December 26th, 2009 | by admin | published in latest posts, things to do & see
After a tedious bus journey from Hanoi it was as if Mother Nature had snapped her fingers the moment we arrived in Bai Chay. Looming gray clouds parted giving way to dazzling rays of winter sunshine that started to slip through just as we stepped onto one of Bhaya’s traditional junk styled cruise boats.
We immediately [...]
December 17th, 2009 | by admin | published in latest posts, things to do & see
I love lush green landscapes however the gorgeous colours of Fall or Autumn which take over the landscape with reds, oranges and yellows are a spectacular sight.
Whilst out cycling, I realized that it is unfortunately something that doesn’t happen with any real effect around Yangshuo. Most of the plant species are either evergreen or [...]
November 29th, 2009 | by admin | published in featured, latest posts, places, things to do & see
The magnificent Detian Falls located on the China/Vietnam border shines with vivid, jewel like colour and is definitely worth a visit.
So much more attractive than just your standard trickle of water running over a cliff, Detian is some 200 metres wide and has three tiers of water rushing over its various edges. [...]
November 20th, 2009 | by admin | published in latest posts, other stuff
2010 “China in B&W” Calendar – Images by Jillian Mitchell
China offers an extremely diverse range of beautiful scenery and traditional culture that make for a truly exotic destination.
These are the images I have selected for my 2010 Calendar – China in Black & White.
A3 in size and printed on 200gsm high quality satin art paper [...]
August 6th, 2009 | by admin | published in eating & drinking, latest posts
There is certainly no shortage of bars in Yangshuo. What has been missing though is a relaxed bar that takes advantage of the sheer natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Superbly situated with fantastic views, the River Bar has certainly filled this void.
Indulge in a delicious fresh fruit cocktail as you drift off into the [...]
June 7th, 2009 | by admin | published in latest posts, places, things to do & see
Gorgeous Greens
Rain over the past few months has blessed the countryside with a magnificent array of greens, each variation fresh, vivid and lush. As I mentioned last week one of the best ways to experience the magical scenery is to take a bike ride. Over the past couple of months I have been trying to [...]
May 29th, 2009 | by admin | published in latest posts, places, things to do & see
Number 1: View from high up!
Sublime views of the surrounding area and karsts can be gained from getting up high, putting the landscape into a whole new perspective.
There are a couple of ways to do this and any effort involved in my humble opinion is well worth it. The huffing and puffing of climbing [...]
May 28th, 2009 | by admin | published in latest posts, places, things to do & see
Number 2: Cycling
Cycling is an incredibly popular and rewarding way to experience the magical scenery. Imagine yourself surrounded by towering limestone karsts with rice paddies carpeting the land in seemingly endless shades of vivid green.
Options abound, from easy, flat, tar roads that pass through local villages not too far from town through to unknown trails [...]
May 27th, 2009 | by admin | published in latest posts, places, things to do & see
Number 3: Hike (or Boat) from Yangdi to Xingping along the Li River
The most spectacular and well known section of Li River lies between Yangdi and Xingping. (So famous that part has been immortalized on the 20 yuan note.)
A great way to experience this particular section of scenery is to take the easy, but long, [...]
