Travel to Danang

While my wife and I were staying in Da Nang, one of our days was dedicated to visiting some of the sights in and around the central city of Hue.

The Da Nang portion of our holiday was very laid back and unplanned, and the decision to go to Hue as opposed to some of the other options nearby was made the night before. Because of this relative lack of planning, and because there was a lot that we wanted to see in one day, we made the very uncharacteristic decision to go on a tour. Centre Vietnam travel pakages

Regular readers of my blog will know that as I am not a fan of tours. Shuttled from site to site, being shown what others think you want to see means that you miss out on so much and lose the opportunity to truly immerse yourself in the place that you are visiting. Discovery and exploration in the sense that I’m used to when travelling is not an option.

Being the only people on the tour bus (more of a car really) meant that my wife and I got to chat a lot with the guide. Our guide was very knowledgeable, having lived in the area his whole life. He had fought for the South in the Vietnam War and had many interesting stories both personal and about the areas that we were visiting. Mekong river tours

To the guide’s credit, despite the fact that we did not get to venture away from the tourist sites on this day, my wife and I learned quite a lot about not just the history of the sites, but an array of interesting topics.

The Hai Van Pass is a 21 kilometre long mountain road that gives amazing views across the South China Sea and the Annamite ranges. It’s one of the most scenic places that I have driven through. Historically it was one of the most dangerous roads in Vietnam, however in 2005 the Hai Van tunnel opened and today the tunnel makes most of the traffic passing through the area, which has made the pass a lot safer.

Site of the US Marine Corps Battery A, 1st Light Anti-Aircraft Missile (LAAM) Battalion, left behind after the Vietnam War.

At the northern end of the Hai Van Pass is the fishing village of Lang Co.

A while later, we reached the Tomb of Tu Duc which lies on the outskirts of Hue. There was plenty of amazing scenery and picture perfect scenes of rural Vietnamese life along the way to Hue, and it was a shame that, as we were on a tour, we didn’t get the opportunity to stop and walk around there.

The Tomb of Tu Duc is fascinating to walk through. “Tomb” in the sense used here is not simply the spot where Tu Duc is buried – in fact it’s a walled complex of 50 buildings, residences and relaxation spots that Emperor Tu Duc used to use when he needed a break. It was built between 1864-67. There is a temple area and the tomb area.

Moving to Hue itself, we had some lunch (another failure of tours in general, this was one thing that was completely expected). The venue catered for western tourists and the food was appalling. It barely resembled the kind of street food that my wife and I had been eating throughout the trip when adventuring ourselves. It was a shame to waste a meal but alas.

Hue was the capital of Vietnam during the reign of the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802-1945 and is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Along Hue’s Perfume River lies the Thien Mu Pagoda. Built in 1601, it is the tallest temple in Vietnam. Over the next few centuries it was expanded. Major renovations and expansions occured in 1714, and the 7 story Phước Duyên tower was added in 1844.

The Imperial City was constructed between 1805-32.  It was walled and contained defensive turrets, a most and several structures inside including palaces, shrines, temples, royal residences and administrative buildings.

A lot of the structures were destroyed during the Vietnam War and what remains is being painstakingly restored. It’s fascinating to see sections that are part way through restoration and contrasting the ruined sections to the renovated sections. One can only imagine how grand the entire city must have been in its heyday.

The restoration is really restoring the grandeur to the buildings that still remain.

It’s truly sad that so much of the Imperial City was bombed to oblivion.

I really enjoyed visiting Hue and seeing all of the sites and scenery along the way. If I could go back and decide whether or not to do a tour, I’d probably still go for the tour. Given the time constraints that we had my wife and I wouldn’t have been able to have seen as much in one day if we’d gone solo and one day wouldn’t have been enough time to have explored as much as we would have liked. The ideal would have been to go solo and spend a week exploring, but this time it wasn’t possible.

The fact that we were the only ones on the tour made the whole experience a lot more pleasant than it otherwise would have been. It was certainly worth doing it this way as opposed to piling onto a crowded bus as we got the undivided attention of the guide and were able to learn a lot more than just that which specifically related to the sites.

8 of the weirdest things youll see in Vietnam

8 of the weirdest things youll see in Vietnam
Governed by Chinese dynasties for over a thousand years, ruled by the French for a century and occupied by American troops for over a decade, Vietnam has – remarkably – managed to uphold a vast array of cultural practices. To the rest of the world, some of these traditional customs seem pretty strange, but they’re still prevalent throughout this fascinating country. Here’s a selection of some of the oddest things you’ll see during your trip to Vietnam.

1. Pyjama fashion

There’s nothing comfier than a pair of pyjamas. And in Vietnam, it’s far from a faux pas to wear a pair during the day as you go about your work. In fact, particularly among women in rural areas, it’s basically the norm. Pyjama sets come in a range of styles, from matching floral T-shirts and shorts to full-length loose trousers with colourful button-ups. At first it might seem bizarre, but before you know it you’ll be envying how practical and relaxing they look, and maybe even getting a pair yourself. JAHAN CRUISE

boat trip through Tam Coc, near Ninh Binh, central provinces, vietnam.
2. Weasel-poo coffee

Vietnam is the second-largest coffee exporter in the world, but most of the traded stuff is the cheap, instant kind. Within the country, however, high-quality, rich percolated coffee is ubiquitous. The pièce de résistance is the disgusting-sounding cà phê Chồn, coffee made from weasel poo. The weasels eat berries containing coffee beans, and they have a natural inclination only to pick the best, ripest ones. The berries are digested, but the beans come out the other side whole, transformed with a new, richer flavour. Once dried and cleaned (phew), the beans are then roasted to produce some of the world’s finest coffee. It’s exquisitely rich, chocolaty and gunpowder strong. It’s also ludicrously pricey – 100g costs around US$90, but at the farms you can get a cup for just US$2.75. Paloma Cruise Halong bay

3. Snakes publicly drained of their blood

Though eating snake is something of a tourist gimmick in Vietnam, it’s still a popular local delicacy, so don’t be surprised if you come across a couple of local guys in a quiet rural town slaughtering a viper in the middle of the street and draining its blood. The method of extraction appears quite brutal: the snake’s head is tied in a noose and then killed with a slash to the neck. The dangling tail is cut open and the snake’s blood drips into a bottle containing rice wine, to create “snake wine”. The still-beating heart is then cut out and consumed with glee. Not a pretty sight.

Snake Wine, Vietnam, Asia
4. Cricket farms

Fried crickets are popularly guzzled down with a few beers in Vietnam, and they’re a common feature of parties, along with fried butterflies and worms. On the cricket farms in the Da Lat region, thousands of the spindly little critters are kept in egg boxes, with sugar-cane branches to keep them warm. Once fried, the crickets are actually unexpectedly flavoursome and meaty, and if you can get over the repulsiveness of what you’re consuming, they’re pretty moreish.

5. Wearing and eating silkworms

It might seem odd that the world’s most beautiful natural fibre comes from worms. However, witnessing the age-old silk extraction process from mulberry-fed grubs in the highlands of Vietnam is a surprisingly enjoyable experience. The white fluffy-looking silkworm cocoons are boiled in large vats, killing the larvae inside. Women catch the white strands of silk flying free from the cocoons and attach them to spindles on a machine that unravels the delicate fibres. These are carefully wound onto reels and finally woven on looms into sheets of lovely cloth. The boiled-up worms are then removed from their cocoons and, in typical Vietnamese style, fried and eaten. The outside is crunchy and slightly tangy, while the inside is an odd gooey texture with a mild yet slightly retch-inducing taste.

8 of the weirdest things youll see in Vietnam

6. Communal smoking

In northern Vietnam, it’s common to see a large bamboo pipe, or điếu cày (literally “farmer’s pipe”) being passed around after a meal, which is smoked with the aim of aiding digestion. Roadside restaurants, particularly in Hanoi, often have one which customers can help themselves to. Inside the water pipe is a very potent form of tobacco which sends even the heaviest regular cigarette smoker’s head spinning, heart beating fast and hands shaking. The high amount of nicotine pumped into the bloodstream combined with an intense intake of smoke causes can cause novice smokers to vomit. You may prefer to just drink the free green tea…

7. A Buddha-themed amusement park

Who ever said thrill seeking and religion couldn’t go hand-in-hand? At Suối Tiên Theme Park just outside Ho Chi Minh City, visitors can pray before a holy Buddha statue before jumping on a Ferris wheel that looks like the multicoloured electric halo commonly seen behind statues of the Buddha’s head, or hurl themselves down a waterslide and emerge through the beard of a giant sculpted sage. Statues of creatures sacred to Vietnamese Buddhism – dragons, tortoises and phoenixes – are represented throughout the grounds, and staff in golden monkey outfits run around causing trouble. At the crocodile farm, you can even buy a real, live baby croc to rear, though you might struggle to get it on a plane home.

Giant Buddha, Vietnam
8. Eating porcupines

The Vietnamese are well known for eating unusual meats often controversial to foreign tastes, such as dogs, half-developed chicken eggs, crocodiles, turtles and water rats. So it should come as no surprise that porcupines, despite their unappetizing looks, are high on the list of strange-yet-popular menu items. Once their spikes are removed, they look even less appealing, with a knobbly tough-looking skin, but their meat is juicy and aromatic, the taste comparable to that of duck. Farmed porcupine is expensive, in the region of $30/kg. Dubiously cheap ones are best avoided, as they were probably killed illegally in the wild.



Read more: http://www.roughguides.com/article/8-of-the-weirdest-things-youll-see-in-vietnam/#ixzz3iadkkOC1

Vietnam Visa and Passport Requirements

Vietnam Visa and Passport Requirements
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Passports:
To enter Vietnam, a passport valid for at least one month after the visa expiration date is required by all nationals referred to in the chart above. North Vietnam travel packages

Passport note:
For security reasons, it is advisable to carry copies of documents rather than originals when in Vietnam.

Visas for Vietnam are required by all nationals referred to in the chart above, except:

1. Nationals of Denmark, Finland and Sweden, who may visit without a visa for up to 15 days.

Visa note:
Visitors travelling on business must arrange a visa directly through their host organisation/partner, who must apply for a visa through the Immigration Office of Vietnam. Once approved, the immigration office issues a letter which allows you to collect the visa at your local Vietnamese embassy. PANDAW CRUISE

Nationals not referred to in the chart are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements for Vietnam.

Types and cost:
Tourist visa: fees vary according to the type of visa and length of stay and are regularly adjusted. Please contact the nearest embassy for up-to-date fee information. Alova Gold Cruise Halong bay

Validity:
Tourist visas are valid for 30 days or 90 days from the proposed date of entry depending on the type of visa granted.

Transit:
Visas are not required for passengers in transit, provided they have an onward/return ticket, are continuing their journey within 24 hours and do not leave the transit area of the airport.

Vietnam Visa and Passport Requirements

Application to:
Consulate (or consular section at embassy).

There are also a number of agencies offering a visa on arrival. You apply and pay for a letter of approval online through a commercial company and collect your visa on arrival at the airport (not at overland border crossings). These agencies usually charge an additional service fee. The Vietnamese Embassy in the UK advises against obtaining visas using this method however, as it cannot verify the validity of the visas.

Temporary residence:
Foreigners can take up temporary residence if they are invited to work in Vietnam by an organisation there. You must give details of the type of work and duration before a visa and temporary resident permit can be issued.

Working days:
Allow five working days for visa processing. For an additional fee, an express service of one or two days is available.

Extension of stay:
You can extend tourist visas for up to a month and the best way to do this is through a travel agent in Vietnam. Rates vary depending on the agent used. Do not overstay your visa.

Embassies and tourist offices

British Embassy in Vietnam
Telephone: (04) 3936 0500
Website: http://ukinvietnam.fco.gov.uk
Opening times: Mon-Fri 0830-1145
US Embassy in Vietnam
Telephone: (04) 3850 1500
Website: http://vietnam.usembassy.gov
Opening times: Mon-Fri: 0830-1100 and 1300-1500
Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in the USA
Telephone: (202) 861 0737 or 2293 (consular section).
Website: http://www.vietnamembassy-usa.org/
Opening times: Mon-Fri 0930-1230
Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in the UK
Telephone: (020) 7937 1912
Website: http://www.vietnamembassy.org.uk/
Opening times: Mon-Fri 0930-1230 (visa section).

The Perfume Pagoda

One of the most popular excursions on the outskirts of Hanoi is The Perfume Pagoda (Chua Huong). The Perfume Pagoda, contrary to what its name may indicate, is a set of pagodas and Buddhist temples located 70 kilometres south-west of Hanoi, on top of the mountain of the Perfume (Ha Tay Province). In addition to being one of the most famous spiritual places of Vietnam, the Perfume Pagoda is a natural with views and incredible landscapes. North Vietnam tours Packages

Tour of the Perfume Pagoda

To get to the Perfume Pagoda, we have to take a bus from Hanoi, which usually takes 2 hours to reach the Jetty Ben Duc. Once on the Jetty we will have to mount them on a metal red boats pushed by oars, with capacity for 6 people, which will lead us through the Yen saw River until reaching the foot of the mountain of the Perfume (Huong Son). Halong Indochina Sails cruise

The Perfume Pagoda is located in the interior of a cave to the top of the mountain of the Perfume, to be able to access it well can climb a long and steep staircases road (4 km, usually takes 1 hour) take the cableway that will leave us at the top of the mountain (option we recommend) where will begin our visit the pagodastemples and caves that make up the tour by the Perfume Pagoda. PANDAW CRUISE MEKONG

The Embarcadero Ben Duc

Although you can go directly overland from Hanoi up the same mountain of Perfume, no doubt recommend stop at the Jetty Ben Duc and take a rowing boat. Price round the 2€ per person but worth it, since it is one of the most beautiful and peaceful areas of all visit parts.

The Perfume Pagoda

In Ben Duc wharf have wooden boats and boats painted metallic red. Each barge has a number that we have to aim if we use the same boat to return from the Perfume Pagoda. In the boats usually fit 6 people and the river walk Yen Vi 45 minutes.

As a curiosity, we know that in 1998 he tried to replace these boats rowing by motor boats in order to transport tourists and visitors faster. Fortunately this initiative did not prosper and today we can enjoy a peaceful and quiet ride.

The Rio Yen Vi

To reach the mountain of Perfume will have to navigate the 4 kilometers of the River Yen Vi (or River Yen), a gentle river surrounded by Karst formations in the style of Tam Coc punctuated by a landscape of green grass, rice fields and crops of medicinal herbs. Usually be delayed one hour to travel the river, to which must be added the same time to return.

The Mountain Cableway Perfume

After landing the Yen saw River, we have an 4 km climb to the top of the mountain of the Perfume, this ancient road is of Earth and stones that added to the tropical climate of Vietnam will make dent in our legs. As an alternative, by a price 2€ / way can you ride the cable car that climbs in less than 5 minutes to the top of Perfume mountain, more than option recommended since not everyone is able to climb the steps of 4 kilometers from the River to the Perfume Pagoda temples complex.

For those have minimal physical condition, we recommend you go up to the Perfume Pagoda by cable car and walk down the road, which offer spectacular views of the area.

The first temples that make up the Perfume Pagoda dating from the 17TH century, built by a Buddhist monk who was in search of spiritual enlightenment. During the following years, due to the beauty of the place, we were adding new buildings and pagodas, of says that in this place there were more than a thousand temples, but after the indochina war against the French, many of them were destroyed.

Although they needed several days to visit this vast place, highlights from the Perfume Pagoda are Den Trinh shrine, Thien Tru pagoda, the Pagoda Hinh Bong, Giai Oan Pagoda, the Thanh Son Pagoda, Huong Tich cave and the temples Long Van, Cay Khe, Tuyet Son y Mau Me.

Recommendations to visit the Perfume Pagoda

The visit to the Perfume Pagoda vary much if we go when turnout is low or if instead visited the resort in high season.

At the Perfume Pagoda is the busiest time during festivals (usually between February and March) and also during the lunar new year (Tet Festival). If you visit this place during those dates, must be taken into account that we will share with thousands of people visit (some years figures of 60,000 people has been achieved).

If possible, we recommend you visit the Perfume Pagoda outside these dates or during weekdays, in order to enjoy this spiritual place without crowds (in the following photos have the Perfume Pagoda a day with few people and one day maximum number of visitors during festivals).

As a final recommendation does not hurt to bring an umbrella or parasol to protect us from the sun during the boat ride on the Yen Vi river, especially in the summer months.

Our walk along the River Yen saw ends at the Den Trinh shrine which is the start of our visit to the Perfume Pagoda. The literal translation of this place is the sanctuary of the presentations, where the tradition instructs burn sticks of incense to the gods of our presence and that we granted good luck for the road that begins.

This sanctuary also called Temple Den Trinh, is nothing more than a striking stone structure equipped with two heights with 5 arches in on the floor below and a note, at both ends of the door have statues of elephants.

Thien Tru Pagoda

After a visit to the Den Trinh shrine the next stop before ascending to the top of the mountain of the Perfume is the Thien Tru Pagoda, also called Pagoda Chua Nhãn (outer pagoda). The literal translation of Thien Tru is the kitchen of the sky, from name of Vietnamese legend and imagination in which the rocks of the mountain resemble a Cook working in your kitchen. Perhaps this natural enclave surrounded by rocks and green forests not resembles a kitchen, and a chef, but the beauty of the place anyone can put it in doubt.

The Thien Tru Pagoda was built in the 18th century by Emperor Le Thanh Tong, made of brick and fitted with decorative curved roofs who remember to the Temple of Literature Hanoi.

Destroyed and subsequently rebuilt in 2 occasions, the highlight of this Pagoda which is one of the many temples of the Perfume Pagoda complex, is a monolith of granite called Tower Thuy Tien is located in the middle of the courtyard of this Pagoda, in that same courtyard have other sculptures with the shape of dragons, etc... Although one of the most photographed spots of this Pagoda is the exterior door, 2 heights with 3 arches on each height from which we can see the Pagoda.

For those travelers who want to spend the night at the Perfume Pagoda, near Thien Tru Pagoda of small lodges can be found and places to sleep.

Tien Son Cave

A few meters from the Pagoda Thien Tru Tien Son cave, famous for his 5 sculptures in granite and suggestive ways to the walls of the cave we have. These battered walls being sound like a traditional percussion instrument Vietnamese called Khanh, whose sound resembles the sound of a Bell.

Huong Tich Cave (Cave of Perfume) and Perfume Pagoda

One of the most interesting parts of the visit to the Perfume Pagoda is the Huong Tich cave (also called Cave of the perfume), discovered thousands of years ago (the Vietnamese say that this cave is similar to the mouth of a dragon). We descend 120 stone steps from the main road to gain access to the inside of the cave of the Perfume, which contains the well-known Perfume Pagoda, main pagoda of the complex with a very striking altar, several statues of Buddha and other historical characters and also a 1.24 bronze Bell meters height.

The highlight of this cave is an inscription engraved on the rock dating from the year 1700 which says the cave more beautiful under the sky of the Southeast.
The interior of the Huong Tich cave is filled with stalactites and stalagmites, where Vietnamese have been giving names based on forms that evoke these elements, this mode can find stalactites shaped rice plant, forms that resemble children, trees of gold and silver, etc...

Popular beliefs are still many couples who have no children to this place for the birth of your firstborn pray.

A curious fact about the entrance to the cave entrance Perfume is that this is said to find the way to heaven, you have to go down the road to hell, referring to the stone steps and entrance ways suggestive of cave.

The Perfume Pagoda

We have the Perfume Pagoda in Huong Tich cave inside. The cave, which is 50 meters high is lit by the rays of Sun that enter from the main entrance and also by the lights of candles to the pilgrims and believers left in place. The altar of the Perfume Pagoda, known for his sculptures of Buddha.

If we are lucky during our visit to the Perfume Pagoda perhaps we are making offerings to Buddhist monks, praying with incense sticks and singing hymns in honor of Buddha.

This place in Vietnam, Perfume Pagoda, is the scene of many legends, popular songs and place of inspiration for poets, philosophers, writers, painters and all kinds of artists.
Recommendations to visit Huong Tich Cave

Inside the cave often cold, so we recommend you bring warm clothes and especially not enter directly if you have traveled the way up to the mountain of Perfume walking, because the sudden temperature change can play tricks.

Festivals in Perfume Pagoda

The Perfume Pagoda is a perigranacion of the Vietnamese people during the first months of the lunar calendar (February to March) coming en masse to pray and make offerings to have luck and prosperity in the year that begins.
Traditionally a Vietnamese pilgrims can spend 3 days touring and praying for all the temples of the complex of the Perfume Pagoda.

The most important festival, called the Perfume Pagoda festival is held on 15 to 20 of the second month of the lunar calendar. This place also hosts other celebrations during the first day of the lunar year (Tet Festival) and also the 6 day of the first month of the lunar calendar. These dates mean celebrations during the months of February and March.

As a curiosity, we know that this festival is a popular place for young people to find a partner because legend has it that this magical place is the ideal place to begin a romance.

The Perfume Pagoda is located 70 kilometers southwest of Hanoi in Ha Tay province.

Traversing to the Perfume Pagoda

Best to go to the Perfume Pagoda is to hire an excursion at any tourist office in Hanoi (in the old town there are many agencies). The average price for a whole day trip round the 30€, it is important to look at the price includes the entrance to the cable car.

If we want to go to the Perfume Pagoda for free, we will have to take a bus from Hanoi to Ben Duc Wharf, if on the other hand we don't want to make the boat trip along the River Yen saw (walk that we recommend you do), you should take a bus from Hanoi to the perfume mountain. From the center of Hanoi, take the bus No. 1 to Ha Dong (Ha Ðong) and take the bus No. 75 to perfume (Chùa Huong) pagoda.

The displacement bike or ride to the Perfume Pagoda not recommended, since the pier Ben Duc have to park the bike in a secure place and also because the road through the village Van Dinh is not very comfortable. The taxi to the Perfume Pagoda is very expensive compared to the price of an organized tour or a bus for free.

The entrance to the Perfume Pagoda is free, the ticket to the cable car costs 2€ / way and boat trip along the River Yen saw costs 2€.

20 Things You Must Eat In Hanoi

Food-loving globetrotters, here’s a bit of sound advice: If you’re headed to Vietnam’s northern city of Hanoi, we’d recommend you pack a pair of elastic-banded pants. The city is a wonderland of cheap eats and drinks, offering an endless variety of soups, noodles, buns, rolls and sandwiches paired with plenty of fresh herbs — and fresh beer, too.
Food-loving globetrotters, here’s a bit of sound advice: If you’re headed to Vietnam’s northern city of Hanoi, we’d recommend you pack a pair of elastic-banded pants. The city is a wonderland of cheap eats and drinks, offering an endless variety of soups, noodles, buns, rolls and sandwiches paired with plenty of fresh herbs — and fresh beer, too. Travel to Vietnam

You could spend a week eating your way through the hectic, motorbike-clogged streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter and never eat the same meal twice. I know I didn’t on my recent trip. Here are 20 dishes and drinks from Hanoi that haunt my hungry dreams.

1. Bánh bao
The close cousin to the steamed Chinese baozi can be stuffed with ingredients ranging from pork to mushrooms and quail eggs. It’s a hot and fluffy treat. Halong bay tours Vietnam

2. Bánh cuốn
When dawn breaks, we suggest you seek out these rice-flour rolls wrapped around minced mushrooms and pork. It’s a warm, wonderful way to start the day.

3. Bánh mì
The baguette is one of the enduring symbols of French colonialism. It’s given a Southeast Asian twist by stuffing it with pâté, mayonnaise, pickled carrots and daikon, jalapeños and gobs of cold cuts. But the bánh mì is basically a blank slate to which cooks can add whatever they desire. Mekong river tours Vietnam

4. Bánh xèo
Made with turmeric and plenty of coconut milk, the crispy rice-flour crepe classically encases shrimp, pork, onions and perhaps sprouts too. It’s also served with a garden’s worth of herbs.

20 Things You Must Eat In Hanoi

5. Bia hơi
Draft beer is sacred to Vietnam, where tipplers wile away the hours sipping on this crisp, unpasteurized and unfiltered lager—its name roughly translates to “fresh beer”—that’s usually sold for about 25 cents a mug. Go on, have four. You’d need to drink gallons to get drunk.

6. Bún bò nam bộ
Carnivores should seek out this southern-Vietnam dish: A bed of rice noodles is topped by tender grilled beef, chopped cucumbers, lettuce, papaya slivers, fresh herbs, crushed peanuts and heaps of crunchy fried onions. Mix it with fish sauce–spiked nước chấm, take a bite, moan and repeat.

7. Bún bò huế
Get your sinuses running with a bowl of this spicy beef-noodle soup that hails from Huế, Vietnam’s last imperial capital. You can cut the fire with some fresh herbs or a squirt of citrus.

8. Bún cha
When lunchtime hits in Hanoi, the air is perfumed with the scent of sizzling grilled pork, the key component to the city’s signature dish. The swine is served alongside a sweet ’n’ salty broth, slices of green papaya, rice noodles and fresh herbs as far as the eye can see.

9. Bún ốc
Slow-moving sea snails are cherished in Hanoi, where they’re served in a steaming noodle soup with a tomato-based broth.

10. Bún riêu
Consider this the love child of phở, tomato soup and the sea. The noodle soup is composed of a tomato-based broth filled with plenty of crab and bobbing chunks of tomato.

11. Cà phê sữa nóng/sữa đá
Jumpstart your nervous system with a steaming cup of cà phê sữa nóng—that is, potent coffee mixed with sweetened condensed milk. It’s an electric jolt to the nervous system. (If you prefer your coffee cold, order cà phê sữa đá—with ice.)

12. Chả cá
Chunks of fish are anointed with plenty of turmeric, then sizzled with heaps of dill and served with rice noodles. It’s a fragrant delight.

13. Gỏi cuốn
The cool, fresh summer rolls are made with rice paper wrapped around herbs, vermicelli noodles, shrimp, pork or whatever vegetables and protein you have on hand.

14. Mì vįt tiềm
You’ll notice the echoes of Cantonese cuisine in this soup stuffed with squiggly yellow noodles, roasted duck and Chinese broccoli.

15. Nem cua be
Instead of a tube, these flaky, deep-fried spring rolls are shaped like a square. What’s inside is equally surprising: ground crab, pork, mushrooms and more. Eat them with fresh herbs and lettuce, which ably cut through the greasiness.

16. Nước chấm
Almost everything in Vietnam tastes better after being dunked into this salty-sweet-sour dipping sauce. It’s composed of fish sauce, citrus juice, sugar, water and, if you prefer, garlic and hot peppers.

17. Nước mía
Attention, sweet tooth; Get your fix with fresh-pressed sugarcane juice served over ice. It’s oddly invigorating. Or maybe that’s the sugar talking.

18. Phở
The classic Vietnamese noodle soup is sold from sunrise to last call on street corners citywide. The broth is typically made from long-boiled beef bones and spices such as star anise and cinnamon. Pho bò refers to beef, while phở gà signifies chicken.

19. Sinh tố
Take advantage of Vietnam’s fruit bounty to savor a smoothie made with sweetened condensed milk, crushed ice and your choice of, say, strawberry, mango or lychee. Just whatever you do, stay away from us if you opt for the rank, custardy durian.

20. Xôi
Looking to get stuffed, fast? Seek out the ladies with giant baskets stuffed with warm sticky rice. The rice is topped with lotus root, roasted garlic and whatever meat or fish happens to be on hand.

Differences in Vietnamese Regional Cuisine

As a traveller, many people wonder about the Differences in Vietnamese Regional Cuisine . As one of the tropical countries with warm, humid, monsoon climate, Vietnam create a distinct and unique culinary system. For Vietnamese people, cuisine shows culture, tradition and spirit so that each meal features a combination of five fundamental taste elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, water. The similar point of Vietnamese cuisine stretching along an S-shaped land is the harmonious mix of tropical spices, following the principle of yin and yang. Nevertheless, while sharing some key features, Vietnamese culinary tradition differs from region to region, from North to South, created the Differences in Vietnamese Regional Cuisine , depending on the differences in geographical, climic and cultural features. Travel to Vietnam

Northern cuisine
Pho is an iconic to Vietnamese culture and considered an unofficial national dish. If you come to Hoi An, you can save our recommendation for local stalls who cook best Pho in Hanoi Differences in Vietnamese Regional Cuisine[/caption] In northern Vietnam, a colder climate limits the production and availability of spices. As a result, the foods there are often less spicy than those in other regions. There is less sugar and a whole lot fewer chillies in northern Vietnamese fare. Because of the north's cooler climate, herbs and spices are not used as frequently as in the cookery of southern Vietnam. Black pepper is used in place of chilis as the most popular ingredient to produce spicy flavors. In general, northern Vietnamese cuisine is not bold in any particular taste — sweet, salty, spicy, bitter, or sour. Most northern Vietnamese foods feature light and balanced flavors that result from subtle combinations of many different flavoring ingredients. In addition, based on long-standing cultural traditions and personality of the northern people, food is also slightly subtle classical ritual. With the strict traditional principle, Northerners also bring perfectionism and stylish in their own dishes. Food are processed according to complex formulas, with adequate ingredients and spices, eye-catching and sophisticated presentation. Being the cradle of Vietnamese civilization, northern Vietnam produces many signature dishes, such as Phở, Bún riêu, Bún chả and bánh cuốn… Vietnam Halong bay cruise
Central Cuisine

Differences in Vietnamese Regional Cuisine

Differ from Northern people, the central habitants are gruff but outspoken, straightforward due to severe weather. Thus, central cuisine is notable for its bold and attraction, which sets it apart from austerity and complex dishes in the North. Central Vietnam also boasts the country's most complex and flavorful cuisine. The food is spicier with less Chinese influence than the north, while still retaining some of the French flavors and techniques that are popular towards the south of the country. The region’s cuisine is also notable for its sophisticated meals consisting of many complex dishes served in small portions. Chili peppers and shrimp sauces are among the frequently used ingredients. Coming to the centre of Vietnam, it’s regrettable to not try Tam Ky chicken rice or Cao Lau in Hoi An, Quang noodle in Da Nang and mussel dishes as well. Once time putting footprint in this harsh land, let’s stop a little to enjoy the warmth of its people throughout their homeland tasty dishes.
Southern cuisine Mekong river tours Vietnam

The warm weather and fertile soil of southern Vietnam create an ideal condition for growing a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and livestock. As a result, foods in southern Vietnam are often vibrant and flavorful, with liberal uses of garlic, shallots, and fresh herbs. Sugar is added to food more than in this region, likes the sweetness and friendliness of Southern people. The preference for sweetness can also be seen through the widespread use of coconut milk in southern Vietnamese dishes.Despite a few of Differences in Vietnamese Regional Cuisine,they still have some common features, reflected personality and culture of the Vietnamese people: warm, charming and sophisticated.

Traditional sport activities in sapa

Recently, visitors travel to Sa Pa more and more. It is true to said that, Sa Pa‘s natural beauty has attracted them. They want to have adventures on Hoang Lien Son, they want to reach the Fanxipan peach , and they want to discover the life of ethnic minority here.Traditional sport activities in sapa
Attending in many local and traditional festival is really nice experiences. At this time, the local administration have a new kind of tour , that is very exciting, that is a combination between  SaPa tour service and the local sport activities. Coming here, visitors will be attracted by many local festivals, and they can take part in many traditional games and sport of ethnic minorities here such as tug of war, shutting with cross-bow wrestling, so on. Vietnam travel private
Traditional sport activities in sapa
These games and sport have the own characteristics of the local people here, maybe this is one of new reason that makes the visitors come here more and more.
The fact that local administration here has had many attempts to make Sapa has a considerable position in the eyes of the global visitors. Do you know the Fanxipan climbing competition or horse race competition in SaPa? If you ask anyone who had taken part in, he will say that it is so exciting and fun. Alova Gold Cruise Halong bay

Traditional sport activities in sapa

With two kinds of these sport activities, Lao cai is more famous in the eyes of the foreign visitors, and this province  also gained many experiences to operate other sport activities in the following time. Coming here, in the next time, you will have a lot of chances  to take part in these traditional  sport activities as well as understand more about the mental life of people here. Mekong Amalotus cruise
In order to take this advantages, Lao Cai local administration also tends to celebrate the sport activities on a larger scale, and invest more in building infrastructures for it. It means that if you coming here, you can enjoy the wonderful sceneries, enjoy a lot of delicious traditional foods, and live with the real life of the ethnic minorities here ( including their works and there entertainments).

Top Three Souvenir Shops in Hanoi

Travellers often buy souvenirs as gifts and as mementos, and it can be hard to distinguish quality from fake. Below are our hand-picked souvenir shops in Hanoi that provide quality products.

 1 – MINH LONG FINE PORCELAIN

At first glance, Minh Long Fine Porcelain on Hang Than street doesn’t stand out from other pottery stores. But once you enter the shop, you will be overwhelmed by the elegant displays of such a huge variety of products. North Vietnam travel

The shop has only one floor but it has just about all of the products you would want to find in a porcelain store. They range from simple designs and average prices to complex designs and prices up to tens of millions of VND – statues, tea sets, bowls, dishes for decoration, and vases in different sizes, colours and decorations.
The rich texture of Vietnamese flowers (lotus, ‘mickey mouse’ or bird’s-eye bush, daisy and peach blossom) are hand-drawn in small lines with soft brushes and no colour stains, showing the high level of mastery of the art. Travellers are often keen on lotus decorations. JAHAN CRUISE
You can test the quality of a vase by lightly knocking it to see whether the sound is solid or hollow, feeling whether the texture lines are smooth or not, and observing if the glaze is well done or not.

Address: 32 Hang Than, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Open: 9am–8pm

Top Three Souvenir Shops in Hanoi

2 – IPA NIMA STORE

Ipa Nima is an iconic fashion site in Hanoi that female travellers should visit. But it should be a top priority for men too if they are seeking an elegantly unique gift for their significant others. Alova Gold Cruise

Ipa Nima has two stores, one at 72 Trang Thi Street and one at 5 Nha Tho Street, both in Hoan Kiem District. The store at 72 Trang Thi has more space and is more beautifully decorated. The main products here are bags, and there’s a plethora of styles and colors to choose from. No design is the same, and new ones come out frequently.
Most details on the bags are meticulously and intricately made by hand. Besides the high-end bags, Ipa Nima also sells other fashion accessories such as bracelets, necklaces or shawls with eye-catching designs, sometimes at very reasonable prices around the 200,000VND mark.

Address: 72 Trang Thi, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
               5 Nha Tho, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Open: 9am – 7pm

3 – TAN MY EMBROIDERY AND TAN MY DESIGN

Tan My is a repository of beautiful embroidery designs for which Hanoi is famous. Founded in 1969, Tan My has been going for three generations. With intricately designed bed linens, table cloths, clothes and handkerchiefs, the two Tan My stores on Hang Gai street are a good place to shop for beautiful and meaningful gifts or mementos.

Tan My’s unique and colourful designs include envelope-shaped bags, colourful pillows for kids and one-of-a-kind, embroidered pictures that you would not be able to find elsewhere. Embroidered pictures are a unique Vietnamese art form and they make great gifts.

A small bag or pillow may be priced under 100,000VND, while bigger embroidery pictures could be tens of millions of dong.


Address: 61 and 66 Hang Gai, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Open: 9am–7pm

How to pick the best binoculars for travelling

Have you ever traveled with a pair of binoculars?! From 2011, I always carry a binoculars as closest companion on my trips. They allow me see things that can not see by naked eyes, look a same land but in a completely different way compared to others, that’s so amazing. If you’re learning about binoculars for travelling, you may want to consult my experiences. Southern Vietnam with extension to Cambodia 10 days

With over 3 years experience in binoculars, I concluded that 3 most important factors for travel binoculars are weight and size, view quality and price (of course!). I’m a big fan of Nikon, my 7 of 8 are Nikon Binoculars, so my experieces will mainly direct to this brand.

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Weight and Size. These’re the most important factors. In a trip, you will have to move much so surely you would not want to carry something too heavy and too large. When started travelling with binoculars, I picked the Nikon Action ones, they weigh over 2lb (1kg) and quite large compared to others but good-quality optic. At first, the 2lb weight was not problem but after tramping for miles in woods, I just wanted to throw them away. Huong Hai Sealife

How to pick the best binoculars for travelling

So my advice, you should be willing to sacrifice a bit image quality to exchange compact size. Compact binoculars usually weigh from 0.5lb to 0.8lb, you can consider Nikon Trailblazer 25mm, Aculon compact zoom, Travelite or the best is Premier LX-L 8×20 or 10×25. Monarch ones are also good choice with over 1lb weight and very high-quality optic.

View quality. In view quality, there’re few other smaller factors:

Magnification. Binoculars have 2 numbers as AxB. The first number is magnification and the second is size of objective lens. Do not be too greedy high-magnification binoculars. 8x ones are quite a lot and strong enough for travelling. Higer powers (10x, 12x,…) are too shake, very difficult to hold steady and focus on anything.
Size of Objective lens - The second number.  Usually, in same quality, larger Objective lens will better in optics. However, larger lens also makes binoculars heavier and bigger. So the size of lenses from 20 to 30mm are good.
FOV – Field of View. Basically, this figure as high as good. A wide field of view allow you see more and easy to follow fast objects (small birds, fishes,…).
Close focus distance - the closest distance that binoculars can focus. This’s not too important for travelling. However they are as low as good.
Check out binoculars for travelling on Amazon. Many discount avaiable
Price. A compact binoculars are very easy to lose in trips so I usually do not pick expensive binoculars for traveling. Price of under $100 is ok. Nikon Trailblazer 25mm, Aculon compact zoom, Travelite are in this price-range. But if you have a lot of money, you can pick Premier LX-L 8×20 or 10×25 for best quality.

Other factors. You may care to Eye relief, if you weares glass then this’s very important. It help you to see full field of vision. Basically, the Eye relief is as long as possible (for Eye glasses).

Above is my experiences to pick good binoculars for travelling. Wish you find a good pair of binoculars. You can also visit The Best Nikon Binoculars for Price / Quality to find the best one. Thank you!

Cu Chi Tunnels Chi district – Ho Chi Minh City

Cu Chi Tunnels is a 200 km colossal network of connecting underground tunnels in the Cu Chi district of Ho Chi Minh City. During the Vietnam War it was a location for several military campaigns. Also it was a base of Viet Cong, the army resisting the United States and South Vietnamese governments. Nowadays this is an important war memorial and a popular tourist attraction. The tunnels are a part of a much bigger underground network of the country. In Ci Chi there are two different tunnel display sites – Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc. MEKONG EYES

How to organize a trip?
The majority of tourist companies in Vietnam can organize a trip for you, including a transfer to/ from the hotel and a guided tour. If you organize your trip by yourself and reach the destination from Ho Chi Minh City, you can buy the ticket for entrance the tunnels on the spot, Mekong & Phu Quoc island (5 days, 4 nights)

How to get there?
If you decide to use a service of a tourist company, most probably they will provide you a private car or a bus with a pick-up at your hotel.
In a case you want to travel to Cu Chi on your own, you should take a Bus #13 that leaves from the BẾN CV 23/9 bus station (between Lê Lai and Nguyên Thi Nghia, near to KFC restaurant). Its last stop is Cu Chi. Bus fare is approximately $0,3 (7,000 VND), and the ride is about 1,5 hours. When you arrive arrive to Cu Chi bus station, you should take a Bus #79. The ride will last about 45 minutes and cost $0,25 (6,000 VND). The bus will reach a T-junction with Ben Duoc on the left and Ben Dinh on the right, which are in nearly 20 minutes of walking.

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Cu Chi Tunnels Chi district – Ho Chi Minh City

Prices and programme
A private half-day tour arranged by a tourist office may cost from $40 to $75, depends on size of the vehicle. If your reach Cu Chi on your own, for the admission to the tunnels, either Ben Dinh or Ben Duoc, you will have to pay about $4 (90,000 VND) for a guided 45 – 60 min tour. The programme of the tours at both tunnels is pretty much similar and includes a 15-minute black and white propaganda film, tunnel tour and displays of booby traps. In the end of the tour, you will get a chance to taste a steamed tapioca, which is a popular in this region food.

Ben Dinh Tunnels
As we’ve mentioned before, there are two tunnels in Cu Chi. The village of Ben Dinh is located nearly 50 km from Ho Chi Minh City. The tunnels here are a very touristic spot, that’s why sometimes, especially during the high season, it may be overcrowded. Most of the companies will bring you here. But not all of them will tell you that Ben Dinh tunnels have been a part of a real network and were specially created only for tourists.  

Ben Duoc Tunnels
These are the original tunnels that were used by the soldiers of the Vietnamese army and Cu Chi people, who have managed to live, eat, sleep, work and plan the military activities here. Usually they were staying here during a daytime and going out only at night in order to get some supplies or attack the enemy. Also more than 10,000 people lost their lives here. The tour in the tunnels lasts for approximately one hour. Also just next to the tunnels there is a Ben Duoc temple, which is also worth visiting.

Dangers
Don’t forget that while visiting Cu Chi Tunnels you should always carry some insect repelling. Inside the tunnels, watch out for bats, as there is a lot of them here. If you get bitten or scratched by one, you should immediately visit a doctor, as bats may carry rabies

Things to do in Ben Tre

Ben Tre, the fertile land of Mekong Delta cruise is an exotic destination for those who would like to explore an abundant of tropical plants and busy villages on waters.

Vietnamese call Ben Tre is the land of coconut, a peaceful and poetic destination with shaded villages’ paths and immense orchards. We would like to share with you some important guide to travel to Ben Tre, Vietnam.

Ben Tre is the land of coconut

How to go?
There are 4 directions to get to Ben Tre, the first one is from Saigon, the second one is from other Southern provinces, the third is from Central provinces and the other is from the Northern provinces. However, the most convenient and popular way is from Saigon. Thus, wherever you are in Vietnam, the best way is traveling to Saigon and taking a drive to Ben Tre. Travel in Vietnam
By Public transfer
In Saigon, you can buy a bus ticket to Ben Tre at Western Bus Station. Price from $5.
However, few people choose this way, they tend to choose a 1 day Mekong Delta tour package to Ben Tre provided by a travel company including transfer, lunch and sightseeings.

Ben Tre doesn’t offer many places for sightseeing; you can explore the whole destination within only 1 day tour. Or if you want to spend more time exploring local life, you can book a homestay experience for 2 or 3 days. Jasmine Cruise

When to go?
You might ask yourself which season should we visit Ben Tre. Actually Ben Tre is beautiful all year around, but if you visit the province during summer time (from June to August) you will have a chance to enjoy colorful picture with delicious tropical fruits.

Things to do in Ben Tre

Ben Tre – Exploring local life

There are two big festivals in Ben Tre is Phu Le Temple Festival and Nghinh Ong Festival in the third and eleventh month in Lunar Calendar.

Where to stay
Not many people stay overnight in Ben Tre. So there are not many options for decent accommodations here. There is no luxury hotel but vast options for hostels and homestay.

What to eat?
Ben Tre is famous for its system of rivers and springs with various seafood species, some only live in coconut forests. Ben Tre people used them to cook many traditional dishes for a long time and create one of the most intricate cuisines in Mekong Delta.

In Ben Tre, travelers enjoy different dishes in different season of the year, which people call seasonal food, such as each month, Ben Tre residents have a special fish that taste the best.

Shopping
Taking about Ben Tre, tourist talk about famous coconut candy flavors and other products made from coconut such as coconut oils, coconut wine, coconut jelly, coconut soaps, and handicraft items. You can buy them at each workshop or handicraft farms during your visit (if you book a Ben Tre tour, visits to traditional villages, workshops are included in the itinerary). Another address is Ben Tre market.

If you domestic travelers or international visitors staying in Vietnam some days more, you can buy some favorite fruits: bananas, durians, oranges, mangos, grapes, etc.

Where to visit?
The highlight of Ben Tre is the rustic paths paved by abundant orchards. You can enter to visit the orchards and harvest fresh fruits from the trees. More funny activity is catching fish and cook your own “achievement” for lunch.

Don’t forget experience local cruise in Mekong Delta, enjoy the calm and charming water of various waterways within the province.

Visit Vam Ho bird garden is a nice activity for those who love to explore the nature. Located 52 kilometers from Ben Tre city, Vam Ho bird garden is home to various species of birds and other rare animals.

Top 5 Things To Do In Hue in Vietnam

Somewhat surprisingly Vietnam’s central cities aren’t on every traveller’s radar even though they are home to some of Vietnam’s most interesting architecture and history. Located on the banks of the Perfume River, Hue is home to a variety of war-torn temples, tombs and palaces, many of which were the homes and places of worship of Nguyen-era emperors. Many of the buildings and structures in Hue are still quite damaged, giving it the feel of a modern-day Pompeii, despite mass tourism. However, there have been some efforts to restore buildings in Hue since 1990 when the area was declared a World Heritage site. Mekong river cruise

Don’t miss out, make sure you include a trip to Hue in the North Central Coast district on your Vietnam travel itinerary. Hue sits in the Thua Thien Province and is about 700 km south of Hanoi and about 1,100 km north of Ho Chi Minh City, aka Saigon. And Vietnam has just been named as the fastest growing tourist destination.

Imperial Citadel (Dai Noi)

Built in the early 19th century, circa 1804, by thousands of labourers at the request of Emperor Gia Long, the Imperial City and Citadel was a massive structure, large enough that a 10 kilometer moat was constructed to surround and protect it. Modelled after the Forbidden City in Beijing, the Imperial City and Citadel was designed to be the royal quarters of Emperor Long. When the last Emperor of Vietnam stepped down the structure had expanded to include hundreds of rooms. While quite grand in scale, many of the buildings were in a state of disrepair due to typhoon and termite damage. In 1968 the Imperial City and Citadel were bombed by American forces during the Vietnam War, demolishing most of the buildings. In 1993 the Imperial Citadel and the collective ‘Complex of Hué Monuments’ was declared a UNESCO site, and some of the buildings have been restored for historical preservation. Travel to Vietnam

Top 5 Things To Do In Hue in Vietnam

Tu Duc Tomb

Emperor Tu Duc, the longest reigning Emperor in Vietnamese history isn’t actually buried at the site of the Tu Duc Tomb, pictured above. Completed nearly 20 years before his death in 1883, the building of the Tu Duc tomb required so much funding and labor that there was actually a coup against Tu Duc in 1866. Near the site you’ll find his epitaph, inscribed on a piece of stone brought from a quarry over 500 miles away from the site. The journey took workers four years to complete. Tu Duc had to write his epitaph himself because he was unable to father a son before he became sterile because of smallpox, despite his many wives and concubines. While the Tu Duc tomb is recognized as the Emperor’s official resting place the actual burial site is still unknown. The 200 labourers who prepared the actual burial site were beheaded by the King after burying the body. Halong bay cruise

An Dinh Palace

The architecturally stunning An Dinh Palace was the residence of the Nguyen dynasty and was built in early 20th century and is one of Hue’s best known historic sites, although it isn’t often included on mainstream itineraries. The An Dinh Palace, built in the typical style, was restored several years ago and a new project to fully restore the surrounding three storey buildings will return the An Dinh palace to a primary tourist spot.

Situated on the bank of An Cuu River in Hue City’s Phu Nhuan ward, the An Dinh Palace was commissioned by King Dong Khanh and at the time called Phung Hoa, as a gift for the Crown Prince Nguyen Phuc Buu Dao. When the Prince was made King in 1916 the palace took on the current name and passed through the family until the palace was presented to the Revolutionary government. Sadly the palace fell into severe disrepair until 2001 when the palace underwent extensive restoration in readiness for hosting the 2002 Hue Festival. An Dinh Palace also hosted the 2004, 2006 and 2008 Hue Festivals.

Following the next stage of restoration, ancient artefacts and works of art that portray the Nguyen Dynasty’s royal lifestyle will be displayed. This project is a part of the drive to preserve and restore the history, culture and architecture of Hue City. Earlier this year the center unveiled a 3D project which shows the heritage and architecture in its full glory.

Minh Mang Temple

Take a boat ride up the Perfume River to the Minh Mang Temple which is a fine example of an emperor’s tomb. The Minh Mang Temple is located about 12km outside of Hue City, on the West Bank so the Perfume River in Cam Ke Hill. Construction began in 1840 and during the build Minh Mang actually passed away. Hi son completed the works and his father was interred in the temple as requested. The temple is also part of the UNESCO-recognised Hue complex.

Perfume River Tour

Hire a boat for a day and take a trip along the Perfume River to explore the various Tombs of the Emperors. Dating from the 19th century, the best preserved examples are the Tomb of Tu Duc and The Tomb of Minh Mang already listed above. In addition there are wonderful examples of Vietnamese architecture including the Tomb of Khai Dinh, the remote ruins of the Tomb of Gia Long and the Tomb of Thieu Tri which was built in 1848. There is also the Tomb of Dong Khanh which was constructed in 1917 and the Tomb of Khai Dinh which is the best preserved tomb along the river.

When to visit to Hue

If you’ve never been to Vietnam or Southeast Asia before, visiting Hue during the Festival of Hue may be the best time to visit since there will be many international travelers there and you may feel more comfortable navigating the city. The Festival of Hue takes place between April 8th and April 15th in even numbered years. Hotel rooms and travel amenities come at a premium during the Festival of Hue, so book your stay early to avoid high costs. Even if you don’t plan on going to Vietnam when the Festival of Hue is taking place, many people still consider February to April the best months of the year for travel to Vietnam. However, you should remember that weather can change from region to region because of opposing monsoon seasons in the north and south.

Bat Trang Ceramic Village

Around Hanoi, there has many 'traditional trade village'. They are the villages where specialized products are made and these traditional works have been preserved by family generations. The products are handicrafts, traditional paintings, wooden furniture, bronze or silk products, etc. Bat Trang ceramic village is one of them. Bat Trang village lies on the bank of the Hong River, about 13 kilometers from Hanoi. To get there, you cross the Chuong Duong Bridge out of central Hanoi, turn right onto dilapidated, heavily pot-holed road and try to avoid being hit by the trucks, buses and motorcycles that jokey to overtake each other in both directions. Hanoi Ninh Binh Halong 5 days

Bat Trang is an ancient village, which is very famous for making ceramic products. Many of these ceramic products have been exported for years; as a result, they are a good income for the locals. There is a ceramic market in the village, where we can buy ceramic tile painting, flower vases, tea pots and cups, bowls, plates, spoons, even ceramic dogs. Not only the local houses where we can see how to mix material make and paint ceramic products but there are also classes where we can learn how to create a vase or anything from clay that we want and paint the ready-make products. In addition, it is great to walk around the village, visit some local houses which are the factories and Bat Trang Pagoda. Treasure Junk, Halong Travel

Bat Trang Ceramic Village

To make ceramic the potter must follow the stages: selection, land preparation and processing, create designs, create patterns, enameled and finally calcined product.  Experience traditional village life of Bat Trang is "Best bones, second skin, third "dac lo". The development of the profession is seen as the practice of the creative process working with the technical processes. DAY TRIP CRUISE

Entrance fee to visit pottery: Free
To model a statue: 10.000-20.000vnd/people
To bowl:                   20.000-30.000vnd/people

Top 10 Things to Do in Vietnam

Vietnam is a rich, woven tapestry made up from the many cultures and civilisations which have lived, invaded or ruled here. You can still see old men in berets in Dalat – thanks to the French influence; Chinese temples and pagodas are everywhere while in the north various ethnic hill tribe folk live and dress in much the way they have done for centuries past. This is a diverse land and there is plenty to keep the visitor occupied whether you prefer well-trodden routes or something a little more out of the way. Here is selection of 10 of the best. Travel to Vietnam
1) Hoi-An
A place like no other in Vietnam, the UNESCO World Heritage listed Old Town of Hoi-An is a feast for the eyes with its picturesque waterfront, Chinese-style houses and colourful, flower draped, buildings.
An unhurried meander around once the sun goes to bed is a major destination highlight as swaying lanterns and coloured lights create a dreamy atmosphere. With a small dose of imagination you can imagine yourself back in the times when Hoi-An was a principal port for the Indonesian spice trade.
The lovely Cua Dai beach is just a quick bike ride away and bike hire is everywhere and cheap. If made-to-measure clothing happens to be on your wish-list you’ve come to the right place. Hoi-An is simply bursting at the seams with tailor shops who can whip up anything from a pair of shorts to a bespoke suit, in some cases overnight.

Top 10 Things to Do in Vietnam

2) Stroll the Alleys of Saigon
Despite its change of name to Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon is still the name you will hear uttered by many of its people and what people they are! The city is congested, noisy and just a little crazy as many major cities are. However, unlike other metropolises, Saigon seems to exude a warmth and human element which is so often lacking elsewhere – smiles are handed out freely here.
For a true glimpse into the Vietnamese urban way of life go for a wander through the alleyways. Narrow enough to be able to touch the walls either side as you stroll, you will still see motorbikes weaving round the children as they play. City folk live and work here; you will see disembodied feet poking into the alley from rooms just big enough to hold a mattress and outside may be a Hobbit-sized table and chair where food is served.
Labyrinthine and tiny, these corridors heave with activity and character and are just as jam-packed with grins and waves as everywhere else in this special city.
3) Ha Long Bay – Northern Vietnam
Blatantly touristy it may be and there is no doubt you will be rubbing shoulders with multitudes of gap-year travellers but there is no denying the breath-taking and mystical beauty of World Heritage listed Ha Long Bay. Rising dramatically from emerald waters are almost 2000 limestone islands sculpted into strange shapes and each wearing a hat of lush jungle greenery. Travel Halong bay
Halong Bay
Day cruises are possible but they don’t get you to the more spectacular corners of the bay – for this you will need an overnight cruise. Up for exploration are wave-sculpted grottoes and caves, beautiful beaches and hidden lakes.
4) Cu-Chi Tunnels – 40km north-west of Ho Chi Minh City
The Cu Chi tunnels – part of the vast network used by the Viet Cong – are a must-see site for anyone interested in the war between Vietnam and the U.S. The underground labyrinth – of which Cu Chi is a part – is where the Viet Cong worked, hid, stored supplies, arranged military operations and in some cases lived for years.
A visit to the Cu Chi tunnels will show you examples of  how people lived in this underground world as well as giving you the chance to fit yourself into one of the hide-out holes. There is even a section of tunnel which visitors can crawl through (with escape routes every few metres for anyone who finds the claustrophobic confines too much). Also on display are booby traps, a bombed out tank, weapons and bomb crater remains.
For all those action-man wannabes out there, there is a shooting range with the opportunity of firing an AK47 (among other weapons) to your heart’s content. Beware though – you pay per bullet and it could get costly if you get carried away in the moment.
5) My Son – Duy Phú
Although a substantial amount of the Hindu temples at My Son were destroyed by bombing during the Vietnam War it is still worth a visit. The spread-out site contains clustered buildings and evocatively ruined temples dating from the 4th century AD – built during the Cham Empire period. To fully understand what you are seeing it is best to take a guided tour as none of the ruins have any interpretation panels. The site is also best viewed early in the morning or later in the day to avoid the main bulk of the tourists.
6) Mekong Delta
A visit to the Mekong Delta area in Southern Vietnam gives the visitor a window onto a rich and colourful region peppered with local villages and traditional lifestyles. No trip to Vietnam is complete without at least one river journey on the mighty Mekong and here is where it finally reaches the end of its journey and joins the sea. Mekong river cruise
Mekong Delta Vietnam
Among the many experiences and sights on offer you can cruise among the colourful craft of the floating markets, get up close to the floating fishing villages, visit a honey farm, row along in a traditional sampan, visit tiny villages and sample the sounds and smells of sprawling port markets.
Each of the Mekong Delta delights can be visited independently but it is often cheaper and far easier to book onto one of the many tours available. These range from single day trips to several days with authentic home-stays with a Vietnamese family as part of the deal.
7) War Remnants Museum – Ho Chi Minh City
As many trips to Vietnam begin in this city, the War Remnants Museum is a good way to gain an early insight into this country’s tragic history, primarily with reference to what we Westerners call ‘the Vietnam War’.
The Museum is ostensibly a collection of photographs exhibited over several floors with themed rooms such as ‘Agent Orange’ (the highly toxic defoliant used by the U.S. Military), the use of napalm and the My Lai massacre. Exhibits are in places graphic and not for the squeamish.
Among the outside exhibits are a ‘Huey’ (UH-1) helicopter, diffused bombs and ordnance as well as various other pieces of military equipment.
Critics complain the museum is too one-sided which, being situated in Vietnam, may be both true and understandable. However, it does help the Western visitor look at both sides of the coin having previously perhaps only been exposed to the U.S. perspective with films such as ‘Apocalypse Now’ and ‘Full Metal Jacket’.
8) Hang Nga Crazy House – Dalat
If the words weird, wonderful and outlandish float your boat the Crazy House is a definite must-do. Designed by PhD qualified architect Mrs Dang Viet Nga, the aptly named Crazy House is a surreal riot of intertwining branches, narrow criss-crossing walkways, tiny tunnels, odd-shaped steps leading this way and that, little rooms and hidey holes, houses on stilts, towers and platforms, all set with angles slightly off and with weird perspectives.
Crazy House Vietnam
Wander where you will – which will almost certainly involve getting lost at least once – and marvel at the mind which envisaged and made real this wonderful place.
If a visit isn’t enough then it is possible to stay here in one of the Lord of the Rings-esque rooms – all totally unique and themed.
9) Sapa – North Vietnam
The rugged scenery of this beautiful mountain town surrounded by rice terraces and rich tropical vegetation is worth the journey here in itself. However, the main reason for visits here is to afford travellers a glimpse into a way of life little changed in centuries – that of the hill tribe people. Glimpsing colourful and unusual traditional dress while learning and witnessing age-old customs and culture are all part of the draw. There are many ethnic minority hill tribes who live around this area and there are plenty of tours and companies ready and willing to introduce you.
If acquiring a souvenir or two is your aim the people of these ethnic tribes create a diverse and beautiful range of hand-made goods for both the Vietnamese and the tourist market which include tribal clothing, blankets and jewellery.
Trekking is also a big thing here and with good reason – the scenery is stunning and there are plenty of rewards for your time and effort.
10) Marble Mountain – Near Da Nang
The majestic and magical Marble Mountain, which is inexplicably absent from must-see lists and almost all tourist literature, is at base level a Buddhist pilgrimage site, Spread over five hills and dotted with caves, tunnels and temples, this super-special place oozes serenity and has the smell of incense ever-present.
Each of the caves is connected by way of pathways and carved marble steps which meander between bushes full of bloom. As you walk along with the scent of incense wafting in the air, butterflies flutter past and lizards skit among the trees. Along the way you will find dragon statues, pagodas, gateways and archways.
The caves themselves vary from pocket sized grottoes with just enough room for a candle ornamented altar while the biggest are cathedral-like and stunning with whole temples inside. Shafts of sunlight blaze down from small holes way, way above while further exploration of passage ways  may suddenly unveil Buddha statues carved directly from the stone itself – some small, some enormous.
This is a truly magical place – the air and beauty of which can only be fully appreciated by visiting.

Tác dụng của tinh bột nghệ như thế nào?

Tinh bột nghệ không chỉ có công dụng giúp liền sẹo mà còn chống viêm, chống oxy hóa mạnh, mang lại rất nhiều tác dụng hữu ích khác đối với sức khỏe con người như, phòng ngừa, hỗ trợ điều trị bệnh mạn tính, làm đẹp, mang lại vóc dáng thon gọn và làn da sáng khỏe.
Trong đó đáng chú ý là bốn công dụng nổi bật của tinh bột nghệ:
+ Giúp giảm cân, lưu thông và lọc máu;
+ Giúp cơ thể chống lại các vi khuẩn sống ký sinh trong ruột, đặc biệt tốt cho hệ tiêu hóa;
+ Giúp chống ung thư, kháng viêm, giảm nguy cơ nhiễm trùng;
+ Giúp khử trùng, mau lành vết thương.


Khi sử dụng cần lưu ý phải đúng cách để nghệ phát huy hết tác dụng.
- Đề phòng nguy cơ ung thư ruột: Uống tinh bột nghệ đen đúng cách và sử dụng thường xuyên tinh bột nghệ với mật ong sẽ giúp bạn có thể giảm được nguy cơ ung thư ruột. Hiện nay, các chuyên gia sức khỏe Hoa Kỳ đang tiến hành một cuộc thử nghiệm điều trị bệnh ung thư ruột bằng một loại thuốc được chế biến từ củ nghệ.

- Chữa bệnh viêm khớp: Tinh bột nghệ có tác dụng giảm đau khi bạn bị chứng viêm khớp quấy nhiễu. Cách làm rất đơn giản, đun nóng một cốc sữa, trước khi sôi, bắc xuống cho một thìa cà phê bột nghệ vào rồi khuấy đều. Mỗi ngày uống ba lần, bạn sẽ thấy hiệu quả bất ngờ.

- Khi gặp rắc rối với tiêu hóa: Nghiên cứu cho thấy, Tinh bột nghệ có thể kích thích tiêu hóa và giải phóng ra các emzim tiêu hóa, phá vỡ liên kết cacbonhydrat và các chất béo. Chính vì thế, trong trường hợp bị đau bụng, một cốc trà nghệ sẽ giúp ích cho bạn rất nhiều. Bạn có thể dùng bột sắn dây

Tác dụng của tinh bột nghệ như thế nào?

- Ngăn ngừa ung thư tuyến tiền liệt: Ăn nhiều rau xanh kết hợp với Tinh bột nghệ có thể ngăn ngừa được nguy cơ ung thư tuyến tiền liệt. Các nhà khoa học tại New Jersey đã chứng minh rằng, kết hợp ăn nghệ với bông cải xanh, cải xoắn, củ cải và bắp cải có thể bảo vệ bạn chống lại căn bệnh chết người này.

- Đề phòng bệnh tim: Bạn có thể giảm hàm lượng cholesterol độc hại trong máu và có khả năng chống lại chứng xơ vữa động mạch bằng tinh bột nghệ.

- Giảm nguy cơ với người hút thuốc: Bằng cách "nạp" vào cơ thể 1,5g Tinh bột nghệ mỗi ngày chỉ trong vòng một tháng, bạn sẽ thấy hiệu quả rõ rệt. Cơ thể bạn sẽ giảm đáng kể các tế bào đột biến gây ung thư.

- Bệnh ung bướu: Curcumin (thành phần hoạt chất chính trong tinh bột nghệ) có tiềm năng đáng kể như một tác nhân chống ung thư. Có rất nhiều bằng chứng trong các tài liệu cho thấy rằng tỷ lệ mắc và tỷ lệ tử vong của các loại phổ biến của bệnh ung thư như vú, tuyến tiền liệt, ruột kết và phổi thấp hơn đáng kể ở Ấn Độ hơn so với những người ở các quốc gia phương Tây như Hoa Kỳ. Tỷ lệ mắc ung thư thấp hơn ở Ấn Độ đã được quy cho mức tiêu thụ chất curcumin cao (trong các loại nghệ) của người dân Ấn Độ. Tất nhiên, các thành phần khác của chế độ ăn uống của họ như tỏi, gừng, hành tây, cà chua, các loại rau, ớt, trà xanh ... cũng có thể đóng một vai trò quan trọng trong khả năng của họ để chống lại sự tấn công của các bệnh ung thư.

Ngoài khả năng ngừa ung thư đáng chú ý của curcumin, nó cũng cho thấy khả năng ức chế sự phát triển của bệnh ung thư khắp cơ thể - di căn (tức là quá trình mà các tế bào ung thư lây lan sang các bộ phận khác của cơ thể thông qua bạch huyết hoặc máu). Curcumin cũng làm tăng cường độ nhạy cảm của tế bào ung thư với một số các loại thuốc chống ung thư hóa trị liệu giúp tạo hiệu quả hơn trong việc chống lại căn bệnh chết người này. Khả năng chống ung thư của Curcumin chống lại ung thư vú, ung thư phổi, khối u não, ung thư máu, gan, ruột, thực quản, ung thư ruột, u ác tính, ung thư phụ khoa ... đã được chứng minh dựa trên nhiều nghiên cứu khoa học cũng như các thử nghiệm lâm sàng và tiền lâm sàng được thực hiện bởi các nhà nghiên cứu ở Mỹ, Ấn Độ, Nhật Bản, Israel, Australia, Trung Quốc và Hà Lan.

- Bệnh viêm loét dạ dày, tá tràng: Tinh bột nghệ có hoạt tính chống loét dạ dày và chống rối loạn tiêu hóa. Cao chiết từ nghệ cho thỏ uống làm giảm tiết dịch vị, tăng lượng chất nhầy trong dịch vị, bảo vệ niêm mạch dạ dày tá tràng, chống thương tổn loét gây bởi thắt môn vị và bởi stress do cầm giữ, nhịn đói và do tác dụng phụ của một số thuốc. Nghệ kích thích sản sinh chất nhầy ở thành dạ dày. Curcumin ức chế sự tạo khí trong ruột.

- Tác dụng làm đẹp da, trị mụn: Tạo mặt nạ với tinh nghệ giúp chiến đấu chống lại mụn trứng cá và mang lại làn da tươi sáng trẻ trung. Mặt nạ truyền thống này thường được các cô dâu và chú rể sử dụng trước khi đám cưới. Tinh bột nghệ làm sáng da và giúp làm giảm các nhược điểm khó coi qua đêm.

Công dụng tinh bột nghệ không chỉ dừng ở đó, Tinh bột nghệ còn có thể xóa mờ vết nhăn quanh mắt và cải thiện da bị khô và dầu.

- Tinh bột nghệ cải thiện tình trạng bị nứt gót chân: Để cứu trợ gót chân bị nứt ngay lập tức, sử dụng một hỗn hợp gồm 3 muỗng tinh bột nghệ với 3 giọt dầu dừa. Sự kết hợp này cũng sẽ giúp ngăn ngừa nhiễm trùng nấm có thể hình thành giữa các ngón chân.

- Tinh nghệ cải thiện sắc tố da: Nếu bạn bị những vết sẹo do mụn trứng cá hoặc các loại tăng sắc tố làm ảnh hưởng đến làn da, hãy sử dụng hỗn hợp gồm tinh nghệ và nước chanh đối với vùng da bị ảnh hưởng trong 20 phút. Để có kết quả tốt nhất, thoa hỗn hợp một lần một ngày.

- Tinh nghệ vàng cải thiện sức khỏe da đầu: Gàu và các vấn đề về da đầu khác có thể dễ dàng điều trị bằng tinh bột nghệ và dầu ô liu. Sử dụng hỗn hợp này đối với da đầu của bạn trong khi tắm. Để trong 15 phút, sau đó rửa hỗn hợp với một loại dầu gội tự nhiên.