Recently, Vietnam has been proudly put on the list of best places to visit this Autumn for luxury travel & relaxing excursion.
In the 27th annual event Virtuoso Travel Week Conference held in Las Vegas, US in the middle of August 2015, a good sign for Vietnam travel industry has been revealed as the people of US & Canada with high income have chosen Vietnam to be the most perfect destination to visit in Autumn 2015.
Wonderful stay in a 5-star resort in Nha Trang - one of the best beaches in Vietnam
The number of luxury travels to Vietnam has increased 270%, ranked the first position in the Top 10 destinations of Autumn 2015.
Relax in the world-class resort - Sixsense Con Dao
A country of arresting beauty and proud traditions, Vietnam is both the hustle and bustle of modern life and the tranquility of a bygone time. Its landscapes range from the Red River Delta in the north to the Mekong Delta in the south, with stretches of unspoiled beaches, verdant forests and soaring peaks in between. Add a delightfully complex cuisine - a fusion of French-colonial influences and local staples - and incredible cultural diversity, and you have a recipe for the trip of a lifetime. Enjoy a luxury Vietnam package tour to cover up the whole country by staying at our wide ranges of five-star hotels & resorts & experience the finest travel services with an affordable expense.
Enjoy a luxury trip with awesome view in a gorgeous resort in Danang
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Vietnam /ˌvjetˈnæm/ - a small country you might never have heard about. You just know that somewhere they’re talking about “the cheapest country in the world”, “street food heaven” or such. Some claims that it is a must to have a Vietnam trip at least once in their life. And some even makes it their second home.
But really, what’s so great about visiting Vietnam? And here, you might consider 7 reasons why you should not travel to this country.
1. There are too many World Heritage sites and famous destinations.
From tangible natural heritages such as the well-known Halong Bay, the gorgeous Hoi An, the exotic Sapa; to many other intangible cultural heritages, along with plentiful highlight spots in town spreading from the North to the South, it surely takes a pretty long time to cover the whole things. You’d better not go there, because you will soon realize that you really need to lengthen your trip.
Japanese Covered Bridge in Hoi An ancient town
2. A good stomach is required to try a wide ranges of street food.
If you are not a food lover, you might cross Vietnam from your list. As true as they say, Vietnam is a food heaven. You might get addicted to Pho - the famous beef noodle soup, or Bun Cha - the tasty grilled meat with noodle, Nem - the popular spring roll, and lots of scrumptious dishes I cannot list all here.
You’d better think twice before moving to Vietnam for a while. Be prepared to be burnt by the tropical sun. Vietnam offers a lot of white sandy beaches where you can lie on, breathe in the nature and see the stunning sunrise and sunset. Think of how your skin will turn from white to a bit bronze and brown when you just want to stay there all day long.
4. You might be invited to join a lot of strange traditional festivals.
Do you know that traditional festival has become a significant part in the culture of Viet Nam? The country has festivals mostly all year round like Tet holiday (Lunar New Year), buffalo fighting festival, love festival, and lots of temple festivals across three regions. So if you are not party animals, and don’t want to savour the festive atmosphere, just stay home and relax.
5. And certainly, you can’t find any place or anything in Vietnam to have money to burn.
It’s very cheap to visit Vietnam, either you go on a luxury tour, or you’re just a truly backpacker. All the expenses, even the total cost of your trip and the extra money spending for shopping are affordable and sometimes, ridiculously cheap. Yes, I mean much cheaper than in other continents. If you wish to spend more money on your trip, Vietnam might not be an ideal choice.
6. You will have to spend time returning again and again.
The fact is that the number of travellers who come to Vietnam and admit they will visit Vietnam for the second time is growing steadily (33% - according to survey conducted by Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), May 2015). Not to mention that many of them are not about to return to their home country. So visiting Vietnam makes sense that you will surely love to visit it again.
7. If you never see it, then you never have to miss it so bad.
Yes it’s obviously! If you don’t come to Vietnam, there is no chance you can be in love with this tiny country. You will not know about the bustling city - a.k.a “the cheapest city in the world” - Hanoi (according to TripAdvisor), you will not know about the peaceful Hoi An ancient town and the story behind its lanterns. And because once you’re here, you will miss every corner to bits.
After visa waivers went into effect for a number of European nations, Vietnamese officials said that they were planning to extend visa waivers to visitors from a number of other countries. According to VNAT (Vietnam National Administration of Tourism), this government’s visa exemption decision would show its effects from September 2015 when Western Europe’s travel season began. Travel More Asia has shortly summarised this information from reports of VOV & Saigoneer as below.
Those being considered for waivers include the Commonwealth of Independent States, Australia, New Zealand and Eastern European nations. Mr. Dinh Ngoc Duc, head of VNAT's International Cooperation Department, speaking on the sidelines of a workshop in Hanoi in early July 2015, said that these countries already have well-established relationships with Vietnam.
The workshop was held to discuss measures to effectively implement the government’s recent decision to waive visa for for citizens from the UK, France, Germany, Spain and Italy.
VNAT General Director, Mr. Nguyen Van Tuan, told the attendees that his agency would cooperate with the Vietnam Tourism Association and Vietnam Airlines to launch a tourism stimulus programme particularly targeting these nations.
The programme is part of the government’s efforts to attract around 1.1 million tourists per year from these markets in the 2016-2018 period.
Other measures will encompass organizing familiarization trips to Vietnam for the media from these nations, and undertaking Vietnam tourism roadshows in the five Western countries.
In the first half of 2015, the number of international visitors to Vietnam fell 11.3 % on year to over 3.8 million.
As being a small but colorful country in SouthEast Asia, beside the fascinating history, culture and architecture, Vietnam has a lot to offer travelers. One thing you should not miss out when it comes to Vietnam travel is, certainly, the unique cuisine.
Featured a tropical climate, Vietnam has abundant choices of cooking ingredients: from fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs, beans to exceptional pork, chicken and other kind of meats; and food ranges widely from typical street food in small vendors to gourmet dishes in luxury restaurants. Especially, street food has become part of Vietnam’s culinary culture, which, in some way, is the most appealing reasons for tourists to give this beautiful country a visit. Look no further, here are 5 Vietnamese must-taste dishes you should try any time you can!
1. Pho - The Authentic Vietnamese Noodle Soup
The authentic beef noodle soup
Pho is a traditional as well as exceptional dish originated in the North of Vietnam. It is truly an art of flavors: to serve you with a hot and tasty bowl of Pho, they need over 10 different spices for the soup. All about flavor, and full of flavor. Some prefers Pho Bo (beef noodle soup), and some just gets addicted to Pho Ga (chicken noodle soup).
Pho can be served well in both street vendors and some haute restaurants. A good address of your choice might be Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su, nestled on the corner of Ly Quoc Su St. in the Old Quarter. Price ranges around VND 40,000 to VND 60,000 per bowl.
2. Bun Nem - The Wonderful Fried Springroll
Bun Nem in traditional restaurant
When being asked about the most favorite dishes in Vietnam, approximately 60% of foreign visitors admit that it is Nem. As also being one of the most well-known dishes and exclusive in the country, every Vietnamese family has Nem on Tet holiday, and it has become a lifelong custom. The distinctive flavor of chopped meats such as pork, chicken, mushrooms and shredded carrots along with dipping sauce and bun (rice noodle) make an incredible taste.
Best places to get a real Nem for yourselves can be any restaurant in town! But to savor the most, take a look at Quan Ngon, 34 Phan Dinh Phung St. Just less than VND 100,000 for a delicious meal.
3. Bun Cha - King of the Grilled Pork
Grilled pork with bamboo stick
If you once tried Bun Cha - grilled pork with rice noodle and special fish sauce, there could be a glow on your face any later time you talk about it! Much like Bun Nem, Bun Cha is also considered a signature dish of Hanoi. The scrumptious grilled meatballs with special spices mixed will not let you down. They will only grill it when you order, so it is always hot and fresh.
Experience this great dish at Bun Cha Hang Manh on Hang Manh St., they have been the master of Bun Cha for decades. A set of Bun Cha costs you around VND 50,000.
The idea of sitting down at a corner of the street, watching the bustling pace of life, and enjoying a piece of Banh Xeo is truly perfect. Not like any pancake you’ve ever try: not sweet like French crepe, not crunchy like Mexican-style taco or burritos, not thick and plain like the Indian Nan; Banh Xeo is at the same time smooth and crispy, and compiles all things you need for a nutritious brunch: shrimp, pork, onion, normally served with a worth of herbs and deep sauce. With only one bite, you‘ll quite be deep in that unique taste.
The favorite local address for Banh Xeo is 16 Hang Bong St. It only opens til 15:00, so run for the flavor!
5. Xoi - The Ultimate Sticky Rice
Xoi xeo ga - Green bean sticky rice with chicken
Every Vietnamese family has Xoi in their house’s altar when it comes to a special day like worshiping the ancestors, or Tet holiday. In other words, Xoi is the traditional and authentic dish of Vietnam. It is also served in various types: the white sticky rice (Xoi Trang) with roasted pork/ chicken/ sausage/ fried egg (omelet); the green bean sticky rice (Xoi Xeo) with deep fried slices of onion; the black bean sticky rice with sesame salt, the coconut sticky rice, etc.
A famous place to try a bowl of Xoi might be Xoi Yen, 35B Nguyen Huu Huan St.
Vietnam is quite possibly a spectacular travel destination if you know it right. At some points, travelers love the fact that Vietnam never leaves them with a lack of activities to do next.
Here are the top 10 things you’d better do during your stay in Vietnam. Check it out!
1. Take a cyclo trip around the chaotic Hanoi
A short cyclo trip around the city
Have you ever taken a cyclo around the intriguing Hanoi? It will be a perfect way to see the pace of life in this bustling city. During your trip, you can have a glimpse of the crowded streets, the narrow alleys, the busy atmosphere of a pre-metropolitan, and its people. It might just cost you 2-3 USD/ 1 hour.
2. Eat the scrumptious Pho
The authentic beef noodle soup - Pho bo
Vietnam is widely known for its abundant and colorful cuisines which caught the eyes of a vast number of travelers. One we can name here is Pho - a must-taste dish you should not miss in your life if you have one foot on Vietnam. Pho is quite prevalent in Hanoi and always charismatic for anyone who has given it a try. Its taste won’t do you any wrong. Its taste might make you stay.
3. Cruise in the wonderful Halong Bay
Cruise around the exotic Halong Bay
You might hear about Halong Bay - a World Natural Heritage site which is famous for its incredible landscape with tremendous caves and islets. Relaxing on a cruise wandering around the most exotic corner of the bay and the surrounding area, you can catch all the gorgeous views, all while enjoying your time with friends and family.
4. Trek at the amazing Sapa
Stunning Sapa in yellow
Sapa is an all-time fantastic place for trekking. The yellow terraced fields, the colorful hill tribes cultivating on the mountain, the lush paths… you will see all those things on the way passing through the ethnic people’s village and experiencing every amazing route. You can also enjoy homestay to live like a local for few days. That could be one of a kind!
5. Homestay in ethnic family
Homestay in Mai Chau
This is an exhilarating activity you can take part in when you visit places in the north region of Vietnam like Sapa, Ha Giang, Cao Bang etc. Staying, eating, talking all in their house like a truly member of their family. It absolutely brings you an unforgettable experience and get to know more about unique ethnic minority culture.
Taking in the gorgeous views of White sand hill and Red sand hill stretching along to the horizon is best done by jeep. You can choose to head out on a guided tour, or rent your own Jeep to start the adventure your own. Along the way, you will immerse in cool breeze, fresh air and the salty flavor of the sea.
7. Swim in the gorgeous Son Tra beach
Son Tra viewed from Hai Van Pass
If you want to spend your summer vacation in a romantic place with blue water, white sand, then walk on Son Tra beach, Da Nang. Once you’re here, you might be blown away because of its phenomeno view and more than that, people here are amazing. Whenever you go, you will see Da Nang people with a big smile and treat you as if you are their family. The cost there is extremely cheap. There is no room for any trick or cheat.
8. Join Floating markets in Mekong River Delta
Floating markets in Can Tho
Ummm hello, fun! What’s better than sitting on a river boat to a fascinating floating market ?
Known as Western region of Vietnam, Mekong River Delta is where most of Vietnam’s rice grown with unique floating market you might have never seen elsewhere, fruit orchards, fishes, national parks and pagodas. Joining floating market, you have a chance to discover the river-culture and meeting up with friendly local people in a green, lush place on earth.
Having meal with a local Vietnamese family is definitely an interesting experience - not just because of the amazing food. You will feel a little bit weird to use chopsticks to pick up the food, but when you try, you will certainly like it. Virtually, Vietnamese host is hospitable, so they may invite you some cups of beer. Wait for that!
10. Speak Vietnamese
A clip for Danish people to learn basic Vietnamese (sources: Vietnam Rejser)
Language is seemingly always vibrant and new once you visit a country. Vietnamese is much like that, even it’s on top of one of the most difficult languages to learn. Naturally, it will take you quite a long time to get used to, then you might feel a deep sense of excitement to say a full sentence: Toi yeu Viet Nam.
One thing might bother every single person when it comes to travel somewhere out of their motherland, is where to find healthcare help when they need support. In developed countries, it’s not hard to have health support on the way, but in developing countries, it’s not that easy. One of the difficulties is language barrier: not everyone can speak English.
As the world’s travel trend got Vietnam on top, and the country is becoming a promising destination for tourists, we will have a look at these 5 popular medical centers with English-speaking staffs where can give you health support during your trip to Vietnam.
1. Family Medical Practice
Having branches in 3 big cities in Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh city, Hanoi and Da Nang, Family Medical Practice Is a foreign-operated hospital. With a vast number of professional & experienced medical experts, Family Medical Practice provides 24/24 health care services in international standard. In return, the price is quite higher than normal hospital.
Addresses:
Hanoi: 298 Van Phuc, Kim Ma St., Ba Dinh Dist.,
Ho Chi Minh city: 34 Le Duan St., District 1
Da Nang: 50-52 Nguyen Van Linh St., Hai Chau Dist.,
2. VINMEC
VINMEC is the first international hospital which modeled on the international-standard Hospital Facilities. They have a lot of medical professionals and good services, you don't have to wait on a long queue. The price is high in comparison to other Vietnam domestic hospital.
Address: 458 Minh Khai St., Hai Ba Trung Dist.,
3. Viet Phap Hospital (Vietnam - France Hospital)
Known internationally under the name Hôpital Français de Hanoï, formerly the Vietnam International Hospital, Viet Phap is a privatized hospital in Hanoi, Vietnam, sold to a French company in September 2000. Its staffs include French and Vietnamese doctors.
Address: 1 Phuong Mai St., Dong Da Dist.,
4. Phap Viet Hospital (FV)
One of the outstanding traits of FV is wherever you’re from, you can choose the physician you want, either speaking English or French. Most of staffs here can speak these two foreign languages fluently. Besides, the hospital also provides translating service in case patients are in need.
Address: 6 Nguyen Luong Bang St., District 7, Ho Chi Minh city
5. Hanh Phuc Hospital
Known as a 5-star hospital - Hanh Phuc is always on top list of the best hospitals in Vietnam in general and Binh Duong province in particular. It offers a comprehensive range of quality healthcare for women and children. English-speaking staffs are available.
Addresses:
Ho Chi Minh city: 97 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai St., District 1,
Binh Duong Province: Binh Duong Avenue, Thuan An Commune,
“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open”.
Recently, you might have heard about Son Doong Cave - aka the world’s biggest cave featured in the Guiness World Records 2013 - and seen that name to become viral on worldwide broadcasts and media. You might have a glimpse of it through the live footage of Good Morning America program by ABC News - and certainly you should watch it to be sure that you do not miss a magnificent natural wonder - and from the moment the clip being spreaded to the world, Son Doong has just left it first footprint on the modern world, and seriously amazed people from all walks of life by its unbelievable beauty.
"A hidden world".
"Come from other planet".
"Heaven on Earth".
This could be a real challenge for anyone who wishes to visit this stunning spot, as tourists cannot easily flock to the place. Tour to Son Doong Cave is fully booked til 2016, and the total cost of around $3000 is not really a reasonable number for most adventure seekers.
But there must have been a way. Some alternative choices for those who really want to discover that corner.
Hang En (En Cave)
Instead of waiting hopelessly in the queue, many people opt for a medium cave exploration in En Cave, which just costs nearly 10 times less than a trip to Son Doong.
Also being an exotic cave complex nestled in Phong Nha Ke Bang national park, Quang Binh province of Central Vietnam, En Cave is the third largest cave in the world, aged nearly 3 million years, over 2km long, 130m high, and 150m wide. En Cave has its own ecosystem and climate, and also contains a beach, a jungle and rivers. That is somehow a smaller copy of Son Doong cave - a worthy reward for everyone who loves adventure.
After crossing 10km hard trek through the remote forest, you will see an awe-inspiring view. But it is real. The mysterious beauty of stalactite pillars and the grandiose rock arches formed over time… you cannot see it elsewhere. Get inside, and surely you can feel the world changing; you can feel the past behind you and the future coming across; you can feel the time flow through the emerald sea in front of you. That all worths it.
Thien Duong Cave (Paradise Cave)
For some people cannot enter a hide-and-seek with the nature, cannot join a real adventure with so many difficulties ahead, they widely choose Thien Duong Cave (Paradise Cave). Also located in Phong Nha - Ke Bang cave complex, with the length of 31.4 km, the width of 30 - 100m, the widest point measured at 150m and the height of around 60m, Thien Duong is considered the longest dry cave in Asia having been discovered since 2005. Named for its obviously brilliant appearance, a vast number of visitors coming here are seriously blown away with its series of white crystal stalactites resembling glass pillars and many other spectacular formations. It really does live up to its name.
Following a narrow path throughout the forest with the length of around 16km, you can see the weather changing. The more you get inside, the cooler air you will feel. This grandeur spectacle costs you $6 for entrance fee. Though it doesn’t provide you with an exotic exploration, it still worths a visit. Breathtaking, and unforgettable.
Hoi An is a perfect destination for you to relax in Vietnam and different from other cities as Saigon or Hanoi. It is a very peaceful and relaxing city makes you feel warmer when you come here. And surely, people have some reasons to get addicted to this beautiful place.
The peaceful browny-yellowy houses on the riverside
Over the last few years, travel has become an essential part as well as a meaningful standard to assess a full life. People tend to travel further and more frequent each year; and nearly two thirds of them want to explore more rather than just stay and relax. One of the most popular and easy-to-join adventure travel is trekking, which is preferred in mountainous countries.
Given the favorable terrains conditions including plunging highland valleys, giant terraced paddy fields and soaring limestone mountains, Vietnam offers excellent trekking activities, ranging variously from soft-hiking to hardcore trek conquering the highest mountain in the country… So, if you are looking for an exotic spot for your trekking trip in Vietnam, then check out this list of 5 ideal destinations you could consider picking up and ultimately start your journey.
1. Ham Lon, Soc Son, Hanoi
Way to the top
Situated just about 40 km away from Hanoi's center, Ham Lon mountain will be a perfect choice if you arrive in the capital and want to combine your city tour with one more day trekking. You can take a short car trip here and start conquering! With around 4 hours trekking, you will be on the top at 462 metres height above the sea level. Ham Lon also fits those who don’t have much time to travel but still want to enjoy the gorgeous beauty of nature. Near, amazing, and adventurous!
2. Tam Dao, Vinh Phuc
Also a nearby place to Hanoi, Tam Dao mountain - 900 metres height above the sea level - can be an ideal choice for one-day trekking. The only way to get to the top is basically passing the thick forests. Normally, Tam Dao mountain has 3 peaks, so you can conquer 1, 2 or even all of them. Beside mountain, there are also various beautiful places you can have a short visit to Rock Cathedral, Silver Waterfall, etc. With cool climate and sublime mountain, Tam Dao is extraordinary impressive to everybody which has once been here.
Located in Northwest of Vietnam, about 360 km from the capital Hanoi, Sa Pa is a well-known destination not only for its sublime landscape and the extraordinary people but also for its being an ideal trekking destination. From Sapa center, you can have short trek to some hill tribe villages nearby such as Cat Cat, Sin Chai, etc. If you intend to go with a longer route, you can opt for Muong Hoa valley, Ta Phin village… One of the most incredible place you should not miss is Fansipan – the highest peak of Indochina at 3143 metres. Take a two or three-day trip trekking to the top of the mountain and you will be definitely blown away of what you are watching.
4. Cao Bang
Ban Gioc Waterfall
According to SkyScanner, Cao Bang ranked the 5th out of five incredible trekking destinations in South East Asia. Its extremely rugged topography, evergreen forests, huge cave system and especially the bluish Ban Gioc waterfall have colored the splendid beauty of this Northeast province. It attracts a huge number of visitors coming for trekking as well as enjoy daily life with the amazing Tay, Nung ethnic people.
5. Ha Giang
The endless terraced field
The North Vietnam is famously excellent with a lot of amazing trekking destinations. Ha Giang, also known as ‘The land of rocks’, is among the spotlight. Everywhere you go, you will see peaky rocks lying in the ground. It’s seriously essential for trekkers to put on a high-quality sport shoes, pack your luggage tight, and just go. Dong Van Plateau and Lung Cu Flag tower are great places to trek out.
As the modern life causes us so much busyness and stress, people often tend to get more concerned about some new and relaxing travel trends such as: eco tourism, green tourism, adventure tourism, etc. It's not an exception for foreign visitors traveling in Vietnam: they all mostly want to discover places that remain natural, with no noise and emission, just to enjoy the peaceful and quiet scenery, and free their mind of life for a while.
Perfect place for camping
Under that circumstance, a short trip to Suoi Da Lach will be an awesome idea and a perfect choice with those who long for a day off.
Vietnamese ‘Tet’ holiday 2015 is coming in the air! If you once had a chance to visit Vietnam in Tet before, you must have seen a lot of exciting, and even strange things that people often do in this occasion. So what’s the difference between Tet - the Lunar New Year and the Western New Year?
Can you feel the atmosphere of Tet?
Maybe it lies mostly somewhere in the ways people celebrate. On Tet, there are a lot of DO and DON’t, and most people are obligated to these rules to keep their luck for the whole year round. Let check this list and see if you know Vietnam well enough to experience any of them:
Wandering along Bach Dang River, you will be astounded of by the reflection of Hoi An town in the river.
Lanterns are lightened up from the streets to streets and the night life is just begun!
Over time, My Son Sanctuary dressed up as ancient and mysterious beauty attract
domestic and foreign tourists.
My Son Sanctuary is located in the valley about 2 km in diameter, surrounded by hills and mountains in Duy Phu commune, Duy Xuyen district, Quang
Nam province, away 70km from Da Nang and 40 km from Hoi An. This is the
Hindu holy relic of the ancient Kingdom of Champa.
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