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5 Must Visit Cafés in Hanoi for Coffee Lovers
If you are a coffee lover like me and find yourself in Hanoi, Vietnam, then you will be pleasantly surprised by the amazing coffee and cafés scattered throughout the city. Hanoi is not only known for its history, culture, and food but also for their coffee and cozy cafés. Although you can find amazing Vietnamese coffee all over Hanoi, some…
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From City to Countryside: Ninh Binh One Day Tour from Hanoi
Known as the “Ha Long Bay on land,” Ninh Binh is a picturesque province located about 2 hours from the capital city, Hanoi. Ninh Binh is the perfect escape to the countryside from the hustle and bustle of the large and chaotic city. Ninh Binh offers visitors an adventurous experience full of stunning landscapes, challenging hikes, peaceful bike rides, and…
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Ha Long Bay Day Trip from Hanoi: Vietnam’s Natural Wonder
Ha Long Bay, located about 2.5 – 3 hours from Hanoi in northeastern Vietnam is a breathtaking natural wonder that attracts millions of tourists every year. Ha Long Bay is well known for its stunning limestone karst rock formations protruding from the waters below. This stunning and unique landscape is one of Vietnam’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites and most popular…
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Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary Lens Review: Is it Worth it?
In the world of wildlife photography, capturing the perfect shot of a subject from a distance is essential as is having the right telephoto zoom lens. The Sigma 150-600mm 5-6.3 Contemporary Lens achieves just that, with spectacular image quality and high performance. Most importantly, this telephoto lens won’t break the bank. In this Sigma 150-600mm 5-6.3 Contemporary Lens Review I’ll…
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Maneki-neko: Japan’s Lucky Beckoning Cat
Japan’s Beckoning Cat, also known as the Maneki-neko, is considered a cultural symbol in Japan. Believed to bring fortune and good luck to its owners, the Beckoning Cat has long been celebrated in Japan and can be found in shops and households throughout the country. With its raised paw gesture and cat like appearance, no wonder why the Maneki-neko is…
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Beyond the Summit: 9 Things to do Around Mt. Fuji
The iconic Mt. Fuji is a symbol of Japan that has captivated travelers from all around the world. Mt. Fuji is known for its symmetrical cone shape, a mountain that truly stands out from the rest. Every year, between the summer months of July through September, hikers attempt to reach the summit of Mt. Fuji. Lets be honest, Mt. Fuji…
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Shuzenji Onsen: Culture, History, and Natural Beauty
Located in Japan’s Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture is the charming onsen town of Shuzenji Onsen. Shuzenji Onsen is rich in culture and history dating back to more then 1,200 years. Shuzenji Onsen is full of natural beauty with mountain rivers cutting through town, bamboo forests, and beautiful mountains surrounding the town on all sides. For a small onsen resort…
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Aokigahara Forest: The Reality of Japan’s “Suicide Forest”
Aokigahara Forest, located just northwest of Mt. Fuji’s base has long been the speculation of mystery and has an eerie reputation. Known as the “Sea of Trees” or unfortunately, more famously known as “The Suicide Forest,” Aokigahara Forest has captured the attention from people around the world. Japan’s Suicide Forest has been the the subject in horror movies, folklore, and…
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Is Hakone Worth Visiting?
Hakone, Japan is known for Owakudai, The Hakone Open-Air Museum, and Heiwa no Torii, a famous Torii Gate built on the shores of Lake Ashi. A short drive from the Mt. Fuji area and an easy trip from Tokyo, Hakone is a popular tourist destination where visitors come for its beautiful resorts, many attractions, and scenic areas. Hakone has been…
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Visit Kumejima – Beaches, Caves, Views, and So Much More
This is post 16 of 18 in the series “Discover Okinawa” Discover Okinawa is a series of posts that has everything to do with all things Okinawa. Join us on our journey as we bike around islands, explore Okinawa’s wildlife, eat amazing food, and everything in between! Visiting Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium: From Coral Reefs to Whale Sharks Okinawa Battle Sites…