Arunika - Southeast Asia Travel & Food Blog

There's a moment... right after you step through the gate and the noise of Hanoi drops away behind you, where time does something strange. It slows down. The incense curls upward. A monk moves quietly between the shrines. The lake shimmers at the edges of everything. And you think: people have been coming here to feel exactly this, for fifteen centuries. That's the quiet magic of Tran Quoc Pagoda (Chùa Trấn Quốc), and it's unlike anywhere else I've walked into in Southeast Asia. I just spent a wonderfully peaceful afternoon exploring this iconic temple, and it's incredible to think that this sacred site has stood for over 1,500 years. As the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi, Tran Quoc Pagoda has witnessed the rise and fall of dynasties while remaining a symbol of faith, serenity, and Vietnamese heritage. Located on a small island along the southeastern shore of West Lake (Ho Tay), the pagoda offers a refreshing escape from Hanoi's bustling streets. The gentle bre...

If you're looking for a peaceful coastal destination in Johor Bahru, Forest City Beach is worth adding to your travel list. Located within the Forest City development near the Malaysia-Singapore border, this beach offers a refreshing escape from the city's hustle and bustle, combining scenic sea views, family-friendly attractions, and plenty of photo opportunities. Why Visit Forest City Beach? Forest City Beach is known for its beautiful waterfront views and spacious open areas. While the weather can get quite hot during the day, visitors can find relief under the many trees planted around the beach area. The shaded spots make it more comfortable for families, couples, and solo travelers to enjoy a leisurely stroll along the coastline. The beach is particularly enjoyable during weekdays or non-peak hours when crowds are smaller, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the calm atmosphere and stunning scenery. A Paradise for Photography Enthusiasts One of the highlights of Forest ...

Avoid a cultural shock while travelling to Southeast Asia! We’ve all been there, a moment where you realised that you just embarrassed yourself in the public, or perhaps innocently pointing to the sacred statue and everyone just shocked in silence! Well, understanding which gestures open doors and which accidentally slam them shut is vital. Therefore, learning a few essential social rules is the single best way to move beyond "tourist" status and unlock genuine warmth, ensuring your journey is filled with smiles, not apologies! Here’s the top 3 of the most fundamental and crucial rules to understand when traveling through Southeast Asia: 1. The Dirtiness of the Feet In many Southeast Asian cultures, the human body is viewed hierarchically: The Head is the highest part: spiritual, sacred, and closest to the heavens. The Feet are the lowest part: literally touching the ground, associated with dirt, and furthest from the spiritual realm.  Therefore, the feet are culturally deem...

If you’re a food lover that would like to try a new experience of roasted pork in VietNam , then you should try Bún Chả! More than just a vermicelli and grilled meat, Bún Chả holds an aromatic and tender smoky taste, but do you know what is inside this delicious meal? Bún Chả is a harmonious combination of textures and temperatures, typically served with four distinct elements: The Grilled Pork (Chả) : The heart of the dish, marinated and traditionally grilled over hot charcoal until beautifully caramelized and smoky. It usually consists of two kinds: Minced Pork Patties (Chả Băm) : Juicy, seasoned meatballs made from ground fatty pork. Pork Belly Slices (Thịt Ba Chỉ): Thin slices of fatty pork belly, charred and tender. The Dipping Sauce (Nước Chấm) : This is the soul of Bún Chả. It is a light, warm, and highly nuanced liquid that acts as both a dipping sauce and a light broth. It achieves a masterful balance of sweet, sour, salty, and savory (umami), made from fish sauce, sugar, vi...