7 Nearby Travel Destinations To Consider For Your 2017 Long Weekends!

Wanderlusters rejoice! This 2017 brings about a fantastic slew of seven long weekends, signalling you to dig out that travel bucket list and finally tick off some places.

If you are stumped for ideas on where to head to, here are some travel destinations you should totally consider. Whether you fancy a romantic getaway or an adventurous trekking expedition, we have complied a list of seven nearby travel destinations you can consider heading to for your 2017 long weekends!

1. Hua Hin, Thailand

Forget the shopping paradise of Bangkok. Thailand’s seaside beach town, Hua Hin, boasts a delightful mix of cosmopolitan meets seaside ambience. Located a short 3.5 hours bus ride away from Bangkok, Hua Hin is a cheaper and more convenient location than heading to the other resort islands!

[caption id="attachment_20731" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Credit: Credit: Heading To Thailand? Here Are Two Places You Must Visit For An Epic Holiday!

2. Boracay, Philippines

Located right in the heart of Philippines, Boracay is no doubt the ideal weekend island getaway for sun-lovers and young couples. Its pristine white beaches and clear turquoise-blue waters are postcard perfect and will certainly make you want to lounge in the sun all day.

[caption id="attachment_20737" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Credit: www.lonelyplanet.com[/caption]

 

Besides suntanning, Boracay also offers various exciting water sports that are bound to keep you occupied the whole time! Indulge in exhilarating activities such as diving, snorkeling, paragliding, windsurfing and many more in the day.

At night, choose from a huge variety of restaurants and bars dotting the beach that serve up delectable multi-cuisines and cold drinks.

[caption id="attachment_20738" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Credit: Credit: www.justgola.com[/caption]

While the trek up both Mount Merbabu and Mount Merapi is relatively challenging, the views are absolutely breathtaking. Likewise, both treks can easily be completed within a day, though we highly suggest an overnight climb as climbing in the day would prove to be extremely hot.

[caption id="attachment_20740" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Credit: www.travelmoodz.com[/caption]

Yogyakarta is also known for its rich culture and traditional arts. Of course, no trip is complete without paying a visit to the world-famous Borobudur Temple!

Ideal weekend getaway for: beginner and intermediate climbers

4. Sapa, Vietnam

Set in the mountainous region of Northern Vietnam, Sapa is increasingly becoming a hotpot for photography-enthusiasts. Host to several hill tribes, expansive rice terraces and lush vegetation, Sapa is a no doubt a picturesque town.

[caption id="attachment_20742" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] Credit: Credit: Credit: Credit: www.flickr.com[/caption]

Take a stroll by along the seafront at Gurney Drive to walk off those full stomachs. Alternatively, explore the artsy-fartsy side of Penang by finding the numerous hidden street art located within the UNESCO Heritage site of Georgetown.

Ideal weekend getaway for: foodies and friends of foodies

6. Melbourne, Australia

Heading to Melbourne over the long weekend might seem a little far-fetched but it certainly is possible with the numerous flight deals! If cafe-hopping and getting high on caffeine sounds like your idea of a perfect long weekend getaway, then Melbourne is the place for you!

[caption id="attachment_20745" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Credit: www.agentscompare.com.au[/caption]

Host to an overabundance of cafes, you will easily be able to pop into any one along the streets and grab one of Melbourne’s signature cuppas. In addition, Melbourne also boasts a wide selection of shopping options, from local designers to international brands.

[caption id="attachment_20746" align="aligncenter" width="900"] Credit: Credit: asiagreentravel.org[/caption]

You absolutely cannot miss trying their local army stews, bibimbap and korean pancakes. Likewise, a food trip to Seoul will not be complete without indulging in delectable and savoury meats at a Korean barbecue restaurant! Additionally, if you have the time, you might even be able to catch a concert featuring some of Korea’s famous music artists or bands.

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With the onslaught of shopping and departmental malls, coupled with plenty of night markets, restaurants and cafes, Seoul is undeniably a heaven for foodies and avid shoppers alike!

Ideal weekend getaway for: major Korean pop fans, foodies and those seeking some retail therapy

Escape the hustle and bustle of the Singapore city life by heading to these destinations over the long weekends! Whether you are looking for a mad weekend getaway or a quick digital detox, these travel destinations will certainly fit the bill.

It is never too early to start making those travel plans for the upcoming long weekends in 2017! Furthermore, with the brand new year already starting, we highly suggest that you start scouring for exclusive travel deals now. As the saying goes: if not now, then when?

(Header image credit: pexels.com)

Also, read 7 Incredible Places In SEA To Discover With Friends!

Heading To Thailand? Here Are Two Places You Must Visit For An Epic Holiday!

This December, we were invited to fly over to Thailand on a 3D2N trip. Our ambassador, Valerie, flew over, and she had the opportunity to visit two PlearnWan Panich restaurants. One is located in popular metropolis Bangkok, and the other is located in a town exuding old world charm, Huahin.

[caption id="attachment_20646" align="aligncenter" width="709"] Valerie at the branch in Bangkok[/caption]

What exactly does ‘Plearnwan’ mean?

It means “to play and learn”, and the restaurants are designed to emanate an air of classical romance.

There is a unique theme at each branch. For example, the branch in Bangkok is gorgeously old-fashioned, nostalgic, and full of cute little knick-knacks

[caption id="attachment_20647" align="aligncenter" width="399"] Cute little display items at Plearnwan Panich Bangkok[/caption]

The interior design accentuates the theme and will enrich your dining experience.

Without further ado, let’s dive into Valerie’s experience at the Plearnwarn Panich branch in Bangkok! 

Plearnwan Panich in Bangkok

 The Plearnwan Panich branch is situated at Siam Square 1 in Bangkok, Thailand.

“Blast to the past” best summarises the theme and overall, the restaurant gave off chill hangout vibes.

Just a 30 minutes ride from the airport, this is a great stop over before you head to other parts of Bangkok.

To our delight, the menu is presented in two languages – Thai and English!

When dinner was served, it was no less than a gastronomical fare.

[caption id="attachment_20667" align="aligncenter" width="399"] Old school biscuits to go with our drinks[/caption]


The mains were delish – authentically Thai food, just the right amount of spiciness, and oh-so-good.

Just when we thought the food couldn’t get any better, desserts were served! There are plenty of desserts to choose from, and they were as quirky and cute as the décor.

These were soft, moist and chewy. You can dip them in either condensed milk or kaya!

Last but not least, this dessert comes in corn and coconut flavor. Chewy on the inside, this was a real delight.

All in all, the ambience was delightful and serene. It was like being transported into a different world – back to the past with comfort food and homey décor.

Plearnwan in Huahin

Valerie then took a three-hour ride to Huahin, where she explored the wistful and cutesy village.

[caption id="attachment_20654" align="aligncenter" width="938"] There are booths featuring carnival games in the background![/caption]

There is a rustic charm to the ambience at both the village and hotel (Piman Plearnwan). Rudimentary elements are even incorporated into the facilities, so you enjoy the old-world charm in its entirety!

[caption id="attachment_20652" align="aligncenter" width="938"] A big water tub in the hotel. You’ll have to scoop the water out and shower yourself with it![/caption] [caption id="attachment_20651" align="aligncenter" width="938"] The intricately and intriguingly designed hotel room in Piman Plearnwan[/caption] [caption id="attachment_20650" align="aligncenter" width="938"] The lounge area[/caption]

Plearnwan in Huahin opened 7 years ago.

Like the Bangkok branch, they serve comfort and homey food at affordable prices. Their food is so genuine, even their coffee beans are sourced locally. If you’re looking for a great place to chill over food, you won’t go wrong at Plearnwan at Huahin.

[caption id="attachment_20649" align="aligncenter" width="886"] Valerie loved her breakfast set so much that she had the same set for two days![/caption]

Anyone visiting Thailand should set aside some time to visit Plearnwan to soak in some old school nostalgia, whether in Bangkok or Huahin.

And each of the Plearnwan Panich branch is beautiful in its own way. The Bangkok branch’s décor, ambience and food made Valerie feel at ease and contented, especially after a flight.

On the other hand, the village (community) in Huahin is captivating with the traditional carnival booths and sentimental furnishings.

Coupled with good and affordable food, the Plearnwan Panich branches are simply unmissable and must-visit spots!

Plearnwan (Huahin):
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Piman Plearnwan (the hotel Valerie stayed at in Huahin)
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Also, read Because Bangkok Is Overrated, Let These Hidden Gems In Thailand Take Your Breath Away