From the time-honoured classics to craft breweries pushing the boundaries of flavour, Vietnamese beer culture has been steadily evolving over the past 150 years, resulting in the diverse array of choices we enjoy today.We caught up with longtime B&amp;R Guide, An Do Truong, as he shares insights and recommendations on Vietnamese beer culture.

Beer was first introduced to <a href="https://butterfield.com/destination/asia/vietnam" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Vietnam</a> in the late 19th century, through French businessmen Victor Larue and Alfred Hommel, who built the first breweries in Gia Dinh and Ha Noi. Beer gained popularity among French soldiers and some Vietnamese locals with close connections to the community in the 1930s. Due to its high cost, the majority of the population, primarily rice farmers, preferred rice wine.

Amid the mid-20th-century conflicts, both Larue and Hommel breweries closed until the 1990s, when Vietnam's economy recovered. Under government ownership, they became Saigon Beer Company and Hanoi Beer Company.&nbsp;Beer played a crucial role in refreshing urban residents and workers in the tropical heat in the late 90s. Today, beer is integral to Vietnamese culture, with "beer o'clock" at 5 pm marking the time when beer gardens, bars and restaurants are filled with guests enjoying this ubiquitous beverage.

The term "craft beer" made its debut in Vietnam around 2014. Initially, it left locals puzzled, as the term "craft" in Vietnamese referred to handmade souvenirs, like bamboo crafts. As the craft beer movement gained momentum in Western countries, expats played a role in spreading the word.Initially, most locals didn't appreciate craft beer due to its perceived bitterness, thickness, bold flavours and higher cost compared to lager beer.In the years following, Ho Chi Minh City witnessed the gradual rise of the craft beer scene. Today, craft beers have become a popular choice among Ho Chi Minh City locals, often enjoyed with Vietnamese snacks.

The Saigonese lager "333" beer stands as the most popular in Vietnam and is the leading Vietnamese beer brand worldwide. Other local brands include Saigon, Hanoi, BGI (Can Tho city), Huda (Hue city), Larue (Hoi An town), and Qui Nhon (from the city of Qui Nhon).

Most craft breweries are still located in my home city, Saigon:&nbsp;<a href="https://pasteurstreet.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Pasteur Street</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://heartofdarknessbrewery.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Heart of Darkness</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://eastwestbrewing.vn/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">East West Brewing</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/fuzzylogicbrewing/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Fuzzy Logic</a>, to name a few. As a beer-lover, I am lucky to live here! Hanoi and Danang also have a few (notably,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/TurtleLakeBrewingCompany/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Turtle Lake Brewing</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/furbrew/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Furbrew</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.7bridges.vn/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">7 Bridges</a>).&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;However, most of these breweries have brewpubs in other cities and distribute their stock throughout the country, so you can usually find them!

SaigonI like Heart Of Darkness the most because they have the best IPA in Vietnam. If I only have $5 in my pocket, I'll cycle straight to their taproom, sip a beer slowly, and then cruise home through the scenic neighbourhoods of Saigon.Mekong Delta After a morning on the bike, a nice bottle of BGI completes a lunch of local specialties aboard a boat on the canals of the Delta.Quy NhonWhen guiding our <a href="https://butterfield.com/trip/scheduled/vietnam-biking-expedition" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Vietnam Biking Expedition</a>, I love visiting the patio bar overlooking the secluded cove at Zannier Bai San Ho, with the moon reflecting off the sea, is a fantastic vantage point where you can enjoy the local brew or the hotel’s selection of craft beers.Hoi AnI always go to Hill Station for a nice Jasmine IPA. The nearby An Bang beach is a great place to relax with some live music and a bottle of Seven Bridges.&nbsp;HanoiFor delicious beers in an amazing atmosphere, head to the Pasteur Street taproom on Ấu Triệu, a winding street just behind the historic St. Joseph’s Cathedral.Northern VietnamAfter hiking through jungles and villages on our <a href="https://butterfield.com/trip/scheduled/northern-vietnam-walking" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Northern Vietnam Walking</a> trip, I like to dangle my feet in the infinity pool at Avana Retreat, looking across the intricate rice terraces under a glorious sunset, with a tall cold one in my hand!

An Insider's Guide to Vietnamese Beer

After their two-year travel ban, <a href="https://butterfield.com/destination/asia/vietnam" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Vietnam</a> recently opened their borders once more. The rich history, vibrant interactions, stunning natural beauty, and warm, friendly welcome from the locals are unchanged. However, it’s clear that Vietnam, like the whole world, has undergone some distinct shifts in recent years.&nbsp;What better witnesses to these changes than our B&amp;R planners and guides, who’ve been uncovering the very best of the country for the past quarter century? Our <a href="https://butterfield.com/trip/scheduled/vietnam-25th-anniversary-expedition" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Vietnam Biking Expedition</a> is the perfect chance to honour and cherish Vietnam’s traditions while embracing all that’s fresh and forward-looking!Below are 25 reasons to visit the new Vietnam with B&amp;R in 2023.

1. Unparalleled cycling

Cycling is deeply woven into the fabric of everyday Vietnamese life, from grandmothers riding their vintage wheels to the market, to the flocks of school kids pedalling in their immaculate uniforms. We feel welcomed and celebrated when we show up to ride these scenic roads, led by our B&amp;R Expert Guides!

We love the diverse landscapes within this dynamic country: roll along idyllic beaches with the breeze in your hair, navigate the winding canal-side lanes of the Mekong Delta, or challenge yourself with the Hai Van (Ocean Cloud) Pass and its awe-inspiring views.

2. Varied voyages

If you’d rather walk than cycle, Vietnam’s got you covered! Paths spiral up limestone mountains with temples tucked away in nooks and crannies; local farmers beckon you to try your hand at some chores; the dense tenement blocks of Saigon lead to hidden dwellings seemingly insulated from the passage of time. Vietnam is a place to wander and invite serendipity!

3. Wondrous walks

Naturally, Vietnamese design sense makes its way into the properties we stay at on the Expedition trip, and in glorious fashion. Whether it’s the hushed, tree-shaded pathways of our longtime friends at <a href="http://www.pilgrimagevillage.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Pilgrimage Village Hue</a>; the breezy beachfront of the luxuriant<a href="https://www.fourseasons.com/hoian/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Four Seasons Nam Hai</a>; or the <a href="https://www.zannierhotels.com/baisanho/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Zannier Bai San Ho</a> with its stunning views of a secluded cove; each hotel will leave you awestruck and enamoured of the natural and built beauty of Vietnam.

4. Jaw-dropping hotels

Vietnamese have long subscribed to the notion that food is medicine. Here, gardeners and cooks will hold forth at length about the therapeutic properties of numerous herbs, fruits, seeds and flowers. The early morning callisthenics at Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Lake are another aspect of this emphasis on clean living and health. These values carry through to the on-trip restaurants we visit, as well as the fabulous spas of our hotels, where you can relax and decompress with a massage or treatment in complete serenity after the day’s ride. Your epic journey through Vietnam will leave you feeling joyful, healthy and inspired!

5. Wellness

Vietnam’s pandemic response was one of the most effective in the world, with relatively few lockdowns necessary in much of the country. This is in keeping with its reputation as one of the world’s safest countries, with very little crime and an excellent healthcare system. The reason? A solidarity among the people that they also extend to visitors from abroad, so that you’ll instantly feel accepted and welcomed on your journey.

6. A sense of security

If you love natural, locally grown fruit, produce and meat, you can’t do any better than Vietnam. Each town has not one but multiple markets bursting with all that this fertile land brings forth.

7. Farm-to-table feasts

With a coastline of 3,260 km (2,025 mi.) Vietnam is very much intertwined with the fishing culture. You’ll witness small wooden boats head out to sea with distinctive eyes painted on their prows to watch for danger. They bring back fresh, delicious seafood of every variety you can imagine, all of it on display at the morning markets for our selection!

8. Seafood paradise

The Vietnamese are discerning chefs who know how to bring out the maximum flavour from their healthy ingredients! Whether it’s our friend <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/get-inspired/2017/07/20/insiders-guide-restaurants-hoi" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Duc in Hoi An</a> or Saigon’s Anan interpreting traditional cuisine in funky new ways, or the mom and pop serving the classic pho or banh xeo, Vietnam rolls out the red carpet for your tastebuds! Psst… we get to visit some of these chefs for exclusive cooking demos and meals at their homes on trip!

9. Talented chefs 

Every region in Vietnam is proud of its local dishes, from Huế city’s bánh khoái pancakes to Hội An’s scrumptious mì quảng noodles. In fact, McDonald’s completely <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2018/09/13/mcdonalds-burger-king-vietnam-fast-food.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">flopped</a> in Vietnam because the locals knew it couldn’t compare with their homegrown snacks!

10. Streetfood specialties 

11. Spiritual journeys

Faith is a major part of Vietnamese life. You’ll see little altars in most small businesses, intended to summon good fortune by honouring gods or ancestors with offerings of food. Throughout the country, you’ll come across spectacular pagodas and temples of many faiths in Vietnam, including Mayahana and Theravada Buddhism, the more modern Cao Dai religion, Cham Hinduism, Roman Catholicism (about 10% of Vietnamese identify as Catholic), and the traditions of Vietnam’s minority ethnic groups.

It’s no surprise that Vietnam excels at manufacturing, the country has long produced crafts that require precision, patience and skill. Lacquerware, silver carving, silk weaving, lanterns, fans and pottery… artisan families often congregate in villages centred on their particular crafts, so you can wander from house to house to enjoy the many variations on time-honoured techniques.

12. Master craftspeople

With one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, Vietnam is a country on the rise. Enterprising young Vietnamese, heartily encouraged by the older generations, look to the dawn of new possibilities in this booming era. The positive energy is palpable from the moment you arrive.

13. An optimistic outlook

Pristine beaches stretch for miles along the coast, from north to south Vietnam, inviting you to wade into the opalescent surf in the morning, grab your board catch some waves, or watch a glorious sunset over cocktails.

14. Endless beaches

15. An economic evolution

Since the victory of the communists led by Ho Chi Minh in 1975, Vietnam has undergone transformations, first to a hardline communist system that lasted until the early 1990s, then to a gradual opening that has seen the flourishing of private enterprise.The impulse to trade and build businesses is deeply ingrained in Vietnamese life, and the dichotomy between collectivism and free enterprise is fascinating to witness. “Ho Chi Minh Thought,” the revered leader’s precepts, themselves are a melding of philosophies and traditions.

The Vietnamese gracefully integrate the newfangled with the traditional. As you ride, you’ll see farmers using centuries-old techniques, then pulling out their smartphones for a chat with a friend! With its highly skilled workforce, Vietnam is producing many sophisticated goods, including smartphones and its domestic brand of an electrical vehicle, VinFast!

16. Technological transformation

There are a stunning 54 recognized ethnic groups in Vietnam. This richness of language and culture makes a trip here endlessly stimulating, with varied clothing, farming techniques, home construction, and cuisine.&nbsp;To read more on the many ethnic groups of Vietnam and its neighbours, check out James S. Scott’s fascinating overview, <a href="https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300169171/the-art-of-not-being-governed/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Art of Not Being Governed: An Anarchist History of Upland Southeast Asia</a>.

17. A tapestry of cultures

18. Musical mélange

The Vietnamese love of music can be seen around every turn, from small bands playing in local bars to karaoke resounding through the fruit groves as you bike past.Vietnamese celebrate their history, legends and love of country through song, and you will hear these rendered beautifully on the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traditional_Vietnamese_musical_instruments" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">numerous traditional instruments</a> of each region.

Through the influence of feng shui principles, geomancy and the realities of a tropical culture, Vietnamese architecture and the landscaping that goes with it have long induced feelings of openness, serenity and comfort. In ancient sites such as Hanoi’s Temple of Literature right through to their distinctive take on <a href="https://www.economist.com/culture/2022/06/27/vietnamese-modernism-was-ahead-of-its-time" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Modernism</a>, Vietnam’s designers usher us in to revel in their creations.

19. Incredible architecture

Vietnam’s biodiverse ecosystems are home to many rare and beautiful species, including monkeys, bears, cats, otters, birds, and the saola, sometimes described as “<a href="https://news.mongabay.com/2020/09/vietnam-creates-new-nature-reserve-possible-home-to-elusive-asian-unicorn/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">the Asian unicorn</a>.” Through B&amp;R's <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/who-we-are/sustainability/the-slow-fund" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Slow Fund</a>, we support the World Land Trust, which does <a href="https://www.worldlandtrust.org/who-we-are-2/partners/viet-nature/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">important work in Vietnam</a> protecting the homes of such precious and threatened wildlife.

20. Fabulous fauna

21. Water adventures 

Throughout our Vietnam trip, from north to south, we make use of boats to truly witness the amazing aquatic ways of life that are part of the Vietnamese identity. This can mean a ferry ride across a river during a bike ride; a sumptuous lunch on the Perfume River; or the arrival at the <a href="https://www.sixsenses.com/en/resorts/ninh-van-bay" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Six Senses Ninh Van Bay</a>, located on a sun-drenched peninsula accessible only by boat, surrounded by white sand beaches.At the resorts on trip, you can also snorkel to explore the underwater coral palaces as shimmering schools of fish swim by.

As the mighty Mekong, the longest river in Asia, approaches the sea, it splits into nine large distributaries called the Nine Heads of the Dragon. Here, husband-and-wife teams steer puttering barges along winding river highways, and the floating markets feature small crafts piled high with durian, pineapple, jackfruit and mangoes. As we pass by on our own boat, we can haggle with them and buy our snacks for the day. Cycling the roads and canal side lanes of the Mekong Delta, we encounter a landscape unlike anything we’ve seen before.

22. The mighty Mekong

Vietnam is a garment-manufacturing hub, and it shows in the styles worn on the streets: vibrant colours and patterns, each chosen with a personal flair. You can join in the fun by visiting local tailor shops (we know the best in town); whether you’re on the hunt for a new bespoke suit or a comfortable shirt for the warm temperatures, you can have it made to measure and delivered to your hotel within a couple of days!

23. Forward fashion

24. A Trove of History

Vietnamese have a keen sense of history, and we mean deep history: artifacts found in caves date back to 20,000 years ago, and the average person is keenly aware of the dynastic periods, wars with Chinese occupiers, and resistance to colonization over the centuries.On our trip, we also encounter the towers of the Cham people, a Hindu culture that 1,000 years ago had an empire along the southern coast of Vietnam. The empire has long since been conquered by the Kinh (Vietnam’s majority ethnic group), Cham people still visit these towers to pay homage to the gods.

It’s more important than ever that we travel with the well-being of the planet in mind, and Vietnam is quickly moving to the forefront of the sustainable travel movement. The <a href="https://www.sixsenses.com/en/resorts/ninh-van-bay" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Six Senses Ninh Van Bay</a> is one such example. Among many measures, they've drastically reduced the use of plastics, recycle all glass products into concrete used on-site, and help reduce poaching of sensitive species on their scenic peninsula by offering alternative opportunities.

25. Eco-awareness

Don’t just dream about it, see and stay for yourself! <a href="https://butterfield.com/start-planning" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Get in touch</a> with Nathan Lane, our Experience Designer for Vietnam, to start planning.B&amp;R Experience Designer Nathan Lane has been named a Top Travel Specialist for 2023 by Condé Nast Traveler.

25 Reasons To Visit The ‘New’ Vietnam

Vietnam is a land of gorgeous vistas and vivid history, but when we cycle there, it’s the encounters with those we meet along the road that truly bring it to life, forming deep and unforgettable connections.For the Mekong Delta section of B&amp;R’s <a href="https://butterfield.com/trip/scheduled/cambodia-vietnam-biking" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cambodia and Vietnam Biking</a> trip, we stay at the Azerai Can Tho, on a peaceful island in a tributary of the Mekong near the city of Can Tho. After breakfast, we take a scenic morning boat ride to get to reunite with our trusty bikes. We pass through floating markets where enthusiastic vendors tempt us with a huge variety of fruits and vegetables, and there are even little beverage boats selling water, juice, and beer (yes, it’s still morning, but you never know when the mood will strike).

Our captain steers us towards the shore with its shantytowns and rickety wharves among flotsam and water hyacinths, and we just manage to fit into a narrow canal, practically in the living rooms of the people who live on the banks. They don’t mind though; there are friendly smiles from every direction as our boat passes under low bridges with school children peddaling their bikes across. We soon see our own beautiful B&amp;R bikes parked in a neat row on the laneway above.We disembark from the boat and pedal along a concrete path just wide enough for bikes, scooters and pedestrians to safely pass one another. We pass through households that straddle this tiny roadway, gardens bursting with limes, oranges, pomelos, jackfruit, durian and many more of the fruits that thrive in the fertile soil of the Mekong DeltaNow it’s our turn to cross over the little bridges, which offer great viewspoints up and down the canals, where boats bear the heavy loads of fruit and other goods throughout this aquatic network.

As we round a bend, flanked by rows of coconut and banana trees, we can hear music and laughter through the vegetation ahead. Suddenly, an obstruction presents itself directly on the road ahead: a large, white, festive tent. We draw nearer, and beside the tent, we see a large photo of a happy young couple. It’s clear now: we are about to pass through a wedding!That’s right: in Vietnam, wedding receptions take place in these huge tents placed over the entire width of the road. You have two options: go directly through the event if space permits, or take a detour.Here, though, we are welcomed warmly to momentarily join in the celebrations! The bride herself greets us at the entrance. We congratulate her on her nuptials and pose for photos; it’s a moment to cherish. Our guide, Dinh, grabs the MC’s mic and sings, “Happy wedding to you! Happy wedding to you!”

Within the tent, the attendees sit at rows of tables laden with beer and ice, cheering the interlopers in helmets and bike gear and inviting us to join in a toast as we wheel through. It’s impossible to keep from dancing to the energetic beat emanating from the sound system that we pass on our way out of the tent. We ride out into the sunlight and birdsong once more, warmed and uplifted by this serendipitous encounter. The music recedes in the distance, but we still feel the rhythm for days to come.&nbsp;It’s the moments like this that make a bike trip through Vietnam so worthwhile. Part of their beauty is that we can’t predict their exact nature. We just know that they will happen, and that they will be the indelible impression of a place and a people that we will look back on with joy for years to come, spurring us to get in the saddle once more.

Cycling Through a Wedding in Vietnam

Experts + Insiders

Asia-Pacific

Cambodia

How Three Cambodian Hotels Are Joining Forces to Feed Their Communities

Eat &amp; Drink

<h3><a href="https://www.facebook.com/nazcamongolia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nazca</a></h3>
This Peruvian restaurant offers daily set menus of seafood and meat dishes in a contemporary atmosphere. They also know how to make a fantastic cocktail! It&#8217;s conveniently located near Sukhbaatar Square and the Shangri-La center.
Find the address <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/855utLmiiATkQNVH7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.
<figure id="attachment_46645" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-46645" style="width: 380px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-46645 size-full" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Nazca-1.jpg" alt="Where to Eat Ulaanbaatar" width="380" height="277" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-46645" class="wp-caption-text">Dish at Nazca</figcaption></figure>
<h3><a href="http://veranda.mn/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Silk Road and Veranda </a></h3>
These two stylish restaurants share the same location. Each offers a delicious array of Mediterranean and other cuisines. After dinner, you can head to the Fat Cat Jazz Club, which is also located in the same building.
Find the addresses <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/4xuGQ6gUTpWeCrxr9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.
<h3><a href="https://www.facebook.com/milliesespresso/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Millie’s Espresso</a></h3>
Millie&#8217;s Espresso was founded by two Cubans who came to Ulaanbaatar during the Soviet era, learned to manage in the cold winter, and decided to never leave. If you’re in the mood for a casual, delicious breakfast or lunch, this comfortable diner is for you. You’ll find it just beside the Choijin Temple Museum.
Find the address <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/k7HmDypPuLEnpuW3A" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.

<h3><a href="https://www.facebook.com/FromagerieMACU" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fromagerie MACU (Mongolian Artisanal Cheesemakers’ Union)</a></h3>
<figure id="attachment_46642" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-46642" style="width: 380px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-46642 size-full" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/FromagerieMACU-1.jpg" alt="Where to Eat Ulaanbaatar" width="380" height="262" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-46642" class="wp-caption-text">Fromagerie MACU</figcaption></figure>
Fromagerie MACU grew out of what was initially a dilemma. During the summer, Mongolian cows, yaks, goats, sheep, and camels naturally produce billions of litres of milk, which is more than the herders can sell. This gave way to the question: what can we do with this milk?
MACU’s answer: build cheese plants across <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/2019/10/24/chris-litt-on-mongolia-and-the-desire-to-disconnect/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mongolia</a> in partnership with local herders and produce world-class cheese. In doing so, they foster sustainable agricultural practices that preserve the grasslands and conserve the genetics of ancient breeds. At the same time, the herders receive additional income and a hub for other community initiatives.
Find the address <a href="https://g.page/fromagerie-macu?share" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.
<h3><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Ikh-Mongol-Restaurant-108530596222219/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ikh Mongol</a></h3>
A real local&#8217;s haunt with an outdoor beer garden and the odd live music set, find Ikh Mongol a short walk south of the State Department Store, and next to the Mongolian National Circus building.
Head here for a casual evening, paired with a menu of Mongolian specialties, hearty pub food, and beer from the Hops and Rocks craft brewery next door. TV screens broadcasting local sports matches are sure to keep you entertained during your meal. (Mongolian wrestling, anyone?)
<figure id="attachment_46648" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-46648" style="width: 380px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-46648 size-full" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Ikh-Mongol-1.jpg" alt="Where to Eat Ulaanbaatar" width="380" height="285" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-46648" class="wp-caption-text">Ikh Mongol</figcaption></figure>
Find the address <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/3NTVfQ21nSi6wYjQ9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.
<h3><a href="https://www.facebook.com/modernnomads.mn/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Modern Nomads</a></h3>
This small local chain is well-loved by Mongolians and expats alike. They make a long list of traditional dishes served in a laid-back environment. There is a location just off of Sukhbaatar Square in the heart of Ulaanbaatar.
Find the address <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/9GFuCg3cxuy2YGTz8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.

<h3><a href="https://www.facebook.com/LunaBlancaRestaurant" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Luna Blanca Vegetarian Restaurant</a></h3>
For a culinary culture that historically consisted of mostly meat and dairy, Mongolia has come a long way. Nowhere is this more evident than at Luna Blanca, the best vegetarian and vegan option in the city. This spot is perfect for before or after a visit to the Zanabazar Fine Arts Museum, which is located just across the street.
Find the address <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/o8BZdFxz7HWMBZhx8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.
<figure id="attachment_46646" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-46646" style="width: 380px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-46646" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Ikigai-1.jpg" alt="" width="380" height="253" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-46646" class="wp-caption-text">Ikigai</figcaption></figure>
<h3><a href="http://ikigai.mn/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ikigai</a></h3>
For a change of cuisine and scenery, venture to the fifth floor of the Shangri-La Residences (right beside the Shangri-La hotel) and enjoy Japanese specialties with cocktails while looking south over Ulaanbaatar, towards Boghd Khaan Mountain.
Find the address <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/DKSwnE7edCRCkDk69" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.

Where to eat in Ulaanbaatar (2020)

Notes From the Road

The Slow Road

Expedition

Mongolia

All male, female, and child archers wear elegant traditional costumes called &#8220;deels.&#8221; Different styles of deel are worn year-round by nomads, as they offer protection from the elements in this rugged country.
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-46137 size-full" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/archerybetter720x460.jpg" alt="" width="720" height="460" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/archerybetter720x460.jpg 720w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/archerybetter720x460-470x300.jpg 470w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" />
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<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-46158 size-full" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/TESt.jpg" alt="" width="1440" height="920" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/TESt.jpg 1440w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/TESt-470x300.jpg 470w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/TESt-768x491.jpg 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/TESt-939x600.jpg 939w" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" />
&nbsp;

Atop of this mountain is an ovoo, a sacred cairn traditionally used for shamanic worship but also used in Buddhist ceremonies. You will find ovoos at important places, such as mountain passes and vantage points. For good fortune, you should pick up a stone from the ground and add it to the pile, then walk around the ovoo clockwise three times!
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-46164 size-large" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/TEST2_gobi-939x600.jpg" alt="" width="939" height="600" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/TEST2_gobi-939x600.jpg 939w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/TEST2_gobi-470x300.jpg 470w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/TEST2_gobi-768x491.jpg 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/TEST2_gobi.jpg 1440w" sizes="(max-width: 939px) 100vw, 939px" />
In the Zöölöön Mountain Range, the desert landscape is often dotted with nomadic herders moving their flocks of camels, horses, sheep, goats and cattle.
&nbsp;
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-46135 size-full" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/meadow720x460.jpg" alt="" width="720" height="460" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/meadow720x460.jpg 720w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/meadow720x460-470x300.jpg 470w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" />
The Upper Tuul River Valley is part of a vast, protected region in the Khentii Mountains, extending all the way to the Russian border. Herdsfolk keep their livestock in the southern areas, following a lifestyle virtually unchanged since the times of Genghis Khan.
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-46171 " src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/TEST4_stupa-939x600.jpg" alt="" width="834" height="533" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/TEST4_stupa-939x600.jpg 939w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/TEST4_stupa-470x300.jpg 470w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/TEST4_stupa-768x491.jpg 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/TEST4_stupa.jpg 1440w" sizes="(max-width: 834px) 100vw, 834px" />
Deep in a hidden valley, steps lead skywards to a pilgrimage site and temple dedicated to the Green Tara, a Buddhist deity.

Columnists

In keeping with the freedom and openness of Mongolian life, our activity schedule is spontaneous and adaptable to the personal preferences of travellers. While we do have planned walks and activities in the diverse natural landscapes with our local guides, and excursions to historical monuments and hidden cultural gems in Ulaanbaatar, there are many opportunities for kayaking in the Tuul River, cycling across the Gobi, horseback riding on the open plain, or roaming the Khentii Mountains on foot—and even the odd camel ride, or a tasting of Mongolian specialties in the tent of a local family.
First-time travellers to Mongolia often find it startling to be situated in a landscape almost entirely devoid of human activity. Ambling through the country we&#8217;ll be able to appreciate the pristine wilderness, at a pace and rhythm of our choosing.
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-45801 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/drinks_outside_900x550.jpg" alt="" width="900" height="550" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/drinks_outside_900x550.jpg 900w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/drinks_outside_900x550-480x293.jpg 480w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/drinks_outside_900x550-768x469.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" />
Trips to Mongolia begin and end in Ulaanbaatar, the increasingly cosmopolitan capital. At the Shangri La Ulaanbaatar, the full array of spa treatments is meant to refresh and energize your body after a few days of ‘roughing it,’ and allow for a nice bookend to a journey that at heart should feel immersive and transcendent.
Travelling through Mongolia you can’t help but be enthralled by the surreal landscapes, racing skies, and the solitude that brings you closer to spiritual truth. Trust me, whether you are a spiritual person or not, you can’t help but feel something.

And move we do—from desert, to grassland, to forest, staying in properties that accentuate, and are built in line with, the natural characteristics of their surroundings.  In the Gobi and in Terelj National Park, we have off-grid camps, beautifully crafted gers (“yurts”), constructed specifically for us. The enterprise is sustainable but means a few compromises—bathrooms are shared at two of our ger camps, a small price for a truly rare experience.
Our superb camp chef cooks delicious Mongolian cuisine, with options for vegan or other dietary preferences. As night falls, we look above our campfire to a dark sky, strewn with dazzling stars.
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-45837 size-medium" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Jalman-Meadows-Private-Camp720x460-470x300.jpg" alt="" width="470" height="300" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Jalman-Meadows-Private-Camp720x460-470x300.jpg 470w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Jalman-Meadows-Private-Camp720x460.jpg 720w" sizes="(max-width: 470px) 100vw, 470px" />
Like the dwellings of the nomads, our camps will leave no footprint on the landscape when we move on to our next destination. For many of us, this hearkens back to an enchanted time in our lives, of childhood camping and adventure.
I&#8217;ve found that the complete absence of sound and light pollution, alone, can have a profound effect on your well-being.

We also stay at Three Camel Lodge, a South Gobi icon. This eco-lodge features a beautiful wood and stone, fully-electrified central lodge which houses the restaurant, bar and lounge area, sheltered by a hill of volcanic rock. The lodge has a view out onto the sweeping prairie landscape and the Gurvansaikhan Mountains in the background.
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-45792 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/ThreeCamel_900x550.jpg" alt="" width="900" height="550" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/ThreeCamel_900x550.jpg 900w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/ThreeCamel_900x550-480x293.jpg 480w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/ThreeCamel_900x550-768x469.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" />
These gers have running water and en-suite bathrooms, emphasizing the luxury element while retaining the essence of the Mongolian experience. Every aspect of Three Camel Lodge, from its library area bathed in natural light, to its massage ger, displays respect for local handicrafts, natural materials, and the awe-inspiring vistas that sweep out in every direction.
Three Camel actively works to preserve its natural setting and connection with the local nomadic community. Staying here is an awe-inducing experience and an exercise in perspective to say the least.

Mongolia and the Desire to Disconnect 

China

<h3>Culinary traditions</h3>
<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-39390 alignright" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/china-spices-350px.jpg" alt="" width="350" height="263" />We step out of the courtyard through a round doorway into the heart of the family home: the dining room. A wood-beamed ceiling soars high above the round table, ringed with chairs for a large gathering. The box-shaped chandelier shines a warm but unobtrusive light into the expressive shadows. A great fireplace spans almost an entire wall, with colourful vases and wood-framed tapestries placed with care on the mantle. Higher on the wall, brushwork blessings on tall narrow bands of fabric reach towards heaven and cast an aura over those seated at the table.
The aromas begin to waft to the table as the feast is served, one dish at a time: the fish, shrimp and shellfish from the streams, steamed and fried vegetables grown in the rich soil, along with beef, pork and chicken from nearby pastures and farms. The diverse cuisine of Anhui Province is hearty and healthy, nourishing enough to sustain the local people in their long days of physical labour. And I have to admit, there’s nothing better after a day of biking or hiking through the splendid countryside than to taste its finest expression in every dish, prepared in time-honoured fashion.
<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-39391 aligncenter" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/lady-field-960px.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="600" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/lady-field-960px.jpg 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/lady-field-960px-250x156.jpg 250w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/lady-field-960px-480x300.jpg 480w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/lady-field-960px-768x480.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
<h4>Tea and tofu</h4>
<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-39392 alignleft" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/chinese-lady-350px.jpg" alt="" width="350" height="263" />Local artisans and entrepreneurs thrive, nurtured by this beautiful and isolated region. Ms. Fang Xin Yu is a local producer of fermented tofu who became a national celebrity when she was featured on Chinese cooking shows. We visit her small building, full of bustling workers, where the tofu is produced and aged. Once ready, it is sold to cooks as another delicious staple, which we of course sample while we visit.
Of course, no visit to the Yellow Mountains would be complete without an exploration of the local tea farms, particularly those that produce the Huangshan Maofeng green tea, one of the finest in China. On the rolling slopes, tea farmers cultivate and select the tea with great discernment. The buds and certain leaves are picked only during a short period in springtime, then gently heated and cooled to capture the aromas. Our bike route leads us to a beautiful farm where we walk among the tea bushes to see how tea is cultivated, picked, and prepared. Then, of course, we can relax and enjoy the complex flavours of the final product. Refined by time and care, with a refreshing flavour of fruit and flowers, the tea is redolent of the peaceful yet always surprising region from which it comes.

Notes From The Road: Yellow Mountains of China

Europe

Greece

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-34192 alignright" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/thessaloniki_350_c.png" alt="" width="350" height="232" />Located at a crossroads of continents and civilizations and sought as a prize by successive empires, Thessaloniki absorbed immigrants from across the ancient world, including Italians, Jews, Africans, Turks, and Slavs.
From the imposing Byzantine White Tower on the southern part of the harbour, to the modern port and the beautiful centre of the city, one can still feel the lingering traces of cultural change over the eons, which continue to give the city its vibrant character today. These complex influences produce bright colours all around: in the sea, painted Art Nouveau buildings, ancient stone walls, the traditional and modern clothing of passersby, and the ever-shifting light of the sky from sunrise to sunset.
<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-34185 aligncenter" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/thessaloniki_whitetower_960_c.png" alt="" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/thessaloniki_whitetower_960_c.png 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/thessaloniki_whitetower_960_c-450x300.png 450w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/thessaloniki_whitetower_960_c-768x512.png 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/thessaloniki_whitetower_960_c-900x600.png 900w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
Though the divine denizens of Olympus may not have been pleased about it, archaeological digs have revealed that the religious devotions of the city’s inhabitants also ran to cults of Eastern and Egyptian gods. Even Saint Paul made Thessaloniki a priority as he sought to spread Christianity, leading him to write his letters to the Thessalonians that form part of the New Testament. A visit to the city’s incredible <a href="https://www.amth.gr/en">archaeological museum</a> provides a look at the myriad cultures that have left their mark on the city over the years.
<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-34186 alignright" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/greekmarket_flickr_350_c.png" alt="" width="350" height="232" />As I left port and began to walk up the slope to the old city, I passed the palace and archway of Galerius, the Roman general who based himself in Thessaloniki in the fourth century.
As the streets turned from pavement to cobblestone and narrowed, I came across a street market, vibrant with colour and daily rituals. From the bounty of the coast to the fertile farms and orchards nearby, I watched as locals made their daily purchases.
<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-34202 alignleft" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/thessaloniki_market_350_c.png" alt="" width="350" height="233" />Leaving the crowds of the market behind, I reached the top of the ridge, where massive sections of the city wall still stand. Following the wall along the ridge, I passed through a lush park shaded by flowering trees, until I reached the Epyrgion, a Byzantine fort located at the highest point, comprised of several huge stone towers. I walked along the ramparts, then climbed even higher to survey the gulf, watching ships approach the fort, as countless sentries through millennia surely did in their time, awaiting friend or foe.
<img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-34196" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/thessaloniki_harbour_960_c.png" alt="" width="960" height="540" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/thessaloniki_harbour_960_c.png 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/thessaloniki_harbour_960_c-480x270.png 480w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/thessaloniki_harbour_960_c-768x432.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
The sky behind Olympus turned pink as the sun began to set, and shadows grew longer across the squares and avenues. The streets were still crowded with people of all ages and backgrounds, as the cool of twilight set in. At the port, jugglers and musicians performed, and I could see revellers aboard a small boat, enjoying their own festivities in the harbour.
In the evening, I heard traditional Greek music played on a stringed laouto, on street corners, and in cafes and bars where locals play cards and backgammon while chatting about local events. As night fell, I looked out from the harbour to see that Olympus had faded into the darkness. The moonlight glimmered on the sea, and Thessaloniki danced on, watched over by the gods as its inhabitants revelled in the myriad colours of their resilient and timeless city. 
<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-34187 aligncenter" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/thessaloniki_mkang_960_c.png" alt="" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/thessaloniki_mkang_960_c.png 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/thessaloniki_mkang_960_c-450x300.png 450w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/thessaloniki_mkang_960_c-768x512.png 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/thessaloniki_mkang_960_c-900x600.png 900w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />

Must Sees

See + Do

Cities

Switzerland

<h3>5. Cool Down and Chill Out</h3>
There is nothing better on a sunny day than relaxing on the sandy beach of Vidy and taking a dip in the fresh waters of the lake.
Would you rather just get your feet wet? There are pedal-boats, stand-up paddle boards, and lots of other fun options available for rent. There are also nearby aquatic parks complete with waterslides for the adventurous.
<h3>6. Follow in Charlie’s Footsteps</h3>
Charlie Chaplin, the whimsical icon of American cinema, lived in Lausanne for 25 years, and four of his children were born here.
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-32859 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Things-to-do-in-Lausanne-Chaplin.jpg" alt="" width="752" height="400" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Things-to-do-in-Lausanne-Chaplin.jpg 752w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Things-to-do-in-Lausanne-Chaplin-480x255.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width: 752px) 100vw, 752px" />
<a href="http://www.chaplinsworld.com/en/charlie-chaplin-museum" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chaplin’s World</a>, located at Chaplin’s former residence in nearby Corsier-sur-Vevey, is more than a museum: it’s a “total-immersion-space,” and it has gotten rave reviews!
Here you can roam replicas of Chaplin’s film sets to learn more about the personal life and artistic accomplishments of the Little Tramp who changed the world of cinema.
<h3>7. Early Traces</h3>
<img loading="lazy" class="alignright wp-image-32873 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Things-to-do-in-Lausanne-Roman.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="378" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Things-to-do-in-Lausanne-Roman.jpg 400w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Things-to-do-in-Lausanne-Roman-317x300.jpg 317w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" />Before Switzerland was Switzerland, the Roman Empire had taken over Lac Léman and the Rhône waterway as a vital trade route.
The Roman city of Lousonna (sound familiar?) was established around 15 BCE. You can still see the identifiable ruins of the ancient city, including a forum, houses, and other features.
For more on the dynamic history of Lausanne, you can visit the <a href="http://www.lausanne.ch/mhl" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Musée Historique de Lausanne</a> (historical museum), the <a href="http://www.lausanne.ch/mrv" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Musée Romain</a> (Roman history museum), and the <a href="http://www.mcah.ch/accueil/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Musée Cantonal d’Archéologie et d’Histoire</a> (Canton of Vaud’s archeological and historical museum).
<h3>8. The Olympic City</h3>
Lausanne was the scene of the founding of the modern Olympics in the early 20th century, and is still seat of the <a href="https://www.olympic.org/the-ioc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">International Olympic Committee</a>.
To get up close and personal with the Games, head to <a href="https://www.olympic.org/museum" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the Olympic museum</a> in its beautiful grounds on the shores of the lake.
Here, you can see a variety of artifacts from Olympic games over the past decades, from the apparel worn by famous athletes, to rowboats, bicycles, and other equipment used over the decades.
Along the way, learn how the modern Olympic movement began, and about the inspiration that fuelled its founders.
<h3>9. Au Naturel</h3>
Occupying a unique spot between the Alps and the Jura, with a diversity of microclimates all packed into a small region, Lausanne has plenty to offer when it comes to flora and fauna.

Besides its many urban parks, Lausanne showcases this natural beauty at the <a href="http://www.musees.vd.ch/musee-et-jardins-botaniques/musee-et-jardins-botaniques-cantonaux/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Musée et Jardin Botaniques</a> (Botanical Museum and Garden), which also features temporary exhibitions.
For more on the science behind this beautiful setting, visit the <a href="http://www.unil.ch/mcg/home.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Musée Cantonal de Géologie</a> (Cantonal Geological Museum) and the <a href="http://www.zoologie.vd.ch/actuellement/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Musée Cantonal de Zoologie</a> (Cantonal Zoological Museum). The vast caves at nearby <a href="http://www.vallorbe.com/fr-ch/index.cfm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Vallorbe</a> contain an exhibition of 250 minerals from around the world.
<h3>10. A Feast for the Eyes&#8230;</h3>
Crowned by its <a href="http://www.patrimoine.vd.ch/index.php?id=630" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cathedral</a> (pictured in the banner at the top of the post), among the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Switzerland, Lausanne displays myriad marvels for arts and architecture aficionados of all stripes.
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-32884 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Things-to-do-in-Lausanne-Cathedral.jpg" alt="" width="752" height="500" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Things-to-do-in-Lausanne-Cathedral.jpg 752w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Things-to-do-in-Lausanne-Cathedral-451x300.jpg 451w" sizes="(max-width: 752px) 100vw, 752px" />
Walk its streets and you will see examples of medieval, Renaissance, neo-classical, art nouveau, modernism, and every style in between, side by side.
In walks along the waterfront with its Belle Époque masterpieces, you can relive the heady days when Coco Chanel, Josephine Baker, Rita Hayworth and other luminaries mixed and mingled in this idyllic setting. Be sure to have lots of free memory on your camera!
<h3>11. …and a Feast for the Ears!</h3>
<figure id="attachment_32886" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-32886" style="width: 400px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-32886 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Things-to-do-in-Lausanne-Jazz.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="250" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Things-to-do-in-Lausanne-Jazz.jpg 400w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Things-to-do-in-Lausanne-Jazz-250x156.jpg 250w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-32886" class="wp-caption-text">The Montreux Jazz Festival</figcaption></figure>
Every year, the Swiss Riviera bursts forth in sonic splendour with a panoply of musical festivals to please all audiences.
You can hear classical virtuosos play Bach fugues on the beautiful organ in the medieval cathedral; experience a bold, star-studded line-up at the world-renowned <a href="http://www.montreuxjazz.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Montreux Jazz Festival</a>; or dance the night away at <a href="http://yeah.paleo.ch/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Paléo</a>, an electronic festival, or Lausanne’s many clubs, which offer everything from tango to trance.
You can also catch free concerts in parks and the <a href="http://flon.ch/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Place du Flon</a>, the always-lively square in the heart of Lausanne.
<h3>12. The Winding Wine Road</h3>
For such a small country, Switzerland manages to produce a wide variety of wines in several regions; maybe it is a well-kept secret because the Swiss keep most of it for domestic consumption!
Lausanne sits a mere stone’s throw away from the UNESCO-designated world heritage site, the vineyards of <a href="http://www.lavaux-unesco.ch/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lavaux</a>. Here, you can explore the mesmerizing terraced landscape, where every square metre of sun-soaked slope is planted with vines (mainly the Chasselas, the region’s principal grape).
See the vintners at work, and explore the history and terroir of the region. Of course, the best way to learn is to drink the wine! You can do this by visiting wineries, or at sophisticated wine bars and shops in Lausanne. A good place to start is the Yatus wine bar and store in the city centre.
<h3>13. Impeccable Taste</h3>
<img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-32891 size-full alignright" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Things-to-do-in-Lausanne-Restaurants.jpg" alt="" width="431" height="286" />As a city of bon-vivants and gourmands, Lausanne’s culinary selections shine with everything from Michelin stars to lively bistros and brasseries.
The pick-up hotel for our <a href="http://www.butterfield.com/trip/switzerland-ebiking/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Switzerland E-Biking</a> trip, the <a href="http://www.brp.ch/en/home.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beau-Rivage Palace</a>, features the <a href="http://www.brp.ch/en/restaurants-and-bars/anne-sophie-pic/the-restaurant.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ann-Sophie Pic</a>, one of the finest restaurants in the city. Other Michelin-starred restaurants include <a href="http://www.lausanne-palace.com/fr/la-table-d-edgard.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener">La Table d’Edgar</a> and <a href="http://www.eligo-restaurant.ch/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Eligo</a>, both in the heart of the city.
Among the countless fine options for more casual dining, a personal favourite of mine is the <a href="http://www.cafedegrancy.ch/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Café de Grancy</a>, which offers a wide selection of Swiss wines and a fresh, sumptuous seasonal menu.
The ambience of Lausanne’s many historical dining rooms, immaculately preserved and restored, adds elegance and warmth to the dining experience.
<h3>14. Find it All&#8230;</h3>
Long known as a discerning and cosmopolitan city, Lausanne shopping sparkles with the best that Switzerland and the world have to offer. It’s no accident that Coco Chanel loved to visit the city!
Here, you can find that perfect watch or Swiss army knife, high fashion and designer accessories, or even an impeccable cigar for a walk by the lake. (After all, this is where Churchill came to ruminate during international summits&#8230;)
<h3>15. …and Get Refreshed</h3>
<figure id="attachment_32893" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-32893" style="width: 400px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-32893 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Things-to-do-in-Lausanne-spa.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="259" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-32893" class="wp-caption-text">The thermal pools at the Bains de Lavey</figcaption></figure>
Switzerland has long been known as a place to revitalize and get healthy. In keeping with this tradition, Lausanne features numerous spa options, from the deluxe spa at the <a href="http://www.lausanne-palace.com/uk/index.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lausanne Palace &amp; Spa</a>, to the <a href="https://www.bodhi-spa.ch/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bodhi Thai Herbal Spa</a>.
For a more natural option, try the thermal pools at the <a href="https://www.bains-lavey.ch/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bains de Lavey</a>, which are fed by the hottest spring in Switzerland, which lies at a depth of 600m below the picturesque Alpine Valley floor where the baths are located.

Guides

Back down on the lakefront, a dignified series of roads and bike paths leads to the towns of Vevey and Montreux. Vevey was once home to Charlie Chaplin, and is the global seat of food giant Nestlé. Montreux, home of the world-famous jazz festival, boasts architectural riches of the Belle Époque. The bicycle (electronic or otherwise) is the perfect way to see this lakefront, where the facades of august hotels and homes, rich in stories and memories, peek through among the dignified oak and pine.
<h5>A Medieval Monolith</h5>
<figure id="attachment_21344" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-21344" style="width: 320px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-21344" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Chateau-chillon-320x213.jpg" alt="Chateau Chillon " width="320" height="213" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Chateau-chillon-320x213.jpg 320w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Chateau-chillon.jpg 599w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-21344" class="wp-caption-text">Chateau Chillon</figcaption></figure>
Further along the shore, the Château of Chillon comes into view. The quintessential image of the medieval castle, with ramparts and turrets standing guard over the lake below, Chillon is a human-made extension of the cliffs above. Among those inspired by this striking scene was the Romantic poet Byron, who carved his name in the grey stone of the forbidding donjon deep within the castle. As one reaches the mouth of the Rhône at the end of the lake, one walks in the footsteps of pilgrims: this valley is part of the ancient route from Canterbury to Rome. Early one morning, in a small train station, I met a modern-day pilgrim, walking stick in hand, laden with all his belongings in his backpack. Over coffee, he told me of his travels around Europe on foot, each stop along the way marked in his booklet of stamps. Like the pilgrim&#8217;s book of stamps, this region of Switzerland bears the diverse marks of all those travellers who have passed through it, while still retaining its own distinctive identity and history.

Blog posts by Chris Litt