Top 7 Outdoor Adventures In Pigeon Forge You Can’t-Miss

BY  sagnika Oct 5, 2023

Are you one of those who loves taking stunning photographs of monuments worldwide? The Golden Hand Bridge is one of the striking monuments that can give you the perfect backdrop for your picture or a wallpaper-worthy photo. The Golden Hand Bridge in Vietnam is an attraction in a themed park that was recently added to the list of beautiful places worldwide. The bridge's construction started in July 2017 and was completed in April 2018. A stunning and unique architectural wonder, Golden Hand Bridge deserves all the attention and popularity it is getting! It is beautifully located in the Ba Na Hills Amusement Park in one of the major cities, Da Nang, in Vietnam. The attraction has become viral due to social media platforms! In this article, I am writing about how walking on the Golden Hand Bridge in Vietnam feels! It is like walking on sunshine as the environment adds up to the beauty of the bridge! Walking On Sunshine: Exploring The Magic Of Vietnam's Golden Hand Bridge! The amusement park in which the Hand Bridge has been built is a Disney-style theme park known as Ba Na Hills. Hand bridge is another common name for the Golden Bridge! You can see it all over social media as people visit the place and create beautiful pictures. If you want to visit the Golden Bridge Vietnam, you can take a guided tour of the Ba Na Hills from Hoi An or Da Nang! Along with the bridge, other things are included in the guide, such as Fantasy Park, the French Village, and the Cable car ride. The whole trip will take at least 3 hours to cover! If you are taking a car ride from the city, it will take some time. You will have to pay 750000 dong to visit the bridge, which might seem more expensive for some, especially if the weather is overcast! You still have to visit the bridge because it is one of a kind! Costs Of Tickets To Visit Golden Bridge Da Nang! You do not have to pay any money to visit the bridge. However, the Ba Na Hills Resorts owns the Golden Bridge Da Nang Bridge. The bridge is included in the Sun World Ba Na Hills tourism complex, so the rate of visiting the resort is included in the ticket price for the cable car. You have to reach the resort by car while reaching the hilltop of Ba Na Hills by cable car. The ticket price for adults for a round-trip is $38.30! You can visit the bridge in two seasons, extending from April to September and October to December. For children whose height is between 1m and 1.4m, the round-trip tickets cost around $31.01! Children below that height can visit where their parents do not need to buy any tickets. There are also offers with a lunch buffet and combo cable car tickets priced around USD $46.38. About Golden Bridge Da Nang! One of the most photographed spots located within Ba Na Hills, Golden Bridge Da Nang is a 500-foot-long bridge with railings shining in golden color. The bridge has been constructed with such a design that it is cradled between two colossal hands. The hands are so big that they seem to be up in the clouds. Further, during rainy days, the clouds are covering the hands. The bridge is 12.8m wide with eight arches. The concept of the bridge was about walking across the hands of the God of mountains on the clouds. The Hand Bridge in Vietnam acts as a connector between the cable car station, which is located at the hilltop, and the Paradise Gardens. Further, the bridge gives you a perfect view of the Annamitr Mountains and the East Sea. I suggest you arrive early in the morning if you want an excellent picture of the attraction or get a photo of yourself on the bridge. When visiting the bridge, you can also cover fantasy parks, the French village, and a cable car ride, making it a complete circle! How To Reach The Golden Bridge In Vietnam? To reach the Golden Hands Bridge Vietnam from Da Nang City, you must go to Sun World Ba Na Hills first. You can go from Thien Thai Flower Garden or Marseille station to the Golden Hand Bridge. There are different transportation routes which you can take! Car Rental In Da Nang You can rent a car in Da Nang to travel to the bridge, especially with people ranging from 4 to 45 people. The rental vehicle is both cost-saving and flexible. The round trip ranges from somewhere $17.02 to $93.62. Taxi If you are looking for something reasonable, book a taxi if you are in a group of 4 to 7 people. The price of a round-trip taxi visit starts from $21.28 to $25.53. Bus To Ba Na If your budget is cheap, take a bus from Da Nang, which will take you to Ba Na in just 75 minutes. The bus is specifically for tourists, and the round-trip costs $6.38 per head. However, the timing could be more relaxed as tourists are picked up between 7:30 and 8:30 from Da Nang. While returning, tourists are picked up from Ba Na between 14:30 and 15:30 to return once the Bridge tour is done. For tourists, it can be restrictive at times! Transfer Car From Danang To Ba Na The transfer car starts from 72 Nguyen Chi Thanh and takes tourists to Ba Na Hills, with the round-trip ticket costing around $2.98 per head. This transportation is convenient for visitors planning to visit Ba Na in the morning, but there will be issues for evening visitors! Again, with the pocket-friendly rate, the car is restricted concerning the timing of the transfer car, which only functions between 8:30 in the morning and 18:00! Motorbike Rental If you are young and know how to ride a motorbike or your partner knows, go for the motorbike rental! It is one of the best choices for tourists because it creates opportunities for you to enjoy nature and its beauty. This transportation choice lets you stay the most active concerning your travel plans. The motorbike rental price ranges from $4.26 to $6.38 per head. What Is The Best Time To Visit The Golden Bridge Da Nang? What is the perfect time to visit Golden Hand Bridge in Vietnam? The opening hours of the bridge start at 8:00 AM, while it closes at 18:30. Considering it is one of the recent and popular attractions on social media, there is a huge crowd. You must know the crowded time while visiting the bridge is between 9 AM and 17:00. So, if you plan to visit the bridge to avoid the rush or the crowd, you must visit either before 9 AM or after 17:00 PM. You can experience four seasons, namely summer, winter, spring, and autumn when you go to the bridge. The cool atmosphere you enjoy up on the bridge is amazing, along with the beautiful scenery. When taking pictures of the attraction, you have to include one of the hands in your photo! It looks majestic! Along with that, you can also opt for panoramic photos. Either simulate the hand or stand inside it to show the magnificent perspective of it. Places To Visit While On the Golden Hand Tour! Based on my understanding of other people's experience of the place, you can visit the place either in the morning or afternoon. If you are hoping for foggy pictures or with the sun rising high on the clouds, go in the morning! Sometimes, you can also catch birds flying, which is a beautiful visual! However, if you are looking for more light, glowing sun in your pictures, you can go in the afternoon. The sunset is just perfect in the afternoon, with a romantic vibe. If you are visiting with your partner, it is the perfect time to go, especially when the photographs will be to die for! Apart from the Golden Hand Bridge, remember that there are other places to visit, such as an amusement park called the Fantasy Park. How can you remember the restaurants and cafes that are of different styles? You have to try the delicious food and beverages there. Further, you gotta visit the Ling Ung Pagoda and the flower gardens. Weather Must Be Taken Into Consideration! Image Source : images.rove.me/ The Golden Hand Bridge has been constructed to be up in the clouds. It is, therefore, important to consider the weather when visiting the Golden Hand Bridge. According to a review on Tripadvisor by udontnomee3e, an overcast day is a bad day to visit the bridge! If the weather is rainy, cold, and cloudy, there is a high chance that you will not be able to enjoy the attraction or take good pictures. The issue, however, with it is that you cannot know what the weather will be when you go up from below because the weather is completely different! During bad weather, the visibility becomes terrible, and the steps become slippery. It isn't obvious because when you are on the ground, you will not realize the weather status on the bridge. At the top, it might be completely different! Highlight Of The Golden Hand Bridge! Image Source: d13jio720g7qcs.cloudfront.net The bridge has hosted a fashion show called "A Walk on a Cloud" fashion by the Fashion Voyage. It is a groundbreaking achievement, especially with the spectacular natural view and a harmonious blend of architecture. The bridge has inspired many designers from the fashion industry to create something that represents out-of-the-world structure. Many couples have done their wedding photo shoots, especially if the location has been accessible. Even though it looks artificial, the bridge is quite interesting in becoming a worldwide photography sensation. It is nothing close to Disneyland, but the amusement park in which it has been made has created quite a stir and an awareness! Accommodation At Ba Na Hills! If you are planning to stay at Ba Na Hills, consider the tour of the Golden Hand Bridge, which can be completed in less than one day! There are other features and attractions that you have to complete, and then you have to book your accommodations there. Some of the best hotels or resorts that you can book while on a trip to the Golden Hand Bridge are as follows: Monarque Hotel - This hotel is a beautiful stay with all the amenities made available! The hotel is mostly for accommodation as the outside is so beautiful and filled with activities and attractions for you to visit. The distance of the hotel is 27.7 km from the Golden Bridge. If you are on a romantic trip, this hotel is definitely for you, as it is perfect for a romantic getaway! As partners, you can enjoy yourselves in the pool apart from the beautiful scenery outside. Muong Thanh Luxury Song Han Hotel - This hotel is 24.6 km from the bridge and is one of the best regarding family stays. The hotel has all the services and amenities, especially with amazing staff services. Traveling as a family, this hotel will ensure all your and your family's requirements are met. Ba Na Hills Mountain Resort - The distance between the resort and the Golden Bridge is 25 km with an altitude of 1487 m! It is one of the favorites based on the guests' ratings and reviews. Apart from having exotic theme parks, the resort offers many recreational activities! Start Packing… Have you started packing yet? Now that we have discussed all about Golden Hand Bridge, Vietnam, you have to visit once in a lifetime. Attractions like these worldwide urge us to see them and create memories of a lifetime. As humans, we are supposed to enjoy the beautiful scenic views worldwide. Even artificial ideas, along with the beauty of nature, confirm our growth and survival. Golden Hand Bridge is worth visiting, along with facilitating accommodations and other attractions. Comment below to tell me why you want to visit Golden Hand Bridge, or have you already checked it off the bucket list? Read Also: These Are The Closest Beaches To Ohio That You Need To Go For A Dreamy Vacation! These Are The 30+ Things To Do In Mexico City That You Must Try!

BY  Sibashree Sep 10, 2024

Connemara National Park has been an important Irish national park, having won the Green Flag Award in 2018. This international benchmark shows its worth as a green space and park. Further, in 2021, it also sought the New Heritage Site Accreditation, which shows the quality of the national park and how it is maintained in a sustainable way.   Moreover, this park is even rich in geology and houses many historical and archaeological sites. In addition, as an outdoor enthusiast, you can explore its various hiking and walking trails.   So, want to tour this Irish national park, which has a dash of history, culture, natural abundance, and more? Here is a complete guide for you.   Important Information About Connemara National Park  Visiting Time: 9 am to 5:30 pm  Entry Fee: Free  Closed On Christmas Day, St. Stephen’s Day, and Red and Orange Weather Alert Days  Amenities: Education Center, Visitor Center, Playground, Cafe, Toilets and Picnic Areas  How to Reach: You can reach this national park by train, car, or bus. You have to reach Galway City first and then take a bus (or private car) to reach the park.  Main Access Point: Near Letterfrack along the N59  Pet Friendliness: Dogs are Welcome to Walk the Trails   Fascinating Geology Of Connemara National Park  The national park is a part of the Twelve Ben area. So, the park also has underlying metamorphic rocks. The sediments forming these rocks are aged between 700 to 550 million years.   Further, you will find schists and gray marbles around the edges of the rocks. Moreover, at the top, you will see quartzite. In addition, it is astonishing to know that the final shaping of the park took place around 10000 years ago or during the last ice age.  The park has a rocky formation with boulder clay and a deposit of sand and gravel. The distinct geological features have contributed to the type of vegetation found in this area.   What Animals Are In Connemara National Park? Which Plants Does This Park Have?  The International Union for Conservation of Nature, or IUCN, has marked Connemara National Park as a Category II Protected Area. So, there is a constant endeavour to safeguard the landscape, wildlife, and ecology of the park unadulterated.   The park has many heritage breeds along with a wide range of protected flora and fauna. In addition, there are some conservation projects to protect the flora and fauna. The table below shows the details.  Birds* Stonechats Wrens Robins Peregrine Falcon Merlin Sparrowhawk Kestrel Mammals Nocturnal Animals  Pine Marten Bats Foxes Badgers  Diurnal Animals   Pygmy Shrews Red Deer Wood Mice Otters Hares Stoats Connemara Ponies Other Fauna Freshwater Pearl Mussel Salmon Trout Smooth Newt Common Frog Rare and Protected Plants and Other Flora Sundews Butterwort Purple Moor Grass Roseroot Purple Saxifrage Starry Saxifrage Pale Butterwort Lesser Twayblade Mountain Sorrel St. Patrick’s Cabbage St. Daboec’s Heath Heritage Breeds Connemara Ponies Cladoir Sheep Moiled Cattle Old Irish Goats Galway Sheep Conservation Projects** Control of Rhododendron Mweelin Exclosure New Found Wood Connemara Pony Cladoir Sheep Preservation Committee Irish Moiled Cattle & Conservation Grazing  *The national park has a large number of birds in the winter. Many native birds of Ireland, such as woodcock, song thrush, mistle thrush, snipe, and starling, increased in numbers in this season.   Moreover, fieldfare, redwing, and many other birds from Northern Europe flock to this park in great numbers during winter.   **The conservation projects in the park are designed to maintain biodiversity. These also try to eradicate the negative impacts on the rare and protected flora and fauna of the park.   Habitats Of Connemara National Park  Connemara National Park has wet boglands and uplands as its habitats. Further, the extremely wet boglands are the hubs of various vegetation. However, the uplands have drier mountain bog communities.  Boglands   Boglands are found in the low-lying areas of the park. Further, in these wet boglands, you will find the western blanket bog. In addition, purple moor grass surrounds this western blanket bog, and thus, it has a grass-like appearance.   In the national park, you will find these boglands near the pool surface, slope inclines, flat lands, and flushes. However, these boglands can appear on your route if you're hiking off trails, and there can be swallow pools. So, be careful!  Uplands   The mountainous and rocky uplands also house a wide variety of vegetation. The grasslands and heather here are also home to some rare and endangered animals, such as red deer and Old Irish Goats.  Moreover, the heathlands here are drier due to a higher altitude.  Hiking And Walking At Connemara National Park  For hikers, all roads in the Connemara National Park lead to the Diamond Hill summit. , panoramic views of Letter Hill or Tully Mountain. Twelve Bens and Kylemore Abbey are also visible from the mountain summit. However, the national park has three more major hiking trails. Check out the table below.  Name of the Trail Difficulty Level Distance (in Km) Upper Diamond Hill Difficult 3.7 Lower Diamond Hill Moderate 3 Sruffaunboy Trail Easy 1.5 Ellis Wood Nature Trail  Easy 0.5  If you are planning to complete a multi-day hiking trip in the national park, you can consider camping here. However, you have to abide by the Wild Camping Code and the regulations related to the Camping Exclusion Zone.   Moreover, you can take a walk (self-guided) through the Tree Trail in the park. It begins from the Car Park Kiosk, and throughout the trail, you will meet tree varieties such as holly, hazel, oak, and Scots’ Pine.   Did You Know?  Through the Connemara National Park West Center and the Letterfrack Village, you can have a thought-provoking walk. The trail you will take is known as the Poetry Trail. Further, in various locations along the path, you will find nine poems by eminent Irish poets like Mary O’Malley and Moya Cannon, which are placed on plaques.   In addition, it is a one-of-a-kind experience for poetry lovers. Some of these nine poems talk about the park and its importance in Irish history. Further, the remaining ones are more generic in nature.   Exploring History At Connemara National Park  The archaeological and historical sites at Connemara National Park tell the tales of human lives and the history of the park for thousands of years. The park’s two megalithic tombs (West and East Tomb) in the park were already popular. However, thanks to the surveys of Helen Riekstins, an archaeologist and national park guide, we have 13 other sites that add to the importance of the park.   Among these 13 sites, six further have been visited by NMS or the National Monuments Service and Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Here are the visited sites.  A standing stone  A cairn  Enclosures  A pre-bog wall  Nearby hut  A house  Further, the other seven sites are to be a part of the Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) review for inclusion.   The pre-bog wall is likely to be associated with neolithic farming. On the other hand, the hut sites and standing stones are believed to be from the Bronze Age.   Connemara National Park has sites that are 10000 years old. These sites existed as coastal middens and belonged to the Mesolithic or Stone Age.  Many archaeological and historical sites are found near Diamond Hill, Letterfrack, and Mweelin.   The megalithic tombs in the park are around 4000 years old.   Connemara National Park is a twin historic site with Terra Nova National Park in Newfoundland. These twinning sites speak for the cultural bond between Ireland and Canada.  Guglielmo Marconi, who received the patent for two-way radio in 1912, is associated with the place. Between Diamond Hill and Mweelin, he suspended the wires, and the current site of Bunaboghee Bog and Park Office had the second line. Here, he invented the first Full Duplex Radio.   So, the presence of various archaeological sites and the association with famous personalities make this park a delightful site for history lovers. Moreover, the Letterfrack Industrial School (1890) is a site important in modern history. Further, the school’s graveyard here tells the grave tales of injustices to the boys resting there.   Final Words   Located in County Galway, Connemara National Park covers around an area of 2,000 hectares. The park opened its door to visitors in 1980, and since then, it has been a place of attraction with its scenic beauty, geological variety, rich wildlife, and hiking trails.   The park also hosts many events like the Summer Evening Lecture Series and Heritage Week Celebration. Moreover, stargazing has become a popular activity in the park, and adults and children over 7 years of age can participate in the star-watching event. You can also check the National Parks website for the latest events at Connemara National Park.  So, are you planning a visit to this historically and naturally rich Irish national park anytime soon? Or have you already been to this wonderful place? Don’t forget to share your experience with us!  Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. From Cocktails To Kickflips: Must-Try Activities In San Diego. Lake Clark National Park And Preserve: Very Few Know How It Preserves The Alaskan Spirit And Culture.

BY  Barsha Dec 30, 2023

Bali is unquestionably among the most magical places to travel. There are breathtaking temples that literally number in the tens of thousands. It is accompanied by almost daily ceremonies that are loud, colorful, and multi-sensory, with the clanging gamelan paired with chanting. In addition, there are countless beaches with waves that are constantly curling and pulsating with dancing surfers, all trimmed in aquamarine. There are endless stretches of lush rice terraces that are incredibly neat. Not to mention canang sari, the abundant offerings of flowers that are blessed and positioned seemingly everywhere every day on the so-called "Island of Gods." Bali has an allure that draws in equal amounts of wellness enthusiasts, design aficionados, and wild Gen Z travelers, as well as enthusiastic surfers, spiritual travelers, yogis, beachcombers, and a plethora of celebrities and influencers. The most rewarding as well as exciting Bali vacation takes you to as many locations as possible. Savor the island experience and the incredibly kind, giving, as well as sincere people who live there. Taking everything into account, it's practically hard to leave Bali feeling anything but happier, healthier, and unquestionably more tan than when you arrived. Bali offers activities for every kind of traveler, making it feel like an endless adventure! It's understandable why so many people choose Bali as their travel destination from all over the world. This magnificent island paradise offers endless idyllic beaches, enticing spiritual energy, terraced rice fields, and exotic sunsets. There is so much to see and do! Enjoy yoga, meditation, surfing, hiking, mouthwatering cuisine, and a vibrant nightlife. Bali has seen tourist influence in some areas, where there are clusters of photogenic cafes, trendy bars, and vegan eateries. However, some regions retain their distinctive Balinese beauty and charm despite being desolate, remote islands. Bali Vacation: Things To Look Forward To Bali, a tropical destination covered in breathtaking scenery, is genuinely a paradise on Earth. It is one of the world's best places for a honeymoon. It has amazing beaches, lively culture, historic temples, and friendly locals. Temples There are over 300 temples on the Island of Gods. Some of the most important ones to see while setting off for a Bali vacation are the Tanah Lot, Tirta Empul, Uluwatu, Goa Gajah, Taman Ayun, Besakih, and Pura Lempuyang Luhur temples. Beauty Bali is popular for its breathtaking scenery. In addition to the breathtaking views of Kintamani Village, Mt. Batur, and the Tegallalang Rice Terrace, Bali's verdant mountains are home to some stunning waterfalls. You can swim in the natural pools created by waterfalls like Tegenungan Waterfall, Gitgit Waterfall, Nungnung Waterfall, and Sekumpul Waterfall as you hike up the picturesque mountains. Culture Explore Bali's dynamic culture by stopping by the Ubud Palace, where you can take in the breathtaking architecture and discover the palace's fascinating history. Seeing the Balinese barong dance and the traditional kecak dance allows you to delve even further into the island's culture. Beaches Bali's tranquil beaches are practically paradisaical. You can swim in the glistening water, take in the vibrant underwater life, soak up the sun, and engage in a variety of water sports. Seminyak Beach, Jimbaran Beach, Kuta Beach, Blue Lagoon Beach, Broken Beach, and Kelingking Beach, are the top beaches in Bali that you can visit. Best Time To Visit Bali Bali's dry season is the ideal time to visit the island. You will not have to worry about sudden rain ruining any outdoor activities from May to October, and summertime humidity is low. The fact that it's the most popular time to go is the only drawback. During this time, flights are more costly, and reservations for your top hotel option must be made well in advance. If you can tolerate brief downpours, plan your Bali Vacation between November and April. It's the cheapest time to travel, and there are still lots of things to do! Cost Of Food In Bali Depending on your preferred experience and the area of the island you choose, food and drink prices will differ considerably. Should you be in the mood to sample some of the best Indonesian cuisines around, Seminyak and Uluwatu typically have pricey dining options. There are less expensive options in other places like North Bali, Ubud, and Canggu. If your Bali vacation is on a tight budget, try Warungs. They are tiny neighborhood eateries. You can get a good meal there for as little as $1–$3 per serving. Meals at mid-range restaurants cost $5 to $10 per person, while beach clubs or upscale dining establishments charge $14 to $50 per person. Due to local taxes, wine and beer can be somewhat pricey, so don't be shocked if you see alcohol marked up 300%. Remember to drink plenty of water! The temperatures are usually high in Bali, so don't forget potable water. In most places, you can purchase bottled water as well, provided you're willing to pay the tourist tax. Things To Keep In Mind Language: English, Balinese, and Indonesian are the three primary languages spoken in Bali. Currency: The Indonesian Rupiah is the currency used in Bali. Credit cards and ATMs: Bali's major cities, such as Ubud and Canggu, have an abundance of ATMs. You can use your credit card to pay for your meal as long as you are not at one of the neighborhood "warung" restaurants but do carry cash. Plugs: Bali uses type C and F plugs. 50 Hz is the standard frequency, and 230 V is the standard voltage. For hot tools like hair dryers, I advise using a converter and purchasing a universal adapter (be sure to check for surge protection). Safety: Bali is among the safest places for women traveling alone! The most important thing to be aware of is traffic safety, particularly if you are renting a motorcycle. If you are not a confident rider, get a taxi. It will never be more expensive than a hospital bill. Wrapping Up It takes a lot of work and effort to plan a Bali vacation. With any luck, this guide will provide you with some useful information to help you get ready for your next trip to Bali! Bali is the ideal place to go on vacation. Nothing compares to spending a leisurely trip lounging on Kuta Beach, dining by candlelight at Jimbaran, or indulging in a soothing spa treatment in Ubud. See the sunrise and sunset in Bali from various locations and be in awe of the scenery.