Halong Bay Vacation, Vietnam

Huong Pagoda Festival kicks off

2012-01-31T20:06:00.000-08:00

The Huong (Perfume) pagoda was kick-started in My Duc suburban district, Hanoi on the sixth day of the Lunar New Year (January 28), attracting tens of thousands of people across the country.

The organizing board said it has arranged 4,600 boats and motorboats to serve pilgrim demand.

In addition, illegal waste dumping penalties will applied this year.

The Perfume Pagoda is a vast complex of Buddhist temples and shrines built into the limestone Hương Tích mountains.

The largest and longest Buddhist festival of Vietnam will last three months until April 30.

Source: VGP

Vietnam tops list of world's most attractive tourist destinations

2012-01-12T20:12:00.000-08:00

Vietnam is now at the top of the list of the world's emerging tourist attractions, as selected by international visitors in 2012, according to a recent report by the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA).

The Southeast Asian country was closely followed by India, Ecuador and China on the list of destinations that USTOA members consider increasingly popular in the year.

The Association announced the list at an annual conference held recently on Marco Island, Florida. It is an occupational association, through which travel agents organize tours and provide tourism services in countries around the world.

Recently, Smart Travel Asia, a prestigious online travel magazine, also highlighted Vietnamese tourism by listing Hanoi and Hoi An among the top ten most attractive tourist destinations in Asia in 2011.

Smart Travel Asia's list was based on votes cast online by more than one million readers worldwide from May to July 2011.

(Source: VOV)

Vietnam travel resolutions for 2012

2012-01-02T20:57:00.000-08:00

As you begin to stake claim to your resolutions for 2012, here are some added inspirations for those planning to travel to Vietnam (or elsewhere) in 2012.

To start off, learning Vietnamese has been too often touted as too difficult to learn. This year, challenge yourself to learn at least 5 new Vietnamese phrases before boarding your flight. Hello (Xin chao), Thank you (Cam on), and How are you (Co khoe khong? Answer: Rat khoe, cam on.) are three to get you started.

Take a Vietnamese cooking lesson! There are all kinds of great Vietnamese dishes that you can take home with you (and, they don’t take up any room in your luggage!). Try and learn at least the recipe for nuoc mam, or Vietnamese spring rolls, or perhaps banana flower salad!

Pack smart and pack lightly. If you plan on bringing gifts for your Vietnamese travel, think about first whether you could buy them here. And if you do bring gifts make sure they are light. Also, when you pack think about how you decrease what you are going to bring. Can you use your running shoes for everyday use as well as trekking and cycling. Maybe you can buy a book when you get to Vietnam, and pass it on to someone after your trip.

Cycle and trek! Take you travels closer to the people, landscapes and culture by cycling and trekking. Footprint already offers a number of great options that suite any level from super easy to adventurous-hard. Plans are in the works to give you even more by early 2012, so go ahead and add one to your trip! You will not be disappointed!

Home-stay! As you begin to book your trip and accommodations in Vietnam, think about staying in a home stay. Staying in a home stay is a great way to gain a deep cultural understanding about the country you are travelling in, and it ensures that the benefits of tourism remain local - not only in the Vietnam, but in the local community!

And finally, volunteer! Volunteering or doing something that ‘gives back’ is not as hard as you may think. Take a few hours out of your day while trekking in Sapa and go and do a little work in the rice paddies. For something that might take a little organizing - painting a school, repairing a playground, teaching anything (English, dental hygiene, first aid), or building something (toilets, safe walkways) - be sure to tell your Footprint travel consultant your idea, and we will help you tailor make your volunteer experience!

We understand that many of these Vietnamese travel resolutions can be integrated into any travel any where, and hopefully, where ever you go, you will take these ideas with you!

Vietnam tourism industry hits yearly target

2011-12-01T20:54:00.000-08:00

Tourism industry hits yearly target: 5.3 million foreign travelers to Vietnam tour in the past 11 months, up 15.9 percent year-on-year, and met the country's tourism target, according to the General Statistics Office (GSO).

Of those coming to the country, 4.5 million arrived by plane, up 20.8 percent over the previous year. However, the number of visitors traveling by sea and road decreased by 30 percent and 2.9 percent, respectively, to 32,000 and 833,000.

China took the lead, with 1.2 million visitors selecting Vietnam as a holiday destination, up 49 percent. It was followed by the Republic of Korea, with 473,000 holidaymakers, up 5.1 percent. Travelers from Japan, the US, France, Cambodia, Australia and Malaysia also surged significantly.

HCM City was one of the most attractive destinations of Vietnam tour for foreign tourists. The city received nearly 3.1 million foreign arrivals in the reviewed period, up 8.4 percent over the same period last year.

Despite early success in reaching the annual tourism target, deputy director of the National Administration of Tourism (NAT)'s Travel Department Pham Le Thao is concerned that the tourism sector will face difficulties next year due to the continuing global economic downturn.

She said that in December NAT will organise and take part in a series of events to promote Vietnamese tourism, including the World Travel Market Fair in the UK, a Vietnamese food programme in Australia and a tourism promotional campaign throughout the central ASEAN region.

Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ho Anh Tuan has asked NAT and related departments to work on drawing tourists toward priority markets, improving accommodations facilities and devising methods to manage transport.

Source: VNN

Suoi Tien Park being among 12 most beloved parks

2011-11-17T20:48:00.000-08:00

Suoi Tien Cultural Amusement Park in Ho Chi Minh City was named as one of the 12 most beloved parks in the world on website: http://www.thetravelerszone.com.

Located in the Northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, the Park, embracing 12 main parts with a total area of 200,000 square metres and a 2,000 long underground stream, is an attractive destination of Vietnam tour for visitors. The Park’s design was based on legends of Vietnamese culture and history, such as Lac Long Quan-Au Co, the Hung Kings and Son Tinh-Thuy Tinh (Kings of Mountain and Water).

The Park attracts from 1.5 to 2 million visitors each year.

Together with Suoi Tien Cultural Amusement Park, the travel website also named 11th of the most beloved parks around the world, namely, ‘Magic Kingdom’ in Disney World – Orlando, Florida, ‘Adventure Islands’ in Florida, ‘Cedar Point’ – Ohio, ‘Epcot’ – Orlando, ‘Blackpool Pleasure Beach’ – Lancashire (UK), ‘Aventura’ (Spain), ‘Europa’ (Germany), ‘Tivoli Gardens’ in Copenhagen, ‘Tokyo Disneyland’ (Japan), ‘Shijingshan Qu’ in Beijing, ‘Ocean Park’ in Hongkong (China).

Source: CPV

Ho Chi Minh City to consider creating pedestrian streets

2011-11-16T20:40:00.000-08:00

Ho Chi Minh City to consider creating pedestrian streets With a view to restricting the use of personal vehicles, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Planning and Architecture and a Spanish company have completed their feasibility study on the creation of pedestrian streets in the downtown section of the city.

If the idea is approved by the city People’s Committee, it will be developed into a project to turn many main streets downtown into walking areas, Huynh Xuan Thu, director of the department told Tuoi Tre yesterday.

“The idea is not aimed at promoting walking but at reducing the circulation of personal vehicles.”

According to their proposal, three pedestrian areas will be set up in District 1, he said.

“The first will cover Tran Hung Dao, Pham Ngu Lao and Bui Vien streets; the second will comprise the Ben Thanh Market area and some streets surrounding it; and the last will embrace Dong Khoi, Nguyen Hue, Le Loi, Ton Duc Thang, Ham Nghi and Le Duan streets.”

He also answered some other questions from Tuoi Tre.

When will the idea be developed into a project? What do you anticipate about the response of people living in the designated areas?

If the city People’s Committee approves the idea, it will be developed into several projects, each with its own schedule for implementation. We have considered what effects those projects can have on local residents. Of course, their use of personal vehicles will be restricted, but they will enjoy a safer and healthier environment.

We will take measures to minimize the inconvenience the projects may cause to local residents as well as those who need to travel to the areas for business or other purposes.

When more green trees are grown in such areas, they will become more beautiful and attract a great deal more people to come to visit or purchase goods. This will bring benefit to businesses in the areas.

How can such projects be carried out?

They will be developed on a pilot basis in some areas, such as the “Phố Tây” (“foreigners’ quarters”) on some streets including Bui Vien and Pham Ngu Lao, the area around the Notre-Dame Cathedral, or the Ben Thanh Market area.

For the project to work effectively, we will need to re-arrange the public traffic system, change or upgrade the pavements, improve the lighting systems and the landscapes in pedestrian areas to make them pedestrian-friendly.

What will happen to vehicles owned by people living in such areas or by visitors?

There will be many parking lots where locals or visitors can leave their vehicles there before they walk home or to their offices.

However, trucks or other vehicles can enter the pedestrian areas for business purposes, for instance, delivering or receiving goods, but they must follow a timetable for such activities.

Source: tuoitrenews

Hanoi to open six streets for pedestrians

2011-10-27T23:51:00.000-07:00

Six streets around Hanoi’s old quarter – Hang Buom, Hang Giay, Luong Ngoc Quyen, May May, Dao Duy Tu and Ta Hien – will become roads for pedestrians.

Hoan Kiem district authorities have submitted this project to Hanoi administration for approval. These streets are expected to open for pedestrians in late November or December, to connect with Hang Dao – Dong Xuan, which are already roads for walkers at weekend nights, to create a complete route for discovering Hanoi’s old quarters.

The roads for pedestrians will serve Hanoians and tourists three nights a week – Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from 7pm in summer and 6pm in winter until 12pm.

Located in the first-class preservation zone of Hanoi’s old quarter, Hang Buom – Hang Giay – Luong Ngoc Quyen – Ma May – Dao Duy Tu – Ta Hien belong to Hang Buom and Hang Bac Wards, where host many architectural works of the 18th and 19th centuries and many cultural relics.

These streets are also the home for famous cuisines of Hanoi and Chinese Vietnamese. Therefore, many foreign tourists come here to enjoy food and learn about Hanoi’s old quarters.

Do Xuan Thuy, general director of Dong Xuan JS Company, who is in charge of the project, said that the area around Hanoi’s old quarter is appropriate to recover and develop Hanoi’s gastronomy because gastronomy is part of Hanoi’s culture.

According to a survey, of 159 shops on the six streets, 47 are restaurants. There are also 50 pavement shops on the evening. After walking and going shopping on Hang Dao-Dong Xuan roads, visitors can enjoy food at restaurants along the six streets.

Luong Ngoc Quyen and Ta Hien, where attract large numbers of foreign visitors, will have stalls that are similar as the “foreign market” in Quang An ward.

Source: vietnamnet

Friendly critters in Cuc Phuong National Park

2011-10-23T21:46:00.000-07:00

Beyond the endless trekking and enriching cultural experiences found in the Cuc Phuong National Park, the destination provides ample opportunity to come face to face with some interesting critters. Cuc Phuong is one of the most biologically diverse areas in Vietnam. The landscape is blanketed with dense vegetation and true Vietnamese jungle; the perfect home for a large variety of insects, animals, birds, and the Cuc Phuong Endangered Primate Rescue Centre.

“Dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, breeding, research and conservation of the endangered primates of Vietnam” (Source: http://www.primatecenter.org/), the Rescue Centre is home to over 140 primates from 15 species - some critically endangered. A visit to the centre is an interesting one. Lucky visitors are treated to monkey serenades.

Other chance encounters are with the abundance of insects. Creeping just beyond one’s usual perspective are crawlers of all sorts. As the sun dips beyond the mountains, and night falls, chances of seeing giant moths and huge buzzing beetles increase a thousand fold. Attracted to the light, insect-lovers will be astounded; the rest of us, will be running for cover.

Footprint Vietnam Travel runs a variety of options to trek and home stay within the Cuc Phuong National Park, as well as within the area. Check out their website for more information.

Source: Ocvit-Footprint Travel

Halong Bay’s World Wonder bid receives a boost

2011-10-19T21:12:00.000-07:00

Vietnamese people will have the chance to vote for Halong Bay as a new World Wonder through a TV programme to be broadcast live on October 29.

The live programme will be concurrently aired on Vietnam Television’s Channel 1 (VTV1) linking four places: Halong Bay in the northeastern province of Quang Ninh, the capital city of Hanoi, the former imperial city of Hue in the central region and Ho Chi Minh City.

Famous figures, including pop stars, will vote for the bay and deliver messages calling on audiences to take part in the vote.

Halong Bay has been twice recognised as a World Natural Heritage site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

The programme will help promote the image of the World Heritage site of Halong Bay and Vietnam as well, said Nguyen Van Tinh, head of the International Cooperation Department under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) at a press briefing in Hanoi on October 19.

According to MoCST Minister Hoang Tuan Anh, the voting campaign is entering the final stage. New7Wonders will announce the final results of voting around the world on November 11, 2011.

He quoted New7Wonders as saying Halong Bay has received a relatively high number of votes compared to other nominees.

Vietnamese people can vote for Halong Bay by logging on www.new7wonders.com and Facebook and using the SMS service.

The voting will be closed at 11.11am (GMT) on November 11, 2011.

Source: VOV

New voting campaign for Halong Bay launched

2011-10-11T22:03:00.001-07:00

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) on Oct. 11 launched a new campaign in Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City to vote for Halong Bay as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.

At the launching ceremony, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Ho Anh Tuan said that the voting has now entered the final period. He called on organisations or individuals to vote for Halong Bay through the website www.new7wonders.com, telephone, SMS or social networking site Facebook.

Tran Nhat Hoang, Director of the Centre for Culture, Sports and Tourism Promotion under the MoCST’s International Cooperation Department said that the number of votes through mobile text messages has so far reached more than 800,000.

Hoang said that with 120 million Vietnamese mobile phone subscribers, Vietnam can collect a great number of votes if only each of them sends a voting text message.

Launched since 2007, the voting for New 7 Wonders of the World was first conducted only on the Internet and then expanded to telephone, SMS and Facebook. By now, 28 out of 440 nominations worldwide have been chosen for the final round, including Vietnam’s Halong Bay.

A ceremony to announce the world’s new 7 natural wonders is scheduled to be held on Oct. 11.

Source: VNA

Travel turnover in Hanoi rises 18.2 percent

2011-10-03T22:12:00.000-07:00

In September, the number of foreign tourists to Hanoi reached approximately 92,000 arrivals. This brought the total number to 898,000 arrivals in the first nine months of 2011, a year-on-year increase of 6.7 percent.

In addition, hotel and travel business turnover over the past nine months has increased by 18.2 percent compared to the same period last year.

Currently, the city’s tourism sector is striving to build specific tourism products to promote in the major markets of Australia and Japan in order to fulfil the target of welcoming 1.75 million foreign arrivals and 11.5 domestic arrivals in 2011.

Source: HNM

“Passion Indochine” to open in Paris

2011-09-27T22:00:00.001-07:00

A Vietnam-Laos-Cambodia cultural and tourism festival entitled “Passion Indochine” will be held in Paris, France, on September 30-October 1.

The festival will be organized by Vietnam Airlines under the sponsorship of the Vietnamese, Lao and Cambodian embassies.

Le Dung, director of the Vietnam Airlines representative office in Europe, said the event aims to promote culture and tourism in the three countries in the Vietnam Airlines flight network, especially since it plans to open a direct route to London.

Dung said that potential of Vietnam tour will diversified if it can work together with Laos and Cambodia to tap the tourism potential of all the countries.

The festival will be divided into three sections: one to introduce the World Heritage sites in the three countries, another presenting their special cuisines, and one for cultural performances to attract more French and European visitors to the region.

Source: VOV

Ethnic costumes to be showcased in Hanoi

2011-09-22T22:00:00.001-07:00

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will host its first ever national ethnic costume show this November in Hanoi, Lao Dong Newspaper reported.

Chu Tuan Thanh, a senior official at the ministry said the event was aimed to keep track of the traditional costumes of the 54 ethnic minorities in Vietnam and promote the preservation of these cultural heritages, some of which have been endangered by modern urbanization.

According to Tuan, ethnic groups with a population under 1,000 such as the Ma, Ruc, Cong, Pa Then and Sila minorities who live within others’ communities are most vulnerable to losing their own costumes.

Expected to draw 250 – 300 representatives from these ethnic groups, the event will include performances and competitions.
Contestants will be required to strut in their daily, wedding and festival dresses, donned with traditional accessories such as necklaces, bracelets and ear rings.

Tuan said the ministry planned to organize this event every two to three years.

Vietnam’s First National Ethnic Costume Show will be held from November 28 to 30 at the Cultural and Tourism Village of Vietnam’s Ethnic Minorities in Dong Mo, Hanoi.

Source: Tuoitrenews

Quang Ninh accelerates votes for Halong Bay

2011-09-21T21:32:00.001-07:00

Quang Ninh Province’s Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union launched a new campaign “50 days to gather votes for Halong Bay as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World” in Halong City on September 20th.

Accordingly, the campaign will last until November 10th, 2011 with the motto “Each Provincial Union member and teenager, one vote for Halong Bay”.

The program’s launching ceremonies were held at the same time in all localities of the Province, to train and guide local people on how to vote, asking them to vote directly for the Bay, disseminating the campaign on mass media, setting up the youth-managed polling stations at communes cultural houses, schools, factories, bus stops and tourist areas to create more convenient conditions for local residents and domestic and foreign visitors to vote.

The “50 days to vote for Halong Bay” campaign plays an important role in the final critical period, showing the responsibility of Quang Ninh’s people in making contributions to the campaign to decide on Halong Bay as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Source: QDND

The best pho in Hanoi

2011-09-20T21:19:00.000-07:00

I can say for sure that its definitely my favorite place to go for Pho in Hanoi. And, I would be happy to argue that it is probably the best in Hanoi!

Every night at the Western end of Hang Ma in the midst of paper street, starting at about 4:30pm, sitting on the corner is a middle aged women working her noodles, her pots, and her knife. You can almost picture her as a drummer with her two big base drums for stock, her two smaller toms for re-heating the pho, and as her snare, her worn cutting board for slicing the beef. She is fiery and fierce to her workers, kind and generous to her patrons.

The small street-side restaurant is run with her brother. An older man with a strong smile and a weakening voice. He acts as the maitre d’, busboy, and manger. The two of them are often in a heated ‘discussion’. Not knowing enough Vietnamese to understand, I imagine that it is about the rising price of quality beef, but I know that it is an argument and verbal-beating in response to something the older fellow forgot to tell the staff.

It is a joy to sit and watch the pair at work and the satisfied customers slurping away. It is obvious the sister-brother team have a well-developed customer base. Returning clientele show up every night picking up to-go orders of Pho Tai Chin (Pho with rare beef and braised brisket) or Sot Vang (Southern style beef stew) almost bowing in thanks as they see it slopped into their stainless steel carriers.

And what about the Pho? Well, its delicious of course! Fresh ingredients. Great ratio of meat to noodles to garnish. Seasoned to perfection. The stock is clear and flavorful. There is a great selection of condiments for personalization. It’s a delight that I frequently treat myself to (at least once a week). And, every once in a while I am enticed to have a second bowl, half-filled with Sot Vang. Surely, a coveted family recipe.

For those who have pho-ed their way through Vietnam, or have staked claim as Hanoi’s street-food gurus, or for those who just don’t believe that the best Pho in Hanoi is on Hang Ma, then I suggest you go, try, and prove me wrong.

Oh, and I forgot to mention, they have tall chairs and regular sized tables!

Source: Ocvit-Footprint Travel

Unique colour in Hanoi’s pavements

2011-09-15T21:15:00.000-07:00

Travel to Hanoi, foreign visitor are impressed by the capital’s pavements where they can chat, drink tea or coffee, and even have something to eat.

Mayu Takeda, a Vietnamese Japanese student, says she loves Hanoi’s pavements, through which she can learn more about the city’s in-depth stories.

Mayu often goes around the old quarter of Hanoi to get to know about people’s lives and daily activities. “Sitting on the pavement, looking around and listening to different voices, you will know what is happening in Hanoi,” she says.

Traveling to Vietnam to visit relatives and friends, the 21-year student takes every opportunity to enjoy life here in Hanoi. She left the country when she was just four years old, but the country is always in her heart.

Michael, a tourist from the US, first visited Vietnam five years ago. This time he has brought his friends, who are very eager to explore Hanoi. “You can get everything you need on the pavements,” Michel says, adding that the prices are much cheaper than in the shops.“There is no place like Hanoi, where you can see, either poor or rich people, interacting with each other. And, it’s undeniable that the ‘motorbike civilization’ has contributed to the ‘pavement economy’ which helps thousands of people earn their living,” he says.

Strolling around Hoan Kiem (Returned Sword) Lake, Andreas, a journalist from Germany, feels very excited to see people on the move.

Andreas says he likes sitting on the pavement, listening to the mixed sounds, drinking tea or coffee and seeing what’s happening around him. “In the evening, the streets are less busy but more quiet. It’s time for me to go out and enjoy the atmosphere of open air-living. Life on the streets is something new and special, like a piece of documentary film about Hanoi and Hanoians.”

With the last rays of the sun disappearing and less noise echoing from transport vehicles, Hanoi is closing its day to enter a paradise filled with joy and excitement.

Soaking up the life of the streets which look both old and new, traditional and modern, you will see that nothing is more refreshing to enjoy after long working hours than a cup of coffee near Hoan Kiem Lake.

There are many famous coffee shops in the city, from Nang Cafe (6 Hang Bac), Nhan Cafe (39D1 Hang Hanh), and Cafe Mai (Nguyen Du) to Cafe Giang (Hang Gai), and Cafe Lam (60, 91 Nguyen Huu Huan), which are ideal for old friends to meet and chat in the romantic atmosphere of the city.

Source: Dtinews

Moon cake: from an autumn tradition

2011-09-06T21:28:00.001-07:00

Moon cake: from an autumn tradition Moon Cakes (banh Trung Thu) are a sweet specialty found throught Vietnam in mid-autumn.

Just a few decades ago, moon cakes were only a small part of the Vietnam’s festival. Then, they were mostly hand-made with plain ingredients. ‘Banh deo’, the white cake was made with green beans and lotus seeds. ‘Banh nuong’, the brown one, was made with meat, melon seeds, sesame, egg yolk, lemon leaves and kumquat peels. Both kinds can be square or round, and have a bright yoke inside to represent the moon.

They are often given to children to celebrate the festival.

Nowadays, however, the cakes are becoming more sophisticated. A number of manufacturers add exotic ingredients, such as shark fin, abalone.

A chef from Metropole Hotel Hanoi, which has had some eight years producing moon cakes, said that besides traditional ingredients like green bean, lotus seed or salted egg they are creating new flavours with ingredients like carmel and walnut. They are also making large cakes in the shape of fish and moon. This year the hotel produces some 3,000 boxes of cake against 2,000 boxes last year.

Some new hotels are also following their predecessors like Metropole, Daewoo, Hilton, etc. to take advantage from this festival. Silk Path Hotel on Hang Bong Street has also set up a swanky moon cake stall at the lobby to display their first batch. According to the hotel manager, Cesar M.Castro, they are just making 1,000 boxes for this season. “We hire a good Hanoi chef with over ten years of experiences in making moon cakes to make our first products,” he revealed. “We apply just traditional methods and ingredients into our cakes but invest more on the cover and pack so as to make it a nice piece for people to give one another on this special occasion.”

Newly-established Crowne Plaza Hotel on Le Duc Tho Street has just cooperated with two Chinese chefs to produce their own products for the festival. Their chef Can Hong Huang boasts that he has been working in Vietnam for many years and understands people’s taste very well. So he is confident that their four kinds of ‘Banh nuong’ with both traditional and new flavours will please customers’ taste.

Still, many people prefer the taste of traditionally-made cakes.

Therefore, some bakeries are still following traditional methods and employing just traditional ingredients into their cakes. Gia Thinh Shop on Hang Duong, Ninh Huong on Hang Dieu or Do The Gia on Dong Tac and Thanh Cong Street are still popular places for those who love the traditional flavours.

A customer at Do The Gia stall says that her family are always fond of the natural flavours and unique taste of traditional cakes. “We cannot take the cakes with new ingredients and strange flavours even though they are said to be precious and expensive,” she expresses. “Therefore traditional cakes are usually the best choice for us to enjoy or give to our friends or relatives who live far away from Hanoi.

People’s loyalty to traditional cakes is attributed to its special taste and the taste comes from the fresh ingredients and complicated process of making. Do Nang Ty, who has had more than 60 years making moon cake and is now owner of Do The Gia, says that Hanoi people are very meticulous in cooking and a ‘Banh nuong’ must have fat meat, chicken, Chinese sausages, melon seeds, seasame, almond in its content and fresh lemon leaves, young kumquat fruits, and a kind of scented wine called Mai Que Lo to make its flavour.

“And this is why traditional cakes have special and unique flavours that the others aromatized with artificial scent cannot compare,” he explained.

The price for a full moon

In the past, they also used to be quite cheap. The real price of one is around VND30,000-50,000. But these days, they are often considered a luxury gift, and packaged with elaborate boxes, and maybe a bottle of wine.

The “Montes Alpha M” from Daewoo Hanoi Hotel, is priced at VND 6.06 million.

Tips for choosing a moon cake:

- Moon cake manufacturers all have their stalls on many streets in Hanoi. To avoid fake products you should buy here or at big shops or supermarkets but not at small general stores.

- Moon cakes all have very short expiry date, so you should check it before buying.

Source: VNA

Crossing the Street in Vietnam

2011-08-25T21:31:00.000-07:00

Everyone who comes to Vietnam goes through then same first-day experience of crossing the street. With few streetlights, even fewer cross walks, and the entire population of motorists ignoring any streetlights and cross walks that have been put in place, the uncanniness of even attempting to cross the road is a peculiarity to say the least. But, it can be done! And will be done! Just after a few failed practice attempts.

To help you on your way on your Vietnam tour to Vietnam, and to make that first try a success, here are a few helpful tips. First and foremost, know that you are not the inaugural first silly tourist to cross the street in Hanoi or Saigon for their first time. Its been done by many before. You are actually easily spotted from a mile a way - because, you are standing still on the side of the road, looking absolutely terrified. Now muster up some of that courage and look like you know what your doing. Second, take a look for any near oncoming traffic. If there is room to take a step in, then with confidence go for it!

Now that your in what appears to be a gauntlet, keep walking at the same pace till you reach the other side. Once your in you actually don’t even have to look at the oncoming traffic. Motorists will merely drive around you. A quick look when you reach the centre of the road at the traffic coming in the opposing direction is however suggested.

Some street-crossers like to adopt the technique of sticking a hand out. If that is what’s natural for you, go right ahead. Others like to add a little nervous wiggle to the wrist to the hand stuck out in front of them. It it feels good, do it. Just remember to keep walking. Do not, for some reason other than a speeding bus, stop! And, you will rewardingly make it safely to the other side.

For many other tips and FAQs about traveling to Vietnam check out Footprint Vietnam Travel’s Travel Tips Page!

Ocvit - Footprint Vietnam.

Vietnam tourism kept being promoted in China

2011-08-18T23:49:00.001-07:00

Vietnam National Tourism Administration and several tourism agencies will operate two programs to promote and introduce destinations of Vietnam tour to their Chinese counterparts in September and October.

As scheduled, Vietnam travel agencies will participate in Guilin International Tourism Exhibition Fair on September 16th to 18th. The fair is expected to welcome some 800 tourism units from 50 countries and territories over the world and 16 Chinese provinces.

A road-show to introduce Vietnamese tourism and to meet with Chinese businesses and agencies will be held on October 16th to 22nd in three provinces of Hunan, Jiangxi and Fujian.

China is a main market for Vietnam tourism, accounting for one fourth (nearly 786,000 arrivals) of the international tourists to Vietnam in the first seventh months of this year.

This year has seen a decline in Vietnam tourism promotion programs in China; however, this market grew 53.5 per cent, mainly for destinations in northern and central regions. Chartered flights have brought tourists from Kumming, Guangzhou and Shanghai to Da Nang and some spots in Thua Thien-Hue and Quang Nam provinces.

Unfortunately, the number of Chinese tourists to Ho Chi Minh City by air has dropped significantly.

Last week, Tourism Association of Quang Ninh Province established a 27-member club to receive Chinese tourists through the Mong Cai Border Gate. Members of the club will design and carry out various activities in order to improve tour quality to avoid price competitiveness.

Source: TBKTSG

Vietnam tourism tries lure more Japanese tourists

2011-08-14T21:35:00.000-07:00

Vietnam tourism tries its best to lure more Japanese tourists, especially after the consequences of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan in March this year have abated.

Hikoro Takeuch pays 100,000 yen (about US$1,251) for a tour to Vietnam. To Takeuch, it is cheap as she enjoys shopping in Vietnam. “Shopping in Vietnam is very interesting and exciting,” says Takeuch. “I want to go shopping when traveling in Vietnam. I will come back to Vietnam because the expense is low and I enjoy shopping here.”

Kimika Okuda, another Japanese travelers to Vietnam tour, is also a fan of shopping in Vietnam. It costs 90,000 yen (about US$1,126) for her trip to Vietnam. But she thinks the price is quite normal as everything is cheap here.

Takeuch and Okuda are two examples of Japanese tourists who spend a lot of time during their tours in Vietnam going shopping besides experiencing specialties and visiting ancient constructions.

They were also two among 33,130 Japanese people coming to Vietnam in July for traveling, business and MICE (meeting, incentive, conference and exhibition), according to the latest report of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, or VNAT. The figure is important to Vietnam travel as it is again on the increase after decreasing in several months due to the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. In March, 43,500 Japanese tourists visited Vietnam. The number of Japanese arrivals then was down to 41,450, 35,056 and 31,204 in April, May and June respectively. According to tour operators, the time from April to September is the “low” season of Japanese tourists, and the natural disaster in Japan aggravated the situation. The companies have made their own efforts while waiting for macro-solutions from VNAT and the Government.

Just shopping

Huynh Minh Son, tour operation manager of the inbound section of Apex Vietnam, a travel company in Vietnam specializing in welcoming Japanese tourists, says that every year Apex Vietnam welcomes more than 50,000 Japanese arrivals to Vietnam. However, in March and a few months later, the number of tourists sent from Japanese companies was down by around 10%. As from July, the situation has been better, especially after the company offered promotion programs. Accommodation prices have been down by 20-30%. It also has discounted US$10-20 for each tourist while the quality remains.

However, Son tells Chào! that with a 15-day entry permit, tourists often choose short tours, such as three days in only Saigon, five days in Saigon and Hanoi and eight days across the country. “Due to short tours, they cannot understand well Vietnam’s culture as well as experience a long relax like Westerners,” Son says. “They just like to go shopping, enjoy local food and go to spas.”

Two other big Ho Chi Minh City-based tour operators serving Japanese tourists – Saigontourist and Vietravel – see a slight recovery after the drop. They also have the same idea that due to short stays, Japanese guests just want to enjoy shopping, traveling around the city by cyclo and visiting a few construction works.

Doan Thi Thanh Tra, marketing manager of Saigontourist, says that most of young Japanese tourists go to Vietnam for shopping and visiting beautiful places. But, they don’t spend much as there are not many choices and services for them. Tra adds that to encourage more Japanese tourists to Vietnam that have been down some 40% since March, the company has offered discounts from 5-10% and added more services.

Nguyen Minh Man, acting media manager of Ho Chi Minh City-based tour operator Vietravel, says that since the earthquake and tsunami, the company has seen a decrease from the Japanese market. Vietravel serves some 18,000-20,000 Japanese guests every year. But since March the number of tourists from the market has decreased by 30% compared to the same period last year. “However, as of July, the situation started to be better,” he says, adding that early last month, Vietravel received the first 700 Japanese tourists to Vietnam after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. “This was good news following the sharp drop. The company will welcome 800-1,000 Japanese tourists in the coming months,” he adds.

Expanding entry term

Besides their own efforts, the travel companies really expect VNAT and the Government to allow Japanese tourists to stay for up to 30 or 60 days without an entry visa, instead of the current 15 days.

Tra from Saigontourist says that the suggestion targets travelers only. This will help travelers have more time to carry out trans-Vietnam tours, for example. That means they will stay in Vietnam longer and spend more money.

Meanwhile, Son from Apex Vietnam tells Chào! that in the eyes of Japanese tourists, especially the elderly who usually make up a large number in a tour group, Vietnam is seen as a safe place for traveling in many days and a good place for living when retiring. So expanding the entry time for travelers is necessary.

In addition, Apex Vietnam also has suggestions for Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. At present, traveling around the capital city’s downtown area that is home to many ancient French-style constructions and Vietnamese traditional culture by cyclo is limited. Sometimes, the company must unexpectedly cancel some legs of their tours. Meanwhile, Hanoi’s government has just allowed traveling around the downtown area within two hours per day. However, the number of cyclos is too small to meet big demands of travel companies. In Ho Chi Minh City, Apex is working with the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training to open another kind of tour, bringing Japanese students to visit schools in the city.

More Japanese guests targeted

Since June this year, VNAT and the Government have carried out many activities to lure more Japanese travelers back to Vietnam. But, Rome wasn’t built in a day, so it takes a long time to fulfill the plans.

For entry permit, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has presented to the Government a proposal to increase the duration of visa-free stay from 15 to 30 or even 60 days for Japanese.

Hoang Thi Diep, deputy head of VNAT, says that Vietnam saw a huge decline in the number of Japanese visitors to the country after the recent natural disaster in Japan, and that’s why Vietnam tourism needs to explore new ways to recover that market.

Apex Vietnam has petitioned VNAT for allowing Japanese tourists to stay for up to 30 or 60 days without an entry visa, instead of the current 15 days.

VNAT, in cooperation with Vietnam Airlines, has announced to launch tourism promotion programs in Japan in hope of attracting more tourists to Vietnam.

Nguyen Van Tuan, general director of VNAT, tells local press after a promotion trip to Japan last month that his administration wants to strengthen cooperation with Japan, and has requested Japan to include Vietnam in the list of destinations suggested for Japanese travelers. Besides, some special travel packages for Japanese will be offered in the near future.

Vietnam tourism remains positive of the Japanese market despite a fall in the number of Japanese passengers taking Vietnam Airlines’ flights.

“There were over 268,000 Japanese visitors coming to Vietnam in January-July due to a strong rise in the first quarter (prior to the deadly quake and tsunami), resulting in an increase of 11.7% from last year,” says Tuan.

With efforts from travel companies and VNAT, it is hoped that at least from now till the end of this year, Vietnam tourism will hear much more “Ohayou” (hello) words from Japanese tourists like those of the two ladies mentioned above, Hikoro Takeuch and Kimika Okuda.

Source: The Saigon times

Dalat flower festival 2012 to open December 30

2011-08-08T21:39:00.000-07:00

The People’s Committee of Lam Dong Province has announced the opening of the bi-annual Dalat Flower Festival from December 30 to January 3, 2012.

The event, “Dalat: city of a thousand flowers,” will present to national and international visitors its vast variety of flowers along with many cultural activities.

A flower exhibition will be held on Ho Tung Mau and Le Dai Hanh Streets, alongside the Xuan Huong Lake, Ba Huyen Thanh Quan Park and Lien Khuong Airport. The Dalat flower market, an international flower exhibition introducing famous flowers from the region will be displayed at the Dalat Flower Park. Music events, fashion shows, an international trade-expo, a seminar on flowers and a night wine festival will also be part of the Festival.

There will also be a flower road display at the Palace Hotel and tours of flower villages, fields, valleys, hills, villas and a trade village fair. A gala night of street dances and flower balloon performances will also be part of the Festival celebrations.

One of the highlights of the Festival will be a flower bridge, themed “Europe in the city of a thousand flowers”. For this, the Ong Dao Bridge will be decorated with flowers and installed with LED lighting.

Organizers are hoping that the Ong Dao Flower Bridge will be recognized as “Vietnam’s most beautiful flower bridge”.

Dalat flower festival is an important event for the region as not only does it highlight the beauty of Dalat flowers and promote Dalat flower growers, it also boosts the local flower industry and acts as a center for local and international flower lovers and growers to interact and exchange experiences.

The festival was organized for the first time in 2005 and subsequently held every two years.

Source: thesaigontimes

Building tourism trademarks for the northwestern region

2011-08-03T21:39:00.000-07:00

A press conference was held in Hanoi on August 3 to introduce a tourism programme in the northwestern region, with particular emphasis in Son La province, this year.

Cam Ngoc Minh, Chairman of Son La provincial People’s Committee, said he hopes that through the programme, both local and foreign visitors will learn more about the northwestern region in general and Son La province in particular.

Minh, who is also head of the organizing board, expressed his wish that investors will continue to pour further investment into the region through the programme.

The programme, the first of its kind for the northern province of Son La, aims to introduce and develop trademarks for tourism products for the region, strengthen cooperation among localities, and take full advantage of the natural landscapes, historical relics, and cultural identities of ethnic groups.

It is also expected to turn the tourism industry in the region - and in Son La in particular - into a tourism centre for the northwestern area in order to greatly contribute to the country’s socio-economic development.

The programme will last from August 27 to September 2 this year.

(Source: VOV)

Vietnam’s pho, spring roll listed in top world foods

2011-07-28T00:09:00.000-07:00

Vietnam’s pho, spring roll listed in top world foodsVietnam’s “pho” and “goi cuon” (fresh spring roll) have been added to the list of the world’s 50 most delicious foods by the CNN GO website of the US CNN television channel.

In an article introducing the world’s 50 most delicious foods, CNN recognised that many dishes were worth travelling around the world to enjoy.

In the Asia-Pacific region, Thailand and Vietnam saw the largest number of dishes honoured in the list. Among them, Vietnam’s pho and fresh spring roll were described as comparable to Japan’s sushi, Italy’s pizza, Thailand’s som tam and Iran’s kebab.

Originated in Vietnam’s southern region, spring roll includes lean and fat pork, shrimp and fresh herbs wrapped in rice paper. For this reason, many foreigners described the spring roll as a ‘fast food’ of Vietnam.

As a symbol of the Vietnamese cuisine culture, pho is present anywhere around the world where Vietnamese people live. In addition to rice noodles, thinly-sliced beef or chicken meat and broth as the main ingredients, a slice of fresh lemon and a splash of chilli sauce are indispensable to a delicious bowl of pho.

Major US newspapers such as the New York Times, Los Angeles Times and the Boston Globe ran articles praising pho.

(Source: VNA)

Ministry rejects ' Vietnam tourism ' slogan

2011-07-24T21:52:00.001-07:00

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has rejected ‘Vietnam - A Different Orient’ as the official slogan of the Vietnam travel for the 2011-2015 period, an official said.

Hoang Thi Diep, deputy head of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), said relevant departments and experts didn’t agree with the Cowan Design Company’s proposal.

Earlier this year, Cowan won the VNAT slogan and logo contest but the arrangement hasn’t worked out as planned.

“We have decided not only to collect ideas from the contest winner but also from those who finished second and third. The ministry has agreed to seek another work,” she told the Daily.

The ministry has entrusted VNAT to cooperate with European experts of the EU-funded project for Vietnam’s tourism named the Environmentally and Socially Responsible Tourism Capacity Development Program (ESRT) in Vietnam from 2011 to 2015 to seek a new slogan and logo.

“We expect the final work to be completed later this year,” she said.

In late 2005, Vietnam travel authorities chose ‘Vietnam - the Hidden Charm’ as the new slogan for the tourism industry’s 2006-10 push and due to the delay the industry is still using the old slogan for marketing activities at home and abroad.

“We need to also make effective programs as well as having a new slogan and logo to find customers worldwide,” she said.

She said VNAT in the second half of this year would submit a plan to establish the National Tourism Promotion Department to carry out activities to promote the nation’s tourism.

Source: SGT

Vietnam’s travel revenue rises 35% in first half

2011-07-13T22:16:00.000-07:00

Vietnam’s travel revenue in the year’s first half surged a staggering 35.5% to VND62 trillion, or more than US$3 billion, compared to VND45 trillion in the year-ago period, the national tourism body said.

The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism attributed the strong rise to higher service prices, the bigger number of both local and foreign travelers, and the strong growth of the high-spending visitors segment.

Nguyen Van Tuan, head of the tourism authority, told the Daily on Tuesday that the country’s tourism welcomed over 2.96 million foreign visitors in the period, up 18.1% year-on-year while the number of domestic travelers was also high at over 17.5 million. “The sharp increase in the number of guests local and foreign alike using high-end services at tourist destinations contributed strongly to the income of the sector. The growth in the period was also due to better service quality,” he said.

He said that the average occupancy rate at high-end hotels and resorts, especially those in the beach areas, was high in the first half of this year.

The country currently has 12,000 tourism accommodations with 235,000 rooms. Three- to five-star facilities make up 19% of the total number of rooms.

There are 48 five-star hotels with over 12,000 rooms, 110 four-star hotels with nearly 13,500 rooms and 235 three-star hotels with nearly 16,400 rooms.

The high-ranking official also added that the industry was facing higher costs, which pulled up service prices in the first half.

“Prices of materials for the food and beverage sector increased at double-digit rates, prompting the final price to strongly increase too,” Tuan said.

Tuan said the average length of international visitors’ stay in the country is about 10.5 days and they spend an average of US$1,024 per guest, excluding the airfare. Visitors from destinations such as Australia and Russia stayed in the country longer than those from other destinations.

According to him, the average length of foreigners’ stay in some big cities like Ho Chi Minh City was lower than the country’s average rate.

Ho Chi Minh City, for example, recorded the average length of foreign visitors’ stay at 2.5 days, or just one-fourth of the country’s average because many foreign visitors just transit at Tan Son Nhat International Airport before going to other destinations especially the beach areas for travel and relaxation.

Source: The Saigon times

Quang Binh-advantages for developing tourism

2011-07-11T22:07:00.000-07:00

Recently, Quang Binh is also destinations attract foreign to Vietnam tour. Quang Binh is just like an imposing picture with beautiful forest, sea and many other landscapes that are very famous as Ngang pass, Ly Hoa pass, Nhat Le seaport, Hac Hai, Cong Troi lagoon and Phong Nha – Ke Bang national park.

Phong Nha cavern, one of the most beautiful landscape of Quang Binh

Quang Binh is a coastal province in North Central part. It places in the narrowest land of Vietnam. To the north, Quang Binh borders Ha Tinh province by Hoanh Son mountain chain and borders Quang Tri province to the south.

Towards the east, Quang Binh borders the East Sea and towards the west, it borders Kham Muon province of Lao by Truong Son mountain chain.

There are not many places in Vietnam that has such advantages for developing tourism like Quang Binh province. With an area of 8,065 square kilometers, Quang Binh has three kinds of geographical terrains, including forests, hills and mountains, and coastal areas.

Quang Binh has a very long beautiful seashore of about 116, 04 kilometers with white sand and blue seawater. It definitely has a stable foundation to develop a tourism resort.

This beautiful coastal land features the particularity of the North Central part, where there are various ethnic groups reside. Therefore, it has plenty of traditional cultures.

Not only that, Quang Binh is also located in a diversified biology area – where there is a system of many plants and animals and especially, most of these species are from valuable and rare genes. These factors can absolutely help Quang Binh develop the ecotourism.

In January 2009, Dong Hoi and Phong Nha – Ke Bang of Quang Binh were listed in 29 tourist attractions by Los Angeles Times newspaper. Phong Nha – Ke Bang national park is also listed as one of the world’s natural wonders by UNESCO.

Quang Binh has some important transportation routes such as highway 1A, Ho Chi Minh road, railway line North – South. In addition, this province also has maritime traffic (Hon La and Gianh port) and air traffic (Dong Hoi airport). These strong points also help to make Quang Binh become more popular.

Source: danangexplorer.com

Da Nang travel targets four million visitors in 2015

2011-07-07T21:27:00.001-07:00

Da Nang is one of the famous destination of Vietnam tour. Da Nang City’s government has approved a tourism development program for the next five years with an aim to receive four million holidaymakers in 2015.

To meet the target, the central city will develop three main categories of tourism, namely sea, resort and ecological tourism; culture, history, landscape, countryside and trade village holidays; and business, seminar and shopping tours.

The number of visitors is projected to grow by 18% annually while tourism revenue is expected at over VND3.4 trillion in 2015. The tourism sector is expected to make up 7% of the city’s gross domestic product (GDP) instead of 5.12% currently.

Local government plans to set aside nearly VND3.2 trillion for the program with VND167 billion coming from the State budget.

The city’s government has asked related agencies to carry out tourism projects in Son Tra Peninsula, Ngu Hanh Son cultural park, Lang Van, Hai Van Pass and Bach Dang tourist street.

It will focus on high-class sea tourism services and waterway, shopping, leisure and business projects, speed up promotion programs and human resources training.

Da Nang aims to receive three million domestic and one million international visitors in 2015.

Source: The Saigon times

Not merely beaches in Da Nang

2011-06-21T22:12:00.001-07:00

The central coast city of Da Nang is well known for the white-sand beaches that attract throngs of local and international travelers to Vietnam tour. Usual sights at the alluring My Khe Beach in central Da Nang late in the afternoon are huge crowds of local residents mingling with tourists, mostly Vietnam, in the crystal-clear sea. Meanwhile, the out-of-town stretches of Da Nang Beach are lined with medium- and high-end resorts, especially those for international tourists and well-to-do local holidaymakers.

But that’s not all about Da Nang. What’s more fascinating there is a 400-year-old tradition of stone art. Most of the time, visitors to the city are recommended to go to stone art stores to buy something for family and friends. This is part of most tour programs in the city.

I dropped by a stone art shop during my recent second visit to Da Nang but the art of turning huge masses of rock into tiny and huge artistic products was still highly appealing to my eyes.

Among the numerous items available at stone art outlets is Pixiu, a mythical hybrid creature believed to be a powerful protector of Feng Shui practitioners and to bring prosperity. It looks more like a winged lion.

Feng Shui practitioners should also look for masses of quartz that come with various colors, such as purple, yellow and pink. This type of rock crystal is believed to bring good health.

Fine stone jewelry ranging from rings and earrings to wristbands and necklaces, and countless numbers of handicraft items for the interior and exterior of the home such as vases, tables, chairs, real-life and mythical animals and literature characters can be found as well.

These stone art products are of course beautiful but heavy. But don’t worry. Shop owners offer home delivery services no matter where you live, inside or outside Vietnam. So why not come by a stone art store in Da Nang? You may not make any purchase but it is worth taking a look at.

Source: The Saigon times

Domestic tourists change travel habit

2011-06-15T23:54:00.001-07:00

More Vietnamese people took domestic tours in the first five months of the year despite the nation’s economic doldrums but their travel habit changed from last year.

A report by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism says around 17.5 million local people traveled in January-May, half a million higher than the total number recorded in the first half of last year.

Many tour operators in Ho Chi Minh City have posted growth. However, they said more local tourists were inclined to shorten their holidays, with short-haul tours of southern destinations, and budget and free & easy tours preferred.

Tran The Dung, deputy director of the Young Generation Travel Company, said the company’s turnover in the first five months was down nearly 20% though the number of its customers grew.

Many corporate customers of Vietnam travel firms tend to select road rather than air tours for their staff. “Big corporate groups have still come to us, buying yearly tours for their staff but shortening the tours and choosing automobiles as a main means of transport,” he said.

Domestic travelers served by Fiditourist in January-May were up 30% year-on-year. Due to their limited budgets, many of them opted for near destinations like Phu Quoc Island and the resort town of Phan Thiet, instead of far-away areas the central and northern regions.

“Many tourists, especially those traveling with family, just purchased some travel services. We’ve seen more guests asking for car and hotel reservation services only,” said Nguyen Ngoc An, head of the Domestic Travel Department of Fiditourist.

To cope with the new travel trend, Vietnam tour operator have launched a host of promotion tours and changed tour arrangements along with cost cutting.

Doan Thi Thanh Tra, marketing manager of Saigontourist Travel Service Co., said budget tours rose at the company in the first five months. Saigontourist has launched everyday tours, instead of focusing on those departing on weekends as in the past.

She said airlines and tourism service providers were cooperating in promotional tours for fear local people would suspend their travel plans due to rising prices.

Source: SGT

Vietnam where I saw the most beautiful

2011-06-01T00:27:00.000-07:00

In your eyes, where the place Vietnam most beautiful ? Our questions are foreign photographer responded with these images upset: the picture angle is so simple that with them – people from a distance – that’s where most Vietnam features. And more beautiful images are to carry the most emotional story.

Surface of the Ba be Lake

Of all the places I’ve been to in Vietnam, causing nowhere and touched fresh my soul with Ba be Lake that day. That day, we went back a video with beautiful images of Vietnam travel, suddenly there are six women in traditional costumes of the Tay is smooth sailing on the lake near where we shoot. So glad we invited two people to model for us. Do not hesitate, despite the weather and the director asked to turn back, return, the two women still try to smile real big to get the best picture for us.

Back now though Ba be lake many times since taking this picture, it’s hard to see the picture of Tay people wearing traditional dress here, but the image of two women always keep on smiling and generous in my mind. And so I found from Vietnam’s most beautiful places.

Love letter S

First time visit to Chau Doc on the west region, I saw the beauty of the season rice area Ta Pa of Tri Ton distance Chau Doc by 20km. Sitting on the scenery from the hills, I’m ecstatic in front of a vast field of golden wheat and blue layers. After 5-10 minutes, I saw a big tree and a very impressive way, S-shaped drawing up of Vietnam’s beloved. And the assiduous of mothers with heavy two shoulders quietly away in the rice fields have suggested in my real passions.

Fun time

In Sapa, when not in school, the Mong baby help parents sell traditional gifts such as handmade wallet, or souvenirs made from raw materials to earn in the forest. With no guests, the children play by holding the interesting folk game like me takes refreshment stalls in this way. The box game, jump rope, hopscotch is very attractive because despite differences in culture, history and language of our childhood also experienced moments like this.

To Vietnam, I discovered a number of major cities, but where I enjoy most Sapa. I myself moved from noisy Saigon, bustling Hanoi, on the misty highlands full of SaPa. And to come here, I have the impression of a land of fun colorful culture. Price as cultural identity to be kept here forever; do not fade over months on…

Peddled wares

One night, I was lost in the small streets of Hanoi. I have ventured to ask the way woman selling rice vermicelli in the lane. She is busy with scoop each bowl of noodles to visitors, who sit around waiting for food, has always urged her out but she still put bowl down, pointing the way for my guidance. She was laughing and everyone around you is laughing. I feel quietly pleased.

I have read somewhere that the sidewalk food in Vietnam is very interesting. And to come here, I discovered something new again. Sidewalk food in Vietnam is not only interesting because of the abundance of spices, but also by the friendliness of the people. Yes, delicious food around us when there is sincere.

Marking time

Old cars on the famous Hang Ngang in Hanoi. Features blends old and new are always giving me good feelings. I appreciate what goes through but also to the future. Hanoi thousand years of beautiful and graceful as the morning fog in Hoan Kiem Lake and spread around, covering the tree-lined streets, the crowded streets, the cone course, lakes and parks. With dozens of pagodas, communal houses, temples hidden away, with restaurants in the street find their ancient flavor, this city deserves to anyone taking the time to explore the treasures in the quiet, peaceful and forget the loud sounds, speakers, and the sound of motorcycle engines are everywhere.

I have had countless times and went walking along the horizontal motorcycle cities are constantly expanding this. But Hanoi’s Old Quarter is always deep in my heart.

Truong Tien Bridge

As I was walking on Truong Tien Bridge (Hue), a cyclo runs and the children shouted “Hello.” I also see this scene, this smile, and these greetings across Vietnam, but where I come across. Dumplings car by pushing the older woman on the bridge also reminds me something interesting: great food in Vietnam, despite enjoying the sidewalk.

I took this picture with a new discovery, an assertion is true about my country than I have been engaged for several years: Truong Tien bridge not Trang Tien as I (and many) each mistake.

Morning kiss

Morning, the floating markets near Long Xuyen (An Giang province), the boat carrying a man and a woman to visit a surfing boat light food. Between the noises of passing ships, my dear man I call: “Hello, hello.” When I raised the camera up, linked arm in arm across his neck woman hugged and kissed a bit. The woman hesitated; perhaps the first time she was married midst of people should blush, only laughed. I love this moment, I like Vietnamese people, so sincere. I saw Vietnamese little kiss at crowded places, but so do not mean they can not show love.
The people that I met in Mekong River Delta were sincere, generous. Especially river man met me always ready to offer a glass as if had known each other for so long.

Source: xinchaovietnam

RTC workshop on Environmental Impacts of Tourism

2011-05-19T22:14:00.000-07:00

Vietnam’s beautiful beaches, soaring mountains, and natural attractions such as Halong Bay, attract millions of visitors each year and generate significant economic benefits for the country and its regions. However, whilst nature-based tourism may offer significant opportunities for both employment and conservation, the sector must be managed sustainably in order to ensure that the growth does not hamper the essence of the product.

Responsible travel club of Vietnam was form in May 2010, the aim of this associations is to work together among the tour operators and other tourism stakeholders on promotion of responsible travel through travel products, environmental training and community based tourism.

Held at the end of May at Lake Lavie Vu Linh, a popular ecotourism destination north of Hanoi, the RTC has convened a training workshop to examine ways in which the local tourism industry can operate sustainably in Vietnam’s fragile environment whilst at the same time work towards its protection.

Over 3 days the workshop will bring together tour operators from Hanoi and as far afield as Hue – central Vietnam. Workshop partners include SNV – Netherlands Development Organisation and WWF – World Wildlife Fund, with additional presentations being given by Vietnam national administration of tourism - VNAT and ENERTEAM.

Club tour opeartors: Footprint Vietnam Travel, Sisters Tours, Active Travel, Indochina Travel Land, Free Wheeling tours, GSO and Handspan are now busy preparing for this event. Also our partners such as WWF and SNV are also putting a great efforts together with us to make sure it will be a fruitful workshop.

Other non-member tour operators will also join us, like Vietnam tourism in Hanoi, HG Travel in Hanoi, Vietran tours, Huong Giang travel Hue… we believe this workshop will be a great success.

On Day One delegates will depart Hanoi for Lake Lavie Vu Linh. Upon arrival delegates will be taken on a boat and walking tour of the Lake and the Lavie Vu Linh ecotourism project and take some time to discuss the fragile beauty of the Lake.

During Day Two delegates get stuck into the core issues affecting tourism and the environment in Vietnam, finding solutions and presentation to all. Attending sessions such as Vietnam’s biodiversity values, tourism’s impact on the environment, Vietnam’s environmental law and regulations, environmental policy development, and green suppliers.

Before departing back to Hanoi on Day 3 delegates are able to hear about WWF’s work in tourism in Vietnam and take motivation from SNV’s presentation on environmental better practice from around the world.

The tourism environmental training workshop will be held from 27th to 29th May, 2011.

Change in Product Department at Footprint Travel

2011-05-10T20:11:00.001-07:00

Footprint sets our first foot in 2001, it has been almost 10 years of operations, we have built our company, not big, but very stable, due to our unique offers of Vietnam tour to clients world wide. The success is for everyone at the Footprint family but we have to reserve our big appreciation to the product department who are creative in different innovative travel products.

Today is Hien last day as the role of the product executive, our first setting for her was a travel consultant, tour guide and she was appointed to be the product executive in 2008.

After Thuc, it has been more than 3 years of Hien’s great efforts to travel to learn from you - our travel clients, from our tour guide, tour operators and even our drivers on how to better our products to make it best for you - the travelers.

We thank you Hien for your all her dedication to make it easy for all the travel consultant at Footprint and good luck to her, Hien will be taking even more important role - as
Also it’s Dien first day on his role of the product executive and tour operation manager, he has been almost 7 years working as the tour operators and travel consultants. His passion and enthusiasm on tourism makes him travel to lots of places in Vietnam, "Ha Giang his love and if you ask him what is the best way to get there, he won't hesitate to tell you to jump on a motorbike! You can travel to the remote mountainous areas to see the unusual lifestyle of local people, and impossible scenery on unbelievable roads.

Footprint management board can not express of our all words for Dien’s dedications on work and travel, the whole Footprint team wishing Dien with the best and good luck with his new position.

If I just visit Phu Quoc island, can I have visa exemption?

2011-05-05T21:43:00.000-07:00

When we offer Vietnam tour to friends and travelers, some friends ask if we just want to travel and be lazy there in Phu Quoc island, can they have a visa exemption.

In regard of this, in late 2005 the government passed regulations specifically in relation Phu Quoc Island entry, exit and residence of foreigners or Vietnamese holding foreign passports. These regulations are provided below with more details.

Under this Decision, foreigners and Vietnamese holding foreign passports who are, entering, exiting from, and residing in Phu Quoc Island for a stay period not exceeding 15 days are exempt from visas. The following section provides a summary of those regulations.

International flight arrivals

Foreigners who enter via another international border-gate of Vietnam and stay in its transit lounge before travelling to Phu Quoc Island shall also be exempt from visas. With the opening of the new airport international terminal in Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat) foreigners will soon be able to transit from international flights directly to Phu Quoc, exempt from visa requirements for up to 15 days. Passports must be valid for at least 45 days. After arriving in Phu Quoc Island, if visitors want to travel other localities or stay in the island for more than 15 days, visitors are required to visit the immigration department who is responsible for issuing visas.

Arriving by ship via the East Sea?

Foreign-tourist ships can arrive or leave Duong Dong harbour in accordance with agreements signed with Vietnamese tourist companies. Foreign tourist ships which visit Duong Dong area & other areas (except restricted areas) must comply with Vietnamese immigration laws and Phu Quoc regulations, i.e. 15 day stay allowed exempt from Visa. Citizens of south-east Asian countries listed above, do not need certification when entering Duong Dong Town for up to 15 days. If visitors want to travel outside Phu Quoc Island and/or more than 15days, they will be required to obtain visa clearance provided by immigration in Duong Dong town.

Visitors to Vietnam tour continue to rise

2011-05-04T21:53:00.000-07:00

More than 460,000 international visitors travelled to Vietnam tour in April, a 6.3 per cent rise against the same month last year, according to the General Statistics Office (GSO).

Visitors to Sapa travel in the northern province of Lao Cai get exposed to the locals' sweet sales tactics. Over 1.9 million foreign visitors arrived in Vietnam in the first four months of the year.

This brought the total number of foreign arrivals during the first four months of the year to more than 1.9 million, a year-on-year increase of 10.5 per cent.

Despite the recent earthquake and tsunami, Japanese visitors to Vietnam still numbered 177,000, surging 21 per cent against the previous year's same period.

Vietnam also saw remarkable increases in the numbers of tourists from China, up 20 per cent, US arrivals rising by 6.8 per cent, South Koreans by 6.6 per cent, French tourists by 6.3 per cent and Australian visitors 5.7 per cent.

A strong brand name would be established for Vietnam travel during the next four years to promote the country's attractions, said director general of the Vietnam Administration of Tourism (VNAT) Nguyen Van Tuan.

The administration planned to hire a consultancy firm to carry out the strategy, he said, adding that this was the first time promotion would be conducted by a professional agency.

Chairman of the Vietnam Society of Travel Agents (VISTA) Vu The Binh said efforts to create a Vietnamese brand should focus on what was unique about the country. He said he believed one thing Vietnam could be proud of was its spectacular landscape.

Binh said it was also important to identify potential markets. To date, Vietnam's traditional markets were people from Northeast Asia and Western Europe, but another promising market was the country's own region of Southeast Asia.

In countries such as Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore, people from within the region accounted for 70 per cent of visitors while in Vietnam, the figure was not even close to 20 per cent, he said.

"A strong and effective brand name requires close co-operation between authorities and hotels, airlines and tourist companies," said Saigontourist Marketing Manager Doan Thi Thanh Tra.

"Such co-ordination can help create attractive tourism services and products, a key factor for the success of our hospitality industry.

"A brand name will not work if foreign tourists cannot book air tickets or hotel rooms are not easily available," she added.

Tourist companies were attempting to build their-own brands to attract more international tourists, she said.

The tourism industry aims to welcome 5.3 million foreigners and serve 30 million local tourists, earning VND110 trillion (over US$5 billion) from tourism revenue this year.

(Source: VNS)

Who can have visa exemption for Vietnam?

2011-04-26T20:44:00.000-07:00

Footprint is pleased to offer the following information for travelers to Vietnam tour with the following visa exemption.

The Vietnamese people that hold foreign passports and foreigners who are their husbands, wives and children are exempt from visa requirements to enter Vietnam and are allowed to stay for not more than 90 days. In order to be granted visa exemption certificates at Vietnamese representative offices abroad, Vietnamese overseas need the following conditions;

- PRC - Foreign-issued Permanent Residence certificate with the validity of at least six months since the date of entrance.

- VEP - Visa Exemption Paper is granted by Vietnamese appropriate authorities.

For those who want stay more than 90 days must apply for visa according to current stipulations before their entrance.

Bilateral visa exemption:

- The citizens of Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Laos holding valid ordinary passports are exempt from visa requirements and are allowed to stay for not more than 30 days; Philippines is allowed to stay for not more than 21 days.

- The citizens of China, Bulgaria, Kyrgyzstan, North Korea, and Rumania holding valid ordinary passports for official mission and citizens of 52 countries holding valid diplomatic or official passports are exempt from visa requirements. The duration of staying is stipulated in certain cases. For more information, please visit the website of Ministry of Foreign Affaires.

Unilateral visa exemption:

- The visa with 30-day validity is exempted for officials from ASEAN countries secretariat holding different kinds of passports.

- The citizens of Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Japan and South Korea holding different kinds of passports are exempt from visa requirements and are allowed to stay for not more than 15 days.

Hope our information is of good for you, please feel free to ask us any questions at info @ footprint.vn.

Footprint team
Footprint Vietnam Travel !

Halong-Fangchenggang sea route reopens

2011-04-12T22:06:00.000-07:00

The sea tourism route from Halong city in the northern province of Quang Ninh to Fangchenggang city in Guangxi province, China reopened on April 11.

Director of provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Ha Quang Long said the inauguration ceremony of the route is expected to take place on April 12 at Hon Gai Vinashin Port in Halong city.

Tourism promotion conferences will also be held to create favourable conditions for the two cities to introduce their potential, strength and tourism cooperation opportunities.

The resumption of the sea route, initially scheduled for Dec 2010 but delayed until now, embodies development in the two cities’ multifaceted cooperation, especially in sea tourism.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

Ho Chi Minh City names best tourism brands

2011-04-12T22:02:00.000-07:00

Ho Chi Minh City - country’s biggest tourism center, last Saturday announced the best Vietnam travel firms, hotels, travel websites, shopping venues and tourism service providers in the city.

Four companies of Vietnam tour – Saigontourist Travel Service, Fiditourist, Ben Thanh Tourist and Vietravel – are all included in the lists of the top 10 inbound companies, 10 outbound companies and 10 domestic companies.

All these companies but Fiditourist are in the top five with the best e-commerce websites, together with Viet Media Travel and TST Tourist.

In the hotel category, there are five best five-star, five best four-star, and 10 best three-star hotels. The five-star Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers is the best hotel for businessmen, and the InterContinental Asiana Saigon is the best hotel for meetings.

The top ten shopping venues include Tax Plaza, Vincom Center, Zen Plaza, Miss Aodai, Parkson, XQ Saigon, Khaisilk and PNJ jewelry shops.

Tourist parks, restaurants and transportation service firms in the city are also selected for their outstanding services.

The city’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism collaborated with the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Association to organize the selection joined by tourism experts, customers and media to mark Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Day.

The four-day Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Day at the September 23 Park closed on Sunday. Around 80 tourism service providers occupy 140 of the 172 booths at the seventh annual event. Around 24 other provinces and cities joined to the gathering as well.

Source: The Saigon times

Experience the island life of the Mekong Delta

2011-03-10T00:21:00.001-08:00

On my trip to Kien Giang Province, in the far south of Vietnam, I traveled to Kien Luong coastal district to see what is reputedly the most beautiful island in the Mekong Delta. To get to Hon Nghe Islet I took National Road 80 to Nga Ba Hon wharf and caught a boat.

The cruise departed early in the afternoon and we seemed to get lost in a wonderland, a small Halong Bay in the south. The cruise glided past many islands. The famous mountainous Phu Tu Islet was to the north surrounded by many smaller islands. The little islands have weird shapes - a stone castle, a whale and there’s the coconut tree covered Ba Lua Island.

After two hours we arrived at Hon Nghe Islet and went ashore in a small wooden boat. The first thing I saw, halfway up Lau Chuong Mountain, was a 20-meter-high statue of the Sakyamuni Buddha. The limestone mountain has many stalactite caves.

We decided to go to the old Lien Ton Co Tu Pagoda. We had to conquer hundreds of stone steps to get the sanctuary. On the way, we passed the statue of Sakyaminu Buddha and Chuong (Bell) giant rock which will made a “boong… boong” sound like a bell when I struck it with a small rock.
Further up are beautifully carved Arahat statues.
The pagoda is about 20 meters inside a stone cave. On the mountain walls are many statues of lion, tiger and dragons.
Night time in the pagoda is really peaceful and still. It was a full moon, so the ocean that looked amazing. The pagoda was blanketed in mist. Sometimes, the monks struck the wooden bell while they prayed. The gongs of the bell resonated with the other sounds in the forest.

Early in the morning, I got up to enjoy the dawn. It was a contrast to the stillness of the night; the islet was very busy with fishing boats, fishermen and traders.

Hon Nghe Islet is 320 meters high and 380 hectares. Tourists can take a boat trip to a fish farm to buy fish and discover the lives of local fishermen. The islet is also home to many species of birds.
Phat Co Don Cave can be accessed by a winding path. Inside, it is like a living room and there is a Buddha statue. Some other caves are also worth a visit.

Halong from on high

2011-03-10T00:18:00.000-08:00

Today, you can explore Halong Bay from unprecedented heights by going on a helicopter tour.

Halong Bay is the jewel of Vietnam travel crown, a stunning geological formation that captivates even the most travel weary and jaded of visitors.

Most people usually take a cruise around the bay. You can choose one or two night trips to enjoy the mesmerising scenery and discover wonderful coves and islets or simply enjoy the views from the top deck of your boat.

As a repeat visitor I wouldn’t say I’m tired of Halong, but I was certainly eager to discover another side of the UNESCO World Heritage Site when a friend told me about the Luxury Travel Company’s helicopter tour.

This would be a great opportunity to fly over the bay and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the limestone karst islets which, according to legend are the shards of diamond and jade, that were spat out by a family of dragons sent from heaven to help protect Vietnam from foreign invaders.

I was so excited at the prospect of climbing into a helicopter, I could hardly sleep the night before. But as the morning drew closer I started to get increasingly nervous. What if, I am scared of heights? Having never scaled any cliff faces, or jumped out of an airplane, how would I know?
Morning departure

I begin to suffer vertigo even before I arrive at Gia Lam Airport, 5km from downtown Hanoi, where I am to meet my tour guide and the helicopter crew. The flight departs at 8.30am. Still slightly anxious, I reassure myself that by flying to Halong Bay I’m at least avoiding the long, rather dangerous road from Hanoi to Hai Phong. Halong is normally more than a three-hour drive but via helicopter we expect to arrive in 45 minutes.

Our guide informs us that the Russian MI-17 helicopter seats 24 people and will reach an altitude of 300m. We are also in luck; the sky is clear and blue, a perfect day for flying. We set off and everyone is immediately glued to the windows and we see vast, beautiful rice fields pass below us.

The Red River looks like a long snake winding its way through a terracotta garden. Tran Van Huong, the captain, informs us that because a helicopter flies slower and lower than a jet, there is less chance that people will feel sick while taking off or landing. The helicopter is quite large and comfortable, but being a military chopper, there is no air- conditioning, just fans.

We are told we can visit the cockpit and talk with the four-member crew or, rather, shout at the crew –it is hard to make yourself heard above the throbbing engines!
The whole package

The Northern Serviced Flight Company, who operate the helicopter, also offer trips to Sapa in Lao Cai province and Dien Bien Phu, but tourists currently seem to prefer Ha Long Bay. The whole tour with Luxury Travel includes a cruise on a junk as well as a helicopter tour over the bay, plus transfer from Hanoi and back by chopper.

Halong Bay is certainly spectacular from the helicopter – it’s as perfect as a painting: the white sandy coves, the thick green forest, the rugged mountains and the jagged karsts jutting out of the emerald water.

I snap as many pictures as I can before the chopper lands at a heliport on General Giap Hill (named after General Vo Nguyen Giap as you might guess) Who knows when I will be 200m above Ha Long Bay again?

The chopper lands smoothly and we are back down on earth. Everyone is buzzing after the trip and I almost feel sad it’s over.

We are driven from the heliport to Bai Chay harbour, where boats and junks have gathered to meet the hundreds of tourists arriving from Hanoi. I can’t help but swagger a little smugly past the tired looking tourists clambering out of the buses and mini-vans thinking, I came by helicopter and I feel great! Coming by chopper I got to sleep in longer and had plenty of room on board.

For once, I am actually refreshed and energised as we set off to explore the caves and beaches around Ha Long. Later on we grab kayaks and paddle around, visiting floating aquaculture farms and beaches. On previous trips I was often slumped in a chair, too tired and stiff to do anything else, but today I am up for everything.

We enjoy a lavish seafood lunch on board and everyone is still in high spirits, reflecting on the amazing trip. It’s a little clichéd to say “this was unforgettable” but that’s how we felt!

After lunch the junk returns to port before we again climb on board the helicopter and set off for the capital where we arrive at 2.30pm. It’s hard to believe we still have the whole afternoon ahead of us!

Footprint showing their true value in travel Vietnam at ITB Berlin 2011.

2011-02-18T19:09:00.001-08:00

Footprint Vietnam is a local travel company, locally owned by the Vietnam tour operators, they will be showing their new and innovative products of Vietnam at the biggest travel show - ITB Berlin, from March 9th to March 13rd. Stand 26A/106.

It’s time to travel Vietnam as the country is not only beautiful with friendly people and it’s very safe. Vietnam is no longer a country of war and has opened its doors to foreigners for almost 25 years now.

With 10th years in the travel business and the team has more than 35 years of experience, these experts are making every efforts to offer range of eco-friendly travel products, they can take you or your clients on a custom-made tour or a group tours to most of the destinations thoughout Vietnam.

Alan William - an English tour leader said “Their tour products are not for the common travelers, they travel off the beaten tracks, offer our customers with travel to learn and experience the culture and differences of Vietnam”

Footprint’s mission is to bring true value to your trips. They have worked tirelessly over the past years on every aspect of their company and products to make sure that your clients experience that True Value in Travel.

Come to the show to learn more about them, their unique offers and discuss your possible fam trips to Vietnam with them to have their great support. Here are their details for your appointment;

Mr. Son D
Footprint Vietnam
Stand 106, Hall 26A | Messe Berlin
Email: son [at] footprint.vn
Website: www.footprintsvietnam.com

A unique “banh xeo” in Vietnam

2011-02-14T23:52:00.000-08:00

Description:
“Banh xeo” is Vietnamese style crepe with whole shrimp, thinly sliced pork and bean sprouts.

Where to enjoy “banh xeo”?

In Hanoi, there are a lot of addresses for you to enjoy “banh xeo”, such as 22 Hang Bo Street, “Quan Ngon” restaurant at 12 Phan Boi Chau Street or “Chin Tham” restaurant on Thai Ha Street.

In HCMC, southern-style “banh xeo” can be found at Banh Xeo 46A on Dinh Cong Trang Street, District 1 or An la ghien Restaurant at 54A Nguyen Van Troi Street, Ward 15, Phu Nhuan District. Those seeking a meatless version of “banh xeo” can find them at vegetarian restaurants on An Lac Restaurant, 175/15 Pham Ngu Lao Street, District 1, and Thien Nguyen Restaurant, 174 Calmete street, District 1.

Hanoi People

2010-09-28T02:14:00.000-07:00

Source: Vnexpress.net

Image of a modern bourgeois family.

A family employees.

Children of a bourgeois family.

Portrait artists. Photo of Pham Duy musician when he was young.

Portrait of young woman, Miss Hanoi.

Activities in the street

2010-09-28T02:06:00.000-07:00

Source: Vnexpress.net

The burden florist around Hoan Kiem Lake

A burden coffee of street vendor in Hanoi

Those haircuts.

People to rest next to the To Lich River.

Hanoi youth drinking soft drinks next to Lake Shore.

Ancient streets of Hanoi

2010-09-28T00:45:00.000-07:00

Source: Vnexpress.net

Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam ( Temple of Literature)

See the Statue of Liberty on the top of Tortoise Tower

Dinh Tien Hoang Street.

Port on the Red River.

Road to the Long Bien bridge

Hang Non Street.

Hanoi Travel Picture

2010-09-27T01:39:00.000-07:00

The Huc bridge at Hoan Kiem lake - central Hanoi Vietnam

Ho Chi Minhs Mausoleum, this building is located next to the Ho Chi Minh museum

The fabulous Hanoi Opera House, built in 1911

One of 5 old gates of Hanoi Vietnam – called Gate O Quan Chuong

Hanoi has four distinct seasons. Winters can actually be quite chilly; although snow is foreign to Hanoi residents. Summers are hot and rainy. Probably the best time to visit is spring and fall.

More info Hanoi tour.

Indochina Junk Halong

2008-10-31T17:41:00.001-07:00

Indochina Junk - a brother company of Footprint, we focus on small and luxury junks, and the idea comes from talking with return clientele and the demand for a more intimate tour of the World Heritage Site.Red dragon on Halong bayThe new style junks are designed to accommodate both the romantic getaway for your honeymooners and the fun filled atmosphere with all the amenities for families and small groups.The size of the new vessel will allow the passengers to get much closer to Halong Bay’s natural wonders, pocket lagoons, and its small fishing communities.Other differences from the classic junk include large bedroom windows and a covered outdoor deck for meals, which includes a small bar. Keen attention to detail has been put into all aspects of comfort and viewing pleasure.Booking can be made directly with Footprint in Hanoi.The Red Dragon (2 junks)Daily departure group cruise, 2 day 1 night aboard. Charter is available upon request.The Princess (4 junks)For private / charter cruise only, perfect for couple and honeymoon.The Prince (3 junks)For private / charter cruise only, the Prince is a great choice for family.Why Footprint Indochina Junks? * Our Junks are at international standard and are designed in oriental decoration style. * No other company cruises "off the beaten path" to the areas within Bai Tu Long. * We are the first fleet of two cabin junks in Vietnam, * Well-trained crew, enthusiastic to exceed all of your expectations, in true Vietnamese style. * A chance to meet the locals who live on the floating fishing villages. Learn about their daily life and how they strive to keep their home, Ha Long Bay, beautiful. For more information, you can visit the official site of our Indochina JunkBooking can be made directly with Footprint or our office at # 25 Ta Hien street, Hanoi.

Halong Bay Wonder in Vietnam voting campaign launched

2008-10-27T20:12:00.001-07:00

Halong Bay Wonder in Vietnam, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the People’s Committee of Quang Ninh Province, the home of Halong Bay launched a campaign in Hanoi Vietnam on Sunday asking people to vote for the bay as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.Travel to Halong bay Vietnam

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Van Tho said this is an opportunity for Vietnam to advertise itself. He said that through this contest, the world will know more about Vietnam. He called for all Vietnamese people to do their part and vote.

At the ceremony, a 6-litre Hennessy Mathusalem bottle was auctioned off. The $25,000 proceeds were then presented to the Halong Bay Vietnam Management Board.

In 1962, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism arranged Halong Bay Vietnam as a National Renowned Landscape Vestige.

The bay was listed by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage site at the 18th meeting of the Committee of World Heritage of UNESCO (in Phuket, Thailand on December 17th, 1994) for its outstanding universal aesthetic value.

Then again, on December 2nd, 2000 at the 24th meeting of the Committee of World Heritage held in Cairns city, Australia, Halong Bay Vietnam was again cited as a World Natural Heritage site for its outstanding universal geological and geomorphologic value.

Halong Bay Vietnam is a nominee of the New Open World Foundation as one of the World’s 7 Natural Wonders; voting will end and results announced on 08/08/2008.

Halong travel: want for improvement

2008-10-27T20:11:00.001-07:00

Halong travel, Jean Claude Wiesz is the director of the tourism department in Saint Malo, France. He has been working as an advisor in the field of developing tourism in more than 60 countries. Since 1998, he has been in Vietnam many times to give advice to the government on how to develop travel in Halong bay Vietnam. On his last visit, he shared his views.

What could be considered successful in the tourism field?

There are three standards to identify whether tourism in an area is successful or not. First is the number of tourists, second is the average amount of money each visitor spends in that area and the last is the number of high class tourists.

It’s wrong if we only base on the number of foreign visitors travel to one place in general to say that the tourism of the area is successful. The amount of money visitors spend in using services in that place ensures the success of its tourism. The amount that wealthy people spend in Vietnam during a one week stay sometimes is more than the amount spent by a large number of backpackers who would stay for several days. I would say it is necessary for Vietnam to aim at attracting these high class tourists.

Where do you think Vietnam's position is in the world travel map?

Vietnam has rich tourism potential as a country with a very interesting history. Vietnam first became known as a country affected by a lot of war, which the Vietnamese people have suffered. Vietnam is also gifted by beauty. When seeing these as part of its tourism competitiveness, Vietnam won’t have to worry about its regional rivals. However, it is left behind by its rivals in terms of the quality of services it provides.

Last year when advising Quang Ninh local government, you complained that even though government leaders were eager to increase tourism in the province, the service quality in Halong was not proportionate, and was simply not good enough to integrate into world tourism. You also recommended some plans, have you seen any improvements this time?

This time, after arrived I met with the new leaders of Quang Ninh Vietnam, and I could see their willingness to speed up the development of tourism. However, compared to last time I was there, not much has improved. I stayed in a rather large three star hotel, but nobody working at the hotel could speak French, and their English was substandard.

Developing tourism doesn't mean that we need to have more buildings or construction or interfere further in the natural setting of Halong Vietnam. The natural setting is Halong’s attraction. If we add or remove things to make it more or less similar to a model that may be successful in other places, then people won't come here to see Halong because it will simply look like any other bay around the world. I want to make an example of Saint Malo. After World War II, the bay was in an absolute wreck. We had to rebuild it, but we did so under a strict principle of "recovering it to make it as it was".

Another thing that I already said last time I visited Halong: the building of an information centre that provides sufficient information to foreign tourists, and easy access to it, has still not been started. Having information on the area that they visit is a right and a demand of tourists, and it opens more opportunities for the area. The more tourists know about the area the more likely it is that they will stay longer, and locals will benefit from that.

Are shortages of information the reason for tourists not to return to the bay?

There are many reasons that make tourists not want to return to Vietnam. Difficulties with visa applications are only the beginning. To get a visa for Vietnam, a French tourist must pay 70 Euro and wait a long time to receive it. While to visit Thailand they don't need a visa at all and can go there whenever they want.

Tourism training in Vietnam also has some problems. I have been to many restaurants or hotels in Vietnam and seen many beautiful people working there, but rarely do you see them with a smile. Training them just to say hello, how are you in French, German, English or Italian is not a big deal, but if an Italian could be greeted in his language when he arrives at the hotel it would leave a lasting impression.

I also think that training xe om and taxi drivers is also necessary, because these people are the first to meet with foreign tourists when they arrive. These people have a reputation for charging tourists unreasonably, and this can badly affect someone’s whole trip in Vietnam. In Saint Malo, taxi drivers are trained properly to act as friendly ambassadors of the city.

In some other cases your training is really a waste. For example, sending young person to Hanoi for tourism training is expensive and they still need practical training when they come back to Halong. Furthermore there is no guarantee that they even come back to Quang Ninh to work.

Advertising for Vietnam travel here is in need to change too. I have been to many international tourism exhibitions but every single one to introduce Vietnam has been done by diplomatic workers rather than by experienced tourism experts. The end result is monotonous spiels.

What would be your recommendations for Halong to develop tourism? If you had a project to speed up tourism development here, what would you do?

I think what Halong is short of is events. All tourists visiting Halong are herded onto boats or taken to hotels and then shown around the bay, that's all.

Organising festivals is a good way to give people something fun to do. However, local specialties should be highlighted too. They should aim to attract foreign tourists. I have seen many similar festivals here in Vietnam. Only the Hue festival has anything special, as it introduces different traditional forms of plays. Otherwise, the festivals are just bland, boring events created by stuffed shirts. In France each city has their own festival which introduces their traditions or specialties to attract foreign tourists.

Developing business travel is also something for Halong to consider. An international conference hall would bring benefits from accommodation fees and different sources of income from shopping and other services, as attendants of meetings also like to spend their money on these kinds of things. Sometimes their families come too. It is definitely an effective way to sell the image of Halong to the world.

Halong Bay makes top three 7 Wonders of Nature

2008-10-27T20:05:00.000-07:00

Halong Bay makes top three 7 Wonders of Nature, Halong Bay boosted its ranking from fifth position to third position on the New 7 Wonders of Nature Nominees Ranking while the first and second position still belonged to Bangladesh with its Cox’s Baza Beach and Sundarbans Forest.

Halong Bay Vietnam, top three 7 Wonders of NatureHalong Bay has suddenly triumphed over Cocos Island of Costa Rica and the Ganges Delta of Bangladesh which sat at third and fourth position on Friday. Halong Bay made it to third place on Saturday and its position seems secure.

In other news, the other two contenders from Vietnam listed in the top ten of the rankings, namely Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park and Fansipan Mountain (Fansipan tour) moved up to sixth and ninth position respectively.

Also on Saturday, in support for the three destinations on the ranking board, Quang Binh officials launched a campaign calling upon individuals from local offices, factories and schools to give more votes for them.

On just the first day, the campaign received hundreds of votes from the local people.

Voting online for nominees will continue through December 31. Then, a panel of experts will create a list of 21 candidates from which voters worldwide will elect the New 7 Wonders of Nature.

The New 7 Wonders Panel of Experts, under the leadership of Prof. Federico Mayor, former Director-General of UNESCO, will select the 21 Finalists from the top-ranked Official Supported Nominees.

The 21 finalists will then be put to popular vote.

(Source: www.footprintsvietnam.com)

Floating on Halong Bay

2008-10-27T20:04:00.000-07:00

Floating on Halong Bay, on my last visit to the World Heritage site of Halong Bay in the northern province of Quang Ninh Vietnam, my friends and I decided to take a five-hour tour of the bay in a boat.

Floating on Halong Bay

An increasing number of tourist boats are basing themselves in Halong Wharf to take visitors around the famous bay. It is almost impossible to count the number of boats here now, and many small boats are so similar it is difficult to tell them apart.

Many of them are two-story wooden boats that provide basic services for tourists taking short day tours around the bay.

For visitors who want to stay overnight the boat’s staff will arrange meals, accommodation and entertainment, such as music and art performances, or parties on the boats. From the boat, travelers can paddle by small boat to visit caves, and to beaches for swimming.

At the beginning, we felt unlucky because the weather was so bad. It was a cool and gloomy day so we missed an interesting chance to enjoy the sunset from the second floor outside area of the boat, and also missed the chance to take some beautiful photos.

However, the weather was much better when we were floating in the bay. Many travelers had delayed their trip due to the bad weather and, as a result, the bay was quiet and our group avoided the unpleasant smell of exhaust gases from boat engines.

We had booked a detailed five-hour program, however, a staff member from Hai Long Dream Junk, our boat, told the passengers that if we wanted to change the itinerary, or wanted to see or do something special, they would try to accommodate our requests.

We decided not to take the optional trip to paddle a small boat, or to visit the caves. We just wanted to visit the Thien Cung Cave (celestial palace), one of the caves of the bay, some 25 meters above sea level and considered to be a veritable museum for beautiful stalactites and stalagmites, and spend the remained of our tour floating around Halong Bay Vietnam.

We were surprised to find that several lights have been placed in the caves. Some local travelers are pleased with the lights because they make it easier to see and take photos of the stalagmites. However, many foreigners have said that they don’t want Halong Bay’s management authority to add too many lights here.

“Because we want to see this special cave in its natural light. The artificial lights will make Thien Cung less beautiful,” a European traveler told me. He was traveling alone and took several photos with his camera.

He has visited Halong Bay many times and is pleased with natural value of the world heritage site but he also afraid about: “to many power boats on the bay, anchoring next to beautiful caves. I saw much black boat smoke, and waste from the tourist boat. It will have a bad impact on the heritage site,” he said.

Our group found it more interesting to be in the outside area of the boat for sight seeing. Every member stood out in the chilly wind to see the whole of the bay, enjoying hot coffee and tea and the quiet of the bay together.

Lunch on the Hai Long Dream Junk was the best lunch our group had in Halong City. The chef, a middle aged, quiet man made typical dishes like spring rolls, fish, shrimp, and soup. However, with professional skill and experience in preparing dishes for travelers from the South, like our group, he made a meal that we all ate with enthusiasm. My friend even went to the kitchen to watch the chef cooking.

Visitors who were floating on the bay at the end of last year would have seen some banners with slogans calling for people to vote for Halong to be recognized as one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

Our group just had a few hours to spend visiting the bay, so we could not stay overnight on the boat to fish, or enjoy the nigh time musical performance, or extend the tour to Cat Ba Island in Hai Phong Province. But we will come back to Halong Bay to experience all that the bay has to offer.
(Source: www.Footprintsvietnam.com)

Halong Bay cruise on Anh duong Junk 3 days - 2 nights with kayaking

2008-10-24T22:34:00.001-07:00

Halong Bay cruise on Anh duong Junk 3 days - 2 nights with kayaking Day 1:Hanoi -Halong * 8h00 Pick up from your hotel in Hanoi for Ha Long. Come to Ha Long Bay wharf around 12: 00, check -in registration, Board Anh duong junk. Have lunch on board with welcome drink. * The cruise will take you by exotic islets with shapes of Dog, Incense Urn, Sail, Fighting Cocks, which are naturally formed by process of erosion between the see water and lime stone mountains. Arrive Surprise Cave and explore the by bay kayak, paddle to Luon cave, this cave is a natural tunnel thrusts through a mountain's foot and leads to an exotic lagoon surrounded by mountains covered by dense junle. Seafood dinner and optional night paddle. * Overnight on boat inside a wonderfully tranquil atmosphere in Luon cave area. Day 2: Visit Halong bay * * A new day wake you up with joys and emotions in an early morning for watching sunrise on sea. Have break fast, continue kayak exploration. * Paddle from Luon cave toward islets in shape of Tortoise, Man's head, Cua Van fishing village. Have lunch on board. * Paddle to Three Tunnels lake ( selected according to the tides). Have dinner on board. Optional night paddle. * Overnight on board in Three Tunnels area. Day 3 :Halong -Hanoi * * Sunrise break fast, continue islands exploration by kayak to Con Vit, Ba Hang. Have lunch on board, back to Ha Long wharf then transfer back to Hanoi by private car or minibus. End trip

Indochina Junk Halong

2008-10-22T06:25:00.001-07:00

Halong Bay, A Wonder of the World

2008-10-20T21:01:00.000-07:00

Halong Bay is a body of water of approximately 1,500 square kilometres in north Vietnam with a 120 kilometre coastline, in the Gulf of Tonkin Gulf of Tonkin near the border with China, and 170 kilometres east of Hanoi. Ha Long Bay - means "Bay of the Descending Dragon" in the Vietnamese language.The bay consists of a dense cluster of 3000 limestone monolithic islands, each topped with thick jungle vegetation, which rise spectacularly from the ocean. Several of the islands are hollow, with enormous caves. Hang Dau Go ( Wooden stakes Cave) is the largest grotto in the Halong area. French tourists visited in the late 19th century, and named the cave Grotte des Merveilles. Its three large chambers contain large numerous stalactites and stalagmites (as well as 19th century French graffiti).Some of the islands support floating villages of fishermen, who ply the shallow waters for 200 species of fish and 450 different kinds of mollusks. Many of the islands have acquired their names as a result of interpretation of their unusual shapes: such names include Voi Islet (elephant), Ga Choi Islet (fighting cock), and Mai Nha Islet (roof). 989 of the islands have been given names.Birds and animals including bantams, antelopes, monkeys, and iguanas also live on some of the islands.The bay was World Heritage listed by UNESCO at the 18th meeting of the Committee of the World Heritages of UNESCO (in Thailand on December 17th, 1994). It is one of Vietnam's most popular tourist destinations.Halong Bay has been the setting for local naval battles against Vietnam's coastal neighbours. On three occasions in the labyrinth of channels between the islands the Vietnamese army stopped the Chinese from landing. In 1288 General Tran Hung Dao stopped Mongol ships from sailing up the nearby Bach Dang River by placing steel-tipped wooden stakes at high tide, sinking the Mongol Dubhai Khan's fleet.During the Vietnam War, many of the channels between the islands were heavily mined by the navy of the United States, some of which pose a threat to shipping to this day.The surrounding land region of Halong City is rich with high grade coal deposits, and is operated by the Vietnamese government.

Halong Bay travel FAQs

2008-10-20T03:31:00.001-07:00

* When is the best time to visit Halong? * How far is that from Hanoi to Halong Bay? * Can we travel from Hai Phong to Halong? * What about seasick on boat? * What if the weather turns very bad? * Do you have life jackets on boat? * Is one day trip to Halong Bay worth to visit? * How many caves in Halong will we visit? * What kind of boat do you use? * Can we sleep outside on the top deck of the boat? * Where does the boat anchor at night time? * Do we have to bring passport for sleeping aboard? * What do we have to bring with us to the boat? * What kind of food on boat in Halong Bay?

HALONG - CAT BA - VIET HAI

2008-10-14T17:49:00.001-07:00

Day 1: Hanoi - Ha Long - Cat Ba ( L,D )AM : 7h00 depart to Halong Bay. Arrive at 11h30, lunch at restaurantPM : Boat trip to Cat ba, a fantastic cruise in Ha Long bay to visit Thien Cung cave , Dau Go cave, round over Tuan Chau island, Dinh Huong island, Ga Choi island, Dog island, Sail island and a swim at Titov beach.. Overnight in Cat Ba.Day 2: Cat Ba ( B,L,D)Option 1 :Am : Breakfast at hotel . Transfer to visit Cat ba National Park. Short trek to the to KimGiao forest and top of mountain. Back to the hotel. Free. Dinner. Overnight at the hotel.Option 2 :AM: Breakfast. Bus transfer to visit Cat ba National Park. Enjoy 12 km trek. through the forest with stop over viewing Frog Lake. Cross over 6 mountains ranges. Arrive Viet Hai village. Picnic lunch. Continue walking to LanHa Bay. Boat trip back to the hotel. Enjoy scenery and swimming. Dinner and stay at the hotelDay 3: CatBa - HaLong - Hanoi (B, L)AM: Boat trip back to HaLong Bay again. Lunch on the boat. Arrive Halong bay and return to Hanoi .Arrive Hanoi at 17h00. Rate in USD per person - Number of Persons - 2-3 4-5 6-9Please contact us Tour cost including : * Full transportation by private car or minibus as tour program indicated. * Sightseeing fees * Private Boat trip in Halong bay and Catba island . * Twin-share accommodation at Prince hotel in Catba ( www.vietnamhotels.biz/prince ) * Lunches and dinners as mentioned in the itinerary * Professtional English speaking guideExcluding: Drinks, Telephone , Laundry, Personal Expense

Ha Long Bay -Catba cruise 3 days - 2 nights on Junk and Catba island

2008-10-10T21:05:00.001-07:00

Day 1 Hanoi -Halong ( L,D)- 8h00 Pick up from your hotel in Hanoi.- 12h30 : Board Anh duong junk, check-in registration- 13h00 : Have lunch with welcome wine.- 13h30 : A fantastic cruise in Ha Long bay to visit Thien Cung cave , Dau Go cave, round over Tuan Chau island, Dinh Huong island, Ga Choi island, Dog island, Sail island and a swim at Titov beach. Enjoy dinner on board while watching sunset. Fishing with seine, drinking Vietnamese wine, and spending a night on Anh duong junk.Day2 Visit Halong Bay - Catba island ( B,L,D)- 7h00 : Have breakfast.- 7h30 : Free at leisure or swimming.- 8h00 : Stop at Catba island. Transfer to Hotel .- 9h00 : Transfer by minibus to visit Catba national Park. Short trek to the to KimGiao forest and top of mountain.- 12h30 : rerturn to Catba town and lunch at the restaurant.- 14: 00 Free leisure for swimming at the Catco beach .- 18:00 Have dinner and overnight at hotel in Catba island.Day 3 Catba - Haiphong - Hanoi ( B,L )- 7h00 : Have breakfast.- 7h30 : Free time at the beach.- 11h00 : have lunch at the restaurant.- 13h30 : transfer to Haiphong City by hydrofoil to Binh whart. Pick up and transfer to Hanoi.- 17h00 arrive Hanoi. End the trip.Currency Converter Number of Persons 2- 3 4-5 6-9 Book nowTour cost in USD per person 288 198 159Extra cost for air- con cabin in USD per person 25 10 7Tour cost Including : * Welcome drink,Transport by private car or minibus from Hanoi, 5 main meals, 2 breakfasts, one beer or mineral water from second meal, fresh fruit, free tea and coffee. * Visit ticket, * Travel insurance * Professtional English speaking guide * 1 nights accommodation on cabin in the private junk with boat cruise. * 1 night accomodation of 3 stars hotel in Catba island, * Transfer by Hydrofoil from Catba Island to Haiphong CityExcluding: Drinks, Telephone , Laundry, Personal Expense.

ETHNIC MINORITIES IN NORTH-WEST HIGHLANDS Vietnam

2008-09-30T22:25:00.001-07:00

Hanoi - Hoabinh - Maichau - Sonla - Dienbienphu - Laichau - Sapa - Bacha - Hanoi Day 1. Arrival in HanoiGreetting by our guide at Noi Bai airport and transfer to hotel. Enjoy the brief excursion to visit the Old Quarters by Cyclo in one hour. Enjoy the traditional performance of water puppetry. Dinner. Overnight in the hotel. Day 2. Hanoi – Hoa Binh – Mai ChauDrive to Mai Chau – home of white Thai minority. Enjoy songs and dance show by Thai amateur artists. Dinner and overnight in a house-on-stilts in a Thai village. Day 3. Mai Chau – Son LaTransfer to Son La – home town of the Black Thai, Meo, Muong and White Thai, on the way you take the chance to overview of Moc Chau highland, stops for photos and visiting minority villages. Overnight in Son La. Day 4. Son La – Dien Bien PhuDrive to Dien Bien Phu via the Pha Din Pass. Upon arrival, visit the former battlefield. Overnight in Dien Bien Phu. Day 5. Dien Bien Phu – Lai ChauDrive through a various scenery to reach Lai Chau with stop over for photos and visit to ethnic villages. Overnight in Lai Chau. Day 6. Lai Chau – Sa PaTransfer to Sa Pa, discover some nearby minority villages of Red Meo, Thai, Dzao. Arrive in Sa Pa, a highland resort 1600m above sea level in the northen province of Lao Cai, well-known for spectacular sceneries and multi-cultural acticities of hilltribes. Overnight in Sa Pa. Day 7. Sa PaVisit Ham Rong mountain, down town to Lao Chai village to visit the Black H’mong tribe, going along Sa Pa valley to get to Ta Van village to visit the Dzay, Cat Cat village of Black H’mong tribe and the waterfall.. Enjoy the time and communicate with the people and you will be impressed on their hand-made products. Overnight in Sa Pa. Day 8. Sa Pa – Bac HaTransfer to Bac Ha for visiting colourful Bac Ha market on Sunday where the Black Dzao, Black H’mong, Nung peoples exchange their embroidery, silverware and handicrafts. Enjoy corn wine when trekking to visit Pho village – home to H’mong minority. Overnight in Bac Ha. Day 9. Bac Ha – HanoiLight trekking to further explore the rustic villages before transfer to Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi Day 10. Hanoi departureEnjoy free time for shopping beforee transfer to the airport for departure flight.

Too many Vietnamese, not enough brains.

2008-09-29T17:45:00.001-07:00

Long time no story tell. Hanoi was interesting we had some of our most frustrating travelling experiences here. We constatly struggled not to get ripped off from hotels right down to buying a bottle of water. Travelling by taxi or motorbike always proved challenging most of the time either the meter would jump from around 6--26 thousand in one second or you would end up miles from your destination and further away from where you originally wanted to go before the driver would finally chose to comprehend where you wanted to go so sometimes jumping out of the taxi without paying and slamming the door was the only thing you could do. Walking the streets was the most stressful part of any day, there were footpaths however they were covered in motobikes, goods from shops and more motobikes this meant that the street was the only option and not very relaxing. The vietnamese are crazy at the best of times but when they get behind the wheel of a car or on a motobike they become ten time worse, this proves hazards for a pedestrian. Who has the loudest horn has the right of way ie buses and trucks, then cars then motos then cyclo's. Hanoi was a contrast to the rest of Vietnam personally one I (Hamish) could have easily left of the itinary (in hindsight) had it not been the gateway to Harlom Bay and Sapa.

Miss Saigon?

2008-09-28T17:40:00.000-07:00

Just arrived in Saigon today. Spent ages at the vietnam border for some reason...they love a bit of red tape...like the french.Phnom Penh was good. I really liked it there. Went on the piss by the river with an English Guy and a German girl. Started at the Foreign Correspndants Club and then movd on to several lower class places.Have a magic 50 dollar note that ended up back in my wallet after i spent it which is fantastic. TYhat means i only spent 2 dollars in 4 doays.....im well up for that magic happening over and over again.anyway, we made our way out of Cambodia today. Met a Northern Irish couple and are now drinking in the backpacker district in Saigon. HAvent tried the local brew yet but the tiger is going down nicely.Hope to spend a month here in Vietnam and really looking forward to it.Cookie monster and sneerky are now officiallyt he dirtiest teddies in asia and are due a big wash.Tried to upload pics yesterday but puters too slow. We'll get it done tomorrow. the giant rat stopped to pose in front of me yesterday but i couldnt get the camera out of my bag fast enough. I think i was starting to consider him my pet so it's as well we've moved on.Anyway, we'll be in touch tomorrow.Til then.bye ybe

Sun bathing in Nha Trang

2008-09-27T04:04:00.001-07:00

The journey to Nha Trang was a bit of a trek. We left Hoi An fairly early in a taxi, to Danang, about 45 minutes north of Hoi An. We then embarked on a train journey which should have taken about 7 ½ hours, but actually ended up taking about 12 hours. We were traveling in the first class seats, but these are not the most comfortable of places to spend 12 hours. We also had no where to put all of our luggage and ended up with most of it under our feet. The price of the ticket also included some form of food. I did remove the foil lids from all of the little pots on my tray, but only indulged in the rice, which I thought was pretty safe, where as the rest of the pots I could not be at all sure about! There was also a young child sat in front of us, who was asleep when we got on the train. However after a couple of hours, he woke up and needed to go to the toilet. His mother did not wish to take him to the toilet and instead produced an empty water bottle from somewhere which the young boy proceeded to pee into, through a conveniently cut hole through his trousers (he later used the hole for others things but I will leave that to your own imagination)! This was bad enough, but then she placed the now half full bottle under the seat around my feet! We then had a few hours of the boy playing around in and around his seat and playing hide-n-seek with us, which passed a bit of time. This did however get a little boring after a while and myself and Jeff did have to go for a wonder to find the bar!Anyway, after a very long day we eventually arrived in Nha Trang, where we were met by a very small taxi and a guy on a moped to take us to our hotel. I hoped in the taxi with the girls and all the luggage whilst Jeff hoped onto the moped! We were not entirely sure that we were going to see him again, but he pulled up at the hotel about 30 seconds behind us with a big grin on his face telling us that he had had a great time.Compared to Hue or Hoi An, Nha Trang has very little charm. It has basically grown into a sea side beach result, catering for watersports and a reasonably good night life. It’s a good place to be for a few days, lying on the beach and exploring the good bars in the evening. We basically ended up spending a long weekend in Nha Trang. Friday was spent lying on the beach at the sailing club, which is a pretty nice place to find yourself. The beach was a very nice long sandy beach, but the waves were a bit rough for swimming or bodysurfing unless you are an expert in this field. So of course that meant the myself and Jeff felt that we should give it a go. This was all great fun even if we did get a few bruises in the process and have to empty out about 2kg of sand from the lining of my swimming shorts!The following day we decided to take a boat trip around some of the surrounding islands. The trip was run by a company called T M Brothers, which basically turned out to be to local clowns calling themselves the Trouble Maker Brothers. Anyway, it seemed like a bit of a laugh, and after a bit of snorkeling and jumping / diving off of the boat, it was time for a very good lunch, before the live entertainment on board the boat started. To the delight of everyone the entertainment consisted of the brothers and the rest of the crew turning into a band and covering an incredibly large number of decent old records. The drum kit was made up of a washing up bowl, some form of large water drum and another bowl of some sort and was surprisingly effective. Part way through the performance another boat came alongside and this oldish guy steps onto our boat and proceeds to entertain everyone with some form of crazy dancing. This whole crazy, funny and kind of surreal experience made us all feel that we were really getting decent value out of the trip. We then had what they described as ‘happy hour’. This basically involved one of the T M Brothers getting into some form of raft (attached to the boat by a rope as the currents are quite strong) with a bucket of bottles of wine. Everyone then jumped into the water with a life ring of some description and went and held onto the floating bar or each other, so as not to drift away. They the proceed to pour the most revolting wine down your neck. A very amusing experience.That evening we had arranged to meet everyone from the boat trip at the sailing club. On the way to the sailing club, we went out for a pretty good meal. It was on leaving the restaurant that Jeff had his first encounter of the evening. Basically he had walked over to the other side of the road, to check something out, so I was left walking down the road with the three women. At this point a young boy of no more than about 12, comes riding up on a bike which was far to big for him and I think the conversation went something as follows:Young Boy: ’Three lovely lady…you lucky man’Graham: ‘Yes I am!”Young Boy: ‘You big banana’Graham: ‘What?’ (In dis-belief at what I’ve just heard from a 12 year old)Young Boy: ‘You big banana’Graham: ‘Thanks…would’nt you like to know’ (still in shock)At this point Jeff rejoins the group:Young Boy: ‘He you friend?’Graham: ‘Yes’Young Boy: ‘He no lady…he small banana’At this point everyone else is in hysterics.Jeff: ‘What?!’Young Boy: ‘You small banana…you lady boy!’Jeff: ‘I don’t think so!’Young Boy: ‘Yes…you no lady…you lady boy’As he says this, he proceeds to basically feel in between Jeff’s legs to check out his claim.Young Boy: ‘Yes…no banana…you lady boy!’We then tried to explain to the boy what a lady boy was and that perhaps he himself was a lady boy. He assured us though that he was no lady boy and wanted to take the three ladies to a hotel room and give them all twins, which we thought was quiet impressive. Anyway, we eventually got away from this ‘young stallion’ and found our way to the sailing club where a good night was had by all.It was on the way back to the hotel when Jeff had his second unfortunate incident of the evening. It basically involved him being propositioned, felt up for the second time that night and then effectively chased by a transvestite or two at three in the morning. A highly amusing scene I can assure you!Sunday was spent in a similar fashion to a typical Sunday at home. Getting up late, feeling a little, scruffy, wondering around trying to get some fresh air. Then sitting in a bar, drinking plenty of soft drinks, eating some good food and reading the papers. We had eventually recovered in time to catch our night train to Ho Chi Minh City. All in all a fairly good weekend.

Mekong Delta (Vietnam & Caombodia) - Toum Tiou Cruise

2008-09-24T17:59:00.001-07:00

TOUM TIOU CRUISE: SAIGON to SIEM REAP10 Days/9 NightsINTRODUCTIONSiem Reap, Phnom Penh and Saigon are the key destinations that we use to offer you trips into lands of disconcerting beauty, with an incomparable historical heritage and legendary traditions. Cambodia's waterways are more than a convenient way of getting around; they are the country's lifeblood. Take a trip on them and you get an unparalleled in-depth look at the real country, becoming totally immersed in something both gentle and spectacular that cannot be experienced by any other mode of transportation. The shallow draught of the Toum Tiou makes it possible to reach the very heart of the remotest of villages where the sense of discovery is often reciprocal. Is it the travelers or the Khmers who are most surprised by the encounter ? ITINERARYDay 1 - Monday: Saigon – My ThoAt 7:45, in the Saigon Port at Dock No. 1 (in front if Ho Chi Minh Museum), Toum Tiou is open for embarking, together with clearance of departure formalities. Then at at 8:30, the cruise depart for My Tho. Lunch and leisure on board during navigation. At about 17h, when arrival at My Tho – Toum Tiou drops anchor on river in the proximity of Thoi Son Island. Local musician band embarks to play traditional music for 45 minutes. Follow is welcome drink and info meeting about cruise, crew introduction. Welcome dinner. Overnight onboardDay 2 - Thursday: My Tho – Cai BeAt 8h in the morning, local boats are coming alongside Toum Tiou to pick up passengers and transfer to the mainland. Departure for Vinh Trang Pagoda by car - Short panoramic tour of My Tho town on the way. Continuing for Dong Tam Snake Farm and My Tho Market. On the banks of a northern arm of the Mekong, My Tho, which translates as "fragrant herb", where tourists come to discover the beauty of the delta. It's a quiet, prosperous city of about 100,000 inhabitants, famous for its many fruit orchards, gardens and the huge rice fields that surround it. The climate is warm and pleasant year round. The surrounding countryside is home to one of the most luxuriant gardens of Vietnam, with its coconut palms, banana and mango trees. When return at the pier - Passengers cruise on the river to Thoi Son Island by local boat to visit the island, explore local people’s daily life and enjoy locally seasonal fruits. At 13:00 passengers re-embark Toum Tiou and leaves My Tho for Cai Be. Lunch and leisure on board. Late afternoon, Toum Tiou at anchor on river on the proximity of Cai Be. Dinner and overnight on board.Day 3 - Wednesday: Cai Be – Vinh Long – Sa DecAt 8h, local boats are coming alongside Toum Tiou, picking up the passengers and cruise around Cai Be FloatingMarket. Continuing for Vinh Long - a brick and pottery factory, the Binh Hoa Phuoc Islet Nursery of Fruit Trees as well a typical house and a show room of traditional farming tools. Vinh Long, which translates as "Majestic Dragon", is right in the middle of the delta, between two arms of the Mekong. The soil of Vinh Long is enriched by silt deposits, making it ideal for growing mandarins and other citrus fruits. Life is organized around the water. Houses on stilts, hawkers in boats, hundreds of small craft crisscross in all directions. The hospitality of the locals makes it a tourist destination par excellence. Return on the Toum Tiou, departure for Sa Dec.Lunch on board during the navigation. Arrival at Sa Dec at about 15.00. Short panoramic tour of Sa Dec and transfer to Trung Vuong primary school. Continuing to Kien An Cung Pagoda. Stroll around Sa Dec Market along Sa Dec River bank. This small city of 30,000 inhabitants is fascinating in its unspoiled authenticity and undisturbed by tourists. It provides a glimpse of the delta where a few colonial houses still remain, including the "Chinaman's house" (from Duras' novel "The Lover", also made into a movie). Return to the boat with stopover at a nursery of flower and bonsai trees. Famous for its horticulture (it has many varieties of fabulously exotic flowers) Sa Dec was known as the "Garden of Cochin Chine" during colonial times. At about 18:30 passengers re-embark, Toum Tiou leaves Sa Dec port and drop anchor few miles away. Dinner and overnight on the river.Day 4 - Thursday: Chau DocEarly departure for Chau Doc. Breakfast during navigation. Leisure and relax onboard. Arrival after lunch at Victoria Hotel Chau Doc jetty. Located to the north at the beginning of Mekong's famous delta, Chau Doc straddles both banks of the Mekong which fans out to the dimensions of a river mouth here. Floating fish farms have sprung up everywhere. Bamboo fish drying racks are set up a meter above the water's surface. The bourgeoning downtown area features some charmingly rustic colonial buildings, squeezed in by the marketplace - the colorful, vibrant heart of the city. As always, these busy parts of town, despite their sometimes strong odors, offer wonderful photo opportunities... At 14:30 departure for fish raising rafts and Cham minority village by local boat. Return to the Victoria hotel for a walk to Chau Doc market. Visit of Sam Mountain which peaks at 237 meters. Its well-known Buddhist sanctuaries offer an unobstructed view over the mosaic of glistening rice paddies below. To the left is Cambodia, the flow of the Mekong on the horizon breaks into an infinity of silver ribbons. Visit on the way of the Lady Chua Xu temple and Tay An Pagoda. Return to the boat after sunset. Dinner at the Victoria Hotel’s restaurant. Overnight onboard at the jetty of the hotel; passengers are free to enjoy the hotel facilities (swimming pool, sauna, bar) or stroll in Chau Doc.Day 5 - Friday: Chau Doc – Kôh Dek ChauIn early morning, Toum Tiou leaves for Vinh Xuong (Vietnamese border). Arrival at Vinh Xuong check-point – Formalities clearance for Toum Tiou to cross the border. At 13:30 Toum Tiou leaves Vinh Xuong check point for Cambodia. Lunch during the navigation. 14:00 arrival at Kaam Samnaar check-point – Formalities clearance for crossing the border. Toum Tiou leaves Kaam Samnaar check point for Kôh Dek Chau Island. Arrival at Kôh Dek Chau island, at 16.30. A short break along the way, it allows to get a fascinating, close-up look at daily life in Cambodia. On the fringes of civilization, the 600 people who live on Kôh Dek Chau will receive your visit with some surprise. School children will escort you along your way. You will go through the village that occupies the full length of the island, walking along a trail shaded by date palms. Toum Tiou leaves for Phnom Penh and drops anchor few miles away. Dinner and overnight on board.Day 6 - Saturday: Kôh Dek Chau – Phnom PenhDeparture of Toum Tiou for Phnom Penh. Lunch during the navigation. Arrival at Phnom Penh, formalities clearance. At 14:30 departure for the “KILLING FIELDS” – return to the boat around 18:30. Dinner on board.Local group performs on board “APSARA” show. Overnight onboard.Day 7 - Sunday: Phnom PenhHalf day city sightseeing tour including the Royal Palace and the National Museum. At 12:30 return to the ship for the lunch on board. Afternoon is the day free exploration on own. Suggestions can be made up on the interest of passengers. (FCC, Russian market, other boutiques (antiques), etc.) Diner and overnight on board.Day 8 - Monday: Phnom Penh – Kôh Chen / Oudong – Kampong TralachDeparture of the Toum Tiou for Kôh Chen (Chinese Island). Breakfast during navigation. Arrival to Kôh Chen, small village of whose inhabitants specialize in silver and copper smiting. They make ornamental items, including delicately engraved tropical fruits, used in traditional ceremonies at the pagoda or for marriages. The distant hills of Cambodia's old capital, Oudong, and its royal stupas can be seen a few kilometers away from the ferry. At the top of the hill, the ruins of Anthareu temple. Passengers re-embark the Toum Tiou at 14.45. Lunch on board on the way to Kampong Tralach. Arrival at Kampong Tralach to visit its wonderful Vihara belonging to Wat Kampong Tralach Leu pagoda. To get to it, we cross Kampong Tralach Krom village along a small road perpendicular to the river, crossing some gorgeous stretches of emerald rice paddy as we leave the river behind. The Vihara dates back to early last century. It was probably built on an older site, as indicated by thelatérite foundations, and is home to some outstanding mural paintings. These, however, are starting tosuffer from weathering. They remain one of the last survivors of cultural destruction that continuesunabated due to widespread indifference. Standing by itself in the middle of rice fields, it is a modest pagoda that receives very few visitors. Its isolation may well be its undoing, as was the case for Wat Tani Pagoda in the province of Kampot. Passengers re-embark. The Toum Tiou drops anchor few miles away.Diner and overnight on board.Day 9 - Tuesday: Kampong Tralach - Kampong Chnang – Chnok TruDeparture of the Toum Tiou early in the morning. Sail to Kampong Chnang. Breakfast during navigation. Arrival to Kampong Chnang at about 9.00. Located some 56 miles from Phnom Penh, the town of Kampong Chnang is one of the largest fishing ports on the Tonlé Sap. Fish farming is also widely practiced in the area. The area is famous for its pottery ware, unchanged in style for centuries, which is produced in sufficient quantities to supply the entire country. And not to be overlooked are the products of the Thnot tree (sugar palm – a real national symbol) that abounds in the area: a mellow tasting, caramel-colored sugar sold in large cakes and palm wine. At noon, passengers re-embark the Toum Tiou. Lunch on board on the way to Chnok Tru. Arrival at Chnok Tru at 15.00. Local boats are coming along the Toum Tiou and picking passengers for the visit of thebiggest floating village on the Tonlé Sap River. Passengers re-embark. The Toum Tiou stays overnight in the proximity of Chnok Tru. Farewell cocktail (1 glass of local liquor or juice) with Master of Ship & Cruise ManagerCaptain’s farewell dinner (Enriched menu + 1 glass of wine). Overnight on board.Day 10 - Wednesday: Chnok Tru – Siem Reap1. High water, July - January.Departure of the Toum Tiou early in the morning. Time to pack and relax a half a day by crossing the TonléSap Lake. At 13:00, enjoy the last lunch on board, then passengers disembark.2. Low water, approximately February - June.Breakfast and relaxing morning on the boat, time to pack. Daily speedboat is coming along the boat and picks up passengers for crossing the Lake. At 13:30 arrival at Phnom Krom pier. Enjoy the last lunch in a restaurant in Siem Reap.

Sun bathing in Nha Trang

2008-09-24T05:40:00.001-07:00

Beautiful Hanoi

2008-09-23T22:19:00.001-07:00

I think this one takes the cake. Not only is the city beautiful, and bustling, but manageable too. Everyone is nice and curious about us also. But beyond that the city just gives off a vibe that is welcoming and encourages my sense of curiousity to see what is around every corner.We got in at about 5:30am after a gruelling 30 hour train ride and were taken to the Green City Hotel (a guy was there promoting it). But for $25US we got a couple hundred square feet and a balcony that looked over the wedding street (invitations, photos, dresses, etc.). Nice place and a price that's hard to beat. We then walked down to one of the many Sinh Cafes (I think there is no ® on the name because it seems that EVERY cafe is a sinh cafe) and made arrangements for our trip to Beautiful Ha Long bay the following day. For about $140US we got a private bus, boat tour guide and boat crew for a few hours, all in all not a bad deal considering it is supporting about 12 people, plus expenses. After that we went down to the sneaker streets, the markets (which sell food and flowers), the flag and tin makers, the cabinet and furniture makers, the painters, etc. etc. each corner revealing a different craftsmen (many times using age old techniques to make beautiful items) Picked up a few souvenirs before heading back to the hotel for a nap before heading out to a little bar/pub owned by the brit named Matt. Said he decided hisw first 24 hours in Hanoi (two years ago) he was there to stay. So he opened this place called "Le Pub" which serves everything from western food to asian cuisine to my new favorite drink (Viet coffee with a healthy serving of sweetened condensed milk mmmm frickin mmmmm). Anyway, I ordered a steak with mashed potatoes and gravy (you never realize how much that stuff means to you untill you've been eating noodle soup on corners for about a week and a half) which was DELICIOUS. It sooo hit the spot. Then back to the hotel as we were leaving for Ha Long the next day at 7:30.The next day the bus was late and it was raining and clowdy (there was a large monsoon blowing through to the south) so I wasn't in the best mood, not to mention the waking up early thing. Once our tour guide got there, however, my mood brightened because he seemed to be a good guy (it seems we have had EXTRAORDINARY luck with our guides and drivers), anyway, gave us the scoop and we were off on our 2 and 1/2 hour journey to Ha Long Bay. Even through the rain the magnificent lime stone rocks sticking out of the bay are amazing looking. We cruised around the bay for about 45 mins before arriving to a fishermans house. We got an insight into how they lived (actually in the bay) and also got to pick out our lunch (HECK YEA) So we picked some crab and prawns and conch had the guys cook it up for us and good god was it delicious. I think because they aren't used to cooking for only two people they really overdid it on the food, which was fine because I skipped breakfast. Anyway, gorged myself; rice, crab, vegetables, squid, conch, prawns, shrimp, etc etc. there was more I am just forgetting now what it was. After lunch it was off to do some cave exploration. Not stunningly beautiful, but fascinating historically. The bigger of the two caves we visited was just discover about ten years ago by a fisherman trying to get out of a storm. And the second was used in battles dating way back to when there was conflict with the Mongolians and as recently as the French and American wars (they used it to stockpile weapons) fascinating really. After the cave exploration it was back to the dock and back to the hotel. Honestly I was ready because it seemed like a lot had happened in the short time we were there. Later on (yesterday) that night as I was cheking email the two kids that run the late night desk were BLASTING american country music. It was hilarious, absolutely ridiculous, but they LOVE IT!!! Anyway. (I also found out when they close up things for the night [around 1ish] they sleep on the floor of the lobby in case anyone is locked out etc. But I can't imagine. Kids younger than me who have to sleep on the floor of a hotel lobby every night just to keep their families fed. Really sad. I guess it never really struck me how lucky I was to be a white kid born on the right side of the earth to a good situation until then.Today we woke up and headed out to the Sofitel Metropole to learn how to cook Viet style. As it ended up dad and I were the only people to take the course that day so we got the individual attention of a pretty amazing cook. We went to the market and learned about the ingredients and she was even kind enough to warn us of the section where they had dog so we could avout it. Then back to the hotel for lecture and instruction on how to cook. They even hooked us up with recipe sheets, bar b q devices rice paper for making the tastiest confection known to man (deep fried spring rolls) mushrooms, viet vermacelli. Wonderful. After they had filled us up it was back to Matt's ( Le Pub) to get a cup of joe, do some last minute souvenir stuff and get ready for the airport. Well we are about to hop the flight for Bangkok where we start our EARLY morning trip back to the states and no one has ever been more ready for it! I can't wait to see all you lovely people again. Hear your voices, throw some hugs around. And them maybe make with the trinkets. Good stuff. Love to all!!!!SARA MOM BOB GRAMMY HANK AND WHOEVER ESLE IS READING!!!!!!!! PEACE OUT SCOUTS!!!!!!~ N to the.....

Leaving Vietnam

2008-09-22T17:48:00.001-07:00

My last week in Hue was a mixture of excitement to be going home and sadness that I was leaving everyone that I have met there. Especially the kids. I found it really upsetting. I had to say goodbye to my TX class and i knew that I would be upset but I hadnt expected such a reaction from them. The little girl Hien who had been quiet and distant in the beginning had gradually warmed to me. It was her 13th birthday (i think) while i was there and i threw a party for her. she hadnt had a party before. i got them all gifts, not just her, so they didnt feel left out and we had a great time. when i say i think she was thirteen it is because in vietnam when you are born sometimes you are 1. other times you are 0. its completely mental. she looks about ten. but she thinks she is 13. anyway, we had a great last lesson. when it cam time to say goodbye they were all really sweet and seemed sad that i was leaving. they gave me the prize red chilli that thye had grown in their vegatable garden. it doesnt sound much but it was a big deal as they treated this thing like a pet and carried it around everywhere and stuff. i think it was the best thing that had ever come out of their garden. i really liked the older ones who i felt i had got to know quite well because they were able to communicate better in english. it must be hard for them to have someone come into their life, just start to get to know them and then it is time to leave again and for the whole process to start again. hien was the only girl in the class and by the end was quite taken with me in the way that i used to be with older girls at school. she made me bracelets and tried to write my name n the board for me arriving and drew me pictures in her spare time. i miss them already. for the last lesson i taught them how to write letters and bought them envelopes and stamps. hopefully they will find a way of posting them.so then i left Hue.... although my ridiculous amount of excess baggage proved to be no problem...the actual journey to the airport was. the bus from hue to da nang that i had to get was super late and they had over sold tickets which caused a big fuss. poor vietnamese people doing the journey had to give up their seats for the westerners. although totally unfair, i was kind of relieved as someone would have had to physically remove me from the bus before i would have given up mine...even though i was sitting beside an incredibly smelly man!!! he was vile.once we eventually got going, half an hour late, we still stopped for a frigging 35min break at the cafe down the road that the bus company has a deal with.(it is only meant to be a 2 hour journey). but if they bring the bus to the restaurant they get a cut of what we spend, and the opportunity to make some more cash whether we were late or not meant we were stopping! all of this is done in the open, they dont even try to hide the fact that they are doing it because they get a cut. the vietnamese arent ashamed of living in tin huts and sleeping on rags. there is no shame in being poor. nor is there any shame in their desperately trying to milk every western tourist for all they can get! i have been ripped off right in front of my eyes every day for a month. its mildly irritating. but it seems to be the vietnamese way. and i guess i can afford it.anyway, by this point i was seriously agitated and freaked out that i would miss my plane. got off the bus and eventually got a taxi... why is it when u dont want one they stalk you by crawling along the curb beside you and when u do want one they are playing hard to get! anyway, got to the airport (more of an aircraft hanger really) at 5.40 (for 6.30 flight) although, as usual, there was no sense of urgency and it seemed i had been panicking for nothing. the flight was good. even aeroplanes seem luxurious to me now....table service...clean cutlery...chilled white wine...even a blanket! i think i must have been overtired as i got really sad on the plane. just thinking about the kids. and how the trip was over. and the general tragedy of vietnam. it seems so unfair that i can just fly in and out of their life and they are stuck there. the babies will be adopted but for the older kids they have no choice but to stay in that orphanage untill they are 18. then if they do well they will have a shop and scrape by. its a continuous struggle. no one wants the kids over 4. and kids that have any surviving relatives often cant be adopted. only the ones who have nobody. at TX last week some of the kids who did have distant relatives got to visit them for a couple of days. 4 of my kids stayed behind. they dont even have a cousin to go see. and when i asked them how they felt when the others go home they said 'even more lonely than usual'. the people across the aisle must have though i was mad as i sobbed my way to singapore.as soon as i arrived i felt almost awkward at how stark and clean everything and everyone was. came to the hotel, checked in my room and immediately ran a bath to soak off all the grime and dirt i feel like i have picked up. i swear to god i think this tan is probably half dirt! sickened myself by eating too much breakfast out of sheer greed and went to the city to explore. it was the weirdest sensation to be walking around a city, bustling with people and taxis and shops....gucci...prada...louis vuitton. its surreal that two hours away my kids are sleeping on mats. i dont mean for one second that it wasnt great to be there, in fact from first impressions i think singapore is absolutely amazing, its just bizzare to get your head round.i had better go as someone needs to use this computer but one quickother thing that is quite funny. last weekend in vietnam heather and i went to hanoi and toured ha long bay. it was brilliant. we stayed in a proper hotel in the city and turned out that jamaica were playing vietnam at football in the stadium round the corner. the players were staying in our hotel and we got chatting. they were really nice and offered to give heather and i tickets to the game. we couldnt go as we had to head home but it was nice to meet them. anyway, now i am in singapore and in my hotel is the oman team who are playing indonesia. i had to move rooms...it turns out to their floor, and this morning at breakfast they invited me to a lunch and to go and watch them play tomorrow night. isnt that weird that i meet two football teams in a week. do you have any idea how many girls in glasgow would love this!!!!! haha!

The Cu Chi tunnels

2008-09-16T22:20:00.001-07:00

On the morning of the 9th we headed off down bumpy roads to Cu Chi and the famous Cu Chi tunnels. Once we arrived we were soon wondering through the jungle, examining booby traps, tunnels and examples of how the VC lived during the American war.During our time here we got the chance to wonder through a tunnel, unfortunately Carl was just to broad shouldered to fit (Nothing to do with all the cheap beer in Vietnam) but Charlie pressed on through the narrow tunnels, and after her five minute trek was glad to be outside again as they were very claustrophobic.We wondered around some more and got to try a few other funny things, including rice wine, snake whiskey (Carl drank some this time) and firing an AK47.After experiencing a tiny part of what life was life in the VC we headed back to HCMC for the afternoon.

Mekong Delta (Vietnam & Caombodia) - Toum Tiou Cruise

2008-09-16T17:35:00.001-07:00

Trekking (ok a short walk) in the Mountains

2008-09-15T17:24:00.001-07:00

We also travelled North East to Sapa which is the hub for trekking in the mountains and visiting Hill tribes. Its an overnight train journey (only 9 hours) and a bus ride to an Alps-like town (minus the snow) with stunning views of the mountains. Sapa is beautiful.We wouldn't call ourselves trekkers more 'walkers' and we opted out of organised tours for a 5 hour trek just us and a guide. Quin was brilliant, he had lots of stories and local information as we walked over the mountains in two villages - Lao Chai & Ta Van. We visited the villages of the H'Mong & Zao tribes, saw the local schools, visited a home and witnessed the whole rice production business from harvesting to drying the grains.Jay also got to sample the local 'pick me up', a tobacco bamboo bong. See the pictures for the before and after shot - look at Quin's face!Apparently (from his coughing and spluttering) one puff was enough....(Editor's note: Let's get this straight. I thought it would be no stronger than a puff on a Marlboro Light. So not wanting to appear like an amateur, I inhaled as deeply as possible... which resulted in half a minute of coughing and head spins - much to the amusement of the local people and our guide (and yes it really was tobacco).We can really understand why everyone raved about Vietnam before we left and we have a long list of places that we'd love to come and see (Hoi An, Hue, Mui Ne, Saigon...) on our next trip...Photo's to follow... slow connection...

Vietnam Travel Directory

2008-09-10T17:40:00.000-07:00

Vietnam Travel Directory

Vietnam travel directory, provides you Vietnam travel links, hotels Directory, directory listings, add travel url! Vietnam Travel Directory You can add to more sub directory for free at: DestinationsHalong Bay Destination, Sapa Destination,... Hotelshalong_hotels, Hanoi Hotels, SaPa Hotels, ... ToursCycling Tours, Trekking Tours, Kayaking Tours, ... Tour OperatorsHalong Tour Operators, Sapa Tour Operators, ... TransportationHanoi Transportation, Ho Chi Minh Transportation, ... Travel AgentsHanoi Travel Agents, Ho Chi Minh Travel Agents, Hoi An Travel Agents, ... Travel GuidesMaps, Weather Travel HealthHanoi Travel Health, Ho Chi Minh Travel Health

Vietnam Travel Directory and Resources - DirectRooms

Vietnam travel directory compiled by DirectRooms. A comprehensive resource centre of the best travel websites for Vietnam, all graded by our human editorslink: http://www.directrooms.com/travel-directory/asia/vietnam/index.htm

Sapa Tours in Vietnam

2008-09-08T17:23:00.001-07:00

Sapa Tours
Sapa Trek & Bac Ha Sunday Market
Sapa Trek with Sunday Market Bac Ha - 3 daysSapa Trek with Sunday Market Bac HaThis 3-day 4-night tour is a wonderful offer from Footprint. Including not only trekking to the hidden villages and staying at their home, but also a visit to one of the most colorful tribal markets in Vietnam. Bac Ha is a rainbow of culture and local trading activities. Different tribes and villages all congregate here only on Sunday to do their business. Please schedule your departure from Hanoi on Thursday night so you too can participate in this renowned market...

Sapa Easy Trek - 3 days
Sapa Easy Trek tour - Vietnam trekkingThis is a perfect combination of trek and culture while visiting the hill tribes’ villages at a pace and style that compliments you. Journey away from the crowds and homestay a traditional Dao home. Learn and participate in village life and truly feel the warmth and hospitality of these incredible people. This is an unforgettable soft adventure to Sapa that should be part of everyone’s time in Vietnam, yet probably only offered by Footprint.
Sapa is a special place with an energy like no other. Take advantage of the secret spots we take you to, and make this an adventure you will never forget. This is the way travel truly should be...

Conquer the top of Mt. Fansipan - 4 days
Fansipan Sapa adventure trek in VietnamSapa is a beautiful former French hill-station. At an altitude of 1,650 m Sapa boasts warm days and cool evenings and all day fresh air. Nowadays, Sapa has become a favorite destination due to its inspiring scenery of mounatin ranges and terraced valley floors dotted with small ethnic villages. Sapa is home to several of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minority groups, each with their own distinctive dress, customs and dialects making it a colorful mosaic of culture.
Sapa is also renowned for its trekking. With South East Asia's highest peak, Mt. Fansipan (3,143 m) providing the perfect backdrop for some great trekking routes. This 3 day trek with outdoor camping offers all of the challenges and rewards of any hike. And, at the summit you be one of the few to have reached up and touched the clouds marking the roof of Indochina...

Sapa Moderate Trek - 4 daysSapa Moderate Trek Tour - trekking in VietnamCombing a mix of adventure and culture in this multi-day trek suites those who have a little extra time, are willing to get a little dirty, and want to explore . We will travel South of Sapa along the inspiring Muong Hoa valley and mountain streams, visiting villages of Hmong, Zay, Dao and Tay ethnic minorities.
Sources: Sapa Tours
http://www.footprintsvietnam.com/Tours/Sapa/

This trek can be difficult at times but is worth the effort as you will be taken off the beaten path, away from the crowds, and into the unspoiled Vietnam. Visit and stay with a Zay and Tay family and learn about village life. We promise that this trip will be unforgettable, educational, rewarding with a healthy dose of fun...

Vietnam tours listing

2008-09-07T17:53:00.001-07:00

NORTHERN PRIVATE TOURS ( NPT )
NPT 01: Hanoi City Tour ( Full day )
NPT 02: Perfume Pagoda ( Full day )
NPT 03: Hoa Lu- Tam Coc ( Full day )
NPT 04: Cuc Phuong National Park ( Full day )
NPT 05: Halong Bay ( Full day )
NPT 06: Cuc Phuong- Van Long Area- Kenh Ga Geyser ( 02 days/ 01 night )
NPT 07: Halong Bay ( 02 days/ 01 night )
NPT 08: Halong Bay- Cat Ba island- Hai Phong ( 02 days/ 01 night )
NPT 09: Mai Chau ( 2 days/ 1 night )
NPT 10: Hai Phong- Cat Ba- Halong ( 03 days/ 02 nights )
NPT 11: Traditional Villages and Pagoda around Hanoi ( Full day )
NPT 12: Mai Chau Trekking ( 3 days )
NPT 13: Ninh Binh- Hoa Lu- Tam Coc- Mai Chau- Xa Linh (3 days/ 2 nights)
NPT 14: Phong Tho Trekking ( 3 days/ 2 nights )
NPT 15: Ninh Binh- Cuc Phuong National Park- Mai Chau (3 days/ 2 nights)
NPT 16: Hanoi- Ha Long- Ninh Binh ( 5 days/ 4 nights )
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CENTRAL PRIVATE TOURS ( CPT )
CPT 01: Hue Tours
CPT 02: Hoi An Tours
CPT 03: Nha Trang Tours
CPT 04: Nha Trang- Dak Lak Highland- Buon Me Thuot- Lak Lake- Dalat- Lang Biang Highland ( 4 days / 3 nights )
CPT 05: Dalat- Tuyen Lam Lake- Fairy Rock- Mount Elephant ( 02 days )
CPT 06: Hoi An- Qui Nhon- Nha Trang- Dak Lak- Buon Me Thuot- Lak Lake- Dalat- Lang Biang ( 7 days )
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SOUTHERN PRIVATE TOURS ( SPT )
SPT 01: Ho Chi Minh City Tour ( Full day )
SPT 02: Ho Chi Minh City Tour- Cu Chi Tunnel ( Full day )
SPT 03: Cu Chi Tunnel- Cao Dai Temple ( Full day )
SPT 04: Cu Chi Tunnel ( Half day )
SPT 05: Mekong Delta: Saigon- My Tho- Ben Tre ( Full day )
SPT 06: Mekong Delta: Sai Gon- Cai Be- Vinh Long- Can Tho- Cai Rang- Phong Dien- My Tho ( 2 days/ 1 night )
SPT 07: Mekong Delta: Sai Gon- Cai Be- Vinh Long- Can Tho- Cai Rang- Phong Dien- Long Xuyen- Chau Doc ( 3 days/ 2 nights )
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SPECIAL TOURS ( ST )
ST 01: Sapa Trekking Tours
ST 02: Kayaking Tours on Halong Bay
ST 03: Adventure Tours
ST 04: Beach Breaks
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRANS- VIETNAM TOURS ( T-VT )
T-VT 01: Beaches along Vietnam ( 8 days )
T-VT 02: Hanoi- Saigon Discovery ( 10 days/ 09 nights )
T-VT 03: Trans- Vietnam Open Tour ( 12 days )
T-VT 04: Trans- Vietnam Open Tour ( 13 days )
T-VT 05: Hanoi- Saigon ( 14 days )
T-VT 06: Saigon- Hanoi by train ( 13 days )
T-VT 07: 17 Days Vietnam Discovery
T-VT 08: Trans- Vietnam Open Tour ( 18 days )
T-VT 09: Trans- Vietnam Open Tour ( 22 days )
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NORTHERN BUDGET TOURS ( NBT )
NBT 01: Hanoi City Tour ( Full day )
NBT 02: Perfume Pagoda ( Full day )
NBT 03: Hoa Lu- Tam Coc ( Full day )
NBT 04: Cuc Phuong National Park ( Full day )
NBT 05: Mai Chau ( 2 days/ 1 night )
NBT 06: Halong Bay ( Full day )
NBT 07: Halong- Catba ( 2 days/ 1 night )
NBT 08: Halong- Catba ( 3 days/ 2 nights )
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CENTRAL BUDGET TOURS ( CBT )
CBT 01: Hue Tours
CBT 02: Hoi An City Tours
CBT 03: Nha Trang
CBT 04: Da Lat
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SOUTHERN BUDGET TOURS ( SBT )
SBT 01: Ho Chi Minh City Tours
SBT 02: Mekong Delta Tours

Travel Information of Vietnam

2008-09-02T22:17:00.001-07:00

1. GENERAL INFORMATION
Vietnam borders with China in the north, Laos and Kampuchea in the West, and the Pacific Ocean in the east. Its lies in the centre of South-East Asia. Vietnam's territory stretches from Lung Cu village (Ha Tuyen province) in the north to Rach Tau hamlet (Minh Hai province) in the south. It is a S-shaped pennisula, with thousands of off-shore islands and archipelagoes; the biggest of which are the Hoang SA (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) Archipelagoes. Vietnam's mainland covers 331,689 square kilometres .
According to archaeological discoveries made at Do Mountain, it is believed that life in Vietnam began as far back as 300,000 years ago. Officially, the history of Vietnam stretches back 4,000 years when it was founded by the Hung Kings. It was then named Van Lang.
When speaking upon the history of Vietnam, it is important to note the large role played by the French in Vietnam. It began in 1858, when the French took over Danang in southern Vietnam. Over time, more and more territory was won over by the French. It wasn't until 1954, when the French surrendered to to the Viet Minh, ending the French Indochina War, that the French colonial control in Vietnam ended.
The immediate image in the minds of most people at the mention of Vietnam is that of the war fought against the United States some twenty years ago. Most people think of the country only in terms of the American conflict in Indochina. The war ended nearly twenty years ago, and today, despite lingering signs of past American involvement, the situation in Vietnam is markedly different. People have finally begun to look at the country from another perspective, now that travelers and tourists from the West are being welcomed into what was once a forbidden country. It may take a bit more effort and tenacity to plan an excursion into Vietnam than it would for another Southeast Asian country, but Vietnam has much to offer in terms of culture and sights.
Top
2. WEATHER CONDITIONS
The weather in the southern part of Vietnam is tropical. It is monsoonal in the north, bringing a hot, rainy season from mid-May to mid-September and a warm, dry season from mid-October to mid-March. Occasional typhoons from May to January bring extensive flooding to the middle regions of Vietnam.
Top3. PEOPLE AND CULTURE
The vast majority of the population is Vietnamese with minute percentages of Chinese. The Viet culture originated on the delta of the Red River and the Ma River where the Viet people cultivated paddy fields. They led a simple farming life in small villages, usually living around a communal house. Today the people living in the countryside follow this lifestyle. The Viet people are influenced by Confucianism, in particular the principle of respect for their elders.
In spite of the immense suffering of the Vietnamese and the somewhat ruined state of the country, they are generally warm and friendly, and surprisingly, the Vietnamese bear little if any resentment or bitterness toward Americans. Children in the streets will commonly greet visitors with the name Lien Xo, which means Russian, but they will easily be corrected if you respond, "Hello!" or "Good morning" and explain you are an American, European or Australian, etc.
Ethnic Groups: The country is predominantly 85-90% Vietnamese, 3% Chinese, ethnic minorities include Muong, Thai, Meo, Khmer, Man, Cham, and other mountain tribes.
Languages: Vietnamese is the official language; French, Chinese, English, Khmer and tribal dialects (Mon-Khmer and Malayo-Polynesian) are also spoken.
Religion: Buddhist, Confucian, Taoist, Roman Catholic, indigenous beliefs, Islamic and Protestant.
Top4. LOCAL CUSTOMS
Be firm, yet diplomatic when dealing with officials who will often be very rigid. In the case of misunderstanding, patience is the best policy.
Small gifts such as cigarette lighters, pens, foreign cigarettes, liquor, perfume and even shampoo are greatly appreciated by anyone you wish to make friends with in Vietnam.
Out of politeness, always ask permission before taking photos of people. The same rule of thumb also applies to photos taken in places of worship. Permission will almost always be granted.
A gentle handshake is the most appropriate manner of greeting.
Be very discrete about giving anything to beggars frequently encountered in Ho Chi Minh City. If anyone is seen giving handouts to a beggar, he or she may end up being pursued by a mob of other beggars. This does not help create a good image for foreigners; it gives them instead the reputation of being easy to hit up for money.
Beware of pickpockets. Keep your ID and passport in a safe place and carry only photocopies of those items.
Remove your shoes before entering Buddhist pagodas. Small donations placed in the boxes found in temples are appreciated. It is acceptable to keep your shoes on within Chinese pagodas.
Never let the soles of your feet face other people or any sacred monument, such as a statue of Buddha.
Top5. CURRENCY
The Dong (D) is the official currency in Vietnam. Exchange rate is approximatley 1 USD = 15,000 Dong (Sep 01)
Bank notes currently in circulation are in denominations of 100 / 200 / 500 / 1,000 / 2,000 / 5,000 / 10,000 / 20,000 and 50,000 Dong
Notes under 200 Dong have little value and are rarely used.
The U.S. dollar is more or less a second currency in Vietnam. Other foreign currencies are not readily accepted. A large supply of US$1, US$5 and US$10 are almost essential for tipping, for small expenses and for hotel bills. U.S. money is so common that change will frequently be given in dollars.
You may bring in an unlimited amount of foreign currency as long as it is declared on the forms provided by customs officers. Foreign currency can be exchanged for dong at your hotel or at the State Bank of Vietnam.
Top6. THINGS TO KNOW
Population: About 78 Million People Capital: Hanoi Flag: The flag of Vietman is red with a large yellow five-pointed star in the center. Shop Hours: Shops run from 7 or 8am to 11 or 11:30pm. Some are open from 1 or 2pm to 4 or 5pm. Bank Hours: Most banks are opened from 7am or 8am to 11am or 11:30am Some are open from 1pm or 2pm to 4pm or 5pm. Holidays January 1 Solar New Year's Day January/February Tet (Tet Nguyen Dan). The most important Vietnamese annual festival. This marks the new lunar year and the advent of spring. This is a three-day holiday, usually at the end of January or the beginning of February (according to the solar calendar) February 3 Anniversary of the Foundation of the Communist Party of Vietnam April 30 Liberation Day, the day on which Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) fell to Hanoi in 1975. This holiday is commemorated nationwide. May 1 Labour Day May 19 Birthday of President Ho Chi Minh September 2 National Day of Vietnam
Time: +7:00, Vietnam is 11 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time and 14 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time.
Tipping: Tipping is not customary in Vietnam, but it is enormously appreciated. A 5-10% tip for a meal is a very small amount of money, but to the average Vietnamese, it could easily equal a day's wages. Avoid tipping too much, as it will set a precedent for others.
Restaurants: Government-run restaurants catering to tourists add a 10% service charge to the bill.
Porters: Porters, if they are available, can be tipped with American coins.
Hotel maids: Government-run hotels catering to tourists charge an automatic 10% service fee.
Taxis: Generous tips are not necessary. A small gratuity, however, is expected by cab drivers.
Top7. VISAS AND PASSPORT
Passports and visas are required for entry into Vietnam. The best place to obtain a visa for Vietnam is Bangkok. The visa will specify where you will be arriving and where you will be leaving, in addition to how long you can stay.
Formerly, tours had to be booked to obtain a visa, but this is no longer the situation. Potential visitors to Vietnam must fill out three applications for entry and exit visas, accompanied by three passport photos 4cm x 6cm. One of the applications must be sent to the most convenient diplomatic or consular mission of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. The other two applications/photos are carried with you and handed in at the first point of entry.
If you require Asia Travel to assist you in the application, please send an email with the following information to:asiatrav@asiatravel.com:
Surname and first name Date and place of birth Nationality Present place of residence Profession Time and point of entry and exit
Some Embassies of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam:
Australia 6 Timbarra Crescent O'Malley ACT 2603 Tel (062) 866059
France 62, rue Boileau 75016 Paris Tel 4524-5063 or 4527-6255
Mexico Sierra Ventana 255 11000 Mexico, DF Tel 540-1612
Thailand 83/1 Wireless Road Bankok Tel (02) 251-7201
United Kingdom 12-14 Victoria Road London W8 5RD Tel 937-1912
Top8. CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
Duty-Free Items Visitors may import 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco, 1 liter of wine, 1 liter of liquor and an unlimited amount of film. Commercial goods and items of high value being taken out of Vietnam require export permits from the Customs Service. Antiques may be confiscated permanently. No local currency may be taken out of the country.
The Customs Service Headquarters 21 Ton Duc Thang St. Ho Chi Minh City Tel 90095
Top9. TRAVEL TO THE COUNTRY
Airports Noi Bai International Airport Hanoi Tan Son Nhat Airport Ho Chi Minh City Fares are significantly lower for those flying to Ho Chi Minh City. Although flights are available from the capitals of most Southeast Asian countries as well as from Sydney and Melbourne, the best place is from Bangkok as visas are easiest to obtain there.
Airlines Vietnam Airlines (International) 116-118 Nguyen Hue Blvd. Ho Chi Minh City Tel (08) 292118 Vietnam Airlines (Domestic) 27b Nguyen Dinh Chieu St. Ho Chi Minh City Tel (08) 299980 Air France Dong Khoi and Le Loi St. (Caravelle Hotel) Ho Chi Minh City Tel (08) 241278 Aeroflot 4H Le Loi St. Ho Chi Minh City Tel (08) 93489 Thai Airways 116 Nguyen Hue Blvd. Ho Chi Minh City Tel (08) 292118 Philippine Airlines Ho Chi Minh City Tel (08) 292200 MAS 116 Nguyen Hue Blvd. Ho Chi Minh City Tel (08) 30695
Trains There are currently no train lines running between Vietnam and its neighboring countries.
Buses Traveling by road from Cambodia is a slow and expensive alternative to flying. It is highly advisable that travelers fly in instead.
Ships and Ferries There are no official passenger services. Travelers may be able to ride on a cargo ship to Ho Chi Minh City, Danang or Haiphong from Hong Kong, Japan, Thailand, Singapore and France. Check with the local shipping and travel agencies for rates and availability. A ferry service runs from Cambodia to Chau Doc in the Mekong Delta.
Top10. TRAVEL WITHIN THE COUNTRY
Cars Car rentals are currently not in existence. Cabs, which are unmarked cars without meters, can typically be rented for the day for US$30 to US$40. Trains The Vietnamese railway system runs from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi along the coast and links with Haiphong and the regions further north. Odd-numbered trains travel South, and even-numbered trains travel north. The fastest trains take at least 36 hours from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi. Reservations should be made a day or more in advance. The major setback to the railways is that tourists are charged many times more than Vietnamese people in the form of an outrageously high surcharge. For long distance traveling, it is best to fly. Buses The bus system runs almost everywhere within the country, with stations built around the country dividing the territory into regions. Buses tend to be slow and unreliable.
Top11. SIGHTSEEING
Ho Chi Minh City This is the largest city in Vietnam. It is the industrial, commercial and cultural center of the country. The central city area is still called Saigon.
WAR CRIME MUSEUM This museum exhibit crimes committed by the Americans during the war. Photographs of the famous My Lai massacre, human embryos, genetically deformed babies and innocent civilians being tortured can be seen on display. An array of US armored vehicles, artillery pieces, bombs and infantry weapons are displayed in the courtyard. You can also see a guillotine used by the French to de itate troublemakers in the riots of the 1920s and a model of the famous tiger cages used by the South Vietnamese to house VC prisoners on Con Son island. The War Crime Museum basically reveals a different side of the stories about wars - the innocent victims of modern warfare. HISTORICAL MUSEUM Built in 1929 by the Societe des Etudes Indochinioses, it was formerly named Blanchard dels Brosse. A big statute of President HoChiMinh stands in the main lounge of the museum. The museum has an excellent collection of artifacts illustrating the primitive age, bronze age, the Tran dynasty and the Le Dynasty. Take a look at the array of musical instrument especially the special monocord of the one string musical instruments. There are many valuable relics taken from Cambodia's Angkor Wat. REUNIFICATION PALACE In 1868, the Norodom Palace (original name) was built for the French Governor-General of Indochina. A striking modern architecture was built when the original buildings were damaged by bombs. Rebuilt in 1962, it comprises of a ground floor, 3 main floors, two mezzanines and a terrace for helicopter landing. The palace includes many tastefully decorated rooms such as the reception room, the cabinet reference room, the study rooms, the credentials presentation room and the banquet room. It also has a basement with a network of tunnels connecting to the telecom centre and war room and one of the longest tunnels which stretch all the way to the Revolutionary Museum. The grounds outside contain one of the first tanks to burst through the gates of the palace to signify the end of the Vietnam War as well as the fighter plane which dropped further bombs towards the end of the war. Independence Palace was renamed the Unification Palace to denote the spirit and strong will for national independence and reunification Ben Thanh Market The Ben Thanh Market, formerly the main railway terminal, is the largest of the markets scattered throughout the city. A wide variety of goods are available, from imported electronics to imported perfumes. Notre Dame Cathedral This Catholic church was constructed in 1883 and is located near the Tu Do (Dong Khoi) Street, the former red-light district. Presidential Palace This building is now called the Reunification Hall. The center was built as a modern administration center and is where the war and the American involvement in Vietnam ended in April 1975, with tanks invading the compound. Guided tours will take visitors through the various rooms within the complex. Cholon Ho Chi Minh City's Chinatown. Sights include the Binh Tay Market, the An Quang Pagoda (District 5) and the scenic Thien Hau Temple. Vinh Nghiem Pagoda A modern Japanese-style Buddhist temple, easily one of the largest and most impressive in Ho Chi Minh City.
Tay Ninh
Cu Chi Tunnels An extensive network of nearly 200 miles (322mi) of Viet Cong tunnels used in the French Indochina war and American war. The tunnels have complete facilities, from kitchens to printing presses and even street signs, all of which were used to aid the NLF (National Liberation Front) military. Tours involve a description of the tunnels, after which tourists are allowed to crawl about the maze. Located in Tay Ninh (suburb of Ho Chi Minh City), 24 miles (39km) northwest of central Ho Chi Minh City. CAO DAI TEMPLE Cao Daism seeks to create the ultimate religion by fusing Buddhist, Taoist, Confucianist and Catholic beliefs into a synthesis of its own. Witness the solemn ceremony of the unique religion - Caodaism at Caodai Holly See at its noon tide prayer service with followers dressed in red, blue, yellow and white robes. There is the divine eye above the altar, the religion's official symbol. The temple has nine levels which signify the nine steps to heaven, each level marked by a pair of multicoloured dragons.
MEKONG DELTA One of the world's largest delta, the Delta Region is formed by the various tributaries of the mighty Mekong River which begins its journey to the sea in Tibet and winds its way for 4500 km through China, Burma, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Southern Vietnam. The vietnamese name for the Mekong is Cuu Long which means "nine dragons" and this is represented by the nine exit points of the Mekong River as it flows into the sea. The land of the Mekong Delta is renowned for its richness. Known as Vietnam's breadbasket, it produces enough rice to feed the entire country with a sizeable surplus leftover. Take a sampan ride that meanders through small villages and experience the simple lives of the Mekong people
Vung Tau Beach Located at the mouth of the Saigon River is the popular Vung Tau beach resort. Pineapple Beach is probably the most pleasant, with its villas and generally tranquil atmosphere. The temples are a definite must-see. The Niet Ban Tinh Xa is the largest temple in Vietnam. Tourist accommodations are available at the Hoa Binh Hotel, as well as the Thang Loi, Thang Thai and Tho Nguyet.
Nha Trang The central region near Nha Trang features some of the most beautiful beaches in Asia. The ocean waters are transparent, and the sands immaculate, attracting more and more visitors in recent times. Tours cover the Cham Ponagar complex, the north tower of which was built in 817 A.D. Ruins of the long-deceased Champa still stand as a testament to this once prominent kingdom.
Dalat The mountain resort among the Central Highlands has scenic surroundings as well as remnants of the French colonial era. The Ethnic Minority Museum is certainly worth visiting for those interested in the costumes, gongs, ornaments and other artifacts collected by locals from the Lam Dong province. As another point of interest, there is even an old abandoned nuclear power plant.
Danang City Known as Tourane under the French, Danang is a seaport of endless stretches of unspoiled sandy beach midway between Ha Noi to the north and Ho Chi Minh City to the South. The city was also the center of civilization of the Champa Kingdom, a kingdom which flourished In the area as early as the 2nd century A.D. Appealing stone sculptures (from the 4th-14th centuries) of Vishnu , Shiva and other Gods of this Kingdom can still be found in the Cham museum located in the center of the city Towards the coast south of Danang are five large hills known as the Marble Mountain. Mysterious caves within the mountains shelter altars delicated to Buddha, Bodhisattvas and The different genies arising from the popular beliefs of the area's inhabitants. With its own international and domestic airport, Danang provides an ideal stopover based for excursions to the ancient town of Hoi An, the imperial city of Hue and My Son-site of the Ruins from the Cham civilization.
Cham Ruins For those interested in seeing all that these fifteen towers have to offer, plan on spending a minimum of one day. These towers are located at My Son in the Duy Xuyen district. Cham Museum The Cham Museum built in 1915, expanded in 1935 , completed in 1936, is in a lovely setting And has large, open well lighted rooms with around 296 statues and artifacts of the Cham People dated back to the 7th century. Marble Mountains Consisting of five limestone peaks, about five (8km) miles south of town. They can be explored by following the paths leading to the peaks. Non Nuoc Beach China Beach, one the most wonderful beaches of Vietnam , was once an in country rest and Recreation centre for the US military during the Vietnam War.
Hoi An Ancient Town Forty-five minutes by land south-east of Da Nang is the ancient town of Hoi An, which was one of the most important trading ports in Southeast Asia for merchants from China, Japan and afar for a couple of centuries ago. Originally a seaport in the Champa Kingdom, by the 15th century It had become a coastal town under the Tran dynasty. Also served as the hub of East-West c ultural exchange, Hoi An's ancient past is superbly preserved in its fascinating temples, pagoda, shop houses and home which make up the town's old quarter. Walking in the streets of this ancient town, one can observe the influence of the architecture, Sculpture and decorative styles of China and Japan and the skill of former Vietnamese architects Who have absorbed their influences and created something similar yet somehow uniquely different.
HUE Hue, the imperial city, the citadel-city of Phu Xuan was originally built up during the end of 17th Century and became a political capital as well as the Imperial City of Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 till 2nd September 1945 when the Communist Party, leaded by President Ho Chi Minh had declared the Independent of the Nation and took over the power from the defeated Japanese Governor. Nowadays, this small & poetical city of 280.000 habitants becomes one of the main tourism site of Vietnam destination by its splendid tombs of the Nguyen emperors, several notable pagodas especially the Thien Mu Pagoda, the remains of Citadel as well as the romantic Perfume River where a cruise tour with Hue music performance in the moonlight was always provided since long time ago. Normally, visiting Hue within a day is a bit rush but still enough time to cover the main attractive sites such as The Citadel, The museum of antique, the tombs of Khai Dinh and Tu Duc emperors and a 02 hours cruise with stop over at Thien Mu pagoda.
Citadel & Forbidden City This forbidden city of 10km. perimeter has 4 main entrance gates and well defended by kilometers of rampart was built in 1804 by the first emperor Nguyen Anh on a site chosen by geomancers and look likes a Chinese forbidden city in Beijin. Some parts of this forbidden city were totally destroyed during the war where now are under reconstruction providing UNESCO & Japanese non-government associations' fund. Lucky thing is most of the main area such as the citadel (the Imperial Enclosure), Flag Tower were remain intact where received hundred of visitors daily. The Museum of Antique (Imperial museum) This beautiful hall which house the Imperial Museum was built in 1845. The most precious artefacts were lost during the war (1954-1973) and the liberation day (1975) but ceramics, furniture and royal relics are remain until the present time. Khai Dinh Emperor's Tomb This is the final monument of the Nguyen Dynasty. The complex features ceiling murals, frescoes and a dragon staircase. Located on the slopes of the Chau E Mountain, six miles (10km) south of town. It takes almost 10 years (1920-1931) to finish this grandiose concrete tomb which is completely unlike the others tombs where there was a mixture of typical Vietnamese & French colonial architecture. After climbing 36 steps passing by rows of elephants, horses, civil & military mandarin you will be reached the main building where a full original artefacts are displayed to the public. Tu Duc Emperor's Tomb The most impressive of the tombs and pagodas at Hue. Located at the tributaries of the Perfume River, seven miles (11km) south of Hue, this complex has beautiful architecture, intricate decor and military statues. This majestic and serene tomb with lake view, grove of pines, temples, living house area is the most expensive tomb which was completely terminated after 5 years by thousands of labor-worker (1863-1868) for this intellectual-poet emperor. Minh Mang Emperor's Tomb The most impressive of the tombs and pagodas at Hue. Located at the tributaries of the Perfume River, seven miles (11km) south of Hue, this complex has beautiful architecture, intricate decor and military statues. Thien Mu Pagoda & Perfume River Cruise Unlike the typical boat used to provide in the past the present Hue cruise is providing a motorized boat which carry a 2 hours cruise along Perfume River including a 30 min stop over Thien Mu pagoda. This pagoda located on the hillock overlooking the Perfume River, built in 1844 by Thieu Tri emperor, 21m-high octagonal tower with seven-storey is one of the most famous structures in all over the country and become an unofficial symbol of Hue until now.
Hanoi
One Pillar Pagoda Built in the 11th century, this pagoda sits on a stone pillar in the middle of a pond. This is one of the more unusual structures in Vietnam. Lenin Park (Thong Nhat Park) Built over a former marsh, this park surrounds a large lake containing a statue of Lenin, often the object of jokes among the locals. The park itself is quite beautiful. Tran Nhan Tong Street. National Preserve of Cuc Phuong This national park is one of the last tropical primeval forest reserves on Earth. There are 64 species of fauna and thousands of species of flora, many of which are extinct everywhere else in the world. Bizarre and fascinating species of animals from flying lizards to monkeys dwell within the park's 61,000 acres. Caves and grottoes, where various artifacts have been discovered, are located in the mountains within. Ha Nam Ninh Province. It is located approximately 62 miles (100 Km.) southwest of Hanoi. Thu Le Park Located northwest of Hanoi in the Thu Le village.
Haiphong
Cat Ba This island is the largest in the Cat Ba archipelago. It is potentially one of the major beach destinations in Southeast Asia. This region has beautiful beaches and pristine waters. Within the mountains are caves and grottos. Located 36 miles (58km) east of Haiphong.
Halong Bay One of Vietnam's most beautiful areas, Halong Bay has fascinating limestone formations, coves for nighttime excursions, sheer cliffs, grottoes, arches and scores of small islets.
Top12. DINING AND DRINKING
Vietnamese food varies from region to region. Almost 500 traditional dishes have been recorded! Rice and noodles are staple foods, served with nearly all meals. The most popular dishes are nema rán (spring rolls), bún thang (noodles with sliced pork, eggs, shredded chicken and shrimp), shellfish steamed with ginger and sea crabs fried with salt. Among common ingredients used are: shark fin, duck, pork paste, fish, spices, fruits, vegetables, crab meat, lobster and oysters.
Imported beer is available in Vietnam, although a number of domestic beers are brewed. Rice wine is very popular, and there are many brands available. There is a variety of fruit wines such as apricot, orange or lemon. Soft drinks are processed from the many varieties of tropical fruits available. Water from the tap should be avoided, even though it has already been filtered and sterilized at 10ºC. If you must drink it, boil the water first.
Top13. ENTERTAINMENT
Vietnam is not the place to go for the latest in nightspots, but a number of large hotels have nightclubs and dance halls. Bars are fairly easy to find, even in smaller hotels. Try asking the locals for the current popular spots.
Top14. EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Police: 03 Ho Chi Minh City Police Station 161 Nguyen Du, Quan 1 Tel 99398 or 97107 Open from 8am-11am and 1pm-4pm Hanoi Police Office for the Registration of Foreign Visitors 63 Tran Hung Dao, Hanoi All visitors must register with the police within 48 hours of arrival. If you are on a tour, this should have been taken care of (but check anyway). Fire Department: 08 First Aid: 05 International Dialing Access: Available at major tourist hotels and post offices Country Code: 84 City Codes: Hanoi: 04 / Ho Chi Minh: 08 When calling from within the same city, delete the city code from the number. When calling to another city from within Vietnam, use the entire city code. When calling from outside Vietnam, delete the first digit (0) from the city code.
Top16. USEFUL PHRASES
* Greetings - Chao ong (ba) * How are you? - Ong (ba) co khoe khong? * Fine, thanks - Cam on rat tot * My name is ... - Tên tôi là ... * I don't understand - Tôi không hiêú * Restaruant - nhà hàng * Telephone - diên thoai * Hotel - khách san

Halong Cruise and Kayak 3 days

2008-08-28T22:32:00.001-07:00

Halong Cruise & Kayak 3 days
Routes: Hanoi � Halong � Hanoi (175km one-way)Duration: 3 days 2 nights, sleep aboardFeature: Halong Bay is spectacular! The best way to visit all the hidden inlets and islands is via kayak. You will have 3 days on the water to explore this World Heritage Site with the support of our helpful experts and an authentic liveaboard Chinese Junk. Sleep on board under the stars and endulge in selections of the freshest seafood seved at lunch and dinner. On your kayak discover the magic as you paddle your way through narrow caves and secret interior lakes. Touch the untouched, name the unnamed, make your own magic, find your own route. Travel your way, the way travel should be!Difficulty: (3/5)Itinerary in Detail:Day 1: Hanoi � HalongHalong Cruise tour, travel to halongDepart 8:00 am to Halong. After a 3.5 hours drive we will board our private vessel, an authentic Chinese Junk, for a relaxing cruise to the bay. After lunch on the boat we will stop at a small floating fishing village where our kayaks will be waiting. Then take advantage of the afternoon (2-3 hours) by kayaking amidst the magic of Halong. Tonight's dinner will include a selection of the freshest sea food. Retire to your quarters on the boat or sleep under the stars on the top deck.(L,D)Day 2: Lost, let's sea what happens...book Halong kayaking tours in VietnamA full day of kayaking follows breakfast on the boat. This is the day to discover the hidden Halong and uncover the secrets of this World Heritage Site. Paddle through the emerald water to magnificent caves and deserted lagoons. Explore every nook and cranny of this specticle of towering limestone and ocean, kayak to places some have never been to.The day we will be fully supported by our boat. We will not have any designated route, we just paddle to the places you wish to go. Our only concern will be the weather's possible heavy rain or too much sun. If this is the case, we can easily go back to the boat for lunch, a short rest, more water or swimming. For those who are not feeling up to a full day of kayaking, cruising on the boat capturing photograph after photograph or sun bathing are some alternatives. As the sun sets, take pleasure in knowing that our second night will be spent on the water as well. (B,L,D)Day 3: More kayaking then onto HanoiHalong kayaking tour, travel to Halong VietnamSources: http://www.footprintsvietnam.com/Tours/Halong/DayTripsExcursions/Bai-Tu-Long-2days.htm
More Halong Tours
Breakfast, then more cruising and kayaking. Then we return to Halong City. We will see a little bit of the town as we will have lunch at a local restaurant here, then we will begin our return to Hanoi. You should be back in your hotel around 5:00 pm where your smile, tan and stories of adventure on the water will be the envy of others. (B,L)

Leaving Vietnam

2008-08-27T03:19:00.001-07:00

Heading for Cambodia

2008-08-26T22:19:00.001-07:00

On the 10th we pretty much had the day to ourselves so explored the local area and markets in more detail and to our dislike discovered just what a durian fruit smells like. Take our word for it, it is not very nice. In the evening we met our new tour guide for Cambodia and a new member of our group.On the morning of the 11th we headed off in a mini bus for a long drive to Chau Doc, a border town in Vietnam. After lunch at the floating restaurant at the back of our hotel (Although I think it was only just still floating) we headed off once more on the back of motorbikes. This time we headed up the mountain to the hammock bar where we enjoyed a cold Ankor beer and took our first look over the border into Cambodia. On the way back to our hotel in the early evening Charlie had a scare when her bike, and her and her driver, were almost crushed by a bus driver not paying attention. Luckily her driver was able to get out of the way but it is a pretty safe bet that the next words Charlie heard were all Vietnamese swear words being directed from several of the bike drivers at the bus.Nevertheless, we made it safely back and the next morning jumped on a boat at the back of the hotel to travel down the Mekong and into Cambodia.

Interesting things about my Journey in Vietnam

2008-08-21T22:38:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends,I've been recently inspired by the depth of Elisha's travel journals and would like to practice writing interesting travel entries for all of you about my experience in Vietnam.I'd like to write freely so my thougts can flow. Thus, there will be no chronological order nor an order of importance. I'd like to just focus on what I have found interesting on my travels and things I've learned.Here we go...1. My great grandmother just died two days ago. It's been a trip. I came here before new years, and luckily met her before she died. She chanted to Elisha and I a beautiful sutra about the 84 famous Bodhisattvas. It was quite powerful as it sent shivers throughout my body. At the time, I thought that it was great she had the ability to chant the sutra while laying paralyzed on the bed at the ripe old age of 96. I felt she was more or less ready.So, three days ago, I call my aunt and she tells me that my great grandmother was very ill, no longer eating. I curtailed my plans to visit an island and took a train to Da Nang. That night before going to the train station, Elisha and I spotted an owl while riding on a motorcylce. This big owl with a white belly flew right above us, along the bike, and perched ontop a lampost. Elisha shared with me that Native Americans believe that owls are the messengers of death. Elisha and I figured that my great grandmother was about to die. Surely enough, as soon as we arrived in Da Nang, our family tells us that the grandmother died that night at 3:00am. The universe works in mysterious ways. And it just so happens that we made it right on time, off the train, to attend her funeral service, and to give our love and peaceful energy to my great grandmother's transformation. I felt very good with the whole service for everyone was very focused and strong to help my grandmother continue her journey. My dad, in Texas, was very happy that we made it to share our energy for my great grandmother to be liberated. I tried my best to give love and light as my aikido sensei has taught. It felt very good. Glancing over my great grandmother's corpse, I remembered a line from Lord of the Rings, spoken by Liv tyler, the elvish princess, as she was trying to save frodo, she prayed and cried, "Whatever grace within me, let it pass onto him." As I remembered these lines in my mind,opened palmed and mind focused on my great grandmother, my body shivered and tears welled up in my eyes, I was made to believe that she was going to be ok.2. We are such conditioned beings. The conditioning runs deep. I realize this when I observe my little cousins here in Vietnam. When they speak to me, they speak just like there parents do. They have similiar reactions, comments, hand gestures, facial expressions, and etc. just like their parents. It is insane. They even sometimes have the same walk. It is such a trip to witness and to observe it in them and also within myself. I must ask in what ways I have been conditioned by my parents and of which qualities do I keep and which I must ardently remove. I recommend you to do the same. For myself, one such conditioning which has become more apparent to me is my anger. This particular kind of anger I recognize, is the kind of anger I have learned from my mother. And while travelling, it has the ripe conditions to arise and for me to practice with. But, it seems that as I come to understand it more, I've discovered that this style of anger has been passed on through generations. While discussing this issue with my cousin, she shares too that she gets angry in the same way. I then asked if her mother does it too, who is my mother's sister, She says yes. And I asked if my grandfather does it too, and she says yes. It is a trip to see that some mental habits within me have been passed down. It gives a sense of compassion, especially for my mother, because she was treated with in such a way and is only reacting to the way she has been taught, as is everyone else. It is scary as I look out into the world and see how much people influence each other in their ways of being and consciousness, such unenlightened ways. Thus, I wish for everyone to surround themselves in good environments and to find truly good friends, and great teachers to show us how to think, behave, act, ad love, in enlightening ways. I am thankful to all my teachers who have helped me to remove all the conditioning and the egotistical ways of thinking that has helped me to lead a life with a bit of truth, humility, compassion, love, true happiness, and peace. I am also thankful for the dharma that teaches us the way and how to practice skillfuly to change ourselves- to discover the purity within. There is much more practice to be done, but I am hopeful.

Exploring Hanoi

2008-08-20T22:25:00.000-07:00

As promised a more detailed overview of our recent tour, starting off with Hanoi city in Vietnam.Hanoi, 26th-28th of FebruaryWe arrived in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, in the evening on the 26th of February with a day to kill before our tour started on the 28th. The first thing we noticed on our drive from the airport to the Victory hotel was the amount of traffic on the roads (most of it motorbikes) and the fact that the horn was an integral part of driving in Vietnam.In fact, the next day one of the first things we had to learn, and nervously put into practice was crossing the road. Due to the huge volume of motorbikes coming from all directions it is just unsafe to look for a gap in the traffic and run across the road. In fact running is the most dangerous thing you could do. Instead, you have to step into the road and slowly walk acoss, this way the motorbikes have time to spot you and move around you as you cross the road. It took a bit of getting used to but it did work and surprisingly well.During our first morning we explored the city on foot and made our way to the temple on the lake and browsed some of the many goods on offer in the shops. In the afternoon we jumped into cyclos for a tour of the city taking in the major sites such as the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum. We also stopped off to watch a water puppet show, a speciality of Hanoi, this was very entertaining and done well with puppeteers standing in four feet of water moving puppets on basically two bits of wood. I haven't done it justice in my description but take our word for it, it was entertaining to watch.The next day we explored more of Hanoi of foot and tried to get into the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum to catch a glimpse of the now preserved, former, leader. Unfortunately, we were just too late when we arrived (this can be blamed on a cyclo drvier who chased us down a street) and could not get in so instead walked around the Museum next door which talked about and displayed some of the recent history of Vietnam and the life history of Ho Chi Minh. That evening we met our tour group and leader and all went out for dinner at the Cyclo restaurant to get to know each other. Our tour group was made up of a good mix of nationalities and ages with the youngest at 23 and the oldest at 62.The next day we all jumped on board a mini bus and headed to Halong Bay.....

Hue know it makes sense

2008-08-19T22:45:00.001-07:00

Local man: "Where you from?"Jeff: "England"Local man: "England!!! Football good!!! Michael Owen"Jeff: "Yes"I must have had this conversation about 350 times already since coming to Vietnam. But I don't mind because the people here do seem to be genuinely friendly and enthusiastic. OK, so most of them want to sell you a pineapple, a book, a taxi ride, a hotel room, a postcard, or bread with flies on but everyone's got to make a living as J-Lo so succinctly sang.Vietnam is the most characterful country I've ever been to. Like in China the people are friendly and industrious and the scenery is spectacular but here there's shedfulls of charm to add in as well.Hue (pronounced "Waheeeeeyyyyyy!!!!!" or something like that) is about half way down the coast and seems to be typical of the kind of thouroughly relaxing old colonial towns in this country. It's a pretty well developed place and its setting on the banks of the Perfume River adds even more to the charm. The backpackers stay on one or two streets and everything is cheap, especially the local brew, Huda, which costs 7000 dong a bottle. That's 25 pence.We haven't done that much since we've been here - trip to the beach one day, visit to the massive walled citadel another, and a trip out to the Demilitarised Zone on our last day. The beach was long and the sand here is white. The walled citadel is a pretty interesting place to see - the scale of the place defies belief. Pity most of it was bombed in '68 but there's still plenty to see and take in.The trip out to the DMZ was another matter entirely. We visited a vast network of tunnels where the VC actually lived during the wars here, and it is yet another eye opening experience for me. It really puts the war into a different light when you visit tunnels that are about two feet wide and about five feet high (in the big parts) that they dug by hand and then lived in for years by candlelight whilst fighting the French, then the NVA and the Americans. I've been learning more about the war from books and locals (hark at my intellect) and it does leave a lasting impression.Anyway, enough historical ramblings. Off to Hoi An next to get a suit made and do some more relaxing.

Vietnam Sightseeing

2008-08-17T22:25:00.000-07:00

Vietnam is still opening up to tourists on an almost daily basis. I have listed some of the more popular local attractions throughout Vietnam below, which will then give you some idea as to how to plan your holiday in this fascinating country.CanthoCantho is the political, economic, cultural and transportation centre of the Mekong Delta. Rice husking mills provide the main source of income and the area is linked to most other main centers in the Mekong Delta via the waterways and road/rail systems.Boat Trips are available that take you across the water or through the local canals on many interesting sightseeing excursions that definitely require a camera. Larger boats venture up the Mekong River and this is a definite MUST DO if you are in the area.Cantonese Congregation Pagoda was built on a different site originally but now stands where it is today. The pagoda occupies a splendid location facing the Cantho River.Central Market is where you should go to stock up on fresh produce either direct from the farms or the fishing grounds nearby.Floating markets are the Delta's prime attractions. Unlike those found in Bangkok, these markets aren't for the benefit of camcorder-toting tourists. Early each morning the Bassac River and its tributaries swell with vendors in sampans, houseboats and longtails jammed with fresh Delta produce: jackfruit, mangosteen, durian, papaya, mango, bananas, pineapple, guava, fresh vegetables and smuggled sundries from cigarettes to shampoo. The best market to visit is about 30 km south of Can Tho in Phung Hiep.Ho Chi Minh Museum is the only museum in the Mekong Delta devoted to this ruler. It is a large museum, if you haven't been to a similar one elsewhere, is worth a visit. Chau DocChau Doc is a riverine commercial centre and is not that far from the Cambodian border. Once known for it's dug-out canoe races it is now better known for it's Cham and Khmer temples in its environs.Chau Doc Church was constructed in 1920 and although small is interesting and for those of the Christian faith they hold mass here seven days a week.Chau Phu Temple was built in 1926 and is decorated with both Vietnamese and Chinese motifs. Inside are funeral tablets with the names and biographical information on the dead.Floating Houses, are well worth a few photos and it's worth it to hire a boat to see them better. Mosques in the area consist of the Chau Giang Mosque and the Murbank Mosque. There are others in the area but those mentioned are the largest,. Visitors are permitted but please respect the faith and do not enter them during 'calls of prayer' which occur 5 times a day unless you are of the Islamic faith. Sam Mountain is the place to go if you want to see dozens of temples, pagodas and the like and is well worth visiting. Located about 6 km from the city. Not only do temples abound but the trek to the top of the mountain is also popular though one can go by motorised vehicle if you so desire. Tay Anh Pagoda is renowned for its fine carvings of hundreds of religious figures most of which are wooden. The building reflects both Hindu and Islamic influences and outside stand a black elephant (with 2 tusks) and a white elephant (with 6 tusks) as well as various monks tombs etc.Temple of Lady Chua Xu faces Sam Mountain not far from the Tay An Pagoda and was founded in the 1820's. The original was built of bamboo, but this has been replaced over the years and the last reconstruction took place in 1972.Tomb of Thoai Ngoc Hau who was a high ranking officer that served the Ngyen lords and later the Nguyen Dynasty is buried here. Nearby are several other tombs of similar officials serving under Thoai Ngoc Hau.Cavern Pagoda also known as Phuoc Dien Tu is about halfway up Sam Mountain and is well worth a visit.DalatThe city of Dalat is the main centre of the Southern Highlands region. In the past it was renowned as a cool, green city with a park-like environment. This is changing fast, as the economy booms and life speeds up. Still, Dalat is definitely worth a visit and it's a good base for trips into the surrounding highlands, which remain tranquil. In Dalat, make sure you visit the Hang Nga Guesthouse & Art Gallery, nicknamed by locals the Crazy House. It's created by artist and architect Mrs Dang Viet Nga (known as Hang Nga).Dalat is famous for its coffee shops, and is extremely popular with domestic tourists and honeymooners. You can fly to Dalat from Ho Chi Minh City. The airport is 30km from town; express buses also link the two cities.The Emperor Bao Dai's Summer Palace is stuffed with interesting art and everyday objects, and is well worth a look. It's also interesting to stroll around the old French Quarter.The Valley of Love, 5km north of the city centre, is a bizarre place where you can hire a paddle boat on the lake or a horse from one of the Dalat Cowboys (no relation to the Dallas Cowboys), who are, indeed, dressed as cowboys. There are some pleasant walks or rides (on horseback or bike) in the countryside around the city, but be aware that areas signposted with a C-sign are off-limits to foreigners.Prenn Falls are worth a visit and are located at the foot of Prenn Mountain Pass. The 10km long pass is on the route from Dalat to Ho Chi Minh City.Further out, you can visit the villages of some of the hill tribes, such as Lat Village and the Chicken Village (with a huge statue of a chicken).

Exploring Hanoi

2008-08-14T22:19:00.001-07:00

ENCHANTING VIETNAM TOURS

2008-08-12T22:27:00.000-07:00

HaNoi - HaLong - NinhBinh - MaiChau - Hue - DaNang - HoiAn - MySon - SaiGon - CuChi - TayNinh - MeKong Delta - SaiGonDay 1. Arrival in HanoiGreetting at Noi Bai airport and transfer to hotel. Overview of the Old Quarters by ricckshaw. Water puppetry show.Day 2. Hanoi – HalongHanoi city tour : Tran Quoc Pagoda, Temple of Literature. After lunch, proceed to Halong via Red River Delta . Overnight in Halong.Day 3. Halong – Ninh Binh6-hour cruise in Halong Bay with lunch onboard. Transfer to Ninh Binh. Overnight in Ninh Binh.Day 4. Ninh Binh – Mai Chau3-hour sampan ballade to visit “Inland Halong Bay”, then Hoa Lu.. Drive to Mai Chau . Overnight in a house on stilts of Thai minority.Day 5. Mai Chau – Hanoi – HueA short trek around Thai minority villages before driving back Hanoi. Leisure time before taking night train to Hue.Day 6. HueOn arrival at 07.50, visit to Hue , last imperial capital of Vietnam : the Imperial Palace, Royal Tombs. Enjor costume royal dinner.Day 7. Hue – Da Nang – Hoi AnBoat cruise on Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda. Heading south, visit Cham Art Museum, then visit Hoi An Ancient Town.Day 8. Hoi An – My Son – Hoi AnTransfer to visit My Son – former sanctuary of Indianized Champa Kingdom in the First Millenium. Back to Hoi An for overnight.Day 9. Hoi An – Da Nang – SaigonTransfer to Da Nang airport for flight to Saigon. Saigon city tour : visit former French Quarter and former Chinatown.Day 10. Saigon – My Tho – SaigonDrive to My Tho to visit Cai Be floating market on the Upper Mekong Branch. Back to Saigon for overnight.Day 11. Saigon - Cu Chi - Tay Ninh – SaigonTransfer to visit Cu Chi Tunnels, proceed on to visit Tay Ninh Cao Dai Holy See. Back to Saigon..Day 12. Saigon – DepartureFree time for shopping before transfer to airport for departure flight

Hot, Happy, Hungover, Halong Bay

2008-08-11T22:31:00.001-07:00

Well now. Just back from a 3 day trip to Halong Bay and it was fantastic. The sun even decided to come out and we got a roasting today on the boat back.Day one (wednesday) we got a boat at Halong Harbour. OUr group was a ixed bunch of old people and young people. We had an israeli couple iin their 40s and a retired spanish couple who were really nice (and mad to go to Karaoke).Had lunch on the boat and it was a bit cloudy but the 3000 islands in the bay look impressive in any weather. We visited some big cave and then later got into the water for kayaking and swimming which was great crack. Then we all piled back onto the boat for a nice feast and a few drinks.Day 2 we were woken at 7 for breakfast and then brought to Cat Ba island and checked into a hotel there. We were brought to HOspital Cave which was hidden in a mountain to treat vietnamese soldiers during the war. Our guide in there was some mad former army general and he kept lining us up and singing to us. It was all pretty weird but cool.Then we had a trek up a mountain which was nice (sweaty). the Spaniards werent impressed at this but there ya go...tyhey made it safely. Thankfully didnt get attacked by any eveil monkeys on the way as i was a bit worried aobut that.after lunch we went off in a boat again for a brilliant afternoon of kayaking anywhere. just paddled for ages around all the islands and under sea arches and into lagoons. Its soooooooo beautiful and peaceful there.Then today we got the boat back to the mainland and it was roasting so all just lay up on deck for the morning. Kieran had a bit of a fright cos he jumped off the boat for a swim but got caught in a current and was being dragged quite quickly away. took us a while to cop that he was actually not enjoying this and we eventually got down to find him holding onto the ledge of the boat by his fingernails. Dont know how it happenbed cos noone really wanted to get in after that but it was grand...only a slight pull after that. Although the driver started the boat before everyone was back on and then kids started crying and mothers were shouting and it was all very dramatic altogether.back in Hanoi now. Wandering around the cafes and markets. The locals were going nuts for an u23s football match between Vietnam and Thailand (2-1)Dont know what we are doing next. Maybe Sapa, maybe not.til then,byebyeybye

Hue

2008-08-10T17:56:00.001-07:00

After originally planning on taking the train from Hoi An, we decided to take the bus, which cut down our actual travelling time quite substantially. Of course, the guy that we bought the bus tickets from told us that we would be picked up from our hotel, and that the bus would drop us off at any hotel we wanted to be dropped off at in Hue. Sounds too good to be true? Well, it was. Not only did we get the worst bus on the road, but the bus dropped us off at the hotel that was obviously giving it commission, and so we had to get off there, where we were harrassed by at least 10 different people trying to get us to go to their hotels, and at least 5 different cyclo drivers wanting us to get a ride with them. Despite our best lies in saying that we had a reservation elsewhere, they still wouldn't leave us alone, at which stage our patience was starting to wear desperately thin, and we just got into the first metered taxi that we saw. Foolishly thinking that he would be a bit more honest. Well, firstly he tried to conceal (by putting his business card up in front of it) the fact that his meter had already been running for quite a long period of time, and was already on 18000 dong. So we got him to restart his meter and he then took us to the hotel we had asked for, by which stage the meter was on 8000 dong (the minimum fare). As if it wasn't enough that he had already tried to cheat us, when Warren handed him 10000 dong as payment, he not only did not want to give us change, but actually wanted us to give him more money! Luckily we had enough change between the two of us, so we took back the 10000 note, and gave him 8000 in smaller notes, which he was clearly not very happy with. So our first impressions of Hue were not very favourable.

Treasure of Mekong tours in Vietnam

2008-08-07T23:00:00.001-07:00

16 days -15 nights: Luang Prabang - Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hue - Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City - Phnom Penh - Siem ReapDay 1: Luang Prabang - Arrival (D)Upon arrival at the airport, you are met and transferred to the hotel. Luang Prabang is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. The tranquility and charm of this town with its splendid natural scenery and cultural sights make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Laos . After a short rest, we visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham, Wat Mai; we then climb up to the top of Phousi Mount for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a beautiful sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. From there, we explore Street Night Bazaar, where you can find the lovely collection and handmade textile by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang.Day 2: Luang Prabang - Pak Ou Cave - Kuangsi Water Fall (B/L)After breakfast, we enjoy a short-guided tour seeing the city's oldest temple of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represent the classical architecture of Luang Prabang temple. We then board a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a beautiful view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious of Pak Ou Caves, crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes.In the afternoon, drive to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall where you can splash around in the pools or walk along the forest paths, return to Luang Prabang by late afternoon and continue to Ban Phanom, a well known weaving village, return to the city by late evening, for observing the sunset at Wat Siphouthabath. Overnight in Luang Prabang.Day 3: Luang Prabang - Hanoi (B/L)Free time for relax until time for transfering to airport for flight to Hanoi. Once again our guide will meet you and transfer you to Hanoi city. Lunch at local restaurant before check-in at hotel. After two or more hours relax, our cyclo tour do not make you more tired but more relax. After one hour ride around the trading area in Hanoi Old Quarter, the cyclo will stop you at Ngoc Son Temple for a short visit, then take one minute walk to Thang Long theatre for Water Puppet show. Overnight in hotel in Hanoi.Day 4: Hanoi (B/L)In the morning to visit Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, House on Stilt, One Pillar Pagoda, Tran Quoc pagoda, Quan Thanh temple, Army Museum and Hanoi Flag Tower. Time for lunch and check-out. In the afternoon, visit Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam (The First National University established in 1076). The next visiting place should be the Museum of Vietnam Ethnology in Cau Giay District or just go shopping around Silk shops and Art shops in Hang Gai street. Overnight in hotel in Hanoi.Day 5: Hanoi - Halong Bay (B/L/D)Today we leave Hanoi to Halong Bay, "Dragon Descending to the Sea". Upon arrival, we will embark to a junk /boat for a cruise around Ha Long Bay. While the junk cruising caves, grottoes, floating villages and beaches on Ha Long bay, having fresh seafood lunch on boat. Stop for a while for an excursing to Surprise Caves, (Grotto of Surprises) and Swimming, Kayaking (kayak cost is not include in this package) if weather permitted. Have dinner on board. In the evening, enjoy the night fishing (if weather permitted). Overnight on board.Day 6: Ha Long Bay - Hanoi (B/L)In the morning, cruising more in the Halong bay before return to the Halong pier. Having lunch in Halong before return back Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi.Day 7: Hanoi - Hue (B/L)Free time in the morning before transfer to the airport of Hanoi for noon flight to Hue. Transfer to a local restaurant in the city for lunch before check in. In the afternoon we pay a visit to the Imperial Citadel, constituted from the Real Fortress and the Forbidden City, and the market of Dong Ba. Overnight in Hue.Day 8: Hue - Hoi An (B/L)In morning we embark on a dragon boat sail along the Huong River to visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, and the tomb of Khai Dinh Kinh. Lunch at local restaurant. In the afternoon transfer to Hoi An through the famous of Hai Van Pass. Passing Danang, the car will stop for the visit to Cham Museum. Cham Museum is the open air collection of Cham sculpture. Overnight in Hoi An.Day 9: Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City B/L)In the morning, you will walk to visit ancient tiny town Hoi An. The visit will includes Japanese covered bridge, some Chinese Assembly Halls, and some typical Vietnamese houses of 18 century. In the afternoon, transfer to Danang Airport for evening flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi (B/L)In the morning drive to Cu Chi, one incredible city basement constituted from one series of tightened tunnel, used from the Vietcong during the war with the Americans. Lunch at local restaurant. In the afternoon pause to the colonial buildings of Saigon like the Independent Palace, Post Office and the Cathedral of Notre Dame, Ben Thanh market. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City - Vinh Long - Can Tho (L)Our car will pick up at your hotel in early morning. Upon arrival at Cai Be, embark a private boat to cruise around Cai Be Floating Market to see local people being selling, buying, exchanging goods from their boats. Visit local garden and house to see orchard, rice crisped producing process, .. After lunch taking a cruise along river to see peaceful tranquil life of villagers, admire marvelous natural natural setting of Mekong Delta region. About 3 pm, the boat will arrival at Vinh Long, walking around to explore Vinh Long Market. Then transfer to Can Tho City. Over night in Can Tho. Day 12: Can Tho - Cai Rang - Chau Doc (B/L)Cruising along the small and picturesque tributaries by boat, we will see the Cai Rang floating market (the nicest one with heaps of rowing boats). Take in the beautiful scenery and the daily activities of the locals who lives along the Mekong canals and you will roam through the village to visit a rice husking mill and a rice noodles making shop. Then continue going to Chau Doc via Long Xuyen. Check in on arrival. Visit the Sam mountain to enjoy the a breath-taking view on the Vietnamese-Cambodian border with flat rice fields and nice canals, visit caved pagoda. Over night in Chau Doc.Day 13: Chau Doc - Phnom Penh (B/L)In morning departure in boat to Phnom Penh going back one of the arms of the Mekong. Arrival and lunch. In the afternoon, visits of the city, in particular of the National Museum, rich art of Khmer, of the Silver Pagoda, inserted in the fencing of the Royal Palace, Preahkeo Morokot & Central Market. Overnight in Phnom Penh.Day 14: Phnom Penh - Siem Reap (B/L)In morning departure by flight to Siem Reap and transfer your hotel in the city. Angkor, luminous understood them of the great reign Khmer, is one of more important testimonies that the human genius knew to create in the field of the limbs, the architecture and the urban planning. Lunch at local restaurant. Then start tour to visit famous temple Angkor Wat with enjoying sunset from top of Bakheng Hill. Overnight in Siem Reap.Day 15: Siem Reap - Angkor Complex (B/L/D)Breakfast at hotel, then visit the Angkor Thom: South Gate, Bayon, Baphoun, Terrace of Elephants, Terrace of Leper King and Phimean Akas temple. Lunch at local restaurant. Afternoon, transfer to visit Angkor Ruins: Thommanom, chao Say Tevoda, Takeo, Ta Prom, Banteay Kdey and Sras Srang until Sunset. Dinner at local restaurant with Apsaras show & overnight in Siem Reap.Day 16: Siem Reap - Departure (B)After breakfast, transfer to take the Tonlé Sap for a cruise on the lake with the visiting to floating village to explore the fish man life. Then visit Chantier Ecole-Artisant d’Angkor. Free time for shopping before departure home.Type of tour: - Private tour. (This is the sample tour, you may go with all details above or we can modify to fix your way of travel) - Easy tourDeparture: Any dayFeature of tour: This Indochina vacation tour organize for travelers, who want to know the charmng of Angkor - Siem Reap and charming of Vietnam. You will understand Cambodia and Vietnam with:- Our history- Our literature- Our religious

Ho Chi Minh City

2008-07-24T20:37:00.001-07:00

After a short flight from Denang we arrived in the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh. Vietnam's most modern city. After a quick freshen up we went out exploring and to get a bite to eat.The first thing we noticed about Ho Chi Minh City is not just how modern it is compared to the rest of Vietnam but how big it is, and we have never seen so many motorbikes. To cross the road here the advice is to move very, very slowly.One of the favourite sayings of people in Asia is 'Same Same but Different' and they use it when describing something that is basically similar to something but not quite right. This was wonderfully used in a restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City when Charlie ordered a chicken dish and was presented with a seafood dish instead (Charlie cannot eat seafood). We asked for it to be changed only to be told "No, it is fine, same same....but different" We couldn't help but laugh, although we did get the dish changed.That night we ate in the market and had great fun with our food as we ordered our own personal hot tile over coals and cooked our meat ourselves. We went to bed reasonably early that night as we were off to Cu Chi and the tunnels early in the morning.

Halong Bay Vietnam

2008-06-29T23:33:00.001-07:00

Geographical locationHalong bay is in northeastern Vietnam, from E106°56' to E107°37' and from N20°43' to N21°09'. The bay stretches from Yên Hưng district, past Hạ Long city, Cẩm Phả town to Vân Đồn district, bordered on the south and southeast by the Gulf of Tonkin, on the north by China and on the west and southwest by Cát Bà island. The bay has a 120 kilometre long coastline and is approximately 1,553 square kilometres in size with 1969 islets. The area designated by UNESCO as the World Natural Heritage Site includes 434 km² with 775 islets, of which the core zone is delimited by 69 points: Đầu Gỗ island on the west, Ba Hầm lake on the south and Cống Tây island on the east. The protected area is from the Cái Dăm petrol store to Quang Hanh commune, Cẩm Phả town and the surrounding giants zone.ClimateThe bay is a sea islands in tropical wet with 2 seasons: hot and moist summer, dry and cold winter. Average temperature is from 15°C- 25°C. Annual rainfall is between 2000mm and 2200mm. Halong bay has the typical diurnal tide system (tide amplitude ranges from 3.5-4m). The salinity is from 31 to 34.5MT in dry season and lower in rainy season.HistorySoi Nhụ culture (16000- 5000 BCE)Located in Hạ Long and Bái Tử Long, there are symbolic archaeological sites such as Mê Cung and Thiên Long. There are mounds of remains of mountain shellfishes (Cyclophorus) and spring shellfishes (Melania), some fresh water mollusk and some rudimentary labour tools. The main living procedures of Soi Nhụ's habitants were catching shellfish and fish, collecting fruits and digging for bulbs and roots. Their living environment is coastal area unlike other Vietnamese cultures, for example those found in Hoà Bình, Bắc Sơn, etc.Cái Bèo culture (5000- 3000BCE)Located in Hạ Long and Cát Bà island, its habitants developed to the level of sea exploitation.History shows that Halong Bay has been the setting for local naval battles against Vietnam's coastal neighbours. On three occasions in the labyrinth of channels in Bach Dang river near the islands the Vietnamese army stopped the Chinese from landing. In 1288 General Tran Hung Dao stopped Mongol ships from sailing up the nearby Bach Dang River by placing steel-tipped wooden stakes at high tide, sinking the Mongol Dubhai Khan's fleet.During the Vietnam War, many of the channels between the islands were heavily mined by the navy of the United States, some of which pose a threat to shipping to this day.System of isles and cavesThien Cung grottoThien Cung grottoThe bay consists of a dense cluster of 1,969 limestone monolithic islands, each topped with thick jungle vegetation, which rise spectacularly from the ocean. Several of the islands are hollow, with enormous caves. Hang Đầu Gỗ (Wooden stakes Cave) is the largest grotto in the Halong area. French tourists visited in the late 19th century, and named the cave Grotte des Merveilles. Its three large chambers contain large numerous stalactites and stalagmites (as well as 19th century French graffiti). There are two bigger islands, Tuan Chau and Cat Ba, that have permanent inhabitants. Both of them have tourist facilities, including hotels and beaches. There are a number of wonderful beaches on the smaller islands.Some of the islands support floating villages of fishermen, who ply the shallow waters for 200 species of fish and 450 different kinds of mollusks. Many of the islands have acquired their names as a result of interpretation of their unusual shapes: such names include Voi Islet (elephant), Ga Choi Islet (fighting cock), and Mai Nha Islet (roof). 989 of the islands have been given names. Birds and animals including bantams, antelopes, monkeys, and iguanas also live on some of the islands.CivilizationFloating fishing villageFloating fishing villageA community of around 1600 people live on Halong bay in four fishing villages: Cửa Vạn, Ba Hang, Cống Tàu and Vông Viêng in Hùng Thắng commune, Hạ Long city. They live on floating houses and are sustained by capture fishing and marine aquaculture (cultivating marine biota).Originally in Ha Long Bay there was only one fishing village. Now there are about ten.Honourable nameIn 1962, Vietnam Ministry of Culture, Sport and Tourism arranged Halong Bay as National Renowned Lanscape Vestige.The bay was World's Natural Heritage listed by UNESCO at the 18th meeting of the Committee of the World Heritages of UNESCO (in Phuket, Thailand on December 17th, 1994) for its outstanding universal aesthetic value according to the criteria explained in the Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention. On December 2nd, 2000 at the 24th meeting of Committee of the World Heritages in Cairns, Australia, Halong bay was admitted as a World Heritage Site for its outstanding geological and geomorphological value according to the criteria of that Convention.[1]Halong bay was introduced to nominate by New Open World Foundation as World's 7 Natural Wonder having result on 08/08/2008.[1]The Kissing RocksThe Kissing RocksGeology and geomorphologyHistory of tectonicsScientists say that Halong bay has experienced at least 500 million years in the various geological states of orogeny, marine transgression and marine regression. During the Ordovician and Silurian periods (500-410 million years ago), Halong bay was deep sea. During the Carboniferous and Permian periods (340-250 million years ago), Halong Bay was at shallow sea level.Karst geomorphology valueAs of simultaneous combination of factors like thick limestone layer, hot and moist climate and slow tectonic process in whole, Ha Long bay has had a complete karst evolutionary for 20 million years. There are many of karst topography kind in Ha Long such as karst field.BiodiversityHa Long Bay is host to two ecosystems: a tropical, moist, evergreen rainforest ecosystem and a marine & coastal ecosystem. The bay is home to seven endemic species.Endemic species * Livistona halongensis * Impatiens halongensis * Chirieta halongensis * Chirieta hiepii * Chirieta modesta * Paraboea halongensis * Alpinia calcicolaThe many islands that dot the bay are home to a great many other species, including (but likely not limited to): 477 magnoliales, 12 pteris, 20 salt marsh flora and 4 amphibia, 10 reptilia, 40 aves, and 4 mammalia.EconomyTourismHa Long Bay is perhaps the most popular travel destination of the country. Foreigners and natives alike are attracted to its natural, universal appeal, not to mention the shopping and dining prospects located close by.CuisineSeafood in Ha Long is diversifying. Cuttle-fish- mực, oyester- hà, cyclinae- ngán, prawn (penaeidea- tôm he, panulirus- tôm hùm, parapenaeopsis- tôm sắt...), spunculoideas- sá sùng, nerita- ốc đĩa, charonia tritonis- ốc tù và, cà sáy... are popular in many famous delicious dishes.In literatureNguyễn Trãi wrote about Halong bay: "This wonder is ground raises up in the middle of the high sky". Xuân Diệu utter a praise: "Here is the unfinished works of the Beings...Here is the stones which the Giant played and threw away". Nguyên Ngọc summarized: "...to form this first- rate wonder, nature only uses: Stone and Water...There is just only two materials themselves chosen from as much as materials, in order to write, to draw, to sculpture, to create everything...It is quite possible that here is the image of the future world". Ho Chi Minh remarks: "It is the wonder that one cannot impart to others". Pham Van Dong embarrassed: "Is it one scenery or many seceneries? Is it the scenery in the world or somewhere?". Nguyễn Tuân recognized that:"Only mountains accept to be old, but Ha Long sea and wave is young for ever".Che Lan Vien sensed:"Hạ Long, Bái Tử Long- Dragons were hidden, only stones still remainOn the moonlight night, stones meditate as men..."Lord Trịnh Cương overflowed with emotion: "Mountains are glistend by water shadow, water spill all over the sky".Huy Cận was agitated: "Night breathes, stars wave Ha Long's water".