3 Reasons Why Thailand Is The Ultimate Wellness Destination

BY  Sibashree Jun 20, 2025

The best way to start your day is staring at the rising sun. If some exotic locations for the best sunrises are passing through your mind, let me also remind you of Vietnam. Do you know which are the best places to watch the sunrise in Vietnam?  Before I proceed, let me tell you why sunrises in Vietnam are so beautiful. The cosmic elegance of the Vietnamese sunrise stems from the country's long coastal stretches and naturally scenic settings.  The massive horizons along the coasts create unique sun flares every day when the sun rises here. Similarly, the green landscapes reflecting the nascent sunrays every morning are no less than a visual treat. Why Are There So Many Exotic Places To Watch Sunrise In Vietnam? The mountain peaks here are also mesmerizing. Meanwhile, Vietnam offers many locations where early mornings leave a lasting impression. It includes misty hills and quiet beaches.  This guide highlights the top sunrise spots across the country. Firstly, these places offer some of the most rewarding sights. However, a well-planned vacation package to Vietnam can make these experiences enjoyable. Why Is Vietnam Ideal For Sunrise Views? Vietnam’s geography extends from north to south. It includes the eastern coastline of Southeast Asia. This makes it an ideal destination for sunrise enthusiasts.  The sun rises over the East Sea. It offers clear and wide views. Mountain valleys and beaches provide breathtaking views. Don't miss out on the rice fields. Witnessing sunrise can become one of your most treasured memories of Vietnam. Where Can You See The Best Sunrise In Vietnam? Vietnam has various sunrise spots. Some of them are less explored. Here are some you can include in your next travel itinerary:  1. Mui Ne: Sand Dunes And Sea Views Mui Ne is a coastal town in southern Vietnam. It is known for its red and white dunes. Tourists often visit this area early in the morning. The sand and sky combine to provide a calm and lovely scene. Many Vietnam Travel Agency tours start the day at the Mui Ne dunes. The light breeze and open horizon make this a favorite spot for photographers and early risers. 2. Sapa: Sunrise Over Rice Terraces Sapa's rice terraces and stunning mountain views are popular attractions. It is located in the northern highlands. The fields glow with golden hues. The villages surrounding Fansipan Mountain offer incredible views that are perfect for a sunrise walk. A Vietnam country tour to Sapa usually includes homestays and local treks. It also includes early morning hikes. These make it easier to access the best viewpoints before sunrise. 3. Hoi An: Riverside Reflections At Dawn Hoi An, a typical town with historic streets and attractive riverbanks, is a serene spot for sunrise viewing. The quiet mornings on the Thu Bon River, with boats floating peacefully and old town buildings reflecting in the still water, create a tranquil atmosphere.  You can choose a vacation package to Vietnam that includes the central regions. In this way, you can spend a night in Hoi An just to catch the early morning light. 4. Da Nang: Son Tra Peninsula The Son Tra Peninsula, near Da Nang, offers stunning views. Meanwhile, the best sunrise views can be found from Ban Co Peak and the Linh Ung Pagoda. You can also see the city, sea, and forest all together from this point.  Several Vietnam Travel Agency packages include this spot as part of a day tour from Da Nang. It is often filled with the sounds of birds and cool air. 5. Phu Quoc: Sunrise At The Beach Phu Quoc is an island located in the far south. Its eastern beaches are ideal for watching the sunrise. However, Long Beach, Bai Sao, and Ham Ninh Fishing Village are top places to see the morning sun over the sea. You can book a vacation package to Vietnam that includes beach resorts.  6. Ninh Binh: Mountains And Rivers In The Morning Mist Ninh Binh, also known as Halong Bay, is one of the best places to watch the sunrise in Vietnam. At first, you will encounter the thick morning mist. As the sun rises and the fog begins to clear slowly, you can see the entire frame of the sunrise.  At Ninh Binh, you can also take boat rides along the Ngo Dong River, located in Tam Coc. The rides are seamless, allowing you to relax. However, the sunrise is the best part of early morning Ngo Dong rides.  The sunlight radiating from surrounding cliffs and fields transforms the river into a new canvas every day. If you don’t want to miss such a place to watch the sunrise in Vietnam, consider contacting a travel agency.  They may help you book the 05:00 AM to 07:00 AM boat ride on Ngo Dong. Stay for a while and experience the full arc of the sunrise.  What Time Does The Sun Rise In Vietnam? The winter sunrises in Vietnam are most exotic. Moreover, you need to know about the best places to watch sunrise in Vietnam. That’s why your tour operator’s help is crucial.  The best time to witness the sun in its raw orange form is between 5:30 and 6:30 AM. However, please note that you should check the local time there.  Before visiting, you need to note a few things as well: Usually, there is a thick crowd at the best places to watch sunrise in Vietnam. So arrive at least 30 minutes early to get a front view. The shades and aura of the sunrise from various places will surprise you.  How To Make The Most Of Sunrise Views? Plan most of your sunrise viewing experience. Knowing where to go and how to get there will ensure you don't miss the breathtaking views. Take your hoodies or sweatshirts, as the morning mists are chilly. Interiors may not have food options. So, carry your breakfast essentials or light snacks. Respect the local environment. Avoid littering. Consider booking your trip with a Vietnam Travel Agency. It is to ensure transportation and access to ideal viewpoints.

BY  Sibashree Mar 13, 2026

Amsterdam is one of the best family vacation spots in the world.  Well, the canals and bikes are legendary. However, you also get something that you probably did not expect.  Amsterdam teaches you the art of slow traveling and the thrill of “doing nothing” as a tourist looking for meaningful and authentic experiences.  So, as a believer in TheLowDownUnder Travel, the capital of the Netherlands became my instant favorite.  Furthermore, once you reach Amsterdam, you find out that nothing is superficial about it. Also, the layered history of the city keeps the intrigue alive.  Hence, you always want to come back to Amsterdam.  Hi, in today’s blog, I will talk about the things to do in Amsterdam. Also, if you are in the Dutch capital for the first time, read my guide on Amsterdam travel tips before booking your tickets.  What Are The Things To Do In Amsterdam? (Beyond Ticking The Bucket List) The Keukenhof Gardens in Amsterdam have all the credit for being one of the best places in the world to see flowers.  Furthermore, it is home to historical and cultural landmarks such as the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum.  However, the things to do in Amsterdam are not limited to exploring these places. The real thing to do here is to soak in the history, culture, and livelihood of the city.  So, this is how I experienced Amsterdam.  1. Know A City Built On Water And Ambition A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Amsterdam’s Canal Ring was engineered in the 17th century.  The 17th century was the Dutch Golden Age. So, it is no wonder that Amsterdam was one of the most powerful trade hubs in the world then.  Till today, these waterways lined with tilting canal houses continue to be the backbone of daily life.  You can cycle along the banks like a local or enjoy your time in the houseboats, which bob quietly in the morning mist. These also connect the neighborhoods.  Moreover, the city is very walkable.  The city centre has a series of concentric canals radiating outward from Central Station. Also, most of the major attractions are within cycling or walking distance.  2. Explore Culture At Every Corner The Rijksmuseum is the crown jewel in the cultural landscape of the Dutch capital.  Here, you can see all the great works from the Dutch Golden Age of painting. Furthermore, it has works by Rembrandt and Vermeer.  A short walk away, the Van Gogh Museum draws visitors from across the globe. On the other hand, the Stedelijk offers a strong programme of modern and contemporary art.  Are you looking for something more intimate? The smaller canal house museums like Museum Van Loon or the Willet-Holthuysen give you a glimpse into how Amsterdam's merchant elite actually lived. Then there's the Anne Frank House on the Prinsengracht. It is a sobering and essential visit that tells one of history's most important stories within the very walls where it unfolded. Book tickets well in advance. Beyond the museums, Amsterdam rewards wandering.  The Nine Streets district is a tangle of independent boutiques, vintage shops, and coffee bars tucked between the Herengracht and the Prinsengracht.  The Jordaan neighbourhood, once a working-class area, is now one of the most charming parts of the city. It is full of small galleries, brown cafés, and local markets. 3. Enjoy The Food, Drink, And The Art Of Doing Nothing Dutch food has come a long way from its reputation for simplicity.  Amsterdam's restaurant scene now spans everything from Indonesian rijsttafel, a legacy of the country's colonial history, to outstanding French bistros. It also has modern European tasting menus, and some of the best street-level snacking in Northern Europe.  Grab a fresh herring from a harbour stall. Also, settle into a traditional brown café for a local beer, or book ahead at one of the city's many acclaimed restaurants. The café culture here is worth embracing fully.  Amsterdam's brown cafés, or bruine kroegen, are warm, unhurried spaces designed for long conversations and slow afternoons. They are as much a part of the city's identity as the canals. Where To Stay In Amsterdam? Choose Ambassade Hotel Are you looking for accommodation that feels like an extension of the city itself? Then, the Ambassade Hotel on the Herengracht is a natural choice.  1. Live The History And Enjoy The Art It is spread across 16 historic canal houses that date back to the 17th century. So, a stay here gives you the chance to be a part of the city’s history.  Also, most rooms here look over the Herengracht canal. So, you can enjoy the streetscape of the city.  Furthermore, this hotel has a rich legacy in the field of Dutch hospitality. It has been welcoming guests since 1953. So, the moment you step into this hotel in Amsterdam, you get that whiff of history and feel the warmth.  Moreover, this hotel was an informal art gallery for me, as it has decorations with works from the CoBrA art movement.  Artists from Copenhagen, Brussels, and Amsterdam founded this bold post-war avant-garde school. 2. Check Its Vast Collection Of Literature  This Amsterdam hotel is also famous for its connection to literature. So, it can be a favorite stay for dark academia fans.  Furthermore, writers and intellectuals have loved gathering here since the 1980s, and it has a Library Bar housing more than 5000 books.  Moreover, each book is signed by an author who stayed here.  So, this Dutch hotel is not just a place to stay. It is a destination in itself.  3. Indulge In The Cuisine  The Brasserie Ambassade serves French-inspired cuisine seven days a week. Moreover, if you want to explore the city more deeply, you can also join the private tours offered.  These tours cover Amsterdam's art, architecture, and canal history. Choose A Stay That Gives You The Ease To Explore  Staying at The Ambassade Hotel gives you the freedom to explore the city at your own pace. It is located at Herengracht 341.  So, this hotel is located within walking distance of the major attractions in the city.  Moreover, booking directly via ambassade-hotel.nl gives you the best available rate. You can get up to 15% lower than third-party platforms, along with seasonal offers and the possibility of a complimentary room upgrade. Overall, Amsterdam is a city that rewards travelers who take it slow and yearn for authentic experiences.  Hence, staying at a place that is imbued with the city’s character is very important for a perfect vacation.

BY  Abdul Aziz Dec 23, 2023

If you imagine yourself traveling to a warm, sunny place, you probably envision yourself at a beach. The ideal temperatures would be in the 80s or even 90s. But you definitely don’t imagine it to be in a desert that is notoriously hot. The hottest places on Earth range from crowded cities to breathtaking desert landscapes. Its temperatures routinely rise above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Thanks to its record-breaking temperatures, Death Valley in California is widely regarded as the hottest place on Earth. But you might be surprised by some of the other places on this list. Some of these locations are notorious for their year-round intense heat. Others have mild winter temperatures that rise to extremes as the weather warms. What Are The Hottest Places In The World? If you are looking to travel to these countries or just want to stay in the know, the heat will be real. Here are some of the hottest places in the world. Here, I will start with a round-up table and then get into the details.   A Round-Up  Location Average Temperature Notable Heat Record / Key Detail Khartoum, Sudan 36.6°C (Average daytime) Thermometer readings consistently register 40°C or higher from April to June. Assab, Eritrea 34.7°C (Average annual high) Hottest city on Earth when combining day and night temperatures.  Nighttime stays around 30°C in July and August. Qurayyat, Oman 33.1°C (Average daytime) Held the world's highest minimum daily temperature on June 26, 2018, never falling below 42.6°C. Kuwait City, Kuwait 32.1°C (Average daytime) Relentlessly rises above 46°C from May to September.  The temperature here reached 50°C in 2021. Ouargla, Algeria 29.1°C (Average daytime) Set an undisputed record of 51.3°C in 2018, though winter days can drop below freezing. Kebili, Tunisia 26.6°C (Average daytime) Holds Africa's highest recorded temperature of 55°C (set in 1931) due to El Azizia's disqualification. El Azizia, Libya 26.1°C (Average daytime) Officially disqualified from its previous heat record. Dallol, Ethiopia 25.6°C (Average daytime) Averaged an annual temperature of 34.4°C between 1960 and 1966 in the Danakil Depression. Lut Desert, Iran 24.0°C (Average daytime) NASA satellites recorded a staggering land surface ("land skin") temperature of 70.7°C in 2005. Comodoro Rivadavia, Argentina 49.0°C (Average daytime) Recorded South America's highest ever temperature of 49°C during a 1905 heatwave. Death Valley, USA 33°C •Experienced the highest temperature ever recorded worldwide of 56.7°C (134°F) in 1913. •The temperature reached 54.5°C (130°F) in 2020. Ahvaz, Iran 32.8°C (Average) Mentioned as the hottest city on Earth, located near the comparison context for Khartoum.  El Azizia, Libya Average daytime temperature 26.1°C  In 1913, Death Valley experienced the highest temperature ever recorded worldwide, reaching 134 degrees Fahrenheit (56.7 degrees Celsius).   The World Meteorological Organization's Global Weather & Climate Extremes Archive announced the record.   While some scientists question the accuracy of historical temperature records, it is widely accepted that Death Valley is among the hottest places on Earth. There are reports of temperatures reaching 130 degrees Fahrenheit (54.5 degrees Celsius) in the summer of 2020.  Kebili, Tunisia Average daytime temperature: 26.6°C  Due to El Azizia's disqualification, the town in central Tunisia remains the site of Africa's highest temperature ever recorded. It was 55 degrees Celsius in 1931.   Kebili, one of the oldest cities on the continent, was a major slave hub and briefly came under Roman rule.   Its southerly palm-tree oasis is accessible via an appealing mud-brick arch.   Beyond that opens up the enormous Chott el Djerid, the largest salt pan in the Sahara. Summers are still scorching, with many days reaching 40°C.  Lut Desert, Iran Average daytime temperature: 24°C  NASA satellites measure land surface (also known as land skin) temperatures in hard-to-reach, remote locations. This provided an additional metric for actual hotspots.   Dasht-e Lut, or the “Plain of Emptiness,” an inhospitable desert plateau in Iran, recorded 70.7°C in 2005.   As a result, even bacteria cannot withstand that. Three types of habitats coexist in the desert: sand dunes, wind-sculpted ridges, ravines, as well as broad salt-flat plateaus. Average daytime temperature: 29.1 °C Some meteorological historians dispute Kebili's record as well. This affluent university city is emerging as the winner with 2018's unquestionable 51.3C record. However, strangely, days can drop below freezing here during the winter. It is located adjacent to an oasis in the Saharan region of southern Algeria. Ouargla once enticed travelers in search of sand roses, or clusters of gypsum crystals, at its traditional souk. Before the Algerian War, it even served as the inspiration for a boogie-woogie song by Memphis Slim. Production of gasoline is currently its primary industry. Dallol, Ethiopia Average daytime temperature: 25.6 °C The isolated Danakil Depression in northern Ethiopia is famous for two reasons. Firstly, it is thought to be the place where humans first evolved (many hominin fossils have been found there). Secondly, it is the hottest place on Earth, with an average annual temperature of 34.4C between 1960 and 1966. It was cut down at its remote village of Dallol, which was mainly abandoned after salt miners first settled there. White salt lakes, sulfurous hot springs, and erupting gas-belching geysers can be found in the surrounding volcanic depression. Khartoum, Sudan Average daytime temperature: 36.6°C  Sudan's large, ostentatious capital is located near the sultriest city on Earth, Ahvaz, Iran, with an average temperature of 32.8°C.   The capital is photogenically located at the confluence of the Blue and White Niles.   Thermometer readings consistently register 40°C or higher from April to June.  January, the coolest month, is still hotter than a UK summer.   Tourists can visit camel markets, see whirling dervishes at Hamed el-Nil Tomb, and explore the enormous Souq al-Arabi. They can even view 3,500-year-old artifacts at the National Museum beneath gleaming glass skyscrapers.  Assab, Eritrea Average annual high: 34.7°C  When you add together the average yearly temperature of Assab during the day and at night, it becomes the hottest city on Earth.  Even at 3 AM in July and August, you will be sleeping in 30-degree heat.   Since Assab normally receives just three rainy days annually, sweat is probably going to be the only precipitation on display as well.   Although Ethiopia and Eritrea are frequently at odds along their borders, you would be far better off exploring other parts of the Red Sea. The coast is the region's primary tourist attraction.  Kuwait City, Kuwait Average daytime temperature: 32.1 °C In the massive Kuwaiti capital, cars melt in the oven-like five-month summers, sandstorms swirl in, and the streets go eerily empty. Most people wisely only venture outside their houses to visit blissfully cool shopping centers. Every month from May to September, it relentlessly rises above 46C. In 2021, it rose to 50C. Similar problems are reported in other Gulf locations, probably because of the exact angle at which the sun shines. Winter days can, however, only be one-seventh as warm. Qurayyat, Oman Average daytime temperature: 33.1 °C The world's highest daily temperature is in Qurayyat. On June 26, 2018, for instance, the temperature in this location never fell below 42.6°C in 24 hours. Qurayyat, also known as Quriyat, is a small fishing town on the Gulf of Oman, southeast of Muscat. It has lovely beaches, a mangrove swamp, and a picturesque dam that provides much-needed water. Most remarkably, it has a 200-year-old crenellated fort with large wooden doors. Does anyone remember Indiana Jones and the Nights of Calefaction? Comodoro Rivadavia, Argentina Average daytime temperature: 49°C  This is probably the hottest place in the world, being home to Comodoro Rivadavia.   During the 1905 heatwave, this port city in Patagonia recorded the highest temperature ever recorded in South America, 49°C.   2022 was scorching once more, despite the fact that it was distinctly out of the ordinary for a place prone to cold winters.  Even Argentina's capital, Buenos Aires, which is located 900 miles north, could withstand a 41.6°C day in January.   Comodoro, a center for crude oil, also has a National Museum of Petroleum and is surrounded by beach resorts.  How To Stay Safe When Traveling To Extremely Hot Destinations  Visiting any of the destinations on this list requires more preparation than a typical beach holiday. Temperatures at this extreme carry real health risks if you are not careful.   Heat-related illness can develop quickly. Also, knowing how to prevent it is far more useful than simply knowing which cities hold the temperature records.  Stay Hydrated  Hydration is the single most important factor. The amount most travelers normally drink at home is rarely enough in places like Kuwait City or Khartoum.   Aim to drink water consistently throughout the day rather than waiting until you feel thirsty. Thirst is already a sign of mild dehydration.   Electrolyte tablets or oral rehydration salts are worth packing, particularly if you will be spending time outdoors.   Sweating heavily without replacing lost salts can lead to painful muscle cramps and, in severe cases, heat exhaustion.  Make The Right Clothing Choices  Clothing choices matter just as much as water intake.   Loose-fitting, lightweight, breathable fabrics in light colors reflect sunlight better than dark, tight clothing.  Also, a wide-brimmed hat combined with UV-protective sunglasses reduces the strain of direct sun exposure on your face and eyes.   Long sleeves might seem counterintuitive in extreme heat. However, many desert cultures rely on light, loose layers specifically to shield skin from direct sun while still allowing airflow.  Time Your Activities Well  Timing your activities around the hottest hours of the day makes an enormous difference.   In places like Qurayyat or Comodoro Rivadavia, locals often shift their schedules entirely.  Rest indoors during the early afternoon. Then, save markets, museums, and outdoor sightseeing for the early morning or evening hours when temperatures are more bearable.   Visitors are wise to adopt the same rhythm rather than fighting it.  Know The Early Warning Signs Of Heat Exhaustion  It is also important to recognize the early warning signs of heat exhaustion. It includes heavy sweating, dizziness, nausea, headache, and an unusually rapid pulse.   If you or a travel companion experience these symptoms, move to shade or air conditioning. Also, loosening clothing and sipping cool water immediately can prevent progression to heat stroke.  Wear Sunscreen  Sunscreen deserves a mention as well, since intense UV exposure at these latitudes and altitudes can cause severe burns far faster than travelers expect.   Reapplying every two hours, and more frequently if you're swimming or sweating heavily, is essential even on days that feel overcast. Read Also: From Sunrise To Sunset: A Day’s Itinerary For Exploring Benidorm Things To Do In Leeds: Dive Into The Dynamic Heart Of Yorkshire Hidden Gems: Unearthing The Best Things To Do In Nottingham