Halong bay holidays in Vietnam

Vietnam travel resolutions for 2012

2012-01-02T21:03:00.001-08:00

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!

Source: Chris_Footprint Vietnam travel

Da Nang International Paramotor Competition to be held in 2012

2011-11-22T20:21:00.000-08:00

The central coastal city of Da Nang will host an International Paramotor Competition on May 30, 2012 at the East Sea Park, said Vice Chairman of the city’s People Committee Phung Tan Viet.

Accordingly, the competition will attract the participation of 50-70 competitors of eight international teams from Japan, Argentina, the UK, France, the US, the Republic of Korea, China and Spain.

The city is seeking competitors with international certificate on paramotor to set up a team to take part in the competition.

The privately funded-budget for the contest is estimated about VND 14 billion.

Besides the main event, the organising board will arrange kiosks introducing and promoting local tourism, a country market fair, art embroidery and Hoi An lanterns to serve domestic and international tourists.

(Source: CPV)]

Vietnam tourism gear up for 2012 tourism year

2011-11-16T20:45:00.001-08:00

To prepare for this important year, Vietnam tour operators in the region have come up with many innovations to develop tourism and create a link with other regions in the future.

Hoang Tuan Anh, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, once said the central coastal region from Thua Thien – Hue to Binh Thuan held a special position in Vietnam's tourism map.

"The region has special natural resources, including the world's cultural heritage sites and a great diversity of eco-system and environment," said Anh.

According to the Minister, the region's tourism potentials were undertapped.

All major operators have agreed to establish a network; they considered it a vital matter for the sector's development. Yet, up to now they have not found a really competent "conductor of the show".

Director of the Kim Lien International Tour Operator Phan Duc Man said even now his company did not have its own trade mark to promote the company's image in the domestic and foreign tourism market.

He didn't know where he could get the support in the application of the trade mark.

Man suggested that tour operators in the region sit together and discuss the establishment of a regional tourism management board.

"The manager of the board should be a member from the Central Tourism Board," Man said.

"Whatever we do is to attract more tourists to the region."

However, in his opinion, a very important factor in tourism development is to raise the awareness of the community, including Government officials.

Director General of the Mekong International Travel Company Nguyen Minh Thu wanted to have a network established among tour operators and travel agents.

"The seamless tourism co-operation will make us strong," Thu said

"This is the way for us to increase our benefits and reinvest in our business and make it sustainable."

In her point of view, "Tourism is the glue that makes people feel closer to each other and enjoy a good time together. Tourism is an opportunity to sell local products."

Cao Tri Dung, director of the Vietnam Travel Joint Stock Company, proposed a cluster of tours in the central coastal region similar to that of the heritage sites in the region.

"The tour could start from Da Nang-Quy Nhon and end in Nha Trang," Dung said.

He said the Da Nang–Nha Trang flight route was already in operation.

"If it is possible, the flights between Hue-Nha Trang and Da Nang–Quy Nhon should increase. This is an important factor enabling the tourists to visit more sites in the region within a few days," said Dung.

He also suggested the development of the homestay tour to fishing villages, as many people living along the coastal line lived on fishing.

Vietnam hopes to turn the tourism industry into an important and dynamic economic sector in 2011– a major player in the national economic development.

Source: VietNamNet

Halong Bay in early list of top 10 wonders

2011-11-07T20:09:00.000-08:00

Vietnam’s Halong Bay has been named in a temporary list of the world’s 10 new wonders of nature by the New Open World Corporation, an associate of the non-profit New 7 Wonders Foundation.

The others in the list are the Dead Sea in Israel, Palestine, and Jordan; the Grand Canyon in the US; the Great Barrier Reef off Australia and Papua New Guinea); Jeita Grotto cave in Lebanon; Jeju Island in South Korea; Komodo Island in Indonesia; Puerto Princesa Underground River in the Philippines; the Sunderbans in Bangladesh and India; and Vesuvius Mountain in Italy.

They have received the most votes so far, according to the New7Wonders, whose president, Bernard Weber, said the list could change in the remaining days of the campaign before the final list was released November 11.

Earlier on September 27 New7Wonders Foundation chairman Bernard Weber announced that Ha Long was among the 28 finalist candidates for the new seven wonders of nature.

To vote for Halong Bay, one has to go to the website http://www.new7wonders.com, dial + 1.869 760.5990 and press 7712, or send a text message (“Halong”) to 147.

Source: dtinews

Hanoi to open six streets for pedestrians

2011-10-27T23:53:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-23T21:48:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-19T21:13:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-11T22:05:00.001-07:00

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

2011-10-03T22:16:00.001-07:00

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

2011-09-27T22:02:00.001-07:00

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

2011-09-22T22:02:00.001-07:00

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

2011-09-21T21:31:00.001-07:00

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

Unique colour in Hanoi’s pavements

2011-09-15T21:18:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-06T21:31:00.000-07:00

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

Rice Harvest in Sapa, Vietnam

2011-08-25T21:36:00.001-07:00

This morning we called Ly Man May, a homestay owner in Taphin village, in Sapa, to ask her about her, her family, and the rice. In only a week the infamous terraced landscape in Sapa will turn from green to gold marking the rice harvest season. For tourists wanting to experience this extra special time of year, booking a trip to Sapa needs to be done soon.

From the telephone call this morning all is good in Taphin and Sapa. The weather is great and the rice is tall and healthy. The villagers at a resting period just finished the harvesting of the corn. For now, a daily venture out into the rice terraces to check the maturity of the rice, is a part of some of the most critical decision making they will make all year.

The rice will need to be timed just perfect according to its readiness, the weather, and what the ancestors say is good day for harvesting. Then the water will be drained from the paddies and the rice let to dry. During this period Sapa becomes a patchwork of greens, yellows, and golds - a photographer’s mecca. The slurry of activity during this time is invigorating.

It is a lot of work to harvest the rice. The stocks need to be cut, then the rice needs to be separated from the stocks, bagged and transported. Everyone is at work. Families team up to ensure that each family’s yield is collected in the two or three days it needs to be finished. There is usually a big celebration marking each family’s completion. Nevertheless, it is up early the next morning to start the same process in a neighbor’s nearby plot.

Tourists are more than welcome! In our conversation with Ly Man May this morning she agreed that having tourists join in the work would be helpful. Footprint’s relationship with the village of Taphin and the villagers that live there ensure an experence that will not soon be forgotten by both tourists nor the villagers.

If you are interested in this type of trip a 3-4 night Sapa trekking tour is highly recommended with two days (that means adding an extra day) of working in the fields. Please make your bookings a soon as possible to guarantee space. Being flexible while in Hanoi will also help in making sure you are there on the right day. Remember, it is only about a week away from harvest time!

Crossing the Street in Vietnam

2011-08-25T21:34:00.001-07:00

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.

Japanese Television to promote Vietnam tourism

2011-08-22T22:01:00.000-07:00

A Japanese film crew from Kansai Television is shooting a documentary from August 19th to 25th to promote Vietnamese tourism.

The crew will film famous tourism destinations of Vietnam tour as Hanoi, Thua Thien–Hue, Quang Binh and Quang Nam and special cultural features in these areas. Besides, the crew will also introduce old hotels and dishes important to Vietnamese culture.

The documentary will help promote the image of Vietnam tourism and its people to Japanese tourists.

Source: HNM

Vietnam tourism kept being promoted in China

2011-08-18T23:50:00.000-07:00

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

Halong Bay to collect more votes in China

2011-08-14T21:39:00.000-07:00

To promote and call for more votes for Halong Bay as one of the Seven New Natural Wonders of the World, various activities have been held in Nanning City, Guangxi Province, China.

The opening ceremony of these activities took place on August 12th by the Halong Bay Management Board.

Hundreds of delegates and international and Chinese visitors found out about Halong Bay and cast their votes for the Bay right on the first day of the program.

During the program, scheduled to end on October 30th, several publications, video clips and related materials on Halong Bay will be showcased and shown.

Halong Bay is on the list of 28 wonders and advances to the decisive third round of the vote.

The Seven New Natural Wonders of the World will be announced on November 11th.

Source: HNM

Dalat flower festival 2012 to open December 30

2011-08-08T21:49:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-03T21:44:00.000-07:00

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

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

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)

Vietnam’s travel revenue rises 35% in first half

2011-07-13T22:18:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-11T22:09:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-07T21:45:00.001-07:00

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

2011-06-21T22:15:00.001-07:00

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

2011-06-15T23:56:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-01T00:33:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-19T22:16:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-10T20:12:00.000-07:00

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?

2011-05-05T21:46:00.000-07:00

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.

Who can have visa exemption for Vietnam?

2011-04-26T20:45:00.000-07:00

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 !

Questions and answers about visa to Vietnam (1)

2011-04-19T21:14:00.000-07:00

Footprint is pleased to provide some our our frequently asked questions from our travelers regarding their tour to Vietnam:

Can I apply for a longer stay in Vietnam, more than one month?

Yes you normally can apply this if you are sure about your travel last for more than one month. You can also do it visa extension when you are travelling here, which is also easy to do.

Can I apply for a tourist visa when I’m aboard?

Check with the countries you are now in and call the embassy, it’s normally ok that you can do it oversea.

The simple way to do is to have a travel company in Vietnam do it for you a pre-approved letter of invitation, all you have to do is to book your flights and go.

More coming on our next post.

Footprint team.

Visa to Vietnam

2011-04-18T00:33:00.001-07:00

Can you do visa upon arrival to Vietnam?

Footprint Vietnam’s answer is definitely YES, you can do visa upon arrival to Vietnam but you will need to have a pre approved letter by someone or a travel company in Vietnam.

As soon as you arrive at the airports, show your approved letter, then fill out paperwork when you arrive to get a visa granted.

For booking Vietnam tour, most travel companies can do the pre-approved letter for you, we will send you the documents via email and all you need is to bring this paper with you, pack and go.

Any questions you might have for Footprint regarding the visa?

Footprintters Vietnam.

Visa to Vietnam

2011-04-18T00:33:00.000-07:00

Halong-Fangchenggang sea route reopens

2011-04-12T21:55:00.000-07:00

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

Vietnam travel - new hotspot for Australian travellers

2011-04-12T21:51:00.000-07:00

ASIA has overtaken Europe as the new hotspot for Australian travellers seeking a bang for their buck as Vietnam travel, a study has revealed.

Vietnam travel rocketed to the top of the latest Expedia HiFX Foreign Exchange Index, which measures currency fluctuations against the Australian dollar to find the best-value destinations for travellers.

The dollar appreciated by more than 23 percent against the Vietnam dong in the past year, leading to the spike.

Samoa and Argentina also performed well, with the dollar appreciating by over 19 percent against the Samoan tala and nearly 18 percent against the Argentinean peso.

Hong Kong, the UAE, India and Peru also made the list for the first time.

The results are in contrast to the last Expedia index in September, which was dominated by European nations.

Hungary, Latvia, Denmark, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia and the Czech Republic were among the top value-for-money destinations last year but failed to make this year's list.

Coming in at number six on this year's list, the US still provides great value for money for Australian travellers.

Despite not making the top 10 list, both the Eurozone countries and the UK are quite affordable, with the Aussie dollar appreciating close to 7 percent against the Euro and just over 5 percent against the British pound in the past year.

“The strength of the Australian dollar against so many of the world’s currencies, not least the US dollar, provides Aussie travellers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to head overseas and make use of the amazing exchange rate and deals,” Louise Crompton, Senior Manager Marketing for Expedia Australia and New Zealand, said.

The findings are in contrast to where Australians are actually travelling to. According to Travel.com.au our favourite world cities for 2011 are London, Los Angeles, Bali, Bangkok, Auckland, Singapore, Paris, Manila, Hawaii and Phuket.

Meanwhile New Zealand, the US, Indonesia, the UK, Thailand, Fiji and China were the most popular travel destinations during 2010, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics figures.

Source: Dtinews

Vietnam Airlines promotional fare for summer 2011

2011-03-14T21:53:00.000-07:00

The national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines (VNA) has launched a program, “Welcoming Summer 2011”, with discounts on flights from Vietnam to other countries and on local routes.

Under the program, passengers on international routes of VNA can buy round trip tickets priced from USD 49 to USD 499.

Discount flights are from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) to Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Beijing, Taipei, Kaohsiung, Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Seoul, Pusan, Sydney, Melbourne, Paris and Frankfurt.

On local routes between Hanoi and HCMC and from Hanoi or HCMC to Danang, VNA will offer the lowest price (class P).

The program is offered for passengers in Vietnam who buy tickets during the seven days from March 15 to 21 with itineraries departing from April 1 to May 31, excluding those during the anniversary of the death of the Hung Kings, April 30 and May 1.

Source: VNS

Inspection conducted of tourist boats in Halong Bay

2011-03-14T21:51:00.001-07:00

Northern Quang Ninh Province authorities have inspected 135 of the 151 tourist ships for overnight stays on Halong Bay.

The remaining 16 ships will be inspected at a later date as they have been under periodic technical check-ups.

The inspectors found all the ships met the required regulations of staff and sailors’ qualifications and the necessary permits for over-night stay.

However, 37 ships were found with unsafe water partitions and 41 ships were found with inadequate fire fighting and pumping equipment.

The inspectors have asked the ships’ owners to fix all technical faults before they return for another re-inspection.

Meanwhile, the People’s Committee of Quang Ninh Province has approved a project to upgrade four anchorages for ships to stay overnight, at a cost of VND9 billion (US$450,000).

At present, about 475 standard tourist boats with 18,600 seats operate within the bay, of which 151 are overnight-sleeper ships with a total of 1,200 rooms.

In 2010, the province received 5.4 million tourists of which 2.7 million visited Halong Bay. The year also saw 140,000 boat trips with 300,000 tourists staying overnight in the bay.

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

2011-02-18T20:26:00.000-08:00

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

Ancient streets of Hanoi

2010-09-29T00:56:00.000-07:00

Source: Vnexpress.net

Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam ( Temple of Literature)

The scene of around the Sword Lake.

Flag Tower of Hanoi.

See the Statue of Liberty on the top of Tortoise Tower

Dinh Tien Hoang Street

Hang Non Street

Activities in the street

2010-09-29T00:46:00.000-07:00

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 People

2010-09-29T00:29:00.000-07:00

Source: Vnexpress.net

Image of a modern bourgeois family.

Children of a bourgeois family.

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

Portrait of young woman, Miss Hanoi.

Hanoi Travel Picture

2010-09-28T00:01:00.000-07:00

The Huc bridge at Hoan Kiem lake - central Hanoi Vietnam

One corner of Hanoi old town

The family altar in one of the traditional house in Hanoi

Buffalo is now not only for helping with the agriculture, but also for Vietnams tourism

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 travel picture

Cruise Halong & Bai Tu Long on Red Dragon 2 days Luxury and off-the-beaten track cruise

2010-04-14T02:41:00.000-07:00

Explore this World Heritage Site in luxury. We aim to get off the beaten track but still at a leisurely pace. The size of this brand new vessel will allow us to get much closer to Halong Bay's natural wonders, pocket lagoons, and its small fishing communities.Depart, 8:00 am on a shared bus from your hotel to Halong city. After 3.5 hours driving and viewing simple, country side, rice paddy life, we arrive at the at port. At 12.00, the junk crews welcome guests on board at Hon Gai Wharf. Enjoy welcome drinks and check in Deluxe cabin. Lunch with fresh local seafood while cruising into Halong bay. Get to Vong Vieng after 2 hours. Start exploring Vong Vieng fishing village and the hidden lagoons in Bai Tu Long Bay by kayaks or our small rowboats. Back to junk to enjoy relaxing or the sunset. Dinner and overnight on board nearby Vong Vieng village or Trinh Nu cave.Inclusion :transfer, entrances fee, kayak, boat/junk, lunch, dinner, permit, insurance, fishing gears, on-site guide.Day 2: Explore the tranquil scenery in Bai Tu Long Bay, back to Early risers can enjoy the sunrise and the quiet breath-taking beauty of Bay's landscape. From 7.30 to 10.30, serve on a La-Carte-Menu, you can order any dishes in the menu whenever you want for breakfast and lunch. Around 8.00, start discovering Ba Cua beach where you can enjoy swimming, sunbathing or relaxing. We will also visit one cave on our way back to Halong city. After cave visit, we are back to our junk, arrange our luggage and check out cabin while cruising back. By noon at 12:00, we will be ashore then hit the road back to Hanoi. We arrive and finish our tour at your hotel by around 4:00 pm.Inclusion :transfer, entrances fee, kayak, boat/junk, breakfast, lunch, on-site guide.Please contact us if you woulk like to add this trip to your package tour.
http://www.footprintsvietnam.com

Halong Value of Geology

2008-10-31T17:42:00.001-07:00

The most remarkable geological events of Hạ Long Bay’s history in the last 1,000 years include the advance of the sea, the raising of the bay area and the strong erosion that has formed coral and pure blue and heavily salted water. This process of erosion by seawater has deeply engraved the stone, contributing to its fantastic beauty. Present-day Hạ Long Bay is the result of this long process of geological evolution that has been influenced by so many factors. Some of the most remarkable are: the formation of the limestone layer more than 1,000 m thick during the Carboniferous and Permian periods (240 to 340 million years ago); and the development of the Hạ Long depression during the Neogene period (10 to 26 million years ago). The erosion process forming the limestone plain was most active in the Quaternary Pleistocene epoch (11,000 to 2 million years ago). It is because of all these factors that tourists now visiting Hạ Long Bay are not only treated to one of the true wonders of the world, but also to a precious geological museum that has been naturally preserved in the open air for the last 300 million years.At the beginning of the Cambrian era (500 to 570 million years ago), the area, which now forms Hạ Long Bay, was basically mainland, submitted to a process of rain erosion. At the end of the period, it was flooded, commencing the existence of Hạ Long Bay. During the Odovic and Silurian periods (400 to 500 million years ago), the area of north-east Vietnam was basically a deep sea, submitted to the constant activity of tectonic plates. At the end of the Silurian period, it underwent a phase of inverse-motion that created mountains deep under the water. From the end of this period and throughout the whole Devonian period (340 to 420 million years ago), the area was subjected to powerful forces of erosion from the hot and dry climate. At this point, Hạ Long was part of a wide mainland that comprised most of today’s East Sea and Chinese continental shelf. Due to tectonic activity, the Hạ Long area and the entire north-east region were raised from the depths at the end of the Devonian period. In the later Carboniferous and Permian periods (240 to 340 million years ago), a shallow and warm sea reformed, which existed for approximately 100 million years. It created two kinds of limestone: the Cát Bà layer of the early Carboniferous period (450 m thick); and the Quang Hanh layer of the middle Carboniferous and the early Permian period (750 m thick). These two layers constitute the majority of the islands of the Bay.Passing into the early periods of the Contemporary era (67 million years ago), Hạ Long Bay existed in the environment of a high mountainous mainland due to the influence of strong mountain-forming phases. The middle of the Paleocene period saw these motions remain continuous and stable, while strong processes of erosion began, and after millions of years, a form of semi-highland topography took shape. The continuation of this erosion has progressively cut the highlands into blocks with altitudes similar to today's mountains.Into to the Quaternary era, the process of erosion began dissolving the limestone-rich region of Hạ Long. The islands of today’s Hạ Long Bay are basically remnants of these mountains flooded during the early Holocene period. Rainwater flowed into crevices in the limestone that had formed from tectonic activity. This steady erosion constantly widened the cracks, eventually creating today’s formations. The middle and late Pleistocene epoch (11,000 to 70,000 years ago) marks the period when the famous caves and grottoes of the area formed.The Holocene period (from 7,000 to 11,000 years ago) is notable for the advance of the sea. This movement reached its peak 4,000 to 7,000 years ago and forming today’s Hạ Long Bay. After that, 3,000 to 4,000 years ago, with the sea in a steady process of recession, Hạ Long culture began to develop. At the beginning of the late Holocene epoch, the level of the water once again increased, forming a marshy floor of canals and streams, and creating the water marks that can be seen on the stone cliffs of today.

Foreign tourists anchor at Ha Long Bay VietnamForeign tourists anchor at Halong Bay Vietnam

2008-10-27T20:00:00.004-07:00

Nearly 1,000 foreign tourists anchor at Halong Bay Vietnam, the Costa Allegra ship of the Costa Cruise with nearly 1,000 foreign tourists on board anchored at Halong city, the northern province of Quang Ninh, on February 7, the first day of the Lunar Year of the Rat.

Foreign tourists anchor at Ha Long BayThe first visitors of the year were welcomed with flowers and gifts from the local authorities. The cruiser is scheduled to visit the bay every four or five days.

Another cruise ship, the Star Libra, will visit Halong on February 8 and 9.

Earlier, on February 6 night, the eve night of the lunar year, Quang Ninh province held a party at Hoang Gia (Royal) International Park for 600 foreign tourists to usher in the new year in accordance with local traditional customs.

(Source: VNA)

Halong Bay makes top three 7 Wonders of Nature

2008-10-27T20:00:00.003-07:00

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: SGGP)

Quang Ninh tough against travel boats to save Halong Bay Vietnam

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

ravel boats to save Halong Bay, the northern province of Quang Ninh is taking drastic measures against tourist boats in Halong Bay to keep the world's natural heritage site from being spoiled by environmental pollution, a provincial leader said on Monday.

travel boats to save Halong BayVice chairwoman of the province Nhu Thi Hong Lien told the Daily that the province has just issued a temporary ban on the building of new tourist boats for navigating on the bay, and would also tightly supervise operational boats there.

"We are in the process to reject old and low-quality boats to protect the environment," lien told the Daily on the sidelines of a meeting in the Rex Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City (hotels in Ho Chi Minh) to promote the province's year of tourism festivals.

Halong Bay Vietnam covers 1,500 square kilometers with nearly 2,000 islands and islets, but just 10 islands of them are open for tourists' sightseeing. Last year, around 3.6mil tourists came to the province, and most of them visited the world heritage site.

Currently, hundreds of boats are taking thousands of tourists on sightseeing tours on the bay each day, and some 100 boats are also catering to tourists who want to stay overnight on the bay.

However, most of the boats lack waste treatment facilities, which coupled with the exhaust fumes from these boats are putting environment on the bay at risk.

"We've seen the danger and decided to take steps for environment protection along with activities to promote the beauty of the bay," Lien said.

From now on, those boats and ships chosen to cater to tourists' demand to stay overnight on Halong Bay must be high-quality ones meeting three-star standard to make sure that they are safe for Halong Bay's environment, she said.

"We want to develop this kind of the travel because it is attractive for tourists, especially for foreigners but we must be careful in adding new boats in the next time," lien said.

The province is also planning other methods to protect Halong Bay's environment.

"First, we will spend a big budget on environmental protection," she said.

According to Lien, the budget will come from the provincial government, from the sales of tickets to visit Halong Bay, and from entrepreneurs.

"For example, we call on entrepreneurs to collect rubbish, and tourist boats on the bay must pay for environment fees," she said.

Lien said that all activities are aimed to help achieve sustainable development for the tourism industry, now that Halong Bay Vietnam has been entered into a competition to be recognized as one of the world's seven wonders of nature.

In the meeting on Monday, Quang Ninh Province announced Halong Tourism Festival 2008, which will take place from April 25 to May 1 this year.

The main activities of the festival will include the Carnival Festival, art and culture performances, a trade and tourism fair, a food festival, sport activities, and activities to call on more people to vote for Halong as one of the world's seven wonders of nature.

These festivities will take place in Bai Chay Ferry wharf, Bai Chay Bridge, and Cua Luc Bay. Around ten cities from such countries as Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, and China will join art activities and the fair there.

The fair is expected to attract 200-300 booths of 150 companies.

Floating on Halong Bay Vietnam

2008-10-27T19:58:00.002-07:00

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.

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: SGT)

Can we travel from Hai Phong to Halong?

2008-10-27T19:58:00.001-07:00

Yes, you can! If you are already there in Hai Phong, you can call Footprint to have a car and guide pick you up from there and drive to , which should be less than 1,5 hours.

Or you can plan a trip with Footprint from Hanoi to Hai Phong city, do the sightseeing, spend the night there then move onto Halong on the next morning.

Tip: There is a good road linking Hai Phong and Cat Ba island (South of Halong Bay), you could also travel with Footprint via this way, then have our junk welcome you on Cat Ba port to visit Cat Ba bay and Halong Bay.

When is the best time to visit Halong?

2008-10-27T19:57:00.001-07:00

Summer is a good time to cruise on Halong Bay but the best time of year is during the spring or fall. Because the bay is situated in the northern part of the country, it can get colder in the fall and winter, and though you won't see extremes such as blizzards, it's still a lousy place to be when it gets cold.

Tip: You should bring a swim suit with you, night's swim in the phosphorescent water is also very nice (must be before your drinks)

Ha Long Bay cruise 2 days - 1 night on Anh duong Junk

2008-10-27T05:09:00.001-07:00

Day 1 Hanoi -Halong * 8h00 Depart from 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 AnhDuong junk. Day 2 Halong - Hanoi * * 7h00 : Have breakfast. * 7h30 : A morning cruise to visit Man’s head island, Tortoise island, Luon cave, Bai Tu Long bay, Toad island, Bai tho mountain. * 11h00 : Return to Halong city and have lunch on board. * 12h00 : Back to Halong wharf. * Transfer back to Hanoi. End the trip.Please contact us if you woulk like to add this trip to your package tour. Currency Converter Number of Persons 2- 3 4-5 6-9 Book nowTour cost in USD per person 189 129 102Extra cost for air- con cabin in USD per person 25 10 7 Tour cost Including: * Welcome drink,3 main meals, 1 breakfast, 1 beer or mineral water from second meal, fresh fruit, free tea and coffee, * Transport by private car or minibus from Hanoi, * Visit ticket, * Travel insurance, * Professtional English speaking guide * 1 night on accommodation on cabin in the private junk with boat cruise. Excluding: Drinks , Telephone , Laundry, Personal Expenses

Indochina Junk Halong

2008-10-27T05:00:00.001-07:00

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 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

Halong Value of Geology

2008-10-22T06:26:00.001-07:00

Halong Bay Tours

2008-10-20T21:02:00.001-07:00

Bai Tu Long Cruise 2 daysBai Tu Long Cruise tour 2 days On Footprint Red Dragon traditional junk, we aim to get off the beaten track but still at as leisurely pace. 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.Depart, 8:00 am, from your hotel to Halong city. After 3.5 hours driving and viewing simple, country side, rice paddy life, we arrive at the at port. At 12.00, the junk crews welcome guests on board at Hon Gai Wharf...[more]Halong Cruise 2 daysHalong Bay tours, Halong Cruise 2 days A great way to see spectacular Halong Bay is on a slow cruise through the seemingly never-ending bay of islands. Lay in the sun, enjoy a selection of the freshest seafood, and capture photograph after photograph.Later take a more intense look of one of the islands, "get off the beaten track” at a more leisurely pace. Finish the day with an amazing night's swim in the phosphorescent water. On board the Chinese Junk take part in boat-watching, sunset and sunrise. Actually be a part of the magic...[more]Halong Cruise & Kayak 3 daysTravel to Halong Bay, Halong Cruise & Kayak 3 daysHaLong 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

Halong Cruise 2 days

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

Routes: Hanoi – Halong – Hanoi (175km one-way)Duration: 2 days 1 night, sleep aboardFeature: A great way to see spectacular Halong Bay is on a slow cruise through the seemingly never-ending bay of islands. Lay in the sun, enjoy a selection of the freshest seafood, and capture photograph after photograph.Later take a more intense look of one of the islands, "get off the beaten track” at a more leisurely pace. Finish the day with an amazing night's swim in the phosphorescent water. On board the Chinese Junk take part in boat-watching, sunset and sunrise. Actually be a part of the magic.Difficulty: (1/5)Itinerary in Detail:Day 1: Hanoi – HalongHalong bay, Hanoi cruise tour, Halong travelDepart, 8:00 am, from your hotel to Halong city in our private mini-van. After 3.5 hours driving and viewing simple, country side, rice paddy life, we arrive at the at port. Board your private boat, an authentic Chinese Junk and start your amazing cruise through this World Heritage Site. Lunch is served onboard, a selection of the freshest seafood. We visit "the amazing cave", followed by a swim in the tranquility of Halong Bay and its emerald water.We will cruise further into a quiet area where we will anchor and stay overnight. Dinner and relax as the sun sets. Then you are free to swim in the phosphorous water, retire to your cabin, or fall asleep under the stars amidst the magic of Halong on the top deck. (L,D)Day 2: Halong – Hanoitour Halong to Hanoi VietnamWake up early in the morning for a great sunrise and a breath of fresh ocean air. Breakfast served on boat then we do a leisurely cruise through thousands of seemingly never ending islands. These are great opportunities to capture some amazing photographs.We stop to visit a floating fishing village and listen to some legendary stories of the fishermen's daily life. Take one last swim somewhere in the middle of the bay to refresh before cruising back to the Halong city pier. By noon we will be ashore and break for lunch at a local restaurant. Then we hit the road back to Hanoi. We arrive and finish our tour at your hotel by 5:00 pm. (B,L)

HALONG - CAT BA - VIET HAI

2008-10-14T18:07:00.001-07:00

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

Halong Bay, A Wonder of the World

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

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.

Ha Long Bay cruise 3 days - 2 nights on Anh duong Junk

2008-10-10T21:06:00.001-07:00

Day 1 Hanoi -Halong * 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 * * 7h00 : Have breakfast. * 7h30 : Free at leisure for swimming. * 8h00 : Another wonderful cruise to visit Tortoise island , Man’s head island , Bo nau cave , Luon cave. * 12h00 : Have lunch. * 13h00 : Visit Ba Ham lake, have a swim at Three peaches beach * 14: 00 Free leisure for fishing and drinking * 18:00 Have dinner and overnight on board. Day 3 Halong -Hanoi * * 7h00 : Have breakfast. * 7h30 : Visit Bai tu long Bay , Teapot island , Chopstiks island , Bai tho mountain. * 11h00 : Return to Halong city and have lunch on board. * 12h00 : Back to Halong wharf. * Back 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 292 189 142Extra cost for air- con cabin in USD per person 50 20 14 Tour cost Including: * Welcome drink, 5 main meals, 2 breakfasts, one beer or mineral water from second meal, fresh fruit, free tea and coffee. * Transport by private car or minibus from your hotel in Hanoi and return. * Visit fees * Travel insurance, * Professtional English speaking guide * 2 nights accommodation on cabin in the private junk with boat cruise.

Bia Hoi (Beer)

2008-09-30T22:25:00.000-07:00

That Bia Hoi is great stuff. Spent about 1.50 each lastngiht and had a skin ful. It's only 10c a pint. Just bumped into Sean McMahon from college so going for more shortly.We spent the afternoon yesterday getting fitted for suits. Kieran got a suit and 2 shirts for 50us dollars and i got a jacket, skirt, trousers, shirt and casual trousers for 70.Usual problem with me and pants though. Big at the waist, too tight everywhere else. So they are making them bigger for me again and have to go back tomorrow. Had no intention of shopping but there ya go. Saw andother lovely huge rat in the tailors but still not as big as the giant fat yoke in the guesthouse in Cambodia. We are now friends with the rats.Got a really nice guesthouse here for 6 dollars as usual. pissed everyone off cos we always haggle (kieran!) and get the rooms for less than the others. started a bit of a riot in the place this time cos everyone wanted the 6dollar rate. It's got a little pool and all inside right by our room. great stuff.right, thats it for now. Hoi An is a gorgeous little place...so many old old buildings and just cafes and restaurants and tailors everywhere. really like it here.will write again soon. promise the pics are on the way. havent lost these ones yet!!byebyeybe

Hue

2008-09-29T17:45:00.000-07:00

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.

Hanoi - Sapa

2008-09-27T04:05:00.001-07:00

Well we arrived in Bangkok after a turbulent flight via Abu Dhabi (the airport there looked like somethinig out of Doctor Who?!) We had a quick burger king before getting on our connecting flight to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. When we arrived, we got into a taxi which took us to our Hotel, only to be told that the hotel was full, even though we had a room reserved! So we were taken to another hotel to stay in which was not very nice, but did teh job (we had no window in our room)! We stayed in Hanoi for one night and booked a tour to Sapa, in the north.We got the night train to Sapa, which was very noisy (not as nice as trains in Thailand) We got to Sapa and checked into our hotel which is nice and over looks the mountains and villages of the region and was immediately on our first trek just after check in! This was only a couple of hours of the local village which was good. Today, we went on a marathon trek which involved Aimee sliding down a hill on her bum and me ruining my lovely adidas trainers in mud! Oh well!!! We had to walk along very narrow ledges with sheer drops to the right, very scary!! Thank god for the walking sticks we bought before the trek! We have been paired up with a spanish couple for our treks (from the same hotel in Hanoi) who are very nice and lively! Tomorrow we are going on another trek and getting the night train back to Hanoi. When we get back to Hanoi, we are going to Halong Bay for one night and then on to Hoi an in cantral Vietnam. Will update when we are here. Hope all is well in UK!

Mekong Delta (Vietnam & Caombodia) - Toum Tiou Cruise

2008-09-24T18:00:00.001-07:00

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.

Hanoi - Sapa

2008-09-24T05:41:00.001-07:00

Cuc Phuong National Park- full day, Vietnam tours

2008-09-23T22:20:00.001-07:00

Cucphuong Tour, Cuc Phuong bird watching, National Park in Ninh Binh, plants & mammals: Cuc Phuong National Park is located 100km south of Hanoi in Ninh Binh province. The park is conveniently located on the route to several tourist attractions, including Bich Dong Pagoda, Hoa Lu, and Sam Son Beach. It was officially opened in 1960 as the first national park in Vietnam. Cuc Phuong National Park is surrounded by several limestone cliffs, the highest being May Bac, meaning "silver cloud," with a height of 656m. There are plenty of plants and mammals living in the park. There are an estimated 2,000 different species of flora and the 450 species fauna account for 38% of the national fauna.Includes: transport, guide, lunch, entrance feeITINERARY:AM : 7h00 depart to Ninh Binh .Arrive Cucphuong , 10h30 Visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre .Lunch.PM : 1h00 Depart to the Park Centre, on the way visit the "Cave of Early Man" ( had over 7000 year) , on the way admire the primary forest with "1000 year Old Tree",Low Season (5th May - 31st August)Size of Group 1 2 3 4 - 5 6 - 7 8 pax upCost/pax (USD) 150 125 90 75 60 55High Season (1st Sep - 4th May)Size of Group 1 2 3 4 - 5 6 - 7 8 pax upCost/pax (USD) 165 137 99 83 66 60 Tour type: PrivateDeparture: Every dayInclusive: Transportation (private car/mini van), Entrance fees, Speaking guide (English or French), LunchExclusive: Drinks, Insurance, Personal expenses, Tips

ETHNIC MINORITIES IN NORTH-WEST HIGHLANDS Vietnam

2008-09-22T17:49:00.001-07:00

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.

Mekong Delta (Vietnam & Caombodia) - Toum Tiou Cruise

2008-09-16T22:21:00.001-07:00

Vietnam Top 10 things to do

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

* Crawl through the Cu Chi Tunnels This extensive network of nearly 500 km of Viet Cong tunnels used in the French Indochina and American wars. 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 a suburb it is 39km northwest of central Ho Chi Minh City. * Dalat is the place to be if you want to visit interesting tribal villages. Although most are located further out of town, 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) close to Dalat itself. Don't forget your camera as the photo opportunities are endless! * Ha Long Bay Ha Long Bay Paddle around Halong Bay in Quang Ninh which is similar to the islands found along the , this is one of Vietnam's most beautiful areas, Halong Bay has fascinating limestone formations, coves for night-time excursions, sheer cliffs, grottoes, arches and scores of small islets. There are plenty of activities such as Kayaking that are well worth taking time out for as this is one way to really appreciate the beauty of the area as well as a good way to see the fauna and flora without disturbing the nature around one. * Du Hang Pagoda Du Hang Pagoda Haiphong is known as the City of Flower-lined Streets, and is the third biggest city of Vietnam, in comparison with Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Here you can discover the Du Hang Pagoda which is one of the most ancient pagodas in this city and is one you need to take your camera for. It was built three centuries ago and the decoration on the pagoda is exquisite as well as housing many ancient furnishings that never fail to interest visitors. * Hanoi has lots to offer the tourist but if you are in the city you can't afford to miss the History Museum that includes artifacts from Vietnam's prehistory: proto-Vietnamese civilisations (1st and 2nd millennia BC), the Dong Son civilisation (7th century BC to 3rd century AD), the Oc-Eo (Funan) culture of the Mekong Delta (1st to 6th century AD); the Indianised kingdom of Champa (1st to 15th century), the Khmer kingdoms, various Vietnamese dynasties and their resistance to Chinese attempts at domination, the struggle against the French, and the history of the Communist Party. It gives the visitor an excellent understanding of Vietnam's past and a better understanding of the present. * Cuc Phuong National Park Cuc Phuong National Park Another Hanoi "must do", though a little out of town is the 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 artefacts have been discovered, can be located in the mountains within. It is located approximately 120km southwest of Hanoi. * Visit Hoi An. From the 16th to 18th centuries, Hoi An was a thriving international commercial port for Chinese, Dutch, French, Japanese, Portuguese and Arab traders. These people came to trade primarily for the high-grade silk, which is still produced in the area, and ceramics. The area is now one of four world heritage listed sites in Vietnam and there are lots of interesting things to see and do in the area. * Meander along the Mekong on one of the many boat trips that are available taking 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 of Cantho or one of the other cities or villages that rely on this massive sourse of water for both transport and food. Climb Sam Mountain near Chau Doc if you want to see dozens of temples, pagodas and the like as it is well worth visiting. Located about 6 km from the city, temples abound and the trek to the top of the mountain is also popular...though one can go by motorised vehicle if you so desire. * Visit Phu Quoc Island the largest island in Vietnam that lies in the Gulf of Thailand, 45 km from Ha Tien and 15 km south of the coast of Cambodia. Phu Quoc Island, part of Kien Giang province, is also part of an archipelago consisting of 22 islands of all sizes. The island covers an area of 585 km2 and is 50 km long. It is also called the Emerald Island because of its natural treasures and infinite tourism potential.

Festivals and Holidays in Vietnam

2008-09-15T17:25:00.001-07:00

Vietnam has a huge number of festivals. Listing all of them under one group is not possible. Many festivals (in different areas) are the same as other festivals in other areas, but are known by different names and/or are celebrated at different times. Below you will find some of the more important ones.Festivals are good places to learn about various crafts and customs of the area in which they are held. For example, the Master Pagoda Festival (HaTay) has puppet shows, the Hung Temple Festival (Vinh Phu) features Xoan folk songs, the Phu Giay Festival has Chau Van folk songs and the Lim Festival has Quan Ho folk songs.Other festivals feature games and contests, such as rowing, rope pulling or climbing, wrestling, rice cooking or chess. There are also competitions between animals such as buffalo and cockfights or pigeon races.Note: Some events are linked to the Western calendar, but others follow the lunar calendar.Main Holidays & Festivals (Official Public Holidays) 1 January: New Year. 1 January L.M: Lunar New Year. 3 February: The Foundation of the Communist Party of Vietnam. 30 April: The Liberation of South Vietnam. 1 May: International Labor. 14 May: Buddha’s Birthday 19 May: Ho Chi Minh’s Birthday 2 September: National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam 25 December: Christmas Day. Popular Culture Festivals 2 January L.M: Lieu Doi Festival (Ha Nam Ninh). 5 January L.M: Dong Da Festival (Hanoi). 10 January L.M: Elephant Race Day, M’nong Ethnic Minority’s help in central highland. 13 January L.M: Lim Festival (Ha Bac) “Quan Ho” Folk song contest. 15 January L.M: Spring Festival on Ba Den Mountain (Tay Ninh). 10 March L.M: “Hung” Temple Festival (Vinh Phu). 9 April L.M: “Giong” Festival Performing Day (Hanoi). 26 April L.M: “Chua Xu” Festival “Chau Doc”. 16 June L.M: Greeting “Mr. Whale” Festival (Tien Giang & Ben Tre). 26 August L.M: Greeting “Mr. Whale” Festival (Can Gio & Duyen Hai). 30 July L.M: “Lang Ong” Festival (HCMC), Le Van Duyet’s Anniversary old-age Worshipping. 9 August L.M: Buffalo fighting festival (Do Son & Hai Phong) and “Tran Hung Dao” Festival at Tran Hung Dao Temple. DESCRIPTION OF SOME HOLIDAYS CELEBRATED THROUGHOUT VIETNAM(Western) NEW YEAR'S DAY January 1 Fireworks, dancing, feasting and general revelry abound in this colourful New Year celebration. TET (TET NGUYEN DAN) Late January/early February is 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).Preparations include clay trees to ward off evil spirits and lime dust spread around the house to gain additional protection from Buddha. People prepare food, a robe and boots to appease the Tao Quan, the gods of the earth. On the evening of New Year, fireworks, drums and gongs frighten away the devil Na A and his wife.The following lunar New Years are: 12 Feb 2002, 1 Feb 2003, 22 Jan 2004, 9 Feb 2005, 29 Jan 2006ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDATION OF THE COMMUNIST PARTY IN VIETNAM February 3 THANH MINH (worship and renovation of the dwellings of the dead) April 5 and 20 LIBERATION DAY April 30th is the day on which Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) fell to Hanoi in 1975. This holiday is commemorated nationwide.MAY DAY May 1 (Labour Day) Celebrated throughout the country, parades, feasts and fireworks go hand in hand.BIRTHDAY OF PRESIDENT HO CHI MINH May 19th This is another good time to party.TRUNG NGUYEN (Feast of the Wandering Souls and Hungry Ghosts) August/September (Full-moon of the seventh lunar month) Vietnamese All-Souls' Day. Food is laid out in temples to feed the hungry ghosts that wander the earth for one day. Burning paper money supports the praying for absolution.NATIONAL DAY OF VIETNAM September 2 Celebrated with parades, dances, fireworks and music. This is a photographers delight.MID AUTUMN FESTIVAL September/October (15th day of the eighth lunar month) This festival is especially dedicated to children, but adults also take part. The children sing, dance and parade with lanterns shaped as stars, the moon or animals.CALENDAR OF SOME FESTIVALS OF ETHNICAL MINORITIES IN VIETNAMTHE LONG TONG FESTIVAL third day of the Lunar New Year until the end of January is celebrated by the Tay ethnic group. It involves religious ceremonies in honour of Geniuses and of persons credited with building their first settlements and various games, including the "luon" song performances and the lion dance.THE "SEC BUA" FESTIVAL prior to the Lunar New Year's Day It is a time-honoured custom of the Muong ethnic group to organise. "Phuong bua" teams visit households in the village and sing congratulatory songs on the occasion of the New Year's Day. The songs, which are accompanied by gongs and cymbals, later shift from congratulations to "rang" songs and "bo meng" songs (dialogue songs).THE SEN BAN, SEN MUONG FESTIVAL Is usually held by the Thai ethnic group in February (lunar calendar) to express best wishes to their own villages and districts. The festival involves processions, religious ceremonies, a contest in shooting firearms and crossbows and a contest in "con" ball throwing.THE "CA TE" FESTIVAL July Is held by the Cham ethnic group. The festival involves visiting and taking care of tombs and visiting pagodas and stoops to express thanks to the Geniuses with song and dance performances.THE BUFFALO SLAUGHTERING FESTIVAL Early Spring The Bahnar ethnic group thank the Geniuses for good harvests and good health. Buffaloes are slaughtered as offerings to the latter. The festival also involves a shield dance, javelin throwing, slick fights, dances and feasts of roasted buffalo meat with liquor drunk through bamboo tubes from a jar.THE "LEAVING THE TOMB" FESTIVAL Ethnic groups dwelling in the High Plateaux do not observe the anniversary of the death of their parents and relatives but visit the tombs frequently and hold ceremonies there for a period of 4-5 years and thereafter leave them forever. The "Leaving the tomb" festival is a big festival, involving mainly dances and songs.THE "CHOM CHO NAN THO MAY" OR KHMER NEW YEAR DAY FESTIVAL April Usually held by the Khmer ethnic group of South Vietnam at the beginning of the New Year's Day of the Khmer calendar. It involves visits to and ceremonies in pagodas, kite flying, dance and song performances as well as "du-ke" theatrical plays.THE KHMER "THANKS GIVING TO THE MOON AND BOAT COMPETITION" FESTIVAL 15th of October This festival is held by the Khmer ethnic group in South Vietnam and involves ceremonies with fried rice as offerings and a boating competition. THE "KIM KHAU MO" FESTIVAL October (also called the Lau phua, Lau Man) Held by the Kho Mu and Xinh Mun ethnic groups, Son La province is to welcome newly produced rice and involves arts performances.CHRISTMAS DAY December Held throughout the country wherever Christianity is practiced. There are literally hundreds of festivals throughout Vietnam therefore to list each and every one of them would be a mammoth task. It is therefore advised that you ask your hotel concierge or at the local tourism office on arrival for more details.

Vietnam Travel Directory

2008-09-10T17:41:00.001-07:00

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

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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

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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.
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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

2008-08-28T22:33:00.001-07:00

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)

TOur to SOUTH VIETNAM

2008-08-27T03:20:00.001-07:00

SaiGon - VinhLong - CanTho - SaiGon - DaLatPhanthiet - SaiGon Day 1. Arrival in SaigonCity tour visit to fine examples of French colonial architecture, the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Saigon Post Office. In the afternoon, visit Thien Hau pagoda, Cho Lon, lacquer ware factory. Overnight in Saigon. Day 2. Saigon – Vinh Long – Can ThoTransfer to Vinh Long, full day trip to the watery world of the Mekong Delta. Take a boat trip along narrow waterways overhung with dense vegetation and try exotic fruits in one of the many orchards. Enjoy the landscape of the Mekong delta where we take a boat to visit Cai Be floating market. Lunch with local delicacy in the bonsai garden. Procede to Can Tho. Overnight in Can Tho. Day 3. Can Tho – SaigonMake an excursion to visit the biggest market in the Mekong Delta - Cai Rang floating market. Back to Saigon. Overnight in Saigon. Day 4. Saigon – Da LatLeave Saigon for a scenic drive through rubber and tea plantations en route to the cooler climes of Da Lat, 300km from saigon. Established as a hill station, Da Lat is reminiscent of an alpine town with its French chalets and pine forests. Visit of Prenn waterfall on the way, Hang Nga tree house, and the centre market. Overnight in Da Lat. Day 5. Da LatA free day to enjoy golf amongst the pines at the Da Lat Palace Golf Club. A masterpiece of design, the 72 Da Lat Palace course offers an enjoyable challenge for players of all levels and a through test for experienced players. Overnight in Da Lat Day 6. Da Lat – Phan ThietLeave Da Lat for the 250km drive from the hill down to Phan Thiet beach on the coastal plain via the scenic Marvellous Mountain Pass. Enjoy the time at the beach. Overnight in Phan Thiet. Day 7. Phan ThietA free day to enjoy the beach and playing golf at the Nick Faldo-designed Ocean Dunes Golf Club. A links course, Ocean Dunes is rated as Vietnam’ s second best course after the Da Lat course. Overnight in Phan Thiet. Day 8. Phan Thiet – Saigon - DepartureReturn to Saigon and transfer directly to the airport for departure flight.

Hanoi Pit of Quality

2008-08-26T22:20:00.001-07:00

For the benefit of several readers (well, Mark, Steve and Rob) I'm going to get all the Nam cliches out of the way in one go. So here they are: I haven't seen any vets like John Rambo, Magnum or Jim Robinson. I haven't found out who really robbed the Bank of Hanoi. I haven't developed a thousand-yard stare (yet). I haven't even been incarcerated in a Hanoi Pit of Hell.Instead I have been wandering around Hanoi drinking in what a thoroughly cool place it is. Hanoi is busy all the time, and rush hours are manic. There are mopeds everywhere. If you've ever seen the Wirral Egg Run (type it into Google if you haven't), imagine that amount of motorbikes but all riding in different directions all day and yet not actually crashing into each other.So as you can imagine, crossing the road is a bit of an art form. But in fact crossing the road is quite easy if you do as the locals do and just step out into the constant flow of mopeds hurtling towards you from all directions. The Green Cross Code man would probably turn in his grave but incredibly nobody gets hurt. I could stand on a street corner watching mopeds negotiate junctions all day. Its like a giant formation motorcyle team.The old quarter of Hanoi is the place to be for travellers, and has a decent mix of bars and restaurants with tons of decent hostels as well. I was a bit disappointed with the nightlife (not enough people to fill all the bars and restaurants) but that wan't enough to stop me from instantly liking the place.As a break from the noise and fumes we took a boat trip out to Halong Bay (I think its in Tomorrow Never Dies at the end). Unfortunately the weather was a bit on the crap side and we couldn't see much, but the gist is that its a bay (hence the name) with about 3000 small rocky islands in it. The low mist meant we couldn't see much of them but in fact it gave them a pretty eerie quality that I was quite pleased about.The boat trip was one of these overnight jobs, but unfortunately (like the bars) there weren't enough people to fill the vast number of boats that run every day. Still, we met some nice people on there and had a pretty nice evening, then met our first cockroaches all over the bottom deck where our cabins were. There weren't many of them but the sight was still enough to ellicit screams from Carly and Vicky (and me). Nothing we can't handle though, so after blocking every gap and crevace in the cabins with bog roll Graham and I did the manly thing and set of on Operation Roachhunt with our trusty torches and sturdy shoes. They really do make a horrible sound when they get squished.Anyhoo, we made it back to dry land safely and back to lovely Hanoi. I'm pretty lucky at the moment in that every place we've been to I haven't wanted to leave. Off to Hue next for some R&R.

CHAM VESTIGES AND ANGKOR RUINS Tours

2008-08-21T22:39:00.001-07:00

Hue - HoiAn - MySon - KonTum - BuonMeThuat - NhatrangSaiGon - MeKong Delta - SiemReap Day 1. Arrival in HueGreetting by our guide at Phu Bai airport and transfer to hotel. Enjoy the brief excursion to visit the last imperial capital of Vietnam from 1524 to 1945. Overnight in Hue. Day 2. HueA day tour of Hue offers you an opportunity to explore the combination of the history, the culture and the romance of "Forbidden City", Imperial Palace, Tu Duc Royal tomb. Discover the people life by a tour round the Dong Ba market. Overnight in Hue. Day 3 . Hue – Da Nang – Hoi AnBoat cruise on the Huong River to visit Thien Mu pagoda featured by fine architecture of the 14th century. Heading south, we visit the fascinating Cham Art museum in Da Nang and explore the Buddhist Shrines of the Marble Mountain caves. On arrival Hoi An, take a walking tour of the ancient town centre to visit former merchants’ houses, the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge and the colourful market. Overnight in Hoi An. Day 4. Hoi An – My Son – Kon TumTransfer to sivit My Son – former sanctuary of Indianized Champa Kingdom in the First Millenium. Continue to Kon Tum – the garden spot of the central highlands. Overnight in Kon Tum. Day 5. Kon Tum - Pleiku - Buon Me ThuotVisit of Kon Tum, home to Bahnar minority with their typical Rong house – a house built on tall stilts, visit Kon Tum Orphanage. Continue to Pleiku, the granary of Gialai province. Procede to Buon Me Thuot. Overnight in Buon Me Thuot. Day 6. Buon Me Thuot - Nha TrangVisit of Buon Me Thuot : ethnographic museum, visit Lak Lake and discover authentic M’nong villages by a half hour on elephant riding through forest to the villages. Continue to Nha Trang. Overnight in Nha Trang. Day 7. Nha Trang - SaigonLeisure time for enjoying one of the nicest beaches in the World. Afternoon, visit of Po Nagar Cham towers, Oceanographic Institute, Long Son pagoda. Night train to Saigon (22.10 – 05.00) Day 8. SaigonCity tour visit to fine examples of French colonial architecture, the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Saigon Post Office. In the afternoon, visit Thien Hau pagoda, Cho Lon, lacquer ware factory. Overnight in Saigon. Day 9. Saigon – Mekong Delta - SaigonTransfer to Vinh Long, full day trip to the watery world of the Mekong Delta. Take a boat trip along narrow waterways overhung with dense vegetation and try exotic fruits in one of the many orchards. Enjoy the landscape of the Mekong delta where we take a boat to visit Cai Be floating market. Lunch with local delicacy in the bonsai garden. Back to Saigon. Overnight in Saigon. Day 10. Saigon – Siem ReapTransfer to the airport for flight to Siem Reap. Afternoon, transfer to visit the famous temple of Cambodia, Angkor Wat, and it’s visually, architecturally and artistically breathtaking. It’s massive three tiered pyramid crowned by five beehive-like towers rising 65 meters from ground level and this temple is the centerpiece of any visit to the temple of Angkor and take a romantic view sunset from Bakheng Hill. Overnigh in Siem Reap. Day 11. Siem Reap – Angkor ThomTransfer to visit the South Gate of Angkor Thom, Bayon, Baphoun, Terrace of Elephant, Terrace of Leper King and Pimean Akas. Lunch at local restaurant.Afternoon, visit Thommanon, Chau Say Teveda, Ta Keo, Ta Prom, Banteay Kdei and Sras Srang. Dinner with show at local restaurant & overnight in Siem Reap. Day 12. Siem Reap – Tonle Sap lake - DepartureTransfer to take the Tonle Sap Great Lake Cruise, visit floating village, fisher man life, and back to visit Old Market. Lunch at local restaurant.Afternoon, transfer to visit Chantie Ecole-Artisan D’Angkor before transfer to the airport for departure flight.

Day Two - In Hanoi

2008-08-20T22:26:00.001-07:00

We woke up today at 5am, not bad considering we manageed to sleep through the night. Only thing is we totally passed out 6:30pm the night before! Had breakfast here at the hotel and got ready for our first adventure out. We first stopped by at Hoan Kiem Lake where I enjoyed first thing having a bird totally crap on my head! Poor Martin was trying not to laugh as we pulled out the alcohol wipes and purell. And yes they were in my back pocket, no messin' around especially with Avian Bird Flu. The travel clinic kind of missed "what to do when a bird poos on your head"! :)It was already stupid hot by 9:30am and had to keep walking to keep cool and finally sought refuge in a mini grocery store that had air conditioning. We ended up buy a $1.50 bottle of lotion just cuz. After that the strolled the streets of Old Hanoi which is where most the touristy shopping is. No surprise to my friends that my first purchase was a silk purse.Since we were in the area we headed over to Martin's cousins again to enjoy some lunch. After lunch we rode on the back of their scooters and zipped over to visit with another one of Martin's family members.We were then dropped off at one of the new malls here to check out what the shopping is like. Tired from the heat, humidity and pollution we opted to sit in cafe for a bit to get our bearings back.Headed back to the hotel for a quick snooze and now it's 7:00 pm and we are trying to figure out what to do for dinner. MIght end up getting room service again since we are both still very much out of it.Tomorrow we are going to visit one of the Pagoda's around here and maybe a couple museum's. We will be doing a day trip to Ha Long Bay on Wednesday so we hope to have beat the jet lag by then (well actually just Martin... my first stab at him on this journal :)

Vietnam Travel Directory

2008-08-19T22:46:00.001-07:00

Vietnam travel directory, provides you Vietnam travel links, hotels Directory, directory listings, add travel url,Vietnam Travel index, Vietnam Travel agents, Vietnam Tour operators ... Vietnam Hotel Guide, Vietnam Hotel Directory, Vietnam Hotel BookingVietnam Hotel
Vietnam Travel Directory Vietnam Travel, Vietnam Hotels, Vietnam Holiday, Vietnam Tours, Vietnam Vacation - Find ... Submit your site on Our Travel Directory for free
Travel Directory

9 Days in Vietnam

2008-08-17T22:26:00.001-07:00

Only 9 days...The Vietnamese Embassy issued the wrong date on our visas which made our brief visit to Vietnam even more brief. Every time we were asked how long we were staying the response would be "Only 9 days, that's a very short time..." And it was too short, we could easily have spent another 2 weeks travelling through Vietnam. But you can't argue with Immigration so we decided to spend our time in North Vietnam and flew into Hanoi (we have given up all pretense of back packing - wait 'til you hear about the car & driver in Rajasthan...).We stayed in the Old Quarter of Hanoi and enjoyed exploring its many streets. There is a street selling or making everything - shoes, handbags, leather and PVC goods, spices, engraved tombstones, sellotape - you name it, you can find it! And food - everywhere someone is preparing, cooking or eating, with little plastic tables and BBQs usually on the pavement. In our short time we sampled Chicken Pho (noodle soup), Cha Ca (BBQ fish served with noodles and cold fish sauce) and desserts from Fanny's Ice Cream parlour (unfortunate name).Hanoi also has its own an embalmed Communist leader but we knew we wouldn't get to see him, and unsurprisingly according to our guide, Ho Chi Minh was on his annual maintenance vacation to Russia.We also used Hanoi as a base to explore the North of Vietnam. In the North East we visited Halong Bay a World Heritage site of 3000 islands and caves. We went on an overnight boat trip around the bay and visited the surprising' cave so called because it has 3 chambers each bigger than the last (What can we say, it was named by the French...). As well as taking in the scenery from our Junk we were entertained by the Italian divers making some very painful jumps off the boat into the sea, and we learned a highly addictive Israeli card game 'Yaniv'.(Editor's note: More importantly, whilst in Hanoi we came across many a local establishment selling beer 'Bai Hoi' for a very reasonable 7.5 pence a pint - well two thirds of a pint but who's counting?? The 'Bai Hoi' joint wasn't really an establishment so to speak but just some old woman with a barrel of lager, a few glasses, a set of children's garden furniture and a light bulb booked up to the lamp post set up in an alleyway off the pavement. It was great and I wonder if this would work in London...Photo's to follow slow connection...

Natural Trails Vietnam 5 days

2008-08-14T22:20:00.001-07:00

Day 1: Hanoi arrival (D)PagodaPagodaOur guide will meet you at Noi Bai airport and escort you to a hotel in the center of Hanoi. Start the tour early in the afternoon to visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, Quan Thanh temple, Hoan Kiem lake, Ngoc Son temple and 36 Old streets. Enjoy welcome dinner and over night in Hanoi.Day 2: Hanoi - Perfume pagoda - Cuc Phuong (B/L/D)Depart at 07:30 A.M. for about 2 hours drive to Perfume Pagoda (75km). Enjoy a 1.30 hours boat trip on Yen (Swallow Bird) stream and visit Trinh temple. Follow is 2 hours trekking up the mountain to visit pagoda inside grotto Huong Tich, where people often come to pray for health, luck, ... etc. After lunch, visit Thien Tru pagoda and scenery of Holiest in the country. After 1.30 hours boat trip back to the Wharf, we will ride to Cuc Phuong National Park and arrive there around 18.30 pm. Overnight in hotel at Cuc Phuong National Park.Day 3: Cuc Phuong - Kenh Ga - Ninh Binh (B/L/D)Tam CocTam CocIn the morning, walking to visit flora, fauna and one-thousand-year-old sequoia tree and visit the cave of Prehistoric man. Back to restaurant for lunch. In the afternoon , visit the Endangered Primates Rescue Center then drive to Ninh Binh town. On the way, visit Kenh Ga village (floating village) and arrive at Ninh Binh about 18.00 pm. Overnight in a hotel at Ninh Binh town.Day 4: Ninh Binh - Hoa Lu - Tam Coc - Hanoi (B/L)8:00 A.M. drive to visit Hoa Lu - the Ancient Capital and the remaining two temples of Dinh King & Le King. Continue trip to Tam Coc – the "'Halong bay" inland. After lunch, sit back and relax whilst the a local villager rows a small boat through the rice fields and mountain ranges, visit 3 caves and contemplate the beauty of the natural landscapes. Return to Hanoi and arrive in Hanoi about 17.00 pm. Overnight in Hanoi.Day 5: Hanoi (B)Chua Huong Perfume Pagoda tourPerfume PagodaAfter breakfast, time for relax or shopping before going to airport for departure home or more visit the South of Vietnam.

Vietnam Travel Information

2008-08-12T22:28:00.001-07:00

Vietnam Information Most visitors to Vietnam are overwhelmed by the sublime beauty of the country's natural setting: the Red River Delta in the north, the Mekong Delta in the south and almost the entire coastal strip are a patchwork of brilliant green rice paddies tended by women in conical hats.There are some divine beaches along the coast, while inland there are soaring mountains, some of which are cloaked by dense, misty forests. Vietnam also offers an opportunity to see a country of traditional charm and rare beauty rapidly opening up to the outside world.href=http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/vietnam/
Vietnam Travel Vietnam ToursAs a local tour operator, Footprint can take you on a custom-made tour to destinations throughout Vietnam. From small group tours of historical Vietnam; to eco-adventures in Halong Bay; to cultural community-based tourism products in Ha Giang.We have been a Vietnam ambassador to thousands of travelers Worldwide, we pride ourselves as being your guide to experiencing the real Vietnam at your own pace and stylehttp://www.footprintsvietnam.com
Tong cuc Du lich Viet Nam - Vietnam National Administration of TourismOfficial Website of Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, includes information about Vietnam people and country and tourism.www.vietnamtourism.com
Wikipedia VietnamVietnam was under Chinese control for a thousand years before becoming a nation-state in the 10th century. Successive dynasties flourished along with.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vietnam

TOur to SOUTH VIETNAM

2008-08-10T17:57:00.001-07:00

Halong Bay Vietnam

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

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".

Nha TrangWe caught t

2008-07-24T20:38:00.001-07:00

Nha TrangWe caught the overnight bus from Saigon to Nha Trang, which turned out to be quite an experience. Besides the fact that the bus was not the most comfortable of buses ever, we had a very dodgy character on the bus who deprived us of most of our sleep. He had been acting really strangely the whole way on the bus, changing seats a number of times, lying down on the back seats and even lying in the aisle. Luckily South America taught me a thing or two about guarding your possessions on a bus, so I had one foot on Warren's bag, and the other one on my bag. So when he pulled Warren's bag backwards, I immediately felt it and moved it back towards the front. It didn't take long for him to try again, but we caught him at it again and moved Warren's bag right to the front, out of harm's way and facing forwards. A few minutes later, he was fishing around at my bag, but as I felt my bag moving, I kicked really hard backwards, and caught him on the hand. Realising that he had been caught out, he tried to cover up by pretending to look for something that he had dropped on the floor, and even had the cheek to ask us if he could borrow our torch so that he could have a look! Anyway, when he had no luck with our bags, he changed seats yet again. Even though we were both keeping an eye on him, neither of us noticed when he finally hit the jackpot. About 5 minutes after he got off the bus, the girl that was sitting in the seat in front of the last seat he had sat in noticed that 150 Euros was missing out of her wallet...The weather in Nha Trang was miserable. Rainy, and really windy. As it is a coastal resort, there was not much else for us to do, so we decided to spend only one night there, and head out on the overnight bus the next night. There was a huge storm on the first night that we spent there. The wind was so strong that it was blowing potplants over, and our windows rattled so badly all night that we didn't manage to get much sleep. When we wanted to leave the next day, we were told that there were no buses as there had been a landslide, so we decided to take the overnight train instead.Vietnam Travel Directory: http://www.VietnamTravelDirectory.com