Buzz
Seychelles, a tiny island nation in the heart of the Indian Ocean belonging to Africa, may be an unfamiliar place to many Vietnamese. However, the inherent charm in its nature is truly captivating.
Once known as a refuge for pirates in ancient times, Seychelles is not an easily accessible destination. Seven hours of flight from Vietnam to Dubai and another four and a half hours to reach Seychelles. Located in East Africa, Seychelles is a collection of small islands with beautiful tropical sandy beaches, adorned with red granite rocks.
Paradise Garden
Situated amidst the ocean, Seychelles thrives on tourism. The open tourism policy and a 30-day visa exemption for any nationality have attracted many visitors. However, due to its remote location, there are not as many flights to this archipelago as there are to the Maldives. The cost of living in Seychelles is so high that the journey there may seem extravagantly luxurious.
Nevertheless, the well-preserved natural beauty here has enchanted travelers from all corners. The first place visitors flock to is Praslin Island with its preserved virgin forest. According to local legend, Praslin is home to a paradise garden. Whether true or not, the lush vegetation, especially the gigantic coco de mer palm trees, showcases the grandeur of nature. Locals say that if it rains while hiking, there's no need to worry about getting wet, as the enormous palm leaves will provide ample shelter.
Exploring Seychelles offers a chance to live closer to nature, surrounded by exotic birds and wildlife. The iconic creature here is the Seychelles tortoise, scattered across the islands and quite friendly. In the past, newlywed Seychellois couples were gifted a tortoise for consumption, but that tradition has given way to protecting and even aiding in their reproduction. On Le Curieuse Island near Praslin, visitors can touch and feed these large tortoises.
Birdsong fills the air everywhere. In secluded islands like Praslin or Le Curieuse, flocks of black and red-billed terns can be seen perching and flying. The vibrant red-billed terns create a spectacular display on tree branches, resembling small flowers adorning the island's natural beauty.
Untouched Beaches
What can one expect from Seychelles' beaches? They are stretches of white sand adorned with granite rocks in peculiar shapes, and towering coconut trees leaning towards the azure sea. If you've ever seen tropical beach wallpapers, Seychelles' beaches match that description. The beaches here differ from those in the Maldives, featuring more foliage and numerous granite rocks, creating a romantic and untouched natural scenery. Some beaches in Seychelles are so secluded and pristine that visitors might feel like they're the first to set foot on them.
An interesting fact is that all Seychelles beaches are public. Even if hotels or resorts are built along a beach, they cannot claim exclusive ownership. Visitors are free to access these beaches as long as they respect the private areas of resorts. If a beach is challenging to reach conventionally and requires passing through a resort, these places must open their doors to welcome guests. This is Seychelles' regulation to ensure everyone can enjoy the beauty here, as nature belongs to all.
Another Perspective of Africa
Visiting Seychelles is like stepping into Africa. However, don't expect to encounter wildebeests or giraffes here. This archipelago is a unique corner of Africa, nestled not far from the dark continent and Madagascar. Positioned playfully in this sea, Seychelles has a history as a hideout for pirates in the distant past. With 115 islands, Seychelles lacks the typical African characteristics but presents itself as a dreamy tropical paradise.
Situated in the open sea with a tropical climate, Seychelles never experiences extreme cold or heat. The temperature ranges from 24 to 32 degrees Celsius throughout the year. However, occasional sultry weather may make you a bit uncomfortable. From December to April, Seychelles experiences high humidity, sometimes reaching 80%, and scorching heat. From May to October, the climate is cool and dry.
Throughout its long history, with various changes, Seychelles has been home not only to African people but also to other races from Europe and Asia. That's why when you visit, you'll encounter both the indigenous people with their distinct features and those with an Asian appearance. In the tiny capital, Victoria, it's not hard to spot a few Chinese shops.
Seychelles is evolving every day. The petite capital, Victoria, may not have expanded much, but in another area of Mahé Island, the artificial Eden Island has emerged in recent years as a new affluent district with seaside villas and luxurious yacht docks. Exploring Eden and soaking in the luxurious atmosphere is a must when in Seychelles.
*** Fascinating Seychelles
* Seychelles is renowned for its tortoises. The island is home to these iconic creatures, embodying the spirit of Seychelles.
* Seychelles boasts a unique coconut variety known as the Coco de mer, an iconic fruit. The image of Coco de mer is even featured on Seychelles' entrance sign.
* The beaches in Seychelles are incredibly pristine and carefully preserved, characterized by white sands and distinctive red granite rocks. Perhaps the most beautiful beach in Seychelles is Anse Lazio on Praslin Island. All beaches in Seychelles are public, even if a resort is built there.
* Seychelles doesn't require a visa, but it's advisable to have round-trip flight tickets and printed hotel reservations ready before arrival.
* The capital, Victoria, located on Mahé Island, is the smallest capital in the world.
*** Simple Itinerary for a Seychelles Trip:
* Regarding flights: From Vietnam, you can fly to Seychelles with Emirates (layover in Dubai) or Etihad (layover in Abu Dhabi). These airlines usually have high ticket prices. Alternatively, you can fly from Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur to Mahé with Sri Lankan Airlines and its subsidiary, Mihin Lanka (layover in Colombo, Sri Lanka). If using Sri Lankan Airlines, note that if the layover in Sri Lanka exceeds 8 hours, a visa is required, which can be easily obtained on their website (details on the Sri Lankan Airlines website).
* If transiting through Dubai or Abu Dhabi, take the opportunity to explore these two places. Obtaining a visa is easy and requires only a small fee. Contact Emirates or Etihad for procedures.
Day 1: Catch a flight from Ho Chi Minh City, with a layover in Dubai or Abu Dhabi arriving early the next morning.
Day 2: Arrive in Mahé, take a domestic flight with Air Seychelles from Mahé to Praslin Island (30-minute flight). Upon arrival in Praslin, check into the hotel. In the afternoon, explore Praslin Island and its surrounding beaches.
Day 3: Take a boat to Le Curieuse Island, enjoy beach time and scenery, interact with natural tortoises, and observe red-billed terns on the island. In the afternoon, explore the natural reserve.
Day 4: Visit La Digue Island, cycle around this beautiful island, and relax on its secluded beaches.
Day 5: In the morning, visit Seychelles' most beautiful beach, Anse Lazio, for beach time and sightseeing. In the early afternoon, check out from the hotel, head to Praslin airport, and fly back to Mahé. Explore the capital, Victoria, visit the clock tower, botanical garden with unique native plants. Visit the local market and observe the local life.
Day 6: Explore the beautiful beaches on Mahé Island, indulge in beach activities, and visit the artificial island of Eden, a new affluent area in Seychelles with luxurious yachts moored. Depart from the hotel close to midnight to head to the airport.
Day 7: Catch a midnight flight back to Ho Chi Minh City.
(The itinerary can be extended to 9 – 10 days if you wish to stop by Dubai or Abu Dhabi for additional exploration.)
Source: Traveltimes.vn
***
Reference: Travel guide from Mytour
MytourFebruary 28, 2015
