Naung Tung Lake

Despite the recent developments in Kengtung, it still prides in one of its ever-present attraction – the Naung Tung Lake. Located in the heart of Kengtung town proper, it offers a perfect place where people can take a stroll, enjoy a leisure walk after a meal, or stop by for relaxing conversations. The metal fences surrounding the lake has kept it clean and free from unwelcomed swimmers. The lake is big and beautiful – you’ll enjoy the beautiful reflection of the nearby houses and surrounding mountains.

Location

Naung Tung Lake is located in Kengtung town centre.

Opening Days and Hours

This attraction is open daily, 24 hours.

Entry Fee and Bookings

Entrance is completely free.

How to Get There

Fly to Kengtung via Yangon Airlines.
After alighting the bus, board a motor taxi to Naung Tung Lake.

Suggested For

Solo travelers/backpackers
Couples
Families
Groups

Time to Spend

Suggested duration in this place is 1 hour.

Popularity and Best Time to Go

The best time to visit the lake is in the early morning and late afternoon.

Food

Cafe 21, Azure, Colina Cafe and Bistro, Lod Htin Lu, Paan Gabar, and Jin Cafe are some of the restaurants near Naung Tung Cafe.

Nearby Attractions

Maha Myat Muni Pagoda
Kengtung Market
Yat Taw Mu Buddha

Stay

Amazing Kengtung Resort, Hotel Khema Rattha, Sam Ywet Hotel, and Golden World Hotel are some of the accommodations to choose from. Rates range from USD 25 to USD 80.

Stretching 13.5 miles long and 7 miles wide, the undeniably serene lake is a treasure trove of culture, fauna, and history. The locals are devout Buddhists – the main reason a why a number of stupas that glitter like golden spires and pagodas can be found at the lake’s edge, perfectly complementing the azure clarity of the lake. The lake’s islands are composed of 17 villages, all of which are on stilts. Depending on the season, either the hyacinths or marsh paddies invade the lake. Surprisingly, amidst the circumstances, Nyaungshwe has great hotels that incorporate the environment into their design. Market days in the region is also lively. Inle lake truly brings the best of Myanmar’s natural treasures and cultural highlights.

Location

Inle Lake is located in Nyaungshwe, Myanmar.

Opening Days and Hours

The lake can be accessed anytime.

Entry Fee and Bookings

Inle Boat Tours can be availed at rates ranging from USD 37 to USD 75.

How to Get There

Fly to Heho Airport via Myanmar National Airlines.
From the airport, board a taxi to Nyaungshwe.
Board a cycle to Inle Lake.

Suggested For

Solo travelers/backpackers
Couples
Families
Groups

Time to Spend

Suggested duration in this attraction is 6 to 12 hours.

Popularity and Best Time to Go

The best time to visit is from November to December when the weather is cool and the lake isn’t too shallow.

Food

Inle Lake tours do not include food in the tour packages. So it’s best to bring food and water, and just buy items on stops.

Stay

Immana Grand Hotel, Spring Lodge Inle, Thiri Nanda Villa, The Hotel Emperor are just some of the accommodation options near Inle Lake. Rates play around USD 28 to USD 80.

Nature-lovers would love to explore the large and thriving Jigme Dorji National Park, which was named after the late Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. It is the second largest national park in the country, occupying almost the entire Gasa District and including the northern areas of Thimphu District, Paro District, Punakha, and Wangdue Phodrang Districts. Established in 1974 and covering an area of 4,316 square kilometres, it spans all three climate zones in the country and ranges in elevation from 1,400 to over 7,000 metres. Aside from being home to approximately 6,500 people in 1,000 households, the park is also a sanctuary to 37 known species of mammals. Some of which are endangered, threatened, or vulnerable species, such as the takin, snow leopard, clouded leopard, Bengal tiger, bharal, or Himalayan blue sheep. At the same time, it is also the only park in the country where the national symbols of takin (animal), blue poppy (flower), raven (bird), and cypress (tree) co-exist together.

Aside from nature and wildlife, the Jigme Dorji is also home to Mount Jomolhari and Mount Ditchu — which are both worshipped as homes of the local deity. The historically important fortresses of Lingshi Dzong and Gasa Dzong can also be found here. Other nature sites worth noting include the Lunana and Laya Gewogs, which are the sites for some of the most notable and precarious glaciers in the country. These gewogs can be found in the northern Gasa District part of the national park.

Location

The Jigme Dorji National Park can be found in the districts of Gasa, Paro, Punakha, Thimphu, and Wangdue Phodrang.

Opening Days and Hours

The park is open from Monday to Friday, from 09:00 to 17:00.

Entry Fee and Bookings

Entrance to the park is free.

How to Get There

You can fly into Bhutan via the country’s sole international airport in Paro.
Travel via bus or taxi from Paro to Thimphu. You can then rent a car and drive to the national park.

Suggested For

Backpackers/solo travelers
Couples
Group of friends
Families

Time to Spend

You can explore the national park in 6 to 8 hours.

Popularity and Best Time to Go

You can visit the national park as soon as it opens to maximise the activities you can do and the sites you can visit. You can also opt to camp out in the park.

Activities

Hike the trails
Visit fortresses Lingshi Dzong and Gasa Dzong
Visit nature sites: rivers and mountains
Camping
Wildlife watching

Food

You can opt to buy enough food and meals for your visit.

Nearby Attractions

Gasa Hotspring
Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Temple
Bhutan Takin Preserve

Stay

You can opt to camp out in the national park or stay in hotels in Thimphu. Options include Hotel Kisa, Jigme Suites, and Hotel Norbuling.

The valley is noted for its rich faunal diversity which includes a number of endangered species. This prompted the Royal Society for the Protection of Nature (RSPN) to protect and manage an area of about 163 square kilometres (63 sq. mi) on lease by the Ministry of Agriculture. Every year in the winter months, Phobjika Valley serves as the venue of Tsechu, the colourful Mask Dance festival of Bhutan and the Crane Festival, heralding the advent of the return of the black-neck cranes. This celebration has attracted both local residents and tourists to witness its spectacle.

Location

Phobjikha Valley is located in Wangdue Phodrang, Bhutan.

Opening Days and Hours

Opens daily, 24 hours.

Entry Fee and Bookings

Entrance to the valley is free.

How to Get There

Fly to Bhutan via Bhutan Airlines or Druk Air.
From the airport, board a rented taxi to Wangdue Phodrang.
Take a taxi to Phobjika Valley.

Suggested For

Solo travelers/backpackers
Couples
Families
Groups

Time to Spend

Suggested duration in this attraction is 3 to 4 hours.

Popularity and Best Time to Go

The best time to visit Phobjikha Valley is during the winter months, the time for festivals.

Food

Chimi Lhakhang Cafeteria and Lobesa Village Restaurant are some of the dining options near Phobjikha Valley.

Nearby Attractions

Chimi Lhakhang
Jigme Dorji National Park
Pelela

Stay

For accommodations, you can avail one from Punatshangchhu Cottages, Dragon’s Nest Resort, Hotel Dekiling, Kingaling Hotel, and Hotel Perna Karpo. Rates range from USD 70 to USD 250.

With the dwindling population of crocodiles worldwide and the threat that the numbers are reaching the verge of extinction, this initiative is a welcome gesture. With various species of crocodiles, the place is an ideal place to learn about crocodiles — seeing the reptiles up close and personal provides visitors the knowledge to the behaviour of the animals. The park has 4 ponds that house both the mature and baby crocodiles. The place is a befitting foretaste to the grand diversity that Phuentsholing has to offer every adventurous and fun loving individual.

Location

Amo Chhu Crocodile Breeding farm is located near the Phuentsholing bus station.

Opening Days and Hours

Opens daily from 9:00 to 17:00.

Entry Fee and Bookings

Entrance is BTN 50 (USD 0.75) per person.

How to Get There

Fly to Thimphu.
From Thimphu, board an overnight bus to Phuentsholing.
Walk a few metres to Amo Chhu Crocodile Breeding Centre.

Suggested For

Solo travelers/backpackers
Couples
Families with kids
Groups

Time to Spend

Suggested duration in this attraction is between 1 to 2 hours.

Popularity and Best Time to Go

To avoid heavy crowds, visit as early as 9:00.

Food

Some of the dining places to try include Zen Restaurant, NEC Restaurant, Park Hotel Bhutan, and Tropical Toppings.

Nearby Attractions

Karbandi Monastery
Bhutan Gate
Pelri Hotel

Stay

For accommodations, you can choose from Park Hotel, Hotel Druk, Lhaki Hotel, Bhutan Residence, Tashi Namgay Grand, The Orchid Hotel, and Hotel Sinchula. Rates range from USD 60 to USD 150.

On a wet season, the place is very cold and it is advisable to always have thick and warm clothing on hand. The most pleasant time to visit the site is during spring when the surroundings are clear and the panorama is abundantly satiating — the beauty of Mt Jumolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake is imposing and the adjoining peaks laden with pure snow at the northwest view complement the spectacle. Standing on the pass gives the viewer the feeling akin to aviation, wherein the verdant vegetation on the valley and the colourful prayer pass arrayed at the edge of the road delight the eyes and gladden the heart.

Location

The Chele La Pass is a mountain pass in Paro, Bhutan.

Opening Days and Hours

Opens 24 hours daily.

Entry Fee and Bookings

Entrance is free.

How to Get There

Fly to Paro via Bhutan Airlines and Druk Air.
At Paro town centre, hire a motorbike to Chele La Pass.
For secured driving under harsh weather conditions, your best bet would be to travel via car.

Suggested For

Solo travelers/backpackers
Couples
Families
Groups

Time to Spend

Suggested duration in this attraction is 3 to 4 hours.

Popularity and Best Time to Go

The best time to visit is between 8:00 to 12:00.

Food

Food options in Chele La Pass are limited. Tourists are encouraged to bring their own food and water.

Nearby Attractions

National Museum of Bhutan
Khichu Lhakang
Drakhapo
Rinpung Dzong

Stay

Accommodations can be found all around Paro. Options include Tashiling Hotel, Sonam Trophel Hotel, Hotel Khamsum, Pelri Cottages and Hotel Tashi Phuntshok. Rates range from USD 65 to USD 250.

Every February, the perpetual fog that covers the entire pass dissipates to reveal the most photogenic vistas — freshly green-coloured cypress trees that blanket the slope of the pass is reinvigorating, even just for a momentary rendezvous. At the directive of the Queen Mother, Ashi Dorji Wangmo WongChuck, 108 memorial chortens or stupas were constructed in honor of the 108 fallen Bhutanese soldiers who fought against insurgents from India in 2003. Within the vicinity of Dochula Pass also lies the “Druk Wangcal Lhaklang” temple. Going by Dochula Pass is not just passing through but an orientation to the country’s history, culture, and religion.

Location

Dochula Pass is located in Thimpu, Bhutan.

Opening Days and Hours

Dochula Pass is open daily, 24 hours.

Entry Fee and Bookings

Tours around Bhutan, which makes a stop at Dochula Pass, costs USD 230 daily, per person.

How to Get There

Fly to Bhutan via Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines.
From the airport, take a taxi to Thimphu.
At Thimphu, book a tour. Tours often provide transportation.
If traveling DIY, you can take the taxi.

Suggested For

Solo travelers/backpackers
Couples
Families
Groups

Time to Spend

Suggested duration in this attraction is 3 to 4 hours.

Popularity and Best Time to Go

The best time to visit Dochula Pass is during February when the pass isn’t covered with too much fog.

Food

Along Dochula Pass is a little cafeteria serving meals and drinks. Look for Dochula Pass Resort Restaurant.

Nearby Attractions

Paro Taktsang
Rinpung Dzong
Drukgyal Dzong

Stay

At Thimphu, you can find various accommodations ranging from budget to luxurious. Options include Kisa, Hotel Migmar, Hotel Phuntsho Pelri, Hotel Admohara, Bhutan Suites, Namgay Heritage Hotel, Hotel Galingkha, and Hotel Riverview. Rates range from USD 70 to USD 250.

The Elephant Falls can be found in a heavily-farmed valley at the bottom of a mountain pass, around 30 kilometres southwest of Da Lat. As one of the stops included on the Easy Rider Tours around the Central Highlands, the place is teeming with tourists and even establishments catering to guests. However, these do not discount the fact that this attraction remains to be a highly adventurous one. You will have to navigate and tackle the rough, slippery, and treacherous pathway going to the falls. But all your hardships will be worth it, as soon you will be rewarded with a view of the towering Elephant Falls and lush nature and wildlife everywhere.

Location

The Elephant Falls is located in Ba Dinh, Nam Ban Town, Lam Ha District, Lam Dong Province, Da Lat.

Opening Days and Hours

The falls is open to visitors every day, from 07:30 to 16:30.

Entry Fee and Bookings

Entrance to the falls is free, despite what the locals might tell you in the entrance.

How to Get There

You can reach Da Lat via flights from Da Nang, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh. From the airport, you can board a shuttle bus going to the city centre or your hotel.
The best way to go to the falls is via motorbike. From the Da Lat city centre, follow Hoang Van Thu Street and turn left on the signpost for the Ta Nung Village. You will then see a signboard for Elephant Falls on the right after a few kilometres, before the bridge.

Suggested For

Backpackers/solo travelers
Couples
Group of friends
Families

Time to Spend

You can explore the pagoda in 1 to 2 hours.

Popularity and Best Time to Go

The best time to visit the falls is in the morning, from 08:30 to 10:00.

Food

There are no restaurants located near the falls, so you might need to bring enough food and snacks to last your trip. Some tours might also include food.

Nearby Attractions

Linh An Pagoda
Datanla Falls
Tuyen Lam Lake
Bao Dai’s Palace

Stay

There are no hotels located near the falls. The nearest ones are located around more than 11 kilometres away, including Binh An Village Dalat, Dalat Edensee Resort & Spa, SAM Tuyen Lam Resorts, and Zen Cafe Lakeside Dalat. Prices range from USD 30 to USD 112 per night.

Tuyen Lam Lake is an ideal destination for tourists who enjoy camping, sight-seeing, trekking, mountain climbing, fishing, and other recreational and sports activities. Organised tours to Tuyen Lam Lake help tourists experience one of the most popular activities in this destination — interacting with elephants. Tuyen Lam Lake is a little paradise where you can enjoy myriad of activities while enjoying the fresh and cool hush of the air on its campus. This attraction is a big hit for tourists who love to see the beauty of nature and have fun at the same time.

Location

Tuyen Lam Lake is located at Tran Thanh Tong, Da Lat, Vietnam.

Opening Days and Hours

Opens daily from 7:00 to 16:30.

Entry Fee and Bookings

Organised tours to Tuyen Lam Lake starts at VND 900,000 (USD 40).

How to Get There

Fly to Da Lat via Vietnam Airlines.
From Lien Khuong Airport, board a taxi or a shuttle bus to Da Lat city proper.
Board a taxi or a xo em to the cable car station.
Board a cable car to Tuyen Lam Lake.

Suggested For

Solo travelers/backpackers
Couples
Families
Groups

Time to Spend

Suggested duration in this attraction is 3 to 5 hours.

Popularity and Best Time to Go

To make the most out of your Tuyen Lam Lake experience, best visit during the early hours so you can have more time to explore.

Activities

Interacting with elephants
Trekking
Sight-seeing

Food

If you’re a part of an organized tour, food will be provided to you. If you’re traveling DIY, you can try nearby restaurants such as Phu Dong Restaurant, Ngo BBQ Restaurant, Dalat Train Cafe, AX Restaurant, Ga Len Mam, and Leo’s Kitchen.

Nearby Attractions

Truc Lam Temple
Lin Phuoc Pagoda
Da Lat Flower Park

Stay

Accommodations can be availed in nearby hotels such as La Sapinette Hotel, Ngoc Lan, Sammy Hotel, TTC Hotel Premium, Terracotta Hotel and Resort, Note Dalat Hostel, and River Prince Hotel Dalat. Rates range from USD 24 to USD 95.

Adventure, hiking, and nature enthusiasts would love a visit to the Tram Ton Pass, which at 1,900 metres is considered the highest pass in the country. As such, it offers guests an amazing landscape view of the mountains and roads. Aside from this, guests can also see Fansipan and its immense lush forest on the other side of the valley.

Location

Tram Ton Pass is located at Highway 4D, Sapa, Vietnam.

Opening Days and Hours

You can visit the pass at any time of the day.

Entry Fee and Bookings

There are no entrance fees to visit the pass.

How to Get There

Board a train from Hanoi to Lao Cai, then board a bus to Sapa.
From the Sapa city centre, you can rent a taxi or motorbike going to Tram Ton Pass.
From the city centre, head southwest to Xuan Vien, turn right at the mobile store in Xuan Binh Hang to Vienna, cross Restaurant Yuri on the right side and turn right into Silver Falls. Turn left from the falls at the Villa across Sapa Summit Hotel, turn right at US hotels across the Radio and Television Sapa, and turn left to Dien Bien Phu/QL 4D and continue on highway 4D. Then finally, cross Kindargarten O Quy Ho.

Suggested For

Backpackers/solo travelers
Couples
Group of friends
Families

Time to Spend

The average time spent on this attraction is around 1 to 2 hours.

Popularity and Best Time to Go

The best time to visit is from 06:00 to 10:00, to see the sunset and when the weather is generally cool.

Food

The nearest restaurant is the Panorama Restaurant, which serves Asian and Vietnamese cuisine.

Nearby Attractions

Sun World Fansipan Legend
Love Waterfall
Muong Hoa Valley

Stay

The nearest accommodations are located more than 1 kilometre away, which include Sapa Highland Resort & Spa, Silk Path Grand Resort & Spa, Hoang Ha Spa Hotel, and Icon 36 Hotel. Prices range from USD 23 to USD 105 per night.