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Nyepi: Balinese New Year celebrations

Nyepi: Balinese New Year celebrations

What is Nyepi or Day of Silence?

Traditional New Year on Bali is celebrated in March according to the Balinese Saka Calendar. The Hindu festival of Nyepi, also known as the “Day of Silence”, marks the start of the Saka year. Balinese Hindu believe that on this day Evil spirits are going out, so the goal of the silence is “to trick” those spirits, pretending there is no life on the island. Nyepi festival begins a few days before the Day of Silence and finishes a few days after. During this period different religious rituals are performed. Continue reading “Nyepi: Balinese New Year celebrations”

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Hoi An: history, traditions, food, and picturesque scenery

A small town in Central Vietnam, Hoi An, is recognized as an extraordinary well-preserved example of an ancient South-East Asian trading port of 15th-19th centuries. There are over a thousand authentic historical buildings in its Old Town area. This charming ancient town sits on the banks of the Thu Bon river and surrounded by emerald rice fields. Unexplored endless beaches lay just in a few kilometers away from the town, making Hoi An the perfect spot for laid-back exploration. Continue reading “Hoi An: history, traditions, food, and picturesque scenery”

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A Traveler’s Guide to Vietnamese Food

A Guide to Vietnamese Food for Travelers

Balance is a key element of Vietnamese cuisine. The balance is based on the combination of five fundamental taste senses: spicy, sour, bitter, salty, and sweet. But not only the taste, colors and textures of a dish should be balanced too. In addition, the principle of Yin-Yang is applied in composing a Vietnamese meal. Yin-Yang principal refers the “heating” and “cooling” properties of ingredients. Continue reading “A Traveler’s Guide to Vietnamese Food”

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French charm with Buddhist traditions, Luang Prabang, Laos

A French charm with Buddhist traditions, Luang Prabang, Laos

Luang Prabang is a small town in the north central Laos. The town is situated at the confluence of the Nam Khan and the Mekong River and surrounded by emerald mountains. This place was formerly the capital of the Luang Prabang kingdom. During French colonial period it was the seat of government of the Kingdom of Laos. The town of Luang Prabang was listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-preserved architectural, cultural and religious heritage. Continue reading “French charm with Buddhist traditions, Luang Prabang, Laos”