StudentUniverse » Asia http://www.studentuniverse.com/t Travel more. Spend less Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:52:54 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 en hourly 1 Hanoi http://www.studentuniverse.com/t/asia/hanoi/3283/ http://www.studentuniverse.com/t/asia/hanoi/3283/#comments Fri, 10 Jul 2009 19:23:43 +0000 Paul http://www.studentuniverse.com/t/?p=3283 Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a cultural blend of East and West, with Chinese influence from centuries of dominance, and French design from its colonial past. It remains largely unspoiled by modern architecture of the 1970s and 80s, and is now going through a modernization that is making it a rising star in Southeast Asia. In the midst of being invaded during countless wars, Hanoi has remained a true Asian gem with its beautiful lakes and green spaces. Come see where all the beauty is with a wild trip to Hanoi! StudentUniverse.com’s got your back with cheap student airfare.

Hanoi Pictures

Things to do in Hanoi

Plan to want to stay here forever, as this city is packed! First there’s the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, open mornings only 8-11 AM, and closed on afternoons, Mondays, and Fridays. With free admission, the mausoleum also requires you to have long pants, no talking, and no other signs of disrespect. Also take a look at Ho Chi Minh’s Vestige in The Presidential Palace Area, where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked from 1954 until his death in 1969. With nice landscaping around Ho Chi Minh’s houses, this land is beautiful and in pristine condition, as the man himself “left it” when he died. Hanoi also has a few great parks with large expanses of green spaces where you can lay back, relax, and have a nice picnic or game of Frisbee. One particularly great space is the Hoan Kiem Lake, a pleasant park in the center of town, within easy walking distance from anywhere in the Old Quarter. It’s the locals’ favorite leisure spot, and a great place to watch people practicing tai chi in the morning or to sit and read in the afternoon. Hanoi also has wartime sites, such as the Hoa Lo Prison, B-52 Lake, and Down Aircraft Memorial, where you can take a somber trip back in time and remember solemn moments in history. Hanoi also features the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, across the street from the shores of the Hoan Kiem Lake. A visit to the water puppet theater is a real highlight of a trip to Hanoi. Live musicians accompany folk legends from Vietnamese history, told with wooden men, women and dragons, dancing and splashing on the face of the water. The narratives are sung in Vietnamese, but a list of titles is available in several languages. Tickets are 40,000 and 60,000 dong. There are several performances throughout the day, but it’s virtually impossible to buy tickets for the same day, and most performances for the following day will be sold out as well. Camera passes are an extra 15,000 dong, but whether you buy one or not is purely on the honor system. Don’t worry about getting wet, but the seats are very small, and visitors with above-average height will have to squirm a bit.

Nightlife in Hanoi

Bia Hoi is abundant in the streets of the Old Quarter. At the crossing of Ta Hien and Luong Ngoc Quyen, five separate venues fill up with travelers in the evenings, but you can get more local atmosphere on some of the side streets. Hanoi is a lively city on the weekends, but the Old Quarter closes relatively early (at midnight) on weekdays, so you might want to start your night early. Some great places to hit up are the Loft Bar & Restaurant, Jazz Club by Quyen van Minh, Culi Cafe, and Green Lake. All are sure to be a great time!

Dining in Hanoi

Vietnamese cuisine is continuing to be a delicious and popular way of eating around the world. Where else can you get a tasty spring break meal of authentic Vietnamese food? The most popular food choice remains to be “Pho Ga”, chicken noodle soup, or “Pho Bo”, beef noodle soup. Vietnamese dishes usually consist of chicken, beef, fish, or seafood, along with a variety of other foods. Another local delicacy in the Hanoi area is dog meat (thjt cho), which is especially popular in the winter. Many restaurants along the Red River specialize in that dish. Other exotic regional tastes include “ca cuong”, an extract from the “belostomatid,” or giant water bug.

Shopping in Hanoi

There are many different shops along the city center, most will either offer student discount or let your bargain for the price. Make sure to bring back great gifts for your friends and family from Hanoi, as many of the goods sold are specifically for tourists and make great gifts.

Hanoi Travel Tips

  • Some plane companies will charge a departure tax.
  • Be careful of fast motorbikes when traveling in the downtown area.
  • Visit Hoan Kiem Lake–it’s absolutely magnificent.
]]> http://www.studentuniverse.com/t/asia/hanoi/3283/feed/ 0 Taipei http://www.studentuniverse.com/t/asia/taipei/3150/ http://www.studentuniverse.com/t/asia/taipei/3150/#comments Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:19:03 +0000 Paul http://www.studentuniverse.com/t/?p=3150 The capital and largest city in the country of Taiwan, Taipei is a place where the East and West come together. Home to the world’s tallest building, Taipei 101, as well as bustling industries and bright neon lights, this city will never fail to surprise you. Within the past 30 years, Taipei has come a very long way, from countryside and fields of rice to the metropolis that it is today. The economy of Taipei absolutely skyrocketed in the last few decades, and has continued to grow ever since. Known as one of the safest and friendliest places to live, the city of Taipei has no areas whatsoever that are seen as unsafe or dangerous. Even though this does not seem like one of the most popular tourist destinations around the globe, Taipei is a wonderful and welcoming city to visit, so book your student flight right away!

Taipei Pictures

Things to do in Taipei

There are several prominent landmarks in Taipei that are great sightseeing attractions. The first of which is Taipei 101, which is the enormous financial and shopping center for Taiwan and is said to represent bamboo rising and prospering from the earth. Another must-see is the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, with Zhongshan Park in front of it and a 19-foot statue inside. The National Concert Hall has stunning architecture and is great to view a Taiwanese dance troupe performance. Also, the five star Grand Hotel in Taipei is rated among the world’s top ten hotels, so stay here if you get the chance! Museums, parks, and temples are very frequent in Taipei, it wouldn’t be possible to see them all. A few museums to visit include The National Palace Museum, Fine Arts Museum, Taiwan Storyland, and the Museum of Drinking Water. Some beautiful parks include the glorious Taipei Botanical Garden, Daan Forest Park, and 228 Peace Park. A temple which you should definitely visit is the Longshan Temple, used for several generations as a holy area and place for help or advice. Hot springs are very popular bathing and spa areas in Taipei, so be sure to strip down and check out one of these, in order to get the full Taiwanese experience.

Nightlife in Taipei

No matter what time of day, there is always something entertaining to do in Taipei, especially at night. Whether you would like to go out for cocktails in a trendy bar, hit up the dance clubs all night, or check out some live music, you will never be bored in Taipei. A favorite national pastime is karaoke, so a popular place to go is KTV, which is a large venue where you can rent out a room with karaoke equipment and sing all night with your friends. Night markets are also very popular nighttime destinations, which usually begin around 4pm, but are best after 7pm. A few great bars and clubs to check out include Luxy, Ziga Zaga, The Wall Live House, and the Standing Room (with Happy Hour everyday). There is also the Indian Beerhouse located in Taipei that has a dinosaur skeleton theme, which makes for a fun and interesting night. If you are traveling on a budget, the Taiwan Beer Bar is your best bet for a great time with little money.

Dining in Taipei

With most likely one of the highest densities of restaurants in the world, Taipei has some place to eat on nearly every single
street. In addition to just Chinese food, Taipei has everything from Thai to Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean, and Italian types of cuisine. Some typical meals which you will find in the restaurants of Taipei include an oyster omelet, tianbula, tofu, and Taiwanese sausage. To have a taste of traditional cuisine of Taiwan, try one of these restaurants in the city: Tainan Tan-tsu-mien Seafood Restaurant, Ching-Yeh, or Shinyeh’s Table. The variety of foods and cultures is so wide that it is nearly impossible to list them all. In addition to the types of cuisine already mentioned, Taipei also has several pizza places, European-style restaurants, steakhouses,and vegetarian specialty places.

Shopping in Taipei

One of the largest night markets in Taipei is the Shihlin Night Market, which you can see in the picture. This market is famous for a variety of foods and snacks at very low prices, and is frequented by many students of the area to shop and have a nice time. Aside from night markets, the main shopping area is divided into two different sections, the East and the West. In the West, you will find the old city with narrow streets and small boutiques. In the East, there are gorgeous wide boulevards and four main shopping malls. One popular shopping area is the Xinyi District, which contains Taipei 101, Convention Hall, and the World Trade Center for Taipei. The Miramar Entertainment Park is a great shopping center that houses the one and only IMAX theater in Taiwan and a Ferris wheel with excellent views of the city. A few other great places to shop include the Breeze Center, Core Pacific Living Mall, and Ximending (where most local students flock). Handcrafted items can be found in the Weekend Jade Market, which contains jade, flowers, jewelry, etc. Also, the Chinese Handicraft Mart is a good place to purchase these souveneirs.

Taipei Travel Tips

  • In terms of weather, the most comfortable season to visit Taipei is during the Fall, when there is little rain and average temperatures.
  • Taipei is recognized as the “scooter capital of the world”, because almost every citizen owns one. Buy or rent a scooter when you visit!
  • When traveling by cab in Taipei, be careful that the driver does not charge you too much for your ride, and if he or she does, bargain to get a fair price.
]]> http://www.studentuniverse.com/t/asia/taipei/3150/feed/ 0 Guangzhou http://www.studentuniverse.com/t/asia/guangzhou/3108/ http://www.studentuniverse.com/t/asia/guangzhou/3108/#comments Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:21:43 +0000 Paul http://www.studentuniverse.com/t/?p=3108 Relatively close to both Hong Kong and Beijing, Guangzhou is a modern and urban city in China which attracts many tourists. Previously known as “Canton”, the current language and type of food eaten in Guangzhou is known as Cantonese. Aside from the city’s huge skyscrapers, shopping malls, and industry, there are a great deal of interesting attractions to visit and cultural events that take place. Following the example of Beijing in 2008, Guangzhou has planned to host the 16th annual 2010 Asian Games, with hopes of attracting new visitors to the city. In addition, the entire city is being revamped and renovated with hotels, new attractions, an improved subway system, and tourism sites. Now is the time to visit and explore this glorious and ever-changing city!

Guangzhou Pictures

Things to do in Guangzhou

A booming cosmopolitan city, Guangzhou holds many opportunities to get out on the town and explore the city’s culture. Guangzhou Cultural Park is a great place to enjoy Chinese operas, shows, and art exhibits, especially during the evenings. When in Guangzhou, be sure to take a boat trip along the Pearl River, particularly at night, where you can see the sparkling colorful city illuminated. There are many worthwhile landmarks and temples in the city to see, such as the Guangxiao Temple, Liurong Temple, Shishi Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Huaisheng Mosque, and the Old Lady of Lourdes Chapel. Several interesting museums are also scattered about Guangzhou, a few of which are the Guangzhou City Art Museum, Nanyue Royal Tomb Museum, and the Guangzhou Sculpture Park. A local tradition takes place in both the Spring and Fall every year, with the semi-annual Canton Fair, focused around imports and exports. The parks and outdoor attractions are also very popular places to visit and relax, including the Yuexiu Park, Yuntai Garden, and Huadu Square.

Nightlife in Guangzhou

When the sun goes down in Guangzhou, the city comes alive! The drinking culture of this city is very immense, so there are numerous bars, pubs, and nightclubs that will satisfy every preference. Head to C:Union to hear live, but different music, dance, and mix and mingle with some locals. NoXXi is a high-energy dance club with a VIP feel, and the party doesn’t start until other bars close. The Cave and the Gypsy King Bar and located near one another, have a variety of music types, and feature individual and group dance performances. The Fangcun area is a great place to go when starting out your night, because surrounding streets are filled with bars and great places to go out. One of these is Bai-E-Tan Bar Street, as well as all of Changdi Street.

Dining in Guangzhou

Similar to the nightlife of Guangzhou, the dining experience of this city has much variety and can please almost anyone’s taste buds. First of all, the typical Chinese beers are Tsing Tao and Zhu Jiang, along with Carlsberg, which are sold everywhere. The local cuisine is traditionally Cantonese style, known for its perfect colors, fragrance, taste, and presentation. It is essential to dine at the Guangzhou Restaurant to experience the true culture and sample a few specialties from roast goose to double-boiled soups. Check out popular Chuan Guo Yan Yi, where you can find reasonably priced delicious cuisine from the Si Chuan province. Dim Sum is a very famous part of Cantonese cuisine, and excellent dishes of this tradition can be found at Liuhua Congee House or the Panxi Restaurant, to name a few. Aside from traditional foods, Guangzhou offers many other types, from southeast Asian, to Indian, or Western. Like many cosmopolitan cities, Guangzhou has the typical foreign fast-food chains, such as KFC, McDonald’s, and Haagen-Dazs.

Shopping in Guangzhou

A huge part of shopping in Guangzhou is experiencing the crowded and bustling numerous street markets of the city. The Qingping Market is notorious for selling live animals normally seen as pets, for food. This market is five blocks long and now sells a variety of different herbs, and other delicacies such as dried starfish or ground lizard. A few other markets worth a visit include Xiguan Antique Street, Flower Street, and Jade Street. Other markets also sell ivory, toys, bridal gowns, household goods, and antiques. Aside from these street markets, Guangzhou also has very many shopping centers to boast of, particularly around Zhongshan Five-Road and Beijing Road. The Grandview Mall in Zhengjia Plaza is a newly built shopping center with fountains and many well-known chain stores. If you are looking to browse more upscale shops, the Holiday Inn- Garden Hotel area is your best bet. From the outside, Onelink Plaza looks like a normal shopping mall, but it is really a giant wholesale market that sells just about everything for the cheapest prices.

Guangzhou Travel Tips

  • Learning to count in Chinese can be a huge help when visiting Guangzhou, especially when purchasing souvenirs.
  • Do not visit any outdoor food markets if you are easily stomach upset, because often animals are publicly butchered and displayed for sale.
  • When in Guangzhou, flash the peace sign whenever you can! Many Chinese and Japanese people love to promote and recognize this symbol of love and neutrality.
]]> http://www.studentuniverse.com/t/asia/guangzhou/3108/feed/ 0 Ho Chi Minh City http://www.studentuniverse.com/t/asia/ho-chi-minh-city/3095/ http://www.studentuniverse.com/t/asia/ho-chi-minh-city/3095/#comments Mon, 22 Jun 2009 19:46:41 +0000 Paul http://www.studentuniverse.com/t/?p=3095 Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as the capital of Saigon in Vietnam, sits on the Saigon River on the southern end of Vietnam. The city is a bustling urban center which features many French Colonial buildings as well as many prominent Vietnamese buildings such as the Reunification Palace and the Municipal Theatre. The languages spoken are mainly Vietnamese, some different dialects of Chinese, and some English is known throughout. Traveling into the city is easily done through the airport, however, the preferred method of transportation is motorbike.

Ho Chi Minh City Pictures

Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

There are many things to do and see in the city. The Reunification Palace is a building dedicated befittingly named for the reunion of North and South Vietnam. The War Remnants Museum allows travelers to see the war through the eyes of the other side of the war and where the history is written by the victors. The Municipal Theatre is a place where one can stop by to see an opera or even see some history of the country as the theater itself is over 300 years old. There is also a Notre Dame Cathedral which is worth seeing, whether you are Catholic or not.

Nightlife in Ho Chi Minh City

There are many bars and pubs in Ho Chi Minh, but one of the most famous places seen is the Apocalypse Now bar. Karaoke is found throughout the city as well as operas and different plays at the theaters. The best known places for the city’s nightlife are, however, on the Bia Hoi (sidewalk stools) where drinks can be ordered there on the street. The Rex Hotel is another famous place where music and theatre can be viewed with regular performances.

Dining in Ho Chi Minh City

Although there are many restaurants throughout the city, the best dining can be found right on the sidewalks of the busy street. The food being sold by locals is known to be exceptionally good for a very reasonable price. Streetside dining is the most well known way to get food anywhere in Ho Chi Minh. If however you are looking for a more western taste in dining, restaurants all through the city are there to cater to your needs.

Shopping in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is a shopper’s city. Mainly focusing around the tacky kind of tourist type of shopping, there are stores and stands. Coffee in Vietnam is known to be some of the best in the world, so when visiting, be sure to get as much as you can. If you are looking for electronics however, Ho Chi Minh is not the place to be. A buyer will be paying twice as much for electronic equipment in the city, so keep that in mind.

Ho Chi Minh City Travel Tips

  • Ho Chi Minh City is known as the motorbike capital of the world. When crossing the street, be sure not to make any sudden movements. Motorcyclists are skilled enough to be able to swerve around you.
  • With that said, people should always be wary when crossing the street. Drivers and motorbike operators lack behavior on the roads as well as the city lacks traffic control.
  • Don’t expect to sleep late as the city as a whole wakes up at 6 AM.
]]> http://www.studentuniverse.com/t/asia/ho-chi-minh-city/3095/feed/ 0 Jakarta http://www.studentuniverse.com/t/asia/jakarta/2995/ http://www.studentuniverse.com/t/asia/jakarta/2995/#comments Tue, 16 Jun 2009 17:17:09 +0000 Paul http://www.studentuniverse.com/t/?p=2995 Jakarta, the capital and largest city of Indonesia, is a metropolitan mecca that has really come into its own in the past few decades. Now, this thriving city is home to national monuments, palaces, skyscrapers, and some of the most happening parties around. With almost 9 million people living just within the city limits it’s no surprise that this culture powerhouse is driving the types of fashion and entertainment seen in the United States. Come see why the locals say this city has “one of the hippest nightlife scenes in Southeast Asia”.

Jakarta Pictures

Things to do in Jakarta

The golfing scene in Jakarta is really nice, and pretty cheap by Western standards, with the courses on par with the nicest places in the United States. Bowling is also another great pastime in Jakarta, with most alleys found in shopping malls. Games cost about US $3.00 and are in really upscale places. There’s also the Ancol Dream Park, Jakarta’s premier amusement park, including “Fantasy World”, “Seaworld”, “Ocean Park”, resorts, hotels, beaches, marinas, and superb restaurants. It’s one of the biggest parks in all of Asia and is known to be a great time. Also be sure to check out the Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, a great museum with tours of the country’s 30 provinces, and samplings of the country’s more than 250 cultures. It also features a huge IMAX theater. The National Museum, opened in 1868, features vast collections of prehistoric, ethnographic and archaeological artifacts, and one of the world’s largest collections of Southeast Asian ceramics and Hindu Javanese art.

Nightlife in Jakarta

Jakarta has a huge underground scene, with some of the best clubs sort of sketchy but amazing in their own right. The upscale X-Lounge, and sketchy discos like Stadium are both great places to chill out, but if you’re going to a really sketchy place remember to bring a friend. Also be careful of prostitutes, as Jakarta is known to have a fairly high number. The best district to go to is Blok M; get over there and go with the crowd, you’re sure to find something awesome!

Dining in Jakarta

Jakarta is full of restaurants serving traditional ethnic foods, as well as many different Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and international food. The best Indonesian dishes to get are the “Sop iga sapi”, beef spare rib soup, “Soto betawi”, coconut milk broth with beef tendons, “Kerak telor”, omelet cooked with rice and served with shredded coconut, and “Nasi Ulam”, rice cooked in coconut milk served with fried beef and other toppings. Be aware that your stomach may need to adjust to the local food due to the unique spices used in the cooking. Take a walk around the city and you’re sure to find great food.

Shopping in Jakarta

Shopping Malls in Jakarta are usually huge, with many great, unique shops inside. Some of these include Grand Indonesia, Plaza Indonesia, Pacific Place, Plaza Senayan, Pondok Indah Mall, Mal Kelapa Gading, and Senayan City. Jakarta’s markets are also great places to pick up cheap items. Markets are usually found in the Mangga Dua area and prices are ALWAYS negotiable. Tanah Aband and Pasar Baru are very popular among Malaysian tourists.

Jakarta Travel Tips

  • Tap water is not drinkable. Always use bottled water for everything.
  • Lower parts of the city can become flooded during rainy season.
  • Smoking is prohibited and fined in public places.
]]> http://www.studentuniverse.com/t/asia/jakarta/2995/feed/ 0 Almaty http://www.studentuniverse.com/t/asia/almaty/2896/ http://www.studentuniverse.com/t/asia/almaty/2896/#comments Wed, 03 Jun 2009 20:12:20 +0000 Paul http://www.studentuniverse.com/t/?p=2896 Almaty is the former capital of Kazakhstan. Located in the Almaty Province, this is the largest city and still has some diplomats from other countries that reside here. Although Astana is now the capital for some time, not all diplomats have made the trip over to there to set up. As far as Central Asia is concerned, Almaty is the cultural and financial center. That is a big title for not such a big city. Many students come here to study as it is the most important city to see in Central Asia, or Kazakhstan at all. There is much tourism, in fact it is one of the major sources of income for the city. With a wealth of public buses and trolleys, it is easy to navigate and explore Almaty. With so many beautiful sites and monuments, who wouldn’t want to take a visit here?

Almaty Pictures

Things to do in Almaty

The World War II Soviet monument, dedicated to the fallen heroes, serves as a nice reminder to the historical roots of this city. The statue is magnificent with soldiers shooting out of all sides. The Presidential Palace is another incredible site. Though no one is allowed inside, the outside architecture is worth making a trip here. Alpine Park is home to the Medeu skating rink. If you come during the winter here, you can rent skates and enjoy some time racing around the rink. Turgen Gorge is great if you and your friends have a day to spend hiking around this lovely gorge. With many waterfalls and an abundance of wild plants, trees, and flowers; it is really a great time. Big Almaty Lake is another nice aesthetic outdoors site. This lake is surrounded all around by the peaks of the mountains as well. This only adds to the beauty of it. Back inside of the main city, Republic Square or “New Square”, is a staple site. Arbat Street is fun for window shopping and stopping in at cafes.

Nightlife in Almaty

Tinkoff has a good selection of locally brewed beers if that is your thing. People in Almaty take pride in their beers; they’re not as much a wine country. Although there are good varieties of wines, beers, and liquors in stores and bars. Sapphire is a lot of fun for college kids. The bar/club has good drinks at fairly reasonable prices. And there are a few set up hookah type, “shisha” as it’s called here, lounges around the perimeter. Tien Shan is another good place for local brews. There are a couple micro brews from time to time. Alma-Ata beer is a popular Almaty brewed beer. Every bar will be sure to serve it. And if they don’t, they’re no good. Also as far as vodka is concerned, try sticking to Glavspirttrest. It is a Russian variety and will help ensure you don’t get a bad hangover.

Dining in Almaty

In Almaty there is a large Korean population as so there are many Korean restaurants. But don’t think that is the only type of food. Many other countries have left their mark. There are plenty of pizza restaurants, Indian, and Chinese places. Restaurant chain il Patio / Planet Sushi has great sushi, and get this; pizza as well. If you think that is weird, well don’t. There are even weirder combinations of foods in Almaty. Zheti Qazyna is a little more on the pricey side, but the ambiance is really nice and the food is incredible. Sapphire also has a great atmosphere. Although the vibe is a bit more hip, as this place becomes a club at night.

Shopping in Almaty

When shopping in Almaty, remember that your dollar can be stretched very far here. Especially for college travelers, it is nice to visit a place where you can buy a coke for the equivalent of $.50. This is only good news in the recent difficult economic times. $1.00 is about 150 tenge. Taxis in the city run about 300 to 400 tenge. Vodka is around 350 tenge and a beer will cost you around 70 tenge. Besides the everyday essentials, other goods like clothing, cars, and apartments can be more costly. For tourists, however, this really isn’t a problem. If you go to Arbat Street you will want to stop in at the TsUM store. Every city that is post-soviet occupied has this store for whatever reason. They all do. Inside are electronics, clothing, and souvenirs. For locally produced goods, purchasing felt products and homemade rugs will fill that need. Everything from slippers to children’s toys are made with felt. It is quite a sight looking at the displays in stores. Green Market is a good place to get locally grown fresh produce. Fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, dried fruits, and spices are sold daily here.

Almaty Travel Tips

  • Bring layers as it can get very cold at night.
  • The local currency is the tenge.
  • It is legal to smoke in public places, so look out for non-smoking sections of restaurants.
]]> http://www.studentuniverse.com/t/asia/almaty/2896/feed/ 0 Seoul http://www.studentuniverse.com/t/asia/seoul/2849/ http://www.studentuniverse.com/t/asia/seoul/2849/#comments Fri, 29 May 2009 15:14:25 +0000 Paul http://www.studentuniverse.com/t/?p=2849 Seoul is the capital and the largest city of South Korea, located in the basin of Han river in the northwestern part. Aside from being one of the premier cities, it is also home to the world’s most-liked ancient temples and shrines that are ever-fascinating even long after your stay. It is a Metropolitan Government which first appeared in history in 18 B.C. when one of the three Korean kingdoms established its capital, Wiryeseong, in what is now southeast Seoul. Seoul Metropolitan Government promoted the World Digital Media City, the world’s first complex for high-tech digital technologies in IT, multimedia and entertainment, and the proposed major site for the world’s second-tallest building. Temperatures in Seoul vary greatly between summer and winter. The highest is 38°C (102°F) which occurs between July and August, while the lowest is about 10°C(14°F). If you plan to visit between June and September, it’s likely to be very rainy during this period. The citizen’s desire for green spaces in areas fragmented by roads was successfully met through the acclaimed Seoul Forest. Dubbed as “Central park in Seoul” or “an urban forest where the deer and the water roam,” Seoul Forest has been positioned as a landmark by offering a variety of hands-on-programs and an ecological node where the Han river, Cheonggyecheon and Junghangcheon meet.

Seoul Pictures

Things to do in Seoul

Seoul has year-round activities for both leisure and adventure. Among the major places in Seoul are Gyeongbukgung and Changdeokgung. Favorite places for tourists and visitors are parks like Memorial Cemetery, Boramae Park, Mt. Nmasan Park, Olympic Park, Yangjae Citizen’s Forest Park, and Yongsan Park. The most famous and beautiful mountain range is the Seoraksam National Park, best seen in fall when all the colors change. Korean Traditional Village (near Suwon) bares a lovely spot in the mountains, the traditional replica of the village, as well as the traditional performances. Without spending a fortune, get a feel of the city by walking around one of the fashion towns to catch the performances of amateur actors and singers. The best places for swimming in the island off Incheon is in the parks along Hanggang. Lotte World and Olympic Park are usually open to the public in the afternoons. Rent a bike from Yoeuido to take the cycle paths in the banks of the historical Han River. Watersports like windsurfing, water skiing, paddle boats and jet-skiing can be enjoyed during summer.

Nightlife in Seoul

Boasting its sparkling and mesmerizing nightlife makes Seoul an avant-garde destination. Numerous bars, pubs, karaoke, and night clubs are tailor-made to provide a complete and satisfying entertainment like The Old Tea Shop, Time Out, Murphy’s Bar, and Salon de Flora. Musical shows are performed by world-class entertainers and DJs, dishing out pulsating mixes of classical and latest chart-busters. The sparkling and electrifying ambiance is the highlight of nightclubs other than the wide variety of music ranging from rock to hip-hop which are enjoyed at the spacious dance floors by people of all ages. Offering their mouth-watering local delicacies along with tantalizing dishes from around the world are the things you can avail, aside from the wide range of cocktails and the finest of local beverages.

Dining in Seoul

Culture and heritage melts in the mouth with the Zhongcha Traditional Seven-Sons Tea Cake. Gangnam is the fun area where you will find a lot of familiar chains and restaurants like McDonald’s, Burger King, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and Subway. Organic food can be savored at the ritzy area of Apgujeong. Royal Korean Cuisine is best-served in Cheongdam-dong where no English sign is recognized but the word “Woori-ga” at the front little bamboo garden with stone steps. Courses served are Radish Kimchi soup, Gu Geol Pan (veggies wrapped in thinly sliced radish dipped in wasabi), Shrimp on bed of rice cake, fried and breaded seafood, and pork or beef Kalbi Jim (tender marinated pieces of beef rib slowly char-boiled with sweet potatoes, carrots and chestnuts). Get a taste of the Korean culture by ordering the the boiled silk worm pupae, bundaegi! The most popular condiment served in all small and large restaurants is the country’s staple, Kimchi. As many Koreans put it, “ A meal without kimchi would be like trying to walk without legs.”

Shopping in Seoul

Take a stop on the subway line in Myongdong where festive pedestrians strew in because of the really fun shopping. The lovely and very fun tourist street of Seoul, Insadong, is a great place to check out souvenirs as well as the unique traditional Korean paper that you may want to take home to make those personalized cards for the year-round holidays and celebrations. Small but fun, is the university area of Hangdae. It’s hip and animated on a Saturday and has lots of cool shopping. South of the river Kangnam is the land of upscale Department stores, a real territory for great fashion-diggers. Funky, cool boutiques and luxury brand names are the best finds here. Kangnam underground shopping mall is at B1 of the bus station. If you want to make your own pillows, clothes, and jewelries, this is the place to go. The bargain hunter’s paradise is Itaewon! This is a good place if you like to dig through piles of junk to find treasure. Prices are phenomenal and some of the brands are on sale here.

Seoul Travel Tips

  • Cell phones are very rare in Seoul, but there are several public phones around.
  • ATM’s in the subway stations do not display English on the screen so you must go to an ATM in a bank.
  • Tipping is considered degrading in restaurants, so a nice bow and thank you will do.
]]> http://www.studentuniverse.com/t/asia/seoul/2849/feed/ 0 Okinawa http://www.studentuniverse.com/t/asia/okinawa/2805/ http://www.studentuniverse.com/t/asia/okinawa/2805/#comments Fri, 22 May 2009 20:22:14 +0000 Paul http://www.studentuniverse.com/t/?p=2805 Okinawa is just one of the forty-seven prefectures, or areas in Japan. This is comprised of a chain of small islands. Okinawa is the largest island in size and population. It is also the administrative capital of the prefecture, Naha. Naha is the largest city both on the island of Okinawa and in the prefecture of the Okinawa Islands. There are also Nago and Okinawa City, which has the second largest population on the one island. Japanese is the language here, however there is an Okinawan dialect that is more preferred by locals. This can get interesting for tourists when looking to translate. In Naha there is a monorail that runs from the airport to the city center. This is the best way to get from one place to the other. Besides that it is a walking city and only taxi service can take you around to farther places. Okinawa is a big beach resort place. It is one of the few resort-type places in Japan for vacationing and this makes it very special. Being the largest island also means that there is more to do here and places to stay, eat, and explore.

Okinawa Pictures

Things to do in Okinawa

The beach is the best place to go when looking for things to do in Okinawa. The weather is always fairly nice so it is easy to get a good beach day. The best times of year to go is from late spring to early fall if you want the best beaching weather. The best places to find nice sand and great waves are Ikei Beach, Zanpa Beach, and Manzamo Beach. Here you can enjoy scuba diving, which is one of the most popular water sports on the island. Reef Encounters is a diving shop and offers lessons. It is the only place you can find fluent English speaking instructors as well with a good reputation. Glass Bottom Boat tours are also popular with tourists. You can see coral reefs from the floor of the without every having to leave the comfort of boat. Then there is of course surfing, spear fishing, and a little bit of skidooing. There are a few castle ruins throughout the island from when the ancient Ryukyu Kingdom ruled Okinawa. These sites are good for a different scene from the beach. Katsuren, Nakagusuku, Zakimi, and Nakijin are the four ancient ruins castles. You can rent a car or take a taxi to them. Once there explore the area and take a walk around the perimeter. This is a great photo opp as well.

Nightlife in Okinawa

Orion Beer is the locally brewed beer in Okinawa. The bars here are pretty good. Because of the chill, surfer attitude, the bars here are also very relaxed. If you want exciting nightlife go to Naha. There are a couple cool clubs. Club Cielo is a rooftop dance club with a strict dress code. Drinks flow all night here, however they only allow people in up until midnight and then allow those inside to party all night. So just make sure to get inside by then. The Rock in Okinawa, also located in Naha has live rock shows and performances almost every night. There is a small cover charge, but is well worth it.

Dining in Okinawa

Seafood and traditional Japanese food is most predominate in Okinawa, but not the only dishes served. Since this is an island, the seafood is abundant and therefore less expensive then say chicken or beef. Goma-aigo is an exotic, popular type of fish a little more on the pricey side. It is native to the area as well. Since Okinawa is farther from the coast and not connected to the rest of Japan it is able to incorporate flavors from other Asian regions like China. The Okinawans also love pork products. Delectable rafute is a local dish. It consists of pork bacon, which is cooked in rice liquor and soy sauce and dashed with brown sugar and ginger. Most restaurants serve their own variation of this. The local tasty hot sauce known as koregusu is yellow-tinted and very hot. Try a mixture of things and don’t be scared to experiment with flavors. The people here love to cook with a variety of spices and ingredients.

Shopping in Okinawa

Kokusaidori Street in Naha is some of the best shopping on the island. The Mihama American Village is another good place. Don’t expect to barter prices at either of these places, it’s not like that. You can only negotiate the price with cart salespeople. An Okinawan shirt, similar to the Hawaiian shirts men wear, is a popular item. Bring one back to show you had a great time at the beach in Okinawa. Also spices are bottled and ready to take with you. Or you can have it shipped to your home. They make for great cooking with your own recipes.

Okinawa Travel Tips

  • Have a Japanese phrasebook handy.
  • Be observant of gestures of locals and act accordingly.
  • Remember a swimsuit and beach towel!
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