The GypsyNesters

Don’t know what to add in your itinerary for your visit to China? One that has to make the cut is the Shaolin Temple. It definitely isn’t one that you should miss out on while you plan your trip.
The Shaolin Temple is also known as the Shaolin Monastery. It is the most famous Buddhist temple in this area. It was founded a long 1,500 years ago by Fang Lu-Hao. It is also the main temple of the Shaolin School of Buddhism. The Monastery and the forest surrounding it- The Pagoda Forest, were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010 as part of the “Historic Monuments of Dengfeng”.

It has always been known for its rich history and culture. The different Emperors over a period of time, greatly supported the Temple, especially the Kangxi Emperor of the Qing Dynasty. The calligraphic inscriptions written by him now hang over the Heavenly King Hall and the Buddha Hall today. Many pictures can also be seen throughout the temple. The picture of Bodhidharma at Himeji Castle is one of the most famous pictures in the temple.

Other than all the history another thing that is popular with the tourists is the architecture of the building. Built in the traditional Chinese style of architecture, this building can be spotted quite easily. The reds, oranges and blues used on the walls and roofs of the building look absolutely gorgeous when the sun shines its rays. No travel website, with its high-resolution pictures or descriptive articles can do justice to the beauty of this place. What the websites do capture though, is the spirit of this location. As soon as you walk in a sense of calmness and tranquility washes over you.

If you are looking for a more entertaining part of the temple, then you should definitely check out the temple’s claim to fame- its dazzling Kung Fu based on the movements of animals, insects and sometimes even mythological figures. Experts from all over the world study the martial arts that are taught here. You also might have the opportunity to learn some of the stances or moves. Just a day here is not enough.

People, from all over the world come here to train and steer their life onto a different path. One can fully submerge themselves into the everyday life at the Shaolin Temple. The day would start by praying and eating with the monks. They would be sleeping in the temple itself and the best part is that they would have the opportunity to teach English.

If you are a genuine fan of the martial arts and want to experience real Kung Fu in China, you should consider giving the place a visit for more than just a few days. Well, even if you aren’t a very big fan of Kung Fu, I can bet that this would be nothing short of a wonderful experience. You can have a great story to tell, that you visited the temple that inspired the 1982 movie as well as the Kung Fu Tv series of the 1970s! There are quite a few reasons now for you to visit the Shaolin Temple.

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It can be a challenge to pick the best country in Africa when you decide to go for a safari. There are various options available each with their own unique wildlife and amazing landscapes. However, Tanzania still stands out as one of the top destinations in Africa for safari enthusiasts. Here are 5 reasons you should pick Tanzania as your next safari destination.

1. Variety of Wildlife Species

Several species have flourished in Tanzania because of decades of protection – the big five can be found in abundance in Tanzania, as well as other sought after animals. The Serengeti offers you the opportunity to witness great wildebeest migrations and exotic habitats. In Gombe, you’ll get the opportunity to track chimpanzees and other rare primates. In Ngorongoro Crater, you’ll have the chance to see the Big 5 all in one day, which makes for a great 24-hour safari experience.

2. The Culture

The people and atmosphere in Tanzania is just amazing. People are hospitable, and are always ready to share their culture and teach new things. You’ll also have the chance to experience the local cuisine which is very diverse and draws inspiration from various cuisines. The political climate is safe with a stable government, and the country is easily accessible due to several direct flights.

3. Variety of Safari Options to Choose From

Many African safari destinations offer land safaris only, but not Tanzania. You could watch animals from the skies while on board a hot air balloon. You could also go for an on-foot safari which is also great, especially if you want a more personal contact with wildlife, such as tours offered by African Sermon Safaris, who offer a range of routes including an 11 day Kenya and Tanzania combined tour for more variety.

Strolling in between the grass listening to animal sounds is a beautiful experience you’ll only find in a Tanzania safari tour. You’ll be well protected of course, with thoroughly trained and armed guides.

4. Scenic Landscapes

Tanzania offers one of the most beautiful sceneries in the world. There is lots of variety when it comes to landscapes and stunning views, not to mention that the night scenery is pretty amazing too. If you visit the Ngorongoro Crater, you’ll be stunned by the deepest and broadest unfolded caldera in the world. In the Serengeti, you’ll have the chance to witness open plains with amazing sundown views to the south, and mountain rifts that open up beautifully to the north.

5. All Year-Round Good Weather

Tanzania is an equatorial country. Therefore, the weather is always good all year round. No matter the time of the year that you want to schedule your safari, you will still have multiple options and a chance to see all the available wildlife. There are also several budget options at your disposition as well if you don’t want to break the bank.

Tanzania is one of the most fabulous destinations in the world for safari lovers. One visit and you’ll be hooked. The chance to experience some of Africa’s most impressive wildlife at proximity is something you’ll never forget.

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Many countries in Asia are well known for being family-oriented, and the family, including the extended family in many countries, is an important part of the Asian cultures. When taking an Indochina tour  with kids, you can almost guarantee that there are plenty of places that will cater to your trip as a family, and will have the facilities to cater for kids of all ages, from small babies to teenagers.

While there are many challenges to traveling in Indochina with small babies, it is possible, though many people prefer to leave it until the kids are a little older, so that they may enjoy the experience better. There are pros and cons to traveling with kids of any age, and the decision on whether to travel in Indochina with very small children lies only with the parents. If you are comfortable traveling around developing countries with a small baby, carrying unimaginable amounts of stuff that you need for their feeding, changing, bathing, sleeping, and other things, then there is no reason why you should not.

Ideally, for a child to enjoy the trip, and understand what is going on and what they are seeing, they really need to be a little older, and one of the main reasons families travel to far-off countries is so that the children can experience other cultures and people, and get a better understanding of the world around them. A trip to an Indochinese country can be an eye-opening experience for a youngster and can give them a unique insight into the way other people live around the world, opening them up to other new experiences and travel adventures.

What age is best for Indochina?

For many people, the best age to start taking kids to countries in Indochina is around 5 years old. This is normally the age where they start to get more interested in their surroundings and begin to explore what they see around them, which can be just as exciting for the parents as it is for the kids. Kids love to explore and get their hands dirty and have an interest in everything they see and hear. From around five years old, your children are ready to experience the unique cultures of Indochina and take on the experience of traveling to different countries and exploring new places. For them, it is an adventure that will give them a better outlook on the world, and help them with their growth and development.

Indochina is a region that includes many different people and cultures, and for their first trip to the Asian Continent, is an ideal place to introduce them to Asian cuisines, cultures, and beliefs. While Cambodia and Laos  may still be developing countries, they have a very good tourism infrastructure and are well versed in catering to western tourists, as they have been doing so for more than 20 years now. Vietnam, on the other hand, is more developed and has a tourist industry that is second to none, with more places that cater to children and families and is probably the most child-friendly country in Indochina.

Top places to take kids in Indochina

Wherever you go in Indochina, you will find attractions that are suitable for kids of all ages, from the youngsters who love to scramble over the ruins of Angkor, to the older, more mature teenagers, who want to experience the beaches of Halong Bay and Sihanoukville, or the amazing markets of Luang Prabang and the street foods of Phnom Penh.

Cambodia

Visit the overgrown temples of Angkor

If your kids love climbing on old ruins and scrambling through dense jungles as if they were Indiana Jones or Lara Croft, then the temples of Angkor are the ideal place to visit. A huge temple complex that belongs to the period of the Khmer Empire, from the 9^th century, these crumbling ruins are the ideal playground for kids of all ages. What better way to explore the ancient architecture and stunning temples of the ancient Khmer Empire than to become an explorer for a day, and rediscover them for themselves.

Sixty kilometers outside Ho Chi Minh City lies the site of the Cu Chi Tunnels, a complex of tunnels and man-made caverns that were used by the Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam war. used as hiding places during the fighting, as well as supply routes and living quarters for the troops. A great afternoon out, the kids can learn more about the lifestyle of the troops in the tunnels and are allowed to scramble through them for a little adventurous play.

Country living in Siem Reap

25 minutes drive outside Siem Reap in northern Cambodia lies the small village of Kompheim, where you and your kids can take a ride on an ox-drawn cart, and even drive it themselves, as you travel through some of northern Cambodia’s most beautiful countryside. And if that is not enough, you can always spend the day trying your hands at local jobs such as rice planting, thatching, or harvesting crops.

Phare Circus in Battambang

Kids and adults alike love to go to the circus and the Phare Circus in Battambang is one of the most amazing in Asia. The sheer talents of the performers will leave you gaping in awe and includes theater, dance, music, and more modern circus acts that are all used to tell the unique Cambodian tales. As well as taking in a great night out, you will be giving to a great cause in Cambodia. The circus has three social missions: to provide employment to the impoverished youth of the country; to sustain the Phare Ponleu Selpka NGO School; and to contribute to the rebirth of Cambodian art.

Laos

Trek to Buddha Park, Vientiane

On the outskirts of Vientiane, close to the Lao/Thai border, lies a large park that was built in 1958 by an imaginative Buddhist monk. Designed to include the sculptures of both Buddhist and Hindu religions, the monk, known as Bunleua Sulilat, included lots of space specifically for children to run around an play, and the park now has a delightful outdoor restaurant, ideal for snack breaks in between play. Also, a beautiful place for adults to explore and admire the multitude of statues and sculptures, it is a nice afternoon out at the park for the whole family.

Caving at Pak Ou

The Pak Ou cave complex near Luang Prabang is one of the most intricate and respected holy sites in Laos and is filled with more than 4,000 statues of Buddha, of varying sizes. A shrine to the river spirit and the Lord Buddha, the statues are set into the limestone cliffs of the caves, which are themselves in a cliff at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Ou Rivers. A great day out exploring the caves with kids, it is a safe caving trip, as the walkways are all fenced and the cave floors are flat.

Kuang Si Bear Sanctuary

Another great site to visit with kids near Luang Prabang in Laos is the Bear Sanctuary at Kuang Si Falls. A popular attraction on the local tourist circuit, the sanctuary provides shelter for the sun bears and moon bears that are indigenous to this part of Southeast Asia. These endangered bears were once hunted for the bile they produce as a popular ancient medicine for virility and are now one of the most endangered species of bears in the world. Located inside the gate to the Kuang Si Falls Park, the sanctuary protects and looks after the local bear population, and rehabilitates those that have come in injured due to hunters. A great way for kids to learn more about the endangered species in Asia, the park makes a great day out, with the falls there for a relaxing walk through the beauty of these turquoise pools afterward.

Vietnam

Crawl through the Cu Chi Tunnels

Sixty kilometers outside Ho Chi Minh City lies the site of the Cu Chi Tunnels, a complex of tunnels and man-made caverns that were used by the Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam war. used as hiding places during the fighting, as well as supply routes and living quarters for the troops. A great afternoon out, the kids can learn more about the lifestyle of the troops in the tunnels and are allowed to scramble through them for a little adventurous play.

Hanoi/Hoi An Water Puppets

Both Hoi An and Hanoi have water puppet shows that are spectacular and will amaze your kids, even the older ones. The shows last for around 50 to 60 minutes, and the beautifully crafted puppets play out their drama on a water pool, with the puppeteers hidden behind the back curtain. Colorful and full of singing, the shows are performed every evening and while it may be done in Vietnamese, it is well worth watching.

Boat Rides in Ninh Binh Cave System

To the south of Hanoi lies what is left of the country’s ancient capital of Hoa Lu. Nearby the ruins of the ancient city lies the small village of Trang An, set in the midst of some of Vietnam’s most stunning scenery. The towering karst cliffs rise up sharply from the low rice fields, and the rivers wind their way along between the cliffs. It is along these rivers that you can take a boat ride as a family, steered by a local rower, as you follow the course of the rivers that have carved their way through the limestone cliffs over thousands of years. The river finally enters the cave in the base of one of the cliffs, and the journey continues underground and through the hills, as stalactites hang low above your heads and the narrow channel transports you to a magical underground world.

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Located in the southern side of the United Kingdom, Cornwall is one of the best places you could visit to enjoy some good vacation moments. The climate around the area is perfect for tourism and besides this there are many sightseeing opportunities and things to do. If you are considering spending your vacation at an awesome destination, probably you should see these facts about Cornwall that will inspire you to visit the destination in 2018.

Stunning coastal walks

Cornwall boasts of miles upon miles of a beautiful coastline, which is perfectly marked out to include public paths to give you the best views. You could choose to walk from Newlyn on the south coast to Penzance. The entire walk is a show of beauty and a satisfying experience. It is the best decision you could make especially if you are traveling with your family.

Sub-tropical gardens

Owing to its position, Cornwall enjoys a balmy climate. This means you will get a copious amount of sunshine, which attracts visitors. The climate is suitable for the growth of sub-tropical plants, reason you will find several gardens that are worth your time. Most of these gardens have a wide variety of flowers and plants that cannot flourish in other parts, so you will see beautiful and rare plant species. This is the perfect location for those who love travel photography as the scenes available are awesome. Some of the gardens you could visit include the Eden Project and Lost Gardens of Heligan.

Open-air theatre

Besides sightseeing, you could spend some time enjoying music. The Minack open-air park is a perfect place to visit in summer. The theatre is unique and set within Cornish cliffs and inside you will find a feast of musicals, drama, comedy, and opera.

Stylish hotels

Another fact about Cornwall that will inspire you to visit the destination is the availability of stylish and unique hotels. If you are a Spa lover, probably traveling with your partner, you have many hotels to book that are designed to create an atmosphere ideal for bonding. You could choose to enjoy clifftop hot hubs and awesome sea views. Don’t forget to try Olga Polizzi’s Hotel Tresanton that is built on the seafront. It offers a sunkissed terrace ideal for swigging rose as you look out to sea, and the hotel has a classic yacht.

Awesome restaurants

 You are spoilt for choices as far as restaurants go. What you have in plenty is unique places to eat where you can enjoy cuisines you have never come across, and the beauty is that there is also room for you to learn a thing or two about the recipes. Their food has been hailed as the most inviting. From pasties to fish ’n’ chips, the culinary presentations you are served are nothing short of a showcase of mastery.

Cornwell is among the best places you could visit while in the United Kingdom. This is a destination made up of a wide array of things to see and do. Its most outstanding quality is the seaside that spans miles showcasing natural beauty. There are nice restaurants and the food is unique and mouthwatering.

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