY/ adult



Valley of the Gangala & Shuri castle

On the road towards north, you can spend a part of the day as a road trip stopping on the beaches.
Explore the Ikei Island which is connected with Okinawa island with the bridge.
Ikei beach is a small beach used mainly by the locals.
If you prefer larger beaches, the top pick is Manza beach which is close to luxury hotels on Okinawa island.
Find some apartment in the northern part of the island to stay closer to sights you would be visiting.

 

Okinawa - mid

Ikei island / Ikei beach & Manza beach

For a day trip in northern part of Okinawa island it is good to combine quick photo spots with hike and finish the day on the beach.

Hedo-Misaki is the northernmost point on Okinawa island with a monument commemorating the end of US Occupation. Stop by to take some pictures and continue south to visit Hijio Falls.

The hike to Hijio falls is around 1,5km long and leads in through the jungle. The humid climate might be exhausting, so don't forget to take a bottle of water with you. 
Entrance fee: 500 JPY/adult + you can buy a small towel (highly recommended)

After hike, finish your day at Teenu beach to have some rest. Teenu beach is a great photo spot, but for swimming the beach near by is better.

Okinawa - north

Hedo-Misaki - Hijio Falls - Teenu Beach

On the road to the airport you can have 0,5 day to visit the one of the largest aquariums in the world. Explore many species of fish and sharks that live in coral reefs surrounding Okinawa islands. You can see a whale shark here, as well.
Entrance fee: 2180 JPY/adult (recommended to purchase online)

In the afternoon take a flight to Kobe or Osaka to transfer to Kyoto.
From the airport there is a fast way via train to get to Kyoto. Find a hotel to stay the following 4 nights and have some rest.

Okinawa Churaumi aquarium

Early morning, take the train from Kyoto railway station to JR Inari Station (JR Nara Line). Fushimi Inari Shrine is located just outside JR Inari Station.
Visiting Fushimi-Inari takes 1 day to hike up the hill and enjoying its thousands of vermilion torii gates.
There is no entrance fee.

Kyoto

Fushimi-Inari

To travel around Kyoto I have used public transportation - buses/subway through 1 day pass for 1100 JPY/adult.

Early in the morning visit Arashiyama bamboo grove avoiding crowds of people. There is no entrance fee.

Visit Ōkōchi Sansō, the home and garden of the Japanese jidaigeki (period film) actor Denjirō Ōkōchi that is famous for its gardens and views on Kyoto area.
Entrance fee: 1000 JPY/adult

Stop by in Tenryu-ji temple with a beautiful japanese garden.
Entrance fee: 500 JPY/adult

Visit also Matsunoo Taisha shrine which is approx. 1,3km southern from Arashyiama district.
Entrance fee: 500 JPY/adult, entrance fee is required just for the gardens.

Transfer to Kinkaku-ji temple - a Zen buddhist temple which became one of the most famous buildings in Kyoto. Taking pictures of large groups of people is prohibited here.
Entrance fee: 500 JPY/adult

Arashiyama bamboo grove - Tenryu-ji temple - Kinkaku-Ji temple

You can spend whole day or two in this area exploring the historical atmosphere of this place.
Early morning before there are crowds of people, take a stop at Yasaka Pagoda, which is one of the most visible and recognizable landmarks in the Higashiyama District.
Take a walk through the streets of district to explore little shops, cafés or attend a tea ceremony.

Visit Kiyomizudera temple offering nice view over the city from its famous wooden terrace.
Entrance fee: 400 JPY/adult

Visit Kenniji temple-  a zen buddhist temple with its famous twin dragons painting on the ceiling. Taking photos of people or posing is prohibited here.
Entrance fee: 500 JPY/adult

Kyoto - Preserved historic district around Kiyomizudera

Higashiyama district in Kyoto

Wanna see spectacular Japanese gardens? Then visiting Kyoto Gyoen National garden might be the right place for you. It is a part of the Kyoto Imperial palace complex. Admission is free.

After visiting Kyoto Imperial palace, walking through the park you easily come across Shūsui-tei which is a traditional Japanese teahouse. It is only a museum, which is worth seeing.
Entrance fee: 300 JPY/adult

Heian Jingu Shrine Shinen Garden is a great place to have some rest and have a stroll in a beautiful japanese nature. You can have a cup of tea and read a book at the lake.
Entrance fee: 600 JPY/adult
On this occasion you can visit Heian Shrine. Admission is free.



Kyoto Imperial Palace & Kyoto Gyoen National Garden / Shūsui-tei / Heian Jingu Shrine Shinen Garden

For travelling in Osaka use the subway. The 1 day/ 2 day pass is the most convenient.
Price for 1 day pass is 820 JPY/adult (or 620 JPY/adult on weekends and holidays).

You can't skip Osaka castle as the one of Japan's most famous landmarks.
Entrance fee: 600 JPY/adult 
The outside area is for free. I would recommend skipping Castle garden which is charged, as there is not much to see.

The rest of the day you can spend shopping. Umeda shopping centre as the other shopping centres are located at the subway station. Don't get lost in the underground tunnel complex. 




Osaka

Osaka castle & shopping experience

During the day, you can visit the area of Shinsekai which is famous for its lively atmosphere with best Osaka food and small shops among flashy signboards.
The 103-meter tall observation tower Tsutenkaku is a symbol of Osaka which is right there.

The most famous area for a night life in Osaka is undoubtedly Dotonbori / Namba. There you can find lots of street food - a typical takoyaki, karaoke bars or just take a stroll along the river.
Be ready for a lot of walking as it is a bit far from the subway.

Osaka - Shinsekai & Namba

Departing in the morning from Osaka airport, you can get to Kume island in the afternoon. Catch the morning flight to Naha airport which takes around 2 hours and change to Kumejima. The flight from Naha takes just 30min. and there are just several flights per day.
Right at the airport on Kume island, catch the bus which drops you right to the hotel. There are only two bus lines on the island. One is connecting the airport with the hotels and the other one goes round the island. You'll need cash to pay for the ticket.

Book EN Resort Kumejima EEF Beach Hotel for your stay as it has the best beach on the island. You can enjoy onsen spa - hot japanese bath in the evening after your arrival.

Osaka - Naha - Kumejima

Flying to Kume island (Kumejima)

Visit Tatami ishi which right next to the Sea Turtle museum. You can catch a bus to easily get there.
Tatami ishi is a geological feature exposed at low tide. It comprises some one thousand pentagonal and hexagonal rocks.

As Kume island is a very quiet place, you may struggle to find any good place to eat. However, just around the hotel there are several places that serve great tempura or fish.

Recommended: visit Yajiyagama cave which is close to the airport

Kumejima

Tatami ishi

Take a 1/2 day boat trip to Hate-no-hama. It is a narrow 7-kilometer long beach along the east side of Kume Island. The beach is surrounded by pure-white sand and an emerald green ocean.

You can have a nice snorkelling experience here and if you take a boat with a glass bottom, you can see the the sea life whole way there.

They'll pick you right at the hotel and drive to the harbour.

The rest of the day you can spend on EEF beach when there is a high tide.

Hate-no-hama

Budget

Japan: Nature & Culture

Explore the island of Gods - its cultural sights and famous Instagram places and find peace on its beaches.

Stay at least 3 days in Ubud to explore most of its culture and busy life. Enjoy various restaurants and markets, as well as temples and nearby waterfalls.

Ubud (3 days)

A typical Indonesian cuisine, right in the middle of Ubud. Prices are low, just be aware of additional service fee and government tax to your bill up to additional 17%.

Sun Sun Warung

More hidden authentic indonesian cuisine. Even lower prices, no additional fees nor taxes.

Adi Warung

Visit this temple for purification procedure. Plan at least 1,5hr for this procedure and enjoy the amazing experience. Book your driver to take you there and back.
Entrance fee: 50.000 IDR

Tirta Empul

Getting a bit away from Ubud you can find several waterfalls. This one is definitely worth visiting. You can take a refreshing bath there, as well. You can find there Bali swings along the way to take pictures. Easy access, just 15min. by feet.
Entrance fee: 30.000 IDR

Tibumana waterfall

This is not known by the drivers in Ubud, as it is just the road to Tibumana waterfall. You can find there the palm alley which is a nice photo spot. It is only 400m from the Tibumana waterfall parking.

Adila´s spot

A calm and peaceful place to see rice terraces and have a morning stroll. You can experience also Bali swing or zipline here which are at better prices than in other more commercial places. 
Entrance fee: 50.000 IDR
Bali swing: 150.000 IDR
Dress rental: 150.000 IDR

Tegalalang rice terraces

If you are about to have a day just for relaxing, then you can´t miss this place! It is located nearby Tegalalang rice terraces and this Café has an infinite swimming pool with an amazing view. As a bonus, it is not crowded, as it is further from the main touristic point (Alas Harum).
You can get a sunbed on condition your spending is at least 400.000 IDR per person.

Tis Café

The major touristic spot to see the rice terraces, try Bali swings, zipline, sky-bikes and to take lots of pictures in the photo traps. This place is a bit crowded especially after 10am when tourist buses are coming.
Entrance fee: 50.000 IDR

Alas Harum

This restaurant with multiple infinite pools is located right in the heart of Alas Harum. It gets a bit crowded. If you like fun, relax and good food, it is worth visiting.
Minimum spending to get a sunbed is 2.000.000 IDR per person and it gets higher depending of the level you would like to be on.

Creyta

Northern from Ubud you can find this beautiful waterfall. Like on the other places, you can find there several warungs and Bali swings along the road. It is easy to get there and it gets just 15min.
Entrance fee: 50.000 IDR

Leke Leke waterfall

Have a half-day for experiencing how Balinese people cook. This one was further in suburbs in a small willage with very authentic family atmosphere. You can learn how to cook 5 traditional meals typical for local cuisine.

Traditional Balinese cooking class

Have you heared about the most expensive coffe in the world? You can find a hidden gem in Ubud right in the middle of a tiny market street. In this Café you can taste original civet coffee and also pet this animal.

Balistar Coffee (Luwak Café)

You can visit several spots in one day while your stay in Ubud. If you would like to experience more, then moving there for one night is sufficient. During 1 day trip from Ubud it is possible to see Tirta Gangga, Tukad Cepung waterfall or even famous Gate to heaven on condition you wake up very early. These places are around 2 hours away from Ubud.

Eastern Bali (1-2 days)

The temple with beautiful gardens and typical asian carbs in its lakes.
Entrance fee: 30.000 IDR
You can purchase fish food on the market right in front of the temple for just 5.000 IDR

Tirta Gangga

Going further to the jungle and crossing rice terraces you can come to the waterfall which is hidden behind a cave. It is easily accessible from the entrance and is 20min walking.
Entrance fee: 15.000 IDR

Tukad Cepung waterfall

Plan early wake up and a hike on Mt. Agung volcano. For this trip you will need a guide.

Mt.Agung hike

One of the most iconic places in Bali. For visiting it is recommended to come as early in the morning as possible (no later than 6am) to avoid crowds. To take a picture in front of Gate to heaven might take up to 2-4 hours.
Entrance fee: 100.000 IDR + 50.000 IDR for a shuttle to the temple
Apart from the famous Gate to heaven there are 7 temples you can visit and whole journey takes around 3 hours.

Lempuyang temple and Gate of heaven

Northern Bali is rich for its natural beauty and definitely worth a separate visit. If planning to see just highlights, you can either take a 1 day trip from Ubud or spend 1 night to visit these places in slower pace.

Northern Bali (1-2 days)

Handara gate is just a pure photo spot, which is a "nice to have" during your Bali visit.
Entrance fee: 50.000 IDR for a 3 min photoshooting. You will get your number and have to wait in a queue. 200.000 IDR is for a package photoshooting + drone

Handara gate

This is a major temple in Bali and is a must see place. It is located at the lake and surrounded by the mountains which makes it a peaceful place with less hot climate.
The temple area is quite big and you can see there also Balinese ceremonies.
Entrance fee: 75.000 IDR
Boat rental: 150.000 IDR

Pura Ulun Danu Beratan temple

The waterfall is further to north and is around 2 hours away ride from Ubud. It has 7 hidden waterfalls situated in the tranquility of valley and surrounded by the jungle.
Entrance fee: 20.000 IDR
But if you would like to do the trekking you will need a local guide for additional fee depending on the difficulty - 150.000  - 250.000 IDR


Sekumpul waterfall

Visiting Uluwatu is a great option either for the beginning or ending of your visit in Bali due to its proximity to the airport and also to ports for your possible tours to the islands.

Uluwatu (1 day)

The temple is situated on the coast and the view from the cliffs is really breathtaking. You can have a stroll through the park and see also monkeys there.
Entrance fee: 50.000 IDR
There is also evening performance of traditional Balinese Kecak dance which costs 200.000 IDR


Uluwatu temple

A nice place for relax and to find any good restaurant or beach bars.

Melasti beach

You will need 2 full days to experience best of Nusa Penida. Don´t take 1 day trip from Ubud with a travel agency, as the journey is far too long. Although the ferry cruise takes just 30 minutes, consider frequent delays. The roads in Nusa Penida are very narrow and in bad condition, therefore any kind of driving there takes longer than you would have expected.
There is an entrance fee 25.000 IDR and 15.000 IDR for a child.
Take a speedboat from Sanur directly to Nusa Penida. Mind that there are 3 harbors on the island.

Nusa Penida (2 days)

Just a tree house and a great place to take nice pictures. Come early in the morning around 7am to avoid crowds and you can enjoy unique atmosphere and breathtaking view on the cliffs and nearby Diamond beach.
Entrance fee: 25.000 IDR (plus you will be given a bottle of water)
Photoshooting for 3 minutes: 75.000 IDR
Parking fee: 10.000 IDR

Rumah Pohon tree house

On the opposite side from the tree house you can visit Diamond beach. It is hardly accessible, so rather wear some trekking shoes instead of flip flops. Especially in hot and humid climate it is hard to climb up the cliff and up the stairs.
There is also a Bali swing on the beach with a wonderful view. The way down takes around 25min.
Entrance fee: 10.000 IDR
Bali swing fee: 200.000 IDR

Diamond beach

The most iconic place on Nusa Penida worth visiting. You can take half-day trip there and visit the beach, as well. However the access to the beach is very difficult. Most of the visitors just come and see the view. Make sure to come either early in the morning or before sunset to avoid crowds of people.

Kelingking beach

Great place to enjoy snorkelling and swimming. Also this is a great spot to start your tour to see mantas on Manta Beach / Manta point.

Crystal beach

Both places are right next to each other. It is dangerous to swim there due to the proximity of stones and dangerous waves. Just have a minute to see these spots.

Broken Beach and Angel´s Billabong

Although Gili islands already belong to Lombok, they are easily accessible from Bali or Nusa Penida. It is around 3 hr. cruise with a speedboat from Bali and 1.5 hr from Nusa Penida.
These are 3 islands and Gili Air is the smallest and most peaceful one.
The vibe of the island is great for chillout, slowing down and enjoying of crystal clear water, snorkelling, amazing sunsets and sunrises. Together with outstanding services and restaurants it makes it the real paradise.

Gili Air (3 or more days)

Book a trip to Gili Meno for snorkelling. Half day trip includes 4 spots: Underwater statues, Turtle beach and two spots to see the corals on Gili Meno and Gili Air.
Definitelly worth it booking a private trip for 750.000 IDR and start either around 7-8am or after 3pm to avoid other boats full of people.

Underwater statues, Turtle and corals snorkelling

This café offers great choice of vegan food and fruity bowls.

Pituq Café

When staying on this island, this hotel is the best pick for chillout. It is located right on the beach where you can observe turtles. It has several bungallows made of bamboo, restaurant and a beach bar. One can feel like on a honeymoon during the stay.

Bambu Cottages

Bali: Top highlights in 14 days

Best areas for skiing. Top picks at greatest value for money.

Whole area consists of 3 areas which are next to each other + 1 remote area.
- Finkenberg
- Mayrhofen
- Eggalm
+ on one skipass you can visit Hintertux glacier

It offers 202km of ski slopes and is great for individuals and families. There are couple of ski schools operating in Finkenberg and Mayrhofen.

After skiing you can enjoy thermal baths in Fugen.

Zillertal 3000

The big ski area in Carinthia offers 110km ski slopes in every difficulty. It is close to Italian borders, and even some of the slopes are already in Italy.

Nassfeld - Hermagor

Hidden gem of Carinthia with its 103km slopes is not crowded during high season. It offers mainly red slopes, but there are also some short blue slopes for beginners, as well as ski schools. In the area you can find the oldest cablecar in Austria. There are 2 thermal baths - one for adults only, the St.Kathrein baths are also for families.

Bad Kleinkirchheim

One of the biggest ski areas in Austria offers 270km ski slopes. It is rather for younger visitors who like Aprés ski and party at the end of the day. This area provides many facilities like this.
On one skipass you can even visit 3 areas:
- Saalbach / Hinterglemm (270km)
- Kaprun (Kitzsteinhorn) glacier (61km)
- Zell am See - Schmitten (77km)

Saalbach Hinterglemm and Kaprun

Best value for money ski areas in Austria

Do you think you should spend fortune to visit Maldives? Nope, you don´t have to stay in pricy resorts to do so. Find out some public islands you can visit, too.

It is easy to get to any of the public island by ferry or a speedboat. The speedboat terminal is right at Malé airport and the cruise takes approx. 1,5hr to the nearest Atoll.
Ticket for adults from 50 USD and 25 USD for children. 

It is not recommended to travel by speedboats during rainy season due to storms on the ocean. During rainy season the speedboats are often cancelled due to the weather or delayed. 

Why visiting this island? Simply because it offers great snorkelling on beaches where you can find coral reefs. You can spot many species of fish, coral, baby sharks, stingrays and turtles.

Mind that Maldives is an islamic country, therefore bikinis are allowed only on dedicated bikini beaches.

Ukulhas

A small public island just along the way to Ukulhas. You can stop here for couple of days to see original life, enjoy snorkelling or diving. There are spots to see colorful fish, stingray and turtles, as well.

Rasdhoo

Beautiful island for its crystal clear beaches and "Picnic island" - just a sandbank nearby. There is just one spot for snorkelling to see the life in coral reefs which is next to the Picnic island. However, visiting this island is great to chillout on its picturesque beaches, or even watching the nurse sharks in the harbor. Best sight is to visit Picnic island with kayak or just swimming. All depending on the ocean current which is different day by day.
The island offers 2 beaches - one bikini beach and one public beach - the "Stingray beach" famous for its palm alley.

The island is small, you can explore the whole island by walk and get anywhere in just 10 minutes.

Mathiveri

From both islands you can book a trip to visit the sandbank and even have picnic at sunset there.

Sandbank visit

Very popular is to go on a snorkelling or diving trip to see the whaleshark that lives in this area.

Whale shark watching

If you need to try something exciting and very different, try a snorkelling trip with manta rays which is unforgettable experience.

Manta ray snorkelling

If you don´t want to stay in an expensive resort, you can visit any of them for at least half of the day. Some resorts offer lunch and drinks for your nice afternoon. 

Luxurious resort visit

International cuisine with the best food on the island. Enjoy also grilled fish and seafood.

Koba Chai Irube Café - Mathiveri

Local travel agency on Ukulhas. You can book various snorkelling and diving trips.

Baraboa Maldives travel agency

Boutique hotel at reasonable price on Ukulhas.

Ostrov hotel on Ukulhas

Maldives on a budget

The itinerary is for travellers who mostly prefer cultural sights, as well as natural sights and are not afraid to travel long distances with all means of transport. Major highlights are part of UNESCO world heritage.

Purchase your flight ticket to Da Nang. This area is rich for cultural UNESCO heritage and less crowded.

Da Nang - 3 days

The area is a cluster of five marble and limestone hills that are named after 5 elements. There you can find pagodas, Buddhist sanctuaries up the hills and in the caves and lots of tunnels.
You can hike to get there or take the elevator for 15.000 VND. The entrance fee is 40.000 VND

Marble mountains - Ngu Hanh Son

The area is named after bananas that used to be grown there. As the former inhabitants did not speak English well, the original name of Banana hills transformed to Ba-Na hills.
The most convenient way to get ther is through the local travel agency by booking a 1-day trip from Da Nang starting at 1.250.000 VND per person. This way transportation and entrance fee is included in the price of the ticket plus you will get a guide to explain more about the location.
You will get a cablecar uphill.

There are two major highlights to see:
- Golden bridge 
- Amusement park made of miniatures of European architectural sights

Ba-na Hills (Golden bridge)

Take a 1 day trip to Hội An and order a personal driver through Grab application to take you there. There is an ancient city wich is great for strolls and culture exploration. Also you can find there countless  lanterns everywhere in the streets and lantern shops.

Hội An

Buy a multiple ticket at the Information stall to visit traditional Vietnamese house, taste a bit of street food and original temples and an ancient bridge.
Entrance fee: 120.000 VND

Ancient town

Public beach close to the city centre. Have a chillout during a hot day in Hội An. You will need to take a motorbike / car to get there.

An Bang beach

A must see place for history enthusiasts and culture lovers. The former capital city is rich of the culture and there is a lot to see.

Huế - 2 days

The big complex of the ancient city and palace right in the heart of the city. You can buy a single ticket or a package if you plan visiting royal tombs.
Single entrance starts at 150.000 VND, multiple package is around 380.000 -530.000 VND to cover Imperial city and tombs.

Huế Imperial city

Put on your list the Tự Đức tomb, Minh Mạng tomb and Khai Dinh tomb which are further from Huế. Take a Grab car or bike and plan with your driver to take you to these remote places.
The royal tombs entrance fee can be purchased within a multiple ticket.

Huế Royal tombs

This is not a temple, nor a tomb but an abandoned aquapark. There is no entrance fee and you can enjoy the peaceful surrounding and interesting architecture.

Hồ Thủy Tiên

Extraordinary and luxurious hotel at a reasonable price in Huế.

White Lotus Hue hotel

Getting to Ninh Binh is the best via the sleeper train. Book your 1st class to get there.
Ninh Binh is an amazing place to see the original countryside and rice fields. You can have multiple options for strolling, bike rides and boat trips.

Ninh Binh - 3 days

To see the panoramic view, you will need to climb over 500 stone stairs.
The entrance fee is 100.000 VND and definitely worth the physical effort.

Mua Caves

This is a popular scenic area for boat cave tours belongs to UNESCO world heritage. There are multiple options of your cruise where you can find Buddhist sanctuaries or explore more of the caves.
Admission: 250.000 VND for adults and 120.000 VND for children less than 1.3m tall.

Tràng An

A cave temple near Tam Cốc is worth visiting. There is no entrance fee.

Tam Cốc – Bích Động

Enjoy the cruise on a bamboo boat along the rice fields.
Admission: 120.000 VND for adults and 60.000 VND for children

Tam Cốc - boat trip

Temple is in honor of Vietnam's first emperor, with stone & wood carvings. Free of charge access.

Temple of Emperor Đinh Tiên Hoàng

The budget way to get to Halomg bay is by bus. Halong Bay is famous for its luxurious ship cruises and turquise waters and it is another sight of UNESCO world heritage. You can pick a ship cruise and stay overnight or take a 1-day cruise and stay in the hotel, instead. Both is a very nice experience. During the cruise you can visit caves and try kayaking in Halong Bay.
Book your ship cruise via Booking.com , for 1-day tour ask at your hotel.

Halong Bay - 1-2 days

The 5-star hotel is remote from the city centre, but offers anything you want including indoor swimming pool.

Citadines Marina hotel

Visiting Vietnam without seeing the famous rice terraces would be a shame. In Sa Pa - Lào Cai province you can enjoy hikes across the rice terraces and small original villages.
Getting there involves longer time, therefore the best option is to go by a sleeper bus from Halong Bay. It is rather used by locals, therefore the comfort is not that high as on more frequently used sleeper bus lines for tourists.

Sa Pa - 4 days

Have a stroll in Ta Van village to see the life of the locals.

Ta Van

The highest Vietnamese peak is worth visiting. From Sa Pa centre you can take the train + cable car. Cablecar ticket is for 800.000 VND for adults and 550.000 VND for children under 1.40m height.
On the top of the mountain you can see Busshistic shrines and statues and observe the tranquil landscape. The weather on the top might be tricky, so be ready to take warm clothes with you, as well.

Fansipan

Cat Cat village is known for its natural beauty, traditional wood huts, some serving as homestays, overlook mountainside rice field terraces. There are lots of phototraps and small shops to buy souvenirs.
Entrance fee: 150.000 VND, children between 1.0 - 1.3m 70.000 VND

Cat Cat village

Get a sleeper bus from Sa Pa to Hanoi. There are several bus operators providing 5 stars service and have very luxurious comfortable buses.

Eliška Dzúriková