Posted by admin on February 26, 2011 under Vietnam Food and Drink, Vietnam Travel Guide | 
The famed Vietnamese Pho is without a doubt an excellent dish – succulent thin slices of beef dumped with fresh herbs in a stock of tasty broth. It’s no wonder travelers to Vietnam would often go searching for the ultimate pho. But the country’s noodle treats is more than just that, and travelers would often miss out on Vietnam’s other noodle treats. Here are a few of the best Vietnamese noodles, for the adventurous gourmand.
Photo credit – avlxyz
Hu Tieu Nam Vang – Phnom Penh Noodle Soup
Literally meaning Phnom Penh Noodle Soup, this is a Cambodian-Chinese concoction that was tweaked to the Vietnamese palate. Nam Vang is the Vietnamese word for Phnom Penh, so you can actually find various versions of Hu Tieu (Noodle Soup) in Vietnam, with Hu Tieu Nam Vang being one of the more popular noodle soup around. The dish is a surf-and-turf mix of cooked pork, thinly sliced beef, shrimp and group pork with light vermicelli in a sweet and savory broth. The essential garnishes are important here, Chinese celery, chives, cilantro and lettuce adds an extra layer of taste into this tasty dish.
Photo credit – avlxyz
Bun Rieu Oc – Snail Soup with Crab Paste
Hailing from North Vietnam, the Bun Rieu Oc (Snail Soup with Crab Paste) is a dish featuring chunks of snails and crab roe on top of a sweet-savory broth. The dish is studded with pork ribs, tomatoes, water spinach, sliced banana blossoms, fried tofu and more, topped with the ever popular rice-noodles. The Bun Rieu is hearty, light and refreshing, but also a very complex dish, with the various flavors and textures of the snails, crab and pork ribs mixed together.
Photo credit – Geordino
Bun Thit Nuong – Grilled Pork with Rice Vermicelli
This local favorite is a simple dish that is more salad than soup, a welcome break from the usual soupy-broth on Vietnam’s other favorite dishes. Literally meaning Grilled Pork with Rice Vermicelli, this dish features grilled marinated pork chops served cold on top of rice vermicelli. As is the usual in Vietnam, a host of fresh herbs accompanies the dish – Thai basil, carrot and radish pickle, as well as cucumbers, bean sprouts, and crushed roasted peanuts. Add a dash of fish sauce and chilies according to personal preference, then enjoy the collision of flavors and textures.
Photo credit – avlxyz
Banh Canh Cua – Thick Noodle Crab Soup
Banh Canh noodles are like the Vietnamese version of udon – they are thick and chewy, although they are typically made with tapioca or rice flour instead of wheat. There are various versions of Banh Canh, and the Banh Canh Cua (Thick Noodle Crab Soup) is one of the more popular amongst them. The Banh Canh Cua features chunks of crab meats and shrimp balls paired with the chewy thick noodles in a crimson broth garnished with chopped scallion.
Photo credit – Ron Diggity
Pho Bo Tai – Beef Rice Noodle Soup
And finally of course, it would be remiss to talk about Vietnamese noodle treats without mentioning the popular noodle dish that is Pho. The Pho Bo Tai is a version of Pho with Half-Done Beef Fillet, featuring half-done thinly sliced beef with white rice noodles dumped in a clear soupy broth. The broth is the most important fixture of the dish, and the hardest to make as well, usually by simmering beef bones, oxtails, charred onion and spices for several hours. The dish is then topped with cilantro, basil, lime, bean sprout and onions.
(http://unearthingasia.com)
Posted by admin on February 25, 2011 under Attractions, Vietnam Travel Guide, Vietnam Travel in the South |
Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon as it was once known, is Vietnam’s largest city and most chaotic. I love the chaos, though you need to be careful walking across the street! Connections to Vietnam’s turbulent history are visible all over the city, from the War Remnants Museum to the Cu Chi Tunnels. The city has a lot to offer, great shops, fantastic nightlife, and delicious food. After Hoi An, it is my next favorite city in Vietnam.
Costs in Ho Chi Minh City
- Hostel Prices: A private room costs from 140,000 VND per night.
- Budget Hotel Prices: A night in a budget hotels costs from 150,000 VND.
- Average Cost of Food: By eating at street stalls and markets you can get a meal for 19,000VND. Sit down restaurants are also inexpensive at around 75,000VND.
- Cost of Internet: Internet access is extremely cheap in the city at around 100VND per minute.
- Transportation Costs: Public buses around the city will cost 3,000 VND, taxis are more expensive at 12,000VND for the first kilometer then 10,000VND per kilometer thereafter.
Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City
- Cu Chi Tunnels. Crawl through the extensive network of nearly 500 km of tunnels utilized by the Viet Cong in the 1960s. Tours involve a description of the tunnels, after which tourists are allowed to crawl about the maze and fire AK47s at shooting targets.
- Chinatown. Chinatown is the predominately Chinese district of Saigon. A hive of activity, it is a maze of temples, restaurants, jade ornaments, and medicine shops. Aside from the sprawling Binh Tay market, you’ll find some fascinating temples in the area including the Chinese Chua Quan Am Temple and Cha Tam, which is a Catholic cathedral.
- Museum of Ho Chi Minh City. Not to be confused with the “Ho Chi Minh Museum”, the city museum’s history has included a Governor’s Palace, committee building and Revolutionary Museum. Nowadays its picturesque grounds attract newlyweds posing for photographs. You’ll find a collection of weaponry and memorabilia from the country’s revolutionary struggle and captured U.S fighter planes and tanks.
- Vietnam History Museum. The History Museum is a great place to learn about the colorful events of Vietnam’s past. The museum houses a fantastic collection of ceramics, weaponry and cannons. For your cultural fix, there are photographs, clothes and household objects dating back as far as the 1700s.
- Emperor Jade Pagoda. Emperor Jade is one of the most impressive pagodas in Vietnam. The intricate carvings and depictions of deities including the Emperor Jade himself are hugely photogenic and it’s no wonder this pagoda is as popular with tourists as worshipers.
- Notre Dame Cathedral. The Notre Dame Cathedral is an imposing red brick building built between 1877 and 1883. The two towers that front the cathedral tower over visitors at nearly 200 feet tall while the neon lit statue of the Virgin Mary is also an arresting site.
- War Remnants Museum. The War Remnants Museum is a must see for anyone with an interest in Vietnam’s history of combat with both the French and the Americans. Inside you’ll find hugely informative exhibits focusing on biological warfare, weaponry and in depth statistics of Vietnam’s armies during the conflicts. The museum’s best exhibit is the collection of bombs, tanks, planes and war machinery which can be found in the courtyard.
- Cao Dai Holy See Temple. The Cao Dai religion is relatively new at less than 100 years old. The temples are distinguished by the “all seeing eye” which dominates its architecture and as the Cao Dai temple is the central to the religion, it is hugely ornate and impressive. Many people combine a trip to the temple with the Cu Chi Tunnels excursion.
- Ben Thanh Market. Though the market is crowded and rife with pickpockets, it is the ideal place to pick up a bargain or try some traditional (and inexpensive) Vietnamese food. Vietnamese traders drive a hard bargain but you’ll be hard pushed to find a better selection of souvenirs!
- Can Gio Island. The Can Gio island is popular with tourists and Ho Chi Minh locals attempting to get out of the rat race. The beaches here aren’t mind blowing but it’s a great place to relax and enjoy a meal at one of the many seafood restaurants. The island’s monkey sanctuary and mangroves are great for wildlife fans.
Budget Tips for Ho Chi Minh City
- Taxis. Taxi drivers will rip you off so agree to a price ahead of time.
- ATMs. These offer the best exchange rates and there are plenty dotted round the city.
- Markets. When shopping in any of the city’s markets you may feel like a wallet on legs as the traders call out to you. Be firm and be ready to walk away.
(Source: nomadic matt travel site)
Posted by admin on under Attractions, Vietnam Travel Guide, Vietnam Travel in the South, vietnam beauty |
The economic centre of Southeast Asia’s rising economic star, Ho Chi Minh City is one of the planet’s most exciting cities, where influences from France collide with the Orient, and where the Vietnam War is remembered like it was yesterday. And with skyscrapers, landmarks and fashion cenres galore, never has there been a better time to head to a place that, despite the global recession, is still very much alive and kicking.
Photo credits – Colin Purrington
Authentic Vietnamese
Vietnamese cuisine is taking off around the world, but there is still no better place to find it than in the country’s gourmet capital. Join the likes of Bill Clinton at Pho2000 near Ben Thanh Market, which proudly proclaimed “Pho for the President” along with various photos of the then President of the United States enjoying a bowl of pho at the iconic restaurant. The menu here is long and varied, and is packed with locals and tourists alike. Those looking for something a little more fusion should head to Xu Bar, which is not only one of the cornerstones of night life in the city, but is also the place where the celebrated Chef Nguyen is attempting to revamp traditional Vietnamese cuisine.
Photo credits – Kirk Siang
Coffee & Cafe
The Ho Chi Minh City is brighten up by various lights at night, giving it a laid-back atmosphere that give rise to the prevalence of cafes dotted along the streets. Vietnam is one of the world’s most renowned producers of coffee, and caffeine lovers will find themselves in aromatic heaven trying out the varied local brews here. For a sure-fire way to refresh and relax, pick a random cafe at a bustling street corner and order a local brew. Sit back and enjoy as you laze yourself and watch the various pedestrians passing by.
Photo credits – alex.ch
Hitting the Town
Other than a pick of bustling cafes to relax and sip your time away, the Ho Chi Minh City also plays host to numerous trendy bars that is a favorite of both locals and expats. The Q Bar, Saigon Saigon Bar, Xu Bar, Lush and Velvet are but a few in the long list of popular hangout spots for the party crowd, each with their own distinct trendiness and appeal.
Photo credits – Wilson Loo
Iconic Landmarks
It’s pretty easy to navigate the sprawling metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City on foot, particularly since most of the places of interest is located in District One. Start with the Notre Dame Cathedral, an outstanding red-brick building adorned with staiend glass, then move on to Saigon Central Post office, a French colonial building with a classic interior. This also operates all postal services from the city and is the best place to buy a phone card. The Opera House typifies the city, showing both western operas and traditional Vietnamese performances. The Reunification Palace was the home of the former Viet Cong leader who the city is named after and is a grand colonial building overlooking the city centre.
Photo credits – Lynt
Bikers Gang
After exploring the iconic landmarks of District One by foot, rent a motorbike and cruise along the streets for a way of transportation that has become ingrained into the fabric of society. Throngs of Vietnamese commuters travel by motorbike, and although it may not be one of the safest way to travel, it is certainly one of the most authentic.
Photo credits – nerdcoregirl
War Remnants
One of Vietnam’s biggest tourist attractions, the Cu Chi Tunnels are a network of underground caverns built during the Vietnam War. About 121 kms long in total, visitors can take a tour of the tunnels and see for themselves the conditions in which the Vietcong waged a bloody war against the machineries of US. The War Remnant Museum, also known as the Museum of American Atrocities, is another tourist attraction worth visiting. It’s extremely biased and one sided, but still an important insight nevertheless into the Vietcong’s reaction to the war.
Photo credits – martywindle
Shopping Seasons
Aside from eating most visitors to Vietnam’s number one city find themselves spending most of their time here shopping. Ben Thanh Market is a major market in Ho Chi Minh City and is the place to find souvenirs. There is a wide selection of t-shirts sporting the likes of “Good Morning Vietnam” and “Miss Saigon” to lacquerware and embroidery, and for those that love a good brew, some of the best coffee beans in the region. Ladies will want to try out the Ao Dai, the Vietnamese national dress, which is one of the most exquisite in the region, combining trousers and a dress.
Find hotels ho chi minh city, vietnam hotel, please visit the website http://Vietnamhotels.net/
(Source:unearthingasia.com)
Tags: ao dai, Ben Thanh market, Cu Chi tunnel, Cu Chi tunnels, Ho Chi Minh City, ho chi minh hotels, ho chi minh tour, ho chi minh vietnam, hotels ho chi minh, Notre Dame Cathedral, saigon attractions, things to do in saigon, travel to ho chi minh, travel vietnam
Posted by admin on February 15, 2011 under Attractions, Vietnam Travel Guide, Vietnam tour, Vietnam travel News, vietnam beauty |
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 Snuggle with your sweetie in these spots from Bora Bora to Croatia |
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While we tend to think most of romance around Valentine’s Day, our favorite romantic getaways are guaranteed to rekindle a long-standing romance, or kick a new one up a notch, all year long. Whether you choose to cuddle up on a gondola ride in Venice; snuggle under a blanket on a caleche ride in Quebec City; dance cheek-to-cheek in Buenos Aires; spend long days canoodling on spectacular islands like Bora Bora, Santorini, and Nevis; cruise magical Halong Bay; or discover breathtaking Dubrovnik together, you’re bound to feel a renewed (or new) sense of intimacy with your partner. Of course, no list of this sort would be complete without a nod to Paris, the epitome of romantic getaways (and site of countless marriage proposals), but dear Santa Barbara, closer to home, is just as ripe for a tryst, with countless spas and vineyards in the vicinity that are sure to help you and yours relax — and lose your inhibitions.
1. Buenos Aires, Argentina
 As the old saying goes, it takes two to tango — and there’s no better place to practice your moves with your partner than on a romantic getaway to Buenos Aires, the birthplace of this incredibly sexy dance. Watching expert tango dancers spin around the dance floor at one of the local venues here is already hot stuff — women dress the part in fishnet stockings, heels, and high-slit dresses, while men don tailored suits and cravats — but taking to the floor with your honey can make the temperature go higher still. Play the voyeur at neighborhood spots like Bar Sur (www.bar-sur.com.ar), or, put on your dancing shoes and trot your stuff at Centro Cultural Torquato Tasso (www.torquatotasso.com.ar), which also offers lessons for first-timers. When you need to rest your feet, this Paris of South America has a lot more to tempt visiting lovebirds, from elegant turn-of-the-century mansions and tree-lined boulevards reminiscent of European cities like Paris, Rome, and Barcelona, to cozy bistros in trendy neighborhoods where diners linger over long meals. Plus, with the peso so low nowadays, this city — which once rivaled Manhattan in terms of price — is extremely affordable.
2. Bora Bora
If there’s one destination to blow your savings on in the name of love, this tiny, pricey South Pacific island is it. Novelist James A. Michener described Bora Bora as, “the most beautiful island in the world” and visitors to this romantic getaway’s far-flung shores rarely disagree. So small that the island road is a mere 19 miles long, this Polynesian idyll sits 143 miles northwest of Tahiti and boasts the best that nature can offer: a high-mountain center cloaked in jungle, a superb cobalt lagoon, a colorful coral reef, and pristine stretches of bone-white sand dotted with fallen coconut husks. When you’re not discovering the many bounties of this island paradise, hang out at the local watering hole, Bloody Mary’s (www.boraboraisland.com/bloodymarys), where Pierce Brosnan has been known to woo his leading lady, or send off the sun with a sunset catamaran cruise. Come nightfall, few can resist bedding down at a lavishly appointed over-the-water bungalow.
3. Dubrovnik, Croatia
 Couples in search of romance are flocking to this wondrous city on the southernmost stretch of Croatia’s coast, as enchanted by its beauty today as the Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw, who once proclaimed, “If you want to see heaven on earth, come to Dubrovnik.” The city has been magnificently restored to its former glory to emerge as one of the most fashionable vacation spots in all of Europe. Dubrovnik’s resurgent popularity should come as no surprise, however — this “jewel of the Adriatic,” as the coastal resort town is often referred to in tourist brochures, is breathtakingly beautiful and a magnet for dreamy-eyed lovers in search of a romantic getaway. The city’s fortified old town overlooks the dazzling Adriatic from a shelter of limestone cliffs and its marble-paved streets are lined with marvelously preserved churches, stately palaces, squares, and terracotta-roofed townhouses. Meanwhile, down below, along the seaside coast, fine beaches beckon — as do a slew of offshore islands — making Dubrovnik uniquely appealing to just about any taste.
4. Halong Bay, Vietnam
 Now that you’ve found your knight in shining armor, put his dragon-slaying skills to the test in this ancient dragon’s lair near the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi. Indeed, “Ha Long” means “where the dragon descends into the sea” and, once you’re sailing the enchanting emerald-green waters here, you’ll easily understand why the bay is believed to have been formed by the thrashing of a dragon’s tail. It’s a sight that confirms this corner of Vietnam’s status as one of the most romantic getaways in Asia; undoubtedly the country’s most mesmerizing natural setting, this UNESCO-protected area is dotted with grottoes, some 3,000 limestone islets (only one of which is inhabited), and often shrouded in mist, which only adds to its mystique. While day trips are available, we strongly recommend booking an overnight cruise to experience the bay’s phenomenal sunset and sunrise, as well as more of its splendid landscapes. Our favorite agencies for 2-day cruises are Emeraude Classic Cruises. To book halong bay cruises, please check out at the website http://Vietnamhotels.net/.
5. Nevis
 If you’re craving a Caribbean getaway that’s just as high on romance as it is on R & R, look no further than darling Nevis (pronounced n-EE-vis), the sister island of St. Kitts. A quiet, old-Caribbean charm reigns on this 36-square-mile patch of land that famously produced Alexander Hamilton, one of the founding fathers of the United States. Nowadays, cocooning lovers can hole up on romantic getaways in converted plantation houses — rather than sterile high-rise beach resorts — where atmospheric verandahs, louvered windows, and four-poster beds guarantee your hours, if not days, will be spent canoodling. Should you decide to leave your room, the island’s scenery is equally entrancing: Disused stone sugar mills are now overgrown with vines, lush island paths invite hiking and horseback riding, and sugarcane fields lead to remarkable restaurants serving fine Creole fare. Add in the fact that Nevis is still relatively difficult to get to (you have to change planes in St. Maarten, Antigua, or Puerto Rico), and you’ll be looking at spending serious quality time with your sweetie — without having to share him or her with other vacationing sun worshipers.
6. Paris, France
Parisian culture seems inherently designed for romance, with countless settings tailor-made for those only-in-the-movies-type kisses: manicured gardens with perfect make-out benches lie around every corner; lamp-lit pedestrian quays along the Seine invite stolen smooches; and majestic plazas and tucked-away squares like Place des Vosges offer storybook backdrops for marriage proposals. A perch atop any of the city’s famous ponts (bridges) are also sure to get your heart racing: linger on Paris’s oldest bridge, Pont Neuf; check out the animated arts-and-music scene of Pont des Arts; or take in the phenomenal views of the Eiffel Tower from the elaborate Pont Alexandre III. Undoubtedly, for some, the height of a romantic getaway here can be found at the top of the Eiffel Tower itself; coordinate your viewing with one of Paris’s lovely sunsets, and the city will blush pink right along with you.
7. Quebec City, Canada
With its homegrown French language, colonial architecture, and horse-drawn carriages, Quebec City is inherently designed with romantic getaways in mind. Encircled by ancient stone ramparts, and speckled with lovely squares, quaint cafés, and striking historical buildings, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is also blessed with a phenomenal natural setting above the mighty St. Lawrence River, with plenty of vantage points from which to view the coursing waters. Each season brings its own special charms, too: While summers encourage late-night lingering over wine at outdoor cafés, the chilly winters give lovers all the more reason to snuggle up under a blanket in a horse-drawn caleche or get cozy with a delectable fondue for two at a first-rate French restaurant. No matter what time of year you choose to visit, stay in a quaint 17th-century auberge (inn), complete with wood-beamed ceilings and exposed brick walls to round out the otherwordly experience.
8. Santa Barbara, California
Bona fide beach town, the Santa Ynez wine-producing region next door, and loads of spa retreats within driving distance . . . it’s no wonder California’s Santa Barbara gets our nod in the romantic getaways department. Its splendid location, between palm-fringed Pacific beaches and the evergreen Santa Ynez Mountains, quaint Spanish- and Mediterranean-style architecture, gourmet fare, and posh hotels have attracted West Coast residents for quiet weekends for decades. And no wonder: From wine-tasting in one of the country’s largest wine-producing regions and supping on sublime organic foods, to enjoying massages for two and strolling barefoot on the beach at sunset, a visit here is an undeniably heady experience. Tack on an outing in a hot air balloon — a favorite local activity — and you’ll be guaranteed to swoon over the scenery, as well as your companion!
9. Santorini, Greece
 Some may think island romance is overrated, but then they’ve probably never been to Santorini. The most visually stunning of all the Greek Cyclades, this beguiling honeymoon spot has all the trappings of a dream vacation: Postcard-perfect cliffside villages, exotic black-sand volcanic beaches, transcendent sunsets, luxurious cave-rock hotels, dramatic striated red-and-gray cliffs stretching to the sky, and the Aegean’s finest wineries. Built atop volcanic ashes — on the ruins of what some theorize to be the lost city of Atlantis — the resplendent whitewashed beauty’s remarkable physical characteristics — its jagged cliffs, dark volcanic rock, and crescent shape carved out by the sea — are manifestations of its eruptive history. These days, romantic getaways to Santorini are more likely to incite personal passions, whether on a visit to the enchanting cliff-side village of Oia, gazing at mesmerizing sunsets over the Aegean, or simply absorbing the best of Mediterranean romance in all its glory.
10. Venice, Italy
An extraordinary waterfront wonderland where ancient palazzi seemingly float above water, Venice manages to be both serene and seductive all at once. While its labyrinthine cobblestone streets certainly encourage lovers to stroll hand in hand, it’s the city’s iconic gondolas that really up the romantic ante. Picture yourself, a due, tucked in an intricate, hand-carved boat, and punted along dreamlike canals by a young Italian gondolier who serenades you as you glide under delicately arched bridges — the aptly-named Bridge of Sighs among them — and past flower-laden balconies. Other Venetian draws sure to set your heart aflutter include sipping Bellinis to the sounds of classical music in the majestic Piazza San Marco or catching a view of spires and rooftops from atop the Campanile di San Marco.
Theo msnbc
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Posted by admin on February 14, 2011 under Vietnam Travel Guide, Vietnam Travel in the North, vietnam beauty |
Travelers to Sapa in summer can feel the climate of four seasons in one day. In the morning and afternoon, it is cool like the weather of spring and autumn. At noon, it is as sunny and cloudless as the weather of summer. And it is cold in the evening.
With no advance warning of a thunderstorm short and heavy rains may come at noon on any summer day. Subsequently, a rainbow appears, transforming Sapa into a magic land, which for years has been a constant source of poetic inspiration, lights up the whole region.
The terraced fields in Sa Pa, Vietnam
The best time to witness the scenic beauty of Sapa is in April and May. Before that period, the weather might be cold and foggy; after that period is the rainy season. In April and May, Sapa is blooming with flowers and green pastures. The clouds that settle in the valley in early morning quickly disappear into thin air.
Sapa has many natural sites such as Ham Rong Mountain, Silver Waterfall, Rattan Bridge, Bamboo Forest and Ta Phin Cave. Sapa is also the starting point for many climbers and scientists who want to reach the top of Fansipan Mountain, the highest mountain in Vietnam at 3,143m. Hoang Lien Mountain Range is also called the Alps of the North Sea area since Fansipan Mountain is not only the highest peak in Vietnam, but also in the Indochina Peninsula. The pyramid-shaped mountain is covered with clouds all year round and temperatures often drop below zero, especially at high elevations.
The first thing you notice when approaching the resort town are some detached wooden mansions and villas perched on a hill top or hillside, behind thick pine forests and almost invisible on this foggy morning. Old and new villas with red roofs now appear and now disappear in the green rows of pomu trees, bringing the town the beauty of European towns.
Fresh and cool air in Sapa is an idea climate condition for growing temperate vegetables such as cabbage, chayote, precious medicinal herbs, and fruit trees such as plum, pear…
Sapa is home to various families of flowers of captivating colours, which can be found nowhere else in the country. When Tet, the Lunar New Year Festival, comes, the whole township of Sapa is filled with the pink colour of peach blossom brought from the vast forests of peach just outside the town. Sapa is regarded as the kingdom of orchids. Here, orchid lovers are even amazed by the choice, when trekking in the forest filled with several hundred kinds of orchids of brilliant colours and fantastic shapes, such as Orchid Princess, Orchid of My Fair Lady’s Shoe. Some orchids are named after lovely singing birds such as the canary, salangane’s nest, and more.
Cherries blossom in Sapa, Vietnam
Sapa is most beautiful in spring. Apricot, plum and cherry flowers are splendidly beautiful. Markets are crowded and merry, and are especially attractive to visitors. Minority groups come here to exchange and trade goods and products. Market sessions are also a chance for locals to promenade and young men and women in colorful costumes to meet, date or seek sweethearts.
Travelers to Sapa will have opportunities to discover the unique customs of the local residents.
For Sapa hotel recommendations, please check out at the website http://Vietnamhotels.net/
Posted by admin on under Vietnam Travel Guide, Vietnam travel News |
The idea of Vietnam conjures strong images in the Western mind. Many come from a few iconic Vietnam War films. The country still features those lush rustic landscapes, peaceful now, of course, but modern Vietnam has grown beyond the definition of misty paddy fields and peeling houses, captivating as these certainly are.
Sapa Field, Vietnam
Remnants of war – the Cu Chi tunnels near Saigon, for example – have been preserved for visitors to witness. However, the Vietnamese have very much put hostilities behind them, staying cheerfully focused on the future. These days, most Vietnam tours take in sights that range from pristine French architecture in Hanoi to jungle riverways in the Mekong Delta.
So, when you visit Vietnam, how can you encounter its complete personality? A good start is by leaving your preconceptions at home. Arrive in any country with a fixed idea of what it’s about and you risk overlooking things that don’t fit into your theory. Land in Vietnam with a clear head and you’ll begin to perceive the superb layers of culture that tint, obscure and highlight each other throughout this remarkable country.
Just over 1,000 years ago, long before the French colonised Vietnam, the Vietnamese secured independence from China and flourished, for hundreds of years, under their own dynasties. The emperors considered themselves divine, creating huge ornate palaces, and tombs designed for comfort in the afterlife. Many of these were destroyed by subsequent warfare and colonial development.
Luckily, Hue, on the coast, where the border between North & South once divided the country, has been preserved. Its fortified citadel is enormous: four square miles of forbidden city, once home to emperors and their concubines and inaccessible – on pain of death – to anyone else. This is one of the few places in the country where this era of dynastic Vietnam is still visible.
In 1885 the whole of Vietnam became part of the French Indochina colony. Both Hanoi and Saigon (now officially known as Ho Chi Minh City) are full of astonishing French architecture, from a post office designed by M. Eiffel in Saigon to the ornate Presidential Palace and French Quarter in Hanoi. When the Vietnamese leaders finally re-secured their country’s independence in the 1970s, they began using the old French government buildings as their own. The power symbolized by these imposing foreign structures suddenly belonged to the nation.
Hanoi is also home to the tomb of “Uncle” Ho Chi Minh himself, whose embalmed body is revered and on display for visitors to see. Expect to queue, here, but this somewhat macabre exhibition really transmits the magnitude of relief and gratitude the Vietnamese must have felt when Uncle Ho finally negotiated independence after centuries of occupation and war.
And yet, behind the triumphant modern bustle, along mountain passes and misty valleys, lies another remarkable achievement. Despite all the turmoil, a number of indigenous tribes still lead traditional lives, coming into villages to trade and greet visitors. They’re very friendly – you may be surprised by how well they speak English – and their existing at all demonstrates Vietnam’s determined pride in survival.
Posted by admin on February 12, 2011 under Vietnam Travel Guide, vietnam beauty |
Straddling the Hoai River, the peaceful, ancient town of Hoi an (formally known as Faifo) in Quang Nam Province is rich in cultural history and the pride of people nation wide. In 2000, the nearly 600-year-old town was recognised by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site.
Visitors often comment that the feeling of stepping into the past is overwhelming as they stroll along quiet Bach Dang, Le Loi and Tran Phu Streets with their wooden houses topped with moss-covered yin – yang tiles and wooden doorsills worn shiny; fragrant incense burns in temples, homes and pagodas as confetti flower pedals fall from trellises. In some areas neighbours congregate around the well to fetch water and honest people preserve their family traditions.
Standing at the bridge pagoda late in the afternoon and surveying the Hoai River as it gently flows toward the Cua Dai estuary one can imagine when merchant ships from Japan, Spain, China, Holland or India sailed into the town, ready to do business.
The present-day Hoi An Town is furthermore attractive to visitors due to fragrant cups of delicious Vietnamese coffee in the morning, or scrumptious bowls of noodles or dumplings full of the local gastronomy talent.
Hoi An is renowned for being home to many talented artists and tailors and for silk lantern making. Huynh Van Ba has been making silk lanterns from a very young age and now in his 70’s, he is a proud man knowing his products are in homes all over the world. Tailor shops like Thu Thuy Silk are scattered around the town ready to provide made-to-measure suits and dresses in 24 hours or less.
Hoi An Town is considered “a live museum”. According to the data compiled in 2000, the World Cultural Heritage Site has 1,360 relics, including 1,068 ancient houses, 11 ancient wells, 38 family ancestral houses, 19 pagodas, 43 worshipping alters for saints, 23 communal houses, 44 especially ancient tombs and one ancient bridge. This shows the ancient town’s extensive cultural past which has been well preserved for sustainable development by the town citizens.
Visiting Hoi An Town, visitors can see the local people’s efforts in maintaining and developing the town’s potential. They help not only in keeping this World Cultural Heritage Site intact, but also providing visitors with a good feeling of the famous locality, i.e. quiet and clean streets without motorized vehicles, restaurants always wide open to visitors, houses sparkling with colourful lanterns at night, and friendly smiles of the hospitable local people.
After 10 years being recognised as a World Cultural Heritage Site, Hoi An Town has not only preserved its original features, but also carved new imprints in the hearts of visitors. In recent years, it has welcomed millions of visitors a year and has become a “must” destination for those who visit the Central region of Vietnam abounding with potential and cultural heritage relics.
source: vietnam.vnanet.vn
Posted by admin on February 11, 2011 under Vietnam Travel Guide, Vietnam Travel in the North, Vietnam festival, Vietnam travel News |
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| People in traditional costumes prepare for a buffalo to do the first furrow at Tich Dien Festival in Ha Nam Province on Wednesday – Photo: Hoang Ha |
In Vietnamese folk culture, there is a saying: ‘Thang gieng la thang an choi (The first lunar month is the month to play and enjoy the festive time). In Lunar January everywhere around the country is buzzing with traditional cultural festivities. Typical of a wet rice civilization, Vietnamese people believe that when spring comes, the fun of harvest time also comes. People spend time with family, worship their ancestors and the gods of heaven and earth and go on a pilgrimage to the pagodas to pray for happiness, prosperity and luck for the whole year. That’s why traditional festivals bloom during this most beautiful season of the year. Here are some festivals happening during the first lunar month.
Huong Pagoda Festival
The Huong Pagoda Festival which opened on Feb. 8 (the sixth day of the first lunar month) in Hanoi’s outskirt district of My Duc, so far has attracted over 15,000 Buddhist pilgrims and tourists. The festival’s organizing committee and tourists planted five sakura trees donated by Japanese monk Yoshimizu Dai Chi at Tam Bao garden in Thien Tru Pagoda.
The Huong Pagoda Festival is the biggest and longest annual festival in Vietnam, lasting three spring months. It welcomes more than 1 million pilgrims and tourists each year. Nearly 200 high-quality boats have been added to the fleet of more than 4,000 boats to serve tourists during this year’s festival. While drifting on the river, tourists can enjoy traditional music shows.
A poetry night named “Tam Xuan” (the soul of spring) will be organized next Wednesday (Feb. 16 or the 14th day of the first lunar month), a Buddhist Culture Week and a Buddhist antique exhibition will start on Feb. 19. The highlight of the culture week is a ceremony to float flower garlands and colored lanterns on the Yen Stream featuring 2011 lotuses. The Huong Pagoda Festival runs until the end of March.
Dong Da, Soc Temple and Co Loa festivals in Hanoi
The culturally rich capital boasts over 100 festivals. The Dong Da Festival on the fifth day of the first lunar month (February 7) commemorates the battle of Emperor Quang Trung against invaders of the Qing dynasty. The highlight of the festival is a Fire Dragon dance. A group of young men wearing close-fitted white clothes, with red stripes and belts, and blue puttees, raise the dragon to their heads and perform the dance of the “hovering dragon.” Additionally, there are traditional martial arts, unicorn dancing, dragon dancing, wrestling, human chess, cock fighting and religious rites.
The Soc Temple Festival on the seventh day of the first lunar month (February 9) commemorates Thanh Giong, one of the four immortal gods of Vietnamese folk culture. People from eight communes in six districts around the Soc Temple gather to celebrate the offering ceremony to pay tribute to Thanh Giong. After being acknowledged as the intangible cultural world heritage in 2011 by UNESCO, the festival has gained much attention from local people and both domestic and foreign tourists. Catherine Muller, head of the representative office of UNESCO in Vietnam, told the Vietnam News Agency at the opening day that she appreciates the community spirit of the festival and this ancient festival has been well restored and promoted.
The Co Loa Festival from the sixth to the sixteenth day of the first lunar month (from February 8 to 18) at Co Loa Commune in Dong Anh District commemorates King An Duong Vuong who came to the throne in 257 BC. Local and neighboring people join in an offering ceremony in eight communes and enjoy various entertainment activities like traditional wrestling, volleyball, human chess, love duets, water puppetry, cock fighting, swinging and rice cooking among others.
Tich Dien Festival in Ha Nam
Locals and tourists on Wednesday (the seventh day of the first lunar month) flocked to Doi Son Commune, Duy Tien District in Ha Nam Province to celebrate the Tich Dien Festival (field ploughing festival) to commemorate the first ploughing festival since the year of 987 under the reign of king Le Dai Hanh. During the festival people participated in both cultural and sports activities like volleyball contest, swinging game, foot bridge challenge and tug of war among others. The highlight of the event was 15 big buffalos ploughing a field.
Lim and Ba Chua Kho festivals in Bac Ninh
The province has the Lim Festival, a famous folk music festival, from the 11th to the 13th day of the first lunar month. People come to enjoy the festival and see the performances of “lien anh” and “lien chi” (male and female farmers) who sing quan ho (love duets) and other types of songs in the pagodas, on the hills, and in the boats. Moreover there’s a weaving competition for girls who weave and sing quan ho songs at the same time. The Lim Festival also includes all the ritual stages, from the procession to the worshipping ceremony. The Lim Festival is a special cultural activity in the North. The festival celebrates the “Quan Ho” folk song which was recognized as Vietnam Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2009.
Ba Chua Kho Festival which will be held on the 14th day of the first lunar month (Feb. 16) at Co Me Village, Vu Ninh Commune, Bac Ninh City, Bac Ninh Province is to commemorate Ba Chua Kho or The Queen of Stock and to pray for property and good luck.
Gau Tao and Long Tong festivals in Lao Cai
This highland province has the Gau Tao Festival of the H’Mong ethnic people from the third to the fifth day of the first lunar month, the Long Tong Festival of the Tay people in the rice fields near their village on the fifth or 15th day of the first lunar month, and the dancing festival of the Red Dao ethnic people on the first and second days of the new year.
Moreover, there are other festivals like Gia La Festival in Duong Noi Commune, Hoai Duc District, Hanoi from the sixth day to the 14th day of the first lunar month (Feb. 8 to 16); the Sai Temple Festival in Thuy Lam Commune, Dong Anh District, Hanoi on the 12th day of the first lunar month (Feb. 14); the Va Temple Festival in Trung Hung Commune, Son Tay Townlet, Hanoi on the 15th day of the first lunar month (Feb. 17) and the Tam Thanh Pagoda Festival in Lang Son City, Lang Son Province on the 15th day of the first lunar month (Feb. 17).
Posted by admin on January 28, 2011 under Vietnam Travel Guide, Vietnam Travel in the North, Vietnam travel News, vietnam beauty |
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| Located 22km from south of Bãi Cháy Tourist Wharf, Ba Trái Đào (Three Peaches) is a famous tourist attraction in halong bay with three nice fairy beaches and romantic landscape.
This island consists of three small mountains with the height of 23m. It features three small sand beaches embracing small islands. Seen from afar, these islands resemble three peaches.
The island connects to a legend of about the romantic love between a youngest fairy, who was very pretty with a young and poor fisherman. Because of feeling in love with him, she stole three peaches from Heaven for him, which if he ate, would give him eternal life, allowing them to live together forever.
The King of the Heavens got angry when discovering the robbery and turned the peaches into three stone islands. Chastised, the young fairy had to return the heaven and could never meet the fisherman again.
Despite of its sad love story, thousands of travelers, especially lovers, visit this island each year because of its fairy and quiet natural beauty.
Source: quangninh.gov.vn
Collected by Vietnam hotel
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Posted by admin on January 18, 2011 under Vietnam Travel Guide, Vietnam tour, Vietnam travel News |
Vietnam Tourism has welcomed five-millionth international visitors in late 2010. It is considered as an important event which marks a great growth of the tourism industry in the period of 2005-2010 and confirms the position of Vietnam tourism.
This is also the outstanding event of Culture, Sports and Tourism Sector in 2010 – A year took place many great events of the country.
A high record
According to the General Director of Vietnam Administration Tourism – Mr. Nguyen Van Tuan, 2010 is the first year of Vietnam tourism reached a high record within the past 20 years of nearly 420,000 international visitors per one month and 28 million domestic visitors. Of which international visitors increased 1.2 million, equivalent to 34.8% compared to 2009.
The tourism industry earned VND 96,000 billion, accounting for 5 percent of the country’s GDP, and provided employment for 1.4 million people. Currently, Vietnam is a popular destination for international visitors, especially visitors from Thailand, Japan, Singapore and Australia.
Vietnam welcomed 2.1 million international visitors in 2000, and more than 4.2 million in 2008. Ten years ago, the number of Vietnam tourists was 1/20 of Philippines; 1/40 of the developing countries such as Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. Until now, Vietnam has exceeded Philippines. The growth rate of visitors has averaged about 20%. Visitors are mainly from Northeast Asia, ASEAN, Europe, North America, Oceania and other continents.
The strategy of the image promotion
Thanks to the campaign of image promotion in several international markets such as Western Europe, ASEAN, Northeast Asia, China…Vietnam’s tourism has a great achievement, The Deputy General Director – Department of National Administration of Tourism – Mr. Nguyen Manh Cuong says.
In 2009, Vietnam tourism has succeeded in the 10-50 % discount campaign entitled “Vietnam Impression”.
In 2010, the promotional campaign of Vietnam tourism has focused effectively on the main point and expanded the scale and quality in the program of “Vietnam – Your destination”. In addition, the National Tourism Year 2010 was hold in Hanoi with full of cultural and tourism events. The biggest of which was the 1000th anniversary of Thang Long – Hanoi.
In 2011, Tourism industry will welcome about 5,3 million international arrivals and 30-31 million domestic arrivals with VND 110,000 billion as expected. Therefore, Vietnam tourism should continues to promote the images in international and domestic tourism fairs, launches markets and surveys tourism products in ASEAN, Europe, America… The National Tourism Year 2011 “Exotic beach and island” will be held in Phu Yen and the southern central coastal provinces.
Source: travelweekly.asia
Collected by Vietnam hotel
