<p>Yes, we've all heard of how reclusive North Korea is, but to be fair, there are actually a lot of unique and amazing attractions in North Korea. If you have read the news, you would have known that South-North Korea reconcilation just happened few months back. In our rejoice, it is finally a chance for you to visit North Korea!</p>
<p>North Korea has been known for having their citizens being tightly controlled by the government. Some of the few regulations made to make this possible were:</p>
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<li><strong>International calling is very difficult.</strong> There are no international roaming in North Korea, and international calls are generally possible in hotels, though they are expensive. Though pre-paid SIMs are available, it is best to assume the possibility of your calls are being monitored, so do act accordingly.</li>
<li><strong>Limited Internet facilities.&nbsp;</strong>Only a few locals have permission for it. There are no Internet cafes or business centers. Internet access is possible via 3G network and through connection from larger hotels. If you are short-staying tourist, it's unlikely you'll be given these services.</li>
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<h2>Why North Korea?</h2>
<p>With such tight regulation, North Korea citizens tend to not know much about the outside world. In addition to the lack of immigration, this makes North Korea one of the most homogenous nations on Earth. So you're probably wondering, <em><strong>why should I visit North Korea if I won't have the freedom to roam around?</strong>&nbsp;</em><br /><br />True, you may not have the freedom to roam and explore; however, this is an opportunity to visit and <strong>get a glimpse of the world's most isolated nation</strong>, where society seems like they are living under a cult. Experience their way of living, where you have to be careful of everything you say and do, and simply follow the Golden Rule <em><strong>"If you have nothing nice to say, don't say</strong></em><strong><em> it</em>"</strong>.<br /><br />Not to mention, you are missing out on some amazing spots in North Korea. Yes, they do have their <strong>fair share of beautiful sightings and historical places</strong>. (Join us to <a href="https://ikchin.com.sg/tour-details#data0=id/89" target="_blank" rel="noopener">North Korea</a>&nbsp;NOW!)<br /><br />On another bright side, the limited access to Internet would be a great way for you to <strong>disconnect from the digital life</strong> and take your time to look through your thoughts and figure who you truly are and what you really want in life. In simple, it <strong>gives you time to self-reflect</strong> on yourself and your future.<br /><br /><em>You may be interested to read our article : <a href="https://ikchin.com.sg/articles/7-reasons-travel-helps-you-as-a-person">7 Reasons Travel Help You As A Person</a></em></p>
<h2>What to see in North Korea?</h2>
<p>Well I'm glad you asked. We have 2 itineraries specially for you! To not spoil the big surprise, have a sneak peek of what we will be looking at during our trip to North Korea!</p>
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<h3>Pyongyang</h3>
<p>Forged in concrete, bronze and marble, Pyongyang ("flat land") is the ultimate totalitarian metropolis built from scratch after the Korean War destruction. This city focuses heavily on the capital's monuments, towers, statues and buildings glorifying Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong-il and the Juche philosophy. Join us to uncover the past and the North Korean lifestyle in this metropolis while visiting Ryomyong Street, the Arch of Triumph, Mansudae Fountain Park, and more.</p>
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<h3>Mount Myohyang</h3>
<p>Myohyangsan ("Mysterious Fragrant Mountain"), named after its mystic shape and fragrant, is a sacred site and was believed to be home of King Tangun, forefather of Korean people.&nbsp;<br /><br />At Myohyangsan, lies the International Friendship Exhibition Center, which is dubbed the world's biggest treasure-house. On exhibit are presents recevied by the North Korean leaders over the years.&nbsp;<br /><br />In 2009, UNESCO declared Mount Myohyang as a world biosphere reserve. Citing its cultural significance as well as its spectacular cliffs, this mountain has provided habitat for 30 endemic plants species, 16 globally threatened plants species and 12 endangered animal species.</p>
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<h3>Ullim Waterfall</h3>
<p>Ullim Falls is a waterfall in North Korea located outside Wonsan. According to Korean Friendship Association, the waterfall is built by Kim Jong-il in 1999 and completed in 2001, and marked as a tourist destination.</p>
<h3>Masikryong Resort</h3>
<p>Masikryong Resort is a ski resort at the summit of the 1,360-metre Taehwa Peak (Korean: 대황산) some 20 kilometres outside Wonsan City in Kangwon Province, North Korea. The resort has several facilities like luxury hotels, ice rinks, swimming pools and restaurants. The term "Masikryong" means "horse-resting pass" which was named so by the government to make the resort as part of a drive to "make people not only possess strong physiques and sound mentality, but also enjoy their sports and cultural lives in a world&rsquo;s advanced condition."</p>
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<h2>Like what you're reading?</h2>
<p>Then start booking your trip to North Korea with us now! Contact us at (65) <a href="tel:65354334">6535 4334</a> or email at <a href="mailto:enquiry@ikchin.com.sg&nbsp;">enquiry@ikchin.com.sg</a> <strong>now!</strong></p>

New Addition: North Korea

<h3>Travelling around the world is something everyone dreams of at some point. It is never too late to start your plans now on this life-changing experience.</h3>
<p>One thing that is holding us back is the fear that we are not cut out for the travelling life or maybe travelling may somehow ruin your career prospects. Is it the right time to travel? What if you screw up your job and couldn't get a job when you come back? Well, there are thousands of reasons why you should travel and how all those insecurities are a one in a thousand possibilities that may happen, but I am here to summarize some of the reasons into the list I have made today. Here are 7 reasons why you should start planning for your next trip!</p>

7 Reasons Travel Helps You As A Person

<h2>&ldquo;Are we naturally good or bad?&rdquo; A question society has pondered for generations.</h2>
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<td style="width: 58.6388%;">Though we may do small little bad deeds like telling white lies or accidentally using bug spray out of panic from seeing a cockroach, we still end up feeling bad and would try to do more good; but why? Why is there such a concept to do good? To compensate for the bad things we did? Are we just drawn to do good deeds? Do we do it with expectations that others will return in favour of our deeds? Or is there something deeper than all these?&nbsp;<br /><br />On such a special occasion, Vesak Day is here and I decided to talk a bit more about this since most of our trips focuses on Buddhist pilgrimages.&nbsp;</td>
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<div class="pic"><br />I remember one day, my colleague suddenly asked &ldquo;Why do you believe in Buddhism?&rdquo; The first thought that came to my mind was &ldquo;It seemed like the most logical belief that could explain and support science, in my point of view.&rdquo; I am not here to point at other religions as &ldquo;illogical&rdquo; and promote Buddhism, but as someone who has always been fascinated by science, Buddhism managed to explain a lot of things &ndash; even things science has yet to discover. I do truly believe in the Five Precepts (abstain from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, false speech, and intoxication), which I often see in a lot of religions &ndash; not only Buddhism.&nbsp;<br /><br />However, with what I see and witness from myself, though it may seem easy to follow the Five Precepts, it isn&rsquo;t. Despite only consisting of 5 precepts, it is still difficult to truly follow them. Sure you may not kill chickens for people to eat, but you still try to get rid of pesky ants or house pests with harmful chemicals. Or you speak small little white lies because you do not want to hurt others feelings.</div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>It takes a lot of consciousness to truly follow the 5 Precepts, and to people who truly believes in karma, they will try to do as much good deed and follow the precepts. As they believe that by doing good deed they will attain something good in the future.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.net.in/lkchin/files/03ab154c/why_do_good_2.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="342" /></p>
<h4>But why?</h4>
<h4>Doing good makes you feel good.</h4>
<p>Imagine a grandma dropping her oranges because her plastic bag was too weak, you could&rsquo;ve just let her pick it all up herself, but some would help. Even though you gain nothing in return, you still do so. One reason why we do good is because it feels good to help others. The feeling to put a smile on a desperate face makes you feel happy.</p>
<h4>Doing good gives you self-respect and you get respected by others.</h4>
<p>Take the same scenario, by helping out a poor grandma, others will notice and set a &ldquo;good image&rdquo; of you as a nice person. Though to some who may want to debate on this matter will say it all comes down to the good intentions, people will judge you (like it or not) from what you do. By helping a helpless grandma, people will respect you because you put value in society.</p>
<p>Now why &ldquo;self-respect&rdquo;? Hypothetically, you would be a &ldquo;nice person&rdquo; if you &ldquo;get away with a bad deed&rdquo;, but I believe that to be truly happy &ndash; an aim most religions go for &ndash; one must first have some self-respect. Of course, this is a debatable topic, but in the end, self-respect is a major key to true happiness.</p>
<h4>Doing good &ldquo;gives you a higher chance to go to Heaven&rdquo;</h4>
<p>And on this special occasion, this is something we hear about a lot. Do more good deeds, get a chance to go to Heaven. Hearing this sure makes me feel &ldquo;I wish the dead could come back and tell us if it&rsquo;s true or not&rdquo; but sadly we all know nothing lasts forever in the mortal world. Now major religions believe that doing more good would give you a higher chance of going to Heaven.</p>
<p>This reasoning connects with the previously mentioned reasons. But the main point in this reason is that we believe that doing alleviates us from our suffering and others suffering. Why do I say so? We do good because we sense the suffering of others (eg; helping poor villages, donating for people in need, adopt injured animals), in a sense, we are them. By connecting with others, we understand more about ourselves and open up our mind and perspective to the world around us. As a result of an open mind, you get closer to achieving true happiness, giving you a higher chance to go to Heaven.</p>
<p>All in all, though it may seem like you don&rsquo;t get anything back from doing good, that should not stop you from doing good deeds. If you need a start, maybe just start by simply holding the door for stranger, give a seat to the elderly or anyone who needs it more, or saying a simple &ldquo;Have a nice day&rdquo; to that cashier guy you meet while buying bubble tea or McDonalds. Besides, doing good does not always have to be a contract where you expect others to repay. Instead, we can all start doing good to connect one another, and make altruism as a natural act rather than an unnatural phenomenon.</p>
<h2>Want to join us to do good deeds?</h2>
<p>We will be heading to&nbsp;<a title="Laos Itinerary (2018)" href="https://ikchin.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/LALPQ5-6D-Lao-CP.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Laos on December 2018</a>&nbsp;to help poor villages and give toys to children who don&rsquo;t have anything to play with.</p>

Why Do Good?

<p>We all have heard of Korean terms at this point, whether it&rsquo;s K-pop, Korean drama, to simple words and phrases like &ldquo;Oppa&rdquo; and &ldquo;Annyeonghaseyo&rdquo;. But to truly experience Korea, one must live life the Korean way, and to those who are thinking&nbsp;<em>&ldquo;But how will I be able to do that? I&rsquo;ve never been to Korea before&rdquo;</em>&nbsp;, do not fret! We have special Korea itineraries that you can join.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.net.in/lkchin/files/d661b67b/Annyeonghaseyo_1.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="333" /></p>
<h2>What&rsquo;s so special about our itineraries?</h2>
<p>We have a number of different trips to Korea depending on your liking. If you would like to understand how Buddhism is like in Korea, we have a special trip for you!&nbsp;<strong>Have a temple stay at Baekyangsa temple</strong>&nbsp;and learn meditation, Buddhist manners, yard-cleaning and experience temple cooking with Jeong Kwan herself.<br /><br />At Baekyangsa, the head chef Sunim Jeong Kwan, spend a large part her life cooking with the nature, from planting to harvesting and giving it back, makes her cooking one of the nature. With Sunin Jeong Kwan, temple food goes beyond the eating itself. It&rsquo;s the entire process that make her cooking so spontaneous and special which will warm the heart of the consumer with compassion.&nbsp;<br /><br />I would definitely recommend you to visit Baekyangsa Temple during autumn to get an opportunity to see the beautiful red-orange maple leaves. Want to explore more than just one temple? We do have a trip for that!</p>
<h3>Special spots you'll be visiting include:</h3>
<h4>Songgwangsa (Spreading Pine Temple)</h4>
<p><img src="https://cdn.net.in/lkchin/files/9d47ddcb/Annyeonghaseyo_2.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="332" /></p>
<p>The Songgwangsa temple is one of the three jewels of Seon Buddhism. Though it may be small, it represents &ldquo;the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha&rdquo;. This temple has had a turbulent history, affected by the Second Japanese Invasion in 1597-1598 and the Korean War; thus offering variety of stories from the origin of its name to how it survived through rough moments that could have led to its destruction.</p>
<h4>Haedong Yonggungsa Temple</h4>
<p><img src="https://cdn.net.in/lkchin/files/14ab7f73/Annyeonghaseyo_3.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="124" /></p>
<p>The view from this temple is simply magnificent, and one of the few temples in Korea to be built near the seaside. Just like Songgwangsa, this temple went through some rough moments, especially during the Second Japanese Invasion of Korea. However, with care and hard work, this temple is restored and preserved to the beauty it is today.</p>
<h4>Oryukdo Skywalk</h4>
<p><img src="https://cdn.net.in/lkchin/files/e97931fc/Annyeonghaseyo_4.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="168" /></p>
<p>Take a walk on this skywalk that stretches into the sea and take the perfect picture of Oryukdo Island. The view is beyond words &ndash; with small hill-like islands standing in the clear blue water, with the forever-changing sky as its background, you would definitely not want to miss out on this spot during our trip.&nbsp;<br /><br />That is all the little secrets I can share with you with the itineraries that we have. Of course, I do not want to spoil the beauty of what is to come during the trip (Hehehe..)<br /><br />And finally, we have a new trip to Korea&rsquo;s infamous, Jeju Islands. One of the popular tourist destinations, and the largest island in Korea, known for its beautiful beaches and lush countryside, there are several places in our itinerary that might spark some interest in you.</p>
<h4>NANTA Cookin' Show</h4>
<p><img src="https://cdn.net.in/lkchin/files/12a0f2f9/Annyeonghaseyo_5.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="252" /></p>
<p>Being one of the longest-running shows in Korea, NANTA is a non-verbal comedy cooking show that you will never forget! Experience the traditional samul nori</p>
<h4>Jeju Trick Art Museum</h4>
<p><img src="https://cdn.net.in/lkchin/files/ac242f36/Annyeonghaseyo_6.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></p>
<p>Love magic shows like NANTA&rsquo;s performance but you don&rsquo;t know any magic trick? Don&rsquo;t worry! We will be bringing you to Jeju&rsquo;s Trick Art Museum where you can fool you friends with pictures of you hanging upside down, stabbed by Napoleon, and many more!</p>
<h4>N Seoul Tower</h4>
<p><img src="https://cdn.net.in/lkchin/files/ecc77b66/Annyeonghaseyo_7.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="360" /></p>
<p>Marking the second highest point in Seoul, the N Seoul Tower was the first general radio wave tower in South Korea. The view is simply beautiful, whether you are visiting during the day or night, you get to see a 360 panoramic view of Seoul.</p>
<h2>Want to see more?</h2>
<p><strong>Head over to our office or contact us at (+65) 6535 4335 or&nbsp;enquiry@ikchin.com.sg&nbsp;to book your ideal trip now!</strong></p>

Annyeonghaseyo! Welcome to Korea!

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<p>Ever wondered what life would be like if you had nothing to do other than surviving in what seems like an endless terrain of grass? Well, you&rsquo;re in luck! We are going to Inner Mongolia, a place known for their nomadic life, where you wander around the land in search of food and place to shelter from the environment. Though we are not going for all the independent survival thing, and instead, have a proper guided tour.</p>
<h2>What and where is Inner Mongolia?</h2>
<p><img src="https://cdn.net.in/lkchin/files/c5bfbf0e/what_to_see_2.jpg" alt="" width="229" height="240" /></p>
<p>Inner Mongolia is a subdivision of China, bordering &ldquo;outer&rdquo; Mongolia and Russia. Despite being very sparsely-populated (with about 24 million people inhabiting as of a 2010 census), it is rich in mineral sources, and also one of the few places on Earth untouched by modern life. It is located in northern China, separating China from Mongolia. Their official languages are Mongolian and Chinese, and it is official to put both languages on signs and boards. So as long as you can read Chinese, you should be able to go around Mongolia with no issues.</p>
<h2>How does it feel like to be in Mongolia?</h2>
<h3>FOOD</h3>
<p><img src="https://cdn.net.in/lkchin/files/e9e5a5d9/what_to_see_3.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="217" /></p>
<p>Traditional Mongolian food is found throughout Inner Mongolia. The diet is mainly formed with meats, especially mutton (which is somewhat similar to Xinjiang), and typically high in dairy products, like cheese, sour milk, and milk tea. Generally, the Mongolians prefer drinking sour milk, and the traditional Mongolian milk tea is a must try. Some famous dishes include roast lamb, naked oat flour, and buckwheat flour. Plant dietary composed of nuts and seeds grown locally, such as sunflower seeds, pine nuts, and pumpkin kernels.</p>
<div>&nbsp;A simple yet unique difference in Mongolia, they drink with bowls instead of cups or glasses. Though it may be something you have done at home because you tried to sip the last drop of milk from your cereal bowl, it is another experience to drink a traditional Mongolian milk tea.</div>
<h3>PEOPLE</h3>
<p>If we have to describe the people in Mongolia in 3 words, it would be &ldquo;Loud, merry, friendly&rdquo; (&ldquo;Loud&rdquo; in a good way). Living a nomadic lifestyle, the Mongols are generally very friendly when they meet foreigners and would invite them for a drink and talk. Though the land may be a simple grassy terrain with nothing to do, these people know a lot of ways to get you to interact with them and understand their culture. They would be more than happy to let you wear their traditional clothes and trying out their food. At night, they would make campfires, enjoy dinner, and sing and dance merrily around the fire. Not a moment is boring if you get to know them well enough.</p>
<h2>TRIP ITINERARY</h2>
<p><em>Now this is what you came for.</em>&nbsp;We will be focusing on exploring the naturally untouched locations that have not been urbanized. With wide meadows, forests and mountains on the Eastern side and hot dry deserts on the Western side of Inner Mongolia, Inner Mongolia brings you a feel of &ldquo;natural life&rdquo;. They are, especially, well known for their grasslands. The views are simply majestic and breathtaking. We&rsquo;re not sure how to put it into words, but if we had to, the grassland is like a huge fuzzy green carpet with cattle and sheep grazing around, and traditional Mongolian houses spread around the vast land, and mountains standing tall, silhouetting the grand blue sky.</p>
<h3>ZHANGBEI</h3>
<p><img src="https://cdn.net.in/lkchin/files/e4dcbba6/what_to_see_4.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="199" /></p>
<p>Cross the 133-kilometer grassland (<em>not by foot of course</em>) where you get to see historical remains of the Great Wall and many more ecological and geological tourism resources &ndash; Grass Skyline. Also known as &ldquo;China&rsquo;s version of Route 66 from USA&rdquo;, it is one of the most beautiful grasslands in China.</p>
<h3>DOULUN</h3>
<p><img src="https://cdn.net.in/lkchin/files/d8e0d1f3/what_to_see_5.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="195" /></p>
<p>Formerly built during the Yuan dynasty, where you will get the opportunity to see the remains of Kublain Khan&rsquo;s legendary city, the&nbsp;<strong>Ruins of Xanadu</strong>allows you to witness the remains of what Kublain Khan has done during his days.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.net.in/lkchin/files/72357350/what_to_see_6.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></p>
<p>Come and and see&nbsp;<strong>Jinlianchuan Grassland</strong>! Also known as Globeflower Plain, this prairie is filled with bright yellow globe flowers giving it a spray of golden to the usual green grasslands you regularly see.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.net.in/lkchin/files/05d469c2/what_to_see_7.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></p>
<p>There are so many beautifully carved mountains spread around inner Mongolia, and one of them is the inactive Wulan Hada Volcano. The&nbsp;<strong>Wulan Hada Volcano</strong>&nbsp;is known for being a perfect spot for astrological photographers to shoot some out-of-the-world night shots and meteor showers. Though it may not be part of the trip, the volcano itself is still a beauty to be awed.</p>
<h3>ULANQAB</h3>
<p><img src="https://cdn.net.in/lkchin/files/a9f810d3/what_to_see_8.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="169" /></p>
<p>Visit a valley that stretches 10 kilometers long and carves 300 meters deep, the&nbsp;<strong>Yellow Flower Valley</strong>. Located on the west side of&nbsp;<strong>Huitengxile Grassland&nbsp;</strong>, this valley has unique geology and beautiful landscape. Stepping into the valley, travelers can see steep cliff, overlapping peaks, absurd stones, green trees and fresh grass, clear springs. You won&rsquo;t miss the highlighted sites, like Double Hump Peak, Sword Gate Peak, and many more.</p>
<h3>URAD</h3>
<p><img src="https://cdn.net.in/lkchin/files/84522ccd/what_to_see_9.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="118" /></p>
<p>One unique place we are visiting for this year&rsquo;s trip is the&nbsp;<strong>Urad Sunflower Field</strong>, where canolas and sunflowers are grown and viewing it from a distance gets you amazed with the amazing bright yellow flowers covering the plain. Take the opportunity to capture some amazing shots and cute selfies, but do keep in mind to not ruin the flowers.</p>
<h3>XIANGSHAWAN</h3>
<p><img src="https://cdn.net.in/lkchin/files/23a59c5e/what_to_see_10.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="199" /></p>
<p>The&nbsp;<strong>Xiangshawan Desert</strong>, goes by with a lot of name, some notable ones are &ldquo;The Singing Sand Ravine&rdquo; and &ldquo;Resonant Sand Bay&rdquo;. It got its name from the noise the sand makes when walk on it. Visitors and travellers have mentioned that the sand produces an engine noise as you walk through the sand, but you&rsquo;ll never know until you hear it for yourself.<br /><br />There is also a resort in Xiangshawan, known as Lotus Hotel, a magnificent and beautiful hotel built for tourists to stay over in this mysterious desert.</p>
<h2>WAIT! THERE'S MORE!!!</h2>
<p>Got you hooked on this naturally amazing place? Why not book with IK CHIN Travel? We have an itinerary going to Mongolia right now! (<a href="https://ikchin.com.sg/tour-details#data0=id/69" target="_blank" rel="noopener">8D7N Mongolian Heaven</a>) OR you could customize a tour to Inner Mongolia with us! What are you waiting for? Book NOW!&nbsp;</p>

WHAT TO SEE: Inner Mongolia

<p><img src="https://cdn.net.in/lkchin/files/ccb0f357/should_you_visit_1.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="235" /></p>
<p>For those who love to travel to China, it would be a waste to not travel to Xinjiang. With beautiful scenery and a culture that is unique and different compared from other areas of China, it offers a whole different experience for travellers who normally visits the Eastern side of China; Forbidden City in Beijing, the fast-moving life in Shanghai, or taking a bet in Macau. However, one question remains,&nbsp;<strong>should you visit Xinjiang?<br /><br /></strong></p>
<h2>What is Xinjiang?</h2>
<p><strong>Never heard of Xinjiang? Don&rsquo;t worry.&nbsp;</strong>Xinjiang is located northwest of China. They are known for their unique food and diverse culture compared to other areas of China.&nbsp;<br />With history that dates back to almost 40,000 years, this place serves more than just food and culture. Natural photogenic sites are almost everywhere around Xinjiang, from snow-capped mountains, nature reserves, snake-crawling rivers, small hidden villages, abandoned cities, to beautiful deserts.<br /><br /></p>
<h2>What to expect in Xinjiang?</h2>
<h3>FOOD</h3>
<p>To foodies out there, especially the ones that have never been to Xinjiang, you would definitely want to try out Xinjiang cuisine. Unlike Eastern Chinese, where their diet focuses on low to moderate meat and fish, along with more vegetables and starches, Xinjiang diet mainly focuses on mutton, as the majority of the people living in Xinjiang are Muslims. This difference is so due to Xinjiang bordering along Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan, making the population diverse, with Central Asian dominating the area over the Han people of China.<br /><br />Despite being culturally diverse, there was little miscommunication at the area. With the locals mostly fluent in Mandarin and/or Uyghur. Older English language would refer their language as &ldquo;Chinese Turkestan&rdquo;.</p>
<h3>NATURAL SCENERY</h3>
<h4>MOUNTAINS</h4>
<p>Home to the world&rsquo;s second largest mountain, Mount K2, Xinjiang is well-known for its beautiful natural scenery.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.net.in/lkchin/files/ccb0f357/should_you_visit_1.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="235" /></p>
<p>With numerous snow-capped peaks, like Bogda Peak, Gasherbrum III, Tian Shan, etc. Not to forget the unique ones like the Flaming Mountain and the famous&nbsp;<strong>Shenzhong Mountain</strong>, known for its natural bell-shape. Skiing is a recommended activity for those who are visiting Xinjiang, though altitude sickness would be something to watch out for.<br /><br /></p>
<h4>GRASSLANDS</h4>
<p><img src="https://cdn.net.in/lkchin/files/71cba224/should_you_visit_2.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="225" /></p>
<p>Xinjiang is known to offer naturally untouched grasslands and scenic spots such as&nbsp;<strong>Ili Nalati Scenic Spots, Bayin Buluke Grassland,</strong>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<strong>Gongnaisi Grassland.</strong><br /><br /><strong>Ili Nalati Scenic Spots</strong>, also named as &ldquo;Sky Grassland&rdquo; due to its high altitude and steep terrains, is one of the four largest grasslands in the world. The grassland&rsquo;s beauty is beyond words; with sheep and cattle dotting in like waves in the sea of grass. By June to September, flowers sweep the grassland, spraying in vibrant color to the green grassy canvas.<br /><br /></p>
<h4>NATURE RESERVES</h4>
<p><img src="https://cdn.net.in/lkchin/files/edfd91ea/should_you_visit_3.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="266" /></p>
<p>To preserve such marvel, several nature reserves have made an effort to maintain the natural beauty while allowing visitor to come and wow. Some of the well-known reserves are&nbsp;<strong>Kalamaili Nature Reserve</strong>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<strong>Kanas Nature Reserve.</strong><br /><br /><strong>Kanas Nature Reserve</strong>&nbsp;is stored to perfection, with its main attraction, the&nbsp;<strong>Kanas Lake</strong>. This lake is surrounded by soaring mountain peaks, separating the lake into different bays. Each bay has its own unique features. A picturesque spot you would not want to miss out.<br /><br /></p>
<h4>SEASONS</h4>
<p><img src="https://cdn.net.in/lkchin/files/89d0c2cd/should_you_visit_4.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="300" /></p>
<p>During Spring,&nbsp;<strong>Nalati Grassland</strong>&nbsp;blossom with flowers. It is a great destination to go to start spring. For summer, it is recommended to visit the Yining region where&nbsp;<strong>lavenders</strong>&nbsp;started to bloom. Get a chance to witness this royal purple field! During autumn, Xinjiang is known for the Poplar Forest Natural Reserve. Finally, visit Hemu Village during winter. This snow covered village will give you a&nbsp;<em>winter wonderland feel</em>.<br /><br /></p>
<h2>WANT TO TRAVEL TO THESE PLACES?</h2>
<p>We have trips organized for you to look at and decide on. Head down and check out the itineraries that matches to your liking</p>
<p><a href="https://ikchin.com.sg/tour-details#data0=id/67">12D Southern Xinjiang (Lavender Season)&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="https://ikchin.com.sg/tour-details#data0=id/66" target="_blank" rel="noopener">12D North-South Xinjiang&nbsp;</a><br /><br />OR get your own customized trip with us. Contact us now to know more!&nbsp;<strong>Want to see our other itineraries??</strong>&nbsp;<br /><a href="https://ikchin.com.sg/tour-details#data0=id/85" target="_blank" rel="noopener">8D7N Mount Putuo and Mount Jiuhua&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="https://ikchin.com.sg/tour-details#data0=id/80" target="_blank" rel="noopener">10D Morocco Trip!&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="https://ikchin.com.sg/tour-details#data0=id/25" target="_blank" rel="noopener">8D7N Korea and Jeju Island</a></p>

Should You Visit Xinjiang?

<p><strong>Happy New Year everyone! 2018 is here! How has everyone started their</strong><strong>&nbsp;year?</strong></p>
<p><strong><img src="https://cdn.net.in/lkchin/files/0e7a500b/joyous_1.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></strong></p>
<p>For us at Ik Chin, we started the year of 2018 with the spirit of giving. Based on the wishes of our previous trip to Batam in 2017, we wanted to let the lower income locals enjoy a good meal. Therefore, we once again landed on this island with a mission. Many of us who frequent to the Island in Riau would have been there for the shopping, massage and the amazing food. While we still managed to get some of those during the tour, this time, our main purpose was for charity.<strong><br /></strong></p>
<p><strong><img src="https://cdn.net.in/lkchin/files/d9c1323b/joyous_2.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></strong></p>
<p>Our 2 days 1 night trip started straight on with our main event &ndash; a charity lunch with the locals in another of the Riau islands, Memory Island. In order to get there, we had to take another boat from a private harbour in Batam. The ride took about 30mins before reaching the harbour of Pulau Ngenang (the Indonesian name of the Island). There, the locals whom we have invited have gathered in the large field located next to their local primary school in song and dance. I for one did not expect to see such a set up for this event. Tables were set up by the locals where they sold some of their handmade handicrafts, snacks and drinks. Seats and a temporary shelter was set up for our arrival. We were each served 1 of their freshly cut coconuts as drinks. Such warm hospitality did not feel like we were the ones giving but on the receiving end instead.</p>
<p><strong><img src="https://cdn.net.in/lkchin/files/f93e5442/joyous_3.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></strong></p>
<p><strong><img src="https://cdn.net.in/lkchin/files/a927f985/joyous_4.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></strong></p>
<p>After some introduction and a dance performance by the local children, it was finally our turn. We have ordered 1300 packs of food to be given to the locals for lunch. These food was prepared by a local restaurant from the main island of Batam and shipped over. Besides that, we have also prepared 600 pails to be given to each family. In each pail contains daily necessities such as rice, sugar and snacks enough to provide the family for about 1 week. With the help of the village chiefs, coupons for the items were handed to the locals and they used them to exchange for food and the pails. Despite the hot weather and the lack of shelter, everyone of us worked tirelessly to give the food and the pails, powered by the smiles and laughter from the locals. The giving took us 3 hours and by then everyone&rsquo;s faces were burning red from the sun.<br /><br />We spent some time to tidy up the place while some of us joined them in their song and dance. Satisfied with our clean up work and seeing some of the villagers returning back to their homes, we took our leave by boat with the warm goodbyes and well wishes of the locals and village chief. The event took half a day and by the evening, we were comparing the new tans that we have all gotten. At night, most of us went for a well deserved body massage to prepare for another day of community work at a local temple before returning back to Singapore.</p>
<p><strong><img src="https://cdn.net.in/lkchin/files/e76759ed/joyous_5.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></strong></p>
<p><strong><img src="https://cdn.net.in/lkchin/files/31b2088b/joyous_6.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="400" /></strong></p>
<p>Our theme of this trip was to create a good start to the New Year for the locals. What we gave was not much. A simple meal by Singaporean standards but it was enough to put smiles on their faces. By giving them a joyous feast to enjoy with their loved ones at the start of the year, it represents our best wishes for them to have a good year ahead with their friends and family. Though our contribution might only go as far as a few days, our efforts were recognised by the local government. Since our first visit in 2017, the local government has made efforts to improve the conditions of Memory Island. They have since created a walking path from the village to the harbour and also make the island cleaner. Apparently, even the smallest of contribution can make an impact.</p>
<p><strong><img src="https://cdn.net.in/lkchin/files/8ba516d9/joyous_7.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></strong></p>
<p>An initial count of the number of residents in Memory Island and the nearby islands were about 1600 which we were intending to cater to. However the recent counts during the coupon distribution amounted to about 1200. This was due to some of the residents staying in Batam for work. On the actual day, attendance however was lesser than 1000 with the absentees asking their family/friends to collect the food and pails on their behalf. We found that some of the locals from neighbouring islands could not join due to various reasons. They do not have the money to afford the boat ride while some others do not have decent clothing to wear.<strong><br /></strong></p>
<p><strong><img src="https://cdn.net.in/lkchin/files/672c8e62/joyous_8.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></strong></p>
<p>The locals of the island cluster around Memory Island are originally fishermen who live their lives at sea. They were then settled on to the land by the government who provided them with the homes. Unfortunately for us, we did not have the chance to visit their homes during the trip.</p>
<p><strong><img src="https://cdn.net.in/lkchin/files/88e7490a/joyous_9.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></strong></p>
<p>Here, we would also like to thank everyone from our friends, tour members and their friends and family for the contributions to make this trip possible and be as successful as it was. Thank you for allowing the Joyous Feast event in Memory Island to come to fruition. Let&rsquo;s all continue to sow the seeds of giving!<br /><br /></p>
<h2>To all our readers, have you started giving for 2018?</h2>

Joyous Feast in Batam

<p>About 270 days may have passed but I can still remember the wonders of Laos. It was during my constant interactions with holiday goers that I found that while many have heard or thought of going to the country, they are still anticipative on what they will experience there. It is like a veil has been cast over Laos, keeping it mysterious and magical. Here, with my opinion, I hope to be able to let you in on its magic. Maybe, you will be travelling to Laos for your next holiday. As a first time traveler into Laos, cialisfrance24.com we spent 8 days, visiting Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Xieng Khouang and Vang Vieng.</p>
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<div class="pic"><img src="https://cdn.net.in/lkchin/files/d7841727/laos_1.jpg" alt="Patuxay monument in the day &amp; night" width="400" height="256" /></div>
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<div class="pic"><img src="https://cdn.net.in/lkchin/files/0b87a0b6/laos_2.jpg" alt="That Luang in Vientiane" width="400" height="256" /></div>
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<h2>Vientiane</h2>
<p>Vientiane is the capital city of Laos. Like many other capital cities, Vientiane is the most urbanized city in the country. However, do not expect to see tall skyscrapers or office towers in the city. You will find rows of shop houses, street vendors and markets when you walk down the streets instead. Vientiane is home to 2 iconic monuments which I personally enjoyed visiting the Patuxay Monument and That Luang both worthy to be the National icon of Laos.</p>
<p>Modeled after the Arc de Triomphe of France, the Patuxay monument has exquisite wall art and a marvel of a view at night. If you visit in the day, you can go to the top to view the city scape.<br />That Luang the stupa made of gold, a grand site to take in. Under the late afternoon sun, it glimmers in glory.</p>
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<h2>Luang Prabang</h2>
<p>The UNESCO heritage town of Luang Prabang is the place for tourist. A little vacation town along the Mekong River with resorts ranging from 2 stars to 5 stars. For those looking for some pampering, you can book yourself into one of the 5 stars resorts to enjoy some spa treatment and their recreational amenities. Besides, the town also offers many interesting activities like offering alms, cruising along the river, trekking and even cooking classes. With a culture similar to Thailand, you can expect to find many Thai like cuisines and night market shopping.</p>
<p>Some things that I feel that you cannot miss while you are there, a visit to their Morning market, night market and visiting the famous Kuangsi Waterfalls.</p>
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<div class="pic"><img src="https://cdn.net.in/lkchin/files/f108c0d0/laos_3.jpg" alt="Enjoy at one of the luxurious resorts in Luang Prabang" width="400" height="156" /></div>
<div class="pic"><img src="https://cdn.net.in/lkchin/files/87c34f8e/laos_4.jpg" alt="The local morning market" width="400" height="225" /></div>
<div class="pic"><img src="https://cdn.net.in/lkchin/files/aa2fe78f/laos_5.jpg" alt="Enjoy a visit to the waterfalls during the year end" width="400" height="225" /></div>
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<div class="pic"><img src="https://cdn.net.in/lkchin/files/b4e33a1d/laos_6.jpg" alt="The Plain of Jars" width="400" height="225" /></div>
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<h2>Xieng Khouang</h2>
<p>The mountainous province of Xieng Khouang is best known for the Plain of Jars, a large piece of land with stone jars of various sizes scattered all over with its origins still unknown. A mysterious site to explore with a little bit of danger. Laos is known as the most heavily bombed country in the world and many were left undetonated. While there are huge efforts to remove these bombs, there are still many at large, posing a risk to the unsuspecting people. At the plain of jars, you can see areas demarcated by tapes, signifying the danger areas which not been cleared of bombs. That is probably the closest I have been to bombs in my life!</p>
<p>The journey by road to Xieng Khouang is really long (about 6 hours) and winding as we drove along the mountain roads. It is best for you to pack some motion sickness pills if you are prone to it. Though the ride was tough, I was distracted by what I found the most beautiful ride in Laos. Along the way, just sit back and appreciate the great nature with all the mountain top views of the enduring mountain range and valleys.</p>
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<h2>Vang Vieng</h2>
<p>The last town I visited was Vang Vieng, a small riverside town for those looking for an active holiday. The town offers water activities such as tubing and kayaking along the river. You can also take a dip in the Blue Lagoon which also offers zip lining. For those with a higher budget, you could also enjoy a hot air balloon ride to catch a scenic sunset beyond the rocky surroundings. It is one of the things I wish I had done when I was there. For those interested in culture or history sites, Vang Vieng does not offer much. However, you can visit the numerous caves some of which were used as Buddhist temples.</p>
<p>During the evening, the riverside comes to life as a place to go to enjoy the night. There are plenty of outdoor dining option which allows you to sit along the river and enjoy a drink and some barbecue with your friends and family.</p>
<p>With the tons of things I could do and see and with food that is easily liked by my Singaporean palette, Laos is definitely a country I enjoyed thoroughly. A place where you will not see the tall metal building, you can easily forget the fast paced life of Singapore. With just the right amount of technology to keep you connected to people back at home (yes they have wifi). It is definitely my pick to enjoy a laid back holiday not too far off from home.</p>
<p>&hellip;and just when you think you have seen all the tricks there is in Laos, there is always Southern Laos where there is more magic waiting to wow you.</p>
<p>If you would like to know our 8 days Laos itinerary, you can&nbsp;<a href="https://lkchin.pytheas.travel/tours#data0=category/Laos/">check it here</a>. Itineraries are available on a 2-to-go private tour.</p>
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<div class="pic"><img src="https://cdn.net.in/lkchin/files/7afb27aa/laos_8.jpg" alt="View from one of the toilet stops along the road" width="400" height="225" /></div>
<div class="pic"><img src="https://cdn.net.in/lkchin/files/7a4fe894/laos_9.jpg" alt="Blue Lagoon, the water playground" width="400" height="225" /></div>
<div class="pic"><img src="https://cdn.net.in/lkchin/files/26795f1a/laos_10.jpg" alt="Wishing I was taking that ride too" width="400" height="225" /></div>
<div class="pic"><img src="https://cdn.net.in/lkchin/files/124e53f9/laos_11.jpg" alt="Dinner by the river bank" width="400" height="225" /></div>
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Laos – It’s a magical place

<h3>Welcome to our new website!</h3>
<p>We have got a new look! It is about time that we have our website changed to provide you a fresh site to explore. We hope that through a simpler and clean design, you can easily find the tours that you would like. We will also be constantly updating our website so do check up on us to find new tours and events that might interest you.</p>
<p>To keep up with our updates, do like our facebook page:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ikchintravel">facebook.com/ikchintravel</a></p>
<p>Lastly, we would also like to take the opportunity to thank our visitors and customers for the continual support for us. We will do our utmost to continue to offer you tours and services to fulfill your needs and travel dreams. So&hellip; lets go see the world together!</p>
<p>Cheers</p>
<p>Ik Chin Team</p>

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