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Escape the Crowds: The 6 Best National Parks in Asia

Ba Vi National Park

Feeling stressed out? Need a break from your chaotic schedule? 

Nothing beats the tranquility of lush, untouched nature, which is exactly what you will find at these six Asian national parks. 

Khao Yai National Park, Thailand

Just a two and a half hour drive north of Bangkok lies the Khao Yai National Park, the third largest national park in Thailand. Having been established back in 1962, the park is also famed for being Thailand’s oldest national park, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sprawling out for around 300 square kilometers, the park primarily features tropical forests and grasslands, and is home to: 

  • 66 mammal species 
  • 320 bird species 
  • 3000 plant species 

This is one of the last remaining places in Thailand where you will still find wild elephants, not just surviving but truly thriving. In 2017, it was confirmed that there were also 18 tigers living at the park, along with: 

  • Gibbons
  • Muntjacs
  • Sambar deer 
  • Pig-tailed macaques 

One of the most unique features of the park are its ancient caves. Back in the day, the largest was used as a Buddhist monastery, and, today, the caves are home to millions of bats. If you arrive at the right time, you will be able to see them stream out of the cave for their nightly feeding. 

Visiting the Park 

The best way to explore the Khao Yai National Park is with a tour guide, as they will be able to take you to the park’s very best features. Don’t worry about having to deal with crowds of tourists on your tour though – the tours through Khao Yai National Park are usually personal, and you are unlikely to see anyone else as you make your way through the park. 

Unlike some of the other national parks in Thailand, which are known for being tourist traps, Khao Yai is wonderfully quiet, making it well worth visiting. 

Jiuzhai Valley National Park, China

Located in south-west China, in the Sichuan Province, the Jiuzhai Valley National Park consists of a long valley that runs north to south through around 180,000 acres. Not only is this park a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but it is also a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. 

What makes this park so special? 

Well, it is most famous for its colorful lakes and multi-tiered waterfalls, but there are a number of unique features here, such as: 

  • The seven Tibetan villages located within the park’s boundaries, which tourists are able to visit 
  • The endangered giant panda that live in the park, of which there are only around 20 left 
  • The endangered golden snub-nosed money 
  • Its 140 bird species 
  • In the winter months, the ice that freezes over the waterfalls and lakes takes on a mystical shade of blue, which is a rare phenomenon that only happens for a couple of weeks in January or February 
Visiting the Park 

The Jiuzhai Valley National Park isn’t as easy to access as some of the others on this list…

You can either take a ten hour drive from Chengdu, along a very precarious road, or fly to Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport, which isn’t easy to get to, and then take a 90 minute bus ride. 

Now, due to earthquakes, as well as over-tourism, only 5000 people are allowed to visit the park each day. You will need to book your ticket well in advance, especially if you plan on visiting during the fall – this is the park’s peak tourist season due to all of the magical colors that transform the park into a living fairytale. 

Ba Vi National Park, Vietnam 

Vietnam’s Ba Vi National Park is famous all over the country for its outstanding natural beauty. Not only is this park home to three impressive mountain peaks, along with dense tropical rainforests, but this area used to be a French hill station, meaning that it is now dotted with a string of French ruins. 

In addition to its historic sites, some of the other highlights of this park include: 

  • The Cactus Garden, where you will find more than 1200 species of cactus 
  • Trekking to the three mountain summits
  • Visiting the Upper Temple on the Tan Vien Peak 
  • Visiting the Thien Son Waterfall and Waterpark, which is usually filled with other tourists but is still worth checking out 

If you really want to treat yourself…

Book yourself in for a stay at the Tan Da Spa Resort, which is located in the national park. This luxury resort has been designed to look like an ancient Vietnamese palace, and provides: 

  • Natural hot springs 
  • Mud baths 
  • Herbal baths 
  • Many other traditional spa treatments 
Visiting the Park 

With the Ba Vi National Park being located just 60 kilometers from Ha Noi, it only takes a couple of hours to drive there from the city. Of course, if you do happen to be spending some time in Ha Noi, don’t forget to stop by at the OROGOLD Ha Noi store to treat your skin to a VIP facial, or even just for some expert skin care advice. 

Since the Ba Vi National Park offers a pleasant climate throughout the year, you can plan your visit for any season that suits you. 

Taman Negara National Park, Indonesia 

Encompassing over 4000 square kilometers and being home to all of the country’s forest habitats, the Taman Negara National Park was first established in 1938. Although the park has many standout features, it is internationally recognized for being home to the oldest deciduous rainforest in the world, believed to be more than 130 million years old. 

If that doesn’t impress you, then perhaps some of the park’s other highlights will, such as: 

  • The rare mammals that call this park home, including the Malayan tiger, the Asian elephant and the Malayan gaur 
  • Sign up for a night jungle walk to see some of the park’s nocturnal animals come out to feed 
  • Climb the Canopy Walkway, which is the longest suspension bridge in Malaysia 
  • Visit the local villages, which are home to Taman Negara’s indigenous people 
  • Go rapid shooting along the Sungai Tembeling River 
  • Visit the Kelah Sanctuary to feed some freshwater fish 
  • Explore the large caves in the park 

As you can see, there is so much variety at this park, making it worth staying in one of the local guest houses so that you can really explore everything on offer. 

Visiting the Park 

It isn’t easy to get to the Taman Negara National Park, with the easiest way being a three hour boat ride up the Tembeling River. 

If you’re the adventurous type that likes to do things yourself, making your own way there is possible, although will require some extra organization. Alternatively, if you book yourself in for a guided tour, transportation from major cities is usually included, but keep in mind that prices for these tours tend to be quite high. 

Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is home to 22 national parks, but the Yala National Park is the most famous. Located around 300 kilometers from the capital, the park spreads out for 979 square kilometers, and is home to six smaller national parks, as well as three wildlife sanctuaries, within its boundaries. There are a number of different ecosystems here, from freshwater wetlands to monsoon forests, making it no surprise that the park is famous for its incredible variety of wild animals. 

Want to know which animals you may be lucky enough to spot at the Yala National Park?

Well there are 44 mammal species living here, including: 

  • The Sri Lankan elephant 
  • Leopards, with the park being home to the biggest leopard population in the world 
  • Wild water buffalo 
  • Sri Lankan sloth bear 
  • Fishing cat 

The leopards tend to be one of the park’s biggest attractions, and although more than 25 individual leopards have been spotted at the park, getting a glimpse of these rare creatures is quite difficult. If this is something that you are keen on, it would definitely be worth signing up for a tour, but make sure that it is one provided by a reputable operator. 

Visiting the Park 

A guided tour of this park is usually advised if you want the best chance of spotting the park’s rare animals. However, if you would like to explore the park on your own, this is possible too, with 4WD safari jeeps being available for hire at the park’s entrance. 

One tip to keep in mind…

Try to get to the park as early in the morning as possible – it will really pay to be first in line this time. You will notice many of the animals are still hanging out by the trail that the cars drive on early in the day, which you will miss if you arrive later on. 

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, Philippines

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, which can be found near the island of Palawan in the Philippines, is a little different from the other national parks on this list. 

How? 

Well, this one is located deep underground. It consists of a long river that passes through some impressive caves, including some of the largest cave chambers in the world. In fact, the river itself is famed for being the longest navigable underground river in the world, making it no surprise that the national park has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also listed as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, along with the Amazon rainforest, South Africa’s Table Mountain, and other one-of-a-kind natural features. 

The river and the caves within the park are home to an incredibly diverse ecosystem, one that has slowly been forming for hundreds of years. There are several types of animals here, from certain snakes and fish to giant spiders, that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. 

Boat tours to take you through the cave system are well worth signing up for. You will be able to see everything from fossils that date back 20 million years to cave chambers studded with glittering crystals to waterfalls cascading down cave walls. Although all of these boat tours have a guide, the audio is usually played through headphones (due to language barriers), meaning that you can take these off whenever you want to experience the mysterious silence that takes over the river. 

In addition to exploring the park’s caves, there are several other activities that you can do in the area, such as: 

  • Island hopping around Honda Bay 
  • Relaxing at one of the many beaches 
  • Try your hand at some water sports, from banana boats to parasailing to fly fishing 
  • Sample local Filipino specialties at the many traditional restaurants and cafes 
  • Visit the Palaweno Brewery to taste some local craft beer 
Visiting the Park 

Since the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is such a highly protected part of the country, anyone hoping to visit the park will first need to apply for a permit. These are easy to acquire, but you will need to apply for yours at least a few days before you plan on making your journey. If you decide to go with an organized tour, your tour operator will help you to apply for your permit. 

Asia is home to so many fantastic national parks, many of them offering up a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Whether you want to go hiking through lush, untouched tropical jungles, or would prefer some rest and relaxation on one of the most gorgeous beaches in the world, these six national parks promise not to disappoint. 

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6 Adventure-Filled Destinations for Adrenaline Junkies

Cage diving with sharks

Looking for an adventure to really get your heart pumping? 

Here are six destinations that are guaranteed to thrill all of you adrenaline junkies out there. 

Mount Everest, Nepal/Tibet 

Mount Everest Base Camp

Just about everyone has heard of Mount Everest. After all, sitting at over 29,000 feet, it’s the highest peak in the world! 

While only highly experienced climbers should even consider attempting to scale the peak, there are numerous other treks around the mountain that will still provide a truly awe-inspiring experience. 

The mountain itself sits at the border of Nepal and China, with its south slope belonging to Nepal and its north slope belonging to China. There are three other record-breaking peaks situated around Everest, along with 14 other peaks that all reach to at least 7,000 meters. These all make up the incredible Mount Everest Natural Scenery Area. 

The best place to begin your adventure is at the Everest Base Camp. The location of the base camp recently changed in January 2019, being moved about 4km north to protect the area’s delicate ecosystem. The old base camp is now a part of the Qomolangma National Nature Preserve, which belongs to China. 

There are several charming mountain towns located a short distance away from Everest, many of which offer short hikes that last just a few days. 

Of course, hiking isn’t your only option – Everest is packed with numerous other adventurous activities too, such as: 

  • Water rafting 
  • Yak safaris 
  • Heli-skiing 
  • Mountain biking 
  • Sky diving 

One thing to keep in mind when planning your trip…

Several permits are needed to visit the area, not just for the Everest Base Camp but also for Tibet itself. Make sure that you begin organizing all of your paperwork a good few months in advance, as you do not want to experience any problems once you actually get there. 

Cape Town, South Africa

Table Mountain, South Africa

The bustling, cosmopolitan metropolis of Cape Town attracts more than two and a half million visitors each year. The capital of South Africa, Cape Town boasts a captivating history and culture, as well as stunning scenery. 

While many tend to spend the majority of their visit indulging in city-based activities, Cape Town has so much more to offer when you venture a little further afield…

For starters, Cape Town is home to the largest population of great white sharks in the world. If these majestic creatures don’t get your heart racing, there isn’t much else that will! 

Want to see the sharks up close? 

Try cage-diving, a hugely popular activity in the city. You will enter into a cage, which will then be lowered into the sea, with the cage being your only form of protection from the great whites. A form of bait is often used to attract the sharks, ensuring that these beauties are spotted during each and every expedition. 

Surfing is another popular activity in Cape Town. This may not seem very exciting or unusual at first, but, considering the fact that you will be riding waves with great white sharks around you, the experience suddenly becomes all the more thrilling. 

Of course, Table Mountain needs a mention too…

This flat-topped mountain is one of Cape Town’s most iconic landmarks, looming up over the city. There is a cable car to take you to the top, and several hiking trails to enjoy too, but, if you really want to get your blood pumping, give abseiling a try. You don’t need any experience for this, but you will definitely need to be courageous in order to step off the side of a sheer cliff, with the sparkling ocean beneath you. 

Queenstown, New Zealand

Paraglider over Queenstown, New Zealand

With Queenstown being known as the adventure capital of the world, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that there are numerous adrenaline-fuelling activities that can be enjoyed here. 

Just the thought of some of these will be enough to get your heart racing, with these activities designated only for the very brave: 

  • Paragliding – launch off from the Skyline Gondola and sail through the sky, enjoying panoramic views of Lake Wakaptipu, along with the rest of Queenstown
  • Canyoning – there are a few locations in Queenstown where you can give canyoning a try, an adventure that will see you doing everything from ziplining over ravines to sliding down waterfalls 
  • Skydiving – Queenstown is home to some of the best skydiving facilities in the world, making this the place to give the sport a try. Heights vary from 9,000 feet to 15,000 feet, depending on how courageous you are feeling 
  • Canyon Swinging – this unusual activity will have you jumping off a cliff that looms over 100 meters high, before free-falling down, past a cliff face, until you are just above a river, after which you will then swing across a canyon 
  • River Surfing – if you love to surf in the ocean, give river surfing a try. The Kawarau River is the best place for this, with whirl pools, rock jumps and fast rapids to contend with 
  • Whitewater Rafting – again, the Kawarau River, with its immense rapids, is a prime spot for whitewater rafting, as is the Shotover River. The rapids here are grades four and five, offering up a thrilling experience along with some fantastic views 
  • Flyboarding – this involves being strapped to a board before a hose emits a high pressure from a jetski that propels you high above the water. While you don’t need experience for this activity, you definitely do need to be a strong swimmer 

Those are just a few of the adventures that you will be able to enjoy in Queenstown, making it easy to see why the city is so popular with those seeking a once-in-a-lifetime thrill. 

Maui, Hawaii

Surfing a big wave in Hawaii

EpicStockMedia / Shutterstock.com

While the tropical islands of Hawaii are often considered to be a prime spot for some rest and relaxation, there is plenty of adventure to be found here too. 

Many flock to Maui simply for a visit to Pe’ahi, which can be found on the island’s north shore. 

Wondering what makes Pe’ahi so special? 

This is where you will find the biggest wave break in Hawaii, if not the world. In fact, the waves here are so impressive that they are nicknamed Jaws, with these waves often exceeding 60 feet in height. It should come as no surprise that this is where several of the big names in surfing come to ride the waves, especially between the months of December and March, when the waves are at their largest. 

You are probably wondering how you would even paddle out to a wave so big…

The answer is – you don’t. Tow-in surfing is the way to do things here, in which a jet ski will tow you over to the break before dropping you off. While many surfers have begun paddling their way out to the waves in recent years, this is something that should not be attempted unless you are highly confident in your surfing skills. 

Once you have tried your hand at surfing Jaws, the fun doesn’t need to end there…

The islands of Hawaii are home to numerous other adventure opportunities, such as: 

    • Hiking into the crater of the Haleakala Volcano 
    • Signing up for a Hawaiian lava boat tour, which will take you up-close to an erupting volcano 
    • Horse riding on Kohala Mountain 
    • Snorkelling with manta rays, or snorkelling inside the Molokini Crater 
    • Ziplining over the Kualoa Private Reserve 

Of course, while you are island-hopping around Hawaii, don’t forget to stop off at the OROGOLD store at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Honolulu. All of that adrenaline may be fun for you, but it can play havoc on your skin, which is why your skin would definitely appreciate one of our VIP facials, along with some expert skincare advice. 

Leon, Nicaragua

Volcano in Nicaragua

Located in western Nicaragua, Leon is famous for its historic architecture, incredible landscapes and fascinating culture. This is the second largest city in Nicaragua, and while there may be plenty of city-based attractions to occupy yourself with here, you will also encounter a few heart-pumping experiences. 

The most unique would be the sport of volcano boarding. While there are a few destinations around the world that offer up this unique activity, it has become really popular in Leon, most notably at the Cerro Negro Volcano. Compared to the other volcanos in Central America, Cerro Negro is relatively new, having popped up just 160 years ago, making it the youngest volcano in the region. 

Wondering what volcano boarding actually involves? 

It’s simple…

All that is required is a handmade board, usually crafted from a few pieces of plywood. You either sit or stand on your board (depending on how brave you are feeling), and then go shooting down the black sand of the 2,400 foot active volcano. The way in which the sand is packed in pretty loosely is what makes Cerro Negro so perfect for this sport, with participants reaching speeds of up to 65 miles per hour. 

If you are still needing another dose of adrenaline after that, there are a few other activities that you can indulge in here too. Try swapping your volcano board for a surfboard before heading to Popoyo, a popular surfing location. There are two reefs here, with the inner one being slightly easier than the outer reef. If you want to attempt surfing the outer reef, you may need to arrange for a jet ski to tow you in. 

Prefer volcanos to the ocean? 

There are several hiking trails criss-crossing over Nicaragua’s volcanos, each one varying in difficulty level. They range from short one-day hikes to longer three-day hikes, each one guaranteeing some of the best views you will have ever experienced. 

Shaanxi, China

Mountains in Shaanxi, China

Located in north-west China, the province of Shaanxi is famous for being the starting point of the legendary Silk Road. This is an area that dates back thousands of years, and there are numerous monuments and landmarks dotted around Shaanxi that are testament to its intriguing past. 

So, what makes Shaanxi so perfect for adrenaline junkies? 

The fact that this region of China is home to the most dangerous hike in the world. 

The trail, which is more like a plank of wood winding its way around a sheer cliff side, more than 2000 feet up in the air, can be found at Mount Huashan. The mountain plays a significant role in local customs and traditions, which is why you will find numerous temples, shrines and teahouses dotted around the landscape. 

The hiking path itself dates back centuries. It was built by pilgrims and monks, with this building process taking around 3000 years to complete. 

The path stretches out for 12km, climbing around 1,800 meters along the way. When you first set off, the hike may not seem that treacherous, but, once you begin climbing the steep staircases that have been cut into the cliff face, you will soon see why this hike is named the most dangerous in the world. 

Many parts of the walk need to be traversed by climbing vertical ladders, also dug into the mountain. You will often have a couple of steel bars or some chains to use as support, but there is nothing below to catch you if you fall. It goes withotu saying that quite a few people have fallen to their deaths here, with locals estimating this figure to be around 100 people per year. 

Don’t worry if you find that you lose your nerve once you actually check out this precarious path. There is a cable car that will take you from Huayin City up to the summit of Mount Huashan, meaning that you can still enjoy its spectacular views. 

There are so many destinations around the world that offer up an adrenaline-filled experience, but these six are, without a doubt, among the best. Whether you want to ride the most dangerous waves in the world, or hike the most dangerous trail in the world, these locations will definitely not disappoint. 

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Romantic Things to Do in Hong Kong

Couple enjoying the city view

Hong Kong is a bustling metropolis, and, being one of the most densely packed places in the world, it can sometimes be hard to find romantic things to do. From taking a hike to Sunset Peak to strolling along the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, these are a few romantic activities to consider the next time you are planning a date with a special someone.

Sunset Peak, Hong Kong

DavidNNP / Shutterstock.com

Hiking to Sunset Peak
Rising for just under 900 meters, Sunset Peak offers some spectacular views, but, as you would expect, you would need to time your visit to coincide with the sunset if you really want to make the most of the location. The best way to tackle Sunset Peak is by starting off at the Lantau South Country Park, and then taking the Lantau Trail from Mui Wo. The round trip in total takes six hours, being three hours each way, so make sure that you both enjoy hiking before planning this outing.

A Ride on a Chinese Junk Boat
Chinese junk boats are wonderfully traditional local fishing boats, and are available for cruises along the Hong Kong harbour. You have two options available here, with the first being to hire a boat for just the two of you. This will never fail to be romantic, and the boat will come complete with food, drinks and crew, meaning that you do not need to worry about planning all of those little extras. Alternatively, you could also check out the public cruises, such as on the Duk Ling or the Aqua Luna, both of which serve up delicious cocktails.

Couple massage

Couples Massage at Repulse Bay
Located at the south of Hong Kong Island, Repulse Bay is beautifully scenic, and many movies have been filmed here. Just a short walk from the beach is the Sense of Touch spa, which offers a couples massage titled Love is a Many Splendored Thing. This treatment lasts for two hours, and includes a scrub, massage, and some alone time in the steam room.

Visit a Theme Park
While a visit to a theme park may be filled with noise and excitement, this is still an incredibly romantic thing to do with that special someone, as trying new things together is always beneficial in a relationship. Ocean Park is a great choice, but so is Disneyland Hong Kong, but, whichever you choose, try to plan your visit for a weekday, as there is nothing like long queues and unbearable crowds to spoil a romantic mood.

Tai O, Lantau

ostill / Shutterstock.com

A Trip to Lantau Island
Lantau Island is packed with history and culture, making it a great destination for a romantic day out. A cable car will take you to Ngong Ping Village, where you can explore the giant Buddha, as well as the statues at the Po Lin Monastery. From here, it is also just a short ride to Tai O, where you can view traditional houses on stilts.

On the surface, it may seem as though finding a romantic spot in Hong Kong is difficult, but, once you delve a little deeper, there are so many options available. From the quiet serenity of Sunset Peak to the thrills and adventures of Disneyland Hong Kong, these activities should make it easy for you to plan your next romantic date.

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Top Chinese New Year Celebrations

Chinese New Year

Prapas Satong / Shutterstock.com

The Year of the Monkey may have begun on the 8th of February, but celebrations are far from over. For those of you that still want to join in on the festivities, these are some of the very best places around the world for celebrating Chinese New Year.

Beijing, China
China is, of course, the number one place to go if you really want to go all out to celebrate Chinese New Year. While most people in China’s big cities head home to smaller towns for the holiday, creating the largest annual human migration in the world, Beijing has a population of over 20 million residents, meaning that the city is a lively one to spend Chinese New Year. The city gets blanketed in red decorations, and temple fairs put on traditional shows, complete with authentic food stalls serving Chinese New Year specialities. This really is the mother of all Chinese New Year celebrations, and is definitely the city to visit if you want to experience festivities at their most authentic.

San Francisco, USA
Between the colors and events found in San Francisco’s Chinatown and the festivities hosted throughout the city, San Francisco’s Chinese New Year celebrations are some of the biggest and boldest that you will find outside of Asia. The two giant markets selling a variety of goods are a joy to explore, while the food stalls serving up authentic bites make tasty stopping points as you wander around. Visitors can expect to see 100 martial artists wearing a massive 268-foot dragon costume, acrobats dancing around the streets, stilt walkers taller than you’ve ever seen, and marching drumming bands giving the city a whole new rhythm, and, to top it all off, the spectacular sight of 600,000 exploding firecrackers. Another highlight of the holiday is the illuminated night parade, which is not only one of the few night parades in the US, but has also been named as one of the top ten parades in the world.This is the largest Asian cultural event in North America, and it never disappoints, earning itself such a reputation that it is now officially sponsored by Southwest Airlines.

Sydney, Australia
Sydney has quite an advantage over other cities when it comes to their Chinese New Year celebrations, as the days are still warm in the city at this time of the year, meaning that visitors need not worry about being outdoors in the cold. Over 600,000 visitors travel to Sydney for Chinese New Year each year for the variety of events that are hosted around the city. From a variety of art exhibits to a twilight parade to traditional dragon boat races, it is no surprise that the city is so popular for this holiday. You will also find smaller celebrations within different areas of the city, such as in Thai Town and Koreatown.

It does not matter where in the world you live, as you are likely to be able to find a Chinese New Year celebration near you. Even if they may not be as extravagant as the ones mentioned above, they will still give you a true taste of the holiday, as well as the invaluable experience of immersing yourself in another culture.

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Most Beautiful Fall Destinations

Fall is a stunning time of the year, with the foliage transforming green landscapes into fiery, vibrant shades. Take a look at OROGOLD’s picks of the most beautiful fall destinations to give you some inspiration when it comes to planning your own fall vacation.

Tuscany, Italy.

Tuscany, Italy
While there is no arguing that Tuscany has some beautiful fall foliage, one of the best reasons to visit Tuscany this season is because this is harvest time, and the locals take their harvest extremely seriously. When it comes to traditional Italian gastronomy, Tuscany is at the heart of this, making it an ideal fall destination for any foodies out there. Festivals celebrating each harvest, from grapes to mushrooms to polenta to pumpkin, are held throughout the region, giving you the opportunity to taste some of the best, and freshest, food that the area has to offer. While there, OROGOLD recommends going truffle hunting in the Tuscan forests before eating your findings in a delicious pasta dish, or going on an olive tasting tour if you are in Tuscany later on in the season.

Ontario, Canada.

Ontario, Canada
One of OROGOLD’s favorite things to do in the fall in Ontario is to take a drive along the Niagara Parkway, the road that Winston Churchill said was “the prettiest Sunday afternoon drive in the world”. Canada’s Ontario province has some of the most spectacular fall foliage that we have seen, and a great place to take this all in is the Algonquin Provincial Park. With almost 8000 square km of lush forests, twisting rivers and peaceful lakes, the beauty all around you is absolutely breathtaking. OROGOLD recommends going for a paddle in a canoe to best enjoy the display from the maple and red oak trees.

Huangshan Mountain

Huangshan Mountain, China
Huangshan, also known as the Yellow Mountains, is a mountain range in the east of China, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The peaks of the mountains are all lined with trees, and when these begin to transform into their fall colors, the sight is simply incredible, with the wispy clouds around them making the scene seems slightly magical. The spectacle attracts visitors from all over China, so be prepared for crowds. To see the foliage at its most beautiful, OROGOLD recommends going out at sunrise, as the colors from the sun complement the foliage in an ethereal way. For when you aren’t taking in the fall beauty, there are plenty of other things to keep you occupied, from visiting the many hot springs in the region, to tasting the area’s famous Chinese teas, to learning more about Huangshan’s rich history.

OROGOLD loves to travel in the fall, taking in the beautiful foliage from all over the world, as well as experiencing the fall traditions that different countries have. From a sunrise walk through the Yellow Mountains in China to helping to harvest olives in Tuscany, these amazing fall destinations will make you appreciate the season in a completely different way.

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Top Oktoberfest Celebrations

Oktoberfest

Although it may have originated in Germany, Oktoberfest is now celebrated all over the world. No matter which continent you may be on, you can be sure that there will be a Bavarian bash hosted near you. Here are OROGOLD’s picks of the top Oktoberfest celebrations around the world.

Kitchener-Waterloo, Canada
The Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest is the largest Oktoberfest celebration outside of Germany, making it the second largest in the world. Attracting around a million visitors each year, the festivities last for nine days, with the most popular feature being the Oktoberfest parade on Canadian Thanksgiving. The region has strong German roots, with Kitchener’s former name being Berlin, and not only do many of the residents have a German heritage, but they also speak the language. This all contributes towards the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest being truly authentic. With cultural attractions and a whole host of entertainment options, as well as plenty of German beer and food, this is an Oktoberfest celebration that you won’t want to miss!

Hong Kong, China
Home to the largest and most exciting Oktoberfest celebrations in Asia, Hong Kong has been holding their own festivities for over twenty years. Unlike the majority of Oktoberfest celebrations, the ones in Hong Kong stretch all the way into November, so you are bound to be able to find the time to attend one. Their oldest celebration is the Marco Polo German Bierfest, with the beer, including a special Oktoberfest version, being provided by Erdinger. With a German band, endless options of German cuisine, and a view overlooking the harbour, the Marco Polo German Bierfest is definitely one of OROGOLD’s favorite Oktoberfest events in Hong Kong. However, the city has a whole lot more to offer, with many other Oktoberfest celebrations. From Oktoberfest at the Happy Valley Racecourse to Beertopia to the quieter festivities at the Regal Airport Hotel, you will no doubt be spoiled for choice when deciding where to go.

Munich, Germany
No Oktoberfest list would be complete without mentioning the grandest, most popular celebration of all – the original Bavarian Oktoberfest. Held each year in Munich, over 6 million people attend the celebrations each year, making the most of the 17 days of beer-filled fun. The attractions seem almost endless, with great options for the whole family, from fairground rides to sideshows to games and competitions. The massive beer tents, all serving up Oktoberfest beers that have been brewed within the city limits of Munich, welcome thousands at a time, while the traditional food served up, from the sausages to the roast pork to the potato pancakes, will be some of the best German cuisine that you will ever try.

Oktoberfest is a significant part of Bavarian culture, with celebrations dating all the way back to 1810. For those of you that have never attended an Oktoberfest celebration, it is something that OROGOLD highly recommends, not only for the fun that you will have, but also for an authentic taste of German culture and tradition.

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Incredible Destinations of 2015 – OROGOLD Reviews

Each year, the travel industry puts different destinations under the spotlight, giving travelers the opportunity to choose from a wider range of exciting experiences. It can sometimes be almost impossible to come to a decision on where to go, so take a look at our picks for some of the most incredible destinations of 2015 to help you make your choice.

The Tiger Nest Monastery in Bhutan.

Bhutan
Bhutan, a Buddhist kingdom on the eastern edge of the Himalayas, is a country packed with ancient monasteries, fortresses and dramatic landscapes, from steep mountains to sub-tropical plains. It is a country that measures its output not by GDP, but by GNS – Gross National Happiness. The law in Bhutan states that at least 60% of the land must remain forested, making it a great destination for nature lovers. Many of the crystal clear rivers and towering mountains are some of the most untouched parts of the Himalayas, giving it magical atmosphere that is full of promises of adventure.

Sunset views of the Red Sea Shore close to Djibouti.

Djibouti, Africa
Djibouti, the 8th smallest country in Africa, has been overlooked by many travelers until recently. Now, its delicious cuisine, gorgeous landscapes and wide range of adventure activities has begun to bring in the tourists. One of the most popular activities is to splash around in Lac Assal, Africa’s version of the Dead Sea. Measuring 155 meters below sea level, it is the lowest point on the continent, and is surrounded by a looming ring of dormant volcanoes. Other popular attractions are the waterfall-packed Goda Mountains and snorkeling with the whale sharks at the Bay of Ghoubbet.

The traditional Qintai Road district in Chengdu, China.

Chengdu, China
Chengdu is most famous for its 1600 pandas, most of whom still live in the wild. The city has three major panda research facilities, and to make it more convenient for tourists to come and visit, Chengdu has introduced a 72 hour no-visa policy. The best months to visit the bears are between June and October, and there are plenty of other attractions to keep you busy too. The New Century Global Center is the largest building in the world, and even has its own artificial beach, and the unspoiled bamboo forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is definitely worth a visit.

A monument in Malmo, Sweden.

Malmö, Sweden
This Swedish city is beginning to make its mark on the food world, and is a must-visit for any foodies out there. Thanks to a food-obsessed public, Malmö has attracted some extremely talented young chefs, who push boundaries with their dishes and offer some incredible tasting menus. With at least 150 different nationalities living in the city, the cosmopolitan nature balances out its Nordic traditions perfectly, and the exotic Middle Eastern street food stalls next to the hipster skateboard parks only add to the vibrancy of the city.

It is always exciting to visit a new location, and 2015 sees some truly incredible places beginning to welcome more tourists. From the happiest country in Asia to the culinary creations of Northern Europe, these destinations are only just beginning to emerge as popular tourist hotspots, so make the most of their untouched magic now.