Posted by | Exotic Locations | Posted on July 19th, 2011
Travelers rave about Vietnam’s incredibly friendly people, unique 54 traditions, beautiful landscape, countryside and beautiful beaches. Discerning guests plan a trip to Vietnam with one question in mind, the summer is a good time to discover the country and enjoy beach holiday.
Try one of Luxury Travel’s tailor-made holidays in Vietnam for summer break and get a discount? Better still, guests will have their own personal tour operator available every minute of every day to make sure that everything goes smoothly – all part of Luxury Travel’s award winning service!
Traditionally, the summer in Vietnam used to be regarded as the ‘low season’ for tourism. This was because many potential travelers were put off because June, July and August are the monsoon months.
However, in recent years, tourists have realized that the central coastal area of Vietnam is at its best weather wise – blue skies, lower humidity and gentle onshore breezes.
In fact Central Vietnam is more than a beach destination but cultures, shops, food, excursions, nature. It’s a succession of magnificent coral sand beaches ranging from busy seaside resorts to deserted hideaways and idyllic tropical islands.
Accommodation in Central Vietnam is also varied. Escape the crowds completely, guests choose from ultra-luxury in the Nam Hai Resort and Spa in China Beach or Evason Hideaway Ninh Van Bay Nha Trang to Whale Island Resort in Nha Trang, with plenty of alternatives in between.
More gregarious, Nha Trang or the more laid-back Mui Ne Beach might be just right. Other seaside resort hotels range from luxury Furama in Danang to the good-value Vinpearl Resort and Spa overlooking Nha Trang Bay on a private island. It is a very good value for an island experience with the latter.
Phu Quoc Island and Con Dao are new emerging destinations for beach break and beach holiday. Cruising around Halong Bay and one night on boat, relax on Cat ba Islands in North Vietnam are among the favorites for beach lovers.
See more of Vietnam, guests need to take the weather into account. During the summer, heavy rain affects the north and south of Vietnam.
Typically, clouds appear quite suddenly, a strong breeze springs up, the sky darkens, and the rain pours down for about twenty minutes leaving the air cool and fresh. Half an hour later, the clouds disappear, the sun returns and the temperature rises again.
http://www.luxurytravelvietnam.com/EN/GE/special_offers.htm
Posted by | Exotic Locations | Posted on July 16th, 2011
Vietnam has been mentioned with a word “War” added up to. But ever since the beginning of the 90s, when the country embarked on a quest for wealth, it opened up and has been viewed and mentioned differently. Vienam is now no longer a war, but beautiful mountains and peaceful green vallies, colorful hill tribes and rich cultures dating back to thousand of years, pristine and remote beaches. This country is still very much remains undiscovered by tourists. Here are some suggestions that you can add up to your itinerary when traveling to the region.
North of Vietnam
This is the cradle of the Vietnamese culture, originated the dawn of Vietnamese history. The region has a variety of natural terrain, distinctive local cultures resides in traditional villages, thousand of ancient temples and pagodas aromatic with burning incense…What North of Vietnam is famous for are: Handicraft villages and villages in general, mountain and plain scenery. Thus, your place of visit should be:
1. Halong bay: Located in the Gulf of Tonkin, this unrivaled bay has thousands of green karst formations jutting out of the sea. This is one of a must-to-visit place in North of Vietnam. Best to take a 2days/1night trip, which offers an overnight stay on a wooden boat. If you like to spend more time here, you can combine with a visit to Cat Ba island, a big one with inhabitants on it. This island is home to resorts, quiet beaches and a national park, which is good for hiking.
2. Tam Coc: This is the name of a site where you can enjoy a ride on a little sampan boat (well, made of iron) for 2 hours rowing in the middle of rice paddies (if you come in the rice season). The highlight of the boat ride is the stunning view of the karst formations around. In summer time, Tam Coc should be toured in the morning than in the afternoon, to reduce the heat that you might have when you’re on the boat ride.
3. Handicraft villages and traditional villages. Hanoi is surrounded by many old villages with distinguished characteristics or hav involved in a handicraft for hundreds of years. These are good for people who love to cycle or keen on cutural lives of the local.
4. Sapa: Located 1.600m above sea-level. This is a smallcity on the mountain offering cool weather and a good center to visit local hill tribes around it. The scenery is totally sublime. The weather is cool most of the time. The place is good for trekking and sight-seeing to the hill tribes. Sapa is a must for mountain lovers. If you do like climbing, you should not miss mount Phansipan – “the roof of Indochina”
5. North East and North West of Vietnam: In general, these places are good for mountain lovers and cultural seekers. Visit some mountain cities, stay overnight in tribal groups, enjoy the sceneries. This is best for those who love mountain motor biking. A professional tour operator must be required. Since tours like these are different from classical ones.
6. Of course, North of Vietnam has Hanoi as the capital city of Hanoi. This 1000 years old city has a lot to see, especially to learn that it has lots of French buildings remain from the French colonial time.
Central Vietnam
This place used to be the meeting point of many cultures, since its sea once was home to some famous ports, where Japanese, Dutch, Chinese…vessels met and exchanged goods or stopped in the middle of their trade routes. This is where the last dynastybuilt up their royal structures which still remain till today. This is where you can be lazy on the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam (and some are among the World’s top). This is where the Central Highland, with lots of rudimentary tribal groups settle in. There are so much to be addicted to this place. The places of visit should be:
1. Phong Nha – Ke Bang: National Park: This is an amazing complex of Karst scenery with over 300 caves and grottos, which hold some world cave records. This is where you have the mountain, forest, the longest underground river, fine sand beaches inside the caves, beautiful stalagmites and stalactites, waterfalls and so on. It’s 500 km South of Hanoi and can be accessed by train or car. This site was listed on the World Heritage Sites in 2003. Compare to the other world heritage sites in Vietnam, this is the least touristy.
2. Hue Imperial City: This is heartland of Central Vietnam. Hue was the capital city of Vietnam from 1802-1945. Lots of the royal buildings can now be seen in Hue. The highlights among these are: The Imperial Citadel, the Kings’ tombs – final resting places of the last kings in Vietnam. Hue is a nice and calm city with friendly people. The city is bisected by the famous and scenic Perfume River and a cruise on the River would add up to your trip experience. Hue was the first place in Vietnam to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Sites, in 1993.
3. The Old Town of Hoi An: This is the best place in Vietnam in term of a real “Old Town”. Hoi An used to be one of Asia most important trading ports in the period of 15th – 19th century. For that reason, the town’s architecture reflex a combination of local and foreign influence, with century-old houses. This laid-back town became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998 and now attracts quite a number of tourists. The town is considered one of the best in Vietnam in term of tailored-made clothes with cheap price. 20-minute cycling out of the town will bring you to Cua Dai beach, with clear water, fine sand shaded by coconut trees. Once when you’re here, don’t forget the word “My Son Sanctuary”, where a story about the once-mighty empire would be told through the ruins of the ancient temples.
4. Central Highlands: This is home to many tribal groups in Vietnam. Where you see elephants walking on the roads and loaded with cargos or tourists. This is also among the least developed places in the country with only 3 main cities bu once when you’re here, you’re be offered a lot of chances to go sightseeing to many scenic places and see many culturally rich people. This place seems to best suite those who loves motorcycles since lots of scenic places are not approachable by local bus. So, let get ride, the place has a lot for you to explore.
5. Nha Trang: This coastal city offers some best beaches in Vietnam. The bay of Nha Trang is one of the World’s most beautiful ones. Recently, money has been poured into this place to build up luxurious resorts that cater to more the need of affluent people. The domestic travellers fancy the beach in the city, so you may consider enjoying your stay in a resort on an island away from the mass. Last but not least, this is the best place in Vietnam to do scuba diving.
6. Da Lat: A city of the same elevation as Sapa, Da Lat was developed by the French under the requirements of building up the city into a summer resort to escape the heat of Sai Gon. Thus, the architecture of the city reflexs the colonial one. Traveling from Sai Gon up north, you should drop by here for a couple of days. The avarage temperature in this city is around 16 -18 all year round. It’s a romantic city with beautiful waterfalls and hilly scenery surrounds. But watch out, because everything is so romantic and poetic, you may regret to have been there alone.
South of Vietnam
Unlike the North and the Center, the South of Vietnam is much younger than its two brothers in term of history. Nevertheless, it boots an unparalled charm compare to other regions. This holds the most fertile land of the country, the biggest river system with distinguished everyday river lives. Moreover, everyone seems to have heard of the Vietnam War as much as they heard of Sai Gon, the biggest city of South Vietnam. Well, having to describe it all in one word, it would be “alluring”.
1. Ho Chi Minh city: The biggest city in South Vietnam, the most populated, the economic muscle of Vietnam. And that’s not everything. The city was the capital of Cocochina, thus it present a fine colonial architecture that you can see in the center of the city. Sai Gon was the brain of the South during the Vietnam War, and, hence, it is the most Americanized one.
2. Cu Chi tunnel system +Cao Dai Temple: This was a famous name during the Vietnam War. It shows up how resistant the local was in the war. Come and witness a system of hundreds kms digging deep in the ground. It’s only 75 km from Sai Gon and this place should not be missed. Watch out before you make your decision of getting though the tunnels, you’re not gonna lose your way but it’s easy for you to get stuck. The trip can be combined with a visit to Cao Dai temple, a colorful one where the local practise their unique cult.
3. The Mekong Delta River: The South of Vietnam is where the Mekong river system flows into the sea. And this makes a special part of Vietnam’s picture. A trip or several days will bring you on a row along the matrix system of canal fensed with fruitful coconut trees, and then be in the middle of the famous floating market where hundreds of vessels heavily loaded with fruits and vegetables meet and exchange. Get yourselves lost in the local orchard where you can be lazy sleeping on the hammock or taste fruits hanging lowly from the trees above.
4. Phu Quoc Island and Con Dao Archipelago: The touristier the country is turning, the more tourists seek privacy from their travel mates, of course, that doesn’t mean the new places are of any less beautiful. Phu Quoc and Con Dao are heavens for that purpose. These are both one hour fly from Sai Gon, they offer ideal sunny quiet beaches, with fine sand, coconut trees. Lots of travellers have highly recommended these places to possess top beaches in the world. Phu Quoc is slightly touristier than Con Dao.
Posted by | Exotic Locations | Posted on July 14th, 2011
But all they did was admire the stalactites near the entrance. They did not explore it any further.
Several years later, he began to fish in the streams in the forest nearby, and had more opportunities to explore the area and the cave.
Using simple nets, a flashlight and an inner tube as a buoy, he began spending hours in the river that flowed through the cave, going up to six kilometers inside.
“The river is very long and becomes much wider at many places in the cave,” Nham says. “It could actually be flowing through Bo Trach (neighboring district to Minh Hoa District where the cave entrance is located).”
Nham did inform local residents of his discovery, but it aroused no particular curiosity or excitement in a province that is already famous for other caves like Phong Nha, Son Doong and En.
Last weekend, Thanh Nien followed up a lead about the new caves and contacted Nham, now 53 years old, who agreed to guide this reporter and a few others to the cave system tucked away in a forest in the province’s Minh Hoa District, that was never recognized or reported upon earlier.
The team found swiftly flowing rivers and countless stalactites and stalagmites with spectacular formations, and local residents spoke of seeing human bones and several pieces of pottery.
Starting from a village in Tan Hoa Commune, the expedition faced the first hurdle of a steep slope with sharp rocks after passing a vast valley.
Crossing another valley and a small mountain on the other side of the slope, the team arrived at the cave entrance. The cave has been temporarily named Hung Ton, as it is located next to the Hung Ton Valley.
The cave entrance is some 30 meters wide and 20 meters high with two chambers full of stalactites and stalagmites. The second chamber leads to a deep hole that prevented the team from further exploration.
From the Hung Ton Cave, the team went through To Mo Valley and Tu Lan Forest and reached the Tu Lan Cave with three grottos.
The Tu Lan 1 grotto has a small entrance but a wider chamber with a clear river flowing through it.
Nham said the river is very long because he had swum with a buoy for more than an hour but still couldn’t see where it flows. It could be that it flows through the Tu Lan 2 grotto, which is not so far away.
The entrance of the Tu Lan 2 grotto is some 25 meters wide and 20 meters high. Further downstream, the river flows through the Tu Lan 3 grotto.
The main chamber of the Tu Lan 3 grotto is larger, about 100 meters high and 100 meters wide. The limestone grotto has an impressive surface area of around 40 meters in length that looks like a stage with stairs made from deposits of minerals.
The two chambers lead to a stalactite wall with a small entrance to a deep hole that the river flows into.
Leaving the Tu Lan Cave, the team explored further to discover another cave and called it the To Mo Cave.
However, short of food and water, and lacking any equipment, this cave could not be explored further.
Nham said he had guided another resident, Hien of Xuan Hoa Commune, to the cave but the latter failed to publish the photo he had taken as it came out very dark.
Dinh Minh Chat, Chairman of Minh Hoa District People’s Committee, Tuesday confirmed to the Sai Gon Giai Phong newspaper that Nham is recognized as having discovered the three caves.
As mentioned earlier Quang Binh is also home to the UNESCO-recognized world heritage site Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park.
In April, a team of UK researchers claimed they had found the two largest caves in the world – Son Doong and En caves – in the province’s Bo Trach and Minh Hoa districts.
Researchers from the British Cave Research Association estimated the Son Doong Cave at 200 meters high and 150 meters wide at its largest, while the measurements at En Cave are 150 meters high and 130 meters wide.
VietNamNet/TN
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Posted by | Exotic Locations | Posted on July 3rd, 2011
Van Phuc Silk Village is situated on the banks of Nhue Thi River, Nguyen Trai Road, near Ha Dong city, 8 km southwest of Ha Noi. It takes you only 30 minutes by motorbike to go there from the centre of Hanoi. The village has been much well known for its traditional sericulture, weaving, and silk products. Tourists coming here are lured by various beautiful shirts, crafts, ties, dresses and many other things made of silk available in the village. What is special is that the silk is made by very simple looms, which is the genuinely traditional Vietnamese way of making silk.
The cradle of Vietnamese Silk
For centuries, silk has always been considered an extreme luxury, on par with rhinoceros horn, ivory and precious handworks in Vietnam. It has long been a universal byword of luxury, often worn by the richest, most powerful citizens. Most visitors somehow have heard about the significant role of this kind of material in Vietnam, yet might wonder where the cradle of Viet silk is. The mentioned Van Phuc Silk Village is proud to be the origin of best silk and silk-making industry of Vietnam, which is attached to a long-lasting history of more than two thousand years. Though passing by lots of ups and downs, during the recent years, the village’s craft has enjoyed revival due to a surging demand for silk in both the domestic and foreign markets.
Today, the fine and lustrous cloth that originates from the cocoon of the silkworm is more affordable for “ordinary” folk. Furthermore, silk is currently enjoying a fashion renaissance, particularly since its many varieties can be made into a wide range of designs suitable for all facets of modern life. Should you intend to have a silk pair of formal clothes made, just come here and select your suitable materials, and professional tailors here will bring you satisfaction!
Ideal place for silk products & souvenirs
Like other visitors to the village, you will be surprised at this “silk shop town”, where almost all houses along the paths have been turned into shops selling silk products. Specifically, the village is now home to 1,280 households, 90% of whom are involved in silk production and business. The village makes more than 2 million meters of silk per year. Yet, more than that, you are offered a good chance to explore the Vietnamese traditional industry of silk-making.
No tourists here are uncontented with the glisten of various silk products. They are always confronted with an initially bewildering array of silk products, from raw materials, to garments, and a myriad of silk accessories. The local silk is known for its smooth and lightweight appearance, and qualities that enable it to be dyed more colors to suit a variety of skin tones. In
order to cater for the changing demands and tastes of customers, Van Phuc silk producers are expanding their silk and garment repertoire: traditional glossy, embroidered silks, double layers, wrinkled silks, and of course, more colours, hues and weights, for which they have invented new techniques in dying and thermo-processing the threads.
If you are going to buy something from Vietnam as gifts for those at home, silk and clothes made of silk are available around in the village for your choice. Though the days when Vietnam’s silk was reserved for nobility are long gone, what would never change is the sense of romance and luxury imparted by silk, a luminous cloth type. With 2000 years of history behind them, the silk weavers of Van Phuc Silk village are still busy, weaving dreams.
How to get there? With a view to reaching Van Phuc village, tourists should travel south west out of Ha Noi on Nguyen Trai Street until they reach the border of Ha Dong District. Then turn right and dive for about 3km. The village is on the left, some 8 km from central Hanoi. Motorbike, bus, or taxis are all of good use.
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Posted by | Exotic Locations | Posted on July 2nd, 2011
Bat Trang, a small village in the north of Vietnam, is about 13 kilometers south east of Hanoi center, on the other side of Chuong Duong bridge. Why is its name popular to most tourists to northern Vietnam? The answer is its ever famous ceramic and pottery products of high quality. If you have known about Vietnam, you may not be surprised that Bat Trang’s vases, bowls, dishes, and many other kinds of ceramic products have been exported worldwide. Should you would like to contemplate workers making ceramic products by hand, just come here! What’s more, you can also try it yourself!
History. Bat Trang village is said to be established in 14th or 15th century in several documents. However, according to the villagers, the village perhaps appeared earlier. There are always two stories concerning the village origin. One of these tells that under Ly dynasty, in 1100, when the nation was in its independence and initial growth period, there were 3 scholars who came back from their mission trip to China bringing the ceramic craft industry learned there back to Vietnam and taught the people of Bat Trang. In the other story, in the village history dates back to the 10th century, when King Ly Cong Uan relocated the capital in Thang Long. With the establishment and development of the capital, many businessmen, crafters from many areas come to settle down here to work and trade. In Bat Trang, there was a lot of white clay, so that many potters, among whom was Nguyen Ninh Trang family, came and built the kilns here. Accordingly, Bat Trang has gradually changed from a normal ceramic and pottery village into a famous ceramic and pottery centre until now.
As time went by, the village’s products have developed and become well known for the best quality, style and glaze, both inside and outside of the nation. Many of these are now customized for aristocratic families and religious needs. Its popular foreign markets are Japan (under the brand “Kochi (Giao Chi) ware”), the Netherlands, Britain, Portugal, Southeast Asia, etc.,
The famous ceramic & pottery products
Production Process. To produce a complete product, one must follow 3 steps. The first step is making the product frame. The artists select the suitable clay, treat it and start making a raw product. It must be repaired to get the best appearance. Secondly, they decorate and cover it with glazes. Last but not least, the raw products are baked in 3 days and 3 nights. There are several kinds of kiln, yet the temperature must be at 12000 or 13000. After baking, products are brought out, classified and repaired in case there are mistakes. And now we have the perfect product.
Popular product types. Bat Trang products are divided into 3 kinds based on the purpose of use.
Decorating the product
Utilitarian wares: including plates, bowls, teacups, kettles, wine bottles, flowerpots, vases, jar… What differs is that they are thicker than Chinese ones. Cult wares: comprise lamp stands, candle holders, incense burner, altar boxes, swords… These are valuable for collectors because of inscription of the production years, the names of the producers and the potters. Decorative objects: house models, altars, statues and architectural fixtures.
The special trait is the diversified decorations on the products. Thanks to a long–lasting history and development, the village’s works have been accumulated with a lot of different special designs. One more thing that makes them distinguished is the glaze, which is of high quality and a variety of colors, such as blue, brown, white, moss green, in both breaking and melting glazes.
In fact, there have appeared a number of competitors both domestically and internationally who take advantages of high technology. Yet most customers prefer the craft products that contain historical and traditional values. Hence, it is no surprise at all that Bat Trang is still found in busy days and works. More importantly, the village is now so popular that absorbs a huge annual number of tourists to visit and buy ceramic goods.
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Posted by | Exotic Locations | Posted on June 28th, 2011
Just over 200 kilometers from Hanoi, the area has been gaining in popularity over the past three years, as more tourists discover the rugged coastal beauty of Hai Hoa.
With over four kilometers of golden sand and calm waters, the beach has been well preserved by locals and remains pristine and free of pollution. Swimming is ideal with gentle waves and no drop-off areas.
Hai Hoa residents are known for being friendly and hospitable. Visitors can watch how they catch fish or try rowing their bamboo boats.
Crabs can also be purchased from the fishermen for half the price of hotel restaurants.
Tourists should also be sure to try eating me me, a type of sea creature that looks similar to a shrimp and is known for its delicious meat.
Life is extremely laid back in Hai Hoa with little else to do but lay back, relax and take in the natural beauty of the area. However, for those looking for a little more adventure, visitors can explore the Me Archipelago, a cluster of 18 islets located around 20 km offshore.
The lush islands offer spectacular views and because the sea is calm, the water appears a deep, brilliant blue from atop the rolling hills. Some say that the 18 islands resemble a herd of horses grazing in a vast verdant meadow.
To visit the island group, tourists must first obtain a permit from the Hai Binh Commune People’s Committee and rent a boat as there are no tours offered to the remote Me Islands.
In addition, visitors can make a trip to several nearby ancient historical areas including the Tinh Hai Fortress, Ninh Citadel and Rua Ngoc Well.
Hai Hoa has three hotels – Cao Nguyen, Xanh Ha and Dai Duong – with prices ranging from VND300,000-700,000 (US.84-39.31)
To get to Hai Hoa from Hanoi, you can take a Hanoi-Tinh Gia bus from the Giap Bat Bus Station with a fare of VND70,000 (.93) and then transfer to a motorbike taxi from Tinh Gia for another two kilometers.
VietNamNet/Thanh Nien
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Posted by | Exotic Locations | Posted on June 26th, 2011
Thi Nai Lagoon is the largest lagoon in Binh Dinh at more than10 kilometers long and 4 kilometers wide and is a source of delicious seafood. On a small island in the lagoon is a small temple which was built by the villagers to worship the Water God. East of the lagoon, Phuong Mai Peninsula guards Quy Nhon city. North of the peninsula are beautiful beaches reaching to Phu Cat district.
Ham Ho Tourist Area is a 3-kilometer stretch of river that winds through the forest and is especially popular with fish who love to gather here during flood season.
Thanh Mountain stands like a moss covered city wall. Hoi Van Hot Spring in Cat Trinh, Phu Cat district is a traditional healing institute. It is said that water from this source saved the life of a Cham princess, so it is also called Fairy Spring.
One-Mountain Lake in Nhon Tan commune has a surface area of over 1,200 hectares. Around the lake are springs, waterfalls, caves and primary forest and its sheet glass surface begs for skiers. Near the lake, residents of Bana village usually invite tourists to party with them.
The Banh It Tower complex in Tuy Phuoc district’s Phuoc Hiep commune consists of four towers dating back to the 11th century. Each tower has its own specific architecture and on the top of each is a stone statute of the God Shiva.
Duong Long Tower in Tay Son district’s Binh Hoa commune is a group of three Cham Towers that were built at the end of the 12th century, the most prosperous stage of the development of Cham art. The middle tower is 24 meters high and the two towers that flank it are 22 meters high. Sculptures here are glamorous yet delicate and the lively animal motifs are mysterious. Duong Long is considered one of the most beautiful towers in Vietnam.
The Binh Dinh Museum holds public martial arts performances.
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Posted by | Exotic Locations | Posted on June 22nd, 2011
WOULD YOU LIKE TO EXPLORE 14 WORLD HERITAGES OF VIETNAM?
Tour Code: HV
Duration: 11 days/10 nights
Destination: Hanoi – Halong –Bac Ninh – Hue- Hoian –Dalat- Hochiminh City
Musical Shows: Ca tru (Hanoi), Quan ho( Bac Ninh), Nha Nhac ( Hue), Cong Chieng ( Dalat)
Accommodation: Hotels and Cruises
Transportation: Car, Airplane, Cruise
Start: Hanoi
Finish: Hochiminh City
Price: from 739 USD/ pax only
Tour itinerary
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival (D)
Welcome to Vietnam, on arrival at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport, our tour guide will greet and transfer you by private car through the city to your hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy 1 hour rickshaw ride to the Old Quarter where local people are busy in preparation for New Year. In the evening, you will enjoy welcomed dinner at local restaurant with authentic Vietnamese cuisines. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi – Thang Long Imperial Citadel-Ca Tru(B, L)
After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy morning tour to Ho Chi Minh Complex including Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s House on Stilt and One Pillar Pagoda, then visit Temple Of Literature where you can enjoy a short calligraphy lesson. Next is Vietnam National Museum of Ethnology, the attractive collection of 54 ethnic minorities in Vietnam. Enjoy lunch at Cha Ca La Vong Restaurant which is listed in the travel book “1000 places to see before you die”. After having lunch, make your way to Hoan Kiem Lake for Ngoc son Temple, Imperial Citadel of Thang Long recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage site in 2010and then Quoc Tu Giam recognized as The World Heritage by UNESCO in 2010. In the evening you will be entertained with Ca tru. ‘Ca Tru’, also known as “hat a dao” or “hat noi” (ceremonial singing) which dates back to the 15 th century, has also been listed among 12 intangible global cultural heritage traditions by UNESCO in 2010. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 3: Hanoi – Halong Bay (B, L, D)
Today, Leaving Hanoi by road for Halong Bay, the world natural heritage site in 1994, enjoy drive though the rural area with scenic view of rice paddy field in the Red River Delta. You may be lucky enough to see cows or pigs on motor bike or Vietnamese kids ridding on water buffalo. After 3 hours driving, check in Vietnamese wooden junk. Journey along the spectacular limestone islands through floating villages while having sea food lunch, then disembark to visit ‘Sung Sot’ or “Surprising Cave”, one of the most imposing grottoes of the Bay. Next stop is Titop Island where you could swim or climb up to the top for panoramic view of the bay. In the evening, you will be delighted by candle light dinner on board with sea food. Overnight on board in Ha long Bay.
Day 4: Halong Bay – Quan Ho(Bac Ninh) – Roi Nuoc (B, L)
A breakfast will be served in the restaurant with the combination of western style and local one. Experience the Bay up close and personal with a leisure sampan tour to “Hang Luon” or “Lagoon Cave” allows you to see flora and fauna system of Catba National Park, then continue to Halong City. Enjoy the last seafood meal and disembark. In the afternoon, go to Bac ninh for listening to Quan Ho recognized in 2009 by UNESCO. And then, go back to Hanoi. In the evening, you will be entertained with Water Puppet Performance and Vietnamese traditional music at Thang Long Water Puppet. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 5: Hanoi- Nha Nhac (Hue) (B)
After your breakfast, leave Hanoi for the city of Hue, the former imperial capital by the airport. Upon arrival in Hue, welcomed and transferred to the hotel. The morning tour leads you to Dong Ba Market, the biggest market in Hue and the Hue Royal Fine Arts Museum and the King Minh Mang Tomb, the King Khai Dinh Tomb. In the afternoon, you will be entertained with Nha Nhac recognized in 2005 by UNESCO as Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. In the evening, the special treat is royal dinner at restaurant owned by first class of Mandarin’s daughter. Overnight in Hue.
Day 6: Hue- Danang – Hoi an(B)
After your breakfast, leave Hue to Hoian. On the way, visit the Cham Museum and drive over the ‘Pass of Ocean and Clouds’. Then enjoy a walking tour to Japanese covered – bridge, Phung Hung Ancient House, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall and Chua Ong Pagoda. Have lunch at local restaurant with traditional food. In the afternoon, enjoy peaceful boat ride along the Thu Bon River to Thanh Ha Ceramic village. The balance of the day is. Overnight in Hoian
Day 7: Hoian – My Son (B)
After your breakfast, go to My Son- the imperial city of the Champa Empire. My Son holy site is a card from more than 70 temples and towers were built by Indian school teacher with a brick and stone nung sa thạch throughout more than 1000 years to worship the gods of protection for the king of the Kingdom of Champa. UNESCO labeled the Cham architecture in My Son as a World Cultural Heritage Site in1999. Overnight in Hoian.
Day 8: Hoian- Danang-Dalat (B)
After your breakfast, it is for relaxation in Cua Dai Beach or to join cooking class in Hoian where you can find the best Vietnamese cooking techniques and spices. After lunch, go to Danang International airport for a short flight (1 hour) to Dalat. The evening is at leisure. Overnight in Dalat.
Day 9: Dalat – Cong Chieng(B)
Today we take a half day trip to entertain Cong Chieng Show. On 25/11/2005 “Culture of chieng ethnic Tay Nguyen – Vietnam” UNESCO would be recognized as a masterpiece heritage of non-physical world. Chieng is the type of unique art of ethnic minorities Tay Nguyen region, was generated and linked to community life of the nation. After luch, visit Tuyen Lam Lake, Truc Lam Zen Monastery, former Emperor Bao Dai, the old Dalat Railway Station, Xuan Huong Lake, Valley of Love, and Flower Garden City. Overnight in Dalat.
Day 10: Dalat-Hochiminh (B)
Breakfast at the hotel then take the short flight to dynamic Ho Chi Minh City, followed by an orientation visit to the former Presidential Palace, the War Remnants Museum, the colonial Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Saigon Post Office, the afternoon tour leads you to Cho Lon Quarter or “Big Market” area where major trading activities take place and History Museum. Let’s experience true southern hospitality this evening with a candlelight dinner at local restaurant with southern taste and a walking tour in city center for New Year’s concerts and join local for traditional activities. Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. .
Day 11: Hochiminh Depature (B/-/-)
You are free for leisure or shopping until transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for onward flight or domestic extension.
The Price Includes
* 03 Domestic air tickets (Hanoi – Hue, Danang- Dalat and Dalat- Hochiminh city)
* 9 nights in centrally located hotels with twin or double rooms and daily breakfast.
* 01 night on Vietnamese Junk
* Private boat trip in Hoian.
* Lunch or dinner if mentioned in itinerary with (L, D)
* Private A/C transportation and sightseeing tickets as indicated in the itinerary
* Professional English speaking tour guide.
The price excludes
* International Air-Ticket
* Visa fee
* International Departure Tax
* Personal Travel insurance
* Personal expenses
* Tip and gratuities
Written by vietnamheritagetravel.com
Posted by | Exotic Locations | Posted on June 19th, 2011
Growth is impressive … In the past nearly 10 years, tourism service and administration activities have been changed much. The results of tourism activities have reflected important growths and contributed to the cause of national industrialisation and modernisation, demonstrated by the increasing proportion of the industry in the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Vietnam only served 2.33 million international arrivals in 2001, but the figure was 4.235 million arrivals in 2008, representing an annual growth of 8.91 per cent per annum. Domestic visitor arrivals reached 20.5 million in 2008, representing a growth 8.34 per cent per annum. Tourist product systems as well as infrastructure systems have been improved not only in quantity but also in quality in recent years as tourism has increased. With respect to accommodation facilities, in 2008, the country had 4,856 accommodation facilities with 123,050 rooms, including 296 facilities ranked from three stars to five stars. The room growth was 15.16 per cent per annum. The number of international and domestic travel companies continuously increased to serve growing number of tourists. By the end of June 2009, Vietnam had 764 licensed international travel companies, more than 10,000 domestic travel companies, and 6,000 international tour guides (at the end of 2008). Travel companies of Vietnam have caught up with the levels of foreign travel firms, and have increased cooperation and enlarged market shares. The most notable change is the soaring investment capital for the tourism industry by both domestic and international investors. Many world-class seaside resorts and ecological tourist sites have given a facelift to the Vietnamese tourism industry and made Vietnam a promising tourist centre of the region and the world. Incomes in foreign currencies increased from US.3 billion in 2005 to US billion in 2008. Tourism not only has not only been good economically, but also has affected many social aspects of Vietnamn. At present, the tourism industry has 1,035,000 labourers, of which 285,000 people are direct workers and 750,000 people are indirect workers. As much as 42.5 per cent of tourism workers are certified and some 40.8 per cent of the tourism workforce can speak English, Chinese, French and other languages. Human resources training for the tourism industry have been improved. The country now has 40 universities with tourism training units, 43 tourism vocational high schools and hundreds of small-scaled tourism training centres.
… but unsustainable According to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), the development of the tourism industry was below the actual potential and the tourism industry has not proved its role as a spearhead for the economic sector. At present, Vietnam tourism is ranked fifth in Southeast Asia. Vietnam has a long coast with many famously beautiful beaches but the country fails to bring its potential into full play. The professionalism of the Vietnamese tourism service industry remains weak and it is apparent in all states from management, promotion, advertisement and marketing to the service workforce. Vietnam has not actually created trademarks. Thus, in the coming time, the tourism industry needs to continue advancing promotional activities in foreign countries. Additionally, the diversification and improvement of tourist products and services also needs more care. The linkage in developing tourism based on regional and territorial characteristics has proven its effectiveness and the tourism industry will pay more attention to this linkage to create interesting and characteristic tourism products and services to eliminate boredom of visitors. At present, Vietnam has many attractive places of interest which remain “hidden charms.” According to experts, Vietnam has rich potential to develop tourism. To exploit these advantages and create beautiful impressions on international friends, Vietnamese tourism industry needs a concrete strategy to ensure not only immediate economic effects but also ensure impressive and sustainable growth.
Le Vuong
Apply Vietnam visa online and Tours at: http://www.vietnamvisasupport.com
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Posted by | Exotic Locations | Posted on June 15th, 2011
Viet Nam – a beautiful country lies on the east coast of Indochina. With 3.200 Km coastline stretching from North to South and ¾ of territory covered by forests and mountains with a variety of beautiful tourist spots.
Vietnam is a country of harmony, beauty where you can experience the striking view of blue rivers, mountains, and green rice paddies. There are many aspects, which make Vietnam a beautiful and an amazing place to visit. Vietnam is a perfect holiday destination for travelers who want to experience typical Caribbean like islands to many eye-catching places. Most of the Vietnam tour operators offer many special alluring Vietnam Tour Packages to attract travelers who are looking for a perfect Holiday. The capital city of Vietnam, Hanoi, where the tourists can enjoy seeing Ho Chi Minh’s home and grave or the many pagodas, museums and cultural sites. Then there are other beautiful places like Tonkinese Alps, this is the best place for newlyweds to enjoy their honeymoon because of its scenic beauty.
Other tourist attractions include halts at local markets, such as SA Pa and many limestone islands situated in Ha Long Bay. Various tour operators provide different kind of tours e.g. trekking tour, cruise tour, bicycle tour, adventure tour, beach tour etc. Vietnam tour operator’s goal is to satisfy the Vietnam tourist in all possible way. To encourage the tourists they always come with many new offers and discounts, tailored according to the traveler’s needs. Tour operators also provide personalized services, to make your tour an extremely pleasant one.
Most visitors to Vietnam need a visa to enter the country. Normally a Vietnamese tourist visa is valid for 15 to 30 days. Tourist visa can only be obtained from Vietnamese embassies, consulates abroad. Otherwise, you can get a visa at the border gates if you are traveling on a package tour prearranged by Vietnamese tour operator. The requirements to apply for a visa are entry permit form, two photos, original passport and visa fee. It is easier to get your visa from a Vietnamese travel agency. The necessary information required by a travel agency includes full name, birthday and place of birth, nationality, job, number of your passport, entry and exit dates and country you plan to receive your entry visa from the Vietnamese embassies or consulates.